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Bangladesh vice-captain feels the bowling performance was a positive from this T20 World Cup campaign

Mohammad Isam28-Jun-2024

Taskin Ahmed is bowled•ICC/Getty Images

Poor form from the batters was the primary reason for Bangladesh’s disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, according to vice captain Taskin Ahmed. He said that almost everything went according to plan except the batting during Bangladesh’s 47-day tour of the Americas.In a tough environment for batters across the tournament, Bangladesh’s batting unit had the lowest collective average among the Super Eight teams.Bangladesh’s top three failed to give them a start in any of their innings with Litton Das scoring the lone fifty from those positions. Towhid Hridoy’s 153 runs at 128.57 was their best batting performance but Shakib (111 runs at 106.73 SR) and Mahmudullah (95 runs at 94.05 SR) couldn’t provide him with enough support in the middle order.Related

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“The seniors’ off-form had an effect on the team but not off the field,” Taskin told reporters at the Dhaka airport, after the Bangladesh team’s arrival on Friday morning. “They are great team men. We stayed as a team for 47 days. Everything was fine off the field. It is quite normal that a team will have problems when important players are not in form. I am hopeful that we can recover from this, and play better soon.”Taskin said that the batters only found better pitches when they reached the West Indies but even then he said that he hadn’t seen such a long batting slump by Bangladesh in his international career.”When you talk about the batting, if you look at the statistics, I think every [teams’] batting department suffered in the USA this time. Bowlers got a lot of help. We got better [batting] wickets in the West Indies.”I haven’t seen such a long bad patch for the batters in my ten years playing for Bangladesh. I hope it goes away quickly.”We never had great numbers in T20s. We are improving slowly. We cannot just look at minus points; we are in the negative already. We are trying to get a ‘plus’. Your frustration is expected. We will give you a good win. You have to keep faith in us. We will give it our best.”Taskin was part of a strong bowling display from Bangladesh. He was returning from injury but Tanzim Hasan and legspinner Rishad Hossain led the bowling charts; Rishad remains in joint-third position among the tournament’s top wicket-takers, ahead of the final. Taskin said that it proved talented cricketers are coming up from Bangladesh.”The bowling unit has been doing well for the last few years. We have been consistent. It will keep getting better.”Tanzim and Rishad are among the tournament’s top wicket-takers. It is a positive. We have some future stars emerging from Bangladesh. It says that we have ability. What has taken place has hurt us and the fans, especially our inability to win certain matches,” he said.Taskin said that they were left disappointed with the last game against Afghanistan especially, when Bangladesh had to chase down their target in 12.1 overs to make it to the semi-finals but couldn’t get the job done.”We could have done a lot better. We were all quite disappointed with the last match. We tried to win it in 12 overs, but when we realised it wasn’t possible, we tried to win the game. We still couldn’t win.”There are positives from the campaign. Our bowlers did very well throughout the tournament. We qualified to the Super Eight. We won three matches in the T20 World Cup for the first time. So there are positives, but there are negatives too. We are disappointed like the rest of you. We didn’t play up to expectations.”

Tottenham Hotspur have a huge season ahead of them if they are to right the wrongs of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, which saw them finish in a measly 17th place.

Ange Postecoglou may have ended their near-two-decade wait for a trophy, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to keep his job, with owner Daniel Levy handing the Aussie his marching orders.

The subsequent responsibility now falls into the hands of Thomas Frank, after the Dane moved to North London after spending nearly seven years in charge at Brentford.

Within his first interview since taking the reins, the 51-year-old stated the importance of building on their European success, aiming to transform the club into serial winners during his tenure.

However, if he is to achieve his ambitions, he will need backing from Levy in the transfer market, with key work already seemingly taking place behind the scenes.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

In recent days, it’s emerged that Spurs are preparing a £50m bid for West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus, as Frank evidently wants to improve the options within the final third.

He’s not the only Premier League talent currently on their radar this summer, with Brentford star Yoane Wissa also an option, potentially following the Dane in making the switch to North London.

However, another new name has been touted with a move to the club, in the form of OGC Nice star Evann Guessand, that’s according to TBR Football’s latest report.

They claim that the Lilywhites have made contact with the Ligue 1 outfit over a potential move for the 23-year-old forward, who netted 13 goals across all competitions this campaign.

It also states that the Ivorian international is keen on a move to England this window, with Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Brighton all pursuing a move for his signature.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be a better signing than Mbeumo

As a result of Frank’s appointment, striker Wissa hasn’t been the only talent touted with a move to follow his former boss, with winger Bryan Mbeumo another Bees star on Spurs’ radar.

The 25-year-old has been a key player in 2024/25, often causing numerous sides endless trouble, as seen in his tally of 20 league goals – with one of his efforts coming against the Lilywhites.

However, such form hasn’t gone unnoticed, leading to Manchester United also making a beeline for his signature, currently leading the race for the Cameroonian’s signature.

His desire to move to Old Trafford this summer has seen other targets being considered, with Kudus appearing as the main alternative to Mbeumo this window.

Despite such interest in the Hammers star, Guessand has also emerged as a key target, with the forward’s versatility a huge factor in any potential deal.

He can operate off either flank, as a central striker or even slightly deeper in a number ten role, offering Frank a viable option in numerous areas – something which Mbeumo would be unable to provide.

He’s also managed to outperform the Brentford star in numerous key areas for an attacker, whilst likely to cost a hefty whack less in the process, subsequently making him a better addition.

How Guessand compares to Mbeumo throughout 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Guessand

Mbeumo

Games played

33

38

Goals & assists

20

27

Shot-on-target accuracy

44%

43%

Pass accuracy

73%

66%

Passes into final third

1.8

1.6

Take-on success

48%

46%

Aerials won

42%

31%

Stats via FBref

Guessand, who’s been labelled “one of the best young attackers” by one writer at The Athletic, may have registered fewer goals this campaign, but has matched the Bees star in goals per shots on target, showcasing he has the clinical nature needed in attacking areas.

He’s actually managed to direct more of his efforts on target than Frank’s former star boy, taking advantage of more opportunities that fall his way, demonstrating his ability to find the net when needed.

However, the Nice ace has also managed to complete more passes into the final third and complete more take-ons, having the skillset to offer players around him the chance to better their own goalscoring tallies.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the 23-year-old would cost this summer, it’s clear that he would be a sensational option for Spurs this summer, likely being a cheaper option than Mbeumo.

Despite Guessand being a cheaper option, it doesn’t take away from the talent he possesses, having the opportunity to play a key role in the club’s revival should he move to North London this summer.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Jun 19, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have kickstarted their transfer plans after announcing Thomas Frank as their new manager to replace Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs went public with their decision to appoint the 51-year-old on Thursday evening after days of talks, with Frank swapping the Gtech Community Stadium for north London in what is his most high-profile job to date.

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Posts 2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 13, 2025

Frank is tasked with maintaining the momentum garnered from Spurs’ historic night in Bilbao last month, when Postecoglou guided the club to their first major trophy in 17 years with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Man United in the Europa League final.

Now that the Dane is confirmed as Tottenham’s choice to succeed Postecoglou, it is believed the tactician is already starting to have a say in the Lilywhites’ transfer activity ahead of his first full season in charge of a Premier League ‘big six’ side.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Frank has personally recommended Eberechi Eze to the Spurs hierarchy, according to GiveMeSport, and Sky Sports shared on Friday that they could inflict more misery on United by hijacking their move for Bryan Mbeumo.

The Brentford star was a key member of Frank’s squad last season, racking up 20 goals and nine assists in all competitions, and Sky claim that Mbeumo has suddenly become more intrigued by the prospect of a London move after his manager’s arrival at Tottenham.

Initial talks have also been held with Frank’s former side, so this move could now be one to watch.

The Cameroon international would be a stellar addition for Frank, and Tottenham are rumoured to be targeting a new winger to accompany Mathys Tel.

Frank wants to keep Tel at Spurs, according to TEAMtalk this week, with the Frenchman’s loan deal from Bayern Munich including a £45 million option to buy. Chairman Daniel Levy wants to negotiate a lower price tag after a mixed first six months at the club (Sport Bild), and Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, has now confirmed they’re currently in discussions.

Max Eberl confirms Tottenham talks over Mathys Tel

Speaking publicly, via Abendzeitung München and Sport Witness, Eberl admitted that talks are ongoing with Tottenham over Tel’s transfer.

“Mathys was at Tottenham for six months. He wanted to play in the U21 European championship with France, and we allowed him to,” he said.

“We’re talking to Tottenham, that’s no secret. We’ll see how that pans out.”

The 20-year-old scored three goals and notched one assist during his first 20 games as a Tottenham player, but former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann is on record tipping Tel for a very bright future.

“He could become one of the best strikers one day. I have the vision that he can score 40 goals one day. But I would be happy with 10 goals in his first season,” Nagelsmann told reporters in 2022.

“He’s a young, talented player. He can play in multiple positions: as a centre-forward and on the wings. He’s very quick and strong with his body. He can hold up the ball well with his back to the goal.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers know they will enter the 2025/26 season without the services of Matheus Cunha.

The Brazilian is set to join Manchester United in a deal worth £62.5m in the coming weeks and this will leave the Old Gold short in the attacking department.

Cunha was arguably the reason why Wolves remained in the Premier League last season. All good things must come to an end, however, and Vitor Pereira will now be looking to replace the former Atlético Madrid man when the transfer window opens.

Matheus Cunha's Wolves record

Cunha was the club’s biggest attacking threat last season. Not only did he top the scoring charts with 17 goals, while finishing second in the squad for assists with six in all competitions.

Indeed, Cunha registered the most goal involvements (21) in the squad during the Premier League, while also ranking first for big chances created (13), key passes per game (1.8) and successful dribbles per game (1.8).

Matheus Cunha’s Wolves’ statistics

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2024/25

36

17

6

2023/24

36

14

8

2022/23

20

2

1

Via Transfermarkt

If it weren’t for his contributions in the final third, Wolves might have found themselves in graver danger towards the end of the season, that’s for sure.

Now the onus is on Pereira to find a suitable replacement for the Brazilian talisman. One who can hit the ground running at Molineux at the start of next season.

Could the manager target a player from a fellow Premier League club?

Wolves could land Premier League star as Cunha replacement

Last week, Birmingham World claimed that the Old Gold were considering making a move for James McAtee of Manchester City this summer.

A fee of around £25m appears to be what Pep Guardiola is set to demand for the youngster. Given that Pereira will have money to play with upon Cunha’s sale, this shouldn’t be a problem.

McAtee has already made 48 Premier League appearances throughout his embryonic career, scoring six goals and grabbing three assists.

Despite playing 27 times last term, only nine of these came in the starting XI. If McAtee wishes to fulfill his potential, moving to a club like Wolves will allow him to play every week.

Hailed as a “special player” by Guardiola, the Englishman would certainly offer something extra to the Wolves side next term.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, McAtee ranks in the top 1% for goals (0.78) and the top 6% for total shots (3.53) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

If given chances, he will certainly score plenty of goals for Wolves. Furthermore, he also created two big chances and had a goal conversion percentage of 25% in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season.

This was despite averaging just 24 minutes per game for City. He might not be at the same level as Cunha just yet, but the English talent certainly has the tools required to eventually get there one day.

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Pereira will need to act swiftly, as there are a few other teams also seeking a move for the City starlet this summer.

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Posts ByDominic Lund May 29, 2025

Newcastle United have made contact with an £8.4m-rated goalkeeper over a move to the club, according to a new transfer update.

Huge final day awaits for Newcastle

The Magpies are 90 minutes away from completing one of the most successful seasons in their history, assuming they can seal victory at home to Everton on the final day of the Premier League season.

A win will confirm Newcastle’s place back in the Champions League, which will be significant for so many reasons, including the financial benefits and the calibre of player they can attract to St James’ Park in the summer transfer window.

Ahead of the game, Eddie Howe has issued a rallying cry, highlighting the importance of his team getting over the line: “The prize is so big that everyone is fighting as much as they can. We’ve never got ahead of ourselves. Now, it’s going to go to the end, to the last game, and who knows? The twists and turns are there for everybody. All we can do is our best. They’ve given so much this year. Now, we know we need one more big effort in this last match.”

With the EFL Cup already won this season, ending Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a trophy, the 2024/25 has already been memorable, but getting the job done on Sunday afternoon would be the icing on the cake. As mentioned, it will aid their summer transfer business, and a new update has emerged regarding a potential addition in goal.

Newcastle make contact with £8.4m goalkeeper

According to Fraternite Matin [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are among the clubs to have made contact with Angers goalkeeper Yahia Fofana over a summer move to St James’ Park. Wolves and Southampton are also believed to be in the conversation, and the trio have been encouraged that he would like to leave Angers and join one of them.

The 24-year-old could cost just £8.4m and possibly even less, while an agreement “could be reached quickly” once the highest bidder is confirmed – the player himself wants to choose the best option to progress his career.

It looks like Newcastle are prioritising a new ‘keeper this summer, in order to at least provide competition for Nick Pope, if not replace him, and Fofana could be a strong option for them.

The 18-cap Ivory Coast international was named Angers’ Player of the Year, following an impressive season that saw him start 33 matches and keep seven clean sheets in Ligue 1, with analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as an “athletic” player.

With Pope now 33 years of age, it is important that Newcastle sign a new ‘keeper to be his eventual successor, but focus should also be on signing an immediate upgrade on him.

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Posts ByDominic Lund May 22, 2025

The Magpies need to be ruthless in terms of improving the team and being a solid Champions League outfit, and in Fofana, they would have a relatively cheap and impressive option between the sticks.

West Bromwich Albion fans will no doubt still be missing the presence of the passionate Carlos Corberan on the sidelines at the Hawthorns.

After all, when the much-loved Spaniard departed the club for Valencia in late December, the Baggies had only lost three league clashes and were just outside the playoff picture in seventh spot.

Fast forward to the end of the season, however, and West Brom ended up finishing in a lower ninth position, with the experiment of bringing back Tony Mowbray not working whatsoever.

Therefore, it’s crucial that the bruised Baggies get this next managerial appointment spot on, with an ever-growing list of intriguing names being rumoured to step in and replace Mowbray.

West Brom could now appoint Corberan 2.0

In an ideal world, West Brom will be able to unearth their next iteration of Corberan with whoever takes on the ongoing vacancy.

There is a shout to say Ryan Mason could be Corberan 2.0, considering he’s been a background figure at Tottenham Hotspur for most of his coaching career to date – much like the Spaniard was at Leeds United – before exploding into life as the main presence in the dug-out.

But, the Championship outfit could look to a more left-field shout than Mason in ex-Manchester United coach Eric Ramsay, with new reports suggesting the 33-year-old is now one of the frontrunners over the much-talked-about Spurs man.

Much like Mason, Ramsay arriving on the scene at the Hawthorns could have the same impact Corberan once had on proceedings, with an argument to be had that the former Wales assistant manager has more in his arsenal than his Tottenham counterpart in the main manager game with Minnesota United.

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Expand Collapse Why Ramsay could be Corberan 2.0

Whilst his name is more recognisable for being a second-in-command figure to Erik ten Hag and Rob Page for Manchester United and Wales, Ramsay is beginning to forge an impressive name for himself in the MLS with Minnesota.

Amazingly, his blistering Minnesota side downed a Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami 4-1 last time out in MLS action, with that comprehensive victory taking him all the way up an impressive 23 wins in total from 49 games in charge.

Ramsey vs Corberan’s first 49 games at WBA

Manager

Ramsey

Corberan

Wins

23

16

Draws

10

7

Defeats

16

26

Stats via Transfermarkt.

Corberan will be able to resonate with Ramsay’s unorthodox start to management out in America, with the now Valencia boss having to start his own journey in the lower leagues of Cyprus and he would initially struggle, before his first EFL opportunity as a main manager would come about with Huddersfield Town.

Amazingly, Ramsay can boast seven more victories from his first 49 games in charge of Minnesota than Corberan was able to pick during his first 49 games as a head coach, but the Spaniard would go on to grow and improve past this point to turn both the Terriers and the Baggies into Championship playoff candidates.

Moreover, the former Man United coach’s growing experience of the game he’s managed to achieve from the dug-out in the MLS makes him a far more capable option than the alternative face of Mason, with the promising coach picking up just six career wins when handed the temporary Spurs reins.

Once hailed as “one of the best young coaches in football” by Page when appointed Wales assistant manager, the proof could soon be in the pudding if he can transform West Brom’s fortunes on his potential return to England.

If it does work out, it would be another worthwhile gamble taken by the powers that be at the Hawthorns, with Corberan once just a plucky coach trying to cut his teeth in the men’s game like Ramsay, before very nearly turning West Brom back into a Premier League side.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson May 12, 2025

After a week of anxious waiting, today is the day Arsenal could book themselves a place in the Champions League final for only the second time in the club’s history.

However, Mikel Arteta’s men will need to put in the best performance of the season and make amends for their incredibly underwhelming display in the first leg.

In particular, club captain Martin Odegaard will have to show the fans just why he was handed the armband in 2022, as to describe his personal campaign this year as disappointing would be quite an understatement.

The Norwegian has looked like a different, far less effective player for much of it, and there is a chance the club are already looking at their options, with recent reports linking them to a Premier League star who’d be a massive but costly upgrade.

Arsenal transfer news

Given Odegaard’s lacklustre form this year, it’s hardly surprising that, in recent weeks, Arsenal have been linked to a plethora of midfield talents, such as Brahim Diaz and Desire Doue.

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The former is reportedly available for around £51m and has enjoyed a decent enough campaign with Real Madrid, racking up a haul of six goals and seven assists in just 2058 minutes of first-team action.

On the other hand, Doue could cost as much as £86m, but with a staggering tally of 13 goals and 12 assists in 49 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain this season, it would be hard to say he wouldn’t be worth it.

However, given the Gunners’ desperation to win the Premier League next season, they may want someone who already knows the league, which is where Morgan Rogers comes into play.

According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal are ‘firmly in the race’ to secure the Aston Villa star’s signature in the summer, with Sporting Director Andrea Berta said to be ‘a huge admirer.’

However, the report also claims that Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in the Englishman, while another story from March valued him at a whopping £100m.

It would be an incredibly complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rogers’ immense ability and potential, it is one well worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a massive Odegaard upgrade.

How Rogers compares to Odegaard

The first thing to say is that while Unai Emery has been playing Rogers on the wing at points this season, his most played and undoubtedly preferred position this season has been attacking midfield.

Therefore, were he to join Arsenal for the fees being banded around, then he’d most certainly do so with the intention of starting every game, in turn putting him up against Odegaard – but who comes out on top?

Well, when it comes down to their raw output this season, it’s Villa’s “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, who comes out on top and quite comfortably at that.

Rogers vs Odegaard

Players

Rogers

Odegaard

Appearances

51

41

Minutes

4233′

3162′

Goals

14

5

Assists

13

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.52

0.39

Minutes per Goal Involvement

156.77′

197.62′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, in 51 appearances, totalling 4233 minutes, he’s scored 14 goals and provided 13 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.88 games, or every 156.77 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ captain has scored five goals and provided 11 assists in 41 appearances, totalling 3162 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.56 games, or every 197.62 minutes.

On top of that, the former Manchester City prospect comes out far better when we take a look at some of the other important attacking metrics, such as conversion rate, chances created, and take-ons completed.

Finally, while this isn’t massively important today, the Halesowen-born maestro is four years younger than the former Real Madrid wonderkid, so if Arteta were to bring him in, he might not need to worry about replacing him for the best part of a decade, which could allow the club to focus on other areas of need.

Ultimately, while Odegaard is a talented footballer, Rogers appears to be far superior in most ways, and if Arsenal can sign him this summer, they should do all they can to do it.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 7, 2025

The transfer circus is now in full swing, it would appear, with speculation raging over just who will be added to Ruben Amorim’s ranks at Manchester United this summer.

After acquiring Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven in January, it looks as if the Red Devils are set to continue this squad overhaul with the signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers star, Matheus Cunha.

As has been widely reported, United have held positive contract talks with the Brazilian amid the prospect of striking an early deal, with the 25-year-old available for £62.5m amid the presence of a release clause in his existing deal at Molineux.

While previously linked with a move to Nottingham Forest and Arsenal back in January, it looks as if Amorim and co have now won the race for the former Atletico Madrid man, all being well, with attention turning to the impact that he could make at Old Trafford.

Where Cunha will fit into the Man Utd side

With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee scoring just six Premier League goals between them this season, the addition of a new centre-forward appears to be a real priority this summer, not least with United scoring just 38 top-flight goals collectively to date.

Despite having played through the middle in the past, it would appear that Cunha is not actually being targeted to be the new number nine, amid parallel interest in Ipswich Town talisman, Liam Delap.

In the case of the current Wolves man then, he would instead be needed to strengthen Amorim’s options in one of the new number ten berths, not least with the exiled trio of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony all looking set to depart permanently.

Alejandro Garnacho, meanwhile, is yet to truly convince that he can transition from being an out-and-out winger, while Amad Diallo – who has registered 12 goals and assists in 20 games under Amorim – has notably been hampered by injury over the last two seasons.

With Mason Mount also netting just once in total since his arrival in 2023, and with Bruno Fernandes having dropped into a deep-lying role of late, the options in the number ten role are scarce, hence why Cunha could flourish.

How Cunha compares to PL forwards – 24/25

Stat

Record (per 90)

Ranking

Non-penalty goals

0.56

Top 3%

Total shots

3.56

Top 7%

Assists

0.16

Bottom 46%

Shot-creating actions

4.27

Top 20%

Pass completion

71.0%

Bottom 20%

Progressive passes

4.75

Top 22%

Progressive carries

3.79

Top 31%

Successful take-ons

2.20

Top 16%

Tackles

1.36

Bottom 49%

Interceptions

0.64

Top 20%

Stats via FBref

Having registered 14 goals in the league this season while operating in a similar system under Vitor Pereira, the Brazil international would be a ready-made solution ahead of next term.

That statement signing appears to be needed – although it shouldn’t come at the expense of young Kobbie Mainoo.

Man Utd's "generational talent" must not be sold

Be it the lack of options in attack – as noted above – or his own struggles as part of the midfield, the Amorim regime so far has brought with it a change for Mainoo, with the academy graduate largely lining up as one of the two ten’s of late.

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From making his first Premier League start as a defensive-minded option in front of the back four against Everton in November 2023, the 20-year-old has since even been deployed as a makeshift centre-forward against Crystal Palace and – more recently – Lyon, with a definitive role still yet to be found.

That transition has largely come about due to Amorim’s claims that the midfielder was “struggling a lot defensively” as part of the midfield two, albeit with the Portuguese coach also praising the youngster for his ability in the final third.

Indeed, last week’s thrilling triumph in the Europa League saw Mainoo net in almost trademark fashion with a delightful, curling effort inside the area, having previously scored in similar style against both Wolves and Liverpool last term.

That impact off the bench has highlighted just why the England starlet can thrive in a more advanced berth moving forward, albeit with the addition of a figure like Cunha only set to hamper his hopes of a regular role in the starting lineup.

For all his injury-related woes this term, it’s worth remembering that Mainoo had enjoyed a stunning emergence in 2023/24, resulting in his key role in the Three Lions’ surge to the Euro 2024 final, having started every knockout stage game under Gareth Southgate.

Described as a “generational talent” by Hojlund, it would be a crying shame for the FA Cup final match winner to be nudged toward the exit door so swiftly, with speculation having been rife regarding his future, amid an apparent stall in contract talks.

While there may be a desire to cash in on a player who is valued at around £74m, according to CIES Football Observatory – placing him ahead of the £62.5m-rated Cunha – that soaring valuation also indicates just what a diamond he truly is.

Of course, Amorim’s 3-4-3 system may be better suited to Cunha and the like, yet not being able to find a home for Mainoo in the starting lineup would reflect poorly on the manager.

This is the type of talent that United simply can’t afford to lose.

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Posts ByRobbie Walls Apr 24, 2025

Having already reportedly sealed their deal to sign Antonio Cordero from Malaga, Newcastle United and PIF are now reportedly taking their first steps in the race to sign another young star.

Newcastle plan for future as Cordero set to sign

Getting their summer transfer window started as early as possible, the Magpies have now reportedly completed their deal to sign Cordero from Malaga, beating both Barcelona and Real Madrid to his signature in a major coup.

The 18-year-old will arrive fresh from an impressive campaign for Malaga in Spain’s second division, in which he has scored five goals and assisted another six. Whether such a campaign makes him ready for the Premier League remains to be seen, however, especially since he’ll be competing for a place with the in-form Jacob Murphy next season.

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Instead, the teenager may first be forced to battle his way through the academy setup before earning an opportunity in Eddie Howe’s senior side. That said, patience will of course be a virtue given how young Cordero still is.

His arrival may just be the start too. After PSR concerns left them without a number of reinforcements, PIF could finally be ready to spend again this summer amid links to the likes of Liam Delap and Marseille’s Luis Henrique.

Both players would be impressive arrivals, with Delap’s recent Premier League exploits at a struggling Ipswich Town particularly making him one to watch in the coming months. Meanwhile, Cordero may not be the only young player that Newcastle welcome this summer after what PIF have just done.

PIF send Newcastle scouts to watch Asharaf Tapsoba

According to The Boot Room, PIF sent Newcastle scouts to watch Asharaf Tapsoba at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations alongside several other talents and are joined by the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to secure the forward’s signature. The Burkina Faso striker has certainly taken hold of his opportunity to impress too, scoring the most goals in the tournament so far with seven.

U17 AFCON top scorers

Goals

Country

Asharaf Tapsoba

7

Burkina Faso

Alynho Haidara

6

Ivory Coast

Ziyad Baha

4

Morocco

Ndjicoura Bomba

3

Mali

Ilies Belmokhtar

3

Morocco

Still just 15 years old, Tapsoba is undoubtedly one for the future and by joining Newcastle, he’d have the chance to learn from one of the best strikers that world football has to offer in the form of Alexander Isak.

With growing interest in his signature, the teenager already has a vital decision to make at such an early stage of his career. Just as Cordero did, those at St James’ Park will be hoping that Tapsoba ignores interest from elsewhere and joins up with the Magpies for years to come.

Tottenham Hotspur are casting their eyes on a fresh new manager target, as under-pressure head coach Ange Postecoglou reportedly faces the potential sack this year.

Ange Postecoglou comments on future at Tottenham

Credible media sources are reporting that Postecoglou’s future is in real doubt, with Fabrizio Romano also stating that the 59-year-old is heavily relying on an impressive Europa League campaign to save his job.

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Tottenham play Chelsea in their first game after the international break, and before the Lilywhites’ all-important London derby clash, Posfecoglou responded to speculation surrounding his tenuous position at the club.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Chelsea (away)

April 3rd

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

The Australian admitted that there are plenty of outstanding candidates out there to take his place, if chairman Daniel Levy does decide to hand Postecoglou his P45, and he’s taken a seemingly relaxed view on his long-term stay – suggesting other job offers will emerge if Spurs opt to part company with him.

“I know what my responsibilities are. I’m sure if the club decide to go in a different direction, there are some outstanding candidates out there for it,” said Postecoglou on his future at Tottenham.

“And you know what, maybe somebody will think, ‘Ah Ange Postecoglou’s not a bad coach, maybe we’ll take a punt on him’.

“It doesn’t rock my world, it doesn’t consume me. I am here and passionate about what we are doing. I was brought in to change the way the club plays, rejuvenate the squad and bring success. I am focused on that and that’s what I’ll keep doing.”

This comes amid news that Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is Tottenham’s number one managerial target to potentially succeed Postecoglou (The Athletic), with other candidates like Fulham’s Marco Silva and Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi also under consideration (Fabrizio Romano).

Another tactician who’s impressed lately, now finding his way onto Spurs’ radar, is Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

The Austrian recently booked an FA Cup semi-final spot with Palace after a big 3-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage, with the Eagles set for a trip to Wembley as they seek to make history and win their first ever major trophy.

The south Londoners have enjoyed an excellent run of form in the league as well, ending the season strongly, but Glasner stands to lose a host of key players this summer.

Marc Guehi is attracting serious summer interest as he enters the final 12 months of his contract, among others, so Glasner could well be tempted to jump ship if a suitable offer arrives.

Tottenham eyeing Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner

According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Tottenham are admirers of Glasner amid their hunt for a potential new manager, but they’re not alone as RB Leipzig have their eyes on the 50-year-old as an heir to Marco Rose.

Their head of Global Soccer, ex-Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, is also said to “strongly” like Glasner as an option. Palace, meanwhile, know what they must do to fend off interest in their growingly popular head coach.

Glasner wants assurances that they will try and push on to become European regulars, and is seeking clarity about star midfielder Adam Wharton’s future, as he’d like to keep the England international for another 12 months at least.

While Palace are hopeful of tying the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss down with a new deal, they’re also making contingency plans in the event he departs Selhurst Park this summer.

Called an “underrated” manager by sections of the media, Glasner was interestingly considered by Spurs as Antonio Conte’s successor, before Levy eventually decided to appoint Postecoglou.