Mahmudullah, Ayub slam tons in Dhanmondi Club win

A round-up of the Dhaka Premier League matches on May 10, 2016

Mohammad Isam10-May-2016Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club captain Mahmudullah celebrated his 200th List-A match with 130 against Cricket Coaching School, which paved the way for a 90-run win at the BKSP-3 ground.Mahmudullah added 203 runs for the third wicket in 39 overs with Marshall Ayub, who scored his maiden List-A century. He made 103 off 115 balls with 12 fours while Mahmudullah struck eight fours and five sixes during his career-best 130 off 139 balls. This meant that Dhanmondi Club surged to 290 for 5 in 50 overs.In reply, CCS had a good start, with Saif Hassan and Pinak Ghosh adding 60 for the first wicket. Captain Rajin Saleh built on it with 51 off 78 balls, but Jeevan Mendis and Shafiul Islam pierced through the middle order with two wickets each. Ayub picked up the last wicket to fall – Refatuzzaman – to cap off a memorable day. CCS were bowled out for 200 in 48.3 overs.Mohammedan Sporting Club went to the top of the points table in the Dhaka Premier League, after securing a four-wicket win over over Kalabagan Cricket Academy in Fatullah.Mohammedan and Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club are currently locked with eight points from five matches, but Mohammedan have a better net run rate.They chased down a revised target of 207, after rain interrupted the chase in the 21st over. Opener Ezaz Ahmed and No.3 Upul Tharanga put on 111 runs for the second wicket to set up the chase. Ezaz struck two fours and four sixes before being dismissed by allrounder Mahmudul Hasan for 60 off 68 balls. Tharanga stayed unbeaten on 90 off 114 balls, including eight fours and one six. Left-arm spinner Bishwanath Halder was the pick of the bowlers for KCA, taking 2 for 39.Having been sent in, KCA were bowled out for 231 with four balls to spare, with left-arm spinner Enamul Haque jnr claiming three wickets. Naeem Islam jnr and Naeem Islam pitched in with two wickets each. Jatin Saxena and Mehedi Hasan Miraz hit fifties, but the rest of the batsmen failed, the third-best score being opener Myshukur Rahaman’s 31 off 65 balls.Gazi Group Cricketers rode on a 155-run opening partnership between Shamsur Rahman and Anamul Haque to beat Kalabagan Kira Chakra by six wickets in Mirpur.Anamul, having kept wicket earlier, made 70 off 83 balls, including six fours and one six, before retiring hurt because of cramps. Shamsur hit nine fours and one six during his 91-ball 75. Though he, Mehedi Hasan, Faruque Hossain, and Farhad Hossain fell in quick succession, Alok Kapali, who had picked up three wickets, and Saeed Anwar jnr completed the 224 chase in the 46th over.Earlier, each of Kalabagan’s top four had starts, but none managed to convert it into a half-century. Tasamul Haque top-scored with 47 off 63, before he was the sixth batsman dismissed. Tanveer Haider and No.10 Abdur Razzak made late cameos to push Kalabagan past 200, but it wasn’t enough.

Newcastle eye up James Ward-Prowse move

Newcastle United are interested in making a move for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse this summer, according to a new transfer report.

The Lowdown: Ward-Prowse a standout for Saints

Saints are having a tough season in the Premier League, looking like they could get relegated to the Championship, as things stand.

While many of their players have struggled throughout the campaign, one individual who seems to have continued to produce consistently strong performances is Ward-Prowse.

The 28-year-old has been a talisman for Southampton, scoring seven goals and registering two assists, including a stunning trademark free-kick winner away to Chelsea.

Ward-Prowse could feel that it is time for a fresh challenge this summer, however, and if Saints go down, it is difficult to see him remain at the club.

That’s where Newcastle come into play, as they look to make significant signings during the summer transfer window.

The Latest: Newcastle eyeing up move

According to Football Insider, the Magpies are ‘eyeing up a move’ for Ward-Prowse at the end of the season, seeing him as a strong option to bring in.

The report states that the Englishman ‘is set to quit the Saints in the summer if they fail to stay in the Premier League’ and Newcastle have sent scouts to watch him in action. They are not alone in that respect, though, with Liverpool and Manchester United doing the same.

Ward-Prowse’s current Saints deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2026, so it will likely take a big offer to prise him away from the south coast club.

The Verdict: Great option for Magpies

Ward-Prowse could be an excellent signing by Newcastle, coming in as someone with a wealth of experience and quality who can enhance Eddie Howe’s squad depth greatly from the off.

At 28, the 11-cap England ace is at the peak of his powers and that shouldn’t change over the next three or four years, especially given his endurance levels in midfield.

Ward-Prowse’s free-kick ability speaks for itself, with few in Europe better than him in that area, and Nathan Jones hailed him as ‘absolutely world-class’ during his time in charge of Southampton.

Away from the technical aspects of his game, the £100,000-a-week midfielder is also a tenacious figure who would suit Newcastle’s hard-working style well, having averaged 1.7 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game in the league this season, as well as picking up a total of five yellow cards.

Rangers eyeing Darius Olaru transfer

Rangers will go into the summer transfer window with new midfielders on their radar including the Steaua Bucharest midfielder, Darius Olaru, on their list.

What’s the latest Rangers transfer rumours?

There have been reports suggesting Michael Beale’s men are now putting in the foundations to see four midfielders potentially leave in the summer.

Indeed, Football Insider has reported Steven Davis, Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack could all see their contracts expire at the end of the term with no signs of extensions on the horizon.

And this comes alongside the expectation for Malik Tillman to make a return to Germany having spent the campaign out on loan from Bayern Munich.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke expects Beale’s side to target a number of new arrivals to bolster their midfield:

“Maybe bringing in midfielders will be a top priority for Rangers. And this is why the Steaua Bucharest midfielder Darius Olaru is on their list.”

What would signing Darius Olaru mean for Rangers?

Olaru is a 24-year-old Romanian midfielder who has now been playing his football in the capital of his homeland for three years after making a move worth in the region of £530k.

And the central midfielder has played a big role in Steaua Bucharest’s season so far, having racked up 23 appearances in their top-flight, which has seen him captain the side a number of times.

In those games, the Romanian has been able to provide a respectable four assists as well as competing in the Europa Conference League where he assisted against West Ham United (via Transfermarkt).

Olaru has received some big praise from those within the club with Mihail Stoica likening him to Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne.

This is a player who has shown a lot of versatility this season for the Romanian side having played a number of roles across the midfield including one appearance at left wing.

But with all of these potential departures, it does feel as if Olaru cannot be the only player who Rangers should be looking to bring in this summer.

Glen Kamara could also leave Rangers with a headache over the summer with reported interest in the midfielder coming from south of the border.

And if that is the case, then Beale may certainly have a challenge on his hands to overhaul his midfield in the summer.

Leeds: Academy star could be a ‘phenomenal’ Ampadu partner

Leeds United are no different to any other English club, in that their fans absolutely love to see an academy graduate thrive in the first team.

So, for Daniel Farke, he must surely stick by the notion that 'you do not fix what isn't broken' with regard to one of his current starters.

Deadline Day marked a busy one for the Whites, who scrambled to add some much-needed depth to their squad before the window slammed shut.

Succeeding in doing so, they welcomed three new faces to bring their summer acquisitions up to nine, as a fine number to offset the 15 departures they had overseen.

One of their starring acquisitions at the eleventh hour came for just £5.5m, as they tempted Glen Kamara to trade Ibrox for Elland Road in order to aid their promotion charge.

How good is Glen Kamara?

The Finland international had starred for Rangers ever since moving in 2019 but admitted that "I feel I just needed a change in my career and Leeds is the perfect place to kick-start my career again" in his first interview with his new club.

After all, he had accomplished most of what was possible in Scotland, having won the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup, as well as featuring in the Champions League. The 27-year-old is now set to bring a wealth of experience to Yorkshire, with the hope that he can recapture the form that saw him lauded during the 2021/22 campaign.

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Maintaining a 7.01 average rating in the league, his six goal contributions and 1.3 key passes per game outlined his creative credentials, but paired it with a 91% pass accuracy and one tackle per game too, adding some solidity as well, via Sofascore.

All signs point towards Kamara being instantly thrown into the starting lineup given what he has achieved in the Scottish top flight, but it should not be that easy for him to usurp the exceptional Archie Gray after his start to the season.

How is Archie Gray playing?

Having only made his competitive debut in Leeds' Championship curtain-raiser with Cardiff City, the 17-year-old impressed many with his mature and combative midfield display in a 2-2 draw.

He has since featured in every single game across all competitions thus far, and earned special praise from club legend Jermaine Beckford on Sky Sports (via Leeds Live): "He played with such maturity, he was so confident on the ball. He didn't rush, he didn't panic at all. Everything about his game today was absolutely spot on, and if today is anything to go by, this kid has such a bright future ahead of him.

"He's in the right place to learn, he's got a little bit of everything in him. Phenomenal player, he did really well today."

Tom Elliott

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Simon Walton

16 years 10 months 25 days

Ryan Edmondson

16 years 11 months 16 days

Aaron Lennon

17 years, 4 months, 13 days

Archie Gray

17 years, 4 months, 25 days

Although his 6.6 average rating perhaps does not emphasise the scale of Gray's influence, who is the son, great nephew and grandson of three former Whites stars, his 84% pass accuracy and 1.4 tackles does showcase that quality in possession and toughness in the tackle that has earned praise, via Sofascore.

The partnership he has struck up with Ethan Ampadu marks one of the few shining lights to emerge from a term where they have just one league win thus far, as the Wales international acts as more of a dictator to allow his teenage teammate to spread the play.

As such, the 22-year-old maintains an 86% pass accuracy alongside 1.2 key passes, 2.4 tackles and 2.2 clearances per game in the league, via Sofascore.

Another pundit, Michael Dawson, outlined the kind of creativity that this foundation allows Gray to showcase: "The ball from Archie Gray is absolutely sensational. He picks the ball up just on the right-hand side in his own half and hits a long diagonal pass to Sinisterra, who runs at Harry Clarke and he lets him get in the box, chop inside and whip the ball into the far post."

Although Kamara may be the outstanding option on paper, Gray has certainly merited a sustained period of first-team football to continue solidifying a fine partnership with the former Chelsea general.

Manchester City exploring blockbuster summer move for Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich, and have interest in Jamal Musiala, as Pep Guardiola seeks reunion with Germany international

Manchester City are reportedly interested in Bayern Munich duo Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala.

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  • Man City interested in Bayern duo
  • Show interest in Kimmich and Musiala
  • Guardiola could be interested in summer move
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Athletic have reported that Pep Guardiola could been keen on a potential reunion with Kimmich who he worked with during his stint at the German club. The report suggests that while a close source to the Premier League refuted the interest in a January transfer, a summer move could very well be a possibility. As for Musiala, the Athletic suggests that City may only try to go for the youngster if he refuses a contract extension with the Bavarians.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Kimmich has often been linked with a move away from Bayern due to his expertise as both a right-back and a defensive midfielder. Musiala is also seen as a future superstar, perhaps explaining City's interest.

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    Bayern currently sit second in the league five points off Bayer Leverkusen. City on the the other hand also sit five points off league leaders Liverpool. Both will be out to usurp their nearest contenders before the end of the season.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

    Guardiola's men will next be in action when they take on Brentford away from home on Monday, February 5 as they look to reduce the gap between themselves and Liverpool with the Reds set to face Arsenal later on Sunday.

'Sh*t, I'm so bad' – Sergio Aguero opens up on heartbreaking 'drowning' feeling in his final professional game for Barcelona before retirement & explains why he refused to take Lionel Messi's iconic No.10 shirt

Sergio Aguero has opened up on how he felt during his final professional game at Barcelona before being forced to retire due to a heart condition.

  • Aguero hung up his boots in 2021
  • Heart condition saw his retire early
  • Opens up on final game as a professional
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Aguero announced he was hanging up his boots at the age of 33 after being diagnosed with a heart condition. The striker suffered chest pains and dizziness while playing for Barcelona against Alaves in La Liga in a match which turned out to be his final appearance as a professional. Aguero has now spoken about the game and revealed how he felt before the match was stopped and he was able to receive medical attention.

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    WHAT SERGIO AGUERO SAID

    He told Juan Pablo Varsky for : “I felt like I was drowning, I didn’t feel pain. I had a lot of pressure in my head. I figured it was because I was physically ill and I thought: 'Shit, I’m so bad.'

    "I jumped for a header. They went to counter and I started to get dizzy. I felt like I was going to faint and I wanted to calm down. I wanted to say something and the words didn’t come out. I grabbed the hand of the Alaves captain as if to say: 'Stop the game.' He started screaming and they stopped the game.

    "When I calmed down, I felt like my heart started beating faster. That’s where the arrhythmia attack caught me. A week before it had happened to me in training but it had only been for 20 seconds.”

    Aguero also revealed why he opted to take the No. 19 shirt shirt when he moved to Barcelona in 2021, rather than the 10 left vacant after Lionel Messi's shock exit.

    “When Leo left Barcelona, they offered me the number 10 shirt and I said no. Not because I didn’t want it. I thought he was going to come back," he added. "They told me that I was the only one that could use it but for me, the number 10 belongs to Leo. Lastly, if he is not there, don’t use it.”

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Aguero was taken to hospital after the Alaves match and then ruled out for three months by Barcelona. He subsequently confirmed he would be retiring at an emotional press conference. The striker has since been able to return to the pitch, playing in the seven-side Kings League tournament organised by former Barcelona team-mate Gerard Pique. Aguero has even encouraged his good friend Messi to join his team at some point in the future.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR AGUERO

    Aguero continues to be involved in football and shares a close friendship with Messi. He joined the Argentina squad at their base camp before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and made sure he was involved in their celebrations after victory at the tournament. Aguero has also managed to tempt Messi to join him as a co-owner of his KRU Esports team.

Tottenham: Ange Green-Lights "Interesting" Spurs Signing

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has "validated the profile" of Gent striker Gift Orban with Spurs now "in contact" to sign him.

Who else will Spurs sign?

Spurs have completed a plethora of transfer deals for Postecoglou as chairman Daniel Levy attempts to back his new head coach.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, youngster Ashley Phillips, defender Micky van de Ven, playmaker James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon and striker Alejo Veliz have all now officially joined the north London club, but there may well be more soon.

Postecoglou, speaking to the press last night after Tottenham's entertaining friendly against Barcelona in Catalonia, claimed there may well be another defensive addition if the club can sort more outgoings.

"We've to see what happens with outgoings," explained the Spurs boss.

"But the potential is there to bring in one more centre back after van de Ven"

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

The north Londoners may also sign a new midfielder, as Spurs regular Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is still attracting serious interest from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.

Amid all of the noise surrounding Harry Kane's future, as Bayern prepare to mount yet another attempt to prise him away from Spurs, the club have been looking at possible forward options as well.

Orban, who finished the 22/23 season in electric form, is one attacker who's been linked with a move to Tottenham and journalist Sacha Tavolieri has an interesting update.

The reporter believes Spurs are now in contact over a deal for the Nigeria international, with Postecoglou giving the green-light after he "validated the profile" of Orban.

Tottenham have held verbal discussions with Gent for the player, where they have apparently disclosed their intent to go as high as €30 million (£26m), including bonuses.

Gift Orban

"Tottenham in contact with KAA Gent for Gift Orban!," wrote Tavolieri on X.

"Spurs could go as high as €30M (including bonuses) according to the latest oral discussions undertaken with their Belgian counterparts.

The profile of the Nigerian striker has been validated by Ange Postecoglou. The green light to send the written offer is obviously linked to the Harry Kane affair. The English are anticipating the market by paying €30m in 2023 than have to offer the double once Orban has exploded in an intermediate league… Wait&See."

How good is Gift Orban?

The wonderkid is a player of real quality, as displayed by his numbers for Gent last term, with Orban scoring 20 goals in 22 appearances across all competitions.

Orban has also been praised by members of the press as one of Nigeria's latest dazzling talents, as journalist Ryan Taylor points out.

Gift Orban, Victor Boniface & Tolu Arokodare. Remember these names," wrote Taylor.

"Making waves in Belgium & on European stage. Throw in Victor Osimhen & Terem Moffi – future looks very bright for Nigeria. Quickly approaching a golden generation for the Super Eagles."

Meanwhile, Sport 1 reporter Patrick Berger has branded Gent's star as one of Nigeria's "very interesting" crop of new players to have emerged in the last 12 months. Orban could be a promising capture for Spurs, especially given his sky high ceiling, for just £26m.

Lucas Beraldo: Why Paris Saint-Germain were so desperate to beat Liverpool to the €20m signing of 'The Joker' from Sao Paulo

The 20-year-old defender has just arrived at the Parc des Princes after a breakout season in Brazil's top flight

The first thing you notice about Lucas Beraldo is not the composure in possession. Or even the impressive range of passing for a centre-back. No, it's the smile, the broad, borderline maniacal grin he sports as he lines up before every game; the one that's earned him the nickname 'The Joker'.

It's certainly a little strange. But there is a method to the apparent madness. "For all those who call me crazy when I laugh and smile during the national anthem, it's a mental technique that I've been doing to get into games feeling calmer, to avoid feeling anxious," Beraldo explained in May. "And it's been working."

No arguments, there. Beraldo's work with high-performance coach Beto Ferraz has paid off big time, with the 20-year-old having just completed a €20 million (£17m/$22m) transfer to Paris Saint-Germain after a breakout season at Sao Paulo…

  • Where it all began

    Beraldo grew up in Piracicaba, a city located in the state of Sao Paulo. It was a happy childhood, full of football and milkshakes, given his father, Andre, a former defender, ran an ice cream parlour with his wife Leia Lopes (they now have two!).

    While Andre indulged his son's sweet tooth, he insists he never pushed 'Luquinhas' into following in his footsteps by playing at centre-half. "It was a big surprise for me, to tell you the truth," he told . "Lucas has always liked football, since he was little, and when you play as a child, you don't have much of a position; you just always run around a lot.

    "But when he started positioning himself on the field, he always liked playing at the back, being a defender. He played at left-back and midfield at times, but his favourite position was central defender. So, I just tried to help him as best I could."

    Beraldo lined out for Red Bull Brasil, Uniao Barabarense, and XV de Piracicaba as a kid before being snapped up by Sao Paulo in 2020. The move to Cotia meant leaving his family and beloved 'Sonho de Valsa' and 'Ovomaltine' milkshakes behind – but offered Beraldo an incredible opportunity to develop his skills at one of the best talent academies in world football.

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    The big break

    Sao Paulo supporters first began to take notice of Beraldo after some impressive showings in the 2022 Copa Sao Paulo. Their side had been beaten in the semi-finals of the prestigious Under-20s tournament by Endrick's Palmeiras, but the young centre-back earned praise for his comfort on the ball and his leadership skills. It led to a professional debut in the Copa Sudamericana, but regular first-team football seemed a long way off at that point.

    However, injuries to three key defenders (Nahuel Ferraresi, Diego Costa and Robert Arboleda) in 2023 prompted then-coach Rogerio Ceni to put his faith in Beraldo. The teenager responded with a string of a staggeringly assured performances, as well as a first goal at senior level, in a 4-2 Brasileiro Serie A win over Vasco da Gama in May.

    "It's what I always dreamed of," he enthused at the time. "I even joked today at home with my [high-performance] coach that I was going to score a goal and the Morumbi was going to chant my name – and it ended up happening!"

  • How it's going

    An ankle injury briefly threatened to check Beraldo's remarkable rate of progress, but he reclaimed his starting spot to form a formidable centre-back pairing with Arboleda that provided the foundation for Sao Paulo's first-ever Copa do Brasil title.

    Unsurprisingly, his parents were incredibly proud of their boy for the role he played in a 2-1 aggregate win over defending champions Flamengo, with Beraldo playing every minute of the semis and final.

    "At just 19, he will forever be part of the history of the club," enthused mother Leia, who offered free ice cream to the entire Sao Paulo squad. "His growth as a person makes me very happy, the humility he has with everyone who approaches him. This is priceless."

    By that stage, though, many were already speculating how much money Sao Paulo might fetch for such a prodigiously gifted defender, with a host of European sides reportedly lining up to sign him, including Liverpool and PSG.

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  • Biggest strengths

    Beraldo is the epitome of a ball-playing centre-half, outrageously comfortable stepping out from back, and in between opposition attackers, and playing quick, vertical passes that release his team-mates into space.

    Indeed, he rarely seems flustered, even when put under intense pressure, and the mere fact that he's left-footed made the Liverpool links easy to understand.

    But there's also the unusual levels of maturity and physicality for one so young, which have enabled him to handle going up against imposing centre-forwards all season long. "He's a dedicated kid," Rogerio said last year. "He arrives early at training and always works well. I think he's gaining great experience [from a defensive perspective] but he already creates more than the vast majority of defenders."

Sophie Ecclestone named in England squad for Ashes

The left-arm spinner replaces Beth Langston in only change to the squad that clinched the
Women’s World Cup in July

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Sep-2017Eighteen-year-old left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who made her ODI debut last year, has been named in the England women squad as they attempt to regain the Ashes, which begins in Australia on October 22. Ecclestone replaced medium-pacer Beth Langston as the only change to the squad that clinched the Women’s World Cup in July this year.”Sophie Ecclestone has finished school now and has had a great summer domestically,” England coach Mark Robinson said. “Her selection will provide another option to our attack.”England leave for Brisbane on October 7 for the multi-format series that starts with three ODIs. That will be followed by a day-night Test in Sydney, before the tour concludes with three T20Is.”Ashes tours don’t come around all too often, so it’s always a special opportunity,” England captain Heather Knight said. “Australia are going to be very strong opponents on their home soil, so we’ll have to be at our best, across all three formats.”England women squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Jenny Gunn, Alex Hartley, Danielle Hazell, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole, Nat Sciver, Sarah Taylor (wk), Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danielle Wyatt

Tottenham Eye £30m Tapsoba Alternative Who Mourinho Loves

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to in the mix to sign AS Roma defender, Roger Ibanez, with Ange Postecoglou continuing his search to find new centre-back recruits ahead of next season.

What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?

As per recent speculation, the Lilywhites are believed to be nearing a 'conclusion' in their negotiations for Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven and Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba amid that centre-back search, with the latter man deemed to be the 'top target' at present, according to 90min.

While the north Londoners are hoping to strike a deal for less than the 24-year-old €50m (£43m) asking price, they could also be eyeing possible alternatives if a compromise cannot be met, with Italian outlet Siamolaroma reporting that Postecoglou and co are interested in the aforementioned Ibanez.

The report outlines that the likes of Fulham and Newcastle United are also showing an interest in the two-cap Brazil international, with the Serie A side said to be willing to discuss a possible exit for a fee of around €35m (£30m).

Should Tottenham sign Roger Ibanez?

Despite the ongoing focus on Tapsoba, it may prove to be a wise move if Spurs are to look to a slightly cheaper option such as Ibanez instead, with the former Atalanta man having sparkled during his time at the Stadio Olimpico thus far.

Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba.

The 6 foot 1 rock was notably dubbed "outstanding" by journalist Josh Bunting last year after helping the Italian giants to Europa Conference League glory, having so far racked up 149 appearances in all competitions for the club after arriving on an initial loan deal back in 2020.

The one-time Fluminense sensation has also been the recipient of hefty praise from manager Jose Mourinho in recent times, with the former Tottenham boss lauding him as "untouchable", while also describing the defender as a player who has "given everything he has" during his time in Rome.

If Postecoglou was to firm up his interest in the Brazilian he would be acquiring a figure who is particularly adept at winning back possession at the heart of the backline, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 3% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for interceptions, as well as in the top 18% for tackles made.

That is a superior record to what Tapsoba has achieved in Germany over the past 365 days, with the Burkina Faso international ranking in just the bottom 39% for interceptions and just the top 36% for tackles.

While Ibanez is perhaps less adept at playing out from the back – as he ranks in just the bottom 21% for progressive passes, in contrast to Tapsoba (top 5%) – the in-demand ace does boast a pass accuracy rate of 87.7% as a marker of his composure on the ball, with that placing him slightly ahead of the Leverkusen man (86.4%).

Although Mourinho's prior 'untouchable' remark may ensure that it proves a difficult task trying to prise Ibanez away from Roma this summer, the £32k-per-week machine would represent an ideal option as far as Postecoglou is concerned.

With Spurs needing to improve upon last season's dismal defensive record – after shipping 63 league goals – such a signing could help to bring back some much-needed solidity at N17.

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