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Sunderland fans will already be planning their journeys down to Burnley on the weekend as the Black Cats’ second Premier League fixture of the new season edges ever closer.

While the Wearside outfit kicked straight into gear in the top-flight with a 3-0 triumph over West Ham United, the Clarets succumbed to a disappointing 3-0 defeat away at Tottenham Hotspur, resulting in both newly promoted sides occupying very different parts of the early table heading into Saturday’s showdown.

Even if Regis Le Bris’ men do follow up their opening day success with a win on the road, expect them to be busy in the transfer department right up until September’s deadline, as a new attacking target now appears on their agenda.

Sunderland gifted chance to sign £17m star

After all, another couple of new signings to add on to their 12 incomings this summer isn’t going to hurt anyone.

The ambitious Black Cats are continuing to be linked with a whole host of exciting names, with FC Copenhagen centre-back Gabriel Pereira reportedly catching their eye at around the £9m mark, on top of Abdul Fatawu also being on their radar in attack.

Unfortunately, Sunderland may well deem a £30m move for the Leicester City winger to be too much money to cough up, despite their excessive spending in the market. Thankfully, this alternative target could do the job instead.

Indeed, as per French outlet RMC, ex-Norwich City forward Jonathan Rowe looks to be leaving Marseille now this summer, owing to a recent altercation with teammate Adrien Rabiot resulting in the Ligue 1 club saying he can depart.

Both players in question have been put up for sale subsequently, with Rowe allegedly available for a fee around the £17m mark, which has piqued Sunderland’s interest – albeit with Serie A side Bologna seemingly at the front of the queue, as Fabrizio Romano has revealed on X.

For significantly less than Fatawu’s asking price, Sunderland could secure themselves a big upgrade on the Ghanaian forward by swooping in for Rowe, irrespective of his bad behaviour under Roberto De Zerbi.

How Rowe compares to Sunderland target Fatawu

Of course, Fatawu is a shining star in his own right for Leicester, with the entertaining 21-year-old up to an impressive seven goals and 15 assists for Marti Cifuentes’ men.

But, it would be deemed an almighty risk to fork out £30m on the Foxes’ number seven all the same, especially if Rowe is waiting in the wings ready to be picked up for £13m less.

Norwich

56

13 + 5

Marseille

31

3 + 4

England U21s

10

3 + 0

Fatawu only has two assists to show for his Premier League troubles at the King Power Stadium. Whereas, Rowe has turned into a competent performer in the French top-flight with Marseille – away from his blistering exploits with Norwich where he bagged a stunning 13 goals from 56 games – despite his time at the Stade Velodrome now turning sour.

Three goals and four assists had come Rowe’s way in the Marseille first-team picture before the recent ill-timed development, with a hope on the former Canaries youth product’s end that he can enter into the Premier League with Sunderland shortly and take the tough division by storm, having matured out in France, away from his boyhood side.

Rowe would surely slot into Le Bris’ team effortlessly, with the England U21 regular showing off his direct, forward-thinking mentality with this sumptuous strike last season in Ligue 1 action, which was the same gung-ho philosophy that saw the Black Cats wipe the floor with Graham Potter’s Hammers.

On the other hand, Fatawu is more known for his unselfish approach – as seen when he created a mammoth 32 big chances in league action during Leicester’s promotion up to the Premier League – with a worrying zero goals next to his name in the demanding English top-flight.

In another reality, Le Bris and Co. do swoop in for Fatawu, as the Frenchman is handed another youthful project.

However, if Sunderland want instant success and another player who can make them a dangerous prospect at the very top, the Premier League newcomers should attempt to land the “scintillating” winger – as he was previously labelled by pundit Carlton Palmer – before the window slams shut.

The next Amad: Sunderland exploring move for "unplayable" £30m star

Regis Le Bris could pick up Sunderland’s next Amad Diallo by sealing a deal for this tricky attacker.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 20, 2025

Newcastle United are in desperate need of some reinforcements in attack.

The obvious dark cloud hanging over proceedings at the moment at St James’ Park is the ongoing Alexander Isak situation, with Eddie Howe and Co now resiliently firing back to insist that their superstar Swede is not for sale.

This will no doubt cause unrest in the camp, with Isak adamant that he wants to leave. Regardless of whether he does miraculously stay or is expectedly moved on, the Toon need some signings in the forward department, with Callum Wilson also leaving a notable hole when he exited for West Ham United recently.

The Magpies have been incessantly linked with a whole host of names in their bid to try and add some firepower, with one face now standing out as a key target.

Newcastle make £80m star key target

Unfortunately for Newcastle, they have already stumbled when trying to snap up some strikers of Isak’s calibre.

Benjamin Sesko ended up deciding that Manchester United was going to be his next onward destination after RB Leipzig, with the Toon once in the race for the lethal Slovenian’s signature, before the Red Devils won his coveted signature.

That hasn’t stopped Newcastle sniffing around for other targets, however, with Spanish hotshot Samu Aghehowa also on the radar from FC Porto. But, one target above them all is now seemingly the main striker catching the Toon’s attention.

Amazingly, despite blowing hot and cold at Chelsea regularly, Nicolas Jackson is reportedly that man, with a new report by Football Insider revealing that the Premier League side are setting their main sights on the Blues’ number 15 after that damaging Sesko rejection.

£80m is the reported price tag for the 24-year-old, with Jackson also keen on the idea of a Tyneside move – according to the report – amid tensions with Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge.

While Jackson hasn’t been sublime throughout his Blues stay to date, he could turn around his Premier League adventure with the Toon, much like Demba Ba did back in 2011 after suffering an unwanted relegation with West Ham United.

How Jackson can be Howe's very own Ba at Newcastle

Ba would only line up for the Hammers a total of 13 times before spreading his wings in the English game with Newcastle, the team he’s most commonly associated with in the Premier League.

That isn’t to say the Senegalese centre-forward was a colossal failure in East London, though, with a seven goals coming his way donning claret and blue.

But, he would take his game to the next level at St James’ Park, with 29 goals tallied up from 58 appearances on Tyneside, immortalising himself as a great among the Toon faithful subsequently.

Jackson’s record at Chelsea by season
Season	Games	Goals	Assists
24/25	36	13	6
23/24	45	17	6
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Staggeringly, despite grumbles about Jackson’s form in West London – which has even led to talkSPORT’s Alan Brazil stating that he “tries but can’t finish” – Jackson has actually bettered Ba’s Magpies record over his last two seasons for Chelsea, with his entire tally for the Blues coming in at a reasonable 31 strikes from 85 clashes.

With Howe’s impressive track record with strikers at Newcastle also catching the eye, as seen in Isak becoming the talk of the town under his tenure, the hope will be that Jackson – as Ba was before he joined – is a diamond in the rough the ex-AFC Bournemouth manager can improve, having also been heralded as “special” by journalist Rahman Osman when swatting away critics.

Ba’s debut season heroics even saw Newcastle finish in a sensational fifth spot during the 2011/12 campaign, leading to then-Magpies boss Alan Pardew lauding him as possessing a “natural eye for goal.”

Jackson might well have had some less glowing words come his way during his up-and-down Blues stint to date, but he will be hopeful he can propel the Toon to heights that are even loftier than fifth by being the spark that guides Howe and Co. back into the top four and beyond this coming season.

Newcastle eyeing £100m Premier League "world-beater" who’s like Camavinga

This will be music to the ears of Eddie Howe.

By
Henry Jackson

Aug 10, 2025

أعلن آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول تشكيل فريقه لمواجهة جالطة سراي في إطار منافسات الجولة الثانية بمرحلة الدوري لدوري أبطال أوروبا.

وكان ليفربول قد افتتح مشواره في دوري أبطال أوروبا بالفوز ضد أتلتيكو مدريد بثلاث اهداف لهدفين على ملعب أنفيلد.

بينما افتتح جالطة سراي مشواره في دوري أبطال أوروبا بهزيمة ثقيلة خارج ملعبه ضد آينتراخت فرانكفورت بخماسية لهدف واحد.

وشهد تشكيل آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول لفريقه اليوم مفاجأة من العيار الثقيل، حيث قرر أن يبقى النجم المصري محمد صلاح على مقاعد البدلاء.

أقرأ أيضاً.. آلان شيرر يُطمئن جماهير ليفربول بشأن محمد صلاح: الأمر مسألة وقت

وجاء تشكيل ليفربول مكونا من: أليسون بيكرن فان دايك، إبراهيما كوناتي، ميلوس كيركيز، جيريمي فريمبونج، جرافنبيرخ، كورتيس جونز، سوبوسلاي، فيرتز، جاكبو، هوجو إيكتيكي.

وعبر منصة “أكس” تفاعلت جماهير ليفربول مع قرار آرني سلوت ببقاء محمد صلاح على دكة البدلاء أمام جلطة سراي:

“أنا متأكد أن سلوت أبقى صلاح على مقاعد البدلاء بسبب مباراة تشيلسي نهاية هذا الأسبوع، يحاول الحفاظ على لياقته البدنية”

I’m sure Slot benched Salah because of the Chelsea game this weekend.

Trying to manage his fitness. I don’t expect Szoboszlai and Wirtz to play full time as well.

Kerkez starting means Robertson will start this weekend (probably) — Femi George (@thefemigeorge) September 30, 2025

“لم أتوقع أن يجلس صلاح على دكة البدلاء، واو”

didnt expect Salah to be benched wow — Irf . (@irfLFC) September 30, 2025

“أين صلاح وإيزاك”

Guys where is salah and isak… pic.twitter.com/1W4SX6wRCs — Yiğit (@yigitmilt8n) September 30, 2025

“يا إلهى، لقد أجلس صلاح”

HOLY SHIT HE DROPPED SALAH — Eire🇮🇪🇮🇪🔴🔴 (@MerseyMCooleys) September 30, 2025

“صلاح ليس أساسياً، للمرة الأولى في التاريخ”

No Salah in the starting lineup..

First time in history.. pic.twitter.com/v2GSRMHifV — MagDon (@DRealMagnus) September 30, 2025

“يا إلهي على هذه الأيام، صلاح على دكة البدلاء”

Oh my days. Salah on the bench 😬😬😬😬😬😬😬 — Akshat_Lfc18 (@liverpool1_love) September 30, 2025

“صلاح على دكة البدلاء، أعلم أنه لم يقدم أفضل أداء له ضد كريستال بالاس لكن أعتقد أنه يستحق أن يبدأ أساسياً”

Salah dropped! I know he didn’t had the best game vs palace but I think he should start — Jayden (@JaxdenCH) September 30, 2025

“استبعاد صلاح قرار ممتاز، ليس عليه أن يلعب كل المباريات أسبوعاً بعد أسبوع”

Dropping Salah is a great decision. He doesn’t have to play every game week in week out. — 💫 (@agunsux) September 30, 2025

“أين الملك”

Where is the King? — Freddy (@ANSisHere) September 30, 2025

Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on a PSG player who Juventus are in ongoing talks to sign, as the Serie A heavyweights face the prospect of a Premier League hijack if they don’t start making progress in negotiations.

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The Blues have been handed a boost in their pursuit of an attacker.

ByDominic Lund Jul 21, 2025

Enzo Maresca, as per reliable journalist Simon Phillips, is prioritising the signing of yet another attacker, despite having already seen Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro join his squad for a combined fee of around £145 million.

According to Phillips, Chelsea’s struggle against teams in the low-block last season is a key reason for this, with Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons both rumoured to be standout targets.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea held fresh talks with the representatives of Eze last week, while credible media sources suggest that Simons is also high on Chelsea’s attacking shortlist after another impressive campaign in Germany.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has even claimed that talks between all parties have commenced for Simons in particular, so this is certainly one to watch over the coming days.

While their priority appears to be the Dutchman as things stand, reports in Italy are now stating that Chelsea are emerging as contenders for versatile PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani.

During his best season to date, the France international – who also impressed during the latter stages of the World Cup in Qatar – netted 23 goals and registered 17 assists in all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022/2023.

Following a regrettable PSG stint – having signed for a seismic £76 million – Kolo Muani rediscovered some of his best form on loan at Juve last term, finding the net 10 times for them since January, and the Old Lady are currently attempting to sign him permanently.

Chelsea eye move for Randal Kolo Muani amid Juventus talks

That is according to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim that Juve are in ongoing negotiations to make Turin the striker’s new home.

However, they warn Igor Tudor’s side that they face “serious” competition for the 26-year-old from England. Indeed, La Gazzetta state that Chelsea have expressed an interest in signing Kolo Muani, so Juve may not have it all their own way.

PSG want to cash-in on the player, who can also play on both wings, “immediately”.

This has prompted the Parisiens to explore the Premier League market if a solution cannot be found in talks with Juve, but it would be quite the move by Chelsea to bring in yet another centre-forward for Maresca after completing deals for Delap and Pedro.

He’d surely most likely be used as a wide player, especially if Chelsea don’t sell Nicolas Jackson, but there is still reason to believe he’d upgrade Maresca’s ranks.

“He is a striker who offers different game options to our team,” said Real Madrid star and international teammate Kylian Mbappé.

“He is very complete and has an impressive volume of play.”

Arsenal have all but sealed the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, and Mikel Arteta finally has the centre-forward he has craved.

This is a club on the up, has been for several years with Arteta at the helm. But things have perhaps gotten a little monotonous. The football has lost a sense of flair. A sense of X-factor. A sense of electricity.

But context is important, and must indeed be applied here. The Gunners were wracked by injuries across the 2024/25 campaign, and the highest level of fluency was always going to prove difficult to reach.

But even so, the lack of an out-and-out goalscorer was evident; had Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus achieved injury-free seasons, something still would have lacked in the Premier League. Enter, Gyokeres.

The Sweden striker is the subject of a £64m agreement between Arsenal and two-in-a-row Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon. Across his two terms with the club, he has scored 97 goals and laid on 28 assists across 102 matches.

It’s a game-changing signing, and Arteta may be about to welcome more quality to his team.

What comes next for Arsenal

Gyokeres fixes what is ostensibly Arsenal’s biggest problem, but with the futures of left-sided forwards Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli unclear, technical director Andrea Berta may be set to oversee a few more exciting deals.

Arsenal are also looking for another creative midfielder, and are locked in talks with the camp of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. Xavi Simons has been of interest, but the RB Leipzig man looks likely to join Chelsea.

Simons’ versatility would have been a welcome asset for an Arsenal side in search of more dynamism and multi-faceted quality, but, in Eze, Arteta would land a sensation proven in the Premier League and having assumed a talismanic role for the Eagles last term, leading them to the FA Cup title.

Whether Eze or Simons joins the Emirates side remains to be seen, but a deal for either shouldn’t deter from the signing of an out-and-out winger.

Arsenal lining up new winger

As per Caught Offside’s Charles Watts, Arsenal are “looking at” a deal for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, though Liverpool are also expected to raise their interest if they sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich.

Though Los Blancos are open to selling Rodrygo, who has been informed of a reduced role in Xabi Alonso’s system, they will only part ways for a significant fee, with figures as high as £87m entering market discourse.

Watts stresses that the new deal for Ethan Nwaneri shouldn’t disrupt the pursuit of the Brazilian player.

What Rodrygo would bring to Arsenal

While Arsenal could do with some more creativity in the form of an up-and-coming talent like Simons, Martin Odegaard is set to lead the club once again.

The skipper might not have been at his best last term, but he’s still “one of the world’s best footballers”, as has been claimed by Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup.

And with a “world-class” player such as Rodrygo out on the left, as has been said by his former teammate Luka Modric, there’s no telling how high the Real Madrid man could fly in an Arsenal shirt.

Rodrygo left plenty to be desired last season, but he’s surpassed 25 goal contributions across three campaigns now, surely underscoring his elite ability.

Furthermore, he only missed one big chance in La Liga last season, as per Sofascore, scoring six goals. What does this tell us? Well, it says that while he was under-par, the 24-year-old retained an impressive clinical edge to his performances, which could be enhanced in an Arsenal side desperate for a high-level winger to rival Bukayo Saka.

But with Saka, of course, one of the finest right wingers in world football, Rodrygo would need to move away from his regular role on that flank, and instead play off the left wing.

Luckily, this is exactly what he wishes to do, the right-footer having found the left side an elusive area, typically out of his reach due to Vinicius Junior taking precedence at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Rodrygo – Real Madrid Stats by Position (24/25)

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Right winger

31

8

5

Left winger

12

6

6

Centre-forward

10

0

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

Rodrygo’s prowess on the left is clear. He is far more prolific when placed in his natural role. Should Arsenal use him in the fitting way, there’s every chance that he would prove himself as a bigger talent than someone like Simons, who is on Arteta’s radar but perhaps isn’t needed when Odegaard is desperate to return to his finest form.

Moreover, the Dutchman scored 11 goals and provided eight assists across all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign, so even as he forged a highlight season in his career, Simons still wasn’t on par with Rodrygo, who had failed to spark his best football.

And though the 22-year-old is more of a playmaker than the fearsome Rodrygo, he routinely played out on the left wing, so it feels like the Gunners are instead prioritising the latter.

This is further reflected through the Bundesliga club’s asking price for their star man. Arsenal and Chelsea have both been quoted at £56m, suggesting that his signature doesn’t carry the same weight as Rodrygo’s.

But then we know this. We know how much of a statement signing this would be. With both Trossard and Martinelli flattering to deceive at stages last year, there’s little question that the Brazilian would spark frissons of excitement that Simons would perhaps not quite match.

Transfer Focus

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

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It won’t be an easy one to pull off, but if Arsenal have the means, they must throw the kitchen sink at Rodrygo, reeling him over to take this exciting project to the next level.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jul 24, 2025

For the second consecutive day, South Africa’s batters showed great grit to stay in the game after being put on the back foot by the India bowlers in the one-off women’s Test in Chennai. If Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp fought hard on the second day after India declared at 603 for 6, Luus was at it again on Sunday, in the company of Laura Wolvaardt this time, which helped South Africa cut down the deficit to 105 runs after they were bowled out for 266 in the first innings.At stumps on the third day, South Africa were 232 for 2 in their second innings, with Luus scoring her first Test hundred and Wolvaardt remaining unbeaten on 93. South Africa will hope for more of the same on the fourth and final day to push the game to a draw.Related

• 'Strong in attack and strong in defence' – Determined Sune Luus stonewalls India

• The obstinate ways of Kapp against spin

It was an eventful opening session for India on a hazy morning where Sneh Rana’s sensational bowling on a pitch offering more turn fetched her five wickets – to go with three from Saturday – to give her figures of 8 for 77. South Africa lost six wickets for 30 runs after starting the day on 236 for 4.Rana got the first breakthrough in her third over, the fifth of the day, when she dismissed a well-set Kapp for 74 with an almost unplayable delivery. Kapp was done in by the extra bounce as the ball, after pitching on off and middle, popped up to beat her outside edge and take the top of off stump. This triggered a collapse as three balls later, Rana removed Sinalo Jafta, who inside-edged one to Shubha Satheesh at short leg.Three overs later, Deepti Sharma picked up her second wicket. This time the ball stayed low when debutant Annerie Dercksen missed with her prod and was hit on her back pad. South Africa took the review but it was in vain. In the following over, Rana took her sixth when Nadine de Klerk perished whipping towards square leg where Rajeshwari Gayakwad dived in front to complete the catch. No. 7 and No. 8 came soon after as Rana finished off the innings.Rana became only the second Indian woman to pick up eight wickets in an innings in Test cricket after Neetu David, now India’s chair of selectors, who took 8 for 53 in a two-run loss against England in Jamshedpur in 1995.Sneh Rana finished with a career-best 8 for 77 in the first innings•BCCI

India enforced the follow-on with South Africa 337 runs behind. They then lost Anneke Bosch early to low bounce when she was trapped in front by Deepti in the first over. But Wolvaardt nailed her cover drives and looked assured in her approach.At lunch, South Africa were 29 for 1. India struggled from that point, going wicketless for close to 66 overs across the second and third sessions.In this period, Luus and Wolvaardt shared a mammoth 190-run partnership for the second wicket to provide South Africa hope of a draw. It was South Africa’s highest partnership for any wicket in women’s Tests.South Africa came out in the afternoon session determined to play the long game and they succeeded, scoring 95 runs in 34 overs to take tea at 124 for 1. Luus, who made 65 off 164 balls in the first innings, carried forward that form and temperament, moving to 64 off 121 balls at the end of the second session.Having been trapped lbw to one that kept low from Rana in the first innings, Wolvaardt used the depth of the crease more in the second dig. She pulled short deliveries through square leg and drove the fuller ones to long-on.Deepti Sharma dropped Marizanne Kapp off her own bowling in the last over of the day•BCCI

India toiled hard to break the stand with Harmanpreet Kaur trying as many as seven bowlers, including herself. But they weren’t disciplined with their lengths and speeds. Perhaps not being used to such a long time in the middle affected them. Deepti also dropped two catches – Kapp benefitting both times – in the last two overs of the day. The first was at slip off a Rana delivery that Kapp edged, and the second was a straightforward return catch.Wolvaardt and Luus, though, reaped the rewards of patience on a pitch that got slower after the first session.Consuming more than 200 balls meant Luus and Wolvaardt also had gotten used to the low bounce, with only the odd delivery popping up in the last two sessions of the day. Luus spent 234 minutes at the crease, hitting 18 fours. When she reached her half-century, Luus brought out the rocking-baby-cradle celebration, a gesture for the team’s strength and conditioning coach Zane Webster, who is an expectant father. She scored her maiden century in the final session, and became only the second South African to score a hundred in India in women’s Tests.The huge stand was finally broken by Harmanpreet when she cleaned up Luus in the 74th over. The low bounce came to her aid as Luus went back to pull but missed.With Kapp at the other end, Wolvaardt marched on to finish unbeaten. That has raised hopes of a South African lead on the last day, a scenario that looked near-impossible at the start of Sunday.For India, Jemimah Rodrigues was off the field for a majority of the last two sessions because of cramps.

Tottenham Hotspur have kickstarted their transfer plans after announcing Thomas Frank as their new manager to replace Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs went public with their decision to appoint the 51-year-old on Thursday evening after days of talks, with Frank swapping the Gtech Community Stadium for north London in what is his most high-profile job to date.

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Frank is tasked with maintaining the momentum garnered from Spurs’ historic night in Bilbao last month, when Postecoglou guided the club to their first major trophy in 17 years with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Man United in the Europa League final.

Now that the Dane is confirmed as Tottenham’s choice to succeed Postecoglou, it is believed the tactician is already starting to have a say in the Lilywhites’ transfer activity ahead of his first full season in charge of a Premier League ‘big six’ side.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Frank has personally recommended Eberechi Eze to the Spurs hierarchy, according to GiveMeSport, and Sky Sports shared on Friday that they could inflict more misery on United by hijacking their move for Bryan Mbeumo.

The Brentford star was a key member of Frank’s squad last season, racking up 20 goals and nine assists in all competitions, and Sky claim that Mbeumo has suddenly become more intrigued by the prospect of a London move after his manager’s arrival at Tottenham.

Initial talks have also been held with Frank’s former side, so this move could now be one to watch.

The Cameroon international would be a stellar addition for Frank, and Tottenham are rumoured to be targeting a new winger to accompany Mathys Tel.

Frank wants to keep Tel at Spurs, according to TEAMtalk this week, with the Frenchman’s loan deal from Bayern Munich including a £45 million option to buy. Chairman Daniel Levy wants to negotiate a lower price tag after a mixed first six months at the club (Sport Bild), and Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, has now confirmed they’re currently in discussions.

Max Eberl confirms Tottenham talks over Mathys Tel

Speaking publicly, via Abendzeitung München and Sport Witness, Eberl admitted that talks are ongoing with Tottenham over Tel’s transfer.

“Mathys was at Tottenham for six months. He wanted to play in the U21 European championship with France, and we allowed him to,” he said.

“We’re talking to Tottenham, that’s no secret. We’ll see how that pans out.”

The 20-year-old scored three goals and notched one assist during his first 20 games as a Tottenham player, but former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann is on record tipping Tel for a very bright future.

“He could become one of the best strikers one day. I have the vision that he can score 40 goals one day. But I would be happy with 10 goals in his first season,” Nagelsmann told reporters in 2022.

“He’s a young, talented player. He can play in multiple positions: as a centre-forward and on the wings. He’s very quick and strong with his body. He can hold up the ball well with his back to the goal.”

Looking to get their summer business started as soon as possible, the 49ers have now reportedly opened talks with a relegated Premier League defender for Leeds United who is set to become a free agent next month.

Farke receives Leeds backing

After winning the Championship title and earning promotion back to the Premier League, there were some reports that suggested Leeds were ready to part ways with Daniel Farke. Those have since been put to bed by chairman Paraag Marathe however, who took the chance to end any speculation in the middle of the Whites’ recent title celebrations.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb May 14, 2025

Marathe told reporters: “I’m very excited to run it back with Daniel and collaborate with him. I’m under no illusions that it is going to be easy. The past two seasons the three promoted teams came straight back down but we have something they don’t have, we have Daniel Farke first of all. I have ended the speculation. He is my man.”

That backing looks set to continue into the summer transfer window too, with reports already coming thick and fast regarding several potential targets. Among those already mentioned are both Beto and Caoimhin Kelleher. Two players who could be on the move from opposite ends of Merseyside, Beto and Kelleher could go from bitter rivals to teammates this summer.

Kelleher would be a particularly important incoming amid Leeds’ goalkeeping struggles at the end of the season. By signing the Irishman, those at Elland Road would finally have their replacement for Illan Meslier, who made one mistake too many throughout the campaign and even found himself dropped for Karl Darlow in the closing weeks.

It’s not just Kelleher and Beto who have reportedly made the 49ers’ shortlist, however. The American owners have also seemingly set their sights on a bargain deal to sign a relegated star this summer.

Leeds open talks to sign Walker-Peters

According to transfer reporter Graeme Bailey, the 49ers are now in talks to sign Kyle Walker-Peters when his contract expires at Southampton at the end of next month to make him a free agent.

Bailey told Leeds United News when asked about the full-back: “I’m told no decision just yet. Leeds have had contact, but as we know they’re one of many clubs to be in touch with him. West Ham, Spurs, Everton… there’s loads. And some foreign clubs are lurking too. Can Leeds get him? Of course. But from what I can make out it’s going to be tough.”

Whilst it has been deemed a tough deal for those at Elland Road to pull off, the 49ers certainly seem in an ambitious move and there’s no denying just how much of a bargain they could land by signing Walker-Peters this summer.

Meanwhile, on a personal note, the experienced right-back should be desperate to receive another chance in the Premier League after a disastrous campaign at St Mary’s. Although dubbed “great” by former manager Russell Martin in pre-season, Walker-Peters has since started 32 of his side’s 36 games in a season that saw them become one of the worst sides in Premier League history.

Leeds United’s mammoth 6-0 win, coupled with Burnley’s triumph over Sheffield United on Monday, secured a return to the Premier League after a two-year absence.

The Whites have bounced back excellently from their play-off final defeat against Southampton last season, having the chance to secure the league title before the end of the season.

Daniel Farke has secured his third Championship promotion of his career, undoubtedly cementing his place in the club’s history forever after such an achievement.

However, the hard work undoubtedly starts now for the German, needing to make crucial moves in the transfer market if he is to buck the recent trend and keep the side in the top-flight.

Such a feat may not be achieved by the 48-year-old next season, especially if the latest rumours around his future at Elland Road are to be believed.

The latest update on Farke’s future as Leeds boss

In recent days, it was confirmed by the Daily Mail that the Leeds hierarchy could be tempted to part ways with Farke over the summer ahead of their return to the top-flight.

The German has achieved a 58% win rate over his two-year spell in Yorkshire, but it may not be enough to secure his long-term future at Elland Road.

The report claims that no decision has yet been made on his future, but that other candidates have already been lined up in case they decide to pull the trigger.

It remains unclear who the board could turn to should the German receive his matching orders, but that his lack of success in the top-flight could be a deciding factor in their decision.

Any decision to part ways would undoubtedly be a huge call given his achievements this season, but it could be one that would allow a proven top-flight boss to take the reins.

The manager who would be perfect to replace Farke at Leeds

Premier League safety is certainly the aim for Leeds next season, looking to be the side that prevents an unwanted record from happening in 2025/26.

It looks highly likely that all three promoted sides from the Championship have immediately returned back to the second tier – with Ipswich all but confirmed to be returning after just one year in the top-flight.

Investment is certainly needed, but questions will certainly be asked of Farke should he stay, given his previous inability to survive the drop at Norwich City.

As a result, the hierarchy could turn to former Everton boss Sean Dyche to fill the void should the German be sacked, offering the stability the Whites would need if they are to fight off relegation.

He was sacked from his role at Goodison Park back in January, but managed to secure the Toffees’ ever-present Premier League status in the two seasons prior.

The 53-year-old, who’s been labelled “one of the most underrated managers in the PL” by HLTCO, has a superb record in England’s top division, one that is better than Farke – handing the club the best chance of maintaining their status.

When comparing the duo’s respective figures during their time in the league, Dyche has achieved much more than Farke, further highlighting why he would be a superb appointment this summer.

Games managed

333

49

Wins

93

6

Draws

91

8

Losses

149

35

Goals scored

323 (1.03)

31 (0.63)

Goals against

469 (1.4)

101 (2.06)

Win percentage

28%

12%

He’s managed a higher win percentage during his time in the division, whilst also posting more goals scored per game and fewer conceded per game – offering an upgrade on the current manager.

His experience at the top of the English game could prove vital next season, with the club simply not being able to afford an immediate return back to the second tier.

It may not be the glamorous appointment many fans would be hoping for, but Dyche would certainly offer that know how that the side will need if they are to survive in 2025/26.

Not just Meslier: Farke must axe "half-hearted" Leeds flop after promotion

Illan Meslier is not the only Leeds United player who should be sold after promotion to the Premier League.

ByDan Emery Apr 24, 2025

Stats highlights from Galle, where Sri Lanka crushed New Zealand by an innings and 154 runs

Sampath Bandarupalli29-Sep-20246 Test wins for Sri Lanka in 2024, the joint-second-most for them in a calendar year. Sri Lanka won eight of the 13 Tests played in 2001 and six wins in 2006 out of the 11 matches.6-0 Sri Lanka have won all the six Test matches they played against New Zealand at the Galle. These are the most matches played by a team at a venue against an opponent, winning all of them. The next highest is five each by Australia at the WACA in Perth against Pakistan, and South Africa against Sri Lanka at Centurion Park.Sri Lanka also recorded only the fifth instance of a team winning six or more consecutive Tests against an opponent at a venue.Related

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97 Wickets for Prabath Jayasuriya in his 16-match Test career so far. Only one bowler has bagged more than Prabath in their first 16 Tests – George Lohmann (101).9 Wickets picked up by Nishan Peiris on his debut Test in Galle. Only two bowlers took more wickets for Sri Lanka on their Test debut – 12 by Prabath against Australia in 2022 and 11 by Praveen Jayawickrama against Bangladesh in 2021.Peiris is only the fourth Sri Lankan to take a six-wicket haul on Test debut. Prabath was the previous man to do so, claiming six wickets each in both innings.514 Sri Lanka’s first-innings lead in Galle is the fifth-highest for any team in Test history. The highest is 702 runs by England against Australia in 1938 at The Oval. Only once did Sri Lanka have a higher first-innings lead – 587 against South Africa in the 2006 Colombo Test while batting second.88 New Zealand’s first-innings total in Galle is their lowest-ever against Sri Lanka in Test cricket. Their previous lowest was 102 all-out, in 1992 in Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club.9 Sri Lanka are now the first team in Test cricket with 600-plus totals against nine opponents. Their first-innings total of 602 for 5 in Galle was their first 500-plus total against New Zealand in the format. Australia and Afghanistan are the only teams against which Sri Lanka haven’t posted a 600-plus total.5 Catches for Dhananjaya de Silva in New Zealand’s first innings. He is only the second Sri Lankan fielder to claim five catches in a Test innings, after Lahiru Thirimanne.All the five catches Dhananjaya took were off Prabath’s bowling, making him only the second fielder to claim five catches off a bowler in a Test innings. Thirimanne was the first, as all the five catches he took against England in 2021 were off Lasith Embuldeniya.