Tottenham Hotspur suffered their fourth loss in just their last six Premier League games over the weekend, and it has understandably sent the fanbase into a rage.

This frustration was only exacerbated as Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Saturday night that former north London favourite Mauricio Pochettino had accepted to take the vacant Chelsea post. Meanwhile, Daniel Levy deliberates, seemingly unimpressed by Julian Nagelsmann as an option.

A more finalised list has since emerged, detailing key names who are of interest to the Lilywhites. Journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke, writing for the Athletic, suggested that those in contention are now: “Arne Slot, Roberto De Zerbi, Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim."

Clearly aiming to place his trust in a younger option, perhaps the Brighton and Hove Albion head coach could demand preferential treatment due to his experience in English football.

However, the Italian will surely want to keep things as close to his current outfit that has earned such unprecedented success on the south coast.

Fortunately for him, in Yves Bissouma one of his key assets could quickly be replicated, by moulding Spurs’ £25m warrior in Moises Caicedo’s image to repeat his earlier triumph.

How has Yves Bissouma played this season?

Whilst the Ecuadorian general has been an integral cog in De Zerbi’s high-flying side, the 26-year-old has endured a trying first campaign in north London.

This was despite the glowing praise the initial business earned from journalist Charlie Eccleshare, who wrote on Twitter: “As I've said many times before I think Bissouma, 25, is an outstanding player, and this looks like a brilliant signing.”

Having been brought in by Antonio Conte, the Mali international has only mustered eight starts all season in the league, only recently returning from an injury too.

Having struggled through those short cameos too, boasting a poor 6.67 average rating, it is easy to forget just how instrumental he was for Brighton last campaign. Journalist Aaron Stokes had predicted that a move to a big six club was impending back in 2021, branding him an “absolute monster."

His 7.07 average rating during the 2021/22 season was upheld by an 89% pass accuracy and 2.9 tackles per game, to emphasise his importance, via Sofascore.

Under a manager that would know how to get the best out of him, finally Spurs fans could see the player they first thought they had captured.

For comparison, Caicedo has enjoyed a standout year in blue and white, with his 7.13 average rating also backed up by the perfectly aligned 89% pass accuracy and 2.9 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

Although the 21-year-old has more of a creative side, with his 1.2 key passes per game a superb anomaly for someone so workmanlike, De Zerbi would likely believe that under his tutelage Bissouma could reach such heights.

Levy has done little to endear himself to fans of late, but in capturing the boss of this Premier League rival, he could turn last summer’s signing into a true monster.

Wolves are thought to be interested in signing Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz on a free transfer this summer, according to a new update.

Is Diaz set to leave Real Madrid?

The 29-year-old has spent two different spells with the La Liga giants and reigning Champions League holders since 2016, initially graduating from the B team, and then rejoining the club after one year with Ligue 1 side Lyon. He has always been limited to a bit-part role, however, given some of the world-class attacking talent on show at the Santiago Bernabeu, from Vinicius Jr to Karim Benzema, among many others.

Diaz has still racked up 84 appearances for Madrid, though, which is no mean feat, and he has chipped in with 12 goals and three assists in that time. The £106,000-a-week attacker's current deal expires at the end of this season and it looks almost certain that he will move on to pastures new at that point, in order to be a regular elsewhere.

With Wolves likely to be looking at bringing in new signings in the attacking third this summer, it looks as though the Madrid could be a potential option to strengthen Julen Lopetegui's team.

Are Wolves interested in signing Diaz?

According to Mundo Deportivo [via Sport Witness], Wanderers have "appeared" as potential suitors to sign Diaz in the summer window, with Lopetegui knowing the player well from his stint as Madrid boss in 2018.

It is stated that the Wolves boss could "meet again" with his former player, with a free transfer in the offing. The one-cap Dominican Republic international is set to make a decision over his future soon.

Diaz could be an intriguing signing by Wanderers at the end of the campaign, with his pedigree undeniable, considering he has represented Europe's most successful club for a number of years now. He is now a two-time Champions League winner, not to mention also winning three La Liga titles, among numerous other trophies in his career.

The fact that Wolves would be able to sign him for free makes the transfer far less of a risk, too, should the move not work out, even though he could demand high wages. Wolves have been too goal-shy throughout this season, only scoring 31 times in 37 Premier League games in 2022/23 to date, with Daniel Podence and Ruben Neves the joint-top scorers in the division with just six goals apiece.

Mitchell Starc has joined Nathan Lyon in criticising deep footholes on the crease at the SSC ground in Colombo, while also intimating that the touring pacemen have not been well served by the maintenance of that area all series

Daniel Brettig in Colombo14-Aug-20161:58

It’s happening too late in the series – Starc

Australia’s spearhead Mitchell Starc has joined offspinner Nathan Lyon in criticising the deep footholes on the crease at the SSC ground in Colombo, while also intimating that the touring pacemen have not been well served by the maintenance of that area all series.Lyon had already flagged the deep excavation in the landing areas for the bowlers after day one, and on the second morning, Starc attracted the attention of the umpires for following through in the danger zone – at least in part because his preferred landing spot was far from solid.”It’s not great,” Starc said. “Nathan mentioned a few things yesterday about how it is after a day-one wicket. The fact that they fill the holes with not much and it was still wet this morning, and has been after each innings that we’ve bowled through the series, and the fact they’ve probably bowled 15 overs of pace through the whole series, it is a bit easier for the spinners to land on than it is for our quicks.”I understand the wicket is what it is and both teams play on that, but the actual bowling crease has been pretty disappointing this Test match.”A former groundsman at Adelaide Oval, Lyon had quipped that “I think I’ve just hit water – the hole’s that deep”. “It’s ridiculous on a day-one wicket, if I am being brutally honest,” he said. “It creates a lot of problems, not just for me – Josh Hazlewood lands in the middle of it, so, hopefully, the curators can somehow fix that.”Having grabbed his third five-wicket haul in as many innings, Starc is hopeful of an overdue quieter day ahead, after Steven Smith and Shaun Marsh set Australia’s first decent batting platform of the series.”Boys started the innings really well,” Starc said. “We’re one down, unfortunately, but the way Shaun and Steve played through that last session was great, what we’ve looked for the whole series. It’s just a couple Test matches too late. But positive signs, obviously. We’ve got four Test matches in India early next year, so we’re making good steps forward. It’s just happened too late in this series.”Starc has reason to want the chance to rest in the team viewing area on day three, as his brother Brandon Starc will be competing for Australia in the Olympic high jump event in Rio around 5am Sri Lanka time on Monday.”I’m glad we’re batting so I’ll be able to get up about 5am and watch the brother over in Rio do his thing in the high jump,” Starc said. “Pretty excited and proud of the younger brother to represent his country at an Olympics. He sounds pretty excited as you would be in your first Olympic Games.”He’s worked his butt off to get there, so I’m very proud of him, and I’m sure he’ll do himself and his country proud tomorrow.”

Liverpool reporter Paul Gorst took to Twitter to share Anfield’s brutal reaction to referee John Brooks, after he waved away the protests about a perceived foul from Matty Cash on Luis Diaz this afternoon.

What was the Liverpool vs Aston Villa result?

Liverpool’s hopes of finishing inside the Premier League top four were dealt a huge blow today, drawing 1-1 against Aston Villa at Anfield, in a game with plenty of controversy.

Reporter James Pearce claimed that Tyrone Mings was “very lucky” to not be sent for an early bath after catching Cody Gakpo in the chest with his studs in what was the “most obvious red card”.

However, that was not the only time the referee was scrutinised in the first half.

The decision not to even blow for a foul when Diaz was brought down as he was racing through on goal left the Anfield crowd furious, as detailed by Gorst on Twitter, with the reporter saying:

“Loud boos all around Anfield as Diaz is brought down by Cash as the last man. Referee John Brooks waved it away.”

How did Liverpool play today?

It was a very questionable decision for Gorst not to even blow for a foul on Diaz, given that he looked like he was about to race through on goal, while the decision not to conduct a VAR review the foul by Mings left Pearce in disbelief.

That said, the Reds did not perform well enough in the first half, failing to register a single shot on target, while they were also lucky that Ollie Watkins blazed his penalty wide, after Ibrahima Konate clumsily brought the striker down in the box.

Jurgen Klopp’s men sprung into life in the second half, and Cody Gakpo thought he had equalised, but Virgil van Dijk was deemed to be offside in the build up, leaving some members of the media baffled.

Liverpool will be disappointed with their first-half performance, which ultimately ended up costing them, despite Roberto Firmino’s late equaliser, however, you could say that some strange decisions from Brooks did them no favours today.

Newcastle United are confident of finalising a new long-term contract for Bruno Guimaraes, according to reports.

What's the latest on Bruno Guimaraes' future?

The Magpies midfielder first arrived in the Premier League from Lyon back in January 2022 and has since gone on to make a total of 57 appearances to date, establishing himself as a regular feature in the heart of Eddie Howe’s squad, starting 32 games from 38 this term.

The Brazilian international still has another three years remaining on his contract, but being the northeast outfit’s top-performing defensive player and third overall with a WhoScored match rating of 7.21, he’s been attracting interest ahead of the upcoming window.

The Times report that Barcelona are considering a summer move for the 25-year-old following his hugely influential campaign in the black and white stripes, but it sounds like neither PIF nor the boss are planning on letting him go anywhere.

Is Guimaraes leaving Newcastle?

According to 90min, Newcastle are “unconcerned” about Guimaraes being targeted by overseas clubs and they believe that negotiations regarding signing fresh terms are “very much on track”. Barcelona are once again credited with an admiration alongside Real Madrid, but it’s stated that the Magpies aren’t fearful that he’ll depart in the months ahead.

The St. James’ Park talisman is “very happy’ in the northeast and has been “in talks” about a new contract for “months”, so the club are therefore “confident” that an agreement will have been reached “before the new season begins”.

Should Newcastle keep or sell Guimaraes?

Newcastle will know what a sensational defensive midfielder they have got in Guimaraes who also has the appreciation of his teammates having been hailed “world-class” by Dan Burn, so making the decision to keep him and reward him with a new deal is nothing less than he deserves.

The World Cup participant, who pockets £120,000-per-week, recorded a total of 78 tackles during 2022/23 which was higher than any other member of Howe’s squad, as per FBRef, but he was also a threat at the opposite end of the pitch having posted nine goal contributions (five assists and four goals) in 32 top-flight outings.

Finally, Guimaraes has the versatility to operate slightly higher up in central midfield and even at centre-back alongside his natural position sitting just in front of the backline so is a great option for the manager to have at his disposal, and there’s no doubting that he will continue to be a massively important player in many more years to come, especially if he pens a new deal.

Joel Ward has been an excellent performer for Crystal Palace over the years, and his goal at Craven Cottage on Saturday was a moment he deserved, podcaster Dan Cook has claimed.

How did Ward play against Fulham?

The 33-year-old scored his first goal of the season as Palace came from behind to snatch a point, bundling in a late equaliser from a free kick.

The right-back has been a consistent performer over the years, having made 334 appearances for the club, but goals are a rare occurrence, with just six strikes in this time.

Speaking on the HLTCO podcast, Cook lauded Ward as a club hero following his goal, and praised what was a special moment for the veteran.

"Ward is not ever someone that you could expect to put in a 10 out of 10 performance as a modern full-back, he's not going to bomb on, put crosses into the box or affect the game from an attacking perspective week after week. But from a defensive perspective, he's always a seven out of 10," he stated.

"I mean this categorically, I have never seen Joel Ward have a stinker of a game. He is Mr. Consistent. He's just part of the furniture really at Crystal Palace and one of those players who is not really appreciated by those outside of our fan base.

"From my perspective individually, it was just fantastic to see Ward score."

Should Crystal Palace keep Ward?

The defender is out of contract at the end of the season, and with it currently unclear what direction Palace will go in when looking for a new manager, it remains to be seen whether the Englishman will extend his stay.

If Ward is keen on an extension then it's a no-brainer for Palace to keep Ward for another season, whilst also exploring the market for younger full-backs who can eventually be his successor.

Ward has been a consistent figure in the Crystal Palace team, apart from a spell where Aaron Wan-Bissaka broke through and earned himself a big-money move to Manchester United.

He was able to rack up 25 accurate passes on the weekend and also registered two shots on goal despite only having 43 touches of the ball (via SofaScore).

Palace should be in the market for a defender who can initially rotate with Ward, as the veteran may not be able to start for an entire season, but given his experience and his long affiliation with the club, keeping him in the dressing room could be important as the club prepares to make changes off the pitch.

Roy Hodgson has had a successful spell as interim boss, but there still remain questions over whether he should continue in his role or if Palace should look to start a different project.

Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s coach, admitted it was very frustrating to see Mohammad Irfan only able to deliver five overs at Headingley before leaving the field with what was said to be cramp

Andrew McGlashan at Headingley02-Sep-2016Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s coach, admitted it was “very frustrating” to see Mohammad Irfan only able to deliver five overs at Headingley before leaving the field with what was said to be cramp despite having been training as a standby player.Irfan had been drafted into the squad after Mohammad Hafeez was ruled out of the series and was one of four changes Pakistan made after conceding the world record total of 444 for 3 at Trent Bridge.He delivered Pakistan’s fieriest spell of the one-day series to remove Jason Roy and Alex Hales, setting back England’s chase of 248, and nearly claimed Eoin Morgan as well during a hostile over in the ninth. That battle with Morgan ended his first spell when he was then withdrawn from the attack after five overs. He continued fielding for a period which included holding a catch at fine leg to remove Joe Root, then disappeared to the dressing room.He eventually prepared to bowl again for the 42nd over but only managed one delivery, a vast wide off the pitch outside off, before trudging off again with Arthur clearly unimpressed as he watched from the sidelines.Leading into his comeback match, Irfan had bowled just four competitive overs – in a domestic T20 for Islamabad against Lahore on August 26 – although Arthur did reference two “50-over games” as part of his period with the National Cricket Academy (NCA).”It’s very frustrating,” Arthur said. “There were checks and balances in place. He was put on standby when we selected our one-day squad, he went to the NCA and did his training. He played two 50-over games and 20-over game and was resident at the NCA for a period of a week and a half.”Arthur conceded “I’m finding my way with the one-day team” – which was already in a far greater degree of flux than the Test side when he came in as coach – but insisted he has a full say in selection alongside the chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq.”I want to give guys opportunities and then we’ll know by the end of the tour who we can and can’t take forward. Irfan was a player of interest and I wanted to have a look at him go. Inzi and myself have developed a really good relationship. We speak a hell of a lot. I spent probably 40 minutes on the phone to him yesterday just discussing where we were and possible names who could come in in positions I’ve identified. What I am finding out is who can do a job and who can’t.”Arthur, who before the match at Lord’s earlier in this series said that no one’s position was safe in the side, and put his over-30s on particular notice, admitted it had been an “eye-opening” four matches against England.”England are a phenomenal cricket team, power hitters all the way down, we haven’t been able to get quick starts and clear the ropes,” he said. “We just don’t have the players to do that within our group of 15 at the moment. Those are things we need to address and bear in mind for the next series. It also gives me an opportunity to decide who we take forward and how we play our cricket. With every game that becomes clearer and clearer.”One issue he remains adamant on, however, is that players must conform to the off-field standards expected. One particular name in focus continues to be Umar Akmal whose attitude has come in for previous criticism by Arthur. He is still sidelined from the national side, having not been included for the one-off T20 at Old Trafford, and Arthur was again cautious in his assessment of Akmal.”They have to conform. You would like to think, and I’ve never worked with Umar so it’s all hearsay for me, that he’s learnt a lesson,” Arthur said. “I haven’t had any conversations with him yet. He’s a very good finisher. His form in the local T20 competition is very good so he’s putting his hand up and he’s going about his business in a fairly good way. But in terms of other off-field stuff, that will be decided at a later date and we’ll never compromise.”

Everton ended the 22/23 campaign at Goodison Park, roaring in adulation, basking in a seasonal culmination that so easily could have written a different narrative.

The Toffees had defeated Bournemouth 1-0, Abdoulaye Doucoure the hero after unleashing a venomous volley during the second half, and needed to do so after Leicester City beat West Ham United – the Foxes would have secured survival themselves had Everton failed to win.

A shrewd move which could be taken to ensure the pit of the Premier League becomes a fugacious memory could be found in Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom, with the one-time Arsenal starlet enjoying a tremendous campaign in the Championship, and TEAMtalk state that the 27-year-old is of interest to Dyche and co, alongside a lengthy list of suitors.

Akpom has just one year left on his current deal, and Boro boss Michael Carrick is expecting several departures to fund the summer market.

Given Akpom is valued at roughly £20m, he seems to be the optimum choice for departure.

Should Everton sign Chuba Akpom?

Toffees boss Sean Dyche, who assumed the reins in January, will be delighted that his outfit crafted a successful end to the season but will be all too aware that the jubilance stands upon pillars of strife, with the club now seeking to avoid a third successive relegation dogfight.

To do so, signing a centre-forward is surely paramount; with just 34 goals scored in the top-flight this term, Wolverhampton Wanderers are the only club to have produced fewer net-bulging moments, and the crux of the club's malaise lies in the attacking potency – or lack of it.

Having signed for Middlesbrough for £3m from Greek outfit PAOK in 2020, Akpom scored just five goals in his maiden campaign and was subsequently loaned back to to PAOK.

Returning to the Riverside Stadium this summer, the 27-year-old whiz finally harnessed his prolific prowess and plundered 28 goals from 40 Championship appearances as his side reached the playoff semi-finals and has been hailed as "remarkable" by BBC contributor Oluwashina Okeleji for his exploits.

At Goodison Park, however, he would bring an imposing threat and a ball-playing assurance to coincide with his goal-scoring aptitude, with FBref ranking him among the top 3% of forwards across Men's Next 8 divisions – preceding the established European top five – for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 4% for pass completion, the top 9% for progressive passes and the top 4% for progressive carries per 90.

He could form a deadly partnership with dynamic midfielder Alex Iwobi, who has been resurgent at Goodison Park this season, having found a home in a new, more central role, scoring twice and registering nine assists over the course of the season.

The £120k-per-week Nigerian ranks among the top 13% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for rate of assists, the top 15% for progressive carries and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90, and could work very well alongside his former Gunners teammate, both players heaping emphasis on surging into the final third and instigating promising pieces of play.

Akpom clearly has a striker's instinct to succeed, on top of his progressive presence and knack at keeping things slick and secure in the offence, he could be just what Dyche needs heading into next season.

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic is closing in on a move to Manchester City this summer, according to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Kovacic expected to leave Chelsea?

The Blues suffered a hugely disappointing season in the Premier League, finishing 12th in the division, which almost nobody could have predicted back in August. A combination of managerial issues, poor individual performances and iffy signings all played a part in the struggles, and huge improvements are needed in 2023/24.

Kovacic is one of many players who has fallen a long way below his top level, with his displays often lacking the influence they have had in the past. Injuries also prevented him to just 17 starts in the league, and he couldn't do enough to prevent some very mediocre days at the office for Chelsea.

The £100,000-a-week Croatian is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this time next year, meaning this summer is the last chance to earn a fee for his services. A move to City has been strongly mooted in recent days and it now looks like it is a matter of time until he heads there.

Are Man City close to signing Kovacic?

Writing on Twitter on Thursday, Romano claimed that personal terms are almost agreed between Kovacic and City, with his move to the Premier League champions now feeling like a formality:

"More on Mateo Kovacic and Manchester City news revealed yesterday. Been told the agreement on the personal terms between Kovacic and City is really close, almost completed. Man City and Chelsea will be in direct contact to discuss the fee. Kovacic will leave."

Losing Kovacic has both plus and minus points, with the 29-year-old clearly a talented footballer, having won the Champions League during his time with Chelsea. He is also a 93-cap Croatian international, which says a huge amount about his quality and longevity, while his class in midfield is undeniable.

That being said, he has really struggled over the past 12 months, and there could be an argument to say that they are selling him a little bit past his peak, at a time when it makes more sense to receive money now, rather than lose him on a free transfer next summer.

Kovacic could easily excel for City, given his intelligence and ability to keep possession in tight areas – he enjoyed a 90.8% pass completion rate for Croatia at the 2022 World Cup – but now could be the right time for Chelsea to allow him to leave.

Pakistan offspinner Saeed Ajmal has declined a ‘fitting send-off’ from the Pakistan Cricket Board and said he ‘had no intention of quitting and will keep on playing domestic cricket’

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Sep-2016Pakistan offspinner Saeed Ajmal has declined a ‘fitting send-off’ from the Pakistan Cricket Board and said he ‘had no intention of quitting and will keep on playing domestic cricket.’Last week, PCB executive committee chairman Najam Sethi had tweeted, “PCB will honour (Shahid) Afridi and Ajmal in fitting send-offs. I will meet and discuss this with them next week.”Ajmal, however, was in no mood to retire. “I have proved my fitness in the National T20 Cup. I should be given a chance,” he told . “If I fail to perform, I will walk away myself. I am not quitting and will keep on playing domestic cricket.”I have worked really hard to stage a comeback and my performance in the National T20 Cup reflects that,” Ajmal said. “The board doesn’t have a decent offspinner in its entire domestic structure. I have played a key role in so many victories, the board should give me a chance like the West Indies are giving to Sunil Narine.”Ajmal finished this year’s National T20 Cup as the leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets in nine games at an average of 11 and a strike rate of 6.28.In September 2014, Ajmal was banned from bowling in international cricket after his action was deemed illegal for all deliveries. He subsequently remodelled his action and won his place back in the national team for all formats for the tour of Bangladesh in April last year. However, he was dropped later that year for a lack of impact: he took just one wicket in three limited-overs matches in Bangladesh at an economy rate of 6.57.In an interview with earlier this year, Ajmal had expressed his readiness for international cricket. “There is a big difference from the time when I played in the Bangladesh series last year after I was cleared,” Ajmal had said. “At that point I had the fear on the inside. Now I have removed that fear by working hard.”Ajmal has taken 178 Test wickets in 35 matches at an average of 28.10, but last played in the format in August 2014. He also has a combined tally of 269 wickets in 177 limited-overs games.