Malan hits 219 before Derbyshire captain’s crucial fifty puts draw in sight

ECB Reporters Network17-Aug-2020Home debutant Dawid Malan completed a superb maiden career double hundred before watching Derbyshire battle to within touching distance of the follow-on target of 201 at Emerald Headingley.Malan’s 219 off 244 balls underpinned the White Rose’s first-innings 400 for 6 declared, achieved shortly before lunch on day three of this weather-affected North Group fixture.Derbyshire captain Billy Godleman’s 54 then led his side’s bid to avoid having to follow-on, something which would go a long way to securing an important draw against their fellow challengers.The visitors closed on 198 for 6 from 70 overs, with bad light ending play three overs early. Almost 100 overs have now been lost across three days.The gap between these two leading sides in the North was four points before this third-round clash, with Derby leading the way.England T20 batsman Malan, who could be playing his last county game until mid September should he be involved in forthcoming series against Pakistan and Australia, advanced from 153 not out overnight.He became the first Yorkshire player whose maiden century for the club ended up a double since Jonny Bairstow hit 205 against Nottinghamshire in 2011.The 32-year-old was the primary reason why Yorkshire secured the maximum five batting bonus points for reaching 400. Derby claimed two bowling points.The hosts scored 112 runs in 22.1 overs before lunch, with Malan moving to – and beyond – 200 with two fours and two sixes off Leus du Plooy’s part-time left-arm spin before falling caught at long-off trying to hit a third successive six.He completed a 200-run stand with Jonny Tattersall (66) – a fifth-wicket record for Yorkshire in first-class matches against Derbyshire.Tattersall chipped leg-spinner Matt Critchley to cover before Malan, who batted serenely in especially challenging conditions during Saturday’s opening day, fell 89 runs later.All-rounder Jordan Thompson added an unbeaten 36 before striking with the ball during the afternoon when Derbyshire lost their first two wickets on 58.Godleman and fellow opener Tom Wood united either side of lunch before the latter was caught and bowled by Thompson in the 18th over.Excellent Steve Patterson then trapped Wayne Madsen lbw for a duck before Godleman and du Plooy shared 68 for the third wicket.However, both fell in the space of four balls to Patterson across two overs after tea as Derby slipped to 127 for 4 to give the hosts an opening. Du Plooy was caught low down at first slip by Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Godleman caught behind by Bairstow.Patterson finished with figures of 3 for 16 from 16 overs.Dom Leech had Alex Hughes caught at mid-on by Duanne Olivier following a miscued pull, and Olivier added the wicket of Harvey Hosein, expertly caught behind by a diving Bairstow five overs later with the score on 174.Critchley finished the day unbeaten on 31, with Anuj Dal on 15, as the pair took their side close to a position of safety.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is personally eyeing a £90 million Barcelona duo, with his transfer plans starting to take shape ahead of the summer.

Signings Chelsea could make for Maresca this summer

The window's opening on June 14 is fast approaching, and reports suggest that Maresca is set to be backed by Chelsea chiefs, following his appointment to replace Mauricio Pochettino before next season.

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Chelsea have made an offer to Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo as one potential option to bolster Maresca's backline, with the Englishman out of contract at the end of next month and able to sign for the Blues on a free deal.

Meanwhile, it remains the case that co-Chelsea sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are targeting a prolific new striker as well. Indeed, reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano says Chelsea could make five signings for Maresca when the window reopens.

"They like his ideas and believe he’s a very positive coach – a dynamic, modern, young manager obsessed with possession football to control a game," said Romano on Chelsea's appointment of Maresca (via his Dailybriefing).

Enzo Maresca's record at Leicester City in all competitions last season

The numbers (via Transfermarkt)

Games managed

53

Wins

36

Draws

4

Losses

13

Points per match on average

2.11

"I said last week when Chelsea were considering firing Mauricio Pochettino that this was the kind of manager they wanted, and here he is. And remember – it will be a busy summer for Chelsea, with around five signings, maybe less, maybe more, but for sure they are looking at goalkeepers, maybe or one or two centre-backs, and they’re also looking at central strikers and wingers. Chelsea will be busy, and Maresca will be involved.

"Of course, one signing is already agreed and that’s for talented Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian – everything is being reviewed and signed for this big signing for the future, who will join in 2025 from Palmeiras."

Some reports have claimed that La Liga could be a fruitful talent pool for Stamford Bridge chiefs, and specifically Barcelona. Chelsea are targeting centre-back Ronald Araujo as one example, with the likes of Jules Kounde and Raphinha also linked.

Kounde is thought to command a £43 million price tag, while Raphinha could leave Barcelona for around £47 million. The £90 million duo, as per reports in Spain, are now on Maresca's personal radar.

Maresca personally wants Kounde and Raphinha at Chelsea

A Spanish report this week claims Maresca wants both Kounde and Raphinha at Chelsea, as he identifies his summer targets behind the scenes. The former Man City backroom staff member is apparently set to make "significant" demands, with Maresca looking to reshape Pochettino's squad in his own image.

Raphinha bagged nine goals and 11 assists across his appearances in La Liga and the Champions League last season, with 25-year-old France international Kounde starting 32 Spanish top-flight matches as a mainstay under Xavi.

Chris Rogers, the former Australia Test opener and new Victoria coach, hopes to be able to help Will Pucovski break into the Australia side for the international career he has been on the cusp of for a couple of seasons.Pucovski, 22, came close to a Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2019 and was part of the Australia A set-up ahead of last year’s Ashes series.However, he has had to deal with multiple concussions during his short career – the most recent coming late last season against England Lions when he stumbled taking a run – and has also taken breaks from the game to manage his mental health.In 20 first-class matches, Pucovski has made 1225 runs at 42.24 with a best of 243 against Western Australia at the start of the 2018-19 season which followed a 188-run knock late in the previous summer against Queensland.”Will’s at a really interesting point in his own career,” Rogers said. “Obviously there’s the issues regarding the concussions and so forth but I don’t think anyone’s doubting his ability. It’s about finding out what he thinks he needs to do to take the next step and finding ways to support that.”I think he’s at that age where he’s really come to terms with everything about his game. He’s had some experiences now that have tested him and would no doubt have built a lot of that resilience. It’s going to be a little bit up to him but with a lot of support from the coaching staff as well.”I think he’s a fantastic player. What stands out for me is his mindset. I think that’s really quite impressive for a guy his age. He almost looks like he plays as a very experienced player, so it’s probably helping him develop that as well.”Like any domestic coach, Rogers will be marrying the dual demands of domestic success with producing players for the international stage and he said that having more Victoria names in Australia squads was a key aim of his role.Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell are the Victoria players in the limited-overs squad for the England tour while fast bowler James Pattinson is the only one around the Test set-up although may not make the first choice XI.The batting line-up features Marcus Harris and Nic Maddinson who have had a previous taste of the Australia level: Harris was part of the Ashes series last year but lost his spot after struggling in tough batting conditions, to be replaced by Joe Burns, while Maddinson’s brief Test career came in 2016 with his last white-ball appearance in 2018.Harris would probably be in the frame as top-order cover if enlarged Test squads are needed this season as has been flagged by Justin Langer while two prolific first-class seasons for Maddinson, which have brought 1353 runs at 83.93, has put him back on the selectors’ radar and earned him Australia A call-ups last season. Maddinson withdrew from the squad to face Pakistan in Perth for mental health reasons then scored 52 against England Lions in February.”I think Nic just needs to perform,” Rogers said. “He’s someone who has found his style, how he wants to approach the game and has had some success doing that. It’s important then to support what he does and make sure he’s accountable for his performances. But if he wants to perform for Australia, I don’t think I’m the only one who will tell him that, he just needs to put the runs on the board and he’s doing that. “As a former left-handed opener, Rogers has the ideal skillset to offer Harris any specialist advice he may need. “I have some ideas about how Marcus can go about it and that will be working with him,” he said. “He’s at that right [time] where he should be playing the best cricket of his life and it’s just being there to help him to do that.”The prospect of larger international squads taking more players out of domestic cricket – meaning state depth will be tested – is also something Rogers sees as a good challenge.”It might mean some of the better players in the state teams are unavailable and therefore you have to have your resources tested and opportunities might come for younger players,” he said. “If you look at the Victoria squad – it’s pretty young. I know from when I first moved over it was a vastly different squad, but with that comes so much excitement and opportunity.”

Premier League referee Chris Kavanagh said he had no choice but to send Declan Rice off against Brighton in newly-released audio.

Article continues below

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Rice dismissed in Arsenal's draw to BrightonGiven second yellow for delay of playKavanagh says he had no choice in audioWHAT HAPPENED?

The Arsenal midfielder was given a second caution in the 1-1 draw with Brighton before the international break for knocking the ball away as the Seagulls went to take a quick free-kick. It was a controversial topic on social media and now audio has been released allowing fans to hear the entire process behind Rice's dismissal.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT KAVANAGH SAID

Communicating with his assistants and VAR at Stockley Park, Kavanagh said: "Ball clearly in. Possible defensive foul, given. I think he's gone to play the ball. He's gone to play the ball for me. Declan Rice has kicked the ball away. Going to have no choice mate. Second yellow for me. I had no choice, he knocks the ball away. As he's about to kick it, he knocks the ball away. Dec, you need to go. You need to go. I don't like it, but he's knocked the ball away, he's kicked the ball. Dec you need to go I'm afraid."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Kavanagh was heavily criticised by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after the game for being inconsistent with his decision-making. The Spaniard first suggested that Rice had not seen Joel Veltman trying to play the ball and later berated the official for failing to book Joao Pedro for a similar incident in the first half. It is not so much the incident with Rice itself that caused outrage from Gunners fans, but Kavanagh's failure to give the same punishment to the visitors.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR RICE?

Rice missed Arsenal's 1-0 win over Tottenham last weekend but will return for their Champions League bow against Atalanta on Thursday night. He will also be in line to start a massive game away to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

In football, certain teams are almost as iconic as the sport itself. Whether it's the pure white of Real Madrid, the red of Manchester United, or the blue and garnet of Barcelona, some clubs are just instantly recognisable to people in all corners of the globe.

However, one shirt and team is perhaps more synonymous with the beautiful game than any other: Brazil. The yellow and green shirts of the Seleção are unmistakable, and some of the players who have worn them are the greatest and most skilful stars to have ever played the game.

Whether it's for the national team or for their club sides, the South American powerhouse has produced some of the most beloved and respected footballers of all time, and while they haven't won the World Cup for some time now, you just know that it won't be long until they add a sixth star to that iconic crest. There's even the Copa America this summer so more success could be just around the corner.

With that, here is the list of who we believe are the ten greatest Brazilian footballers, based on their overall impact at either club or international level during their careers…

Rank	Player	Career span
1	Pele	1956-1977
2	Ronaldo	1993-2011
3	Garrincha	1951-1972
4	Ronaldinho	1998-2015
5	Romario	1985-2007
6	Rivaldo	1991-2015
7	Zico	1971-1994
8	Neymar	2009-present
9	Kaka	2000-2014
10	Jairzinho	1960-1981

10

Jairzinho

1960-1982

The first name on our list is an icon of the 1970 World Cup Brazilian squad, and a man who spent the vast majority of his playing career with the club he joined as a youngster: Botafogo.

The Hurricane, or o Furacão for you Portuguese speakers out there, scored 249 goals in his two-decade-spanning career, with 186 coming in just 416 appearances for Botafogo.

His incredible career came to an end in 1982 with a trophy cabinet filled to the brim and 81 national team caps to his name, in which he scored 33 goals.

9

Kaka

2000-2014

We are moving into the modern day for our next star, well almost, as the number nine spot brings with it the brilliant Kaka.

The Gama-born magician moved to AC Milan from São Paulo in 2003, and over the next six seasons, he would go on to become one of the best players in the world, winning Serie A, the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup and the Ballon d'Or, all before completing a historic £56m move to Real Madrid in June 2009, the same summer Los Blancos also welcomed Cristiano Ronaldo.

Unfortunately, once in Madrid, the outrageously talented midfielder suffered from consistent knee problems, which prevented him from having the impact so many thought he would.

After another five years in which he played for Orlando City and São Paulo, he eventually retired, with 92 Brazil caps and 29 international goals to his name.

8

Neymar

2009-present

We have reached the only current player on the list, and, of course, whether you love him or hate him, Neymar Jr has to be on it.

Despite making a questionable move to the Saudi Pro League last summer, the 32-year-old has certainly had an impressive career, one that has seen him lift the Champions League with Barcelona and rack up Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain like they're nothing.

However, for all the hope that was pinned on his shoulders with the national team, the man who has more national team goals than Pele has never been able to lead the country to World Cup glory, and due to his current injury, he won't even be at this summer's Copa América.

That said, with 302 goals in 511 club matches and 79 goals in 128 national team appearances, the Mogi das Cruzes-born ace deserves to be counted among the best Seleção players of all time.

7

Zico

1971-1994

We are going back in time again, as the sixth star on this list is the player Gary Lineker described as "unbelievable," Zico.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, the 5 foot 8 midfielder was a tour de force in his home country, scoring 529 goals in 724 games for Flamengo, and while he wasn't able to win the World Cup, he was a vital member of the 1979 Copa América winning squad and eventually retired with 71 senior caps to his name.

At club level, he won a mountain of trophies for Flamengo, including seven state championships, before moving to Japanese side Kashima Antlers, where he won the league in 1993 and is now a technical adviser – whatever that is.

6

Rivaldo

1991-2015

From one icon who couldn't win a World Cup to one who starred in one, Rivaldo is the next name on the list.

The Recife-born wonder played a crucial role in Brazil's triumphant 2002 campaign in Japan and South Korea, scoring in the first five games and forming a deadly trio alongside Ronaldo and Ronaldinho – more on them later.

He might also have caught the headlines for something a little more embarrassing in the game against Turkey, but fans shouldn't forget just how brilliant a player he was. After all, you don't rack up 74 senior caps for nothing.

Moreover, he won the Coppa Italia and Champions League with AC Milan, as well as two La Ligas, a Copa del Rey, and a UEFA Super Cup with Barcelona.

5

Romario

1985-2007*

He might be playing the cold game of politics today, but during his playing career, Romario was one of the very best around.

During his international career, the Rio-born striker won 70 caps and scored 55 goals – only Neymar, Pele, and Ronaldo scored more – won two Copa Americas and the 1994 World Cup.

He was just as successful at the club level as well, winning three Eredivisie titles with PSV Eindhoven, one La Liga title with Barcelona and one league title with Vasco da Gama.

4

Ronaldinho

1998-2015

Fourth place belongs to arguably the most entertaining footballer of all time, or at least on this list anyway.

Ronaldinho started his career in his home country with Gremio before moving to PSG in 2001.

Just a couple of years and some brilliant performances later, he secured his big move to Barcelona, where he scored 70 goals in just 145 matches, won two La Liga titles and lifted the Champions League, all while enchanting fans and rivals alike with his incredible technical ability.

On the international stage, the Porto Alegre-born star won 97 caps, in which he scored 33 goals, including that one against David Seaman, won one Copa América and one World Cup.

However, the English goalkeepers union got the last laugh as Joe Hart managed to save a penalty from the great midfielder in his penultimate international game in 2013. However, we're sure he's not lost any sleep over that one in the same way Seaman might have.

3

Garrincha

1951-1972

The bronze medal goes to Garrincha, who starred alongside Pele in Brazil's 1958 World Cup triumph and then became the star four years later in the great man's absence, showing just how essential he was to the nation's footballing successes.

The extraordinary winger only made 50 senior appearances for the national team, but his impact is almost unrivalled.

In his two-decade-long playing career, he made 238 appearances for Botafogo, in which he scored 84 goals, before also playing for teams like Corinthians, Flamengo and even Atlético Junior in Colombia.

2

Ronaldo

1993-2011

The second spot on this list is reserved for, as some might call him, the real Ronaldo.

Full name Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, but often just referred to as R9, the Itaguaí-born superstar was a complete monster of a footballer.

In his 454 club appearances, the unstoppable forward scored 298 goals and provided 75 assists. He averaged a goal involvement every 1.2 games across his career, meaning the average was even better during his pomp.

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At club level, he won La Liga, the Cope del Rey, the UEFA Cup, and the KNVB Cup, while at international level, he won two World Cups and two Copa Americas.

By the time he retired, he had made 98 senior appearances, in which he scored 62 goals – talk about a legacy.

1

Pele

1956-1977

We have reached the number one spot on the list, and, come on, who else could it have been?

Of course, the best Brazilian footballer of all time has to be the late great Pele, and some wouldn't stop at Brazilian either.

The sporting icon was the Messi of his era, and even though the majority of football fans today wouldn't have watched him play, they all know his name, and they almost certainly know his face.

There is plenty of debate over how many goals Pele actually scored at club level, but we can be quite sure that the number stands at a minimum of 680, whereas for Brazil, he racked up 77 goals in 92 games.

He was also the crucial player in the country's first World Cup triumph in 1958, despite being just 17 at the time. He would end his career with another two, although he missed most of the 1962 edition through injury.

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Newcastle United have held talks with a "very high-level" player ahead of a move to the club in the summer transfer window, according to a new transfer update.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies' season is over for another year, and once those at the club have enjoyed a well-earned breather, much focus will be on the transfer market and which players can take Eddie Howe's side to the next level.

Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly has emerged as a constant target in recent weeks, and Newcastle are reportedly confident that they will bring him in on a free transfer from the Cherries this summer. The same applies to Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo, who is also a strong option to join on a free. It has even been claimed that Howe has personally persuaded him to move to St James' Park.

Another player who has been linked with a summer move to Newcastle is West Ham star Jarrod Bowen, who the Magpies have felt the wrath of in the past, with the England international scoring against them at St James' earlier this season. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also a potential addition, should the striker wish to depart Everton in the coming months.

It looks as though talented English talent is being looked at by Howe and PIF, with Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey another possible option for them, as they look to pounce on their rivals' PSR struggles and snap up one of their most prized assets.

Newcastle in talks with "very high-level" goalkeeper

According to a fresh report from The Northern Echo, Newcastle have held preliminary talks with Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili over a summer move to the club.

The report says that "senior Magpies officials have discussed Mamardashvili’s situation with their counterparts at Valencia, and are lining up a formal offer for the 23-year-old Georgia international."

It does look as though Newcastle are keen on bringing in a new 'keeper this summer, perhaps no longer seeing Nick Pope as the perfect option between the sticks. Arsenal stopper Aaron Ramsdale has continually been linked with heading to the club, too.

In Mamardashvili, the Magpies could have a really exciting option, though, with one recent report claiming that £30m could be enough to get their man, hitting Valencia's potential asking price in the process. Legendary former Spain 'keeper Santiago Canizares has heaped praise on him in the past, saying:

"He’s a great goalkeeper, he’s a very high-level player. And then in addition to that he’s very young. Goalkeepers improve year on year, so I couldn’t tell you what level he could reach. If he keeps improving at the current rate, it’s impossible to say how good he could get. He could be a very interesting target for any European club. And then the position that his club are in mean that it’s natural that he’d be on the transfer market."

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At just 23 years of age, Mamardashvili is still such a young player, but one who has already won 16 caps for Georgia and made 93 appearances in La Liga, and he looks like a shrewd choice for Newcastle.

While Tottenham Hotspur made improvements during Ange Postecoglou's first year in charge, supporters will expect to see further gains next season, having missed out on Champions League qualification despite winning eight of their opening ten matches of the Premier League campaign.

New players such as Micky van de Ven, James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario and Brennan Johnson have addressed key areas of concern but there's no question that depth and players of suitable skill are required this summer.

The Athletic have confirmed that a centre-midfielder and a versatile forward are among the desired profiles, and while Postecoglou will hope that it's to be third time lucky in his protracted pursuit of Conor Gallagher, it's unclear who's going to be prioritised further up the pitch.

Ivan Toney continues to be linked as a top target in the quest to replace Harry Kane, but an even more exciting name has now emerged.

Spurs searching for Kane successor

As per Spanish sources, Postecoglou is showing a strong interest in signing Viktor Gyokeres, with the Swedish striker utterly breathtaking this year for Ruben Amorim's Sporting Lisbon, who triumphed in Liga Portugal.

However, Arsenal and Manchester United are also considering a swoop for one of Europe's most prolific goalscorers, who has a €100m (roughly £85m) release clause, which perhaps falls outside of Spurs' financial parameters.

Nonetheless, if the report is to be believed and Tottenham have indeed joined the race, then they have done so with full knowledge of his attached price tag and thus hold the belief that a deal could be agreed – with the Lilywhites said to be 'actively working' to land a prolific number nine this summer.

Viktor Gyokeres with a season for the ages

Earning a £20m move to Sporting last summer after enjoying a wonderful season with Coventry City, posting 22 goals and 12 assists as his Championship outfit reached the play-off final, losing to Luton Town, the 26-year-old Gyokeres has now established himself as one of Europe's superlative goalscorers.

Pivotal in winning the league, the Sweden international scored 43 goals and supplied 15 assists across 50 matches in all competitions.

He's been hailed as a "a powerhouse" by analyst Ben Mattinson for his athletic ability and sinew-framed presence at No. 9, marking him as the perfect profile to thrive at a team like Tottenham.

Gyokeres' former Robins manager, Tony Mowbray, has even likened him to Manchester City's goal machine Erling Haaland, who has scored 90 goals and added 15 assists across just 98 performances for Pep Guardiola's all-conquering side.

Mowbray said: "I don’t want to say he should test himself in the Premier League but who is like him in the Premier League at the moment? Too fast, too strong and too big, you would suggest Haaland is like that."

Matches played

31

33

Matches started

29

32

Goals

27

29

Assists

5

10

Big chances missed

34

12

Big chances created

6

11

Shots per game

3.9

3.9

Key passes per game

0.9

1.6

Touches per game

22.5

44.6

Dribbles per game

0.4 (43%)

2.1 (46%)

Duels won per game

2.8 (48%)

6.8 (49%)

One could creditably argue that Gyokeres actually boasts the more complete skill set of the two strikers, and if he succeeds in translating his goalscoring numbers to the Premier League with Tottenham, he might even emerge from the 2024/25 campaign with the most glowing endorsements.

But, as mentioned earlier, Toney is available, and Tottenham are considering an offer of £40m. Gyokeres, going by his release clause, is worth double that amount and would certainly be the more difficult signature to secure – would it be worth the hassle?

Why Gyokeres is perfect for Tottenham

Football is full of peaks and troughs, and while Tottenham have suffered some low points over recent years, Postecoglou is set on building something down N17 and is now just missing a few important pieces.

Gyokeres would surely solve the conundrum faced at the front of the field, easing Heung-min Son's burden as the central talisman after adopting Kane's position and proving to be an almighty upgrade on the likes of Richarlison.

The Swede's stylistic similarity to Haaland suggests that he has what it takes to lead the line at the forefront of the division, and having transcended expectations in Portugal he's living up to past praise from former Coventry teammate Maxime Biamou that he is "unplayable".

He might be a deadly marksman but Gyokeres is so much more. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 3% of forwards across divisions similar to the Portuguese top flight over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 1% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.

And, moreover, he could form a dream partnership with Maddison, who ebbed away from form in the closing months of the campaign and has consequently lost his place in England's squad ahead of the European Championship in Germany.

With Gyokeres making such frequent bounding runs into the danger area, Maddison would be able to channel his creativity toward the perfect focal point, averaging 2.4 key passes per game in the Premier League this season.

The English midfielder also ranks among the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 2% for passes attempted and the top 1% for shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90. This highlights the kind of support Gyokeres could find from behind as he seeks to replicate his blistering success in the Premier League.

Furthermore, Maddison knows how to find the back of the net himself and with a dynamic and multi-faceted forward in front of him, he could sharpen that edge of his game even further, all the while being provided with the perfect source for his playmaking.

Postecoglou's system offered a glimpse of the riches yet to come, but without pinpoint precision in the transfer market this summer, rivals might steal ahead in their own quests for prominence.

Gyokeres would be a transformational signing up front and the kitchen sink must be thrown at getting it over the line.

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Leeds United have made an approach to sign a Championship star in a free transfer, according to a new report.

Leeds’ transfer plans

The Whites and manager Daniel Farke are preparing for another season in the second tier after suffering a playoff final defeat to Southampton last month.

That loss looks set to have consequences, with the 49ers Enterprises needing to balance the books to comply with P&S. Chairman Paraag Marathe recently confirmed that Leeds will need to sell but also revealed there will be some incomings.

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“We have the funds that we need to do what we need to do. The reality of being in the Championship is that Profitability and Sustainability (P&S) plays a role. We also inherited a challenging situation, so naturally there are going to be some trade-offs. But also, we have a really good team, and it is not just about outs, but ins.

"We're looking at scouting possibilities and players that we can bring in. We will have to make some trade-offs because of P&S but we have the investment commitment to do what we need to do.”

In regards to specific ins and outs, Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto have all been linked with Elland Road exits in the past few weeks, whereas Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist, Tottenham midfielder Oliver Skipp and recent Wales loanees Joe Rodon and Connor Roberts have been those mooted as possible arrivals.

Now, another name has emerged on the radar of the Yorkshire club, with Leeds appearing to make their first move.

Leeds make Callum O’Hare approach

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds have expressed their interest in signing Callum O’Hare from Coventry City on a free transfer. Contact appears to have been made, with the Whites battling Burnley and Southampton in the race for the attacking midfielder. O’Hare has rejected new deals with the Sky Blues and will depart for nothing at the end of the month and Leeds are ready to do battle for his signature.

The 26-year-old, who currently picks up £10,000-a-week, began his career on the books of Aston Villa before sealing a permanent move to Coventry in 2020. Since then, O’Hare has gone on to make 182 appearances for the Championship club, scoring 22 goals and registering 30 assists.

He did suffer from injury last season but still managed an impressive individual campaign as Coventry finished in the top half and made the FA Cup semi-final.

Callum O'Hare 2023/24 stats

Appearances

36

Minutes played

2,088

Goals

10

Assists

4

O’Hare has also come in for praise from manager Mark Robins, who said late last year: “I think he has been incredible because I mean looking back at Boxing Day last year and to see him was heart-breaking after the injury and then to see him come to terms with the injury and then go through that.

“The journey that he's been on this this year has been really tough and lonely and we've given him space. We've given him time he's worked really hard in between those times but he's deserved a little bit of time off. He's been away on holiday a couple of times where he's just recharged and got ready again to go for his next phase of training. The way he is around the place is really infectious and effervescent and he really deserves that.”

As first seasons go, Ange Postecoglou did a reasonably good job at Tottenham Hotspur this year.

The Australian got off to a flyer thanks to a ten-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League, and even though he missed out on Champions League qualification, securing Europa League football for next season is progress compared to last year.

That said, to reach the next level, Daniel Levy and Co. will need to back the Australian in the transfer window and help him clear out the deadwood in the squad.

This looks like it might be happening as one of the latest players touted for a move to N17 could see Emerson Royale axed and Pedro Porro given some real competition at right-back.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a report earlier this week from journalist Dean Jones via GIVEMESPORT, AS Monaco's exciting right-back, Vanderson, is 'being lined up' as a target by Tottenham Hotspur.

Alongside the Lilywhites, Manchester United, Napoli, and Barcelona are said to be interested in the young defender and that it will take an offer in the region of £30m to get him out of Les Monégasques.

It could be a costly and complicated transfer to complete, but the chance of bringing in a genuine rival for Porro would justify the effort, especially as it would also allow Postecoglou to bin Royal from the squad.

How Vanderson compares to Royal and Porro

So, if Spurs see Vanderson as the perfect player to replace Royal and challenge Porro, how does he compare to the pair?

When it comes to pure output, he comes out where you'd expect him to; ahead of the Brazilian and behind the Spaniard with three goals and one assist to his name in just 23 games this season.

Appearances

23

24

37

Goals

3

1

4

Assists

1

0

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.17

0.04

0.29

How do his underlying numbers stack up to the Spurs pair, then? Is it another case of better than one and worse than the other?

Interestingly, the Rondonópolis-born full-back, whom U23 scout Antonio claims is blessed with "obscene pace and acceleration", not only outperforms the Spurs pair in the majority of relevant metrics but also does so by a significant margin in a few, suggesting he might be more than just competition.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.19

0.05

0.30

Non-Penalty Goals

0.16

0.08

0.09

Assists

0.05

0.00

0.20

Progressive Passes

3.90

4.42

5.66

Progressive Passes Received

7.09

2.71

4.61

Shots

1.65

0.47

1.54

Shots on Target

0.55

0.23

0.35

Shot-Creating Actions

2.30

1.63

3.12

Tackles

3.30

2.79

2.65

Tackles Won

2.25

1.86

1.84

Blocks

1.59

1.78

1.84

Interceptions

1.92

1.55

0.99

Errors Leading to a Shot

0.05

0.08

0.09

Successful Take-Ons

0.93

0.78

0.76

Ball Recoveries

6.92

6.36

5.80

Aerial Duels Won

0.66

1.16

0.44

For example, while he's second best for metrics like non-penalty expected goals, assists, and aerial duels won, he comes out way ahead for others like tackles and tackles won, non-penalty goals, progressive passes received, ball recoveries, errors leading to a shot, interceptions, shots, and shots on target, all per 90.

Ultimately, Levy and Co must bring Vanderson to the white side of North London this summer.

Bid incoming: Spurs looking to sign £84m Richarlison upgrade

The clinical marksman could be the difference-maker for Postecoglou next season.

2 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 11, 2024

The "phenomenal" Brazilian, as Mango dubbed him, looks more than capable of challenging Porro for a permanent place in Postecoglou's team next season, and if he does join the side, the Australian can finally bin Royal.

Harry Kane has overcome an injury scare to be named in Bayern Munich's starting XI against Aston Villa in the Champions League on Wednesday.

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Kane suffered injury in Bayern gameEnglishman was a doubt for Villa clashKompany named striker in starting XIFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The striker sustained an injury in his team's 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend, sparking fears he could be out for the midweek clash at Villa Park. Although Kane trained in the days before the game, coach Vincent Kompany said he would be assessed further.

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Kane has since been cleared to start Wednesday's clash at Villa Park and Kompany has named him in the starting XI. The inclusion of the England international is a big boost for the German giants given he has scored 10 goals in just seven games this season.

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Kane, who netted four times as Bayern started the new Champions League season with a 9-2 win against Dinamo Zagreb, scored eight goals in 12 league matches against Villa during his time at Tottenham.

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Kane and his Bayern team-mates will attempt to upset Unai Emery's Villa when the two teams go head to head in the European competition.