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Tottenham Hotspur seem to finally be honing in on one much-needed signing, to continue Ange Postecoglou's impressive summer rebuild.

Who have Spurs signed?

The latest on their pursuit for Micky van de Ven comes courtesy of Football Insider, who are suggesting that the Lilywhites have cleared a big hurdle towards bringing him in on a permanent deal.

Having now agreed personal terms, there is a confidence around north London that a deal can finally be struck despite a fee having not been agreed with VfL Wolfsburg.

It is noted that Spurs are only willing to pay around £25m for the Dutch U21 international, whilst the German club is holding out for just £30m. This narrow disparity in valuation would prove a minor stumbling block for most clubs, but with Daniel Levy likely leading the negotiations, his patented frugality could stutter a deal that is there to be completed.

This comes following the earlier signings of James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario and Manor Solomon, on top of the permanent acquisitions of Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski following loan spells.

Is Micky van de Ven good?

Despite being so young, Van de Ven already boasts vast top-flight experience that suggests he would be able to make an instant impact for Postecoglou.

With all the physical attributes to dominate English football, and youth on his side with regard to development, under this Australian tactician he could develop into the next big defensive icon to star in the Premier League.

It has only been six years since Liverpool unloaded a mouth-watering £75m to sign his compatriot Virgil van Dijk, who proved to be a revolutionary addition for Jurgen Klopp. The German had been slowly building towards greatness, and in tempting Southampton to sell they added one of the final pieces of the puzzle.

The 32-year-old has since featured 222 times for the Reds, playing vital roles in their Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup victories.

He was famed for his casual approach to defending, and despite standing at 6 foot 5, had a fine turn of pace as well as technical prowess beyond many in his role.

As such, when compared to other centre-backs across Europe he ranks in the top 4% for passes attempted per 90, and even clocked the fastest speed in the Champions League during the 2018/19 season.

Fortunately for Spurs, Van de Ven would arrive already boasting the foundation to emulate these attributes, which Wolfsburg’s managing director for sport, Marcel Schäfer outlined: "Left foot, extreme speed, plays every second. Micky [has performed] consistently very well throughout the season. He’s a player with huge potential and this season in particular has shown incredible development."

This was supplemented by Ruben Jongkind, the former Head of Talent Development of the Academy at Ajax, who noted: "I worked at Ajax with the biggest talents but the speed that this guy has for a defender? It is crazy."

To pair this with his performances in the Bundesliga last term, he would maintain a 6.85 average rating which was supported by his 88% pass accuracy, 1.4 tackles and 3.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Clearly in possession of defensive steel, but with speed and power to rival that of a prime Van Dijk, perhaps Postecoglou could also build his own dynasty on the back of this Dutch defender with the world at his feet.

Aston Villa are reportedly continuing their pursuit of Leicester City forward Harvey Barnes, who has been a player eyed by the club since May if reports are to be believed.

The Englishman is likely to depart the King Power this summer, following the club’s relegation to the Championship, with plenty of Premier League sides swarming at his availability.

News reported earlier this week by the Daily Mail listed Villa as one of the clubs to have ‘enquired’ about the 25-year-old, named alongside Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham as the sides interested.

A separate report from the Mail added that the Foxes will hope for a price in the region of £35m for the winger, who is contracted to the club until 2025.

Where could Harvey Barnes play at Aston Villa?

Lauded as “unbelievable” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, the forward has shone on the flank for Leicester in the Premier League.

Despite struggling through a damning 2022/23 campaign with the Foxes, the Englishman maintained his superstar status in guiding the side where possible, as highlighted by his 13 goals.

The winger netted just two goals fewer than Villa’s talisman Ollie Watkins, who scored 15 goals in 37 Premier League appearances last season in an inspired feat under Unai Emery.

The Spaniard has transformed the look of the side he inherited from Steven Gerrard, bringing a positive light to the attack at Villa Park in an improvement that fired the Villans to European football.

After a campaign full of highs after starting so discouragingly, it’s difficult to identify areas for improvement, however, Emery’s sights go far beyond a seventh-place finish.

One thing that the side could benefit from is having an additional goalscorer, which is something the former Arsenal boss highlighted to The Athletic in April with his wishes to sign a partner for Watkins made clear.

President of football operations Monchi could hand his compatriot ammunition for his dreams in signing Barnes, who would bolster Villa’s threat in the final third.

Behind Watkins, the Villans’ next top scorer was Danny Ings, who netted nine in all competitions, alarming considering the striker departed the club back in January.

Jacob Ramsey managed to score six as an outlet for goals on the right side, however, his tally could be doubled by Barnes should he tick in Emery’s set-up.

Averaging 0.43 non-penalty goals per 90 last season, Barnes provides a real threat on goal, with further attributes that suggest he could be a strong asset for Watkins to play alongside.

As per FBref, the Englishman averaged 3.32 progressive carries per 90 to show his strength in carrying the ball, as well as 1.29 final third passes per 90, displaying two areas of his game that could benefit the Villa hitman. Indeed, he truly is the "live wire" that Alan Hutton described him.

Last season, Barnes registered an impressive ten assists for Leicester, showing his ability to play a strong pass which could be beneficial to both himself and Watkins should he opt to join Villa, with the striker averaging 53.6% shots on target per 90, via FBref.

A direct player with an eye for goal and a creative spark, it well could elevate Emery’s side and indeed Watkins to the next level.

David de Gea's future is hanging "in the balance" at Manchester United as Erik ten Hag is yet to make a decision on whether to hand the Spaniard a new contract, according to Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest on De Gea?

De Gea endured a somewhat turbulent season with the Red Devils last year.

The 32-year-old won the Premier League Golden Glove award, as well as being nominated for Save of the Season accolade, but made a number of high-profile gaffes throughout the campaign that led to question marks over the shot-stopper's future.

Much of the discourse surrounding De Gea has been due to his inability to play with his feet, certainly in comparison to other goalkeepers in the division, leaving Ten Hag questioning whether a more progressive, modern goalkeeper is needed for his squad.

Despite his contract expiring at the end of June, United left the Spaniard off their retained list at the end of the season, suggesting that contract discussions are taking place.

De Gea has already agreed a pay cut to his £375,000-a-week salary, but talks have seemingly not progressed, even prompting the goalkeeper to post a yawning emoji on his Twitter account.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Dharmesh Sheth admitted that De Gea's future is still very much uncertain at Old Trafford.

"I’ve spoken to him many times about David de Gea, and it looked like it was odds on he was going to stay at Manchester United. Erik ten Hag would make all the right noises in news conferences particularly after high-profile errors David de Gea would make. He would say ‘Look, he’s kept the most clean sheets in the Premier League."

Sheth added: "But the information we’re getting now is that David de Gea’s Manchester United future is in the balance, and that both parties, Manchester United and David de Gea, are considering all of their options."

If De Gea were to leave the club for free, United would need to dip into the market to find a new goalkeeper, leaving even fewer funds to be spread across the rest of the team.

De Gea has enjoyed a fruitful 12-year career at the Theatre of Dreams, appearing 545 times for the Red Devils and winning five major trophies with the club.

Who could United replace De Gea with?

Links with several goalkeepers have already surfaced as United prepare for a potential future without De Gea, the most prominent of which has been rumours of a deal for Inter's Andre Onana.

According to reports, Onana's agent has already met with Manchester United to discuss a move, with Ten Hag being told his side need to cough up over £40m for the recent Champions League finalist.

There have also been strong links with Everton and England stopper Jordan Pickford, as well as Porto's young goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

However, it appears that Onana is the priority should De Gea be pushed out of Old Trafford this summer.

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association has informed the BCCI of their decision not to host two Under-19 Tests between India and England next month

Nagraj Gollapudi08-Jan-20175:35

Ugra: Unsavoury that cricket is being affected

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association has declined to host the two Under-19 Test matches between India and England, scheduled to be played in Chennai in February. The state association sent a brief note stating “domestic programs” as the reason, to the BCCI CEO Rahul Johri informing them of the decision, on January 7.The two four-day matches, scheduled from February 13-16 and February 21-24, are part of the seven-match tour which also includes five ODIs in Mumbai before the Tests. “At the outset we thank you for allotting the India – England Under 19 matches at Chennai between 13th and 16th February and 21st to 24th February 2017. However, we regret to inform you that we are unable to host the matches at Chennai due to various domestic programs scheduled during the period,” the TNCA letter said, as quoted by the The note was sent on a TNCA letterhead that listed several office bearers of the state association including N Srinivasan as the president and Kasi Viswanathan as secretary. It is understood that RA Palani, the joint-secretary and interim caretaker of the TNCA, signed the letter.Both Srinivasan and Viswanathan were disqualified as office bearers by the Supreme Court order of January 2, which stated an administrator could not continue in office if he had completed a cumulative period of nine years at either the state level or the BCCI. Both Srinivasan and Viswanathan have been at TNCA for more than a decade each as office bearers.Palani told the : “It was my decision and I take the responsibility for it. We have a heavy backlog of matches because of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and the Vardah cyclone.””We have to conduct the TNCA first division matches, lower division games and inter-university matches. We need grounds to hold our own matches. At a time like this, it will be extremely hard for us to take the responsibility for two under-19 Tests.”It is understood that the Lodha Committee was displeased after having received a copy of the TNCA letter. The committee felt the former office bearers could be charged with contempt of court order. When asked about the letter, Viswanathan said he was no more with TNCA.Ever since the January 2 judgement, there have been murmurs of disgruntled office bearers trying to find ways to counter the court order. On Saturday, a host of prominent former office bearers including Srinivasan, Anurag Thakur, Ajay Shirke, Rajiv Shukla and Niranjan Shah met in Bangalore to discuss their next step in an informal meeting. The meeting was organised by Srinivasan and attended by 24 state associations. Although one of the officials present at the meeting indicated cricket would not be affected, the TNCA letter could be the first step towards a possible rebellion.

علّق نجم فريق مانشستر سيتي، إيرلينج هالاند، على فوزهم المثير في مباراة الأمس ضد لوتون تاون في بطولة كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي.

وتلاقى الفريقان على ملعب “كيلنورث رود” في إطار منافسات دور الـ16 من بطولة الكأس، حيث فاز مانشستر سيتي بنتيجة 6-2 (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وقدم هالاند أداءً رائعًا في تلك المباراة، حيث تمكن من تسجيل ميجا هاتريك، (5 أهداف)، في حين صنع كيفين دي بروين 4 أهداف.

وقال هالاند في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “لقد وضعنا خطة والتزم الجميع بها تمامًا، لقد لعب الجميع بشكل جيد”.

وأضاف: “دي بروين لاعب كبير، إنه يفعل ما هو أفضل فيه، إنه لمن دواعي سروري اللعب معه، نحن نعرف ما يريده كل منا من الآخر، إنه لاعب ذكي وأحب اللعب معه”.

وواصل: “لياقتي؟ أنا أعود إلى أفضل حالاتي، أخيرًا أشعر أنني بحالة جيدة، إنه شعور رائع، نحن قادمون، أوقات مثيرة تنتظرنا، نحن مستعدون للهجوم”.

تمكن منتخب كوت ديفوار من تسجيل هدف التعادل بشباك نيجيريا، خلال المباراة الجارية بينهما حالياً ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023.

ويلتقي منتخب كوت ديفوار مع نيجيريا، على أرضية استاد الحسن واتارا في العاصمة الإيفوارية أبيدجان.، في المباراة النهائية من بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا.

وجاء هدف التعادل لكوت ديفوار في الدقيقة 62، بعد عرضية من سيمون أدينجرا لداخل منطقة الجزاء استقبلها كيسي برأسية سكنت الشباك.

طالع أيضاً.. مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة كوت ديفوار ونيجيريا في نهائي كأس أمم إفريقيا

وسجل وليام إيكونج هدف نيجيريا الأول في الدقيقة 38، من ركلة ركنية تم تنفيذها بعرضية لداخل منطقة الجزاء حاول دفاع كوت ديفوار إبعادها لكنها وصلت إلى وليام ووضعها برأسية داخل الشباك. هدف تعادل كوت ديفوار نيجيريا في نهائي كأس أمم إفريقيا

There are few things so certain in life as death, taxes and Misbah-ul-Haq facing questions about his future before the final match of a Pakistan Test series. While it is hardly unusual for an international captain to be grilled about their motivation to continue – even Alastair Cook, 11 years younger than his counterpart, was asked similar questions in his press conference – at 42, Misbah knows there are many more Tests behind him than there are ahead.And no matter the result of the match at The Oval, the topic will almost certainly be broached once more at its conclusion; such is the reality of professional cricket life after 40.Misbah’s captaincy of Pakistan is arguably one of the most impressive in the history of the game: that he has rebuilt a team in tatters after it was almost ruined by scandal, led them to become one of the world’s best sides despite never playing at home and helped them regain the respect of the international cricket community ensures his legacy will be monumental whenever he does decide to call time on his career.While winning the Investec Test series is now impossible, levelling the scoreline would still be an impressive feather in Misbah’s already distinguished cap given the current status quo, in which the disadvantages of playing away from home are so difficult to overcome.”Yes, of course, it is a crucial Test for us,” Misbah said. “A win will square the series and it will be really good for morale, also for the team, and it is very important for me also.”Obviously they have the momentum in their own conditions, they are confident but we believe we can come back from any position because this is a do or die Test match for us so we have to really play well.”Throughout the series, Pakistan have struggled with the balance of their side. They gaze at England’s allrounders with all the envious desire of a child at a sweet shop window. Their fast bowlers – unused to playing more than three Tests in a series, unfamiliar with the burden of extra overs required in seam-friendly conditions – have been worn down by a grinding England.Somehow, Misbah must find a way to pick up his bowlers and infuse them with the energy required to take 20 wickets and inspire his batsmen, both in-form and struggling, to give him something to defend. But, having banished thoughts of retirement after the series against England in the UAE last year, he maintained he isn’t afraid of any consequences for his captaincy should they fail to square the series.”I don’t have that sort of fear otherwise I would have retired long ago,” Misbah said. “I am always up for challenges and never thought of the results. I believe in just looking at the challenges and trying hard.”Another daunting Test tour looms in Pakistan’s near future. After returning to the UAE to host West Indies, they will head to New Zealand for two Tests and then Australia for a three-Test series where the experience of Misbah and Younis Khan, in particular, could be crucial. Misbah has been Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in England, with 267 at 44.50, but would not be drawn on how much longer he hopes to continue playing.”It’s really difficult for me to leave the team on these difficult tours,” Misbah said. “That’s why I’m here on this tough series. I’ll be looking forward to that [Australia tour], but let’s see how it goes after this series, and how I plan my future.”That could be really hard for someone young – even as a batsman to replace me in Australian conditions – and obviously it would be a challenge for a young captain.”Of course, there will always be challenging tours and series and, no matter when Misbah does decide to move on, he will leave an enormous crater for Pakistan to fill. But, in the meantime, there is The Oval, there is a chance to level the series and there is the possibility – albeit a slim one – that Pakistan could become the No. 1-ranked side in the world for the first time since the implementation of ICC rankings.”I will keep trying throughout this Test and if Pakistan needs me afterwards, that’s another point. I will think about that after the series but for the moment this is important for me and the Pakistan team. I will just go about this Test match.”

NatWest will become the major ECB sponsor from next year, taking over the branding of the various teams which are currently under the Waitrose deal that will finish early in 2017

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jul-2016NatWest will become the major ECB sponsor from next year, taking over the branding of the various teams which are currently under the Waitrose deal that will finish early in 2017, alongside its current sponsorships which include the T20 Blast and the CricketForce volunteering scheme.The bank has been heavily involved in English cricket since 1980 and the new four-year deal will take them beyond 40 years of association with the sport which began with the domestic 60-over NatWest Trophy.The shirt part of the deal – which includes all England teams – begins at the start of the busiest international summer which includes the Champions Trophy, Women’s World Cup, full tours by South Africa and West Indies and a visit by Ireland at the start of the season.David Wheldon, the chief marketing officer at NatWest, said: “Ever since we first established the NatWest Trophy in conjunction with the ECB in 1980, cricket has been ingrained in the DNA of NatWest and I am delighted that we will be re-invigorating this partnership by becoming the ECB’s first ever Principal Partner.”NatWest are also currently the title sponsors of the T20 Blast and that will continue for 2017 which was the final year of a four-year agreement that began in 2014.There is extensive debate about the future shape of England’s domestic T20 with a recent report saying that a new, franchise-based tournament could begin as early as 2018.One suggestion is that it could be played in conjunction with an 18-team county T20 that would retain its position mainly on Friday nights which has proved successful for some counties in boosting attendances.

Eintracht Frankfurt have confirmed that manager Oliver Glasner will leave at the end of the season, after claims Tottenham Hotspur want him.

What’s the latest Spurs manager news?

Chairman Daniel Levy and Spurs are intensifying the chase for Antonio Conte’s replacement and are said to have completed the due-diligence stage of their managerial search.

Interviews and discussions have been held with a few candidates, including the likes of Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique, coming after the out-of-work pair departed their most previous sides.

Meanwhile, currently employed managers are also attracting interest, with Xabi Alonso of Bayer Leverkusen and Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim among the coaches admired by Levy.

Glasner, who led Eintracht to Europa League glory at the expense of Scottish giants Rangers last season, has also been linked with a move to north London recently.

Indeed, the 48-year-old has apparently been subject to contact from Spurs, with reports suggesting at the time there was a temptation from Glasner to succeed Conte.

After claims that Tottenham have been eyeing him as a potential managerial contender, Eintracht now confirm he will part company.

Despite still having another year left on his deal, the tactician is set to depart 12 months early, as the Bundesliga side release a statement on social media.

They explained:

What could Glasner bring to Spurs?

Rumoured to be a target and in Spurs’ thinking fairly recently, it appears Levy and co will now have a free run at appointing Glasner with no club standing in the way this summer.

He has his credentials, not least his experience clinching European silverware, with Glasner even possessing know-how as a sporting director – having held that role alongside being manager at LASK for four years from 2015 to 2019 (Transfermarkt).

Glasner deploys a 3-4-2-1 formation – potentially meaning Spurs wing-backs like Pedro Porro could benefit from not having to go through the adjustment period of adapting to a back four.

The former Wolfsburg boss has also been praised by rival coaches, like Marco Rose, who’ve praised his “intense” and “aggressive” style.

Rose explained:

“Oliver Glasner’s intense and aggressive football has brought big success to Frankfurt. They have solutions in and out of possession.”

Manchester City have reportedly already begun sketching their plans for transfers in the upcoming transfer window this summer. The current Premier League champions have been linked with a number of players, as well as their plan to offload some stars at the end of the season.

What's the latest on Man City's interest in Alexis Mac Allister?

It has been speculated by 90min that the Citizens are attracted to Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder, Alexis Mac Allister, as a potential target for the midfield engine room, with Ilkay Gundogan expected to depart this summer.

It's also thought that it could cost in the region of £70m to lure the Argentine to the Etihad this summer.

The German’s contract expires at the end of June this year and with no new plans put in place, it looks as though his seven-year stay in Manchester could be coming to a close. City have been linked with Jude Bellingham, who is one of Europe’s most favoured midfielders set to be on the move before next season, however, Mac Allister could pose as a worthy alternative.

What could Mac Allister bring to Manchester City?

The World Cup-winning machine has shone this season for Brighton, contributing to nine goals (eight goals, one assist) so far. The Argentinian has caught the eye of a handful of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, however, the 24-year-old could be a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s plans.

While all attention is on the movement of Jude Bellingham, there is no guarantee that City would win the race for the Englishman, who is believed to be valued over the £100m mark and has gained interest from Real Madrid, making the saga an exciting, but uncertain one.

Mac Allister looks set to depart Brighton in the summer, with his father claiming to Argentinian outlet Ole that he will be “playing for another team by July”. An understanding from sources at 90min explains that a move within the Premier League would suit the midfielder’s plans more, with his price tag reportedly around the £70m mark.

When looking into what Mac Allister – who reporter Roy Nemer once lauded as "unplayable" – offer City, and the doubts over Gundogan’s future at the club, it’s important to highlight the areas that the World Cup winner could step up in his potential absence.

The 24-year-old is versatile in midfield, winning an average of 75% of his challenges per 90 minutes, as well as being heavily involved with the build up to goals.

Gundogan has registered 8.2 in build up to expected goals, which Mac Allister tops with 9.1xG build up. When considering the style of play of City, the midfielder would be a player ready to flourish in a fast-paced engine room, as well as being already accustomed to the demands of the Premier League.

Guardiola and Mac Allister have already agreed on one thing this season, and that’s the Champions League winning manager’s claim that there is “no team better” than the Seagulls at transitioning defence into attack – a style that is heavily implemented by Guardiola for all his players to follow.

If the Premier League champions cannot lure Bellingham to Manchester, then Mac Allister would be a worthy – if not perfect – alternative, given the evidence above.