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Aston Villa are showing no signs of complacency in the current transfer window as Unai Emery looks to strengthen his first-team squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign – having most recently secured the return of academy graduate, Jaden Philogene, from Hull City.

With Villa Park hosting Champions League football, it is imperative that the club make the right signings in order to continue their recent upward trajectory.

It looks as though the club are closing in on signing a current Barcelona player who has plenty of Premier League experience…

Aston Villa pursuing move for former Premier League star

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Villa are keen on bringing former Leeds United star Raphinha to the club this summer, with that interest coming amid the claims that Moussa Diaby's move to Saudi side, Al-Ittihad, is advancing.

It looks like the La Liga side are set to demand a transfer fee of around £50m in order for a deal to go through, and clubs such as Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal could be set to hijack the deal.

Emery will be hoping that the sale of Diaby, who has a price tag of £60m, can go through sooner rather than later, which would allow him to fund the signing of Raphinha.

Player

Club signed from

Ian Maatsen

Chelsea

Lewis Dobbin

Everton

Samuel Iling-Junior

Juventus

Enzo Barrenechea

Juventus

Ross Barkley

Luton Town

Cameron Archer

Sheffield United

Jaden Philogene

Hull City

It would be an excellent signing by Villa, especially as Raphinha is similar to one of the Premier League’s finest performers of last season – Phil Foden.

Why Raphinha could be Unai Emery’s very own Phil Foden

The Manchester City gem has won all there has to be won in the club game, despite just turning 24 in May.

Having made his debut under Pep Guardiola way back in 2017, the Englishman ended last season having scored 27 goals and registering 12 assists across all competitions.

He even finished fourth in the standings for goals in the top flight last term, while even being named the Premier League’s player of the season due to his stunning displays.

Therefore, adding someone to his squad who is similar to Foden could help Emery’s side next term.

According to FBref, Foden is the fourth-most comparable player to the Brazilian gem and, given how impressive the City sensation has been in recent years, it would be an excellent piece of business to sign Raphinha this summer.

Indeed, the pair even registered similar statistics in their respective leagues last season, which included assists (nine vs eight), shots per 90 (3.62 vs 3.31), shot-creating actions per 90 (5.86 vs 4.54), successful take-on percentage (52.2% vs 46.1%) and crosses (82 vs 89).

Lauded by former Barcelona boss Xavi as an “extraordinary player” in 2023, the Brazilian enjoyed a decent enough 2023/24, scoring ten goals and grabbing 13 assists for the Catalan club, despite starting just 25 matches in all competitions.

During his two seasons in the Premier League with Leeds United, the 27-year-old netted 17 goals while chipping in with 12 goal contributions, showing that he has the required abilities to shine in the English top flight.

This makes the signing a no-brainer, which could give Emery’s squad a major boost heading into their first-ever Champions League group stage campaign.

Diaby upgrade: Aston Villa confident of signing £50m star

He’d be something different to strengthen Unai Emery’s frontline.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 18, 2024

The pair batted together for 36 overs across sessions and added 123 for the seventh wicket.

Varun Shetty16-Jan-2021For the second innings in a row, India found resistance from their last recognised batting pair to deny Australia a strong push for a win. On this occasion, it was debutant Washington Sundar and fast bowler Shardul Thakur batting together for 36 overs, across sessions, and making maiden Test fifties to help India post 336 after they were reduced to 6 for 186 just after lunch. They added 123 for the seventh wicket.Australia still finished the day with a handy lead and two full days left, but the rain forecast for the last two days is sure to play on their minds as they seek a 2-1 scoreline for the series, the only one that guarantees the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for them.But until David Warner’s brief counter-punch at the end of the day, the hosts had looked tired and subdued after what had been a brilliant start. Having started off bowling short to India’s overnight batsmen, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, Australia quickly adjusted to a fuller length in the opening hour. Rahane nearly fell to two of those fuller ones, looking to drive Mitchell Starc through cover and finding the gap between third slip and gully on both occasions.Pujara looked the more comfortable batsman through that period, latching onto anything marginally short for runs through point, but it was him Australia broke first. Once again, it took a good length delivery that slanted in and straightened to catch the thin edge of an angled bat. Josh Hazlewood, who was by far Australia’s best bowler on the day, made it five out of seven for such dismissals in the series for Pujara. It was the first of five that Hazlewood would take in the day.Starc managed to get Rahane in the slips eventually, with a fielder placed exactly where the previous two edges had gone, and India’s captain attempting the same flowy drive outside off again. With a lead of above 200 at that point, Australia had Mayank Agarwal and Rishabh Pant standing in the way of the lower order.Agarwal’s return to the team at No. 5 – the first time he’s ever batted there in first-class cricket – was a much more sedate affair than his trials against the new ball earlier in the series. With the prospect of Starc swinging it into him all but out of the picture, he was more assured about leaving deliveries outside off. It also helped that the majority of the early part of his innings consisted of either Cameron Green or Nathan Lyon bowling at him while he picked up runs and confidence going into lunch.Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar added 133 runs for the seventh wicket•AFP via Getty Images

But Hazlewood was back at it in the afternoon session, pecking away in the corridor until Agarwal had a swipe away from the body to find the slips after he’d made 38. Six overs later, Pant failed to steer Hazlewood past Green at gully, and his 23 became his first sub-25 score in 11 innings in Australia.Australia were 183 ahead with just under two full sessions left in the day but would soon find the game swiftly being taken away. Thakur, in particular, came out in the swashbuckling manner that characterises his batting down the order in limited-overs cricket. He opened his scoring by hooking Pat Cummins for six and drilling him past his boot a couple of balls later.It would evolve into a more sedate, mature innings from a man who plays those often in Ranji cricket. Alongside him, Sundar looked compact and organised, qualities that had stood out as he broke into senior cricket as a top-order batsman.Australia went back to being shorter by the middle of the day, and both Thakur and Sundar copped a few on their hands as they looked to navigate that phase. But every now and again, they managed to find boundaries off their pads, and gradually string a few together to put pressure on Australia.By the peak of their stand, they were driving with authority, and treating Nathan Lyon with disdain as Tim Paine counted down to the new ball. Except, eight boundaries came within the first 11 overs of that new ball. The partnership went from parody to serious stuff swiftly, with moments that will string along to the many iconic ones India have produced over the course of the series.Josh Hazlewood mopped up the tail to finish with a five-for•Getty Images

Front and centre from Sunday’s collection will be Thakur stepping out and clubbing Lyon over long-on to bring up his fifty, and Sundar picking the same spot with a no-look slog-sweep.So flustered were Australia, that even after separating the pair, it took nine overs to bowl out the rest of India. Perhaps nothing told the story of poor strategy as much as Australia bowling bouncers at T Natarajan, a man averaging 2 in first-class cricket, in an attempt to set him up for the yorker (he blocked those with ease). Along the way, Paine had also dropped a half-chance high to his right that would have ended Sundar’s innings earlier, and added two more contentious DRS reviews to his infamous list.Hazlewood was the only bowler who seemed to stick to the plan that worked best on this wicket – which is, to be on the fuller side of a good length – that seems to be easier to score on the shorter the length. He completed his ninth five-wicket haul by picking up the last two wickets before Warner and Harris took Australia to stumps 21 for no loss, 54 ahead with a tricky two days to come.

With the wounds still fresh from Michael Olise's departure from Crystal Palace, the club are already looking for the Frenchman's replacement at Selhurst Park.

Olise alternatives at the top of Parish's to-do-list

Whilst the loss of Olise will be a significant blow to Oliver Glasner's side, the £50 million fee received will give the Eagles a much-needed boost in the transfer market. With Steve Parish now in a position to open his chequebook this summer, Palace have already been linked with a number of highly-rated wingers.

Related Crystal Palace want to sign 22 y/o who matched Eze’s assists last season

The update comes courtesy of journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Posts ByHenry Jackson Jul 7, 2024

Jaden Philogene has been the name most prominently linked with the vacancy in Palace's wide areas with the Hull City star eager for a move to the Premier League this summer. It has been reported that the Eagles have already submitted a bid for the England under 21s ace.

The Championship is clearly the market of choice for Palace as they are also interested in deals for Sunderland talents Jack Clarke and Jobe Bellingham. Whilst the latter is more of a central midfielder than a wide man, there is no doubt that Clarke would be an exciting addition for Olise in Glasner's side.

With a new winger the top priority for Palace, it appears that the club are interested in a player with no shortage of experience in England.

Palace set to make a surprise move for Sarr

As reported by Give Me Sport, journalist Alan Nixon is claiming that Palace are ready to make a "dramatic" move to sign former Watford star Ismaila Sarr. The South London outfit have reportedly been interested in a move for the Senegalese winger for many years with Parish and Co viewing this summer as the best time to finally pull the trigger on a deal.

Currently playing at Marseille, Nixon reports that the French outfit would want a fee in the region of £20 million in order to part ways with Sarr this summer. The 26-year-old has struggled for form following his July 2023 move to the South of France with the most recent campaign seeing the winger score just three league goals.

Despite his recent issues, there is no doubt that Sarr would still be a quality acquisition for the Eagles. The winger would arrive at Selhurst Park with no shortage of experience in England thanks to his 131 appearances for Watford.

The Senegalese attacker contributed 34 goals and 22 assists during his time with the Hornets, establishing himself as one of Watford's star players.

A November 2021 interview saw former Watford boss Claudio Ranieri sing the praises of the 26-year-old, saying of Sarr: “For me he is a diamond. He is a diamond and I have to work with him in every direction. I think he can achieve very big things.

“When I worked in France I was told there are so many diamonds there but it is important to work with the general football philosophy that is in Europe. Ismaila is one of the players who can decide – in any moment – the match"

Whilst the loss of Olise will be a significant blow to the Palace faithful, there are few better replacements on the market than Sarr when it comes to replicating his unpredictable flair on the flanks.

After a dismal draw with Everton and a shocking 5-2 loss to Bayern Munich, it already feels like the north London side are one defeat from disaster

There is a feeling of deja vu about Arsenal ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster clash with Chelsea, the reigning Women’s Super League champions. After all, it is almost exactly 12 months ago that the Gunners went into another huge clash with a title rival, Manchester United on that occasion, feeling like they were one defeat from disaster. That’s very much the case again this weekend.

Last Sunday, Arsenal gave bottom side Everton their first point of the season in a dismal goalless draw. Worst of all, they followed that disappointment up with a 5-2 thrashing at the hands of Bayern Munich in their opening game of the Champions League group stage, with some astonishingly poor defending on show in Germany.

Suddenly, Chelsea’s visit to the Emirates feels like a must-win for Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall. This time last year, he rescued a similar situation. Is he capable of doing it again?

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesLittle margin for error

It might seem dramatic to label the Gunners’ fourth league game of the season as being as important as this, but the WSL is unforgiving. There are only 22 rounds of fixtures and the top teams rarely drop points to those below them in the table, making any slip-ups particularly damaging to hopes of winning the title.

This is emphasised by the fact that, until Chelsea picked up three defeats last season, no eventual champion had ever lost more than two games on their way to the trophy. Only Liverpool, in 2014, and that same Chelsea team have ever dropped more than 10 points and been crowned champions of England. Arsenal are already at four through their first three matches, drawing at home to Manchester City on the opening weekend before that grim goalless game against Everton.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportProblem still not solved

It was a dismal display from the Gunners to drop points against the Toffees, but not a surprising or particularly new one. Breaking down teams that sit back in a low block has been a persistent issue for Eidevall’s side.

Last season, Arsenal had the best record in the league against the 'Big Four' of Chelsea, Man City and Manchester United, winning four of those six games and losing only one. The reason they finished some five points behind Chelsea, and were out of the title race before the run-in really began, was because of results against other teams. Defeats to Liverpool, Tottenham and West Ham were particular lowlights, while Everton also managed to snatch a point on Merseyside in April.

Ahead of this new season, Eidevall believed he had seen an evolution in the team here. “I’m super-confident that if we came up against a low block then we have tools and qualities and processes on how to play against that, and I have full belief in them,” he said.

However, the games since have suggested otherwise. After a first-leg defeat to Hacken in Champions League qualifying, which was at least atoned for in a 4-0 second-leg victory, and a narrow 1-0 win over Leicester last month, that draw against Everton was in the post.

Getty Images'Mid-table playing style'

It must be particularly frustrating for fans because of how good Arsenal’s recent record is against the ‘big’ teams. In the 2021-22 season, Eidevall’s first, the Gunners didn’t fall to defeat in either of their league meetings with Chelsea, even beating them in a thriller at the Emirates. Yet, when the season came to its conclusion, it was the Blues that lifted the trophy, not Arsenal.

If they could just solve this problem against low blocks, then they could challenge for the big titles, right? But that that is still the case three years on is quite damning when assessing the progress made under Eidevall.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright didn’t hold back when discussing the Everton draw on his podcast, , earlier this week. “We look like a mid-table club, a mid-table playing style, the way we play, the inconsistency of the way we play, we're playing like a transitional team. Counter-attack games, that's how a mid-table team plays,” he said. “You're at the Emirates against a team that is bottom of the league and you're not controlling that game to the level that's supposed to pull Everton all over the place.”

It was a point he doubled down on when discussing that big-game record too, adding, in rather damning fashion: “It's like a mid-table team. When a big team comes, they find their game.”

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Getty ImagesFailure to bounce back

Worst of all, when Arsenal got the opportunity to bounce back from that disappointment a few days later, in a meeting with a ‘big’ team in Bayern Munich, and in a game that was more open and theoretically less problematic in terms of style, they were abysmal. After a strong first half-hour, the Gunners ended up being absolutely picked apart in a 5-2 defeat.

The German champions were outstanding in that second period, with former Chelsea star Pernille Harder netting a hat-trick in a wonderful individual display. But one can give credit to the hosts while also wondering just what the visitors were doing. It’s difficult to choose the right words to describe Arsenal’s defending in the second half; it was appalling.

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The summer transfer window officially opens for business later this month and Leeds United could use to make some changes to their playing squad.

Daniel Farke's side narrowly missed out on promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking as they were beaten 1-0 by Southampton at Wembley last month.

The Whites made it to the Championship play-off final in the capital, only to lose to an Adam Armstrong goal, and they will now have to fight it out in the second tier for a second season in succession.

Their failure to make their way back to the top-flight looks set to have an effect on the squad, as Crysencio Summerville has been linked with Liverpool in the Premier League and academy graduate Archie Gray has been linked with German giants Bayern Munich and Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.

The Yorkshire-based outfit may also have to continue without central defender Joe Rodon after he returned to parent club Tottenham Hotspur upon the end of his loan spell at Elland Road.

However, Leeds are already reportedly looking at a centre-back who could come in as a dream replacement for the Wales international this summer.

Leeds United's interest in recently-promoted colossus

According to Afton Bladet, via The 72, the Whites are one of the clubs lining up a swoop to sign FC St. Pauli central defender Eric Smith ahead of the 2024/25 campaign as Farke looks to add to his options at the back.

The report claims that they are joined by fellow Championship side West Bromwich Albion, who also made the play-offs this season, in their pursuit of the titan.

However, it does not reveal how much the German side are prepared to sell him for, or if they are even willing to entertain offers for the 27-year-old star.

St. Pauli won the 2. Bundesliga this season and will play in the Bundesliga next term, partially thanks to Smith's superb performances at the back, and it also remains to be seen whether or not the player would be willing to turn down a chance to play top division football in Germany to make the move to England.

If Farke and his team can get a deal over the line for the centre-back this summer, though, he could be a fantastic replacement for Rodon, who may or may not return to Yorkshire.

Football.london recently reported that it is unclear if Leeds will have the funds to pursue a permanent deal for the Welsh star, who they claimed is set to have plenty of interest this summer, after they failed to get promoted, which places doubt over his future at the club.

Joe Rodon's season in numbers

The right-footed brute arrived at Elland Road on a season-long loan deal last summer to get regular minutes under his belt and enjoyed a terrific campaign in the second tier.

He started 42 matches in the Championship as well as all three of the club's play-off matches – taking his tally to 45 league starts in total – at the heart of the Leeds defence.

The 26-year-old defender formed a partnership with Pascal Struijk during the first half of the campaign and then with compatriot Ethan Ampadu after the turn of the year, and helped the side to keep 17 clean sheets in his 42 regular season starts – with two in three play-off games on top of that.

Appearances

43

Ground duel success rate

69%

Aerial duel success rate

67%

Ball recoveries per game

4.2

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.3

Pass accuracy

91%

As you can see in the table above, Rodon showcased his defensive dominance throughout the Championship season with his fantastic duel success rate.

He dominated opposition attackers on the deck and in the air on a regular basis, whilst also being a very reliable passer of the ball with his 91% pass accuracy.

The Spurs loanee was also forward-thinking and progressive in possession as he ranked within the top 16% of his positional peers in the division for progressive passes per 90 (4.35).

This shows that Rodon consistently looked to play forward and break lines on the ball to find his teammates in dangerous positions to break down opponents.

Farke could now land a perfect replacement for the Welsh star by convincing Smith to turn down a chance to play in the Bundesliga and to sign for Leeds instead.

Why Eric Smith is a dream replacement for Joe Rodon

Firstly, the St. Pauli ace is a right-footed central defender and this means that he could slot in perfectly to the right side of the centre-back pairing for the Whites, with either Ampadu or Struijk then playing to the left of him.

The Swedish titan could also be a fantastic player to come in for Rodon as he is a progressive passer at the heart of the defence, who can consistently break lines and play the ball forward.

He ranked within the top 9% of centre-backs in the 2. Bundesliga for progressive passes per 90 (5.83) this season, which speaks to his ball-playing nature – making him a like-for-like with the Welshman in that respect.

This shows that Leeds would still have a centre-back on the right side of their backline who could be relied upon to play out from the back consistently and effectively.

Along with his impressive play in possession, Smith's defensive work for the 2. Bundesliga champions also suggests that he could be a dream replacement for Rodon.

Appearances

26

43

Goals + assists

4

0

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.9

2.3

Ball recoveries per game

5.4

4.2

Ground duel success rate

66%

69%

Aerial duel success rate

60%

67%

As you can see in the table above, both players achieved similar numbers from a defensive perspective in their respective leagues this season.

They are both dominant centre-backs who can win the majority of their duels, on the deck and in the air, and look to win possession back through recoveries, tackles, and interceptions multiple times per game.

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Overall, Smith's impressive form in and out of possession for St. Pauli in Germany suggests that he would come in as a like-for-like replacement for Rodon, which is why the 6 foot 3 colossus could be a superb signing for Farke.

The 2023/24 season has been a very disappointing campaign for Manchester United, who are currently eighth in the Premier League. They can finish no higher than sixth place, which Chelsea occupy at the moment, although they would have to turn over an outrageous goal difference to do so.

The Red Devils currently have 57 points, equal to that of Newcastle United, who they beat 3-2 in their most recent game. If results go their way, the Old Trafford outfit can reach seventh place and qualify for the Europa Conference League – should they beat Brighton and Hove Albion.

It has also been something of a mixed-bag season for their biggest stars, too. Bruno Fernandes has had an impressive campaign, and has the most goal involvements by any United player this term, with 18 in the Premier League.

Youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have also had a strong time of things this season. 19-year-old Mainoo has played 28 games for the first team, scoring four times and registering one assist. Garnacho has featured in 48 games, getting on the scoresheet nine times and registering five assists.

The academy pair have shown up a fair few of their senior colleagues it's fair to say, but one high-profile star will be hoping to finish the season strongly against the Seagulls, alongside Fernandes and co.

Marcus Rashford's season in numbers

The player in question here is United and England winger, Marcus Rashford. The 26-year-old is one of the most destructive wingers in world football but has not found his feet in the 2023/24 season.

In 41 games in all competitions for United, Rashford has scored just eight goals, of which seven have come in the Premier League, and has just five assists. This is a far cry from his 2022/23 exploits when he scored 30 goals and registered ten assists in 56 games in all competitions.

Like many of his teammates, Rashford has struggled with an injury at the back end of the season. This has caused him to be unavailable for the past few United games, but he did make an appearance off the bench against Newcastle on Wednesday.

Interestingly, that was Rashford’s 400th appearance for the club, a span of games during which he has scored 131 goals and registered 64 assists.

Games

400

Starts

293

Goals

131

Assists

64

After a spell on the sidelines recently, Erik ten Hag could well reinstate Rashford in the starting lineup for a game against one of his favourite opponents later today…

Rashford’s record against Brighton

United travel down to the South Coast to face Brighton at the Amex for their Premier League finale. Of course, it is not their last game of the season, with the FA Cup final against Manchester City the weekend after.

Indeed, Rashford’s record against Brighton is impressive. He has scored four goals in 12 Premier League appearances at the Seagulls. Arguably the best of the bunch came at the Amex, where he got on the end of a superb trivela pass from Fernandes, before cutting in from the left-hand side, chopping inside and away from two oncoming defenders before firing home.

United’s number ten certainly has the potential to hurt Roberto De Zerbi's side again this weekend, having previously run "Brighton ragged", as journalist Liam Canning described it, when the two sides met earlier this season. Whilst Rashford has not been at his best in 2023/24, there is no doubting his lethal ability when in full flow.

With the ball at his feet, the Englishman is deadly. According to FBref, per 90 minutes this season, Rashford averages 3.38 progressive carries which places him in the top 4%, 2.11 final third carries per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 5%, and 2.45 carries into the penalty box per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 2%. He is deadly with the ball at his feet, and could well provide United with a cutting edge driving in from the left-hand side.

It makes sense for Rashford to start against Brighton. Not only does he have a good record against them, he will likely be a key player against City in the FA Cup final, so giving him a start at the Amex will help build match sharpness. The hope will be that he can once again wreak havoc alongside Fernandes, who also has four goals – and two assists – against the Seagulls to date.

Not only that, but Garnacho struggled last time out and has looked tired of late on the left flank, receiving just a 5/10 match rating from the Manchester Evening News in midweek; this is no surprise given he has started all of United's Premier League games since 11 November.

This certainly seems like the perfect game to reintroduce Rashford to the starting lineup, and Ten Hag will no doubt be hoping he can have his usual explosive impact against Brighton.

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With the Premier League slowly getting towards the business end, Tottenham Hotspur are in a huge fight to return to the Champions League after suffering a third defeat in a row in midweek.

Ange Postecoglou will be eager to rally his troops ahead of another tough test away at Liverpool, having just been beaten in two London derbies in the space of a few days.

Football FanCast keeps you updated with all the latest Spurs news on the injury front ahead of their trip to Anfield.

Latest Spurs injury news

Postecoglou was tight-lipped on any injury concerns ahead of Liverpool, mainly owing to the short turnaround from the Chelsea game. He appeared confident that there would be no major issues, though he did suggest some players were "still feeling the effects of the game".

He was also asked whether he was tempted to rest Son Heung-min, with the captain's last goal from open play coming in March's late win over Luton Town. The boss noted there have been challenges for the South Korean this year and "will find a way to work his way through it".

The Australian confirmed last week that Ben Davies would be out for the rest of the season with a calf injury. The same can be said for Timo Werner, whose hamstring issue means that he may have played his last game in Tottenham colours unless his loan deal is made permanent in the summer.

In terms of those already injured, Oliver Skipp is set to return from a knock that kept him out of the defeat to Arsenal, while Destiny Udogie, Fraser Forster, Ryan Sessegnon and Manor Solomon all remain longer-term absentees.

Ben Davies

Calf

April

Next season

Timo Werner

Hamstring

April

Next season

Destiny Udogie

Thigh

April

Next season

Fraser Forster

Foot fracture

February

Next season

Ryan Sessegnon

Hamstring

February

Next season

Manor Solomon

Knee

4th October

Next season

Ben Davies – calf

Defender Ben Davies was drafted in for the north London derby, which was his first game in over two months. Perhaps this lack of sharpness contributed to his latest injury issue, with the Welshman suffering from a calf problem that Postecoglou expects will keep him out of Spurs' remaining games.

Timo Werner – hamstring

Timo Werner was substituted in the first half against the Gunners last weekend, and after damage to his hamstring was confirmed, Postecoglou was resigned to being without the German for the rest of the campaign. Whether Werner returns to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium now likely relies on RB Leipzig negotiating a deal with Spurs in the summer over extending his stay in north London.

Oliver Skipp – knock

Oliver Skipp hasn't featured since early February as a late substitute in Spurs' draw at Everton.

His recent absence since was down to what Postecoglou described as a "minor knock", with his manager ruling him out of last weekend's derby clash with Arsenal. However, he returned to the bench for the defeat against Chelsea, so should be near enough full fitness.

Destiny Udogie – thigh

The club recently confirmed that Italy international Destiny Udogie had undergone surgery to his left thigh following a training injury.

Ahead of the north London derby, Postecoglou confirmed that his season is over, saying (via Football.london): ""Bit disappointing for him and for us as he has been such an important player for us. So yeah, unfortunately picking up an injury means the end of his season."

Fraser Forster – foot fracture

Fraser Forster is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after fracturing his foot.

At the time of the injury, it looked like it was going to be at least two months before he returned to the bench, but it appears as though next season now looks most likely.

Ryan Sessegnon – hamstring

Ryan Sessegnon's injury troubles continue as he's now set for surgery on a hamstring injury he picked up during an under-21s match.

Ange said this on the full-back's situation back in March: "Obviously, Sess had his hamstring and had to have surgery on that so that was kind of last game."

Manor Solomon – knee

Tottenham Hotspur provided an update on Manor Solomon's injury in October, which read: "It was announced on Thursday (5 October) that our number 27 had suffered a meniscus injury to his right knee in training this week. The forward underwent surgery the same day and has now started his rehabilitation as he looks to get back to full fitness."

And, things still aren't really any better as the winger is still dealing with an issue which Ange provided an update on a few weeks ago:

"No real progress. He's still not comfortable. The medical team are looking at other strategies now."

Latest Spurs suspension news

The Lilywhites have no suspensions heading into their next game.

تحدث وليد صدقاوي المسؤول الإداري لنادي استاد أبيدجان، عن مواجهة فريقه للنادي الأهلي، في افتتاح مشوار الفريقين، بدور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع استاد أبيدجان الإيفواري، مساء اليوم الثلاثاء، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الأولى من عمر مباريات دور المجموعات من البطولة القارية على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي، بحضور 30 ألف مشجع.

طالع | موعد والقنوات الناقلة لمباراة الأهلي واستاد أبيدجان اليوم في دوري أبطال إفريقيا.. والمعلق

وقال صدقاوي خلال تصريحات عبر برنامج “الكورة مع فايق” المذاع على قناة إم بي سي مصر 2″: “فريق استاد أبيدجان حاصل على كأس إفريقيا في 1970 وغاب عن كثير من المشاركات، خبرة الأهلي لا تقارن بفريق استاد أبيدجان ولكن في الملعب شيء آخر، في النهاية 11 لاعبا ضد 11 آخرين، بالمنطق وعلى الورق الأهلي أقوى وفي كرة القدم كل شيء جائز”.

وأضاف: “أتمنى أن تكون مقابلة ممتازة في الملعب بين الأهلي واستاد أبيدجان والروح الرياضية تكون متواجدة، الأهلي صاحب تاريخ كبير بينما استاد أبيدجان فريق حديث على دوري الأبطال”.

وأوضح: “أي مدرب يقول يريد الانتصار، وتعود الكلمة الأخيرة للملعب، المدرب المميز يعمل حساب لكل لاعب من أول حارس المرمى حتى المهاجم”.

وأتم: “أي فريق يجب أن يُحضر نفسه نفسيًا لجمهور الأهلي، الذين يتواجدون بأعداد غفيرة في كل مباراة، نحن قمنا بتحضير اللاعبين لذلك، من أجل التركيز منذ الدقيقة الأولى حتى نهاية اللقاء”.

ويتواجد الأهلي واستاد أبيدجان، في المجموعة الثالثة لـ دوري أبطال إفريقيا، بجانب أندية شباب بلوزداد الجزائري وأورلاندو بايرتس الجنوب إفريقي.

Manchester United have failed to impress on every single front this season, with Erik ten Hag’s job far from secure.

However, it’s not just the boss whose Red Devils future may not go beyond the summer, with plenty of outgoings on the cards.

One of those players could be Raphael Varane, whose current contract expires in June 2024.

It seems unlikely that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has the French defender in his plans for the rebuild, especially considering he’s United’s second-highest-paid player, earning £340k-per-week, according to Capology.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at a potential replacement for Varane, who could have a huge impact on Diogo Dalot.

Man Utd’s centre back search

According to a recent report from FootballTransfers, Man United have added Ezri Konsa to their list of defensive targets.

Last summer, United registered their interest in the Aston Villa defender, but his performances earned him a huge new contract.

Having signed that, Konsa’s fee will inevitably be higher this time around, with CIES Football Observatory estimating his value to be around £35m.

However, signing Konsa may not be as simple as it seems, and if Villa qualify for the Champions League, it’s unlikely he leaves.

Man Utd have “discussed” move for £34m "young Pogba" to replace Casemiro

The Man United target has impressed in France this season.

ByTom Lever Apr 5, 2024 How Konsa can supercharge Dalot

The Portuguese defender is having a fine 2023/24 campaign, with it being without doubt his best in a Man United shirt.

Dalot has started 27 Premier League matches this season, becoming Ten Hag’s most reliable defender based on both availability and consistency.

The 25-year-old has developed into a rather complete full-back this season, registering three assists and being dribbled past 0.5 times per game, but he could develop a new role with the potential arrival of Konsa.

This season, Konsa has shown his versatility and vast skillset, being deployed as a centre half and a right back. Therefore, the Dutch boss could look to make a tactical tweak by moving to a back three in possession.

Touches

72.2

Pass accuracy

93%

Balls recovered

4.2

Tackles

1.4

Dribbled past

0.1

Duels won

4.7

As you can see from the table above, Konsa would be perfectly suited to that wide right centre-back role, having already gained experience as a right-back.

Furthermore, Konsa has the best tackle success rate (91%) for a defender across all of Europe’s top five leagues, and he’s only dribbled past just 0.1 times per game, highlighting that he would lock down the right of the defence in transition.

This means that Dalot would be handed more freedom to showcase his creativity and dribbling much further up the field, like the assist he produced for Bruno Fernandes’ equaliser against Chelsea this week.

The England international is also extremely composed on the ball, as shown by his high touches and incredible pass accuracy, which would bring much more control to the United backline.

Overall, the “underrated” Konsa, as dubbed by journalist John Townley, has all the attributes to thrive at Man United while also not absolutely breaking the bank, making him potentially the perfect signing this summer.

Man Utd have “discussed” move for £34m "young Pogba" to replace Casemiro

The Man United target has impressed in France this season.

ByTom Lever Apr 5, 2024