Well-known pundit Richard Keys has namedropped the inexperienced Vincent Kompany as a potential Tottenham Hotspur manager.

The Lowdown: Conte’s future looks bleak

It is now being reported that Conte has no future at Tottenham beyond this season, which would see Daniel Levy forced into yet another permanent managerial appointment – his fourth since sacking Mauricio Pochettino.

The irony is that Pochettino is still well-liked by a lot of people at Tottenham and many would love to see him make a return to N17 in the summer if and when Conte departs.

While it’s understandable why many would want Pochettino back given he got Spurs to a Champions League final, it’s not always ideal for players or managers to go back to somewhere they once had great success as it could tarnish their reputation – and it didn’t exactly end well for the Argentinian the first time around.

The Latest: Kompany could be a long-term option

Therefore, going for someone younger and with more to prove such as Kompany could be the best way for Tottenham to go, according to BEIN Sports pundit Keys, who certainly isn’t a fan of Pochettino returning to Spurs.

He tweeted: “I’m reading Conte might ‘check out’ of Spurs at the end of the season. Mentally he already has. And that serial under-achiever Pochettino is wanted back. Why? Surely Tuchel is the best choice? Or Kompany? What a job he’s currently doing.”

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The Verdict: Pochettino still the sensible pick

It’s no surprise that some are tipping Kompany for bigger things than managing Burnley – with all due respect to the Clarets – because he has them dominating the Championship and has already earned his stripes out in Belgium as well.

Given the ringing endorsements that Pochettino is receiving from people inside Tottenham, it seems way too much to ignore for Daniel Levy, so that would appear to be the easy decision for the Spurs chairman.

Kompany would be an intriguing appointment given he’s averaging 2.21 points per game with Burnley and has been tipped to manage Manchester City by Pep Guardiola, so he’s highly regarded, but considering the unsteady nature of Spurs, going for a steadier pair of hands in Pochettino would arguably be a far safer successor to Conte.

Newcastle United have been handed an injury blow to their January signing Anthony Gordon who is now set to miss a handful of weeks as a result.

What's the latest with Anthony Gordon?

The Newcastle winger had picked up an ankle injury in the game against Manchester City just over one week ago which could be set to keep him out for up to one month.

Gordon's issue is expected to keep him out for the big game upcoming after the international break as Newcastle host Manchester United.

This is just the latest injury for Eddie Howe to deal with on the back of injury woes for their other big signing this season, Alexander Isak.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Craig Hope has claimed there is a hope the issue could only keep him out for two-three weeks but it could be slightly longer:

(9:00) Anthony Gordon, looks like he's going to be out for two or three weeks at least with an ankle injury, which he picked up down at Manchester City last week.

"Now, we probably don't expect him to even be fit for the Manchester United game back here after the international break. That's a blow for him."

What does this mean for Allan Saint-Maximin?

Allan Saint-Maximin did not start the game against Manchester City with the Englishman starting in the game at the Etihad Stadium.

This came after three consecutive starts for the Frenchman in the Premier League and he was back to Howe's starting XI on Sunday against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

But he did only last 68 minutes on Sunday and he was replaced by Miguel Almiron who went on to score the winning goal for the Magpies.

And what is perhaps more damning than being replaced by the eventual game-winner, is that Howe kept Jacob Murphy on the other wing when making the Almiron change.

Saint-Maximin did record 48 touches in the game and was able to offer the Toon four key passes and completed two of his three dribbles (via SofaScore).

However, in comparison to Murphy, he did not provide any defensive return with Murphy providing a clearance and a tackle in his 85-minute display.

And with Gordon out, it does feel like an opportunity to be had for Saint-Maximin to make a real claim to become a regular member of Howe's starting XI.

But when Howe is hooking him off after 68 minutes, it does currently feel as if Gordon will simply slot back into the XI when he is fit enough to do so.

Journalist Charles Watts has slammed Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira for his performance as the Gunners were eliminated from the Europa League.

What happened to Arsenal against Sporting CP?

The Gunners were sub-par as Sporting CP took them to penalties after a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium, and were stunned as the visitors secured a place in the quarter-finals at their expense.

To make matters worse, William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu were substituted after suffering injuries, and despite Mikel Arteta naming a strong side, the Premier League leaders were knocked out.

Although there were a number of fairly poor performers, Fabio Vieira had a particularly disappointing night, and Watts has bemoaned his lack of confidence on the pitch.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts gave the Portuguese midfielder a match rating of 3/10 – lower than anyone else – and offered his thoughts on the ex-Porto man's display.

He said: "Vieira, I gave a three; I thought Vieira had a shocker. He got worse as the game went on as well.

"I don't know if it was just a complete lack of confidence after a few things didn't work out for him, but he had a really poor night.

"It was a big opportunity for him with Odegaard not starting, it was a big chance for Vieira to kind of stamp his authority on a game in a creative point of view and he just didn't do it. I thought it was a poor performance."

How has Vieira's first season at Arsenal been?

The midfielder signed from FC Porto for around £34m in the summer, but given his age and the length of his contract, it seems clear he arrived as a signing for the long term.

He has started just two of his 17 league appearances this season, and whilst his final ball has been impressive at times – registering six assists in all competitions – his slight physical stature has meant that he is sometimes bullied out of games.

Although he is still raw, question marks have started to appear over the 22-year-old, but there is clearly potential with Vieira.

A long-term injury to Emile Smith Rowe may have given Vieira more first-team opportunities than he would have got, but this may also have put more pressure on him to make more of an immediate impact in his first season at Arsenal.

He made 76 senior appearances for Porto, and was not even a regular starter until the latter part of the previous campaign. With 14 assists in just 15 league starts, he quickly established himself as one of Portugal's brightest talents, and whilst it has been a tough settling-in period for him, it is arguably too early to judge his time in the Premier League so far.

Therefore, the hope will be that his display against Sporting is not a sign of things to come.

Everton yet again find themselves fighting for survival in the Premier League this season and Sean Dyche has now been tasked with the challenge to ensure they don't fall into the Championship.

The Toffees are just two points clear of the relegation zone in 15th and just like last season, the club faces a real threat of falling into the second tier if the tide doesn't turn over the remaining ten fixtures.

There are several variables that can be pinpointed to Everton's struggles over the last 18 months with Richarlison's exit in the summer particularly playing a huge part in the side's lack of goal contributions this term.

Everton have the joint-worst goal tally in the entire Premier League with summer signings Neal Maupay and Dwight McNeil failing to convert enough chances in front of goal to compensate for the Brazilian's departure. That is further made worse by Anthony Gordon's shock move to Newcastle United in January.

However, it's not just poor transfer business that has been plaguing the performances at Goodison Park as the Merseysiders racked up the worst injury record in the entire top flight last season with numerous players unavailable for selection for months at a time.

It is without a doubt that the most impactful injury concern has been Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the striker constantly picking up injuries ever since he suffered a toe fracture and quadriceps injury back in August 2021.

How much has Dominic Calvert-Lewin cost Everton?

The 26-year-old has become one of the Premier League's most recognisable number nines over his career at Everton and even earned a place in the senior England squad after impressing Gareth Southgate with his performances under Carlos Ancelotti's guidance back in 2020.

However, in the last two seasons, the striker's injury troubles have put his promising career on a downward spiral with the player only making 30 appearances and scoring just six goals in all competitions since the beginning of the 2021/22 campaign.

To be exact, it has been 81 weeks since the Everton talisman – dubbed "frustrating" by Henry Winter – suffered the first major injury that left him in recovery for the rest of 2021 and has earned £100k-per-week or £8.1m in total since then, despite his lack of contribution and constant unreliability.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville recently slammed Everton's mentality for still depending on Calvert-Lewin to be their saviour in the relegation fight this season following the 2-0 loss to Liverpool:

"They’ve [Everton] got to stop talking about Dominic Calvert-Lewin, it’s as if they’re waiting for something to sort of save them – it might never come.

"For me, this idea that they always mention, ‘when we get Calvert-Lewin back we’ll be okay,’ no you won’t. You can’t wait for him. You’ll be relegated if you’re waiting for him."

Neville's comments present a harsh truth for the Goodison faithful and for Dyche when he assesses the next steps, should Everton survive relegation this season, as the club can no longer wait for the striker to make a comeback and instead must look at their options in the transfer market to ensure they can improve next season.

With that being said, it will be interesting to see if Everton finally accept that their beloved goalscorer could potentially never reach the heights he once and instead invest his wages or a potential transfer fee that could provide them with a prolific and reliable striker next season.

Newcastle United have conducted a scouting mission to assess Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson, according to a report from 90min.

Which strikers are Newcastle United targeting this summer?

Newcastle have recently discovered they will need to fork out €120m (£105m) if they wish to sign Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos this summer, with the Portugal international tripling in value since the beginning of the season. In stark contrast to the huge amount it would take to bring Ramos to St. James' Park, Marcus Thuram will be available on a free transfer this summer, with his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, and it has recently been reported that talks have already been held about a summer switch.

A report from Tutto Atalanta has also detailed the Magpies are one of the clubs in the race for Rasmus Hojlund, with Napoli and AC Milan headlining the interest from Italy, while fellow Premier League side Arsenal are willing to spend £44m to win the race for his signature.

As per 90min, Newcastle are one of the teams to have scouted Ferguson in recent weeks, although there may be competition for his signature this summer, with the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool all considering moves. However, despite the level of interest in the forward, there is seemingly a decent chance he remains at Brighton for the foreseeable future, as he is said to be in no hurry to leave, and is in line for a new contract.

Will Evan Ferguson leave Brighton this summer?

Even though the 18-year-old is set for a huge increase on his £3k-per-week wages, it will surely be hard to resist a move this summer, given that some of Europe's top clubs are monitoring his availability.

Hailed as being the "complete package" by football scout Jacek Kulig, the marksman has fired home eight goals in 19 senior games this season, a stellar effort in what has been a real breakthrough season for the teenager, and he is only going to get better.

The Irishman also impressed on international duty recently, scoring his first goal for his country in a 3-2 victory against Latvia, which is great experience to have at such a young age.

Alexander Isak's return has been a welcome boost for Eddie Howe, with the Sweden international scoring three goals in his last two Premier League games, and Ferguson could be his perfect long-term strike partner.

Liverpool took a 2-2 draw from their Easter Sunday showdown with Premier League leaders Arsenal at Anfield this evening and to say it was a 90-minute thriller is an understatement.

The game offered everything from missed penalties to unbelievable goalkeeper saves, leaving Liverpool now 12 points adrift of the Champions League qualifying spots inside the top four, with just nine games remaining to close the gap.

Despite having 59% possession, more shots on target (6 v 5), more big chances created (8 v 3), far more accurate passes completed (434 v 281) and more tackles won (22 v 21), the Merseysiders left it just too little too late to snatch all three points from their visitors.

In the first half, it looked like the same Liverpool seen all season, lacking intensity, energy and resilience, especially in defence, with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold putting on a 45-minute display they will be desperate to forget.

The poor positioning and lack of concentration from the two aforementioned players was quickly punished by the Gunners, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring the opener in the eighth minute and, just 20 minutes later, Gabriel Jesus found the second to double the lead at Anfield, putting Arsenal in a comfortable position.

However, the inevitable goal machine, Mohammed Salah, took matters into his own hands whilst many of his team fell apart and brought the game back to life with a 42nd minute strike to make it 2-1 at half-time.

The clash was a performance of two halves for the Reds and in the second they looked like a different team, with the attacking threat ferocious and the defence more clinical tied together with a roaring backdrop from the Anfield faithful.

Just nine minutes after replacing Fabinho, Roberto Firmino found the equaliser and his 11th goal against Arsenal to extend his long-standing domination of the North London club, with a 2-2 draw being confirmed at the final whistle.

Despite a superb finish from the Brazilian forward, there was one player who went under the radar as Jurgen Klopp's unsung hero, with Ibrahima Konate playing a key role in the result.

How did Konate get on vs Arsenal?

The £70k-per-week centre-back has become a regular feature in Klopp's starting line-up since returning from an injury issue earlier this season and has been a consistent stand-out performer in the back four, despite their struggles.

Over his 90-minute performance, Konate – hailed a "beast" by journalist Mike Craven – had 73 touches, 48 accurate passes, won 100% aerial duels and won five ground duels, as well as making three interceptions, winning five tackles and blocked one shot on goal.

The talented 6 foot 3 titan also had an opportunity to win the game with an attempt in front of goal that was expertly saved by Aaron Ramsdale, proving that he is not only a massive presence in defence but isn't afraid to be a threat in other key areas of the pitch.

Whilst substitute Firmino came off the bench to score a stunning equaliser – a late parting gift on his part perhaps – it was Konate who allowed the Reds a chance at picking up some sort of result, with his colossal presence in defence thwarting the league leaders, particularly in the second half.

With that being said, Klopp must continue to keep faith in Konate despite the likes of Joel Matip and Joe Gomez pushing for spots in the team, as he could be absolutely crucial and positively influential over the remaining fixtures this season.

Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott will be available for the Reds' crunch Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, according to reliable journalist David Lynch.

How has Elliott done this season?

The Reds had another forgettable game in midweek away to Chelsea in a "tame" goalless stalemate. It meant more points were dropped in the battle for a top-four finish, while Newcastle United and Manchester United's wins on Wednesday night further hampered their chances.

Someone who played no part against the Blues was Elliott, who missed his first game of the season after making 41 appearances in 2022/23 to date.

The youngster was hailed as "exceptional" earlier in the season and has clearly been a favourite of Jurgen Klopp's given his increased playing time this term.

And in an update on his situation, there is positive news for the Merseysiders ahead of their weekend meeting with the Gunners.

Is Elliott fit for the Arsenal clash?

Taking to Twitter, Football Insider reporter David Lynch confirmed that Elliott was simply rested against Chelsea and will be in contention to start at home to Premier League leaders Arsenal this weekend:

"Harvey Elliott expected to return to the Liverpool squad for Sunday's meeting with Arsenal. No injury concern behind his omission against Chelsea – more a recognition of a remarkable 41-game workload so far this season."

This is an undoubted boost for Liverpool, with Elliott someone who hasn't necessarily been perfect this season, but has contributed more than many struggling midfielders, registering two league assists – which is as many as Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner combined. At 19, he is already playing with a maturity beyond his years, scoring twice in the Champions League and also averaging one tackle per game in Europe's premier club competition.
The Englishman deserves to come back into the side against Arsenal, with his guile capable of opening up the visitors' defence, as highlighted by 11 assists on loan at Blackburn Rovers back in 2020/21. He also boasts seven goal contributions this term, having had three in his senior Liverpool career at the start of this campaign.
If Thiago is fit, it could make the most sense to start the Spaniard and Elliott in the No 8 roles, with either Fabinho or Henderson anchoring the midfield. The latter pair have been panned for their poor seasons, and if their lacklustre displays continue, starting both together could be a huge issue against a Gunners side brimming with confidence as they continue their title tilt.

There is also an argument to say that Elliott's lack of physicality and 5-foot-7 frame could be an issue on the day up against Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, who both top six feet. However, as mentioned, we think Elliott merits a starting berth more than others, especially after getting a rest in midweek.

Arsenal have Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin "on their radar" for a summer transfer swoop, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Will Dominic Calvert-Lewin leave Everton?

During the January transfer window, it was reported that Newcastle United were interested in signing Calvert-Lewin, and it was made clear they would be happy to wait until the summer, if a deal could not be struck any sooner.

The striker has been on Arsenal's radar for quite some time now, with it being reported he was a target back in June 2021, at which point he would have been a replacement for Alexandre Lacazette, but a deal did not transpire.

Last summer, Football Insider claimed the forward had told his friends that he wanted to move to the Emirates Stadium, rather than moving to Newcastle, and it would be a surprise if this stance had changed, considering the Gunners are currently top of the table.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, O'Rourke raved about the 26-year-old's various qualities, while also confirming that Mikel Arteta has now been considering a move for a while.

The journalist said: "They do like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, he has been on their radar for a while.

"Maybe not at the top of their list over the last couple of seasons due to Calvert-Lewin's injury problems, but on his day we know what a handful he can be.

"He's got everything a modern striker needs and Arsenal are maybe considering bringing in a more physical number nine for next season.

"Obviously that would tick the boxes for cover because he can be that physical striker, very dominant in the air and could play up front on his own on occasion.”

Should Arsenal sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin?

It is impossible to mention Calvert-Lewin without discussing his very concerning injury record, having missed 48 games for Everton since emerging as a first-team player, and those off-field issues may have had a knock-on effect.

In 11 Premier League games this season, the £100k-p/w marksman has flattered to deceive, scoring on just one occasion, and averaging just a 6.59 match rating from Sofascore, among the worst-performing players in the squad.

With Gabriel Jesus managing to hit the ground running since returning from injury, scoring three goals in his last three league games, there is no pressing need for Arsenal to bring in a new striker, and there are not currently any signs that the Everton ace would be an upgrade on the current options available to Arteta.

Sky Sports reporter Paul Gilmour has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur could sack interim manager Cristian Stellini after the club's humiliating loss.

What's the latest on Spurs and their manager?

It's hardly been a good season for the North London outfit but some must have hoped things would improve when Antonio Conte left a few weeks ago.

Instead of a new manager bounce, however, the club have sunken even further into their own misery with the Italian's former assistant Stellini now pulling the strings.

Indeed, the shocking 6-1 defeat at Newcastle United in the Premier League over the weekend means the interim has won just one of his four games in charge and it sounds as though he might not be around to oversee many more.

Indeed, when asked if he thinks Stellini could be sacked before the end of the season, Gilmour revealed that the club's hierarchy were at the training ground early on Monday morning so an exit for the 48-year-old might be on the cards.

He told Sky Sports News (1:40): "It wouldn't surprise me if the club were at least discussing that after what happened yesterday.

"We have seen many of the club's hierarchy drive into the training ground early this morning."

Will Cristian Stellini be sacked by Spurs?

Stellini was promoted by Daniel Levy to take charge until the end of the season, giving Spurs ample time to decide a long-term replacement for Conte who would be hired in the summer.

With that in mind, it's a remarkable turn of events which leaves the club now potentially on the brink of sacking the 48-year-old coach.

Only adding to Gilmour's insight, Dan Kilpatrick has reported in the Evening Standard that "sources" at Spurs are unsure if Stellini will last until Thursday when Manchester United travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – with Ryan Mason tipped to potentially step up.

The current interim certainly has come in for some heavy criticism in the media after the loss at Newcastle, with Jamie Carragher calling for him to be sacked.

The pundit wrote on Twitter: "Tottenham are a disgrace!

"How have they gone to a back four for the first time this season, with Porro a full back that can’t defend & Perisic who is a winger.

"Get a proper manager in right now, not Conte’s mate."

While Stellini himself dropped a damning assessment of the game, telling reporters (via Goal): "There are no words to explain a performance like this. The first 25 minutes were maybe the worst I've ever seen. Changing the system was the wrong decision and that's my responsibility.

"We have to apologise to everyone. If it's the system, it's easier to change. If it's not the system, then we have to analyse why.

Tottenham Hotspur's chairman Daniel Levy is not believed to be in any rush to come to a conclusion on the club's managerial search.

Who are Spurs looking at to become their next manager?

Spurs have now been without a permanent manager since the sacking of Antonio Conte at the beginning of the month following their draw against Southampton.

However, since his departure, things have not got better for the Lilywhites with the north London side winning just once in controversial fashion against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The humiliating defeat on the weekend to Newcastle United saw Cristian Stellini's time at the helm come to an early end with Ryan Mason now the third manager of the campaign.

But there is a believed list of potential managerial candidates in north London with the likes of Julian Nagelsmann and Vincent Kompany thought to be near the top.

This comes amid the expected appointment of Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea despite the clamour from Spurs fans for their former manager.

Although it is apparent the Spurs fans are hoping to hear of an appointment soon, it seems the same cannot be said for the Spurs chairman.

Indeed, speaking on the House of Champions YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the 61-year-old is not in a rush to make his decision:

(4:30) "I think, from what I understand, there are five/six candidates to the job. Daniel Levy wants to take some time before he makes the decision."

Who should Spurs appoint?

It was apparent a lot of Spurs fans were keen to see a reunion with Pochettino but that looks likely to be off the cards with his expected appointment at Stamford Bridge.

However, if Chelsea do announce the Argentine as their next boss, it will relieve some of the pressure off Spurs in their own managerial search.

It is believed a lot of the managers on Tottenham's shortlist were also on Todd Boehly's at Chelsea.

Now the Blues are seemingly set to end their manager search, it could provide Spurs with more freedom to operate and discuss with their targets.

However, the fans will not want to see a repeat of 2021 where the search went on for months and ended up settling for Nuno Espirito Santo.

The likes of Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique are there for Spurs, but fans will want to see an appointment made ahead of the summer so the potential new boss will have time to make plans for the transfer window.

Frustration among the fans towards Levy is clear to see and this is an opportunity for him not to pile any more pressure on his shoulders over the coming weeks.