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Everton have endured a relatively poor start to the season with fears of another relegation battle surfacing. With that said, Sean Dyche could use the January window as an opportunity to bring in reinforcements, should they find themselves in a position of peril…

Who could Everton sign in January?

In recent times, Everton have suffered a rather chequered history in the transfer window, unearthing some gems but more often than not, pushing their finger on the self-destruct button.

Since Farhad Moshiri took over the club, their failings in the transfer window have seen them drop down the Premier League table at an alarming rate, however, if a deal involving Miami-based company 777 Partners can get concluded in the coming weeks, a current bleak narrative can be transformed into a brighter future at Goodison Park.

With potential fresh investment from 777 Partners in the offing, Dyche could be offered a significant boost in funds, allowing the manager to splash the cash. While Blackburn's highly-rated midfielder Adam Wharton is one name that refuses to go away, Everton's priority could be capturing another forward which could see them go back in for Paris Saint Germain's Hugo Ekitike after their summer interest and allow Dyche to ditch Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

How has Dominic Calvert-Lewin performed for Everton?

Calvert-Lewin's recent Everton career has seen him fail to kick on and reach the ceiling of his potential.

The Englishman was threatening to become a world-beater, possessing the killer instinct in front of goal that the Toffees have desired, but since chalking up 21 goals in the 2020/21 campaign, his time at the club has unravelled into a nightmare.

To no fault of his own, the 26-year-old has endured an injury-ravaged spell which has seen him muster only ten goals in all competitions since that sensational campaign.

Despite showing promise in the first five matches of this term with two goals, the 6 foot 2 marksman has fallen short across Europe's top five leagues in the past year when comparing his forward-thinking metrics, ranking in the top 87% for non-penalty goals and shot creating actions, top 79% for goals, top 60% for total shots and top 47% for progressive carries, all per 90 via FBref.

On the other hand, Everton target Ekitike has showcased several attributes that suggest he could be an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin.

How good is Hugo Ekitike?

Ekitike broke onto the scene at Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims in 2021 and impressed with his lightning pace, piercing movement in behind and how intelligently he reacted to situations.

The promising French striker, who posted 14 direct goal contributions in his first senior campaign in 2021/22, caught the eye of several European powerhouses, while Newcastle United were reportedly in advanced talks to sign him for £33m in January 2022 following their takeover.

Although the Magpies failed to get a deal over the line, he instead joined giants Paris Saint Germain on a loan deal with an option to buy six months later, however, he has failed to kick on since then, perhaps crumbling under the weight of expectation.

In 25 appearances last term, Ekitike only mustered three goals and four assists, but given he was previously unhappy in France, a change of scenery could see the 21-year-old light the Premier League touch paper, and return to the form that saw him make a sharp rise to stardom.

During his first campaign at Reims in 2021/22, the "very special" forward – as dubbed by manager at the time, Oscar Garcia – showcased his unerring talents across that campaign, as per FBref, ranking in the top 5% for non-penalty goals against his positional peers in Ligue 1, top 7% for shots on target, 12% for carries into the penalty and top 15% for assists per 90.

He even weighed in with his fair share of defensive work too, which is a huge staple of any Dyche side, finishing in the top 12% for clearances, top 14% for tackles, top 18% for shots blocked and top 20% for interceptions.

Possessing the physicality to compete in the English game and the turn of pace to frighten defenders, the £18m (€21.6m) rated Ekitike, as per Football Transfers, could be a huge upgrade on Calvert Lewin, not just for the qualities he would bring in the final third, but also the fact that age is on his side and he has plenty of years to develop into a proficient forward capable of firing the Toffees to victories.

Christian Pulisic stole a late goal off of Rafael Leao to secure a first-leg victory over Slavia Prague in AC Milan's Europa League last-16 first leg.

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Pulisic scores in Milan victory over PragueSteals late effort off of LeaoRossoneri take 4-2 victory into leg 2WHAT HAPPENED?

In their 4-2 victory over the Czech powerhouse Thursday, Pulisic found himself on the scoresheet late for the Rossoneri, tapping in a late effort to give them an even larger advantage. The goal itself, though, was all Leao – who dribbled and dazzled past defenders before firing his effort on frame only to see the American winger get a toe on it to push it in the back of the net.

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The American superstar is now at nine goals across all competitions, including two in Europe. In total, he has nine goals and six assists, amounting to 15 goal contributions for Stefano Pioli's side, his best-ever campaign in his professional career.

Now, he's helped them into a massive advantage heading into leg two of their last-16 tie with Prague, securing a two-goal cushion on Thursday night.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR PULISIC AND AC MILAN?

The Rossoneri have a Serie A clash at the weekend against Empoli as they look to leapfrog second place Juventus in the standings; the Bianconeri hold a one-point lead on Pulisic and co. Then, they return to Europe, with their leg-two clash on the road in the Czech Republic as they look to advance in the competition.

Leeds United have made a fine start to life back in the Championship this season as they have made themselves play-off contenders so far.

The Whites are currently sitting in fifth-place and have only lost two league matches in 11 outings under German head coach Daniel Farke, who was brought in to replace Sam Allardyce over the summer.

A number of players were snapped up in order to bolster the ex-Norwich City boss' squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, following their relegation from the Premier League.

Jaidon Anthony, Joel Piroe, Joe Rodon, Karl Darlow, Sam Byram, Djed Spence, Glen Kamara, Ilia Gruev, and Ethan Ampadu were all signed either on loan or on permanent deals.

Despite the side's strong start to the season, the upcoming January transfer window will provide Farke with an opportunity to improve his team again.

One player whom he must look to reignite his interest in is Genk ace Joseph Paintsil, who would thrive alongside Georgino Rutter if the talented whiz can adapt to English football.

Were Leeds interested in Joseph Paintsil?

The Athletic reported that Leeds made an offer of €10m (£8.7m) to sign the Ghana international during the summer transfer window.

It was stated at the time that the player's preference was a move to Elland Road after a transfer to Championship rivals Southampton had fallen through, due to Paintsil and Paul Onuachu – who was set to go the other way – opting against the switch.

However, the Whites were unable to get a deal over the line for the exciting forward and it has since been revealed, by the player, that it was due to reasons out of their control.

Paintsil claimed that he was not interested in a move to Southampton or Leeds as his dream is to play in the Premier League, or in one of the other major European leagues.

The £8.7m-rated whiz added that it was not about Farke's side being a 'bad' team but he could not be convinced to make the drop down to the Championship at that moment in time.

However, the German head coach could make a more convincing case to persuade the Genk star to join the Yorkshire-based outfit in January if his team are well in the race for promotion to the top-flight.

The player has confirmed that his dream is to play at the top level in England and Leeds could offer him a good chance to join a side that could be promoted to that level if they are in the play-off, or automatic, mix by the time that January comes around.

Why were Leeds interested in Paintsil?

Farke and the club may have been interested in a deal to sign the Ghana international due to his phenomenal form for Genk throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

The 25-year-old winger showcased his ability to score and create goals at an impressive rate in the Belgian top-flight and his statistics suggest that he could have been a superb addition to Leeds' squad.

Paintsil was a regular for his side over the course of the campaign as he made 36 league appearances and started 36 times, with an average of 81 minutes per outing, as per Sofascore.

The right-footed whiz was lethal in front of goal and proved himself to be a reliable option to chip in with goals at the top end of the pitch from a wide position.

He ended the Pro League season with a stunning 17 goals from out wide, with only six 'big chances' missed in total. Meanwhile, no Leeds player managed more than 13 league goals last term and no Whites ace has scored more than 17 in a season since Chris Wood in the 2016/17 term.

Paintsil also caught the eye with his ability to carve open the opposition's defence to create opportunities for his teammates. Farke's target created 12 'big chances' and assisted 11 goals in total throughout those 36 outings.

Whereas, no Leeds player produced more than seven assists over the course of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign and no Whites star has hit double figures for assists since Pablo Hernandez did (12) during the 2018/19 Championship season.

These statistics, which were described as "sensational" by Scott Coyne of the Belgian Football Podcast, suggest that the Genk magician has the quality to be a terrific forward for the club and he could thrive alongside Rutter if Farke can snap him up in January.

How has Rutter performed this season?

The French wizard has enjoyed a fantastic start to the campaign and has proven himself to be a big threat at the top end of the pitch at Championship level.

Rutter has contributed with two goals and three assists in nine league starts for the Whites so far this season and has been an exceptional creator for Farke.

The former Hoffenheim prospect has produced ten 'big chances' for his teammates and only been rewarded with three assists for his efforts.

As per FBRef, the 21-year-old maestro ranks within the top 6% of his positional peers at Championship level for xAG (0.49) and shot-creating actions (4.27) per 90.

This essentially means that there are not many players in his position who are able to create high-quality chances as frequently as Rutter.

However, there is work to do with his own finishing as the talented youngster has missed five 'big chances' to go along with his two goals, which suggests that he could be more ruthless in front of goal.

Should Leeds sign Paintsil?

Leeds should, therefore, reignite their interest in Paintsil during the January transfer window as his goalscoring record for Genk suggests that he would thrive alongside Rutter.

The 5 foot 7 talent has proven himself to be a prolific scorer from a wide position and rarely misses presentable opportunities at the top end of the pitch, as shown by his aforementioned statistics from last season.

Starts

Eight

Goals

Two

Assists

Three

Big chances created

Four

Paintsil's form this season (via Sofascore)

This suggests that the Whites target would be able to make the most of the chances that the French wizard is putting on a plate for his teammates week-in-week-out.

Paintsil's creative number also indicate that he could provide Rutter with the ammunition he needs to find the back of the net on a regular basis, if the ex-Bundesliga man can find his feet and form in front of goal during the second half of the season.

Alex Hales inflicted further pain on a Yorkshire side whose lack of a specialist spinner was a moot point at the end of a disjointed campaign

Paul Edwards17-Aug-2018
ScorecardFour years ago on a steamy Leeds evening Nottinghamshire Outlaws also derived great pleasure from arriving at Headingley and dumping Yorkshire out of the T20 Blast. The visitors’ six-wicket victory on that occasion was achieved in a match that saw 401 runs scored and a host of sixes arcing into the Western Terrace. The top scorer was Alex Hales, who made 67; and four summers later, at a rather different stage in his life, here was Hales again, putting any troubles behind him, and making 71 not out as Nottinghamshire coasted home by eight wickets with an over to spare in one of the lower-key shoot-outs seen in this year’s short-form competition.But if Hales was a player common to both of Nottinghamshire’s wins – his unbroken 71-run stand with the excellent Tom Moores induced a sense of resignation in the Yorkshire players quite early in the piece – most other things about this game were different to that 2014 match. For after six weeks of flat pitches and fine days the match to decide which of these teams qualified for the quarter-finals of the Vitality Blast was played under lowering skies and on a used wicket where the ball stuck in the surface. It was an evening when the Nottinghamshire bowlers wisely opted for cutters and one or two spectators even chose Bovril in preference to their normal beverage on a T20 night. Players in the dug-outs warmed themselves under towels. There were as many miscues as maximums.The value of the spin bowlers was evident as early as the second ball of the game when Tom Kohler-Cadmore spooned a dolly catch to Steven Mullaney at midwicket off Nottinghamshire’s T20 debutant, Matt Carter. The off-spinner’s first over in the Blast cost four runs and his second only a single more. One immediately wondered why Yorkshire had selected no specialist spinners, opting instead to rely on five pace bowlers and Adam Lyth. In many respects the outcome of this strategy could have been predicted.For all that David Willey later made 51 and Kane Williamson added an incurably cultivated 44 late in the piece, the tone of Yorkshire’ innings was set in the first six overs. Whenever canny Nottinghamshire bowlers like Ish Sodhi or Luke Fletcher dug the ball into the pitch, the batsmen found it difficult to get the ball away. Dan Christian, the Outlaws’ skipper, could even afford to give just one over to that classic purveyor of dibbly-dobblies, Steven Mullaney. It cost two runs and was later eclipsed by the variations and immaculate control of Harry Gurney, whose four overs went for a mere 16. Five different visiting bowlers took wickets but it was a game where the bowlers needed to do little more than frustrate the batsmen. Yorkshire’s 163 never looked sufficient and its limitations were soon made apparent.Riki Wessels clubbed 16 before he was bowled by Willey but Jake Libby then helped Hales take 58 runs off the six Powerplay overs, 17 more than Yorkshire had managed. The pair had taken their partnership to 82, albeit without ever extending themselves, before Adam Lyth had Libby stumped for 30 in the twelfth over. Lyth’s emotions are rarely far from the surface and his roar of triumph could have been mistaken for a howl of defiant anguish. Moores joined Hales and the pair took a couple of overs to get established. Yorkshire’s bowlers helped them by sending down a couple of wides – the fielders had earlier conceded four overthrows – and Nottinghamshire’s batsmen gradually increased the run-rate.Moores batted as coolly as his more experienced partner but allowed himself a late flourish when his two sixes off Willey ended the match. “We did alright with the bat on what was a tricky surface but when we tried to nail slower balls, we didn’t nail it as well as they did,” suggested Willey, which somewhat missed the point that Yorkshire’s team selection as well as their execution had been awry from the first.Hales, who hit only five fours and one six in his 56-ball innings, could look back on an evening of triumph and forward to a quarter-final at Taunton. No doubt he enjoyed the chance to play some cricket and it barely mattered that he had not been quite at his destructive best. “It has been a tough couple of months with all the stuff off the field but it was nice to get out there in a Notts shirt,” he said.No doubt it was but if Hales needs any reminder as to how privileged he is to be a professional cricketer he might do worse than glance again at that scorecard from four years ago. Nottinghamshire’s victory that night was sealed by a fine unbeaten 35 by a batsman who was thought to have a bright future in the game. His name was James Taylor.

Jadon Sancho dropped a comment on former teammate Marcus Rashford's social media post after Manchester United's win over Liverpool.

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Sancho's message for Rashford after Man Utd's winRashford scored the equaliser in extra timeMan Utd beat Liverpool 4-3 to reach FA Cup semisWHAT HAPPENED?

Rashford could have sealed the fate of the game in stoppage time when he found himself one-on-one with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher but failed to keep his shot on target as the game went into extra time. However, he made amends for his earlier mistake by scoring the equaliser in extra time before Amad Diallo netted the winner for the Red Devils.

AdvertisementWHAT HAS BEEN SAID SAID

After scoring an important goal in the team's win over the rivals, the English forward took to Instagram to share his photograph from the match with the caption, "NIGHTS LIKE THIS!". In reply, his former teammate and United loanee Sancho left a comment that read, "World Class!"

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It was a massive win for Erik ten Hag's side who have struggled to find form throughout the season. While out-of-form players like Antony and Rashford got their names on the screenshot, a prospect like Amad scoring a late winner was certainly a huge positive that the Red Devils can draw from this FA Cup quarter-final clash.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

The Red Devils are set to face Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final. Their next Premier League encounter will be against Brentford after the international break on March 31.

Michael Vaughan fears that Alastair Cook’s Test retirement could trigger an exodus of England’s senior players

Andrew Miller17-Sep-20182:03

Cook’s farewell showed the true Anderson – Vaughan

Michael Vaughan fears that Alastair Cook’s Test retirement could trigger an exodus of England’s remaining senior players, in the wake of James Anderson’s emotional farewell to his “best mate” at The Oval last week.Anderson had seemed on the brink of tears in the immediate aftermath of England’s victory in the fifth Test against India, as he acknowledged the end of Cook’s 12-year England career – a stint that included 130 shared appearances in the same Test team.And while Vaughan believes that even this England team will one day be saying “Alastair Who?” as they find new men to replace Cook at the top of the order, he added that Anderson’s emotions reflected the fact that life for him personally in that dressing-room will never be the same again.”I thought Jimmy was more emotional than Alastair,” Vaughan told ESPNcricinfo at a Laureus event at The Oval. “[Cook] was as cool as ice. How he coped with the week, and just watched the ball and reacted, is how he coped throughout his career. Many cricketers get affected by the external messages, he just controlled what he can control.”But you could see the true light of Jimmy Anderson,” Vaughan added. “On the pitch you see him as a grumpy bugger, he doesn’t smile a great deal, he gets into the odd confrontation – which I like – but off the field he’s a normal human being which came across at The Oval.”His eyes were blubbing up and he was about to burst into tears. And that is what sport brings you to, when you’ve been with someone for so long and been through so much, in terms of great series wins and some negative times as well. When you see your pal leaving and know it’s the last time you’re going to spend a few hours in the dressing room with him.”Vaughan himself knows all too well the emotions that sport can generate, after his own tearful resignation as Test captain in the summer of 2008. Vaughan never played for England again after that announcement and recognises how quickly former team-mates can become strangers when their days in the dressing-room are over.”As much as they say they’ll go back in and invite Alastair in for a drink, it’s never the same when you’re not a part of the team,” he said. “You might go in and say hello, you might go in and make a speech, but it’s never the same place again and I think Jimmy knows that.”Alastair Cook, James Anderson and Jonny Bairstow walk on to the field•Getty ImagesAnderson himself has set no definitive date for his retirement and, with another stellar haul of 42 wickets at 20.54 in 2018, he is still at the peak of his powers at the age of 36. However, he also admitted last week that the end could come at any time, much as happened in 2006-07 to Glenn McGrath, the man whose tally of 563 Test wickets he overtook last week.”I hope Jimmy goes on, because his body and his bowling, from what I’ve seen, gets better and better,” Vaughan added. “But he knows it will have to come to an end soon, and I hope what Alastair did doesn’t trigger one or two into thinking they should do the same because Jimmy and Stuart Broad still have a lot to give.”Next week, England will name their Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour – their first for more than 12 years without Cook at the top of the order – and Vaughan expects Surrey’s Rory Burns to be given the first chance to fill the opening vacancy for the first Test in Galle, alongside the under-pressure incumbent, Keaton Jennings.”In terms of numbers over the past 12 years, you can’t replace Alastair Cook, but in terms of what he’s delivered over the past couple of years, you probably can get close because he’d be the first to admit he hasn’t been at his best,” said Vaughan. “Players are always replaced, you always talk about how impossible it will be, but there will be someone who plays in a year or two’s time and then, I dread to say it, it will be ‘Alastair Who’?”Cook will always be remembered by us in cricket for being great, but you move on, you have to. That’s what Joe Root has to do with a new opening partnership. He has to give faith to whoever he’s selected to go out there and face the new ball, and get better starts. That’s been the problem. Sort that area out at 1,2 and 3, and they’ll be a fantastic team.”Rory Burns, I’ve seen his numbers,” Vaughan added. “He must be able to play the moving ball because you can’t succeed in county cricket without it.”But Keaton Jennings has now had a number of opportunities to know exactly what Test match cricket is, and as much as it’s been doing a bit in a tough couple of summers, let’s not make excuses. He had five Tests against India and one against Pakistan, and he should have got a substantial score.”He’ll go to Sri Lanka knowing he’s got three games to keep his Test career.”

Gregg Berhalter's side claimed their third-successive Nations League title thanks to two stunning strikes on Sunday

Heading into the international break, Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna were the U.S. men's national team's two biggest question marks. The former had only just returned from injury, and the latter had played just two competitive matches over an 11-month span. Depending on your level of optimism, Adams and Reyna were either potential liabilities or total wild cards for this U.S. team.

In the end, though, Adams and Reyna were the two that fired the USMNT to glory. A third consecutive Nations League trophy is under USMNT control due to their heroics. Questions remain for both on the club level but, on Sunday night, there was no doubt that Adams and Reyna remain vital pieces of the USMNT's heart and soul.

The two struck fantastic goals in either half of yet another 2-0 triumph over Mexico, another Dos a Cero. Adams' came first, just before halftime, when he unleashed an absolute thunderbolt from insane distance to seize the lead. Reyna's came later, putting the game all but out of reach. It will be overshadowed a bit by Adams' stunner, but Reyna's goal was just as technically fantastic as he smashed a rebound into the back of the net for his third goal contribution in three games.

Both proved their worth in this cup final, not that there was much real reason to doubt them. Neither are at their best and both still have much work to get there but, with a healthy Adams and a confident Reyna leading the charge, the U.S. will feel that can take on all comers heading into this Summer's Copa America.

GOAL rates the USMNT's players from AT&T Stadium…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defense

Matt Turner (6/10):

Had a few saves, but nothing particularly challenging.

Antonee Robinson (6/10):

Created a chance for Pulisic early, but was definitely the quieter of the two fullbacks. That's just fine, though, when Dest is bombing down the other side.

Tim Ream (7/10):

A typical performance where his positioning is always so, so good. No matter his age, he's still key to this team.

Chris Richards (6/10):

Had a few nervy moments. The U.S. survived, but Richards definitely wasn't as sharp as he could have been.

Sergino Dest (7/10):

Spent all night trying to see how many Mexico defenders he could add to his highlight reel. The answer was "a bunch of them" as he terrorized anyone in front of him whenever he had the ball.

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Tyler Adams (8/10):

He knew he had just 45 minutes and, boy, did he make them count. His long-range stunner will be immortalized in any highlight reels for this rivalry, a signature moment for a player normally known for the dirty work. He isn't all the way back yet, but this was a heck of a step forward.

Weston McKennie (7/10):

Technically got the assist on Adams' wonderstrike, but we all know who did the hard part there. Outside of that, though, his presence was felt in midfield as the Juventus star put in another good shift.

Gio Reyna (8/10):

Dropped way too deep in the first half, but sure made his mark in the second with a fantastic finish. The Nottingham Forest loanee is a big game player, and he put in another big performance in this final.

Getty ImagesAttack

Christian Pulisic (7/10):

Won't get credited with an assist, but his stupendous run led to Reyna's goal. Nearly scored one of his own early only to be thwarted by a good save from Memo Ochoa. Wasn't the star of the show, but he helped the U.S. plenty.

Haji Wright (6/10):

Got through on goal once but was dragged down just outside the box. Didn't get too much of the ball outside of that, but held up the ball well and played his role effectively.

Tim Weah (6/10):

Didn't do a crazy amount with the ball, but he worked his butt off throughout to help keep the pressure on El Tri.

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GettySubs & Manager

Johnny Cardoso (6/10):

Was solid after replacing the once-irreplaceable Adams. Nearly got a goal of his own late, too.

Folarin Balogun (5/10):

Was a bit quiet as he only got a handful of touches off the bench.

Yunus Musah (6/10):

No majestic moments of dribbling brilliance from the midfielder, who was tossed in to see the game out.

Brenden Aaronson (N/A):

Came on in stoppage time to add fresh legs.

Malik Tillman (N/A):

A late sub to close things out just before stoppage-time.

Gregg Berhalter (7/10):

Didn't get the most out of Reyna in the first half, but that changed in the second. The USMNT outclassed Mexico in every aspect, so credit to the coach for setting them up to succeed.

Former Man United defender Rio Ferdinand has lavished praise on a Tottenham Hotspur "kid" who he says is the "real deal".

Spurs form under Ange Postecoglou

The north Londoners' transformation under Ange Postecoglou has blown away on-lookers, with many not anticipating this electric early run of form without club-record goalscorer Harry Kane. Spurs' former star striker departed for Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window, in what was seen as a huge blow, but the Lilywhites haven't looked back since.

Indeed, Postecoglou has made the best start to a season out of any new manager in Premier League history; winning eight out of a possible 10 league games while remaining unbeaten in that time. The Australian has already won two-consecutive Manager of the Month awards and all the signs suggest Tottenham may be a shoo-in for Champions League qualification, if they can maintain this upward trajectory.

Spurs take on Chelsea in home turf next Monday, with Postecoglou having a real chance to inflict yet more early-season pain on ex-Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochetttino. The club also have a few players to thank for their brilliant run, with both James Maddison and Son Heung-min proving deadly in the forward areas.

Colossal centre-back pairing Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are also shining at the heart of Postecoglou's defence, with former Spurs striker Mido praising van de Ven after his quick adaptation to English football.

"I understand the idea of Ange [Postecoglou] that he wants a left-footed centre-back to start from the back and to have a better angle to see the whole of the pitch playing the ball between the lines and the diagonals," said the Egyptian to talkSPORT.

"But defensively, I was really worried that this guy would struggle in the Premier League. I know in the Premier League that you always play against big guys up front and the likes of [Erling] Haaland and [Ivan] Toney, all the big guys, it’s very difficult to defend. It’s not like the Dutch league, it’s different, it could be a shock for him. But to be honest to the lad, he’s been brilliant."

Rio Ferdinand praises "real deal" van de Ven

The Netherlands international has taken to life in the Premier League with real aplomb, a fact not lost on ex-England star Ferdinand, who showered more praise on van de Ven following his excellent start to life and understanding with Romero.

“Romero and Micky van de Ven are arguably the best pairing at the moment in central defence in the Premier League on form. They’ve been immense,” said Ferdinand on van de Ven to his YouTube channel.

“This Micky van de Ven, bro, he is the real deal. He’s the real deal. I saw his debut the other day for Holland. I’ve seen him right up close twice this season. And he looks supremely comfortable for a young centre-back that’s come into a new league. So watch this space for this kid.”

Dribbling

Holding on to the ball

Blocking the ball

The 22-year-old has started every league game for Spurs so far this season, and if he continues like this, won't be dropped any time soon.

Manchester United are drawing up a list of potential targets to strengthen a key area of Erik Ten Hag's squad in January, according to reporter Ben Jacobs.

Manchester United's defensive injuries

Manchester United produced a gritty display as they dug deep to defeat Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage, courtesy of an injury-time winner from club captain Bruno Fernandes. Moving into eighth position in the Premier League, Red Devils' boss Ten Hag will have been relieved that his side were able to claim three points at a difficult away venue; however, the Dutchman will owe a lot of his gratitude to England international Harry Maguire, who played a major role in their victory despite suffering a head knock during proceedings.

Earning a Sofascore match rating of 7.7/10, Maguire won eight of his ten ground duels contested and completed 49 out of his 60 attempted passes in west London, leading the way for Manchester United, who posted their fourth victory in six games.

Speaking to Premier League productions cited by United in Focus, Manchester United icon Peter Schmeichel branded Maguire as the Red Devils' best player on the day, stating: "The best player for me today was Harry Maguire. He was majestic. He was here, there and everywhere. The adversity he has met, the criticism he has been in for, and how he has turned it around. Every coach now will put him in first. He was fantastic and without him today, I can’t see how Man Utd would have won today."

Nevertheless, Maguire has almost been forced into first-team action through necessity, as Lisandro Martinez continues to be sidelined by a long-term hamstring injury, while Raphael Varane has also struggled to stay fit consistently.

Looking ahead, you would assume Manchester United would enter the market for some defensive cover in January and reporter Jacobs has given an update on their hunt to strengthen the position in the New Year.

Manchester United draw up defender shortlist

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs has given an insight into Manchester United's plans to buy a defender in January and the type of profile Ten Hag may elect to pursue at Old Trafford.

Jacobs stated: "They're looking for a younger profile and somebody that, obviously, can be part of a new era of centre-backs because there are plenty of centre-backs at the club at the moment, but they're all ageing and some of the fans may feel they're not quite up to standard.

Manchester United summer signings – all fees courtesy of Sky Sports

Player

Previous club

Fee

Jonny Evans

Leicester City

Free transfer

Mason Mount

Chelsea

£60 million

Altay Bayindir

Fenerbache

£4.3 million

Andre Onana

Inter Milan

£47.2 million

Sergio Reguilon

Tottenham Hotspur

Loan

Sofyan Amrabat

Fiorentina

Loan

Rasmus Hojlund

Atalanta

£72 million

"It's about finding a younger profile and the right profile. We wait and see whether, in terms of availability and cost, there's any possibility of moving in January. But it's definitely true that, internally, Manchester United are drawing up a list which shows you that centre-back is a priority."

Jacobs remained tight-lipped on any names; however, Manchester United seem to have put the wheels in motion regarding their hunt for a new central defender.

In the aftermath of Sandpapergate, Australia have undergone cultural reviews for their on-field behavior, but that hasn’t meant the end of the verbals

Osman Samiuddin in Abu Dhabi19-Oct-2018In the aftermath of Sandpapergate, Australia have undergone cultural reviews for their on-field behaviour. Tim Paine is taking his side into a new era of pre-match handshakes and banter, not abuse. But that doesn’t mean Australia have become all shy and retiring.At least Sarfraz Ahmed didn’t think so: his assessment of Australia’s behaviour in their first Test assignment since the Newlands ball-tampering controversy was that the series wasn’t played in “an especially polite atmosphere”.There was no major discord to speak of between the two teams – there hasn’t been between these two sides in the modern era. But asked whether he saw a difference in behaviour between the 2014 Australian visiting side and this one, Sarfraz confirmed that the verbals at least had not disappeared entirely.Nathan Lyon was a prominent on-field chatterer through both Tests, from his warnings of spinning Pakistan out in Dubai to some jousting with Sarfraz on the third day in Abu Dhabi, where he questioned whether the captain was playing for his own hundred or the team cause.”We had quite a bit of chatter throughout with him [Lyon], he spoke a lot and we did as well,” Sarfraz said. “I told him that you’ve had a six hit off you, if I was in your place I would want to be hit for another six by keeping mid-on up.”It was nothing unusual, they were also playing. You can say yes, they are also going through a process and are trying to fix things after what has happened with them, but it wasn’t like it was an especially polite atmosphere out there.”Sarfraz is not the kind to take a step back when it comes to these exchanges. A viral clip of him telling Martin Guptill exactly where to go in a T20 in New Zealand earlier this year is testament to that. And he didn’t hold back from engaging Glenn Maxwell when Pakistan and Australia met in Zimbabwe earlier this year, in the final of a T20 tri-series. That little duel ended in Maxwell refusing to shake Sarfraz’s hand after the game, though Maxwell later put that down to “a genuine oversight” on his part.In that sense, Sarfraz is a marked change from Misbah-ul-Haq, from whom drawing a sledge on field was harder than drawing milk from a stone. Misbah’s sides were, more or less, in his mould.Pakistan can expect more, and perhaps of a more robust nature, when they travel to South Africa later this year for a three-Test series. Sarfraz will not go looking for it.”There’s a saying ,” he said, a saying that loosely means you shouldn’t go around seeking out trouble. “If you go to Australia or South Africa, you know there you are already fighting such top teams, you’re fighting with bounce, with swing, with seam, then if you start fighting the players you’re making it more difficult for yourself.”It’s a simple formula, when you are batting, don’t look for trouble. Just play cricket and concentrate on your performance. You’re already playing such top teams. If some guy does say something to you, if he says something personal, then ok you can talk back, but otherwise you don’t need to say anything. Play and perform.”