Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank has claimed he was happy to have only given up five shots to Manchester United during their 2-2 draw in the Premier League on Saturday due to the visitors' attacking strength. The Red Devils led for much of the game before Spurs scored twice in quick succession late on, only for Matthijs de Ligt to head in a 96th-minute equaliser to ensure the spoils were shared.
De Ligt comes up with last-gasp equaliser
United took the lead midway through the first half through £71 million ($93m) summer signing Bryan Mbeumo, who rose highest to meet an Amad Diallo cross. Mathys Tel came off the bench to bring Tottenham level on 84 minutes, and then Richarlison thought he had won it with a deft header to redirect Wilson Odobert's shot from distance. However, one last United corner saw Bruno Fernandes plant the ball atop the head of De Ligt, whose effort crept over the line to salvage a point for the visitors.
De Ligt's header was only United's fifth attempt of the game, with both of their shots on target going in. They accumulated 0.63 expected goals, compared to the 0.96 tally of Tottenham, who had 10 shots with four on target.
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Frank pleased with stifling United
Much of the buildup to this fixture centred on United's run of four straight defeats to Tottenham across all competitions, including in the Europa League final in May. But Frank denied that match or this record had any bearing on his plans, claiming Ruben Amorim has done well to make the Red Devils a more threatening outfit.
Frank told GOAL: "I think I saw this game as one game ahead of us, to try to do everything we could to try to win it. That was the aim of the game. I spoke before the game about it's clear they have improved this season. They look, how can you say, more in sync together. But I think especially going forward they look like a big threat. That's why I actually think, I know we conceded two goals, but if you said to me before the game concede five shots in the game, I would take that. So we're all happy."
Mbeumo comes back to haunt Frank
The Spurs boss also came up against a familiar face in Mbeumo, who was signed by the Dane at Brentford in 2019. Mbeumo scored 70 goals in 242 matches under Frank before completing a mega-money move to United this summer, despite interest from Tottenham and his former manager.
Though the Cameroonian has been a revelation from his favoured right-wing position this season, Amorim shifted him to the left to face Spurs, pushing Amad into the front three and dropping striker Benjamin Sesko to the bench. Nevertheless, Frank said this was a wrinkle he wasn't totally stunned by.
"I think it's not the first time Ruben has, how can you say, played around with the front three," he added. "I think no matter where Bryan plays he's a threat, which he showed again today."
Regarding the game in general, Frank said: "Of course, the emotions inside me are high but I take the positives out of this game. That’s what I believe and how I believe in building a good team and keep adding layers to it.
"Overall, a fine/good performance against a good Man United team which is definitely in flow. We are talking a bit about our, how can you say, level of defensive/attacking threats and to play against a Man Utd side that play with confidence with [Matheus] Cunha, Mbeumo, Amad and Sesko coming on and we kept them to five shots. It's just another example on the other way around that it's not that easy to create in the Premier League even though they had all their big boys out there.
"Second half, I was extremely happy with our response. We are playing at home and of course we all want to win and don't talk too much about (Tottenham's bad) home form and all that. I know we need to win before we don't talk about it. The way we turned it around to stay in the game, kept doing the right thing throughout the second half very happy with that. So close to winning it. On any other day, we win it."
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Man Utd & Tottenham continue rebuilding
Ahead of the rest of the weekend's fixtures, Tottenham sit third in the Premier League table, while a resurgent United, who are unbeaten in their last five games, are seventh, but only behind Tottenham on goal difference.
Hampshire thwarted by 215-run stand after making most of the running across four days
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay 25-Jun-2025Tom Westley and Michael Pepper combined for a 215-run sixth-wicket partnership that frustrated Hampshire and ultimately saved Essex from suffering their third Rothesay County Championship defeat of the season.The pair came together at 131 for 5, still 26 runs short of making Hampshire bat again, and were not parted for nearly three-and-a-half hours. Slowly but surely they took the game out of the visitors’ grip that had looked strong after gaining a first-innings lead of 157. Pepper was the hare to Westley’s tortoise, but both batters clocked up contrasting centuries, Westley his 30th in red-ball cricket and Pepper his highest first-class score.When handshakes were exchanged to signal the draw at 4.50pm, the Essex captain had batted for all but 12 overs of the 119 Essex faced in their second innings. He had struggled for runs this summer but his unbeaten 322-ball 130, with 12 boundaries, showed a high level of self-discipline and application.While Westley had dug in doggedly, Pepper changed the tempo of the innings with some big-hitting before he was eventually dismissed for 140 from 154 balls, including 20 fours and a six. Pepper had also played a similar key role in partnership with Matt Critchley to help Essex secure an equally unlikely draw against Yorkshire last month.Hampshire spinner Liam Dawson added two early wickets in the morning to the pair he had in the bag overnight, but while whirling away for a marathon stint of 41 overs could not improve on figures of 4 for 82.Essex had started the day requiring 49 more runs to make Hampshire bat again – or remain all day at the crease to hang on for the draw with seven wickets in hand.Hampshire hopes were high when overnight batsman Critchley was undone by a delivery from Dawson that turned and caught him on the instep of his front leg. He had dug in for an hour and a half for his 19, and had earlier set the tone for the opening exchanges by finally claiming the first run of the day from the 29th ball.Westley was particularly watchful, adding just a single to his overnight 50 in the opening 51 minutes and 35 balls before he went on the backfoot and drive Eddie Jack for a boundary. His concentrations was such that he added just 20 runs from 65 balls in the morning session.First-innings centurion Charlie Allison was slightly more expansive with two fours in 31 balls before he pulled Dawson to short midwicket. That wicket fell at 11.59am; the next came at 4.30pm.A sweep off Dawson for four by Pepper eased the Essex total into the black. It was at that point Pepper put his foot on the gas. He took 15 from an over by James Fuller, including a big yahoo for six.Pepper then cut Jack for another boundary that brought up the fifty partnership with Westley in 11 overs, of which the wicketkeeper-batsman contributed 42. Pepper’s own half-century, reached with his eighth four, driven to long leg, took just 43 balls. The pair took another 13 overs to pass three-figures together.Westley’s strike-rate increased in the hour after lunch when he added the 30 runs he required to reach his century, realised with a lofted drive off Dawson for his 11th boundary.Pepper was not long in following suit, a thick edge off Jack racing away to the third-man boundary took him to second century of the season. It also brought up 150 runs scored between the pair in 40 overs.A contrast in the pace at which the two batters had scored was shown starkly when Pepper caught up with Westley when both had 108; Pepper had got there in 152 balls fewer.However, Pepper’s knock came to an end when he attempted to launch Tom Prest out of the ground but only found Kyle Abbott on the long-leg boundary.
Leeds United’s form at the start of the 2025/26 campaign has been impressive. Daniel Farke’s side are not in the relegation zone at the start of the season, and the early signs are positive. In fact, ESPN journalist Ryan O’Hanlon said the Whites have “played quite well” at the start of the campaign.
Critically, the Yorkshire-based side have defended well. According to Understat, seven sides have conceded more than their seven goals. On top of that, their expected goals against tally of 6.42 xGA is 10th best in the English top flight.
The Whites will certainly have to be on their A game defensively against Bournemouth on Saturday. They have the unenviable task of keeping Antoine Semenyo quiet.
Why Leeds must stop Semenyo
There is little doubt that stopping Semenyo this weekend at Elland Road will go a long way to helping Leeds reduce Bournemouth’s attacking threat. At the start of the season, the winger was described as “one of the best players in the league” by BBC Sport tactics correspondent Umir Irfan.
That is certainly a fair assessment of the winger, who has shown just how much of a threat he can be to sides. The Ghanaian international already has three goals and two assists, including a brace at Anfield on the opening day of the season.
The Whites have already been on the receiving end of a Semenyo goal, too. Scoring against Leeds is certainly not an unfamiliar feeling for the winger, who bagged against them back in 2022/23 for the Cherries. That is one of two appearances he made against the club, with the other coming for Bristol City in 2018/19.
One of the things Leeds must be most cautious of when coming up against the forward is his deadly ball-carrying skills. The winger averaged 2.2 successful dribbles per 90 minutes this season, to go along with his threat in the final third.
It will certainly be important for Leeds to stop the Cherries attacker on Saturday. Indeed, Farke could adjust his starting lineup to play someone who might be better at coping with the winger.
The Leeds star who can help silence Semenyo
Leeds are looking to maintain what is, so far, a strong defensive record. That is certainly something that will help keep them in the top flight this season. Bournemouth’s attacking threat from the likes of Semenyo will challenge that.
However, Farke may well decide to turn to James Justin to help keep the Ghanaian attacker at bay. The former Leicester City full-back was one of Leeds’ summer signings, joining from the Foxes for a fee of £10m including add-ons.
The England international has not played many minutes for the Whites so far. He’s featured twice in the Premier League, playing just 17 minutes in that time. He is match fit, though, having started Leicester’s first two Championship games this season.
He could certainly be a good candidate to start at Elland Road, in a bid to silence Semenyo. Justin is now a vastly experienced player, having played 101 times in the Premier League for Leicester and Leeds.
Not only will he bring experience to Farke’s side when going up against Semenyo, but he is also a more than competent defender. The full-back has put up some impressive numbers over the past few Premier League seasons with Leicester. For example, in 2019/20, he averaged 4.2 tackles and interceptions and won an average of 2 aerial duels.
2019/20
4.2
2
2020/21
4
1.1
2021/22
2.5
1.2
2022/23
2.5
1.7
2024/25
3.2
2.1
Justin’s task on Saturday afternoon is clear: stop Semenyo. He poses a huge threat to Leeds going forward, with his impact in the final third and direct dribbling ability. Should Farke give Justin the nod, he possesses the talent and experience to help stop the winger.
As Statman Dave said, the defender is a “colossal” figure at the back. Leeds would need to see that in action if he was to start against Semenyo.
Leeds struck gold on "indispensable" star who's now worth more than Stach
Arsenal now hold a firm interest in signing another “dangerous” forward, despite recently signing Eberechi Eze, and his club desperately need to sell.
Gunners keen on another forward after Eberechi Eze
The Gunners’ attacking quality was on full display in the recent 5-0 victory against Leeds United, with Viktor Gyokeres bagging his first two goals for the club, but the one downside was Bukayo Saka sustaining a relatively lengthy injury.
The injury is not as bad as first feared, but Saka is set to miss around four weeks due to a hamstring issue, with Martin Odegaard also picking up a knock, joining Kai Havertz on the sidelines.
Three injury setbacks at such an early stage of the season has underlined just how important it is for Mikel Arteta to have a deep squad, with the manager saying: “We’ve been two weeks and we’ve already lost Kai, Martin and Bukayo, so it tells you how well-equipped you have to be in this league to manage and to maintain the level that we want.”
Arteta should already have enough players to deal with the absences, given the recent arrival of Eze, while the Spaniard also has Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard at his disposal, but the north Londoners have now entered the race for another forward.
That is according to a report from Diario Nervion on X, which states Arsenal now hold a firm interest in signing Sevilla forward Dodi Lukebakio, who looks like he could be on the move this summer.
The Spanish club desperately need to sell players this summer, given their difficult financial position, and there is widespread interest in Lukebakio, with Everton and AC Milan also named as potential suitors.
Arsenal star wants to leave with Berta now "set to bid" for £52m replacement
The Gunners are poised to make a move for another new signing, who is keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium.
By
Dominic Lund
Aug 25, 2025
However, the 27-year-old is reluctant to leave the La Liga side, having already turned down moves away in the past, so it remains to be seen whether a deal will be possible.
"Dangerous" Lukebakio would provide depth in attack
Lauded as “dangerous” by The Athletic’s Michael Cox, the Belgium international enjoyed a very impressive 2024-25 campaign, chipping in with 11 goals in La Liga, matching the number of goals he scored for Hertha Berlin in the previous season.
The Brussels-born forward is also established at international level, having picked up 26 caps for Belgium, with his attacking quality on show when assisting Romelu Lukaku in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Sweden.
That said, there are doubts over whether the forward, who is known to pocket £50k-a-week, would be a necessary signing, given the arrivals of Eze and Noni Madueke this summer, while Trossard also remains an Arsenal player.
As such, Lukebakio should not be a priority target for the Gunners, and they should instead focus on getting a deal for a Jakub Kiwior replacement over the line, with Piero Hincapie recently emerging as a major target.
أعلن الكرواتي كرونسلاف يورتشيتش المدير الفني لفريق نادي بيراميدز، عن قائمة لاعبيه لمباراة فاركو والتي تجمع بينهما في الدوري المصري.
ويستضيف نادي بيراميدز نظيره فاركو في الخامسة من مساء اليوم الثلاثاء، على استاد الدفاع الجوي في إطار الجولة 11 من بطولة الدوري الممتاز.
ويحتل بيراميدز، المركز التاسع في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 14 نقطة، بعدما خوض 7 مباريات، فاز في 4 وتعادل في 2 وخسر في لقاء.
طالع | موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة بيراميدز وفاركو اليوم في الدوري المصري
بينما فريق فاركو، يتواجد في المركز العشرين (قبل الأخير) في ترتيب الدوري للموسم الحالي، برصيد 6 نقاط، بعدما لعب 9 مباريات حتى الآن، خسر في 3 وتعادل في 6 ولم يحقق أي انتصار. قائمة بيراميدز لمباراة فاركو في الدوري المصري
حراسة المرمى: أحمد الشناوي – شريف إكرامي – محمود جاد.
خط الدفاع: محمود مرعي – أحمد سامي – محمد الشيبي – محمد حمدي – علي جبر – طارق علاء – كريم حافظ.
خط الوسط: مصطفى فتحي – مهند لاشين – وليد الكرتي – أحمد عاطف قطة – أحمد توفيق – محمود دونجا – محمود زلاكة – عبد الرحمن مجدي – مصطفى زيكو – إيفرتون داسيلفا – محمد رضا بوبو.
خط الهجوم: فيستون ماييلي – مروان حمدي – دودو الجباس.
Glasgow Rangers are “among the admirers” to sign a highly-rated player this summer, according to an update from reliable journalist Alex Miller.
Rangers pushing for late-summer business
The Gers’ opening weekend 1-1 draw away to Motherwell was far from an ideal start to their Scottish Premiership season, with Russell Martin’s side immediately losing ground on rivals Celtic.
It is essential that more transfer business is done between now and the end of the window, in order for Martin to have a squad that is capable of both winning the title and holding its own in Europe, and players continue to be linked with moves to Ibrox.
Russell Martin applauds the Rangers fans.
One report has claimed that Rangers have joined the race to sign young Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein this summer, with a season-long loan move potentially on the cards. The 23-year-old is going to struggle for minutes at the Emirates in 2025/26, so a year in Scotland could be ideal for his development.
Elsewhere, the Gers are said to have held talks with Real Betis centre-back Nobel Mendy about a move to the club, and are happy to pay more than £1.7m for his signature. Now, a new update has dropped regarding another summer transfer target.
Rangers admire "excellent" Championship player; Chansiri to decide
According to Miller on X, Rangers are “among the admirers” in the battle to sign Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles, with the decision left up to controversial Owls owner Dejphon Chansiri.
“Any decision on whether Sheffield Wednesday cash-in on Pierce Charles will ultimately be made by Dejphon Chansiri, Henrik Pedersen has admitted. West Ham and Rangers among the admirers.”
Pierce Charles.
Charles has been linked with Rangers already this summer, with the 20-year-old’s future at Wednesday in doubt, amid their dire financial situation and doubts over whether Chansiri is genuinely working towards a sale.
Pierce Charles’ key career stats
Appearances
Goals conceded
Clean sheets
Sheffield Wednesday
15
19
1
Northern Ireland
8
5
4
It is easy to see why the Gers are eyeing him up as a top-quality young option between the sticks, with the stopper already an eight-cap Northern Ireland international, also racking up 15 appearances for the Owls. He has admirers everywhere, including his international manager, Michael O’Neill, who has lauded him in the recent past.
The lure of the Premier League is clear for any player, so West Ham will be a threat to Rangers’ chance of signing Charles this summer, but the Scottish giants can offer him European football, which the Hammers cannot.
Wednesday’s aforementioned financial situation also means they may be forced to sell one of the best young players, and he has the ability to mature into a key man for the Gers for years to come, should they strike a deal for him.
Manchester City returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion as Erling Haaland and Phil Foden struck the decisive blows in a 3-0 thumping of local rivals Manchester United in Sunday's derby. Foden opened the scoring in the first half before Haaland took the game away from the visitors with a brace in the second period.
After successive league defeats prior to the international break, City looked hungry from the start and took the game to their arch-rivals. Foden was at the centre of much of their good work in the first half and headed home in the 18th minute, though a lot of the credit for the goal must go to the jinking run and cross provided by the outstanding Jeremy Doku down the right.
United often found themselves when attempting to trouble City debutant Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, though the Italy international stood up when needed with a top-class save from Bryan Mbeumo in the second half.
Haaland, meanwhile, struck twice after the break and was far too much for the United defence to handle, bearing down on goal twice to score from assists by Doku and Bernardo Silva. The Norwegian also struck the post from close range as he came regrettably close to another derby hat-trick.
Tijjani Reijnders should have put the seal on victory but chipped the ball wide when played clean through on goal by Haaland, but the da firmly belonged to the blue side of Manchester.
GOAL rates City's players from the Etihad Stadium…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Gianluigi Donnarumma (7/10):
A stunning save from Mbeumo was the highlight of the Italian's debut. He was not called into action much but stretched every inch of his huge frame to show just why the club signed him.
Abdukodir Khusanov (6/10):
Playing at the unfamiliar position of right-back, Khusanov carried out his role well. Though the less said about his failed attempt at a throw-in in the first half, the better…
Ruben Dias (7/10):
Did a great job to ensure Sesko offered little threat on his first Premier League start. Playing alongside a young defence, Dias led the back four well.
Josko Gvardiol (7/10):
Adapting well to a regular role at centre-back for City, Gvardiol was a dependable partner for Dias as United's attack were frustrated.
Nico O'Reilly (6/10):
The 20-year-old made his first league start of the new season and generally handled the threat of Mbeumo well.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Bernardo Silva (7/10):
Playing on the right of midfield, the captain did a good job for the team and grabbed an assist when he spotted Haaland running through on goal with a decisive early pass.
Rodri (7/10):
Making his second start of the season, Rodri was solid if not quite back to his best. It is a massive plus for City to have the Ballon d'Or winner back starting at the Etihad once again.
Tijjani Reijnders (7/10):
Looked at home alongside Rodri in the City midfield and the pair could form a formidable duo this season. Should have scored in a late break, though.
AFPAttack
Jeremy Doku (8/10):
The Belgian showed the end product often demanded of him with two outstanding assists. His dribbling ability was evident for the first, skipping past Shaw as if he was not there.
Erling Haaland (9/10):
Looked very much up for it from the start. Two second-half goals to make it eight in Manchester derbies already. Regularly a thorn in United's side, the Norwegian was far too much for the away defence to handle.
Phil Foden (8/10):
In the headlines earlier on in the day after Guardiola spoke of his hopes for the Englishman, Foden rose to the occasion. His goal was pin-point and his general play showed the confidence of a local lad who was determined to be the difference-maker in the derby.
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AFPSubs & Manager
Nico Gonzalez (5/10):
Replaced Rodri in the 76th minute and slotted in seamlessly in midfield.
Savinho (5/10):
Replaced Doku and had a difficult task to follow the Belgian's influence on the game.
Oscar Bobb (N/A):
Replaced international team-mate Haaland with a few minutes to play.
Nathan Ake (N/A):
Came on alongside Bobb in the final stages to shore things up in defence.
Pep Guardiola (8/10):
Got the selection right with the inclusion of the likes of Foden, Rodri and Doku. As ever, Guardiola trusted his starting XI and only made substitutions late on with the game already won.
Newcastle United supporters are starting to get excited ahead of next season.
On Friday, Anthony Elanga was unveiled as the Magpies’ first summer signing, arriving from Nottingham Forest for a reported fee of £55m.
Now, will Eddie Howe add more attacking firepower to his front line?
Newcastle's search for a new striker
Elanga’s arrival makes him the second-most expensive signing in Newcastle United history, behind only compatriot Alexander Isak.
Alexander Isak
2022
Real Sociedad
£63m
Anthony Elanga
2025
Nottingham Forest
£55m
Sandro Tonali
2023
AC Milan
£55m
Anthony Gordon
2023
Everton
£45m
Joelinton
2019
Hoffenheim
£40m
Harvey Banres
2023
Leicester City
£38m
Sven Botman
2022
LOSC Lille
£35m
Bruno Guimarães
2022
Olympique Lyonnais
£33.5m
Tino Livramento
2023
Southampton
£32m
Now though, the Toon Army could be about to spend big again because, as reported by Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Newcastle are exploring a move to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.
The DR Congo international is also reportedly a target for Tottenham, with Sam Tabuteau and Dom Smith of the Evening Standard noting that the Bees value him at around £50m.
The other striker on the Magpies’ list is Hugo Ekitiké but, as documented by Luke Edwards of the Telegraph, Eintracht Frankfurt are only prepared to sell the Frenchman for his £86m release clause, so could Wissa become Newcastle’s primary target?
Why Yoane Wissa would improve Newcastle
Wissa joined Brentford from Lorient in the summer of 2021, following the Bees’ promotion to the Premier League, for a reported fee of £8.5m and, fair to say, this has proved to be money well spent.
He has scored 49 goals in 149 appearances for the West London-based club, bagging 19 in the Premier League last season, a tally only bettered by Mohamed Salah, Isak, Erling Haaland, Chris Wood and teammate Bryan Mbeumo.
Then-Brentford manager Thomas Frank described Wissa as a “super player”, adding “he’s got that nose for goals”.
Meantime, Mark Bruce of Breaking the Lines believes he is the most underrated forward in the Premier League, outlining his threat as a penalty box poacher.
So, let’s take a deeper dive into his statistics.
Minutes
2,919
53rd
Goals
19
6th
Non-penalty goals
19
=2nd
Expected goals
18.5
4th
Shots
90
10th
Shots on target
41
5th
Touches in the box
163
14th
As the table outlines, Wissa is a top-level penalty-box striker, ranked joint-second in the Premier League for non-penalty goals last season, despite being down in tenth in terms of shots, underlining his clinical edge.
Yoane Wissa scores late on for Brentford vs Crystal Palace.
This would make him a dream signing for new man Elanga, given his proficiency when it comes to chance-creation, as documented in the table below.
Assists
11
3rd
Completed crosses
8
52nd
Shot-creating actions
102
30th
Goal-creating actions
18
6th
Big chances created
9
38th
Progressive carries
102
25th
As emphasised by the numbers, only two players, namely Salah and new teammate Jacob Murphy, registered more assists than Elanga in the Premier League last season, while the Swede also ranked very highly when it comes to chances created and progressive carries.
He formed an exceptional partnership with a former Magpie, the aforementioned Wood, firing Nottingham Forest into Europe, so he could do the same with Wissa in the North East.
Thus, should Newcastle get a deal over the line to sign the DR Congo international striker, he and fellow new recruit Elanga could form an unstoppable partnership.
Agent of £70m+ striker contacts Newcastle, scored 50+ more goals than Ekitike
Besides from picking up Anthony Elanga for a whopping £55m, Newcastle United has been quiet with incoming signings this summer transfer window so far.
Unfortunately, multiple advances, away from securing the ex-Manchester United winger’s services, have fallen to the wayside, with James Trafford looking more likely to move to Manchester City now over relocating to Tyneside, alongside long-term Magpies target Hugo Ekitike also favouring Liverpool over St James’ Park.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
Thankfully, time is still on the Toon’s side as the early September deadline is a month and a bit away, with Newcastle now wanting to press on with securing some other new additions, away from cursing any failed captures.
Newcastle send scouts to watch £34m star
Clearly, the Magpies want to add another exciting striker to their ranks this summer – even if Alexander Isak does remain put – as the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Yoane Wissa appear on Eddie Howe’s ambitious shopping list.
Reports do suggest that Sesko would cost an extortionate £78m to obtain, on top of Wissa being valued around the £40m mark, with far cheaper targets on Newcastle’s radar when trying to bolster their personnel defensively.
Indeed, as per a development from NUFC Blog, Newcastle are now interested in a £34m deal to bring Inter Milan centre-back Yann Bisseck to England, having even sent scouts out to Italy to watch him in action.
The report also states that further Premier League interest has come Bisseck’s way from Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, but the Magpies will hope they can land the 6-foot-5 titan’s signature at the expense of their rivals, as they bid to replicate their Sandro Tonali magic with another gem from Italy.
Inter Milan's YannBisseckin action with AC Milan's Theo Hernande
How Bisseck can be a Tonali repeat
Much like Bisseck has managed at the San Siro, Tonali would rise from being a promising starlet at Inter’s foes in AC Milan to becoming a dependable first teamer worthy of a pricey move to English shores.
Tonali would tally up a promising seven goals and 13 assists on the books of the Rossoneri before St James’ Park came calling, and the battling 25-year-old has never looked back since, with the Toon number eight only missing two Premier League clashes all of last season as one of Howe’s first, concrete names on the teamsheet.
Four goals and two assists would also come Tonali’s way across those 36 top-flight outings, with this wonderfully struck effort the pick of the bunch from the efforts that were cannoned home.
Bisseck will pray that if a move to Newcastle gets off the ground, he can make similar strides and become a key first-teamer under Howe’s wing, with his numbers in the Serie A this season just gone pointing in the direction that he could soon make these dreams a reality.
Bisseck’s league numbers for Inter (24/25)
Stat – per 90 mins*
Bisseck
Games played
27
Goals scored
3
Assists
2
Touches*
55.4
Accurate passes*
43.0 (92%)
Ball recoveries*
2.4
Clearances*
2.3
Total duels won*
2.9
Clean sheets
3
Stats by Sofascore
Looking at the table above, there is plenty to be encouraged by if Newcastle were to land the £34m titan, with Bisseck putting his towering 6-foot-5 frame to effective use when chipping in with three goals last season in Serie A action, on top of also being assured with the ball at his feet as an imposing presence with 43 accurate passes averaged per league game.
He does have room to improve, too, but he has also shown flashes of his “commanding” excellence – as he was once labelled by football analyst Ben Mattinson – in the Champions League with eight duels won in total across two legs versus Barcelona last season, whilst also silencing Man City menace Erling Haaland in a 0-0 stalemate versus the Citizens during a group stage affair.
Inter Milan's Yann Bisseck
Newcastle will be competing on Europe’s grandest stage again next campaign, meaning Bisseck might well be just the buy to pursue to improve Howe’s options as the fixture list grows in size, with a golden Tonali-like repeat hopefully in the offing.
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Tottenham Hotspur’s frontline has been impressive throughout the 2024/25 campaign, managing to catch the eye despite the club finishing in a lowly 17th position in the Premier League.
The Lilywhites netted 64 goals in their 38 outings, with only six other sides in the division scoring more, four of which managed to secure Champions League qualification.
Brennan Johnson finished the season as their top scorer in the league with his tally of 11 goals, adding to his excellent collection, which saw him net the winner in the Europa League final.
Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson
He was the only player to register double figures in the league, but numerous players across the squad managed to register key goals, which contributed to their excellent tally.
However, new boss Thomas Frank has immediately wanted to target reinforcements in such an area, evidently wanting strength and depth in his quest for success.
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After his successful stint at Brentford, the Dane has already targeted a move for striker Yoane Wissa, with the Congolese star a man in demand this window.
He’s not the only Bees star on their radar, with Bryan Mbeumo another player who’s been strongly linked with the Lilywhites, but it appears they’ve missed out on his signature, with a move to Manchester United now edging closer.
Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo celebrates after the match
Another name has been mentioned in recent days as a result, with Canadian international Jonathan David firmly on their radar, according to Get Football News Italy.
They report that Frank’s side have made contact with his representatives over a move to North London with his contract at Lille set to expire at the end of the month.
It also states that the 25-year-old has now halted talks with Italian sides Napoli and Juventus to explore a deal to the Premier League, after scoring 25 times in 49 appearances this season.
Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s own Kane
Harry Kane is a player who has cemented himself in Spurs’ history forever, catapulting himself into the hearts of the fanbase given his spell in the first team over a 10-year period.
The 31-year-old rose through the youth ranks before registering 280 goals for the club, a tally which has made him the highest goalscorer in the club’s history.
However, his goals weren’t enough to catapult the Lilywhites to any form of tangible success, subsequently seeing the forward leave for Bayern Munich in an £82m deal back in 2023.
Since his departure, the club have spent big on Dominic Solanke, dropping a club-record £65m fee to secure his signature, but he’s struggled to maintain elite levels of performance over the course of his first campaign – scoring just nine goals in the process.
The club have greatly lacked that clinical presence in forward areas, something which David could provide in North London should the club land him in the coming weeks.
Lille'sJonathanDavidcelebrates scoring their fourth goal
When comparing his stats to those of fan-favourite Kane, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas this campaign – with FBref labelling him as a similar player to the England international.
David, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the world” by Tony Marinaro, has achieved a better shot on target rate than Kane this season, highlighting his clinical nature within the final third.
How David compares to Kane throughout the 2024/25 campaign
Statistics (per 90)
David
Kane
Games played
32
31
Goals & assists
21
35
Shot on target accuracy
43%
42%
Pass accuracy
82%
78%
Key passes made
1.3
1.2
Take-on success
48%
43%
Progressive carries
1.4
1
Fouls won
1.3
0.7
Stats via FBref
He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and registered a higher tally of key passes per 90, offering Frank’s side an all-round option that can provide alongside scoring.
The Canadian has further demonstrated his all-round talents, registering a higher take-on completion rate, whilst posting more progressive carries per 90 – having the skillset to create his own opportunities, rather than be dependent on his teammates.
Given that the forward is available on a free transfer this summer, it would be a no-brainer for Spurs to strongly pursue a move to avoid missing out on his signature in the coming weeks.
If he can get anywhere near close to the levels produced by the departed forward in North London, it would be a superb signing, with his talents undoubtedly handing the manager the attacking quality he desires.
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