With this result, Sri Lanka ended a six-match ODI losing streak against West Indies stretching back to 2015
ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jun-2024Three-wicket hauls from Sugandika Kumari and Kavisha Dilhari set Sri Lanka up for their first women’s ODI win over West Indies since 2015, the hosts going 1-0 up in the three-match series in Hambantota on Saturday.Since that last win in 2015, Sri Lanka had lost their last six ODIs against West Indies going into this match.Sent in, West Indies made a strong start, getting to 75 for 1 courtesy a 68-run second-wicket stand between Hayley Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle. They lost steam after left-arm spinner Kumari broke that partnership in the 19th over, losing their last eight wickets for 120 runs. Matthews (38) apart, only Stafanie Taylor (33) got past 30, as the spinners, led by Kumari and Dilhari, chipped away.Sri Lanka’s top five managed the chase perfectly, with four of them getting past 35. Captain Chamari Athapaththu (38) and Vishmi Gunaratne (40) got them off to a solid start, putting on 88 in 13.2 overs, before Sri Lanka stumbled briefly, losing three wickets for 13 runs, with two of them falling to the medium-pace of Aaliyah Alleyne.Harshitha Samarawickrama (44*) and Hasini Perera (43), however, ensured there wouldn’t be any more major hiccups, putting on 63 for the fourth wicket to all but seal victory, before Afy Fletcher picked up a consolation wicket late in the game.
Chelsea are now stepping up their efforts to sign a “prolific” striker, who is also being targeted by Premier League rivals Arsenal, according to a report.
Blues still battling Arsenal for Sesko
Both Chelsea and Arsenal should be well-positioned to sign Benjamin Sesko this summer, given that the Slovenian has previously made it clear he would be keen on a move to London, and they continue to battle it out for his services.
Last week, it was revealed the Blues were leading the race for Sesko, despite Andrea Berta already holding direct talks over a deal for the RB Leipzig star, however, the Gunners still remain confident they will be able to get a deal over the line.
The race for the 22-year-old remains open, with the Gunners yet to make a formal bid, but he is not the only striker of interest to both Mikel Arteta and Enzo Maresca, with the London rivals also both vying to sign FC Porto’s Samu Aghehowa.
That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which has revealed that Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, are now stepping up their efforts to sign the Porto centre-forward, with the likes of Aston Villa and Arsenal also in the race.
Deal close: Chelsea now nearing agreement to sign "world-class" £25m star
The Blues could seal a move for a new signing “tomorrow”, following a recent positive development.
1 ByDominic Lund Jun 8, 2025
A deal could be on the expensive side, however, with the Portuguese club looking to receive around €70m – €75m (£59m – £63m), and they are by no means looking to force the Spaniard out the door this summer.
"Prolific" Aghehowa could be ideal Sesko alternative
With Arsenal now feeling positive about securing a deal for Sesko, the Blues may be forced to move on to alternative options, and the Porto star’s exploits in the Liga Portugal last season indicate he could be an exciting signing.
The Spain international reached the 25-goal mark in all competitions, with six of those coming in the Europa League, and at just 21-years-old, the forward is likely to have plenty of room for development.
In light of his stellar goal return last season, football talent scout Jacek Kulig also heaped praise upon the starlet, describing him as “one of Europe’s most prolific players” back in December.
That said, there may be concerns over the fact that Aghehowa is yet to prove himself in a major European league, and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, who netted a remarkable 39 goals in 33 Liga Portugal games last season, is available for a similar price.
Chelsea officially announced the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town earlier this week, after triggering his £30 million release clause, and it is believed they’re seriously pursuing another former Man City gem to accompany the Englishman and Cole Palmer.
Chelsea announce Liam Delap deal as striker pens six-year contract
The 22-year-old was Kieran McKenna’s shining light in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Ipswich, who dropped straight back down to the Championship just one season after clinching promotion.
Chelsea make "official offer" to sign "promising" striker after 20-goal season
The west Londoners are the first club to submit a bid.
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Delap bagged 12 Premier League goals for the Tractor Boys, which is impressive for an under-performing side, and Chelsea will only pay around £20 million of the clause up front with the rest due via installments (Sky Sports).
Knowing his quality, Ipswich smartly inserted a sell-on clause into the deal, hoping to make a further profit if Chelsea eventually decide he isn’t suited to them after all.
Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea
8.08
Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town
8.05
Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa
8.04
Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton
7.83
Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Town
7.55
via WhoScored
“I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach,” said Delap about his move to Chelsea.
“It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies. Growing up watching this club and how incredible it has been over the years, I wanted to come here to win trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that.
“The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective.”
Delap is in very good company at Stamford Bridge, having worked with Enzo Maresca during their time together at Eastlands, as well as Palmer, with both players coming through the academy together.
According to recent reports, Chelsea are attempting to add another ex-City academy ace to their ranks who could accompany the duo – heavily-linked Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens.
Jamie Gittens
Some media sources claim that Chelsea have already submitted an offer for Gittens, and journalist Simon Phillips says that they’re really trying to get a deal done.
Chelsea "pushing" to sign Jamie Gittens amid £20m price drop
While the consensus was that the winger would cost around £50 million, his price has now dropped to around £30 million, gifting BlueCo a £20 million discount.
Phillips also states that Chelsea are “pushing” to sign Gittens, and they have a trump card in the form of Carney Chukwuemeka, who Dortmund would ideally like to keep in the Bundesliga, so they’re actually being very open in negotiations.
“Any fee for Jamie Gittens to join from Dortmund would not be £50m, it would actually be closer to £30m,” wrote the journalist.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittensin action with Lille's Bafode Diakite
“This has now been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.
“Chelsea are pushing on Gittens, and again, our insiders believe that this will get over the line. SPTC sources have heard that Dortmund are ‘being nice’ to Chelsea in these discussions and this is likely to be because they want to keep Carney Chukwuemeka in some capacity. Gittens to Chelsea is moving, but there is other interest.
“If Chelsea sign Gittens, I do not believe that it will be the only new winger arriving this summer with Jadon Sancho now gone. Although, that ‘winger’ could just be another new attacking midfielder who is versatile and can play on the left wing as well as other positions.”
The 20-year-old bagged 12 goals and registered five assists in all competitions last season, with ex-Dortmund captain and sporting director Sebastian Kehl believing Gittens is “almost impossible to defend against” inside the penalty area.
Gittens is also represented by the same agency as Romeo Lavia and Tyrique George, which could further help to facilitate a deal.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is set to be backed over what is expected to be another eventful summer transfer window at Stamford Bridge, especially after their now-confirmed qualification for the Champions League next season.
Chelsea handed summer transfer boost with Champions League spot confirmed
While Maresca refused to get drawn into any questions about the summer window in his post-match press conference, there is little denying that Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday has seriously boosted the club’s recruitment strategy.
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The Blues are giving Mikel Arteta serious competition.
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Chelsea’s finish in the Premier League top five, courtesy of a second-half strike from Cobham academy graduate Levi Colwill against Forest, means BlueCo have been handed a significant potential windfall of around £64 million.
Rank
Team
Points
GD
3
Man City
71
+28
4
Chelsea
69
+21
5
Newcastle
66
+21
6
Aston Villa
66
+7
7
Nottingham Forest
65
+12
The Blues should earn around £48 million just from finishing fourth in the table, while Chelsea are also guaranteed £15.7 million from qualifying for the Champions League, even if Maresca’s side lose every game and go out in the league phase (Sky Sports).
Chelsea manager EnzoMarescacelebrates after the match
Alongside the financial boost, Chelsea will also have far more player-pull in the market, given they’ll be competing in Europe’s most prestigious competition next term.
In an x-rated celebratory statement, following their Sunday heroics, Maresca sent a message to his critics after Chelsea’s place.
“I didn’t have any doubt about the players. The doubt was from outside. All the ones that have the answers or the ones that have the truth, they were saying that we are too young, we are not good enough, they were waiting for Aston Villa to drop points for us to achieve the Champions League,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s finish to the season.
“They were saying that we were not able to win on this pitch because we are too young, because we are not experienced. Unfortunately for them, they have all been wrong. All the ones that have the truth and have the answer to everything. So in English, how you say? F off to all of them, because the players deserve that. The effort they have been doing is fantastic.”
Chelsea could now sign two strikers with Liam Delap set for imminent decision
According to journalist Simon Phillips, their Champions League status now means that Chelsea could sign not one, but two, strikers this summer.
One of their key targets, Ipswich Town star Liam Delap, is set to decide on his next destination “this week”, and Chelsea are firmly in contention for the Englishman after holding talks with his camp (Fabrizio Romano).
However, Maresca’s side are keen on bringing in one of their two potential new centre-forwards before the Club World Cup, so given Delap’s desire to play at the Under-21 Euros with England, this could pose a slight issue.
In terms of other high-profile number nines who could join alongside Delap, it has been reported in the last two days that Chelsea are now “really pushing” for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.
Chelsea chiefs have now offered a pacey striker personal terms to join the Blues, with an agreement described as just a “matter of time”.
Chelsea set for UEFA Conference League final
After qualifying for the Champions League and confirming an almighty boost for Chelsea ahead of next season, Enzo Maresca can also sign off his debut season in the dugout with a piece of major silverware.
Premier League star wants to join Chelsea more than Man Utd after U-turn
He’s leaning more towards Stamford Bridge.
ByEmilio Galantini May 27, 2025
The Italian, bullish in his post-match press conference after their vital 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, told critics to ‘eff off’ after Chelsea sealed fourth spot and a place in Europe’s most prestigious competition for 2025/2026.
Despite their excellent finish to the Premier League season, with Chelsea briefly contending for the title at one early stage and winning six out of their final eight top-flight games to confirm a top five place, it hasn’t been an easy campaign for Maresca overall.
Rank
Team
Points
GD
Man City
71
+28
Chelsea
69
+21
Newcastle
66
+21
6
Aston Villa
66
+7
7
Nottingham Forest
65
+12
Some tepid performances and results threatened Chelsea’s chase for Europe, with Maresca’s side suffering a damp patch of form soon after the turn of 2025. This prompted some supporters to turn on the ex-Leicester City boss, which in-turn caused concern from critics.
“When the fans turn on the manager, it’s never a good sign and it’s something the board will have taken note of, I’m sure,” said ex-Premier League scout Mick Brown to Football Insider back in April.
“They’ve got the core of what could be a very good squad with a little bit of work and improvement. I expect he will be backed in the summer because everything you hear from Chelsea is that the board are going to stick by him.
Chelsea manager EnzoMaresca
“But as I said, when the fans start to turn, it’s never a good sign and questions will be asked.”
While it hasn’t been plain sailing for Maresca, Chelsea can end 2024/25 with the knowledge of Champions League football, and if they beat Real Betis on Wednesday evening, the Stamford Bridge side will also have a trophy to show for their efforts.
BlueCo also have every intention of backing Maresca in the transfer market, and are reportedly turning their attention to sister club Strasbourg in pursuit of a rising star.
Chelsea offer Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha a six-year contract
Reports in France previously stated that Emanuel Emegha was attracting serious interest from Chelsea, and talks had been held with the 22-year-old’s representatives (Foot Mercato).
Now, journalist Santi Aouna has shared an update on the matter via X, claiming that Chelsea have offered Emegha a six-year deal and an agreement is inevitable.
The 6 foot 5 Dutchman has been ranked as the fastest player in Ligue 1 this season, which showcases his serious explosiveness and power as a forward player, and Emegha is said to be valued at £21 million.
This could end up being an astute pre-contract deal for 2026 and an ideal signing for the future, especially considering that he ended this season as one of the French top flight’s top scorers with 14.
Sheffield United eased past Bristol City once more at Bramall Lane to reach the Championship playoff final in emphatic style.
Over two legs, the Blades would run out as comprehensive 6-0 victors, with the Robins actually showing some fight in the early stages in South Yorkshire during the second leg, only for Chris Wilder’s hosts to eventually show off their superiority again to clinch a second successive 3-0 win.
Now, Wilder’s side are only one match away from an instant return to the dizzy heights of the Premier League, with the United display overall just oozing class from several standout performers.
Sheffield United's key performers in the second leg
The Blades did have a three-goal cushion to fall back on heading into the late-night clash at Bramall Lane, but that didn’t culminate in the home side resting on their laurels to try and edge out a result.
Instead, the likes of Kieffer Moore and Gustavo Hamer looked dangerous throughout in the attacking areas, with the pair up top sharing out the first two goals courtesy of two assists from a rampaging Harrison Burrows.
The ex-Coventry City man’s effort was helped into the net by a fortuitous deflection, but neither he nor a beaming Wilder on the sidelines would care as United booked their rightful place at Wembley.
Away from those already named ensuring United’s night was straightforward, Michael Cooper did have to stay alert early on when Liam Manning’s visitors came racing out of the traps. In total, the ex-Plymouth Argyle stopper would make six saves to preserve his team’s clean sheet.
But, not every single United face played out of their skin during the second leg victory, with one out-of-sorts attacker now surely fearful for his starting spot at Wembley.
Sheffield United dud could now be axed at Wembley
The beauty of Monday night’s affair was the fact that Wilder could rest a handful of United players here and there, knowing that the 3-0 lead from the first leg gave them an immediate advantage.
Yet, Tom Cannon – who remained on the bench throughout at Ashton Gate – didn’t exactly put in a performance that is now befitting of a start at Wembley when handed his own first-team chance.
Minutes played
62
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Touches
18
Shots on target
0
Accurate passes
2/5 (40%)
Total duels won
5/9
Frustratingly, Cannon’s lacklustre showing against the visitors from Bristol was indicative of his whole goal-shy spell at Bramall Lane to date, with only one goal coming his way since making the £10m move from Leicester City back in January.
Judging by the grim numbers above, the Irishman very rarely looked like adding to his meagre one-goal account, with his shooting all off once more when failing to register a single on-target effort at Max O’Leary’s busy net.
To add insult to injury, his link-up play with the likes of Moore up top was also way off, with Cannon only managing two accurate passes all game, meaning he closed out his dire 62-minute stint with just a 40% pass accuracy next to his name.
The obvious alteration Wilder could make ahead of the final is to bring Tyrese Campbell back into the first team fold, considering it took the ex-Stoke City striker around 20 minutes of action to assist Callum O’Hare’s late goal.
After all, it would be an almighty risk on Wilder’s end to persist with Cannon when other attackers are in a richer vein of form, especially if the 22-year-old’s wastefulness costs his side big time in their one-off shot for immediate promotion.
Premier League ready: Sheffield United have struck gold on incredible star
This Sheffield United star is already Premier League ready ahead of the Blades’ mission to go up via the playoffs.
Tottenham Hotspur are in talks with the representatives of a forward once tipped to bag 40 goals per season, as chairman Daniel Levy and the Spurs recruitment team aim to make him their first signing of the summer window.
Ange Postecoglou praises Spurs squad ahead of Bodo/Glimt
The Lilywhites are set to take on Bodo/Glimt in their vital Europa League semi-final second leg this evening.
£8m manager "wants the Tottenham job" with Postecoglou under threat
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ByEmilio Galantini May 7, 2025
Ange Postecoglou and the squad travel to Norway knowing that, if they avoid a humbling defeat, Tottenham will book their place in the Europa final and present themselves with a golden opportunity to win the club’s first piece of major silverware in over 17 years.
Goals from Brennan Johnson, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke handed Spurs a crucial win at home in the first leg, and despite a late consolation goal from Ulrik Salnes, the 3-1 victory means Postecoglou’s side go into tonight with an important two-goal cushion.
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Aston Villa (away)
May 18th
Brighton (home)
May 25th
However, Bodo/Glimt’s very impressive home record is a cause for concern for Postecoglou. The Aspymyra Stadion, located above the Arctic Circle in freezing-cold temperatures, has become an icy fortress for the Scandinavians, with Kjetil Knutsen’s side winning 28 of their last 34 European matches hosted on their artificial turf.
Postecoglou will be wary of this, but the Australian has praised his team’s mentality in Europe so far when it comes to these big knockout games.
“I think all the lads have done well and right through the campaign,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s European form.
Tottenham Hotspur manager AngePostecogloureacts
“Particularly through the knockout stages in the second legs, whatever we’ve needed to do, they’ve done it, within the confines of our game plan and being organised, whether that was when we had to beat AZ at home and it could have got nervy and the boys handed that really well.
“We had to go to Frankfurt and win and tough venue and imposing atmosphere, and again I think the lads handled it really well, so it’ll be a similar sort of mindset tomorrow.”
Tottenham open talks with Mathys Tel over permanent deal
Bayern Munich loanee Mathys Tel will likely play a role in tonight’s clash, and behind-the-scenes, work has begun on making his stay at Spurs permanent.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, writing in a piece for The Boot Room, Tottenham have opened talks with Tel’s camp and are suggesting they want the 20-year-old to remain in north London.
The club have an option to buy him worth around £45 million inserted into his loan deal, but it is believed they aim to whittle down this price tag and re-negotiate more favourable terms with Bayern.
For their part, Vincent Kompany’s side are open to selling him for good this summer, though it is unclear what their final demands would be for Tel at this point if they agree to make concessions on the initially agreed £45m fee.
Dubbed “very quick” and “strong” by ex-Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann, the tactician also once claimed Tel could become one of the best strikers in world football, all while backing him to eventually score “40 goals a season”.
Tel has taken a while to get going in a Spurs jersey, but immediate adaptation to Europe’s most competitive league can often be challenging. Despite his slow start, there is reason to believe the exciting starlet could go on to become an excellent player.
Ahead of what could be a big summer, PIF have reportedly joined the race to sign an in-demand Premier League midfielder who scored in a 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle United this season.
Newcastle eyeing impressive summer
With Champions League football in their grasp, Newcastle could be back to flexing their financial muscles for the first time in two transfer windows this summer. PSR constraints have forced the Magpies to take a step back in the last year or so but it remains to be seen whether those same obstacles are in place this time around.
Of course, without them, Newcastle’s spending could take Eddie Howe’s side to another level given PIF’s position among football’s richest owners. Just who arrives with that potential spending power in mind remains to be seen, but that hasn’t stopped the rumours from coming thick and fast.
Names such as Liam Delap and Ademola Lookman have both found themselves in the headlines in recent weeks, with Newcastle among the sides interested in securing their services. There’s no doubt that both players would add that extra injection of quality in Newcastle’s squad as Howe seeks the depth he’s desperately lacked in recent times.
Liam Delap against Manchester United for Ipswich Town.
What is certain is that the Newcastle boss deserves to be backed this summer if it is possible. Howe has not only ended the club’s long wait for a trophy this season, but he also has them sat as high as third and on course for Champions League qualification all without significant arrivals in the last year.
With four games to go, the former Bournemouth boss recently had his say on the crucial battle for European football, telling reporters: “It will go down to the wire. The important thing today was that we bounced back from last week. We have been very consistent, and now we have four huge games.”
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He’s already a full international.
ByTom Cunningham Apr 29, 2025
Of course, he will need no reminder over the impact that Champions League football would have on Newcastle’s transfer business, especially in pursuit of one particular midfielder.
Newcastle join James McAtee race
According to Esteemed Kompany, PIF have now joined the race to sign James McAtee for Newcastle this summer, standing alongside the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund in a European tug-of-war for his signature. With just one year left on his Manchester City deal too, the academy graduate will reportedly be available for just €30m (£26m) in the coming months.
Newcastle should, of course, already know all about McAtee’s quality after he scored in a 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle for City earlier this season in a moment that showed only a glimpse of his full potential.
Pep Guardiola hasn’t shied away from praising the 22-year-old this season, either. The Spaniard told reporters after McAtee’s hat-trick against Salford in the FA Cup: “I am so happy for him, he is a special player.
“A hat trick is not easy. He has an incredible sense in front of goal, he has the right tempo, he changed the rhythm to score and I am very happy for him.”
Tottenham Hotspur technical director Johan Lange is believed to have held recent talks over bringing a “special” player to Spurs, with the Lilywhites showcasing a newly-found interest in his services.
Ange Postecoglou under pressure as Tottenham make plans
Under-fire head coach Ange Postecoglou could depart north London regardless of what happens in Europe (John Cross), leading to chairman Daniel Levy and the board to make contingency plans in the event they sack him.
Tottenham plan to ask £10m manager to replace Postecoglou instead of Iraola
He’s climbed up Daniel Levy’s managerial shortlist.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 17, 2025
It has been a lacklustre campaign for the Lilywhites on all fronts, with Postecoglou suffering from a serious lack of player availability midway through the season after an injury crisis swept through the Spurs squad.
Nottingham Forest (home)
April 21st
Liverpool (away)
April 27th
West Ham (away)
May 3rd
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Aston Villa (away)
May 18th
This seriously debilitated the 59-year-old’s options, but Postecoglou has attracted fierce criticism regardless, as Tottenham endure their worst ever Premier League season, with 17 top flight defeats in total so far.
Tottenham firing Postecoglou after just two years in charge is a very real possibility, with Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Brentford boss Thomas Frank all linked with the job in this past fortnight.
Bournemouth are planning a new contract for Iraola amid Spurs’ interest, though, so it is believed the likes of Silva and Frank are becoming more genuine contenders to replace Postecoglou at Tottenham.
Tottenham would also want a new manager as soon as possible, so they could work with their potential fresh appointment on summer transfers ahead of the first window’s opening on June 1st (Pete O’Rourke).
However, Lange appears to be making a head start on that himself, according to a fresh report out of Germany this week.
Lange holds Tottenham talks over Eintracht Frankfurt star Kaua Santos
According to Sport Bild, the Dane is taking a firm interest in Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos, following the Brazilian’s heroics during Tottenham’s Europa League quarter-final first leg clash with the Bundesliga side.
Santos made a series of excellent saves in an overall stunning performance to keep Spurs at bay, impressing on-lookers and the north Londoners themselves, who witnessed his quality first-hand at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Sport Bild report that Lange held Tottenham talks with Eintracht over Santos after their encounter, with the 22-year-old shot-stopper making quite an impression after stepping in for the injured Kevin Trapp this season.
The South American has already been praised for his excellence in-between the sticks, but he won’t come cheap, as Sport Bild highlights that Eintracht value him at around £50 million.
“Kaua did very well and showed what we have seen from him in training over the last few weeks and months,” said manager Dino Toppmoller.
“He’s a very courageous goalkeeper.”
Meanwhile, Santos has also attracted acclaim from his teammates, with defender Robin Koch suggesting he has that unique “special” quality which makes him stand out among goalkeeping peers.
However, while Guglielmo Vicario has come under some fire lately, it is debatable whether Spurs need to splash out that sort of money on a keeper right now.
Tottenham chiefs are internally discussing the possibility of appointing a highly-rated alternative to Andoni Iraola, with current boss Ange Postecoglou currently hanging onto his job by a thread after an underwhelming Premier League campaign.
Spurs' managerial shortlist to replace Ange Postecoglou
The Australian has led Spurs to seventeen defeats in the top flight alone, and a total of 21 losses in all competitions, which makes for inexcusable reading from the perspective of a ‘big six’ side.
£4m-per-year boss "emerging" as favourite for Spurs job after Iraola blow
There’s another frontrunner coming into play.
4 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 15, 2025
There is a serious case to be made that injuries to key players throughout 2024/2025 have really debilitated Postecoglou’s options, making it a huge task to make any success of this Premier League campaign, but the sheer number of losses is far too reminiscent of relegation form.
Nottingham Forest (home)
April 21st
Liverpool (away)
April 27th
West Ham (away)
May 3rd
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Aston Villa (away)
May 18th
Tottenham’s entire campaign is now riding on their Europa League quarter-final second leg away to Eintracht Frankfurt, with the tie currently level 1-1 on aggregate and Postecoglou set for his most important game as manager on Thursday.
As tensions between the fanbase and Spurs ownership reach breaking point, chairman Daniel Levy is under serious pressure, and his next managerial appointment will need to be the right one, if they do indeed decide to part company with Postecoglou.
The arrival of CEO and ex-Arsenal chief Vinai Venkatesham will also play a major role in who they appoint, with the new boardroom member and Levy already having a number of managerial candidates on their agenda.
According to recent reports, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is a top target for Tottenham, but the Spaniard is now more inclined to snub their advances and remain at the Vitality Stadium for another season (The Telegraph).
This means that Fulham manager Marco Silva is now emerging as a frontrunner for the Spurs job (Alex Crook), but there are other names on Levy’s agenda.
Fulham manager Marco Silva.
Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi, ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzić, free agent Thiago Motta, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and Brentford head coach Thomas Frank have all been cited as names to watch out for in the last two months, but an update has surfaced on the latter.
Tottenham internally discuss appointing Thomas Frank
According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham have held internal talks over appointing Frank, who could be another alternative to Iraola, with the 42-year-old increasingly likely to remain at Bournemouth right now.
The Dane guided Brentford to promotion from the Championship in 2021, after beating Swansea City 2-0 in the Play-Off final at Wembley, and Frank hasn’t looked back since then.
The 50-year-old has since transformed Brentford into a solid Premier League side, despite operating on a shoe-string budget and losing key players, having taken charge of 311 matches for the Bees overall as a legendary figurehead.
Frank’s earned a reputation for being a “class” manager in that period, not to mention gaining the respect of his elite peers, like Man City’s Pep Guardiola, who called him “one of the best” in the business.
“They are an extraordinary team,” said the City boss.
“What they do always makes sense. Every corner is a headache. They are compact. This season, they have a high press. Thomas is one of the best.”
Other reports state that Frank is also expected to leave Brentford this summer, making him potentially available for hire.