Tottenham Hotspur took a stride forward last season but Ange Postecoglou is searching for improvements across the board as he looks to take his team further, with patchy form pulling Spurs away from the Premier League's top-four, settling for the Europa League.

Is this a cloaked blessing? Postecoglou has been adamant that the Champions League will not define success as he continues to build, but Europe's elite club competition attracts the finest players, provides the firmest footing.

A defensive midfielder is coveted but, equally, Tottenham are hoping to sign a versatile wide forward to strengthen and dynamise the existing options. The Londoners might have found a big boost in that regard.

Spurs lining up talented forward

According to Tutto Juve, Tottenham are set to tussle with Manchester United and Newcastle United for the signing of Samuel Iling-Junior, who has been transfer-listed by Juventus for €15m (£13m).

The 20-year-old left winger broke into the Serie A side's first team this season but has been deemed expendable as the Old Lady seek to strengthen this summer.

For such a cheap price, it would almost be foolish not to at least lodge an offer and enter formal discussions; Iling-Junior is highly talented and might even have the perfect skill set to partner up with another summer target.

Dream Eberechi Eze partner

Speaking of Iling-Junior's qualities, former Chelsea and Tottenham academy coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst said in 2022: “Samuel brings the full package to the party, he has got everything. He is almost like a street footballer with his skill and balance. He brings almost everything to the table. He can play seven, eleven, a 10 or even in central midfield.”

Iling-Junior featured 27 times across all competitions, scored one goal and added two assists, with his "explosive" ability – as described by analyst Ben Mattinson – making him a tailor-made prospect for an ambitious Premier League outfit, and he could be the perfect partner for fellow Spurs target Eberechi Eze, someone who would no doubt be an exciting acquisition for the Londoners.

The Juve starlet is a maverick, ranking among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for progressive carries and the top 19% for tackles per 90, as per FBref. Pace, power, creativity, and combativeness all feature prominently in Iling-Junior's game.

The former Chelsea youth product, furthermore, has also been praised for his "high energy and work volume as well as dreamy ball skills" by journalist Antonio Mango, suggestingly that he is exactly what Postecoglou needs to add a layer to his left side.

And if Daniel Levy matches Postecoglou's ambition with incisive action and secures Eze's signature this summer, who, as per the Daily Mail, has a £60m release clause in his contract and is attracting interest from Tottenham, then a wonderful new partnership could be born.

Both players favour the left but Eze played regularly as a No. 10, attacking midfielder, last season, scoring the lion's share of his goals when central. Moreover, the Eagles phenomenon averaged 2.6 dribbles and five ball recoveries per top-flight match and thus would bring the energy needed to succeed at Spurs and bounce off the facets of Iling-Junior's game.

With Richarlison among those mooted for a departure this summer and Heung-min Son featuring prominently at centre-forward – which may maintain its regularity even if a new striker is signed – Iling-Junior could find himself earning ample opportunity to impress down the wing, with his playmaking skill leading him to be described as an "assist machine" by journalist Michele Neri.

Attacking midfield

17

8

5

Left winger

8

3

1

Right winger

1

0

0

Left midfield

1

0

0

This would prove especially beneficial in regard to his partnership with Eze, who brings a host of attributes to the table but notably thrives through his goalscoring, actually ranking among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers for non-penalty goals scored and the top 5% for shots taken per 90.

To nail the point home, the aforementioned Mattinson has even predicted that Iling-Junior, England U21 international, could become a “[Bukayo] Saka rival” for England, offering the kind of snap and style in his athletic play to rival that of the Arsenal star, who scored 20 goals and supplied 14 assists in all competitions last term for Mikel Arteta's elite side.

Saka, while catching the eye with his clinical touch, solidifies his position as one of the Premier League's finest with remarkable underlying numbers, ranking among the top 9% of attacking midfielders and wingers for shot-creating actions and the top 10% for tackles per 90. It's for this reason that Spurs' transfer target could successfully imitate his countryman.

Tottenham undoubtedly lack an element of pace down the left, and when athletic full-back Destiny Udogie found himself sidelined in the later stretch of the campaign, this was accentuated and then some, with Brennan Johnson pulled away from his favoured right side to try and inject some speed, proving to be less effective however.

With the requisite natural prowess and the ever-improving ability in important moments, Iling-Junior would be a credit to Postecoglou's project and would add the depth and skill needed to impress across multiple fronts next year.

Postecoglou will demand silverware of his players and without signing the likes of Iling-Junior, the Lilywhites simply won't have the firepower to maintain the charge across these different roads of the campaign.

What Spurs' starting lineup could look like after £201m spending spree

Spurs will want to give Postecoglou everything he needs to build a successful side this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 9, 2024

هناك المزيد من التبعات لقضية الثنائي، داني أولمو وباو فيكتور، بعد رفض رابطة الدوري الإسباني تسجيلهما في قائمة برشلونة للموسم الحالي وبالتالي أصبحا لاعبين حرين.

عقد أولمو مع برشلونة مستمر حتى 30 يونيو 2030 في حين أن عقد باو فيكتور سيكون حتى 2029 ولكن عدم تسجيل اللاعبين في قائمة النادي الكتالوني ينذر بكارثة لخطط الفريق في الموسم الحالي.

وبحسب صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الكتالونية فإن باو فيكتور لا يمكنه الخروج على سبيل الإعارة حتى ما لم يكن هناك تسجيل لاسمه في قائمة برشلونة رغم اهتمام نادٍ مثل ريال بيتيس.

يحق فقط لنادي برشلونة إعارة باو فيكتور في حالة واحدة وهي تسجيله وبالتالي، في الوقت الحالي سيكون على اللاعب الشاب الانتظار لما سيحدث في الأيام القليلة المقبلة.

اقرأ أيضًا | في أول دقيقة من عام 2025.. برشلونة يخسر 263 مليون يورو

في حين أن عدم تسجيل الثنائي في القائمة المحلية وبحسب صحيفة “سبورت” الكتالونية سيجعل أولمو وفيكتور لن يستطيعا المشاركة في دوري أبطال أوروبا وهي كارثة أخرى.

كل هذا في ظل عمل برشلونة على إيجاد حلول وأولها الحصول على التصديق على بيع مقاعد شخصيات كبار الزوار في ملعب “كامب نو” الجديد والخطة هي تسجيل اللاعبين يوم غد 3 يناير.

ويحاول الضغط على الاتحاد الإسباني لتسجيل اللاعبين بالمادة 130 فقرة 2 من اللوائح ليتم تسجيل الثنائي في حالة القوة القاهرة، حتى يتسنى مشاركتهما في بطولتي كأس السوبر الإسباني وكأس ملك إسبانيا.

ولا يزال هناك وقت على مباراة خيتافي في بطولة الدوري بعد التوقف الكبير لها منذ نهاية شهر ديسمبر الماضي، ولكن المشكلة أنه أصبحت هناك قوانين تتحكم فيها رابطة الدوري الإسباني إذا لم يمتثل أحد الأندية بقوانين اللعب المالي النظيف.

وبالتالي، حتى الآن لن يتمكن أولمو أو باو فيكتور من اللعب في كأس السوبر أو كأس الملك أو حتى دوري أبطال أوروبا، لأن الاتحاد الأوروبي يراجع قوائم الأندية من خلال الاتحاد المحلي وبدون تسجيل لن يتواجد الثنائي أمام بنفيكا أو أتالانتا في آخر جولتين من البطولة القارية.

MatériaMais Notícias

O diretor de futebol do Avaí, Felipe Ximenes, vai promover um evento que tem como principal objetivo apresentar os profissionais brasileiros de gestão esportiva para o mercado europeu, além de discutir o futuro do setor e promover a troca de conhecimento entre os dois continentes. A 1ª edição do Global Football Management acontecerá de forma híbrida, com transmissão online, nos dias 12 e 13 de outubro, em Lisboa. No dia 14 será promovido um jantar de gala, onde os participantes terão a oportunidade de fazer networking com profissionais de todo o mundo, e no dia 15 haverá uma grande festa de encerramento.

O evento terá diversos palestrantes de alto renome: estão entre os confirmados o técnico do Benfica, Jorge Jesus, o diretor médico do Flamengo, Dr. Márcio Tannure, os presidentes do Fortaleza, Marcelo Paz, e do Avaí, Francisco Battistotti, além do diretor executivo, Alexandre Mattos, os advogados Leven Siano e Marcos Motta, e o senador Carlos Portinho, relator do Projeto de Lei do clube-empresa.

Para mais informações, acesse o site globalfootballmgt.com.

RelacionadaseSportsMarketing Week da USP realiza palestra virtual sobre o crescimento do mundo dos games e eSportseSports13/09/2021

– O futebol se tornou uma das principais indústrias do mundo, movimentando quantias maiores que a dos PIB´S da maioria dos países. Fazer parte dessa cadeia produtiva exige muito preparo e não há mais espaço para profissionais amadores. O Brasil é reconhecido por exportar alguns dos melhores atletas do mundo. Está na hora de apresentarmos os gestores brasileiros ao mercado internacional, além de promover a troca de conhecimento com outros grandes centros – destacou Felipe Ximenes.

O tema central da GFM será a gestão humanizada no futebol. Segundo Ximenes, este é o grande passo para o sucesso no esporte:

– Os gestores de sucesso no Brasil, nos EUA ou na Europa, são aqueles que entendem a importância do capital humano e das relações interpessoais. É fundamental humanizar o processo de gestão, estabelecendo laços e criando um networking que lhe permita potencializar os talentos de sua equipe. Isso vale para o time de futebol, mas também se aplica aos times de finanças, marketing e jurídico do clube. Os gestores precisam dessa visão integral do negócio, só assim vamos avançar no processo de profissionalização do futebol brasileiro.

PALESTRANTES

Alexandre Mattos, diretor executivo
André Zanota, diretor executivo do FC Dallas
Camilla Prando, relações internacionais do São Paulo FC
Carlos Portinho, senador federal e relator do projeto de clube-empresa
Evandro Motta, mental coach do SL Benfica
Felipe Ximenes, diretor executivo do Avaí FC
Fernando Carvalhal, ex-presidente do SC Internacional
Fernando Jorge, presidente do FV Alverca
Francisco Battistotti, presidente do Avaí FC
Gilberto Silva, ex-jogador e atual gerente de futebol
Jorge Jesus, técnico do SL Benfica
Leven Siano, administrador, advogado e delegado do programa de gestão de futebol da Uefa
Marcelo Paz, presidente do Fortaleza EC
Marcio Tannure, diretor médico do CR Flamengo
Marcos Motta, advogado esportivo
Marcos Senna, relações públicas do Villareal CF e embaixador da Uefa
Moisés Moura, treinador sub-19 do SC Braga
Renata Aron, coach de alta performance e especialista em imagem pessoal

The Athletic's leading transfer correspondent David Ornstein has recently confirmed the news that Liverpool fans all know: FSG are eager to strengthen Arne Slot's squad with a new centre-back this summer.

Wataru Endo impressed during the 2023/24 season after surprisingly signing from Stuttgart for £16m, working like an industrious ant for Jurgen Klopp, but the 31-year-old is flawed and not the long-term solution for a high-aspiration Anfield side.

That leaves the other priority position: out wide. There has been plenty of noise around the flanks and how Liverpool are keen to strengthen, but it's uncertain which side will receive the most attention, with Mohamed Salah, on the right, out of contract in 12 months and Luis Diaz, left, continuing to catch Barcelona's eye.

Diaz is one of the most likely high-profile Redmen to potentially depart Liverpool this summer, with Barcelona clearly having a vested interest in the Colombian but unable to secure his services and meet Liverpool's €75m (£63m) valuation.

Liverpool lining up Diaz replacement

Last weekend, transfer insider Graeme Bailey revealed that the Reds were set to rival Tottenham Hotspur for the signing of Crystal Palace sensation Eberechi Eze, who has a £60m release clause in his contract.

Called up to the Three Lions' EURO 2024 squad following his exemplary campaign, Eze would offer genuine quality to Slot's Liverpool frontline, with the perfect skill set to effectively succeed Diaz.

With Manchester United also considering joining the race for the 25-year-old, Liverpool must act swiftly if they are to prevail and land one of the Premier League's most exciting players.

Eberechi Eze's season in numbers

Eze was in emphatic form for Crystal Palace last season as he alternated between the left wing and in a more central attacking midfield role, praised for his "individual brilliance", "unique" style of play and ability to "go on and play for one of the top teams" by pundit Rio Ferdinand.

Across all competitions this season, Eze scored 11 goals and supplied six assists for his teammates, with all of said strikes arriving across his 24 starting displays in the English top flight, a testament to his clinical edge.

That return included a composed finish to round off a stunning, sweeping Palace move at Anfield back in April, with that crowning a 1-0 win for the visitors to help dampen the spirits surrounding Klopp's farewell, as Liverpool's title hopes effectively went up in smoke following that shock result.

Complementing his goalscoring return, as per Sofascore, the £100k-per-week star completed 84% of his passes, created seven big chances and averaged two key passes, 2.6 dribbles, six duels and five ball recoveries per game, truly emphasising just how dangerous he is.

Premier League 23/24: Eberechi Eze vs Luis Diaz
Statistic	Eze	Diaz
Matches played	27	37
Matches started	24	32
Goals	11	8
Assists	4	5
Pass completion	84%	85%
Big chances created	7	5
Shots per game	3.1	2.5
Key passes per game	2.0	1.8
Dribbles per game	2.6	1.8
Recoveries per game	5.0	3.4
Duels won per game	6.1	4.6
Stats via Sofascore

Have a look at how that compares to Diaz – his prospective predecessor on Merseyside – when comparing the fleet-footed forwards' respective Premier League campaigns.

It doesn't take Pep Guardiola to deduce which play performed to the superior standard during the 2023/24 season, with Eze enjoying greater athleticism, commitment, drive and reward.

He might have a broad-ranging skill set but Eze is undoubtedly built upon his prolific ability, ranking among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 5% for shots taken and the top 10% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

That final metric illustrates his breezy, weaving movements, indeed thriving as one of English football's finest ball-carriers over the past few years. See the clip below to observe Eze taking Arsenal's elite-class midfield for a walk in the park.

Eze is a talented player, and if Liverpool were to replace Diaz with him, they might even sign their own version of Anthony Gordon. A better version, perhaps.

Why Eberechi Eze could be Liverpool's own Anthony Gordon

Eze has been praised for his remarkable ability with a football by many, but his skills and efficiency are perhaps best encapsulated by Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O'Neil, who lauded both him and his Eagles strike partner Michael Olise.

Moreover, analyst Ben Mattinson has dubbed him a "superstar" and it's quite clear that, going off his current trajectory, the Greenwich-born gem is headed for greatness. Why wouldn't Liverpool want that to be at Anfield?

There were tentative reports several weeks ago concerning Liverpool interest in Newcastle United's Gordon, who joined the Magpies from Everton for £45m back in January 2023, but it's always been unlikely that Eddie Howe's side would sell the fast-rising winger despite concerns relating to PSR.

Eberechi Eze: Most Similar PL Players 23/24
Rank	Player	Club
1.	Leandro Trossard	Arsenal
2.	Anthony Gordon	Newcastle United
3.	Phil Foden	Manchester City
4.	Luis Diaz	Liverpool
5.	Michael Olise	Crystal Palace
Sourced via FBref

Well, considering that Gordon plays to the tune of Eze and Diaz's style, Liverpool might be in luck if Barcelona do decide to swoop and sign Slot's current left-wing option for around £63m.

In the Premier League last term, Gordon, who is 23, scored 11 goals and supplied ten assists across 35 matches, with his exploits earning him Newcastle's Player of the Season honour.

He created 16 big chances, completed 82% of his passes and notably made 1.6 key passes and tackles, 1.5 dribbles and 5.3 won duels on average per match. Bruno Guimaraes gushed over his "unbelievable" campaign and indeed the Premier League – and Gareth Southgate – has taken note.

This is an impressive collection of qualities and no doubt showcases his tenacious and unflappable mentality, closing opponents down with constancy and charging up and down the left flank like a raging bull, but Eze, simply, is performing to a higher standard.

Slot could repeat Coutinho move by selling £63m Liverpool sensation

This sale could kickstart a revolution at Anfield.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 11, 2024

Queensland team-mates will be club’s County Championship overseas players in 2021

Matt Roller28-Oct-2020

Queensland team-mates Marnus Labuschagne and Michael Neser will link up at Glamorgan in 2021•Getty Images

After his planned stint at Surrey was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Michael Neser has belatedly got the chance to play county cricket in 2021 after signing with Glamorgan for the County Championship and Royal London Cup.Neser, 30, will link up with Queensland team-mate Marnus Labuschagne in Cardiff, with the pair filling Glamorgan’s overseas quota for four-day and 50-over cricket following Marchant de Lange’s departure to Somerset. Labuschagne is also set to be available in T20 cricket, pending his international commitments, and they have one remaining overseas spot for the Blast.ALSO READ: Somerset sign de Lange from Glamorgan on overseas dealLabuschagne has previously credited his time at the club ahead of the 2019 Ashes as a springboard for his international breakthrough, and Neser – who is yet to make his Test debut despite regularly featuring in Australia squads – said he hoped that it could have a similar effect on his career.”I’m thrilled to sign for Glamorgan and play in Wales,” Neser said. “I’ve played with a few guys who have played at Glamorgan – Charlie Hemphrey, Usman Khawaja, and especially Marnus – and they’ve had nothing but praise for the club, the way things are done, the culture at Sophia Gardens and the friendliness of all the staff and locals.”I’m still desperate to play county cricket after my spell this year was cancelled, so when I heard Glamorgan were interested I didn’t have to think twice. I’m keen to come over, showcase my skills, and do what I can to win games of cricket for Glamorgan. I’ve got those international ambitions, and I saw what playing for Glamorgan did for Marnus, and I’m hoping to do the same thing.”Neser started the Sheffield Shield season in style, taking his fourth career five-wicket haul before adding a maiden first-class hundred in an innings win against Tasmania. That performance prompted Justin Langer to describe him as a “fine cricketer”, having highlighted the lack of allrounders as a problem area for Australia.”I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets an opportunity with the Australian cricket team soon,” Langer said. “He’s been in lots of tours but, geez, he keeps knocking hard.”Neser was due to play in the first half of Surrey’s County Championship campaign last summer, but in early April was the first in what became a torrent of players to have an overseas deal cancelled because of international travel restrictions.With the club’s chief executive Richard Gould confirming that they would keep Hashim Amla and Morne Morkel as overseas players following the expiration of their status as Kolpak signings, they were unable to offer Neser a new deal.

Looking to get their summer business underway, Celtic are reportedly monitoring one of Sweden's highest rated prospects ahead of a potential deal to sign a fresh face for Brendan Rodgers' side.

Celtic transfer news

The Scottish Premiership champions continued their domestic dominance last season, beating Rangers to the title in a dramatic race to keep hold of their crown for a third consecutive campaign.

Related Celtic have £7m+ offer accepted to seal "statement signing"

He’s been at Euro 2024.

Posts ByCharlie Smith Jun 26, 2024

Now, aiming for a fourth title win on the bounce, Celtic may yet turn towards the transfer market in hope of adding further improvements ahead of pre-season. And whilst they are yet to get their summer business underway, the headlines have still linked the Bhoys with a number of incomings, including the likes of Edmund Baidoo and a permanent deal for Adam Idah.

The Norwich City forward spent last season on loan at Celtic Park, where he discovered his most clinical form in front of goal to earn interest over a permanent switch this summer. Having played an important part in Celtic's title and Scottish Cup win, Idah's arrival would undoubtedly be an ideal way to kickstart their summer transfer window, before they turn their attention towards a potential future star.

According to Swedish outlet FD, Celtic are monitoring Pontus Dahbo ahead of a potential deal to sign the Hacken 18-year-old this summer. Rated as one of the best prospects in Sweden, the attacking midfielder has a reported price tag of just £3m and could yet be on his way to Scotland in the coming months. It would represent quite the planning from the Bhoys if they managed to land a player with such potential.

"Strong" Dahbo is one for the future

At just 18 years old, Dahbo impressed many in Sweden last season, making 23 appearances and scoring twice whilst also turning provider on one occasion for Hacken. Now, following his first steps into first-team football, the young attacking midfielder could now make his biggest move yet and hand Celtic a talent who is only likely to get better. Described as "creative" by Antonio Mango, Dahbo is seemingly just getting started.

That trademark technique could eventually help replace Matt O'Riley in Rodgers' side, with the Dane's Celtic future thrown into doubt in recent months. The midfielder enjoyed a standout season in Scotland last season to earn links with the likes of West Ham United, but remains a Celtic player nonetheless.

If O'Riley does depart, then lining up players such as Dahbo will be a crucial part of replacing arguably Celtic's best player for years to come.

The Premier League side saw several chances go begging as they edged out their Ukrainian opponents at the Emirates on Tuesday

Arsenal edged past Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 in the Champions League, but needed an own goal from keeper Dmytro Riznyk to claim the win on a night when missed chances and injury concerns took centre stage in north London.

The hosts dominated the majority of the contest and looked set for a comfortable success when Gabriel Martinelli's shot came back off the post and deflected in off the unfortunate Riznyk just before the half-hour mark.

But they wasted several chances to put the game to bed, with Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Jesus both guilty of poor misses before the break, while Leandro Trossard saw a weak penalty saved after the interval.

The hosts survived a nervy final few minutes to make it seven points from a possible nine so far in Europe, but Mikel Arteta's injury-hit squad lost Calafiori to a worrying looking knee injury with Sunday's crucial meeting with Liverpool looming large.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Emirates Stadium…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  David Raya (7/10):

  Had very little to do on the night, but was alert in the dying seconds to make a vital save to deny Pedrinho.

  Ben White (5/10):

  Replaced by Merino at half-time. Didn't look 100 percent fit and was on a booking, which might explain the substitution.

  William Saliba (7/10):

  A fairly comfortable night's work after his red card at the weekend. Never really put under pressure.

  Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

  Looked to defend on the front foot as always. Made a couple of important blocks.

  Riccardo Calafiori (7/10):

  Missed a golden early chance to open the scoring. Got forward well at times and linked up with Martinelli. Went off injured in the second half after appearing to twist his knee. Worrying for Arsenal.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Midfield

  Thomas Partey (8/10):

  The dominant player on the pitch in the first half, both with the ball and without it. Getting back to his very best, which is a good sign. Moved to right-back for the second half after White went off.

  Declan Rice (7/10):

  Looked to drive forward when he could. Had a couple of sights on goal he could maybe have done better with. Played some nice cross-field passes.

  Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):

  Bright on the left and is unlucky that the first goal will not be credited to him after it went in off the keeper. Arsenal's stand-out attacker.

  Gabriel Jesus (6/10):

  Should have scored just before half-time and you could see that miss weighed heavily on his shoulders. Played OK aside from that. Got on the ball a lot playing on the right wing and caused Shakhtar problems.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Leandro Trossard (6/10):

  Buzzed around all night and caused problems with his pressing. Had some nice touches and glanced one header just wide early in the second half. Really poor penalty late on, which summed up Arsenal's night in front of goal.

  Kai Havertz (6/10):

  Unable to score for the eighth successive home game. Worked hard, but didn't really get a chance all night. It was a surprise not to see him take the penalty.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Subs & Manager

  Mikel Merino (6/10):

  On for White at half-time. Made a few important blocks defensively, offered very little in attack.

  Raheem Sterling (5/10):

  Couldn't really get into the game. Little impact.

  Myles Lewis-Skelly (N/A):

  Replaced the injured Calafiori.

  Jorginho (N/A):

  On for the final few minutes.

  Mikel Arteta (6/10):

  Made a couple of changes to his starting XI but resisted the urge to bring in Ethan Nwaneri. Could have brought on the youngster at half-time, but went for Merino instead. His team lacked spark in the central areas as a result.

Leeds have completed the shock signing of former France international Josuha Guilavogui on a free transfer.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Guilavogui joins Leeds on free transferSigns deal until end of seasonLeeds undergoing injury crisis in midfieldFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Leeds have announced the signing of Guilavogui on a shock free transfer, with the former France international signing a contract until the end of the season. The 34-year-old left Mainz in July but has now found a home at Elland Road.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Guilavogui has seven France caps to his name but has not played for his country since a friendly with Denmark in 2015. He is perhaps best known for his time at Wolfsburg, where he made 265 appearances. At Mainz, he played just 12 times.

WHAT GUILAVOGUI SAID

Guilavogui said: “I have never played in England and I think as a football player this is a really amazing experience and for playing for Leeds, a historic club, this is a wonderful opportunity for me. I am looking forward to training with the team, to help the team on the pitch, outside the pitch as well and hopefully that we set our goals.

“I had some offers, but nothing that I would say, okay, let’s do it. And when my agent called me and said that Daniel has interest to sign me and watched over me, I said, yeah, let’s go straight, straight to Leeds. Sometimes in life you have some opportunities and you don’t want to miss it. I am really happy to be here.

“When I spoke with our manager, he knows what I can bring on the pitch and also outside the pitch, because we don’t forget that we have injured players and I am there to help them. And when they will recover, I will also help the young players.

“That is why I was captain, like everywhere where I played, because I am someone that is always thinking about how can I make my teammates better, how can I improve. I am here for helping the team and I really hope that we will go to the Premier League.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

Leeds play Bristol City on Saturday and Guilavogui could potentially make his debut on Saturday. The club are currently second in the Championship.

Moments after his team won a record fifth IPL title in Dubai on Tuesday, Kieron Pollard called the Mumbai Indians the best T20 franchise in the world. The team – which he joined in 2010 – stands out, he said, because of the focus on ticking all the right boxes, and how most of their uncapped players have graduated to play international cricket after excelling in the IPL.”It is a great feeling, it means a lot,” Pollard said after the five-wicket win over the Delhi Capitals in the final. “Having been here for 11 years, (a) fifth trophy is fantastic,” he told former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop on the official broadcast. In addition to their five IPL titles, Mumbai have also won two Champions League T20 titles, in 2011 and 2013.Pollard, who has been part of several T20 franchises in addition to winning the 2012 T20 World Cup title with West Indies, was asked if Mumbai were the best T20 team “going around” globally. “With the amount of trophies, the amount of work and the number of players that went on and played international cricket, play for India, play for their different respective countries, I think you will have to say so,” Pollard said.Pollard, who was the Player of the Match in the 2013 IPL final, admitted there was pressure to perform with a franchise that had been among the favourites for long, and had heavyweights including captain Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. This season, three more players were added to that list of stars – the uncapped Indian batting pair of Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan, and New Zealand strike bowler Trent Boult, who was the tournament’s third-highest wicket-taker. “The work that goes on behind scenes – no one sees the preparation, the planning, and to come out and actually deliver on the field,” Pollard said. “It’s pressure, yes, to play for a big franchise like this, but you can only get better as an individual if you take everything on board, take it with a pinch of salt, and take it positive.”The way we plan, each and every box is ticked in what we want to achieve as a team. The openers, middle-order batsmen, finishers, death bowlers… we have an abundance of them in our team. Again, kudos must go to the ownership and the management staff and everybody for the work they do behind the scenes in order to the project this team in to the international stage. Long may it continue for us.”Pollard took the opportunity to rib fellow West Indies allrounder and fellow Trinidadian Dwayne Bravo, a Super Kings veteran: “Five trophies, that is a bit unprecedented. The closest now to us is three. Dwayne Bravo, you are behind now, I am in front of you.”

Celtic reportedly could lose a "quick" and "strong" player in the summer transfer window, having rejected the chance to sign a new deal at the club.

Celtic transfer news

The Hoops have made a quiet start to their summer so far, not making a single signing, while rivals Rangers have added significant numbers to their squad. That's not to say that additions won't come in between now and the start of next season, however, and various reports are linking them with players.

Celtic have been urged to hijack a potential deal for Valencia and Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili this summer, with the 23-year-old seen as the perfect successor to Joe Hart. It would be an audacious swoop, with former England stopper Paul Robinson hailing him recently, saying: "He played for Valencia last season, and for me, he was probably La Liga’s goalkeeper of the tournament. The way he’s played in this tournament for Georgia, I think there’ll be a lot of teams around Europe standing up and taking notice. "

Teenage BK Hacken ace Pontus Dahbo is another player who has been backed to complete a move to the Hoops in the coming months, with the 18-year-old considered one of the most exciting prospects in his homeland of Sweden.

While a number of players are expected to come in and bolster the options at Brendan Rodgers' disposal this summer, it looks as though one Celtic ace is likely to be heading in the opposite direction.

Celtic could lose "quick" player this summer

According to a new update from Football Insider, Celtic could now accept an offer for youngster Rocco Vata in the summer window, with a bid of £2-3m potentially enough to prise him away.

The 19-year-old midfielder has already turned down a contract extension at Parkhead, and the likes of Watford and Bologna are eyeing a move for him, as well as Nottingham Forest. Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has since said that Watford are in advanced talks to sign Vata.

Losing Vata at his current age would be an undoubted blow for Celtic, considering how much more there is to come from him in his career. Rodgers is clearly an admirer of his, too, saying of him last year:

"I remember Rocco as a young player when I was here last. He’s developed physically. There are aspects of his game that he needs to work on to make the next jump but his attitude is good. He’s strong, quick, he wants to score goals. There is lots of development he needs, if he’s willing to do that."

Vata may simply feel that a new challenge is needed, in terms of enjoying more regular playing time, with only six appearances coming his way for Celtic to date. He scored twice in his only cap for the Republic of Ireland's Under-21s, and may think that he could feel more wanted elsewhere.

Republic of Ireland Under-21s

1

2

Republic of Ireland Under-19s

5

0

Republic of Ireland Under-18s

1

0

Republic of Ireland Under-17s

8

3

Republic of Ireland Under-15s

5

1

The hope is that the young Hoops attacker has a change of heart, but the fact that he isn't interested in signing an extension suggests that his mind could already be made up.