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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and star designated hitter Shohei Ohtani have had an ongoing prank war over the last year, but Roberts decided to take a more sincere route with his latest surprise for Ohtani.

The pranks began when Ohtani closed in on breaking Roberts's record for the most home runs hit by a Japanese-born player in Dodgers' history. Ohtani told Roberts that he had bought him a car, only to surprise Roberts with a miniature toy car. Ohtani followed it up by parking a toy Porsche in Roberts's parking spot when he reported for spring training. Finally, Roberts got "revenge" by filling Ohtani's car with a bunch of toy balls from a ball pit and pictures of his face.

For Roberts's next surprise to Ohtani, he opted to purchase a pink electronic toy Porsche for Ohtani's daughter. The gift was a nod to their previous jokes, but also a nice gift for his daughter, who was born in April.

"I'm surprising Shohei," Roberts said in a video shared by the Dodgers' social media team. "My wife and I purchased this electronic remote car for his daughter. Shohei's been very gracious and we've got this long-running practical joke. This is more of a sincere gesture, not necessarily a practical joke, but I wanted to present it to him."

The video then showed Roberts presenting the gift in Ohtani, who laughed in response and thought the gift was "nice."

Ohtani hilariously admitted after he thought he "was in trouble" when he got called into Roberts's office. Instead, he was pleasantly surprised with the gift.

This is the format they are least strong in and it is because they haven’t adapted to its run-scoring needs as much as the best teams

Sidharth Monga07-Dec-2023If, as expected, Rohit Sharma joins Rahul Dravid as the leader of the Indian cricket team until the T20 World Cup in June, there will be an element of personal pursuit to it: a final attempt at a world title perhaps, both for captain and coach. They could have walked away with heads held high, even if not on the ultimate high, after winning 10 straight matches en route to the 2023 ODI World Cup final, but there must have been that temptation to try to complete the story once the offer was made.To be fair to Rohit and Dravid, this is not exactly an easy assignment, which is probably why they have been asked to continue in the first place. It points to a lack of planning from the decision-makers who had neither thought of a succession plan nor asked the current leaders if they wanted to continue until four days after the World Cup final.They had put everything in the ODI World Cup basket, then realised they had to start gearing up for a T20 World Cup. By the time they would have advertised for coaching candidates, interviewed them and then got someone on board, India wouldn’t have any matches left to try and build a combination. And this is not just any format, but the one India are least strong in.Surely Dravid and Rohit know what a risk this is to their legacy? India are not laggards but they are nowhere close to dominating the T20 format as they do Tests and ODIs. At full strength, they are the team to beat in ODIs as we saw in the World Cup. In Tests, it still looks like it will be a while before any side can threaten to take a home series off India while they themselves continue to be competitive wherever they tour. In T20Is, even at full strength, they are, well, on the top end of the mid card.There are a couple of structural issues with the composition of the XI. Despite being home to the biggest T20 league, despite being the biggest cricket country, India doesn’t produce enough allrounders to give them the kind of depth that allows them to play freely. One of their two allrounders is injury prone, the other one easy to contain when he bats against spin. They ideally need more batting power, which can leave the bowling thin, a risk they have not been prepared to take even though the quality of bowling has less incremental advantage in T20 cricket than in longer formats.The other issue is that in T20s, India is largely a country of top-order batters who set up to bat through an innings. There is not enough reward internally, not enough recognition externally, and thus not enough cushion to fail, for batters who hit out selflessly in the middle order.Accumulation is perhaps too ingrained in the DNA of batters, who have had to show volume and averages to get selected right from a young age through every level before they reach the IPL or international cricket. All of India’s previous three knockout defeats in T20 World Cups can be, and should be, put down to conservative batting, but what is remembered? The no-ball from R Ashwin and the dropped catch in the 2016 semi-final, and captain Rohit’s words that India should have bowled better in the 2022 semi-final.Can Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid take India to glory in the T20 World Cup?•AFP/Getty ImagesWith Rohit’s likely replacement as captain, Hardik Pandya, being injury-prone, the move to ask Rohit to continue seems to have as much to do with his captaincy as his newfound form in the ODI World Cup, which finally matched the exemplary intent he has been showing over the last two years. That, then, creates another issue: if India decide they need a more dynamic No. 3 than Virat Kohli, do they have it in them to make an unpopular decision, which becomes even more unpopular if they retain one and drop the other?Also what’s best for the Indian team is not always best for the IPL team, which is the only non-international T20 cricket for most of India’s players. Take Liam Livingstone’s example. He was too good to not be playing for England, but there was no room at the top of the order, where he used to bat. So Livingstone made sure he batted in the middle order in every league he played, bowled a lot of legspin and offspin in the nets, and he presented himself as a middle-order option capable of bowling an over or three when required.A similar scenario for India is KL Rahul, who is a good enough wicketkeeper-batter in the middle order as he showed for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2016, but he can’t be asked to play an IPL season in that role for Lucknow Super Giants just because that will help India in the T20 World Cup. Forget co-ordinating priorities with an IPL team, there wasn’t enough continuity in India’s interim team management who took four matches to give Jitesh Sharma a go when it is clear that India need a wicketkeeper in the middle order and not in the top three, where Ishan Kishan kept batting.Hardly has an India player emerged and added as much to his game as Livingstone or New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips to make himself a better fit in a team combination. They are all near perfectionists at their core skill and obviously work hard on their fielding, but you rarely see a batter bowl in India’s nets, for example. Phillips spends close to an hour bowling alone before a New Zealand net session.It is still a testament to the strong basics of India’s cricketers that they are dominant in two formats and there or thereabouts in the third. Starting this Sunday in Durban, India have six internationals – three of them against Afghanistan – and possibly half the IPL to see what they want to see before they select their squad for the T20 World Cup.That the conditions for the tournament, to be played in the USA and West Indies, are largely an unknown will probably make it a slightly more level playing field for India. Also the beauty of T20 cricket is that form and momentum matter less in it than in other formats. You can outsmart or upset any team on a given day.Dravid and Rohit, or whoever the captain is, don’t really have time to bring about a culture change in India’s T20 cricket, but if they manage to make a bold move or two and manage to succeed, they could create a blueprint for the future.

Real Betis midfielder and former Real Madrid star Isco has been ruled out of Sunday's Sevilla derby after requiring seven stitches following a bizarre collision with team-mate Sofyan Amrabat during their Europa League match against Utrecht. Manager Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that Amrabat is also a major doubt for the crucial clash due to the incident.

Pellegrini confirms Isco and Amrabat derby absence

Pellegrini has confirmed that Isco will miss the upcoming derby against Sevilla on Sunday following a collision with team-mate Amrabat during their Europa League victory over Utrecht. The incident occurred just ten minutes into the match as both players contested a loose ball, resulting in a heavy clash that forced both off the pitch.

Speaking after the match, Pellegrini provided details on the severity of Isco's injury: "It was a very eventful match. Isco and Amrabat's injuries were incredible. Isco needed seven stitches; he doesn't have a bone fracture, but he won't be ready for Sunday. I don't think Amrabat will be either."

Pellegrini also indicated that Amrabat, on loan from Fiorentina after a stint at Manchester United, is highly unlikely to feature against Sevilla unless he makes a "very good recovery in the next few hours." The double blow leaves Betis without two key midfielders for one of their most important fixtures of the season.

AdvertisementAFPIsco's cruel injury blow after return

The injury to Isco is particularly cruel as it came in his first start since returning from a significant injury lay-off just three days prior. The Spanish midfielder, who has been a vital creative force for Betis since joining, was on the pitch for only nine minutes before the collision forced him off.

Reports suggest the injury is to his ankle, though it is believed to be the opposite ankle to the one that previously sidelined him. The sight of Isco writhing in pain on the pitch was a major concern for Betis fans, and Pellegrini's confirmation of his absence will be a significant setback ahead of the derby. They were dealt a further blow as Antony has been suspended for Sunday's game after he received a red card for accidentally striking a defender in the face when attempting an overhead kick.

Betis secure vital Europa League win

Despite the injuries, Real Betis managed to secure a 2-1 victory over Utrecht. Cucho Hernandez opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, and Abde Ezzalzouli doubled the lead shortly after half-time in the 50th minute. Utrecht pulled a goal back through Miguel Rodriguez in the 55th minute but Betis held on for the win.

Pellegrini highlighted the importance of the three points, stating: "It was a very important win because it brings us much closer to qualifying. Hopefully, we can stay in the top eight." The victory leaves Betis in fifth place in the Europa League standings with 11 points from five matches, strengthening their position for progression to the knockout stages.

Pellegrini was also pleased with his team's performance, noting: "I liked the intensity with which we started the game against a team that handles the ball well. We became dominant."

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AFPWhat next for Real Betis?

Betis now turn their attention to the highly anticipated Seville derby against Sevilla on Sunday at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium. The absence of Isco and likely Amrabat will require Pellegrini to reshuffle his midfield. Players like Nelson Deossa or Pablo Fornals could be called upon to fill the void left by Isco's absence.

Pellegrini acknowledged the significance of the match: "There’s no doubt it’s a different kind of game. Both teams are missing key players, and adding three more points would be important. We hope not to let our fans down because we know what those three points mean to both sides."

The manager also briefly addressed questions about his contract renewal, stating: "Now we are only concerned about the derby," indicating that all focus is on Sunday's crucial encounter.

Challenged to retain their fitness during lockdown, they resolved to give themselves a target and a motive

George Dobell02-Jul-2020England’s first-class umpires have set themselves the target of walking to Lahore and back – virtually, at least – before the county season begins.Challenged to retain their fitness during lockdown by Chris Kelly, the umpires’ manager at the ECB, they resolved to give themselves both a target and a motive. They eventually decided, therefore, to walk between them the equivalent distance from the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester and back. That is 9,436 miles.They also hope that effort will inspire people to make charitable contributions. The three charities benefiting from their efforts are the British Asian Trust, Prostate Cancer UK and the Professional Cricketers’ Trust.There are 33 umpires involved – that includes those on the ICC’s elite and international panels, as well as those on fulltime ECB contracts and the reserve list – with Hassan Adnan, who is currently averaging around 90 miles a week and is approaching 350 miles in total, leading the way at present. David Milnes, on 226 miles, is in second place. In the 28 days since the exercise started, they have walked 4,537 miles. For more details, please visit The First-Class Walk’s Facebook page”GPS data and heartrate monitors from the 2015 season suggested we walked about 10,000 miles between us in a season,” one of the umpires, Paul Baldwin, told ESPNcricinfo. “We were challenged to ensure we were ready for the season and this came about.”We’re on course to complete our target on July 27 – a few days before the season begins – but we’ve now decided to carry on throughout August and see how far we can go.”The first on-field data was added last week when Michael Gough and Alex Wharf, the umpires for the West Indies’ warm-up game in Manchester, contributed 31.89 miles in three days.”Meanwhile, the former Surrey keeper, James Knott, is embarking on a challenge of his own to raise funds for charity. Knott, who is now head of cricket at Stowe School and whose father Alan is generally regarded as one of the best keepers in the history of the game, is aiming to walk every minute of play during the first Test of the England v West Indies series in the hope of raising funds for the PCA Trust and the NHS Covid-19 appeal. Details can be found here.

Manchester United have been on the hunt for a midfielder and they reportedly have their eyes set on a Euro 2024 winner.

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Man Utd want to sign Martin ZubimendiSpaniard hailed as 'one of the best' by De La FuenteUnited's move for midfielder remains 'complicated'GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Martin Zubimendi did not play a very big part in Spain's Euro 2024 campaign. However, after an injury to Rodri in the final in Berlin, the Real Sociedad midfielder played a phenomenal half of football to help La Roja conquer England. Additionally, the 25-year-old has impressed with La Real over the last few seasons and has been one of Imanol Alguacil's top players.

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Manchester United, who are looking to sign a defensive midfielder this summer, are keeping tabs on the Spaniard, however, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has told GiveMeSport that a move this summer could be complicated as Zubimendi is not keen on leaving his boyhood club. Additionally, Real Sociedad are open to selling the 25-year-old only at his release clause of £51 million ($65.6m) which could be difficult for the Red Devils to attain unless they make sales first.

Getty DID YOU KNOW?

Zubimendi has previously been heavily hailed by Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente as one of the best midfielders in the world. In November of last year, the 63-year-old was asked about who he voted for at FIFA's The Best award and said: "Rodri, Haaland and Messi…, and by the way last year I voted for Julián Álvarez, which caused some commotion…, but also for Bellingham and in third place for Modric. But no one knew Jude Bellingham, then, except in Madrid, of course. He has had a sensational explosion. He is a different player. But well, Rodrigo has been my first choice this time because we have the two best centre-halfs in the world: Rodri and Zubimendi."

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WHAT NEXT FOR ZUBIMENDI?

The Spaniard has been the target of interest from the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Bayern Munich but has maintained his position of respecting his contract with Real Sociedad which runs until the summer of 2027, and it is likely that unless a club reaches an agreement with La Real, he will not look to leave the club.

Ireland’s batting comes good at the last as they emulate Bangalore heroics with record chase

The Report by Matt Roller 04-Aug-2020Ireland pulled off their second win against England and their first ODI victory against major opposition since the 2015 World Cup, with Kevin O’Brien, the hero of Bangalore, hitting the winning run after centuries from Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie had laid the foundations.Chasing 329 to win – the same score they managed in their famous 2011 scalp – Stirling hammered 142 and Balbirnie 113 in a partnership of 214 that broke the back of the chase. A late wobble threatened to derail their challenge, but Harry Tector and O’Brien added 50 in 5.2 overs to seal a memorable win.An Irishman had done the heavy lifting for England with the bat too, Eoin Morgan the standout in their total of 328 all out, but regular wickets derailed them on a hard, fresh pitch that was excellent for batting throughout. But for a last-wicket stand of 30, the run chase would have been something of a cakewalk.2-0 down in the series after two batting implosions, Balbirnie stuck with his youngsters but knew that it was the senior batsmen that needed to stand up. Stirling had struggled badly against David Willey in the series to date, but started confidently and positively here, slamming his third ball through cover to get the chase up and running.The Powerplay was largely sedate, Ireland focusing on preserving wickets after awful starts in the first two games, until Stirling whacked Saqib Mahmood over square leg for two towering sixes to end the eighth. Gareth Delany looked out of sorts, shaping to flick off his hip but losing his leg stump to Willey, but at 55 for 1 after the first 10, they had a platform to build from.Ireland had been meek against spin throughout the first two games, struggling either to rotate the strike or hit boundaries as Adil Rashid spun a web around their inexperienced middle order. But with their best two players of spin together they decided to attack, with Balbirnie sweeping Moeen Ali and Stirling bludgeoning through midwicket, square leg and the off side.After a brief experiment with James Vince’s medium pace, Moeen – standing in as captain after Morgan hurt his groin while batting – turned to his seamers after 25 overs, hoping they could break a partnership that had nudged past 100. They successfully stemmed the flow of runs but could not find an opening, despite a chance for Vince at midwicket who dropped a difficult catch off Mahmood with Stirling on 95.Stirling brought up his hundred with a nudge for one, barely deigning to celebrate his first ton against England, and when Willey returned for his second spell, Stirling welcomed him with a silky drive through mid-off and a wristy flick through square leg. Balbirnie continued to sweep Moeen at will, moving to a hundred of his own with a slash over point off Tom Curran.But Stirling’s runs started to dry up. Vince gave him another life on 139, dropping a steepler running back from midwicket, before a horrible mix-up saw him short of his ground at the non-striker’s end thanks to some good work from Curran. Ireland sent Tector in at No. 4 rather than O’Brien, who started shakily against Rashid.With England putting the squeeze on and the required rate ticking above nine, Balbirnie decided he couldn’t afford to play Rashid’s final over out. He clipped a pair of twos and then went for the jugular, only picking out Billings at long-off. That finally brought O’Brien to the crease, who watched Tector cream Rashid through cover before himself surviving an lbw review.O’Brien then slammed a waist-high no-ball from Willey for a towering six over midwicket, before Tector slashed Curran through the covers once more. He got a life from Tom Banton, who shelled a difficult chance at long-on, and struggled to get bat on ball, but O’Brien crunched Willey over third man and Tector carved Curran through point to leave 10 from 8 balls.With 5 off 4 needed, Mahmood sent down a chest-high no-ball which Tector pulled for one. O’Brien clipped off the pads to leave one required, then swung and missed at a length ball, before pulling behind square to cue rapturous celebrations from the away dressing room.Eoin Morgan celebrates his century•Getty ImagesEngland’s frenetic innings had been underpinned by Morgan’s 14th ODI hundred. He added 146 in 18.2 overs with Banton, who made his first international half-century from No. 5 to drive England towards an imposing total, before a second middle-order hiccup in as many games threatened to derail their innings completely.Willey thrashed 51 from No. 8 to drive them up past 300, but their 328 was a par score at best.Balbirnie’s decision to bowl first had reaped instant dividends when Craig Young dismissed Jason Roy with the fourth ball of the game, pushing an outswinger to second slip with hard hands. It was the 15th time that Roy has been out in the first over of an ODI in his career, nine times more than anyone else in that time, and the third time Young had got him in the series.Mark Adair, back in the side after a long-standing ankle problem, then nipped one in off the seam to burst through Jonny Bairstow, and when UltraEdge showed that James Vince had got an inside edge on a Young inswinger, England were in trouble at 44 for 3.In a different era, that would have meant the middle order dropping anchor and knocking the ball around for 15 overs, but that is not the England way. Instead, Morgan – back at No. 4 after sliding down to No. 6 in the first two games – resembled the French general Ferdinand Foch: “My centre is giving way, my right is retreating, situation excellent, I am attacking.”With Banton for support, Morgan treated Ireland’s seamers with utter disdain, driving, cutting and pulling effortlessly to rack up a 39-ball half-century – 40 of those runs coming in boundaries. The only chance he offered was dropped by Balbirnie on 67. He was particularly brutal when Ireland dropped short, swatting Josh Little for a pair of sixes through backward square before drilling him dead-straight down the ground for a 78-ball hundred.And then, without warning, another middle-overs wobble threatened to knock England off course. Morgan was the first to go, slashing Little high into the off side which Tector gobbled up at backward point, before Banton – who had looked much more assured in this innings, scoring fluently with good tempo and rhythm – was trapped on the pad by a full, flat ball from part-time legspinner Delany.Balbirnie, to his credit, had attacked with his field placings throughout the series, and that did not change today. He brought close fielders in on both sides of the wicket whenever a new man came in, and reaped the reward when the skittish Ali chipped a back-of-a-length ball from Curtis Campher to short cover.Billings, the man in form, couldn’t make it three decisive innings in a row, chipping to mid-off to the second ball of Young’s second spell. 190 for 3 had turned into 216 for 7 in the space of seven overs, and Ireland sensed a real opening. And while Willey and Curran dragged them up to a decent total, it would not prove to be enough.

Babar Azam holds on to top spot, Mohammad Hafeez makes big gains, Dawid Malan re-enters top five

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Sep-2020England opener Tom Banton and Pakistan middle-order veteran Mohammad Hafeez have both made big gains in the ICC rankings for T20I batsmen at the end of the three-match series that ended 1-1, while Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain in the format, held on to the top spot, opening up a 45-point lead over second-placed KL Rahul.Shaheryar Butt moves up 351 spots

In the Luxembourg T20I tri-series that pitted Belgium and Czech Republic against the home side, Shaheryar Butt hit 236 runs in four outings, including a best of 125 not out in 50 balls against Czech Republic, to help his side register an all-win record. That helped him jump 351 spots in the batsmen’s rankings to No. 105. On the same day he scored the century, he also hit 81 not out against Luxembourg.
Belgium’s run of four wins also lifted them from 63rd to 47th in the team rankings, while Czech Republic and Luxembourg, who won one match apiece, slipped to No. 61 (from 54) and No. 63 (from 58) respectively.

Banton, who is headed to UAE to link up with his Kolkata Knight Riders team-mates for the IPL, hit 137 runs in the series, including 71 in 42 balls in the washed-out opening game, to move up a remarkable 152 spots on the ladder to reach the 43rd position.The other England batsman to impress, Dawid Malan, who hit 23 and 54 not out in the first two games, also got back in the top five after briefly reaching a career-high 804 rating points when he hit the half-century in the England win.Azam hit a 44-ball 56 from the top of the order in Pakistan’s defeat in the second game to consolidate his position at the top, with Rahul, Australia’s Aaron Finch and New Zealand’s Colin Munro between him and Malan.Hafeez, however, was the standout batsman of the series, and his 36-ball 69 in the second game and a match-winning 86 not out off 52 balls in the final encounter helped him move up 24 spots to No. 44, just behind Banton.Of the bowlers in action in the three games at Manchester’s Old Trafford, Pakistan legspinner Shadab Khan was the most successful with five strikes, including a best of 3 for 34, and that helped him stay in the top ten, at No. 8. England paceman Tom Curran and Pakistan quick Shaheen Shah Afridi (both with two wickets) moved up to the joint 20th spot.

West Ham United are looking at signing a new transfer target who's been praised for having the best season of his career to date.

West Ham in need of new forward

Much has been made about the future of manager David Moyes with his contract expiring this summer, and while the Scotsman divides opinion among West Ham's fan base, he certainly hasn't been helped by a lack of new forward options.

"Something special" – West Ham make Paqueta promise amid key exit update

The Brazilian could be their next high profile exit after Declan Rice.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 5, 2024

Both Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals vacated the London Stadium in January, leaving Moyes bereft of wide options, so that is surely something West Ham could look to fix this summer.

That wasn't for lack of trying, according to some reports, with journalist Graeme Bailey claiming last month that West Ham missed out on over half a dozen January deals. Indeed, it is thought they targeted Ismaila Sarr, Stephen Bergwijn, Marcos Leonardo, Ibrahim Osman, Jota, Hugo Ekitike and Armando Broja in the winter with all moves failing to materialise.

If injury were to befall either Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen or Lucas Paqueta – it would display just how short West Ham are of attacking options with just Danny Ings, Michail Antonio and youngster Divin Mubama behind them.

West Ham now looking at signing Fuhrich

According to Sky Sports Germany, and their journalist Dennis Bayer, West Ham are now looking at Stuttgart star Chris Fuhrich as a solution to their lack of star attacking depth.

The 26-year-old, who's bagged six goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga alone this season, is now a candidate for Germany's Euro 2024 squad following his excellent season at Stuttgart – and this has apparently piqued West Ham's interest.

“Chris Führich plays a strong season, has the best scorers of his entire career and is a very hot candidate to be in the German squad at the European Championship,” he told Sky Germany (via Sport Witness).

“Some teams have him on their lists, Leipzig for example, West Ham too, because in Führich’s new contract there is an exit clause anchored between €20m (£17.1m) and €25m (£21.3m), which is based on how well the VfB is doing this season.

Stuttgart 5-0 Freiburg

8.85

Stuttgart 5-0 Bochum

8.75

Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Stuttgart

8.39

Stuttgart 5-2 Leipzig

8.36

FC Koln 0-2 Stuttgart

8.23

“In Cannstatt, they are a bit afraid that they could lose their wing player, Chris Führich, who is currently planning to play for VfB next year.”

The player himself is grateful to now be playing at this level, and who knows, he could maybe end up in England soon.

“There were certainly one or two situations in my career in which I couldn’t understand why I didn’t get the chance that I had earned at the time, but I’m not a fan of looking too far back,” said Führich on his recent rise at Stuttgart.

"I’m grateful to be where I am now. I’ve learned a lot from the past few years and taken a lot with me. When you reach a goal, you’re happy – no matter whether it was sooner or later.”

A player has told his representatives he wants to be a Tottenham player next season, and it's believed Spurs are equally keen to have him.

Spurs making plans to sign new forward this summer

While manager Ange Postecoglou focuses on the Spurs project and how best to finish the 2023/2024 campaign, preferably in the top four, his club are plotting ways to strengthen this summer.

Club determined to sign Tottenham player as chiefs already open talks

They’re making moves behind-the-scenes pre-summer.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 19, 2024

They're currently locked in a tense battle with Aston Villa in the race for Champions League qualification, and if they seal fourth, this could help to bolster Spurs' transfer kitty to no end as they set their sights on elite targets.

Tottenham are said to be in the race for Wolves winger Pedro Neto among others, with the Lilywhites keen to add another winger as one of their major signings of the next transfer window.

The likes of Barcelona star Raphinha and highly-rated talent Nico Williams are also on Spurs' radar, as explained by journalist Dean Jones to GiveMeSport late last month.

Luton Town (home)

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Arsenal (home)

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"Pedro Neto is somebody on their radar," said Jones.

"Raphinha has been mentioned as well. Nico Williams, at Athletic Bilbao, is another player that they're continuing to monitor. It will be interesting. Pedro Neto will be a very difficult one to get because of the competition that there will be to actually sign him.

"But Tottenham have signed a couple of players recently, that they've done well to get through the door, and they will believe that anything is possible."

Postecoglou could soon have an abundance of star wide players at his call if the club do end up bringing in one of the aforementioned. Tottenham currently have Son Heung-min, Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski, Bryan Gil, Manor Solomon and Timo Werner in their squad – though the latter is only their temporarily as things stand.

The German has impressed over his appearances since joining Spurs, prompting reports that Postecoglou and co are keen to activate Werner's £15 buy-option clause.

Werner tells agents he wants to stay at Tottenham

Now, according to TEAMtalk, Werner is so happy at Tottenham that he's already told his entourage he wants to stay beyond this campaign – with Spurs equally keen.

This has resulted in the Lilywhites closing in on a permanent deal for the 28-year-old, who Postecoglou himself has already called "quality".

“He’s a quality player," said Postecoglou after one of Werner's stellar recent displays.

"I think he’s proven at this level, and as he gets stronger and fitter and understands our game a little bit better, I think he’ll become even more effective and I know there’s goals in him as well that will come for Tottenham, so I thought he was good.”

The attacker may have another chance to prove his worth in England indefinitely, coming after a regrettable spell at Chelsea.

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka has sent a heartwarming message to his former teammate Emile Smith Rowe following his move to Fulham.

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Smith Rowe leaves Arsenal for Fulham Saka sends emotional message to midfielder Duo came up through the ranks at ArsenalGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Saka and Smith Rowe came up through the ranks at Arsenal together and also made their senior debuts for the Gunners around the same time. The duo have played a pivotal part in the North London side's rejuvenation under Mikel Arteta. However, they are now set to part ways with Smith Rowe having joined Premier League rivals Fulham.

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Smith Rowe's importance in Arteta's squad had been dwindling for quite some time as the 24-year-old has continued to suffer with injury and fitness issues. The London-born midfielder has now been confirmed as a Fulham player with the Cottagers paying the Gunners a reported fee of £34 million ($44m) for the move.

WHAT SAKA SAID

The Arsenal forward posted a heartwarming message for Smith Rowe following the move and said on an Instagram post: "From Hale End to the Emirates and all the memories on our journey. It’s been an absolute pleasure. Go and shine bro!"

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WHAT NEXT FOR THE DUO?

The Hale End graduates will share the field again later this year when Arsenal and Fulham take on each other at Craven Cottage on December 7.