It was an extremely underwhelming season for West Ham United last time out as a low 14th spot in the Premier League pile had to be stomached.

The Hammers would finish in a far more impressive ninth spot the season before, with a Europa League quarter-final even coming their way. But, this short-term success just couldn’t be sustained, leading to David Moyes losing his job, only for Graham Potter to struggle in equal measure when taking on the London Stadium hot seat.

There will be a hope that Potter can turn around West Ham’s fortunes as he prepares for his first full season at the helm, but he will have to try and add to his meagre five wins in charge of the Iron without Mohammed Kudus at his disposal, with the once popular Ghanaian defecting over to enemy lines to join Tottenham Hotspur for £55m.

That £55m injection to the Hammers’ bank account will no doubt be put to good use, especially as Potter and Co chase down an immediate replacement for Kudus.

West Ham make enquiries over £30m ace

Away from looking for replacements for the ex-Ajax attacker, it looks as if that bumper amount will help the Iron bolster all over the pitch this summer, with a move for Slavia Prague’s El Hadji Malick Diouf to join the East London side edging ever closer to completion.

Moreover, it is also being reported that Harvey Elliott is on West Ham’s radar as a potential midfield option, but there is another move in the pipeline that will seriously excite the Hammers faithful as they attempt to sweep this Kudus saga quickly under the rug.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

As per French outlet L’Equipe, West Ham have now been in contact with Leicester City to make an enquiry concerning the availability of Bilal El Khannous. They are joined by both Sunderland and AS Monaco in the race to sign the promising Foxes gem.

Recently on Arsenal’s shopping list for around the £30m ballpark, this would be a significant move on West Ham’s end in trying to win an ideal replacement for Kudus, with the Moroccan attacker ready to explode into life even more in the Premier League.

Why El Khannous could be a dream Kudus replacement

Whilst Kudus did suffer from an off-season last campaign by his high standards – with only eight of his 32 overall goal contributions for Potter’s men coming across the 2024/25 season – he will still be a big hole for West Ham to fill, considering Lucas Paqueta is now the only recognisable number 10 in the Hammers camp currently.

Moreover, there is only really Jarred Bowen who can cause damage down the right now with Kudus off to Spurs, and whilst El Khannouss might not be the most instantly exciting signing when you view his recent relegation blemish, he could be just the versatile spark West Ham need to stitch up their wounds.

Amazingly, despite Kudus costing £55m to sign, El Khannouss would match his ex-West Ham counterpart when looking at their numbers from last season, as a standout three goals and five assists came the 21-year-old’s way, even as the Foxes fell back down to the EFL in depressing fashion.

On top of that, El Khannouss, when plying his trade in Belgium with Genk, would dazzle fans of the Jupiler Pro League side – much like Kudus managed with Ajax – with his constant creativity and eye for goal.

That was notably seen in his high goals and assist tally of 18 from 94 outings. Kudus would register 21 more goal contributions for the Amsterdam giants, in contrast, but the 21-year-old will hope he can reach these Genk levels again and beyond, lining up next to the likes of Bowen in East London.

El Khannous’ career numbers by position
Position played	Games	Goals scored	Assists
AM	112	6	15
LW	4	0	0
LM	3	1	2
CM	1	0	1
Sourced by Transfermarkt

El Khannouss might not be able to offer another electric body down the right, but he would be able to offer a similar adaptability that Kudus possessed in spades elsewhere, as seen in his promising career haul of three goals and assists when patrolling the left flank.

Once hailed as a “special” talent by football journalist Buchi Laba, on top of also being lauded as having a “killer final ball” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, it does feel as if this could be a sterling deal to secure now, particularly if the likes of Arsenal are also keen.

After all, West Ham were certainly left to feel smug snapping up Kudus when they did, as Liverpool and Newcastle also circled, with El Khannouss the next Kudus-like star who could burst into life at the London Stadium.

West Ham may get Kudus revenge with £35m Spurs target tempted by Irons move

The Hammers have opened negotiations to sign a “phenomenal” player.

1

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 13, 2025

The opener became the first player in the tournament to hit back-to-back centuries

AAP13-Nov-2024

Lizelle Lee brought up her second consecutive century•Getty Images

A blistering Lizelle Lee backed up a record century with another ton, becoming the first player to score hundreds in consecutive WBBL matches.The Hobart Hurricanes opener cracked 103 off 59 deliveries as her side beat a struggling Adelaide Strikers outfit by 28 runs. Lee’s knock, which featured 13 fours and four sixes, came after she notched the highest-ever WBBL score of 150 not out against Perth Scorchers on Sunday.Hurricanes posted 191 for 2 and restricted the last-placed Strikers to 163 for 3 to jump to the top of the ladder with three matches in hand before finals.South Africa’s Lee, who retired from international cricket in 2022, had to change bats after hitting a six in the second over. She was dropped twice in the 20s off the spin of Anesu Mushangwe in the fourth over and made Strikers pay dearly. She brought up her half century off just 35 balls with a six before reaching triple figures in the 14th over with a boundary.Lee was run out in the next over at the non-striker’s end after a ball touched bowler Jemma Barsby’s hand and ricocheted into the stumps. Across the past two matches, Lee has hit 253 off 134 balls with 25 fours and 16 sixes. She also equaled Alyssa Healy with the most WBBL centuries.Lee was supported well by Nicola Carey, who made an unbeaten 64 off 46 balls, and skipper Elyse Villani’s 23 not out from 14 at the death.Smriti Mandhana got Strikers’ chase off to a flying start, but when the India international fell to Lauren Smith in the eighth over her side’s chances dipped.Young legspinner Amy Smith put the breaks on Strikers in the middle overs and finished with an impressive 1 for 16 from four overs. South African import Laura Wolvaardt was unbeaten with 63 off 40 but it wasn’t enough.

Not much can often be taken away from pre-season friendlies, but Sunderland’s winless streak continued this summer against Hull City last time out.

The Tigers hosting the pre-season affair would come away from the contest as slim 2-1 victors, with Simon Adingra’s opener for the Black Cats not enough to sway the tie in their favour.

The alarm bells aren’t being sounded just yet, however, as it’s to be expected that Regis Le Bris’ troops will look somewhat disjointed, especially as the barrage of new signings through the door attempt to become more and more used to each other on the pitch.

More fresh buys will soon be chucked into the mix, as well, as Sunderland’s flash summer spending shows no sign of stopping.

Sunderland consider deal for £26m star

Reports are now even suggesting that the Premier League newcomers are closing in on an Anthony Patterson replacement in goal.

Indeed, NEC Nijmegen goalkeeper Robin Roefs is set to leave the Netherlands behind for pastures new on Wearside, following in the footsteps of Granit Xhaka, who has finally sealed a switch from Bayer Leverkusen to Le Bris and Co. after tonnes of rampant speculation.

Sunderland could soon make it a hat-trick of exciting purchases by landing Galatasaray star Barış Alper Yılmaz, with a development by Turkish outlet Sabah Spor via X revealing that the Black Cats have made contact regarding a move, having been knocking on the Super Lig outfit’s door over a potential £26m deal.

Gabriel Sara is also allegedly on the Premier League side’s radar from the Turkish giants, but if Sunderland were to press on and snap up Yilmaz’s signature, they might well be about to pick up their next version of Amad Diallo, as another direct and entertaining attacker, like the Ivorian, calls the Stadium of Light home.

Why Yilmaz can be Sunderland's next Amad

Of course, Sunderland would be able to win Yilmaz outright, with Amad slipping through their fingers, unfortunately, after a breakneck loan stint at the club.

In total for the Black Cats, during the 2022/23 season, the now Manchester United first-teamer would collect a sublime 14 goals and four assists from 42 appearances, as his short-term heroics nearly saw promotion to the Premier League become a reality.

Often, the goals put away by Amad during his loan spell on Wearside were audacious, with Yilmaz also prone to an eye-catching strike himself, if this link-up play above with the aforementioned Sara is anything to go by, alongside the skilful effort being hammered home.

Last season in Super Lig action, the Galatasaray number 53 would chip in with similar numbers to Amad’s Sunderland stay down the Ivorian’s trusty right flank, with 12 goals and three assists registered just in the league, as well as showing off his class in the Europa League with a further goal and two assists tallied up.

Yilmaz’s numbers vs Amad’s (over the last year)

Stat – per 90 mins

Yilmaz

Amad

Shots

3.70

2.34

Shot-creating actions

4.86

4.61

Progressive passes

2.43

2.81

Progressive carries

5.09

5.44

Successful take-ons

1.50

1.98

Touches in attacking penalty area

6.71

6.16

Progressive passes received

14.11

10.31

Stats by FBref

This blistering form in Turkey means he’s on the same pedestal as Amad in the here and now, too, with more shots and shot-creating actions managed by Yilmaz over the last year, when weighed up next to his Red Devils counterpart.

Moreover, it’s clear from the table above that both players get a buzz out of being gung-ho attackers, with progressive carries a particular standout aspect of both of their enthusiastic games.

His impressive skillset when marauding forward has even seen Turkish journalist Uğur Karakullukçu label the 25-year-old as an “animal”, alongside being donned as a “very special” talent ready for the Premier League by ex-coach Selçuk İnan.

There is a risk involved, considering £26m is a lot to fork out on an attacker not used to the Premier League. But, Sunderland’s gamble on Amad once upon a time paid off tremendously, with the hope that this deal is similarly golden in helping the Black Cats comfortably avoid relegation.

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The UAE, due to its proximity to Pakistan, likely to be the frontrunner in case of a hybrid model

Nagraj Gollapudi09-Nov-2024The BCCI has informed the ICC that India will not travel to Pakistan to participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy. ESPNcricinfo understands that the BCCI told the ICC it had been advised by the Indian government not to send the team to Pakistan. The eight-team Champions Trophy is scheduled to be played at three venues in Pakistan between February 19 and March 9 but this development means the ICC and the PCB will need to activate a contingency plan, likely involving a hybrid model where teams will shuttle between Pakistan and a second venue.That will not be straightforward as on Friday, the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had ruled out using a hybrid model – or even that any discussion of it had taken place. But ESPNcricinfo understands that various contingency plans had been chalked out some months ago in case the hybrid model was adopted. While there are a few countries shortlisted, it is understood the UAE, due to its proximity to Pakistan, is likely to be the frontrunner. Sri Lanka, too, is on the shortlist.The ICC was informed of the BCCI stance earlier this week, though it could not be confirmed whether the BCCI had orally communicated its decision. It is possible the ICC is looking for written communication before it can relay that to the PCB. Naqvi had insisted on Friday that the PCB would need “in writing” any objections the BCCI had and if so, then he would need to discuss it with his government before any final decision was taken.ESPNcricinfo has sought responses from the ICC, the PCB and the BCCI on the developments.Naqvi’s stance on Friday was notably more unequivocal than it has been on the issue, insisting the PCB was not “prepared to accept” the hybrid model. He referred to “great gestures” the PCB had made previously, in the team travelling to India to play in the ODI World Cup in 2023, despite India refusing to travel to Pakistan for the preceding Asia Cup. That tournament eventually adopted a hybrid model, with the latter stages played in Sri Lanka. He also made clear that any future travel to India by Pakistan would not be a given and would be a government decision.The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams, with two groups of four followed by semi-finals and a final. The competing teams are Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa. Monday, November 11, will mark 100 days until the start of the event, although the schedule and ticketing details are yet to be announced. ESPNcricinfo has also been told that a schedule-announcement event in Lahore next week is likely to be postponed because of these developments.As a result of fraught political ties between the two countries, India have not travelled to Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup despite the latter playing several ICC events in India including the 2023 World Cup. The sides have played just one bilateral series since then, a white-ball tour Pakistan made in 2012-13.

Liverpool have been quite the busy shoppers this summer. But then we knew this would be the case, with Arne Slot having established himself as Jurgen Klopp’s successor with minimal investment last season, only signing Juventus’ Federico Chiesa for a £12.5m fee.

Chiesa’s first Premier League start came against Brighton & Hove Albion in May. It was the penultimate game of the season, and he lasted only an hour.

Now, the Italian forward, wracked by injuries and consequent struggles for form and fluency last year, is set to leave. It’s a sad thing, since he’s talented and popular both in the dressing room and with the fanbase, but the 27-year-old must act wisely, following his career ambitions.

Mohamed Salah, then, will continue to dominate on the right flank, but Jeremie Frimpong adds depth and Ben Doak may too, although the young Scot has been linked with a move away after his loan spell with Middlesbrough last term.

Chiesa can also play centrally, but with Liverpool now on the brink of finalising the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, there’s cause for optimism, all right.

Liverpool seal deal for Hugo Ekitike

All that remains is the official announcement. Liverpool have got their man. Ekitike is regarded as one of the most talented young strikers in the world and could lead the Anfield line for many years to come.

While Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak was (still is?) the club’s top target at number nine, the Magpies are seeking something significant, in the £130m ballpark, to part ways with their talisman.

Ekitike is undeveloped, but there’s so much to like. With silky and speedy running, combining with an instinctive sharpness, he has been likened by data-driven site FBref as one of Isak’s most comparable players.

It’s a fantastic deal, and no mistake. However, Liverpool aren’t done yet, and they are preparing to make their move for what could prove to be an even better signing.

Liverpool prepare bid for Premier League star

As per Football Insider, Liverpool are preparing to make their move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Prevailing interest from Real Madrid in Ibrahima Konate, who has entered the final year of his contract, is thought to have raised the urgency for sporting director Richard Hughes.

The report states that the Premier League champions are looking increasingly likely to make a £45m offer for the England international this summer.

Guehi, 25, is also just one year away from free agency, and with no plans to extend his stay at Selhurst Park, Liverpool will be confident that they can get a deal done this summer.

How Marc Guehi could improve Liverpool

Liverpool know that losing Konate would be a blow. It would be a bitter pill to swallow, for the Frenchman is one of the best defenders in the world.

But so is Guehi; many just don’t know it yet. Although saying that, he’s not unaccomplished. Hailed as “England’s best centre-back” by one analyst, the Three Lions star did captain Palace to last year’s FA Cup title, beating Manchester City in the final.

While signing a striker such as Ekitike marks important business for the Reds, it might actually be that Guehi would mark better business, for, regardless of the outcome of Konate’s situation, Liverpool have spent frugally on their central defence in recent years.

With Jarell Quansah having been sold to Bayer Leverkusen for £35m, you might even say that landing a player like Guehi is a necessity, especially when considering the cut-price fee that he is available for.

Considering that Tottenham Hotspur tried to prise him away from south London only in January, offering a £70m fee, this could go down as a blinder.

Did Newcastle United not fail with four offers one year ago, the last of which totalled £65m? Circumstances dictate financial parameters in football, but this would undoubtedly prove a fantastic deal for Liverpool, snapping up a defender approaching the prime of their career for a shrewd figure.

Described as a “monster in defence” by reporter Bobby Manzi, Guehi is the real deal, having come into his own last year. Certainly, his complete and commanding Premier League performances suggest he has what it takes to thrive at Liverpool as they chase down another title.

Matches (starts)

34 (34)

Goals

3

Assists

2

Clean sheets

11

Touches*

64.9

Pass completion

84%

Key passes*

0.5

Dribbles*

0.4

Ball recoveries*

4.3

Tackles + interceptions*

2.6

Clearances*

4.6

Duels (won)*

4.9 (59%)

Errors made

2

And not just any defender. While Ekitike is a talented and up-and-coming sensation, Guehi is already there, and he’s proven in the Premier League besides, which is a big thing. Long is the list of prospects alighting in England’s top flight with a weight of expectation only to fall flat.

We’re not advocating for Ekitike’s demise; far from it. Talent scout Jacek Kulig claims that the Frenchman “could definitely reach world-class striker levels”, and that’s certainly the vision of FSG and Slot.

However, this hopefully sheds some light on the masterful deal that Hughes and co could pull off by signing Guehi, who, having featured prominently for England and in the Premier League, could play a starring role in Slot’s machinations, looking to dominate for years to come.

And he knows how to pass, too. As per FBref, Guehi ranked among the top 17% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues last season for assists and the top 13% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Oliver Glasner’s high-intensity, transitional style of football has instilled in Guehi an angle toward the ball-playing side of the central defensive game. Slot, then, would find in the titan a style which matches his own brand at Liverpool.

With other clubs also keen, Liverpool need to get this one over the line pronto.

Their own Zubimendi: Liverpool favourites to sign "generational" £100m CM

Liverpool are reportedly favourites to sign one of the Premier League’s best young midfielders.

1 ByMatt Dawson Jul 21, 2025

MS Dhoni has not yet confirmed his availability for IPL 2025, according to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan, who is hopeful that Dhoni will be part of the upcoming season.”We have still no confirmation from him, though we will like him to continue playing for us,” Viswanathan told ESPNcricinfo. “Hope he will confirm before 31st [October].”October 31 is the deadline by which the ten franchises have to submit their list of retained players to the IPL ahead of the mega auction, and this year Dhoni is eligible to be retained by CSK as an uncapped player. That was made possible after the IPL brought back a rule that had been scrapped in 2021, according to which a player can be considered as uncapped if they have been retired from international cricket for five years.Related

• LSG set to retain Pooran, Mayank and Bishnoi for IPL 2025

• Dhoni: 'I just want to enjoy the game for the next few years'

• Decks cleared for 'uncapped' Dhoni to be retained

• IPL retention: How many players can a team keep? And at what cost?

• IPL retention FAQs: What is the modified RTM rule? Has the auction purse increased?

Dhoni last played for India at the 2019 ODI World Cup, and announced his retirement in August 2020; he does not play any cricket apart from the IPL, and scored 161 runs at a strike rate of 220 as a finisher in the 2024 season after handing over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad.While it is extremely likely that Dhoni will be retained by CSK, if they retain him as an uncapped player, they will lose only INR 4 crore from their auction purse of INR 120 crore.The IPL franchises have been allowed to retain up to six players ahead of the mega auction before the 2025 season, of which a maximum of five can be capped internationals. While the IPL has set minimum deductions from the auction purse for each player retained – INR 18 crore for the first player, INR 14 crore for the second, INR 11 crore for the third, INR 18 crore for the fourth, and INR 14 crore for the fifth – the franchises are free to pay more than those amounts to their retained players. For example, Sunrisers Hyderabad are set to retain Heinrich Klaasen for INR 23 crore, Pat Cummins for INR 18 crore, and Abhishek Sharma for INR 14 crore.

Tottenham Hotspur won the Europa League last season, in case you didn’t know.

It saved Ange Postecoglou’s season, if not his job, and ensured that Tottenham will compete in the new term’s Champions League.

The baton has been passed to Thomas Frank, who has done such fine work in west London with Brentford. The Danish manager has overseen the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

With Joao Palhinha set to arrive imminently from Bayern Munich, things are starting to take shape down N17, but more might be needed in the attacking department.

Especially as captain Heung-min Son has announced that he will be leaving the club this summer.

Why Son is leaving Spurs

Son has been at Tottenham for a decade, joining from Bayer Leverkusen for £22m in 2015.

Across his 454 appearances at the club, the South Korean forward has scored 173 goals and has provided 101 assists.

To have won the Europa League in his final competitive month at the club, ending 17 years of searching for silverware at Spurs, marks a wonderful sense of poetic justice. Son is one of the finest wingers of his generation, after all.

But the 33-year-old has deteriorated over the past couple of years. Still a winger of high quality, he has made the decision to close this door amid talks with LAFC over the pond.

And he’s earned the right to make such a call. But if Son does leave, Frank and Daniel Levy must come together to sign a successor in the next month, even having already landed Kudus.

Spurs getting confident about signing Son heir

As per Spanish sources, Tottenham’s chances of signing Rodrygo this summer are growing, with the Real Madrid forward anticipated to join a new club this summer.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have been named as suitors in recent months, but it’s understood that such clubs’ intrigue is cool, whereas Levy is engaged in promising talks with the Brazilian’s entourage.

Rodrygo, 24, has fallen out of favour in the Spanish capital, but he remains one of the most talented forwards in world football, and Los Blancos know it. He carries the weight of a £69m initial price tag.

Why Spurs should sign Rodrygo

The 2024/25 campaign left something to be desired for Rodrygo, no doubt. However, this shouldn’t dissuade the Tottenham faithful: he is “the most gifted and the most talented player” at Real Madrid, says Jude Bellingham.

Furthermore, Rodrygo has spent more time with the Spaniards on the right flank than on the left, which, as a goalscoring right-footer, is his preferred wing.

As you can see below, his return of six goals and six assists from just 12 matches as a left winger in 2024/25 illustrates his potential. Vinicius Junior’s presence precludes him from playing there with regularity.

Right winger

31

8

5

Left winger

12

6

6

Centre-forward

10

–

–

At times, Rodrygo’s goalscoring numbers leave something to be desired, but he’s a prolific player all the same, having missed just one big chance in La Liga last season, as per Sofascore. Albeit he scored just six goals.

In this way, the Brazil international could be the perfect replacement for a player like Son, who, according to xG (expected goals), has been the most clinical finisher in the world since 2014.

Kudus, conversely, lacks composure and accuracy with his ball striking.

Described by former teammate Luka Modric as being a “world-class” and versatile forward, Tottenham must surely throw the kitchen sink at signing Rodrygo, if they truly wish to turn a corner and challenge at the forefront of domestic and European football with consistency.

Looking at how the South American compares to Son over the past year (having routinely been fielded out of position), you begin to see why he’s so highly coveted, balanced in his output, strong on the ball, electric when charging forward.

Goals

0.35

0.32

Assists

0.22

0.32

Shots taken

2.54

2.46

Shot-creating actions

4.56

4.89

Pass completion

85.7%

78%

Touches (att pen)

5.84

4.70

Progressive passes

4.69

4.28

Progressive carries

5.07

5.41

Successful take-ons

2.15

1.59

Rodrygo carries himself in a similar tactical fashion to Spurs’ soon-to-depart skipper, and it’s interesting to note that he still chalked up 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions last year in spite of his woes, going 17 La Liga matches before the close of play without a single goal involvement.

But he’s also crisper and more athletic than the ageing great, understandably so. Aged 24, Rodrygo’s best years are surely ahead of him, and given what the two-time Champions League winner has accomplished thus far, it’s an exciting thought to think he could don a new shade of white over the coming years.

Moreover, Rodrygo’s pedigree in the Champions League speaks for itself, and what finer way to take strong steps back onto Europe’s elite stage than by signing one of its superstars?

With Dominic Solanke leading a frontline that does have its range of quality, adding a player like Rodrygo feels like it could complete the set.

An industrious and, as Bellingham says, ‘gifted’ winger with an eye for goal, the pieces could come together with this one, to be sure.

This might be the end of the line for a Tottenham great, but Frank has his wits about him and could ensure that an exciting upgrade is signed if Levy is convinced to go all out for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

Their best CF since Kane: Spurs enter talks for "extremely dangerous" star

Tottenham Hotspur are starting to make a move for a forward who could follow in Harry Kane’s footsteps.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 2, 2025

Nottingham Forest have appointed Ange Postecoglou as their new permanent manager after sacking Nuno Espirito Santo. A breakdown in relations with club owner Evangelos Marinakis led to Nuno's exit from the City Ground on Tuesday morning, and Forest have moved quickly to replace him. Ex-Tottenham boss Postecoglou's first game back in the Premier League will come when Forest face Arsenal this weekend.

• Forest appoint Postecoglou
• Sacked Nuno on Tuesday morning
• Ex-Spurs boss returns to Premier League

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Forest confirmed Postecoglou's arrival on Tuesday afternoon. The Australian head coach has signed a two-year contract and has reportedly brought several members of his old backroom team at Tottenham to assist him in his new role at the City Ground.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Forest were said to be looking at several managerial candidates, including United States Men's national team manager Mauricio Pochettino, who previously worked in the Premier League at Chelsea, Tottenham and Southampton. Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner were also in the frame, but Forest have ultimately settled on Postecoglou as Nuno's successor.

• WHAT FOREST SAID

  Marinakis expressed his delight over Postecoglou's appointment in an official statement on Forest's website, which reads: “We are bringing a coach to the Club who has a proven and consistent record of winning trophies. His experience of coaching teams at the highest level, along with his desire to build something special with us at Forest, makes him a fantastic person to help us on our journey and achieve consistently all our ambitions.

  “After gaining promotion to the Premier League, then building consistently season after season to secure European football, we now must take the right step to compete with the very best and challenge for trophies. Ange has the credentials and the track-record to do this, and we are excited he is joining us on our ambitious journey."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Postecoglou ended Spurs' 17-year-long wait for silverware after masterminding their 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the 2025 Europa League final and secured a Champions League slot for the new season. However, the Australian was dismissed as punishment for Tottenham's 17th-place finish in the Premier League, with Thomas Frank drafted in to take his place.

Tottenham star Mathys Tel has revealed his disappointment at been omitted from the club's Champions League squad by manager Thomas Frank.

Tel not included on final list for European campaignAdmits the decision is tough to takeThomas Frank called him to tell him the bad newsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Tottenham splashed out £30 million (€35m) to make Tel's move to the club permanent this summer following a loan spell from Bayern Munich. However, the forward will not be part of Tottenham's Champions League squad for 2025-26 after being left out by Frank. The new boss was left in a difficult position due to the lack of homegrown squad members in his squad at north London and also omitted injured star James Maddison from his list along with Kota Takai and Yves Bissouma.

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Frank did include Randal Kolo Muani, following his deadline-day move from PSG on loan, but subsequently had to break the bad news to Tel. The French star has now revealed the conversation he had with his manager and admits is was painful to hear the news.

WHAT TEL SAID

He told Le Telegramme: "It's clear that when you're not on a list, it definitely hurts, but I'm someone who stays pretty positive, no matter the situation, because I think I've worked a lot on the mental aspect, so today it's definitely a disappointment, I would have liked to be there. But the coach's choice is the coach's choice, we can only respect it and we're going to work to come back in the best possible way."

Tel was also asked how Frank told him about his omission and added: "Quite simply, with respect. He called me, he simply told me his choice and then you could see the list appear on the networks."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR TEL?

Tel is currently with the France Under-21 team due to face Serbia on Monday. He will then return to Spurs and look forward to a Premier League clash against West Ham on Saturday. Tottenham's first Champions League game of the season is against Villarreal on September 16th.

In a move that would see David Moyes get one over on his former club, Everton are now reportedly racing to sign a Premier League talent ahead of rival interest from West Ham United this summer.

Picking up where they left off after welcoming Thierno Barry, Everton have also now signed Mark Travers from Bournemouth. The goalkeeper will instantly replace Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia to become Moyes’ No.2 behind Jordan Pickford, as the Toffees aim to add quality in depth to their side this summer.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)	Mark Travers	Jordan Pickford
Starts	22	38
Clean Sheets	5	12
Saves P90	3.82	3.08
Save Percentage	76.9%	73%

Whilst Travers is unlikely to take Pickford’s place, such is the England international’s importance in Merseyside, he will provide Everton with an impressive backup.

On loan at Middlesbrough last season, the Irishman enjoyed an impressive campaign and even earned the praise of former manager Michael Carrick, who told reporters after watching Travers keep a clean sheet against Luton Town: “He’s got a really good character. He’s a good goalkeeper and he’s had to make some good saves for us.

“That’s what we obviously brought him in for and hope for. We don’t want him to have to make saves, but, when needed, and especially today to contribute to a clean sheet, is a big one for us.

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“Mark made some big saves when we needed him, but he came for some crosses as well, and had a really good presence in the box from set plays and corners, and we needed that. It was a shared contribution and he had to make saves for us which were important.”

As solid as their business has been so far this summer, though, Everton are reportedly not done there. Reports are now suggesting that they’ve joined the race to sign a Premier League rival.

Everton racing to sign Jacob Ramsey

According to The Telegraph, Everton have now joined the race to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa this summer and have been joined by Nottingham Forest and West Ham in pursuit of his signature.

The Villans are reportedly willing to accept just £30m to sell their academy graduate this summer as they look to solve any further PSR problems at long last.

At that price – plus the fact he’s represented by the same agent as Dwight McNeil which could smooth personal negotiations – Everton should not hesitate to make their move ahead of West Ham and Forest. Ramsey is still very much a player full of potential, especially if he moves past his injury troubles.

Jacob Ramsey injury history	Season	Games Missed (via Transfermarkt)
Hamstring injury	2024/25	9
Muscle injury	2024/25	1
Toe injury	2023/24	17
Hamstring injury	2023/24	2
Foot injury	2023/24	8
Metatarsal fracture	2023/24	9

Missing 46 games across the last two seasons, Everton and other suitors have every right to be concerned about Ramsey’s injury history. At 24 years old, however, he is still worth taking a gamble on.

A player who Steven Gerrard believed would become “terrific”, Everton should now swoop in and help Ramsey realise his impressive potential.