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Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is personally ready to "promise" Arne Slot control over transfers and his coaching staff to get him over the line, according to reports.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

Spurs are believed to be stepping up their chase for Antonio Conte's replacement, coming two months after the Italian's departure from north London.

The Lilywhites are said to have shortlisted a variety of managers for the head coaching role in recent weeks, with the likes of Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton), Celtic's Ange Postecoglou and Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim making their way on to the shortlist (Evening Standard).

Tottenham are also believed to have held talks with former Barcelona and Spain manager Luis Enrique, though reports now claim that Feyenoord's Slot has entered pole position for the job.

There are even suggestions that his appointment could happen within the next week, coming as quite promising news for Spurs supporters who will remember the long, drawn out wait for Jose Mourinho's successor in 2021.

Chairman Levy is apparently determined to get Slot to N17, so much so that he is ready to concede on major factors in a bid to seal his hire.

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke, Levy is personally ready to "promise" Slot control over transfers and his coaching staff – as stated in the headline.

The Lilywhites chief is apparently set to "concede ground" on recruitment and staff, which has been the point of contention in negotiations so far.

Talks have apparently gone well so far and are believed to be at an advanced stage, and Levy's intentions to relinquish control over two key factors surely comes as great news for Slot.

Who is Arne Slot?

Fresh off the back of his first ever Eredivisie title, the 44-year-old could bring back an exciting brand of football, with journalist Marcel van der Kraan even calling him an "ultra-attacking" coach in the same vein as Man City boss Pep Guardiola.

"The best thing about Arne Slot is that he is probably the best attacking coach I have seen in the last 35-40 years at Feyenoord," said Van der Kraan to talkSPORT."He is very similar to Pep Guardiola, his ideas are very similar, he is a massive fan of Pep and he plays the same time."He goes ultra-attacking, he is almost like a maniac. Not on the touchline but it is fantastic to see how he has turned an average side into a wonderful attacking machine."

This come as a very promising statement for Spurs supporters who wish to see the return of fluid, attacking football at Hotspur Way.

Slot is also unlucky not to hold more silverware, having narrowly missed out on a UEFA Europa Conference League crown to Roma last year.

Rob Keogh’s first century of the season in the Specsavers County Championship, backed up in a partnership of 159 with Steven Crook, put Northamptonshire in control on the first day against Worcestershire at New Road

ECB Reporters Network23-Aug-2016
ScorecardRob Keogh struck 21 fours and three sixes in his innings•Getty ImagesRob Keogh’s first century of the season in the Specsavers County Championship, backed up in a partnership of 159 with Steven Crook, put Northamptonshire in control on the first day against Worcestershire at New Road.The 24-year-old Keogh made 154, with three sixes and 21 fours from 236 balls, and Crook provided aggressive support with an unbeaten 84 from 123 deliveries in their side’s progress to 345 for 6.The end for Keogh, after nearly five hours, came from a misjudgement when he was run out by Ed Barnard, swooping from mid-off as the batsmen went for a sharp single.This was a big change of tack for Northamptonshire. Three days after winning the NatWest T20 Blast trophy at Edgbaston, they needed to refocus on avoiding the Division Two wooden spoon in the Championship.Thanks to Keogh’s guidance, it’s a case of so far, so good. Having started the day 17 points clear of bottom county Derbyshire, they extended the gap by taking three bonus points in a challenging response to Worcestershire’s decision to bowl first.The initial skirmishing marginally went in the home side’s favour as Northants lost their fourth wicket at 118 after a hard-fought 41 overs, but in the 90 minutes up to tea Keogh and two partners scored 128 in 23 overs.Richard Levi was first to raise the tempo, although the South African would have been disappointed to fall into a Worcestershire trap after making 33 out of 54 in 10 overs.Tempted by a short ball from Charlie Morris, he pulled it straight to deep square leg for a comfortable catch by Joe Clarke, one of two men posted for the shot.By then, Keogh was approaching his best score of the season, 75 against Sussex at Arundel, and ready to avoid Levi’s mistake when he succeeded in clumping a similar shot over the rope.Crook was just the man to put pressure on a quartet of seamers, toiling on a hot afternoon. Not for the first time at New Road, the allrounder took the game to the bowlers as a new partnership raced along at five runs an over.Keogh hit another six and duly reached three-figures with his 15th four from 144 balls. His innings was perhaps not quite chanceless after a couple of flirtations outside off stump, but it was a high-value performance in straightening out his team’s early problems.Rob Newton, after a double century in the previous match, was out in the sixth over, a leading edge off Barnard falling to Morris at mid-off, and Ben Duckett, after a bright start, went for 26, driving Joe Leach to extra cover.Alex Wakely followed up his valuable runs on T20 finals day by making 25 out of 64 added for the third wicket, but was out soon after lunch, pushing at a ball from Barnard for a routine catch by wicketkeeper Ben Cox.Levi was involved in a stand of 54, at more than twice the rate, and Worcestershire were pushed back by the force of Crook’s half-century from 64 balls.Keogh was on 106 at tea and could have gone without addition when pulling Barnard to deep mid-wicket, but Tom Fell, having made ground to his left, was unable to take a difficult chance.

Glasgow Rangers are close to signing Jack Butland, with the goalkeeper agreeing on personal terms at Ibrox, The Daily Mail report.

What’s the latest Jack Butland transfer news?

The Gers have endured a real rollercoaster of emotions when it comes to a move for Butland, with rumours of a move first emerging last month. The club were thought to be on the verge of signing the 30-year-old as their first summer addition on a free transfer, however, it appeared as if a transfer twist was in the pipeline in recent days.

Reports suggested that Manchester United, where Butland is currently on loan until the end of the season, were willing to blow Rangers out the water by doubling his salary ahead of a permanent move.

It was described as a potential "huge blow", as Michael Beale "believed he was close" to signing his "main target", hailed as "brilliant" by members of the media. However, it now looks as if a transfer is back on track, with another update coming to light.

According to The Daily Mail, the Nike-sponsored goalkeeper has shown a willingness to fit into the Ibrox wage structure and ‘has agreed a compromise on his personal terms’. A move is once again thought to be close, with the player eager to feature regularly at first team level.

Who else could Rangers sign this summer?

It appears as if Butland could be one of a number of English-based players through the door in Glasgow this summer. Deals have reportedly been agreed for Chelsea’s Dujon Sterling and Norwich City’s Kieran Dowell, with both players also set to become free agents over the coming weeks.

However, they may not be the last, with up to 10 new additions possibly on the cards. Rangers also seem willing to splash the cash if needed when it comes to new signings, with a move to sign Ecuador midfielder Jose Cifuentes appearing to be close. Arsenal defender Auston Trusty is another player the club could end up spending money on, with a move thought to be doable.

A number of Rangers players are out of contract at the end of the month, so it looks set to be an extremely busy summer ahead of Beale’s first season in charge.

New Zealand’s Test squad arrived in Harare on Wednesday for a three-day warm-up fixture from July 22, thereby ending uncertainty over the tour following widespread protests in Zimbabwe over civil and economic issues

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jul-20161:39

‘There are opportunities for us to grab’ – Williamson

New Zealand’s Test squad arrived in Zimbabwe on Wednesday for a two-match series, ending the uncertainty over the tour that had emerged in the wake of widespread protests in Zimbabwe over civil and economic issues.The 15-man squad led by Kane Williamson had undergone a week-long conditioning camp in South Africa and are now in Harare for a three-day warm-up fixture starting on July 22.”It’s nice to finally be here. We had a good tour here last year, so I’m sure it will be much the same,” Tom Latham, the New Zealand opener, said upon arrival in Harare. “It was a good week of preparation for us in South Africa.”It was good to catch up with the guys. We want to win every game, like we do on most tours. “It’s nice to have everyone back, everyone is fully fit. We’ll get the warm-up game out of the way and then focus on the two Tests.”New Zealand Cricket had said earlier this month that they were monitoring the security situation in Zimbabwe following a nationwide strike to protest the lack of jobs and unpaid wages, which had left the city streets deserted. Several other strikes – reportedly featuring the likes of civil servants, doctors, and teachers – have also taken place in the drought-hit country.The first Test begins on July 28, and the second is slated to start on August 6. Both Tests will be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

Unai Emery is reportedly already looking ahead to the summer transfer window after an inspired first season with Aston Villa.

The Spaniard arrived in the Midlands back in November, when morale was low and so was the club’s league position.

In just over six months in charge, Emery has sparked hopes of a European finish this season and with just two games of the 2022/23 campaign remaining, the dream is in Villa’s hands to make a reality.

With the end of the term comes the beginning of the transfer window, and the 51-year-old has been the talk of making potential moves this summer, especially with the pending arrival of Mateu Alemany as Director of Football from Barcelona.

Recent news emerging has revealed that the four-time Europa League-winning coach wishes to reunite with a former prodigy of his at Arsenal.

What’s the latest on Matteo Guendouzi to Aston Villa?

Marseille midfielder Matteo Guendouzi has been linked with a move to Villa Park this summer.

According to Jonathon Johnson at Caught Offside, a move to the Midlands is “more likely” than the Frenchman’s links to West Ham United.

The news surrounds Villa’s potential inclusion in European competition next season, that could sway the player to a reunion with his former coach.

What could Matteo Guendouzi bring to Aston Villa?

Coincidentally, the 24-year-old was one of Emery’s first signings when he arrived in north London, and the two formed a special bond as the Spaniard granted the youngster vital playing time at the club.

Named a "warrior" by Premier League legend Alan Shearer during his time at Arsenal, Guendouzi is a live wire in the midfield.

As a result, the Poissy-born player could be a worthy inclusion at Villa this summer, especially considering the partnership he could form alongside Douglas Luiz, who has thrived under Emery.

The two are very similar in their game-playing attributes, both being competent passers and eager tacklers.

As per FBref – Guendouzi ranks in the top 2% in Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion rate per 90, completing 86.2% of his attempts and Luiz averages slightly lower at 83.3%, but both maintain a high rate in the engine room.

The Brazilian averages 1.9 tackles per game, with Guendouzi averaging 1.1, showing their ability to challenge in midfield whilst operating going forward – as per Sofascore.

A reunion could be so sweet between two professionals that share a mutual respect for one another; the £26m-rated Frenchman praised Emery as being "so unique" following his Europa League win with Villareal last season so there is clearly some mutual respect there.

The Spaniard could build upon the success of Luiz this season by integrating one of his own scholars into the exciting set-up he is creating at Villa Park.

Wahab Riaz has said that England’s middle order is “fragile” ahead of the first Test at Lord’s and believes Pakistan can put pressure on them

Andrew McGlashan10-Jul-2016Wahab Riaz has said that England’s middle order is “fragile”, ahead of the first Test at Lord’s, and believes Pakistan can put pressure on them.Wahab felt much rested on the shoulders of Alastair Cook, and Joe Root, who has been promoted to No. 3, with the next two positions being filled by James Vince and the recalled Gary Ballance.Vince managed just 54 runs in four innings in his debut series against Sri Lanka, while Ballance is set to play his first Test in a year, having earned a surprising call-up as England reshuffle their order.”We know that England is struggling with their middle order, Joe Root is one of their best players and he has to take the responsibility, so that’s why he is at No.3,” Wahab said. “But I think the other batting is fragile. If you get Cook and Root quickly, you can really put pressure on them, but you can’t take things easy against them.”While Wahab, who went a long way in cementing his Test spot with a fiery spell of reverse swing on the second afternoon against Sussex, is correct to pinpoint the uncertainty around the No. 4 and 5 positions heading into the series, England’s lower middle-order has been prolific of late. However, they are likely to be tested more by Pakistan’s attack – sharp left-arm pace complemented by the legspin of Yasir Shah – than they were by the Sri Lankans.Jonny Bairstow, who has been in stellar form, has led the way, while Moeen Ali struck a career-best 155 against Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street. Moeen will be followed by Chris Woakes who has made half-centuries in Tests and ODIs this season. Ben Stokes, who was left out of the squad for the first Test as he continues his return from knee surgery, is expected to be back for the second Test at Old Trafford.The statistics back up the recent divide between England’s top order and the security provided by those lower down: since May last year, their average for positions 1-5 is sixth in Test cricket (Pakistan’s batsmen average 14 runs more per wicket, albeit in far fewer Tests, and all of them in Asia) but for positions 6-11, England are top of the pile.Ahead of the squad being named, there was a suggestion that Stokes could be included to play as a batsman while Jos Buttler’s name was also linked to a batting position following his impressive limited-overs form. Buttler subsequently broke a finger playing for Lancashire, so will now not be an option during the Test series, but Pakistan’s coach Mickey Arthur said he had been preparing for that duo to be in the line-up.”We obviously looked at the squad with a lot of interest,” Arthur told ESPNcricinfo. “Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are guys that can take the game away of us, so, though it’s not a relief, we were preparing for an England middle order of Bairstow, Stokes and Buttler. But the guys that have come in have earned their opportunity and must have done something right, so certainly won’t take them lightly.”

Tottenham and Daniel Levy have seemingly been dealt a managerial blow as Bayer Leverkusen CEO Simon Rolfes makes a statement on Xabi Alonso.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

The Lilywhites are thought to be targeting a plethora of candidates to succeed Antonio Conte, who departed nearly two months ago, and there are some big names in the frame.

Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique, both free agents after leaving their most recent sides, arguably stand out as some of the most prestigious contenders.

Meanwhile, Feyenoord's Arne Slot, Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim, Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick, Brendan Rodgers and Graham Potter have also been linked with moves to N17.

Tottenham held an interest in Burnley manager Vincent Kompany, but the Belgian recently put pen to paper on a new deal at Turf Moor, ending all hopes of Spurs appointing him this summer.

Alonso is a fairly new coach to be mentioned as a possible Tottenham candidate, with reports last week claiming that he is actually one of the top choices.

The Liverpool and Real Madrid legend is a big name from his playing career, having also won a World Cup with Spain, not to mention back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

In terms of his managerial career, Alonso has been praised for transforming the fortunes of Leverkusen since his appointment, with the Bundesliga side contending for Europe.

In a blow for Levy and Spurs, it appears he may not be on the move.

Leverkusen CEO Rolfes, in an interview with TUTTOmercatoWEB, says Alonso is happy where he is and remains 100% committed to the project.

He explained:

"He has a contract with us, he is happy, he likes working here, he has a good team to develop. Even in the last press conference he said that he is 100% here with his head".

Who should Spurs appoint instead?

In light of the official's message, Spurs should undoubtedly keep up their pursuit of former Bayern boss Nagelsmann, who has been billed as a top target.

There are reports suggesting the 35-year-old is interested in replacing Conte, too, and with no club standing in Tottenham's way, he could be an excellent potential appointment.

Nagelsmann boasts league titles already despite his tender age, not to mention he deploys an exciting brand of intense, high-pressing football which could excite Spurs supporters.

He has been called a "phenomenal" tactical innovator by sections of the media and we believe Levy should make a considerable effort to get him to Tottenham.

Kaushal Silva was the only Sri Lanka wicket to fall as a mere 12.2 overs were possible on a rain-wrecked final day at Lord’s

The Report by David Hopps13-Jun-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsThe last day of the series at Lord’s had promised so much. England needed to bowl out Sri Lanka to take a 3-0 clean sweep in the series, but Sri Lanka, driven ahead by a sense of grievance, were not about to relinquish the Test easily. At 32 for 0, requiring 362, they were down but far from out.Then the rain spoiled it. The clouds were so black over Lord’s that one might have imagined St John’s Wood had become the centre of a second industrial revolution which would certainly have disturbed a few people in the posh boutiques in the High Street.Only 12.2 overs were possible all day until the Test was laid to rest with 5.15pm approaching. By then it felt like a blessed relief. Jonny Bairstow was named as England’s man of the series and Kaushal Silva took the equivalent award for Sri Lanka.All that now remains is for the fall-out from a Test, in which Sri Lanka felt they did not have the rub of the green with umpiring decisions, to move on to the ICC annual meeting in Edinburgh later this month. Speeches will be made (again) about the accuracy of DRS, the validity of a 50% margin for Umpire’s Call and a perceived bias in favour of the Big Three. Lord’s has put fresh vigour into an old debate.Silva was the only Sri Lanka wicket to fall on the final day as a mere 3.4 overs were possible up to tea. He departed lbw to an excellent late inswinger from James Anderson, up the slope, and after an unsuccessful review could at least console himself that he had finally broken his extraordinary run of being caught at the wicket in each of his previous nine innings in two Test tours of England.Had Bairstow pulled off something utterly miraculous by diving across first slip to intercept an edge that fell short off Stuart Broad, that record would have remained intact for his next tour.England still theoretically held hopes of victory when the Test resumed after tea at 4.10pm with 47 overs remaining, with Sri Lanka’s prospects of chasing 362 to win effectively reduced to zero because of the rain. There was talk of Cardiff 2011 when England spirited a win from nowhere in the Glamorgan gloom.Kusal Mendis smashed a return catch at Broad’s bootlaces which he could not pick up in his follow-through, while one attempted bouncer that hit a crack and scuttled off down the leg side emphasised that, with a full day to bowl, England could have been in business. The pitch, in fairness to the groundsman, Mick Hunt, had not become the final-day featherbed that has occasionally blighted Lord’s.Nobody believed the game was going anywhere. Alastair Cook even allowed Broad to indulge in a nonsensical wasted review when even the groundstaff, who were prowling the outfield as the rain clouds approached again, could have seen that the ball had deflected off his back as he ducked.England were forced to turn to spin, all eight balls of it, the last of them from Joe Root, who was slog-swept for six into the Tavern Stand by Mendis. Perhaps he knew something we didn’t. The umpires removed the bails and everybody could go home. Sri Lanka, with a one-day series still to play, will hope for some sunshine.

Chris Gayle’s return to the NatWest T20 Blast was overshadowed by a superb hundred from Chris Nash as Sussex beat Somerset in a one-sided contest at Hove to make it two wins from two in the South Group

ECB Reporters Network01-Jun-2016
ScorecardChris Nash made his maiden T20 hundred•Getty ImagesChris Gayle’s return to the NatWest T20 Blast was overshadowed by a superb hundred from Chris Nash as Sussex beat Somerset in a one-sided contest at Hove to make it two wins from two in the South Group.Nash made 112 not out from 64 balls, his first T20 century, to help his side to 222 for 3 then Gayle found the explosive pace of left-armer Tymal Mills – who had previously set out his stall to target Somerset’s big-name overseas signing – too hot to handle and was yorked for 5 by a delivery timed at 93mph.Roelof van der Merwe made a defiant 59 and Mahela Jayawardene a classy 51 but Somerset were never in contention and were bowled out in the last over for 174 to lose by 48 runs.Nash and captain Luke Wright laid the platform for Sussex’s second 200-plus total of their Blast campaign with a stand of 156 in 14 overs for the first wicket with Nash making the most of two fielding lapses. He was dropped on nought off the second ball of the match by James Hildreth at backward point and again in the fifth over by Jayawardene, having scored 17.Wright did not hit the first six of the innings until in the seventh over but it signalled an onslaught by the Sussex batsmen, who plundered 90 off the next eight overs. Nash was first to his half-century but he was soon overtaken by his partner, who eventually found his timing in his first game of the season after recovering from back and wrist injuries.Wright’s 83 came from just 39 balls and included five sixes and eight fours as he harnessed a strong wind and targeted the Sea End boundary. It was a surprise when he played on to the legspinner Max Waller and Sussex lost Ross Taylor in the next over, caught at long-on off a mistimed drive.But Nash pressed on and Matt Machan gave him excellent support in a third-wicket stand of 51 from 28 balls. He reached his hundred in the 19th over by hitting Jamie Overton over long-on for six before gliding the next ball to the backward point rope. He finished with 13 boundaries and three sixes from 64 balls faced. Overton took 2 for 45 but the Somerset attack were guilty of bowling too short.An asking rate of more than 11 runs an over was always going to test Somerset and they suffered an immediate blow when Ajmal Shahzad bowled Jim Allenby for a duck with the first legitimate delivery of the innings.But the big moment came in the next over when Mills, with the strong wind at his back, began to bowl consistently at more than 90mph. Gayle top-edged his second ball over the slips for four but when he stepped away trying to hit the next delivery through the off side he was bowled, much to the delight of a 5,500 crowd.Sussex’s other seamers complemented Mills’ raw pace. South African David Wiese picked up 4 for 38 on his debut and Shahzad ended Somerset’s faint hopes when he had Jayawardene caught at long on for 51 from 39 balls in the 11th over.

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale faces a crucial summer transfer window in charge of the Ibrox side. If he manages to move on the deadwood and bring in five or six new players, the Gers could challenge for honours, however, if the recruitment is poor and this shows in the results, he may not have long in the hotseat.

The Englishman has confirmed Alfredo Morelos is leaving at the end of the season and strengthening the forward area is probably the most important aspect of the window.

Kemar Roofe simply cannot be trusted across the course of a whole campaign, despite his obvious qualities in front of goal.

The 30-year-old has netted 36 goals in 78 matches for the club, scoring important goals against Braga in the Europa League last season and Aberdeen in the League Cup Semi-final in January, yet he has missed more games than he has played.

The forward has missed 84 matches through injury since arriving in Glasgow in 2020, so it is evident Beale can't rely on him.

The Light Blues have shown interest in Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres according to Football Insider and he could be an ideal option to replace Roofe.

Could Rangers sign Viktor Gyokeres this summer?

In terms of selling arguably their most prized asset, much will depend on whether the Sky Blues are promoted to the Premier League via the playoffs over the coming weeks.

If they remain in the Championship, it could make a move much easier for Rangers, though the club have valued him at a staggering £20m and this may put the club's hierarchy off a potential move.

There is no doubting his talent, however, as the Swede has been in blistering form this term, where he has notched 21 goals in the second-tier whilst also providing ten assists. This ruthless nature could see him thrive at Ibrox next season if he made the move North.

His game isn’t all about scoring goals either, as evidenced by his 1.8 key passes per game. Gyokeres has also created nine big chances across 46 matches and this would suggest that he may actually be similar to Roofe in terms of all round ability.

Maxime Biamou – a teammate of his in the west Midlands – once dubbed the £4.5k-per-week machine as “unplayable” earlier this season and if he continues this rich vein of form, he will end up in the Premier League sooner rather than later.

Having scored three goals in just 13 appearances for Sweden, Gyokeres' experience at international level means he could settle into life in Glasgow with ease and although losing Morelos is a blow, it could pave the way for a new striker to make their own name at Rangers.