Worse than Trent & Trippier: England could drop 5/10 star after Serbia

England began their Euro 2024 campaign in a scintillating fashion. Well, for about 13 minutes they did anyway.

After a 1-0 defeat to Iceland during their warm-up for the tournament in Germany, worries had set in about not just the quality of the side but Gareth Southgate's tactics.

The second issue isn't something new, it stems back to the last few tournaments.

However, as the Three Lions defeated Serbia 1-0 in Gelsenkirchen, a sense of anxiety kicked in. For the first quarter of the game, Southgate's side looked like real contenders.

There was delicious fluid movement between the likes of Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden in forward areas.

Saka was more regimented to the right-hand side but Foden drifted inside, as we thought he would and Bellingham, well, Jude was simply everywhere.

It was the Real Madrid star and Champions League winner who scored the game's only goal. Who else? He has been the man of the moment all season long in Spain. He was always going to star this summer.

Bellingham won the official Man of the Match award but as nerves started to set in and Serbia grew into the game, England and some of their players were not at their best during a turgid second half display.

A testing night for Trent and Trippier

With Luke Shaw not match ready the role of playing at left-back fell to Kieran Trippier. The Newcastle defender has done it before, notably in England colours, but despite not having an awful game against the Serbs was restricted.

Often such a fluid mover in the final third on the right flank, he wasn't able to have the same impact on the opposite side. That is hardly a surprise given it's not his natural position but Southgate's team suffered as a result.

Trippier didn't play a single key pass or even attempt one cross last night. That's incredibly disappointing. After all, for the Toon last season he created 2.3 key passes per game and supplied 2.5 accurate crosses a match in the Premier League.

It was also a rather indifferent night for Trent Alexander-Arnold. The experiment of playing him in midfield continues and at times it did spark life into England's performance.

As expected, the Liverpool star's passing was delightful but there were a few lapse moments, specifically in the first half when he gifted possession to Aleksandar Mitrovic on the edge of the box who subsequently fired wide.

Alexander-Arnold failed to offer England much control in the second half either and was dragged off on 69 minutes for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

That said, those two were not the most disappointing in England colours. That title goes to Foden.

Serbia 0-1 England: Player ratings from Three Lions' Euro 2024 opener

England began their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 16, 2024 Phil Foden's performance in numbers

Last term, Foden was definitively the best player in the Premier League. He won the division's Player of the Season award after a stunning time of it in Manchester City blue.

The 24-year-old scored 27 times in all competitions, 19 of which came in the top flight. He had to start for England, therefore, you'd be crazy to suggest he shouldn't be in there.

However, questions still remain about where he fits into his national side. It was in a number 10 role where he found much of his success for City last term but with Bellingham in the side, he's not going to get in there.

Foden can play on the left – he scored five goals and registered four assists from that role last term – but it's not quite 13 goals in 15 matches from attacking midfield.

Phil Foden in 2023/24 – Man City

Position played

Games

Goals

Assists

Right wing

21

5

4

Attacking midfield

15

13

4

Left wing

10

3

4

Right midfield

2

2

0

Left midfield

2

3

0

Centre forward

1

0

0

Stats via Transfermarkt.

So, can you really blame him for playing poorly when fielded in a position he doesn't prefer? Well, as Cesc Fabregas noted on the BBC after the game, he needs to grab the bull by the horns more.

The Spaniard said: "I think that the second half was a little bit underwhelming. I would say that is the right word. And I think players like Foden, they need to step up. This is the time for them to go into big tournament with their country behind them."

So, what did the numbers say? Well, FFC handed a 5/10 match rating for his efforts last night following a performance where the winger lost possession of the ball ten times, played just one key pass, and didn't have a shot or even attempt a dribble.

Foden was starved of space but he didn't do much to inject quality or life into a limp second-half display. He will no doubt have his moment at this tournament but he will need to improve or risk being dropped from the starting lineup.

The likes of Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze are waiting in the wings, just ready to make an impact at their first major international event.

England: Every European Championship campaign

Football FanCast has taken a look back at England’s past Euro campaigns.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 13, 2024

Arsenal agree personal terms with "electric" target who'd improve Trossard

They might have finished just behind Manchester City for the second year running, and it may not feel like it to their fans at present, but Arsenal had another spectacular Premier League season in 2023/24.

Mikel Arteta’s side pushed the defending champions to the final day and, in the process, picked up the most wins an Arsenal side has ever had in a Premier League campaign.

Among the standout performers over the last ten months, Leandro Trossard was a surprise star.

Arsenal's LeandroTrossardcelebrates after the match

Filling in for the underperforming Gabriel Martinelli, the Belgian proved to be a real goal threat on the left-hand side, and based on recent transfer reports, he could be about to become even more effective next year.

Arsenal transfer news

According to recent reports from Turkey (via Sport Witness), Arsenal have maintained their interest in Fenerbahçe’s left-back Ferdi Kadioglu and have now ‘reached an agreement’ with the player and his representative over personal terms.

The report has revealed that with the personal terms sorted out, the Gunners will now look to sit down with the Turkish giants themselves and negotiate a deal between the two clubs that will cost at least €20m, which is £17m.

The 24-year-old’s £48k-per-week contract expires in June 2026, but Fenerbahçe president Ali Koç has already admitted that the full-back will be able to leave this summer, per the report.

Ferdi Kadiolgu for Fenerbahce.

In all, it appears that this could be a relatively straightforward deal for Edu Gaspar and Co to complete, and while £17m isn’t nothing, it could prove to be a bargain if it helps Trossard become even more effective off the left.

How Kadıoğlu could improve Trossard

So, how exactly would Kadıoğlu’s inclusion in the team improve Trossard? The simple answer is that the Turkey international spends a considerable amount of his time bombing forward to support attacks, as demonstrated by his heatmap from this season.

Compare that to Jakub Kiwior or Takehiro Tomiyasu, who tend to be somewhat more conservative as full-backs – especially the former – thanks to their starts at centre-backs, or Oleksandr Zinchenko, who tends to come into the middle of the park when helping out with the offensive side of the game.

One reason behind the Fenerbahçe left-back’s more aggressive style is that he started out as an attacking midfielder and winger before transitioning into a full-back later on.

Left-Back

66

4

6

0.15

Attacking Midfield

56

5

9

0.25

Right Wing

44

5

8

0.29

Right-Back

37

2

4

0.16

Left Wing

23

7

5

0.52

Left Midfield

19

2

1

0.15

Right Midfield

19

1

0

0.05

Central Midfield

15

3

3

0.40

Second Striker

1

0

0

0.00

Defensive Midfield

1

0

0

0.00

However, while he has since primarily played on the left of the defence, the Arnhem-born star is still incredibly versatile, and has started games all over the pitch, including at both full-back positions, both wings, left and right-sided midfield, central and attacking midfield, and even a game as a second striker.

This ability to play in multiple positions, combined with his tendency to fly up and down the wing, can only help the Gunners’ Belgian wideman, as while he has generally had more defensive left-backs behind him this season, he would suddenly have a player eager to overlap on the outside or underlap on the inside.

Turkey and Fenerbahce defender Ferdi Kadioglu.

This would give the former Brighton & Hove Albion star more of an opportunity to be a facilitator, as he could lay off passes for the bombarding international, or this extra threat could allow him more space to work, thus increasing his likelihood of getting into goalscoring positions himself.

Moreover, the “electric” full-back, as described by data analyst Ben Mattinson, was relatively productive for the Yellow Canaries this season, racking up three goals and five assists in 51 games, which is a better haul than any of the Gunners’ left-backs managed.

Appearances

51

Goals

3

Assists

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.15

Ultimately, Kadıoğlu’s tendency to bomb up and down the pitch, positional versatility, and impressive number of goal involvements are the main reasons why adding him to the Arsenal squad this summer could see Trossard’s numbers get even better next season and for £17m, that seems like a brilliant deal.

Man Utd may have handed Arsenal a chance to sign £200m Havertz upgrade

The “magnificent” talent could be the difference between finishing first and second next season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 27, 2024

Marchant de Lange spanks 62-ball ton from No. 10 to rescue Glamorgan

Marchant de Lange blitzed the fastest first-class hundred in Glamorgan history from No. 10 as his side recovered from 60 for 8 to 261 in their second innings, leaving Northamptonshire struggling for time to wrap up victory with rain forecast throughout the final day at Wantage Road.Northamptonshire have been the victims of lower-order fightbacks four times in the last five innings, so there was prior notice of their inability to clean up the tail. But the scale of that recovery was certainly not foreseen, with de Lange making his maiden century including six fours and nine sixes to keep Glamorgan in the game.He and Dan Douthwaite, who began the revival and struck three sixes of his own in making his highest score for Glamorgan – 86 from 92 balls – shared a ninth-wicket record partnership for Glamorgan against Northamptonshire of 168 in only 118 balls. This was after their record 10th wicket stand was made in the first innings.It again saved them from humiliation and this time from a laughable innings defeat having trailed on first innings by 73 after Ricardo Vasconcelos’s 58 took Northamptonshire to 332 all out.But again, Northamptonshire seemingly had no reply when the batsmen turned to all-out attack. They were en route to a thumping win inside three days after reducing Glamorgan to 16 for 5 and then 60 for 8. Yet the tide once more turned quickly against them and they are now hostage to the weather on the final day.They failed again to get their plans correct against lower-order hitters. And for reasons unknown, Blessing Muzarabani – who had previously struggled badly against an aggressive tall – was allowed to bowl three overs and was taken for 47. The damage was started by Douthwaite but taken up by de Lange to devastating effect. De Lange, a broad-shouldered South African, possesses tremendous hitting potential but a first-class average of just 15. It’s not often that his swinging comes up trumps, but with his side staring at an innings defeat and an opposition vulnerable to counter-attack, it worked a treat.It was essentially the same shot and one seen at village grounds throughout the land. He cleared his front leg and heaved to the on-side and kept making tremendous contact. Muzarabani and Luke Procter fed him length balls and saw them disappear over the short leg side boundary – two flew out of the ground entirely.But there was more cultured hitting against Simon Kerrigan’s left-arm spin that gave de Lange no pace to work with. He timed two slog-sweeps beautifully over midwicket and a thunderous thump over the bowler’s head.He mistimed one on 98 but Charlie Thurston put the chance down at long-on. It allowed de Lange to break the record for Glamorgan’s fastest first-class hundred, breaking the mark set by Gary Butcher, who took 64 balls against Oxford University in 1997. It was Kerrigan who finally ended the carnage as de Lange skewed a smear to backward point.Douthwaite was the first to have some fun and at 42 for 7 he whacked Glamorgan past their lowest total against Northamptonshire of 54. He pulled Muzarabani over midwicket for six and slapped a Procter full toss over long-on in reaching a half-century in 54 balls.His third six was perhaps the pick of either player as he danced down the wicket to hoist Kerrigan over his head. But he tried it again, missed and was stumped. It was not how Kerrigan would have wanted his first professional wicket since 2017 to come.Until the long-handle policy worked, Glamorgan were on the cusp of a truly miserable defeat as they crumbled under a fiery spell from Muzarabani, who removed three of the top six, and four wickets for Jack White, who found some swing. But the standard of defence was woeful and the visitors showed a complete lack of ability to survive for any length of time for a second time in the match – they had been 135 for 9 in the first innings.Instead de Lange and Douthwaite applied a glossy veneer to the scorecard and Glamorgan may even escape with a draw if Storm Francis takes out day four.”It’s incredible from a personal point of view,” de Lange said. “It’s amazing to be in the record books. I just wanted to contribute to the team – I just tried to play ball by ball.”Myself and Dan wanted a partnership, and we knew if we just got a bit of bat on that shorter side of the ground, it would go the distance. There’s no secret to my batting: I try to see ball, hit ball, and keep it simple.”

Após vitória, auxiliar técnico Luís Fernando comemora eficiência ofensiva do Botafogo: 'O grupo é bom'

MatériaMais Notícias

O auxiliar técnico Luís Fernando Flores comemorou o aproveitamento ofensivo do Botafogo na vitória sobre o CSA por 2 a 0, no Nilton Santos, em partida válida pela sexta rodada da Série B, nesta terça-feira. O Alvinegro Carioca conseguiu acertar seis das 13 finalizações que tentou no jogo, o que dá um aproveitamento de 46,1%.

> Rafael Navarro comanda a vitória do Botafogo sobre o CSA

Na coletiva de imprensa após a vitória, Flores lembrou que a comissão técnica tem pouco tempo para trabalhar em campo. Assim, de acordo com ele, são trabalhados mais vídeos e conversas. O auxiliar ainda destacou que o grupo do Botafogo “é bom” e que tem “jogadores de qualidade”.

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– A eficiência vem quando as coisas começam a acontecer. A gente tem trabalhado pouco em campo, porque temos pouco tempo, é mais na conversa e vídeo. Temos jogadores de qualidade, o gol vai sair. Dentro do que aconteceu hoje no segundo tempo, com certeza vamos ver essa equipe rendendo muito mais. O grupo é bom e tem muitos jogadores de qualidade – disse.

> Veja a tabela da Série B

Esta, inclusive, foi a segunda vitória consecutiva do Botafogo sem sofrer gols na Série B. O feito não ocorria desde as vitórias sobre o Coritiba e Remo, válidas pela segunda e terceira rodada, respectivamente. Na coletiva, Luís Fernando destacou que, nos trabalhos com o grupo, a comissão tenta organizar primeiro o sistema de defesa, que, de acordo com ele, já começa com os atacantes.

– No futebol o primeiro passo é não tomar gol. A gente tenta organizar primeiro lá atrás, a defesa começa a ser feito lá na frente, com os atacantes marcando. Estamos trabalhando através por vídeo. Futebol é confiança, quando o jogador acredita que as coisas vão dar certo as coisas correm bem. O caminho é longo, amanhã vamos trabalhar vídeo para cada jogo mostrarmos o crescimento da equipe.

Luís Fernando também analisou a melhora do Botafogo na partida. De acordo com ele, isso foi uma consequência do gol marcado por Marco Antônio, que abriu o placar no Nilton Santos. O auxiliar técnico ainda destacou o Alvinegro fez um segundo tempo “muito bom”, com jogadas que “maravilhosas”.

– São consequências. O Enderson (Moreira) não trabalhou, foram eu e os outros auxiliares. Foi consequência do gol. Demos a bola pro CSA nos primeiros 15 minutos mas depois melhores. No intervalo nós demos confiança, o grupo do Botafogo é muito bom e eles estão fazendo aquilo que estão fazendo que estamos pedindo. Quando você vira o primeiro tempo ganhando te dá um alívio, e quando você tem confiança a coisa fica ainda melhor. O time fez um segundo tempo muito bom, com jogadas maravilhosas, fizeram tudo aquilo que a gente tem conversado.

Ange tells Levy to sign attacker with £60m Tottenham star likely to leave

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has personally told Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to go for an attacker, as one £60 million star looks "very likely" to leave this summer.

Postecoglou wants drastic change as Spurs plan summer overhaul

Postecoglou has been frank in his assessment of the current Spurs squad in recent weeks, making no secret of his belief that Lilywhites transfer chiefs need to implement "drastic" change.

Tottenham have now reached agreement to sign attacking starlet for Ange

They’ve beat “multiple” Premier League sides in the race for his signature.

ByEmilio Galantini May 16, 2024

It is believed Tottenham are open to selling over a dozen members of Postecoglou's squad this summer, as uncertainty surrounds the futures of many senior players heading into the summer window's opening on June 14.

Bryan Gil, Giovani Lo Celso, Troy Parrott, Joe Rodon, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Tanguy Ndombele, Sergio Reguilon, Japhet Tanganga, Manor Solomon, Emerson Royal, Yves Bissouma and Djed Spence are among the Spurs players who could reportedly be sold this summer,

Millwall have already agreed a deal to sign Tanganga from Tottenham, as backed by Fabrizio Romano, but still have to shake hands on personal terms with their loanee as they look to officially seal his permanent transfer from N17.

The 25-year-old's exit would get the ball rolling on what looks set to be a real summer of change in north London, with Postecoglou adamant that Spurs' potential journey to the top can't be for everyone.

"It’s impossible to say you’re going to have drastic change and yet expect everyone to be on that journey," said Postecoglou on his evolving Tottenham team.

"It’s not for the want of trying. It’s just that we’re going to play a certain way, we’re going to train a certain way and we’re going to have a certain mindset. And that’s not for everyone. Whether it’s Liverpool or Arsenal, if you look at the beginning of their journeys, by the time they win the competition or have success, the team’s almost unrecognisable.

"That’s the reality if you change [and we’ve] done a major pivot here, so that definitely is the case [for us], yeah."

It is also believed that Postecoglou wants to upgrade his Tottenham side with a new striker, and one which could finally replace club-record goalscorer Harry Kane.

Postecoglou tells Levy to sign forward with Richarlison "very likely" to go

According to GiveMeSport, £60 million striker Richarlison is "very likely" to leave Spurs, with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal thought to be preparing an offer to take him to the Middle East.

They add that Postecoglou has personally told Levy to sign a new forward for Tottenham this summer. The Australian is prioritising Feyenoord forward Santiago Gimenez as a particular favourite for the role, coming after the Mexico international's scintillating Eredivisie campaign.

Gimenez has chalked up 23 goals in 30 Dutch top flight outings this season, scoring two in the Champions League as well.

Rangers officially ratify double board appointment ahead of summer

Rangers have completed two off-the-pitch deals ahead of what they hope will be a big summer ahead for the Ibrox side, and both concern individuals with key off-field roles.

Gers excellent on the pitch

On the pitch, Rangers are enjoying an excellent campaign under impressive boss Philippe Clement.

Currently second in the Scottish Premiership, they sit just a point behind their Old Firm rivals, but have a game in hand on Brendan Rodgers' side, and will move back into top spot should they emerge victorious against Hibernian this afternoon.

Scottish Premiership race

Pos

Team

Played

GD

Points

1

Celtic

30

+48

71

2

Rangers

29

+48

70

Led by the best defence in the division, Ibrox still has to play host to an Old Firm derby, which could prove pivotal in deciding whether the title eventually ends up with Rangers or with arch-rivals Celtic once more.

There are question marks for the summer, though, with a host of stars out of contract at the end of the season and loanee Fabio Silva likely to be too expensive to keep on a permanent basis barring a major change in transfer stance from parent club Wolves.

"Money talks" – Journalist shares news on James Tavernier's Rangers future

Rangers might be in a spot of bother if this comes to fruition.

ByBen Browning Mar 20, 2024

With wholesale changes seemingly inevitable, Rangers have already moved to head them off at the pass.

Looking ahead

This comes as Rangers have confirmed two new arrivals at board level.

James Taylor has arrived to take up the role of Chief Financial Officer, while Creag Robertson has also stepped onto the board, being appointed the Ibrox outfit's new Director of Football operations.

As per Football Insider, Rangers have moved fast to install the new members ahead of what they anticipate to be 'a busy summer transfer window' in Glasgow. It is added that "both directors are expected to play a pivotal role in the day-to-day running of the club, including input to their transfer strategy this summer," which could see a change in targets identified between now and the end of the campaign.

The positions are likely to be the same, though, and Philippe Clement will be hoping that a central midfielder will be top of the list given the impending expiring contracts for Ryan Jack and midfield general John Lundstram.

John Lundstram for Rangers.

A left-back is also a priority, with long-term defender Borna Barisic also set to become a free agent at the end of the season as it stands.

Meanwhile, Fabio Silva will have to be replaced, while reports suggest that the club are already keen to cash in on Sam Lammers, who is spending the second half of the season on loan in the Netherlands.

Football Insider adds that should Rangers prove successful this season, their transfer kitty is 'expected to inflate' as a result of qualification for the first phase of the new-look Champions League, which will be bigger than ever as a result of the revamped format, with UEFA pledging to hand out at least £2bn in prize money.

With or without Champions League football, there will be plenty for the new directors to sort out ahead of the new season should Rangers remain competitive into 2024/25.

Sikandar Raza's seven-for puts Zimbabwe in control

Prince Masvaure and Regis Chakabva took Zimbabwe comfortably through to stumps on the third day, 175 runs ahead in their second innings with nine wickets in hand. This, after Sikandar Raza had recorded the second-best bowling figures in a Test innings by a Zimbabwean to put the hosts in total control of second Test in Harare.ALSO READ: Timycen Maruma comes in as Kevin Kasuza’s concussion replacementCraig Ervine, who had opened in the absence of the injured Kevin Kasuza, was the only wicket to fall in the final session before rain brought a premature close to a day that had been completely dominated by the hosts – aside from an hour or so in the morning.The day largely belonged to Raza, whose 7 for 113 are now the best Test bowling figures in an innings by a Zimbabwean since Paul Strang picked up 8 for 109 against New Zealand 20 years ago. It also accounts for nearly a quarter of his Test scalps.The only sombre note was the concussion suffered by Kasuza, who was hit on the helmet when fielding at short leg for the second time in as many games. It was later confirmed that he suffered a mild concussion, with Timycen Maruma coming in as a concussion substitute. It was the ricochet of Kasuza’s helmet though that had given Zimbabwe, and Raza, the first breakthrough of the day. Kusal Mendis’ full-blooded pull caught Kasuza at short leg flush on the helmet, with the ball subsequently looping to the man at short fine leg.Raza struck again in his next over when Dinesh Chandimal, who had been looking to attack during his short stay, offered a straightforward return catch.Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva would then proceed to put on an 84-run stand in a little under 22 overs before Raza struck again, this time on the stroke of lunch. Dhananjaya played on to his stumps after attempting to pull a shorter delivery that kept low.At that point, Zimbabwe would have been content with how the day had panned out, but shortly after the break they would be ecstatic. Raza would strike in his first over after lunch as Niroshan Dickwella was trapped lbw attempting to sweep.Sri Lanka’s players get together to celebrate the dismissal of Craig Ervine•AFP

Raza then had Suranga Lakmal chipping an easy catch to mid-on. Later he returned to dismiss Embuldeniya, who was caught brilliantly at mid-off by Brian Mudzinganyama, who was fielding for the injured Kasuza.That would be the last of Raza’s scalps, though it was also down to the unsung work done by Zimbabwe’s seamers. Indeed, the most important wicket of the day, that of Angelo Mathews, was provided by seamer Carl Mumba, who had Sri Lanka’s most senior batsman strangled down the leg side for 64. It was just a reward for Zimbabwe’s seam attack that had toiled fruitlessly all day until then.It could have been worse too for the visitors had it not been for Vishwa Fernando, who strung together – first a 24-run ninth-wicket partnership with Lasith Embuldeniya, and then a 25-run stand for the final wicket with Lahiru Kumara to bring the eventual deficit down to a slightly more tolerable 113.Most of the morning session too had been a case of feast and famine for the Sri Lankan batsmen, with long periods of diligent probing outside off stump punctuated by the odd boundary. Aside from when Mathews and Dhananjaya were batting, Sri Lanka were rarely allowed to break free by the likes of Donald Tiripano and Victor Nyauchi.But while Raza will rightfully take most of the plaudits, Sri Lanka’s new batting coach Grant Flower would have been mortified by the nature of some of the dismissals. Apart from Kusal Mendis, who could count himself a touch unfortunate at the deflection that led to his dismissal, every other Sri Lankan wicket was somewhat avoidable.That is not to take away from Zimbabwe’s bowlers though, who would argue that such mistakes were coerced by the disciplined lines and lengths their seamers persevered with. Sri Lanka could also be criticised for not being more aggressive, something Zimbabwe’s batsmen had shown could be a useful strategy earlier in the game.

Spurs make new approach for "hard-working playmaker" after January interest

As the battle for the top four heats up, Tottenham Hotspur already have one eye on the summer as they look set to make a move for one of Europe's most exciting talents.

Spurs set for busy summer

Whilst most Premier League sides look nervously over their shoulders at the looming threat of financial fair play sanctions, Daniel Levy's somewhat patient approach to the transfer market has left him able to bolster his Spurs squad without fear of getting on the wrong side of the law.

Spurs eye up move for Barcelona teenager with £342m release clause

Levy’s going shopping at one of Europe’s top academies.

By
Tom Coates

Mar 18, 2024

In a January in which a punitive £100million was spent by Premiership clubs, Spurs were one of the few sides eager to open their chequebooks. The near-£27m deal for Genoa's Radu Dragusin represented the highest single move by an English team during the window and showed Spurs' newfound prowess in the transfer world.

The Lilywhites' excellent January was capped off by the arrival of Lucas Begvall. Spurs fought off stiff competition from Barcelona for the 18-year-old's signature and with the youngster impressing in his native Sweden, the deal looks to have been a smart bit of business from Levy and co.

The winter window also saw Timo Werner return to London on loan until the end of the season. Whilst the German had become something of a punchline during his time at Chelsea, impressive displays in North London have made a permanent move almost a certainty this summer.

With Levy now seemingly leading the pack for Premier League spending, there is no surprise that Spurs are set for a big summer as they look to seal a target they've had their eyes on for some time.

Spurs ready approach for Szymanski

Whilst the news of interest in the player is nothing new, reports out of Turkey are claiming that Spurs are now preparing a bid for Fenerbahçe star Sebastian Szymanski. Ange Postecoglou had reportedly pushed for the deal to be done in January with the Australian dispatching scouts to watch the forward in action.

Despite their longstanding interest in the winger/attacking midifleder, Spurs will reportedly have to fight off European competition for his signature. It is claimed that AC Milan and Napoli are eager to get a deal done for the player, giving Levy yet another battle for a signing.

Fenerbahçe got something of a steal for Syzmanski when they signed him from Dynamo Moscow for just £8.3million last summer. Syzmanski's stats for this season has seen the 24-year-old provide 26 direct goal contributions in just 46 games (12 goals and 14 assists), meaning that the Turkish giants will be in for a massive windfall if the Polish international is to leave this summer.

The midfielder is one of his home country's highest regarded talents, with even the English media picking up on his quality. The Guardian branded Syzmanski as "a versatile and hard-working playmaker who is very much seen as a future Poland regular".

Sebastian Syzmanski Stats Last 365 Days

Total Per 90

Rank vs wingers in comparable leagues

Non-Penalty Goals

0.24

96th percentiile

Assists

0.16

84th percentile

Shot-Creating Actions

3.40

83rd percentile

Touches

3.65

98th percentile

Whilst a concrete asking price is yet to be revealed, it has been suggested that Fenerbahçe would want around £30million for the attacking midfielder. Given Spurs' strong financial standing and the clear pedigree that Syzmanski possesses, it would represent good business to secure a player who only looks to be getting better each season.

Gareth Southgate RESIGNS as England manager in emotional statement to supporters after Euro 2024 final heartbreak

Gareth Southgate has resigned as England manager, with an emotional statement issued to supporters after the team's Euro 2024 final defeat.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • England lost Euros final to Spain
  • Southgate confirms resignation
  • Admits it's 'time for a change'
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    England suffered a painful 2-1 loss to Spain in Sunday's showpiece event at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, leading to widespread speculation over Southgate's future. The 53-year-old has now confirmed he is stepping down, bringing to an end his eight-year reign at the helm.

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  • WHAT SOUTHGATE SAID

    Southgate bid an emotional final goodbye to supporters in an official statement, which read: "As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager. I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks. I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense. I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.

    "The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of. I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George’s Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football, and understand the power football has to drive positive change. My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’. We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be. I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can. Thank you, England – for everything."

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    WHAT THE FA SAID

    The English football association have also released a statement paying tribute to Southgate, who is walking away as the most successful manager in the national team's history after 1966 World Cup-winning boss Sir Alf Ramsey.

    "On behalf of English football, I would like to pay tribute to Gareth Southgate and to Steve Holland for everything they have achieved," FA CEO Mark Bullingham said. "Over the last eight years they have transformed the England men’s team, delivering unforgettable memories for everyone who loves the Three Lions. We look back at Gareth’s tenure with huge pride – his contribution to the English game, including a significant role in player development, and in culture transformation has been unique.

    "Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success. He is held in the highest regard by the players, the backroom team, by everyone at The FA and across the world of football. We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them."

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Bullingham also revealed that the search for Southgate's successor has already started, amid rumours linking high profile names like Graham Potter, Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola with the job. "The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible," he said. "Our UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed. We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won’t be commenting further on our process until we appoint."

Roy Keane labels Jude Bellingham 'cocky' and 'arrogant' as he claims England midfielder must be careful after suspended punishment for lewd gesture against Slovakia

Roy Keane has warned 'cocky' Jude Bellingham to 'be careful' after the England midfielder courted controversy with his celebration against Slovakia.

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  • Bellingham came close to Euros ban
  • 21-year-old labelled 'cocky' by Keane
  • England preparing for quarter-final
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Bellingham has dominated the headlines this week as he awaited the outcome of UEFA's investigation into his celebration after scoring England's equaliser against Slovakia last Sunday. The midfielder was nearly suspended for pretending to grab his crotch, but escaped with a suspended one-game ban and fined £25,000. Keane, though, was more upset by the sight of Bellingham asking 'Who else?' after his stunning bicycle kick.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The past year has been like nothing else for Bellingham. He starred for Real Madrid, helping the Spanish giants to La Liga and Champions League glory, and came up with several clutch moments throughout the campaign. 'Who else?' might have been on everyone else's lips after the midfielder's last-gasp strike against Slovakia, but Keane isn't happy that the England international uttered it himself.

  • WHAT KEANE SAID

    Speaking on Stick to Football: The Overlap Special, Keane said, via the Daily Mail: "If you scored a big goal, to me that wouldn't even cross your mind. You'd be with your team-mates.

    "Scoring goals is the best part of football but I just can't imagine that you'd have something in your head to say, 'Who else?' That's the bit where I'd be going, 'Hold on a second'. It's a bit cocky and arrogant.

    "Bellingham has to be careful with his celebration after scoring against Slovakia. You're always walking a fine line; you don't want it to seem like it's all about you."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

    Bellingham will be England's key man again when they take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals of the European Championship on Saturday.

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