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Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a swoop for Schalke 04 striker Matthew Hoppe as their search for striking alternatives continues to intensify, as reported by 90Min.

The Lowdown: Spurs gear up for the 2021/22 campaign

Moving into 2021/22, it will be intriguing to see how new manager Nuno Espirito Santo plans to improve upon Tottenham’s disappointing seventh-placed finish last term.

Alhough they haven’t dipped their toes into the transfer market yet this summer, Spurs have been linked with moves for Jules Kounde and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

In spite of this, could the Londoners now be edging closer to their first summer signing following recent reports?

The Latest: Tottenham readying offer for Hoppe

Tottenham are said to be readying an offer for 20-year-old Hoppe after his impressive breakout season in Gelsenkirchen for Die Königsblauen. Southampton, Newcastle United and Wolves are also mooted to be heavily monitoring his situation as competition for his signature intensifies [90Min].

Schalke are believed to be intent on holding out for a considerable fee for the 1.91m (6 foot 3) colossus, although this may be impossible for the club owing to a combination of financial irregularities and Bundesliga relegation [90 Min].

The Verdict: Hoppe would be a savvy signing for Spurs

Upon reflection, the young American would represent a smart piece of business by the Tottenham hierarchy. Capable of troubling the opposition with his intelligent runs and finishing ability, he could provide an ideal understudy to talisman Harry Kane.

In 2020/21, he was a rare shining light in a dreadful campaign for his current employers, registering seven goal contributions from 22 Bundesliga encounters with six goals and one assist [Transfermarkt].

Demonstrating his ability to run at the opposition, he completed 32 progressive carries with the ball last season [FBref] and also earned a call-up to the United States international squad for the Gold Cup this month [Schalke 04].

Once labelled as ‘quality’ by Schalke manager Dimitrios Grammozis [Buli News], Spurs should look to secure a deal for the exciting, in-demand youngster ahead of 2021/22.

In other news, Spurs have received ‘terrific news’ surrounding a young midfielder.

Southampton are reportedly closing in on their third signing of the summer… 

What’s the talk?

According to TalkSport, Southampton are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Brandon Williams on loan from Manchester United for the 2021/22 campaign

Ralph Hasenhuttl has targetted fullback additions this summer and Williams is now set to become his second signing in that area, following the arrival of Romain Perraud, and his third signing overall, as Theo Walcott also arrived earlier in the summer.

The report claims that the United defender wants to join the Saints in order to compete for regular game time after struggling to establish himself at Old Trafford last season.

Fans will be delighted

Southampton fans will be delighted with this news as the arrival of Williams helps to solve a problem position for the club ahead of next term. Kyle Walker-Peters and Perraud are currently the only senior fullback options at Hasenhuttl’s disposal, with youngster Yan Valery having been out on loan in the Championship last season, and the lack of depth is a concern.

As it stand, the Austrian coach is an injury away from needing to play other players out of position to fill the right-back or left-back spots, which is why Williams joining the club could be a shrewd piece of business by Martin Semmens.

Without this deal, the likes of James Ward-Prowse, Mohamed Salisu and Jack Stephens could end up being slotted in at fullback and taken away from their desired positions, which is not ideal when trying to find a rhythm and balance within the side.

Williams is also the perfect fullback signing because he can operate on either side. He has played at left-back and right-back for United at senior level, which means that he could compete with both Perraud and Walker-Peters. This means that the Saints are essentially bringing in two players for the price of one, with Semmens avoiding the need to sign a left-back and a right-back as cover because the 20-year-old can do both roles.

He is also a quality addition to the side in terms of the level of performance he can bring on the pitch. United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once praised the defender as being “brave” after he awarded him his debut for the club in the Europa League against AZ Alkmaar in 2019.

He told MEN:

“The performance and debut of Brandon, fantastic. You can’t see any nerves, he’s so brave, the courage to take the ball and go forward. Great defending, very pleased, some big, big pluses today.”

The versatile beast averaged an impressive WhoScored rating of 7.19 in eight Europa League starts for United in the 2019/20 campaign. This shows that he has the quality to compete at the top level, which is another reason why fans will be delighted by this move. The Saints supporters will enjoy seeing an adaptable, quality, player come in and play a key role in Hasenhuttl’s squad.

AND in other news, Hasenhuttl may already have his Ings heir at Southampton, he’s their “biggest talent”…

Seven days ago Sri Lanka were preparing for the opening Test in highspirits: the batsman had the luxury of having spent time in the middleduring the two warm-up games and fast bowlers were looking forward to plyingtheir trade on the more

Charlie Austin14-Nov-2002Seven days ago Sri Lanka were preparing for the opening Test in highspirits: the batsman had the luxury of having spent time in the middleduring the two warm-up games and fast bowlers were looking forward to plyingtheir trade on the more responsive pitches typical in South Africa.But a week is a long time in international cricket and after a crushinginnings and 64 run defeat at Wanderers, they have now lost their services oftheir leader, Sanath Jayasuriya, during the second Test at Centurion thatstarts Friday for the first time in a Test match since 1999.Jayasuriya damaged ligaments in his right ankle whilst warming up for netpractice playing football on Tuesday and is also in doubt for at least thefirst part of the one-day series that follows soon after this game.Muttiah Muralitharan, their premier bowler, is also struggling with ahernia, but, fortunately for Sri Lanka, he is currently pain free anddespite a swollen lower abdomen is expected to play a full part in the Testbefore undertaking surgery.Jayasuriya’s injury means that left-hander Jehan Mubarak, the only otherspecialist batsman available in a 17-man squad laden with fast bowlers, willplay his second Test match and open the innings with stand-in captain MarvanAtapattu.Russel Arnold, who bagged a pair at Wanderers as opener, edging into theslip cordon in both innings, will drop down into the middle order.Sri Lanka are also considering a change to their bowling attack. Left-armerRuchira Perera was banned from bowling in the first innings at Wanderersafter persistently running onto the danger area and the management arereluctant to risk a repeat performance at Centurion.One option is to pick wicket-keeper Prassana Jayawardene to take the loadoff Kumar Sangakkara at number three and go into the match with only fourfrontline fast bowlers. That would add depth to a frail looking lower orderbut the management have all but discounted such a move, preferring insteadthe option of four seamers and one spinner.Thus Chamila Lakshitha Gamage, a right-arm fast bowler who claimed a wicketwith his first ball in Test cricket when he made his debut againstBangladesh in July, is set to play his second Test.Sri Lanka will, at least, be pleased to see that the groundsman at Centurionhas ignored the South Africa’s preference for a well-grassed, quick surface.The mowers were pressed into action on Wednesday afternoon and the result isa brown, flat looking pitch that promises a fair contest between bat andball.However, no matter how the pitch behaves, acting captain Atapattu, takingcharge for the first time in a Test, is looking for his team to learn fromthe mistakes made at Wanderers.”We did so many things wrong in the first Test and we are trying to put themright,” said Atapattu. “We have discussed where we went wrong and we willtry out utmost to correct that in the next match.”As a batsman, once you get a start you have to go on, especially inconditions like these which we are not very used to – hopefully we will putit right this time.”He doesn’t expect it to be easy, however: “We know what we are up againstand the task that we face. Whatever the pitch we have to do the basicsright.”And he doesn’t want the players dwell over the loss of Jayasuriya: “It is agreat loss but we have to understand that these things are going to happenfrom time to time. We have got to keep our heads high and perform.”A frontrunner for the captaincy should Jayasuriya decide to handover thereins after the World Cup, he is looking forward to the challenge of leadingthe side: “It is a great privilege to captain your country and I enjoy it.It is a bit different for me half way through the tour but hopefully I willhandle it well.”Likely Eleven:Marvan Atapattu (Capt), Jehan Mubarak, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jaywardene,Russel Arnold, Hashan Tillakaratne, Hasantha Fernando, Chaminda Vaas,Dilhara Fernando, Chamila Gamage Lakshitha, Muttiah Muralitharan.

Steve Howey believes that Arsenal would be a step down for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans.

Having been tipped for big things following his breakthrough with Anderlecht at 16, the Belgian is now established himself as one of the most complete central midfielders in the Premier League.

Tielemans has been a regular under Brendan Rodgers since initially making the loan switch from Monaco before signing permanently ahead of the 2019-2020 campaign.

He’s scored 17 times during that period, whilst laying on 19 assists – with his most famous goal contribution the stunning winning goal in the FA Cup final against Chelsea last month.

Tielemans form has often led to speculation over his Leicester future, with the 24-year-old now good enough to start for most sides in Europe let alone the Premier League.

But whilst a move to a top six club might appeal to the midfielder, Howey believes that Arsenal, who’ve finished below Leicester in the last two seasons, wouldn’t be a progressive move despite the size of the Gunners.

Asked whether he could see him making the move to the Emirates, he exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“For me, a step down. Club wise, Arsenal’s a huge club, fantastic history, but at the moment, who’s the better team? You’d have to say Leicester, without a doubt.”

Somerset had to settle for eleven points from their vital championship match against Kent which ended in a draw in Taunton today after the rain played it’s part in yet another of their championship results

Richard Walsh07-Sep-2002Somerset had to settle for eleven points from their vital championship match against Kent which ended in a draw in Taunton today after the rain played it’s part in yet another of their championship results.Resuming this morning on 265 for 4 the Cidermen lost Peter Bowler early on for 81 and took their score on to 316 for 9 before they declared late in the morning leaving their opponents a target of 377 for victory.With the half century in sight paceman Simon Francis struck three times in a single over to reduce the White Horse county to 50 for 3, before the players left the field for rain.By the time they returned almost forty minutes had been lost. The visitors lost a further wicket with the score on 116 but when eventually the game concluded after 61 overs they had taken their score onto 171 for 4, with Francis ending with 3 for 44.After the close of play Kevin Shine told me: "This was a rain effected day which spoilt the outcome for us. Simon Francis took three wickets in one over, but immediately afterwards the rain came down and we lost some time and vital overs. When we resumed the game had lost a bit of momentum and Kent weren’t so interested in the run chase."Looking ahead to tomorrow’s NUL National League game between the Sabres and the Spitfires which gets underway at 12 noon at the County Ground the coach told me: " We will be giving some of the young players another chance tomorrow, Arul Suppiah, Wes Durston and Pete Trego will all be playing."The full Sabres team will be: Jamie Cox, Piran Holloway, Arul Suppiah, Pete Trego, Ian Blackwell, Rob Turner, Wes Durston, Keith Dutch, Matt Bulbeck, Simon Francis and Steffan Jones.

Leeds United could be making a major transfer howler this summer by signing Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from Football Insider, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are set to join Scottish champions Rangers in the race to sign the 26-year-old this summer.

Fresh reports have now emerged from elsewhere claiming that Turkish giants Galatasaray have entered the running for Murphy, with the likes of Leeds and Southampton also keeping tabs on the Englishman’s future at St James’ Park.

The winger only has a year left on his current contract on Tyneside and the Magpies are said to be keen on tying him down to a new deal.

Baffling transfer target for Leeds

While Murphy has lately been deployed by Bruce as a right wing-back, his record when used as a winger is rather underwhelming, and one which won’t have Leeds fans excited at all.

In the 20 games last season where he has played further forward out wide, the £25,000-a-week earner managed just two goals and three assists in all competitions. In contrast, Raphinha notched four goals and six assists in 23 games from the right wing for Leeds last term.

Murphy’s woeful goalscoring record actually places him behind the likes of Helder Costa and Gjanni Alioski, who each scored three times for Bielsa’s side.

Amid all the links to players such as Rodrigo de Paul and Nahitan Nandez, and even Noa Lang, Murphy appears to be a rather baffling transfer target for Victor Orta to be monitoring.

This isn’t a player who has proven himself in Serie A like De Paul or Nandez, or a hugely exciting talent like Lang. At 26, Murphy is arguably coming to the peak years of his career and has done very little with the Magpies to suggest that he’s someone who would come in at Elland Road and actually enhance the first team squad.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/leeds-united-marcelo-bielsa-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-elland-road-rodrigo-de-paul” title=”Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!”]

Bielsa needs to be targeting more proven options in the top flight, and Murphy’s below-par record raises some major questions marks over Leeds’ reported interest in signing him this summer.

Meanwhile, Bielsa could sign his dream player in this starlet…

The England amateur team won the European Championships for the first time in the tournament’s four-year history when it beat Ireland by one run on Thursday 25 July

ECB Media Release30-Jul-2002The England amateur team won the European Championships for the first time in the tournament’s four-year history when it beat Ireland by one run on Thursday 25 July. The team therefore completed a clean sweep of wins with victories over all the competing nations – Ireland, Scotland, Holland, Denmark and Italy.The England players’ unbeaten record owed much to an unlikely finish against Scotland in their second match of the competition. Chasing 174 for victory, the Scots needed four runs to win off the last two overs (bowled by Steve Foster and Steve Chapman) with six wickets remaining. England took six wickets for one run in the next 11 balls to win the match by 2 runs with one ball of the match remaining. Foster took three wickets, Chapman took two and there was a run out.The tournament was played in grounds around Northern Ireland from 20-25 July. For full results and tournament details see: www.cricketeurope.org and click on CricketIreland.Previous winners of the tournament include Ireland, which won the first ever competition, and Holland, which has won the past two years.England TeamSteve Foster* – Hanging Heaton CC, Ismail Dawood – Hanging Heaton CC,Ajaz Akhtar – Peterborough CC, Chris Brown – Horsford CC, Steve Chapman- Hartlepool CC, Paul Lazenbury – Bourton Vale CC, Ian Bishop – BoveyTracey CC, Paul Bryson – New Brighton CC, Richard Howitt – Bourne CC,Quinten Hughes – Durham City CC, Chris Mole – Cuckfield CC, Marcus Sharp- Blackpool CC, Andy Pugh – Barton CC, Stuart Stoneman – Barton CC.Results table

P   W   L  PtsEngland         5   5   0  10Ireland    5   3   2   6Scotland   5   3   2   6Holland    5   2   3   4Denmark  5   1   4   2Italy      5   1   4   220 JulyItaly 143 beat Holland 142-9 by 1 runEngland 173-7 beat Scotland 171 by 2 runsIreland 281-9 beat Denmark 183-7 by 98 runs21 JulyIreland 103 lost to Scotland 104-2 by 8 wicketsHolland 247 beat Denmark 174 by 73 runsEngland 245-8 beat Italy 183-8 by 62 runs22 JulyIreland 231-8 beat Italy 203 by 28 runsDenmark 198-8 lost to Scotland 202-6 by 4 wicketsHolland 160 lost to England 161-5 by 5 wickets23 JulyScotland 247-7 beat Italy 110-9 by 137 runsIreland 193-8 beat Holland 182-9 by 11 runs24 JulyDenmark 115-8 lost to England 117-0 by 10 wickets25 JulyEngland 226-8 beat Ireland 225-9 by 1 runHolland 183-7 beat Scotland 180-8 by 3 runsItaly 131-8 lost to Denmark 132-1 by 9 wickets

The United Cricket Board has refuted a demand made by Hansie Cronje’s lawyer Leslie Sackstein that no South African cricket officials attend the funeral of the former South African captain Hansie Cronje in Bloemfontein on Wednesday

Peter Robinson03-Jun-2002The United Cricket Board has refuted a demand made by Hansie Cronje’s lawyer Leslie Sackstein that no South African cricket officials attend the funeral of the former South African captain Hansie Cronje in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.According to United Cricket Board spokesperson Bronwyn Wilkinson, Sackstein made the demand in a fax to UCB chief executive Gerald Majola on Monday. In the fax, Sackstein, who claimed to be acting for Cronje’s widow Bertha and the Cronje family, asked Majola to see to it that no UCB executive member nor World Cup executive director Ali Bacher attends the funeral.Sackstein represented Cronje during his appearance before the King Commission of Inquiry into Match-Fixing and his subsequent appeal against his life ban in the Pretoria High Court.However, Wilkinson said that the UCB had been assured by a representative of the Cronje family that anyone was free to attend the funeral. She said that several UCB members intended to pay their respects to Cronje and that a number of Cronje’s former South African team-mates, including captain Shaun Pollock who is to fly to South Africa from England, were expected to attend the funeral.Cronje died in a plane crash on Saturday.

St Cross Symondians are still in the thick of the Southern Electric Premier League, Division 3 leadership struggle – despite losing by 57 runs to promotion rivals Alton at the Royal Green Jackets Ground

Mike Vimpany (as published in Daily Echo)23-Jun-2002St Cross Symondians are still in the thick of the Southern Electric Premier League, Division 3 leadership struggle – despite losing by 57 runs to promotion rivals Alton at the Royal Green Jackets Ground.Three of the top four sides lost, with leaders Purbrook piling up 274-7 only to crash to a six-wicket defeat by lowly Paultons, and New Milton suffering a mass batting collapse before losing by 12 runs at neighbours Bashley (Rydal) II.Flamingo threw their name into the hat at the top by overhauling Hambledon’s 219-6 to win by five wickets.St Cross produced a languid performance and were always second best against Alton, who controlled the game after being offered first use of a placid surface at the pleasant, tree-lined army ground.The visitors cashed in on some generally uninspiring St Cross out-cricket and happily motored along at a rate of five runs or more an over before a pre-tea assault, which yielded 51 runs from the last seven overs, took them to a lofty 252-5.St Cross got to 106-1 off 29 overs, but were never able to force the pace against an Alton side which batted, bowled and fielded better on the day.They withered to 196 all out before conceding a 57-run defeat."It was a disappointing performance. We bowled far too many four balls and didn’t do ourselves justice at all," agreed St Cross skipper Matt Perry-Lewis.Stuart Charman produced a useful new-ball burst, removing the forceful Richie Morgan at 37-1.But he badly missed the support of miserly left-arm seam partner Paul Stringer, who may have to retire prematurely from the game because of a long standing shoulder problem.In his absence, Alton opener Michael Heffernan generally bossed most of the afternoon session, punishing anything over-pitched and gleefully tucking into anything dropped short that sat up and begged to be hit.There was all too much of that for St Cross’s comfort – all four of Charman’s bowling partners suffering from a lacklustre day at the office.Heffernan, finding the gaps on the spacious outfield, hit a six and ten fours in an accomplished 82 – his innings disappointingly ending at 162-4, with a deserved maiden century for the 22 year old in sight.But there was to be no reprieve for St Cross, whose attack suffered more punishment, initially from Alton skipper Julian Ballinger (38), but more so from the tall South African Bruce Oliphant, who led the last ten-over blitz.Oliphant, who moved to Alton from Durban six years ago, used his height and reach to great effect, launching a series of aerial shots which the St Cross fielders were unable to counter.Twice he lofted straight sixes in a breezy 51 not out as Alton gorged 51 runs off the last seven overs to finish with an impressive 252-5.St Cross, needing to score at five runs an over from the start, didn’t get the opportunity to feast off as many bad balls.Alton bowled a much tidier line, pegging St Cross to 50 runs off the initial 15 overs and 91-1 at the 25-over drinks break.New Zealander Mark Parker (56) played some exquisite shots off his legs but his 84-run second-wicket partnership with Steve Shaw (23) was never one of dominance.That owed much to Julian Ballinger’s nagging leg-stump line that eventually frustrated the dangerous left-handed Shaw into a `hit out or get out’ policy.Shaw’s departure at 106-2 in the 29th over was the beginning of the end for St Cross, who began to lose wickets to Howard Gadsby (4-46) and Oliphant (3-22).The Winchester club dipped to 169-9 – the father and son Heffernan trio having a hand in six of those wickets – before a late flurry by teenager Chris Edwards took St Cross on to 196 all out.

Celtic are believed to be closing in on a deal for Yokohama F. Marinos manager Ange Postecoglou, according to reliable reporter John Percy.

The Lowdown: Howe deal collapses

The Hoops had been linked with a move for Eddie Howe to take over from Neil Lennon for a number of weeks, but that proposed deal collapsed on Friday afternoon.

Stephen McGowan was the first to break the news of a deal falling through after a breakdown in talks, with the Daily Mail reporter adding that the club were in ‘advanced talks’ with another candidate.

It seems as if that man is Postecoglou, with the 55-year-old close to swapping Japan for Scotland.

The Latest: Percy’s late-night claim

Percy shared the news late on Friday evening on social media, saying:

“Celtic in advanced talks with Ange Postecoglou and are tonight close to appointing him as manager. Postecoglou, 55, has been working in Japan with Yokohama F. Marinos”

Postecoglou has held roles in Japan, Greece and his native Australia, taking charge of 349 games as a manager. He led the Socceroos at the 2014 World Cup and won the Asian Cup with his homeland the following year.

He has averaged just over three years in each role and prefers a 4-3-3 system, according to Transfermarkt.

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The Verdict: Harkin already making moves?

In our opinion, we think Fergal Harkin may have had a major say on a proposed move for Postecoglou. The Irishman is thought to be edging closer to a move to Celtic Park, with the ‘massive’ Hoops fan set to land the newly-created Director of Football (DoF) role.

Currently Manchester City’s football partnerships manager, he may know all about Postecoglou already, as Yokohama are part of the City Football Group.

On that basis, we feel that Harkin, who looks set for a move to Celtic, may have pushed for a move for the Australian following the huge twist in their pursuit of Howe. If that is the case, it seems as if the impending DoF is already making moves at Parkhead.

In other news: Hoops still hold an interest in Scottish Premiership ace, find out who it is here.