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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot conceded Ibrahima Konate has been “a bit too much at the crime scene” this season as the defender’s struggles continued in Saturday’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Leeds United. The Reds twice threw away the lead as they dropped more Premier League points at Elland Road, with the France international at fault on two occasions.

Liverpool were in fine fettle after Ekitike netted quickfire double

Aiming to get back to winning ways after Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with in-form Sunderland, Liverpool took a two-goal lead early in the second half against Leeds when striker Hugo Ekitike netted a quickfire double. 

Having not scored in the league since bagging in September’s 2-1 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby, the former Eintracht Frankfurt and Paris Saint-Germain forward – starting ahead of the benched Alexander Isak – scored two goals in as many minutes.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportKonate struggles as Reds twice throw away lead against Leeds

However, while Liverpool looked to be in complete control of proceedings, Konate handed Leeds a route back into the match from the penalty spot after he brought down winger Wilfried Gnonto inside the area. 

Former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted the resulting spot-kick, before Reds centre-back Konate then backed off Leeds midfielder Anton Stach as the German let fly, beating goalkeeper Alisson with a powerful drive from inside the box.

With Elland Road rocking, Liverpool showed great character to wrestle the momentum back, with Dominik Szoboszlai scoring what looked to be the all-important winner for his side following a lung-busting run from midfield.

But Konate appeared to be at fault again in the dying embers of the game, ducking from the ball as a deep corner found its way to Leeds midfielder Ao Tanaka, who scored for the second time this week in the sixth minute of injury time.

Slot admits Konate has made a number of mistakes in 2025-26

Speaking in his post-match press conference following a disappointing result, while Liverpool manager Slot defended Konate’s endeavour, he admitted the former RB Leipzig man has often been the key culprit in an incident-packed season for his side.

“Unfortunately for him [Konate] he does a lot of things well but he has been a bit too much at the crime scene,” said Slot. “Today it was a tackle that came from effort, he tried everything to block the cross.”

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AFPReds boss says dressing room in 'disbelief' following Leeds draw

And speaking to following the final whistle, the Dutchman added: “There's a sense of disbelief. I think we played quite well or very well during large parts of the game and we went 2-0 up. I don't think we had any problems and I don't think we conceded a chance until the moment we made a foul, which is not even a chance.

“It's then 2-1 and not many moments later they made it 2-2 with the first chance they had. Then we go up [again] and you think you've done enough to win the game, but then a set piece leads to the 3-3.

“It's not about me. It's about us, it's about the fans. The players have worked so hard and to concede from a set-piece again – the 10th or 11th this season. If you concede so many like this, you cannot be higher up the table than we are.

“To go away with a 3-3, I don't think that's what we deserved. We conceded without the other team even having a chance. It's so difficult to play a game of football if you don't even concede a chance and it goes in.

“We can only look at ourselves because we are the ones that are doing it. That's the situation we are in.”

The difficult decision to bench Liverpool talisman Mo Salah has left Reds boss Arne Slot with a major decision to make ahead of their clash with Leeds United. The Egyptian star’s performances have certainly been below his usual high standards, and he has come in for substantial criticism from TV pundits, but Slot has hinted he could reinstate him for the crunch trip to Elland Road.

Salah's struggles in title defence

Salah is enduring a challenging season on Merseyside, a stark contrast to his stellar previous campaign where he secured the Premier League title and bagged the Golden Boot, too. His form has seen a significant drop so far this season, he’s scored four goals and laid on two assists in his 13 Premier League appearances so far this season. The arrival of new players like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, has altered the team's attacking dynamics, and the departure of long-time right-back partner Trent Alexander-Arnold has severely impacted on him. 

Club legend Jamie Carragher has been a vocal critic of Salah's form and perceived lack of leadership. Carragher has suggested that Salah's declining pace and reluctance to track back defensively are leaving the team exposed, especially in away games. He has also called for the Egyptian to speak publicly more often during the team's struggles. 

And while Salah has started on the bench for the Reds’ last two fixtures, missing out entirely in the win against West Ham and coming on as second-half substitute in the draw with Sunderland, his Dutch boss has hinted he could be re-introduced against Leeds.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSlot: 'It is completely normal for people to talk'

Speaking to the press on Friday, Slot said: "I think for every player in my mind can start and Mo is an exceptional player for us. He is always in my mind to either start or to come (off the bench). The chatter, yes (I understand it) because he deserves that, he has been so influential for me for six or seven years. It's completely normal for people to talk about it when he isn't (playing)." 

Another player who is has struggled this season is Wirtz, but Slot has backed his marquee summer signing to take the positives from recent performances, saying: "You can see his confidence from how often he wants the ball and how often they give him it. So he has a lot of confidence but it's also clear he came back with an injury from Germany, so I am happy he can play so many minutes. He has done well. Not surprised he was involved in the goal against Sunderland, he was one of the ones who kept constantly trying and was creative."

Redknapp suggests Salah could leave

 Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp weighed into the argument, claiming a player of Salah’s calibre wouldn’t be willing to sit on the bench and hinted he could leave. Redknapp said: "There is no way Salah is going to be content being a bit-part player in this team. Whether it's in January or in the summer, if he finds the right clubs, I think he deserves the right to move on if things aren't going to go his way. I can only see that outcome. Now that trust is broken, especially with someone like Salah, he needs that confidence and love from a manager."

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Getty Images SportLeeds test awaits at Elland Road

Liverpool travel to Elland Road off the back of another poor performance in the one-all draw with Sunderland as defensive frailties continued to plague them, which Leeds boss Daniel Farke’s side will look to exploit. And Slot is aware just how intense and physical the match will be, he said: "I watched Leeds versus Chelsea and I saw a Liverpool game: Chelsea conceding a set piece and then a big, big error. Leeds went very aggressive in one-v-one and then a low block to stop chances. It is difficult for us that style, and many other teams. We saw them coming back from two down to Manchester City, Phil Foden made the difference with a moment of magic there and against Chelsea Leeds were very strong. What to expect is what we have faced in many other games."

تلقى برشلونة ضربة موجعة صباح اليوم، حيث أكد النادي إصابة لاعب خط الوسط فيرمين لوبيز في عضلة ساقه ليغيب عن الفريق الفترة القادمة.

وأوضح برشلونة في بيانه أن صاحب الـ22 عاماً سيغيب عن الملاعب لمدة أسبوعين، ما يشكل ضربة موجعة للمدرب هانز فليك.

وبحسب صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية فإن التوقعات تشير إلى أن فيرمين لوبيز سيكون جاهزاً لمباراة برشلونة ضد آينتراخت فرانكفورت في دوري أبطال أوروبا يوم 9 ديسمبر.

أقرأ أيضاً.. بايرن ميونخ يوضح موقفه بشأن هاري كين بعد اهتمام برشلونة.. ويحسم مستقبل نوير

ويعني ذلك أن لاعب خط وسط برشلونة المتألق هذا الموسم سيغيب عن المباريات الثلاث القادمة وهي ديبورتيفو ألافيس، ومباراة أتلتيكو مدريد وريال بيتيس.

وكان فيرمين لوبيز تعرض للإصابة ضد أتلتيك بلباو في الدوري الاسباني، ولعب رغم عدم شعوره بالراحة ضد تشيلسي على ملعب ستامفورد بريدج في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

تقدم فريق الكرة بنادي الزمالك، بالهدف الأول أمام منافسه زيسكو يونايتد، بالمباراة التي تجمع بينهما ضمن لقاءات بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.

وتُقام المباراة بين الزمالك وزيسكو يونايتد على أرضية استاد القاهرة، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الأولى من مرحلة المجموعات بالكونفدرالية.

طالع | هيثم فاروق: الزمالك سيُبقي على عبد الرؤوف في حالة واحدة… ولا تحاسبوا الجماهير

ويتواجد الزمالك على رأس المجموعة الرابعة ببطولة كأس الكونفدرالية، والتي تضم معه أندية المصري وكايزر تشيفز الجنوب إفريقي وزيسكو يونايتد الزامبي.

وأحرز سيف الجزيري الهدف بالدقيقة 43، بعدما تسلم الكرة داخل منطقة الجزاء، وصوبها لترتطم في القائم الأيسر واستقرت داخل الشباك. هدف الزمالك الأول أمام زيسكو يونايتد في الكونفدرالية

Leeds United travelled to the City Ground on Sunday with just one away win under their belt this season in the Premier League.

Thankfully, they were about to do battle with a Nottingham Forest side who had only won once on their patch all season long in league action.

But, come the end of the frantic affair, the Tricky Trees collected their first home victory since August, as Sean Dyche’s men comfortably got the better of Daniel Farke’s visitors in a 3-1 win, having notched up 14 efforts at Lucas Perri’s shaky goal.

Journalist Graham Smyth labelled Leeds’ overall performance at the final whistle as “desperately poor” as the West Yorkshire side now hang precariously above the dreaded relegation zone.

Jaka Bijol – in particular – had another afternoon to forget in the heart of the away team’s leaky defence.

Bijol's poor performance vs Forest

Bijol’s day wasn’t completely pitiful, with the Slovenian centre-back coming away from the 3-1 defeat with four of his six duels being successfully won.

Unfortunately for the £15m summer recruit, regardless of having some positives to latch on to, he was still caught out by a moment of ball-watching to hand the hosts the decisive 2-1 lead, as Morgan Gibbs-White evaded his marker to head home.

It was a nicely executed move by Forest, with Omari Hutchinson getting the better of Gabriel Gudmundsson’s lax marking, before putting it on a plate for Gibbs-White.

But, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers playmaker was given far too much room to head past Perri, off the back of Bijol being caught in no man’s land.

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Having also struggled against Brighton and Hove Albion on the road, before this slip-up in Nottinghamshire, when winning zero tackles and just one duel, it could well be time for Farke to move the former Udinese man back to the bench, for the more Premier League-ready Pascal Struijk to take over.

Bijol isn’t the only defensive option who could now be dropped by Farke, however.

Leeds dud had his worst game of the season

In all fairness, nobody donning Leeds’ changed strip of blue was trudging off at the end of the 3-1 loss, overjoyed with what they offered up.

Ethan Ampadu definitely won’t have been thrilled with what he conjured up as Farke’s supposed midfield anchor, with the Welshman both uncharacteristically sloppy with the ball at his feet and surprisingly weak when launching himself into duels.

Ampadu’s performance in numbers

Stat

Ampadu

Minutes played

90

Shots

2

Key passes

0

Dribbles

0

Touches

57

Accurate passes

31/41 (76%)

Possession lost

15x

Tackles won

1/2

Fouls

3

Total duels won

4/9

Stats by Sofascore

The promotion-winning captain fell way below the standards he had previously set when lining up for the West Yorkshire giants, with Ampadu coming away from the 3-1 loss with only 76% of his passes reaching their chosen target. On average, this season, so far, he typically completes 86% of his passes.

Moreover, the below-par number 4 would lack his usual bite and drive, with only one of his tackles being successfully won, which led to Ampadu barely laying a glove on the tricky Dan Ndoye early on, before his quick feet down the flank led to Ibrahim Sangare firing home the equaliser.

Ampadu also didn’t help Bijol out when Gibbs-White sent the City Ground into raptures, with the former Chelsea midfielder also guilty of idly watching the ball, before the match-winning effort was prodded home.

For a defensive option that usually prides himself on winning duels and being energetic – as seen in him averaging 4.3 duels won this season – it really did feel like a low point for him against the Tricky Trees on Sunday afternoon, as Farke now contemplates whether dropping one of his “indispensable” promotion heroes, as he was once labelled by scout Jacek Kulig, is the correct call.

Ampadu faced the media after, calling for togetherness as Leeds attempt to navigate the choppy seas of a relegation battle, with his concrete starting spot now up for grabs, as the likes of Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev eye up a spot in defensive midfield, instead.

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Posts ByJoe Nuttall Nov 9, 2025

Just months after being written off as a Barcelona flop, Vitor Roque has reignited his career in spectacular fashion. Now Palmeiras' top scorer and a key figure in their title chase, the 20-year-old has earned a Brazil call-up from Carlo Ancelotti – a moment he calls “the best phase of my life”. From struggling in Spain to thriving back home, Roque’s resurgence underscores how the right environment and consistent game time can revive a player’s career.

• From prodigy to pressure – Roque's Barcelona struggle

  When Roque signed for Barcelona in July 2023 for €35 million, he was hailed as Brazil’s next great striker. Fresh from 15 goals with Athletico Paranaense and a standout U-20 Championship, expectations were sky-high. But the dream quickly soured. Rushed into the squad midseason at then-coach Xavi’s insistence, Roque struggled to adapt to the club’s intense demands, managing just two goals in 16 appearances.

  The January arrival proved ill-timed – as Barcelona sporting director Deco later admitted – leaving the teenager overwhelmed by pressure, language barriers, and tactical rigidity. A loan spell to Real Betis in 2024 offered little reprieve, and by early 2025, Roque looked like another South American talent who had flown too close to the European sun.

  Now starring for Palmeiras, Roque has rediscovered his confidence and form by scoring 19 goals across competitions in 2025. His performances have powered Palmeiras' title charge and earned him a long-awaited call-up to the Brazilian national team by Carlo Ancelotti. From doubts and disappointment to a national recall, Roque’s resurgence marks one of the most impressive turnarounds of the season.

  "I always say that football is very fast-paced. Six months ago, nothing was going right, and today, thank God, I'm very happy. Palmeiras helped me in an extraordinary way; I got back to playing the football I always used to, and, thank God, things are flowing, which is the most important thing," Roque said after receiving his first national call-up.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Joining Palmeiras and the turning point

  Rejecting a lucrative offer from Al-Hilal, Roque returned to Brazil with Palmeiras in February. At first, it wasn’t easy: 900 minutes without a goal tested his confidence. But Palmeiras stood by him, and gradually, the goals began to flow. With 19 goals in 2025 across all competitions, including 15 in the Brasileirao, he’s become one of the league’s most lethal forwards.

  His impact has been immediate, leading Palmeiras to the top of the Serie A table with 65 points, just ahead of Flamengo. In addition, his brace against Santos and a crucial goal in the Copa Libertadores semi-final against River Plate showcased his ability to deliver in big moments. He ranks among the league’s top three scorers, behind only Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Kaio Jorge, both with 17 goals.

  For Roque, this is redemption not just in statistics but in mindset. “It’s one of the best phases of my life,” he told reporters. “I arrive at the national team with my feet on the ground, working with humility. First at Palmeiras and then there as well.” His chemistry with teammates like Flaco Lopez and Raphael Veiga has been key, the trio have combined for 38 goals in all competitions this season.

• A national recall and growing European interest

  Ancelotti’s decision to include Roque in Brazil’s squad for friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia marks a new chapter in his young career. Former Brazil international, Rivaldo, admitted he was surprised but impressed: “I was also struck by the fact that he brought in Vitor Roque from Palmeiras, who has been playing well for a few games now. He started with some difficulties, but now he's in good form and it's a good opportunity for him. The coach is still testing some players; I was even hoping there wouldn't be any more of these tests, but I believe he already has the core group formed for the World Cup.”

  Ancelotti’s approach to Brazil’s roster has focused on blending established stars like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo with emerging domestic players who can bring hunger and rhythm from the Brasileirao. Roque’s selection fits that strategy perfectly.

  "I see that Ancelotti is starting to shape the national team. He certainly already has a base of players for the World Cup. Of course, he's doing some tests with athletes who stand out in the Brazilian Championship. I really liked the call-up of Fabrício Bruno, from Cruzeiro, even after the mistake against Japan. It's a good attitude and shows that the coach has a good heart and trusts him. Many criticised the player, he shouldn't even have hope of being called up, and Ancelotti showed that he believes in him, that he doesn't just look at the mistake, but everything the athlete has done well in his career," explained Rivaldo in an interaction with Betfair.

  Meanwhile, Roque’s resurgence hasn’t gone unnoticed abroad. His agent, Andre Cury, confirmed that Premier League clubs are already preparing bids. According to reports, Manchester United are leading the race, with Chelsea and Tottenham also monitoring the 20-year-old forward. Barcelona, who retained a 20% sell-on clause when selling him to Palmeiras, could receive around €10m if a deal materialises.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  A comeback that could reshape Roque's future

  As things stand, Roque’s focus remains firmly on Palmeiras and Brazil. His goals have put the club on course for another league title and deep into the Libertadores campaign, and his national team call-up could pave the way for a spot in Ancelotti’s 2026 World Cup plans. His first task is to impress the Brazil boss for continued chances as Brazil face Senegal on 15 November and then Tunisia on November 19.

  Goals and contributions in these games can be crucial for continued call-ups to the national team and a starting place in next year's World Cup.

Glasgow Rangers are already on the lookout to replace Russell Martin as manager, with an “amazing” individual admired by those high up at Ibrox.

Gers on the search for Ibrox saviour

Martin was relieved of his duties by the Gers on Sunday evening, following yet more dropped points in the Scottish Premiership, falling further behind Celtic in the process.

The limp 1-1 draw away to Falkirk proved to be the final straw for the Englishman, who had spent a tumultuous time in charge, consistently struggling to convince the fanbase, in terms of results, performances and tactics.

It’s now a case of Rangers looking for the right man to come in and replace Martin, with former Everton and Burnley boss Sean Dyche one of the names thrown into the hat recently. His style of play is completely different, but it is arguably what the Gers need, and the 54-year-old is thought to be keen on taking the job.

It is important that the club take their time in finding Martin’s replacement, however, following a period of struggle, and now another name has been mentioned as an option for the Scottish giants.

Rangers eyeing "amazing" 4-2-3-1 manager

According to talkSPORT, Danny Rohl has emerged as a target for Rangers, with the German currently without a job after departing Sheffield Wednesday in the summer.

He's like Mourinho: 54-year-old manager wants to replace Martin at Rangers

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By
Matt Dawson

Oct 6, 2025

The report states that the 36-year-old is “appreciated by senior figures” at Ibrox, with former Gers manager Steven Gerrard also in the mix to return to the club.

Rohl would be an exciting choice by Rangers, considering he is a young manager with fresh ideas, being hailed by Wednesday legend Chris Waddle for the job he did in tough circumstances at Hillsborough.

The 4-2-3-1-playing Rohl would hopefully bring improved man management compared to Martin, who openly criticised his players after the opening game of the season, and he did a superb job in steering Wednesday clear of relegation in 2023/24, having looked doomed when he arrived.

MatériaMais Notícias

Grêmio e Cruzeiro se enfrentam neste domingo (27), às 19h (de Brasília), pela 21ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. A partida acontecerá na Arena do Grêmio.A partida será transmitida pelo Premiere e pelo SporTV.

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+ Bora lucrar com o Tricolor! Aposte R$10 e ganhe mais de R$65 com Suárez e o Grêmio no Brasileirão!

O Cruzeiro entra em campo tentando se recuperar no campeonato. Sem vencer há 6 jogos, o time comandado por Pepa confia em Bruno Rodrigo no comando do ataque e Rafael Cabral no gol para garantir a vitória e respirar no Brasileirão.

Já o Grêmio está mais folgado na tabela. O time vem superando as expectativas no primeiro ano de volta a Série A e segue brigando firme no G-4. Agora que foi eliminado na Copa do Brasil, o Tricolor pode voltar as atenções somentepara o Brasileirão e garantir uma vaga na próxima Libertadores.

Grêmio x Cruzeiro
CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO – 21ª RODADA

Local:Arena do Grêmio, Porto Alegre (RS)
Data e hora:27 de agosto de 2023, às 19h (Brasília)
Árbitro:Marcelo de Lima Henrique (CE)
Assistentes:Eduardo Gonçalves da Cruz (MS) e Renan Aguiar da Costa (CE)
Árbitro de vídeo:Rafael Traci (FIFA-SC)
Onde assistir:Premiere e SporTV

PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

GRÊMIO
Gabriel Grando; Fábio, Bruno Alves, Kannemann e Cuiabano; Pepê e Villasanti; Bitello, Cristaldo e Ferreira (Rodrigo Ely); Suárez.
Técnico:Renato Gaúcho.

CRUZEIRO
Rafael Cabral; Helibelton Palacios, Neris, Luciano Castan e Marlon; Lucas Silva e Jussa; Wesley, Arthur Gomes e Bruno Rodrigues; Rafael Elias.
Técnico:Pepa.

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Rayan has emerged as one of the most promising talents in Brazilian football and his performances haven't gone unnoticed by some of the Premier League's heavy hitters. Tottenham have now emerged as the favourites to sign the teenage forward, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea, Liverpool and Aston Villa. However, it's Spurs who are the frontrunners for the 19-year-old.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Rayan continuing to shine for Vasco

  Rayan has established himself as a key man for Brazilian giants Vasco da Gama having recently bagged a brace in a 4-3 victory over Vitoria. The talented teen has now scored nine league goals this season and has been tipped to make his senior Brazil debut before long.

  Vasco are reluctant to lose their prized asset but are aware of significant interest from top European sides looking to bolster their frontline. Chelsea and Liverpool have previously been linked with a move for Rayan but a recent report now suggests that Tottenham are the favourites to sign the versatile forward.

  The Brazilian side believe Rayan will leave before the end of the year and according to Portuguese publication O Dia, will demand €30m (£26m) in order to come to the negotiating table. However, it's also reported that Vasco will accept €20m up front with a further €5m in add-ons.

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• Spurs would face competition for Rayan

  Tottenham have since emerged as frontrunners to sign Rayan from Vasco and are believed to be willing to offer the full €30m up front in order to secure his services. The north London side have been monitoring the for months now and sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old earlier this year.

  Spurs, though, would face competition from a number of Premier League rivals for Rayan, with Aston Villa among those keeping tabs on the forward. Barcelona, Zenit, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have also been credited with an interest in the forward.

  In a fresh twist, Vasco are also believed to be keen on extending Rayan's current contract in a bid to raise his €40m (£35m) release clause and strengthen their hold on the talented Brazilian. Journalist Jorge Nicola has reported that Vasco president Pedrinho is working to tie the player down to a new deal.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Spurs announced cash injection on Thursday

  Tottenham have money to spend in the New Year after the club injected £100m of capital into the club. Majority shareholders, the Lewis Family, are prepared to back the north London side financially as they look to witness long-term success on the field.

  "We are pleased to announce that our majority shareholder, the Lewis family trust, has, through ENIC Sports & Development Holdings Ltd (“ENIC”), injected £100 million of new capital into the Club," a statement read on Tottenham's official website on Thursday.

  "This equity injection will further strengthen the Club’s financial position and equip the Club’s leadership team with additional resources to continue the focus on driving long-term sporting success. This additional capital is part of the Lewis family’s ongoing commitment to the Club and its future."

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• 'The Lewis family are also ambitious for the future'

  On the cash injection, non-executive chairman Peter Charrington said: "As I stated a few weeks ago, our focus is on stability and empowering the management team to deliver on the Club’s ambitions. I know the Lewis family are also ambitious for the future.

  "Today’s capital commitment reflects that ambition and I would like to thank them for their ongoing support. We will continue to do all we can to ensure that Vinai and his team are supported in the best way possible to take this Club forward."

  The injection comes after a third prospective buyer confirmed no intention to bid for the Premier League side. An American consortium led by former DJ Brooklyn Earick had previously made an informal expression of interest to buy Tottenham, which was "unequivocally rejected" by the Spurs board.

  Spurs currently sit third in the Premier League, two points behind rivals Arsenal, after their 2-1 win over Leeds prior to the international break. Spurs return to domestic duties as they welcome Aston Villa next weekend.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been calling a highly-rated player in the build up to deadline day as he looks to tempt him with a Stamford Bridge move, according to an intriguing new report.

The west Londoners are prioritising a new attacker as we fast approach this year’s summer transfer cut-off, and they’ve held extensive talks for two stars in particular.

Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho is clamoring for a move to Chelsea, having already told friends that he’ll be joining Maresca’s side (talkSPORT), and personal terms are believed to be fully agreed.

Meanwhile, RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons has also agreed terms with Chelsea, but the Bundesliga side and Blues are yet to shake hands on a club-to-club deal, as is also the case with Garnacho.

If Maresca had to choose one or the other, he’d select Garnacho, as his priority is a winger, but deals for either one of the pair still centre around Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku finding new clubs.

It isn’t simply a case of Simons or Garnacho, either, as credible reports now claim that Chelsea have reached out and contacted the representatives of Barcelona star Fermin Lopez (David Ornstein).

Lopez has become a star at the Camp Nou since Hansi Flick’s arrival last year, scoring eight goals and bagging 10 assists in 46 total appearances last year as Barça went on to clinch a domestic treble.

The Spaniard has emerged as an alternative to Simons if they cannot get a deal done for him, even if the Leipzig ace is still their priority as things stand, although this could change pretty quickly (Simon Phillips).

Chelsea ready to nearly triple Fermin Lopez's salary as Enzo Maresca calls him

According to Spanish news outlet Sport, and journalist Jordi Gil, Chelsea are ready to nearly triple Lopez’s current salary if they pivot towards the 21-year-old as their top playmaker target.

Lopez earns around £99,000-per-week in Catelonia right now, but Maresca’s side would hand him a contract of around £250,000-per-week in west London – which comes as surprising, given Chelsea aren’t known to shatter their wage structure on players.

What’s more, Maresca is believed to be personally calling Lopez over a move to Chelsea, so there is serious intent from the tactician to land him, not to mention admiration.

All of this means Lopez is starting to reconsider his future after previously stating he would remain at Barca, and Chelsea are apparently prepared to offer Flick’s side around £50 million for his services.

However, they’re still some way off the mark, as the La Liga champions are demanding £60 million.