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TalkSPORT pundit Troy Deeney has explained why he thinks Tottenham Hotspur should've signed a £330,000-per-week striker instead of Dominic Solanke.

Solanke joins Tottenham from Bournemouth in £65 million deal

Over the summer transfer window, Spurs finally ended their year-long wait for Harry Kane's replacement – agreeing a £65 million deal to sign Solanke from Bournemouth after the Englishman's stellar 2023/2024 campaign.

"Top class" Tottenham attacker seals out-of-window move to European club

Spurs

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 6, 2024

Ange Postecoglou's side will pay an initial £55 million plus a further £10 million in add-ons for Solanke, who made his Premier League debut for them against Leicester City on the opening weekend.

The 26-year-old was Bournemouth's superstar player last term, scoring 21 goals in all competitions for the Cherries, plus an additional five assists. Solanke has been absent for their last two league games, having picked up an ankle injury at Leicester, but there is a chance he could feature against Arsenal in the north London derby right after this international break.

Competition

Games

Goals

Assists

Premier League

38

19

3

FA Cup

1

1

1

EFL Cup

3

1

0

"Dom is close but we're going to be a bit cautious with him," said Postecoglou in an update on Solanke before Spurs' loss to Newcastle.

"We've got a big programme post the international break, so he'll miss out.”

Supporters will be eager to see Solanke kick-on and show the kind of form he did for Bournemouth last season, and at the earliest opportunity, with Tottenham's signing of the forward praised by Jermain Defoe.

“It is not a move that has surprised me," said Defoe on talkSPORT.

"Going off his form last season, the amount of goals he scored and if you look at the way Ange wants to play, he suits that Tottenham role. He’s got a lot of energy, he’s almost an old-school number nine who makes a lot of runs in behind. He also presses high which is one of Ange’s principles. I think he will score a lot of goals in that Tottenham team, I’m happy for him.

“I hope he gets his first goal soon because as a centre-forward, you know, confidence is massive. I hope he doesn’t think about the fee too much, but in terms of his ability, he showed last season that he’s someone that can score goals consistently and I am looking forward to seeing how he does.”

Troy Deeney explains why Tottenham should've signed Ivan Toney

While Solanke's move has been praised by many, there are others like TalkSPORT's Deeney who believe that Tottenham should've gone for Ivan Toney instead.

Toney was heavily linked with a move to Spurs in the summer, but the striker, now on £330,000-per-week at Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, was forced to agree a late switch to the Middle East or stay at Brentford.

However, Deeney is convinced that Toney would've been a better striker for Tottenham than Solanke.

“Ivan Toney was available," said Deeney on the Seaman Says podcast. "Let’s use him as a case in point. Would he add value to Chelsea? Yes, he would score more than Nicolas Jackson. In my opinion he would score more than Solanke at Spurs. Everyone is looking for that mobile, running striker, the goalscoring comes like fifth in the list of attributes."

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Prejudicado por conta das Datas Fifa, o Flamengo terá Gabigol para o duelo diante da Chapecoense apenas pela 13ª vez no Campeonato Brasileiro. E, mesmo com poucas aparições, o centroavante é o jogador quemenos precisa de minutos para criar uma grande chance de gol na competição.

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Gabi necessita de195 minutos para gerar uma oportunidade clara de gol, de acordo com números do site especializado “Sofascore”.No Brasileirão, já são oito gols, três assistências (sendo a última no jogo de sábado, contra o Atlético-GO), 14 passes tidos como “decisivos” e33 arremates – sendo 20 na meta.

Gabigol passou recentemente por uma leve torção no tornozelo, além de atuar num jogo com uma indisposição estomacal. O seu rendimento técnico atual ainda não corresponde ao seu nível, mas a sequência na competição será fundamental para que o camisa 9 retome a melhor forma.

Para se ter uma ideia, caso não haja contratempos ou seja poupado, Gabi fará contra a Chapecoense, nesta segunda, o quarto jogo consecutivo no Brasileirão, em sequência recorde e que só ocorreu uma vez nesta edição – quando estreou na 12ª rodada, diante do Bahia, e nas três partidassubsequentes.

>Perto do 100º gol pelo Fla, Gabi vem tendo sua maior média da carreira

NOITE PODE SER HISTÓRICA

Aliás, Gabi ainda não enfrentou a Chape atuando pelo Flamengo. E esse primeiro encontro pode se tornar histórico, já que o atacante está com 99 gols com a camisa rubro-negra (em 140 jogos), pode comemorar o feito centenário e, de quebra, se igualar a Renato Abreu como um dos maiores artilheiros do clube em Campeonatos Brasileiros.

No momento, Renato Abreu, o terceiro maior goleador do Fla na competição, tem 40 gols, enquanto Gabigol soma 39. Logo à frente temBebeto, com 41. Quem lidera a lista é ninguém mais ninguém menos do que Zico, com 135.

A SITUAÇÃO NA TABELA

> Veja e simule a tabela do Brasileirão

Com a vitória contra o Atlético-GO, o Flamengo de Gabi chegou aos 53 pontos e voltou à vice-liderança. O time de Renato Gaúcho está a nove do líder Atlético-MG, com 62. Na próxima segunda-feira, o Rubro-Negro visitará a Chapecoense, na Arena Condá, às 20h, pela 30ª rodada do Brasileiro.

Kevin De Bruyne says talks with Manchester City over a new contract have stalled as he heads into the final six months of his deal.

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De Bruyne in last year of his contractMan City new deal talks stallBelgian faces uncertain futureFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and while talks over a new deal began earlier in the campaign, they were put on the backburner after the Belgian picked up a thigh injury in September. The attacking midfielder is back fit now but suggested he is unsure whether this will be his last season at City.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT KEVIN DE BRUYNE SAID

He told reporters: "Obviously when I started the season I knew talks would happen but then I had that thing [thigh injury] against Brentford and put that to a side. I was hoping to be out for days but it ended up being eight or nine weeks and I would rather get back first and all the rest will come. I am not too obsessed with things but there is not much I can say. I am fine, I am happy, I just want to play football again and we will see. Talks will come, if no talks come it will be my last year. I just want to play good football."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

De Bruyne will be 34 at the end of this season and after missing much of 2023-24 with various injuries, question marks have been raised over whether it would be wise to extend his City deal. He has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League but it is not yet certain what is next for the veteran. If he does leave, he will go down as a City legend and a Premier League great.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

De Bruyne, who has had a couple of cameo appearances following his injury, may feature for City against Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday. It remains to be seen if contract talks with City will resume soon.

Newcastle United have reportedly moved to hijack a transfer for a "big character" this summer, with Aston Villa already bidding £21.1m for his services.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies are eyeing up new signings all over the pitch, with the centre of Eddie Howe's defence arguably a key area to bring in reinforcements, amid injury problems there. Barcelona ace Ronald Araujo has emerged as a hugely exciting option, but Premier League rivals Manchester United and Manchester City are also believed to be interested in snapping him up.

Elsewhere, a near £30m bid is reportedly being prepared for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, who is seen as one of the most exciting young players around currently, having done well at Turf Moor since sealing a permanent move from City last summer. The 21-year-old could come in and provide stern competition for Nick Pope, who found himself injured too often in 2023/24.

Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo has also been touted as a summer target for Newcastle, although the Brazilian did struggle in a loan spell at Liverpool in 2023, making only one appearance and not playing once in the league. He is believed to be available for £17m, however, and wants a return to England.

The Magpies are tussling with Bayern Munich for the signing of Mainz right-sided midfielder Brajan Gruda, too, with the 20-year-old available for £42m in the current transfer window.

Newcastle want to hijack move for Aston Villa target

According to Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are moving to sign Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi this summer, entering the race in the "last few hours". The Magpies are looking to swoop in ahead of Villa, who have already attempted to tempt the former Arsenal youngster with a £21.1m bid.

Guendouzi has the potential to be a really shrewd signing by Newcastle ahead of next season, with the Frenchman an impressive midfielder who has Premier League experience, enjoying 57 outings in the competition in the past, and featuring 82 times for Arsenal in total.

The Lazio man may still only be 25 years of age, but he has been a highly-rated prospect for some time now, with Gary Neville hailing him back in 2020, saying: "Since the moment he came into the team, Guendouzi, he has looked like a big character and a leader.

"He gets on the ball all the time, he shows great courage to play and he’s always demanding from his teammates. He’s not (a squad player). You see him on the pitch, he’s always got his arms stretched, looking over his shoulder. He demands from himself but also others."

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This all points towards Guendouzi shining for Newcastle, adding bite and technical ability in the middle of the park – he completed 85.5% of his passes in Serie A last season – and pipping Villa to his signature would make it even sweeter, considering they are direct rivals, with both fighting for European football next season.

Bukayo Saka. Arsenal's poster boy. The young man who fans across north London and the globe place their hopes on every week.

It wasn't long ago that Saka claimed the passionate supporters deserved more. Boy has he delivered on his promise to bring the good times back since that statement.

A Premier League title may not have been claimed yet but Mikel Arteta, with Saka in tow, have come mightily close, only losing out by two points last term to Manchester City.

The club's number 7 was very much at the heart of things again in the famous red and white shirt. No Gunners player scored more than the Englishman's 20 goals in all competitions and no player contributed with more than his 14 assists.

Rio Ferdinand once suggested that the winger wasn't world-class yet. Boohoo to that. Saka is one of the very best wide players out there.

The trouble is that he could do with a rival, someone who will take away the strain from playing nearly every minute of a 38-game season.

So, who could they sign?

Arsenal chasing competition for Saka

The Gunners have been trying to sign another right winger for some time. Cast your minds back to the summer of 2022 and you'll remember their alleged chase for Raphinha.

At the time, the Brazilian was playing for Leeds United but ended up at Barcelona. Pedro Neto was of interest and he still is according to some reports.

However, a new target on their shortlist is PSV Eindhoven attacker Johan Bakayoko. That's according to Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink who reported earlier this week that the transfer team at Colney had lodged an enquiry to establish the availability of the player this summer.

Reports earlier this year suggested that the Eredivisie club could be holding out for a fee in the region of £51m for his services.

So, what could he add to the Gunners side?

How Bakayoko is similar to Saka

Last season the 21-year-old was in excellent touch in the Netherlands, scoring 14 goals and supplying the same number of assists across all competitions.

Bakayoko's role on the pitch? He played all 47 matches on the right flank. Bakayoko's footedness? Left. You can already start to see the first pillars of similarities emerging.

But there must be more to it, right? Well, with the help of analyst Ben Mattinson we can paint the full picture. Speaking about the Belgian talent on social media, he once said that Bakayoko is "one of the profiles in Europe who is the most similar to Saka."

Those are positive signs indeed for a young forward who he also described as "explosive" in the final third.

So, what does the data say? Well, we've got the answers.

When it comes to their creative play and goal-scoring they are more or less on the same level, notably making a very similar number of progressive passes every 90 minutes. In fact, the way they get the ball up the field is one of their most striking attributes.

Goals

0.43

0.49

Assists

0.32

0.28

Progressive carries

7.11

4.78

Progressive passes

3.50

3.89

Shot-creating actions

5.20

5.80

Successful take-ons

3.32

1.51

We all know good Saka is in one-vs-one situations but Bakayoko looks even better in this regard, making an obscene number of progressive carries every 90 minutes. For context, he ranks in the top 1% of wingers who play in leagues of a similar level to the Dutch top flight for that very statistic. He is an elite dribbler and one who would no doubt fit into the Arsenal team like a glove.

So, although Saka would have a rival this is a move that would benefit the club's attack incredibly well.

Whether it's Kai Havertz or, dare we say it, Viktor Gyokeres up top, they would thrive alongside the Belgium international.

Gyokeres has been linked rather relentlessly with the club over the last week or so with some reports from Portugal even suggesting a £76m deal is on the verge of completion.

Signing these two players, therefore, would be a dream. All you have to do is imagine the dazzling talents of Bakayoko alongside the Sporting striker's elite goalscoring talents.

Last term, the Swede found the net on 43 occasions. Adding that level of firepower with a scintillating ball carrier such as the PSV sensation would be quite something.

Arsenal scored fewer goals than Man City in 2023/24 but these two could well give Arteta the arsenal – pardon the pun – to finally get the better of his good friend Pep Guardiola.

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The “magnificent” talent is one of the club’s most important players.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 25, 2024

Whilst it's been a quiet transfer window so far at Celtic, the Bhoys are reportedly planning to sell one particular player who has struggled to replicate the "promise" that he once showed under Ange Postecoglou since Brendan Rodgers' arrival.

Celtic transfer news

Under a month until the new Scottish Premiership campaign gets underway, Celtic are yet to welcome a single fresh face through the transfer market, leaving them without a replacement for the retired Joe Hart among other reinforcements.

Related Celtic closing in on new signing who could be Rodgers' next Tielemans

The Hoops are reportedly confident of getting a deal over the line for the midfielder.

Posts ByDan Emery Jul 11, 2024

Rodgers recently recognised his side's inactivity too, saying via Football Scotland: “It's natural to ask that question because we’re a club that needs to improve the squad. We’ve had players targeted for a while. It’s still bubbling away but it’s never easy. I mentioned before about getting at least a couple in before we go to America. That's still the idea.

“We all know we lost three players and they were very important players for us. That alone demonstrates we need to make that right and we also have to improve. I’m confident we’ll be able to do that."

With that said, however, the Bhoys' next move could yet be another departure. According to BBC Wales reporter Ian Mitchelmore, Celtic are planning to sell Hyeon-gyu Oh amid interest from Swansea City this summer. Mitchelmore believes that the South Korean "showed real promise under Ange" but has since struggled under Rodgers, leading to Celtic's decision.

Still 23 years old, it's a decision that could eventually come back to bite the Scottish champions, who are seemingly set to be ruthless this summer.

Oh needs Swansea move after Celtic struggles

At his best, Oh attracted the interest of Celtic thanks to his performances in the K-League with Suwon Bluewings before showing glimpses of that form under Postecoglou. Since the Australian swapped Scotland for North London and Tottenham Hotspur, however, Oh has struggled to earn a starting place under Rodgers and now finds himself at a crossroads.

Hyeon-gyu Oh League Stats

22/23 (via Transfermarkt)

23/24 (via Transfermarkt)

Starts

1

3

Goals

2

5

Assists

0

0

Starting just four Scottish Premiership games in two seasons, Oh desperately needs a summer switch. His record, despite limited game time, is fairly impressive. The 23-year-old, with just four starts to his name and a spree of substitute appearances, has managed seven league goals during his time at Celtic.

Nonetheless, the Hoops are reportedly keen to show the forward the door this summer in a deal that would benefit both parties. Those in Glasgow will hope that his exit is the last attacking departure this summer, however, following rumours that Atalanta have become the latest club to join the race for Matt O'Riley's signature. Unlike Oh, the Dane is a player Celtic will be desperate to keep.

Max Eberl has hit out at attempts to “divide” Bayern Munich, with critics being advised to “get a coaching license” if they can do any better.

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German giants stunned in CatalunyaMore uncomfortable questions askedBack-to-back defeats suffered in EuropeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The German giants endured a rare trophyless campaign in 2023-24 and are determined to right those wrongs under new head coach Vincent Kompany – with star striker Harry Kane still waiting on the first piece of silverware in his record-breaking career.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Bayern headed into the 2024-25 Champions League sat among the favourites to claim a continental crown. Kane hit four goals for them in a 9-2 demolition of Dinamo Zagreb. Since then, Kompany’s side have suffered back-to-back defeats in Europe against Aston Villa and Barcelona.

WHAT EBERL SAID

Barca inflicted a 4-1 defeat on Bayern last time out, as Brazilian forward Raphinha hit a hat-trick, and questions are once again being asked of the Bundesliga giants. Board member for sport Eberl has told reporters when asked about supposed frailties: “Get your coaching license, then you can do it better! It's so easy to blame the defence when we concede goals. That's exactly what it is: you want to divide us. We won't allow that.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?

Bayern remain unbeaten in the Bundesliga this season, as they sit joint-top of the table with 17 points taken from seven games. They will be back in domestic action on Sunday when taking in a trip to Bochum – with a positive response to their Barcelona mauling being demanded there.

Manchester United have reportedly become the latest club to eye a move to sign a Euro 2024 star who looks destined for a big move after the tournament this summer.

Man Utd transfer news

With Erik ten Hag set to take charge of a crucial third season at Old Trafford despite initial doubts over his job security, Manchester United have turned their attention to handing the Dutchman some much-needed reinforcements.

Man Utd must ditch their dud who earns more than Eriksen & Mainoo

The United player also earns more than Bukayo Saka and Heung-min Son.

ByTom Lever Jun 22, 2024

The likes of Joshua Zirkzee, Jarrad Branthwaite and West Ham United's Edson Alvarez have all been linked with moves to the Premier League giants this summer, as the Red Devils look to make an instant return to the top four, starting with their opening day clash against at home against Fulham.

By that point, Ten Hag will hope to have a number of fresh faces to work with, especially within his backline following the departure of Raphael Varane and the potential exit of Victor Lindelof this summer, which could see one particular Euro 2024 star arrive.

According to Calcio Mercato, Manchester United are now eyeing a move to sign Riccardo Calafiori over the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle United and Juventus this summer. The Italian is a man in demand and not even his unfortunate own goal against Spain has brought the rumours over his future to a crashing halt.

A summer deal, as things stand, could quickly look like a bargain too, with Bologna reportedly demanding just €40m (£34m) to sell their central defender in the coming months. Still just 22 years old, there's plenty more to come from Calafiori, who is already stealing the headlines for all the right reasons in both Serie A and at Euro 2024 in Germany.

"Magnificent" Calafiori could be the future of Man Utd defence

With Varane gone, Lindelof's future in doubt, Harry Maguire now 31 years old and Lisandro Martinez facing consistent injury problems, Manchester United are in desperate need of a player to take hold of their backline for years to come. And that's where Calafiori would help in abundance.

The 22-year-old is proving that he can perform on the big stage at Euro 2024 and is bound to only get better, making him a player United should do everything to avoid missing out on this summer. Described as "magnificent" by Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, Calafiori seems destined for the top.

Given just how many top clubs are reportedly interested in the Italian too, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United would be making quite the statement by signing Calafiori fresh from the Euros and heading into the Premier League season this summer.

Ballance recently contracted viral illness but reportedly tested negative for Covid-19

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Aug-2020

Gary Ballance latches on to a pull•Getty Images

Gary Ballance is dealing with “heightened feelings of anxiety and stress” related to the coronavirus lockdown in the UK and won’t be available for selection, his county, Yorkshire, have said.Ballance recently suffered from a viral illness, but according to the has twice tested negative for Covid-19. However, time spent in isolation and then difficulties preparing for the resumption of county cricket earlier this month has affected his personal wellbeing.The England batsman, formerly Yorkshire’s captain, took time out of the game in 2018 to deal with personal issues. He was Yorkshire’s leading run-scorer in the County Championship last year, but has not played in the Bob Willis Trophy to date.Ballance has returned to training but Yorkshire have said they will not put a timescale on when he might play around, although it is understood the club are hopeful he will be able to feature at some point this season.”Gary is currently managing some heightened feelings of anxiety and stress following a long period of isolation due to the Covid-19 lockdown, his own recent viral illness and other personal factors,” Yorkshire said in a statement.”The post-viral symptoms have affected his physical preparation for this shortened cricket season. He is currently unavailable for selection and we are unable to put any timescales on his return to playing at this time. However, Gary has increased his training volumes over the last week and is working hard both in the nets and on his general fitness.”Gary’s health and well-being remains our priority and the Club and medical staff will continue to work closely with Gary to support his return to playing as soon as possible. The club requests that Gary’s privacy in this matter is respected to allow him to focus on his return to cricket.”

David Beckham has shared what he told Tom Brady about the Wrexham and Birmingham chants during the 'Hollywood Derby' – and how the NFL legend reacted.

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• A-listers out in force for League One clash
• Beckham, Brady & McElhenney in attendance
• Birmingham beat Wrexham 3-1

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Brady played in hundreds of NFL games during his distinguished career but he won't have experienced an atmosphere quite like the one delivered by the Birmingham and Wrexham supporters on Monday evening. Nearly 28,000 fans were inside a jampacked St Andrew's and the stadium was rocking all night as the hosts secured a huge 3-1 win.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The A-listers were there, too. Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney flew straight from the Emmys for the match, while Birmingham investor Brady sat next to David Beckham. Given the importance of the occasion, with both teams vying for promotion to the Championship this season, both sets of fans were in full voice. Wrexham fans called Birmingham "a sh*t Aston Villa" and asked Brady "who the f*cking hell are you?" as he walked past, while Birmingham supporters took aim at James McCLean – who certainly gave it back. Brady required a little bit of help from Beckham to understand what was being said.

• WHAT BECKHAM SAID

  "I've not seen an atmosphere like that for a long time, where Birmingham fans and Wrexham fans were incredible," Beckham said on CBS Sports Golazo. "Tom Brady was sat next to me and he was like, 'the atmosphere's amazing. It really is amazing,' he said. But he said, 'what are they singing?' And I was like, 'You wanna know exactly what they're singing about your team and about what your team's singing about Wrexham?' And he said, 'yeah, tell me'. So I told him and he found it very funny."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Brady later thanked Beckham for teaching him how to sing at a football match in a humorous Instagram post, which he wrote in response to Birmingham insisting the Inter Miami co-owner is welcome to "pop in again" to St Andrew's anytime.