Newly signed New York Mets star Juan Soto wasted no time getting on the board with a home run with his new team, as he blasted a 2-1 fastball over the left centerfield fence in his first plate appearance in Saturday's spring training action against the Houston Astros.
Soto turned on a 91 mile-per-hour fastball and belted it out of the park to a chorus of cheers in front of the Mets' home crowd in Port St. Lucie, FL.
Mets fans are hoping for plenty of Soto home runs this season as the Mets look to once again compete for a National League crown after falling just short to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season.
Soto inked a 15-year, $765 contract in the offseason to leave the New York Yankees for the crosstown rival Mets in the most lucrative contract in professional sports history.
Heinrich Klaasen was the only batter to resist as Orcas were bowled out for 82, which took Freedom just 9.2 overs to overhaul
ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jul-2025Shimron Hetmyer had done it three games in a row for Seattle Orcas, but couldn’t on this occasion, against Washington Freedom. That Orcas batting line-up, which had stuttered and stumbled to five losses in a row before Hetmyer took charge, went back to being incompetent as Hetmyer had an off-day, putting up a paltry 82. It took Freedom just 9.2 overs to complete the chase and climb back to No. 2 on the MLC 2025 points table.Freedom won the toss, bowled, and Saurabh Netravalkar struck first ball, sending back Shayan Jahangir. Next over, Glenn Maxwell had Aaron Jones’ number. Netravalkar got rid of Sikandar Raza in the third over. First ball of the fourth, Maxwell sent back Steven Taylor. And Maxwell then finished the powerplay with Kyle Mayers’ wicket, leaving Orcas at 21 for 5 after six overs.Those three wickets gave Maxwell, who finished up by bowling the tenth, figures of 3 for 12 from four, while Netravalkar, who came back to bowl the 16th and got the wicket of Jasdeep Singh, the ninth of the innings, returned 3-13. Jack Edwards was the other major wicket-taker for Freedom, finishing with 3 for 19, including the wicket of Heinrich Klaasen, the only Orcas batter to put up a fight before becoming last man out for a 39-ball 48.The chase was a straightforward one even though Raza saw the back of Mitchell Owen in the third over. By the end of the powerplay, Rachin Ravindra and Mukhtar Ahmed had taken Freedom to 50 for 1, leaving just 37 runs to get from 14 overs. They needed just 3.2 more, as Ravindra scored 32 from 23 before becoming the next batter out, and Mukhtar remained unbeaten on a 21-ball 36.For Orcas, despite the big defeat, the three-match winning run has kept them in the fray for the playoffs. They are still at No. 4, though after nine games, as opposed to fifth-placed MI New York, who are one win behind but with a game in hand.
Kylian Mbappe has been told he has made a “massive mistake” which will “tarnish his image” after the Real Madrid superstar hit back at a new song criticising his controversial ownership of French side Caen. The 26-year-old forward took aim at French rapper Orelsan over social media on Friday after being made the subject of his fiery ‘diss track’.
Mbappe slams French rapper Orelsan over social media
In a song titled ‘La petite voix’, which translates to ‘The Little Voice’ in English, Orelsan has slammed France captain Mbappe’s position as Caen’s majority owner – a role he has held since completing his takeover of the club in 2024.
In one verse, Caen-based Orelsan sings: “You’re going to sink your city like the Mbappes.” The song is part of the musician’s new album, ‘La fuite en avant’, which translates to ‘The Headlong Rush’ in English.
In a heated response on X, Mbappe accused Orelsan of "begging" for a free stake at Caen, writing: “You’re welcome to come and save the city you love so much.
“PS: The guy kept begging us to get in with 1% without paying because he doesn’t have a penny but wanted to look like the little guy from Normandy.”
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AFP
France captain is heavily criticised by Caen supporter
However, Mbappe’s retort has been met with criticism from Caen fans, who continue to protest against his ownership of the club.
Following the former Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain striker’s social media post, one Caen supporter, Sebastien, told French television channel "We're stunned, like everyone else. It’s sad.
“Orelsan is a huge celebrity in Caen. Kylian Mbappe has made a massive blunder that will tarnish his image. If he thinks he can turn the Caen fans against Orelsan, he's going to have a very hard time; Orelsan is an idol. The song is a parody. Responding at face value is risky.”
Meanwhile, former Caen defender Brahim Thiam has also questioned Mbappe’s response, arguing the song is not directly aimed at him, despite mentioning his name.
Writing on X, Thiam said: “The punchline comes from an Orelsan song title that talks about his evil twin, a little voice that criticises everything and everyone, even his family, his buddies, and his wife – it's not a personal matter, lol…
“It's a shame to expose the club through this kind of post.”
AFP
Caen suffered relegation to France's third tier under Mbappe
In July 2024, Mbappe became one of Europe’s youngest football club owners after purchasing an 80 per cent stake in Caen through his firm, Coalition Capital, investing around £17.5 million (€20m/$23m). However, what once began as a symbolic homecoming – with Mbappe returning to the club that nearly signed him as a youngster – has now quickly turned sour.
In April 2025, Caen hit rock bottom as a 3-0 defeat against Martigues confirmed their relegation from Ligue 2, sending the club into France’s third division for the first time in 41 years. Supporters subsequently stormed the pitch in protest, unfurling a banner reading: “Mbappe, SMC is not your toy.”
In the wake of Caen’s relegation, sixteen staff members were laid off in a controversial restructuring of the club, with Mbappe receiving further scorn from fans.
Christophe Vaucelle, head of the Malherbe Normandy Kop, summed up the local sentiment, saying: “The Mbappe clan bears some responsibility. They arrived, stayed invisible, and disconnected from the fans. The situation is catastrophic.”
Caen are currently 10th in France’s third tier, having won just three of their 13 league games this season. The club have also drawn seven and lost three under manager Maxime d’Ornano's stewardship.
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Up next for Mbappe and Real: A trip to Rayo Vallecano in La Liga
While Mbappe continues to receive criticism back home, he has been in fine form for Real in 2025-26. Los Blancos’ no. 10 has scored 18 goals in 15 games in all competitions for Xabi Alonso’s men, who are currently top of La Liga and seventh in the Champions League standings.
Real are looking to bounce back from their 1-0 reverse against Liverpool in Europe’s premier club competition on Tuesday when they travel to Rayo Vallecano in the league on Sunday afternoon. The hosts are currently 10th in the Spanish top flight, having taken 14 points from their 11 games this season.
Still on the hunt for their next manager, Rangers and those at Ibrox are now reportedly targeting a manager who’s made history in English football.
Rangers shortlist growing
A number of names have been mentioned since Steven Gerrard’s unexpected decision, but the Gers remain without a replacement for Russell Martin. With Rangers back in action against Dundee United this weekend, to say that their current situation is far from ideal would be an understatement.
The 49ers still have a number of options, however. They could still turn towards the likes of Danny Rohl or perhaps even Hearts manager Derek McInnes. The 54-year-old is doing an excellent job at Hearts right now and has them top of the Scottish Premiership, two points above champions Celtic. For many at Ibrox, he would be the next Rangers manager in an ideal world.
Whether the 49ers can lure the Hearts boss away from his current role is another question entirely. Instead, they may be forced to look elsewhere and towards English football.
Whether that means turning to Rohl will be interesting to see. The former Sheffield Wednesday boss is one of the most exciting managerial prospects around and did an admirable job in a difficult position at Hillsborough. The 36-year-old wouldn’t be the safest choice given his inexperience, but he could be worth taking a gamble on.
It’s not just McInnes on the list, though. Former Young Boys manager Raphael Wicky has also emerged as a potential candidate. A title winner in Switzerland, the 48-year-old may not be a well-known name, but he is someone who has had impressive success in recent years.
The same can also be said for a Championship manager, who even has some historic moments on his side if Rangers come calling.
Rangers now targeting Kieran McKenna
According to TeamTalk, Rangers are now targeting Kieran McKenna. The Ipswich Town boss has emerged as one of the candidates for the job after impressing during his time at Portman Road, with Ashley Young calling him a “winner”.
One of just five managers to achieve back-to-back promotions from League One all the way to the Premier League, it’s hard to doubt McKenna’s ability to transform a club. And whilst Ipswich have since been relegated back to the Championship, the manager’s reputation is still more than intact, with many full of belief in his expertise.
Rangers left impressed after Ibrox talks with "amazing" 4-2-3-1 manager
Is he the right man for the Ibrox job?
ByHenry Jackson Oct 12, 2025
The biggest task for Rangers will be prying McKenna away from Ipswich. The 39-year-old has been at the club since the 2021/22 campaign and still has work to do as those at Portman Road eye an instant return to the Premier League.
If the 49ers did manage to lure the former Manchester United coach away from Suffolk in the coming weeks, then the transition could be smoother than ever. McKenna plays the same 4-2-3-1 system as Russell Martin, albeit without the clear weaknesses that the former manager had.
Birmingham City might not be wrapped up with all their dramatic summer business just yet.
At the start of the frantic transfer window, you couldn’t move for rumours suggesting the Blues were going to splash the cash on another exciting talent, with the number of incoming signings standing at 12.
That tally could well sneak over to the 13 threshold before 7pm, as a late loan deal looks to be in the offing to boost Birmingham’s already flashy attack.
Birmingham to sign Premier League attacker
It would be fair to say the whirlwind activity has slowed down in recent times, however.
Expect the pace to pick back up, though, with Football League World revealing that the Blues are plotting a late loan move for experienced Sunderland forward Patrick Roberts, alongside also not giving up on winning the services of Celtic winger Yang Hyun-jun.
The report states that Chris Davies wants more ammunition after a lacklustre showing in Birmingham’s recent 2-0 loss to Leicester City, with Roberts ticking the boxes.
Derby have also been interested this summer, but it looks as if the Championship newcomers are lone suitors now chasing after the 28-year-old with Sky Sports reporting on Monday lunchtime that the Blues are ‘set to sign’ the winger on loan.
How Roberts could be Gray 2.0
He might well end up being Davies’ second coming of Demarai Gray, offering the Blues another skilful, yet seasoned head up top.
After all, while he has fallen down the pecking order as Sunderland shot up to the Premier League, Roberts would still be a top asset for Birmingham to possess temporarily, based on his previous EFL heroics.
From 170 games at the notoriously punishing level, Roberts has amassed a healthy haul of nine goals and 22 assists, with nine of those goal contributions coming about just last season, before he was cast aside for Sunderland’s own quickfire business.
Gray has also proven himself to be sharp, tricky performer – much like Roberts down the right flank – whenever he’s plied his trade in the tough division, with eight goals and four assists next to his name from 76 Championship career outings.
Two of those assists have been tallied up since his return to the club, with Birmingham hopeful that the loan addition of another second-tier veteran can propel the Blues further into the promotion reckoning, after a largely positive return to the level so far, minus the disappointment of the 2-0 loss at the King Power Stadium.
24/25
4th (promotion)
42
2 + 7
23/24
16th
32
0 + 2
22/23
6th
42
5 + 7
After all, from his three seasons at the level with the Black Cats to date, Roberts has managed to steer the Wearside outfit to two triumphant playoff finishes, culminating in the glory of promotion at the end of last campaign.
Tony Mowbray would even herald his slick Englishman as “magic” during the 2022/23 season, irrespective of his side unfortunately slipping up in the lottery of the playoffs, with Davies now wanting a slice of Roberts at his very best to improve an attack already boasting Kyogo Furuhashi, Jay Stansfield, and the aforementioned Gray.
The West Midlands outfit has shown they can already cut it with the big boys of the EFL’s elite league, with just one defeat from their opening four league encounters.
But, landing Roberts, who is just fresh off a promotion success, could be a sublime addition to really take Birmingham to that next level, as his know-how, alongside Gray’s further experience, attempts to make back-to-back promotions an insane reality.
Birmingham hold talks to sign "valuable" £3m ace; waiting on "green-light"
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared his positive thoughts about the club’s future after an official announcement this week.
Arsenal under pressure to end Premier League title wait
Arteta is currently in the midst of yet another Premier League title race, as he looks to finally topple the rest of England and bring an end to the Gunners’ two-decade-long wait for a domestic crown.
Some pressure has grown on Arteta, given the club’s vast spending since his arrival, with precious few major trophies to show for his efforts, despite coming very close on multiple occasions.
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta
Money on new signings
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
25/26 – summer
£257m
Arsenal reached the Champions League semi-finals last year, only to be knocked out by eventual winners PSG, and finished second in the Premier League for the third consecutive year.
With the help of sporting director Andrea Berta, who splashed north of £250 million on eight major signings to bolster Arsenal’s squad, Arteta has shored up key areas to give Arsenal the best possible chance of etching their name on the Premier League trophy for the first time in 2004.
Berta’s arrival was, by some way, Arsenal’s most significant boardroom change to usher in a new era, but major news emerged this week that long-serving vice-chairman Tim Lewis has left the Emirates Stadium after five years.
The 62-year-old’s “shock” exit was first revealed by David Ornstein, and soon after confirmed by the club in an official announcement.
Lewis was “integral” to Arsenal’s rise, but Richard Garlick has now become CEO and Josh Kroenke is set for a more prominent role in what is a real revamp of the hierarchy.
Commenting on the changes upstairs, Arteta shared an emphatic prediction.
Mikel Arteta tips Arsenal for "wonderful future" after boardroom announcement
The announcement of Garlick becoming CEO and Lewis departing has attracted plenty of debate, but Arteta has tipped Arsenal for a “wonderful future” as he welcomes the reshuffle.
Arsenal take on Man City in their next crucial top-flight match, and Arteta has been given a welcome boost with the confirmed involvement of Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres following head-injury scares in midweek.
However, Ben White, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard face late fitness tests which will determine their involvement against Pep Guardiola’s side.
A Conmebol definiu que o Corinthians enfrentará o Universitario, do Peru, pelos playoffs da Copa Sul-Americana nos dias 11 e 18 de julho, duas terças-feiras. O problema é que o Timão já tinha compromisso agendado pela CBF pela Copa do Brasil no dia 12, seguinte ao primeiro confronto pelo torneio continental.
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A Confederação Sul-Americana não vai alterar as datas por questões comerciais, restando à entidade máxima do futebol brasileiro mudar a data do jogo de volta das quartas de final da Copa do Brasil, em que os corintianos recebem o América-MG, em São Paulo. O Coelho, inclusive, também está envolvido nos playoffs da Sula.
+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF
O quebra-cabeça acontece porque o formato de repescagem foi adotado pela Conmebol na edição da Sul-Americana deste ano a pedido dos próprios clubes, para dar chances aos segundos colocados de cada chave na fase de grupos. Eles enfrentarão os terceiros colocados nos grupos da Libertadores, que até o ano passado iam diretamente para as oitavas de final para o segundo torneio de maior importância entre os clubes da América do Sul. No entanto, o calendário da CBF havia sido planejado antes da criação destas novas fases na competição continental.
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A tendência é que o duelo entre Corinthians e América-MG, pela Copa do Brasil, aconteça no fim de semana dos dias 15 e 16, adiando o duelo dessas duas equipes pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. Na circunstância, o Timão enfrenta o Grêmio, na Neo Química Arena, enquanto o Coelho encara o Vasco, na Arena Independência. Essas partidas válidas pela 15ª rodada do Brasileirão devem ser remanejadas para as próximas datas Fifa, em setembro.
Will Everton be active in the remaining weeks of the transfer market? David Moyes will certainly hope so!
Earlier this summer, Moyes asserted that he needs “nine or ten” new players before the Premier League season begins for his side with a Monday night trip to Leeds United.
Everton manager DavidMoyesreacts
Well, since then, the Toffees have made a few more additions, but many more are surely required, so are the Blues closing in on a deal to bring in a multiple-Premier League winner?
Everton searching for new signing
Not so long ago, as noted by Graham Ruthven of Total Soccer Show, Everton’s summer window had been quite “underwhelming”, with Mark Travers the new back-up goalkeeper and young left-back Adam Aznou arriving from Bayern Munich, while striker Thierno Barry was the headline addition, joining from Villarreal for £27m.
Dewsbury-Hall
However, in the last week or so, things have got a lot more interesting, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall joining from Chelsea for £28m.
Meantime, as reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Toffees have had a £40m bid rejected by Southampton for winger Tyler Dibling, although there is optimism an agreement can be reached, with the Saints holding out for closer to £50m.
The teenager was not even on the bench for Southampton’s EFL Championship opener on Saturday, a dramatic 2-1 win over Wrexham at St Mary’s, with Sami Mokbel of BBC Sport adding that he is no longer participating in ‘full contact training’, avoiding any potential injury that could scupper a move.
Everton though are not finished there because, as reported by GIVEMESPORT, they have opened talks with Manchester City, seeking to sign Jack Grealish on a season-long loan. The Toffees are hoping to add the Englishman, as well as Dibling, this summer, according to the report.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Rob Dawson of ESPN adds that Man City’s preference was a permanent deal but, with no potential suitors matching their asking price, a loan appears the most likely outcome, so will Grealish be Everton’s marquee signing as they prepare for life at Hill Dickinson Stadium?
What Jack Grealish will bring to Everton
Just four summers ago, Grealish joined Manchester City for £100m, which remains one of the most expensive transfers in English football history.
During his first two campaigns at the Etihad, he was a key contributor, but his importance has diminished in the subsequent two seasons, as the table below documents.
Jack Grealish season-by-season statistics
Statistics
21/22
22/23
23/24
24/25
Appearances
39
50
36
32
Minutes
2,730
3,487
2,114
1,521
Starts
31
41
26
16
PL starts
22
23
10
7
Goals
6
5
3
3
Assists
4
11
3
5
Times an unused sub
11
5
12
15
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt
As the table outlines, Grealish’s importance at Manchester City had already been on a downward slope before hitting rock bottom last season, culminating in him not being included in the Sky Blues’ squad for the Club World Cup earlier this summer.
Nevertheless, his quality has never been up for debate, with journalist Henry Winter labelling him “magic”, adding that he “brings something different” to a team.
Meantime, Richard Jolly of the Independent believes that, back when he was at Aston Villa, he was ‘one of the most exciting attacking players in world football’.
Thus, Moyes and Evertonians everywhere will hope he can rediscover his magic on Merseyside.
If he does, the hope will be that he’ll strike up a good relationship with Iliman Ndiaye, who was Everton’s most-productive attacker last season, scoring 11 goals in all competitions. So, let’s analyse how the duo compare to one another.
Jack Grealish 2022/23 vs Iliman Ndiaye 2024/25 (PL only)
Statistics
Grealish
Ndiaye
Appearances
28
33
Minutes
2,063
2,440
Goals
5
9
Assists
7
0
Expected assists
6.72
1.35
Shots
29
27
Shots on target %
55.17%
66.67%
Chances created
50
18
Big chances created
12
3
Successful take-ons
48
68
Take-on success %
63.16%
51.52%
Touches per 90
62.4
46
Average SofaScore rating
7.34
7.04
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, Squawka and SofaScore
As the table outlines, when using data from the most recent season in which Grealish saw more than 1,000 minutes of action in the Premier League, the duo are quite different, which should make them a deadly attacking partnership.
Ndiaye is much more the finisher, scoring nine goals, while a commendably high proportion of his shots hit the target, sat at two thirds for this metric, while he does like to dribble with the ball at his feet too.
Grealish, meantime, will fill the role of chief creator, boasting seven assists, as well as exponentially higher numbers when it comes to chances created, big chances created, expected assists and touches per 90, underlining that he is more frequently involved in play.
Jack Grealish
Thus, should the England international complete a move to Everton, this is a signing supporters should be excited about for sure.
Imagine him & Grealish: Everton pushing hard to sign "world-class talent"
Everton still need to make a series of signings in the summer transfer market.
The Red Devils need to win at home next week if they are to make it through to the UWCL proper for the first time in their history.
Manchester United have it all to do next week if they are to progress to the Women's Champions League proper for the first time after a shock 1-0 defeat to Brann on Thursday night. The Red Devils were the better side in Bergen and created plenty of chances in the first leg of this third round qualifier, but were left to rue their lack of clinical touch when Ingrid Stenevik headed home late on to give the Norwegian side a slender, though potentially vital, advantage.
Given it emerged that many of the players' footwear went missing on the flight over, there is perhaps a joke to be made about United missing their shooting boots for this crucial fixture. But, in truth, it was often good goalkeeping from Selma Panengstuen, rather than poor finishing, which kept them at bay. Ella Toone was denied brilliantly on three separate occasions and even when the shot-stopper did slip up, spilling a relatively routine effort from Dominique Janssen just before the hour, her quick reactions allowed her to make amends, as she did by thwarting Jess Park on that occasion.
There were, however, chances that did go begging, be it Elisabeth Terland's early header wide or an effort Melvine Malard directed into the grateful arms of Panengstuen shortly before Stenevik's decisive intervention 13 minutes from time. That goal ensured a happy ending for the home fans on a night which saw a new attendance record set for a women's football match in Norway, meaning United need to win at home next week in order to avoid suffering what would be a seriously disappointing Champions League exit.
GOAL rates Man Utd's players from Brann Stadion…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Phallon Tullis Joyce (6/10):
Had very little to do apart from pick the ball out of her own net.
Jayde Riviere (4/10):
Lacked a decent final product when she got forward.
Maya Le Tissier (6/10):
Was on hand to make a couple of timely interventions at the back and moved the ball well.
Dominique Janssen (5/10):
Showed good impetus at times in possession, albeit could've done so more often.
Anna Sandberg (6/10):
Supported the attack well and played some nice passes at times to contribute to build-up.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Hinata Miyazawa (5/10):
Couldn't have a massive influence on the game in this more reserved role.
Lisa Naalsund (4/10):
Gave away the free-kick which led to the goal and was at fault for losing Stenevik, too. Had a decent game really, but it was ultimately marred by those two moments.
Ella Toone (7/10):
Could've had a hat-trick were it not for fantastic goalkeeping. Wasn't a case of poor finishing, either.
Getty ImagesAttack
Jess Park (6/10):
A lively full debut in which she showed a lot of quality and almost had a goal thanks to good instincts in the box.
Elisabeth Terland (4/10):
Struggled for service, putting her best chance wide in the opening two minutes.
Melvine Malard (6/10):
Linked up nicely to play a central role in most of United's best moves. Should've done better with a header just past the hour.
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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Celin Bizet (N/A):
Couldn't really get into the game with the little time she had.
Millie Turner (N/A):
Continued her return from injury when she came on for the final stages.
Julia Zigiotti Olme (N/A):
On for the final 10 minutes or so as United chased an equaliser.
Marc Skinner (5/10):
Little he could do with his XI, given the injuries and subsequent lack of options, but could've acted earlier with his subs in order to allow Bizet in particular to have more time to make an impact.
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.
Piero Hincapie in action for Bayer Leverkusen
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.