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Huddersfield Town are looking at Birmingham City boss John Eustace as a possible alternative to David Wagner, according to journalist James Nursey.

The Lowdown: Eustace profiled

Eustace has limited managerial experience in the Football League after retiring as a player back in 2015.

The 42-year-old was in charge of non-league side Kidderminster Harriers before joining QPR as an assistant in 2018. He took caretaker charge of The R’s in 2019 and has also served as Stephen Kenny’s assistant with the Republic of Ireland.

Eustace, who likes to play a 3-4-1-2 formation, is now in charge of Birmingham City, winning just three of his opening 11 games.

The Latest: Huddersfield update

Nursey provided an update for Huddersfield in their search for Danny Schofield’s successor.

He stated that the club are ‘keen to bring back David Wagner to fill their managerial vacancy’ but said that ‘it is not an easy deal to do’. Nursey then said that the Terriers are ‘looking at other candidates’, which includes Eustace.

The Verdict: Strange

Eustace isn’t exactly lighting up the Championship, although his Birmingham side headed into the international break three games unbeaten which included impressive away wins over Preston North End and West Brom.

You could argue that Wagner would be a more reliable appointment after previously taking the club into the Premier League. However, he has struggled in short stints with Schalke and Young Boys since leaving, and if the club can’t get a deal over the line, Eustace could be a risky appointment by owner Dean Hoyle due to the large difference in experience in the dugout.

Inter Milan star Romelu Lukaku, currently on loan from Chelsea, could join Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 depending on developments.

The Lowdown: Spurs transfer flurry…

The Lilywhites have already made a real mark in the transfer window since manager Antonio Conte joined Spurs last November.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski both put pen to paper on moves to the Premier League in January but that was just a taste of the north Londoners’ ambition.

Tottenham tackled the summer with real gusto and organisation, sealing the majority of their deals early on, with Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie all joining.

Fabio Paratici also sealed a permanent deal for star defender Cristian Romero, but according to reports, plans are already being made behind-the-scenes for 2023.

The Latest: Lukaku could ‘reunite with Conte’…

Indeed, Italian daily newspaper Tuttosport (via Inside Futbol) claim Lukaku ‘could reunite with Conte’ in 2023.

This comes amid murmurs surrounding the future of star striker Harry Kane, who is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich reportedly eyeing a move for the 29-year-old.

It is now believed that Spurs would make a move for Lukaku if the England international doesn’t sign fresh terms in N17.

The Verdict: Ideal alternative?

Depending on whether Kane commits his future, we believe the Serie A forward would be a capable alternative depending on price and other factors.

His 2021/2022 campaign at Chelsea was a questionable one but Conte has managed to get the very best out of Lukaku in past seasons, most notably during Inter’s title-winning campaign in 2020/21 when the player racked up 24 goals and 11 assists.

On a reported €8m per year (£7m) salary at Inter right now, which roughly translates to around £135,000 per week, former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood has also branded the Belgian a ‘bully’ for lower league sides.

While Lukaku’s recent record in England is a point of contention, perhaps Conte can get him firing on all cylinders across London.

Glasgow Rangers chief Ross Wilson has enjoyed a busy summer transfer window of business coming in and out of Ibrox so far.

He has sanctioned the sales of two key first-team players in Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey, whilst strengthening the squad with the signings of Antonio Colak, Rabbi Matondo, Tom Lawrence, John Souttar, Ridvan Yilmaz, Malik Tillman, and Ben Davies.

Another player who has been linked with an exit from Gio van Bronckhorst’s squad is Zambia international Fashion Sakala. Burnley were reportedly willing to pay up to £4m before moving on to other targets this month.

Pete O’Rourke recently reacted to the news and suggested that it may be the player pushing for a move, saying: “I think it’s probably maybe more Sakala’s looking for an exit.

“He’s maybe seen his path to the first team at Ibrox blocked with the incomings this summer of Colak and the boy from Germany who’s of Bayern Munich, Tillman. So maybe he’s thinking he might not get many first-team opportunities at the club this year.

“Maybe he thinks best to go out and play regular first-team football.”

The winger has not played a single minute of competitive action for Rangers this season – making the bench in four of the five games so far – and cashing in on the outcast may be the best option for all parties involved.

If Sakala is not happy with his game time, or lack thereof, and van Bronckhorst does not deem him good enough to be a regular in the team then replacing him could make a lot of sense.

One player the Light Blues have been linked with who could come in to replace the Zambian is FCSB midfielder Darius Olaru.

By signing the 24-year-old, van Bronckhorst could sanction the sale of Sakala as he would not be left short-changed if a raft of injuries left him in need of another attacking option.

He has been dubbed an “exciting” talent by Jacek Kulig and FCSB chief Mihail Stoica once likened him and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne together.

The gem, who is available for a fee in the region of €10m (£8.5m), has had a difficult start to 2022/23 with one assist in five league matches but his form in 2021/22 suggests that he has the potential to be an excellent signing.

Like De Bruyne, who has 123 assists in 309 matches for City, Olaru is a versatile midfielder with the quality to create chances. Last season, the Romania international racked up six goals and 12 assists in 36 matches for FCSB in all competitions, showing that he can make a big impact at the top end of the pitch.

Therefore, he has the potential to come in at Ibrox and offer a creative threat in attack whilst allowing the club to cash in on Sakala without being left short of squad depth.

Leeds United journalist Beren Cross has offered his reaction to the news that Stuart Dallas is running again at Thorp Arch. 

The lowdown

Dallas has been out of action since 30 April, when he fractured his femur in a 4-0 defeat against Manchester City at Elland Road.

Manager Jesse Marsch said at the time that Dallas would make a full recovery but would face at least six months on the sidelines (via The Athletic).

But now Dallas has been pictured on the running track at Leeds’ training ground with fitness coach Ruben Crespo.

Marsch said in his press conference ahead of the game against Southampton that it’s ‘exciting’ to see him ‘moving around on the pitch’ again.

The latest

Cross, a journalist at Leeds Live, feels it’s ‘incredible’ that Dallas is back running ‘just 104 days’ after sustaining his injury.

In the attached story, he says the ‘return to outdoor work does not necessarily move the goalposts’ on his comeback, but stresses that his progress has been ‘remarkable’.

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The verdict

Marsch has been keen to manage expectations, refusing to suggest that Dallas might be back of schedule.

“It’s much too early to start talking about the prognosis and a timetable for Stuart, but any of you who know Stuart know his energy and his positivity and his personality is so amazing,” he said.

One thing that is clear is that it will be a big boost for the boss when his versatile Northern Irishman is eventually back in contention.

Dallas was almost an automatic pick prior to his injury, starting 34 out of 35 Premier League matches for the Whites.

In the words of the boss, he’s a ‘big presence’ in the team and has a ‘positive impact’ on the group.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Stefan de Vrij to the Premier League next summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet CalcioMercatoWeb, who claim that, despite it looking likely that the Inter Milan centre-back will remain at the San Siro beyond the end of the summer transfer window, the 30-year-old is currently distancing himself from the signing of a new contract with the Serie A side – with his current deal set to expire next June.

The report goes on to state that Inter’s offer of a new contract would see the Netherlands international take a significant pay cut from his current €4.2m-per-year salary (£67k-per-week) to €3m-per-year (£48k-per-week), with it being said that the possibility of the defender leaving the Nerazzurri on a free next summer is not out of the question.

Finally, it is stated that, in the event that De Vrij does decide to leave the San Siro at the end of 2022/23, Antonio Conte could look to replicate the deal that saw Ivan Persic leave Inter for Tottenham on a free this summer with the 30-year-old in 12 months time.

“In the Vertonghen mould”

Considering just how crucial De Vrij was for Conte throughout Inter’s Scudetto-winning campaign back in 2020/21, it is not difficult to see why the 52-year-old would be keen to bring the Dutchman to north London next summer – especially on a free.

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Indeed, over his 32 Serie A appearances for Inter in the season before last, the £25.2m-rated centre-back was in remarkable form in Conte’s backline, helping the Nerazzurri keep 11 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 2.9 clearances, 57.4 passes and winning 3.3 duels – at a success rate of 60% – per game.

These returns saw the 58-cap international who Srijandeep Das dubbed a player “in the Vertonghen mould” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as Inter’s 10th-best performer in their title-winning campaign.

As such, should Conte indeed manage to replicate his Perisic swoop with the 30-year-old next summer, not only would the Italian have added an incredibly experienced defender to his current options at Tottenham, but he could also have unearthed the club’s next Jan Vertonghen – a prospect that is sure to delight Spurs supporters.

A Rangers target has admitted that he could be open to a move to Ibrox this summer.

What’s the talk?

Rangers target Stephen Odey has claimed that his head could be turned by a possible transfer to Glasgow amid reports linking both Old Firm outfits with him.

When asked about a potential move to Ibrox or Celtic Park, he told Amtsavisen: “These are big clubs, and it is clear that this is something that I want to be open to. But I’m in Randers FC, and right now that’s the only thing that matters. As long as I have not been presented with anything concrete, as I said, I will not let myself be disturbed by it.”

“If the right club comes, Randers FC has no choice but to let me go. But I am happy to be in Randers FC, and that does not change the fact that there are some rumours about other clubs. For me, it’s about the preparations for the new season with the team I’m part of.”

Imagine him & Joe Aribo

If Rangers decide to make a move for Odey then they can form an exciting duo by pairing him with current attacking midfielder Joe Aribo.

Both players are Nigeria internationals and this may help them to connect instantly on the pitch – potentially playing for club and country alongside each other at the top end of the pitch.

If the Light Blues are able to keep hold of Aribo, the ex-Charlton man can line up in the number 10 position or out wide on the right of a front three. This gives him a direct line to link-up with the starting centre-forward in matches and Odey could be the man filling that role.

The £5.6k-per-week Randers FC goalscorer, who was dubbed “deadly” by former manager Fidelis Ilechukwu, managed three goals in four starts in the Europa Conference League last term, whilst also scoring seven goals in 21 starts in the Superliga. 

At the age of 24, Odey has room to grow and improve as a player and having a talented gem like Aribo to unlock the best of his abilities could accelerate his development.

In the Premiership last season, the 25-year-old created nine ‘big chances’ and produced 1.8 key passes per game – showing that he can consistently create opportunities for his teammates.

He can, therefore, provide his fellow countryman with the chances he needs to be a regular goalscorer for Rangers – forming an exciting partnership in the process.

AND in other news, Gvb plotting Rangers swoop for £1.3k-p/w gem who “rarely misses”, imagine him & Kent…

West Ham United have had their hopes of signing Armando Broja boosted.

What’s the word?

That is according to Daily Express Journalist Ryan Taylor, who revealed in an interview with GIVEMESPORT that the Chelsea centre-forward is “100%” open to a switch to the London Stadium.

Taylor understands that Broja would not hesitate to sign an agreement with West Ham if a deal can be agreed with the Blues over his transfer. This is due to his ambitions of securing regular first-team football after growing used to regular minutes at Southampton last season.

Asked whether the Albanian would be interested in a switch to the London Stadium, Taylor told GMS: “Yes, 100%. I spoke to a source close to Broja in the week, who said that they’re going to consider any offer that arrives.

“He is open to staying at Chelsea and wants to make it at Chelsea, but he obviously had a taste of regular football last season with Southampton and there’s a feeling that he wouldn’t want to sit on the bench. Ideally, he wants to play regularly.”

Supporters will love him

Having been on loan at Southampton last season, the 20-year-old made the most of what was an ambitious jump from the Chelsea U23s to regular minutes for a Premier League side.

In solitary assist occurring in the Premier League.

At such a young age, the Albanian has proved he can handle the pressures of top-flight football and looks destined for big things as a physical presence up-top.

This is why a move to West Ham looks like a dream scenario for both parties.

West Ham are desperate for cover in the centre-forward role after becoming over-reliant on 32-year-old Michail Antonio, who made 36 appearances in the Premier League last season.

Broja would represent an option that could alleviate pressure from the Jamaican international whilst also bolstering much-needed competition for the forward spot.

Moyes is in need of younger options with his squad ranking as the fourth-oldest in terms of average age in the league last season, with Taylor’s latest update on the club’s pursuit of Broja sure to be news the West Ham faithful will love.

AND in other news: Moyes eyeing West Ham swoop for 21 y/o gem with “huge potential”, imagine him & Bowen

Speaking live on talkSPORT, former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has delivered a scathing assessment involving Liverpool and the likely departure of Sadio Mane. 

The lowdown: Move pending

Having initially remained quiet on where his future may lie after the season, it has since become apparent that the 30-year-old Senegalese star will leave Anfield in the summer.

Mane will end a six-year affinity with the Reds as both Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain eye up a move in the upcoming transfer window.

Leaving with a little over 12 months remaining on a deal at Anfield (Transfermarkt), one pundit has slammed the club for allowing the winger to leave at this stage.

The latest: ‘Ridiculous’

Discussing the future of Mane and Mohamed Salah live on air (Thursday, June 2 9.35am), Agbonlahor was critical of the Reds’ owners for not giving the attacker what he wants.

The 35-year-old said: “Liverpool allowing Mane to go, next season will cost them the title. Haaland is signing for Manchester City, they are becoming stronger.

“You’re going to let Mane leave, you’ve got Diaz and Jota, but they’re not going to get Mane’s numbers, he’s a goalscorer. The threat he gives Liverpool going in behind, making unselfish runs. Salah, they can’t lose, Mane they can’t lose.

“Yes, Liverpool have always had good recruitment, bringing in players. But the numbers that Mane gets, the threat he gives opposition defenders, helps free up space for Salah. For me first of all, Mane leaving is ridiculous. I don’t blame both of them, Mane and Salah the numbers they are getting year in year out – they want paying what they deserve.”

The verdict: Ruthless operators

Albeit there has been no indication the decision is solely down to finances, ultimately, the chances of Liverpool ownership group FSG being held to ransom or indeed succumbing to pressure and paying what they perceive to be over the odds was little to none.

So far, during their 12-year tenure at Anfield, the American owners have proven to be frugal operators when it comes to contracts, transfer business and decision making generally.

Whilst simply paying whatever the likes of Mane and Salah ask for is simple in principle, with it comes demands from elsewhere within the ranks and therefore the risk of upsetting a previously harmonious dressing room.

Despite proving to remain a player at the very top of his game in a 23 goal 2021/22 campaign, at 30, Mane – dubbed a ‘wild animal’ by Pierre Emerick Aubameyang – was never likely to be offered a lucrative new deal given the club’s Modus Operandi of signing young talent and a move this summer whilst the club can likely make a profit on their £34million expenditure would be best for all parties.

In other news: Liverpool identify ‘intelligent’ forward to replace Mane, read more here!

Transfer insider Dean Jones has made a claim regarding Leeds United and the pursuit of Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson. 

The lowdown: Leeds nearing Aaronson swoop

This comes as Leeds edge closer toward making the USA international their first summer signing, having secured survival in the Premier League on the final day of the 2021/22 season.

The Whites are expected to make the 21-year-old a £28m addition to the Elland Road ranks as Jesse Marsch looks to bolster the ranks in Yorkshire.

Aaronson has already made 25 appearances under the 48-year-old during their time together in Austria, and one reputable journalist has pointed out the importance of a prospective reunion between the two…

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The latest: ‘Very significant’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones suggested that a reunion between Aaronson and Marsch could be pivotal to Leeds’ plans for the future under their current manager.

He stated: “Ultimately, if they can get Brenden Aaronson through the door quickly, that’s a player who’s very, very significant to where Jesse Marsch wants to take this team.”

The verdict: Smart business

Previously a target for Leeds under the stewardship of Marcelo Bielsa, it’s clear that the 18-cap USA international is a huge favourite with the Elland Road hierarchy, and director of football Victor Orta in particular.

The New Jersey native scored six times and provided 10 assists in 41 outings across all competitions for Salzburg this season and will be hoping to rekindle similar form if he links up with Marsch once more in Yorkshire.

The versatile ex-Philadelphia Union youngster won 4.6 duels, took two shots and completed 1.6 key passes per game during the Austrian Bundesliga campaign, earning an impressive overall rating of 6.88 from Sofascore.

Tipped to become a ‘top class’ operator by MLS journalist Chris Smith in 2019, Aaronson is clearly on an upwards career trajectory, and he would seem like a superb addition to the Leeds squad at the mooted price for a player with such a high ceiling.

In other news: Phil Hay claims Leeds are now working on move for ‘confident’ defender; club have already approved his sale

West Bromwich Albion will be taking on another campaign in the Championship after they failed to secure promotion or even a place in the play-offs this season.

In their 46 league games, the Midlands club won 18, drawn 13 and lost 15 along the way, leaving them 10th for a finish.

Before the 2022/23 season kicks off, the Baggies have the chance to make whatever changes to their squad that they see fit during the upcoming summer transfer window.

With that in mind, it seems as though the club have already identified one figure behind the scenes who they would want to see in their ranks moving forward.

What’s the news?

According to a recent tweet from journalist John Percy, West Brom are interested in signing Blackburn Rovers midfielder Joe Rothwell this summer.

The Lancashire club signed the midfielder four years ago from Oxford United. Since then, the 27-year-old has gone on to make 161 appearances for Blackburn across all competitions.

In that time, the Englishman has scored 11 goals and provided 18 assists along the way, highlighting his attacking and creative ability. This season saw Rothwell play in 41 league games for Tony Mowbray’s side, scoring three goals and providing 10 assists in the process.

Fans will be buzzing

His overall performances earned him a season rating of 6.95/10 from WhoScored, making him Blackburn’s fifth-highest rated outfield player.

To further highlight how dangerous he can be, no other player at Ewood Park put in as many crosses this season as Rothwell (141). He also made 48 interceptions and 26 tackles, showing that he is a very capable defensive player without the ball as well.

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to suggest that a lot of West Brom fans would be over the moon to see their club make a move for the Blackburn stalwart this summer.

Also, with Rothwell’s current contract at Ewood Park set to expire at the end of June, potentially signing a player of his quality on a free transfer could be a great bit of business from the Baggies.

However, with Percy saying in his tweet that Nottingham Forest are also eyeing up a move for the midfield maestro this summer, that could be a significant obstacle for the Baggies and their chances of signing him, especially if Steve Cooper’s side end up getting promoted through the play-offs.

In other news: West Brom plot bid for “generational” £180k-rated prodigy, he’s better than Reach