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Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella spared Italy's blushes in their Euros title defence against a fast-starting Albania

Italy recovered from conceding the fastest goal in European Championship history to secure a comeback 2-1 win over plucky Albania.

Nedim Bajrami pounced on Italy's defensive uncertainty to give Albania the lead after 23 seconds but Alessandro Bastoni's header and Nicolo Barella's sublime strike from the edge of the area put them ahead after 16 minutes.

The defending champions were unable to hammer home their advantage and it nearly cost them as Gianluigi Donnarumma made a crucial save in the game's dying embers. In the end, Italy held on in unconvincing fashion on Saturday night.

GOAL rates Italy's players from Westfalenstadion…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Gianluigi Donnarumma (6/10):

The Paris Saint-Germain keeper was well beaten for Albania's early goal and after nearly a whole game of having nothing to do, he made a great stop at the death from substitute Rey Manaj.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo (7/10):

Was beaten on the outside on a couple of occasions but worked well with Federico Chiesa on the right flank.

Alessandro Bastoni (7/10):

Perhaps didn't react quick enough for Albania's opener but responded well with a striker's headed finish soon after.

Riccardo Calafiori (7/10):

Is clearly confident in possession and likes to drive forward with the ball into the opposition's half. Was probably the pick of the Italian defenders on the night.

Federico Dimarco (6/10):

Started the game in inauspicious style as his wayward throw was pounced upon by Bajrami, who gave Albania a dream start. Recovered somewhat and in attack he is a real threat but he was fortunate that mistake didn't prove too costly.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Davide Frattesi (7/10):

Nearly scored with a delightful chip but Serbia goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha made a great reaction save to tip his effort onto the post. Kept popping up in pockets of space and was unlucky not to score.

Jorginho (7/10):

Was key in turning the screw on Albania's midfield and asserting their dominance in the middle of the park.

Nicolo Barella (8/10):

Finished with a flourish as his volleyed effort caressed the back of the net to give his side the lead. A classy player.

GettyAttack

Federico Chiesa (8/10):

An absolute menace for Albania's defence. The winger ran circles around their backline and looks to have recaptured the magic he showed in their Euro 2020 triumph.

Gianluca Scamacca (7/10):

Led the line well and brought others into the game with neat interplay and layoffs. Faded as the game wore on, however.

Lorenzo Pellegrini (7/10):

Put in an industrious performance for the Italians. He provided a beautifully floated cross for the equaliser and was tracking back on the other side of the pitch to stop Albania's breakaways. A good, enterprising display.

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GettySubs & Manager

Andrea Cambiaso (6/10):

Offered little when he replaced Chiesa.

Mateo Retegui (6/10):

Didn't really get much chance to shine.

Bryan Cristante (6/10):

Tried to see out the game but wasn't able to add the control Italy wanted.

Matteo Darmian (6/A):

Had too little time to make an impact.

Michael Folorunsho (N/A):

Luciano Spalletti (7/10):

His side kept their calm when falling behind so early on and regained their composure with two quick-fire goals. However, his substitutes, arguably, came on too late and their defensive nature invited pressure.

Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori will be suspended for their round of 16 tie at Euro 2024 after picking up a late yellow card against Croatia.

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Calafiori suspended for round of 16 gamePicked up a late yellow card against CroatiaBurst into tears at full-timeWHAT HAPPENED?

Calafiori grabbed the headlines last week after inadvertently helping Spain secure a narrow win over Italy courtesy of his own goal. The player has once again become the talking point after he picked up a late yellow card while trying to halt a dangerous Croatian counter-attack on matchday three. He will now miss the Azzurri's round of 16 tie through suspension as punishment for an accumulation of yellow cards.

AdvertisementWHAT RICCARDO CALAFIORI SAID

Calafiori was seen bursting into tears after the final whistle against Croatia, but not because of his suspension. Speaking to after the 1-1 draw, the defender said: "I couldn’t even think, I was just so happy. More than anything, it was all the emotions I felt inside me over the last few days, as I didn’t have time to process it because we had to focus on the next match. It just came out. I wanted to make up for my own goal and make a positive contribution to this Nazionale."

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The Bologna star made amends for his mistake against Spain by providing the crucial assist in the dying minutes of the match from which Mattia Zaccagni scored the equaliser and sent Luciano Spalletti's side to the round of 16.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ITALY?

After finishing second in their group behind Spain with four points, the reigning champions will now play their round of 16 clash in Berlin on June 29.

Broad dismisses Australian opener for fifth time in 87 balls this Ashes series

George Dobell in Manchester04-Sep-2019You wouldn’t normally think that Boris Johnson and David Warner had much in common. But, as Warner trudged off the pitch at Old Trafford on Wednesday, he could be forgiven for identifying with Johnson and ruing how hard it can be to leave something. Even if you really want to do so.For the second time this series, Warner had been dismissed trying to leave but failing. Perhaps more revealingly, it was the fifth time in the series – so the fifth time in seven innings (and 87 balls) – he had fallen to Stuart Broad. This time it took Broad only two balls to get him.That marks quite a turnaround in the head-to-head record between the two players. Going into this series, Broad had taken Warner’s wicket only five times in total – that’s five times in 29 innings (and 527 balls) – with each wicket costing him 64.80 runs. In this series, Warner’s wicket is costing him just 6.40 runs each time.Key to this change in the balance of power has been Broad’s decision to aim more at Warner’s stumps. He has, in the past, looked to find the outside edge of Warner’s bat. And while he has alternated between bowling round and over the wicket to him, in this series Broad has operated exclusively round the wicket to Warner, angling the ball and testing both edges of the bat. Broad had never previously dismissed Warner while bowling round the wicket.At the same time, Broad is also bowling fuller than ever. Prompted by the coach and analyst at Nottinghamshire, Broad realised his leave percentage – the number of deliveries which batsmen were able to leave against him – was too high and resolved to bowl fuller more often. He has never exceeded the percentage of full deliveries he has bowled this series in any previous home summer – 37 percent – and, perhaps tellingly, he has never enjoyed a better average (currently 20.39) or strike rate (38.10), either. He reckons he is bowling better – and quicker – than for three or four years. He may be something of an old dog, in cricket terms, but he has shown he has the hunger to learn new tricks.”Up until this series, Warner has had the better of me, really,” Broad admitted ahead of this game. “I’d always focussed on his outside edge thinking running the ball across him would bring in the slips.”I had a change of mindset in this series a little bit to try and bring the stumps into play more to him. I’m looking to nip it back onto off-stump. Then, if it holds its line, it brings the outside edge into play and that actually limits the scoring options slightly.”Stuart Broad removed David Warner for the fifth time in the series•Getty ImagesThere are other factors at play. Conditions in England at present – the pitches, the weather and the balls – have all combined to make life desperately tough for opening batsmen of both sides. Over the last two seasons, opening batsmen in Tests in England are averaging a meagre 22 – almost half the figure it was between 2000 and 2009 when it was 40 – with the England bowlers mastering the wobble-seam delivery that gives the batsmen few of the clues of conventional swing or seam bowling. You have to go back to 1932 to find a summer in which opening batsmen have averaged lower.”I don’t want to take too much credit for out-thinking him or anything,” Broad admitted. “The fact is it’s been a really good time to bowl with that new ball. And the pitches have been in our favour, too.”All this has created something of a perfect storm for Warner. Already standing out of his ground in an attempt to negate the lateral movement of the ball, Warner has given himself less time to judge which way the ball will move and, as a consequence, is increasingly unsure which balls to leave or play. The crisp, certain movements that have typified his career have been replaced by hesitancy and timidity. Here, where he lasted just two balls, he looked confused and muddled.That is borne out by the manner of Warner’s dismissals to Broad. Three times Warner has been dismissed by the ball angled in to him – twice leg before; once bowled – while the other two occasions have seen him caught in two minds; knowing, on one hand, that he should be leaving the balls outside off stump but unsure, on the other, if they were the ones jagging back into him. The result has been two tentative leaves, with the ball brushing the edge of the bat as the batsman half-heartedly tried to withdraw it.The emergence of Marnus Labuschagne and the sustained excellence of Steve Smith have allowed Australia to cope with Warner’s decline. But in one key battle, England clearly have the edge.

With the wounds still fresh from Sunday's 1-0 loss in the League Cup final, Chelsea have put yet another disappointing Premier League season behind them and have started to look towards the summer.

Chelsea's search for a striker

Whilst few things are going right at Stamford Bridge at the moment, many Blues' fans have taken particular issue with the lack of action on the goal-scoring front. Cole Palmer has shone for his new side in a hybrid forward role, but hardly any of his teammates have been able to help contribute.

The only regular out and out striker by trade in the Chelsea squad this season has been Nicolas Jackson, who has battled issues with fitness and form and hasn't really found his feet at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea dud with 31 touches was one of their 'billion pound bottle jobs'

Chelsea suffered a disappointing defeat to Liverpool in the EFL Cup final yesterday

ByRoss Kilvington Feb 26, 2024

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10

22

7

23

6

22

3

19

3

24

2

With Chelsea's struggles in front of goal this season clear, there is no doubt that at the top of Todd Boehly's to-do-list this summer will be to find a new number nine for his team. Many names have been floated as potential solutions to the vacancy and reports now suggest that the Blues are in pole position to sign their number one target.

Chelsea lead race for Osimhen

As if to soften the blow of Sunday's loss, Sport Witness are reporting that word from Naples based journalist Emanuele Cammaroto is that the Blues are now front runners to secure the services of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.

The West London outfit had been engaged in a close battle with PSG for the signature of the 25-year-old, however the outlet suggests Chelsea are now in pole position and "want to close the operation quickly". The Premier League side have been in talks with Napoli over this deal for some time now and look to have finally broken away as favourites to get the transfer over the line.

Some fears had grown over recent weeks that Kylian Mbappé's move to Real Madrid would see PSG up their offer. This news out of Naples put this theory to bed and will be a cause for celebration in West London.

Osimhen penned a new deal with the Italian side back in December 2023 however, it is evident that it is not Napoli's intention to keep him if the right offer comes in. The fresh contract runs until 2026 and will see the Nigerian earn a staggering £8.7million a season. The deal also includes a release clause in the region of €130million which will have to be matched in order to pry him away from Italy.

We all know that Boehly is not afraid to splash the cash and it is likely that the Chelsea owner would not be put off by these figures. Whilst the American's time at the helm at Stamford Bridge has seen extortionate fees thrown around, securing Osimhen for the figure cited would be a good deal for the club.

Merih Demiral has been banned for two Euro 2024 games over his celebration against Austria, meaning he will miss Turkey's clash with the Netherlands.

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Demiral banned for quarter-final and semi-finalCelebration against Austria under microscopeScored brace in Round of 16WHAT HAPPENED?

Per Bild, Demiral has been banned for two games by UEFA after his 'wolf' celebration against Austria in the Round of 16. The Turkey defender scored both of his country's goals in a thrilling 2-1 win, and celebrated with a 'wolf' salute. That gesture is associated with the Turkish right-wing extremist group 'The Grey Wolves' – an organisation that is deemed a terror group by the EU – and is banned in Austria.

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Demiral defended himself after the game, insisting that his celebration was "connected to his Turkish identity" but UEFA quickly opened an investigation. He has now seemingly been punished and will be missing from their clash with the Netherlands. If they win, they will play either England or Switzerland in the semi-final, and Demiral will also miss that fixture. It is a huge blow for the team, given Demiral's superb performance against Austria, but he will be watching from the sidelines unless Turkey manage to reach an unlikely final.

DID YOU KNOW?

While the symbol is not banned in Germany, The Guardian has reported that there have been conversations surrounding banning it there, like it is in Austria.

Nancy Faeser, Germany's interior minister, said on X: “The symbols of Turkish right-wing extremists have no place in our stadiums. Using the European football championship as a platform for racism is completely unacceptable. We expect Uefa to investigate the case and consider sanctions.”

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Turkey play the Netherlands on Saturday. England play Switzerland beforehand, so Turkey will know their potential last-four opponents before kick-off.

Sean Williams’ fifty had made it seem like the game was Zimbabwe’s but Janak Prakash and Sidhant Singh sprung a surprise nobody expected

The Report by Sreshth Shah29-Sep-2019When Tony Munyonga cut teenager Sidhant Singh for only a single in the game’s final ball at the Indian Association Ground in Singapore, history was made as the home side beat a Full Member nation for the first time in international cricket.In a rain-hit 18-overs-a-side contest, Zimbabwe fell four short of the 182-run target despite Sean Williams’ 66, to lose their first game of the tri-nation series that now sees both teams (and the other side Nepal) tied on two points each.Singapore’s captain Amjad Mahboob was understandably proud of his team at the presentation: “I just spoke to my boys, ‘Just do your best, just fight until the last ball; just don’t care about the result and just give your best and see the result came in our favour’. Yesterday we lost. Yesterday I didn’t play [against Nepal who won the game by nine wickets]. Just today, I came and I told the boys pre-game that to play to our potential. To not be scared. We are a young side and it’s a great feeling to beat a Test nation. We are very happy.”It seemed victory was Zimbabwe’s when Williams was at the crease. He had struck five sixes and as many fours in his 35-ball stay, but fell in the 16th over with Zimbabwe still 19 away from the target. Only four down, they were still favourites to cross the line with Ryan Burl and Richmond Mutumbami in the middle, but a double-wicket over from medium-pacer Janak Prakash – which cost only seven runs – turned the scales in Singapore’s favour.With the big-hitting Burl gone and Zimbabwe’s lower order suddenly exposed, Mahboob brought back fast bowler Sidhant for the game’s final over, and he delivered, conceding only five when Zimbabwe needed ten.”I’ve been around for a while now and getting myself that close and not finishing the job is very disappointing for me and I take that to heart,” Williams said. “Obviously because I’m a leader of the side and I’ve got to be the one that stands up and finishing the job.”Zimbabwe’s innings was given an early impetus by their opener Regis Chakabva, who struck 48 in 19 balls. Chakabva was brutal, in particular, on Vinoth Baskaran, taking 18 runs in just one over. That put Zimbabwe ahead of the net run-rate early and with No. 3 Williams for company, they added 41 for the second wicket. Williams switched to big-hitting mode against Tim David, whacking him for 24 runs in the 12th over. And yet, somehow, Singapore stayed in the game with three tight overs that saw both set batsmen dismissed. Thereafter, it was a matter of holding their nerve, which they did, conceding only one boundary in the final two overs to complete a remarkable win.That Singapore made 181 for 9 was courtesy their wicketkeeper-batsman Manpreet Singh and allrounder David. Both struck 41 each, in 23 and 24 deliveries respectively, to lift Singapore to a challenging total. Singapore had earlier added over 60 in the Powerplay thanks to their openers Rohan Rangarajan (39) and Surendran Chandramohan (23) but Burl’s two wickets in his opening spell pegged Singapore’s progress back in the middle overs.It was then that David and Manpreet added a quickfire 38 for the fourth wicket, and when the former was dismissed in the 13th over, the latter hit the accelerator. Singapore added 59 off the last five overs, and that late burst, eventually, was the difference between the two sides.Williams, though, felt the game slipped away from Zimbabwe a little after that. “We lost Tino Mutombodzi there,” Williams said. “We were actually planning on going in that [14th] over. That could’ve been a turning point in the game and then we just lost a clutter of wickets again. Obviously having Timycen [Maruma] injured early on in the game wasn’t great for us. But, look, these things happen. The outfield and the weather conditions happen and we’ve got to deal with that and come up with some better plans and better mental conditions to win the game.”

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is interested in bringing a "fantastic" young talent to Manchester United this summer, with the club already tracking him for "months".

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils will hopefully embark upon a significant summer transfer window, making some huge signings that help take them forward as a team. While things are still far from perfect at the club, some genuine positivity has returned since Ratcliffe gained control of football policy at Old Trafford, and various links have emerged regarding incomings.

United are believed to have made an approach for Juventus centre-back Dean Huijsen, seeing him as a long-term acquisition, and they will hope to fight off competition from Tottenham. The Dutchman has been tipped to be the new version of Matthijs de Ligt, in terms of being a teenager with an enormous future in the game.

In an update that could annoy United fans, Manchester City are keen on stealing Giorgio Scalvini from under their local rivals' nose, Erik ten Hag's side to appear to be in the mix to sign him. He has won 2.9 aerial duels per game in Serie A this season, with only Harry Maguire (3.0) enjoying a higher tally at United in 2023/24 to date.

In terms of possible outgoings this summer, Ratcliffe is thought to be willing to sell veteran midfielder Casemiro at the end of the season, seeing Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley as a replacement for him, following a good season in more of a deep-plying role for the Hatters.

Man Utd want Miguel Gutierrez

According to Mundo Deportivo [via Sport Witness], Manchester United are interested in signing Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez this summer, having reportedly been keeping an eye on him for "months".

He is described as being "back in the spotlight" at Old Trafford, although Real Madrid could potentially re-sign him after selling him straight out of their youth ranks in 2022, having a buyback clause in his contract.

Gutierrez could be a really good signing by United, at a time when Luke Shaw turns 29 later this year and continues to struggle with constant injury problems.

Appearances

25

12

Goals

1

0

Assists

4

0

Tackles per game

0.9

0.9

Interceptions per game

0.7

0.5

Key passes per game

1.1

1.1

Pass completion

88%

85.7%

The 22-year-old has shone so much for a Girona side currently sitting second in the La Liga table against all odds, chipping in with four assists in the league, across 25 appearances. In comparison, Shaw has none in 12 Premier League outings, suggesting the former could add more attacking thrust, not to mention being a younger option.

Man Utd eyeing move for "special" manager to replace Ten Hag

The Dutchman appears to be under pressure.

ByCharlie Smith Feb 29, 2024

Gutierrez has been lauded as a "fantastic" player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and his age, coupled with the fact that he is already thriving in a big league for a team that is excelling, suggests he could be an ideal signing for the Red Devils.

West Indies allrounder sparkles on opening night before first tie in T10 history

Barny Read in Abu Dhabi15-Nov-2019The T10 League’s third edition – first under its newly minted Abu Dhabi T10 moniker and debut in the UAE capital – was given a perfect day one endorsement by one of its highest profile players on Friday, after being hailed as “so sexy” by West Indies allrounder Andre Russell.Russell had hit 58 from just 24 balls to hand reigning champions Northern Warriors a nine-wicket victory over sole survivors from the inaugural tournament in 2017, Maratha Arabians.It was an exemplary batting performance from the 31-year-old – possibly short-form cricket’s premier player in the world right now – and Russell clearly enjoyed the freedom that ten-over cricket encourages.”I would describe this cricket as so sexy,” Russell said. “Honestly, it’s just quick, spicy and I have no form of nerve going out to bat or bowling because I expect a guy to hit me for four or six and it’s just a challenge for me as a bowler. Batting-wise I just know I have to get the job done… it’s so much fun.”Prior to the first fixture of 2019, Abu Dhabi T10 opened its curtains in customary fashion; fresh out the other side of a trying build-up, warily peered at from outsiders, talked of excitedly from within and a sense of intrigue shared by all.Two years in, the tournament’s preamble wouldn’t be the same without having to navigate hurdles.The first year had a circus-like feel to it, the celebrities in attendance often taking centre stage over the star-studded cast of players. It’s second season put on a far more professional production but had to overcome court orders, alleged Ponzi schemes and a bitter fallout between owner-cum-chariman Shaji ul Mulk and then president Salman Iqbal.And this year’s lead-up has been no different in proving a trying experience for most involved.Most tricky has been the PCB’s withdrawal of previously awarded No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for its players at the behest of prime minister Imran Khan. It left a number of high-profile players out of pocket and squads with gaping holes.No franchise was hit harder than Qalandars – a branch of Pakistan Super League outfit Lahore Qalandars – who have hastily replaced 12 of their roster, including icon player Shahid Afridi and Pakistan internationals such as Imad Wasim and Mohammad Hafeez.For the second year running, it forced a rapid reprint at the branding suppliers and, considering the marketing pull of Pakistani cricketers in the UAE, the ramifications of the PCB’s decision were wide ranging.It prompted local governing body, the Emirates Cricket Board, into writing to PCB chairman Ehsan Mani, stating the absence of Pakistan players “will cause serious damage” to the league.But T10 – put forward at its two previous events by both Afridi and England captain Eoin Morgan as being cricket’s best bet for breaking into the Olympic Games – knows better than most that the show must go on and their ever expanding team are now experts in crisis management.For all the nuisance of this year’s biggest organisational challenge, however, there is a feel of real permanency.The 3.0 reinvention has seen the triad of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Cricket and Abu Dhabi Tourism team with T10 for an initial five-years at Zayed Cricket Stadium, a venue growing at a rapid rate.That is no mean feat in this part of the world and, although initially planned to tie in with Diwali celebrations as a means of tapping into the Indian travel market before a clash with the recently concluded T20 World Cup Qualifiers, the infrastructure of the event is immediately slicker.Again, this is nothing to be scoffed at considering, for all its charm, history and wonderful atmosphere, how chaotic previous host Sharjah can be.Abu Dhabi will still have to tackle low attendance outside of Friday matches as well as enticing fans from other emirates to the capital, but day one brought with it a real sense of order to what is still, for now, the sport’s youngest variant.An encouraging swell of support in the stands lasted the bulk of the day’s remaining two games and those that stayed the distance were rewarded for their endurance.The second game saw icon captains Shane Watson (57*) and Morgan (52*) exchange half-centuries as the latter led his Delhi Bulls side to a seven-wicket victory over Deccan Gladiators before Team Abu Dhabi and Qalandars played out the first tie in T10 history, providing a dramatic opening to this year’s tournament.

A new angle has shown that VAR had missed Bukayo Saka's handball just two seconds before the controversial Harry Kane penalty incident at Euro 2024.

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England were awarded a controversial penalty by VAR But it missed Saka's handball in the buildup Further outrage over VAR's role WHAT HAPPENED?

Xavi Simons put the Netherlands ahead in the seventh minute, capitalizing on an error by Declan Rice. This early goal set the stage for a fiercely contested match, with England scrambling to regain their footing. However, 11 minutes after the Netherlands' opening goal, England found themselves back in the game under controversial circumstances. Saka, manoeuvring skillfully into the penalty area, had his initial shot blocked. But the rebound fell to Kane, who missed the target but was subsequently fouled by Denzel Dumfries. VAR intervened, and after a review, the referee awarded a penalty to England and the England skipper converted the spot-kick to level the score.

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However, a shred of new video evidence has surfaced, showing that just before Kane's foul, the ball appeared to touch Saka's hand. As Saka's blocked shot rebounded, it seemed to brush his right hand and possibly his left arm before Kane attempted his shot. This potential handball was not spotted by the VAR officials, further fueling the controversy surrounding the penalty decision.

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

Sports writer, Ewan MacKenna, uploaded a video of the handball incident on and wrote: "Not only was VAR not in position under guidelines to tell ref to look at monitor for Kane penalty, it also neglected to rewind two seconds to show Saka handballing it into his path. I really don't think pros looking at TV can be that incompetent. Stinks. #england #netherlands."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Adding to the controversy was the appointment of Felix Zwayer as the match referee. Zwayer, who had previously served a six-month ban for his involvement in a 2005 match-fixing scandal, faced scrutiny over his suitability for officiating such a high-stakes match. UEFA had reviewed and supported his appointment, but the penalty decision reignited debates over his credibility and judgment.

In the 90th minute, another controversial decision arose when the Netherlands felt they were denied a rightful corner after John Stones headed the ball out. Instead, Zwayer awarded a goal kick to England. The Three Lions capitalized on this decision, launching a swift counterattack that culminated in Ollie Watkins scoring the winning goal.

As Ange Postecoglou looks to enter his second summer in charge of Tottenham Hotspur as a Champions League manager again, the Lilywhites have reportedly been handed a boost in pursuit of one of their targets.

Tottenham transfer news

Daniel Levy hasn't been afraid to back Postecoglou so far, that's for sure. The Australian enjoyed a busy first summer in charge last year, in which James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven and Brennan Johnson all arrived as Harry Kane left for Bayern Munich. Then, he was backed again in the January transfer window, as this time Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin came through the North London doors.

That said, the former Celtic boss recently admitted that Spurs are not likely to be in a position to be spending the same type of money as their rivals, telling Football.London:

"To a certain extent but I don’t think we are in a position to spend £100million on a player, if that is what you are suggesting. That is not the case and I don’t think it will ever be the case for the club. Our competitors are, irrespective of their positions."

One deal that the Lilywhites could be in a position to get over the line, however, is for current target Roony Bardghji, with the club pushing for a deal. According to Tottenham News, Bardghji is now ready to leave Copenhagen amid links with a move to Spurs this summer in a boost for those in north London.

Spurs already have a Van de Ven & Romero clone out on loan

Ange’s side might have more than a few top-class talents on their hands in the years to come.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 9, 2024

The right-winger, himself, failed to rule the move out when asked about the potential of following fellow Swede Lucas Bergvall to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, telling Sports Bladet:

"It's fun to think about. You never know, it could happen. Hard to say now."

With Spurs pushing for his signature and Bardghji now reportedly ready to leave Copenhagen, the forward is set to be one to watch this summer.

"Superb" Bardghji will be better than Kulusevski

At just 18 years of age, Bardghji is already one of the standouts at Copenhagen and even stole the headlines for his winning goal against Manchester United in the Champions League earlier this season. Given the inconsistencies of Dejan Kulusevski too, Spurs would be wise to make their move as early as this summer for the youngster. Here's how Bardghji's stats have compared his compatriot's this season:

Starts

14

23

Goals

7

6

Assists

0

2

As things stand, Kulusevski has been involved in just one more goal than the teenager this season, highlighting just how talented Bardghji already is. If Spurs can strike a deal as soon as possible, then they may get in before his price is out of reach, as Postecoglou claimed would likely prove to be the case at the £100m mark.

Wherever the young winger ends up this summer, Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig will no doubt be keeping an eye out for his performances, having sung his praises earlier this season. Kulig posted on X:

When the summer arrives though, Spurs may well be hoping that Kulig will be watching on as Bardghji stars in North London.