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Leeds United continue to make up ground in their hunt for automatic promotion and are now seven points behind second-place Ipswich Town following a 3-1 victory over Swansea City.

Whilst league leaders Leicester City dropped two points against Sheffield Wednesday, the Whites avoided a slip-up on Wednesday night, although they did initially fall behind.

A Jamie Patterson deft lob caught Daniel Farke's men cold inside the first minute, but once Joel Piroe instantly levelled against his former club, Leeds began to find their groove as goals from Georginio Rutter and Daniel James handed them the initiative in the contest.

The German tactician cooked up a storm at Elland Road as the Whites blew Swansea away with a 2.33 xG and eight shots on target, compared to the visitor's 0.34 xG and two shots on target.

Rutter played a pivotal role in that threat as the Frenchman wreaked havoc in the final third.

Georginio Rutter's performance against Swansea

Rutter has been in phenomenal form this term and he continued in that vain against the Swans by supplying a goal and an assist.

The goal he scored – Leeds' second on the night – personified his class, as he delightfully controlled a sumptuous Ethan Ampadu pass before racing through on goal and calmly slotting the ball past Carl Rushworth.

He then turned into a creator for the third to grab his seventh assist of the campaign. After the ball dropped his way following a crunching tackle from Sam Byram, he threaded an inch-perfect pass into James, who clinically fired a rocket into the roof of the net.

Although the chance creation machine caused real problems for the visitors, having completed five of his eight attempted dribbles, he also set the tempo through his ferocious pressing and aggression in the tackle by winning eight of his 13 ground duels; the most of any player on the pitch.

The 21-year-old arguably put in one of his best performances for the club since arriving in January, but that still wasn't enough to outshine the irrepressible Crysencio Summerville.

Crysencio Summerville's performance in numbers

Summerville has been tearing through defences at will all season long and the plaudits have continued to drop for the Dutch dynamo.

Dubbed a "real talent" by writer Beren Cross, the 22-year-old has become the fulcrum of the Whites's attack this term by cutting in from the left flank and wreaking havoc with his devastating dribbling and sublime end product.

With seven goals and six assists already this season, including the sublime assist for Piroe's opener, Summerville is the difference-maker that every promotion-chasing team needs.

And he certainly showcased his ability to make a difference against Swansea with the Dutchman described by journalist Phil Hay as "causing a fair amount of havoc", implying how much the Welsh side struggled to live with him.

Assists

1

Acc passes

20/23 (87%)

Key passes

4

Big chances created

1

Dribble attempts (succ.)

8 (5)

Ground duels (won)

13 (7)

All stats via Sofascore

The above table, in particular, demonstrates how much of a menace he was and Swansea – like several teams this season – struggled to cope with his searing pace, directness and agility.

In what was an excellent performance from Summerville, he was awarded an 8/10 match rating by Yorkshire Post's Graham Smyth, matching Rutter in that regard, while showing he was the real hero against the Swans.

Chelsea booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after beating Blackburn Rovers 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

Mauricio Pochettino made four changes to the side that lost against Brentford and in a season that has been plagued with injuries and the Argentine would have been delighted to see one of his stars return to the starting lineup and open the scoring as Benoit Badiashile sent the Blues on their way to the last eight.

He wasn't the only player to return to the first eleven as Reece James gave a good account of himself on his return from injury, with the pair coming off unscathed in the 61st minute, just after Raheem Sterling put the icing on the cake with a curled effort into the top right corner.

Raheem Sterling's stats vs Blackburn

Described as "clinical" by journalist Ben Jacobs for his well-taken finish against the Championship side, Sterling showed shades of being back to his best.

The Englishman terrorised the visitors with his electric pace and explosive ball-carrying, fashioning space for his team while wreaking havoc in the Rover's defence.

Touches

60

Accurate Passes

26/32 (81%)

Key Passes

2

Dribble Success

5/9

Possession Lost

16x

Duels Won

8/17

Stats via Sofascore.

Sterling's strongest asset is his fleet-footed dribbling and he showcased that to devastating effect on Wednesday night, recording the most completed dribbles out of anyone on the pitch (5), as per Sofascore.

The 28-year-old's approach play was exceptional, expertly fashioning space to create a chance and complimenting that positive play by supplying the end product to match.

He was a constant thorn in the Rovers back line, making two key passes, creating one big chance and successfully completing 81% of his passes.

Perhaps more impressively, Sterling's hard work to press and win possession back for his team didn't go unnoticed, throwing himself into challenges and making two tackles while winning eight of his 17 attempted ground duels.

The former Manchester City man set the benchmark for a positive Chelsea performance on the night but midfield maestro, Enzo Fernandez, somehow managed to eclipse his impact with an outstanding display.

Enzo Fernandez stats vs Blackburn

When the Blues captured Fernandez for a British record £106.8m from Benfica in the January transfer window, many anticipated him to transform the midfield and lead their charge up the Premier League table.

Unfortunately, the Argentine has been a central figure in a woefully underperforming side over the last ten months, typifying the club's struggles in piecing together a squad capable of challenging.

On Wednesday night, however, the 22-year-old rose to the occasion and showed his truly world-class talents.

Touches

131

Accurate Passes

102/110 (93%)

Key Passes

7

Duels Won

11/13

Times Fouled

5

Tackles Won

6

Stats via Sofascore.

A midfield metronome, who likes to control the tempo of a football match with his exceptional passing range, Fernandez was central to everything positive that Chelsea did, with journalist Nizaar Kinsella describing his performance as "ridiculously dominant".

That evaluation couldn't be closer to the truth as the World Cup winner recorded a Sofacore match rating of 9.0 – the best of any player for either side – made an astonishing 131 touches and completed 93% of his incredible 110 passes, as well as seven key passes.

If Fernandez was exquisite in possession, his desire to ferociously press and win the ball back was absolutely phenomenal, rarely giving the visitors a moment's peace in the engine room.

He came out on top in a whopping 11 of his 13 ground duels and made the most tackles in the match (6), putting in the sort of defensive performance that brought his South American roots to light.

When in this sort of form, Fernandez is a joy to watch and if he can translate that level of performance to the Premier League, the critics will soon realise why Chelsea shelled out a triple figure sum to lure him to Stamford Bridge.

Memphis Depay insisted that he "remains friends" with Quincy Promes even after the ex-Ajax star was convicted of cocaine smuggling.

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Promes convicted of cocaine smugglingDepay shares a close bond with PromesKoeman advised Depay to refrain from commenting on PromesWHAT HAPPENED?

In the tumultuous world of professional football, relationships often transcend the boundaries of the game itself. Such is the case with Depay, who has publicly affirmed his friendship with Promes despite the latter being convicted by an Amsterdam court for his alleged involvement in smuggling over 1,350 kilograms of cocaine. The severity of the charges has led to Dutch authorities seeking his extradition from the United Arab Emirates, where he has reportedly been apprehended.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Amid these legal proceedings, Depay, a fellow footballer and friend of Promes, found himself embroiled in controversy after sharing photos of their past holiday together on Instagram. Despite facing criticism for his actions, Depay defended his decision and instead emphasised his loyalty to his friend.

WHAT DEPAY SAID

Speaking to reporters, Depay said: "We are football players and we post a lot of content. At least I do. It was just a photo on holiday, I didn't see the harm in it. I understand that the outside world views this differently and I take responsibility for that. I have friends, when you go out to eat together you don't know exactly what they do and don't do. Or that you agree with everything someone does. You don't know the Quincy Promes I know. I don't know the Quincy Promes that you know or describe.”

When told that the facts were clear concerning Promes, Memphis replied: “I don't know. I don't know that Quincy. But I don't come from an easy background. Once people have read my book, they will understand that. I have a brother who was incarcerated for ten years. Quincy is a famous person, but my brother is not. But I never get questions about my brother. I'm also friends with Dani Alves and Benjamin Mendy. I've never had any questions about that before.”

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DEPAY TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE WITH KOEMAN

However, not everyone shares Depay's perspective on the matter. National team coach Ronald Koeman cautioned against commenting on Promes' situation, advising Depay to exercise restraint on social media. "You can sometimes make it easier for yourself by not doing those kinds of things. They are friends and it is conceivable that he would do it, but it is of course a delicate matter."

Depay mentioned that he would take up the issue with Koeman and clear the air.

“I'm going to talk to the coach about it," he said. "We remain friends and I won't drop friends, but that doesn't mean you support someone in everything. That post was not to provoke and show 'Look: I'm here with Quincy'. I was on vacation and I went to dinner with friends. Pogba was also sitting next to me. We had a good time. That's kind of the life I'm in.

"I think it is quite logical that everyone has an opinion. And that it is logical for the trainer to answer a question when he receives it. And that he gives his opinion about it. I haven't discussed that with him personally yet. The trainer and I have a great relationship, which also extends off the field. Of course, I played for him at Barcelona. An opinion is always welcome, especially when he says it. We can talk about it privately, and that is what we will do.”

United States Women's National Team star Alex Morgan let rip at the Boston Celtics for an embarrassing mistake on social media.

Boston Celtics guilty of embarrassing mistakeFace backlash on social mediaMorgan joins in with blunt replyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Boston Celtics came under fire for a social media post showing guard Jrue Holiday arriving for their home game against the Philadelphia 76ers in a United States kit wearing the No. 12. Holiday was clearly paying tribute to his wife Lauren, who enjoyed a stellar career winning the World Cup, two Olympic gold medals and the NWSL, and wore the No. 12 for the USWNT. However, the Celtics blundered in spectacular fashion, posting the photo with the caption "Reppin' @USMNT tonight."

AdvertisementWHAT ALEX MORGAN SAID

The post was swiftly met be a fierce backlash by supporters. Morgan also waded in with a terse response to the Celtics. "Let me help you with this – @USWNT," she posted.

Getty/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The mix-up is all the more embarrassing given the USWNT's incredible success. The Stars and Stripes have been crowned world champions four times, while the USMNT are yet to win a World Cup and have not been past the quarter-finals in over 90 years. The Celtics' post also serves to illustrate the lack of recognition for female athletes, no matter how successful they may have been during their career.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR THE USWNT

The USWNT are due to return to action in April in the SheBelieves Cup. Twila Kilgore's side will face Japan on April 3 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

When the team sheets were submitted at the toss of the series opener between Scotland and Pakistan at the Grange, four spinners under the age of 25 were in the starting XIs. By the end of the match, one pair played to their age and inexperience, while the other looked like grizzled veterans worthy of their country’s No. 1 ranking.Reading the raw numbers on the scorecard made the difference more stark. Pakistan’s duo of Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan combined for figures of 3 for 47 in eight overs. Scotland’s tag-team of Mark Watt and debutant Hamza Tahir were more than twice as expensive in the same number of overs, not to mention wicketless. It was a harsh lesson, but one that Scotland captain Kyle Coetzer hoped his young slow bowling group would be able to learn from, going forward after a 48-run defeat.”The pace and the lengths which they bowled were of a higher quality than ours,” Coetzer told ESPNcricinfo afterwards. “They were top of the bails, pulled the length back and slid the ball in towards the batter – and only their variation was to change up and try to spin it, as opposed to ours. We were just slightly full today and we got ourselves into that one-step zone where they didn’t really have to come chasing it.”We’ve come off the back of our one-day game where lengths are maybe slightly different too, but that’s no excuse. We’ve got to try to find our lengths and find them quicker. You play against an opposition like this, they’re going to hurt you if you don’t get it right. The quality of Sarfraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik, they were so dangerous if you didn’t get it in the right place.”The Pakistan captain entered the contest starved of form on their tour of Ireland and the UK, having scored just 88 runs in eight innings. He more than doubled that in the space of only 49 balls at the Grange. Even after 15 overs, he had played a smooth but relatively sedate knock by T20 standards, reaching 41 off 32 balls.But Sarfraz and Malik meted out harsh punishment to the left-arm spinner Tahir in the 16th over, battering him for 20 runs to spark an 80-run surge over the final five overs. Sarfraz faced 17 balls out of the 30 that remained, but scored at a strike rate of nearly 300. The only two dot balls in the final quarter of the innings were by Shoaib: first in the 17th off Mark Watt and then when he drove to long-off to give Alasdair Evans his third wicket. Otherwise, Sarfraz was unstoppable, and finished with a spectacular flourish off Safyaan Sharif with four, four, six, four at the end of the innings to take Pakistan past 200.”He used the pace when he first came in, tried to get to ball down to third man a few times and then he looked to hit the ball hard through the field. And he took on extra cover really well and hit a couple of gaps that are very hard to block,” Coetzer said of the knock by Sarfraz. “When we started to try to take the pace off the ball with Richie [Berrington] or bowl some slower balls, he was hitting us through the leg side but he was picking the gaps all the time – between the fielders or over them.”A little bit like Jonny Bairstow the other day. Sometimes when they’re playing that well you’re almost hoping that they’re going to mis-hit one when they’re trying to hit one over the fielders. Let’s be honest, that’s the case a lot of the times. You want to get people hitting to where your fielders are, or over them, and if they don’t manage to clear them, then they’re out. But he was able to pick the gaps between them today. It was a fine knock and showed how you can actually pace an innings in T20 cricket. Because towards the end in the last over he took down Safyaan, who is a fine death bowler.”Scotland maintained the scoring rate early in the chase and were actually in a better position than Pakistan had been at the end of the Powerplay, but the wheels came off with the introduction of Shadab in the eighth over. The legspinner struck off his very first ball, piercing Berrington’s forward prod with a googly before winning the key showdown with Calum MacLeod in the 12th over to trap him leg before. By the end of his spell, Scotland needed 108 off 36 balls, and only a brief flurry by Michael Leask made the final margin look closer than the truth.Coming less than 48 hours after the euphoric high of Sunday’s win over England, Coetzer said the thing that pleased him most about the loss was how disappointed his team-mates were in the dressing room afterwards. In a 13-month span when they have beaten Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and England, the expectations have shifted dramatically. No longer are they just happy to share the same field as the top sides in the world. They expect to stand toe-to-toe with them too, and they’ve got one more chance to show it with a quick turnaround for a rematch on Wednesday.”I think they believe we’ve let ourselves down today,” Coetzer said. “The standards bar has been raised continuously over the last year or so. Yes, we’re playing the No. 1 team in T20 cricket, but we still believe that we’re capable of more and can challenge them more.”

Tasmania lost 6 for 17 in 11 overs to give South Australia a shot at a comeback in Hobart

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Mar-2018

Daniel Worrall celebrates a wicket•Getty Images

ScorecardA huge batting collapse by Tasmania gave South Australia the chance to pull off a stunning comeback in their Sheffield Shield clash in Hobart.The Tigers began their second innings 166 runs in front after bowling out the Redbacks for 227 early on day three. Tom Rogers picked up the last wicket to finish with four for the innings.Tasmania cruised to 1 for 83 with Jordan Silk making a swift half-century. They looked poised to take the game beyond the Redbacks reach but they lost 6 for 17 in 11 frantic overs. Joe Mennie removed Silk before Daniel Worrall and Nick Winter ripped through the middle order. A late fightback from Simon Milenko pushed the lead to 331. Worrall finished with 4 for 17.The Redbacks moved to 1 for 49 at stumps, having only lost debutant Conor McInerney.

The Gangas have wanted to visit the land of their ancestors for years, and now they finally have, as a family

Nagraj Gollapudi19-Oct-2009″Amitabh Bachchan, Jeetendra, Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor…” Daren Ganga reels off the names, in that lovely Trinidad accent, of actors from Indian movies he and his family used to watch every Sunday afternoon when he was young. His father, Bahadur “Ramesh” Ganga, mother Seerajie “Jenno” Ganga, and younger brother Sherwin pitch in with their favourites.For now, the Gangas’ own story sounds a bit like a Bollywood script: an East Indian family returning to the land of their ancestors to take in some real Indian life as opposed to the reel version they were brought up on. Daren and Sherwin are part of the Trinidad & Tobago side participating in the Champions League Twenty20, while their parents are visiting India for the first time, primarily to support their boys but also to obtain a better understanding of where they came from.Ramesh, retired now, was a teacher, and his gentility is apparent in his sons, who are well groomed, disciplined and clear-headed.Daren readily agreed to assemble his family, at a half-hour’s notice, and he leads his folks into the hotel foyer at the appointed time. Sherwin is expected shortly as he has just returned from training. The Gangas are all smartly, and simply, dressed. The parents sit side by side on a sofa, Daren to their left, fiddling with his BlackBerry as he gives studious answers without ever seeming disinterested. He is clean-shaven, wearing an ironed purple t-shirt, hair Brylcreemed. Not for him and Sherwin the usual player attire of shorts and singlets.An articulate speaker, Daren, who is T&T’s captain, is studying law externally, since playing cricket doesn’t allow him the time to be resident at a university (that includes Cambridge, which at one point was reportedly interested in having him).The talk is still on Bollywood. “We grew up in a rural community and on a Sunday there would always be an Indian movie at mid-day and that was a natural thing to do, to look forward to watch the movies,” he says. His early concepts of India naturally involved images from those movies. “A favourite was policemen with moustaches. And when they shoot in that dramatic style, it would be fun. At one point we did think it was real,” Daren says as Jenno laughs.The real India has proved rather different. On a shopping trip a few days ago, as the family walked with their hands full of purchases, a group of “men dressed in “, pounced from nowhere. “They were like… all hands all over and loud in your face and demanding,” Sherwin exclaims. Daren points out that even if the crime rate in Trinidad is among the worst in the world, the locals are never intimidating.They’re quick to allow that it’s all part of experiencing the culture of the country – one that their ancestors left in the late 1880s when they went to the Caribbean as indentured labourers. “Knowing that they came from here, we feel a little nostalgic and we feel nice, and we would like to see how India is, compared to Trinidad,” Ramesh says.The most important common ground, of course, is the love for cricket, which is as much enjoyed and talked about in India as it is in Trinidad. “We were born into cricket,” Sherwin says. Every man in the family has played cricket at some level. Ramesh was part of the Apollo XI in the village of Barrackpore, a team Jenno and her friend would go to watch since her brother was part of the team. His three sons did better: Sheldon, the oldest, played club cricket, while Daren and Sherwin have played first-class and international cricket.”When I was seven or eight the entire family, including our uncles and their families, would drive from Barrackpore to Queens Park Oval to watch international cricket,” Daren recalls. “We would start at three in the morning and the drive was an hour-and-a half.” Jenno played her part, waking up before everyone else to make and and “wrap everything up neatly so that each one could have his own”. Ramesh would make sure the beers were nicely chilled in an ice box. Then they would line up to get tickets for the bleachers.Once they were at the ground, allegiance would be split depending on who West Indies were playing. Sherwin likes Australia, Daren prefers the “natural talent of the subcontinent, compared to the mechanical skills” of the other sides. For the parents it has always been West Indies, even against India.There are nine East Indians in the T&T squad touring India, including Daren and Sherwin, but it is the Gangas who seem most excited to be returning to what Sherwin refers to as the “motherland”. For Daren, who is on his second visit to India (he toured with the 2002-03 West Indies side), coming to India has always been an act of finding himself. “We studied history in school and understood exactly how East Indians came to the Caribbean, how they settled and developed their own culture and history. Culturally we are still strong with regards to what our great grandfathers brought with them.”Sherwin (centre), thinks of India as the motherland•AFPOn his first visit to India he could see the various things the cultures had in common. “It was rewarding and fulfilling to see the beginning of where my culture originated from. It was good to make that link between who I was as a person, who I am as a person, and linking it back to India, where my ancestors started. So there was a sense of fulfillment, sense of belonging, coming back,” Daren says.As if to prove their essential Indianness, as their sons began to grow up, the senior Gangas picked the professions each of the three would pursue. “We wanted an engineer, a lawyer a doctor,” Ramesh says. Those wishes have nearly all been fulfilled: Sheldon is a mechanical engineer, Daren is soon to be a lawyer, and Sherwin has a management degree. “Our daughter-in-law [Sheldon’s wife] is a doctor, so we have no complaints,” Jenno adds with a laugh.Daren believes a good upbringing and parental support have helped the brothers think beyond cricket. He recently started the Daren Ganga Foundation to help underprivileged kids and youth back home in Trindad.”Culturally, if you look at the East Indians, you would quickly associate [with them] humility and wanting to give back and hospitality – things that are part of us, the way I was brought up,” he explains. “My foundation is an attempt to ensure that kids and young people don’t have to endure the same challenges that I went through, and go on to achieve their full potential.”His parents have paid a visit to the Satya Sai Baba (a mystic whose followers include the likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and Rohan Kanhai), and plan to go up north to visit the Taj Mahal, and also the sacred river they share their family name with. “The Hindus hold the Ganges in high regard and we would like to experience that,” Ramesh says.For now they are happy to be in the thick of one of India’s most popular festivals, one that is celebrated with as much vigour and excitement in T&T. “Happy Diwali”, Jenno and Ramesh wish with large smiles as they leave to visit an Indian family. It has been a good homecoming for the Gangas.

رد الحكم محمد العتباني على قرار لجنة الحكام بالاتحاد المصري، بإيقافه على خلفية المقطع المصور المنتشر له خلال الساعات الماضية.

وكان بطولات قد أعلن عن قرار إيقاف العتباني بعد ما أشيع عنه خلال مباراة البنك الأهلي وبترول أسيوط في كأس مصر.

فيديو | أسامة فيصل يقود البنك الأهلي للفوز على بترول أسيوط في كأس مصر

وكتب العتباني عبر حسابه الرسمي بموقع التواصل الاجتماعي فيس بوك: “الحمد الله دائما وابدًا.. وحسبي الله ونعم الوكيل في من قال فينا ما ليس فينا وكفى به وکیلا .. وعند الله تجتمع الخصوم”.

وأضاف: “وقد جاء في وصية رسول الله لابن عباس رضي الله عنهما.. وإذا سألت فاسأل الله، وإذا استعنت فاستعن بالله واعلم أن الأمة لو اجتمعت على أن ينفعوك بشيء لم ينفعوك إلا بشيء قد كتبه الله لك، وإن اجتمعوا على أن يضروك بشيء لم يضروك إلا بشيء قد كتبه الله عليك، رفعت الأقلام وجفت الصحف رواه الترمذي وقال: حديث حسن صحيح”.

يذكر، أن الفيديو الذي تم تداوله على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي، أظهر العتباني وهو يتحدث مع سامي الشيشيني، عضو الجهاز الفني لفريق البنك الأهلي، داخل ممر استاد القاهرة، حيث قال له “هيتحسبلك أي لعبة حتى لو 50٪- 50٪”.

وأدى هذا التسريب إلى حالة من الاستياء في الأوساط الرياضية، خاصة أن تصريحات العتباني أظهرت تلميحات بعدم حياديته في اتخاذ قرارات تحكيمية، ورغم أن الفيديو لم يُظهر تفاصيل كاملة عن سياق الحديث، إلا أن هذه الكلمات فُهمت على أنها تعبير عن إمكانية التأثير في سير المباراة بشكل غير قانوني.

الجدير بالذكر، أن المباراة قد انتهت بفوز البنك الأهلي بهدف دون رد، ليتأهل للدور الـ16 من البطولة، حيث سيواجه الفائز من المباراة التي ستجمع بين المصري البورسعيدي ووادي دجلة، ومن المقرر أن تُقام هذه المباراة يوم الثلاثاء الموافق 4 فبراير المُقبل.

Tottenham are now real favourites to sign a "very versatile" young attacker after making him a contract offer, and they're attempting to seal his signing ahead of January.

Postecoglou eyeing young stars for Spurs

According to Sky Sports, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou and club chiefs are keen to bring in fresh faces of a certain age range – and ones who could fit into the Australian's long-term project.

Indeed, it is believed Tottenham are prioritising the signing of younger players in January as they chase a new centre-back, midfielder and forward for Postecoglou.

Spurs in pre-January dialogue over signing big club's "very quick" forward

There’s been contact ahead of January.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 21, 2023

This fits in with their links to Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who is 23 years old, while other rumoured Spurs centre-back transfer targets like Genoa star Radu Dragusin (21) and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite (21) are also on the younger side.

Meanwhile, further forward, Juventus starlet Samuel Iling-Junior, 20, and Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, 23, are also being chased by Tottenham as we approach January.

The Lilywhites appear to be building something special for the future, with these reports indicating they have full faith in Postecoglou to take them forward.

Tottenham's head coach, speaking to the English press recently, has also confirmed that Spurs are actively pursuing new signings as they plot early window moves.

"I wrote my letter to Santa! Like my kids now, I've just got to see whether I've been naughty or nice and see what I get, mate," Postecoglou jokingly told Standard Sport.

"It is challenging, [but] the reason [we want to do business early] is obviously where we're at injury-wise and the players we're going to miss. We've got some significant games in January and signing somebody late in the month could mean they haven't been able to make an impact in those games.

"We're pushing hard, but you need all parties to agree. Other clubs, particularly if it's players they want [to keep], will be wanting to hold on to them for as long as possible for their own reasons through January.

"It is a challenge, I get that, but everyone at the club is working hard to get the best outcomes for us and we’ll see how it goes.”

Postecoglou's aim to sign young stars, and in quick fashion, is now backed by Belgian football specialist and reporter Kevin Sauvage.

Spurs favourites to sign Idumbo after contract offer

According to the journalist, writing for DH Sports, Tottenham are the "most concrete path" for Ajax starlet Stanis Idumbo.

The 18-year-old attacker has been offered a four-year deal in north London already, and they "would like to secure his services" pretty quickly.

It's added that this wouldn't be an academy signing, and he would be integrated right into Postecoglou's first team. If Idumbo fails to make a significant impact, he'd then be loaned out in the summer to further his development.

A decision from the teenager is expected "in the coming days", with Monaco also named as suitors.

Malmo video scout Elijah Michiels, taking to X, claimed he is a "very versatile" player – which could be useful for Postecoglou.

West Ham United and manager David Moyes are said to be keeping tabs on "extraordinary" striker as Michail Antonio's future remains up in the air.

Who could West Ham sign next?

It was a productive summer transfer window for sporting director Mark Noble and technical transfer chief Tim Steidten, who managed to bring in James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Mohammed Kudus for a total of around £134 million. Ward-Prowse in particular has gone to impress under Moyes, but the state of West Ham's current squad means they may need to dip back into the market.

Tomas Soucek, Pablo Fornals, Ben Johnson, Vladimir Coufal, Antonio, Conor Coventry, Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski and Angelo Ogbonna are all out of contract next year as things stand (Transfermarkt), while there is some uncertainty surrounding the futures of both Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma. As a result, West Ham are believed to be eyeing up a new defender, with Bayer Levekusen's Edmond Tapsoba and Man United centre-back Harry Maguire linked most recently.

The need for a new striker is also pretty prevalent, as Antonio's age and contract situation don't exactly make him a prime candidate to lead the line for Moyes in future seasons. There is also little faith in alternative option Danny Ings, who has played just 37 minutes in the Premier League so far this term.

Will West Ham replace Michail Antonio?

Reports suggest that West Ham could opt to replace Antonio soon, with Stuttgart star Serhou Guirassy among the prime candidates. The Guinea striker, before his recent hamstring injury, started the Bundesliga season in scintillating form; scoring 14 goals in eight German top flight matches. However, he isn't the only option, as Dean Jones writes for TEAMtalk.

Sharing an Adam Hlozek transfer update, the reporter claims that Bayer Leverkusen's striker has found his way on to the West Ham target list as a possible Antonio replacement. It is believed Moyes and co are weighing up the possibility of signing a new forward, as Antonio's future is indeed in doubt. They did attempt to bring in the likes of Hugo Ekitike from PSG and Yuri Alberto from Corinthians in the summer, only for those prospective moves to fall through.

West Ham do have the option to extend Antonio's stay by another 12 months, but may need to consider the future, and we think Hlozek is an interesting option. The Czech Republic international, who would join a Czech contingent at West Ham made up of Coufal and Soucek (if they don't leave next year), has notched a goal and assist in the extremely limited game time he's had this season.

This isn't the first time Moyes has been considering a move for him, either, as 2021 reports claimed West Ham had held lengthy talks over signing him from Sparta Prague (90min).

"Adam is an extraordinary player," said agent Pavel Paska two years ago.

"Despite the injury he had an excellent season, he was able to make his mark even in matches at the European level. That's why I didn't really understand why he wasn't nominated for the match against Denmark, I can't think of any explanation for that decision."