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Despite Pakistan overcoming Zimbabwe to secure their place in the tri-series final, their captain Sarfraz Ahmed was vocal in the criticism of his bowling attack. “The bowling was not up to the mark,” he said shortly after guiding his side to a seven-wicket win. “They have to work hard.”Sarfraz had been a loud and, at times, stroppy presence behind the stumps during Zimbabwe’s innings. The very first ball of the day seemed to set the tone, as Sarfraz let rip with a fearful ear-bashing at Fakhar Zaman when he was slow off the mark from midwicket, allowing Zimbabwe opener Cephas Zhuwao to get off the mark. There wasn’t much let up thereafter.But Zaman shrugged off Sarfraz’s histrionics, suggesting that the team are comfortable under their captain and that, perhaps, a bit of sound and fury was what was needed to sharpen them up on a particularly cold winter’s day in Harare. “Yeah, he’s the kind of person who does that sometimes,” said Zaman. “But he’s very good at getting us up on the field. We’re used to it and he’s our captain. And well, it works for us and it worked today.”Sarfraz also had some fiery words for his bowlers, ticking Shadab Khan off during an over when Solomon Mire hit him for two big sixes. Mire took the attack to Pakistan’s bowlers, and Zaman admitted that Zimbabwe had scored 20 to 30 more runs than they thought was par on this pitch.”We were expecting 130 to 140 on this pitch, but Mire played a very good innings,” Zaman said. “We knew that we have a very deep batting lineup – we have Shadab at no. 9 – so we were confident we could chase it.”As it turned out, Pakistan’s lower order wasn’t needed as Zaman and Hussain Talat cracked forties before Sarfraz finished things off with an ice-cold, unbeaten 38. While his tongue-lashing geed them up, Sarfraz’s batting was the picture of limited-overs sangfroid and provided a different sort of a lesson to his team. Zaman said that spending time under Sarfraz had helped him improve his own game, particularly in T20 cricket.”In the start in T20 I was hitting every ball in my striking zone, and after playing eight to 10 games I sat with some senior players like Shoaib Malik and Sarfraz Ahmed, and spoke about my gameplans with them,” Zaman said. “I realised that I could play proper cricket shots and be successful, and that’s what I’ve been doing recently.”Pakistan’s win means they are assured of a place in Sunday’s final, though they have a dead rubber against Australia tomorrow. Bucking their recent trend in short-format cricket, Australia have won two in two in this tournament and they were buoyed by an opening victory against Pakistan which included Billy Stanlake’s 4 for 8.”We’ll just keep it very simple [against Australia],” Zaman said. “[Stanlake] bowled really well in the last match but every day is a new day. We’ll play him well.”

Chelsea have seen several generational talents slip underneath their grasp and hearing about their misfortune in that regard isn't for the faint-hearted.

Whether that is letting go of Declan Rice as a 14-year-old or having a 16-year-old Jamal Musiala get snatched from them by Bayern Munich, the Blues have endured their fair share of heartache when it comes to watching some of their academy graduates prosper elsewhere.

Rice and Musiala have since transformed into world-class talents since departing Stamford Bridge, reminding Chelsea what they could have had so to speak, which is something Kylian Mbappe has also done.

The Blues famously rejected the opportunity to sign him as a 13-year-old and now they're looking to reverse that gut-wrenching decision by miraculously signing him in January.

Chelsea transfer news – Kylian Mbappe

According to Gazetta dello Sport – as relayed by French outlet Le 10 Sport – Chelsea and Liverpool are gearing up to offer the French superstar a huge contract offer with his Paris Saint-Germain future up in the air.

Mbappe's contract is set to expire at the end of the season and unless he extends his deal with the Parisiens, foreign clubs will be eligible to begin pre-contract talks with him over a free transfer in the summer from January 1st.

Whilst Real Madrid have been long considered favourites to capture the 24-year-old, Premier League clubs are set to rival the Spanish giants for his signature and offer him close to what he earns at PSG, which is reportedly £1.2m-per-week.

If the Blues were somehow able to land arguably the best player on the planet on a free transfer, he would not only become one of their greatest-ever transfers, but he'd have an opportunity to eclipse the legacy that the sensational Eden Hazard forged at Stamford Bridge.

The Belgian – like Mbappe – began his career in Ligue 1 with Lille, but established himself as one of the Premier League's most talented players with 110 goals in 352 appearances for Chelsea, yet the Frenchman would surely blow his impact out of the water, especially in the goal-scoring department.

Kylian Mbappe vs Eden Hazard's goal record

It is difficult to put into words how good Kylian Mbappe is, but considering he's already reached 300 career goals at the age of 24, doing so quicker than the greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, his talents need no introduction.

The age it took the world's best attackers to reach 300 career goals	Age
Kylian Mbappe	24 years, 333 days
Lionel Messi	25 years, 125 days
Neymar	25 years, 238 days
Cristiano Ronaldo	27 years, 89 days
All stats via GiveMeSport

To put the above into perspective, when Ronaldo was Mbappe's age, he had scored 158 career goals. This is a stat that not only proves how the Portuguese superstar got better with age but one that depicts the near-unstoppable scoring talents of the PSG star.

For as long as he continues to outperform some of the greatest footballers to ever live, the plaudits will continue to stream in for the goalscoring machine, who has been lavished by many legends of the sport.

His fellow countryman, Thierry Henry, once said: “What this kid is doing is really out of this world,” while many, including his national team manager, Didier Deschamps, have labelled him as "world-class".

Given the above, it's no surprise that Mbappe, who has plundered an eye-watering 15 goals in 15 appearances for the French giants this term, has also outscored Hazard already, despite being eight years younger.

The Belgian retired this year after scoring 167 goals in 623 career appearances, which is a respectable record for any wide player, however, considering the 74-cap international has nearly doubled that particular tally, there is no doubt he'd instantly transform Chelsea into a title challenger and in turn, smash any record that Hazard set in west London.

Also a player that former PSG boss Pochettino knows well – having scored 67 goals and contributed 34 assists in just 75 games under the Argentine – Mbappe could surely flourish in a Blues jersey in the near future.

Erik ten Hag will look to bolster his attacking options at Manchester United by acquiring a £36m-rated ex-Chelsea forward in January.

As per reporter Florian Plettenberg, the Red Devils have enquired about 27-year-old, Timo Werner, however negotiations are yet to take place.

The likelihood is that Werner will remain at his current club until the summer, but the move could develop over the next few weeks.

Why Man United want Werner

Following an impressive debut campaign as manager of Manchester United, Ten Hag has been dealt an unfair hand this season, due to the sheer number of players that have been unavailable, with the current list tallying up to ten.

This was on show at Goodison Park at the weekend, with the only attackers on the Red Devils bench being Facundo Pellistri and youngster, Joe Hugill.

Rasmus Hojlund was one of the players who endured time out, which left an injury-prone Anthony Martial as the main striker versus Everton. Unreliable is the most appropriate term to describe the French attacker and Ten Hag will want to ensure that his side isn’t without a true number nine like last season.

Availability is key and Werner’s injury record whilst he was at Chelsea wasn’t an issue, only missing nine matches throughout his time in London due to injury.

The RB Leipzig forward is known for his electric pace, movement beyond the opponent and being a natural goal scorer, who is lethal when confidence is high. Werner also recognises himself as a player who can perform in numerous roles and four years ago, he stated “I’ve become more versatile”.

Buying individuals who can cover a handful of positions will be beneficial to United, especially going into the second half of the campaign. Werner can feature off Hojlund, as a lone striker or as a left-sided forward, but Rafael van der Vaart isn’t convinced by the attacker, labelling him as a "blind horse".

The Bundesliga transfer curse

Manchester United have signed a handful of players from the Bundesliga in the past, with the majority of those individuals failing to live up to the high standards set by the United faithful.

Jadon Sancho, Shinji Kagawa and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all made the switch from Borussia Dortmund, yet despite having small spells of quality, a lack of consistency has been the driving force behind a shortened career at Old Trafford.

Sancho has been the notable Bundesliga nightmare, now alienated from the squad by Ten Hag after some less-than-favourable numbers. Indeed, the former Dortmund man has only registered 12 goals in 82 outings for the Red Devils.

Unlike the three aforementioned, Werner has played in the English top-flight prior and Premier League fans are more informed of his ability. During his first campaign at Chelsea, Werner played an important role in the UEFA Champions League triumph, whilst also scoring 12 goals and accumulating 15 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions.

However, the signing of Romelu Lukaku in the 2021/22 season affected the German and he later claimed that he “didn’t feel honoured enough”.

It is reasonable to presume that if Ten Hag had his full squad available, including Werner, then the rapid forward would not make it into his best starting XI ahead of Marcus Rashford or Hojlund.

Given the quote just mentioned and the fact that the boss doesn’t rotate often, dressing room unrest may occur like at Chelsea, which raises question marks on whether this would be a smart signing.

West Ham United are admirers of an exciting young coach should they decide to sack David Moyes, according to a reliable journalist.

West Ham's up and down season continues

The Irons have made an extremely mixed start to the new campaign having won five, drawn two and lost five of their opening 12 games, meaning that they currently find themselves ninth in the top-flight table heading into the international break.

Following Sunday’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest, which just about epitomised their campaign, Moyes’ side will have gained some confidence that they are able to go on a positive run of form upon their return to domestic action, but regardless, there have been some questions asked about the manager’s position in the dugout.

According to 90min, David Sullivan is happy for the Scotsman to see out his contract until the end of the season unless a candidate that fits the profile of what he’s looking for was to become available between now and then, but it’s not the first time that chiefs have assessed their options in the market.

The London Stadium outfit have previously been credited with an interest in Feyenoord’s Arne Slot and Lille’s Paulo Fonseca, as per the same report, and they have now set their sights on an alternative who has experience playing in the Premier League.

West Ham chiefs considering Michael Carrick

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Dean Jones revealed that Michael Carrick is of interest to West Ham and admitted that he has the attributes to match what the board are searching for.

“My expectation would be that they look to be forward-thinking. Unless West Ham suddenly find themselves in crisis and need crisis management, that's the only time I could see them going for somebody with huge experience as their next appointment.

“I would expect them though to go for somebody who's younger, more forward-thinking and is more in tune with the way that the game is heading in the next 10 years, rather than how it's been for the last 10 years. That's what I would be thinking. Carrick is a really interesting one, but we have to see which direction his career goes in right now. But he's definitely somebody who is on West Ham's radar.”

Michael Carrick's record at Middlesbrough

Since being appointed at Middlesbrough, Carrick has won 29, drawn eight and lost 16 of his 53 games in charge, taking a total of 95 points from a possible 159 whilst averaging 1.79 points per match (Transfermarkt – Carrick statistics), so he’s really settled into life at the helm at the Riverside Stadium.

The Wallsend-born coach, who is 42 years of age, was also named last week’s Championship Manager of the Week for successfully beating Leicester City, so he’s proven that he’s capable of overcoming a squad of mostly Premier League players.

Furthermore, Carrick, who is “perfect” at bringing out the best in his stars and developing younger talents, according to journalist Josh Bunting, led the northeast outfit to the second tier playoffs at the end of last season, so for a manager who already knows what it takes to compete and be successful under big pressure, he could be the ideal candidate for West Ham.

Arjun Tendulkar, the son of Sachin Tendulkar, has been picked in the India Under-19 squad for two four-day matches in Sri Lanka in July.A left-arm quick, Arjun, had been picked in the Mumbai Under-19 one-day side for the JY Lele invitational tournament in September last year. He also bowled in the nets in the lead-up to the Lord’s Test between England and South Africa in 2017, sending Jonny Bairstow off with an injury scare when he struck him on the toe with a yorker. Arjun also bowled in the India nets during the home series against New Zealand last year.However, he did not find a place in the one-day squad that will play five games against Sri Lanka. The four-day squad will be captained by 18-year-old Delhi wicketkeeper-batsman Anuj Rawat, who had scored two half-centuries, including one on debut, in as many matches for Delhi during the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy.”We are happy on Arjun being selected in Indian under-19 team. It is an important milestone in his cricketing life. Anjali and I will always support Arjun in his choices and pray for his success,” Sachin told The one-day squad will be led by 16-year-old Uttar Pradesh wicketkeeper-batsman Aryan Juyal, who had played two matches in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy earlier this year and was part of the Under-19 World Cup winning team in January.Seventeen-year old left-arm spinner from Gujarat Siddharth Desai was picked in both squads. He also made his first-class debut in the 2017-18 season and was named the Man of the Match in his first two matches, taking nine and eight wickets against Kerala and Haryana respectively. He currently has 29 wickets from five first-class matches and three scalps from as many one-day matches.Atharwa Taide, also picked in both squads, was the captain of the Vidarbha Under-19 team that won the Cooch Behar Trophy earlier this year. He led them to their maiden title with a marathon knock of 320 off 483 balls in the final against Madhya Pradesh.

As Graham Potter looks to shape his West Ham United side ahead of his first full season in charge, the Hammers have reportedly made contact to sign an impressive Serie A midfielder who once pocketed Declan Rice.

West Ham keen on attacking additions

It’s a big few months ahead for Potter and his side following a tough start to life at the London Stadium for the former Chelsea manager. After arriving to replace the struggling Julen Lopetegui, many expected Potter to make his mark from the off and ensure that any Stamford Bridge failure became an afterthought. That new manager bounce never truly came, however, and the pressure is now on.

Graham Potter at West Ham	Record (via Transfermarkt)
Games	20
Wins	6
Draws	5
Defeats	9

Following just six wins in his first 20 games and a frustrating 14th-place finish in the Premier League, Potter and West Ham must ensure that they get off to a quick start next season.

What should help that is their potential work in the summer transfer window. Already, they’ve reportedly set their sights on attacking additions such as Adama Bojang and AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham.

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The latter would be a particularly wise addition given his past Premier League experience and the Hammers could yet land a relatively routine deal following his struggles on loan at AC Milan last season.

Abraham, like West Ham, endured a season to forget last time out and could certainly do with a return to the Premier League if he is to rediscover his best form in the next campaign.

It’s not just their frontline that West Ham must improve, however. Amid previous reports that David Moyes’ Everton side are interested in signing Tomas Soucek this summer, those at the London Stadium could be forced to find a replacement. And what better way to replace the towering midfielder than by signing a player who “shut down” former star Rice?

West Ham make contact to sign Musah

According to TeamTalk, West Ham have now made initial contact to sign Yunus Musah from AC Milan this summer. The American international initially looked on his way to Serie A champions Napoli in a deal worth €25m (£21m) before Milan changed their stance and demanded that price as well as add-ons. Now, the Hammers have a chance to sneak in ahead of Napoli.

Whether West Ham are willing to do what Napoli are not will be the big question, but their interest in Musah should come as no surprise. At 22 years old, the midfielder already has some impressive experience under his belt at the top level, including at the 2022 World Cup.

It was in Qatar that the Milan man caught the eye for the USA, especially against England as he helped his side earn a 0-0 draw against the Three Lions. Earning the praise of Jacek Kulig as a result, the scout claimed that both Musah and Tyler Adams “shut down” an England midfield which included Rice and Jude Bellingham.

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly have their eyes on a "special" centre-back alongside the heavily linked Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.

Postecoglou makes defender admission ahead of January

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has brought attention to the club's lack of centre-back depth on more than one occasion over the last month. The Australian's currently bereft of star options behind favoured pairing Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, with the former still out injured due to a hamstring problem.

International could push to join Spurs for one key trait Postecoglou has

The Australian is seriously tempting Tottenham’s transfer target.

By
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Dec 23, 2023

Makeshift centre-back Ben Davies has partnered Romero to great effect at the heart of Postecoglou's defence in recent weeks, as Spurs win three of their last three Premier League games.

However, just one or two more defensive injuries could put Tottenham in a very precarious situation. Postecoglou expressed his desire to sign a centre-back at Spurs earlier this month, but also explained to Sky that whoever comes in must be the perfect fit.

"When you think about it, we let Davinson Sanchez go after the [summer] window closed," said Postecoglou on Tottenham signing a new defender.

"We kind of knew we were taking a bit of a risk; we couldn't get the extra centre-back that we were trying to get in, and for the early part of the year that was fine.

"But once we lost Micky [van de Ven], and Eric Dier's had some issues as well, we don't have another centre-back. Young Ash Phillips had just joined the club, so it's fair to say that we can't run the risk of that happening again, so that's obviously a priority for us in January.

"But again, we've got to get the right person. It's not just about bringing another body in, it's about getting the right one in and hopefully that'll happen."

In terms of named targets, one player they're already moving for is Todibo. The 23-year-old, according to reliable media sources, has held talks over joining Tottenham with the January window just days away from opening.

Tottenham eyeing Tosin move ahead of January

However, while Spurs are seriously pushing ahead for Todibo, the Frenchman is by no means the only option on Postecoglou's radar Indeed, Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo is another defender very much liked by Spurs.

Journalist Rudy Galetti, taking to X, says Tottenham are "working" and have eyes on Tosin alongside Todibo. The Englishman has started to feature more under Marco Silva recently whilst also impressing, and his contract is set to expire in the summer as things stand.

Proven in the Premier League and a potentially cheaper option, the 26-year-old has also been called a "special player" by his manager.

da 888casino： Celtic could lose a rising star at Parkhead either in January or the summer transfer window as talks are now said to be in the works between the man in question and two high-profile clubs, as per a report.

Celtic's questionable youth development…

da pixbet： Over the years, youth development has become an increasingly complex issue at Celtic despite the club retaining a core of long-serving homegrown players, such as Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Stephen Welsh, Anthony Ralston and Mikey Johnston. Several youngsters have elected to try their luck at first-team level elsewhere in recent times as the climb from underage, or more recently B team level, increases in difficulty at Parkhead.

Liverpool prospect Ben Doak, former viral wonderkid Karamoko Dembele, Liam Morrison, Barry Hepburn, Vincent Angelini, Leo Hjelde and Aidan Borland are just some recent examples of Lennoxtown's youth exodus over the past few years, which has prompted concern among fans of the Scottish Premiership holders as to where the next crop of talent may come from in Glasgow's east end.

One man in recent times who has looked certain to make the grade is Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Rocco Vata, who has already gone on to make four senior appearances at the club and has emerged at B team level as one to watch for the future (Vata statistics – Transfermarkt).

Celtic's next five fixtures – Scottish Premiership

Opponent

Venue

Heart of Midlothian (H)

Celtic Park

Livingston (H)

Celtic Park

Dundee (A)

Dens Park

Rangers (H)

Celtic Park

St Mirren (A)

SMiSA Stadium

Speaking about the Glasgow-born winger in the summer, Brendan Rodgers looked to have talked up his chances of potential integration into the senior side, stating in an interview cited by The Irish Independent: "I remember Rocco as a young player when I was here last. He’s developed physically. There are aspects of his game that he needs to work on to make the next jump but his attitude is good. He’s strong, quick, he wants to score goals. There is lots of development he needs, if he’s willing to do that."

Despite this, he could now be the next prodigious talent to slip through the fingers of Celtic before too long, as a new report on his future indicates.

Juventus and Monaco pencil in Rocco Vata talks

According to Football Scotland reporter Mark Hendry, European giants Juventus and Monaco have scheduled talks with Vata's entourage as his deal at Celtic runs into its final stages, which will leave the Irishman able to depart in summer 2024 for a nominal fee of £340,000 in cross-border compensation.

Related Celtic told to sign "different class" star with great pace and unique skill

Celtic have a shortage of quality in the wide areas due to recent injury problems.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Dec 11, 2023

The Hoops are yet to propose any form of contract extension in an attempt to tie the 18-year-old down for the long term and both of his suitors sent scouts to watch him in action for his country's under-19 side. They also sent a delegation to watch a recent match between Celtic B and Brighton & Hove Albion's development squad, where Vata found the back of the net.

Starring in the Lowland League this campaign, Vata has registered nine goals in eight outings for Celtic B as he continues to blossom in Scotland's fifth tier (Vata statistics – Transfermarkt).

Labelled "exciting" by talent scout Jacek Kulig last year, it looks like Vata could now be snapped up by one of Europe's big guns unless the Hoops manage to act quickly to guarantee he remains in Glasgow.

Tottenham Hotspur ended a run of three successive defeats in the Premier League with a hard-fought draw against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, but will now need to return to winning ways to fight for a top-four spot.

Ange Postecoglou has worked wonders in north London since leaving Celtic for the Premier League in the summer. Still, while Spurs blitzed into form in the early stages of the season, the squad's thinness has unravelled the progress across recent weeks.

The injury-ravaged side is still only two points off fourth-placed Aston Villa and will have been galvanised by the point claimed at the Etihad Stadium.

However, the January transfer window must be utilised, and while the backline requires the most urgent attention, Postecoglou will be eager to strengthen his attacking options too.

Tottenham transfer news – Wilfried Gnonto

According to a piece from Football.London at the end of last month, Tottenham have shown an interest in signing Leeds United's Italian forward, Wilfried Gnonto.

According to Calciomercato, Leeds would look to recuperate €30m (£26m) for the 20-year-old, and whether Spurs would agree to such an outlay remains to be seen, despite the youngster's undoubted talent.

Gnonto handed in a transfer request in August as Everton pursued his signature for £25m and presented four official offers, and while efforts were rejected, there is now a clear sense that the Whites would grant his departure if their valuation was met.

Wilfried Gnonto's style of play

Gnonto was one of the bright sparks at Elland Road last season as Leeds crashed out of the Premier League, with the dynamic forward hailed for his "electric pace" and knack for being an "absolute nightmare for defenders" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Signing for Leeds from Swiss side FC Zurich for £4m in 2022, Gnonto only bagged four goals and assists apiece in his maiden term in England but succeeded in convincing a host of outfits of his quality, leading to a frenzy of activity for his signature this year.

The 13-cap Italy starlet ultimately remained in Yorkshire, however he has not been handed a regular starting berth under Daniel Farke's leadership and has started just six Championship matches, scoring one goal and supplying one assist.

Nonetheless, he is a tremendous talent and would be a fantastic addition to Spurs' budding dynasty, with Postecoglou perhaps initiating the next wave of attacking might down the N17 by completing a transfer.

Spurs' attacking segment is probably more secure than several other areas of the field, with the backline particularly flimsy and in need of reinforcements, but Gnonto would offer a special slice of quality to be moulded into something spectacular over the coming years.

And with Heung-min Son, aged 31, now shifted into the role of focal frontman – to great effect, by the way, scoring nine goals and providing two assists from 11 games in the English top-flight up top – there is space for such a player to make the move and earn a place against the likes of Brennan Johnson.

Why Tottenham should sign Wilfried Gnonto

Gnonto boasts pace and power and, principally placed on the left wing, could prove to be the perfect heir to Son's position in the team in the future, especially with Richarlison still flattering to deceive.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across divisions similar to the Championship over the past year, showcasing his aptitude as a "pocket rocket" – as has been claimed by pundit Tam McManus – barrelling into the danger area with attacking abandon.

His even spread of goals and assists for the Whites further evidences the protean ability that could replicate Son's prowess, with the South Korean machine posting 154 goals and 82 assists across his Spurs career.

With someone of Alejo Veliz's calibre awaiting a breakthrough to the starring centre-forward spot in the future too, Spurs really could hit the jackpot here.

Veliz, also aged 20, signed from Argentinan club Rosario Central for £13m in the summer and has been touted as the "complete" striker by Kulig, which could lead him to succeed Harry Kane as Spurs' talisman in the long-term.

Kane has been praised as a "phenomenon" by Bayern Munich sports director Christoph Freund after destroying German football since moving from Tottenham in the summer and ranks among the top 1% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 13% for assists and the top 19% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Competition

Apps

Goals

Assists

Bundesliga

12

18

5

Champions League

5

4

2

DFL-Supercup

1

0

0

*Stats sourced via Transfermarkt

This evidences the 'complete' skill set that has cemented him as one of the finest players of his generation, and while they are big boots to fill, Veliz is viewed as a prospect with the potential to emulate the Lilywhites' record scorer, having been purchased as he departed.

For his part, the Argentinan ace ranks among the top 15% of forwards for goals, the top 1% for clearances and the top 12% for aerial wins per 90, which really does underscore the multi-functionality that became such an effective trademark of Kane's brilliant career at Tottenham.

With Veliz's natural ease in the striking role and Gnonto's marauding brilliance, Spurs really could unearth a strikeforce of immense quality for years to come.

With Son still plying his trade at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and capable of offering his guidance and skills to the respective pair, this could be a prudent investment that would pay off handsomely.

Conte's "special" £25m Spurs signing is now worth more than Son

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ByAngus Sinclair Dec 1, 2023

Postecoglou and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will now need to juggle the club's needs and decide whether £26m could be spared for a player such as Gnonto this winter – or indeed if negotiations could whittle down the price, with Rodon used as a bargaining chip – but certainly, it might be a brilliant move that could be lauded down the line.

Enzo Maresca's Leicester City have enjoyed an unbelievable start to the Championship this season, sitting top of the tree in the second tier at the time of writing with 13 wins from 16 matches – at one stage, the Foxes had won nine games in a row before Leeds United spoiled the feel-good factor and defeated the formidable Foxes.

That defeat to the Whites was then followed up with another narrow 1-0 defeat on the road at Middlesbrough, Michael Carrick's men getting the better of Leicester at the Riverside Stadium.

Showing chinks in their collective armour, Maresca will look to January as a time where he can bolster his squad with a couple of new additions especially if the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall leave the building.

Here's what a predicted Leicester XI could look like come the end of the January window…

1 GK – Mads Hermansen

Only missing one game under his Spanish manager this season since joining from Brøndby IF this summer, the young Dane has been fantastic in goal this Championship campaign for the Foxes.

The 23-year-old has only conceded ten goals from 16 second-tier matches to date, Hermansen solving the issue of Leicester not being able to successfully replace Kasper Schmeichel by giving the club another terrific Scandinavian shot-stopper.

2 RB – Ricardo Pereira

The Portuguese right-back is a given to retain his spot in Maresca's starting eleven regardless of January incomings or outgoings, the 30-year-old reliable in defence whilst remaining attack-minded when needed.

Pereira this campaign so far has shone even when the Foxes have a rare off-day, winning five of his six ground duels last time out in the 1-0 loss to Middlesbrough per Sofascore.

3 CB – Jannik Vestergaard

Hailing from Denmark much like his goalkeeper, Vestergaard is also a key component to Leicester's steely defence this campaign alongside Hermansen.

Averaging a 7.38 Sofascore rating this season in the second tier, Vestergaard has stood out in terms of his tireless work at the back with Leicester's number 23 recovering the ball an average of 5.4 times per game so far this season.

4 CB – Wout Faes

A regular first-team figure in the Premier League for the relegated Foxes, Faes has only cemented his spot in the team further since Leicester suffered the drop with the Belgian centre-back excellent at thwarting Championship strikers.

His display in Leicester's 3-0 triumph over Preston North End at the start of October exemplified Faes' overall game – winning two of his three ground duels, whilst accurately picking out teammates with six of his nine attempted long balls as per Sofascore.

5 LB – James Justin

Heralded as the next best thing in English football after signing a deal to join Leicester back in 2019, Justin is one of the first names on Maresca's team sheet currently with his contributions at full-back key.

Much like Vestergaard alongside him in the back four, Justin very rarely has a poor game. This was apparent in the away loss at the Riverside suffered last weekend, the Foxes number two winning four successful tackles across the 90 minutes per Sofascore unfortunately to no avail for his side.

6 CM – Hamza Choudhury

At Leicester since 2005, working his way up the ranks with plenty of loans away from the King Power Stadium, Choudhury is now in and around the first team centrally and will remain in the midfield trio under Maresca even if other individuals are potentially pinched.

With Wilfred Ndidi and the aforementioned Dewsbury-Hall both rumoured to be out of the door, Choudhury will be even more crucial to Maresca's plans if Premier League suitors swoop in for his top talents.

7 CM – Harry Winks

An experienced presence in the centre of the park for the Foxes, notching up over 200 appearances for Tottenham in the first team, Harry Winks has only missed seven minutes of Championship football to date this campaign since leaving Spurs behind.

He's even scored a screamer for his new employers in league action, hitting a thunderous strike into the back of net versus QPR to the rapturous adoration of the die-hard Leicester away fans packed into the Loftus Road away end.

8 CM – Lewis Fiorini

Maresca does look to be facing a losing battle to keep Dewsbury-Hall at the King Power past this January, with interest in his wanted man intensifying in recent weeks from the likes of Fulham wanting to add the talented midfielder to their ranks.

Maresca could well flex his previous Manchester City connections by replacing Dewsbury-Hall with current City man Lewis Fiorini, the Scottish 21-year-old a hit out on loan in the Eredivisie at NAC Breda and also lower down the EFL pyramid with Lincoln City.

Scoring 16 goals from central midfield in his career to date, Fiorini's next destination simply has to be Leicester to replace an expected departee in Dewsbury-Hall.

9 RW – Jhon Arias

Linked with Leeds United on top of other interested parties, the Foxes could break hearts at Elland Road by signing Jhon Arias from under the noses of Daniel Farke's men.

Lacking a fixed right winger option at this moment in time – with Pereira played further forward in the loss at Middlesbrough to accommodate – current Fluminese man Arias would be the perfect, explosive attacker signing Maresca would want to take his Foxes team to another level altogether.

The South American forward has managed nine goals and 14 assists from his year to date out in Brazil, ready to be unleashed onto the Championship if signed.

10 ST – Ben Brereton Diaz

Ben Brereton Diaz is being lined up for a return to Championship football just months after departing Blackburn Rovers for Villarreal, the Chile international yet to score for the La Liga side with the Spanish club impatient and unsatisfied with the striker's impotency.

Leicester City could offer the ex-Blackburn man a lifeline, leading the line for the Foxes to cruise home to an automatic promotion spot and return to the Premier League again.

Netting 22 goals during the peak of his Rovers powers during the 2021-22 season, Maresca would be overjoyed with his addition to the group.