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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele is attracting interest in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Corriere Dello Sport (via The Sun), who claim that in a rather big and surprising twist to the player’s future, Jose Mourinho is interested in a deal to bring the 25-year-old to the Stadio Olimpico this month, as the 58-year-old manager believes that the France international’s style of play would suit his Serie A outfit.

The report goes on to state that, although Spurs paid a club-record €60m (£53.8m) fee for the central midfielder only two-and-a-half years ago, Antonio Conte would be willing to part with Ndombele for a figure of around just €30m (£25m) this month.

Conte must axe Ndombele

Considering how much Mourinho criticised Ndombele during his own spell as the Tottenham manager, the news that the Portuguese coach is interested in signing the midfielder for his Roma side will undoubtedly come as something of a huge surprise to many of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful.

Indeed, the 58-year-old coach previously said of the Frenchman: “I have to be honest, Tanguy is the kind of guy that you always expect more from than what he gives me. Because he is so talented that you always expect more. The talent is amazing.

“I think by the talent point of view, by the creation in midfield, by the vision, he is second to nobody in this moment in European football. But the feeling is that he always has more to give, he never reaches the limit of the effort, the sacrifice, even the ambition. So he is the guy I love as a player, but he frustrates me a little bit because I think he can be much better than what he is.”

And, when taking into account how little the 25-year-old has featured under the management of Conte, should Roma indeed be willing to stump up £25m for the central midfielder this winter, the Italian manager simply must sanction his sale.

Indeed, since Conte’s first game in charge of Spurs back in November last year, the £25m-rated man has played just 80 minutes of Premier League football – out of 720 minutes available.

Furthermore, over the three league fixtures these minutes have come in, the £200k-per-week midfielder will have far from impressed the 52-year-old manager, earning extremely disappointing SofaScore match ratings of 5.7, 6.4 and 6.3 against Everton, Liverpool and Crystal Palace respectively.

As such, considering his lack of game time and extremely hefty weekly wage, it would indeed appear wise for Conte to finally call time on Ndombele’s career in North London, as the player who Graham Roberts dubbed a “joke” is simply not worth the money he is costing Tottenham with each passing day.

In other news: “In talks…”: Fabrizio Romano drops teasing Spurs update that will leave fans buzzing

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Sourav Ganguly believes the team’s strong bowling lineup may help turn their fortunes around in the third season of the IPL. Having finished sixth and last in the last two editions Ganguly felt the pace arsenal, led by New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond, would be crucial for a turnaround.”We will be getting the services of Shane Bond from the second match,” Ganguly said. “His raw pace can make a lot of difference. There is Ishant Sharma, who is a current India player. We have a seasoned campaigner in Ajit Agarkar. I wouldn’t count Eklak Ahmid out as he is a left-arm pacer. Left-arm pacers have done quite well in the IPL. Eklak brings in the necessary variation. We have a good prospect in Varun Aaron, who can bowl at 90 miles per hour.”Ganguly, who was speaking at Eden Gardens after a practice session on Thursday, said he had almost finalised the composition of the squad for the first match against Deccan Chargers on March 12, also the tournament opener. “I have a fair idea about the kind of squad we would take to Mumbai for the first match. We will have a couple of practice matches before we take a final call.”He felt it would be difficult to choose four foreign players for the matches. “When you have players like Chris Gayle, Brad Hodge, David Hussey, Angelo Mathews and Ajantha Mendis in your ranks, it becomes a difficult choice.”He was also unsure about his batting position – whether he would open or bat one-drop. “Throughout my international career, I have mostly opened or batted at No. 3,” Ganguly said. “Though I haven’t decided, it will be either opening or at No. 3.”Manoj Tiwary, a new recruit, Ashok Dinda and Wriddhiman Saha are involved in the Deodhar Trophy and will not be available for the KKR preparatory camp but Ganguly said he wasn’t too bothered. “It’s always good to play matches,” he said. “They will get some serious match practice in the process.”He also said that the form of Saha and Dinda was not a worrying factor. “Wriddhi, in fact, batted well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy,” Ganguly said. “But he is batting way down at No. 6 whereas he should be batting up the order. Laxmi [Ratan Shukla] is bowling pretty well but he also needs to score runs. Dinda did pretty well. But we played mostly on good batting wickets where the batsman made good use of the Powerplay overs.”

West Ham United were not at their best away to Burnley yesterday afternoon as they were held to a stalemate, missing the opportunity to move further clear in fourth place. 

The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst Hammers players (to have featured for at least 45 minutes) were on the day. Despite having 60% of the possession, West Ham were rather wasteful when they did have the ball; these three lost possession a total of 36 times.

Michail Antonio (6.6)

Playing as the club’s lone striker, Antonio proved to be rather ineffective in the final third. The Jamaica international was unable to produce a shot on target during the 90 minutes, leading to a low 6.6 rating by SofaScore.

The forward lost possession 16 times and made just three dribble attempts, with only one proving successful. He surprisingly lost nine duels out of a possible 16, a disappointing return for a player of his stature.

Manuel Lanzini (6.6)

Starting in an attacking midfield role, Lanzini lacked a creative threat, receiving a 6.6 rating by SofaScore. Despite 94% of his 48 passes finding a team-mate, only two of these were considered key passes.

Having lost possession 13 times, the Argentine ace attempted seven crosses, all of which were inaccurate. He was also poor defensively and was consistently unable to win the ball back for his side, losing five out of his six duels.

Saïd Benrahma (6.6)

Benrahma produced the only shot on target out of the three Irons attackers, but still endured an underwhelming performance for the team with a 6.6 rating by SofaScore.

Losing the ball eight times, the Algeria winger also lost four out of his seven duels. Going forward, he was rendered ineffective, making just one successful dribble, a disappointing return for the technical attacker, whose performance came under fire from numerous West Ham supporters yesterday.

In other news: £21.3m beast on West Ham shortlist resisting new contract, he was ‘incredible’ v Lukaku

Chris Hartley held on for Queensland, who were hit by a surging New South Wales, as they finished the second day 182 behind at 6 for 269

Cricinfo staff12-Dec-2009Queensland 6 for 269 (Hartley 107*, Simpson 54*, Starc 3-44) trail New South Wales 5 for 451 dec (Khawaja 132*, Smith 102*, Simpson 3-98) by 182 runs
ScorecardUsman Khawaja led the Blues with 132 as they controlled most of the proceedings at the Gabba•Getty Images

The wicketkeeper Chris Hartley held on for Queensland, who were hit by a surging New South Wales, as they finished the second day 182 behind at 6 for 269. Steven Smith and Usman Khawaja scored centuries in New South Wales’ 5 for 451 declared and the hosts were in deep trouble in their reply before Hartley posted his fourth first-class century.The Bulls flopped to 4 for 42 as Mitchell Starc ran through them with three wickets before Hartley’s recovery. Hartley started with a 70-run stand with James Hopes and he also got help from the captain Chris Simpson to improve the local mood at the Gabba. At stumps Hartley was 107, having hit 15 fours and stayed for 164 deliveries, while Simpson was 54.Smith caught the openers Greg Moller (14) and Wade Townsend (10) off Starc, who then caught-and-bowled Nathan Reardon. Josh Hazlewood chipped in to have Craig Philipson taken by the keeper and it was left to Lee Carseldine (46) to steady the hosts until he was also taken by Smith, this time off the bowling of Moises Henriques.Khawaja, who passed 1000 career runs in his 15th game, moved to his century in the morning and was unbeaten on 132, but his fine effort was overshadowed by Smith’s 102. Smith resumed on 4, with his side at 5 for 299, and reached his century well before the lunch break as the Blues declared.He blasted 16 fours and a six during his 102-ball display and he put on 160 with Khawaja in a partnership that drained the hosts. It wasn’t Smith’s day throughout, with his first three overs of legspin going for 34 on the way to 0 for 67 off 11.

Flocking to Twitter, many Everton fans were left appalled with the latest display of midfielder Andre Gomes despite their side’s brilliant result away to Chelsea on Thursday evening.

The Toffees, looking to turn their fortunes around under Rafael Benitez, pulled off a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge against the high-flying European champions – potentially easing some pressure off Everton’s head coach.

They did need the heroics of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, however, who enjoyed a memorable performance in what was surely one of his finest ever showings between the sticks – making save after save to keep Everton in the contest and earning a 9/10 rating on SofaScore.

Chelsea did eventually find their way through with Mason Mount burying a neat finish at the near post on 70 minutes, but just moments later, Anthony Gordon’s in-swinging free-kick found Jarrad Branthwaite who rescued a point for the visitors.

However, picking out one bad apple from the evening, it appears a fair few Blues weren’t atoll impressed with Gomes – who they believe endured an ‘awful’ afternoon.

Everton fans slam Gomes…

Hooked off by Benitez mid-way through the second period, Gomes certainly didn’t shine according to SofaScore too, with the 28-year-old ranking in as Everton’s lowest-rated player (5.8/10).

Picking up a booking, the Portuguese didn’t cope well with Chelsea’s quality in midfield, winning just five out of 17 ground duels against Thomas Tuchel’s side (SofaScore).

Gomes also failed to win a single aerial duel or find a long ball to one of his teammates (SofaScore), leaving little wonder why some Toffees supporters believe he was a ‘passenger’.

Find all of their verdicts on his display down below:

“Keep the youngsters in and get rid of Iwobi, Gomes, Holgate and Kenny”

Credit: @MrGriffGaff

“How did Andre Gomes play for Barcelona, wandering about doing nothing, he needs binning along with half our squad”

Credit: @Graemello7

“I haven’t played football in 5 years but I’m almost convinced Andre Gomes couldn’t tackle me”

Credit: @ITalkEverton

“What I’ve learnt today:

– Too angry to comment on Iwobi’s performance rn”

Credit: @efcmidd13

“Gomes could have been dragged off on 50mins. Been a passenger and making stupid fouls”

Credit: @Ryan_EFC1878

“Gave the ball away so many times in dangerous positions. Caused at least one maybe two of Chelsea’s chances. Him and Gomes have been very poor in possession. Holgate. Don’t get me started”

Credit: @Dan_EFC1878

“Gomes is having an awful game, Onyango or Gbamin on second half”

Credit: @EFCLewis

In other news: ‘Liquidate’, ‘Depressing’…Everton fans erupt over ‘appalling’ exit development, find out more here.

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has admitted that Patrick Bamford’s injury situation is a big concern, talking up a potential January signing in the process.

The Lowdown: Bamford missing for a long spell

The Whites were beaten 2-1 at Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday, with a lack of firepower again on show in the absences of Rodrigo and Raphinha as youngster Joe Gelhardt had to lead the line.

Marcelo Bielsa has been without Bamford since the middle of September, with the Englishman nursing an ankle injury which is still keeping him out and the manager recently opting not to put a timescale on a potential return date.

The 28-year-old has been a big loss, with his pedigree in the final third highlighted by 17 goals and seven assists in the top flight last season.

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The Latest: Kenny concerned by Bamford’s absence

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny bemoaned Bamford’s continued absence from the Leeds XI and said that a new attacker may need to be added to the squad in January. He outlined:

“It doesn’t look good. It sounded like he was going to be back after the last international break and he’s still not fit now.

“I’m sure Leeds will look to strengthen that area. They only have 11 goals in 11 games. They are missing Bamford massively, with the goals and assists he contributed 25 goals or something like that last season.

“Leeds just don’t have anyone who seems comfortable putting the ball in the net. The fact Bamford has been out for so long is really worrying. He’s barely played.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-25/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Verdict: Increasingly huge loss

It was always likely that Bamford would be missed, but as each game passes, the England international’s continued absence is being felt ever more acutely. Leeds have now scored just 12 times in as many league games this season, whereas this time last year they had found the net on 17 occasions.

Without their main marksman to call upon, not only has the Whites’ goal threat diminished, but they also don’t have anyone as adept at holding the ball up and bringing others into play, affecting their all-round performances greatly.

It’s hard to disagree with Kenny that the 28-year-old’s layoff has affected the team massively, and if Bamford is still sidelined going into the New Year, the Whites may indeed have little option but to try and recruit in that position.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly eyeing up a move for a striker. Find out who it is here.

Celtic are interested in a deal to bring Jordan Larsson to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

According to reports from Sweden (via the Daily Record), Spartak Moscow are open to the possibility of parting with the 24-year-old in the winter market, with Celtic believed to be one of the club’s keeping an eye on the situation of the son of the club’s legendary striker, Henrik.

The report goes on to state that the Russian Premier Liga side have previously demanded a fee of £13m in order to part with the centre-forward, although it is believed that the club would now be willing to accept an offer much lower than this figure for the Sweden international.

Dream transfer

Putting aside the romance of Larsson’s potential move to Parkhead, the forward has also proven during his time at Spartak that, regardless of his status as Henrik’s son, he could be something of a dream signing for Michael Nicholson to get over the line in January.

Indeed, after joining the club in what was a £3.6m deal back in the summer of 2019, the £12.6m-rated man has gone on to score 26 goals and register nine assists over his 76 appearances for the Russian giants.

Perhaps the striker’s best returns for Spartak came over his 29 Premier Liga appearances last season, in which the 24-year-old scored 15 goals, registered five assists and created seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.8 shots and making two key passes per game.

These metrics saw the man who Marcus Allback dubbed a “strong” player earn a highly impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.32, ranking him as the joint seventh-best performer in the Russian top flight.

Furthermore, the Swede has also amassed impressive hauls at the likes of Helsingborgs IF, IFK Norrkoping and NEC Nijmegen, bagging 35 goals and 18 assists over 145 appearances for these three teams, taking his total career returns to 61 goals and 27 assists.

As such, not only would the centre-forward’s signing give Celtic fans another chance to watch a Larsson on the Parkhead pitch, the 24-year-old would also appear to make an extremely prolific addition to Ange Postecoglou’s attacking options.

In other news: Outrageous stat proves £1.8m-rated “menace” is closing in on 242-goal Celtic legend

أعلن مرتضى منصور رئيس الزمالك تلقيه 20 مليون جنيها من فاركو مقابل تفعيل بند شراء الحارس محمد صبحي.

وكان فاركو قد استعار محمد صبحي من الزمالك في فترة الانتقالات الصيفية السابقة مع وجود بند في العقد يسمح بأحقية الشراء.

طالع أيضًا.. مرتضى منصور يدعو مجلس إدارة الزمالك لاجتماع طارئ اليوم

وقال مرتضى منصور خلال مداخلة هاتفية ببرنامج “زملكاوي” المذاع على قناة “الزمالك”: “كنت أضع في الحسبان أن أضم 11 لاعبًا لكن أصبح في الفريق حوالي 5 ناشئين مستواهم جيد والمدرب قال (ما شاء الله عليهم)”.

وأضاف: “فاركو ارسل 20 مليون جنية قيمة تفعيل عقد محمد صبحي وهذه الأموال أفضل منه مليون مرة”.

وتابع رئيس الزمالك: “فاركو دفع أيضًا 3 مليون قيمة ثنائي الشباب ياسين مرعي وأحمد محمود”.

وتابع: “مجلس الإدارة بالكامل لم يعرف الصفقات، لسبين الأول للحفاظ على المال العام والأخر لمصلحة اللاعبين الموجودين لدينا”.

India A maintained their unbeaten record with a 69-run victory over Gloucestershire at Cheltenham

Wisden Cricinfo staff22-Jul-2009India A 262 for 8 (Sriram 50, Rayudu 54, Fisher 3-45) beat Gloucestershire 193 (Harris 65, Pathan 3-38, Kartik 3-44) by 69 runs
ScorecardIndia A maintained their unbeaten record with a 69-run victory over Gloucestershire at Cheltenham. A good allround batting performance enabled India A to muster 262 for 8, and then they bowled out a below-strength Gloucestershire side for 193.Although Gloucestershire chose to rest half their side, they did include two New Zealanders – Craig McMillan and Chris Harris – withmixed results. A clearly rusty McMillan, who made 18, was dropped twice by the wicketkeeper, Parthiv Patel, before he held a third chance. Harris was a little more successful, taking 2 for 32 and the top scoring with 65 from 86 balls.India A chose to bat on a bare wicket and in damp conditions, and soon lost Gautam Gambhir (6) and Satyajit Parab (5), both to Roger Sillence. But Sillence struggled to find any rhythm and his third and fourth overs included eight no-balls and four wides.Hemang Badani and Sridharan Sriram restored order with a third-wicket stand of 97 which ended when Badani slogged Ian Fisher to Harris at extra cover for 48 and then Sriram became Fisher’s second wicket when he was bowled for 50 attempting an ambitious sweep. Ambati Rayudu kept up the momentum with a crisp 54 which included a six and three fours.Gloucestershire’s reply never really built up any head of steam as they stumbled to 78 for 4 in the face of some tight bowling, Aavishkar Salvi in particular exploiting the conditions to the full. Harris and Shoaib Malik (36) briefly threatened to revive the chase, but once Sriram dismissed Shoaib, only Harris offered any resistance.

Newcastle United have reportedly knocked on the door to try and sign Karim Adeyemi.

The Lowdown: Hot prospect

Adeyemi is a player that is really emerging as one of the hottest prospects in world football at just 19 years of age.

He has already been called up three times to the senior squad for the Germany national team for crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying games, and coach Hanzi Flick has been full of praise for him, claiming that he is ‘ice-cold’ in front of goal.

With no fewer than 14 goals and two assists in 21 matches in total for RB Salzburg so far this season (Transfermarkt), it is hard not to agree, and he will no doubt only get better considering these performances are coming so early in his career.

The Latest: Newcastle knocked on door

As per Sport1, both the St. James’ Park faithful as well as Tottenham Hotspur have knocked on the door for Adeyemi.

However, a transfer to the North East is currently ‘out of the question’, as Liverpool, PSG, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund have all been credited with interest in the striker, so he may prefer to move to a club currently competing in the UEFA Champions League.

The Verdict: Unrealistic

Given that the Tyneside outfit are currently in a relegation battle, it seems very unrealistic that Adeyemi would move to them at this moment in time.

He has been coveted by some of the top teams around Europe, and so it is more likely that he will move to one of them.

There is no doubt that Adeyemi would add a lot to the Magpies squad, as his manager Matthias Jaissle has cited his ‘brutal’ speed and quality.

Callum Wilson is unsurprisingly the team’s top scorer this season with four goals, but he has been injured for some parts of their campaign, and so they need to bring in another goal scorer in their ranks to ease the burden off of him and replace him when he is out injured.

Adeyemi has already proven that he can score goals despite his young age, and the potential is certainly there for all to see. However, a move to the Toon seems unlikely for now.

In other news, find out who Amanda Staveley is ‘confident’ will be NUFC’s next manager here!