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Manchester United have an advantage in the race to sign Jean-Clair Todibo this summer, according to journalist Jonathan Johnson.

Is Todibo having a good season?

The Red Devils could require defensive additions once the summer transfer window arrives, should Harry Maguire move on, as seems to be widely expected. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez will surely continue as Erik ten Hag's first-choice centre-back pairing, and if Victor Lindelof staying put, bringing in someone else to battle for minutes could make complete sense.

Todibo is one player who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, having impressed for Nice, with the 23-year-old making 30 appearances in Ligue 1 and 3.2 clearances and 2.3 tackles per game. Liverpool and Newcastle United are also believed to be in the conversation, with a summer exit looking on the cards.

Is Todibo a target for Man United?

Speaking to Caught Offside, Johnson provided an update on the situation, saying United and their fellow Premier League clubs would have a financial advantage over Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign Todibo:

"Jean-Clair Todibo is definitely a player attracting a lot of interest ahead of the summer transfer window. Let’s not forget, the Nice defender moved to Barcelona at a very young age, so he’s already got some experience of playing at the elite level, and he’s since moved away and developed his game, and he’s come on leaps and bounds since joining Nice.

"Todibo is wanted inside and outside of France, he’s been of interest to PSG and I think he’s someone they’ll continue to look at, though he’d come with quite a hefty price tag. I think the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle, his admirers from the Premier League, would probably have an advantage there."

United signing Todibo could be a great piece of business, considering the young defender has been lauded as the "complete package" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, as well as "one of the most underrated CBs in Europe at the moment."

As mentioned, he could come in as a strong backup option to Varane and Martinez initially, but slowly push to become a regular, particularly if the former continues to struggle with injury problems.

The one-cap France Under-21 international must have good chance of eventually being capped at senior level and he could see United as the perfect place to further enhance his reputation, especially if they qualify for next season's Champions League.

Newcastle United media members were less than impressed with the performance of Anthon Gordon against Southampton.

How did Gordon play against Southampton?

The Magpies were forced to come from behind on Sunday after a sloppy first half in which Saints took the lead through Stuart Armstrong. The visitors weren't exactly on their A-game either in what was a frustrating encounter, as both teams could really only muster half-chances for much of the opening 45 minutes.

One man who did have a couple of opportunities however was Gordon, who was handed just his third Premier League start since arriving at Newcastle. The former Everton starlet is yet to find a top flight goal or assist in a Magpies shirt, and his misfortune in front of goal continued in a poor display.

According to Sofascore, the £45m man was one of the worst players on the pitch before he was withdrawn for eventual match-winner Callum Wilson, losing possesion a whopping 17 times in just 45 minutes, around once every two and a half minutes.

He also missed the target with both of his shots, completed just one cross and won only three of his nine contested duels.

What are the media saying about Newcaste vs Saints?

While there was unsurprisingly plenty of praise for the phenomenal Wilson, Gordon drew the ire of the North East media.

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards said the winger missed "two really good chances" and admitted he wasn't remotely surprised he came off at half-time, while The Athletic's Chris Waugh also noted Gordon had "wasted a few chances".

Wiht likely Champions League qualification sure to mean Newcastle can attract top players in the market once again this summer, Gordon may soon be running out of time to prove he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

Tottenham Hotspur are also keen to open talks with Feyenoord boss Arne Slot amid their serious interest in Luis Enrique, according to reports.

Who could be the next Spurs manager?

It's been over a month since Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy mutually decided to part ways with former boss Antonio Conte, with the search still well and truly on.

The Lilywhites have been linked to a host of manager options in the last month alone with Mauricio Pochettino, Enrique, Julian Nagelsmann and Zinedine Zidane standing out as their most prestigous options who are readily-available.

However, there are certain obstacles behind-the-scenes standing in the way of immediate appointment as interim boss Cristian Stellini takes charge until the end of this Premier League season.

Pochettino, for instance, is reportedly wanted by members of the Spurs squad but Levy and club officials have different views on who should replace Conte.

Meanwhile, Spurs will have to compete with London rivals for the signature of Enrique, given he is also a firm candidate to succeed Graham Potter at Stamford Bridge.

One coach who presents a solution is Slot, with the only other English sides in contention being West Ham and Crystal Palace (The Times). Tottenham could arguably have better pulling power than their city neighbours and reports suggest they're willing to invest in his capture from Feyenoord.

Now, as per 90min, there has been a further update on their interest in Slot as they also seek talks with Enrique. It is believed that Levy and co are 'also keen to speak' with the 44-year-old on their managerial vacancy.

His impressive work in the Netherlands, where Feyenoord are on the brink of an Eredivisie title, appears to have earned him credit at Spurs as the club eye negotiations. It's said in the report that Burnley boss Vincent Kompany and Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim are two other names being considered.

What could Slot bring to Spurs?

Barring his brilliant season at Feyenoord, Slot oh so nearly brought home a UEFA Conference League title at the end of last season – just losing out in the final to Jose Mourinho's Roma.

The 4-2-2 boss has been called an 'ultra-attacking' tactician by Dutch football experts and other members of the media hold Slot in very high esteem. Indeed, reporter Karan Tejwani even called him one of the best in his country, saying this before Feyenoord's Conference League final last year:

"Arne Slot’s done an impressive job with Feyenoord this season, and with AZ in the years before. One of the best coaches in the Netherlands. Adding a European trophy to a fine league season would be a brilliant first campaign."

Even before his title-chasing campaign, Slot was already highly regarded, and repeated links suggest he could be considered for the long-run.

Chelsea's hopes of securing a European finish in the Premier League this season have been handed a big boost this week, as Raheem Sterling has returned to first-team training after a spell out injured.

What's the latest on Sterling's injury issue?

The former Manchester City and Liverpool star was ruled out of recent games against Leicester City and Everton through injury, which came as a big blow to Graham Potter after his impressive goalscoring performance against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

He wasn't fit enough to earn a call-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad during the international break but has used the time to recover from his setback, and is now back in training ahead of this weekend's game against Aston Villa.

Could Sterling could reignite Chelsea?

It has been a tough time for Sterling since moving to Stamford Bridge last summer, as he has managed just four goals and two assists in 19 Premier League appearances, averaging a disappointing 6.73 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

However, he had impressed in each of his last two outings, earning 7.36 and 7.31 ratings from WhoScored in the wins against Leeds United and Dortmund, suggesting his return could be timely.

Despite his struggles in the final third so far this campaign, the England international is still the second top-scorer in Potter's squad behind only Kai Havertz, which suggests that he can be relied upon to deliver in the final third.

With the Blues looking like they are finally starting to click after a barren run of form in front of goal, the opportunities will surely start to arrive for Chelsea's attackers, and Sterling will surely be one to benefit, helping to reignite the club in the process.

The 28-year-old notched 131 goals and 95 assists during his time at the Etihad and Chelsea need to start seeing those numbers to justify bringing him to the club on a mammoth £325k-per-week deal last summer.

Former Premier League striker Tony Cascarino was full of praise for the Jamaican-born winger on talkSPORT last season, saying:

“Raheem Sterling has just been frightening. The year he has had since the Euros – he was brilliant then.

“This season, I thought, when they signed Jack Grealish I though Raheem might be a bit part player in this City team but he’s become an absolute permanent fixture. Left or right, he is ripping people apart."

Therefore, if Potter can unleash this version of Sterling in the final few months of the season, then the Blues have a real chance of surging up the table and ensuring that they have some form of European football next year.

Arsenal are reportedly targeting a summer move for Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli, and could offer Kieran Tierney in a potential swap deal.

The Lowdown: Tierney on his way out?

Arsenal are reportedly ‘open to offers’ for Tierney this summer, and value him at around £30m.

Newcastle United are thought to have him ‘firmly’ on their radar, and the Gunners could look to cash in.

The Latest: Swap with Locatelli?

As per Italian news outlet Calciomercatoweb, the Gunners are targeting a move for Locatelli this summer, and are offering Tierney in exchange.

However, that offer would ‘not convince’ Juve to sell, inside the North London club would likely have to offer money up front, as well as Tierney.

The Verdict: Avoid?

Given Mohamed Elneny’s long-term injury, and the fact that Thomas Partey is injury-prone, Mikel Arteta’s team should be signing another midfielder this summer.

Hailed as a ‘deep-lying orchestrator’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Locatelli has a number of traits that makes him a great all-round midfielder, and at six-foot-one, he should be able to cope with the physical nature of the Premier League.

However, losing Tierney to sign him would leave Arsenal short in the left-back area, with only Oleksandr Zinchenko to pick from in the senior squad, and Nuno Tavares facing an uncertain future after his loan spell at Marseille.

Nonetheless, Locatelli would be a solid signing at the Emirates Stadium, but Tierney should not need to be sacrificed to get him.

Chelsea are considering a move to sign Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson this summer, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Ferguson profiled

The Irishman first arrived at The Amex when he joined the Seagulls’ youth ranks from Bohemians back in 2021, where he’s since forced his way into the senior first-team fold.

The 18-year-old’s contract on the south coast isn’t set to expire until 2026, but having impressed during his seven appearances in the Premier League this season, is generating interest ahead of the upcoming window, particularly from Stamford Bridge.

The Latest: Chelsea eyeing Ferguson

According to The Sun, Chelsea, alongside London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, are both ‘weighing up’ an approach for Ferguson this summer.

Todd Boehly and Co reportedly rate the teenager ‘highly’, and Brighton actually recruited him when Graham Potter was at the club, so they will already have an existing connection.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Ferguson has been described as a ‘complete’ striker by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and should the opportunity to sign him arise, Chelsea have got a no-brainer of a decision to make.

The Bettystown-born talent has scored ten goals and provided five assists in 20 outings across all competitions this term, and he’s averaging 1.7 shots per top-flight game.

Standing at 6 foot 2, he would offer a different dimension in the final third with his physicality and also has the versatility to operate in four other attacking positions.

Ferguson’s price tag is currently unknown but Boehly isn’t one to shy away from splashing the cash to secure his targets, and that’s exactly what he needs to do if he wants to beat his competitors to his signature.

Leeds United are still without a permanent manager to take over from Jesse Marsch at Elland Road, with former youth coach Michael Skubala taking the reins for forthcoming fixtures.

The caretaker has given glimpses of his capabilities when he led the Whites to a draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford last week, and he has been confirmed as the coach who will lead the team in their must-win relegation six-pointer against Everton at Goodison Park this weekend.

The Whites are teetering on the edge of the Premier League relegation zone, just one point clear of Saturday’s opponents in 18th, so it will be imperative that Skubala picks up the crucial points needed to widen the gap between Leeds and the jaws of potential relegation back to the Championship.

As a result, the precarious position in which they find themselves will require caution from the powerbrokers at the club when appointing the next permanent manager should they do so before the end of the season, as the wrong appointment could be an absolute disaster and cause major uproar should it lead to the drop.

A silver lining has emerged, though, with stalwart Luke Ayling signing a contract extension to remain at the West Yorkshire club until the summer of 2024, which means the new manager will have the experienced right-back at his disposal whenever they take charge at Elland Road.

One manager who has been linked with the head coach vacancy this week is Andoni Iraola, as the Elland Road hierarchy continue talks with the Rayo Vallecano manager, who is set to be out of contract with the Spanish club this summer.

Could Iraola get the best out of Ayling?

The 40-year-old has had a limited managerial career so far, although his invaluable experience as a player could be hugely valuable to Ayling over the remainder of his time at Leeds.

Iraola was a combative right-back in his playing career, tallying 551 appearances, 38 goals and 47 assists. Most of his playing time was earned with Athletic Bilbao, completing 12 years of service with the Basque club before moving onto New York City FC, playing under Patrick Vieira.

The now-Crystal Palace manager held his former player in high regard in terms of his presence on the pitch when coaching him in the latter stages of career in America, saying of Iraola’s qualities: “A lot of players get a lot of credit but the work he does on and off the field deserves recognition.

“There are players who work really hard for the team but never get mentioned and those kind of guys are really quite special because they sacrifice themselves for the team. Andoni is the perfect image of a team player – everyone loves him on and off the field.”

Across 31 MLS appearances in his final season in New York, Iraola tallied a pass completion rate of 87%, registered one assist and completed 72% of his dribbles, along with averaging 56.6 touches, 38 accurate passes, 1.4 interceptions, 2.2 tackles and four successful duels per game, proving to be a huge presence on the pitch right up until he ended his playing career.

The Spaniard could channel that experience, quality and work rate into Ayling by coaching the Leeds stalwart to improve his game even further and give the team their best chance at competing comfortably should they remain in the top flight next season.

If Leeds could secure the prospective appointment of Iraola, it could be massively advantageous to Ayling to have a coach with an expert knowledge of his position and teach him a few things about that particular role in the team.

Newcastle United may have been handed a potential blow in their reported interest in the Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge.

What’s the latest?

There have been strong suggestions the Toon could look to the Norwegian midfielder in the coming hours as a possible replacement for Jonjo Shelvey who is set to leave the club.

It appears Newcastle are not the only side looking to bring in the 24-year-old in the final days of the January window with Fulham also credited with an interest.

Now, with only hours remaining in the window, the midfielder could see his future lie in the Premier League with two of the top-flight’s in-form sides believed to be chasing him.

However, speaking on Sky Sports News, Keith Downie has claimed the Blades may prefer Fulham’s offer with the Cottagers looking to buy him this month rather than a loan as the Magpies are proposing:

(17:20) “It’s my understanding that Sheffield United would probably prefer the money now. So at this moment, you would say Fulham probably looking in the driving seat with regards to that.

“Newcastle’s offer I think would amount to more money, but the finances wouldn’t come through until later on.”

Battle on their hands?

Newcastle will surely provide any potential transfer target with a seriously attractive proposition given the incredible transformation that has happened on the pitch over the last year.

Eddie Howe’s side are now chasing a spot in next season’s Champions League and could even end their long trophy drought with a place in the Carabao Cup final still to play for.

However, there could well be an issue if the Magpies are offering the Blades an initial loan deal with only the option to buy at the end of the campaign.

And if that is the case, then there is very little incentive for United to prefer the potential proposal from the Magpies if the Cottagers would be offering them guaranteed cash.

The report from Sky Sports has suggested the London side would be willing to put forward an offer of £20m plus add-ons to the Championship side ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

And although Newcastle’s potential deal could amount to more money, there would be no guarantee of the Toon activating the buy clause at the end of the campaign.

But with Howe suggesting any business done in the final hours of the window would be on a loan basis, this could prove a huge blow in their pursuit of Berge.