Tottenham could sack Antonio Conte, Man Utd scout Kaoru Mitoma and France’s new captain is Kylian Mbappe – Paper Round

Spurs weigh up sacking Conte

Tottenham will consider whether to sack Antonio Conte during the international break after his outburst on the weekend, the Telegraph reports. Conte questioned the mentality of his “selfish” Spurs players after the 3-3 draw with Southampton, with pundit Jamie Carragher claiming the rant was an indication the head coach wants to be sacked. Conte’s contract expires at the end of the season, and now chairman Daniel Levy is mulling over his options.

“Levy is understood to be seeking the opinion of some of his closest confidants over the current situation and did not immediately react to Conte’s comments on Sunday. But sources still believe Levy could sack Conte during this international break once he has taken advice and fully weighed up his options. Were Levy to sack Conte, then Ryan Mason would most likely be put in temporary charge until the end of the season in time for Tottenham’s next game against Everton on April 3.”

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Man Utd scout Mitoma

Manchester United are keeping tabs on Kaoru Mitoma, The Sun reports, with the Japan international a revelation for Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi this season and further proof of their eye for talent. Mitoma joined for £2.7m from Kawasaki Frontale in 2021 but is now turning heads from those competing with Brighton for the European places.

“Ten Hag is planning a summer clearout at Old Trafford, with Anthony Elanga and Anthony Martial both facing the chop – meaning investment will be needed out wide. And, as has been the case at most top clubs over the past year, they are looking to Brighton to recruit.”

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Captain Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe will be France’s new captain following Hugo Lloris’ international retirement, L’Equipe reports. Lloris has skippered France to World Cup glory in 2018, and led them to the final last year, where Mbappe scored a hat-trick but Les Bleus lost to Argentina on penalties.

“At only 24 years old, the striker with 66 caps and 36 goals will wear the armband, following a dazzling World Cup and an even more assertive status as a leader. The new era will begin on Friday evening against the Netherlands, at the Stade de France, as part of the Euro 2024 qualifiers.”

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Qatar to increase Man Utd bid

The Qatari bid for Manchester United will be increased, the Independent reports, but whether their valuation matches the Glazers’ wishes remains to be seen. Qatar could up their offer to an amount Ineos’ Sir Jam Ratcliffe are unwilling to meet.

“There has been some surprise that hasn’t been the strategy from the start, given that it would have been very easy for Qatar to go to the Glazers and say they would pay the necessary amount before it all got under way. Some industry figures believe that is down to not playing their hand so early.”