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The transfer window has been open for three weeks at this point, and despite being in desperate need of some reinforcements, Tottenham Hotspur have made just one signing.

Now, it’s important to say that the £12.5m acquisition of the young goalkeeper Antonín Kinský was a necessity and looks like it could be a brilliant deal to boot, but given the state of the team’s season, it’s not enough.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have been ravaged by injury in defence, and now that Dominic Solanke is out, their options up top look less than ideal.

So, it’s not all that surprising that, over the last week or so, the club have been linked with a whole host of players, including Southampton’s exciting Tyler Dibling, although even with all the hype around him at present, he’s worth millions less than one of Postecoglou’s most essential players.

Tottenham's transfer targets

So, one of the names that keeps coming up in connection with Tottenham this month is Lecce sensation Patrick Dorgu, who’s been pulling up trees in Serie A this season and already has a tally of three goals and one assist in 20 league appearances.

However, while the interest from Spurs certainly feels genuine, recent updates from transfers expert Fabrizio Romao suggest that Manchester United have now gotten ahead of them in the chase.

From the defence to the middle of the park, the Lilywhites have also been credited with an interest in Palmeiras’ midfield destroyer Richard Ríos on more than one occasion this month.

In the words of respected analyst Ben Mattinson, the Colombian international is a “press-resistant” monster with an “engine which allows him to get up and down the pitch all game,” and could therefore be the ideal long-term replacement for the increasingly disappointing Yves Bissouma.

However, he reportedly has a €100m – £84m – release clause in his contract, which could prove an insurmountable barrier.

Now, while defensive and midfield additions are essential for Postecoglou’s side to advance, it’s frontline additions that will excite the fans, and a name heavily linked with the club this week is Southampton gem Dibling.

The 20-year-old is supposedly available for around £55m this month, and while that might sound like a lot for someone so young, his performances this term suggest he’d be more than worth it.

For example, in just 24 appearances, the up-and-coming “game-breaker,” as dubbed by Mattinson, has scored four goals and provided two assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every four games.

However, while that is undeniably impressive for such a young player on such a poor side, his valuation is still dwarfed by that of one of Spurs’ star attackers, who occasionally plays in the same position.

The Spurs' star worth millions more than Dibling

So, to get straight to the point, the player in question is none other than the sensationally gifted Dejan Kulusevski.

The Swedish superstar has been one of the few shining lights for Spurs this season and, according to Football Transfers, is worth up to €73.8m, which comes out to a cool £63.3m, or around £8.3m more than Dibling could cost the club.

Now, that is undoubtedly an enormous valuation, but over the last couple of years, and indeed this season, it would be fair to say it’s more than justified.

For example, in just 33 appearances for Postecoglou this year, and in spite of moving between midfield and right-wing, the “world-class” 24-year-old, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored nine goals and provided eight assists.

That means the former Juventus star is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.94 games, which, for a team struggling as much as the North Londoners are, is seriously impressive.

Kulusevski 24/25

Appearances

33

Minutes

2355′

Goals

9

Assists

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

Minutes per Goal Involvement

138.52′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Ultimately, Spurs should still do what they can to sign Dibling this year as he looks like he could go right to the very top and Kulusevski would be a superb player to learn from.

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Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 21, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogo volta aos gramados nesta quinta-feira após ter vencido o Flamengo pelo Brasileirão. A equipe comandada por Luís Castro vira a chave e foca as atenções na Copa do Brasil. O time enfrenta o Ceilândia-DF no Estádio Nilton Santos às 21h30.

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Com 3 a 0 no jogo de ida em Brasília, o Glorioso pode até perder por dois gols de diferença que garante a classificação para as oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil.

A partida terá transmissão do SporTV e Premiere para todo o Brasil. Vale lembrar que mais de 10 mil ingressos foram vendidos para o jogo.

FICHA TÉCNICA

Botafogo x Ceilândia

Data-Hora: 12/05/22, às 21h30
Local: Estádio Nilton Santos, no Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
​Árbitro: Ricardo Marques Ribeiro (MG)
​Assistentes:Celso Luiz da Silva (MG) eMarcus Vinicius Gomes (MG)
​Onde assistir: SporTV, Premiere e tempo real do LANCE!

Whilst West Bromwich Albion’s main priorities at this moment in time rest on appointing a new manager, the January transfer window will also obviously be on the club’s mind.

After all, the Baggies will need some new recruits here and there to ensure they can sustain a battle for the rest of the season to be in and around those Championship playoff spots, regardless of who Carlos Corberan’s successor ends up being.

Whilst the rumour mill is very active in throwing out names in that regard, it is also going into overdrive with some rumoured incomings on the pitch at the Hawthorns, with this exciting loanee touted to make a move to the West Midlands.

West Brom make enquiry over Championship star

As per a fresh report by the Daily Mail Online, West Brom have made an enquiry about snapping up Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas, who is known to Championship fans already for some standout moments on loan at Stoke City this season.

Sheffield United are also named as an onlooker keen on adding the 19-year-old winger to their ranks this month, but the Baggies could hold an advantage in this tussle.

Koumas’ father Jason was a beloved figure for the promotion candidates when he dazzled defences on a regular basis as a maverick in the middle, with those at the Hawthorns now hoping his son can be equally as spellbinding in attack if a move does materialise.

It remains to be seen whether or not Liverpool will cut short the Stoke deal to allow West Brom to swoop in, but if a deal were to happen, Koumas’ addition might well have the same impact as Mikey Johnston’s arrival in through the door last January conjured up.

What Koumas can offer West Brom

The teenager will obviously hope he has a bright future at Anfield ahead, but in the here and now, the 19-year-old would love to make a step up the division and show the Baggies what he’s made of in the midst of a promotion push.

In a Stoke camp that has underperformed to the point where a managerial dismissal took place, the raw Welshman has still managed to stand out with an encouraging four goals and two assists tallied up from 29 appearances, which included this acrobatic effort against Bristol City sailing in back in October.

Club played for

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

Stoke

29

4

2

Liverpool (first team)

1

1

0

Liverpool U21s

21

9

5

Liverpool U18s

24

18

6

Liverpool (youth league)

6

2

0

Koumas could also take to the pressure of playing for a team near the top of the Championship table in his stride, having scored on his senior debut for the Reds after lighting up many a youth pitch for his boyhood employers, with Jurgen Klopp labelling his contribution as “wonderful” to watch.

Of course, he won’t walk straight into the side, with the likes of Johnston shining in recent weeks in attack after he was once just a loan punt himself.

Now, he’s a consistent performer for his side week in week out after penning a permanent deal last transfer window, with nine goals and four assists amassed from 42 games.

There would have been some anxiety in the air that the Republic of Ireland international would be a flop, having put in some solid but unspectacular numbers for Celtic with 13 goals and 12 assists tallied up in Glasgow, but he would ultimately explode into life in England.

At least in this instance, it’s known that Koumas can perform at the level – and with the added plus that he can play all across the attacking positions – this will surely be an addition the new West Brom boss will love working with.

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Liverpool and Arne Slot have received a major injury boost in the lead-up to their clash with Manchester City this weekend, with a “one of a kind” player passed fit.

Liverpool prepare for huge Man City clash

On Sunday afternoon, the Reds face a game that could arguably be season-defining come the end of the campaign, with City making the trip to Anfield in the Premier League.

Slot’s Liverpool side know that victory over their rivals will take them 11 points clear of City, as well as retaining at least a nine-point advantage over Arsenal, assuming the Gunners win away to West Ham on Saturday evening.

Pep Guardiola’s side are arguably on their worst-ever run of form under the Spaniard, not only losing five games in a row in all competitions recently but also drawing 3-3 at home to Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday night, having led 3-0 in the second half.

Everything points towards a Liverpool win, given the confidence they are playing with, but Slot will be well aware of the huge threat City still pose, not to mention the fact that he has a number of injury concerns heading into the game. However, he has been given a big boost regarding one player.

Liverpool handed big injury boost before Man City

Taking to X, journalist David Lynch confirmed that Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is “fit” to face Man City this weekend, having sat in on Slot’s pre-match press conference:

This is fantastic news for the Reds, with the 26-year-old not featuring since the 2-0 win at home to Aston Villa before the international break, when he was forced off with a hamstring issue in the first half.

Alexander-Arnold’s return also times in well because Conor Bradley picked up an injury of his own in the 2-0 win over Real Madrid in midweek. The Northern Irishman knows all about the quality of his Liverpool teammate, saying of him last month:

“Everybody knows how good Trent is. He’s one of a kind as a footballer. But my aim is the same as last season – whenever I get a chance to be on the pitch I’m going to do my best to help the team. It’s about winning the games and giving my all. I know I’ve got some decent competition. If I’m training well, hopefully it can push Trent on and that can only be good for the team.”

Assuming Alexander-Arnold, on £180,000-a-week, starts on Sunday, it will be a tough game to be thrown back into, considering his lack of match fitness, so a bit of rustiness could be expected.

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There is the potential for Slot to play Joe Gomez at right-back instead, should he feel that Liverpool’s vice-captain isn’t quite ready, but he seemed confident that he was in his press conference. A big performance from him would go a long way towards the Reds picking up a massive result at Anfield.

Aston Villa return to the Champions League this mid-week away at RB Leipzig having recently turned around their dismal form.

Unai Emery’s men have now won two Premier League games on the bounce, after finding themselves without the sweet taste of victory for eight matches, which could bode well for their chances in Germany when facing off against Marco Rose’s hosts.

Morgan Rogers might well be key to Villa picking up another win in Europe against an opponent from the Bundesliga, with the former Manchester City youngster managing to shine bright for his side in their last two games to help those two crucial wins be picked up.

Morgan Rogers' form this season

Rogers got the ball rolling for his stuttering side versus Brentford after a harrowing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea right at the beginning of December piled on more misery.

He would delightfully find the back of net with a curled effort to gift his side a 1-0 lead early on, with the final scoreline reading 3-1 in his team’s favour to the relief of the home sections packed into Villa Park.

Away from just this contest, the electric 22-year-old has a further three goals and two assists in the Premier League, alongside showing off his daring best in an attacking capacity on Europe’s biggest stage.

One display from Rogers versus Bologna in the Champions League back in October saw the tricky attacker complete a ridiculous seven successful dribbles, with Emery now praying the 6 foot 2 ace can bamboozle Leipzig on Tuesday night in a similar fashion.

Villa will feel overjoyed that they paid Middlesbrough £15m to win their star man now, but they could stumble across their next iteration of Rogers for free in a sensational academy prospect.

Aston Villa's next Morgan Rogers

The homegrown gem in question here is Ben Broggio who is already making waves for the Villans at youth level.

Often lining up down the left wing for his boyhood club – where Rogers has been moved out to recently – the 17-year-old star has more than stood out for his team this season across various different competitions.

Also channelling is inner Jack Grealish – who tore defences to shreds for Villa with direct displays on the left channel – Broggio has managed to find the back of the net six times from 16 games playing in and around the youth set-up at the Premier League side this season, which included the effort above rippling the back of the net in UEFA Youth League action.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast's In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

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Lauded too for his ability as a “creative” force by Villa Academy manager Mark Harrison earlier this year after the teenager had penned a professional contract, the sky is truly the limit for the 17-year-old now, who has even had a senior opportunity gifted to him this campaign.

Broggio’s numbers at Villa

Age bracket

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

U21s

19

4

2

U18s

15

4

2

Youth League

5

3

3

First team

1

0

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

That came against Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Cup, as the captivating attacking midfielder won himself four minutes on the pitch, which was deserved considering he has also picked up five assists this season from his 16 appearances.

Rogers is also known for being an unselfish talent willing to chip in with assists, with three next to his name in all competitions, alongside his promising four-goal return.

Broggio is some way off being able to strut his stuff in a similarly confident manner to Rogers in the senior mix, but if he keeps up his blistering displays at youth level, it won’t be long before even more first-team chances are presented to the teenage starlet.

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Stafanie Taylor’s 91-ball 50 and Hayley Matthews’ three catches were the only contributions of note from West Indies

Annesha Ghosh14-Mar-2022Rachael Haynes made a fist of Australia’s 132 chase with an unbeaten 83 after Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner’s three-fors helped bowl West Indies out cheaply in 45.5 overs at the Basin Reserve. Stafanie Taylor’s 91-ball 50 and Hayley Matthews’ three splendid catches were the only contributions of note against an undefeated Australia, who romped to a seven-wicket victory with nearly 20 overs to spare.After a 30-minute rain-induced toss delay, it was the new-ball tandem of Perry and Megan Schutt that set the tone for Australia’s fourth successive win in this World Cup. Perry kicked off the domination under overcast conditions with a double-wicket second over.Rachel Haynes’ unbeaten knock saw Australia cruise to victory•ICC via Getty Images

First up, she had the seaming ball ram into the top of Matthews’ off stump and then drew the left-hand batter Kycia Knight into edging the next ball to wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy. Taylor moved herself up to face the hat-trick delivery, an attempted yorker that ended up as a full toss easy enough for Taylor to flick for three runs.A seemingly innocuous full toss nearly caused the undoing of the other opener, Deandra Dottin, on 8. Given lbw off a Schutt delivery in the fifth over, Dottin, whose availability for this fixture had been under the cloud due to back issues in the last game, reviewed the decision. Replays showed an underedge as the ball floated past the bat on the way to plonking Dottin’s back pad.West Indies had a second lbw decision overturned soon after – Taylor’s off Perry – though the allrounder wouldn’t be too far from a third wicket. An agile two-handed catch by Meg Lanning at first slip proved too good for Dottin’s flying outside edge and handed Perry her three-wicket haul. As a result, West Indies slumped to 34 for 3 in the powerplay, their lowest tally in the passage so far in the tournament.Taylor had another close shave in the sixth over of Perry’s probing eight-over spell when an incoming seaming delivery jagged back, clipped the top of her pad and missed the stumps by a whisker. Second-change Alana King, the only legspinner in Australia’s XI, delivered an incisive run-less second over during which Shemaine Campbelle survived a review by Australia for lbw. Replays vindicated the umpire’s decision of the ball hitting the bat before thudding onto the front pad, though Lanning appeared displeased why neither UltraEdge nor ball-tracking was used for the review, even remonstrating with on-field umpire Alex Wharf.Ashleigh Gardner’s three-for hurt West Indies’ middle order•ICC via Getty Images

Tied up by the accuracy of King and third-change Gardner’s offspin, Campbelle’s inability to rotate the strike sent her back not long after. She eventually fell to Gardner, flicking one to Beth Mooney at midwicket for a 51-ball 20. Gardner took her second wicket with a ripper of an offbreak that fizzed past Chedean Nation’s outside edge to round out the double-wicket 23rd over that saw West Indies plummet to 70 for 5.West Indies’ rapid unravelling extended into the loss of their sixth wicket when a bid for a third run led to Healy running out Chinelle Henry at the wicketkeeper’s end. Taylor tried to mend the innings, but parched of strike for extended periods, she could do as best as taking West Indies past the three-digit mark. In the 41st over, Gardner trapped her lbw before left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen, who replaced wristspinner Amanda-Jade Wellington in the XI, struck twice to clean up the tail.West Indies held their own in their defense against the vaunted Australian line-up. Matthews had a forgettable day with the bat, but she thrust herself in the thick of things from the get-go of the chase. First, she gobbled up a superb reflex catch off her own bowling as Healy smacked a full ball straight down at rocket speed. In the next over, she plucked Lanning’s edge at first slip off Shamilia Connell to consign the Australian No. 3 to her eighth duck in ODIs.DRS handed Haynes a lifeline when she was adjudged lbw on 16. Ball-tracking showed Connell’s delivery was going over middle and off. Early in her thirties, Haynes treaded danger territory when her edge off Ramharack, who replaced fellow offspinner Anisa Mohammed in the XI, fell marginally short of first slip Matthews.Then, a throw from Henry almost found Haynes short of her ground during an ill-attempted single in the eventful 16th over. Haynes’ fifty stand off 78 balls with Perry promised to draw the inevitable closer but Henry combined with first slip Matthews to dismiss Perry for a 31-ball 10.Mooney and Haynes then stepped on the gas. They took 10 off the 21st before Haynes brought up her 17th ODI fifty to add to her 2022 World Cup tally of 134, 34, and 30. Mooney stitched a fifty partnership for the fourth wicket with Haynes, who also hit the winning run.

تتجه أنظار عشاق كرة القدم السعودية والعربية نحو قمة كروية مرتقبة، حيث يستضيف الهلال نظيره النصر، غدًا الجمعة، على ملعب “المملكة أرينا”، ضمن منافسات الجولة الـ26 من دوري روشن السعودي.

ويدخل الهلال المواجهة وهو يحتل المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب المسابقة برصيد 57 نقطة، بفارق 4 نقاط عن الاتحاد المتصدر، مما يجعله في حاجة ماسة لتحقيق الفوز للحفاظ على حظوظه في المنافسة على اللقب.

وعلى الجانب الآخر، يحتل النصر المركز الثالث برصيد 51 نقطة، متساويًا في النقاط مع القادسية الذي يحتل المركز الرابع بفارق الأهداف فقط. القيمة السوقية.. الهلال يتفوق

تبلغ القيمة السوقية لفريق الهلال 180 مليون يورو، وفقًا لمنصة “ترانسفير ماركت”، في حين تبلغ القيمة السوقية لفريق النصر 175.68 مليون يورو، مما يجعل المواجهة متكافئة اقتصاديًا، حيث يملك كلا الفريقين مجموعة من النجوم العالميين في صفوفهما. 

ويعد الكولومبي جون دوران، مهاجم النصر الشاب، أغلى لاعب في الديربي، إذ تبلغ قيمته السوقية 40 مليون يورو، وهو الذي انضم إلى صفوف النصر في فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الماضية قادمًا من أستون فيلا الإنجليزي. ومنذ وصوله، شارك في 9 مباريات سجل خلالها 7 أهداف، مما يجعله أحد أبرز العناصر المنتظرة في المباراة.

مدرب الهلال يستقر على بديل كانسيلو في ديربي الرياض أمام النصر

أما في الهلال، فيتصدر البرتغالي روبن نيفيز قائمة الأغلى قيمة سوقية داخل فريقه، حيث تبلغ قيمته 28 مليون يورو، يليه المهاجم الصربي ألكسندر ميتروفيتش بقيمة 25 مليون يورو بالتساوي مع زميله البرازيلي مالكوم، ثم يأتي الصربي سيرجي ميلينكوفيتش-سافيتش بقيمة سوقية تبلغ 20 مليون يورو.

أما في النصر، فيلي دوران من حيث القيمة السوقية الفرنسي محمد سيماكان (28 مليون يورو)، ثم يأتي الإسباني إيمريك لابورت والبرتغالي أوتافيو بقيمة 18 مليون يورو لكل منهما. التاريخ يبتسم للهلال

لطالما كان ديربي الرياض بين الهلال والنصر مليئًا بالإثارة والمنافسة الشرسة، لكن الأرقام تؤكد تفوق “الزعيم” تاريخيًا. حيث تقابل الفريقان في 81 مواجهة ضمن منافسات الدوري السعودي، فاز الهلال في 41 مباراة، مقابل 20 انتصارًا للنصر، فيما انتهت 20 مواجهة بالتعادل. 

من حيث الأهداف، سجل لاعبو الهلال 144 هدفًا، بينما أحرز النصر 98 هدفًا، مما يعكس التفوق الهجومي الأزرق عبر التاريخ. وعلى مستوى اللاعبين، يتصدر محمد السهلاوي قائمة هدافي الديربي التاريخيين برصيد 15 هدفًا، يليه سالم الدوسري لاعب الهلال بـ11 هدفًا. 

تكتسب هذه المباراة أهمية مضاعفة كونها تأتي في مرحلة حاسمة من الموسم، حيث يسعى الهلال للحفاظ على آماله في المنافسة على اللقب، بينما يأمل النصر في تعزيز موقعه بالمربع الذهبي، وربما استعادة نغمة المنافسة على القمة في حال تحقيق الفوز.

وبين تفوق الهلال في التاريخ وقوة النصر الهجومية، يبقى ديربي الرياض أحد أقوى وأشهر المواجهات في الكرة السعودية، حيث يتوقف الزمن عندما يلتقي الفريقان، في مباراة لا تعترف بالتوقعات، بل تحسمها تفاصيل صغيرة داخل المستطيل الأخضر.

Leicester City are among the Premier League clubs who are interested in signing an attacking “machine” in January, according to a new report. The Foxes have made a steady start to life back in the top flight, picking up 10 points from a possible 30, but Steve Cooper will know performances do need to improve if they are going to stay above that dotted line.

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Posts ByBrett Worthington Nov 4, 2024 Leicester already lining up 2025 transfer plans

Leicester and Cooper will have their eye on players who they believe can improve them for when January arrives, but they also appear to have their eye on one player who can’t move until next summer.

It was reported earlier this week that the Foxes are keeping a close eye on Ipswich Town’s Jack Clarke. The winger only joined the Tractor Boys during the summer transfer window from Sunderland, but Leicester are already weighing up whether to make a move for him in 2025. It has been a testing time for Clarke at Portman Road, as he’s yet to replicate the form he showed at the Stadium of Light.

The 23-year-old hasn’t scored for Ipswich yet, and he has found himself in and out of the starting XI in the opening 10 league games. He cannot play for a third English club this term after already turning out for Ipswich and the Black Cats though, so any move would be a summer one.

Leicester interested in signing Bayern starlet Mathys Tel

According to Caught Offside, Leicester City are interested in signing Mathys Tel on loan in January. The 19-year-old has been at Bayern Munich since July 2022, when he joined from French side Stade Rennais, and his career has really taken off since moving to Germany, as he shines playing anywhere across the front three.

Tel, who has been labelled a “two-footed ball-striking machine” in the past, played 30 times for Munich in the Bundesliga last season, scoring seven goals and recording five assists, but this season he has fallen out of favour under manager Vincent Kompany.

The winger has played seven times in all competitions, only two of which have come as starts, and it appears as though he could be allowed to leave on loan when January arrives. The report states that the German giants still see Tel as a “key part” of their long-term future, but he could now benefit from a temporary move away, and would be an exciting addition to the Premier League.

Looking at players who compare on FBRef’s statistical tools, Liverpool’s Luis Diaz ranks second by statistical profile.

Mathys Tel’s 2023/24 stats compared to Luis Diaz

Tel

Diaz

Apps

30

37

Goals

7

8

xG

3.7

11.9

Goals per 90

0.60

0.27

Assists

5

5

xAG

2.3

5.7

Assists per 90

0.43

0.17

Shots (On target)

43 (18)

94 (32)

Shots per 90

3.69

3.22

Bayern want Tel to get regular first team minutes under his belt, and Leicester, as well as Fulham, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest, are all keen on landing the young star, but a final decision will be made by the player himself.

Aston Villa are considering making a move for a £15 million rated rising star from South America, who is happy to leave his current club, according to a recent report. The Villans are flying high both in the Premier League and the Champions League, but as they have done in previous transfer windows, they plan to be busy once again with new arrivals in 2025.

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Posts ByDan Emery Oct 28, 2024 Aston Villa transfer news

The January transfer window is still a couple of months away from opening, but Villa are already getting plans in place, as they look to be active once again. A recent report has revealed that Monchi has sent Villa scouts to watch defender Nathan Zeze, as they plan to make a move for the player in 2025. The Nantes teenager has emerged on the radar of a few clubs around Europe, with Liverpool and Chelsea also interested in his services.

As well as looking at Zeze, Villa are also interested in Juventus attacker Kenan Yildiz, and they are planning to make their move in the January transfer window. But he may not be the only forward-thinking player they look to sign, as the Midlands side are also continuing to be interested in signing Villarreal winger Alex Baena.

Monchi, Unai Emery and the Villa recruitment team are assessing loads of options, and they are now being linked with a move for the type of target English fans would usually associate Brighton with.

Aston Villa leading transfer race for South American gem

According to journalist Jonathan Riniti, relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa are considering a move for Boca Juniors player Kevin Zenon. The 23-year-old came through the academy at CA Union and, after impressing with them for a couple of years, he made his move to Boca Juniors in January of this year.

Zenon has continued to impress with his new side, and those performances have caught the eye of Villa, as well as Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. However, Villa are said to be leading the race for the winger, who is already preparing to leave the Argentinean side.

Riniti said on Villa’s interest in Zenon: “Aston Villa wants Zenón. They have been following him since before the Olympic Games, so they are considering presenting an offer to get him out of Boca and make him a teammate of (Emi) Martínez.

Kevin Zenon’s Boca Juniors stats

Apps

12

Goals

0

Assists

1

“Boca knows that the player is already considering leaving the club, despite the fact that the directors were told the opposite. The rejected offer of $18m from Germany marks the floor that the club wants to get rid of the former Unión player.”

Zenon has a release clause worth 15 million dollars (£11.5m), but Villa or any other side that wishes to sign the winger will have to pay 20 million dollars (£15m), as Boca Juniors president Juan Roman Riquelme is putting up a fight when it comes to selling one of his players.

The tournament has had to navigate the pandemic once again and this season it will begin with 20 games in Tasmania

Andrew McGlashan and Alex Malcolm12-Oct-2021Click here for all the fixturesAdelaide StrikersCaptain: TBC
Coach: Luke WilliamsLast season 6thSquad Jemma Barsby, Darcie Brown, Nell Bryson-Smith, Sarah Coyte, Meagan Dixon, Katie Mack, Tahlia McGrath, Tegan McPharlin, Dane van Niekerk (SA), Bridget Patterson, Maddie Penna, Annie O’Neil, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Laura Wolvaardt (SA)In Jemma Barsby (Scorchers), Nell Bryson-Smith, Meagan Dixon, Dane van Niekerk
Out Suzie Bates, Ellen Falconer (Renegades), Alex Price, Stafanie TaylorPre-season
It’s a largely stable squad from a local point of view for Strikers. Darcie Brown’s elevation to a Cricket Australia contract means she is now one of the club’s five marquee names. The withdrawal of Suzie Bates due to concerns about getting a quarantine space on return to New Zealand has seen the signing of Dane van Niekerk after she left Sixers; with both bat and ball that should be a valuable addition. Brown, Megan Schutt, Tahlia McGrath and legspinner Amanda-Jade Wellington make a very well balanced attack with plenty of wicket-takers. If they can put runs on the board they should be a major challenger.Player to watch
Remember that parried catch that went viral? It was one of the moments of the tournament last year. Tahlia McGrath was outstanding during the multi-format series against India with bat and ball. However, last season’s WBBL from a run-scoring perspective was underwhelming with 227 runs at 16.21 and a strike-rate of 82.24 opening the innings. Where she is used this season remains to be seen, but if it’s at the top again more impact will be needed in the Powerplay.Brisbane HeatCaptain: Jess Jonassen
Coach: Ashley NoffkeLast season (2nd) Semi-finalSquad Anneke Bosch (SA), Nadine de Klerk (SA), Poonam Yadav (Ind), Zoe Cooke, Nicola Hancock, Grace Harris, Ellie Johnston, Jess Jonassen, Laura Kimmince, Mikayla Hinkley, Charli Knott, Georgia Prestwidge, Georgia Redmayne, Courtney Sippel, Georgia VollIn Anneke Bosch, Zoe Cooke, Ellie Johnston, Poonam Yadav
Out Maddy Green, Amelia Kerr, Delissa Kimmince (retired), Lilly Mills (Scorchers)Jess Jonassen missed the series against India with injury•Getty ImagesPre-season
The late recruitment of legspinner Poonam Yadav could be a vital part of Heat’s jigsaw after they fell at the semi-final stage last season in their bid for a hat-trick of title. They were a long way out at the midway point of the campaign but surged into the knockout stages. The top order will again look to Georgia Redmayne but it is lower down where they have a real X-factor in the finishing skills of Laura Kimmince who had an eye-watering strike-rate of 205.81 last season. They will also hope for further development from youngster Georgia Voll. With the ball, South Africa allrounders Anneke Bosch and Nadine de Klerk could be tasked will filling the role of the retired Delissa Kimmince.Player to watch
As mentioned above, Laura Kimmince brings a dimension to Heat’s batting that few other teams can match in their middle order. Despite facing just 86 balls last season she finished third on the sixes chart with 12 and her strike-rate was way out on top as the only batter over 200. With 37 off 17 balls in the semi-final she was on the verge of taking Heat into the final before she was bowled attempting a switch it as part of a lower-order collapse.Hobart HurricanesCaptain: Rachel Priest
Coach: Salliann BeamsLast season 8thSquad: Rachel Priest (capt, NZ), Nicola Carey, Tayla Vlaeminck, Mignon du Preez (SA), Richa Ghosh (Ind), Angelina Genford, Maisy Gibson, Ruth Johnston, Sasha Moloney, Chloe Rafferty, Amy Smith, Molly Strano, Naomi Stalenberg, Belinda Vakarewa, Rachel TrenamanIn Molly Strano (Renegades), Mignon du Preez (Stars), Rachel Trenaman (Thunder), Angelina Genford, Richa Ghosh, Ruth Johnston
Out Corinne Hall (Thunder), Emma Flint (maternity leave), Chloe Tryon, Brooke Hepburn (retired), Hayley Matthews, Erica KershawA fit and firing Tayla Vlaeminck could be a huge weapon for Hurricanes•Cameron Spencer/Getty ImagesPre-season
Hurricanes have made some big moves in the off-season after finishing last for the third time in four seasons. They have not made the WBBL finals since 2016-17 and are hoping to change their fortunes on the back of some big-name recruits. They have lured the experienced Mignon du Preez from Stars and the exciting addition of Richa Ghosh means the batting line-up will have a great balance of youth and experience, as well as power and touch. They had also added Rachel Trenaman to the top order, but she will miss the entire season after rupturing her ACL. The bowling has also received a huge boost with all-time leading WBBL wicket-taker Molly Strano lured south from her beloved Melbourne Renegades. She brings so much experience and versatility to the side with her ability to bowl in the powerplay and in the middle overs. Hurricanes finally have a well-rounded attack if Tayla Vlaeminck and Maisy Gibson can stay fit, with Vlaeminck becoming a strike weapon around the reliable Strano, Belinda Vakarewa, and Nicola Carey.Player to watch
Tayla Vlaeminck has played 19 WBBL matches in her career with WBBL05 proving her only full season due to a raft of injuries. She did not play at all last season and has been nursed through the recent Australia-India series, only playing in the T20Is due to an Achilles flare-up during her preparation. She is arguably the fastest bowler in the world and strikes fear into international batters with her pace, bounce, and awkward action. Her value at domestic level is even greater and she could have a major impact in this tournament for the Hurricanes if she can stay fit. But they will need to use her judiciously as playing all 14 games plus finals might be too much to ask given the travel schedule in the second half of the tournament.Melbourne RenegadesCaptain: Sophie Molineux
Coach: Simon HelmotLast season 7thSquad: Sophie Molineux (capt), Georgia Wareham, Eve Jones (Eng), Harmanpreet Kaur (Ind), Jemimah Rodrigues (Ind), Makinley Blows, Josie Dooley, Jess Duffin, Ellie Falconer, Holly Ferling, Poppy Gardner, Ella Hayward, Carly Leeson, Rhiann O’Donnell, Courtney WebbIn Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Eve Jones, Holly Ferling (Stars), Ellen Falconer (Strikers), Poppy Gardner, Rhiann O’Donnell
Out Molly Strano (Hurricanes), Maitlan Brown (Sixers), Lizelle Lee, Amy Satterthwaite, Lea Tahuhu, Erin Fazackerley, Courtney NealeHarmanpreet Kaur returns to the WBBL with Melbourne Renegades•Getty ImagesPre-season
Renegades have had a huge turnover of players and staff since last season with only a handful of familiar faces remaining following a poor campaign. Lachie Stevens departed as coach and Simon Helmot takes over, coming off winning the Caribbean Premier League title with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. Sophie Molineux takes over as captain from Amy Satterthwaite while Lea Tahuhu also hasn’t returned. They have bolstered their batting with the signings of India duo Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues and Eve Jones from England while Jess Duffin’s return from maternity leave adds some much-needed experience. The bowling will be tested though without Tahuhu, Maitlan Brown and Strano. They still have a lot of spin depth, but they lack a little bit of strike power in the pace department. Holly Ferling adds some new-ball experience coming across from the Stars and there is some excitement around 16-year-old left-armer Poppy Gardner.Player to watch
There is plenty of quality in the top order but Georgia Wareham looms as an X-factor with both bat and ball. Her bowling is world-class as she has proved in T20 World Cups, but Renegades are very keen to continue to progress her batting in T20 cricket. She had the sixth-highest strike-rate last season (146.31) and found the boundary every five deliveries, ranking her only behind Laura Kimmince and Alyssa Healy, among those with more than 100 runs, and well above Meg Lanning and Sophie Devine. Wareham showcased her batting ability under pressure in the second T20I against India and the Renegades are keen to further develop her hitting ability.Melbourne StarsCaptain: Meg Lanning
Coach: Jarrad LoughmanLast season (1st) Runners-upSquad: Meg Lanning (capt), Annabel Sutherland, Maia Bouchier (Eng), Kim Garth (Ire), Linsey Smith (Eng), Lucy Cripps, Maddy Darke, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Georgia Gall, Anna Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Erin Osborne, Elyse VillaniIn Kim Garth, Rhys McKenna, Anna Lanning, Maddy Darke (Sixers), Maia Bouchier, Linsey Smith
Out Alana King (Scorchers), Mignon du Preez (Hurricanes), Holly Ferling (Renegades), Katherine Brunt, Natalie Sciver, Bhavi DevchandIt is a significantly different Melbourne Stars from the one that fell just short last season•Getty ImagesPre-season
It will be a big ask for Stars to replicate last season’s run to the final given the amount of playing quality they have lost. Jarrad Loughman takes over as coach, but he won’t be changing much of the formula having worked alongside the departing Trent Woodhill last season. However, the turnover of international players is where they will be tested the most. England stars Nat Sciver and Katherine Brunt are unavailable while du Preez has moved to the Hurricanes. They have also lost some quality bowlers in Alana King and Holly Ferling. Kim Garth is an excellent addition having moved from Ireland to Melbourne permanently, while the recruitment of England left-arm orthodox Linsey Smith adds some international experience. Maia Bouchier comes off an England season where she made her international debut and will benefit from batting with the likes of Meg Lanning and Elyse Villani.Player to watch
Lanning and Villani are usually the keys to Stars’ success but the one player who could really take the WBBL by storm this season is Annabel Sutherland. She made her Test debut against India recently and her bowling appears to have taken another step forward. She has had limited opportunities with the bat in her brief international career so far but has shown promise on most occasions. She made one half-century in 11 innings in last year’s WBBL but in the absence of du Preez and Sciver she will shoulder far more responsibility in the middle order this season and her power game could set her apart.Perth ScorchersCaptain: Sophie Devine
Coach: Shelley NitschkeLast season (4th) Semi-finalSquad: Sophie Devine (NZ)(capt), Beth Mooney, Chamari Athapaththu (SL), Marizanne Kapp (SA), Samantha Betts, Mathilda Carmichael, Piepa Cleary, Ashley Day, Amy Edgar, Heather Graham, Lisa Griffith, Alana King, Lilly Mills, Taneale Peschel, Chloe PiparoIn Marizanne Kapp (Sixers), Chamari Athapaththu, Alana King (Stars), Lisa Griffith (Sixers), Lilly Mills (Heat), Ashley Day, Amy Edgar
Out Jemma Barsby (Strikers), Amy Jones, Sarah Glenn, Emma King (retired), Nicole Bolton (Sixers), Megan Banting, Georgia WyllieSophie Devine will again be key at the top of Scorchers’ order•Getty ImagesPre-season
Scorchers have once again had a high turnover of players but have added some quality to their line-up. The addition of Marizanne Kapp gives their attack some real potency while Alana King’s legspin adds some much-needed variety after they lost three good spinners in Sarah Glenn, Nicole Bolton and Emma King. Bolton is also a loss in the middle order, but Chamari Athapaththu will provide a different dynamic in terms of her power. She hasn’t previously produced her best in the WBBL with Renegades but has a superb record in Australia for Sri Lanka and produced two high-quality innings at the WACA in the T20 World Cup last year, with Scorchers scheduled to play three games there. Scorchers have the best opening combination in the WBBL with Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney set to star again but the team can be a bit top-heavy at times and will need both to produce all year and in the finals to claim the title.Player to watch
It seems obvious to say but Sophie Devine and Beth Mooney are difficult to ignore. Devine has the chance to win three consecutive Player of the Tournament awards while Mooney enters the competition on the back of impressive returns in the white-ball matches against India. They are two extraordinary cricketers who can carry their team on their shoulders. Devine has unfinished business having never won a title in Australia while Mooney is looking to claim a third having won twice previously with Heat.Sydney SixersCaptain: Ellyse Perry
Coach: Ben SawyerLast season 5thSquad: Ellyse Perry (capt), Jade Allen, Nicole Bolton, Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Stella Campbell, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Emma Hughes, Matilda Lugg, Angela Reakes Claire Moore, Shafali Verma (IND), Radha Yadav (IND)In Jade Allen, Nicole Bolton (Scorchers), Maitlan Brown (Renegades), Matlida Lugg, Shafali Verma, Radha Yadav, Claire Moore
Out Marizanne Kapp, Dane van Niekerk, Jodie Hicks, Sarah Aley (retired), Maddy Darke, Lisa Griffith, Hayley Silver-Holmes (injured)The Alyssa Healy-Ellyse Perry opening combination could be broken up•Getty ImagesPre-season
After two disappointing seasons where they have finished fifth to miss the finals there has been a revamp of Sixers’ squad. Earlier this year their new list manager Lisa Sthalekar said they had “fallen behind” in the T20 game, while Ellyse Perry told ESPNcricinfo there would be changes to how they play. The most significant of those may involve Perry who could move down the order with new signing Shafali Verma joining Healy in what could be an electric opening pair. The arrival of Maitlan Brown will need to compensate for the loss of Kapp’s overs while Bolton’s role with her offspin in the Powerplay could be significant. Pace bowler Hayley-Silver Homes is out of the whole tournament due to a hip injury and Erin Burns will miss at least the Tasmania leg for personal reasons.Player to watch
Through a combination of various events – including the rain at the beginning of the tournament then another concussion – Ashleigh Gardner only faced 69 balls in last season’s competition and 35 of those of those came in one innings when she made 53. Her strike-rate of 134.78 was second behind Healy and the freedom she is given to play with means low scores are an occupational hazard. But she will hope to have an impact over a longer period this season. A lot of work went into her offspin during the winter and that will again be a key part of the attack, particularly against opposition left handers.Sydney ThunderCaptain: Rachael Haynes
Coach: Trevor GriffinLast season (3rd) ChampionsSquad: Rachael Haynes (capt), Samantha Bates, Hannah Darlington, Jess Davidson, Corinne Hall, Sammy-Jo Johnson, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Smriti Mandhana (IND), Kate Peterson, Olivia Porter, Deepti Sharma (IND), Lauren Smith, Tahlia Wilson, Issy Wong (ENG)In Jess Davidson, Corinne Hall (Hurricanes), Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Issy Wong
Out Rachael Trenaman (Hurricanes), Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Shabnim Ismail, Saskia HorleySydney Thunder’s depth will be tested as they defend the title•Getty ImagesPre-season
The defending champions have kept the core of their local players together although it remains to be confirmed how much of the season captain Rachael Haynes is available for while she takes maternity leave. As with Sixers there has been a complete turnover in the overseas players with England players unavailable and the injury to South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail. Smriti Mandhana will have a big load to carry with the bat – especially during Haynes’ absence – but comes into the tournament in terrific form. Keep an eye out for the pace of Issy Wong while it will be interesting to see if Phoebe Litchfield is able to get an opportunity higher up the order.Player to watch
Sammy-Jo Johnson had a big impact with the ball last season after her move from Heat with 22 wickets at 14.81. She formed a telling new-ball combination with Ismail – which peaked with their almost perfect display in the final – but without the South Africa quick this season, Johnson will have to take more responsibility. During the off-season she took part in the Hundred where she finished as the joint second-leading wicket-taker. Depending on how she is used with the bat, an increase on last year’s 108 runs could also be critical.