Tottenham Hotspur drew against Manchester United at Old Trafford last time out in the Premier League but Ange Postecoglou remarked that his side "deserved to win" after a spirited effort despite a host of absences.

After 21 matches in the division, Spurs are level on points with fourth-placed rivals Arsenal – who do have a game in hand – and have made promising gains since last year's malaise, only really inhibited this season by a lack of options – the lapse in form before the festive period was a by-product of this.

And while key players are now returning from injuries, midfielders Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma and talisman Heung-min Son are unavailable for the foreseeable as they compete at AFCON and the Asia Cup respectively.

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Radu Dragusin and Timo Werner have already joined the fold this month and while Postecoglou might add a midfielder to close the play this month, plans are already being mapped out for the summer.

Spurs' striker search

According to Football Insider, Tottenham will wage transfer battle against Arsenal and Fulham to complete the transfer of Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez after the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign, with the Eredivisie champions willing to discuss terms for around £30m.

West Ham United are interested in signing the player this month and have been tracking him ahead of a potential bid, but Feyenoord remain confident that they can ward off advances until the summer.

And this suits Spurs, who could now move for a midfielder to complete the winter spending before returning with full focus on securing the services of a shiny new talisman.

Santiago Gimenez's style of play

£30m is no small sum but would mark a stellar piece of business if Tottenham were indeed successful in beating off the competition to sign the Mexico international this year, with Gimenez posting 44 goals and eight assists from just 68 appearances since leaving homeland side Cruz Azul in July 2022.

Hailed for this "insane" prolificness by scout Antonio Mango, the 22-year-old was the focal frontman to fire his side into title success last season, and while PSV Eindhoven have established themselves as runaway table-toppers this term, Gimenez's return of 19 goals and four assists from 17 Eredivisie contests is quite something to behold.

To highlight his level as a high-class centre-forward, as per FBref, the 6 foot star ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across divisions similar to the Dutch top-flight over the past year for goals scored and touches in the attacking penalty area, the top 2% for total shots taken and the top 22% for progressive carries per 90.

His aptitude as an out-and-out scorer is something that Spurs don't really have, with Son dynamic as they come and providing a variegated approach to his offensive craft, clinical and creative, while Richarlison has fired himself into some excellent goalscoring form of late – with six goals from as many outings – but he is probably not the first-rate striker to lead the line for years to come.

And with the return of continental competition expected after the summer, strengthening the frontline with a player such as Gimenez is only a prudent move, enhancing and solidifying the squad's attacking impetus across multiple fronts.

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While the likes of Son and playmaker James Maddison will be his creative kernels from behind, new addition Werner could also find himself reaching new heights when competing alongside the £19k-per-week gem.

Imagine Santiago Gimenez & Timo Werner

Dubbed the "Mexican machine" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, there's no question that Gimenez boasts a clinical quality that places him alongside the finest finishers on the continent. But, of course, Premier League football demands much more than innate ability.

Werner's style of play could be perfect in ensuring the Feyenoord forward has the tools to provide him with a steady flow of opportunity, having been praised for his "lightning-quick" pace by pundit Paul Merson.

Indeed, the 27-year-old ranks among the top 3% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues for progressive carries and the top 7% for passes attempted per 90, which highlights the qualities that would be well suited to supplementing a free-shooting phenom in Gimenez.

But only returning to London on an initial loan this month, with an option to buy for around £15m, the German international will need to build on a debut performance against the Red Devils that showcased his tenacious energy and wayward finishing it all its colour.

Premier League

56

10

13

0.41

Champions League

17

8

4

0.71

FA Cup

9

3

4

0.78

Carabao Cup

5

2

0

0.40

Club World Cup

1

0

0

0.00

UEFA Super Cup

1

0

0

0.00

Total

89

23

21

0.49

*Sourced via Transfermarkt

As the table portrays, Werner did not actually depart Stamford Bridge with a half-bad return, though ten goals from 56 appearances is not exactly the kind of return to evoke confidence in a player's capability to lead the line in the Premier League.

And having started just twice in the German Bundesliga this season before his return to England due to injury issues, an inevitable patina of rust enveloping his person on the pitch.

But his talent is still discernible and if he can add confidence and a cutting edge to his pace-endowed style, then Gimenez really could find the perfect partner in the future under Postecoglou's leadership.

As highlighted earlier through his FBref metrics, Gimenez's effectiveness in front of goal is built through his ability to unleash rifled efforts with frightening regularity – what he needs at Tottenham is reliable and consistent support, and Werner can offer this, a foil of sorts in the frontline.

Werner did bag an important assist on his Premier League debut for Spurs but will need to make improvements over the coming fixtures to ensure that he plays a prominent role as the season is pulled inexorably toward the business end.

Should he succeed in this endeavour and convince Postecoglou and club chairman Daniel Levy to wrap up a permanent transfer, then his protean threat could provide Gimenez with the constancy he requires to wreak havoc on English shores.

All eyes were on Jofra Archer but it was another debutant, Josh Little, who threatened to steal centre stage as Ireland gave England a scare in their ODI in Dublin.Ireland went into their 10th ODI against England having won only once, at the 2011 World Cup, but when 19-year-old Little, one of six debutants in the match, claimed three of his four wickets to put England in trouble at 66 for 5 chasing 199 for victory, they could be forgiven for dreaming of another historic upset.It took an unbroken 98-run partnership from Ben Foakes, also winning his first ODI cap, and Surrey team-mate Tom Curran to carry England over the line for an ultimately comfortable but unconvincing four-wicket victory.Archer celebrated his highly anticipated first appearance in an England shirt with a wicket and a superb catch. But it was Liam Plunkett and Curran – arguably among Archer’s biggest rivals for a final World Cup berth – who starred as England bowled Ireland out for 198 with 11 balls remaining in the innings, reduced to 45 overs per side because of a soggy outfield which delayed the start by two hours.The target would normally be seen as easily achievable for the No.1 one-day side in the world who bat deep and love to chase. But what should have been an agenda-setting start to their World Cup run-in ended in some nervy moments for the tournament favourites, not least when Foakes survived an lbw appeal when on 37 which Ireland chose not to review and replays suggested could have been overturned.Bearing in mind that England had rested a number of first-choice players in a match which came at the end of a week dominated by the axing of Alex Hales for recreational drug use. But it was some of the side’s experienced campaigners who struggled.The pursuit did not start well, with debutant Dawid Malan calling for treatment after appearing to injure his groin taking a quick single. He batted on in clear discomfort, his ability to run obviously impaired, and saw fellow opener James Vince dismissed to what would have been a beautiful pull from the bowling of Little had George Dockrell not taken a screamer diving to his left at midwicket.Joe Root and Eoin Morgan followed cheaply, the latter to a brilliant Little bouncer which the England captain gloved to wicketkeeper Gary Wilson, before Little also had Malan caught behind for 24, at that point only the second visiting batsman to reach double figures. Joe Denly, playing his first ODI since 2009, followed soon after when Kevin O’Brien took another smart catch at midwicket.David Willey and Foakes threatened steady England until Little returned to the attack with immediate effect as Willey sent a catch straight to fine leg, with England still shaky at 101 for 6.Foakes then combined with Curran. Having been dropped by Lorcan Tucker off Mark Adair with England still needing 12, Curran then hit the winning runs with a boundary off a Little no-ball in a disappointing end to an otherwise memorable day for the bowler.Little, a former hockey player who had made 10 T20I appearances but was playing his first ODI, ended with figures of 4 for 45 off eight overs.England won the toss and put Ireland in. Archer’s wicket was a gem, ending a decent knock by Adair – another on debut, who scored 32 off 30 balls in attempting to lift his side – with a 90mph yorker that uprooted off stump. Earlier, Archer had taken a superb diving catch to hand Curran England’s first wicket of the innings, dismissing a dangerous-looking Paul Stirling.Interestingly, Archer opened the bowling in tandem with Willey, who had previously appeared to question whether picking the Barbados-born talent could destabilise England’s World Cup squad.Archer has not been named in England’s preliminary World Cup squad but has a chance to press his claims for a late inclusion. His first ball in international cricket was drilled to the boundary by Stirling amid a respectable opening spell.William Porterfield survived an lbw appeal off Willey on the second ball of the innings, and at the end of the first Powerplay, Ireland were in good shape. They had reached 55 without loss when Curran struck in his second over, with the help of Archer, to dismiss Stirling.Plunkett claimed the wickets of Porterfield and Tucker and, by the time Curran had O’Brien well caught by a diving Denly at backward point, Ireland’s promising start had fizzled to 77 for 4.An excellent piece of wicketkeeping by Foakes accounted for Andrew Balbirnie. As Balbirnie shied at a Denly wide, the batsman kept his back foot planted for what seemed like an age but, when he finally lifted his toe, Foakes – who had done well to collect the ball as it sailed a long way down the leg side – was waiting and lifted the bails for a sharp stumping.Archer returned for a second spell that took care of Adair in eye-catching style, before Plunkett and Curran rounded up the innings. Unlike Archer, those two were named in England’s preliminary World Cup squad but neither has been regarded as a shoo-in. Their latest performances will do their causes no harm ahead of the squad being finalised on May 23.

While Chelsea fans might have gone into this season hoping for a more fruitful campaign under new boss Mauricio Pochettino, any such hopes would have surely been quashed by the last five months of performances.

Despite spending big in the summer to back the Argentine, the Blues currently find themselves in tenth place and miles off Champions League qualification as the Premier League pauses for a short winter break.

That said, the club's lengthy injury list hasn't helped things, and while Christopher Nkunku and others have made their return to the first team – albeit to get injured again – Wesley Fofana might not get that chance.

The latest player touted for a move to Stamford Bridge, Jean-Clair Todibo, could take advantage of the youngster's poor injury record and displace him in Pochettino's XI.

Chelsea transfer news – Jean-Clair Todibo

According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Chelsea are among a number of clubs interested in signing OGC Nice's highly-rated defender, Todibo.

The reporter for RMCsport revealed that Manchester United and AC Milan are the two of the other interested parties, but that the French side hope to keep him this winter, while Fabrizio Romano reported that Tottenham Hotspur were also interested in the Frenchman in December.

Alongside the competition, one of the biggest barriers to this deal being completed is the price tag that the Ligue 1 side have placed on the 24-year-old's head, which, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, is around €60m, or about £52m.

While it would require Todd Boehly and co to once again dip into their seemingly endless supply of money, it might be worth it to ensure that the club have a brilliant centre-back at their disposal given Fofana's injury record.

Jean-Clair Todibo could displace Wesley Fofana

Now, a move like this could be seen as unfair on a talented young player like Fofana. After all, he hasn't even had much of a chance to prove himself in a Chelsea shirt, but therein lies what is probably the primary motivator for the club to sign someone like Todibo: availability.

The former Leicester City star has already missed 52 games – and counting – for club and country since moving to west London, and while the severity of the injuries has dramatically increased since his transfer, he was still suffering from knee problems in the Midlands and back in France.

Across his senior career, he has missed 155 games, suffered six knee injuries, a hamstring strain, a broken fibula, and is currently out with a cruciate ligament tear. In contrast, Todibo has missed just 40 games in his career, and while that still could be better, it's an awful lot better than Fofana.

With that said, how do the pair compare when looking at their underlying numbers?

Well, when taking the 17 games Fofana played last season and the 14 Todibo has played this season, it's quite hard to argue the Chelsea man's case, as despite emerging victorious in some metrics, he comes out second best in most of the others.

For example, the Nice "Rolls Royce", as described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, makes more blocks and clearances per 90, recovers more balls and produces more progressive passes.

Stats per 90

Todibo

Fofana

Progressive Carries

0.74

2.12

Progressive Passes

4.85

3.25

Passing Accuracy

90.6%

88.5%

Shot-Creating Actions

1.47

0.99

Goal-Creating Actions

0.29

0.13

Tackles Won

1.03

1.32

Blocks

1.47

1.19

Clearances

3.53

2.52

Ball Recoveries

8.09

5.10

All Stats via FBref for the 2022/23 & 2023/24 Domestic Season

Ultimately, the slight edge that the "solid as a rock" Todibo has, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is multiplied by the simple fact that he isn't going to be spending significant portions of his career with the medical staff.

It might be harsh on Fofana, but it would be smart business from the Blues if they go through with this deal.

Within touching distance of Ipswich Town in the second automatic promotion spot, Southampton could use the January transfer market to gain an edge over their Championship promotion rivals, especially now that they're in such blistering form under Russell Martin.

The Saints boss, after an inconsistent start, has made his side one of the toughest to beat in the division and could now complete an impressive comeback in the race to reach the Premier League.

What could help their promotion pursuit is the January transfer window, which will reportedly see several Championship rivals compete for a Premier League youngster.

Southampton transfer news

Whilst much of Southampton's focus was on keeping hold of players in the summer transfer window, as the likes of Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong stayed put, they can now turn their attention towards further reinforcements in the January market.

Martin could particularly strengthen in midfield, given that Southampton lost both James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia to West Ham United and Chelsea respectively in the summer. That said, it's no surprise that the Saints have turned to the Premier League for a reinforcement.

According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Southampton have registered their interest in signing Lamare Bogarde on loan. The defender has just been recalled to Aston Villa from a loan spell at Bristol Rovers and is now reportedly attracting the interest of Southampton, Watford, Cardiff City and Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen.

In such a busy race, those at St Mary's may need to act quickly this month if they are to land the young Dutchman on loan for the rest of the season.

We've seen the likes of Amad Diallo drop down to the Championship on loan in recent seasons, before having an instant impact. Now, Southampton will hope to see Bogarde make a similar difference for them if they secure their move.

"Immense" Bogarde could realise potential at Southampton

Famous for developing stars such as Theo Walcott, Kevin Phillips, Adam Lallana and most recently Ward-Prowse within their academy over the years, Southampton could now help Aston Villa's Bogarde on his way to reaching a similar height.

The 20-year-old made 19 appearances for Bristol Rovers before seeing his loan spell cut short and potentially handed the opportunity to play at a higher level this season.

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Just how much of an impact Bogarde could make in the Championship remains to be seen, but according to Aston Villa academy manager Mark Harrison, the potential is certainly there. Harrison told the club's official website when Villa signed the defender: "We are delighted to welcome Lamare to the club. He is a player with immense potential and the commitment that will go in to fulfilling that starts now.”

With just one half of the season remaining in the fight for automatic promotion, Southampton will be looking to enjoy a successful month on and off the pitch, which could include the Dutchman's arrival and others. The Saints could be a club to keep an eye on in England's second tier.

Erik ten Hag wants Manchester United to make their decision on his future quickly so he knows whether to look for another job this summer.

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• Ten Hag's future remains uncertain
• Man Utd conducting review
• Boss seeking clarity over future

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ten Hag's position in the wake of winning the FA Cup final is still uncertain. United are weighing things up ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first full season in charge of football operations. But writes that the Dutchman wants an answer one way or the other quickly. Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer are leading a post-season review that will determine Ten Hag's future, assisted by Sir Dave Brailsford and Jason Wilcox. The cup final took place on Saturday and the review is tipped to last "several days".

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  adds that Ten Hag is "worried" he will be sacked two years into a three-year contract. But it will now cost the club more to sever ties early than if United had lost at Wembley, due to a clause in the manager's contract regarding failure to qualify for Europe. Despite finishing eighth in the Premier League, a record low for the club in the modern era, the Red Devils will be in next season's Europa League by virtue of their FA Cup win.

• WHAT TEN HAG SAID

  Speaking to in an interview published over the weekend, Ten Hag claimed to have contacted by other clubs.

  "Maybe [Ajax] think I'll be fired and then I'll be available. I never thought about it for even a second. I never wanted to do that, because my focus is entirely on Manchester United. Several clubs have inquired recently, but that does not have my attention," he said.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR TEN HAG?

  Until the club concludes its review and reaches a decision, all Ten Hag can do is wait. As of right now, he remains in limbo, unable to properly start planing for next season but not in a position where he can address the outside interest and apply for other jobs. A lack of obvious replacements aids his cause, although United have most recently been linked with Roberto De Zerbi.

Tottenham Hotspur have been active in the January transfer window and may yet strike again, with Ange Postecoglou searching for the formula to secure Champions League qualification come the end of the season.

By and large, the north London outfit have been excellent this season but perch outside the top four, in fifth place, after 21 matches, three points behind Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Postecoglou justifiably felt that the squad's thinness called for reinforcements and he has indeed acted accordingly, with Radu Dragusin and Timo Werner augmenting the ranks earlier this month.

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has been the priority target for a while now but securing his services will be no easy task for the Lilywhites, with precocious winger Antonio Nusa also being fiercely pursued before the deadline next week.

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While all of this occurs, plans are judiciously being drawn up for the summer transfer window and Postecoglou is pushing for the acquisition of a truly exceptional player.

Spurs' search for a forward

According to Spanish reports, Tottenham are interested in signing Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane in what would be a stunning capture for Postecoglou's project.

That said, Liverpool and Arsenal are both named as suitors and Spurs' hopes of sealing the deal for the £86m-rated winger would inevitably hinge on qualifying for the Champions League.

Out of contract at the end of next season, the Germany international is said to be the perfect fit for the path Spurs are seeking under their manager, and concrete efforts could be made to bring him to the club in the summer.

Why Spurs want Leroy Sane

Sane signed for Bayern Munich in a £55m transfer from Manchester City back in 2020 and has since chalked up 47 goals and 48 assists across 160 fixtures, dazzling from both flanks throughout his trophy-laden time in Bavaria.

Tottenham have their work cut out in convincing the 28-year-old to join Postecoglou's team with vested interest from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, but then clinching the likes of James Maddison and Micky van de Ven last summer highlights the allure of making this move.

And what a player Spurs would get their hands on, with Sane heralded as "one of the best wingers in the world" by teammate Jamal Musiala.

As per FBref, the 6-foot phenom ranks among the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 10% for shot-creating actions, the top 16% for pass completion, the top 18% for progressive carries and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90.

Leroy Sane: Similar Players

#

Player

Club

1.

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

2.

Serge Gnabry

Bayern Munich

3.

Diogo Jota

Liverpool

Source: Football Transfers

Such metrics underpin the claim that he is among the pantheon of first-class wingers in the modern game, so effective with his creativity and marrying this technical prowess with raw pace and power that allows him to barge into the danger area.

This season, the £331k-per-week has posted nine goals and 11 assists across 27 outings for the dominant German champions, who do trail Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen this season, and while he hasn't scored across hisn past nine league matches, Sane has racked up eight assists in this period.

As per Sofascore, Sane has completed 85% of his passes in the Bundesliga this season and has averaged 3.2 key passes, 3.8 ball recoveries and 3.8 dribbles per game, making good on past praise that he is a "world-class" star from talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Sane also offers something that can be so important for teams fighting for success at the forefront of the Premier League: the 59-cap international has enjoyed ample success on English shores in the past, and should be able to transport his qualities to the English capital if Spurs do find success in the race for his services.

While Dejan Kulusevski occupies the right flank and is unerringly excellent in his energy and optimism for Postecoglou's side, Sane could revert to his natural left-sided attacking role at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, allowing Heung-min Son to wreak havoc from the spearhead.

This would, of course, make a regular starting berth rather hard to come by for Richarlison, but then Sane would undoubtedly be an upgrade, ruthless as that may be.

How Leroy Sane compares to Richarlison

There is probably a tacit understanding at Tottenham that Richarlison will not be the first-choice at centre-forward over the coming years.

Indeed, it may well be more overt than that, with Spurs named as one of the favourites to sign prolific Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez of late.

To his credit, the dynamic Richarlison has been in fine fettle of late and has finally clicked into gear at Tottenham – awful last season, scoring once in the league, after joining from Everton for £60m – and has bagged six goals in the Premier League across as many outings.

But history would suggest that this recent purple patch will not last; the Brazilian has not surpassed 13 goals across any of his seven Premier League campaigns.

That's not to say that he can't play a role in Tottenham's future under Postecoglou's leadership, but the acquisition of Sane would knock him further down the pecking order and perhaps this is necessary to continue the strides that have been taken over the past months.

Few would argue that Son is the superior forward, and while all the data in the world could be collated to corroborate this point, just observe the South Korean in action to recognise his world-class qualities.

They are qualities that could be taken to a new level with Sane plying his trade on the flank beside him, and this is evidently something that Postecoglou has dreamt up as he and Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy assess the best options to propel Tottenham to the front of the European game.

Botched rain-rule scenarios, brainless run outs, dropped bats, dropped catches, contrived collapses, a missed DRS review – it’s a painful list

Andrew Fidel Fernando at Edgbaston20-Jun-2019David Miller is avoiding stares. He stands half-bent at the non-strikers’ end, flashing bail by his right boot. The opposition’s key batsman puffing a few metres away. Kane Williamson should be heading towards the dressing room. He should have been run out by half-a-metre. Instead mid-off picks up the ball that Miller had failed to catch before he broke the stumps. When there could have been celebrations, a hush.It is likely the throw Miller was attempting to gather took an unfortunate bounce, but five overs before that, it had been him who swooped on a ball from midwicket and produced an off-target shy at the stumps. Had he hit, Colin de Grandhomme would have been out for 14. Two overs after that, de Grandhomme would have been out again had Miller held a half-chance to his left, leaping up from short midwicket – the batsman having miscued a shot off Imran Tahir.Much later, when Miller sprints around from deep midwicket and fails to intercept yet another aerial shot from de Grandhomme, his quarry falling short, bouncing over him, and dribbling into the boundary, it almost seems as if the ball, having a mind of its own, is taunting him. Each time, the wicket slips through Miller’s fingers, like a ghost.How much can one fielder be haunted?WATCH on Hotstar (India only) – South Africa’s missed chances****In the 1992 World Cup, South Africa were vexed by the old rain rule. In the semi-final against England, they had needed 22 off 13 when the rains came. Then 22 off one ball when play resumed – that old rule removing the runs scored off the two cheapest overs in England’s innings, from South Africa’s target (there had been two maidens, on this occasion). The Duckworth-Lewis method was introduced following this farce, but 11 years later, South Africa would terrorise themselves with the very rule their torment had occasioned. Needing seven to progress to the semi-final off two balls in a rain-shortened match against Sri Lanka, Mark Boucher hit a six, then blocked out the final ball, believing that one fewer run than was actually required would see his team through.In 1999, the infamous run out of Allan Donald lost South Africa the semi-final, at Edgbaston. In 2011, the run out of AB de Villiers ruined them in Mirpur.In 2019, something new. Williamson batting on 76, his team still 70 runs out. Tahir bowling a hard-spun legbreak, the batsman flashing, ball thudding into wicketkeeper’s gloves, bowler appealing. Tahir is animated, but Quinton de Kock is not, so captain Faf du Plessis barely considers the review.A minute later, on television, the truth is revealed. On Ultra Edge, just the hint of a spike. Only a murmur, really. The rustle of leaves on a windless night. A billowing of curtains. Williamson later tells du Plessis he didn’t feel it on his bat. A batting poltergeist.What next? If at the next World Cup, matches are played on covered grounds, will a South Africa batsman be denied a potentially match-winning six by the stadium roof, have that delivery be deemed a dead ball, then hole out immediately after?How much can one team be haunted?ALSO READ: Masterful Williamson keeps calm and carries on****Already in this campaign, South Africa had been hounded by history. Where in that 1999 semi-final Shane Warne had bedevilled them, bowling Herschelle Gibbs and Gary Kirsten with legbreaks that leapt out of Edgbaston footmarks on his way to that transcendental 4 for 29, in Southampton 2019, Yuzvendra Chahal claimed a four-for of his own. A legspinner, plus the spectre of legspin against them, another South Africa top order, devastated.Now, three times in three tournaments, New Zealand have been their vanquishers. In 2011 in Mirpur, New Zealand doggedly defended a middling score, setting in motion a harrowing collapse. In 2015, Grant Elliott was dropped when JP Duminy and Farhaan Behardien collided in the outfield, when either of them could comfortably have taken that catch. Later, Elliott thumped the six to seal that game, off a poorly-conceived length ball, with the smallest boundary in cricket to defend. In 2019, after events had contrived to keep the match alive into the final over, after the key batsman could have been out twice, Williamson thumped another, effectively secure this one, off a poorly-conceived cutter, after South Africa’s quicks had already delivered a predictable series of slower balls to him at the death.Ghosts at Edgbaston. Ghosts from New Zealand. Wristspinning ghosts. Botched rain-rule scenarios, brainless run outs, dropped bats, dropped catches, contrived collapses, a missed DRS review, each footfall raising new spirits, another trauma to be thrown atop a swaying pile, all of this raising the question whether it will ever happen for them, because how much really can South Africa be haunted?

Southampton didn't waste any time before welcoming their first signing in the January transfer window, with Joe Rothwell arriving from Bournemouth on loan. And now they've reportedly sealed their second winter addition.

Southampton transfer news

Russell Martin added to his midfield ranks with the arrival of Rothwell and will hope that the Bournemouth midfielder helps the Saints in the race to leapfrog Ipswich Town to automatic promotion in the Championship. Praising his new teammate and fellow loanee, Flynn Downes said:

“He looks very good. He has trained with us and he looks sharp. I think you need to bring in new faces in January. It gives you a little boost. He is a good player. Last year he played a lot in the Premier League and did well. “Everyone knows he has got that class. If you watch any of the games he has played in, you can just tell he is a good player. We are looking forward to having him involved. Our midfield is so good because everyone brings something different to the table."

The Saints aren't done there when it comes to arrivals, however. According to The Secret Scout, Southampton have completed the signing of Cameron Frederick from EFL side Reading. The U16 gem, who can play as both a centre-back and defensive midfielder, reportedly arrived to complete a move as early as last night. The Secret Scout posted the news on X, saying:

Although Frederick is unlikely to play an instant part in Martin's team, he is certainly one for the future and perhaps a player who can eventually provide the Saints with a major boost if they reach the Premier League in the near future.

Frederick is one for the future

It speaks volumes about just how much potential Frederick has that Southampton have already made their move. Still so young, he may well end up getting better and better with more experience too. The Saints, of course, have a rich history of success stories from their academy, whether that be James Ward-Prowse, Theo Walcott or most famously Gareth Bale. Now, they will hope to pick up where Reading left off and oversee Frederick's development into a top player.

The teenager joins at the right time, given Southampton's position as promotion-challengers. Currently, just three points behind an Ipswich side beginning to falter for the first time under Kieran McKenna in the Championship, those at St Mary's have it all to play for. And from Frederick's perspective, if he dreams of one day playing Premier League football, then now appears to be a good time to join Martin's side.

With just a couple of weeks left in the January transfer window and Southampton already busy throughout, they could be a side to watch when it comes to further incomings in the Championship.

Newcastle United could reportedly hijack a fellow Premier League club's move for a "very exciting" young forward, according to a new transfer update.

Newcastle transfer news

Eddie Howe will still be eyeing up new signings between now and the end of the January transfer window despite the club's difficulties navigating FFP, as he looks to give his side the best possible chance of finishing in the European places again this season. A constant flow of players have been linked with moves to Newastle over the past weeks and month, many of which are Premier League midfielders, with additions required in the middle of the park.

Chelsea ace Conor Gallagher has been backed to join the Magpies, for example, with the Blues seemingly happy to let him go, despite being a regular for much of this season. He is seen as a possible modern-day version of Yohan Cabaye at St James' Park.

Everton midfielder Amadou Onana is another contender to come in and fill the void left by the injured Joelinton, although the Merseysiders are understandably desperate to retain his services for at least the rest of the season. Philip Billing is seen as an option, too, with the Bournemouth man not dissimilar to the unavailable Newcastle hero, in terms of his physical stature and ability to contribute in the final third.

Newcastle eyeing Antonio Nusa hijack

According to a fresh update from Het Laatste Nieuws [via Sport Witness], Newcastle could look to hijack Brentford's deal for Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa, after his move to the Bees stalled due to an issue found during the medical.

The Magpies are believed to be "lurking" in the wings, should the move fully fall through, seeing the 18-year-old as an exciting option to bring in. They have been following his situation closely in "recent days", and they could "take advantage of the opportunity" given to them by Brentford.

Nusa could be a brilliant long-term signing by Newcastle this month, although it clearly isn't going to be easy to snap him up, given the situation with Brentford. Former Norway international Gunner Halle has lauded him in the recent past, talking up his qualities as a footballer:

"Antonio has some extreme skills with the ball that make him very exciting. He can challenge, get past opponents and create imbalance, but what really sets him apart from others at that age is that he has finishing qualities as well."

Appearances

16

Starts

6

Goals

3

Assists

2

Dribbles per game

2.5

Tackles per game

1.1

Despite his tender years, the Norwegian has still featured prominently for Brugge this season, making 16 appearances in the Jupiler Pro League and also playing three times in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Newcastle set to make late attempt to sign “superb” Premier League player

An approach for him looks likely this week.

ByHenry Jackson Jan 30, 2024

There is still a rawness to Nusa's game, which is only to be expected as his age, so Newcastle fans shouldn't expect consistent fireworks from the off, but he is a wide player who could turn into an influential attacking hero at St James' over time.

Visitors beaten with bat, ball and in the field as England win by 208 runs

Valkerie Baynes06-Jun-2019

Amy Jones drives down the ground•Getty Images

Before this match, West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor had bemoaned the lack of so much as a full-time masseuse within her team’s set-up. And, as a number of the visiting players stood round their dugout grimacing and clutching at aches and pains after a torrid afternoon in the field, it was clear much more would be needed to cure their ills.Not that Taylor was making any excuses in her candid interview with ESPNcricinfo, in which she also revealed that her passion as a competitor often brought her to tears just talking about her game. Taylor described her team’s sloppy performance in the field on Thursday as “atrocious”. England could also improve in the field, with four chances missed, but the difference between these two sides was staggering as her opposite number, Heather Knight, and Amy Jones led an impressive team performance.Katherine Brunt was at her best, claiming two wickets in two balls, while Sophie Ecclestone and Laura Marsh claimed three apiece as West Indies were bowled out for a paltry 110, Chedean Nation running out of partners with an unbeaten 42.On the basis of this showing at Grace Road, much will need to change – possibly too much – for West Indies to be competitive in the second match of their three-ODI series in Worcester on Sunday.Knight and Jones fell agonisingly short of centuries but, by both reaching the nineties, they set West Indies an insurmountable target – England’s 318 for 9 was their highest ODI score against West Indies – and made an emphatic statement to ICC Women’s Championship table leaders Australia ahead of next month’s Ashes.Tammy Beaumont set the foundation, seeing the ball magnificently to plunder 32 off 28 balls, including six fours, but her innings came to a premature end when she lofted Hayley Matthews over mid-on only to find Shakera Selman just inside the boundary. Beaumont and Jones had taken England past 50 inside seven overs with Jones hinting at her form when she smacked the first ball of the innings – a Selman full toss – over the leg-side boundary for six.It was one of two maximums for Jones, who also hit 10 fours on a good batting wicket with a fast outfield. After Sarah Taylor fell cheaply, Jones and Knight took total control and during passages of play appeared to be picking off boundaries at will. Jones brought up her fourth half century in a row but only briefly raised her bat to mark the moment. Her maiden ton remains elusive after she fell on 91, three runs shy of her best score, driving Matthews towards mid-off where Stacy-Ann King jumped and raised her left hand above her head to almost casually pluck the ball from the air.Knight reached 94 off as many balls with 13 fours and appeared annoyed with her tame dismissal, a top edge off Afy Fletcher that went straight to Shamilia Connell at fine leg. But she and Jones had put England in an excellent position and a neat cameo from Nat Sciver bumped the score up further.Heather Knight carves through point•Getty Images

As her team threw themselves about for little reward amid a flurry of uncharacteristic miss-fields, Taylor had a bright moment when she clean bowled Brunt, who tried to smack the ball onto the leg side but found herself out of position as the ball took the top of her off-stump. England lost four wickets in the last five overs and Knight was disappointed the total wasn’t nearer 340 but, against the opposition, they had more than enough.”It’s hard to swallow,” Taylor told Sky Sports. “I didn’t think we bowled to our plan and I think it cost us. The English girls are quite good when you look at their batting lineup, it will take a lot more discipline to get those girls out.”The fielding was atrocious today … it’s sad to say. It’s a matter of going into the team room and discus what we need to discus and let it out and let this game go. We have two more games to go so hopefully we can bounce back.”Brunt had a brilliant opening spell with figures of 5-2-6-2, claiming the wickets of Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle with the fourth and fifth balls of the eighth over of the innings.West Indies never really got going and when Ecclestone uprooted Kycia Knight’s off-stump to claim her first wicket, there was worse to come for the visitors. Ecclestone had Kyshona Knight and King out in consecutive overs and West Indies were 73 for 6 after 25. Marsh got amongst the wickets and, when she knocked over Connell’s off-stump it was game over.Knight said: “We’ve talked about hitting the ground running in series, something that hasn’t probably been a strength of ours as a squad, so to put in that sort of performance in the first game of the summer, I’m really chuffed.”I think we’re actually disappointed with 318 in the end. If one of me and Amy was there in the last five overs we could have pushed that up to sort of 340 and we want to keep pushing that bar in terms of scoring big.”