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Chelsea forgotten man could return to Stamford Bridge and be a key asset next season under Mauricio Pochettino, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Romelu Lukaku and Mauricio Pochettino?

As per The Telegraph, Lukaku could be offered a shock chance to revive his career at Stamford Bridge by Pochettino and will be involved in discussions with Chelsea at the end of this term to determine his next steps.

The Belgium international joined Chelsea for £97.5 million back in 2021 from Inter Milan; however, he endured an indifferent spell in front of goal in west London that yielded just 15 goals in 44 appearances, as per Transfermarkt, before completing a loan switch back to Inter Milan at the beginning of this campaign.

Football Italia via Football London report that Inter Milan CEO Guiseppi Marotta has stated that Lukaku will indeed return to Chelsea when his loan agreement at the San Siro comes to an end, stating: "Lukaku is in love with this club and city, so these are important elements to consider, but the player does not belong to us. He is on loan, he will return to Chelsea on June 30 and we will all evaluate the situation together. It is important to note that he is a great professional, he has a great sense of belonging and these are key elements that go alongside the technical and sporting considerations."

Rumoured incoming boss Pochettino could now have a decision to make if he does assume the managerial vacancy at Chelsea. The Argentinian coach is said to be in 'advanced talks' over taking over at the Blues, as per BBC Sport.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones reckons that Lukaku could be the man to guarantee a regular flow of goals for Chelsea next campaign under Pochettino, similar to the service Harry Kane provided the former Paris Saint-Germain manager when both were at Tottenham Hotspur.

Jones told FFC: "The only outfield player used more than Kane was Christian Eriksen but the Tottenham No.9 was far and away the most productive goal scorer as he hit the net 169 times in Poch’s time at the club.

"He has had two failed attempts at being Chelsea’s main striker and if that third and final chance is ever to come, the time is now. If not there is only one solution: Bid for Kane!"

Could Romelo Lukaku get an unexpected second chance at Chelsea?

Realistically, suppose Chelsea can't find a suitable permanent destination for Lukaku elsewhere. In that case, it may just be worth giving him a chance to show if he can be the focal point in attack desperately needed at Stamford Bridge.

In 2022/23, the Belgian has made 28 appearances for Inter Milan in all competitions, scoring nine goals and claiming five assists, as per Transfermarkt.

FBRef also note that Lukaku has successfully carried out 59 shot-creating actions this term, demonstrating his ability to lead the line effectively and provide regular opportunities due to his hold-up play.

Conversely, Chelsea may have designs on entering the transfer market to secure a new forward. 90min claim that Pochettino could target Tottenham talisman Kane to counter the Blues' lack of a natural striker, in a move that could grab worldwide attention if a deal were to materialise.

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui was "livid" with Matheus Nunes during the 6-0 loss against Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon, according to journalist Liam Keen.

What was the Brighton vs Wolves result?

After such an important victory against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night, which is likely to have confirmed their Premier League status for next season, Wolves were seriously disappointing this afternoon, losing 6-0 due to a disastrous first-half performance.

Journalist Steve Madeley described the Old Gold's opening 45 minutes as "the worst half by Wolves under Lopetegui by a distance", while other members of the media "couldn't name a player" who deserved to stay on for the second half.

Nunes struggled throughout the first half, with Keen criticising the midfielder for giving the ball away "so poorly" just 13 minutes in, before Pascal Gross opened the scoring, and the manager was also furious with his performance.

After the 24-year-old made a similar mistake just minutes later, Keen said: "Another big chance for Brighton after Nunes gave the ball away again. Lopetegui livid."

Should Nunes be dropped against Aston Villa?

Liverpool have been linked with a £50m summer deal for the Portuguese midfielder, however, Jurgen Klopp may think twice about making a move after his terrible performance today.

Madeley claimed the former Sporting CP man was "very lucky" to not be substituted at half-time, while also slamming him for making a "big error" earlier in the match, and his performance did not improve in the second half.

After switching to an unconventional right-wing back role, the £85k-per-week earner ended the match with a Sofascore match rating of just 5.8 his worst performance since signing for the club.

The whole team massively underperformed today, so it would not be a surprise if Lopetegui makes a number of changes for next weekend's game against Aston Villa, with Nunes undoubtedly in line to lose his place in the starting XI.

Insider ExWHUEmployee has revealed that West Ham United trio Emerson Palmieri, Nayef Aguerd and Gianluca Scamacca are all in contention to play today despite fitness concerns.

What's the latest West Ham team news?

The Hammers face a huge game at the bottom of the Premier League today as they take on fellow relegation rivals Southampton at the London Stadium.

Indeed, both teams come into the fixture inside the bottom three, with David Moyes' men only one place and one point above the last-placed Saints.

Remarkably, with things so tight at the bottom of the division, a win could see West Ham rise as far as 14th in the division thanks to superior goal difference and with Everton not playing until tomorrow.

With that in mind, Moyes will want his best team available for selection and it sounds as though that could be a possibility with a few players potentially in line to play amid recent fitness issues.

Indeed, in a written post on The West Ham Way, Ex revealed that Emerson, Aguerd and Scamacca could all be involved in this important fixture.

He said: "The manager reported in his press conference that Emerson was suffering from a virus, Aguerd a sore hip and Scamacca was still feeling his knees but we believe all of them could be available for selection today."

Will Emerson, Aguerd and Scamacca play against Southampton?

As alluded to by Ex, it had looked as though the Hammers had been dealt a triple fitness blow with the aforementioned players all doubts coming into the game.

Indeed, speaking to the press in the week, Moyes explained that his team have "got a couple of illnesses here and there and a couple of odd injuries" to deal with.

He then went on to specifically say: “Emerson has got a bit of sickness, Aguerd came back with a bit of a grumbly hip and Scamacca’s got a sore knee. We’ll need to see how they are in the next few days.”

But following this update from Ex, it now seems as though that woe could be turned into joy with all three potentially available to pass a late fitness test and be involved.

All three have played over 1300 minutes for the club this season – with the most in the team being Jarrod Bowen on 2900 – so they're important squad players, even if Moyes has had to make do without them on other occasions this term.

With so much on the line today, it would be a major boost to have any of the three back, let alone all of them.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been left fuming with Antonio Conte appearing to back down in his criticism of the board.

The Lowdown: Conte fuming

After Tottenham’s 3-3 draw against Southampton on Saturday, Conte was left fuming by the capitulation from his players, saying:

“I see selfish players, players that don’t want to help each other and don’t put their heart into this”

“There’s no fire, no desire. You need to have this in every moment. When you are NOT a team, you can’t improve”.

Not only did the manager criticise his team, but he also appeared to take a swipe at owner Daniel Levy, questioning why the club have failed to win major trophies under his stewardship.

However, Alasdair Gold has recently reported that the Italian has clarified his comments to the board, explaining they were aimed solely at the players.

The Latest: Spurs fans react

Taking to Twitter after the news, Spurs fans expressed their frustration about their manager appearing to change his stance.

They said:

“So he’s a coward. Regardless, how can he work with the players after this. Does he pick the same team and expect different, will they play for him? It’s untenable. End it now. He needs to go, the bad egg players definitely need to go and the owners most definitely need to go.” – @80sHotspur

“You throw your players under the bus and expect them to perform for you. Coward.” – @ForgorJonathan

“So the board now have a manager that won’t commit and players that they don’t believe in. This could be awkward.” – @mint_spurs

“So he’s backed down? Great.” – @HeHeFunnee

“Conte has well and truly bottled it, the man really has no class. Overrated washed up dinosaur. He’s now attacked the fans numerous time and the players, time to go.” – @Bridgenn

“Stick to your guns Conte. It is the board and the players.” – @Rory4Spurs

The Verdict: Time to go?

Regardless of who the main target of the extraordinary rant was, it is looking ever more likely that Conte will exit, at least by the summer, with members of the squad now said to be growing frustrated by the negativity he often conveys in public.

There are a whole host of options for Tottenham, with Thomas Tuchel still out of work, however he is only believed to want the job if the club secure Champions League football for next season.

Ryan Mason has been discussed internally as a potential interim manager for the rest of the campaign, but appointing the 31-year-old would be a risk, given his lack of experience.

Levy faces a difficult task when it comes to appointing his next manager, with both Jose Mourinho and Conte failing to win any silverware, despite being successful elsewhere, indicating there is a fundamental problem with this group of players.

Chelsea are still battling Manchester United for the signing of Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen this summer, according to a report from Italy.

The Lowdown: Chelsea linked with Osimhen signing

The Nigerian is having a magnificent season for Napoli currently, spearheading their relentless Serie A title charge and scoring 19 goals in as many league starts.

Osimhen has been linked with a move to Chelsea recently, with a new centre forward surely at the top of their shopping list during the summer transfer window.

The move still potentially looks on the cards, following an intriguing new update.

The Latest: Offer ready

According to Calciomercato, Chelsea are still in the hunt for the signing of Osimhen, with the Blues now ready to table an offer to the player.

Todd Boehly is apparently personally ready to double the Nigerian striker’s current salary of €4.5m per year, which would mean an offer of about £153,000 per week, while Napoli are set to demand up to €130m (£115m).

United are also strong contenders to snap him up, however, with manager Erik ten Hag seeing him as a primary transfer target.

The Verdict: Could be a sensational signing

If Chelsea managed to pip United to Osimhen’s signature this summer, it could end up being a masterstroke of a signing, considering he is one of Europe’s top strikers currently.

Not only is he flying for Napoli but 15 goals in 23 caps for Nigeria further outlines his attacking pedigree, with his pace, power and cool finishing making him a defender’s nightmare.

Jose Mourinho has even compared Osimhen to Chelsea legend Didier Drigba, which is high praise indeed, while Walter Mazzarri has hailed him as ‘phenomenal’ in the past.

At 24, the Napoli ace should only improve further, too, and he could transform the Blues’ attack next season, improving those around him and supplying regular end product.

The Celtic revolution under Ange Postecoglou only continues to motor on, full of steam with a seemingly never-ending supply of fuel.

Since the Australian took the reins at Parkhead, the Hoops have gone from strength to strength, bouncing back from a rocky and final term under Neil Lennon in 2020/21 to win the Premiership a season later before putting themselves in the driving seat for back-to-back titles in 2022/23.

It would be a fine reward for the incredible work Postecoglou has done in Glasgow and their Viaplay Cup final victory on Sunday was just another reminder.

In truth, it was another fairly straightforward Old Firm victory for the Bhoys who went 2-0 up thanks to strikes from the returning Kyogo Furuhashi.

Alfredo Morelos set up a potentially nervy final quarter with just his third goal in this fixture but it was ultimately too little too late.

It was just typical that it was Kyogo who came up with the goods. He was the first Japanese signing the manager made and since then, several have entered Paradise to varying levels of success.

But their centre-forward has always been the beating heart and energetic smiling force of this team. There is rarely ever an occasion where he isn’t sporting a colossal grin and after his brace on Sunday, he will likely now have one of the most beaming looks since his emergence in Scotland.

Yet, he will have another of Postecoglou’s old chums to thank for the third trophy of the current regime; Aaron Mooy.

How did Aaron Mooy play in the League Cup final?

The Aussie has “silenced” the critics – as per Charlie Nicholas – in quite some fashion this term.

At the beginning of his stint in Scotland, he was a slow figure who struggled to keep up with the pace of a frantic Celtic side.

An outfit that prioritises a relentless press and break-neck offensive play, it has taken him several months to get to grips with things.

Yet, since the break for the World Cup, he has played like a man-possessed, registering seven goal involvements to take his tally to six goals and seven assists in all competitions.

The £23k-per-week earner didn’t add to that total at Hampden Park on Sunday but his influence was still felt, finding himself involved in both goals.

It was the Australian’s pass that fed Greg Taylor to cross for Kyogo to fire home the opener and then it was Mooy again who was supplying the pre-assist for the second.

Indeed, the former Huddersfield Town man was “having some game” in the middle of the park – as eluded to by Australian journalist Adam Peacock.

This time the 32-year-old slid an inch-perfect ball in behind the Rangers defender that Reo Hatate got on the end of before sweeping a pass across to Kyogo once again.

It was a fine display from the Sydney-born ace who was simply “running the show” in the words of reporter Thomas Wynne Lewis.

Newcastle United could yet seal a last-minute deal to bring Conor Gallagher to St James’ Park on transfer deadline day.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Luke Edwards, who revealed in a live update on The Telegraph on Monday morning that, despite Chelsea being unwilling to loan the midfielder to a direct rival for a top-four spot in the Premier League, the Magpies will nevertheless launch a further enquiry for the 22-year-old in the coming hours.

The journalist went on to state that, while the Blues are demanding a fee in excess of £50m for the England international – which might put the youngster out of the Magpies’ price range – Eddie Howe’s side could still complete a deal at this figure prior to tonight’s deadline by bringing forward some of their summer transfer budget.

“Extraordinary”

While it is true that Gallagher has struggled to hold down a regular spot in the Chelsea XI this season – starting just nine of his 18 top-flight outings – considering the remarkable performances the midfielder turned in during a season-long loan spell at Crystal Palace last time out, the argument that Howe must launch a late bid for the 22-year-old is an easy one to make.

Indeed, over his 34 Premier League appearances in 2021/22, the £38.5m-rated talent was in fantastic attacking form, bagging eight goals, providing three assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.5 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 1.3 dribbles – at a success rate of 57% – per game.

The £50k-per-week midfielder also caught the eye in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 2.0 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and winning 5.9 duels – at a success rate of 47% – per match, as well as enjoying an average of 51.6 touches, finding his man with 1.4 long balls and completing 25.1 total passes – at a success rate of 81% – per fixture.

These returns saw the four-cap international who Mark Duffy dubbed “unreal” average an incredibly impressive Sofascore statistical rating of 7.08, ranking him as the Eagles’ best performer in the league last season.

Rather unsurprisingly, the 22-year-old’s performances in south London saw him come in for a considerable amount of praise, with ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel stating of the midfielder last year: “His development is extraordinary and outstanding. He is one of the key players at Crystal Palace and he has made a huge step in his development.

“He was a pleasure to coach in pre-season – he has so much positive energy, so much energy in general and so much work rate to give that he can of course be a big help and a big influence.”

As such, with Jonjo Shelvey now looking set to seal a late switch to Nottingham Forest, it would appear even more essential for Howe to add another midfielder to his current options at St James’ Park, with Gallagher undoubtedly representing an extraordinary last-minute signing for Newcastle to get over the line on deadline day.

Manchester United have reportedly been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The Lowdown: Points deduction

Juve have received a 15 point deduction in the Serie A after an investigation into past transfer dealings, and will appeal the decision made on Friday.

It leaves them in ninth place in the table, and crucially 14 points off of the UEFA Champions League places, so if they lose their appeal, the Old Lady will find it very difficult to reach those positions come the end of the season.

The Latest: Vlahovic ‘offered’

Taking to Twitter, transfer expert Graeme Bailey says that United have been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Vlahovic, as they consider striking options:

“Dusan Vlahovic offered to Man Utd as club consider striking options.”

Expanding in his corresponding article for 90min, Bailey adds that Champions League football is ‘important’ to the Serbia international, and he would like to play in the competition next year.

United are looking good to qualify, given that they are in the top four at the moment, and are ‘planning’ to sign a first choice striker before next season.

Chelsea, Arsenal, PSG and Bayern Munich have also been offered Vlahovic, but Juve do not want to sell him for less than the €80m (£70m) that they paid to sign him from Fiorentina.

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The Verdict: Get it done this summer

With Wout Weghorst only on loan from Burnley, and Anthony Martial too injury-prone to lead the line regularly, the Red Devils will be focusing all of their attention on signing a new striker this summer, and Vlahovic could be their man.

Lauded as a ‘beast‘ by journalist Siavoush Fallahi, he has already scored a total of 78 senior career goals for both club and country combined by the tender age of just 22, and more importantly, could be easier to obtain given Juve’s current situation.

Incidentally, Vlahovic shares a similar playing style to Old Trafford legend Cristiano Ronaldo, and at 22, still has plenty of time to reach close to the heights of the 37-year-old.

Newcastle United have held talks with the agent of the Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda over a potential move to Tyneside.

What’s the latest?

Eddie Howe’s side have noted the right-back spot as their priority position for this month’s transfer window and have identified the La Liga youngster as an option.

This is according to the reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano who has been speaking on the House of Champions YouTube channel about the Magpies’ interest in the 18-year-old.

However, the Italian journalist did caveat his comments by saying the Toon have not yet made an approach to the Spanish outfit yet and have only sounded out the player:

“At the moment, nothing is still advanced or close to being completed. But they’re working on some potential ideas.

“For example, Ivan Fresneda is a right-back from Real Valladolid, born in 2004. One of the most talented right-backs in Europe in this moment.

“They’re following him. They’re having some conversations with his agents. Let’s see if they will decide to proceed with an official bid at the moment it’s not a direct negotiation yet.”

Investing in the future

As well as claiming the Magpies have identified Fresneda as a target for this month, Romano hailed the transfer strategy of the Newcastle owners over the previous two transfer windows.

Newcastle have spent sufficiently over the first two windows with PIF at the helm, however, they have only made one signing worth over £40m in the addition of Alexander Isak.

And although they have still made some significant signings over £30m, considering the wealth of their owners, Newcastle have approached the transfer windows with a reserved approach given the financial backing behind them.

And it seems as if this summer could be an opportunity for Howe to bring in some young players who will provide Newcastle with quality for the future.

Although Kieran Trippier has that spot at right-back nailed down, it has to be said, Newcastle could probably do with more quality from the bench to back up the England international.

Currently, Javier Manquillo is Howe’s option from the bench at right-back with Emil Krafth currently sidelined through a long-term injury picked up last year.

However, the Spaniard’s contract at Newcastle is set to run out at the end of the next campaign and Krafth has been unable to provide anywhere near the return Trippier has in front of goal during his time on Tyneside.

And although Fresneda has just eight la Liga appearances to his name, it is apparent he is one to watch for the future with Romano clearly holding hue expectations for what Fresneda could become.

Celtic’s latest Old Firm derby stalemate saw World Cup star Josip Juranovic endure a grim return to club action, with the Croatia international having produced an unusually shaky display after entering the fray early in the first half.

The 27-year-old had been called into action following an injury to usual left-back Greg Taylor inside the opening 20 minutes, although the former Legia Warsaw man looked distinctly uncomfortable in that role, having “nearly cost” his side at Ibrox, as per The Athletic’s Owen Brown.

The attacking right-back – who did feature on the left of the defence on 13 occasions last term – was no doubt culpable for Ryan Kent’s equaliser after being caught out of position in the build-up to the goal, having also been far too easily outmuscled by the lively Fashion Sakala.

The latter man had given Juranovic something of a “torching” – in the words of journalist Jonny McFarlane – as the Hoops defender was simply unable to deal with the winger’s sheer pace and directness down the flanks.

Such were his woes, former Bhoys striker Scott McDonald noted that it looked as if the £16k-per-week man was “still in Qatar”, while another former Paradise hero – Chris Sutton – stated that the 27-cap dud had been “awful” and “terrible” on the day.

Following what was “possibly one of his worst performances for Celtic” – according to Glasgow Live’s Matthew Fulton – it looks as if Juranovic could well be leaving on something of a sour note, amid rampant reports that some of Europe’s top clubs are chasing his signature.

On the basis of that latest outing, Postecoglou should have no qualms about ditching the highly-coveted asset this month, particularly with the title-winning coach already having a potential replacement within his ranks.

The former Yokohama F. Marinos boss could well turn to promising full-back Ben McPherson if the Glasgow side are to allow Juranovic to depart in the near future, with the 18-year-old currently shining in the youth ranks.

The promising Scotsman has scored once and registered one assist in 18 appearances in all competitions so far this term, having solidified his place at right-back for the club’s ‘B’ team of late.

The teenager was also part of the U19 side that defeated RB Leipzig in the UEFA Youth League earlier this season, with that exciting crop of youngsters having been lauded as “terrific” by youth boss Stephen McManus.

Such form was recently rewarded with a new contract extension, with the Scotland youth international having committed himself to the club until 2025, showcasing just how highly thought of he is by those at Paradise.

A player who has “worked tremendously hard” – according to McManus – McPherson could well be the next figure to force his way into the first-team reckoning, with the impending exit of Monday’s derby day villain, Juranovic, potentially set to open the door for a chance at senior level.