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Leeds United are battling West Ham United for the signing of Santiago Gimenez, with the Mexican striker “set to leave” AC Milan in 2026.

Farke praises Calvert-Lewin role in Leeds turnaround

Daniel Farke’s job was at risk heading into a period in which Leeds faced three ‘big six’ teams in the space of just seven days.

Three good performance and four points later however, and the German’s position is as strong as it ever has been, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring in each of the defeat at Manchester City, the win over Chelsea and of course the dramatic 3-3 draw against champions Liverpool.

“I have followed his career for years and this is what he has done throughout. He has delivered really good performances and scored many goals,” the manager said.

“This is why we were so desperate to sign him because we know what he is capable of if he is fit and in a good rhythm.”

Calvert-Lewin’s injury record was a point of contention when he signed at Elland Road during the summer, and the club are set to pursue a new striker in January to provide added competition for the 28 year-old.

Gimenez set to leave AC Milan

According to an update from Italian journalist Niccolò Ceccarini, via Sport Witness, Leeds and West Ham are the two clubs fighting it out to sign AC Milan striker Gimenez, who is now “set to leave” the Italian giants in the new year.

The Serie A outfit are already searching for his replacement, and a move for the ‘right candidate’ will depend on the Mexican joining a new club.

Gimenez was praised by Milan legend and Senior Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic upon his arrival at the club, but has failed to cement himself as their top number nine, failing to find the back of the net in Serie A so far this season despite starting eight matches.

Kyle Walker compared the striker to Julian Alvarez having played together in Milan.

That work rate made Alvarez a hit in the Premier League during his time at Manchester City, and if Gimenez could replicate anything close to that at Elland Road he could make Farke and Leeds fans very happy indeed.

Crystal Palace may have a big decision to make in the January transfer window, with it being revealed Real Madrid are preparing a bid for one of their key players.

Palace fighting for European qualification

Palace have taken major strides under the helm of Oliver Glasner, winning the FA Cup for the first time in their history last season, which granted qualification for the Europa Conference League, and they are now knocking on the door to make it to Europe once again.

The Eagles are flying high in the Premier League, currently sitting in fourth, moving into the Champions League places as a result of a 2-1 victory away at Fulham last time out.

Adam Wharton once again put in a top-quality performance, assisting Eddie Nketiah’s opening goal, with the Englishman attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window.

Real Madrid have also been named as potential suitors for Wharton in the past, but he is not the only Crystal Palace star of interest to the Champions League club, according to a report from Spain, which states they are now preparing a €40m (£35m) offer for Marc Guehi.

Guehi has been identified as the ideal target for the Spanish side, who are looking to bring in a new centre-back in the January transfer window, given that Éder Militão is set to spend up to four months on the treatment table.

The Eagles will have a big decision to make in the January transfer window, given that Glasner has already made it clear Guehi wants to leave in 2026, and they are currently at risk of losing him on a free transfer in the summer.

Palace sanctioning Guehi's departure would be major risk

Palace currently have a real opportunity to make more history this season, given that they are currently in the Champions League places, and letting their captain leave next month would jeopardise their chances of finishing in the top four.

The England international has been Glasner’s most consistent performer in the Premier League this season, averaging a 7.40 SofaScore match rating, the highest of any player in the squad.

Related Crystal Palace eyeing January move for goal-scoring star with 13 G/A in 2025

The Eagles have identified a new target, ahead of a potential winter move.

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The 25-year-old has averaged 2.03 tackles per 90 over the past year, placing him in the 87th percentile compared to other centre-backs, while he has also displayed his attacking qualities, picking up two goals and three assists in the Premier League this season.

Although it may be difficult to resist a big January bid for Guehi, given that he is set to leave in the summer, Crystal Palace should resist any approaches and keep the centre-back until the end of the season.

Sources have described an incoming Chelsea starlet as another potential superstar, as BlueCo prepare to welcome another Estevao-like talent.

Estevao rise leads Chelsea youth transfer revolution

Estevao has announced himself as one of world football’s brightest young talents since joining Chelsea this summer, producing performances that suggest the Brazilian teenager could become a generational superstar at Stamford Bridge.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a sensational start to life in English football, scoring five goals and providing one assist in just 740 minutes across all competitions.

Statistically, he’s already surpassed legendary figures at similar stages of their careers, with his goal contributions eclipsing what Lionel Messi and Ronaldo managed in their first seventeen appearances for Barcelona and Manchester United respectively.

Estevao’s finest hour yet came against Barça in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

His breathtaking solo goal left top-level defenders trailing in his wake before the ex-Palmeiras sensation fired into the roof of the net, making him only the third teenager in history to score in each of his first three Champions League starts alongside Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Man City’s Erling Haaland.

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0.13

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1

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0.35

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1

Key Passes

3

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1/1

Shots

2

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Estevao’s Premier League performances have shown similar promise, with the South American’s dramatic last-gasp winner against Liverpool in October sending Enzo Maresca into raptures on the touchline.

Chelsea’s investment in young talent continues to shape their long-term recruitment strategy, with Estevao representing just the beginning of an exciting wave of arrivals.

Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez, who is currently on loan at sister club Strasbourg, has been tipped for an exciting future, with Kairat Almaty forward Dastan Satpaev and Corinthians left-back Denner also set to arrive in 2026 — alongside Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha.

As well as the aforementioned quartet, Chelsea will welcome Sporting CP sensation Geovany Quenda to London next summer.

Maresca’s side struck a £44 million deal for the winger in March, and he’s already been described by some as one of the most exciting young talents in world football.

Quenda has been on fire this term with five goals and eight assists in 20 appearances, with Chelsea signing Quenda for half of his release clause earlier this year in what could turn out to be a bargain move.

Chelsea have already signed 'the next Cristiano Ronaldo' in Geovany Quenda

That is according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, who also says that those in Portugal are describing Quenda as ‘the next Cristiano Ronaldo’ in very high praise.

Speaking in a video down at the bottom of a Sky Q&A, Solhekol also reports that there are ‘more Estevaos on the way ‘— referencing Quenda as chief among them.

Commenting on his move to Chelsea, Sporting boss Rui Borges did have a word of caution for the Portugal Under-21 international — namely that this hype could ‘affect his mental state’.

Being compared to Ronaldo brings its own pressure, but from what Quenda has shown already, Chelsea could indeed be about to welcome yet another Estevao to Maresca’s ranks.

Arne Slot gambled on Wednesday when he decided to exclude from his matchday squad the majority of his first-team Liverpool stars.

But the Dutch tactician didn’t gamble with his side’s chances of advancing against Crystal Palace to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. The result, plainly, always felt the probable outcome from the build-up, and Liverpool are now condemned to six losses from seven games.

Liverpool did not have the firepower to overwhelm Oliver Glasner’s side, and so he has rested his heavyweights in the hope that the Reds will see an upswing in form across the crucial coming period of football. Up next: Aston Villa and Manchester City in the Premier League, with the visit of Real Madrid in the Champions League in between.

With that in mind, the decision to field a second-string team was understandable, but there was a dearth of experience, and with the outcome almost pre-determined, unleashing the already under-fire Milos Kerkez has backfired.

Milos Kerkez struggles again

Since September 27th, Liverpool have lost more games than any other side across Europe’s top five leagues. Defensively, it’s been a bit lackadaisical and erratic.

In this regard, summer recruit Kerkez has really struggled. The Hungarian arrived from Bournemouth for £45m in July but is unrecognisable to the Premier League Team of the Year inclusion who inspired such awe on the south coast last year.

Slot and Kerkez will take solace in the 21-year-old having created two chances, finding his man with both attempted crosses and connecting well with the lively Rio Ngumoha. However, he also lost the ball 19 times and won only three of his nine contested duels (data via Sofascore).

It was a display that, once again, left plenty to be desired, and Liverpool still wait to see the left-back form into a worthy part of Slot’s project.

There is, however, time on his side. But the same cannot be said for another part of the Liverpool backline, a player who has been at the heart of a series of transfer sagas in recent years and may now be heading for the axe.

Slot must ditch Liverpool stalwart

Liverpool have undergone plenty of change this year, and there’s a sense that some of the veterans need to stick around. This isn’t true in every case, though.

For so long, Joe Gomez has been a part of the club, instrumental in the rise of Jurgen Klopp and the longest-serving active first-team player – and that even before Trent Alexander-Arnold packed and left.

The 28-year-old was part of a three-man backline in the cup, but Slot’s attempts to negate the Palace threat came undone when Gomez found himself at the epicentre of the deadlock-breaker. It was his loose touch that gifted Ismaila Sarr the first goal of his brace, ever the bane in Liverpool’s side.

Perhaps Gomez’s miscontrol was more unfortunate than clumsy, but there was still a flash of a chance to clear the danger and keep that elusive clean sheet.

Moreover, Gomez’s errant pass led to the Eagles’ conclusive third strike, and Liverpool World saw it fit thereafter to hand the England international a 5/10 match rating.

After attracting interest from Newcastle United and, curiously, Palace over the past two summer transfer windows, Liverpool may come to regret not cashing in, especially if that had led to the likes of Marc Guehi, who remains under Glasner’s wing but could have been fielded for the hosts on Wednesday.

After such sweeping changes this summer, Liverpool were always going to need time to develop and reshape as a unit. But this feels messy.

We are not seeing a coherent squad ratcheting up the pace, but instead a sour situation that now threatens to spill over if form is not found before Aston Villa’s trip to Anfield on Saturday evening.

If Slot has learned anything new, it’s that Gomez cannot be placed into the starting line-up against Unai Emery’s well-oiled team.

Van Dijk's new Matip: Liverpool now chasing "sensational" Guehi alternative

Liverpool are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements in 2026.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 29, 2025

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits he is concerned about star striker Viktor Gyokeres after the Swede picked up a muscular injury during the win at Burnley on Saturday. The Gunners return to action this week in the Champions League when they travel to Slavia Prague, but they will face this test without their talisman up front after he missed training on Monday.

• Arteta's Gyokeres concerns

  Gyokeres has settled straight in at his new club, bagging six goals in 14 appearances across all competitions this season. Although he is yet to score against a top-half club in the Premier League, Arsenal fans have been impressed with their new striker's work on and off the ball as he continues to adapt to life back in England. But despite becoming a mainstay in the starting XI, the former Sporting man is expected to miss some time after being taken off at half-time during the 2-0 win at Turf Moor. That will include the latest instalment of Champions League action, as Arsenal look to maintain their perfect record in the competition in Prague.

  Speaking in his press conference ahead of the trip to the Czech Republic, head coach Arteta admitted he is worried about the extent of the 27-year-old's injury. He said: "I am concerned because he hasn't had many muscular issues, and he had to leave the pitch as he was feeling something. That is a concern for a player who is very explosive."

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  Arsenal in familiar territory

  The Gunners now find themselves in a familiar situation. With no Gyokeres, there is no recognised striker available for the club, with both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz missing as well. The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Arteta, as his side look to maintain their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. As mentioned by the Spaniard, Gyokeres has never struggled with injuries in his career. The ex-Brighton and Coventry man has missed just five games for club and country in his career, but a muscle issue for a player who relies on being explosive with his movements is not a good sign. Rivals Tottenham had a similar problem with centre-back Micky van de Ven last season. The Dutchman – known for his pace and running power – tore his hamstring, the worst possible injury for a player of his type. Arteta will be hoping that the extent of Gyokeres' injury is far less serious. 

• Squad depth set to be tested

  On top of Gyokeres, Havertz and Jesus, Arsenal are missing several other key players. Midfielder Martin Zubimendi also reported muscle discomfort during the Burnley match and was substituted late on for Christian Norgaard after receiving treatment. Although the Spaniard is suspended for the trip to Prague after collecting three yellow cards in the competition, he did take part in Monday’s training session, which serves as a positive sign ahead of the Gunners' Premier League meeting with Sunderland this weekend.

  Noni Madueke, who arrived from Chelsea in a £50 million deal during the summer, has been out since September with a knee injury picked up during a 1-1 draw against Manchester City. The winger avoided surgery and is reportedly pushing for a return to boost his chances of representing England during the upcoming international break.

  Club captain Martin Odegaard has endured a difficult season with recurring shoulder issues and a recent knee injury sustained in last month’s 2-0 win over West Ham. He has not featured since that match, though Arteta is optimistic that Odegaard, along with Havertz and Madueke, could be fit for the upcoming north London derby.

  If that was not enough damage to the Arsenal squad, Gabriel Martinelli has also missed the past two games after suffering a thigh strain late in the win against Crystal Palace in October. It means the London club must dig deep as we barrel towards the break, and hope that they can regain their core ahead of a crucial winter period as they push for the title.

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  The year of the Gunners?

  Every game will feel like a final for Arsenal this season, as they chase down elusive silverware under Arteta. They remain firm favourites to win the Premier League, and amongst the top dogs in the Champions League as well. But they have been here before, and it only takes one or two slip-ups for the title to slip from a team's grasp; that is a potential banana skin when they visit Sunderland on Saturday.

كشف ديكو، المدير الرياضي لنادي برشلونة حقيقة تدعيم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية المقبلة.

ويعاني برشلونة من غيابات عديدة في النصف الأول من الموسم بسب تراكم الإصابات العضلية في جميع المراكز مما أثر على نتائج الفريق في مباريات الدوري الإسباني ودوري أبطال أوروبا.

وقال ديكو، في تصريحات عبر “موندو ديبورتيفو”: “إذا كنا نسير على ما يُرام ولم تكن هناك مفاجآت، فلا أعتقد أن ذلك ضروري، نحن نُدرك جيدًا جوانب التحسن والصعوبات التي نواجهها، مررنا أيضًا بأوقات عصيبة في الموسم الماضي وتمكنا من تجاوزها”.

وأضاف: “عندما نتراجع في أدائنا، نعاني بالطبع، نحتاج إلى تواجد أفضل لاعبينا بشكل دائم، لا توجد أعذار لكن عندما لا نستطيع إجراء تغييرات بسبب الإصابات والتي ضربت خط وسطنا، هناك أمور يجب تحسينها حتى عندما نكون فائزين”.

اقرأ أيضًا | زامورانو: لامين يامال لا يناسب ريال مدريد.. وزميله ببرشلونة يمتلك جوهر الملكي

وأردف: “المواسم الثانية دائمًا ما تكون معقدة لكن فليك لديه خطة لعب جريئة وأن الوقت ليس مناسبًا للشك أبدًا”.

واستطرد: “أعجبني حقًا ما قاله فرينكي دي يونج، ما قدمناه العام الماضي كان مذهلًا لكن علينا أن نتطلع إلى المستقبل، إذا أردنا المقارنة فسنرتكب خطأ”.

وتابع: “الشيء الوحيد الذي لا جدال فيه هو التمسك بفكرة المدرب الذي فاز بما فاز به الموسم الماضي والذي جلب لنا السعادة”.

وأتم: “نحن متشددون بعض الشيء، وجودنا في برشلونة يعني هذا وأحيانًا لا يجب أن نسمح لأنفسنا بالتأثر”.

Allen, who hit 19 sixes, led San Francisco Unicorns to 269 for 5, which was 123 too many for defending champions Washington Freedom

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jun-2025For a little while in Washington Freedom’s chase against San Francisco Unicorns in the MLC 2025 opener, it looked like we might be in for something special. As it turned out, all the special stuff was already done in the first half by Finn Allen, whose record-breaking 51-ball 151 powered Unicorns to 269 for 5, and despite a promising start, scoreboard pressure told on Freedom, who eventually went down by a massive 123 runs.Freedom, the defending champions, got what they wanted after they won the toss and opted to field, Jack Edwards getting rid of Tim Seifert and Jake Fraser-McGurk falling to Saurabh Netravalkar inside the powerplay. But Allen was already looking ominous, and the six-over phase ended with Unicorns on a solid 67 for 2.Related

Stats – Finn Allen shatters records with 34-ball hundred in MLC

The real mayhem, though, came in the middle overs. The seventh over, bowled by Mitchell Owen, went for just four runs, but Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Finn’s partner, set the agenda in the next, taking Rachin Ravindra for 24 runs – with four consecutive sixes. Allen then hit Owen for three sixes in the next over, which went for 21, and was followed by 12, 20, 12, 12 and 22 in the next five, as Unicorns got to 194 for 3 after 14. At that stage, with Allen past his century – he got there off 34 balls – even 300 wasn’t out of the question.Allen didn’t let up, and reached his 150 off just 50 balls on the last ball of the 17th over, but the scoring rate had fallen – only in comparison, of course – a little bit by then, and Allen’s dismissal for 151 off the first ball of the 18th meant Unicorns would need a new star to keep them going.Hassan Khan was that man. He hit three fours and three sixes in an 18-ball 38 not out, and though not 300, Unicorns’ 269 was still a huge score, studded with records: no one has hit more sixes in a T20 innings than Allen’s 19, no one has scored 150 in a T20 quicker than Allen, no one has scored more runs in an MLC match than Allen, among other records.Hassan Khan scored quick runs at the death before picking up three wickets•Sportzpics for MLCOwen and Ravindra were quick off the blocks for Freedom in their chase. In fact, where Unicorns got 67 for 2 in the powerplay, Freedom had 89 for 1. The wicket of Ravindra, though, appeared to hurt the momentum, since he was going faster than Owen at that stage.The flourish at the start had come from Owen, who was on 36 from 13 by the end of the third over. But Ravindra then got going, hitting Xavier Bartlett for four sixes off the first four balls in a 25-run over. But he was dismissed by Liam Plunkett in the sixth, and Owen went in the seventh, and then it was steadily downhill for Freedom.Edwards, the No. 3, and Ben Sears, the No. 10, were the only others to get into double figures as Freedom hurtled towards the inevitable, folding for 146 in 13.1 overs. Haris Rauf and Hassan picked up three wickets each for Unicorns, while Carmi le Roux got two.Unicorns next play on Saturday afternoon local time, against Los Angeles Knight Riders, while Freedom are in action later the same day, against Seattle Orcas.

No money will be taken from the ICC’s annual payments to the Afghanistan Cricket Board

Firdose Moonda16-Apr-20252:03

Mel Jones: This group of Afghanistan women are trying to rebuild their lives

The ICC’s support plan for exiled female cricketers from Afghanistan will be funded by contributions from the ICC, BCCI, ECB and CA and will not include any money from the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s (ACB) annual disbursements. An ICC spokesperson confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that the initiative to assist the country’s displaced women cricketers, which will include coaching and mentorship, “will be constituted through a dedicated fund,” and the ACB will continue to receive its full amount from the ICC.Last year, the prospect of ring-fencing an amount for women’s cricket from the ACB’s portion of the ICC’s revenue distributions was discussed but that plan did not come to fruition. The ACB is the only Full Member board that does not field a women’s team, and is not able to because of the severe restrictions on women’s rights after the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021.The ICC’s latest plan, announced after their board meeting in Zimbabwe last weekend, is the first attempt by the game’s global governing body to engage with Afghanistan’s female cricketers in four years. It neither amounts to official recognition nor does it clear the path for Afghanistan to field a women’s team, as such a team can only be ratified by the ACB. Instead, the ICC hopes to work with Afghanistan’s female cricketers to provide them with both access to the game and funding for further education.Related

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“The ICC does not select a team for Afghanistan. Rather, we are committed to addressing the complexities of the issue and finding a solution that fits within the ICC’s legal and constitutional framework,” the spokesperson said.It was also confirmed that the ICC’s initiative will not be limited to the 19 Afghan cricketers resident in Australia but, “the plan is to include all displaced Afghan women cricketers regardless of their location.”The exiled Afghanistan Women in Australia played a T20 against the charity Cricket Without Borders•Martin Keep/AFP/Getty ImagesSome of the 25 players originally contracted by the ACB In 2020, prior to the Taliban takeover, live in Canada and the United Kingdom. As reported by ESPNcricinfo on Tuesday, the organisation Pitch Our Future, which was set up earlier this year for the 19 Afghan cricketers resident in Australia, will provide the ICC with the names of all the formerly contracted players who will then go through “an accreditation process administered in collaboration with the ICC member boards,” in order to access the benefits of the initiative.The details of training camps and exhibition matches will be fleshed out in the coming weeks once the ICC has appointed a task force to head up the support program. Pitch Our Future, who have already staged a match between an Afghan Women’s XI and the charity Cricket Without Borders on January 30 in Melbourne, hope to work with the ICC and already have a three-year budget and plans for activities including a trip to the Women’s World Cup 2025 to give Afghanistan’s female cricketers exposure to the game they love.CA have already played a role in assisting the Afghan cricketers through their support for Pitch Our Future but will now, along with the ECB and BCCI, also make a financial contribution. Between them, these three boards earn more than 51% of the ICC’s annual revenue, with the BCCI accounting for 38.5%.

Debutant Vignesh Puthur picked up three wickets for MI, but CSK closed out a comfortable win in the end

Sidharth Monga23-Mar-20251:36

Chawla: Noor was ‘spot on’ with his lengths

Chennai Super King’s bowling acquisitions during the off-season paid immediate dividends as their four new bowlers took nine wickets between them to restrict Mumbai Indians to 155 for 9, a total that they chased down with ease but not without a hiccup against debutant left-arm wristspinner Vignesh Puthur, who is yet to represent his state side in senior cricket.However, it was the other left-arm wristspinner, younger than Puthur but a veteran by experience, who made the telling impact. Noor Ahmad registered his best IPL figures and the best figures for a CSK spinner against MI, 4 for 18, to capitalise on the inroads made by Khaleel Ahmed, whose CSK debut was not too shabby either: wickets of the openers and analysis of 4-0-29-3.CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad made the chase look like a walk in the park with 53 off 26, bringing the requirement down to a run a ball in the ninth over, but this is when they started losing wickets to Puthur, struggling to impart power into his slow wristspin. Three of them holed out in the deep, but Rachin Ravindra anchored the chase with 65 not out off 45 to see them home.Related

Ravindra: 'An honour to open for CSK knowing the history of it'

No T20 experience? No problem for MI's Vignesh Puthur

Noor Ahmad's wristspin is art in fast forward

Khaleel rocks MI earlyKhaleel is a dichotomous IPL bowler. He is worse than the average fast bowler during afternoon games, and better than the average fast bowler in night games. The only explanation for it is that there is a small window for movement with the new ball under lights, and he is a different beast when the ball moves. It showed in how he denied the openers a big hit with the little bit of movement that was available. The eventual dismissals looked soft – Rohit Sharma caught at forward square leg and Ryan Rickleton bowled off an inside edge – but they were the results of the pressure created by Khaleel himself.To make it better for CSK, their returning homeboy R Ashwin took a wicket in his first over. There is not much mystery to the Ashwin who has returned to CSK after more than a decade, but his length was immaculate, making it a risk every time the batters wanted to attack him. He ended up with figures of 4-0-31-1, the wicket being that of Will Jacks inside the powerplay.1:45

‘He’s still got it’ – Hayden lauds Dhoni’s reflexes behind the stumps

Noor undoes Tilak and SuryakumarDown at 36 for 3 in 4.4 overs, MI needed something special from their two best batters, stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. The latter hit right back by taking two fours off Ashwin and then hitting two sixes off Ravindra Jadeja, against whom Suryakumar doesn’t enjoy a good match-up.Noor then applied the handbrake with some elan. He was so difficult to pick that even MS Dhoni was beaten by a mile when he turned one past Varma’s outside edge. That seed of doubt cast, he went back to what he does more often, turn the ball the other way at high speed. Suryakumar was beaten on the outside edge and stumped in a flash by Dhoni.Debutant Robin Minz couldn’t get going and tried a desperate shot only to be caught at long-off. Tilak was beaten both in the air and off the pitch: caught on the crease, he had no time to adjust to the ball that turned back in and trapped him lbw. Noor came back at the death to bowl Naman Dhir around his legs.Nathan Ellis took care of one of the former CSK players, Mitchell Santner, but the other, Deepak Chahar gave MI something to bowl at with a cameo of 28 off 15.Ruturaj Gaikwad celebrates his half-century•AFP/Getty ImagesGaikwad, No. 3, runs away with the chaseCSK made a surprise move of promoting Rahul Tripathi ahead of Gaikwad, but it didn’t last long as Chahar carried on from where he had left off with the bat, taking a wicket in his first over with a well-directed short ball.Gaikwad, though, batted like a dream, taking down Trent Boult and both former colleagues, Chahar and Santner. S Raju, who is supposed to be a good death bowler, made an indifferent start with the new ball, and CSK raced away to 62 for 1 in the powerplay. The field spread, but Gaikwad kept going, hitting Jacks for a beautiful inside-out six against the turn, suggesting an easy pitch to bat on.Puthur halts CSKWith just 82 needed off the last 13 overs, CSK would have wanted to register a big net-run-rate bonus, which is perhaps why they kept trying to hit Puthur’s slow left-arm wristspin for sixes. More than anything it was his slow pace and the slight slowness of the pitch that kept resulting in catches on the fence. Still, Gaikwad, Shivam Dube and Deepak Hooda is not a bad debut haul at all.By now, it was almost like the home crowd was willing MI to take wickets so that they could get a glimpse of Dhoni with the bat. When Jacks bowled Sam Curran for 4 off 9, it drew a big cheer but the sight of Jadeja quelled the excitement.Ravindra sees CSK homeThe steepest the task got was 31 off the last four overs, but this is when MI gave CSK some pace to work with, and Jadeja immediately hit Boult for a four. Ravindra was the only batter to hit boundaries off Puthur: three sixes, all thanks to momentum generated by his use of feet to charge at the bowler. A run-out in the 19th over gave the Chepauk crowd what they wanted, they even got a six to seal the game, but off the bat of Ravindra as Dhoni stayed unbeaten on 0 off two.

Tottenham Hotspur have a huge campaign ahead of them in 2025/26 – needing to right the wrongs of the previous year, but also build on their remarkable achievements.

The Lilywhites finished in a measly 17th place in the Premier League last time around, but managed to end their trophy drought – claiming Europa League glory over Manchester United back in May.

However, it wasn’t enough for Ange Postecoglou to keep his job, subsequently seeing Thomas Frank take the reins and be the man responsible for any revival and or future success.

Undoubtedly, the Dane will have wanted to make his additions to the side, already landing Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha from West Ham United and Bayern Munich, respectively.

There’s no denying that further work needs to be done this summer to aid the new manager’s hunt for top-flight success – but the side are rapidly running out of time, with just over a week left in the summer window.

Spurs’ hunt for a new attacking midfielder this summer

Over the last couple of days, Spurs have been in direct contact with Serie A side Como over a potential deal to land 20-year-old Nico Paz before the window slams shut.

It’s been reported that the Italian outfit are currently demanding a fee in the region of £60m for the youngster, who registered 14 combined goals and assists in 2024/25.

However, he’s not the only number ten in their sights at present, leading to rumours over a potential late move to secure the signature of PSG star Kang-in Lee.

It’s been reported by Duncan Castles that talks have been held between the clubs over a deal for the South Korean international, who’s been allowed to depart the Champions League winners this summer.

He also stated that Luis Enrique’s side are currently demanding a fee in the region of €50m (£43m) for the 24-year-old, who made 45 appearances across all competitions last campaign.

Whilst he remains a viable target for Frank’s side this summer, a deal could’ve easily been wrapped up for another player now, had owner Daniel Levy stepped up a move for a previous target.

Why Spurs’ £43m target is the dream Eze alternative

After previously missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White, Eberechi Eze became Spurs’ number one target for the attacking midfielder department this summer.

At one stage, it seemed as though a deal appeared to be a formality, after the Lilywhites entered advanced talks with Crystal Palace – even agreeing a fee with the Eagles for his signature.

However, in the last couple of days, a deal has evaporated in front of their very eyes, as North London rivals Arsenal swooped in late on and all but completing a deal for the 27-year-old.

Such a deal has led to questions being asked about the owner, especially after it’s the second time in one window a deal has failed to be completed despite agreements being made in principle.

Whilst disappointment is still being felt by the Lilywhites, Levy has the chance to make amends by finalising a move for Lee in the next couple of days.

The midfielder may be available for transfer this summer, but it’s not reflecting of his quality, with the South Korean producing numerous impressive figures in Ligue 1 last campaign.

When comparing such numbers with those of Eze, he managed to better him in key areas, arguably being the best alternative to the Englishman after missing out on his signature.

Lee, who’s been labelled a “future legend” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, achieved a better goal and assist rate per 90, whilst posting a higher shot on target accuracy rate – arguably offering Frank’s side a more clinical option in front of goal.

However, his ability to create chances for his teammates also shone through last season – possessing arguably the most important asset for an attacking midfielder in abundance.

Games played

30

34

Goals & assists

12

16

Goals & assists per 90

0.65

0.56

Shot on target accuracy

34%

27%

Pass accuracy

88%

74%

Key passes made

3.1

2

Passes into final third

5.6

1.7

Take-ons completed

57%

48%

Carries into final third

2.4

1.6

Crosses completed

5.1

3.8

He completed more key passes and passes into the final third per 90, highlighting he would provide the Lilywhites with a more threatening talent than Eze in forward areas.

Taking people on is also another huge factor in the 24-year-old’s game, notching a higher take-on success rate – which has allowed him to get into dangerous positions, before providing the end product needed – as seen by his aforementioned stats.

Missing out on Eze would be a bitter disappointment, but it could prove to be a blessing if they complete a deal for the PSG star – allowing the side to land a much cheaper and younger alternative in the process.

However, a deal will need to be wrapped up as soon as possible, with Levy needing to satisfy the manager and the fans after what has been a hugely humbling summer window.

Forget Eze: Spurs preparing move for "unstoppable" star who's like Rodrygo

Tottenham Hotspur have moved on to other targets after missing out on Eberechi Eze’s signature.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 23, 2025