Whilst Thomas Frank managed to win his first Premier League game as Tottenham Hotspur manager, the club still have work to do before the end of the summer transfer window.

He’s already been backed by the board, landing a £55m deal for Mohammed Kudus, but ultimately, further big-money reinforcements are needed to avoid a repeat of the 2024/25 campaign.

The Lilywhites ended the previous year in 17th place, still managing to win the Europa League, with the Dane the man to lead them into the Champions League this season.

However, if the 51-year-old is to be successful in either of the competitions in the near future, he will need added quality in depth within key areas of the pitch.

Big money will likely need to be spent if added success is to be achieved, but one of the club’s key dealings may have already taken place over the last couple of days.

Cristian Romero’s new contract at Tottenham Hotspur

Back in the summer of 2021, Spurs completed the loan signing of Cristian Romero from Italian outfit Atalanta, making the centre-back’s move permanent 12 months later – costing around £42.5m in the process.

Whilst his disciplinary record has often been brought into question, he’s been a key component of the Lilywhites’ backline, making 126 appearances over the last four years.

The 27-year-old was named the club’s captain last week, highlighting the trust new boss Frank has placed in him – understandably so given his Man of the Match showing in the European final against Manchester United.

The good news has continued for the Argentine, penning a new four-year deal until the summer of 2029, with such a move arguably one of the best pieces of business conducted by the club this window, amid interest from Spanish giants Atlético Madrid.

However, despite Romero’s new contract, the hierarchy are looking to add further quality into the club’s backline, handing Frank the added depth he needs to help the side challenge at the top of England’s top-flight.

Spurs targeting move for a new Romero partner

Over recent days, Spurs have entered talks with Manchester City over a potential deal for 20-year-old right-back Rico Lewis – potentially providing competition for Pedro Porro.

The Englishman has also been subject to interest from Nottingham Forest, but it’s been confirmed that the youngster wants to remain at the Etihad beyond the summer window.

However, he’s not the only defender in their sights, with the club also strongly considering a move to land Brentford star Nathan Collins, according to the Daily Mail.

Their report claims that the Lilywhites have been closely monitoring the Irish international, who featured in every single minute of the previous Premier League campaign.

It also states that Manchester United and Liverpool are also plotting a move for the 24-year-old, but Spurs could hold the key to any move, given the centre-back’s previous time playing under Frank at the GTEC.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be perfect for Romero

Whilst Frank has only overseen two competitive games as Spurs boss, he’s already showcased his versatility in the role, operating with various different systems.

In the UEFA Super Cup final against PSG, the Dane utilised a back-five, whilst switching back to a more familiar back four in the win against Burnley on Saturday.

However, if the club are to be a success, adapting the side based upon the opposition is vital, something which was hugely lacking during Ange Postecoglou’s tenure.

A move for Collins could offer the new boss the depth he craves, adding another option to the heart of the defence, which could allow for a centre-back trio of Micky van de Ven, Romero and the Irishman.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the Bees star would set the hierarchy back before the September 1st deadline, but it would be a transfer that would add the needed quality to the defensive unit.

When comparing his stats to those of Romero from 2024/25, the 24-year-old managed to outperform the Argentine in key areas, even ranking highly among other defenders in the division.

Collins, who’s been labelled “one of the best defenders in the Premier League” by journalist Mario Marra, ranked in the 97th percentile for blocks made (2.1) whilst ranking in the 89th percentile for aerials won (3.1), according to FBref.

Games played

38

18

Goals & assists

5

1

Progressive carries

0.9

0.7

Progressive passes

4.8

4.5

Blocks made

2.1

1.1

Clearances made

5.9

3.6

Aerials won

3.1

2.6

Aerial success rate

63%

60%

Such figures are both higher than those produced by Romero, which would subsequently hand Frank the quality at the back to improve the record of 65 league goals conceded last season.

The Irishman also achieved a better aerial success rate last season, whilst making nearly two times more clearances per 90 – further highlighting the quality he possesses without the ball.

However, despite Collins’ ability without the ball, he’s also showcased his talent in possession, something which has been vital in Frank’s system – as seen by the Bees’ average possession of 48% in the Premier League during 2024/25.

He managed to achieve more progressive passes and carries per 90 last season, able to seamlessly fit into the manager’s plans given his previous stint under his guidance.

Whilst it’s unclear how much the Bees will be demanding to part ways with their captain, it’s a deal that could transform the Lilywhites’ fortunes within the defensive third.

If he can replicate such numbers from 2024/25, he could prove to be the perfect partner for Romero, which could provide added success for the club in the not-too-distant future.

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MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras tem utilizado bem o seu período de pausa dos jogos por conta da Data Fifa. Além do esperado descanso, o clube realizou um jogo-treino na Academia de Futebol e tem trabalhado pontos a serem aperfeiçoados no time. Quem revelou satisfação com esse período foi o volante Gabriel Menino, jogador do elenco que tem a maior sequência de partidas na temporada com 32 seguidas.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Em entrevista para a TV oficial do Verdão, o meio-campista valorizou a possibilidade de o elenco trabalhar especificamente situações de ataque, que na visão dele estavam em falta. Além disso, foi possível descansar a cabeça depois de uma intensa maratona.

– Foram dias mais para descansar a mente, o corpo está acostumado com a sequência de jogos. Foi bom também para a gente encaixar nossos ataques, porque isso estava faltando um pouco, mas pudemos treinar bastante nesta última semana. Mas principalmente para descansar a cabeça, tenho certeza de que esse período vai nos ajudar muito para o restante da temporada – revelou o Cria da Academia.

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A respeito do embate contra o Bahia, Menino falou da importância de somar mais três pontos. O Palmeiras é o atual vice-líder do Brasileirão com 22 pontos e o único invicto da competição nacional, mas deve encarar um adversário que terá o clima como aliado em Salvador.

– Lá em Salvador vai ter o calor, que é algo que contará a favor deles, mas vamos buscar os três pontos, a gente encara todo jogo como uma final. Tivemos uma semana para nos prepararmos e tenho certeza de que faremos um excelente jogo fora de casa.

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+ Palmeiras coloca preço de Libertadores em ingressos para ‘decisão’ com o Botafogo pelo Brasileirão

Autor do primeiro gol da vitória sobre o São Paulo por 2 a 0 no Morumbi, no último domingo, Gabriel Menino disse que tem como trunfo o chute de longe e que vem se aperfeiçoando cada vez mais. O recurso pode ser mais uma arma para buscar a vitória fora de casa.

– Eu treino bastante o chute de fora da área e vinha tentando nos jogos também. Às vezes não tinha a oportunidade de chutar, mas, graças a Deus, no clássico contra o São Paulo, pude acertar mais um belo chute e foi muito importante para mim e para a equipe, porque conseguimos o nosso objetivo, que eram os três pontos. Agora é dar sequência – concluiu o camisa 25.

Gabriel Menino soma 175 partidas e 15 gols pelo clube, sendo 35 confrontos e sete bolas na rede na atual temporada. Desde julho de 2022, ele esteve presente em 60 dos últimos 65 duelos. Em 2023, com a saída de Danilo, o volante assumiu a titularidade do meio-campo ao lado de Zé Rafael.

Now that the summer transfer window is done and dusted, Liverpool will feel they are in a strong position to retain the Premier League title they won so confidently under Arne Slot’s management last season.

The Reds had just parted ways with iconic manager Jurgen Klopp, and many expected his successor, who had found success with Feyenoord in the Netherlands, would fall by the wayside in keeping with comparable circumstances at Arsenal and Manchester United.

And despite opting against a trigger-happy transfer window, Slot’s Liverpool knuckled down with the options available, giving rise to new heroes such as Ryan Gravenberch in the number six role.

But now that Liverpool are at the top, they are determined to stay there, bolstering their ranks with superstars like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, as well as many more, including Hugo Ekitike, Isak’s rival at number nine and with three goals and an assist from his first four outings in Red.

However, it didn’t all go the way of sporting director Richard Hughes, with a deadline-day deal for Marc Guehi falling through after Crystal Palace failed to land a suitable replacement and Oliver Glasner threatened to walk.

Could it prove a significant blow for the Merseysiders?

Why Liverpool wanted Guehi

Over the past four years with Palace, Guehi has gone from strength to strength and established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout centre-backs.

Said to have been an “absolute gem” by former Reds coach Michael Beale, who also coached him during his formative years in Chelsea’s academy, from the start, it’s no surprise that Guehi’s performances for club and country over the past few years have earned Liverpool’s vested interest.

With Ibrahima Konate now in the final year of his contract at Anfield and Virgil van Dijk having turned 34 in July, it felt necessary that FSG green-lit the signing of a new centre-half, and indeed Liverpool pushed to sign Bournemouth prodigy Dean Huijsen before he signed for Real Madrid.

But Liverpool did win the race for Italy star Giovanni Leoni, who, aged 18, is regarded as one of the best defensive prospects in the world, and put pen to paper on a £30m transfer.

But Guehi would have added proven quality to the ranks, and it’s anticipated that Liverpool will return for the Three Lions star next summer.

However, maybe Liverpool’s worries would have been eased if they had kept their homegrown version of Guehi at the club this season.

Liverpool already sold their own Guehi

Much of the reasoning behind Liverpool’s decision to sell Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen in a £35m deal this summer made sense, but the centre-half had showcased his potential under Klopp, and he may yet become one of Europe’s leading defenders.

However, much of Quansah’s gains made across a brilliant breakout year in 2023/24 were undone when Slot took Klopp’s place, hooking him at half-time during the opening game of the season, a 2-0 win over newly-promoted Ipswich Town.

Slot commented post-match that Liverpool were struggling for success in the duel, but it perhaps proved a psychological blow for the up-and-comer, who thereafter was benched for 11 successive league fixtures and started only three further matches before the end of the campaign.

Still, he had previously been hailed as an “absolute monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and certainly boasts the range of passing and movement on the ball to emulate the style Liverpool were going for with the signing of Guehi.

Integral in winning the Carabao Cup as Klopp bowed out after nearly nine years, Quansah started regularly toward the end of the Premier League campaign, completing 89% of his passes, winning 64% of his duels, as per Sofascore, and looking very much at home alongside the redoubtable Van Dijk..

Taking that term and comparing it with Guehi’s recent effort with the Eagles, you perhaps begin to see that Liverpool might have already had their own version in the ranks.

Quansah (23/24) vs Guehi (24/25)

Stats (per 90)

Quansah

Guehi

Goals + assists

0.15

0.15

Touches

97.11

62.70

Pass completion

88.6%

83.5%

Passes attempted

88.64

51.93

Progressive passes

5.07

3.94

Progressive carries

0.98

0.65

Shot-creating actions

0.98

1.29

Ball recoveries

5.45

4.30

Tackles + interceptions

3.18

2.62

Clearances

2.95

4.80

Blocks

1.21

1.62

Aeriel duels won

3.40

2.00

All data via FBref

Sure, Leverkusen offered a sizeable figure for the 22-year-old, and Liverpool knew his chances of consistent minutes across the season were slim, but Quansah could have played a part, allowed to develop further as his experience grew under Slot’s wing.

While he remained a fringe player throughout, the England U21 international stepped into the campaign and popped up with some big moments after the new year, especially when the Reds came under the cosh against Wolverhampton Wanderers and required some big defending.

While it would be anticipated that Guehi’s ball-playing and other more progressive metrics would increase upon leaving Palace for Liverpool, the fact that Quansah managed to showcase a proficiency in such a system makes an interesting comment on the player he could now become in the Bundesliga.

FSG will be content after inserting a €60m (£51m) buyback clause into his contract with Die Werkself, but having now missed out on Guehi, the Anfield side might look back with hindsight at having allowed a player of significant potential and similar attributes to have left earlier in the window.

Leoni is a potential superstar, but Liverpool will need to ensure they do not overburden the teenager after only a few steps on English shores.

Had Quansah, a defender who has played 58 matches for Liverpool, scoring three goals, providing three assists, and winning several titles, stayed put, Slot’s side might have that final bit of quality and depth needed as they stare at a promising season with many forks in the road.

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Wrexham have endured a difficult start to the Championship campaign and could be set for a change in the dugout, with speculation over movement likely to be fueled further by a recent known face who has been spotted at the Racecourse Ground.

Wrexham hold Phil Parkinson talks after QPR defeat

After a run of three defeats in five league matches this term, the Red Dragons find themselves in the Championship relegation zone after a 3-1 defeat to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

Phil Parkinson is a man under pressure after recording a bigger net spend than the likes of Aston Villa, Celtic and Rangers during the summer, and talks have now taken place over the Wrexham manager possibly being replaced after a poor run of results, according to talkSPORT.

Internally, club chiefs could take a ruthless approach as they look to build on three successive promotions under the 57-year-old, and his job may now be under threat after four years in North Wales.

Speaking after his side fell to another damaging loss, Parkinson lamented his team’s contribution at both ends of the pitch, saying: “The previous home games, we looked like we can create chances and score. But the goals we conceded, one one hand, you’ll say they were clinical, but when we analyse them all, we’ll know we could have done better.

“The strikers are better (in the Championship). To be fair to Burrell and Kone, they were in League One last year.”

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Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have brought plenty of big names to the Racecourse during their tenure, and supporters may be intrigued to know that a former Premier League winner was in attendance at their latest encounter in the second tier.

Former Manchester United star Phil Jones spotted at Wrexham

Taking to social media platform X, Mailsport correspondent Nathan Salt shared a picture of former Manchester United star Phil Jones in the stands as Wrexham lost out to QPR.

The 33-year-old, who was once dubbed “phenomenal” by Sir Alex Ferguson due to his versatility, was at the Red Devils working voluntarily within their Under-18 set-up.

Salt later explained why Jones was invited to take in the action, stating: “Been one suggestion put to me by someone I respect in the game that Wrexham have been putting feelers out to add to the coaching staff. Jones was in with Utd’s U18s on a voluntary basis last season. Could fit the bill.”

Wrexham CEO Mike Williamson is the one who invited him to the match, per the reporter, suggesting that movement could be on the cards one way or another at the Welsh outfit.

With Parkinson’s future at the club uncertain, it remains to be seen where Jones, a Premier League winner with the Red Devils, may fit, albeit he would likely be ruled out of taking over himself due to a lack of senior coaching experience.

When it comes to Premier League academies, it’s hard to think of many as successful as Chelsea’s Cobham.

The sheer number of top-flight quality prospects that come out of the Blues’ youth set-up is frankly extraordinary, and while they wouldn’t admit it, likely the envy of many of their rivals.

For example, in Enzo Maresca’s current squad, you have the likes of Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah and even Jamie Gittens, who spent some time in West London as a youngster before moving back to Reading.

Another international-level star who cut their teeth in Chelsea’s youth ranks is Marc Guehi, and while some fans would surely love to have him back, the club’s already got an academy gem who’ll be an even bigger star.

Marc Guehi's failure to make it at Chelsea

Guehi joined Chelsea’s youth ranks at the age of eight and, after 11 years of hard work, was rewarded with his first professional contract in September 2017.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, first-team football was still a distant prospect, and even though he was named in a Premier League squad for the first time in May 2019, he wouldn’t make his competitive debut for the Blues until September, two years after signing his first contract.

He started against Grimsby Town in the Third Round of the League Cup and then in a defeat against Manchester United in the Fourth Round, which would be his final appearances for the club.

That January would see him make the first of two loan moves to Swansea City, where, over the following season and a half, the youngster would make 59 appearances before securing a £18m move to Crystal Palace in July 2021.

It might seem like Chelsea made a terrible mistake in selling the Englishman, but it made sense at the time, as he had no Premier League experience and the West Londoners had the likes of Thiago Silva, Antonio Rüdiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and more already in the squad.

Since moving to Selhurst Park, the Abidjan-born titan has made 161 appearances for the Eagles, in which he has scored nine goals, provided four assists, won the FA Cup and forced his way into the England set-up.

In all, leaving Chelsea has worked out for Guehi, and while some fans would understandably want him to return to Stamford Bridge, Maresca already has a player in his squad who could have an even brighter future.

The Chelsea ace who'll be a bigger star than Guehi

One of the significant advantages of Chelsea’s transfer policy in recent years is the number of incredibly talented youngsters they now have on their books.

However, in this instance, we’re talking about a Cobham graduate, someone who would’ve surely had a brilliant season if he hadn’t suffered an unfortunate injury last month: Levi Colwill.

There are a few reasons why we think the Blues gem will eventually surpass the Palace star, and one of them comes down to how they are viewed by the team and those in the know.

For example, while Guehi impressed with Swansea and was looked at as a talented defender, the West Londoners made it abundantly clear that they did not view him as a future superstar when they sold him to the Eagles.

In stark contrast, they made a concrete effort to keep the Southampton-born gem on the books, opting to loan him to Brighton & Hove Albion for the 22/23 season.

Moreover, they even rejected a £30m offer for the “world-class talent,” as described by scout Jacek Kulig, at the end of that campaign, which would’ve been £12m more than they got for Guehi.

The second reason the 22-year-old could end up being an even bigger star than the Liverpool target is that he already measures up to him very well when we have a look at their underlying numbers.

For example, the “elite” defender, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, comes out on top in certain important metrics such as passing accuracy, interceptions, carries, aerial duels won, shots blocked and more, all per 90.

Passing Accuracy

89.3%

83.5%

Passes into the Final Third

4.23

3.91

Live Passes

69.1

48.9

Tackles

1.34

1.79

Tackles Won

0.97

1.00

Shots Blocked

0.71

0.68

Interceptions

0.94

0.82

Carries

46.3

33.6

Miscontrols

0.40

0.47

Dispossessed

0.23

0.53

Aerial Duels Won

2.34

2.00

Moreover, while he does win fewer tackles per 90 than the Palace star, he attempts significantly fewer, meaning he actually has a higher success rate.

Finally, while Guehi is an exceptional centre-back, that is the only position we’ve seen him play, whereas the Cobham star has proven to be more than qualified to fill in at left-back when required.

Ultimately, while the former Blues star has excelled since his move south of the river, Colwill looks like he will be the bigger star in years to come.

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“We did get a little bit of swing [against GT] but that came at the expense of getting a dry ball, which probably affected Yuzi a little bit,” PBKS assistant coach Hopes said

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Mar-2025

Arshdeep Singh got reverse swing against Gujarat Titans, but Yuzvendra Chahal had to bowl with a wet ball•IPL

To continue with the same ball to try to get some reverse swing or opt for a drier ball to ensure spinners can grip the ball better? Punjab Kings (PBKS) will weigh up the options before making a decision, their assistant coach James Hopes said ahead of their IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).Before the start of the season, the IPL decided to revoke the ban on the use of saliva on the ball and allowed one ball change on demand by the fielding team after the tenth over of the second innings in evening games.”Arshdeep [Singh] enjoyed it [against Gujarat Titans (GT)],” Hopes said. “He was worked on the ball properly with saliva, and we did get a little bit of swing in that last game at the end. But, to be fair, that came at the expense of getting a dry ball as well because we didn’t change our ball, and that probably affected Yuzi [Yuzvendra Chahal] a little bit as well because he wasn’t bowling with the dry ball for that game.Related

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“So we have to weigh up what we’re going to need the most: whether we’re going to need to try and get a little bit of tail with the older ball or whether we’re going to need to give our world-class spinner a dry ball to make an impact within the last ten overs of the innings.”Tuesday’s match will be played on a red-soil pitch, which has plenty of grass covering. Hopes said he expected a “spin-heavy night out” at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.”I think it’s fine to have a home-ground advantage,” he said. “If that home-ground advantage is [that] you have a spin-heavy attack and you can play on a spinning wicket, that’s fine. At the end of the day, if you’re playing there – like you only play one game there – you’ve just got to prepare accordingly and try to combat that. It’s fine in a competition that in the last two years has got very batting-centric – like the scores are starting to get large. Teams can play with a little bit of home-ground advantage. I haven’t seen a pitch that’s unplayable by any means.”‘Bowlers raving about Shreyas Iyer’At PBKS, Hopes has been reunited with Shreyas Iyer – the pair had previously worked together at Delhi Capitals (DC). Iyer, who is leading PBKS after taking Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the title last season, entered the IPL after being India’s highest run-getter at the Champions Trophy. Hopes talked up Iyer’s calmness on the field, especially in high-pressure situations.”His batting is world-class, and has got to a point in the last seven weeks – with what he’s done at the Champions Trophy and the rest of it – that he’s now considered one of the better short-format players in the world,” Hopes said. “From a captaincy viewpoint, he keeps everything calm on the field. The bowlers were raving about it after the first game (against GT) that how clear he is with his communication, how calm he is when the ball’s flying around, [and] when the game gets on the line.”

This year IPL and PSL will run concurrently, and the SA allrounder, who was picked by Peshawar Zalmi in January, signed with Mumbai Indians in March

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Mar-2025Corbin Bosch has been served a legal notice by the PCB alleging breach of contractual obligations. This after the South Africa allrounder signed for Mumbai Indians (MI) for IPL 2025, having pulled out of PSL 2025.This season is the first in which the PSL will overlap with the IPL: the IPL will run from March 22 to May 25, and the PSL from April 11 to May 18. Bosch had been picked by Peshawar Zalmi in the diamond category at the PSL draft that was held in January. But on March 8, it was announced by MI that he would be replacing the injured Lizaad Williams in their squad.A PCB statement said, “The legal notice was served through his agent, and the player has been asked to justify his actions of withdrawing from his professional and contractual commitments. The PCB management has also outlined the repercussions of his departure from the league and expects his response within the stipulated time frame. The PCB will not make any further comments on the matter.”Related

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The PCB statement did not specify what the time frame was for Bosch to respond.The PSL franchises have been keen to take action on Bosch, as they are worried it could set a precedent for players signing up with the PSL but then switching to the IPL. The idea of an outright ban on such players has also been floated in informal discussions.The PCB had shifted the PSL window with a view to improving the quality and availability of overseas players whom the league would be able to sign. When the PSL was in the February-March window, it also had to compete with the SA20, the ILT20 and the BPL for players. ESPNcricinfo had reported last year when the window was changed that holding the PSL draft after the IPL auction had also been discussed, with an eye on having greater clarity about the availability of overseas players. Leading into this season, the IPL auction was held in November 2024 and the PSL draft in January 2025.The PSL draft duly attracted a large number of high-profile players, including David Warner, Daryl Mitchell, Jason Holder, Rassie van der Dussen and Kane Williamson.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank was about to be backed with the signing of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, but Arsenal have now thrown a major spanner in the works by sensationally hijacking the deal overnight.

Eze had agreed personal terms over a move to Spurs, and earlier this week, reliable media sources were reporting that Tottenham verbally agreed the finances of a deal with Palace too.

An agreement in principle was reached to sign the 27-year-old (Ben Jacobs), but in a shock twist, Arsenal burst back into the race for Eze.

After losing Kai Havertz to injury, Spurs’ rivals swiftly moved to strike a full verbal agreement of their own on Wednesday evening, and despite Frank’s side doing the same thing days earlier, Eze is now set to join Arsenal instead as he ultimately prefers a move to N5.

There were warning signs that a Tottenham deal for Eze was far from complete, with Sky journalist Kaveh Solhekol previously telling supporters that his signing was no guarantee.

“The deal is not going to be agreed until Palace get what they want from the deal,” said Solhekol earlier this week.

“They also need to line up a replacement, because he’s such an important player for them. The interesting thing, of course, is that Palace have got this important European play-off game on Thursday night against Frederikstad.

“Will he be involved in that game, or will the deal with Spurs be done so quickly that he may be involved with Spurs against Manchester City? I think we’re getting a little bit ahead of ourselves.”

News of Eze’s rejection comes as a hammer blow for Frank, with Tottenham now forced to dip back into the market for a new number 10 yet again this summer after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White earlier in the window.

Away from their disastrous search for a playmaker, it is believed that the north Londoners are also after a new winger and a centre-back.

Son Heung-min bid goodbye to Spurs after 10 years recently, departing for LAFC in the MLS, and this has left a seismic gap in quality where the South Korean megastar once was.

Dejan Kulusevski also remains out injured with a serious knee injury, prompting Tottenham to scour for a forward who can provide the same level of threat as the Swede and Son.

Tottenham have held talks with Man City over a deal for Savinho, including rejected bids, but as things stand, City are apparently blocking the move (Fabrizio Romano) – forcing Frank’s side to look at alternatives – even if they reportedly haven’t given up just yet.

Thomas Frank wants Tottenham to sign Nathan Collins after Eberechi Eze

In terms of their search for a defender, amid Radu Dragusin’s lengthy lay-off, Brentford captain Nathan Collins is becoming a more serious target.

According to CaughtOffside, Frank is keen to work with Collins again at Tottenham, and the club are expected to make imminent contact over a deal.

The site adds that we can expect movement on this shortly, with Spurs standing out as the most likely destination for him if Keith Andrews’ side decide to sell after what has already been a very difficult summer.

With Frank and co stepping up their efforts to tempt the Irishman, it is worth noting that the 24-year-old, who was signed from Wolves two years ago for just £23m, has been lavished with praise for his mentality.

وجه سانتي كازورلا، صانع ألعاب نادي آرسنال السابق وريال أوفييدو الحالي، رسالة إلى نجم نادي برشلونة والذي يقدم مستويات رائعة مع فريقه خلال الموسمين الأخيرين.

ويعد لامين يامال، جناح نادي برشلونة، من بين أفضل اللاعبين على مستوى العالم خلال الفترة الأخيرة، وذلك في ظل مستواه المميز سواء مع البلوجرانا أو منتخب إسبانيا.

يامال قاد نادي برشلونة خلال الموسم الماضي إلى الحصول على بطولة الدوري الإسباني، وكأس ملك إسبانيا وكأس السوبر الأوروبي.

وأدى مستوى يامال المميز مع برشلونة إلى اختياره في قائمة المرشحين للحصول على جائزة الكرة الذهبية هذا الموسم، حيث احتل الجناح الأيمن المركز الثاني في ترتيب الجائزة خلف المتوج بها ونجم باريس سان جيرمان، عثمان ديمبلي.

اقرأ أيضًا .. كلوب: لا أتخيل غرفة ملابس ليفربول بدون حوتا.. ولدي اعتراف بشأن نونيز

ويرى كازورلا في تصريحات لمنصة ”Winwin”، أن يامال يجب ألا تتم مقارنته بأحد ويصنع تاريخه الخاص، حيث قال: “المقارنات مع ميسي وكريستيانو ليست في صالح أحد، على لامين أن يكتب قصته بنفسه ويستمتع بشبابه”.

كما أشاد كازولا بقدرات بيدري، نجم خط وسط نادي برشلونة، موضحًا أن ابن الـ22 عامًا هو أفضل لاعب خط وسط في العالم الآن.

وأتم كازورلا في حديثه: ”تحدثت مع بيدري عن كرة القدم وأخبرته أنه أفضل لاعب وسط حاليًا، وأن عليه أن يمتعنا به طويلًا. إنه شخص مذهل أيضًا”.

بيدري أصبح قطعة أساسية ولا غنى عنها في تشكيلة برشلونة، حيث يعول عليه المدرب هانز فليك بشكل دائم وكذلك حجز اللاعب الشاب مركزه الأساسي في منتخب إسبانيا.

Manchester United are now eyeing a January move for an “unbelievable” Carlos Baleba alternative, who could be perfect for Ruben Amorim.

Man Utd in need of central midfielder

Prior to the transfer deadline, Gary Neville made it clear he felt Amorim needed to bring in a new central midfielder, saying:

“In central midfield I think United have to do a piece of business now.

“I would have liked to have thought that Mainoo could step up and be that person, but it’s quite clear that at this moment in time Ruben Amorim is not having him.

“He starts with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, he then puts Mason Mount back in there and then he brings [Manuel] Ugarte on in front of him, which tells you he’s fourth-choice really.

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However, Man United were unable to bolster their options in the engine room before the deadline, missing out on Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, after being quoted over £100m.

It has since emerged that United are planning to hold a meeting with Baleba ahead of potentially revisiting a move, with personal terms already being agreed, but alternative options have also now entered the frame.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states the Red Devils are laser-focused on bringing in a new midfielder this January, with Amorim seeking dynamic and creative players.

One of the options on the shortlist is Al-Hilal star Ruben Neves, who is described as being perfect for Amorim, given that the manager is looking to bring in a player with plenty of experience, in order to complement his young squad.

Neves joined Al-Hilal from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £47m back in 2023, but with his contract now nearing its end, the Portugal international is keen to return to Europe.

"Unbelievable" Neves is Premier League proven

During his time with Wolves, the central midfielder caught the eye of journalist Raj Chohan, who suggested he could be capable of flourishing at a top club.

Ultimately, the 28-year-old opted to make the move to Saudi Arabia instead, however, where he has continued to impress, albeit in a weaker league, regularly providing assists across the previous two campaigns.

Season

League appearances

Assists

2023-24

32

12

2024-25

26

8

The Portuguese maestro is also well-known for his ability from dead-ball situations, scoring a superb free-kick in Wolves’ 3-0 victory over Brentford back in 2018.

Man United have made a point of bringing in proven Premier League players in recent times, signing Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in the summer, and Neves would certainly fit the bill in that regard, given his exploits with Wolves.