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O Flamengo vive dias de apreensão e imbróglios, tendo recebido duas negativas em meio a um surto de Covid-19, que infectou 16 atletas do elenco – além de membros dos departamentos de futebol, médico e dirigentes.As rejeições vieram de CBF e Conmebol, sendo esta última negando o pedido de mais dez inscrições visando os dois próximos jogos da Libertadores.

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A maior preocupação do Flamengo atualmente, embora tenha recorrido até ao STJD para adiar a partida deste domingo, contra o Palmeiras, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, é quanto à próxima quarta (30). E esta data pode assegurar uma vaga antecipada às oitavas ou até transformar o cenário em um drama.

DE OLHO EM PRECEDENTE…

Há otimismo internamente por conta do seguinte precedente na Libertadores: a Conmebol autorizou o Boca Juniors a enfrentar o Libertad com jogadores infectados pelo novo coronavírus, alegando que os atletas tinham sido infectados, à época, há mais de dez dias e, por isso, não transmitiriam a doença. E os sete primeiros infectados da delegação do Fla que esteve recentemente no Equador chegarão na próxima semana, para enfrentar o Independiente Del Valle, após 11 dias do teste positivo.São eles:Mauricio Isla, Filipe Luís, Diego Ribas, Michael, Vitinho e Bruno Henrique e Matheuzinho.

O LANCE! apurou que todos os citados acima estão assintomáticos, o que tende a garantir a presença deles no Maracanã.Além disso, Gabigol, dúvida para domingo, também é esperado para quarta (caso não haja um novo contratempo físico neste ínterim, obviamente). Diego Alves e Pedro Rocha, que se recuperam de lesão como o camisa 9, são outras possibilidades, porém remotas.

Já os ausentes garantidos, todos por conta dos mais recentes positivos para Covid-19, são: Gabriel Batista, Rodrigo Caio, Gustavo Henrique, Matheus Thuler, Léo Pereira, Renê, Arão e Everton Ribeiro e João Gomes. E ainda tiveram os casos de Gabriel Noga, Rodrigo Muniz e Pepê, confirmados na última noite e naturais baixas.

Em suma, o cenário atual é: há apenas 11 nomes garantidos para quarta (César, João Lucas, Ramon, Natan, Thiago Maia, Gerson, Arrascaeta, Guilherme Bala, Pedro, Lázaro e Lincoln), sendo apenas um zagueiro: o jovem Natan. É essencial, esportivamente, que o clube consiga escalar os sete citados anteriormente.

… E TAMBÉM NA VAGA ANTECIPADA

O técnico à beira do gramado deve ser Jordi Guerrero, auxiliar de Domènec Torrent (também infectado). Ele pode ser o responsável por, com oito peças de volta (os primeiros infectados no Equador e Gabigol), conduzir o Fla à próxima fase antes da última rodada. Para isso, em caso de vitória contra o Del Valle, precisa torcer para que o Junior Barranquilla empate ou seja derrotado para o Barcelona-EQU – que jogam no mesmo dia e horário (21h30 de Brasília).

Já se o Rubro-Negro empatar, a necessidade é por um revés do Junior, em sua casa, contra o Barcelona. Em tempo: em caso de derrota do Flamengo, não há chance de vaga antecipada. Confira e simule a tabela da Libertadores aqui.

Aston Villa are reportedly continuing their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, as Unai Emery and Monchi work on bolstering the squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Villans are said to have been linked with the Argentine for some time, with the talented attacker rumoured to be one of the initial candidates to follow Emery to the Midlands from Villarreal last year.

What’s the latest on Giovani Lo Celso to Aston Villa?

As speculated back in October, Spurs could sell the 27-year-old for a fee in the region of £15m.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

An update last week claimed that the Villans could have been handed a boost in their hope to sign the Spurs ace, with the Lilywhites’ desire to offload the talent clear.

Another report from Birmingham Live noted that the former Paris Saint-Germain maestro is on Villa’s list of targets, however, they are joined by Napoli in their interest in the midfielder.

How good is Giovani Lo Celso?

Despite things not working out as planned in north London following his loan spell that was made permanent by Spurs in 2020, the Argentine could be offered a shot at redemption in the Premier League.

Having been praised as a “magnificent player” by Sevilla president Jose Castro, the 27-year-old has enjoyed successive loan spells in LaLiga with Emery’s former club Villarreal, in which the Argentine crossed paths with the Spaniard.

The former Arsenal boss also coached Lo Celso during his time with PSG, describing him as “versatile” at the point of their reunion in Spain.

Now, the Rosario-born gem could work under the four-time Europa League winner once more, this time in the Midlands, where he could significantly bolster the squad at Villa Park.

Deployed primarily in attacking midfield, with the ability to venture onto the flank, the Spurs man could finally find comfort in the Premier League away from the capital.

In capturing the talent, Emery could install further depth and quality to his side, with the £100k-per-week ace likened statistically by FBref to one of the league’s most reliable attackers.

As per FBref, the Argentine’s numbers accumulated over the past year see him comparable to Manchester City star Bernardo Silva, a player that has consistently impressed when called upon for Pep Guardiola.

The two players are similar in their progressive approach to play, suggesting that Villa could land their answer to the Portuguese whiz this summer.

In LaLiga last season, Lo Celso averaged an impressive 7.75 progressive passes and 2.80 progressive carries per 90 for Villarreal, comparable to Silva’s 5.31 progressive passes and 3.67 progressive carries per 90 for City in the Premier League, via FBref.

Two talents key in the final third, Lo Celso flexed his creative ability from midfield as highlighted by his dominant average of 2.48 key passes per 90 in Spain, while the treble winner recorded 1.27 key passes per 90 for the Sky Blues.

Adding a quality as prominent as the Argentine could gift Emery an added outlet in the advanced areas, in a player that could replicate the impact of Silva at the Etihad by bringing his talents to Villa Park.

West Ham United are on the verge of losing another player with Gianluca Scamacca attracting interest from Inter Milan, and now a fresh update has emerged on a potential replacement.

What's the latest on West Ham's interest in Hugo Ekitike?

According to French news outlet RMC Sport, the Hammers are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike this summer.

As per the report, the east London outfit are joined by Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen and Nottingham Forest in their interest of the young talent who has found his game-time limited for the Ligue 1 champions.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news…

How good is Hugo Ekitike?

Irons boss David Moyes will be fully focused on the preparations to lead his squad out in their Premier League opener against Bournemouth next weekend, however, Inter Milan's interest in signing Scamacca could throw a spanner in the works.

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Serie A giants are in negotiations with Scamacca and West Ham over a deal:

"Inter, confident on Gianluca Scamacca deal as negotiations between parties are underway — current bid remains €25m add-ons included #Inter"

As a result, Scamacca's likely departure could present an opportunity to secure the signing of a young talent hungry for game-time who will come into the club with a point to prove to make an instant impact.

After completing a move last summer from Stade de Reims, Ekitike has struggled to make his presence known at PSG with just 12 Ligue 1 starts due to competing with Kylian Mbappe for the centre-forward role.

Nevertheless, the 21-year-old gem ranks in the top 5% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for assists, pass completion and interceptions per 90 minutes played, as well as ranking in the top 25% of blocks and successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

The 6 foot 2 French titan has earned high praise over his career so far, with former Reims manager Óscar García waxing lyrical about the young player:

"There is something very special about him. He’s young, and he has the quality to become a very good player."

Whilst Reims reserve team coach Franck Chalencon claimed:

"His main quality? His instinct for goal. It's very rare that Hugo plays a game without creating a chance himself at any occasion.In front of the goal, his ratio is excellent. But he's not only a striker, he can play on the wing, too. Very technical. He knows what to do with the ball, when to keep it, when to give it."

When comparing Ekitike's output to Scamacca's last season, the £79k-per-week forward comfortably outperformed his position competitor in a number of key attributes including goal contributions (7 v 3), shots on target (35.3% v 33.3%), pass completion rate (81.9% v 66.7%), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.57 v 2.33) and goal-creating actions per 90 (0.55 v 0.10).

With that being said, the signing of Ekitike could be a great opportunity for West Ham to not only replace Scamacca in the short term but also to develop a young player with huge potential who can make a significant impact for many years to come.

أصبحت مشادة محمد صلاح ويورجن كلوب في مباراة ليفربول ووست هام بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، حديث الصحف البريطانية.

وتعادل ليفربول ووست هام بهدفين لمثلهما ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج”، اليوم السبت.

وخلال إجراء تبديلات لليفربول في الدقيقة 80، وقعت مشادة كلامية بين محمد صلاح ومدربه كلوب وتدخل داروين نونيز لإبعاد اللاعب عن المدرب.

وأشارت صحيفة “ميرور” البريطانية إلى أن محمد صلاح كان يحرك الكرة بخمول خلال لعبة الروندو (تمرير الكرة بين مجموعتين من اللاعبين) بين لاعبي فريق ليفربول في عمليات الإحماء قبل المباراة.

وتابعت الصحيفة تحليل لغة جسد محمد صلاح مشيرة إلى أنها كانت عابسة وتعبيرات وجهه غاضبة وهو يقف إلى جانب زملائه البدلاء، مما يشير إلى توتر العلاقة بين اللاعب وكلوب.

اقرأ أيضًا | فيديو | “مصافحة فاترة”.. تقارير إنجليزية تكشف سبب مشاجرة محمد صلاح وكلوب

وأفادت “ميرور” أن كلوب مع اقتراب رحيله عن ليفربول لا يعطي وقتاً للمشاعر في أسابيعه القليلة الأخيرة كمدرب للفريق حتى لو كان ذلك يعني التخلي عن اللاعبين الذين كانوا بمثابة حجر أساسي في قصته الرائعة في آنفيلد.

وأكد التقرير أن وفقًا لمعايير محمد صلاح الاستثنائية، فاللاعب بعيد عن مستواه المعهود وبالتالي إبعاده عن التشكيل الأساسي أمر مبرر من كلوب.

وأشارت “ميرور” إلى أنه على ليفربول أن يتساءل عما إذا كانوا قد اتخذوا القرار الصحيح عندما رفضوا عرضًا ضخمًا بقيمة 150 مليون جنيه إسترليني من اتحاد جدة السعودي في الصيف الماضي.

يذكر أن محمد صلاح يقترب من الأشهر الأخيرة في عقده مع ليفربول، والذي ينتهي بنهاية الموسم القادم.

The Big Bash League’s next broadcast rights deal – and perhaps even its coverage later this year – has been pushed into uncertain waters by a grim financial outlook for its current rights holder, the Ten Network

Daniel Brettig13-Jun-2017

The Big Bash League’s next broadcast rights deal – and perhaps even its coverage later this year – has been pushed into uncertain waters by a grim financial outlook for its current rights holder, the Ten Network.Ahead of the final season, before the rights to the BBL are to go to market where it has been expected to earn up to A$40 million (approx US$30.21 million) more per tournament for Cricket Australia, Ten announced on Tuesday that it had requested a temporary trade halt on the Australian share market (ASX).The request was made after the network was informed that two of its major financial backers, Lachlan Murdoch’s investment company Illyria and Bruce Gordon’s Birketu, don’t intend to renew their financing of the company after the December 23 expiry of the current A$200 million (approx US$151.12 million) loan from the Commonwealth Bank. It is an announcement that increases the likelihood of the network going into receivership, jeopardising its ability to bid for the BBL next year and potentially affecting this summer’s coverage.”Over the weekend, Ten received correspondence from financial advisers to Illyria Pty Limited and Birketu Pty Limited, two of the shareholders which guarantee the company’s current credit facility,” the company said in a statement to the ASX. “That correspondence confirms that those guarantors do not intend to extend or increase their support for the company’s credit facilities beyond the term of the current facility, which expires on 23 December 2017.”Ten’s board is considering the position of the company in light of the position being taken by Illyria and Birketu and the range of restructuring and refinancing initiatives it has underway. Pending these determinations over the coming days, Ten considers that its shares will not be able to trade on an informed basis and, accordingly, requests the trading halt.”Ten had warned back in April that uncertainty over its future financing “may cast significant doubt on the group’s ability to continue as a going concern” after the network posted a A$232 million (approx US$175.30 million) loss in the first half of the 2016-17 financial year.Strong television audiences for the BBL and WBBL have been one of the few positives for the network in recent times, following the signing of a deal with CA in 2013 that was worth A$100 million (approx US$151.12 million) over five years. Due in large part to the quality of Ten’s coverage, estimates for the next rights round have tipped the BBL’s value to rise to as much as A$300 million (approx US$222.68 million) from 2018 to 2023. However, that figure was predicated on consistent competition in the marketplace.Nine, the longterm international cricket rights holder, has previously expressed an eagerness to bid for “everything” next year, while the pay-television provider Foxtel is also interested in returning to broadcast matches played in Australia, perhaps via a simulcast arrangement where it could share the cost of broadcast rights with a free-to-air network as is the case in the AFL and NRL.The figure to be raked in from the next broadcast rights deal is among the areas of uncertainty currently at issue in the pay dispute between CA and the Australian Cricketers Association. CA has argued that it wants to break the fixed revenue-percentage model and provide fixed wages for the players as a result of this uncertainty. However, the Australian Cricketers’ Association has argued that shared risk is one of the principles of a partnership that has lasted for two decades.At the same time, CA is currently on the lookout for a new head of the BBL, after its overseer Anthony Everard was promoted to the board’s executive management team as the man in charge of events and leagues. The newly-created position merges some of the responsibilities held by former operations chief Mike McKenna and the ex-head of events Chris Loftus-Hills, both of whom are now working for the new Perth stadium.Ten’s trading halt is to last for 48 hours, or until the network’s board makes a further announcement about its future.

Leeds United have brought in Aberdeen teenager Lewis Pirie, something which has been described as a “big coup” by reporter James Marshment.

Have Leeds signed Lewis Pirie?

The Whites are currently preparing for the Championship season under new manager Daniel Farke and played their first pre-season game against Manchester United in Oslo on Wednesday.

There is plenty of work done to be done both on and off the pitch before August 6 against Cardiff City, with Leeds bringing in Nick Hammond as interim football advisor to oversee transfer activity this summer.

The 49ers Enterprises are still waiting for the EFL’s green light in regards to a takeover, though, and that process appears to be having an impact on any potential signings.

A number of senior Leeds players have left Elland Road either on loan or on a permanent basis and none have arrived. However, the club did announce on Thursday that they have signed Pirie from Aberdeen, with the 16-year-old set to head straight into the Thorp Arch academy ranks ahead of the new campaign.

It is believed that the centre-forward has cost around £200,000, with Pirie, described as a “rising star” by Fabrizio Romano, signing scholarship terms in Yorkshire.

Marshment, a Whites supporter and a reporter for TEAMtalk, took to Twitter after the move for Pirie was announced on Thursday. He labelled it as a “big coup” for Leeds to sign one of the “most in-demand young strikers around” and feels he could be a “big name” in the future.

“Lewis Pirie is a big coup for #LUFC – one of the most in-demand young strikers around as 51 goals last season testifies. Not a big name now – but one day might be.”

Who else are Leeds signing and who is leaving?

As mentioned, a number of players have left Elland Road this summer, including Robin Koch, Brenden Aaronson and Diego Llorente, who have joined Eintracht Frankfurt, Union Berlin and AS Roma on loan respectively.

Marc Roca and Rasmus Kristensen also look set to seal temporary exits to Real Betis and Roma, whereas Tyler Roberts and Rodrigo have completed permanent moves away to Birmingham City and Al Rayyan.

There has been no real movement in regards to new senior signings, however, Phil Hay believes a new goalkeeper, left-back, centre-back, midfielder and forward could be on the agenda for the 49ers and Farke. Players that have been mentioned to have an interest from Leeds include Newcastle United’s Karl Darlow, Burnley and former Whites defender Charlie Taylor, Liverpool’s Nat Phillips, Coventry City’s Gustavo Hamer and Swansea City forward Joel Piroe.

Leeds will need to act quickly if they want any of their targets through the door and to be ready in time for the opening game f the season, but it does look as if Pirie could be a future first-teamer at Elland Road.

As mentioned by Marshment, the youngster netted 51 times at youth level last season, and should he continue to find the back of the net freely with the Whites, we may see him break into the first-team picture sooner than expected.

Liverpool missed out on qualification for the Champions League group stages as they finished fifth in the Premier League at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Reds ended up four points adrift of Newcastle United in their pursuit of a top-four place and will be competing in the Europa League next term.

Their failure to secure top-tier European football has not prevented them from being able to bolster their squad, though, as Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have both arrived to improve Jurgen Klopp's options in the middle of the park.

The midfield has seemingly been targeted as a priority position to strengthen after Naby Keita, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all left on free transfers, while Fabio Carvalho has gone on loan to RB Leipzig and Arthur has returned to Juventus after his temporary spell.

There could be further additions in that area of the pitch, given that they currently have three fewer options than they had last season, and Real Madrid's Federico Valverde is one who could come through the door.

Where would Federico Valverde fit in at Liverpool?

The reported €90m (£77m) transfer target for the Reds could be the dream replacement for Oxlade-Chamberlain as a goalscoring midfield player for Klopp.

During his injury-ravaged time at Anfield, the former England international showed signs of being a talented scorer from the middle of the park. Indeed, in his last season with more than 40 appearances, the ex-Arsenal man plundered eight goals and three assists during the 2019/20 campaign.

He missed a whopping 88 competitive matches through injury for Liverpool since 2017, meaning that the 29-year-old was rarely able to hit his stride due to a lack of regular game time.

Valverde, however, has only been absent for 37 games throughout the same period. The Uruguay international also showcased his ability as a goalscorer during the 2022/23 season with Real Madrid, where he found the back of the net 12 times in 56 outings.

The above graphic, as provided by Opta, shows that the 24-year-old is among the best in his position for goals and shots, which illustrates how much of an impact he can make in the final third from a midfield slot.

For context, Curtis Jones was Liverpool's top-scoring midfielder last season with three strikes, which suggests that Valverde would provide Klopp with a much-needed upgrade in that area as he scored seven goals in 29 LaLiga starts to prove himself to be a reliable attacking outlet.

The £181k-per-week ace, who was once described as "untouchable" by boss Carlo Ancelotti, averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.25 across 34 league appearances for the Spanish giants – a score that would have placed him second in the Reds squad, only behind Trent Alexander-Arnold (7.32).

These numbers prove that Valverde has the potential to be an incredible addition for Klopp if the talented Uruguayan is capable of translating his form from Spain in England.

Such a prospect would no doubt make him the dream replacement for Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer.

كما جرت العادة، يظل فينيسيوس جونيور هو بطل الرواية في مباريات ريال مدريد ببطولة الدوري الإسباني، ليس فقط بالأداء الذي يقدمه، بل بإثارة الجدل.

اللاعب البرازيلي سجل هدفين وفاز ريال مدريد برباعية في ملعب السادار على أوساسونا، ولكن في الشوط الأول، كانت اللقطة المضيئة.

كما هو معتاد، تصدر فينيسيوس جونيور عناوين الصحف ومواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، بسبب الجدل الذي دار بينه وبين الحكم خوان مارتينيز مونويرا.

اللاعب البرازيلي حصل على البطاقة الصفراء الخامسة له في الموسم، وبالتالي سيغيب عن مواجهة أتلتيك بلباو 31 مارس الجاري، وهو ما جعله يخرج بين الشوطين غاضبًا بشدة.

توجه البرازيلي إلى الكاميرا وتحدث بكلمات، ترجمتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، وأكدت من خلالها أنها رد على البطاقة الصفراء التي تحصل عليها من مونويرا.

وحسب ما قالت الصحيفة الإسبانية، فإن فينيسيوس توجه إلى الكاميرا وقال: “في كل مباراة هذا الحكم يعطيني بطاقة، في كل مبارياته ، لا أعلم لماذا”.

وأثناء حديثه للكاميرات، حاول إبراهيم دياز منع فينيسيوس من الحديث والتوقف عن إثارة الجدل، قبل أن يهدأ في غرف خلع الملابس من قبل كارلو أنشيلوتي.

Leeds United could be set to make their first signing of the summer, even before securing a new manager…

What's the latest on Viktor Johansson to Leeds United?

With the 49ers seeking to solve the many issues that Andrea Radrizzani left them with when he offloaded the club, atop their list is likely filling their head coach vacancy.

However, they cannot pass up the opportunity of a transfer coup should it appear, which according to Football League World, it has done.

They note that the Whites are keeping tabs on Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson as a potential replacement for Illan Meslier, with a focus on domestic transfers expected to be the priority this summer.

Fans will likely be glad to see the back of their French shot-stopper, given how his exploits at the back end of last term cost them dearly.

After all, it was reported back in April that he already had one eye on an exit even before their relegation.

Who is Viktor Johansson?

To swap out this culpable French dud for such a capable gem would mark an instant upgrade, and hopefully kickstart a much-needed defensive revolution at Elland Road.

Last campaign the Whites shipped 78 goals as they finished 19th in the Premier League, and the 23-year-old goalkeeper saw much of the blame placed upon his shoulders. The stopper was therefore understandably dropped for their final four games of the season.

His 6.65 average rating in the league that year was supportive of Sam Allardyce's decision, as he would concede on average two goals per game, and kept just five clean sheets throughout the whole term, via Sofascore.

Journalist David Kent even outlined how the £30k-per-week dud had let his side down, writing on Twitter in April: "Meslier a massive liability at this stage for Leeds."

Meanwhile, Johansson has been an ever-present stalwart for The Millers, cementing the number-one spot with a string of fine performances.

Across his 43 Championship matches in the recently-concluded campaign, he was averaging 3.7 saves per game at a success rate of 74%. This fed into the 13 clean sheets he had earned, and the 7.11 average rating bestowed upon the 24-year-old, via Sofascore.

Despite his side finishing 19th, he commanded a staunch backline that held firm on many occasions despite all their struggles.

The 6 foot 1 titan had offered a glimpse into his goalkeeping strengths back in 2020 and has only served to prove his claims correct in the following years.

He initially claimed: "I’d say I’m an explosive goalkeeper, quick off my line, good at shot stopping and good with my kicking."

Replacing unreliability with solidity will be a huge step forward for the Yorkshire outfit, as the 49ers seek to hand whoever their new manager is the perfect platform for instant success.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in sealing a move for Stuttgart defender, Hiroki Ito, as Ange Postecoglou looks to bolster his defensive ranks this summer.

What is the latest on Ito to Tottenham?

A report from 90min last week suggested that the new Spurs boss had approved the club's search to find a new centre-back addition, with the likes of Harry Maguire and Aymeric Laporte having been mooted as potential targets.

According to Japanese outlet, Sponichi, however, the ex-Celtic man could be opting to make a more left-field move with the signing of the aforementioned Ito, with the 24-year-old having spent the last two seasons with the Bundesliga outfit.

The report suggests that the north Londoners are 'interested' in signing the 6 foot 2 ace ahead of next season, with the former Jubilo Iwata man – who made the move to Germany on an initial loan deal in 2021 – having just two years remaining on his current contract.

Who is Hiroki Ito?

The nine-cap Japan international has caught the eye due to his standout form for Stuttgart over the last two years, having praised as having an "unbelievable" left foot by the club's former sporting director, Sven Mislintat.

With the versatile rock having the ability to feature at both left-back and in the centre of the defence, the £9m-rated ace could potentially prove a dream upgrade on long-serving Tottenham man, Ben Davies, amid reports that Postecoglou and co are willing to listen to offers for the Welshman this summer.

As pundit Gabby Agbonlahor suggested, the 30-year-old seemingly "just isn't good enough anymore", hence the need to bring in a figure like Ito to take his place ahead of next season.

The difference in quality between the pair was particularly evident in the most recent campaign, with Ito illustrating his ball-winning brilliance after averaging 1.3 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game from his 30 league appearances, while Davies averaged just 0.9 and 0.6 per game for those same two metrics, respectively.

While both Davies and Ito created four big chances in the league in 2022/23 as a sign of their attacking intent, it does appear to be the latter man who offers a greater creative outlet, as he ranks in the top 5% among his European peers for progressive passes – with the current Spurs man ranking in just the top 20% in that regard.

Equally, with the former Swansea City ace having been described by Agbonlahor as being "so poor on the ball" during a recent encounter, Postecoglou could ditch the £80k-per-week liability by bringing Ito into the fold.

With the former Yokohama F Marinos boss having utilised his knowledge of the Japanese game to acquire the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda during his time at Parkhead, the 57-year-old could well repeat that masterstroke with the addition of the Stuttgart sensation.