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Tottenham Hotspur will approach the summer transfer window with the same focus regardless of the final standings in the Premier League: Ange Postecoglou's priority is to sign a new striker.

There's no question that Spurs have made improvements from last season, where an eighth-place league finish left the outfit in tatters, Antonio Conte sacked in fiery circumstances and Harry Kane fleeing to Bayern Munich.

But Postecoglou has installed a fresh sense of belief, stamped in his identity, and inculcated an entertaining and enterprising style of play.

Kane hasn't actually been replaced – directly at least – and while Heung-min Son and Richarlison have found prolific success as central focal points, it would be foolish to avoid the lack of an out-and-out centre-forward.

Spurs lining up new striker

Postecoglou will likely seek reinforcements across the pitch but it's clear that signing a striker is at the front of his mind, with recent reports suggesting that a Premier League star is being lined up.

Indeed, according to Football Insider, Tottenham already have 'concrete interest' in Bournemouth forward Dominic Solanke and are planning to launch a move this summer, with Andoni Iraola's club tagging him at £50m back in January.

However, the Cherries player has been in scintillating form this season and Spurs are not the only named suitors, with London rivals Arsenal and West Ham United eager to snap him up.

Dominic Solanke's season in numbers

Tottenham were drubbed on Tyneside for the second season running last weekend but have demonstrated overall progress across the campaign, currently perched in fifth place after 32 matches, three points behind Aston Villa in the top four having played a game less.

With the sixth-highest scoring record in the division this season, Tottenham certainly aren't struggling in forward phases but do lack that final sharpened point to lift them to new heights, and Solanke could be the solution.

The current Premier League campaign hasn't seen the kind of staggering goalscoring numbers from usual suspects Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah, but both world-class stars have maintained comparative levels of prolificness.

Solanke has also found himself in the mix. As per Sofascore, the 26-year-old has scored 17 goals and added three assists from 32 Premier League appearances this term, averaging 1.1 key passes, 1.1 dribbles and 5.5 successful duels per outing.

He's also scored just one penalty this season. While spot-kicks cannot be discredited, it does portray a measure of Solanke's prowess in and around the final third, finding ample goalscoring success from open play to underscore his elite movement and burgeoning ball-striking ability.

Look at the table above, when recording non-penalty goals, Solanke can be observed to stand behind only Ollie Watkins in the scoring charts, level with factory-built machine Erling Haaland.

It's a huge improvement from the 2022/23 season, where Solanke made an impression on his top-flight return with promoted Bournemouth, who stayed up relatively comfortably, having scored six goals and supplied seven assists from 32 fixtures.

While he's less creative, the one-cap England international has taken his clinical edge to another level, with former Bournemouth manager Scott Parker marvelling over his newfound deadliness at top-flight level.

Furthermore, given that he has already demolished Spurs centre-back Cristian Romero and recently sold Eric Dier during Tottenham's 3-2 home defeat against Bournemouth last season, scoring one goal and setting up two more, he clearly has the formula to inflict damage on high-level teams such as the Lilywhites.

Solanke notably ran rings around Dier, who received a dreary 4/10 match rating courtesy of Football.London, with Alasdair Gold noting of the defender's display that he was 'slow to react to Bournemouth's first two goals though and was caught upfield for the third.'

As for Romero, he could only muster a 5/10 rating having been 'sloppy' in the early stages of the clash.

It's no wonder that Tottenham are so desperate to secure his signature this summer.

Why Spurs are desperate to sign 'deadly' Solanke

While Solanke's goalscoring ability answers the primary question behind Tottenham's interest, he is developing into much more than a simple 'bagsman' and this is why a host of Europe-competing Premier League sides are pushing for a deal.

Solanke joined Bournemouth from Liverpool in a £19m transfer back in 2019 as a young forward who had failed his audition at Anfield, scoring one goal and supplying one assist from 27 senior displays.

His early years at the Vitality Stadium did little to prove his worth as a top-level goalscorer, scoring three times in 42 Premier League games for Bournemouth before their relegation, but there were signs of future prosperity.

His drop into the Championship was arguably the best thing for his development and he was hailed for having been shaped into a "top, multi-faceted forward" by The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell, words that now ring true indeed.

For a team like Spurs, reliant on hard work and big bursts of energy, Solanke might just be the perfect player, offering something different, more predatory, than Richarlison and Son – the latter is prone to periods of struggle and Tottenham's captain is dynamic and creative and must be used in a deeper, more fluid role.

Moreover, Solanke is chipping in with over one key pass every game in the division this season, which highlights his quality as a multi-faceted centre-forward.

The £50k-per-week Englishman has a range of qualities and while several other exciting names are floating about on the transfer market at the moment, it's hard to dispute his polished ability in front of goal.

Tottenham, for now, will fight fervently against Aston Villa for a fourth-placed Premier League spot to confirm their presence next season in Europe's elite club competition, but with Postecoglou stirring up a promising project down N17, Solanke might just be convinced to join regardless.

The match was anticipated like no other, and when it finally arrived, it was a cracker

Amrit Mathur01-Mar-2011Rahul Dravid faces the press at practice and tries to temper his comments and control the temperatures. “We see it as an important World Cup game. But it is like any other game of cricket, played with a bat and ball, played over 22 yards with 22 players.” The players are under stress, because they must they play well above themselves, yet keep their emotions in check. Inflaming passions either on the field or at home will not be looked on kindly.At a sponsors’ lunch that day, Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag rib their captain and you can see the anxiety within the team release a little. The weight of the match is forgotten for a bit and everyone has a laugh. Sourav complains, with a smile on his face, that kids don’t respect their elders these days. “Nobody would have dared behave so freely with Mohammad Azharuddin.” Yuvraj offers up a fake apology with more laughter.Sourav, who has played in several India-Pakistan matches, says of the World Cup meeting: “One of these days, someone will have a heart attack.” We often hear tales of it happening amongst viewers, so maybe he is referring to the team.Pakistan manager Shaharyar Khan enquires about his cousin, Tiger Pataudi, and is surprised to know he is in Cape Town for a cricket show anchored by Mandira Bedi. Shahryar does not know Mandira Bedi (nor does Tiger, I presume) but the two will meet after the game, it is hoped. Wasim Akram, 500-plus wickets in ODIs, is told that he should go for a thousand, and laughs: “That is impossible. As it is I need a stretcher and an ambulance to come to the ground.”Like Sourav, coach John Wright too is a worried man. Neither Indian nor Pakistani, the stress visible on his face, he is somewhat weighed down by the huge impact this game could have on the World Cup. A win will inject enormous self-belief but a loss would be a crippling setback. The key, he says, is discipline, and the best way to confront an intuitive but unfocused Pakistan is, he believes, through controlled cricket. Be tight and professional, he says in the meeting the day before the game. Allow the opposition to self-destruct. Defeat them with both passion and precision.On the day of the match, the team is to leave the hotel at 7.50am but many players are early at breakfast, a sign that this is not “just another game”. Breakfast has been moved from the coffee shop to the special team room at the hotel, to keep the fans out of the players’ hair and their expectations out of the players’ faces. Breakfast is eaten in silence but there is lively action at the TT table. Mohammad Kaif routs computer expert Sriram with aggressive forehand strokes, then announces he is ready to take on No. 1 seed Sachin Tendulkar, who meanwhile is focused on his fruit and cereal.Once breakfast is done, the team make their way to the waiting bus, through a side exit to escape the crowd in the lobby. The kitbags are already loaded on. Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dravid, Kaif and Sehwag arrive carrying their music players and match bats. What can players possibly do with their bats in hotel rooms the night before games? Play shadow-defence? Practise imaginary drives? Or just keep them next to their pillows? Much like soldiers, who never let go of their weapons.

At a sponsors’ lunch, Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag rib their captain and you can see the anxiety within the team release a little. The weight of the match is forgotten for a bit and everyone has a laugh

The Pakistan team is already at Centurion. They appear nicely settled. There is loud music blaring from their dressing room. Akram notices the Indians getting off the bus and waves. Both teams quickly get down to business – quite literally, as they descend 64 steps from the pavilion to the ground. Supervised by respective physios/trainers, the teams go through identical conditioning and fielding drills. The Indians are not the most athletic team in the competition, but compared to the Pakistanis they look a cut above, fitter, faster. Saeed Anwar, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, all great players, belong to what one Indian player described the “slow-motion era of cricket”.Referee Mike Procter drops in to have a chat and first gently reminds players about completing overs in time and making sure batsmen cross on the field. Then he switches to the more serious business and delivers a subtle message. “This match,” he says in a grave voice, “is a huge opportunity to perform and also a great responsibility towards cricket and your country.”Then comes the next reminder. After the toss, the teams are asked to meet on the ground, shake hands and exchange souvenirs just before the batsmen go in. Ali Bacher was keen to make this sort of statement and both teams had in theory accepted it. There is a glitch, though: one of our senior players questions the wisdom of the gesture. His argument: if this is just another game, why must we make a statement? Why is the ICC behaving like the UN? There is a bit of a delay. The photographers wait, lined up near the bottom of the stairs to record the event.With time running out, the players decided to just get the thing done with, instead of obsessing over it. A sudden cancellation by India will be misunderstood as a deliberate snub to Pakistan. So Waqar and Sourav exchange ties, the players shake hands, an overflowing Centurion cheers enthusiastically. It is all over in less than a minute.When play begins, Saeed Anwar speeds off like a Ferrari, and when the runs pile up at rapid pace there is a complete collapse of body language among the Indian guests at Centurion. Raj Singh Dungarpur, in a state of deep despair, thinks the boys look tired and jaded. “Our players are not strong. They need rest, not nets, before a match,” he says. Raj marches off purposefully to the dressing room to tell John Wright he should ease up, not try to make Indian cricketers Olympic athletes.Pakistan march to 273, and most experts think this is too much of a mountain to climb. “Too many,” Raj says mournfully. One guest, completely distraught, wants to take an early flight back to India because he does not want to witness another defeat. Someone else, more militant, suggests the team should be thrown off Vijay Mallya’s jet without parachutes. Mallya, dressed in white linen, diamond studs in one ear, mobile phones in both hands, refrains from expressing an opinion.After lunch comes dessert: Sachin Tendulkar, launching an innings like a batsman at nets after the coach has announced “last round”. Ordinary batsmen may play each ball on merit but Tendulkar plays according to his will. We are all stunned by the ferocity and the audacity of his strokeplay. Here is a master on top of his game, ill-treating the world’s bowlers. It is edge-of-the-seat, riveting stuff.Shoaib Akhtar runs in from a mile, like Ben Johnson, but when the ball disappears quickly off Sachin’s bat, he takes an hour getting back to his mark. Waqar, caned mercilessly by Sachin, can only stare helplessly. Akram looks as if he cannot believe what is happening. Sourav is tense, claps excitedly for each run scored, holds his special (amulet), recites prayers, does every superstitious routine he knows.Stricken with cramps, Sachin is in pain. Physio Andrew Leipus gives him a rehydrating drink and stretches the hamstring but the pain persists. He falls on 98, fending a short ball, unable to get out of the way of one that leapt at his throat sharply. He makes the long walk back in slow motion, and pain. He is limping. In the dressing room he slumps onto a stool next to the food counter. He is sweating profusely, drained physically and emotionally, staring blankly ahead, his eyes looking liquid. Nobody goes near him.The fans bring the noise, and the pressure•Mike Hewitt/Getty ImagesNormally, after a match-winning innings, players celebrate, shout, scream with delight and rejoice when the batsman who has done the deed, returns. But not a word is said here. Sachin watches his dismissal replayed on the TV screen. After a long time, John Wright goes across and pats him on the back but says nothing. Someone helps him take off his pads. Sourav claps silently from a distance.After a few hiccups, India wins, and only then does the silence in the dressing room break. There are high fives all around, clapping, shouting, hugs and handshakes. Sourav sprints down to greet the not-out batsmen, Yuvraj and Dravid, as they come in. The Pakistanis, slowly walking up the 64 steps, reach across to congratulate the Indians. Abdul Razzaq and Saeed Anwar come into the Indian dressing room to congratulate the players. Sourav wants the entire team out for the presentation. Barring a tired Dravid, the boys go down to the field. Sachin, recovering from cramp, walks with a limp. He is greeted with a cheer so loud it could be heard in Pretoria, many, many miles away.Players hang around in the dressing room, to stay in the moment. John tells the boys to let the match and the thrilling win sink in. Some Amstel is passed around and is refused by most; some brave ones have a swig, grimace and move to Diet Pepsi. Sanjay Bangar and Sehwag, the most faithful teetotallers, are chided by a senior team-mate: “For how long are you guys going to be drinking milk and butter milk, boss?”Others are over the moon. John, usually underplayed, unemotional and unexcited, can’t conceal his happiness. Sachin calls home and is greeted by wife, Anjali, who holds the phone by the window so that he hears the crackers outside. There is more noise than Diwali, she says. Sourav receives a similar noise report update from his wife, Dona, in Kolkata. Kaif is in a daze, but reports of wild celebration and rejoicing in India leave him a bit cold. Extreme behaviour is not good, he says. What is this? Sometimes abuse, sometimes worship?Deep reflection can wait. The team knows they have destroyed clichés: about them lacking killer instinct, “crumbling under pressure”, “snatching defeat from the jaws of victory”. They won not by fluke or chancy umpiring but ruthless, professional play. Tendulkar rates his blistering innings as one of the best of his illustrious career. “This was my day,” he says, “From the beginning I picked the ball up early.” I ask him whether an inner rhythm determines his style of play. Batting is instinctive, he replies. “Sometimes you feel good from the start, sometimes you struggle, but today there was so much time that balls close to 150 kmph looked like 130kmph”.How important was the Pakistan match for him? I asked and he said, “I have been thinking about this for more than a year.”Eight years later, India still thinks about it.

Gary Neville has warned Manchester United they face finishing "eighth or ninth" unless they sign a new goalkeeper to replace Andre Onana.

• Neville wants new United goalkeeper
• Onana criticised for regular mistakes
• Linked with two world-class shot-stoppers

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Neville says United must sign a new goalkeeper if they're to avoid another disappointing season. Former Inter and Ajax star Onana has endured two error-strewn campaigns since moving to Old Trafford and had made eight mistakes leading to goals in all competitions by April earlier this year, more than any other Premier League shot-stopper. 

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  There have been links with Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez and Paris Saint-Germain's Gianluigi Donnarumma and Neville believes his old team need to bring one of them in. Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton are the current options for manager Ruben Amorim if he were to drop Onana from his starting XI.

• WHAT NEVILLE SAID

  Neville said on the podcast: "You've got to get a goalkeeper. If you've got a goalkeeper and a midfield player, I think fifth or sixth will be achievable. I think without a goalkeeper, it's eighth or ninth.

  "That is the number one most difficult position in English football, Manchester United goalkeeper. I think it's the most scrutiny that anybody comes under."

  "Donnarumma or Martinez. When they said about Martinez from Villa earlier in the season, I wanted him. His personality. He's got guts. He's got that presence."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Martinez remains a Villa player despite appearing to wave goodbye to the club's supporters at the end of last season. Donnarumma, meanwhile, is being pushed out of PSG after Lucas Chevalier was snapped up from Lille and the Italy international's agent has admitted his client is interested in a move to the Premier League.

Want-away Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma released a fiery statement on Tuesday confirming his impending exit from the French club. The Italian goalkeeper suggested PSG boss Luis Enrique is responsible for his exile from the club. Donnarumma's likely destination is going to be the Premier League with Manchester City.

• Donnarumma confirms PSG exit
• Releases an explosive statement
• Suggests Enrique is to blame

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  It's all but confirmed that PSG's star goalkeeper Donnarumma will leave the European champions this summer, after the 26-year-old released an explosive statement confirming his likely exit. He expressed his desire to meet the PSG fans one last time and also bid farewell to his team-mates.

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• WHAT DONNARUMMA SAID

  The official statement from the goalkeeper read: "To the special Paris fans, From the first day I arrived, I gave everything – on and off the pitch – to earn my place and defend the goal of Paris Saint-Germain. Unfortunately, someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group and contribute to the team’s success. I am disappointed and disheartened. I hope to have the opportunity to look the fans at the Parc des Princes in the eyes one more time and say goodbye as it should be done. If that doesn’t happen, I want you to know that your support and affection mean the world to me, and I will never forget it. I will always carry with me the memory of all the emotions, the magical nights, and of you, who made me feel at home. To my teammates – my second family – thank you for every battle, every laugh, every moment we shared. You will always be my brothers. Playing for this club and living in this city has been an immense honour. Thank you, Paris."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While the Italiy international did not name any individual in his statement, the individual he referred to as "someone" is surely Luis Enrique, as the PSG boss had earlier admitted to removing him from his UEFA Super Cup matchday squad against Spurs. The Spaniard had told reporters, "Donnarumma is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, no doubt about it, and an even better person. But that's the life of top-level footballers. I am 100% responsible for this difficult decision. If it were easy, anyone would do it. These decisions have to do with the profile of the goalkeeper my team needs. It's clear that we're all responsible for achieving what we achieved last season. The players had to make many sacrifices; last year, no one believed in us, while this year represents a huge challenge to prove that we can still win."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR DONNARUMMA?

  While Donnarumma is yet to finalise his next destination, he is closely linked with a move to the Premier League, amid interest from Manchester City. Earlier on Tuesday, several reports emerged that claim that the Cityzens have approached PSG with an offer for the goalkeeper, as they look to offload their current No.1, Ederson.

Having struggled significantly against both Brentford and Chelsea in the past week, Sunday's clash against Liverpool isn’t the ideal fixture for Manchester United.

The Red Devils’ form of late has been completely subpar, winning just one of their last five Premier League matches, which has put even more pressure on the squad.

That said, Erik ten Hag’s team knows how to frustrate the Reds, with the latest meeting between the two clubs being a dramatic 4-3 win for the Red Devils.

The game plan will inevitably be almost identical to that FA Cup victory, yet there’s one player who has the potential to be the difference-maker, even more so than Alejandro Garnacho.

Alejandro Garnacho’s performance vs Liverpool

This week, the Argentine truly cemented himself as one of the most promising talents in Europe, becoming arguably United’s most important player once again after two goals against Chelsea.

However, his performance against Liverpool last time out also proved that he can thrive against the best and in vital moments.

The 19-year-old played the whole 120 minutes, with his most influential moment being his assist for Amad Diallo’s late winner, driving at the heart of the defence before laying it off to the eventual hero.

As well as that, Garnacho was immensely creative, making five key passes while also being a direct threat himself, taking six shots, as per Sofascore.

However, despite the number 17 being the difference-maker on many occasions this season, it’s his attacking teammate who will have a much bigger role today.

Why Bruno Fernandes must start vs Liverpool

There’s no two ways about it: Bruno Fernandes has been by far the best signing for the club in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

The Portuguese wizard ticks every single box for the perfect attacking midfielder, and every attribute will be used against Jurgen Klopp’s side this weekend.

As United captain, the number eight will be tasked with setting the example for the rest of the team, which is always even more important when playing in a game where players can be swallowed up by the atmosphere and occasion.

But regardless of wearing the armband, his actions are those of a true leader, and after the FA Cup win against the Reds, the Manchester Evening News handed him an 8/10 rating for his performance, but that’s just become the standard for Fernandes now.

The table above which showcased his average Premier League statistics for the season, it’s extremely clear to see just how influential Fernandes really is.

His well-rounded skillset enables him to thrive in any situation and game state, whether it be sitting in a low block and waiting for a swift counter or being tasked with unlocking a stubborn defence.

Fernandes’ biggest strength is definitely his creativity, and given that he ranks first in the United squad for assists, key passes per game, and chances created, it’s no surprise that he was labelled a “creative monster” by football analyst StatmanDave.

Absolutely everything goes through the 29-year-old, as he’s often the one to control the tempo of the game, which will be vital against the Reds, and alongside Garnacho, United will be a huge threat on the counter.

His defensive work rate, engine, and ability to press are also unreal, and his role off the ball will be to stop Alexis Mac Allister from working his magic in the middle of the park.

It’s quite clear that Fernandes’ performance may just have a direct correlation to the final result.

Saif Zaib’s useful cameo takes game away from Somerset

ECB Reporters Network30-Aug-2020Adam Rossington defied a hand injury as he struck a quickfire half-century to lead Northants Steelbacks to a nine-run win over Somerset at Wantage Road.Rossington was left grimacing in pain for the majority of his 51 from 31 balls after he was pinned on the right hand by Somerset seamer Ollie Sale and required treatment on the field.But the wicketkeeper-batsman, profiting from targeting the leg side, played the match-defining innings and he shared an 81-run stand with captain Josh Cobb.Rossington was then unable to take his place in the field as the hosts held on to defend 171 for six, with 39-year-old allrounder Gareth Berg, making his Northants debut in the Vitality Blast, claiming 2 for 31.Somerset made a bright start to their chase, reaching the end of the six-over Powerplay at 54 for 1, but lost four wickets in the next five overs as Berg’s experience and changes of pace proved invaluable.Berg initially fooled debutant George Bartlett with a slower ball that found his off stump after a 50-run partnership with James Hildreth.
Hildreth played fluently for 34 but picked out Saif Zaib in the deep off Berg before Tom Abell and Eddie Byrom fell cheaply from successive deliveries. Ben Sanderson removed the big-hitting threat of the Overton twins, on his way to 3 for 36, but Roelof van der Merwe kept Somerset’s faint hopes alive with an unbeaten 41 from 25 balls.Van der Merwe shared an unbroken 46-run stand for the ninth wicket with Sale, but with 21 needed from Sanderson’s final over he was left with too much to do.Northants will now await injury news on Rossington, who missed last week’s Bob Willis Trophy match with a right finger injury, as the only misfortune of their otherwise fine start to the Vitality Blast.After an opening-night washout at Gloucestershire the Steelbacks thumped last season’s finalists Worcestershire Rapids by nine wickets on Saturday before casting aside a Somerset side in good spirits following their Bob Willis Trophy form.Paul Stirling, the hero of Northants’ opening win over the Rapids, had picked up where he left off by carving Craig Overton over point for six but was out next ball edging behind as he stepped away to try and replicate the shot. Richard Levi was then unluckily run out backing up when Craig Overton got a finger to a Cobb straight drive.Rossington suffered the blow to the hand early and while he was in visible pain, struck seven fours and a six, before an athletic diving catch from Sale at backward square leg off Max Waller.The impressive Sale was the pick of the Somerset attack and produced another smart piece of fielding off his own bowling when he held a reflex catch to dismiss Cobb, for 42 from 41 balls, just as the home captain looked set to accelerate.Zaib ensured the late hitting with an unbeaten on 28 from 13 balls – including 10 from the final two deliveries – which proved invaluable.

Leeds United and Daniel Farke are sweating on the fitness of one of their stars ahead of their upcoming clash with Coventry City, but are hopeful that he will be able to take part.

Leeds leave it late against Hull

Though the Championship has been the league of late goals this season, Leeds will be hoping that they don't leave it as late as they did against Hull City too often.

At home to the Tigers, Leeds hardly produced a vintage performance but scored in the 88th and 97th minute to walk away with a 3-1 win and ensure that they keep pace with Ipswich Town and Leicester City at the top of the Championship.

With six games left of the season, Leeds know that automatic promotion to the Premier League relies on one of their rivals slipping up though. Ipswich sit a point clear of the Yorkshire side, while the Foxes are a point behind but have a game in hand.

None of the top three face each other again before the end of the season, meaning that they are banking on them dropping points elsewhere, and one of the three will certainly miss out on automatic promotion despite a record points tally. At present, 90 points is the highest number any side has achieved and not secured automatic promotion, but with 3rd placed Leicester just five points off that tally with 21 points still to play for, it looks certain to be beaten.

Leeds could have dream Rodon replacement in this "leader" out on loan

Leeds United could welcome back this forgotten face with open arms if Joe Rodon doesn’t stay.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 2, 2024

Injury boost for Farke before Coventry

This comes with the news that the Yorkshire side are hopeful that Ilia Gruev will be able to face Coventry City after missing the clash with Hull with an ankle injury.

Despite being one of Leeds' lowest earners on just £15,000 per week, Gruev's addition to the team has coincided with a long unbeaten run. Drafted in at the turn of the year, he lost his first match but has since helped the Elland Road outfit put together a 15 game undefeated streak, which includes just two draws.

Leeds boss Farke spoke at length about the Bulgarian against Hull, where Glen Kamara and Archie Gray were called upon to play in midfield together in his absence.

"We're missing Ilia a lot. He was in red-hot form and this is why I'm even more delighted. We played today without Ilia, without a really top-class right back option," the Leeds boss explained. “Ilia dictates our rhythm and is so good on the ball, also under pressure. It's no coincidence we lacked a bit of quality in possession, especially in the first half."

However, there is hope that Gruev will be fit for the clash with Coventry on Saturday. "Ilia can hopefully return pretty soon. All our fingers are crossed,” Farke added.

Leeds fans will be hoping that they see him on the pitch at the Coventry Building Society Arena come Saturday, in what could be a massive boost to their chances of all three points.

25-year-old Taylor rejected an improved deal at Grace Road

George Dobell15-Sep-2020Tom Taylor is set to join Northamptonshire after rejecting a new contract at Leicestershire.Taylor, the 25-year-old allrounder, is out of contract at the end of the season. While Leicestershire are understood to have pushed their budget as far as they could in a bid to keep him, he has opted to move to the third Midlands county of his career. Taylor started out at Derbyshire and moved to Leicestershire ahead of the 2018 season.It is understood that several other counties – including Warwickshire – have expressed a passing interest in Taylor over recent months, but Northants have won the race for his signature.The move is a blow to Leicestershire. While they have become accustomed to losing players to more affluent rivals – notably Nottinghamshire – to lose out to another club with a limited budget is a setback.But Northamptonshire were promoted to Division One of the County Championship at the end of 2019 – Leicestershire were bottom of Division Two – and are currently second in the Central Group in the Vitality Blast. Leicestershire are third in the North Group.Leicestershire’s disappointment is increased as they feel they had nursed Taylor through a couple of serious back injuries and considered him a central figure in their team redevelopment. They have already announced they will not be selecting him in the remaining Vitality Blast matches as they look to provide opportunities to other players instead.