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Sam Inkersole has alleviated Chelsea fans’ fears after confirming star midfielder Jorginho will not leave the club this summer.

Jorginho has enjoyed a sensational 2021, winning the Champions League with the Blues before going on to celebrate Euro 2020 glory in Italian colours.

His trophy double has led to suggestions the 29-year-old is in the running to win the coveted Ballon d’Or.

But it has also resulted in his agent Joao Santos suggesting Italian giants Juventus are interested in completing a surprise transfer.

Jorginho made 43 Chelsea appearances last season and was instrumental as Thomas Tuchel led the west Londoners to the second Champions League trophy in their history.

The midfielder, who joined from Napoli after Manchester City pulled out of the race for the £50million-rated man in 2018, still has two years remaining on his £110,000-per-week contract so Chelsea do not need to sell.

Despite his agent’s suggestions that a move back to Serie A could be on the cards, football.london reporter Inkersole insists Jorginho will be going nowhere.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Chelsea reporter Inkersole said: “His agent is one that does not stop talking. He’s one of the most vocal agents I’ve ever come across.

“Jorginho has had a fantastic 2021 and Chelsea would be absolutely mad to let him go. He’s in a real purple patch and he was incredibly impressive in the run to the Champions League final. He enhanced that even more in the Euros.

“Tuchel won’t want to sell him – that’s an absolute given – and I think Chelsea fans would not be very impressed if he was sold either. I’m pretty sure Chelsea are going to stick to their guns and not let him go.”

An update has emerged on FC Porto’s pursuit of Alfredo Morelos regarding how much they are prepared to pay for the Rangers forward.

What’s the talk?

According to The Scottish Sun, the Portuguese giants are preparing to submit a £10m offer for the Colombian striker, whose agent was in Portugal last week amid speculation over Morelos’ future, and Porto are now set to firm up their interest with a bid.

They had been working under strict guidelines after being punished by UEFA for player trading offences, but now that they are free of those shackles, they are attempting to bring Morelos to the Estadio Dragao.

Speaking anonymously to The Athletic in 2019, a Scottish Premiership player said that Morelos is “non-stop” and labeled him as a nightmare for defenders, saying: “In my experience, he is just non-stop.

“There’s never a time when he’s walking about or not interested in the game. He’s always involved, whether that’s taking you away or dragging you closer to the ball.

“He’s kind of dropping deep now and going out wide. That’s a nightmare for defenders because he’s your player that you’re meant to be man-marking but then you’re dragged out of position and you’ve got midfield runners taking his space. That means you need to start talking to your full-backs and centre-mids to start swapping players, which makes it a lot more difficult.”

Gerrard would be fuming

Rangers must avoid a major error this summer and reject Porto’s £10m bid for Morelos when it arrives at Ross Wilson’s desk next week. Wilson needs to immediately veto the proposal and demand a larger sum of money for the club’s main centre-forward.

When Porto were initially linked with the 25-year-old, we suggested that Rangers should look to cash in on him if they are able to receive a club-record £20m deal from the Portuguese club. However, £10m would not be enough to take the move over that threshold, which is why Wilson needs to turn it down.

That fee is only half of the £20m originally touted for Morelos, and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard would surely be fuming if Wilson allowed the Colombian to leave for such a paltry sum. £20m could be a major boost to Rangers’ coffers and allow Gerrard to improve his squad in several areas, making the team better as a whole rather than relying on one outstanding individual. This is why selling Morelos could make sense, but not for the significantly reduced fee of £10m.

The £33,000-per-week beast provided an impressive 17 goals and 13 assists in all competitions for Rangers last season, showing that he is a crucial member of Gerrard’s squad, and that is why the Gers should not jump to accept any fee for his services.

They need to get enough from the deal to sign a replacement and strengthen other positions if they are to justify selling him, and Gerrard would be fuming at losing a key player if he cannot duly strengthen. Wilson should stand firm and keep Morelos at Ibrox until a £20m offer comes through the door.

AND in other news, Gerrard must seal £3m Rangers swoop for dynamo likened to Mane, fans would love it…

‘There is a deal to be done’ for Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock, sources in North London have told Chronicle Live journalist Mark Douglas.

The lowdown

The 21-year-old moved to St James’ Park on loan at the start of February and enjoyed an immensely successful spell. He netted in the last seven Premier League games, matching the club-record streak set by Alan Shearer.

The Arsenal midfielder’s contributions were vital in pushing Newcastle up to 12th in the final standings and, despite only spending half the season on Tyneside, he wound up as the club’s second top-scorer for the campaign behind Callum Wilson.

The latest

Douglas has reported that Newcastle have ‘registered their interest’ in signing Willock permanently. Arsenal are said to be ‘assessing their options’ at present, and their decision could depend on whether they can secure their ‘priority targets’.

Newcastle may need to fork out £30m to persuade Arsenal to part with the midfielder, which would make him their second-most expensive signing behind Joelinton.

The player himself is apparently ‘open to a return’ and may receive encouragement from his family, as his father Charles was ‘particularly impressed’ by Newcastle’s handling of the 21-year-old.

The verdict

Unfortunately it’s difficult to see Newcastle shelling out £30m, especially with reports that Steve Bruce’s budget may be 40% or less of that figure, and even a reduction in Arsenal’s demands when they bolster their midfield ranks may not suffice.

The Magpies should probably pursue a second season-long loan deal and then launch a permanent move next summer, when the strains on the market will hopefully have eased.

They could also have new owners by then, of course, depending on the outcome of the ongoing takeover saga.

In other news, Newcastle have identified another transfer target.

Oliver Skipp could save Tottenham Hotspur millions this summer if unleashed by incoming manager Paulo Fonseca.

The 48-year-old Portuguese is expected to be announced as their next boss in the coming days, with the Telegraph claiming that a two-year deal has been agreed.

He has one hell of a task on his hands.

Spurs have just recorded their worst finish since 2009, their star striker Harry Kane wants to leave, and there is plenty of deadwood that needs to be shifted on.

One of the key criteria set out by chairman Daniel Levy was being able to commit to the development of the club’s up-and-coming academy stars, so you’d imagine that this is something Fonseca has agreed to, considering he appears to be on the verge of being appointed.

Skipp is surely one of the names that Levy had in mind.

Following a successful loan stint at Championship winners Norwich City, he seems likely to be promoted in the first-team set-up full-time and quite justifiably so.

Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks are just two names that could be sold in the summer window, so there’s certainly going to be a place or two up for grabs and the 20-year-old gem could well benefit most.

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Only one player featured in more minutes for the Canaries than Skipp (3,863) as he proved his worth at the senior level.

As per WhoScored, the young midfielder finished the 2020/21 campaign with an average of 2.2 tackles and 1.1 interceptions, which saw him as one of the more industrious members of Daniel Farke’s squad.

It’s no wonder the Norwich boss and those around him have waxed lyrical about his qualities all year.

“He plays each and every second for more or less each and every game for such a good side. He’s a top player and also a top character,” claimed the German coach.

Similarly, midfield partner Kenny McLean told Sky Sports: “He makes my job a hell of a lot easier, I’ll tell you that. He’s been outstanding all season and we’re lucky to have him to be honest. For this level, he’s very outstanding and he’s got a huge career ahead of him.”

Also lauded as a “machine”, Skipp will not be fazed by the pressure of making the step up, especially as he’s already made his debut for his boyhood club and racked up 23 appearances in a Lilywhites shirt.

By giving the £9m-rated academy graduate a proper shot next season, Fonseca could save Levy and the Spurs hierarchy millions in the transfer market – or at the very least, those potential funds they would spend on a midfielder can be put elsewhere, such as signing a new centre-back.

AND in other news, Fresh twist emerges in Spurs’ manager saga…

Noel Whelan believes Billy Gilmour should move to Glasgow Rangers on loan instead of Norwich City.

The Lowdown: Gilmour close to Carrow Road

The Gers have been linked with a loan move for the midfielder (The Daily Record), who came through the Ibrox outfit’s youth academy.

However, the £9m-valued Chelsea man (Transfermarkt) is said to be closing in on a move to Norwich. He will have a medical at the newly-promoted Premier League once his quarantine following a positive coronavirus test is over (John Percy).

The Latest: Whelan urges Ibrox move

Speaking to Football Insider, though, Whelan has urged Gilmour to move to Ibrox instead. He said:

“If you ask any player right now whether you would like to go to a newly-promoted side in Norwich or a title-winning Rangers side who are playing in the Champions League? It’s a no-brainer.

“He could learn off two of the greatest midfielders to ever grace the Premier League in Steven Gerrard and Gary McAllister if he went to Rangers. It would be hugely beneficial for him.

“He should go to there instead of Norwich. Gerrard could bring so much to his game.

“If the option is there, I think it would be really hard for Gilmour to turn down.

“He would be adored by the fans up there. He would be a real asset to them next season because he is a fantastic young player. Gilmour is a gem, a diamond.”

The Verdict: Unlikely

Of course, Rangers do have one or two carrots they can dangle in front of Gilmour to convince him to move to Ibrox. After winning the Premiership, they have a chance of playing in the Champions League group stages, while the Scotland international could indeed learn a lot from Steven Gerrard, one of the greatest midfielders of the 21st century.

However, Scottish football unfortunately lacks the depth of quality and competitiveness of the Premier League. At Norwich, Gilmour will be playing against top quality opponents week-in, week-out, which is just not possible in Scotland. As such, it would be very unlikely Chelsea would let him go north of the border as they seek the perfect place to continue his development.

In other news, Rangers fans love this photo.

Writing for football.london, reliable Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has now claimed that the Lilywhites and chairman Daniel Levy ‘could return’ for Inter Milan star Milan Skriniar this summer.

The Lowdown: Skriniar and Spurs, the saga…

The Slovakian was a big name during Spurs’ last summer transfer window, with links to the north Londoners seemingly never-ending when former manager Jose Mourinho was on the hunt for a centre-half.

As reported by Gold last year, chief technical performance director Steve Hitchen flew to Italy in an attempt to negotiate a deal for the defender but hit a snag when Inter and Spurs could not agree on the price.

The Latest: Spurs ‘could return’ for Skriniar

Bringing an update on Tottenham’s transfer plans, reliable correspondent Gold believes that due to Inter’s financial woes, Spurs could lodge an attempt to sign him this summer.

“Tottenham had a strong interest in Milan Skriniar last summer but would not meet Inter Milan’s £43m valuation of the player,” he wrote for football.london.

“With the Serie A side’s current financial struggles, the north London outfit could return for another run at the 26-year-old Slovakian, who has two years left on his contract.”

The Verdict: Do it Levy…

As Spurs aim to possibly bolster their backline this summer with the addition of star names, they can do absolutely no better than Skriniar as a target.

He continued his brilliant form for Inter over the 2020/2021 season, making 31 starts for the Serie A giants, averaging an impressive 92.2% pass accuracy out from the back (WhoScored) on path to their first league title since 2010.

This may display a cool head mixed with a winning mentality and that is exactly what Tottenham need for a new centre-half.

Lauded as an ‘incredible defender’ by former teammate Adam Zilak (La Gazzetta dello Sport), he could be the ideal defensive signing for Spurs and especially if his current club are potentially forced to sell below the asking price.

In other news: ‘Could be sold’ – Alasdair Gold says Levy could axe this ‘fantastic player’ who loves Spurs, find out more here.

Celtic-linked Josh Doig has said that his current club Hibernian is a ‘great pathway to go to higher places’ but insisted that he ‘absolutely adores’ being at Easter Road.

The lowdown

Sky Sports reported in January that Celtic, along with Arsenal and Chelsea, were monitoring the young left-back, who this weekend has been named the Scottish Football Writers’ Young Player of the Year award, seeing off David Turnbull and Nathan Patterson.

Hibs team-mate Joe Newell was among those to congratulate the 18-year-old on an ‘amazing achievement’ in his breakthrough season.

Doig, who is valued at just £450,000 by Transfermarkt, has made 26 league appearances for Hibs this season, scoring once and providing four assists. He has averaged 1.7 tackles, 1.3 clearances, 0.7 interceptions and 1.3 successful aerial duels per game (via WhoScored).

The latest

Doig was asked about outside interest in an interview with The Scotsman. Whilst he did hint at a desire to ascend the footballing ladder, he insists that Hibernian is an ideal setting for his development.

The youngster namechecked John McGinn, who moved from Hibs to Aston Villa in 2018 and is now a Premier League regular.

He said: “It’s crazy because I’ve grown up watching all these clubs and for any of them even to show an interest…

“Whatever happens happens. But as long as I’m playing football, whether it’s here, at Barcelona, or back at Queen’s Park, that’s what I want.

“I absolutely adore it here at Hibs.

“You can see with the likes of John McGinn, I know Hibs is a great pathway to go to higher places but it still a massive club in itself.

“We could finish third this season.

“I don’t think there’s a better place than Hibs to develop as a player.”

The verdict

It does sound as if Doig would like to remain in Edinburgh for the time being. He really has spoken of his club in glowing terms, although the use of phrases like ‘whatever happens happens’ and ‘great pathway’ could leave the door somewhat open for a future move elsewhere.

Having already caught the eye of Arsenal and Chelsea, though, perhaps he’s looking to go straight from Easter Road to the English game just as McGinn did.

In other news, Celtic are said to be keen on this English League One starlet.

Writing on Twitter, Fabrizio Romano has shared a big development involving Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane – with Premier League rivals Man City now ‘planning to open talks’.

The Lowdown: Kane exit saga dominates

Over the last few days, since Sky Sports first broke news of Kane’s reiterated desire to leave Tottenham, the media has been somewhat dominated by reports linking the forward to a host of new clubs.

Man City, Man United and Chelsea are said to be the most likely to lodge a serious pursuit for Kane this summer (Sky Sports) – with reports even suggesting that the 27-year-old has yearned for a north London exit since last year (talkSPORT).

The Latest: Romano shares big Kane development

Writing on Twitter, reliable journalist Romano has explained that Premier League champions Man City are now ‘planning to open talks’ for Kane this summer.

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City have been on the look out for a new striker over this past year, a process that has only accelerated since the club announced this would be Sergio Aguero’s last season at the Etihad Stadium.

“Harry Kane desire to leave Tottenham is confirmed,” explained Romano (via Twitter).

“He’s NOT handed in a transfer request but he hopes to find a solution.

“#THFC position: NO intention to sell Kane.

“Kane would refuse a new contract, as of today.

“Man City are seriously interested, planning to open talks. #MCFC”

The Verdict: Bad news for Tottenham

It’s safe to say both Lilywhites supporters as well as chairman Daniel Levy will not want to lose Kane this summer regardless of the size of the possible bid.

As explained by Romano, Spurs do not intend to sell him, but if any club can tempt the superstar into handing in a transfer request and formally requesting to leave, it’s arguably City.

The Sky Blues have sufficient financial muscle and could also be a huge attraction to Kane in terms of winning silverware.

Kane’s desire to win trophies is well known, and City have won a very impressive two Premier League titles, three Carabao Cups, two Community Shields and one FA Cup since the start of 2018/2019 (Transfermarkt).

Pep Guardiola’s side could be the overwhelming favourites for Kane heading into this summer window, and Levy may face a battle to keep hold of him if they plan to open talks.

In other news: Spurs namedropped as suitor for this ‘genius’ boss, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a crushing setback in their attempts to bring Mauricio Pochettino back to the club…

What’s the word?

According to ever-reliable football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold, Spurs’ attempts to rehire the 49-year-old have hit a “major roadblock,” though the club have not given up hope of securing him.

It’s thought that the Argentine is open to returning to North London, having held talks with chairman Daniel Levy, who sacked him in November 2019 after a poor run of form.

Gold claims that Paris Saint-Germain have no intention of letting Pochettino go, with his “dream” club Real Madrid also keen on him succeeding Zinedine Zidane at the Bernabeu.

Reports in France, via football.london, suggest that the Ligue 1 giants have even taken up the option in his deal, meaning he would be tied down at Les Parcs des Princes until 2023, meaning the Lilywhites would have to pay a substantial amount in compensation.

Crushing blow

This will come as a gutting blow to many in North London, particularly the Spurs faithful, who had been dreaming of Pochettino’s sensation return since news first emerged last week.

As relayed by This is Futbol, many supporters couldn’t contain their excitement over the 49-year-old potentially coming back to the club. One fan claimed it was “like Christmas Eve” whilst another said he was “salivating uncontrollably”.

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However, their reactions have quickly changed in response to Gold’s latest bombshell, with the Lilywhites’ faithful slamming the board, suggesting that they are “stupid” whilst others deemed the situation “embarrassing”.

It has now been just over six weeks since Jose Mourinho received his P45 from Levy and, in that time, the Portuguese has already found his next managerial position – joining AS Roma – whilst Spurs still appear in limbo.

They have seen many potential candidates come and go, including mooted top targets Julian Nagelsmann, who has swapped RB Leipzig for Bayern Munich, and Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers, who would rather remain at the King Power Stadium – understandably.

This news over Pochettino means Spurs are even further back in their managerial search and at this stage, that has to be a worrying prospect.

Right now, the North London giants are heading into the European Championships and the summer in a complete mess. They have no manager, Harry Kane wants to leave with three Premier League rivals keen on signing him, and many supporters want both Levy and owners ENIC gone.

The Spurs chairman may now have to turn to some of the uninspiring names left on his reported four-man shortlist, of which Everton failure Roberto Martinez and the inexperienced Graham Potter feature.

Levy better hope he gets this appointment right or he’ll face a wrath of fury from the unhappy Lilywhites fanbase.

AND in other news, Levy can finally replace Jan Vertonghen with swoop for “amazing” £26m-rated beast who once bullied Kane…

For the past four months, Leicester City have clearly been on the lookout for a midfielder.

Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers expressed his intentions to bring in a midfield player in the January transfer window but a move did not materialise, whilst the East Midlanders have recently been linked with the likes of Yves Bissouma, Tomasso Pobega and Boubakary Soumare ahead of potential summer transfers.

However, it might have all been so different had Leicester secured the signature of Weston McKennie under a year ago.

It was reported during the summer 2020 transfer window that the Foxes were interested in the services of the American and were vying with Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers for his signature. Again, a switch did not come to fruition, the then-Schalke 04 man surprisingly signing for Juventus instead.

He has gone on to have an overwhelmingly positive impact in Turin since his arrival. At the time of writing McKennie, rated at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, has made 37 appearances in all competitions for Juve, scoring six goals and providing two assists.

For comparison, only James Maddison and Youri Tielemans of Leicester’s current crop of central midfielders can boast more than the former FC Dallas star’s eight goal contributions this season.

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McKennie’s form has certainly not gone unnoticed by those in Italy, either. Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo has gone as far as to say that the American is a “rock” in the Italian giants’ midfield – a huge compliment considering that he has had to vie with the likes of Arthur Melo, Aaron Ramsey, Adrien Rabiot, Rodrigo Bentancur and others for a starting berth.

Considering his excellent displays, Leicester will reflect on a huge mistake in not bringing McKennie to the King Power Stadium last year, a clanger which has only been exacerbated by Rodgers’ reported recent hunt for a midfielder.

AND in more news, take a look at which new deal could be a future clue for Leicester…