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Aston Villa have reportedly made an offer to Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez.

The Lowdown: Martinez profiled

Martinez is 31 years of age and has been with Bilbao since 2018. The centre-back was previously a Real Sociedad player and has made over 350 La Liga appearances for the two clubs.

The 19-cap Spain international is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, though, with Villa Park thought to be a potential destination.

The Latest: Villa make offer

Sports Witness relayed an update from Spain regarding Martinez on Thursday, where Villa were named alongside two sides in his homeland.

They claimed that the player has ‘offers’ to join Villa and Atletico Madrid for free in the summer, with Barcelona also keen.

The Verdict: One to watch?

A new striker and defender appear to be Unai Emery’s priority in the summer window, so Martinez fits the bill in that regard.

He has plenty of experience at the top level for club and country and has actually outperformed all of Villa’s centre-backs this season, as per WhoScored, so could be a shrewd addition on a cut-price deal.

Emery currently has four options at centre-back, although Ashley Preece thinks Calum Chambers could depart, making Martinez a potential replacement for the former and a transfer to keep an eye on over the coming months.

Robbie Mustoe believes that Roberto De Zerbi would be a great David Moyes successor at West Ham.

The Lowdown: Pressure growing on Moyes

The pressure is certainly growing on David Moyes with every passing week and every passing Premier League fixture at least as the Hammers find themselves outside of the bottom three but only via goal difference.

While West Ham are very impressive in Europe this season having won every game in the Conference League, if they end up winning that competition but get relegated, not many people will be impressed.

Despite West Ham’s poor run of form this entire season, there have been no grumblings from inside the club with reports suggesting Moyes does indeed still have the backing of the board.

The Latest: De Zerbi would be a top appointment

While nothing appears to be imminent in terms of sacking Moyes, Mustoe has admitted on The 2 Robbie’s podcast that Brighton’s De Zerbi would be a top replacement for Moyes having shown his ability this season averaging 1.44 points per game in the Premier League.

He said: (59:30) “If I was Director of Football at West Ham I would be like, let’s stick with David Moyes, trust him to get us out of it as he’s done it before but in the summer let’s have a look around a little bit.

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“De Zerbi, Roberto De Zerbi I think there’s quite a lot [of potential managers] but how good would he be for West Ham by the way.”

The Verdict: West Ham have a huge decision on their hands

The idea of bringing in De Zerbi to West Ham will be exciting and something the Hammers faithful would likely love to happen, but given where Brighton and West Ham are in the table, it would be a big decision for him to leave the Seagulls.

As things stand, Brighton are on the cusp of securing European football for the first time in the club’s history and that would likely be too good to ignore and not want to build on for next season from De Zerbi’s point of view.

Even if Moyes is able to turn West Ham’s season around, it would be quite a surprise for them to stick with the Scott heading into next season, just because he seems unable to get the most out of an expensively assembled squad under his watch.

Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani is still keeping his options open regarding the managerial situation at Elland Road, according to Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Gracia in charge for now

The Whites have suffered another tough season in the Premier League, once again battling relegation after surviving by the skin of their teeth last time around.

Leeds find themselves sitting 14th in the table with 11 matches remaining, with Javi Garcia coming in and doing an impressive job as the club’s manager on a short-team deal.

The Spaniard replaced the departed Jesse Marsch after the American struggled to ever properly get going in charge, and Saturday’s 4-2 win away to Wolves was one of the most important results of the campaign to date.

Gracia is only currently in the Elland Road hot seat until the end of the season, at which point Leeds will have a big decision to make regarding the situation.

The Latest: Radrizzani keeping options ‘open’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs claimed that Gracia would likely get the job if Leeds stay up but Radrizzani and the 49ers are continuing to keep their cards close to their chest:

“We know that Andoni Iraola was a top choice, but there was no ability to get a deal done with Rayo Vallecano and Iraola wasn’t that intent on leaving mid-season either.

“There are lots of moving parts with Leeds at the moment, and the best way for Gracia to get the job beyond this season is to keep Leeds up.

“But I think all options are being kept open at this stage.”

The Verdict: Massive few months

In fairness to Gracia, it would be a huge surprise if he kept Leeds in the Premier League and was then disposed of by Radrizzani, given the job he would have done.

Assuming he wants to stay on as boss, keeping him in charge makes perfect sense, as the Whites look for some stability under a manager with genuine pedigree, having guided Watford to the 2019 FA Cup final.

Should Leeds go down, things could be different, in truth, while Radrizzani and the new 49ers group are understandably planning for a scenario where Gracia ends up not wanting to extend his stay at Elland Road.

As things stand, though, he is doing enough to guide the Whites to safety come May, and given the positive results he is picking up, the supporters will surely be perfectly content to see him remain as manager this summer and beyond.

YouTuber Mark Goldbridge has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur manager target Mauricio Pochettino won't be able to bring immediate success to north London.

What's the latest on Spurs, Conte and Pochettino?

Antonio Conte arrived at Spurs with a reputation for winning big, having lifted the Premier League as well as numerous other trophies over the course of his illustrious managerial career.

However, he's not been able to bring that success to north London and it seems quite likely that he will leave at the end of the season. If that does happen, Tottenham would have seen yet another manager arrive and leave without ending the club's trophy drought.

Pochettino is linked with a return, having coached the club between 2014 and 2019 – but there is no guarantee he would win any silverware having failed to lift any trophies during his first spell.

And while speaking about it all on The United Stand, Goldbridge seemed to think more failure was likely as much as he dropped some damning claims on the Argentine.

Indeed, he said (9:19): “He's got no trophies either. That's why him and Harry Kane love going out with each other because they can just have a cup of tea: 'Oh, we've got a couple of cups, Harry. What's this?'

"Pochettino is crap. I don't want him anywhere near Manchester United. If spurs go back for him, well done. You're not winning a trophy for another five years.

"Pochettino, you know, in the same breath as Erik ten Hag is like putting beans on toast in the same breath as fine dining. It is ridiculous."

Will Pochettino win trophies at Spurs?

Of course, Pochettino was linked with the Manchester United job before Erik ten Hag joined the Red Devils. But seeing as the Dutchman has already won the League Cup in England, it's easy to see why Goldbridge is content.

However, it's not as though the Argentine hasn't won something in recent seasons too. Indeed, when at PSG, Poch managed to lift the Ligue 1 trophy, as well as the French league cup and super cup.

With that in mind, perhaps Pochettino could put his more recent experience of success to use at Spurs – although, as we've seen with Conte, that might not be enough to succeed in north London.

Regardless of trophies, however, some Tottenham fans may just be keen to have someone at the club who wants to play good football and who actually wants to be there.

After the season he's had, as well as his recent comments, it doesn't feel as though Conte fits this bill. But perhaps Pochettino could be that man, even if it doesn't guarantee an end to the club's ongoing trophy drought.

Liverpool are one of the clubs who are believed to be interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz in the summer.

Who else is interested in Florian Wirtz?

Jurgen Klopp is said to be a big admirer of the German midfielder and he would be keen to add him to his squad over the summer window.

However, it is apparent this will not be a straightforward task for the Reds if they are to pursue the 19-year-old who is playing his football in the Bundesliga.

Indeed, it has been suggested by Fabrizio Romano that the two Spanish powerhouses, Real Madrid and Barcelona, are also keeping tabs on the youngster.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the reliable journalist provided an update on Wirtz's future with other English clubs also said to hold an interest:

"What I can tell you is that Barcelona are following the player, for sure. Their people have been many times to follow the player and same also for Real Madrid. So the two Spanish clubs are monitoring the player.

"But I'm told, that also English clubs are keeping an eye on Wirtz; especially the situation of Liverpool is one to watch, because Liverpool are monitoring the player. I'm told that Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a big fan of Florian Wirtz and so they are among many clubs monitoring this player."

Could Wirtz be the perfect Firmino replacement?

At the end of the current campaign, it is understood Roberto Firmino will walk away from Liverpool to seek another adventure with his current role one from the bench at Anfield.

Liverpool have had their struggles this season and creativity from the midfield has certainly been one of those issues with the most assists coming from a single midfielder being two.

Despite Firmino's role in the side being dramatically reduced to a sporadic option off the bench, the Brazilian has still been able to return five assists this season.

Given he is set to leave at the end of the season, Liverpool will not only lose an attacking threat in front of goal, but they will also lose a creative spark.

In the campaign when Liverpool got their hands on the Premier League title, Firmino was able to provide a return of nine goals and eight assists.

And in comparison, last season – at just 18 years old, Wirtz was able to provide Leverkusen with a return of seven goals and 10 assists (via FBref).

Wirtz has received big praise already from Hansi Flick who branded him as an "outstanding technician" and that certainly can be seen through his comfort on the ball having averaged over 80 yards of progressive carries in his four Bundesliga campaigns (via FBref).

The £76k-per-week teenager's return in goals has dried up this season in comparison to his previous two campaigns, however, providing over four shot-creating actions per game this season could be exactly what Klopp needs to get the best out of their frontline.

Mohamed Salah has failed to live up to his usual high standards and there are long-term options in Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo who could seemingly benefit from a creative midfield option.

Newcastle United will need to fork out €120m (£105m) if they want to sign Benfica's Goncalo Ramos this summer, with the striker's value tripling in value since the start of the season, according to a report.

Which clubs are interested in signing Goncalo Ramos?

Newcastle emerged as potential suitors for Ramos back in August, at which point the club were desperate to bring in a new striker, however he pledged his loyalty to Benfica, the club he has played for since the age of 12. The Magpies are not the only Premier League club eyeing the forward, with Portuguese outlet Record reporting Manchester United could make a move, amid reports he has grown weary of waiting for a pay rise at Benfica. (via Football365)

Chelsea are also said to be considering a move for the Portugal international, however he is under contract until 2026, meaning his current club are under no obligation to sell him for lower than his release clause any time soon. That release clause could scupper Newcastle's chances of signing the 21-year-old this summer, as Jornal de Noticias are now reporting Benfica are set to demand the full €120m (£105m) (via Sport Witness).

The new price is a huge increase from earlier on in the season, when the Olhao-born marksman was valued at just €40m (£35m), but the Portuguese club feel they can now demand far more, given his impressive form for club and country this season. It is detailed that Newcastle, Man United, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are the clubs most linked to the starlet, but it remains to be seen whether any of them will be willing to match the figure Benfica have in mind.

Should Newcastle make a move for Goncalo Ramos?

The Benfica youth product impressed out in Qatar at the World Cup, with Gary Lineker hailing him as "remarkable" for being able to handle the pressure of replacing Cristiano Ronaldo, scoring a hat-trick against Switzerland in the round of 16.

At club level, the youngster has been formidable in front of goal, netting on 16 occasions in the Primeira Liga, averaging 0.88 goals per 90 in the process, the joint-highest figure of any player with at least five goals.

That said, spending £105m on a player unproven outside of Portugal would be a real risk for Newcastle, and they should look to negotiate a lower transfer fee, which they may be able to do, given that he is growing unsettled about having to wait for a pay rise.

Considering the level of interest in Ramos, the Magpies will still need to spend big to secure his signature in the summer, but he would be an excellent addition to the frontline, judging by his goal return, and his proven ability to perform under pressure.

Newcastle United are interested in completing the signing of Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Will McTominay leave this summer?

The Magpies are thriving at the moment, with Eddie Howe's side getting over the disappointment of missing out on EFL Cup glory by strengthening their top-four chances in the Premier League. Wednesday's superb 5-1 win away to West Ham United was arguably one of their biggest statement victories of the campaign so far, with a return to the Champions League edging closer by the week.

Once the summer transfer window arrives, Newcastle will again hopefully be delving into the market and looking to make a number of key additions across the pitch. Midfield is one area that could arguably do with extra depth having seen departures in the winter window – and McTominay has recently been linked with a move to St James' Park.

The Scot has often found playing time hard to come by at United this season, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen's respective arrivals playing a part in him starting just nine league games in 2022/23.

Could McTominay join Newcastle?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones talked up Newcastle making a move for McTominay at the end of the season:

"Newcastle like Scott McTominay, but it's not because of his goal-scoring, but because they believe he’d be a really effective squad player.

"They're looking to build this team towards becoming something that can hold themselves not just in the Premier League, but also start to establish themselves in Europe.

"McTominay is a good player and he does turn in some good performances, but I still don't think we should get too excited because he scored a few goals."

This could be a really shrewd piece of business by Newcastle, with McTominay not necessarily an elite, world-class midfielder, but someone who can be a key cog in the machine. His performances for Scotland have also highlighted his technical ability, with two goals against Spain last month inspiring his country to a famous 2-0 win.

At 26, the United man should be coming into his prime and he has been hailed as "unbelievable" by Statman Dave in the past, while his box-to-box energy could provide Newcastle with an upgrade in the middle of the park. McTominay is averaging 2.1 clearances and 1.5 tackles per game in the league this season, whereas Sean Longstaff posts 0.8 and 1.3 in those respective departments.

Therefore, we think the fact that the Magpies are fans of the Scot should be met with positivity among the Toon fanbase.

Celtic teenager Ronan Ferns has received an offer from the English Premier League, according to Football Insider.

What’s the latest transfer news on Celtic gem Ferns?

Ferns is primarily a centre-back but can also play in midfield and is regarded as a hugely promising talent at Lennoxtown.

The left-footed teenager, who is wanted by Brighton & Hove Albion, has represented Scotland at U16 level and is currently plying his trade for the Hoops at U17 level.

Brighton, owned by billionaire Tony Bloom, were linked with a move for Ferns just last month, and it looks as if they have firmed up that interest.

Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke shared an update regarding Ferns in the last 48 hours, revealing that the Seagulls have submitted a bid for the youngster.

He states how Brighton have made an offer to the player, with the English side ahead of Celtic in the race to land the defender on a professional contract.

The next Hoops starlet to depart?

Celtic have found it extremely difficult to keep hold of a number of their rising stars in the Lennoxtown academy, with Ferns seemingly the next gem to potentially head south over the coming months.

The Premier League has been a popular destination, with the likes of Josh Adam, Leo Hjelde and Ben Doak just a few to depart for England, while Liam Morrison and Barry Hepburn made the move to Bayern Munich.

Teenage midfielder Aidan Borland also appears to be close to joining Aston Villa after Celtic accepted an offer, and it looks as if Ferns could also follow suit in crossing the border.

The departing starlets could leave Celtic officials extremely frustrated, but it shows how the club are developing plenty of exciting talent in Glasgow, so the next step for the Hoops may be on how they can keep hold of their highly-rated youngsters instead of losing them just as they reach the age where they could be in line for a professional contract at Parkhead.

Champions-elect Celtic racked up their 30th Scottish Premiership win of the season in style with a commanding, 4-1 victory over Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon, with midfield maestro Matt O'Riley notably netting a brace amid a blistering opening for the Parkhead outfit.

That comfortable triumph at Rugby Park had come despite the Hoops being without the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota, with the duo having seemingly been left out of the matchday squad amid potential concerns over turning out on an artificial pitch.

The absence of the latter man, in particular, provided a big opportunity for fellow winger Sead Haksabanovic to impress on the right flank, with the Montenegro international having been handed his first start in the league since November.

Despite having no doubt been chomping at the bit to make his mark amid that rare inclusion in the starting XI, it is fair to say that the summer arrival was one of the more underwhelming features of that resounding victory.

How did Haksabanovic perform against Kilmarnock?

The 23-year-old – who was previously hailed as a "diamond" by former boss Jan Jonsson – has endured a mixed start to life in Glasgow thus far, having been restricted to just 11 starts in all competitions this season, albeit while chipping in with five goals and four assists in that time.

With it undoubtedly having been a 'massive chance' for Haksabanovic to 'stake his claim' ahead of the season run-in, including the Scottish Cup semi-final showdown with Rangers – according to Celtic Way's Tony Haggerty – the Sweden-born playmaker was arguably not at his brilliant best.

While the forward's lack of regular game time may have been a factor in that rusty outing, manager Ange Postecoglou may well have been expecting more from the former Rubin Kazan man, as he was rather ineffective in the final third.

That inability to make an impact was showcased by the fact that the £12k-per-week man was rather erratic on the ball after losing possession 16 times from his 56 touches, having also offered little threat after failing to complete any of his five attempted dribbles.

As Haggerty noted, the one-time West Ham United asset 'flitted in and out of the game' while the rest of the attacking unit ran riot, having also been rather ineffective defensively after winning just four of his 13 total duels.

That 'quiet' showing – as per Glasgow Live's Alan Galindo – will not have the aforementioned Jota fearing for his place in the side, with Haksabanovic needing to 'show more' if he is to properly establish himself as part of the forward line, in the words of Haggerty.

As such, it would be no real surprise if the 5 foot 9 dynamo is ditched from the side for Saturday's clash against Motherwell at Paradise, having been unable to provide Postecoglou with a genuine selection headache moving forward.

Tottenham Hotspur are back on their travels in the Premier League as they head to St James' Park to face European hopefuls Newcastle United this afternoon.

The north London outfit will be looking to respond to last weekend's disappointing result after they were beaten 3-2 by relegation-threatened AFC Bournemouth in injury time, a result that moved them three points adrift of the top four, where today's opponents currently sit, with a game in hand.

Lilywhites interim boss Cristian Stellini has a lot to think about heading into kick-off, so it'll be interesting to see what sort of side he selects in the northeast.

Here's what we are predicting…

How will Tottenham lineup against Newcastle?

There could be as many as four changes from the defeat to the Cherries.

In goal, club captain Hugo Lloris is set to continue between the sticks as he has done since his return from injury, whilst the back three in front of him could have a surprise name, in the form of Japhet Tanganga, who takes the place of injury doubt Clement Lenglet.

After Davinson Sanchez became the substitute who got substituted to a chorus of boos, the Italian caretaker may opt for the Hotspur Way academy graduate alongside the experienced Eric Dier and Cristian Romero instead.

Pape Matar Sarr is in line for a rare start too – after impressing everyone at the San Siro, he has hardly been seen since. This game could be a good time to utilise his dynamism and tenacity in midfield, featuring next to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Meanwhile, on the flanks, Pedro Porro should continue in Emerson Royal's absence, whilst the returning Ben Davies could get the nod over Ivan Perisic on the left, with the Welshman thought to be available this afternoon.

The fourth and final change could then come in the attack as last weekend's goalscorer Arnaut Danjuma is preferred to the out-of-sorts Dejan Kulusevski, meaning the Villarreal loanee joins both Heung-min Son and Harry Kane up top.

Kulusevski, valued at around £64m by FootballTransfers, has certainly been a hit in north London since his move last year but the "absolute monster" – as hailed by journalist Nima Tavallaey Roodsari – has provided only one goal and one assist in the Premier League in 2023, and that makes for hard reading indeed.

Predicted Spurs XI (3-4-3): Lloris; Tanganga, Dier, Romero; Davies, Hojbjerg, Sarr, Porro; Son, Danjuma, Kane