Daniel Levy Makes Big Tottenham U-Turn

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy will block any attempts from Real Madrid to try and acquire star striker Harry Kane this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Harry Kane?

According to talkSPORT, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has identified Kane as his prime target to replace Karim Benzema at Real Madrid following news that the France international has moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.

The report states that Levy is keen to hold on to Kane this summer and is resistant to Premier League interest in his services. Bayern Munich are also keen on the £200k-a-week ace as they look to find someone in the mould of former striker Robert Lewandowski.

Cited by The Evening Standard, Tottenham defender Pedro Porro has said that Kane would go to Real Madrid with the blessing of the Lilywhites' squad, stating in an interview: “If Kane decides to go to Real Madrid we'll be as happy as he is or more."

As per The Telegraph, Manchester United are also suitors in the hunt for Kane in the off-season as Erik Ten Hag looks to add an elite striker to his forward line at Old Trafford.

Pundit Micah Richards has weighed in on the Kane debate and has urged Spurs coach Ange Postecoglou to sell the attacker, as per BBC Sport, stating: "They're too reliant on Kane. Every time you see who scored for them, it's Kane, Kane, Kane. They need something more.

Sometimes it's frustrating to watch because he's so good at number 10, but you want him further forward at number nine to cause more trouble but he's having to do everything by himself at times. I think it's time now. I'm sure Spurs fans would say 'you've given everything for us, let's get some money for him, just cash in now and start again."

Writing for GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has suggested that Levy will go to any lengths necessary to keep hold of Kane this summer.

Jones stated: "Tottenham Hotspur are ready to declare that Harry Kane is completely off the market this summer.

"Daniel Levy’s stance on him joining Manchester United is well documented—the Spurs chairman does not want him switching to Old Trafford at any price.

"But new noises out of Tottenham are suggesting that is also the case with Real Madrid. There have been assumptions that a transfer to the Spanish capital would be viewed differently by Levy as it would mean he is not lining up for a direct rival, and would mean he gets to cash in on his star asset before losing him for free next year.

"Yet sources are now suggesting that is not the case and he Levy is making it known he does not want to sell to them, either."

Should Tottenham Hotspur cash in on Harry Kane?

This comes as a big twist as it has been reported previously that Levy was willing to come to an agreement on a price for Harry Kane to leave Tottenham for Real Madrid.

Spurs find themselves in a difficult situation because either they cash in on Kane this year and lose his services or let him run his contract down until next summer when it expires and risk losing the striker on a free transfer.

It is easy to see why Levy and Postecoglou would want to retain the English international, given that he recorded 32 goals and five assists in 49 appearances across all competitions in 2022/23, as per Transfermarkt.

harry-kane-transfer-newcastle-united-premier-league

As per FBRef, Kane also managed to successfully carry out 159 shot-creating actions this term, demonstrating his ability to lead the line in exemplary fashion.

Moving forward, Tottenham will have a big decision to make on his future this summer which could have major consequences, from both a footballing and financial perspective.

خاص | اتحاد الكرة يدرس اتخاذ قرار جديد تجاه محمد يوسف بسبب حسام حسن

يسعى مجلس إدارة الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم برئاسة جمال علام إلى ترضية محمد يوسف بعدما أصبح خارج الجهاز الفني لـ منتخب مصر.

وكان اتحاد الكرة عين محمد يوسف مدربا مؤقتا يوم الأحد الماضي لحين الاتفاق مع مدرب أجنبي، عقب قرار إقالة البرتغالي روي فيتوريا من تدريب منتخب مصر.

إلا أن اتحاد الكرة قرر أمس الثلاثاء، تعيين حسام حسن مديراً فنياً لمنتخب مصر، مما أدى إلى اعتذار محمد يوسف عن منصبه والرحيل عن الجهاز الفني وفقاً لما كشفه مصدر لـ “بطولات”

طالع | حسام حسن يحدد أول مطالبه بعد توليه مهمة تدريب منتخب مصر.. ومحمد يوسف يرحل عن منصبه

وقال مصدر داخل اتحاد الكرة لـ بطولات، إن مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة اتفق على ترضية محمد يوسف وذلك بعد الموقف الحرج الذي وقع فيه اتحاد الكرة بشأن المدرب.

وأشار إلى أن الاتحاد يدرس ترضية محمد يوسف بإسناد منصب المدير الفني لمنتخب الناشئين مواليد 2008 له حال تم الاتفاق على تواجد أحمد الكأس مساعدًا لحسام حسن في الجهاز الفني للمنتخب الأول.

Arsenal Could Sign Their Own Haaland in £30m Speedster

Arsenal were outplayed against Brighton and Hove Albion, as their dreams of claiming the Premier League title slipped away.

The visitors boasted more possession, more big chances created and a higher expected goals tally (via Sofascore), yet it could have been so different had the Gunners just showcased a bit of proficiency in front of goal.

Despite enjoying 14 shots, only two were actually on target and a threat for Jason Steele's goal. In all honesty, it was a comfortable afternoon for the Seagulls' shot-stopper, made even easier by the anonymity of Gabriel Jesus.

A 54% pass accuracy showcased his lack of quality given that is how he often thrives, yet Mikel Arteta did not look to his bench until the 77th minute given the alternative was Eddie Nketiah.

If they are to bridge the gap between themselves and Manchester City, ample backup is needed to offer valid competition for their key assets. The Brazilian's mid-season absence and recent drop in form, outlined in only surpassing a 6.8 rating once of his last five league showings, have still not seen him lose his starting spot; he is likely better than the 23-year-old alternative, even on a bad day.

erling-haaland-manchester-united

However, that could be set to change this summer, with reports circling that suggest the north London outfit will swoop to sign Lois Openda, who is valued at €35m (£30m).

The Belgian marksman has enjoyed a standout season in Ligue 1 and boasts the requisite physical and technical excellence to provide a true threat for Jesus' number nine shirt.

How has Lois Openda played this season?

What marks the 23-year-old out as a truly outstanding option for the Gunners is the similarities the striker shares with Erling Haaland.

The free-scoring Norwegian moved to the Etihad last summer and has broken all manner of records on his way to 52 goals in all competitions and counting. However, he has done so without starring as some technical marvel; rather, the 22-year-old simply knows exactly where to position himself, and how to finish the chances that come his way.

Being dropped into a creatively-outstanding outfit, all he needed to do was offer the finishing touches to their moves. As such, he averages just 24 touches per game, even marking a slight increase on the 20.7 average of Openda.

Whilst many might rush to lambast this as a lack of influence, when teams boast as much supplementary quality as City and Arsenal do, the striker need only spearhead the press and score the goals. With 19 league strikes to his name for an overperforming Lens side, that is exactly what he has done.

In fact, FBref even notes Haaland on Openda's similar players model, to further reinforce this comparison.

For all the work Jesus gets through as a facilitator for those around him, sometimes games just require some pure physicality and a good finish. Luckily for Edu, his potential new man has already been branded as "super-fast" with an "eye for goal" by AS Monaco boss Philippe Clement.

In a similar fashion to how City capped off their perfect team with a pure goalscorer, Arteta could repeat this feat alongside some other key additions to make them even more of a threat next season.

Bangladesh chief selector reluctant to continue in new system

Bangladesh’s chief selector Faruque Ahmed has said that he is reluctant to continue in his post if the BCB approves the proposed expansion of the selection committee during their next board meeting, which is likely to be held next week.The BCB’s working committee had proposed changes after a meeting on Thursday. According to their recommendation, the new selection panel will consist of four selectors, the national team’s head coach and manager, as well as the chairman of the cricket operations committee, who is likely to head the panel.”I think if this recommendation is passed, it will bring to an end a good system of selection that we have been following for a long time. If this new system is adapted by the board, I won’t stay,” Faruque told Dhaka-based .Faruque also stated that although he hadn’t reached a final decision, he may make a statement soon. When asked why he wanted to resign, Faruque reasoned that the independence of the selection panel will be compromised once the expansion takes place.”Do you think the selection committee will remain an independent body? I will let you know what I decide soon,” Faruque told ESPNcricinfo on Friday.In the existing system, the three selectors pick a squad, which they submit to the cricket operations chairman who then gives it to the BCB president for final approval. The selection process of the playing XI, as per protocol, should include a selector, but it is usually done by the coach and captain. When the squad is selected, more often than not, the coach and captain are asked for their opinions, although they do not have the authority to make a final decision.Faruque had signed a two-year contract in December 2013, and for the last five months, he and the rest of the selection panel had been running on extended contracts. Faruque, Minhajul Abedin and Habibul Bashar, the three incumbent selectors, are likely to have their contracts extended and joined by a new selector. The head coach and manager will give their inputs after the selectors pick the team, while the operations chairman will be expected to “plan and provide guidelines to selectors on how to do their duty and scout new talent”. The committee also recommended that the new structure should be in place for at least one year.Enayet Hossain Siraj, the chairman of the working committee, said that the new structure was recommended for better coordination between the national team management and the selectors. “The current selection panel’s contract has already expired and that is why the board asked us to give a recommendation regarding the new panel,” he said.”We realised that there were some problems in understanding and there was a communication gap between the national team management and the selectors. We have proposed a new structure to bring harmony. As the team management ultimately picks the playing XI, they must also have their say in selecting the main team.”Over the last two years, there have been instances of discord between the team management and selection panel. In February 2014, the then captain Mushfiqur Rahim had criticised Faruque for not consulting him before picking the Asia Cup squad.Bangladesh’s 2015 World Cup squad announcement was delayed by two hours because the board’s higher-ups wanted to “discuss” the make-up of the squad with the selection committee. Three days later, coach Chandika Hathurusingha said that he wanted a legspinner, Jubair Hossain, in the World Cup squad. Earlier this year, Faruque had welcomed discussions at the BCB that Hathurusingha be added to the selection panel.

Arsenal’s Rarely-Seen Star Could Surpass Alexis Sanchez’s Legacy

Of the numerous polarising figures to grace the hallowed Emirates turf, few command as much disdain as former Arsenal man Alexis Sanchez.

The mercurial Chilean was an ever-present member during the twilight years of Arsene Wenger's tenure and maintained an outstanding level of quality even if those around him might have been lacking.

However, in the end, it seemed to be this lack of progression, or perhaps an underlying fiscal incentive, that caught the 34-year-old's eye. Having played 166 times for the club, recording a mouth-watering 125 goal contributions during that period, the allure of Manchester United proved to once again be too much.

Mirroring the heartbreaking move that had seen Robin van Persie leave just six years prior, once again the Gunners were thwarted in the market by their long-time Premier League rivals.

Why did Alexis Sanchez leave Arsenal?

The current Marseille forward was a fan favourite in north London, as the spearhead of a free-flowing front line that also boasted Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil. However, his shock exit saw that adulation expunged in no time at all.

Indeed, Sanchez is now a figure that draws scorn for the manner of his departure, however, he might have tried to spin his reasons behind instigating the move.

Having been denied what was a dream transfer to Manchester City who, at the time, were league champions, there was understandable frustration coming from the player's camp. However, it did not warrant the petulant behaviour that followed.

GOAL would report, speaking to members of the attacker's inner circle: "He does not believe Arsenal have what it takes to compete at the top level, that he feels they have "messed around" with his future, and that he has no motivation to play for them."

Few could put up a true argument to challenge the 5 foot 7 speedster, as before that moment he had only won an FA Cup as a sole major honour in an Arsenal shirt. Given his performances, he clearly sought out the elite titles that Pep Guardiola had brought to the Etihad, as upon first joining in 2014 he had stated: "I came here to win the league title, the Champions League and every title at stake."

Arsene Wenger and Alexis Sanchez.

This boiled over into various stages of the subsequent exit, as the players first grew frustrated with his on-pitch antics before the diminutive finisher was eventually forced to train away from the first team.

With a dwindling contract and little wiggle room remaining, Wenger was forced to sanction the sale. The best deal he seemingly could get was to welcome Henrikh Mkhitaryan in a straight swap, seen as a direct replacement. With the bumper £350k-per-week their former winger would then earn, many once again questioned his motives behind the move.

It was a saga where they had drawn the short straw, and through Sanchez's immediate desire to escape the Emirates, the Gunners were left short-changed.

Who has a better Arsenal legacy than Alexis Sanchez?

Although he might have been a fine asset during his time at the club, plenty of players actually boast a more impressive legacy in north London than Sanchez. However, if we're seeking out a direct present-day comparison, then it could be argued that even Reiss Nelson will adorn that list should he depart N5.

With his £15k-per-week deal coming to its natural conclusion this summer, it is clear that the 23-year-old is no more than a backup player for Mikel Arteta. That is not to suggest that his impact this season has not been integral, however.

Having yet to make a league start all season, which has still seen him manage three goals and two assists from the bench, it could be questioned how the Hale End graduate can possibly come close to Sanchez's legacy.

arsenal-fa-cup-alexis-sanchez-reiss-nelson

However, it was one such cameo in early March that has kept them firmly in the race for this unprecedented Premier League title.

With Arsenal trailing at home to AFC Bournemouth, their Spanish boss seemed all out of ideas. Nelson was thrown on with more hope than any tactical ingenuity in mind. However, having assisted Ben White's equaliser in the 70th minute, the former England youth international would then win the game in dramatic fashion as his scorching left-footed effort from the edge of the area hit the back of the net.

The Emirates erupted in a fashion never before seen, and players and staff alike took to the pitch to celebrate. The most unlikely of heroes had kept their dreams alive.

Pundit Chris Sutton even tweeted: "It’s days like today where you think maybe this is Arsenal’s season. Incredible comeback and the game settled by a Reiss Nelson rocket."

Considering journalist Alex Wood had suggested the winger was "struggling" whilst in the team back in 2017, this has been a remarkable rise for a player who Alex Iwobi labelled a "joke".

reiss-nelson-arsenal-goal-afc-bournemouth

Whilst Sanchez too had his standout moments, including a goal in their first of two FA Cup final wins whilst he was at the club, it is incomparable to the ultimate prize of the Premier League title that the current squad might still claim.

Although their last two results have allowed the Cityzens to creep back into contention, should they see it through, it is perhaps undeniable that the role Nelson played in securing those vital three points would immediately surpass that of the £92k-per-week livewire.

Newcastle Dark Horses In The Race For £80k-p/w Star

Newcastle United are "one to watch" in the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount this summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What’s the latest on Mount to Newcastle?

The Premier League playmaker is facing an uncertain future having entered the last 18 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge and it’s been claimed that he’s joined forces with a new representative to try and secure a move elsewhere.

The Blues academy graduate has been attracting significant interest from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United but also appears to have caught the eye of Eddie Howe at St. James’ Park. The Daily Mail reported earlier this month that the Magpies have joined the chasing pack, eyeing a deal for the 24-year-old, and an update on the northeast outfit’s stance has now emerged.

Speaking to TEAMtalk, Jacobs name-checked Newcastle as a genuine potential suitor when it comes to Mount finding his next destination. He said:

“Newcastle is another club to just watch as a prospective suitor because unlike Manchester United, they’re very much looking for this position. And we’ve seen historically, Newcastle and Eddie Howe in particular, be on the lookout for that creative kind of player that can get into lots of different positions that can chip in with goals and assists and play in more advanced positions.

“So clearly the brief at Newcastle is forward-thinking, creative and multi-purpose players. And I think that Pulisic, Maddison and Mount all fall into that category. So I think that should Mount leave Chelsea, which is not given, then Newcastle will also be one to watch.”

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.

Should Newcastle sign Mount?

Mount has been dubbed a “leader” at Chelsea by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and Newcastle should act fast to get this deal over the line ahead of their fellow competitors.

The Nike-sponsored star has posted 127 goal contributions in 321 appearances throughout his career, so is creative in the final third and is always looking to get on the front foot, also ranking in the 93rd percentile for most progressive passes per game. The £80k-p/w talent would also add plenty of versatility to Howe’s squad having operated in seven various positions since bursting onto the scene, making him a useful option to have even if he didn't immediately make one specific role his own on Tyneside.

Finally, Mount knows what it takes to be successful having helped Chelsea secure three senior titles, including the Champions League, so would add to the winning mentality building within the current squad already based at St. James’ Park.

Liverpool: Klopp pushing for Milner deal

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is personally pushing the board to offer James Milner a contract extension, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

The Premier League giants have Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, Arthur Melo, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Adrian all out of contract this summer alongside the 37-year-old.

The Reds midfielder is the most experienced player at Anfield having served 21 seasons in the English top-flight, but with age and experience eventually comes the end of a career, when the physical side of things becomes too much to handle.

The Mirror recently reported that England’s former international has the ball in his court when it comes to deciding whether to put pen to paper on fresh terms, but it would appear that the boss has already made his stance crystal clear.

The Latest: Milner set to stay?

According to Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke, Klopp is ‘pushing the board’ to place a new deal on the table for Milner at the end of the season.

The German is claimed to be a ‘huge admirer’ of his veteran and is trying his best to get the hierarchy to ‘replicate’ the one-year extension offer that was made to him last summer.

The Merseyside manager views his star’s on and off the field presence to be ‘crucial’ to his side’s dressing room atmosphere and thinks it would be a ‘huge loss’ should he depart.

Negotiations are ‘yet to be opened’, but it’s stated that FSG are ‘optimistic’ that an agreement can be reached should talks eventually take place.

The Verdict: Fully deserved

Milner has been dubbed a ‘workhorse’ by journalist Leanne Prescott and Liverpool offering him an extension would be nothing less than he deserves, even despite his age.

The Wortley-born talent has clocked up 72 goal contributions in 321 Anfield appearances, with this being the club he’s spent the longest period of time at throughout his career (Transfermarkt).

The Reds talisman is also strong in the defensive aspect of his game, where he currently ranks in the 92nd percentile for most blocks and the 86th percentile for most tackles made per game (FBRef).

Manchester City’s former ace offers excellent versatility having already operated in five different positions this season whilst doing an impressive job at right-back when filling in for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Finally, Milner is Liverpool’s vice-captain and possesses some amazing leadership qualities alongside Jordan Henderson, so it would be a massive coup should they get him to commit his future.

Newcastle inquire over Leeds’ Robin Koch

Newcastle United have reportedly made an inquiry over the possibility of signing Robin Koch from Leeds United this summer.

The Lowdown: Standout performer

In what has proven to be a difficult season for Leeds so far, with the sacking of Jesse Marsch coupled up with them being just outside of the relegation zone in the Premier League, Koch has been one of their standout performers.

No other player in the Leeds side is averaging more clearances per game in the division than he is, while he also ranks highly among his team-mates for a number of other metrics (WhoScored).

The Latest: Newcastle inquiry

As per German news outlet Sport1, Newcastle ‘above all’ are ‘interested’ in signing Koch this summer, but he has also received ‘inquiries’ from the Bundesliga.

His contract at Elland Road is up in 2024, putting Leeds under pressure to cash in at the risk of him leaving as a free agent at the end of next season.

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The Verdict: Shrewd addition

Koch would certainly be a shrewd addition at St. James’ Park, given that he already boasts plenty of Premier League experience.

The six-foot-three colossus is also capable of playing in a number of defensive and even midfield positions, and so his extra versatility would be very useful in the squad.

At 26 years of age, the Magpies would be signing a player about to enter his prime, and so this seems like a smart deal to do if Eddie Howe really fancies the player.

Chelsea: Journalist makes surprise Graham Potter reveal

Journalist Matt Law has made a surprise Graham Potter reveal as he shares what the Englishman is really like behind-the-scenes at Chelsea.

The Lowdown: Potter under pressure…

Clinching just one Premier League win since the turn of 2023, the pressure is truly on Potter to turn things around at Stamford Bridge and in quick fashion.

A 1-0 home victory over Crystal Palace on January 15 remains their only three points of this year and Chelsea have been alarmingly weak going forward in that time.

Since the beginning of January, Chelsea haven’t scored more than one goal in any of their top flight games, even despite a wealth of attacking quality at Potter’s disposal.

This has lead to links with a potential replacement as the 47-year-old loses favour with Chelsea supporters.

The Latest: Journalist makes surprise Potter revelation…

Expanding on Potter’s managerial style in a piece for The Telegraph, journalist Law has made a surprise reveal on the ex-Brighton boss in contrast to his mild-mannered press conferences.

The reporter has shared information from one source who has described Potter as ‘intense’ behind-the-scenes and very different to his public demeanour.

He adds that the Chelsea squad have been under-fire from their manager at various points with Potter engaging in ‘tough discussions’ both inside the dressing room and on the Cobham training ground.

The Verdict: Good sign?

Some reports suggest that the board are leaning towards sticking with Potter, perhaps as they witness the job Mikel Arteta has done at Arsenal with time and sufficient backing.

This revelation that the Englishman is intense behind-closed-doors could come as a reassuring one for supporters given Chelsea are in serious need of a spark to turn around this major slump in form.

The west Londoners are also out of both the FA and Carabao Cup whilst trailing Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund 1-0 in their Champions League last 16 tie.

This first full campaign under the ownership of Todd Boehly isn’t exactly going to plan but Potter could earn back some favour with a first win this month against Spurs at the weekend.

West Brom favourites to sign Lewis O’Brien

West Brom have ‘jumped to the front of the queue’ to sign Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O’Brien, according to reliable journalist Elias Burke.

The Lowdown: Baggies linked with O’Brien move

The Baggies are seemingly still looking to complete some late transfer business in January in order to boost their promotion push in the Championship this season.

One player who has been linked with a move to West Brom is O’Brien, who has struggled to make an impact at Forest this season, starting just six Premier League games.

Now, a new update suggests that Carlos Corberan could get a deal over the line for the 24-year-old this month.

The Latest: Favourites to sign him

According to The Athletic‘s Burke, West Brom are now seen as the front-runners to sign O’Brien before deadline day ends on Tuesday.

They are believed to be ‘in talks’ with the player over the transfer happening, even though Forest manager Steve Cooper has ‘played down’ his departure.

The Verdict: Would be a great signing

O’Brien could prove to be a really astute signing by West Brom in January, bolstering their midfield options at a critical point in the season, as they look to battle their way into the playoff places.

The former Huddersfield Town man has made 123 appearances in the Championship, so he knows the division well, and he was described as ‘exceptional’ by Corberan during their time together with the Terriers.

The fact that the Baggies boss knows O’Brien so well as a player is another key reason for signing him and it is hard to see him being anything other than a success, having averaged 2.1 tackles and dribbles apiece in the league for Huddersfield last season, showing quality on both sides of the ball.

Granted, O’Brien hasn’t yet done it in the Premier League but he is still a young player who could excel alongside Okay Yokuslu, combining a cultured left foot on the ball with tenacity off it.

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