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A big-name attacker is seemingly open to the idea of signing for Tottenham Hotspur, with there being a willingness on his side to make the move to north London behind-the-scenes.

Tottenham targeting new forward for Ange this summer

Spurs secured a dramatic, deadline-busting deal for Bayern Munich sensation Mathys Tel near the very end of the winter transfer window – which includes an option to buy the Frenchman for around £45 million – but it is far from a foregone conclusion that he’ll stay beyond this season.

Tottenham make out-of-window offer to sign £144k-per-week ex-Chelsea star

The Lilywhites are moving ahead of this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini Feb 18, 2025

The Lilywhites keeping hold of Tel will depend on the teenager’s final decision, even if he has already agreed terms on a six-year contract if he is to remain (The Athletic), so it is perhaps wise for Spurs to identify attacking alternatives ahead of next campaign.

Tottenham are among the clubs displaying interest in Lille star Jonathan David, who has been a consistently prolific marksman in France and is set to be available on a free transfer this summer when his contract expires.

However, given the Canada international will be one of the bargains of the summer window, following a record of 104 goals across 218 appearances for Lille in all competitions, the competition for his signature will be fierce.

It is already believed that Barcelona are out in pole position to sign David from Lille, with the 25-year-old making no secret of the fact he’s a boyhood fan of the La Liga heavyweights.

Ipswich Town (away)

February 22nd

Man City (home)

February 26th

Bournemouth (home)

March 9th

Fulham (away)

March 16th

Chelsea (away)

April 2nd

“(Barcelona) was always the team I grew up supporting,” he told The Athletic. “When you grow up supporting a team, it’s your dream to play for them.”

Bearing this in mind, Spurs do have other options, albeit potentially much more expensive. Tottenham’s all-time top goalscorer and England legend Harry Kane has been linked with a sensational return to N17, with The Telegraph reporting that they have a first-option agreement in potential talks for the £400,000-per-week Bayern Munich superstar.

However, there is no fixed fee in this arrangement, meaning they’d have to negotiate a price or trigger his release clause (The Telegraph). They’d also have to convince Kane himself, but reliable journalist Ben Jacobs has some encouraging news on that front.

Harry Kane privately refusing to rule out returning to Tottenham

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs says that Kane is privately refusing to rule out re-joining Tottenham, in what could be a boost for Ange Postecoglou.

“I think if Kane returns to the Premier League, there is a willingness to go back to Spurs. That’s not been ruled out by the player,” said Jacobs.

“We have to wait and see if there’s an appetite for Tottenham to do that deal, especially with Dominic Solanke.”

The 31-year-old may be approaching his twilight years, but Kane’s exceptional goalscoring record has not faltered in the slightest. This season, the prolific marksman boasts 29 goals and 10 assists across all competitions, adding to his total Bayern tally of 73 strikes in 76 outings.

Luis Enrique's men once again showcased their strength in every area of the pitch by silencing the Emirates on Tuesday

Ousmane Dembele's early goal proved decisive, but it was really Gigi Donnarumma and Joao Neves that Paris Saint-Germain had to thank for earning them a 1-0 over Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

There were less than four minutes on the clock when Dembele silenced the Emirates by sending the ball bouncing past David Raya after being picked out on the edge of the area by Khvicha Kvartskhelia – the 27th pass in a stunning team move.

Of course, from the Gunners' perspective, it was a desperately poor goal to give away, with Declan Rice twice at fault for getting caught in no man's land, but the home side could – and definitely would – have drawn level had it not been for Donnarumma, who made two sensational stops either side of half-time.

In the end, though, Arsenal were lucky to only lose by a solitary goal, with substitutes Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos both missing gilt-edged opportunities to pile more misery on Mikel Arteta's men.

Below, GOAL rates all of the PSG players on show as the prodigiously gifted Neves laid the foundations for a massive away win by showing Rice what a complete midfielder really looks like…

• AFP
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Gigi Donnarumma (8/10):

  Very little to do during the opening half-hour but made a big save from Gabriel Martinelli just before the break and then an even better one in the second half with his fingertips when Leandro Trossard seemed certain to score.

  Achraf Hakimi (7/10):

  As usual, a great attacking outlet down the right wing, but got caught a little too far forward on a couple of occasions, which resulted in him picking up a booking for killing an Arsenal counter-attack.

  Marquinhos (8/10):

  Typically composed on the ball and in defence, making some key clearances when PSG came under real pressure towards the end of the first half. A stunning pass from inside his own half should also have led to Ramos doubling the visitors' lead.

  Willian Pacho (7/10):

  Passing was good, but very lucky to get away with getting his pocket picked at one point after switching off deep inside his own half.

  Nuno Mendes (7.5/10):

  Had the unenviable task of trying to contain Saka but kept the winger quiet for pretty much the majority of the game by winning duel after duel (10 out of 11 to be precise). Is there a better left-back in the world right now?

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Joao Neves (8/10):

  Such an incredibly composed and talented footballer that it's difficult to believe he's still only 20. Neves was pinpoint with his passing, while he also made one sensational goal-saving challenge on Merino and another perfectly-timed tackle on Saka that perfectly illustrated his all-round excellence.

  Vitinha (7.5/10):

  What a player the former Wolves man has become! Vitinha barely misplaced a single pass and did a fine job of protecting the back four while also keeping the ball moving.

  Fabian Ruiz (7.5/10):

  The Spaniard is such a class act. He always seems to to have time on the ball and is always available to take the pressure off his team-mates. Also worth noting that only Neves won more tackles than Ruiz.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Desire Doue (7/10):

  Never afraid to show off his freakishly fast feet, with his dribbling skills posing a constant problem for Arsenal's defenders, while he also worked admirably hard off the ball before being subbed.

  Ousmane Dembele (7/10):

  Broke the deadlock with his first effort on goal, which wasn't the cleanest strike, but what it lacked in aesthetic beauty it made up for in efficacy. Funnily enough, Dembele wasn't that much of a threat thereafter and was replaced in the 71st minute after creating just one chance for his side.

  Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (7.5/10):

  Teed up Dembele for the opener and continued to turn Timber inside-out during an energetic opening quarter. Wasn't quite as menacing for the remainder of the game but still provoked panic in the Arsenal defence whenever he picked up possession and his work-rate was mightily impressive.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Subs & Manager

  Bradley Barcola (6/10):

  Came on for Dembele for the final 20 minutes but made an absolute mess of a glorious chance to make the game safe by dragging his shot horribly wide of the goal after being put straight through by Ramos.

  Goncalo Ramos (6.5/10):

  Replaced Doue with a quarter of an hour remaining and went up top, with Barcola moving out to the right wing, but he was also guilty of a poor finish himself, after striking the crossbar with an embarrassingly hopeful toe-punt.

  Warren Zaire-Emery (N/A):

  Only introduced in the 90th minute.

  Luis Enrique (8/10):

  Kept faith with the same side that suffered a first Ligue 1 defeat of the season on Friday and was rewarded for doing so. PSG weren't at their sparkling best in attack and the Spaniard's one regret will be that his subs didn't kill off the game – and indeed the tie – but he'll be enormously proud of their defensive discipline from start to finish.

Sri Lanka went down by an innings and 222 runs, their worst-ever defeat at home

Andrew Fidel Fernando27-Jul-2023

Noman Ali ran through the Sri Lankan batting in the second session on day four•AFP/Getty Images

Noman Ali claimed seven wickets with guileful, accurate left-arm spin, then Naseem Shah’s sublime reverse-swing spell in the Colombo heat closed out the match, as Pakistan completed about a domineering a victory on Sri Lankan soil as has been achieved in the last several years.Pakistan’s bowling was spellbinding, but the numbers of this victory themselves are epic. Pakistan won by an innings and 222 runs, which is Sri Lanka’s worst-ever defeat at home. They did it inside four days, despite more than a day’s play having effectively been lost to rain and bad light. Noman’s figures for the second innings were 7 for 70. And Naseem bowled an unbroken 7.4 over spell that was pure fire and reverse swing to shut the door on the opposition.It was Noman’s flight, dip, and changes of pace that made him an especial threat. Sri Lanka had started their second innings nicely, their openers making 69 together. But the moment Noman came into the attack he produced a spectacular delivery to dismiss Nishan Madushka for 33, and would then go on to scythe through the batting order. The ball to Madushka was bowled from around the wicket, drifted in, dipped, pitched on middle and leg, then leapt off the surface to beat the batter’s outside edge and clip off stump. That was in the last half hour before lunch.After the break, Noman was unstoppable. Dimuth Karunaratne was caught at short leg by Imam-ul-Haq – another sharp take at that position for Pakistan, who have been spectacular with their close catching all series. Kusal Mendis then attempted to hit Noman inside out and spooned a catch to cover instead, having failed to get to the pitch of the ball. Dinesh Chandimal was out cheaply gloving an attempted lap sweep, and even Dhananjaya de Silva – who had had a good series – fell cheaply, holing out to long on to complete Noman’s five-wicket haul.Angelo Mathews, who hit an unbeaten half century as the devastation unfolded at the other end, was himself struggling against Noman, particularly early in his innings. He struck some big boundaries, sure, but in between were nervy defensive strokes. He eventually gained confidence. But none of the Sri Lanka batters were comfortable against Noman, as he got plenty to bite off the surface, kept testing them on a length, and bowled few loose deliveries.When he took his sixth and seventh wickets – having Sadeera Samarawickrama caught at point after getting the ball to bounce more than expected, before having Ramesh Mendis stumped – there was still the chance he might take all ten wickets in an innings.But then Naseem was putting in a heroic spell at the other end. It is difficult to overstate just how much he was getting the old the ball to swing, particularly into the right-hander. He’d cover the ball as he ran in, to conceal the shiny side, and by extension, keep the batter unaware as to which direction it would move. And he was bowling serious pace – sometimes touching the mid 140kph range.In one over to Ramesh Mendis the 62nd of the innings – he struck the batter on the pads three times in successive balls. On the first occasion Pakistan reviewed a not-out decision which was upheld because the ball was swinging down leg. On the next two, Ramesh reviewed out decisions, and they both turned out to be missing leg as well. The ball was curving fast and late.Eventually, Naseem would get some reward. He bowled an especially long spell, partly, you suspect, because he did not want to give the ball up. He bowled Prabath Jayasuriya who left a ball that cannoned into his off stump (further proof of how far this ball was moving laterally), then made an eruption out of Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka’s stumps as well.Mathews’ half-century always looked like it was coming in a losing effort, so far behind were Sri Lanka. And although there has been rain around, Babar Azam’s decision to have Pakistan bat two further overs early in the day ostensibly to let Mohammad Rizwan complete an eighth Test half century, did not hinder them at all, so good were his bowlers, and so readily did Sri Lanka’s batting succumb.

Luka Modric is diving headfirst into his role at Swansea City as he works to help the club secure a return to the Premier League. Despite his recent move to AC Milan the Croatian legend has made it clear that he intends to play a hands-on role in Swansea’s ambitions. His involvement goes beyond the boardroom, and there is even hope that Modric could finish his career playing for the Welsh club.

Modric takes an active role at SwanseaHas been helping recruit new players Croatian could even retire at Liberty StadiumFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

This summer, Modric took a significant step by purchasing a stake in Swansea. Rather than taking a backseat as an investor, he is fully engaged in all aspects of the club's operations. The 39-year-old has made it known that he is keen to explore the business side of football, with a particular interest in developing young talent, coaching, and gaining exposure to tactics and team management.

AdvertisementGOALWHAT SWANSEA CEO SAID

Swansea’s CEO, Tom Gorringe, shared insight into Modric's plans and revealed to : "Luka is looking at what he’s going to do once he hangs up his boots. He’s interested in the business side, the development of young players, the coaching and tactical side… and all aspects he hasn’t been exposed to as a player. Already, he’s been helpful from a recruitment perspective, speaking to potential targets. Where he’s got connections, he provides feedback and plays a part in helping us recruit. If you’re trying to sign particularly a midfield player, Luka can ring them to talk about our project. There’s no greater endorsement for Swansea than him.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Modric’s connection to Swansea is not just professional; he has long admired the club's philosophy and playing style. His first encounter with Swansea came in the 2011-12 season when he was playing for Tottenham. During that campaign, Brendan Rodgers was managing Swansea, and Modric was delighted with the club’s "Swansea Way" of playing, a style defined by attractive, possession-based football.

“In Spain, there’s an affinity with Swansea because of our style and, with Luka being at Madrid for so long, he’s got that," he said. “He lives it, feels it, breathes it and believes in the way we play. Even our all-white kit is the same as Real Madrid. Now he wants to help us get to the next level.”

WHAT NEXT FOR MODRIC?

As part of his ongoing commitment to Swansea, Modric is set to make personal visits to the club’s training ground. He plans to meet with head coach Sheehan and the squad, providing direct sporting input. Additionally, Modric will continue to engage with the team and academy players via Zoom calls and pre-recorded videos, aiming to share his wealth of knowledge and experience with the next generation of players coming through the ranks.

The Bengal and India A batter, who recently missed out on being picked for the national side again, is looking to accentuate the positive

Interview by Shashank Kishore06-Jul-2023Abhimanyu Easwaran has been on the fringes of the Indian team for three seasons now. His India A numbers are mighty impressive: an average of 47.27 across 34 innings as an opener, with six centuries and a best of 233.Barring one season, the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy, where he made just 258 runs in 17 innings, Easwaran has also been a prolific run-getter for Bengal. Yet, when the India squad was announced for the West Indies tour, which marks the beginning of the new WTC cycle for the team, Easwaran found Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad had leapfrogged him.Easwaran has taken the latest setback in his stride as he gets ready for the new domestic season. In Bengaluru, having finished playing for East Zone in the season-opening Duleep Trophy, he spoke at length about channelling his disappointments, how preparation matters, dealing with perceptions of being a one-format batter, and his fitness work, among other things.Related

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It must be disappointing to miss selection for the West Indies series. How do you channel it?
It’s all about that dream I had as a kid. Whenever things don’t go my way, I just think about why I started playing the game. Because I enjoy it and want to play for the country. Small things like not getting runs in a game won’t change the work I’ve put in for the past 15 years. Or if I don’t get picked in a squad, it won’t affect my passion or the hard work I’m going to put in going forward. The dream will always be to play for the country and win games. That drives me. No matter what happens, I ensure I wake up every day and do what I should to improve as a cricketer.How big is preparation for you?
Preparation is the key. I feel if I’m well prepared, I go into a game confidently. I try and ensure that I prepare according to conditions. Before the Duleep Trophy, I arrived in Bangalore early and trained at Just Cricket Academy for ten days on similar wickets to the one I was to play on here. I feel if I’ve prepared according to the conditions, it gives me the best chance to perform in any tournament.How have you gone about putting your preparatory process in place?
I’ve been working with Apurva Desai [currently batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy] for ten years now. His input has been massive in trying to help me adapt to different venues and conditions.Easwaran made a hundred in the first innings of the first unofficial Test against South Africa A in Bloemfontein in November 2021, against an attack that included Marco Jansen, Beuran Hendricks and Lutho Sipamla•Cricket South AfricaIf we’re playing at Eden Gardens, what are the kind of plans I should go with? What are the options I can give myself as a batter? We work on game plans, tactics, different shots and technical tweaks. We discuss the kind of preparation needed for every tour. Prior to the India A tour to South Africa in 2021, I trained on Astroturf because the ball zips through there. I trained with synthetic balls, just to get the hands high, because I would be facing extra bounce. We discuss everything in cricket. If I go into the ground, I want to be the best-prepared player. I may not be the best player in terms of runs in the match, but can I be the best-prepared? I always ask myself this.When you were coming up the ranks, did you always want to be a “pure Test-match type batter”?
No, that’s just a perception. I wanted to play all formats.There’s also a perception that you need IPL runs to go with domestic performances.
I’ve always wanted to be an all-format batter. I played T20s pretty late for Bengal, but I’ve constantly worked on that side of the game. In the off season I worked on a few shots, which hopefully will come off well this season.It’s not that I just love one format. Yes, Test cricket will always be special but it’s also the most challenging. But in terms of my game, I am constantly working on my T20 game. I wish to play IPL soon – it’s another dream, to play in the biggest league.You had a chance to trial with Delhi Capitals mid-season. How was it like?
I wasn’t expecting it, honestly. If you don’t get picked at the auction, you don’t think there’s a chance. Their fast bowler, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, got injured. You’d think they’d replace him with another fast bowler. But since their batting wasn’t going too well, they probably felt like strengthening that department. It was good to be part of the set-up, even if it was just for a few days. Just to see how people go about things – like, how David Warner prepares. They weren’t winning a lot of games at that point, but you could see guys wanted to put their hands up and win games.Within touching distance: Easwaran with India coach Rahul Dravid at a net session during the Bangladesh tour•AFP via Getty ImagesDid you get a chance to interact with Ricky Ponting, the Capitals head coach?
I didn’t get a lot of time to talk to him because he was busy with the entire group. But he was behind the nets, watching us bat, and would appreciate a good shot. He watched me and Priyam Garg [who was also called up] closely. I didn’t get really get a chance to speak about my batting or my game, but in the huddle, he welcomed us. It was nice.Does it bother you that you don’t get picked in the IPL?
I won’t say it bothers me. I still have a fair chance to be picked. It’s not like this is the last year I’m going to play. I’m just 27, I have enough time. If I get runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Deodhar or Vijay Hazare Trophy, that gives me a good chance. Again, it comes back to preparation and going into the game giving myself the best chance. That’s what I am focusing on.You’ve spent nearly a decade as a first-class cricketer. Is there a phase you look back fondly?
Yes, there have been a few but the one that stands out is from the 2019-20 season. I was made Bengal captain that year for the first time. I’d scored 861 runs in six matches [11 innings] the previous year. I then got a double-hundred for India A, I got a hundred in the Duleep Trophy final. So I was on a high, but I couldn’t buy a run the next season. I made 258 runs in ten games, but we were in the final. On the one hand, here’s my team doing well and making the final, on the other, I wasn’t able to contribute. Not being able to win the title was more disappointing, but to come back from that and get runs, bat the way I do, was special. That phase was challenging.When you’ve been so near yet so far for three years, it must hurt from within. Does it?
It sure does. But given the population we have, there are very few people who are this close to being picked for the Indian team. So I’m taking it in a positive way, that I’ve got to a place not many can. That gives me confidence. If I can keep putting in the work I’ve done, I’m still pretty close, I could get picked soon.There have been a few times when you came close to getting the India cap. When do you think you came closest?
I got twin hundreds for India A in Bangladesh last December, just prior to the Tests. I did well on the India A tour of South Africa in 2021.Easwaran with Priyank Panchal, whom he opened with and who captained Easwaran’s side, India Red, in the 2019 Duleep Trophy final•Saurabh Somani/ESPNcricinfoBut I think I was closest probably in 2021 in England. I was the reserve opener, and we had a tour game prior to the first Test. Not playing in that tour game because I was a close contact of one of the support staff who had Covid meant I had to quarantine for ten days. I lost that chance in that practice game before the first Test. Mayank Agarwal was concussed before that first Test. Maybe had I played and got runs, I would have earned the cap. All that time spent instead quarantining and isolating even though I didn’t have Covid was really tough.You spoke of on-field preparation. What about off-field preparation?
It’s as important as what you do on the field. You can’t eat what you like and say, “I’ll make up for it.” There’s a balance to maintain. Around 2015-16, I discovered I wasn’t feeling too well after breaks. There was a pattern where I used to get out soon after lunch or tea breaks. I found I wasn’t so switched on, even though I’d be batting on 50 or 70. I had a chat with a friend who told me about a genetic medical test. That told me I was gluten-intolerant. From that day to now, I have only had gluten probably twice or thrice a year. That’s after a tournament finishes and I have a break for more than a week, because I can afford that – I won’t be training the next day. That involves , soya. I gave up soft drinks ten years ago. I felt the dream is bigger than this. If I don’t have Coke, it doesn’t matter.How has fitness transformed your outlook to cricket?
During Covid, I felt there was something I needed to work on, because the seasons were getting longer. I was playing all formats and also for India A, so I didn’t have breaks. Usually during the off season, you get a couple of months off, but I wasn’t getting that because of India A commitments. I realised the need to get stronger.I had a lot of things in mind: Do I have the fitness to last an entire Ranji season, if we reach the final? Do I have the fitness to push beyond a double-century? Can I be fresh on day five of a match? That was the time I started working on fitness with Soham Desai [current India trainer]. Since then, I’ve been able to feel that change. Last year also, after fielding for around 155 overs against New Zealand A, I was batting probably the best I had in the last three years. My feet were moving well, so well that I was enjoying it a lot, and I wasn’t feeling too tired. I could feel the difference and that made me enjoy what I was doing.You may have not played a Test, but you probably have some fond memories of travelling with the team?
Without a doubt. It’s an honour to wear that jersey. I still remember when I received the team kit before that England tour in 2021, I just didn’t want to take it off all day. I cherish the chats I’ve had with Virat Kohli on preparation and Cheteshwar Pujara on single-mindedness. Being a part of the Test squad that won at Lord’s was a special memory. There was so much passion, so much fire. Shami, Siraj, Bumrah with their tails up… bundling them out inside 60 overs, it was amazing. I think those are situations you train and play for. It was great to be part of a side that won in England. You want to win overseas, at home, everywhere. It’s something every cricketer dreams of. Hopefully I’ll have that chance soon.

Arsenal have agreed to tie rising star left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly down to a new long-term deal, in what is a major boost for Mikel Arteta, but according to Fabrizio Romano, he’s not the only one poised to commit his future at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal offered 21-goal striker who's a "priority signing" for Tottenham

The north London clubs could go head-to-head.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 19, 2025

The teenage defender enjoyed a stellar breakout season over the course of 2024/2025, cementing himself as Arteta’s preferred left-back option with a string of impressive displays, which included excellent showings against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

He also scored his first senior goal for Arsenal during their 5-1 win over Man City, and his big-game displays have earned Lewis-Skelly an official nomination for this year’s PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Lewis-Skelly earned his first senior caps for England at international level along the way too, so you’d be hard-pressed to find another player who’s enjoyed the 2025 this young man has.

The versatile full-back/midfielder was so convincing, in fact, that Real started to express an interest in Lewis-Skelly amid their repeated links to fellow star Gunners defender William Saliba.

His contract was set to expire in 2026, which would’ve undoubtedly piqued Xabi Alonso’s interest further, but according to reliable media sources, Lewis-Skelly won’t be going anywhere any time soon.

The Athletic claim these fresh terms could see Arsenal’s sensation become “one of the best-paid young players in the world”, and you can argue this lucrative new pay-packet is very much deserved.

News of Lewis-Skelly’s extension comes as more welcome news for Arteta, who recently saw Gabriel put pen to paper on a new deal until 2029.

Talks are ongoing over more new contracts, with Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Leandro Trossard, and Ethan Nwaneri all set to be rewarded with new offers to remain in N5 for the foreseeable (Charles Watts).

Ethan Nwaneri set to sign new Arsenal deal with Myles Lewis-Skelly

According to Romano, Lewis-Skelly’s new contract could be immediately followed by Nwaneri penning new terms.

According to the reliable transfer journalist, it is merely a “matter of time” before Arsenal’s fellow PFA Young Player of the Year nominee also signs his extension, following Nwaneri’s own impressive campaign.

The 18-year-old became Arsenal’s youngest-ever debutant in 2022, and he’s followed up that early promise with an array of convincing outings across 2024/2025.

Nwaneri scored nine goals and notched more assists over 37 appearances in all competitions last term, and he’s likely to play an even more regular role in 2025/2026, as Arteta seeks to end the club’s long wait for a league title.

“That’s what we love about him – he’s very aggressive. Before that [goal], he had another action where he made the right choice, he went for it,” said Arteta after Nwaneri scored his first ever Champions League goal in January.

“He never [looks nervous], he’s so composed, calm and confident in his ability. At 17, scoring a really important goal in the Champions League is not very common.”

Sheffield United are making progress in their hunt for new signings and Ruben Selles is now advancing for his latest target, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Failing to claim promotion to the Premier League will have carried a sting in the tale for the Blades, though inevitable departures can often pave the way for fresh hunger ahead of the new campaign.

With Ruben Selles now in the door and facing up to that task, Don Goodman has had his say on Vinicius Souza’s Sheffield United departure as he prepares for an imminent move to Wolfsburg, claiming that he is surprised there wasn’t Premier League interest in the midfielder.

He stated: “The biggest surprise for me, should Vini Souza depart Sheffield United this summer, is that a Premier League club hasn’t taken a chance on him, and I say that with the greatest respect to Wolfsburg.”

He added: “it was up to the players who had almost let themselves down in the Premier League to wipe the slate down and go again, and he certainly was one of those who did that. When he wasn’t in the team, they missed him (when he was), he was outstanding.”

Nevertheless, Sheffield United are active on the transfer front and could look to bring in Tyler Bindon, who has previously worked with Selles while on loan at Reading last campaign.

Sheffield Utd now make contact to sign "unbelievable" star ahead of rivals

The Blades want to take advantage of his contract situation…

2 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 8, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur pair Ashley Phillips and Alfie Devine could yet end up at Bramall Lane, indicatting that the club are searching far and wide for reinforcements ahead of the new campaign.

Now, Selles and company have their eye on a central defender from the continent who could add some much-needed solidity at the Yorkshire outfit.

Sheffield United hold "concrete interest" in Etienne Kinkoue

According to Fabrizio Romano on social media platform X, Sheffield United hold ‘concrete interest’ in Le Havre defender Etienne Kinkoue, who is set to leave his current employers this summer, with his deal at the Ligue 1 side set to expire in 2026.

Valued at around £4.3 million, Burnley and FC Köln are also said to be in pursuit and the 23-year-old wants to take his next career step elsewhere.

Standing at 6ft 5in, Kinkoue made 28 appearances across all competitions last campaign and helped his side to remain in the top-flight, though he could now be set for a new challenge away from the comfort of his homeland.

Sheffield United have been in the market for central defenders this summer and Kinkoue is clearly someone who would fit the bill ahead of another tilt at promotion.

The 20-year-old seamer impressed on recent tour of South Africa

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Dec-20242:19

Jon Lewis: MacDonald-Gay has ‘real steel in her character’

Ryana MacDonald-Gay has earned her place in England’s Women’s Ashes Test squad after making a successful debut in South Africa this month.MacDonald-Gay, the 20-year-old seam bowler, has played two ODIs and one T20I after making her international debut on England’s tour of Ireland in September.She impressed both captain Heather Knight and South Africa’s star allrounder Marizanne Kapp in taking 2 for 50 during South Africa’s first innings, though she was only required to bowl one over as the hosts were bowled out for 64 in a 286-run victory for England.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

She joins allrounder Freya Kemp and left-arm spinner Linsey Smith, who are both part of England’s T20 squad only, in earning maiden Ashes selections, along with wicketkeeper-batter Bess Heath, who returns from a fractured thumb which ruled her out of the South Africa tour and has been named as part of the T20 and Test squads. Fellow seam bowler Mahika Gaur will travel with the group as she continues her return to bowling from injury.Though Lauren Bell took the match award against South Africa for her four wickets in each innings, MacDonald-Gay arguably made the critical breakthroughs in the first innings, as she struck twice with the old ball – first, to break Kapp’s 99-run stand with Sune Luus, and then to dismiss the dangerous Nadine de Klerk for a duck.MacDonald-Gay had not previously played any professional red-ball cricket prior to her elevation to the Test team, as a replacement for the injured Kate Cross. Jon Lewis, England Women’s head coach, admitted that her selection had been made on an assessment of her character, rather than any genuine insight into her abilities at Test level.Related

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“It’s incredibly hard,” he said. “You’ve got to go with your cricket knowledge and your understanding of the person. Ryana’s got real steel in her character. She seems really unflappable at times and she’s really logical in how she thinks about a cricket match. She is able to see a task and go and do it.”I’ve been involved in professional cricket for over 30 years now, so you’re backing your understanding of what you think cricketers can do. You’re putting your finger in the air a little bit, I’m not going to lie, like we did Lauren Filer in the Ashes Test last year. But what I would say is that Ryana, in time, will have the tools to play all formats and be a really good competitor for England.”Maia Bouchier, who scored a century on Test debut in South Africa, was named in all three squads for the Ashes.The hundred was Bouchier’s second in professional cricket, both of which have come for England. Despite making a duck in the second innings at Bloemfontein, Lewis said the confidence boost she’ll have taken from that experience will stand her in good stead across formats in Australia.”It’s really important for Maia,” Lewis said. “She’s had some really big match-winning scores for us across this last period, so it’s great for her confidence. It was fascinating to watch how she prepared for a Test match, having never played a multi-day game before, and a really special day for her and her family when she got a hundred in the first innings there.”She came down to earth with a bump in the second innings but, again, that’s brilliant learning for her, to understand the ebbs and flows of Test cricket and the different roles that you have to play throughout the game. She’s a really talented cricketer and I’m really hopeful that she can go to Australia and score some match-winning runs.”Ryana MacDonald-Gay took two wickets on her Test debut•ECB via Getty Images

England travel to Sydney on January 2 and will play a warm-up match against a Governor General’s XI on January 9 ahead of the multi-format Ashes series, consisting of three ODIs and three T20s, worth two points each, and a four-day Test, worth four points.Lewis added: “We have named balanced squads for this Ashes series, with a good mix of youth and experience. Ashes series are always special. We want to go there, play our way, and are all excited about the challenges ahead.”Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart will host the ODIs from January 12 before the T20Is in Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide. The day-night Test at the MCG will close the multi-format series for the first time since it was introduced in 2015.During the last Ashes, in England in 2023, Australia won the Test match, which opened the series at Trent Bridge, before England triumphed in both white-ball formats resulting in an eight-all draw overall.England Women ODI squad: Heather Knight (capt), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-HodgeEngland Women T20I squad: Heather Knight (capt), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Linsey Smith, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-HodgeEngland Women Test squad: Heather Knight (capt), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge2025 Women’s Ashes schedule (UK dates and times)
CommBank Women’s Ashes ODI Series
11 January: North Sydney Oval, Sydney (11.30pm)13 January: Junction Oval, Melbourne (11.05pm)16 January: Bellerive Oval, Hobart (11.05pm)CommBank Women’s Ashes IT20 Series
20 January: SCG, Sydney (8.40am)23 January: Manuka Oval, Canberra (8.40am)25 January: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (8.10am)CommBank Women’s Ashes Test Match
30 January-2 February: MCG, Melbourne (3.30am)

Newcastle United have got better and better since Eddie Howe’s appointment three-and-a-half years ago, and though last season bred trophy-winning success and paved the way back into the Champions League, the best may still be to come.

Carefully, assiduously, Newcastle have developed a project which has been rooted firmly into the soil of top-level football, now sure to be regular contenders for a seat at Europe’s elite table; now regarded as a huge threat to the Premier League’s so-called ‘big six’.

Despite finishing the 2024 summer transfer window with harboured frustrations over targets not landed, Howe led his squad to glory.

Suitors are inevitably swarming for St. James’ Park’s superstars, but, in the case of Alexander Isak, it would take an offer in the ballpark of £200m to convince PIF to sell.

Even so, the world-class striker needs a foil, and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro has been identified as the man for the job.

Newcastle advancing on Joao Pedro deal

Newcastle have had Pedro on their radar for a while, and after missing out on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo (it seems), the Brighton star has been identified as the perfect addition for Howe’s cause.

Chelsea, typically, also want the Brazil forward.

Pedro is versatile and dynamic, but also a blooming goalscorer, someone who provides output to a pleasing degree: across 70 matches for the Seagulls, he has scored 30 goals and has laid on ten assists.

However, JP has converted 16 penalties for his current club, which means he has only scored 14 times from open play across 70 outings. This in itself isn’t a negative – a penalty counts just the same, after all – but Isak isn’t likely to forgo his duties from the spot.

Newcastle would get stronger with Pedro in their squad, but they may be more powerful still by bringing over one of the Premier League’s deadliest strikers instead.

Newcastle make contact for Premier League forward

According to Liverpool reporter Matt Thielen, Newcastle are among a host of Premier League clubs to have approached Liverpool for Diogo Jota.

Tottenham Hotspur and Jota’s former club Wolverhampton Wanderers are also in the frame, as well as further outfits overseas, but Newcastle’s interest dates back to the spring, when they were informed it would take around £43m to convince the Reds to part with their veteran.

It doesn’t seem likely that United would add both Pedro and Jota to their ranks, but if the bid for the former falls through, the Portugal international represents the perfect alternative.

Why Newcastle should sign Diogo Jota

Jota might not have the cleanest fitness record of all time, but there’s no denying he’s an incredibly cool and composed finisher, having posted 65 goals and 26 assists across 185 matches for Liverpool.

Last season, despite winning the Premier League, the Iberian marksman didn’t enjoy his finest season, only scoring six times and providing four in the league (albeit across only 14 starts) as he battled through injury and then struggled to find his usual sharpness.

However, at 28 years old, Jota has more in the tank and would arrive on Tyneside without the expectation of being number one at number nine, instead applying friendly pressure on Isak and perhaps filling in on the flanks too.

Pedro, 23, is five years his junior and would be a longer-term investment, but Newcastle need instant results next year to ensure they retain their position among Europe’s heavyweights.

And such results Jota would bring – and that’s without the usage of the penalty spot. Also, as per FBref, the Anfield star ranked among the top 15% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for progressive passes, the top 11% for progressive carries, the top 8% for ball recoveries and the top 8% for tackles + interceptions per 90.

What does that tell us? Well, by examining his rate of recovery and by aggregating such data to form a clear picture of his work rate, we can see that the Portuguese ace is switched on and dialed in to help his team toward victory.

Energy and spirit are staples of Pedro’s faculties, to be sure, but in Jota, Newcastle would bag themselves a similarly industrious forward with a sharper sense in the final third.

It helps that he has a pedigree in the Champions League. Not one to be swallowed by a big occasion, Jota would prove a cool head in the final third under those glaring European lights to ease the burden on Isak’s shoulders and increase Newcastle’s overall fluency.

Of course, we would be remiss to turn a blind eye to the Liverpool forward’s shoddy injury record, but from purely a technical standpoint, he is one of the best in the business, with Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher even going as far as to say that he’s “the best finisher” Liverpool have had in the Premier League.

Pedro might have a “magical” style when on the ball, as has been noted by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard, but Jota’s prowess is built on his mechanical skill set, efficient and almost economical in the way he approaches the game.

Newcastle have a range of attacking options but certainly not an overload, and an experienced and trophy-proven option in Jota might just prove to be the difference-maker Howe needs as he leads his team back into the Champions League.

Clinical and intelligent, Jota’s movements and underrated link-up play are elements that Newcastle need. Furthermore, he’s a wide-ranging forward, proven across each prong of the offensive fork, bringing goals and assists from each position.

Centre-forward

91

29

15

Left winger

61

24

8

Right winger

22

9

2

Attacking midfield

3

3

1

This is a move Newcastle need to make this summer, adding depth and dynamism to a fluid outfit which has now established its title-winning credentials and just needs a touch more experience to reach the next level under Howe’s wing.

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It’s the start of a new era for Rangers.

On Thursday, Russell Martin was unveiled as the Ibrox club’s 20th permanent manager, appointed 102 days after Philippe Clement was sacked in February.

At his introductory press conference, Martin vowed to “prove people wrong”, acknowledging he is under pressure to deliver a winning team instantaneously, so could the signing of a “world-class” new centre-forward aid Rangers’ cause?

Rangers looking to bolster their attacking option

As previously reported by Tom Victor of the Daily Mirror, Rangers are hoping to sign Jamie Vardy on a free transfer this summer, claiming that the England international is ‘weighing up’ an offer from the Glasgow giants.

Vardy has spent the last 13 seasons with Leicester City, with whom he won the Premier League, the FA Cup and a Community Shield, scoring exactly 200 goals in 500 appearances for the Foxes, very aesthetically pleasing round numbers.

Now a free agent, countless clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday, Como, Wrexham and New York Red Bulls have all been touted as potential suitors, but could Martin convince his compatriot to make the move north of the border?

Should he do, it could be a Morelos-like move for Rangers.

How Vardy could replicate Morelos at Rangers

During six seasons at Rangers, Alfredo Morelos scored 124 goals in light blue, with the Colombian, almost unquestionably, the club’s best striker since suffering liquidation in 2012.

Of these goals, 29 came in UEFA competition, meaning Morelos is Rangers’ all-time record scorer in Europe, smashing the record previously held by Ally McCoist, one that had stood since 1997.

But is Morelos really Rangers’ best centre-forward of the modern era? Let’s find out.

Igamane

2024-present

46

16

166

Dessers

2023-preesent

109

51

134

Danilo

2023-present

48

12

165

Morelos

2017-23

269

124

152

Roofe

2020-24

102

38

127

Čolak

2022-23

39

18

123

Sakala

2021-23

92

24

199

Defoe

2018-22

74

32

100

As the table outlines, no Rangers striker in the post-promotion era has come anywhere close to the 124 goals Morelos managed, even if Jermain Defoe, Kemar Roofe, Antonio Čolak and current forward Cyriel Dessers do actually boast better minutes per goal ratios, helped by their smaller sample sizes.

So, could Vardy be the club’s best centre-forward since el Buffalo? Well, let’s assess his statistics this season to answer that question.

Goals

9

26th

Expected goals

11.2

14th

Shots

56

40th

Shots on target

23

33rd

Shots on target %

41.1%

48th

As the table shows, Vardy’s Premier League statistics this season do not immediately leap off the page, but it is worth considering that he was playing in a generally hopeless Leicester side, who won just six matches all season and were relegated.

Thus, the fact that Vardy still ranked 14th for expected goals and only 25 players managed to score more goals than him is impressive.

Writer Henry Winter believes Vardy is still a “world-class finisher”, while Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who knows a thing or two about scoring goals, believes “he is still producing”, describing his captain as a “leader”.

Also worth noting that, the previous campaign in the EFL Championship, Vardy netted 20 times across all competitions.

This underlines the fact he would be able to produce for Rangers given that, according to Global Football Rankings, England’s second-tier is the 11th strongest league in the world, while the Scottish Premiership is ranked at 43rd.

Thus, if the Gers can convince Vardy to move to Ibrox, possibly using the allure of potential Champions League football, he would surely be an excellent addition.

After all, this is a goal machine we’re talking about here, someone who bagged 145 Premier League goals.

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