Leeds United are back in the big time, with the Elland Road side reclaiming their rightful place among England’s elite at the second attempt.

It was hard graft reaching the Premier League for Daniel Farke’s men, although it will be even tougher staying there. Are they ready for it?

While tweaks and additions have been made in key departments, namely the signing of Lucas Perri to replace Illan Meslier between the sticks, the top end of the pitch still appears in need of reinforcement.

Indeed, Joel Piroe is yet to be tested in England’s top tier. Daniel James has recorded just 12 goals and 12 assists in 106 Premier League appearances. Brenden Aaronson’s solitary campaign at that level yielded just one goal and three assists in the ill-fated 2022/23 season.

With last term’s loan hero Manor Solomon yet to make his return to Yorkshire, despite interest in a reunion, it is evident that attacking additions are needed.

Latest on Leeds' search for a forward

On the striker front, it appears that an experienced acquisition could be on the cards, with recent reports suggesting that the Whites are keen on Inter Milan veteran Mehdi Taremi, with former Fulham talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic also being touted as a wildcard option.

As for the flanks, Farke and co do appear to be intent on bringing Solomon back into the fold on a permanent deal, with journalist Graeme Bailey having revealed earlier this month that Tottenham Hotspur could demand a fee of around £20m for the Israeli international.

A more recent report from MOT Leeds News has outlined another name that is under consideration, with the club having sent scouts to watch Andreas Schjelderup in action for Benfica against Nice, during their Champions League qualification clash.

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As per the piece, the 21-year-old is on Leeds’ list of targets and is considered to be ‘high up on that list’, albeit with it yet to be seen whether that interest will translate into a formal approach.

The Norwegian winger has endured a mixed stint in Lisbon, although everything points to him being a perfect alternative to that man Solomon…

How Schjelderup compares to Solomon

If Leeds are plotting to bring Solomon back to Elland Road, it would be of little surprise. Having endured a slow start to life in Yorkshire, following his loan switch from Spurs, the 5 foot 7 sensation proved to be a central figure in the club’s promotion push.

Despite having waited until late November to get off the mark, amid his brace away at Swansea City, the wideman went on to score ten times, alongside providing a further 12 assists in the Championship.

Schjelderup may not have been quite so impactful at Benfica, although he did register five goals and eight assists in all competitions, with talent scout Jacek Kulig lauding him as “such an amazing prospect”.

Having initially signed for the Portuguese side in the summer of 2023, the youngster returned to Nordsjælland on loan for the following campaign, before eventually departing the Norwegian side with a record of 43 goals and assists in 97 games in all competitions.

That record alone is more than enough reason for optimism, as too is the fact that Solomon ranks among the most statistically similar players to him, among those in their position in across the best leagues outside Europe’s top five, as per FBref.

Non-penalty goals

0.17

0.35

Assists

0.52

0.42

Shot-creating actions

5.67

5.11

Pass completion

81.9%

80.6%

Progressive passes

4.29

3.86

Progressive carries

4.29

5.01

Successful take-ons

1.55

2.43

Progressive passes received

11.85

11.12

Touches in opposition box

5.67

4.94

As indicated in the table above, while Schjelderup’s minutes have been limited across the last year or so, he ranks highly across a string of attacking metrics, notably mirroring Solomon with regard to his pass completion rate and progressive carries record.

In essence, the Benfica starlet is rarely wasteful on the ball, even when trying to make things happen for his side, while he is also adept at dragging his team up the pitch with a fruitful carry.

As evidenced above, Schjelderup is lethal when cutting in on to his favoured right foot, with much of his best work – like Solomon – coming off the left flank, while he also boasts a knack for the spectacular when providing that finishing touch.

While it may be the Spurs-owned winger whom Farke and Leeds will have their heart set on, turning to a player like Schjelderup would represent a more than worthy alternative.

Farke's new Buendia: "Exceptional" £22m star is very keen on Leeds transfer

A Leeds target who could be Daniel Farke’s new Emi Buendia is very keen on a move to Elland Road.

2 ByDan Emery Aug 8, 2025

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has insisted that the the board remains “clear” in its view that any decision on the hosting of the Champions Trophy should be made “on the basis of equality”. With the ICC virtually meeting and potentially voting on the issue on November 29, Naqvi said he had been in touch with ICC chairman Greg Barclay and that “his team” at the PCB was in contact with the ICC.”Our stance is very clear,” Naqvi said during a press conference held at the Gaddafi Stadium at 1am on Thursday morning. “I promise we’ll do what is best for Pakistan cricket. I’m constantly in touch with the ICC chairman and my team is talking to them constantly. We’re still clear in our stance that it’s not acceptable that we play cricket in India, and they don’t play cricket here. Whatever will happen, will happen on the basis of equality. We’ve told the ICC very clearly, and what happens next we’ll let you know.”The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be hosted across three venues in Pakistan over February and March next year. But India, who have not toured Pakistan since 2008, told the ICC their government had not given them permission to travel to Pakistan for the event earlier this month.Related

• Fate of Champions Trophy still unclear as no decision taken at ICC meeting

• Decision on Champions Trophy venue expected over the weekend

• Where will the Champions Trophy be played? ICC to take final call after November 29 meeting

• Champions Trophy saga: Blame lies with ICC leadership

• India will not travel to Pakistan for 2025 Champions Trophy

Previously, Naqvi has categorically stated a “hybrid model” where Pakistan hosts most of the games, but any games India play be held elsewhere, was unacceptable. “Our stance is clear: they need to give us in writing any objections they may have,” he said earlier this month. “Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one.”Naqvi confirmed India had not provided Pakistan any written objections and he didn’t say whether, in his communications, the ICC had answered questions the PCB had asked about India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for the event.But he did not directly answer repeated questions about whether a hybrid model remained just as unacceptable to the PCB. “Whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved,” Naqvi said multiple times. “But I repeat, and I am sure you know what I mean, it’s not possible that Pakistan play in India, and they don’t come here.”Naqvi’s comments are a reference to Pakistan considering the terms of its involvement in future events hosted by India. India are hosts of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, as well as co-hosts of the 2026 T20I World Cup alongside Sri Lanka.Naqvi did say any decision taken at the ICC meeting would then be taken to the Pakistan government by the PCB for final approval. He also urged Jay Shah, who leaves his post as BCCI secretary to take over as ICC chairman on Sunday, to show concern for the ICC’s benefit in his handling of the organisation.”[Jay Shah] takes charge in December, and I’m sure once he moves from the BCCI to the ICC, he will think about the ICC’s benefit, and that’s what he should do. Whenever anyone assumes such a role, he should only consider the interests of that organisation.”Naqvi also said that the PCB’s goals going into the meeting were not financial. “I promise you that we’ll not just sell our rights out just for more money. This will never happen. But we’ll do whatever is best for Pakistan.”

Tottenham Hotspur are widely reported to be in talks over a deal for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, but he isn’t their only playmaking target, as chairman Daniel Levy assesses alternative options too.

A dramatic late move for Eze would seriously help to put a pretty miserable recent few weeks behind Spurs.

In the space of a few days in early August, Thomas Frank was forced to both wave an emotional goodbye to club legend Son Heung-min and find a way to cope without the creative influence of James Maddison.

Since Son’s departure, Cristian Romero has replaced the South Korean as captain of the Lilywhites, but Frank is still attempting to fill the gaping void left by Maddison’s serious injury.

Hearts were in mouths when the 28-year-old collapsed to the turf and was stretched off against Newcastle in Seoul, and it has since been confirmed that Maddison will miss most of the 2025/2026 season after suffering an ACL rupture.

Before losing Son and Maddison in different respects, Tottenham missed out on a £60m deal for Morgan Gibbs-White in the most bizarre fashion imaginable.

The original plan was to complement Maddison with Gibbs-White’s arrival, but in a sorry state of affairs, Frank heads into the new season with neither – despite going as far as to book a medical for the latter last month.

Dejan Kulusevski’s lengthy lay-off with an injury compounds Tottenham’s troubles, but their newly-opened talks for Eze have sparked some hope that the north Londoners can back Frank with a much-needed new creator before the summer deadline.

Spurs are in negotiations to sign both Eze and Man City winger Savinho in separate deals right now, but as we’ve seen from their transfer window so far, Tottenham’s business is rarely so straightforward.

If a deal cannot be done for Eze, the club do have fallback targets, and one of them is Como sensation Nico Paz.

Tottenham weighing up Como starlet Nico Paz after alleged rejected bid

Last week, Sky Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio reported that Tottenham had a £35 million offer rejected for Paz, but his colleague Michael Bridge now states that Frank’s side are still there for the Argentine.

According to Bridge, in a fresh Sky Sports update, it is believed that Tottenham are still weighing up Paz as an option in their search for a number 10, but it could be a very difficult deal to do.

“The main players Spurs want are a No 10, a defender and a winger,” reported Bridge in a Q&A.

“Eberechi Eze is a player who’s been on their radar for some time. But before now, it’s never gone beyond someone they’ve got an interest in.

“Now the Crystal Palace midfielder can be considered among their top targets. They are also assessing other targets, including Como’s Nico Paz – but that is looking like a difficult deal to do.”

Cesc Fabregas’ Como have set a valuation of around £60 million for the 20-year-old, which is a similar price to Eze, and could arguably be viewed as much more of a gamble.

Paz has just one full season of regular football under his belt, with Spurs in need of a more proven playmaker right now, despite some praise from footballing icon Lionel Messi.

“Nico has many qualities and understands the game perfectly,” said Messi.

“He has an impressive mind and is working with a coach who is my friend (Cesc Fabregas) who will help him grow even more.”

Each of the five franchises have a total budget of INR 15 crore, up from INR 13.5 crore last year, to build their squads

Shashank Kishore28-Nov-2024The Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction for the 2025 season is set to be held on December 15 in Bengaluru. Each of the five franchises have a total budget of INR 15 crore, up from INR 13.5 crore last year, to build their squads.England captain Heather Knight, New Zealand fast bowler Lea Tahuhu, and West Indies allrounder Deandra Dottin will be among some of the top international stars who will be up for bidding at the mini auction.Among notable Indian names who will be looking at potential bids are allrounder Sneh Rana, legspinner Poonam Yadav, and batter Veda Krishnamurthy.Delhi Capitals, led by Meg Lanning, and runners-up in 2023 and 2024, have the smallest purse of INR 2.5 crores, while Gujarat Giants, who finished last in the first two editions, will have the most cash, INR 4.4 crore, to spend in rebuilding their squad after letting go of as many as seven players from their roster.Related

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What each team needs at the WPL 2025 auction

Rana, Poonam, Knight, Tahuhu released ahead of WPL 2025 auction

WPL, Hundred, WBBL given separate windows in new women's FTP

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who have in their mix India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and New Zealand’s T20 World Cup-wining captain Sophie Devine, also released seven players. Among them is Knight, who had pulled out of the previous season due to international commitments. RCB go in with a purse of INR 3.25 crore Each squad can comprise of a maximum of 18 players and can have a maximum of six overseas players.England’s Danni Wyatt-Hodge was the only player to be transferred during the pre-season trade window that closed in early November, with RCB securing a deal through an all-cash trade from UP Warriorz (UPW). Wyatt-Hodge didn’t feature in a single game for UPW in 2024, who had finished fourth last season.The inaugural WPL was held entirely in Mumbai, while the 22 games in the second season were spread out between Bengaluru and New Delhi. The BCCI is keen on continuing the caravan model by introducing new venues slowly, although teams are keen for the board to explore the home-and-away format going forward.The third edition of the five-team tournament will be played over a three-week window in February-March 2025, before the tournament finds a new window in January-February from 2026, as per the new women’s Future Tours Programme for the 2025-29 cycle.

اعترف فيديريكو فالفيردي، نجم نادي ريال مدريد، بأن فريقه عاش وقتًا صعبًا للغاية، عقب الخسارة في ديربي العاصمة الإسبانية أمام ريال مدريد، في بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

ريال مدريد تعرض لهزيمة قاسية أمام أتلتيكو مدريد بخمسة أهداف مقابل هدفين يوم السبت الماضي، ضمن قمة الجولة السابعة من الدوري الإسباني على ملعب واندا ميتروبوليتانو.

ويسعى ريال مدريد للتعويض عندما يواجه نظيره كيرات الماتي الكازاخستاني يوم غدًا الثلاثاء، ضمن الجولة الثانية من مرحلة الدوري في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

طالع .. مدرب كيرات: سنلجأ إلى بعض الحيل أمام ريال مدريد.. ولن ننظر إلى خماسية أتلتيكو

وقال فالفيردي في المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص باللقاء، والذي نقلته صحيفة آس بادئًأ بالحديث عن مواجهة كيرات: “ندخل هذه المواجهة محاولين تغيير ما حدث ضد أتلتيكو والخروج بروح مختلفة والفوز، كان الاستقبال رائعًا وكان الكثير من جماهير ريال مدريد ينتظروننا، كان الأمر جنونيًا”.

ونفى فالفيردي الشائعات التي أشارت إلى أنه لا يحب اللعب كظهير أيمن، حيث استطرد: “إذا قلت ذلك فقد يظنونني كاذبًا. اسألوا المدرب ولطالما قلت إنني متاح للفريق. لم أرفض أبدًا اللعب في أي مركز ودائمًا ما أقدم أفضل ما لدي أينما كنت، مع أنشيلوتي، مع زيدان، ومع تشابي”.

واستكمل: ”لطالما عبرت عن رأيي، على أي لاعب أساسي أن يغتنم هذه الفرصة كما لو كانت الأخيرة. لم أرفض أبدًا اللعب في هذا المركز، من النادر أن يحدث شيء كهذا. إنه شرف لي أن ألعب لـ ريال مدريد وهذا واضح، يمكنكم سؤال زملائي أو المدرب وأنا دائمًا حاضر من أجل الفريق وسأموت من أجل ريال مدريد”.

وعن الخسارة أمام أتلتيكو مدريد أضاف: ”لقد كانا يومين صعبين للغاية، كنا منزعجين جدًا من الهزيمة وكانت ضربة موجعة، تحدثنا كثيرًا، منذ أن كنت في ريال مدريد نادرًا ما يحدث هذا حيث كان هناك الكثير من النقاشات، علينا أن نعدل الوضع بأسرع وقت ممكن، شددنا على الروح القتالية في الملعب وأيضًا مع المدرب كانت هناك نقاشات كثيرة، غدًا المباراة الأولى لتغيير كل ذلك”.

وأوضح: ”ليس هناك أي شكوك من قبلنا بشأن الفريق وبشأن المدرب، لعبنا مباريات كثيرة لكن لم يكن لدينا وقت كاف مع تشابي، علينا أن نبذل قصارى جهدنا وبنسبة 100% حتى تُحل جميع المشاكل في أسرع وقت ممكن”.

وأردف: ”لقد تعرضنا لهزيمتين مع تشابي وكانتا صعبتين للغاية، هذه أمور تشكل جزءًا من كرة القدم لكن علينا أن نحاول منع حدوثها وأن نغير الصورة، علينا أن نبقى متحدين قدر الإمكان داخل الملعب وخارجه حتى يكون عامًا جيدًا لنا”.

وتابع: ”أشعر ببعض الإحباط، أنا مدرك تمامًا لأسلوب لعبي، فأنا أول من يعلم متى لا تسير الأمور كما أريد، اللاعبون يدركون تمامًا ما إذا كانوا يقدمون أداءً سيئًا في المباريات”.

وواصل: ”صحيح أنني بدأت بداية جيدة في المشروع الجديد في كأس العالم، أعتقد أنني لعبت جيدًا هناك، الآن أصبح الشعور بالراحة في الملعب أصعب بكثير بالنسبة لي وسأواصل العمل، كقائد سأواصل قيادة الفريق والدفاع عن نفسي عندما ألعب وسأواصل بذل قصارى جهدي والمضي قدمًا”.

وعن عدم مشاركته في مركز الجناح قال فالفيردي: “في النهاية دائمًا ما تسمع أو ترى الانتقادات ومن الجيد أن تتلقى الثناء. لم أولد لألعب في مركز الظهير ولم أكبر كلاعب وأنا ألعب هناك ، كانت لحظة حرجة احتاجني الفريق فيها، شعرت بالفخر لأنني تمكنت من تقديم أداء جيد. لكنني لطالما تساءلت إن كانت تلك المباريات ستكون مجرد لحظة عابرة”.

وأضاف: ”شعرت بالراحة في مركز الظهير وفزنا بالكثير عندما لعبت كجناح، فزنا بدوري أبطال أوروبا وأنا هناك ومرة ​​أخرى وأنا في خط الوسط”.

وأوضح: ”أنا متاح دائمًا وأتعلم المركز الجديد عند الحاجة، لا أشعر بالراحة لأنني لم أكبر وأنا ألعب هناك وأواجه صعوبة في بعض الأمور مثل التغطية في الدفاع، لكنني أحاول إظهار ثباتي ولهذا السبب تسير الأمور على ما يرام بالنسبة لي هناك”.

وأردف: ”نشأت في مركز خط الوسط وتعلمت الكثير هناك من العديد من اللاعبين، لكنني أبليت بلاءً حسنًا في مركز الظهير وأنا هنا لأي شيء يحتاجه المدرب مني”.

وعن كيرات تابع: “لم نتدرب كثيرًا قبل هذه المباراة أما من لعبوا أقل ضد أتلتيكو فقد تدربوا. شاهدنا العديد من مقاطع فيديو لفريق كيرات. لكن كانت هناك أمور أهمما هي النمو كفريق والتركيز على أنفسنا وهذا ما جاء في المقام الأول”.

وعن مشجعي كيرات اختتم فالفيردي: “في مدريد، من الطبيعي جدًا أن يحدث هذا. لم يسبق لي أن جئت للعب هنا وبدا الأمر ضربًا من الجنون. كان الوقت متأخرًا جدًا ومغادرة المطار ورؤية هذا العدد الكبير من الناس ينتظروننا، إنه مصدر فخر ويجب أن نقدر ذلك. هذه أمور تغير كرة القدم وإنه لشرف لي أن ألعب هنا. نحن نسعى للفوز من أجل هؤلاء الناس”.

AC Milan have been dealt a significant blow with Mike Maignan set to miss their next match after sustaining another calf injury. The issue, which forced him off during the win against Bologna, adds to a worrying pattern for the Frenchman, who has now missed 54 games since joining the Rossoneri, raising questions over the club's summer transfer strategy.

• Allegri rules Maignan out of Udinese clash with 'dangerous' calf problem

  Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed goalkeeper Maignan will miss the club's next match against Udinese after sustaining a right calf strain. The French international was forced off in the 56th minute of Milan's 1-0 victory over Bologna on Sunday and was seen leaving San Siro on crutches, according to . Allegri confirmed the blow post-match, expressing caution over the recurring nature of the injury. 

  "I don't think Mike will be in Udine because his calf is dangerous," he said. "The important thing is to work as a team like tonight, then even in difficult situations it's important to have this right spirit, one small step at a time."

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  Maignan's concerning injury record reveals worrying pattern

  The latest setback adds to a troubling injury history for Maignan since he joined the Rossoneri. The strain is to the same right calf that has caused him significant issues in the past, most notably in the 2022-23 season when complications kept him sidelined for 31 matches between September and February. In total, the France No.1 has now missed 54 games through various injuries since his arrival in Milan, a figure that starkly contrasts with other top Serie A goalkeepers. 

  The news soured what was otherwise a positive evening for Milan, who secured three points thanks to Luka Modric's first goal for the club. The 40-year-old midfielder fired home in the 61st minute to seal the 1-0 win. However, the victory proved costly, as defender Strahinja Pavlovic was also substituted with a hip flexor strain, leaving Allegri with two new injury concerns to manage.

• Milan may regret rejecting Chelsea's summer approach

  Maignan's persistent fitness issues will undoubtedly raise questions over Milan's decision to block his potential transfer to Chelsea in the summer. The Premier League club were reportedly on the verge of signing the goalkeeper before Allegri's arrival, with the new head coach insisting the club pull the plug on the deal to make Maignan a central part of his project. With the keeper once again facing a spell on the sidelines, the club may now be questioning the wisdom of retaining a player with such a problematic injury record.

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  What next for Milan as Terracciano steps up?

  In Maignan's absence, 35-year-old veteran Pietro Terracciano is set to deputise. The summer signing made his club debut after replacing the Frenchman against Bologna and is now in line to start against Udinese at the weekend and likely in the subsequent Coppa Italia fixture against Lecce. With Milan not competing in Europe this season, the lighter fixture schedule may provide some relief as the club awaits a full prognosis on the length of Maignan's absence.

MatériaMais Notícias

Dorival Júnior reestreou no São Paulo com o pé direito, após a vitória contra o América-MG por 3 a 0. Mesmo assim, o treinador falou sobre a saída de Rogério Ceni e destacou o legado que o ex-goleiro deixou no Tricolor.

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Assim como em 2017, Dorival assumiu o comando do clube do Morumbi logo após a saída de Ceni. Durante a coletiva de imprensa pós-jogo, o atual treinador tricolor afirmou ‘ser delicado’ falar assumindo a posição de ‘alguém que representa o que Rogério Ceni foi’, relembrando a coincidência da primeira vez que isso aconteceu.

ATUAÇÕES: Rafael tem noite de “paredão” e salva São Paulo na estreia de Dorival

Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

– Édelicado você falar assumindo a posição de uma pessoa que representa o que o Rogério representa. É uma pessoa que eu tenho carinho, um respeito especial, toda história. Coincidência éque eu estou entrando justamente quando ele ta saindo, mas me coloco na condição do Rogério e sei o sentimento que ele possa ter – destacou.

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Dorival afirmou querer dar sequência ao trabalho de Ceni, ‘fazendo seu melhor e aproveitando o máximo’. Para o técnico, o confronto com o América-MG foi muito complicado, mas afirmou que a semana foi conturbada com tudo o que aconteceu.

– Quero fazer meu melhor, dando sequência, aproveitar o máximo possível, partida muito complicada, se acontecesse um gol a história seria outra, tenho que enaltecer a equipe, foi uma semana conturbada, não é fácil, querendo ou não muda o foco principal. Até porque muitas notícias envolveram, isso criou um problema extra, raros são aqueles que apartam uma situação da outra, temos que trabalhar e nos dedicar ao máximo – completou.

Agora,o São Paulo volta a campo na próxima terça-feira (25), contra o Ituano, pelo jogo de volta da terceira fase da Copa do Brasil. Vindo de um empate sem gols, a partida é essencial para a classificação para a próxima etapa.

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After missing out on the signature of Morgan Gibbs-White this summer, Tottenham Hotspur have been trying to secure a new attacking midfielder ahead of the new campaign.

The signing of Joao Palhinha in a deep-lying position has solved one of the underlying problems in the side, allowing them to focus on other areas of the pitch as a result.

James Maddison has for so often been the player who’s occupied the number ten role in North London, but new boss Thomas Frank will be unable to rely upon him during the first few months of the campaign.

The Englishman sustained an ACL injury in the pre-season clash against Newcastle United, which is expected to rule him out for the majority of the 2025/26 season.

Such a setback has highlighted the further need for additions in the middle of the park, which could see numerous players being pursued before the September 1st deadline.

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Buy Premium Now Expand Collapse The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new attacking midfielder

Over the last couple of days, it’s been confirmed that Spurs have entered talks with Crystal Palace over a potential deal to sign midfielder Eberechi Eze.

However, if they are to secure the signature of the England international this summer, they will have to battle North London rivals Arsenal – in what could be a two-horse race.

He’s not the only player they’ve been considering as of late, with Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss also in their sights, according to TheBoyHotspur.

Their report claims that the Lilywhites are set to trigger his £22m relegation release clause in his contract, after the Foxes suffered an immediate return to the second tier last season.

It also states that the player himself would be keen on a move to join Frank’s side, with their Champions League status seen as a huge bonus in their pursuit of the Moroccan international.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Eze

There’s no denying that Eze would be a phenomenal addition for Spurs this summer, but it’s currently unclear as to whether he would want to join Frank’s side.

The 27-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s most potent forwards in recent times, as seen by his superb tally of 16 goal contributions in his 34 appearances throughout 2024/25.

He’s registered three goals and one assist in his seven outings against the Lilywhites, potentially landing a star who has constantly caused havoc against them in England’s top-flight.

Having a player of his talent would hand the new boss the added quality he needs to build on the Europa League success achieved last season, whilst also denting their rivals’ ambitions in the process.

However, whilst he may remain as many of the supporters’ first choice this window, El Khannouss could be an excellent alternative to Eze, following a similar trend should he move to North London.

The 21-year-old would replicate the Englishman in joining the club from a Championship outfit, before developing into one of the biggest threats in England’s top-flight.

Despite suffering relegation to the Championship last season, it didn’t stop the youngster from outperforming Eze in numerous key areas – arguably being a better addition for the club this summer.

How El Khannouss & Eze compare in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

El Khannouss

Eze

Games played

33

34

Goals & assists

6

16

Progressive passes

5.4

3.3

Progressive carries

2.9

2.4

Goals per shot on target

0.3

0.2

Pass accuracy

75%

74%

Passes into final third

3.8

1.7

Take-on success

57%

48%

Carries into the final third

1.9

1.6

Stats via FBref

El Khannouss, who’s been labelled “elite” by analyst Ben Mattinson, achieved a better goal per shot on target rate last season, arguably being a more clinical option for the Lilywhites within the final third.

He also notched higher tallies for progressive passes and passes into the final third per 90, able to create more chances for his potential new teammates throughout 2025/26.

The Leicester star’s dominance is further highlighted in his higher take-on success and tally of carries into the final third, subsequently able to single-handedly create an opportunity out of nothing for Frank’s men.

£22m would be a sensational piece of business by the club, able to land a talent with bigger potential for a fraction of the cost if they decide to move for the Moroccan instead of Eze.

Given the lack of quality in such a department, given Maddison’s injury, it’s vital the club make the right addition, with El Khannouss able to fill the void and continue his development and become a leading Premier League talent in North London.

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Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a back injury and is unlikely to play again this season, which could also leave his IPL stint with Lucknow Super Giants in doubt.Marsh has endured a difficult season and lost his Test place to Beau Webster for the final match against India at the SCG, having made 73 runs in seven innings and performing a limited role with the ball during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His fitness was a regular topic of conversation during that five-Test series.Related

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He played a lone BBL game on January 7 after the Test series against India but then rested from the last three matches of the BBL season to mentally and physically refresh ahead of Champions Trophy. But his back remained a serious issue and the selectors have ruled him out of the tournament. A CA statement described the issue as “lower back pain and dysfunction” but did not reveal specifics.”Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men’s Champion’s Trophy with ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction,” the statement said. “The National Selection Panel and Australian men’s medical team ruled Marsh out of the tournament with the injury which has not responded sufficiently to rehabilitation.”His lower back pain flared in recent weeks leading the NSP to make the longer term decision for Marsh to complete a more extended period of rehabilitation. Marsh will now undergo a period of further rest and rehabilitation as part of his return to play plan. The NSP will meet to decide on a replacement for Marsh in due course.”The absence of Marsh, who is Australia’s T20I captain and has stood in for Pat Cummins to lead the ODI side, will force a rejig to plans for the top-order. Jake Fraser-McGurk could be a potential replacement despite struggling against Pakistan earlier this season and having a lean run in the BBL up until the final match. But his explosive power at the top makes him a like-for-like replacement for Marsh at No.3, though he is yet to face 50 balls or more in List A cricket and has passed 50 just twice in 22 innings.Australia have a lot of batting cover in the squad already, including spare wicketkeeper Alex Carey, and could choose another allrounder to replace Marsh. Will Sutherland played ODI cricket last year and would have been on the tour of the UK in September had he not suffered a back injury. Webster has not played ODI cricket but could be called upon if needed, while Cooper Connolly is also a spin-bowling allrounder although Australia have four batters who can bowl spin in the squad already. Cameron Green remains unavailable as he continues his rehab from back surgery in October.Cummins also remains a doubt for the tournament due to an ankle injury he carried through the Test series against India, so with Marsh out of contention Australia may need another captain which would bring Steven Smith, currently in charge of the Test team in Sri Lanka, Travis Head and Josh Inglis into contention. Head has captained the T20I but has not led the ODI side. Inglis captained both in the recent home summer as Australia have half an eye on their future leadership options despite Cummins looking set to push through to the 2027 ODI World Cup.Marsh was a key part of Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup triumph where he scored centuries against Pakistan and Bangladesh. Since being used consistently in the top order from March 2023 he has averaged 44.54 in ODIs with a strike-rate of 109.13.A year ago, Marsh was named the Allan Border Medalist following his successful comeback to Test cricket alongside his consistent limited-overs returns.Champions Trophy squads can be freely amended until February 11 after which approval is required from the technical committee.Australia play two ODIs in Sri Lanka on February 12 and 14 in preparation for the tournament.Legspinner Tanveer Sangha will fly to Galle to join Australia’s Test and ODI squads as a development player, but is not in contention for selection. Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson is doing the same for the ODIs, with the pair also a chance to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

We’ve got to face the facts: there’s a growing chance that Alexander Isak will not sign for Liverpool before the transfer window closes in just one week.

Liverpool’s desire to sign the Newcastle United striker, and indeed Isak’s desperate hopes of joining the Reds this summer, have been dashed by the Magpies’ struggles to sign new forwards.

Even now, with the 2025/26 campaign underway and the market into the final stretch, United have failed to add a striker to their ranks, missing out on a slew of top targets over the past several months. They need two for Isak to leave, for Callum Wilson left St. James’ Park at the end of his contract in June.

Speaking of Tyneside, Liverpool make their way to Newcastle’s stadium on Monday, meeting Eddie Howe’s side in what is being billed as a venomous Premier League clash between renewed rivals.

Arne Slot led Liverpool to the league title last season, but many comings and goings have occurred in the months since, and Liverpool still need another forward, Isak or not.

Liverpool's search for a forward

With the tragic passing of Diogo Jota this summer, and the sales of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, Liverpool are somewhat light in attack, even though they have signed Florian Wirtz in a British-record deal and have landed a new number nine in Hugo Ekitike, joining from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79m in July.

Two goals and an assist from as many matches marks quite the start to his Liverpool journey (more of the same tonight, Hugo), and has even led some to question the need for a number nine of Isak’s calibre when Slot has a superstar-in-the-making brewing.

But, should Isak stay put, Liverpool must surely still push toward a new forward, potentially someone capable of playing across a range of attacking berths.

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has been regularly linked with a move to the Premier League and to Liverpool this summer, but Northern correspondent Dominic King has confirmed that the Brazilian is not on the Anfield agenda.

However, if Isak doesn’t sign, Liverpool might want to act on their earmarked interest in an up-and-coming winger with a point to prove.

That man is Lyon’s Malick Fofana. Previous reports this summer detail Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has been poised to lodge an official offer if the opportunity arises, and that time might be on the horizon, should Newcastle bar the door on Isak’s exit.

Arsenal have also shown an interest this summer, have been willing to pay €40m (about £35m), but the Gunners have now signed Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, leaving the door open for Liverpool, should they wish to make their move.

What Malick Fofana would bring to Liverpool

Fofana might only be 20 years old, but he has made considerable progress since joining Lyon from Belgian club Genk in January 2024, scoring 16 goals and supplying eight assists across 64 matches.

Lyon are still in Ligue 1 after their relegation due to financial breaches was overturned, and Fofana has posted a goal and an assist across his two appearances this season.

Dynamic, versatile and endowed with a physicality and befits a high-profile role in the Premier League, Fofana could be a fantastic addition at Liverpool, potentially even helping Ekitike reach his much-discussed ceiling.

Ekitike, 23, is mobile and powerful and pacy, and he has already shown at Liverpool his capacity. He bears a likeness to Isak, and no mistake, but there’s no question that the Sweden international is the more complete and refined man, more clinical in front of goal.

Maybe, with this in mind, Liverpool don’t actually need to sign Isak. While he’s rightly FSG’s top target, the Magpies man shares interesting attributes with Ekitike, and the same can be said for Gordon and Fofana.

Indeed, data-led platform FBref have revealed that Fofana’s high-speed dribbling and natural clinical edge make him a similar player to the England international, perhaps with an even keener edge in front of goal.

24/25 Stats – Fofana vs Gordon

Stats (* per game)

Fofana

Gordon

Matches (starts)

29 (16)

34 (28)

Goals

5

6

Assists

4

5

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.5)

1. 7 (0.6)

Big chances missed

4

10

Pass completion

84%

81%

Big chances created

6

6

Key passes*

0.9

1.5

Dribbles*

0.8

1.1

Tackles*

1.1

0.9

Duels won*

2.9

4.4

Data via Sofascore

All in all, Gordon is more refined than the boyish Fofana (as is also the case with Ekitike and Isak), but perhaps a new partnership could be born on Merseyside, evoking the spirit of that Gordon-Isak partnership at Newcastle but doing so with new parts.

Fofana, praised for his “electric” style by content creator Dev Bajwa, has already demonstrated a fierce sharpness in front of goal, and a frightening athleticism besides. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe for non-penalty goals, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 12% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90.

Truly, he has the potential to become something special, and with Cody Gakpo already holding down the fort on Liverpool’s left flank, Fofana could enter the fray without being bogged down by the weight of expectation.

Allowed to develop organically alongside Ekitike, Liverpool could find themselves cheering on a staggering new partnership, potentially saving millions on Isak and former target Gordon.

Yet still advancing Slot’s project to an even more illustrious level.

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