Wolverhampton Wanderers were brought back down to earth last weekend as they endured a dismal 3-0 defeat to a club who were in European action just 72 hours prior.

Following a win against Burnley and a draw versus Nottingham Forest, Gary O’Neil would have been looking for his team to take advantage of West Ham’s second game in just three days, yet it looked like the Old Gold were the ones coming off the back of a continental clash.

While there has been some decent progress under the former Bournemouth manager, consistency problems have plagued so far during the 2023/24 season and this will need to be remedied heading into 2024.

With the transfer window just around the corner, could a few signings give the Molineux outfit a boost?

Wolves transfer news – Defensive hunt

According to reports, Wolves have made contact with the agent of current Flamengo defender Wesley Franca as O’Neil aims to add some players to his current squad.

Barcelona were close to signing the youngster, yet due to financial fair play rules, the move didn’t materialise and this could open up the door for the Old Gold to make their move.

More good news has come from journalist Vitor Beloti, who provided an update on his situation, saying: “Wesley has received inquiries from Brighton, Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton and has a chance of leaving Flamengo in 2024.

“The English are waiting for the transfer window to open to move forward with negotiations. The full-back has even told Flamengo his desire to play in Europe.”

With Brighton and Palace sure to provide some competition for the player, the next few weeks will be massive with regard to who makes the first move.

The Brazilian has just 18 months left on his current contract and this could further entice Wolves to make an offer for the 20-year-old, especially considering they may not need to pay over the odds.

O'Neil could be forced to bench 5/10 Wolves man after West Ham

Wolves endured a heavy defeat against West Ham United over the weekend

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 18, 2023

The right-back area is a position in which the club really need to strengthen, especially considering how inconsistent Nelson Semedo has been this season.

A move for Wesley would give O’Neil the licence to finally jettison the former Barcelona defender before his contract expires in 2025.

Nelson Semedo’s statistics at Wolves

The 30-year-old joined the Midlands side back in 2020 for a staggering transfer fee of £36.8m and it prompted their executive chairman Jeff Shi to laud to defender, saying: "It's isn't often that we have the opportunity to sign a world-class player from a world-class club. Nelson's signing shows we will never stop progressing and we are still hungry and humble in our heart."

Having won two La Liga titles and a Copa Del Rey during his time in Spain, Semedo arrived with a winning mentality and across his first two seasons he made 64 appearances across all competitions while scoring twice, and it was a decent start.

Last season under Bruno Lage and Julen Lopetegui, however, Semedo failed to impress. He ranked in a lowly 21st position in the squad for overall Sofascore rating in the top flight, while also ranking seventh for accurate passes (27.4), 16th for key passes (0.3) and seventh for successful dribbles (0.7) per game, indicating just how inconsistent he was.

He recorded just one assist across his 36 Premier League matches and for a fullback who loves to bomb down the wing as often as he does, this was a dismal return.

Under O’Neil this term, the Portuguese defender has started every single league match and it proves that the 40-year-old has a lack of options in the right-back role.

With this in mind, a move for Wesley could well be high on his priority list and the youngster has enjoyed a standout season for the Brazilian side in 2023.

Wesley Franca’s season in numbers

During the summer, Wesley was praised by U23 scout Antonio Mango after he burst into the Flamengo senior side. He said: “I’ve been so so impressed with Flemengo’s right-back Wesley França …. He’s been immense since coming into the senior team.”

He ended up making 51 appearances across all competitions for the club during the 2023 season, and he was given a wonderful platform in which to showcase his abilities.

Despite his relatively young age and inexperience at the highest level, the defender has impressed across a wide range of metrics, especially when compared to players occupying the same position as him.

Indeed, when compared to positional peers in competitions similar to the Brazilian top-flight, the 20-year-old ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes received per 90 (10.03), the top 2% for pass completion rate per 90 (85.7%) and the top 13% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (2.07) as he demonstrated his attacking qualities over the previous 12 months.

Semedo, when compared to his positional peers in the top five leagues, could only rank in the top 38% for progressive passes received per 90 (4.67), the top 35% for pass completion rate per 90 (79.9%) and the lowest 31% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (0.99), indicating that he hasn’t enjoyed a particularly fruitful last 12 months.

These statistics clearly show that Wesley would be an upgrade on Semedo going forward and, despite playing just 57 senior matches during his career, O’Neil would be able to thrust him into the starting XI and watch him shine.

There is no doubt that several areas of Wolves' first-team squad is in need of an overhaul and the right back area is one notable position.

The 30-year-old has often shown flashes of his talent during his three-year spell in the Midlands, but considering the fee they paid to sign him, it hasn’t been quite good enough.

Moving him on in the near future and bringing in a talented Brazilian starlet who has already shown better statistics across various performance metrics could prove to be a shrewd move by O’Neil.

Of course, it would be a big gamble to take, but no one ever did anything of note by sticking to their comfort zone and this means a move must come sooner rather than later.

Chelsea don't quite have their past luxuries anymore when it comes to the striker options at Stamford Bridge, long gone are the days of Didier Drogba and Diego Costa being talismanic figures for the Blues.

Now, Mauricio Pochettino's men rely on a patchy Nicolas Jackson to lead the line effectively for the stumbling Premier League club whilst Armando Broja waits in reserve for a rare moment to shine.

The Blues could well prioritise a new striker addition in this upcoming transfer window to bolster the squad therefore, with Pochettino's side rumoured to be in for this attacker from the Bundesliga.

Chelsea transfers latest – Striker search for the Blues

Recent reports from 90min suggest that a number of Premier League clubs are interested in RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko this January, Chelsea just one notable admirer among many for the young Slovenian's services.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle United are all tempted by the former RB Salzburg sharp-shooter alongside the Blues and could all reignite their previous interest.

Sesko's troubled time at Leipzig to date – which has seen him start just three games in total this season for the German club – could open up the possibility of the 20-year-old seeking out pastures new soon with 90min further reporting that Sesko himself is keen on a potential move away.

Chelsea could well look to replicate Newcastle's success by swooping in for Sesko, the Magpies purchasing Isak from Real Sociedad after previously enduring a barren spell with German giants Borussia Dortmund before exploding into life on his arrival to Tyneside.

The Blues will hope a similar story unfolds in their pursuit of the promising 20-year-old if they manage to land him, with a fee in the region of £40m expected to be enough to see Sesko relocate to west London next month.

How Benjamin Sesko compares to Alexandar Isak

Both Sesko and Isak were strikers thrust into the limelight from a very young age, both emerging onto the scene at their respective first clubs in Salzburg and AIK whilst still being wide-eyed teenagers learning the ropes.

Away from this connection, the two strikers operate in a similar fashion on the pitch too – both attackers using their towering 6 foot 4 frames to their advantage.

Yet, the players in question are anything but traditional target-men and are deceptively quick and agile.

Likewise, both forwards are clinical in approach – Sesko amassing seven shots on target this season from just 13 registered in total as per FBRef, and Isak managing an equally impressive 11 shots on target from 24 registered.

Sesko has managed three goals in the league too despite a lack of game time, rekindling some of his previous Salzburg potency in the process which saw him net 16 goals in his final season in Austria from just 30 games played.

#1 Habib Diallo (Al Shabab)

#2 Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal)

#3 Beto (Everton)

#4 Alvaro Morata (Atletico)

#5 Akor Adams (Montpellier)

#6 Odsonne Edouard (Palace)

#7 Jorgen Strand Larsen (Celta Vigo)

#8 Alex Lacazette (Lyon)

#9 Alex Isak (Newcastle)

#10 Valentin Castellanos (Lazio)

Data via FBRef.

The 6 foot 4 attacker has even been referred to as a "machine" by football journalist Antonio Mango for his coolness in front of goal, one part of Sesko's varied skillset that will have impressed Chelsea and other parties interested in him.

In stark contrast, Jackson at Stamford Bridge has notched up 41 shots in total and has only scored four more than his Leipzig counterpart over the top-flight season to date.

The young Slovenian prospect manages to go the distance with Jackson in other aspects of the Chelsea striker's game, offering friendly competition if he was signed.

The 20-year-old does better Jackson when it comes to successful take-ons over the last year per 90 minutes, averaging 1.81 to Jackson's slightly lesser 1.74.

The current Leipzig man also goes toe-to-toe with the ex-Villarreal man in terms of his progressive play on the ball – Sesko just narrowly falling flat with 1.81 progressive carries to Jackson's impressive 2.54.

Chelsea will weigh up whether gambling on Sesko this January is a risk worth taking, looking at Newcastle's decision to spend big on Isak and hoping Sesko can be a similar figure up top for the Blues who can only get better in England.

Lionesses star Chloe Kelly celebrated her 100th Manchester City appearance against Arsenal on Sunday, joining some exclusive clubs in the process.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Kelly a key player for Man City since 2020 switch
• Culminated in Sunday's big milestone
• England star joins two exclusive clubs

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kelly came through at the Gunners and made her senior breakthrough at Everton, all leading to her move to Manchester City back in 2020. In the four years since, the winger has established herself as a key player for club and also country, most notably scoring the goal that won England the 2022 European Championships at Wembley.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It culminated in a milestone 100th appearance on Sunday, an achievement which Kelly is just the 17th professional player to hit. She is also one of just six players in City's current squad to have celebrated that feat.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  In those 100 appearances, Kelly has scored 32 times, helping City to win both the FA Cup and the Continental Cup.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR KELLY AND MAN CITY?

  Kelly will be looking to add a Women's Super League title to that trophy haul, with the race to be champions of England looking likely to go down to the wire with Chelsea.

The South Africa legspinner will still be available for T20Is, at least until the 2020 T20 World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Mar-2019South Africa’s Imran Tahir has decided to retire from ODIs after the 2019 World Cup. The legspinner, who made the announcement following his match-winning 3 for 26 in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, has stated that he would still be available for T20Is, at least until the 2020 T20 World Cup.Tahir, who will turn 40 later this month and is contracted to Cricket South Africa only until July 31, said that the decision was taken with a “mutual understanding” between the board and him. He was not handed a contract for the 2019-20 season, which put a question mark over his long-term future in international cricket.”I have always wanted to play in the World Cup,” Tahir said in a statement released by CSA. “It would be a great achievement for me to play for this great team. I have a mutual understanding with Cricket South Africa and going forward I decided that I would finish at the World Cup, that is why I am contracted until then.”After that, Cricket South Africa has allowed me to go and play around the world in various leagues but I would also love to play T20 cricket for South Africa. I think I have the ability and can play a role in T20 cricket for South Africa. I am grateful for the opportunity.”Tahir has represented South Africa in 95 ODIs, taking 156 wickets at 24.56. He became the joint-fastest South African – Allan Donald and Morne Morkel being the others – to 150 ODI wickets during the match against Australia in Perth last year, achieving the feat in 89 matches.It was during the 2011 World Cup that Tahir had made his ODI debut, in South Africa’s opening match against West Indies in Delhi. He made a major impact in the tournament, finishing as South Africa’s second-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets at an economy rate of 3.79.He added that this move would also open up spots for other spinners, who according to him “need the opportunity”.”If you look at 50-over cricket there’s guys like (Tabraiz) Shamsi, (Aaron) Phangiso, Shaun von Berg, Dane Piedt… there are a lot of guys who need opportunity,” Tahir said.”I don’t want to lose my spot. I have to work twice as hard, they are younger than me. I just want to be honest, I don’t want to leave, but that’s how it is. There is a stage in your life where you have to make big decisions, this is one of those big decisions, it is definitely the biggest decision of my life. I also feel there are a couple of good spinners in the country who need the opportunity. We are fighting for the same spot, but looking to the future, they will have more opportunities to play for South Africa.”Tahir has played 20 Tests and 37 T20Is for South Africa, besides being a regular presence in franchise leagues all around the world. He showed some of his best form against Sri Lanka on Sunday prompting his captain Faf du Plessis to gush: “That was the Immy of old, the Immy that has won us games single-handedly in the past. He’s my go-to man in the middle. We need him to be on top of his game at the World Cup, so it was really good to see that (performance).”

MatériaMais Notícias

Em 2019, Vanderlei Luxemburgo foi contratado para tirar o Vasco da zona da confusão. Apesar da dificuldade, o técnico conseguiu salvar a equipe e o início da reação aconteceu após conquistar a sua primeira vitória, sobre o Internacional, em São Januário. Neste domingo, o comandante reencontrará o Colorado, e uma vitória na Colina Histórica tirará a equipe do Z4 restando apenas dois jogos para o fim da competição.

> Confira e simule a classificação do Campeonato Brasileiro

RelacionadasVascoConfira os jogadores que mais vestiram a camisa do Vasco na temporada 2020Vasco13/02/2021BrasileirãoVasco x Internacional: prováveis times, onde ver, desfalques e palpitesBrasileirão13/02/2021VascoEric Pimentel, zagueiro da base do Vasco, fala sobre sua convocação para a seleção brasileira sub-18Vasco13/02/2021

Na ocasião, o time deixou a lanterna do campeonato ao vencer os gaúchos por 2 a 1, com gols de Andrey e Tiago Reis. É preciso salientar que em 2019, Luxa teve mais jogos para construir uma campanha mais sólida na luta contra o rebaixamento (praticamente um campeonato inteiro). Dessa vez, ele assumiu no início de 2021, com 12 “finais” pela frente para salvar o Vasco da queda.

Neste sábado, o Goiás derrotou o já rebaixado Botafogo e encostou de vez no Cruz-Maltino e no Bahia, que empatou com o Atlético-MG, no Mineirão. O Esmeraldino agora tem 36 pontos, um a menos que a equipe carioca, mas com um jogo a mais. Na última rodada, os goianos visitam o Gigante da Colina em São Januário, em um duelo que pode decidir quem fica na elite do futebol brasileiro. O Tricolor baiano, por sua vez, chegou a 38, um a mais que o Vasco.

> Confira mais notícias sobre o Vasco da Gama

Para o duelo deste domingo, Vanderlei Luxemburgo fará algumas mudanças na equipe. O técnico não poderá contar com o zagueiro Marcelo Alves, suspenso pelo terceiro cartão amarelo. Por outro lado, o Cruz-Maltino terá o retorno do lateral-direito Léo Matos, que não disputou a partida diante do Fortaleza, no Castelão.

>Confira os jogadores que mais vestiram a camisa do Vasco na temporada 2020

Além disso, o lateral-esquerdo Henrique é dúvida depois de levar um pisão em um lance com o zagueiro Paulão na última quarta. Caso não tenha condições de jogo, a tendência é que Neto Borges entre em campo. No meio-campo, o argentino Léo Gil pode voltar à equipe e Yago Pikachu retornar ao ataque, pela ponta direita.

>A reta final: Vasco teve somente quatro vitórias nos últimos 20 jogos. Relembre

Nos dias que antecedem o jogo, tanto Luxa, quanto a nova diretoria do clube, pregaram união neste momento decisivo. Para isso, foram definidas modificações na rotina de trabalho visando os três últimos jogos da competição (Inter, Corinthians e Goiás). O presidente Jorge Salgado explicou essas mudanças e disse que os atletas assimilaram bem a proposta.

– Estamos todos aqui imbuídos de um só objetivo. A palavra hoje é união, é comprometimento, para alcançarmos nosso objetivo principal. O Vasco hoje é uma unidade. Apresentamos aos atletas nossa proposta de ações até o final do Campeonato Brasileiro em uma conversa muito franca, que foi bem recebida por todos. Todos que quiseram tiveram a palavra, e saio daqui hoje muito satisfeito com o comprometimento de todo o time – afirmou Salgado, ao site oficial do Vasco.

Railways deny Pujara joy after maiden T20 tonTwelve years after he first played the format, Cheteshwar Pujara finally has a century to show in T20s. However, his 61-ball 100 not out on the opening day of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Indore wasn’t enough to give Saurashtra victory against Railways.Pujara carried his bat through Saurashtra’s innings, which ended on 188 for three in 20 overs. Along the way, he became the first Saurashtra batsman to make a T20 century, surpassing his previous best – a 55-ball 81 – against Jammu & Kashmir in 2016. His second half-century on Thursday was three balls slower than his first, which came off 29 balls. In all, he hit 14 fours and a six.ALSO CHECK OUT: All scorecards from the tournamentHe put on 85 with wicketkeeper Harvik Desai and followed it up with an 82-run stand with Robin Uthappa, who made a 31-ball 46. This was Uthappa’s first competitive fixture in four months following an ankle surgery in London. Uthappa, a key player for Kolkata Knight Riders since 2014, had missed the Ranji Trophy and spent the time away working on his rehabilitation. In between, he also had brief commentary stints during India’s limited-overs series in Australia.With India’s next Test assignment only in July in the Caribbean, Pujara is likely to figure for Saurashtra throughout the T20 tournament, that also features Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer, R Ashwin and Mayank Agarwal.Pujara, who hasn’t featured in the IPL since his stint with Kings XI Punjab in 2014, is potentially looking at a third season of county cricket in the summer before India next play Test cricket after the World Cup.Iyer smashes record for highest T20 scoreMumbai smashed the third-highest T20 score in India, and the seventh highest in all T20 cricket, after they finished at 258 for four against Sikkim in Indore.On the way, Shreyas Iyer’s 55-ball 147 also broke Rishabh Pant’s 128 not out as the highest T20 score by an Indian.Iyer struck 15 sixes and seven fours in his innings, including a 35-run over off Sikkim medium-pacer Tashi Bhalla. He was assisted by Suryakumar Yadav’s 33-ball 63.Incidentally, Iyer’s 15 sixes also saw him take the record among Indian batsmen for most sixes in a T20 innings from M Vijay (11). Iyer is now perched tied-fourth with Chris Gayle on the overall list.Puducherry, Uttarakhand cause upsetsIn other results, Puducherry and Uttarakhand upset Hyderabad and Services with thrilling wins, by three runs and three wickets respectively.Playing their first match against a team not part of the Plate Group, Puducherry were driven by Paras Dogra’s 89 off 48 balls after being put in to bat by Hyderabad. Dogra came in at 39 for two in the sixth over, batted till the final ball, having carried Puducherry to 159 for six.Hyderabad seemed well on course, with Akshath Reddy batting on a half-century and only 34 runs to get off 29 balls with seven wickets in hand. But Parandaman Thamaraikannan’s 4 for 39 derailed the chase and despite Akshat remaining unbeaten on a 51-ball 69, Hyderabad ended three runs short at 156 for nine.Uttarakhand, fresh off a Ranji Trophy quarter-final appearance, surged to victory over Services with just one ball to spare. Services had put on 164 for five after winning the toss, captain Rajat Paliwal leading the way with 54 off 35. Karn Kaushal gave Uttarakhand a rollicking start with 58 off 32, but the team suffered a mini collapse when he fell, going from 72 for no loss to 100 for five. With 65 needed off 41 balls, lower-order batsman Girish Rauturi smashed 49 off 27 balls, and though he fell on the second ball of the 20th over, Uttarakhand got over the line.

New Zealand will be buoyed by the return of Guptill from injury and the 2-1 T20I series win over India

The Preview by Mohammad Isam in Napier12-Feb-20190:57

We have a point to prove against Bangladesh – Astle

Big pictureBangladesh have never lost to New Zealand in ODIs at home since 2010 while New Zealand have never lost to Bangladesh at their backyard. In their previous ODI, at a neutral venue in Cardiff in 2017, Bangladesh stunned New Zealand with an epic come-from-behind win.Watch NZ v Ban live

Followers in the United States can watch New Zealand v Bangladesh live on ESPN+

Ahead of the ODI series opener in Napier, many felt that this was Bangladesh’s best chance to win games in New Zealand. However, Shakib Al Hasan’s injury has created a gaping hole in the line-up.But nonetheless, it promises to be an exciting contest. New Zealand themselves have a few holes to plug after their 4-1 series defeat against India. The only game they won was when they bowled out India for 92 in Hamilton, but in the other four games they couldn’t sustain the pressure for longer periods.Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Tom Latham were among the runs while Trent Boult and Matt Henry had one good outing each during the ODI series against India. The home side will also be buoyed by the 2-1 T20I series win over them.Tim Southee hasn’t found much swing in white-ball cricket, but New Zealand can fall back on the extra pace of Lockie Ferguson. How Bangladesh tackle New Zealand’s pace attack could have a big say in which way the series swings. If Soumya Sarkar and Liton Das can complement Tamim Iqbal, it will ease the pressure on Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah in the middle overs. Can Sabbir Rahman then fulfill his potential and finish the innings?Bangladesh pace attack, too, will have to step up. Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain and Mohammad Saifuddin will all have to play key roles, particularly in the slog overs. In the absence of Shakib, there is extra pressure on the inexperienced spinners Mehidy Hasan and Nayeem Hasan.Form guideNew Zealand: LWLLL (Last five completed matches, most recent first)
Bangladesh: WLWWWIn the spotlightMatt Henry’s four-wicket haul in the last ODI against India could help him retain his spot for the series opener against Bangladesh, who haven’t been comfortable against rapid pace away from home.Soumya Sarkar’s unbeaten 80 against West Indies, in Bangladesh’s last ODI in Sylhet, ensured that they won the series in style. Now, he has to adapt to quite different conditions as he looks to put behind a tough BPL campaignTeam newsMartin Guptill is fit again, and is set to open with Henry Nicholls. Colin Munro has been left out of the squad for the first two matches.New Zealand (probable): 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Henry Nicholls, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 6 James Neesham, 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Todd Astle, 10 Matt Henry, 11 Trent BoultBangladesh may be tempted to bring in Mohammad Saifuddin instead of Rubel Hossain, particularly in Shakib’s absence.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Liton Das, 3 Soumya Sarkar, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Mohammad Mithun, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Sabbir Rahman, 8 Mohammad Saifuddin, 9 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 10 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 11 Mustafizur RahmanPitch and conditionsThe home side will be wary of the Napier pitch, having been bowled out for 157 by India, in the previous game here last month. Weather-wise, it is likely to be a pleasant day in McLean Park.Stats and TriviaBangladesh have lost both their previous ODIs in Napier, by big margins, during the 2007 and 2010 tours.Ross Taylor is 109 runs short of becoming the second New Zealander to 8,000 ODI runs.Quotes”We know it is going to be difficult in New Zealand but we like being the underdog. I think New Zealand know they have to play very good cricket to beat us.”
“Bangladesh are a quality side and they showed it in the Champions Trophy when they beat us in that last game.”
New Zealand opener Martin Guptill

Following reports of an ankle ligament injury for midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, it's now believed another Tottenham star is set to be out till 2024.

Spurs injury list growing and growing

As many as ten Spurs players are currently unavailable, with one suspended and a seismic eight on the treatment table. Cristian Romero is serving a match ban, but the likes of James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, Ryan Sessegnon, Manor Solomon, Ashley Phillips, Pape Matar Sarr and, now, Bentancur are all sidelined through injury.

At the start of November, Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou was enjoying a 10-game unbeaten run after winning consecutive Manager of the Month awards. Now, the Australian is fresh off the back of three losses in a row, and a plethora of his squad members are unavailable for selection.

Bentancur's ankle problem will come as an especially sore one to take for supporters and Postecoglou, as the Uruguay midfielder had only just returned from a nine-month injury absence sustained last season.

"It wasn't a great tackle," said Postecoglou on Bentancur after Tottenham's loss to Villa.

"I thought he started the game so well and I think it was the reason we got a real good foothold on the game. He's such a creative player. It's the last thing we needed, another injury. So disappointed to lose him but we're yet to see the extent of it."

The South American could've provided some real steal in the Spurs midfield for looming encounters against league champions Man City and London rivals West Ham, not to mention Champions League qualification rivals Newcastle United.

Solomon now out until 2024

This week, Spurs appeared to be slowly approaching the return of winger Solomon at one point, but now the Isreali will join Bentancur as a sidelined star till 2024. The Standard previously estimated a December return for Tottenham's summer signing, but the same outlet and journalist Nizaar Kinsella have some bad news on that front.

Indeed, they claim Solomon is now expected to miss the rest of 2023 and won't return until the new year. The former Fulham winger has provided two assists over his limited appearances in a Spurs shirt and would've been a wonderful option to call upon in the festive period.

Alas, Postecoglou will have to cope without Solomon's presence for a while longer yet, as the Tottenham boss also ponders how to get the very best out of his limited squad.

The 24-year-old has been praised as a "special" player by former Chelsea boss Avram Grant, but he'll be forced to watch on from the Spurs sidelines until next year.

Being called "among the best" for his one-v-one ability, Postecoglou really could've done with him.

“Manor is a special player; he was excellent at Fulham,” said Grant to Ynet. “I spoke with him, and he’s thrilled to be at Tottenham; he has improved his killer instinct. What sets him apart is his amazing one-on-one ability; he’s among the best. He is a Premier League player in every sense."

Defeat on penalties to exit the Carabao Cup in disappointing fashion aside, Everton have been enjoying their best form yet under Sean Dyche as of late, who has used the points deduction to rally his side into defiant form in the Premier League. The Toffees look on course to comfortably escape relegation and perhaps even move into mid-table in what would be seen as a massive success for all those at Goodison Park.

That's where the good news could stop, however, with one report suggesting that the Toffees will undoubtedly lose one particular star player after his agents held talks with a European giant. As Dyche looks to continue his transformation of Everton, this could be a massive blow.

Everton transfer news

Everton did well in the summer when it came to recruitment, welcoming the likes of Jack Harrison and Ashley Young, among others who have helped them to steer clear of the dropzone despite the deduction.

What might frustrate those on Merseyside is the fact that they'd be as high as 10th at the very least and above Chelsea if it wasn't for the 10 points they lost as a result of the Premier League's decision. Now, the Toffees could be dealt another blow away from the pitch.

According to Foot Mercato, Amadou Onana will "undoubtedly" leave Everton after his agent recently held talks with Spanish giants Barcelona. The La Liga side are reportedly eyeing a summer move for the Belgian and have not been put off by his €55m (£48m) price tag.

If Barcelona are to land the midfielder, however, then they may need to battle Manchester United for his signature, who have also been linked with a move for the Everton man. Having already held talks with Onana's agent though, it seems as though it is the Spaniards who are leading the way.

"Exciting" Onana crucial to Everton progression

Whilst his penalty miss to confirm Everton's defeat in their Carabao Cup shootout against Fulham last time out was one to forget, there's no taking away from how impressive Onana is. At 22-years-old, the Belgian stands at 6 foot 5 and possesses the technical attributes to earn the interest of Barcelona. Onana's stats show that, if he got his move, it would be a deserved one.

His work off the ball is his most impressive asset and one that makes Barcelona's interest little surprise when compared to Frenkie de Jong.

Player

Tackles Per 90

Clearances Per 90

Dispossessed Per Game

Dribbled Past Per Game

Amadou Onana

2.5

1.1

0.2

0.7

Frenkie de Jong

1.5

0.9

1

0.7

Earning plenty of praise from former Belgium boss Roberto Martinez, the Spaniard told Sky Sports via HITC: “Really exciting footballer. I know that sometimes when we speak about players, it’s very difficult to measure their potential. I think we are talking about a 20-year-old boy, who is probably one of the most talented at that age in European football, and that’s how excited we are in Belgium.

“He’s got the physicality and the presence of a player that the Everton fans know very well in Marouane Fellaini. He can become anything in that central area, so I can understand the excitement around Everton – this is one of the most exciting prospects in European football at this present time.”

Aiden Markram and Hashim Amla will return to South Africa’s squad for the remaining ODIs against Sri Lanka, while JP Duminy is also in line to play his first international cricket for four-and-a-half months as South Africa look to put the finishing touches to their squad ahead of the World Cup.Weight of runs has forced Markram back into contention after he was left out of the first three games, with his outstanding recent form including back-to-back centuries that have helped propel Titans to the top spot on the Momentum One-Day Cup table.

Squad for last two ODIs

Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Rassie van der Dussen.

Reeza Hendricks and Wiaan Mulder are the two players from the original squad who will sit the next two games out, with the group growing from 14 to 15 for the ODIs in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.Captain Faf du Plessis welcomed the return of experienced hands Amla and Duminy, who has made a successful comeback for Cape Cobras after being out of action following shoulder surgery.”We’ve spoken about the balance we’d like, and when you add JP to that you only need five overs from him and your allrounder,” du Plessis explained. “It’s a real good balance that he brings to the table. Obviously, his experience is amazing. The most important thing from JP’s point of view is that he got over his injury. So it’s great that he got runs, but that was the concern from us, just from the leadership group that he goes and plays two games, gets back into cricket. Because we know when he’s back what he brings to the team from a performance point of view. So good that he comes back into the next two games with some nice form.”We know what Hash has got,” du Plessis added. “Hash has played a lot of cricket for South Africa. He’s got an amazing record. But we needed to make sure Reeza got an opportunity this series. If Hash gets another opportunity coming back into the side, hopefully he grabs that with both hands.”The main concern for me with all the players is that you need make sure you put performances on the board to go to the World Cup. It’s about our best and most in-form team that’s going. Everyone in the dressing room knows that, and I believe it’s making us want to raise the bar on our own performance.”Du Plessis’ sentiments were echoed by national selection panel convener Linda Zondi. “Experience is always a key factor in major tournaments such as the ICC Men’s World Cup,” he said. “It is great to see how well JP has regained his best form after being out of action for so long.Dale Steyn celebrates a wicket•Getty Images

“What has also been highly encouraging is see how well the Proteas have played when they have returned to franchise cricket. It is important that they should dominate at this level and that their skills should rub off on our emerging talent. JP, Aiden and Dwaine Pretorius have all made significant contributions to their franchises in recent matches.”We will use the final two matches in the ODI series to continue to examine all the options that are available to us as far as the World Cup squad is concerned.”Du Plessis added that Dale Steyn, who has been a part of the one-day squad for the series but is yet to play a match, is understanding of the need to field test new players such as fast bowler Anrich Nortje.”Dale understands. Anrich needs to play some games. That is a position that’s still needs to be selected. As far as Dale in concerned, he’s going to the World Cup. So we need to make sure who is our next fast bowler, and if we want to take a next fast bowler,” du Plessis said.”So we want to give Anrich as much opportunity as possible. He’ll definitely get another opportunity out of the next game, and then hopefully Dale in one of the other games.”Du Plessis denied that Steyn’s absence had anything to do with managing the paceman’s workload to keep him fresh for the World Cup. “No, because he’s not going to play a lot of cricket,” the captain explained. “He’s not going to the IPL. So for now his workload can continue, he can keep bowling in the nets. There was a thought of releasing him to go and play in the Titans, but the Titans are playing well and the balance of their side is probably going to stay the same, so we thought best just to keep training with us. He will get one game out of the next two.”