Tottenham Hotspur demonstrated their fiery intent on the transfer market over the summer, backing new manager Ange Postecoglou with some thrilling additions after the sale of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.

And it's paying off handsomely, with the London club topping the Premier League table after eight matches, having failed to qualify for European football in its entirety last term.

The work must not stop now though, with the “revolution” of youthful signings – as said by football.london's Alasdair Gold – forming the foundation of what could be a golden age, and while the winter transfer window is well away, there might be another prodigy arriving soon.

Who are Tottenham interested in signing?

Spurs have blended youth with experience to emphatic effect this season, finely poised and confidently cohesive, and with the likes of Heung-min Son and Yves Bissouma offering leadership, there's surely room for another prospect as impressive as Arthur Vermeeren, who is causing quite the stir.

According to TEAMtalk, the teenage talent would garner a ballpark fee of £15m, though Spurs have demonstrated in recent months their willingness to spend on exciting but unknown commodities, with Argentina U20 forward Alejo Veliz joining in a £13m deal in August.

Liverpool, Manchester United, Brentford, West Ham United and Barcelona are also credited with an interest, but Postecoglou presents an enticing proposal indeed.

Who is Arthur Vermeeren?

The 18-year-old midfielder has already been touted to become the "complete" player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who seems to think that he could be set for a career lathered in luxury.

An important member of Belgian side Royal Antwerp's squad, Vermeeren has posted a goal and five assists across 15 outings this season, including two assists against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

He's already eclipsed his four direct contributions from last year, when he won the Belgian Pro League, signifying a growth that will certainly not slow down if placed within a thriving Tottenham outfit – bouncing off like-minded prodigies.

Already looking a dynamic ace, Vermeeren ranks among the top 13% of midfielders across divisions similar to the Belgian Pro League for progressive passes and tackles, the top 16% for interceptions and the top 19% for clearances per 90, as per FBref.

He's in the embryonic stage of his career but plays with age-belying swagger and guile, and with the strides he is already taking Spurs have to seal a swoop.

The promising maestro could even surpass Pape Matar Sarr, who has been so impressive for Tottenham at the heart of the midfield, now starting to live up to former praise from Fabrizio Romano of his "fantastic" potential, likening him to a young Paul Pogba.

This season, the Senegalese sensation, aged 21, has started seven of Tottenham's league outings and has dazzled with his all-encompassing craft, completing 90% of his passes, and making 1.1 key passes, 1.6 tackles and 5.4 ball recoveries per game.

Vermeeren, comparatively, boasts an 88% pass success rate in his division thus far, averaging 1.6 key passes, 1.8 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 8.3 ball recoveries per match, also succeeding with 63% of his dribbles – showcasing his potential superiority to Sarr.

Truly a "remarkable” youngster, as he has been called by one scout, it's very easy to forget that the Belgium U21 international is scarcely into adulthood, and should Postecoglou secure his services, it could be the starring moment of what tantalises to be an incredible reign in London.

Crystal Palace are exploring a move to sign an in-demand “versatile” new player in the New Year, according to recent reports.

Who did Crystal Palace sign this summer?

The Eagles and Roy Hodgson were relatively quiet in the summer, bringing in just four new players during the transfer market. Big fees were paid for Matheus Franca and Dean Henderson from Flamengo and Manchester United respectively, whereas Rob Holding arrived from Arsenal late in the window and Jefferson Lerma made the switch to London on a free transfer after leaving Bournemouth.

On the pitch, Palace have made a relatively solid start, picking up eight points from their first six Premier League games. However, chairman Steve Parish and sporting director Dougie Freedman already seem to have one eye on the January transfer window, and a new target has emerged at Selhurst Park.

TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace are one of five top-flight clubs who are now exploring a move to sign Shakhtar Donetsk defender Mykola Matviyenko.

Alongside the Eagles, Burnley, Everton, Sheffield United and West Ham are also keen on the Ukraine international, whose representatives are looking at possible options ahead of 2024.

Who is Mykola Matviyenko?

Matviyenko can play anywhere across the back four but is primarily a central defender who has made 175 appearances for Shakhtar Donetsk after progressing through their academy.

The left-footed defender would therefore offer plenty of versatility to Hodgson’s backline, should a move go through, and that attribute has been picked up in the media.

Journalist Andrew Todos recently described Matviyenko as a “versatile” player who “can be world-class when he plays in a formation with three defenders” following links of a move to Brighton, highlighting his pace and ball-playing ability as some of his main strengths.

"Matviyenko is a composed and experienced centre-back, who comes across as very assured, especially when playing alongside younger teammates. As he started his career as a full-back, he's got more pace than an average centre-back and this aids him quite a lot in recovery challenges.

"He rarely goes in for wild tackles that might result in bookings or penalties and one of his main strengths is blocking crosses or goalbound shots. He's also very good at playing balls over the top, playing out from the back, and he's versatile.

"In my opinion, he can be world-class when he plays in a formation with three defenders. If he plays in a back four, he should play alongside a tall defender who can help him. He is good as a centre-back but the best matches of his career were when he was in a back three and he played next to wing-backs."

The 27-year-old appears to be in his prime with Transfermarkt valuation standing at €20m – the highest figure of his career – and it looks like a move to England could be possible.

Whether or not that will be at Selhurst Park remains to be seen, but a move could be one to watch over the coming months where Matviyenko may end up coming in to rival the likes of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen.

New Zealand booked their place in Sunday’s tri-series final, and brought England along with them in the process

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jun-20181:12

I’m just trying to keep up with Suzie Bates – Devine

New Zealand 151 for 2 (Devine 68*, Bates 62) beat South Africa 148 for 6 (Tryon 35) by eight wickets
ScorecardNew Zealand booked their place in Sunday’s tri-series final, and brought England along with them in the process, as they eased to an eight-wicket victory over a lacklustre South Africa in the first of their T20 double-headers at Bristol.It was a must-win encounter for South Africa, who had always been up against it after a pair of record-breaking beatings in the opening round of tri-series fixtures in Taunton. And despite winning the toss and batting first, they struggled to make headway in a stodgy innings of 148 for 6, enlivened only in the latter stages by a breezy 15-ball 35 from Chloe Tryon.It was no sort of score to challenge New Zealand’s hard-hitting top-order, and Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine make sure there would be no recourse in an opening stand of 130 in 13.2 overs.Bates brought up her fifty from 39 balls and Devine from 31, and neither really needed to extend themselves in the process. There were a pair of late consolation wickets as Bates snicked a drive through to Lizelle Lee behind the stumps for 62 before Katey Martin was bowled by Zintle Mali for 10. But two more fours in as many balls from Devine, including a lofted flog over the covers, sealed the contest with 4.4 overs to spare.In the absence of Shabnim Ismail, who withdrew with injury before the toss, South Africa’s bowlers were lacking in its usual depth. With the bat, they had started with cautious intent, adding 40 for the first wicket before Lizelle Lee fell on the pull to square leg, whereupon Sune Luus was run out at the non-striker’s end without addition.Amelia Kerr, the talk of the women’s game after her record-smashing exploits in Ireland, added two wickets in two overs to account for South Africa’s middle order. And though Tryon tried her best, the result was hardly in doubt.

Eric Dier labelled Harry Kane as the "most reliable goalscorer in the world" after the striker netted a double against Lazio in the Champions League.

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• Kane hailed by Dier after Lazio win
• English forward bagged a brace
• Fired the Germans to the UCL quarter-final

• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The England international stole the spotlight with a brace against Lazio to inspire a second-leg turnaround. A goal in each half from Kane and another strike from Thomas Muller inspired the Bavarians to a 3-0 victory over Maurizio Sarri's men to seal a Champions League quarter-final spot on Tuesday evening at the Allianz Arena. After the dust had settled down, Dier, a long-time teammate of Kane, hailed the prolific striker as one of the best for putting rising to the occasion when the stakes were high.

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• WHAT DIER SAID

  Speaking to after the match, Dier said: "Incredible. I am so happy for him tonight as he got his goals. Yeah, he is the most reliable goalscorer in the world. Anyone would be happy to play with him and obviously being a friend, it is nicer and makes it easier for me to settle in as well."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Dier has been awarded for his consistent performances with a permanent contract by Bayern and the defender admitted that he is relishing the fresh challenge in Gemrnay with a new club and teammates.

  "It feels great the way the players, the club and the fans have received me. It has helped a lot," he said.

  "It has made it very easy for me to settle in. Obviously, I am enjoying something new. A fresh start – it was something I needed individually. New country, new club and everything is going well. But a lot of things have to be done yet. Always looking to improve."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Bayern will hope to carry their continental form into the Bundesliga as they are set to host Mainz in a vital league clash on Saturday.

A career best 73 for Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman set Pakistan up for a convincing win over Australia in Harare

The Report by Daniel Brettig05-Jul-2018
Pakistan gained a mental advantage over Australia by dominating Aaron Finch’s team in a match that served as a dress rehearsal for Sunday’s Twenty20 triangular tournament final at the Harare Sports Club.Having beaten Pakistan comfortably in their first meeting, the Australians put in an unfocused performance, dropping far too short with the new ball after Finch sent Sarfraz Ahmed’s side in to bat to allow Fakhar Zaman to fire off a succession of pull shots on his way to the highest score of the match. They then lost a series of early wickets to the late moving ball in the hands of Faheem Ashraf and the 18-year-old left-armer Shaheen Afridi.Having slid as low as 75 for 5, Australia never looked likely to get close to their target, though the wicketkeeper and vice-captain Alex Carey played another intelligent innings down the order. Pakistan’s victory also served the purpose of preventing Australia from taking their place at the top of the ICC’s T20 international rankings.Both sides had already qualified for Sunday’s tournament final, making this game chiefly a chance to gain information and psychological high ground. Australia kept the same side that delivered comfortable wins over Pakistan and Zimbabwe to be the first team to reach the decider. Pakistan included the youthful Afridi for his second T20I in place of Hasan Ali, while Usman Khan came in for Mohammad Nawaz.4:18

‘Steven Smith is the toughest batsman to bowl to’

On a cold morning in Harare, Billy Stanlake failed to induce the sort of early collapse he had been responsible for in Monday’s match. While Jhye Richardson enjoyed the good fortune of having Haris Sohail clip his first delivery straight to square leg to depart for a golden duck, the Pakistan top order were able to feast on a generous helping of short stuff.Fakhar was the major beneficiary, flashing nine boundaries and a trio of sixes on the way to the highest score of his T20I career thus far – he is Pakistan’s leading run-maker in this tournament by a distance, and will require far more careful planning by Australia’s pacemen and coaches ahead of the decider.They reached 80 inside nine overs before Hussain Talat was cramped for room by Glenn Maxwell’s off-breaks and bowled, and from there a series of nifty partnerships ensured that Finch’s side was unable to restrict the run rate. A particularly heavy toll was taken from the bowling of Ashton Agar, while 18 runs from the final over rather disfigured Aaron Tye’s previously excellent figures.Needing a rapid start given the task they were facing, Finch and D’Arcy Short were instead confounded by Pakistan’s fast men pitching the ball much further up to the bat and finding movement both in the air and off the seam. Finch was cornered by an Afridi delivery bending back at him and was caught behind off the inside edge, then Travis Head’s minimal footwork was exposed when Faheem Ashraf seamed one back to pluck out middle stump.Maxwell managed a pair of boundaries before he played around a late inswinger from Afridi that pinned him in front of middle stump, and the innings of Nic Maddinson – who made the squad despite being cut from the New South Wales contract list – lasted only eight balls before he misread a well-pitched wrong’un from Shadab Khan and was comfortably stumped.Short had persevered without timing the ball with anything like the power of which he is capable, but was well and truly beaten by the yorker Afridi served up on his return to the bowling crease. From there it was largely a matter of damage limitation for the Australians, as Carey knocked the ball around with the sort of resourcefulness that is quickly becoming his trademark without ever looking likely to threaten a distant target.Pakistan will now go into the final with plenty of confidence, while the Australians must face Zimbabwe before reconsidering their approach to Fakhar, Afridi and the rest of Sarfraz’s team.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo anunciou nesta segunda-feira a demissão de Domènec Torrent. Além do treinador espanhol, a comissão técnica trazida pelo profissional também deixa o clube. A atividade desta terça-feira, no CT do Ninho do Urubu, já será comandada pelo treinador Maurício Souza, atual técnico do Sub-20.

Domènec Torrent foi anunciado como treinador do Flamengo em 31 de julho e deixa o comando do time com 14 vitórias, quatro empates e seis derrotas. O catalão deixa o time classificado para as quartas de final da Copa do Brasil, para as oitavas de final da Copa Libertadores e em terceiro lugar do Brasileirão.

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A demissão acontece após duas goleadas sofridas no Campeonato Brasileiro: 4 a 1 para o São Paulo, no Maracanã, e 4 a 0 para o Atlético-MG, no Mineirão. As seguidas falhas – coletivas e individuais -, em especial no sistema defensivo, também pesaram para a decisão da diretoria em demitir Dome após 99 dias de trabalho – o primeiro treino sob o comando do espanhol foi em 3 de agosto.

أعرب ديديه ديشامب المدير الفني لمنتخب فرنسا الأول لكرة القدم عن سعادته بالفوز بركلات الترجيح على حساب البرتغال، والتأهل إلى نصف نهائي كأس أمم أوروبا يورو 2024.

وقال ديشامب في تصريحات لشبكة “بي ان سبورتس: “كانت مباراة متوترة ومتقاربة للغاية. كان من الممكن أن تسير الأمور بطريقة أو بأخرى، كانت نهاية المباراة أكثر صعوبة في الوقت الإضافي”.

طالع أيضًا.. روبرتو مارتينيز بعد الخروج من يورو 2024: خسرنا بفخر أمام فرنسا.. وبيبي كان محاربًا

وأضاف: “ربما كان هناك المزيد من الإرهاق. والأمر كان يتعلق بالتفاصيل الصغيرة، لكنني سعيد جدًا بالمجموعة التي دفعت نفسها إلى أقصى الحدود رغم صعوبة المباراة”.

وعن خروج مبابي: “إنه متعب بالطبع، من الناحية العضلية كان يعاني. لقد رأيته يعاني من صعوبة الركض، وكان صادقًا معي ومع المجموعة، طلب مني الخروج، وهذا الأمر يستحق الاحترام”.

وعن عدم دخول جيرو: “لم نتمكن من ذلك، أردت أن يدخل في الدقائق الأخيرة، لكن الحكم لم يأخذ الطلب في الاعتبار، وفي النهاية لم يدخل لكننا فزنا بالمباراة”.

Leeds United have enjoyed a strong return to life in the second tier after they were relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season.

Daniel Farke's side are currently fifth and competing for a play-off spot after 11 matches as they attempt to make an instant return to the top-flight.

The signing of Joel Piroe has been a crucial piece of business for the Whites, on current evidence, as the Dutch marksman has hit the ground running with five goals since his move to Elland Road.

However, a former Leeds player has outscored the former Swansea star, and the rest of the Leeds squad, in the Championship this season – Jack Clarke.

When did Leeds sell Jack Clarke?

Tottenham Hotspur swooped to sign the then-18-year-old from the club for a reported fee of £10m ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, after his breakthrough year under Marcelo Bielsa.

The Argentine head coach and former sporting director Victor Orta opted to cash in on the talented teenager, who failed to make the grade at Spurs over the subsequent years.

Clarke only made four first-team appearances for the Premier League club in all competitions and was unable to contribute with a single goal or assist.

Where is Jack Clarke now?

The English youngster currently plays for Sunderland in the Championship, since his permanent move to the Stadium of Light in 2022, and is thriving at this level.

Clarke has racked up an outstanding seven goals in 11 league matches for the Black Cats so far this season, which means that he is the joint-top scorer in the division as it stands.

Appearances

50

Goals

11

Assists

14

Clarke's 2022/23 season in all competitions (via Transfermarkt)

The 22-year-old whiz was described as "unplayable" by journalist Josh Bunting earlier this year and that is backed up by his superb attacking contributions.

He has created 2.1 chances per match and no Leeds player has managed more than 2.5 per game, whilst none of Farke's stars have produced more than two key passes per clash and scored more than two goals.

How has Piroe performed this season?

Piroe, who was signed from Swansea for more than £10m this summer, has scored five goals and registered 0.5 key passes per outing across 11 Championship starts for the Whites.

The 24-year-old finisher, who has been playing in a number ten role behind Georginio Rutter, is the club's top-scorer and has proven himself to be a reliable option at the top end of the pitch for Farke since his move to Yorkshire earlier this year.

However, Clarke has been in phenomenal form at this level for Sunderland, who are one place above Leeds in the table, with his impressive ability to both score goals and create chances at an exceptional rate.

The young English wizard has been one of the outstanding talents within the division, as evidenced by his place at the top of the scoring charts so far, and it may leave some Leeds supporters wondering what could have been.

It is a shame that the Elland Road faithful did not get to enjoy the 5 foot 11 gem's development at the club. Instead, they have had to watch on from afar as Bielsa's 2019 sale has become an 'unplayable' Championship star.

Chelsea reportedly stand on the brink of a substantial financial windfall if Bayern Munich decides to sell Jamal Musiala.

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Musiala spent his formative years at ChelseaA key asset for Bayern MunichLiverpool & Manchester City interested in him(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Musiala's football journey began at Chelsea's academy, where he honed his skills from a young age. At 16, he made the pivotal decision to join Bayern, agreeing to a compensation package estimated at around £170,000 ($217,000). Notably, the 2019 switch did not include a buy-back clause, but sources suggest that Chelsea negotiated a lucrative sell-on fee of 20 per cent as part of the deal, according to

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Should Musiala command the reported £80 million transfer fee, Chelsea stands to earn a substantial £16 million from the transaction. This windfall could significantly bolster the club's financial position and aid in their efforts to comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, even if the payment is made in instalments. Despite rival clubs' assertions that Chelsea may need to raise significant funds to avoid a breach, the club maintains its commitment to compliance with the regulations.

DID YOU KNOW?

Chelsea's keenness to secure a sell-on clause stems from past experiences, notably during Romelu Lukaku's transfer negotiations with Everton in 2014. Lukaku's subsequent £75 million ($96m) move to Manchester United in 2017 left Chelsea empty-handed, serving as a cautionary tale for the club.

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(C)GettyImagesWHAT NEXT?

Bayern remain keen on securing his long-term future with a new contract to fend off interest from Liverpool & Manchester City. However, the lack of a breakthrough in negotiations increases the likelihood of potential suitors making their moves as the transfer window approaches. Chelsea also hold him in high regard and their strategy of signing young talent aligns with Musiala's profile. It remains to be seen if Todd Boehly throws his hat in the ring for the German sensation.

In the post-2000-era, Manchester United's unrelenting dominance of the Premier League was built on a squad of superstars as Sir Alex Ferguson nurtured some of the best young prospects to grace the beautiful game.

Of course, prising Cristiano Ronaldo away from Sporting Lisbon for £12m in 2003 will go down as arguably the greatest piece of business the club has ever done, but the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney arrived as young prospects for big money and departed the club as legends.

While the pillars of their success were built on their eye for talented youngsters that they developed into superstars, Ferguson also did some underrated business in the transfer market, capturing Nemanja Vidic for £7m from Spartak Moscow in 2006 – who became a colossus at the back alongside Ferdinand – Patrice Evra for £5.5m from AS Monaco and PSV Eindhoven's Ji-sung Park for £4m.

It is fair to say the 2005/06 season was a hugely successful one in the transfer window as that trio played a huge role in helping United dominate on the domestic and European front.

Similarly, luring Antonio Valencia from Wigan Athletic in 2009 was another time when the Red Devils struck gold in the transfer market, as the Ecuador international became an integral cog in Fergie's winning machine.

How much did Man United pay for Antonio Valencia?

Signed in the summer of 2009, Man United captured the signature of highly-rated Wigan winger Valencia for £16m.

Valencia became Ferguson's first signing since Ronaldo departed for £80m in the same summer, and although he was never going to be a direct replacement for the outgoing superstar, he was a player that the Scot was chasing for a while.

Upon the completion of the transfer, Ferguson said: "Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan, I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team."

Possessing the raw pace and power that was a staple in Ferguson's well-oiled machine, Valencia arrived at the club after producing 17 goal contributions in 89 appearances for the Latics – whilst that record is nothing to write home about – a move to Man United would be the catalyst for the 24-year-old's development.

How good was Antonio Valencia at Man United?

Valencia was built in the mould of an old-fashioned winger; difficult to defend against in one vs one's, utilising his fast, powerful and direct attributes to fashion a space for a cross and flash a ball into the danger zone.

Although defenders knew what was coming, Valencia was excellent at crafting a yard of space to send a telling and often quality delivery into the box, a movement that saw him record an impressive seven goals and 13 assists in his first season at Old Trafford.

United went on to lose out on the Premier League title by a single point to Chelsea, preventing them from lifting a fourth consecutive title and while they would return to the top of the tree in the following season, Valencia's campaign was hampered by a dislocated and fractured ankle, though he did return in time to help the Red Devils lift their 19th league title.

In the following season, the explosive winger began his transition into becoming a dependable right back and the switch to a more defensive role allowed him to thrive from a deeper position, chalking up an incredible 14 assists in 27 appearances in the top flight as he scooped the United’s Fans and Players’ Player of the Season awards.

Rewarded with the number 7 jersey that was donned by Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Ronaldo previously, Valencia's form subsequently dipped, contributing to half the number of goals and a quarter of assists in Ferguson's final campaign.

During the David Moyes and Louis van Gaal eras that followed, Valencia's output declined – as did United's powers in English football – and it wasn't untill Jose Mourinho arrived in 2016 that the 5 foot 11 "beast", as dubbed by former teammate Juan Mata, was allowed to flourish once more.

Valencia was someone who the Special One had admired since his days managing Real Madrid and although Mourinho didn't turn him into the flying fullback, the process began long before his arrival.

“I tried to sign Antonio when I was at Madrid,” Mourinho said. "Even though he was not playing right-back at the time, I thought he could be phenomenal in that position.”

Mourinho showcased his love for Valencia even further by labelling him as the "best right back in the world" in 2017, paying an ode to the longevity and consistent quality that he produced.

After tallying up 87 goal contributions in 339 appearances, current manager Erik ten Hag can only dream of having a right-back capable of producing that level of output in the final third with Diogo Dalot, for instance, only contributing to nine goals in 115 appearances for the club so far.

Remembered fondly by supporters for being a winger turned world-class right back, who was adored by Ferguson and Mourinho, Valencia was one of several unsung heroes at Manchester United during their glittering period at the top and is now retired following stints in Ecuador and Mexico.