Everton are among a host of clubs to have “called” about the availability of a “fantastic” attacking player, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Barry expected to oust Beto at Everton

The Blues have completed the exciting £27m signing of Thierno Barry from Villarreal, with the Frenchman feeling like a statement signing by The Friedkin Group and David Moyes.

The 22-year-old has replaced Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Everton, coming in to battle Beto for minutes, but journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that he will be the undisputed first-choice striker for the Merseysiders next season.

“Barry will be leading the line for Everton this season, I have little doubt. Will he start the campaign, I wouldn’t rule out Beto starting at this point, but Barry is going to be the main man long-term. Everton are so excited by this lad, he really is a great signing. There are few deals this summer that I have personally been more impressed by than this deal. We will have to see how he settles, but I don’t think it is going to take too long for him to be leading the line.”

Everton fans will hope that there are further signings to play alongside Barry, though, and a new update certainly bodes well in that respect.

Everton have "called" about £17m winger – Romano

Taking to X, Romano claimed that Everton have “called” about signing PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko in a potential £17.3m deal this summer, with many clubs in the same boat to sell the forward who PSV are “set to sell”.

Bakayoko is a player with so much long-term potential, having already racked up a tally of 33 goals and 22 assists in 131 appearances for PSV, as well as being hailed as a “fantastic” player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig last year.

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The 22-year-old also isn’t short of confidence, either, once talking up his hopes of winning the Ballon d’Or one day: “In the next five years, I want to be close to winning the Ballon d’Or. I’ll do my best and see where it can end, but I don’t want to give myself limits. I don’t want to say, ‘I remember when I won the Ballon d’Or’, or something like this. I want to keep going.”

A right-sided winger who can cut onto his left foot and wreak havoc, Bakayoko could be an ideal choice, adding similar quality to Iliman Ndiaye on the opposite flank.

Former opener also feels “home advantage in Australia has been taken away quite a lot”, particularly under lights

Vishal Dikshit21-Aug-2024

Unlike Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden couldn’t pick a favourite for the series in 2024-25•BCCI

Former Australia batter Matthew Hayden believes Australia’s home advantage “has been taken away quite a lot” in recent years, and that runs are going to come at a “premium” in the forthcoming five-match Test series between Australia and India to be played from November 2024 to January 2025.As for the nature of pitches at the five venues – Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney – Hayden said on the sidelines of the CEAT cricket rating awards that “three [Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne] out of five are drop-in wickets”.”One is a day-night Test match [in Adelaide] – the second Test match,” he said. “Again, once you get those overhead conditions under that twilight zone, they can be really difficult [to bat on]. I would go as far as to say that the home advantage in Australia has been taken away quite a lot, simply on the basis that if you get the wrong side of a certain session, be that you’re 4 for 130, at twilight you can be 8 for 150.Related

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“So there’s no chance to naturally dominate a game. It’s quite even the whole time, so it’s a very different type of cricket, because you don’t have those traditional surfaces.”Australia have not only lost their last two home series against India, thus losing their grip on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for ten years now, but also saw their fortress in Brisbane breached twice in three years: the defeat to India in January 2021 followed by one against a much lower-ranked West Indies in January earlier this year, which resulted in a 1-1 drawn series.That slim, eight-run loss to West Indies was also Australia’s first in a day-night Test after 11 straight victories.Expecting the upcoming contest against India to be an “unbelievable and historic series” between the top-two-ranked Test teams in the world, Hayden couldn’t pick a favourite for the series, unlike his former captain Ricky Ponting, who has pipped Australia to win 3-1.”Those two, coming now to the later pages of their career, will be keen to dominate” – Matthew Hayden on Virat Kohli and Steven Smith•BCCI

“You look at the line-ups, and it’s hard to really tell who’s got the edge,” Hayden said. “I sense that it’s going to be runs that are going to be the point of difference. So the best need to stand up in this series; runs are going to be at a premium. And I also feel like the structure of the tournament being from the west to the east is a bit of the unique way that the Australian landscape of cricket is going to be played out. It’s usually the other way around. It’s going to be a great summer.”For runs, a lot of eyes will be on the experienced Virat Kohli and Steven Smith – the leading run-scorers in Tests for their teams among active players, and also prolific scorers against the teams they’re going to face soon. While Kohli averages 47.48 against Australia and 54.08 in Australia, Smith averages an even better 65.87 against India.”I’m sure those two players, coming now to the later pages of their cricket career, will be very keen to dominate the landscape through the summer,” Hayden said. “That’s their nature: they do it in very different ways, [and] very different styles, but certainly, they really are the keys to the Australian summer.”Hayden also pointed out the kind of challenge India’s batters will have to face in Australian conditions because of the steeper bounce and the size of the grounds across the country. When asked about the kind of impact a young and promising batter like Yashasvi Jaiswal could make, as was pointed out by Nathan Lyon recently, Hayden said Jaiswal had “superb” strokeplay, but that he’ll be challenged by three “world-class speedsters”.”I think he’s a package,” Hayden said of Jaiswal. “Yes, his strokeplay is superb. His ability, in particular, to hit on the up through the covers is phenomenal. [But] that’ll also have its vulnerabilities. I’m looking forward to seeing how he adjusts on bouncy tracks. We did notice a few times in the IPL that he’s a very hard hitter of the ball – [with the] pull shots in particular.”But that’ll be challenged by three world-class speedsters, assuming they’re all fit, and on much bigger grounds as well – grounds where it has to almost be the perfect contact for that ball to sail over for six. You can get caught easily, three-quarters of the way in the fence. So they have little adjustments that world-class players like Jaiswal will make for sure.”

Aston Villa are in the market for reinforcements out wide due to Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio’s departures and could now be ready to strike for a replacement, according to a report.

Aston Villa in pursuit of arrivals after Marco Bizot announcement

Undoubtedly, the Villans have endured a stop-start beginning to the transfer window amid PSR uncertainty in the West Midlands. However, they now appear set to step up their business over the next few weeks.

With Emiliano Martinez’s future uncertain due to links with Manchester United, Unai Emery has signed Marco Bizot from Stade Brestois and he is keen to hit the ground running after sealing a move to Aston Villa.

He stated: “It’s an amazing feeling. I’m a little bit blown away by the professionalism of the club and the effort everyone put into it. I’m really proud and really happy to be here. It’s an amazing club, a big club, and it’s a dream to be at the highest level possible.

“The contact we’ve had in the last weeks has been of the highest level I’ve ever experienced in my life, and it made it an easy decision to join Aston Villa.”

Following on from their capture of the Netherlands international, Aston Villa have opened talks to sign Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott and he is enticed by the possbility of being able to take part in their Europa League campaign.

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Toulouse defender Jaydee Canvot is another name on the Villans’ radar, so there is plenty of plates starting to spin despite a slow start to the window.

Now, Aston Villa have turned their attention to a proven Premier League operator who has made a considerable amount of headlines in recent weeks.

Aston Villa now want to sign Alejandro Garnacho

According to The Daily Mail, Aston Villa have registered their interest in signing Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, initiating contact over his situation at Old Trafford.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the Argentina international, and it is said that he is keen to stay in the English top-flight rather than opting to move abroad.

Alejandro Garnacho’s key Premier League statistics – 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Chances created

37

Successful dribbles

26

Expected Goals tally

7.33

Shots

84

Shots on target

30

Labelled a “special player” by Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho registered 11 goals and ten assists in 58 appearances across all competitions last term, albeit he is now set for an exit from Manchester United after being banished from training with their first-team.

Atletico Madrid and Napoli are also previous admirers of the £70 million-rated Madrid-born man, though the fact he would prefer to stay in England could work in Emery’s favour.

It remains to be seen if Aston Villa can indeed push a deal over the line, but it would be a major statement of intent in their quest for the Champions League slots once again this term.

Sridhar comes with the experience of a long stint as India’s fielding coach

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Aug-2024The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has signed up R Sridhar as assistant coach for Afghanistan’s upcoming series against New Zealand and South Africa. Sridhar had served as India’s fielding coach from 2014-21, working as a part of Ravi Shastri’s support staff.Afghanistan, coached by former England batter Jonathan Trott, have a one-off Test against New Zealand in Noida from September 9, followed by three ODIs against South Africa in Sharjah from September 18.Related

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Sridhar, 54, is a former left-arm spinner who played for Hyderabad in the Indian domestic circuit in the 1990s. He began his coaching career in 2001, and went on to work at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, with the India Under-19s at the 2014 World Cup, and with Kings XI Punjab at the IPL, leading up to his long stint with India’s senior side. Sridhar is a Level-3 certified coach.The ACB said in a statement that Sridhar’s role with Afghanistan comes with the possibility of a longer-term contract in the future.

استنكر الإعلامي أحمد شوبير ردود أفعال جماهير الأهلي عبر مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، بعد تعادل الفريق أمام إنبي في الدوري، مشيرًا إلى أن إدارة النادي باتت تسير في كثير من قراراتها وفقًا لما يُطرح على تلك المنصات، خاصة فيما يتعلق بملف التعاقدات سواء مع اللاعبين أو المديرين الفنيين.

وقال شوبير عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الإثنين: “أنتم من طلبتم الصفقات، وأنتم من كنتم تحتفلون مع كل صفقة جديدة، تعاقد الأهلي مع أشرف بن شرقي فكان السؤال: من التالي؟ جاء الرد تريزيجيه، بعده بن رمضان، ثم زيزو، ومع كل صفقة كانت هناك احتفالات واسعة وشعور بالفخر، حتى أصبح الحديث أن القطار قد انطلق ولا أحد يستطيع الوقوف أمام الأهلي، كل ذلك تم بناءً على رغبة الجماهير”.

وأضاف: “حديثي اليوم سيكون واضحًا وصريحًا للغاية، الإدارة التي تبني قراراتها على طلب الجمهور تواجه أزمة كبيرة، المفترض أن القرارات تستند إلى الاحتياجات الفنية ورؤية المدير الفني، لا أن يرحل المدرب لأنه رفض صفقة معينة أو لا يرغب في إشراك لاعب بعينه، أصبحنا نكرر الخطأ نفسه، حيث تحولت القصة إلى فرحة عند تقديم اللاعبين الجدد، بينما المردود غائب”.

طالع أيضًا | محمود فتح الله: الأهلي يدفع ثمن خطأ فادح.. وتصريحات الإدارة “غير طبيعية”

وتابع: “الأهلي جمع 6 نقاط فقط من أصل 15، ويحتل المركز السادس عشر في جدول الدوري. صحيح أنه يملك مباراة مؤجلة، وإذا فاز بها سيقلص الفارق مع المتصدر إلى 4 نقاط، لكن ذلك ليس مضمونًا، فالأمور قد تتحسن أو تزداد تعقيدًا”.

وواصل: “مارسيل كولر مثلًا، حقق الدوري والكأس والسوبر والبطولات الإفريقية باستثناء لقب واحد، وخسر السوبر الإفريقي، ورغم ذلك تكوَّن رأي عام يطالب برحيله، فاستجابت الإدارة”.

وأردف: “رحل كولر وجاء عماد النحاس ونجح فكان لابد من استمراره. ثم تعاقدت الإدارة مع ريبيرو باعتباره مشروع مدرب، وبعد أربع أو خمس مباريات وهزيمة أمام بيراميدز، خرجت الجماهير لتطالب برحيله، فرحل بالفعل، ثم عاد النحاس، ومع التعادل أصبح الرحيل مطلبًا. وهكذا ندور في الحلقة نفسها”.

واستكمل شوبير تصريحاته قائلًا: “القضية الآن أن المدرجات لم تعد صاحبة القرار، بل أصبحت مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي هي التي تحكم. هذا سلاح قوي لا يمكن إنكاره”.

واختتم: “لدي صديق مثلًا، عندما يخسر الأهلي أو يتعادل أول ما يقوله: يجب أن يرحل المدرب. أسأله: هل من المنطقي أن يخسر مدرب مباراة أو مباراتين فنقول عليه أن يرحل؟ هناك شروط جزائية وأموال! فيرد: لا يهم، يجب أن يرحل. والمشكلة أن الباب فُتح منذ البداية، فأصبح القرار في يد السوشيال ميديا لا الإدارة”.

يستضيف فريق ريال مدريد، عصر يوم السبت، خصمه فريق إسبانيول في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، موسم 2025/26.

ويلتقي ريال مدريد مع نظيره إسبانيول، في الجولة الخامسة من الدوري الإسباني لذلك الموسم على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”.

ويسعى ريال مدريد إلى مواصلة سلسلة انتصاراته الناجحة في موسم الليجا تحت قيادة المدرب تشابي ألونسو، حيث يمتلك 12 نقطة في الصدارة.

ويفتقد ريال مدريد خدمات المدافع دين هويسن بسبب الإيقاف بعد طرده في الجولة الماضية أمام ريال سوسيداد، بخلاف ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد للإصابة، وكذلك أنطونيو روديجر. تشكيل ريال مدريد المتوقع أمام إسبانيول في الدوري الإسباني

حراسة المرمى: تيبو كورتوا.

خط الدفاع: داني كارفاخال، إيدير ميليتاو، راؤول أسينسيو، ألفاراو كاريراس.

خط الوسط: فيدي فالفيردي، تشواميني.

خط الوسط الهجومي: ماستانتونو، أردا جولر، فينيسيوس جونيور.

خط الهجوم: كيليان مبابي. 

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا.

You can almost physically feel the shift in mood and anticipation at Arsenal. With deals wrapped for Noni Madueke and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres (who has not formally completed his move), the frontline is reshaping before our eyes.

The pursuit of Sweden sensation Gyokeres felt to have gone on for an interminably long time. And it did. So lengthy was the saga that Gyokeres, with his express focus on transferring to the Emirates Stadium in spite of rival interest, was nearly hijacked on two occasions over the past week. He turned a blind eye to Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United both times.

Madueke’s arrival evoked less fanfare, but he’s a talented player and a fitting profile, one who will provide support for Bukayo Saka on the right flank.

Kepa Arrizabalaga saved three penalties in an exhibition shootout after the Gunners kicked off their pre-season tour with a 1-0 victory over AC Milan. Fellow new recruits Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard got their first tastes of action too.

The next phase in Mikel Arteta’s ambitious plan is coming together, but the Londoners may yet add more to their ranks as they look to end five years without silverware.

What's next for Arsenal

With a deal for Gyokeres done and dusted, Arteta finally has the free-scoring centre-forward he has sought over the past several years.

But more is needed. Cristian Mosquera’s transfer from Valencia to north London remains incomplete, albeit all but wrapped up. There are not expected to be any eleventh-hour issues regarding either of the club’s outstanding bids.

With Chelsea closing on a deal for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, Arsenal may soon accelerate their interest in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that talks are ongoing between Arteta’s side and the player’s camp.

And then there are the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to contend with. Either could be playing elsewhere a few months from now.

Should that be the case, the Gunners will need a new left winger. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has emerged as a top target in recent weeks, though he would cost around £87m and is coming off the back of a disappointing campaign, going 17 matches for Los Blancos without a goal.

However, Rodrygo is not the only talented wide winger on Arteta’s list.

Arsenal looking at deal for Premier League winger

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal “are looking” to complete a deal for Anthony Gordon this summer, with reporter Charles Watts confirming that technical director Andrea Berta is still keen on signing a left-sided forward before the summer’s out.

Gordon, 24, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s leading wingers over the past few years, and Newcastle United know it. Thus, he has been priced at a rather lofty £100m, though Arsenal would surely seek a reduced fee.

An out-and-out winger with impressive athleticism, the England international is also being pursued by Liverpool, who may accelerate their interest if the £70m-rated Luis Diaz is sold to Bayern Munich.

Why Arsenal should sign Anthony Gordon

Off the bat, Gordon has a wealth of experience in the Premier League – and that matters. Many are the talented players who have entered England’s top flight with much hype only to struggle against the current.

Rodrygo, of course, isn’t a nobody, and he hasn’t won two Champions League titles and risen to a position as one of Europe’s leading forwards to be told that he doesn’t have what it takes to impress in a robust and fluent Arsenal side.

But Arteta needs to choose wisely if he is to bridge that canyon and cross past Liverpool, all the while keeping Manchester City and a growing force in Chelsea at bay. And others.

Describing himself as a “nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, Gordon has what it takes to elevate Arsenal’s frontline higher, with his balance and pace and tenacity all exactly what is needed to serve Gyokeres at number nine and contrast with Saka out on the right.

For a range of reasons, Gordon didn’t reach his finest level last season. However, the previous term was one of great individual merit for the Three Lions star, who was awarded Newcastle’s Player of the Year award after clinching 28 goal contributions across the season.

Looking at that high level against Rodrygo’s in La Liga, we begin to see why Arsenal are considering a move for the Magpies man in spite of Rodrygo’s ostensible availability.

Stat Comparison – Anthony Gordon vs Rodrygo

Stats (* per game)

Gordon (23/24)

Rodrygo (24/25)

Matches (starts)

35 (34)

30 (22)

Goals

11

6

Assists

10

5

Shots (on target)*

2.3 (0.9)

1.8 (0.7)

Big chances missed

9

1

Pass completion

82%

91%

Big chances created

16

5

Key passes*

1.6

1.6

Dribbles*

1.5

1.6

Ball recoveries*

3.6

2.4

Tackles + interceptions*

1.8

1.1

Duels won*

5.3

3.8

Stats via Sofascore

Rodrygo, no doubt, is an elite forward, crisper than Gordon in possession and more clinical in the final third. However, they are both creatively on par, and the Newcastle star’s work rate and combativeness are underlined by his duel and ball recovery metrics.

From this, we can see why he ranks so highly on Arsenal’s analytical findings. Let’s hypothesise for a moment: if Gordon plyed his trade at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Rodrygo at St. James’ Park, can we honestly surmise that the data would remain in the same frame?

Arsenal’s transfer activity this summer bespeaks improvements up top, and Gordon would be the cherry on the cake. Moreover, he would find that he could lift himself to the next level under Arteta’s wing, part of an ever-improving side that is so hungry for that final piece of the puzzle.

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In the aftermath of a match that forced India to play an extreme kind of Test cricket – scoring their first-innings runs at almost nine an over and declaring after 34.4 – to secure the result they wanted because of days lost to rain and poor drainage in Kanpur, there has been a heightened focus on whether Test match cricket in India needs to be held at only the major centres. R Ashwin weighed in on that debate on Monday at the end of play.”Firstly, what are the benefits that Indian cricketers has attained by having so many Test centres is you have got cricketers who come and play Test cricket from every nook and corner of this country,” he said. “It is a huge country and it has triggered that sort of urgency and that sort of passion amongst cricketers to be able to come and play for this country. That is a big positive.”The second is there are certain requisite ingredients that goes into making a Test match happen, like for the weather and the kind of drainage that we need to be able to invest on. These are no-brainers.Related

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“But having said all this, does it help a player if you have just a few Test centres? Most certainly it does. Because when we go to Australia, they play India only at five Test centres. They don’t play us at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. They don’t play us at any of the other venues where they won’t be very familiar with the conditions. So do England. They have certain select Test centres and that’s where they play. Some of those are only white-ball centres. Can we do it here? That’s above my pay grade. I cannot comment on that.”What Ashwin had strong words on was the quality of India’s bowling attack. No one took more than three wickets in either of the innings, but collectively, they bowled Bangladesh out in just 121.2 overs.”Each one of those bowlers that bowled along with me, alongside me, have the ability to hold on to a game, bowl with discipline and yet produce wicket-taking balls,” he said. “When we talk things like this, we have to be able to understand the finer nuances of the game to get what I am saying. It is not just their ability alone, it is also the belief of the entire team.R Ashwin finished the Test series with 11 wickets•BCCI

“When Rohit [Sharma] says that you make 400 [to the batters], try and make a game out of it, it tells you that the captain believes the bowlers will get the job done. I believe in my bowlers. These bowlers have done it day in and day out. And they have the ability to pick 20 wickets. So, having that as one, you will encounter situations where batters do dominate against our bowling attack as well. It is only given in this game. But the bowling attack is quite special. And I really do hope that this legacy of bowling is taken forward.”India have the comfort of playing both Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in Test matches at home. In less than two months, they’ll be flying to Australia where it is very likely that they’ll have to choose between the two of them. How do they cope with that situation?”It is very simple for me. If he plays, I will bad mouth him all day, all night,” Ashwin joked. “I have repeated this again and again. It doesn’t cross my head anymore at all. If he is the one that has to play, he is the one that has to play. I have complete faith and I have got his back when he goes out there to play. Going to another country, especially a country like Australia or England, and your team putting in an extraordinary performance and you winning a Test match, makes me an incredibly proud Indian. So, for me, [it’s about] putting a larger cause in front.”He is the second left-arm spinner to 300 wickets. I think he has got 3000 runs. These are no mean achievements. It is just that sometimes when you miss out, you feel you are missing out. And nobody likes missing out. But the fact is, India is blessed to have two bowlers who can play in the same spot and are good enough. So, it doesn’t cross my mind. It used to once upon a time. I might be lying if I said I didn’t because we all want to play. But it doesn’t anymore. Because the larger goal is at the forefront of my mind.”

A £12,000-a-week Celtic player is eager to seal a move away from Parkhead this summer and looks set to get his wish with a transfer agreement now reached.

Celtic’s 2025 summer signings so far

The Hoops have been busy during the summer transfer window as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to maintain their Scottish Premiership dominance during the 2025/26 season.

Four new signings have been made so far, including permanent deals for Benjamin Nygren and Callum Osmand from Nordsjaelland and Fulham respectively.

Meanwhile, there have also been returns to Celtic Park for left-back Kieran Tierney and goalkeeper Ross Doohan, with Rodgers hailing the Scottish duo recently upon his return to Lennoxtown.

“For Kieran, I’m absolutely delighted. We’re getting a top player back. Sometimes top players like that might come later on in their career, but we’re getting Kieran at 27 years of age. I was with him during the summer so I know first-hand how excited he is to be here.

“And it’s great for Ross to be back. He was here during my first spell and he left to go and gain experience. He’s an international goalkeeper now. He answered the call and got his cap, which is absolutely brilliant. I know where his heart is and I know that in bringing him back to here, he’ll make a real good contribution in that goalkeeper department for us.”

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However, with four players already through the door, there will also be some Lennoxtown departures. Greg Taylor and Scott Bain have both left after their contracts expired, joining PAOK and Falkirk, and by the looks of things, Celtic are about to cash in on 24/25 star Nicolas Kuhn.

Kuhn desperate to leave Celtic as £17m+ agreement reached

As per Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Kuhn is on course to leave Celtic for Serie A side Como, with a medical booked for next week.

An agreement worth €20m (£17.2m) was struck on Thursday, and Kuhn will sign a four-year deal with Cesc Fabregas’ side. Bundesliga side RB Leipzig were also keen on Kuhn, however, the £12,000-a-week Celtic star was ‘desperate’ to leave Scotland for Como.

Described as a pathetic fee by a Celtic media outlet, Kuhn was only signed by the Hoops for £3.5m back in 2024, so they are in line to make a significant profit.

In the German’s first full season at Celtic Park, Kuhn scored 21 goals and registered 15 assists, so it isn’t a shock that he would attract interest, and now we could see Nygren look to fill the void left by Kuhn.

Tottenham Hotspur are set for a huge transfer window this summer, especially if they are to avoid a repeat of the 2024/25 campaign in the Premier League.

The Lilywhites ended the previous season in 15th place, an unacceptable finish given the stature of the club, resulting in Ange Postecoglou losing his job in North London.

Thomas Frank was appointed as his successor, with the board already handing him the funds for the £55m transfer of Mohammed Kudus from city rivals West Ham United.

Further ambition has already been shown by triggering Morgan Gibbs-White’s release clause in his Nottingham Forest contract, but a deal now appears to be on hold at present.

Despite the aforementioned deal now not progressing, the same can’t be said for multiple other transfers, with work being conducted for further additions.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Conor Gallagher has once again emerged on Spurs’ radar this window, after previously trying to land the former Chelsea talent during last summer’s market.

However, despite moving to Atlético Madrid less than a year ago, he could once again be on the move, as contact has been made between the Lilywhites and the Spanish club.

He’s not the only player who’s currently on the club’s shortlist this window, with Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi also under consideration, according to journalist Duncan Castles.

He claims that Frank’s side have already made a club-record bid for the Ukrainian centre-back, who made 36 appearances in the Premier League last campaign.

However, Castles also confirmed that PSG are also firmly in the race for the 22-year-old’s signature, which could spark a potential bidding war for his services in the near future.

Why Spurs’ latest target is a bigger talent than Vuskovic

Over the last couple of years, Spurs have put a real focus on investing in youth talent to try and keep one eye on future success as well as their current ambitions within the Premier League.

One player who they’ve recruited in such a focus is centre-back Luca Vuskovic, after he agreed to move to Spurs back in September 2023 for a reported £12m from Hajduk Split before two loan spells at Radomiak Radom and Westerlo.

He spent the 2024/25 season on loan at the latter, starring in Belgium, registering seven goals across all competitions before returning to the Lilywhites for pre-season this summer.

He’s already wasted no time in making his mark in Frank’s side, notching a goal and an assist in the victory over League One side Reading on Saturday afternoon.

It remains unclear whether he will stay in North London for 2025/26 or if he will be sent out on loan again, but he may struggle to get into the side should the hierarchy complete a deal for Zabarnyi.

When comparing their respective figures from the recent season, the Cherries star has dominated the youngster, undoubtedly making him a bigger talent for the club in the immediate future.

Zabarnyi, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by journalist Josh Wyatt, has completed more passes and completed more passes into the final third per 90, having the tools to play out from the back if needed.

Games played

36

28

Minutes played

3109

2474

Pass accuracy

85%

84%

Passes into final third

4.9

4.8

Take-on success

67%

65%

Tackles won

1.1

0.5

Interceptions made

1.2

0.9

Clearances made

6.6

5.2

He also won more tackles per 90, along with more interceptions made 90, handing the side the defensive quality needed to strengthen the backline in 2025/26.

The youngster’s dominance across all areas of the pitch is further highlighted in his tally of take-ons completed, and more clearances made – with his all-round talents fitting perfectly into Frank’s ethos.

£60m may appear to be a mammoth figure for Zabarnyi’s services, it’s one that could prove to be worth every penny should he carry his talents over from the south coast.

Whilst Vuskovic is evidently a hugely talented player, he may have to wait his time to make an impact in North London, especially if a deal is completed for the Ukrainian’s services this window.

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