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Wolves are likely to trigger an option to keep right-back Nelson Semedo at the club for a further two years, according to reliable journalist Steve Madeley.

The Lowdown: Semedo a key player for Wolves

The 29-year-old has been a good signing for Wanderers, invariably nailing down the right-back spot and becoming an important figure under various managers.

Semedo has started 14 Premier League matches this season, and made 19 appearances overall in the competition, picking up one assist for good measure.

Wolves have an option to extend the Portuguese’s stay by two years and it looks though that is something that will come to fruition.

The Latest: Two-year extension likely

According to The Athletic‘s Madeley, Wanderers will activate Semedo’s extension, rather than losing him on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer:

“Wolves are likely to activate an option to keep Semedo for a further two years, otherwise they would lose a valuable asset for free.”

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The Verdict: Correct decision

This is absolutely the right decision by Wolves, should they go through with it, with Semedo someone who should continue to be a key man for a number of years.

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He has been hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by journalist Tim Spiers in the past, while 124 appearances for Barcelona is not to be sniffed at, so Julen Lopetegui will surely value him moving forward.

Semedo shone in last weekend’s 3-0 win over Liverpool, earning a 7.24 rating from WhoScored, while only Ruben Neves (2.5) and Hugo Bueno (2.3) have averaged more than his 2.1 tackles per game in the league this season.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) are reportedly eyeing a potential Newcastle United move for goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.

The Lowdown: Goalkeeper conundrum

Eddie Howe currently has four senior goalkeepers in his squad in Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka, Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie, while Karl Darlow is also on loan at Hull City in the Championship.

Pope is no doubt his undisputed number one, having started not been used at all.

The Latest: Chevalier interest

As per Italian news outlet Corriere dello Sport, Newcastle are keeping Chevalier ‘under observation’ ahead of a potential move this summer, while fellow Premier League rivals Fulham are also doing the same.

The goalkeeper did renew his contract at Lille until 2027 at the end of January, but could still be available for the right price.

The Verdict: Perfect understudy

At 21 years of age, Chevalier would be the perfect understudy for 30-year-old Pope, and has the potential to eventually succeed him as the new number one at St. James’ Park.

Journalist Zach Lowy recently hailed him as part of a ‘really exciting’ Lille team, who are currently fifth in Ligue 1 and chasing a UEFA Champions League spot for next season.

The six-foot-two colossus has played a key role in that, conceding just 14 times in 17 league matches, and keeping an impressive seven clean sheets (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, if he continues to impress, Chevalier will likely attract more interest come the summer, so it is important that the Magpies wrap up this deal quickly.

Tottenham Hotspur fans will be thinking of what could be if the north London club is to be takeover in the coming months amid recent reports.

Are ENIC selling Tottenham?

There have been reports of late suggesting Iranian billionaire Jahm Najafi is showing an interest in the possibility of lodging a bid for the north London club in the coming weeks.

This emerged on the back of reported interest coming from Qatar which is believed to have been from the Qatar Sports Investment group.

But there have been reports to hit back at these suggestions with Sky Sports claiming the Lilywhites are not currently up for sale.

Speaking to Football FanCast, insider Dean Jones has suggested Spurs fans will be interested to see what could change if they were to be taken over:

“I think, as anyone involved in the club and as a fan, too, you’re always thinking of what might be, especially when you see other clubs around you starting to open up that gap in terms of financial power and wealth and potential.

“It’s a fine line, though, because you want your club to stay true to its roots as much as they possibly can.”

Is Jahm Najafi looking to buy Spurs?

The report from the Financial Times did suggest any bid coming from the Iranian was in the works and it could take a number of weeks to land at the door of Joe Lewis.

And there have been reports in the past claiming ENIC knocked back a bid believed to be worth in the region of £3bn from an interested party in America.

However, despite suggesting the club are not for sale, Sky Sports did acknowledge that a seismic bid for the north London club could potentially change that.

And with frustrations from sections of the Spurs fanbase towards the current owners, it would be interesting to see whether it would be something they potentially consider if Najafi does table this bid.

Over the last 18 months, we have seen how a change of owners at Newcastle United has seen the Premier League side blossom as they’ve gone from relegation candidates to fighting Spurs for the top four.

With this in mind, it would only be natural for Spurs fans to feel as if the arrival of a new owner could possibly see them bridge the gap on the teams above them in the table.

The likes of Manchester United are also being linked with a potential takeover and with Chelsea’s owner slashing the cash, there could well be a feeling that Spurs could be left behind in the years to come without a major change.

But in the same breath, the likes of Newcastle and Chelsea have both been scrutinised for certain aspects of their current regimes.

So as Jones alludes to, there is a fine line between wanting the best for the club and wanting to see change.

Manchester United won their first major trophy in six years by defeating Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final at Wembley over the weekend and it looks like Erik ten Hag is proving to be the manager the Old Trafford side have wanted since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Just like Fergie, the Dutchman isn’t dwelling too much on success, preferring to look ahead to the future and strengthen his squad for bigger tests to come.

What is the latest on Kim Min-jae to Man Utd?

With the Red Devils recently linked with a move for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae according to Corriere dello Sport (via GOAL) Ten Hag looks as though he has identified a player who could improve his backline.

The defender has a release clause of £42m which will be activated for 15 days during the summer transfer window and this could be the ideal opportunity for United to strike, especially with his performances this term.

Would Kim Min-jae improve Man Utd?

The Dutchman is still undergoing his rebuild of the United squad despite recent success, and with the likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof not receiving as much game time compared to last term, another centre-back will surely be required once the transfer window opens.

The South Korean “rock” – as described by Matteo Bonetti – has been exactly that for Napoli this term as they eye their first League title in over 30 years. The defender has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.3/10 for his league performances, ranking him as the club’s fourth-best player this term.

He has kept ten clean sheets from 23 matches and won 63% of his total duels while making 1.7 tackles and four clearances per game, underlining just how important he is to the club.

He could form an excellent partnership with United defender Lisandro Martinez, with the Argentinian centre-back settling into life at the club with ease and the duo would be an excellent defensive pairing.

Indeed, Martinez is also ranked as the fourth-best player for his club in the league this term, while also winning 61% of his total duels, making 3.6 clearances and 2.4 tackles, becoming one of Ten Hag’s most important signings this season.

The duo have registered similar statistics this campaign with regard to pass completion rate (90% to 87%), tackles won (23 to 20), aerial duels won (66% to 54.9%), and interceptions (26 to 22).

Both Martinez and Jae also rank in the top 20% for progressive passes across Europe’s big five leagues so not only do they possess an incredible defensive ability, but they can start attacks regularly from deep.

Bonetti also described the Napoli star as “unbelievably good” and if Ten Hag wants to take his defence to the next level, signing him should be a priority this summer.

Footage has emerged of a decision which VAR refused to overrule on that saw Georginio Rutter’s initial goal ruled out.

The Lowdown: Leeds fail to capitalise on chances

Leeds were knocked out of the FA Cup midweek by Premier League opposition Fulham, although they may well count themselves very unlucky given that they had six shots on target, whereas their opponents scored from two out of their three (FBRef) efforts at Illan Meslier.

Both of the goals Fulham scored against Leeds came from outside of the box and were moments of brilliance from Palhinha and Manor Soloman, although it could have all been different had VAR intervened prior to the opening goal.

Rutter thought he’d scored his first goal for Leeds since joining for £35.5 million in January as he got on the end of Weston Mckennie’s header and bundled the ball home, however, referee Chris Kavanagh blew up for a free kick for a push from the American international.

The Latest: VAR fails to intervene

Former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford labelled the decision as ‘ridiculous’ at half time of the game as the push and contact from McKennie looked to be very minimal and that Harry Wilson may well have made the most out of it.

The game may well have been very different had VAR noticed the severe lack of contact from McKennie as it would have given Leeds something to defend and perhaps forced Fulham to come onto them more than necessary.

The Verdict: Decisions cost Leeds in FA Cup

Given that Fulham then went on to secure their spot in the next round of the FA Cup thanks to two wonderful goals, this decision will be angering Leeds and Javi Gracia even more as they will likely believe they deserved more from the game.

It is a pretty atrocious decision from the VAR team because even though there was the slightest of touches on the back of Wilson, his jump through the air and flinging his arms up shows how much he was trying to make a mountain out of a molehill.

The look of confusion from both Rutter and McKennie after the free kick had been awarded just shows how poor of a decision it was both on-field and also back in the VAR room at Stockley Park.

Indeed, perhaps a lack of knowledge from the referee there who in the first place should have known that Harry Wilson has a history of making a meal out of things.

Aston Villa reporter Ashley Preece has shared an update on rumours regarding a move for Barcelona sporting director Mateu Alemany.

The Lowdown: Alemany offer

There has been plenty of speculation coming from Spain in regards to Villa adding to their boardroom. Reports suggested that club held discussions with former Real Betis director Antonio Cordon, with a recent update also claiming Alemany was of interest.

It was thought that Alemany rejected an offer to move to the Midlands from Barcelona, and Preece has shared what he knows.

The Latest: Preece’s comments

Preece shared a Q&A for Birmingham Live on Thursday morning, where he was asked about Alemany following the rumours of a move.

He said that ‘Villa have stressed’ there is nothing in the reports, although Preece said that the ‘noises’ coming from Spain makes him think Unai Emery wants another director in alongside Johan Lange.

“Re Barca sporting director Mateu Alemany, Villa have stressed to me that there’s nothing in those reports, likewise Cordon who left Betis last week. I am quite sceptical, though, given the noises surrounding the sporting directors. I do feel Emery wants another man to come in and perhaps support Lange.

“We’ll see what plays out in the summer… Let’s just say that. Emery wants another man he can trust by his side when it comes to the big decisions involving his playing squad.”

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The Verdict: Interesting

Villa allegedly ‘rate’ the work that Lange has done, however, even though the club have seemingly rubbished rumours about Alemany, an off-field addition could still be one to watch. Lange could be working long hours this summer, with Christian Purslow expecting an extremely busy transfer window at Villa Park.

Therefore, bringing in another sporting director to work alongside the 43 year-old may prove be a wise move, bringing a fresh approach to the club ahead of Emery’s first full season.

Emery has reportedly been given a level of control none of his predecessors have been allowed, so he may want to work closely with Lange and another director of his choice, so it could be an interesting few months both on and off the pitch.

Glasgow Rangers will be hoping to continue their excellent Premiership form this evening when they travel to the capital.

Hibernian are their opponents and the same fixture back in December was Michael Beale’s first match in charge, where a 3-2 victory was secured. Since that night, the Light Blues have dropped points in just one league match and will be hoping for another three points.

The Ibrox side bounced back from Hampden disappointment to defeat Kilmarnock 3-1 at the weekend, and there were several excellent performances.

Todd Cantwell is fast turning into a wonderful signing and against Killie, he achieved a Sofascore rating of 7.7/10, succeeding with four of his five dribble attempts while winning nine of his ten duels, delivering arguably his strongest performance in a Rangers jersey to date.

Yet it was Antonio Colak that truly stole the show, emerging from the shadows to put in a selfless performance, one that will please Beale, who must now unleash him again this evening.

Will Antonio Colak start against Hibs?

Since the Englishman arrived at Ibrox, the Croatian striker has started just twice due to recovering from a calf strain suffered before Christmas and his output has been limited.

He had to wait until last month to score his first goal under Beale, and although he didn’t score at the weekend, his performance was praised, with the manager even saying he thought the striker was Rangers’ “best performer” during the tie, while Rangers Review journalist Joshua Barrie lauded him as “sharp” during an impressive first half display.

Indeed, against the Ayrshire side, Colak grabbed an assist and had five shots during the match while also missing a big chance and although he didn’t find the net, his ability to drop slightly deeper was invaluable.

The attacker did win three of his five duels and took 46 touches, proving he was always eager to get involved and his performance certainly looks like he is returning to form at exactly the right time.

The 29-year-old has scored 15 goals in just 33 appearances this term and he will be buoyed by his display in the 3-1 victory and will be roaring to go again so soon.

The wins keep racking up in the league, yet with a nine-point deficit, it is unlikely the Light Blues will be able to dethrone Celtic this year.

West Ham United have been given a second chance to sign Piotr Zielinski, having missed out on the Napoli midfielder last summer, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Long-term target

West Ham were linked with a move for Zielinski throughout the previous summer transfer window, with the Italian media at one stage indicating that a fee had been agreed between the two clubs.

Despite being ‘pretty optimistic’ about landing the midfielder, the Hammers were unable to strike a deal with Napoli, with Flynn Downes and attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta ending up as David Moyes’ only additions in the engine room.

It has recently emerged that Liverpool are also now interested in the 28-year-old, meaning West Ham may face competition for his signature if they decide to go back in for him this summer.

The Latest: Another chance

According to a report from CalcioMercato (via Sport Witness), the Irons went as far as offering €40m (£35.4m) for the Pole last time around, but they could have the opportunity to sign him for a ‘slightly lower’ fee this summer.

Given that the central midfielder’s contract is set to expire at the end of next season, he has become expendable for Napoli, with the club now willing to listen to offers.

The Serie A side have initiated talks about a new deal, however they are planning to give him a pay cut, which the player is unlikely to accept, meaning he could seek a move elsewhere.

The Verdict: Get it done

With Declan Rice looking almost certain to exit the London Stadium at the end of the season, Moyes will undoubtedly need a new option in the engine room, and the Napoli ace could be exactly what West Ham need.

Lauded as a ‘beautiful footballer’ by former Poland manager Paolo Sousa, the maestro is fantastic at crafting opportunities, ranking in the 98th percentile for both assists and shot-creating actions per 90 over the course of the past year.

Not only that, but the 89-time Poland international also regularly gets on the scoresheet, weighing in with seven goals in 35 appearances in all competitions this season, including four in the Champions League.

Given just how well Zielinski has performed for Napoli this season, it will not be a surprise if more suitors come forward in the summer transfer window, meaning it could be a very difficult transfer for the Hammers to complete.

As such, it is vital Moyes’ side finish the season as strong as possible, with securing European football still a realistic possibility, as a result of how well they are faring in the Europa Conference League.

Insider ExWHUemployee has urged supporters to attend the West Ham United Under-18s FA Youth Cup semi-final with the club "sceptical" they can sell many tickets.

What’s the latest on West Ham U18s and the FA Youth Cup?

On 6th April, the youngsters will take on Southampton at the London Stadium hoping to book a place in the final against Arsenal or Manchester City.

Up to this point in the competition, West Ham have had to play away from home – beating Sheffield United, Burnley, Stoke City and Ipswich Town – en route to the semi-finals.

Now they have a home game, however, Ex has revealed doubt over the ability to pack the stadium with an expectation of just 2,000 fans wanted, but he has called for 5,000 to attend.

In an update on The West Ham Way podcast, Ex said: "The Under-18s have their Youth Cup semi-final against Southampton after the Newcastle game, tickets are on sale.

"It would be great if we can get attendance at about 5,000. As I said, the club apparently told people that they're sceptical that we won't get more than 2,000.

"Let's show them how good our support is and let's try to get up to 5,000 to see what could be the next generation of top, top players coming through."

When did West Ham last win the FA Youth Cup?

Seeing as the senior side are having notable troubles in the Premier League this team – sitting 18th in the division and facing the threat of relegation – it might be nice to see a more optimistic side of the club.

What's more, youth coach Kevin Keen and his U18 team have made the last four of the competition for the first time in 24 years, when the likes of Joe Cole and Michael Carrick played in a 9-0 aggregate win over Coventry City in the final.

With that in mind, there could well be some players capable of having very notable careers at the top of the game within the current Hammers squad, just like Cole and Carrick.

And given the Irons' hugely underwhelming season to date, you would not be surprised if Moyes – or indeed, any other manager – was to allow the shining stars of the academy to challenge any first-teamers who continue to underperform beyond this campaign, regardless of which division West Ham are playing in come August.

Jurgen Klopp has brought through a whole raft of youngsters into the Liverpool first team since arriving back in 2015.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliot and more recently Stefan Bajcetic all making their mark in the senior side in recent years, the Liverpool academy is bearing fruit that’s for sure.

Could the German be about to unearth the next big thing with defender Billy Koumetio? With change afoot ahead of next season, the 20-year-old may just emerge into prominence.

Who is Billy Koumetio?

The Frenchman arrived at the Anfield side in 2019 from US Orleans aged just 16 and his talent was obvious, with journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi lauding him as “promising” with the defender earmarked as a future first-team star.

It wouldn’t be long before he made history, with the centre-back becoming Liverpool’s youngest-ever player to feature in the Champions League aged just 18 years and 25 days. Indeed, Klopp looked as though he had another prodigy in the making.

That day was special, particularly because the "incredible" young talent – as dubbed by his manager – happened to be a ball boy on the night of that famous 4-0 win over Barcelona at Anfield. Clearly, Europe's most prestigious competition already has a big place in Koumetio's heart.

Klopp signed Ibrahima Konate in 2021 and the French defender was looked upon as the ideal mentor for Koumetio, with the youngster aiming to eventually take over from him in the centre of the Reds' defence in the coming years.

He was sent out on loan to Austria Vienna this season to experience first-team football at senior level and after making five appearances he was recalled in January. During his short stay in Austria, he won 60% of his duels, made 3.4 clearances and one tackle per game, certainly proving he can perform at a high level.

The decision to terminate his loan early could be because Klopp wants to keep a close eye on the player as he plays for the U21 side and since January he has featured eight times in Premier League 2, scoring once.

Although Konate is just 23 years old, if he continues his fine form at Liverpool then there will no doubt be a host of potential suitors lining up to take away from the club and instead of spending millions to replace him, Koumetio could be ready to replace him.

With nothing but European spots to play for between now and the end of the season, Klopp may soon give some youngsters a run-out. The young French sensation could be the future of the defence and all he needs is a chance to impress.