Spurs: Tottenham eye move for "breakout star", already "checked in" on him

Tottenham Hotspur transfer chiefs are reported to have their eyes on one division's "breakout star" who's been described as "key" for his club.

Will Spurs sign anyone in January?

Ange Postecoglou has officially overseen the best start made to a season by any new manager in Premier League history, emphasising the incredible work he has done since arriving from Scottish champions Celtic in June. Spurs' seven wins from a possible nine games is just that, but the Australian has also implemented a newly-exciting style of football which is very pleasing on the eye.

However, there could be a concern over a lack of depth behind Postecoglou's traditional starting eleven. Both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have stood out as pivotal members of Spurs' team, but an injury to either one would leave Tottenham reliant on outcast Eric Dier to come in, or youngster Ashley Phillips after his summer move from Blackburn.

As a result, there have been reports that the north Londoners are targeting the likes of Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson, Juventus star Gleison Bremer, Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly, Bayer Leverkusen star Edmond Tapsoba and Chelsea man Trevoh Chalobah. As well as in defence, there have been suggestions that a new attacker could come in, with the likes of Al-Ittihad winger Jota and Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy linked.

Nico Williams transfer update

Recently, it was suggested that one of Postecoglou's transfer priorities is signing an alternative to Dejan Kulusevski and cover for the Swede out wide. Jota is apparently on the list, but according to a new report from 90min this week, another option could be Athletic Club winger Nico Williams.

The 21-year-old has stood out as one of the finest young wingers in Europe recently, even being called one of La Liga's "breakout stars" by journalist Zach Lowy. He's also been described as a "key asset" for Athletic by 90min, who shared a transfer update on Williams concerning Tottenham. It is now believed Spurs are eyeing up a move for the Spaniard, and have already "checked in" on him and his situation. Williams' contract is set to expire next summer as things stand, meaning he could leave for free in 2024.

As well as Spurs, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Juventus are all registering their interest in the attacker who could well be an astute Bosman transfer if he doesn't renew. According to WhoScored, Williams has ranked as one of Athletic's best-performing players by average match rating this season; starting seven La Liga matches so far while registering two assists in that time.

Likes to dribble

Likes to cross

Likes to play short passes

His brother, Inaki Williams, has also heaped praise on the rising star; hailing his "incredible" fitness level.

"[Nico] is a great player, he is in incredible shape and I think he can give a lot to Spain. He has shown it by giving Morata a good pass and I am very happy for him.”

Campello afirma ter desmantelado um esquema que roubava dinheiro do Vasco: 'Cortamos esse mal pela raiz'

MatériaMais Notícias

Diante de uma conturbada eleição, o Vasco ainda não sabe quem será o seu presidente no próximo triênio (2021/23), mas tem apenas uma certeza, que daqui há menos de dois meses termina o mandato do atual mandatário Alexandre Campello. Em carta aberta aos torcedores, o presidente resumiu os três anos de seu mandato, citou trecho do filme “Tropa de elite” e afirmou terdesintegrado um esquema que “roubava dinheiro da bilheteria em todas as partidas”

-> Confira aqui a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

Com um tom de despedida, Campello destacou que “o sistema é f…” e alfinetou indiretamente alguns adversários ao dizer que “as eleições do dia 7 de novembro mostraram claramente como os parasitas sempre buscam um novo hospedeiro”. Ainda nesta terça, o mandatárioconcederá entrevista coletiva em São Januário.

– Ainda no início da gestão, desmantelei um esquema dentro da Operação de Jogos. Não vou usar de meias palavras: funcionários, com a conivência — ou melhor — a cumplicidade de dirigentes, roubavam dinheiro da bilheteria em todas as partidas. Não satisfeitos, essa quadrilha ainda apresentava recibos fajutos para inflar as despesas de jogo, em conluio com prestadores de serviço. Cortamos esse mal pela raiz – ressaltou Campello

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Confira a carta de Alexandre Campello na íntegra

Nasci e cresci em Nilópolis, em uma família com poucos meios, mas muitos princípios.

O que nos faltava em posses sobrava em exemplos de vida.

Meus pais deram muito duro para que eu e meus irmãos tivéssemos o essencial e pudéssemos estudar. Devo a eles tudo o que sou.

Não posso reclamar da vida. Sou um privilegiado. Logo aos 24 anos, consegui unir a minha atividade profissional à paixão de infância. Em 1984, entrei no Vasco para trabalhar no Departamento Médico da categoria juniores. Pouco depois, estava entre os profissionais, fazendo parte de uma das épocas mais gloriosas da história do Clube.

A atividade de cirurgião não permite trabalhos pela metade. Na minha vida, sempre encarei os desafios de forma plena e com muita intensidade. Gerir o Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama, uma paixão orgulhosamente transferida para meu filho e minha filha, foi sem dúvida uma dos maiores e mais estimulantes missões a que me entreguei.

Entre os tantos milhões de torcedores por todo o Brasil, quantos têm a oportunidade de se sentar na cadeira de presidente e verdadeiramente contribuir para o engrandecimento do Vasco? Pouquíssimos. Eu tive.

Mas, acreditem: cumprir essa missão cobra um preço alto. E eu estou pagando o meu.

Há três anos, deixei de ser exclusivamente Campello ou Alexandre, para ser os inúmeros nomes e adjetivos com que passei a ser chamado. Faz parte do jogo.

Durante o processo eleitoral, ouvimos muitas vezes a palavra ruptura, uma dessas expressões que de tão batidas, tão vulgarizadas acaba perdendo seu real significado. Pois eu vou dizer a você, vascaíno e vascaína, o que de fato é romper com o que precisa ser rompido.

Em três anos de mandato, não fiz outra coisa todos os dias se não detonar o sistema. Soa familiar, não? Já ouvimos a expressão no cinema, mas, posso dizer, com conhecimento de causa, que a realidade é ainda mais cruel. No Vasco da Gama, o sistema entrega a mão para salvar o braço.

Muitos acreditam ainda hoje que fiz uma espécie de pacto para receber, no Conselho Deliberativo, os votos que me conduziram à presidência da Diretoria Administrativa. Pois foi exatamente o oposto: minha candidatura foi a consequência da quebra de um pacto, do descumprimento de acordos.

Fui espancado por todos os lados. Não guardo mágoas. Humildemente prefiro reconhecer que se, até hoje, alguns vascaínos não entenderam ou entendem os meus atos é porque eu não tive a capacidade de explicar minhas intenções. Em certos momentos, é preciso admitir, talvez por temperamento, talvez pelo calor das circunstâncias, eu contribuí para nos afastarmos. Peço desculpas a todos.

O fato é que jamais me escondi ou fugi das minhas responsabilidades. Desde o primeiro dia de gestão, eu me preparei, como diz a linguagem dos boleiros, para carregar o piano. Ou em português mais claro: fazer o “trabalho sujo”, uma expressão curiosa, de sinal trocado. Fazer o “trabalho sujo” significava limpar o Clube das mais práticas mais danosas, muitas delas encrustadas nas paredes de São Januário há décadas. Quem dera os esquemas do futebol fossem apenas táticos.

Eu tive a coragem de mexer nos piores vespeiros. E o sistema, meus amigos, tal qual um vírus, percebe quando está sendo atacado. E reage. Reage duro.

O Vasco da Gama tem muitos colaboradores. A maioria com muitos anos de casa. São trabalhadores honestos, dedicados, competentes e, o mais importante, apaixonados pelo Clube. Mas, lamentavelmente, como em qualquer lugar, também há as exceções à regra. São poucos, mas têm o poder de contaminar o trabalho do todo. Desde o primeiro dia, lutamos para fazer vale a regra e acabar com as exceções.

Para mexer no sistema, não basta uma cirurgia plástica. É preciso cavoucar fundo, arrancar vísceras, transplantar órgãos. Quero dividir aqui com os vascaínos alguns dos casos em que tivemos de abrir o corpo e extirpar pedaços necrosados do Clube. Quase sempre sem anestesia.

Tão logo assumi, mudei parte da equipe do então Departamento Pessoal. Acreditem: nem sempre é por falta de recursos que um Clube deve encargos trabalhistas. Cortamos esse mal pela raiz.

Ainda no início da gestão, desmantelei um esquema dentro da Operação de Jogos. Não vou usar de meias palavras: funcionários, com a conivência — ou melhor — a cumplicidade de dirigentes, roubavam dinheiro da bilheteria em todas as partidas. Não satisfeitos, essa quadrilha ainda apresentava recibos fajutos para inflar as despesas de jogo, em conluio com prestadores de serviço. Cortamos esse mal pelo raiz.

Também quando assumi, determinei uma drástica redução do número de ingressos de cortesias. O Vasco tem um importante e inegável papel junto à comunidade da Barreira. Da mesma forma, precisamos enaltecer a dedicação de nossos torcedores organizados. Mas a capacidade de o Clube acolhê-los não pode ser sinônimo de prejuízo financeiro. E muito menos de falcatrua. Identificamos e eliminamos um esquema de venda de ingressos de cortesias. Agimos duramente e cortamos esse mal pela raiz.

Ainda em 2018, afastei um antigo funcionário da área de Cobrança, entre outras missões responsável pelo recolhimento do pagamento das mensalidades dos sócios. Sua fama extrapolava os portões de São Januário. E era ainda maior em ano de eleições. Não por acaso, por uma questão de segurança, suspendemos o pagamento das mensalidades em dinheiro dentro das dependências do Clube. Em nossa gestão, o sócio passou a quitar sua mensalidade exclusivamente por meio eletrônico, ou no cartão de crédito ou por boleto. Cortamos o mal pela raiz, não sem resistências: os vascaínos vão se lembrar que um dos candidatos às eleições deste ano chegou a convocar uma reunião de CD para questionar a administração sobre a suspensão do pagamento em dinheiro na Secretaria. Um fato me marcou: naquela mesma noite nosso rival jogava as oitavas de final da Libertadores no Maracanã. E o Vasco? Estava reunido para discutir, em pleno século XXI, porque nosso sócio não podia pagar sua mensalidade em espécie dentro do Clube. Que fria!

Fiz o que se esperava de um Presidente: detectei as sacanagens e arranquei do Clube uma por uma. Fiz inimizades, fui ameaçado, passei a ser achincalhado por ex-funcionários nas redes sociais. Conheço o rosto e a voz de cada um desses inimigos. Não arredei um milímetro do meu propósito.

Mas as raízes têm vida própria. Elas insistem em voltar a crescer. O sistema, companheiro, se reorganiza, se regenera, articula novos interesses, cria novas lideranças. Quem perde a boquinha logo identifica e gruda naquele que pode devolvê-la.

As eleições do dia 7 de novembro mostraram claramente como os parasitas sempre buscam um novo hospedeiro. Ao longo daquele sábado, identifiquei na campanha de um dos candidatos vários dos funcionários que demiti, pessoas que passavam por mim exalando desejo de vingança em seu suor. Eles querem um emprego, um trabalho honesto para sustentar suas famílias? Não. Eles querem voltar a sangrar o Vasco. Os vermes estão à espreita. Para essa gente, o Vasco será sempre uma vaca leiteira.

O sistema, meus amigos, é muito maior do que a gente pensa. E não tem vergonha de se revelar. De um dos candidatos, ouvi, aos gritos, que fui otário por não ter “usado a máquina” para me reeleger. Em três anos, foi o maior elogio que eu e meus companheiros de gestão recebemos. Obrigado, candidato! Não só pelo reconhecimento que cumpri minha missão, mas por escancarar ao vascaíno sua natureza e dos muitos que o cercam.

Gostaria de ter feito mais. Não foi possível.

Ao assumir a presidência do Vasco da Gama, me expus, desde o início, a um plebiscito entre os que aprovam e os que não aprovam minha gestão. Os sócios fizeram sua escolha, e eu respeito.

Tenho certeza de que, com o tempo, desarmados os espíritos, as realizações desta Administração, que não são poucas, serão devidamente avaliadas e reconhecidas. Não há pressa.

Mas lembrem-se: as aves de rapina estão sempre de tocaia. Onde nós enxergamos paixão e razão de viver, elas enxergam apenas uma carniça para saciar sua fome.

Precisamos manter essa gente longe do Vasco.

O sistema é foda, parceiro!

Alexandre Campello da Silveira”

Spurs: Tottenham "will" listen to bids for star after important "change"

Tottenham Hotspur "will" consider winter window approaches for one "fantastic" player after a situation "change" at Spurs.

How have Spurs started this season?

Ange Postecoglou has guided his new team to second in the Premier League standings after an absolutely exceptional start to the 2023/2024 season. Spurs are enjoying a brand new lease of life under the Australian, despite some early doubt surrounding the former Celtic coach. Postecoglou's lack of experience in major European divisions made his appointment an arguable risk, but so far, he's proving all of his doubters very wrong.

A completely new-look Spurs side, compared to that of Antonio Conte's last term, remain unbeaten over their opening seven league matches. The north Londoners have even scored just as many goals as league champions Man City, winning five games in all and seriously exciting supporters with a fresh brand of attack-minded football. Tottenham next take on Luton Town this Saturday, prior to another international break, and the odds heavily favour a routine win for Postecoglou's imperious Lilywhites.

While the likes of Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are now thriving among Postecoglou's main starters, despite being outcasts under Conte, but the same cannot be said for a few others.

Will Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg leave Tottenham?

The player to have suffered most since Postecoglou's arrival at Tottenham has, arguably, been Denmark international star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The former Southampton star was a lynchpin of Conte's midfield last term, scoring four goals and assisting five others in 35 league appearances.

However, Hojbjerg has been a victim of Postecoglou's new system at Spurs this season, with there being no room for his influence as Tottenham's manager looks to prefer the dual midfield pivot of Bissouma and Sarr. The 28-year-old can feel hard done by this, as Hojbjerg was one of the club's most consistent performers last season and has been since his arrival in 2020.

Nevertheless, his "radical change" in situation means Tottenham "will" make Hojbjerg available for transfer in the January window. Juventus are named as major suitors for the midfielder, who have made contact already. This has spiked interest from Hojbjerg and his agents, with Juve believing he can be a real difference-maker. That is according to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

The "fantastic" player could well be a hot commodity when the window reopens, and it is little surprise given Hojbjerg's quality and reliability in the centre of midfield. Indeed, the Dane was once called an "invaluable" cog in Tottenham's system.

"He’s proven already this season what an important player he has become under Conte, " said Noel Whelan to Football Insider in 2022.

"He has become more consistent, and he’s a permanent fixture on the teamsheet straight away. I can understand why Real Madrid want him, because he’s playing like one of the best midfield players – not just in the Premier League, but in Europe.

“I think they’ve got to try and do what they can to keep him, and I didn’t think I’d be saying that after some of his performances when he first signed. What he’s doing right now is invaluable for that front three at Spurs.”

Ellie Roebuck in Barcelona? Lionesses goalkeeper posts cryptic update amid talk of leaving Man City for European champions

Manchester City and England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck posted a cryptic story on her Instagram, amid continued rumours she is set to join Barcelona.

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Roebuck nearing City exitBarcelona move mootedGoalkeeper posts cryptic updateGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Lionesses star is yet to feature for City this season, having lost her place to teenager Khiara Keating at the beginning of the campaign. Keating has continued to impress and has cemented her spot as No.1, leaving Roebuck to assess her options. The Sheffield-born shot stopper has long been linked to the Catalan giants, and she further fuelled those rumours with a cryptic update on Monday.

AdvertisementWHAT ROEBUCK POSTED

The England international uploaded an Instagram story of her shadow on some grass, alongside a clock emoji. This could infer that it is only a matter of time before her move to Barca is made official.

IG:ellieroebuck_GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Indeed, while that transfer has been mooted since as early as January, both Keating's success and a specific door being opened at Barca has intensified those rumours in recent weeks. Blaugrana shot stopper Sandra Panos announced like month that she would be leaving when her contract expires at the end of the season. Many see that as an opportunity for Roebuck to stake her claim at the European champions.

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Roebuck's season to forget not only applies to club level, as she has watched Manchester United icon Mary Earps make the Lionesses No.1 shirt her own over the past year or so. A move to Barca, provided she can fend off competition from Cata Coll, could be the perfect springboard to reignite her international career.

Man Utd: Red Devils flop has seen his value crash by £32m at Old Trafford

Manchester United have failed to build on an encouraging debut season under the leadership of Erik ten Hag, winning just half of their Premier League matches so far in 2023/24.

The Old Trafford side have found the Champions League rather more difficult than first expected following their return to the elite competition, losing to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray across their opening two matches, and it means Ten Hag is the first United boss to achieve this.

Although the Dutchman managed to recruit the likes of Andre Onana, Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and Sofyan Amrabat during the summer transfer window, it wasn’t the window that many of the supporters expected.

Combine this with the fact he still has players such as Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Anthony Martial in his squad, who have been at United for 18 years combined, and the depth of his squad is hardly ideal.

Harry Maguire

Another player who is still at the Red Devils despite a lack of playing time and potential future is Donny van de Beek and if Ten Hag wants to establish his side as one of the best in England and lead them to their first league crown since 2013, this deadwood simply has to go.

Van de Beek in particular has been a dreadful signing and another case of United splashing the cash on a talented gem who has failed to live up to expectations while seeing their market value decline rapidly.

How much did Man United sign Donny van de Beek for?

Following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first full season as manager, where he led the Old Trafford side to a third-place finish in the Premier League during the 2019/20 campaign – their second highest since last winning the title – and he was looking to continue the momentum which had been gathering.

Manchester United'sDonnyvandeBeekapplauds fans after the match

Edinson Cavani was lured to Manchester on a free transfer, while Alex Telles and Facundo Pellistri were also signed as promising youngsters who could become a part of the senior side in the years to come.

It was the arrival of Ajax starlet Van de Beek however which looked as though it could be their best signing that summer, especially judging by his performances for the Dutch side over the previous 12 months.

The Dutchman joined for a transfer fee in the region of £39m and the 23-year-old signed a five-year contract with the club had all worked out well, the move would have turned out to be an excellent bargain.

Fast-forward three years though, and the midfielder has struggled majorly with football in the Premier League and his value has diminished rapidly during that time period.

How much is Donny van de Beek worth now?

When he joined United, his market value stood at €39m (£33.6m) according to Football Transfers and this meant they had overpaid slightly, yet with his relatively young age plus his experience on the biggest stage, there was no doubt his value would increase rapidly.

Donny van de Beek in the Premier League

Games

Goals

Assists

2022/23

7

0

0

2021/22

15

2

0

2020/21

19

1

1

Stats via Sofascore

Just six months later, his market value had risen to €55m (£47.5m) and it certainly looked as though this upward trend could continue.

Unfortunately, that was the highest figure it would reach and two and a half months later, he is now worth only €8.4m (£7.2m), representing an 81% decline from the initial transfer fee paid to sign him in September 2020.

He becomes just another expensive cog in a faltering machine and is it any wonder they haven’t reestablished themselves at the summit of English football in recent years?

Why has Donny van de Beek’s value dropped?

During his spell at Ajax, the Dutchman mainly operated either in a central or attacking midfield role and this allowed him to burst forward often and showcase his creative talents.

Indeed, across 175 games for the Dutch giants, he scored 41 goals and grabbed 34 assists, making him an attractive option for many European clubs and United obviously won the race for his signature.

During his first full season, he made 30 appearances for United, yet managed just one goal and one assist, a staggering drop from his often excellent totals at Ajax.

His performances didn’t get better during his second term either as he made only eight appearances for the Red Devils in the league before being loaned out to Everton and across the whole Premier League season, he started just five games.

Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek.

Not only that, but the Dutchman succeeded with just 29% of his attempted dribbles, averaged just 25.5 touches and made 0.3 key passes per game, hardly the sort of form that was going to establish him as a regular at Old Trafford.

Injuries haven’t helped his cause either, and he has missed a grand total of 48 games under Ten Hag, indicating that he hasn’t been able to really get any sort of form to prove to his former boss why he should be in the starting XI.

When he was given a chance, Van de Beek ranked way down in 26th position across the United squad for Sofascore rating (6.49) while ranking 15th for key passes per game (0.4) and 17th for successful dribbles per game (0.3) and his performances were criticised.

Journalist Steven Railston lamented his display against Aston Villa last November, saying: “MUFC never recovered after conceding two early goals and they were second-best all over the pitch. A really disappointing performance. Donny van de Beek was anonymous again and he shouldn't be anywhere near the starting XI. Bruno Fernandes couldn't return quick enough.”

Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek.

The Red Devils have certainly endured a transfer howler on the 27-year-old as he has simply failed to live up to any sort of early promise when joining.

It’s a shame as he could have developed into one of the finest midfielders on the continent had he continued his rapid upward trajectory at a club like United, yet it clearly hasn’t panned out well.

Due to injury problems and a lack of squad depth, Ten Hag has still given him two appearances this term, albeit he has played only 21 minutes, but it looks as though his career at United is basically dead in the water.

What next for the 6-foot Dutchman is anyone’s guess, but if he doesn’t return to some kind of form sooner rather than later, he could end up forgotten about almost as quickly as he appeared on the scene, that’s for sure.

Chelsea star now "set to leave" in January as club begin replacement search

It is believed that another Chelsea star is "set to leave" in the January transfer window, and the Blues are already searching for his replacement.

Chelsea players leaving in 2024

Stamford Bridge transfer chiefs Todd Boehly, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley have already overseen a major clearout this year, with Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Cesar Azpilicueta, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ethan Ampadu and Callum Hudson-Odoi coming as the Chelsea players sold or loaned out in 2023.

Those exits raised around £230 million in total and helped to balance the books after a summer of serial spending. However, Chelsea want to sign a striker and are plotting further incomings for manager Mauricio Pochettino next year, meaning yet more of the Argentine's squad could be forced out the door. According to recent reports, there are a few candidates already.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Veteran defender Thiago Silva could leave Chelsea as his contract expires next summer, while left-back Marc Cucurella may also depart. Centre-back Trevoh Chalobah is "90%" likely to quit Chelsea too, according to reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Left-back Ian Maatsen, whose current deal expires in 2025, was another name mentioned but those links died down when Chelsea took up the option to extend his contract by an additional 12 months. However, it appears murmurs of a departure for the Dutchman have resurfaced this week.

Ian Maatsen "set to leave" in January

Having spent the 2022/2023 season on loan at Burnley, where he played a heavy hand in their promotion to the Premier League, Maatsen has been favoured by Pochettino on occasion this campaign. While his limits have been somewhat limited, the left-back's featured over six league appearances in total, with Chelsea's manager heaping praise on Maatsen for his intelligence.

"I am so happy with him," said Pochettino in a recent press conference.

"He is a player that can play in different positions. He has quality, he understands the game, and he is such a clever player. So far, he is in my plan, yes. I am so pleased with him, as I’ve said, because of his attitude, commitment and his understanding of the game."

Regardless, TEAMtalk now suggest that his future appears far away from west London. According to their information, Maatsen is "set to leave" Chelsea in the winter window. Burnley, Liverpool and Man City are named as suitors for the versatile 21-year-old, with Boehly and co already beginning the search for his replacement in January. Indeed, it is believed Inter Milan wing-back Federico Dimarco and Boca Juniours starlet Valentin Barco lead a two-man shortlist to succeed Maatsen.

The latter can actually sign a pre-contract in two months, as he is in the last year of his current deal with Boca Juniours. As such, it is believed Chelsea are ready to approach him over such a deal soon, while Dimarco comes as an enticing option given his form for the Nerazzurri. The Italian has even scored and bagged three assists in Serie A.

Newcastle could fill Tonali void by unleashing 17y/o with "plenty of potential"

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has become embroiled in gambling controversy this month. After a string of betting breaches during his time at former club, AC Milan, the Italian was banned for up to ten months – leaving his fledgling Magpies career in free fall.

However, while the 23-year-old – who joined in the summer on a five-year contract until 2028 for a whopping £55 million – looks ahead to time on the sidelines, one academy youngster may have the chance to embark on further progress since his own arrival at the club on Deadline Day.

Travis Hernes – the latest name amidst Newcastle's youth influx

Within an era of new Saudi ownership, it'd be easy for Newcastle to simply cherry-pick the best Europe has to offer and try to fast-track their space with football's elite. However, although a slither of that could be said for Tonali's high-profile move (which saw him become the most expensive Italian transfer ever), a lot of Eddie Howe's dealings have been made with the long-term future firmly in mind.

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Take the loan of Chelsea's Lewis Hall – his is a move that reflects a young peripheral Blues player moving with an option to buy to the club he's actually supported since childhood. There's a slick planning there.

Factor in Australian wonderkid Garang Kuol and Gambian high-flyer Yankuba Minteh – two players that are bearing fruit on loans at Volendam and Feyenoord, respectively – and there's some serious talent in the pipeline.

Another name perhaps lost in the cluster of youngsters flying through the St James' Park doors, is Travis Hernes.

At just 17 years old, this midfielder of mixed Norwegian-English origins could have national teams fighting for his allegiance after making the impressive jump from League One Shrewsbury Town to Premier League Newcastle's youth side this September.

Hernes ready to build off Football League foundations

For Norwegian-born Hernes, this recent ascent has been emphatic, yet the youngster looks to constantly improve rather than be a mere flash in the pan.

At Shrewsbury, Hernes only featured in six senior games before attracting higher-level suitors. Three of those came in the EFL Trophy where the youngster even got on the scoresheet. These efforts, as well as an EFL Cup appearance, found him entrusted with two brief League One opportunities at the start of 2023/24 – against Stevenage and Cheltenham.

Although there isn't much in the way of recorded statistics for the young man who arrived in England at age 13, Chronicle Live's report provides a great qualitative profile on the midfielder. Football writer Chris Knight spoke to Shrewsbury's academy manager Charlie Musselwhite:

"He's a very polite, grounded boy. He's someone who I'd say is very relaxed, at times reserved, but I wouldn't say shy. He's just a fairly laidback character. That being said, when it comes to work and football, he is very serious. Throughout his time last year when he turned full-time scholar, he was very hard-working whether that was in training sessions or doing extras."

Since moving to Tyneside, Hernes has also attracted praise from his new manager, U19 coach Ben Dawson. The future could be bright for the Norwegian if he keeps progressing in the same vein as he has done in tricky fixtures against AC Milan's youth for example:

“He’s been terrific. It’s all very new for him still. He’s still quite green after making that jump. He played in the Premier League Cup against Huddersfield and did really well. Totally different experience today. He’s going to take some time to settle in, but he's a player we really like, and we think he’s got plenty of potential."

With one goal under his belt in just two U18 Premier League appearances so far for the Tynesiders, a chance to impress at senior level may not be too far down the line, with the impending absence of Tonali potentially set to be the perfect opportunity for Howe to raid the academy set-up.

Liverpool could sign bigger talent than Szoboszlai in "world-class" £85m gem

Liverpool's summer transfer window was not without its turbulence, but in hindsight, the mass midfield exodus and subsequent influx has reshaped and restored a side in decline.

Last season, the Reds languished and looked pitiful in the face of some heavy adversity, and the fifth-placed Premier League finish was an apt reflection of a miserable campaign.

Jurgen Klopp even admitted that he could face the sack in April should the terrible form seep into the 2023/24 season, having just slumped to a 4-1 defeat against Manchester City; it would have been an ignominious end to an illustrious reign.

Out with the old, in with the new – or so it goes. The likes of Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho were shown the door and an exciting new clutch of midfield talent has thus far pumped vitality and quality into the squad to uphold Klopp's system.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

The impressive start to the campaign hints at prosperity once again, with the last residual vestiges of enervation wiped away, but it could have been that last term's issues were avoided entirely had transfer business in 2022 not been so myopic.

Arthur Melo was the sole midfield signing – a panic buy, on loan, late into the window – despite obvious signs of wear and tear, and the Brazilian flopped big time, playing just 13 minutes of action.

Klopp and co wanted the perfect addition, and after the pursuit of Aurelien Tchouameni ended fruitless, with the Frenchman joining Real Madrid in a €100m (£85m) transfer, an unadventurous end to the market set the Anfield side up for failure.

Liverpool transfer news – Aurelien Tchouameni

Last year, Liverpool were fighting fiercely to secure Tchouameni's services, with Fabrizio Romano even confirming that they were among the frontrunners for the touted talent.

Carlo Ancelotti's side, however, always looked to have the lead in the race and indeed triumphed, compounding Liverpool's upset after defeating them in the Champions League final.

aurelien-tchouameni

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Anfield remain suitors for the 28-cap France international as Arsenal's budding interest grows, though any move would probably be unlikely in the immediate future.

Regardless, for all Liverpool's success in rebuilding the midfield recently, a specialist No. 6 is still required, with Wataru Endo not considered the long-term, first-choice solution – Tchouameni, it seems, would be the dream option.

The stats that show Tchouameni would be a good signing for Liverpool

Having joined the Santiago Bernabeu side for such an expensive fee, Tchouameni perhaps felt the weight of a move to arguably the world's most prestigious club and didn't quite reach his peak.

The £205k-per-week star made 50 appearances across all competitions and won the Copa del Rey, though was benched throughout the Champions League knockout stage and for both semi-final ties against Barcelona in the cup.

Clearly not quite entrusted with a central role in the biggest moments, Tchouameni has made the improvements to his craft this season and now appears indispensable.

Indeed, in La Liga this term – as per Sofascore – the holding midfielder has completed 93% of his passes, made 1.7 tackles and 3.6 ball recoveries per game and won an incredible 80% of his dribbles and 70% of his duels – Manchester City's Rodri, in comparison, has won 63% of his duels in the Premier League this season.

#

Player

Club

1

Frenkie de Jong

Barcelona

2

Federico Valverde

Real Madrid

3

Pedri

Barcelona

4

Joshua Kimmich

Bayern Munich

5

Nicolo Barella

Inter Milan

*Statistics sourced via Football Transfers

As per FBref, the 23-year-old ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 7% for passes attempted, the top 5% for interceptions, the top 7% for aerial wins, the top 10% for clearances and the top 18% for tackles per 90.

He's a superlative defensive force in the centre, considered "world-class" by Transfermarkt's Stefan Bienkowski, having now made 14 appearances this season for his high-flying outfit.

He has recently sustained a foot injury that will likely rule him out of action for the remainder of 2023, and whether Madrid can maintain their impressive form in his absence remains to be seen.

It feels like he's getting better with every performance on the pitch, and should Liverpool pull off a transfer that would possibly eclipse anything in recent years, Klopp's team would thrive at the forefront for years to come.

An acquisition could even surpass the impact of Dominik Szoboszlai, who has been positively incredible in the centre of the park since joining the Premier League side this summer.

How Aurelien Tchouameni compares to Szoboszlai

There may have been a few half-hearted claims of the tougher competition in the Premier League after Szoboszlai joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in a £60m deal in July, but the innate technical ability surpasses Europe's majority.

Last season, the 36-cap Hungary captain had posted ten goals and 13 assists across all competitions for his German side as they claimed a second successive DFB Pokal trophy, with his exploits leading journalist Marcel Moeller to describe him as a "generational talent."

Prolific and potent, energetic and elegant, Szoboszlai has been at the heart of Liverpool's revival and he looks set to dominate at the centre of the Anfield pitch for years to come.

Having scored two goals and assists apiece from 13 matches, the 22-year-old is dazzling under Klopp's wing. He has completed 88% of his passes in the Premier League, averaging 2.5 key passes, 1.4 tackles and 7.6 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore.

For comparison, Tottenham Hotspur's James Maddison – arguably the "signing of the summer", according to TNT pundit Joe Cole – has completed 85% of his passes, creating 3.2 key passes per game but winning 1.4 tackles and 2.2 ball recoveries per outing.

Similar players, Szoboszlai is thriving as the engine in the middle, far more robust and energetic – for all Maddison's might, you would find few Liverpool supporters eager to trade.

It's rather staggering to think that if Merseysiders were to pull off the elusive deal for Tchouameni, Klopp might boast a midfield ace of greater quality than the Hungarian.

Tchouameni is, of course, a different kind of midfielder, and comparisons should not be drawn from the pairs' contrasting metrics, but the presence that the former Monaco man has on the pitch is profound.

His recent injury is a massive blow to Real Madrid's season, with Ancelotti's side undefeated when he has started, and if he was deployed as the Liverpool anchor the club would be propelled to new heights.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig once lauded the player as "out of this world", and a midfield pairing of Tchouameni and Szoboszlai really would have Liverpool soaring in the skies.

Klopp will fervently hope that one day an opportunity to sign the Los Blancos man presents itself, completing his flourishing crop.

Bell-Drummond underlines Kent firepower in last-gasp win

Kent were involved in their second high-scoring affair in 24 hours and they sneaked it to secure a home tie in the last eight

ECB Reporters Network17-Aug-2018

Daniel Bell-Drummond marshalled Kent’s run chase•Getty Images

ScorecardDaniel Bell-Drummond hammered his this third Vitality Blast half-century of the season to help Kent finish second in South Group and set up a home tie in the last four.Bell-Drummond was out at the start of the final over for 80 from 51 balls as Kent crossed the line with one ball to spare to record their eighth T20 win of the campaign. With Joe Denly, Bell-Drummond set the ball rolling in pursuit of 202 to win with a 98-run opening stand. When he departed he had hit eight fours and three sixes.The Spitfires had qualified for the knockout stages the night before when they beat Somerset by five runs in another high-scoring encounter. Their visit to The Cloudfm County Ground was, therefore, to decide venue and opponents for next week’s quarter-final.Despite the defeat, it was a memorable evening for Essex’s veteran all-rounder Ravi Bopara. He marked his 300th career T20 appearance by taking his 200th wicket, returning four-over figures of one for 22. He also claimed 25 off 10 balls, including two sixes, to move within seven runs of 6,000 in the 16 years of the shortest form of the game.Essex passed 200 for the second time in 24 hours, but only the second time this season after claiming only their second win of a dismal season against Middlesex on Thursday night.It was an Essex team chosen with an eye on the resumption of the Specsavers County Championship on Sunday against Somerset at Taunton. Captain Ryan ten Doeschate plus pacemen Peter Siddle and Sam Cook were rested, while spinner Aron Nijjar and Dutch international Shane Snater made their T20 debuts for the Eagles.Denly and Bell-Drummond made a storming start on the ground where they compiled a then world-record opening stand of 207 a year ago. They had fifty on the board inside five overs with both batsmen finding the boundary with some regularity and ease.Bell-Drummond hit the first three balls of Paul Walter’s second over for two fours and a straight six, and greeted Snater’s introduction with a six in an over that cost 23. Denly also hit Nijjar over his head for a six in his opening over.Bell-Drummond’s fifty took 27 balls, and included two sixes and six fours. But with the partnership approaching three-figures in nine overs he lost Denly. The all-rounder, who had earlier chipped in with two Essex wickets for 33, came down the wicket to Nijjar and found Michael Pepper on the long-off boundary He had contributed 45 from 23 balls, with seven fours and a six.Heino Kuhn did not last long before he became Bopara’s landmark victim when he was bowled. That brought in Sam Billings, the captain, and he wasted no time in leading from the front. Nijjar was deposited high over the ropes at long-leg and Harmer well over the midwicket boundary during a 19-ball 33 that took the Spitfires past 150 in the 15th over. He perished when Dan Lawrence took a diving catch as he raced in.Bell-Drummond survived a run-out attempt on 69 when Varun Chopra broke the non-striker’s wicket with a throw from the opposite end, but he was adjudged to have just made it back to his crease. With three overs left, Kent required 33 to win, 22 off two.They lost Alex Blake for 19 as he tried to work Snater off his legs, and Matt Coles snaffled the catch at short fine leg. They were still 20 runs short, but Snater helped them on their way with four wides and they needed nine runs from six balls.But Bell-Drummond exited with four balls left when held by Snater at deep midwicket to give Coles the wicket. However, Grant Stewart made up for some indifferent bowling by striking the winning boundary from the penultimate ball.Kent won the toss and opted to field. They were not helped when Stewart sent down three wides in his first four balls, and when he did bowl a legitimate delivery Varun Chopra pulled him over midwicket for six in an over that cost 15.Wheater had already reverse-swept a four off Denly, and taken successive boundaries off Haggett before paddle-sweeping a six off Milne to bring up the Eagles’ fifty at the start of the sixth over.The wicketkeeper-batsman dealt equally harshly with Imran Qayyum who went for two fours in a row. But he perished for a 25-ball 40, including six fours and that six, when he lofted Haggett to Sean Dickson on the midwicket rope.When Stewart returned, Chopra pulled a full-toss for his second six as Essex reached three-figures from 64 balls. But having already been tied up in knots by Denly, misjudged a straight one and was bowled for 37. Paul Walter followed two balls later, caught at long-off for 29 from 14 balls, including a six over cow corner off Claydon.Dan Lawrence hit a career-best 86 at Lord’s 24 hours earlier, and underlined his improvement in the shorter format by chipping Denly back over the bowler’s head for six. He collected four more from a reverse sweep, but next ball went for an injudicious ramp shot against Claydon, missed the ball and was bowled for 19.Ashar Zaidi hit Haggett for successive boundaries, but became over-ambitious when he tried to land a six over cow corner, but only succeeded in finding Dickson positioned for just such a shot.Bopara lofted Claydon for an enormous six over midwicket and followed up two balls later by a second over long-off. He finished an over in which he added 18 to his personal account with a four backward of square.Harmer, captaining in the absence of ten Doeschate, departed when he feathered a catch behind off Milne before Matt Coles took two from the last ball to take Essex past 200.

خاص.. الزمالك ينهي أزمة مايا ممدوح ويجدد تعاقدها لمدة موسم

نجحت إدارة نادي الزمالك في التوصل لاتفاق مع مايا ممدوح، لاعبة فريق الكرة الطائرة “سيدات”، بشأن تجديد تعاقدها.

وأشارت أنباء سابقة إلى وجود أزمة بين النادي واللاعبة، بسبب رغبتها في تعديل عقدها من أجل التجديد للقلعة البيضاء.

طالع أيضًا | الزمالك يقرر إحالة أيسل نديم لاعبة فريق الطائرة للتحقيق

وأكد مصدر لـ “بطولات”، أن مايا ممدوح اجتمعت مع مسؤولي الزمالك، واتفق الطرفان على تجديد عقد اللاعبة لمدة موسم واحد فقط، بدون إجراء تعديل على المُقابل المادي في عقدها السابق.

يذكر، أن الزمالك كان قد نجح في التتويج ببطولة إفريقيا للكرة الطائرة “سيدات” خلال الموسم الماضي، وتأهل لكأس العالم للأندية.

وتجدر الإشارة إلى أن اللاعبة شروق فؤاد تقترب من الانتقال لنادي الزمالك بعد فسخ تعاقدها مع الأهلي بالتراضي.

وأكد مصدر لـ “بطولات في وقت سابق، أن هناك مفاوضات ودية بينها وبين الزمالك للانتقال إلى صفوفه خلال الفترة الحالية.

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