'I don't need rest!' – Ruben Amorim insists Man Utd don't require a break after gruelling campaign as he seemingly defends Red Devils' post-season friendlies in Malaysia

Ruben Amorim insists that Manchester United don't require a break after a gruelling campaign as they embark on a post-season tour in Malaysia.

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  • Man Utd were awful in the Premier League
  • No rest for the team as they have headed to Asia
  • Will play two matches in Malaysia & Hong Kong
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    In a bold move that has raised eyebrows among fans, the club has swiftly headed on a post-season tour across Asia, beginning just days after the final whistle of their Premier League season. The tour kicks off on May 28 with a clash against an ASEAN All Stars team at the colossal Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, which can host over 80,000 fans. Barely pausing to catch their breath, United will then jet to Hong Kong for a second friendly encounter, scheduled for May 30 at the 40,000-capacity Hong Kong Stadium.

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    This gruelling schedule follows their last domestic match, a home fixture against Aston Villa on May 25, offering minimal downtime before embarking on a long-haul journey. However, Amorim remains undaunted and is excited to play in front of Asian fans in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

  • WHAT AMORIM SAID

    Facing a sea of reporters once again on the first leg of their Asian tour, Amorim said: “It was important to finish the season, we needed to close that chapter. I closed that chapter, I’m excited, I’m nervous, I want to work towards the next season. I don’t have that feeling to disconnect. I had the feeling to close the season, but now it’s a new season. I don’t need rest.”

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    MAN UTD'S POST-SEASON & PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE

    DATE

    FIXTURE

    LOCATION

    May 28

    Man Utd vs ASEAN All Stars

    Bukit Jalil Stadium, Kuala Lumpur

    May 30

    Man Utd vs Hong Kong, China

    Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong

    July 19

    Man Utd vs Leeds United

    Stockholm, Sweden

    July 26

    Man Utd vs West Ham

    New Jersey, USA

    July 30

    Man Utd vs Bournemouth

    Chicago, USA

    August 3

    Man Utd vs Everton

    Atlanta, USA

"Outstanding" £200k-per-week Arsenal star holds exit talks with huge clubs

Arsenal are preparing for a summer that could see considerable changes at the Emirates Stadium, with outgoings likely a prerequisite before new arrivals make their way to North London.

Arsenal set for busy summer following injury frustration

The Gunners have been dealt an unfortunate hand with injuries, but Mikel Arteta will still feel a sense of regret when analysing how their Premier League title challenge has fizzled out in mid-March.

Bukayo Saka’s lengthy absence alongside Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus being ruled out indefinitely directly correlate to their inconsistent run of results, and they neglected to strengthen in the winter window. Either way, this season hasn’t gone as envisaged for a club that had genuine hope of becoming top dog at the start of the campaign.

Trophies have evaded Arteta over the last few years despite constructing a squad that has earned recognition for their ability to keep pace with the rest. Far too often, the final hurdle has become a bridge too far, which will only heighten anticipation surrounding summer reinforcements in the capital.

Andrea Berta will arrive as Sporting Director, and forcing Arsenal’s move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi through has become a key priority for Edu’s replacement. Morten Hjulmand has emerged as an alternative should talks stall for the Spain international.

Arsenal’s inconsistent run of results

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

Premier League

Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

Premier League

PSV Eindhoven 1-7 Arsenal

Champions League

Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

Premier League

Arsenal 2-2 PSV Eindhoven

Champions League

On the more ambitious side of the scale, the Gunners’ interest in Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes would represent a transformational shift in their engine room should any deal come to fruition.

Nevertheless, exits will be needed to make that a realistic possibility, and Arteta may now have seen enough regarding one of his side’s most high-profile operators in the middle of the park.

Arsenal could now sanction Thomas Partey exit amid transfer talks

According to TBR, Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has held talks with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. He is in line for a summer exit on a free transfer once his £200,000-per-week contract expires at the Emirates.

The Gunners appreciate the Ghana international’s ability to fill several gaps in the squad but are deemed ‘unlikely’ to offer an extension on the same terms he currently inherits at the club. At this point, no discussions have been held over a fresh deal for the 31-year-old.

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Ever the mainstay, Partey has scored three times and laid on three assists in 41 appearances this campaign. Predominantly featuring in the engine room, he has also filled in at right-back amid Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu’s absence.

Dubbed “outstanding” by Roy Keane in 2020, the man in question has been deemed as Arsenal’s fourth most consistent performer on Premier League duty by WhoScored, sitting above the likes of Martin Odegaard, William Saliba and David Raya.

Despite his status as one of Arteta’s long-serving assets, a clean break between both parties could now be on the table come the summer. Squad cycles end, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he is sacrificed to fuel the fire for another title challenge next term.

Palmeiras inicia returno com boa vantagem em cima de dois grandes favoritos ao Brasileirão

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras venceu mais uma partida no Brasileirão-2022 e manteve sua vantagem de quatro pontos na liderança em relação ao segundo colocado, o Corinthians. Apesar de o rival ser o principal adversário nesta briga atualmente, os grandes favoritos do início do campeonato eram Atlético-MG e Flamengo. Depois de 20 rodadas completadas, o Verdão abriu grande margem para os dois.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeiras‘Super Dudu’ jogou quase 90% das partidas do Palmeiras no ano e se prepara para mais uma decisãoPalmeiras31/07/2022PalmeirasCeará x Palmeiras: CBF divulga áudios do VAR em lances polêmicosPalmeiras31/07/2022PalmeirasAutores dos gols do Palmeiras, Dudu e López celebram vitória no Brasileiro: ‘Seguir por esse caminho’Palmeiras31/07/2022

GALERIA
> Confira os públicos do Palmeiras no Allianz Parque em 2022

TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão-2022 clicando aqui

> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

Neste momento, o Rubro-Negro está mais perto do Alviverde do que o Galo. São nove pontos atrás da equipe de Abel Ferreira, vantagem que foi mantida pois ambos venceram na 20ª rodada. Ceará e Atlético-GO foram as vítimas da dupla no fim de semana. Essa diferença de pontos indica que o Fla (33 pontos) precisaria de três rodadas para alcançar o Palmeiras (42 pontos) na tabela.

O Flamengo atualmente ocupa a quinta posição na classificação e vem arrancando para os primeiros lugares depois de um péssimo início de campeonato. O Verdão aproveitou e conseguiu abrir essa margem, que poderia ser ainda maior caso não tivesse tropeçado durante esse período (derrota em casa para o Athletico e empate com o Fortaleza – então lanterna – fora).

Já o Atlético-MG vem ficando bem para trás, na sétima colocação, com 32 pontos em 20 rodadas, ou seja, dez pontos atrás do Palmeiras. A diferença acabou aumentando no fim de semana, pois enquanto o Alviverde bateu o Ceará e somou três pontos, o Galo foi derrotado e ficou sem somar pontos. Dessa forma, viu sua desvantagem subir de sete para dez pontos na classificação.

+Quais são os 20 jogadores mais valiosos das quartas de final da Libertadores 2022? Saiba aqui!

Com isso, a equipe de Cuca precisaria de no mínimo quatro rodadas para poder superar o Palmeiras na tabela. Isso se o time de Abel Ferreira perder três jogos seguidos e não vencer o quarto, além do Atlético-MG ganhar quatro partidas de forma consecutivas. Detalhe: o Verdão perdeu apenas quatro vezes em toda a temporada 2022.

A comparação com Atlético-MG e Flamengo se dá por terem sido apontados, junto com o Palmeiras, como os grandes favoritos ao título do Brasileirão-2022. Mas até aqui, após 20 rodadas, outras equipes assumiram esse posto de principais adversários do Alviverde pela taça nacional, como Corinthians, Fluminense e Athletico-PR.

Os três, apesar de estarem mais próximos, também estão com uma desvantagem considerável para o líder. O Furacão está oito pontos atrás, assim como o Flu, que joga nesta segunda-feira contra o Santos e pode diminuir a diferença para cinco. Por fim, o Timão, que está quatro pontos atrás e vem na perseguição para derrubar o rival.

Confira a diferença de pontos do Palmeiras para o G8:

1) Palmeiras – 42 pontos
2) Corinthians – 4 pontos atrás
3) Fluminense – 8 pontos atrás (pode diminuir para 5 nesta noite)
4) Athletico-PR – 8 pontos atrás
5) Flamengo – 9 pontos atrás
6) Internacional – 9 pontos atrás
7) Atlético-MG – 10 pontos atrás
8) Red Bull Bragantino – 12 pontos atrás

Crystal Palace talent rejects offer to stay and wants out of Selhurst Park

A quick Crystal Palace gem is planning to leave Selhurst Park this summer after rejecting a new contract offer from the Eagles.

Crystal Palace push for Wembley as Freedman prepares for summer

Oliver Glasner’s side may well be set for an uneventful end to the Premier League season, however, Palace have their eyes on Wembley in the FA Cup.

After defeating Millwall last weekend, the Eagles have been drawn against Fulham in the quarter-finals, looking to make the last four and reach Wembley.

However, away from the pitch, sporting director Dougie Freedman appears to be working on potential signings ahead of the 2025/26 season.

One player who has been linked with a move to Selhurst Park in recent days is Bright Osayi-Samuel of Fenerbahce. Reports have claimed that Palace have offered Osayi-Samuel a £72,500-a-week contract to return to England, with the player on course to become a free agent in the summer.

Defender Konstantinos Koulierakis of Wolfsburg is also on Palace’s radar, and there could be a number of departures in the summer.

Centre-back Marc Guehi continues to be linked with a move away, as does midfielder Adam Wharton and full-back Tyrick Mitchell. However, one exciting gem has already made his mind up on departing the club, going off a fresh update.

Crystal Palace talent rejects contract offer and is looking to leave

According to Africa Foot, relayed by Sport Witness, Crystal Palace youngster Franco Umeh-Chibueze has rejected a new contract proposal from the Eagles, with his current deal up in the summer.

It is claimed that Glasner’s decision to not hand him minutes with the senior team has convinced him to change clubs over the coming month, with FC Twente and Sporting CP being two clubs eyeing the attacker.

The 20-year-old joined Palace from Cork City in 2023, and since then, Umeh-Chibueze has made more than 30 appearances for Palace’s U21 side, scoring 12 goals in the process.

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He’s a wanted man…

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 5, 2025

He’s also featured on the bench in the Premier League on seven occasions during the current campaign and twice in the EFL Cup, however, he is yet to make his senior debut.

Academy director Gary Issott hailed Umeh-Chibueze’s at the time of his arrival, naming his “blistering pace” as a key attribute. “Franco is a tall, exciting, attacking player with blistering pace and a strong left-foot. For him to be in and around the first-team at Cork at such a young age is a major achievement. He now comes into our vibrant squad and will add competition in the attacking third of the pitch.”

Now, though, it looks as if the attacker, once labelled as the potential next Michael Olise, will look to continue his development away from Palace, and it’ll be interesting to see where he ends up ahead of the new campaign.

زيزو: من حق جماهير الأهلي أن تحزن.. وسنقاتل أمام بورتو للتأهل

تحدث أحمد سيد زيزو، لاعب الأهلي، عن مباراة فريقه أمام بورتو البرتغالي في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2025.

ويستعد الأهلي لمواجهة بورتو البرتغالي في الجولة الثالثة من منافسات المجموعة الأولى لبطولة كأس العالم للأندية، في الرابعة فجر الثلاثاء القادم بتوقيت مصر، على ملعب ميتلايف في نيوجيرسي.

طالع| إمام عاشور يغادر معسكر الأهلي في أمريكا

وكان الأهلي قد خاض مواجهتين في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية، أمام إنتر ميامي الأمريكي وانتهت 0-0، ثم بالميراس البرازيلي وخسر 0-2.

وقال أحمد سيد زيزو، في تصريحات لبرنامج “الكورة مع فايق”، على “إم بي سي مصر”: “حق جمهور الأهلي يحزن، مباراة بالميراس كانت صعبة، إن شاء الله نقاتل المباراة القادمة، عندنا فرصة في التأهل وسنقاتل لتحقيق ذلك”.

وأضاف: “هذه هي الكرة في الأول والآخر، كرة من خطأ دخلت مرمانا، لا يوجد شيء أقوله سوى إننا سنستعد للمباراة القادمة، سنركز أكثر من ذلك وإن شاء الله التوفيق يحالفنا واللاعبون يجتهدون ويخرجون 200% من طاقتهم ونفوز ونتأهل”.

PSL expansion faces a few roadblocks

Despite developing interest in new franchises in the PSL, a signed agreement in 2021 between the PCB and franchises means no new teams can be added to the current six before the completion of the tenth season in 2025. Interest among potential new owners and within the current PCB for new franchises has been growing, understandably for the board given the revenues it generates from franchise fees. But there are several challenges that might become a cause for concern and a new stress point for the league going forward.Although the current PCB head Najam Sethi hasn’t formally taken up the proposition of new franchises, he has publicly opened up a discussion about the possibility of introducing at least one and a maximum of two teams. In a recent interview with local media Sethi said: “The revenue will increase and also teams will increase, and my advice to the other six franchises is that you will not suffer any loss, but you will make a profit from this, and if the revenue decreases, then we will help you in this matter.”But a clause added in to the agreement between the board and franchises after a protracted renegotiation of financial terms explicitly prevents franchises from being added. “The PCB agrees that it shall not introduce a new franchise team in the PSL under the same financial model contained herein, before the tenth edition of the Tournament has concluded, whereafter the PCB may include new franchise team(s) to participate in the PSL from time to time at its sole discretion,” reads the new clause 2.12 to the agreement, a copy of which ESPNcricinfo has seen.But if a new team does come in, continues the clause, prior to the tenth season, then the share the six current franchises receive from the central pool of income – 95% of media rights, sponsorship rights and gate money – will not be reduced. That share was one of the main outcomes from the negotiations that led to the new financial model being agreed upon, under the chairmanship of Ramiz Raja.The PCB has not taken the matter up with franchises formally or informally yet but ESPNcricinfo understands that the issue is likely to be on the agenda of the PSL governing council meeting next month. The sixth franchise Multan Sultans came into being after the third edition and was sold for an annual fee of USD $6.35million: after four seasons they are yet to break even financially.One of the major challenges an expanded league will face is the window the PSL has in the current, cramped calendar. At the moment the league runs for 34 days and is hemmed in at one end by the BPL, the BBL and, from this year, the ILT20 and SA20. At the other end is the IPL and growing in that space could hurt the prospects attracting top foreign talent. The PSL’s window itself has not always been fixed. While February-March has been the preferred spot since 2016 , it was pulled back to January-February in 2022 to accommodate the home series against Australia. And a packed international calendar means that in 2025, when Pakistan is due to host the Champions Trophy, there will be a clash of dates with the IPL. And the 2026 PSL will end up taking place fewer than seven months later, in December 2025-January 2026.The Pakistan economy is also struggling currently, so new sponsorship may not come so easily. And for the next couple of years the league will also have to work around the Islamic month of Ramadan. The league and the month itself are two major commercial opportunities in the year and thus far have not faced major overlaps (the Islamic calendar is lunar-based so each year Ramadan starts ten days or so earlier on the Gregorian calendar). We are now entering a period, however, where there will be overlap and franchises worry that may eat into their commercial opportunities. Another worry is the current depth of the player pool in Pakistan, especially in the top two categories, with six teams already struggling to pick players because of the depleted draft list – another two would stretch that further.The PSL on paper is a home-and-away tournament but the PCB hasn’t been able to play it out over six venues – in practice only four franchises play at home venues. More teams will mean more games and could potentially enhance the broadcast value but at the same time it will increase the production cost. The PCB is exploring venues and Peshawar, which would house Peshawar Zalmi, is likely to be added next year. This season they played an exhibition game in Quetta but it is unlikely they will go back.Until 2021, the franchises had been battling with PCB over the financial model and had gone the legal route, leading former PCB chairman Ehsan Mani to set up a one-man panel with a retired chief justice of the Supreme Court to arbitrate on the issue. Tassaduq Hussain Jillani reviewed the financial model and submitted that report, though the PCB did not share details of it with the franchises, citing it as confidential. But it paved the way for PCB to sign the addendum that gave the franchises revised distribution revenue from the central pool.

100% duels, 92% passing: Spurs star just showed why he’s so "generational"

There might have been a nervy ten-minute spell in the second half, but last night’s game went about as well as it could have for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou’s side went into the second leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie against AZ Alkmaar a goal down and in the knowledge that should they fail to overturn the deficit, their season was over.

Fortunately, the North Londoners came out flying and, on another night, could have easily won by an even greater margin.

There were stand-out performances across the pitch for the hosts, including Wilson Odobert and another youngster who looks set to reach the very top.

Tottenham's stand-out players vs AZ

Odobert moved over to the right in the starting lineup in place of Brennan Johnson last night, and to say he took his chance would be a massive understatement.

The French winger found himself in the perfect place to put away Dominic Solanke’s pass across the box in the first half to give his side the lead and then positioned himself brilliantly to do the same again in the second half, which restored their aggregate lead.

It wasn’t just his goals, though, as the former Burnley gem was a constant threat throughout his time on the pitch and didn’t give the Dutch backline a moment’s rest.

The watching press were just as impressed, with football.london’s Alasdair Gold giving him a 9/10 match rating at full-time for his match-defining efforts.

Unsurprisingly, his statistics make for great reading, as in 78 minutes of action, he amassed an expected goals figure of 1.03, scored two goals, took two shots on target, completed three of four dribbles, took 50 touches and even made one interception and two tackles.

Odobert’s game in numbers

Minutes

78′

Expected Goals

1.03

Goals

2

Shots on Target

2

Dribbles (Completed)

4 (3)

Touches

50

Interceptions

1

Tackles

2

All Stats via Sofascore

In all, it was the sort of performance that means he must now be simply undroppable for the next game, which could also be said for one of the other teenagers who started last night, a youngster who could be something truly special.

Spurs have found an undroppable star

The good news for Postecoglou is that you could make a compelling argument that the majority of last night’s starters put in performances that would make them undroppable.

However, in this instance, it was 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall who started at the base of midfield and put in what might just be his best display since moving to the club in the summer – even if he was somewhat involved in AZ’s goal.

The young Swede was absolutely everywhere on the pitch, putting out fires at one end and then popping up at the other to help progress the ball or play a lovely pass.

Gold was seriously impressed with the youngster, giving him an 8/10 on the night and describing his showing as ‘superb.’

At the same time, journalist Mitch Fretton went a step further, describing it as “generational.”

Bergvall’s game in numbers

Minutes

84′

Passing Accuracy

44/48 (92%)

Key Passes

1

Dribbles (Completed)

3 (3)

Touches

66

Duels (Won)

7 (7)

Interceptions

5

Tackles

2

All Stats via Sofascore

Such strong praise is more than backed up by the midfielder’s statistics, as in 84 brilliant minutes, he took 66 touches, completed 92% of his passes, played one key pass, completed 100% of his dribbles, won 100% of his duels and made five interceptions and two tackles.

Ultimately, it was a simply sublime game from the former Djurgården star and, just as with Odobert’s, one that has surely made him undroppable for the foreseeable future.

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Liam Delap explains decision to join Chelsea after snubbing Man Utd to complete £30m Blues transfer from Ipswich

Liam Delap has revealed the reason why he chose to join Chelsea from Ipswich Town after snubbing a move to Manchester United.

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Delap explained decision to join ChelseaBlues finally won the transfer race for the strikerSnubbed a move to Manchester UnitedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Blues finally won the transfer battle for Delap as they confirmed the arrival of the promising English No.9 from relegated Ipswich Town on Wednesday. The 22-year-old has agreed to sign a six-year deal, which will keep him at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2031.

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After penning a long-term deal with the West London side, the former Manchester City youth player opened up on his decision to join the club as he claimed that he was tempted by the prospect of winning major trophies, while also stating his objective with the team.

WHAT LIAM DELAP SAID

Speaking to the club's official website, the striker said: "I wanted to come here to win trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that. The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective."

He added: "I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach. It's going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LIAM DELAP?

After a successful maiden campaign in the Premier League, where he scored 12 goals in 37 appearances for the Tractor Boys, Delap's next major assignment will be to participate in the upcoming Club World Cup, where Enzo Maresca's side play their opening match on June 16 against LAFC.

Wolves eyeing free move to sign 32 y/o player who's scored Molineux winner

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now showing interest in a summer move for an “immense” defender, who is set to be available on a free transfer, according to a report.

Wolves move six clear of the drop

At one stage this season, Wolves found themselves in a perilous position, however, an uptick in form under the helm of Vitor Pereira has moved them six points clear of the Premier League relegation zone with 10 games left to play.

Pereira’s side are by no means out of the woods yet, but Ipswich Town and Leicester City are in very poor form, so it is becoming increasingly likely they will avoid relegation to the Championship.

Wolves’ upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Southampton (a)

March 15th

West Ham United (h)

April 1st

Ipswich Town (a)

April 5th

Tottenham Hotspur (h)

April 12th

Manchester United (a)

April 19th

As such, the Old Gold can tentatively start making plans for the summer transfer window, and they have recently sent scouts to watch Viktoria Plzen striker Rafiu Durosinmi.

The Wanderers may be forced to bring in a new forward, given that Matheus Cunha, who has a £62m release clause in his contract, has now started to attract widespread interest.

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However, according to a report from The Daily Mail, Wolves are also keen to strengthen at the opposite end of the pitch, with it being revealed they are now showing an interest in Everton defender Michael Keane.

Keane is set to be available on a free transfer at the end of the season, upon the expiration of his contract with the Toffees, and a number of clubs are watching the centre-back.

Saudi Pro League side Al Riyad and MLS team FC Dallas are also looking at the Englishman, so Wolves may face competition for his signature, should they decide to formalise their interest.

"Immense" Keane is proven in the Premier League

The 32-year-old has a plethora of experience in England, making 249 appearances in the top flight across spells with Manchester United, Burnley and Everton, and he scored a late winner for the Merseyside club at Molineux back in 2021.

During his time with the Toffees, the 12-time England international has been lauded as “immense” by Harry Redknapp, but he has started to play more of a bit-part role this season, appearing for just two minutes in the Premier League in 2025.

AFC Bournemouth's Illya Zabarnyi shakes hands with Everton'sMichaelKeaneafter the match

As such, there are question marks over whether Wolves should pursue a move for the Everton defender, and it would admittedly not be the most exciting of summer signings.

However, Keane’s vast experience in the Premier League suggests he could do a good job as a squad player at the very least, and it is an added bonus that he is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, which would make it a low-risk move.

Spurs submit £38m bid for "wonderful" Real Madrid target; now leading race

Tottenham Hotspur have now submitted an opening bid of £38m for a “wonderful” player, who is also being targeted by Real Madrid, according to reports.

Tottenham keen on midfielder with Bissouma departure expected

It appears as though Yves’ Bissouma’s time in north London could be coming to an end, with Tottenham reportedly approving plans to sell the midfielder this summer, which means Ange Postecoglou may be tasked with bringing in a replacement.

Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney has been earmarked as a potential replacement for the Mali international, with the 22-year-old valued at £20m by the Championship club, which would make him an affordable option.

Hackney is not the only relatively cheap English midfielder on the shortlist, however, with Postecoglou eager to convince Lille’s Angel Gomes to make the move to N17 on a free transfer this summer, at which point his contract with the French club expires.

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There are also alternative options from within the Championship, and a report from Spain has revealed Spurs have now made the first move to sign Sunderland’s Chris Rigg by submitting a €45m (£38m) offer for the midfielder.

The Lilywhites are determined to get a deal for Rigg over the line, thus submitting a bid way over his market value, and they are now leading the race, but there is set to be stiff competition for his signature, as a number of other Premier League clubs are keen along with Real Madrid, hence the interest from the Spanish press.

Sunderland'sChrisRigg

The Black Cats will find it difficult to turn down such a huge offer for the 17-year-old, who is one of the most sought-after players outside the top flight, but they could also wait to see if Madrid make an approach. President Florentino Perez would love to sign the teenager, having scouted the youngster on a number of occasions this season.

Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Chelsea (a)

April 3rd

Southampton (h)

April 6th

Eintracht Frankfurt (h)

April 10th

Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)

April 13th

Eintracht Frankfurt (a)

April 17th

"Wonderful" Rigg impressing in the Championship

Despite his age, the central midfielder has already managed to establish himself as a key player for the Black Cats, who are on course to compete for promotion to the Premier League this season.

The starlet has made 34 appearances in the second tier, during which time he’s picked up four goals and one assist, and he won the Goal of the Month award for a well-taken effort against Middlesbrough back in September.

In truth, the idea that Tottenham have submitted a £38m bid should be treated with skepticism, given that previous reports have detailed that Sunderland would be willing to sanction his departure for just £25m this summer.

However, having been lauded as “wonderful” by former manager Tony Mowbray, it is clear Rigg is a very talented young player, and it would be fantastic if Tottenham were able to win the race for his signature.

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