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Tottenham Hotspur could secure their ideal heir to Toby Alderweireld this summer after being linked with a move for Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic’s Tottenham reporter Charlie Eccleshare, the capital club are interested in signing the 23-year-old this summer, despite their reported pursuit of Cristian Romero.

He tweeted: “Nikola Milenkovic, who #THFC hold an interest in, would be a relatively straightforward deal. The player has one year left on his contract and is keen to play in the PL. Around €15m would do it.”

He’s a big upgrade on Eric Dier

With Alderweireld joining Qatari club Al-Duhail, new Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo needs to significantly strengthen his backline ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Milenkovic has established himself as one of Serie A’s most promising young centre-back’s in recent years, racking up 133 appearances for La Viola in all competitions.

His impressive performance have seen the 6 ft 5 beast likened to one of the Premier League’s greats in Manchester United legend and compatriot Nemanja Vidic, which will surely delight Spurs supporters.

“Milenkovic is better than Vidic with the ball at his feet, and he is much calmer on the field,” Mozzart journalist Dejan Stankovic told ESPN FC.

“He is the most talented centre-back Serbia have had since Vidic, and they definitely have one thing in common – both are fearless.”

While the youngster may still have some way to go in order to reach Vidic’s incredible levels on the pitch, it appears he would already offer a significant upgrade on one of Tottenham’s current options.

England international Eric Dier came in for criticism last season following a string of underwhelming displays, and Milenkovic’s underlying figures indicate he’s currently performing at a higher level than the 27-year-old.

As per WhoScored, Milenkovic managed 1.4 tackles per league game last term and 1.3 interceptions, bettering Dier’s tallies of 0.8 and 0.8, respectively.

And the Fiorentina ace showcased his ability with the ball at his feet as well, recording a passing accuracy of 86% compared to Dier’s 83.2%.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy must swoop for Milenkovic this summer, and provide Espirito Santo with adequate quality and strength in depth for the new season.

The former Wolves boss frequently played five at the back during his four-year stay at Molineux, meaning he’d likel want a couple of centre-back’s through the door this summer. And with the Serbian’s lowly £12.7m asking price, his acquisition would leave plenty of funds left over for other signings.

And, in other news…Paratici heading for Spurs disaster with £12.6m-rated sicknote, fans will be fuming 

Many Wolves fans have been left reacting as a transfer update emerged on Aaron Ramsey.

As per football journalist Romeo Agresti (via Elvin DF), the Midlands club hold a ‘half-hearted’ interest in the Juventus ace, but the costs to sign him are currently ‘insurmountable’.

Ramsey signed a whopping £400,000-per-week deal to join the Old Lady from Arsenal back in 2019, and there is simply no way that the Molineux faithful can afford to pay him that kind of money.

Nonetheless, what a signing he would be if he were to cut some wages, given his experience in the Premier League, where he scored no fewer than 40 goals and made a further 51 assists in 262 games in total from midfield (Transfermarkt).

The 30-year-old would certainly give Bruno Lage another good option in the middle of the park, providing that they can negotiate his wages down and a minimal transfer fee.

Wolves transfer update on Ramsey

These WWFC supporters gave their reactions as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that Ramsey would be a ‘perfect’ signing:

“Wow”

Credit: @wwfcglover

“Would be perfect in a middle 3”

Credit: @BulletRobinson

“Would be absolutely unreal if we signed him I could contribute £10 a month to the £400k #wwfc”

Credit: @CallumONeill93

“Class player, he’s made his money surely get him for what we paid Rui”

Credit: @DuckinsDavid

“Would be great to have Ramsey but his wages are ridiculous.”

Credit: @Earlknudsen

“I’d happily take him if he wasn’t on ridiculous wages”

Credit: @adenwwfc_

In other news, find out which key Wanderer may be sold to a top-flight rival here!

Andrew McGlashan reports on the third day of the Championship clash between Somerset and Lancashire at Taunton

Andrew McGlashan at Taunton26-Sep-2008
Scorecard
Gary Keedy celebrates removing Peter Trego and he finished with five wickets in the innings © PA Photos
Somerset haven’t played like prospective County Champions over the last three days and could finish as a low as fourth when everything is tied up tomorrow. Gary Keedy took a season-best 5 for 56 to dismiss them for 227 in their second innings, leaving Lancashire 182 to win. Mark Chilton and Paul Horton knocked off 122 with ease by the close against a dispirited home side.Durham’s progress against Kent means even if Somerset had been able to pull off a win here it wouldn’t have been enough for a first title. And it wouldn’t have been a great advert for the Championship – regardless of all the wet weather – if the victors had ended with just four wins. It was their batting which let them down for a second time in this match, although Keedy needs credit for the way he exploited a pitch that started to offer him some assistance.It left Lancashire needing 182 to finish with back-to-back wins and give their Championship standing a much healthier look. Chilton and Horton had few alarms as Somerset’s lingering energy was finally sapped. Lancashire’s progress in their chase was slightly deceptive. Batting was hard work throughout the match, but not since the first couple of sessions has it been a lottery, yet no batsman has produced a major innings.Lancashire’s bowlers performed impressively to remove Somerset for a second time. It has been the quicks who have done most of the damage up to today, but in Keedy, Lancashire had the most potent spin option in the match and he was in action within the first hour. He finished with his first five-wicket haul since April 2007, but this hasn’t been the easiest of summers for fingers spinners and he went almost a month at one stage without bowling a ball in anger.Glen Chapple made the first breakthrough when he trapped James Hildreth with an inswinger, but shortly after Keedy was introduced he found Zander de Bruyn’s outside edge with one that turned. Suddenly, with the score barely moving and two further wickets down Somerset were under severe pressure.Peter Trego, the first-innings hero, was required to perform another rescue mission, but his attempt to break the shackles against Keedy cost him his wicket. He came down the pitch and tried to hit over mid-on, but the ball turned and he lofted it to mid-off, where Newby held well-judged catch moving backwards.Ian Blackwell was the last major batsman left and played sensibly to try and halt the slide. He whipped an effortless boundary through midwicket off Tom Smith and thumped a handsome straight drive against Keedy, but spin was tough to score off against as Keedy conceded one-an-over before lunch. The balance was just starting to shift again as he and Craig Kieswetter added 71 for the sixth wicket before Kieswetter missed a leg-side whip and was given lbw.Blackwell passed 1000 Championship runs for the season and went to fifty off 92 balls, but gave it away moments later with a lazy waft outside off stump. With him went Somerset’s last real chance. It gave Newby his third scalp of the innings, his seventh of an impressive game, and his best match return. Like Lancashire, he has peaked in the final few weeks of the season to justify the club’s youth push.Caddick then backed up his words to the top order by sticking around for 41 balls over 7 until he was given lbw – to his clear displeasure. Charl Willoughby, a true No. 11, clubbed a six off Keedy to bring huge cheers from the local supporters before Thomas gave Keedy his fifth by reverse sweeping to point.Somerset’s last chance was early wickets, and Caddick has performed such heroics before, but he has been singularly unimpressed with recent events at the club. Chilton and Horton survived the new-ball burst and were soon picking off boundaries with ease. Blackwell is no Keedy when it comes to left-arm spin and he regularly dropped short to be cut away. For a while it looked like Lancashire would be in a position to finish the match a day early, but opted to take their time. For Somerset, it’s all a massive anticlimax.

West Bromwich Albion are standing firm on their position regarding Matheus Pereira’s potential exit from The Hawthorns.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claim that, despite Pereira’s recent statement published on Twitter – in which the winger publicly stated his desire to leave the club – as well as a feeling amongst interested parties that a deal could be done for around £25m this summer, Albion will not be budging from their £30m valuation of the Brazilian.

The report goes on to state that Valerien Ismael’s side are more than happy to sanction the sale of the 25-year-old before the closure of the transfer window, and will not stand in the way of his departure whatsoever – as long as their asking price is met.

Ismael will be buzzing

While losing the club’s best player from the previous two seasons may well come as a blow for many of The Hawthorns faithful, there are actually a number of reasons why this sale would leave Ismael himself buzzing.

Indeed, with the 45-year-old often deploying a 3-4-3 in his time at Barnsley – with this also being a formation in which Albion have been set up in their pre-season fixtures – there does not appear to be an obvious role for the winger in this setup, nor does the Brazilian particularly suit the Frenchman’s style of play.

As such, should the club indeed go on to sell the player – who, in the eyes of Ismael, is essentially useless – for a figure anywhere near £30m, the manager should be given a quite considerable chunk of money in order to make a number of his own additions who suit his brand of football much more adequately prior to the transfer deadline at the end of August.

Furthermore, West Brom’s stubborn stance on Pereira’s asking price also bodes well for Ismael further down the line, as, with the 45-year-old known for placing his trust in and developing younger prospects, the likelihood of a bigger club being interested in one of Albion’s homegrown players in the not too distant future is a very likely scenario.

And, with the Baggies hierarchy standing firm on the valuation of their players before sanctioning a sale, Ismael will be confident that his club will not simply cash in on a highly-rated youngster with the aim of making a quick buck – but rather, will only do so if they believe the price is fair, which would, in turn, allow the Frenchman to reinvest the funds raised on improving his squad.

So, while it may be disappointing for fans to wave goodbye to the man Colin Millar dubbed a “special” player, it could well be a very different story for the manager who has already spoken out against Pereira’s dedication to the West Brom cause.

In other news: Key club figure drops three-word transfer hint which will leave West Brom fans fuming

Mark Butcher, the Surrey captain, faces a second operation on his knee to try and save his career

Cricinfo staff10-Oct-2008Mark Butcher, the Surrey captain, faces a second operation on his knee to try and save his career.He was injured at the start of June and didn’t play again during the 2008 season after undergoing keyhole surgery. However, a further operation, involving micro-fracture surgery, has now been recommended.”The doctors are pretty confident that this will work, so I’m hoping they are right,” Butcher told the Get Surrey website. “The last few weeks have not been much fun on any score.”Surrey were relegated in the Championship after finishing bottom without a win, and the poor season cost Alan Butcher, Mark’s father, his job as coach. The club are expected to begin a search for his replacement in a few weeks time once Gus Mackay, the new managing director, has settled into his role.

Former Tottenham captain Graham Roberts reckons Hugo Lloris’ number one spot could come under threat from Pierluigi Gollini.

The Frenchman has been Spurs’ first-choice goalkeeper for the best part of his nine years in north London.

However, the club have never quite had an adequate back-up, with neither Michel Vorm nor Joe Hart putting Lloris under a considerable amount of pressure, even when mistakes were made.

But that could change following the season-long loan addition of Gollini, who’s been Atalanta’s number one for the previous three years and has played in the Champions League in the last two.

And whilst the Italian has arrived with a view to replacing Lloris once his contract expires next summer, when asked what sort of role he expects Gollini to play, Roberts told The Transfer Tavern:

“I think he will put Lloris under a little bit of pressure.”

Gollini looked confident and assured during his debut against Chelsea in pre-season, making some impressive saves.

However, he’s been signed to play in the UEFA Conference League and domestic cups, which should leave him in good stead for when Lloris moves on and he becomes first-choice in 2022-2023.

Martin Williamson previews the tri-series in Nairobi

Martin Williamson17-Oct-2008It’s almost three years since a Full-Member country visited Nairobi for an ODI, and since the 2003 World Cup, four ODIs against Bangladesh is the best Kenyan cricket has been able to offer its small number of home supporters.It has not been through want of trying. Initially, the gross mismanagement of the board deterred visiting sides, and more recently the political uncertainty has hampered the tireless efforts of Cricket Kenya to tempt countries to tour. A few A-teams have popped in, but the main action has been with other Associates.The Ireland tour has been on the cards for some time, but it appeared set to be another bilateral series until Zimbabwe finally bowed to pressure from on high and agreed to make it a threesome. Since they were held 2-2 at home by Kenya in 2006, Zimbabwe have been sidestepping a return series, fearing the consequences of defeat by an Associate.The chances of that, very real a couple of years ago, have now reduced considerably. Zimbabwe, with a continuing erosion of their player base, are no better than they were, but the two Associates they face certainly have certainly gone in reverse of late.Kenya are at the crossroads. For more years that is healthy, they have been propped up by the same old faces, and that is no longer a viable option. There is new talent coming through – Seren Waters had a cracking debut last weekend – but the pool of talent is shallow, a legacy of the lack of investment of the previous regime. The new board is having to rebuild the development structure, and the rewards of that will not be felt for several years. For the time behind, Kenya are in virtual freefall, and so serious have things become that there is a real fear that they will struggle to qualify for the 2011 World Cup.Ireland’s problems are less deep rooted, centring more on availability rather than a lack of talent. The pressures of an increasingly hectic schedule on a largely amateur side has taken its toll, with several of the victorious 2007 World Cup squad absent. They also struggle to keep players from throwing in their lot with England, and a batting line-up which could include Ed Joyce and Eoin Morgan would be a daunting prospect. Despite that, they are probably now the leading Associate, a mantle which for many years was Kenya’s. Last weekend’s innings defeat of the Kenyans in Nairobi underlined their credentials.Zimbabwe’s woes are well documented, and the absence of Brendan Taylor, who is believed to be in Australia after one fall-out too many with the board, is a major blow. They have plenty of young cricketers but they are woefully inexperienced and the poor facilities at home, together with the lack of coaches, means their opportunities to improve are limited.Zimbabwe should still be good enough to win the tri-series, and with the ICC still pouring millions into the murkiness that is the country’s cricketing structure, so they should. But Ireland, who are ranked above them by the ICC, may well have what it takes to bloody their noses, as Canada, a much weaker side, did last week in Toronto. For locals, they can but hope that Kenya’s long run of dismal performances when it really matters doesn’t continue in front of their own fans.

Sachin Tendulkar has said India were in a decent, but not brilliant,position after ending the first day of the final Test in Nagpur on 311 for5

Cricinfo staff06-Nov-2008
Sachin Tendulkar: “It was important that I got going because we had lost a couple of wicketsand even Sehwag got out after that” © Getty Images
Sachin Tendulkar has said India were in a decent, but not brilliant,position after ending the first day of the final Test in Nagpur on 311 for5. Tendulkar, who stabilised the Indian innings with his 40th Testhundred, felt losing five wickets was too many and “three would have beenokay”.The situation when he began his innings was reminiscent ofIndia’s first innings in Mohali where a terrific start had been eroded byquick wickets. Today India went from 98 for 0 to 116 for 3 and were indanger of allowing Australia to bounce back after Virender Sehwag’s half-century forced them on the defensive.”It was important that I got going because we had lost a couple of wicketsand even Sehwag got out after that,” Tendulkar said. “I think it was justabout keeping the head cool initially because when I walked in it was acritical stage. We had to make sure that we [VVS Laxman and I] had a goodpartnership and took the game away from Australia because the momentum waswith them [Australia] initially.”Tendulkar and Laxman’s efforts succeeded and they regained the advantageby adding 146 for the fourth wicket. Tendulkar went after the debutantoffspinner Jason Krejza, slogging him over midwicket and lifting over mid-on. He fedoff the deliveries that Mitchell Johnson bowled on his pads, flicking withimpeccable timing towards the square-leg boundary. The shot of the day,however, was a trademark on-drive against Lee which bisected the gapbetween the bowler and mid-on.Tendulkar, however, was fortunate to get a century. On 74 he survived a run-outchance; on 85 he mis-hit Krejza to mid-off where Johnson dropped thecatch; on 96 he lofted Krejza once again to long-off where Brett Leecouldn’t hang on. Tendulkar played out 11 dot balls on 99 beforereaching his hundred by cutting Krejza to the point boundary.”I can say he [Krejza] was a bit unlucky,” Tendulkar said. “He had afirst wonderful day. Today I can also thank God [for reaching thehundred] . I am delighted at getting the century.”The 40th century eluded Tendulkar twice in this series. He was out for 88in Mohali and 68 in Delhi and on both occasions he was batting withfluency before falling against the run of play. Tendulkar, however, saidalthough he missed out on hundreds, he had made vital contributions, suchas the patient 49 in Bangalore which helped India save the Test.”I know I am batting well, but I was not getting to the three-figure landmark. But I don’t think that is everything. I have gone in at crucial [stages] at almost four or five times and I have beenable to play. That is very satisfying, when you deliver when the team needs the most.”Tendulkar was dismissed in the last half-hour of the day, playing across the line to Johnson, who was bowling with the second new ball. That lapse, and the catches that were offered before his century, seemed to indicate a drop in concentration, but Tendulkar did not agree.”I don’t think I lost my concentration,” he said. “Yes there was a patch in between but later on I felt I had sort of again changed the momentum and I just wanted to be there till the end today.”Tendulkar said that the pitch was a “perfect track” but what was noticeable, even in the first hour of play, was how quickly the bowlers’ follow-throughs left their mark on the surface. Krejza got a few deliveries to spin and turn on day one and Tendulkar said it will definitely help the spinners more.”The wicket is playing good. It is on the harder side and it is quite good. The spinners are getting bounce so I think in a day or two it will be difficult to play the spinners.” When play ended on the first day, Harbhajan Singh made his way out to the middle, possibly to inspect the surface on which he hopes to fulfil the responsibility passed on to him by Anil Kumble.

Leeds United have made progress in their efforts to sign Celtic central defender Leo Hjelde, following weeks of deadlock within negotiations [Yorkshire Evening Post].

The Lowdown: Leeds United gear up for the 2021/22 Premier League season

With the 2021/22 Premier League campaign set to get underway later this week, Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa will be desperate to strengthen in key areas to bolster his already talented roster.

Prioritising quality over quantity, the Argentinian has successfully acquired three additions in the form of Junior Firpo, Jack Harrison and Kristoffer Klaesson [Transfermarkt].

Now, the Elland Road hierarchy look to have moved closer to sealing another summer signing according to recent reports.

The Latest: Leeds United make breakthrough in Hjelde pursuit

Leeds are said to have moved closer to acquiring the Norway Under-18 international, who would join the Under-23 set-up [Yorkshire Evening Post].

Talks with Scottish giants Celtic had previously ground to a halt, however, a breakthrough in discussions has now emerged, bringing the two clubs closer to an agreement.

Hjelde could be a prospective replacement for ex-Whites talent Oliver Casey, who departed for Sky Bet Championship side Blackpool earlier this window.

The Verdict: Hjelde would be a low-risk signing for Leeds United

Providing long-term value and plenty room for development, Hjelde would be a low risk buy for Leeds United who has proven his ability to function within a high-octane footballing environment.

In 2020/21, the 17-year-old gained senior experience on loan at Scottish Premiership side Ross County, registering a solitary goal from 12 appearances in all competitions [Transfermarkt].

Despite his youth, the 6 foot 2 ace showed his awareness to dangerous situations across the year, recording an average of 3.3 clearances per game across the season [WhoScored].

Once likened to 2019 Ballon d’Or runner up Virgil van Dijk by former manager John Hughes, he certainly looks like a player who could blossom under a manager like Bielsa [BBC].

In other news, a Leeds United star has been backed to recapture his best form in 2021/22.

After a less than impressive display at Ibrox against Malmo in midweek, Steven Gerrard should drop Leon Balogun from his Rangers side to face Dunfermline Athletic tonight.

Gerrard’s men begin their Scottish League Cup campaign against the Championship side at Ibrox on Friday night, hoping to end their run of three consecutive losses.

The Light Blues manager spoke earlier in the week about how he planned to take domestic cup competitions very seriously this season, with Rangers’ last success in the League Cup coming in 2010/11 season.

The 41-year-old said: “We made it abundantly clear to the squad this season that the domestic cups are important and we want to go all the way in both. You will see in my squad selection how serious we are taking the competition, we will be going full throttle.”

Therefore, it seems as if Gerrard will be selecting a strong side at Ibrox despite the lower-tier opposition, and for that reason, he should drop Balogun from his starting XI.

Should Gerrard drop Balogun vs Dunfermline?

The former Wigan Athletic man, who reportedly earns £12.5k per week at Rangers, struggled immensely in the second half against Malmo in midweek and was definitely culpable for the Swedish side’s second goal. He was far too slow to close down Antonio Colak from a throw-in, and the Croatian turned inside the box before firing past Allan McGregor to give the 10 men of Malmo a 4-2 aggregate lead.

After the game, Nigerian news outlet Punch were extremely critical of Balogun for his disappointing performance, writing: “Balogun endured a miserable night on his return to Rangers starting lineup as the Gers crashed out from the UCL qualifiers.”

It was a surprise that Filip Helander was dropped from the starting XI in the first place after Gerrard described his first leg performance as “Champions League level”, so it seems likely that the Swede will resume his partnership with Connor Goldson, or even one of Jack Simpson or Nikola Katic, when Rangers face Peter Grant’s side this evening.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776”]

Regardless of who comes in for the Nigerian centre-back, they will struggle to perform as badly as Balogun did in the second half against Malmo, so the 33-year-old should definitely be dropped to the bench.

In other news… Wilson can sign Rangers’ next Ryan Kent with transfer swoop for 23 y/o “top player”