Paper round-up: Smith Rowe expected to sign new deal and Spurs look to Conte

Arsenal are confident Emile Smith Rowe will sign a new contract despite interest from Aston Villa, according to The Sun.

With Smith Rowe yet to put pen to paper, reports have suggested that Villa boss Dean Smith is looking to snap the youngster up this summer.


But The Sun say the Gunners believe Smith Rowe will commit his future to them by signing a long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium.

The same newspaper also reports that Arsenal and Villa have both tabled bids for Norwich City winger Emi Buendia.

Tottenham look on course to appoint Antonio Conte as their new manager.

Reports suggest the former Chelsea boss, who recently left Inter Milan, is close to agreeing a return to London.

The Daily Telegraph say Spurs are increasingly confident that they will be able to install Conte, who has also been linked with Real Madrid.

The Daily Mirror reports that Conte’s contract could be worth up to £15m a year and that he has been promised significant funds to sign new players by chairman Daniel Levy.

It comes after former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was linked with a return to the north London club.

Pochettino is reported to have indicated to Paris St-Germain – where he has two years remaining on his contract – that he would like to go back to Spurs.

However, PSG sporting director Leonardo has insisted that Pochettino will be staying with the French outfit.


The Sun reports that Spurs are focusing on hiring Conte after accepting they will not be able to get Pochettino back.

Leonardo is quoted as saying: “The rumours around Pochettino are tiring. I speak with him every day to prepare for next season.

“He has two years of contract and we are very happy with his work.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea are among English clubs being linked with Barcelona youngster Ilaix Moriba.

The Daily Mail say the Blues, Manchester United and Manchester City have been alerted by reports that the 18-year-old, who has a year remaining on his contract, could leave Barca.

The story originates from Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo reporting that Barca will not extend Moriba’s contract because of his wage demands.

The Mail have also picked up reports in Italy claiming that Chelsea want Inter Milan defender Achraf Hakimi, who has also been linked with Arsenal.

Wilfried Zaha has told Crystal Palace he wants to leave the club, according to The Times.

The Times also report that the Premier League will not be taking action over an agreement between West Ham and West Brom which saw Robert Snodgrass left out of their meeting in January.