Tottenham Hotspur managed to maintain their unbeaten run in the Premier League in dramatic fashion yesterday, as the plaudits just keep soaring in for Ange Postecoglou…

How did Spurs play vs Sheffield United?

Having dominated the majority of the game, it should have come as no surprise to see the Lilywhites fall behind against a Sheffield United side with just one point after four games. It just seemed all too familiar, for a Spurs side to roll over at home for a side that, on paper, they should brush aside.

Their 70% possession, 28 shots and 2.12 expected goal tally, via Sofascore, could not break down the rigid and staunch defence of the visitors, who stormed into the lead after Gustavo Hamer's fine left-footed strike.

However, such is the positivity and unbridled energy that their new regime is already emanating, this team seemingly just don't know when they are beaten. A well-placed corner in the 98th minute was met by Richarlison, whose subdued celebrations likely hid a wealth of emotion just waiting to pour out after the Brazilian had admitted to the struggles he had been facing earlier in the week.

His day would get even better though, with his direct play and neat outside-of-the-foot pass finding Dejan Kulusevski, who rifled home a 100th-minute winner to send the home fans into raptures. It was the latest comeback in the history of the Premier League, and one which typifies this new attitude in north London.

Whilst the former Everton striker will steal the headlines for the way in which he overcame recent adversity to score and assist, it marked a similarly cathartic moment for the Sweden international too.

How did Dejan Kulusevski play?

Having signed for £25m back in 2022, his blistering start to life with Spurs set the bar impossibly high for him to follow in the future. His five goals and eight assists in just six months were outstanding, which made his two strikes last season in the league especially frustrating.

Everyone is well aware of the talent that the 23-year-old boasts, but for whatever reason that has been silenced in recent years, despite former Celtic star Chris Sutton branding him a "special player" during that stunning initial spell.

So, to see him pop up at a crucial moment would have been euphoric for Kulusevski, whose stellar display had deserved something from the clash.

After all, having played every minute of the gruelling encounter, his 8.5 Sofascore rating was only bettered by Richarlison of those on the home side. Such a figure was buoyed by his relentless creativity, as he managed to post five key passes and create two big chances.

On another day, the former Juventus flyer could have earned a host of assists, with the steadfast visitors holding firm for so long. However, in the end, quality told.

Although Richarlison has struggled over the last 12 months, with just one league goal in the entire last campaign drawing ridicule, Kulusevski has instead been more self-critical. He noted after the conclusion of their miserable last term: "It’s been a long season, when you think of when we started, it feels like about three years ago

"You have to think about a lot of things. I’m happy, I’m grateful, I think I’ve learned a lot. Of course, I’ve been disappointed personally. After the World Cup, I didn’t think I played well enough. Also, the team hasn’t been good enough, especially in the last few months where we tried everything, but it just wasn't to be.”

Clearly boasting an impressive mindset to push himself to new heights after setbacks, this winning goal could prove to be the catalyst that reignites the career of two of Postecoglou's struggling attackers. There seems to be little that the 58-year-old tactician cannot do of late.

In the world of football, Nottingham Forest are a sleeping giant, laying dormant like a volcano, but finally erupting in 2022 following their promotion back to the Premier League after 23 long years.

The Reds have since used that momentum to splash the cash in the transfer window, unearthing some talent that has since risen to prominence on Trentside, namely Taiwo Awoniyi and Morgan Gibbs-White, and several not-so-prominent, Jesse Lingard, Jonjo Shelvey and Andre Ayew.

While Forest have been prolific with their transfer dealings rather than accurate and astute like Newcastle or Brighton, it is easy to lose track of who has walked through the City Ground doors in the past two seasons, however, deciphering who they missed out on instead is an easier task to resolve.

Every team has stories to tell when discussing the ones who got away and became world-beaters elsewhere; Forest are no different. In 2020, they failed to strike when the iron was hot in their pursuit of Ivan Toney, missing out on the striker who chose Brentford as his destination.

Those woes were also laid bare when they refused to stump up the £2.5m asking price to sign Harry Maguire from Sheffield United in 2014, leaving the door open for Hull City to swoop. Although the 30-year-old is enduring a torrid time at Manchester United, since departing the Tigers in 2017.

The above cases will have left supporters deeply frustrated, although perhaps the most infuriating example of a player who got away is serial Champions League winner, Gareth Bale, with the Reds nearly signing the then up-and-coming left back from Tottenham back in the day.

Did Forest nearly sign Gareth Bale?

Once upon a time, Bale happened to be struggling to get in the side at Spurs with a number of suitors willing to pry him away from the north Londoners. In fact, a £2m bid from Forest was even believed to be in the offing, according to reports.

A move came pretty close in 2009, as talks took place between respective parties with a deal was near enough done. Recalling negotiations in 2013, Clive Allen commented: "It did go pretty close.

“I know there were discussions between the clubs. The clubs had agreed the potential of the move, so it was something that he had to think about."

Just as a deal was nearing completion, however, Bale made a U-turn, informing staff that he wanted to stay and fight for his place at White Hart Lane.

He joined Tottenham from Southampton as a highly-rated teenager in 2007 for £10m, but after struggling for form and confidence, playing second fiddle to Benoit Assou-Ekotto, he wasn't fancied at the time by manager Harry Redknapp and according to ex-teammate Alan Hutton, could have seen his development stagnate.

Speaking to Daily Star Sport, Hutton said: "Gareth Bale had a difficult situation, he had all the talent in the world but just needed an arm round him from what I could see,

"I think it was January and Assou-Ekotto was playing left-back, Bale's position at the time, and he got a call-up for the Africa Cup of Nations.

"Bale had to then step in and play, but prior to that there was word he was going to Nottingham Forest. I'm not sure if it was a loan or permanent but that says to me that [Tottenham manager] Harry [Redknapp] didn't fancy him."

Bale would soon become the most talented player that slipped through the grasp of Forest, as he later showcased his superstar qualities for Spurs.

The game-changer for Tottenham to unearth those talents was unleashing him as a left-winger, allowing him to utilise his frightening pace and world-beating talents in the final third, helping Spurs qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 2010 before tearing Maicon to shreds three months later, writing his name in lights with a hat-trick against Inter Milan at the San Siro.

What did Gareth Bale achieve after leaving Tottenham?

Across an illustrious career at the pinnacle of world football, Bale achieved greatness following a world record £85m move to Real Madrid in 2013, winning five Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles during his time in the capital.

Lauded as a "generational talent" by former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, Bale became a superstar in Spain, playing a huge role alongside the devastating duo of Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo as Real dominated domestically and in Europe, with the Welshman chalking up an eye-watering 173 goal contributions in 258 games for the club.

Bale produced several eye-catching moments in Spain that stand the test of time, including his humiliation of Marc Bartra in the Copa Del Rey final in 2014 and his overhead kick against Liverpool in the Champions League final in 2018, arguably the greatest ever goal in the competition.

If there was ever a man to step up for his club and country when it mattered, Bale was the man for the big occasion, cementing his place among the elites in world football for his ability to conjure up crucial match-winning moments out of nothing, with Peter Crouch paying an ode to his rapid rise to stardom.

Writing in his column for the Daily Mail a few years ago, Crouch earmarked Bale as one of the most impressive players he's seen develop.

"When I was at Southampton there was a buzz about two kids at the Academy — Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale.

"Our paths did not cross for another couple of years until we were together at Tottenham. The young lad I saw initially had some confidence issues and had not enjoyed playing at left-back.

"The talk was that he was going to go to Nottingham Forest for £2m. Then, though, he started to find his feet. He got faster, stronger. His confidence began to grow and gradually all those special things we had been told about when he was a kid started to come true."

Crouch was right, Bale sprung into life out of nowhere – almost like the several pieces of magic he conjured up throughout his exceptional career – and had he made a move to the City Ground in 2009, imagine how differently his career would have panned out.

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta quarta-feira, o Vasco jogou mal, voltou a apresentar falhas defensivas e perdeu para o Bahia por 3 a 0 em Pituaçu. Com gols dos ex-vascaínos Rossi e Gilberto, e do atacante Clayson, o Tricolor construiu o resultado ainda no primeiro tempo e se afastou da zona da degola. Já o Cruz-Maltino não vence há quatro partidas no Campeonato Brasileiro e segue com 18 pontos.

Na próxima rodada, o Vasco volta campo no clássico contra o Flamengo, sábado, às 17h, em São Januário. O Bahia, por sua vez, visita no dia seguinte o Fluminense, às 16h, no Maracanã.

Confira a classificação do Campeonato Brasileiro 2020

E a lei do ex aparece
Desde o início da partida em Pituaçu, o Bahia tomou a iniciativa e foi mais perigoso, sobretudo em jogadas nas costas dos laterais do Vasco. Na primeira delas, aos 4, Clayson fez boa jogada, e com liberdade tocou para Gregore, que chutou, mas Fernando Miguel defendeu. O Cruz-Maltino revidou com um chute de longe de Marcos Junior, que passou perto. No entanto, aos 9, a lei do ex deu o ar da graça e após cruzamento de Clayson, Rossi se antecipou e estufou as redes, abrindo o placar para o Tricolor.

Olha ela aí de novo!
​Ao longo de todo primeiro tempo, a defesa do Vasco seguia batendo cabeça e dando muito espaço pelos lados para o Bahia construir jogadas de perigo. Na parte ofensiva, Benítez fazia muita falta no meio-campo e o Gigante da Colina não conseguia reagir. Até que Ernando teve muita liberdade pela esquerda, avançou e tocou para trás para o centroavante Gilberto soltar a bomba e ampliar o marcador.

Mais uma falha de Pikachu
​Ainda no primeiro tempo, o Bahia continuava a ter muita liberdade e avançava com tranquilidade. Aos 33, Rossi invadiu a área, e só teve o trabalho de rolar a bola para Juninho, que isolou e perdeu um gol incrível. No fim, Pikachu, em noite desastrosa, cortou um cruzamento de cabeça e entregou no pé de Clayson, que dominou, bateu no canto, e fez mais um para o Bahia aindano primeiro tempo.

Vasco tenta reagir, mas Bruno Gomes é expulso
Na etapa final, o técnico Ramon Menezes fez um pacote de substituições para tentar injetar ânimo no time e tentar correr atrás do resultado. Diante disso, o Vasco melhorou no jogo e foi ao ataque na base da transpiração, mais por dentro, povoando o meio-campo. Aos 12, Felipe Bastos mandou um balaço e a bola passou muito perto. Contudo, o meio-campista Bruno Gomes tomou o segundo cartão amarelo e foi expulso.

Na parte final do jogo, o Vasco tentou, mas não teve poder de reação, ainda mais com menos um em campo. A equipe que iniciou muito bem o campeonato, perdeu o rumo e já não vence há 4 partidas na competição. Após a expulsão, a equipe não teve mais força para tentar descontar e o Bahia segurou o resultado até o fim.

FICHA TÉCNICA

BAHIA 3×0 VASCO

Data-Hora: 07-10-20 – 19h15
Local: Pituaçu, Salvador (BA)
Árbitro: Jean Pierre Gonçalves Dias (RS)
Assistentes: Lucio Beiersdorf Flor(RS) e Andre da Silva Bitencourt (RS)
Árbitro de vídeo: Elmo Alves Resende Cunha (GO)
Cartões amarelos:Gregore, Rossi, Ramon (BAH), Bruno Gomes (VAS)
Cartões vermelhos:Bruno Gomes (VAS)
GOL:Rossi, 9º/1T (1-0), Gilberto, 31º/1T (2-0), Clayson, 45º/1T (3-0)

BAHIA:Douglas Friedrich; Ernando, Lucas Fonseca, Juninho e Juninho Capixaba; Gregore (Ramon 24º/2T), Elias e Daniel (Ronaldo 20º/2T); Clayson (Fessin 30º/2T), Rossi (Elber 20º/2T) e Gilberto (Saldanha 30º/2T). Técnico: Mano Menezes.

VASCO: Fernando Miguel, Yago Pikachu, Ricardo Graça (Miranda 29º/1T), Leandro Castan e Henrique; Bruno Gomes, Fellipe Bastos e Marcos Junior (Carlinhos – intervalo); Vinícius (Cayo Tenório – intervalo), Cano (Ygor Catatau 37º/2T) e Talles Magno (Gabriel Pec – intervalo). Técnico: Ramon Menezes.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers now look set to bring an exciting new signing to Molineux in 2024, and his current employers are already seeking a replacement to fill the void, according to reports.

What's the latest news involving Wolverhampton Wanderers?

According to TEAMtalk, Wolves are one of several Premier League clubs vying for the signature of free agent midfielder Xeka, who has been out-of-contract since leaving Rennes at the end of last term.

Everton, Crystal Palace and Sheffield United have also shown interest in the 2020/21 Ligue 1 winner, while Sky Bet Championship sides Southampton and West Bromwich Albion have been in contact with his entourage. Clubs in France, Spain, Turkey and Italy are also keen on offering the Rebordosa-born ace a new challenge.

Wolves face Liverpool at Molineux on Saturday and could be aided in their quest to defeat Jurgen Klopp's men due to an injury crisis in defence for the Reds. As cited by The Express and Star, Virgil van Dijk is ruled out through suspension while Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss out due to a hamstring problem.

Old Gold midfielder Mario Lemina is optimistic regarding his side's chances of getting a result against Liverpool, as he told Wolves' official website: “It’s a really big game and I’m looking forwards to getting back on the pitch with the other players, and be in the right place to fight for the team. We know we can do it because we’ve got a good team, we’ve got great players, and we know what we’ve got to do."

Gary O'Neil's men sit 15th in the Premier League, having taken three points from an available 12 so far; nevertheless, their performances have probably deserved more in the way of results on balance.

Who are Wolves signing?

According to Os Donos da Bola presenter Neto, Palmeiras midfielder Raphael Veiga will leave the South American giants to move to Wolves in 2024.

Speaking in an interview, Neto's claims have been relayed by O TV Foco and transcribed by Sport Witness, as he stated: “Raphael Veiga will say goodbye to Palmeiras next year. He is going to Wolverhampton, and the transfer will be completed next year. If this doesn’t happen, Palmeiras can criticise me at will.

“And to replace Veiga, Palmeiras have their eyes on a new midfielder, Pedrinho, currently at Atlético-MG. So, the situation is as follows: Palmeiras is about to sign Pedrinho for €15m, offering €10m plus Kevin. Therefore, at the end of the year, Veiga will go to England.”

Veiga has enjoyed an immense 2023 across all competitions, registering 16 goals and 12 assists for the Brazilian giants in 43 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

Regarded as a star player due to his regular goal contributions, the attacking midfielder has been a consistent presence in the Brazilian Serie A, racking up an average of 3.4 shots on goal per fixture alongside a match rating of 7.42/10, according to WhoScored.

Capable of putting a shift in defensively alongside his offensive exploits, Veiga has also managed to recover 2.8 balls per game in the league, as per SofaScore.

Wolves could definitely use another piece of the jigsaw to help break down defences and Veiga could be an inspired bit of business at Molineux if Neto's claims are indeed true.

علّق نجم فريق برشلونة، فرينكي دي يونج، على قرار استبعاده من منافسات بطولة كأس أمم أوروبا رفقة منتخب هولندا.

وتنطلق منافسات كأس أمم أوروبا، يورو 2024، يوم الجمعة المقبل في ألمانيا.

وأعلن منتخب هولندا، في بيان رسمي منذ قليل، استبعاد فرينكي دي يونج من منافسات البطولة كونه لم يستكمل عافيته إثر إصابة الكاحل التي عانى منها في الأشهر الأخيرة (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

من جانبه، كتب دي يونج عبر حسابه الشخصي بموقع إنستجرام: “أشعر بالحزن وخيبة الأمل لأنني لن أتمكن من المشاركة في بطولة أوروبا”.

وأضاف: “لقد بذلنا قصارى جهدنا في الأسابيع الأخيرة، ولكن لسوء الحظ فإن كاحلي يحتاج إلى مزيد من الوقت، إنه حلم وأعظم شرف أن تمثل بلدك في البطولة النهائية”.

وواصل: “ارتداء القميص البرتقالي (القميص الوطني) وغناء النشيد والشعور بدعم البلد بأكمله، لكنني الآن، مثل جميع مشجعي الفريق البرتقالي بأكمله، سأشجع فريقنا من الخارج، هيا بنا يا شباب”.

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‏‎تمت مشاركة منشور بواسطة ‏‎Frenkie de Jong‎‏ (@‏‎frenkiedejong‎‏)‎‏

ويبدأ منتخب هولندا مشواره في كأس أمم أوروبا بمواجهة بولندا يوم الأحد 16 يونيو الجاري.

We are just five games into the new Premier League season but we are already starting to see a new side to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

The Spaniard has always been a rather serious character, one who reached deep into the text book of Pep Guardiola's teachings.

Yet, the 2023/24 campaign has seen him morph into his professor more than ever. Arteta's press conference ramblings have been interesting and at times sarcastic, as if to mimic the great Pep.

We already know that Arteta has developed a similar philosophy on the pitch and in a bid to go toe to toe with Manchester City, is trying to build a squad full of options and versatility.

Oleksandr Zinchenko's switch from the Etihad to the Emirates was a pivotal part in the club's ongoing project. An attacking midfielder by trade, the Ukranian was moved to a left-back position by Guardiola and now plays the role of an inverted full-back to perfection.

Such a tactical ploy may well have been pioneered by Johan Cruyff all those years ago, but it has been brought back by the Spanish coach who has seen his ideas now replicated all throughout Europe.

Yet, Arteta may be on the verge of a philosophy never seen in football, one that challenges the perception of a role on the pitch that only ever had one player in it; the goalkeeping department.

Aaron Ramsdale quickly dislodged Bernd Leno as the club's number 1 early into Arteta's reign but now as things get serious, the Englishman finds himself at a crossroads after being dropped for David Raya on Sunday.

Why did Raya start against Everton?

There had been murmurings prior to the international break that Arteta was pondering a change between the sticks.

Raya, signed rather surprisingly on loan from Brentford during the summer window, had impressed in training and had been patiently waiting for his moment in the sun.

Displacing Ramsdale was going to be no easy task. This is a player hailed for his world-class saving abilities in the past. His double stop to deny Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate at Anfield last term was notably astonishing.

Indeed, very few can question the Englishman's shot-stopping. Very few could question his ability to distribute play from the back. However, his playful character and energy is hardly a calming influence.

This is where Raya excelled against Everton. He wasn't called upon much during his debut for the Gunners, cooly going under the radar instead on his way to a clean sheet.

During the clash, he completed an immense 94% of his passes, per Sofascore. That might not look too impressive for a player charged with playing the ball a couple of feet each time to his backline. Yet, when you consider Ramsdale's average pass completion rate of 77% this term and you get a feeling for why Arteta rates his new signing so highly.

What was also impressive was Raya's two high claims. Ramsdale is no mug inside the penalty area but his ability to come out from a cross often looks a little haphazard. The England star almost looks unsure of his positioning in those moments and opts to punch away. The fact he has only made one high claim in his four outings to date speaks volumes.

With the Brentford loanee, there appears to be no such problems in that regard. He is calm, dominating and oozes class. Of course, there will be bigger tests to come for Raya, potentially starting in the Champions League and the north London derby next Sunday, should he play but the initial signs are very promising.

What has Arteta said about Raya and Ramsdale?

The decision to start with Raya in goal against the Toffees sparked plenty of debate but as far as Arteta is concerned, he has always wanted two players in that position.

Speaking to Sky Sports prior to the game, he noted: "There will be rotations. I mentioned that we wanted to build a squad with two quality players in each position.

“We have got that now. And to maximise that they’ve to play games."

However, once the game was said and done, the Gunners head coach even hinted that he could be tempted to switch goalkeepers mid-game depending on the situation. Such a philosophy has never been seen in the game, with a clear number 1 always undisputed. Now, though, perceptions are changing.

Speaking at full-time, he commented: "I only have been three and a half years in the job and I have few regrets. One of them was that on two occasions I felt after 60 minutes and after 85 minutes, in two games in this period, to change the keeper at that moment and I didn’t do it. I didn’t have the courage to do it and I was so unhappy.

"Tell me why not do it. Why not. We have all the qualities in another goalkeeper to do something, something is happening and you want to change momentum. Do it. it is a regret that I had. And now my feeling is to get everyone engaged and in the team, they have to play regardless of the competition. That is my message."

if you take Arteta's comments at face value then both 'keepers will get their opportunities this term. Only time will tell.

Ramsdale isn't the only player to have been given what looks like a cold shoulder, though. Gabriel Martinelli was given a substantial period of time on the bench before he returned to the side following injury in 2021/22 while Emile Smith Rowe is going through a tough time at the moment too.

Why is Smith Rowe not playing?

Arteta has not been afraid to make surprising decisions during his time in north London. The move to omit Ramsdale is the latest high profile route the manager has gone down.

Whether or not he gets back in the side with regularity remains to be seen but it really does feel as though this could be the beginning of the end for the 25-year-old in Arsenal colours.

The same could well be said for Smith Rowe.

The Hale End graduate was on par with Bukayo Saka only a few years ago as he was given the number 10 shirt and made it his own.

Flash back to the 2021/22 campaign and the talented attacking midfielder scored ten goals in one Premier League season.

An England senior debut came but an injury at the start of last term has derailed his progress and development.

Since that breakthrough campaign, the 23-year-old has barely featured. In 2022/23 he only played 12 times in the league, amassing just 161 minutes of football.

Unsurprisngly, the £40k-per-week talent didn't register a single goal in that time. Then, this campaign, he is yet to feature at all in the top-flight.

That is remarkable for someone who was one of the first names on the teamsheet a matter of years ago.

Martin Odegaard's prominence, of course, has not helped, neither has Martinelli's down the left flank. Yet, there was an opening upon the departure of Granit Xhaka.

Kai Havertz, who is yet to score or assist, was given the change to succeed him first. Fabio Vieira has now started ahead of him too. Even Leandro Trossard was preferred in that role during pre-season.

What, therefore, can Smith Rowe do to get in the team? It is remarkable he hasn't even appeared from the substitutes bench yet. His ability to make things happen out of nowhere is a trait very few possess. Only in 2021 did reporter James Benge hail his "special" qualities.

He is now unfortunately joined by his countryman Ramsdale on the bench, hopefully not forever. If that is the case, though, it will be a sorry end for two of the club's most promising English talents.

Having finished the previous campaign with Wout Weghorst as the starting option in attack, Manchester United will hope to have ended their longstanding centre-forward woes with the signing of Danish superstar, Rasmus Hojlund, with the 20-year-old joining from Atalanta on a deal that could rise to £72m.

After years of short-term signings in the striking department – including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo – the promising marksman could be the man to lead the line for the foreseeable future, with the Old Trafford outfit seemingly crying out for a prolific presence through the middle.

The Red Devils could, however, have found a dream, long-term centre-forward option far sooner – and for far cheaper – in the form of Slovenian sensation, Benjamin Sesko, with the towering hotshot looking like another case of one that got away for United.

Why didn't Man United sign Benjamin Sesko?

The Premier League giants are no strangers to having snubbed the chance to sign exciting young strikers on the cheap, with the most famous example seeing the club fail to pounce to land Erling Haaland – who scored 52 goals for rivals Manchester City last season – on a measly £4m deal from Norwegian side, Molde.

Described as the 'next Haaland', young Sesko is another forward who had caught the eye of the United hierarchy in the recent past, with The Athletic revealing that the powers that be had the chance to sign the then-teenager from Domzale in 2019.

As per the report, the Slovenian side had been demanding just £2.5m if they were to sanction the sale of the 6 foot 4 starlet, albeit with those back in Manchester believed to have viewed that valuation as 'excessive' at the time.

That decision to pass up the chance to sign the Radece-born "Machine Man" – as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig – remains a true headscratcher, particularly with the in-form powerhouse seeing his price tag rise substantially in recent times.

How much is Sesko worth now?

Following a subsequent move to Austrian side, Red Bull Salzburg in 2019, the emerging talent particularly impressed during his extended loan spell at FC Liefering, bagging 22 goals and six assists in just 44 outings, prior to returning to his parent club.

The 22-cap international – who already has seven goals for his country – made a rather smooth transition to life back at Salzburg after recording 40 goal involvements in just 79 games across the last two seasons, sparking renewed interest from United last summer.

Despite claims that technical director John Murtough was holding talks with the player's agent, it was later confirmed that the prolific gem had sealed a move to sister club, RB Leipzig – with the Daily Mail reporting that the fee was as high as £55m.

That represents a 2100% increase in value in relation to what the Red Devils could have signed him for just four years ago, with Erik ten Hag likely ruing the fact that the previous regime did not do more to get their hands on a potentially "generational" talent – as hailed by journalist Ryan Taylor.

Life in Germany has already started brightly for the 20-year-old as he has two goals from just two Bundesliga outings so far this term, while also catching the eye with one goal and two assists in a recent standout showing against Northern Ireland in Euro 2024 qualifying.

As such, even if Hojlund does go on to prove a success in English football, United could potentially have snapped up a similarly exciting asset to the Copenhagen native in the form of Sesko, albeit without having had to break the bank.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou seemingly has a plan for midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, as journalist Paul Brown shares some detail.

What happened to Giovani Lo Celso?

Signing from Real Betis on a permanent deal under Jose Mourinho in January 2020, Lo Celso has endured a mixed Spurs career since.

The Argentine midfielder, who clinched a World Cup winner's medal with his country in Qatar last year, has gone out on two separate loan spells to Villarreal – where he featured regularly over the 21/22 and 22/23 seasons.

There were reports that Lo Celso could've been sold over the summer transfer window, as former side Betis even displayed a real interest in bringing the South American back to Spain once again.

However, new Spurs boss Postecoglou is a fan of the midfielder, as he explained earlier in the summer. When asked about reports in La Liga linking him with a return to the league, Postecoglou explained:

“You don't have to go to Spain mate, you can just ask me. Yeah, I like Gio. He fits the way we play. I enjoy working with him and he seems to enjoy working with us.”

The 27-year-old, before a recent injury, started to feature more and more under Postecoglou – playing 16 league minutes before starting their Carabao Cup second round clash against Fulham last week (WhoScored).

The tables are seemingly turning for Lo Celso, with reporter Brown telling GiveMeSport that the player is set to feature regularly in Tottenham's plans moving forward.

"Yeah, there's been some interest in Spurs' players," said Brown on deadline day.

"I know there are several clubs that wanted Lo Celso; it seems pretty clear that he's sticking around. We asked Postecoglou again today and the message was that while he's got a small injury, he's considered part of the squad now and quite a key member of it.

"He seems to be considered now a kind of backup or substitute option for Maddison in those areas of the pitch, so I think he's going to get minutes this season and will stay."

What's been said about Giovani Lo Celso?

It appears Lo Celso has a chance to resurrect his Spurs career after failing to impress in recent campaigns.

When he wasn't out on loan, the Argentine's performances in a Lilywhites jersey attracted criticism from members of the media like Spurs pundit John Wenham – who once called him a "passenger" during Nuno Espirito Santo's tenure in charge.

“One player I really want to talk about is Lo Celso,” said Wenham to Football Insider after a Lo Celso performance against Man United.

“He came in against Man United which was another baffling decision by Nuno.

“It was another poor performance from him. Under Conte, he has everything to prove to convince him he’s worth keeping around. Conte won’t suffer fools.”

Following some of his past outings, Lo Celso may now have a chance to turn his fortunes around under Postecoglou.

The former Zimbabwe captain replaces Lakshmipathy Balaji, who has taken up a similar role with Chennai Super Kings

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Mar-2018

Heath Streak, the Zimbabwe coach, will return to the IPL after being appointed bowling coach of Kolkata Knight Riders. Streak joins Simon Katich and Jacques Kallis in KKR’s backroom staff, and replaces Laxmipathy Balaji, who has taken up a similar role with Chennai Super Kings.Streak was previously bowling coach of Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017, the experience of which he feels would come in handy as he teams up with former Lions player and current KKR captain Dinesh Karthik.”DK is a lovely guy and he’s got a very astute cricket brain,” Streak told . “He is a very open-minded guy, and is open to listening. The best thing is he loves the game, loves talking about it and he was a good friend in the two years we had spent at Gujarat Lions.”Streak was also “excited” to work with India’s Under-19 fast bowlers Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi and hoped to ease their transition into the big leagues.”They really look technically sound, so for me, it is about giving them good tactical support and helping them out,” Streak said. “Playing at the U-19 World Cup is very different from playing in the IPL against highly-experienced players.”They have got the skills and resources to be able to do that; it’s just helping them make smart decisions, especially under pressure. That’s what it is all about — playing in the big league.”KKR, however, have other questions to address, like the fitness concerns over Andre Russell and Chris Lynn. Russell left his PSL duties for Islamabad United midway after suffering a hamstring injury, while Lynn’s dislocated right shoulder – suffered while fielding in the T20I tri-series final – ruled him out out the PSL completely.ESPNcricinfo understands that KKR’s management are fully confident of the full availability of these two players come April 7. Another concern for KKR from the PSL was the reporting of Sunil Narine’s bowling action.In the past, Narine has been reported in the IPL as well and his offbreaks were banned by the BCCI in IPL 2015. The latest report, however, does not affect Narine’s bowling in the IPL immediately, unless he is called for a second time in the PSL, or CWI runs tests that find his action to be illegal.

Tanvir Islam and Anjum Ahmed shared seven wickets to help Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity to a six-wicket win over Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Mar-2018Salauddin Pappu’s maiden List-A century powered Legends of Rupganj to second place in the Dhaka Premier League after a 26-run win against Kalabagan Krira Chakra.Batting first at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Rupganj made 314 for 5 in 50 overs with Pappu smashing eight sixes and 12 fours in his 95-ball 125. He added 150 runs in 22.3 overs for the second wicket stand with Mohammad Naim, who made 45 himself. The captain Naeem Islam also chipped in with an unbeaten on 61 off 53 balls.Kalabagan got off to a fast start with Shreevats Goswami and Tasamul Haque adding 65 runs for the opening stand. Goswami (75) and Mohammad Ashraful (64) followed that up with another half-century stand once that was broken, the middle order couldn’t keep pace with the asking rate. Spinners Parvez Rasool and Asif Hasan took three wickets each while seamer Mohammad Shahid took two.Agrani Bank banked on half-centuries from Azmir Ahmed (65), Salman Hossain (63), Rishi Dhawan (70) and Jahid Javed (55) to beat Brothers Union by three wickets at Fatullah Cricket Stadium.Chasing 290 to win, Azmir and Salman added 88 runs for the second wicket before Salman and Dhiman Ghosh contributed 50 for the third wicket. While all of that set up the chase, it was finished by Dhawan and Javed, who batted at better than run-a-ball to ensure their team secured victory.Earlier in the day, Mizanur Rahman and Junaid Siddique recorded only the third 200-plus opening partnership in Bangladesh List A history. Mizanur made 102 off 120 balls with nine fours and three sixes. Junaid missed out on the century, making 92 off 103 balls with eight fours and a six. Shafiul Islam was the pick of Agrani’s bowlers, finishing with 4 for 48.Tanvir Islam and Anjum Ahmed shared seven wickets to help Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity to a six-wicket win over Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club.Batting first, Dhanmondi Club were bowled out for 167 runs in 48 overs. Tanvir took four wickets while Anjum claimed three, their combined figures reading 18-0-46-7. Tanbir Hayder top-scored with 52. Khelaghar wrapped up a straightforward chase with Ashok Menaria scoring 58 off 71 balls and Rafsan Al Mahmud giving good support with 49 off 82.