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This was Taunton at its finest – an engrossing finale watched with time-honoured angst by spectators emotionally wedded to the culture and history of the county game

David Hopps at Taunton12-Jun-20181:55

Somerset chase down Notts to top Division One

ScorecardSomerset moved to the top of the County Championship on a thoroughly absorbing day at Taunton as they dislodged the previous leaders, Nottinghamshire, by six wickets with just over an hour to spare. For much of the day, it felt a lot closer. This was Taunton at its finest – an engrossing finale watched with time-honoured angst by spectators emotionally wedded to the culture and history of the county game.Ageism is never more rife than when people discuss the relevance of the Championship, the facile not to say disparaging assertion that many of its spectators are dying out rather overlooking the fact that they are being reliably replaced by those of us growing older by the day. It is a curious analysis that derides a game because of the age of those who watch it rather than the talent of those who play it. Such nonsense is rarely addressed because those who have had actual experience of old age are likely to be too dead, or too weary, or too wise to state the obvious.The man on the mobility scooter seemed to have got it about right as Somerset’s batsmen went about their business. “Their spinners look more dangerous than ours,” he observed before careering off under the stand at a speed that might have been pushing it in M5 roadworks.Hampshire’s James Vince had thwarted Somerset at Taunton a month ago by batting throughout the final day for an unbeaten double century, an innings of great responsibility which nevertheless was followed by the loss of his England place.But this surface had a better balance, showing some signs of wear late in the game, and by enforcing the follow-on, with a first-innings lead of 258, Somerset’s young skipper Tom Abell had risked a fourth innings chase against the turning ball, with both Matt Carter and Samit Patel carrying a growing threat.Suitably, it was Abell, though, who saw Somerset home in a spritely post-tea stand of 87 in only 17 overs with Steven Davies for the fifth wicket. Marcus Trescothick, the Grand Old Man, recovering from injury, had been following the final throes on the Somerset chat forum, and announced to all and sundry with nine still needed that he was going for a cider: nothing like beating the rush. As for Abell, he has matured impressively into a captaincy that last season asked so much of him that it might have broken lesser individuals.Matt Renshaw also bade farewell to Taunton with another accomplished innings, following up his first-innings century with an accomplished 61 before Carter had him caught at slip, pushing forward. Nobody has made more first-class runs than Renshaw in 2018 and Somerset have benefited hugely from the ball-tampering tomfoolery which saw him step in as an emergency replacement for his fellow Australian, Cameron Bancroft: sandpaper boy replaced by the polished kid, a player who might soon replace him in Australia’s Test side.Renshaw does have three away Championship matches left before the departs for an Australia A tour of India and it is here, beginning with matches against fellow title contenders Surrey and Essex, that the season will reach a critical point. Whether Somerset are capable of finally winning that first title will be a lot clearer then.It took an hour for Somerset to dislodge Nottinghamshire’s last two wickets, suggesting the target of 248 was eminently achievable. Matthew Milnes was refused a good lbw shout against Renshaw, and Ed Byrom fell to Steven Mullaney, but it all felt like a precursor to the intervention of spin.Renshaw was fortunate, on 42, to clear deep mid-on as Patel bowled with no luck – he also turned past the outside edge on several occasions – but generally he possessed a certainty that insisted while he remained a Somerset victory was inevitable.He certainly goes about matters in a more relaxed fashion than another Australian much treasured in these parts, Justin Langer, whose four seasons at Somerset terrified them into high standards of organisation and discipline; a man with horror movie eyes. Now Australian coach, he would do well to look at Renshaw, although Renshaw would be well advised not to look straight back.George Bartlett batted with some panache in a second-wicket stand of 96 in 28 overs, but Carter bowled him off his bat and boot as he attempted a forcing shot to leg and then added a third wicket on the stroke of tea when he had James Hildreth caught at short leg – a wicket that Patel might have felt he deserved as he beat the outside edge more than once and would have had him lbw were it not for a faint edge. At 163 for 4, with 85 still needed, the game was far from settled.The manner in which Abell and Davies came out after tea suggests a county high on confidence, planning and spirit, rattling on at a run a ball. Three consummate boundaries in an over from Abell broke the game. The man on the mobility scooter was nowhere to be seen, but it is a fair assumption that he careered home happy.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo vai para o clássico diante do Vasco, neste sábado, em São Januário, com o objetivo de chegar à terceira vitória consecutiva pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. E, além de encontrar um rival que recém-demitiu treinador (Ramon Menezes), o Rubro-Negro embarca na casa do Cruz-Maltino com a defesa em alta, já que o sistema de proteção não foi vazado depois de seis rodadas.

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Pelo Brasileirão, o último jogo em que o Fla havia saído de campo sem sofrer gols se deu em outra vitória: diante do Santos, por 1 a 0, na Vila Belmiro, dia 30 de agosto. Na ocasião, a zaga era composta por Rodrigo Caio e Gustavo Henrique, com Renê (improvisado) e Filipe Luís nas laterais.

Por falar em Rodrigo Caio, o zagueiro seguirá como desfalque do time de Domènec Torrent, uma vez que está a serviço da Seleção Brasileira (só retorna daqui a dois jogos, ficando ausente também do duelo contra o Goiás, dia 13).

A tendência é que Gustavo Henrique e Natan, que tiveram ótimas atuações contra o Sport, sejam mantidos no time titular. O Garoto do Ninho, aliás, pode ir para o seu quinto jogo consecutivo entre os 11, em meio à recente renovação contratual – até dezembro de 2024.

Natan tem sido constantemente elogiado e, com apenas 19 anos, tem esbanjado personalidade em distintos testes de fogo pela equipe profissional.

MAIS NÚMEROS E DISPUTA NO SETOR

Ao todo, o Flamengo sofreu 15 gols em 13 partidas no Brasileiro. Contra o Sport, na noite da última quarta-feira, o time de Dome conseguiu o seu terceiro “clean sheet”, saindo ileso do jogo – ou seja, sem ter a sua rede balançada. As outras partidas em que isso ocorreu foram: diante do Coritiba (vitória por 1 a 0, pela 3ª rodada) e contra o Santos, já citada, pela 6ª rodada.

Com disputa aberta no setor, tendo peças ainda não consolidadas (como Gustavo Henrique e Léo Pereira, reforços para 2020 mas que ainda não conquistaram a torcida) ou jovens da base em alta (Natan e Gabriel Noga, sobretudo), é de se esperar uma concorrência acirrada para a vaga de parceiro de Rodrigo Caio na zaga. Por ora, Natan indica estar um passo à frente.

Em tempo: o jogo diante do Vasco será realizado às 17h deste sábado e abrirá a 15ª rodada do Brasileiro.

Veja todos os zagueiros utilizados pelo Flamengo neste Brasileirão:

Rodrigo Caio – 9 jogos (9 como titular)
Léo Pereira – 7 jogos (todos como titular)
Gustavo Henrique – 6 jogos (todos como titular)
Natan – 3 jogos (todos como titular)
Thuler – 2 jogos (ainda não foi titular)
Gabriel Noga – 1jogo(como titular)
Otávio – 1jogo(como titular)

The fast bowler counted South Africa’s first Test series wins in England and Australia since readmission as the highlights of his international career, and the 2015 World Cup semi-final defeat as a significant low point

Firdose Moonda in Johannesburg03-Apr-2018Morne Morkel will not miss strapping his ankles every time he prepares for an international game. He will not miss having wickets chalked off for overstepping, and he will not miss reading the papers and his critics, but he will miss every other thing about playing for South Africa. He will miss warm-ups and long training sessions, he will miss singing the national anthem and leading the team song, and he will miss the camaraderie of a team culture that appears healthier than ever.”A lot of guys say they don’t miss the game, but I’m definitely going to miss it,” a teary-eyed Morkel said in his final press conference. “There was not one day did I not enjoy coming to nets. I enjoyed everything.”Though Morkel’s days as an international cricketer ended on Tuesday, his time as a cricketer has not. He confirmed he still has “a few years” of cricket left in him but despite links to Surrey being reported earlier in the week was not at liberty to say where he will spend them. He insisted he has not signed a deal yet, but said his future will be clearer in the next couple of days. Today, though, he just wanted to enjoy the last few hours of being among the team he helped build and reflect on a career that is only being truly appreciated at its end.After debuting in 2006, Morkel was a key part of Graeme Smith’s plan to build a team around a strong pace battery. He was part of teams that beat England in England and Australia in Australia for the first times since readmission, and after a spending a childhood watching South Africa “have a tough time overseas”, those series wins remain his highlights.”You have all heard the stories of [Jacques] Kallis and those guys crying in the bus when that happened,” he said. “To create a team culture and identity with Biff (Graeme Smith) and Gary [Kirsten] was special. Since then, walking on the field for South Africa every time was unbelievable.”Despite the good times, Morkel conceded there were “many lowlights”, including the 2015 World Cup semi-final. “I remember it like yesterday. I had that ease in my heart that [Dale] Steyn would do it and then the way Grant [Elliott] took the game away … The body is still good for one more World Cup but unfortunately I won’t be on that bus.”That Morkel is as fit as ever has become evident since his career-threatening back injury in 2016. He returned from that stronger and more determined, and with a new approach, given to him by the former South Africa batting coach Neil McKenzie. “In the last 12 months, Neil said I want you to hit that fuller length. I know it’s floaty but if you get for four, it’s okay,” Morkel said. “I started getting wickets that way and things went according to plan.”His crowning moment came when he took a career-best 9 for 110 at Newlands, in a match that was more fitting as a goodbye, but he wanted to be part of the series finale and tried to involve himself in all the big moments. Morkel was the batsman who came in at No. 11 in the first innings when Temba Bavuma was on 95 and hoped he would be able to get him over the line.”In Port Elizabeth I sat with Temba in the dugout and we had a nice chat about cricket and his cricket and him wanting to come back from the hand injury,” Morkel said. “In the back of my head, I was hoping Keshav [Maharaj, the No. 10] would form a partnership because I have been with so many batsmen in their fifties and nineties but then I had confidence I would be able to hang around. But then I was facing Pat Cummins and it was a beauty of a ball. I was just upset I didn’t give the crowd the opportunity to cheer for one more Haydos boundary.”Morkel was dismissed for a first-ball duck and needed more consoling than Bavuma, but not nearly as much as when he entered his final innings and reached a point where he though he would not be able to bowl. Before lunch on the third day, Morkel left the field with a side strain, which an ultrasound confirmed is a grade 1 injury, but returned to take his place with the team on the fourth afternoon and fifth morning.”It was very important to be on the field; I wanted to be on the field,” he said. “I asked the doc what is the worst that can happen and I was happy to do it.”And in that he delivered a spell late on the fourth afternoon that showed no sign of injury. He dismissed the Australian openers and wanted to just keep bowling. “I knew once I started bowling if I let the oblique muscle cool down I would be in trouble. Funny enough, I was landing the ball better than normal,” he joked.In a way, that sums up Morkel’s career. Imperfectly impressive.He did not get a grand goodbye after Vernon Philander took six wickets in eight overs to leave Australia in tatters but Morkel was the one who left with a full heart. “I’m very happy. Vernon has put in a lot of hard work. That was his moment to get out and shine.”

Arsenal have already sufficiently bolstered in the market thus far, but manager Mikel Arteta might be wary that missing out on a few key targets could leave them lagging behind their rivals. As such, late movement could be expected as the summer window winds down…

Have Chelsea signed Michael Olise?

One target they did have was Michael Olise, which they seemingly took a back seat for as Chelsea stormed into the driving seat. Immediately paying his £35m release clause, all signs pointed towards Crystal Palace losing another star man for well below his market value.

However, in a shocking turn of events, it was announced that the France U21 international would be snubbing the Blues, instead opting to pen a new four-year contract at Selhurst Park. Thus brought to an end a truly baffling transfer saga.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Whilst that likely left Mauricio Pochettino reeling, it could now provide a fine pathway for the Gunners to reignite their interest in an old target, given the viable options on the market are dwindling fast.

With Mohammed Kudus a long-term target of theirs, perhaps they will now be incensed to simply pay his £40m valuation, especially with West Ham United looming as they await the outcome of a potential Lucas Paqueta exit.

How good is Mohammed Kudus?

Although they had no skin in the deal that collapsed very recently, it will still be a blow to see such a fine option removed as a potential signing for the foreseeable future.

Despite being so young, the tricky winger arguably had the perfect skillset to thrive under Arteta, with an impossibly high ceiling that he certainly would have shattered when surrounded by other stars at the Emirates.

However, he is not the only option who remains young, hungry, skilful and available this summer.

It could even be argued that, given his vast experience despite being only 23 years old, Kudus even represents an upgrade on the former Reading star.

After all, he has been a mainstay for the historic Amsterdam club, even posting nine Champions League appearances too.

To compare their two recent campaigns as well and it becomes easy to see why the Ghana international might offer far more than Olise. Especially considering he scored an impressive 18 times across all competitions, assisting a further seven having featured in no less than three different attacking roles.

The Eagles star, meanwhile, could only muster two Premier League goals alongside his admirable 11 assists. Undoubtably a creative threat, it could therefore be argued that he remains slightly more one-dimensional than the World Cup star.

FBref help to further emphasise the gulf in quality, as when compared to other wingers across Europe, Kudus ranks in the top 2% for non-penalty goals per 90, the top 4% for total shots per 90, the top 1% for pass completion per 90 and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90.

It is no surprise to see him branded a "starboy" by former teammate Calvin Bassey, with the sky truly being the limit for the enigmatic maverick.

His competition instead showcases a penchant for the defensive, starring by sitting in the top 9% for blocks per 90 and the top 15% for interceptions per 90, via FBref.

Although Olise is more well-versed in English football, the potential upside that his alternative brings somewhat makes the failed deal a blessing in disguise.

Arteta must now act quickly to ward off the competition and secure such an impressive upgrade.

Wolverhampton Wanderers could finally make their efforts in the summer transfer window count, as the club eye a market move in what would be Gary O’Neil’s first signing.

The Englishman has got off to a less desired, but somewhat expected start to life at Molineux, still waiting to get his first point on the board after two games played in the 2023/24 Premier League season.

The Old Gold’s prognosis was negative before the campaign got underway, after suffering a trialling summer due to increased pressures of Financial Fair Play (FFP), leading to the departure of former manager Julen Lopetegui just five days before the opening fixture.

Things could be on the up at Wolves under O’Neil, with reference to a potential signing that the club could finally make after a testing time financially.

Who could Wolves sign this summer?

From failed bids for midfielder Alex Scott, who eventually captured by Bournemouth, to directionless interest for players that were way beyond the club’s financial reach, Wolves have been put to the test this summer.

However, there could be a light at the end of the tunnel for O’Neil, with a new update linking Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill to Molineux.

As reported by TEAMtalk, Wolves have made an approach to sign Brownhill from the newly promoted side, who was purchased at Turf Moor in 2020 from Bristol City for a fee of £9m.

The speculation has been reinforced by transfer insider Dean Jones, who spoke exclusively to GIVEMESPORT about the “interesting” prospect of the 27-year-old joining Wolves.

“Wolves’ interest in Brownhill is interesting, and while I have seen some fans suggesting that he would likely just be a backup option, I don’t get the feeling that is so much the plan.

This is a player O’Neil knows well from his playing days, and further than that, he looked into signing him when he was Bournemouth manager.

When a new manager comes in, he wants to make his mark on the squad, and one way to do that is to add players with a certain character that reflects what you are looking for in the overall squad.

So, I think it’s an interesting link and makes sense as we see this latest version of Wolves' first-team squad emerge.”

What is Josh Brownhill’s playing style?

Described by former Wolves striker Steve Bull as a “top-class” talent back in 2021, Brownhill could solve a lot of questions regarding the club’s midfield.

Deployed as a central midfielder, the Englishman is versatile in his positioning in the heart of the squad, with the ability to play in both defensive and offensive roles in the middle.

Last term in the Championship, the Warrington-born machine registered 15 goal contributions, scoring seven and assisting eight in 41 appearances for the Clarets, highlighting his strengths in the final third.

For Wolves, his introduction could come at the perfect time, following the club’s farewell to midfield duo Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, who had graced the field of Molineux through the highs of the Nuno Espirito Santo era.

At 36-years-old, Moutinho had built up a stellar reputation in the Midlands, seeing him dubbed “wonderful” by journalist Liam Keen for his passing ability, an area that will be missed in his absence.

In signing Brownhill, O’Neil could bring a sense of the Portuguese veteran back to Wolverhampton, with the player possessing a very similar skill set to the classy midfielder.

Renowned for his strengths in playing the pivot in the engine room with a balance between defensive and offensive duties, Moutinho averaged 2.58 tackles and 6.67 progressive passes per 90 for Wolves last term, as well as averaging 1.82 key passes per 90 to showcase his edge in the final third, via FBref.

Such numbers were followed closely by the averages recorded by the Burnley whiz during the club’s journey to the top-flight, with him averaging 2.29 tackles, 4.78 progressive passes and an impressive 1.81 key passes per 90 in the Championship.

With 79 Premier League appearances already under his belt in his career, O’Neil could equip his side with his own version of Moutinho by signing Brownhill, who could be the missing piece to rebuilding the squad tarnished by heavyweight exits over the summer.

تقدم فريق بلدية المحلة، بالهدف الأول أمام الأهلي، في المباراة الجارية بينهما، اليوم السبت، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وتواجه الأهلي مع بلدية المحلة، في إطار الجولة الـ 22 من عمر بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز على ملعب المحلة.

وسجل هدف بلدية المحلة الأول أمام الأهلي، ماجد هاني بتسديدة قوية من خارج منطقة الجزاء في الدقيقة 57، بعد متابعة لكرة مرتدة من القائم الأيسر لمصطفى شوبير. هدف بلدية المحلة أمام الأهلي في الدوري المصري

ويخوض فريق الأهلي المباراة، محتلاً المركز الثامن في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز، برصيد 30 نقطة من 14 مباراة.

طالع | موكوينا عن رفضه فرصة تدريب الأهلي: لم أشعر بأي ندم

بينما بلدية المحلة يتواجد في المركز الخامس عشر بـ 19 نقطة من 20 مباراة.

Following a shoulder injury in 2014, the West Indies fast bowler thought he would never play cricket again, but on Friday, he was holding the ball aloft at Lord’s having taken a five-for

George Dobell at Lord's 09-Sep-20171:32

Kemar Roach proud to join greats on Lord’s honours board

West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach feared he would not return to international cricket after sustaining a serious shoulder injury.Roach, who on Friday became the sixth West Indies player to earn a place on the Lord’s honours board for overseas bowlers, was obliged to undergo surgery after breaking a bone in his right shoulder during the tour to India in 2014. For a while it seemed he would never recover the pace or consistency that had once rendered him such an exciting prospect and, before this tour, he had not played a Test since the start of January 2016.But he bowled impressively – albeit without gaining the wickets he deserved – throughout this series and has now joined a distinguished list of Caribbean cricketers to have claimed five-wicket hauls at ‘the home of cricket’. They are Sonny Ramadhin (who claimed 6 for 86 and and 5 for 66 in 1950), Charlie Griffith (who claimed 5-91 in 1963), Andy Roberts (who claimed 5-60 and 5-63 in 1976), Michael Holding (who claimed 6-67 in 1980), Malcolm Marshall (who claimed 6-85 in 1984 and 6-32 in 1988), Courtney Walsh (who claimed 6-74 in 2000) and Fidel Edwards (who claimed 6 for 92 in 2009).Roach, who has given West Indies a decent chance of securing their first series win in England since 1988, was overwhelmed to join such a distinguished list.”I had some doubts [whether I would return],” Roach said. “It was a pretty tough time. Breaking your shoulder is not easy but a lot of hard rehab and hours of training got me back here. I’m proud of myself to be able to come back and perform for the West Indies.”It means a lot to earn a place on that honours board. There are a lot of players went before me, the likes of Courtney Walsh and Malcolm Marshall. And a lot of players who have come here and never got it done. So to be part of that board is history.”Roach paid credit to, among others, Corey Collymore for his help in him achieving such a feat. Collymore, a fellow Barbadian, played several seasons of county cricket in England (he represented Warwickshire, Sussex and, most memorably, Middlesex) alongside his international career and was therefore well-placed to offer his advice to Roach.”I’ve been talking to past players,” Roach said. “The likes of Corey Collymore; guys who have played in England for a couple of years. So coming here I was prepared and knew how to bowl on certain pitches. Kudos to those guys for helping me out. I’ve learnt my art a little bit more. I’m more experienced.”While Roach felt his West Indies side – so dismissed before the series – had already proved a point after their memorable victory at Headingley, he warned England they were not finished yet.”A young side have come to England and put up a hell of a fight,” he said. “And we’re going to keep fighting. We had a tough time at Edgbaston but to come back so strong in Leeds was an amazing feeling. We have come here to win and the guys are very confident.”

Celtic and Brendan Rodgers are thought to be interested in signing defender Jonny Evans on a free transfer.

Are Celtic signing Jonny Evans?

The Hoops have been busy so far this summer, bringing in midfielder Odin Thiago Holm from Valerenga and winger Marco Tilio from Melbourne City, with Rodgers reportedly being given a £30m transfer kitty following his return to Glasgow.

Jota has moved on to sign for Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad in a deal worth £25m, however, Gangwon FC forward Yang Hyun-jun is on course to come in, with a fee of just over £2m now agreed between the two clubs.

Busan I-Park midfielder Kwon Hyeok-kyu, who has been on Celtic’s radar for some time now, could also be on the way to Parkhead, but it looks as if Rodgers would like to sign a player he knows well in Evans.

The Liverpool Echo shared a story regarding Evans' future in the last 48 hours, claiming that Everton are not in for the player despite reports. However, Celtic are thought to be keen.

"It is understood that Brendan Rodgers is keen to bring Evans to Celtic this summer. Rodgers, who worked with the 35-year-old at the King Power, returned to the Scottish giants last month, replacing Ange Postecoglou, who joined Tottenham Hotspur after delivering a treble last season."

Is Jonny Evans a free agent?

Evans, who actually doesn’t have a weak foot, as per Transfermarkt, is currently training with former side Manchester United. That’s because the 35-year-old’s deal with Leicester City expired at the end of June, making him a free agent.

A Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup winner, Evans is primarily a centre-back but can also turn out as a left-back if needed. Evans has made close to 500 senior appearances in England, 129 of which came under Rodgers at Leicester. The pair enjoyed a good relationship at the King Power, with the defender praising the Celtic boss following an incident with the Foxes back in 2021.

"The way the manager dealt with it was fantastic. He’s very decisive and he let all the other players know where he stood, he was very open with his dialogue, his communication. As players, you can only have respect for that."

Meanwhile, Rodgers has also hailed Evans in the past, describing him as a “top player” who is “super intelligent.

"I had always admired Jonny from afar, watching him at United. To play the games he did there at a young age tells you everything about him. I would not say anything has surprised me from working with him. I knew he was a top player.

"I see someone of great maturity. He knows the game at the highest level. He is a deep thinker about the game, a super intelligent guy. You can see that he watches football."

By the looks of things, a move to Glasgow for the Northern Irishman could well be one to keep an eye on over the coming days and weeks, and should he arrive, Evans would bring plenty of knowledge and versatility to the club’s backline.

أكد ناصر الخليفي، رئيس نادي باريس سان جيرمان، أنه كان يثق في قدرتهم على عبور برشلونة ومن ثم التأهل إلى نصف نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وفاز باريس سان جيرمان في مباراة مثيرة على برشلونة، على ملعب “مونتجويك” بأربعة أهداف مقابل هدف في إياب ربع نهائي البطولة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. تير شتيجن بعد توديع دوري أبطال أوروبا: نحتاج لإعادة شحن بطارياتنا

وخسر باريس سان جيرمان في الذهاب على ملعبه بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدفين، ولكنه نجح في عبور برشلونة من معقله.

وقال الخليفي في تصريحات نشرها الموقع الرسمي للبطولة: “إنها لحظة رائعة بالنسبة للنادي، ليس من السهل الفوز هنا، لكنني كنت واثقًا”.

وأضاف: “كنت واثقًا قبل المباراة الأولى وبعدها، وقبل مباراة الليلة، وبعدما استقبلنا الهدف الأول، كنت واثقًا حقًا”.

وواصل: “لقد رأيت شيئًا لم أره منذ 13 عامًا، وهو أن الجميع يقاتلون معًا من أجل بعضهم البعض، الأجواء، كل شيء”.

واستمر: “هدفنا؟ نريد الاستمرار بنفس الطريقة، علينا البقاء هادئين، دوري أبطال أوروبا صعب للغاية، كل التفاصيل مهمة”.

واستأنف: “لويس إنريكي؟ تحدثت معه قبل المباراة، أخبرته أنني أريد التأهل، لدي ثقة به، كما أشكر المشجعين، شعرنا وكأننا في بيتنا”.

واختتم: “نصف نهائي دوري الأبطال، إنه أمر صعب، نريد الاستعداد جيدًا، كما أن المدرب يعرف دورتموند جيدًا”.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to reject a second bid from Bayern Munich for Harry Kane as they attempt to keep hold of their talisman, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Is Kane leaving Spurs?

Another summer transfer window means another Kane transfer saga with Bayern Munich this time the main protagonists. It has been Manchester City, it has been Manchester United, but now it is the Bavarians' turn to attempt to woo the striker.

Wooing Kane is expected to be the easy part with the Spurs forward quietly keen to leave north London in search of silverware, but convincing Daniel Levy to part ways with his prized asset is a different problem altogether.

Bayern have already seen a first bid rejected for the 29-year-old but have since submitted a second offer of approximately £68m plus add-ons.

However, Levy is apparently "unlikely" to accept a bid he considers significantly lower than Kane's asking price, according to Romano, and the Lilywhites have no plans to sell their forward this summer despite Bayern's growing interest.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano stated: "Bayern have made a new proposal for Harry Kane after the opening bid, €70m [£60m] plus add-ons rejected by Tottenham days ago.

"Now, Bayern as expected, I told you here many times Bayern will try again, they have no intention to give up, and they submitted a new proposal €80m [£68m] plus add-ons. From those close to Tottenham the message is very clear. After rejecting €70m plus add-ons, they absolutely see as unrealistic and unlikely for Daniel Levy to accept €80m plus add-ons."

He added: "So, at the moment it seems really difficult. Let's wait for Tottenham position on this story, but the feeling of those close to the board and close to Daniel Levy is very clear: it's more than difficult to see this happening for €80m plus add-ons.

"From Bayern, they remain convinced that Harry Kane is prepared to make this move to Bayern, but again it really depends as I always mentioned on Daniel Levy and at the moment there is no green light on this one."

Romano also claims that Tottenham are desperate not to let Kane leave this summer but as each bid improves it may become more and more difficult to keep the attacker in London, especially given his contract expires next summer and Spurs could lose him for free.

Ange Postecoglou will be as eager as anybody to keep Kane at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as he prepares to embark on his first season with the Lilywhites.

The Australian already has his work cut out to improve this Tottenham team over just one summer, but losing Kane would make that challenge even greater.

The England captain scored 30 Premier League goals last season despite Spurs' poor performances and eighth-placed finish and losing him would leave Postecoglou needing to fill an enormous hole in his new team.

Who else might leave Tottenham?

There is an expectation that there may be an exodus of players at Tottenham this summer as Postecoglou looks to transform this Spurs squad and sift out any deadwood.

Club captain Hugo Lloris is expected to leave in search of a new challenge amid growing criticisms of his performances. Spurs have already brought in his replacement in Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli.

Centre-backs Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier and Joe Rodon could all be sold this summer, while the future of full-backs Sergio Reguilon and Ivan Perisic remain up in the air. Postecoglou will be keen to make his backline more impenetrable next season following a campaign in which Spurs conceded three or more goals on nine separate occasions.

What Postecoglou plans to do with returning loanees Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Bryan Gil and Djed Spence remains to be seen but he will likely need to make a quick assessment during pre-season.

Spurs have already been busy in the market in terms of incomings and that is likely to be the case for outgoings as well as the window goes on.