All posts by h716a5.icu

South East Stars restricted their opponents to 84, knocking off their target with 29 balls to spare

ECB Reporters Network16-Jun-2024South East Stars will fancy themselves to lift the Charlotte Edwards Cup for a second time after an emphatic five-wicket victory over erstwhile favourites The Blaze at Derby.Bryony Smith’s 2021 champions shot out the East Midlands team – runners-up last year – for just 84, a first defeat in 16 points-table matches in the competition for Kirstie Gordon’s team since they changed their name from Lightning to The Blaze two years ago.The two could meet again in next Saturday’s Final on the same ground, both having already qualified for the semi-finals, to be played on the same day.On a used pitch, left-arm seamer Alexa Stonehouse took 3 for 13, with Ryana MacDonald-Gay and spinners Dani Gregory and Tilly Corteen-Coleman claiming two wickets each, England’s Sarah Glenn top-scoring for The Blaze with 21 from 24 balls.Leg-spinner Glenn took 3 for 14 with the ball but with Emma Jones striking an unbeaten 30 from just 25 balls, the Stars were home and dry with 29 balls to spare.After skipper Gordon had opted to bat first, The Blaze innings could hardly have started less auspiciously, with three wickets lost in the first two overs and a fourth in the fifth.Corteen-Coleman, the Stars’ 16-year-old left-arm spinner, had England opener Tammy Beaumont leg before with her fourth ball, before Stonehouse hit Marie Kelly in front and had Sarah Bryce caught behind in a double-wicket maiden.Three for three became 12 for four in the fifth over as Australian international Heather Graham was bowled off an inside edge.Kathryn Bryce missed a straight one from Jones and Ella Claridge hit a Gregory full toss straight to deep midwicket, leaving The Blaze 40 for 6 just past the halfway stage, after which a mini-recovery ended with leg-spinner Gregory catching a skied leading edge to dismiss Josie Groves off her own bowling to make it 66 for 7.Glenn, playing on her home ground, stuck around long enough to drag the total into the 80s before she was bowled by Corteen-Coleman, having lost two more partners in Gordon and Lucy Higham, who both holed out to mid-on.The Blaze have a good record defending small totals, but even with leading run-getters Paige Scholfield and Sophia Dunkley missing, it never seemed likely that the Stars would miss out.They lost Smith caught at mid-on as left-armer Grace Ballinger opened with a wicket-maiden and were two down in the powerplay after Phoebe Franklin cut Glenn straight to backward point, with Aylish Cranstone caught at mid-off in the 10th.Yet they were always comfortably up with the required rate and after Jones hit Kathryn Bryce for three boundaries in the 14th over, just nine were needed in 36 balls.Glenn picked up her second wicket with a fine return catch to deny Georgia Redmayne (23) the chance to be there at the finish and a third when Alice Davidson-Richards drove to mid-off for a two-ball duck, but Jones hammered the ball back over bowler Gordon’s head to win the match with a six in the next over.

Rangers have made contact to sign a £20,000-a-week player who has been likened to full-back Jefte, according to a Sky Sports reporter.

Rangers window ramps up as Cameron unveiled as first signing

Russell Martin is currently preparing for his first Scottish Premiership season in charge at Ibrox, with players set to report back for pre-season on Monday ahead of an early Champions League qualifier in July.

However, in the transfer market, the 49ers are looking to back their new manager with additions in the window. One move that was agreed before Martin arrived and the 49ers officially took over was a pre-contract agreement for Lyall Cameron, with the midfielder joining Rangers from Dundee.

Cameron was unveiled as a new Rangers player on Tuesday after a stellar 2024/25 campaign which saw him score 14 goals and provide nine assists. Speaking on his recent performances, Cameron said:

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ByBen Gray Jun 18, 2025

Alongside the midfielder, there have also been strong links to AFC Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons, with claims even suggesting a verbal agreement was done and a loan move was close for the Englishman.

However, there has been a new update on a move for the full-back who has been likened to Jefte.

Rangers in contact to sign Aarons as Bournemouth stance shared

Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam provided an update on Rangers’ attempts to sign Aarons on Tuesday.

He stated that contact has been made by Rangers for the 25-year-old, however, while the Gers are looking at doing a loan deal for the £20,000-a-week defender, Bournemouth would prefer a permanent transfer.

Aarons appears to be out of favour at the Vitality Stadium under Andoni Iraola but is still under contract on the south coast until 2029. Therefore, a move could be complicated as the Cherries are looking to recoup as much of the £7m they paid for Aarons, whereas Rangers want him on a temporary basis.

Milan van Ewijk

Coventry City

Jefte

Rangers

Isaac Schmidt

Leeds United

Jordi Alba

Inter Miami

Alistair Johnston

Celtic

One way the clubs could get around negotiations could be to include an option or obligation to buy Aarons next summer, but at this moment in time, a deal doesn’t appear to be as advanced as previously suggested.

Russell Martin is the 20th permanent manager in Rangers’ 153-year history, but he’s got plenty of work to do if he’s going to be a success at Ibrox.

Last season, the Gers finished second in the Premiership, a whopping 17 points adrift of the champions, and ended the campaign trophyless, most notably dumped out of the Scottish Cup having suffered their first-ever home defeat against lower-league opposition in the competition.

So, if the Light Blues are going to be ready for the start of Champions League qualifying next month, Martin is going to want to be very busy in the transfer market, so could he be reunited with a player for the third time?

Rangers targeting a new centre-back

According to a report by EFL Analysis, Rangers remain interested in signing centre-back Harry Darling, labelling this potential move to Glasgow a ‘very intriguing prospect’, with Norwich City also pursuing the defender.

The 25-year-old is a free agent, having left Swansea City, and has twice played for Martin before, first at Milton Keynes, before the new Rangers manager signed Darling three years ago when he was in charge of the Swans.

Recently-appointed Norwich boss Liam Manning, who replaced Martin at MK, described Darling as “outstanding”, adding that he is more than “capable” of playing at a high level, so could he turn down the Canaries and reunite with Martin once more?

How Harry Darling compares to Robin Pröpper

According to reports in the Netherlands, Robin Pröpper is set to re-join FC Twente this summer, with the Eredivisie side willing to pay around half of the £2.5m they received for the centre-back a mere 12 months ago.

The Dutchman made 43 appearances during his first, and potentially only, season at Rangers, scoring during victories over both Celtic and Dundee United, but more notably getting sent off just 13 minutes into the Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Club.

Pröpper himself admitted that “maybe I underestimated” the level of competition one faces in the Scottish Premiership, with his performances often widely criticised, including by Aaron Nijjar of Football Insider, who noted that his ‘struggles continued’ following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park in December.

Meantime, Ewan Paton of the Rangers Review believes that Scottish football is ‘too quick and physical for his capabilities’, suggesting that supporters would be pleased to see the back of him.

But, would Darling be an upgrade? Let’s assess the pair’s respective statistics to answer that question.

Appearances

39

43

Minutes

3,337

3,210

% of dribblers tackled

56.5%

55.6%

Tackles per 90

0.8

1.2

Interceptions per 90

0.6

0.9

Clearances per 90

5

3.8

Ball recoveries

152

36

% of aerial duels won

64.2%

54%

% of ground duels won

66%

53.25%

Average Sofascore Rating

7.23

6.69

As the table outlines, pretty much across the board, Darling comes out on top for the vast majority of defensive metrics included.

Worth considering that also, according to Global Football Rankings, the EFL Championship is the 11th strongest division in the world, with the Scottish Premiership down in 43rd, albeit 11 of Pröpper’s outings did come in either Champions League qualifying or the Europa League.

Writer Kai Watson believes that Darling would be ‘perfect’ for Martin’s system, labelling him ‘very comfortable on the ball and a brilliant passer’, underlining that this deal is a no-brainer for Rangers, especially considering he’s a free agent.

Martin's own Kamara: Rangers exploring move to sign "ridiculous" £10m star

Rangers have explored a deal for a £10m-rated star who could be Russell Martin’s own Glen Kamara.

ByDan Emery Jun 12, 2025

Most clubs across the Premier League terrain must watch Liverpool’s cool-headed transfer operation with envy. Last summer, FSG were ridiculed for failing to back Arne Slot in the market.

Who’s laughing now? Not only have Liverpool bagged themselves a Premier League title, dethroning Manchester City and always proving too good for injury-hit Arsenal, but they’ve done it with a lack of investment they were so mocked for one year ago.

Now, though, Liverpool are employing a defence-by-attack strategy in the transfer market, having signed Jeremie Frimpong to fill the Trent Alexander-Arnold-shaped hole at right-back.

Milos Kerkez is also being targeted on the left side of defence, and, barring a crushing change of the wind, Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz will be playing at Anfield next season too.

The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool

Though it might feel like negotiations between Leverkusen and Liverpool are becoming protracted, we’re talking about a player who will likely break the British transfer record, valued at as much as €150m (£126m), and thus lengthy discussions are to be expected.

The main thing is Liverpool expect to complete the signing of the German playmaker this summer, marking a stunning coup after Manchester City and Bayern Munich were beaten in the race last month, Wirtz stating his preference to move to the red half of Merseyside.

A second official offer worth around £110m has been rejected, but FSG are calm and composed, with all parties looking to get the deal over the line in the coming weeks.

Wirtz will revolutionise Liverpool’s attacking midfield, reorienting the creative centre following Alexander-Arnold’s departure. Make no mistake, this is a significant statement of intent.

Wirtz isn’t the only prodigious attacking star Liverpool are interested in buying this summer, though, with FSG supposedly joining the race for one of English football’s most sought-after teenagers.

Liverpool join race for English prodigy

As per Football Insider, Liverpool have entered the race for Southampton prospect Tyler Dibling, who exploded onto the major stage this season and is now being courted by a wide range of clubs.

The 19-year-old is expected to leave Saints after their relegation from the Premier League, and Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are all keen.

Initial Southampton demands of £100m have fallen flat, and it’s expected Dibling would be available for something in the ballpark of £55m, so whether Liverpool wish to go forward depends on their stance.

What Tyler Dibling would bring to Liverpool

There’s no way Liverpool could have justified paying £100m for Dibling, and some will feel that even that figure is rather steep for a teenager who’s only played 43 matches as a professional.

Former Southampton boss Russell Martin said in an interview with Gary Lineker that Dibling is “the most talented player” he’s ever worked with, and while the 39-year-old will be biased in his assessment, there’s little question Dibling is the real deal.

Having started 20 Premier League fixtures this term, Dibling made quite the impression, finishing the campaign ranked among the top 13% of the division’s attacking midfielders and wingers for successful take-ons completed per 90, as per FBref, as well as the top 19% for pass completion.

Dibling also won 4.2 duels and one tackle per top-flight game, as per Sofascore, which illustrates his tenacious athleticism. Not just a silky, fleet-footed winger, the English talent is a committed and driven individual, willing to put in the hard yards.

Not many players exude such precocity in their teenage years, but Dibling is certainly one of them. Wirtz is another. Germany’s playmaking poster boy has been hailed as “the best midfielder in the world” by former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes, having overcome adversity in his fledgling years to establish himself as one of the best in the business.

He’s still only 22, remember, but Wirtz made his name as a true prodigy several years ago, regarded by talent scout Jacek Kulig to be “one of the most exciting prospects in the world” when he was a teenager.

Wirtz overcame the agony of an ACL injury in his maiden stage and has bounced back to look as good as ever, if not more so. The two-time Bundesliga Player of the Season has bounced back and then some, and he could surely enter Ballon d’Or conversations with a continuation of his journey under Slot’s wing at Anfield.

24/25

45

16

15

23/24

49

18

20

22/23

25

4

8

21/22

31

10

14

20/21

38

8

8

19/20

9

1

0

The Liverpool hothouse is adding some new quality, all right, and Dibling could be the next to join the fold. Like Wirtz, he’s distinctly brilliant in his early career stage, standing out above his peers.

Moreover, the doom of relegation this season has given Dibling a setback to learn from as he looks to make his name, further suggesting he offers shades of the Germany sensation, but in a different way, a way in which both variations of the silky profile could play in Liverpool’s starting line-up for years to come.

Hailed by Saints correspondent Alfie House for his “incredible” start to life in the Premier League, Dibling has got the pick of several high-profile suitors, it seems, but it’s hard to argue against Liverpool being the perfect place for him to move to, serving as Salah’s understudy and following Wirtz in moving to Slot’s project.

An amazing Mane repeat: £40m star has now "agreed" to sign for Liverpool

Liverpool are set to bid for another star after signing Jeremie Frimpong, and he could be a Sadio Mane repeat.

ByDan Emery Jun 2, 2025

Fulham are now ready to make a move for an “incredible” manager, should Marco Silva decide to leave this summer, according to a report.

Silva's future at Craven Cottage still in doubt

Having been at Craven Cottage since 2021, Silva is now among the longest-serving Premier League managers, behind only Pep Guardiola, Thomas Frank and Mikel Arteta, but there have been suggestions his time in west London could now be coming to an end.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham Hotspur persist with Ange Postecoglou after their Europa League triumph, but should they part ways with the Australian, the Cottagers boss could be among the main candidates to be brought in as a replacement.

In the same report, it is revealed the 47-year-old coach could also be tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia this summer, with several clubs ready to offer him mega money to leave the Premier League despite his insistence this weekend that he will stay put.

Agent says Fulham have submitted "very important" bid for 24 y/o goalkeeper

Could the Cottagers be bolstering a key area of the pitch?

ByHenry Jackson May 12, 2025

As such, Fulham have now started to identify potential replacements for the Portuguese manager just in case, and a report from The Sun states they are now ready to make a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira.

Indeed, should Silva decide to move on, the Cottagers will look to raid their Premier League rivals for Pereira, who enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in England, leading the Old Gold to safety after replacing Gary O’Neil in the dugout.

The Portuguese coach is the number one choice to replace his compatriot, having been identified as an ideal fit, and there is a feeling the west Londoners could offer him a more lucrative financial package and a better long-term plan than he currently has at Molineux.

Pereira could be "incredible" Silva heir

The Wolves boss had a tough job on his hands after replacing O’Neil, but Wolves ultimately managed to avoid relegation with ease, at one point winning six matches on the spin from March until the end of April.

In light of the job the 56-year-old has done at Molineux, he has also received high praise from Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer, who said: “He really has done an incredible job, the whole atmosphere on the pitch and off the pitch,”

“He’s given everyone belief and confidence, made them more solid at the back. All over the park, they’re better, so he’s done a great job.”

The feel-good factor off the pitch is perhaps best showcased by the fact the former FC Porto boss has even been known to go to the pub for a pint with Wolves fans after matches.

Having also been nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Season award, there are plenty of signs that Pereira could be a great replacement for Silva, but Fulham will ultimately be hoping their manager stays, having stabilised them as a top-flight club.

Tottenham Hotspur are now ready to trigger an “unbelievable” player’s release clause this summer, according to reports, with chairman Daniel Levy and co apparently eager to make him a Spurs player before 2025/2026.

Tottenham kickstart summer transfer plans regardless of Postecoglou

Right now, the uncertainty surrounding Ange Postecoglou and his long-term future at Spurs is taking centre stage.

Manager officially quits club after Paratici urges Tottenham to hire him

The ex-Lilywhites director is widely rumoured to be nearing a return to Spurs.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 20, 2025

Postecoglou’s immediate focus is on ending Spurs’ 17-year wait for a major trophy and guiding them to a place in the Champions League draw for next season, but even if he seals a fairytale ending to an otherwise dismal campaign, the Australian is still expected to part company.

Son Heung-min

7.00

Pedro Porro

6.98

James Maddison

6.98

Dominic Solanke

6.85

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

David Ornstein and other reliable media sources report that Postecoglou will likely leave Tottenham, even if they win the Europa League, so Levy and the Lilywhites could soon have a managerial conundrum to resolve before next term.

That being said, there are suggestions that the club have still kickstarted summer transfer plans, regardless of who is eventually confirmed as their head coach.

French newspaper Le Parisien recently stated that Tottenham are in talks with Lille star Jonathan David, after the striker confirmed that he’ll be leaving when his contract expires this summer.

The north Londoners could sense a real opportunity here to strengthen their ranks at zero transfer cost, which is made all the more imperative by credible information that Tottenham could be set for a ‘sell to buy’ summer (The Telegraph).

Davie’s potential arrival would also allow Spurs to free up funds for other targets, like Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The England international has enjoyed another terrific campaign at Selhurst Park, ending it by scoring the FA Cup final-winning goal for Palace at Wembley on Saturday, which clinched the club’s first ever piece of major silverware at the expense of Man City.

Tottenham ready to trigger Eberechi Eze's release clause

Eze added to his tally of 13 goals and 11 assists in all competitions against City, and it seems pretty inevitable that an elite club will make a serious effort to prise him away from south London.

His contract expires in 2027 too, and the attacking midfielder hasn’t committed his long-term future to Palace, indicating that he could be open to another opportunity away from Palace, five years after he joined from QPR.

Tottenham are believed to be contenders for Eze this summer, with one Spanish media source sharing a pretty significant update on the matter.

Indeed, the report from Spain states that Tottenham are ready to pay £68 million for Eze and trigger his release clause, and the £100,000-per-week forward could be living out his “final months” at Palace.

Postecoglou’s side will, of course, have competition for his signature, so it is by no means a certainty that they win the race for Eze, but there is little doubt he’d be a serious upgrade to the squad.

“Who’s a better player than Eze? For me he’s absolutely top, if he was luckier this season he would have five or six goals,” said Oliver Glasner about Eze at the very start of the season.

“He’s always dangerous because he has the quality and ability at 1-1, he’s such an unbelievable finisher. In some situations, he can improve, he’s a guy who can always score, and he’s someone who everyone likes.

“This is why he’s on the pitch, because he’s able to score goals.”

And just like that, Tottenham Hotspur have one foot in the Europa League Final.

Ange Postecoglou’s side played host to Norwegian outfit FK Bodø/Glimt last night in what could have been a real banana peel sort of fixture.

However, instead of wilting under the expectation and pressure, as they have so often this season, the North Londoners showed everyone just why they were such firm favourites heading into the tie.

The Lilywhites ran out 3-1 winners, and while most of the starting lineup put in a good showing, there was one player who once again stood up and showed he could be something of a new Son Heung-min for the club.

Spurs' top performers

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of Spurs’ other top performers from last night, such as Dominic Solanke.

The former Bournemouth man was under immense pressure to score his penalty in the second half, but he didn’t seem to care, as he calmly stepped up and put it away, as he did in Germany.

It wasn’t just the goal, though, as his simple presence at the tip of the attack and his tireless running was a real pain for the Norwegians’ defence.

Another Englishman who stepped up in a big way was James Maddison, who, on top of scoring the Lilywhites’ second goal, was running things from the middle of the park.

The mercurial midfielder left quite the impression on GOAL’s Sean Walsh as well, who awarded him a 9/10 match rating at full-time, writing that he delivered a ‘statement performance’ for his team.

However, there was another starter from last night who put in a strong showing, a player who can divide opinion among fans and pundits alike but is showing why he could be something of a new Son for Tottenham in the coming years.

Spurs' new Son

So, while the likes of Pedro Porro, Richarlison and even Yves Bissouma all put in solid displays last night, none of them could be described as being remotely similar to an on-song Son.

Brennan Johnson, on the other hand, could.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Okay, so before the torches and pitchforks come out, we are not saying that Johnson is anywhere close to being as talented as the South Korean superstar, nor do we think he’ll ever reach that near enough world-class level either.

However, and this is an important point of comparison, last night was another reminder that even when he’s not at his best, the Welshman can put the ball in the back of the net when starting out wide.

For example, before the clock had even hit a minute, the former Nottingham Forest star, who picked up an 8/10 match rating from Walsh, found himself just a few yards out when he headed it home to open the scoring and set the mood for the whole game.

Granted, he probably should have scored another at some point, but for all the derision he gets for having the odd drop in form here and there, the “frightening” winger, as dubbed by content creator HLTCO, has been an essential source of goals for Postecoglou this season.

For example, he has now scored 17 goals and provided seven assists in 47 appearances this year, totalling 3077 minutes.

In other words, the Nottingham-born star is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.95 games or every 128.20 minutes of action.

Appearances

47

43

Minutes

3077′

3062′

Goals

17

11

Assists

7

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

0.53

Minutes per Goal Involvement

128.20′

133.08′

To put that into context, Son has produced 23 goal involvements in 43 games, totalling 3062 minutes this season, which comes out to an average of one every 1.86 games, or more crucially, one every 133.08 minutes.

Finally, on top of his surprisingly impressive goal involvement per minute ratio, the 23-year-old dynamo is also comfortably the club’s top goalscorer this season, with Solanke lagging behind in second place with 14 goals to his name.

Ultimately, while Johnson is not going to reach the same levels in his all-around play that Son did in his peak, he has shown this season that he could at least replicate the South Korean’s raw output, and with potentially six games left of the season, he could hit 20 goals in all competitions.

Better than Iraola: Spurs could hire "incredible" Europa League winner

The experienced manager would be an excellent hire for Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 1, 2025

This summer is a huge one for Nottingham Forest if they are to sustain the success they’ve enjoyed throughout the 2024/25 campaign under Nuno Espírito Santo.

The Reds are still in with a huge opportunity to secure Champions League football, whilst also reaching the FA Cup semi-final for the first time since 1991.

Such achievements would’ve been laughed at during the start of the season, especially after the club only just managed to stay in the Premier League in the two previous campaigns.

However, signings are needed in all areas of the pitch to hand Nuno the depth and quality he needs to balance the side in the league and in European competitions next season.

With the transfer window rapidly approaching, numerous names have already appeared on their radar, with multiple being strongly linked with a summer switch to the City Ground.

The latest on Forest’s hunt for new signings this summer

Wolves star Matheus Cunha was Forest’s main target during the January transfer window, with his name remerging as a possible target for the summer market in recent weeks.

However, a deal for the Brazilian now looks unlikely, with the attacker now looking almost certain to move to Manchester United after they held positive talks with his representatives.

Such a move has seen the Reds’ hierarchy shift their attention to other targets, with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap the latest player they’re targeting, according to Football Insider.

The report claims that he’s seen as an excellent option in forward areas, potentially a cheaper alternative to other targets given his £30m relegation release clause.

It also confirms that Nuno’s side could offer regular minutes in Europe, which could hand them an advantage in the race to land his signature – but will have to work tirelessly given the interest from elsewhere.

Why Forest’s £30m target would be perfect with Gibbs-White

Over the last week or so, Forest fans have all been on edge after journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Manchester City were positive about completing a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White’s signature this summer.

However, the Reds are said to have placed a £100m price tag on his shoulders, showcasing how highly the club rates the star who cost them £44.5m in the summer of 2022.

Given his tally of 12 combined goals and assists this campaign, it’s no secret that he’s been one of the club’s most important players within attacking areas.

His underlying stats are just as impressive, creating 1.7 chances per 90 this campaign, along with 1.1 successful dribbles per 90 – subsequently able to progress the ball into forward areas.

He’s also completed 80% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also completing 61% of his long passes – as seen by his extraordinary assist to Callum Hudson-Odoi against Pep Guardiola’s men.

Such figures could fall perfectly into the hands of Delap next campaign should he complete a switch to the East Midlands, potentially building on his excellent debut year in the Premier League.

He’s managed to achieve 1.2 shots on target per 90, whilst also completing 1.4 successful dribbles – able to play off the shoulder of the backline, handing the Reds an added dimension at the top end of the pitch.

Games played

34

Goals scored

12

Shots on target per 90

1.2

Successful dribbles

1.4

Fouls won

1.8

Aerials won

2.1

Duels won

5.5

The 22-year-old has also won 1.8 fouls per game, along with 2.1 aerials won per 90 – handing the club the perfect all-round option in attacking areas to help balance the load between current talisman Chris Wood.

Delap, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by teammate Jens Cajuste, has the ability to progress under Nuno’s guidance, potentially being the club’s main centre forward for many years to come.

His pace and power are a real bonus for the Reds, handing them an option they’ve desperately lacked throughout the majority of the campaign despite their success.

If they are to be in Europe throughout 2025/26, they will need added quality, with Delap certainly providing that – but if they are to secure a deal for his services, they will need to act quickly to avoid losing him to a rival.

Marinakis pushing: £25m+ Nottingham Forest target now keen to complete move

Marinakis could get his man…

ByTom Cunningham May 7, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur were hammered 5-1 by Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday in a match that confirmed their opponents as the champions of the Premier League.

It was a one-sided contest for much of the evening, despite Dominic Solanke’s opening goal in the first half, as the Reds ran riot on Merseyside against a helpless Spurs defence.

Ange Postecoglou will surely be disappointed with the performances from his players on the pitch, as several stars underperformed, including Destiny Udogie.

Destiny Udogie's struggles against Liverpool

The Italy international was tasked with keeping Mohamed Salah quiet at left-back and, actually, did a decent job of it in the opening 45 minutes.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

Although Salah played a part in the first goal with a pass in behind the Spurs defence, the Egypt international ended the first half with zero goals or assists.

Unfortunately, however, the Liverpool number 11 stepped his game up in the second half to create one ‘big chance’ and score a goal, as he cut inside of Udogie from the right flank before rifling an effort into the bottom corner.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Salah also put the Spurs left-back under pressure and forced the defender to convert into his own net for the fifth goal, in what was a dreadful second-half for the Italian dud.

Udogie, however, was not the worst-performing full-back of the afternoon for Tottenham, as Djed Spence was even worse than the former Udinese star.

Why Postecoglou must drop Spence

The English right-back did not enjoy his best day in a Spurs shirt, with a dismal showing, and it started with his involvement, or lack thereof, in the first Liverpool goal.

Spence hesitated and tried to push up to play offside, but it was not an organised line, instead of following his man – Luis Diaz – into the box, and it was his match-up who scored the goal.

He found himself unaware of his man making a run off his back twice in the second half, once to allow Cody Gakpo in behind, but his cross evaded everyone, and the second time to allow Diogo Jota to fire in the cross that forced Udogie’s own goal.

Alongside those disappointing moments defensively, Spence’s use of the ball was also wasteful in comparison to Udogie’s throughout the 90 minutes.

Minutes

90

90

Pass accuracy

81%

56%

Dribbles completed

1/2

0/3

Possession lost

7x

21x

Tackles

3

1

Interceptions

2

0

Duels won

6/8

1/8

As you can see in the table above, the Italian defender had the better performance out of the two defenders, with his play in and out of possession, even if you include his own goal, which Spence was partially responsible for.

The former Nottingham Forest full-back was weak in his physical battles, made poor decisions defensively, and gave the ball away far too often, losing possession a whopping 14 more times than Udogie. This provided Liverpool with even more opportunities to attack because he could not keep hold of the ball well enough.

Therefore, Postecoglou must consider ruthlessly dropping Spence to the bench in favour of Pedro Porro, who provided an assist against Forest last time out, for the Europa League clash with Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.

Fewer touches than Vicario: Ange must axe Spurs dud who was worse than Gray

Ange Postecoglou must drop the Tottenham Hotspur flop who was even worse than Archie Gray.

ByDan Emery Apr 27, 2025

Liverpool are edging ever closer to being crowned Premier League champions, but they could now have an intriguing proposal on the table from one of their elite competitors on the continent, per reports.

Liverpool prepare for Premier League title party and summer window

The champagne remains on ice for Liverpool as they need three points and an Arsenal loss at Ipswich Town to officially claim the top-flight crown at Leicester City on Sunday afternoon.

Arne Slot has done a magnificent job at Anfield and has been the subject of adulation from all quarters across the season, though the Dutchman has admitted he doesn’t care where the Reds win the title as their campaign reaches a sweet conclusion.

Undoubtedly, sealing a second Premier League of the modern era will fuel the appetite for more silverware on the red half of Merseyside. With rivals set to come back stronger next term, a positive summer window is a must to ward off any potential threat.

Tapping into that mindset, Liverpool are willing to break their transfer record to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle after preparing an offer of roughly £130 million for the Sweden international.

Planning for the future, the Reds are also interested in Sheffield United youngster Ryan One, and there may be scope for a push to sign the Scotland Under-21 international to continue his path on an upward trajectory.

Liverpool in talks over new deal for £15k-p/w ace with Van Dijk and Konate

Talks have reportedly opened over an extension at Anfield.

ByHenry Jackson Apr 14, 2025

Presumably, the likes of Diogo Jota or Darwin Nunez could make way for new arrivals. However, plenty of movement is expected in both directions as Slot shapes his squad for the coming years.

Nevertheless, the Liverpool boss may now have to make a decision regarding a surprise swap proposal involving one of their key men and a global star.

Liverpool offered Arda Guler in surprise Alexis Mac Allister swap proposal

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are set to be offered Arda Guler plus a significant fee for Alexis Mac Allister in a surprise swap deal involving Slot’s side and European competitors Real Madrid.

The outlet claim Carlo Ancelotti and company have been won over by the Argentina international’s attributes, creating a scenario where they are willing to include players in exchange to seal an agreement.

Alexis Mac Allister vs Arda Guler – how do both players compare this season?

Alexis Mac Allister – Premier League statistics

Goals

4

Assists

4

Chances created

38

Successful dribbles

15

Duels won

156

Arda Guler – La Liga statistics

Goals

1

Assists

3

Chances created

23

Successful dribbles

12

Duels won

64

Labelled “exceptional” by Jose Mourinho, Guler’s tally of three goals and seven assists in 35 appearances across all competitions is a fairer reflection of his contribution in the Spanish capital.

Valued at £35 million, per various outlets, his scope to develop into one of the world’s finest playmakers is clear for all to stay. That said, should his arrival come at the price of losing Mac Allister? Only time will tell on that front.