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After overseeing a disappointing group stage exit at the 2026 World Cup, Clarke has decided to fall on his sword. The path has been cleared for somebody else to take over and lead the Tartan Army towards Euro 2028.

Several candidates are said to be under consideration, with Everton boss David Moyes a leading contender alongside current Portugal boss Roberto Martinez - who is expected to bring his stint working with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co to a close once a bid for global glory in North America comes to an end.

It is, however, Postecoglou that tops the betting markets at present. He knows all about the Scottish game from a productive two-year tenure in Glasgow that delivered five pieces of major silverware.

Quizzed on whether it may be impossible for Postecoglou to grace such a dugout again, despite all that he achieved with Celtic, ex-Hoops frontman Cascarino - speaking on behalf of Tonybet, whose World Cup Card Collection campaign can see Irish customers win up to €100,000 - told GOAL: “I think it would be hard, because I think it's hard getting a Premier League job. I did predict that [Andoni] Iraola would get the Liverpool job. I thought he absolutely earned the stripes to get that opportunity.

“Is it hard? Yes, it will be. Because I think he got unfairly criticised sometimes for just being fixated on, that's the way we play, that's the way we do it. And I think there are now owners and, all the teams involved in football, upstairs on the direction of the club, that don't like managers because of people like [Ruben] Amorim, who just refuse to play.

“And that's what I found weird, is that if you do your coaching courses, you are told there are many ways to win football matches. And whether it's defensively, whether it's with blocks, whether it's with counter-attacking, whether it's with absolutely aggressive football and passes and moving, I feel like Ange got labelled a bit one-dimensional. And I think there's others in there.

“If you stick to it and you just double down, I think upstairs they don't like it. They think, ‘well, we're paying you to do your coaching manual or to prove that you can work out what's best suited for this team’.”

According to Sky Sports, Tottenham have moved to the brink of completing a sensational move for Fernandes after agreeing an £85m fee with West Ham. The 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder is expected to undergo a medical shortly as Spurs look to finalise the paperwork on what would be a landmark signing for the club.

The deal marks a significant statement of intent from the Tottenham hierarchy as they continue to reshape the squad under Roberto De Zerbi.

The eye-watering figure will see Fernandes become the most expensive signing in Tottenham's history. The fee comfortably surpasses the previous club record, which was the £65m deal for Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth in August 2024.

While Tottenham celebrate a major recruitment victory, the news comes as a bitter blow to Manchester United. The Red Devils had been heavily involved in the pursuit of the midfielder, with Michael Carrick identifying him as the ideal profile to rejuvenate a midfield that recently lost the veteran Casemiro. However, United’s hesitation to meet West Ham's uncompromising valuation ultimately allowed their rivals to steal a march in the negotiations.

Old Trafford officials were reportedly wary of being drawn into an "exhausting bidding war" and remained disciplined regarding their own internal valuation of the player. Despite maintaining ongoing dialogue since May, United were not convinced of the player's total commitment to the project and were unwilling to overpay.

Fernandes has enjoyed a rapid ascent, establishing himself as one of the most effective all-round midfielders in the English top flight. His data over the past season highlights a player with an incredible work rate, consistently appearing in the top 10 Premier League midfielders for distance covered. Those who have worked with him previously, like Simon Rusk at Southampton, aren't surprised by his development into a physical force.

"That's no surprise that his tackling stats are very high," Rusk told Sky Sports. "Both speaking to him and observing him, I could see that would be a feature in his game - and a strength."

The failure to land Fernandes leaves Manchester United with a significant hole to fill as the transfer window progresses. Michael Carrick had already signaled the importance of this summer for the club's long-term direction. Speaking about the squad overhaul in May, Carrick noted: "There's obviously work to do. I know it's quite obvious, there's certain players leaving, that there's a bit of work to do. It's not any more important, this one, than the last one, or it's what's ahead of us as a football club to try and make the most of."

Speaking on talkSPORT, O'Hara expressed his desire to see Rashford join Tottenham. Marcus has not played for United since December 2024, embarking on a transfer journey that saw him loaned to Aston Villa in February 2025, before heading to Barcelona in July 2025.

O'Hara feels Tottenham should capitalise on this to aid Roberto De Zerbi's summer rebuild, as the manager looks to return the club to their rightful place in the Premier League after narrowly avoiding relegation last term. O'Hara said: "I would love nothing more than for us to break the bank with wages and get him over the line. It ain't going to cost you loads of money – what, £30m, probably?"

Rashford has two years remaining on his current contract at Old Trafford, but his long-term future under head coach Michael Carrick appears bleak. The forward boasts an impressive legacy with United, having registered 138 goals and 79 assists across 426 appearances for the club.

However, with United reportedly eager to reduce their financial commitments, O'Hara is confident Tottenham could negotiate a favourable fee. O'Hara added: "You're going to get him for nothing because they need him off the wage bill. They don't want him there, his future at Manchester United is gone, right? The only reason he'd be integrated back into the team is if they can't get rid of him. If they can come to some sort of deal and get Marcus Rashford at Tottenham, he would be a star player for us. He is still top drawer."

While his club future remains entirely uncertain, Rashford successfully resurrected his career on loan and the international stage this summer. During his stint with Aston Villa, he played 17 matches, scoring four goals and providing six assists.

He then helped Barcelona win La Liga with 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 matches across all competitions, though the club declined a £26 million buy option.

After missing Euro 2024, Rashford earned a recall for the 2026 World Cup. He made an immediate impact by coming off the bench to score in England's 4-2 victory over Croatia, marking his 19th goal in 75 senior appearances. He then played the full match as Thomas Tuchel led the team to a 2-0 win over Panama.

According to talkSPORT journalist Ben Jacobs, United and Tottenham are both in active talks regarding a summer move for Fernandes. While suggestions that the player has already chosen his next destination are currently premature, Spurs have held advanced discussions with the midfielder. Meanwhile, United have maintained ongoing dialogue since May as they look to rebuild their midfield under Michael Carrick.

West Ham are determined to hold out for their desired transfer fee, bolstered by a recent £90 million cash injection and interest from multiple suitors. Consequently, the London club have firmly stuck to their asking price, complicating negotiations for the two Premier League giants as they try to secure a deal.

Spurs are reportedly willing to meet a valuation of around £80m to back manager Roberto De Zerbi ahead of the upcoming campaign. Securing Fernandes would add significant technical quality to the midfield engine room in North London.

Conversely, United face a major dilemma in their pursuit. The Old Trafford club have zero intention of matching the astronomical demands set by West Ham, nor will they allow themselves to be drawn into an exhausting bidding war. United must quickly decide whether to match their rival's financial commitment or abandon their pursuit for cheaper alternatives.

The urgency at Old Trafford is being heavily driven by Carrick, who is determined to overhaul his options following the departure of Casemiro. With limited senior central midfielders available, Fernandes fits the profile perfectly after his rapid development.

However, United's reluctance to spend heavily risks leaving the squad threadbare. Speaking about the transfer window, Carrick said in May: "There's obviously work to do. I know it's quite obvious, there's certain players leaving, that there's a bit of work to do. It's not any more important, this one, than the last one, or it's what's ahead of us as a football club to try and make the most of."

Further clarity is expected soon regarding the future of Fernandes. According to Jacobs, this is not a saga the clubs or the player want to drag out beyond July. Tottenham will focus on initiating formal negotiations to strike an agreement, while United must decided whether to make their interest more concrete or pivot to other targets.

In the wake of Clarke's resignation, former Celtic, Tottenham, and Nottingham Forest manager Postecoglou has emerged as a high-profile candidate to take the reins. Per talkSPORT bet, the Australian, who has most recently been working in a high-level analytical capacity as a UEFA Technical Observer, is the frontrunner to be appointed Scotland's next manager.

While Postecoglou is in the frame, he faces stiff competition for the vacancy. Everton boss David Moyes is also heavily linked with the post, alongside Steven Naismith and former Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson. The Scottish FA is reportedly keeping its options open and will not rush into an appointment before the Nations League begins in September.

Clarke’s departure comes after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil ended Scotland’s World Cup dream. Despite finishing third in Group C with three points, results elsewhere confirmed their elimination.

In an emotional farewell, Clarke thanked his squad for the journey they have shared since 2019. “The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players, without whom we wouldn’t have had any of the memories that we’ve accumulated from 2019 until now,” Clarke said. “They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their Gaffer. Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor.”

Despite the early exit, Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell was quick to point out the progress made under the outgoing manager. He noted that Clarke took Scotland from being a pot four team to World Cup qualifiers, ending a 23-year absence from major tournaments by reaching Euro 2020 and subsequently Euro 2024.

“While we are all disappointed to have exited the World Cup at the group stage, we must not lose sight of the undeniable progress made during Steve’s seven years in charge,” Maxwell said. “From starting as a pot four team in 2019 to topping our World Cup qualifying group, he has more than delivered on the remit to take Scotland back to a major tournament.”

Clarke departs with 38 wins from 81 matches, a record-breaking contribution that has restored pride in the national shirt. The focus now turns to whether the SFA will opt for a continuation of the current style or a tactical shift, potentially under a manager like Postecoglou who is known for his aggressive, attacking philosophy.

The next manager will inherit a squad that has grown accustomed to competing at the highest level, though they will be tasked with improving Scotland’s tournament record. Despite the progress under Clarke, the recent victory over Haiti remained the only win the nation recorded across three major finals appearances during his tenure.

According to talkSPORT journalist Ben Jacobs, United and Tottenham are both in active talks regarding a summer move for Fernandes. While suggestions that the player has already chosen his next destination are currently premature, Spurs have held advanced discussions with the midfielder. Meanwhile, United have maintained ongoing dialogue since May as they look to rebuild their midfield under Michael Carrick.

West Ham are determined to hold out for their desired transfer fee, bolstered by a recent £90 million cash injection and interest from multiple suitors. Consequently, the London club have firmly stuck to their asking price, complicating negotiations for the two Premier League giants as they try to secure a deal.

Spurs are reportedly willing to meet a valuation of around £80m to back manager Roberto De Zerbi ahead of the upcoming campaign. Securing Fernandes would add significant technical quality to the midfield engine room in North London.

Conversely, United face a major dilemma in their pursuit. The Old Trafford club have zero intention of matching the astronomical demands set by West Ham, nor will they allow themselves to be drawn into an exhausting bidding war. United must quickly decide whether to match their rival's financial commitment or abandon their pursuit for cheaper alternatives.

The urgency at Old Trafford is being heavily driven by Carrick, who is determined to overhaul his options following the departure of Casemiro. With limited senior central midfielders available, Fernandes fits the profile perfectly after his rapid development.

However, United's reluctance to spend heavily risks leaving the squad threadbare. Speaking about the transfer window, Carrick said in May: "There's obviously work to do. I know it's quite obvious, there's certain players leaving, that there's a bit of work to do. It's not any more important, this one, than the last one, or it's what's ahead of us as a football club to try and make the most of."

Further clarity is expected soon regarding the future of Fernandes. According to Jacobs, this is not a saga the clubs or the player want to drag out beyond July. Tottenham will focus on initiating formal negotiations to strike an agreement, while United must decided whether to make their interest more concrete or pivot to other targets.

According to talkSPORT journalist Ben Jacobs, United and Tottenham are both in active talks regarding a summer move for Fernandes. While suggestions that the player has already chosen his next destination are currently premature, Spurs have held advanced discussions with the midfielder. Meanwhile, United have maintained ongoing dialogue since May as they look to rebuild their midfield under Michael Carrick.

West Ham are determined to hold out for their desired transfer fee, bolstered by a recent £90 million cash injection and interest from multiple suitors. Consequently, the London club have firmly stuck to their asking price, complicating negotiations for the two Premier League giants as they try to secure a deal.

Spurs are reportedly willing to meet a valuation of around £80m to back manager Roberto De Zerbi ahead of the upcoming campaign. Securing Fernandes would add significant technical quality to the midfield engine room in North London.

Conversely, United face a major dilemma in their pursuit. The Old Trafford club have zero intention of matching the astronomical demands set by West Ham, nor will they allow themselves to be drawn into an exhausting bidding war. United must quickly decide whether to match their rival's financial commitment or abandon their pursuit for cheaper alternatives.

The urgency at Old Trafford is being heavily driven by Carrick, who is determined to overhaul his options following the departure of Casemiro. With limited senior central midfielders available, Fernandes fits the profile perfectly after his rapid development.

However, United's reluctance to spend heavily risks leaving the squad threadbare. Speaking about the transfer window, Carrick said in May: "There's obviously work to do. I know it's quite obvious, there's certain players leaving, that there's a bit of work to do. It's not any more important, this one, than the last one, or it's what's ahead of us as a football club to try and make the most of."

Further clarity is expected soon regarding the future of Fernandes. According to Jacobs, this is not a saga the clubs or the player want to drag out beyond July. Tottenham will focus on initiating formal negotiations to strike an agreement, while United must decided whether to make their interest more concrete or pivot to other targets.

Former Chelsea and Manchester United boss Mourinho returned to Premier League coaching in November 2019 after receiving an enticing offer from north London. He was given the chance to work with Harry Kane and Co as Spurs endeavoured to bring their long wait for major silverware to a close.

The opportunity to break that run duly arrived in the form of a League Cup final clash with Manchester City, but Mourinho never got the chance to lock horns with Pep Guardiola at the home of English football as he was relieved of his duties four days prior to the fixture taking place.

That huge call came as a shock the man himself, with Mourinho - speaking exclusively to Adebayo Akinfenwa on the Beast Mode On Podcast - saying of how and why he was ushered through the exits: "I couldn't believe it. I know that the final was almost an empty Wembley... Man City will have a couple of thousand fans, split by the whole north or south side of Wembley, Tottenham just a couple of thousand. So it was an empty Wembley, not that big feeling of Wembley. But it was [still] a final.

"It was a final in a moment where Tottenham had no trophies. At this moment, yes, they won the Europa League, but at that time, nothing. It was Harry Kane, zero titles, Son, zero titles, Hugo Lloris, with Tottenham, zero titles."

Tottenham ultimately failed to qualify for the Champions League at the end of that same 2020-21 season, with Mourinho recalling that the ownership had made it clear that a top-four finish was imperative, and perhaps of more importance than the League Cup final.

"I was up to it (managing Spurs in the final). I remember we played in that week, we should play Southampton before the final, and my focus was totally on the final. So it was a shock.

"I believe that one of the reasons was exactly that my focus was on the final and not Southampton. Because for the club, not the fans, the owners, it was more important to try to qualify for the Champions League, for financial reasons, so Southampton was a very important match.

"For me, the important match was the final. It was a medal, a cup, joy for the fans, and Harry Kane was injured. He was a doubt for the final. And in case Harry doesn't recover for the final, the striker had to be Son. Imagine the final without Son and Kane!

"So when the boss asked me: 'What do you think about the Southampton match?' I told him: 'I want to win, we are going to try to win, but without Harry I will leave Son on the bench'. It was a kind of contradiction because for them the final didn't matter much, for me and the players it meant everything."

Tottenham went on to suffer a 1-0 defeat against City, with their silverware curse only being lifted in 2025 when they claimed Europa League glory. Mourinho had long since departed by that point, managing at the likes of Roma, Fenerbahce and Benfica before returning to Real Madrid this summer on a three-year contract.

He will be working with Florentino Perez again at the Bernabeu and has said of the need for unity when it comes to coaches, presidents and supporters: "It's crucial [to be aligned] because you're in their (the chairman or owner) hands. Even if you have a great relationship with the players and the fans, the fans love you, the boss (the owner) - they decide [whether you stay or go]. That's the point.

"I always remember my first period at Chelsea, we were at Stamford Bridge offices taking care of me leaving and I was looking at the window and lots of people, outside, with banners: 'Jose, we love you, Jose, we want you'. Okay, you love me, [but] this guy (the owner) decides."

Mourinho was in charge of Spurs at the height of the Coronavirus pandemic that caused chaos across the world, with the 63-year-old having expressed his disappointment that he was unable to form more of a close bond with Tottenham's fanbase due to the heavy restrictions in football and supporters being barred from attending matches.

He said: "Tottenham was COVID. No connection. I love that connection with the fans. I love my club fans. I easily become one of them. Tottenham, the only thing I remember, was the first match before COVID, at West Ham's stadium, and then it's empty stadiums. It's the only club where I missed that."

Tottenham are heavily attacking the transfer market to back manager Roberto De Zerbi ahead of the upcoming campaign. The London outfit have already secured defensive trio Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, alongside Wednesday's arrival of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Securing Fernandes would add significant technical quality and energy to De Zerbi's midfield engine room.

Despite his team struggling, Fernandes impressed during his debut season in London, making 38 appearances across all competitions and scoring four goals for West Ham. Transfer expert Matteo Moretto claims that Tottenham are now very close to agreeing personal terms with the player, as he is open to a move to remain in the top flight.

While Tottenham push forward, United face a major dilemma. When Casemiro departs upon the expiry of his contract next week, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte will be the only recognised senior central midfielders available. The club want at least two new additions, and Fernandes fits the profile perfectly after rapid development since leaving Sporting for €15m in 2024.

He played 46 matches and scored four goals for Southampton before earning his big move to West Ham. However, United's reluctance to spend heavily risks leaving Michael Carrick with a threadbare squad. Speaking after the end of the season, Carrick said: "There's obviously work to do. I know it's quite obvious, there's certain players leaving, that there's a bit of work to do. It's not any more important, this one, than the last one, or it's what's ahead of us as a football club to try and make the most of."

Tottenham are firmly in the hunt for Real Madrid youngster Mastantuono as they look to bolster their creative options. The 18-year-old, who arrived in the Spanish capital with a reputation as one of South America's most exciting prospects, is expected to be sanctioned for a loan move to continue his development away from Santiago Bernabeu.

According to Sport, Spurs will have to fight off significant interest from across Europe to land the teenager. Reports suggest that a total of nine clubs are tracking the playmaker, including Italian giants Inter and Juventus, as well as Portuguese sides Porto, Benfica, and Sporting CP. Villarreal, Rennes, and a potential return to River Plate are also cited as possible destinations for the highly-rated starlet.

The decision to let Mastantuono leave on a temporary basis stems from the current tactical direction at Real Madrid. Mourinho, who is overseeing a squad refresh in Madrid, reportedly does not view the 18-year-old as a central part of his plans for the upcoming campaign. The club is keen for him to secure regular first-team football, something that may be difficult to guarantee in the star-studded Madrid midfield.

While Mastantuono possesses the technical ability and vision to thrive in the Premier League, there are questions regarding the fit within Roberto De Zerbi's current squad. Tottenham are already well-stocked in the creative department, with Xavi Simons, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski all competing for similar roles in the final third. This congestion could make it difficult for Spurs to promise the "regular opportunities" the player's camp is likely seeking.

Despite the interest in Mastantuono's technical profile, some observers believe Tottenham's priorities should lie elsewhere. The club has been active in the market to support De Zerbi's revolution, already securing defensive reinforcements such as Jan Paul van Hecke and Andy Robertson to shore up a backline that struggled in previous seasons.

The emphasis in north London has now shifted toward finding a clinical edge. While Mastantuono would provide flair, many fans and pundits are calling for the arrival of a primary goalscorer and high-quality wingers. Given the attacking personnel already at the club, a move for a raw, developing playmaker might be seen as a luxury rather than a necessity as the club targets a return to the Champions League places.

Tottenham are still searching for a long-term solution to the void left by Harry Kane's departure. While Dominic Solanke and Richarlison remain options, the club has been linked with more explosive alternatives. Former Spurs midfielder Darren Anderton recently suggested that the club should take a gamble on someone like Brentford striker Igor Thiago to spearhead the attack.

As the transfer window progresses, Tottenham's recruitment strategy remains under the spotlight. Balancing the pursuit of young talents like Mastantuono with the need for immediate, proven goalscoring impact will be the key challenge for the Spurs hierarchy.