Phil Salt confirmed as wicketkeeper for West Indies T20Is

England opener hoping to build on ODI form after Antigua half-century

Cameron Ponsonby04-Nov-2024Phil Salt will keep wicket for England’s T20I series against the West Indies, despite the return of Jos Buttler to the team.White-ball captain Buttler has kept in 106 of his past 108 T20 internationals, fielding only in the two matches that took place in Trinidad during England’s previous tour of the Caribbean in December 2023.”It’s not something I’ve done a lot for England recently,” Salt said in Barbados ahead of the third ODI. “But I enjoy keeping. I feel like that’s where I offer most to the side.”Salt has kept in 13 of his 59 games for England across formats and has been given the gloves in this current ODI series ahead of Jordan Cox, who will fill in for Test keeper Jamie Smith for the upcoming series in New Zealand.Related

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Buttler has been out for several months with a calf strain. Had he been fit to play the T20 series against Australia in September, Salt would have kept wicket with Buttler keen to experiment with captaining from different positions on the field.At the time, Buttler said: “I was going to give up the gloves and commit to being at mid-off and see how that felt. If it will help me with my captaincy it is something I am open to.”Buttler arrived in the Caribbean on Sunday and trained at Kensington Oval on Monday. He is not available for selection for the deciding ODI on Wednesday and will resume captaincy duties ahead of the five-match T20I series that starts on Saturday, making his first appearance since England’s defeat in the T20 World Cup semi-final in June. Essex wicketkeeper-batter Michael Pepper, originally only selected for the ODI squad, has been added to the T20 squad and will remain with the group for the rest of the tour.Of whether his move to keep is a long-term decision, Salt said: “We’ve not had that chat about anything going forward. I’m just glad to be doing it at the moment.”Salt made scores of 18 and 59 in the first two ODIs, with his half-century helping to set up England’s chase of 329 to tie the series in the second Antigua game.After England had been bowled out for 209 in the first match, captain Liam Livingstone had criticised the performance, saying that the team needed to “bat smarter”.Salt made his first ODI half-century in over a year in Antigua•Getty ImagesWhereas Salt has found his feet in T20 cricket, his ODI returns haven’t been as consistent. In his last ten ODIs, he averages 24.30 with only one half-century. A habit of being dismissed in the powerplay limited his output – remarkably, his innings in Antigua on Saturday was the first time he had batted past the tenth over since June 2022.”When anybody’s at their best they’re aggressive and smart,” he said. “They go hand in hand – they have to if you’re going to have any success in white-ball cricket.”I know I could have got more runs. I think for myself it’s how do I drop the strike rate and pump the average… prolonging my innings and extending partnerships. Those are two of the most important things in 50-over cricket.”The ODI series against Australia in September was Salt’s first experience of 50-over cricket since the tour of the Caribbean in December last year. With the Hundred being played at the same time as the One-Day Cup during the English summer, many of England’s new white-ball generation have little List A experience, with Salt explaining the difficulty of re-adapting to the tempo required.”I don’t think there’s many players in this team that you could go through and go ‘oh they’re doing a great job right now’. That’s the reality of it because we’ve not played a lot of 50-over cricket.”I’d love something like a domestic 50-over competition. I’d love the opportunity to play in that so you can get the rhythm and it’s not always stop-start. But that’s what we’ve got. As a player you’ve got to adapt.”

Their new Paqueta: West Ham make approach to sign "complete" £30m star

West Ham United’s notable exits this summer look as if they will be continuing on way past Mohammed Kudus’ crushing departure to Tottenham Hotspur.

The next reality check in the transfer department could come very soon, as Lucas Paqueta appears to be edging for a move away from the London Stadium, amid interest in the midfielder’s services from Manchester City and the aforementioned North Londoners.

It remains to be seen whether the Hammers would let Paqueta go during the same demoralising summer that saw Kudus defect to Spurs, as a new Paqueta-style figure appears on Graham Potter’s shopping list anyway.

West Ham ask about signing £30m midfielder

Potter’s men look as if they will be busy between now and September’s approaching deadline, with a whole host of names being tipped to join the East London ranks.

New reports have suggested that Cagliari attacker Roberto Piccoli might join the building to help boost the ex-Chelsea manager’s options up top, alongside the Hammers also eyeing up promising Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper to add depth in between the sticks in the wake of Lukas Fabianski’s retirement.

Sheffield United'sMichaelCooper

West Ham are further assessing their options in the EFL away from just the Blades when it comes to Southampton starlet Mateus Fernandes, with journalist Jack Rosser via X speculating that the Hammers have approached the Saints about a potential move for the rising Portuguese star.

It is stated that they haven’t been left with much encouragement from these conversations, however, with Atletico Madrid also keen on the 21-year-old, who is touted to be worth around the £30m ballpark.

Standing out as a shining light last season, even as his South Coast outfit plummeted to relegation, Fernandes could kick on and become an even brighter talent at the London Stadium if a deal can be secured, potentially filling the hole left behind by Paqueta in the process.

Why Fernandes could be the next Paqueta

£30m does feel like a steep amount to splurge on a midfielder that has just tasted the unwelcome flavour of relegation, but the 21-year-old did manage to come out of Southampton’s basement finish with his head held high, at least.

Lucas Paqueta in action for West Ham United.

Indeed, come the end of the depressing campaign for his team, Fernandes would still manage to tally up two goals and four assists for his lowly team in Premier League action.

All this frenzied interest has come his way off the back of completing such an impressive individual campaign, despite the many setbacks facing him at St. Mary’s.

Amazingly, Fernandes’ standout 2024/25 output is more goals and assists than Paqueta would manage back at the Irons across the same span, with the spotlight on the Brazilian more focused on controversies off the pitch, away from him only collecting a disappointing four goal contributions.

However, whilst the 21-year-old would shine in this regard, he is also similar to his South American counterpart when considering his overall, varied game, which would make him a perfect replacement for Paqueta in the long run. Indeed, as hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson, he is the “complete” talent.

Games played

36

33

Goals scored

2

4

Assists

4

0

Touches*

53.3

58.6

Accurate passes*

29.0 (85%)

33.6 (79%)

Big chances created

6

4

Tackles*

2.5

2.0

Ball recoveries*

5.0

4.5

Total duels won*

5.8

6.0

Looking at the table above, it becomes far clearer as to why Mattinson described Fernandes as a ‘complete’ talent from the middle of the park.

The former Sporting youngster matches Paqueta and even betters him when it comes to the more defensive aspect of their games, when glancing at their numbers in the Premier League last season, as seen in him averaging more tackles and ball recoveries last campaign per match.

Even FBref states that the midfielders are statistically similar, with Paqueta also a versatile performer, much like the 21-year-old, when previously lining up down the left flank for the Irons.

Fernandes is some way off establishing himself as a Premier League regular like the “mind-boggling” Paqueta – as former teammate Declan Rice once described his ability – but his time could soon come to become an established talent at the level, particularly if the Hammers cough up what Southampton want this summer.

Bowen 2.0: West Ham targeting move to sign "incredible" £15m star

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Man City ace involved in bitter row with neighbours after adding unauthorised development to £2m mansion

Manchester City's summer signing Marcus Bettinelli has become involved in a bitter row with neighbours over adding an unauthorised development to his £2 million mansion. The incident happened just weeks after the goalkeeper chopped down 40-foot trees in front of his luxurious residence in Cobham, Surrey. Bettinelli moved to City from Chelsea during the transfer window.

  • Man City goalkeeper in trouble
  • Accused of illegal constructions by neighbours
  • Bettinelli joined City from Chelsea this summer
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    According to , Bettinelli constructed a parking bay over a grass verge in front of his mansion, without taking the necessary permissions. The building of the parking bay has landed him in a row with neighbours, who have challenged the unauthorised groundwork. The City star, on the other hand, claimed that he was well within his rights to construct the parking bay, as it comes within the boundary of his property. 

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    WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

    The first objector wrote a letter, which read: "Parking on a verge is completely against the character of this estate and against its development guidelines. There are no parking bays on verges anywhere on the estate. It is an erosion of green landscape, replaced by tarmac. The property already has parking for multiple vehicles, having converted its entire garden to hardstanding. An additional parking bay is unnecessary."

    A second objector wrote: "The additional parking space introduces a visually intrusive expanse of tarmac, eroding the landscaped frontages that define the road and makes the street scene less attractive. If approved, this application would set a precedent for other properties to remove green frontages for additional parking, resulting in cumulative erosion of the estate's character and streetscape."

    A third one added: "Providing an on-street parking layby in an area where there are none and the large houses all around have ample space in their front gardens for all cars, is unnecessary."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The Cityzens finally parted ways with their cult hero goalkeeper Scott Carson this summer as the veteran star left the club after six years. Bettinelli was brought in as the club's third goalkeeper, replacing Carson, from Chelsea in the summer. 

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    WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

    Pep Guardiola's side, who lost their last two Premier League games against Tottenham and Brighton, will aim to bounce back in the Manchester derby as they take on rivals United next Sunday at home.

He's even better than Wharton: Spurs make approach to sign £32m sensation

Mohammed Kudus became Thomas Frank’s first major signing since taking the reins at Tottenham Hotspur, joining in a £55m deal from West Ham United last week.

The Ghanaian will offer key quality and depth in numerous key areas within the Lilywhites squad next season, having the versatility to star in numerous positions.

He can operate in any of the wide areas, whilst also being able to operate in the number ten role, leaving Frank to determine which role the 24-year-old is best suited to.

However, it’s likely that the new boss will want further additions to help bolster his side to aid any chances of immediate success in the Premier League.

Countless names have been touted with a move to North London in recent days, with multiple players appearing to be subject to more than just interest from the Lilywhites.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Over recent days, reports have emerged linking Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton with a move to join Spurs, but they could be priced out of a move for his signature.

Claims were made that the 21-year-old could be available for a fee in the region of £100m this summer, a figure undoubtedly way beyond what he’s worth after registering just 36 Premier League appearances in his career.

However, another name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with Club Brugge star Ardon Jashari a key target for the club, according to TBR Football.

Their latest report claims that the Lilywhites have made an enquiry to sign the 22-year-old central midfielder this window, with the Swiss star currently valued at £32m.

It also states that numerous other Premier League sides, such as Nottingham Forest and Everton, remain in the race for his signature after he failed to agree a move to AC Milan earlier this window.

Why Spurs’ £32m target is a better signing than Wharton

Given his rapid rise to stardom over the last couple of months, it’s no surprise to see Eagles star Wharton touted with big-money moves away from Selhurst Park this window.

Despite his tender age, he was named in the Euro 2024 squad 12 months ago, having the ability to be a monster hit in North London should he make any move to join Frank’s squad.

However, the £100m fee that’s been touted for his signature is nothing short of extortionate, with the Lilywhites paying for the potential he holds given his youthful years.

Other players will need to be considered if the side are to improve within the middle of the park, which could see cheaper alternatives put forward by the hierarchy.

It’s safe to say Jashari could be the perfect star in such a department, that’s if his figures in Belgium last season are anything to go by – hopefully transferring such tallies across to England with him.

Club Brugge's ArdonJasharireacts

The midfielder, who’s been labelled “seriously talented” by analyst Ben Mattinson, managed to register a 61% take-on success, along with 2.2 carries into the final third – showcasing his ability to get the ball into attacking areas.

He’s managed to add the final product to his mazy runs, completing 7.3 passes into the final third per 90, 1.3 of which were defined as key passes, with both of his tallies higher than those of Wharton during the 2024/25 campaign.

How Jashari & Wharton compare in the 2024/25 campaign

Statistics (per 90)

Jashari

Wharton

Games played

35

20

Goals & assists

7

2

Pass accuracy

87%

75%

Progressive passes

7.2

6.3

Passes into final third

7.3

5.3

Key passes made

1.3

0.7

Take-on success

61%

20%

Carries into final third

2.4

1.5

Progressive carries

1.4

0.9

Stats via FBref

Jashari’s excellent numbers don’t stop there, completing 87% of the passes he attempted, helping him post a tally of seven combined goals and assists last year – handing Frank’s side a superb talent that’s arguably a better addition than the Palace star.

£32m may appear to be a hefty sum splashed out on a player who may not be proven in England’s top-flight, but from the aforementioned stats produced, it’s evident he’s a player with huge potential.

If he can carry such form over to the Premier League, it could allow the hierarchy to forget about a move for Wharton, subsequently avoiding the added tax around English players and landing another huge talent for Frank’s side in the Dane’s hunt for success in North London.

Shades of Mbeumo: Spurs set to enter talks to sign "outrageous" £40m star

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making a move for a talented star who could emulate Bryan Mbeumo.

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Ethan Lamb

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Bad news for Bruno: Man Utd preparing huge bid for "incredible" £60m star

There’s no denying that the 2024/25 campaign was one to forget for Manchester United, needing to erase such a year from their memory if they’re to be a success next season.

The Red Devils only registered a measly 15th-placed Premier League finish, whilst also being on the losing end in the Europa League final against fellow English side Tottenham Hotspur.

Ruben Amorim was ultimately unable to have the desired impact after taking the reins halfway through the campaign, undoubtedly hoping to make amends in 2025/26.

The 40-year-old has finally had the pre-season he desired to get his feet under the table and make the changes he needs to allow his players to operate in his 3-4-2-1 system.

Despite already splashing over £130m on new additions this summer, the hierarchy look set to back the manager once again in his quest for success in England’s top-flight.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Benjamin Sesko has undoubtedly been the biggest star linked in recent weeks, with the Red Devils battling Newcastle United for the RB Leipzig striker’s signature this window.

The Slovenian has already been subject to an offer from the Magpies, with United needing to act quickly if they are to secure a deal for the 22-year-old before the September 1st deadline.

Benjamin Sesko

However, despite the interest in the forward, other options are also being considered across the pitch, with Barcelona star Fermin Lopez the latest on their radar, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

They claim that Amorim’s side are preparing a €70m (£60m) offer for the 22-year-old central midfielder, after he made 46 appearances across all competitions last season.

The report also states that the LaLiga outfit would be open to allowing him to depart before the end of the window, if an offer in that region is submitted in the coming weeks.

Why United’s latest target could spell bad news for Bruno

Bruno Fernandes has been a player constantly providing the goods for United in recent years, scoring 98 times and notching 83 assists in his 290 appearances for the Red Devils.

Bruno Fernandes

Such numbers have saved the side in key moments, especially last season, with his tally of 37 goal contributions undoubtedly preventing the side from a relegation battle in the Premier League.

However, despite his contributions, he could find himself dropping down the pecking order in 2025/26, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha already being signed to operate in the number ten role.

Bruno has regularly operated in such a position over recent times, potentially having to drop into a deeper role as a result of the pair’s big-money arrivals at Old Trafford.

The likes of Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte all currently occupy such roles, with the potential arrival of Lopez adding further depth to the midfield department.

There’s no doubt that if the Spaniard moved to the Theatre of Dreams it would put Fernandes’ spot in the side at risk, especially when considering the phenomenal numbers the Barça star produced in 2024/25.

Lopez, who’s been labelled “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, registered 11 combined goals and assists, highlighting the attacking threat he possesses from his deep-lying role.

Games played

28

Goals & assists

11

Pass accuracy

82%

Progressive passes

5.7

Passes into final third

4.7

Shots taken

3.1

Take-ons completed

1.8

Tackles won

1.4

Key passes made

2.1

Recoveries made

4.7

He also completed 5.7 progressive passes per 90, 4.7 of which were into the final third, handing the new additions the chance to thrive within attacking areas in their first season at the club.

The youngster’s talents are further reflected out of possession, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 and 4.7 recoveries per 90, offering Amorim the defensive presence he may need in the middle of the park.

£60m could be an expensive addition, but given Lopez’s all-round talents, he could prove to be an exceptional addition for United in their attempts to rise up the table.

At just 22, he has plenty of time to build on his early success in his career, potentially putting Bruno’s long-standing presence within the side at huge risk.

Most important deal since Bruno: Man Utd make enquiry for "world-class" gem

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Injured Shanto and Mushfiqur ruled out of West Indies Tests

Mehidy Hasan Miraz takes over as captain, while Shahadat Hossain has been named Shanto’s replacement

Mohammad Isam10-Nov-2024 • Updated on 12-Nov-2024Najmul Hossain Shanto* and Mushfiqur Rahim have both been ruled out of Bangladesh’s upcoming two-Test series in the West Indies. While Mushfiqur has a finger injury, Shanto has a groin strain. The absence of Mushfiqur means Bangladesh will go into a Test series for the first time in 16 years without any of Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal or him.Mushfiqur, a veteran of 94 Tests, has also been suffering from a shoulder injury since the Pakistan Test series in August. He suffered the finger injury during the first ODI against Afghanistan in Sharjah last week.Shanto, who will also miss the third and final ODI against Afghanistan in Sharjah on Monday, sustained the injury during the second ODI, a BCB statement said. He left the field, and scans later confirmed the nature of the injury.”We have received the team physio’s report and the scan report, which has confirmed a Grade II strain on his left groin,” BCB senior physician Dr Debashis Chowdhury said in a statement. “This will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. We will reassess his condition after two weeks. He will return home from the UAE to continue his rehab.”Mehidy Hasan Miraz will captain the side in Shanto’s absence.Shahadat Hossain, the 22-year-old right-hand top-order batter, has been named Shanto’s replacement.He has played four Tests after debuting against New Zealand last year, and has an average of 14.75 with a highest score of 31. He was dropped for the home Tests against South Africa in October, and averages 26.33 in four matches in the National Cricket League, including a century in his last game. Possible alternatives could have been Amite Hasan, who has 466 runs at an average of 77.66 in the NCL, and Anamul Haque and Amit Majumder, who have also crossed the 400-run mark in the competition.Mushfiqur Rahim had hurt his shoulder during the Test series against Pakistan in August•AFP/Getty ImagesBangladesh have also left out Khaled Ahmed and Nayeem Hasan, but will welcome Litton Das back in the fold after the wicketkeeper-batter missed the second Test against South Africa in Chattogram, and the three ODIs against Afghanistan due to fever.The touring party has a strong pace attack, including Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana. Uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad has been added to the spin department that includes vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.Bangladesh have kept faith in their regular top-order batters Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan. Shanto and Mominul Haque will bat at No. 3 and 4 respectively. Mushfiqur’s role could fall on Jaker Ali or Mahidul Islam Ankon, with Litton back with the gloves, and likely to bat at No. 7.Bangladesh will start the tour with a four-day warm-up game at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, followed by the first Test in Antigua from November 22. The second Test is in Jamaica, starting November 30. The visitors will then play three ODIs and as many T20Is, but their white-ball squad hasn’t been announced yet.Bangladesh Test squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shahadat Hossain, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Litton Das (wk), Jaker Ali, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad

Jos Buttler to miss ODI series in Caribbean after 'setback' in calf injury

Liam Livingstone to lead ODI side for first time, as captain’s absence extends to four months

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Oct-2024

Jos Buttler hasn’t played a competitive match since the T20 World Cup semi-final in June•Getty Images

Jos Buttler’s return as England white-ball captain has been delayed by at least three more matches, after he was ruled out of next week’s ODI leg of their tour of the Caribbean due to his long-standing calf injury.Buttler, 34, has been plagued by the injury for four months, and has not played a competitive match since England’s elimination from the T20 World Cup, with their semi-final defeat to India in Guyana in June.He missed the entirety of Manchester Originals’ Hundred campaign, and then withdrew from the T20I and ODI series against Australia in September as well. According to the ECB, he has now suffered a “slight setback” in his rehabilitation, and will consequently fly direct to Barbados ahead of the five-match T20I series, which begins on November 9.Related

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In Buttler’s absence, Liam Livingstone has been named as England’s ODI captain. It will be his first opportunity in the role, with Harry Brook – Buttler’s stand-in in the ODIs against Australia – currently in Rawalpindi preparing for the third Test against Pakistan.Michael Pepper, the Essex wicketkeeper-batter, has been added to the squad as cover, although the selectors had always intended to add two extra players to the tour, depending on the team selection for the third Test in Rawalpindi. Jordan Cox, England’s spare Test batter who made his white-ball debut against Australia, is one likely inclusion, while Olly Stone – back with the squad after his honeymoon but omitted from the match – could also feature.Pepper has only played seven List A games but was third third-highest run-scorer in 2024 Vitality Blast and finished the season with Essex in good form, scoring his maiden first-class hundreds.Buttler’s continued absence will raise speculation around his international future, despite the assurances from Brendon McCullum, England’s incoming white-ball coach, that he would remain front and centre of his plans, with McCullum pointedly saying that “he’s been a little bit miserable at times.””He’s an incredibly gifted player,” McCullum added at his unveiling. “He’s a fine leader. My job is to get the best out of him so that all those that sit in the dressing-room feel like they can be ten-feet tall and bulletproof when they walk out to play, and they know that the skipper is going to give them that extra pat on the back and and enjoy the ride with them.”Buttler was a non-playing presence during the Australia series, with Marcus Trescothick, England’s interim white-ball coach who will be leading the Caribbean tour, insisting: “There’s no reason why Jos won’t fit back into that mould, score millions of runs, captain well and fit back into the team perfectly.””Let’s make it clear,” Trescothick said. “He will come straight back in. At what position, I don’t know. We’ll look at that for the Caribbean.”

Levy could now green-light "surprise" Tottenham exit for £60m star with Son

It isn’t beyond the realms of possibility that Tottenham could green-light a shock departure this summer, amid the uncertainty surrounding club captain Son Heung-min’s future.

£40m star hints he's prepared to join Tottenham as Spurs speak with his camp

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Thomas Frank has worked with Son extensively during pre-season, despite his credible links with a move away from N17 before deadline day on September 1, and the Dane continues to play down speculation by suggesting Son is key to his plans.

“I think everyone knows that Son has been one of the best players at Tottenham in the past 10 years. I think he’s been hugely successful from the left wing,” said Frank in a recent press conference.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

“I also think he’s had some fantastic games down the middle as a number nine. So it’s important to have players who can play in more than one position, and it’s about having your best players on the pitch and available.

“So the thing about Sonny is that he will always score goals, and it’s just about getting him in those situations.”

However, MLS side Los Angeles FC are lurking in the background, as they offer Son a move to the States with personal terms reportedly close to being agreed (GiveMeSport).

Star defender Romero was regularly linked with a high-profile move to Atletico Madrid all summer too. However, reports of the Argentine’s potential move to La Liga have died down, especially after Diego Simeone’s side completed a deal for David Hancko from Feyenoord.

Right now, Son is their most likely high-profile departure alongside Yves Bissouma, with the South Korea international poised to hold crunch talks over his future once Spurs return from their pre-season tour of Asia (GMS).

However, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, the 33-year-old and Bissouma could even be joined by playmaker James Maddison.

Tottenham could green-light "surprise" James Maddison exit

As per the reporter, speaking on We Are Tottenham TV this week, Tottenham could green-light a “surprise” exit for Maddison if the right offer comes in, even if they’re not actively pushing to sell.

“There could be a slight surprise possibility that James Maddison is a player they would listen to offers for, without necessarily forcing him out of the door,” Jacobs said.

“What happened last season was that Maddison was in and out, he lacked fitness at times and consistency even when he was fit. I don’t think it’s unthinkable that they would listen to offers at the right price, but it’s not a case of trying to force him out or transfer list him, it’s not their plan that he will leave, but there could be consideration to offers at the right price.”

The 28-year-old, despite suffering from his fair share of fitness problems (something he had in common with almost the entire Tottenham squad last season), still managed 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions and put in some crucial performances.

Tottenham Hotspur'sJamesMaddisonreacts

Letting Maddison leave, especially given their need for more creativity going forward, would be a bold move to say the least.

Any offer would need to be a handsome one, and ex-Spurs scout Bryan King believes Daniel Levy would only entertain bids at a minimum of £50 million, potentially up to £60m.

“They will want at least £50m. I would say anywhere between £50-60million would be accepted,” King told Tottenham News in April.

“Maddison has had some positive moments at Tottenham and got himself into the England team. However, he has also lost his place in the England team due to his inconsistency.”

رسالة تحفيزية من عضو اتحاد الكرة لـ منتخب مصر للشباب قبل انطلاق كأس العالم

عقد حماده الشربيني عضو مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة ورئيس بعثة منتخب الشباب في تشيلي، لقاء مع اللاعبين على هامش التدريب الأول للمنتخب استعدادا لمنافسات كأس العالم تحت 19 عامًا.

ومن المقرر أن تقام مباريات منتخب مصر للشباب، في مدينة سانتياجو التي تستضيف مباريات مصر في كأس العالم والتي تقام من 27 سبتمبر الجاري إلى 19 أكتوبر المقبل.

وقال الشربيني فى حضور الجهاز الفني بقيادة أسامة نبيه المدير الفني: “بداية أنقل لكم تحيات مجلس إدارة الاتحاد المصري برئاسة هاني أبوريدة والذى يتابع معي بشكل مستمر للاطمئنان عليكم؛ لقد انتهينا في المرحلة الأولى منذ وصولنا تشيلي بخوض معسكر فى مدينة كونتيرو لمدة عشرة أيام من 13 الي 23 سبتمبر الجاري.

طالع | منتخب مصر للشباب يفوز على نيو كاليدونيا في ختام استعدادته لـ كأس العالم تحت 20 عامًا

وأوضح: “ولقد حقق المعسكر الأهداف المرجوة منه؛ وأنا شخصيًا سعدت بالتزامكم وانضباطكم ورغبتكم الواضحة في الإعلان عن أنفسكم بالمونديال وهو ما وضح من خلال التدريبات والأداء الرجولى فى وديتي سان لويس والتى فزتم بها بخمسة أهداف نظيفة وتجربة نيو كاليدونيا التي تفوقتم فيها بثلاثة أهداف نظيفة”.

وواصل: “أثق فى قدارتكم وأصالة معدنكم لأنكم قادرون على إسعاد الجماهير وتحقيق أحلامهم في المونديال وهذا لن يحدث إلا بالكفاح والقتال والصبر والمثابرة لأن المنافسات لن تكون سهلة وستكون أمام منتخبات كبيرة وقوية وعنيدة”.

وأضاف: “ضربة البداية أمام اليابان يوم السبت المقبل مهمة جدًا هو فريق كبير وقوى ومنظم ولكنى أثق فيكم جميعًا ومفتاح النصر بالنسبة لكم في مثل هذه المناسبات هو التحلي بالروح القتالية التي تميز اللاعب المصري والتركيز الشديد في أدق التفاصيل”.

وكشف الشربيني عن أمنياته للمنتخب بأن يصل إلى أبعد نقطة في البطولة، مشددًا على ثقته في كل اللاعبين، قائلا لهم: “أنكم تستطيعون”.

هذا وقد تدرب منتخب مصر للشباب في سانتياجو لأول مرة عقب وصوله قادمًا من كوينتيرو، وجاء التدريب متكامل حيث قاد الكابتن أسامة نبيه مجموعة المدافعين بينما تولى الكابتن علاء عبده المدرب العام تدريب المهاجمين، والكابتن أيمن طاهر قاد مران حراس المرمي.

وحرص الجهاز الفني على الاستماع إلى تحليلات محمود فايز مدير إدارة تحليل الاداء بالاتحاد والذي يتواجد رفقة مساعده زياد الشعراوي مع المنتخب وذلك لتحديد مواطن القوة والضعف فى المنتخب الياباني.

Sought-after star who wants to stay at Man Utd now targeted by Erik ten Hag

Manchester United will need to raise funds this summer to buy more players and could now be set to field an interesting proposal involving one of their sought-after stars.

Manchester United may need to sell to buy

Without a doubt, missing out on this season’s Champions League and any sort of European football has hampered the Red Devils’ ability to conclude deals with ease, though both Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were worth the wait at Old Trafford.

Raising funds to add more players won’t be easy. Still, Alejandro Garnacho could leave Manchester United for Chelsea, after giving the West London club “priority” over other options as he looks to remain in the Premier League.

Alejandro Garnacho

Speaking about his own future, Rasmus Hojlund confirmed he is keen to remain at Old Trafford despite mounting speculation over his future at the club: “My plan is very clear. That is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens. Competition is fine with me. It sharpens me. I’m more than ready. I’m feeling sharp so I welcome everything that comes.”

He added: “When I came, Martial was there as well, but he had a lot of injuries, so I obviously had to take a lot of the game time. You’re not going to tell me I shouldn’t be playing because I want to play every game. But obviously, I could have done with some help in terms of sharing the games a bit, especially in the beginning.”

Rasmus Hojlund’s scoring record at Manchester United

Appearances

95

Goals

26

Assists

5

Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as a Real Madrid target, offering another route to alternative funds coming in at Old Trafford. However, Manchester United supporters will be intrigued to see that Erik ten Hag could also become involved in that process if reports are to be believed.

Manchester United receive plethora of Rasmus Hojlund interest

According to Caughtoffside, Bayer Leverkusen boss Ten Hag is pushing hard to sign Hojlund from Manchester United. Meanwhile, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Napoli, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt are also keen on offering the Denmark international an escape route.

Intriguingly, long-standing interest from Inter has piqued Hojlund’s attention, but the Serie A giants want to sign him on a two-year loan as opposed to an outright sale, which is the Red Devils’ preference.

Lauded for his “huge potential” by Ten Hag, Hojlund registered ten goals and four assists in 52 matches last season, placing him at the centre of a dilemma as Ruben Amorim looks to offload the striker.

Joshua Zirkzee has also been explored by Inter over the past few weeks, indicating that the Red Devils do have a few avenues in their quest to generate financial capital to reinvest back into the first team.

Ultimately, Hojlund will only leave for the right price, though the most intriguing story here is that Ten Hag would be interested in a reunion with his former player, potentially offering an ideal match for all parties.

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