Liverpool have reportedly identified a new transfer target as Jurgen Klopp continues to bolster his squad after a challenging 2022/23 season, with the current campaign producing far greater results.

Klopp's squad fell by the wayside last year and there were credible concerns that the esteemed and adored manager was past his peak, headed for a miserable ending to his Anfield reign, not befitting of a man who has done so much for the red half of this city.

Finishing fifth in the Premier League, the Reds were in a pretty dire position heading into the business end, and looked destined for an abject end to the seasonal journey after fighting, and failing, for the quadruple the year before.

Perhaps the bitter blow of falling just short in both the Premier League and Champions League, and for all Klopp's efforts to crowbar some cohesion into his sapped side, the blunt fact was that the midfield was no longer fit for purpose.

Of course, that's all changed now, and a plaintive atmosphere has been wiped away, replaced by a palpable sense of optimism that Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo can sustain the engine room's form this season, with success across multiple fronts very much on the cards.

The work is never done though, and the industrial midfield rebuild came at the expense of defensive acquisitions, which now looks to be at the forefront of Klopp and co's strategy going forward.

Liverpool transfer news

According to a report from Football Insider late last month, Liverpool have 'set their sights' on Ajax defender Devyne Rensch, who has been one of the Dutch Eredivisie's most exciting prospects over the past several years.

A multi-action defender, Rensch has primarily featured as a right-back this season, and while Liverpool are well-equipped in that particular position with vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, there has been a call for depth.

20-year-old defender Calvin Ramsey was touted for such a role after joining from Aberdeen in a £6.5m transfer last year, but has been horribly affected by injuries, playing just twice.

Rensch, also aged 20, is valued at £10m by Football Transfers, is also on Arsenal's radar and could be the perfect, unrefined starlet to be moulded into a valuable member of Liverpool's team.

Devyne Rensch's style of play

Ajax might be bottom of the Dutch top flight right now in what has been a shocking and catastrophic decline, but Rensch can hardly be blamed for the demise at such a young age, having demonstrated such promise in the early phase of his career.

Having risen through the esteemed De Toekomst youth ranks, Rensch has now forged 101 displays for his team, posting seven goals and six assists.

The one-cap Netherlands international's contract is set for expiry in 2025, which makes next year the perfect opportunity for Liverpool to test Ajax's resolve and convince Rensch to make the move out of his homeland.

As per FBref, Rensch ranks among the top 1% of full-backs across divisions similar to the Eredivisie for pass completion, the top 6% for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive passes and the top 14% for interceptions per 90, highlighting that core quality so intrinsic to Ajax youth graduates.

His deployment in the Liverpool defence could pay dividends going forward, unleashing a new dimension and bolstering effectively to enrich the depth that is requisite for the possible success on Klopp's mind.

How Devyne Rensch would perform at Liverpool

While Rensch holds a versatile capacity that would allow Klopp to deploy him across a range of positions, he appears to have found a home on the right flank of the backline.

For all of Ajax's woes this season, Rensch has not actually performed too badly and is undoubtedly one of the most talented youngsters that the bruised Eredivisie giants have to offer.

Formerly described as an “incredible” prospect by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Rensch's natural faculty for ball-playing aligns with the way Klopp strives for his team to play, focussing on energy and intensity while maintaining a passing flow that allows the frontal performers such as Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah to excel.

Speaking of Salah, the world-class forward has forged quite the career for himself on Merseyside since joining from Italian Serie A side Roma for £34m in 2017, having scored 196 goals and supplied 83 assists from 319 appearances.

Heralded as "one of the greatest of all time" by pundit and former Ballon d'Or winner Michael Owen, the Egyptian star has been the offensive lynchpin of Klopp's dynasty, objectively one of the Premier League's greated attacking players.

Technically a right winger but often found drifting into central positions – something that is evidenced through Salah's rank among the top ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 4% for assists and the top 1% for touches in the attacking box per 90, staggeringly effective but hardly clinging to the touchline.

The £350k-per-week machine has benefitted immensely from the supplementation of Alexander-Arnold, whose relentless rate of assists from (technically) defence has been staggering.

Season

Assists

League rank

22/23

9

7th

21/22

12

2nd

20/21

7

13th

19/20

13

2nd

18/19

12

3rd

*Assist charts sourced via premierleague.com

Alexander-Arnold has acknowledged Salah's "frightening" form in the past and will forever wax lyrical over the man who has provided his boyhood club with such devastating offensive distinction, and likewise, Salah will tip his hat to the England international's superlative creativity.

The 25-year-old ranks among the top 2% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 3% for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90, hailed for his "genius" ability by reporter Neil Jones.

Rensch would not bring the same kind of passing ability, rather, a crispness in his ability that does not rely so heavily on aerial, defence-splitting distribution, with Alexander-Arnold ranking among only the top 52% for pass completion.

But that doesn't matter, dynamism in Salah's partner down the right channel might be good for the Reds, opening up a new dimension to ensure that rotation keeps opponents guessing.

Therefore, Klopp must do all in his power to get his hands on Rensch, who is young enough to be nurtured to the German's mould but talented enough to make a marked impact right from the get-go.

Injuries have ended the goalkeeper's Euro 2024 hopes, but the breakdown in his relationship with Domenico Tedesco means his chances were already slim

Belgium will line up without two of their best players against England at Wembley on Tuesday, but while captain Kevin De Bruyne's unavailability is simply a fitness precaution, Thibaut Courtois' absence is far more complexed. Officially, the Real Madrid goalkeeper will be noted as 'injured' having undergone surgery on a torn meniscus in his right knee that has effectively ruled him out of Belgium's Euro 2024 plans – but that doesn't tell the whole story.

Despite not having set foot on a football pitch since the summer, Courtois – arguably outright the best goalkeeper on the planet – has endured a season from hell, and although he cannot be blamed for his injury woes, some problems have been of his own making.

Always outspoken, the 31-year-old has never been afraid to fight his corner, seemingly in the belief he is dealt a raw hand despite being among the best in the business – evidenced by his complaints over being overlooked for individual awards down the years. But Courtois' latest war of words and a very-public falling out could cost him dearly, as he faces a premature end to his international career.

Infuriating snub

Although he might not admit it, Courtois' troubles likely began in March 2023 when he was overlooked for the Belgium captaincy by then-newly installed national team coach Tedesco, with Man City star De Bruyne handed the armband, while the goalkeeper and Roma striker Romelu Lukaku were named as joint vice-captains.

However, a seemingly innocuous coaching decision in June would send the Real Madrid shot-stopper over the edge. With De Bruyne out injured for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Austria, Courtois was expected to skipper the side in his first home game since reaching 100 caps – but the duty was instead given to Lukaku, and Courtois was told he would be captain against Estonia in the next game.

Courtois was supposedly left infuriated and failed to report for training the day after the Austria match, with Tedesco saying in a press conference: "Together we decided that Romelu would be captain against Austria and Thibaut tomorrow against Estonia. That was OK for everyone, but after the match he [Courtois] suddenly wanted to talk to me and said he was going home because he was disappointed and felt offended."

The keeper snapped back, citing his "deep disappointment" at Tedesco for going public about their disagreement, denying he had had a tantrum and insisting he had actually left the camp because of a knee injury, adding that "the coach's assessments do not fit with reality". Tedesco, though, doubled down, saying: "I wish I could say it’s an injury, but I can’t lie."

AdvertisementGetty'Something snapped inside me'

Reflecting on the very-public falling out later in 2023, Courtois admitted that the captaincy snub had made him "explode" and accused Tedesco of a "breach of trust" after his candid press conference comments.

"Look, if my departure was purely about the captaincy, I would have already resigned in March [when Tedesco chose De Bruyne as captain]," he said. "Kevin as captain? No problem. But then you had Romelu [Lukaku] and I as vice-captains without hierarchy.

"When he said that Romelu was captain against Austria and I was captain against Estonia on Tuesday, something snapped inside me. I couldn’t handle it anymore. The fact that I no longer felt appreciation from the federation and trainer made something explode within me. The coach made no effort to find a solution, but simply said he would tell the press everything. He wanted to pressure me not to leave and threaten me.

"That is simply not possible, because it was a private conversation. Then there is a breach of trust between the player and the coach. Tedesco wanted to launch an attack on me, one he announced the day before. Go ahead, I thought – something like that doesn't help and creates a breach of trust. Moreover, things were leaked to the press the next day, which I know came from his side."

Season over before it began

Any hope Courtois had of easing his frustration by turning his attention back to club matters at Real Madrid would be short-lived. In August, just two days before Los Blancos would kick off their La Liga campaign against Athletic Club in Bilbao, the goalkeeper suffered the dreaded torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in training, leaving the pitch in tears and undergoing surgery on his left knee in the days after.

The timing of his injury – which usually entails a recovery period of up to nine months – on the eve of the new season threw his entire campaign into doubt, as well as his participation at Euro 2024 the following summer.

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Getty'Nothing lasts forever in football'

Speaking during his rehabilitation in December, Courtois effectively ruled himself out of Euro 2024 contention despite the possibility he might be fit in time, though he did suggest that he and Tedesco could come to some sort of resolution so he might return to the international fold in the future.

"Due to the injury, there will be no European Championships for me anyway," he said. "I first have to recover the full 100 percent and then it is better not to put a date on it. If I’m lucky, I can play another match in May. But then you can never be 100% ready for a big tournament.

"I think it is better to immediately provide that clarity to the national team. I’m not going to be in goal at 80%, while we have other good goalkeepers," Courtois said. "I will just be an extra supporter in June. Hopefully for a European title."

He added: "The door is definitely not closed for me. However, I know that I have to keep the focus on Real Madrid this season. And the European Championship does not figure in the plans for a perfect return. We'll see. Ultimately, nothing lasts forever in football. For me, it's no problem to sort things out like two adults. But where is the middle ground after a breach of trust like this?"

Aston Villa are reaping the benefits of having Unai Emery as their coach, with the Spaniard continuing to excel expectations since his arrival in the Midlands just over a year ago.

The former Arsenal boss has transformed the outlook at Villa Park, leading the squad he inherited from Steven Gerrard from 16th place in the Premier League table to seventh during his first spell at the club.

By finishing seventh, Emery handed the Villans their first ticket into European competition since 2010, where they have started well, sitting level on points at the top of the group stages in the Europa Conference League.

From improvements on the pitch to making statement signings in the summer transfer window, the Spaniard has switched Villa’s progression to an upward trajectory, with so much more to come for his talented squad.

Despite being just one point below the top four in the Premier League table, it’s claimed that the Villans are already looking ahead to the January transfer window to bolster the squad even further, with a host of names linked with a move to Villa Park.

Aston Villa transfer targets

While the summer arrival of Youri Tielemans added to the options available in the midfield, the theme of Villa’s speculated winter targets is to acquire further reinforcements for the middle of the park.

One name that has been mentioned is former target Dani Ceballos, who was heavily linked with a move in the summer by reports in Spain, however as his game time becomes even harder to grasp at Real Madrid, an exit could finally be on the cards.

According to Spanish outlet DefensaCentral, Villa remain in the mix to sign Emery’s former player at Arsenal, with the report claiming that the Midlands side could offer a fee between €15m-€18m (£13m-£15.6m) for the 27-year-old.

Moving over to Portugal, another player of interest has been identified in the form of Benfica sensation Fredrik Aursnes, a fellow former target from the summer.

Back in June, Portuguese outlet Record claimed that Villa had been told by Benfica to pay the £42m release clause of the midfielder if they wanted to sign him.

Another report by Record, relayed by Sport Witness last month, resurfaced the Villans’ interest in the Norway international, claiming that the Premier League outfit have the player on their ‘agenda’.

After making the move from Feyenoord to Benfica only last summer, a move could be on the cards for Aursnes once again, if Villa opt to pay the fee required to finally secure his signature.

The stats that show Fredrik Aursnes would be a good signing for Aston Villa

Once lauded as a “midfield general” by renowned Norwegian journalist, Knut Espen Svegaarden, the 27-year-old has showcased an array of abilities over the years, excelling in deep midfield.

From fulfilling his defensive duties in the engine room to building play from the deeper areas, Aursnes has a complete feel to his game, which are elements supported by his numbers over the past year.

As highlighted by FBref, the 18-cap Norway international is an assured distributor of the ball with an average of 7.82 progressive passes per 90, suggesting that he would be a good fit for Emery’s side.

Not only does the Spaniard favour a midfielder able to contribute to transitional play, but also a figure that can play both sides of the role, with his typical formation being to exploit four in the middle line with players sporting the capacity to defend and attack.

In Boubacar Kamara and Douglas Luiz, the Spaniard has two players that define his demands in the position, with both stars able to get involved in the final third and protect the defence.

Aursnes has an identical balance to his play, reinforced by his average of 1.83 tackles and 1.16 interceptions per 90 to showcase his strengths in acting as the anchor when called upon.

Fredrik Aursnes' style of play

Another way that Aursnes’ defensive strengths have been exploited at Benfica is through Roger Schmidt’s decision to field him at full-back, a position that once more allows him to portray his transferable skills between the lines.

The Norweigan’s versatility could make him the ideal coup for Villa, with his rounded ability having the potential to provide Emery with cover in a range of areas on the pitch.

Dubbed a 'controlling presence' in the midfield by scouting site Total Football Analysis, the 27-year-old’s biggest strength was noted by analysts as his distribution and capacity to build passages of play from deep.

For Villa, signing a midfielder as complete as the Benfica star could not only boost the depth in the side, but induce competition for those already in the favoured XI, as he boasts aspects of his game valued by Emery.

Total Football Analysis praised the former Feyenoord whiz as a talent 'able to control”' and dictate play from most areas of the pitch, presenting him as a player similar to the likes of Luiz, who is a durable player all over the pitch for Villa.

There could be room for a new midfielder to flourish at Villa Park, particularly as one summer signing has struggled to impose himself so far since his move.

How Fredrik Aursnes compares to Youri Tielemans

There has been a lot of noise of late regarding the future of Tielemans at Villa, with the Belgian explaining his dissatisfaction with his game time to the media, followed by speculation questioning his happiness at the club.

A report from Football Insider suggested that the former Leicester City star may even quit the Midlands side, which could pave the way for a figure like Aursnes to be welcomed to the squad.

Removing any speculation from Tielemans’ stance at Villa, the Belgian has failed to perform to the level expected of him, which has naturally compromised his minutes so far this term.

In Aursnes, the Villans could acquire a tactically similar player to Tielemans, who prides himself on his playmaking and distribution ability, as well as replenishing the side with a greater presence than the underperforming 26-year-old.

Tielemans vs Aursnes – 2022/23 respective league statistics

Youri Tielemas

Fredrik Aursnes

Touches

72.07

77.97

Progressive passes

6.95

8.44

Progressive carries

1.34

2.00

Progressive passes received

2.15

5.64

Key passes

1.15

1.13

Shot creating actions

2.99

3.13

Interceptions

1.08

1.34

Dribblers tackled %

37.7%

51.9%

Per 90 figures via FBref

As portrayed in the graph above, the Norwegian could provide Emery with an upgrade on his summer acquisition, especially with reference to his ability to move the ball to advanced areas to a greater degree to the Belgian, who prides himself in such strengths.

Only time will tell if the Villans opt to spend the money to finally welcome Aursnes to Villa Park, however, what is certain is that Emery could bolster his squad by trading the Norwegian for Tielemans.

West Ham United dispelled any concerns surrounding their 16th-place finish in the Premier League last term by winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in June and pulling off some astute business in the transfer window.

The Hammers have carried the momentum gained from that triumphant occasion this season, topping their Europa League group and occupying seventh position in the league.

A contributing factor to that upward shift in momentum has been the prevalence of quality in their squad as Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse have all been instrumental.

Ahead of their trip to Aston Villa, the talented Mohammed Kudus is banging down the door to make his first Premier League start after scoring a late equaliser against Newcastle in sensational style.

Who could Mohammed Kudus replace against Aston Villa?

The "generational talent" – as lauded by African journalist Gary Al-Smith – replaced Tomas Soucek off the bench in the 76th minute against Newcastle in the number 10 role and made an instant impact by scoring a venomous half-volley.

Unlike Soucek, Kudus possesses exceptional running power, hawk-eye vision and playmaking abilities that the 28-year-old isn't able to provide, as seen against the Magpies.

Across the 76 minutes he was on the field, the Czech Republic international was virtually non-existent and according to Sofascore, misplaced six of his 14 passes, made zero dribbles, won zero ground duels and lost possession on six occasions.

Kudus, on the other hand, made a devastating impact in the 14 minutes he was on the pitch and not only did he score the game's decisive goal, but he also impressed with his all-action performance, successfully completing 100% of his dribbles, accurately placing nine of his 10 passes, winning one of his two ground duels and making one key pass.

Described by former teammate Calvin Bassey as a "star boy", Kudus was signed to be the difference maker in the final third for West Ham and despite being restricted to cameos off the bench so far, has already passed the eye test of someone who can become a revelation in east London.

How has Mohammed Kudus performed this season?

In the Premier League this term, the 23-year-old has provided Moyes with a flavour of his attacking capabilities, thrilling the masses with his exceptional ball-carrying skills, ability to unlock defences and consistent end product.

He's displayed those attributes in full throttle by successfully completing 75% of his dribbles, winning 67% of his duels, accurately placing 83% of his passes and averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.35 across the last two matches, a victory over Sheffield United and a draw against Newcastle.

While Kudus is not only incredible in possession the 5 foot 9 star is also monstrous without it, demonstrating the hunger and desire to win possession back for his team, utilising his stocky frame to push the opposition off the ball.

In quite simple terms, the ceiling of the Ghanian's potential is limitless and Moyes has to realise this by unleashing him from the off against Villa.

With Bowen and Paqueta potentially operating on either side of the £90k per-week phenom, West Ham could form a fearsome trio that most defences would be running scared to face.

سجل الكاميروني أرنولد إيبا مهاجم نادي مودرن سبورت، الهدف الأول لفريقه أمام الأهلي، في المباراة المقامة بينهما الآن، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

الأهلي يلاقي مودرن سبورت، في إطار الجولة الـ 17 المؤجلة من عمر مباريات بطولة الدوري المصري، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي.

وأحرز أرنولد إيبا هدف مودرن سبورت الأول أمام الأهلي في الدقيقة 26 بعد انطلاقة وتوغل بين لاعبي النادي الأهلي وتسديد كرة قوية من خارج منطقة الجزاء سكنت شباك محمد الشناوي. هدف مودرن سبورت الأول أمام الأهلي

ويخوض فريق مودرن سبورت محتلاً المركز الرابع في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 47 نقطة من 29 لقاء.

طالع | تشكيل الأهلي أمام مودرن سبورت في الدوري المصري

بينما النادي الأهلي يتواجد في المركز الثاني بترتيب جدول الدوري، برصيد 60 نقطة من 24 مباراة.

In a release, the board said that “tough decisions” were required to preserve cricket in Zimbabwe

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Aug-2018

Zimbabwean fans put up banners in the stands•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) will not renew the contracts of “almost all” of its staff members when they expire at the end of August as the organisation begins a radical financial restructure. Player contracts will be reviewed and agreed next week.”These are tough times and tough decisions are required to preserve cricket in Zimbabwe,” ZC said in a release.Zimbabwe Cricket remains committed to restarting its domestic season in November, and to hiring a small complement of staff to suit its needs.The drastic measures are a consequence of the drip-feed of funding ZC will receive from the ICC, who offered ZC a lifeline after their annual conference in June. In essence, ZC will no longer receive two annual payouts like other Member Countries, but funds as needed to prevent over-expenditure and help ZC manage its substantial debt; for instance, the ICC approved a release of funds earlier in the month to pay outstanding player salaries, which have been four months overdue.The extended non-payment led to five prominent players – Brendan Taylor, Graeme Cremer, Sikander Raza, Craig Irvine and Sean Williams – sitting out the T20 triangular series against Australia and Pakistan and five-match ODI series against Pakistan. Taylor had committed himself to “getting back to work” once payments are made. Zimbabwe’s next assignment is three ODIs and three T20s against South Africa, starting from the end of September.

When big money gets thrown around like it's nobody's business, a club's expectations will automatically increase, and it's Chelsea who have found themselves victims of that narrative in recent times.

Criticised for their overspending, the Blues have totalled over £1bn in transfer fees since Todd Boehly arrived at the club as the American attempted to buy his way to a league title and instead, bought his way to a 12th-place finish last term.

While most anticipated drastic improvements with the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, the Argentine has found it to be a poisoned chalice having dropped points in five of their eight matches.

If Chelsea are in a similar position come January, Boehly could dip into his deep pockets once more and provide Pochettino with the funds to sign a striker.

Who could sign for Chelsea in January?

According to reports from ESPN this month, Chelsea are eyeing up a blockbuster move for Napoli's prolific marksman Victor Osimhen.

The Blues are still seeking reinforcements up front having lacked that killer touch in the final third this season and the Nigeria international could provide that.

He's forged a reputation for becoming one of Europe's most exciting strikers and the Italian giants have acknowledged that by slapping a reported £150m price tag on his head earlier this year.

Although that is a ludicrous amount of money to shell out, especially after totalling over £1bn in spending across three windows, Napoli could be forced to enter talks with his contract expiring in 2025.

Osimhen is also currently unhappy after he was the subject of two offensive clips that were shared on the club's TikTok account, casting doubt over his future while his agent threatened to sue the Serie A side in the wake of the fallout.

While it remains unclear as to whether Chelsea will pursue a deal for the 24-year-old in January, he would significantly bolster a forward line consisting of £32m summer arrival Nicolas Jackson, who has only scored twice in seven appearances this term, as well as Armando Broja.

How many goals has Victor Osimhen scored for Napoli?

In the past few years, Osimhen has become one of the most lethal strikers on the planet and an impressive return of 65 goals in 111 appearances for Napoli emphasises that point.

Accumulating 103 goals in 201 club matches across his career to date, it is clear that the Nigerian knows where the back of the net is, displaying unequivocal efficiency in front of goal, unlike Jackson.

The 22-year-old, who has been the subject of wasted opportunities and exhuming a lack of conviction, has supplied the Blues with a measly conversion rate of 10% this term, seven big chances missed and only two goals scored from an xG of 4.09, as per Sofascore.

By contrast, the "phenomenal" Osimhen – as lauded by Italian coach Walter Mazzarri – has produced incredible goal-scoring numbers, including six goals in eight Serie A matches this season, 4.1 shots per game and an xG of 6.11.

Osimhen's clinical edge is amplified by the fact he has ranked in the top 1% against his position peers across Europe's top five leagues for non-penalty goals, touches in the attacking penalty box and total shots as well as top 10% for aerials won in the past year, via FBref.

If Chelsea can negotiate a lower price for the sensational forward and beat off interest from elsewhere, he could provide the requisite magic that has been in short supply.

Manchester United's Harry Maguire is tipping 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo to become England's next Jude Bellingham.

Article continues below

Article continues below

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• Mainoo earned his first England call-up
• Has been sensational for Man Utd
• Maguire compared him to Bellingham

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mainoo, who made his Premier League debut for Manchester United in November, has impressed with his performances – especially in the FA Cup victory over Liverpool, which caught Gareth Southgate's attention. Maguire has been mentoring Mainoo at Old Trafford and drew parallels between him and Bellingham, who has been a force to be reckoned with at Real Madrid.

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• WHAT MAGUIRE SAID

  When asked if Mainoo is ready for the rigours of international football, Maguire said: "I don't see why not. To play at a major tournament, obviously, it's big to have experience but also the young boys do come in and sometimes they play with no fear and they can excel in that way. I don't have any concerns whatsoever. It's incredible he's (only) 18, he's so mature. He's a bit like Jude was when he was a young boy. He's got a mature head on his shoulders. I had no concerns. I see day in, day out his ability in training. He just wants to work hard and do well. I congratulated him, said he deserved it, keep it up, and make sure he enjoys himself.

  ‌"He's got everything, he can handle the ball brilliantly. He's really strong, powerful, and you can see the progression to play that role, especially for Manchester United. Listen, we have a lot of good centre-mids in this country at the moment, a lot of players who have been there and done it, and shown that they can do it in the big, major tournaments. He'll keep working hard, I'm sure he will, because he's a great lad. It's exciting times for him and his family. We will see where it goes."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Maguire's endorsement of Mainoo echoes similar breakthroughs in the past, such as Marcus Rashford's rise to prominence ahead of the Euros in 2016. And the defender along with Rashford is keeping no stone unturned to make Mainoo feel at home in the United & England dressing rooms.

  "I told him if he needs anything just to ask me, give me a text, about anything, schedule, he thoroughly deserves it. He has been excellent for us this season," he said.

  "A role and responsibility for the senior players at Manchester United is to bring through academy players. The club is always built on giving opportunities to young boys, we have numerous of them training with us a lot, we try and make them feel welcome. And that's a big role and responsibility of the senior players, and we have done that to Kobbie. It's important he feels welcome, he feels comfortable, even coming into this group with England it is really important he feels welcome."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Maguire believes that United's recent FA Cup victory over Liverpool could act as a potential turning point, fuelling momentum for the remainder of the season.

  He added: "It's obviously been a difficult season for us. The points tally in the Premier League is not too bad, but it should be a lot better. The five teams above us have accumulated more, a lot to be honest at this stage of the season. Obviously, we've had a lot of injuries, but so have other clubs, to get knocked out of the Carabao Cup was disappointing and the Champions League campaign was also disappointing.

  "We played well in the Champions League Group games, but two red cards have probably cost us from going through there. So to have a good run in the FA Cup is important and it's a huge result for us, to keep that faith that we've still got a chance to go and win something this season. The atmosphere was incredible on Sunday and it was really important to give the fans something they deserved, to go home and cheer about. And smile about."

  Maguire is gearing up to face Brazil and Belgium with the Three Lions on Saturday and Tuesday respectively at Wembley. He will be back in Manchester after completing his international commitments to face Brentford on March 30 in a Premier League fixture.

MatériaMais Notícias

O domingo não é mais de descanso na Academia de Futebol do Palmeiras. Já virou rotina com Abel Ferreira o clube atuar no sábado e, na manhã do dia seguinte, se reapresentar no CT visando já iniciar a preparação para o duelo do meio de semana. Desta vez, a missão será buscar um bom resultado em Assunção-PAR, na próxima terça-feira (8), diante do Libertad, pelas quartas da Libertadores.

Ainda isolado em um hotel na capital paulista por causa da Covid-19, Abel Ferreira acompanhou a atividade de maneira virtual, e viu importantes reforços que não atuaram no empate diante do Santos aparecerem no gramado da Academia.

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Gabriel Menino, Danilo, Gustavo Gómez, Rony e Scarpa participaram da atividade com os demais reservas e estão prontos para retornarem ao time nesta terça-feira.

Gabriel Silva, Breno Lopes e Kuscevic, que atuaram poucos minutos no empate em 2 a 2 diante do Santos, também foram para o gramado do CT palmeirense.

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O jovem zagueiro Renan também retornou aos trabalhos com o grupo após passar por 10 dias de isolamento social, por causa do coronavírus, e depende de exames para estar na lista de relacionados para a viagem rumo à capital paraguaia.

Alan Empereur, que foi titular na partida contra o Santos mas saiu após sentir dores na perna direita, teve um entorse no joelho detectado após exames realizados nesta manhã (6) e será reavaliado nos próximos dias. O zagueiro está sob os cuidados do Núcleo de Saúde e Performance enquanto se recupera.

Marcos Rocha, o último atleta profissional do Palmeiras ainda positivado com a Covid-19, retorna aos treinos nesta semana, mas não deve fazer parte da delegação que enfrenta o Libertad.

O elenco alviverde treina nesta segunda-feira (7) às 10h (horário de Brasília), e já viaja para o Paraguai após a última atividade antes do duelo diante do Libertad, pelo jogo de ida das quartas da Libertadores.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is reportedly keen on signing a "rapid" and "quality" centre-back after Micky van de Ven's injury.

Van de ven injury exposes centre-back depth

While van de Ven is expected to be back once the January transfer window comes around, there is no denying that the Dutchman's absence has exposed a glaring lack of depth in defence at Spurs.

Previous outcast Eric Dier has been forced to replace the summer signing in Postecoglou's starting eleven recently, a player left unselected until their 4-1 defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League 10 days ago.

The Englishman doesn't really suit Tottenham's new high defensive line and was arguably exposed at points during Spurs' loss to Wolves last Saturday. Cristian Romero's absence through suspension doesn't help matters either, but Spurs quite simply need van de Ven's speed for the way Postecoglou wants to play.

Two consecutive losses have highlighted Spurs' need for a van de Ven/Romero alternative when either, or both, are unavailable to play.

Postecoglou personally wants Bournemouth star Kelly

As a result, reports in the last two weeks have indicated that Tottenham are prioritising the the addition of a new left-sided centre-back in January. Uruguay star Sebastian Caceres, Everton's Ben Godfrey, Crystal Palace ace Marc Guehi, Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah and Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly have all been linked with moves to Spurs recently.

According to TEAMtalk, who shared an update on their transfer plans this week, Postecoglou is personally keen on signing Kelly as an alternative to van de Ven.

The Cherries defender is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning he could leave the Vitality Stadium for a fairly cheap fee in January. A report by Football Insider this week stated that Kelly could leave for around £25-£30 million, which may come as tantalising for Tottenham given the defender's suitability for Postecoglou's system.

"Rapid" and "quality" Kelly seems perfect for Spurs

As highlighted by Sky journalist Jamie Weir, the Englishman may actually be suited to Spurs' style in a similar way to van de Ven. Indeed, Kelly is both comfortable in a high line and possesses electric pace.

Holding on to the ball

Blocking the ball

Concentration

"Find the ignorance/snobbery over Lloyd Kelly fairly odd," said Weir on X in September.

"Lots of comments asking who he is. He’s 24, a rapid left-footed CB, comfortable playing a high line, homegrown and has leadership qualities, having captained Bournemouth for a year."

Meanwhile, former Bournemouth boss Scott Parker once called Kelly a defender of real "quality".

"I think Lloyd Kelly has got the attributes and the ability to be a top Premier League centre-half," said Parker.

"And I think we are blessed and very, very lucky to have someone of his quality, really.

"You take players like Lloyd probably for granted in the sense of he makes things look very effortless and easy. And when you're watching him on the eye, you put someone else in that position of a ball down the side of a defender or one in the channel and getting in a foot race, he makes it look very easy, that you probably never appreciate it."