Boost for Rodgers: The new signing Celtic want to make alongside Balikwisha

Sky Sports man Anthony Joseph is now reporting that Celtic are eyeing another striker alongside Michel-Ange Balikwisha this summer.

Celtic reach agreement in principle to sign Balikwisha

The Hoops haven’t always had things their own way during the current transfer window, with Brendan Rodgers recently hinting at his frustration at a lack of business.

“It’s not my decision in the end. You know, I can prepare the team, the staff, and the players that are here have been fantastic over pre-season. We are all clear on what we need to improve, and for whatever reason, we haven’t been able to do that. So now we are in this position and we have to accept it, not dwell on it and try to come through it for Saturday and for Tuesday.”

On the plus side, one recent report has claimed that Celtic have reached an agreement to sign Royal Antwerp forward Balikwisha, who has been a long-time target for the Scottish Premiership champions.

The 24-year-old could be just what Rodgers is looking for in the coming days, as he looks to bolster his attacking options, not least in order for his side to give a better account of themselves in the Champions League this season.

Celtic pushing for striker alongside Balikwisha

Now, Sky Sports reporter Joseph has claimed that Celtic are “looking to sign another striker” alongside Balikwisha before the windows slams shut.

That said, he also states that “two new wingers” are also potentially being looked at as an alternative option, allowing Daizen Maeda to then take up a centre forward role, with Adam Idah, Shin Yamada and Johnny Kenny the backup players in that position.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha in action for Royal Antwerp.

Celtic fans would love to see an extra striker signing for Rodgers, especially as it would show plenty of ambition after a lack of it has arguably often been on show this summer.

Brendan Rodgers makes transfer demand to Celtic board after Parkhead chants

The Hoops drew 0-0 with Kairat Almaty.

ByCharlie Smith Aug 21, 2025

It remains to be seen who the striker in question with Balikwisha could be, but some names have been touted of late, including Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy.

At 38 years of age, the Englishman’s very best days are now long behind him, but that’s not to say that he couldn’t be a success in the Scottish Premiership for a year or two.

Vardy could be an older addition alongside Balikwisha, allowing Rodgers to bring in both relative youth and vast experience, with the former Foxes hero still possessing the pace and finishing ability to trouble defences, as well as the character to make him an instant favourite among the fanbase.

بعد الخروج من كأس العالم.. ميدو: منتخب مصر للشباب مظلوم

انتقد أحمد حسام “ميدو” لاعب منتخب مصر الأسبق، أداء منتخب الشباب بعد خروجه من الدور الأول في بطولة كأس العالم تحت 20 عامًا الأخيرة.

وتقام بطولة كأس العالم للشباب في تشيلي، خلال الفترة من 27 سبتمبر حتي 20 أكتوبر، بمشاركة 24 منتخبًا.

وتواجد منتخب مصر، تحت 20 عامًا في منافسات بطولة كأس العالم، وقع في المجموعة الأولى بجانب تشيلي واليابان ونيوزيلندا.

وتلقى منتخب مصر الخسارة في أول جولتين أمام اليابان 2-0 ونيوزيلندا 2-1 ثم حقق الفوز في الجولة الأخيرة أمام تشيلي 2-1.

طالع | المنتخبات المتأهلة إلى دور الـ16 من كأس العالم للشباب

واحتل منتخب مصر، المركز الثالث في المجموعة الأولى من بطولة كأس العالم للشباب، برصيد 3 نقاط، وانتظر تحديد مصيره في التأهل إلى دور ثمن النهائي (الـ16) حتى نهاية دور المجموعات، لإمكانية تأهله كأفضل 4 منتخبات تحتل المركز الثالث، لكنه ودع البطولة.

وقال ميدو في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة النهار: “المشكلة الحقيقية ليست خروج منتخب مصر للشباب من الدور الأول لـ كأس العالم، بل المستوى الفردي والجماعي الضعيف للاعبين”.

وأضاف: “اللاعبون مظلومون، لأنهم لم يحصلوا على نفس الإمكانيات التي كانت متوفرة لنا ونحن صغار، كنا نتدرب مع مدربين متعلمين وتأسسنا بشكل جيد، أما الآن فالشباب لا يتلقون تدريبًا صحيحًا ولا تغذية أو اهتمام، ويواجهون منتخبات لديها خطط واضحة لتطوير لاعبيها ومدربيها”.

وتابع: “لا أحمل أسامة نبيه المسؤولية وحده رغم وجود أخطاء، لأن تحميله بمفرده سيكون ظلمًا، فالمشكلة منظومة كاملة”.

وأتم: “كل مشاركة جديدة في بطولات الناشئين والشباب تكشف أننا نتراجع أكثر، والفوارق الفنية بيننا وبين المنتخبات الأخرى تتسع، والأجيال القادمة ستكون أضعف من الجيل الحالي كما أن هذا الجيل أضعف من الذي سبقه”.

Their new Raphinha: Leeds could hijack late move to sign £32m "magician"

This season, Leeds United have the tough task of surviving in the Premier League as a newly promoted side. It has not been done in the previous two campaigns, with all six sides coming up from the Championship going straight back down.

Of course, the Whites are back in the top flight for the first time since 2022/23. The previous season, they stayed up by the skin of their teeth, largely thanks to their iconic winger Raphinha.

Former Leeds forward Raphinha.

His penalty away to Brentford on the final day of the season helped them to a 2-1 win to keep them in the Premier League.

Daniel Farke won’t have the Brazilian at his disposal this season, but Leeds are linked with another exciting attacker.

Leeds' plans after signing Noah Okafor

It has been a busy summer already for Leeds, with nine new faces through the door, the latest of which has seen Noah Okafor arrive for a reported figure of £17m.

However, it does not seem like their transfer dealings will stop there.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to a report from Leeds Live, the Whites have a ‘hope of hijacking’ Crystal Palace’s deal to sign Bilal El Khannouss from Leicester City. He is a player Leeds have already held talks to sign this summer.

It seemed like the deal was off for Farke’s side, with El Khannouss choosing to go to Selhurst Park. Yet, Oliver Glasner’s side are not ‘fully committed’ to the move and have ‘temporarily halted’ talks, which could give Leeds a chance to pull the deal off.

If so, they’d surely have to match the £32m fee Palace are set to pay the Foxes.

Why El Khannouss would be a good signing

Without doubt, Leeds and the other promoted sides this season have a bit of a mountain to climb in order to stay in the Premier League.

Yet, signing a “magician” like the Moroccan star, as football scout Antonio Mango called him, would go a long way to helping stay in the division.

Despite a tough year for Leicester in 2024/25, El Khannouss was one of their standout players.

In 37 games across all competitions, he scored three goals and assisted six. This season, he has started on fire, with two assists in the Championship in as many games.

As well as impressing in the Premier League, the 21-year-old has also shone for Morocco. He starred in their third-place finish at the 2024 Olympic Games, scoring and assisting three times and creating ten chances along the way, as per Sofascore.

Well, just from those numbers, it is easy to see how El Khannouss could be Leeds’ most exciting signing since Raphinha.

Ex-teammates at Elland Road have waxed lyrical about the Brazilian, too, with Dan James calling him a “magician”, exactly the way Mango described the potential new Leeds signing.

His time for the Yorkshire outfit was short but sweet. The now-Barcelona forward, who shone last season under Hansi Flick, played 67 games in that famous white shirt.

In that time, he scored 17 times and assisted 12, with the most famous strike surely that final-day penalty at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Leeds fans would love for the Moroccan star to have the same impact as Raphinha in their survival campaign of 2021/22.

That season, the Brazilian averaged 2.01 key passes and 2.75 progressive carries each game. In comparison, last term for the Foxes, El Khannouss played an average of 1.74 key passes and averaged 3.02 progressive carries per 90 minutes.

Key passes

1.74

2.01

Progressive passes

5.29

4.14

Goal-creating actions

0.29

0.31

Progressive carries

3.02

2.75

Ball recoveries

3.80

5.12

It is easy to see why El Kahnnouss would be Leeds’ best signing since Raphinha. Not only does he have similar creative numbers to the Brazilian, but he has also been given similar high praise in his short career so far.

Leicester City's BilalElKhannouss

For a fee in the region of £32m, the Moroccan star could revolutionise this Leeds team and bring back some of the magic Raphinha added at Elland Road.

Better than Nmecha: Leeds now competing to sign "powerful" new striker

Leeds United are reportedly competing to sign a striker who could be even better than Lukas Nmecha.

1 ByDan Emery Aug 20, 2025

OLHAR DO PORCO: Hoje é dia de fazer mais história pelo continente, Palmeiras!

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras encara o Cerro Porteño nesta noite em Assunção, no Paraguai, em jogo válido pela quarta rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores 2023.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasCom Luan e Gómez, zaga do Palmeiras ficou a poucos minutos de entrar para a história antes mesmo de Abel Ferreira chegarPalmeiras24/05/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras vai ao Paraguai em busca de mais uma marca histórica como visitante na LibertadoresPalmeiras24/05/2023PalmeirasLuan exalta defesa do Palmeiras, elogia Naves e projeta duelo com o Cerro: ‘Teremos de ser inteligentes’Palmeiras23/05/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

Empilhando recordes nas últimas participações que fez pela competição continental, o Verdão de Abel Ferreira pode conquistar mais algumas marcas importantes hoje em ‘La Nueva Olla’.

Confira o que estará em jogo hoje no duelo entre Gustavo Gómez e Diego Churín:

Vitória de número 50 como visitante em Libertadores:

Se bater o Ciclón hoje, o Palmeiras completará 50 vitórias como visitante na história da Libertadores (sem considerar os triunfos em campo neutro, como nas finais de 2020 e 2021). O retrospecto atual é de 112 jogos, 49 vitórias, 22 empates, 41 derrotas, 176 gols marcados e 141 gols sofridos.

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Invencibilidade diante do Cerro Porteño como visitante:

Time que mais vezes enfrentou o Verdão na Libertadores, o Cerro Porteño jamais venceu o atual campeão Brasileiro no Paraguai. Em seis jogos, foram três vitórias para o Palmeiras e três empates.

Maior invencibilidade da Série A

Independente da competição ou mando de campo, o Palmeiras é o time da Série A do Brasileirão que carrega a maior invencibilidade no ano. Já são treze jogos sem saber o que é derrota para uma equipe que perdeu apenas duas vezes em 2023. Em segundo vem o rival São Paulo, que está há 10 jogos sem perder.

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Abel Ferreira Scolari

Caso vença o Cerro Porteño, Abel Ferreira vai igualar Luiz Felipe Scolari como técnico com o maior número de vitórias na história da Libertadores comandando o Palmeiras: 23 triunfos para cada!

A bola rola para Cerro Porteño x Palmeiras a partir das 19h (horário de Brasília) e o jogo terá transmissão dos Canais ESPN e Star +.

ICC rankings: Boland, Bumrah, Bavuma and Babar make gains

Scott Boland has entered the top ten of the ICC’s Test bowling rankings for the first time after taking 21 wickets in three Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests.Averaging 13.19 in the series, Boland broke into the top ten after a match haul of 10 for 86 at the SCG, which sealed the series 3-1 in Australia’s favour and earned him a Player-of-the-Match award. He has moved up to joint-ninth after climbing 29 positions.Jasprit Bumrah, who topped the wicket-takers’ chart at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with 32 wickets at 13.06, remains the No. 1 Test bowler, adding one rating point and going up to 908, improving on the record for Indian bowlers.

Full rankings tables

  • Click here for the full team rankings

  • Click here for the full player rankings

Pat Cummins and Kagiso Rabada have moved up to No. 2 and No. 3 respectively, while Josh Hazlewood has fallen just out of the top three. Marco Jansen rounds up the top five for Test bowlers.

Bavuma, Pant, Babar rise among Test batters

South Africa’s big batting performance in the second Test against Pakistan, where they scored 615 in the first innings, has seen their key batters move up the Test batting charts.Temba Bavuma’s 106 has taken him three places up to a career-best No. 6. Ryan Rickelton’s 259 has lifted him 48 positions to 55th, while Kyle Verreynne’s 100 has seen him move up four spots to No. 24.For Pakistan, Babar Azam (No. 12) inched closer to the top ten after scores of 58 and 81.Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, has regained his place in the top ten among Test batters, after hitting 40 and 61 in India’s defeat in Sydney. He moved up three places to No. 9 while his team-mate Yashasvi Jaiswal remained at No. 3 behind world No. 1 Joe Root and second-placed Harry Brook.

Gavi undergoes surgery on latest knee injury as Barcelona deliver worrying news on midfielder after confirming Fermin Lopez blow

After two weeks of conservative physical therapy, Barcelona have decided that Gavi will undergo a minor arthroscopic procedure to return to the pitch as soon as possible. The medical examination will be performed under the supervision of the club's medical staff. This comes after Fermin Lopez also suffered an injury in Barca's La Liga fixture against Getafe, which has now sidelined for a couple of weeks.

Barcelona dealt huge blow in Gavi recovery

Barcelona were hoping for Gavi's injury to subside and for him to return to the pitch after three weeks of conservative therapy, but the plan has not worked out. The club, after their latest scans and tests, believe it is best for the 21-year-old to undergo arthroscopic examination to address his internal meniscus injury. As per the club statement, Gavi's surgery will be performed by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau under the supervision of the club's medical staff.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBarcelona's dire need for injured players to return

Barcelona's plan to give Gavi's injury time to heal itself had to be cut short by a week. This might be due to all the recent injuries the squad have faced and the urgent need to fill spots with highly competitive fixtures ahead. For now, no return date has been announced for either Lamine Yamal or Gavi, but according to a statement from Barca, the club are hopeful that Gavi will be cleared and fit for their next Champions League fixture. The press release further states that an update will be provided after the medical procedure.

Fermin Lopez ruled out of PSG fixture

Lopez is another name that has been added to Barca's long list of injuries. The player was injured in the Blaugrana's clash against Getafe on Sunday, and tests have revealed he is facing an iliopsoas muscle injury in his left leg which will sideline him for around three weeks. This could be another reason why Barca were prompted to put Gavi under the knife.

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AFPPressure mounting on Hansi Flick

With Lopez's recent injury, Barcelona have been caught off guard in their preparedness. Coach Flick will hope to get a few of his star players back before their Champions League fixture on October 1.

Alex Hartley: Sophie Ecclestone 'refused TV interview' after Ashes loss

Player-turned-pundit says comments over fitness caused team to give her ‘cold shoulder’

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jan-2025

Alex Hartley claims she has been given the ‘cold shoulder’ by England’s women’s team•Getty Images

Alex Hartley, England’s former World Cup-winning spinner, has claimed that Sophie Ecclestone “refused” to be interviewed by her on TV and that she has been “given the cold shoulder” by England players since criticising their fitness following their T20 World Cup exit in October.Hartley, who has worked extensively as a broadcaster and pundit since retiring from professional cricket, had said that a handful of players were “letting the team down” with their fitness levels after their shock defeat to West Indies in Dubai. Heather Knight and Jon Lewis, England’s captain and coach, both denied that it had contributed to their group-stage elimination.Following England’s 57-run loss in Monday’s first T20I in Sydney, which put Australia 8-0 up in the Ashes and ensured they will retain the trophy, Hartley said she had been frozen out. “Sophie Ecclestone refused to do a TV interview with me today,” she told the BBC’spodcast. “I’ve been hung out to dry by the England team: none of them will talk to me on the boundary edge.”The reason I said that they were not as fit as Australia is because I want them to compete with Australia, I want them to be better than Australia, and I want them to win Ashes and World Cups. I’m giving my opinion, and I’ve been given the cold shoulder from the England team ever since.Related

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“Not all of them have given me the cold shoulder. I don’t want to say that they’ve all been the same, because they haven’t. Some of the players have been absolutely outstanding: I’ve spoken to them in the street, at the ground, wherever. But a few individuals – coaches, players – they literally haven’t looked at me.”England’s fielding has been a problem throughout the Ashes. Beth Mooney was dropped early in her match-winning 75 in Sydney on Monday, while a series of errors contributed to England’s three ODI defeats at the start of the tour. It prompted Hartley to reiterate her view that England have struggled to match Australia’s “athleticism” across the series.”I’ve upset them, clearly,” she said. “Jon Lewis has come out and said there isn’t a problem with fitness in his squad, there isn’t a problem with fitness in the England environment. They obviously think I’m completely wrong in my opinion – which is fine, absolutely fine. I’m entitled to my opinions, and they’re entitled to theirs.”It’s my job to say if I see something that needs to be better, and I did, but the way that I’ve been treated since I think is totally unfair. But they will say that my comments were unfair, so if that’s the way our relationship is going to be moving forwards, then so be it… If fitness isn’t a problem, then it’s athleticism from a few, isn’t it?”An England team spokesperson declined to comment when contacted by ESPNcricinfo.

Perfect for Simons: Chelsea targeting £100m "machine" alongside Garnacho

This summer just keeps getting better and better for Chelsea.

On the pitch, Enzo Maresca’s side have looked dangerous and off it, the board have been doing brilliant work in the transfer market.

For example, the likes of Jame Gittens, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro were all through the door before the Club World Cup final, and then the tremendously exciting Jorrel Hato was added last week.

Jorrel Hato

As if that wasn’t enough, the West Londoners appear to be making progress on a deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho, are even further along in the process of signing Xavi Simons, and are now being linked with an international who’d be a brilliant teammate for the Dutchman.

Chelsea target perfect teammate for Simons

As it stands, Chelsea are supposedly in talks for Manchester United’s controversial but undeniably talented Garnacho, but with the club supposedly sure his price will come down before the end of the window, it looks like Simons might be signed first.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Reports from earlier this month have made it clear that the personal terms with the Dutchman have already been agreed, and that a fee of around £61m would be enough for RB Leipzig to let him go.

The 22-year-old would be an incredible addition to the Blues’ squad, and it already seems like the club are now looking at another international who’d be a perfect teammate for him.

At least that’s according to a recent report from The Express, which claims Chelsea are very interested in Morgan Rogers.

The story goes on to reveal that the West Londoners have been ‘keen admirers’ of the Aston Villa star for some time, and that should he be made available, they’ll be running for his signature.

However, it’d likely be a costly transfer to get over the line, with stories from earlier this summer claiming that the Claret and Blue value him at around £100m.

That said, if Chelsea have a chance to sign Rogers, they should take it, as he’d be an exceptional addition to the squad and a perfect teammate for Simons.

Why Rogers would be a dream teammate for Simons

Fundamentally, there are two key reasons why Rogers would be an excellent signing and teammate for Simons, and the first relates to his output.

England'sEberechiEzecelebrates scoring their third goal with England's Morgan Rogers

For example, despite still only being 22 years old and playing in the Championship a couple of years ago, the Villa ace was monsterously effective for the Claret and Blue.

In his 54 appearances, totalling 4496 minutes, the Halesowen-born “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob, put the ball in the back of the net 14 times and provided 15 assists for good measure.

Appearances

54

Minutes

4496′

Goals

14

Assists

15

Goal Involvements per Match

0.53

Minutes per Goal Involvement

155.03′

That means the former Middlesbrough gem was able to maintain a goal involvement every 1.86 games, or every 155.03 minutes.

Now, just imagine what those numbers could look like playing alongside the Dutchman, who racked up 19 goal involvements in 33 games last season, and vice versa.

Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers in action with Brighton & Hove Albion'sIgorJulio

With both players being more than capable creators and goal-scorers, they could form a seriously dangerous partnership, with opposition defenders never quite sure which one is going to create the chance or finish it.

The second reason the former Manchester City academy gem could be such a great teammate for the Amsterdam-born international is that he’s also comfortable playing in the middle of the park or on the wing.

Therefore, he’d have more opportunities to play with the Leipzig star, and more crucially, he’d be able to come in and cover for him when he needs a rest, in turn reducing the risk of injury.

Ultimately, it won’t be cheap, but Chelsea should be doing all they can to sign Rogers this summer, as he’d be a brilliant addition in his own right, but an even better one alongside Simons.

Shades of Hazard: Chelsea lead race for £40m "superstar" alongside Simons

The dynamic attacker would add another dimension to Chelsea’s squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 7, 2025

Inter boss says stop 'throwing stones' at Yann Sommer and vows to stand by goalkeeper after disastrous derby display against Juventus

Inter head coach Cristian Chivu has urged the fans to stop "throwing stones" at goalkeeper Yann Sommer after his disastrous performance did little to prevent his side from losing to Juventus over the weekend. Chivu remains confident in the Swiss international's experience and abilities, adding that Sommer will retain his place in the starting lineup against Ajax in the Champions League opener.

  • Inter experience heartbreaking Derby d'Italia defeat

    Inter's below-par start to life under new head coach Chivu continued over the weekend, as last season's Serie A runners-up succumbed to a 4-3 defeat at the Allianz Stadium against Juventus. Igor Tudor's men were trailing 3-2 as the clock went past the 80th-minute mark. However, a Khephren Thuram strike in the 82nd minute and a stoppage time winner from youngster Vasilije Adzic helped Juve stage a sensational come-from-behind victory in the Derby d'Italia.

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    The Nerazzurri struggling in Serie A

    The loss against Juventus further compounded Inter's misery. The Nerazzurri are currently languishing in 11th position on the Serie A table, despite scoring nine goals in their opening three league games. After beginning the season with an emphatic 5-0 win over Torino, they slumped to a shock 2-1 loss to Udinese at the San Siro. The defence has been far too penetrative as they have shipped six goals, with Sommer especially becoming the target of the fans' fury following his disastrous display in the defeat to Juve. 

  • Sommer receives backing from head coach

    Speaking to reporters ahead of the Ajax clash in the Champions League, Chivu said: "It’s not fair to put him out in the open and throw stones at him from all sides. He’s important to us, he showed that last year, and from a human perspective, I don’t feel comfortable doing something like that. I respect [Josep] Martinez, and sooner or later he will get his chance, but I won’t change Sommer just because the fans ask for it. I don’t want to go against the grain. A player with his experience needs support. It’s only right that he stays in goal."

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    Ajax clash the perfect springboard for a turnaround in fortunes

    Inter commence their Champions League campaign against Ajax on Wednesday. A win could go a long way in lifting the spirits of an Inter side seemingly struggling to avoid defeats. However, defender Denzel Dumfries remains confident of his team's chances. "We've often talked about it among ourselves," the Dutchman said. "We played a good game against Juve, but then things went the way they did. It's true, we've recognized this moment and we have a lot to learn. When you play in the Champions League, you play to win. We have a strong team."

Tottenham eyeing late move to sign £60m star who's similar to Eberechi Eze

Tottenham Hotspur remain in the market for a new number 10 as we fast approach deadline day on September 1, and time is running out for chairman Daniel Levy to back manager Thomas Frank with a replacement for the injured James Maddison.

Spurs missed out on Eberechi Eze in spectacular fashion, despite believing that they were on the verge of signing the England international when Spurs agreed personal terms and verbally agreed a deal with Crystal Palace.

When Arsenal came knocking, all hopes of landing the 27-year-old were dashed, as the boyhood Gunners supporter was always going to choose a move to N5 when Mikel Arteta’s side matched Tottenham’s bid.

Now, after also missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White earlier in the summer, Tottenham are scrambling for a playmaker who can genuinely upgrade Frank’s options – and their pool is running desperately thin.

Previously-linked target Tyler Dibling has just completed a move to Everton, so he’s off the table, while an audacious late swoop for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers is looking increasingly unlikely.

Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott and Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss are other names linked with a late move to N17, as is Como starlet Nico Paz, but a move for the latter is very difficult considering Real Madrid have buy-back options, matching rights and a 50 per cent sell-on clause – meaning he is basically a Bernabeu player in all but name.

Another last-gasp target, now backed up by broadcast giant talkSPORT, is West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

Tottenham eye late move for West Ham star Lucas Paqueta

The Brazil international is valued at around £60 million, and talkSPORT correspondent Alex Crook reports that Tottenham are considering a late move for Paqueta after also tempting Mohammed Kudus from east London earlier in the window.

West Ham's Tomas Soucek celebrates with goalscorer Lucas Paqueta against Chelsea.

However, after West Ham stood by him in the midst of his betting scandal allegations, it is believed that the 28-year-old isn’t exactly clamoring to leave the London Stadium as things stand.

Graham Potter is also reluctant to lose him as his West Ham side struggled at the start of this Premier League season, but if Spurs make both the Hammers and Paqueta an offer too good to refuse, he could be an ideal signing.

The former Lyon star endured a difficult campaign last term, but was once on the cusp of a move to Man City after a stellar 2022/2023 campaign – a season where he provided the assist for Jarrod Bowen’s historic Conference League-winning goal.

Paqueta’s bagged 20 goals and 14 assists in total for West Ham since joining from Lyon, and he’s interestingly been called a “similar” player to Eze by Football Transfers.

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