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Leeds United prospective majority owners 49ers Enterprises will be 'nervous' over the appointment of Sam Allardyce and will be desperate for him to secure their Premier League status, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United and Sam Allardyce?

As per The Daily Mail, 49ers Enterprises have the option to take 'overall control' of Leeds United from current owner Andrea Radrizzani which runs until January for a fee of £420 million; however, that price is only fixed if they are still a Premier League club by then.

The report also states that 49ers Enterprises, who own 44% of the Yorkshire outfit, would still be keen to take control in the scenario that Leeds United were relegated to the Sky Bet Championship, though they would only be willing to commit to offering a £150 million buyout in that case.

Recently, the Whites have also moved to sack Javi Gracia as manager to bring in survival specialist Sam Allardyce, who will take charge of their last four Premier League matches this term, as per Sky Sports News.

Allardyce is said to have signed a contract that will see him pocket £500,000 between now and the end of this campaign, while he will also net a bonus of £2.5 million if he manages to keep Leeds United in the English top flight, The Daily Mail has also revealed.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that Leeds United hope they have made a short-term decision by hiring Allardyce, which could breed long-term gain if they manage to survive.

Jacobs told FFC: "It's clear that at football level and strategic level, things are changing at Leeds and some of the changes are out of force and urgency and panic. Other changes, I sense, are ahead of the summer. I think there'll be a few nervous 49ers Enterprises people hoping that all of these changes pay off and then, if they can stay up, it's sort of a clean slate to start from. That's when Leeds have to start getting their appointments, not only right but long term because all of these changes are detrimental to mood, to stability and we'll wait and see whether they're positive or negative as far as Leeds' survival chances are concerned."

What next for Leeds United?

Simply put, Leeds United boss Allardyce and his players will be fully focused on the battle for survival ahead as they aim to secure their place in the Premier League for next term.

The Whites have a tough end-of-season schedule and have to face Manchester City, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur before the close of play.

Sitting just above the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference, Allardyce will need to get to work quickly and identify how to take points from some stern opposition to avoid the drop come the end of the campaign.

If he doesn't manage to achieve this feat, relegation could have major consequences for Leeds United both on and off the field.

Football Insider journalist Wayne Veysey has shared a 'big' update on Tottenham Hotspur and their links to free agent boss Julian Nagelsmann.

What's the latest news on Nagelsmann?

Spurs are reliably believed to be targeting the German, who was made readily-available following his surprise dismissal from Bayern Munich.

Nagelsmann also attracted interest from Chelsea in recent weeks, but with the west Londoners poised to appoint Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs have been handed a possible free run.

The 35-year-old is on chairman Daniel Levy's list of managerial candidates, which includes the likes of Luis Enrique, Arne Slot, Vincent Kompany and Ange Postecoglou, at least according to recent reports.

There have been recent suggestions that Nagelsmann is becoming far more open to taking the Spurs job than previously thought, with claims from Germany stating he is 'very tempted' by the job.

This comes as Tottenham scour the market for a new permanent manager after sacking Antonio Conte last month, and former interim boss Cristian Stellini soon after the Italian.

Ryan Mason has been placed in temporary charge of Spurs until the end of this Premier League season, and in the meantime, Tottenham will be putting plans together in the search for Conte's successor.

Now, according to Veysey, writing for Football Insider, there has been what the outlet describes as a 'big' update.

Indeed, Nagelsmann is said to have privately decided he won't be joining Spurs – or any other club – before the summer. What's more, Tottenham are apparently losing faith they will appoint him for the 2023/2024 campaign, with Spurs worried that Nagelsmann is using their interest as leverage to seal another top job in Europe.

They allegedly have 'concerns' about his intentions, coming after they made him their top target to replace Conte. Nagelsmann also doesn't believe that Tottenham have a squad built for success – which is something he wants when considering his next job.

Who should Spurs hire if they can't get Nagelsmann?

If the north Londoners ultimately fail in their pursuit of Nagelsmann, we believe Feyenoord boss Slot fits the bill quite nicely.

There have been reports of him being keen to take the Spurs job, and after a brilliant campaign in the Netherlands, his stock just keeps on rising.

Members of the media have lavished praise on Slot, calling him one of the finest managers in his country, even before his Feyenoord title charge.

Much like Pochettino when he first took charge of Spurs, Slot is arguably a lesser-known but promising name, and perhaps that is exactly what Levy needs when looking for a project manager.

Liverpool target Ryan Gravenberch is keen on a move to Anfield after a positive meeting regarding a deal was held, according to reports.

What's the latest on Gravenberch to Liverpool?

The Bayern Munich midfielder’s contract at the Allianz Arena isn’t set to expire for another four years, but having made just one start in the Bundesliga this season, has fallen out of favour and could therefore be looking to secure a move elsewhere this summer, potentially to the Premier League.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has reported that the Netherlands international is on a shortlist of central targets compiled by Jurgen Klopp with 90min having since claimed that the Reds have made contact to ask for regular updates on the 20-year-old’s situation.

Now, according to De Telegraaf (via Voetbal Primeur and Sport Witness), Liverpool recently sent chiefs to hold “talks” with Gravenberch’s representatives to discuss a potential move to Merseyside. The Dutchman’s camp, including his father, “sat down” with the key figures from Anfield to discover what a deal would look like, and the meeting must have gone swimmingly because it’s stated that the midfielder is “interested” in completing the switch.

The German giants’ star is “becoming dejected” about his lack of minutes at his current club which is why a move “appeals to him”, and as for the price tag, the hope is that FSG wouldn’t have to pay “more” than the €18.5m (£16.3m) Bayern initially coughed up for him.

Should Liverpool go for Gravenberch?

Gravenberch admitting that he wants to join Liverpool will be a huge boost for Klopp and something that the board should take advantage of by splashing the cash to secure his services during the upcoming window.

The Adidas-sponsored gem has posted 69 goal contributions (36 goals and 33 assists) in 215 appearances throughout his career, with this impressive return for a midfielder having seen him dubbed “indispensable” by talent scout Jacek Kulig. As per FBRef, the £152k-per-week also ranks in the 95th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 and the 92nd percentile for shots, which shows that even if he’s not always on the scoresheet, he’s constantly looking to try and make the magic happen in the final third.

Finally, Gravenberch knows what it takes to be successful having secured six senior trophies over the course of his time at Bayern and former club Ajax, so will be able to match the winning mentality of the current squad already on Merseyside.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has some 'news' for Tottenham Hotspur supporters on their links to former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann.

Will Nagelsmann join Spurs?

Ever since his shock dismissal from Bayern Munich last week, with ex-Spurs manager candidate Thomas Tuchel coming in to replace him, there have been non-stop rumours of Nagelsmann potentially replacing Antonio Conte. The German and Bayern parted company with the former now up for grabs and a free agent, something which has seriously alerted Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy.

Nagelsmann is now readily-available and reports suggest that he is a prime contender for the Tottenham job this summer alongside the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Luis Enrique. In the meantime, Cristian Stellini has taken the reins and will be assisted by Ryan Mason in the dug out – all while Levy and sporting director Fabio Paratici scour for a replacement in the background.

It is believed that Nagelsmann could be open to taking the Spurs job, coming after claims that he was actually planning to join the club after they sacked Jose Mourinho in 2021. Levy eventually turned to Nuno Espirito Santo at the time after Nagelsmann opted for Bayern, but Sky journalist Plettenberg has shared an update which suggests they're set to target the German now.

According to the reporter's information, a behind-scenes move has been made for the ex-Leipzig head coach, with Plettenberg stating Spurs have lodged a 'casual request'. While there has been no concrete talks or negotiations, the Sky Germany correspondent goes on to add that Spurs are 'definitely interested' in appointing Nagelsmann.

He explained on Twitter:

"News #Nagelsmann: @SpursOfficial definitely interested! There has already been a casual request but no concrete talks or negotiations. Been told it’s unlikely that he will replace Conte immediately. He wants to take his time."

Is Nagelsmann perfect for Spurs?

The 35-year-old is arguably one of Europe's most exciting young coaches and his intense/high pressing philosophy certainly has the potential to excite Spurs supporters. He has also been called a 'sensational manager' by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, which is very high praise from one of the Premier League's most prestigious bosses.

Nagelsmann has got the better of Spurs before, thrashing then-Mourinho's side 4-0 on aggregate in their 2020 Champions League Last 16 tie. Leipzig put on an attacking masterclass, especially at the Red Bull Arena where they won 3-0, so Lilywhites know all about Nagelsmann's very eye-catching style.

Newcastle United's season has surpassed the expectations of even the most fruitful of fans, with Eddie Howe's outfit just two points behind fourth-place Tottenham Hotspur despite holding two games in hand.

Last season, the Magpies received an anticipated and affluent takeover, with the Saudi-led consortium pumping life and colour back into a proud and prestigious football club that had fallen from its perch and been relegated from the Premier League on two occasions over the past decade.

A similar fate appeared to loom, with United starting the 21/22 campaign miserably and mired in a relegation battle at the time of the deal, but the dismissal of Steve Bruce, subsequent appointment of current boss Howe and shrewd work on the transfer front has swiftly instilled hope and confidence back into St. James's Park.

Newcastle stormed into an impressive 11th-place finish last season, continuing to craft a cohesive and oiled new team that now perches in European contention.

No player embodies the club's resurgence more so than Joelinton, who was signed for £40m in 2019 from German Bundesliga side Hoffenheim as a striker and spent the early phases of his career in England embroiled in inconsistency and a timid goal threat.

A switch in position has rekindled his career, with the Brazilian powerhouse now one of the Premier League's most robust and dynamic centre-midfielders.

How is Joelinton performing at Newcastle?

To say it hasn't always been plain sailing for the 26-year-old Magpie would be an understatement; originally a centre-forward, Joelinton scored just two goals in his first Premier League campaign and four in his second.

In fact, the £85k-per-week ace has failed to surpass the four-goal mark to this day, scoring four goals yet again last season before clinching just two strikes in the top flight this term, but the prowess of his play now lies in a different department.

About a year ago, The Athletic released a piece illustrating the 'genesis' of a career rebirth under Howe, with the now all-encompassing central force one of the first names on the team sheet at the heart of the Newcastle midfield.

As per Sofascore, the "machine" – as hailed by teammate Keiran Trippier – has chalked a 7.02 average rating in the top-flight this term, completing 83% of his passes, taking 1.5 shots and creating 0.9 key passes and displaying his newfound defensive aptitude by forging 2.5 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per outing.

And with FBref ranking the phenom among the top 10% of midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for successful take-ons, the top 7% for blocks and the top 9% for aerials won per 90, he is evidently growing into his skin as one of the most dynamic and robust midfielders in English football.

Borussia Dortmund's coveted sensation Jude Bellingham is listed as a comparable player to the revitalised South American, and with such heated interest in the 19-year-old from Europe's most prominent outfits, who has been valued as high as €150m (£133m), Howe might have already played the shrewdest move in harnessing the capabilities of Joelinton, pushing him deeper into a destroyer role.

Bellingham indeed ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe for successful take-ons, the top 6% for progressive passes and the top 5% for blocks, but with such exorbitant fees attached to his name, Newcastle indeed need to look no further than within their ranks to unleash a player capable of rivalling Bellingham in his feats.

Newcastle are on the up, and with Joelinton as the midfield centrepiece, recent fortunes could be crystallised into something lasting.

Wolves have been handed a big boost ahead of their game against Spurs this weekend, with Julen Lopetegui confirming that Matheus Cunha should be available after recovering from injury.

Will Cunha be available for Wolves?

There was a lot of concern for the January signing when he was forced off on a stretcher in the recent 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

He would miss out entirely when the Old Gold lost out to Liverpool at Anfield in midweek but it now seems as if he could make a surprise comeback against Spurs after returning to training this week.

Liam Keen, who covers Wolves for the Express and Star, provided an update after Lopetegui’s press conference on Friday afternoon, suggesting that the Brazilian is better and “likely to be available” tomorrow.

Since signing from Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window, the 23-year-old has made 10 appearances, in which he has no goals and one assist.

While the new signing has failed to break the striker curse at Molineux, which has seen the likes of Raul Jimenez and Diego Costa go a significant period of time without finding the back of the net in the top flight, he has looked more likely to score, registering 1.9 shots per game in the Premier League thus far.

This ranks him joint-top in Wolves’ squad, which emphasises the positive influence he has had on the Old Gold’s attack, and his willingness to shoot will surely soon be rewarded with a goal.

The “extraordinary” Cunha – as dubbed by Paolo Tramezzani – still has a big part to play in Wolves’ battle for survival in the Premier League, and given the disappointing form of both Jimenez and Costa, it is undoubtedly a boost that Lopetegui’s own striker signing will be back fit on Saturday.

If he can rediscover the form he has shown in the Bundesliga in the past, which saw him hit 13 goals and ten assists in just 40 appearances for Hertha Berlin, then there is no doubt that he can be a positive influence on Wolves’ struggles in front of goal.

Despite improving following the World Cup break, Lopetegui’s side are still ranked as the joint-lowest scorers in the division, so the Spanish manager needs as many attackers fit as possible if he wants to buck that trend.

Therefore, having the Brazilian dynamo fit and available for selection would be a big boost for the head coach and, hopefully, the gem can start to find his best form and begin to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis.

Newcastle United are reportedly plotting moves for three marquee signings this summer, providing that they can qualify for European football.

The Lowdown: In a good spot

Newcastle are in a good spot to qualify for Europe next season, currently sitting in fourth place in the Premier League table.

They are aiming to finish in the top four and qualify for the UEFA Champions League, but in terms of European qualification in general, they are seven points clear of eighth-placed Brentford, with a finish of seventh or higher also offering Europa League and Europa Conference League football.

The Latest: Three marquee signings…

As per Football Insider, the St. James’ Park outfit are looking to raise funds to sign three marquee players this summer, providing that they qualify for Europe.

Ryan Fraser, Matt Ritchie, Jamaal Lascelles and Jamal Lewis are all thought to be up for sale, with Eddie Howe wanting to add players under the age of 24 to play his brand of football.

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The Verdict: Exciting

It will be exciting for the Toon Army to see their team continue their rebuild this summer following their takeover in 2021.

The new owners will no doubt be keen to strengthen while they are on top, especially if they qualify for the Champions League for next season.

In terms of potential targets, they have been linked with the likes of goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, midfielder Arthur Vermeeren and striker Vitor Roque, who all fit the age profile, while they could also go for more-established names with Premier League experience, like West Ham United’s Declan Rice.

Nonetheless, it is important for the Magpies to continue to strengthen as they look to really push forward in their long-term project.

Whenever a manager at Chelsea finds himself under pressure, Jose Mourinho is usually one of the first to be linked with a return to Stamford Bridge but the experienced Portuguese could be the ideal man to save the Blues this season.

Could Jose Mourinho take over from Graham Potter at Chelsea?

Graham Potter is understandably being linked with the sack and seems to have lost all support from the fans, while Mourinho has made it clear that he would welcome the opportunity to return to Chelsea if given the opportunity.

He told Sky Sports last year:

“I just know the club has reached such a level that it doesn’t matter who it’s with, Chelsea will always be Chelsea. Chelsea will always be.

“My house will always be 200 metres from the stadium and I want to keep listening to the sound of happiness and success and I’m pretty sure it’s going to be like that.”

Journalist Richard Keys has also suggested that the Special One could be a get-out-of-jail-free card for Todd Boehly and Chelsea as the new chairman looks to rescue a nightmare season and get the fans back on side at Stamford Bridge.

Therefore, there is clearly interest from both sides and if Potter cannot rectify his recent run of form, then Mourinho could be the ideal replacement as the Blues look to salvage European football for next season.

Could Mourinho rescue European football for Chelsea?

Chelsea currently sit tenth in the Premier League following last weekend’s shocking 1-0 defeat against Southampton, which leaves them 11 points behind fourth-placed Spurs.

On current form, Potter’s side look unlikely to produce a turnaround against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League after losing 1-0 at Signal Iduna Park last week, so Mourinho could rescue the Blues with his world-renowned abilities, which suit tournament football perfectly.

Last season saw the Portuguese manager become the only coach in history to have won the Champions League, Europa League and the new Europa Conference League, while he also boasts a mammoth ten title wins across spells with Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter and Porto, so it is easy to see why Owen Hargreaves labelled him a “serial winner.”

There is no doubting the quality that Chelsea possesses in their squad following the investment of Boehly in January and if Mourinho can get them playing to their potential, there seems no reason why he couldn’t turn the Blues into a winning machine once again, as he has proven capable of throughout his career.

The season can still be salvaged for Chelsea, but Boehly needs to admit his mistake in hiring the inexperienced Potter and bring in a born winner such as Mourinho before it is too late for the west London side.

Gianluca Di Marzio believes Arsenal are leading the race to sign young right-back Ivan Fresneda this month.

The Lowdown: Second singing on the way

After a long and ultimately fruitless pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk, Arsenal moved quickly to finally make a breakthrough in the transfer market by signing Leandro Trossard.

It looks as if Arsenal and Edu are finally getting into gear this transfer window having brought in Trossard and Polish defender Jakub Kiwior, while Cedric is seemingly close to leaving the club for Fulham on loan – and now they appear frontrunners to sign Fresneda.

Given Cedric is reportedly closing in on a move to Craven Cottage, it would make sense that Arsenal are thought to be close to bringing in a potential replacement in Fresneda, which will see the Gunners beat the likes of Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund to his signature if they can pull it off.

The Latest: Arsenal closing in on Fresneda

Di Marzio insisted live on Sky Sports that Arsenal have seemingly taken the lead to sign Fresneda, although he did indeed name-drop Newcastle as potential rivals, so the deal isn’t a foregone conclusion.

He said: “Fresneda is a very, very good player of Real Valladolid in Spain. Arsenal is leading the race, even Newcastle too, but Arsenal is leading the race for Fresneda.”

The Verdict: Gunners looking for depth

It would be a great deal for Arsenal given they would have beaten a high-flying Premier League rival to a very exciting and talented right-back that may even be able to start immediately given he’s been doing so out in La Liga this season.

Fresneda is certainly an exciting prospect out in Spain, having been labelled as ‘beastly’ by journalist Juan Arroita due to his immense crossing ability that has been on show this season, despite still being just 17 years old at the time.

The youngster is now 18 but wouldn’t naturally come into an Arsenal squad leading the Premier League and command regular minutes, but with first-team games already under his belt this term, he could be a suitable deputy for Mikel Arteta to call upon if either Ben White or Takehiro Tomiyasu were to pick up knocks.

Leeds United have apparently stepped up their pursuit of long-term target Azzedine Ounahi, who could be a significant upgrade on modern-day Elland Road hero Mateusz Klich…

French journalist Seb Ecrivain tookto Twitter on Friday morningto issue an update on the Whites’ efforts to sign the Morocco midfielder.

He wrote: “#Leeds accelerates to secure the services of Moroccan star Azzedine #Ounahi. The club is ready to make financial efforts to win this case.”

Having reportedly made an offer of€25m(£22m) earlier this week, Victor Orta will wait to receive the response to this opening gambit and see whether these additional financial efforts are required.

In a month where the Elland Road faithful bid farewellto Klich, who has now joined DC United, it seems clear that Jesse Marsch is keen on finding someone to instantly replace the 32-year-old’s role within the squad.

The Poland international had become something of a talismanic figure for Marsch and his predecessor Marcelo Bielsa, playing a starring role in the Whites’ triumphant return to the Premier League in 2020 after a16-year absence.

He feature in all but one match of their Championship-winning 2019/20 campaign, scoringsixgoals and setting up anotherfive whilst averaging 1.9tackles per game.

To replace that output may be difficult for Leeds, although it is not controversial to say that Klich’s decline had been visible in recent years.As such, hedid not makea Premier League start this season, and whenever he featured as a substitute, the 32-year-old could only average a6.54Sofascore rating.

Replacing a figure such as this often proves tricky, and finding a player on the market who can offer such a unique blend of offensive qualities and defensive steel is no easy feat.

That duly explains why Orta must be so keen on securing this prospective deal for Ounahi, given how the Moroccan would mark such a big upgrade on the present-day Klich in a number of attributes.

The 22-year-old is enjoying a solid season for Angers, recording match averages of 1.2 key passes, 1.4 tackles and 1.1 interceptions (viaSofascore) to showcase his capabilities both in and out of possession.

Despite these returns, along with thethreebig chances Ounahi has created, he isyet to havea goal contribution in the current campaign, although he does rank in the top 1% for dribbles completed by midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, outlining him as a progressive presence in the engine room.

However, it was at the World Cup where he truly impressed, and it is his performances in Qatar which have likely spurred Leeds onto such a strong charge to try and sign him.

Ounahi shone on the biggest stage in football, earning a6.97Sofascore rating and receivingthis praisefrom USA-bases coach Jed Davies: “Someone explain to me how it’s possible Ounahi played in the 3rd tier of France 2 yrs ago & only got called up for Morocco this year. Genuinely world class, zero dispute.”

Boasting a proficiency in all the attributes Klich had offered, and at just 22 years old, the Moroccan would mark the perfect replacement for the departed Polish stalwart to instantly upgrade Leeds’ squad.