Winless after three games, Royal Challengers Bangalore will need to be more “experimental” and “brave” when things aren’t going their way, if they are to turn their fortunes around this season. This was Virat Kohli’s view after Royal Challengers slipped to a 118-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, which he termed as one of his side’s “worst losses ever”.The platform for Sunrisers’ thumping win came from their openers Jonny Bairstow and David Warner, who both made hundreds and put on 185 in just 16.2 overs. While giving the two batsmen credit for their “brilliant effort”, Kohli felt his bowlers could have varied their plans to them a little more.”Probably one of our worst losses ever. I mean, there’s literally nothing I can explain right now,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation. “Nothing went right for us from ball one, until the last wicket fell in our batting innings, so really difficult one to explain, I guess. We were outplayed in all departments by a quality, quality side, and this showed why they won the previous year, made the finals last year, and now they’re up and running again, so credit to them, they played really well and deserved to win.”We could have tried a few different things, probably [taking the] pace off the ball and a few more bouncers in our innings should have been good, but we really didn’t try anything once those guys got in. It was very difficult to contain runs, and a few of the edges just fell in between as well, you need some luck going your way, get a couple of wickets and stop the run flow.”But the way they batted, I think it was outstanding, just to show intent for 16-17 overs on the run is a brilliant effort, especially in the first innings, where we thought the ball wasn’t coming on as well as the second innings. So credit to both of them, they were world class today and they definitely deserved to be on the winning side.”Kohli once again stressed on the need to be more flexible, and not become predictable, when asked about Royal Challengers’ prospects for their next game, against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.”Well, the pitch is definitely going to be nice, so we’re going to be in with a contest again. We have to bring our A game to the table. What we did against Mumbai [Indians] is the kind of intensity we need to bring to the ground, and when things don’t go our way we need to be a bit more experimental, a bit more brave out there in the middle.”If we go through the motions, if we do the regular basic stuff, then things are going to keep going away from us. So we’ll have to find ways of winning moments, and eventually getting the result our way and really get going in the tournament, which is very important. If we want to gain some momentum we need to start well, and probably next game should be that game for us.”Kohli opened the batting in Royal Challengers’ season-opener against Chennai Super Kings, but has since moved down to No. 3. He felt this lent his team the best possible balance, and didn’t think any drastic changes were necessary for the rest of the tournament.”We’ve thought about that initially as well. When I’ve opened I’ve done well for the team, but the important thing is to find the right balance in the batting line-up, and I feel myself at three brings in that balance to the side,” Kohli said. “Myself and AB [de Villiers] batting together has always been an advantage for us, so that’s probably the mindset behind me batting three. So I don’t see that changing.”We just need a better start from the boys up front. Just three games into the tournament, we still have 11 games, and things can turn around pretty quickly in this particular league. We’ve seen that in the past, so we’ve got to stay optimistic, not think of too many changes now, and just go with that set batting order and try and capitalise on the moments that come our way.”

Training with focus and purpose has helped the allrounder achieve consistency of late, says the Australia coach

Daniel Brettig31-Mar-2019Glenn Maxwell can be as good as Virat Kohli if he continues to ally newfound discipline and purpose to the talent he has demonstrated for a long time, Australia’s coach Justin Langer has declared.Ahead of the final ODI between Australia and Pakistan in Dubai, Langer delivered the bold call when queried about how Maxwell had improved over the course of the season, from a time when he seemed uncertain of his place in any team to now winning the coach’s respect for how he had contributed to both the T20I and ODI teams.For Langer, the next step for 30-year-old Maxwell is to maintain the sort of consistency he has shown in the UAE series, as epitomised by Kohli’s near universal presence at the top of global batting aggregates year in and year out.

If he can play those more responsible innings and do what he does, it’s very important for usJUSTIN LANGER ON GLENN MAXWELL

“The challenge for him is, and I’ve said this to him – we’ve just seen Virat Kohli, who is an extraordinarily talented player, he averages 60 [59.57] in ODI cricket; he is a great player – at the moment, in 99 games, Maxi averages 32 or 33 [32.87]. He can be Virat Kohli. He has got the talent to do that,” Langer said. “The way he played that T20 hundred in India, the way he played both T20s – we know he’s a great T20 player. His next challenge is to become a great ODI player and then potentially a Test player.”So there’s huge upside for him and while he keeps practicing with the purpose he’s got and winning games of cricket like he is, it’s great to have him. It’s obviously a massive challenge, isn’t it? He is now 30 years old and he’s played 99 games, but we all see it – and everyone talks about it – he’s got a huge amount of talent and his challenge has always been to deliver on that talent. And he’s done it in patches.”Glenn Maxwell flicks through midwicket•AFPOne of the critical messages Langer delivered to Maxwell last year surrounded training with purpose, after the allrounder had previously been seen as a somewhat wayward talent. “I think he’s put a lot of emphasis into his practice as well. He’s practising with real purpose and he’s getting the rewards for that. It’s great to see,” Langer said. “He’s such an important part of our team. He brings energy to everything that he does – whether it’s fielding, running between wickets, his strike rate.”We saw it last night, he can come in when we were four down (for 101, before he hit 98) and under the pump. He can come in at the end – because his strike rate is 120 in ODIs, that’s the highest by anyone in the world [only behind Andre Russell]. If he can play those more responsible innings and do what he does, it’s very important for us.”He’s such a valuable player for us because of everything he brings. It’s not just his batting, it’s his fielding, his bowling is really important. He’s getting better with his bowling all the time. I think he bowled seven overs in the last World Cup final, so he keeps delivering on that. His fielding is world class. He’s a good package, isn’t he?”Langer also offered strong words of praise for the captain Aaron Finch, who has shrugged off an earlier run of failures by returning to form in India and then following up to telling effect in the UAE. He now has the chance to lead the Australians to a 5-0 sweep of the ODI series against Pakistan, something the team have not achieved away from home since doing the trick against West Indies in the Caribbean in 2008.”Finchy is doing a great job. He’s getting better all the time,” Langer said. “He would have taken confidence out of the Big Bash final as well. As a captain you’ve got to live it, you’ve got to have those really positive experiences. He’s just growing. He’s doing a really good job. He’s obviously batting well and he’s doing a really good job.”He’s had a long, hard summer and he’s getting better towards the end of it. Great resilience, great durability and it also shows great leadership. Because often what happens at the end of a summer, guys can start going south. He’s actually getting better and better.”

Arsenal have made a positive start to the Premier League campaign and could now move to bolster a key area in the January window, according to a report.

Arsenal lose out away to Aston Villa

Despite putting in a fairly respectable display away to Aston Villa, Arsenal ended up on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline courtesy of a smart finish from John McGinn as Unai Emery got one over his old side on Saturday evening. The Gunners remain on 36 points from their opening 16 fixtures and have made a bright start to the Premier League campaign; however, they will be fully aware that losing cannot become a habit if they are serious about contending for the title.

In his post-match press conference, Mikel Arteta looked to indicate his disagreement with the decision to rule out Kai Havertz's late strike that was disallowed due to a handball offence from the Germany international, simply stating to Sky Sports: "I prefer not to comment."

When pressed on the decision, he then went on to add: "Clear and obvious. Clear and obvious. That's what I mean. That's my opinion. That's all I can say."

Having already got into trouble with the football authorities this term after his criticism of Anthony Gordon's winner for Newcastle United against Arsenal last month, the Spaniard looks to have taken a more measured approach this time round despite his clear frustration at yet another controversial VAR outcome in the English top-flight.

Casting an eye towards the January window, the Gunners could now be set to add some firepower to compete with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah at the Emirates Stadium, according to a report.

Arsenal competing to sign Lois Openda

According to reports in Spain, Arsenal are competing to sign RB Leipzig forward Lois Openda, who is on the radar of a clutch of the world's elite clubs due to his exploits in Germany this campaign.

Lois Openda key statistics in the Bundesliga – (Sofascore)
Shots per game	3.9
Shots on target per game	1.8
Big chances created	5
Expected goals	9.31
Big chances missed	11

Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Manchester City are all monitoring the 23-year-old as his stock continues to rise, with representatives from Erik ten Hag's side alongside the Gunners recently sending scouts to watch the Belgium international in action.

This campaign, the former Club Brugge man has been in electric form in front of the target, netting 14 goals and laying on three assists in 22 appearances across all competitions for RB Leipzig (Openda statistics – Transfermarkt). Linking the play is also another prominent part of Openda's game, which is evidenced by the fact he has racked up 51 successful shot-creating actions in 2023/24, with nine leading directly to a goal (Openda statistics – FBRef).

Arsenal could do with adding another clinical figure in mid-season and acquiring Openda, who has been described as having "huge developmental potential" by former RB Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl and a "very good player" by current VfL Bochum boss Thomas Letsch, could give Arteta's side a major shot in the arm as they look to seal Premier League glory for the first time since 2004.

Swift resolution to constructive dismissal case rubber-stamped by new president Ricky Skerritt

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Mar-2019

Darren Sammy and a high-spirited Phil Simmons at practice•AFP

Phil Simmons, who was unceremoniously sacked as West Indies coach in 2016, has reached an “amicable resolution” with Cricket West Indies, including accepting financial settlement of an undisclosed sum.A former Windies opening batsman, Simmons, who is currently the Afghanistan head coach, had lodged a case against CWI for constructive dismissal. Both parties came to a settlement at the end of a hearing in the Antigua Industrial court.The development comes in the week a new administration, led by former West Indies manager Ricky Skerritt, took charge at CWI. Skerritt unseated Dave Cameron in the presidency elections last Sunday with a comfortable margin of 8-4. It was Cameron’s administration that had sacked Simmons despite the latter having helped West Indies win the World T20 title in 2016, a year after he had taken charge.However, Cameron and Simmons never got along. After failing to get a squad to his liking for the tour of Sri Lanka in 2016, Simmons publicly commented on selections being “influenced” by outside elements. Simmons was initially suspended for those comments and eventually removed by CWI, citing “differences in culture and strategic approach”.As reported recently by ESPNcricinfo Simmons filed claims worth at least $300,000. Cameron’s administration admitted liability in Simmons’ dismissal while hoping for a resolution.The resolution has now happened, but the man shaking hands with Simmons was Skerritt along with his deputy Kishore Shallow, who was elected as CWI vice-president during the elections last week. In a media release, the CWI said that the settlement was the first decision taken by Skerritt’s administration, which had decided to “repair stakeholder relationships, particularly with former players” on a priority basis.Incidentally, Skerritt sat on the interview panel that eventually finalised Simmons as coach in 2015. According to Skerritt, there had been no-one better in the shortlisted pool of candidates than Simmons to coach Windies, and he went on record on behalf of the board to state: “We would like to apologise to you for referring to your appointment as a ‘mistake’.””Cricket West Indies did not make a mistake when we selected you as our Head Coach,” Skerritt said in the release.”In my previous role as CWI Independent Director, I was involved in the interview panel that recruited Phil Simmons from a long list of competitors and he was the best candidate. Subsequently based on the results he produced on the field, he proved himself to be a very competent coach in his time with West Indies, winning the World T20 in 2016, and now currently with Afghanistan.”Simmons said he was happy the matter was over and he was optimistic about a good future for Windies cricket.”My family and I are relieved that we have been able to finally close this matter, and I am pleased that it has been done so amicably,” he said. “Following the election on the weekend I am more confident than I have ever been that the future of West Indies cricket is in good hands. I am a very proud West Indian and I hope that in the future I get the opportunity to try and help move our cricket forward again.”

This campaign will likely be remembered more for its poor transfers than its good ones, but that's not to say there hasn't been any smart recruitment

There's been a lot of focus on poor Premier League signings over the past few seasons. Most of these sins have been committed by Chelsea and Manchester United, though these recruitment blunders have been witnessed throughout the league.

This seems to prove how difficult it can be to get good value for your money when every selling club knows how well-resourced you are. However, it's not all bad news for Premier League sporting directors. Amid this deluge of disappointment, there's been other signings that have thrived at their new clubs during the 2023-24 season.

From free agents rekindling the magic of their youth, to record-breaking fees being forgotten about in a matter of games, GOAL takes a look at some of the players that have bucked the trend. Here are the 21 best signings of the Premier League season:

• Getty Images
  

  21Callum Hudson-Odoi – Nottingham Forest (£5m)

  Nottingham Forest haven't always been the smartest in the transfer market, but their signing of Hudson-Odoi will go down as one of the best-value deals in recent Premier League history. The Tricky Trees paid Chelsea just £5 million ($6.3m) for the winger's services this summer, a quite incredible price considering he counts towards their homegrown quota and was once courted by Bayern Munich.

  And after several years of toil following a damaging Achilles injury, Hudson-Odoi has repaid the faith shown in him by Forest, chipping in with a string of important goals. He saved his best display for one of Forest's most-important games of the season too, notching a match-winning brace against Sheffield United in early May.

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• Getty Images
  

  20Justin Kluivert – Bournemouth (£10m)

  Bournemouth had a busy summer, making nine signings as Andoni Iraola attempted to stamp his identity on the squad. Not all of his new arrivals have been hits, but Kluivert – one of his cheapest additions – deserves praise for establishing himself as the Cherries' go-to No.10 during the second half of the season.

  Bournemouth have never lost a game in which the Dutchman has scored whilte his work-rate without the ball also suits him well to Iraola's master plan. There's still improvements to be made in his game, but after registering his best seasonal goal return since leaving Ajax as a youngster, all the signs are positive heading into the new season.

• Getty
  

  19Joao Pedro – Brighton (£30m)

  After being linked with a move away from Watford for what felt like an eternity, Joao Pedro finally upped sticks and joined Brighton last summer. The Seagulls did well to secure the Brazilian's signature, with a host of top Premier League clubs taking a look at the forward at some point over the past few years – and his performances since arriving show why.

  Pedro scored in every one of his side's Europa League group-stage games, including an 88th-minute winner against Marseille, which gave Brighton fans one of the best nights in recent memory. He's chipped with a decent amount of Premier League goals too, including the dagger in a 4-1 victory over rivals Crystal Palace, with that strike helping him reach the 20-goal mark for the first time in his young career.

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• Getty Images
  

  18Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace (£22m)

  He may have only arrived in the Premier League at the tail end of the January transfer window, but Wharton has still done enough to warrant inclusion on this list. After a tricky start on his debut against rivals Brighton, where he was responsible for one of the Seagulls' four goals, he quickly became one of Oliver Glasner's most important players.

  Drawing similarities to Declan Rice, Wharton's well-rounded, dominant midfield displays have even seen him mentioned as a wildcard pick for England's Euro 2024 squad. One thing's for sure, a few Premier League clubs will be cursing themselves for allowing Palace to sign him practically unopposed this winter.

MatériaMais Notícias

Restam apenas dois jogos para o Corinthians encerrar a temporada 2020, mas mesmo assim já dá para fazer um balanço do que foi esse ano esportivo e ele evidentemente não foi bom. É o que diz também o presidente Duílio Monteiro Alves, que admite que o clube desapontou, mas ainda sonha com vaga na Copa Libertadores para poder entrar em 2021 com uma “herança” positiva.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansDe volta ao Corinthians, Madson e André Luis trabalham no CTCorinthians19/02/2021CorinthiansCorinthians treina em campo reduzido e trabalha finalizações de olho no VascoCorinthians19/02/2021CorinthiansCaso resultados do primeiro turno se repitam, Corinthians baterá na trave por vaga na LibertadoresCorinthians19/02/2021

TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão clicando aqui

GALERIA
>33 jogadores em 23 jogos: veja quem já atuou no Timão na Era Mancini

Em entrevista ao programa “Seleção SporTV”, o mandatário corintiano fez a sua avaliação sobre a temporada corintiana, em que ele participou primeiramente como diretor de futebol e depois como presidente, sendo essa última função a que esteve a menor parte do tempo. Para ele, o time deixou a desejar em 2020, mesmo considerando os problemas trazido pela pandemia de coronavírus,

-Eu vejo uma temporada um pouco diferente, pelas questões da pandemia, infelizmente a gente teve um ano complicado em todos os setores, não só no futebol, que muitas vezes é colocado como exemplo de tudo no país, mas ele também atravessa dificuldades. Eu me tornei presidente há mais ou menos 40 dias, mas tive participação na gestão anterior como diretor de futebol, fiquei até agosto/setembro mais ou menos, depois me licenciei para fazer a minha campanha, mas vejo uma temporada que lógico que não foi o que esperávamos, o Corinthians deixou a desejar – comentou.

Ainda que enxergue uma temporada decepcionante, Duílio ainda acredita na classificação do Timão para a Libertadores. O presidente sabe da dificuldade para atingir essa meta com apenas duas rodadas restantes e dependendo de uma combinação de resultados, mas exaltou o clube que não desiste nunca.

– Ainda temos dois jogos, no Corinthians a gente não desiste nunca, existe uma chance, pequena, mas nós temos que continuar lutando, porque ainda podemos chegar na Libertadores – concluiu.

O Corinthians volta a campo neste domingo, às 16h, para enfrentar o Vasco, na Neo Química Arena, pela 37ª rodada do Brasileirão-2020. Atualmente, o Timão ocupa a 10ª posição na tabela, com 49 pontos, quatro atrás do G8.

United States international Christian Pulisic has revealed which three players influenced him – with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo snubbed.

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Pulisic starring for USA and AC MilanNames footballing trio that influenced himSnubs all-time greats Messi and RonaldoWHAT HAPPENED?

AC Milan star Pulisic was asked which players had a big impact on shaping his game, with the 25-year-old revealing some surprising answers. The winger chose Portugal icon Luis Figo, ex-Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney and compatriot Clint Dempsey, while Messi and Ronaldo did not make the cut.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPWHAT CHRISTIAN PULISIC SAID

When asked which three players have influenced his style of play, he told the USMNT's official Instagram: "Luis Figo… I would say, this is a weird one, but I love Wayne Rooney, and for the last one I'll go with Clint Dempsey."

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Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Pulisic is currently plying his trade at Milan after leaving Chelsea for £17 million ($21.6m) and he has impressed in his debut season in Italian football. Hehas scored 15 goals, bagged nine assists and barely missed a game for the Rossoneri. If he keeps up his strong form, Pulisic is likely to inspire many other up-and-coming players in years to come.

ساهم المصري مصطفى محمد، في فوز فريقه نانت أمام مونبلييه بثلاثية لهدف بمنافسات الدوري الفرنسي لموسم 2024-2025. أهداف مباراة نانت ومونبلييه اليوم في الدوري الفرنسي

والتقى نانت ومونبلييه ضمن مباريات الجولة الثالثة للدوري الفرنسي على استاد دو لا موسون.

وشارك مصطفى محمد كبديل في مباراة اليوم، وافتتح نانت التسجيل بهدف في الدقيقة 24 عن طريق ماتس أبلين، وبعد دقائق قليلة تعادل مونبلييه بهدف عن طريق آي جاي آدامز في الدقيقة 30.

ثم تحصل نانت على ركلة جزاء بعد مراجعة الفار، وسجل موسيس سيمون الهدف الثاني للفريق في الدقيقة الخامسة من الوقت المحتسب بدلاً من الضائع للشوط الأول.

وبالدقيقة 74 دفع مدرب نانت بلاعبه مصطفى محمد كبديل لماتيس أبلين، وتمكن المصري من تسجيل الهدف الثالث لنانت في الدقيقة 85 من اللقاء. هدف مصطفى محمد في مباراة نانت ومونبلييه

انتهت المباراة بفوز نانت بثلاثية لهدف، ليرفع الفريق رصيده للنقطة السابعة في صدارة الدوري الفرنسي، وتوقف رصيد مونبلييه عند نقطة واحدة بالمركز الـ 16.

To the surprise of barely anyone, Tottenham Hotspur have made a busy start to the January transfer window, with Ange Postecoglou relishing the opportunity to strengthen his team across the park.

Adding talent to the backline is the Australian's priority – with discussions for a new defender still ongoing – but this has not stopped an agreement from being reached for the loan transfer of RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner.

Nor has such a priority meant rumours concerning a new midfielder have subsided, with Chelsea star Conor Gallagher at the front of such transfer discourse.

Looking ahead, Spurs likely still need a centre-forward to replace Harry Kane and Dominic Solanke could be one to watch following the 2023/24 campaign's conclusion.

Spurs transfer news – Dominic Solanke

According to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs – speaking on the Last Word on Spurs podcast – Tottenham have already enquired to Bournemouth regarding Solanke's availability, though a summer transfer looks far more likely at this stage.

With Arsenal also interested, Cherries boss Androni Iraola has attempted to dissuade suitors by slapping a reported £50m price tag on his talisman's signature, though as the goals keep coming such a figure looks increasingly less ludicrous.

Despite the acquisition of Werner, Spurs need a prolific target man to ease the burden from Heung-min Son's shoulders, and the 26-year-old could be the perfect addition to complete the frontline.

Dominic Solanke's style of play

Solanke is an energetic striker with an imposing presence, and having been hailed for his "predatory" instinct by one Sky Sports pundit after bagging a recent hat-trick against Nottingham Forest, is starting to back up Iraola's transfer valuation.

As per FBref, Solanke ranks among the top 15% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for touches in the attacking box and the top 8% for clearances per 90, highlighting his presence in the danger area and his desire to get stuck in and contribute toward the defensive effort.

Given Solanke's formative days with Chelsea and subsequent move to Anfield to serve under Jurgen Klopp's stewardship, it's clear that the striker has long been regarded as a talented forward.

And while his time with Liverpool didn't work out, Bournemouth still forked out an initial £19m to snap him up in January 2019, with Solanke scoring just one goal from 27 appearances.

But he's been shaped into a "top, multi-faceted forward" – according to The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell – and while he's quietly been impressing on the south coast for the past few years, his qualities have finally amalgamated to provide the complete, clinical package.

Premier League Top Scorers: 2023/24

#

Player

Club

Goal tally

1.

Erling Haaland

Manchester City

14

1.

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

14

3.

Dominic Solanke

Bournemouth

12

3.

Heung-min Son

Tottenham Hotspur

12

4.

Jarrod Bowen

West Ham United

11

5.

Hwang Hee-chan

Wolverhampton Wanderers

10

*Sourced via premierleague.com

Joint-third in the Premier League's scoring charts this season – alongside Son and behind only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah – Solanke is in fine company indeed and if he can sustain a striking rate such as this then he will be in good stead to earn another shot at a team vying for silverware and continental competition.

Given that the £50k-per-week gem has also netted a goal against Stoke City in the Carabao Cup this term, taking his tally to 13, he is actually outscoring Son (who has 12 goals) across all competitions, emphasising just how effective he has been in striking sequences.

As per Sofascore, Solanke is taking 3.5 shots per game and hitting the target with an average of 1.2; last season, he was unleashing 2.3 shots per outing.

The newfound confidence and increased output in front of goal have allowed Solanke to take a major step in his development, and there is now a tangible sense that he will be headed for a team such as Tottenham in the coming transfer windows.

While Arsenal are among the contenders for his services, the 6 foot 2 centre-forward would perhaps have greater assurances regarding the regularity of his match action should he head down the N17.

Pulling the string behind him, James Maddison might be the best fit to fully unlock his skills in front of goal too.

Imagine James Maddison & Dominic Solanke

Tottenham signed Maddison from Leicester City for £40m in June following the Foxes' unexpected relegation from the Premier League, though the England international's creativity barely waned all year and he finished with a laudable return of ten goals and nine assists from 28 starting appearances.

Crowned the English top-flight's Player of the Month for August, Maddison swiftly proved himself to be a bona fide star at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and was the inventive life heartbeat at the core.

Ranking among the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe for assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90, it's clear to see why he might be the perfect player to supplement a prolific phenom such as Solanke.

Related Spurs in talks to sign £50m Werner partner who would supercharge Maddison

Ange Postecoglou’s side appear to be busy in the January transfer market.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jan 6, 2024

He has averaged 2.9 key passes per game this season too, which is a frankly absurd level of creativity; for reference, Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne – one of Europe's finest ever playmakers – averaged 3.1 in the Premier League last season.

Maddison has unfortunately been injured since November with an ankle injury and this has been a defining factor behind the up-and-down form that Spurs have finally shaken off with a recent bright spell, but his return will be huge.

The £170k-per-week ace would be perfect for Solanke, as specified, with the Bournemouth talisman receiving 4.63 progressive passes per 90 in the league this season, hinting that he thrives as a mobile target man from which a pinpoint player such as Maddison could locate with constancy.

Postecoglou simply has to get this one over the line, and should Solanke continue his rich vein of form and mould it into something permanent, then he really could be the perfect summer signing to continue the revolution down the N17.

Tottenham have set their sights on signing an alternative to the heavily-linked Conor Gallagher after they seal a deal for Genoa star Radu Dragusin.

Spurs aiming to seal Dragusin deal

Spurs are still hoping to seal a deal for Dragusin in January after reliable media source Fabrizio Romano shared news of them already agreeing personal terms this week.

Tottenham now "putting together" offer for "versatile" young attacker

Spurs are apparently readying a proposal.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 5, 2024

The centre-back appears to be chairman Daniel Levy and co's top centre-back target as manager Ange Postecoglou makes strengthening that area of the squad a real priority this month. The Lilywhites have been hamstrung by injuries to both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, two of Postecoglou's first choice centre-backs, with Spurs regularly forced to use Emerson Royal and Ben Davies as makeshift options.

As a result, Tottenham are in advancing talks to sign Dragusin after having a loan bid rejected (Football Insider), but Serie A side Napoli are apparently lingering in the background with their own interest.

Conor Gallagher interest as Spurs eye new midfielder

Amid reports Chelsea could be forced to sell star midfielder Gallagher, Spurs have been credited with an interest in the Englishman who has really impressed under Mauricio Pochettino.

Gallagher, according to WhoScored, stands out as Chelsea's best-performing player by average match rating so far this season – starting 19 league games and registering four assists in that time.

Tottenham reportedly believe Gallagher is "perfect" for Postecoglou's system, but his apparent £50 million price tag could be a real sticking point where Levy is concerned. Therefore, alternatives may well be looked out for, and Royal Antwerp sensation Arthur Vermeeren is apparently one of them.

Tottenham set sights on signing Vermeeren

The midfielder has been in excellent form this season, earning call-ups to Belgium's star-studded national team squad. This has attracted Postecoglou's attention, with a report by Tottenham News claiming Spurs have set their sights on signing Vermeeren.

Sources have told the outlet that scouts believe he has the potential to be another Christian Eriksen with the way he plays, and the 18-year-old is wanted by a host of clubs in England.

Tottenham boss Postecoglou would also likely welcome the signing in January, especially considering their shortage of numbers in midfield, with both Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr off to AFCON. There is little else added beyond that, but other reports have claimed Antwerp value him at around £20 million.

Vermeeren is garnering a stellar reputation across Europe following his displays in the Jupiler Pro League this term, with journalist Graeme Bailey telling the Talking Transfers Podcast that Antwerp have a "little superstar" on their hands.

"This guy is special," said Bailey.

"Antwerp have a little superstar on their hands here in Arthur Vermeeren. He really is, from what I’m being told speaking to scouts, they think he’s special. Our understanding is that Man City, Arsenal and Tottenham have all enquired about him, so have Bayern Munich, Dortmund and Juventus, Barcelona as well who looked in the summer at him."