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Man United Make Contact For "Tall" 21 y/o

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Manchester United have reportedly made contact over a move for midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, and Fabrizio Romano has shared Bayern Munich’s response.

Are Man United signing Ryan Gravenberch?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have been productive so far this summer by bringing in Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund in three separate big-money deals.

However, the club’s spending spree may not be over just yet, although any further business could depend on any outgoings.

One area of improvement could be on another midfielder, with Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat and Everton’s Amadou Onana just two players who have been heavily linked with an Old Trafford switch.

Ten Hag has previously worked with Amrabat, and Gravenberch has also featured under the United manager after coming through at Ajax. The 21-year-old made all of his Ajax appearances under Ten Hag, and it looks as if a reunion between the pair could be one to keep an eye on in the final weeks of the window.

After recent rumours of a Man United move for Gravenberch, Romano took to X to provide a further update on what he has heard regarding the midfielder’s future.

The transfer expert stated that both Manchester United and Liverpool called, and therefore made contact, to be kept in the loop over Gravenberch’s situation, however, it is believed that the German giants aren’t intending to sell.

“Manchester United and Liverpool called again this week to be informed about Ryan Gravenberch situation.

“Understand Bayern position remains the same as of today — no intention to sell Gravenberch. Both MUFC and LFC remain keen in case of last minute changes.”

ryan-gravenberch-transfer-liverpool-opinion-premier-league

Read The Latest Man United Transfer News HERE…

How tall is Ryan Gravenberch?

Gravenberch can play as a central or holding midfielder and stands at 6ft 2. He has come in for plenty of praise during his career so far, with former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann saying the player has ‘everything a footballer needs’, pinpointing his ‘fantastic’ dribbling ability.

“He has my complete confidence. He also knows exactly what he needs to fit our style of play perfectly. He has everything a footballer needs. He has a fantastic dribble and can play out under the pressure.

“Ryan is better than most other footballers in Europe his age. You must have patience. This is Bayern Munich. You have to be better than the other players because there is no reason for me not to field the best."

Meanwhile, Brian Tevreden, a coach who promoted Gravenberch to Ajax’s Under 15s team as a 12-year-old, compared the player to both Frank Rijkaard and former United man Paul Pogba due to his height and technical ability.

“Physically, I see Frank in him from back in the day because he’s tall and very strong. But technically, I would say he’s a better version of Pogba in his best days at Juventus, in terms of his technique and his presence on the pitch.”

His versatility and experience at the highest level for Ajax and Bayern Munich could make him a smart signing by the Red Devils to strengthen their midfield options even further, and by the looks of things, United are monitoring the situation.

Stress fracture leaves Roland-Jones' Ashes hopes in jeopardy

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Toby Roland-Jones’ Ashes hopes are in severe doubt after being diagnosed with a stress fracture of the lower back

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Sep-20174:34

Toby Roland-Jones on his Ashes hopes

Toby Roland-Jones’ Ashes hopes are in severe doubt after being diagnosed with a stress fracture of the lower back.Roland-Jones, who played no part in the latter stages of Middlesex’s victory over Lancashire at Lord’s, had been a near-certainty to be named in England’s squad for the tour of Australia that is due to be announced at The Oval next Wednesday.Instead, he has been left sweating on his role in this winter’s campaign, after Middlesex confirmed that he would be taking no part in next week’s final match of the County Championship, a potentially crucial relegation showdown against Somerset at Taunton.”Middlesex Cricket are extremely disappointed to announce that the result of the medical scan which Toby undertook yesterday has revealed that he has a stress fracture in his L5 vertebra [lower back], which will mean that he will take no further part in the domestic season for Middlesex.”It is a potentially bitter blow for Roland-Jones, who has impressed in his England career to date. He has claimed 17 wickets in four Tests, including a best of 5 for 57 on debut against South Africa at The Oval in August, and his combination of accuracy and bounce from a tall action would have made him a prime candidate for selection on Australia’s wickets.In Roland-Jones’ likely absence, therefore, and with Durham’s Mark Wood also struggling with injury, the biggest beneficiary could be the man who came to Middlesex’s rescue against Lancashire on Thursday. Steven Finn returned a season’s best 8 for 79 to secure a 36-run victory and, according to his Australian captain, Adam Voges, “bowled as well as I’ve ever seen him bowl”.”If he bowls like that, he should [be in the Ashes squad],” said Voges. “One-hundred percent. He had rhythm, his pace was up and his areas were good.”Finn, who has taken 125 Test wickets in a stop-start 36-match career, endured contrasting fortunes on England’s last Ashes tours. In 2010-11 he claimed 14 wickets in the first three Tests en route to England’s 3-1 series win, but in 2013-14 he was rendered “unselectable” after the collapse of his bowling action.”We’ll see what happens,” Finn said. “I’m pretty content with where my game’s at. I felt really good. I felt that my pace was there for most of the game. It’s up to the selectors and whoever picks the team to see who goes Down Under. It’s a really exciting opportunity and really exciting prospect to potentially – hopefully – be in the mix.”The out-and-out pace of Somerset’s Jamie Overton would have made him another prime contender for a seam-bowling berth in the Ashes squad, but for his own back problems. His twin brother, Craig, who was included in England’s T20 squad against South Africa but didn’t play a match, may also have moved up the pecking order.The typical recovery time for a stress fracture of the back is between six and 12 weeks. The first Test against Australia begins at Brisbane on November 23, in almost exactly two months.

Newcastle: Howe Closing In On £30m "Future Star" After Harvey Barnes

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of a defensive reinforcement ahead of the 2023/24 campaign…

What's the latest Newcastle transfer news?

According to The Guardian, the Magpies are set to sign Southampton right-back Tino Livramento during the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Saints are 'close' to selling the former Chelsea academy prospect to Eddie Howe's side, as they are currently struggling to hold on to their top talents following relegation to the Championship.

It states that the fee will be within the region of £30m, although it does not explain how much of that consists of add-ons or future instalments.

The Northern Echo have backed up this claim by stating that a fee is close to being fully agreed upon and that the young defender is poised to arrive at St. James' Park after the £38m deal for Harvey Barnes from Leicester.

How good is Tino Livramento?

A knee injury kept the 20-year-old ace out for 43 competitive matches between April 2022 and April 2023, which means that it is difficult to gauge where he is at from a performance perspective.

However, his prior form for Southampton in the Premier League and for Chelsea's academy suggests that there is a talented player to be unearthed, who would be perfect for Miguel Almiron at his best.

Livramento started 25 games as a teenager for the Saints during the 2021/22 top-flight campaign and showcased his defensive quality with 3.6 tackles and interceptions per match. Whereas, no Newcastle full-back managed more than three per game last season.

The England U21 international could, therefore, be an excellent defender for Howe due to his ability to cut out opposition attacks on a regular basis at Premier League level.

It could be difficult for teams to break Newcastle down on that flank as no Magpies attacker managed more tackles (1.4) or interceptions (0.3) per outing than Almiron last term, which shows that the ex-MLS star works his socks off for the team.

Newcastle winger Miguel Almiron.

However, it is Livramento's attacking potential that could make him the perfect partner for the Paraguay internation on the right wing.

The exciting Croydon-born youngster racked up 10 assists – more than any Toon player managed last term – in 26 appearances for Chelsea's academy during the 2020/21 season, which came after he produced four assists in six FA Youth Cup games the previous campaign.

These statistics suggest that Livramento – like talismanic Kieran Trippier, who led the club with seven Premier League assists, has the quality to bomb on from right-back to provide a threat on the overlap.

If Howe can help the English dynamo to translate his creative ability over to senior football then he could worry opposition defenders with his runs forward.

This could then make him the perfect foil for Almiron as the left-footed marksman, who was Newcastle's second-top league scorer with 11 goals last season, would be able to use Livramento's presence to cut inside onto his favoured foot.

Having a right-back with a big attacking threat would force the other team's left-back with a difficult choice to make. Unless their teammates help them out, they would either need to leave the current Saints gem in acres of space or allow Almiron to drift infield to unleash a shot with his left foot.

Therefore, signing Livramento, who has been dubbed a "future star" by ex-teammate Theo Walcott, could provide Howe with a dream pairing on the right flank from a defensive and attacking perspective.

Man United: Two parties feel they’re "quite close" to takeover

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Manchester United are in the midst of a takeover battle at Old Trafford and 'multiple parties' are still engaged with the process, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Who is going to buy Manchester United?

According to BBC Sport journalist Simon Stoney via Stretford Paddock, Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and his firm, the Nine Two Foundation, could turn their interest to elsewhere in the Premier League if their latest bid to buy Manchester United is turned down.

The offer in question is for 100% control of the club and would end any association that the Glazers have with Manchester United if it was to be officially ratified, as per Sky Sports.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his petrochemicals firm INEOS are Sheikh Jassim's main rivals to try and acquire the Premier League giants, though his bid will offer the Glazers the opportunity to keep a 20% stake in Manchester United.

Manchester United have to meet Financial Fair Play obligations this summer, so they will need to juggle their finances in order to get key targets over the line, according to The Athletic.

As per The Daily Express, player sales could be an important part of enabling Erik Ten Hag to complete transfer business this summer at Old Trafford.

Club captain Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Fred and Jadon Sancho have been earmarked as players that could depart as part of a mini-squad cull in the off-season, as per The Independent.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has detailed that 'multiple parties' are still engaged in the takeover process, though there is still no end in sight as of yet.

Jacobs told FFC: "The challenge for each of the suitors that have gone public, Sheikh Jassim and the Nine Two Foundation, is that they may feel six feet from the finishing line, but if their rival is only six inches, then that becomes irrelevant and that's the sort of situation we're in at the moment where each group feels they're quite close, but unsure whether their rival is even closer. Then, of course, the Glazers could just move the finishing line further back as well, so there's multiple parties still engaged."

What now for Manchester United?

In the midst of their takeover debacle, Ten Hag and his recruitment team will be solely focused on all things recruitment as he gears his side up for the new season.

Mason Mount has already completed a high-profile move to Old Trafford from Chelsea and made his debut for the club in a 2-0 friendly victory over Leeds United in Oslo, turning in a promising performance, as per The Guardian.

Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has taken to Twitter to signal that Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana is likely to be next in line to join Mount, stating: "BREAKING: Manchester United are now closing in on André Onana deal as final verbal proposal has been made during talks today. Understand it’s €50m fee plus €5m add ons. Structure of add ons being discussed then… done deal. It’s imminent, as expected."

Manchester United have failed with a players-plus-cash offer to Atalanta to try and entice their rising star Rasmus Hojlund to the Premier League and only want a cash deal involving the Denmark international, according to The Athletic.

A Bola via METRO claim that Porto striker Mehdi Taremi is another target to potentially strengthen Ten Hag's forward line, indicating that a busy few weeks will be in store at Old Trafford that could yield some movement on the transfer front.

No fixed timeline for Dale Steyn's comeback

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

CSA has set no timeline for Dale Steyn’s return to the national team after the fast bowler suffered another delay in his recovery from a shoulder injury

Firdose Moonda16-May-2017Cricket South Africa has set no timeline for Dale Steyn’s return to the national team after the fast bowler suffered another delay in his recovery from a shoulder injury and subsequent surgery in November.Steyn was to play two four-day matches for South Africa A in England as preparation for the Test series, but he revealed on Saturday that he was not going because he has not been able to bowl at all. He said he would target a county deal late in the English summer and try and be available for the home series against Bangladesh in September-October.CSA, though, decided not to create any further expectation on Steyn’s comeback.”Dale’s surgery was a resounding success and the bone has healed,” Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa’s team manager who is also a doctor, said at the team’s departure for England on Tuesday. “The challenge is to get the shoulder stabilised and strengthened, and that’s why there is a bit of delay with getting him on the park again.”What the medical committee has decided is that we are not going to set an artificial deadline or timeline as to when he is going to be playing. We will wait for when he is ready. We are hopeful he will be ready some time during the home series.”South Africa’s 2017-18 home summer includes ten Tests – two against Bangladesh, four against India pending confirmation, and four against Australia – as well as their new franchise T20 tournament, which will provide plenty of opportunities for Steyn.Although he is available for all formats, Steyn is likely to be more inclined to play Tests as soon as possible, especially as he is five wickets away from overtaking Shaun Pollock as South Africa’s leading wicket-taker. Steyn played only eight Tests since the start of 2015 and broke down in three of them.

The only other injury concern for South Africa at the moment is Faf du Plessis, whose shoulder will be assessed when the team arrives in the UK “There is a plan in place to have him ready for the first ODI but we are not sure of the warm-up games yet,” Moosajee said.Du Plessis is one of at least seven players who are likely to play all formats on the tour of England, along with Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and Morne Morkel. The 12-week trip is longer than any they have taken, and Moosajee said the management would seek out “creative and flexible” ways to give them down time.”Twelve weeks is unprecedented – we haven’t been on a tour that long,” Moosajee said. “Guys might come home for a week in between if time and space permits.”Du Plessis, South Africa’s Test captain, is the most likely to leave the tour at some stage. His wife, Imari, is 32 weeks pregnant with their first child, and du Plessis indicated he would like to return home for the birth. “I would like to be there for the birth of my first child so hopefully the timing works well,” he said.South Africa’s ODI captain AB de Villiers and his wife Danielle are expecting their second child but his participation in the Champions Trophy should not be affected because the baby is due later. South Africa have made a decision not to allow families to be with the players during the Champions Trophy.”It’s a really good move not to have family members for this tournament,” de Villiers said. “It’s a short tournament, only five games in total if we get to the final, so we are going to be focused on that.”

Williamson hits record ton, but Test in balance

by csb10.top Uncategorized


Live scorecard and ball-by-ball details1:47

Moonda: Williamson has established himself as a modern great

In another dimension, Kane Williamson would have the swagger befitting a man who became the fastest New Zealander to 5000 runs and their joint-highest century-maker all on the same day. In this one, he shies away from all praise. Perhaps, he suspects them to be in cahoots with those jilted awayswingers, always plotting against him just because they couldn’t entice his outside edge.South Africa tried for a good part of 73 overs to tempt him. There were bouncers that made the heart-rate flutter, reverse swing that melted the heart altogether, and sexy line and length as far as the eye could see. All of them, though, were brushed off by Williamson’s soft hands and straight bat. He was the boring husband-to-be at a raging bachelor party, and thanks to his discipline, New Zealand rose to a position of strength in the Hamilton Test. They went to stumps on 321 for 4, with a lead of seven runs. Provided rain stays away, the final two days of this decider promise a whole heck of a lot.Whatever the result, though, the fans at Seddon Park should toast to Williamson’s success. Playing his 110th innings, he conquered Mount 5000 with a pull shot for six. Then, off his 151st delivery, a friendly old full toss from part-timer Dean Elgar, he whipped a four through midwicket and celebrated hundred number 17. The late great Martin Crowe had held both those records for New Zealand all on his own. Now, they have been passed down to his heir apparent. An heir who is only 26 years old and is yet to hit the ages when a batsman is considered to be in his prime.At the other end was Jeet Raval, who made a career-best 88 off 254 balls, playing with nimble hands and steady feet. Over half his runs came behind the wicket as he enjoyed using the pace of the fast bowlers. Against spin, he dialled up midwicket, using his reach to get to the pitch of the ball and rolling his wrists over it. He deserved a century – not only would it have been his first, it would have been the first by a New Zealand opener against South Africa since 1953. But, towards the close, Raval became visibly bogged down, his concentration solely on being out there rather than scoring runs. He spent 25 balls on 83. He blocked full tosses. He could have got out to one. And, eventually, he was toppled by Morne Morkel with 14 overs to stumps. It was a gruesome end to a bloody-minded knock.Then, South Africa found a way back into the match, getting rid of Neil Broom and Henry Nicholls, picking them up and tossing them aside like they were unwanted toppings on a slice of pizza. They could have had Mitchell Santner too if Vernon Philander hadn’t overstepped off the delivery that flattened the off stump. And just like that – after hours and hours of it looking like New Zealand would sail ahead – the match was in the balance again.As expected on the third day of the Test, batting became slightly easier. The grass on the pitch had died out despite spending a lot of time under the covers. They got an additional one-and-a-half hours this morning to recuperate, but all for nought. So the bowlers had to rely on reverse swing. That was then torn out of their armoury by umpires Bruce Oxenford and Rod Tucker in the 59th over, prompted into checking the shape of the ball after Philander sent a throw on the bounce in an effort to rough up one side of the leather. Faf du Plessis was utterly unimpressed with the decision, and Philander, from that point on, underamed the ball in from the deep.Morkel took the 250th wicket of his career, exhibiting both his natural strengths and the experience he has gained over his 74 matches. He had seen Tom Latham quite content to leave everything outside off. So he went around the wicket to trick the left-hander into playing at something he shouldn’t. A ball that was coming in for three-fourths of the way, pitched, straightened and nabbed the edge through to the wicketkeeper. Quinton de Kock dived to his left to pick up an acrobatic one-handed catch to seal a passage of play from the top draw.Spin had started to have a say too, with left-armer Keshav Maharaj ripping it out of the footmarks. Williamson, wary of the threat, was quick to put him off his length, coming down the track several times, hitting a straight six in the process. Their captain’s aggression helped New Zealand not lose a single wicket to the turning ball. At the other end, Morkel created doubts in Raval’s mind over the position of his off stump from both over and around the wicket. Williamson, too, seemed to be hurried by deliveries that dipped and curled in at him, although remarkably, he was able to put a couple of them away for fours through square leg and midwicket.Yet, on a day when all of New Zealand’s top three made 50 or more for the first time at home, when they put on their third-highest partnership – 190 for the second wicket – ever against South Africa, their middle order put them back under pressure. Luckily for them, Williamson is so good at standing up to it.

Short balls make fuller ones more effective – Boult

by csb10.top Uncategorized

While the short-ball barrage that took out Mushfiqur Rahim was the most conspicuous aspect of New Zealand’s attack in Wellington, Trent Boult has said the reverse swing they achieved at Basin Reserve was also a valuable addition to an armoury well stocked with swing and bouncers.New Zealand used both reverse swing and the bouncer to skittle Bangladesh for 160 in the second innings, which turned the Wellington Test in the home side’s favour despite conceding 595 in the first innings.”A big positive from the Test match was that we got the ball to reverse swing eventually,” Boult said. “Australia, the last time they came, taught us a lesson on ways to bowl sides out on flat wickets.”Boult said the ability to bowl short deliveries effectively was an asset to a bowling attack because it made the full deliveries more dangerous. “I think the short ball is a valuable skill for a fast bowler. I think people have to realise why we are bowling short in the first place. It is to upset the batsman and get them struck on the crease to make the fuller ball more effective.”When you are bowling a short ball it is definitely not with the intention of hurting the batsman but to make your other skills more effective. I think it is a method that we have been using successfully for a while. I am sure there will be short-pitched bowling among the group, looking to put pressure on the opponents.”Boult said it could be difficult to keep facing deliveries aimed at the throat, but felt Bangladesh had coped well by playing aggressively whenever the shot was directed downwind.”It is a bit intimidating facing a barrage of short-pitched bowling. They played it nicely,” Boult said. “They looked to be aggressive towards it and picked their times downwind and into the wind on when to play the shots. I am sure they got plans in place to adapt to it.”Bangladesh’s chances in the Wellington Test took a severe blow when Mushfiqur retired hurt in the second innings after he was hit on the head by a bouncer from Tim Southee, who had been targeting the batsman with short balls to exploit his injured finger. Boult said the prolonged use of the tactic depended on how successful it was.”I think it depends on how the opposition played it. I think you are trying to read how uncomfortable they are feeling and the game plan they are bringing towards it,” he said. “The Australians have played it quite nicely. So you have to quickly change your plans.”We are hoping that it will be nice, seam bowling conditions [in Christchurch] where we can pitch the ball up and skin the cat a different way.”Tamim Iqbal, the Bangladesh opener who will be standing in as captain at Hagley Oval, said there was no reason to complain over the short deliveries.”I think short ball is part of the game. I can’t really complain about it,” he said. “If we feel that a certain batsman is not comfortable, we might use those tactics. It is fair game. I said in the last press conference, we expect these things in this part of the world. When New Zealand or any other team go to our conditions, they expect spin. I am sure they don’t complain about the ball spinning too much so why should we complain about bouncers?”

Leeds Eye "Powerful" £51k-p/w Rodrigo Replacement

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Leeds United have been a side never shy in front of goal, whether it be under the exceptional Marcelo Bielsa or even the struggling Jesse Marsch.

Even when trundling towards the drop last term, the Whites still managed to notch 48 goals, outscoring most of their relegation competition. This does mark a far cry from the 62 they scored during that imperious return to the top flight though.

rodrigo-leeds-united

However, recent reports have emerged suggesting that Rodrigo, their top scorer from that torrid later campaign, has a release clause of just €3.5m (£3m), making the Spaniard ripe for the plucking from Elland Road.

A huge chunk of that aforementioned figure could be set to depart.

Given he was initially bought for £27m, the club are set to make a monumental loss on the 32-year-old who offered a brief glimmer of hope throughout a dark and depressing year in Yorkshire.

To offset such financial failures, the 49ers will have to be shrewd in this summer window, likely scouring from within the Championship or the free-agent market to find their deals.

Fortunately, an option within the latter has come to light, with soon-to-be departing Lyon forward Moussa Dembele free from his £51k-per-week contract this summer, and reportedly on the list of Leeds' new ownership.

Could Moussa Dembele replace Rodrigo at Leeds United?

Having scored 13 league goals for a relegated side, Rodrigo has already proven himself a fine asset more than capable of starring in the top flight. His exit is almost a guarantee given the tiny fee attached to him.

However, this French forward could perhaps pose a fine alternative, despite the statistics of late suggesting a recent loss of form.

Just three goals in 23 Ligue 1 showings are a harsh indicator, given the form of Alexandre Lacazette ahead of him. The 26-year-old has only started eight games in the league.

As the machine-like striker in the season prior, he showcased his true talents by finding the net on 21 occasions, proving himself more than capable of leading the line. When handed confidence and a run of games, the former Celtic man has proven his talent in front of goal.

That spell in Scotland, where he would score 51 goals in just 94 games, saw Brendan Rodgers rush to praise him. The currently out-of-work manager claimed:

"Moussa has everything with his power and pace. It was a different sort of system and the boys looked a real threat and linked up really well.

“His opponent at centre-back was strong but Moussa is so powerful with ability, touch and work rate. He was excellent. I am very pleased to have him back and his contribution."

With the 49ers having inherited something of a mess in this Leeds team, still licking their wounds from a relegation that three different managers could not halt, they could offer some clarity by making a confident first foray into the market.

Not only would it mark a huge statement of intent, but it would also offer an immediate replacement should Rodrigo exit Elland Road.

Tottenham Could Appoint "Outstanding" Slot Upgrade

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a big boost in their pursuit of a new manager as they seek to swiftly move on from their Arne Slot disappointment.

What's the latest on Ange Postecoglou to Tottenham Hotspur?

That's according to The Mirror, which offered an update on a potential move to appoint Ange Postecoglou.

Whilst Slot seemed to have emerged as the frontrunner, with the Dutchman having since been ruled out of contention, it will be music to Daniel Levy's ears to hear that the Celtic boss is reportedly open to a switch should the Lilywhites come calling.

The highly ambitious nature of the Australian means such an opportunity would be hard to turn down, especially after he has arguably achieved all he can in Scotland.

As Slot has since tied himself down in Feyenoord for the foreseeable, this marks an outstanding alternative that could leave fans questioning why he was not top of the list in the first place.

Is Ange Postecoglou a good manager?

Whilst it might have been appealing to snag the title-winning Slot, it is easy to forget the fine work that Postecoglou has done in reinstating Celtic's dominance over Scottish football.

When he came in, Rangers had just ended their monopoly over the SPFL in embarrassing fashion, and they needed someone to immediately take them back to the top. However, few would have envisioned the 57-year-old would do it in such an emphatic way.

His side would lose three games in his first season, scoring 92 goals in 38 games whilst conceding just 22. This season has been arguably more impressive as they retained the trophy at a canter.

His 4-3-3 system worked wonders, and a possession-based style with high-octane pressing may be something the Spurs faithful would enjoy based on the grievances some had during Antonio Conte's reign.

Former Wales international John Hartson was quick to laud such a swift transition as they went on to reclaim the title from Rangers, suggesting that the experienced coach had been "outstanding" having "united the club". Levy will see the latter as an absolute must for his next appointment.

Even though Slot may have guided his team to silverware, they are neither the top scorers nor the best defence in their division. Both boast title pedigree, but only one had a philosophy that truly dominated.

arne-slot-tottenham-hotspur

To further emphasise this gulf in class, Postecoglou has maintained a 2.30 points-per-game average across his 111 games at the helm of Celtic. Despite being in charge of his team for just 100 games, Slot's average is 2.15 in comparison.

Whilst the Lilywhites fanbase was quick to lambast the hierarchy for their failures in securing the Feyenoord boss, and deservedly so, it has since become clear that he was merely using their interest to spur on a new contract.

They need someone wholly committed to the cause, willing to take their time and transform this sinking club back into a force to be reckoned with. Given his work in doing so at Celtic, and his reported desire to make the move happen, Postecoglou surely marks a far better alternative to Slot anyway.

Ange Could Land Spurs’ Next Defoe In £75k-p/w "Machine"

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Tottenham Hotspur can now look forward to the start of a new regime under newly-appointed boss, Ange Postecoglou, with the 57-year-old set to be tasked with reviving the fortunes of the club following what proved a rather dour, 2022/23 campaign.

One prominent issue that will be on the agenda for the former Celtic boss will be to secure a resolution regarding the future of talisman, Harry Kane, with the England captain having been linked with moves to both Manchester United and Real Madrid amid his expiring contract.

If the 29-year-old does opt to leave the Lilywhites this summer in search of a new challenge, Postecoglou will no doubt need to find a suitable replacement for the club's leading scorer ahead of the start of next season, with £60m addition, Richarlison, hardly looking like the man to fill the void after scoring just one league this season.

Amid the potential need to acquire a new centre-forward, recent reports in Spain suggested that Aston Villa marksman, Ollie Watkins has emerged as a possible target for the north London outfit, with the 27-year-old having enjoyed an impressive campaign with the Midlands side after bagging 15 top-flight goals.

The former Brentford ace – who has been valued at around £70m – has proven himself something of a "machine" in front of goal of late, according to iNews journalist, Daniel Storey, as he now boasts 40 league goals since the start of the 2020/21 season.

Interestingly, as far as Spurs supporters are concerned, the Englishman has been likened to a previously prolific striker who shone at White Hart Lane, in the form of Jermain Defoe, with pundit Trevor Sinclair stating back in 2020 that Watkins "reminds [him] of Defoe in and around the 18 yard box".

That comparison bodes well for the impact that the Villa man could make in the capital, with Defoe having been a truly clinical attacking weapon across his two spells at the club.

How good was Defoe at Tottenham?

Having begun life on the books at London rivals West Ham United – where he also scored 19 goals in 30 appearances while on loan at Bournemouth in 2000/01 – the now-retired ace was snapped up by Tottenham on a £7m deal in February 2004, before quickly endearing himself to Spurs supporters after bagging seven goals in just 15 league appearances in the second half of that season.

The 5 foot 7 menace would go on to score 36 league goals across the next three-and-a-half seasons before joining Portsmouth on an initial loan deal in 2008, albeit while then making a swift return to north London in the summer of 2009.

Tottenham's Jermain Defoe

That return paid instant dividends as the ace scored 18 goals during the 2009/10 campaign, helping to secure an overall tally for the club of 143 goals in 363 games in all competitions, prior to joining MLS side, Toronto in 2014.

An undoubtedly "prolific striker" – according to former boss Andre Villas-Boas – a key feature of Defoe's game was his ability to stretch a defence, with his former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard describing the Englishman's movement as "fantastic", while also stating that "he’s a dream for a midfielder because his movement tells you where to play the ball."

That quality is seemingly shared by his compatriot Watkins – as Sinclair alluded to – with journalist Josh Bunting having heaped praise on the one-time Exeter City man for his intelligence when leading the line:

"His movement opens up the centre-backs and it allows him to make those direct runs in between."

That likeness between the pair, due to their movement and finishing prowess, would seemingly suggest that Watkins could prove to be Tottenham's next Defoe, if Postecoglou does push for a move for the £75k-per-week speedster this summer.