Enzo Fernandez finds himself embroiled in more controversy after being serenaded with a racist song during a visit to former club River Plate.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Midfielder helped Argentina to Copa crown
• Celebrating back where it all began
• Waiting to discover if he will be punished

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Chelsea midfielder has returned to where it all began for him after helping Argentina to Copa America glory in 2024. He is back in his homeland after claiming the continental crown, with those that helped to put him on a path to the very top eager to recognise his achievements.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The World Cup winner was all smiles when being paraded on the pitch prior to a meeting with Lanus. He donned a River shirt and waved to the crowd before taking up a seat in the stands. However, the supporters then broke out into the chant that attracted widespread criticism during Argentina’s Copa celebrations.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Enzo live streamed certain Albiceleste players singing an offensive song that mocks France for having players of African heritage in their squad. The 23-year-old’s Stamford Bridge team-mate, Wesley Fofana, is among those to have spoken out against an act of “uninhibited racism”, while others have unfollowed the South American on social media.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Instagram
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Enzo has apologised for his actions, but investigations into what occurred and why have been opened by Chelsea and FIFA. The Blues star, who has seen questions asked of his future in England, is now waiting to discover whether he will face retrospective punishment.

It has been over ten years since he played the last of his three Test matches, and nearly five years since he played any international cricket, but Fawad Alam hasn’t been sitting twiddling his thumbs all this while.Year after year, he’s continued to press for national selection with remarkable performances on the domestic circuit, particularly in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier first-class competition. No player has scored more runs in the tournament than Fawad’s 3105, which have been achieved at an average of 56.45. There have been near misses; he was called up to a training camp ahead of the tour of England in 2018 and named in a couple of squads without getting a start. But off the back of a double century in the QeA and a dismal outing for the Test side in Australia, this time feels different.And for Fawad, it feels like a second debut. “I said the other day it will almost feel like a debut, and that’s true because it’s been such a long time since I last played,” Fawad told reporters in Karachi. “Whether I get a game or not depends on the management and selection committee. I’m just happy I was able to make it in the final 15. Where they feel I can deliver, they’ll give me a chance and I’m confident I’ll perform. The way the conditions and wickets shape up will determine whether I get a chance or not, obviously.”He waved away concerns that the pressure of playing at home – particularly in his hometown of Karachi, where the second Test will be played – would become too overwhelming. “When a player is playing a club match or a domestic game, there’s still pressure on you. The pressure of performance always remains with you so it’s not like it’s a new psychological thing. That will be there, but my job is to overcome it and try to deliver.”I should try and enjoy the opportunity I’ve been given right now and think positively. If I allow negative thoughts to cloud my mind my focus will be adversely affected. My aim is to make the most of this opportunity, and try to perform to the best level I can.”It would have been easy for Fawad to feel down on his luck and wallow in self-pity; indeed, much of the nation seemed to be doing that on his behalf. For all the runs he compiled, for the scarcely believable consistency on offer from the left-hander on the domestic circuit, multiple management and selection regimes would overlook him for the national side. They may well have had their reasons, but when players with significantly inferior records were called up and given repeated runs in the side even as Fawad sat out, there were suspicions there was something less honest than cricketing strategy behind Fawad’s continued exile.Fawad, though, did not allow himself that negativity, believing it would be detrimental to his game. “If you surround yourself with people who tell you you have been badly treated and fill your mind with negative stuff, then you may feel that sense of injustice. But that’s not what my friends and family were like; they motivated me to perform year after year after year. They kept me going and urged me to continue knocking at the selectors’ doors. My father always said I must not be upset, to act like a fighter and continue to fight for my place in the side.”The straight bat he uses to such good effect in domestic games across the country was in evidence at the press conference, too, where Fawad was eager to ward off any controversy. He was questioned about Inzamam-ul-Haq having reportedly jibed about “seeing better players than Fawad” and having compared him to Mark Ramprakash, who, despite a glittering career in the county game, couldn’t quite nail a place in the England side for long enough. Fawad, though, wouldn’t be drawn on Inzamam’s comments, and called it a “matter of honour” to be compared to a “great” like Ramprakash.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

“It’s a matter of honour for me to have my name tied to Mark Ramprakash. He’s just a great player and done so much for his country. The number of runs I’ve scored is puny compared to how many he’s scored. He’s scored over one hundred centuries [114] and I’m nowhere close to that either. I’m just here to perform to my best and prove doubters wrong.”As for Inzi , he is a legend of ours; I’m nowhere near him. I’m not worthy of snapping back at Inzamam in anyway, and that is not the way I was brought up. I was taught to respect my elders, and Inzi is entitled to his own viewpoint. I don’t feel it is appropriate to respond to him because I have too much respect for him.”You don’t plug away thanklessly on the domestic circuit in Pakistan without being somewhat daftly in love with the game, and that is what Fawad wished to speak of most of all. The excitement in his voice was most evident when speaking about Sri Lanka visiting to finally break the Test drought inflicted on the country since the 2009 terror attack on this week’s visitors, and his commitment to ensuring this would be a positive, memorable series.”It’s a very good thing to see Test cricket back in Pakistan after such a long time. It’s a good omen for Pakistan cricket, and for the entire country. We all need to make the event successful. Because how this goes will be relayed by the Sri Lankans to countries around the world so the better this goes, the more advantages it confers to Pakistan. I think the message is everyone should come here. The people have supported all the teams that came previously and had a good time. The fact that Test cricket is returning after such a long time means all true cricket lovers will want to get down to the stadium and support their team as well as Test cricket.”In those moments, Fawad Alam was a fan once more. If indeed he does get the fourth Test cap that he’s waited a decade for on Wednesday, he will need to switch back to being the ruthless accumulator people have become used to seeing on grounds across Pakistan. Except this time it won’t be Central Punjab or Northern Districts he’s looking to grind into submission, but a Sri Lankan cricket team looking to exorcise demons of its own in Pakistan.

Arsenal are on the march in the Premier League and Champions League this season, and after a few years of intelligent acquisitions in the transfer market, look set to challenge the top sides for several campaigns to come.

Alongside adding quality throughout, Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have trimmed the squad where necessary, and it's probably time they sanctioned the exit of a certain big-name player: Thomas Partey.

The decision to do so could be made much easier thanks to the development of a terrific Hale End gem who could form a brilliant partnership with Declan Rice in his place.

Why Thomas Partey should be moved on

The Gunners completed the £45m signing of Partey in October 2020, and it would be fair to say that when he's played, he has generally been one of the club's best players. However, therein lies the main problem: he doesn't play enough.

In the three and a half seasons he has been at the Emirates, the Ghanaian international has missed a grand total of 72 games for club and country, which averages out to around 18 games a season. He has already missed 26 this year alone, and based on his record, it wouldn't be surprising to see him miss more.

Now, if the club had no one to replace the 30-year-old, it might be worth persisting with him next year, but with the club's £105m man playing the six role at such a high level this season, that seems pointless.

Moreover, with the CIES Football Observatory valuing the Krobo Odumase-born star at just €15m – £13m – Arsenal should look to offload him as soon as possible in the summer before that value plummets further, especially as a Hale End gem could take his place in the team and form a longterm partnership with Rice.

Why Charlie Patino could replace Partey

The young Hale End graduate in question is Englishman Charlie Patino, who has thrived with the youth teams and impressed out on loan.

The Watford-born gem made 47 appearances for the U18 and U21 sides before joining Championship outfit Blackpool on a season-long loan last year.

In his year with the Seasiders, the 20-year-old played in 37 games, scored three goals, provided four assists, and left a big impression on the fans and his teammates. Former Blackpool forward Jerry Yates described him as "sensational" and predicted that "he'll be a top, top player" in the future.

Unfortunately, the Tangerines were eventually relegated, and so this season, the Gunners sent their young prospect on loan to a stronger team in Swansea City, where he has made 31 appearances thus far, scored four goals and provided four assists.

Something else the "golden" gem, as talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him, has up his sleeve is his versatility. Last year, he played 18 games as a central midfielder and 13 as a defensive midfielder. In contrast, this season, he's started as a central midfielder nine times and an attacking midfielder six times while filling in off the bench wherever needed in his other 16 appearances.

This ability to play anywhere in the midfield would be incredibly beneficial if he were to replace Partey and form a partnership with Rice. He could come in as the six and allow the former West Ham man to bomb forward, or he could do the attacking as his senior teammate sits back and shields the back four.

Ultimately, with the Ghanaian playing a minimal role this season and thus proving he is not an essential player anymore, Arteta and Edu should move him on in the summer, especially with Patino waiting in the wings for his chance in that midfield.

USWNT boss Emma Hayes lauded San Diego Wave defender Naomi Girma's efforts as the team reached the final of Olympic games.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Hayes hailed Girma as 'best defender'USWNT beat Germany to reach Olympic finalWill take on Brazil for the ultimate prize on SaturdayWHAT HAPPENED?

The United States women's national team edged out Germany 1-0 on Tuesday to reach the final of the Olympic games. Portland Thorns' star forward Sophia Smith scored the all-important goal in extra time to secure a medal for her side.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Amid the attackers getting all the credit, and rightly so, for helping the team reach the final, manager Hayes heaped praise on centre-back Girma, who has played a stellar role in keeping her side unbeaten in the competition thus far. The USWNT has conceded only two goals in the five matches they have played.

WHAT EMMA HAYES SAID

Speaking to reporters at her post-match press conference, the former Chelsea boss said: "Look, she's the best defender I've ever seen. I've never seen a player as good as her at the back. She's got everything, poise, composure, she can defend, she anticipates, she leads. [She's] unbelievable."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR USWNT?

Hayes' side will now aim to bag their record-extending fifth Olympic gold medal as they take on Brazil on Saturday in the final at Parc des Princes in Paris.

Real Madrid's physical trainer, Antonio Pintus, is collaborating with NASA as the space agency takes major steps to send humans to the moon.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Pintus working on the Artemis moon programme
• Has visited the facilities at Johnson Space Center in Houston
• Busy planning a blueprint for astronauts to train in space

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  As the space agency advances its ambitious Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the moon for the first time since 1972, Pintus' expertise in physical conditioning is proving invaluable. The "key figure" at Real Madrid has been actively involved with NASA for over a year and has also visited the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. There, he has delivered talks on how his advanced training methods can be adapted to benefit astronauts. His insights, focussed on maintaining peak physical fitness during long-duration space missions, have become a critical aspect of the Artemis program.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to , the collaboration between Pintus and NASA began serendipitously last summer. During Real Madrid's pre-season tour in the United States, Spanish engineer Carlos Garcia-Galan, affiliated with NASA, was invited to a training session in Houston. The invitation stemmed from Garcia-Galan's acquaintance with Real Madrid legend and ambassador Emilio Butragueno, established during a previous tour.

  Pintus' approach, which seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with meticulous data analysis, has earned him immense respect and admiration, not only among his players but also with the scientists at NASA. His visit to the Johnson Space Center involved a week-long immersion in the facilities, including the laboratories and training centres. He also experienced the simulator for the Orion mission vehicle, gaining firsthand insights into astronaut training.

• WHAT JUDITH HAYES SAID

  Judith Hayes, NASA’s chief science officer in charge of human health and performance, was thrilled after interacting with Pintus.

  “You can’t get any better than Real Madrid when it comes to demonstrating athletic performance,” he said.

  "He became very, very popular — he has quite a presence. Our scientists, exercise physiologists, astronauts, physicians, trainers, and engineers hung on every word that he had to share with us. He was able to challenge our people and our thinking. It made us think about different ways to look at things.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• DID YOU KNOW?

  One significant challenge in space missions is the limited room available for physical exercise. Pintus' engagement with NASA has prompted their engineers to explore the development of specialised equipment and exercise routines that could be integrated into astronauts' regimens, ensuring they remain fit despite the spatial constraints.

  Pintus' commitment to individualised fitness is evident in his approach to off-season training. Last summer, he provided Real Madrid players with customised training plans, utilising specialised masks to monitor oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. This personalised method ensures that each player receives the precise conditioning needed for optimal performance. Garcia-Galan believes such techniques could be adapted for astronauts to enhance their pre-mission fitness. “Astronauts do not have to be like athletes, but the same methods can still work,” Garcia-Galan said. “We were interested in investigating that a bit more.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Projeto de Lei 5516/2019 foi retirado da pauta de quarta-feira do Senado Federal. Isso ocorreu porque o relator do projeto, o senador Carlos Portinho (PL-RJ), explicou que pelo grande volume de emendas que entraram, sua equipe precisou fazer um novo trabalho de justificativa do que será aceito e o que não será aceito.

O Senador destacou que, além de precisar renumerar todos os artigos, por causa de cada emenda aceita, ele procura justificar as emendas que foram recusadas. Assim, Portinho requereu que o PL fosse votado amanhã.O presidente da Casa e autor do projeto,Rodrigo Pacheco (DEM-MG), deferiu o pedido.

VEJA NA ÍNTEGRA O QUE DISSE O SENADOR CARLOS PORTINHO:

“Senhor presidente, caríssimos senadores. Quero primeiro agradecer a contribuição de todos com as suas emendas ao projeto da Sociedade Anônima do Futebol. Procurei e admiti a grande maioria das emendas, porque não alteravam substancialmente o projeto.

Mas o relatório final, com todas as emendas que foram admitidas está sendo apresentados agora e pela questão regimental, não vejo também prejuízo nenhum dele ser votado amanhã, como peço ao Senhor Presidente, para que amanhã a gente possa concluir a leitura do relatório e a votação”.

RelacionadasVARomário avalia PL do clube-empresa: ‘Alternativa para termos mais segurança e investimento no futebol’VA09/06/2021VAAo L!, autor do PL do clube-empresa afirma: ‘Intenção é oferecer modelo moderno, atrativo para os clubes’VA09/06/2021Futebol NacionalProjeto do clube-empresa será votado nesta quarta-feira no Senado; veja detalhes da propostaFutebol Nacional08/06/2021

>ATUAÇÕES: Neymar dita o ritmo da vitória do Brasil sobre o Paraguai

A transição de associação civil para Sociedade Anônima de Futebol (SAF) tem como objetivos atrair mais investidores e garantir maior transparência na gestão de clubes. Há também a expectativa de que exista um melhor gerenciamento de dívidas, especialmente as que possuem um caráter social, como as trabalhistas. A ideia é que exista profissionalização das gestões, que visem principalmente o lucro das instituições de futebol.

Diferente de outros projetos discutidos anteriormente, o PL 5519/2019 propõe um modelo societário diferente das demais empresas. Além de haver um período de transição em relação aos impostos, em que a carga tributária vai gradualmente aumentando, a proposta de criar SAFs oferece mais mecanismos de segurança aos investidores, como as debêntures do futebol, e direitos de voto e veto para sócios com menor participação.

> Veja a tabela do Brasileirão

O sumário executivo da SAF, que esclarece os detalhes da iniciativa, explica que o modelo de Sociedade Anônima foi escolhido porque, uma vez que operado sob instrumentos de controle, dificulta a inserção de “aventureiros” na gestão de futebol. O formato também garante a padronização do funcionamento de clubes-empresas e instrumentos de capitalização e financiamento próprio, como é o caso dos debêntures-fut.

NOVAS FORMAS DE QUITAR DÍVIDAS

O gerenciamento de dívidas é um dos pontos centrais da discussão. Nesse aspecto, os clubes podem optar por três formas: por meio de pagamento direto pelo clube, recuperação judicial (negociação coletiva) ou concurso de credores.

A centralização da execução dos passivos a partir de um concurso de credores (uma fila para os pagamentos), já ocorre há anos dentro e fora do mercado desportivo. A SAF propõe a definição de percentual mensal sobre as receitas para que não haja a necessidade de renegociação a depender do resultado esportivo, privilegiando as dívidas trabalhistas por terem caráter social.

O projeto também prevê “instrumentos de aceleração” antes não regulamentados, como a negociação de redução da dívida, conhecida por deságio. A cessão do crédito a terceiros e emissão de títulos para serem revertidos em pagamento também constam no relatório. Uma outra possibilidade é a conversão da dívida em ações na instituição.

TRIBUTAÇÃO ESPECÍFICA DO FUTEBOL

Quanto à tributação, o Marco Legal do clube-empresa traz outra novidade: a Tributação Específica do Futebol (TEF). Seu intuito é evitar o desequilíbrio entre clubes que adotarão ou não a SAF, chamado de doping financeiro reverso, e para permitir que clubes organizem o gerenciamento de dívidas sem prejuízo, os autores do PL diferenciam os impostos do clube das demais empresas.

>Começou o Brasileirão! Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

COMO UM PROJETO DE LEI TORNA-SE LEI?

O projeto de lei é apenas o esboço de uma lei. Para que ela se torne lei é necessário que ela passe por uma comissão permanente para que ocorra a análise de seus aspectos.

Em seguida, com o ok da comissão, um relatório é feito e, então, a lei é votada. Com a aprovação na votação, caminhamos para a segunda fase. Logo, se a Casa Revisória aprovar, o projeto é enviado à Presidência da República (3ª fase).

No entanto, a Casa Revisora pode fazer uma emenda (o projeto, então, volta para a Casa Iniciadora que apreciará tudo de novo) ou pode rejeitar (assim, o projeto é arquivado, todavia pode ser desarquivado se pedido pela maioria da Casa).

Na terceira fase, o presidente pode vetar ou sancionar o projeto. Caso ocorra um veto, este deve ser fundamentado e justificado – total ou parcialmente – por prejudicialidade dos interesses nacionais ou por inconstitucionalidade.

Se o presidente, em 15 dias úteis a partir do recebimento do projeto para sanção, não comunicar o Senado Federal os motivos do veto, a presunção é de que houve sanção. Caso ocorra sanção, o projeto de lei enfim torna-se lei e deve haver uma promulgação em até 48 horas para dar conhecimento a todos.

South Africa’s assistant coach, Enoch Nkwe, who carried the title of team director until a month ago, has acknowledged that being moved sideways was difficult but provided reassurance that he is not the victim of a whitewash and has been able to hold his own.Nkwe took South Africa to India in September-October last year and was set to take the reins for the England series this summer. But, a major overhaul 10 days before the first Test saw Mark Boucher installed as head coach and Nkwe effectively demoted amid an outcry at perceived racial discrimination. Given South Africa’s history, it’s not difficult to understand why it was badly received in some quarters.Against the backdrop of financial and administrative crises, Thabang Moroe, a black African CEO, was suspended and replaced by Jacques Faul, who is white. Almost immediately, Graeme Smith was appointed director of cricket, Boucher was named coach, and Jacques Kallis was hired as a batting consultant. All three are white. Nkwe, the first black African national men’s head coach, was offered a lesser role. He accepted, despite how it looked.ALSO READ: ‘Wouldn’t be surprised if he takes over after Faf’ – Nkwe on Bavuma“It wasn’t an easy call to make but when I met with Jacques Faul and Bouch and Graeme, it was pretty clear and they were very realistic in terms of what has happened, and the type of support [they wanted]. They showed a lot of care,” Nkwe said. “I’m not going to beat around the bush — it’s been a challenge, especially when it all unfolded. But I believe I’m mature enough to deal with the situation. By the time we got to the [training] camp I felt very strong and confident I can make a massive impact in a different role.”Given the limited time the new backroom staff had between the end of the Mzansi Super League on December 16 and the start of the Test series on Boxing Day, they decided to hold an intense training camp in Pretoria. That’s where Nkwe and Boucher began to work together and Nkwe quickly realised that he would be treated as an equal.”Boucher has given me the platform to make a difference in the team, to contribute as much as possible; whether it’s in team routines or in training,” Nkwe said. “We’ve worked closely together. I’m enjoying the partnership. Yes, there’s different energies and different minds. But there hasn’t been a hierarchy. We all pull in the same direction. He’s very relaxed. As much as he’s intense when it comes to business time — just like any other coach — he cares a lot about the team.”The adjectives Nkwe uses to describe the new coaching staff extend specifically to Smith and transformation. The Smith/Faul administration has been accused of neglecting the need for change, especially after the Test team fielded only four players of colour in the first two matches. South Africa’s target for the national men’s team is six players of colour, including at least two black Africans, calculated on average over the course of a season. Though this number can be made up in future fixtures, at a politically sensitive time in cricket, the missed target sticks out.Nkwe addressed transformation directly and emphasised it remains a key part of South Africa’s game plan.”It’s not something that has been ignored,” Nkwe said. “We’ve also got to take care of the mental aspect of players. We are really working hard behind the scenes to build a strong pool of players to come through. We’ve looked at the high-performance system to make sure that we can produce and make sure we are a well transformed team in the future, a true rainbow nation. And there’s no doubt that’s going to happen in the very near future.”I have had a small chat with Graeme and he is fully behind it. People maybe might not see it but he really cares and he has put in a lot of processes and a lot of plans behind the scenes to make sure that in the near future, there are no questions on that topic.”No questions is unlikely, especially because of South Africa’s complex history and the recent crisis in cricket, which transpired alongside an agenda of Africanisation. Under Moroe, CSA was a transformed organisation with people of colour in senior positions. Nkwe was one of them, despite his promotion being seen as premature.Not only was Nkwe handed the toughest away tour around, in going to India, but he had had only one summer as a full-time franchise coach to his name before that. Though he won three out of four trophies on offer, it was still early days. Consider that Boucher was about to begin his fourth season as a franchise coach for the Titans, and had collected five trophies along the way, to gauge the extent of experience that a national promotion calls for. Still, Nkwe believes the India tour only adds to his knowledge.”I wanted the team to go and win,” he said. “Yes, there were a lot of questions around my experience. I knew it was going to be a massive task, and that could only do me good as a coach going into those conditions. The only thing I could take away from there was experience, and I know that if I’m still involved when we go back to India in four years’ time, I’ll do things differently. We’ll have good players in place to execute our skills better, compete better and look to win the series. I’m comfortable and happy that I went there to gain that sort of experience.”For now, Nkwe is focused on the next three years, which will take him and South Africa to the 2023 World Cup. The long-term plan is that he will take over from Boucher at the end of the tournament and though it is something Nkwe is aiming for, he wants to take the focus off himself and onto the bigger picture. “For me, it’s always been about the country. It’s never been about me. I am here to coach human beings, I am here to coach cricketers to get better.”

Tottenham are trying to convince a £34 million player, who featured at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, to join Ange Postecoglou's side this summer.

Ange makes transfer admission as Spurs eye another centre-back

Spurs and links to new centre-backs have been a common theme for many seasons, but they were particularly heightened after star defender Micky van de Ven's hamstring injury earlier this season.

Related Ange hands Tottenham employees transfer mission now star could leave

Postecoglou has gave clear instructions ahead of the summer window.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Apr 11, 2024

The Dutchman is a vital presence in Postecoglou's back four, as his searing pace allows the Australian to deploy his favoured high line. When van de Ven was sidelined midway through the campaign, Spurs' winning run came to an abrupt halt and their form plummeted, leading to demands for chairman Daniel Levy to bring in a quality alternative.

They ended up putting pen to paper on a deal for Radu Dragusin for £25 million from Genoa, and many would've expected that transfer to mark the end of Spurs' search for new central defenders.

However, that actually isn't the case, as explained by Postecoglou himself.

“If you’re saying, ‘Is it an area we can strengthen?’, yes it’s an area we will probably look at”, said Postecoglou on signing another centre-back this summer.

“With all these things, it’s about trying to strengthen the group as much as anything else. If you think about when I first arrived, we had maybe six or seven centre-backs at the club. So it’s not just numbers. It’s more about the ability of those players to play the football we want and to fit in to what we’re trying to build here. I think it is an area of the park we will look to strengthen, but I think we’ll look to strengthen all areas of the park come the end of the season. That is planning that’s already underway, and other people are in charge of it at the moment.”

They've been linked with a few interesting options in that area of the pitch. Spurs are believed to be interested in Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, and Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly, as both top flight defenders could be available at zero cost with their contracts expiring in June.

As well as the soon-to-be free agents, a centre-back abroad who's turning heads at N17 is Bayer Leverkusen's Piero Hincapie.

Tottenham trying to convince Hincapie to sign for Ange

According to Sport Bild, as translated by Sport Witness, Tottenham are "courting" Hincapie and trying to convince him to join them, with his valuation standing at around £34 million.

The Ecuador international has made 21 Bundesliga appearances for Xabi Alonso's title chasers this season, and has previously been called a "really impressive" player.

Piero Hincapie's best Bundesliga games for Leverkusen this season

Match Rating (via WhoScored)

Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 Bayern Munich

7.59

Werder Bremen 0-3 Bayer Leverkusen

7.57

RB Leipzig 2-3 Bayer Leverkusen

7.52

Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 Bochum

7.41

Union Berlin 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen

7.34

"We knew he had the potential," said former Leverkusen head coach Gerardo Seoane.

"But the way he's rising to the challenge and coping with the intensity levels is really impressive. We're pleasantly surprised with how he's performing in the Bundesliga and Europe."

The pitch is likely to start with plenty of live grass but there remains uncertainty as to how it will play

Daniel Brettig24-Dec-2019Big pictureJust five of New Zealand’s squad were born when the team last graced the MCG on Boxing Day. As for the rest of Kane Williamson’s team, well, they cannot possibly have any memories of the event. So the legendary contest between the teams of Allan Border and Jeff Crowe, with Mike Whitney blocking out Sir Richard Hadlee’s final over, can only be known through second-hand knowledge.What no member of the touring party is in any doubt about, however, is that this may well be a defining Test match for many of the tourists, for it does not appear too likely they will get another one. This reflects the self-interest that besets much of cricket’s economy, even though that aforementioned 1987 Test match was not only great television, but, by mid-1980s standards, a successful match for spectator attendance – 127,184 in total, including 51,087 on Boxing Day. The ground did not actually get a better attended Test match for another five years, until 137,134 turned up to see West Indies at a ground that had since gained a rebuilt Great Southern Stand in 1992.ALSO READ: ‘I’m still having therapy from that Boxing Day Test in 1987’That, of course, is the other reason why this Test match is a defining one, for the MCG itself. Following a raft of problems with the surface’s lack of life dating back to the previous Boxing Day Test against England during the 2017-18 summer, the authorities are attempting to take a long-term view, digging up the concrete slab under the drop-in pitches and experimenting with a different clay and soil composition in new pitches that will not be ready for another several years.In the meantime, the MCG surface can be expected to start with plenty of live grass and moisture in it, the better to get the game moving early on. This fact may well be New Zealand’s best chance for making inroads against a strong and confident Australia, as the fit-again Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Wagner would back themselves to follow up on the promise they showed in restricting the home side’s batsmen for key stretches of the series opener in Perth.Even so, New Zealand have a mighty task ahead to close the gap between the teams, in order to provide a fitting reprise of that storied match from 1987. If they do, then they will have every right to press Cricket Australia for a more rapid return visit than has been the case this time – to do so before Williamson’s glittering career comes to an end might be a start.Marnus Labuschagne drives down the ground•Getty ImagesForm guideAustralia WWWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
New Zealand LDWWLIn the spotlightIn churning out his first three Test hundreds in consecutive matches and looking more or less unbowlable during that time, Marnus Labuschagne has not only impressed all observers but also broken down a few ideas long held. Those about second division county cricket being a poor breeding ground for Tests, about first-class statistics in the Sheffield Shield being a strong indicator of potential quality at international level, and about the foolishness of selectors choosing players with the right attitude and work ethic over others with larger aggregates. Labuschagne will find, with so much more attention upon him, that bowlers will develop ever more nuanced plans for him, and the spotlight of his first Boxing Day will be a test on its own.For about an hour on the second evening in Perth, Kane Williamson looked capable of helping Ross Taylor guide New Zealand to a foothold in the Test, only for unrelenting pressure to draw a prod away from the New Zealand captain’s body, and a superlative catch by a diving Steven Smith. Williamson may be helped this time around by the dropping of Jeet Raval, whose evident unease against top quality pace bowling in Perth helped unsettle the visitors’ first and second innings almost right from the start. But even more useful will be all the additional time in Australia, and the chance to play on a pitch that, while hopefully offering some life, is highly unlikely to prance quite as high as Perth.Team newsAustralia will include James Pattinson in place of the hamstrung Josh Hazlewood, but coach Justin Langer has indicated that the inclusion of a fifth bowler – possibly Michael Neser – and the dropping of a batsman is a possibility given the predicted hot conditions and the likelihood of the pitch aiding batsmen once it loses early moisture.Australia (probable) 1 David Warner, 2 Joe Burns, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Matthew Wade, 6 Travis Head/Michael Neser, 7 Tim Paine (capt & wk), 8 Pat Cummins, 9 James Pattinson, 10 Mitchell Starc, 11 Nathan LyonBoult will be back from injury and Raval has been replaced by Tom Blundell.New Zealand: 1 Tom Latham, 2 Tom Blundell, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Henry Nicholls, 6 BJ Watling (wk), 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Neil Wagner.Pitch and conditionsMelbourne’s is the most talked-about pitch in the country, and the curator Matt Page will seek to find a balance between early moisture to aid the fast bowlers and enough firmness to ensure no repeat of the divots that formed in the surface at the start of the recent Sheffield Shield game between Victoria and Western Australia. After lunch, they hardened to a point that the pitch was deemed unplayable and the match was embarrassingly abandoned. “It’s got some pretty thick, live grass which I haven’t seen before,” Paine said. “But speaking to Sids and Patto about the earlier Shield games it was nipping around on day one then it became a pretty good wicket to bat on. We saw a little bit of spin late in a game against Queensland as well. Their feedback is that, barring one game, the wicket has been much improved.”Stats and Trivia New Zealand last played a Test at the MCG in December 1987, and failed to defeat Australia by one wicket, thus allowing Allan Border’s team to enjoy their first Test series win against any nation since early 1984. On two previous visits to the MCG, New Zealand drew with Australia in 1980, and lost by an innings and 25 runs in 1973. Keith Stackpole (122 in 1973) and Doug Walters (107 in 1980) possess the only centuries in Test matches between the two teams in Melbourne. Steven Smith needs 39 runs to surpass Greg Chappell (7110) on Australia’s all-time run-makers’ list.Quotes”He’s flying, he bowled in the center wicket at the WACA last week and the boys weren’t lining up to face him. He’s fresh, he’s bowling quickly, he’s swinging the ball, so if he plays tomorrow he’ll be a handful.”
Tim Paine on James Pattinson

اعترف نادي الأخدود المنافس في بطولة الدوري السعودي، بمفاوضات ضم جناح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، أحمد سيد زيزو، في الميركاتو الشتوي خلال يناير المقبل.

وذكرت صحيفة “اليوم” السعودية أن الأخدود يريد التعاقد مع زيزو في فترة الانتقالات المقبلة لتدعيم صفوف الفريق الذي يعاني في الموسم الحالي.

ويحتل الأخدود المركز الرابع عشر في ترتيب الدوري السعودي، حيث لم يفز الفريق سوى في مباراتين وتعادل في مثلهما وخسر 6 مرات ولديه 8 نقاط فقط.

اقرأ أيضًا | وكيله: ما فعله الزمالك مع الجزيري غريب.. وننهي إجراءات التجديد

وتواصل “btolat.com” مع المدير التنفيذي، حسن مرزوق، لمعرفة حقيقة الأمر، وقال: “نرصد 3 ملايين دولار من أجل ضم أحمد سيد زيزو”.

وأضاف: “هناك مفاوضات مع الزمالك حول الصفقة، زيزو لاعب دولي مميز ونطمح أن يكون ضمن صفوفنا في يناير”.

يذكر أن نادي الزمالك كان قد رفض عرضًا في الميركاتو الصيفي الماضي من نيوم الذي يلعب في دوري الدرجة الأولى السعودي بنفس القيمة تقريبًا.

وذلك لأن زيزو أحد أهم اللاعبين الذين يعتمد عليهم الزمالك في جميع المباريات تحت قيادة المدرب، جوزيه جوميز.