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Blain recently accused Cricket Scotland of “rewriting history a week after I was forced to go public to clear my name”

Melinda Farrell20-Jun-2024

File photo: John Blain during his playing days•Getty Images

Trudy Lindblade, Cricket Scotland’s CEO, has described public comments made by John Blain at the formal conclusion of independent investigations into allegations of racist behaviour as “very disappointing”.Blain, the former Scotland and Yorkshire bowler, claimed last week that he had been “exonerated” of allegations of racism after making public a letter he received from Lindblade’s predecessor, Peter FItzboydon, in January.On Tuesday, Blain issued a subsequent statement, pre-empting Cricket Scotland’s formal conclusion of the independent investigations process that had stemmed from the ‘Changing the Boundaries’ report in 2022 (which had found Cricket Scotland to be institutionally racist). In it, Blain threatened legal action against the board, and accused Cricket Scotland of “a craven, disingenuous and despicable attempt… to rewrite history a week after I was forced to go public to clear my name.”At the centre of the row is Fitzboydon’s letter to Blain, dated January 12, in which he stated that allegations of racism against him had been “unfounded”. Cricket Scotland clarified in its statement on Tuesday that those allegations against Blain had not been progressed further “due to a combination of insufficient evidence, a lack of an applicable rule at the time of the complaint, and/or a lack of jurisdictional remit or authority to take formal action”.Related

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But Blain has accused Cricket Scotland of making “a desperate attempt to reinvent history and to row back from an unequivocal exoneration”, and alleged Lindblade had confirmed the claims were “unfounded” on a phone call shortly after she replaced Fitzboydon in February.”Not only did Pete Fitzboydon, the CEO of Cricket Scotland, write to me in January to say that all of the claims against me were unfounded, that I had no case to answer, and my case was closed, but that position was clearly confirmed by his successor Trudy Lindblade in a phone call with me in February,” wrote Blain in his statement.”She reiterated on the call that the claims against me were unfounded and the case against me was closed. I am sure that, if asked, she will publicly confirm that to be the case.”Lindblade confirmed she made the phone call to Blain in February and, while unwilling to give specific details of the conversation, said Cricket Scotland would take up the matter with Blain and his legal representatives.”It’s disappointing to have such a personal comment made in a public space,” Lindblade told ESPNcricinfo. “I had a conversation with John in the first weeks of starting in my role. It’s very disappointing that lines have been drawn. We can’t get into specific cases and it’s something that we should speak to John and his representatives directly.”Lindblade said she has had contact with both complainants and those accused in the allegations under investigation since taking up the role, although the processes in place prevented her from contacting everyone involved.”I tried to meet with whom I could work with, what was appropriate to do,” said Lindblade. “These are confidential cases and I have a role to play. But certainly, it was impossible to meet with everyone and due to the confidential nature of the processes sitting within the investigation team, that was not able to be done. But if someone reached out to me, I looked within a very busy schedule to try and communicate back in whatever way, shape or form that was.”Cricket Scotland’s concluding statement said five of the 51 completed referrals had proceeded to disciplinary processes. Most of the referrals failed to meet the criteria required to proceed further, Blain’s included, which centred on allegations made during an ICC-sponsored tour of Kenya in 2007.Lindblade believes the wholesale changes made within Cricket Scotland since the publication of the Changing the Boundaries report are sufficiently robust to deal with any future allegations of racist behaviour.”We have got really strong processes and procedures in place now,” she said. “We have overhauled our code of conduct, we have brought in a Conduct in Sport Manager with significant experience. We have put a number of things in place so, if this was to happen now, we would have a process that it would fit within, but the same principles apply. [If it’s] a rule breach, there needs to be clear evidence of what the rule is and then what the breach of that rule is.”It’s quite technical, but it’s really important because that’s why we have codes of conduct. That’s why we have these processes, to enable us to listen to everyone in the same way. The other thing I would say is that we’re always learning. And that’s really important because the world evolves at such a fast rate, sport is evolving at such a fast rate. What’s really important for us now as Cricket Scotland is that we continue to look at what goes on around us, continue to look at our sport, and make sure as things change around us that we’re changing with that.”While Blain’s statements have overshadowed the conclusion of the referrals process, Lindblade hopes Cricket Scotland could move forward with a reconciliation process, which includes offers of mediation.”We’ve got to try and take what has been a really challenging time for everyone involved and look at the positives and what this period may actually do to the future of Scottish cricket,” she said. “Can we look at it from that perspective, and try to take what is a very difficult time and say, where could we get to in ten years’ time?”But we’re only going to do that if we have got everybody working together. We are not there yet and we have got a lot to do to get there. We have put an offer on the table, we would like to get together and talk to these people through mediation, and through those means to enable us to help push that forward. Because it’s a known and tested form of reconciliation using restorative justice.”However, Lindblade acknowledged the outcomes of the referrals process and any future mediation was unlikely to satisfy everyone involved.”There are no winners in this. This is really emotive. I think there will be relief. I think there will be anger. I think there will be emotions that are part of us all being human beings. We are talking about people here and people react to things differently because everyone’s different. It’s been very divisive. How do we find a way to get everybody back to make sure the future of Scottish cricket is bright and that’s going to take a really long time. So, anyone who expects that to take place in months, or even the next 12 months, it’s going to take much longer than that.”

Tottenham Hotspur find themselves under new management, but have made a play for a target who is said to have been on their radar for the last 18 months, according to a report.

Tottenham begin search for summer reinforcements

Spurs find themselves with a platform to kick on under Thomas Frank. However, the Dane won’t be under any illusions about the magnitude of the task that lies ahead in the dugout.

Reinforcements at both ends of the pitch have been lined up, and Spurs are reportedly keen to bring Dennis Cirkin back to the club from Sunderland, even if they will need to do some convincing on that front.

Up the other end, former scout Mick Brown has detailed that Alejandro Garnacho could sign for Tottenham if ENIC can put forward a convincing financial package for the wantaway Manchester United star.

He stated: “Tottenham have been keeping an eye on Garnacho’s situation. It’s a move that could suit all three parties because Man United want to sell him, Tottenham will strengthen their team, and he wants to stay in the Premier League.

“But at the end of the day, it will all be decided by the money on offer. In normal circumstances, you’d be totally against selling one of your young players to a direct rival. For Man United, they don’t care where he goes as long as it’s the side offering the most money.

Tottenham Hotspur’s first five fixtures of the new campaign

Paris Saint-Germain (N)

UEFA Super Cup final

Burnley (H)

Premier League

Manchester City (A)

Premier League

Bournemouth (H)

Premier League

West Ham United (A)

Premier League

Kyle Walker-Peters could return to Tottenham on a free transfer after leaving Southampton, and Spurs may now have another bargain up their sleeve after recent developments came to light.

Tottenham eyeing bargain Ko Itakura deal

According to GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham are in regular contact with Borussia Monchengladbach involving Ko Itakura, and he has been on their radar for 18 months in their search for defensive cover.

With one year left on his deal at the Bundesliga outfit and no sign of an extension forthcoming, he could now be allowed to depart for a fee in the region of £12 million and intermediaries have kept Spurs informed about his situation.

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Itakura made 33 appearances across all competitions last season and scored four goals in that timeframe and is capable of featuring in central defence or even in midfield, signifying that he possesses a great deal of versatility.

Of course, Spurs endured something of an injury crisis last season that saw Archie Gray and Djed Spence among others shunted into unfamiliar positions within their rearguard, so there is a clear need for more options to prevent a repeat scenario.

Finding affordable solutions that can add to the group will be the priority, and Itakura certainly seems like someone who could become a valuable contributor in North London.

Manchester United will be adding further signings to their attacking arsenal before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September, after they agreed a deal to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Man Utd in talks to sign Premier League attacker

Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg recently claimed that the Red Devils are in talks with Brentford over a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo to bolster their attack.

The reporter claimed that the club already have a “verbal agreement” in place with the 25-year-old wing wizard, but that they are also facing competition from Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs recently confirmed the appointment of Thomas Frank, who managed Mbeumo with the Bees, and they are hoping that he can convince the forward to make the switch to North London.

The Cameroon international played in an inside right position for Brentford in the 2024/25 campaign and could compete for one of the two number ten positions in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system alongside Cunha.

Mbeumo delivered 20 goals and seven assists in the Premier League for the Bees, which shows that he has the quality to hit the ground running at Old Trafford, and could provide the team with a boost offensively.

United would not be done there, though, as the Red Devils are also looking to sign a new centre-forward on top of Cunha and possibly Mbeumo.

Man Utd remain keen on Amorim favourite

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have been making calls in recent weeks in an attempt to sign Sporting number nine Viktor Gyokeres.

The reporter claims, however, that it is going to be a difficult deal for the Red Devils to get over the line because the Sweden international’s priority is to secure a transfer to Arsenal.

Romano states that the Gunners are currently assessing their options, as they look to sign a new striker, and adds that RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko is also on their radar.

This means that Gyokeres signing for Arsenal is far from guaranteed, as it remains to be seen what they are going to do in that position, which means that the door is still slightly ajar for United.

In fact, Romano claims that the Red Devils “remain keen” on the former Coventry City centre-forward, despite their belief that a move is unlikely at this stage, due to his preference to sign for the Gunners.

In April, football statistician Spencer Mossman described him as a “lethal” striker who is possibly “the best finisher in the world”, which highlights the kind of quality United could get if they land a deal for the Swedish star.

24/25 season

Gyokeres (Liga Portugal)

Premier League’s best

xG

30.95

25.37 (Mo Salah)

Goals

39

29 (Mo Salah)

xG differential

+8.05

+7.74 (Bryan Mbeumo)

Minutes per goal

72

89 (Jhon Duran)

Goals + assists

46

47 (Mo Salah)

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Gyokeres certainly has the potential to be the best finisher in the Premier League next season, as he outperformed his xG by more than any player in the English top-flight did.

The Sweden international, who also scored ten more league goals than any other player in England’s top tier, was on fire for Sporting in the 2024/25 campaign and could, therefore, be a fantastic signing for United if they can turn the odds around and beat Arsenal to his signature.

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The Premier League season may have finished over a week ago, but it’s been a busy seven days for Manchester United.

The Red Devils embarrassed themselves on their post-season Asia tour, but did at least leave with a win.

Since then, they have confirmed their first arrival of the summer in an attempt to appease the fans after a ridiculous season for all the wrong reasons.

Matheus Cunha has decided he wants a piece of the craziness unfolding at Old Trafford, leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers behind in a £62.5m deal.

The Brazilian was exceptional for Wolves in 2024/25, scoring 17 goals in all competitions and also supplying five assists.

So, what’s next on the agenda?

Man United targeting another Premier League forward

As Ruben Amorim and Co desperately try to distract themselves from the lingering threat of Bruno Fernandes leaving England behind, wanted in Saudi Arabia, United are trying to strengthen their attacking ranks.

Cunha has already arrived but they did have Liam Delap in their crosshairs too before he reportedly agreed a move to Chelsea. Bryan Mbeumo is another Premier League star in line for a possible move to United.

Yet, their shortlist of players at English clubs doesn’t stop there according to TEAMtalk, who shared the latest on the club’s transfer plans on Monday morning.

They have reported that Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is now at the top of their list to reinforce the centre-forward position.

It’s alleged that the Eagles could be willing to sell the Frenchman for a bargain fee of just £29m with the player’s contract set to expire in the summer of 2027.

As a result, United are now expecting to make a ‘concrete move’ for Mateta in the coming days as Sir Jim Ratcliffe aims to beat competition from Serie A clubs, Juventus and AC Milan.

How Mateta could emulate Berbatov at Man United

Cast your mind back to the days of the Sir Alex Ferguson era and there was a certain aura about their transfer business.

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They’d look to the best talents in the top-flight to bolster their squad and they often had great success in doing so.

Think Wayne Rooney, think Rio Ferdinand, think Robin van Persie. Rooney and Rio quickly became modern-day greats after trading Everton and Leeds United for more luxurious pastures under Sir Alex.

Van Persie’s time at United was rather more short-lived but he was still the primary reason for their league title in 2012/13, the last time they won the league.

Another key component of previous title wins was Dimitar Berbatov who signed from Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth £30m back in 2008.

Dimitar Berbatov’s Premier League career

Season (club)

Games

Goals

Assists

2006/07 (Spurs)

33

12

9

2007/08 (Spurs)

36

15

11

2008/09 (Man Utd)

31

9

11

2009/10 (Man Utd)

33

12

6

2010/11 (Man Utd)

32

20

4

2011/12 (Man Utd)

12

7

0

2012/13 (Fulham)

33

15

3

2013/14 (Fulham)

18

4

1

Stats via Transfermarkt.

Already, this is a deal that begins to echo a possible swoop for Mateta. Not only could he potentially arrive for a similar fee, but he’d also be signing from another Premier League club.

In the campaign prior to moving up north, Berbatov was on fire for Spurs, scoring 15 league goals in 36 games and netting 23 in all competitions.

Mateta, funnily enough, found the net at a similarly frequent rate for Oliver Glasner’s side this season, bagging 14 times in 37 matches. He also scored 16 in 35 throughout 2023/24.

Hailed as “one of the best centre forwards in the league over the last two seasons” by the aforementioned Rooney, there’s more than just their goal rate and possible transfer fee that makes this move so similar.

Indeed, while the Palace star is most definitely more direct, pacey and physical in his approach, they do share some similar traits.

Berbatov was known for being a laid-back striker, someone who didn’t really look too bothered. However, he had a touch of class about him. His first touch was immense, coasting through games and coming alive in the key moments.

Mateta certainly has a similar play style in that regard. Off the ball, Mateta might look slightly more cumbersome but when he gets the ball, it all changes.

Thierry Henry, who managed the 27-year-old at the Olympics, outlined that best. Speaking at the Paris games last summer, he said: “He’s an old-fashioned striker, you can play a little more direct. He can keep the ball. He’s a boring striker to play against, he doesn’t lose the ball much, and he goes at the last defender. He uses his physicality, he’s good with his head, and he scores.”

United’s former Bulgarian was certainly cut from a similar cloth. He could hold the ball up exceptionally well and was incredibly difficult to dispossess. He was old-fashioned too.

So, while Mateta would provide more pace and energy than Berbatov ever did at United, their shared deceptive intelligence, clever movement and classy nature are all very similar. You can just imagine the former United forward scoring the goal below, firing home without a care in the world.

He’d be a certain upgrade on the floundering Rasmus Hojlund. The Dane only netted ten goals in 52 matches this season. They cannot rely on that again next term.

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Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this afternoon was enough to secure the club Champions League football ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Levi Colwill’s strike just minutes into the second half was enough to secure all three points for Enzo Maresca’s men, ending the year in fourth during the Italian’s first season at the helm.

Such an achievement is exceptional, handing the hierarchy a needed boost in the financial department, certainly aiding the current PSR standing and easing any concerns.

The win in the East Midlands was certainly a hard-fought contest, with the side deserving of a place among Europe’s elite, having the opportunity to claim a third European Cup.

However, despite the triumph, numerous players struggled to make the desired impact on Trentside, potentially putting their place in the side at risk over the summer transfer window.

Chelsea’s poor performers against Nottingham Forest

Midfielder Enzo Fernández has been widely linked with a move away from Chelsea in recent weeks, with Real Madrid the main outfit in the race for his signature.

The Argentine struggled to produce his best display in the win, failing to win a single tackle and only managed to complete 70% of the passes that he attempted.

He wasn’t alone in failing to impress, with attacking midfielder Cole Palmer once again disappointing and needing to recapture his best form in 2025/26.

The 23-year-old failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles, and registered a measly completion rate of just 17% from the crosses he put into the box.

However, despite the showings from the aforementioned duo, one other first-team regular was unable to extract his highest performance levels, putting his long-term future at Stamford Bridge at huge risk.

The 5/10 Chelsea star who may never play for the club again

This summer is now likely to be an exciting one for Chelsea supporters, with the manager now able to have the extra funds to make the changes he desires to his playing squad.

He’s done a magnificent job in leading the side to a place in the top five, deserving the chance to land any targets he feels would improve the options at his disposal.

However, he will likely want to move players on in the process, with winger Jadon Sancho still having a huge question mark next to his future in West London over the coming months.

The 25-year-old joined on loan from Manchester United last summer, with an obligation to buy for £25m, but they could pay a fee in the region of £5m to send him back to his parent club.

However, his showing in the East Midlands was one that wouldn’t have satisfied the hierarchy, which could spell the end of his stint as a Chelsea first-team player.

Sancho featured for 62 minutes of the contest, failing to register any efforts on goal and was unable to complete any dribbles, showcasing his lack of impact in the final third.

He also only registered a measly tally of 32 touches, a figure that was lower than that of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who managed a total of 44.

Jadon Sancho’s stats for Chelsea against Forest

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

62

Touches

32

Shots taken

0

Dribbles completed

0

Tackles won

0

Aerials lost

100%

Possession lost

6x

Stats via SofaScore

The loanee also failed to win a single tackle, whilst losing 100% of the aerial duels he entered, showcasing his inability to impress across all areas of the pitch.

As a result of his disappointing showing against the Reds, he was handed a measly 5/10 match rating by The Standard’s Malik Ouzia – highlighting the disappointing performance he produced.

Such a display will put doubt in Maresca’s mind over his long-term future, potentially saving them £20m to invest in other targets if they send him back to Old Trafford.

It’s safe to say that his time with the Blues has been well below the levels many expected, with the hierarchy needing to make sure that his outing today was his last for the club.

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Already thinking about summer targets, Crystal Palace have now reportedly set their sights on signing a young defender who’s earned comparisons with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk for his abilities in the air.

Glasner urges Crystal Palace to embrace final

Whilst transfer rumours continue to come thick and fast off the pitch, Crystal Palace and Oliver Glasner have been preparing for one of the biggest games in their history this week. Wembley and the FA Cup final awaits the Eagles, as they go in pursuit of their first-ever FA Cup victory.

In front of them stand a Manchester City side looking to restore some pride to what has been their worst campaign under Pep Guardiola. Still battling for Champions League qualification with two Premier League games to go, the Citizens find themselves in unfamiliar territory and in with every chance of falling victim to a shock upset at Wembley.

The nerves will only be natural for all involved in South London, but Glasner has urged his players to embrace the occasion, telling reporters this week: “What is clear is that we should feel no burden. Pressure comes when you are trying to avoid relegation, when you are playing for your future, the future of the football club and the club’s employees.

“But playing in a Cup Final means that you can achieve something incredible. This is what we are all playing for, this is the childhood dream! When these players were kids, I’m sure they all watched the Cup Finals and dreamed of one day being involved in one. Now, everyone has the chance to fulfil that childhood dream.”

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It is also worth noting that FA Cup final victory would also see Crystal Palace qualify for the Europa League in a moment that would have an impact both on and off the pitch.

Crystal Palace targeting De Winter

One deal that Europa League qualification would help with is for a Serie A star. According to Football Transfers, Crystal Palace are now targeting a move to sign Koni de Winter from Genoa this summer. The central defender has only been at the Italian club for a year, but they’re already hoping to make profit by selling the former Juventus man for around €30m (£25m) in the coming months.

Dubbed a “gifted footballer” by U23 scout Antonio Mango during his Juventus days, De Winter has only pushed on at Genoa to earn comparisons with Virgil van Dijk by Football Transfers.

Those comparisons are certainly understandable, too. According to data relayed by their report, De Winter is well above average when it comes to his aerial performance in the Serie A, so it’s perhaps no surprise he’s scored three times with his head in his 22 league starts this term.

It’s the type of impact in both boxes that Crystal Palace should go all out to sign this summer, as Glasner looks to reinforce his backline.

Over the years, Liverpool have signed numerous players who have had a huge impact on their squad, ultimately helping them claim Premier League glory this campaign.

Virgil van Dijk is undoubtedly the biggest example, costing £75m from Southampton back in January 2018 and being a spare head in their backline ever since.

The Dutchman, who’s now the club’s captain, has played every minute of the league season in 2024/25, helping the side keep 14 clean sheets in the process – the most of any side in the division.

Players like Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister have also been influential in their success, nailing their place down in various positions across the field.

However, this summer presents a fresh opportunity for Slot to add new blood to his squad, with numerous players already emerging on their shortlist ahead of the window.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new signings this summer

Martin Zubimendi is a player who’s been on Liverpool’s radar constantly over the last few years, even having an offer accepted for him last summer.

The Spaniard turned down a switch to Anfield before reemerging on their shortlist ahead of the summer, but he appears to be heading to Arsenal in a £50m move after Fabrizio Romano’s latest report.

However, the same can’t be said for right-back Jeremie Frimpong, with the Dutchman appearing to be edging ever closer to completing a switch to Anfield ahead of the summer.

It’s been confirmed that the 24-year-old is keen on a move to the club after the Reds held talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a deal for the full-back, who has a £29.5m release clause in his current deal.

However, despite the moves for the aforementioned duo, one current first-team player is already worth as much as the pair combined, highlighting the great work done by the hierarchy in recent times.

The Liverpool star who’s worth as much as Zubimendi & Frimpong

Slot’s ability to win the league title in his first season in charge is nothing short of remarkable, undoubtedly getting the best out of the players who are already at the club after his appointment.

Such success could lead to an exciting prospect for supporters when he’s able to spend money this summer and make his own stamp on the squad on Merseyside.

The likes of Frimpong could add further quality to the first team squad, helping his compatriot achieve the unthinkable and retain their title in 2025/26.

However, the Leverkusen star could also link up well with current midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who’s managed to hugely impress throughout this season, after getting the chance to thrive under Slot’s guidance.

After joining for £34m from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, the 22-year-old only made 12 league starts in his first season – unable to cement his place in the starting eleven.

However, his importance to the squad has been immeasurable this time around, starting all but one meeting and being a crucial cog in the midfield for his compatriot.

His underlying stats are just as impressive, completing 90% of the passes he’s attempted, allowing him to notch a tally of four assists in the Premier League this campaign.

Ryan Gravenberch’s stats for Liverpool in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

35

Assists

4

Pass accuracy

90%

Tackles won

52%

Interceptions made

1.7

Successful dribbles

1.1

Aerials won

65%

Stats via FotMob

Gravenberch has also starred without the ball, winning 52% of the tackles he’s entered, whilst making 1.7 interceptions per 90 – often being the player to break down the opposition’s threat going forward.

As a result, he’s now valued at a staggering £80m by FootballTransfers, a mammoth increase after his big-money transfer to Merseyside less than two years ago.

His subsequent value is the same as Zubimendi and Frimpong’s respective transfer fees of £50m and £30m, highlighting the progression he’s made throughout this season.

If the club are to mount a charge to maintain their title glory next season, investment will be crucial, handing the manager the funds he needs to make adequate changes.

However, the form of Gravenberch will also be imperative, with his performance levels certainly aiding their pursuit if he can replicate the success he’s enjoyed in Slot’s debut campaign.

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Liverpool have been boosted in their attempts to sign a £50m-rated Premier League player in the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool days away from Premier League glory

The Reds’ 1-0 win away to Leicester City on Sunday afternoon edged them one step closer to winning the title, with glory now within touching distance for Arne Slot and his players.

Liverpool know they will be crowned Premier League champions if they win at home to Tottenham on Sunday afternoon, but in fact, they could even seal the title before then in the unlikely event that Crystal Palace prevail at Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Slot will know that a busy summer is still required at Anfield, however, with his squad flawed in certain areas, such as left-back and centre-forward, and new signings continue to be linked with the Reds.

Ballon d’Or favourite Raphinha has been mentioned as a surprise option for Liverpool, but he feels more likely to sign a new deal at Barcelona, while highly-rated Leicester City teenager Jeremy Monga has also been backed to come in and be a long-term acquisition.

Liverpool boosted in race to sign £50m Bournemouth star Huijsen

Speaking on Give Me Sport‘s Market Madness podcast, Romano claimed that Real Madrid may pull out of the race to sign Liverpool target Dean Huijsen, amid continued interest in the Bournemouth centre-back, who has a £50m release clause in his contract:

“I’m hearing that internally at Real Madrid, they have still not decided whether they want to sign a centre-back or not in the summer, how much they want to spend. They have Raul Asencio at the club who is doing very well. So that’s why Real Madrid are not so convinced, not about Huijsen, but about signing a new centre-back in the summer.

“And this is why the timing is helping the English clubs. So Liverpool will be there, Arsenal will be there, Chelsea will be there. The release clause is £50m, so the negotiation is on player side, basically. And I’m sure that all these three clubs will push and push again in the next days, weeks, to try reach an agreement with Dean Huijsen and his camp.”

This is a definite plus for Liverpool, who seemingly continue to see Huijsen as a leading option to come in and bolster their central defensive options this season, and rightly so.

The Spain Under-21 international has been superb for Bournemouth throughout the season, playing with a maturity far beyond his 19 years, averaging 5.9 clearances and 2.3 aerial duel wins per game in the league.

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If Liverpool manage to pip other huge clubs to Huijsen’s signature ahead of next season, it would feel like a major coup, with the former Juventus youngster having the potential to become one of the best centre-backs in Europe.

It’s safe to say Tottenham Hotspur have endured a disastrous Premier League campaign in 2024/25, with Ange Postecoglou under serious pressure as a result of their lowly league standing.

The Lilywhites currently occupy 15th place in the table with just six games remaining, sitting 18 points off the top four, showcasing how below par the side has been in recent months.

Whilst injuries have undoubtedly played their part, the Aussie has done himself no favours with his selections, even being booed by supporters in the defeat against Chelsea a few weeks ago.

However, his side still have the chance to end the campaign with a trophy, facing Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tomorrow night.

Regardless of whether Spurs advance, it’s pivotal that additions are made over the summer to prevent a repeat of their lacklustre performances throughout the ongoing season.

The latest on Spurs’ activity ahead of the summer window

Over the last couple of days, Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha has emerged on the club’s shortlist, with reports claiming Spurs are ready to break their club record to sign him.

The Brazilian has registered 18 combined goals and assists in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, with his latest coming against Postecoglou’s men on Sunday.

It’s evident that the hierarchy are targeting added attacking reinforcements in the summer window, with Southampton forward Tyler Dibling another player constantly touted with a move to North London.

However, despite the links with the aforementioned duo, the club have also started work on a deal to land Bournemouth’s talented forward Antoine Semenyo, according to GIVEMESPORT.

They aren’t alone in their pursuit, with Manchester United and Liverpool also in the race for the Ghanaian’s signature, but any deal would cost a fee in the region of £70m.

Why Semenyo would be Spurs’ best LW since Son

Heung-min Son has cemented himself as a modern-day icon at Spurs, being the shining light over a dismal couple of years on the pitch for the club.

The South Korean has been a key part of the first-team side ever since his move to North London back in the summer of 2015, registering 451 appearances and scoring 173 times.

He’s taken the captain’s armband over the last couple of months, highlighting his importance to the squad, but he’s failed to produce his high levels of performance, with age starting to play a factor in his decline.

The 32-year-old has only registered 11 goals across all competitions in 2024/25, his lowest tally since his debut campaign in the capital nearly a decade ago.

Wilson Odobert and Timo Werner have also attempted to fill the void in recent months, but both have struggled, opening the door for Semenyo’s summer move to North London.

When comparing the Cherries forward to the aforementioned trio, he’s managed to outperform them all, showcasing what a superb addition he would be to Ange’s side ahead of next season.

The “world-class” attacker, as dubbed by The Athletic’s Richard Amofa, has registered more goals than the current other Spurs left-wingers, showcasing the attacking threat he possesses.

How Semenyo compares to Spurs’ LW’s in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Semenyo

Son

Odobert

Werner

Games played

31

28

11

18

Goals scored

8

7

1

0

Shots taken

3.7

2.4

2

1.4

Shots on target

1.2

1

0.1

0

Tackles & Interceptions

1.9

1

1.5

1.2

Take-ons completed

2.1

1.3

1.5

1.6

Aerials won

1.9

0.3

0.5

0.2

Stats via FBref

He’s also registered more aerials won per 90, whilst also completing more take-ons, having the tools to thrive in various areas, making him the perfect all-round option for the Lilywhites.

Semenyo may cost a pretty penny this summer, but given the figures he’s produced at the Vitality in 2024/25, it would be a sensational piece of business that could catapult the side back towards the summit of the table.

At just 25, the Ghanaian international has the potential to improve further in the years ahead, allowing the club to gradually phase out Son, given that the South Korean is edging towards the latter stages of his career.

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Aston Villa moved up to seventh in the Premier League table by beating the team that were ahead of them – Brighton & Hove Albion – 3-0 away from home on Wednesday night.

The Villans, in a match that lasted over 100 minutes, secured all three points in emphatic fashion, thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, and Donyel Malen, who all joined the claret and blue army in the January transfer window.

There were many impressive performers for Unai Emery’s side throughout the match at the AMEX, including the player who scored the opening goal on the night – Rashford.

Why Marcus Rashford's performance was vital for Aston Villa

The England international, who is on loan from Macnhester United until the end of the season, was the player to make it 1-0 for Villa with his terrific run in behind the Brighton defence.

He made a great movement off the shoulder of the last defender to race clear through on goal and the finish matched the run as the speedster brilliantly lifted the ball into the back of the net to give Villa the lead.

The 27-year-old attacker’s goal broke the deadlock and allowed the away side to play with more freedom, having taken the lead, which teed up the rest of the performance for Villa to go on and win with ease, which is why his display and goal were so vital for Emery’s team.

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There was a Villans star, however, who was even more important to the result, as Morgan Rogers proved that he is the main man for Villa with another sublime showing.

Why Morgan Rogers is the main man for Aston Villa

Emery has a host of brilliant attacking talents at his disposal, including the likes of Rashford, Asensio, and Ollie Watkins, but it is the former Manchester City man who runs the team with his performances.

As the attacking midfielder tasked with carrying the ball through the thirds, Rogers is crucial to everything that Villa do in possession and is now closing in on 20 goal contributions for the season, with 12 goals and seven assists in all competitions.

The 22-year-old dynamo, who was handed a player rating of 8/10 by BirminghamLive, added another two assists to his tally in the win over Brighton, playing a phenomenal long-range ball to Rashford for the opener, and racing down the flank to provide a perfect cut-back for Asensio to make it 2-0.

Vs Brighton (A)

Rogers

Rashford

Minutes

88

65

Goals

0

1

Big chances created

2

0

Assists

2

0

Duels won

6/12

0/2

Tackles + interceptions

7

1

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the English whiz outperformed Rashford with his contributions to the side in and out of possession throughout the game, which shows that he offered more to the team overall.

Rogers, who was compared to Jude Bellingham on Sky Sports earlier this season, has proven himself to the main man time and time again for the Villans, as he has started all 29 of his appearances in the Premier League, whilst Watkins has been a substitute on five occasions.

Illustrating his all-round quality, Rogers is the only player in the squad who ranks within the top five for shots, dribbles, key passes, and fouls won per game, which speaks to how much of an influence he has on matches on the ball.

The Villa star can impact games with his energy out of possession, by winning tackles and duels, whilst also providing a threat as a scorer and a creator of goals, which makes him the full package for Emery and the manager’s main man on the pitch in the top-flight.

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