All posts by h716a5.icu

While there is a Europa League final on the horizon for the fans and players to look forward to, the board at Tottenham Hotspur now have to start planning for a monumental summer of business.

Daniel Levy and Co must seriously back Ange Postecoglou, or whoever takes his place, to ensure that next year is nothing like this one.

One area of the squad that needs to be bolstered is left-wing, as Wilson Odobert is yet to prove he has what it takes to make it his own, Mathys Tel may not agree to stay, and Son Heung-min is no longer the player he once was.

Fortunately, the club seem to recognise this, as recent reports have linked them to an incredibly exciting winger who’d finally send the captain packing.

Tottenham transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other attacking talents who have been touted for moves to Spurs in recent weeks, like Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The former could be available for around £59m, and while that’s an awful lot of money, his tally of 12 goals and five assists in 47 games suggests he may well be worth it.

Likewise, Delap’s reported release clause of £30m could prove to be a bargain, as even though he’s played for the third-worst team in the Premier League this season, he’s managed to score 12 goals and provide two assists in 35 games.

However, to replace the iconic Son, Levy and Co are going to need to sign someone truly special, someone like Rayan Cherki.

Yes, according to a recent report from the French publication Le Parisien, Tottenham are one of several sides seriously interested in the French dynamo.

In fact, alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that Manchester City and Liverpool have already inquired about the player, who will be allowed to leave for €22.5m this summer, which is about £19m.

It could be a complicated deal to get done, but given Cherki’s immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be the perfect player to replace Son.

Why Cherki would be a dream Son replacement

So, the first thing to say here is that while Cherki has primarily played off the right this season, he has also played in midfield, just behind the striker and, most crucially, off the left.

In fact, if he were to join Spurs and permanently move to that side of the attack, his career would mirror Son’s in that respect, as he spent some time off the right when he was younger and has also played behind a striker at points.

However, with all that said, why do we think the young Frenchman would be the perfect player to come in this summer and be the permanent replacement for the South Koreans?

Well, first and foremost, his raw output is out of this world.

For example, in just 43 appearances this season, the “incredible” entertainer, as dubbed by French journalist Julien Laurens, has scored 12 goals and provided 19 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.38 games.

Appearances

43

44

Minutes

3009′

3093′

Goals

12

11

Assists

19

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.72

0.52

Minutes per Goal Involvement

99.96′

134.47′

In contrast, the North Londoners’ captain has scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in 44 games, which is still great but results in a worse average of a goal involvement every 1.91 games.

On top of the undeniable output, the Lyon-born “genius,” as dubbed by Laurens, has some sensational underlying numbers to his name, with FBref placing him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for assists, expected assists, key passes, passes into the penalty area, through passes and more, all per 90.

Last but not least, what makes all of this even more remarkable is that he’s doing it at just 21 years old, so when The Athletic’s Alex Barker calls him a “future Ballon d’Or winner,” it doesn’t feel that absurd.

Ultimately, Son has been an incredible player for Spurs, but with him turning 33 in the summer, Levy and Co need to find someone worthy of being his long-term replacement, someone like Cherki.

Spurs can axe Solanke by signing £25m star who's only 4 goals behind Kane

Spurs could sign a striker who’s nearly on par with Harry Kane this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 12, 2025

Leeds United have a big summer ahead of them. The Yorkshire side won the Championship and are finally promoted to the Premier League again, after their failure to do so in the 2023/24 campaign. Daniel Farke’s future came under question despite the success, but he will stay at the club to lead them in the top flight.

There is no doubt, it will be a challenge for the Whites to stay in the Premier League. They will need to recruit well to buck the trend that we have seen over the last few years, of promoted sides being relegated immediately.

One direction they could take is to recruit top young talents, and they have been linked with one already this summer.

Leeds targeting move for teenage sensation.

Leeds have had some exciting young talents on their books over the last few seasons, including Archie Gray, now a Europa League winner with Tottenham Hotspur. Well, perhaps the next starlet to play at Elland Road will be Lennon Miller of Motherwell.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to a report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds are one of many clubs in the Premier League who have ‘had contact about Miller’ this summer, with the view of completing a potential transfer in the coming weeks.

They will face stiff competition. They are one of ten Premier League sides interested in a move. Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg ‘appear to be stealing a march’ on those interested English sides, as well as the Italian trio of Atalanta, Bologna and Como.

In March, it was reported by Football Insider that Motherwell would ask for £10m for Miller this summer.

Why Miller would be a good signing

It has been a statement campaign from Miller this season. Described as a player with “huge potential” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, that is already ringing true. The 18-year-old is uncapped by Scotland at senior level, but was named in Steve Clarke’s squad for their friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein next month.

The midfielder has been a vital cog in the works at Fir Park this term. He has played 39 times across all competitions, scoring four goals and creating eight others for his teammates. Despite being such a young age, he has already played 3398 minutes, an average of 37 full 90-minute games.

One of the striking things about Miller is his versatility. The 18-year-old is someone who can be trusted to play anywhere in the midfield. This term, he has played 12 games each as a number six, a number eight and a number 10.

Should the Whites bring Miller into the club this season, he could be their best talent since Gray, who left the club for North London last summer. The 19-year-old made 52 appearances for his boyhood club last term.

There is no doubt about Gray’s ability. He was named as the male Young Player of the Year at the London Football Awards back in February, which he said “means a lot to me”.

He has certainly been a big loss to Leeds.

There are actually plenty of statistical similarities that can be drawn between Miller and Gray, highlighting the fact that he could be their most exciting talent since their former academy star departed the club.

When looking at the numbers on Squawka, considering Gray’s stats from his Championship campaign last season, you can see similarities. For example, this term Miller has won 5.9 duels and played 16.5 forward passes per 90 minutes, compared to Grey’s 4.6 duels won and 13.8 forward passes each game last season.

Open play passes completed

25.7

32.8

Forward passes

16.5

13.8

Take-ons completed

0.6

1.1

Duels won

5.9

4.6

Ball recoveries

6.6

4.8

It seems that, if Leeds can secure the signing of Miller, he could be a diamond in the rough. His talent is undeniable, and he is a leader, having captained Motherwell ten times at just 18 years of age this term.

If they manage to win the race for Miller this summer, then he will surely be an exciting addition and their best talent since Gray left the club.

Leeds considering swoop for "incredible" striker who'd be their new Wood

Leeds are reportedly considering a move for a star who could be Daniel Farke’s own Chris Wood.

ByDan Emery May 21, 2025

The summer transfer window is here, and Tottenham Hotspur need to get moving.

The North Londoners may have broken their title drought in the Europa League, but it cannot be forgotten just how diabolically poor they were in the Premier League.

So, to ensure things improve next season, Daniel Levy and Co need to provide Ange Postecoglou – or whoever takes his job – with the right players.

Fortunately, recent reports have linked the Lilywhites with someone who’d be the ideal replacement, Son Heung-min, who may be on the way out.

Tottenham transfer news

Back in January of this year, Tottenham announced that they had extended Son’s contract for another year, and while it looked like he’d fulfil that extra season, things have changed.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

On Tuesday afternoon, Sam Wallace of the Telegraph revealed that the North Londoners captain, who has been at the club since 2015, could be ‘another high-profile departure this summer.’

He explains that, with interest from the Saudi Pro League, there is a real chance for the club to fetch a decent fee for the South Korean ace and that, following the club’s victory in Bilbao, he’d be going on a high and as an undisputed legend.

While selling the 32-year-old might not be a popular idea with all fans, it might explain the club’s interest in Antoine Semenyo.

Yes, according to a recent report from transfers expert Dean Jones, Spurs are one of several clubs in the picture for the Bournemouth star this summer.

Jones does not mention how much the international might cost, but a story from earlier this week that also linked Manchester United with the 25-year-old claimed that the Cherries might demand around £60m for their dynamic attacker.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Semenyo’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a great replacement for Son.

Why Spurs should sign Semenyo

While it would represent a significant investment, there are a few reasons why Spurs should be going out to sign Semenmyo this summer, starting with his output this season.

Despite playing for a midtable side, the Ghanaian international managed to rack up a pretty impressive haul of 13 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3562 minutes.

In other words, the former Bristol City gem averaged a goal involvement every 2.1 games, or 178.1 minutes this season.

Appearances

42

Minutes

3562′

Goals

13

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

Minutes per Goal Involvement

178.1′

On top of that, the Chelsea-born “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is incredibly versatile, and while he would be an excellent replacement for Son on the left, he’s ambipedal and just as comfortable playing off the right and even up top, which would give whoever is in the dugout next season, more tactical options.

Finally, the dynamic attacker, who Mattinson claims “is tailor-made for a big team”, has some impressive underlying numbers to his name, numbers which show he also puts a real shift in when it comes to his defensive duties.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for blocks, the top 4% for passes blocked, the top 5% for total shots, the top 8% for aerial duels won, the top 10% for shot-creating actions from take-ons and shots, the top 12% for successful take-ons percentage and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it is a lot of money, Spurs would be wise to sign Semenyo this summer as he would not only add some real quality to the squad in his own right, but he’d also be an ideal replacement for Son.

Shades of Dembele: Spurs make "generational" £60m star a priority signing

The sensational gem could develop into something truly special at Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 4, 2025

Manchester United have spent big on strikers over the years, as the club looks to bolster their ranks and consolidate their place as England’s most successful club.

However, their investment over recent seasons has massively hindered their progress in the Premier League, leading to their bottom-half finish in 2024/25.

Rasmus Hojlund has been the Red Devils’ main talisman since Ruben Amorim’s appointment, but he’s massively struggled to provide the goods – netting just four league goals throughout this season.

As a result, he’s been touted with a move to join Inter Milan this summer, less than two years after his £72m switch from Atalanta, ultimately failing to live up to expectations as seen by his measly goal tally.

With the summer window reopening later this week, it presents the manager with the perfect opportunity to strengthen his squad and help them mount a charge up the table next campaign.

United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Given the lack of goals scored by Hojlund throughout 2024/25, it’s no surprise to see the hierarchy targeting added reinforcements in the final third this summer.

The likes of Benjamin Sesko, Gonçalo Ramos and Liam Delap have all been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, but no deals have been completed – with the latter rejecting Amorim’s side in favour of a move to Chelsea.

However, progress has been made on a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres this summer, with United taking a huge step towards winning the race for his signature this summer, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that Jason Wilcox and Co are preparing an offer for the Swedish international, after Arsenal entered the race for the 27-year-old, who’s scored 54 times this season.

It also states that the Portuguese outfit are demanding a fee in the region of €80m (£67m) to part ways with their star man, but doesn’t say how much they’re set to offer for his services.

Why Gyokeres could be United’s answer to Haaland

Erling Haaland is a talisman who has taken the Premier League by storm in recent seasons, helping rivals Manchester City claim the treble back in the 2022/23 season.

The Norwegian forward has just completed his third year in the North West, scoring a total of 85 goals in his 97 league appearances – finishing as the Golden Boot winner in two of the last three campaigns.

Such form in England has made him one of, if not, the most deadly attacking options in Europe, with every side wishing they could rely upon a finisher as lethal as the 24-year-old.

However, the situation could’ve been completely different, with the Red Devils hierarchy rejecting an opportunity to sign the star during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure at the helm.

Gyokeres’ goalscoring record has undoubtedly caught the eye, but his underlying stats are just as impressive, outperforming Haaland in numerous key areas – becoming United’s own version of the Norwegian should he move to Old Trafford.

The Swede, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, may have outscored Haaland, but he’s also registered a higher shot-on-target rate – demonstrating his accuracy within attacking areas.

He’s also managed to complete more of the take-ons that he’s attempted, whilst registering more carries into the final third, having the ability to create changes for himself rather than relying on his teammates.

Games played

33

31

Goals & assists

46

25

Shot on target accuracy

53%

52%

Shots on target per 90

2.2

1.8

Take-on success

46%

38%

Carries into final third

1.3

0.4

Aerials won

54%

53%

Gyokeres’ dominance doesn’t end there, winning more of the aerials he’s entered, subsequently handing Amorim the focal point he’s lacked since taking the reins back in November.

Whilst £67m may seem like a hefty fee for a player who’s never played in the Premier League before, it’s a risk worth taking given his recent goalscoring exploits.

Should he get close to the levels produced by the City star over recent years, it would be one hell of an addition, proving to be a bargain despite the huge fee they would have to fork out for his signature.

Amorim's own Carrick: Wilcox preparing Man Utd move for £20m "monster"

Manchester United appear to be making a move for a player who could emulate Michael Carrick’s achievements.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 11, 2025

India batter had signed for county in 2023 only to win recall for World Test Championship final

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2024India batter Ajinkya Rahane has signed to play the second half of the county season with Leicestershire. He will be available for the club’s One-Day Cup campaign as well as five County Championship matches.Rahane, 36, had agreed to join Leicestershire last summer before winning a recall to India’s Test team for the World Test Championship final. He then went on the Test tour of the West Indies and subsequently did not play for the county in 2023.”We are thrilled to welcome someone of Ajinkya’s quality to Leicestershire,” Claude Henderson, Leicestershire’s director of cricket, said. “It was unfortunate that Ajinkya’s schedule didn’t quite work with ours last year, but it’s a massive boost to have secured his services for the business end of this season.”He holds immense experience and vital leadership qualities, which will be hugely beneficial to the team alongside his run-scoring ability. Ajinkya’s arrival also presents a fantastic opportunity for our batters to learn from one of the game’s best.”Rahane played both of India’s Tests in the Caribbean last July but has not featured since. He has scored more than 13,000 runs in first-class cricket, at an average of 45.76, and another 6475 at 39.72 in List A.His arrival in mid-July will cover for the expected departure of South Africa allrounder Wiaan Mulder on international duty, and help strengthen Leicestershire’s defence of the One-Day Cup that they memorably lifted last September.Rahane said: “I’m really excited to have another opportunity to come to Leicestershire. I’ve built a strong rapport with Claude and [head coach] Alfonso [Thomas], and I’m looking forward to playing for the club this summer.”I followed the team’s results last year and was very impressed with what I saw. I’m hoping to enjoy my cricket and contribute to more success for the club this season.”

Liverpool have adopted the mantra that the best form of defence is attack. Certainly, this is true of their summer transfer window so far, having made sweeping changes after winning the Premier League.

Some expected Arne Slot to be relieved of his duties as helmsman before the end of the 2024/25 campaign, let alone win the title with such dispatch.

Always ahead of the rabble, the Reds will now look to defend their title and challenge for more silverware across tournament fronts, well-equipped to do so after signing Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Though Liverpool are definitely interested in bringing in a centre-back – having attempted to sign Dean Huijsen before he joined Real Madrid and now setting their sights on Marc Guehi – many fans would agree that a centre-forward is more desperately needed.

Wirtz’s world-class playmaking would raise the level of any striker, but it won’t be enough to salvage Darwin Nunez’s Anfield career.

Why Liverpool are selling Darwin Nunez

When Liverpool signed Nunez from Benfica three years ago, they thought they had secured a superstar in the making. Jurgen Klopp led the bid.

However, the Uruguay international, 25, has only scored 25 goals across his three terms in the Premier League, routinely criticised for his wayward finishing.

The pace and pressure that English football applies has foiled many a talented up-and-comer, and though Nunez has had his moments – that winner at the City Ground, that match-winning brace against Brentford – personal triumphs have been few and far between.

Under Slot’s guidance, he has scored seven times in 47 matches. Presenting that data differently, Nunez failed to score across 42 fixtures in 2024/25.

The marriage is over, but it’s an amiable divorce. Serie A champions Napoli are currently pushing to sign the striker, and it’s a move that will benefit all parties involved.

Nunez will enjoy the slower pace of the Italian division. Napoli, then, have the chance to rekindle this maverick, turn him into a chaotic weapon.

And Liverpool? Well, Liverpool will sign someone better.

Liverpool set sights on Nunez upgrade

According to German reporter Christian Falk, Liverpool are still interested in Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike. The sought-after star has been expected to leave Germany this summer, but his club are playing hardball.

Indeed, Liverpool have been joined by Chelsea and Manchester United in considering a deal, but Frankfurt seem set on sticking to their €100m (£85m) valuation, a figure no one will pay.

Falk believes Liverpool will not open contacts with Frankfurt until Nunez’s future has been sorted, and a resolution on that front appears to be imminent.

Why Liverpool should sign Hugo Ekitike

Time was when the ballpark of £85m would get you record-breaking players, those of the top brass. Now, such figures make for just another day for clubs looking to stay competitive at the highest level.

That’s not to discredit Ekitike’s skill set; the Frenchman has been called “one of the best strikers out there” by analyst Ben Mattinson, after all.

And he could reach some staggering standard, of course. Ekitike is tall and powerful and dynamic, endowed with pace and awareness to combine with a hunger to rattle shots off at goal.

You can only imagine the levels he could reach at Liverpool, combining with someone like Wirtz, whom Xabi Alonso had no qualms about labelling a “genius” of a playmaker for his vision and creative passing.

24/25

31 (25)

10

13

23/24

32 (26)

11

12

22/23

17 (11)

1

6

21/22

24 (22)

7

10

20/21

29 (25)

5

6

Wirtz’s ability to score and to assist with regularity would suit a modern-tailored striker like Ekitike to a tee, for he scored 22 goals and assisted 12 more across all competitions in 2024/25, going from strength to strength after arriving in Germany as a loanee in January 2024, scoring four times across the latter half of that Bundesliga season before wrapping the deal up by the end for €35m (£30m).

A lofty figure for a relatively unproven prospect at the time, but who can argue that Frankfurt haven’t got bang for their buck now? Ekitike will be sold for a mammoth figure, even if it doesn’t quite reach the ballpark that Die Adler are hoping for.

While some might have reservations over Ekitike’s age, and indeed his rawness, you can only imagine the heights he could reach in front of Liverpool’s new record signing, and that’s without even considering the magic of Mohamed Salah being sprinkled in from the right too.

Of course, Wirtz will certainly be helped by Ekitike’s instinctiveness, the forward’s sharp movements and clever flicks apt to cause mayhem for opposing defences when collecting one of Wirtz’s surgical passes, his angled crosses, his deft layoffs.

And, furthermore, the rangy talent boasts an underlying skill set to behold, bearing all the dynamism and roundedness that Liverpool typically like from their frontmen.

As per FBref, he finished the Bundesliga campaign ranked among the top 8% of strikers for pass completion, the top 16% for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive carries and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90.

No doubt, he’d be a dream for Liverpool’s new German superstar, actually praised for his “incredible” style of play by teammate Rasmus Kristensen.

Of course, Liverpool would get a more refined and established nine in Alexander Isak, who has demonstrable experience in the Premier League and Champions League, also scoring as Newcastle United beat Slot to the Carabao Cup in March.

However, Ekitike is more affordable and has the potential to grow into a bona fide sensation. Partnered with Wirtz over the coming years, whose elegant and intelligent performances would serve chances to the France talent on gleaming platters, Slot might just hit the jackpot.

Better than Gyokeres: Liverpool in the race for "the new Haaland"

Liverpool are sounding out a series of Alexander Isak alternatives this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 27, 2025

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is attempting to have his say on the club’s summer recruitment plans, and the Italian has his eyes on one player in particular to reinforce a key area of the squad.

Chelsea ready to offer six-year deal to £45m player, talks "now advancing"

The west Londoners could make their next signing soon.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 27, 2025

Maresca’s side want to strengthen a number of areas before their manager’s second full season in charge at Stamford Bridge. Over the last week, Chelsea have been holding talks with Borussia Dortmund officials over Jamie Gittens, and it is believed by some that a deal could soon be done.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Alongside Gittens, Chelsea are reported to still be in the market for another centre-back, which perhaps indicates that at least one of Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah, Renato Veiga or Tosin Adarabioyo could be sold.

Even after their £30 million deal for Liam Delap, there are many suggestions that Chelsea could look to sign a second new striker as well, following widely reported talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over a deal for Hugo Ekitiké.

As well as this, Chelsea could still bring in another goalkeeper. As per journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are looking to sell both Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez this summer, with a move for AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan not completely off the table despite failing to reach an agreement before the Club World Cup.

Barcelona keeper Marc-André ter Stegen has been linked in the past week too, so their hunt for a shot-stopper could still be one to keep an eye on.

Enzo Maresca asks Chelsea to sign Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa

According to journalist Christian Martin, speaking to DSports, £150,000-per-week Aston Villa number one Emiliano Martínez is now said to have major admirers at Chelsea, including Maresca.

Maresca is “asking” Chelsea to make a move for Martinez, and goalkeeping coach Willy Caballero has also given his seal of approval to the potential transfer.

“They want him as their starting goalkeeper,” said Martin.

“Enzo Maresca is asking for him, Willy Caballero, who is part of the coaching staff and trains the goalkeepers, has already given his approval. For now, Chelsea is a very reliable and precise option.”

The Argentine World Cup winner boasts both top-level quality and proven experience on the biggest stages. After becoming a leader at Villa, there is every reason to believe the 32-year-old could be tempted by the prospect of Champions League football next season and becoming Chelsea’s new number one.

Unai Emery’s side are also under pressure from PSR to sell big-name players before the start of the next football financial year, which begins on July 1, so a deal could well be had here.

Fast bowler arrives at Chelmsford with county competing for the title

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Jun-2024Essex have signed the South African fast-bowling allrounder Eathan Bosch on a short-term deal, covering four Vitality County Championship matches.Bosch, 26, has claimed 92 wickets in 38 first-class matches since making his debut for KwaZulu-Natal in 2017, and heads for Chelmsford with the club once again challenging for the County Championship title. They are currently two points behind leaders Surrey at the halfway mark of the competition, and face Durham at Chelmsford in their next fixture on Sunday.”I’m super excited to be here,” said Bosch. “It was a pretty easy deal to accept, and I’m looking forward to my time with the Eagles. It will be nice to play outside of South Africa, and to see what my skills can bring to the table.””It will definitely be a learning experience, but I’m looking forward to experiencing a bit more of the country, and especially Chelmsford!”Essex Head Coach, Anthony McGrath, added: “Eathan is a terrific addition for us, and we’re delighted to welcome him to the team.”There’s huge value in a well-stocked seam bowling cupboard, and with his experience of bowling in different conditions, he will add a new dimension to our attack.”He will also be able to push everyone around him to new heights, which will be extremely beneficial as the Championship season heads towards its finale.”Bosch has a burgeoning ability with the bat too, having made a century and seven fifties in making 1,053 first-class runs at 22.89. Though he has yet to make his senior international debut, he represented South Africa at Under-19 level in two Tests and two ODIs, and appeared for Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 in 2023 and 2024.His arrival at Chelmsford comes after fellow seamer Ben Allison was loaned to Worcestershire for two Championship fixtures, a repeat of the short-term move he made at the end of the 2023 season.”This is an excellent opportunity for Ben to get game time while not compromising on the quality of cricket he will play,” McGrath said. “He is still developing as a cricketer, and the most important thing for him now is simply to be playing; as such, this is a great chance for him, and we’re looking forward to seeing how he gets on.”

Tottenham Hotspur are still riding on the euphoria of winning the Europa League, salvaging something from a wretched 2024/25 campaign that led to a 17th-place Premier League finish and Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal from his post.

It was a contentious call, to be sure, but Spurs’ triumph could not and did not detract from the abject domestic form that highlighted so many flaws in the squad, injury-hit though it was.

With Thomas Frank now at the helm, there are plenty of reasons for the Lilywhite faithful to be excited, especially since the success on the continent, beating Manchester United in the final, has rolled out the carpet into next term’s Champions League proper.

While Frank and the club’s fanbase are hoping to see some exciting new forwards welcomed to the fold, Tottenham also need to address their defensive deficiencies.

Incomings are needed, with the potential sale of one of the outfit’s superstars playing into that.

The latest on Spurs' defensive situation

It’s clear that Tottenham need to strengthen at the back, especially as Cristian Romero is at the top of Atletico Madrid’s summer shopping list and could be sold in the next few months.

Despite finalising a deal for Kevin Danso, it’s clear that the Londoners need some added quality in defence; too often last season (and in 2023/24), the club’s fragilities were heightened when Romero and Micky van de Ven were absent – and setbacks have been commonplace for the imperious centre-half pairing.

According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Tottenham have joined Inter Milan in lodging an official enquiry for Genoa defender Koni De Winter.

While the suitors have yet to place official offers on the table, discussions are ongoing and Genoa would be willing to do business for a fee in a region of €25m (£21m).

What Koni De Winter would bring to Spurs

Joining Genoa from Juventus in a deal worth €10m (roughly £8m) in 2024, De Winter has enjoyed a standout season for Genoa, featuring 25 times and scoring three goals. He would have featured more prominently, but for a hamstring injury sustained in October, keeping him out for two months.

Having previously played at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium on loan the term before, the Belgium international has enjoyed steady progress in Italy and could now be ready for a move to the Premier League, emulating his countryman Jan Vertonghen in playing for Tottenham.

As per FBref, the 23-year-old ranked among the top 3% of central defenders across Europe’s top five leagues last season for goals scored, the top 9% for touches in the attacking box, the top 10% for aerial duels won and the top 14% for ball recoveries per 90.

De Winter’s flair for the attacking side of the game further suggests that he could be Vertonghen’s heir down N17 in more than just nationality, with journalist Antonio Mango even saying “his in-game intelligence is unreal”.

Matches (starts)

25 (23)

Goals

3

Assists

0

Touches*

63.6

Pass completion

87%

Ball recoveries*

4.6

Tackles + interceptions*

2.3

Clearances*

4.5

Aerial duels (won)*

3.0 (69%)

Moreover, De Winter’s versatility and athleticism lend themselves to a wider berth, having featured five times as a right-back for Genoa. The left-footed Vertonghen was dispatched on the left numerous times across his long Spurs career for similar reasons.

Vertonghen, now 38 years old, played 313 times for Tottenham after signing from Ajax for just £10m in 2012, with his career in the Premier League leaving him regarded among the finest defenders of his generation, partnered mainly with countryman Toby Alderweireld.

Big boots to fill, but De Winter has the versatility and technical confidence to forge a successful career for himself in the English capital, emulating his Belgian icon.

Better signing than Mbeumo: Spurs make enquiry for "world-class" £20m star

Tottenham Hotspur have wasted no time making moves within the summer transfer market.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 5, 2025

Non-compliance concerns centre around USAC not fulfilling governance norms set by the US Olympic body, and longstanding vacancies in top administrative posts

Nagraj Gollapudi18-Jul-2024The ICC has warned USA Cricket (USAC) it risks being “put on notice” for non-compliance with its Associate membership status, barely a month after the last game of a historic, first-ever ICC global event staged in the country. The USA was a co-host, with the West Indies, of the T20 World Cup in June, staging games at three venues as the ICC acted on its long-held ambition of breaking into North America.But the difficulty of that ambition is evident in the warning, which says USAC is potentially in breach on two counts. One concerns USAC not fulfilling the governance norms set by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) necessary for it to earn the National Governing Body (NGB) status, which is mandatory for all sports that were last year added to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. And on the second the ICC has hauled up USAC for not having a “fit-for purpose administrative structure”, including not filling in the vacant CEO position after it sacked the previous incumbent months into his job.”USA Cricket is currently Non-compliant with ICC Associate Member Membership Criteria 2.2(b)(i) (governance structure) and 2.2 (b)(ii) (administrative and executive structure) and is at risk of being placed ‘On Notice’,” the ICC said in an note sent recently to all its members attending the global cricket body’s AGM, which will take place on July 22 in Colombo immediately after the ICC Board meets.Titled “Associate Member Membership Update”, the five-page document, accessed by ESPNcricinfo, was sent on July 11. The ICC noted that the USOPC had “expressed serious concerns” over the governance model of USAC. “The USOPC has written to the USAC expressing serious concerns about the ongoing governance of USAC. Whilst this does not put USAC in breach of ICC Membership Criteria, it reflects broader concerns regarding USAC’s governance.”However, USOPC have stated if USAC do not achieve NGB certification, they will be required to commence a process to recognise an alternate NGB for cricket, which could put USAC in breach of ICC Membership Criteria to be “recognized by the ICC (at its absolute discretion) as the primary governing body responsible for the administration, management and development of cricket (men’s and women’s) in its country”.This is second time this year the ICC has put USAC on alert. After its quarterly meetings in March, the ICC sent a missive to USAC hauling it up over several issues, including warning it even back then that USAC was not doing enough to become USOPC compliant. The ICC also raised the issue of not having a CEO in place ever since it released the incumbent Dr Noor Mohammad Murad, as well as not appointing an independent director on its Board.That email, sent by ICC CEO Geoff Allardice six days after the ICC Board met in Dubai, was addressed to USAC chair Venu Piske, who was elected to the position in July 2023. While the ICC Board acknowledged USA’s “importance” as a “cricket territory”, Allardice noted in the email, seen by ESPNcricinfo, it was also aware of the “long history of problems” with USAC.The ICC Board had even toyed with the idea of suspending USAC membership in March for “being in serious breach of membership obligations”, but it did not happen eventually only because Allardice said it would disrupt USA’s preparation for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Instead, the ICC Board decided to give USAC a “last chance” to “remedy” the non-compliance issues.As a primary punitive measure though, the ICC Board did stop the annual funding USAC receives until it fulfilled all membership criteria, only allowing “controlled funding” on an “exceptional basis” between April and July “to enable cricket in the USA not to be prejudiced”. During the T20 World Cup, ICC chair Greg Barclay and Allardice once again reiterated to USAC that it was in danger of being suspended if it failed to comply with the membership criteria.Now, in the July AGM note, the ICC said the USAC continued to still be in breach and recommended stronger sanction. “USAC still does not have a fit-for purpose administrative structure. USAC do not currently have a CEO, having terminated the employment of their most recent one after only a few months in the role. A recruitment process for a replacement CEO has commenced. In April, the two remaining USAC Development staff (the Development Manager and Women’s Manager) resigned. A process to replace these staff as has not yet commenced. Currently, replacement staff are temporary and part-time contractors.”It is Management’s view that USAC has not remedied all areas of non-compliance as outlined in the ICC’s letter to USAC dated 21 March, 2024, and is therefore at risk of being placed ‘On Notice’.”In its initial response, sent on July 12, USAC is understood to have told the ICC that it had appointed an independent director – Pintoo Shah – who also took charge as the Treasurer. His appointment was ratified by the USAC Board on the same day. The delay in filling up the independent position, USAC explained, was due to it amending its constitution to fall in line with USOPC regulations.The USAC email, copied to senior USOPC officials, also said it was harsh on ICC’s part to threaten “drastic action” when it was working hard to meet compliance. USAC said it was informed of the NGB accreditation process only on January 24, so it was unfair to expect it to be compliant by March when the ICC sent the initial warning, and especially when the deadline for compliance submission to USOPC was September 30.As for the vacant CEO position, USAC said that it had received several applications when it advertised for the position this April and shortlisted names, keeping ICC Americas in the loop. The new USAC CEO, it is understood, will be appointed immediately after the ICC AGM.