In a move that could see Patrick Dorgu lose his place just a few months since arriving, Manchester United are reportedly contemplating a quick summer move to sign a new wing-back, who’s worth around £30m.
Amorim proves his worth with Europa League final gesture
It’s a make-or-break week for Manchester United, who enter the Europa League final with everything on the line. Yet, it’s not just been about the action on the pitch so far this week. Instead, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures have stolen the headlines once again, with reports revealing that first-team staff won’t receive complimentary tickets to the final and players will be limited to just two tickets each.
With players reportedly left angered by the decision, Ruben Amorim has been forced to step up and pay for 30 of his backroom staff to attend the all-important game against Tottenham Hotspur next week.
When questioned on his classy gesture, the Manchester United boss told reporters: “To start with that [paying for staff], the situation is simple. You know we had a lot of things, people leaving, a lot of changing in the staff.
“In this moment, for our club, sometimes it’s hard to understand when to give, when to take, to respect the people we are taking their jobs in certain moments to survive and to rebuild.
“It’s hard and it’s complicated for the club to start giving to other members of staff, so it’s a really hard position. Then, that situation was explained and in that moment my reaction was to help because it’s not going to change my life.
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“To help the staff be there and to be comfortable, to be better staff for the final. Then, they talk to the players and the players had the same reaction. Everybody wants the staff there the families there. But it’s hard to manage things in our club, so it’s a simple thing.”
Man Utd alerted to Vanderson availability
Despite those cost-cutting measures and a tough Premier League campaign, however, INEOS could yet welcome a number of reinforcements this summer. According to GiveMeSport, Manchester United are now contemplating a move to sign Vanderson from AS Monaco, with Amorim alerted to the wing-back’s £30m availability when looking ahead to his first full season in charge.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Vanderson
Patrick Dorgu
Minutes
2,019
2,502
Assists
3
1
Tackles Won
48
46
Ball Recoveries
149
126
Described as “rare” and “unique” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Vanderson has outperformed Dorgu in a number of key areas this season and could be the perfect counter-balance on the opposite flank to the former Lecce star.
Meanwhile, Amorim certainly wouldn’t complain about having another wing-back at his disposal in a system which desperately falls back on the role at times.
Glasgow Rangers’ 2024/25 season is finally over. Truth be told, it was over once the Ibrox side were knocked out of the Europa League in April.
For Barry Ferguson, his interim spell at Rangers may have produced a few moments of magic, but he said his goodbyes following the 2-2 draw against Hibs at the weekend.
Now, the 49ers will be looking to bring in a new permanent manager ahead of pre-season. If they get the decision right, the Gers could challenge Celtic for domestic success next season.
Yet another wrong managerial appointment, however, and the club may have to get accustomed to finishing second in the Premiership.
Rangers interim managerBarryFergusonbefore the match
One thing the Light Blues haven’t done well over the years is selling their prized assets when the iron is hot.
This has seen plenty of big-name players leave the club for nothing, or for pennies, since Steven Gerrard departed in November 2021.
Rangers' financial mistakes in the transfer market
Giovanni van Bronckhorst may have sold Nathan Patterson, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey for big fees all within six months of each other but sadly, they have been rareities.
Indeed, these are the only significant sales the Ibrox side have made since returning to the top flight in 2016. Compare this to Celtic’s record in the market, and it is night and day.
Players released by Rangers since 2022
Player
Year released
Borna Barisic
2024
Ryan Jack
2024
John Lundstram
2024
Kemar Roofe
2024
Jon McLaughlin
2024
Alfredo Morelos
2023
Ryan Kent
2023
Scott Arfield
2023
Alan McGregor
2023
Filip Helander
2023
Andy Firth
2022
Jack Simpson
2022
Leon Balogun
2022
Jake Hastie
2022
Via Transfermarkt
Two of the club’s biggest commodities – Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos – were somehow allowed to run down their contracts towards the end of the 2022/23 season.
At the time, Morelos was valued at €6m (£5m) and Kent €9m (£7.5m), meaning that if Rangers wished to cash in, they would have got a decent figure for either player.
This proved to be a costly financial decision. As did buying players such as Sam Lammers for £3m and Danilo for a reported fee of £6m. At the time of writing, the duo have only managed to score 14 goals between them.
Alfredo Morelos
Hopefully, new ownership means better decisions will be made in the transfer market. With new signings, money should be invested in younger talents who have the potential to generate massive profits in the next few years.
Regarding outgoings, players should be sold when they are at the peak of their powers, thus funding the arrival of more talent, meaning the cycle can continue.
While supporters don’t want to see the club’s best players leave Ibrox, sometimes it is necessary for further improvement.
With this in mind, the new manager could do worse than aim to receive a massive fee for striker Hamza Igamane, especially as he has caught the eye of clubs down south.
The latest on Hamza Igamane's Rangers future
The Moroccan centre-forward was certainly an unknown quantity when he arrived in Glasgow last summer.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Nearly a year later, he has proved many people wrong, finishing the season with a tally of 16 goals and three assists. The youngster even gained his first senior cap for Morocco in the process.
The Europa League proved to be a happy hunting ground for the attacker, scoring four goas and grabbing an assist across ten games in the competition.
His effort against Tottenham Hotspur looked like it was enough for the Gers to seal all three points, but his performance did generate interest from the Premier League.
Indeed, it was reported after the game that Everton had sent scouts to monitor him against Spurs and were suitably impressed with his display.
Recently, French side Strasbourg have been linked with a move for the striker ahead of the summer transfer window.
Hamza Igamane
If Rangers do decide to sell, they must aim to get as big a fee as possible. Igamane won’t be the only player attracting attention in the summer, as Nicolas Raskin will be in high demand when the window opens.
Why it's the right time to sell Raskin
The Belgian midfielder returned from an injury that derailed his opening weeks of the campaign to emerge as one of the club’s best players.
Raskin was superb throughout the league campaign, managing to create nine big chances for his teammates, while averaging 1.3 key passes and succeeding with 68% of his dribbles per game.
Defensively, the midfielder was imperious, winning 6.6 total duels per game – a success rate of 66% – while also making 2.8 tackles, 0.6 interceptions and recovering 5.6 balls per match.
Operating from the heart of the midfield, Raskin’s abilities at both ends of the pitch have been on display for the Gers and this has attracted plenty of attention in securing his services this summer.
At the start of May, both Aston Villa and Leeds United were reportedly showing plenty of interest in bringing the former Standard Liege midfielder south of the border.
Not looking to repeat previous mistakes in the transfer market, the Light Blues have reportedly valued Raskin at around £20m, meaning they could generate a big profit on their initial £1.2m investment. If a club comes in with an offer of this magnitude, or perhaps even higher, then they must be ready to cash in.
Of course, he could get better, but right now, the iron is hot, and this money could be used to reinvest in the playing squad.
Raskin began to shine during Ferguson’s interim spell between February and the end of the season, leading journalist Scott Bradley to heap praise on the Belgian who said that Raskin “has been a different animal since Barry Ferguson has come in.”
A has a big future indeed, especially considering Premier League sides are keeping a close watch on him ahead of the transfer window opening.
Rangers simply have to sell players when they are just at the peak of their talents. It might not always be possible, but letting quality players run down their contracts isn’t going to work from now on.
Igamane and Raskin are two prized jewels in this current Rangers squad. If the new manager is able to get £40m or more both, it would certainly be considered excellent business.
Not just Butland: Rangers flop may have played his last game at Ibrox
Several Rangers players wont be at the club next season after the 2-2 draw with Hibs.
Manchester City have now identified a “sensational” Premier League star as a priority target for the summer transfer window, as he would be a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s system, according to a report.
Man City need "full reset" this summer
The shock 1-0 FA Cup final defeat against Crystal Palace capped off a disappointing season for Man City, although Guardiola has defended the disappointing campaign by referencing the fact they won the Community Shield against Manchester United back in August.
That said, Gary Neville has long held the belief the City boss will need to overhaul his squad this summer, saying: “This will be painful for Man City but maybe Pep Guardiola needs it, maybe the club needs it. A full reset.
“Pep Guardiola is going to have to build a brand new title-winning team. He knows what one looks like, that’s for sure.”
The rebuild initially got underway during the January transfer window, with Kyle Walker leaving on an initial loan to Serie A giants AC Milan, which has led to Matheus Nunes, a midfielder by trade, filling in at right-back on a number of occasions.
Man City's "exceptional" star is finished at the Etihad if Reijnders signs
Man City could be set to move on a few players this summer
ByRoss Kilvington May 20, 2025
According to a report from Spain, however, Man City are now looking to bring in a long-term replacement for Walker, having now identified Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento as their priority target.
One bonus to signing Livramento is that he ‘would fit perfectly’ into Guardiola’s system, and City are willing to make a big bid to get a deal over the line, but his current employers are not willing to let the full-back leave without a fight.
Livramento could be "sensational" signing for Man City
The right-back is still only 22-years-old, but he has already built up a great deal of Premier League experience, establishing himself as a vital player for the Magpies this season, making 44 appearances in all competitions.
The England international, who set Newcastle back £40m in August 2023, has certainly justified his price tag since arriving at St. James’ Park, with club legend Alan Shearer lauding him after a “sensational” display against Manchester United last season.
Alexis Mac Allister challenges Tino Livramento
In the same game, the former Southampton man was lauded for his speed by reporter Henry Winter, indicating he could be a like-for-like heir for Walker, who is also well-known for his recovery pace.
As such, there are clear signs that Livramento could be the perfect addition for Man City at right-back, but Guardiola’s side may have to qualify for the Champions League to stand a chance of prising the defender away from Newcastle this summer.
Nottingham Forest are set for a quick summer turnaround and are now closing in on a triple signing to bolster squad depth at the City Ground, according to a report.
Nottingham Forest eye extra bodies to juggle upcoming schedule
Despite a valiant push for a top-five finish and subsequent Champions League qualification, Nuno Espirito Santo will be the first to admit that his side ran out of steam towards the end of the Premier League season.
Two wins in their final six top-flight matches wasn’t enough to guarantee a shot at Europe’s elite competition, but a place in the Europa Conference League was still a magnificent outcome in the end all things considered.
Nevertheless, making sure they have enough to go the distance now appears to be the priority ahead of next term, and the Tricky Trees’ pursuit of Manchester City star Jack Grealish could grease the wheels for an exciting ride over the next few months.
On the flip side, Morgan Gibbs-White is reportedly wanted by the Citizens as part of a swap deal involving both England internationals, illustrating that high-profile interest in key performers is never far away after a campaign to remember.
Nuno has made it clear that a new winger could be brought in at the City Ground, judging by recent signals, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee Kang-in and Freiburg wide-man Ritsu Doan also in the discussion.
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Rennes captain Adrien Truffert could come in to widen Nottingham Forest’s pool of options at left-back. On the same token, centre-back could be an area where work occurs amid links to Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah.
Wasting no time on recruitment, the Tricky Trees are now close to a triple deal that could see both their forward line and rearguard concerns addressed.
Nottingham Forest poised to sign trio of Botafogo stars
According to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest are set to sign Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha and Cuiabano from Botafogo in a triple deal to kickstart a busy summer in the East Midlands.
Jesus is a striker by trade and can also operate on either flank, while Jair is a central defender and Cuiabano is a left-back capable of roaming further forward when needed.
Nottingham Forest-linked trio’s statistics in 2025 – all competitions
Igor Jesus
Jair Cunha
Cuiabano
Appearances – 23
Appearances – 17
Appearances – 21
Goals – 7
Goals – 0
Goals – 2
Assists – 1
Assists – 1
Assists – 3
Labelled the “complete package” by Tim Vickery, Jesus has been capped four times by Brazil and is the star performer of the trio, as Sky Sports report he is “one of the most exciting strikers in South America”.
Brighton & Hove Albion saw two bids turned down for Cuiabano earlier this year, but he too appears poised for a move to the City Ground. Off the back of Botafogo’s title-winning success last term, Nottingham Forest have spied an opportunity to offer three of their key assets a shot at Premier League stardom, which many will herald as astute business if even two of them hit the ground running next term.
Chelsea are continuing to work on their summer recruitment plans, even after the pre-Club World Cup transfer deadline passed at 7pm on Tuesday, with manager Enzo Maresca still able to add new players to his squad midway through the tournament.
How Chelsea can still introduce new signings for the Club World Cup
It was thought that the mini-summer window, which opened from June 1 to June 10, would be Chelsea’s only opportunity to strengthen ahead of their CWC campaign.
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It was, after all, why the window was introduced in the first place – to hand competing teams a chance to register new players after long and gruelling 2024/2025 campaigns.
However, as per Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol in the last few days, Chelsea and other sides taking part in the tournament will also have a unique registration period to benefit from midway through the CWC.
Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season
Average match rating
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
From June 27 to July 3, just after the group stages finish, teams will be given the chance to add new players to their CWC roster – which allows Chelsea to introduce new signings who could take part in the knockout phase – if they indeed make it that far.
Chelsea missed out on deals for both AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens before the pre-CWC window deadline, with the west Londoners walking away from the former after refusing to meet Milan’s asking price.
Chelsea made three last-minute bids for Gittens as well, but none of them could satisfy Dortmund, who kept demanding more and more money for the English sensation.
It is unclear whether Chelsea will maintain their pursuit of Gittens in time for the CWC unique registration period starting on June 27, but they could perhaps turn to Eintracht Frankfurt sensation Hugo Ekitike instead.
Chelsea in ongoing talks for Hugo Ekitike after pre-Club World Cup deadline
There are reports that Chelsea believe Ekitike could eventually rival Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, which is how highly they rate the Frenchman after his exceptional 22-goal campaign.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea are maintaining talks for Ekitike, despite failing to sign him in time for the CWC, so he’s still very much “one to watch”.
“Chelsea and Ekitike remain in talks for the summer transfer window – but Liverpool are still in the race,” said Plettenberg.
“One to watch in the coming weeks.”
The 22-year-old is very highly-rated, with ex-Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder even calling him a blend of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, so Ekitike could well be worth the punt – but not for his ridiculously high price tag of around £84 million.
“I think he’s a mix between Neymar and [Kylian] Mbappé. I sincerely think so,” said Sneijder.
“He has the grace of Neymar, but also the movements of Mbappé. To suddenly accelerate, that’s something that Mbappé also has. And he’s only 22 years old. There’s really a lot of potential in this boy.”
The hosts recovered from 99 for 5 against South Africa in Bengaluru
Srinidhi Ramanujam16-Jun-2024
Smriti Mandhana hit her sixth ODI century and her first at home•BCCI
Smriti Mandhana’s outstanding century and a clinical bowling performance led by Asha Sobhana headlined India’s massive win as they went 1-0 up against South Africa in the first of the three ODIs in Bengaluru, on Sunday.Mandhana’s 117, her first century at home and sixth in ODIs, rescued the hosts after they opted to bat first but suffered an early collapse. India added 166 runs after the fall of the fifth wicket, the most they have ever done in a women’s ODI, to push their total from 99 for 5 to 265 for 8, which proved too much for South Africa, who had an underwhelming outing with the bat on a surface that offered variable bounce and turn.The chase got off to a shaky start as South Africa lost Laura Wolvaardt, the returning Tazmin Brits and Anneke Bosch for 33 runs. Marizanne Kapp and Sune Luus chipped in briefly but none of the batters could negate the spin threat under lights at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Asha, showing no nerves on her debut, starred with four wickets to skittle the visitors for 122, handing India a 143-run victory.India’s oldest ODI debutant’s two crucial oversA month after making her international debut at 33 in the T20Is against Bangladesh, Asha was handed the ODI cap, becoming India’s oldest debutant in this format as well. She was slotted in ahead of the offspinner Shreyanka Patil. That Asha has the knack of picking up big wickets in pressure situations was well-known after the WPL. On Sunday too, she showcased that control and maturity to tilt the momentum in India’s favour.After India’s pacers and Deepti Sharma strangled South Africa’s top order, South Africa slowly found a way to get back into the contest, thanks to Kapp and Luus’ partnership. The duo had batted for more than ten overs after the fall of the third wicket and India knew a well-set Kapp could be a game-changer.Asha Sobhana picked 4 for 21 on her ODI debut•BCCI
Having bowled two overs for eight runs, Asha came back for her second spell, in the 19th over. The legspinner started by conceding just two runs, getting enough drift and turn to slow down the scoring. After largely sticking to length deliveries in her first few overs, she floated one outside off this time, slow through the air, to deceive Kapp and force her to hit in the air towards cover where Harmanpreet was stationed. An easy catch for one of India’s best fielders gave Asha joy, and her maiden ODI wicket.In her next over, Jemimah Rodrigues dropped Annerie Dercksen at point but a mix-up between her and Luus ended Dercksen’s innings as she was run out at the striker’s end.At 75 for 5, South Africa were all but out of the game.India rejig batting orderD Hemalatha and Rodrigues were back in the XI. Rodrigues was returning from a back niggle after missing out on the Bangladesh T20I series while Hemalatha, on the back of good performances against Bangladesh, made her way to the ODI setup.In India’s last ODI series against Australia in December, head coach Amol Muzumdar had mentioned that Richa Ghosh would be suited for No. 3, with Harmanpreet and Rodrigues coming in after her. This was a deviation from her previous role where she was used as a finisher.However, on Sunday, with Shafali Verma departing early for 7, Hemalatha slotted in at No. 3. She perished after a 16-ball 12. Rodrigues and Harmanpreet were India’s Nos. 4 and 5 and Ghosh back to the lower-middle order at No. 6. She survived four balls but was then caught behind for 3.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Mandhana at home in BengaluruNinety-two for three became 99 for 5 in the 22nd over and India were desperate for a big partnership. An ODI after a gap of six months, players are bound to be rusty. But not Mandhana. She put on a brisk 81-run stand for the sixth wicket with Deepti Sharma to lift the team past 250. Switching to the long format, the India vice-captain curbed her aggressive instinct to play along the ground to play long.South Africa denied easy runs for India’s batters, with the likes of Dercksen and Ayobhanga Khaka targeting a stump-to-stump line. But Mandhana countered well, using the crease whenever the opportunity arose to play her pull and cut shots to manufacture runs. Though she and Deepti kept the scorecard ticking, there were also chances to convert the ones to twos.Mandhana hit 12 fours – seven of them on the leg side – and a six. She was all clarity and calmness. After 32 overs, she batted cramps on her way to hundred. But it also forced her to find a few quick boundaries and forgo the singles.Once Deepti departed for 37, Pooja Vastrakar joined Mandhana and this pair stitched a 58-run stand off 54 deliveries to give India the late push they wanted. South Africa let their guard down in the last ten overs, conceding 74 runs, with the humidity also playing a major factor in their sloppy fielding.Mandhana played for 193 minutes and 42.3 overs overall to make 117. In the end, South Africa could post only five more than her score.
Newcastle United have made contact over the signing of a superb defender likened to Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, with a move worth over £34m mooted.
Newcastle continue to eye attacking signings
Eddie Howe will know the importance of strengthening his squad all over the pitch this summer, but it does look as though attacking signings are at the forefront of the manager’s thoughts.
Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga has been linked with a move to Newcastle, with an offer of £50m reportedly likely to be accepted by the Premier League club. The former Manchester United man enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 season and could add much-needed youth and quality to the right-hand side of Howe’s attack.
Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga
In terms of potentially audacious signings, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is right up there for the Magpies this summer, considering he has been among the best in the world in his position over the past decade. He could provide outstanding competiton to Nick Pope.
Newcastle are also thought to be among the favourites to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, as has seemingly been the case for some time now, and he could be a perfect addition at the heart of the defence, coming in as an immediate key man. Now, another central defender has been mentioned as a concrete target.
Newcastle make contact over "superb" £34m+ defender
According to LaRoma24 [via Sport Witness], Newcastle, and by extension PIF, have made contact over the signing of Roma defender Evan Ndicka this summer.
The Ivorian is likely to cost over £34m, with Arsenal in the same position as the Magpies, and the player’s representatives are said to have been informed that he could leave ahead of next season.
Ndicka is exactly what Newcastle could require at centre-back this summer, with the 25-year-old at a great age to come in and hit the ground running from the off.
The Ivory Coast international started all 38 Serie A games for Roma last season, averaging 3.8 clearances per game, and football talent scout Jacek Kulig once described him as a “superb player”.
Evan Ndicka’s 2024/25 Serie A stats
Total
Appearances
38
Starts
38
Minutes played
3420
Clearances per game
3.8
Aerial duel wins per game
1.6
Interceptions per game
0.9
Tackles per game
0.8
Goals
0
Assists
1
Ndicka is now an experienced footballer who has racked up 45 appearances in the Europa League and won 16 caps for the Ivory Coast, and it is easy to see him excelling in a Newcastle shirt.
He has been likened to Liverpool centre-back Konate, which bodes well given the Frenchman’s impact at Anfield, and he could ultimately be a cheaper alternative to Guehi at St James’ Park this summer.
Thirty-two players named across men’s and women’s competitions to complete squad lists
ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jun-2024
Ollie Robinson has been signed as a Wildcard by Trent Rockets•Getty Images
Ollie Robinson, the England and Sussex seamer, has been picked up by Trent Rockets as one of 32 Wildcards for this year’s Hundred, having previously featured for Manchester Originals and Northern Superchargers.Ravi Bopara will return to London Spirit after his successful stint with the team last year, while the legspinner Mason Crane has been picked up by Welsh Fire, having moved from Hampshire to Glamorgan on loan this season. Dillon Pennington, the Nottinghamshire seamer who is on England’s radar this summer, will play for Northern Superchargers.The selections were based on performances in this season’s Vitality Blast and Charlotte Edwards Cup, and mean that all eight men’s and women’s Hundred sides now have full squads, ahead of the competition’s fourth edition, from July 23 to August 18.Fran Wilson, an England Women’s World Cup winner in 2017, will feature for Birmingham Phoenix this season, while Sophie Luff (Southern Brave), Danielle Gregory (Manchester Originals) and Abi Freeborn (London Spirit) were among the other signings.”I’m really happy to have been drafted by Southern Brave,” Luff said. “The Hundred is a great competition to be a part of, so I’m really happy to have been picked up and it’s especially great to have been selected by Charlotte Edwards. I’m really looking forward to the competition and adding value where I can.”Six replacement players have also been announced for the men’s and women’s competitions, including Tom Aspinwall and Scott Currie, who are stepping in at Manchester Originals for Fred Klaassen and Josh Tongue.Emma Jones will take over from Ailsa Lister at Birmingham Phoenix women, while Australia’s Charli Knott will be available for Brave’s first two women’s matches, in place of Smriti Mandhana.Another Australian, Laura Harris, will deputise for Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu for Oval Invincibles’ opening two fixtures, while New Zealand’s Suzie Bates stands in for India’s Richa Ghosh for the first three games at Phoenix.Birmingham PhoenixWomen: Fran Wilson, Lissy Macleod Men: Aneurin Donald, Rishi PatelLondon SpiritWomen: Abi Freeborn, Ellie Anderson Men: Ravi Bopara, Ryan HigginsManchester OriginalsWomen: Danielle Gregory, Alice Monaghan Men: Sonny Baker, Matthew HurstNorthern SuperchargersWomen: Jodi Grewcock, Sophia Turner Men: Jordan Clark, Dillon PenningtonOval InvinciblesWomen: Rachel Slater, Amara Carr Men: Marchant de Lange, Mark WattSouthern BraveWomen: Sophie Luff, Katie Jones Men: James Coles, Joe WeatherleyTrent RocketsWomen: Aylish Cranstone, Natasha Wraith Men: Ollie Robinson, Tom AlsopWelsh FireWomen: Georgia Davis, Kate Coppack Men: Mason Crane, Ben Green
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly opened talks with another target, as technical director Johan Lange begins work on their potential third summer signing after Mathys Tel and Kota Takai.
Frank holds Tottenham talks over signing £300k-p/w ace who's open to joining
The Spurs boss has been discussing him with Lilywhites hierarchy.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 18, 2025
Spurs look ready to back new manager Thomas Frank with fresh squad upgrades ahead of his first full season in charge, and Tel’s £30 million permanent switch from Bayern Munich was reportedly approved by the Dane himself.
Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025
Average match rating
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Frank will also soon welcome J League sensation Takai after chairman Daniel Levy green-lit a £5 million deal to sign the 20-year-old defender from Kawasaki Frontale, which stands as a record fee for any Japanese player from that division.
Tottenham signed Takai to compete as a first-team player, hoping that he’s set to follow a similar trajectory to the likes of Lucas Bergvall, Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr (Alasdair Gold), so supporters can expect to see him in and around the senior matchday squads next term.
Frank has a proven track record of developing young players into major talents, and the 51-year-old is excited to work with his “very talented” new roster.
“It’s a very talented squad, a very good squad and I’m very excited to start working with them,” said Frank in his first interview with the club.
“Of course, when you follow the Premier League, you see the other teams, you see Tottenham – you’ve seen some fantastic performances from the team over the last years. So, I think there’s big potential.
“But, of course, I’m looking from the outside, so I’m looking forward to getting to know them, to be around them, to feel them, understand them, work with them on the training pitch. That’s where you really get the big understanding, understand the relationships between players and how you can get the best out of them.
“I’ve got an idea already, my head is spinning [with] how can we play, how do I put them together, but I’m looking forward to that.”
Tottenham in talks with Kyle Walker-Peters
In the last week, Spurs have been repeatedly linked with a swoop for ex-defender Kyle Walker-Peters, who’s now officially leaving Southampton as a free agent at the end of this month.
The 28-year-old has made over 200 appearances for Southampton since leaving Spurs for St. Mary’s in 2020, and he’d bring some much-needed experience to Frank’s otherwise very youthful squad.
Tottenham also need more club-trained players to fill their Champions League quota, and Walker-Peters fits the bill considering he came through the Hotspur Way academy.
Now, as per Graeme Bailey in a piece for TBR Football, Lange has personally “started work” on bringing the Englishman back to N17.
It is believed Tottenham have opened talks with Walker-Peters over re-joining on a free, with the full-back keen on potentially making a return to his boyhood club as he looks to secure a move back to the Premier League, following his relegation on the south coast last season.
Interestingly, Walker-Peters employs the same agency as a host of current Spurs players – including James Maddison, Pedro Porro, Richarlison, Son Heung-min, Djed Spence and Sarr – so this could perhaps help to facilitate a deal given CAA Base’s already-productive relationship with the Lilywhites.
Sadia Iqbal’s 4 for 16 goes in vain; Sri Lanka to face India in a repeat of last edition’s final
Srinidhi Ramanujam26-Jul-20242:31
Athapaththu shows versatility but also finds support
Chamari Athapaththu’s fighting 63 off 48 balls and Anushka Sanjeewani’s unbeaten 24 off 22 helped Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by three wickets in a last-over thriller in the second semi-final of Women’s Asia Cup 2024. The win saw Sri Lanka march into the final for the second successive edition.Two years ago in Sylhet, they held their nerve with the ball to overcome Pakistan by one run in the semi-final. Once again, Sri Lanka will meet India in the title clash.On Friday, momentum swung multiple times during the course of the match. After restricting Pakistan to 140 for 4, Sri Lanka had to dig deep in the chase as Sadia Iqbal spun a web around their batters with a four-wicket haul. But Athapaththu stayed firm and found able partners, first in Kavisha Dilhari and then in Sanjeewani. With the latter, Athapaththu shared a match-changing stand of 42 off 29 balls for the fifth wicket. However, Iqbal dismissed Athapaththu in the 17th over to turn the tide Pakistan’s way yet again.At that point, Sri Lanka needed 21 off 20 balls with five wickets in hand. They lost two more wickets but with three required from three balls, Sanjeewani and Achini Kulasuriya took the team home.Muneeba Ali was the top-scorer for Pakistan•Asian Cricket Council
Muneeba, Feroza put up solid opening standMuneeba Ali and Gull Feroza continued from where they left off against UAE. The Pakistan openers set the tone early by adding 45 runs in the powerplay.Feroza, coming off two consecutive fifties, was off to a flying start, punishing seamer Achini Kulasuriya for three fours in the third over. After a quiet over from Sugandika Kumari, Muneeba swept Athapaththu for two fours and started the next over, by Udeshika Prabodhani, with an elegant straight drive.Prabodhani, Dilhari’s double-strikes; Sana’s cameoSri Lanka pulled things back in the middle overs, conceding only 56 runs between overs 7-16 and picking up four wickets. Playing her 100th T20I, Prabodhani removed Feroza when the opener miscued one to deep midwicket in the tenth over of the innings. Five balls later, she cleaned up Muneeba as the batter shuffled across too much to sweep and exposed her stumps.Nida Dar broke the shackles with a six and a four off Kulasuriya in the 14th over but Sidra Amin, who was struggling at the other end, holed out to short third when she mistimed a reverse sweep off Dilhari in the next over. Four balls later, Dilahri trapped Dar lbw.At 101 for 4 after 16 overs, Pakistan found quick runs from Fatima Sana. She smashed Dilhari for two fours in the 17th over and Inoshi Priyadharshani for another boundary on the first ball of the 19th. Her unbeaten 23 off 17, and an unbroken stand of 41 off 31 balls with Aliya Riaz, lifted Pakistan. Sri Lanka’s fielding was disappointing as they dropped catches, missed run-out chances and had several misfields.Sadia Iqbal’s 4 for 16 kept Pakistan in the game•Asian Cricket Council
The frantic chase: Athapaththu’s fifty, Iqbal’s four-forSri Lanka lost Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama early and ended their powerplay on 35 for 2. But Athapaththu and Dilhari steadied the innings by adding 59 off 46 balls for the third wicket. Athapaththu, after a sedate start, picked up the pace and found the boundary at a steady rate.With 63 needed from 52 balls, Pakistan stormed back into the game, thanks to Iqbal’s double-wicket over that left Sri Lanka at 78 for 4. But Sanjeewani and Athapaththu blunted Pakistan with a flurry of boundaries in the next few overs. En route, Athapaththu also notched up her 11th T20I half-century. That Pakistan were also sloppy in the field – Muneeba missed stumping Dilhari and later failed to appeal when she stumped Athapaththu – didn’t help them either.Just when it looked like Sri Lanka would have it easy, Pakistan fought back again through Iqbal. She dismissed Athapaththu in her final over to finish with figures of 4 for 16. In the following over, Hasini Perera was run out after a mix-up. Nashra Sandhu then conceded 13 of the penultimate over, where Kumari hit two fours to bring the equation down to three needed from six balls.Dar brought herself on for the final over and dismissed Kumari off the second ball but it wasn’t to be for Pakistan.