Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has expressed concern over new signing Benjamin Sesko's progress at Old Trafford as he claimed the star striker is not receiving enough balls. Despite making a big money move to United this summer from RB Leipzig, the Slovenian forward is yet to get a start under Ruben Amorim after two weeks of action.
Ferdinand gives verdict on SeskoSlovenian yet to start for Man UtdRed Devils winless after two Premier League gamesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Devils invested £74 million ($100m) in Sesko when a protracted search for a new No.9 led to them completing a big-money deal with RB Leipzig. The Slovenia international, however, is yet to live up to his full potential, as he has featured from the bench in the club's first two Premier League games of the new season.
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Sesko made his competitive debut for United in their first match of the campaign against Arsenal, appearing in the final 25 minutes of the match. He then played for 37 minutes in their 1-1 draw against Fulham. The lack of opportunities under Amorim has left Ferdinand worried as the ex-England star expressed his concern over Sesko's growth at Old Trafford.
WHAT FERDINAND SAID
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents show on YouTube, the 46-year-old said: "Get the ball into him. He isn’t going to be an easy day’s work. Get it into him and make them defend. But we are playing it around him. Sometimes it’s like really basic, fundamental things. Get it into someone who can cause problems but we go against that. So that was my main concern, you are not getting to see who he is.
"I would rather you play it into him and he look rubbish so we know what we’ve got because, right now, I don’t know what he is or what he’s doing. I’m not pointing the finger but you have got to help your team-mates find their feet in the team."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?
United face Grimsby in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before hosting Burnley in the Premier League three days later and Sesko will hope to start at least one of those games as he bids to prove himself to Amorim.
Former Australia allrounder takes over from Paddy Upton for a period of three years from IPL 2020
ESPNcricinfo staff21-Oct-2019Former Australia allrounder Andrew McDonald has been appointed head coach of Rajasthan Royals for a period of three years from IPL 2020. He will replace Paddy Upton who had been in charge of the side in 2019, when Royals finished second from last with just five wins in 14 games.McDonald, who had played four Tests for Australia, is only 38, but has already built strong credentials as a coach, having ended his playing career in 2016. He enjoyed a stellar season as coach in 2018-19, leading Victoria to the one-day and Shield titles in addition to overseeing Melbourne Renegades’ run to their first Big Bash League crown.McDonald has also had coaching stints in franchise cricket, and was named head coach of Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred in June earlier this year. In IPL 2018, he had served as Royal Challengers Bangalore’s bowling coach. McDonald has also made his mark in English county cricket, having led a revival of Leicestershire from a low base.McDonald, who is currently working with Victoria in the Sheffield Shield, said: “The Rajasthan Royals is a new, exciting challenge for me, and I can’t wait to get started working with our world-class players and coaches in one of the biggest sporting leagues in the world.”McDonald has IPL experience as a player as well, having turned out for Royals Challengers and Delhi Daredevils (who have now been rebranded as Delhi Capitals). In all, he has played 11 games in the league, scoring 123 runs and taking 11 wickets. In the BBL, he has represented Renegades and Sydney Thunder, making 230 runs picking up five wickets in 13 games.Zubin Bharucha, Royals’ head of cricket, welcomed McDonald into the set-up, saying: “Andrew’s innovative, forward-thinking nature, along with his experience in the IPL and success in other leagues is why we have selected him as head coach to help us drive long term success. He is data-focused and an impressive man manager who remains well versed with the rigours of modern day cricket.”
Southampton are interested in signing Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, according to a report from talkSPORT.
The lowdown: Rising stock
The 20-year-old stopper has spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at south coast rivals Portsmouth in order to gain more senior exposure.
During that time, Bazunu earned plenty of plaudits for his penalty saving exploits after denying a Cristiano Ronaldo spot-kick against Portugal for the Republic of Ireland.
Having already become an overnight sensation, a move could be on the horizon for the talented ‘keeper…
The latest: Saints’ keen
As per talkSPORT, Southampton are ‘looking to bolster’ the goalkeeping department with the capture of Bazunu.
It’s claimed that Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is ‘interested’ in the seven-cap starlet, who was recently hailed as a ‘class act’ by Fratton Park manager Danny Cowley following a 2-0 victory over Morecambe.
Furthermore, Bazunu is said to have ‘no chance’ of usurping Ederson as City’s number one, whilst Fraser Forster, Alex McCarthy, Willy Caballero and Alex Lewis are all out of contract at the end of the season (Transfermarkt).
The verdict: Smart move
Albeit untested at the Premier League level, the Dublin-born goalkeeper is a player enjoying an upwards career trajectory and Hasenhuttl desperately needs to freshen up the St Mary’s goalkeeping ranks.
So far this season Bazunu has kept 16 clean sheets, and made 3.0 saves per game whilst earning an impressive 6.99 average Sofascore rating from 44 League One outings.
Whilst the report makes no mention of a fee, valued at just £540,000, signing Bazunu would likely be a relatively inexpensive move for the new-look Southampton hierarchy.
In other news: ‘Quite a key figure’ – Journalist shocked by who could now leave Southampton, find out more here.
Everton have now reportedly been contacted with the opportunity to sign an international striker who has been likened to Erling Haaland in recent years.
Barry reveals Everton "ambition" after first goal
When Iliman Ndiaye drove beyond chasing Nottingham Forest defenders before gift-wrapping the perfect chance for Thierno Barry to break his duck against Nottingham Forest, there wouldn’t have been a more relieved person inside The Hill Dickinson Stadium than the £27m signing.
The forward, now off the mark, has already set his sights on a key Everton “ambition” after finding the back of the net for the first time since his move from Villarreal in the summer.
Everton have every right to be thinking about European football after 15 Premier League games. The Toffees currently find themselves as high as seventh and just two points adrift of Crystal Palace inside the top four.
The January transfer window could help turn that ambition into a reality. The Friedkin Group already backed David Moyes in the summer, welcoming some of the club’s most expensive ever arrivals and could yet do the same when the winter window opens next month.
Best signing since Ndiaye: 9/10 star is Everton's "most important" player
This Everton star shone in their 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest
ByJoe Nuttall 5 days ago
On that front, the search for a striker is still on despite Barry’s goal drought coming to an end. The likes of Joshua Zirkzee are beginning to emerge as serious options, with Everton reportedly ready to pounce in the race to secure his signature.
What’s more, the Toffees are also reportedly among the clubs to be offered the chance to sign Evan Ferguson in the January transfer window as he looks to finally revive his career.
Everton offered chance to sign Ferguson
Everton have now been contacted with the chance to sign Ferguson, according to TeamTalk, with AS Roma likely to bring his loan spell to an end next month.
The 21-year-old was supposed to get back to his best in Italy, but has scored just once in 14 games. A much-needed move has turned into a nightmare spell.
Everton, however, know all about getting players back to their best. Jack Grealish was becoming a forgotten star at Manchester City. Now, he’s thriving under Moyes. The same can be said for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who has become one of Everton’s most important players despite struggling at Chelsea last season.
Now, Ferguson could be next in line. The potential is certainly there, too. At 21 years old, the Republic of Ireland international is still a few years away from his peak and Everton should look to land what could prove to be an undeniable bargain next month.
Style-wise, Ferguson would arguably suit the current, physical version of the Premier League, especially given that Gary Lineker once compared him with Haaland – saying: “I don’t want to get carried away but I do see a hint of Haaland about him. His stature and his movement and stuff like that. His youth, as well.”
Dewsbury-Hall repeat: PL talent ready to leave his club with Everton keen
Jonathan Tah says he is ready to take on responsibility at Bayern Munich but admits he will have to earn respect after his summer transfer.
Tah reveals reason behind joining BayernDefender eager to take leadership role29-year-old debuted at the Club World CupFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
After joining Bayern from Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen in June and representing them at the Club World Cup, Tah is ready to take on the leadership role at the club and believes that's what the Bavarians expect of him.
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Tah spent 10 years at Leverkusen, winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal in 2023-24 under Xabi Alonso's mentorship. He came close to joining Bayern last summer, but was convinced by the Spanish coach to stay at the BayArena for another year. Although his contract at Leverkusen was set to end at the end of June, Bayern paid a transfer fee to ensure he could represent Vincent Kompany's side at the Club World Cup. He led the team's defence in the competition and helped them make their way to the quarter-finals, where they were knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain.
WHAT TAH SAID
Tah revealed the reason behind signing for Bayern, telling club media: "It was a step out of my comfort zone for me, and I did that quite consciously: I had a great time in Leverkusen for ten years, the club and I myself developed further, and now I felt it was time for me to get to know a completely new environment again. But I think it's also important to question yourself from time to time and think: What can I do to take another step, to grow – as a person, but also as a footballer. That's why I made this decision."
He spoke of taking up the leadership role as well, saying: "I want to take on responsibility here. That's the expectation the club has of me, and probably the team's as well, but above all, it's the expectation I have of myself. You don't just come here and say: 'Here I am, I'm taking on responsibility now.' You have to perform, and then it will come with time, with games, with many training sessions – both on and off the pitch. You can't demand something from others that you don't live yourself. Only then can I begin to expect that from others and then push them."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR TAH'S BAYERN?
Bayern will play friendlies against Tottenham on August 7 and Grasshoppers on August 12, before facing Stuttgart in the DFL-Supercup final on August 16. They will kickstart their Bundesliga campaign on August 22, against RB Leipzig.
Australia captain says his thumb is “broken but not displaced”, praises Siddle for pushing through and bowling despite hip injury
ESPNcricinfo staff18-Sep-2019Tim Paine has revealed he suffered a broken thumb towards the end of the final Test against England, and praised Peter Siddle for battling through an injury he sustained early in the match.The exact details of Paine’s injury are yet to be confirmed, but he expects to be back training soon and it is understood Cricket Australia’s medical staff are not concerned by the injury.”There’s a bit of recovery to be done,” Paine said in his column for the . “My thumb was broken towards the end of that Test but it is not displaced, so I should be right to get back into training early.”Paine has a history of broken fingers, requiring seven operations on his right index finger after a nasty break in 2010, which almost ended his career. He was already due to be rested for the start of Tasmania’s Marsh One-Day Cup campaign, which begins on September 23; the Sheffield Shield begins on October 10.Whatever domestic cricket he plays this season will only be for Tasmania as he also revealed he will not be taking part in the BBL, in order to conserve his energies for Test cricket. He could have been available for the second half of the tournament – the New Zealand series finishes in early January – but wants to manage his workload. Given Australia have a large gap in their Test schedule after January, that adds further weight to Paine’s comments about wanting to continue in the role for some time to come.”I’m keen to see just how far we can take this team and I’ve decided to give up the BBL so I can concentrate on red-ball cricket and being in the best place to lead them,” he said. “Being captain is draining and I think I should take every chance to recharge my batteries. I’ll go back to the BBL when I’m finished, but for now my focus is on my main job.”Paine also praised the effort put in by Siddle during the Oval Test, after the bowler suffered a hip injury on the opening day. Siddle was preferred ahead of Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson for the final pace-bowling spot and struggled to provide his usual control throughout the match, although produced his best spell towards the end of England’s second innings when he removed Joe Denly and Jos Buttler.”Peter Siddle tore a hip flexor bowling on the first morning,” Paine said. “He has copped a bit of criticism for not bowling as well as he we know he can, but the team knows just how heroic he was. A lot of other people wouldn’t have bowled again in the match, but he pushed on because he didn’t want to leave Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins to do extra work. He’s a warrior, Sidds, and we love him deeply for that.”Australia’s next Test match starts on November 21 against Pakistan at the Gabba. That series will be preceded by three T20Is against Sri Lanka and three against Pakistan, from late October, to begin the international season.
Derbyshire folded in their second innings as Tom Bailey, Glenn Maxwell and Matt Parkinson took three wickets apiece
ECB Reporters Network12-Sep-2019While it might take a mathematical genius to work out the exact equation needed, it was reckoned to be around five past five when Glamorgan were bowled out at New Road that Lancashire knew they would be returning to county cricket’s top-flight.Ifs, buts and maybes still remained however, and it was not until the unfortunate figure of an injured Ravi Rampaul walked out to bat in the swirling rain and proceeded to hit Matt Parkinson straight up in the air that promotion could properly be celebrated.That the Red Rose have regained their Division One status with two games to spare will doubtless come as a relief to those supporters so used to final day arithmetic, but it is no less than Lancashire deserve, after an unbeaten season which has seen them ruthlessly put away opponents in much the same way as Derbyshire were ground down on this third day.It was not all bad for the visitors who actually enjoyed a profitable morning session, taking four wickets as Lancashire progressed to 365 for 6 and a first innings lead of 121.This came after their disheartened bowlers took just a single wicket on day two, but once Derbyshire grabbed the new ball they immediately profited, with Liam Livingstone only managing to add one run to his overnight score before he edged a rising delivery from Rampaul to wicket keeper Harvey Hosein for 71.Livingstone’s dismissal broke a third wicket partnership of 199 with Josh Bohannon, but he was quickly followed back to the dressing room by Glen Maxwell who was out first ball, playing on to Rampaul in what is the Australian’s final appearance of the season for the county.Bohannon’s long vigil finally ended soon after when he edged to Wayne Madsen at first slip off Fynn Hudson-Prentice for a brilliant debut first class century, with his total of 174, including 23 fours and two sixes. He is just one of Lancashire’s young players who could prosper at the higher level.Rob Jones and Lancashire skipper Dane Vilas proceeded to build a partnership of 67 for the sixth wicket, with the South African reaching 1,000 runs for the season and bringing up his own half-century, before he nicked behind off Anuj Dal on the stroke of lunch.Resuming on 365 for 6 after lunch the hosts immediately looked to add quick runs and Tom Bailey had progressed nicely to 26 when he was run out attempting a quick single by a direct throw from Dal who then clean bowled Jones for 37.Parkinson was trapped in front by Matt Critchley for one before Dal, who finished with figures of 3 for 60, did the same to Saqib Mahmood as Lancashire were bowled out for 418.Under darkening Manchester skies, Bailey then got the early breakthrough when he enticed Luis Reece to drive at a wide one and play on to his stumps for six.Bailey followed up with the prize wicket of first innings century maker Billy Godleman who was lbw for 10 to leave Derbyshire 49 for 2 at tea with Wayne Madsen and Leus Du Plooy set to negotiate a tricky evening session.It always looked a big ask for a side with little to play for and with one eye on their forthcoming appearance at the T20 Blast finals day and perhaps unsurprisingly a trickle became a torrent when Madsen edged Bailey to Livingstone at slip before spin took over and Maxwell accounted for Du Plooy the same way.Critchley became Parkinson’s first victim, trapped in front for 1, with Alex Hughes next to go, brilliantly caught by Richard Gleeson at backward square leg for 33 off Maxwell.It was all over bar the shouting and Derbyshire meekly rolled over, losing their last three wickets for no runs in 11 balls as Fynn Hudson-Prentice was run out, Dal was stumped and Rampaul skied one off Parkinson, who finished with 3 for 28, to seal the deal.Cue the celebrations and a victory march which should see Lancashire claim the Division Two title with just five points needed over the next two games. Put away that abacus.
The dire draw with Denmark has cranked up the pressure again on the Three Lions to perform to the sum of their parts in Germany
There will be a distinct sense of deja vu for England at Euro 2024, as they find themselves in something of a quandary once again after two group stage games at a major tournament. Although they have all-but qualified for the last 16, their utterly uninspiring displays against both Serbia and Denmark have left belief in their ability to go all the way and lift the trophy at its lowest ebb.
Thursday evening's lacklustre 1-1 draw with Denmark in Frankfurt has only intensified the spotlight on manager Gareth Southgate, as his unchanged team failed to justify his perseverance and ultimately left him with more questions than answers.
"We’ve got to go and analyse that in-depth and find some solutions to addressing the issues that we have," the manager said in his post-match press conference. "Over the next few days we’ll spend a lot of time doing that. We know the level has to be higher, we know the level can be higher. Maybe the biggest thing is we have to accept the environment that we’re in and the expectations that are around us. We are going to have to walk towards that challenge."
There is plenty of work to do before England face Slovenia on Tuesday, but what are the main problems facing Southgate and his staff?
GettyKane on the fringes
Denmark deserve huge credit for the way they restricted England in attacking areas in the face of their plethora of creative talent, but the Three Lions' inability to get their captain Harry Kane involved was still alarming.
The No.9 did, of course, stick the ball into the back of the net early on courtesy of a horrible defensive error and a fortunate ricochet, but for the second game in a row he largely spent the match on the periphery of proceedings, coming looking for the ball rather than letting it reach him naturally.
The Bayern Munich hitman even gave the ball away in the lead-up to Denmark's stunning equaliser from Morten Hjulmand – a demonstration of just how far deep he was dropping. It was a performance that smacked of a player who hadn't been given clear tactical instructions and was instead trying to force things.
His display drew plenty of criticism, not least from England legend Gary Lineker: "He needs his manager to come to him and ask a little bit more of him," the BBC Sport presenter said. "I would have expected that if I'd put in that kind of performance. Against a back three he has to stretch the play, run one way and then come short so you don't have to come too far to receive it. He needs to make more space for the midfield players behind him to create chances. His movement was minimal. He didn't look to go behind and he doesn't often, but even when he comes short he's drifting short very lethargically, he's plodding short and that's not going to help."
AdvertisementGettyThe left-back problem
We all knew Kieran Trippier wasn't a left-back before Euro 2024 began, and his performances thus far have only served to highlight a serious problem position for England. Despite the fact he hasn't played since January, Southgate saw fit to include an injured and unfit Luke Shaw in his squad, alongside five centre-backs. The decision to leave Ben Chilwell at home means the Manchester United man is the only specialist left-sided full-back in the entire squad.
Southgate insists that Shaw is "on track" in his recovery, which begs the question of why he was selected in the first place having missed two games. It's still unclear when he will be ready to start, and he will surely not be match fit either way.
Through no fault of his own, Trippier looks inhibited at left-back – too afraid to take on his marker or play a forward pass with his weaker foot for fear of making a costly mistake, meaning England are seriously limited on their left side with Phil Foden always keen to tuck inside.
"We don't have our best left-back available so that denies you the opportunity for that balance," Southgate said in his post-match comments. "But I think Tripps [Trippier] has done an incredible job for the team. His spirit, his organisation, his desire have helped us get over the line in the last two games. That's in no way a criticism of him, but it's obviously going to be different with a right-footer there than a left."
Liverpool's Joe Gomez could offer a solution against Slovenia in England's final group game. A right-footed centre-back by trade, he was used regularly at left-back by Jurgen Klopp during the club season and showed on numerous occasions he is confident enough to get forward. It's time to throw caution to the wind, after all.
GettyBack to the drawing board
In midfield, it is surely time for Southgate to accept that his half-cooked Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment isn't ready for the world just yet. The Liverpool man was hooked early in the second half against Denmark having once again failed to influence a game from his deep-lying playmaker role.
Speaking after the game, the Three Lions boss bizarrely suggested England were missing defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips and that's what he has been attempting to mitigate for, seemingly ignoring the talent of two youngsters sat on the bench in the form of Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton – both of whom have earned their place in his squad.
"He's (Alexander-Arnold) had some moments where he's delivered what we thought he would," the manager said. "We know it's an experiment. We know we don't have a natural replacement for Kalvin Philips. We're trying different things and at the moment we're not flowing as we'd like."
In truth, a tournament setting is probably not the best place to carry out this experiment, and Southgate now has a big decision on his hands. If he does not stick with Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher is probably the safe option, but Mainoo and Wharton are only risks due to their age and lack of experience. They have shown in the Premier League that they can shine on the biggest stage.
GettyOver-reliance on their No.10
Alexander-Arnold doesn't provide the only conundrum in the middle of the park, however. After haring around the pitch like a man possessed in a match-winning display against Serbia on Sunday, Jude Bellingham was a shadow of that player in the draw with Denmark four days later.
Despite toiling throughout as he lost 10 duels, had just two touches in the Danish box and failed to have a single shot, the midfielder was left on the pitch for the full 90 minutes as his manager desperately sought a winner and some sort of sudden end to England's woes.
Foden, who had been arguably England's best attacking player, was taken off with 20 minutes still to play. It is early days, but this perhaps already reflects an over-reliance on the Real Madrid star to provide moments of inspiration, even when he has clearly run himself into the ground.
It's not like there wasn't other options available to the manager: Foden could have been shifted centrally, Eberechi Eze is at his best as an attacking midfielder, and Cole Palmer remained benched despite his extraordinary creative season at club level.
Manchester City are now leading the race for a “world-class” player, who is very keen on sealing a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer, according to a report.
Guardiola keen on new goalkeeper amid Ederson concerns
Man City crashed out of the Club World Cup at the round of 16 stage, which left Pep Guardiola dissatisfied, and the manager is reportedly growing particularly tired of Ederson’s performances, with the Brazilian failing to reach his usual lofty heights.
Consequently, Guardiola is now looking to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, with it recently being revealed the Blues are ready to submit a £51m bid for FC Porto’s Diogo Costa, who has been identified as one of their top targets.
However, Costa is not the only option on the shortlist, as James Trafford is also of interest, and contact has been made over a deal for the Burnley shot-stopper, with City looking to hijack their Premier League rivals, Newcastle United.
England's Jarell Quansah,JamesTraffordand Taylor Harwood-Bellis line up before the match
Newcastle have been in the driving seat in the race for Trafford’s signature for quite some time, and a report last week suggested the Magpies were closing in on a deal, but it now looks like he could re-join the Blues.
According to a report from Football Insider, the Etihad Stadium is the goalkeeper’s most likely destination this summer, indicating Man City are now leading the race, with Newcastle now at real risk of missing out on a deal entirely.
City have a £40m buy-back clause for their former player, although they are looking to negotiate a fee below that figure, given that £40m would be a large fee to shell out for a goalkeeper yet to prove himself at the very highest level.
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Crucially, the Burnley star is “very keen” on a return to the Etihad Stadium, which means it could be easy to negotiate personal terms if the Blues are able to agree a suitable fee with the Clarets.
"World-class" Trafford could be ideal Ederson heir
The 22-year-old, on £25,000-a-week, is clearly now ready to test himself at the top level, given that he performed remarkably well for Burnley in the Championship last season, shipping just 16 goals in 45 appearances and keeping 29 clean sheets.
The former City man clearly has plenty of self-belief too, having described himself as “world-class” last season, and the Englishman’s performances for the Clarets over the past year suggest he could certainly be at that level.
Statistic
Average per 90
Goals against
0.36 (99th percentile)
Save percentage
84.5% (99th percentile)
Save % (penalties)
100% (95th percentile)
Clean sheet percentage
64.4% (99th percentile)
Clearly, Trafford could be an ideal long-term replacement for Ederson, but he will have big shoes to fill, given that the Brazilian has been a fantatsic servant to City, winning six Premier League titles during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
Tottenham Hotspur were left feeling rather empty when Daniel Levy made the bold decision to dismiss Ange Postecoglou at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, just weeks after he ended 17 years of silverware-searching by winning the Europa League.
But Spurs’ 17th-place Premier League was inexcusable, and the cracks ran back through the lion’s share of the previous season, with injuries yet again wreaking havoc down N17.
Tottenham Hotspur manager AngePostecogloucelebrates after winning the Europa League
And anyway, Tottenham have at least appointed the perfect successor, with Thomas Frank having left his admired Brentford post to lead the Londoners into a new era.
With last year’s title paving the road into the Champions League, sights are now set on going from strength to strength. Frank has certainly started off on firm footing there, having welcomed Mohammed Kudus into his brood, with Levy also activating permanent options in Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso’s loan deals.
But more is certainly needed.
The latest Spurs transfer news
Tottenham thought they had reached an agreement to sign Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, but the Tricky Trees are looking to put paid to the move, alleging that the Lilywhites illegally approached the England international.
As such, it appears Frank has swivelled his outfit’s attention to RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, having initiated talks. Arsenal and Chelsea both have concrete interests of their own.
Simons would add an elite injection of creativity and dynamism into the attacking midfield, but Spurs are also seeking an industrious, deeper-lying player.
And according to Football Insider, their sights are set on Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Oliver Glasner is desperate to keep the 21-year-old, with Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi both slated for departures from south London this summer.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton
Liverpool, Manchester City, and Real Madrid have also been keeping tabs on the English talent, who has been priced north of £100m by the Eagles, looking to fend off interest in their prized possession.
Why Spurs want Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace knew they had a star on their hands when signing a teenage Wharton from Blackburn Rovers for £18m in February 2024.
He had only featured 51 times for Blackburn’s senior side, but increasingly caught the eye for his confident, age-belying performances in the Championship.
Across a term-and-a-half in the Premier League, Wharton has demonstrated a tactical aptitude and coolness on the ball that evades most young midfielders looking to earn their trade, with Three Lions teammate Declan Rice singling him out as a “top-level” midfield prospect ahead of last year’s European Championship.
As per FBref, Wharton ranked among the top 9% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues last season for progressive passes, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, and the top 4% for ball recoveries per 90.
Through this data, we can glean that the touted talent is nurturing one of the most exciting passing profiles in the business, with his immense rate of recovery indicating an energy and athleticism that would be perfect for Frank’s high-energy style of play.
He’s only played 36 times in the English top flight, racking up five assists, but Wharton has already proven himself to be a superstar in the making, instrumental in helping Palace toward their maiden FA Cup title, defeating Manchester City in the final.
Beforehand, journalist Henry Winter had lauded the maestro as a “passing machine” for his effort against Aston Villa in the semi-final, continuing to label him as “the best player on the pitch.”
Though Tottenham already have talented creative midfielders such as James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, the Englishman is routinely injured and knocked out of kilter, talented though he is, while Kulusevski is more of a workhorse, and whether Frank opts to deploy him down the right flank with a greater regularity remains to be seen.
Simons, a 28-cap Netherlands international, isn’t quite the same profile as Gibbs-White, who can play deeper and is perhaps more embracing of the defensive side of the game, but he would still be a significant addition to a Tottenham side looking to make an impact across multiple fronts.
The 22-year-old, moreover, is tactically sharp and incredibly potent when in dangerous positions, be that as a creator or someone willing to strike on goal. In this way, he could be a wonderful partner for Wharton, whose stroked long passes would find a home at the Dutchman’s feet, who, in space, can make things happen.
Left winger
41
10
11
Right winger
17
5
5
Attacking midfield
17
6
7
Centre-forward
1
–
–
Wharton is not one-note, either. Across the recent Premier League campaign, injuries limited him to just 16 starts. But, as per Sofascore, he still applied an active defensive presence, averaging one interception and 1.7 tackles per game, also avoiding a single error across the term.
Contrast that with, say, Yves Bissouma, who made six errors of various shapes and sizes despite only starting 16 matches himself, and you can really see the kind of upgrade Tottenham would enjoy in the engine room by signing Wharton.
This steely stability would be perfect for a playmaker such as Simons, who would need to look around and see a fluent system in order to settle and thrive.
Crystal Palace's AdamWhartonin action with Ipswich Town's Julio Enciso
Completing these deals would achieve a sense of synergy that simply wasn’t there last season, with Wharton establishing a strong through line into the final third, which Simons could clasp onto and make things happen for a Frank team who promise so much, who are capable of so much.
Their own Gyokeres: "Sensational" £50m striker now wants to sign for Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur could be edging closer to another big-money signing this summer.