Chelsea manager Graham Potter will be spending much of the international break considering how to get the best out of his side in the hope that they can secure an unlikely top-four finish with a strong run of form at the end of the season.

If the English manager is serious about improving his squad, he should consider ditching Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic, as he has been disappointing throughout the season so far.

Should Chelsea drop Kovacic?

Since signing from Real Madrid, initially on loan in 2018, the midfielder has gone on to make 211 appearances, in which he has contributed a disappointing six goals and 14 assists.

The 28-year-old has never been able to nail down a week-in, week-out starting role in Chelsea's side, with his 23 starts in the 2019/20 Premier League campaign the most of his career at Stamford Bridge.

A succession of minor injury problems have certainly played their part, as well as the multitude of midfield options available to the Blues, but there is an argument that the £100k-per-week earner simply hasn't lived up to his potential, and his disappointing form and age suggest that he could fall victim to Todd Boehly's youthful revolution at Chelsea.

This season has certainly been his worst at the west London side, as he has managed just one goal and one assist in 19 Premier League appearances, with WhoScored awarding him a shocking 6.49 average rating for his performances.

Kovacic is ranked as the 23rd-best performer in Potter's squad so far this campaign, which is nowhere near good enough for a player of his ability, as well as someone who has taken the captain's armband on more than one occasion in a Chelsea shirt.

Despite his role as an all-action midfielder, the Croatia international fails to rank in the top ten squad members at Chelsea for shots, key passes, dribbles and pass success rate so it is no surprise that he is rated so poorly by WhoScored.

The 28-year-old was once a valued member of Thomas Tuchel's squad and the German manager sang his praises back in 2022, saying:

"Even at Real Madrid, I was aware of his talent, and I felt there was a next step coming. I'm very happy that he's my player and plays a lot this season. He is crucial to us on the pitch and off the pitch in the way he behaves."

Unfortunately, that 'next step' hasn't materialised for Kovacic as his performances have clearly regressed this season and Potter must surely consider ditching the former Real Madrid man after the international break if he wants to push Chelsea to the next level.

Wolves have reluctantly accepted the “huge blow” of losing star midfielder Ruben Neves this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Neves to leave?

The Portuguese’s future has been a big talking point at Molineux for some time now, with endless rumours constantly linking him with a move away from the club.

Neves looked almost certain to depart last summer but ended up staying put and his influence has remained great this season, with the 25-year-old starting 27 matches in the Premier League in 2022/23 to date.

His current Wolves deal expires at the end of next season, however, and with an extension looking highly unlikely, it seems only natural that he will leave in the next transfer window.

That way, Wanderers would be able to receive a hefty amount of money for his services, rather than getting nothing for arguably their most prized assets 12 months later.

The Latest: Wolves accept ‘huge blow’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke admitted that this summer will likely see Wolves cave and receive offers:

“Losing Neves would be a huge blow for Wolves. He’s been a key player for them over the last few years.

“Coming into the final year of his contract, if no new deal can be agreed, I think Wolves will reluctantly have to consider offers for the Portuguese midfielder.”

The Verdict: What a great servant

In truth, it would be a huge shock if Neves was still a Wolves player next season, with a summer exit feeling even more likely than it did last time around, when he appeared to wave goodbye to supporters on the final day.

At 25, the 37-cap Portugal international will surely feel that he is ready to play for a bigger club competing in European competitions, having given six years of fantastic service to Wanderers.

In total, Neves has made 244 appearances for Wolves and helped inspire them to a return to the Premier League back in 2018 – if they were to go back down to the Championship, his exit would be even more nailed-on.

The midfielder has earned a move to a Champions League-playing team, with Barcelona so often linked with signing him – Jose Sa has called his teammate an ‘amazing’ player – and he can become a star away from Wolves as the years pass.

It would be hard for any Wanderers fan to have an issue with him wanting to leave, especially given the loyalty he has shown over the past six seasons.

Sky Sports’ Jason Savundra has insisted that it’s business as usual at Tottenham Hotspur despite Antonio Conte’s post-match rant.

The Lowdown: A change doesn’t appear imminent

Conte went on a stunning rant after Tottenham surrendered a two-goal lead away to bottom-of-the-table Southampton on Saturday afternoon, which saw the Italian lay the blame at the feet of Tottenham and the players.

Therefore, it may well have come as a surprise to many that Conte wasn’t relieved of his duties as soon as possible, but Daniel Levy clearly believes that the Italian coach is still the best man to get them to finish inside the top four.

This would indeed be the perfect time for Levy to make a change in the dugout at Spurs given the international break, however, nothing appears to be on the cards as things stand and everything seems to be calm at Hotspur Way.

The Latest: Conte is not set for the sack

Savundra was positioned outside of Hotspur Way on Monday morning to report on what was happening inside Spurs, although he surprisingly admitted it was business as usual.

He said: (1:30) “It’s very much business as usual here at Tottenham, a number of the players are on international duty and the players were given two days off following that draw against Southampton, which was already prearranged.

“So, we don’t expect any players to be here today, they’ll be back at the training ground tomorrow, whether or not we see Daniel Levy or Antonio Conte – who’s due to be on a break with his staff as well – we wait to see, but Tottenham, another trophyless season.”

The Verdict: Tottenham must make a sensible decision

It’s perhaps a very smart move from Levy to hold off making any snap decision based on emotions that may have boiled over on Saturday and instead, take stock over the coming days before deciding whether or not Conte’s tenure has indeed run its course.

It would be interesting who Levy could turn to in his hour of need with just 10 games left to play in the Premier League, any permanent appointment would likely be off the cards and have to wait until the summer.

Therefore, holding onto Conte – who’s an experienced coach at this level – until the end of the season could be the smartest decision, even if he clearly doesn’t want to be at the club anymore and his successor could well thank him if he finishes in the top four.

Newcastle United are believed to be interested in signing Liverpool attacker Diogo Jota during the summer transfer window, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Frustrating season for Jota

The Portuguese star has been an impressive player for the Reds, scoring 34 goals in 99 appearances overall, but this has been a frustrating season for him.

Jota suffered an injury against Manchester City midway through the campaign that ruled him out of the 2022 World Cup and he has struggled for rhythm since returning recently.

In fact, the 26-year-old hasn’t scored for Liverpool since their 2-2 draw away to City last April.

The Latest: Newcastle eyeing up move

According to Football Transfers, Newcastle ‘admire’ Jota and are considering making a move for him this summer, with his versatility appealing to Eddie Howe.

Liverpool are reluctant to let the forward leave, but an offer in the region of £60million could apparently sway them.

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

Jota’s goalscoring touch may have deserted him for the time being but the Reds must keep hold of him this summer, having been hailed as ‘exceptional’ by Jurgen Klopp.

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The £140,000-a-week forward is someone who is a vital part of Liverpool’s attack, whether it be his eye for goal, his pressing from the front or his ability to play across the attack.

Granted, there is huge competition for minutes now that Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo have arrived, but rotation is key and Jota has to be considered a key member of the Reds’ future.

Seeing him join a fellow top-four rival makes little sense, especially as he is still only 26 years of age and could have the prime years of his career ahead of him.

Tottenham Hotspur could also target former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel who may ‘be of interest’, according to reliable journalist Gary Jacob.

The Lowdown: Conte exit looming?

Current Spurs boss Antonio Conte’s future is currently up in the air with his contract set to expire at the end of this 2022/2023 Premier League season.

While the north Londoners could extend his deal by a further 12 months, sources suggest that there is currently little appetite to do so.

This may have also been exacerbated by Tottenham’s limp Champions League last 16 defeat to AC Milan, with reporter Jacob sharing who could contend for Conte’s role if he quits.

The Latest: Tuchel ‘may be of interest’…

According to the journalist, writing in an article for The Times, heavily linked manager Mauricio Pochettino is not the only viable option for Spurs.

Indeed, he claims fellow free agent boss Tuchel, who was sacked by Chelsea last year, ‘may also be of interest’ to the Lilywhites.

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The Verdict: Exciting candidate?

If Spurs do attempt to lure Tuchel, there is little denying he would come with serious pedigree.

Having won a grand total of ten trophies throughout a decorated career to date, the German’s silverware cabinet includes a Champions League title and two Ligue 1 medals (Transfermarkt).

Called an ‘elite’ boss by members of the media, Tuchel favours the 3-4-2-1 formation but also encourages both direct and attack-minded football in the forward areas.

Of course, some Spurs supporters would certainly favour former hero Pochettino over Tuchel, an ex-rival, but Tottenham’s managerial choices in the last few years surely means nothing can be totally ruled out.

Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi has admitted that he is ‘happy’ with life in the Scottish Premiership amid rumours linking him with a summer exit.

The Lowdown: Palace readying bid?

The Japanese won’t be out of contract at Parkhead until 2025, but being Ange Postecoglou’s top-performing offensive player, has been generating interest ahead of the upcoming window.

Football Insider report that Crystal Palace hold a serious interest in signing the 28-year-old which has been backed up by Italian outlet Calciomercato who claim that the Eagles are preparing to make a £20m offer.

The Hoops forward was surprisingly not selected to represent his nation at the World Cup and has once again been omitted for the Euro 2024 qualifiers currently taking place, but this hasn’t changed his view on his future north of the border.

The Latest: Furuhashi’s comments

Speaking during a recent interview in Japan, Furuhashi revealed his stance on his future at Celtic whilst opening up on how his double international exclusion motivated him to increase his performance levels even further.

As quoted by The Daily Record, he said:

“I am really happy in Glasgow. I had prepared to play in the World Cup. But it’s useless to talk and think about the past. So after me not getting into the squad happened, I decided I was only going to concentrate on the future at Celtic.

“I wanted to score a goal in every game to help the team win. I have managed to score more goals than any other Japanese player in a season in Europe. My dream of playing in the World Cup for Japan has not come true so far, but the season has been very good for me.”

The Verdict: Massive boost

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Furuhashi is a ‘fans’ favourite’ at Celtic so it’s a huge boost to learn that he’s only focused on seeing out the project at Parkhead.

The Asics-sponsored forward has clocked up a remarkable 56 goal contributions in 72 appearances since joining where he’s currently averaging 2.6 shots per game, highlighting the constant threat he provides in the final third.

The Bhoys talisman is also an extremely useful option to have in the building with his flexibility to play in seven various positions which is an advantage for the boss should any unexpected injury crisis occur.

Furuhashi has been key to the Hoops’ silverware success securing three titles over the past two seasons and that number is only set to increase should he remain in Glasgow.

Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy now have Paris-Saint Germain boss Christophe Galtier 'under consideration' as Spurs continue their manager search after Antonio Conte.

Who could Spurs appoint as new manager?

The north Londoners currently have a succession of managers they're targeting after both Conte and Levy parted ways by mutual consent earlier this week. Cristian Stellini and assistant coach Ryan Mason are set to take interim charge until the end of this Premier League campaign, having been tasked with delivering a top four finish.

This is as Levy works on finding a permanent successor for Spurs in the background with reports suggesting they have almost immediately begin their search for new manager. Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann are among the high profile names linked with the vacant post. Meanwhile, the likes of Oliver Glanser, Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank and Arne Slot of Feyenoord are regularly mentioned by the press.

These next few months at Tottenham are set to be crucial since qualifying for next season's Champions League will be a massive, massive draw for any potential new head coach. It's apparently imperative that the Lilywhites gain a top four finish as candidates like Nagelsmann won't consider joining the club otherwise.

Away from the latter man, Levy has been identifying alternative candidates in case the German ultimately decides against joining Spurs. The Evening Standard claim that they have Pochettino, Enrique, De Zerbi, Celtic's Ange Postecoglou and now Galtier of PSG. The Frenchman has made his way on to Spurs' list, standing out as a new candidate, amid calls for him to leave the Parc des Princes.

Should Spurs hire Galtier?

Galtier could well leave PSG at the end of the season if growing murmurs are to be believed. If Spurs are take advantage of growing discontent around his reign, we believe the 56-year-old could actually be a shrewd option.

Having won a Ligue 1 title with Lille in 2021, Galtier has experience overachieving with a less illustrious squad to that of big rivals – something which could well attract a club like Tottenham. He isn't without his plaudits, either, with BBC Sport reporter John Bennett saying this on Galtier in March last year:

"Christophe Galtier seems to be a very underrated manager outside France. An unbelievable Ligue 1 title win with Lille last season… And after a 1 nil win over PSG last night, his current club Nice are 2nd (after finishing 9th last season). Improves players. Improves teams."

It's little surprise he has now become a manager of interest to Spurs and could be a fairly brilliant alternative to the likes of Nagelsmann.

Journalist Charlie Bennett is buzzing over the news that Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been nominated for the Premier League’s POTM award.

The Lowdown: Isak nomination

As shared on the Premier League’s official Twitter page, Isak is one of six nominees for the Player of the Month (POTM) award for March, along with Brighton and Hove Albion’s Alexis Mac Allister, Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings, Liverpool’s Mo Salah and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard.

The Sweden international scored two goals in his last match away at Nottingham Forest in the top flight last Friday, which came after a goal at home to Wolves in the previous game week, helping Newcastle win both in the process.

The Latest: Bennett buzzing

Taking to Twitter, Bennett has been left buzzing over the update, claiming that Isak’s nomination is ‘wholly deserved’:

“Alexander Isak nominated for PL player of the month. Wholly deserved. The frustrating – but equally exciting – thing is Newcastle fans have only seen glimpses of his quality.

“Immense quality. Imagine him at 26/27/28.”

The Verdict: Finding his feet

Isak is finally starting to find his feet at St. James’ Park since his club-record £63m move from Real Sociedad last summer.

The striker unfortunately missed a large chunk of the season with injury, but showed early signs of what he is capable of, scoring in two in his first three appearances for the club, including on his debut at Anfield against Liverpool.

Aside from his goals, Isak ranks in the top 11% of all forwards for a number of key metrics for forwards in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year, including progressive carries, successful take-ons, touches and progressive passes received per game.

Nonetheless, if the Magpies want to give themselves the best chance of finishing in the top four and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the next campaign, then they need to keep Isak fit.

Former Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich is reportedly keen on making a return to Elland Road, in order to reach 200 appearances for the club.

The Lowdown: Klich leaves Leeds

The Pole enjoyed a successful spell with the Whites between 2017 and 2023, eventually departing during the recent January transfer window to join MLS side D.C. United.

Klich racked up a total of 195 appearances in a Leeds shirt, during which time he helped them return to the Premier League, prior to playing 82 times in the top flight.

The 32-year-old may not have always made the headlines at Elland Road, with other players producing more match-winning showings, but he was a key cog in the machine and allowed others around him to thrive.

While January felt like the right time for Klich to move on, it could now be that Leeds fans get to see him at the club again in the future, following a new update.

The Latest: Midfielder wants return

Speaking to Sportowe Fakty [via Leeds United News], the veteran midfielder hinted that he could yet head back to Leeds and bring him his double century of appearances:

“I have 195 games at Leeds and I told our directors when my contract was terminated that I would still be back for those five games. We’ll see how it all turns out.”

The Verdict: Is he needed?

This a tricky one to assess, with nostalgia saying it would be heartwarming to see Klich return to the Whites and reach his milestone, having been such a strong servant for the club.

The 41-time capped Poland international was a popular figure among supporters, with his love of Leeds and dedication to the cause always standing out.

Marcelo Bielsa even once claimed that Klich was good enough to ‘play in all the best teams in the world’, highlighting how highly he was thought of by the Argentine legend.

On the flip side, Klich does turn 33 in June and Leeds should arguably be looking to the future rather than bringing back a former player who is past his best.

If the one-goal D.C. midfielder is content with coming back as nothing more than a squad player it could make sense, in terms of his experience, but there is also a risk element when it comes to footballers returning for second spells at clubs.

Should it happen, it is certainly a move that could go down well with the supporters, but equally, there could be younger options out there to ensure Leeds kick on into the future.

Journalist Scott Barrie has urged Rangers to sign loanee Malik Tillman on a permanent transfer this summer "at all costs".

What's the latest on Malik Tillman and Rangers?

Ahead of this current season, the Ibrox outfit negotiated a deal with Bayern Munich to bring the 20-year-old to Scotland for 12 months, with an option to then make the move permanent.

During his time with the club so far, the youngster has managed to make himself a regular, showing his importance to the team already with 38 appearances so far in his debut campaign.

As per BILD journalist Christian Falk, Rangers can buy Tillman for the pre-agreed price tag of €7m (roughly £6m) but it remains to be seen what is planned for the American.

While talking about it all on the Rangers Review podcast, Barrie insisted that the club simply have to work out a way to get the loan turned permanent in the summer.

He said (17:24): "I think it's pretty obvious that I'd been in the buy Tillman at all costs camp. And I don't think there's much debate around that.

"I don't think Rangers are going to get a player of his ability, but also potential at 20 now, 21 next season.

"Still in his first professional season, you've got to remember that. You've got to imagine every player will be better in their second professional season."

Will Tillman want to join Rangers this summer?

Before arriving in Scotland, Tillman had actually made seven senior appearances for the Bayern Munich senior team, so it's clear just what a talent he is.

However, that was for a combined total of just 164 minutes and he may feel as though the path to regular first-team action in Germany will be quite difficult.

With that in mind, seeing as Rangers have offered him 2564 minutes of action in all competitions this season – and he has proved ten goals and five assists in this time – it could perhaps suit all parties if some agreement could be found.

At a price of around £6m, he would likely take up a reasonable chunk of the summer budget – especially when compared to the club's record transfers – but with so much potential still, that fee could perhaps one day prove to be a bargain if Tillman continues his upward trajectory in a Teddy Bears shirt.