All posts by n8rngtd.top

India allrounder opens up about his injury, challenges of bowling in T20s, and much more

Deivarayan Muthu03-Dec-2019.You’ve become a powerplay specialist in T20 cricket. How have you got used to this role?
It’s a difficult job to do in T20s. To hit the right length is very difficult and of course errors will happen. It’s a tough job, but that’s something that excites me as well. It’s challenging to bowl to both right-handers and left-handers in the powerplay and I have enjoyed it ever since I was given that role in T20s about two-three years back.How do you work out that length?
Adapting to different wickets is definitely very important. Hitting awkward lengths to every batsman might not be a great option. You need to figure out what works against that particular batsman and that is what I feel is important as a powerplay bowler.ALSO READ: Washington Sundar re-emerges as India’s new-ball spinner
Your offspin is usually used as a match-up against left-handers. Does the mindset change against right-handers?
Definitely, the mindset differs for me. And it varies from batsman to batsman as well. One might be strong on the off side and the other maybe strong on the leg side. Especially at this international level, there’s no margin for error and it’s important to do your homework. You need to be really precise with the lengths and lines you want to bowl.So what homework do you do?
Basically, you keep practising. It is practice that makes your execution better and gets it to a higher percentage. Just doing the same thing all over again might not be the best option against certain batsmen, so you have to change your lines and lengths depending on the batsmen.Can you recall any such homework or plan that set up a batsman for a dismissal?
I can’t pinpoint one. There are analysts in every team – even in the state team – and the data and information they give also help us. You come up against several different oppositions, so I don’t honestly recall one. Generally, the video analysis and data analysis all help in various tournaments.Have you looked at experimenting at all, like wristspinners do?
No, I haven’t thought about it so far.Associated PressHow do you respond when a batsman goes after you?
The clearer you mindset is, the calmer you can be when you bowl. If you know what you want to do, you don’t generally think about too many things. You only think about execution. It’s just about that clarity of thought and not having too many other things in my mind that helps me.When did you first take up this new-ball role? Did it begin at Rising Pune Supergiant?
I’d taken the new ball even when I was playing the lower-division league in Chennai. I really enjoy the challenge of bowling with the new ball.You were initially a batting allrounder and batted up the order even in the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh. Has bowling taken over?
I just want to contribute in whatever opportunities I get and win games for the team. I consider myself as an improving allrounder only when I am able to win games for my team. That only will give a player confidence. So, wherever I may get an opportunity, I will have to do well with bat and ball. You batted well in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s on tough tracks. How did you adjust?
Like I said, even while batting it’s about the clarity in thought. Once you assess the pitch, you will have a clear thought and you have a better chance of being successful. I’ve always wanted to be that kind of a person and cricketer who has clarity in thought and understands what needs to be done for the team.You injured yourself playing football last year. How did you cope?
I couldn’t believe that I’d be bed-ridden for four-five weeks after that injury. I’ve never been that way before. It was the reality and I just couldn’t do anything. Probably, I feel I had to go through that phase and experience it in my life to grow. But I was very fortunate to get through it, thanks to my family and my physio and trainer – Rajinikant and Thulasi Ram.They worked so hard on me. Day in and day out, I was training with them to get fitter – two-three hours in the morning and then two-three hours in the evening. My injury was kind of complicated, no actually it was very complicated, and needed a lot of time and attention. When I came out of the injury, I became fitter and in a very better shape and better space.Then the injury returned on the A tour of New Zealand…
Yes, it was a recurrence of that injury. I needed more, at least two months of rehab. Thanks to Rajinikant and Thulasi Ram, I got fit again. That rehab helped me become much fitter. Fitness has become one of the most important things in cricket now and over the last year I’ve played across formats injury-free and without much niggles, which is a positive sign.You had missed out on the 50-over World Cup. Do you have one eye on the T20 World Cup now?
I just want to stay in the present and not think too far ahead. Definitely, playing for India in a World Cup is a dream, but for now I just want to work on my game and stay in the present.

West Ham United have struggled this season in the Premier League, switching managers back in January in an attempt to save their season. However, the Hammers still sit 15th in the Premier League after 31 games played.

Defensively, West Ham have improved under Graham Potter, but this has affected their offensive purchase, scoring just six goals in their last six Premier League games. The Hammers also rank 15th for xG generated this season, with 44.42 xG across their 31 Premier League games so far.

Their striker issue is a well-documented one this season, with both Michail Antonio and Niclas Füllkrug suffering from injuries, but this isn’t a new issue at the club, as the Hammers have struggled to nail down that number nine spot for some time.

West Ham's striker issues

In recent years, West Ham have had the likes of Sebastian Haller and Gianluca Scamacca join the club for big transfer fees, never really living up to the expectation, before leaving soon after to thrive elsewhere in Europe. These are just two examples of failed attempts by West Ham to address their need for a top-class number nine.

Haller was signed for around £45m, a club-record fee at the time, going on to make just 54 appearances for the club, scoring 14 goals and providing one assist in his 3,681 minutes played.

Meanwhile, Scamacca cost the Hammers around £35.5m, making 27 appearances for the club, netting eight times in 1,342 minutes.

But perhaps one of their worst was the loan signing of Simone Zaza from Juventus in 2016. The Italian only made 11 appearances for the Hammers, scoring zero goals, providing zero assists and totaling just 572 minutes played, before being sent back to Italy at the end of the season.

West Ham's newest Zaza

West Ham have looked to address their striker issues with a loan signing once more, bringing Brighton striker Evan Ferguson to the club in the January transfer window.

The 20-year-old has made six appearances for Potter’s side, totaling 137 minutes played with zero goals or assists so far.

The 20-year-old striker was taken off after just 45 minutes against Wolves in their 1-0 loss midweek, being replaced by summer signing, Fullkrug. Ferguson only managed 20 touches in the game, losing possession eight times and missing his only “big chance”, with The Athletic’s Carl Anka outlining the Irishman’s “unfortunate” decline of late.

Potter didn’t hide his frustration with the first-half performance, stating “we weren’t happy with the overall performance in the first half”. But he was quick to praise the man who replaced Ferguson, stating “you can see he gives us a different option which we haven’t had”.

That resulted in Ferguson ultimately proving an unused substitute for Saturday’s 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth, with that man Fullkrug notably netting off the bench just after the hour mark. The Brighton man has then plummeted even further down the pecking order.

With games running out ahead of the climax of the campaign, this could prove to be yet another brief, unsuccessful loan swoop – much like the case of Zaza of before him.

Better than Bowen: West Ham’s 73 touch man showed why he’s undroppable

West Ham’s 73 touch man has shown why he’s even more undroppable than Bowen right now.

By
Connor Holden

Apr 6, 2025

Everton are enjoying a relatively stress-free Premier League run-in, but they do now have an injury issue to contend with heading into their final matches of the season.

Everton set for big changes as new era dawns

Goodison Park will soon be given an emotional farewell as David Moyes prepares to lead the club into a new era at Bramley Moore Dock, which he will hope coincides with some exciting incomings once the window opens.

Internally, the Scot has several decisions to make on loanees and out-of-contract stars. Loanees Jesper Lindstrom, Jack Harrison, Armando Broja and Orel Mangala don’t know where they will play their football next season, while Carlos Alcaraz is set to sign permanently from Flamengo.

Casting an eye towards the market, Everton have joined the pursuit of Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis alongside several other clubs such as Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.

Furthermore, the Blues are also in pursuit of Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap. However, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion will provide stiff competition for the England Under-21 international.

Strengthening across the front four appears to be a priority for Moyes, given he has had numerous injury problems in the forward areas alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s contract status.

Their answer to Salah: Everton want to sign "generational" Liverpool talent

Everton are targeting a summer move for a player who could upset a few should he join the Toffees.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 10, 2025

Coping with absences while managing a squad you have had little time to alter is a difficult task, so it is only fair that Moyes takes major credit for Everton’s stable footing in the Premier League standings.

Nevertheless, he has another fire to fight heading into upcoming fixtures following confirmation that one of his stars will now be sidelined.

Everton star set for spell on the sidelines after surgery

Speaking ahead of Everton’s trip to take on Nottingham Forest, Moyes confirmed that loanee Lindstrom has undergone a hernia operation and he will now be out for ‘most of the season’ as a result.

He stated: “Jesper has had a hernia operation yesterday so that will rule Jesper out for most of the season now. That’s disappointing for him and for us because he started to show some decent form in the last month or so and he was an important player for us.”

Despite his lack of goal contributions, Lindstrom, a £50,000 per week earner, has emerged as a valuable asset. It is perhaps a little unfortunate that he has not seen better numbers for his work at both ends of the field.

However, it remains to be seen if Everton opt to go in a different direction as they seek quality reinforcements on the flank. His impact has been curtailed due to injury, which may represent a natural opportunity for a clean break between all parties.

Nottingham Forest soared back to third in the Premier League table on Monday night after they beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 away from home.

The Tricky Trees are now three points ahead of Chelsea in sixth place in the race to secure Champions League football for the 2025/26 campaign.

Goals from Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood helped to seal the victory for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side on the night, whilst Richarlison’s late goal meant nothing in the end.

Anthony Elanga's performance against Spurs

Anthony Elanga was one of the stars of the impressive first-half display that gave Forest a commanding 2-0 lead heading into the break, as he set up the second goal.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

The Sweden international whipped in a teasing delivery that gave Wood the chance to rise above Guglielmo Vicario to make it 2-0, with a fantastic inswinging cross that caused chaos for the Spurs defenders and goalkeeper.

Other than that ‘big chance’ that he created, though, Elanga did fail with both of his attempted dribbles and lost five of his six duels before being taken off at the break.

Forest’s other attacking midfielder, Morgan Gibbs-White, meanwhile, had minimal impact with zero key passes, zero ‘big chances’ created, and a pass accuracy of 76%.

Meanwhile, the rarely-seen Harry Toffolo, starting his first Premier League game of the season, was even better than both Elanga and Gibbs-White with his excellent showing at left-back.

Why Harry Toffolo may have saved his Nottingham Forest career

The former Norwich City and Huddersfield Town left-back had only played three times, all as a substitute, in the top-flight prior to being named in the starting XI on Monday night.

He has been an unused substitute on 15 occasions in the Premier League, but has now given Nuno a headache heading into the final matches of the campaign after a fine display.

Toffolo’s best moment of the match came in the clip above, when Alan Smith claimed his clearance “defied physics”, when his intervention on the line prevented Dejan Kulusevski from finding the back of the net.

It was a crucial moment in the game because Spurs would have had a goal back with around 30 minutes still to play, giving them ample time to push for an equaliser, instead of the three minutes they had after Richarlison’s goal in the 87th minute.

As you can see in the table above, the left-back’s all-round display across the 90 minutes was impressive, making two blocks, four tackles and interceptions combined, and four clearances to go along with his goalline heroics.

These statistics show that he was even better than Elanga, whose all-around performance was poor aside from his brilliant assist, and Gibbs-White, who struggled throughout the game, as the full-back excelled to help Forest on their way to all three points.

He may now have forced his way into Nuno’s plans for the rest of the season, in ther bid for Champions League qualification, after sitting on the bench for most of the campaign so far.

Nottingham Forest racing Man Utd to sign £10m forward compared to Elanga

The Tricky Trees have joined the race for a forward, who is also wanted by Premier League rivals Manchester United.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 20, 2025

Crystal Palace have been “watching” a centre-back, who has been a key part of an “incredible” defence this season, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Palace stepping up centre-back pursuit

It will be a tall order for Palace to replace captain Marc Guehi this summer, but it is looking increasingly likely Oliver Glasner will have to bring in a new centre-back, given that the 24-year-old has not agreed terms on a contract extension.

As such, the Eagles have now stepped up their pursuit of a new centre-back ahead of the summer transfer window, and they could make a statement signing by bringing in Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar, having now joined the race for the Slovakian.

Skriniar is one of the more well-known targets, but there could be an addition out of left-field, with Glasner’s side also making contact over a deal for Independiente De Avellaneda’s Kevin Lomonaco, who may be available for just £5m this summer.

Crystal Palace eyeing move to sign new £30m+ "Roy Keane-esque" midfielder

The Eagles are set to battle it out for a midfielder, who has been compared to Manchester United legend Roy Keane.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 16, 2025

According to former scout Brown, in an interview with Football Insider, Crystal Palace are also in the race for Burnley defender Maxime Esteve, having sent officials to watch him in action this season.

Brown said: “Everton and Crystal Palace have been watching him, among other teams, and have had scouts at Turf Moor to keep an eye on his performance.

“Burnley want to keep him, especially if they get promoted to the Premier League, but a really good offer for him could get that over the line.”

Esteve was also singled out for praise, given the Clarets’ exceptional defensive record this season, with Brown adding: “This season, he’s really pushed on and he’s been an integral part of an outstanding Burnley defence.

“They’ve conceded just 13 goals in 42 league games this year, it’s incredible.”

"Phenomenon" Esteve ready for Premier League

Burnley’s defensive record in the Championship this season has been nothing short of remarkable, having conceded just 14 goals, and the 22-year-old has played an absolutely crucial role, making 43 appearances.

The Burnley star is particularly impressive in possession of the ball, ranking in the 91st percentile for passes attempted per 90 over the past year, and 89th for his pass completion rate, having previously received high praise for his ball skills from football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Esteve appears to have the hallmarks of a quality modern-day centre-back, and his performances for Burnley this season indicate he is definitely ready for a Premier League move, but Crystal Palace may have to shell out around £30m for his services.

Arsenal are now willing to spend big to win the race for a “world-class” striker, who manager Mikel Arteta is a fan of, according to a report.

Season-defining PSG clash on the horizon for Arsenal

The Gunners have fallen short in their pursuit of the Premier League title, and there is now a growing possibility that they won’t even finish in second place, after suffering a 2-1 defeat at home against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side still have an outside chance of having a season for the history books, should they be able to overturn the one-goal deficit and beat Paris Saint-Germain to progress to the Champions League final on Wednesday night.

It will be a tall order for the north Londoners, however, and there is a feeling that a new striker may be required if they are to have a more successful 2025-26 campaign, having identified a number of potential targets.

Arsenal and Berta eye move for £68m star if Saliba is sold to Real Madrid

Real Madrid are interested in the Arsenal defender.

2

By
Tom Cunningham

May 4, 2025

One player on the shortlist is Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, with Arteta’s side believed to be very keen on the Serbian, and there has now been a new update on their transfer pursuit.

According to a report from Spain, Arsenal are now willing to make a significant bid to win the race for Vlahovic, who could be allowed to leave Juventus for a fee of around €50m – €60m (£43m – £51m) this summer, a fee the Gunners can ‘easily afford’.

Arteta is a fan of the striker, with the Spaniard of the belief he could have the quality to help his side compete for major honours, and the fact that Juventus are open to a sale means it may not be too difficult to get a deal done.

The Serie A side are set to listen to offers for the forward, who currently earns a whopping £364k-per-week, which indicates wage demands could be a potential stumbling block.

Why "world-class" Vlahovic may not be the answer

It is clear that Arsenal are planning to bring in an out-and-out striker this summer, and there are some signs that Vlahovic could be a quality addition, having been lauded as “world-class” by journalist Siavoush Fallahi, courtesy of his performances in Italy.

However, the Belgrade-born striker hasn’t exactly set the world alight this season, netting just nine goals in 26 Serie A outings, failing to score in his last six matches.

While an asking price of £51m is reasonable, the fact the 25-year-old’s wage demands could be high is another issue, and Arsenal may be better off making a move for a striker who has been in much better form this season.

Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is an interesting option, having scored a remarkable 52 goals in 49 games this term, although there may be concern about the fact he is unproven in a major league, so there is no easy solution to Arsenal’s striker search.

It’s now a widely held opinion that the first point of call for Arsenal in the transfer window this summer should be a new striker.

In fact, it seems to be an opinion held by the club as well, with what feels like an endless steam of reports linking them to every prolific forward going.

However, the name that appears to be popping up more than any other at the moment is Viktor Gyokeres, who has been on fire for Sporting CP over the last two seasons, racking up 95 goals and 28 assists in just 100 appearances.

The Swedish marksman would undoubtedly improve the Gunners’ first team, but based on recent reports, the club may also be looking to smash their transfer record on another attacker, someone even more exciting than Gyokeres.

Arsenal's hunt for a new forward

Before getting to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other exciting attackers linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, like Daizen Maeda and Rayan Cherki.

Transfer Focus

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

The former is said to be available for around £25m in the summer, and while he might not be the most exciting name around, his unreal output of 33 goals and 12 assists in 49 games this season more than makes up for that.

If the club would prefer to shop in a top-five league, then £30m for Cherki wouldn’t be the worst idea, as in just 43 games for Lyon this year, the Frenchman has scored 12 goals and provided 19 assists.

However, for a player to truly be more exciting than Gyokeres, they need to have been performing at a top level for quite some time, like Rafael Leao.

According to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal are one of several teams interested in the AC Milan star.

The report has revealed that the Portuguese international has made it onto the North Londoners’ shortlist ahead of the summer and that new Sporting Director Andera Berta is a big fan of his.

However, on top of some stiff competition from the likes of Chelsea and Barcelona, there is a chance the Gunners would have to pay the player’s £150m release clause, which would blow their previous transfer record of £105m on Declan Rice out of the water.

With that said, if Arsenal can find a way to sign Leao this summer, they should do it, as he’d be an incredible asset to the team and an even more exciting acquisition than Gyokeres.

Why Leao is more exciting than Gyokeres

Okay, so the first thing to say here is that, in an ideal world, Arsenal would sign both of these players, and given the incredible number of goals Gyokeres is scoring, there is a strong argument that he is what they need more.

However, we are not here to argue about the most necessary transfer; we’re just considering who would be more exciting at the Emirates, and for our money, that would be Leao.

After all, what is it that really gets fans off their feet during a game of football? It’s moments of magic, technical brilliance and inventiveness, which the AC Milan star has in spades.

Fans want to see their star players take defenders on and win, which is exactly what they’d get from the former LOSC Lille star, as The Athletic’s Alex Barke’s claim that he’s “one of the best dribblers in the world” is more than backed up by the data.

According to FBref, the “world-class” winger, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, sits in the top 5% of all attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons, the top 6% for carries into the penalty area and the top 7% for attempted take-ons, all per 90.

If that’s not enough to convince you that the 25-year-old would have the Emirates crowd in the palm of his hands, then perhaps the description of him being like an “early Thierry Henry” from former Milan coach Stefano Pioli will.

Finally, while we are focussing on what the Almada-born entertainer is capable of doing in the build-up to goals, he’s no slouch when it comes to output either.

In 259 appearances for Milan, totalling 17698 minutes, the 39-capped superstar has scored 70 goals and provided 62 assists, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.96 games, or every 134.07 minutes, which is unreal across a six-season period.

Ultimately, Arsenal should be looking to sign Gyokeres and Leao this summer, but when it comes down to pure entertainment value and their ability to excite the fans, we reckon Leao has an edge.

A sensational Havertz upgrade: Arsenal join race to sign £100m PL star

The talented goalscorer would add another string to Arsenal’s bow.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 15, 2025

Leeds United have conducted excellent work in the transfer window over the last couple of years, undoubtedly aiding their Championship title-winning campaign in 2024/25.

Daniel Farke has built a superb side, which has constantly been affected by sales, with Georginio Rutter, Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville all departing last summer after the play-off final defeat.

The likes of Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Joel Piroe have all been signed since the German’s appointment in the summer of 2023, all playing influential roles in securing promotion to the Premier League.

However, added spending is likely needed over the next couple of months if the Whites are to maintain their Premier League status for more than just a single season.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, the hierarchy have already wasted no time in targeting reinforcements to aid Farke in his quest throughout 2025/26.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new additions

Striker Callum Wilson has been the biggest name on Leeds’ shortlist over the last couple of weeks, with it reported that Farke’s side were leading the race for his signature this summer.

The 33-year-old is set to leave Newcastle United this summer, with his contract set to expire at the end of June, but could face competition from West Ham United for his signature in the coming months.

However, he’s not the only player on their shortlist ahead of the off-season, with £10m Union Berlin right-back Josip Juranovic emerging as another option, according to TBR Football.

Their report states that the Whites are battling Burnley, West Ham and Fulham for the 29-year-old’s signature after making 17 appearances in the Bundesliga this campaign.

It also claims that the Croatian would be interested in a move to the Premier League during the upcoming window, with no offers yet made for his services.

Why Leeds’ latest target could be Farke’s next Tanaka

Midfielder Ao Tanaka has cemented himself as a fan favourite at Leeds after his heroic displays during his debut campaign in Yorkshire – being named in the EFL’s Team of the Season as a result.

The Japanese international joined the club from German outfit Fortuna Düsseldorf for a fee in the region of just £3.5m, which now looks to be a bargain given his showings at Elland Road.

The 26-year-old made 43 appearances, scoring five goals and registering two assists, highlighting the impact he’s made at both ends of the pitch over the last few months.

He will likely be a key part of any success endured in the Premier League throughout 2025/26, more than deserving of an opportunity in the top-flight given his time in Yorkshire to date.

Should the hierarchy complete a deal for Juranovic, it would hand Farke another version of the midfielder, joining the club from a German side – market that has evidently served them well in recent times.

Any move for the 29-year-old would see added competition for Jayden Bogle, offering depth should Sam Byram fail to agree a new contract at Elland Road.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Union Berlin ace would set the club back, he would be a shrewd addition, producing numerous key stats that would see him be a fit in the first team.

He’s managed to win 62% of the tackles he’s entered, along with 4.8 recoveries made, handing Farke an added defensive presence in what’s likely to be a difficult campaign.

However, Juranovic, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by former boss Ange Postecoglou, has also starred with the ball at his feet, creating 2.1 chances per 90 and completing 58% of the dribbles he’s attempted – offering the likes of Piroe, Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto an opportunity to improve their goalscoring tallies.

Given the interest from elsewhere in the Premier League, the hierarchy will have to act quickly to avoid missing out on his signature this summer, potentially landing themselves a bargain transfer in the process.

Should he manage to get anywhere close to the levels produced by Tanaka in Yorkshire over the last few months, it would be yet another sensational signing and one that would increase their chances of Premier League survival in 2025/26.

He's shades of Kalvin Phillips: Leeds plot move for "phenomenal" PL star

Leeds United are set for a big summer as they return to the Premier League ahead of the 2025/26 season.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 20, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur could sign a “unique” and “exciting” forward at a bargain price this summer as his contract expires in December, with the player himself privately considering a move to north London.

Tottenham eye free agents with significant names available

The free agent market could still be a fruitful talent pool for Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy, even if they’re set for a significant financial windfall after their Champions League qualification.

Tottenham hold negotiations over signing 6 foot 5 defender in last few days

The Europa League champions are making their first moves of the transfer window.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

May 26, 2025

Some prestigious names, and players who are also proven at the top level, are up for grabs at zero transfer cost, with the Lilywhites said to be expressing an interest in some of them ahead of their contracts expiring.

According to some reports in France, Tottenham have held talks with the representatives of Lille star Jonathan David, with the Canada international set to become one of the biggest bargain deals of this summer after nearly five years of free-scoring for the club.

“I wanted to tell you myself that after so many years at the club, it’s time to say goodbye,” said David in an emotional goodbye post on social media.

“I’ve had five wonderful seasons here. I know that it hasn’t always been easy but I hope that with my goals and celebrations, that I’ve managed to bring you some joy.”

Tottenham are also said to be one of the main contenders for Lille midfielder Angel Gomes, who will also depart Bruno Genesio’s side on a free transfer, so Levy and technical director Johan Lange could seemingly raid the Ligue 1 outfit for talent.

The England midfielder would provide Ange Postecoglou, or any new manager, with a solid technician and alternative to the likes of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray.

Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane is also a reported option for Tottenham, following botched new deal talks with the Bavarians.

Roony Bardghji "prepared" to join Tottenham this summer

While not a free agent this summer, but out of contract at the end of the year, FC Copenhagen starlet Roony Bardghji could still be available for a very meagre fee of around £10 million.

That is according to GiveMeSport, who also state Bardghji is privately indicating that he’s prepared to join Tottenham this summer as a viable Premier League destination.

The 19-year-old burst into the spotlight with his heroics against Man United in the Champions League, scoring a stunning winner against the Red Devils in a 4-3 group stage victory back in November 2023.

The Swede has had injury problems since then, but his reputation as a rising star has never left Bardghji’s side.

Called one of the most “exciting” talents in Europe by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Danish journalist Nicklas Degn likened his playing style to that of Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, all the while stating he’s destined for a big move to England.

“He will go to a great Premier League club,” said Degn.

“He would suit a team that dominates the ball, like Manchester City, or Liverpool because he has very similar characteristics to Mohamed Salah.

“When Copenhagen have to come up with something brilliant or unlock a team, it is Roony they look to. He has this unique talent.”

Given his cheap price tag, this seems like a very tempting, low-risk move for Levy.

As you might expect, it has been a busy summer transfer window already for Chelsea. Liam Delap’s move to Stamford Bridge is all but confirmed.

The West London outfit have agreed a deal with now-relegated Ipswich Town for the transfer of Delap, and ‘he can be considered’ a Chelsea player, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The England U21 international is not the only player Chelsea are hoping to sign in the coming days, before the Club World Cup. AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan is also a target, although Romano reported in a separate post that the two clubs are not close in valuation for the shotstopper.

Chelsea are also closing in on another transfer target before their Club World Cup campaign begins.

Chelsea's new transfer target

Over the past few summers under Todd Boehly, Chelsea have become a club notorious for spending big money on some of the most exciting young talents in Europe; Delap would be a prime example of that transfer policy.

Another player who fits that trend is Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens. According to a report from Caught Offside, the 20-year-old is reportedly subject to a £55m bid from the West London side, who are ‘in talks to try to get a deal done’ sooner rather than later.

The reason they are in such a hurry to get this one over the line is that they face competition from other English clubs.

Newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool, London rivals Arsenal and Manchester City, who Gittens represented as an academy player, as well as Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, are also interested. Hence, Chelsea have placed a bid.

Why Gittens would be more exciting than Delap

It was a shockingly poor season for Borussia Dortmund, who just snuck into a Champions League qualification spot on the final day of the league season. For Gittens, however, it was a campaign of success from an individual point of view.

The England youth international was a key aspect of Dortmund’s side in the 2024/25 campaign. He featured in 48 games across all competitions, finding the back of the net 12 times and registering five assists.

The winger, who was born in London, has a knack for scoring goals in big games. Last term, one of his eight Bundesliga goals came against 2023/24 champions Bayer Leverkusen and the side who snatched their title off them, Bayern.

However, they were not the biggest goals that Gittens scored last term. The former Man City academy star bagged away against Real Madrid in the Champions League, giving Dortmund a 2-0 lead and becoming the youngest English player ever to score against Los Blancos in the process.

In fact, it is something like that means you can argue that the “world-class” Gittens, as Dougie Critchley called him, is a more exciting signing than Delap. Of course, the Tractor Boys attacker is a brilliant piece of business from Chelsea, for just £30m, but Gittens is perhaps a better deal.

It has been a strong season overall from Delap. The Ipswich forward star scored 12 goals in 37 Premier League appearances.

However, he was not incredibly consistent, and actually failed to score in the last seven top-flight games last season.

Not only has Gittens shown how dangerous he can be at such a high level, against one of Europe’s biggest teams, but his underlying numbers are exciting.

In particular, the Dortmund winger’s dribbling stats on FBref show just how deadly he can be. For example, he averaged 3.57 successful take-ons per game last season, ranking him in the top 1% of wingers in Europe.

Signing the Dortmund attacker would certainly be a captivating addition for Chelsea. There is no doubt about that. There is certainly a strong case to be made for the fact that he is an even more exciting signing than Delap, given the European pedigree he brings and his ability in one-vs-one scenarios.

For £55m, this seems like an excellent deal for the Blues, and one that can elevate them to new heights this term.

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