Tag Futebol

Liverpool are looking for new additions this summer who can improve upon their performances seen this season and now a new update has emerged on one of the club's top targets.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Kouadio Kone?

According to Football Transfers, Liverpool are in talks to sign Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Kouadio "Manu" Kone this summer.

As per the report, discussions have been held with Kone and his representatives in the club's pursuit to identify players who can be part of Jurgen Klopp's midfield rebuild at Anfield.

It is claimed that the Bundesliga club are commanding a transfer fee of up to €40m (£34m) to part ways with their talented player and will need to compete with Newcastle United for his signature.

Would Kone be a good signing for Liverpool?

The German coach has made no secret of his desire and intentions to improve the squad this summer after an incredibly disappointing campaign both in the Premier League and Champions League this season, which has ultimately led to the club falling into the Europa League next season.

One of the key areas of concern is the midfield with not only a number of players either out of contract or reaching the latter stages of their careers at this point but the output in the centre of the pitch has lacked energy and dominance over the last 12 months.

As a result, the signing of Kone is a great place to start for the Merseysiders with the Bundesliga sensation potentially the perfect alternative to former transfer target Moises Caicedo for a fraction of the Brighton star's £90m asking price.

The 22-year-old Frenchman – hailed as "monstrous" and a "warrior" by Jacek Kulig – is an extremely talented midfielder with Caicedo coincidentally named as one of his most comparable positional peers – as per FBref – and it's not hard to see why.

When comparing the midfield pair's outputs this season they share many similarities in key attributes including pass completion rate (86.2% v 88.5%), tackles and interceptions completed (106 v 106), take-on success (48.3% v 51.9%), ball recoveries (221 v 248) and goal-creating actions per 90 (0.17 v 0.14).

Not only that, the former Toulouse talent ranks ninth for tackles and tenth for progressive passes, passes into the final third and shots on target in the entire Bundesliga this season, which is a testament to his strong box-to-box abilities allowing him to be a huge presence in both attacking play and defensive transition.

These comparable traits will be of huge interest to the Liverpool hierarchy after interest in the Seagulls midfielder, as the potential to bring in a young midfielder who possesses a very similar profile without the need to spend heavily will certainly capture the attention of the well-renowned tight-spending club owners this summer.

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer to snap up the services of Kone if Liverpool remain keen to bring in a player who can offer the qualities needed to improve ball retention and the performances in midfield next season.

Indeed, at such a young age he can be moulded to become a superstar under Klopp's guidance like many before him.

Tottenham Hotspur could announce the appointment of Feyenoord manager Arne Slot "within days" if an agreement is secured, according to journalist Wayne Veysey.

Who could Spurs appoint as manager?

The Lilywhites are still hunting for Antonio Conte's permanent replacement at N17, coming after they parted company with him around two months ago.

Spurs and Conte split ways after the Premier League side ultimately failed to build upon their top four success last season, not to mention the Italian's scathing post-match rant after a 3-3 draw to Southampton.

Since the former Chelsea manager's departure, a succession of coaches have been linked with the vacancy, but chairman Daniel Levy is thought to have narrowed down his shortlist.

Indeed, reports suggest that the likes of Ruben Amorim of Sporting CP, Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi and Slot are all contending for the role – yet it is the latter man taking centre stage right now.

It is believed that the 44-year-old, fresh off the back of his first ever Eredivisie title win, is a serious target for Spurs and Slot is in pole position ahead of other candidates.

Talks have even been held with the former AZ Alkmaar boss, and now reporter Veysey has made a huge claim, writing in a piece for Football Insider.

According to his information, Spurs could announce Slot's appointment "within days" if an agreement is sealed, with negotiations thought to be progressing and at an advanced stage.

The Lilywhites are apparently "confident" of hiring the Dutchman "this week" and he is open to leaving Feyenoord despite his recent success with them.

If all goes to plan, the club could seemingly make serious strides imminently in their hunt for a new manager.

Who is Arne Slot?

While it remains to be seen if Veysey's big claim will come to fruition in the next few days, Slot certainly has his credentials when it comes to the Spurs job.

Not only does he now have a league title on his CV, but the Feyenoord boss also reached a Europa Conference League final last year – unluckily missing out on the trophy to Roma.

Slot has also been revered by Dutch media for his attack-minded and exciting style of play, with journalist Marcel van der Kraan (via talkSPORT) calling him a "maniac" in that regard:

“The best thing about Arne Slot is that he is probably the best attacking coach I have seen in the last 35-40 years at Feyenoord.

“He is very similar to Pep Guardiola, his ideas are very similar, he is a massive fan of Pep and he plays the same time.

“He goes ultra-attacking, he is almost like a maniac. Not on the touchline but it is fantastic to see how he has turned an average side into a wonderful attacking machine."

South Africa is set to get a T20 Premier League of its own after the board was presented with a proposal for an eight-team tournament, which will run separately to other domestic cricket in the country

Firdose Moonda26-Jul-2016

South Africa is set to get a T20 Premier League of its own after the board was presented with a proposal for an eight-team tournament, which will run separately to other domestic cricket in the country. If approved, the competition will begin in the 2017-18 season and will take place in November-December, with a final pencilled in for December 16, a public holiday in South Africa.Should the new tournament become a reality, it would drastically alter South Africa’s twenty-over landscape, which is languishing behind other countries. While the IPL, BBL, CPL, BPL, PSL and NatWest T20 Blast continue to attract big names, South Africa’s Ram Slam competition has struggled to do the same. The weak Rand and the scheduling – which often coincides with international cricket, including fixtures played by South Africa – are to blame.CSA intended to fix the second of those this season, when, in February, they moved a Test against Sri Lanka to ensure South African internationals could be available for the Ram Slam. But, when the domestic fixtures were announced in June it emerged that several players will be unavailable for that tournament because they will be playing Test cricket in Australia, meaning the 2016-17 Ram Slam will not be too dissimilar to its predecessors.There will be at least one big name, with Kevin Pietersen signing for Dolphins for the second season in succession. South Africa’s domestic twenty-over tournaments have had a small selection of players of Pietersen’s profile involved, mostly from the Caribbean. In previous seasons, Chris Gayle played for Dolphins, Kieron Pollard for Cobras, Sohail Tanvir for Lions, Andre Russell for Knights, and Darren Sammy for Titans, but the domestic transformation targets and the small number of franchise teams make it difficult to attract more big names.For that reason, there has been talk of an expansion into eight franchises, which CSA is mulling across all formats, but it is likely to be implemented in this new T20 event first. Details regarding the funding of the competition are yet to be revealed.

Tottenham Hotspur are 'dealing' with Julian Nagelsmann and have asked him for a summer commitment, according to Sky Sports Germany.

What's the latest on Nagelsmann?

The 35-year-old is a hot property and major target for Spurs, with reports suggesting that he is their number one priority to replace Antonio Conte.

Chairman Daniel Levy is still on the lookout for Conte's successor well over a month after both the club and Italian parted company, but it is believed the likes of Vincent Kompany and Arne Slot are also in their thinking.

After being surprisingly sacked by Bayern, Nagelsmann is a free agent and readily-available for hire, and Spurs could even have a free run at trying to hire him after his talks to join Chelsea fell through.

The Premier League top four outside hopefuls must get their next appointment right or potentially risk more backlash from the fanbase, who have already protested the ownership of ENIC and Levy.

Spurs have seen two interim managers take the reins since Conte's departure, with Cristian Stellini being relieved of his duties after a 6-1 humiliation against Newcastle United.

Ryan Mason is overseeing the squad until the end of this season as Levy works on a permanent managerial appointment in the background – and Sky Germany have shared an update on their pursuit of Nagelsmann.

The reliable broadcaster claims Spurs are 'dealing' with the ex-RB Leipzig coach behind-the-scenes have 'asked' him for a summer commitment as they make an approach. There have not yet been concrete negotiations, though, and Nagelsmann apparently wants clarity over his role and in terms of control over transfers.

It's reiterated that he will not go to Chelsea, but the unanswered questions at Spurs means Nagelsmann is 'waiting' to fully commit.

What could Nagelsmann bring to Spurs?

As well as being one of the most exciting managers in Europe, having already clinched a league title at his young age, he's also been called 'crazy' by members of the media like BBC Sport Writer Raj Chohan for some of his in-game tacticial decisions.

Just before Bayern relieved Nagelsmann of his duties, Joshua Kimmich raved over the manager, claiming he is among the best coaches he's ever had, explaining to the media:

"I can only say that Julian Nagelsmann is an outstanding coach. Really, I’ve had a lot of coaches and a lot of top coaches and despite that, I’d say he’s easily in the top three of my best coaches."

He would also bring an intense, attacking style to Tottenham which would surely excite supporters.

Arsenal are targeting a centre-back in the summer to provide stronger support for William Saliba, journalist David Ornstein has claimed.

What's going on with Arsenal and Saliba?

Arsenal found themselves struggling to maintain their excellent form this season when Saliba picked up an injury against Sporting CP in the Europa League, with Rob Holding failing to deputise properly for the Frenchman.

January signing Jakub Kiwior replaced Holding as Arsenal returned to winning ways against Chelsea after four games without victory, and with Saliba's injury thought to be severe, it seems that the right centre-back role is one they are targeting in the summer window.

Speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast (10.30), Ornstein claimed that the club will be actively looking to upgrade their depth in the position in order to avoid a similiar drop-off in quality next season.

"Central defence is one that I definitely really think there'll be looking to bring reinforcements in, whether it's a starter or a backup player," he stated.

"I think Rob holding will have a year to go, and despite his clear quality, we've seen in the absence of William Saliba, that it's a bit of a mark down when he's absent."

How can Arsenal reshape their defence?

Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are the first choice centre-backs, and will likely continue to be next season.

Ben White made a successful move to right-back, and he shares the role with Takehiro Tomiyasu. With cover needed for Saliba, a centre-back seems to be the logical signing.

However, there have been previous links with Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda. If the teenager joins, then White or Tomiyasu could move to the centre as cover whenever Saliba is not available, with Fresneda covering the right.

Kiwior will provide cover for Gabriel as a left-footer, and a right-sided defender who can perform to a similar level of Saliba would be ideal.

There have been links with Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, and given that Arsenal have now qualified for the Champions League, they may be able to afford a bigger signing in what is a crucial area of the squad.

Rob Holding will have one year left on his deal, and now he has shown his inability to provide cover at the back, he would ideally be sold after seven seasons at the club. Despite making over 150 apperarances for the club, he has failed to prove himself as a serious option heading into a season where quality depth will be paramount.

Tottenham Hotspur have identified Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as leading candidate to become their new manager, according to a recent report from the Independent.

What's the latest Tottenham manager news?

Tottenham have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Burnley manager Vincent Kompany, as it has recently transpired he wants to stay on with the Clarets for an additional season, making it unlikely he will take another job in the off-season.

A surprise new candidate for the job is South Korea boss Jurgen Klinsmann, who is now being considered by chairman Daniel Levy, while former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has also been linked with the role.

At one stage, it was claimed that Mauricio Pochettino was "pushing hard" for a return to N17, however the club's hierarchy is said to have reservations about re-appointing the Argentine, and rivals Chelsea are now in talks.

According to a report from the Independent, Slot is now being viewed as a leading candidate for the Spurs job, as the Feyenoord boss has struck the board as the manager who best fits what they want.

The 44-year-old is viewed as a manager on an upward curve, with experience working with young players, akin to Pochettino when he was first appointed in 2014, which may make him a more attractive option than some big-name managers.

Although the Dutchman is one of the main contenders, Tottenham are also still monitoring Julian Nagelsmann, while Roberto De Zerbi has also been considered, but a deal for the Italian would be difficult to strike.

Should Tottenham appoint Arne Slot?

There are plenty of indications the Bergentheim-born tactician would bring an exciting style of football to Spurs, having been hailed as "ultra-attacking" by Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan.

During his time with Feyenoord, Slot has led the club to the Europa Conference League final, before narrowly coming up short against Roma, while his side are also way out in front at the top of the Eredivisie, having lost just one game all season.

The former AZ Alkmaar boss has never managed outside of the Netherlands, which means it would be a risk to appoint him, however Levy has been unsuccessful when bringing in proven Premier League managers, including Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho.

As such, the Feyenoord boss could end up being a shrewd appointment for Tottenham, and they should continue to monitor his availability between now and the end of the season.

Manchester United are interested in signing Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson during the summer transfer window, according to a new report.

How good is Evan Ferguson?

The Red Devils are expected to be in the market for a new central attacker at the end of this season, with the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen in the mix to be high-profile additions. One player who is enjoying something of a breakthrough season is Ferguson, with the 18-year-old catching the eye greatly with his performances for Brighton. He has scored three goals in just five Premier League starts for the Seagulls and also netted his first goal for the Republic of Ireland last weekend.

Big things are being predicted of Ferguson in the coming years and it could be that Brighton find it difficult to keep hold of him beyond this summer. With United looking at attacking additions, an interesting update has emerged regarding a move for the teenager.

Could starlet join Man Utd this summer?

According to Football Insider, Ferguson is "seen as a potential project signing" at Old Trafford, coming in as a long-term acquisition. It is stated that United are "still very much in the market for a top-class number nine this summer", with Kane, Osimhen and Goncalo Ramos mentioned as the front-runners to fill that void and be an upgrade on the likes of Wout Weghorst and Anthony Martial. Ferguson's current Brighton deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2026, however, so Brighton are likely to demand a lot of money for one of their most prized assets.

United have been so good at bringing in top young talent down the years, whether it be Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney or Rio Ferdinand, to name just a few, and snapping up Ferguson at this point in his career could prove to be a masterstroke.

The three-cap Republic of Ireland international really does look like a great prospect, with Kylian Mbappe speaking highly of him after France's 1-0 victory on Monday night, which is extremely high praise coming from arguably the best footballer of his generation. Not only that, but Ferguson has been described as 'special' by Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.

He could come in as a squad player to begin with – an elite striker also needs to be signed – eventually maturing a potentially top-class footballer in his own right as the years pass, as he learns from those around him at Old Trafford.

Aston Villa are one of a number of Premier League sides keen on AFC Bournemouth defender Jordan Zemura, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Zemura profiled

Zemura is out of contract in a matter of months and is on course to become a free agent in the summer. The 23-year-old made the move to Bournemouth back in 2019 from Charlton Athletic after previously being on the books at Queens Park Rangers as a youngster.

The Zimbabwe international has made 61 senior appearances for the Cherries in total, playing a key role in their promotion-winning season last year after turning out on 33 occasions in the Championship. Zemura has gone on to feature 19 times in the Premier League this term, with his first taste of action in the top flight coming in their opening weekend win over Villa.

However, it now looks as if a move to the Midlands could be a possibility for Zemura, who has been hailed as ‘excellent’ by former manager Scott Parker.

The Latest: Villa interest

90min reporters Graeme Bailey and Toby Cudworth shared a transfer update on Zemura in the last 48 hours, claiming that West Ham are actually leading the chase for the Bournemouth man at this moment in time.

However, they also said that Villa are admirers of Zemura alongside Leeds United and Newcastle United. The full-back also has interest from France and Germany, with Bournemouth unable to agree on new terms over a fresh contract.

The Verdict: One to watch?

Unai Emery bolstered his left-back options in January by bringing in Alex Moreno from Real Betis to rival Lucas Digne. However, there has been some speculation over a possible exit for Digne, with Villa reportedly open to offers for the Frenchman earlier this year.

Meanwhile, reporter Pete O’Rourke also believes that Emery may not fully trust Digne, so if he moves on in the summer, Zemura could be viewed as a potential long-term replacement.

The Bournemouth man appears to be at the top of his game, with a career-high €4m (£3.5m) Transfermarkt valuation and may well have scope to improve even further under Emery before hitting his prime.

Therefore, a move could be one to keep an eye on over the coming months, especially if Bournemouth are one of three sides to suffer relegation in May, although Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney is another left-back to be linked with a move to Villa Park and would offer more top-flight experience than Zemura.

Arsenal are reportedly admirers of Borussia Dortmund and England central midfielder Jude Bellingham, and could make a move this summer.

The Lowdown: One of the best

Bellingham has already established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world at the tender age of just 19.

He already has top 15% for all midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues in the past year for a number of key metrics.

At international level, Bellingham was a ‘monster’ for England at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, in the words of former footballer Curtis Woodhouse, and is showing maturity well beyond his years.

The Latest: Arsenal admirers

Co-writing for The Athletic, reporter David Ornstein says that Arsenal are admirers of Bellingham, as they target a new midfielder in the summer.

However, his price may be out of reach, as it is expected to be upwards of €150m (£132m), with Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid likely to be primary contenders for his signature.

The Verdict: Go for it?

Of course, Bellingham’s price is extortionate, and far more than the club-record £72m they paid for Nicolas Pepe in 2019.

However, given that he is just 19 and already starring for England and in a major league at club level, it could be worth it for the Gunners in the long run.

Mikel Arteta’s team will need midfield cover come next season, given Mohamed Elneny’s long-term injury and the fact that Thomas Partey has also been prone to injuries throughout his career at the Emirates Stadium, and Bellingham is capable of slotting straight into the starting line-up and transforming the midfield as the North Londoners look to battle on four fronts next term.

Arsenal are reportedly willing to pay a British-record transfer fee to sign West Ham United central midfielder Declan Rice this summer.

The Lowdown: British record broken

Chelsea broke the British-record transfer fee in January when they signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for a whopping £106.8m.

This surpassed the £100m that Manchester City paid Aston Villa to sign Jack Grealish, but the British record could be broken again in the summer according to reports.

The Latest: Arsenal willing to go big

As per Spanish sources, Arsenal are ‘willing’ to pay as much as €134m (£120m) to sign Rice this summer, which would be a new British-record fee.

The report adds that Chelsea were ‘close’ to signing him last summer, but after already paying big money for Fernandez, Arsenal have a ‘golden opportunity’ to sign Rice instead.

The Verdict: Worth it?

The Gunners will have a big decision to make in the summer over whether they should be paying so much for Rice.

Only Thomas Partey can match him for average tackles (2.3) per game in the Premier League in Mikel Arteta’s squad, while nobody can match him for interceptions (1.7), suggesting that he could be a level-raiser in the middle of the park.

Hailed as a ‘monster’, a ‘force of nature’, a ‘leader’ and a ‘serious talent’ by journalist Rob Blanchette, the six-foot-one colossus is thought of very highly, and at 24 years of age, he has not reached his peak yet.

Being an England international means that the north Londoners will have to pay a premium for Rice, but he could turn out to be worth it in the long- term.