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أعرب حسام المندوه، أمين صندوق نادي الزمالك، عن حالة الحزن التي تسود مجلس الإدارة بسبب هزيمة الفريق الأول لكرة القدم أمام نهضة بركان المغربي في ذهاب نهائي كأس الكونفدرالية.

وتعرض الزمالك لهزيمة بهدفين مقابل هدف أمام نهضة بركان، أمس الأحد، في ذهاب نهائي الكونفدرالية على ملعب “البلدي ببركان”.

ورغم الخسارة، أكد المندوه في تصريحات عبر إذاعة “أون سبورت إف إم” أن هدف التونسي سيف الدين الجزيري بث الطمأنينة في نفوس اللاعبين والإدارة.

وأشار المندوه إلى أن “هناك مكافآت خاصة لحصد بطولة الكونفدرالية الإفريقية خارج مكافآت اللائحة الخاصة بالفريق”، مؤكداً أن اللاعبين على علم بذلك.

طالع أيضًا | فيديو | جوميز يُبرر خسارة الزمالك أمام نهضة بركان في المغرب ويؤكد: لست سعيدًا وسنبدأ الإعداد لتحقيق اللقب

وأكد: “لم يعقد مجلس الإدارة جلسة مع جوزيه جوميز، المدير الفني للفريق، بعد المباراة، ولكن هناك حالة من الانتظار لمباراة العودة في استاد القاهرة لحصد اللقب”.

وأعرب المندوه عن تفائله بقدرة الفريق على تعويض الخسارة، مشيراً إلى أن بعثة الزمالك وصلت حالًا من المغرب، والمدير الفني بدأ الاستعدادات لمباراة العودة في استاد القاهرة. موعد مباراة إياب نهائي كأس الكونفدرالية

ومن المقرر أن يحل نهضة بركان ضيفًا على الزمالك في إياب نهائي الكونفدرالية، يوم الأحد المقبل، الموافق 19 من مايو، في استاد القاهرة الدولي.

The Premier League makes its triumphant return to action this weekend, with a host of mouth-watering fixtures sure to capture the imagination.

Fans the world over have been patiently awaiting such a date, as a turbulent summer of transfer rumours draws to a close. Now they will finally get to see whether these additions will prove beneficial, with the biggest and best division the perfect stage for such stellar acquisitions.

One such game that has been omitted from the television schedule, and likely written off as a snooze-fest, is the clash between Everton and Fulham on Saturday 12th August.

Set to kick off at 3pm, it is easy to understand the thought process behind the broadcasters leaving this one out. However, precedent exists to suggest that goals will flow, with only one 0-0 draw between the sides since 2010, and just five in the history of the fixture.

With a raucous Goodison Park set to welcome back their relegation survivors and will them onto better things, and a travelling Cottagers side hoping to condemn the former employers of Marco Silva to another campaign of misery, the ingredients are in place for a true spectacle to occur on Merseyside.

Everton vs Fulham: Who has the better head-to-head record?

It seems that the Toffees boast a slender advantage over their opening-day opponents, having won nine more matches against Fulham across the two clubs' history.

Their continued presence in the top-flight has likely offered them a slight advantage over Fulham, which they clearly have utilised well to attain this advantage.

However, since earning their most recent promotion, it now seems like it is the west London club that boasts the brighter future under the stewardship of Everton’s former manager.

Everton wins: 31 Draws: 14 Fulham wins: 22 Everton vs Fulham: Who has more wins at Goodison Park?

The home advantage clearly favours Everton when supported by the Goodison Park crowd, as Fulham have only managed four wins on Merseyside.

As one of the most famous grounds in the history of English football, and the first-ever purpose-built for the beautiful game in the country, with their new stadium on the horizon, there is only expected to be a few more years of Goodison Park greatness.

Whilst the shiny new waterfront arena will help boost the club tenfold, it will struggle to live up to the immense, intense, exceptional atmosphere that the Old Lady has generated throughout its time as the home of the Toffees.

Everton wins: 24 Draws: 6 Fulham wins: 4 Everton vs Fulham: Who has more wins at Craven Cottage?

A trip to Craven Cottage often favours the home side, though Everton have had some joy on their more recent journeys to west London.

Indeed, four of their seven wins at Fulham have come since 2009, with their last success coming in a 3-2 victory during the 2020/21 campaign.

Having been the home of Fulham since 1896, the original Cottage was built in 1780 nearby the current Johnny Haynes Stand. This part of the ground is named after the club's greatest-ever player, for whom a statue is also built outside.

There have been some famous European nights held at this fine arena, as they defeated the likes of Juventus, Wolfsburg and Hamburg in the knockout stages during their run to the Europa League final. More recently, however, it has been more accustomed to Championship clashes.

Fulham wins: 18 Draws: 8 Everton wins: 7 Everton vs Fulham: Who has the better cup record?

Neither side has been particularly prolific in the cup competitions of late, but Fulham have surprisingly triumphed more often when the two have clashed in the League and FA Cup.

Everton have never won the former, but boast five FA Cups within their illustrious trophy cabinet, which has not been bolstered since 1995.

Fulham, meanwhile, have failed to win either competition, having reached the FA Cup final in 1975. They did claim the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2002, just eight years before Atletico Madrid would crush their European dreams in the 2010 Europa League final.

Everton wins: 1 Draws: 3 Fulham wins: 5 Everton vs Fulham: What were the last 5 meetings?

15th April 2023 – Everton 1-3 Fulham: As the Toffees sought to secure survival, sitting precariously at the wrong end of the table, Silva made his first return to Merseyside since his 2019 sacking to send an arrow into Everton hearts.

Despite Dwight McNeil’s stunner cancelling out Harrison Reed’s opener, the home side self-destructed and surrendered the win. Harry Wilson and Daniel James scored to secure the three points.

29th October 2022 – Fulham 0-0 Everton: In a game where little was a stake, the west London outfit peppered the travelling Toffees from start to finish. Registering 24 shots, Jordan Pickford was in inspired form to keep what was their fourth clean sheet of the season.

The game was marred by a nasty challenge from Aleksandar Mitrovic on Idrissa Gana Gueye, for which Frank Lampard thought he should have seen red.

14th February 2021 – Everton 0-2 Fulham: Behind closed doors, Josh Maja enjoyed a dream full debut as his brace consigned Carlo Ancelotti’s men to defeat. It was another torrid showing for the Blues, who despite striking the woodwork, were largely kept quiet.

However, they remained in seventh after the result, positive that European football might still be snatched late in the season. That did not come to fruition, and their Italian manager would depart for Real Madrid the following summer.

22nd November 2020 – Fulham 2-3 Everton: As part of the exceptional start to Ancelotti’s first full year in the Goodison Park dugout, Everton bounced back from their three straight losses to claim an impressive victory on the road.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin would bag a brace before Abdoulaye Doucoure’s third proved decisive, and despite a late barrage from Scott Parker’s side, the Toffees held firm.

Ivan Cavaleiro’s missed penalty marked a turning point in the game to compound further misery of the hosts.

13th April 2019 – Fulham 2-0 Everton: Goals from Tom Cairney and Ryan Babel were enough to end Fulham’s nine-game losing streak and give Scott Parker his first win as caretaker manager.

Funnily enough, it was Silva in the away dugout this time, with his lacklustre team struggling on the road once again. The hosts dominated and deservedly ran out winners, providing a stumbling block for Everton in their late push for a Europa League spot.

In the end, Parker would be relegated with his side, and Silva would be sacked the season following having missed out on Europe by three points.

Who has played for Everton and Fulham?

Antonee Robinson (Everton 2008-2019; Fulham 2020-present): This experienced young defender had been at Everton since the age of 11, but a lack of opportunities led the 25-year-old to seek greener pastures.

He would leave for free, and upon joining Wigan Athletic, quickly established himself as one of the Championship’s best left-backs. His 6.94 average rating in his final season at that level (as per Sofascore) emphasised this, and AC Milan even came close to signing the USA international before his move to west London.

He has since made 107 appearances for the Craven Cottage outfit, as well as racking up 33 caps for his country.

Ademola Lookman (Everton 2017-2019; Fulham 2020-2021): Joining the Toffees as a youngster from Charlton Athletic, Ronald Koeman spent big to acquire the 19-year-old wonderkid. So, when he fired home the fourth in a demolition job against Manchester City, big things were expected.

However, that would prove to be one of just four goals in royal blue before leaving for RB Leipzig on a permanent deal. Fulham would then earn his services for a season, and his eight goal contributions in the Premier League noted a solid showing.

His time will likely be best remembered for his failed Panenka penalty in the dying minutes of their loss to West Ham United, though. He has since been shining in Atalanta, most recently scoring 13 and assisting eight in Serie A.

Andy Johnson (Everton 2006-2008; Fulham 2008-2012): Everton preyed on a Crystal Palace side that failed to earn promotion from the Championship and broke their transfer record to bring Johnson to Goodison Park.

His record of 22 goals in 74 games, including a brilliant brace in the Merseyside derby, will leave him well-remembered on Merseyside.

The 5 foot 7 finisher would then help fire Fulham into the UEFA Europa League, despite missing out on the bulk of their run in the competition due to various injury complications.

Louis Saha (Fulham 2000-2004; Everton 2008-2012): Taking a punt on an unknown Frenchman, Fulham enjoyed great success with Saha before Manchester United eventually came calling.

The allure of Sir Alex Ferguson proved too much to keep the man who notched 63 goals in just four years, but injuries stunted a promising career.

Gary Neville would even admit: “Louis was a brilliant, brilliant player. He gave me absolute nightmares when I used to play against him when he played for Fulham – him and Luis Boa Morte.”

Everton still took a punt on the silky front-man, with the pinnacle of his time at Goodison Park arguably coming as his strike after 25 seconds fired them in front in the 2009 FA Cup final – the second-fastest goal at this stage. They would still go on to lose, with goals from Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba elongating their trophy drought.

Everton vs Fulham: Key match stats

Everton will start this campaign with a fifth new manager in as many seasons, as Sean Dyche kicks off his first full year in charge of the Toffees. Silva led Fulham to their best Premier League finish since 2012 last season, while Everton recorded their worst since 2004. In the entire history of the Everton vs Fulham fixture, there has been a total of 179 goals scored. Everton vs Fulham: Classic meetings

3rd November 2012: Fulham 2-2 Everton (Premier League): Despite Everton’s domination, they were held under a floodlit Craven Cottage. With Tim Howard’s blunder gifting the hosts an opener, a brace from Marouane Fellaini had David Moyes’ men marching towards a deserved victory.

However, Steven Sidwell would poke home a late equaliser, meaning the points were shared. Martin Jol would even admit following its conclusion that his side was lucky to avoid defeat, but fans didn’t care.

3rd May 2003: Fulham 2-0 Everton (Premier League): Going into this clash, Everton were vying for a spot in the UEFA Cup whilst Fulham sought to secure survival. It was expected to be one-way traffic in favour of the visitors, but few could have predicted the comedy of errors that was to come.

Alan Stubbs was the first to contribute, as the ball deflected off him to give the hosts the lead. Goalkeeper Richard Wright would then compound this misery by allowing Steed Malbranque’s whipped free kick to slip through his grasp. The two own goals saw the game finish 2-0, and Chris Coleman secured survival for his side.

Rory Kleinveldt claimed 5 for 50 as Sussex were forced to follow on by Northants at Wantage Road

Vithushan Ehantharajah at Wantage Road06-Sep-2017Sussex 172 (Kleinveldt 5-50) and 34 for 1 (Robson 10*) trail Northamptonshire 426 (Duckett 193) by 220 runs
They don’t do boring at the County Ground and day two was no different, as 16 wickets fell to rush this game along at such a rate that Northamptonshire, not for the first time this season, might have to find something else to do on day four. Not that they’ll mind: Sussex, following on, trail them by 220 runs, skittled out for 172 in the first innings after the hosts put on 426 in theirs.While it was a collective effort from all in maroon caps who took the ball, it was Rory Kleinveldt’s 5 for 50 – his first five-wicket haul of the season – that stands out as much on paper as it did on the pitch. Amid countless plays and misses, he was able to take six wickets across two sessions – he also nabbed the first wicket to fall in Sussex’s second innings – to leave Sussex skipper Ben Brown cursing two poor days in a row.It is easy to sneer at Northamptonshire and Kleinveldt. They know that, too, hence presenting themselves as the vanguard of English cricket: forever raging against the scoffing that unfairly comes their way. If it was up to some of the players, “Big Bellies, Big Sixes” would adorn the gates at the entrance of Wantage Road. There is a pride in the way they play their cricket here that others should heed.Kleinveldt personifies that approach. Where a strength-and-conditioning coach may see a lost cause, Alex Wakely sees a bowler whom he can call upon for 10 overs up top with the new ball. His trusted seamer did what Sussex didn’t: persist with a line that asked the batsmen to stay honest. Eventually he convinced Angus Robson to push at a ball he had left many times before and play onto his own stumps.The 27-over gap between his first and second spell were not spent hiding in the field: a settled cordon of Ben Duckett, Wakely and Richard Levi meant he was fielding in the ring as Northants fought to defend every run. His final 5.4-over burst was the telling contribution, as Sussex’s tail of more-than-capable allrounders was snuffed out with Kleinveldt taking four of them for just 15 runs. After a quick break, his four overs to start the follow-on innings saw him nab Luke Wells, too.It is worth noting that Sussex’s first-innings scorecard was more reflective of the bowling than the pitch, which encouraged and rewarded shotmaking throughout. Even as wickets tumbled, players were able to drive for boundaries. Jofra Archer even managed to take Simon Kerrigan downtown for back-to-back sixes. The scorecard doesn’t lie and the story it tells an accurate story: all of the top five got starts that should have been converted.The opening hour and a half was an extension of day one. Archer and Chris Jordan were wayward with the ball allowing Northamptonshire to tick along at around four an over. Ollie Robinson and David Wiese picked up their slack to finish with four and three wickets respectively.Josh Cobb, beginning his innings at the start of play, helped the hosts breeze past 350 for only the second time this season with a handful of shots he usually saves for the white ball. Danny Briggs was chipped down the ground for four and then Cobb set his sights on Wiese, skewing a few boundaries before hitting him out of the ground over square leg.Meanwhile, Luke Procter, on loan from Lancashire, played a more sedate hand, bringing up his first Championship fifty of the season from 94 balls.Procter was singled out for praise by Duckett at the end of day one, who found time when talking about his 193 from 200 balls to laud a nuggety left-hander who dug deep to stumps so that he could recommence today with Northants on 329 for 5. It is no coincidence they passed 400 and achieved full batting points for the first time this season. They have been crying out for someone to act as the glue in the middle order and Procter’s turn was Oscar-worthy. His dismissal underlined that.When he edged Robinson to second slip for 57 from 116 balls, it set about a collapse that went on to read 5 for 25, as Northants were bowled out for 426.Sussex started well, with a breezy opening stand of 46 from Robson and Luke Wells, built upon by Stiaan van Zyl and Chris Nash, at three and four respectively. Nash was bright and breezy, van Zyl skittish and streaky, but the team hundred was brought up with the pair’s fifty partnership. But 101 for 2 was as good as it got for the visitors.Nash nicked Azharullah behind for the bowler’s second wicket before Kerrigan, another Lancashire loanee, produced an inspired spell after tea. Who knows what his future might hold and whether it is still at Old Trafford, but his two dismissals in the evening session will have turned a few important heads here. He ripped one from well outside off stump and through a driving van Zyl to knock out leg stump. Then, he drifted one into Jordan and then spun it away sharply from the right-hander to take his edge through to Levi, completing a smart chance to his left.Kleinveldt then returned from the Wantage Road end to polish off the tail, taking a sharp caught-and-bowled chance from Robinson then bowling Wiese and Briggs to leave Sussex 254 behind. The collapse was a dismal eight for 71.By stumps, 34 of those runs were chalked off, with Wells falling for his second misjudged in the same session. Tonight, he and the rest of his team-mates will rue a promotion charge starting to run out of puff.

The renaissance of Aston Villa under the tactically meticulous Unai Emery has been remarkable.

The club’s flirtatious relationship with relegation has been transformed into a burning desire to make inroads into European competition. This has been heightened by the appointment of Monchi as the President of Football Operations, who alongside Emery, has been described as a “serial winner” by the chairman Nassef Sawiris.

The manager’s ambition is matched by the ownership and board, who have started the summer sensationally. Last week, Villa completed the signing of Pau Torres for around £31.5m as they prepare the squad to juggle domestic and European football.

In the previous transfer window, Emery outlined his need for a “specialist winger” and he’s targeted Moussa Diaby.

What’s the latest on Moussa Diaby to Aston Villa?

According to RMC Sport (via Sport Witness), the Midlands outfit are closing in on an agreement to sign the Bayer Leverkusen star.

It's thought that Villa and the Bundesliga side have 'almost agreed' on a deal of around €50m (£43.5m), including bonuses for the France dynamo, though Saudi Pro League's Al-Nassr are still lingering with interest.

Emery's side would like to conclude dealings sooner rather than later, with the player himself now in control of where his future lies.

What can Moussa Diaby bring to Aston Villa?

Last season, Diaby was in imperious form, recording 25 goal contributions in 48 appearances across all competitions.

His untameable potency is reflected by his nine Bundesliga goals, which meant he was Leverkusen’s top scorer.

One scout, speaking to The Athletic on the condition of anonymity, believes he is a “wildcard” capable of affecting the game in moments. This is also shown by his rank within the best 19% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for total shots and non-penalty goals per 90.

However, he supports this goal-scoring with sparkling creativity and dribbling. Last year, he notched the most assists (8) and chances created (50) in the team, as per BBC Sport.

Morade Djeddi, president of Diaby’s first club Esperance Paris 19eme, has lauded his quality, saying:

“Since he was young, Moussa had this talent… very quickly, you realise that he has explosiveness, an ability to take on his opponent and dribbling skills.

“He was born with it. Moussa has a supernatural, divine gift. A gift that some have and others don’t.”

How would Moussa Diaby benefit Ollie Watkins at Villa Park?

This glorious combination of invention and productivity could make for a formidable offensive partnership with Ollie Watkins.

Under Emery, the Englishman has enjoyed a phenomenal revival, and in the most fruitful period of his top-flight career, he netted 13 goals in the final 23 league games of the season.

The former Brentford striker’s endless running and indomitable hard work have been noted by his boss, who said:

“His mentality is very good. Sometimes we have to stop him; we have to tell him, ‘No, this is enough for today. Tomorrow, more.’

“Defensively and offensively, we try to use his skills, adding his characteristics. He is doing it: scoring and defending with a great attitude. Overall, he is improving in everything.”

Pairing him with the mooted Villa transfer target could be a match made in heaven for Emery, given the credentials of both players, as evident above.

In the “dangerous” Diaby – as lauded by former Freiburg striker Nils Petersen – Villa could be adding a player with key European experience and someone to rival Watkins’ commendable effervescence and output.

ScorecardHashim Amla top-scored as the South Africans won their second one-day warm-up match•Getty Images

Tom Sole’s brave half-century on debut was not enough to prevent victory for the South Africans, despite a laboured display from the tourists at Wantage Road in their final warm-up match ahead of the ODI series against England.It was a game Northamptonshire could have won after Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis and David Miller made half-centuries in the South Africans’ under-par total of 275 for 7. But the hosts’ chase failed to build on a strong start and the chance of an upset went begging.Sole, 20, had kept Northants alive after coming in at No. 9 with 91 needed. With 27 to win from 24 balls and Northants nine down, he swung Andile Phehlukwayo twice over long-off for six. Fourteen were needed from 18 balls as South Africa turned back to the pace of Morne Morkel and he ended the drama with a short delivery that Sole lifted to third man.Max Holden’s maiden List A fifty helped give Northants a bright opening. He took four boundaries from Chris Morris’ fourth over and went on to a half-century in 48 balls but dragged into his stumps for 55 trying to pull a short ball from Imran Tahir.Chesney Hughes also fell to a cross-batted stroke but his was far more agricultural, attempting a slog sweep at JP Duminy and being bowled for 31. Until then, Hughes played a full part in the second-wicket stand of 92 with Holden, the pick of his strokes a blistering cut against Morris.But Hughes’ dismissal was reflective of the innings where Northants were largely the makers of their own downfall. Saif Zaib swung Tahir to long-on, James Kettleborough mistimed a pull to mid-on and Rory Kleinveldt edged Morkel to the wicketkeeper trying to run a ball to third man.Steven Crook was the only other batsman to show for Northants, his entertaining 42 featuring four boundaries from Phehlukwayo’s sixth over. But he also fell in disappointing fashion, with a mistimed pull taken at short third man. That appeared to be Northants’ hopes ended but Sole got them close.The South African innings featured three half-centuries but no partnership of real damage. They slid from 197 for 3 to 221 for 7 and it took Duminy and Morris to haul 31 from the final three overs to put up a defendable score.The tourists lost Quinton de Kock for a seven-ball duck in just the second over – pinned by a Richard Gleeson inswinger – but then regained control through Amla and du Plessis, who added 93 for the second wicket.Amla played a delightful back-foot punch for four past point in the ninth over and was typically strong in working runs through the on side. He uppercut Gleeson for six to raise fifty in 63 balls but a rare display of aggression, trying to lift Sole down the ground, saw him hole out to long-on for 59. It was Sole’s first wicket in professional cricket.Du Plessis wasn’t as calm as Amla and worked himself into a lather in trying to force away a disciplined Northants attack. He finally fired, swinging the final ball of the 12th over back over Azharullah’s head for the day’s first six and repeated the shot for four more in the same bowler’s next over. But advancing down the pitch to Zaib he picked out deep midwicket.Miller launched Sole for two mighty sixes that both found the roof of the Lynn Wilson Centre but he lost his middle stump to an Azharullah inswinger during the South Africans’ slide.Lower-order runs were needed and Morris swept Zaib for four at the start of the 46th over and then lifted him over extra-cover for another boundary. Duminy, the captain who had relegated himself in the order to No. 9, swung Azharullah down the ground for six in the 48th over, and uppercut a boundary in the final over before lifting the final ball of the innings over long-on.

Tottenham Hotspur have two new names on their centre-back shortlist, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Which new names have been added?

Ange Postecoglou has his work cut out to get Tottenham's defence in order next season, with just one summer to fix a porous backline.

That will likely mean making some additions to his squad, while possibly moving on some of those who were culpable for last season's disastrous defensive displays.

One name that has been continually mentioned in recent days is Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba, who could be available for as little as £26m, although, speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Romano suggested a fee closer to £50m.

Romano added later in the podcast that Tapsoba is not the only player Spurs appreciate, with two new names being added to the growing centre-back shortlist.

He stated: "I can tell you there are two more names in the list. Two more who I think, I will say one more name because I'm still checking with my sources, but I think tomorrow I will call one more name for Tottenham. So, I still need to do some checks."

"But there is interest in two more players, it is not only Tapsoba – Tapsoba is one of them. Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham is a player they discussed, but in this moment, from what I understand, is not a priority."

He added: "Tottenham are not in concrete negotiations for Tosin. He is a player they like in terms of being informed and the conditions of the deal, but they are not advancing on anything for Tosin, and then we will see for these other options. So, Tapsoba priority, but it is not only Tapsoba."

Due to only having one year left on his contract and having rejected an extension, it is thought Adarabioyo could be available for as little as £13m this window. The 25-year-old had an average 6.89 Premier League rating on Sofascore, adapting well to life in England's top tier.

A cut-price deal for the former Manchester City youngster could be an astute piece of business from Postecoglou and save money for investment in other areas of the team.

Who is the other centre-back?

Romano is yet to reveal who the other centre-back is since releasing the podcast episode, but the day before had linked Tottenham with Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven, so it is possible that the Dutchman is the other defender on the list.

The 22-year-old is currently playing for the Netherlands at the U21 European Championship and has been impressive at the tournament so far.

The left-footed, 6ft3 centre-back has attracted interest from Liverpool as well this summer, and has already spoken about his desire to play at a higher level.

While speaking with HITC (via the Mirror), he said: "Of course, I read everything. I have good contact with my agent, so I know what’s going on. I’ll see where it will lead. Hopefully, (a big transfer after the Euros) would be nice. The Premier League? Maybe, yes."

With Van de Ven ready to make the step-up, Spurs would be foolish not to establish the parameters of a potential deal with Wolfsburg.

Chelsea are “confident” that they can complete a summer deal for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

The Premier League playmaker still has another four years remaining on his contract with Roberto De Zerbi’s side, but having established himself as last season’s top-performing defensive player at The Amex, he’s caught the eye of Mauricio Pochettino in SW6.

The Evening Standard have reported that the Blues have identified the 21-year-old as the leading contender to replace Mateo Kovacic who is close to joining Manchester City, with Galetti also claiming that the boss has personally “asked” to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

As well as Kovacic, N’Golo Kante has left to embark on a new adventure in Saudi Arabia and Denis Zakaria has also confirmed his return to Juventus upon the conclusion of his loan, so reinforcements in front of the backline with definitely be needed, and the Seagulls star could be the perfect candidate.

Are Chelsea signing Caicedo?

Taking to Twitter, Galetti revealed that Chelsea are closing in on Caicedo, with Brighton’s midfielder expected to green-light the deal imminently. He wrote:

“#Chelsea are still pushing for Moises #Caicedo. Understand that #CFC are working to close the gap with #Brighton and they're confident to reach an agreement for the MF. Personal terms set to be agreed: evolving situation.”

Could Caicedo be a strong recruit for Pochettino?

Caicedo may only be 21 years old but he’s already been dubbed a midfield “leader” by talent scout Jacek Kulig and he’s at the age where you could build a team for the long-term future around him, so he would definitely be an excellent addition for Pochettino.

The Ecuador international, who earns £60k-per-week, is stronger in the natural aspect of his game protecting the backline, having made 100 tackles last season which was higher than any of his teammates, via FBRef, whilst averaging 1.5 interceptions per top-flight game.

The World Cup participant, however, is also capable of chipping in at the opposite end of the pitch on occasion, having scored one goal and provided an assist during the previous campaign too.

Finally, Caicedo is a versatile operator having been deployed at right-back and slightly higher up in central midfield alongside his usual role, which will be yet another attractive quality to the boss, so should he put pen to paper, it would be a massive coup for the Blues.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball details0:53

Moonda: Still concerns over Amla’s form, but Cook has established himself

Stephen Cook’s third Test hundred moved South Africa into a dominant position on a third day of rain delays and rapid scoring in Port Elizabeth. Sri Lanka caused a brief flutter with four wickets for 56 runs, but that only came after South Africa had moved to 221 for 1. At stumps, South Africa were 351 for 5, their lead 432 with two days remaining.For most of the day, the only force that seemed capable of halting South Africa’s march was the weather: Bad light and rain halted play twice, either side of an early lunch break, for roughly an hour cumulatively. Then, belatedly, Sri Lanka’s bowlers began to find some success.Nuwan Pradeep dismissed Amla with the last ball before tea, making him the 10,000th lbw victim in Test history. Dushmantha Chameera got Cook to nick behind in the sixth over after tea, before Dhananjaya de Silva, bowling his offbreaks from around the wicket to both right- and left-hand batsmen, began turning the ball appreciably. He got JP Duminy to edge to slip, and then had Temba Bavuma caught at short leg – Bavuma walked off without reviewing after being given out, despite replays suggesting there was no bat involved.Rangana Herath could have had Quinton de Kock three overs later, but Dinesh Chandimal, possibly unsighted by the batsman as the ball spun out of the rough and between bat and pad, missed the stumping. De Kock and Faf du Plessis went on to add an unbroken 74 for the sixth wicket, at 4.82 per over, reinforcing South Africa’s hold on the Test match.South Africa dominated right from the start of play, taking only 7.5 overs to wrap up Sri Lanka’s lower order, with Vernon Philander completing his 11th Test-match five-for, and gain an 81-run first-innings lead. Then Cook, courtesy century stands for the first and second wicket with Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla, ensured Sri Lanka remained on the mat.Amla fell two short of a half-century, Pradeep trapping him on the shuffle, spearing one full and straight the ball after that shuffle had brought the batsman a cheeky four, a leg glance off an off-stump delivery. By then, Amla had batted as fluently as he has done at any point this season, delighted his fans with some vintage strokeplay including scorching drives through the covers and down the ground, his balance and timing inch-perfect.After two days dominated by seamers, Sri Lanka may have hoped for continuing assistance from the pitch, but after some early help for the new ball – Cook and Elgar sent three edges streaking through gaps in the slip cordon in the first four overs – conditions seemed to ease out considerably. Given South Africa’s lead, Sri Lanka couldn’t attack for too long, and the innings eventually settled into a pattern of easily available runs against defensive fields.Elgar was the dominant opening partner before lunch – which was taken half an hour early thanks to bad light and later rain – scoring 26 to Cook’s 12 and hitting three fours including a muscular swat over midwicket when Suranga Lakmal dropped marginally short and a crisply timed back-foot drive down the ground off Angelo Mathews.Cook caught up when play resumed, with three fours in two overs – not all of them entirely controlled – when the seamers began bowling short. With singles now plentifully available against the deep-set fields, Cook’s strike rate climbed, and he reached fifty in style, punching Pradeep through the covers to bring up the landmark and slashing the next one backward of point for another four.Elgar soon joined him in the 50s before falling to a miscued pull off Suranga Lakmal. By then, Cook and Elgar had brought up their second century partnership of the match. It was only the tenth time in Test history that an opening pair had achieved this feat.South Africa began scoring even more freely with Amla at the crease: the second-wicket pair scored at 5.57 while the openers had gone at 3.60. Cook, who took 81 balls to score his first fifty, scored his second in 71 balls, as Sri Lanka’s bowlers went through the motions. Cook went from 95 to 99 with the shot of his innings, a straight punch off the front foot against Chameera, before getting to his hundred the next ball with a trademark nurdle into the leg side for two.South Africa’s day began in the best way possible. Philander struck with his very first ball, shaping it away from the fourth-stump channel to induce a poke and an edge from Dhananjaya de Silva, who, on 43 overnight, had held Sri Lanka’s hopes of narrowing South Africa’s lead to manageable proportions. Five balls later, Lakmal realised he wasn’t quite to the pitch of a fullish ball to drive, checked his shot, and popped a low catch to mid-on, giving Philander his fifth wicket.Philander and Kyle Abbott beat the edges of Chameera and Pradeep frequently, but Sri Lanka’s Nos. 9 and 11 managed to stretch their total by 20 runs along the way. There were a couple of audacious shots as well – Pradeep punched Abbott off the back foot to the point boundary, and Chameera hit Philander for a straight-bat scoop over mid-on. Eventually, having just got past the 50-ball mark, Chameera jabbed at an away-swinger from Abbott and nicked to first slip.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be plotting a move for Chelsea midfielder, Conor Gallagher, with the Englishman currently facing an uncertain future in west London.

What's the latest on Gallagher to Tottenham?

According to journalist Lee Wilmot, the Lilywhites are said to be keen on signing the 23-year-old this summer as Ange Postecoglou looks to strengthen his midfield options, with a departure from the Blues seemingly in the offing for the former Crystal Palace loanee.

Writing on Twitter, the respected insider revealed: "Understand Tottenham are interested in signing Conor Gallagher from Chelsea this summer. The 23-year-old is expected to leave Stamford Bridge, with Spurs a potential destination."

In his attached piece for football.london, Wilmot goes on to add that the six-cap maestro – who is reportedly valued at around £50m – has been linked with a move to Newcastle United of late, albeit with the Magpies now said to be looking at 'other options', potentially opening the door for the north Londoners to pounce.

Would Gallagher be a good signing for Tottenham?

Having shone during his loan stint at Selhurst Park in the previous campaign – where he bagged eight goals and three assists in 34 Premier League games – it is fair to say that Gallagher was not able to hit those heights again as part of a struggling Chelsea side last term, having contributed just three goals and one assist in 35 league outings.

That being said, however, the £50k-per-week menace remains a "hungry" and "high energy" talent – as described by pundit Ally McCoist – that could well breathe new life into Tottenham's midfield, with the current starting pair of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp having been criticised by talkSPORT's Perry Groves earlier this year, as they seemingly "don't do anything".

The addition of the Blues ace may also prove to be something of a masterstroke for Postecoglou due to his apparent likeness to compatriot and new Real Madrid man, Jude Bellingham, having compared favourably to his international colleague, according to FBref.

That similarity between the two midfielders is notably showcased by their all-action style, with Gallagher having been described as a "box-to-box" player by writer Zach Lowy – while Bellingham – who only recently sealed an £88.5m switch to the Bernabeu – has been described as a player that can "do everything" by Sky Sports pundit, Gary Neville.

That ability to make an impact at both ends of the pitch is shown by the fact that the two youngsters can put in the hard yards defensively, with the latter man ranking in the top 7% for blocks made among his European peers, while Gallagher ranks in the top 4% in that regard.

Equally, the pair also have a real desire to get involved in the action in the final third despite typically operating in a central midfield berth, shown by the fact that the Chelsea man ranks in the top 3% for touches in the attacking penalty area, while Bellingham ranks in the top 2% for that same metric.

To share such statistical and stylistic similarities to the 19-year-old superstar is a sign of Gallagher's exciting potential, with the ex-Borussia Dortmund ace undoubtedly a player that any manager would wish to have in their side despite his relative youth, having been tipped to become the "best midfielder in the world" by Manchester City's, Phil Foden.

While the current Tottenham target may not be at that same level as his fellow Englishman, it would be a dream for Postecoglou to have his own version of Bellingham on the books at N17.

Leeds United are a huge club, that many would agree should be in the Premier League. However, nothing in this sport is a given, and status must be earned no matter how prestigious an establishment may be.

However, it is this size that retains their immense pull, as players will still want to move to Elland Road knowing that being their promotion hero would see them become an instant fan favourite.

Therefore, this could suggest that the Whites are in for a big summer of vast revolution, and yet some of the key components of a Championship-winning team already remain in Yorkshire too.

Whilst plenty of the squad will likely seek an exit, their academy is instead laden with all the talent needed to maintain their levels on a much smaller budget.

In fact, returning from one hugely successful loan spell is youngster Cody Drameh, fresh from his playoff-winning exploits at Luton Town.

Despite being just 21 years old, his promotion expertise could prove invaluable in ensuring the Whites can achieve a similar feat.

How good is Cody Drameh?

In unleashing this youngster into the first team now, it would surely finally mark the exit of Luke Ayling from the first team.

The 31-year-old has been consistently poor for years now, having looked hopelessly out of his depth in the top flight. A 6.61 average Sofascore rating for the 2021/22 term was somehow worsened in the most recent campaign, with his 69% pass accuracy showcasing a defender stuck in the dark ages.

Meanwhile, in the league below, Drameh had been shining for the Hatters, recording a 7.09 average rating. His key attributes all suggest him to be the future of this club, as the perfect modern-day full-back who boasted 1.6 key passes, 3.1 tackles and 2.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

This technical proficiency combined with the relentless energy his youth provides further pronounces him as the outstanding option, with his former boss Steve Morison suggesting: "He is like a Duracell Bunny, isn't he? He just keeps going and going."

To compare that with the lazy exploits of Ayling, who allowed Harry Kane to ghost in unmarked for his first on their final-day thrashing to Tottenham Hotspur and went viral for his lack of effort in preventing a goal against Bournemouth. Indeed, they are worlds apart.

Whilst reports have been linking their bright young superstar with a move away, Andrea Radrizzani would do well to keep ahold of Drameh, knowing that his new boss would surely want to put him in the side.

With quality, energy, youth and fresh experience at demolishing the Championship all on his side, at last, Ayling can be ditched now a viable alternative has arrived.