He was only able to send down one over before leaving the field early on the fourth day at the Gabba

Andrew McGlashan17-Dec-2024Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss the remainder of the Test series against India after suffering a calf strain during warm-ups on the fourth day in Brisbane meaning Scott Boland will be set to return to the side for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.Hazlewood, who returned in this game after missing Adelaide with a side strain, was late entering the field at the start of play on Tuesday, having spent time talking with head coach Andrew McDonald and physio Nick Jones, then looked laboured when he came into the attack, barely topping 131kph which included a wide long hop first ball that was cut away by KL Rahul.During the drinks break which followed that over, Hazlewood was part of a lengthy conversation with Pat Cummins, Steven Smith and the physio before he walked off the field.Cricket Australia initially said he had “calf awareness” and he went for scans which confirmed the severity of the injury.”He’s pretty despondent,” Daniel Vettori, Australia’s assistant coach, said. “Felt it this morning in warm-ups, gave it a good crack, it’s just unfortunate for him to come back, put so much effort after another injury with the side strain, then to pick up a calf strain here, particularly in these circumstances is really tough on him.”Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott have been part of the squad in this series, when they were initially called up as cover in Adelaide after Hazlewood was ruled out, and would likely head the queue of replacements. Western Australia pair Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson are still early in their comebacks to red ball cricket and the domestic season has now switched into BBL mode.Australia were trying to force victory between frequent rain delays in Brisbane with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc putting in significant stints in the absence of Hazlewood but India’s last-wicket stand between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep denied them the chance of enforcing the follow on.Vettori confirmed that despite being a bowler down that option would have been taken and, given the lighter workloads in Adelaide and regular rain breaks, there was confidence that Starc and Cummins would be able to manage the overs.Hazlewood had returned to the side for this Test after a side strain ruled him out of Adelaide. His latest injury opens the door for Boland to return to the side at the MCG, the venue where he claimed a remarkable 6 for 7 on debut against England in 2021-22. Cummins had flagged the potential for Boland to play a further role in the series when he missed out in Brisbane.”[We told him] it’s about preparing for the MCG because there’s a good chance we might need you,” he said. “History suggests there’s always some form of natural attrition throughout a Test series. A good thing [is], he’s probably played a Test earlier in the series than he maybe thought. Showed that his standard’s still super high. [It’s] about trying to set him up for the last two Test matches.”While selection is not part of Vettori’s remit, he acknowledged the decision would probably be a simple one. “Fortunately I don’t have to worry about that, but Boland speaks for himself,” he said. “The way he bowled in Adelaide, the way he’s consistently been the back-up seamer and every single time he’s been asked to step up, particularly in Australia, he’s been outstanding so think that would be the logical thing to conclude.”Hazlewood previously suffered a mild calf strain earlier in the year which kept him out of the T20Is against Scotland and England. The Perth Test against India was his 10th consecutive match following a frustrating couple of years where he was hit by a series of injuries while also being left out due to conditions on the subcontinent. Overall, Hazlewood has missed 18 of Australia’s last 35 Tests dating back to the 2021-22 Ashes.Hazlewood’s next opportunity to play Tests could come in Sri Lanka from late January although conditions could mean he is surplus to requirements if Australia pack their line-up with spinners. After that there’s the possibility of the World Test Championship final in early June should Australia qualify ahead of a three-match tour of West Indies that is expected to start later that month

And just like that, Viktor Gyokeres has lift off at Arsenal.

After a short cameo against Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong and then an underwhelming 60 minutes against Villarreal, the Swedish striker opened his account at the Emirates with a brilliant header on Saturday evening.

It was the perfect way to stop some of the incredibly premature talk around his suitability for Mikel Arteta’s side and should be enough to see him start against Manchester United this Sunday.

Moreover, if reports are to be believed, it looks like Arsenal could be targeting another attacking star, someone who could help get even more out of the former Sporting CP star.

Arsenal target perfect teammate for Gyokeres

With those two losses now firmly out of mind, it wouldn’t be hyperbolic to say that this summer has been one of Arsenal’s best for quite some time, and that is almost entirely thanks to the business conducted by Andrea Berta and his team.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

For example, on top of bringing in first-team level game-changers like Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, the Italian Sporting Director has massively bolstered the depth of the squad with signings like Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera.

However, even with six new faces through the door already, the Gunners aren’t done and now appear keen on signing a dynamic attacker who could be a perfect teammate for Gyokeres.

At least that is according to a recent report, which claims Arsenal are very interested in Malick Fofana, who has also caught the interest of Liverpool.

More than that, the report has revealed that the North Londoners have already held talks with Lyon over the talented winger they value at £43m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, made more so by Arne Slot’s side, but Fofana was brilliant last year and could help get even more out of Gyokeres this season.

Why Fofana would be perfect for Gyokeres

Now, while there were certainly moments in the game on Saturday when Gyokeres was dropping deeper to help in the build-up and to move Bilbao’s backline around, it’s clear he’s most comfortable playing in and around the penalty area.

That’s the area he thrived in over the last two years, and it’s no surprise that almost all of his shots last season came in and around the area.

Therefore, to ensure they are getting the absolute best out of the Swede this season, Arsenal need to start players alongside him who are excellent at getting the ball into dangerous areas, either through passing or carrying the ball.

The good news is that Fofana is utterly brilliant at the latter, as evidenced by FBref, which ranks him in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries, the top 6% for carries into the final third, the top 9% for progressive carrying distance and more, all per 90.

In other words, the young “game-changing” prospect, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is elite at bringing the ball up the pitch and into goalscoring areas, which should make him an ideal partner for the Gunners’ new number 14.

Appearances

41

Starts

23

Minutes

2280′

Goals

11

Assists

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.41

Minutes per Goal Involvement

134.11′

Moreover, he’s not just a facilitator, as the 20-year-old dynamo, who Mango claims is blessed with “frightening speed & acceleration,” was able to score 11 goals and provide six assists in 41 appearances, totalling 2280 minutes, last season.

That means the in-demand talent maintained an average of a goal involvement every 2.41 games, or every 134.11 minutes.

Ultimately, Fofana looks ready to explode in the coming seasons, and while he’d be a great signing in his own right, the idea of him playing alongside Gyokeres is particularly exciting, and therefore, Arsenal should be doing all they can to make that a reality.

£866m release clause: Arsenal very serious about signing "world-class" star

The Gunners have set their sights on a forward, who could join in a loan-to-buy deal.

ByDominic Lund Aug 11, 2025

تحدث أشرف قاسم، لاعب الزمالك السابق، على فوز النادي الأهلي على القلعة البيضاء، في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم الإثنين، ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وحقق النادي الأهلي الفوز على الزمالك، بنتيجة هدفين مقابل هدف، في اللقاء الذي أقيم ضمن مواجهات الجولة التاسعة لبطولة الدوري المصري.

وقال قاسم خلال تصريحات على قناة “أون سبورت”: “شوط ثاني مختلف، الزمالك حاول الحفاظ على التقدم، لكن التعامل مع الشوط لم يكن كما ينبغي، الفريق تراجع وترك مساحة للأهلي، الضغط لم يكن بالشكل المطلوب، الفريق يعاني من مشاكل دفاعية”.

طالع | ترتيب الدوري المصري بعد فوز الأهلي على الزمالك

وأضاف: “كنت سأختار حسام عبد المجيد رجل المباراة، لكن بعد مراوغته من مهاجم الأهلي محمد شريف في هدف حسين الشحات، بهذه الطريقة، لا يصح أن لاعب الزمالك يبيع نفسه بهذا الشكل”.

وتابع: “مهم جدًا التغييرات التي تغير في نتيجة المباراة، حسين الشحات استغل وضع فريقه وتعامل بشكل جيد جدًا، لكن هل كان من الممكن أن يشارك الشحات لو لم يصاب طاهر؟!”.

وأكمل: “أشرف بن شرقي لاعب كبير، لكن كان لديه بطء في الأداء، الشحات أداءه سريع، والزمالك لم يمتلك فاعلية هجومية”.

وأتم: “أداء حسين الشحات اليوم سيغير مستقبله القادم بدون نقاش، مباريات الأهلي والزمالك ترفع اسم اللاعبين، بعد المباراة أعتقد أنه مستمر مع الأهلي”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras treinou na manhã desta terça-feira (25), na Academia de Futebol, e finalizou a preparação para enfrentar o Tombense-MG, nesta quarta-feira (26), às 20h, no Parque do Sabiá, em Uberlândia (MG), pelo jogo de volta da terceira fase da Copa do Brasil. O Verdão venceu o jogo de ida por 4 a 2, no Allianz Parque, e pode empatar ou perder por até um gol de diferença para avançar às oitavas de final. Rony e Raphael Veiga novamente fizeram parte do treinamento com o elenco.

> Veja tabela da Copa do Brasil-2023 clicando aqui

Antes do campo, a comissão técnica realizou uma sessão de vídeo no auditório do centro de excelência. Após o aquecimento com estações de força, coordenação e potência, o elenco realizou atividades técnicas e recreativas, terminando com práticas de finalizações e cobranças de falta.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasNúm3ros da bol4Em alta no Palmeiras, Richard Ríos já lidera estatística no BrasileirãoNúm3ros da bol425/04/2023PalmeirasSem Artur, Palmeiras tem nova disputa para o ataque diante do Tombense pela Copa do BrasilPalmeiras24/04/2023PalmeirasEstevão completa 16 anos e assina primeiro contrato profissional com o PalmeirasPalmeiras24/04/2023

Vale lembrar que o Palmeiras não permite a presença de jornalistas para acompanhar os treinos. Assim, as informações são fornecidas pela assessoria de imprensa do clube. Além disso, foi possível notar pelas fotos divulgadas que Veiga e Rony, que estão em transição física, treinaram com o restante do elenco. Mesmo caso de Mayke, outro que aparece nas imagens do trabalho.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

No entanto, eles não devem estar entre os relacionados para o duelo com o Tombense. Desfalque certo mesmo é Artur, que já atuou pelo Bragantino na Copa do Brasil e não pode defender o Verdão. O seu substituto é onde parece morar a maior dúvida para o jogo desta quarta-feira. Com o ataque em boa fase, Flaco López, Endrick, Jhon Jhon e Rafael Navarro brigam por duas vagas no setor.

>Sem Artur, Palmeiras tem nova disputa para o ataque diante do Tombense pela Copa do Brasil

Um provável Palmeiras para enfrentar o time mineiro é: Weverton; Marcos Rocha, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo e Piquerez; Zé Rafael, Gabriel Menino e Richard Ríos (Jhon Jhon); Dudu, Endrick (Jhon Jhon) e Flaco López (Rafael Navarro).

Depois de vencer o Tombense por 4 a 2 na partida de ida, no Allianz Parque, o Verdão pode até empatar ou perder por até um gol de diferença que estará classificado para as oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil. Já no sábado, em sua arena, o Alviverde recebe o Corinthians, pelo Brasileirão.

continua após a publicidade

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, with Reyna and Yunus Musah looking to debut with new clubs

And just like that, we're back. After two weeks of drama with the U.S. men's national team, several stars return to their clubs in Europe. The spotlight and pressure is back on, with several important fixtures for Americans. 

Gio Reyna spent the last two years fighting through uncertainty with his club in Dortmund. After his transfer, this weekend could mark his debut as a member of Gladbach, who host Werder Bremen.

In Spain, Johnny Cardoso could be a man on a mission when Atletico face off against Villarreal. With USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino stressing that his "real" squad and strategy will surface in October friendlies, Cardoso will want to send a message that he belongs.

And Christian Pulisic returns to AC Milan to face Bologna after a strong performance against Japan in the USMNT's 2-0 win earlier this week. 

GOAL looks ahead at some of the biggest storylines to follow among Americans Abroad this weekend.

• Getty
  

  Reyna's next chapter to begin?

  Reyna said it best. 

  "I believe I'll be there. That was one of the reasons for my move. I'm in open contact with the coach. If I play well at Borussia, I'll definitely find my way back to the national team," he told BILD. 

  The midfielder was referencing next year's World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Considering how Reyna's last World Cup went, with former manager Gregg Berhalter hinting he wanted to send Reyna home due to his showings at practice, the 2026 tournament could be a chance to turn the page.

  In many ways, that moment shifted Reyna's once-promising momentum and led to the turbulence that's followed him since. Still, as Reyna noted, he's got to play and play well for his new club. He might have a chance to do so Sunday, as the American could make his first appearance for the

  Early on, there's been positive sentiment towards the move as Reyna has reunited with NYCFC academy and USMNT teammate Joe Scally. He also dropped a stunning assist during the international break in a club friendly, playing centrally for the Bundesliga side. 

  Yet, friendlies and league matches are different realities, and Gladbach face a tough challenge ahead in Werder. Both clubs have gotten off to slow starts, sitting 14th and 16th in the table, respectively. Considering the stakes, it will be interesting to see if Reyna is given a spot in the starting XI or worked into the game as a substitute. In either case, Reyna appears hungry to get things back on track. 

  "I'm now at a point where I want to take the next step and take my career to a higher level. I feel ready for it – and that's why I came to Gladbach," he said. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Cardoso with a point to prove

  The move for Cardoso to Atletico Madrid hasn't gone to plan. He was pulled at halftime during his league debut for Atleti, and while his playing time has increased in later fixtures, the team's fortunes have not. Expected to be a dark horse contender for La Liga and the Champions League, Diego Simeone's side has dropped points in its three opening matches.

  More worrying is the fact that the results have all come against clubs Atleti was expected to beat – Espanyol, Elche and Alaves. The pressure is higher than ever for Simeone, who is on the hot seat for the first time in his 14 years as Atletico's manager. 

  Things don't get any easier with Villarreal. are traditionally one of Spain's most competitive sides, finishing among of La Liga's European slots each season. With the international break done, can Atleti turn things around? Will Cardoso be more adjusted to his role after being given a break from the USMNT by Pochettino?

  The midfielder has had some solid moments, totaling seven tackles in his three matches, but needs to be wary of yellow cards – he already has two in three matches. Concern will build if Atleti remain winless, and with good reason. There is already speculation about Simeone's future. New managers often bring new philosophies and that could impact Cardoso, who is still trying to secure a role with the national team.

• Getty Images
  

  Pulisic back with the Rossoneri

  Pulisic put a summer of headlines behind him with a solid showing for the USMNT against Japan. Now, back with AC Milan, the American star will need to carry over some of his international success to the Rossoneri, who have gotten off to an uneven start this season.

  Under Max Allegri, Pulisic's fourth manager since joining the Serie A side two years ago, Milan were stunned by newly-promoted US Cremonese before getting back on track against Lecce. The team will look to build momentum when it faces Bologna, the team it lost the Coppa Italia final to last season. 

  Despite last year's cup win, Bologna have a terrible record against Milan – winning just two of the last 20 league encounters between the sides. And Pulisic has found a measure of success against the North Italian side. He has two goals and an assist in four Serie A appearances against Bologna, including a goal and assist in their last encounter on May 9, a 3-1 Milan win. Will it be more of the same? 

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• Getty Images
  

  Musah set for a fresh start

  Another possible debut could come from Yunus Musah at Atalanta. Musah's future had been speculated upon all summer, and the midfielder appeared to indicate he wanted to stay at AC Milan. Yet, on the transfer deadline, Musah ended up joining Atalanta on loan, with a option for a future transfer. 

  Despite his desire to stay, Musah might have landed on his feet with Manager Ivan Juric apparently is a big fan of Musah's biggest strength as a footballer, his versatility, and reportedly believes the American is a perfect fit for his tactics. The midfielder can also count on playing Champions League football, something that wasn't on offer at Milan after they finished eighth last season. 

  Atalanta are searching for their first win of the season. The team opened the season with a draw in its first two fixtures, but it does get a slight reprieve in facing 17th-placed Lecce – a team Musah beat before the international break with AC Milan. 

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that a number of clubs have made an approach for a “dynamite” Everton player, with The Friedkin Group making a decision over his future.

Everton set for opening game at new stadium

The Blues officially begin a new chapter in their history on Sunday afternoon, hosting Brighton in the Premier League in their first-ever competitive game at their new ground.

The Hill Dickinson Stadium is an impressive new setting for Everton’s home games, and while it was sad for them to leave Goodison Park, it was important that the club planned for the future and found a new home to help take them to new heights.

Blues manager David Moyes is certainly excited about his side beginning life in a new stadium, speaking glowingly about it earlier this month.

“It’s brilliant for the football club. For my journey as well – I’ve had lots of different twists and turns – but overall I think the football club has been so desperate for this situation to arise with the new stadium. I think it’s a wonderful stadium, it’s a step up, certainly, from Goodison and I think for Everton Football Club it’s a real positive step.”

Everton’s new venture will hopefully lead to plenty of exciting new signings, as well as persuading current players to stay put, and a new update has dropped regarding an individual in the latter category.

Everton make decision over "dynamite" ace's future

According to Romano on X, Everton have seen numerous clubs make approaches for Iliman Ndiaye, but The Friedkin Group have rejected their advances.

Losing Ndiaye would be a massive blow this early in his Everton career, so this update is an extremely positive one for Blues supporters.

The 25-year-old has so often provided the creative spark for the Blues since arriving from Marseille last summer, being described as a “dynamite” player by Jamie Redknapp and being hailed as “brilliant” by Second Tier podcast.

Ndiaye is going to be a massive player for Everton moving forward – he scored nine goals in the Premier League last season – and it would be just like him to bag the opening strike at the Blues’ new ground this weekend.

Grealish can make him world-class: Everton "in negotiations" for £40m star

Everton still need to sign several more first-teamers before the end of the transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 22, 2025

The Blues cannot afford to let him go, and with his current deal not expiring until the summer of 2029, they are in a strong bargaining position and would surely only allow him to leave for huge money.

La Liga giants Real Madrid are expected to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday for the second year in a row. Los Blancos famously failed to attend in 2024 after learning that star man Vinicius Jr had been pipped to the prestigious Golden Ball by Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri. Tensions between Real Madrid and UEFA still linger in the wake of the snub as the club feel they have been unfairly treated.

Dembele and Yamal favourites for Ballon d'Or

The winner of the Ballon d'Or will be announced on Monday at a glitzy ceremony in Paris. Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal and Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele are the two favourites for the prestigious prize which was won last year by Rodri. The Manchester City star was named in the best male player in the world in 2024, ahead of Vinicius Jr, which prompted outrage back in the Spanish capital and saw Los Blancos boycott the ceremony in protest at the decision.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportReal Madrid set for second Ballon d'Or boycott

Real Madrid are set to boycott the awards ceremony again as their rift with UEFA after last year's snub has still not healed, according to AS. There were feelings of disbelief and "shock and anger" at Vinicius Jr missing out on the top prize and a belief the club had been disrespected. Real Madrid players do have permission to attend but nominated players such as Kylian Mbappe, Thibaut Courtois, Dean Huijsen and Jude Bellingham are not expected to attend. Xabi Alonso's side are also due to play away at Levante in La Liga on Tuesday night which has also played a part in the club's decision.

Seven Real Madrid players nominated

Los Blancos do have seven players nominated for awards at the 2025 ceremony. Bellingham, Mbappe and Vinicius are up for the main award, while Caroline Weir has been nominated for the women's Ballon d'Or.  Courtois has been shortlisted for the Yashin Trophy, while Huijsen and Linda Caicedo are in contention for the best young player awards. 

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AFPBig week for Real Madrid in La Liga

Real Madrid will instead be focused on La Liga and games against Levante and Atletico Madrid. Alonso's side take on Levante on Tuesday and then head to the Metropolitano on Saturday for the first Madrid derby of the new season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly agreed a deal to sign a £15m player compared to former Molineux ace Morgan Gibbs-White.

Wolves make left-back Moller Wolfe fourth summer signing

After losing both Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester United and Manchester City early in the transfer window, Wolves have slowly been splashing the cash in the transfer market.

The Old Gold have made four new permanent signings for manager Vitor Pereira, one of which being Jørgen Strand Larsen following his successful loan spell at Molineux last season.

The latest addition in the Midlands is David Moller Wolfe, with the left-back costing Wolves £10m from Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar. Talking after signing a five-year deal, Moller Wolfe said:

“I’m so, so happy and so proud to be a part of Wolves, so I’m over the moon right now. I felt incredibly wanted from the second I talked to Domenico [Teti, Wolves director of football] and the second I talked to the coach.

“Obviously, the Premier League is a big, big league, especially also in Norway. It’s the biggest league that people watch, so when a Premier League club came in, and Wolverhampton came in for me, I was extremely keen on joining.”

Incomings

From

Fee

Jorgen Strand Larsen

Celta Vigo

£23m

Fer Lopez

Celta Vigo

£19m

Jhon Arias

Fluminense

£15m

David Moller Wolfe

AZ Alkmaar

£10m

With a new left-back signed, attention is now turning to a right-back after Nelson Semedo departed the club upon the expiry of his contract.

Approach made: Wolves now make enquiry to sign "unbelievable" £15m striker

The Old Gold have made contact over a deal for a centre-forward, with Vitor Pereira looking to bolster his attacking options.

ByDominic Lund Jul 30, 2025

Sevilla’s Juanlu Sanchez has been the man heavily linked with replacing Semedo under Pereira, and a development has now emerged.

Wolves reach £14.8m agreement to sign Juanlu

According to reports in Spain, Wolves have actually reached an agreement to sign Juanlu from Sevilla. A fee is worth €17m (£14.8m), however, Wolves still have to convince the player of a move to the Premier League. The report adds that Juanlu actually wants to join Serie A giants Napoli and is waiting for them to swoop.

Therefore, despite shaking hands on a near £15m deal with Sevilla, a deal could still prove complicated for Wolves.

Primarily a right-back, Juanlu can actually play further forward when required as a winger or central midfielder.

Players similar to Juanlu

Club

John McGinn

Aston Villa

Adrien Truffert

Bournemouth

Morgan Gibbs-White

Nottingham Forest

Marcos Llorente

Atletico Madrid

Emerson Palmieri

West Ham

Interestingly, as per FBref, the Spaniard has even been compared to attacking midfielder Gibbs-White, who left Wolves for Nottingham Forest back in 2022.

Set to turn 22 later this month, Juanlu is capped at senior level by Spain and turned out in the Champions League with Sevilla last season.

He’s contributed to 14 goals in 74 first-team Sevilla appearances, and by the looks of things, a deal will be one to keep a close eye on following this development.

Tottenham Hotspur are now willing to outbid their Premier League rivals to secure the signature of a “pure baller”, as they are determined to win the race.

Spurs looking at Eze alternatives after transfer blow

Eberechi Eze’s move to Arsenal has sparked a furious reaction among the Tottenham fanbase, with many suggesting that Daniel Levy is at fault, although Simon Jordan believes the chairman may not be to blame for the disappointing outcome.

Regardless, Spurs will now be forced to move on to alternative targets, and an offer was submitted for Como’s Nico Paz, which was knocked back, with Fabrizio Romano revealing Real Madrid stepped in to stop a deal going through.

With Spurs’ move for Paz proving unsuccessful, their list of targets has been narrowed down even further, and a report from Spain has now revealed they are determined to win the race for a different attacking midfielder…

Indeed, Tottenham are now prepared to outbid Crystal Palace in order to get a deal for Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss over the line, with the north Londoners intent on stopping the Moroccan signing for their Premier League rivals.

Spurs have ‘made it clear’ they won’t let the Eagles win the race for the attacking midfielder, who could command a fee of £32m, with Levy clearly unwilling to miss out on another key target to a fellow Premier League side.

El Khannouss would be risky signing for Spurs

The Leicester star is clearly thought of very highly by scout Ben Mattinson, who has hailed him as a “pure baller”, but Spurs are playing a risky game by going all out to win the race for the 21-year-old.

Unlike previous targets, such as Gibbs-White and Eze, the youngster is yet to prove himself at the top level, and hasn’t exactly set the world alight in terms of attacking contributions per 90 over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Goals

0.08 (5th percentile)

Assists

0.12 (23rd percentile)

Shots Total

1.24 (6th percentile)

That said, with Paz no longer an option, the number of options on Spurs’ shortlist is dwindling, and the Belgium-born midfielder could flourish in a better side, having been part of a Leicester team that were relegated without putting up much of a fight last season.

As such, while it would be a gamble for Tottenham to sign El Khannouss, there are no longer many better options available, with a deal for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers deemed unlikely.

Despite Wyatt-Hodge and Knight’s fighting knocks, England fell short by six runs

Andrew McGlashan23-Jan-2025Australia secured Ashes outright despite a fine hand from Heather Knight when the skies in Canberra parted for long enough for the game to resume after England had been ahead of the DLS target. But the conclusion was dramatic with the umpires ruling the rain had become too heavy again with Knight having got the equation down to needing 18 off five balls.As the umpires took the players off, Knight threw the bat to the ground in frustration and remonstrated with the officials although later said there was no anger towards them and it was the correct decision to end the game. The requirement would still have been tough, but Annabel Sutherland was bowling with a wet ball. It ended England’s hopes of a drawn series in a way befitting of a campaign they would want to forget.Megan Schutt made the key breakthroughs to push England behind the requirement, ending a second-wicket stand of 52 when Danni Wyatt-Hodge picked out mid-off for a 40-ball 52, and then removing the well-set Sophia Dunkley. But Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt added 65 off 37 balls to just about give England a chance only for Australia to again take the honours.Related

Heather Knight admits 'frustration' at rainy finish as Ashes hopes are washed away

Either side of the rain break it had been nip-and-tuck, rarely more than a run between England’s total and the DLS target. The last two deliveries before the players left the field in the ninth over showed how tight it was: had Australia completed a run-out chance with both batters mid-pitch they would have been ahead, but then Dunkley lofted the next delivery from Alana King for four.Having been put in, Australia’s innings went through a number of phases. Beth Mooney gave them a positive start but there was a wobble against England’s spinners. However, they were handed a powerful finish with stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath and Grace Harris added a record sixth-wicket stand of 71 off 35 balls.England fell just short despite Heather Knight’s efforts•Getty ImagesA ball-by-ball chaseEngland began their chase confidently. After a quiet opening over that went for four, 11 came from Kim Garth’s first and ten off King when she was introduced in the third over. As the rain started to approach, England were ahead of the DLS target although often not by more than a run or two.In the fifth over, the last needed to make it a match, Ellyse Perry bowled for the first time in the Ashes. A boundary for Maia Bouchier kept England on track and the batters clearly knew it because, after a lightning strike, they started to walk off the field at the end of the over but were called back by the umpires as played continued. Australia were clearly not impressed by England taking matters into their own hands.Bouchier then gave Australia an opening when she fell trying to scoop Sutherland and a tight over from Georgia Wareham left England behind. But then things changed again when Dunkley sent Perry for a four followed by a six straight down the ground to leave the score tied on DLS.Shining KnightWhen Schutt struck twice in the space of four balls in the 13th over, it left England with a tall order, but their two best players – the captain and the vice-captain – were in. The equation ballooned out to 84 needed off 36 when Wareham went for 13 followed by ten off a Garth over. Schutt’s figures were spoiled when her last over was dispatched for 17, leaving 44 needed off 18.McGrath bowled five excellent deliveries but Knight was just able to clear Perry at deep square for six. When Sciver-Brunt dragged Garth onto the stumps, Australia had breathing space in the last over, but no one will know whether Knight could have pulled off a spectacular finish.Beth Mooney was quickly into her stride•Cricket Australia via Getty ImagesDean’s doubleMooney dominated Australia’s powerplay, to the extent that after four overs Georgia Voll had faced two balls for zero runs before being run out by some good work in the deep from Bouchier. Mooney continued to enhance her spectacular record at Manuka Oval until she was smartly stumped down the leg side by Amy Jones off what appeared to be a plan that had come together with Sophie Ecclestone signalling to Jones before the delivery.Mooney’s wicket caused Australia to stall as Perry tried to play herself in and in the tenth over she skied to cover off Charlie Dean. Two balls later, Dean had Litchfield as well when the left-hander moved across her stumps and missed a sweep. All of a sudden Australia had lost 3 for 9 and needed to rebuild.McGrath and Harris finish bigSutherland threatened before picking out deep square to continue what has been a frustrating series for someone who came into the Ashes in such fine form. But not for the first time, the depth of Australia’s batting order was on show as McGrath and Harris dominated the latter stages of the innings.Harris clubbed her fourth ball for six and in the 18th over against Sarah Glenn collected two more off consecutive deliveries. At this point McGrath was 30 off 29 balls and, notwithstanding the need to prevent a more serious wobble, needed to finish strongly. She did just that with three consecutive boundaries off Ecclestone and another to close out an over that cost 18 and included another drop to England’s tally when McGrath was given a life by Dean at long-off.Lauren Bell was unable to bowl her full four overs having left the field due to illness but returned for the last with Harris twice finding the boundary. It made the difference.