Leeds United played their first game of pre-season last weekend when they faced Manchester United in what turned out to be a 0-0 draw between the two Premier League sides.

There was a chance to see some new faces, as Sebastiaan Bornauw, Sean Longstaff, Jaka Biijol, Lukas Nmecha, and Gabriel Gudmundsson all featured, as well as some old ones.

Jack Harrison has returned from his two-year-long loan spell at Everton and was included in the starting line-up to face the Red Devils, which turned out to be a less-than-popular decision among supporters.

Reporter Graham Smyth claimed that there were boos from the Leeds fans when Harrison touched the ball after just five minutes, and that there were more boos when he was stood over a free-kick ten minutes later.

After the game, Daniel Farke told BBC Sport: “Jack has many Premier League appearances and we would be stupid if we didn’t want to use that. It is a bit tricky if you have a couple of years away but that was a decision before my time.

“Right now he is back with us. He is a great guy, a hard worker and very reliable. It is up to him to win the confidence and trust back.”

Why Leeds should move on from Jack Harrison

Despite Farke opening the door for him to work his way into the team ahead of the upcoming Premier League season, Leeds should be looking to move on from the former Manchester City man.

Ultimately, the Whites need players who can make a big impact at the top end of the pitch to help them avoid an instant relegation back to the Championship next term.

Harrison’s form in the last two seasons in the Premier League for the Toffees does not suggest that he is likely to provide what they are looking for in the final third, as he consistently struggled in front of goal on Merseyside.

The left-footed dud scored three goals and provided three assists in 29 matches in the top-flight for Everton in his first year at Goodison Park, before a dismal return of one goal and zero assists in 34 matches during the 2024/25 campaign.

24/25 Premier League

Jack Harrison

Percentile rank vs wingers

xG

3.52

Top 43%

Goals

1

Bottom 17%

xG on target

1.07

Bottom 24%

Shots on target

7

Bottom 33%

Assists

0

Bottom 3%

Dribble success rate

35%

Bottom 19%

Dispossessed

41 times

Bottom 15%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Harrison had plenty of chances to add to his solitary goal, with 3.52 xG, but underperformed as a finisher for the Toffees.

These statistics do not suggest that he is likely to be the left winger the Whites need to replace Manor Solomon and to lead them to safety in the Premier League, which is why he should be sent packing by a star the club are reportedly keen on signing.

Leeds chasing deal for new winger

According to Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Graham Smyth, Leeds United remain interested in a deal to sign Feyenoord forward Igor Paixao this summer.

The journalist claims that the Championship champions are still chasing a swoop to bring the Brazilian attacker to Elland Road ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Smyth adds that he has yet to get a call to suggest that the 25-year-old winger is set to sign for Marseille, which has left the door open for Leeds to continue their pursuit of the impressive star.

The latest from Voetbal International is that Marseille are yet to reach an agreement on a transfer fee with Feyenoord, and their final offer for the attacker is due to be submitted on Tuesday.

It had been claimed that the French side were closing in on a deal of around £30m to sign the Eredivisie sensation, but it now remains to be seen how much Roberto De Zerbi’s side are going to offer with their latest approach.

Why Leeds should sign Igor Paixao

Leeds should push to win the race for the £30m-rated star in the coming days because he has the quality on the left flank to send Harrison packing, which may come as good news to any supporters who felt the need to boo the English winger, as harsh as that was, last weekend.

As aforementioned, the Whites and Farke ultimately need quality in the attacking positions and Harrison seems unlikely to provide what they need, whilst Paixao has the potential to be a match-winning player for the club.

His form for Feyenoord in the 2024/25 campaign suggests that the potential is there for him to be a hugely influential figure for Leeds next season, as a winger who can score and create goals at an impressive rate.

The Brazilian star, who was hailed as “explosive” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, racked up 16 goals and ten assists in 34 appearances in the Eredivisie, but he also showcased his quality in the Champions League for anyone doubting the quality of the Dutch top-flight.

24/25 Champions League

Igor Paixao

Percentile rank vs wingers

xG

0.97

Top 46%

Goals

2

Top 35%

xG on target

1.89

Top 28%

xA

1.39

Top 24%

Assists

4

Top 4%

Chances created

20

Top 6%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Paixao registered more assists (four) in the Champions League last season than Harrison has managed (three) in the last two Premier League campaigns combined.

When you add in his 26 goal contributions in the Eredivisie on top of his exceptional performances in Europe’s premier cup competition, the £30m-rated star appears to be a huge upgrade on the English attacker.

This is why Leeds should send Harrison packing by agreeing a deal with Feyenoord for Paixao, who has the quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals to regularly impact matches to win vital points for the team.

Whilst he is unproven in the Premier League, the Brazilian sensation’s form in the Champions League shows that he can perform against the very best teams in Europe, which suggests that he has a good chance of making an impact in one of Europe’s major leagues – the Premier League.

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Therefore, Leeds should allow Harrison to move on, should he find a new club, this summer and attempt to replace him by signing Paixao to improve Farke’s team.

Heather Knight, England’s captain, says that the challenge of leading her team into the Women’s T20 World Cup has her full focus, and insists that “the line has already been drawn” on the disciplinary measures taken against her for a historic “blackface” photograph that appeared on social media recently.Knight, 33, was last week reprimanded and given a suspended £1000 fine by the Cricket Discipline Commission, after a compromising fancy-dress photograph surfaced on Facebook, dating back to a party in 2012, when she was 21. While it was accepted by the Cricket Regulator that there was “no racist intent in her conduct”, Knight said in a statement that she was “truly sorry” and had “long regretted it”.Now, speaking on the eve of England’s T20 World Cup opener, against Bangladesh in Sharjah on Saturday, Knight turned the focus squarely to the task at hand for her team, as they seek to improve on their semi-final finish at the last event in South Africa two years ago, and land their first ICC global title since 2017.Related

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“It was obviously something that has been ongoing the last couple of months and it is something, as far as I am concerned, that has been addressed, and something that was a long time ago, so it hasn’t been in my mind at all,” Knight said.”The line has already been drawn, in my opinion, so I am really excited, obviously, for what is to come. We have got super supportive group, there is no doubt about that, so yeah, I’m pretty happy to get cracking with the cricket.”England came through an unbeaten home summer, winning 13 out of 14 matches against New Zealand and Pakistan, with only a washout at Taunton denying them a clean sweep. In addition to Bangladesh, they will play against Scotland, West Indies and South Africa in the World Cup group stage, with their two likeliest rivals for the title, Australia and India, awaiting them in the other half of the draw.”Australia are going to be favourites, for sure,” Knight said of the defending champions, who have won six of the last seven stagings of the T20 World Cup, dating back to 2010. “Obviously, their success in this event has been huge, but we feel in a really good place. We’ve been playing some brilliant cricket, and while the first goal is to get out of the group stages, we’re pretty confident in what we bring. We believe we can beat anyone on our best day.”Much of England’s summer was spent honing a side that could compete in spinning conditions, with Bangladesh having been the World Cup’s original host country. The event has since moved to the UAE for security reasons, but Knight is confident that England’s spin contingent – led by the ICC’s No.1-ranked bowler in white-ball cricket, Sophie Ecclestone – will thrive at a tournament that, to judge by the tournament’s opening fixtures, already appears to favour slow bowling.”We feel very prepared for what we’ve got to come, and now it’s just about executing it and being really smart about how we do things in-game,” Knight said. “We’ve obviously got the quality spin attack. It’s been our big strength, particularly through those middle overs, how we really squeeze teams and try and rush them in that middle period.”England opted to overlook the extra pace of Lauren Filer for this tournament, instead relying on Lauren Bell as a sole specialist seamer, backed up by a trio of seam-bowling allrounders in Nat Sciver-Brunt, Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson. Charlie Dean and Sarah Glenn also offer batting depth as spinning allrounders, meaning that England – on paper, at least – have an enviably versatile squad.”We’ve got really good options, which is the nice thing,” Knight said. “The depth that we’ve got allows us to play based on the conditions that we face, and the team that we’re playing against.”It’s not going to be easy picking the team, but we’re pretty set on the little tweaks that we might need to make to get the most out of the conditions and teams that we’re playing against.”There are going to be times where we are going to have to graft a little bit, the boundaries are big and there might be times when we get on slow wickets where we are going to have to adapt to what is in front of us and be really smart with how we go about things.”Both Kemp and Sciver-Brunt were managed back to bowling fitness during the summer, after coming through back and knee issues respectively. But Knight was adamant that each was in the right place to deliver a full all-round role for the cause.”The allrounders are the fittest in the team, because of the role they have to do,” she said. “Freya, in particular, she’s super impressive with how she’s come back from that [second] stress fracture, and the work that she’s put in to be in a place to perform, it’s been brilliant.”

WA were 133 for 3 chasing 167 but lost 7 for 31 with McAndrew taking a career-best 5 for 40. Earlier, Bryce Jackson took the best-ever 50-over figures for WA of 6 for 31

AAP24-Sep-2024

Nathan McAndrew inspired his team to victory with a career-best 5 for 40•Getty Images

Western Australia have suffered an almighty collapse of 7 for 31 against South Australia, sparked by Nathan McAndrew’s five-wicket haul, to eventually lose by two runs and remain winless in the One-Day Cup after two games.Two days after being upset by New South Wales, Western Australia looked set for victory at 133 for 3 in pursuit of South Australia’s 166 at Sydney’s Cricket Central.But the three-time defending champions fell apart miserably, with McAndrew claiming career-best List A figures of 5 for 40 as Western Australia were all out for 164 in the 38th over.The loss leaves Western Australia with their worst start to a season since 2015, and the first time they have suffered back-to-back 50-over defeats in nine years.The defeat came despite the best efforts of quick Bryce Jackson, who claimed 6 for 31 and the best figures for Western Australia in the competition’s history.Jackson has long been touted as a potential talent in Western Australia, but a series of major back injuries denied him a debut until age 24 last summer.In just his second List A match, Bryce Jackson walked back with figures of 6 for 31•Getty Images

The right-arm quick took 3 for 67 in his maiden match against Tasmania in February, before taking his chance on Tuesday with Jhye Richardson rested.He had Henry Hunt caught behind with a ball that swung away in his first over, before getting Mackenzie Harvey and Daniel Drew in his next over.And after Liam Scott (46) and Daniel Drew (49) steadied the ship for South Australia, Jackson returned to get rid of both of them before beating McAndrew for pace on the hook shot.While Western Australia wobbled early in their chase, the competition heavyweights appeared to have the match under their control.With Ashton Turner going after Henry Thornton by cutting him for six and taking 16 off another over, a bonus-point win looked the most likely scenario.But the match swung viciously after Sam Whiteman pulled Wes Agar down the throat of Thomas Kelly at deep square leg on 48.Ashton Agar and Baxter Holt followed in similar fashion to McAndrew as the West Australians lost all control of the match.And when McAndrew had Matthew Kelly caught behind and clean bowled AJ Tye for a duck in his next over, Western Australia still required 10 for victory.Ben Manenti then landed the killer blow when he nicked off Turner on 53, leaving Lance Morris and Jackson six runs to get for the final wicket.Jackson was ultimately stumped trying to drive Manenti, denying him a dream day and handing South Australia their first win over Western Australia since 2017.

Things couldn’t be going much better for Chelsea this summer.

The Conference League Champions are just one win away from being World Champions, and they’ve been as effective as ever off the pitch as well.

In addition to potentially making a tidy profit on Noni Madueke, the Blues have bolstered Enzo Maresca’s squad with several highly promising signings, including Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Jamie Gittens.

The latter ended up costing the West Londoners around £48m, and if reports are to be believed, the club are now looking at another addition who could be his dream striker.

Chelsea look for more goalscorers

Even though they’ve already added several exciting attackers this summer, Chelsea continue to be linked with more, like Malick Fofana.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The young Lyon gem, who could be available for around £42m, enjoyed a stellar personal season in France last year, in which he scored 11 goals and provided six assists in 41 games.

However, while he can play across the frontline, he seems to be most effective off the right, so he isn’t likely to develop into a dream striker for Gittens, unlike Hugo Ekitiké.

Yes, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are still in the picture for the Eintracht Frankfurt star.

In fact, the Italian journalist has revealed that the West Londoners have been “calling” after the player and remaining informed about him “for weeks” now.

In terms of the Frenchman’s potential cost, reports from last month claimed that a fee of around £85m would be enough to tempt the German outfit into selling.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but based on Ekitiké’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be Gittens’ dream striker.

Why Ekitiké would be Gittens dream CF

So, even though it’s a rather simplistic way of looking at things, the first and most crucial reason why Ekitiké would be Gittens’ dream striker is his output.

We say this because it’s not just that the Frenchman is effective in front of goal, but because he’s simply sensational.

For example, in 48 appearances last season, totalling 3644 minutes, the former 23-year-old marksman scored a mammoth 22 goals and provided 12 assists to boot.

Appearances

48

Minutes

3644′

Goals

22

Assists

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

107.17

In other words, the former Paris Saint-Germain prospect averaged a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.17 minutes for a team that finished 22 points behind the top spot in the Bundesliga.

In addition to his unreal level of output, the Reims-born dynamo whom journalist Graeme Bailey once dubbed the “next Mbappé,” also has some staggering underlying numbers.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 4% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries and successful take-ons, all per 90.

This suggests that, in addition to his ability to put away chances like a machine, the Frankfurt star can also create plenty for his teammates through his carrying and dribbling.

Therefore, it’s hard to imagine a world in which Gittens does not see his assists and goal numbers soar, playing off the left of the French dynamo.

Moreover, when you factor in Cole Palmer in the ten and Pedro Neto off the right, it’s not hard to conceive a situation in which the Blues end up as the league’s top scorers next year.

Ultimately, while it’d cost an arm and a leg, Chelsea should do what they can to bring Ekitiké to the Bridge this summer, as he’d supercharge their attack and help Gittens reach the next level.

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تحدث الهولندي آرني سلوت، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول عن فوز فريقه على أتلتيكو مدريد في مستهل مشواره ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وحقق ليفربول فوزًا قاتلًا على حساب أتلتيكو مدريد في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات مرحلة الدوري من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، بنتيجة 3/2، على ملعب “آنفيلد”.

وقال سلوت في تصريحات لشبكة “تي إن تي سبورتس” والتي نقلتها “بي بي سي سبورتس”: “إذا كنت تريد الفوز على فريق مثل أتلتيكو مدريد الذي يتمتع بعقلية مدهشة خارقة، فعليك أن تهزمهم بنفس سلاحهم وهو العقلية، وهذا ما أظهرناه مرة أخرى اليوم، أننا قادرون على الفوز عليهم بالعقلية والإيمان”.

اقرأ أيضًا | سيميوني ينتقد نفسه بسبب تصرفه الغريب مع جماهير ليفربول: رد فعلي غير مبرر

وأكمل: “أعتقد أنه كان علينا تسهيل الأمور علينا فعندما تقدمنا ​​2-0 في الشوط الأول، توفرت لنا أكثر من فرصة لتسجيل الهدف الثالث، وعندما تقدمنا في الشوط الثاني، سددنا في القائم، وكنا قريبين جدًا من التسجيل عدة مرات”.

وأردف: “وإذا كان الفارق هدفًا واحدًا فقط، فقد يحدث شيء ما، وقد حدث بالفعل، انحراف بسيط في الكرة، لست متأكدًا لكن الكرة الثانية دخلت المرمى لكننا أظهرنا مرة أخرى عقلية قوية، لذلك في تلك الدقائق العشر المتبقية، كنا نضغط بقوة، ونضغط باستمرار وسجلنا هدفًا من ركلة ثابتة”.

وعما إذا كان الشعور بالرضا قد حدث بعد أول هدفين استطرد: “قد يحدث هذا لكن لم يحدث كثيرًا معنا هذا الموسم أن نتقدم بهدفين نظيفين بعد 6 دقائق لكن من الواضح أننا إذا شعرنا بالحاجة إلى المزيد من الإصرار فنحن لا نُصدق”.

وأوضح سلوت: “الآن علينا التأكد من أننا نشعر بهذا الإصرار طوال 90 دقيقة، لا تنظروا حتى إلى النتيجة بل اشعروا بهذا الإصرار في كل ثانية”.

وعن ألكسندر إيزاك قال: “مشاهدته ممتعة وهذا ليس مفاجئًا لي، كان أداؤه أفضل مما توقعت لكن الجماهير لا تبالغ في آمالها، نلعب 3 مرات أسبوعيًا، وهذا لا يزال يفوق طاقته”.

وأتبع: “على الرغم من أنه تدرب لمدة أسبوعين فقط، إلا أنه لعب العديد من المباريات مما جعله أكثر جاهزية للعب لمدة 60 دقيقة، لذلك فوجئت بشكل إيجابي بمدى لياقته البدنية”.

وأتم: “بداية جيدة لكن لعب 60 دقيقة فقط وعلينا الآن أن نساعده من هنا، يُمكنك إخبار ديفيد مويس (مدرب إيفرتون) بأنه لن يلعب 90 دقيقة يوم السبت”.

Southampton are building for a campaign back in the Championship and could now be about to make a transfer statement ahead of the new season, according to reports.

Will Still begins to lay down authority at Southampton

Despite suffering relegation in acrimonious circumstances last term, Southampton appear to be heading back in the right direction after appointing Will Still to lead them forward.

The former RC Lens coach has added Paul Trollope to his staff as an assistant, which is something Rickie Lambert believes can have a major impact behind the scenes in the Saints’ quest for promotion.

He explained: “Trolls has bought me twice, at Bristol Rovers and at Cardiff. He’s an excellent manager. I went to see him and Rob Edwards at Luton to see how they were working together there. Honest to god, the way they worked together was one of the best I’ve seen.

“Trolls as a person is one of the best. His sessions are brilliant, his knowledge about the game…he’s an excellent addition to Southampton.”

In the field of recruitment, Southampton have turned their attention to Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, and their interest could intensify if Aaron Ramsdale’s relegation release clause is activated this summer.

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Finances could be available for Saints to spend over the next couple of months. Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been the subject of a rejected £19 million bid from Porto, and he may be a candidate to bring in funds for Still to ignite a rebuild on the South Coast.

Paul Onuachu is moving to Trabzonspor after an uninspiring spell at St Mary’s. His departure may now have paved the way for an exciting new arrival, per recent developments.

Southampton agree deal to sign Damion Downs

According to Sky Sports journalist Marc McAdam, Southampton have agreed a deal to sign FC Koln striker Damion Downs and the ‘finer details’ of his move to the South Coast club will be ironed out after the United States international returns from the Gold Cup.

Believed to be coming in for £6.8 million, he will likely take Onuachu’s place in the squad ahead of the new campaign. He is set to be involved in the Gold Cup final against Mexico on Monday, 7th July.

Earning plaudits after a return of 11 goals and six assists in 32 appearances across all competitions for FC Koln, the Werneck-born man also managed to direct 25 of his 60 shots on target in Bundesliga.2.

Fresh faces are needed for Southampton to gain the hunger needed for a tilt at promotion back to the top-flight, and Downs is someone who could now have a big part to play under Still’s guidance.

Manchester United head scout Christopher Vivell is now pushing for Ruben Amorim to sign a “phenomenal” Viktor Gyokeres alternative, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed.

Man Utd set to miss out on Gyokeres

Man United had been given renewed hope of potentially winning the race for Gyokeres, with it being revealed they were closing in on an agreement over a transfer fee last week, but they are now set to miss out on the striker.

In fact, journalist Duncan Castles has played down reports that United even made a move for the Sweden international in the first place, stating: “I’m told by sources at Manchester United that that’s not true, and also by people close to Gyokeres that it’s absolutely not true, and even if it were true, Gyokeres would not go to Manchester United.

“He has chosen to go to Arsenal, and he will continue to force that move.”

With the Sweden international set to move to the Emirates Stadium, Amorim will now have to move on to alternative targets, and Vivell has now given his backing to a striker he knows well.

That is according to Bailey, in an interview with The Boot Room, who states Man Utd’s head scout is now pushing for Amorim to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. It is claimed that Amorim was previously sceptical about Sesko, however, Vivell has now eased those concerns.

Bailey said: “Despite Amorim’s uncertainty due to his age, Christopher Vivell – who knows Sesko from his Red Bull days – has given his backing internally. I am told that he firmly believes that he is actually very mature – not dissimilar in his mentality to Erling Haaland and this has really eased some concerns United might have had.

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The transfer expert also reveals that talks have been held with Sesko’s entourage, saying: “His people, along with intermediaries, have been gauging the interest and talking to clubs to assess their situation, and clubs in England have been spoken to, including Manchester United.”

"Phenomenal" Sesko could be ideal Gyokeres alternative

Arsenal deliberated over whether to sign Sesko or Gyokeres for quite some time, indicating that little separates the two centre-forwards, and the Slovenian has proven he could be the ideal alternative option.

The Leipzig star has maintained a solid goal record across the past three seasons, impressing for RB Salzburg in the 2022-23 campaign before going on to establish himself at Bundesliga level.

Season

Sesko’s league appearances

Goals

Assists

2022-23

30

16

4

2023-24

31

14

2

2024-25

33

13

5

Not only that, but scout Antonio Mango clearly holds the 22-year-old in very high regard, having lauded him as “phenomenal” in the past, while Fabrizio Romano praised his ability to carry on delivering despite Leipzig enduring a tough 2024-25 season.

A deal for Sesko will not be cheap, with it being claimed a deal could amount to €80m (£69m), but there are clear signs he could go on to be a top striker.

First-class fixtures in Plunket Shield have been scheduled keeping in mind the home Tests against England

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Sep-2024For the first time in six years, New Zealand’s domestic season will begin with the Ford Trophy, the men’s 50-over competition, instead of the Plunket Shield. NZC announced the domestic fixtures for 2024-25 on Friday, with the season set to begin on October 20 with three rounds of matches in the Ford Trophy. Defending champions Canterbury will play one of the three games on the opening day, against Wellington.The Plunket Shield then takes over from November 11, with two rounds scheduled in the lead-up to New Zealand’s home series against England. The first Test begins on November 28, along with the third set of Plunket Shield games.Likewise, the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, the domestic one-day tournament for women, will begin on November 16, and will be held keeping in mind Australia’s inbound tour, which will comprise three ODIs. Six rounds of the Johnstone Shield games will be played before New Zealand take on Australia in the first ODI on December 19.In all, 14 venues will host domestic matches across the three competitions this season.”We consulted with the players, coaches and turf managers around white-ball cricket starting the men’s season instead of the Plunket Shield,” Richard Brewer, NZC head of cricket operations, said. “The change will see slightly different pitch conditions for both competitions, which will bring new challenges for both batters and bowlers. The fact the red-ball competition also now aligns with the England Test tour is an added bonus.”Similarly, it’s great to have the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield leading into the White Ferns series against Australia before Christmas, which will allow many of our best female players quality one-day preparation, and a chance to push their cases for selection.”For men, five rounds of the Ford Trophy are followed by four in the Plunket Shield until December 10. The Ford Trophy then resumes on February 6, and ends with the final on March 2 in Dunedin, before the Plunket Shield again takes over from March 5. The domestic season will conclude with the Plunket Shield final round from March 29 to April 1.For women, the Johnstone Shield breaks after six rounds on December 15, and restarts on February 8. The final will be played on March 1, again in Dunedin.However, the NZC is yet to confirm dates for the men and women’s Super Smash, the T20 competition.

Given Tottenham Hotspur’s lowly Premier League finish of 15th place last season, investment is massively needed from the hierarchy during the off-season.

Thomas Frank has been appointed as the Lilywhites’ new boss this summer and has been tasked with the job of transforming their fortunes within England’s top-flight.

Owner Daniel Levy has previously stated his desire to build the club into title contenders, but if he is to see the club at the top of the table, he will need to put his hand in his pocket.

Whilst Mohammed Kudus has already made the move to North London, further additions are to be expected with various areas of the pitch needing investment.

Numerous players have been on their radar in recent weeks, leaving the recruitment team to make the right choice as to who would be the right fit for Frank’s side.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Morgan Gibbs-White is a player who looked set on a move to join Spurs after they triggered the £60m release clause within his contract at Nottingham Forest.

However, the Reds have blocked any move, subsequently claiming that the Lilywhites have made an illegal approach for the England international’s signature.

He’s not the only player who’s been in their sights over recent days, with Bayern Munich talent Joao Palhinha a player of interest, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Sky Sports journalist claimed that Frank’s side have been showing interest in the 30-year-old star, but no concrete offer has yet been made for his services.

He also states that his agent is aware of the interest in his signature, looking almost certain to depart the Bundesliga side after making just six starts last season after joining in a £47m deal from
Fulham.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Rice

Declan Rice has been one of the Premier League’s leading midfield talents over recent years, but unfortunately for Spurs fans, he’s been plying his trade for North London rivals Arsenal.

The 26-year-old cost a staggering £105m back in the summer of 2023, a figure that to this day remains the highest fee paid for an Englishman in the history of football.

He’s proved his worth despite the mammoth transfer fee, registering 35 combined goals and assists for the Gunners in the last two seasons – a simply staggering feat for a deep-lying midfielder.

Spurs fans must wish they had their own version of the England international, but they could be about to land just that with a move for Palhinha during the current window.

The Bayern star has been labelled as a similar player to Rice by FBref, showcasing how highly rated his, despite his lack of action in Germany in recent months.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats, the Portuguese international has managed to outperform him in key areas, potentially making him the missing piece in Frank’s midfield puzzle.

Palhinha, who’s been labelled “sensational” by former footballer Steve Sidwell, completed more of the passes he attempted, whilst finding more of his teammates in the final third – having the tools to add further creativity to the side.

How Palhinha & Rice compare in the 2024/25 campaign
Statistics (per 90)	Palhinha	Rice
Games played	17	35
Pass accuracy	92%	83%
Passes into final third	6.3	4.3
Tackles won	1.9	0.8
Tackles success rate	69%	41%
Blocks made	1.7	0.8
Take-on success	50%	48%
Aerials won	65%	59%
Stats via FBref

His dominance without the ball is just as impressive, winning more tackles and making more blocks, adding the needed defensive presence needed within the Lilywhites’ midfield.

The former Fulham star has been just as dominant in the air as he has on the ground, winning more of the aerial battles he’s entered, potentially adding an added threat in the opposition’s penalty area.

It’s unclear if a deal for Palhinha would be a temporary or permanent addition, but it’s evident that his addition to the side would be a sensational piece of business.

Should he move and match the levels produced by Rice in England’s top-flight, it would be one of the signings of the window, helping Frank in his quest for success in North London.

Big Sarr upgrade: Spurs make approach to sign £33m Gibbs-White alternative

Tottenham Hotspur appear to have turned their attention to another player instead of Morgan Gibbs-White.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 22, 2025

توج النجم الفرنسي عثمان ديمبلي لاعب فريق باريس سان جيرمان، بجائزة الكرة الذهبية “بالون دور 2025″، في حفل أقيم بالعاصمة الفرنسية باريس.

وأقيم حفل الكرة الذهبية “بالون دور” للعام 2025 ليلة الإثنين على مسرح “دو شاتليه” في باريس، بحضور عدد كبير من نجوم كرة القدم.

وفاز ديبملي بالجائزة للمرة الأولى في مسيرته، بعدما قدم موسمًا رائعًا رفقة فريقه باريس سان جيرمان الفرنسي.

وقال ديمبلي عقب التتويج بجائزة الكرة الذهبية وسط تصفيق حار من المتواجدين: “شكراً جزيلاً لكم جميعًا، ما حدث لي للتوّ لا يُصدق، لا أستطيع وصف مدى سعادتي”.

وأضاف: “لقد كان موسماً رائعاً مع باريس سان جيرمان، عشتُ تجارب رائعة، لكنني أشعر ببعض التوتر؛ الأمر ليس سهلاً”.

وأردف: “إن استلام هذه الجائزة وتقديمها لي من رونالدينيو أمرٌ استثنائي، أود أن أشكر باريس سان جيرمان، الذي جاء ليأخذني معه في عام 2023، الرئيس، والفريق بأكمله، والنادي، الذي يُشبه عائلة رائعة، منذ اليوم الأول، كان الرئيس رائعاً معي”.

وواصل ديمبلي: “أود أن أشكر جميع موظفي باريس سان جيرمان الذين كانوا رائعين، لويس إنريكي، الذي أصبح بمثابة أب لي، إنه شخص مهم جداً لمسيرتي المهنية، مع أنها لم تنتهِ بعد”.

وأشار: “شكراً جزيلاً لجميع زملائي في الفريق، لقد حصلنا على كل شيء تقريبًا، لقد كنتم بجانبي، وتمكنا من الارتقاء بمستوانا لنتمكن من الفوز بالألقاب الجماعية، إنها جائزة فردية، لكننا جميعاً نحملها إلى ديارنا كفريق، لقد استفدنا من كل شيء تقريبًا”.

وأكمل: “لقد كنتم بجانبي، وتمكنا من الارتقاء بمستوانا لنتمكن من الفوز بالألقاب الجماعية، إنها جائزة فردية، لكننا جميعاً نحملها إلى ديارنا كفريق”.

واسترسل: “شكراً جزيلاً لجميع الفرق التي لعبت لها، ستاد رين، دورتموند، والنادي الذي لطالما حلمت به، برشلونة، تعلّمت هناك إلى جانب لاعبين مثل ميسي وإنيستا، لقد كانت تجربة تعليمية رائعة”.

وأتم: “أنا سعيد للغاية، عندما أنظر إلى قائمة الأساطير الذين فازوا بها… لقد عملت مع الفريق للفوز بدوري أبطال أوروبا والدوري الفرنسي… أن أتمكن من الفوز بهذه الكأس أمرٌ لا يُصدق، أنا سعيد للغاية”.