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TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has shared an update on Chelsea's pursuit of free agent manager Julian Nagelsmann.

Who could Chelsea appoint as manager?

Reports have suggested that co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have certainly started their search for a new permanent manager after Graham Potter's departure earlier this month.

Many credible candidates have been linked with taking the job, perhaps most notably Nagelsmann, former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique and ex-Spurs head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

The west Londoners have appointed Frank Lampard on an interim basis until the end of this Premier League season, and it could not be going any worse for the club legend – who is still yet to record his first win since taking charge.

Chelsea are also out of the Champions League and officially will not bring home a piece of silverware this summer, making their search for a new boss all the more important for next campaign.

Nagelsmann, who was surprisingly sacked by Bayern Munich this season despite them fighting on all fronts at the time, is being billed as a major contender to succeed Potter.

Now, sharing news from 'sources' close to Enrique, Crook claims to talkSPORT that those around the Spaniard believe Nagelsmann has entered pole position for the job as he 'emerges as frontrunner'.

The 35-year-old has apparently already held talks with the Chelsea hierarchy about replacing Potter, but they will still need to negotiate a settlement with Bayern if they do opt to appoint Nagelsmann.

Indeed, despite being relieved of his duties, Nagelsmann is still 'under contract' with the Bavarian giants.

Is Nagelsmann perfect for Chelsea?

The former RB Leipzig boss has been revered for his excellent approach to games tactically with BBC Sport writer Raj Chohan calling him 'outstanding' in that regard.

The same reporter has also called Nagelsmann 'crazy' for some of his unique in-game tactics and formations – potentially making him an exciting option for Chelsea.

Nagelsmann's teams adopt an intense, high-pressing style where his players push on the front foot with Man City boss Pep Guardiola tipping him to be a success as far back as his Hoffenheim days.

Speaking before City's Champions League group stage clashes with the German side in 2018, Guardiola explained:

“I’m really, really impressed [with Nagelsmann]. Taking over Hoffenheim in such a bad situation so young. He will have a lot of success in his career.

"He’s already at a good team in a top competition. It’s the first time we meet, but hopefully it won’t be the last."

Chelsea could bank, arguably, the most exciting young manager in Europe if they do make him a formal offer.

Leeds United remain engulfed in a battle for Premier League survival amid what has been a turbulent season for the club thus far, with Sunday's 5-1 defeat to Crystal Palace having only increased the sense of doom and gloom surrounding Elland Road.

The Whites' current predicament may well be leaving the club's hierarchy ruing their decision to cash in on both Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips last summer, with the latter man, in particular, having seemingly been sorely missed at the base of the midfield.

Despite his woes at new club Manchester City – where he has made just six league appearances this season – the England international had previously been a truly influential figure back in Yorkshire, having been hailed as a "magnificent talent" by pundit Frank McAvennie last year.

Supporters may well have been longing for the 27-year-old's return after watching the abject display against the Eagles last time out, with fellow midfielder Marc Roca having been particularly 'dire' on the day, as per Leeds Live's Beren Cross, after being dribbled past on eight occasions.

While there have been murmurings that Leeds could be keen on bringing Phillips back to the club, the relegation strugglers may well already have their next version of the local hero on their hands, in the form of academy starlet, Morten Spencer.

Who is Morten Spencer?

The 19-year-old has been tipped for big things ever since signing from Sunderland back in 2019, with respected source 'The 4th Official' describing the capture as a real "coup" at the time, with the Yorkshire side seemingly beating Man City to the teenager's signature.

Since then, the youngster has shown his class in the academy ranks, notably mirroring Phillips with his ability to feature in midfield as well as at centre-back, having been deployed in both positions so far this season.

The England-born gem – who currently features for Norway's youth sides at international level – has enjoyed a standout campaign to date for Leeds after racking up 15 appearances in all competitions, including three outings in the EFL Trophy earlier in the campaign.

The former Black Cats ace showcased his ball-winning prowess in that latter competition after averaging 1.7 interceptions and one tackle per game, with Phillips also a truly effective screen in front of the back four, as he averaged 1.2 and 2.7 for the same two metrics, respectively, for the Elland Road outfit last season.

The two men also share a likeness due to their ability on the ball, with the current City man having been hailed for having an "array of passing skills" by ex-teammate Barry Douglas, while Spencer was lauded for his "superb" forward passing by Michael Skubala while featuring for Leeds' U21 side against former club Sunderland back in October.

The £140-per-week teen – who "loves a big slide tackle" according to journalist Joe Donnohue – is clearly a player who could be in line for a first-team role sooner rather than later, having only recently penned a new deal at the club until 2024.

The hope will be that Leeds supporters get to see their 'next Phillips' in action at senior level in the near future…

Celtic are confident that manager Ange Postecoglou won’t leave the Scottish Premiership to join Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Spurs interest

The Australian’s contract at Parkhead is set to expire at the end of the season as he’s on a 12-month rolling deal and he’s already been linked with an exit on several occasions given his level of success.

Premier League clubs Leeds United, Brighton and Hove Albion and Leicester City have all previously been credited with an interest in the 57-year-old and Spurs are the latest club to join that list.

Speaking to beIN SPORTS, journalist Gary Jacob claimed that the N17 outfit are looking at the Hoops boss as a potential replacement for Antonio Conte who seems set to leave following an outburst during his post-match interview on Saturday.

The Latest: Celtic’s stance on Ange

According to Football Insider, Celtic are ‘confident’ that Postecoglou won’t leave the club for Tottenham or any other team in the English top flight during the middle of the season.

The Bhoys reportedly ‘do not expect’ to lose their manager at this unusual stage of the term and feel ‘convinced’ that he will decide to stay in charge until the summer at the very least.

Glasgow supporters have experienced ‘fear’ that the coach could jump ship but it was just last month that he reaffirmed his commitment to the club amid exit links.

The Verdict: New deal deserved

Postecoglou has been an absolute revelation since joining Celtic so it’s no surprise that clubs are looking at him, and it would be a massive boost if he was to sign a new deal.

The 4-3-3 attacking boss has an unbelievable record north of the border having won 76, drawn ten and lost just 16 of his 102 games in charge, averaging 2.33 points per match (Transfermarkt).

The Nea Filadelfeia native has also led his side to plenty of silverware, twice bagging the Scottish League Cup trophy and once the Premiership, while he looks set to secure a second consecutive one of those very soon.

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona forward Raphinha this summer, despite the Brazilian having only made the move to Catalonia back in July.

What’s the latest on Raphinha to Newcastle?

According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Magpies could be set to target the 26-year-old ahead of next season, with the former Leeds United man seemingly one of the club’s ‘main objectives’ for the summer window.

This follows claims made prior to the winger’s move to Camp Nou that the St James’ Park outfit were in “talks” regarding a deal to prise him from Elland Road, albeit with Xavi Hernandez’s side ultimately swooping in to strike an agreement for a fee of around £55m.

Could Raphinha replace Almiron at Newcastle?

Should Raphinha be snapped up by the Tynesiders this time around, the one-time Rennes man will likely be looking to nail down a regular role on the right flank in Eddie Howe’s side, with that starting berth currently taken up by the resurgent, Miguel Almiron.

The Paraguayan playmaker has enjoyed a real standout season thus far with ten Premier League goals to his name, with the 29-year-old having been rewarded for that “amazing transformation” – in the words of club legend Alan Shearer – with a new, long-term contract.

Despite the wide man’s recent impressive statistics, it may well be that it is the former Atlanta United star who drops from the side if Raphinha is signed this summer, with the latter man potentially proving something of an upgrade for Howe and co.

The Porto Alegre native may only have four La Liga goals to his name this season, although his overall record so far this term stands at seven goals and nine assists in 34 games across all fronts, while Almiron has contributed ten goals but only three assists in 30 games in all competitions.

Equally, it is in fact the former Sporting Lisbon sensation who boasts by far the better record in the Premier League following his eye-catching stint in Yorkshire, as the 5 foot 9 dynamo provided 29 goals and assists in just 65 top-flight games, while the current Newcastle man has just 23 goals and assists despite featuring 133 times for the northeast side in the league.

It would also appear that it is Raphinha who offers more in a defensive sense in his wide berth, with the £62m-rated man ranking in the top 7% among those in his position in Europe for blocks made and the top 11% for interceptions, while Almiron ranks in just the top 49% and the top 52% for those same two metrics, respectively.

As ruthless as it may be to cast aside a player who has been such a key figure for Howe this season, it is the Barcelona “baller” – as lauded by former Whites teammate Tyler Roberts – who should be given the nod in that attacking role, provided a deal can be completed.

West Ham United are now interested in signing Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, according to journalist Steve Kay.

The Lowdown: Nelson lacking game time

Nelson has made just seven appearances in all competitions for Arsenal this season, and the arrival of Leandro Trossard in January indicates that his game time is going to be even more limited in the second half of the campaign.

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the winger would love to stay at the Emirates Stadium, but with no contract offer on the horizon to extend his stay beyond the summer, he may have to start thinking about moving elsewhere.

The Latest: West Ham interested

According to Kay, West Ham are interested in bringing the 23-year-old to the London Stadium in the summer transfer window, although they may face competition for his signature, with Sassuolo also named as potential suitors.

The Arsenal academy graduate’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning that he will be able to join on a free transfer.

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The Verdict: Get it done?

Despite only receiving limited minutes in the Premier League this season, the Englishman has impressed whenever he has been given the opportunity, scoring a brace in a 63-minute cameo against Nottingham Forest in October.

The speedster has displayed his creative side in the EFL Cup, picking up an assist in the 3-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion, while his dribbling ability has also been on show.

Hailed as ‘explosive’ by football scout Jacek Kulig, the Arsenal ace ranks in the 95th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, averaging 2.93, while he also places in the 97th for touches in the attacking penalty area, highlighting his ability to get on the ball in dangerous areas.

Nelson needs a fresh start if he is going to fulfill his lofty potential, and West Ham should definitely look to sign him in the summer window.

Insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that West Ham United are unlikely to pull off a transfer for striker Terem Moffi this January.

What’s the word?

The Hammers seemed extremely keen to add to their attacking ranks this month and have already completed a £15m move for Danny Ings. However, the striker has since picked up an injury.

Seeing a £25m bid was made for Lorient and Nigeria forward Moffi earlier on in the window, the club may now be key to get this deal across the line too.

In a new development, though, it looks as though West Ham and David Moyes will have to look elsewhere, with perhaps a loan deal for someone else being more likely.

That is according to inside Ex who explained on The West Ham Way Patreon: “Whilst we have an offer in for Moffi this deal doesn’t seem like it will be completed and there are other loan deals on the table for more attacking players too.”

What now?

Interestingly enough, Michail Antonio has been linked with a possible exit this winter – the likes of Everton and Wolves have been said to have some interest in the striker – but Moyes has shut down any such talk.

Indeed, the manager recently told the press: “But at the moment we want Mick here, we want him playing well, we want him scoring goals, and we’re happy to have him.”

Perhaps if Ings had stayed fit and Moffi had agreed to join too, then Antonio would have been allowed to leave but with so much uncertainty over the position – with Gianluca Scamacca also currently out due to a knee injury – it’s easy to see why the Irons don’t want to weaken their options any further.

Of course, there is still a little bit of time left in the window to make a new signing. As Ex points out though, that may have to be a loan deal with a transfer for Moffi looking far too complicated to complete this January.

Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of sealing a “statement” signing, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The north London outfit have been linked with a move for Sporting CP wing-back Pedro Porro for much of the January transfer window but with less than a week to go, they are running out of time to get him through the doors at Hotspur Way.

However, renowned transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided some encouragement on the situation, claiming that a move is “really close” to happening and that it could be “done” before the weekend.

Reports have suggested that the Primeira Liga giants are expecting the 23-year-old’s €45m (£40m) release clause to be paid in full, whilst Spurs announced the arrival of Arnaut Danjuma on Wednesday, joining on an initial loan from LaLiga side Villarreal.

O’Rourke has now told Football FanCast that Porro has been the no.1 target this month for quite some time and believes that the club are making a major move by signing him, he said:

“It’s a huge statement if they can get this deal over the line before the window closes next week.

“Pedro Porro has been Tottenham’s number one target for the right wing-back position.”

Indeed, it’s hard to disagree as it’s a role that probably keeps manager Antonio Conte up at night.

Just a few months into his reign as Nuno Espirito Snato’s successor, the Italian was regularly linked with new options for the right wing-back spot.

At the time Wolverhampton Wanderers powerhouse Adama Traore was one player who Spurs nearly signed, with The Times claiming that the 53-year-old was unconvinced by both Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty.

Fast forward a little over a year and the problem still remains, which is why Porro has emerged as a viable solution and some solution he is, having racked up an eye-watering 14 goal contributions across 25 matches this term.

It builds on last season’s returns of five goals and seven assists, and is far more than what the aforementioned Lilywhites duo have managed combined – Emerson (four G/A), Doherty (seven G/A) – since the start of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

That would make the “special talent” – as once described by journalist Zach Lowry – a monumental upgrade to an important position in Conte’s squad, heading into the second half of the campaign.

As such, Porro is certainly a ‘huge statement’ from the club and sporting director Fabio Paratici, just as O’Rourke has suggested.

AND in other news, SpurSpurs have “eye” on “dominant” £35m “prodigy” in summer, could be Conte’s next Bastoni…

Rumoured Liverpool transfer target Moises Caicedo is set to change agents as he looks to secure a move away from Brighton, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Caicedo a Liverpool target

The Reds produced another hapless midfield showing on Saturday night, with Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago all struggling in the 2-2 draw against Wolves in the FA Cup third round.

It is clear that reinforcements are required in the middle of the park, given the Reds’ ongoing struggles in that sector, and Caicedo has emerged as a primary target, with numerous reports linking him with a move to Anfield.

An interesting update has emerged regarding the Brighton gem’s future, one which suggests that a move away might just be on the cards.

The Latest: Caicedo planning agency switch

Writing on Substack [via Caught Offside], Romano claimed that Caicedo is now planning on switching agents amid his openness for a transfer.

The Italian stated:

“I think Moises Caicedo would be open to joining any top club, this is why he’s going to have new agents soon.

“I don’t know his preference as of today, I’m not aware of any conversation with friends about Liverpool, but for sure he’s hoping for a big move.”

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The Verdict: Perfect January signing?

It is simply essential that Liverpool sign a midfielder in the January transfer window before making further additions in that area this summer, with long-time target Jude Bellingham hopefully coming in at some stage.

However, Caicedo stands out as arguably the best option to be signed in the next few weeks, considering his Premier League experience and how he has excelled for Brighton, while he would reportedly cost just half of the £130m price tag which has been quoted for Bellingham.

He would add the legs and tenacity that Liverpool’s midfield is so seriously lacking at the moment, having averaged 2.9 tackles per game in the league this season. No Reds player can match that tally, with Thiago the closest on 2.8 per match.

Hopefully FSG can pounce on the player’s reported willingness for a transfer and his proposed change of agency.

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Celtic reportedly have until the end of the season to make a decision over the future of on-loan defender Moritz Jenz.

The Lowdown: Celtic’s move for Jenz

The Premiership champions signed the German on a season-long loan deal from Lorient and have an option to purchase him on a permanent basis. Since then, the 23-year-old has gone on to make 19 appearances for the Bhoys across all competitions, scoring two goals in the process.

With the January transfer window set to open next week, some behind-the-scenes details have emerged surrounding the player and his status at Celtic.

The Latest: Celtic’s timeframe for Jenz decision

According to a recent report from Football Scotland, the Hoops have until the end of the season to decide whether or not to sign Jenz on a permanent deal.

The report also contradicts recent claims suggesting that a decision would need to be made in January, stating that Celtic actually have until the summer to make a call on the defender’s future at Parkhead.

The Verdict: Good for Celtic

Even though the centre-back has only appeared in one of Celtic’s last five league games, Jenz has shown his defensive capabilities in Glasgow.

For example, he currently has the fourth-highest number of interceptions (11) at the club, along with the joint-third highest number of successful tackles (10). In addition, the German has the fourth-highest average of clearances per game (2.3) in Ange Postecoglou’s squad and the fourth-highest pass success percentage (90.7%), showing how capable he is both in and out of possession.

Taking all of thar into account, we feel that, depending on the financial aspects of signing him outright, Jenz has done enough to warrant a permanent move to Celtic once his current loan deal concludes.

However, given the incoming arrival of Yuki Kobayashi, this extra competition for a place in the starting XI could make it harder for Jenz to regain his spot in the team moving forward. 

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that signing Leeds United signing Chris Wood would be ‘strange’, but he could also ‘tick the boxes’.

The Lowdown: Leeds January interest

As per Football Insider, the Whites are currently weighing up a move for Wood in the January transfer window, as Jesse Marsch looks for viable alternatives to current striker options Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo.

They are thought to be plotting a loan bid for the Newcastle United forward, who of course used to play at Elland Road.

The Latest: ‘Strange’ move?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke has claimed that the Yorkshire club going back in for Wood is ‘strange’, but he would ‘tick the boxes’ for them if they are looking for ‘proven’ Premier League experience:

“Chris Wood had a successful time at Leeds before he eventually moved on to Burnley.

“I still find it a bit strange that maybe they’d be in for Wood, but if they’re looking for proven Premier League experience, he’d tick the boxes for them.”

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The Verdict: Avoid

As tempting as it may be for the Peacocks to bring Wood back, they should avoid signing him if they can.

He did manage 44 goals in 88 matches in all competitions over three seasons at Elland Road averaging a goal every other game, but he is now unfortunately past his best at 31 years of age.

More was expected of Wood at the Magpies after his £25m move from Burnley last January, but he has only managed four goals in 33 games so far at St. James’ Park.

The New Zealand international is believed to be on more than £100,000-per-week on Tyneside, and could prove to be a total waste of money if Leeds decide to make a move.