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The heat has been turned right up on Manuel Pellegrini.

Manchester City’s disastrous recent run, and most notably their comprehensive defeat against fierce rivals Manchester United, has further thinned the ice supporting the Chilean.

His position began to look even more precarious this week with news from Germany that Jurgen Klopp is to leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.

City are well off the pace in the Premier League and out of all other competitions.

Most believe that the 61-year-old is unlikely to be sacked before he can ensure his side limp across the Champions League qualification line, but that this downturn in the club’s fortunes will see them part ways in the summer.

Klopp is now the hot favourite for the role, but Dortmund’s form this season has blemished his record slightly.

Here are three alternatives should the Citizens look elsewhere…

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Pep Guardiola

The dream appointment. Everything he touches seems to turn to silverware.

Pep is the most sought after manager in the world and would represent a huge coup for City should they manage to obtain his services.

The Spaniard has all the right experience and simply ticks all the boxes but has indicated his intention to see out his full Bayern Munich contract which does not expire until 2016.

Director of football at the Etihad Stadium though, is one Txiki Begiristain, a friend from the coach’s Barcelona days.

If he could convince Guardiola to join him, City’s potential in the transfer market would be further enhanced.

Their huge spending power, coupled with the 44-year-old’s reputation, would give them potential to attract the world’s best talent.

Guardiola though, a thoughtful and measured character, will not simply jump at a big salary and bottomless transfer pot like most.

For him only the right people at the right time would represent suitable employers and City might need to consider a longer strategy involving an interim boss if they are serious about Pep.

Diego Simeone

A household name in Manchester since 1998, when he was the ‘victim’ of the kick that saw David Beckham sent off in a World Cup quarter final.

Simeone would represent a slightly easier target than the all conquering Guardiola, but City would still be getting a coach with outstanding credentials.

The former midfielder has enjoyed superb success in La Liga but may now need to leave to give himself a proper opportunity to eclipse the rival powers of Barcelona and Real Madrid.

He has exceeded all expectations but in order to truly dominate domestically and in Europe, a move may be necessary.

The Atletico boss would bring battling qualities which recently seem lacking at the Etihad Stadium along with a proven track record in terms of tactics, passion and motivation.

The Argentine might also be able to play a key role in keeping compatriot and prized asset Sergio Aguero.

The main sticking point in any deal though would be the 44-year-old’s current contract which has him tied to Atletico until 2020.

Ronald Koeman

A less glamorous choice, but one who the champions and their mega-rich owners would be unwise to rule out.

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Koeman’s early managerial record was mediocre at best. But his last two jobs have seen him display all the traits City should be looking for.

He achieved impressive results at Feyenoord and has now done the same in the Premier League with Southampton.

On both occasions the Dutchman seems to have formed his squad into a strong unit, and most remarkably, done it very quickly.

He took over the Saints after a mass clearout of the club’s best players and rapidly produced the goods with a squad assembled form players most people in England had never heard off.

His side play attractive attacking football while boasting the league’s tightest defence.

In the transfer market too, his record since arriving in the Premier league has been excellent, making him a prime candidate to be tasked with recruiting much-needed new blood in Manchester.

Should be hot favourite for manager of the year and would not require the same financial outlay to appoint as either of the other two options.

It has become painstakingly clear that Tottenham’s current squad lacks the strength in depth to challenge on more than one front, with Mauricio Pochettino’s men falling short in their ambitions of finishing in the top four this season.

As a result, a revamp of the White Hart Lane playing squad is on the cards this summer, with a host of players expected to be sold and able replacements brought to the club.

The Copa America will provide an excellent opportunity for Tottenham to scout potential new recruits, with a number of players on show that would be telling signings for the North London side.

With the competition in Chile set to start in a matter of weeks, here are three players that Tottenham should have a close eye on…

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Carlos Bacca

The Colombia international’s name has been repeatedly mentioned as a target for the London club over the last 12 months, but it is with good reason.

Over the last two seasons at Sevilla, Bacca has proven himself as one of Spanish football’s most feared strikers and has been a key reason behind the progression of the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan side.

A proven goalscorer with a physical presence and a threat in-behind, Bacca would provide relief to Harry Kane, who has already become overloaded with expectations and currently carries the brunt of the goalscoring responsibilities at White Hart Lane.

With Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor both misfiring, the signing of the Colombian would really boost Pochettino’s option in attack.

Ezequiel Lavezzi

Another player that has been linked to the White Hart Lane club in recent weeks, the Argentine’s club future looks uncertain and Spurs would be wise to take advantage of this.

Lavezzi has become something of a squad player at Paris Saint-Germain, with the French club potentially ready to cut their losses on him this summer.

With Spurs lacking strength in depth in wide areas, the former Napoli star’s signing would be a real statement of intent by the North Londoners.

Lavezzi has pace to burn, contributes goals from midfield and has a star quality that would make Tottenham a much more threatening side, while having another compatriot at the club could well help to get the best from Erik Lamela.

Fernando Muslera

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Tottenham fans will fear the worst this summer, with the likelihood of Hugo Lloris leaving the club increased by the team’s failure to land Champions League football.

With rumours of the France captain replacing David De Gea at Manchester United, it may well be that Spurs are looking for a new number one ahead of next season.

Although Michel Vorm will put his hand forward to be first-choice, the signing of Fernando Muslera could well be an exciting one.

The Uruguayan custodian has plenty of international and Champions League experience, with the Galatasaray man at the right stage of his career to be a success at White Hart Lane.

The transfer window is well and truly in full swing now, as all the Premier League’s big guns look to improve their squads ahead of the new campaign.

Although most are active, Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United are well and truly in the mix, and have had a very busy few days.

United have moved to strengthen their midfield for next season with two quality signings. World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger has joined from Bayern Munich for around £14m and he was swiftly followed by Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who has switched to Old Trafford for around £25m.

Both players will likely form a central midfield trio, alongside Spaniard Ander Herrera next season.

It has not been all about the incomings at Old Trafford, though. One major departure is Robin van Persie who has penned a deal with Fenerbache.

His departure leaves LVG with a major problem in attack, as, currently, the only fit strikers at the club are captain Wayne Rooney and youngster James Wilson.

The Dutch manager’s next target has to be a big name striker to fill the void Van Persie leaves.

They have been linked with a number of Europe’s top strikers, but the answer to all United’s attacking problems may well be a little closer to home. Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke is the perfect signing for Manchester United.

The Belgian has been the subject of intense interest from Liverpool of late, with the Reds, according to almost daily reports, chasing his signature.

However Old Trafford would be the best destination for the player, as he has a number of qualities that make him the ideal man to lead the attack next season.

Benteke is a proven Premier League goalscorer, he has scored 49 goals in 101 appearances for Villa, a quality return considering he was often starved of quality service at Villa. The 25 year old is a strong, intelligent striker with great aerial ability and a sharp eye for goal, which has allowed him to register such a record.

So just imagine the striker’s potential when working alongside some of the world-class players Manchester United have. Players like Rooney, Schweinsteiger, Mata, Di Maria, Depay and Schneiderlin will be there to provide quality service, and that would surely bring great rewards.

Having a big target man will also suit Van Gaal’s tactics – it is evident from many of last season’s performances that the former Holland manager has no problem with turning to direct football when in need of a goal.

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Benteke could also form a formidable partnership with Rooney, with both forwards possessing playing styles that compliment one another. Rooney is the engine of the United strike force, the player is constantly on the move, often coming deep to collect the ball and play in his team-mates, whilst Benteke is a big target man who can hold the ball up and provide knock downs for Rooney and co to latch onto.

Together they tick all the boxes and could could go on to form another of the great United strike pairings like Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke.

United will have to move quick, though, before their rivals step their pursuit up to the next level.

Arsenal could only manage a draw on New Years’ Eve in the English Premier League, failing to beat West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns after a dramatic and controversial finish to the match.All three points looked like they were heading to the Gunners after Alexis Sanchez’s free-kick was deflected in off James McLean, but a late penalty awarded for handball was converted by Jay Rodriguez to ensure the Baggies shared the spoils.Arsene Wenger was left fuming by the decision, feeling it was a harsh penalty to concede and even accusing referee Mike Dean of not seeing the incident before blowing his whistle.Fans were disappointed with the draw and the performance from their team with sharp criticism aimed at usually reliable players like Alexandre Lacazette.The French striker hasn’t scored in his last six matches, leaving some to question whether he could be offering more in an Arsenal shirt.Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his performance…

Everton manager Sam Allardyce wasn’t the popular choice among the fans when he succeeded Ronald Koeman in November, following a disastrous start to the campaign under the Dutchman, and then caretaker boss David Unsworth.

The former England boss arrived at Goodison Park renowned for playing a direct style of football that looks to get the ball forward as quick as possible, which can often lead to long balls up to the attackers from the back.

At the time of his appointment, the Merseyside outfit were in 16th position and just two points above the bottom three having conceded 28 goals in 13 Premier League matches.

While the large majority of the Goodison faithful wouldn’t have been happy with the 63-year-old’s appointment, they also knew that he had never suffered relegation from the top flight as a manager and was ultimately a safe pair of hands.

They hosted fellow strugglers West Ham United at the end of November having suffered consecutive 5-1 and 4-1 defeats against Atalanta in the Europa League and Southampton in the top flight respectively, and while confidence was low Allardyce’s presence in the stands saw them cruise to a brilliant – and much-needed – 4-0 win.

Everton took eight points from their next five matches – conceding just two goals – as their new boss got them organised at the back, with their strong defensive performances allowing them to pick up points that they wouldn’t have earlier in the campaign.

Allardyce knew that he needed to find a balance between being solid and also bringing a goal threat too however, but the four straight defeats in all competitions since Boxing Day haven’t exactly been great.

The 2-0 reverse at home to Manchester United was disappointing, but the 4-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley last weekend was worse.

While they were weak defensively and struggled to cope with the movement with both teams’ impressive frontlines, Everton also failed to muster a shot on target in either match – something that wasn’t usually an issue under Koeman.

In fact, in Allardyce’s nine Premier League matches in charge so far, his team have managed 36 fewer shots at goal than in the nine games at the start of this season before his Dutch predecessor was given the boot.

All of these statistics would make Toffees fans believe that they need to be more effective in the final third given that they understandably wanted to be treated to entertaining football, but Allardyce believes otherwise.

Following the defeat to Spurs he claimed that perhaps his team need to be “more boring” in the future in order to make sure they aren’t on the end of more results like the one in the capital.

While the Everton supporters wouldn’t have been happy to hear those comments, the 63-year-old does have a point.

The Merseyside outfit currently like 12 points behind Arsenal and the last remaining European qualification spot in the Premier League, while they are seven points above the relegation zone and on a poor run of form right now.

While the Gunners aren’t at their best this season, it would be a huge shock if they surrendered a 12-point advantage to the Toffees in the final 15 top flight matches this season.

Their bid to avoid being sucked back into a relegation battle is more pressing right now, and considering the campaign looks to be a write-off from the point of view of qualifying for Europe, they still need points to ensure they survive.

The visit of West Bromwich Albion to Goodison Park on Saturday is a fine example.

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The Baggies picked up their first Premier League win since August against Brighton and Hove Albion to move to within two points of safety, and they will want to follow it up with another three points on Merseyside.

It is the type of match that Everton could easily slip up in if they are set up to be too gung-ho, and Allardyce would much prefer a 1-0 win.

It may not be what the supporters want to see, but preserving the club’s top flight status has to be the principal target in the present moment.

If they pick up the points they need to ensure survival in the next couple of months then they can perhaps take a few risks in the remaining weeks of the campaign, but until that point Toffees supporters need to accept their manager’s tactics and trust him.

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According to reports in The Sun, West Ham United are battling Premier League rivals Crystal Palace for the signing of Bologna left-back Adam Masina this month.

The Sun says that both clubs are looking to strengthen in that position before the window slams shut on January 31, with the 24-year-old – who started his career as a striker before being converted an attacking full-back – said to be keen on a move to England after three-and-a-half seasons in the Italian side’s first team.

The report adds that both of the London teams have already submitted bids for the Moroccan-born star, who is valued at £15m by the Serie A outfit, with Irons manager David Moyes believing the former Italy U21 international can provide competition for Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku.

Meanwhile, Everton have already signed Cenk Tosun from Besiktas and Theo Walcott from Arsenal this month to boost their attacking options this month, but Toffees boss Sam Allardyce might not have finished his business there.

The 63-year-old may also look to boost his backline and bringing Masina to Goodison Park could prove to be a shrewd move.

Here are three reasons Everton must hijack West Ham’s bid to sign the defender…

They need a new left-back

With Cuco Martina filling in at left-back – and not really impressing the Everton supporters – in the absence of the injured Leighton Baines, who will turn 34 this year, in recent months, it is clear to see that the Toffees need to find a long-term solution to their left-back issue.

Masina has proven himself to be one of the best in his position in Serie A for Bologna in the last couple of seasons, and he could prove to be a good addition for the Merseyside outfit this month.

His qualities

According to WhoScored.com, Masina’s main strengths are his concentration, his ability to win aerial duels and making interceptions and blocks.

In 18 Serie A appearances this season, the 24-year-old has won 44 tackles, made 26 interceptions, 33 blocks and 55 clearances, while he has used his 6ft 3in frame to win 52 of the 79 aerial duels he has faced.

The left-back also loves to get forward, and he has successfully completed nine of the 19 dribbles he has attempted.

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Versatility

While Masina is primarily a left-back, his height and physical frame mean that he has also played as a defensive midfielder for Bologna on one occasion this season, while he would be able to fill in as left-sided centre-back too.

That versatility may appeal to Sam Allardyce if he knows he is getting a player that can be a specialist in one position but also cover other key areas too, and at 24 years of age Masina could be a key player from a defensive point of view for Everton for many years to come.

Do you agree, Toffees fans? Let us know below.

It’s incredible the difference one man can make to a football club. And yet, Stoke fans shouldn’t have been all that surprised that Paul Lambert’s first game in charge provided a much-needed lift in performance – and more crucially, a first clean sheet since October. After all, this Potters side contains far greater quality than their current league position suggests, and far greater ability at the back than their incredible goals conceded tally, 50 in 24 games, alludes to.

And with few players does that ring truer than Kurt Zouma. This is, after all, the powerful centre-back who was part of Chelsea’s Premier League title-winning 2014/15 season at the age of 20 and until suffering a serious long-term injury, he was regarded as one of the best young defenders in Europe. Some have criticised the Frenchman at times this season but in truth, Stoke’s abundant lack of organisation under Mark Hughes has simply given him too much to do for the majority of the campaign.

Lambert made no secret that his immediate priority is to improve Stoke defensively and in a team with far better structure, albeit facing a Huddersfield side in freefall, Zouma – who Transfermarkt value at £13.5million – was amongst those who stood out most; weighing in with three tackles, two interceptions, four clearances and a whopping 13 successful aerial duels. He also had the second-most touches of the ball of any Stoke player on Saturday, 63, after Erik Pieters.

Now a place above the relegation zone, retaining that resolute edge at the back will be crucial to Stoke’s revival under Lambert, and Zouma has already shown why he’ll be a pivotal part of that.

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Liverpool conceded a last-gasp equaliser in their 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday, and Reds fans weren’t impressed with Georginio Wijnaldum’s performance from the substitutes’ bench.

The hosts were leading 1-0 when the Netherlands international replaced captain Jordan Henderson in the 65th minute, but the 27-year-old failed to bring the energy and impact at both ends of the pitch that Jurgen Klopp and the Anfield faithful would have been expecting.

Instead, the Merseyside outfit could have found themselves 2-1 behind when they failed to close down Victor Wanyama before he fired into the top corner, but Harry Kane missed the chance to score from the penalty spot before eventually getting another opportunity to do so in stoppage-time after Mo Salah looked to have netted the winner just minutes earlier.

Liverpool supporters were quick to have their say on the Dutchman’s display via social media, and while one labelled him as a ‘horrible player’, another said he “offered nothing”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Arsenal are in the midst of a busy schedule at the moment. They survived a scare in last night’s 2-1 second leg defeat to Ostersund but up next is a tasty battle for silverware as they play Premier leaders Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

Arsene Wenger had a chance to rest a few of his key players – especially those with injury problems – last night and will be hoping that the added rest whittles down his injury list.

Here’s the lowdown on the injury issues facing three of Arsenal’s most important players, according to PremierInjuries:

Alexandre Lacazette

When was he injured?: Lacazette’s injury has been an ongoing issue, but the club made the decision to send the player for knee surgery on February 13th.

Potential injury return date: 11/03/2018

Will he be missed?: Lacazette has only scored once in the league since early December, so the Gunners should be able to cope without him – especially after signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January. Danny Welbeck can lead the line as well if needed.

What the manager has said: “He is doing well, I think he will be ahead of the planned recovery – four weeks, maybe three and a half.”

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Aaron Ramsey

When was he injured?: Ramsey missed six games after limping off in a 1-1 draw with Southampton on December 10th, and has only seen limited action in the new year.

Potential injury return date: 25/02/2018

Will he be missed?: Ramsey has a habit of coming up big at Wembley, having scored the winner for Arsenal in two FA Cup Finals, so Wenger will be eager to have him in his side for Sunday and would provide a handy welcome bonus were he fit.

What the manager has said: “I don’t rule him out yet, it depends on how well he can improve with the intensity of training until Sunday.”

Mesut Ozil

When did he become ill?: He contracted sickness for the fourth time in fourteen months on Monday (19/02/2018).

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Potential injury return date: 25/02/2018

Will he be missed?: Some would argue Ozil’s absence from a game that will require Arsenal to defend can be as much a blessing as a curse. But on paper at least, he’s still the Gunners’ most talismanic talent and the likeliest player to produce some magic in Sunday’s cup final.

What the manager has said: “Mesut was sick until today, he was in bed on Monday and Tuesday for sickness. I would have played him, but he will not be involved tomorrow. He should be OK for Sunday.”

West Ham United attacker Michail Antonio is hopeful that he will be able to hit the goal trail for the Hammers between now and the end of the season.

The 27-year-old netted just his second Premier League goal of the campaign in West Ham’s 4-1 loss at Liverpool last weekend.

It has been a frustrating season for Antonio due to a number of injury problems, with a calf issue seeing the Englishman miss six of his team’s last nine league fixtures.

The attacker, who is valued at £16.2m by transfermarkt.co.uk, came off the bench to register at Anfield last time out, and he is now targeting more goals for the Hammers – starting with Saturday’s clash against Swansea City.

Antonio told West Ham’s official website:

“Everyone loves scoring, it’s one of the best things in the world, so to get back on the scoresheet has given me confidence. It was obviously a bad result for us, but hopefully now I can go on a goalscoring run.

“I’m going to try and play my part and do what I can for the team. I hope I can add more goals to my tally between now and the end of the season.”

West Ham have only won one of their last five Premier League matches, with that disappointing run of form leaving them in 13th position in the table.

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David Moyes’ side will enter this weekend’s clash with Swansea just three point clear of the relegation zone.

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