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Tottenham journalist Alasdair Gold has shared some ‘good news’ on midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur after his serious injury.

The Lowdown: Bentancur sidelined…

The Uruguay international was ruled out for the remainder of this 2022/2023 Premier League season after suffering a knee injury against Leicester City.

The damage sustained in Spurs’ 4-1 defeat is too much for Bentancur to feature again this campaign with the midfielder rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

Bentancur had given his side the lead but a collision with midfielder Nampalys Mendy resulted in him being stretchered off – even needing an oxygen tank before being carried away.

The Latest: Gold shares ‘good news’ on Bentancur…

Following the nasty injury, Gold has shared ‘good news’ on the player with Bentancur now undergoing successful surgery in Spain on his ruptured ACL.

While the South American won’t play again this term, this is a crucial step in his recovery as he now begins the long road to rehabilitation before featuring again.

Gold explained:

“Some good news for Rodrigo Bentancur after he had successful surgery in Spain earlier this week on his ruptured ACL.”

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The Verdict: Big player…

Having the 25-year-old back as soon as possible next season will be crucial for either Antonio Conte or whoever is brought in to succeed Spurs’ head coach.

Bentancur had formed a formidable partnership with fellow star midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the middle of the park, keeping the likes of Oliver Skipp and Yves Bissouma out of Conte’s starting eleven.

As per WhoScored, the former Juventus star is Tottenham’s second-best performing player by average match rating -sitting just behind Harry Kane in their top flight rankings.

Bentancur has also registered their joint-highest rate of tackles per 90 whilst even contributing in the forward areas with five goals and two assists.

Newcastle United could reportedly be set to revive their interest in Flamengo starlet, Matheus Franca, having failed in their pursuit of the teenager during the January window.

What’s the window?

According to Brazilian outlet Coluna do Fla, the Magpies reportedly made three attempts to sign the 18-year-old last month, with journalist Fabrizio Romano revealing prior to deadline day that an offer from the northeast side of around €20m (£18m) had been rebuffed.

This latest report suggests that the Rio-based outfit were looking for closer to €25m (£22m) in order to allow the promising forward to depart, with the Tynesiders having had to abandon their hopes of sealing a deal until the summer.

The piece goes on to add that the St James’ Park outfit ‘dream’ of securing the youngster’s services ahead of next season, although they are likely to be joined in the race by Bundesliga side, Bayer Leverkusen.

Newcastle’s answer to Vinicius Jr

Newcastle do appear to be putting greater emphasis on securing exciting young talent for the future, having only recently snapped up Australian teenager Garang Kuol from Central Coast Mariners, before subsequently moving the 18-year-old on loan to Hearts.

The signing of the aforementioned Franca could well be yet another astute move for Eddie Howe and co, with the highly-rated “sensation” – as lauded by the Chronicle’s Aaron Stokes – having shone during his embryonic senior career to date.

That is showcased by the fact that the versatile forward – who “can play almost everywhere” according to talent scout Jacek Kulig – has seven goals to his name in just 30 appearances at first-team level.

Despite that relative inexperience, those back on Tyneside will be hoping that if they are to sign the Brazil U20 international any time soon, he can emulate the success of another gem to have departed Flamengo in the recent past – Vinicius Jr.

Much like his compatriot, the current Real Madrid star was also attracting admiring glances from Europe’s elite during his time in his homeland, despite his youth, having ultimately been snapped up by Los Blancos on a £39.6m deal in May 2017.

After joining the La Liga giants a year later, the fleet-footed dynamo has since gone on to emerge as a leading figure at the Santiago Bernabeu, with 48 goals and 49 assists to his name in 199 games across all fronts, including 12 goals and six assists in all competitions so far this season.

Lauded as one of the Spanish top-flight’s “most dangerous and creative players” by journalist Matt Clark, the 20-cap international is no doubt an asset that any club would be desperate to have on their books, hence the hope that Newcastle can find their next version of the winger in the form of Franca.

The latter man does seemingly share traits with the Madrid man – not just due to his nationality and ability to feature all across the frontline – showcased by the fact that the emerging wonderkid averages 2.18 dribbles completed per game as a marker of his technical brilliance, while Vinicius is only slightly ahead as he averages 2.76 for that same metric.

The path that the latter man has taken by trading life in South America for Europe is not always a voyage that proves fruitful, although if Howe can unearth a Vincius-esque talent with the signing of Franca, then those on Tyneside should be in for a treat.

Manchester United are unlikely to sign Ajax and Ghana star Mohammed Kudus currently but they have sent scouts to watch him in action, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Kudus shining for club and country

The 22-year-old has become a highly sought-after player in recent times, with his performances for club and country catching the eye hugely.

Kudus was particularly impressive at the 2022 World Cup, scoring twice in three appearances for Ghana and averaging 3.3 dribbles per game from midfield. Only three players – Kylian Mbappe, Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala – mustered more dribbles per game in Qatar.

United have been linked with a move for Kudus recently, but a fresh update isn’t the most positive, in that respect.

The Latest: United update

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano said that the Red Devils have scouted Kudus but there are no talks over a move currently:

“At the moment, I’m told that there are no negotiations. I think we have these rumours because Manchester United scouts, as many others from the Premier League, four or five clubs from the Premier League, sent their scouts to follow Mohamed Kudus at the World Cup, with Ajax.”

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The Verdict: One for the summer?

This is a disappointing update from a United perspective, with Kudus someone who could give Erik ten Hag’s squad an injection of quality midway through the season, both as a midfielder and a forward.

That being said, they are nicely stocked in midfield areas, with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes a strong first-choice trio, so a summer move could make more sense.

At that point, the £10,000-a-week Kudus will surely be looking for a move away from Ajax, and with Eriksen and Fernandes turning 31 and 29 this year, respectively, fresh legs in midfield could be required.

The Ghana star could be the man to fit the bill, being hailed as a ‘star boy’ by international teammate Calvin Bassey and scoring 15 goals in 65 appearances for Ajax.

Newcastle United could look to make a loan move for Chelsea and Morocco winger Hakim Ziyech in the January transfer window, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Ziyech out of favour at Chelsea

The 29-year-old has really struggled to enjoy regular minutes for the Blues this season, with both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter seemingly not rating him.

Ziyech only has three starts in the Premier League to his name in 2022/23, often being behind the likes of Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz in the attacking pecking order.

It could be that a move away from west London for the £100,000-per-week Moroccan comes to fruition this month, with one journalist believing that Newcastle are ready to offer him an escape from Stamford Bridge, having already had him on their radar.

The Latest: Newcastle could make Ziyech loan offer

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said that Ziyech could join Newcastle on loan in January, especially after Chelsea swooped for Noni Madueke, as Eddie Howe looks to add attacking quality to his squad at St James’ Park.

The journalist said:

“The Madueke deal will probably trigger the exit of Hakim Ziyech, so that’s the next situation to look out for. Newcastle are primed with an offer to take him on loan.”

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The Verdict: Great option for Newcastle

Signing Ziyech on loan could be a really astute piece of business by Newcastle, considering the wealth of experience that he possesses at the top level from the Premier League, Eredivisie, Champions League and Europa League, not to mention being once described as ‘world-class’ by Mount.

The 29-year-old is someone who could provide extra class on the flanks, having scored 19 goals in 50 caps for Morocco and 110 in his senior club career. A loan move would also make it less of a risk, should the signing not work out.

At present, Newcastle are arguably too dependent on Miguel Almiron to create some magic in the final third, with only Callum Wilson getting anywhere close to his goal contribution tally, but Ziyech could do the same, possessing a wand-like left foot which has helped him to accumulate 133 assists in his career.

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Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Real Valladolid sensation, Ivan Fresneda, with sporting director Dan Ashworth currently plotting potential new recruits ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to Radio Marca Valladolid (via El Desmarque), the Magpies are said to be ‘serious’ about securing a deal for the 18-year-old, as they look to win the race amid hefty rival interest in the promising defender.

The report suggests that the right-back – whose existing deal is set to run until 2025 – has a release clause worth in the region of €30m (£26m), albeit with the Tynesiders set to submit a far lower offer than that price.

The piece adds that Ashworth and co could be ‘willing’ to fork out a fee of around €10-15m (£9-13m) in the New Year, with the potential for the teenager to remain with the La Liga outfit on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

An ideal Trippier heir

A long-term heir for current star Kieran Trippier has seemingly been on the agenda for Ashworth ahead of the market re-opening next month, with the likes of Harrison Ashby and Cody Drameh having been named as possible targets.

That duo have, however, been unable to establish themselves at first-team level for their respective clubs, with Ashby making just two senior appearances for West Ham United this season, while Drameh has featured just twice under Jesse Marsch this term for Leeds United.

Fresneda, by contrast, may still be in his teens although he is already flourishing for his current side, having made seven appearances in all competitions in the early months of the campaign, including six outings in Spain’s top-flight.

Much like Trippier – who has been lauded for his “incredible” delivery by the Chronicle’s Matty Hewitt – the young Spaniard is also a real threat from his wide berth, having been praised for his “beastly ability to take measured crosses” by journalist Juan Arroita.

The pair are also alike with regards to their defensive quality, with the England international averaging 1.3 interceptions and 1.9 tackles per game in the Premier League this season, while Fresneda averages 1.3 and 2.5 for the same metrics, albeit while having featured this frequently.

The indications are that the latter man could well be a suitable fit to eventually replace the 32-year-old in Eddie Howe’s side in the future, with having such a young and hungry asset waiting in the wings like to be a real benefit for both Trippier and Newcastle.

Queens Park Rangers have made an approach to sign Brighton forward Deniz Undav on loan in January.

The Lowdown: Undav profiled

Undav made the move to Brighton at the beginning of the year and has made ten appearances for The Seagulls, scoring once.

The 26-year-old previously plied his trade in Belgium and Germany and has scored 107 senior goals during his career. The German could well be on the hunt for regular first-team football in the New Year, and Loftus Road now appears to be a possible destination.

The Latest: QPR interest

Football League World shared a transfer update regarding Undav on Thursday, claiming that a host of Championship sides are interested in signing the forward for the remainder of the season.

QPR are one of six second-tier clubs who have made a loan enquiry, with league leaders and Sunday’s opponents Burnley also named.

The Verdict: First signing under Critchley?

It seems as if Neil Critchley is set to take over at Loftus Road, so Undav could be his first signing, should the Hoops win the race for the forward’s services.

You can see why the club would want to sign the Brighton man as they have outscored just one of the Championship’s top eight this season.

Undav knows where the back of the net is, so adding more firepower in January could be the difference as the club push for promotion to the Premier League.

West Ham United are prepared to receive a ‘cut-price’ fee for midfielder Conor Coventry in the January transfer window as they tell him to find a new club.

The Lowdown: West Ham academy exodus?

The Irons could be facing an academy exodus, judging by recent reports out of east London.

Indeed, Claret and Hugh have suggested that West Ham are in danger of losing some young talent in the next 12 months as both Harrison Ashby and Coventry approach the end of their contracts.

The latter has struggled to fight his way into David Moyes’ plans since returning to the Premier League club from a loan spell at MK Dons last year.

The Latest: West Ham tell Coventry to leave…

As per Football Insider, it appears that West Ham have outlined a winter transfer plan for the 22-year-old as opposed to losing him for nothing in the summer.

It is believed that the Hammers have told Coventry he is free to begin the search for a new club, and West Ham would ‘would rather receive a cut-price fee’ for the midfielder in January than risk letting him go for free.

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The Verdict: Time to go?

Coventry playing just a solitary top-flight minute this season tells you all you need to know in that he doesn’t appear to be in Moyes’ plans moving forward.

Having been called an ‘exciting’ talent by members of the media, this could be deemed an underwhelming end to the Irish youngster’s time at the London Stadium.

The best solution now for both club and player is a mid-season move, mainly to gain West Ham some funds and grant the youngster some first-team minutes sooner rather than later.

Sevilla are ready to ‘listen to offers’ for goalkeeper Bono and Leeds United are in the mix to complete the signing, according to a new transfer update.

The Lowdown: Bono linked with move

Jesse Marsch appears to be open to the idea of adding depth and quality to his squad, as the Whites look to stave off the threat of relegation from the Premier League.

One player who has been linked with a move to Leeds is Bono – real name Yassine Bounou – who has made 11 starts in La Liga for Sevilla this season. Now, a fresh update has emerged regarding the Canadian-born shot-stopper’s future.

The Latest: Exit door likely?

According to reports from Spain [via Sport Witness], Sevilla have decided to ‘listen to offers’ for Bono, with his days at his current club thought to be ‘numbered’.

Leeds and West Ham are both mentioned as potential suitors and he is ‘on the radar’ of both teams.

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The Verdict: Good for squad depth

Bono, who looks set to feature at the World Cup for Morocco later this month, could be an ideal signing for Leeds, in terms of ensuring competition for places is strong and Illan Meslier doesn’t rest on his laurels.

The Whites goalkeeper has gone from strength to strength at Elland Road but could benefit from having a more experienced teammate alongside him to push him to new heights.

Bono has made 118 appearances for Sevilla, which speaks volumes about his quality, and the Moroccan could be a shrewd acquisition for the Whites.

Allrounder relinquishes role after tough campaign at New Road

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Sep-2021

Joe Leach has chosen to return to the ranks at Worcestershire, after five years as the captain.Leach will lead his side for the final time this week, when Worcestershire take on Leicestershire in their final LV=Insurance County Championship match of the season, starting at New Road on Tuesday.Although he is likely to finish as his county’s leading Championship wicket-taker for 2021, with a current tally of 32 at 33.68, it has been a tough campaign for the club, who are lying fourth in the third division, having missed out on the knock-outs in both the 50- and 20-over competitions.The news follows the confirmation that Ross Whiteley will be moving to Hampshire for the 2022 season, after turning down a contract extension at New Road.”I have decided to stand down as club captain,” Leach said. “It’s obviously been a very tough one, one that has been on my mind for some time, if I’m honest.”I made the decision just before the home game with Sussex three weeks ago that this was going to be my final season as captain.”It was a difficult decision to make, but one that I feel is right, not only for myself but also for the group as well.”I’ve done it for five years, and I’m immensely proud of what I’ve managed to achieve in some difficult times for the club over that five years.”I’ve had a lot of things to deal with on and off the field, and now I guess the time is right to focus on my cricket and getting back to really enjoying it and doing the best I can with the bat and the ball.”Leach took over as captain from Daryl Mitchell at the end of the 2016 season and led the side to promotion in the County Championship 12 months later, thanks in no small part to his own haul of 69 wickets, as well as the semi-finals of the Royal London Cup.”That last day against Durham when we went up as champions [in 2017] was definitely the highlight from a personal point of view and holding the Division Two trophy aloft at New Road.”I’ve given everything to this club as a player pre-captaincy and, as captain, I’ve done exactly the same. I’ve led the club with immense pride and done my best every single day. That is how I will continue to operate as a cricketer.”Worcestershire’s head coach, Alex Gidman, paid tribute to Leach, who has taken 326 first-class wickets and scored 3,284 runs to date in his career.Related

Ross Whiteley heads for Hampshire after triumphant Southern Brave stint

“Joe has decided to stand down as captain of the club,” Gidman said. “His efforts as a captain have been of the highest order, and he has led the team through some very challenging times and has done an exceptional job.”He should be very proud of his efforts, and I’m sure he will look forward to some more successful years as a bowling all-rounder for us.”I know he will put a lot of effort into, firstly, his cricket, which is really important and, secondly, he will get right behind whoever the next captain is and still do a very job as a senior player.”There is no doubt he has still got a huge amount to offer us. He is still a very big part of the plans and a great man for us to have around still.”Worcestershire Cricket Steering Group Chairman, Paul Pridgeon, said: “Joe has been a fantastic servant of the club and has done a terrific job as captain over the last five years.”He has grown into the job, is an excellent ambassador for the club and the players under his control.”

Sunderland return to action in the Championship tonight as they travel away to Ewood Park to take on Blackburn Rovers after their 2-1 win over Wigan last time out.

Tony Mowbray’s side have only lost two of their last six matches in the division and will be looking to push into the top six with a win against his former team.

The Black Cats are two points behind Reading in sixth and three points, if other results go their way, could leave them in one of the play-off spots.

Mowbray does look set to be without one of his regular starters at Ewood Park, though, as he provided an injury update heading into the match, saying: “I don’t think Lynden’s going to be available, although it’s Lynden Gooch we’re talking about, so he might well come in and say he’s feeling great.”

This opens up a space in the team out wide and the Sunderland head coach must now unleash Amad Diallo, who is on loan from Manchester United, from the start.

The Ivory Coast international has only started one game in the Championship since completing his move to Wearside but could come into the team in place of Gooch.

Journalist Josh Bunting claimed that the forward injected a “spark” into Sunderland when he came on against Wigan and Mowbray can now energise his side again by naming the 20-year-old in his starting XI.

Bunting described his talent as “exceptional” and his statistics at youth level suggest that there is a very promising player ready to be unearthed there.

He scored six goals and provided four assists in five U21 matches for Manchester United, after scoring 37 goals and assisting 24 in 93 academy games for Atalanta.

The wizard also found the back of the net three times in four Premiership starts on loan at Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers last season, which highlights his potential as a goalscorer at first-team level.

Diallo has the ability to make a big impact in the final third, with his goals and assists, and could spark the team into life with a contribution at the top end of the pitch. That is why Mowbray should bring him into the starting XI as he could be the difference maker for the Black Cats.