Football League World

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Despite Ipswich Town's Premier League dream only lasting one season, the same might not be said for their manager, Kieran McKenna.

The 38-year-old remains one of the most highly-rated in the country after his exploits at Portman Road, which saw the Tractor Boys rise from mid-table obscurity in League One at the time of his appointment back in December 2021, to competing with the elite of English football just three years later.

Despite investing heavily in a new-look squad, Ipswich have been unable to stave off relegation and will return to the Championship next season alongside Leicester City and Southampton, who they were promoted with just 12 months ago, with the disparity in quality and finances between the EFL and top-flight a whole different topic of discussion.

Given his remarkable feat of back-to-back promotions between 2023 and 2024 in East Anglia, the Blues were able to maintain the services of their boss this time last summer amid interest from Brighton, Chelsea and Manchester United, with the Northern Irishman committing to a fresh four-year deal.

However, with reports of a potential departure failing to dissipate, we asked our resident Ipswich fan pundit, Alex Wilkin, whether he sees McKenna staying at Town for the long haul, or whether an exit is more likely.

Kieran McKenna situation discussed amid Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur exit fear

It has been reported by Football Insider that the hierarchy at Portman Road, fronted by owner, Mark Ashton, are preparing to resist offers from top-flight outfits for the highly-coveted manager amid links to Tottenham Hotspur and the Red Devils.

Unsurprisingly, given McKenna's history with the two clubs, it is the duo who are causing Wilkin to feel uneasy regarding his long-term future, although he admits he is more confident than last year when his stock was at an all-time high.

"I'm actually less worried about losing McKenna this summer than I was last summer," he told FLW.

"That's nothing to do with his reputation, which I don't think will have been impacted that much by the relegation, given how it happened and it being the second season that all three newly-promoted clubs have gone back down.

"It's more around the stability of the rest of the clubs in the Premier League," our Ipswich fan pundit explained. "I think the top 12-13 are all stable and all still competing for Europe, so I can't see any changes there.

"The ones below those have either changed manager with West Ham, Everton and Wolves. Vitor Pereira's done great at Wolves, so I can't see him leaving, Moyes has fitted in at Everton, which is unexpected. Graham Potter is potentially one who could go at the end of the season.

"But, I don't think McKenna would fancy going to a club that has sacked two managers, which leaves United and Tottenham, which are the two that I'd be most worried about given they're his former employers," Wilkin stated.

"He came through the youth academy at Tottenham and, obviously, did a lot of his coaching work at Manchester United.

"I think whoever loses the Europa League final - assuming they both get through this week - could be out of a job, potentially," he claimed. "They're the two who I'd be most worried about him leaving for.

"They're probably also the two that would happily pay his release clause, because I'm sure Mark Ashton secured a big release clause when he signed his new, improved contract last summer."

Kieran McKenna may be swayed by sentiment as Tottenham, Man Utd talk lingers

Of course, McKenna has built up a strong connection with those at Portman Road to the point where he may overlook the sentimental value of moving to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or Old Trafford should the opportunity arise.

However, if they were to, it would be a swift route back into Premier League management, with the likes of Rob Edwards struggling to adapt to the change in pressure after an unexpected promotion and then returning to the second-tier as strong favourites in the promotion race, with the 42-year-old leaving Luton Town in January as the club's second successive relegation was confirmed last weekend.

The ins and outs of McKenna's current deal haven't been disclosed other than the fact it made him one of the country's highest-paid managers, although that could change once more as wage reductions after relegation have become the norm in order to balance the books.

Tottenham Hotspur have set an asking price of £20 million for Leeds United loanee Manor Solomon amid interest in a permanent deal.

According to TBR Football, the Whites are interested in keeping the forward beyond his current deal, which has now effectively expired with the end of the Championship campaign.

Solomon arrived last summer on a temporary basis, and proved a key part of Daniel Farke’s side over the course of the season.

The 25-year-old contributed 10 goals and 12 assists from 39 appearances in the Championship, helping Leeds secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League.

Manor Solomon asking price

Spurs have set an asking price of £20 million for Solomon this summer, although Leeds are reportedly hopeful of signing him for closer to £15 million.

Farke will be keen to bolster his attacking options for life in the Premier League, and that includes retaining the winger beyond this loan spell.

Solomon struggled for game time under Ange Postecoglou prior to his loan move, and it remains to be seen whether he has a future with the London outfit.

Postecoglou’s own future is in doubt after a disappointing top flight campaign, but victory in the Europa League might be enough to stave off any threat of dismissal.

Leeds also face competition from the likes of Everton in the race to sign Solomon, as well as Ligue 1 club Marseille.

Solomon has a contract with Tottenham Hotspur until the summer of 2028, meaning they hold a lot of leverage in any potential talks in the upcoming transfer market.

Leeds United’s Premier League promotion

Solomon proved a key part of Leeds’ promotion back to the Premier League, contributing towards 22 goals.

In particular, in the last six fixtures, he scored three and assisted five, which helped secure top spot in the Championship.

Given his performances, it comes as no surprise that it’s understood his preference is to remain with Leeds beyond this season.

However, no movement has been made just yet on securing a deal beyond this loan spell.

Leeds will need attacking reinforcement this summer

Leeds need to bolster their attacking options for life in the Premier League, and going back in for a permanent move for Solomon would be a solid start.

The £20 million asking price might be a bit much, but the £15 million mark could be a reasonable compromise to finding a deal.

Solomon has performed well in the Premier League in the past with Fulham, which led to his move to Spurs.

If he can recapture that kind of form, then he’ll prove a valuable asset to Farke’s side in the top flight, should a deal go through in the coming months.

Tottenham Hotspur are very keen on a move for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, and there is a growing belief at the club that they could win the race for the striker.

Even though it has been a miserable campaign in the Premier League for the Tractor Boys, with their relegation confirmed in late April, it has been a positive season for Delap on an individual level.

The 22-year-old has scored 12 times in 34 games, and he has impressed with his ability to lead the line as a number nine.

Spurs hope to muscle to the front of Liam Delap transfer queue

Therefore, with reports confirming Delap has a release clause of £30m, it’s no surprise a whole host of clubs have been linked with the England U21 international.

The likes of Man Utd and Chelsea are thought to be keen, among a host of other clubs, but it’s Spurs who are now thought to be pushing hard to land the youngster.

That’s after Give Me Sport revealed there is ‘confidence behind the scenes’ at the north London outfit that they could secure his signature.

The update explains that Spurs may be in the market for a striker as there are doubts over Richarlison’s future, and they see Delap as a ‘bargain’ option due to the release clause in his contract at Portman Road - even if he is expected to command a hefty salary.

Liam Delap will have a big decision to make about his future

It’s no surprise to see there are so many admirers of Delap, because he is a young, talented striker who has proven that he can score goals in the top-flight.

Simply put, those players are hard to find, so for him to have a £30m release clause means he will be one of the bargain signings of the summer, which is why so many are keen.

Ultimately, he is going to be in a position where he can decide his next move, and the appeal of Spurs is obvious in that they are a big club who play in a fantastic stadium, and if they can win the Europa League, they will be able to offer Delap Champions League football.

But, others will be attractive to Delap as well, and he will have to weigh up plenty of factors before making a decision.

From Ipswich’s perspective, there will be a sense of frustration with the release clause, as they could have commanded a bigger fee, but it may have been integral in convincing Delap to move to them in the first place.

One positive is that you would expect a transfer to happen relatively quickly, which will allow Kieran McKenna time to find a replacement and to strengthen other areas of the squad with the funds Delap brings in.

Leeds United have been dealt a potential blow in their efforts to sign Tottenham Hotspur's Manor Solomon permanently following his spectacular loan stay during the 2024/25 Championship campaign, with Marseille reportedly joining the race for the winger's signature.

That's according to a recent report from French outlet Team Football, which has claimed that Marseille are plotting a move to sign Solomon ahead of Leeds this summer.

Solomon is currently contracted to Tottenham Hotspur until 2028 but is seemingly poised to leave in the coming months, having found himself out of favour in North London over the last two seasons after joining in the summer of 2023.

The 43-cap Israeli international winger was plagued by injury in his debut season with Spurs before sealing a loan switch to Leeds last summer, where he played an instrumental role in the Whites' return to the Premier League as champions.

Solomon registered a career-best return of 10 goals and 12 assists from 39 Championship appearances to help Leeds to promotion, and scored the all-important 91st-minute winner to ensure their return as league champions in a dramatic 2-1 final day victory at Plymouth Argyle.

It's little wonder that Leeds have been continually linked with a permanent agreement for the 25-year-old, but they now appear to be facing fresh competition in what could prove an obstacle to their pursuit.

Leeds United facing Marseille transfer competition for Spurs' Manor Solomon

As per the aforementioned report, Marseille are interested in Solomon's services and are said to have gone as far as to initiate "concrete discussions" with the player's representatives.

Marseille have reportedly enquired about Solomon, whom current boss Roberto De Zerbi is described as an admirer of, amid Spurs' €17 million (£14.3 million) valuation of the attacker.

This latest development could represent a blow for the Whites. It was recently reported that Leeds intend to sign Solomon on a permanent basis this summer, with Spurs eager to offload the ex-Shakhtar Donetsk man in a bid to raise funds for incomings.

Solomon's own stance is not yet clear, and this saga will be an interesting one to observe in the coming weeks and months.

Marseille could be more attractive to Spurs' Manor Solomon than Leeds United

While it remains unclear, for the time being at least, whether Solomon would be more open to a switch to the south of France than a return to Elland Road, it would be easy to see why he could favour Marseille.

The French giants are currently second in Ligue 1 and are on course to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League.

Solomon, who has previously both featured and starred in Europe's premiere club competition with Shakhtar, may well wish to return to the grandest stage once again, as opposed to potentially spending a season battling against relegation with Leeds.

Tottenham Hotspur's UEFA Europa League exploits have created a stumbling block in West Bromwich Albion's pursuit of Ryan Mason.

The Baggies rounded off their Championship season on Saturday lunchtime with a resounding 5-3 victory over Luton Town at The Hawthorns - a result that consigned their opponents to back-to-back relegations - with former midfielder James Morrison rounding off a two-game spell as interim boss following Tony Mowbray's dismissal on Easter Monday.

Albion knew the fate of their season heading into its final week of regular action, with Shilen Patel's immediate attention turning towards a successor for the 61-year-old, with Mason emerging as one of the favourites before links to Marti Cifuentes - which have since been quashed - and St Pauli boss, Alexander Blessin.

However, fresh developments mean that supporters may have to wait a little longer before finding out who the next man in the hotseat will be.

Tottenham Hotspur's UEFA Europa League exploits causing West Brom, Ryan Mason stumbling block

It was reported the day after Mowbray's last game in charge, a 3-1 defeat to relegation-threatened Derby County in B71, that Mason, who has previously overseen 13 games as interim boss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in between duties as an academy coach and assistant manager, was fronting the queue.

Such news was reported by Alan Nixon via Patreon, with the 33-year-old said to be a key reason behind the North London side's run to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, where they emerged 3-1 victors over Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt in the first leg on Thursday night, with it looking highly probable that Ange Postecoglou's side will face Manchester United in the final in Bilbao on May 21st.

Nixon initially reported that Spurs' developments on the continent could cause the Baggies issues in their pursuit despite a dismal Premier League season, and that has continued to be case, as per a fresh update from the journalist.

Unsurprisingly, the side from the capital have their sights set on winning the competition, which would give them a route into the UEFA Champions League, although the timing in relation to the conclusion of the second-tier is causing the West Midlands side issues.

The report continues to state that the Baggies' hierarchy are willing to wait when it comes to striking an agreement with any potential candidates. But, a delay in their pursuit of the highly-rated Spurs figure could see other candidates move into pole position as a pivotal off-season at The Hawthorns begins.

West Brom supporters may be willing to accept Ryan Mason wait

In the current footballing landscape, every supporter wants immediate clarity regarding club matters, especially on key decisions such as the latest man in the hotseat.

However, in this case, Albion supporters may be willing to accept a slight delay in proceedings as Mason can bring along fresh, youthful ideas that would increase optimism in B71, having endured a chaotic season and plenty of managerial turnover in recent seasons.

Those at The Hawthorns may also not be worried by the former England international's lack of experience as a 'number one', as former Spurs assistant, Chris Davies, has enjoyed plenty of success just a few miles away with Birmingham City, with the two clubs set to renew rivalries after Blues' record-breaking season in League One.

Of course, the off-season can certainly spring plenty of surprises, meaning that a more experienced figure could end up taking the reins with the door now left ajar.

David Prutton believes the Tottenham Hotspur job would "pique the interest" of Scott Parker amid Spurs' links to the Burnley head coach.

The 44-year-old has done a superb job at Turf Moor this season and secured promotion to the Premier League on Easter Monday with a rousing 2-1 victory over Sheffield United. That now means that Parker has secured ascension from the second tier on three different occasions.

This seems to have caught the eye of Tottenham, and according to The Sun, he is set to be a candidate for the head coach role in North London should Ange Postecoglou depart.

Despite securing a spot in the Europa League semi-final, there is a prevailing feeling around Spurs that the Australian will depart, either by mutual consent or sacking.

This would leave the door open for Parker, who featured as a player for Tottenham between 2011-2013. It is believed that Daniel Levy, alongside other senior figures at the club, "hugely admire" the job he has done at the Clarets, who are likely to break the record for the least goals conceded in an EFL season barring a collapse.

For Burnley, his departure would be a disappointment, but it could also serve as a silver lining, given his previous struggles in the Premier League with AFC Bournemouth and Fulham.

David Prutton isn't surprised by Scott Parker, Spurs talk

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, David Prutton admitted that the news around Spurs' interest is to be expected given the stellar job Parker has done at Burnley.

"He certainly has got unfinished business in the Premier League," Prutton exclusively told FLW.

"He's done a wonderful job - three promotions to the Premier League from the Championship - not to be sniffed at. He is a remarkable coach, a great motivator, a great gauger of emotion, both in his players and himself, and the defensive set-up he has created at Burnley is staggering to see.

"I don't know what helps Spurs, what 'fixes' Spurs, because several coaches have gone in and they haven't been able to scratch. There is that link with Scott being a former player, which would endear him to the fans for that initial honeymoon period. After that, they have got to be able to perform.

"He has done a wonderful job at Burnley and deserves a chance to give it a crack with them. But, as we know, a manager's tenure is short, and lifespans can be over quite quickly.

"It is one that I think would pique the interest of Scott, given how ambitious he is."

Scott Parker's Premier League record is a concern

Parker's credentials in the Championship are nothing short of outstanding, but he is yet to find his rhythm in the top flight.

For both Burnley and Tottenham, this must be a concern when placing their trust in him, as a poor start to the season can often condemn you to a campaign of disappointment.

Currently, his record in the Premier League stands at 52 games, in which he has accumulated just 40 points - a far cry from his impressive Championship record.

While it cannot be denied that he deserves a shot in the top flight, whether with the Clarets or Spurs, his move-up will undoubtedly carry an element of risk.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly sent scouts to watch Leeds United youngster Harry Gray.

It has been revealed in a report from GIVEMESPORT that the north Londoners have been watching the teenager’s progress at Elland road, having made his first-team debut this past weekend against Stoke City.

Spurs' interest comes less than 12 months after Spurs signed Harry’s brother, Archie Gray, in a deal worth up to £30m.

Given the early success of that deal, it’s little wonder the Lilywhites are coming back for more to try and strike a deal for the younger Gray brother.

Tottenham ‘refuse to rule out’ move for Leeds United starlet Harry Gray

The report states that Spurs are currently refusing to rule out the potential of convincing the younger Gray to join his older brother at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It is not thought to be an immediately pressing issue, with plenty of other transfer business to sort in the near future, but the Premier League side are gathering intel should they go on to consider a more solid approach.

That means, for the time being, Spurs are content to watch his progress from afar, waiting to see if the time arrives to make an approach.

Given the forward is still just 16 years of age and appears to be thriving in his current environment, it seems a sensible approach.

Harry Gray is impressing at Leeds United

Gray only turned 16 towards the end of last year, but is already a semi-regular fixture in Leeds’ under-21's setup, and has made his debut for England under-17's.

To top that off, he has already had his first outing for the Whites’ senior side, coming off the bench for four minutes in their 6-0 victory over Stoke City as they sealed promotion to the Premier League.

Former Spurs man Aaron Lennon has described the starlet as “frightening” when speaking about Gray on talkSPORT, and given his current trajectory – looking remarkably similar to older brother Archie so far – Spurs are doing well to lay the groundwork early.

Archie Gray connection could prove fruitful for Tottenham landing Harry Gray

GIVEMESPORT also reported that Spurs and Leeds have maintained a strong relationship since their negotiations for Archie Gray last year.

The Whites’ loan for Manor Solomon, which the promoted side want to make permanent this summer, is likely a key element of that bond remaining strong over the past year, as the two clubs share a common interest in the Israel international.

Negotiations for Solomon, expected this summer, is a much shorter-term issue than any approach for Harry Gray, but the Solomon deal is another opportunity for Spurs to put themselves in a great position should they want to make a move on Gray.

Keeping those lines of communication open and maintaining the relationship with the Elland Road outfit could be an important distinction to hold over other interested parties, of which there will likely be many if Gray starts kicking on for Leeds.

That, and the success of Archie’s move to north London so far – with the older brother getting plenty of minutes despite his own young years – will give Spurs a strong chance of landing the deal regardless.

The fact that Tottenham are already putting scouting resources into the younger Gray, following the success of his older brother, suggests the link between the two clubs is not going away any time soon.

Tottenham Hotspur attacker Manor Solomon is reportedly likely to be Leeds United’s first signing of the summer.

That’s according to TEAMtalk, who revealed the Whites are optimistic about getting a permanent deal over the line.

The Israel international has been on loan at Elland Road all season and has impressed during his time in Yorkshire.

But Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, famed for his tricky negotiating style, is unlikely to let him go for cheap.

Solomon ‘likely’ to become Leeds’ first signing

There is plenty of work for Leeds to do to try and prepare to battle for Premier League survival next term, but TEAMtalk suggest that Solomon is likely to be the first deal signed.

The transfer outlet revealed that talks have already taken place between Leeds and Spurs over a permanent deal, meaning there is plenty of hope the two parties can get the deal over the line.

Levy, the report goes on to state, is thought to value Solomon at between £15m-£20m – given there is optimism from Leeds that they can do the deal, that likely isn’t too far away from their own estimation.

Given his deal at Spurs runs until 2028, and he has had an extremely productive season for his temporary side, the Whites will surely be required to pay pretty much what the London club asks.

Solomon will be worth it based on this season’s evidence

Leeds, and Solomon, could scarcely have hoped for a better season when they signed the player’s loan agreement last summer.

He’s become a mainstay in Daniel Farke’s side, appearing 37 times in the Championship this season, notching nine goals and providing 11 assists during that time.

In terms of goal contributions, those numbers put him behind only Joel Piroe and Dan James for Leeds this season.

Between them, they’ve registered 66 goal contributions this season, so it’s easy to see why the power brokers at Elland Road want to keep the trio together for next season.

Leeds have plenty of other recruitment to think about too

While Spurs can essentially sit and wait it out for the fee they want for Solomon, Leeds must be mindful of the fact that they have a lot of other business to attend to.

TEAMtalk reveal the Whites are eyeing a minimum of six signings this summer: a goalkeeper, a left-back, a midfielder, a winger, an attacking midfielder and a striker.

Solomon may be viewed as filling one of those spots once a deal is agreed, but that’s still a substantial amount of business to do in one window.

The report goes on to suggest that Leeds refrained from spending in January precisely so they could invest in the summer with a promotion in the bag.

That plan looks to be paying off now, but it doesn’t mean they can hand Spurs a blank cheque to get Solomon.

Nevertheless, a deal for the 25-year-old appears to be in the best interests of all parties involved, so it wouldn’t be a shock to see Leeds kick their summer off with a permanent move for Solomon.

West Brom are eyeing Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason for their manager vacancy.

That’s according to journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon page, where he reveals the reported interest.

Mason has been at Spurs in various coaching roles since 2018, including two short stints as caretaker in 2021 and 2023.

However, landing the West Brom job would be his first management job outside Spurs and his first stint as a permanent manager.

West Brom eye Ryan Mason for manager role

Mason, 33, called time early on his playing career in 2018, hanging up his boots as a 26-year-old with Hull City after suffering a fractured skull in a game against Chelsea.

He almost immediately pitched up at Spurs as a coach, a club he’d started out at as an eight-year-old.

Various roles followed, first in the academy before taking over as caretaker manager in 2021 after the departure of Jose Mourinho, and then again in 2023 before the arrival of Ange Postecoglou, before he became an assistant in the Australian’s setup.

He’s managed a total of 13 games in his two interim spells, but the West Brom job would represent his first as a full-time manager in his own right.

It could be the right time for Mason to go

It has been nothing short of a disastrous season for Spurs, languishing near the foot of the Premier League table despite traditionally being one of the league’s ‘Big Six’ sides.

So bad has it been that despite Postecoglou still having his side fighting at the business end of the Europa League, the Telegraph revealed he is likely to leave his post regardless of the club’s success in that competition.

The exit would likely mean another shake-up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and, once again, there’s no guarantee where Mason would land or the prominence he’d be given.

Moreover, given that Postecoglou is set to depart at the end of the season, the decision-makers at the club would have the summer to appoint their new man, meaning there would likely be no third interim spell for Mason.

Given the uncertain picture hurtling down the road at Spurs, now could be the ideal time for Mason to jump.

Mason would represent a risk for West Brom

Appointing Mason, given he has never been a permanent head coach before, would of course be something of a risk for West Brom.

However, it feels like the Baggies tried the wise older-hand style of manager in Tony Mowbray and, given he lasted just three months and failed to get the club into the play-offs, it’s easy to see why West Brom might fancy a new direction.

At Spurs, not only has Mason led a dozen or so games himself at one of the biggest clubs in the world, including handling all the media that goes with it, he also has almost a decade’s worth of experience in various roles around the club and working under some of the game’s top coaches.

As rookie managers go, he’s probably one of the most qualified.

West Brom are still, in effect, trying to replace Carlos Corberan, who was doing well at the Hawthorns but left at the end of last year to take the Valencia vacancy.

In Mason, those attracted to the coach at West Brom will hope they’ve found their long-term replacement, should they convince him to join.

Burnley boss Scott Parker has ‘admirers’ at Tottenham Hotspur, with the club expected to sack Ange Postecoglou in the summer.

The Aussie has come in for fierce criticism from the fans at points this season, with the side currently sitting 16th in the Premier League.

However, they are still in the Europa League, with a semi-final against Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt on the horizon, so there is a chance that Postecoglou will deliver the silverware that the club crave.

Nevertheless, it has been reported that the ex-Celtic chief will be sacked regardless of whether Spurs win the competition, which would bring automatic qualification to the Champions League.

Scott Parker has attracted Spurs attention following work at Burnley

The hierarchy at the London club will be drawing up names to succeed Postecoglou, and the Daily Mail has revealed that Parker is under consideration.

They state that Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva would be ‘among the leading candidates’, whilst they also namecheck Parker, saying he is appreciated by key figures at the club.

The current Burnley boss has done a fine job at Turf Moor this season, guiding the team to promotion, which has been built on a remarkable defensive record, which has seen the side concede just 15 goals in 44 games.

Given Spurs’ struggles at the back, it would be no surprise if that solidity appealed to the club, as they have shipped goals for fun under Postecoglou.

This was Parker’s third promotion from the Championship, with the ex-Fulham chief having taken the Cottagers and Bournemouth to the Premier League.

Parker has a connection to Spurs from his playing days, as he made over 50 appearances for the club after signing in 2011.

Burnley must do all they can to keep Scott Parker

This is far from ideal for Burnley, who will still be celebrating their return to the top-flight right now.

Clearly, they won’t want to lose Parker, as he has done a brilliant job after taking over in challenging circumstances following Vincent Kompany’s departure to Bayern Munich.

In truth, it would be a surprise if Spurs did move for the 44-year-old, as he remains unproven in the Premier League, and it would be a big jump up to join a club that will have ambitions of playing in the Champions League regularly.