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India’s three ODIs in New Zealand likely to be postponed, with team not on government’s latest managed-isolation list

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Sep-2021Bangladesh, Netherlands and South Africa’s men’s teams are set to visit New Zealand in the 2021-22 season, having secured spots in Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) facilities, which are mandatory for people flying into the country. The list released on September 15, on the New Zealand government’s MIQ website, also includes the contingent for the Women’s ODI World Cup, but the India men’s team does not feature.This would mean the three ODIs slated between New Zealand and India in March 2022 will need to be postponed. reported that the India series will likely be played in late 2022 instead.According to the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP), Bangladesh were to play two Tests and three T20Is in New Zealand in December-January. The visiting contingent has been allocated space for 35 people, from early December, in MIQ.Netherlands were scheduled to play three ODIs in January-February as per the FTP; they have granted MIQ space in March for a group of 35.South Africa were slotted to play two Tests and three T20Is in February-March, and they’ve got a slot for 35 people from early February.The Women’s World Cup, which begins on March 4, has been granted space for 181 people on “various dates January-February 2022”.MIQ dates will be significantly ahead of when the series will be played out, given people have two weeks of managed isolation and more time quarantine if they test positive.The New Zealand men’s players and staff who will be touring Pakistan, going to the IPL in the UAE, the T20 World Cup in the UAE, and/or touring India later this year have also been granted spots in MIQ: a total of 77 between October and early December.The team is also slotted to tour Australia in late January to play a handful of limited-overs fixtures rescheduled during the pandemic. No MIQ slots have been allocated for the New Zealand team on return, likely meaning these games will go ahead only if a trans-Tasman travel bubble is set up between the two countries.What is MIQ?
As per government rules, all those arriving in New Zealand are required to undergo at least 14 days of managed isolation in hotel rooms, and if anyone tests positive along the way, they move into separate quarantine hotels for an extended period. Decisions on hotel-room allocations are made by the Border Exception Ministerial group, headed by immigration minister Kris Faafoi.There are various eligibility criteria to be met for individuals or groups to be granted MIQ. As per the MIQ website, groups “need to be sponsored by a government agency, and must be determined by the ministers to be in the national interest or have a ‘significant’ economic impact”.

Jurgen Klopp's departure from Anfield's dugout was always going to be a watershed moment for Liverpool, but the Reds deserve praise for the seamless transition to life under Arne Slot, who is very much off to a flyer in the Premier League.

Many early questions have been answered, but there's a conundrum yet to be solved in the mould of Darwin Nunez, who joined Liverpool in a deal rising to a club-record £85m in 2022.

The 25-year-old is one of the most influential and electric strikers in the world, but he's also an enigma, raising questions for his employers as a lack of temperament in pivotal moments. To put it another way, he's pretty wasteful, routinely missing from a glorious opening, having expertly woven his way into a promising position.

It's annoying, a blemish on an otherwise intoxicating skillset that has left him waiting for his first start under Slot's leadership. Nunez was actually an unused substitute during the opening-day victory over Ipswich Town, before earning cameos against Brentford and Manchester United.

Darwin Nunez: Liverpool Stats by Competition
Competition	Apps	Goals	Assists
Premier League	67	20	11
Europa League	10	5	1
Champions League	8	4	0
Carabao Cup	7	1	4
FA Cup	5	2	1
Stats via Transfermarkt

He's been kept out by Diogo Jota at number nine. On the flank, Mohamed Salah has been as undroppable as ever on the right, posting three goals and three assists across three matches, while Luis Diaz looks like a man reborn on the left.

Luis Diaz is reborn under Arne Slot

Diaz being here at this stage, playing for Slot, was not a certainty as Liverpool's transfer window trundled on through. Barcelona have been interested in the Colombian menace but were put off by FSG's transfer demands, putting a €75m (£63m) price tag on the winger.

He notched 13 goals and five assists across all competitions which wasn't the greatest return, but Diaz is a tireless performer with crackling dribbling and intelligence and ease in his movements, economical yet effusive in his expression.

Slot's arrival has taken Diaz to another level. It's early days yet but he's fast and furious and, importantly, prolific. Three goals and an assist across the opening three matches of the season bear testament to his energy and newfound clinical edge.

Could Diaz finally rise to a position that was envisaged upon his arrival, back in January 2022? He was welcomed before the sale of Sadio Mane but welcomed with the expectation that he would succeed the Senegal international.

Sadio Mane's record at Liverpool

Mane is one of the most iconic forwards in modern Premier League history. He might be gone now, but his legacy lives on.

Liverpool signed the wide forward from Southampton in June 2016, in a deal worth £34m. It was Klopp's first summer at the helm and it was one of the Reds' most transformative signings across the duration of the German's tenure, for Mane proved to be one of the deadliest forwards in all of Europe in the years that followed.

Across 269 fixtures, Mane clinched 120 goals and supplied 42 assists for Liverpool, notably starring during victorious campaigns in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup, among further major honours.

The 32-year-old's electric movements and deadly finishing saw him form a crucial part of Klopp's historic frontline: partnering Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.

Klopp had called the winger a "world-class" player, but then that's quite the understatement. Diaz is seeking to emulate his predecessor, and though he's an excellent player, he has a way to go before surpassing him.

But at the start of the 2021/22 season, Liverpool had a problem. Mane and his strikeforce partners had all entered the penultimate years of their contracts, and it was tacitly acknowledged that extending all three deals was implausible.

Firmino would see how the duration of his deal, leaving in 2023, whereas Salah extended and could extend once again – though let's leave that one for another day, eh?

The "machine" that was Mane – as said Klopp – was sold, and so ended his Premier League career.

Sadio Mane's career since leaving Liverpool

Bayern Munich snapped the ace up for a £35m fee, though it was an initial £27m figure for the Merseysiders' bank. This meant that Liverpool cashed for around the same figure as was once paid, having reaped all the rewards in the vast interim.

Mane's Bundesliga experience was not an auspicious thing. He scored 12 times for the German giants but was at the epicentre of a high-profile bust-up with teammate Leroy Sane. It wasn't a surprise when he left after his one and only year in Germany, joining Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

Since joining Al Nassr, Mane has scored 19 goals and 13 assists across 50 fixtures, meaning he has netted 31 strikes since leaving Liverpool two years ago.

That 19-goal haul last year means that he outscored both Diaz and Nunez. Heck, you could chuck Jota in there as well, although the Portuguese striker was knocked by injuries and still managed to bag 15 goals from 19 starting appearances.

Diaz, as documented earlier, only scored 13 goals across his 53 outings, whereas Nunez was more potent with 18 goals but he still missed a thick catalogue of chances.

Klopp once described Mane as "one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players", and he wasn't wide of the mark. The Senegalese might not reclaim the lofty heights of his Redman days, but he will take solace in the fact that he's one of the Premier League's finest-ever forwards.

His weekly earnings of about £650k per week can't hurt either, to be fair. He'll take solace in that. And anyway, given that he's still outscoring the likes of Diaz and Nunez, he's enjoying his football too.

Liverpool struck gold selling Anfield sensation for stunning 1570% profit

He’s never quite recaptured his Merseyside magic…

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 10, 2024

Bruno Fernandes says he is "upset" by Manchester United's inconsistency after a spirited 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool.

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Man Utd draw 2-2 at LiverpoolBruno "upset" at team's resultsSays United have to perform "everywhere"Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Devils put in one of their best performances of the season as they fought back to claim a point at Anfield on Sunday. Despite this much-improved display, exasperated United captain Fernandes lamented why his side couldn't play this way "every week" and warned that his team-mates need to maintain this "level" going forward.

AdvertisementAFPWHAT BRUNO FERNANDES SAID

He told Sky Sports: "We have been criticised and fairly. Our position in the table says it all, we have lost too many points. Even today we can't be happy with a point. We need the points and we could've won the game at the end, but it's a fair result. Both teams played good football. I'm pretty upset. If we show this level at Liverpool, first in the league, why can't we do this everywhere? It frustrates me. Also, finally I did a proper performance. We said we need much more from ourselves to get more from this season. Being 2-1 [down] then scoring it's good to get a point but we need more. Now we have an FA Cup tie at Arsenal and it is going to be very tough but we want to get to the final again. We know how tough it is to play against Liverpool. Today we put in a real effort to the game, playing with some passion and heart is what is going to give you something from the game. You have to put in effort and that's why we took something from today. It can't stop here, We have to bring this frustration to the next game to understand this has to be the level. If we can do it an Anfield, we have to do it everywhere. It can't stop here, We have to bring this frustration to the next game to understand this has to be the level. If we can do it an Anfield, we have to do it everywhere."

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United are still 13th in the Premier League and they were close to registering a fourth-straight league defeat – something they have not done since 1979. Ruben Amorim's team now need to kick on from this result but if they don't, the new head coach could be under pressure again.

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United take a break from league action next weekend when they travel to Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup.

“I don’t look to please people, I’m here to play the role that’s assigned to me accordingly, by the team management”

Annesha Ghosh04-Jul-20213:35

Mithali Raj: When young players like Rodrigues go through bad form, senior players back them

Mithali Raj has said she doesn’t heed criticism around her strike rate and instead focuses on shouldering the responsibility bestowed by the team management in terms of playing the anchor role in the Indian ODI side.”I do read the criticism about my strike rate but as I’ve said earlier also, I don’t seek validation from people,” Raj, the India Test and ODI captain, said after sealing a 220-run chase and her side’s thrilling four-wicket win on Saturday in Worcester with an unbeaten 75. “I have played for a long time, and I know that I have a certain responsibility in the team. I don’t look to please people, I’m here to play the role that’s assigned to me accordingly, by the team management.Related

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“When you’re chasing a target, you pick your bowlers, you pick the length, and you pick the areas. And because I am in good flow, I know I need to make the best use of me in the middle. In a way the batting unit revolves around me – that’s the job that’s been given to me by the coach.”I look to not get bogged down because somewhere I do know that the top order is already in the dugout and it was important for me to understand the situation how I can manoeuvre and try to get the match as close as possible with the batters who are yet to come and the batters that I had in the middle. And I guess I need to give credit also to Sneh Rana because that partnership was very, very crucial. She kept her calm, which is very important in such situations.”Picking up her third straight fifty in the ODI leg of the multi-format series, Raj steered India to victory in the final over of the chase after putting on two fifty stands. The second of those was with No. 7 Sneh Rana, whose vital 22-ball 24 earned her praise from Raj.”For me batting has always been a role-play in the team,” Raj said. “The sort of role that is assigned to me over the years is of taking the responsibility of the batting unit and play throughout. And that’s something I’ve always done.”Today also was one of those days where I could plan my innings. Chasing gives me a better picture of building an innings along with the other batters in the middle and I am able to control the game. I think that really worked for me. And having young girls in the side it helps to guide them when you’re in the middle to also sort of help them understand the situation and how to play in these conditions. It works well that way.”En route to her half-century, Raj surpassed former England captain Charlotte Edwards as the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket. She went past Edwards’ tally of 10,273 with a four off Natalie Sciver in the 24th over of the chase.Mithali Raj – “Because I am in good flow, I know I need to make the best use of me in the middle”•Getty Images”I think the way things have gone, it wasn’t an easy journey,” Raj said, reflecting on her storied 22-year-long international career. “It had its trials and challenges. I’ve always believed that these trials always have a purpose, and there were times when I wanted to give up for various reasons but something kept me going and here I am, 22 years of international cricket but the hunger to score runs for India has never dried up.”[…] I know I have a few months in the run-up to the World Cup, and there’s certain areas, certain dimensions to the game that I would like to add to my batting. I look forward to working on those areas.”Raj, who retired from T20Is in 2019, had before the England tour said the 2022 ODI World Cup would be her swansong. With only tours of Australia and New Zealand so far scheduled before next year’s world tournament, the ODI assignment in England which concluded on Saturday may have been her last one in the country.”Obviously, before the World Cup we don’t have an England tour but I have always enjoyed playing in England against England, one of the quality teams on the world stage,” Raj, who made her international debut in England in 1999, said. “They say English conditions are always difficult, but the bulk of my runs I’ve scored on this soil. I’m just grateful that each time I come here…”There have been times when I’ve toured England from a bad form and I have scored heavily coming to England. So, I am happy the way I started in 1999, and today it’s come a full circle. I just look forward positively for the tours I am yet to play that I continue this form into those series as well.”

West Ham United and technical director Tim Steidten have agreed another big-money signing, according to Fabrizio Romano.

West Ham’s summer business so far – all ins and outs

The Hammers have been one of the busiest Premier League sides in the transfer market, bringing in six new players ahead of Julen Lopetegui’s first season in charge at the London Stadium.

West Ham summer signings	From	Fee (Transfermarkt)
Max Kilman	Wolves	€47.5m
Crysencio Summerville	Leeds United	€29.3m
Niclas Fullkrug	Borussia Dortmund	€27m
Luis Guilherme	Palmeiras	€23m
Wes Foderingham	Sheffield United	Free transfer
Guido Rodriguez	Real Betis	Free transfer
West Ham summer departures	To	Fee (Transfermarkt)
Flynn Downes	Southampton	€17.85m
Said Benrahma	Lyon	€14.4m
Thilo Kehrer	Monaco	€11m
Nathan Trott	FC Copenhagen	€1.5m
Ben Johnson	Ipswich Town	Free transfer
Joseph Anang	St. Patrick's Athletic	Free transfer

As can be seen, the club have also let a number of players go, with Kurt Zouma likely to become the next player to leave, moving to the United Arab Emirates with Shabab Al-Ahli.

With the Frenchman on course to depart the London Stadium, a replacement will be required, with Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo a long-term target.

Reports last month claimed that West Ham had agreed a deal to sign Todibo on a season-long loan with an option to buy. However, the player preferred a move to Juventus at the time and was holding out for the two clubs to agree a deal. Now, there has been a big twist, with Steidten stepping in.

West Ham agree permanent Todibo transfer

According to transfer expert Romano, West Ham have now agreed a deal to sign Todibo. Steidten personally travelled to Nice to hijack any transfer with Juventus, with Todibo now on course to move to the London Stadium.

“West Ham director Tim Steidten travels to Nice as WHUFC are hijacking Jean-Clair Todibo deal! Juventus in talks for weeks but no green light from Nice. Agreement West Ham-Nice now DONE for €40m plus sell-on clause. West Ham trying to book medical on Friday!”

Romano has since added that a deal will be a loan with an obligation to buy for €40m (£34.2m) plus a sell-on clause, with Todibo, his agent and Steidten returning to England on Friday to finalise a transfer and for the player to complete a medical.

With Zouma on the way out, West Ham and Steidten have acted swiftly and have seemingly got their top target, who has been called a “complete package” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig. Todibo has also been praised by former teammate Aaron Ramsey, who said:

“Jean-Clair is a very interesting character; he’s very confident and he’s a great guy around the dressing room and he’s a very, very talented player, who can go all the way to the top. For him, it is important to keep his feet on the ground, strive for more, and take in as much information as possible.”

Who knows, Todibo may now partner Max Kilman at centre-back against Aston Villa next weekend, providing the deal officially goes through without any issues.

It's been a relatively quiet transfer window for Premier League clubs this summer, and it's been no different for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lilywhites have signed two exciting up-and-coming youngsters, Archie Gray and Yang Min-Hyeok, but as things stand, that's it in terms of new faces.

However, over the last week or so, the Lilywhites have been linked with several talented forwards, with links to Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke particularly strong.

That said, another top-quality striker has been touted for a move to N17 who would be an incredible teammate for one of last summer's major signings, Brennan Johnson.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from The Boot Room, Tottenham have maintained their interest in Brentford's star striker, Ivan Toney.

The report claims that while the Lilywhites are intent on continuing their pursuit of Solanke, they are also set to 'step up' their attempts to sign the Bees star this summer.

The story also claims that the striker is available for just £40m this summer, which is likely due to his contract expiring next year.

Signing Toney would still require a hefty investment from Daniel Levy and Co, but given his record in the Premier League, it would be worth it, especially as he could help get even more out of Johnson.

Why Toney would be a great signing for Spurs & Johnson

So, the primary reason that Toney would be a great signing for Spurs and Johnson is one and the same: his output.

Across his Premier League career, the former Newcastle United ace has proven that he's among the best strikers in the country, and while he certainly struggled slightly more than usual last season, it's easy to put that down to the fact he was banned from all footballing activity for eight months due to his betting breaches.

For example, in his 83 top-flight appearances with Brentford, the 28-year-old "monster," as manager Thomas Frank dubbed him, has scored 36 goals and provided 11 assists. This means he's averaged a goal involvement every 1.76 games for a club that, at best, are mid-table and at worst, a relegation candidate.

Ivan Toney's PL record with Brentford

Season

2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

Appearances

33

33

17

Goals

12

20

4

Assists

5

4

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

0.72

0.35

All Stats via Transfermarkt

This ability to consistently impact games at the sharp end of the pitch would make the former Newcastle United ace an invaluable addition to Ange Postecoglou's team; as for all the exciting attacking football they played last season, six teams scored more goals than them in the league.

Moreover, only Son Heung-min and Richarlison scored ten or more goals across the entire campaign despite having a plethora of talented wingers in the side, including Johnson.

Spurs' most productive players in 23/24

Player

Son

Richarlison

Johnson

Appearances

36

31

34

Goals

17

12

5

Assists

10

4

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.75

0.51

0.44

All Stats via Transfermarkt

The Welsh international was actually the North Londoners' joint top-assister alongside Son last season, racking up an impressive ten assists to go with his five goals, but imagine how many more he'd have starting off the right of the "unplayable" Brentford ace, as Alan Shearer dubbed him.

The England international would help turn his half-chances into goals and even chip in with the odd assist to help the former Nottingham Forest star's goal tally creep up.

Ultimately, while the money involved would still be significant, Spurs should do what they can to sign Toney this summer. His ability to find the back of the net could prove transformational not just for the team's fortunes but also for Johnson.

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The impressive youngster could be a future star.

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MatériaMais Notícias

A semana é decisiva para o Athletico. Em má fase no Brasileirão, o Furacão aposta na Copa do Brasil e quer uma vaga na grande final.

+ Veja no aplicativo do LANCE! o resultado dos jogos da rodada

Para isso acontecer, o time de Alberto Valentim precisa superar o Flamengo, um dos melhores times do país.

Consciente que a parada será bem complicada, o treinador coloca em prática um espírito de guerreiros dentro do elenco.

‘Temos que ir com o espírito de um time guerreiro. Nós nos prepararmos para uma grande partida nossa, independentemente de como vem o Flamengo agora, se caiu um pouco o rendimento, se alguns jogadores vão voltar ou não’, disse Valentim.

Com o empate por 2 a 2, qualquer igualdade leva a disputa para os pênaltis. Quem vencer no tempo normal avança.

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Chelsea have now submitted a "concrete" bid for an "incredibly fast" player in their efforts to secure more signings before deadline day next month.

Chelsea undergo busy summer transfer window with nine deals agreed

The west Londoners, financed by Todd Boehly and BlueCo, have made nine new signings so far this summer as the club show yet again that they're not afraid to spend.

Chelsea ace would consider Man Utd move as Ashworth contacts his agents

There been intermediary talks behind-the-scenes.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 31, 2024

Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham), Omari Kellyman (Aston Villa), Renato Veiga (FC Basel), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester City), Filip Jorgensen (Villarreal), Marc Guiu (Barcelona), Estevao Willian (Palmeiras), Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United) and Aaron Anselmino (Boca Juniors) have all signed for Chelsea, but more could follow them.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri claimed this week that Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal for highly-rated young goalkeeper Mike Penders, who BlueCo believe could be the next Thibaut Courtois (X).

Cole Palmer

7.48

Conor Gallagher

7.13

Nicolas Jackson

7.07

Moises Caicedo

6.85

Noni Madueke

6.84

They're offering in excess of £17 million to sign the 19-year-old, who made his senior debut for Genk last weekend in their 0-0 draw at home to Standard Liege. Meanwhile, Chelsea have also opened talks with Napoli over Victor Osimhen, with Romelu Lukaku agreeing a three-year deal to head the other way (Ben Jacobs).

A new senior forward, whether that be a striker or winger, looks to be on the agenda at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea attempted to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace, before the 22-year-old joined Bayern Munich, with Maresca's side holding an interest in Nico Williams and others as alternatives.

In terms of a natural number nine, Osimhen is a name that will excite plenty of Chelsea supporters, given his stellar reputation and prolific goal-record since joining Napoli from Lille in 2020.

The Nigerian has scored 76 goals in 133 appearances across all competitions at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, but signing him could still be a costly operation, even if Lukaku could be used as a sweetener for the deal.

A cheaper alternative could be Hoffenheim striker Maximilian Beier, and it is believed Chelsea have wasted no time in testing the water in a potential move for the Germany international.

Chelsea submit concrete bid to sign Maximilian Beier from Hoffenheim

Indeed, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea have now submitted a "concrete" bid to sign Beier from Hoffenheim, and they're joined by Aston Villa in the race for his £25 million signature.

The 21-year-old, who scored 16 goals in all competitions for Hoffenheim last season, has also been called "incredibly fast" by Hoffenheim director Alexander Rosen.

West Ham United have reportedly made their first move to secure the services of a £25m player who is now a free agent.

West Ham eyeing more signings after Guilherme

The Julen Lopetegui era may not be underway on the training ground yet, however, it is when it comes to the transfer market. The Hammers and technical director Tim Steidten have already secured their first summer signing in Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme, who has joined in a big-money move from Palmeiras.

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It doesn’t look as if the Irons have any intention of stopping there, though, with plenty of attacking targets lined up after Guilherme. A bid has reportedly been made for Colombian striker, Jhon Arias and an approach to Celta Vigo attacker Jorgen Strand Larsen, whereas there have also been rumours to Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling and links to Juventus’ Matias Soule.

All of those players could potentially command big fees, but it appears as if West Ham are also scanning the market for cut-price free transfers.

For example, Luton Town goalkeeper Tim Krul has emerged as a recent target, possibly coming in to play second choice at the London Stadium, should he officially depart Kenilworth Road when his deal expires at the end of the month.

German defender Mats Hummels has also been linked with a move to the Hammers, with his agents already holding talks with those at the London Stadium. Now, it looks as if the club have made their move for another free agent.

West Ham make Ryan Sessegnon contact

According to The Guardian, West Ham have made initial contact over a move to sign Ryan Sessegnon after his departure from Spurs.

Tottenham paid £25m for the left-back from Fulham back in 2019, however, he is now without a club after an injury-hit spell in north London. He could remain in the capital, though, with West Ham and his former club Fulham seemingly keen on striking a deal. Lopetegui wants competition for Emerson Palmieri and there is a feeling at West Ham that Sessegnon could be a bargain signing.

Ryan Sessegnon's injury history
Season	Injuries	Games missed
2023/24	3	40
2022/23	1	22
2021/22	4	31
2020/21	2	9
2019/20	1	33
2018/19	1	3

As can be seen, Sesesgnon’s injury troubles damaged his time at Tottenham, but providing he can stay fit, West Ham would be signing a 24-year-old who has received plenty of praise during his career.

Former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho described him "absolutely fantastic" while Antonio Conte hailed Sessegnon as a "reliable" and "important" player during his tenure. "He is a reliable player and he has great confidence. He is strong physically and improved in his quality and technically."

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has also called the Englishman “incredible” and, by the looks of things, a move to the London Stadium is a possibility with contact now made from Hammers officials.

Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman is keen for England to iron out the 'sloppy moments' which made victory over South Africa 'hard' on Tuesday night.

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• Lionesses bounced back from defeat to Germany
• But rode their luck in 2-1 win over South Africa
• Wiegman discusses elements that made victory 'hard'

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  England narrowly emerged 2-1 winners in Coventry in their second friendly of this international window, bouncing back from a difficult 4-3 defeat to Germany on Friday night. South Africa could've easily got a draw from the game though, with the Lionesses often gifting them opportunities in the second half in particular.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It didn't look like things would be hard for England when Leah Williamson scored after just 12 minutes, or when Grace Clinton doubled that lead midway through the first half. But Williamson's poor pass allowed Thembi Kgatlana to halve the deficit before the hour and many of her team-mates made similar mistakes before full-time, albeit ones that went unpunished as the Lionesses claimed the win.

• WHAT WIEGMAN SAID

  Offering her thoughts on the result and the performance afterwards, Wiegman told : "I thought after the first half, it was a little more straight-forward. I think the first half, we played well. The second half, we had some struggle moments. I think we were a little bit too sloppy. I think the first half we had sloppy moments too but we created some chances from corners and also just in open play. The second half… we were a little bit sloppy and they're smart in a counter attack and very fast so, of course, that was hard for us."

  Asked how she and her team fix that sloppiness, which was a huge problem against Germany as well, Wiegman responded: "Keep trying. We all know that. Keep playing football, keep playing forwards and, of course, talking about taking that out. Some passes are, I think, easy, and some are in connections and just feeling at moments when there was transition, they would really jump on us, and then making some better decisions. Just talk about it and move forward."

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  England will need to be sharper for their next fixture, with them set to welcome Emma Hayes' United States to Wembley in November. Despite only being in her new job for a few weeks, Hayes led the U.S. to an Olympic gold medal this summer and the lively attack was a particularly important factor in that triumph.