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Manchester United’s recent 3-0 loss to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup means that their start to the 2023/24 campaign – which has included eight losses in 15 matches – is their worst since the 1962/63 season.

The result on Wednesday ensures they will not be defending the League Cup they won back in February and with just one win in three Champions League ties along with just five wins in the Premier League, there may not be any silverware adorning the United trophy cabinet this season.

Erik ten Hag is a man coming under severe pressure and unless results perk up immediately, starting with a tie against Fulham on Saturday, then his reign at the club could be short-lived.

The Dutchman has not been helped with a plethora of injuries disrupting his squad as the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have been missing for large spells of the current season and a failure to field a first-choice defence has hindered the club.

The players he has been able to call upon however have not delivered consistent performances which match his ambitions and this has led the Old Trafford side down a slippery slope.

It is evident that his business in the summer transfer market was far from ideal, with Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat struggling to settle in and stamp their authority on the team.

If the Dutchman is still in the United hotseat come January, then he could use the winter window to add some much-needed quality to his squad as his attacking option have left a lot to be desired so far this season.

Indeed, Rasmus Hojlund, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Antony and Bruno Fernandes have scored just seven goals between them throughout the whole campaign.

Could this tempt Ten Hag to delve into the transfer market in a few months for another centre-forward? A previously linked striker, Benjamin Sesko, is reportedly going to be available in January for a potential move.

Man Utd transfer news – Benjamin Sesko

The Red Devils had a chance to sign the young striker from Domzale back in 2019 according to The Athletic, yet it was during the summer of 2022 when United really stepped up their interest in the youngster as Ten Hag wanted to bolster his options.

However, the Dutch boss missed out on signing him as Sesko ended up joining RB Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg for a fee in the region of £55m.

Fast-forward nearly 18 months, however, and it appears as though the 20-year-old ace may be ready to move on from the German side already having failed to really settle at the Bundesliga outfit.

That’s according to 90min, who claim that United and Newcastle will be on high alert having been notified of Sesko’s soon-to-be availability.

Having signed another one of Europe’s most promising strikers in Hojlund during the summer, it looks as though Ten Hag is building a team which could challenge for honours in the future. Will he be here to see the fruits of his labour, however?

As mentioned, the United boss has been let down by the lack of goals from his attacking players this term, with Martial in particular once again failing to show the Dutchman any signs of quality.

Anthony Martial’s season in numbers

The Frenchman has just a few months remaining on his current contract at United, and It is safe to say that he has hardly done anything of note to deserve a new and improved deal.

Across the whole squad in the Premier League, the former AS Monaco striker ranks tenth for shots on target per match (0.3) along with ranking 19th for successful dribbles per game (0.1) while scoring no goals in the competition at all.

Anthony Martial in the PL under Erik ten Hag

2022/23

2023/24

Goals

6

0

Assists

2

0

Shots on target per game

0.6

0.3

Big chances created

2

0

Big chances missed

8

0

Stats via Sofascore

The 27-year-old dud has netted just once all season, in an EFL Cup match against Crystal Palace, and he does not appear to have enjoyed playing under Ten Hag, scoring a total of ten goals during the Dutchman’s spell at United so far.

With players such as Martial underperforming, alongside Rashford and Fernandes, it shows how little United have going forward, which is why they could make a splash in January.

Making a move for Sesko may not solve every problem they currently have, but his vast potential and clinical nature would surely ensure he is an upgrade on Martial.

Benjamin Sesko would be better than Anthony Martial

The £58k-per-week striker has scored more than Martial since the start of last season (24 vs ten) and he has been making his mark on the continent over the previous 12 months.

The Slovenian forward is already outshining the current United player for domestic performances this term, indicating exactly why he would be a wonderful signing for Ten Hag.

According to FBref, Sesko has registered more shots on target per 90 (2.1 vs 0.8) than Martial, along with registering more shot-creating actions per 90 (2.51 vs 2) and higher successful take-on percentage (62.5% vs 50%) clearly demonstrating his vast potential as a threat at the top end of the pitch this term.

With 57 goals across just 136 professional matches, Sesko has displayed a ruthlessness nature which could get better the more he develops and learns his trade.

He was lauded as a “machine man” by talent scout Jacek Kulig back in 2021 as he was bursting onto the scene with FC Liefering, and he continued that scoring streak with Salzburg before sealing his move to Germany.

Ten Hag will be buoyed by the fact he could be available in the January transfer window and making a move for the young starlet should be a priority, especially considering there are other clubs interested in securing his signature.

Martial has failed to live up to the enormous hype that was generated following his move from Monaco in 2015 and while he has shown flashes of his talent during his eight-year stint at Old Trafford, it simply has not been good enough – as his aforementioned statistics under the current boss prove.

Alongside Hojlund, Sesko could be a future star and the Red Devils will know that if they lure him to Manchester, he could develop into a fantastic option for them at the top end of the pitch, which is not what their current French marksman is.

Yorkshire seemed to have the game won with Northants six down for 101 but they needed a maiden fifty from Johnny Tattersall to sneak home

ECB Reporters Network07-Jun-2018

ScorecardYorkshire edged through to the Royal London Cup knockout stages for the fifth year running by beating already eliminated Northamptonshire at Emerald Headingley. The Vikings claimed a fourth successive North Group win by chasing 242 with four wickets in hand and an over remaining.On a tense final day in North Group, they had to be satisfied with third place and an away tie in the play-offs, missing out on a home semi-final eliminator tie by not reaching their target in 41 overs in order to better Nottinghamshire’s net run-rate.In fact, they nearly missed out all together by slipping to 134 for 5 with David Willey out for 71. But Gary Ballance and Jonny Tattersall, who made a maiden county half-century in his second attempt to make the grade at Headingley, went a long way to clinching the win with a calm 87-run stand for the sixth wicket inside 14 overs. Ballance made 66 off 61 balls and Tattersall 52 not out off 51.Yorkshire now travel to Chelmsford to face Essex next Thursday for the right to advance to the semi-finals.Willey, who was outstanding against Lancashire earlier in the week, starred with bat and ball against his former county, also taking 3 for 24 from 9.5 overs as Northants were bowled out for 241.In pursuit, Yorkshire slipped to 14 for 2 early in the fifth over of their reply as Adam Lyth and Tom Kohler-Cadmore were both caught behind off Kleinveldt and Hutton. The hosts then stuttered as Rob Keogh’s offspin (2 for 26 from 10 overs) tied them down.Willey was fast out of the blocks. He hit four of his first six balls for four, hit Kleinveldt for two leg-side sixes in the 10th over and reached 50 off 42 balls in the 17th over as the score advanced to 85 for 2. But shortly afterwards Keogh made two crucial breakthroughs, getting Joe Root caught behind reverse sweeping for 18 and Che Pujara lbw as the score slipped to 102 for four in the 25th over.A workman on Headingley’s new stand takes a breather•Getty Images

When Willey miscued Saif Zaib’s left-arm spin to long-on eight overs later, Yorkshire nerves were jangling. But Ballance and Tattersall held it together, reaching fifties to the delight of the 2000 strong home crowd before the former fell with 21 needed.Willey had claimed two of the first three wickets as the visitors, who elected to bat, fell to 23 for 3. He had Ben Duckett caught behind and Ricardo Vasconcelos at first slip before returning at the death to get last man Ben Cotton caught at mid-off, but Yorkshire made things more difficult for themselves as Northants recovered from 101 for 6.Debutant Charlie Thurston, 21, was the Northants standout with 53 off 62 balls. Thurston shared partnerships of 42 and 46 for the seventh and eighth wickets with Rory Kleinveldt and Graeme White, who finished 41 not out.

The odds will be heavily against Afghanistan, but even the world’s No. 1 Test team won’t take them lightly

Varun Shetty13-Jun-20182:20

Chopra: Afghanistan spinners will challenge India

Big pictureThis is it for Afghanistan. Their ten-year journey since beating Jersey in the WCL Division Five final has been studded with miracles and pinnacles: they’ve been in multiple world tournaments, completed historic victories, created potential icons of the game, and will probably have the the largest, most diverse fan base a team has ever had on Test debut. Not bad for a team that consists of players who used broken helicopters as dressing rooms not long ago.But perhaps their biggest achievement is that not even the No. 1 Test team, playing at home, will take the newcomers lightly.Afghanistan have won more than they’ve lost in India. In limited-overs cricket, they’ve only lost five out of 18 matches across formats. While those numbers will mean little coming into a different format, what they signify is that at some point over five days, the conditions will be in their favour. And therein lies the danger for India, who have been more susceptible to spin in Tests lately than their traditional reputation would suggest.Objectively, that is the only big problem India could come up against. They have a formidable batting line-up that is close to collapse-proof at home. With allrounders in Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, and further fortification of the middle order through Dinesh Karthik, the hosts won’t be easy to breach. It’s also likely that the pitch in Bengaluru will be suited to seam, given India’s upcoming England tour, which is another factor that tilts this fixture heavily in their favour.Objectivity is something Afghanistan have barely bothered about, though. This is their big moment. A first ton, a first five-for, a first draw – even a first win – are all things that may or may not come in Bengaluru. But, two days after Kevin Pietersen’s cry for a more entertaining Test scene, Mohammad Shahzad will be screaming at fielders, jersey probably untucked by the second session, and Rashid Khan’s googly will be more subtle than his sending-off of the victim. Asghar Stanikzai, who led Afghanistan to a World Cup Qualifier title days after an appendicitis surgery, will look more a warrior than ever in Test whites. And in the midst of all these certainties, the newbies will draw standing ovations from the home crowd on more than one occasion. It’s going to be as good as a one-off Test can ever be.Form guideIndiaWLLDW (completed matches, most recent first)
Afghanistan N/ABCCIIn the spotlightQuite often, KL Rahul has looked like India’s best all-format batsman after Virat Kohli. He has also, often, been immensely frustrating as a Test player. Outside of the 14 innings in which has made 50-plus scores, Rahul has only scored 229 runs in 23 innings. That’s an average of under 10 in innings where he doesn’t make sizable contribution. Rahul went to South Africa having made eight fifties in his 10 previous Test innings, only to return with 30 runs from four innings. Perhaps the quest to master limited-overs batting had started to impede his game in Tests, but with the IPL season he has just had, he looks more assured in his strokeplay than ever. Could that security mean a more relaxed, more mature batsman in Tests? The fight to be India’s No. 1 opener in Tests is his to win.Can they do it in Tests? Rashid, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Amir Hamza are likely to form the spin attack for Afghanistan along with Mohammed Nabi. Neither Rashid nor Mujeeb is older than 20 and the latter has never played a first-class match. Their captain thinks they’re better than India’s spinners. To top it all off, they’re expected to be Afghanistan’s big weapons against a strong batting line-up. It’s a diverse spin quartet, with each one offering a different variety of spin – something that has made Afghanistan a difficult team to beat in limited-overs cricket. But how easily can they transfer that effect to Test cricket, where sustained discipline is more rewarding than exaggerated variation?Team newsOn the eve of the Test, India had an optional training session that was attended by Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Karun Nair, Karthik and Pandya. Dhawan had a session with the physios and appeared to be going through a fitness test. This could mean one of Dhawan and Vijay in the starting XI, allowing a straightforward slotting-in of Nair to replace Kohli.Mohammed Shami’s exit from the squad might not mean too much for replacement Navdeep Saini, who has to beat an in-form Umesh Yadav to make it to the XI. Ahead of the game, Ishant Sharma looks the only fast bowler assured of a spot in a team that’s likely to use two spinners and Pandya as a third seamer.India (possible): 1 M Vijay/Shikhar Dhawan, 2 KL Rahul, 3 Cheteshwar Pujara, 4 Ajinkya Rahane (capt.), 5 Karun Nair, 6 Dinesh Karthik (wk), 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 R Ashwin, 9 Ravindra Jadeja, 10 Ishant Sharma, 11 Umesh YadavAfghanistan coach Phil Simmons said that while Shahzad’s fitness could be trusted in 50-over games, Tests are a completely different proposition. Shahzad is likely to play as a specialist batsman with Afsar Zazai taking up wicketkeeping duties.Afghanistan (possible): 1 Mohammad Shahzad, 2 Javed Ahmadi, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Asghar Stanikzai (capt.), 5 Nasir Jamal/Hashmatullah Shahidi, 6 Mohammed Nabi, 7 Afsar Zazai (wk), 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Amir Hamza/Zahir Khan, 10 Yamin Ahmadzai, 11 Wafadar/Mujeeb ur RahmanPitch and conditionsOn the eve of the match, Bengaluru had overcast skies and some areas were affected by a light drizzle. The pitch has a green tinge but a brown look overall. It’s expected to have some moisture early on, and take turn from the third day onwards.Stats and trivia Rashid Khan has taken a five-wicket haul in each of his four first-class matches before this one. In 12 Tests since the start of 2017, Ajinkya Rahane has gone past fifty only four times and averages 33.94. Since January 2013, India have failed to win only six (one loss, five draws) of their 26 Tests at home.

It is fair to say that it hasn't been a perfect start to life back in the Championship for Leeds United, although if Saturday's convincing win over Watford is anything to go by, manager Daniel Farke could be assembling a team that is ready to fight it out for promotion.

Despite having lost a raft of first-team assets, the Whites' new faces are beginning to click into gear, with £10m arrival Joel Piroe – who scored 41 league goals across the last two seasons for Swansea City – having already netted four times for his new side.

The towering Dutchman looks to have emerged as the centrepiece of what is an exciting attacking unit at Elland Road, with club-record capture Georginio Rutter finally beginning to prove his worth with a mesmerising display through the middle.

On the flanks, Farke also has the pace and precision of Daniel James to call upon – with the 25-year-old boasting four assists this term to date – as well as fleet-footed gem, Crysencio Summerville, who was particularly "impressive" at the weekend, in the words of journalist Leon Wobschall.

That stellar showing came despite the Yorkshire side having been without the stricken Wilfried Gnonto, with it truly exciting to imagine the increased carnage that the frontline can cause once the teenage Italian is back fit and firing.

For all the excitement surrounding the 19-year-old "firework" however – as described by pundit Noel Whelan – Leeds could potentially have had a bigger attacking talent on their hands, had a deal for Brennan Johnson been completed in the recent past.

Why didn't Leeds sign Brennan Johnson?

The club's interest in the former Nottingham Forest man stretches back to his teenage years, with ex-sporting director Victor Orta having revealed that he had "tried" to sign the youngster from the Tricky Trees when he was just 16, albeit while failing to do so:

“Like Brennan Johnson now, he is a Welsh international again, the best young player in the English second division.. Already he is 20. He has rejected Brentford from Forest. My model was to have reached Brennan Johnson when he was 16 and we tried. But it could not be.”

With the England-born, Wales international subsequently rising up the ranks at the City Ground, reports in January 2021 again indicated that there was interest in his services from those at Elland Road.

At the time, Johnson was enjoying a profitable loan spell in the third tier with Lincoln City, as he scored 13 goals and contributed 14 assists in just 49 games during the 2020/21 campaign, having also been handed his senior international debut in that same season.

The forward continued to catch the eye of Orta and co after returning to his parent club for the following campaign, eventually playing a crucial role in Forest's promotion push after bagging 18 goals and registering nine assists in the Championship in 2021/22.

That sparkling form led to reports heading into the 2022 summer window which suggested that Leeds would be in the mix for his signature if they were to stave off relegation, albeit with the youngster ultimately staying put in Nottingham regardless.

With there having evidently been a string of missed opportunities for the Yorkshire outfit with regard to signing Johnson, it looks as if their hopes of snapping up the wing wizard may have now come and gone.

What is Brennan Johnson worth now?

While still just 22, the "frightening" talent – as hailed by international colleague, Joe Allen – has already proven his credentials in the Premier League, having scored eight goals and registered three assists in the top flight last season for Steve Cooper's side.

That impressive haul is beyond what young Gnonto managed to achieve in his debut campaign in England, with the former Zurich speedster scoring just twice and registering four assists in total last term.

Highest value Leeds players (as per CIES Football Observatory)

Player

Value

Wilfried Gnonto

£35m

Illan Meslier

£26m

Georginio Rutter

£17m

Pascal Struijk

£17m

Crysencio Summerville

£17m

Joel Piroe

£13m

Both figures who can operate all across the frontline, Johnson also illustrated his creative quality as he laid on four big chances in the league in 2022/23, again ahead of what the current Leeds man achieved (three big chances).

Having played such a vital role in steering the Garibaldi to safety – while Leeds, by contrast, slipped to relegation – Johnson was unsurprisingly the subject of intense interest throughout the summer, with Brentford having been particularly keen to sign the 21-cap ace.

As it proved, it was Tottenham Hotspur who ultimately won the race for his signature on deadline day, with Daniel Levy forking out a sizeable sum of around £47.5m in order to bring the forward to Elland Road.

That hefty figure is likely to have been far higher than the fee that Leeds would have had to pay to sign Johnson as a 16-year-old, hence the potential frustration at having missed out on such "a beautiful footballer" – as described by journalist Josh Bunting.

How good is Brennan Johnson?

The £70k-per-week speedster has so far featured just twice for his new club since his arrival in north London late in the day, albeit while producing a 'lively' first start against rivals Arsenal at the weekend – according to the Independent's Jamie Braidwood.

That outing saw the former Forest man notably go close to getting off the mark for Spurs only to see an effort expertly denied by the sprawling David Raya, albeit with it having been a positive sign of things to come under the tutelage of Ange Postecoglou.

As Wales boss Robert Page has previously stated, Johnson is "arguably one of the best counter-attacking centre-forwards in the Premier League at this moment in time", having proven himself to be a truly "unbelievable asset" for both club and country of late.

With comparisons having already been made between himself and compatriot, Gareth Bale, the sky really is the limit for the Nottingham native, with Leeds left to reflect on a case of what might have been had Orta and co acted more astutely.

Of course, those at Elland Road do have the dazzling Gnonto to provide a devastating threat from the flanks, although it remains to be seen how long the diminutive dynamo will be at the club, having itched for an exit over the summer.

In truth, despite all the excitement surrounding the Italian, the contrasting record between himself and Johnson in the Premier League last year would suggest that it is the latter man who is arguably the bigger talent.

There has been an update on Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy's hunt for a new sporting director after chief scout Leonardo Gabbanini departed N17.

Latest Tottenham news

Life under new Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou is looking very, very good. First viewed by some as a risky managerial hire, especially given his lack of experience in Europe's top five leagues, Postecoglou is proving all of his doubters wrong thus far.

The Lilywhites are unbeaten over their first five Premier League matches this season; clinching impressive victories over Bournemouth, Man United, Burnley and Sheffield United in that order. Spurs haven't dropped points since their opening weekend 2-2 draw away to Brentford, and Postecoglou's brand of attacking football has been on full display.

The north Londoners have bagged 13 goals and stand out as one of the top flight's most potent scoring sides, just behind high-flying Brighton and European champions Man City.

Next up, Tottenham are preparing for a crunch clash against north London rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday – which comes as the most interesting derby against them in a long time. Both sides come into the contest on a similar run of form and it will be very interesting to see who reigns victorious.

Postecoglou, speaking after his side's dramatic, last gasp win over Sheffield United last weekend, says supporters should honestly just revel in their team's electric form.

"No, no, no, let them go, let them go and enjoy it," said Postecoglou after their victory over the Blades. "My role is not to burst people's bubbles. Let them get excited, let them get ahead of themselves. That's the beauty of being a supporter.

"They go through enough pain mate, you want to let them enjoy it. If they think we're going to be world beaters then great, that's up to us to match that expectation. Our supporters deserve to have some happiness and enjoy it any way they want to."

Will Tottenham hire a new sporting director?

Spurs made some astute signings over the summer to contribute towards their exceptional early-season form. The likes of James Maddison and Micky van de Ven have thrived as part of Postecoglou's new-look Tottenham team, and a lot of credit for that goes towards former chief scout Gabbanini.

However, the Italian's tenure has ended, with news coming to light in midweek that the Spurs chief has now departed N17. This is the result of a behind-the-scenes restructuring courtesy of Levy and the Tottenham board. Chief Football Officer Scott Munn has also finally began work this week, but Spurs are still said to be keen on appointing a new sporting director.

Former director Fabio Paratici was forced to resign from his post earlier this year, after losing his FIFA appeal against a 30-month worldwide ban from the beautiful game. Paratici was handed the sentenced after alleged false accounting at previous club Juventus, but according to journalist Sami Mokbel of The Daily Mail, Levy and Munn have their sights set on his replacement.

Indeed, the unnamed candidate to succeed Paratici will apparently be in place "imminently", as Spurs want a sporting director to work under Munn and contribute towards their transfer plans. Mokbel adds that Tottenham changes are "afoot internally".

Journalist Pete O'Rourke has made a "huge" claim involving Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino and star summer signing James Maddison after the summer window.

Who did Tottenham sign this summer?

Maddison has emerged as one of the arguable signings of the transfer window so far, having joined goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, young centre-back Ashley Phillips, defender Micky van de Ven, winger Manor Solomon, striker Alejo Veliz and Brennan Johnson in signing for the club.

Ange Postecoglou's side have made a rip-roaring start to the new Premier League campaign, having secured impressive wins against the likes of Man United, Bournemouth and Burnley.

Spurs entered the international break in style; smashing the latter side 5-2 courtesy of a Son Heung-min hat-trick, a screamer from Cristian Romero and Maddison's sumptuous curler from the edge of the area.

Maddison has earned lots of praise for his start to life in north London, with Son heaping praise on the England international already and calling him a "joy" to play with.

"When we are talking about Madders we could stay here all day,” Son said (via The Guardian).

“He’s a really good player. For a couple of years we needed this kind of player to create chances and make passes, which is very important. Playing with him is a joy. Hopefully he can score and assist many goals."

“I hope there is many more to come for him. He totally deserves it. He always plays thinking of the team and not for the individual."

It's indeed been a dream opening few games for Maddison, with reporter O'Rourke now making a very interesting summer claim on Spurs' attempts to sign him.

It is believed that arch league rivals Chelsea actually played a role in helping Spurs to sign Maddison, as Pochettini's side "cleared the path" by withdrawing from the race.

He apparently did not fit their profile of summer targets, according to O'Rourke for Football Insider, despite the quoted reveal that Pochettino is a "huge" fan of Maddison.

This allowed Tottenham to complete a deal for the 26-year-old, as their only competitors were Newcastle United. Spurs seemingly swept the Magpies aside, eventually sealing an agreement for Maddison in a big boost for Pochettino.

How good is James Maddison?

Registering a brilliant 19 goal contributions (10 goals, nine assists) in the league alone over 2022/2023, Maddison starred as Leicester City's star player.

According to WhoScored, the midfield ace also attempted more shots at goal and key passes per 90 than any other Leicester player in the top flight; highlighting exactly what he is bringing to Spurs.

Maddison has been praised as a "super talent" by former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy to talkSPORT as well.

“He’s a super talent," said Murphy.

"The only question mark over James Maddison is his application and sometimes his attitude, but his talent is up there.

"He should have played more times for England, he should be more in the reckoning.

“Is he good enough? Yes. He’s a Champions League player. He has all of the qualities needed to play Champions League and international football.”

Tottenham Hotspur have continued their fine start to the new Premier League campaign, and could be set to add to the feelgood factor that the Ange Postecoglou era has already brought with a new face…

Who are Tottenham Hotspur signing this summer?

Already the summer signings have taken to life in north London with ease, as James Maddison has immediately become a key cog in attack, with Micky Van de Ven instantly shoring up the defence.

However, despite those huge strides having already endeared the new boss to the Lilywhites fans, there is still a long way to go before they reach the level they will feel they belong.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Perhaps in an effort to emulate the success earned with one English maestro, they could sign another by reigniting their interest in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.

However, the £70m price tag is certain to prove a stumbling block, with Daniel Levy sure to try and push the fee closer to the figure paid for the former Leicester City star.

How good is Eberechi Eze?

Unloading £40m on the relegated magician, many likely wondered how the signing of Maddison would turn out, especially with Harry Kane leaving for pastures new.

Many knew he was too good to stay in the Championship with the Foxes but could he step up for a European place-chasing side?

Already it seems that those fears have been assuaged, with the 26-year-old instantly assuming the role of Spurs' new star man.

This was especially crucial given the crushing departure of the England captain to Bayer Munich earlier in the window.

With one goal and two assists in their opening three games, it is no surprise that he boasts his club’s highest rating for the current campaign.

This 8.03 average rating is buoyed by a further 87% pass accuracy, three key passes and one tackle per game, via Sofascore.

TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole even noted:

“The more I think about it he could be the best signing of the summer. I am so excited for him, especially the way Ange plays.”

Should Eze join, seeking to emulate this kind of form, it could prove to be double trouble for the rest of the division.

Especially given the 25-year-old is a similar creative livewire to Maddison, having scored ten and assisted four last season in the league whilst also boasting 1.1 tackles and 1.5 key passes per game, via Sofascore.

His creativity is largely unrivalled, and his dynamic ability on the ball would prove imperative in offering a counter-balance to the technical prowess of the £170k-per-week Spurs maestro.

After all, when compared to other midfielders across Europe, he sits in the top 1% for non-penalty goals and total shots per 90, the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90 and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90, via FBref.

This form even led analyst Statman Dave to laud his “dancing shoes” and his dribbling proficiency, which would more than align with the beautiful, high-octane football fans in north London are once again becoming accustomed to.

To snag another English star from a team lower down the table could prove to be repeating a masterclass from earlier in the window, which has already proven to be more than profitable despite the initially questionable fee.

استأنف الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، تدريباته مساء اليوم الثلاثاء على ملعب النادي، تحت قيادة البرتغالي جوزيه جوميز، استعداداً لمواجهة نهضة بركان المغربي ببطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.

ويستعد الزمالك لمواجهة نهضة بركان، يوم الأحد المقبل 19 مايو، في إطار مواجهة العودة لبطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية على أرضية استاد القاهرة الدولي.

ووضع الجهاز الفني للفريق برنامجاً تأهيلياً واستشفائياً خاصاً للاعبين تحت قيادة جواو ميجيل مدرب الأحمال وأعضاء الجهاز المعاون.

وتم تقسيم هذه الفقرة إلى جزئين، الأول داخل صالة الجيمانيزيوم بالنادي لخوض تدريبات استشفائية للاعبين لعلاج الإرهاق العضلي، وتضمنت الفقرة الثانية تدريبات تأهيلية داخل أرضية الملعب شارك فيها جميع اللاعبين سواء الأساسيين الذين شاركوا في مباراة نهضة بركان المغربي الأخيرة، أو البدلاء والمستبعدين من المواجهة.

طالع أيضاً.. الزمالك يوضح موقف دونجا من مباراة نهضة بركان في نهائي كأس الكونفدرالية

وقرر الجهاز الفني بقيادة جوزيه جوميز منح اللاعبين الذين شاركوا في المباراة الأخيرة أمام نهضة بركان بشكل اساسي راحة من باقي فقرات المران والاكتفاء فقط بالبرنامج التأهيلي والاستشفائي خوفاً من تعرضهم للإجهاد.

وأدى مصطفى شلبي لاعب الفريق، فقرة تدريبات تأهيلية خاصة، على هامش المران، وذلك وفقاً للبرنامج التأهيلي الموضوع للاعب لتجهيزه بالشكل الأمثل للمشاركة في التدريبات الجماعية في أقرب وقت ممكن، في ظل الإصابة التي يعاني منها بشد في العضلة الضامة.

وخاض مصطفى شلبي بعض التدريبات التأهيلية داخل الملعب لتجهيزه للمشاركة في التدريبات الجماعية خلال الفترة المقبلة.

وواصل محمود عبد الرازق “شيكابالا” صانع ألعاب وقائد الفريق، البرنامج التأهيلي والعلاجي الموضوع له.

وخاض “شيكابالا” مجموعة من التدريبات التأهيلية والعلاجية داخل صالة الجيمانيزيوم تحت إشراف الجهاز الطبي للفريق بقيادة الدكتور محمد أسامة، في ظل الإصابة التي يعاني منها في العضلة الأمامية.

كما أدى محمود حمدي “الونش” تدريبات تأهيلية داخل صالة الجيمانيزيوم بمقر النادي، ضمن البرنامج التأهيلي الموضوع له لتجهيزه للفترة المقبلة بأفضل شكل ممكن، بعد خضوعه من قبل لجراحة الرباط الصليبي.

وضع الجهاز الفني، برنامجاً تدريبياً خاصاً، لعبد الله السعيد وناصر ماهر ثنائي الأبيض، وتدريبات تأهيلية خاصة داخل صالة الجيمانيزيوم، دون المشاركة في المران الجماعي بناء على قرار الجهاز الفني بقيادة جوميز.

وجاء هذا القرار لتجهيز الثنائي بالشكل الأمثل، في ظل غيابهما عن الفريق في المواجهة المقبلة أمام نهضة بركان نظراً لعدم قيدهما في القائمة الإفريقية.

Tottenham Hotspur have held talks to sign Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie and are weighing a late move for him, according to reports.

Who will Spurs sign?

It's been weeks since Spurs officially confirmed their last major signing in Israel winger Manor Solomon, but reports in the last few days suggest that is about to change.

Wolfsburg centre-back Micky van de Ven is rumoured to be closing in on a move to Tottenham, coming as manager Ange Postecoglou seeks to reinforce his back-line before deadine day.

Blackburn Rovers starlet Ashley Phillips may also be joining the north Londoners, if all goes to plan, and the transfer could happen as soon as this weekend after Spurs activated his £2 million release clause.

The stage is set for a busy final month of the transfer window at Tottenham, especially with all of the noise surrounding Harry Kane's future.

Spurs midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who continues to be chased by La Liga side Atletico Madrid, could also depart before September 1 – meaning Postecoglou and chairman Daniel Levy may have to consider replacements for the Dane.

Chelsea's Conor Gallagher, who is apparently willing to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, has been floated as a target while Kessie is said to be of real interest as well.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

The Ivory Coast international found game time difficult to come by at Barca last season after signing on a Bosman deal from AC Milan in 2022.

Kessie could now be available for transfer as reports in Spain indicate Xavi's side are open to selling. This is where Spurs come in, with a report from 90min sharing the latest on their links to the 26-year-old.

According to their information, Tottenham have held talks over the potential signing of Kessie this summer, and are weighing up a late move. The African also has interest from Serie A giants Juventus, who have already made a loan offer to Barca.

Kessie himself is open to leaving the Camp Nou with Spurs, Juve and clubs from Saudi Arabia in the mix.

He recently sat out Barca's pre-season win over Milan through injury, but when Xavi was asked about the player's future, he delivered a sharp yet cryptic response, stating: "regarding his future, I can say that he knows exactly what the situation is."

How good is Franck Kessie?

Kessie's best campaign to date came during the 2020/2021 season, where he managed a brilliant 13 goals and four assists in 36 Italian top flight starts for the Rossoneri (WhoScored).

Despite a lack of opportunity at Barca, there is clearly a player of real ability there, and his knack of contributing further forward could make him ideal for Postecoglou.

Commenting on Tottenham's previous links to Kessie, former keeper Paul Robinson believes he could slot into the midfield pretty well.

"Kessie would fit the bill," said Robinson to Football Insider.

"He is strong, quick and effective at both ends of the pitch. He ticks a lot of boxes.

“There is no doubting that he is an amazing player."

If Spurs do in fact move for the £199,000-per-week man, he would come with plenty of potential, with Antonio Cassano also calling him "devastating".

ScorecardNorth group leaders Leicestershire made it four wins out of four, all away from home, in the NatWest T20 Blast when they beat Durham by 27 runs at Chester-le-Street.The Foxes appeared to have made a hash of their innings as they subsided from 100 for 2 in the 12th over to 123 for 8 after 18.The return of quicker bowlers allowed Matt Pillans to strike two fours and there were also four leg byes as 21 came off the last two overs to leave them on 144 for 8.It proved more than enough as Leicestershire learnt from the success of Durham’s spinners for Colin Ackerman and Callum Parkinson to take two wickets each in reducing the Jets to 31 for 5.Left-armer Parkinson added a third to end a stand of 30 when he bowled Usman Arshad and Durham finished on 117 for 8.Callum Parkinson took three wickets to hurt Durham’s chase•Getty Images

With the Sky cameras present on a sunny evening, Durham came under fire after choosing to bowl. The visitors’ top three all made rapid progress, but Mark Cosgrove’s 33 was the top score.The failures of the middle order put him under pressure and he holed out at deep midwicket in the 16th over to become one of four victims for Paul Collingwood.Seven overs of offspin produced 3 for 33 with Ryan Pringle taking 2 for 22 and Adam Hickey 1 for 11 in three.They hauled Durham back into the game after Luke Ronchi and Cameron Delport took 14 off Chris Rushworth’s opening over and had 37 on the board after four.Delport departed for 29 when he sliced Rushworth to backward point, then Cosgrove opened the face and ran the first ball he faced to the third man boundary.Ronchi reached 32 off 22 balls before dragging a Collingwood slower ball to wide long-on, where Pringle held the catch before conceding only three runs off the tenth over.Pringle then struck twice in the 12th as a smart leg-side stumping by Stuart Poynter got rid of Ackerman then Ned Eckersley lofted to long-off.That double blow set the collapse in motion, but Clint McKay followed his 5 for 11 in Leicestershire’s last game by striking with the first ball of Durham’s reply.Left-hander Hickey reached for a wide one and sliced to Delport at point and when Ackerman came on for the fourth over Clark pulled his first ball straight to deep midwicket.Michael Richardson chopped an attempted cut into his stumps and Parkinson took the next three wickets.Jack Burnham attempted a ramp to fine leg and was bowled, Collingwood chipped to deep mid-on and Arshad was bowled for 27 when Parkinson came back for his final over, the 15th.It was left to skipper Paul Coughlin to salvage some pride for Durham with an unbeaten 42.