Everton eyeing move to sign £40m+ "incredible" EFL gem for Dyche

At the start of the season, Everton looked on a collision course for Premier League relegation. Defeats against the likes of Luton Town and Fulham left many in doubt of Sean Dyche's side's ability to avoid the drop. But the former Burnley man has since finally started turning things around at Goodison Park, picking up wins over West Ham United and Bournemouth, before holding Brighton & Hove Albion to a 1-1 draw.

Whilst the season is yet to even reach its second half too, the Toffees' form suggests that they are more than capable of avoiding the drop come the end of the campaign, which could leave them well placed to land an exciting midfield target.

Everton transfer news

As things get back on track on the pitch, Everton's issues have continued to build away from Goodison Park, with the Premier League's financial fair play investigation potentially resulting in a 12-point deduction or transfer sanctions. The consequences could deal those in Merseyside a major blow when it comes to keeping their top flight status intact and welcoming future reinforcements. Nonetheless, whilst they remain without a punishment, the Toffees have reportedly set their sights on a rising star from the Championship.

According to The Daily Mail, Everton are interested in Archie Gray, who has impressed for Leeds United in England's second tier this season. Those at Goodison Park would, however, have to fight off the interest of the likes of Merseyside rivals Liverpool, who are reportedly lining up a bid for the teenager, as well as Crystal Palace, if they want to land Gray's signature next summer.

Leeds ace Archie Gray.

It also remains to be seen whether Everton have the financial capabilities to land the Leeds youngster, given the reported £40m-£50m price-tag placed on the midfielder by the Yorkshire club. The investment of 777 Partners could help but, at this stage, Everton are not in a position to compete with Liverpool's spending.

Everton interested in "incredible" Gray

At just 17-years-old, Gray has featured in all but one game for Leeds this season, as he continues to establish himself as the Yorkshire club's brightest spark for the future. Given his talent, the Whites will face some battle to keep hold of the teenager during the summer transfer window, especially considering the fact that Gray's stats have more than kept up with Everton's current options.

Player

Progressive Carries

Progressive Passes

Tackles Won

Archie Gray

13

39

21

James Garner

13

30

15

Idrissa Gueye

14

25

11

It's no surprise that the academy graduate has been at the centre of praise this season, including from Jermaine Beckford, who told Sky Sports via Leeds Live: "I thought he was incredible. Watching him play, you forget about his age, you forget he's only 17 years old. When he first started training with the first-team, he was still doing his GCSEs.

"He played with such maturity, he was so confident on the ball. He didn't rush, he didn't panic at all. Everything about his game today was absolutely spot on, and if today is anything to go by, this kid has such a bright future ahead of him. He's in the right place to learn, he's got a little bit of everything in him. Phenomenal player, he did really well today."

Jharkhand, Haryana seal last two quarter-final spots

Mumbai, Maharashtra, Delhi, Andhra, Hyderabad and Bihar had already qualified

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Oct-2018

PTI

Haryana and Jharkhand grabbed the final two quarter-final spots in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Tuesday. Four teams from group C were in contention for two remaining spots, but Haryana’s victory over Tamil Nadu and Services’ loss to Rajasthan render the last three matches redundant and mean that Haryana and Jharkhand would progress to the quarter-finals. What remains to be seen is which one of them tops their group. Both teams are tied on 28 points and Haryana have the better net run rate, while Jharkhand still have a match in hand.Tamil Nadu, on 20 points, needed to beat Haryana by a big margin and other results to go their way to remain in the race, but a 77-run loss eliminated them. That result also made the equation clear for Services, who then needed to win both their matches – against Rajasthan and Jharkhand – to qualify. But they suffered a seven-wicket loss to Rajasthan, leaving them on 22 points and leading to their exit, albeit with a match in hand. Even if they beat Jharkhand in their final encounter, they will reach 26 points, which won’t be enough against the 28 of Jharkhand and Haryana.From the 18 teams that were jostling for five spots from Elite groups A and B, Mumbai led the way, followed by Delhi, Maharashtra, Andhra and Hyderabad. Except Mumbai, who were already through with 28 points, and Hyderabad, who had played all their matches, accumulating 22 points, and had their fate hinging on other results, the other three teams went into the last day with 22 points each.Among them Delhi had the best net run rate, which meant that even if they lost to Chhattisgarh in their final encounter, they were likely to pip Hyderabad and Maharashtra – had the latter lost the virtual shootout to Baroda who would have then moved to 24 points, leaving Hyderabad and themselves tied on 22.But both Delhi and Maharashtra won, ensuring not only their but also Hyderabad’s entry into the quarter-finals. Hyderabad’s qualification was also helped by the abandonment of two Punjab matches. Punjab, who were unfortunate to finish with 20 points as a result, looked set to win at least one of them against Goa where they had posted 359 before rain washed the possibility away. Andhra, too, beat Madhya Pradesh by seven wickets to finish on 26 points and qualify.In the plate group, Bihar and Uttarakhand were the dominant teams. Both won seven of their eight matches, but eventually Bihar’s five-wicket win over Uttarakhand earlier in the tournament proved decisive, as they, with the help of a washout, finished with 30 points, two more than Uttarakhand’s 28.

رسمياً.. بوردو الفرنسي يقرر إنهاء وضعه الاحترافي كـ نادي كرة قدم

أبلغ نادي بوردو، الاتحاد الفرنسي لكرة القدم أنهم لن يقوموا بتجديد رخصتهم المهنية، بسبب المشاكل المادية التي تعرض لها النادي.

وتعرض النادي الفرنسي لأزمة مالية خلال الفترة الماضية بسبب تراكم الديون.

اقرأ ايضاً.. ضربة سعودية لـ باريس سان جيرمان بسبب أوسيمين

وأبلغ بوردو، الاتحاد الفرنسي لكرة القدم “FFF” أنه تنازل عن رخصته الاحترافية كـ نادي كرة قدم والتي حصل عليها في عام 1937.

وبسبب مشاكل مالية، توقف نادي بوردو عن كونه ناديًا محترفًا بعد 87 عامًا، وسيقوم أيضًا بإنهاء جميع العقود الاحترافية الخاصة باللاعبين وإغلاق المنشآت الرياضية.

وكان على النادي دين بقيمة 42 مليون يورو لم يتمكن مالكه جيرارد لوبيز من تسويته.

ومنذ يومين، أعلن نادي بوردو الفرنسي إفلاسه وهبوطه إلى دوري الدرجة الثالثة وذلك بعد انسحاب مجموعة فينواي الرياضية والمالكة لنادي ليفربول الإنجليزي لشراء النادي الفرنسي.

يذكر أن بوردو قد حقق الدوري الفرنسي في 6 مرات سابقة، بالإضافة إلى التتويج بـ لقب كأس فرنسا في 4 مناسبات، و3 مرات الحصول على كأس الرابطة الفرنسية ومثلها كأس الأبطال الفرنسي.

Rishabh Pant picked for first two ODIs, Virat Kohli back as captain

Virat Kohli has returned to lead the side, while fast bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah have been rested

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-2018Wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant will be in line to make his ODI debut after he was picked in the 14-man squad for the first two matches against West Indies. Virat Kohli was back to lead the side after he missed the Asia Cup, but frontline quick bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah were rested.India squad for the first two ODIs against West Indies•ESPNcricinfo LtdDinesh Karthik was left out of the squad to make way for Pant, and allrounders Kedar Jadhav and Hardik Pandya had not yet recovered from their injuries. While Pandya had injured his lower back in the Asia Cup match against Pakistan to be ruled out of the tournament, Jadhav won India the title with an injured hamstring. Jadhav will come back after the first two ODIs, and Pandya will be fit from the second week of November.Fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who last played an ODI over a year ago, was added to the pace attack. He had played all five Tests in England and the first one against West Indies in Rajkot, after being hampered with injury issues in the first half of the year. He had played the IPL with some niggles and was later dropped for the one-off Test against Afghanistan after failing a fitness test at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.Fast bowlers Deepak Chahar and Siddarth Kaul, who played one match each in the Asia Cup, were left out while left-arm quick Khaleel Ahmed retained his place. Chahar and Kaul had been injury replacements for Pandya and Shardul Thakur in the Asia Cup. Thakur returned to the squad after recovering and playing a domestic one-day match for Mumbai against Punjab in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, taking 3 for 53 and scoring 30 off 14 balls in the match.With 13 ODIs left for India until the World Cup next year, the chairman of selectors MSK Prasad was keen on testing India’s fast-bowling bench strength.”That’s the reason why we have included Khaleel, Shardul [Thakur] and Shami in this squad now,” he said. “Now we are looking at third and fourth seamers. That’ll be among those people whom we are going to pick from now onwards, which also includes Umesh Yadav.”4:41

Dasgupta: Pant can slot in as a batsman in India side

Axar Patel had also injured himself during the Asia Cup but his place was lost because of Ravindra Jadeja’s successful comeback. The spin attack was retained, with Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal completing the trio.Karthik had played all six matches in the Asia Cup and scored 146 runs at an average of 48.66 but a strike rate of 71.21, only higher than MS Dhoni’s (62.09) among Indian batsmen who batted at least twice in the tournament. Karthik got several starts in the tournament but could not convert them into bigger scores when India lacked solidity in the middle order. He batted mainly at No. 4, but did not make own the position India have been seeking to fill ahead of the 2019 World Cup.”It’s no brainer who is our No. 1 wicketkeeper,” Prasad said. “In the search of second wicketkeeper, we have given opportunities to DK. Right now we’re giving an opportunity to Rishabh Pant. And we can take a call at appropriate time about who is the best among the two.”Since returning to the ODI side after a three-year gap in July last year, Karthik has scored 350 runs in 13 innings at an average of 50 and strike rate of 71.57. In the same period, Dhoni has made 681 runs in 24 innings at an average of 42.56 and a marginally better strike rate of 73.14. In Pant, India have a chance to not only trial a new wicketkeeper in ODIs but also an explosive batsman in the middle order.The search for a solid No. 4 continues though with Manish Pandey and Ambati Rayudu likely to get chances to stake their claim during the West Indies series. Since the end of the 2015 World Cup, India have tried 11 players at this position but Prasad said “we are very close” to finalising India’s best options in the middle order. “It’s been in the debate for some time and we have really closed in on couple of names.”The ODI series against West Indies begins on October 21 in Guwahati before moving to Visakhapatnam on October 24. The last three ODIs are scheduled to be played in Pune, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram.

Palmeiras x Bahia: onde assistir, arbitragem e escalação

MatériaMais Notícias

Em jogo válido pela 25ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, Palmeiras x Bahia ocorrerá neste sábado (12), às 19h (horário de Brasília), no Allianz Parque, em São Paulo-SP.

> Confira a classificação atualizada e a tabela do Brasileirão

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O Verdão entra na rodada na sétima colocação da competição, com 38 pontos, e vem de um empate contra o Santos na Vila Belmiro. No meio de semana, o time de Abel Ferreira encarou o Libertad, no Paraguai, e arrancou um empate por 1 a 1 na partida de ida das quartas da Libertadores.

Já o Bahia está em 13º lugar, com 28 pontos conquistados. Na última partida pelo torneio nacional, o Tricolor de Aço perdeu para o Ceará. Na Sul-Americana, também no meio de semana, o time baiano foi derrotado pelo Defensa y Justicia por 3 a 2, jogo de ida das quartas.

MARCOS ROCHA DE VOLTA; LUIZ ADRIANO SEGUE EM RECUPERAÇÃO

Uma das novidades do Palmeiras durante os treinamentos na Academia de Futebol, em preparação para o duelo contra o Bahia, foi o retorno de Marcos Rocha. O lateral-direito voltou após ter cumprido o período de isolamento por ter contraído a Covid-19. Por este motivo, o jogador foi desfalque contra Athletico-PR, Delfín-EQU (volta), Santos e Libertad-PAR.

Sua última partida foi diante do Delfín, na ida, no Equador, no dia 25 de novembro, pelas oitavas de final da Libertadores.

Já Luiz Adriano, que se recuperou de lesão no músculo anterior da coxa esquerda, deu início ao processo de transição física e fez atividade em separado. Por falta de condicionamento físico, o camisa 10 ainda não estará à disposição contra o Tricolor de Aço, mas deve voltar aos treinos com o grupo na próxima semana.

BAHIA TEM RETORNO DE GOLEIROS

Durante as atividades aplicadas pelo técnico Mano Menezes, o Bahia contou com as voltas dos goleiros Douglas Friedrich (recuperado de um incômodo muscular) e Mateus Claus, que estava isolado por conta da Covid-19.

O lateral-direito João Pedro, que havia passado por cirurgia, também foi reforço nos treinamentos. Por outro lado, o zagueiro Lucas Fonseca, com uma lesão muscular, foi desfalque.

Horário, transmissão, arbitragem, prováveis escalações: os dados de Palmeiras x Bahia

Data: 12 de Dezembro de 2020
Horário: 19hs (de Brasília)
Local: Allianz Parque, em São Paulo-SP

Árbitro: Rafael Traci-SC
Assistentes: Kleber Lucio Gil-SC e Helton Nunes-SC
VAR: Rodrigo Dalonso Ferreira-SC, Christiano Gayo Nacimento-DF e Thiaggo Americano Labes-SC

Transmissão:
– TNT (TV por assinatura)
– PREMIERE (pay-per-view)

O assinante poderá assistir ao jogo online pelo EI PLUS e PREMIERE PLAY.

ESCALAÇÕES, DESFALQUES, PENDURADOS E SUSPENSOS DE PALMEIRAS X BAHIA

PALMEIRAS: Weverton, Marcos Rocha, Luan, Gustavo Gómez e Matías Viña; Danilo, Gabriel Menino, Raphael Veiga e Gustavo Scarpa; Rony e Gabriel Veron (Willian). Técnico: Vitor Castanheira (Abel Ferreira está com Covid-19)

Desfalques: Felipe Melo, Wesley, Luiz Adriano, Patrick de Paula e Luan Silva (lesionados);
Covid-19: Abel Ferreira;
Pendurados: Mayke, Emerson Santos, Rony, Gustavo Scarpa e Wesley;
Suspensos: Zé Rafael (Vermelho Direto) e Lucas Lima (3º Amarelo);
Voltam de suspensão: Gabriel Menino e Danilo (Ambos pelo 3º Amarelo); Gustavo Gomez (STJD);

BAHIA: Douglas Friedrich; Nino, Ernando, Juninho e Juninho Capixaba; Gregore, Ronaldo e Daniel (Ramon); Rossi, Élber (Fessin) e Gilberto (Gabriel Novaes). Técnico: Mano Menezes

Desfalques: Lucas Fonseca (machucado)
Pendurados: Edson, Rodriguinho, Juninho, Marco Antonio e Clayson
Suspensos: Mano Menezes (3º Amarelo)
Voltam de suspensão: Ninguém

Man Utd hold Old Trafford talks to sign "great player" who Ratcliffe knows

Manchester United are holding internal talks over a move to sign a “great player”, according to a new report.

Man Utd transfer news – centre-back

The Red Devils were busy in the summer transfer market, landing big-money moves for a new goalkeeper, midfielder and forward in Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund.

However, aside from a free transfer for Jonny Evans, the club didn’t bolster their centre-back ranks with a marquee arrival. Since then, Erik ten Hag has been without Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane at points, with the former of the two still sidelined until the New Year. As a result, Evans, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have played regularly in recent weeks, but by the looks of things, a new centre-back in 2024 appears to be high on the club’s wishlist.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to come in at Old Trafford, taking a 25 per cent stake in the club and looks likely to control sporting decisions, and it appears as if a move for a player he already knows could be on the cards.

The Sun shared a Man Utd transfer update on Jean-Clair Todibo in the last 48 hours, claiming that a return move for the Nice defender is being discussed at Old Trafford following on from a summer approach. The report adds that ‘Ratcliffe's imminent investment at Old Trafford could help make a deal more straightforward – though it would have to be a permanent move’.

Jean-Clair Todibo profiled

Todibo is 23 years of age and is an out-and-out centre-back who appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €30m valuation. A France international, the defender is under contract until 2027. (Jean-Clair Todibo profile – Transfermarkt)

He made the permanent move to Nice, a club owned by Ratcliffe, back in 2021 from Barcelona following a loan spell and has now made 114 appearances for the Ligue 1 side in all competitions. (Jean-Clair Todibo stats – Transfermarkt)

Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.

The player has also come in for praise from former teammate Aaron Ramsey, who labelled the defender as a “great player”.

“Jean-Clair is a very interesting character; he’s very confident and he’s a great guy around the dressing room and he’s a very, very talented player, who can go all the way to the top. For him, it is important to keep his feet on the ground, strive for more, and take in as much information as possible.

“He’s playing alongside one of the most experienced players in Dante, who has played at the very highest level now for a number of years. For Jean-Clair to have that experience next to him is invaluable. He’s a great guy, a great player and very ambitious, so there is no reason that he can’t go all the way to the top and represent France.”

Therefore, on paper, signing a young defender who appears to be going from strength to strength seems to be a wise move, especially with United’s injury issues so far this season and the Ratcliffe factor, making this one to watch.

Man Utd’s "erratic" dud was the real villain vs Copenhagen, alongside Rashford

Two goals to the good against a hapless Copenhagen side, Manchester United looked to be putting in a statement performance on Wednesday evening in the Champions League, with hopes of progression having been momentarily boosted following a stunning opening in Denmark.

And yet, as has been the way this season for this luckless side, the Red Devils suffered a subsequent implosion – not all of their own making – to slip to a dismal 4-3 defeat to further dent any knockout stage ambitions, the Premier League side now languishing at the bottom of Group A with just two games left to play.

It had all looked so promising when Rasmus Hojlund steered Erik ten Hag's men into a two-goal lead against his prior employers, although some contentious refereeing and VAR decisions, including Marcus Rashford's early red card, made it yet another grim night in Europe for United.

One man who particularly struggled in the Danish capital was the "erratic" Diogo Dalot – as described by journalist Samuel Luckhurst – with the Portugal international looking like exactly what he was, a makeshift left-back.

Diogo Dalot's stats vs Copenhagen

With the likes of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia still sidelined – and with Sergio Reguilon enduring his own injury woes in recent weeks – Dalot has been called upon across the last two games to slot in as an unorthodox, left-sided full-back, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka reinstated on the opposite side.

Diogo Dalot

Although that tactic paid off against Fulham at the weekend as United secured a clean sheet in that 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage, the former Porto man appeared far more shaky this time around, having been particularly exposed for the home side's third of the night to draw the game level.

The 24-year-old – who was awarded a new long-term deal back in May – was caught napping at the back post as Lukas Lerager snuck in to equalise for the hosts, with that lapse in concentration undoing all the hard work that had led to Bruno Fernandes' penalty just over ten minutes earlier.

As Luckhurst noted on Twitter, the aforementioned Hojlund was one of those going "ballistic" at Dalot for his woes in the backline, with the latter man also something of a liability after losing possession on ten occasions on the night, while also failing to complete either of his two attempted crosses.

Of course, the headline-maker may be Rashford for his early dismissal, although that red card was debatable, to say the least, with Dalot forming part of a backline that rather capitulated thereafter, even despite the excuse of being a man light.

Diogo Dalot's season by numbers

It was certainly not the first time in recent weeks that Dalot has been something of a villain for the Red Devils, with the £85k-per-week asset unceremoniously hooked at half-time following an abject display in the first half of the 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United last week.

That outing saw the underfire defender lose possession 11 times from just 39 touches and record a pass accuracy rate of only 73%, with ESPN's Mark Ogden noting that he is an "example of Man United’s flawed recruitment" following that dire performance.

Ogden even went on to suggest that Dalot's lengthy contract extension was merely a "long-term reward for mediocrity", with Ten Hag and co potentially set to rue that show of faith if this season is anything to go by.

It is not even as if the one-time AC Milan loanee is making up for his defensive woes in the final third, having now scored just once and provided no assists in 16 games in all competitions so far this term, hardly warranting his place in the side on a regular basis.

With Wan-Bissaka now fit and available, Dalot could soon find himself ousted once the likes of Shaw and Malacia are also in contention, with the 16-cap international – as well as Rashford and VAR – having cost United "dearly" once again last night, as per club legend, Paul Scholes, to only heighten the scrutiny on the manager.

Rangers must unleash £12k-p/w gem who could make a "big difference" vs Hearts

Glasgow Rangers will be looking to continue their positive form since Philippe Clement took charge of the club a few weeks ago as a Premiership tie against Hearts awaits this afternoon.

A 4-0 win over Hibs last weekend was followed up with a well-deserved point against Sparta Prague in the Europa League in midweek, despite the Gers being the poorer side for much of the contest.

With the fixtures coming thick and fast for the Belgian, he could well make some changes ahead of the Hearts clash.

Rangers team news vs Hearts

The Belgian provided an update on the current injury situation surrounding the squad when talking with the media prior to the game today, saying: "Kemar [Roofe] will not be available for the weekend – next week we need to take a good look at how he is getting on and how we bring him back long-term.

"Borna [Barisic], we will see if he can train tomorrow or not."

The Belgian also opened up on other Ibrox stars who have been out of action for a period of time, including Jose Cifuentes, Tom Lawrence and Dujon Sterling.

AS Monaco's former managerPhilippe Clement.

"[Jose] Cifuentes will hopefully train tomorrow with the team – Tom Lawrence and Dujon Sterling will not be available."

With some vital players out, Clement must rely on several names who didn’t quite get a fair crack at the whip under Michael Beale, and Ridvan Yilmaz is someone who could be trusted to start.

Ridvan Yilmaz could start against Hearts

The Turkish left-back has shown glimpses of his impressive talents since joining the club last summer, yet he has failed to secure a regular run of matches.

He has missed 38 games due to a variety of injury issues during his brief Gers career thus far, as the £12k-per-week gem has only made 20 appearances in total, scoring once.

His goal came in a recent League Cup tie against Livingston, where he was offered a rare start under Beale, and he gave the Ibrox faithful an indication that he should be utilised more with a wonderful display.

The youngster scored an excellent solo goal that was praised by Rangers Review journalist Joshua Barrie, who said: “Brilliant play from Ridvan Yilmaz, that's the variation of options he gives you!

“Runs the full length of the Livingston half driving beyond two men before finishing from range. That's some goal from your left-back.”

Although he doesn’t get forward as often as Barisic, the Turk can clearly give Clement something totally different against Hearts compared to the Croatian defender, and Barrie was quick to praise his versatility following the showing against Livingston.

The journalist said: “Think Ridvan's forward running and combination play has made a big difference tonight. Just gives you more options, and the opposition a greater variety of problems.”

It makes no sense to start Barisic if he is struggling with a knock, whereas Yilmaz will be fresh considering he wasn’t part of the Europa League squad.

If he performs well against the Jambos, he could well send a message to Clement that he is ready for a sustained run in the first team.

Neal Maupay trolls Man Utd star Scott McTominay as Brentford forward dismisses Scotland international as 'fan' who wanted his shirt after Premier League draw

Neal Maupay trolled Scott McTominay and quipped the Manchester United man was a fan "desperate for his shirt" after clashing with the Brentford ace.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Brentford draw 1-1 with Man Utd
  • Maupay clashes with McTominay
  • Bees striker trolls United midfielder
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Bees rescued a point against United on Saturday after Kristoffer Ajer cancelled out Mason Mount's second-half stoppage time opener. During the contest, where manager Thomas Frank said he almost "lost faith" in football as his side nearly lost despite dominating the game, Everton loanee Maupay and Scottish international McTominay tussled with one another. After the match, the former Brighton forward poked fun at the 27-year-old on social media.

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  • WHAT NEAL MAUPAY SAID

    The Frenchman took to X, formerly Twitter, to post a photo of McTominay clashing with himself at Gtech Community Stadium and captioned it: "This fan was desperate for my shirt 😂."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The point pushed Brentford closer to Premier League safety but the result was a huge blow for United and their outside chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season. Both fourth-placed Aston Villa and fifth-positioned Tottenham won on Saturday but Erik ten Hag's men are now 11 points behind the Villans and are eight adrift of Spurs. Moreover, this result heaps more pressure on Ten Hag's Old Trafford future.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Next up for 15th-placed Brentford is another home clash, this time against Europe-chasing Brighton on Wednesday. Sixth-placed United, on the other hand, travel to mid-table Chelsea the day after at Stamford Bridge.

Move over Veliz: Spurs could save millions on "phenomenal" Kane heir

Tottenham Hotspur have excited both neutrals this season and supporters alike with their new brand of football under likeable Austrailan head coach Ange Postecoglou, sitting top of the tree in the Premier League after a Monday night 2-0 victory over London rivals, Fulham.

This has all been achieved despite the backdrop of Harry Kane leaving N17 behind for Bavaria, Tottenham's all-time top scorer with 278 strikes and main talisman joining Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich for £86.4m to break the hearts of Spurs fans everywhere.

harry-kane-tottenham-hotspur-transfer-academy-n17-jamie-donley-brennan-johnson-postecoglou

Tottenham have recuperated the funds that they got for their departing superstar into significantly improving their squad to the standards they're currently operating at, buying the likes of James Maddison, Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven who have all slotted into the first team effortlessly.

The Lilywhites have also bought a number of promising talents with an eye on the future, 20-year-old Alejio Veliz purchased from his native Argentina after netting 19 goals in 63 starts for former club CA Rosario Central.

How is Alejo Veliz performing this season?

Nowhere near the standard to replace the out-going Kane just yet, Veliz is certainly a prospect to watch out for under the guidance of Postecoglou who has gifted his new Argentine striker fleeting opportunities to impress so far this season.

Alejo Veliz

He has featured in only ten minutes of football for Spurs so far in the Premier League, substituted on at the death in wins versus Liverpool and Luton Town.

The young attacker was allowed to get more minutes under his belt in Tottenham's EFL Trophy tie away at Colchester United, playing for 28 minutes in Essex in a side more focused on youth.

Veliz's time will come to become a permanent fixture in the Spurs starting line-up with the attacker still but Tottenham could have a natural heir to Kane away from new additions in the form of young Irish prodigy Troy Parrott, who has been with Spurs since 2017.

Who is Troy Parrott?

Parrott has been in and around the Tottenham youth ranks ever since departing Belvedere FC in his birthplace of Dublin, impressing numerous times away from Spurs out on loan.

Labelled as "phenomenal" in terms of his work rate by ex manager Ryan Lowe amid his stint at Preston North End, Spurs have a real talent on their hands if he is nurtured correctly.

He's in fantastic form for his current loan club Excelsior Rotterdam out in the Netherlands, scoring three goals from six contests even without starting a game yet for the Eredivisie outfit.

He could go close to eclipsing his best loan goal total if he continues this blistering start, scoring ten times from 47 appearances when he was on loan at Milton Keynes Dons during the 2021-22 season.

Parrott has been the definition of clinical ever since embarking on his latest loan adventure, needing only one shot in his side's last contest versus PEC Zwolle, as per Sofascore, to impose himself into the contest – scoring a matter of moments after being introduced, shades of Kane's deadliness in-front of goal arguably present.

After this loan spell in the Dutch first division, Tottenham will no doubt have a look at the 6 foot 1 attacker and Postecoglou could well believe he's ready for a first team berth at Spurs after maturing and refining his game away from the club.

The aforementioned Veliz may be the name on everyone's lips at present, yet Parrott could well be want to watch this season and beyond.

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