Alderweireld’s Spurs future in doubt, and Enrique eyes EPL job

Premier League news and talking points

Doubts over Alderweireld Spurs future

Toby Alderweireld’s future at Tottenham is “in doubt”, according to The Daily Telegraph. The defender has been out of action for three months with a hamstring injury, but declared himself fit for Saturday’s derby against Arsenal.

However, after missing out against Arsenal, Alderweireld is not expected to travel to Turin for the Champions League match against Juventus - and his exclusion could impact his contract talks at Spurs.

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The Telegraph says the Belgian player has yet to agree to a new deal, and his current contract has a £25m release clause “that could be activated in the summer of 2019”.

This means Spurs may consider selling him if a new deal cannot be agreed by the end of the season.

Enrique wants Premier League job

Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique wants to manage in the Premier League next season, reports The Sun.

The Spaniard has been linked with Chelsea as a replacement for Antonio Conte should he be sacked by the Stamford Bridge club, but Arsenal are also said to be interested.

According to reports in Spain, Enrique is “waiting” to see whether Chelsea or Arsenal become available first. Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan have also been linked with Enrique.

Conte: I’ve been a disaster for transfers

Under-pressure Chelsea manager Antonio Conte admits he is a “disaster” when it comes to convincing the club to sign world-class players.

Conte told The Guardian: “My task is to try and improve every single player, in every aspect. In terms of their mentality also. And their desire, their will to fight, and all the tactical aspects. My task is this and, for this, I’m very good. But I think I’m a bit of a disaster to convince the club to buy players. I think in this aspect I can improve a lot.”

Pardew: Chelsea can be a difficult club

As Chelsea prepare to host West Brom tonight in the Premier League (8pm), Baggies boss Alan Pardew has revealed he feels sorry for counterpart Antonio Conte.

After winning the Premier League last season, Chelsea have struggled this term, and Conte’s future has been a major talking point in the past few weeks. Pardew told the Daily Star: “I think Conte will come through this. Chelsea can be a difficult club at times. I do feel sorry for him because the job he did last year was absolutely outstanding and I don’t really think he’s changed too much.

“Maybe the quality of the opposition has changed and maybe the players he’s had available haven’t been to the consistency he had when he won it. But you cannot fault his record and the job he’s done since he came to the Premier League.”

Mahrez clears the air

Leicester City defender Danny Simpson has revealed that Riyad Mahrez has held “clear-the-air talks” with the squad.

Mahrez had been the subject of a failed bid by Manchester City on transfer deadline day and stayed away from Leicester training for ten days afterwards. But he returned from his exile on Friday, and Simpson insists the squad has now moved on from the controversy.

Simpson told the Leicester Mercury: “It has been all right. He [Mahrez] came in and spoke to the lads on our own in the dressing room and that is that. We put it to bed and move on. He came back in and everyone understands it was tough for everyone. But he is back in and what he said in the dressing room was just between us.”

Premier League transfer news and rumours

Isco: Real Madrid to Manchester United

The Daily Star reports that Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho wants to make a massive summer signing “to stop Manchester City” - and top of his shopping list is Real Madrid star Isco. Real boss Zinedine Zidane says Isco has a future at the La Liga giants, but if he does become available then both Manchester clubs will compete for his signature.

Everton to ‘ditch’ £30m defender Keane

Everton are ready to “ditch” £30m defender Michael Keane, the Sunday People reports. The 25-year-old England international centre-back only signed for the Toffees last year, but Everton boss Sam Allardyce will “listen to offers” for the former Burnley defender.