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Manor Solomon was an integral part of Leeds United’s unbelievable promotion heroics last season in the Championship.

By the close of the season, the tricky 26-year-old winger would be held in very high esteem by Whites supporters everywhere, with a blistering ten goals and 12 assists tallied up by the number 14 across 39 league games helping to clinch the title for Daniel Farke’s champions.

Unfortunately, Solomon is yet to return to Elland Road after the loan move expired, as the promotion hero attempts to settle back into Premier League life at Tottenham Hotspur under new boss Thomas Frank.

That isn’t to say Leeds haven’t tried to land an explosive winger in the same vein as the skilful Spurs attacker, as another target down the flanks now appears on Farke’s shopping list this summer.

Leeds keeping tabs on £4m star

There are still a couple of weeks before the transfer window slams shut, meaning not all hope will be completely extinguished just yet regarding Solomon triumphantly moving back to West Yorkshire for good.

However, a summer move for Igor Paixao is certainly dead in the water, as the former Feyenoord man opted to join Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille right at the start of the month, despite Leeds’ insistent advances.

The Brazilian would have cost the Whites a significant £30m to land, with a far cheaper target now reportedly in their sights to boost their options on the left wing.

As per Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Farke and Co. are keeping tabs on Fiorentina attacker Riccardo Sottil as an alternative name to add strength down the left channel, but will face competition from Italian outfits Torino and Sassuolo for his signature.

Only valued at around the £4m mark, according to Football Transfers, this could well be a golden, cost-effective move to make on Leeds’ end, especially if Farke can rework his Solomon magic on Sottil.

Why Sottil can become Farke's next Solomon

After all, the reserve Spurs attacker was in dire need of his spirits being lifted when he arrived in West Yorkshire last summer.

Solomon was just fresh off a campaign that was derailed by serious injury, but the former Fulham forward had shown off enough flashes of quality at Spurs – with two assists from six clashes in North London – to be considered a worthwhile risk to go after.

Leeds will deem a move for the £4m-rated Italian to also be a gamble worth exploring, even as he potentially enters into the English game off a similarly disruptive loan stint at AC Milan, which saw Sottil offer up zero goals or assists from eight appearances at the San Siro.

Still, the Turin-born attacker has shown off his class before for Fiorentina, which is what Leeds will be hanging onto, knowing that Solomon came good under Farke’s tutelage down Sottil’s exact same left flank.

24/25

25

5

4

23/24

35

5

5

22/23

26

1

2

21/22

29

4

2

19/20

23

0

1

Sottil’s electric start to the 2024/25 season is what must have caught the Rossoneri’s eye, as the 26-year-old powered home five goals and four assists from just 25 appearances in Florence. In total, away from that standout campaign, Sottil also stands on a hefty 15 goals and 15 assists playing for his boyhood club.

If the former 12-time Italy U21 international can just brush his bruising experience in Milan to one side, he could be transformed into Leeds’ second coming of Solomon, with Sottil also a capable performer down the right channel, on top of further bolstering Farke’s depleted number ten ranks if needed.

It will just require some patience at Elland Road as Sottil gets up to speed with what is expected of him.

But, that patience could be justly rewarded by the Fiorentina number seven playing an eventual important role in Leeds beating the drop, having been dubbed a future talent with “room to grow” by ex-Serie A great Zlatan Ibrahimovic last season.

Leeds can seal stunning Solomon repeat by signing £30m Premier League star

Leeds United could look to replicate the success of their Manor Solomon deal by signing this attacking star.

1 ByKelan Sarson May 6, 2025

Arsenal have boasted the best defensive record in the Premier League during each of the last two seasons, with Frenchman William Saliba playing a massive role in their success.

The centre-back joined the Gunners back in 2019, before multiple loan spells in his homeland, having to wait until the summer of 2022 to make his first appearance in English football.

He’s since gone on to make 134 appearances for the club, having bags of time to make himself a legend in North London, still being just 24 years of age.

His partnership at the heart of the backline with Gabriel has played a massive part in Mikel Arteta’s ability to come within touching distance of ending their two-decade drought without a league title.

However, with the summer window rapidly coming towards its end, numerous other players are being targeted to aid their defensive unit for the 2025/26 season.

Arsenal pursuing a move for a new defender

This summer window has been a big one for Arsenal, already adding another option to the defensive unit, in the form of Spaniard Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia.

The 21-year-old joined in a £13m deal, penning a five-year contract, but he could also be joined at the Emirates Stadium by another young prospect in the coming days.

Palmeiras’ 19-year-old centre-back, Luis Benedetti, could be the latest to move to North London, after Brazilian journalist Diego Firmino confirmed the club’s interest in his signature.

He claims that Arteta’s side have been monitoring him over recent weeks, potentially preparing an offer in the region of £8.5m for the youngster’s services.

Firmino also states that the player could be tempted by a move to the Premier League, with his current employers demanding add-ons and a sell-on fee in any transfer.

Why Arsenal’s latest target could be Arteta’s next Saliba

Arsenal’s recruitment has been excellent over the last couple of years, undoubtedly playing a huge role in their ability to challenge for England’s Premier League title.

Saliba has been one example, arriving in North London as an unknown quantity to many, but it’s safe to say his tally of appearances to date highlights his importance to the Gunners.

At just 24, he has all the tools to continue his development under Arteta, hopefully able to add titles to his CV and become one of Europe’s leading talents in defensive areas.

However, if the club is to continue building and maintaining their efforts at the top of the table, they will need to carry on their impressive recruitment with a move for Benedetti.

At just 19, he has bags of time to continue his development, with a move to England helping him reach the next level and build on his impressive start to his career.

The Brazilian has made nine senior appearances for Palmeiras, but it’s been enough to demonstrate the talent he holds, leading to analyst Ben Mattinson labelling him as “aggressive”.

The teenager has managed to complete 93% of the passes he’s attempted in Brazil’s top-flight, able to offer a superb ball-playing option – just as Saliba has in recent years.

Luis Benedetti’s stats for Palmeiras in 2025

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

9

Minutes played

810

Pass accuracy

93%

Chances created

0.8

Aerials won

71%

Duels won

3.5

Recoveries made

3.8

Stats via FotMob

He’s also won 71% of the aerial battles he’s entered, subsequently allowing him to have an impact at both ends of the pitch – especially considering his 6”6 frame.

Whilst it’s still early days in his professional career, the signs are all positive for Benedetti, possessing two crucial components of being a centre-back in the modern-day.

£8.5m could prove to be an excellent piece of business by Arteta and the Gunners, potentially banking a small fortune should he continue on his current trajectory.

He could follow in Saliba’s footsteps in joining as an unknown quantity, the Brazilian would be able to learn from one of the best defenders in world football – arguably developing into another excellent piece of business by the hierarchy.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 16, 2025

The sky is blue, water is wet, and Chelsea are once again making the most of the summer transfer window.

So far, the Blues have made several top-quality additions to Enzo Maresca’s side, such as Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

Moreover, the West Londoners are also hard at work facilitating a number of exits for the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall, and Christopher Nkunku.

Yet, the Conference League champions aren’t done there, as they continue to be linked with Alejandro Garnacho, although reports have also touted another international for a move to Stamford Bridge, someone who’d be a far better signing.

Chelsea target massive Garnacho upgrade

Chelsea have been linked with Garnacho for some time now, with reports touting the Manchester United ace for a move to West London popping up as far back as the winter window.

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However, the links have become far more concrete in recent weeks, no doubt in part thanks to the falling out between the Argentine and Ruben Amorim at the end of last season.

Should the Blues act on their supposed interest in the 21-year-old, reports suggest they’d need to stump up around £40m to secure his services, although while he could end up being a smart buy for Maresca and Co, they would be wise to sign another Premier League star they appear to be keen on: Morgan Rogers.

Yes, according to a recent report from The Athletic, Chelsea are still interested in the Aston Villa star this summer.

As things stand, the West Londoners have not acted on this interest, and the report makes no mention of how much the Englishman could cost in the coming weeks.

However, according to other stories from earlier this summer, it would seem that an offer of £100m would be enough to tempt the Claret and Blue into selling.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rogers’ immense ability and potential, it would be one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a far better signing than Garnacho.

Why Rogers would be a far better signing than Garnacho

So, before we even get into their actual ability as players, the first big plus in Rogers’ favour is that, so far in his career, he has not caused problems for his team, nor has he fallen out with his manager and become a problem in the dressing room.

Unfortunately for Garnacho, as we’ve mentioned above, the same cannot be said, as not only did he have a rather public falling out with Amorim last season, but the manager even reportedly told him he’d have to “pray” another club came in for him this summer.

While there is every chance that Maresca will be able to control the Argentine in West London, it’s worth considering if he’s shown he’s worth the extra effort it might take to keep him on side, especially when the squad seems so harmonious at this point in time.

With all of that said, there are some significant non-behavioural reasons the Blues would be better off signing than Villa ace anyway, such as their respective output.

For example, in 54 appearances last season, totalling 4496 minutes, the Claret and Blue’s free-scoring “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob, put the ball in the back of the net 14 times and provided 15 assists for good measure.

Rogers vs Garnacho in 24/25

Players

Rogers

Garnacho

Appearances

54

58

Minutes

4496′

3568′

Goals

14

11

Assists

15

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.53

0.36

Minutes per Goal Involvement

155.03′

169.90

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In other words, the Halesowen-born monster was able to maintain a goal involvement every 1.86 games, or every 155.03 minutes, which is made even more impressive when you consider he was also playing in the Champions League, against sides like Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus.

In contrast, the United troublemaker scored 11 goals and provided ten assists in 58 appearances, totalling 3568 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or every 169.90 minutes.

What’s important to note here is that six of the Madrid-born ace’s goal involvements came in the League Cup and five came in the Europa League, so not only was he less productive than the Villa dynamo, but he was less productive in far easier competitions.

Ultimately, Garnacho is not a bad player, but however you look at it, Rogers would be the far better signing for Chelsea this summer, even at a substantially higher price.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 5, 2025

Record stand rescues defending champions after Worrall wrecks top-order in powerplay

Alan Gardner14-Sep-2024

Sean Dickson revived Somerset after top-order breakthroughs•Getty Images

The face-off between Surrey and Somerset, locked in a tussle for the County Championhip and semi-final opponents at last year’s Blast Finals Day, was always likely to be compelling. Somerset went on to lift the T20 trophy in 2023 and their hopes of becoming the first team to retain the title remain alive after a magnificent stand of 144 from 98 balls between Sean Dickson and James Rew lifted them from the wreckage of 7 for 3 to set up an unlikely stroll to victory.It was Surrey’s second humbling of the week by their main rivals for silverware, following the dramatic defeat at Taunton that loosened their grip on a third consecutive Championship pennant. A patched-up team, deprived of four first-choice players by England call-ups, looked far from fluent after being inserted, Lewis Gregory taking 3 for 15 – but they seemed firm favourites after Dan Worrall and Tom Curran combined to remove Somerset’s top three inside the first 13 balls of the chase.But Dickson and 20-year-old Rew, playing his first game of the campaign – and second T20 of his professional career – turned the innings on its head with the highest-ever partnership on Finals Day. Between them, they allowed the Somerset supporters who had made the pilgrimage to Edgbaston to enjoy the closing stages in relative comfort.Both Dickson and Rew, who was only called into the squad on Friday as a replacement for the injured Tom Banton, produced career-best T20 innings to send the defending champions through. Dickson fell with three needed for 78 off 57, while Rew finished unbeaten on 62 off 44 to keep Somerset’s pursuit of an unprecedented domestic treble – having already reached the final of the One-Day Cup – on track.Frankie panky tickles Surrey
It had been a stuttering batting effort from Surrey, but they had at least put a score on the board. Chasing 154 would not usually daunt a team with Somerset’s top-order prowess, though the absence of leading run-scorer Banton – injured during the Championship heist at Taunton – had reduced their firepower from the off. They were then hobbled by Worrall’s very first ball, which swung violently from a leg-stump line to trap Tom Kohler-Cadmore plumb in front (at least this time, it was a quick kill for Kohler-Cadmore, who was pinned down by Worrall for 10 consecutive dots in the Hundred last month).At the other end, Tom Curran had to wait until his third delivery for success, straightening one off a length to take Tom Abell’s leading edge. Worrall then removed a footwork-less Will Smeed, wafting an edge to the keeper, to leave Somerset three down in the third over and already facing a mountain to climb in defence of their title.Dickson to the rescue (again)
Somerset won two low-scorers at 2023 Finals Day, defending 142 and 145 – with Dickson the top-scorer in both games. He rose to the occasion again, steering the partnership with Rew as it grew from minor impediment to Surrey’s chances of a first T20 title since the inaugural 2003 edition, into a major roadblock.Dickson was the first to hit his stride, taking a brace of fours off Jordan Clark as Somerset reached 29 for 3 at the end of the powerplay. They were behind the rate but soon playing catch-up against Surrey’s spinners: Dickson slog-swept Cameron Steel into the Hollies for the first six of the innings, then Rew launched Dan Lawrence high to the same part of the ground, just clearing the man at deep midwicket. The follow-up was lashed past extra cover for four, Surrey captain Chris Jordan left face down on the turf after diving for the catch in vain.Dickson heaved Steel for six more, just beyond the reach of the diving Sibley at deep midwicket, then punched the next ball clean over long-off on the way to a 31-ball half-century. Rew added another six when swivel-pulling Clark over deep backward square leg and the required rate dropped below a run a ball in the following over, thanks to two more boundaries off Jordan. Somerset’s stand-in wicketkeeper eventually went to fifty from 38 balls, by which point Surrey’s hopes were all but extinguished.Lewis Gregory dismissed Ollie Pope in a superb spell•Getty Images

Sibley throws some shapes
Asked to bat in potentially nibbly September conditions, Surrey’s initial impetus came from Lawrence, one of three England Test players back in the side (counterbalanced by Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton and Reece Topley being away on T20I duty). Lawrence merrily hacked and swiped – in much the manner of his final Test innings of the Sri Lanka series – to reach 19 off 11 inside the first two overs, before skying Josh Davey to cover.Sibley had only faced one delivery at that point, and had prodded and poked to 4 off 6 before showcasing some of the improved T20 chops that have underpinned his most productive Blast season since 2017. Davey was walloped unceremoniously into the crowd over long-on, before Jake Ball’s arrival into the attack was greeted with an impudent ramp to fine leg. With Ollie Pope clipping, pulling and driving three of his first ten balls for four, Surrey were in good shape at the end of the powerplay on 62 for 1.Gregory goes bang-bang
Gregory’s first noticeable contribution – aside from winning the toss – was to jog past one at mid-off, as Lawrence picked up his third boundary. At 32, with a long day in prospect, perhaps Gregory realised diving was not the best option; and he certainly proved he knew what he was doing when he came on to bowl the eighth over of the contest. Gregory’s canny mediums were perfectly suited to this late-season Edgbaston deck, though there was plenty of skill involved as Pope was done by a legcutter that toppled off stump. Jamie Smith then played around a slightly fuller one to the same effect and Surrey’s solid start and been replaced by a scorecard reading 69 for 3.Surrey scrap in vain for a score
Surrey’s rebuild began with a partnership of Test match graft between the two former England opening partners, Sibley and Rory Burns. With Burns, the only left-hander in the line-up, pushed above Laurie Evans to bat at No. 5, a partnership of 36 off 28 steadied the ship for Surrey. Although they both departed in the space of eight balls, Sibley becoming a third wicket for Gregory as he picked out deep midwicket, Evans helped drag the innings up towards 150.Evans walloped Ball flat into the Hollies Stand for the second six of the innings but, in contrast to Somerset’s chase, there were few cleanly struck attacking shots – Surrey only managed six boundaries outside the powerplay, while Somerset went on to pillage 16.

Everton are reportedly looking to seal the ambitious summer signing of a player who has even been compared to Lionel Messi.

Moyes expecting late Everton signings this summer

The Blues still have well over a month to seal some important summer transfer business, as they look to push on in the Premier League next season, becoming an established mid-table team looking upwards at Europe again, rather than over their shoulders at the relegation zone.

While David Moyes will no doubt be keen to see some early business completed at Everton, he has spoken honestly about the situation, admitting late-summer signings are arguably more likely: “We’d like to get business done. I don’t think we’re a country who likes to get their business done early. If you can get business done early, it’s good, but in the same breath, quite often, a lot of the stuff doesn’t happen until later on.”

That’s not to say that top-quality players aren’t being linked with moves to the Blues, though, with Manchester City youngster James McAtee one rumoured target. Everton are said to have made contact with the Premier League giants, with the 22-year-old valued at £25m.

Meanwhile, the Merseysiders have reportedly held talks with Douglas Luiz over a move to the club this summer, with the Brazilian looking likely to leave Juventus. Now, another signing of intent has been mentioned as a potential option for Everton ahead of next season.

Everton offered chance to sign Takefusa Kubo

Accordingn to The i Paper, Everton are interested in signing Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, with the Japanese starlet “offered around Premier League clubs this summer by intermediaries”.

The 24-year-old is valued at £30m, should the Blues want to make a move for him, but while he “would represent an ambitious upgrade” for them, the report adds that “there is an acknowledgement that they could face competition from clubs who can offer European football”.

Kubo would be such an exciting signing for Everton, and while their chances of snapping him up may not be great, it is encouraging to see the club targeting such a talented footballer.

The Sociedad star has even been dubbed the ‘Japanese Messi’ in the past, which is about as big a comparison as any player can ask for, while Zinedine Zidane spoke positively about him during his time at Real Madrid.

“I think he’s having a good season. He’s playing a lot and that’s what we all wanted. He is a very interesting player, for the present and the future. I’m happy he’s doing well. Of course, if he were to stay at home tomorrow then that’d be better. But, I wish him the best and urge him to continue like this. His future, though, we won’t decide until the summer. That’s something for later.”

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A right-sided winger by trade, Kubo could provide quality and end product on the opposite flank to Iliman Ndiaye – he has 41 goal contributions in 137 appearances for Sociedad – giving Everton two hugely gifted wide options.

Leeds United are preparing for life back in the Premier League and are looking to make a mark in the transfer window.

Chairman Paraag Marathe said at the end of the Championship title-winning season that the Whites will spend as much as they are allowed to bolster Daniel Farke’s squad.

As to be expected for a newly promoted side, there have already been a plethora of players linked with moves to Elland Road, with Leeds looking at additions all over the pitch to give them the best possible chance of survival.

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ByCharlie Smith May 31, 2024

But who do AI think Leeds will sign ahead of the 2025/26 season? Grok, the AI tool on X, gave us five players it thinks will be brought to Yorkshire by the 49ers Enterprises.

AI predicts 5 players Leeds will sign this summer 5 Nick Pope Newcastle (£30m)

Starting in goal, Leeds have been on the search for a new goalkeeper to replace Illan Meslier after he was dropped by Farke for the Championship run-in.

Meslier may well exit Elland Road if a suitable offer arrives, leaving Karl Darlow and Alex Cairns as back up options to a new first choice keeper. AI thinks the new number one will be Nick Pope, with the Newcastle United ace potentially leaving St James’ Park this summer.

The Magpies have been heavily linked with James Trafford of Burnley, and with Leeds keen to sign Pope, AI feels a transfer could be on the cards for up to £30m.

4 Nico Elvedi Borussia Monchengladbach (£20m)

A centre-back who was being linked with a move to Leeds before they won promotion was Borussia Monchengladbach’s Nico Elvedi.

A Switzerland international, Elvedi has now been with the Bundesliga side for 10 years and worked with Farke during his brief stint as Monchengladbach boss.

Games

34

Goals

3

Yellow cards

2

Minutes played

3,007

A central defender to rival Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, AI states that a deal for Elvedi could be worth £20m.

3 Christantus Uche Getafe (£15m)

Versatile attacking midfielder Christantus Uche has been catching the eye in La Liga with Getafe and is the next arrival AI think Leeds will make this summer.

The Whites have their eye on the Nigeria international, who can play in a mixture of midfield and attacking roles. AI say that ‘versatility and potential fit Farke’s preference for players who buy into the club’s project, likely costing £10-15m.’

2 Igor Paixao Feyenoord (£25m)

A new winger is also on the cards for Leeds ahead of the 25/26 season, as it remains to be seen whether or not Manor Solomon will return to Yorkshire from Tottenham following a successful loan spell.

Igor Paixao of Feyenoord, a right-footed winger who plays on the left, has also been mooted as a target for the Whites after scoring 18 goals and registering 19 assists in 24/25. Despite reports suggesting a €40m (£34m) asking price, AI thinks a deal may only cost £25m.

1 Davie Selke Hamburg (Free)

Finally, a new striker to rival Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford is wanted by Leeds, and a host of names have been linked, including some that won’t command a transfer fee.

Davie Selke fits the bill of being mentioned as a target, and he’s set to be available on a free transfer with his Hamburg contract set to expire. The 30-year-old scored 22 goals in 31 appearances last season and stands at 6ft 4.

AI say his ‘physicality and goal-scoring record in the 2. Bundesliga make him a cost-effective option’, with Leeds recently making contact to sign Selke.

Chelsea are in ongoing negotiations over the signing of an “incredible” forward, and it is believed winger Jadon Sancho could now be used as leverage to make a deal happen for the player.

Chelsea targeting new winger for Enzo Maresca this summer

A new winger is believed to be one of BlueCo’s main transfer priorities this summer.

£200k-a-week Chelsea ace could now join De Zerbi with sale real possibility

It would be a big decision.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 29, 2025

This year, there will be two separate windows for Chelsea to conduct transfer business, with one open from June 1st to June 10th. This will allow them to sign players before their Club World Cup campaign, which is seen as important by many, given the prize money available.

Chelsea’s final four Premier League fixtures	Date
Liverpool (home)	May 4th
Newcastle (away)	May 11th
Man United (home)	May 16th
Nottingham Forest (away)	May 25th

Chelsea could obtain a £97 million windfall by winning all of their group stage games and the tournament itself, based on various factors, so it is clear to see why Stamford Bridge officials won’t be taking their participation lightly.

It could be very lucrative indeed for Enzo Maresca’s side, prompting reports that the west Londoners will be active when the pre-CWC transfer window opens.

One of the key items on their agenda is bringing in an exciting new wide player (Simon Phillips), with uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Sancho.

Mudryk is currently serving an on-field ban after testing positive for banned substances, while there are suggestions Chelsea are open to selling Madueke as Eddie Howe’s Newcastle and Aston Villa consider deals.

Chelsea are obliged to sign Sancho on a permanent deal from Man United, after triggering his £25 million clause, with the Blues now guaranteed to finish above 15th in the table.

Chelsea could still opt out of this by paying a £5 million penalty to United, but it now appears they could hatch a different plan for Sancho, involving top target and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens.

Chelsea could offer Jadon Sancho in "separate" swap deal for Jamie Gittens

Chelsea opened talks to sign Gittens earlier this week, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, and now TEAMtalk have shared another update.

The outlet claims Chelsea are in “active talks” to sign Gittens, and preferably want a deal for the Englishman finalised before the CWC commences. While Gittens is valued at around £35 million, they have ways to bring the overall cost down.

Dortmund loanee Carney Chukwuemeka is also valued at £35m, and could head the other way permanently to cancel out the fee needed for Gittens. However, so soon after triggering his £25m clause, TT write that Chelsea could offer Sancho in a separate deal for Gittens as well.

While both transfers would be apart from one another on paper, this is essentially a swap deal, just not in the traditional sense, and it is a further example of just how common player-trading is becoming in the market now – as clubs seek to navigate their way around PSR.

Gittens has been a mainstay for Dortmund this term, despite his very young age, with the 20-year-old scoring 12 goals and assisting five others across 45 appearances in all competitions.

He could well be worth all of this effort, with ex-Dortmund boss Nuri Sahin describing him as an “incredible” one-v-one attacker.

Tottenham Hotspur have held talks with a “top” Premier League player via his representatives ahead of the summer transfer window, but it is believed cross-town rivals Arsenal are equally keen.

Spurs set for key summer transfer window after dismal season

The Lilywhites could look very different on paper, both in terms of the team sheet and the dugout, with manager Ange Postecoglou also under intense pressure at Spurs right now.

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ByEmilio Galantini Apr 8, 2025

Following a dismal Premier League campaign, where the Lilywhites find themselves 14th in the table after 16 league defeats, something simply has to give ahead of next season, where Spurs will be looking to restore their reputation as a ‘big six’ side.

Cases have been made that Postecoglou’s side simply do not have the strength in depth or star quality to compete with England’s most elite sides, and if Daniel Levy doesn’t green-light more serious investment into the squad, they’re in danger of falling even further behind.

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Whether Levy does splash the cash is up for debate, especially after his message following the club’s latest published set of financial accounts for the last tax year.

“I often read calls for us to spend more, given we are ranked as the ninth-richest club in the world,” said Levy in an official statement.

“However, a closer examination of today’s financial figures reveals that such spending must be sustainable in the long term and within our operating revenues. Our capacity to generate recurring revenues determines our spending power.

“We cannot spend what we do not have, and we will not compromise the financial stability of this club.”

With Levy looking to approach the summer window with financial caution, Tottenham technical director Johan Lange and Chief Football Officer Scott Munn must be clever in navigating the competition for star players.

Release clauses will be a reoccurring theme, with news of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap and his potential good value attracting attention from everywhere, including Spurs.

Delap is a rumoured target for Tottenham, and he could be one of the biggest stories of the summer.

Tottenham hold talks with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap via agents

The England Under-21 international has enjoyed an excellent season at Portman Road, scoring 12 goals in the top flight alone, and it is now believed that Delap could be available for just £40 million this summer.

This is tied in with a release clause, which is dependent on Ipswich being relegated, and if Kieran McKenna’s side suffer the drop, clubs will likely be chomping at the bit to trigger the £40m buy-option.

According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Tottenham have held talks with Delap via his camp already, with Levy and co sensing a potential transfer opportunity amid the clause.

However, they’ll face stiff competition, including Arsenal, who’ve also reached out to his camp. The 22-year-old has admirers everywhere, and news of his potential £40m price tag will only intensify the number of suitors.

“He is a pest. He is a nuisance. He is always there on the shoulders of the centre-backs. He is making runs in the channels. He is always available,” said former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson on Delap.

“When it looks like he isn’t going to win the ball, he puts his body in between the player and the ball, somehow managing to win a free-kick or something for his team. He is a top, top player.”

Bizarre broadside from Australia’s stand-in captain puts England’s former spinner front and centre of the pre-series banter

Alan Gardner20-Nov-20250:39

Steve Smith’s strange ‘Mastermind’ jibe at Monty Panesar

Hands up who had ‘Steven Smith Hits Back at Monty Panesar’s Sandpaper Comments with BBC Mastermind Jibe’ on their Ashes 2025-26 phoney war bingo card?Because that, bizarrely enough, is the point we had reached when those in the UK woke up on Thursday morning, less than 24 hours out from the start of the first Test. Perhaps it was the logical endgame of an Ashes build-up that has seemed ever more febrile and fantastical as the weeks have ticked by. But it also prompted, on many levels, the question: why?Why had Smith, in responding to what was reportedly a planted question early in his press conference, chosen to specifically target Panesar amid all the pre-series chatter on both sides? Why did Smith decide to make a personal dig at a retired player about a TV appearance from almost seven years ago? And why, on the eve of one of the most anticipated Ashes in recent memory, was he rewatching Panesar’s infamous meltdown if, as he claimed, “it doesn’t really bother me”.Ironically, the Panesar comments that Smith claimed he hadn’t been bothered by received minimal coverage – certainly in contrast to his “off-topic” digression in the full glare of pre-game media duties, which caused “Monty Panesar” to become a trending topic on two sides of the globe.The issue had, in fact, seemed to spiral after being picked up by Brad Haddin and Alyssa Healy on the Willow Talk podcast earlier this week. Haddin, still keen as ever to get involved in a stoush, suggested Panesar should “Pull your f***ing head in” – which is about the level of wit for Ashes repartee. What’s remarkable is that the mud-flinging has not been confined to social media, but ended up with Australia’s stand-in captain using it for an open-mic spot on matchday-minus-one.For those still in the dark, Panesar – speaking to an online betting company – had urged England to “really get into” Smith about his role in the 2018 sandpaper incident at Cape Town and “make him feel guilty”. But it seems unlikely that Monty’s masterplan would have featured quite so high up in the strategising by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum ahead of this series (although perhaps it now should…)Monty Panesar and Steven Smith have reprised hostilities in unlikely circumstances•Getty ImagesPanesar also explicitly urged the UK media to take up the cudgels against Smith, following the example of some typically fruity coverage of England’s preparations by the local outlets. In another irony, Smith’s response has made it much easier for the English pack to now mount their high horses (something that rarely requires a second invitation).As for the Barmy Army, who are expected to make up a significant proportion of the crowd in Perth Stadium, they won’t need any prompting from Panesar to break into another chorus of “We saw you cry on the telly”.Smith added in his press conference that he was “pretty chilled” these days, and certainly delivered his pre-planned bit for the cameras with a broad grin in place. It was, nevertheless, a curious call that has added another layer of intrigue to the series – as well as an unexpected new chapter to Panesar’s colourful Ashes backstory.By coincidence, it is only a couple of weeks since Panesar popped up as a walk-on character in the story of Jake Weatherald’s maiden Test call-up. Weatherald – who described Panesar as “one of the funniest people I’ve ever met in my life” – played alongside the former England left-arm spinner during his time in the UK with Great Witchingham CC and took time to regale the Grade Cricketer podcast about what an “amazing experience” it was. Whether they were laughing with or at Monty is probably moot.Related

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This has often been the case, starting with Shane Warne’s infamous comment that Panesar hadn’t played 33 Tests, but the same Test 33 times. Panesar was an unlikely hero with the bat for England at Cardiff shortly after that, but was again reduced to a figure of fun on the 2013-14 tour, including when Cricket Australia apologised for causing offence with a tweet that pictured four men dressed as Teletubbies wearing turbans and the caption: “Will the real Monty Panesar please stand up?”Since the end of his playing career, Panesar has forged a number of different career paths – often with limited success. His blooper, which he put down to nerves, came during a period in which he tried to carve out a regular spot as a reality TV personality, while he has done more run-of-the-mill work as a cricket pundit for a number of organisations (including ESPNcricinfo). Last year, he made headlines after briefly promising to stand as candidate in the General Election for the Workers Party of Britain, before backtracking.He has also spoken about his struggles with mental health issues and, sadly, still seems to be casting around for a comfortable post-playing role. Whether Ashes bantermeister is the right fit remains to be seen – but Smith has fanned the flames, inadvertently or otherwise. Certainly Panesar’s zinger of a response, delivered on BBC radio a few hours later, then followed up in a Telegraph guest column, suggested he is rising to the occasion:”I’ve started, so I’ll finish,” Panesar wrote. “Those were the words I heard at the end of my Mastermind shocker six years ago. But if I’m guilty of anything, it is having bad general knowledge. And that is better than being a cheat.”We’ve both made mistakes. I made my mine on a quiz show. He made his on the cricket field.”And so the sideshow rumbles on, with Panesar also due to appear on Michael Clarke’s Beyond23 podcast later on Thursday. Wonder what they’ll talk about? Thankfully the cricket is about to begin, otherwise who knows what we’d wake up to tomorrow.

Even as runs were not easy to come by, the pair kept grinding through, before switching gears and accelerating

Hemant Brar11-Mar-2024Their shirts covered in dust, Ajinkya Rahane and Musheer Khan appeared to be in the middle of an advertisement for a detergent.At different points on the second day of the Ranji Trophy final, both batters had to dive to make their ground. In the process, they ended up staining their shirts, which told the story of their struggle.For the first half of their 107-run partnership, the runs were not easy to come by and they had to rely on quick singles and doubles. In fact, the first 22 overs of their stand produced only 40 runs and one boundary. But they kept grinding it out and, by stumps, had all but batted Vidarbha out of the contest.Earlier in the day, Mumbai had bundled out Vidarbha for 105, thus taking a lead of 119. But Vidarbha would not have been in the final had they not staged comebacks from such situations.Related

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In the semi-final against Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha had conceded a first-innings lead of 82. But they bounced back in the second innings to register a comfortable victory. A similar turnaround in the final was not impossible, especially when Mumbai lost their openers with 34 runs on the board.That brought in the middle two batters at opposite ends of their careers: Rahane, a veteran of 85 Tests but no longer in the national selectors’ plans, and Musheer, fresh from an Under-19 World Cup and playing only his sixth first-class game.Their forms were equally contrasting. Coming into the final, Rahane had scored only 134 runs at an average of 13.40 this season. A strong performance might have kept him on the periphery of India’s Test squad, but those hopes evaporated more and more with every passing game.Musheer, meanwhile, was the second-highest run-getter at the World Cup, with 360 runs at an average of 60.00 and a strike rate of 98.09. He carried that form into the Ranji Trophy as well. Landing straight into the quarter-final, he scored 203 not out and 33 against Baroda. He followed it up with a 55 on a treacherous pitch in the semi-final. After just three innings, his run tally (291) was more than double of Rahane’s.But neither Rahane nor Musheer had an easy start on Monday. Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey was weaving a web with the new ball. He got one to pitch on leg stump and turn square to beat Musheer’s outside edge. When the batter tried to use his feet, Dubey shortened the length to make him look silly.Rahane was on 1 when he survived an lbw appeal against Umesh. The on-field call of not-out saved him when the Hawk-Eye showed the ball just clipping the top of middle stump.Both batters had their outside edge beaten multiple times by Umesh and Aditya Thakare, but they managed to survive. They also benefitted from left-arm spinner Aditya Sarwate, Vidarbha’s leading wicket-taker for the season, unable to bowl because of back spasms.Musheer Khan has brought his form from the Under-19 World Cup into the Ranji Trophy•PTI At tea, Musheer was on 13 off 55 and Rahane 9 off 39. Something changed after tea. Or perhaps just before it, and the effect was seen only after the break. In the penultimate over before the break, the ball had to be changed as its seam had come off.Or it could simply be that the two batters had spent sufficient time in the middle by then, and were primed to accelerate against an older ball.When play resumed, Thakare pitched one full around off and Rahane unleashed a gorgeous on-drive for the first boundary of the partnership.Sarwate finally came on to bowl in the 28th over but did not look 100% fit. Nor did he get the purchase Dubey was getting. When he overpitched one to Rahane, the batter used his wrists to hit against the turn and thread the gap between short midwicket and mid-on.In the following over, Rahane brought up the fifty of the partnership with a pulled four off Yash Thakur. It took the pair 140 balls but the next fifty would take only 76.Musheer stepped up by jumping out of his crease and smashing Sarwate down the ground. When the spinner shortened his length for the next delivery, Musheer was quick to go back and punch it through covers for four more.In his next over, Sarwate dropped one short and Rahane duly pulled it over midwicket for a six. And just like that, the biggest threat was taken for 35 runs in seven overs. That too on a day where no other frontline Vidarbha bowler conceded more than 2.7 per over.The acceleration meant that Rahane reached his fifty in just 88 balls. It was an emotional celebration. He kept his head down and held the bat high for a while, with Musheer giving him a hug and a pat on the back.When Musheer brought up his half-century, in the last over of the day, his dad gestured to him from the stands to stay there and carry on. Musheer gestured back in acknowledgement.At stumps, Rahane and Musheer walked off to a standing ovation from the sparse crowd, which included Sunil Gavaskar and Diana Edulji. They must be saying what a effort, or, perhaps, [Stains are good].