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As reported by The Mirror, Ronald Koeman has emerged as the shock favourite to succeed Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

What’s the story?

With his contract up at the end of the season, results not improving and the fact he’s still not given an indication whether he’ll stay on, speculation around Arsene Wenger’s future at Arsenal continues to be at the forefront of every Gunners supporter’s mind.

Perhaps then the latest report from The Mirror will give them some hope that stability is on its way to the Emirates with the paper suggesting that Everton manager Koeman is the Arsenal chiefs’ choice to take over from Wenger.

However, it all rests on the Frenchman who still has a 2 year contract on the table should he wish to commit to the club.

The Gunners face competition from Barcelona for Koeman too, say The Mirror, with the Catalan giants also targeting the Toffees’ boss who was a former playing hero at the Nou Camp.

Could he do the job?

Ronald Koeman is a talented, pragmatic manager that would at the very least take Arsenal in a different direction. So far in England he’s performed well in the Premier League, particularly at Southampton, although his reign at Everton is beginning to pick up too after a slow start.

With an unbelievable playing career behind him, he’s carried his winning mentality into management too, winning five major honours in spells in Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish football.

Is he the right man for Arsenal? That remains to be seen but it’s no surprise that the likes of the Gunners and Barcelona are taking a very close look at him.

Arsenal could do a lot worse, let’s put it that way.

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Former Manchester United star Edwin van der Sar has written in his column for De Telegraaf that goalkeeper Tim Krul should leave Newcastle United in the summer.

What’s the word?

It was not too long ago when Krul was the number one at St James’ Park, but he lost the position last year due to injury.

The 28-year-old Dutchman was farmed out to Ajax on loan at the start of this season in order to get some minutes under his belt, but it was a disappointing spell.

He failed to make a single competitive forst-team appearance in six months, but rather than return to Newcastle in January, he was sent to AZ Alkmaar.

Krul has had better luck at this Eredivisie club as he has made eight appearances in all competitions.

Van der Sar, who spent six years playing for United, believes that the time is right for Krul to move on.

He wrote in his column:

“I hope [moving to AZ is] a turning point for him and that he’s going to make the next step in his career. Look at me, I would say, when I was 34-years-old. I also made the move towards an international club. That is the place you want to be in as with many Dutch footballers.”

Should Krul give up on Newcastle?

In fairness to the shot-stopper, it seems that the Magpies have given up on him already.

In the summer, manager Rafael Benitez recruited Matz Sels, which made it even harder for Krul to win back his place, particularly as Karl Darlow is now first choice.

At his age, Krul still has plenty of time to compete at the top level, and given the current goalkeeping situation at Newcastle, it could be a step backwards if he returns.

It would be a big moment in Krul’s career to leave the North-East outfit permanently as he has been associated with the club since 2005, when he joined the club’s academy.

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As reported by The Scottish Sun, Tom Rogic is nearing a Celtic return and has started full training at Lennoxtown again, following an ankle injury that has kept him out of the side since December.

What’s the story?

Rogic had to undergo surgery on an ankle injury that was suffered in training, as he attempted to return from another ankle injury sustained in December.

It’s been a blow for club and country with the Australian in lethal form for both over the last 12 months.

The Scottish Sun reckon that the attacking midfielder could return as early as 8th April, when the Hoops take on Kilmarnock at Celtic Park.

That means he could get vital game time ahead of the Hoops’ crunch semi-final against Rangers at Hampden, one of the major roadblocks in their quest for a domestic treble of trophies.

How important is his return?

Rogic was one of Brendan Rodgers’ most important players in the opening half of the season, scoring 10 goals and assisting 3 more. Those are impressive numbers considering he hasn’t featured since 17th December.

A big game player, his return could play a vital role in securing the treble. With the league almost signed, sealed and delivered, it’s the matches at Hampden that are now the big tests between now and the end of the season.

The Australian enjoys a game at Hampden, scoring against Rangers in last season’s Scottish Cup semi-final and also netting the opening goal in this season’s League Cup Final against Aberdeen.

If he can get important game time before that match against Rangers, his presence could add an extra attacking dimension to the Celtic team and change up how they approach the game compared to the recent draw at Celtic Park. That could be the difference in a game likely to be decided by small margins.

Everton came so close to taking all three points against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, but in the end they had to settle for a point.

Phil Jagielka’s early goal looked to have given the Toffees a crucial win – and one that would have taken them above their opponents in the Premier League table – but when Ashley Williams was red-carded in injury-time for handling a goal-bound effort, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was on hand to put away the penalty.

Ronald Koeman tweeted after the match that he felt his team were unfortunate not to get the victory, but supporters were less than impressed with his substitutions.

Toffees fans believe that it was too negative to bring on Matthew Pennington in place of Kevin Mirallas, while they also think that the Dutchman needed to utilise the pace of unused substitute Ademola Lookman in order to try and keep the ball in the opposition half.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Rangers fans had to endure another disappointing night of Scottish Premiership action on Wednesday after watching their team labour to a 0-0 draw at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock.

The Gers could find no cutting edge on their travels and are now a massive 12 points behind Aberdeen in second with just 7 games remaining. Worryingly for fans, they are now closer to fourth place than second.

There’s still hope, Rangers are still due to play the Dons twice before the end of the season which could cut the gap dramatically, however the chances of finishing second now look remote at best.

Pedro Caixinha remains unbeaten as manager but it’s wins that supporters are looking for, not draws and poor performances.

Youngsters David Bates and Myles Beerman made their debuts in defence after a series of illnesses and injuries wiped out half the Gers backline and while heartening for fans to see new blood coming through, they are hoping for new faces from other clubs to kickstart their revival.

They are looking for serious investment this summer to revitalise their team and took to Twitter to share their thoughts…

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Newcastle United legend and BBC Sport pundit Alan Shearer says Magpies manager Rafa Benitez must be given funds to strengthen his squad if they are to keep him at the club following their return to the Premier League on Monday night.

They secured promotion back to the top flight with a 4-1 win against Preston North End at St James’ Park, but despite spending more than £50m on transfer fees last summer following their relegation to the Championship – although they made a significant amount from the sales of Moussa Sissoko, Georginio Wijnaldum and Andros Townsend – the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer says Mike Ashley must back the Spaniard again.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: “I would think giving him transfer funds would be the key to keeping hold of him.

“He’s a huge figure at the club. He loves the place and the passion of fans – and it’s hugely important Newcastle keep hold of him.”

Benitez could have left St James’ Park last summer as part of a clause in his contract if Newcastle went down, but he instead decided to sign a new three-year deal.

But tensions between himself and Ashley intensified during the January transfer window with Benitez frustrated at their lack of activity, and Shearer believes the club can’t afford to stand still if they want to keep the 57-year-old and avoid being in another relegation battle in the Premier League next season

He added: “I’m sure he will demand the team has to be improved and will demand a few quid to do that.

“You can’t stand still. You can’t be loyal and give all the players that have got the team promoted a chance. You’ve got to go out and buy new players.

“People realise the team needs improving to get to where they want to be and that’s got to be the top half of the Premier League.”

Newcastle can still win the Championship title but they will likely have to win their final two fixtures against Cardiff City and Barnsley if they are to do so as they currently sit four points behind leaders Brighton and Hove Albion.

Tottenham Hotspur confirmed on Friday that midfielder Mousa Dembele is being assessed ahead of their huge north London derby against Arsenal on Sunday after picking up an ankle injury in the 1-0 win against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

Spurs know that they need to beat the Gunners in order to keep the pressure up on Premier League leaders Chelsea – who sit four points above them going into the weekend’s fixtures – but they may have to do it without the Belgian after he picked up a knock at Selhurst Park which saw him taken off at half-time.

Tottenham supporters were quick to give their thoughts on the injury update via social media, with many praying that he is fit for the clash against their local neighbours in order to boost their chances of taking the three points and keeping their title hopes alive.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction to the news…

As reported by The Daily Mail, Rangers winger Barrie McKay is the subject of interest from English Championship side Nottingham Forest.

What’s the story?

There’s no love lost between Rangers and Mark Warburton right now. His acrimonious departure in March left saw a string of statements and accusations follow before he eventually became the new boss at Nottingham Forest. Now, having kept them in the English Championship, Warburton is planning on raiding his old club for one of its top talents.

That’s according to The Mail anyway, who say that Warburton is hoping to capitalise on McKay’s current contract situation at the club and land him for a cut price.

McKay’s deal at Ibrox runs out next year and the paper say that Forest are aiming to move for the 22 year old in January if no agreement has been reached by that point.

It’s fair to say that wouldn’t be a popular scenario with the loyal Rangers support.

How good is he?

McKay’s talent has been on full display in recent weeks. He’s netted twice in Rangers’ last two fixtures, prodding home an equaliser against Partick Thistle last weekend before scoring the winner against Hearts on Saturday. It’s those kind of contributions that have made him a fan favourite at Ibrox.

It hasn’t all been plain sailing for the attacker this season however. Since the turn of the year his form has been patchy amidst contract talk and transfer speculation. It culminated in him being dropped for a few fixtures by Pedro Caixinha, a move that appears to have paid off.

Wherever he ends up, if a club can put him in a happy place and a manager can get the best out of him, he’ll likely be an effective player. He has the ability to make it in England if that’s what he desires, although Rangers fans will be hoping that he realises his full potential in Glasgow.

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According to reports in the Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa could look to sign Wolfsburg winger Anton Donkor this summer but they could face competition from Premier League side Everton.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Villa boss Steve Bruce wanted to bring the 19-year-old to the Championship outfit during the January transfer window but he lost out to the Toffees, who brought him in to play in their Under-23 side.

The deal that took him to Goodison Park was with a view to completing a permanent £1.5m move this summer, however an ankle injury meant he featured just three times before returning to Germany to undergo rehabilitation.

Whether Everton are willing to sign him permanently now remains to be seen despite the fact that he won a penalty and assisted another on his debut for the Toffees, and Villa could swoop in if not.

Where would he fit in at Villa?

Well, even though he is yet to feature in the first team for Wolfsburg he has impressed with his ability to play on either wing.

The 19-year-old is pacy and skilful and there is no doubt that he could prove to be an exciting addition for Villa, if for the future.

While Albert Adomah has become a key man on the right-hand side, there is certainly a spot in the side up for grabs on the opposite flank.

Would he be a good signing?

As we hinted at before, the wide man would likely be one for the future rather than a key member of the side that is looking to achieve automatic promotion next season.

In that respect, and with little money to spend unless they sell some deadwood, Steve Bruce would be better off targeting players that ready to feature right now rather than taking a risk.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, with money tight and promotion on the line next season following a disappointing Championship campaign, a move for Donkor seems like it would be a big and needless risk.

If they could get him on loan it may be worthwhile, but a permanent deal would surely be out of the question.

Arsenal have finally confirmed that manager Arsene Wenger has signed a new two-year deal at The Emirates after a season of mounting criticism from the fans.

The Gunners boss, whose side finished outside the top four for the first time in his tenure, saved face in winning the club a record 13th FA Cup, as well as becoming the most successful manager in the competition.

However, having been knocked out the Champions League at the round of 16 for the seventh consecutive season, anger and protests from the fans had been growing all season with many calling for the Frenchman to walk away.

Despite having endured criticism and even abuse from some sections of the fan base, as was expected in recent days, the former Monaco boss has agreed an extension which will take his time at the club into a 23rd year.

Within their statement, the club have been clear in targeting success in the Premier League as well as in Europe as soon as next season.

As you can imagine there was more than a mixed bag of reactions on Twitter, here are some of the best…