Tottenham are believed to be in constant talks with a forward who's scored an impressive 149 career goals despite being relatively young, and chairman Daniel Levy could well sign him for a cut-price £20 million.

Spurs target Harry Kane replacement as Postecoglou eyes new striker

It's been nearly a year since club-record goalscorer and Lilywhites legend Harry Kane left N17 in a multi-million pound deal for Bayern Munich, with Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou managing to do well in his first season without the England star.

Related "Huge" £150,000-per-week forward now holds talks to join Ange at Tottenham

His representatives have reached out to Spurs.

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Son Heung-min and Richarlison scored 29 goals between them in all competitions last season, helping to fill the void left by Kane's departure, as Tottenham sealed qualification for the Europa League next term.

Postecoglou's fluid attacking system allowed Spurs to maintain their effectiveness going forward without Kane, for the most part, but it is believed that the north Londoners wish to replace their ex-superstar with an out-and-out striker this summer.

Tottenham's best-performing players in the Premier League last season

Son Heung-min

7.30

James Maddison

7.17

Pedro Porro

7.05

Cristian Romero

7.04

Dejan Kulusevski

7.03

Ratings via WhoScored

Spurs are also targeting a star new winger, with both Wolves winger Pedro Neto and Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze firmly on their radar (Fabrizio Romano). However, a new vocal point up front to replace Kane could also be on the agenda.

Surprisingly, Levy and technical director Johan Lange have even been linked with a move for marquee striker Viktor Gyokeres this week. The Sporting Lisbon star could be available for a fee lower than his £84 million release clause, prompting Spurs interest in signing Gyokeres as they consider a move.

He racked up an incredible 43 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions last season, so the Swede could still come at a premium, even if it is lower than his release clause. This will be the case for top-class goalscorers across the market, but one prolific striker who is both proven and attainable for a good price is Lille star Jonathan David.

The Canada international, who has been one of Ligue 1's best marksmen for a few years now, boasts 149 career goals in total for both club and country. David's contract, which expires next year, means he could also be available for around £20 million.

Tottenham in constant talks with David as they consider bid

According to Football Insider and journalist Wayne Veysey, Postecoglou's side are beginning to up the ante in their pursuit of David after being previously linked.

Indeed, as per their sources, Tottenham are in daily contact with David as they consider a bid for him. The 24-year-old is fresh off the back of another productive season in France, with only Kylian Mbappe scoring more Ligue 1 goals than him last season.

Out of the division's top scorers last term, David boasted the highest shot accuracy percentage according to BBC Sport, making him an ideal heir to Kane as Postecolgou looks to add more cutting edge up front.

A £24 million forward targeted by Man United and Erik ten Hag is now set for talks over joining Arsenal via his agent, with the north Londoners still in the market for a new attacking option before August 30.

Edu and Arteta eye new forward for Arsenal this summer

A wide array of separate reports have linked the Gunners to signing a new forward this summer, as manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar consider both a striker and alternative wide man to Bukayo Saka.

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The Gunners have pulled a U-turn.

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Signing a prolific centre-forward has long been viewed as the final missing piece of Arteta's jigsaw by supporters and pundits alike, with the likes of Ajax star Brian Brobbey targeted by Arsenal as Edu seeks a different option to Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian scored just eight goals in all competitions last season and Arsenal's manager appeared to prefer Kai Havertz as a makeshift forward option last season. Arteta now wants a young striking partner for Havertz, but it will be interesting to see if they opt for an outright striker, winger or both.

Bukayo Saka

20

Leandro Trossard

17

Kai Havertz

14

Martin Odegaard

11

Gabriel Jesus

8

Arsenal are also believed to want a new star winger who can alternate with Saka and provide cover for the England star. The 22-year-old, who scored 20 goals and registered 14 assists in all competitions, also played nearly 50 games and Arsenal have few squad members who can jump in to potentially replicate his heroics if Saka were to be absent.

The likes of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams and Wolves star Pedro Neto are reportedly on their radar ahead of possible swoops. According to GiveMeSport, Arteta is personally reconsidering a move for Williams, while Neto is believed to be very keen on joining Arsenal.

However, both men will come at a premium cost given their star status, and Arsenal are about to spend £42 million on the signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna. It is unclear just how much Edu and co can afford to spend in the coming weeks, but Emirates transfer chiefs will be looking to strike the most quality deals at the most astute rate possible.

A very good option in this respect could be Turkey international and Galatasaray forward Baris Yilmaz. The 24-year-old, who made quite an impression at Euro 2024 and registered 19 goal contributions at club level last season, is available for just £24 million.

Baris Yilmaz set for talks over joining Arsenal via his agent

That is according to Sabah, who also state that Yilmaz is set for talks over joining Arsenal through his representative.

North London officials are set to meet with Yilmaz's agent, with the versatile attacker also attracting interest from Ten Hag's Man United and other Premier League sides.

Sabah write that Yilmaz won't leave for a penny less than £24m, but it could be a price worth paying given just how highly rated he is in his homeland.

"There is only one player at the Premier League level in Turkey, and that is Barış Alper Yılmaz!" said ex-Galatasaray player Umit Karan.

"Take it, put it in Manchester City, it won't matter. Barış Alper will make the biggest transfer in Turkish football history. He has a tremendous physique.”

Devon Conway climbs 46 spots to No. 17 in the batting rankings after his 99 not out against Australia

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Mar-2021New Zealand’s Tim Southee and Mitchell Santner have moved up to No. 6 and No. 7 in the T20I bowling rankings after their performances in the first two T20Is against Australia.Southee produced impressive figures of 3-0-10-2 in the first T20I to help New Zealand restrict Australia to 131 in a chase of 185, and Santner claimed 4 for 31 in the second match – a game in which Australia almost scripted a heist, going from 113 for 6 in 13 overs to 215 for 8, ending five runs short of their target.There were no other changes in the top ten in the latest rankings, but a number of others made gains outside the elite group of performers. Devon Conway was the biggest gainer, climbing 46 spots to No. 17 in the batting rankings after his unbeaten 99 in the first T20I. Martin Guptill, who made 97 off 50 in the second game, moved up three spots to No. 11.Australia’s big-hitting allrounder Marcus Stoinis also made a big leap on the table after smacking 78 off 37 in the second game to almost snatch it from New Zealand’s grasp, but remained outside the top 100 – he moved up 77 places to 110.The rankings were released before Australia’s big win in the third T20I on Wednesday, which kept the five-match series alive. The final two matches will be played in Wellington over the weekend.

R Ashwin said he felt like a “hero” whenever he bowled – or just removed his cap for that matter – in front of his home crowd during the second Test against England at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.Ashwin, who starred in India’s win – eight wickets and a century in very challenging conditions in the second innings – dedicated his “most special” Test performance to the crowd: the stadium had allowed spectators at 50% capacity for the game.”When I was young I’ve wondered if I would ever play on this ground and if people would turn out and clap for me,” Ashwin told the host broadcaster after India’s series-levelling win. “I’ve played here as an eight-nine year-old. I’ve watched matches from these stands, my dad would get me here for most of the games.”I’m speechless right now. I’ve played four Tests matches here and this is easily the most special Test match. It gave me a hero feeling.Related

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“Every time I bowled or removed my cap there was a different feeling [because of the cheers]. During Covid times when there’s hardly any cricket, the knowledgeable Chennai crowd came in large numbers without worrying. I dedicate this win to the Chennai crowd. We went one-up after they allowed the crowd, hopefully we continue to do well [in the presence of crowds] in Ahmedabad as well.”After picking up a five-for to restrict England to 134, Ashwin hit a 148-ball 106 in the second innings, stretching India’s lead to a challenging 482, and then returned 3 for 53 in the final innings to help bowl England out for 164. In the process, Ashwin moved to second on the list of players to have scored a century and take a five-for in the same Test, having done it for the third time, and is only behind Ian Botham, who achieved it five times in his career. The latest five-for also took Ashwin past James Anderson to No. 4 on the list of players with most five-wicket hauls at home.While the spinning Chennai pitch earned criticism from former players such as Michael Vaughan and Mark Waugh, Ashwin, while admitting that the surface behaved very different to how it did during the first Test – also played in Chennai – said that it was the Indian spinners’ mental ability that gave them the edge this time, and not just the pitch.”This wicket is very different to what we played in the first game,” he acknowledged. “That [in the first Test] was a red soil wicket and this is a clay wicket. As much as it looked bad from the top, many people were predicting a lot of things – those balls weren’t the one that got the wicket.”It was the mind that was actually getting the wickets. We had to play in the minds of the batsmen to get the wicket. It’s easier to say ‘go out there, bowl and get wickets’ but it’s not as easy as it looks because I’ve been playing here for years now. It takes a certain amount of pace and guile to be able to do it.”

If there is one area of the squad for Manchester United that needs rebuilding during the 2024 summer transfer window, it is the midfield. It could be decimated this summer, with player departures and potential sales in the middle of the park, too.

There are some players who are guaranteed to stay at Old Trafford. Captain Bruno Fernandes has been linked with a move away to Saudi Arabia but seems likely to stay. Mason Mount and exciting youngster Kobbie Mainoo will also stay at the club ahead of next season.

In terms of departures in midfield, one has already occurred. Sofyan Amrabat’s loan has expired, and he has now left the club. However, there are talks of the club negotiating a new deal to keep the player at the club, which could be at lower terms than the buy clause in his old loan deal.

The trio of Casemiro, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen could also all leave Old Trafford this summer. The Daily Mail reported in April the trio were part of a ten-player list who could exit the club.

With that in mind, United will certainly need to add to their depth in midfield this summer. They have recently been linked with one player who could add depth and quality to the middle of the park.

Man Utd target Ligue 1 midfielder

The player in question here is Paris Saint Germain and Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte. Despite only playing for one season with the French champions, Ugarte could depart the club this summer.

According to a report from Le 10 Sport, United are 'exerting a lot of pressure behind the scenes' on PSG in order to get a deal over the line, with the board 'very optimistic' about getting a deal done for Ugarte.

The report suggests the Red Devils have tabled an offer for the 23-year-old midfielder worth £38m, which has been 'accompanied by several bonuses'. It's further explained that PSG head coach, Luis Enrique, will have the final say and could decide he wants to keep Ugarte.

Whilst United lead the race for the Uruguay international, they are not the only club interested in signing the midfielder. United’a Mancunian rivals Manchester City, as well as Spanish giants Barcelona, are also interested in adding the tough-tackling Uruguay to their squad to bolster their midfield options.

Why Ugarte would be a good signing

It may be somewhat surprising that PSG are willing to move on Ugarte just a year after they signed him from Sporting for £51.1m. He played 37 times for PSG last term, which included only 25 games in Ligue 1.

The defensive midfielder plays in a similar mould to France and Chelsea legend N’Golo Kante. Like the World Cup winner, Ugarte is a tough-tackling midfielder, who one analyst praising his “aggressiveness, tenacity and determination” off the ball.

Indeed, this is reflected in his FBref stats, too. The PSG midfielder averages 2.32 tackles won per 90 minutes, and 1.86 interceptions made. This places him in the top 2% and top 4% amongst midfielders in Europe respectively.

Not only that, Ugarte reads the game very well and has excellent recovery pace, something that is reflected in his ball recovery stats per 90. The Uruguay international averages an impressive 8.14 ball recoveries, which ranks him in the top 1%. It really is no wonder that he was described as a "destroyer" by football analyst Ben Mattinson on X.

Ugarte defensive stats 2023/24
Stat (per 90)	Number	Percentile in Europe
Tackles attempted	4.11	99th
Tackles won	2.32	98th
Interceptions	1.86	96th
Tackles + interceptions	5.97	99th
Ball recoveries	8.14	99th
Stats from FBref

As a result, the Uruguay international could become the perfect partner for United’s captain Fernandes, given his defensive ability. It would allow the Portugal international to have less defensive responsibility and flourish more in the final third.

Last season, Fernandes’ 18 Premier League goals and assists were the most amongst United’s squad, as per Sofascore. If he was freed up even more with Ugarte behind him, then we could well see Fernandes’ numbers explode further.

A partnership of Ugarte and Fernandes could well be a match made in heaven for United. Not only do the Red Devils get to add a tenacious defensive midfielder to their squad, who is happy to do the dirty work, but he could help unlock their captain and allow him great freedom in the final third. For just £38m, it could be the dream deal for United to do this summer.

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Matt Dawson

Jul 10, 2024

With a deal to sign Matthijs de Ligt seemingly edging closer and closer, Manchester United have now reportedly set their sights on signing another defensive reinforcement for Erik ten Hag, even taking pole position for his signature.

Man Utd transfer news

Now that Ten Hag's Old Trafford future is sealed, it's no surprise that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and new sporting director Dan Ashworth instantly turned their attention towards reinforcements. And with deals reportedly close for both De Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee, things are starting to come together at Manchester United ahead of a vital third campaign under Ten Hag.

Following such a disappointing season last time out, however, the Red Devils will need more than just two fresh faces through the door. Their FA Cup final victory over rivals Manchester City only papered over the cracks of what was ultimately a campaign that centred around United's failure to finish inside the Premier League's top four.

Looking to instantly rectify that next season, likely with De Ligt and Zirkzee through the door sooner rather than later, the Red Devils have been keeping a keen eye on Euro 2024 and one particular standout.

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According to Calcio Mercato, Manchester United are now in pole position to sign Ferdi Kadioglu from Fenerbahce this summer as they look to take one of former manager Jose Mourinho's best players in a deal worth just €30m (£25m).

The left-back starred at Euro 2024 in an impressive Turkey side eventually eliminated at the last eight stage by the Netherlands in a narrow 2-1 defeat, and the Red Devils are now "above all" with their interest in the player.

The defeat far from tainted the reputation that Kadioglu built up throughout the tournament, and he still remains an in-demand player this summer. Given how Luke Shaw struggled for fitness last season, welcoming Kadioglu would represent solid business from a Manchester United standpoint as they look to hand Ten Hag much-needed defensive depth.

"Menace" Kadioglu can push Shaw for a starting spot

Competition for places is crucial for any side looking to finish inside the Premier League's top four and competition is exactly what Kadioglu would offer Shaw down the left-hand side.

Minutes

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Tackles Won per 90

1.46

0.79

His presence would push the England international more than ever, especially if Tyrell Malacia needs to ease himself back up to pace after such a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Dubbed a "menace" by Zach Lowy after such an impressive Euros performance, Kadioglu could steal plenty of headlines this summer.

For just £25m, United would be landing a player who could instantly replace Shaw in both the short and long-term at 24 years old and fresh from capturing plenty of attention on one of football's biggest stages this summer.

Newcastle United are now in "touching distance" of completing the signing of an "outstanding" player this summer, in an exciting new transfer update.

Newcastle want new centre-backs

The Magpies will still want to bring in fresh faces to boost their squad between now and the end of this month, with centre-back continuing to be a primary area of focus. Marc Guehi is considered a main option in that position, as he looks to make a big move from Crystal Palace, and an offer has been submitted for the 24-year-old's services.

That being said, the England international isn't the only defender being linked with a switch to Newcastle in the near future, with Toulouse ace Logan Costa considered a cheaper alternative to the Palace man. At 23, he is a year younger and should only improve for the foreseeable future.

Then there's Liverpool's Joe Gomez, who has been backed to seal a move away from Anfield this summer, having found himself down the centre-back pecking order. While that was the case under Jurgen Klopp at the end of his time as manager, it looks as though the 27-year-old will stay put, suggesting that Arne Slot may be planning to give him more minutes in his preferred position.

In attack, reinforcements could also be needed, especially if Callum Wilson leaves St James' Park ahead of the new Premier League season, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Boulaye Dia have both emerged as options. The respective Everton and Salernitana stars could both represent younger additions than the current Magpies hero.

Newcastle within touching distance of new signing

According to Football Insider, Newcastle have "agreed personal terms" with Marc Guehi over a summer move to St James', with talks over a marquee signing believed to be at an "advanced" stage.

A report from The Guardian also adds that "although an agreement is still to be reached", and "the move remains in danger of being hijacked", the transfer is in "touching distance" of being completed.

At this point, it would be a huge surprise if the £2.6m-a-year-earning Guehi wasn't a Newcastle player come the end of the transfer window, with so much pointing towards a transfer being sealed.

Should that happen, Eddie Howe would acquire the signature of a top-quality defender with a big future in the game, being hailed as "outstanding" by Micah Richards and "excellent" by Alan Shearer during Euro 2024.

“I thought he was excellent in the first game," the legendary Magpies number nine said. "The second game… yeah, I think he was maybe the best of a bad bunch so yeah, particularly when there was so much talk about Harry Maguire not playing and England struggling in that position, I think he’s done really well, he can be pleased with himself."

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Guehi could become Sven Botman's long-term partner at the heart of Newcastle's defence, once he returns from a knee injury, with neither Jamaal Lascelles nor Fabian Schar representing the future these days, and it could elevate Howe's team to another level.

After failing to clinch European football last season, Newcastle United are looking to bring a new striker to the club to help bolster their attack ahead of the next Premier League season.

The Toon face uncertainty up top this summer

Whilst the arrival of fresh faces will likely dominate the headlines on Tyneside this summer, arguably the best bit of business Newcastle can do is to keep an existing star at the club. Alexander Isak has been the subject of interest from multiple clubs during the window and keeping him at St James' Park would be a massive win for Eddie Howe's side.

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The club have been targeting a new centre-back during the transfer window.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 31, 2024

The team most commonly linked with a move for the Swedish striker is Chelsea. The West London outfit have been chasing Isak for some time and look eager to get the deal done before the window shuts at the end of next month.

Whilst Isak looks likely to remain on Tyneside however, one more probable departure is that of Callum Wilson. The striker is currently recovering after a minor back procedure, but his exit from St James' Park is still an expected one. The Englishman has had his moments in a Newcastle shirt but is now tipped to be moved on during the summer window.

With the future of the Toon's current striking options hanging in the balance, the club look to be one of the front-runners to sign a highly rated centre forward.

Newcastle in two-way race for Serie A star

As first reported by Sport Witness, the Italian press are claiming that Newcastle and Everton are the probable destinations for Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia this summer. The outlet states that it is "increasingly likely" that the 27-year-old will be playing his football in the Premier League next season.

The Italian press had also included West Ham United and Brentford as potential suitors, but Sport Witness dismisses these links. Despite the Hammers' need for a new number nine, a previous report had already ruled them out and Brentford are unlikely to spend big on another striker after signing Igor Thiago from Club Brugge.

With the aforementioned Wilson likely to be shown the door this summer, the outlet specifically cites that the Toon could be looking at the 27-year-old as an alternative to the English forward.

Whichever of Everton or Newcastle ultimately ends up landing Dia will no doubt have a more than capable striker on their hands too. The Senaglese forward found the back of the net on 18 occasions last season after notching 16 times the season before. Despite Dia's performances last season, Salernitana finished rock bottom in Serie A on just 17 points.

With Dia presumably not eager to ply his trade in the Italian second division next season, the Magpies could take advantage of the striker's predicament and land a quality player at a reasonable price.

Phil Parkinson has gone Ted Lasso while trying to deliver on Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Premier League dream, with Wrexham told to “believe”.

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• Hollywood co-owners setting lofty targets
• Red Dragons flying high in League One
• Manager feels any goal can be reached

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  From the moment that Hollywood co-owners arrived in North Wales back in 2021, the most ambitious of targets have been drawn up. Back-to-back promotions have seen the Red Dragons soar into League One, with there no sign of backwards steps being taken in a meteoric rise.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Parkinson is the man charged with the task of delivering on expectations, with nobody making any secret of the fact that top-flight football is the ultimate goal, and he believes that anything is possible in an epic adventure that has thrilled audiences around the world.

• WHAT PARKINSON SAID

  Quizzed by on the Premier League target, Parkinson – taking inspiration from fictional American coach Lasso and his famous mantra – said: “You've got to believe it can happen. Other teams have come from the lower leagues to get to the Premier League in recent years. So why can't Wrexham have the same dream?

  “Will it happen? Who knows. But the owners, myself and the staff are working hard to put an infrastructure in place to help build and take the club forward for many years to come. In any sport you have to aim for the top, that's what everyone is aiming to do. When those lines come out about us wanting to be a Premier League team, people think we're getting carried away. But it's not that, it's just us saying we have a dream and we know we've got a lot of work to do if we want to get there.”

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  Parkinson has already carried Wrexham a long way, with the help of supportive co-chairmen, and added on harnessing the power of positive thinking: “Why would you prepare to be anything other than successful? We've got to be ambitious. We've got to aim high, and we're doing that. But we're not getting carried away.

  “There's been expectation on us the last couple of years and we've handled that well, but this year we do have the underdog card to a certain degree, with the size of some of the clubs in this league, and their spending power. We're enjoying playing that card because the expectations aren't on us quite as much. But we're confident, we're growing into the league and I still feel there's more to come from us.”

A Manchester United-themed cafe near Old Trafford temporarily closed down after a rat infestation was discovered on the premises.

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The United Cafe voluntarily closed downHanded a zero-star hygiene ratingPopular spot for match-going fansFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The United Cafe, located just a few hundred yards from Old Trafford, voluntarily closed its doors after rats were discovered, according to the . The cafe received a zero-star hygiene rating when an inspection was carried out in August.

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The cafe is a popular spot for match-going fans, but they had to go elsewhere while it was temporarily closed. Following the inspection, which included an examination of the cleaning procedures and hazard analysis, a report read: "Visit due to issues with rat activity in the area. Premises closed voluntarily due to rat infestation."

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A deep clean and proofing work was required before the cafe was allowed to reopen. The same measures applied to a venue next door called Legends, which also closed due to the infestation.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

New United coach Ruben Amorim has his own issues to address as he attempts to revive a team currently 13th in the Premier League. The Portuguese coach will take charge of the Red Devils for the first time in Sunday's game at Ipswich Town.