Mikel Arteta believed in the "romantic potential" of Raheem Sterling's move to Arsenal, according to a new report.
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حقق برشلونة مساء أمس، فوزًا مهمًا على حساب ديبورتيفو ألافيس بثلاثية لهدف واحد على ملعب الكامب نو، في الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم.
وعاد مارك بيرنال لاعب خط وسط برشلونة للتشكيل الأساسي بعد أكثر من عام من الإصابة الخطيرة التي تعرض لها في الركبة.
ولم يفقد برشلونة ثقته في أحد لاعبي أكاديمية لاماسيا، الذي كان ينظر له كأحد نجوم الفريق الأول في المستقبل منذ أيامه الأولى، وقام النادي بتجديد عقده حتى 2029 بموافقة هانز فليك.
اقرأ أيضًا.. هونيس: لاعب ليفربول “مسكين” بسبب محمد صلاح.. وهذا موقف كين من الرحيل إلى برشلونة
ووفقًا لصحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية، فإن خوان لابورتا رئيس برشلونة يعد من أكبر داعمي مارك بيرنال ويرى في لاعب خط الوسط الموهوب الشاب قائدًا مستقبليًا للنادي.
وكان لابورتا قد وجه رسالة لمارك بيرنال، بعد تجديد عقده قائلًا: “إذا سارت الأمور كما نتمناها جميعاً فإن مارك بيرنال سيكون قائدًا لبرشلونة يوماً ما”.
ولم يكن العام الماضي سهلاً على مارك بيرنال، بسبب خطورة إصابته وفترة تعافيه الطويلة، ومع ذلك كان يحظى بدعم الجهاز الفني ومجلس الإدارة.
Tommy Fleetwood has revealed that one Premier League manager is a “very good golfer” who “could be champion” if he was fully committed to the sport.
Team Europe on course to retain the Ryder Cup after dominant display
Team Europe are in a very strong position to retain the Ryder Cup, courtesy of a dominant performance over the past two days, which means they need just 2½ more points to secure a victory over the USA.
Fleetwood has been paramount to Europe’s success, cementing himself as the biggest points producer in the entire competition, having won all four of his matches in the team sessions, while also making headlines after clashing with Bryson DeChambeau on day two.
Away from golf, the Englishman is well-known to be a supporter of Everton, but the 34-year-old has also struck up a relationship with a manager of a different Premier League club, who he believes has the ability to be a professional golfer, if he was fully committed to the sport.
In an interview with Manchester City back in 2018, Fleetwood spoke fondly of Pep Guardiola, saying: “We were introduced through a mutual friend because I had always admired Pep and knew he liked a game of golf,
“I don’t think either of us expected to get on with each other as well as we did but we hit it off immediately; his sense of humour is very similar to mine!
Pep catches the eye at the Icons Series
While Guardiola will certainly have no complaints about his career path, having played for Barcelona, before going on to establish himself as one of the greatest managers of all time, the 54-year-old has proven he could’ve been a handy golf player.
8 of the best quotes from Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola is a constant source of wisdom and entertainment.
ByBarney Lane Mar 7, 2025
When competing at the Icons Series, the Man City boss chipped in twice from considerable distance, with the second shot from across the water particularly impressive.
Speaking about his love of the sport, Guardiola once said: “I love golf for many reasons. For the environment, the courses you play on. There are no referees there. The rules are for everybody. So when our games are being influenced by the decision of the referee, it is too much. In good ways and bad ways.”
That said, having put in such a dominant performance at Bethpage Black, Team Europe clearly aren’t short of top golfers, with captain Luke Donald almost certain to be lifting the Ryder Cup later today, courtesy of Fleetwood & co.
Levante star Karl Etta Eyong has revealed it would be a “dream” to play for Chelsea one day, even as Real Madrid and Barcelona monitor his rapid rise in La Liga. The 22-year-old striker, who has scored six goals this season, continues to attract major transfer interest across Europe — with Levante rejecting a €30 million bid amid growing speculation about his future.
Etta Eyong's Chelsea 'dream' revealed
Eyong’s meteoric rise in La Liga has turned him into one of Europe’s most sought-after young forwards. Having joined Levante from Villarreal in the summer for €3 million, Eyong has been sensational, finding the net six times in the league and quickly becoming the heartbeat of his team’s attack, and it is Chelsea who appear to hold a special place in his heart. The Levante striker admitted that joining the London club would fulfil a lifelong dream inspired by his African footballing heroes. Speaking to GiveMeSport, he explained his deep admiration for the Blues and what they represent to him.
“Growing up, Chelsea was the English team I probably watched the most because of Drogba, and Eto’o was there a year as well,” Eyong said. “Chelsea have often signed incredible African players. There are so many big clubs in England, but as for [joining] Chelsea, why not? It would be a dream for me to play for Chelsea.”
Though Chelsea are reportedly monitoring him closely, their current transfer priorities lie elsewhere, with a new defender at the top of the list, meaning any move for Eyong may have to wait until summer.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesLevante rejected £26m bid for Etta Eyong
Eyong’s growing stardom has not gone unnoticed by clubs across Europe, prompting intense speculation about a potential transfer. But according to Levante CEO Jose Danvila, the Spanish club have already rejected a major offer and are in no rush to sell their new talisman. Danvila confirmed that a €30 million (£26.3m) bid, made by Russian side CSKA Moscow, was firmly turned down, even though the proposal included a lucrative salary for the striker.
“What I can tell you is that Barcelona and Real Madrid haven’t contacted Levante about Etta Eyong,” Danvila told Radio Marca. “And we haven’t had any calls from the Premier League either. We received one firm offer for the player, but it has already been rejected. I’m reading many stories about Etta, and it’s true there is growing interest, but he's not going to be sold this winter.”
FIFA regulations also restrict Eyong from playing for a third club this season after already featuring for Villarreal and Levante, meaning a move before the summer is impossible. Levante, therefore, are determined to keep him and are even considering offering improved terms to reflect his outstanding form. Los Granotes view him as central to their campaign and believe his presence is key to achieving their goal of a top-half La Liga finish.
Eyong opens up on Barcelona and Real Madrid links
While Chelsea remain the team Eyong dreams of joining, the striker’s performances have also drawn admiring glances from Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. Both clubs have been monitoring his progress closely, viewing him as one of the most exciting attacking talents to emerge from La Liga this season. Eyong said he was “flattered” by the links but remains focused on his development at Levante.
“Eto'o was the best,” said Eyong, reflecting on one of his footballing idols. “He is one of my biggest influences. I loved him at Barcelona. And I'd call Lewandowski another role model, especially when I was younger and he was at Dortmund. Lewandowski has managed to score so many goals throughout his career. It's really impressive what he's doing at Barcelona right now. He is a great finisher and has intelligent movement. He always seems to know the right time to ask for the ball. I can learn a lot from him. When we play Barcelona next [in February at the Camp Nou], I hope to get Lewandowski's shirt to add to my collection.”
He continued: “I'm really flattered [to be linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid]. It means so much because it shows my hard work is paying off. But I just have to continue on my journey with Levante and then see what happens in the future.
"I try not to look at my phone too much because my friends call me with all the gossip. I tell them, ‘I don’t know anything – I have just been on my PlayStation!' I would much rather play Call of Duty, watch anime or read history books than occupy my head with rumours. If a big move is meant to be, it will only happen if I work hard."
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Getty Images SportEtta Eyong will wait until the summer before thinking about move
While reports in Spain have suggested Eyong favours a move to Barcelona — even resurfacing an old photo of him in a Blaugrana shirt from 2017 — the player himself insists he remains open-minded about his next destination. He continues to express admiration for both La Liga and the Premier League, refusing to choose between the two while reaffirming his commitment to Levante for now. For Eyong, the focus remains on improving his game and letting the future take care of itself.
“I can't pick between La Liga and the Premier League because I love both leagues,” said Eyong. “I have already achieved my dream of playing in La Liga and my other dream is to one day play in the Premier League. I think I have the quality to thrive in the Premier League and that my style is well suited to English football. I am physically strong and can link up play. I love watching Premier League matches. My favourite period is the Boxing Day games. You can see the players give everything – 200 percent! What I love about the Premier League is that every game feels important. But for now my focus is just on Levante and I am ignoring all other news.”
For Levante, keeping their star man beyond this season will be a challenge, with interest from across Europe showing no sign of fading. Chelsea, Barcelona, and Real Madrid, are all expected to revisit their scouting reports ahead of the summer window, where a bidding war could ignite with Manchester United and Arsenal also said to be interested.
Marcus Rashford could be thrust into the starting line-up for Barcelona for the highly-anticipated El Clasico clash on Sunday following another damaging injury to a key Barca star just hours before the match. The England international has made an excellent start to his loan spell at Barcelona, bagging five goals and six assists in 12 appearances across all competitions.
Barca's patched-up side head to Bernabeu
Barcelona head to the Santiago Bernabeu with a significantly depleted squad and assistant coach Marcus Sorg has now confirmed that forward Raphinha will also miss the game, as the Brazilian has not recovered from a leg muscle injury. Sorg will be in the dugout for the defending champions after Hansi Flick was sent off during the recent clash with Girona.
Raphinha joins a long list of high-profile absentees, which includes Dani Olmo, Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, and goalkeepers Joan Garcia and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The Catalans are firmly up against it, but there was some good news as key players Ferran Torres, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, and Frenkie De Jong all participated in Saturday's training session. And now Rashford could line-up against his Three Lions team-mate Jude Bellingham.
AdvertisementAFPRashford feeling the love at Barca
The England international has thrived under coach Hansi Flick where his performances have been a key factor in the Catalan giants’ positive start to the season, and he has expressed his strong desire to make the loan move permanent.
When asked if he would like to stay at the Catalan giants, Rashford told Barcelona's YouTube channel: "I'm really enjoying my time in Spain. The weather is the best part. It’s a very big change. I’m learning every day, I’m really enjoying it. I hope to be here for a long time. I get along really well with Roony (Bardghji), as well as Jules (Kounde) and Frenkie (De Jong). It’s a team where we all blend together. We’re united. The team is fantastic. I just have to be in the right position. I’ll keep trying to do this. We have to keep going like this to be our best. We have a lot more to do this season."
He added: "I’m enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game so to play here is an honour. I just believe that things happen when they’re supposed to happen. It’s not the first time I spoke with Barcelona about potentially coming here, but for whatever reasons it didn’t happen in the past, and now is my opportunity to make it happen. I feel like there’s no time like the present now."
Raphinha rocked on eve of El Clasico
Sorg said: "Any team would miss Raphinha, but the situation is what it is. He is injured. We'll see if Ferran (Torres) starts, we'll decide tomorrow. Jules Kounde also trained this morning and may play. I still have no idea about the starting eleven."
Sorg also spoke about Flick’s absence, he said: "Flick will always be missed because he's one of the most important parts of the team. I think to have Flick on the sidelines, because the players trust him, he gives them confidence. His absence does have an influence. But Flick is in a good mood, positive, motivated."
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AFPYamal stirs up the tension
The war of words ahead of El Clasico shows no sign of abating with Madrid captain Dani Carvajal planning to confront Barca wonderkid Lamine Yamal at the end of the match over what he sees as "disrespectful" remarks in the build-up to the hotly-anticipated clash between the Spanish giants. Speaking on a Twitch stream ahead of the game, Yamal stoked the ill-feeling between the two sides, saying: "They (Real) steal, they complain, and they do things".
Andres Iniesta has shared his thoughts on the situation and isn't too concerned by Yamal's words. He said: "It’s a comment to add a little spice to the Clasico. Beyond the comments or not, it will be a spectacular match. We'll see what happens. A lot of importance is always given to what is said, especially if it's before a match like this. I'm not very up to date with the news either. Some people will say it's to warm up the match and others won't like it, but what really matters is what happens in those 90 minutes."
Could a few new signings lift the mood of West Ham United supporters?
So far, Hammers fans have not been too pleased with their side’s summer business, most notably selling star attacker Mohammed Kudus to fierce London rivals Tottenham for a reported fee of £55m.
Meantime, having won only five of 19 matches in charge following his appointment in January, Graham Potter immediately begins the new season as a man under pressure.
On the pitch in pre-season, his team were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United in their Premier League Summer Series opener in East Rutherford, before defeating Everton 2-1 in Chicago on Wednesday; Lucas Paquetá and Niclas Füllkrug were on target in Illinois.
So, ahead of the conclusion of their US tour on Sunday, taking on Bournemouth at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, will West Ham supporters have another new signing to be excited about?
This weekend, West Ham unveiled their third new signing of the summer, announcing the arrival of Callum Wilson on a free transfer from Newcastle.
The 33-year-old England international has scored more career goals against the Irons than any other club, which might have been part of the attraction.
|
Club Callum Wilson has scored 6+ goals against |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Opposition |
Appearances |
Goals |
|
West Ham United |
16 |
12 |
|
Everton |
11 |
8 |
|
Burnley |
12 |
7 |
|
Huddersfield Town |
6 |
7 |
|
Brighton & Hove Albion |
14 |
6 |
|
Southampton |
14 |
6 |
|
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt |
||
So, having bolstered their attacking options, will they now turn their attention to the other end of the pitch?
Well, according to a report by The Sun, West Ham have agreed personal terms with goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, amid interest from Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Burnley.
The outlet adds that the clubs are keen to get a deal over the line as quickly as possible, and this latest update has given them an advantage over their rivals in the race to sign the shot-stopper.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Elsewhere, Ben Jacobs of Give Me Sport notes that Leicester City value their goalkeeper at £35m, but have already signed a potential replacement, following Asmir Begović’s arrival from Everton, seemingly preparing for his departure.
Dharmesh Sheth and Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports News add that West Ham’s new goalkeeper coach Casper Ankergren is pushing to make the move happen, having previously worked with Hermansen at Brøndby, so could the Dane soon swap the East Midlands for East London?
It is little surprise that West Ham are in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer.
40-year-old Łukasz Fabiański has been released as a free agent, while neither he nor Alphonse Areola, who remains at the club, were particularly impressive last season, as the table below documents.
|
West Ham’s goalkeepers 2024/25 Premier League statistics |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Alphonse Areola |
PL rank |
Łukasz Fabiański |
PL rank |
|
Minutes |
2,260 |
18th |
1,160 |
22nd |
|
Saves |
77 |
15th |
50 |
21st |
|
Save % |
64.3% |
20th |
74.6% |
2nd |
|
Goals conceded per 90 |
1.63 |
6th |
1.63 |
7th |
|
Clean sheet % |
20% |
13th |
15.4% |
17th |
|
Post shot xG – goals conceded |
-2.6 |
36th |
+1.6 |
12th |
|
% of crosses prevented |
3.8% |
21st |
4.5% |
18th |
|
Punches |
10 |
17th |
9 |
19th |
|
High claims |
15 |
19th |
9 |
24th |
|
Average SofaScore rating |
6.87 |
34th |
7.08 |
18th |
|
Statistics courtesy of FBref.com and SofaScore |
||||
As the table emphasises, neither of West Ham’s two goalkeepers stood out last season, with the now-departed Fabiański actually ranked higher for a few key metrics.
So, would Hermansen represent a clear upgrade?
Well, his most eye-catching performance of last season came against Arsenal in September, making 13 saves, the most by any goalkeeper in a Premier League fixture since David de Gea, also against Arsenal, in December 2017, as noted by James Benge of CBS.
After this match, analyst Ben Mattinson praised his “unreal performance”, while Rob Tanner of the Athletic labeled him a ‘a safe pair of hands’ who is also capable of ‘contributing hugely with the ball at his feet’.
So, let’s assess his own Premier League statistics from last season.
|
Mads Hermansen 2024/25 Premier League statistics |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Hermansen |
PL rank |
|
Minutes |
2,385 |
16th |
|
Goals conceded |
58 |
3rd |
|
Saves |
99 |
7th |
|
Save % |
64.5% |
18th |
|
Clean sheet % |
3.7% |
21st |
|
Post-shot xG – goals conceded |
+1.4 |
15th |
|
% of crosses prevented |
6.2% |
11th |
|
Punches |
20 |
7th |
|
High claims |
24 |
11th |
|
Average SofaScore rating |
6.95 |
26th |
|
Statistics courtesy of FBref.com and SofaScore |
||
While many of Hermansen’s statistics last season may not all leap off the page, it is worth noting that he was playing for an absolutely hopeless Leicester side, with his post-shot xG – goals conceded figure of +1.4 the most interesting number, underlining his excellent shot-stopping ability.
So, why would the Dane be a better signing than Wilson?
Well, the veteran striker accumulated a mere 458 minutes on the pitch last season due to various injury issues, so while his quality isn’t in question, Wilson has never been reliable in terms of fitness and availability.
He also isn’t guaranteed to start, given that Füllkrug and talisman Jarrod Bowen have seemingly formed a decent partnership during pre-season.
Hermansen, on the other hand, would surely arrive as the undisputed number one from day one, given Areola’s decline, and would represent a massive upgrade on what Potter already has at his disposal.
West Ham submit "formal bid" to sign "phenomenal" Brazilian wanted by Everton
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Tom Cunningham
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Sunderland have now submitted an offer for an “unreal” centre-back, according to a significant update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Sunderland's summer spree set to continue
It has been a memorable summer for the Black Cats, who have built on their Championship promotion last season by making 11 permanent signings in total to date.
Granit Xhaka is arguably the most high-profile addition, with the Swiss arriving from Bayer Leverkusen and immediately being made Sunderland captain, helping his side beat West Ham 3-0 in their Premier League opener on Saturday afternoon.
Habib Diarra and Simon Adingra have come in as the Black Cats’ two most expensive additions of the summer, however, joining from Strasbourg and Brighton respectively, looking to bolster Regis Le Bris’ midfield and wide options.
The early signs certainly bode well for Sunderland, in terms of their new signings ensuring that they avoid relegation straight back down to the Championship, but their business might not be done there.
Habib Diarra
Strasbourg
£27.1m
Simon Adingra
Brighton
£21m
Enzo Le Fee
Roma
£19.8m
Chemsdine Talbi
Club Brugge
£17.2m
Noah Sadiki
Union SG
£14.6m
Granit Xhaka
Bayer Leverkusen
£12.9m
Nordi Mukiele
Paris Saint-Germain
£10.3m
Omar Alderete
Getafe
£9.8m
Robin Roefs
NEC Nijmegen
£9m
Reinildo Mandava
Atletico Madrid
free transfer
Arthur Masuaku
Besiktas
free transfer
Sunderland submit bid for "unreal" centre-back
Now, Romano has taken to X to claim that Sunderland have tabled an offer for Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi, as their summer of spending continues. He is keen to seal move to the club.
Lucumi could be just what the Black Cats are after, with the 27-year-old an experienced head but really rising into a star over the last couple of seasons, bringing high level talent and physical dominance to Le Bris’ back-line.
He is a 29-cap Colombia international, which is no mean feat, and after 94 appearances in Serie A, he may like the idea of testing himself in the Premier League.
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Lucumi was once backed to become a “great” centre-back” by scout Jacek Kulig, while journalist Ethan Todd described him as “unreal” earlier this summer.
The Colombian would be a statement 12th permanent signing of the summer for Sunderland, assuming the deal goes through, as their squad goes from strength to strength amid their efforts to remain a Premier League team beyond this season.
Gohar’s three-for keeps Middlesex fighting but big deficit is on the cards
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay05-Apr-2025Lancashire 353 for 9 (Harris 134*, Jennings 55, Jones 40) lead Middlesex 260 (Robson 70, Holden 69, Aspinwall 4-32) by 93 runsMarcus Harris’s century on Red Rose debut helped Lancashire take charge on day two at Lord’s.The Australian Test opener, batting at No. 4, survived an early scare to share a stand of 120 for the fifth wicket with Luke Wells (38). It was Harris’ 30th first-class ton and he became the sixth overseas player to make a hundred on his debut for the county, a trend started by his fellow Australian, the late Andrew Symonds in 2005.Keaton Jennings earlier weighed in 55 enabling the visitors to reach the close on 353 for 9.The Middlesex bowlers toiled hard, with little luck, Zafar Gohar returning 3 for 77 on debut and Blake Cullen 2 for 70, the latter’s first County Championship wickets since he dismissed Mohammed Rizwan at Hove in May 2022, such have been the young seamer’s injury woes.The alliance between Harris and Wells turned the tide of a day where Middlesex had initially held sway.Their frugal bowling in the morning session especially led to a pedestrian scoring rate of two an over by the visitors on a slow, unresponsive pitch.Lancashire’s inability to break the shackles brought reward for the home side, Jennings departing to a sharp catch at slip by Robson off Ryan Higgins, shortly after raising his 50 with the aid of eight fours.The wicket came in a spell of six overs for one run from the Zimbabwean allrounder and the pressure he exerted affected other batters too.Josh Bohannon was in skittish mood from the off, edging one just short of Robson at slip before he’d scored. He’d got to 11 when he slashed at a slightly wider one from Higgins only for Leus du Plooy to grass the chance away to his right hand in the gully.Even so, there was further reward for the Seaxes shortly before lunch when Toby Roland-Jones found the edge of Michael Jones’ bat and wicketkeeper Jack Davies took a low catch away to his right.On the resumption, Bohannon briefly suggested he’d left his pre-lunch struggles behind him, driving Henry Brookes straight for four, but the introduction of Gohar proved his undoing.Bohannon played back to one from the slow left-armer which went on with the arm and crashed into off stump.And when Matty Hurst injudiciously hooked a short one from Cullen down the throat of Nathan Fernandes at long leg the visitors were 169 for 4, still almost 100 in arrears.Even Harris wasn’t exempt from such rushes of blood to the head, having charged Gohar on 11, inside edging the ball beyond both leg stump and wicketkeeper Davies. Had he not made the thinnest of contacts the stumping would have been a formality had he not been bowled in any event.Harris though resolved to make the most of his slice of fortune, knuckling down to take charge, driving with increasing authority before raising his 50 with his eighth boundary, a savage cut to the cover fence.As the home bowlers tired in the glorious evening sunshine he forged on to three figures reached via an edge out of the clutches of slip to third man.At the other end, Wells, though playing second fiddle, hit two huge sixes, one over mid-on to get off the mark and the stand reached 120 before he waved lazily at one to be caught behind with the lead at 27.Harris was reprieved on 123 when dropped at slip by Robson, but late wickets for the persevering home attack offered Middlesex some hope ahead of day three.
“We did get a little bit of swing [against GT] but that came at the expense of getting a dry ball, which probably affected Yuzi a little bit,” PBKS assistant coach Hopes said
ESPNcricinfo staff31-Mar-2025To continue with the same ball to try to get some reverse swing or opt for a drier ball to ensure spinners can grip the ball better? Punjab Kings (PBKS) will weigh up the options before making a decision, their assistant coach James Hopes said ahead of their IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).Before the start of the season, the IPL decided to revoke the ban on the use of saliva on the ball and allowed one ball change on demand by the fielding team after the tenth over of the second innings in evening games.”Arshdeep [Singh] enjoyed it [against Gujarat Titans (GT)],” Hopes said. “He was worked on the ball properly with saliva, and we did get a little bit of swing in that last game at the end. But, to be fair, that came at the expense of getting a dry ball as well because we didn’t change our ball, and that probably affected Yuzi [Yuzvendra Chahal] a little bit as well because he wasn’t bowling with the dry ball for that game.Related
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“So we have to weigh up what we’re going to need the most: whether we’re going to need to try and get a little bit of tail with the older ball or whether we’re going to need to give our world-class spinner a dry ball to make an impact within the last ten overs of the innings.”Tuesday’s match will be played on a red-soil pitch, which has plenty of grass covering. Hopes said he expected a “spin-heavy night out” at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.”I think it’s fine to have a home-ground advantage,” he said. “If that home-ground advantage is [that] you have a spin-heavy attack and you can play on a spinning wicket, that’s fine. At the end of the day, if you’re playing there – like you only play one game there – you’ve just got to prepare accordingly and try to combat that. It’s fine in a competition that in the last two years has got very batting-centric – like the scores are starting to get large. Teams can play with a little bit of home-ground advantage. I haven’t seen a pitch that’s unplayable by any means.”
At PBKS, Hopes has been reunited with Shreyas Iyer – the pair had previously worked together at Delhi Capitals (DC). Iyer, who is leading PBKS after taking Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the title last season, entered the IPL after being India’s highest run-getter at the Champions Trophy. Hopes talked up Iyer’s calmness on the field, especially in high-pressure situations.”His batting is world-class, and has got to a point in the last seven weeks – with what he’s done at the Champions Trophy and the rest of it – that he’s now considered one of the better short-format players in the world,” Hopes said. “From a captaincy viewpoint, he keeps everything calm on the field. The bowlers were raving about it after the first game (against GT) that how clear he is with his communication, how calm he is when the ball’s flying around, [and] when the game gets on the line.”
da brdice： Tottenham are now targeting a Premier League star who’s rejected several attempts from his club to agree a contract extension, according to a fresh report, with the player also very keen to play in the Champions League.
Tottenham moving for £78m "crown jewel" signing after arrival of new investor
Spurs have fresh financial backing.
2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 30, 2025
da betsson： Spurs have a few key areas of Thomas Frank’s squad they still wish to strengthen before deadline day on September 1.
After missing out on Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White in bizarre fashion, the north Londoners remain in pursuit of fresh attacking options to instill some much-needed creativity.
Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025
Average match rating
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
According to some reports, Tottenham have held talks with intermediaries over an audacious move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, which would potentially require chairman Daniel Levy to shatter the club’s transfer record (AS).
A new number six is also possible, if Spurs make room in their squad by selling a midfielder (Alasdair Gold), with reliable media sources confirming that Bayern Munich and former Fulham star, Joao Palhinha, is on their list of targets.
Another area to look out for is at centre-half, despite Frank’s current abundance of defenders.
Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Radu Dragusin and Luka Vuskovic are on Tottenham’s books right now, but the latter two may not be solid options to call upon ahead of the new season.
Vuskovic is still raw and could go out on loan again, as is the case with Ashley Phillips after he sealed a return to Stoke City, while Dragusin is still in recovery from a crushing ACL injury.
Tottenham were forced to utilise teenager Archie Gray as a makeshift centre-half amid their injury nightmare under Ange Postecoglou last season, and Frank will be very keen not to suffer the same fate as his predecessor.
Spurs are believed to remain contenders for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi as a result, coming after they had a mammoth £70m offer rejected for the Englishman in January, but he isn’t the only Premier League stalwart on Levy’s agenda.
Tottenham eye Brighton contract rebel Jan Paul van Hecke
According to Voetbal International and reporter Joost Blaauwhof, Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke is attracting interest from N17 too.
The Dutchman’s form last season prompted a call to the Netherlands international team, whilst also winning Brighton’s Player of the Season award following a stellar 2024/2025.
Brighton, for their part, are desperate to agree an extension and have made ‘several’ new deal offers. Fabian Hurzeler’s side were even prepared to table a record-breaking new contract by making van Hecke the highest-paid player in their history.
However, the 25-year-old has no interest in committing his future, and he’s firmly set his sights on a move away.
According to Voetbal, Tottenham are eyeing a move for van Hecke alongside Newcastle, with the former NAC Breda sensation dreaming of moving to a Champions League side.
Tony Bloom and co have priced van Hecke at around £43m, which could be seen as amazing value considering both his age and proven top-level experience. Just two years remain on the player’s current contract, though, so there is scope for Levy to even whittle down this price tag.