Tottenham: Ange Has "Major Doubts" Over Spurs Star

Tottenham Hotspur and manager Ange Postecoglou are thought to have "major question marks" over Richarlison as they seek new forward options, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Who could leave Spurs this summer?

As Spurs become linked with making summer signings for Postecoglou, as they seek to fight their way back into European qualification, the north Londoners must also shift deadwood.

There are many squad members, both already there and coming back from loans, who could depart N17 by the beginning of the 2022/2023 Premier League season.

Chairman Daniel Levy has it all to do in terms of balancing the books, with Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon, Tanguy Ndombele and Harry Winks facing uncertain futures (The Telegraph).

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, despite being a Spurs mainstay since joining from Southampton in 2020, could also leave as Postecoglou reportedly holds certain reservations over the Dane.

Richarlison, after a disappointing debut season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, has now been linked with a possible exit as well.

O'Rourke, writing for Football Insider, claims Postecoglou has "major question marks" over the Brazil international – specifically his goal output and general fitness.

This has prompted Spurs to look at options in the summer transfer market as Postecoglou seeks to add more potency to his forward line.

While they won't be signing Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal, with the forward apparently joining Chelsea, it is believed Tottenham are chasing alternatives.

How many goals has Richarlison scored for Spurs?

The former Everton star, after signing from Goodison Park in a £60 million deal in 2022, he arguably hasn't quite lived up to that price tag yet despite being called "very underrated" by journalist Josh Bunting.

He has starred for Brazil at international level, but for his club, he could do slightly more.

Richarlison enjoyed a few brilliant years on Merseyside, having managed at least 10 goal league contributions each campaign he was at Everton (WhoScored).

However, for Spurs, he hit just three goals and four assists across 35 outings in all competitions for the entire 2022-23 campaign.

Speaking to Football Insider last season, former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor hit out at Richarlison and his form.

"Richarlison has got to wake up," said the pundit.

“He wasn’t great against West Ham or Chelsea – and that’s been a theme of his season.

“When you watch him, you struggle to see what he’s good at. He’s got no standout attributes.

“He’s not quick, he’s not a great finisher, he can’t hold the ball up, he can’t pass that well.

“I feel that he could be someone that Spurs look to move on. He’s not showing himself to be good enough for where they want to go.”

Chelsea Can Move On From Mount With "Special" £34m Gem

Mason Mount continues to be linked with a move away from Chelsea, but it appears the Blues are being proactive in their search for a possible replacement.

Manchester United are expected to table an improved £50m bid for Mount this week, giving Chelsea a huge decision to make – cash in now or let the England international leave for free in 12 months' time.

Losing Mount will undoubtedly be a blow for new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, even if the midfielder has his fair share of critics, but there are plenty of options out there to fill the void.

According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, one of those being targeted is Celta Vigo's in-demand midfielder Gabri Veiga.

Who is Chelsea target Gabri Veiga?

Romano suggests that Chelsea have asked to be informed of Veiga's release clause conditions, before weighing up whether to make a move for a player who is also on the radar of Real Madrid and Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Celta president Carlos Mourino revealed in April that the LaLiga side will not negotiate a fee for Veiga. Instead, it is down to any interested suitors to pay his €40m (£34m) release clause.

Chelsea's Mason Mount

On the basis of his performances over the past year, that can be considered a reasonable fee. Veiga ranks in the top 1% of his positional peers across Europe's top five leagues in terms of non-penalty goals per 90 minutes (0.43), as per FBref, having scored 11 times in 36 LaLiga games last season.

That figure compares to 0.13 non-penalty goals per 90 for Mount, placing him among the lowest 21% among his positional peers. It is not just in that area Veiga shines, either, as he also assists more regularly than Mount (0.16 per 90 minutes last season compared to 0.11).

There are similarities in Veiga and Mount's playing styles, as highlighted by their progressive carries per 90 figures of 2.67 and 2.62 respectively, which records how often they carry the ball forward more than ten yards.

But Veiga, who was described as a "special" player by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague last season, gets far more of his shots on target than Mount (46.8% v 27.3%), averages more take-ons per 90 (2.94 v 1.69) and is also better in the air (0.75 aerial duels won per 90, compared to Mount's 0.49).

With Enzo Fernandez keeping things ticking along in the engine room, it makes sense for Chelsea to sacrifice another ball-playing midfielder for someone who can get past an opponent and find the net.

When factoring in the fees on the line and that Veiga is three years younger than Mount, the Blues could pull off a rare masterstroke.

Winger or No.10? Christian Pulisic’s versatility to be put to good use as AC Milan say ability of USMNT star was ‘never in doubt’ despite Chelsea struggles

AC Milan claim Christian Pulisic’s ability was “never in doubt”, with the Serie A giants ready to put his versatility to good use.

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  • American left England for Italy
  • Made an immediate impact
  • Coach impressed with forward
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The United States international endured a testing four years at Chelsea – during which he never truly nailed down a starting berth despite becoming a Champions League winner – before opting to take on a new challenge in Italy for 2023. Pulisic has made an immediate impression with the Rossoneri, with a stunning goal recorded against Bologna on his Serie A debut.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Pulisic was used from the right wing in that contest, but he is just as comfortable on the left and can operate in a central playmaking post when required. Milan boss Stefano Pioli has hinted at moving the USMNT star around, while also expressing his delight at seeing the American settle so quickly in new surroundings.

  • WHAT THEY SAID

    Pioli has told of Pulisic and the part he has to play for Milan in 2023-24: “I always knew Pulisic was a talent, this was never in doubt. In the phone call I had with him before he signed, it was evident that he was bringing a lot of quality to the squad. On top of that, he is also a very versatile player who can fill in for [Rafael] Leao or play behind the striker when needed.”

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    WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

    Milan will be back in action on Saturday when playing host to Torino, with Pulisic – who has a number of former Chelsea team-mates and international colleague Yunus Musah alongside him at San Siro – eager to build on his positive start to life with another heavyweight European outfit.

Rumours Rubbished As £115k-p/w Arsenal Man Linked With Exit

Journalist Charles Watts has claimed that Martin Odegaard would only leave Arsenal this summer if a "ridiculous offer" came in.

What's the latest on Arsenal and Martin Odegaard?

With the Premier League season now over, the club captain can reflect on what's been an impressive individual season.

After all, the 24-year-old finished the season as the division's highest-scoring midfielder with 15 goals to his name, while he also provided seven assists.

His displays have been so good, in fact, it seems one top European side have been keeping tabs and may now look to place a bid this summer.

Indeed, as per the Daily Mail, French giants Paris Saint-Germain are keen on signing Odegaard in what could be a "shock move".

However, while talking about it on his YouTube channel, Watts seemed pretty dismissive of the transfer happening.

He said (10:00): "I cannot see any way that Martin Odegaard goes to Paris Saint-Germain or anywhere this summer, I just cannot see it.

"And it pains you to say that because you know anything can happen in football and you can end up looking very, very stupid.

"But you've got Arsenal's captain here who is so into the project. Who is so intertwined with the manager and is just connected with the fans, he's had this fantastic season. It just would not happen.

"Arsenal wouldn't entertain it unless someone came in with some ridiculous offer – you know, like a world record transfer – why would you even consider selling Martin Odegaard in the summer?

How much does Odegaard earn at Arsenal?

With Granit Xhaka looking likely to join Bayer Leverkusen and Declan Rice potentially heading to the Emirates, Arsenal will be busy enough trying to rebuild their midfielder without having to worry about selling and replacing Odegaard.

Certainly, on paper, it doesn't make a lot of sense for the Gunners to sell their captain. Of course, though, you can never say never in football and a huge offer could change plans in an instant.

martin-odegaard-arsenal-james-maddison

Still, the good news for Arsenal is that they don't seem to have any plans of selling. Quite the opposite in fact as they could be set to renew his £115k-p/w contract.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has explained that the club have the option to extend until 2026 but negotiations will take place soon over a new long-term deal instead.

He added: "Odegaard loves the club and Arsenal want Martin to be part of their long-term project."

Jack Taylor has bowling suspension lifted

Jack Taylor, the Gloucestershire allrounder, has been passed to resume bowling his offspin by the ECB. Taylor was suspended in June after being found to have an illegal action for the second time in his career.Taylor underwent remedial work after his bowling action was found to exceed 15 degrees. He was re-tested on July 28 and the ban has now been lifted with immediate effect.Even without his bowling, Taylor has continued to feature in Gloucestershire’s middle order. The 24-year-old has scored 602 runs at 43.00 in the Championship this season – behind only Chris Dent – and made his highest T20 score of 44 not out last week to help Gloucestershire top the NatWest Blast South Group table.He was previously called in 2013, missing the rest of the season to remodel his action with the help of Gloucestershire and the ECB’s national academy in Loughborough, before being cleared to resume bowling in February 2014.

Dexter keeps delivering for Leicestershire

Neil Dexter continued to stake his claim to be one of the signings of the season as Leicestershire reached 299 for 7 against Worcestershire

ECB Reporters Network03-Jul-2016
ScorecardNeil Dexter’s third hundred of the season made for an even opening day•Getty Images

Neil Dexter continued to stake his claim to be one of the signings of the season as Leicestershire reached 299 for 7 against Worcestershire on a hard-fought opening day in the Specsavers County Championship at New Road.The former Middlesex batsman completed a third century for his new county and at the same time made it back-to-back hundreds when adding 109 to last week’s 136 against Gloucestershire.He was by no means completely fluent, more than one of his 18 boundaries coming off the edge during an impressive first spell by Ed Barnard, but his application could not be faulted following the early dismissal of Paul Horton.Barnard claimed that wicket with his fifth delivery, Tom Kohler-Cadmore holding a fizzing overhead chance at first slip, and he should have had another when Angus Robson was dropped at gully.The opener was on 27 and went on to make exactly 50, his third half-century in four Championship innings, before he gave a low catch to wicketkeeper Ben Cox in Barnard’s second spell.The second-wicket partnership yielded 79 from 32 overs and this was followed by a stand of 54 as Mark Cosgrove perked up the innings until he became another victim for Cox, aiming to force legspinner Brett D’Oliveira square on the off-side.There was something in the pitch to encourage Worcestershire – if not for Kyle Abbott on his Championship debut for the county – but tight bowling by Barnard and Jack Shantry only served to underline the value of Dexter’s performance. He maintained his focus throughout and made it clear that he is enjoying life with his fourth county.If Barnard was the pick of the seam attack with three for 49, D’Oliveira showed impeccable control, and a nice variation, in bowling 23 overs for his 2 for 53.He was also involved in the fourth wicket, not as the bowler but in running out Mark Pettini for 16 with a direct hit from backward point. Dexter was on 98 at the time and eventually got to his century after taking 22 minutes to add four singles to his score at tea.The end for him came with a smart third catch for Cox, standing up to Joe Leach, and Robert Taylor soon drove D’Oliveira to extra cover, but Ned Eckersley and Clint McKay added valuable runs late in the day. McKay was leg-before to Barnard, bowling with the second new ball.While not taking total control, Leicestershire have gone some way towards burying a bad memory from earlier in the season. They were dismissed for 43 on their own ground in May when Worcestershire registered their only win so far in a Division Two campaign following relegation last year.The home side have included Tom Fell after his recovery from two forms of cancer since making a career-best 171 against Middlesex in his final innings of last summer.

Australia keen to tour Bangladesh in 2017

Australia are likely to tour Bangladesh in 2017 to play a two-Test series that had been postponed last year due to security concerns.

Mohammad Isam27-Apr-2016

The last time Australia were in Bangladesh was for the World T20 in 2014•Getty Images

Australia are likely to tour Bangladesh in 2017 to play the two-Test series that had been postponed last year due to security concerns.The teams were set to play in Dhaka in October 2015, but Cricket Australia received a government advisory about threats to Australian interest in Bangladesh two days before the players’ departure. The BCB promised VVIP security in an effort to salvage the tour, but were unsuccessful. The Australian Under-19s had also withdrawn from the World Cup that was held in Bangladesh at the start of 2016.On Tuesday, Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland, who had made the pull out public last year, said they were keen to resume ties. “We’ve had discussions offline with the Bangladesh Cricket Board. They know and understand that we’re absolutely committed to playing that [postponed] tour, obviously subject to security matters that we need to go through in preparation for that tour. But we’re very much looking forward to getting back to Bangladesh and playing cricket over there.”BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury also told ESPNcricinfo that, “after discussions with Cricket Australia, we are at the final stages of finalising the commitment for their tour to Bangladesh next year, and we will announce the tour dates once everything is confirmed.”It is understood that the two Tests could be held immediately after the 2017 Champions Trophy in England, which runs from June 1 to 18, although cricket in Bangladesh is not usually played in the months between May and October.

Arsenal have ‘inquired’ about Dahoud

Arsenal have ‘inquired’ about bringing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud to the Premier League, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown: Dahoud set for BVB exit

The German will be out of contract in the summer and reports have suggested that he is on his way out of the Bundesliga after deciding not to renew his deal.

The Gunners target has fallen out of favour under Edin Terzic having made just three league starts this season, so will be keen to secure a fresh start.

Mikel Arteta is on the lookout for further central reinforcements after landing Jorginho in January, and has already been linked with the likes of West Ham captain Declan Rice, but the 27-year-old could prove to be a much cheaper alternative.

The Latest: Arsenal register interest

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg revealed that Arsenal have registered their interest in Dahoud ahead of a potential move to the Emirates. He wrote:

“News #Dahoud: At this stage 10 clubs are in! Very hot: AC Milan, SSC Napoli, AS Roma, Leicester, Real Betis, FC Sevilla, Fenerbahce, Gala.

“Arsenal and Atlético inquired about him.

“He will leave #BVB in summer as a free agent.”

The Verdict: No-brainer?

Dahoud has been hailed an ‘amazing talent’ by one of his close associates and Arsenal have a no-brainer of a decision when it comes to signing him on a free transfer.

The Puma-sponsored star loves to attack from the centre having clocked up 71 goal contributions in 293 appearances throughout his career, so he would complement the forward players perfectly.

The Amuda native would also bring excellent versatility to the capital with his ability to operate in all five positions across the midfield so Edu shouldn’t have to think twice about capitalising on this rare opportunity.

Having once formed ‘the heart of Gladbach’ alongside Granit Xhaka with their shared former club, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Dahoud could recapture his best form alongside his ex-midfield partner.

Tottenham: Eric Dier criticised by Taylor

Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier is ‘nowhere near the required level’ to bring the club success, according to journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Dier struggling

The defender has already been criticised by pundits for his performances this season, with journalist Kevin Palmer slamming his very poor performance in the 2-2 draw against Brentford, claiming he’s ‘not good enough’ for a top six club.

Given that Cristian Romero has been injured for large parts of the season, Dier has been given a lot of game time by Antonio Conte, making 22 appearances in the Premier League, however he has left Taylor unimpressed…

The Latest: Criticised by Taylor

In an interview with GiveMeSport, the journalist name-checked a few Tottenham players who he has been disappointed by, and he reserved particularly scathing criticism for Dier, saying:

“Ben Davies, good squad player but he should not be a starter. Hugo Lloris, poor, while Eric Dier is just nowhere near the required level for what Spurs are trying to achieve.”

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The Verdict: Not good enough

Taylor also described the Englishman as ‘very poor’ back in January, and that is a probably a fair assessment, given the level of his performances so far this season, as he is one of two Spurs players to have made an error leading to a goal.

In fairness, there have been some improved signs recently, with the 29-year-old impressing in the 2-0 victory against West Ham United at the weekend, winning six of his seven aerial duels, the second-highest amount of any player.

That being said, the Hammers offered little in the way of attacking threat, and the £85k-per-week earner does not put in those types of performances on a regular enough basis, ranked by Sofascore as Spurs’ worst-performing outfield starter in the 4-1 defeat at Leicester City.

As such, Conte should look to bring in a new option at centre-back in the summer window, and The Daily Mail report that a dominant defender will be at the top of their wanted list this summer.

‘Another one’s coming!’ – USMNT star Chris Richards makes bold goal vow after breaking Premier League duck at Crystal Palace

USMNT star Chris Richards has boldly declared that “another one’s coming” after breaking his Premier League goal duck at Crystal Palace.

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Defender on target against BurnleyHas one effort for his countryBelieves there are more to comeWHAT HAPPENED?

The United States international defender moved to Selhurst Park from Bayern Munich in 2022. Opportunities were in short supply during his debut campaign in English football, with only 10 appearances made across all competitions.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

He has figured more prominently this term, filling a holding midfield role at times, and registered his first goal for the Eagles at the 31st attempt in a 3-0 victory over Burnley. Richards hopes the floodgates will now open for him, with the 23-year-old confident that he can contribute at both ends of the field.

WHAT RICHARDS SAID

Richards has told Palace’s : “I've wanted it [my first goal] all year. Of course, you always like to score goals, but I think it was a very crucial goal in a very crucial game, so I'm very happy about it. Jordan [Ayew] was talking about hitting it back post the whole time, so I figured if T [Tyrick Mitchell] jumped with the man, I was going to be wide open, so I just tried to stay back post. Everybody likes to score goals. Fans like to see it, so it definitely changed the mood for the game, and the games coming up as well. I think another one’s coming!”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR RICHARDS?

Richards did find the target during a loan spell at Hoffenheim in 2021-22 and has one effort for his country – which came against Canada in June 2023. He will hope that there are more goals to celebrate over the coming weeks, with 2024 shaping up to be a big year for Palace and the USMNT.

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