Forget Mbeumo: "Phenomenal" Man Utd star was the real player of the month

October was certainly a month to remember for Manchester United, with Ruben Amorim enjoying the best month of his tenure after taking the reins 12 months ago.

His Red Devils side won all three of their Premier League outings, even beating defending champions Liverpool at Anfield for the first time in just under a decade.

As a result, Amorim has been handed the Premier League Manager of the Month award, with the 40-year-old claiming the trophy for the first time at Old Trafford.

Such a record has catapulted the club up England’s top-flight in 2025/26, with the first-team finally heading in the right direction after getting to grips with the 3-4-2-1 system.

The success of the team is certainly credit to the manager and his tactics, but there’s no denying that he has one player to thank for the recent upturn in league form.

Why Mbeumo won October’s Premier League Player of the Month

As part of the £200m summer spending spree, United landed the signature of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford – forking out a staggering £71m for his services.

The Cameroonian arrived with huge expectations after scoring 20 league goals last season, with the attacker already starting to come good after his big-money transfer.

He scored his first top-flight goal in the win against Burnley back in August, but his career at Old Trafford has ignited after his form over the last month.

The 26-year-old played three times in October, scoring three times and registering one assist – subsequently achieving a goal contribution in every game he played – helping him win the division’s Player of the Month award.

He scored within the first two minutes of the victory over Arne Slot’s side on Merseyside, undoubtedly playing a vital role in the triumph and making himself a fan-favourite.

Mbeumo’s goalscoring tally for the month ended with a double against Brighton and Hove Albion, helping Amorim’s side make it three wins in a row for the first time in his tenure.

The United star who should have won Player of the Month

During the last few weeks, numerous United players have managed to catch the eye and are deserving of more credit for their impact in the Premier League.

Senne Lammens made his Red Devils debut in the first triumph over Sunderland at the start of October, with the Belgian since cementing his place as a regular starter between the sticks.

The 23-year-old has already kept a clean sheet in the Premier League, whilst also playing a vital role in the historic victory at Anfield – as he made a total of five saves.

He’s not been alone in impressing, with Amad Diallo also massively thriving despite operating in a somewhat unnatural right-wing-back during the recent run.

However, central midfielder Casemiro has gone somewhat under the radar, especially after his poor form at the start of the campaign, which led to fans questioning his future at the club.

The Brazilian international has since resurrected his career at Old Trafford, with Amorim starting the experienced star in all of the victories during October.

Such a period has allowed the 33-year-old to prove some incredible numbers, many of which should have seen him being named the Player of the Month over Mbeumo.

Casemiro, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has registered two goals and assists in as his three matches – with both of his efforts coming against Brighton.

However, other numbers such as 90 passes completed and 148 touches showcase his ability to dictate the play despite his deep-lying midfield position.

Games played

3

Goals & assists

2

Minutes played

213

Passes completed

90

Touches

148

Defensive contributions

31

Tackles won

9

Recoveries made

13

Duels won

16

Out of possession, he’s been just as impressive, as seen by his tally of 13 recoveries and 16 duels won, with such numbers allowing Bruno Fernandes to operate in a more advanced role.

The revival of Casemiro over recent weeks is nothing short of sensational, with huge credit needing to be directed his way after his recent performances.

Mbeumo has also done superbly well to win the award, but his teammate will no doubt feel aggrieved that he wasn’t able to get his hands on the trophy.

Not Bruno or Mbeumo: Man Utd star is becoming one of the "best in the world"

Manchester United have already unearthed a new world-class under Ruben Amorim.

1 ByEthan Lamb Nov 7, 2025

Marcus Rashford picks out Lionel Messi hat-trick from memory as Barcelona loanee admits El Clasico 'isn't the biggest game in Manchester'

Marcus Rashford is looking forward to gracing his first Clasico, with the Barcelona loanee picking out his favourite memory from previous meetings between the Blaugrana and Real Madrid. Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi figures prominently as collective minds are cast back to iconic moments from the past – with the Argentine GOAT having often starred against the Blancos.

El Clasico: Messi has illuminated meetings with Madrid

Messi was just 19 years of age when making his first decisive contribution to a Clasico contest, with said outing taking place on March 10, 2007. He was almost unplayable that day, with a stunning hat-trick being recorded in an absorbing encounter at Camp Nou that finished 3-3.

He helped himself to another match ball in March 2014, as he outgunned eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo in a thrilling 4-3 victory for Barca at Santiago Bernabeu. Rashford is fully aware of what the fixture means to everybody in Catalunya, and millions of fans around the world.

AdvertisementGettyMessi magic: Rashford's favourite Clasico memory

He will get to experience that occasion himself on Sunday when Barca head to the Spanish capital. Rashford is raring to go, as he looks to try and emulate the brilliance of Messi and Co. The England international told Barcelona’s , having previously graced Manchester derbies during his time with boyhood club United: "It’s my first Clasico and I’m looking forward to it because it’s maybe the biggest game there is. I’m from Manchester, so it’s not the biggest game in Manchester. It’s the most watched game in the world."

Rashford added on his memories of watching Clasico clashes growing up: "It’s just that big of a game that is important, if you want to learn from the best players, especially how to be so good in the most pressured moments, you have to study these games.

"To remember one memory is difficult. You watch all the El Clasicos from history. You try to learn from the best players, especially in the most pressure moments. I remember, for example, Messi’s hat trick in his early days in El Clasico. These games are fantastic to watch because you don’t have to be a Barcelona or Real Madrid fan to enjoy this game.

"I expect the atmosphere to be really good. These games are fantastic to watch. And it’s great because you don’t have to be a Barcelona or Real Madrid fan to enjoy this game. It’s a special game."

Why Pedri has impressed Barcelona loanee Rashford

Rashford has registered five goals and as many assists across his loan spell with La Liga giants. Hansi Flick will be looking for more moments of inspiration from the 27-year-old against Real. He is, however, just one star in a dazzling galaxy at Barcelona.

Rashford told when asked to pick out the team-mates that have impressed him most since linking up with the Blaugrana: "There are many very talented players in the team, but the most prominent, without a doubt, is Lamine Yamal, and for me, Pedri is truly amazing. I knew he was a great player before I came here, but playing alongside him every day is a real pleasure.

"It’s hard to pick just one thing, because there are so many things I already knew about him. I think his understanding of the game is one of his greatest strengths, and that’s been clear since he started playing with the first team.

"His ability to handle the ball is amazing, and that’s not surprising – maybe if I had to choose one thing, I’d say his dribbling ability. He’s excellent at dribbling, but that’s also not strange, because he hardly ever loses the ball.

"It’s great to have him on the team, and if Pedri is on his game, there’s a high chance the team will score a lot of goals. I hope he continues to play at this level for himself and for all of us."

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GettyFight for first: Top spot in La Liga up for grabs

Reigning La Liga champions Barcelona will head to the Bernabeu sat second in the table, two points adrift of leaders Real – meaning that a positive result for Rashford and Co will take them back to the summit before matchday 10 in the 2025-26 campaign comes to a close.

'Harry Kane is so clever' – English striker's strength shocked Mats Hummels but Bayern Munich striker needs a 'more awesome' celebration, says Germany legend

Former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels waxed lyrical about Harry Kane following his record-breaking start to the 2025-26 season. The ex-Germany international believes that the English striker "will be good for a long time" as "he is so clever." The only flaw Hummels finds in Kane's game is his celebration, which "could be more awesome."

Kane on a record-breaking goal scoring spree for Bayern

Kane needed just 104 matches to set a new record for the least games taken to complete a century of goals for a single club in one of Europe's big five leagues, eclipsing Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland, who needed 105 games each with Real Madrid and Manchester City, respectively. The 32-year-old cannot be stopped at the moment, scoring 18 goals in the opening 10 games. Bayern have won 10 games out of 10, thanks in large part to Kane's exploits in the final third. As if his goal scoring feats weren't incredible enough, he has also shown immaculate application in the second striker/No.10 role behind Nicolas Jackson. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportHummels reveals which area of Kane's game left him shocked

Kane and Hummels locked horns against each other twice in the 2023-24 season, which was the former's debut campaign in the Bundesliga as well as the latter's last.

Speaking on podcast , Hummels said: "He's very strong physically. Before I played against him for the first time, I didn't know that. And I was actually always the stronger one in tackles. But he is… Wow, wow, wow. He doesn't play four players and then chip over the goalkeeper, but instead he shoots the ball rigorously into the bottom left and right corners.

"When Harry Kane has the ball on his right foot within 25 meters of the opponent's goal, you can already hear that Jabadabadu (Bayern's goal anthem). He will be good for a long time to come because he does not rely on his athleticism and he is so clever."

Kane can do better with his celebrations, says Hummels

Hummels reflected on Kane's celebration as the conversation took on a light-hearted turn. "The only issue: His celebration could be more awesome, but somehow it's also awesome because he's so sober," he added.

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(C)Getty ImagesCan Kane continue scoring streak amid Bayern exit talks?

Kane will be hoping to continue his rich vein of form on Saturday, when Bayern Munich welcome rivals Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena.

The former Tottenham forward's future has been a much talked about topic in recent months, ever since made a shock revelation regarding a secret release clause in Kane's Bayern contract. According to reports, if the talismanic striker were to inform Die Roten of his wish to leave in the upcoming winter transfer window, his exit clause will be activated for next summer, which could see him leave Sabener Street for £57 million (€65m/$76m). 

Curran 88, Chahal hat-trick, CSK 190 all out

CSK got off to a good start before swirling into a procession on two-paced black-soil pitch

Karthik Krishnaswamy30-Apr-20251:47

Finch: CSK needed a player like Brevis in middle order

A 47-ball 88 from Sam Curran put Chennai Super Kings on course to breach 200 for only the second time in IPL 2025 and the first time at home, only for Yuzvendra Chahal to send their innings spiralling to an early close with four wickets in the 19th over including a hat-trick.It left the match curiously poised: this black-soil pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium seemed two-paced through most of CSK’s innings, so 191 may well be a testing target for Punjab Kings. CSK could have ended up with a significantly bigger total, though, and PBKS have a line-up of serious depth.The finish of CSK’s innings was an extraordinary one. Chahal had only been used for two overs up to the start of the 19th, with PBKS reluctant to use him or the left-arm orthodox spinner Harpreet Brar against CSK’s left-hand batters. But with the famously spin-shy MS Dhoni new to the crease, Shreyas Iyer threw his legspinner the ball.Dhoni hit a six off his first legal ball, only to hole out next ball. A procession followed, with Chahal dismissing Deepak Hooda, Anshul Kamboj and Noor Ahmad off the last three balls of the over.Through all this, Shivam Dube, CSK’s best spin-hitter, was stuck at the non-striker’s end. He may even have wondered if he should have refused a second run off the first ball Hooda faced, and kept the strike against Chahal. Dube picked up an inside-edged four off the first ball of the final over but holed out next ball, which meant CSK had lost their last five wickets for six runs, in the space of seven balls.Until that harebrained passage of play, CSK might have been the happier side by far. They had lost both openers early, but Curran had defied the two-paced pitch and sapping humidity to play an innings of some substance. His 47-ball innings included nine fours, four sixes and just ten dot balls.The defining passage of his innings came in the 16th over, when Iyer chose to give the military-medium Suryansh Shedge a third over rather than risk bowling Chahal or Brar against the two left-handers at the crease. Shedge had conceded just 14 off his first two overs, but Curran kept pouncing on his errors now, hitting him for two sixes and two fours in a 26-run over.That Shedge had to bowl that over was also an effect of PBKS losing Glenn Maxwell – possibly for the rest of the season – to a broken finger. Maxwell has had a difficult IPL with the bat, but has contributed significantly with his offspin, which PBKS would have welcomed against CSK’s left-handers.

Not Aasgaard: Martin is brewing the next Tillman in "fearless" Rangers star

There is no hiding away from the fact that Glasgow Rangers have had a horrendous start to the 2025/26 campaign, domestically and in Europe, under Russell Martin.

The Light Blues swooped to appoint the former Scotland international, who had been out of work since being sacked by Southampton last season, but he has failed to win the supporters over yet.

It has been the worst start for the club in the Scottish Premiership in 47 years, with four draws and one loss in five games, after the 2-0 loss to Hearts on Saturday.

Lawrence Shankland, who was a reported target for Rangers last year, scored both of the goals for the Jam Tarts, as the Light Blues failed to offer a threat of their own at the other end of the pitch.

The Ibrox giants made 14 additions to their first-team squad during the summer transfer window, which means that there does need to be a degree of patience with some individuals as they get up to speed in a difficult environment, created by the team’s performances.

Rangers have seen it plenty of times in recent years when a player has a slow start to life at Ibrox before exploding into life. Malik Tillman is one notable example of that.

Rangers hit the jackpot with Malik Tillman

The Light Blues swooped to sign the USA international from German giants Bayern Munich on a season-long loan in the summer of 2022 to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

At the time of the announcement, Giovanni van Bronckhorst said: “He is an exciting young talent who will further add to our attacking options and myself and the coaching staff are looking forward to working with him.”

The Dutch head coach made it clear that he was a ‘young talent’ whom the coaching staff would work with, which is why it was not a surprise when he had a fairly slow start to life at Ibrox.

Tillman managed two goals and one assist in his first 12 appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues, as he struggled for consistency early on in his Glasgow career, per Sofascore.

However, the German-born star went on to end the campaign with 12 goals and five assists in 43 outings for the Scottish giants, which shows that he improved his output at the top end of the pitch as the season went on.

22/23 SPFL

Tillman

Percentile rank vs AMs

xG

6.35

Top 9%

xG on target

6.59

Top 8%

Goals

10

Top 6%

xA

4.60

Top 15%

Assists

4

Top 33%

Chances created

46

Top 9%

Successful dribbles

43

Top 9%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Tillman ended up being one of the most impressive attacking midfielders in the Premiership in the 2022/23 campaign, as he ranked highly as a scorer, a creator, and as a dribbler.

This shows that the Gers hit the jackpot with the USMNT talent because they were willing to be patient with him as a loan player, which is something to keep in mind when judging the current squad.

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Whilst you may jump to Thelo Aasgaard as a direct comparison to Tillman, given that he is also an attacking midfielder and has failed to deliver a goal or an assist in his first three outings in the Premiership.

However, Martin is brewing the club’s next version of Tillman at Ibrox in a different underperforming Light Blues attacking signing – Mikey Moore.

Why Mikey Moore is the next Malik Tillman for Rangers

Unlike Aasgaard, Moore is similar to the former Rangers star in the sense that he is also a loan player from a big European club, Tottenham Hotspur instead of Bayern Munich, and is a young and inexperienced player.

Whereas Aasgaard is 23 and played 163 first-team matches for Wigan, as well as 17 for Luton Town, before his permanent move to Ibrox during the summer transfer window.

Moore arrived in Glasgow this summer with just three league starts in first-team football under his belt during his time with Spurs, as this is his first loan move away from the Europa League champions.

This is why it should not be a surprise to anyone that the 18-year-old talent has had a slow start at Rangers, despite his claim that he would like to be one of the best players in the world.

Moore has delivered no goals and one assist in five appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues so far this season, per Transfermarkt, assisting Nedim Bajrami for the opener in the 4-2 win over Alloa Athletic in the League Cup.

All of the teenage talent’s appearances for the Light Blues so far this season have come on the left wing, per Transfermarkt, but his career statistics suggest that he should be used more centrally.

Mikey Moore’s career (U18, U21, and first-team)

Position (appearances)

Goals

Assists

Left wing (18)

4

6

Attacking midfield (8)

6

4

Centre-forward (7)

11

4

Right wing (6)

1

0

Left midfield (3)

0

1

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Moore has scored 17 goals and delivered eight assists in 15 outings as an attacking midfielder or striker, compared to five goals and seven assists in 27 games as a winger, on the right and left combined.

These statistics suggest that the English whiz, who was described as “fearless” by teammate James Maddison, would be far more effective for the Gers if Martin utilised him as an attacking midfielder or perhaps as a second striker behind Bojan Miovski or Youssef Chermiti.

Moore has looked a little lost on the left wing in the Premiership, completing 17% of his attempted dribbles this season per Sofascore, and playing him centrally could help to simplify his game and allow him to concentrate on making an impact in the box, rather than trying to beat three or four players with the ball.

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Therefore, there needs to be a degree of patience with Moore whilst he finds his feet at Ibrox and Martin finds out how best to utilise his talent within the team, because his statistics in central positions suggest that he has the potential to explode in the same way that Tillman did.

The new Palmer: Chelsea hold first talks to sign "exceptional" £26m phenom

While Chelsea have made more than their fair share of transfer mistakes over the last few years, they’ve also signed several outrageously talented players.

However, while Moises Caciedo, Enzo Fernández and Pedro Neto are all examples of great signings, there is one player who stands head and shoulders above the rest: Cole Palmer.

The England international joined the Blues from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, and since then has amassed a sensational tally of 72 goal involvements in 98 games for the club.

Therefore, the Stamford Bridge faithful should be very excited about reports linking them to someone who could become their next Palmer.

Chelsea target their new Palmer

While their draw to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon has put a bit of a dampener on things, Chelsea have had a brilliant summer in terms of transfers so far.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The board have been able to get rid of a host of players who weren’t at the level required, while also bringing in a handful of young and hungry talents who could develop into superstars, like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jorrel Hato.

Yet, with just under two weeks to go until the window slams shut, the West Londoners are still keen to add to their squad, and are now moving for someone who could be the next Palmer.

At least that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which claims Chelsea are very interested in signing Rico Lewis.

In fact, the report goes further than that and reveals that the Blues have already made contact with City about a deal for the youngster this summer.

It’s not clear how much the Englishman would cost, but the report has also revealed that Nottingham Forest have already made an offer of around €30m for the youngster, which is about £26m.

While it will likely be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line this summer, Lewis has shown enough in his short career that Chelsea should do what they can to get him, especially as he could be another Palmer.

Why Lewis would be another Palmer

The first thing to say is that, yes, Lewis and Palmer play in entirely different positions on the pitch, and, as a result, play the game in different ways.

However, that doesn’t mean the former couldn’t be a new version of the latter, as the comparison isn’t really about their position on the pitch.

Instead, if this transfer were to happen, it would be another example of City willingly selling one of their young and exciting academy graduates to the Blues.

Not only that, but one who has likely got a future in the senior England setup, as he’s already won five caps for the side at just 20 years old.

In fact, not only would Pep Guardiola and Co be allowing another talented player to move to Stamford Bridge, but they could be letting a genuine superstar in the making move to a rival.

Manchester City'sRicoLewisin action with Paris St Germain's Achraf Hakimi

We say this as, when you take a look under the hood, at the right-back’s underlying numbers, they are sensational.

For example, FBref rank the Bury-born gem in the top 1% of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, the top 4% for through balls, the top 7% for carries, the top 2% for progressive passes, the top 9% for passes into the final third and more, all per 90.

Pass Completion %

91.9%

Top 1%

Passes Completed

59.83

Top 4%

Pass Completion % (Long)

65.2%

Top 4%

Through Balls

0.24

Top 4%

Passes Received

53.11

Top 6%

Carries

43.58

Top 7%

Progressive Passes

6.03

Top 8%

Live-ball Passes

58.86

Top 8%

Passes into Final Third

4.88

Top 9%

Total Carrying Distance

219.04

Top 10%

Touches (Att 3rd)

24.21

Top 11%

In other words, the “exceptional” talent, as dubbed by Guardiola, is showing serious signs that he could be a world-class player in time, much like there would have been signs that Palmer was something special before his move two years ago.

Ultimately, even if the final fee ends up substantial, Chelsea should do what they can to sign Lewis this summer, as he could be an unmissable market opportunity.

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Chelsea in talks to sell star with Ugochukwu, Dewsbury-Hall and Chukwuemeka

Chelsea are continuing their serious progress when it comes to selling players this summer, with talks ongoing to offload another star with Lesley Ugochukwu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka.

"Brave" Chelsea player who Maresca loves now "wants to leave" this summer

The Blues could lose one of their best prospects.

ByTom Cunningham Aug 4, 2025

In the last 72 hours, Enzo Maresca’s side have raised around £65 million in outgoings, starting with Armando Broja, who’s completed a move to Burnley (Fabrizio Romano).

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Since then, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall has agreed a switch to Premier League rivals Everton and Ugochukwu has agreed to follow Broja to Turf Moor. Once all of those deals are announced, the club are expected to raise their total transfer income to far north of £200 million.

As things stand, Chelsea are around £58 million away from completely balancing their books, which is imperative considering their pact with UEFA.

Their seismic financial windfalls from winning the Club World Cup and qualifying for the Champions League next season have already put Chelsea in solid financial stead when it comes to PSR, but it is an entirely different case when it comes to FFP.

The Blues were fined for breaching FFP rules last month and must produce a ‘positive transfer balance’ if they want to register new signings for the Champions League next season, which explains their impressive hustle in agreeing a host of exit deals recently.

Amid Chelsea’s talks to sign both RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons and Man United’s Alejandro Garnacho, the need to make sales won’t stop here.

Borussia Dortmund are in talks to sign Carney Chukwuemeka again, so there could be yet another opportunity for Chelsea to seal another quick-fire exit this week.

Alongside the aforementioned quartet who have played their last games in Chelsea blue, £195,000-per-week attacker Christopher Nkunku can still leave Stamford Bridge before deadline day.

Chelsea in talks to sell Christopher Nkunku

That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who says Chelsea are in ongoing talks over selling Nkunku after a mixed campaign.

The Frenchman still managed to rack up 15 goals in all competitions, despite not being a key player under Maresca last season, and there is a belief that United are still targeting Nkunku among other interested sides.

Called a “top player” by ex-teammate João Félix, Chelsea have apparently been forced to reduce their asking price for the ex-Leipzig sensation too, so clubs will certainly be tempted to bite the bullet.

Fabrizio Romano: Tottenham working on signing attacker after Gibbs-White blow

Fabrizio Romano has shared an encouraging Tottenham transfer update after the club unfortunately missed out on a deal for Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White.

Tottenham set to make offer for "sensational" £45m star after holding talks

Spurs have been in contact over a deal for a midfielder, with an opening bid now in the works.

2

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 28, 2025

Spurs head coach Thomas Frank was dealt his first blow as Lilywhites manager with the surprise Saturday announcement that Gibbs-White signed a new deal at the City Ground.

Just over two weeks ago, the England international was on the verge of joining Frank’s side. Chairman Daniel Levy was ready to trigger his £60 million release clause in another quick-fire, statement deal right after they signed Mohammmed Kudus for £55 million from West Ham (ESPN).

The move was so advanced, in fact, that Spurs scheduled a medical for the attacking midfielder on July 11 – but Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis somehow managed to block his transfer in unprecedented fashion.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Marinakis threatened legal action against Tottenham for an alleged ‘illegal’ approach for Gibbs-White, accusing them of both tapping up the player and breaching confidentiality rules surrounding his release clause (Sky Sports).

Since then, Marinakis did what he hasn’t been able to do for the last 12 months – convince the 25-year-old to agree a contract extension.

With Gibbs-White now committing his future, Frank, Levy and technical director Johan Lange are now forced to enter the market for an alternative number 10 – which they’re in serious need of.

Tottenham really struggled for creativity against League One side Luton Town last weekend, and while it’s important not to read too much into pre-season preparations, Frank will be hoping it isn’t a sign of things to come.

James Maddison is still coming back from a knee injury which has kept him out of pre-season so far, but the Englishman has been included in Tottenham’s squad list for their imminent tour of Asia.

Tottenham working on signing Morgan Gibbs-White alternative

According to Fabrizio Romano, writing in GiveMeSport’s newsletter, Spurs are very much still on the look-out for another creative midfielder after missing out on Gibbs-White.

Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White

While no names have come up just yet, Romano states that Tottenham are actively “working” on signing a Gibbs-White alternative right now – coming as some much-needed good news after what was a waste of two weeks.

“They’re working on it [alternative targets for Gibbs-White],” said Romano. “As soon as I know, I will tell you.”

In terms of quality candidates, we believe that Spurs should look no further than Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal are believed to be pursuing a deal for Eze, but nothing is done yet, and Spurs have been credibly linked with the 27-year-old this window (talkSPORT).

The England international, who commands a £60 million release clause which could rise to £68 million through bonuses (Sky Sports), would come at a similar price to what Levy was willing to pay for Gibbs-White.

Eze also bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last term, including the FA Cup final-winning goal against Man City, would undoubtedly upgrade Frank’s options, and he’s almost a no-brainer to at least consider.

Club América star Henry Martín back in full training as Las Águilas eye 100th win over Chivas in Clásico Nacional No. 262

Striker appears ready for the upcoming rivalry clash against Chivas

  • Jonathan dos Santos missed Tuesday’s session
  • Allan Saint-Maximin could start against Chivas
  • América trained without their internationals
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  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Henry Martín looks to be finding light at the end of the tunnel after a frustrating stretch of injuries – from Achilles issues last season to recurring muscle problems and, most recently, a knee setback. The América captain has endured the toughest run of his career, limited to just 20 appearances and two goals so far in 2025. But signs point to the No. 9 being ready for Saturday’s Clásico Nacional against Chivas.

    The 32-year-old returned to full training Tuesday, a key step for a striker who has scored 97 goals for América since arriving in 2018. He also played in his club's friendly against D.C. United on Sunday – a 3-1 loss. 

    @soyalexorellana

    Henry Martín apunta al Clásico este fin de semana contra Chivas El capitán sigue realizando algunos trabajos por separado de sus compañeros pero entrenó al parejo este martes No deberían existir contratiempos 🔥 #clubamerica #clubamerica🦅💛💙 #LigaMX #chivas #henrymartin

    ♬ sonido original – Alex Orellana

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Las Águilas head into the clásico sitting second in Liga MX with 17 points, while Chivas languish near the bottom on just four. Still, history shows the Clásico rarely follows form – often, the bigger the gap between the clubs, the likelier the upset.

    At Tuesday’s session in Mexico City, several regulars were missing. In addition to internationals Luis Ángel Malagón, Erick Sánchez, Brian Rodríguez, Rodrigo Aguirre, Sebastián Cáceres, and Alejandro Zendejas, veteran midfielder Jonathan dos Santos was absent for a routine medical check. Club sources stressed Dos Santos' availability for Saturday isn’t in doubt. Jardine expects to have all of his call-ups back by Thursday to rejoin the squad ahead of the match against Chivas. 

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    One of the biggest storylines could be French winger Allan Saint-Maximin. Fresh off scoring two goals in two substitute appearances, he earned a start against D.C. United Sunday and may well feature again from the opening whistle against Chivas.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR CLUB AMÉRICA?

    The 262nd edition of the Clásico Nacional between América and Chivas, set for this Saturday, could mark a historic milestone in Mexican football’s biggest rivalry.

    América enter the match with the chance to record their 100th victory over their archrivals. The all-time head-to-head currently stands at 99 wins for Las Águilas, 80 for Chivas, and 82 draws across official competitions.

Easwaran, Samson hit contrasting tons on 11-wicket day

Easwaran made a back-to-the-wall ton to reduce India B’s deficit

Shashank Kishore20-Sep-2024Like he did in the previous match, Abhimanyu Easwaran waged a lone battle for India B as they stare at a substantial first-innings deficit in the final round of the 2024-25 Duleep Trophy in Anantapur.Easwaran backed his unbeaten 157 in the previous game with a second-straight century, a 170-ball 116, before being adjudged caught behind. Easwaran, who went for a hook shot, seemed to suggest the ball had deflected off his arm guard.He couldn’t contest the decision because the BCCI has enabled DRS only for the other fixture, between India A and India C, which is being broadcast.The runs couldn’t have come at a better time, given India will be looking to possibly narrow down on a reserve openers’ slot while looking ahead to the India A tour to Australia, followed by the five-Test Border Gavaskar Trophy, also in Australia.Related

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Kishan, Patidar miss out as India A call the shots

Prior to Easwaran’s typically gritty knock, it was Sanju Samson who brought the thrill, racing to what was only his 11th first-class century, in 105 innings, at better than a run-a-ball. Samson hit 12 fours and three sixes in his 101-ball 106 that formed the bedrock of India D’s 349.Navdeep Saini had a second impressive outing, picking up 5 for 74, to go with his five wickets and a half-century in the opening round of matches.Already out of the reckoning for a trophy having lost both their games so far, India D hit back with the ball courtesy Arshdeep Singh and Aditya Thakare. Arshdeep, who is looking to build his way up the red-ball charts after becoming a white-ball regular for India, picked up 3 for 30 across 12 overs.This included the big wickets of Suryakumar Yadav (5) and the in-form Musheer Khan (5). Nitish Kumar Reddy, among the BCCI’s target pool of players, bagged a third single-digit score in the tournament, two of them ducks, when he was nicked off by Arshdeep.Washington Sundar batted with composure to remain unbeaten on 39 at stumps. He’ll have to do a bulk of the scoring on Saturday if India D are to minimise what could be a massive first-innings deficit.

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