Sophie Devine named permanent New Zealand captain

Sophie Devine has been named the permanent New Zealand captain with her predecessor Amy Satterthwaite taking the vice-captaincy on her return from maternity leave.Devine stepped into the captaincy when Satterthwaite took leave last year to have her first child with wife and team-mate Lea Tahuhu and led the team at the T20 World Cup in Australia where they were knocked out in the group stage.She is now set to lead the side at the home one-day World Cup next February and March should that tournament retain its spot in the schedule amid the fallout from Covid-19.”It’s a huge honour and privilege to be awarded the White Ferns captaincy,” Devine said. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time as captain over the past season. It was challenging results-wise at times, but I feel we are moving in the right direction as a team, both with our cricket and our team culture.”I’m very much looking forward to working with Amy who has an exceptional cricketing brain and I feel we can form a strong leadership partnership in combination with a well-established leadership group.”Devine has enjoyed a prolific run of form over the last 18 months and became the first player to score five consecutive fifty-plus scores in T20Is with a century against South Africa, a run she extended to six when she opened her T20 World Cup campaign with an unbeaten 75 against Sri Lanka.”Sophie is a strong leader, she has her own style and knows what she wants from herself and the team,” head coach Bob Carter said. “It’s a testament to her ability as a leader that her performance with the bat last summer went to a new level. She leads with her actions and the team responds well to her leadership style.”Amy is on the comeback to cricket after giving birth and she is progressing really well. Having her experience, knowledge and leadership working alongside Sophie is only going to benefit the team.”Satterthwaite said: “I’m looking forward to returning to international cricket and doing my best to support Sophie and the team.”New Zealand are due to return to international action with a tour to Australia starting in late September to play three ODIs and three T20Is. They will begin pre-season preparations with a training camp in Lincoln next week.

"Excellent" £55,000-p/w Liverpool ace may leave Anfield to make dream move

As Liverpool prepare to say goodbye to Jurgen Klopp, the legendary manager may not be the only one bidding farewell to Anfield, with one Reds star emerging as a number one target for a rival European giant this summer.

Liverpool transfer news

For the first time in nine years, change is afoot at Anfield. Arne Slot is set to arrive with arguably one of the toughest tasks in the Premier League as he looks to replace Klopp without any issues along the way. What should help the Dutchman is the return of Michael Edwards and Julian Ward, who previously had great success behind the scenes at Liverpool, helping to build Klopp's most successful side.

Edwards is already reportedly attempting to make his mark too, with links to the likes of Real Madrid star Rodrygo recently stealing the headlines ahead of what would be a sensational move. But as those links emerge, so have rumours regarding the future of one Reds star.

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Luis Diaz is one of Barcelona's number one targets this summer and the winger could now have the opportunity to quit Anfield and complete a dream move to the La Liga giants.

The Colombian's father, Mane Diaz, previously admitted: “Luis is a die-hard Barcelona supporter and it's one of his biggest dreams."

Klopp must instantly ditch Liverpool star after 3/10 Villa display

The Anfield boss might be tempted to drop this sapped star for his final fixture.

ByAngus Sinclair May 14, 2024

With that said, Liverpool could be left with a Diaz-shaped hole to fill this summer and a reported £55,000-a-week salary left to spend elsewhere in what would see Edwards seek an immediate upgrade.

"Excellent" Diaz is at a crossroads

Now 27 years old, it could be now or never for Diaz to realise his Barcelona dream and it's one that Liverpool could accommodate if they can find a younger upgrade on their winger, who has frustrated in front of goal at times despite impressing in other areas of his game.

The Reds were at their best when they had a front three firing on all cylinders in front of goal. Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah were ruthless together and rediscovering such a trio is the key to further success in a new era at Anfield. But questions remain whether the likes of Darwin Nunez and Diaz are capable of playing a part in that.

Goals

8

11

18

Assists

5

8

10

Expected Goals

11.4

16.2

14.4

What's most alarming is the fact that both Diaz and Nunez have underperformed when it comes to expected goals, highlighting their wastefulness. Nonetheless, Diaz is still a player many at Anfield will want to keep hold of, including Alisson Becker, who previously dubbed his teammate as "excellent" before he'd even completed a move to Liverpool.

Ange favourite at Tottenham slammed as one of the worst in Premier League

A favourite of Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou's has been branded one of the worst technical players in the Premier League by a pundit this week.

Spurs lose 4-0 to Newcastle in top four blow

Spurs succumbed to a dismal 4-0 defeat away to Newcastle United at the weekend, and it's a result which deals a hammer blow to their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

Tottenham have now made out-of-window bid to sign £17 million forward

The Lilywhites want a new striker.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 16, 2024

A brace from Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon's strike and Fabian Schar's goal rounded off an afternoon to forget for Postecoglou, who is adamant that growth is "painful" and it's something which will happen to Spurs on more than one occasion as they continue to evolve and learn lessons.

“Newcastle were good, credit to them”, said Postecoglou after Tottenham's defeat to Newcastle. “We just didn’t really get a grip of the game at all. We never really wrestled control at any stage and we paid the price for that.

“We allowed them to dictate the way the game was played. We weren’t brave on the ball. A lot of it was self-inflicted. It’s the same as every other game. There’s no point sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. We’ve got another game in two weeks’ time.

Arsenal (home)

April 28th

Chelsea (away)

May 2nd

Liverpool (away)

May 5th

Burnley (home)

May 11th

Man City (home)

May 14th

“It’s not the first time it [a heavy defeat] has happened to us; it won’t be the last. It’s part of our growth. Sometimes that growth is painful. I was concerned with all of it. There was no one area that cost us today. We never got to any sort of tempo.”

Among the players who failed to have an impact was January arrival Timo Werner. The German, who has attracted praise from Postecoglou for his some of his performances since signing on loan, is being heavily linked with a permanent switch in the summer.

Bothroyd slams Werner as "one of the worst"

Tottenham staff are also said to be impressed by Werner behind-the-scenes. However, pundit Jay Bothroyd has now called Werner one of the worst technical players in England's top flight.

“I can’t help, but I have to be critical of Timo Werner," said Bothroyd to Optus Sport. "I’m sorry, he misses so many good chances. And those chances that he missed, they can change games. Technically, he’s one of the worst players in the Premier League. I’m going to say that, because I honestly believe that.

“He doesn’t cross the ball well, he hits it as hard as he can across the face of the goal all the time. He never picks anybody out. His finishing’s poor. His passing’s poor.

“And yes, you can say that he’s effective. But then I’m saying, okay, he’s an athlete. In this day and age, I look at him and I say he’s effective because of his athleticism. As he gets older and he loses that athleticism, how effective is he going to be then?”

Thisara Perera, Nuwan Pradeep back in Sri Lanka T20I squad

Rajapaksa, Oshada, Rajitha left out for the two-match series against West Indies

Andrew Fidel Fernando27-Feb-2020Thisara Perera has made a return to Sri Lanka’s T20I squad after missing the series in India, while fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep and spin-bowling allrounder Shehan Jayasuriya also earn recalls.There was no room, however, for batsmen such as Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Oshada Fernando, who had both impressed in the series against Pakistan last year. Opener Danushka Gunathilaka continued to be unavailable through injury.Thisara last played a T20 international back in March last year, and has been overlooked since then largely on account of poor returns. He appears to have regained form in the past week, however, playing two important lower-order innings in the ongoing ODI series against West Indies, in addition to doing a decent job with the new ball. With him in the squad, Sri Lanka have three seam-bowling allrounders to choose from, with Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka retaining their places.On the fast-bowling front, Sri Lanka opted for the experience of Nuwan Pradeep over Kasun Rajitha, who has been omitted. Lahiru Kumara, Isuru Udana and Lasith Malinga are the other frontline options. Wristspinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Lakshan Sandakan headline the slow-bowling contingent, with off-spinning allrounders Jayasuriy and Dhananjaya de Silva also around.The first of two T20Is, both of which will be hosted by Pallekele, is set to be played on March 4, after the ongoing ODI series concludes. Sri Lanka have already won the ODI series 2-0, with one game to play.Sri Lanka squad: Lasith Malinga (capt.), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera, Shehan Jayasuriya, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya De Silva, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Isuru Udana, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Kumara

Celtic could sign a "dangerous" Idah alternative

Celtic are still in with a chance of securing two pieces of silverware before the end of the 2023/24 campaign as they look to avoid a trophyless season.

Northern Irish boss Brendan Rodgers was brought back to Parkhead for a second spell in Glasgow last summer, and will be hoping that his return does not end in disappointment at the first time of asking.

His team were knocked out of Europe and the League Cup during the first half of the season, but they still have the chance to win the Scottish Premiership and the SFA Cup before all is said and done.

Brendan Rodgers.

Whilst there is still plenty left to play for on the pitch for the Hoops over the next six weeks or so, the club already have one eye on the upcoming summer transfer window.

It will be another opportunity for Celtic, who made two signings to bolster their squad during the January window, to add to their options across the pitch.

Celtic's interest in expensive centre-forward

The Scottish giants reportedly have their eye on an impressive Greek striker who could come in as a dream alternative to current loanee Adam Idah in the final third.

According to a recent report from Sky Sports Italy, via Calcio Mercato, Celtic are one of a number of clubs keeping tabs on Panathinaikos centre-forward Fotis Ioannidis.

The outlet primarily focused on Lazio and their interest in the Greek international as a potential long-term successor to Italian marksman Ciro Immobile, who scored two goals against the Hoops in the Champions League back in November.

However, it also added that West Ham United, Sevilla, Eintracht Frankfurt, Bologna, Sporting, Stuttgart, and Celtic are also looking at the talented attacker.

FotisIoannidis

This suggests that Rodgers will face significant competition to land the striker's services during the upcoming summer transfer window, as a number of big European clubs appear to be in the market to add him to their squads.

The report claimed that the Greek side currently values him at a staggering €15m (£12.8m) and that they are hoping for a summer auction for the forward, possibly to drive his price up higher as multiple clubs fight it out to sign him.

This could make it more difficult for Celtic to win the race for him, especially when you consider that their current club-record signing is Odsonne Edouard for £9m from Paris Saint-Germain.

Therefore, Ioannidis may not be the most realistic target for the Hoops at this moment in time, unless they are willing to splash out a record fee to sign the impressive ace this summer.

However, the 24-year-old whiz could be a dream alternative signing to Adam Idah, who is currently on loan from Norwich City, at the end of the season.

Adam Idah's form this season

The Ireland international is only on loan from the Canaries and there is no official option for Celtic to make that deal permanent ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

This means that the Bhoys would have to swoop in with an offer for the Norwich academy graduate if they would like to bring him back to Parkhead over the summer.

The 23-year-old giant has made a strong start to life in Scotland with a return of six goals and two assists in nine Scottish Premiership appearances for the club so far.

23/24 Premiership

Adam Idah

Appearances

9

Starts

4

Goals

6

Assists

2

Goal conversation rate

29%

Minutes per goal

73

Stats via Sofascore

His eight goal contributions have come alongside just four starts for Rodgers' side, as Kyogo Furuhashi has been selected ahead of him at times – including against Rangers on Sunday, which shows that the young gem has been effective with his limited minutes on the pitch in Glasgow.

Ireland striker Adam Idah.

His form for Celtic has come after a tally of six goals and one assist in 28 Championship appearances, including 12 starts, during the first half of the season for Norwich in England.

This means that the 6 foot 3 dynamo has racked up 12 goals and three assists in 37 league matches for Celtic and the Canaries combined throughout the campaign, which is just shy of one goal every three games on average – 3.08.

Why Fotis Ioannidis could be an alternative option

Instead of signing Idah on a permanent deal from Norwich, Rodgers could swoop to sign Ioannidis as a dream alternative to the Ireland international.

The 24-year-old star has been described as "dangerous" by analyst Ben Mattinson, who cites the striker's fantastic ability to finish with both feet as one of the reasons why he is so lethal within the box, and his record this season backs that up.

He has produced 21 goals and seven assists in 38 appearances in all competitions so far this term, which is a return of one goal every 1.81 games on average – significantly better than Idah's one every 3.08.

23/24 Super League

Fotis Ioannidis

Appearances

22

Goals

13

Assists

5

Big chances created

6

Dribbles per game

1.9

Ground duel success rate

51%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the young gem, who has scored two goals in ten caps for Greece, Ioannidis has been on fire in the Greek top-flight with 18 direct goal contributions in 22 games.

He has also completed almost two dribbles per game, compared to Idah's 0.9 per match, and this shows that the star has the quality on the ball to hurt teams in transition, rather than just being a finisher in the box.

Ioannidis has proven himself on the European stage with five goals and one 'big chance' created in six Europa League group stage appearances this season.

This shows that he has the potential to be a difference-maker for Celtic on the European scene, whereas Idah has yet to play a game in Europe in his career so far.

Therefore, the Greek marksman could be a fantastic alternative to the Irishman due to his superior goalscoring pedigree, and quality as a creator, along with his experience in big competitions.

Celtic could find their next O'Riley in swoop for star likened to de Bruyne

The Hoops have been linked with an interest in the “special” attacking midfielder ahead of the summer window.

ByDan Emery Apr 6, 2024

It is now down to Rodgers and the club to win the race to sign the lethal Panathinaikos gem to bolster their attacking options for next season.

Chelsea eyeing move for manager who’s beaten Klopp to replace Pochettino

Chelsea are thought to be eyeing up a move for a "unique" manager to possibly replace Mauricio Pochettino.

Latest on Pochettino’s future

The Blues have once again struggled in the Premier League, this time under Pochettino after he was backed by Todd Boehly in the summer transfer market.

Chelsea summer signings

Axel Disasi (Monaco)

£38.5m

Nicolas Jackson (Villarreal)

£30.1m

Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)

£52m

Kendry Paez (Independiente del Valle)

£17.27m

Robert Sanchez (Brighton)

£25m

Moises Caicedo (Brighton)

£115m

Lesley Ugochukwu (Rennes)

£23.5m

Angelo Gabriel (Santos)

Undisclosed

Alex Matos (Norwich)

Undisclosed

Diego Moreira (Benfica)

Undisclosed

Ishe Samuels-Smith (Everton)

Undisclosed

Dujuan Richards (Phoenix All Stars Academy)

Undisclosed

Romeo Lavia (Southampton)

£58m

Deivid Washington (Santos)

£17.1m

Djordje Petrovic (New England Revolution)

£14m

Cole Palmer (Manchester City)

£42.5m

All fees courtesy of Sky Sports

Following Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Brentford, Chelsea now sit a whopping 19 points adrift of fourth place, with supporters showing their frustration by booing and chanting against both Boehly and Pochettino vs the Bees.

"I think the performances have been very good, I’m so happy with the performances," Pochettino said when asked about supporters' frustration.

"Yes, and if they want to listen, perfect. If not, what can I do? They'll keep booing. I'm giving my best to this team. But we cannot blame the fans. My message is: Okay, they need to show their frustration – through who? I prefer to me rather than to the team. I prefer that, I am strong. I am sure that in time we will change the perception.”

There have been rumours regarding Pochettino’s future in charge at Stamford Bridge, but latest reports have suggested that the Argentine will get until the end of the season. However, Chelsea appear to be drawing up a list of potential replacements, going off a new report.

Chelsea eyeing Roberto De Zerbi move

According to The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is a potential Pochettino replacement alongside Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim.

The Blues have history with Brighton, most recently securing a deal for head of recruitment Sam Jewell.

The report on De Zerbi states that he ‘could leave Brighton at the end of the season’ and is on Liverpool’s shortlist to replace Jurgen Klopp, whereas Manchester United are keen, should they sack Erik ten Hag.

De Zerbi has beaten both those Premier League managers in the past, alongside Mikel Arteta. He has also been praised by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who hailed the 4-2-3-1 boss last year.

"There is no team playing the way they play – it's unique. I had the feeling when he arrived the impact he would have in the Premier League would be great – I didn't expect him to do it in this short space of time.

"He creates 20 or 25 chances per game, better by far than most opponents. He monopolises the ball in a way it hasn't been for a long time. They deserve completely the success they have."

Ashworth pushing to sign £75m star for Man Utd after persuading Ratcliffe

Dan Ashworth is already pushing for a Manchester United move to sign a Premier League star, according to a new update.

Ashworth to Man Utd latest

It is no secret that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has wanted to bring in Ashworth from Newcastle United as the Red Devils’ new sporting director, with the 53-year-old currently on gardening leave at St James’ Park.

Nice owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Those at Old Trafford need to negotiate a deal with Newcastle for Ashworth, with journalist Ben Jacobs expecting a compromise to be reached between the two clubs.

"If Manchester United get to a point where they are prepared to wait, whether it gets done today, tomorrow or next week becomes less relevant because they have got more time.

"Everyone knows that Dan Ashworth will end up at Manchester United. His move to Old Trafford isn't really in any doubt, otherwise Newcastle wouldn't have announced that he was leaving. It's just a case of ironing out the club-to-club negotiations, and I eventually expect a compromise to be reached."

Report claims Man Utd are in talks with "unique" manager to replace Ten Hag

The Red Devils could make the change this summer.

ByBen Browning Mar 12, 2024

Should a move go through, Ashworth will be tasked with bringing in new players for Erik ten Hag, should the Dutchman remain in charge, and there have been rumours over a double deal for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana.

There has now been an update on the former of the two, with Ashworth getting involved.

Ashworth pushing to sign Branthwaite for Man Utd

According to Football Transfers, Ashworth is now pushing to sign Branthwaite for Man Utd after persuading INEOS and Ratcliffe that the 21-year-old is the player the club need to build their defence around.

Ashworth is hoping to conclude a swift deal, with those on Merseyside wanting around £75m for the centre-back, which could be broken down into £65m plus add-ons. Branthwaite has certainly caught the eye recently, with both Real Madrid and Tottenham also looking at the player.

Brighton 1-1 Everton

7.74

Everton 3-0 Newcastle

7.65

West Ham 0-1 Everton

7.64

Everton 2-0 Chelsea

7.46

Everton 0-0 Aston Villa

7.29

Nottingham Forest 0-1 Everton

7.25

He has been a regular under Sean Dyche and has come in for praise from Jamie Carragher, who said just last month: “I think he is [special]. And what is really special as well is the amount of centre-backs we have in the Premier League aged 21 or younger.

“I remember being a young lad going in myself at Liverpool and it’s an unforgiven position, I had to go to full-back for the next three or four years and then go back to centre-back, so you can see the quality we have.

“Branthwaite has been outstanding, Murillo I think has been outstanding. But I think this lad has been pretty special and he’s a big part of why in my eyes Everton still have a great chance of staying up, him and his partnership with Tarkowski.”

Alan Hansen's family release statement after Liverpool legend is discharged from hospital

Liverpool legend Alan Hansen has been released from hospital after a 'serious illness', with his family issuing a statement via the club's website.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Hansen admitted to hospital earlier in June
  • Liverpool legend discharged after treatment
  • Family release positive update
  • Getty Images/Goal

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    After Hansen fell unwell earlier this month, Liverpool confirmed rumours that had been circulating on social media about the 69-year-old's serious condition and need for hospital admission. The former Reds captain received messages of support from a number of English footballing icons including Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer as they wished for his good health. Hansen's family have now released a statement to confirm he has been discharged from hospital.

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  • WHAT THE STATEMENT SAID

    The statement released by Liverpool via their official website read: "Alan has been discharged from hospital today to continue his recovery at home.

    "Alan, Janet, Adam, Lucy and family would like to thank everybody for their wonderful messages of love and support. It has been overwhelming and has helped enormously.

    "We also hugely appreciate the ongoing respect that has been shown for our privacy as Alan continues his recovery.

    "Thank you."

  • Getty

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    After joining Liverpool in 1977, Hansen went on to appear in 620 games for the Anfield side, winning eight league titles, two FA Cups, three European Cups and three League Cups along the way. Following his retirement, he started a career as a commentator, rising to prominence on the BBC and Match of the Day. He eventually hung up his hat in 2014 following the World Cup final.

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  • WHAT NEXT FOR HANSEN?

    The Liverpool legend will likely continue his recovery at home. Earlier this week, his former Liverpool team-mate, Graeme Souness, revealed to talkSPORT that Hansen had been on the mend and was also able to make a few quips on Souness' behalf which could be taken as a positive sign.

Arsenal may already have their own Onana in 20 y/o sensation

It wasn't just a quiet transfer window for Arsenal in January; it was practically silent.

Like many of their closest rivals, Mikel Arteta's side opted not to make a single signing. Instead, they just sent a few youngsters out on loan and saved their funds for a potentially blockbuster summer – at least, that's the hope among fans anyway.

One of the players who was constantly touted for a move to the Emirates was Everton's midfield titan, Amadou Onana, and while the Arsenal faithful will be ruing the missed opportunity he represented, his absence could leave the path open for a promising all-action midfielder from Hale End.

Arsenal's pursuit of Amadou Onana

The Toffees' Belgian powerhouse has long been on the Gunners' radar, with stories of their interest popping up in January 2023, just half a season after the midfielder had signed for the club.

However, while the rumours have persisted ever since, they went into overdrive last month, with reports suggesting that to complete the deal, Arsenal might have had to pay a fee of up to £90m.

It seems as if the potential for an enormous price tag is precisely why the transfer never materialised, as with the Gunners – and many others – now acutely aware of how much bite the league's profit and sustainability rules have, it isn't worth the risk.

Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.

That said, it isn't all bad news, as one of Hale End's most promising youngsters is on the precipice of making the step-up, and in the absence of Onana, he might just get a chance.

Why Jack Henry-Francis could become Arsenal's own Onana

Jack Henry-Francis is one of Arsenal's most promising youngsters at the moment, and while it would be absurd to expect the 20-year-old to come into the first team this season and have the sort of impact a Premier League experienced 22-year-old Onana would have, there is nothing to suggest that he couldn't reach that level in the coming years – and at a substantially cheaper cost.

Now, the first similarity between the pair is where they play on the pitch. In 45 of the young Irishman's 60 games, he has started as a six; in 98 of Onana's 144 games, he has done the same.

Interestingly, the Ireland U21 star is far more of an attacking threat, with his seven goals and seven assists in just 60 games, meaning he averages a goal involvement every 4.2 games.

In comparison, the former LOSC Lille gem has scored 12 goals and provided five assists in his 144 games, meaning he averages a goal involvement every 8.47 matches.

Jack Henry-Francis' Youth Statistics

Appearances

60

Goals

7

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per game

0.23

All Stats via Transfermarkt

With the number of appearances he has under his belt for both the U18 and U23 sides combined with his effectiveness in front of goal all at the age of just 20, it's easy to see why Arsenal's former U23 manager, Kevin Betsy, told The Athletic that the youngster was doing "exceptionally well" back in 2022.

Arsenal may already have their own Douglas Luiz in "special" teenager

The youngster has been tipped for great things in North London.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Feb 2, 2024

Ultimately, Arsenal's talented young Irishman is not going to just waltz into the first team this season, nor should he be expected to, but his talent is undeniable and with the right coaching he could have an extremely bright future in the game; a future made all the more possible by the failure to sign Onana.

Tottenham have come knocking for rising star forward alongside Nusa

Tottenham may not be done after opening talks for Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa, as it is believed they're knocking on the door of another starlet.

Spurs eyeing deals for exciting young players

As previously reported by football.london journalist and Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold, the Lilywhites will continue to scour the market for some of Europe's finest talents.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

After signing Destiny Udogie and Pape Matar Sarr on buy-to-loan-back deals, two transfers which have proved to be roaring successes, Spurs will look to replicate that again.

As widely rumoured, Tottenham have opened negotiations to seal a deal for the aforementioned Nusa, and the move will be in a similar format to that of Udogie and Sarr.

"Spurs will continue to explore opportunities for young stars on the rise, with potential loan-back deals, as they did with players such as Udogie and Pape Matar Sarr," wrote Gold last week, expanding on interest in another talent they have their eyes on.

"Tottenham are among the Premier League clubs to have shown an interest in Norwich's talented winger Jonathan Rowe, but at this moment have not made a move for the versatile 20-year-old who has scored 12 goals and provided three assists in 28 matches this season.

Timo Werner

Arrival (loan, RB Leipzig)

Radu Dragusin

Arrival (permanent, Genoa)

Eric Dier

Exit (loan, Bayern)

Djed Spence

Exit (loan, Genoa)

Ashley Phillips

Exit (loan, Plymouth)

Sergio Reguilon

Exit (loan, Man United)

Japhet Tanganga

Exit (loan, Millwall)

Ivan Perisic

Exit (loan, Hajduk Split)

"Getting new faces in through the door at Tottenham in the coming weeks and this summer is going to be made easier by the football on offer and the promise of working with Postecoglou when targets see what he is doing with Spurs players across the age scale."

It appears Gold was correct in his information that technical director Johan Lange, chairman Daniel Levy and Chief Football Officer Scott Munn are planning for the future when it comes to new arrivals.

As well as Rowe and Nusa, a report from Turkey has now shared serious interest from Spurs in "rising star" Besiktas forward Semih Kilicsoy.

Tottenham "knocking on the door" for Kilicsoy

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Tottenham are "knocking on the door" for Kilicsoy alongside a trio of other top European sides – namely Aston Villa, Napoli and Borussia Dortmund.

Besiktas, though, will demand a club-record exit fee of around £22 million to part company with their talent.

While that fee is affordable from a Spurs perspective, the competition for his signature could potentially raise his price tag.

West Ham have also been credited with an approach for Kilicsoy by other media sources, coming as the 18-year-old bursts onto the scene in Turkey.

Indeed, the exciting Kilicsoy boasts five goals and two assists in just eight appearances so far this season, with all five of his strikes coming in his last four Turkish Super Lig outings.

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