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The World Cup is only four games into its first weekend (it will be five after Sunday) but 300 has been crossed only once, and in the other seven innings, the highest total so far has been 209. In his post-match conference in Cardiff, Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne’s assessment was far from positive, saying “everyone is here to watch some entertainment, see a good match, a good, high-scoring match.”The World Cup 2019 venue curators may be going into frantic “course correction” in the hunt for a high-scoring close finish to give the event a spark, but the one team that is not surprised at how things have panned out is New Zealand.For captain Kane Williamson, the cards of the competition were laid out well before his team’s opening fixture, in the warm-up games. Before the match against Sri Lanka, Williamson had said, “We do know here, on some grounds that are smaller, have flat surfaces, that perhaps there will be some much higher scoring. We saw that in Bristol and also saw it at The Oval. It was quite a different situation. In some ways, we know that not every game is gonna be a 350 score, and we saw that in two warm-up games we played. One was; one wasn’t.”He underlined the four venues so far in an early English summer had established one fact: the totals and matches at the World Cup will not be the run-fests being expected and, therefore, “there won’t be one way to play.” Williamson said, “I think there has been a lot of talk about really high scores, but I think there will be a number of games where that isn’t the case and it will require adjustment… So there won’t be one way to play but, I guess, it’s just being smart with how we look to operate. For us as a team, that’s important.”By the end of Sunday, nine teams, barring India, will be a game into the competition, and setting out a pattern may be too early in the World Cup. Williamson, however, underscored that it is important for teams to be “aware”. He was asked whether New Zealand would, like South Africa did against England, open with a spinner – a move trademarked by New Zealand themselves in the 1992 World Cup.”You’ve got your five or six bowlers and they’re all options,” Williamson said in response. “I think it’s just important to address the surface, the opposition, and try and come up with the best plan… Naturally when you go through the tournament, you play one country and you might have two or three days, play another country on another surface, and you’re trying to, I guess, stay up-to-date with the different plans that you’re adjusting with the different opposition.”For his team, and it would apply to every other side in the competition regardless of skill levels or betting odds, adjusting to oppositions and conditions would be key as it could offer tactical solutions. “Whether it’s guys having to push a bit harder on a particular surface on a given day, then that may be what’s required,” Williamson said. “Equally, it may not be the case, and it’s about guys adjusting to perhaps what one-day cricket used to look a little bit more like where the scores are a little bit lower and much more scrappy-type mentality.”In the first half of the summer, ODI cricket does not seem to be so different from Test-match cricket in England, then?

Stefan Ortega made a horrific mistake in the FA Cup final as Manchester City gifted Manchester United the lead at Wembley.

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• Ortega charged out of his box
• Gvardiol headed ball over his head
• Man Utd's Garnacho scored

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  A long ball punted forward by United confused the City backline in the FA Cup final's first half, and Ortega burst out of his goal to try to claim. Gvardiol was seemingly unaware of his goalkeeper's presence and headed the ball over his head, allowing Garnacho to nip in and score.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ortega has played in every single FA Cup game for City this season, keeping four clean sheets, although he did concede twice in a 6-2 win over Luton in the fifth round. He may well have played in the final, then, even if Ederson had been fit.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  United will aim to press home their advantage. They headed into half-time 2-0 up, as Kobbie Mainoo extended the club's lead at Wembley before the interval.

Manchester United are thought to be in advanced talks to sign a new defender in a crazy £40m+ transfer, according to one journalist.

Man Utd transfer rumours

The Red Devils, following the announcement of investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, could be active during the January transfer window after what has proven to be a poor season under Erik ten Hag so far.

One position where the club may need to strengthen is at the back, with rumours of United being ready to accept an offer for Raphael Varane this month. Should the Frenchman depart, United would be left with just Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans as senior centre-back options, with three of those four actually unavailable at this moment in time.

There have been plenty of defenders linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks, as can be seen below.

Man Utd's rumoured centre-back targets for January

Latest update

David Alaba

18th December

Fikayo Tomori

16th December

Ronald Araujo

11th December

Jean-Clair Todibo

10th December

Marc Guehi

9th December

Leny Yoro

8th December

However, it seems as if one player who is not on that list is emerging as a real target for United, who appear to be making their move behind the scenes.

Man Utd in advanced talks to sign Giorgio Scalvini

Man Utd News relayed an update from journalist Seb Ecrivain Foot of French outlet Les Bons Conceil Du Sports regarding United and Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini.

He claimed that the Red Devils are in advanced talks to sign the player by activating his release clause which is set at £44m.

“Man Utd is not far from completing the acquisition of the talented Italian defender Scalvini by paying £44 million. Negotiations are at an advanced stage, with the club ready to fulfill the release clause of the 20-year-old nugget.”

This comes after reports suggested a deal will require a "crazy" offer of at least €50m (£43m) from United to sign Scalvini, and it looks as if that is on course to being completed, should these latest claims prove accurate.

Scalvini is a right-footed centre-back who can also play as a holding midfielder if needed and appears to be going from strength to strength, with his Transfermarkt valuation at a career-high €40m. The 20-year-old already has seven senior caps to his name for Italy and 75 appearances under his belt for Atalanta after progressing through the academy. (Giorgio Scalvini stats – Transfermarkt)

Giorgio Scalvini stats in 2023/24 – Serie A (SofaScore)

Tackles per game

2.1

Interceptions per game

2.1

Clean sheets

4

Balls recovered per game

5.6

Clearances per game

2.4

He appears to be a future star. For example, football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described his style of play as ‘complete, elegant and dominant centre-back – comfortable to play as a RCB and LCB – modern defender, who combines strength with good technique and passing – perfect mix of a pure defender and ball-playing defender’.

Kulig also said that strengths of the defender are his pace, aerial duels, marking, athleticism, tackling and intercepting, anticipation, passing, technique and his ability to read the game, so he could turn into the complete package at Old Trafford.

Therefore, a winter window move could prove to be a shrewd one by the Red Devils, and by the looks of things, a transfer could be progressing.

Who's the best in MLS? GOAL looks at the early frontrunners for 2024 MLS MVP

With 11 matchdays complete in the 2024 MLS season, there are countless standout performers across the league that have delivered week-in and week-out.

From Inter Miami's star duo of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to Real Salt Lake's brilliant goalscoring machine Chicho Arango, there is no shortage of exceptional talent in MLS. However, at the end of the season, only one player can be named league MVP. Who will that be?

GOAL takes a look at the candidates, just over two months into the 2024 season…

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowUSA Today Sports 6Christian Benteke | D.C. United

The ex-Liverpool striker has had a lightning start to 2024, with eight goals in eight matches to open the campaign.

The D.C. striker began the season on the highest of notes, scoring a hat-trick on opening day against the New England Revolution. He did, however, miss two matches in the weeks that followed, but his goal-scoring heroics keep him in firm contention in this early-season ranking.

AdvertisementBrennan Asplen/Getty Images5Luis Suarez | Inter Miami

His knees may not work, but his shooting boots surely do. The February/March Player of the Month, Suarez has been stupendous in front of the net for the Herons in his first stint in MLS.

The Uruguay international has seven goals and four assists in 10 appearances this season, and doesn't look to be slowing down. He's adjusted to life in South Beach remarkably well, deservedly finding himself in contention for prestigious honors.

USA Today Images4Lewis Morgan | New York Red Bulls

The Scottish winger has had a blistering start to 2024 with the Red Bulls, helping them revamp their fortunes after missing a large chunk of 2023 due to hip surgery.

With seven goals in 10 appearances so far this season, Morgan has led the Red Bulls to third in the Eastern Conference. He's firmly put his feet in the ring for 2024 MVP, and might be the dark-horse candidate of the spring.

If he keeps his scoring form up, the top of the Eastern Conference will be must-watch for fans heading into the summer.

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Getty Images3Luciano Acosta | FC Cincinnati

The reigning MLS MVP, Acosta and FC Cincy are on fire to start 2024. While the least flashy scorer of the lot of candidates, Acosta might be the most well-rounded.

With four goals and five assists in 10 appearances this season, the Argentine has led the reigning MLS Supporters' Shield winners to second in the Eastern Conference, trailing Inter Miami by three points, while having a game in-hand.

Acosta also leads MLS in key passes – by a vast margin – with 37 this season, and is the only player on this list in the top 10 of that category.

Everton have taken the first step in their quest to sign a new goalscorer in January as reports from Italy share news of talks this week.

Everton transfer targets

The Blues have found some impressive form in the Premier League of late, but that's not to say that the idea of making new signings in the January transfer window should be ignored. Sean Dyche would surely love to bring in a number of new faces to bolster his options, and Everton have certainly been linked with plenty of signings in recent weeks.

The Merseysiders have been backed to make a move for Aston Villa midfielder Leander Dendoncker, for example, while Juventus defender Federico Gatti is seen as a strong option to replace Jarrad Branthwaite, should the latter leave the club soon, albeit that is an outcome fans would prefer to avoid of course.

Everton begin agent talks for Boulaye Dia

According to a fresh update from Il Mattino [via Sport Witness], Everton are interested in signing Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia, with the Blues one of several teams in the hunt to snap him up, having been keen on him in the summer, too.

Salernitana want to raise funds and see the 27-year-old as someone who can generate them, meaning they could be willing to offload him in the January window. The Blues are believed to have taken the first move by entering talks with his agent, and the player is valued at €22m (£18.9m) currently. In fact, a separate report claims there is a €21m (£18m) clause in his contract that would allow him to join a Premier League side, while Salernitana president Danilo Iervolino recently talked up the idea of certain players leaving:

"It doesn’t seem to me that those we bought have played badly, it’s those who stayed who have disappointed so much. The problems lurk in a torn environment. Unfortunately, we can’t create the right harmony and there are factions. Many players want to leave, they don’t like Salernitana.

"They are here but would like to be elsewhere. If they have no joy, they know that this risks being the grave of many players. I will have a hard time with many of them. In January, I’ll send away those who don’t want to stay. From now on, we’ll only take people who want to stay at Salerno."

Everton still look a little light in attacking areas, in terms of having numerous consistent providers of end product in the final third, so a January move for Dia could be an inspired piece of business. At 27, the Senegalese is now an experienced player who has proven himself in Serie A, with 20 goals in just 44 appearances in the competition, so he could hit the ground running at Goodison next month.

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This is some positive news.

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The rumoured release clause is also far from expensive, so Everton wouldn't be spending out of their means to sign Dia, and it is a move that makes perfect sense, rather than feeling like a gamble. The fact that Liverpool legend Sadio Mane has also endorsed him recently also speaks volumes, saying he has been "really impressed by his qualities".

Manchester United have been boosted by the news that an "amazing" transfer target looks highly likely to leave his current club in the near future, according to a new transfer report.

Man United eyeing defensive signing

The Red Devils have had a taxing start to the season, and while four wins in their last five Premier League games may suggest otherwise, big improvements are needed under Erik ten Hag.

In fairness to United, however, they have experienced some terrible luck with injuries throughout the campaign so far, with a host of key men missing all over the pitch.

Defensively, the Reds Devils have been hit particularly hard, with Lisandro Martinez a huge loss at the heart of the back-line, and the likes of Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka also among those who have been absent for large chunks.

For that reason, it could be that Ten Hag aims to bring in a new defender when the January transfer window opens, bolstering his squad in the process and giving them the best possible chance to achieve success across various competitions this season.

A new update that has emerged will certainly be seen as a positive one by anyone associated with the club, as they look to secure the services of a highly-rated player.

Man Utd given Goncalo Inacio boost

According to a fresh claim from AS [via Sport Witness], Manchester United have been boosted in their quest to sign Goncalo Inacio, with an exit from Sporting CP looking on the cards from sources who know him "perfectly".

The Red Devils are described in the report as the "first option" for the 22-year-old, who has arguably emerged as one of Europe's most exciting defenders at the moment.

United are "very interested" in Inacio, who is also wanted by La Liga giants Real Madrid – they are described as a "great rival" to the Spaniards in the race to sign him – and there is a 99% chance that he will move on in one of the upcoming transfer windows.

For that reason, it remains to be seen if a January move to Old Trafford could happen, but either way, Ten Hag's look right in the mix to sign the Portuguese when he does become available.

Inacio could be a fantastic signing by United, with his performances for Sporting already so impressive, and Inacio's stats showing that he has averaged 2.5 aerial duel wins per game in the Europa League season, also enjoying an 89.6% pass completion rate in the competition. Journalist Fabrizio Romano has heaped praise on the young centre-back in the past, too, saying of him:

"I think he’d be an amazing option for any club, Liverpool or United in particular; left footed players at that level are very rare to find."

Granted, Inacio is a left-sided central defender like Martinez, so it could be hard to fit both into the team, but squad depth is vital and the Sporting ace can also play at left-back, making him a great versatile addition. Whether they can fend off competition from Madrid remains to be seen, but it is encouraging that they are among the favourites to sign him.

Liverpool can secure their place in the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday night when LASK visit Anfield.

For that to happen, the Reds must better Toulouse's matchday five result, with the French outfit hosting Union Saint-Galloise.

Jurgen Klopp's side are still in pole position to avoid the extra two games that come with finishing second and entering the knockout play-off round. They're two points ahead of Toulouse while four points from their remaining two fixtures will confirm their status as group winners.

Klopp has used this competition as an opportunity to rotate his side and give key first-team stars a chance to rest. This has opened up the door for several youngsters, including Ben Doak, Jarell Quansah and Harvey Elliott to shine.

Klopp must now bench 3/10 Liverpool ace for his "unbelievable” player

The Reds must unleash this press-resistant machine going forward.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 29, 2023

With the above trio expected to be three of ten changes from the recent draw with Manchester City, here's what a predicted Liverpool XI could look like tomorrow evening…

1 GK – Caoimhin Kelleher

Kelleher has played in three of Liverpool's four Europa League outings this term and although he hasn't painted himself in the brightest of lights, conceding five goals, his place in the team against LASK is solidified.

First-choice goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, picked up a hamstring injury in the draw against Man City, so the 25-year-old must now impress in Europe to fill Klopp with confidence moving forward, especially if the Brazilian is out for a lengthy period.

2 RB – Joe Gomez

Etihad hero Trent Alexander-Arnold will be wrapped up in cotton wool on Thursday which means Joe Gomez should get the nod at right-back. The Englishman has featured across all four matches in this competition and captained the side in their 3-2 defeat against Toulouse last time out.

Once dubbed by Klopp as a "sensational footballer", Gomez has been a reliable back-up this term and whilst he can't offer the same attacking threat to Trent, he does provide steeliness defensively having made 2.5 tackles per game and won 63% of his duels in Europe.

3 CB – Ibrahima Konate

A man-mountain of a centre-back, who has suffered multiple spells on the sideline this term, Ibrahima Konate has a chance to show Klopp he's a better option than Joel Matip at the heart of the Liverpool defence.

Hailed by defensive partner Virgil van Dijk as "incredible", the Frenchman is held in high regard at Anfield and considering he ranks in the top 15% against his positional peers for tackles per 90 across Europe's top five leagues in the past year, it is clear to see why those close to him have waxed lyrical about his talents.

4 CB – Jarell Quansah

Quansah has made a seamless transition into the Liverpool first-team this term and the 20-year-old has impressed with his exceptional ball-playing abilities and defensive attributes.

Lauded as "absolutely phenomenal" by fellow academy graduate, Alexander-Arnold, the centre-back has starred across his three appearances in Europe, registering an impressive 91% pass completion and he's only been dribbled past 0.3 times per game. If he continues to perform at a high, the world is Quansah's oyster.

5 LB – Kostas Tsimikas

Left-back stalwart Andrew Robertson is expected to return from his shoulder injury in January 2024 but until then, Kostas Tsimikas will continue to deputize for the Scot on the left side of defence – acting as the only player to keep his place from the trip to the Etihad.

The Greek international is unable to match Robertson's quality down the left flank having yet to create a big chance and has only registered 0.7 key passes per game across three matches in Europe.

6 CM – Wataru Endo

Wataru Endo has yet to truly impress since arriving from Stuttgart in the summer, but he'll get another chance to demonstrate his qualities on Thursday night.

The Japanese international was expected to become the ball-winning machine to replace Fabinho, however, Alexis Mac Allister has been preferred by Klopp in that position. Having made four appearances in this competition, it's unlikely he'll get dropped against LASK.

7 CM – Ryan Gravenberch

Ryan Gravenberch was starting to come into his own in a Liverpool shirt, especially in the Europa League, having supplied an assist and scored twice across his first three matches.

The 21-year-old had since suffered a minor knock, which meant he didn't start on Saturday, however, the silky Dutchman has averaged the highest Sofascore rating of any Reds player in this competition (7.97), made the most key passes per game (3) and created the most big chances (2).

8 CM – Harvey Elliott

Harvey Elliott has been dubbed as "exceptional" by Jamie Carragher for his performances this term and although he hasn't been awarded the requisite game time to go with that praise, another audition awaits on Thursday night.

The midfield metronome, who has started in all four Europa League matches, has terrorised opposition defenders with his tremendous low centre of gravity. He is capable of gliding past his opponents with ease, completing 75% of his attempted dribbles in this competition.

9 RW – Ben Doak

One of the most exciting prospects to be unleashed from the Liverpool academy in recent years, Ben Doak is one of several blessings in disguise to come from Thursday jaunts to rogue destinations.

A direct and pacey winger, who has been described by van Dijk as a "Tasmanian devil" for how he strikes fear into opposition defenders, Doak's precocious talents have rewarded him with two appearances in Europe and a third is looking likely.

10 LW – Luis Diaz

For what Luis Diaz has had to go through off the field this term following the kidnapping of his father – who has now been released – it is remarkable that he has still managed to focus on delivering excellent performances on the pitch.

Dubbed by Klopp as a "special" talent, Diaz scored and assisted in the return fixture against LASK and will be looking to terrorise his Austrian opponents once more.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for an "incredible" Premier League player, and his current club's asking price has now been revealed.

Liverpool eyeing Premier League ace

The Reds could be in the market for a new signing or two during the January transfer window, even though Jurgen Klopp has assembled one of the strongest squads in the club's history.

While Liverpool did some excellent summer business when it came to bolstering the midfield, the lack of an elite No.6 is continuing to hold them back, with Alexis Mac Allister not looking like a natural in the role.

Elsewhere, Klopp could feel that he needs to bring in a centre-back who is also adept at left-back, providing competition for Virgil van Dijk and also acting as an upgrade on Kostas Tsimikas, who arguably isn't a strong enough deputy to Andy Robertson.

Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly has been linked with a move to Liverpool, having matured into a consistent performer for the Cherries, with his versatility at the back something that immediately stands out.

The Reds transfer target is out of contract at the end of this season, so January would be the last chance for his current club to receive a fee for him.

Liverpool learn Lloyd Kelly asking price

According to Football Insider, Liverpool will have to pay approximately £25-30m to sign Lloyd Kelly, but they aren't alone in showing an interest:

"Liverpool and Tottenham will have to pay around £25-30million for Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider. It is believed such a fee would be too good to turn down for the Cherries, with Kelly, 25, out of contract at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

"It is believed Spurs had a late £20million bid for Kelly rejected by Bournemouth in the most recent summer window as they did not have adequate time to find a replacement. And Liverpool are now ready to go head-to-head with Ange Postecoglou’s side for the former England Under-21 man as they target a versatile defender."

Kelly could be a brilliant option for Liverpool in January, not necessarily being the household name that some supporters want to come in, such as Reds target and Sporting CP star Goncalo Inacio, but acting as a solid signing who can shine in a couple of positions.

This season, Kelly's statistics for Bournemouth have been impressive, with the 25-year-old averaging 2.1 clearances and 1.3 tackles per game in the Premier League, starting seven matches in the competition.

The Englishman has also been lauded by former Cherries manager Gary O'Neil, who said of him earlier this year after an impressive performance up against Mohamed Salah:

"I thought Lloyd was incredible. I think he had a 12-week ankle injury followed by a six-week calf injury. Didn't have much time in between, and then came back today having not trained much, to play left back against one of the best wingers in the world."

The fact that he held his own so well when faced with Salah last season further speaks volumes about what a good signing he could be for Liverpool, and he would also add to the Reds' homegrown quota at Anfield.

شهدت تدريبات فريق ليفربول الإنجليزي سباقًا قاسيًا، شارك خلاله المصري محمد صلاح، وقدّم أداءً استثنائيًا وفقًا لكونال مورتاج، مدرب اللياقة البدنية للفريق الأول.

وبدأ ليفربول تدريباته تحت قيادة المدرب الجديد آرني سلوت، في إطار الاستعدادات للموسم الجديد، مع غياب بعض اللاعبين الذين شاركوا مع منتخبات بلادهم في كأس أمم أوروبا وكوبا أمريكا.

ووفقًا لصحيفة “ذا أثليتك” طالب مورتاج لاعبي ليفربول بإظهار عقليتهم قائلاً: “من المهم أن تظهر عقليتك، أظهروا للفتيان كيف يتم ذلك كقادة في المجموعة”.

وانطلق محمد صلاح وواتارو إندو في اختبار السباق القاسي وكانت مدته 6 دقائق بحسب ما أوضح التقرير.

وأشارت الصحيفة إلى أن صلاح ارتقى إلى مستوى التحدي وغطى مساحة أكبر من أي من زملائه في الفريق.

اقرأ أيضًا | ديتمار هامان يحث ليفربول على ضم بديل محمد صلاح: صفقة رائعة

وتفوق محمد صلاح على زميله الشاب سيب فان دن بيرج والذي كان متفوقًا على زملائه في الفريق، ووصف مورتاج أداء اللاعب المصري بأنه استثنائي.

ويوضح التقرير أن صلاح عاد للموسم التحضيري الأسبوع الماضي في حالة مذهلة ووضع المعايير لزملائه ليتبعوها في صالة الألعاب الرياضية وفي التدريب، وظهر كالنموذج المثالي لمجموعة اللاعبين الشباب.

Tottenham Hotspur can pay "serious" money to sign two stars from the same club for manager Ange Postecoglou, according to reports.

Who have Tottenham signed in 2023?

On the field, Spurs supporters have enjoyed an absolutely thrilling ride under their new head coach. The north Londoners have showcased a new style of attack-minded football during Postecoglou's early tenure, coming after their regrettable eras under Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte. Chairman Daniel Levy, in a show of faith, backed his boss with seven major signings over the 2023 summer transfer window (not including permanent deals for Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro).

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, defender Micky van de Ven, England star James Maddison, winger Brennan Johnson, Israeli attacker Manor Solomon joined Spurs as first team signings, while exciting young duo Ashley Phillips and Alejo Veliz came in as more project transfers. The Lilywhites spent just over £200 million, which includes the moves for Kulusevski and Porro, but reports in the last month suggest they could strengthen further in January.

Who could Tottenham sign in January?

Spurs are apparently targeting another central defender after van de Ven, with the likes of Lloyd Kelly (Bournemouth), Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen), Victor Nelsson (Galatasaray) and Juventus star Gleison Bremer all being mentioned recently. A new striker to fully replace Harry Kane is also in the offing for 2024, with both Brentford star Ivan Toney and in-form Stuttgart marksman Serhou Guirassy on the Spurs agenda.

According to a report from Turkish news outlet FotoSpor, as translated and shared by Sport Witness, it appears Tottenham have their eyes on a defensive duo from the same club. Indeed, Galatasaray pair Nelsson and right-back Sacha Boey are apparently of interest to Tottenham. It is believed the Lilywhites could pay "serious amounts" for them as well, and they're set to run the rule over both as Spurs plot sending officials to assess them in action.

Nelsson has been a pivotal figure for the Super Lig side, featuring over more Super Lig minutes than any other outfielder in their squad last season (WhoScored). The Denmark international also made more blocks and won more aerial duels per 90 than any other Galatasaray player in the Turkish top flight over 2022/2023.

Meanwhile, Boey performed an equally impressive fashion. A rumoured transfer target for Arsenal over the summer, the Frenchman ranked as one of Galatasaray's best-performing players per 90 in the Super Lig last season. Over 22/23, Boey averaged Gala's joint-highest rate of tackles and second-most interceptions per 90 – perhaps highlighting why Tottenham are monitoring developments.

Former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna, commenting on the Gunners' links to Boey over the summer, seriously endorsed the 23-year-old as one to watch.

"Galatasaray’s Sacha Boey is a player I really like," said Sagna.

"I think he will fit perfectly into Arsenal. As a right-back too, I have to say I think he’s great. I’m sure many clubs have Sacha Boey in mind. There is a contract to sign.”

Still young with plenty of potential, he could come as a brilliant alternative to the likes of Emerson Royal and Pedro Porro.