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Chelsea's squad is laden with quality, although with the money spent on it of late, that is to be expected. For one manager who can find the right system to fit them into, there is a veritable gold mine at Stamford Bridge, just waiting to be excavated and showcased to the world.

But, for now, they are far from that lucrative stage.

In fact, the Blues currently sit in 11th, on track to record one of their worst Premier League finishes in history. Frank Lampard could not right the wrongs of Graham Potter before him, and so it seems set to be Mauricio Pochettino who'll be the latest to try his hand at one of the hardest and most cutthroat jobs in world football.

The Argentine has earned this job predominantly off the back of his work in reigniting Tottenham Hotspur and turning them into a powerhouse of English football once again. When handed time and backing, everyone has already seen what he can do.

He, therefore, seems best placed to take over this dormant outfit, with the belief that his past successes can translate into this current predicament.

However, in order to unlock what already resides in west London, the 51-year-old will first command a few purchases of his own.

In signing mooted transfer target Romeo Lavia from the recently relegated Southampton, he could invoke the past success of Victor Wanyama, who he also snagged from the Saints to be his midfield rock in north London.

The youngster retains his £40m buy-back clause from Manchester City, and the Championship-bound outfit could demand a fee similar.

How has Romeo Lavia played this season?

Despite being just 19 years old, this midfield powerhouse has shone in the engine room of a side seriously lacking quality and experience. The 6.83 average rating of the Belgian does not do justice to just how imperious he has been, with his two tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game upheld by an 86% pass accuracy, via Sofascore.

With little flash about his game, this workmanlike teenage sensation has all the hallmarks of a young Wanyama, who too acted as something of a destroyer under Pochettino.

In what was arguably his standout season in north London, during the 2015/16 campaign, the Kenyan showcased such defensive superiority that mirrors the path Lavia seems set to follow.

Alongside his 7.00 average rating, his 82% pass accuracy was buoyed by 3.1 tackles, 2.3 interceptions and 2.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

He truly was the "monster" that broadcaster and ex-professional Gabriel Zakuani branded him back in 2012, which is coincidentally the same label attached to Southampton's young superstar by journalist Benjy Nurick, who wrote back in January:

"Romeo Lavia was an absolute monster tonight. Quite possibly the best midfielder on the pitch."

Now playing in the MLS, it is easy to forget just how influential Wanyama was in the triumphs Pochettino earned with the Lilywhites.

Should he now kickstart his new regime with a similar signing, perhaps he can go one further and actually add the host of silverware he was missing from an otherwise successful tenure at Spurs.

Chelsea continued their abysmal run of form last night, as they fell to an embarrassing loss at the hands of Manchester United. In doing so, it secured a top-four finish for Erik ten Hag, and further resigned Frank Lampard to one of the worst finishes in his clubs’ history.

Todd Boehly has overseen a diabolical first year in charge of the west London outfit, laden with transfer missteps, a managerial merry-go-round and a points tally to rival their darkest days.

Last night only exacerbated worries around Stamford Bridge, who despite Mauricio Pochettino’s imminent arrival, have seen little alter in terms of form or mood. The 44-year-old caretaker boss has still won just once since his temporary appointment in early April.

Despite being humbled by many of their rivals, few emphasised the failures of this term like the 4-1 drubbing that has just come at Old Trafford.

How did Conor Gallagher play vs Manchester United?

Having earned yet another start, in what was Conor Gallagher’s 33rd appearance of the campaign, the £50k-per-week workhorse has remained ever-present in the side despite rumours of a potential exit in January.

In fact, Everton were even rumoured to have lodged a £45m bid, which Boehly and Graham Potter opted to decline.

However, after last night’s performance, the American might be wishing he could redo that decision.

Starting in a midfield three, the 23-year-old was his usual busy self in the engine room, but for all the wrong reasons. He would occasionally find himself in positions of promise, or even break up a dangerous attack, yet his decision-making left little to be desired as the travelling support watched on in agony.

His 5.3 rating was the worst of anyone on the pitch, and it was a figure supported by the fact he was dribbled past twice, failed in all three of his attempted dribbles and missed one big chance, via Sofascore.

Whilst this kind of profligacy could often be excused, such defensive failures were unlike the England international, who has won on average 3.6 duels per game throughout the campaign.

However, against United, he would only win two of the 11 he competed in at an abysmal 82% failure rate.

Even though goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga shipped four goals on the road, a late flurry of saves actually turned the Spaniard’s equally shocking display into more of an admirable one. He prevented a total of 2.09 expected goals, making Gallagher far worse on the night.

Boehly will have questioned many of his decisions throughout this tumultuous year, although few have been as catastrophic as turning down such big money for a man capable of such terrible performances.

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to pounce on a new striker this summer, although it might spell bad news in their goal of tying down their main man.

What's the latest on Ollie Watkins to Tottenham Hotspur?

According to reports in Spain, Daniel Levy has identified Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins as a top priority, in an effort to secure a replacement for Harry Kane.

With the England captain consistently linked with a north London exit, it seems the chairman is seeking to preempt his move away by securing a fine alternative in a similar mould.

The report states that Arsenal and Manchester United both hold an interest in the 27-year-old, who is valued by Football Transfers at £41m.

However, the latter of those sides are the team most likely to snag Kane from the Lilywhites, so their interest is sure to be dependent on any success in that saga, with Levy also only likely to want Watkins should the Red Devils close in on Kane.

As such, this is a move which remains far from completion, and reliant on a few different occurrences.

Could Ollie Watkins replace Harry Kane?

Whilst both have featured for the English national team, their respective play styles are quite different to suggest that Watkins would offer a like-for-like replacement for Kane. However, they do share one key common ground in that they both know where the back of the net is.

Within a lacklustre Spurs team, the 29-year-old notched 30 league goals last season, meanwhile the former Brentford finisher scored 15, assisting a further six. He did so in a workmanlike fashion, willing to sacrifice himself to run channels and lead the press with pace and power.

His purple patch of form last term even led Jamie Carragher to laud him as "unstoppable" on Twitter, with Unai Emery highlighting his side's overreliance on such a lethal forward, claiming:

"He is a competitor and he is a striker and when he is not scoring he is not happy, but I am so happy with his work and how he is helping the team."

This is something the Lilywhites have often been guilty of too with their star man.

With regard to quality within the various sides, although the Villans may have finished above the north London outfit, it could be argued that this feat could be largely put down to the scoring form of Watkins and the magical work of their new Spanish manager.

If he could fire the Midlands club into Europe, he could surely do the same under a new boss at Spurs.

Even if they do not receive an immediate boost from the incoming head coach, this potential new striker has proven his ability to score in all kinds of teams, whether on top or not. Since moving to Villa Park, the £75k-per-week marksman has hit double figures in every season, outlining a goalscoring consistency akin to Kane, who is the second all-time top scorer in the league's history.

Whilst the latter is often lauded for his build-up play, with his 1.5 key passes per game emphasising this, Watkins' intangible success aids his team to a similar degree.

Should they swoop for a manager that favours an aggressive press, there would arguably be few better options in the Premier League to lead the line and spearhead an all-action new-look Spurs side without Kane's presence.

Newcastle United are interested in signing Fenerbahce winger Arda Guler this summer as manager Eddie Howe targets first-rate talent to bolster his newfound Premier League force.

What's the latest on Arda Guler to Newcastle?

That's according to outlet Turkish Football, who state that the Magpies – alongside Arsenal – are leading the race for 18-year-old prodigy Guler, who has enjoyed a tremendous breakout season in his homeland.

While his outfit are reluctant to sell one of their most coveted assets so early into his emergence, bids in excess of £25m are believed to be enough to warrant a departure.

Having qualified for the Champions League this season, the Toon are now in a fantastic position to consolidate their newfound power with superlative signings, and in Guler Howe would find one of the brightest gems in all of football.

Who is Arda Guler?

Having risen to the fore this term, Guler has indeed cemented himself as his country's shining prospect, having six goals and six assists apiece from just 16 starts across all competitions.

He has already found praise from high places, with Fatih Karagumruk manager Andrea Pirlo a stout believer that the teenager could blossom into one of the very best.

“Arda Guler is a very talented player,” said the Italian World Cup champion. “He has the potential to play anywhere in the world. He has quality, he can read the game well, and he has great technique. If he keeps developing his game, there is no limit to his potential.”

Having already featured twice for his national team, Guler has been dubbed the 'Turkish Lionel Messi', such is the innate ease with which he glides across the final third, roving into promising areas and blending direct potency with an ingenious creative spark.

Given his comparisons with the iconic Messi, Howe could nurture his own version of Premier League star Mohamed Salah with a move; the Liverpool right-forward has been one of the most prolific aces in the division since signing from Roma for £34m in 2017 and has chalked up 186 goals and 79 assists from just 305 outings for the Reds.

Guler has certainly got the "serious talent" – as dubbed by Duncan Castles – to emulate the aforementioned stars to a considerable degree, with the left-footed dynamo having incredibly recorded an average Sofascore rating of 7.55 in the Turkish Super Lig, with his seven direct contributions from ten starts complemented by an 82% pass success rate, 2.1 key passes and 1.2 tackles per match – truly an all-encompassing and precocious starlet.

He also found a place in The Guardian's 'Next Gen 2022' list, with Emre Sarigul writing: "The attacking midfielder is one of the most technically gifted midfielders to emerge in Turkey for years and is already a star name at one of the biggest clubs in the Süper Lig."

Football is intrinsic to certain players, capable of devastating opposition with the calibre of their feats; Salah embodies this. He ranks among the top 3% of positional peers for rate of non-penalty goals and the top 14% for rate of assists per 90, wreaking havoc with regularity and leaving an illustrious trail in his wake.

Guler, while at the maiden phase of a potentially prosperous career, is already playing at a level beyond his years and with a move to Newcastle, his lofty ceiling could be realised.

Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to sign Man United defender Harry Maguire this summer, according to broadcast giant ESPN.

Who could Spurs sign this summer?

Ange Postecoglou's arrival at Spurs marks the end of chairman Daniel Levy's long and drawn out search for Antonio Conte's replacement, a task that lasted over two months.

The Australian arrives in north London off the back of a domestic treble triumph with former club Celtic, and Levy held plenty of praise for him in a recent interview with Tottenham's official website.

“Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play" said Levy."He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our Club. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead."

Attention now turns to the transfer market as Spurs aim to back the 57-year-old with star signings, and according to reports, central defensive reinforcements are certainly on their agenda.

Spurs have been linked with moves for Man City star Aymeric Laporte, Wolves defender Max Kilman and Maguire to name a few, while the Lilywhites are also seeking to strengthen in midfield.

However, defence seems like a priority, with Maguire being repeatedly mentioned in the last few days.

Now, according to broadcast giant ESPN, there has been an update – with their reporter James Olley claiming Spurs have been "offered the chance to explore a deal" for him.

The Red Devils are apparently willing to give the green-light for Maguire to leave this window as Tottenham and West Ham get handed the chance to do business.

However, wages could be a potential stumbling block, as the former Leicester City star is thought to earn in the region of £200,000-per-week.

Who is Harry Maguire?

While there have been question marks surrounding his form under Erik te Hag, Maguire is a capable centre-back on his day and regularly impresses for England at international level.

Harry Redknapp is a big fan, having called the 30-year-old a "proper defender" amid what has been a regrettable season for him overall.

Ten Hag has even held praise for Maguire in some parts, drawing attention to his improved form towards the back end of 2022/2023.

"I'm really happy with the progress that Harry is making in this moment," ten Hag said in March."He's more dominant and dictating, he's taking more initiative on the training pitch and I think also in the Real Betis game, he showed leadership, especially in those aspects of initiative and dictating of the game."

Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag is keen on signing Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund this summer and has video called the youngster to detail his plans for his prospective arrival, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Rasmus Hojlund?

As per GOAL, Manchester United have been linked with a move for Hojlund this summer and it is believed that Atalanta are seeking to recoup £40 million for the teenage sensation.

Speaking to Tipsbladet with quotes transcribed via the outlet, Hojlund commented on recent developments, including his choice to sign up to a new agency and he also addressed rumours surrounding his future, stating: “It’s a trial period and that’s all I can say [agency]." He then added: “It is a huge club, so I must have done something right if it’s rumoured they want me. We have to see what happens. As you see and hear, I imagine a lot could happen to quite a few strikers this summer, as many clubs are looking for a No.9. Something will definitely happen there, and then we’ll have to wait and see if I am included in it. I am very happy to be with Atalanta and we have qualified for Europe. I have found myself in a really good place here, so now we have to wait and see.”

talkSPORT understand that Hojlund is subject to serious interest from the Red Devils, which is set to be taken up a notch in the off-season, with boss Ten Hag targeting two forwards to strengthen his forward line.

Sky Sports report that Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane is also a target for Manchester United; however, it is said that the England international may be unattainable, making Hojlund a more likely target at Old Trafford.

Interestingly, it has been reported that Ten Hag has already had a video call with the striker.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones has shared his thoughts on the rumours that Ten Hag has made contact via a video call to try and sell Hojlund a vision of what life could be like at Manchester United.

Jones told FFC: "That personal touch can be so key in landing targets, we've seen Arteta use it to his benefit at Arsenal and I think it's a road that Ten Hag should be going down too. Making video calls is probably a good way of being able to get an early message across to a player, to show them your passion and show them the sincerity to which there is a pursuit of a player."

Does Rasmus Hojlund have the potential to succeed at Manchester United?

Hojlund absolutely has the potential to succeed at Manchester United and it is no surprise that the Premier League giants are trying to land the 20-year-old in an early stage of his career development.

In 2022/23, combined between his stint at Sturm Graz and factoring in his exploits at Atalanta, the Denmark international was in fine form, registering 16 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored also note that Hojlund has a keen eye for goal and took on an average of 1.7 shots per match in Serie A during the campaign.

As per FBRef, Hojlund has also demonstrated excellent positional awareness and has soared in comparison to his positional peers in Europe's top five divisions concerning progressive passes received, taking in around 11 per match across the last 365 days, putting him in the first percentile for this metric.

Moving forward, Hojlund may well be a long-term solution in the final third for Manchester United that could grow into an elite striker with the correct man management.

Aston Villa target Jadon Sancho could be a “very exciting signing” for Unai Emery should he join this summer, according to journalist Ryan Taylor.

Is Jadon Sancho leaving Man United?

The Red Devils winger swapped the Bundesliga for the Premier League when he joined Erik Ten Hag’s side from Borussia Dortmund back in 2021, but last season, he was only a bit-part player having been handed just 21 starts from 38 matches in the top-flight.

Despite the 23-year-old still having another three years remaining on his contract, Football Transfers have reported that the Old Trafford outfit are willing to let him leave this window with a £60m price tag having been placed on his head.

The Midlands outfit are the primary club credited with an interest in the England international, as per the same outlet, and whilst official contact is yet to have been made between the two parties, he’s been backed to complete a switch to Villa Park in the weeks ahead.

Are Aston Villa signing Sancho?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Taylor insisted that should Aston Villa secure the services of Sancho, he could strengthen the current options that Emery has at his disposal. He said:

"I think Sancho would be a very exciting signing for Villa. It's been frustrating how he hasn't been able to fulfil his potential at United, but I still think there's an unbelievable player in there, in the right team, in the right system with confidence. You only have to look at his numbers with Borussia Dortmund. They were absolutely exceptional. He's still a good age."

Should NSWE submit a bid for Sancho?

Aston Villa likely aren’t going to want to pay £60m for a player who’s been in and out of Man United’s starting XI, but he’s got so much to offer when given the chance to play having previously been dubbed a “phenomenon” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, so NSWE should certainly test the waters.

The 2022/23 Europa League participant, who’s sponsored by Nike, posted nine goal contributions (six goals and three assists) in 26 Premier League appearances last season whilst recording 87 shot-creating actions which was the third-highest throughout his squad, as per FBRef, despite him not regularly being in the team every week.

Ten Hag’s left-sided winger also ranked in the 95th percentile for pass completion so is strong in linking up the play with his fellow teammates, and the 92nd percentile for most attacking touches in the opposition’s box where he looks to produce moments of quality, so he is a player that would definitely be worth taking a risk on.

Tottenham Hotspur "will push" to sign James Maddison next week, as the Leicester City midfielder is Ange Postecoglou's "priority target", according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Who is James Maddison signing for?

According to The Guardian, Tottenham are now leading the race for Maddison, despite having a bid rejected last week, as rival suitors Newcastle United are now prioritising a move for AC Milan's Sandro Tonali.

The same report details the Leicester star is set to leave this summer, following the Foxes' relegation from the Premier League, and Spurs are expected to make a fresh move for him, with Postecoglou keen on bringing in reinforcements in the middle.

Although Newcastle have cooled their interest, reports elsewhere claim they still remain keen on the 26-year-old, who is valued at £60m by his current club, meaning the Lilywhites may have to wrap up a deal sooner rather than later.

In a new update on Twitter, Romano has now stated that Tottenham "will push again" for the Englishman next week, as he remains the "priority target" for Postecoglou in that area of the pitch.

It remains to be seen whether Spurs are willing to match Leicester's £60m asking price, but a renewed attempt to sign the former Coventry City man can be expected in the near future.

Will Maddison sign for Tottenham?

Newcastle cooling their interest in the England international is a major boost for Tottenham, and Sky Sports report they are also hoping the prospect of living in London could be a decisive factor, despite the Magpies having Champions League football on offer.

While Spurs are leading at present, the race for the attacking midfielder's signature still appears to be open, and the hope will be that progress can be made next week, as he could be an excellent addition to Postecoglou's squad.

Hailed as "sensational" by members of the media, the Leicester star has impressed over the course of a number of seasons now, recording 19 goal contributions in 30 games last season, by far and away the highest number of any player in the squad.

With an average WhoScored match rating of 7.24, the maestro was ranked as the 15th-best performing player in the Premier League, despite playing for a side that got relegated, largely due to his contributions in the attacking third.

At a club like Tottenham, where the expectation will be to compete for the top four, Maddison could really kick on next season, and he should undoubtedly remain Postecoglou's key target.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked to Ligue 1 ace Elye Wahi, as Julen Lopetegui prepares for a busy summer at Molineux.

The Spaniard will have to make his improvements this transfer window on a budget, as Wolves face battles with Financial Fair Play (FFP), however, the task remains that significant reinforcements are required at the Midlands club.

The Old Gold have had their transfer window so far dominated by the lucrative departure of Ruben Neves who departed for Al-Hilal for £47m, although incomings have been speculated too, with the latest coming from France.

As reported by journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter, Wolves are interested in Montpellier forward Elye Wahi, stating that the interest is ‘real’ with Jorge Mendes mentioned as having a ‘hand on the file’ of the player.

Earlier this summer, Foot Mercato reported that the French outfit valued the striker in the region of €35m (£30m), making him a player slightly out of Wolves’ budget if a compromise cannot be made.

What could Elye Wahi offer to Wolves?

If there’s one area that Lopetegui must bolster this summer, it’s the most advanced position of attack.

Wolves ended the season as the Premier League’s lowest-scorers, netting just 31 goals in 38 games in a dismal campaign in the final third.

To put into perspective how much of a boost Wahi could present to Molineux, the 20-year-old scored just 12 goals fewer than the entire Wolves side in five fewer appearances in the league, scoring 19 in Ligue 1.

The Old Gold’s previous high-scoring talisman has phased out, with Raul Jimenez suffering a career-altering injury back in 2020 in which he fractured his skull, leaving him sidelined for a long stretch of time.

The Mexican failed to score in the Premier League last campaign, subsequently damaging Wolves’ overall form and making it blatantly obvious their need for a striker this summer.

Hailed as being “so powerful” by ex-Caen academy director Francis de Taddeo, Wahi could solve Lopetegui’s woes in the final third, and at just 20 years old, the striker could benefit the club for years to come.

With 1.9 total shots and 1.2 shots on target per game in Ligue 1 last season, the Frenchman is the clinical striker Wolves require to amend their form in front of goal. For context, no one at Molineux throughout 2022/23 could better those numbers.

While his 19 goals were impressive, the youngster also registered five assists, averaging 0.7 key passes per game and created seven big chances to flex his ability in attack, as per Sofascore.

Likened to Newcastle United’s 18-goal sensation Callum Wilson by FBref, Wahi would be a significant upgrade on Jimenez, not just for his efforts in dispatching the ball into the net.

When comparing the seasons of both the Wolves forward and Montpellier’s hitman via FBref, the Frenchman is a lively presence in attack as highlighted by his 2.04 progressive carries and 1.04 successful take-ons per 90.

Jimenez registered just 0.53 progressive carries and successful take-ons last term, showing just how much of a presence the 20-year-old could provide Lopetegui with.

The deal will ultimately come down to whether or not the Old Gold can raise the funds to pry the striker away from Montpellier, where he is contracted until 2025, but it would certainly be worth their time and energy trying to conclude a move.

Celtic are reportedly leading the race to sign Watford forward Jack Grieves this summer.

What’s the latest Celtic transfer news?

The Hoops have made a head start on their transfer business, with two players already through the door at Parkhead ahead of Brendan Rodgers' second tenure in charge following his return.

The club have confirmed the arrivals of midfielder Odin Thiago Holm and winger Marco Tilio from Valerenga and Melbourne City, with the pair seemingly long-term signings after penning five-year deals.

There have been some departures, though, with star winger Jota signing for Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad in a deal worth £25m. That looks set to boost the club’s finances even further, with reports prior to Jota’s exit claiming Rodgers has been given a £30m transfer kitty this summer.

As a result, a new attacker appears to be on the radar for Celtic in Gangwon FC forward Yang Hyun-jun. The 21-year-old is keen on making the move to Glasgow and a £2.1m fee had been agreed between the two clubs.

Gangwon did want to keep the forward until January when the K League 1 season finishes, but it looks as if a summer swoop could now be on the cards. There has recently been a transfer ‘breakthrough’, with reports suggesting that Gangwon are now ready to allow the forward to leave immediately.

Yang could be about to move to Scotland, and it looks as if Celtic also want another forward in Grieves.

According to Football League World, highly-rated teenage forward Grieves is wanted by a number of clubs this summer. The report states that Celtic and Premier League side Brentford are leading the race for his services and are trying to get a deal done over the coming weeks.

Grieves had been offered a contract by Watford, as the Championship side look to keep hold of the attacker, who is a Hornets fan, but it seems as if he is weighing up his future due to interest from a number of sides.

Who is Jack Grieves?

Grieves has been described as a versatile forward and is the great-great-grandson of former Watford goalkeeper Reginald 'Skilly' Williams, who made close to 400 appearances for the club.

He made it four generations of his family to play for Watford following his debut last season. The 18-year-old made three senior appearances for the Hornets, two in the Championship and one in the FA Cup.

Should he make the move to Scotland, you’d expect he could initially ply his trade in the Scottish lowland league with Celtic’s B team, looking to progress through into the first team. Celtic have enjoyed recent success in bringing young players from England to Scotland and transforming them into first-team stars, most notably Jeremie Frimpong.

The full-back arrived from Manchester City without any real first-team experience and went on to star for the Hoops before leaving for Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £11.5m in 2021, so who knows, Grieves could be the next future star to head north, and by the looks of things, a move is one to keep an eye on.