With West Ham United vying for a European place yet again in the Premier League this season, David Moyes could turn to the January transfer window to cement his side's place in the top six and potentially beyond. The Hammers currently sit as high as sixth and just seven points adrift of the top four in what could be a dream campaign in England's top flight.
Those at the London Stadium will be well aware that there's still a long way to go, but the winter window could suddenly put an even greater positive spin on their season so far if they land their targets. Among those that they're reportedly eyeing is a rival player who knows all about qualifying for European football.
West Ham transfer news
When West Ham lost Declan Rice to Arsenal in the summer, it was easy to worry about just how they'd replace the midfielder and splash the cash gained from his departure. Months later, however, and those fears have been firmly put to bed. The Hammers signed Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse to boost their midfield, before turning their attention to Mohammed Kudus, who has starred further forward. Now, they could repeat their transfer genius by landing a defensive target on the cheap.
West Ham want breakthrough Serie A star with "extraordinary qualities"
A breakthrough star appears to be catching the eye of West Ham United.
ByLuke Randall Jan 1, 2024
According to Football Transfers, West Ham have made contact to sign Eric Dier, who will be allowed to leave Tottenham Hotspur this month. The defender's current contract runs out in the summer, meaning that the Lilywhites are on course to lose him for free if they do not cash in this month. Given that Moyes is reportedly impressed by Dier and sees him as a player similar to summer target Harry Maguire, a deal could certainly be on the cards for West Ham in the transfer window this month.
"Reliable" Dier desperately needs move
Dier's game time shows just how much he needs a Spurs departure. The England international has started just one Premier League game for the Lilywhites this season, even amid injuries to both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.
A January switch to West Ham would be coming at the perfect time for both parties. Dier would be staying at the top level in England's top flight, with West Ham competing for a place in the top six, and the Hammers would be getting a player with the experience that could make all the difference in the remainder of the campaign.
jonathan-tah-eric-dier-tottenham-opinion
It's been some fall from grace for Dier since Ange Postecoglou arrived since he was once at the centre of praise from former boss Antonio Conte. Conte said via The Daily Mail: "What I can tell you is that Eric has improved a lot since I arrived. We are talking about a reliable player, 100 per cent focused in every game. He is not a player who alternates with a big performance then a drop. He is providing great continuity in his role and playing every game. I can also tell you he is a really good guy, with great will, desire to work and improve."
Even despite his struggles under the Aussie manager, there is no question his experience and know-how could add crucial depth and leadership to a Hammers side riding the crest of a wave.
Somerset spinner claims earliest five-wicket haul of career to serve reminder of talents in Ashes year
Jon Culley at Trent Bridge13-Apr-2019Somerset 403 (Bartlett 133, Abell 101, Broad 5-73) beat Nottinghamshire 263 (Nash 58, Wood 52; Gregory 6-68) and 126 (Leach 6-36, Brooks 4-22) by an innings and 14 runs England need no introduction to the qualities of Jack Leach as a spin bowler but, in an Ashes year, his performance to win this match on the third day, at a time of year in which seamers enjoy a near-monopoly of the ball, is worth underlining in fluorescent ink.Leach took six Nottinghamshire wickets in the space of 17 overs either side of lunch to kill off any prospect of the home side, under the cosh after two days, doing enough even to threaten to end Somerset’s remarkable run of consecutive victories against them, which now stands at seven in Championship cricket.They were not the best figures of his career but he has never done so well so early in a season. Of his 18 hauls of five wickets or more in first-class matches, this was only the second one in April and the earliest by a couple of weeks. Tom Abell, Somerset’s captain, said it was the best he had seen his man bowl at any time of year and Leach, without being brash or boastful about it, was inclined to agree.”Yes, I do think it was one of the best spells I have bowled,” he said. “I didn’t play in our opening game last week and, after the first two days here, I felt like I hadn’t really contributed, so I wanted to make an impact.”There was a bit of turn and it skidded on a bit before lunch, when there was a bit of drizzle in the air.”I tried to mix my pace a bit and play with my angles. On those kind of wickets I want to keep the batter guessing a little bit but stay accurate and keep things tight at one end so the seamers can do their work.”It was pretty cold. It is a tough time for a spinner at this time of year so I was pleased to get a spell of overs under my belt. To be able to contribute to a win makes it even better.”All those things Leach spoke of were too much for a Nottinghamshire side who looked full of runs against Yorkshire last week but out of sorts in this match, unable to deal with the usual kind of April threat when Lewis Gregory tore through them in the first innings and lacking the skill or resilience on the day to counter Leach’s teasing.The left-armer came into the attack shortly after midday, at which point Nottinghamshire, 25 for 2 overnight after conceding a first-innings deficit of 140, were still fighting. Ben Slater and Luke Fletcher, the nightwatchman, had seen off Gregory and Jack Brooks for the moment, advancing the score to 65 for 2.But then Leach struck in his first over, drawing Slater into a miss that allowed Steve Davies to execute a routing stumping. Joe Clarke was next to go, misreading the delivery so badly he lost his leg stump. Fletcher had a go at launching him but his miscued effort was caught in the deep. Down to 88 for 5 at lunch, Notts still trailed by 52.Steven Mullaney and Samit Patel play spin better than most in this Nottinghamshire side and for the next hour they held firm. But they were offered few opportunities to score and ultimately Leach split them, Mullaney going the same way as Slater, although only after a long and plainly bemused review of where he thought his back foot had been when Steve O’Shaughnessy raised his finger at square leg.Tom Moores went next, brilliantly caught by Marcus Trescothick, diving forward – yes – at short leg as Leach completed his five. The 43-year-old took a second catch when Luke Wood popped one to short midwicket off Brooks before Patel was deemed to be leg before to Leach and Stuart Broad hooked his first ball down the throat of deep backward square. All over.”At the start of day two the game was even stevens but from that point onwards we were outplayed,” the Nottinghamshire head coach, Peter Moores, said. “It is early in the season but we have to learn lessons quickly before we come back to Championship cricket.”They [Somerset] look a good team. There is a reason they ran Surrey close in the Championship last year.”He agreed that the most positive aspect of the match from the home side’s point of view was the form of Broad, who bowled a couple of spells in the Somerset innings that emphasised that his pace and skill are still there to be exploited when the Ashes series finally comes around in this packed year.”His action looks as good as I’ve seen it for a long time and I said that to him during the game,” Moores said. “He’s worked hard, shortened his run-up a little bit, he’s worked hard on his alignment towards the batter. He looks in great shape. I thought his spell at the end of day two was a Test match bowler operating on full power.”Moores admitted, meanwhile, that Clarke, who had to give evidence earlier in the week in the retrial of his friend, the former Worcestershire player Alex Hepburn, who was convicted of rape on Friday, found it difficult to concentrate on his cricket.After scoring more than 200 runs against Yorkshire, Clarke was out for 2 in both innings here.”It was difficult for him today, yes,” Moores said. “All sport is about focus and when you have got other things on your mind that makes it challenging for sure.”
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes that the Gunners will hit higher levels next season if they sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
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Arsenal battling Manchester City for titleMerson thinks Isak can take them to 'another level'Gunners looking to sign a striker this summerGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
After another gruelling Premier League title battle against Manchester City, Arsenal look likely to fall short yet again, despite having impressed the footballing world with their performances this season. Merson believes that Mikel Arteta's side will reach 'another level' if they sign Isak this summer from the Magpies.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT MERSON SAID
Writing for SportsKeeda, Merson said: “They (Newcastle) are a massive team, but I wouldn’t be surprised if some of their stars moved on to win trophies. If Arsenal sign a striker like Isak, I think they go to another level."
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Arsenal have indeed been reported to be looking for a striker in the market going into the summer transfer window. They have been linked heavily with Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and have also inquired into the situation of Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting. If the Gunners want to target Isak this summer, they may have to part with a sum close to £100 million ($127m).
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WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Arsenal will now host Everton but will have one eye trained on the proceedings at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City take on West Ham. Arsenal must take three points in their clash and hope David Moyes' side can take points off City if they are to finish top of the pile.
Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Trent Boult and Colin Munro all picked up major honours at the ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards, held in Auckland on Thursday.
ESPNcricinfo staff21-Mar-2019Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Trent Boult and Colin Munro all picked up major honours at the ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards, held in Auckland on Thursday.The ceremony began with a tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks in Christchurch last week, which claimed the lives of more than 40 people.Williamson, New Zealand’s captain in all formats, claimed the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for men’s Player of the Year, in addition to being named the Test Player of the Year. He scored 801 runs during the judging period at an average of 89.Taylor, who scored 759 ODI runs last year at an average of 84, was named the ODI Player of the Year, while Boult was awarded the Windsor Cup for first-class bowling after taking 35 wickets at an average of 24. Munro was chosen as the men’s T20 Player of the Year.Teenage allrounder Amelia Kerr was the big winner among the women, honoured as the ODI Player of the Year following an impressive season in which she amassed 415 runs while averaging 59. The highlight of her season was a world record 232 not out against Ireland in Dublin last June, a match where she also claimed 5 for 17.ANZ NEW ZEALAND CRICKET AWARD WINNERSSir Richard Hadlee Medal for Player of the Year: Kane WilliamsonANZ International Test Player of the Year: Kane WilliamsonANZ International Women’s ODI Player of the Year: Amelia KerrANZ International Men’s ODI Player of the Year: Ross TaylorANZ International Women’s T20 Player of the Year: Sophie DevineANZ International Men’s T20 Player of the Year: Colin MunroWomen’s Domestic Player of the Year: Natalie DoddMen’s Domestic Player of the Year: Devon ConwayBurger King Super Smash Women’s Player of the Year: Frankie MackayBurger King Super Smash Men’s Player of the Year: Tom BruceThe Redpath Cup for First-Class batting: Kane WilliamsonThe Winsor Cup for First-Class bowling: Trent BoultThe Phyl Blackler Cup for women’s domestic bowling: Amelia KerrThe Ruth Martin Cup for women’s domestic batting: Natalie Dodd
The 2022/23 season was easily the most downcast of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool tenure, with the years of illustrious success being halted by a fifth-placed Premier League finish, a result of a dramatic decline and an irreparable malfunction in the engine room.
This season, the Reds have been fantastic in the Premier League and such worries have been left in the past, but issues remain over the thinness of the squad in several areas, compounded by injuries to several key players.
Liverpool could avenge Bellingham howler with move for £113m-rated "alien"
Jurgen Klopp’s side could pull off a truly stunning signing in 2024.
ByAngus Sinclair Dec 30, 2023
First-placed and enjoying successful campaigns in the Europa League and Carabao Cup, Klopp will know that his side must utilise the January transfer window to bolster the squad and ensure that a rueful gaze is not cast back to the winter months with it all on the line at the business end.
In particular, the defence could do with some support, especially after Joel Matip ruptured his ACL earlier in December, with Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio seemingly at the top of the shopping list.
Liverpool transfer news – Goncalo Inacio
As the January market approaches so too does news revealing the latest movements surrounding Inacio's signature, with the Portugal international attracting attention from some of Europe's foremost outfits, namely Arsenal and Real Madrid.
According to reports in Spain, as per the Mirror, Liverpool could advance long-standing interest in the Sporting star as Klopp seeks defensive cover, and with Inacio's left-footedness fitting the bill perfectly, this is understandable.
Sporting CP defenderGoncalo Inacio.
With a €60m (£52m) release clause woven into his contract with the Liga Portugal side, Inacio would not come cheap but could be the perfect option to strengthen Liverpool's ambitious squad and provide the dimension needed to lay hands on silverware before the end of the term.
Goncalo Inacio's style of play
After so much interest in his services throughout 2023, it was somewhat surprising that Inacio, aged 22, penned a new long-term contract with his homeland team back in August, raising his release clause and effectively ending Liverpool's chances of completing a move so late into the summer transfer window, with funds still required in midfield.
Having chalked up 145 appearances – scoring 14 goals – for the Lisbon side since graduating from the club's academy in 2020, Inacio has established himself as a defensive star of far more dynamic style than the lion's share of his positional peers.
An immense passer of the ball, creative and intelligent in his distribution and awareness of openings through the passages, the 6 foot 1 star has been hailed for his "complete" skill set by talent scout Jacek Kulig and is undoubtedly one of the hottest prospects in the rearguard for Europe's most ambitious outfits.
As per FBref, Inacio ranks among the top 7% of central defenders across divisions similar to the Liga Portugal over the past year for assists, the top 5% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for passes attempted and progressive passes, the top 3% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90.
Passing
Dribbling
Concentration
*Sourced via WhoScored
With such metrics highlighting his remarkable range of creative tools, always looking to spark life into offensive transitions and influence play from deep, Liverpool's intrigue is only made clearer.
While he will never be a player of raw defensive might to parallel someone such as Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, Inacio offers a singular style that could work tremendously in a sort of counterbalance at Anfield.
BBC Sport analyst Raj Chohan certainly thinks as much, having said: "Gonçalo Inácio is the perfect counter-weight to Konaté. Inacio-VVD-Konaté: Build-up conductor. Leader/aerial dominator/switches of play. Immense recovery speed & coverage of space."
Completing 88% of his passes in the Portuguese top-flight this term, it's easy to assume that the £29k-per-week star is just crisp in his passing, but given that he averages 5.4 ball recoveries per game and succeeds with 10% of his dribbles, there's no disputing that he is adept at surging forward, stretching the central lines, to open up a myriad of corridors from which offensive teammates could flourish.
With Inacio's left-sided preference allowing Van Dijk to shift onto his favoured side, a whole new level of fluidity could be achieved down the left channel, with Andrew Robertson perhaps benefitting greatly from the prospective transfer.
Imagine Goncalo Inacio & Andrew Robertson
Robertson has been one of the best players in the Premier League during Liverpool's rise under Klopp's leadership, having been astutely signed from Hully City for just £10m in 2017.
Having now amassed 275 appearances for the Reds, supplying 63 assists, the 29-year-old Scotland captain has been incredible and has charged the flank for many years, picking up silverware in abundance along the way.
This season, he has only played eight times, absent since October after injuring his shoulder on international duty, and while he still faces several more weeks on the sidelines, his return will be a galvanising bonus to the Anfield side's pursuit of prominence once again.
Player
Key passes
Trent Alexander-Arnold
2.8
Andy Robertson
2.6
Mohamed Salah
2.3
Dominik Szoboszlai
1.7
Kostas Tsimikas
1.5
*Sourced via Sofascore
As the table above portrays, Robertson's creativity is something that has been sorely missed; while Kostas Tsimikas has done an adequate job in filling in, he is now injured too and doesn't offer the same kind of balance and all-encompassing style that the first choice option does.
Indeed, the £100k-per-week ace has also completed 87% of his passes and averaged 7.1 ball recoveries per game in the Premier League this season, highlighting the energy and robustness that would meld with Inacio's game.
He also ranks among the top 5% of positional peers for passes attempted and the top 9% for progressive passes per 90, showcasing his inventive array of abilities further.
With Inacio putting such emphasis on the fluency and supplementation of his teammates, Robertson could find the perfect partner to place balls into open space down the left side, in turn allowing for regular support into the box for the likes of Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah and co.
While Inacio's price tag is somewhat lofty, there is every chance that he will bloom into one of the very best around, and securing his signature would be a deal to bring the best out of his skills and those around him.
Thomas Tuchel is reportedly close to staying on as Bayern Munich coach amid positive talks with the club, with just one issue yet to be resolved.
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Tuchel's agent in talks with Bayern boardGerman manager likely to stay on next seasonHas backing of sporting director and key playersWHAT HAPPENED?
According to the talks between the Bayern hierarchy and Tuchel's management took place on Wednesday, indicating the club's desire to retain him for the upcoming season. This marks a significant shift in Bayern's stance as the Bavarian giants had launched an extensive search operation to find Tuchel's successor after the manager and the club announced the decision to part ways back in February.
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However, a comprehensive agreement between all parties has yet to be reached. The primary issue revolves around the duration of the new contract as Tuchel's original agreement remains set to expire on June 30, 2025. During fresh discussions, the coach's entourage is seeking an extension that would prolong his tenure until at least 2026. Despite this obstacle, there is renewed optimism that an agreement can be reached soon.
DID YOU KNOW?
While Bayern has explored alternative options, in Xabi Alonso, Roberto De Zerbi, Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag, there has been little success in their endeavours. Hence, the current focus appears to be on solidifying a longer-term collaboration with Tuchel who went close to steering them to a Champions League final but fell short due to a spirited comeback from Real Madrid in the dying minutes of the match.
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GettyWHAT NEXT?
The club's willingness to engage in discussions to retain Tuchel underscores his importance within the organisation. He reportedly has the backing of key administrative figures like Max Eberl and Christoph Freund while several senior voices in the dressing room like Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, Harry Kane, and Leroy Sane have also put their weight behind the former Chelsea manager.
Somerset rode into the Royal London semi-final on the back of their opener’s thrilling hundred as Worcestershire never got going in the chase
David Hopps at New Road10-May-2019Just to turn up to the right ground for the Royal London Cup play-offs is enough of a challenge, so hurried is this stage of the competition. To turn up and produce the best score of your county career is even more impressive. Tom Banton did just that and his immensely encouraging 112 at New Road gave Somerset a semi-final berth against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge on Sunday.There was a good contingent up from the West Country and they revealed themselves with roars of approval in front of the pavilion as Banton reached his hundred, his second of the competition, indeed the second of his life. Worcestershire pulled off county cricket’s record run chase in List A cricket on this ground a year ago – 377 against Leicestershire – but at no stage did they come to terms with Somerset’s 337 for 8 and crashed to a 147-run defeat.Their demise was quickened by Azhar Ali, who entered the attack after 25 overs and conjured up 5 for 34 with seven overs of legspin, the forth five-wicket return of his career. He is no mug with the ball, having 12 international wickets for Pakistan and now 130 in all forms of senior cricket, but as he offered up legspinners, googlies and a quicker ball to confound Ross Whiteley, Worcestershire’s lower order were blown aside like apple blossom in a mean May wind.Banton deserves to be prominent in the rush of daring young opening batsmen entering the county game. Warwickshire’s Ed Pollock briefly possessed the fastest strike rate in global T20 cricket, although his star has been waning. Philip Salt’s blast-offs for Sussex won a call-up to England’s T20 squad. Aneurin Donald can benefit from an opportunity at the head of Hampshire’s order. But the classiest of them all appears to be Banton.Like all the starburst openers, with shots bursting to all points, with excitement flaring and dying, Banton tends to be all or nothing. After his maiden hundred against Kent at Taunton last month, he had six scores in this competition of 18 or less. But there was a self-possession about this innings which augured well. He keeps wicket, too, and is keeping no less a player than Steve Davies out of the side.He might have failed again, escaping two tough chances to Callum Ferguson at first slip, off Pat Brown, the first bursting high through his hands, the second opportunity at ankle height, before he had reached 20. Give him too many chances and, increasingly, the likelihood will be that you suffer. Thereafter, he drove and ramped the seamers with aplomb and swept Daryl Mitchell’s offspin without a care in the world. His brother, Jacques, is a member of Worcestershire’s academy.Two successive boundaries against Brown late in his innings were perhaps his highlight – a ramp followed by a flamingo on-drive when he picked with a slower ball with ease: no mean feat as Brown’s variations made him the leading wicket-taker in the T20 Blast last summer. He was caught at deep square, attempting a leg-side pick-up against Wayne Parnell, who finished with 22 wickets in the competition in an otherwise moderate display by Worcestershire with the ball and in the field.County cricket’s 50-over competition has been crammed into a four-week period in early season and, although it fits quite naturally into such a time frame, the condensed finale to the tournament does it no favours. Considering that the group stages only finished on Tuesday night, to stage the second and third-placed play-offs on Friday was ambitious to say the least. Worcestershire did well just to make sure the groundstaff put some stumps out.To make matters worse, the ECB insist on calling the play-offs “quarter-finals”, which would properly demand four ties not two, and so confuses everybody. There is no anticipation, no build-up, no interviews, no time for teams to plan or spectators to arrange free days. The fixtures were conspicuous by their absence in at least one broadsheet. The result is reduced attendances and falling interest in a tournament that is patently no longer on the ECB’s list of priorities.Banton was third out with Somerset 203 in the 35th over, Parnell having earlier caught Azhar’s inside edge and a restrained innings from Peter Trego ending to an uninhibited pull and another wicketkeeper’s catch.As Somerset wickets began to tumble, it appeared they might not make Banton’s innings pay; Ed Barnard held excellent catches at point to dismiss Tom Abell and running in from long-on to silence Lewis Gregory. But the Overton twins teamed up with 32 from the last 16 balls and their dominance was reasserted.Worcestershire’s innings never fired. Riki Wessels drove Craig Overton loosely to point and Tom Fell looked a mite unfortunate to be adjudged lbw to Gregory, the ball possible missing leg stump. Ferguson, the South Australian, had ground to make up after his fielding lapses, only to be run out by Abell’s direct hit from point as Mitchell called him for a quick single.Worcestershire’s captain, Brett D’Oliveira, is also having a thin time. He recorded his fifth single-figure score in a row when Roelof van der Merwe turned one to strike his off stump. He allowed his legspin a solitary over which cost 12 and seemed to jar a shoulder in the field. His Championship place is far from automatic in this form.
It's been a whirlwind of a start to the January transfer window for those of a Tottenham Hotspur persuasion, but the movement in the market looks to be setting up success for the business end of the campaign.
Ange Postecoglou was brought in after a disappointing 2022/23 season and has swiftly established himself as a first-class manager capable of leading Spurs to new heights.
The Premier League competitors have, however, been blighted by injuries and a certain fragility in the squad. With centre-back Radu Dragusin and forward Timo Werner joining the fold already, sights are now set on a midfielder.
The latest on Tottenham's hunt for a midfielder
According to the Independent, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will indeed set their sights on a centre-midfielder after tidying up the aforementioned areas of the field, with Conor Gallagher 'still top of the list'.
Gallagher, an all-action and commanding player, is considered the perfect profile and Chelsea are willing to sell, ensuring that they can strengthen their frontline.
Chelsea's Conor Gallagher
However, a deal will fall into the ballpark of £50m, and whether Spurs boast the financial means to make such a move bloom into fruition remains to be seen.
Conor Gallagher's style of play
The imminent African Cup of Nations has snatched Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr away from the Tottenham fold for the next month or so, but bolstering the engine room would not be carried out in haste.
Gallagher would be the perfect player to waltz in and make the centre of the park down the N17 his own, having supplied four assists across 19 appearances in the English top-flight this term, as per Sofascore, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 1.3 key passes, 2.7 tackles and 6.8 ball recoveries per game while succeeding with 77% of his dribbles.
Described as a "monster" both in and out of possession by one football content creator, Gallagher has been a shining light in another abject year at Stamford Bridge and the news of his possible departure has left a bitter taste in the mouths of supporters.
But with the Blues board seemingly intent on cashing in, Spurs are only too happy to take advantage of a star who ranks among the top 19% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and successful take-ons, the top 17% for tackles and the top 2% for blocks per 90, as per FBref.
#1 Youssouf Fofana (Monaco)
#2 Konrad Laimer (Bayern)
#3 Hicham Boudaoui (Nice)
#4 Curtis Jones (Liverpool)
#5 Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool)
The stats-led site also links Curtis Jones as a similar player to his fellow Englishman, with Liverpool's unsung hero proving across recent months why a player of his skill set is pivotal for a team challenging for prominence.
How Gallagher compares to Curtis Jones
Jones has long been considered an exciting player after rising from the Anfield youth ranks but it is only before the summer that he truly came into his own, starting the final 11 Premier League fixtures as Liverpool enjoyed a resurgence.
Jones' blooming presence as a goal threat has been instrumental in his rise within Jurgen Klopp's ranks, and after scoring against Fulham in the Carabao Cup the 22-year-old has taken his seasonal tally to four goals from 14 starts, with three assists to boot.
Among the crispest midfielders in possession, he ranks among the top 2% of positional peers for pass completion and the top 10% for progressive carries, 15% for successful take-ons and 18% for tackles per 90, which highlights the all-action semblance in style with Gallagher.
Gallagher, while having not scored this term as he plays a more creative role, has proved his goalscoring prowess in the past and plundered eight strikes from 34 matches when he was on loan with Crystal Palace two years ago.
Curtis Jones.
He must be signed, offering the final piece of the puzzle to complete Tottenham's midfield and ensure Postecoglou's vision is realised in all its vibrant colours.
Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy has been ruled out of England's upcoming double header against France after sustaining an injury.
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Defender missed end of season with injuryWithdraws from England squad for France gamesMay be back for qualifying matches in JulyWHAT HAPPENED?
The centre-back was absent from the Gunners' final four Women's Super League games of the season after suffering a foot injury. The 25-year-old has since been left out of the Lionesses squad for the Women's Euro 2025 qualifying matches against France.
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The loss of Wubben-Moy is a big blow for Sarina Wiegman's team. She was voted Arsenal Women's Player of the Season for the 2023-24 campaign, receiving a massive 41 per cent of the fans' vote. With the Lionesses sitting second in Group A3 in qualifying, with France two points ahead, they will hope to have her back later in the summer.
WHAT THE LIONESSES SAID
"Lotte Wubben-Moy will not participate in the forthcoming UEFA EURO qualifying fixtures against France because of a foot injury," a statement from the England camp read. "Wubben-Moy will undertake a period of recuperation and is expected to join back with the Lionesses squad in the preparation phase for the July window against Republic of Ireland and Sweden."
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England will face France at St James' Park on May 31 as they look to overtake Les Bleus at the top of their group. The following Tuesday, they will travel to Saint-Etienne to complete the double header.