The all-format coach was full of praise for Pretorius and Brevis despite South Africa losing “a game of millimetres” in the final

Firdose Moonda26-Jul-2025South Africa’s all-format coach Shukri Conrad will make “no excuses” for losing “a game of millimetres” to New Zealand in the tri-series final in Harare and is “thrilled” with the way his new-look team played.Though South Africa lost all three matches they played against New Zealand in the competition, they came close to claiming the trophy and pulling off their highest successful chase against them. That they did that with a squad that includes only two players – Reeza Hendricks and Gerald Coetzee – who were part of their last T20 World Cup squad suggests to Conrad that the depth in South African cricket is strong as he builds towards the next World Cup in February-March next year.”There’s so many good things that we can take forward from here,” Conrad said at the post-match press conference. “The result is disappointing but there were so many good things that happened there today that we can be really proud of and that I am really proud of. With such a young and inexperienced side, to put up the type of performance today, that is also pleasing to see. It’s no excuse for losing and we’re still bitterly disappointed. But there were some really good things.”Pretorius and Brevis repay the faithChief among them was the form shown by the two young batters Conrad has also included in next month’s white-ball squads for a tour to Australia: Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis. Pretorius, who scored 31 runs in his first three innings as a T20I opener, was moved down to No. 5 for South Africa’s last league game, where he made 1. He was brought back up to the top of the order for the final and set South Africa on their way with a 35-ball 51.Related

Risk-taking Henry comes out on top with death-overs wizardry

Henry the hero as NZ win last-ball thriller to clinch tri-series title

“Lhuan-dre is one of the bright prospects for South Africa. We saw what he has in him with the innings he played today,” Conrad said. “He had a lean period throughout this tournament, but he’s a classy young cricketer and exciting times lie ahead for him. Young players go through tough times and very often don’t know how to deal with it. But for him to come back in the final and play the way he did gave us a really good foundation.”Brevis had played international cricket before, in 2023, when he scored five runs from two T20Is. He has enjoyed a breakthrough last six months with strong performances in the SA20 and call-ups to both Test and T20I squads in Zimbabwe and the ODI squad to Australia. After establishing himself as a finisher for MI Cape Town earlier in the year, he came within two shots of winning South Africa the final and Conrad is keen to develop his ability to close out games.”Dewald is a special talent,” Conrad said. “He’s hugely disappointed that he didn’t take us home but on another day, he would have hit that out of Harare. He’s a special talent. He’s probably one of the sweetest strikers of a cricket ball in world cricket at the moment. You’re never out of a game when you’ve still got Dewald Brevis in the shed or he’s at the wicket, and he’ll be better for this experience this week. He got us close on a few occasions and it’s a case of when he gets us over the line rather than if he will. This is all part of a journey for Dewald and part of his development. There’s certainly no doubting his ability.”Bowling options at the deathThe other improvement Conrad pointed out was South Africa’s bowling in the last five overs. Though they conceded 45 runs in that period, they only gave away three boundaries and took two wickets. Nandre Burger bowled two of the four overs, conceded 18 runs, and took a wicket, while Kwena Maphaka bowled the last over and gave away 11 runs. “Today, an area that we paid particular attention to was our bowling at the death. It’s been a bugbear for us for a long time,” Conrad said. “I think we’ve made huge strides insofar as that is concerned. Guys are clearer with their plans. In the last five overs, New Zealand only hit three boundaries, which is brilliant for us.”Gerald Coetzee was making a comeback during the tri-series•Zimbabwe CricketIn South Africa’s first match in this series against New Zealand, they conceded 63 in the last five overs, which demonstrates the improvement Conrad spoke of. In that match, Coetzee bowled two of the five overs and gave away 32 runs. Coetzee did not play the final and has not been included in the squads for the Australia series, with Conrad saying he has moved down the pecking order.Coetzee remains very much part of South Africa’s core group, which Conrad will work with over the next WTC cycle (which will start with a two-Test tour to Pakistan in October) and in the lead-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup and 2027 ODI World Cup. Despite losing his first white-ball series in charge, Conrad is optimistic about what South Africa’s players can offer.”The bulk of them would have laid down a marker at some stage during this tournament that they belong at this level and that they want to be a part of this team,” he said. “It’s always great when you can grow your strength or your depth in certain areas, and I think we’ve managed to do that. Ideally, we want to play our best team and our strongest team whenever we can. And that’s going to be the case going forward now. But our experienced guys needed a break. So it’s going to be great integrating some of these young guys.”And, as always, Conrad would not leave without a parting shot about South Africa’s ambitions, especially as he looks to the next global event. “If today is going to be a yardstick, then it comes to the T20 World Cup, whoever wants to win the tournament is going to have to beat us,” he said. “I’m very confident going forward. I think we’ve got the makings of a really great side in every format.”

There are several series coming to an end on Sunday in Major League Baseball, but there are two teams that I absolutely love to pick up a win to close things out strong.

Today’s MLB Best Bets feature one road to to bet (as a favorite) and one home team to take in a pick’em based on a key trend.

Let’s dive into the plays for this loaded slate right after the All-Star break. 

MLB Best Bets Today for Sunday, July 21

• New York Mets Moneyline (-142) vs. Miami Marlins
• Cleveland Guardians Moneyline (-115) vs. San Diego Padres

New York Mets Moneyline (-142) vs. Miami Marlins

So far this season, the Mets have not been good when Christian Scott is on the mound (2-6 straight up), but we're not going to mess with one of the best trends in baseball, which is in play on the Miami side in this game. 

Miami lefty Trevor Rogers is making his 20th appearance of the season on Sunday, and the Marlins are just 4-15 so far when he takes the mound. Rogers hasn't been great (4.72 ERA), and that makes it tough to win since the Marlins are 29th in the league in OPS. 

If Scott can at least keep the Mets in this one, I have a hard time seeing Miami winning an outing with Rogers on the bump. Plus, the Mets are a solid team on the road (three games over .500) in 2024. 

Cleveland Guardians Moneyline (-115) vs. San Diego Padres

This is a tough matchup to pick with two solid starters on the mound. 

San Diego's Michael Kings (3.41 ERA) and Cleveland's Ben Lively (3.58 ERA) have both been winning pitchers for their respective teams, but I can’t look past Cleveland’s home record so far in 2024. 

The Guardians are an insanely impressive 31-12 straight up at home, and Lively has been even better at home (2.55 ERA in six starts) than he has been overall this season.

Cleveland deserves a bet at nearly a pick’em price given how well it has played at Progressive Field. 

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras se classificou para as quartas de final do Campeonato Paulista Sub-20. O Verdão encara um rival já conhecido, a Portuguesa, nesta segunda-feira (23), às 20h (horário de Brasília), no Canindé, pelo jogo de ida da fase decisiva do Estadual.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasCom mais uma assistência, Veiga faz melhor temporada como garçom no PalmeirasPalmeiras23/10/2023PalmeirasOposição do Palmeiras busca união para tentar derrubar Leila PereiraPalmeiras23/10/2023PalmeirasVitória do Palmeiras sobre o Coritiba evita pior sequência da ‘Era Abel Ferreira’Palmeiras23/10/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Um dos destaques e líderes do atual Sub-20 do Verdão, o zagueiro Gabriel Vareta falou sobre a partida de hoje diante da Lusa:

– Jogo decisivo, mas estamos acostumados com isso. Tem sido uma temporada com muitas decisões e queremos o título. Sabemos do tamanho do Palmeiras e a importância de sempre estar entre os melhores e é essa excelência que buscamos sempre que vestimos essa camisa”, disse Gabriel Vareta, zagueiro e uma das promessas do time alviverde.

O Verdão se classificou invicto na terceira fase, sendo o primeiro colocado do Grupo 23, eliminando Corinthians e Água Santa. O Palmeiras terminou com 16 pontos conquistados, em seis partidas, sendo cinco vitórias e um empate. A equipe alviverde anotou 14 gols e sofreu apenas quatro.

– Estamos bem no Paulista, que é a competição mais longa do ano. Conseguindo passar bem de fases e estamos no mata-mata. Temos que manter esse ritmo, sempre confiantes no trabalho que fizemos até agora. Seremos abençoados – disse o zagueiro, que foi capitão no último jogo da equipe no estadual.

A partida de volta contra a Lusa está marcada para o dia 28 de outubro, sábado, às 11h (horário de Brasília).

 O confronto desta noite terá transmissão do canal “TNT Sports Brasil” no YouTube.

Manchester United face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this afternoon, with Ruben Amorim looking to extend his current winning run in England’s top-flight.

The 40-year-old will be leading the side into his 52nd outing, but could create history in his tenure if he can secure all three points against Fabian Hurzeler’s men.

He claimed his second successive league victory last time out against rivals Liverpool, with a win against the Seagulls potentially making it three in a row – something he’s yet to do at Old Trafford.

However, the manager will likely have numerous selection headaches ahead of him for the meeting this afternoon, with numerous players in contention for a return to the starting eleven.

One player could be brutally dropped to the substitutes bench once again, that’s despite starting each of the Red Devils’ last two outings in the Premier League.

Why Mason Mount should be dropped against Brighton

Mason Mount has massively struggled for consistent minutes at United after making a £60m switch to join the club from Chelsea back in the summer of 2023.

Injuries have often plagued the Englishman’s progress, subsequently restricting him to a total of 55 appearances across all competitions in the last 27 months.

However, Amorim has constantly stated his admiration for the 26-year-old, but he may decide to drop him from the starting eleven after his showing at Anfield.

He only featured for an hour before being withdrawn, understandably so given his measly tally of seven passes completed and zero chances created.

In Amorim’s pre-match press conference, he also stated that Mount has picked up a knock, but he should still be fit for the clash with the Seagulls this afternoon.

Regardless of his fitness, the manager needs to axe him from his starting eleven, offering one other player the chance to impress in his 3-4-2-1 system.

The United star who needs to start against Brighton

After finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, Amorim has been working tirelessly to prevent a repeat – even receiving a huge boost from the hierarchy in the process.

The 40-year-old was handed over £200m worth of new additions to make the changes he needed, with such funds being used to land the signature of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Brazilian has mainly operated in a number ten role since his switch to Old Trafford, but the boss decided to utilise him in a number nine position against the Reds.

Such a decision took away from his best qualities, resulting in the 26-year-old being dispossessed six times and failing to register a shot on target for the first time in 2025/26.

As a result, Amorim must drop him back into a slightly deeper position, which should allow £74m addition Benjamin Sesko to return to his rightful position as a regular starter.

The Slovenian, who earns £160k-per-week, joined the Red Devils from RB Leipzig during the summer window and has already impressed the United faithful with his tally of two Premier League goals.

Before the clash against Arne Slot’s men, the 22-year-old, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, had scored in back-to-back matches in England’s top-flight.

Games played

8

Goals scored

2

Minutes played

414

Aerials won

4.1

Shots on target

1.3

Chances created

1.3

Touches in opposition box

4.1

Duels won

5.6

His underlying stats further indicate the immediate impact he’s had in Manchester, with his tally of 4.1 aerial duels won per 90 handing the side the needed outlet they’ve hugely lacked.

He’s also registered 1.3 chances created per 90, whilst notching the same amount of shots on target per 90 – demonstrating why he’s the perfect all-round option in the manager’s system.

Such numbers should make him a mainstay within the current first-team squad, which should see Amorim recall him ahead of the clash with Brighton today.

The boss will undoubtedly want to continue the excellent recent run in the top-flight, with the reintroduction of Sesko undoubtedly handing them a massive boost in their quest.

It's not Mainoo: Man Utd may have found the new Pogba in "phenomenal" star

Manchester United already have another talent who is on a similar trajectory to Paul Pogba.

1 ByEthan Lamb Oct 24, 2025

Winning run comes to an end despite fifties from Maia Bouchier and Freya Kemp

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay25-Jul-2025Alice Davidson-Richards produced a game-changing fifty as Surrey ended Hampshire’s winning streak in a rain-curtailed Metrobank Women’s One Day Cup clash in Guildford.Freya Kemp’s 58 and Maia Bouchier’s 51 gave Hampshire a platform for a big score, but wickets at regular intervals, including three for Phoebe Franklin, restricted the visitors to 278.Surrey initially struggled to build regular partnerships but Davidson-Richards capitalised on a lengthy rain delay and smashed 62 to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat for Surrey.Having been sent in to bat, Hampshire got off to a positive start as openers Bouchier and Rhianna Southby capitalised on some erratic bowling from the Surrey quicks before Southby chopped on for 27.Bouchier anchored Hampshire’s innings well as she marshalled her side past 100 but then mistimed a flick straight to midwicket to fall for 51 as the run rate slowed.Surrey were sharp in the field throughout, as Ryana MacDonald-Gay produced two diving stops before substitute fielder Alexa Stonehouse took a reflex catch at midwicket to dismiss Georgia Adams as Hampshire slumped to 131 for 4.Abi Norgrove joined Kemp to bring about a revival and the two increased the tempo, cruising beyond 200 with a blend of big hitting and well-placed strokes before Norgrove was dismissed for 40.Kemp breezed past 50 and rotated the strike effectively with Nancy Harman until she was run out by Alice Monaghan for 58 attempting to take two on the boundary rider’s throw. But a flurry of wickets prevented Hampshire from fully attacking during the death overs and Surrey restricted the visitors to 278 all out.As dark clouds loomed over Guildford, Hampshire used the conditions to dismiss Kira Chathli early on for a duck but Bryony Smith and Alice Capsey counterattacked to make the most of the powerplay.The pair raced to 46 for 1 after seven overs before a brief shower forced the players off. Immediately after the resumption, Smith was dismissed for 24, having driven Perry straight to cover.Surrey began to settle once more but Freya Davies returned to the Hampshire attack and took the crucial wicket of Capsey for 47 thanks to Bouchier’s juggling take at midwicket.Hampshire continued to turn the screw as Ava Lee and Perry dismissed Paige Scholfield and Grace Harris, leaving the hosts 123 for 5 after 21 overs.Davidson-Richards and Danni Wyatt-Hodge kept the run rate manageable as they put together a meaningful partnership to steer Surrey to the drinks break.The rain showers that had persisted throughout the innings finally got too heavy, forcing the players off with Surrey 19 runs behind the DLS par score.After a lengthy delay, Surrey were set a revised target of 63 off 29 balls and their hopes looked over when Wyatt-Hodge holed out to cover. But Davidson-Richards and Monaghan took up the mantle, smashing a barrage of boundaries to chase down the target with two balls to spare.

Well, that was about as perfect a weekend as Mikel Arteta and Arsenal could have hoped for.

Granted, Manchester City picked up another win, but Liverpool lost their fourth game on the bounce, and their first at home to Manchester United in nine years.

On top of that, the Gunners did their job, beating Fulham 1-0 away from home to extend their lead over the Reds to four points and put themselves in the driving seat for the Premier League title.

EPL Table

#

Team

GD

Points

1

Arsenal

12

19

2

Man City

11

16

3

Bournemouth

3

15

4

Liverpool

3

15

5

Chelsea

7

14

6

Spurs

7

14

7

Sunderland

3

14

Moreover, while it wasn’t a vintage performance from Arsenal, they were ultimately comfortable against the West Londoners, and it was another stellar showing from Bukayo Saka, and another starter who’s starting to become a Saka-type star.

Saka's performance vs Fulham

Even though Arsenal were not at their best against Fulham, they never looked in any real danger of losing the game.

In fact, what should terrify their title rivals is that, for the second time in as many games, Arteta’s side managed to prevent their opposition from taking a single shot on target.

The last time the Gunners were able to do that was back in the 03/04 season, when they went on to win the league undefeated and on 90 points.

With that said, while Viktor Gyokeres continued to struggle up top, and Leandro Trossard didn’t do an awful lot aside from scoring, it was another strong showing from Saka on the right.

The Hale End legend was lively from the first minute, and while he didn’t get on the scoresheet himself, he was far and away the Gunners’ most dangerous forward.

For example, in his 99 minutes of action, he amassed an expected assists figure of 0.55, took two shots, took 86 touches, completed six of seven dribbles, created one big chance, recovered the ball nine times and even won 13 of 20 ground duels.

It was an excellent showing from the stand-in captain, and one that once again showed that, when fit, he is the biggest and most important star in Arteta’s side.

Saka’s game vs Fulham

Minutes

99′

Expected Assists

0.55

Total Shots

2

Key Passes

7

Dribbles (Successful)

7 (6)

Big Chances Created

1

Touches

86

Fouls Won

5

Ball Recoveries

9

Ground Duels (Won)

20 (13)

All Stats via Sofascore

However, there were a few other starters who stood out, including one who is starting to become something of a Saka-type player.

Arsenal's new Saka-type star

It almost goes without saying at this point that William Saliba, David Raya, Declan Rice and Gabriel Magaehelse were once again excellent for Arsenal on the weekend.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Expand Collapse

However, when it comes to someone starting to become something of a Saka-type player, they do not fall into that category.

Riccardo Calafiori, on the other hand, could.

Now, this comparison is obviously not based on their starting positions or output, as while the Italian has a goal and an assist in him, he is never going to match the numbers of the Englishman – few players can.

Instead, it’s primarily based on the fact that, as one analyst puts it, he ends up “everywhere” on the pitch and adds “pure chaos” to a system many labelled boring at points last season.

For example, the former Bologna star may well start games at left-back, but he spends much of his time roaming around the pitch, picking up space here and there, dragging opponents out of their positions and freeing up areas for his teammates to operate in.

This is the key reason he could be seen as a Saka-type player in the making, as opposition defenders and midfielders are starting to realise that he cannot be left alone to roam, as he will punish them.

This was on full display on Saturday, as not only was he marginally offside for his wonderful strike in the first half, but he was also consistently all over the place, popping up at right-wing, in the middle of the park, and up top.

As one analyst put it in the summer, “his positional IQ, carrying and overall technical quality are literally game-breaking.”

Finally, while this maverick approach to games helps create space for his teammates, it also makes matches more entertaining for fans, with journalist James Benge going as far as calling the Italian “the most electrifying man in sports entertainment” on Saturday night.

Ultimately, they have their clear differences, but Calafiori’s mercurial ability to roam, pull opponents out of position and entertain the fans makes it rather easy to describe him as a Saka-type star.

Related Hale End's "Saka regen" left for £0, now he's outscoring Arsenal's starboy

Arsenal had a Bukayo Saka regen in Hale End that Edu allowed to leave.

Posts ByBen Gray Oct 20, 2025

كشف إيدرسون مورايس حارس فنربخشة التركي تفاصيل حديثه مع بيب جوارديولا قبل رحيله عن صفوف مانشستر سيتي خلال سوق الانتقالات الصيفية الماضية.

وكان فنربخشة التركي قد أعلن عن تعاقده بشكل رسمي مع إيدرسون مورايس حارس مانشستر سيتي، حيث وقع على عقد انضمامه لمدة 3 مواسم مع خيار التمديد لموسم إضافي.

وذكر إيدرسون في تصريحات نشرتها “سيتي إكسترا”: “من الصعب الآن شرح المحادثات مع بيب جوارديولا حول رحيلي عن مانشستر سيتي في الصيف لأنني تحدثت معه عبر الهاتف”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رئيس لجنة الحكام في الدوري الإنجليزي يثير الجدل بشأن هدف فان دايك أمام مانشستر سيتي

وأضاف: “عندما تحدثت معه، قال عليك العودة لقول وداعاً، بالأمس أرسل لي رسالة حول عدد الانتصارات التي حققتها في مسيرتي”.

وتغزل إيدرسون في بيب جوارديولا: “أنا أحبه، وأحب عقليته، هو أفضل مدرب في التاريخ بالنسبة لي، وكنت مسروراً بالعمل معه”.

واختتم عن رحيله عن مانشستر سيتي: “في الموسم السابق، حاولت الرحيل بالفعل، وهذا أثر على أدائي، لا فائدة من البقاء في نادي كبير وناجح إن لم أكن سعيداً”.

Star-studded Lancashire derailed as George Garton claims four wickets

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay09-Jul-2025

Ed Barnard made a crucial half-century•Getty Images

Birmingham Bears opened the Vitality Blast North Group right up with a 36-run victory over leaders Lancashire Lightning at Edgbaston.Warwickshire stacked up 203 for nine, their first 200-plus total against Lancashire in the Blast, thanks to Dan Mousley’s thunderous 32 from 12 balls, which took them to 74 in the powerplay, and Ed Barnard’s luscious 54 (34). Jack Blatherwick and Tom Hartley emerged from the onslaught with a creditable three for 29 and two for 29 respectively.Lancashire replied with 167 all out from 18.1 overs, their chase undone right at the start when George Garton (four for 28) dismissed both openers in the first over. They slumped to 111 for seven and Hartley’s violent late 35 (16) was in a lost cause as the Lightning faded to defeat beneath the beautiful, burgundy Birmingham sunset.The Bears’ win means just eight points separate the top six as the North group heads towards its denouement.After the Bears were put in it was a case of two fours and out for openers Alex Davies and Tom Latham, both back in the pavilion before the end of the second over. That paved the way for a dazzling cameo from Mousley who hit James Anderson for four fours in an over before leading-edging Luke Wood to mid off.Barnard smote his first ball for six and timed the ball exquisitely in a stand of 74 in 47 with Sam Hain (36, 27) before the latter drove Hartley to extra cover. The spinner soon added the wicket of Barnard who passed his third T20 half-century, from 30 balls, then slogged to deep mid-wicket.Rob Yates (19, 14) and Garton (16, eight) kept the momentum high, the latter falling to a wonder catch by Green who hurled himself far and low to take a skier in front of the Hollies Stand.Lancashire’s quest for 204 started horribly – after one over, from Garton they were two for two. Keaton Jennings chipped his first ball to deep mid-wicket and Jos Buttler was lbw to his third. Phil Salt then fell to another stunning catch, by Yates, again right in front of the Hollies, from a pull off Garton.Already needing more than ten per over, there was no way back for Lightning. Luke Wells chipped Craig Miles to extra cover and Ashton Turner slog-swept Danny Briggs’ fourth ball to Hain at deep mid-wicket. That was Briggs’ 303rd T20 wicket and Hain’s 85th T20 catch and sent Lancashire into the last ten overs needing 119 with five down.Hartley’s 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th T20 sixes achieved no more than taking his side to respectability. Anderson has performed many excellent feats on the cricket field but finding 37 from the last two overs here was beyond him and the Lightning’s run of four successive wins was over.

New Zealand allrounder Glenn Phillips has been sidelined from the ongoing T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe, also involving South Africa, and the following two-Test series against Zimbabwe, with a groin injury. Phillips had suffered the injury while playing for Washington Freedom in the Major League Cricket (MLC) final on July 13.When he was assessed upon arrival in Zimbabwe, it was determined that he would require “a number of weeks” to recover, according to an NZC statement. Tim Robinson, who was a late addition to the T20I squad for the tri-series as cover for players involved in the MLC knockouts, will remain with the side for the rest of the tri-series.Phillips’ replacement in the Test squad will be named in due course.”It’s obviously disappointing to lose someone of Glenn’s calibre,” Rob Walter, New Zealand’s head coach, said. “Much like Finn [Allen], we really feel for Glenn and that he misses out on this series.”We know he was eager to get out on the field for the Blackcaps and unfortunately, he won’t be able to do that for this series. We know he’ll work hard to get himself back onto the park, and I look forward to when that happens.”Phillips will return to New Zealand along with fellow allrounder Jimmy Neesham and wicketkeeper-batter Mitch Hay who were also called in as cover for the start of the tri-series alongside Robinson.Phillips joins Ben Sears (side injury) and Finn Allen (foot injury) on the sidelines. New Zealand, though, will be boosted by the return of left-arm fingerspinner Ajaz Patel for the Test series. Having worked his way back from a serious knee injury, Ajaz proved his form and fitness for Central Districts in the Global Super League (GSL) in Guyana.New Zealand have started their T20I tri-series campaign with a 21-run win against South Africa in Harare.

Tottenham have emerged as favourites to sign a “game-changing” forward as the Lewis family make their sporting intentions for Spurs clear this week, having pumped £100 million worth of capital into the club.

Tottenham given £100m cash boost after Lewis family injection

On Thursday, the Lilywhites made an official announcement of their owners’ call to back the club with fresh funding, with Thomas Frank’s side receiving nine figures which will be spent on the day-to-day running of Spurs.

CEO Vinai Venkatesham, alongside new non-executive chairman Peter Charrington, will now decide where specifically this new money will be invested — and some of this cash may well go into their transfer planning.

Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol shared news last month that the Lewis family were planning to inject funds into Tottenham, and suggested that these finances could be reinvested into their recruitment drive.

With January on the horizon, Frank may well be backed with key reinforcements, amid reports that the North Londoners want to sign a new centre-back and winger (TEAMtalk).

Tottenham missed out on a deal for Man City winger Savinho in the summer after having two bids rejected, and he’s since put pen to paper on a contract extension at Eastlands running until 2031.

Spurs are also admirers of Brentford captain Nathan Collins, Franks’ former star at the Gtech Community Stadium, amid their pursuit of new defensive options.

Given the Lilywhites club-record signing Dominic Solanke has proved unreliable when it comes to fitness since his £65 million move from Bournemouth last year, not to mention doubts surrounding Richarlison, it is reported elsewhere that Tottenham could even bring in another number nine.

Rank

Player

Fee

Signed from

Year

1

Dominic Solanke

£65m

Bournemouth

2024

2

Tanguy Ndombele

£62.8m

Lyon

2019

3

Richarlison

£60m

Everton

2022

4

Xavi Simons

£52m

RB Leipzig

2025

5

Brennan Johnson

£47.5m

Nottingham Forest

2023

Frank has reportedly contacted former Brentford star Ivan Toney about the possibility of a loan move to Tottenham in January, but while this is yet to be backed up by reliable media sources, it is clear that Vasco de Gama sensation, Rayan, is on their radar.

Tottenham in pole position to sign Vasco de Gama star Rayan

Multiple reports from South America in the last month have claimed that Tottenham could open talks for Rayan, who’s just become the youngest Vasco player to reach 10 Brazilian top flight goals since Dinamite in 1973.

The highly-rated teenager is one of Brazil’s rising stars right now, scoring 14 goals in all competitions this season, and his contract is rumoured to contain a tantalising £35 million release clause.

Rayan’s deal also expires in December 2026, meaning he can agree a pre-contract in July, and Vasco chiefs are working to protect themselves by agreeing a new contract to raise his exit clause, potentially to as high as £52 million.

That is according to journalist Jorge Nicola, who reports that Tottenham are currently in pole position to sign Rayan and are prepared to bid around £26 million as things stand, which would apparently meet Vasco’s expected price.

Aston Villa, Barcelona, Chelsea, Brighton, Porto, Fiorentina, Zenit and even Nottingham Forest have also been linked with the 19-year-old, so he’s currently a man in demand, with the possibility of an auction also there.

Vasco boss Fernando Diniz has lavished the right-winger’s incredible potential already, calling him a “very rare” breed of player.