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With temperatures hitting the mid-thirties, the challenge for the Lord’s groundstaff has been to ensure there is enough moisture in the pitch to produce an even contest

Nagraj Gollapudi and Melinda Farrell07-Aug-2018England and India will be tempted to play two spinners in the second Test as a heat wave continues to sweep through London. With temperatures hitting the mid-thirties consistently, the challenge for the Lord’s groundstaff has been to ensure there is enough moisture in the pitch to produce an even contest.ESPNcricinfo understands this summer has been the most difficult ever at Lord’s. The closest they had come to fighting against such oppressive heat was in 1976, but that match between England and West Indies was played a lot earlier, in mid-June. Surely Mick Hunt, the head groundsman who retires at the end of this season, would have like more helpful conditions for this farewell Test.The surface remained under hover cover all through Monday to protect it from the relentless sun, but there is some reason to be optimistic. The mercury is set to slide down into the early twenties from Thursday and weather turning much cooler.Pundits already believe both India and England – who begin training on Tuesday – may be thinking of playing an extra spinner. England’s white-ball captain Eoin Morgan, who also leads the local county side Middlesex, reckoned conditions are likely to have “quite a significant” effect on the pitch.”Lord’s is a ground with a magnificent pitch, but with the way the weather has been, it is so difficult to keep the moisture not only in the pitch but actually in the square,” Morgan said. “I think it will be quite similar to Edgbaston. You will have to assume it will turn and probably reverse swing will play a big part as well.”Later, when asked to put on the England selector’s hat, Morgan chuckled and said: “I think you will have to consider two spinners. Everybody was surprised that both sides didn’t go in with two spinners in the last game which probably took India away what naturally comes to them. At home they play two spinners. Both sides will look to play two spinners.”Kuldeep Yadav practices at training as R Ashwin watches•Getty Images

Former India offspinner Harbhajan Singh was of a similar mind. “India made a mistake even at Edgbaston going with one spinner. They could have gone with Kuldeep Yadav instead of Hardik Pandya even at Edgbaston, where the conditions were dry, the wicket was dry, where you know the sun is going to be out. So, India, they didn’t read the conditions well. They went ahead choosing four fast bowlers and one spinner which didn’t help them. Though they bowled beautifully, all seamers, but Hardik Pandya didn’t bowl and didn’t bat as the team wanted him to. So why play him?”Harbhajan then explained why he would choose Kuldeep over Pandya or Ravindra Jadeja at Lord’s. “He will create chances. He bowls googlies, legspin with the left hand. On the first day, suppose India were to lose the toss and they are still bowling (at the end of the day), this guy will create chances on a good track. Right hander or left-hander, Kuldeep is the guy because he (can) spin the ball both ways”Former England captain Nasser Hussain, however, was less convinced. “Historically, it is not a ground I would go to and play two spinners. You look up at the Honours Board in both dressing rooms, there’s the odd occasion, Swann I think, where spin plays a massive role. Shane Warne never got five wickets here.”Hussain suggested that India – more than England – would be contemplating the idea of playing two spinners, provided it didn’t disrupt the “balance” of their XI. “Just with the summer you are having there is a good argument to say if you can balance your side still to get two spinners in. India might. Now they [England] have got more right-handers and if [Ollie] Pope and [Chris] Woakes play, you may want someone spinning it the other way, whether it be Jadeja or Kuldeep bowling his variations with a bit of mystery about it. So I would be more prone to India saying we will play two spinners than England.”Asked if would field both Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid at Lord’s, Hussain said only if he was convinced the pitch was a “raging turner” and added he would have “actually played” Moeen ahead of Dawid Malan at Edgbaston since it wouldn’t have had any impact on the balance of England batting but would have offered them another spin option. “Now that they have picked Pope I would probably have to play Pope. Unless you think it is going to be an absolute raging Bunsen, you could play one seamer less and Moeen. But it would have to be a raging turner to make that (change) because obviously lot of right-handers in the Indian side.”

ScorecardHalf-centuries from Alex Blake and Daniel Bell-Drummond helped Kent hold their nerve and land a three-wicket Vitality Blast T20 win over Middlesex with three balls to spare in Beckenham.Local lad Blake clattered five sixes as the run-chase pressure reached its peak as Kent secured a sixth South Group win that maintains their qualification hopes, while consigning Middlesex to the bottom berth.Managing director of cricket for Middlesex, Angus Fraser failed to take many positives from his sides 10th defeat of the campaign. He said: “I’ve just been up in the dressing room and the players are hurting. They’re fed up of losing. They’re not arrogant to think they can go out there expecting to win, but to keep shaking the opposition’s hands and saying ‘well done’ is starting to get a bit thin.”There was huge frustration today because we’d got ourselves into a reasonable position having batted well, but then we didn’t have a great Powerplay with the ball – which has been a problem for us throughout the whole tournament.”Setting out in pursuit of the Middlesex total of 189 for 7 at an asking rate of 9.5 an over, Spitfires lost Joe Denly for four when his attempted pull in Tom Barber’s opening over grazed the bottom edge for John Simpson to hold on to a spectacular low catch.Kent regrouped as Heino Kuhn clubbed their first six with a back-foot force over cover that raised the home 50 after only 4.1 overs. Kuhn laced three boundaries in the next over, but James Harris had his revenge in plucking out the South African’s off stump to make it 61 for 2.Sam Billings and Daniel Bell-Drummond pushed and ran well to keep the board ticking at seven or eight an over without risk to raise their side’s 100 at the mid-point of the reply.The third-wicket pair added 42 before Billings chipped a simple catch to long-on off Patel, but Bell-Drummond went on to post his 12th short-form 50 from 29 balls and with six fours and a six.Alex Blake upped the tempo with a six off Patel, who conceded 14 in his final over, but Harris, the former Kent loanee, returned to dismiss top-scorer Bell-Drummond for 62 as the right-hander backed away aiming to cut.Crawley’s T20 batting debut lasted four balls before he went leg before when reverse sweeping against Paul Stirling as Kent, for the first time, fell behind the Duckworth/Lewis/Stern asking rate after 17 overs.With 40 required off 18 balls, Blake, who played his club cricket in Beckenham, unwound to take a brace of sixes and a couple of fours as Barber’s over cost 22.Sean Dickson gifted Harris a third scalp when he chipped to deep midwicket but Blake clubbed the next ball over the mid-wicket ropes to pots his 23-ball 50 and leave Kent needing nine off the last over from James Fuller.Blake opened the face to clear the ropes over point to reduce the target to three, but was caught at deep mid-wicket next ball up to go for 57 from 27 balls, leaving Haggett to glance the next ball for a victorious boundary.Bowling first after winning the toss in light drizzle, Kent made a sloppy start offering too much width in the opening overs allowing Paul Stirling to crash a trio of fours in Denly’s opening over, while Dawid Malan collected four and the game’s first six off the third from Mitch Claydon.Malan, available and with a point to prove following his exclusion from England’s Test squad, cleared the ropes in the next overs from Adam Milne and Calum Haggett as Middlesex raised their 50 from only 27 balls.By the end of the powerplay Spitfires had leaked 10 fours and three sixes enabling Middlesex to canter to 71 without loss during the Powerplay.The hosts made their first breakthrough after 6.1 overs when Malan chipped a meek return catch to Denly to depart for 36 off only 19 balls then, Imran Qayyum struck in his first over, having Stirling caught at backward point off a mis-timed slash to make it 76 for two.Bell-Drummond’s second delivery in T20 cricket was dispatched over the long-on ropes for six by John Simpson as Middlesex raised their 100 in the 10th over.Qayyum returned to have Eoin Morgan caught off a skier at long on then Simpson departed for 29 in near identical fashion against Denly, who rattled James Fuller’s stumps four balls later to finish with three for 25.Qayyum’s figures were ruined when James Franklin clubbed three sixes in his final over as he and Stevie Eskinazi added 49 for the sixth wicket before Franklin and George Scott departed in Claydon’s final over of the innings.

Everton purchased a number of players before the 2020/21 season got underway, the Toffees raiding the free transfer market to sign the likes of Dele Alli, Demarai Gray and more to the Merseyside club.

The loan market was also put to good use too, bolstering their squad with the loan acquisitions of Anwar El Ghazi from Aston Villa and Donny van de Beek.

It's fair to say neither of those loanees are remembered too fondly at Goodison Park – both players making a combined nine appearances for Everton before returning to their parent clubs.

It was a disappointing transfer window in truth that seeped into disappointing displays on the pitch, Gray arguably the only positive purchase looking back – the left-winger scoring 12 goals from 75 appearances in Everton blue, three of those goals coming in his first four starts.

One of the most underwhelming transfers was Salomon Rondon's arrival on Merseyside however, the ex-Newcastle striker toothless in a Toffees strip.

How much did Salomon Rondon cost Everton?

From an Everton perspective, they'll be glad that the failure of Rondon's transfer didn't break the bank.

The Venezuelan joined Rafa Benitez's men on a free transfer deal after spells in China and Russia, signed after a competent goal-scoring record in the Premier League with Benitez's former club Newcastle United.

He would manage 12 goals in 33 appearances for the Magpies, leading to Everton bringing him in as another useful striker option without having to pay a fee for an attacker elsewhere.

Fans of Everton would still be hacked off by Rondon's efforts whilst in his year at the club, regardless of no fee being paid.

He would manage a dire three goals for the club in all competitions, only netting once in the Premier League for the Toffees away from home versus Crystal Palace.

The Venezuelan would therefore depart the Toffees without ever scoring a home goal in league action, his two other strikes coming against non-league Boreham Wood in the FA Cup.

Everton podcaster Lee McClean at the time branded Rondon as "absolutely terrible" and "one of the worst players I’ve ever seen in a blue shirt." Harsh words, indeed.

Where is Salomon Rondon now?

The former Everton man, who is now reaching the twilight of his career at 34 years of age, moved to River Plate at the expiry of his contract in Merseyside.

Rondon has remarkably succeeded in South America, scoring eight times in 27 starts so far for River Plate.

His most notable goal for the Argentine giants so far came in the hotly contested Superclásico, scoring the opener in that one versus fierce rivals Boca Juniors to see them on their way to a hard-fought 2-0 win at La Bombonera.

Incredibly and rather damningly, the 34-year-old actually has more goals for River Plate so far in 2023 than any Everton striker so far this campaign. Indeed, current Toffees striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin trails five goals behind the veteran forward who has breathed life back into his career in Argentina. Last term, even Dwight McNeil – top scorer with seven – couldn't beat that tally.

Everton still won't want to be reminded of Rondon's exploits in a Toffees shirt, hoping that their new striker addition Beto from Udinese won't be as big of a disappointment – the Portuguese recruit costing Everton around £25m with one solitary goal so far.

Southampton ended their 11-year stay in the Premier League at the end of last season as they were relegated back down to the Championship.

Their drop to the second tier of English football was a culmination of several years of poor recruitment as they failed to build a squad that was capable of comfortably avoiding relegation.

However, things could have been different if they were able to get some of the targets that they wanted and were unsuccessful in signing in the past.

Southampton's most expensive signings

Top five signings

Fee paid (via Transfermarkt)

Tino Livramento

£22.6m*

Danny Ings

£21.7m

Kamaldeen Sulemana

£21.6m

Jannik Vestergaard

£21.6m

Sadio Mane

£19.8m

*Includes the sell-on fee that Chelsea received from his move to Newcastle United this summer.

One player who the Saints failed to get a deal over the line for back in 2019 was a talented young gem who could have been their own version of Real Madrid and Croatia superstar Luka Modric.

Were Southampton interested in Yari Verschaeren?

In September 2019, it was reported that the club were interested in signing Belgian youngster Yari Verschaeren from Anderlecht, who was valued at around $15m (£12m) at the time.

The outlet claimed that the then-Premier League outfit were preparing an offer to sign the promising talent. However, a move never materialised and he remained in his home country.

Ralph Hasenhuttl was the manager of the club at the time and was seemingly keen to bolster his squad by adding the exciting midfielder to his ranks, but chairman Les Reed was unable, or opted not, to secure a deal.

Verschaeren had made his debut for the Belgium national team earlier that month and was starting to establish himself as a key player for Anderlecht at senior level.

The attacking midfielder assisted one goal in seven U19 games for the Belgian club and went on to make his first-team breakthrough during the 2018/19 campaign.

He produced one goal and four assists in ten Pro League games and then managed one strike in ten play-off matches at the end of the season.

The Saints target scored two goals and assisted one in 21 league outings for Anderlecht the following campaign as the English club showed interest in securing his services during that season.

What is Verschaeren doing now?

Since Southampton failed to snap him up during the 2019/20 term, Verschaeren has hit his stride at first-team level and been a consistently impressive performer in his home country over the last few years.

Earlier this year, Anderlecht head coach Brian Riemer lavished praise on the 22-year-old maestro as he described him as an "incredible" player who is "like Luka Modric".

This was supremely high praise from the Belgium international's manager as Luka Modric is a highly decorated midfielder who has been at the top of the game for many, many, years.

At the age of 22, Verschaeren still has plenty of time to reach those heights and make a name for himself in a major European league. However, he has been catching the eye with his performances for Anderlecht in recent seasons.

The talented ace, who was once valued at £12m, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.91 across 36 Pro League outings throughout the 2021/22 campaign and contributed with seven goals and four assists from midfield.

He followed that up with an average Sofascore rating of 6.95 over 27 league matches last season for the Belgian giants, in which time he scored one goal and created seven 'big chances' for his teammates.

Meanwhile, only Mohammed Salisu (7.04) and James Ward-Prowse (7.23) averaged a higher Sofacore rating in the Premier League for the Saints last term. This suggests that the Hasenhuttl target could have been a top performer for the club if he was bale to translate his performances over to English football.

The Modric-like ace also produced excellent performances on the European stage. Varschaeren averaged an excellent Sofascore rating of 7.19 over ten Europa Conference League clashes as he chipped in with two goals and two assists to go along with 2.2 tackles and interceptions per game.

As you can see in the chart above, the Anderlecht star ranks highly among his positional peers in the Men's Next 14 Competitions when it comes to progressing the ball through carries and making an impact at the top end of the pitch.

He is similar to Modric, in that sense, as the Real Madrid star also excels in these statistics among players in his position across the Men's Big Five League and European competitions.

Their respective statistics over the last 365 days suggest that they are similar in style as they are both exceptional at carrying the ball forward for their teams from a central midfield position, whilst they also have the quality to impact matches with goals and assists when they get into advanced areas.

However, Verschaeren has a long way to go before he can come close to matching Modric's status within the game, as the Croatia international has a hefty trophy cabinet.

How many trophies has Modric won for Real Madrid?

The 38-year-old wizard, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2018, has racked up 23 trophies during his time with the Spanish giants, which includes five Champions League titles, to date.

He has also amassed 495 appearances and contributed with 37 goals and 77 assists from midfield, which means that he has averaged one goal contribution every 4.34 games.

Whereas, Verschaeren has scored 23 goals and assisted 21 in 154 matches for Anderlecht so far. This works out as a direct goal involvement once every 3.57 outings on average.

Both players have proven that they are able to chip in with goals and assists on a semi-regular basis to go alongside their progressive carrying skills in the middle of the park.

Therefore, Hasenhuttl, Reed, and Southampton had a nightmare with their failure to sign Verschaeren from Anderlecht in 2019 as he has developed into an outstanding young talent who is now earning himself comparisons to a legendary player in his position.

They could have benefitted from his ability on the pitch, as shown by his aforementioned performance levels in comparison to last season's squad at St. Mary's, in the short-term whilst also having a player with the potential to grow and improve further.

تحدث عمر جابر ظهير الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، عن تجربته مع بيراميدز، مشيرا إلى أن الأبيض تواصل معه كثيراً من أجل عودته، كما أوضح سبب مقولة شيكابالا بأن الكونفدرالية بطولة عمر جابر.

وقال عمر جابر في تصريحات عبر برنامج “الكورة مع فايق” المذاع على قناة mbc مصر 2 عن تجربة بيراميدز: “كانت مهمة في حياتي، نادي احترافي ومحترم، والإدارة تريد أن تنجح، كنت أتمنى تحقيق بطولة، وكان في نجوم كبار تعلمت منهم”.

وواصل: “كنا نتساءل كلاعبين لماذا لا نحصل على بطولة، ولم نجد إجابة معينة اتفقنا عليها، لكن معيار النجاح ليس تحقيق بطولة فقط، النادي كان جديدا ويصرف بشكل جيد وضم لاعبين أقوياء، لكن عامل الجمهور بالتأكيد مؤثر، عندما يكون خلفك جمهور يدعمك بشكل جيد أو يضغط عليك كانت الأمور ستفرق”.

طالع أيضاً.. عمر جابر يروي كواليس مثيرة من مباراة الزمالك ونهضة بركان.. وسبب عدم استكمال مسيرته الاحترافية

وتابع: “الزمالك تواصل معي أكثر من مرة وأنا في بيراميدز، ولكن إدارة السماوي كانوا متمسكين بي جدًا، لكن أخر سنة كنت أريد أن أعود، لأن الزمالك كان قد فاز بالدوري والكأس وهذه الأجواء كنت أشتاق لها”.

وأفاد: “من أفضل المواقف التي مررت بها في حياتي، عندما جاء الجمهور تحت منزلي ليودعني وأنا مسافر لـ بازل، لأنهم كانوا يريدونني أن أنجح في الخارج”.

وأشار: “كنت أتمنى أن أحصد مع الزمالك بطولتي الدوري الأخيرتين له، وأمير مرتضى فتح المفاوضات معي وتحدث مع النادي، والأمور سارت بشكل جيد، وكان هذا أيضًا من أفضل المواقف في حياتي أن أعود في هذا التوقيت”.

وأوضح: “البداية لم تكن جيدة لي بعد عودتي للزمالك، الموسم الأول لم يكن جيدا بالنسبة لي وللفريق، وتأثرت جدًا، خاصة وأنا عدت وأنا من كباتن النادي، وكان لا بد أن أظهر بشكل أفضل، لكن كان في بعض الهجوم علي بسبب مستواي الذي كان متراجعا”.

وبسؤاله شيكابالا قال إن الكونفدرالية بطولة عمر جابر.. ما تعليقك؟ أجاب: “شيكا أسطورة وأخي الكبير، تربينا معًا، حبيبي وأيقونة في الزمالك، وأنا لا أتخيل أنه سيعتزل رغم أن هذه سنة الحياة، لكن لا أتخيل الزمالك بدونه، لاعب مختلف لا يظهر مثله كثيرًا في الكرة المصرية، مؤثر في الفريق، وإن شاء الله يظل مستمراً معنا سنوات أكثر”.

وأردف: “عندما تعرضت للانتقاد كنت أقول لنفسي هؤلاء الجماهير هم من كانوا يدعموك قبل أن ترحل، وكانوا ينتظرون مني الأفضل، تحدثت مع نفسي ومع المقربين، وكنت أتدرب بقوة، أخر الموسم الماضي عندما جاء أوسوريو بدأت أعود لمستواي، وتدربت بشكل جيد مع المعد البدني محمد مدحت ربنا يرحمه، والناس بدأت تأمل في عودتي لمستواي”.

ماذا عن جوزيه جوميز؟ قال: “مدرب كبير، وأنا أحب المدرسة البرتغالية، وكان مساعد لـ فيريرا وهذا يجعلنا (نبصم بالعشرة) أنا تعلمت من فيريرا الكثير داخل وخارج الملعب، وحزنت عندما رحل عن الزمالك، لأنني كنت قريب منه جدًا، وأتواصل معه كل فترة”.

واستطرد: “فيريرا عندما تولى تدريب الزمالك أنا حضرته، وكان معه جهاز مساعد قوي، وجوميز مدرب كبير وفنيًا فرق معنا، وجوميز يعطي دوافع للاعبين، وكل اللاعبين يحبونه ويعلمنا أشياء في الكرة”.

هل جوميز يعمل على بناء اللعب أم يحفظكم طريقة اللعب؟ قال: “هو يمنحنا أفكار في البناء ويعطي تعليمات للجزء الأمامي بتحركات معينة، حسب الخصم، لأن معظم الخصوم تدافع أمامنا أكثر وتلعب على الهجمة المرتدة، وهو يتعامل بشكل جيد مع هذه الأمور وسجلنا أهداف بأشكال مختلفة معه”.

هل عبد الله السعيد فرق معكم؟ أوضج: “بالتأكيد، في كل شيء، هو أسطورة من أساطير الكرة، عبقري وقائد، لو لاعب غير عبد الله ومر بالمواقف التي مر بها لم يكن سيستمر في الكرة، شخصيته فرقت معنا في الزمالك يمنحنا حلول كثيرة في الملعب”.

وواصل: “ناصر ماهر أيضًا فرق معنا وكنت أتمنى انضمامه للزمالك من فترة أبعد، وأيضًا أحمد حمدي وأتمنى له الشفاء وأثق أنه سيعود أفضل من الأول”.

وتابع: “زيزو أتمنى أن يستمر في الزمالك، عندما اقتربت منه وجده محترف جدًا ويتدرب جيدًا، وأحبه كثيرًا، والجميع يحبه وأتمنى له التوفيق ويستمر معنا في الفريق”.

هل كنت تتخيل إن فتوح سيرحل؟ أجاب: “لا، كنت متأكد أنه سيستمر، هو مجنون زمالك، ويحب النادي، وكنت على يقين بأنه سيستمر، في لاعبين لا أتخيل أنهم سيلعبون مع فريق آخر”.

حزنت بالتأكيد بعد نهائي القرن، الزمالك كان أفضل، زيزو سدد كرة في العارضة اعتدنا عليها منه، كنت أشاهد المباراة في معسكر بيراميدز، وكنت مصاب وأسير على عكاز، وبعد تسجيل شيكابالا هدف وجدت نفسي أترك العكاز وأركض من الفرحة.

كيف فزتم على الأهلي في المباراة الأخيرة في الدوري؟ أوضح: “منذ أن لعبنا مباراة الكأس في السعودية كنا أفضل نوعًا ما، كان الناس تنتظر المباراة فنيًا أفضل للفريقين، لكن المباريات النهائية تحسمها التفاصيل، كنا نشعر أننا سنحرز هدف، لكن الأمور لا تسير كما تريد طالما لم تسجل، عندما تكون الكرة معك لا بد أن تفوز”.

وتطرق للحديث: “مباراة الدوري موقفنا كان سيء في الجدول، ومركزنا لا يليق، ولو كنا خسرنا أو تعادلنا كان موقفنا سيكون أسوأ، فكان تفكيرنا هو ضرورة الفوز، مباريات القمة لا يوجد لها حسابات الحالة تفرق في يوم المباراة نفسه ومدى تنفيذ تعليمات المدير الفني”.

ماذا عن مباراة السوبر الإفريقي؟ أتم قائلا: “نحن لا نعلم متى سيُلعب، نحن لا نُفكر فيه الآن، نركز في الدوري، ونريد أن نركز في تحقيق كل الفوز في كل المباريات، نحن فرطنا في مباريات سهلة بأخطاء ساذجة، لكن لا يوجد مستحيل في الكرة، وسنلعب المباريات كلها كما وأنها كؤوس”.

Newcastle United's transfer window was largely driven by the narrative of long-term strategy, with Eddie Howe's side making requisite moves to preserve the club's newfound prominence.

Indeed, following the lucrative PIF takeover and consequent appointment of Howe in the later stage of 2021, the Magpies swiftly rose from their lowly Premier League position, then utilised the new affluence as the framework for a successful season, defying expectations with a fourth-placed finish last term.

Now with Champions League football on the horizon, the outfit's future is one of immense promise, and despite a stuttering start to the present season, the St. James' Park side will be confident of further promise this year.

How much did Newcastle spend this summer?

Newcastle's squad has very much been reformed since the momentous club takeover, and after such solid work over the past 20 or so months, moves were made this summer to consolidate this new position of power.

Indeed, Sandro Tonali was signed from AC Milan for £55m to bolster the midfield, while the prolific Harvey Barnes was swiped from relegated Leicester City in a £39m deal; young dynamos Tino Livramento (£32m) and Lewis Hall (£28m obligation) were both signed for large fees to bolster the backline, with the aces playing left and right back respectively.

These signings have not quite had the desired, instantaneous effect – even if Tonali and Barnes did both score on their debut during a 5-1 rout over Aston Villa in August – with the last three matches resulting in defeat against Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Anthony Gordon, a £45m acquisition from Everton in January, has started the season confidently and looks a fine replacement for the mercurial Allan Saint-Maximin, who left the club for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in a £23m transfer this summer.

However, the true heir to that throne may lie outside English shores right now, with Magpies talent Yankuba Minteh thriving out on loan in the Netherlands.

Who is Yankuba Minteh?

Signed from Danish side Odense Boldklub in July for roughly £6m, the 19-year-old Gambian forward completed an instant loan move to Dutch champions Feyenoord this summer, with Howe's view that he will be integrated into the squad next season.

Praised for his "high potential" by Magpies sporting director Dan Ashworth, Minteh excelled in Denmark last season and posted four goals and six assists from 18 matches for his former outfit, heralded as a "special" talent by one Danish scout for his dynamism and electricity in attacking transition.

And now, in the early phase of the current campaign, the winger is already being lauded for his efforts in the Eredivisie, netting a delightful goal in Feyenoord's last match, artfully weaving around the keeper with a graceful gait before nonchalantly firing into an open net to cap off a convincing 5-1 victory over Utrecht.

Given his innate dribbling abilities and finesse on the ball, Minteh could indeed prove to be the perfect successor to Saint-Maximin's position in the Tyneside squad, replacing the fleet-footed Frenchman and perhaps even surpassing his quality at the club.

As per FBref, Minteh has averaged 9.23 progressive carries per game so far with Feyenoord, dazzling with his ball progression and destructive qualities in bringing the ball upfield.

This bears a semblance to Saint-Maximin, who currently ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries per 90 (7.29), by this measure, Minteh is on his way to becoming one of the most prolific ball-carriers in the game.

Once hailed a "wizard" by 90min's Graeme Bailey, Saint-Maximin was never the most consistent of goalscorers and only scored 13 goals for Newcastle across 124 appearances, and given Minteh's early promise and "magic" ability to rival the 26-year-old's – as claimed by Odense's chief executive Steffen Nielsen – the Gambian could surpass his performances.

Howe likely did the right thing in loaning him out this season, with Barnes and Gordon expected to get the majority of the match action on the wings, but neither boast the same intrinsic level of explosiveness, and Minteh could be a unique and frightening weapon once deployed on Premier League defences.

Tottenham Hotspur may feel aggrieved by VAR’s decision to award Brentford a penalty during the two sides’ Premier League opener on Sunday 13 August, with Heung-min Son penalised for tripping Mathias Jensen in the box.

What’s the latest on Tottenham and VAR?

It always promised to be a tricky start to life in the Premier League for Ange Postecoglou as his Spurs side readied themselves for a trip to Brentford in their season opener, and so it proved come the final whistle.

Postecoglou had to settle for a 2-2 draw in his first competitive game in charge of the Lilywhites and Spurs’ first match without talisman Harry Kane following his move to Bayern Munich.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Cristian Romero had offered Tottenham the dream start, heading in James Maddison’s free-kick after 11 minutes, before a controversial Brentford penalty was converted by Bryan Mbuemo calmly in Ivan Toney’s absence.

Brentford then completed their turnaround in the 36th minute with Yoane Wissa’s tame effort deflecting off new Spurs signing Micky van de Ven and finding its way past the helpless Guglielmo Vicario.

Tottenham did respond moments before the break, however, with Emerson Royal’s excellent low drive from outside the box levelling things at 2-2.

The game finished in a draw, but Spurs felt hard done by Brentford’s first-half equaliser, a penalty awarded after Son made light contact with Jensen in the Tottenham box.

Jensen appeared to fall over Son’s foot when changing direction, with the new Tottenham captain not doing an awful lot wrong. Spurs fans were furious with the decision, especially given it was not initially given on the field by referee Robert Jones, instead being awarded after VAR’s intervention.

However, it’s worth noting that Spurs may have been a little fortunate themselves not to give away a spot kick in the second half after Spurs goalkeeper Vicario clattered into Kevin Schade in the penalty area, albeit the German forward had already taken a wayward shot.

Should Brentford have been given a penalty?

Considering there was clear contact between Son and Jensen, the referee probably came to the right decision in the end. However, whether or not it was a clear and obvious error that required VAR’s intervention is another debate.

Spurs’ frustrations were compunded by the fact that Jensen went to ground holding the wrong ankle, a clear attempt to feign injury and one that arguably should be punished.

Considering the PGMOL have also indicated that there will be more physical contact allowed this season, it’s surprising that VAR intervened on such a decision.

However, Spurs themselves could have given away a penalty in the second half after a coming together between Vicario and Schade, so matters perhaps evened themselves out over the 90 minutes.

Liverpool have been credited with an interest in a long-term midfield target as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to complete his transfer activity and ensure his club is well-placed for an auspicious season.

What's the latest on Liverpool's midfield hunt?

Following a report from Anfield Watch, the Reds are considering a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Matheus Nunes, having agreed a £44m fee for the former Sporting Lisbon before his move to Molineux.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

Liverpool have prioritised a No. 6 this summer and still scour the market after failing to sign both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, with both joining Premier League rivals Chelsea.

However, given the mass exodus at Anfield, there is likely room for Nunes to join, and the Merseyside team could complete their rebuild by belatedly making a swoop.

How good is Matheus Nunes?

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola once heralded Nunes as "one of the best midfielders in the world", and while this seemed perhaps somewhat heightened praise, he has glistened in the centre of the Old Gold midfield since joining last year.

Indeed, the Portugal ace made 34 appearances in the Premier League last season, completing 82% of his passes, making two tackles per match and succeeding with 61% of his attempted dribbles.

While the 24-year-old might've taken some time to acclimatise to the rigours of English football last season, he kicked the current campaign off with aplomb, earning a Sofascore rating of 7.40 as Wolves narrowly fell to defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford, incredibly winning 14 of his 24 ground duels, making five interceptions and three tackles, and creating two key passes.

This all-engulfing midfield display epitomises exactly what Klopp needs from his midfield, with such tenacity and intensity likely combatting the crux of last year's issues, where the Reds' sapped midfield failed to adequately protect the defence.

It brought shades of former Liverpool star Gini Wijnaldum, with the Dutchman hailed as "irreplaceable" by Richard Jolly after playing his industrious role superlatively at Anfield after signing from Newcastle United for £25m in 2016, making 237 appearances, yet only scoring 22 goals and supplying 16 assists, keeping things tidy with an infallible passing prowess, never falling below an 87% success rate.

Nunes only scored one goal and assist apiece last season, with his skills also lying outside the plundering of direct goal contributions, but given that he ranks among the top 18% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, he is clever in possession.

Just like his 87-cap Netherlands counterpart, Nunes could be "perfect" under Klopp's stewardship, as Wijnaldum was once lauded by his former Liverpool manager, and his acquisition could restore the cohesiveness of the side.

Once praised as "unbelievable" by ex-teammate Goncalo Santos, Nunes would be a credit to the Liverpool side, and given that Klopp and co have clearly done their homework on the £85k-per-week maestro, he could slot into the system without seam.

West Bromwich Albion would be tempted to sell winger Grady Diangana this window amid interest from England and Saudi Arabia in his services, which could help to drum up a 'bigger' fee for the former England Under-21 international, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Which clubs are interested in Grady Diangana?

According to The Express & Star, Leeds United, Burnley, Leicester City and clubs in Saudi Arabia are all showing an interest in Diangana this window as his future at the Hawthorns remains unclear.

The report states that West Brom are believed to value the 25-year-old at around £7 million, though clubs from the Gulf region may be able to blow English sides out of the water due to their financial capabilities.

Last term, Diangana made 35 appearances in all competitions for the Baggies over the course, registering four goals and three assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Journalist Dean Jones heaped praise on the Lubumbashi-born winger in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, stating: "The potential availability is there given West Brom's situation. He would be such a good player for whoever can get him. He makes defenders dizzy and some of the things he's capable of doing in tight spaces are unbelievable.

Nevertheless, The Yorkshire Evening Post contradict claims that Leeds United are keen on Diangana this summer and indicate that initial rumours are said to be 'wide of the mark' for now.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that interest from Saudi Arabia in Diangana will carry a particular appeal for West Brom from a financial standpoint.

Jacobs told FFC: "There's a lot of clubs. Again, there's Saudi interest there, which shows you that they're targeting all kinds of players and I think as the interest grows, so will the fee. Albion were looking for well in excess of £5 million and some even say it's pushing a little bit closer to £10 million and the more interest, the bigger the fee.

"Remember, the Saudi window actually closes on September 20th, so there's plenty of time left and the advantage of that is that the fee can sometimes be a little bit lower because the Saudis would pay that kind of fee under £10 million in one lump sum and that can be of appeal to a club like Albion."

What next for West Bromwich Albion?

West Brom travel to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday as they kick off their Sky Bet Championship campaign, bringing in Josh Maja and Jeremy Sarmiento as new additions to strengthen their chances of success, per Transfermarkt.

The Mirror via West Brom News claim that Midtjylland forward Sory Kaba is on the radar at the Hawthorns to add some physical prowess in attack for Carlos Corberan's men.

Sunday Mirror journalist Darren Witcoop has detailed that West Brom have also joined the race to sign Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Panzo, stating on Twitter X: "Jonathan Panzo expected to leave Nottingham Forest with a loan move to Glasgow Rangers appearing to have collapsed. Interest in Europe but the defender also high up on the list for Cardiff, West Brom, Coventry in the Championship."

Meanwhile, there is no truth in reports linking Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien with a switch to the Hawthorns, according to Birmingham Live.

Southampton finished off their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 loss to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar at St. Mary's on Saturday ahead of next week's Championship opener.

Who have Southampton signed this summer?

Both of the club's summer signings featured in the defeat as Ryan Manning and Shea Charles lined up at the back for Russell Martin's team.

Manning has been brought in on a free transfer from Swansea, where he worked alongside the Saints head coach last season, and Charles has joined on a permanent deal from Premier League champions Manchester City.

The recently-relegated club still have plenty of time left to make further additions to their squad, though, and have been linked with interest in Sunderland centre-forward Ross Stewart.

He is in the final 12 months of his contract at the Stadium of Light and has rejected the Black Cats' efforts to extend his deal, which has opened the door to a summer transfer.

How many goals has Ross Stewart scored for Sunderland?

The Scotland international has racked up an impressive 40 goals in 80 matches for his current club and could arrive as a fantastic addition to Martin's squad.

His impressive form for Sunderland in the Championship last season, particularly alongside another striker in Ellis Simms, suggests that he has the quality to be an excellent performer for Southampton who could unlock the best out of Adam Armstrong at St. Mary's.

Stewart who was once hailed as "unbelievable" and a "revelation" by teammate Alex Pritchard, racked up ten goals and three assists in 13 second-division matches.

He started six games with Simms as his strike partner and produced five goals along with three assists in that time, which shows that the former Ross County man thrived next to another number nine.

This could make him the perfect signing to complement Armstrong as the former Blackburn Rovers ace excelled next to 6 foot 4 titan Sam Gallagher in the Championship during the 2020/21 campaign.

The English dynamo scored 28 goals and assisted five in 40 league outings for his previous team that season but failed to make the step up to the Premier League with Southampton as he has only plundered five goals in 67 appearances for the club to date.

Armstrong failed to find the back of the net more than twice in each of his two top-flight campaigns with the Saints. However, the ex-Newcastle United man is now back at a level where he has proven himself to be a reliable and prolific scorer.

The 26-year-old scored 44 Championship goals in his final two seasons with Blackburn combined and this suggests that the potential is there for him to be an outstanding option for Southampton, despite his Premier League struggles.

Martin could unlock the best out of his talents by signing Stewart from Sunderland as the 6 foot 2 marksman, who won 49% of his aerial battles last term, is a handful to deal with and a proven scorer who could take some of the attention away from Armstrong in the same way that Gallagher did at Ewood Park.

This could then allow the 5 foot 8 dynamo, who lost 76% of his aerial contests during his last Championship campaign, to go about his business as a huge goal threat without needing to engage in physical battles with opposition defenders.