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Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae this summer – and the South Korean could replace £60m flop Marc Cucurella at Stamford Bridge.

Would Kim Min-Jae be a good signing for Chelsea?

According to 90min, Napoli could be forced to sell the powerful centre-back this summer, with Chelsea among those interested in bringing him to the Premier League.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are all also thought to be in the running, while Chelsea are said to have sent scouts to watch the 26-year-old play this month – and could bring him to Stamford Bridge for as little as €45m (£39m) due to a release clause in his contract, which is only eligible in the first two weeks of the upcoming transfer window.

Since joining from Fenerbahce last summer, the six foot three defender has gone on to make 34 appearances in Serie A for Luciano Spalletti's side, contributing two goals and two assists with a superb 7.10 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Reece James is currently ranked as the top performer at Stamford Bridge with a 7.07 average rating, which emphasises just how impressive Kim has been in his first season in Italy.

He also averaged a 7.20 rating in the Champions League as Napoli reached the quarter-finals, so clearly has what it takes to play at the very top level.

Former Manchester United man Park Ji-sung was full of praise for his compatriot earlier in the campaign, saying:

"Extraordinary, what a talent. He took the right step by going to play in Turkey and showed himself ready to take a step forward. He didn't come directly to Italy but step by step, so he grew up and there is no doubt that he is doing extraordinary things, as a technical leader and personality in Naples".

Teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also dubbed him as an "iron barrel" and described him as one of the best in the world, so he could certainly be a quality addition to Chelsea's squad this summer if he can live up to that praise.

Could Kim Min-Jae replace Cucurella at Chelsea?

One concern for Todd Boehly is the number of defensive options already at Stamford Bridge but if he were able to complete a deal for the former Beijing Guoan star, perhaps it could see Cucurella moved on.

The Spanish defender joined from Brighton last summer but has endured a difficult first season in west London, with WhoScored ranking him as the 15th-best performer in Chelsea's squad.

Often utilised as a left-sided centre-back, Cucurella hasn't looked comfortable at all in recent months and his lack of defensive awareness was cruelly exposed in the Champions League defeat against Real Madrid.

Given the competition for places at Chelsea and Boehly's demands for a better 2023/24 season, the 24-year-old is surely a prime candidate to be moved on this summer, especially if it can fund a move for Kim.

The South Korean has averaged far more interceptions, clearances and blocks per game than Cucurella so far this term, so would be a far more natural centre-back for Mauricio Pochettino to have at Stamford Bridge, making him a fine target Boehly should definitely try to sign.

Northamptonshire batted out for a draw on the final afternoon at Wantage Road after Leicestershire declined to offer a reasonable chase

ECB Reporters Network16-Aug-2016
ScorecardPaul Horton fell for 99 as Leicestershire opted to stretch their lead•Getty ImagesNorthamptonshire batted out for a draw on the final afternoon at Wantage Road after Leicestershire declined to offer a reasonable chase. They set the home side 415 to win in 51 overs, so Northants just played out time for a 10-point draw on 118 for 1.Leicestershire’s 11 points keeps them in touch with the promotion race, with Division Two leaders Essex to play next week at Grace Road.Hope were raised of a last day run chase after Leicestershire resumed 49 without loss, 177 ahead but they made only steady progress in the morning session. Even 319 in front by lunch with 63 overs remaining, they felt the need to add a few more into the afternoon before eventually declaring 292 for 6.Northants might have hoped for a chase to tune up for Thursday’s 50-over quarter-final at home to Surrey but the size of the task left them with no option but to bat out for a draw, which they did only for the loss of Rob Newton, bowled by Ben Raine for 22.The day began full of intrigue but a tedious morning session ensued. Saif Zaib, with his left-arm spin, was the only beneficiary, picking up his maiden first-class wicket by having Angus Robson caught at midwicket for 84. He also denied Paul Horton a third century of the season by a single run, sharply held by Rory Kleinveldt at slip.Zaib went on to complete a five-wicket haul as Mark Cosgrove slapped a full toss to extra-cover shortly after lunch, Mark Pettini was stumped by Rob Keogh – who took the gloves to allow David Murphy to bowl – and Neil Dexter was lbw. Zaib finished with 5 for 148 having bowled 26 overs unchanged from the Lynn Wilson End.It was the only noteworthy performance of the day. It was thought a run chase would be agreed after Northants called in their first innings 122 behind on the third evening. But there was no sign of a charge from Leicestershire. Only in the final overs of the morning session were shots played with any great intent, Horton and Robson swinging Zaib over long-on.Northants only resorted to declaration bowling later in the morning when Alex Wakely and Adam Rossington sent down overs. Murphy also removed the pads and picked up a maiden first-class wicket when Ned Eckersley lifted to Wakely at long-on.

James Maddison is thought to be interested in joining Newcastle United this season with Leicester City on the verge of being relegated.

The 2016 Premier League champions need Everton to drop points on Sunday otherwise they will be relegated from the top flight for the first time since returning in 2015. If they are relegated this weekend, it may make it simpler for Maddison to secure a summer switch to St. James' Park.

What's the latest on James Maddison to Newcastle?

According to the Shields Gazette, Leicester value Maddison at £50million, although the midfielder only has just over one year remaining on his contract.

Newcastle have had two bids for Maddison rejected in the past, but if the Foxes are unable to remain in the top flight, he may be available at a discounted price point.

Maddison is reportedly interested in a move to Newcastle and has already spoken to Kieran Trippier on international duty about playing for the Magpies. Callum Wilson also discussed the club with Maddison while they were at the World Cup in Qatar last year.

Meanwhile, Eddie Howe has been open about his admiration for the Leicester playmaker, saying:

“I have full respect for him and his abilities. I have seen him grow from a Football League player to a Premier League player. He’s been brilliant.

"He has been a great advert for the Premier League, but he’s a Leicester City player – and I fully respect that. I’d never talk about another contracted player coming here. But he’s a player I do respect."

How many goals and assists has Maddison got this season?

It's no surprise clubs are interested in Maddison. Despite the lack of quality around him at the King Power Stadium this season, Maddison has still managed ten goals and nine assists, an extremely impressive return for a team in the relegation zone this late in the season.

With the quality already at Newcastle in the final third such as Wilson and Alexander Isak, who have netted combined 28 goals in the league this season, Maddison could thrive if he made the switch to St. James' Park, where he would play for a Champions League side and at 26, you could say he is reaching his prime as a midfielder.

The England international is one of the best creators in the Premier League, ranking eighth for chances created this season, so appears ready for a big move, and it looks as if that could be north to turn out for the Magpies.

It seems as though Axel Tuanzebe's time at Manchester United is coming to an end, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano reporting that the player will leave the club on a free when the season finishes.

What is the latest on Axel Tuanzebe's Man United exit?

The defender has spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Stoke, having struggled to get Premier League minutes at Old Trafford in the first part of the campaign. Despite joining the Potters back in January though, the player has managed just four appearances – and only three starts – at the bet365 Stadium, with the Championship season for the Potters now done and dusted.

Prior to his move into the second tier, the 25-year-old was shipped out to Napoli in a bid to get more playing time. That move resulted in just one Serie A appearance though and – in his stint before that – he was handed only six starts by Aston Villa too. His last consistent run of gametime came with the Villains all the way back when they were in the Championship themselves.

With the Red Devils, Tuanzebe has struggled to break into the first-team picture. He's managed just ten Premier League starts in five seasons with the club and has not had a single minute of league playing time for United since Erik Ten Hag took over. Now, with the defender unable to break into the fold, it appears he will now be shown the door.

According to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 25-year-old will be released by United this summer and can find a new club on a free. He stated: "It’s over between Manchester United and Axel Tuanzebe. The English CB will leave the club as free agent at the end of the season, decision made.

"After Aston Villa, Napoli and Stoke City loans, Tuanzebe is now looking for new chapter."

Are Man United correct to let Axel Tuanzebe leave?

The Red Devils not only have a strong academy setup but are capable of signing some of the best players on the world stage because of their finances and their standing in the game. It means that a player like Tuanzebe, who is now halfway through his twenties and has yet to get a run in the side, is unlikely to ever get regular minutes at Old Trafford.

That isn't to say the defender can't do a solid job elsewhere if he can stay fit. During his appearances for Stoke this season for example, he managed a respectable 6.60 WhoScored rating and also managed 1.3 tackles per game with four clearances. Even if you look at the run he had for United in the Europa League back in 2019/20, it shows he is well capable of producing at a good level. He managed a WhoScored rating average of 7.22 during his four appearances in the competition and even picked up a Man of the Match award.

Tuanzebe then would be a good pick up for any number of teams this summer – but there's unliekly to be any United gametime in the future, so it is likely the right call.

At half-past five, midway through an evening session blessed by gentle, unexpected warmth Essex’s Dan Lawrence reached the third century of his career with a pushed single off Kieran Noema-Barnett

Paul Edwards at Cheltenham14-Jul-2016
ScorecardDan Lawrence sparkled with his strokeplay to help Essex build a useful lead•Getty ImagesAt half-past five, midway through an evening session blessed by gentle, unexpected warmth Essex’s Dan Lawrence reached the third century of his career with a pushed single off Kieran Noema-Barnett. The Cheltenham crowd gave him a generous ovation for they can spot a fine young cricketer in these parts. Lawrence only celebrated his 19th birthday two days ago and he could still play age-group cricket. But what would be the point in that now?As if liberated, Lawrence took 27 runs off his next 14 balls, repeating the straight- and cover- drives that had already elicited ripples of approval. When he lashed Noema-Barnett straight to Craig Miles at midwicket, he received yet more applause as he returned to the pavilion and the ex-players attending their annual get-together at the College Lawn End joined in appreciatively. Essex were all out 11 balls before the scheduled close but their 78-run lead has left them well placed in this game.And Lawrence, of course, is only the most recent of a long line of young players to have received laurels in this sacred space…To the right of Cheltenham College’s pavilion and at the Chapel End of the ground are rows of trees, cracked willows and American limes, mostly. In front of almost every tree is a plaque marking a Cheltonian’s notable performance in an important school match. For example: Duleep Sinjhi, 1921, 7 for 35 v Marlborough; E M Wellings, 1927, 7 for 113 v Marlborough; P B C Moore 1939, 197 v Malvern.In addition to being a record of achievement, the list is something of a litany, petitioning whatever power there may be for more games like this, more days on cricket’s fields of praise. In many cases the request received a brutal answer; Cheltenham also has a war memorial.And at lunchtime on the second day of this game, as Josh Shaw, Gloucestershire’s loanee from Yorkshire, took refreshment in the middle of an eight-over spell in which he took three prime wickets, another tree was planted. It is a poplar and it commemorates the centenary of the death of Percy Jeeves, who died on the Somme on July 22, 1916. As many now know, thanks to Brian Halford’s outstanding biography, Jeeves was playing for Warwickshire at Cheltenham in August 1913 when his style was spotted by P G Wodehouse, who wanted a name for a “gentleman’s personal gentleman” in a forthcoming short story. “I remember admiring his action very much,” said Wodehouse.Yet as one watched the tree being planted and the speeches made, one thought not only of Wodehouse and Jeeves but also of the other trees on the ground and, perhaps, of Edward Thomas, who might have made an elegiac poem out of such events. Thomas died at Pas-de-Calais in 1917.Shaw, meanwhile, whose West Riding birthplace is just six miles away from that of Jeeves, was doing his best to prevent Essex establishing a winning position in this game. After Nick Browne had edged a good ball from David Payne to Chris Dent at slip in the fifth over of the Essex innings, Shaw, another 20-year-old with all before him, had brought one back a little to have Tom Westley lbw for 24. The young seamer appealed with all the certainty of a barrister who has sweetened the jury.At the beginning of his next over Shaw inflicted a first-ball duck on Ravi Bopara, Dent again taking the catch, and when Jaik Mickleburgh, who was ailing with a strain, slapped a half volley straight to Jack Taylor at midwicket, Essex were 80 for 4, still trailing Gloucestershire on first innings by 175.The visitors’ recovery to 333 at the close was led by Lawrence, who treated the former players in the corporate hospitality marquee to a fine exhibition of elegant batsmanship. He adapted well to a wicket on which bowlers are dangerous if they hit an exact length but fodder if they over-pitch even a fraction. Lawrence took four boundaries off what became the last over of Shaw’s first spell and added 102 with Ryan ten Doeschate, getting to his fifty in the over before the Essex skipper brought up the same landmark with a whack over midwicket off Graeme van Buuren’s anaemic slow left-arm.But ten Doeschate perished more or less as Westley had to the first ball of Shaw’s next over and it was eventually left to Lawrence and James Foster to give Essex the lead with a seventh-wicket stand of 83 in 14 overs. Gloucestershire’s seamers were now tiring, the ball was old and the support bowlers had to buy their wickets. Yet Lawrence’s 14th four, a majestic off drive to a ball from Payne which took him to 97, was still the shot of the day and he got to three figures 11 balls later.Once Lawrence was out, Foster bolstered Essex’s position by scoring 29 more runs very rapidly but this was something of a vaudeville act after a command performance. The crowd meandered away in a thoughtful mood and a Housmanish haze lingered on the distant slopes. On Cleeve Hill, stretching away towards Charlton Abbots, were all the trees of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.

Liverpool are interested in a summer transfer move for Inter Milan maestro Nicolo Barella, with I Nerazzurri reportedly resigned to 'pave the way' if their valuation is met.

What's the latest on Nicolo Barella to Liverpool?

That's according to Football Insider, who claim that Barella is a 'top target' for the Reds as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to fortify his midfield engine with iron-clad resolve after an uninspiring season.

Inter have slapped a £61m price tag on their man, the report continues, and with Liverpool indeed noted as front-runners to complete a swoop, a transfer might be forthcoming.

Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport has recently claimed that the 26-year-old is looking for a new footballing project this season after a lucrative stint with his outfit, and with Manchester United also enamoured by his skill set, Klopp and co need to act with swift conviction.

The news comes amid a swoop for Alexis Mac Allister too, with The Daily Mail having reported last week that the Reds are also leading the race for the Brighton midfielder's signature.

Should Liverpool sign Nicolo Barella?

Succinctly, yes. With links surrounding the Anfield outfit's intrigue in forging a deal for the Italian stretching and embedding themselves into the rumour mill, like roots of a tree, clinching Barella's services would only enhance Liverpool's prospects of success.

Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are all departing upon the expiry of their contracts this summer, and while a deal to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is firmly in the works, in Barella, one of the most robust and innately talented ball-players in Europe, Klopp could secure an upgrade of the highest order.

Having forged 181 appearances for Inter, Barella has scored 19 goals and supplied 48 assists, winning the Scudetto, the Coppa Italia and two Italian Super Cups and hailed as a "genius" by sports editor Mike Piellucci.

The 26-year-old has been in scintillating form this term and has plundered eight goals and nine assists from 46 displays across all competitions, instrumental in an emphatic Champions League campaign that currently has Simone Inzaghi's men in touching distance of the finale.

Indeed, Inter defeated heated city rivals AC Milan 2-0 in the first leg of their semi-final tie, with Barella pulling the strings with a remarkable all-encompassing performance, completing 84% of his passes, making two key passes, three tackles and winning three of his seven ground duels, as per Sofascore – hailed as "unbelievable" by one podcaster.

As per FBref, the £157k-per-week gem ranks among the top 9% of midfielders across Europe's big five leagues for rate of goals, the top 8% for rate of assists, the top 8% for shot-creating actions, the top 17% for progressive passes and the top 10% for progressive carries per 90, illustrating his prowess as a superlative creative outlet.

With those numbers in mind, it's hardly a surprise that venerable Real Madrid legend Luka Modric is listed as a similar player to the 43-cap Italy star.

That bodes well for the success of Klopp's midfield if he is indeed triumphant in his pursuit, with the Croatian Ballon d'Or winner one of the very best to have played the game from the centre of the park.

Lauded as a "monster" by Spanish veteran Raul Albiol, the 37-year-old Modric has played 482 matches for Los Blancos and been a key component to illustrious success in gleaning five Champions League trophies, three LaLiga titles and two Copa del Rey cups among a wealth of further honours.

He has been an incredible cog for Madrid and Croatia, and if Barella makes a move to Anfield, he can ramp the club into "different gear", as he was praised by presenter Jack Collins.

Keaton Jennings’ career-best 185 not out – his fourth Championship century of the season – gave Yorkshire a day of frustration at Chester-le-Street

ECB Reporters Network22-Jun-2016
ScorecardKeaton Jennings’ vigilant career-best continued a prolific season•Stu Forster/Getty ImagesKeaton Jennings’ career-best 185 not out, his fourth century of the season, transformed Durham’s fortunes on the third day of their Specsavers County Championship match at home to Yorkshire.On 105 for 4 when Paul Collingwood joined the left-handed opener, Durham still trailed by 46. But the captain contributed 61 to a stand of 117, then Usman Arshad capitalised on the fatigue of a depleted attack.He helped to put on 156 for the seventh wicket, beating by one his previous best of 83, as Durham reached 452 for 8 at the close, leading by 301.Durham coach Jon Lewis said: “That was an exceptional innings by Keaton. He is very tired but he’ll be raring to go again in the morning. For three years he has been as hard a worker as you would wish to meet. He’s a very focused guy who wants to be the best he can be all the time. But he has found a better work-life balance so he is more comfortable in himself and doesn’t put himself under as much pressure.”Yorkshire had to turn to the occasional off spin of Adam Lyth, Kane Williamson and Jack Leaning, but after Ben Coad brought about an early run-out his maiden first-class wicket came too late for jubilation.Conditions eased throughout the day, but Jennings did well to survive a tricky first half hour, and it was not until the tenth over that Jennings added to his overnight 46.He had to shrug off an early setback when Michael Richardson was run out for 13.A ball from Steve Patterson thudded into his pads and ran off towards square leg. Jennings called him for a single, but he hesitated before responding and was well short when Coad’s throw hit the stumps.The only other risk Jennings took was after driving Tim Bresnan’s first delivery with the second new ball through extra cover. He just scrambled home for the third run, which took him to his century off 228 balls.Despite his vigilance, he did not lose sight of any opportunity to cut and drive through the off side.Collingwood profited from several steers to the third man boundary, although he was fortunate on 19 to survive an upper cut off Josh Shaw, which brushed Andy Hodd’s gloves.Bresnan and Patterson had a huge burden to bear and Patterson looked forlorn when an impassioned lbw appeal against Collingwood was turned down.The home captain added only six before the next appeal was upheld, earning a wicket for Williamson, who was once deemed to have a suspect action.Arshad played some audacious strokes, launching Lyth down the ground for two big sixes and nonchalantly running Bresnan to third man for his seventh four to reach 50 off 66 balls.He was missed by Alex Lees at slip on 33, delaying Coad’s maiden wicket. It came with the total on 408 when Arshad dabbled outside off stump and edged to Hodd.Dealing mainly in singles towards the end of a tiring day, Jennings went past his previous best of 177, made against Durham University at the start of last season. There were no more centuries and he was dropped for the last six games.

Manchester City target Florian Wirtz is a 'brilliant footballer', though it may be difficult to secure his services at the Etihad Stadium this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Florian Wirtz?

As per 90min, Manchester City are said to have 'reignited their interest' in Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid Wirtz, who has recently overcome a long-term knee ligament issue.

The outlet state that attraction toward the 20-year-old is vast, with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United and Barcelona are all monitoring his situation.

One report from Spain has signalled that Wirtz will not depart the BayArena in the forthcoming transfer window and it may take up to £88 million for Bayer Leverkusen to sanction his exit.

Capology understands that the Germany international earns around €48,077 (£42,000) on his current terms at Bayer Leverkusen on a contract that runs until June 2027.

Writing in his column for GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has suggested that Manchester City could 'mould' Wirtz into a superstar at the Etihad.

Jones wrote: "A brilliant footballer who is just 20-years-old and can be moulded into whatever City would like him to be. There has been a price-tag of £88million put on him which is off-putting though and further than that he is keen to remain at Bayer Leverkusen for one more season."

Would Florian Wirtz be a good signing for Manchester City in the summer?

Wirtz certainly has a lot of potential and could feasibly be developed into a world-class star at Manchester City under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola.

In 2022/23, the 20-year-old has been in fine form for Bayer Leverkusen, registering four goals and eight assists in 19 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

The Germany international has also illustrated his ingenuity regularly this season, successfully carrying out 79 shot-creating actions for his side, as per FBRef.

His versatility would also make him a handy asset for Guardiola to call upon, given that he can operate in attacking midfield, centre-forward or on the left flank if needed.

WhoScored notes that Wirtz has gained an average match rating of 7.25/10 for his exploits on the field, making him Bayer Leverkusen's most consistent performer this term.

Manchester City could do with a statement signing following the news that they look to have missed out on Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid. Bringing Wirtz in come the summer would certainly appease the Citizens' support.

Liverpool are scouting Orkun Kokcu ahead of a summer move as they look to strengthen their midfield, according to a report.

What's going on with Kokcu?

The Feyenoord star is seemingly attracting interest from a number of clubs, and Liverpool are not the only side to have scouted him recently.

The 22-year-old has been in sensational form for his club this season, scoring 12 and assisting five in 42 appearances from central midfield.

The Turkey international is on the radar for some of the Premier League's biggest clubs, and he could be a solution to Liverpool's midfield problems.

With midfield departures in the offing this summer, he could be a younger option to add attacking threat to their midfield trio.

A report from Sport Witness relayed a story by De Telegraaf journalist Marcel van der Kraan which revealed that Liverpool were amongst the clubs scouting him recently.

“In recent weeks, the stands have been packed with scouts, including from the top six of the Premier League. Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Liverpool; everyone had scouts there," he claimed.

Where would he fit in for Liverpool?

He could slot straight into the midfield three and inject some much-needed creativity into the middle of the park for Jurgen Klopp's side.

No Liverpool central midfielder has more assists than Jordan Henderson this season, who leads the way on a lowly three, whilst he, Curtis Jones and Thiago Alcantara are yet to contribute a single goal.

Kokcu's impressive output this season suggests that he could provide an upgrade in those central areas, which would make the side less reliant on the full-backs and front three for creativity and goals.

A central midfielder has been a necessity for a while, and whilst a move for Jude Bellingham now looks to be off the cards, Kokcu has been linked alongside Mason Mount and Matheus Nunes.

With Fabinho and Henderson ageing, and with Thiago continuing to struggle with injury problems, multiple signings in this area may be necessary, and a younger talent like Kokcu alongside more proven players could be the ideal way to rebuild the squad after a disappointing season.

The Reds are currently in seventh place ahead of their meeting with Tottenham, and a top-four spot looks unlikely. A big summer window awaits Klopp as he aims to build a side that can compete with Manchester City at the top end of the table once again.

Tottenham Hotspur could look at appointing Luis Enrique as their next manager, with the coach among the remaining candidates to take over at the end of the season, according to a recent report from The Athletic.

Who will Tottenham appoint as manager?

According to The Telegraph, Tottenham have compiled a four-man shortlist of managers, with former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann said to be their top target, although his wage demands could prove to be a huge obstacle.

However, Spurs are now said to be losing faith they will be able to appoint the German for the 2023/24 campaign, as he wants his next project to have a squad capable of instant success, which he does not believe would be the case in north London.

As such, chairman Daniel Levy may need to turn his attentions elsewhere, having recently been linked with a move for Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, while Maurizio Sarri has also emerged as a potential option.

Despite the recent setback in Tottenham's pursuit of Nagelsmann, The Athletic report the 35-year-old is among the remaining candidates to take over as manager, alongside Enrique.

The Spaniard has also made it past the first stage, with Spurs recently narrowing down their list of targets, however they are still yet to make a concrete breakthrough in talks with any manager.

Before they appoint a new head coach, it is detailed Levy may be keen to appoint a new director of football to replace the outgoing Fabio Paratici.

Should Tottenham appoint Luis Enrique?

Hailed as a "genius" by members of the media, there are some indications the 52-year-old would be a shrewd appointment for Spurs, given his previous success, winning nine trophies, including the Champions League, as manager of Barcelona.

That said, while winning the Champions League is always a remarkable feat, it must be noted he was in charge of a star-studded Barca side, and he has not enjoyed a great deal of success elsewhere.

The Gijon-born tactician was sacked by Spain after their elimination from the 2022 World Cup at the round of 16 stage, while he has also not managed at club level since 2017, and he's never took charge of a team outside of Spain.

As such, it would be a risk for Tottenham to appoint Enrique, and they could be better off avoiding a big-name manager, given that Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho were both unsuccessful in north London.