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Journalist Liam Keen has slammed Wolves star Daniel Podence for his recent performance levels.

How has Podence performed for Wolves?

The Portuguese winger has had an inconsistent campaign, scoring five times in all competitions whilst Wolves have had a mixed season.

The 27-year-old has not scored or assisted in the league since January, and has started on the bench at times with his performances not justifying a place in the first XI.

Keen has criticised the £60k-per-week attacker on the Express and Star Podcast, claiming that he is not doing enough to earn himself a place in the team.

He said: "I can't see a world where Podence is going to start there again. The problem is he was coming off the bench and not starting, and performing badly there as well, hence why he was left out of the squad in the first place. It was a bit of a message to buck his ideas up and hasn't done it.

"He's had moments in these last couple of games, don't get me wrong, but nowhere near enough.

"He's been more involved than Neto, because Neto has also not done anywhere near enough, but you can't excuse the fact that Podence is giving the ball away too much, hasn't got into the right positions, hasn't been dangerous enough and doesn't carry the ball with enough intensity when he has it. He needs to do a lot better."

Should Wolves sell Podence in the summer?

With his contract expiring in 2024, and his current performance levels hardly justifying a new deal, this summer could be the ideal time for Wolves to part ways with Podence if he fails to impress towards the end of the campaign.

If Wolves stay in the Premier League, it could be argued that they will be able to keep most of their other attacking players, and the likes of Pablo Sarabia and Pedro Neto can keep their places at the club.

Podence joined for around £16.9m in 2020, and whilst it feels unlikely that they will recoup that kind of fee in the summer window, they could sell him on whilst he has some value rather than losing him on a free transfer.

Lopetegui has already recruited Sarabia and Matheus Cunha as attackers in his sole transfer window at Molineux, and the Spaniard may wish to bring in more players as he makes his imprint on this Wolves side, so Podence could be one of the first players sacrificed to make room for new arrivals given his poor contributions right now.

Arsenal could reportedly sell Rob Holding along with nine other players in a mass summer clear-out.

The Lowdown: ‘Outstanding’ against Palace

Holding had to step in for the injured William Saliba in the 4-1 win at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League last time out, and put in an ‘outstanding’ performance in the words of journalist Steve Kay.

Indeed, he won a player-high 11 of his individual duels, and also made more clearances (five) than any of his team-mates, while he was also accurate with all five of his long ball attempts, and recorded one successful dribble, two tackles, 87 touches of the ball and a 91% pass accuracy (SofaScore).

However, that was Holding’s first start in the top flight this season, and he has been limited to just ten starts in 18 appearances in total over all competitions so far.

The Latest: Mass clear-out

As per The Sun, Holding is one of ten players who could be facing the chopping block at the Emirates Stadium this summer.

They are thought to be ready to listen to offers for Nicolas Pepe, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares, Pablo Mari, Cedric Soares and Alex Runarsson, while Kieran Tierney and Folarin Balogun are also facing uncertain futures.

The Verdict: Keep him!

While Holding is not a regular starter, he has proven to be a useful squad player in case of injury.

Mikel Arteta has called upon him no fewer than 89 times over the last four seasons that he has been in charge, showing how much faith that he has in the 27-year-old.

Being English as well, Holding helps fill the homegrown quota, and so there is no harm on keeping him for at least another season, with him, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jakub Kiwior four solid centre-back options for Arteta going into the next campaign.

BBC pundit Chris Sutton has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur fans would love Jurgen Klopp as manager but it's not likely to happen.

What's the latest on Spurs' manager search?

It seems likely that for the remainder of the Premier League season, a number of big names will be linked with the north London club.

Indeed, with Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason taking over in the interim after Antonio Conte was sacked last month, Spurs are on the lookout for a new head coach.

The likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique, Thomas Frank, Ruben Amorim, and many others have all been discussed in the media. But it remains to be seen as to who could be up for the job.

While talking about possibilities on the BBC radio show 606, one caller phoned in and suggested that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could soon be on the hunt for a new job himself.

In reaction to this, Sutton said (01:05:00): I think I think Spurs fans would love that. But I mean, I can't see Klopp walking away from Liverpool to go to Spurs."

Could Klopp be sacked this season?

It's certainly fair to suggest that Klopp has not had the best of seasons. After all, his side currently sit eighth in the league, 30 points behind Arsenal in first.

What's more, he oversaw his team get thumped at the Etihad on Saturday by rivals Manchester City in a game that exemplified the current gap in quality between the two sides.

With that in mind, it's not out of the question that either club or manager could feel as though it could soon be time to part ways with one another.

However, in February, the German did say that he had no intention of leaving the Reds with his contract set to run until 2026. Indeed, he told the press: “I have too much responsibility and I want it and I want to sort it again.

“I am 100% committed. If we win I feel like I was part of it but if we lose I feel 100% responsible. I was always like this in my life, so you can imagine how big the responsibility at the moment is and how I feel now and we will do absolutely everything to get through this and prepare the very positive future again.”

What's more, even if he was to leave Liverpool in the summer, it seems quite unlikely that the 55-year-old would quickly move on to a Premier League rival – especially when so many proven managers have failed at Spurs in recent times.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to make an official proposal for Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte in the summer transfer window, according to a recent report.

Will Tottenham sign Manuel Ugarte this summer?

Tottenham have been targeting Ugarte for quite some time, with it being reported they made contact with Sporting about signing the midfielder back in September, although Leicester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid were also named as potential suitors.

Interest in the 21-year-old is growing, as Aston Villa have recently joined the race for his signature, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke, while Newcastle United, Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also eyeing the youngster.

As such, it may be difficult to win the race for the Uruguayan in the summer, particularly if Newcastle pip Spurs to fourth place, however he still remains a target, according to a recent report from Record. (via Sport Witness)

Spurs are reportedly set to make an official proposal for the defensive midfielder, having promised to submit a bid in the summer transfer window, and Sporting are now believed to be considering a sale.

The Portuguese side need to raise funds before bringing in new signings of their own, and the starlet has a release clause of €60m, (£53m), making him one of their most prized assets.

Having previously dealt with Tottenham in negotiations for Pedro Porro, which dragged out across the whole January window, Sporting would want to avoid a similar situation in the summer.

Would Manuel Ugarte be a good signing for Tottenham?

The Uruguayan is excelling in the Portuguese league, particularly in a defensive sense, ranking in the 99th percentile for tackles completed per 90 in the past year, while he is also in the 99th percentile for his pass-completion rate.

Hailed as an "animal" by members of the media, the maestro was remarkable for Sporting in their Europa League triumph against Arsenal last month, winning a total of 13 ground duels, seven more than any of his teammates, also completing four successful dribbles.

A performance of that standard against the Premier League leaders highlights that the eight-time Uruguay international is more than ready to make the step up to the English top flight, and Spurs should undoubtedly make an offer this summer.

Given his age, Ugarte could run the Tottenham midfield for a decade to come, and while he is already putting in some top-level performances, he is only going to improve.

Arsenal transfer target Michael Olise, who currently plays for Crystal Palace, is not interested in a summer move to the Emirates Stadium, according to a recent report from The Sun.

What's the latest on Michael Olise to Arsenal?

Football Transfers have exclusively revealed that Olise is a target for Arsenal this summer, with Mikel Arteta believing he ticks all the boxes, in terms of age, likely cost and resale potential, viewing him as a perfect back-up option for Bukayo Saka. Crystal Palace would apparently demand at least £40m for the winger, as he still has three years remaining on his current contract, but if the right offer arrived in the summer, they would be willing to let him go if there was significant pressure from the player.

However, it does not appear as though that will be the case, as a recent report from The Sun details the 21-year-old is ready to snub a move to north London, despite growing interest in his signature.

The Eagles midfielder is said to have attracted the interest of multiple Champions League giants, but he is settled at Selhurst Park, and wants another season under his belt to develop and get more consistency before making a big move elsewhere.

Should Olise be kept on the shortlist?

While the youngster may not be interested in leaving Palace this summer, the Gunners should continue to monitor his performances, as he could still be a fantastic signing at some point in the future.

Hailed as "magnificent" by members of the media, the right winger has two goals and eight assists to his name in the Premier League this season, having seriously impressed in the recent match against Leeds United, setting up three goals and receiving a 9.7 Sofascore match rating.

Pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has also spoken favourably about Arsenal signing the youngster, claiming he would "fit perfectly" into Arteta's side, particularly as a back-up for Saka, who does not currently have a great deal of competition on the right.

It is disappointing news for the Gunners that the seemingly has no interest in joining at present, however there is always a chance that could change in the summer, as a move to a club playing in the Champions League would be very difficult to turn down. As such, we feel Arteta should still come forward with an offer for Olise this summer, and £40m would be a fair price, judging by his performances this season.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovanni Lo Celso this summer, and the Argentine maestro could prove to be Unai Emery's own version of Arsenal star Martin Odegaard at Villa Park.

Could Aston Villa sign Lo Celso this summer?

According to Argentine outlet TyC Sports Villa are ready to make a formal offer to sign the 27-year-old, with his future at Spurs uncertain after spending each of the last two seasons on loan with Villarreal in Spain.

The former Real Betis man is well known to Emery having featured under him with both Villarreal and PSG, contributing eight goals and ten assists in 86 appearances when playing for the Spanish manager.

Although Lo Celso's previous spell in England with Spurs didn't work out, with just eight goals and six assists in 84 appearances for the club, Emery could well be willing to gamble on him performing better at Villa, after catching the eye in his time in La Liga.

This season has seen the Argentina international manage one goal and two assists in 15 Spanish top-flight appearances, with a solid 6.76 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which is better than all but six in Villa's squad.

Fabrizio Romano suggested last year that it would take around €20m (£17m) to prise Lo Celso away from Spurs permanently, although the north London club may be unsure about selling to a potential European rival such as Villa.

Could Lo Celso be Villa's own Odegaard?

The 27-year-old has certainly caught the eye with some of his performances in recent years, with journalist David Cartlidge suggesting that he was a "very special" asset when he was at Betis back in 2018, while Jose Mourinho dubbed him an "amazing player" during his time managing Spurs.

If he were to return to England in a Villa shirt and get regular opportunities under his old manager, then he could perhaps emulate Odegaard, who has been one of the driving forces behind Arsenal's title bid this season.

According to FBref, the Arsenal captain is the third-most similar player to Lo Celso when compared with other midfielders across Europe's top leagues.

This season has seen the two register very similar stats with regard to assists per 90 minutes (0.22 vs 0.24) and progressive passes per 90 (8.11 vs 7.86), highlighting their remarkable ability to create chances for teammates.

WhoScored further suggests that both Lo Celso and Odegaard excel at dribbling and supplying through balls, with their progressive nature certainly appealing.

If the Argentine could arrive at Villa and have even half the impact that Odegaard has had at Arsenal, with more than 20 goal contributions to his name this season alone, then Emery will surely have uncovered a gem.

Manchester City are planning a surprise move to bring Brentford defender Aaron Hickey to the Etihad Stadium, according to reports.

Who is Aaron Hickey?

The Scotland international started out his career at Hearts having worked his way up through their academy ranks, and after carrying out a short spell with Celtic‘s U17s, joined Bologna back in 2020 before being snapped up by Thomas Frank at the Community Stadium two years later, as per Transfermarkt.

The Bees left-back has so far made 20 appearances to date in the Premier League, 18 of those being starts with two substitute appearances, via WhoScored, and his impressive form has already seen him become their third best-performing defensive player during his debut season.

The 20-year-old’s contract isn’t set to expire for another three years so it will be difficult for any potential suitor to try and negotiate a deal in the summer, but it sounds like Pep Guardiola is ready to give it a good go in M11.

According to The Sun, Manchester City “plan to swoop” for Hickey during the upcoming window as part of a Guardiola “shake-up”, with the boss wanting to recruit “new and modern” wide defenders. Brentford “know” that the Sky Blues are “hot on his trail”, and it’s stated that the price tag set to be demanded is approximately £30m.

The Etihad outfit are also “keen” on Fulham’s Antonee Robinson but have put their interest on the back-burner because of his valuation, which is the same as Hickey’s, as they view the latter as a “younger and more adaptable” option and more worth the money.

Would Hickey be worth £30m for Man City?

Hickey is still only in his first campaign in England so doesn’t have bags of experience in the Premier League, and whether he’d walk straight into Man City’s first-team is questionable, but this would certainly be a great long-term investment for the future of the club.

The Glasgow native, who has the ability to play with both feet, has won 23 tackles from 35 players challenged this season and has been dubbed an “energetic” full-back when bursting down the flank by journalist Josh Bunting. Indeed, he has registered eight goal contributions (six goals and two assists) in 101 career outings to date.

Hickey would additionally bring wonderful versatility to Guardiola’s squad with his ability to operate in five different positions across the pitch, including as full-back on both flanks and at centre-back, so despite his young age, he’s got lots of potential to give and he would only excel under the guidance of the Spaniard.

West Ham are reportedly ready to sell midfielder Tomas Soucek in the summer transfer window, with the Czech no longer seen as a key man.

Has Soucek had a good season?

The Hammers have had a tough season overall, battling relegation from the Premier League for too much of the campaign, before giving themselves some much-needed breathing space. A number of players have struggled to hit the level they were at in the past and Soucek is arguably one of those individuals.

The 28-year-old has made 33 appearances in the league in 2022/23 to date, starting 29 of those matches, but his all-round influence has been lacking, with only two goals and three assists coming his way. He hasn't managed to dominate the midfield like he did back in 2020/21, for example, when he netted an impressive 10 times in the division.

Soucek's current West Ham deal expires at the end of next season, at which point he will be able to leave the London Stadium on a free transfer. For that reason, it could be that the Hammers look to cash in on him this summer, in order to receive a fee for his services.

Could Soucek be sold this summer?

According to Football Insider, West Ham are "willing to listen to offers" for Soucek in the coming months, having "suffered an underwhelming season with the Hammers". It is claimed that "talks between the player’s representatives and the club over a new contract have not progressed" recently, further suggesting that his time is up.

There is the option of triggering the clause to extend the midfielder's contract by another 12 months, which the club are "considering" doing, in order to "protect his value".

In truth, now feels like the right time for West Ham and the £67,000-a-week Soucek to part ways, with the 58-time capped Czech Republic international simply not the force he once was. Granted, he is still only 28, but giving him a new deal will take him into his 30s and there are few signs that suggest he will suddenly find a new lease of life.

Cashing in on him now will allow the Hammers to receive a healthy amount of money for his signature, with those funds then used to bring in a young midfielder who can perhaps be a less one-dimensional option. Soucek has been a strong servant overall – Declan Rice once called him "unbelievable" – but if West Ham can sign a player with more mobility and versatility, it could benefit them more in the long run.

Journalist Jacques Talbot has claimed that West Ham United have already triggered a contract extension for Aaron Cresswell.

What's the latest on Aaron Cresswell and his contract?

As per Transfermarkt, the defender's current deal is set to expire in the summer, June 2023. And recent reports suggest a deal could be in the works.

Indeed, as per Football Insider, sources in late April claimed Cresswell was close to landing a new contract at the London Stadium. The club will green-light an extension if David Moyes remains in charge.

Well, if the latest reporting is accurate, it seems this has already happened. Indeed, when talking on his YouTube channel, Talbot explained that it had been "triggered".

He said (3:33): “So I got a message about Aaron Cresswell: 'He is joining Everton at the end of the season'.

"I was like, Oh yeah?

"Like: 'He's bought a house up in Merseyside, he's going back.'

“But it's just one of them where you go to West Ham and they're like, 'No we've done a new deal to [20]24'.

"I don't even know if that's even out yet. But basically, they've triggered the extension for him.”

How much is Cresswell's contract worth?

Seeing as there is less doubt about Moyes leaving now – as the club look certain to avoid relegation and have gone deep into the Europa Conference League – it would make sense if one of his preferred players was to stick around a little longer.

After all, while now aged 33, Cresswell has still played regularly for the Hammers this term, with 35 appearances in all competitions.

Indeed Moyes has trusted him at the vital point in the club's campaign, starting the left-back in seven of the last eight league games as West Ham have got themselves out of relegation trouble.

With that being the case, it's easy to understand why the club have apparently extended his £50k-p/w contract for one more year.

With 28-year-old Emerson Palmieri also available as an option for the left-back role (with a contract until 2026), the extension for Cresswell mean's the club are pretty set in that area of the field.

Perhaps that sort of deal will allow the Irons to then go out and add strength to more pressing areas of the pitch. For instance, they could soon look a little short in the middle of the park with key man Declan Rice expected to leave this summer.

Chelsea are ready to bid for Kim Min-Jae, with Napoli reportedly shopping to replace the centre-back. The Scudetto winners are being targeted in the transfer market after their stunning domestic campaign.

What's the latest Kim Min-Jae transfer news?

Italian publication Il Mattino, via Sport Witness, reports that there is doubt surrounding whether Kim will remain at Napoli, although the expectation is that he will leave. His contract contains a release clause which is set somewhere between €50m and €60m – the media aren't sure on the specifics, but depending on the location of the suitor, Napoli will quote a different price.

Chelsea are "ready to offer" whatever it will take to sign Kim this summer. He has earned rave reviews with his dominant and simple defending, giving the likes of Victor Osimhen and Kvicha Kvaratshkelia a basis upon which to attack from.

Napoli appear to already be shopping for the South Korean's replacement, with Atalanta's Giorgio Scalvini their main target.

Could Kim Min-Jae revolutionise Chelsea's backline?

Min-Jae is a "monster" of a defender – it's a nickname the player says sums his game up and it's a hint of what Chelsea could get for a very low price.

Whether it's €50m (£43m) or €60m (£52m), the Blues could be about to seal a significant bargain. Not only is the defender 6 foot 2, he is aggressive but measured, strong but agile on the ball and above all else, he offers a calm approach to playing out from the back.

In the Premier League, being able to build out from the back without panicking is a vital skill. The South Korean ranks in the 96th percentile for 'Progressive Passing Dstance' which means only four percent of centre-backs cover more distance with their passes forward.

This includes long balls but it primarily covers short passes from centre-backs to midfielders, fullbacks or wingers.

He ranks in the 99th percentile for the percentage of 'Dribblers Tackled' and 'Challenges Lost'. In short, he's a ball-winning animal and would safeguard Chelsea's defence for years to come if they can complete a deal to sign him this summer.