Wolves could send Cunha packing with move for £13m star

The 2023/24 campaign fizzled out like a disappointing firework at Molineux but Gary O'Neil and his Wolverhampton Wanderers squad have shown enough to suggest the upcoming term will bring promise and thrills.

Many supporters are left waiting for an unconscionable amount of time during the early phase of the summer transfer window but Wolves have already signalled a statement of intent by signing 20-year-old winger Rodrigo Gomes from Braga for a £13m fee.

He's pacy and nimble and willing to put in a shift, and if the £60m-rated Pedro Neto is to be sold this summer, prudent moves have been made to secure his services.

Wolves winger Pedro Neto

Wolves still hope to sign a centre-forward, however, and if Neto is indeed allowed to leave, O'Neil will have ample funds to bolster his frontline, with one long-term target appearing to be the perfect fit.

Wolves could sign new striker

Only a few weeks ago, it looked nailed-on that Che Adams would join Wolves upon the expiry of his contract with Southampton this month, but interest from a host of other suitors has since cast the deal into doubt.

Southampton forward Che Adams

Still, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Wolves will indeed sign a striker this summer, and with this in mind, Fosun could now act on interest in Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia.

According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport earlier this week – via Sport Witness – Wolves' pursuit of Dia has hit a snag, with the Premier League side yet to meet Salernitana's price tag of €20m (£17m).

Why Boulaye Dia would be perfect for Wolves

Dia has suffered a series of disagreements with his Serie A team over the past year and this has inhibited his chances of building on an exemplary 2022/23 campaign.

Matches played

33

17

Matches started

27

12

Goals

16

4

Assists

6

0

Big chances missed

5

3

Pass completion

77%

84%

Shots per game

1.5

1.7

Key passes per game

1.1

0.6

Dribbles per game

1.1

0.8

Duels won per game

3.3

2.8

The 27-year-old has proven himself a high-level goalscorer and in new conditions at Wolves, he may be able to shift the currents that have disrupted his football of late.

Scoring 16 goals (in 2022/23) while only missing five big chances is a remarkably clinical ability; it's no wonder that journalist Jonas Adnan Giæver hailed him as a "beast" and an "absolute monster" back in 2021, a portent of success to come.

Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia

The Senegalese's creativity and dynamism are characteristics that make him much more than simply a goalscorer, with his ball-playing ability simply a further instrument to a wide-ranging array of qualities. As per FBref, the £42k-per-week ace actually ranks among the top 1% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion.

This level of technical ability would only serve to boost the recently-signed Gomes, whose dynamic wide role – on either flank – demands a clinical talisman who also offers connective play through crisp passing movements.

Target Scouting reporter Joe Pearce said that the Portuguese starlet "has rapid acceleration and the stamina to make real lung-bursting runs from deeper positions.

"When he spots space ahead, he attacks it and shows real intensity in wanting to break forward and anticipate second balls, attacking the back post and following up on shots looking for rebounds, and has scored and assisted from this type of situation."

Boulaye Dia for Senegal

Gomes is a young talent and will indeed need assistance in acclimatising to life in the Premier League, and while Molineux already boasts a top-class striker in Matheus Cunha, Dia could take his place in the team if need be.

With such a versatile approach to his attacking play, Dia could even be a feasible replacement for Cunha, should the Brazilian leave this summer.

Wolves hope to continue their 2023/24 top scorer, but with Manchester United in pursuit and Cunha admitting that he is flattered by the Red Devils' interest, saying "it’s a real honour to have your name linked to Manchester United. One of the biggest clubs in the world."

Cunha might have enjoyed a rich goalscoring season but that is merely one string to a vibrant bow, also ranking among the top 14% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 10% for pass completion, the top 12% for progressive passes, the top 5% for progressive carries, the top 3% for successful take-ons and the top 17% for tackles per 90.

Matheus Cunha scores for Wolves

Dubbed "a complete player" by former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui, Cunha is a fantastic, influential player but Dia could certainly imitate his role in O'Neil's team, should push come to shove.

How Wolves' starting XI could look after £83m summer spending spree

The Old Gold might not boast the deep pockets of other teams but some exciting arrivals could be welcomed this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 9, 2024

Southampton striker Ben Brereton Diaz sets unwanted Premier League record as long search for a win continues after Man Utd defeat

Southampton star Ben Brereton Diaz set an unwanted Premier League record on Saturday as Southampton went down against Manchester United.

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  • Diaz sets unwanted Premier League record
  • Winless in 18 consecutive Premier League matches
  • Man Utd thrashed Southampton 3-0
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Saints suffered their fourth defeat in a row in the Premier League on Saturday as Manchester United beat them 3-0 courtesy of goals from Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. With the loss at St. Mary's stadium, Chilean forward Ben Brereton Diaz set an unwanted Premier League record.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Diaz, who played for Sheffield United in the 2023/24 campaign, failed to taste victory in the club's last 14 Premier League matches. And now with the four defeats on the trot with Southampton, the striker became the first player in the competition's history to go winless in 18 consecutive matches. The previous record was set by Marvin Sordell who went 17 matches without a win between 2012 to 2015 for Burnley and Bolton.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Brereton Diaz had a forgetful debut campaign in the English top division last season as Sheffield were relegated from the Premier League, but he managed to score six goals in 14 outings. In the current campaign, the 25-year-old has yet to open his account.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR BEN BRERETON DIAZ?

    The Chile international will hope to finally be on the winning side in the midweek as Southampton face Everton in a EFL Cup third-round clash on Tuesday night.

Real Madrid player ratings vs Espanyol: Vinicius Jr shows how it's done! Brazil star comes off the bench to shake Kylian Mbappe & Co into life after Thibaut Courtois howler

Los Blancos' stars took over when the Brazilian Ballon d'Or favourite entered the fray – and set up a comfortable win

Very few teams have the ability to bring a player so good off the bench. And for Real Madrid, who were in the midst of a fairly woeful performance, the introduction of Vinicius Jr was crucial. The Brazilian was handed a rare rest but brought Los Blancos to life after coming on, and saw a 1-0 deficit turn to a 4-1 win, masking yet another puzzling performance.

Los Blancos were a rather static side in the first half, relying too heavily on Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham for moments of inspiration. The result was a drab affair in which a sloppy Madrid created few clear chances.

Espanyol took advantage 10 minutes into the second half. Their opener was a slapstick thing, a targeted hoof up the pitch from the goalkeeper, into the path of Jofre Carreras, who darted down the wing and saw his speculative cross trickle in via the tangled legs of Thibaut Courtois.

Los Blancos needed four minutes to respond. Vinicius was the catalyst of it all after being introduced on the hour mark. He was crucial in the build up to the equaliser, as Dani Carvajal smashed the ball home. He was even more important in the second, his trivela pass falling perfectly to the feet of Rodrygo – who couldn't miss for 2-1. He found the net himself for the third, darting through the middle and tucking a left-footed effort into the bottom corner, before Mbappe buried a late fourth from the penalty spot.

Madrid weren't spellbinding here. Still, Vinicius showed that adding a very good player to a football match is ultimately an effective strategy.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Santiago Bernabeu…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (4/10):

Gave up a goal with a rare howler. Didn't have much else to do.

Dani Carvajal (6/10):

Skinned in the run up to the opener, but then scored an equalising goal, before being subbed off. A strange evening.

Eder Militao (6/10):

Slightly shaky at times on the ball – he's not quite back to his best after suffering a serious knee injury.

Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

Given a run out in central defence, where he never really looked comfortable. Positionally a bit loose.

Fran Garcia (7/10):

Full of legs on the left, and made good on his license to get forward. Stung the keeper's palms with a fine effort.

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Federico Valverde (7/10):

A dizzying, buzzing showing in central midfield. Won the ball back constantly. Isn't a tempo-setter in the way Madrid need, though.

Luka Modric (6/10):

A rare sloppy performance in which he looked pretty leggy at times.

Jude Bellingham (6/10):

Dropped a bit deeper at times to account for Modric's forward explorations. Did a lot of trying to dribble everyone. Could do with connecting play more.

Getty Images SportAttack

Arda Guler (6/10):

Didn't really have much of an involvement, but was rather harshly sacrificed for Vinicius when Los Blancos conceded.

Kylian Mbappe (7/10):

Lively throughout in a mostly central role. Scored the fourth and assisted the third. Should perhaps try passing the ball every now and then – it worked the one time he actually did it.

Rodrygo (8/10):

Deployed on the left at first, with Vinicius handed a rest. Didn't do much on his own, but looked better when his national team-mate entered the fray. Scored the vital second.

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Vinicius Jr (9/10):

Madrid scored within minutes of him coming on – and he played a role in the build up. Added an assist, and then a goal of his own. Deadly and magnificent, all at once.

Lucas Vazquez (6/10):

An extra body for a tired Carvajal. Didn't do much wrong.

Endrick (7/10):

Won a penalty late on in pretty much his only involvement.

Toni Rudiger (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

Rotated pretty heavily, and didn't start his "big four" up front. His team were fairly awful for an hour… and then he brought his best player off the bench. Sometimes it's not exactly rocket science.

David Hodgkiss, Lancashire chairman, dies after contracting coronavirus

Tributes to Old Trafford chairman who dies at the age of 71

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Mar-2020

David Hodgkiss, Lancashire chairman, at the unveiling of the James Anderson End at Old Trafford in August 2017•Getty Images

David Hodgkiss, the Lancashire chairman, has died at the age of 71 after contracting coronavirus.Hodgkiss, who had been on the board at Emirate Old Trafford for 22 years, is understood to have had underlying health issues.Having previously served as treasurer and vice-chairman, he took over from Michael Cairns in April 2017 and was a central figure in the renovation of Old Trafford over the past decade – a period of refurbishment, including the construction of The Point and the raising of £9 million of public funding for the new Hilton hotel.The success of these plans was reflected in Old Trafford being awarded both the prestigious India v Pakistan World Cup fixture last summer, and the first semi-final.”Further to the announcement from his family, it is with great sadness that Lancashire Cricket announces the passing of its Chairman, David Hodgkiss OBE,” read a club statement on Monday morning.”David served the club with distinction over many years including holding the offices of treasurer, vice-chairman and latterly chairman. “He was much loved by everyone at Lancashire Cricket Club and respected throughout the cricketing world. Our sincere condolences and thoughts and prayers are with his family.”Colin Graves, the ECB chairman, said: “David was a vital part of cricket in Lancashire and was passionate about growing and developing the sport in the county.”He played an integral role in the redevelopment of Emirates Old Trafford and Its status as a leading international ground is a testament to his hard work and dedication.”On behalf of everyone at the England and Wales Cricket Board, our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone at Lancashire County Cricket Club at this sad time.”Daniel Gidney, Lancashire’s chief executive, paid his respects on Twittter, writing: “I am absolutely devastated to lose my great friend. RIP David.”Matt Parkinson, the Lancashire and England legspinner who received his club cap from Hodgkiss in 2018, added: “Such sad news. A great man who always had time for everyone and loved the [red rose]. Will remember his capping speech for a long timeLuke Sutton, the former Lancashire batsman turned player agent, added: “Such sad news. David was a really lovely man who loved Lancashire cricket.”Hodgkiss also served as chief executive of steel fabrication company the William Hare Group, and was awarded the OBE for services to manufacturing and exporting

Warne must unleash 8/10 Derby star who lost the ball 11x vs Portsmouth

Derby County unsettled League One leaders Portsmouth at Fratton Park last time out in league action, with Joe Ward for Paul Warne's men bagging twice on the south coast in the barnstorming 2-2 draw.

John Mousinho's men needed a spectacular strike from Owen Moxon late in the second half to gain a share of the points for the table toppers, Derby pushing Pompey all the way in an exhilarating 90 minutes.

There were some standout performers for the away side that helped the Rams unnerve the confident hosts on the day, including Corey Blackett-Taylor who could find that he's now undroppable in the Derby lineups going forward after starring in the action-packed contest.

It hasn't been the smoothest ride for the exciting winger ever since he left Charlton Athletic for pastures new, but everything could start to slot into place now for the ex-Addicks man in a Rams shirt after a strong showing against Pompey.

Corey Blackett-Taylor's performance vs Portsmouth in numbers

Struggling to keep a consistent spot in the Rams first team since moving in January – with the game at Fratton Park only Blackett-Taylor's fourth start since relocating – the former Charlton attacker will demand he's a main starter now after shining brightly versus Portsmouth.

Blackett-Taylor would play a key role in Derby's opening goal versus Mousinho's hosts, driving forward through the middle of the park unchallenged before teeing Ward up with one of his two key passes to drill home for 1-0.

Away from putting it on a plate for Derby's number 23 to shock the league leaders, the 26-year-old attacker would fire two efforts of his own on Will Norris' goal to try and help his promotion-seeking side pick up a big win.

He would win three ground duels in the game as a lively presence going forward too – despite losing the ball on 11 occasions – before being substituted off with five minutes to play.

Yet to get up and running still with his first goal for the Rams, with Blackett-Taylor bagging nine goals when back at Charlton, the former Addicks winger will hope today's game on the road at Wycombe Wanderers can see him break his duck for his new employers on the way to another vital league victory being secured.

Minutes played

85

Assists

1

Touches

26

Accurate passes

7/11

Key passes

2

Successful dribbles

2/6

Duels won

3/7

This star display at Fratton Park means the 26-year-old's spot in Warne's XI should be set in stone from now until the close of the regular season in April, with Warne wanting Blackett-Taylor to kick on and be an even brighter spark as his side aim to secure promotion in the weeks to come.

Blackett-Taylor's season in numbers

Warne will want Blackett-Taylor to recapture his electric Charlton best regularly playing for the Rams now, with the 6 foot winger picking up seven assists on top of the aforementioned nine goals when still on the books at the Valley earlier this season.

Corey Blackett-Taylor for Tranmere.

It has been an arguably underwhelming switch to date for Blackett-Taylor moving to Pride Park, with the likes of James Collins and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing being the main men for Warne's outfit still, but the Rams number 27 showed flashes of his past Charlton excellence away at Portsmouth.

The tricky attacker's positive display received many plaudits after the final whistle was blown, with DerbyshireLive journalist Leigh Curtis handing out an 8/10 rating to Blackett-Taylor and describing his surge forward for Ward's first of the night as 'majestic'.

Derby County manager Paul Warne.

Curtis also labelled the Derby number 27's performance as the best possible way to finally 'announce himself' after becoming an accidental background figure since joining, with lots more expected from the winger as he grows more confident in his new surroundings.

Derby dropped a clanger signing star who'd be worth £11m in 2024 money

Derby County will still look back on this signing as a major misfire.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 7, 2024

Rangers in pole position to sign "terrific" striker in permanent deal

As the Scottish Premiership campaign nears a dramatic conclusion, Rangers have reportedly been handed a major boost in pursuit of landing Philippe Clement's first permanent deal of the summer.

Rangers transfer news

It's set to be quite the summer at Ibrox, with a number of players set to leave as free agents, making room for fresh faces in Clement's side. The likes of Ryan Jack, Leon Balogun, Kemar Roofe and John Lundstram are all set to depart in free deals at the end of the campaign as things stand.

Lundstram's exit will be particularly frustrating, given that Rangers had attempted to keep hold of their midfielder and that Clement remains a fan of the former Sheffield United man. Nonetheless, a breakthrough in talks is yet to be made.

Boost for Koppen: £20k-p/w Rangers target set to be free agent this summer

He could be just what Rangers need ahead of the new season.

ByBen Browning Apr 23, 2024

With that said Rangers have also been shifting their focus on landing some crucial reinforcements this summer. The Gers have been linked with permanent moves for both Fabio Silva and Oscar Cortes in what could be a summer trend of turning loan deals permanent in the coming months, with that trend continuing when it comes to Abdallah Sima.

Fabio Silva

According to Graeme Bailey, Rangers are now in pole position to sign Sima in a permanent deal from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer. This comes after earlier reports suggested that the Gers could see their deal for the winger hijacked by Premier League and European sides who are better placed to match Sima's £10m-£15m price tag.

The ball is seemingly in Rangers' court, however, with the ability to finance a deal reportedly not out of the Gers' reach and their place at the front of the queue leaving them perfectly placed to welcome Sima on a permanent basis after such a successful loan spell. The forward's arrival would be an ideal way to kick off Clement's first summer in charge, that's for sure.

"Terrific" Sima has become crucial for Rangers

Signing Sima should be near or at the very top of Rangers' priority list this summer, given just how much of an impact he's made whilst on loan at Ibrox. After 38 games in all competitions, Sima's record of 16 goals and two assists represents how important he has become in just one season at Rangers. Now, at just 22 years old, he is only likely to build on that form, be it at Rangers or elsewhere next season.

Abdallah Sima

Former Brighton coach Billy Reid is among those to have noticed the winger's talent, saying at the start of the season via The Scottish Sun: "He’s a player who needs to be at his top physical level to show what he’s capable of.

"He trained well and worked really hard in every session because he wants to do well. As a lad, he’s terrific. He was one of those boys who always came in with a smile on his face. He’s an infectious character and even when his English wasn’t great, he was always a big part of the dressing room. Now he’s comfortable speaking the language, I’m sure he is popular around Ibrox.”

Report: £300,000-a-week star is playing his final games for Man City

A "world-class" Manchester City star has made a big decision over his future, according to a significant update, with one key factor behind his reasoning.

Man City transfer news

Pep Guardiola will want some impressive new signings to once again come in and freshen things up this summer, with various big names linked with moves to the Etihad of late. Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has been backed to move down the M62 this summer, having been one of the few shining lights in a disappointing season for the Blues. He is seen as a potential long-term successor for John Stones, possessing some similar attributes to the current Cityzens star.

Meanwhile, Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar has also been linked with a move to City, should Stefan Ortega move on, with the Serbian making a combined 18 appearances in Serie A and the Europa League this season.

Mile Svilar for AS Roma.

Perhaps the most exciting option to emerge recently is Bayern Munich superstar Jamal Musiala, however, with the 21-year-old possibly keen on sealing a return to England in the summer window, having joined the Bundesliga giants from Chelsea back in 2019.

It is also essential that City's current big stars remain at the club moving forward, with one encouraging recent update suggesting that Rodri is set to be handed a big-money new deal. The Spaniard is arguably his side's most influential performer, having now gone a record 60 matches unbeaten in the Premier League.

Now, a big update has emerged regarding another undisputed City legend, in what represents worrying news for supporters.

"World-class" Man City ace wants to leave

According to a new claim from Football Insider, Manchester City ace Bernardo Silva wants to leave this summer, citing the bad weather in England as a reason for his decision. He wants a "better style of living" away from his current location, suggesting that a move abroad is now on the cards at the end of the season.

Bernardo Silva celebrates scoring for Manchester City.

The 29-year-old has been linked with moves away from the Etihad in the past, but ended up staying put, and he now has 345 appearances to his name, winning five Premier League titles and one Champions League, among numerous other trophies.

The £300,000-a-week star has been hailed as "world-class by pundits on Sky Sports News, while Guardiola has waxed lyrical over one of his favourite players he has ever coached in his career.

Granted, Bernardo does turn 30 in August, so some could see sense in cashing in on him this summer, but he is showing absolutely no sign of being past his best.

O 9 chegou: Botafogo encaminha a contratação de Rafael Moura

MatériaMais Notícias

Pequenos detalhes separam o Botafogo do tão procurado camisa 9. O nome é Rafael Moura, de 38 anos, que atuou pelo Goiás na última temporada. O atleta possui um acordo encaminhado para defender o Alvinegro na disputa da Série B do Brasileirão.

+ Vice goiano, dificuldade no alto e reencontro com Kelvin: como chega o Vila Nova para enfrentar o Botafogo

O “He-Man” é esperado no Rio de Janeiro para resolver os últimos detalhes burocráticos, assinar o contrato e, enfim, ser anunciado. Ele é um interesse antigo do Botafogo, que tentou o contratar em outras oportunidades no passado.

O jogador queria um contrato de dois anos, mas o Botafogo não achava vantajoso e buscava oferecer apenas uma temporada. Então, o atacante assinará até o fim de 2021, mas ficou combinado uma renovação por mais uma temporada caso Rafael Moura bata metas de gols marcados e número de partidas jogadas.

RelacionadasBotafogoReforços, Chay e Daniel Borges são relacionados para a estreia do Botafogo na Série BBotafogo27/05/2021BotafogoDia D: Conselho do Botafogo vota por continuidade do projeto da S/ABotafogo26/05/2021BotafogoGilvan, do Botafogo, projeta Série B e avisa: ‘Torcida pode esperar um time competitivo’Botafogo26/05/2021

A diretoria do Alvinegro buscava um atacante de experiência e bom no jogo aéreo para a disputa da Série B. Anselmo Ramon foi outro nome tentado, mas a Chapecoense não o liberou. Sem clube, Rafael Moura chega sem custos de transferências ao Botafogo.

Na última temporada, Rafael Moura marcou 12 gols em 41 partidas disputadas pelo Goiás. Ele também soma passagens por América-MG, Figueirense, Internacional, Fluminense, Athletico-PR, Lorient-FRA, Corinthians, Paysandu, Vitória e Atlético-MG.

Archie Gray backed to emulate Gareth Bale & Luka Modric by using Tottenham as a stepping stone to Real Madrid with Leeds wonderkid closing in on north London switch

Leeds wonderkid Archie Gray is being backed to follow in the footsteps of Gareth Bale and Luka Modric if he seals a move to Tottenham.

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  • Gray in demand after impressing at Leeds
  • Tottenham hoping to win race for youngster
  • Spurs 'ideal' club for teenager
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Gray has attracted interest from a host of Premier League clubs including Brentford, Chelsea and Tottenham after impressing for Leeds. The teenager had a medical with the Bees but is now leaning towards a move to Spurs, as reported by The Athletic. Tottenham have tried to sign Gray previously and are now favourites to win the race for his signature.

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    A move to Spurs would offer Gray the chance to showcase his talent in the Premier League with Ange Postecoglou's side. However, former Tottenham star Chris Waddle believes it could also prove to be the springboard for a future move to Real Madrid too, following in the footsteps of club legends Bale and Modric.

  • WHAT WADDLE SAID

    He told Genting Casino: "I’ve seen enough of Archie Gray to say that he is a very good player. He’s a versatile player that can perform in a number of roles: midfield, full-back. That tells you two things about him: his manager trusts him to perform in numerous roles and he has the intelligence to do it. That’s rare for a player of eighteen-years-old. He was ever-present in that Leeds United team last season, so again, that’s a good sign. His best role is in central midfield, and I think that's where he prefers to play.

    “He's an ideal Tottenham project. Tottenham have a history of buying young players and giving them an opportunity.  We’ve seen Tottenham make some very canny moves in the transfer market over the years with younger players. They can obviously see the potential that’s there, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Gray followed the likes of Gareth Bale and Luka Modric by joining Real Madrid for a massive fee if he lives up to his potential. Tottenham can obviously see his potential. He was probably the pick of The Championship players in terms of his age and ability. I think he could easily step up to the level of the Premier League.

     “Whether he gets straight into the Tottenham team is a different question. I’m sure they will have a precise development plan for him which could see him join another Premier League club on loan. He'd be a good signing for Tottenham Hotspur because he's only going to get better.”

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  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Gray made 97 tackles in the Championship last season for Leeds, more than any other player aged 21 and under in the league.

Tottenham looking at signing midfielder who Arteta called "extraordinary"

Tottenham are now thought to be looking at signing a new midfield target who Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta called "extraordinary".

Spurs chasing top four as Lange prepares for summer

Ange Postecoglou's side are currently locked in a fierce battle with Aston Villa for the coveted fourth spot and Champions League qualification for next season.

BBC pundit says "astonishing" forward may decide to join Tottenham

He’s been on fire for his club this season.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 5, 2024

Postecoglou's debut season has been an undoubted success thus far, as the Australian's arrival has lifted the entire mood around Spurs when compared to Antonio Conte's disastrous final campaign in charge.

Tottenham's next league fixtures

Date

Aston Villa (away)

March 10th

Fulham (away)

March 16th

Luton Town (home)

March 30th

West Ham (away)

April 2nd

His style of high-pressing football has won over supporters and the appeal of Tottenham is also growing as a result, with the club even managing to pip both Bayern Munich and Barcelona to the signings of Radu Dragusin and Lucas Bergvall respectively.

The summer transfer window will be a very interesting one where Spurs are concerned, especially if they secure a spot in Europe's most prestigious competition for next term.

Reports suggest technical director Johan Lange wants to strengthen a few key areas of the squad, including central midfield, as Spurs remain serious contenders to sign Chelsea star Conor Gallagher this summer.

"Tottenham appreciate the player [James Garner], but there's nothing advanced at this stage," said journalist Ben Jacobs to GMS recently.

"Conor Gallagher, is perhaps the more likely target. I also think that if Gallagher doesn't sign a new Chelsea deal, and nothing is advanced, the package that Tottenham may be able to offer will be a little bit less. I'm sure that Chelsea will point towards Mason Mount and say, he had a year left on his contract, and was a £60m total package to Manchester United, and Gallagher is in better form. So they may hold out for that £55m to £60m valuation. But I think that Tottenham feel that by the time the summer comes, if Gallagher has not signed a new deal, he may be available for close to £45m to £50m."

The Englishman's contract at Stamford Bridge expires next year as things stand, which has alerted Lilywhites chiefs amid his excellent campaign. However, if Gallagher does opt to put pen to paper, then Spurs may need to consider midfield alternatives.

Tottenham looking at signing Quinten Timber

According to HITC and journalist Graeme Bailey, Tottenham have their eyes on star Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber, who is currently enjoying a fantastic campaign in the Eredivisie.

Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber.

The 22-year-old has bagged six assists and six goals in 23 Dutch top-flight appearances this season, and his performances have impressed Spurs, who are now keeping a very close watch on the player.

The brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, Arteta has called Quinten "extraordinary" like his sibling.

"Yeah, the parents have done a really good job I think! I know the brother [Quinten] a little bit, I know the family. Really good footballers and two extraordinary kids. I don’t know the rest because they’re a big family but congratulations to the parents," said Arteta.

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