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Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have identified Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic as a potential target as Spurs eye a "big money" striker signing to replace Harry Kane, should he leave.

Will Harry Kane leave Tottenham?

The 29-year-old is embroiled in another summer transfer saga, coming two years after he failed to seal a move to treble-winners Man City.

In 2021, City lodged bids of around £100 million in an attempt to sway chairman Daniel Levy, but the Spurs chief ultimately refused their approaches and opted to keep his prized asset in north London.

However, with Kane's deal set to expire in 2024, and no discernible sign he is agreeing an extension, Levy is now under pressure and could have to sell the forward this summer.

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, Ligue 1 champions Paris-Saint Germain and Man United have been credited with a serious interest in Kane, with manager Ange Postecoglou recently admitting the saga is becoming a distraction.

"Fair to say I am not relaxed about it," said Postecoglou to the media recently.

“It’s not something you go: ‘Ah, well, you know if it does or doesn’t happen!’ I mean it’s a very important part of this football club, not just the team, but the football club.

“So, you’ve got to deal with it, and I think, for everyone concerned, we don’t want to be doing it for too long. I don’t think that is good for anyone. I don’t think it is good for Harry, I don’t think it is good for the club."

Spurs, amid this ongoing and worrying situation, have reportedly started making contingency plans if Kane does depart this window – with Eintracht Frankfurt star Randal Kolo Muani attracting their attention.

They have reportedly opened talks on Muani's side, with a report by Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke sharing who else they could target.

According to their information, Serbia international striker Vlahovic has been identified by club chiefs as a potential move to replace Kane.

Tottenham are apparently "eyeing a big-money striker signing" should their talisman leave this summer, with Levy and co now open to selling this window if Kane refuses to commit.

Spurs hold a real concern over losing a guaranteed 25-goal-per-season striker and are ready to reinvest a huge chunk of his potential fee to sign a marquee replacement.

Vlahovic is viewed as a candidate in that regard, and it will be interesting to see if Levy is forced to offload Kane and ultimately move for the 23-year-old.

How good is Dusan Vlahovic?

Despite only scoring 10 goals and assisting two others in 22 Serie A starts last season, Vlahovic is arguably proven at the top level – as displayed by his last full season with Fiorentina before his switch to Turin.

Vlahovic bagged an incredibly prolific 17 goals in 21 top flight starts for La Viola over 2021/2022, demonstrating a brilliant finishing ability when at his very best (WhoScored).

The £215,000-per-week attacker is a credible candidate to succeed Kane if he does leave, not only for his quality in front of goal, but also young age and potential to get even better.

Arsenal and sporting director Edu by extension are now "insistently" pursuing a deal for Galatasary defender Victor Nelsson, according to reports out of Turkey.

Who will Arsenal sign?

Manager Mikel Arteta has been seriously backed so far this transfer window, coming after a 2022/2023 campaign which saw him fall just short of the title to eventual treble-winners Man City.

Arsenal were in pole position for much of the campaign but Pep Guardiola's side were in imperious form towards the back end, meaning the north Londoners must regroup and strengthen in key areas for next term.

Germany international and former Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz was first through the door at Arsenal this summer, with the club paying £65 million for his services.

“Kai is a player of top quality," said Arteta after his signing.

"He has great versatility and is an intelligent player. He will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield and variety to our play.

“We welcome Kai and his family to Arsenal Football Club and we are all excited to start working with him when we start pre-season training soon.”

Arsenal also agreed a club-record £105 million deal to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United, making him the most expensive English player ever ahead of both Jack Grealish (Man City) and Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid).

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber has also completed his switch from the Eredivisie, but despite Arsenal's flurry of recent activity, they could make more signings.

The likes of Gremio midfielder Bitello and Montpellier forward Elye Wahi have been linked this week, and a report from Fanatik now claims Arsenal are pushing for Nelsson from Galatasary.

The 24-year-old, who featured at last year's World Cup in Qatar, is at the centre of interest from north London with both Arsenal and rivals Tottenham "insistently" pushing for him.

Nelsson is apparently in behind-scenes transfer talks to leave Galatasary, and if Arsenal wish to prise him away, they need just £21 million – the sum of his release clause.

There is little else said beyond that but it seems like a very do-able transfer for Edu, if they manage to beat Spurs to the punch.

How good is Victor Nelsson?

Reports in the Turkish press have revered Nelsson for his performances at Galatasary, branding the defender their "star player".

His stats certainly reflect that of a crucial player in their starting eleven, with no other star in their squad boasting a higher rate of aerial duels won or blocks made per 90 in the Super Lig (WhoScored).

Galatasary boss Okan Buruk views Nelsson as an indispensable member of their starting eleven, as highlighted by the numbers.

No other Galatasary outfielder played more league minutes than the Denmark international over 2022/2023, which potentially comes as an indicator of his reliability (WhoScored).

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, writing on Twitter, also tipped him for stardom all the way back in 2020.

"Nelsson is a great mix of a pure defender and ball-playing centre-back," said Kulig.

"He can also play as a defensive midfielder. Great defensive skills combined with really good ball skills. The future leader of the Danish defence."

Ahmed Shehzad, who had been overlooked for a year, also finds a spot in the limited-overs squads for the tour of West Indies. Azhar Ali, the former 50-over captain, was dropped

Umar Farooq15-Mar-20170:48

Kamran Akmal bound for the Caribbean

Kamran Akmal has been recalled to the national team after three years while Ahmed Shehzad, who had been overlooked for a year, made a return to the T20I and ODI sides for Pakistan’s tour to the West Indies. Azhar Ali, who had been captain of the 50-over side as recently as January, has been dropped.The selection committee, headed by Inzamam-ul-Haq, also called up five uncapped players while fast bowler Mohammad Amir has been rested for the T20 format.Pakistan squads for WI tour

T20Is: Ahmed Shehzad, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Fakhar Zaman, Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Rumman Raees, Hasan Ali, Usman Khan
ODIs: Ahmed Shehzad, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Fakhar Zaman, Asif Zakir, Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Fahim Ashraf, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Asghar

Kamran, 35, last featured for Pakistan during the 2014 World T20 and has not been in contention for the national side since his central contract was cut the same year. He was, however, prolific on the domestic circuit in the 2014-15 season, scoring 900 first-class runs at 52.94 and 576 List A runs at 52.36. In the subsequent year, he made 480 first-class runs at 60 and 576 List A runs at 72. He was the top-scorer with 1035 runs at 79.61 in the recent first-class season and was the leading run-scorer in the second edition of Pakistan Super League with a tally of 353.Shehzad, 25, has not been part of the Pakistan team since the 2016 World T20 due to disciplinary issues. He fought his way back into contention after hitting three hundreds in the departmental one-day cup, amassing 653 runs at an average of 93.28 earlier this year. He combined a number of low scores with a few impressive knocks in this year’s PSL and did enough to restore selectors’ faith in him. With Pakistan searching for openers after Sharjeel Khan’s suspension for his involvement in alleged corruption in the PSL, Shehzad has been given another opportunity.These squads were picked from a pool of 31 players who were in Lahore for a training camp and Inzamam said only one of them failed to pass a fitness test – Umar Akmal. Pakistan’s head coach Mickey Arthur himself had put the players through the paces at the National Cricket Academy and has been very vocal about his men being at the peak of their physical ability.”We had a set a fitness standard which isn’t really a tough one to start with,” Inzamam said. “But he still didn’t meet the average level. So whoever the player is, whatever his performance is like, we could not select him. Umar being dropped is a reprimand and it’s a major blow for any player. He is a good player, we needed him, but we had to take a decision.”Inzamam was sympathetic to Azhar’s cause as well and said the former ODI captain remained a part of their long-term plans. “He is still in our loop for Champions Trophy in England where, considering the conditions, we probably will need our senior batsmen. But for now we wanted to encourage our junior players who can have a future with Pakistan.”Leading the uncapped players were batsman Fakhar Zaman and legspinner Shadab Khan. They were both highly impressive in the PSL and found a place in the squads for both limited-overs formats. Domestic veteran Asif Zakir, who has been playing first-class cricket for 14 years and has 123 matches under his belt, has been trusted to translate that experience on the ODI stage. Rounding off the uncapped roster were left-arm spinner Mohammad Asghar and the leading wicket-taker from the 2016-17 departmental one-day cup Fahim Ashraf.”These young players are equally good and they are going to play international cricket for the country,” Inzamam said. “So they need to play at the highest level at some stage and I have full faith in them. They will perform, and conditions in the West Indies, we all know are similar to the ones in subcontinent and the West Indies team isn’t like the one in the 70s, 80s or even from the 90s. But still if they face tough competition there, this will obviously help them to develop.”For the T20Is, Pakistan have picked left-arm quicks for the T20s with Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Usman Khan, who had debuted in 2013, and Rumman Raees, who was part of the previous Pakistan squad that played West Indies in the UAE in 2016. Hasan Ali offered the option of variation.Pakistan play four T20Is, three ODIs and three Tests in the Caribbean starting on March 31.

Leeds United are preparing for the 2023/24 Championship season after suffering relegation from the Premier League this year, three years on from their monumental return to the top flight after 16 years away.

According to the Daily Mail, Daniel Farke is on the verge of assuming the role of manager at Elland Road, and given his pedigree in England's second tier – winning promotion on two occasions with Norwich City – there are few available bosses better placed to orchestrate a return to prominence.

While United are starting to commence transfer plans following a slow start to the window, it might be wise for Farke to utilise the club's prestigious youth academy and manage the squad's finances aptly.

This shifts attention to Cody Drameh. The rising star completed a successful loan spell last season with Luton Town, who earned promotion to the Premier League for the first time in the side's history, and the 21-year-old could now repeat the feat with his parent club.

How good is Cody Drameh?

Given Leeds' woeful defensive fortunes last term, the crux of their demise, it is hardly likely that Farke will be contented with his current options.

But Drameh now stands in stellar stead to cement a starting berth, with his average 7.09 Sofascore rating in the league last term evidence that he can thrive and provide a different dynamic to the right flank.

Indeed, the marauding ace made 16 appearances after joining the Hatters on a six-month loan in January, registering two assists, averaging 1.6 key passes per game, and 3.1 tackles and 2.6 clearances per outing.

Hailed as a "Duracell bunny" by former Cardiff City boss Steve Morison during his previous loan stint in Wales, the £2.5k-per-week gem's multi-faceted prowess is evidenced through FBref, where he ranks among the top 5% of full-backs for shot-creating actions across the Men's Next 8 divisions – the top leagues below the established European 'big five' – as well as the top 12% for successful take-ons, the top 3% for tackles and the top 1% for blocks per 90.

Given that Luke Ayling has been branded an "idiot" by Jamie Carragher and mustered only a lowly 6.60 Sofascore rating after conceding 78 times in the Premier League – a divisional high tally – the 31-year-old is surely not the answer.

And with Rasmus Kristensen closing in on a move to Serie A side Roma, Drameh could well find the right-back position is his own under Farke's wing.

Kristensen arrived from RB Salzburg one year ago for around £10m and impressed as the campaign drew into the latter stages, scoring three goals after Christmas and establishing a prominent role both on the defensive right flank and the centre.

Drameh boasts the energy and enthusiasm to impress in West Yorkshire next term, and he simply has to be provided with the opportunity to star – perhaps proving the difference as the Whites seek an instant return to the Premier League.

Manchester United are eyeing a swoop for Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen as Erik Ten Hag aims to bolster his defensive options next season.

What’s the latest on Andreas Christensen to Manchester United?

According to sources in Spain, Man United are willing to pay €40m (£34m) in order to sign Christensen from Barcelona this summer.

Ten Hag is aiming to sign an experienced centre-back and Christensen has plenty of Premier League experience having spent five seasons at Chelsea before joining the La Liga giants on a free transfer last summer.

The Dutchman could be set to sell Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof this summer in order to generate funds for better signings, and the Danish defender would certainly be a big upgrade on Maguire as Champions League football returns to Old Trafford.

Could Manchester United sign Andreas Christensen?

The 27-year-old still has three years remaining on his current contract, and as he enjoyed a successful debut campaign in Spain, Xavi won't be keen on getting rid of him anytime soon, making a move potentially problematic for Ten Hag.

He ranked 11th in the squad for overall rating as per Sofascore while also ranking second for accurate passes per game (61.1) and clearances (2), while coming third for interceptions (0.9), underlining just how effective he was during his maiden season for the club.

Maguire ranked seventh throughout the United squad for his overall rating (6.95/10), yet this was lower than the 7.05/10 that Christensen averaged in the Spanish top flight.

Meanwhile, the Englishman also ranked in a lowly eighth position for interceptions per game (0.8), fourth for clearances (2.6) and tenth for accurate passes (30.6), with Christensen making nearly double the number of passes per match.

Indeed, it’s evident that the Dane is a far superior passer of the ball compared to Maguire, as he ranks in the top 1% across Europe’s big five leagues for pass completion rate (93.7%) and also ranks in the top 10% for progressive passes per 90 (4.95), suggesting that he is excellent at starting attacks from the defence on a regular basis.

Maguire, on the other hand, only ranks in the top 48% across Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion rate (85.2%) and in the top 53% for progressive passes per 90 (3.09), which indicates that Christensen could be a major upgrade that would fit Ten Hag’s style of play.

The former Chelsea defender has been lauded as being “underrated” by his former teammate at Stamford Bridge, Cesc Fabregas, and should the Red Devils lure him to Manchester this summer, they would be able to ditch Maguire in the process, vastly improving their options at the back.

Newcastle United have opened "talks" regarding a contract extension for Joelinton at St. James' Park, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

When is Joelinton out of contract at Newcastle?

The Brazil international first arrived in the Premier League from Hoffenheim back in 2019 and has since gone on to become a regular feature in the northeast, clocking up a total of 157 appearances to date.

The Magpies talisman still has another two years remaining on his contract at St. James’ Park, but having established himself last season in a remarkable personal campaign as Eddie Howe’s overall second best-performing player with a WhoScored match rating of 7.24, he’s bound to attract interest during the upcoming window.

PIF and the boss will be pleased to learn that the 26-year-old is yet to have any clubs chasing him as far as public knowledge is concerned, but you can never be too careful as we approach this busy time of year and it sounds like the hierarchy are keen to tie him down before any potential suitors start circling.

Have Newcastle offered Joelinton a new contract?

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg revealed that Newcastle have now entered discussions with Joelinton about the possibility of him putting pen to paper and committing his long-term future to the club. He wrote:

"Excl. News #Joelinton: @NUFC wants to extend his contract beyond 2025 now! Talks have started. Early stage. Result open. After a top season the 26 y/o is about to make his debut with Brazil. Key player."

Newcastle will know that Joelinton was one of their most standout performers last season, and considering the high standard of quality that he displayed, the attacking midfielder being rewarded with improved terms is nothing less than he deserves.

The ROGON client, who earns £85k-per-week, racked up eight goal contributions (six goals and two assists) in the top-flight during the previous term and ranked in the 97th percentile for number of attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area and the 94th percentile for successful take-ons, as per FBRef.

The Alianca native, who offers wonderful versatility with his ability to operate in seven different positions, is also highly regarded among his fellow players and black and white striped supporters having taken home the Player of the Year award in 2021/22, and this love story will only develop even further should he sign on the dotted line in the weeks ahead of us.

كشفت تقارير صحفية إسبانية، عن موقف مهاجم الفريق الكتالوني، جواو فيليكس، من المشاركة في مباراة نابولي الأسبوع القادم بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويلاقي نادي برشلونة نظيره نابولي، ضمن منافسات ذهاب الدور الـ16 من دوري أبطال أوروبا على ملعب “دييجو أرماندو مارادونا”، الاربعاء المقبل الموافق 21 فبراير.

اقرأ ايضاً.. سبورت توضح أسباب اقتراب توخيل من خلافة تشافي في برشلونة

وذكرت صحيفة سبورت الكتالونية، أن المهاجم البرتغالي، جواو فيليكس، لن يتمكن من اللحاق بمواجهة نابولي المقبلة في دوري الأبطال.

وأصيب جواو فيليكس أثناء تدريبات برشلونة حيث تعرض لالتواء في الرباط الجانبي الخارجي لكاحله الأيمن. ولم يحدد النادي مدة غيابه.

وتابعت الصحيفة الإسبانية أنه سيفتقد برشلونة لخدمات كل من جواو فيليكس، ماركوس ألونسو، بالإضافة إلى فيران توريس في مباراة نابولي بسبب الإصابة.

حيث سيتعافي المهاجم البرتغالي من إصابته، ومن المتوقع أن يكون جاهزاً لمواجهة أتلتيك بلباو ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني، في بداية مارس القادم.

Crystal Palace and Dougie Freedman are hoping to beat Aston Villa to the signing of Lyon striker Moussa Dembele this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

Could Dembele leave Lyon?

The £52,000-a-week attacker has had a fairly quiet season for his current club, having been more of a key man in previous campaigns, with only three goals coming his way in Ligue 1. That's in a total of 23 appearances, although only eight of those have been from the starting lineup.

Dembele is out of contract once the current campaign reaches its conclusion, and given his lack of playing time at Lyon, it seems unlikely that an extension will be coming his way. That means that he would be allowed to leave on a free transfer, with a number of clubs potentially interested in signing club.

Palace are certainly going to be on the lookout for a new striker in the summer window, considering Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta have scored just six Premier League goals between them this season, and it could be that they turn to Dembele as a potential option.

Are Palace in the hunt to sign Dembele?

According to Football Insider, Palace chiefs are "interested" in making a move for the Frenchman at the end of the season, with a new striker considered a "top priority" by them. Freedman and Steve Parish think he's the "perfect candidate" to come in and bolster the Eagles' attacking options, and they are believed to be "preparing a contract offer".

That being said, they face stiff competition from a Villa side flying high under Unai Emery currently, so it may not be easy to get their man, considering the Midlands club could promise Dembele European football next season.

The former Celtic striker could be a great addition if Palace get a deal over the line this season, possessing the kind of end product lacking in Edouard and Mateta's game, despite his slow season this time around.

He has scored 70 goals in 172 appearances for Lyon, which highlights what a good addition he has been overall, while at Celtic, he netted 51 times in 94 outings. He was once a bit of a wonderkid, hailed as "one of the top young talents in Europe" by Hoops teammate Leigh Griffiths, showing the talent that he has always possessed, and at 26 he still has plenty of years ahead of him to grow into that potential for Palace, leading the line and linking with the likes of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.

Arsenal are one of many clubs who already seem embroiled in a few transfer sagas, with their season seemingly all but over.

Declan Rice is one star who they continue to be linked with, but they will wage war with Chelsea and Manchester United for his signature.

Despite West Ham United boss David Moyes suggesting he would cost a British transfer record to secure, this is somehow not the biggest transfer story set to involve an English midfielder this summer.

That accolade will undoubtedly go to Jude Bellingham, who seems poised to break Liverpool and Manchester City hearts by choosing a move to Real Madrid.

Although the Gunners were seemingly never in the race for Borussia Dortmund's shining star, despite tentative links, no club in Europe would not turn down the creative powerhouse who has 11 goals and seven assists across all competitions from central midfield this season.

However, sporting director Edu Gaspar could be set to secure an alternative anyway in Gabri Veiga, who is reportedly very keen on playing under Mikel Arteta and boasts a far cheaper €40m (£35m) release clause.

That was the words of journalist Manu Sainz, who claimed: "If Arsenal gets into the bidding for Veiga, then they will most likely get him, because he enjoys the football Arsenal play and he would like to work with Arteta."

Who is Gabri Veiga?

As an energetic and attacking asset residing in the engine room, this Spain U21 star has perhaps gone under the radar given the sheer quantity of other hot European prospects on the market.

So far this season, the 20-year-old has scored nine times and assisted a further four for an average Celta Vigo side. This has led to him being ranked in the top 1% for non-penalty goals and total shots per 90 when compared to other midfielders in Europe, and is actually ahead of Bellingham in that regard.

Where the England international truly excels is in his progression of the ball, as he ranks in the top 1% for successful take-ons and the top 2% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90.

Veiga is not quite as prolific, but sitting in the top 6% for both of these attributes is more than impressive.

Not everyone is blind to the insane talent that has been brewing in Spain however, as analyst Jack Fawcett claimed:

"For just 20 years old, Veiga might be one of the most naturally evasive players that I’ve ever seen. His receiving of the ball under pressure and composure to beat a press is a joy to watch."

With a talent that surpasses his youth and the ability to score from midfield, Arteta could secure an insane alternative to Bellingham for a fraction of the price.

Liverpool will head to East London tonight for their Premier League clash with West Ham United at the London Stadium and nothing less than three points will suffice to keep their outside chances of Champions League football alive.

The Reds are currently nine points adrift of the top four with just seven games remaining to close the gap with Newcastle United and Manchester United, so Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that his team can pick up their third victory in a row against David Moyes' relegation-threatened side.

In terms of injuries, Naby Keita, Calvin Ramsay, Stefan Bajcetic and Roberto Firmino remain unavailable for selection, whilst Ibrahima Konate becomes the latest key player to pick up an injury worry.

Klopp took to his pre-match press conference yesterday to reveal that the defender could be a doubt for the upcoming game.

The Merseyside giants played Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday, will face the Hammers away from home tonight and host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, so it could be a good time for the Liverpool boss to refresh his team slightly to prevent exhaustion and injury.

How could Liverpool line-up vs West Ham?

Klopp could be set to make three changes to the team that started in the victory over Forest last weekend, maintaining his classic 4-3-3 formation.

Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Thiago, Jones, Jota, Nunez, Salah.

The first change we expect to see is in the back four with Joel Matip replacing injury-doubt Konate, alongside an otherwise unchanged defensive set-up of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson.

The second change we predict is Fabinho losing his spot to Thiago Alcantara, who is yet to start since returning from injury a few weeks ago and will complete a midfield three alongside Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones.

The third and final tweak we expect Klopp to make is in the forward-line with the manager spoilt for choice at the moment due to the return of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota from injury.

As a result, Darwin Nunez could be set for an opportunity in the starting XI alongside Mohamed Salah and Jota, replacing fellow newcomer Cody Gakpo in the striker role.

The 6 foot 1 Uruguayan disruptor – who is "box office" in the words of journalist Jack Goodwin – hasn't started since the 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier this month, so utilising the £140k-per-week forward's chaotic energy and hunger in front of goal could cause nightmares for West Ham's defenders tonight.

That said, it will be important for Liverpool to field a high-quality team against the Hammers, however, with fixtures coming thick and fast, it could be the perfect opportunity for the manager to freshen up his starting XI.