The Under-19 World Cup hasn’t gone to plan for the England spin-bowling allrounder, but it hasn’t stopped him from dreaming big

Sreshth Shah04-Feb-2022During the 2017 Champions Trophy, the ICC had a ticket giveaway – for one lucky person and a family member – to watch the India vs Pakistan game. There were entries from all over the world. The winner was 13-year-old Fateh Singh, whose name had been entered by his father Gurj Landa. Cheering for India was an “unreal experience” for Fateh, and the day was capped with India defeating Pakistan rather convincingly in that group-stage fixture.Fast forward five years, and Fateh is in another ICC tournament. But everything about this one is different. The India blue from 2017 has been replaced by the England blue. He is in the middle, not in the stands. Most importantly, the allrounder has played a key role in his team’s first appearance in the final of an Under-19 World Cup in 24 years.Related

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It hasn’t been a smooth ride, though. The first challenge was after joining the Nottinghamshire academy as a left-arm seamer who had the potential to become an allrounder. Given his height, or lack thereof, Fateh was told quite early by coach Andrew Jackman that he might be better off trying out left-arm spin instead. The rise has been steep since.”It was tricky, but I adapted to the change,” Fateh tells ESPNcricinfo. “After that I watched videos of Yuvraj Singh, Daniel Vettori and Monty Panesar. When I bowl, my plan is to stay with my stock ball as long as possible. And if I get hit, then I adapt and change my course.”That obstacle, of transitioning from seamer to spinner, however, was just one of many for Fateh.In 2015, Fateh was diagnosed with alopecia universalis, an autoimmune disease that causes loss of body hair. One’s hair is part of one’s identity, more so for a Sikh, the community Fateh belongs to.Two years later, his mother had to move away from the family and shift to an assisted-living facility because of her own health complications, which still continue.

“Moeen is fearless, a natural ball-striker. He’s been through quite a bit in his career, so for him to get to the top and captaining England [in four T20Is] too is quite inspirational”

“It doesn’t affect your health physically, it just affects your hair,” Fateh said of his own condition. “Truth be told, I didn’t know how to deal with it. It was a new thing. As I got older, it got harder, but I started to accept me for who I am. So, regardless of what anyone says, this is me and I am okay with that.”It is something that has attracted attention, though. Fateh has learnt to live with it. “People put cricket and alopecia together and say ‘it is crazy how well you’ve done despite it’. But for me, it’s normal. It doesn’t bother me,” he says. “It is one of the first things people ask me about and I’m more than happy to answer questions regarding it because I know people are curious about it and I could inspire them.”But I just don’t like it that people turn sympathetic towards me. I just dislike when someone feels like they feel sorry for me.”Eventually, though, it’s what you do in the field that matters most. On that front, Fateh’s record is outstanding, from being a nine-year-old in the county’s Under-11 side, or his first Nottinghamshire century at 11, or being the club’s Under-13 captain.He was also a net bowler for England when India toured in 2018 for the Test series, and by the time the 2021 season was over, his 28 wickets for the Under-18s at an average of 11.57 resulted in call-ups to the county second XI and into the England Under-19 squad.”I was a net bowler during India vs England in 2018. And Moeen Ali was so approachable,” Fateh says. “And I was a stranger to Moeen, but he took out time outside training to give me advice, which I really appreciated.”I am a bit like Moeen, to be fair, and by far he is my favourite cricketer. He is fearless, a natural ball-striker. He’s been through quite a bit in his career, so for him to get to the top and captaining England [in four T20Is] too is quite inspirational.”Fateh Singh has played only two matches at the Under-19 World Cup, for just one wicket, and hasn’t batted at all•ICC via GettyThe World Cup, however, has been below-par for him so far. He has been a part of only two starting XIs even as his team has won five games in a row, and he hasn’t had a chance to show off his batting chops. At 3.15, he has been England’s most economical bowler, but the side has preferred Rehan Ahmed, the attacking legspinner, ahead of him. “In my last game, I bowled seven overs for only 12 runs. But did not get a wicket,” Fateh says. “I would have wanted to play more, but it’s a team game.”That, though, hasn’t stopped him from dreaming.”After the World Cup, I want to make the first team, which is a good challenge since Notts have a very strong side,” he says. “I have a two-year contract, so I hope to renew it. I don’t think too far ahead, want to stay in the present. But my white-ball skills are my strong suit right now.”To be the leading Test wicket-taker would be nice, but for me, a nice one would be to play in the IPL and be the leading wicket-taker in a season and take more [wickets] than anyone has done before.”I used to always watch Mumbai Indians. That’s when Sachin Tendulkar used to play. My family is from Punjab, so obviously I love Punjab Kings. But I’d watch any team play, like when Virat [Kohli] and AB [de Villiers] are batting together for RCB. I’d love to give the IPL a crack.”It’s ambitious, but it’s best to not bet against Fateh Singh. Fateh means “conquest”. The young man has done some of that already. And he is keen to live up to his name.

Manchester United’s system under Ruben Amorim has led to huge questions being asked about the manager and his ability to lead the side forward in the future.

The 40-year-old has consistently used a 3-4-2-1 system at Old Trafford since his appointment last November, but the formation hasn’t worked as many would have expected.

He could only lead the Red Devils to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season, whilst also suffering a defeat in the final of the Europa League to Tottenham Hotspur.

The recent defeat against Everton on home soil led to further questions being directed his way, especially after refusing to move away from his tactics and push more attacking players forward.

However, the manager has desired additions of numerous players ahead of the January transfer window, with the midfield department one that looks set to be bolstered.

Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder in January

Over the last couple of weeks, United have ramped up their pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson ahead of a potential move in the January window.

It’s been reported that the Red Devils are willing to complete a deal in the coming weeks for the England international after his remarkable start to the current campaign.

However, bitter rivals Manchester City have also now entered the race for the 23-year-old’s signature, which could lead to a huge battle for his services in the months ahead.

He’s not the only Premier League option currently in their sights at present, with Bournemouth star Tyler Adams another player being considered by INEOS ahead of January.

According to the Daily Mail, the hierarchy have held internal talks over a deal to land the American international who has started every Premier League game this season.

It also states that he’s seen as a cheaper option to improve the midfield department, but it remains to be seen if the Cherries would sanction his departure during the winter.

Why United’s latest target would end Mainoo’s stay

Just a couple of years ago, it appeared as though Kobbie Mainoo would be a crucial first-team member for United for many years to come, but it appears as though his time at the club could be coming to an end.

The midfielder has gone from a regular starter and an England international, to now being a player who has been massively restricted to substitute appearances off the bench.

His tally of nine league appearances, none of which were from a starting position, showcases the lack of faith the 40-year-old currently has in the 20-year-old sensation.

Unsurprisingly, the player has grown frustrated at the Red Devils in recent weeks, which has led to the player himself even requesting a move away ahead of January.

If the manager is simply refusing to utilise the youngster, it’s crucial he makes the next step in his career to continue his development and get back onto his recent trajectory.

It remains unclear whether the hierarchy will sanction a move away from Old Trafford for Mainoo, but his career at the club would be all but over with a move for Adams.

Should the American join, it would push him further down the pecking order, with the Bournemouth star producing some incredible numbers over the last couple of months for Andoni Iraola’s side.

Adams, who’s been labelled a “monster” by journalist Tomi Oladipo, has completed 88% of the passes he’s attempted, at an average of 45 per 90 – with both ranking him in the top 25% of all midfielders in the division.

Such numbers showcase his composed nature in possession, but that’s also reaffirmed by his tally of 0.3 times dispossessed per 90, which ranks him in the top 15% in the league.

Games played

14

Goals scored

2

Pass accuracy

88%

Passes per 90

45

Times dispossessed

0.3

Tackles won

2.6

Interceptions made

1.6

Duels won

52%

However, out of possession, he’s been just as impressive, as seen by his phenomenal tallies of 2.6 tackles won and 1.6 interceptions made per 90 to date.

Despite his small frame, the American has also won 52% of the duels he’s entered, whilst completing 48% of the dribbles he’s attempted – further highlighting his all-round talents at the heart of the side.

It’s unclear if his current employers would sanction a departure in the coming weeks, but it’s evident that United would be getting themselves an incredible Premier League talent.

As for Mainoo, it appears to be the end at his boyhood club given his recent lack of action, with the player needing a move to reignite the spark in his professional career.

Cunha 2.0: INEOS to fast-track Man Utd bid for 'best winger in England'

Manchester United look set to make a huge move for one player in the upcoming January window.

ByEthan Lamb 6 days ago

2.3Bumrah to McSweeney, OUT, Much tighter call. Bumrah’s questions to his fielders is (Was there a bat sound? (It’s hit pad first)” and he reviews. In comes Hawk-Eye, and it’s three reds! A nervy start for McSweeney ends quickly. The ball was on the fuller side of length, landed around a fifth-stump line and seamed in with the angle. McSweeney’s feet weren’t moving freely and was the case again this time, he waited and tried to defend with bat (facing cover) next to pad, but the ball snuck past. Hawk-Eye showed impact was in line with off and it’d hit top of middle. Pace off the hand – 138ksNA McSweeney lbw b Bumrah 10 (13b 2×4 0x6) SR: 76.926.4Bumrah to Khawaja, OUT, Taken this time by Kohli at slip, this was all set up from Bumrah. This may not have been as gorgeous as the first ball of the over, but more importantly, it finds the edge. Khawaja was square-on, feet jammed before they hopped, hands reached out in front of the body, the straight bat couldn’t cover the line. A thin edge went at an easy pace to Kohli’s breadbasket.UT Khawaja c Kohli b Bumrah 8 (19b 1×4 0x6) SR: 42.106.5Bumrah to Smith, OUT, Boom Boom, beauty! Decks it back a mile to trap Smith plumb lbw. Goldie for the No. 4, who might as well have opened. He got a similar ball from Kemar Roach last summer, that was initially given not out. But this looked a touch fuller, Smith went across – like he usually does – and tried to jam the bat down but had no time. The ball skidded through and thundered onto pad. 141ks, would’ve crashed into the stumps says Hawk-Eye. Good call not to reviewSPD Smith lbw b Bumrah 0 (1b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.0024.2Bumrah to Cummins, OUT, edged, taken behind! No. 17 for the day. Wide on the crease, full, angled in at off stump, Cummins drives. Neat catch. Captain gets captainPJ Cummins c †Pant b Bumrah 3 (5b 0x4 0x6) SR: 60.0028.1Bumrah to Carey, OUT, edged, taken behind! What a start for Bumrah. Round the wicket, short of a length, Carey has a nibble at it and a regulation catch for Pant. Very nice delivery, but a half-hearted shot from CareyAT Carey c †Pant b Bumrah 21 (31b 3×4 0x6) SR: 67.74

MatériaMais Notícias

da bwin： O Palmeiras está perto de garantir seu primeiro reforço para a temporada 2024. Trata-se de Aníbal Moreno, volante do Racing-ARG, que ficou próximo de ser contratado na última janela, mas as negociações não avançaram. O acordo está encaminhado com o clube argentino e com o jogador, dependendo apenas de exames médicos e detalhes burocráticos para ser concretizada.

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da doce： + Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Aos 24 anos, Moreno foi o principal alvo do Verdão para suprir a tão sonhada vaga de volante para o meio-campo de Abel Ferreira, que perdeu Danilo no início de 2023 e não teve uma reposição a função. Tanto é que Zé Rafael acabou improvisado por ali.

+ Você quer trabalhar no seu clube do coração? Matricule-se no curso Gestor de Futebol e entenda como!

O Alviverde tentou a contratação do meio-campista até os momentos finais do fechamento da janela de transferências para o Brasil, mas os argentinos foram irredutíveis na pedida e o reforço acabou ficando para depois.

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As partes, porém, não perderam o contato e acabaram se acertando para que Aníbal chegasse ao Palmeiras em janeiro de 2024. Os valores do negócio, porém, não foram revelados. Nos bastidores, o clube considera a situação bastante encaminhada. O que ainda afasta o anúncio é a dependência de exames médicos, além de detalhes burocráticos. Ainda assim, o otimismo é grande.

+ Aposentado? Palmeiras teve ídolos na era Leila que já chegaram experientes ao clube

Moreno deve ser o primeiro reforço do Verdão para 2024, mas não o único. A ideia é contratar de três a quatro peças para o elenco, que possam chegar e jogar, sem que necessitem de tempo de adaptação ou amadurecimento. Por isso também o desejo forte em buscar um acordo com Bruno Henrique, do Flamengo, mas a negociação é considerada difícil.

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Em 2023, o Palmeiras contratou apenas dois reforços: Richard Ríos, do Guarani, e Artur, do Bragantino. Ao mesmo tempo, o clube negociou dez jogadores e acabou fazendo uso da base para repor as posições perdidas.

Tudo sobre

Palmeiras

Leeds United have now made contact over signing a midfield star who’s been likened to Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, according to recent reports.

Daniel Farke Leeds "preparing" for January window

There’s no rest for the wicked and Leeds’ clash against Liverpool at Elland Road represents another tough test for Daniel Farke’s side, who have already squared off against Manchester City and Chelsea this week.

On paper, the visit of the reigning champions should be a daunting task, but Liverpool’s crown has been snatched this season and the Reds find themselves in the middle of a disastrous defence. Leeds, meanwhile, just ran Man City close and swept past Chelsea in shocking fashion. Those at Elland Road couldn’t be facing Liverpool at a better time.

Victory over Slot’s side could take the Whites five points clear of the dropzone if results go their way in a crucial step towards survival as the festive fixtures arrive thick and fast.

Meanwhile, as things progress on the pitch, the 49ers are already “planning” ahead for the January transfer window, according to Farke. The Leeds boss told reporters earlier this week: “I have not one second to think about what could happen, it also depends on injuries and how the players deliver in these upcoming games.

“I spoke in the summer about what he might have liked to sign and this has not gone away, in the background we are preparing but now is not the time to speak about it.”

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On that front, names such as Nilson Angulo have emerged as reported targets. The impressive winger has been dubbed one of Europe’s standout wingers this season and would certainly inject some added spark to Farke’s frontline.

The same can be said for Jens Hjerto-Dahl. The midfielder has been likened to fellow Norway star Odegaard and now finds himself on the radar of those at Elland Road.

Leeds make contact over signing Jens Hjerto-Dahl

As reported by TeamTalk, Leeds have now made contact to sign Hjerto-Dahl in 2026, but face competition from Rangers, Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Tromso midfielder has built up an impressive reputation in Norway for his ability as a goalscoring box-crasher – scoring five goals in 35 games in all competitions this season – and could now get the chance to do that in the Premier League.

Described as “powerful” by scout Kai Watson, Hjerto-Dahl was likened to Odegaard when he was linked with a move to Brighton earlier this month and Leeds should go all out to land his signature.

The towering star certainly fits the physical profile of what’s needed in the Premier League these days, but it remains to be seen if clubs act as early as January.

Farke must unleash "wonderkid" who'd be perfect for Nmecha's new Leeds role

The two matches will provide Australia’s preparation for the Champions Trophy

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jan-2025

An extra ODI has been added to Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka which will provide the visitors additional preparation for the Champions Trophy.The two matches will now take place on February 12 and 14 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and will be day games.The first of the games begins just two days after the scheduled fifth day of the second Test in Galle so it remains to be seen how many players featuring in that match can turnaround for the one-dayer if the Test goes the distance.However, Australia have nine players in their preliminary Champions Trophy squad who aren’t part of the Test series, including captain Pat Cummins and fellow quick Josh Hazlewood.But Cummins’ participation remains uncertain as he is carrying an ankle injury which he played with during the India Test series.Australia’s ODI players are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka around the start of the second Test. Their first match in the Champions Trophy is against England on February 22 followed by South Africa on February 25 and Afghanistan on February 28.The first semi-final will take place in Dubai on March 4 with the second in Lahore on March 5 following confirmation of the hybrid model due to India not traveling to Pakistan. The final will be on March 9, in either Dubai or Lahore depending on whether India qualify.

Former India batter Venugopal Rao will be their new director of cricket

Nagraj Gollapudi17-Oct-20246:12

Making sense of the musical chairs in DC’s ownership structure

Former India batter Hemang Badani will take over as the new head coach at Delhi Capitals (DC) for IPL 2025. Along with Badani, DC have also appointed former India batter Venugopal Rao as the director of cricket.While Badani replaces Ricky Ponting, who amicably parted ways recently after seven seasons as head coach, Rao takes over the role performed in the past few years by former India captain Sourav Ganguly. Both appointments are part of the decision taken by the DC ownership to overhaul the coaching staff and the overall running structure of the franchise which has never won the IPL. The franchise has also decided not to renew the contract with Pravin Amre, who served as assistant coach and talent scout since 2014.”With the mega auction around the corner, my job, in collaboration with the rest of our coaching staff, is cut out,” Badani said in a franchise release. “I can’t wait to get started.”ESPNcricinfo has learnt the recruitment drive to bolster the coaching bench will continue with more assistant coaches and mentor to be appointed.As part of the restructuring, the co-owners of DC – the GMR Group and JSW Sports – will swap the operational leadership roles every two years for their teams in the IPL and the WPL; it means the GMR Group will take over the men’s team for the next two seasons and JSW Sports the women’s team for 2025 and 2026. Consequently, Ganguly will take over as director of cricket in the WPL for the next two seasons. Ganguly will switch back to the IPL from 2027 when JSW Sports will be back in charge. In a media statement on Thursday, the franchise said “key decisions like auctions, captaincy, player release and retentions of both teams will be made by the Delhi Capitals’ board, and will be decided mutually by senior leadership of both groups.”Why Hemang Badani?
While the appointment of Badani, who played four Tests and 40 ODIs, is expected to arouse curiosity, the former Tamil Nadu captain has been a successful coach in the domestic T20 circuit. After being part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squads in the initial few years, Badani was the head coach at Chepauk Super Gillies, who have won four TNPL titles, one of which was shared. With them, Badani played a key role in the development of young players like R Sai Kishore, the current Tamil Nadu captain.That experience played a role in Badani joining the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) coaching staff in IPL 2022. He also has coaching experience in overseas T20 leagues: with Sunrisers Eastern Cape in 2023, when they won the inaugural SA20 title, and with Jaffna Kings, who won the most recent season of the Lanka Premier League. He was the head coach at Dubai Capitals (also owned by GMR Group) who finished runners-up in the ILT20 this January.Rao, who played 16 ODIs between 2005 and 2006, was part of Deccan Chargers’ IPL – winning squad in 2009 and has also been part of Dubai Capitals, first as mentor in the inaugural season and then as director of cricket.

Liverpool are “clearly ahead” of rivals Chelsea in the race to sign a “magnificent” player in the summer transfer window.

Kerkez to join Liverpool this week

The Reds have now officially signed Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a British-record £116m move, in a piece of business that has made the rest of Europe sit up and take notice.

There is unlikely to be a bigger signing made this summer, with Wirtz considered one of the world’s top attacking players, but Liverpool are not expected to be done there, still planning on adding fresh faces to the squad.

It looks as though Milos Kerkez will be the next name through the door at Anfield in the coming days, with journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming over the weekend that a minor issue has been ironed out and that he could be unveiled as soon as Tuesday.

David Ornstein of The Athletic has gone one better, however, saying that a medical is now expected to be done on Monday after flying into the UK, with the deal set to be worth £40m for the Bournemouth left-back.

Liverpool leading race to sign "magnificent" ace

Now, reliable Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri [via Sport Witness] has said that Liverpool are “clearly ahead” of Chelsea and others in the battle to sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana this summer.

He states that the Reds’ head of recruitment, Barry Hunter, admires the 20-year-old and has him at the top of his list of summer targets. The Premier League champions will need to sell Federico Chiesa first, though, and Fofana could possibly cost as much as £60m.

Fofana could be a brilliant long-term signing for Liverpool, with scout Jacek Kulig describing him as a “magnificent” prospect last year.

At just 20 years of age, the young Belgian has already bagged 22 goal contributions (15 goals and seven assists) in 62 appearances for Lyon, also winning one cap for Belgium at senior level, and those numbers should only improve as he matures as a player.

Predominantly a left-sided attacking player, it seems slightly strange that Liverpool would push so hard for Fofana, though, especially as Chiesa is right-sided in general.

Better than Guehi: Liverpool eyeing one of the best young CBs "in Europe"

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Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo appear to be staying put, so it would arguably only make sense for the Reds to sign the Lyon ace if one of them moves on, or if Arne Slot sees him as a backup option to Mohamed Salah on the right. But his talent is undeniable, so the idea of him in a Liverpool shirt is exciting.

كسر لويس دي لا فوينتي، مدرب منتخب إسبانيا، صمته وتحدث عن الشجار الذي حدث بين قائد ريال مدريد، داني كارفاخال، ونجم نادي برشلونة، لامين يامال خلال الفترة الأخيرة.

ودخل كارفاخال في شجار مع يامال عقب نهاية لقاء نادي ريال مدريد أمام برشلونة في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني يوم الأحد قبل الماضي، لحساب قمة الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

ونجح ريال مدريد في تحقيق الانتصار على برشلونة بهدفين مقابل هدف واحد، على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو.

وعقب نهاية المباراة، توجه كارفاخال إلى يامال، مطالبًا إياه بعدم التحدث كثيرًا، لتشتغل الأمور بين لاعبي الفريقين بالفعل ويحدث شجار.

اقرأ أيضًا .. ريال مدريد يعلن إصابة لاعبه قبل مواجهة ليفربول ورفض دي لا فوينتي التضخيم من حادثة يامال وكارفاخال، موضحًا أن الخلاف بين اللاعبين لن يؤثر على وحدة منتخب إسبانيا.

وقال دي لا فوينتي في تصريحات نقلتها ”eldesmarque” : “لم نشهد أي حادثة ولا أي سلوك غريب من أي شخص. إنه ليس شجارًا مدرسيًا والشعور هو شعور عائلي ووحدة وإعطاء الأولوية للمصلحة العامة على المصالح الفردية، هذا يظهر الكثير عن هذه المجموعة من لاعبي كرة القدم”.

وأضاف دي لا فوينتي في حديثه: “أعتقد أن الأمر متروك لأنديتهما للتحدث الآن، المسؤولون في أنديتهما هم من يتخذون القرار. لقد تحدثت كثيرًا مع لامين، كما تحدثت مع داني كارفاخال ومع الجميع”.

واختتم دي لا فوينتي في حديثه عن الخلاف بين يامال وكارفاخال: “سألتزم بالصورة من بطولة أوروبا، تمريرة لامين العرضية ورأسية كارفاخال، العناق الذي تبادلاه وتعابير وجهيهما، هذا ما يحدث في المنتخب الوطني. أنا مقتنع تمامًا أن المصلحة العامة هي الأهم هنا”.

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund says they weren't the ones to publicly reveal their attempts to sign Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart.

Stuttgart rejected Bayern Munich's €60m offer for WoltemadeBayern's sporting director stressed the club never discussed figuresSays there's no update on his transferFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Bayern's third bid of €60 million (£52m/$70m) for Woltemade was rejected by Stuttgart, who have now reportedly upped their asking price to €75m (£65m/$88m). When asked for the latest update on Woltemade's transfer, Freund claimed the matter was handled internally and no details were released. He further blamed the Stuttgart camp for causing the media frenzy surrounding the player.  

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Bayern reignited their attempts to sign Woltemade as the striker asked both clubs to enter negotiations but Stuttgart once again rejected their advances. Stuttgart have reiterated their stance multiple times that they plan on keeping the player, with Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth and CEO Alexander Wehrle both stating that Woltemade will play with them next season. When asked about the forward's future, the sporting director clearly stated that they are not the ones using the situation to generate talks.

WHAT FREUND SAID

In a press conference, Freund confirmed that there have been no talks with Stuttgart and insisted Bayern are not responsible for all the media speculation. He said at a press conference: "Bayern wasn't the match that generated so much discussion. We never commented on deadlines or figures. There's no update either. We play against Stuttgart tomorrow, where the player is under contract."

Earlier Stuttgart coach was also asked about Woltemade's future, to which he said: "Nick is a part of our team and a very important building block in our team. Nothing has changed about that."

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?

Stuttgart's new price tag makes it increasingly difficult for the German striker to leave the club with the striker's agent having labelled Stuttgart's demands as "completely unfounded". The two clubs are now set to face each other in the German Super Cup on August 17.