Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans stretch beyond potential deals for Man City’s Savinho and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, as pointed out by reliable Lilywhites insider Paul O’Keefe.

Just two weeks remain of this summer window, and chairman Daniel Levy is running out of time to back new manager Thomas Frank with some much-needed additions.

The Premier League season is already underway, and Frank will now have an even greater idea of how his side need to strengthen in the next fortnight after their opener against Burnley on Saturday.

Right now, Spurs are hot on the heels of both Eze and Savinho.

Tottenham are in talks to sign the attacking duo in separate deals (Fabrizio Romano), as Levy attempts to compensate for the loss of Son Heung-min to LAFC and James Maddison to long-term injury.

While there is some way to go when it comes to signing Savinho, with Pep Guardiola playing down reports of an imminent move away for the injured winger, Eze is believed to be very keen on a move to N17.

The 27-year-old has informed Palace of his desire to join Frank at Tottenham, giving his green-light to the project, so it appears all there is left to do is find a full agreement with the Eagles.

That’ll be no easy feat, though, considering chairman Steve Parish is a notoriously difficult negotiator and won’t fancy losing the star playmaker after what has already been a very difficult summer at Selhurst Park.

The south Londoners are demanding around £68 million – the value of his now-expired release clause – and reports suggest Tottenham want to go far lower (Ben Jacobs).

Amidst their negotiations for Eze and Savinho, it is believed that Tottenham also want another centre-back.

This is backed up by Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, who explained their pursuit of a defender in a Q&A earlier this week.

As per O’Keefe, Frank and Spurs know exactly who they want to bolster their backline.

Tottenham identify Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie as top defender target

The insider reports that Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie is that man.

The Ecuador international played 32 Bundesliga matches as a mainstay under Xabi Alonso last season, but he could join the Spaniard out of Leverkusen’s exit door amid interest from Spurs and Chelsea.

Frank has green-lit a potential Tottenham move for Hincapie, with the club identifying him as their “ideal” left centre-back target.

Other reports indicate that Leverkusen value him at around £60 million, and some South American media sources suggest that Chelsea are ready to bid for Hincapie, so Tottenham will need to get moving here.

Celtic have made contact with the agent of a “very offensive” young talent, as they look to snap him up before the end of the summer transfer window.

Rodgers coy over Celtic's transfer business

The Hoops begin the defence of their Scottish Premiership title this weekend, welcoming St. Mirren to Parkhead on Sunday afternoon.

While Celtic will again be the resounding favourites to be crowned Scottish champions at the end of the season, more business is needed before the summer transfer window concludes, with Brendan Rodgers coy when recently asked about potential incoming signings.

“Well, listen, for me, the focus is very much on what’s here. We know we have work to do, and I’m hopeful that we can get that done by the end of the window. But in the meantime, as I said, the players have worked fantastic over the course of this pre-season, some really good performances and growing and developing our spirit, which is going to be really important for us.”

Celtic do seem to be progressing with certain signings, however, with Jahmai Simpson-Pusey set to join the club on a season-long loan from Manchester City. They have also been linked with a move for Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic, who is struggling to be a part of Arne Slot’s plans at Anfield, as the Hoops target players from the top clubs in England.

Celtic make contact with attacking defender

According to a fresh update from Foot Mercato [via The Glasgow Times], Celtic have contacted Kassoum Ouattara’s agent over a move to Parkhead this summer.

The Monaco left-back is also wanted by rivals Rangers, however, with the two Scottish Premiership giants locking horns to get a deal over the line. Meanwhile, Augsburg, PSV Eindhoven, Toulouse, Metz and Torino are seen as possible suitors, too, with a permanent move preferred to a loan switch by his current club.

Ouattara could be such an eye-catching option for Celtic this summer, having seen his reputation soar at Monaco, making 33 appearances for the Ligue 1 side and also winning three caps for France Under-21s.

Celtic agree deal for seventh signing with British star en route to Glasgow

The Bhoys have found a solution to a problem position.

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At just 20 years of age, he is also a player who should only get better in a Celtic shirt if they manage to sign him, with journalist Kai Watson describing him as a “very offensive” left-back, suggesting that he would be an exciting player to watch.

With Greg Taylor now departed, Ouattara could provide good competition for the returning Kieran Tierney, coming in as a young backup option to the former Arsenal man.

Pep Guardiola has claimed he would not swap his Manchester City striker Erling Haaland for any other player in the world.

• Coach believes Norwegian 'above' Liverpool hitman
• Haaland scored six times during international window
• Foden returns for derby against Man Utd

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has hailed his new signing and Premier League record transfer Alexander Isak as "maybe the best striker in the world" but Guardiola believes his own forward Haaland is better than the Sweden hitman and every other striker on the planet.

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• WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  Guardiola told a press conference: "Erling is a little bit above. Isak is an exceptional player. But you asked me about Erling and he is top.
  Isak must be a top player because of what they paid. It's a game of opinions. Another one would say [Kylian] Mbappe, [Lionel] Messi, Cristiano [Ronaldo]… I wouldn’t change Erling for anyone. I know him. I like him."

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Haaland has scored three goals already this season although he missed several big chances in City's last outing against Brighton as Guardiola's side slid to their second defeat in three matches. The striker, however, is in frightening form ahead of the derby against Manchester United on Sunday, having scored five times in one match for Norway against Moldova and getting the only goal – from the penalty spot – against Finland.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  City will be without striker Omar Marmoush against United after he picked up a knee injury in action for Egypt, while Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri are also out and John Stones is doubtful. Phil Foden, however, has recovered in time for the derby.

Shivam Dube, Shardul Thakur and Suryakumar Yadav play big roles in Mumbai’s win over Services

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Dec-2024Less than a week after smashing the fastest T20 century by an Indian, off just 28 balls, Gujarat’s Urvil Patel blitzed an unbeaten 115 off just 41 balls in an eight-wicket win over Uttarakhand in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy game in Indore. This vaulted Gujarat to the top spot in Group C with five wins in six matches, with one league fixture still remaining.Urvil got to his century on Tuesday off just 36 balls – his second consecutive T20 hundred – as Gujarat made light work of Uttarakhand’s total of 182, getting there with 41 balls to spare. Urvil hit eight fours and 11 sixes in his innings. Along the way, he overtook Hardik Pandya to be the tournament’s highest six-hitter (25) at this stage.Red-hot Saurashtra flex batting muscle againHot on Gujarat’s heels are Saurashtra, who have joined them on 20 points in Group C. Saurashtra followed their 266 for 6 against Baroda with 235 for 5 in their 59-run win over Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, courtesy three half-centuries: Harvik Desai’s 55, Ruchit Ahir’s 56 and Sammar Gajjar’s 55 not out.Ahir was particularly impressive, hitting his second straight T20 half-century in just his third game. Desai, too, carried on from where he left off against Baroda (where he made a 39-ball 76). Tamil Nadu were at no stage up to challenging the target as they finished 64 short with Chirag Jani and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja among the wickets.It was a fourth defeat in six games for Tamil Nadu, who won the championship in successive seasons, 2020-21 and 2021-22.Shivam Dube was in form in his first game since September•AFP/Getty ImagesDube returns in style; Shardul redeems himselfMumbai gave their knockout aspirations a fillip as they secured a comfortable 39-run win over Services in Group C. Their win was fuelled by key contributions from Shivam Dube, Suryakumar Yadav and Shardul Thakur.Dube, who has been out of action for the past three months following a back injury, made an impact upon his return straightaway. He top-scored with a 37-ball 71 that was the cornerstone to Mumbai’s 192 for 4. Dube put on 130 for the fourth wicket with Suryakumar, who made 70 off 46.Prithvi Shaw, who has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons for a while now, made a three-ball duck.But there was redemption for Thakur, another Mumbai player – like Shaw – who went unsold at the latest IPL auction. A week after returning the most expensive figures in SMA Trophy history, Thakur finished with an impressive 4 for 25 off his four overs to help Mumbai defend their total.Shreyas Gopal’s hat-trick included the Pandya brothers•Maharaja T20Karnataka knocked out despite Shreyas hat-trickShreyas Gopal’s hat-trick wasn’t enough to help secure a victory for Karnataka in a must-win game against Baroda. Shreyas, who finished with 4 for 19, accounted for Bhanua Punia, Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya (both for first-ball ducks) as Baroda slumped from 102 for 1 to 102 for 4 in the 11th over in response to Karnataka’s 169 for 8.But the good work done by Shashwat Rawat up top (69 off 37) and Vishnu Solanki (28 not out in 21 balls) lower down helped Baroda win by four wickets with seven balls to spare. The win left Baroda on five wins from six games and level on points with Gujarat and Saurashtra, while Karnataka have been knocked out of contention.Andhra dent Kerala’s knockout hopesKerala’s hopes received a massive dent as they suffered a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Andhra to round off their league fixtures. Andhra are now top of Group E with five wins in as many matches, while Kerala finish with four wins in six matches. To progress to the knockouts, Kerala must hope Andhra beat Mumbai in their final league fixture.Andhra’s win was set up by their bowlers, who made use of the early morning conditions in Indore to skittle Kerala for 87. Fast bowler KV Sasikanth was the pick of the lot, with 3 for 23. Andhra’s chase was set up by KS Bharat, who hit a second straight half-century. He remained unbeaten on 56 in 33 balls.

Kasper Hjulmand vowed patience and hard work to rebuild Bayer Leverkusen after Erik ten Hag’s stint, insisting he won’t “destroy” his players.

Dane replaces Ten Hag after poor startStresses discipline without breaking his starsEyes long-term revival in Bundesliga chaseFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Leverkusen have Kasper Hjulmand as their new head coach following the sacking of Ten Hag, who lasted only three games in charge. The former Denmark boss has signed a deal until the summer of 2027, marking the start of a new chapter for last season’s Bundesliga runners-up. Hjulmand’s arrival comes after a turbulent few weeks at the club, with Ten Hag dismissed on September 1 after a disastrous start that yielded just one point from Leverkusen’s opening two Bundesliga fixtures. 

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Hjulmand inherits a side still reeling from the fallout of Ten Hag’s failed tenure, who replaced double-winning coach Xabi Alonso after he left for Real Madrid in the summer. Ten Hag, seen as a risky appointment after his struggles at Manchester United, failed to click with the squad and was quickly let go. Sporting director Simon Rolfes admitted hiring him was “an error” but stressed that prolonging his stay would have been “an even bigger mistake.”

For Leverkusen, Hjulmand represents a stabilising choice. A respected tactician with international pedigree, he guided Denmark to the semi-finals of Euro 2021 and has earned a reputation for calm, principled leadership, most notably in the aftermath of Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest at Euro 2020. His appointment signals a return to a more collaborative, player-focused culture, with the aim of regaining momentum and pushing back to the Bundesliga summit.

WHAT HJULMAND SAID

At his unveiling, Hjulmand asked for patience but expressed optimism about turning things around. "It will be hard work, but the potential is great," he said. "We're trying to get it going. We don't know when, but hopefully it will suddenly explode. I will do everything I can to make Bayer Leverkusen a successful football team."

The 53-year-old also revealed why the move to Leverkusen felt right: "I have the feeling that I can be myself here. To be honest, there was only one club that could give me that feeling, and that's Leverkusen.

"I am very demanding, demanding discipline, but I don't shout at anyone. I don't have to. To destroy people, to show that I'm a strong leader. For me, it's about doing things together and empowering the people around me so they feel strong and can be themselves."

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Hjulmand’s immediate task is to steady the ship after Leverkusen’s start and restore belief at a club that, just over a year ago, was celebrating a historic unbeaten season. His debut against Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday will offer the first glimpse of his philosophy in action.

"I like to communicate and am honest and direct. I say what I mean. I don't hide anything. I expect that from the people around me, too," he said.

Both fast bowlers missed the whole of South Africa’s international home season with injuries

Firdose Moonda13-Jan-2025Fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi have been selected in South Africa’s ODI squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy after missing the entire home international season with injuries.Nortje was due to play in the white-ball matches against Pakistan but missed out with a broken toe, while Ngidi was ruled out ahead of the summer with a groin injury. Ngidi has since made his return at the SA20 for Paarl Royals while Nortje is due to play for Pretoria Capitals in the coming weeks and both are fully fit ahead of a busy 2025. The Champions Trophy will be their first international cricket in seven and four months respectively.Related

Back injury rules Nortje out of Champions Trophy

NZ pick Sears, O'Rourke in the squad

Litton and Shakib left out of Bangladesh squad

Fit-again Ibrahim Zadran, Ghazanfar in Afghanistan squad

Cummins, Hazlewood included in Australia's squad

The 15-member squad will be led by Temba Bavuma and includes ten players who were part of the group that qualified for the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Of the newcomers, Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton will be playing their first senior ICC event while Nortje returns in place of the most notable omission Gerald Coetzee, who has also struggled with injuries.Coetzee was put on a 12-week conditioning block after last year’s Major League Cricket (MLC) and returned at the start of the season before suffering a groin injury in the Durban Test against Sri Lanka. He has not returned to play but is part of the Joburg Super Kings squad at the SA20 and was in contention for a Champions Trophy spot, after finishing as South Africa’s leading bowler at the 2023 ODI World Cup.Anrich Nortje last played an ODI in September 2023•SA 20White-ball coach Rob Walter explained the selection was a straight shootout between Nortje and Coetzee. “They both offer high pace but Anrich has a little bit more experience and potentially some attributes that will stand us in good stead in Pakistan,” Walter said from his home in New Zealand. “Gerald was a tough one because he’s ultimately done nothing wrong to not be selected.”Walter is also confident that Nortje, who has had a string of injuries over the last three years and opted out of a national contract in order to manage his workload, will remain fit for the upcoming months. “When he came back into the short format squads to play against Pakistan, he was bowling really quickly and was very excited to be back on the international stage,” Walter said. “Then, unfortunately, Dave Miller produced one of his best yorkers and hit him on the toe. Outside of that, he was super fit and super energised to be playing for South Africa again. And this was just one of those unfortunate circumstances. He’s an ultimate professional. He looks after himself, takes care of his conditioning. From my side, I trust him and trust that he’ll be ready to go.”South Africa will have five frontline quicks in Nortje, Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder at their disposal – with no room for Andile Phehlukwayo – and two specialist spinners, along with Aiden Markram’s offspin. Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi have kept their places but left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin misses out because South Africa “just didn’t feel the need for an extra spinner”.A more interesting selection conundrum could come in their top order, where South Africa will be without Quinton de Kock at an ICC event for the first time since 2014. De Kock retired from ODIs after the 2023 ODI World Cup and South Africa have not really settled on a partner for Bavuma in his absence but Walter gave some indication of what they are considering.”Temba and Tony have been at the top of the order and both done a really good job. There’s a potential for a few changes at the top of the order to give us a different balance of our side, which we may look into as we get closer to the tournament. A guy like Aidan Markram can be considered there in those two top spots. And obviously Rassie [van der Dussen] has been a stalwart at No.3. So we’re hesitant to change his position given the way he’s contributed there.”ESPNcricinfo LtdRickelton and Tristan Stubbs are two other top-order options ahead of a powerful middle-order of David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, all of whom are in action at the SA20. Bavuma and de Zorzi are the only two players in South Africa’s squad who are not contracted for the franchise T20 competition and so will not have that game time ahead of the Champions Trophy. They will, however, be part of South Africa’s squad that will travel to Pakistan for a short tri-series which precedes the event. The rest of the squad will be determined by which players are not involved in the SA20 final, which takes place on February 8. South Africa’s first match of the tri-series is scheduled on February 10.South Africa are in group B of the Champions Trophy and begin their campaign against Afghanistan in Karachi on February 21. They then play Australia in Rawalpindi on February 25 and their final group game is against England on March 1. There have been concerns from the country’s sports minister over the Afghanistan fixture, given the restrictions on women’s rights in Afghanistan but Walter and his team have expressed no reservations with the fixture going ahead. “CSA sent out a release last Thursday that we’d take the lead from the ICC on this one, who will ultimately make that decision as to the participation of Afghanistan,” Walter said.The top two teams in group A and B will qualify for the semi-finals. The 2025 Champions Trophy begins on February 19 and will be played in Pakistan and the UAE. It is the first time the tournament is being played since 2017, and Pakistan are the current holders of the trophy. South Africa’s Champions Trophy squadTemba Bavuma (capt), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen

Australia

The story so far: Australia topped their group with comfortable wins against Scotland and Nepal, and a tense two-wicket win against Bangladesh. An easy win against West Indies in the Super Six combined with other results meant they secured a semi-final spot ahead of their final Super Six clash against Sri Lanka, where they failed to chase 100, becoming the only semi-finalists to suffer a defeat in the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.What’s working: The bowling attack. Eleanor Larosa’s left-arm swing is a genuine threat with the new ball. Fifteen-year old WBBL sensation Caoimhe Bray, who idolises Ellyse Perry, is playing Perry’s role for this U-19 team: wicket-taking, decisive counter-attacking batting or making tough catches look easy. Legspinners Teegan Williamson and Hasrat Gill have 15 wickets between them at a combined average of 7.77. Lily Bassingthwaighte’s late entry into the playing XI has added more teeth to the attack, resulting in opposition scores of 48, 91 for 9, 56 for 8, 53 and 99 for 8.What’s not working: The batting. Openers Kate Pelle and Ines McKeon are both power-hitters, but have consistently misfired, leaving Australia with a big decision on whether to leave one of them out in the semi-final. Nepal captain Puja Mahato had them at 14 for 3 before Bray’s brilliant counter-attacking 45, also the highest score for an Australian batter in the tournament, helped them post their highest team total of 139 for 6. Accurate spin bowling has also been a challenge for the Australian batters at the top and in the middle order, a struggle that was apparent in their last game when they failed to chase 100. Captain Lucy Hamilton at No. 3 remains their most reliable bat. Her innings of 30 off 35 on a tough spinning surface in Bangi, Malaysia, against Bangladesh won her the Player of the Match in a chase of 92.What to look out for: They might be entering the semi-final off a loss, but Australia have been tested as a unit far more than their opposition, or for that matter, all the other semi-final sides. Their batters would welcome the change of venue to the Bayumeas Oval in Kuala Lumpur where run-scoring has been much easier than the more challenging UKM Oval, where Hamilton’s side have played all five of their matches in the tournament. If they can get a competitive total, even 100-110, they’ll back the form of their bowlers to defend it.South Africa go into semi-finals undefeated•ICC/Getty Images

South Africa

The story so far: Rain has followed Kayla Reyneke’s South African side throughout the tournament. But it has relented just enough to allow them one reduced game after another to secure the wins needed to top both their Group Stage and the Super Six Group, without having played a full 40 overs once. They won an 11-overs-a-side game against New Zealand, an eight-overs a side shootout against Nigeria and a 10-overs per side contest against Ireland. Their only full match happened to be against Samoa, where they blew their hapless opposition away for a record low of 16 and chased it in 10 balls. Their final Super Six match against USA was washed out.What’s working: While they’ve never had to bowl a full 20 overs, the bowling unit does seem well-equipped and well-rounded. Nthabiseng Nini might be among the quickest in the competition and has been effective moving the ball away from the right-handers, while Monalisa Legodi moves it the other way. Legspinner Seshine Naidu and captain Reyneke’s offspin have made light work of any opposition so far. All four playing in their second U-19 Women’s World Cup. Reyneke has led the side impressively and in spite of lengthy rain breaks and waiting on the sidelines, South Africa have looked sharp when on the field.What’s not working: They might have four wins on the board but South Africa’s batters have batted only 26.5 overs all tournament, less than half of England (55.2) and India (54.2), just over a third of the overs their more battle-hardened semi-final opponents Australia (76.5). It’s hard therefore to conclude what sort of form their batters are in but openers Jemma Botha and Simone Lourens, and keeper Karabo Meso have notched up quickfire 20s and 30s when needed. All three of them are also playing their second edition of the women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup.What to look out for: South Africa’s spinners will be key to testing Australia’s vulnerabilities. Reyneke leads their wicket-taking list with nine wickets at an average of 3.88 and economy of 4.03.

A Champions League thriller at Anfield between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid on Wednesday was overshadowed by ugly touchline scenes involving Diego Simeone and his staff. Fan footage circulating online appears to show an Atletico backroom member spitting towards supporters after the Argentine coach was sent off late on. Calls are now growing for UEFA to step in and hand down a serious punishment.

Atletico staff member spits at Liverpool fans?

Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 in a dramatic opening-night Champions League clash on Wednesday night, with Virgil van Dijk scoring yet another stoppage-time winner for the Reds. Tempers flared after the goal, with Simeone and his staff being confronted near the main stand following taunts from fans. During the commotion, one Atletico staff member appeared to spit at supporters in videos shared by Liverpool fans.

AdvertisementLiverpool fans call for immediate ban

Clips shared on social media show the spitting incident occurring just seconds after Simeone was dismissed from the dugout. Stewards were forced to restrain Atletico staff as tensions spilled over in front of the away bench. The video has since gone viral, with supporters across the football community labelling the act “disgusting” and urging UEFA to set an example with their ruling.

Spitting a bannable offence as per UEFA regulation

Spitting is classified as a severe violation under UEFA’s disciplinary regulations and is usually met with strict bans for players. Fans believe that, in this case, an even harsher penalty may be needed given the nature of the act and the potential damage to the game’s image.

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Getty ImagesUEFA likely to launch investigation

UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will be under pressure to investigate the incident and determine an appropriate punishment. Based on past cases, suspensions for spitting generally range from two to four games, though the fact it involved a staff member may complicate matters. For now, Atletico await news on whether further sanctions will be imposed beyond Simeone’s red card.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na Arena Castelão, Fortaleza e Bahia protagonizaram o clássico nordestino, que terminou empatado por 0 a 0. Com a igualdade, o Leão fica na 6ª posição, com 14 pontos. O Esquadrão de Aço é o 15º, com 8 pontos.

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Calendário 

Na próxima jornada, o Fortaleza visita o Botafogo, no Rio de Janeiro. O Bahia recbe o Cruzeiro, na Arena Fonte Nova.

O jogo 

Com propostas ofensivas, Fortaleza e Bahia iniciaram o duelo em alta velocidade. Thiago Galhardo por muito pouco não abriu o marcador após cabeçada. A resposta do Esquadrão de Aço veio m chute de Thaciano, que passou rente ao poste.

Devido ao forte calor, o ritmo do jogo caiu e poucos lances foram criados até o apito do juiz. Pelo lado dos mandantes, Tinga tentou levar perigo em cabeçada e Ademir, pelos visitantes, arriscou a cobrança de falta que parou em João Ricardo.

Guilherme 

Nos acréscimos, Guilherme, que entrou no lugar de Romarinho, trombou com o goleiro Marcos Felipe e caiu no gramado. Após atendimento médico, o jogador deixou o campo de ambulância.

Na etapa final o Fortaleza aplicou uma verdadeira blitz em cima do Bahia. O Leão empurrou o rival para o campo defensivo e criou ótimas chances. Na primeira, Pikachu saiu na cara do goleiro, mas chutou torto. Pouco depois, Lucero cabeceou sozinho na grande área e mandou para fora.

Apesar do ímpeto do Leão, o time de Pablo Vojvoda não conseguiu transformar o volume em bola na rede. A equipe falhava na hora de concluir as jogadas e as decisões erradas irritaram as arquibancadas.

Nos acréscimos, o Fortaleza balançou a rede com Zanocelo, mas a arbitragem apontou impedimento de Lucero no início da jogada e anulou o gol.

FORTALEZA 0 X 0 BAHIA 

Local: Arena Castelão, Fortaleza (CE)

Data-Hora: 03/6/2023 – 16h

Árbitro:João Vitor Gobi (SP)

Auxiliares:Marcelo Carvalho Van Gasse (SP) e Miguel Caetano Ribeiro da Costa (SP)

VAR: Alberto Poletto Masseira (SP)

Público/renda:36.925 pagantes/R$371.921,00

Cartões amarelos: Titi, Zanocelo (FOR), Cicinho, Acevedo (BAH) 

Cartões vermelhos: –

Gols:

FORTALEZA: João Ricardo; Tinga, Brítez, Titi e Bruno Pacheco; Caio Alexandre, Hércules (Zanocelo, aos 31/2ºT) e Calebe (Silvio Romero, aos 31/2ºT); Pochettino (Lucero, ao 1/2ºT), Romarinho (Guilherme, aos 40/1ºT) (Pikachu, aos 51/1ºT) e Thiago Galhardo. Técnico: Pablo Vojvoda. 

BAHIA: Marcos Felipe; Kanu, David Duarte e Vitor Hugo (Gabriel Xavier, aos 14/1ºT); Cicinho, Acevedo, Rezende (Diego Rosa, ao 1/2ºT), Thaciano e Ryan; Ademir (Cauly, aos 15/2ºT) e Everaldo (Vinicius Mingotti, aos 41/2ºT). Técnico: Renato Paiva. 

Tottenham Hotspur have been on the hunt for a new attacking midfielder throughout the summer transfer window, but so far, their quest has been to no avail.

Morgan Gibbs-White appeared to be Thomas Frank’s main target earlier in the transfer window, even triggering the England international’s £60m release clause.

However, the Nottingham Forest star was also set for a medical before Evangelos Marinakis intervened and put the deal on hold, before the 25-year-old signed a new contract at the City Ground.

After missing out on his signature, the Lilywhites hierarchy have been hunting for added reinforcements to help bolster their Premier League ambitions in 2025/26.

Multiple players have since appeared on their radar, which could see numerous top-level talents make the switch to North London ahead of the new campaign.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

After missing out on Gibbs-White, Spurs have targeted Liverpool star Harvey Elliott in recent weeks, with the Englishman available for a fee in the region of £40m this summer.

However, they could also be about to miss out on the 22-year-old, after Bundesliga side RB Leipzig entered the race to prise him away from Anfield in recent days.

He’s not the only attacking midfielder currently on their radar, with Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss a player the club are considering, according to Ben Jacobs.

He claims that the hierarchy are preparing an approach to land the Moroccan international, who made 32 appearances for the Foxes in the Premier League last season.

Jacobs also states that the 21-year-old has a £22m relegation release clause in his current contract, opening the door to a bargain deal for the Lilywhites this summer.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be their next Maddison

James Maddison has been Spurs’ main option in the number ten position over recent seasons, after he made a £40m transfer from Leicester City back in the summer of 2023.

The 28-year-old has registered 16 goals and 19 assists in his 75 appearances for the Lilywhites, with last campaign being his best since moving to North London.

However, his impact in 2025/26 could prove to be limited, after he suffered what appeared to be a serious knee injury in the recent pre-season clash against Newcastle United.

Boss Frank confirmed that the injury could be a serious one, suffering another issue with the knee that caused him bother towards the back end of the previous season.

Their previous hunt for another talent in such a role showcases their ambitions of strengthening their squad, potentially turning to El Khannouss as a result of Maddison’s setback.

Any move for the Moroccan star would see a repeat of a deal for the Englishman, joining the Lilywhites from Leicester, before making a key impact in the first team.

He even managed to outperform Maddison in numerous key areas last season, undoubtedly one of the shining lights within the Foxes’ squad despite their relegation back to the Championship.

El Khannouss, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, posted a higher tally of progressive carries per 90, whilst completing more carries into the final third – handing Frank’s side an added threat with the ball at his feet.

He also managed to complete more key passes per 90, along with a higher tally of through balls per 90, subsequently able to register an end product to his mazy runs in attacking areas.

Games played

33

31

Goals & assists

6

16

Progressive carries

2.9

2.2

Key passes made

2.7

2.1

Take-on success

57%

42%

Carries into final third

2.1

1.9

Aerials won

47%

41%

Through balls completed

0.9

0.6

The 21-year-old further bettered Maddison in terms of aerials won, an asset that would make him a tremendous all-round option for the Lilywhites ahead of 2025/26.

If he can replicate such talents in North London, he would be another excellent addition to the squad, following in Maddison’s footsteps of being a fan favourite after moving from Leicester.

His £22m release clause would make him a bargain addition, such a move handing the Moroccan the platform to improve massively in the years ahead, given his tender age.

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