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Lancashire and Sussex are guaranteed home quarter-finals ahead of the final round of games

Matt Roller30-Aug-2019After a whopping 126 games over six weeks, the Vitality Blast’s group stage will finally draw to a close on Friday night. The qualification picture is crystal clear in the North Group, with the only complication regarding which team will join Lancashire in the top two and earn themselves a home quarter-final. In the South, it is complete carnage, with two teams through, two teams out, and five scrabbling around for the final two spots. The team finishing first in the North Group will host the team that comes fourth in the South, then second hosts third, and so on. The quarter-finals will be held on consecutive nights from next Wednesday, with the order set to be confirmed by Saturday. The winners of those will then progress to Finals Day, at Edgbaston on September 15, for which the draw will take place after the quarters have been held.South GroupSussex are definitely through. Regardless of their result against Gloucestershire, they will top the group, and play at home in their quarter-final.Gloucestershire are through, and likely to have a home quarter-final. If they beat or tie with Sussex, they will play at Bristol in the next round. If they lose, and if Kent beat Essex convincingly enough to overturn a substantial gap between the sides’ net run rate (NRR), then Gloucestershire will play away from home with Kent hosting a quarter at Canterbury.Kent will qualify if they beat Essex at Chelmsford, and could get a home tie if they win convincingly and Sussex thrash Gloucestershire. If they lose, they will be eliminated, despite having started the tournament with six wins from seven games.Somerset’s NRR is second only to Sussex’s in the South Group, meaning a win by any margin against Middlesex should be enough for them to progress.Hampshire must beat whipping boys Glamorgan to stand a chance, but their qualification will depend on other results. Their best-case scenario would be to win convincingly, and for Essex to beat Kent. Alternatively, if Hampshire win, Kent win and Middlesex win (but not by much) then Hampshire can still get through on NRR. If Kent and Somerset both win, Hampshire are effectively out regardless of their result in Cardiff.For Middlesex to stand a chance of qualifying, they must beat Somerset at Taunton, but that may not be enough depending on other results. They will need either Kent or Hampshire to lose, or to win by a big margin while Hampshire only win by a small one, and will definitely be knocked out if they lose.Essex need a lot to go their way, even after beating Surrey at The Oval on Thursday, on account of their poor NRR. Their best chance is to beat Kent at Chelmsford, and then hope that winless Glamorgan can turn over Hampshire. If Hampshire win, and the Somerset-Middlesex game ends in anything other than a tie, Essex will need to win by a ludicrous margin to qualify.Surrey and Glamorgan are both out of the qualification race.Matt Parkinson belts out an appeal•Getty ImagesNorth GroupThe four quarter-finalists have already been confirmed.Lancashire will finish in the top two, but due to a date clash with the fourth Ashes Test, will play their ‘home’ game at Chester-le-Street. A win at home to Leicestershire would secure top spot and (supposedly) the easiest draw, though the South Group is so tight that it is hard to tell which team would be best to face.Nottinghamshire host Durham, and will play their quarter-final at Trent Bridge if they win. If they lose, while Worcestershire win at Northamptonshire, then Notts will play away from home with New Road hosting Worcestershire’s quarter.Derbyshire have already played all 14 games. The only way they can play at home in the knockouts is if Leicestershire completely obliterate Nottinghamshire, overturning a substantial difference in the teams’ NRR.Worcestershire, the defending champions, will host a quarter-final if they win and Notts lose.Birmingham’s game against Yorkshire is a complete dead rubber.

Derby County would have been left a little frustrated about their transfer window business in the immediate aftermath of Deadline Day finishing, unable to add in a new striker to their ranks after being linked with Sheffield Wednesday duo Michael Smith and Lee Gregory in recent weeks.

Another source of concern for Rams supporters would have been the last-gasp development that Max Bird was departing the club, with those anxieties somewhat lessened when the Bristol City announcement read that their star man was returning to Pride Park on loan until the end of the campaign.

Paul Warne's men did swoop in to sign Ebou Adams on loan to bolster their midfield options in-case a deal for Bird to depart was a permanent one, but looking more long-term when Bird has left for good, Derby could well have struck gold signing this other midfield target.

When Derby wanted to sign Charlie Savage

Right at the very start of the window, the Daily Mail reported on the possibility of the Rams raiding Reading for their young midfield talent in Charlie Savage.

The League One promotion hopefuls could well have swooped in and landed the former Manchester United youngster for a cut-price, owing to Reading's ongoing turbulence behind the scenes seeing them offload their top players for cheap.

Starring for the Royals in patches this campaign, despite the constant uncertainty looming over proceedings in Berkshire, Derby might live to regret not attempting to sign the former Red Devils sensation as a long-term option to rely on after Bird has gone on to make a name for himself at Ashton Gate.

Charlie Savage's career statistics

Already winning a senior Wales cap under Rob Page at only 20 years of age, with the national team manager referring to Savage as "first-class" during that one-off occasion, it's fair to say the 6 foot midfielder is being tipped to have a bright future in the game.

During his time at Old Trafford before a move to Reading materialised, Savage amassed six goals and seven assists across 60 appearances in various different Red Devils age brackets.

This season for Reading, Savage hasn't looked out of place in the hustle and bustle of men's football with four goals and two assists managed in all competitions from 32 games played.

The 6 foot sensation could well have arrived onto the scene at Pride Park and fulfilled the role Bird excels in as a result, with the standout 23-year-old helping himself to four goals and ten assists from 62 third tier starts for the Rams.

The aforementioned Adams could well do the job for the remainder of this campaign on loan from the Bluebirds, helping himself to ten goals and 11 assists for League Two Forest Green during a lively patch of his career before Cardiff came calling.

But, the Gambian midfielder would inevitably just return back to the comforts of the Championship if he succeeds in Derbyshire and leave the Rams scrambling for a new recruit again.

Whereas, if Derby had tied Savage down to a permanent move right at the start of the window, they could well have had a long-lived and successful heir to Bird's throne already in place.

The dust might have settled after Jurgen Klopp's shock announcement that he will step down as Liverpool manager this summer but an air of despondency remains at the core of every supporter.

How can Anfield possibly replace such an esteemed and transformative manager? The 56-year-old has won six major honours during his eight-and-a-half-year tenure with silverware very much on the line this term but that is not why his name will forever be hung in the Anfield corridors, adorning the walls.

Klopp's transcendent reign has pumped life back into Liverpool, and turned "doubters to believers", a promise he made upon his appointment back in 2015, he has won the hearts and elevated the joy of a proud and football-frenzied city.

But his time at the helm is drawing to a close and he has earned the right to decide when that might be; now, as bitter as it might be, the Reds are working hard to identify and appoint a worthy successor.

Liverpool's manager shortlist

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is the frontrunner to replace Klopp at Liverpool, but he is contracted at the BayArena until 2026 and the Bundesliga table-toppers are reportedly confident of keeping him at the club.

As such, Liverpool could turn to Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim as an alternative, with Correio da Manha – via TEAMtalk – revealing that scouts have been watching the Portuguese outfit and ascertaining the suitability of Amorim's tactical style.

Matches

189

Wins

132

Draws

27

Defeats

30

Goals for

394

Goals against

169

Points

423

Points per game

2.24

Ruben Amorim could keep Nunez firing

Liverpool owners FSG will be desperate to ensure that a changing of power does not devolve into something lacking cohesion, verve and promise.

Klopp is a one-of-a-kind manager but Amorim could be a good replacement, and while Alonso, who made 210 appearances and won the Champions League with Liverpool, is the favourite, Sporting are an exciting and tactically fluid team and Amorim could thrive on Merseyside.

Tending to field a 3-4-3 formation that allows ball-playing centre-backs to drift into pockets of space centrally and pull the strings from deep, this is exactly the kind of system that Liverpool could adapt to, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate two of the Premier League's finest defensive distributors, both completing north of 89% of their passes this term.

Moreover, the Anfield side have been fiercely linked with a move for Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio for a while, with the 22-year-old one of the most creative and technically proficient centre-halfs in the business, and Amorim could arrive with the "complete" defender – as remarked by talent scout Jacek Kulig – in tow.

But crucially, handing Amorim the keys could preserve Darwin Nunez's ever-improving presence at the club; the Uruguayan striker signed from SL Benfica in a club-record move totalling £85m in 2022, but missed 20 big chances in the English top-flight last season and was harangued for his profligacy.

He's a menacing, tenacious and spirited striker, however, and the Liverpool faithful have maintained the faith all the way – as, crucially, has Klopp.

This term, the 24-year-old has posted 11 goals and ten assists from just 20 starts in all competitions and has been sharper and more economical in his movements and influence.

Amorim likes to wear teams down and implement crisp and quick passing patterns before sundering the backline with laser-focussed through balls, and given Nunez's pace and energy, he will surely maintain his fine form under new management.

Alonso remains the frontrunner, but Amorim would be an excellent alternative and has already showcased his credentials by winning the Liga Portugal with his outfit, beating the formidable Benfica and FC Porto in 2020/21 – lauded as a “special” manager by journalist Zach Lowy.

The 39-year-old's ears will have pricked up upon Klopp's declaration, and Liverpool are wise to have had him earmarked.

There is so much football yet to be played this season but it feels like Liverpool have reached a decisive point in their campaign, with success on the cards across every front.

While it's the 'one game at a time' stage, Jurgen Klopp and his Anfield side will be aware that they are in a very good position to win silverware in any one of the four competitions, first in the Premier League, within touching distance of Wembley in the Carabao Cup and having advanced in both the FA Cup and Europa League.

There have been some pretty major improvements from the 2022/23 campaign, but the plaintive cries of that year are best left in the past now, especially given the degree of the resurgence since sweeping changes were made to the midfield, sapped and soulless last season.

Despite welcoming four fresh faces to the centre of the park, rumours have still darted about over recent months concerning the possibility of a bid for another player this January to complete the pack, though in all likelihood any movements will take place at the end of the campaign.

Liverpool transfer news – Hayden Hackney

According to The Standard, Liverpool are among the contenders to sign Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney, but will find no success in fighting for his signature this month – though this, as stated, suits the Reds.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are all eager to sign the 21-year-old, who would work wonders for the requirement to fill a homegrown quota, with his modern skill set as a defensive midfielder deemed suitable for teams competing at the forefront of the Premier League.

No price tag has been revealed but Spurs signed the promising Djed Spence from Middlesbrough for a deal rising to £20m in 2022 and something in this ballpark will probably be required to prise Hackney away.

Hayden Hackney's season in numbers

Hackney has wedged his way into an important standing at the Riverside Stadium after rising through the club's young ranks and enjoyed the most salient showing of his career to date when netting the winner as Middlesbrough won the first-leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Chelsea this week.

Boro boss Michael Carrick hailed Hackney for his "immense" performance against the Blues and rightly so, with his goal only telling half the story following a composed and cultured display, belying his young years on the major stage.

The desire to surge forward and poke home to secure a vital home victory for the Championship side typified his display and indeed the talent on show for a player who is clearly destined for a career in England's top flight.

Hayden Hackney: Performance vs Chelsea

Stat

#

Minutes played

90'

Goals

1

Touches

42

Pass completion

13/18 (72%)

Key passes

1

Tackles

2

Ground duels won

4

*Sourced via Sofascore

And, while such an effort was impressive, the consistency of his performance in the Championship is even more impressive, having started 16 matches, completed 88% of his passes and averaged 1.3 key passes 1.8 tackles and (remarkably) 7.7 ball recoveries per game.

It's no surprise that he is attracting attention from some of the country's biggest names, and Liverpool would secure a truly special talent if they managed to get this one over the line in several months.

Hayden Hackney's style of play

Hackney's range of passing and ease when situated in the deep pockets of midfield, pulling the strings and elegantly keeping the play ticking, with his distribution and choice of lane so often proving to be the right move for the fluency of the side's progression.

As per FBref, the 5 foot 10 starlet ranks among the top 8% of midfielders across divisions similar to the Championship for pass completion and progressive passes, the top 3% for passes attempted and the top 12% for progressive carries per 90, showcasing an elite technical ability in the making.

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With such noteworthy passing skills to partner a spatial awareness and tenacity in his defensive duties, this is a player of rounded quality to dominate in the engine room for years to come.

It's perhaps worth making a quick side note to note the influence that Carrick, who was once described as "the best central midfielder in English football" by his legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, likely has a pearl of wisdom or two to impart on the rising Boro star.

If Liverpool do succeed in wrapping up a deal, it would certainly disrupt the pecking order regarding the most exciting talents on the red half of Merseyside, with Hackney maybe even having a higher ceiling than the recently-emerged Conor Bradley.

Conor Bradley's season in numbers

Bradley won Bolton Wanderers' Player of the Season award while out on loan last season and returned to his mother club with sights set on a spot in Klopp's plans, though injury ruled him out for the opening months of the term.

Nonetheless, that battle has now been won and he's competed in five fixtures across all competitions, hailed for his "eye-catching cameo" at the Emirates Stadium last weekend by The Athletic's James Pearce before starting against Fulham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday and receiving the Man of the Match award for his labours.

Taking 87 touches, completing 88% of his passes, making two key passes and six tackles, the 20-year-old is swiftly proving himself to be a first-class starlet under Klopp's guidance and the future is very promising indeed.

Quite simply, Hackney's just that bit better, touted by many of England's most prestigious outfits, described as "sensational" by journalist Graeme Bailey and boasting a technical quality that sets him apart from the lion's share of talented hopefuls.

Bradley looks to be an excellent prospect and will likely now receive a run of starting appearances with Trent Alexander-Arnold injured and not expected back for several weeks, but it's unlikely that he will play a prominent role beyond this spell, instead filling in over the coming months.

And that's not a negative; he will continue to grow and hone his craft and Liverpool will benefit from a new member who may well nullify the rumours for a new right-back – with Alexander-Arnold touted for a future role in midfield.

Of course, if Hackney does bloom the brightest then that is no detriment to Bradley's future at Anfield, and is merely an illustration of just why Liverpool need to augment their ranks with this worthy midfielder, who would only strengthen a youth crop sporting some rather prodigious members.

Real Madrid have reportedly lost interest in Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies and are now targeting Girona star Miguel Gutierrez instead.

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• Real lose interest in Davies
• Will target Girona's Gutierrez
• Also drop Yoro interest

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 14-time Champions League winners are always on the hunt for new signings to keep strengthening their squad and have been linked with a move for Bayern's Davies. However, according to Cope, that is not the case anymore as they have an eye on Gutierrez, who has shone with Girona this season.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The report also claims that Madrid have cooled their interest in Lille centre-back Leny Yoro as they look to put their trust in youth academy graduate, Rafa Marin, who has impressed Carlo Ancelotti and company during his current loan spell with Alaves.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Just like Marin, Guttierez is also a La Fabrica graduate and was sold to the Blanquivermells in 2022 as he looked for a more stable role. Madrid have a buyback clause on the left-back and could very well activate it to bring the 22-year-old back to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MADRID?

  With the league having already been tied up, Madrid only have one more important game to contend with this season, the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on June 1.

دخل نادي الزمالك، في مفاوضات قوية مع إدارة حرس الحدود، لضم لاعبه، خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الجارية، استعدادًا للموسم الجديد.

ويستهل الزمالك الموسم الجديد، بمواجهة الشرطة الكيني، في إطار منافسات دور الـ32 من بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية أحد أيام 13-14-15 سبتمبر المقبل على أن تقام مواجهة العودة أحد أيام 19-20-21 من الشهر ذاته.

وعلم “بطولات” أن إدارة نادي الزمالك دخلت في مفاوضات قوية مع حرس الحدود من أجل حسم صفقة محمود ممدوح في الساعات المقبلة وحدث جلسة بين مسئولي الناديين من أجل الاتفاق على تفاصيل قيمة الصفقة.

طالع | الزمالك يوضح عبر “بطولات” تفاصيل والقيمة المالية لصفقة محمود بنتايك

محمود ممودح استطاع أن يساهم في تأهل فريق حرس الحدود إلى الدوري المصري الممتاز للموسم 2024-2025.

وكان نادي الزمالك أنهى الموسم الماضي 2023-2024، بالتواجد في المركز الثالث بترتيب الدوري المصري، كما ودع منافسات كأس مصر بالخسارة أمام طلائع الجيش في دور الـ 16 بركلات الترجيح.

Newcastle United are interested in signing a player seen as one of the "most interesting" in his position, with plenty of interest from Premier League clubs.

Newcastle's January transfer business

Eddie Howe has had a tough season to date, following such a positive campaign last time around, with a combination of injuries, relentless fixtures and dips in form all having a negative impact on his team.

Newcastle are still in the top-four picture in the Premier League thanks to their weekend victory over Chelsea, but performances and results need to become far more consistent, while a huge Champions League clash away to Paris Saint-Germain awaits on Tuesday evening.

Howe will be buoyed by the fact that the Magpies will be able to make new signings in the January transfer window, meaning he only has just over a month to get through with his injury-ravaged squad.

There have been lots of recent transfer reports linking Newcastle with new players, with Kalvin Phillips arguably emerging as their No 1 target in midfield following Sandro Tonali's 10-month ban for breaching betting rules.

While a midfield signing has taken precedence due to Tonali being unavailable for the remainder of the season, Howe could also look to add further depth in defence and attack moving forward. A new transfer claim suggests that the former area could be being looked at by the Magpies, with an impressive player seen as a target.

Newcastle want Julian Ryerson

According to a new update from TuttoMercatoWeb [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are interested in completing the signing of Borussia Dortmund right-back Julian Ryerson.

He is described as one of the "most interesting full-backs" in the Bundesliga currently, and the Magpies are believed to have been tracking him "for some time". They are not alone in their pursuit, however, with other Premier League clubs "constantly" monitoring his progress.

That being said, there is "nothing concrete" from Newcastle at the moment, with no bid on the table, but they have seen him up close in action for Dortmund in the Champions League, with the 26-year-old starting his side's 2-0 win over Howe's men earlier in the campaign.

Ryerson could be an intriguing option for the Magpies in January should he become available at that point, with the Norwegian proving to be a strong performer for Dortmund so far this season.

The Newcastle transfer target has made nine starts in the Bundesliga in 2023/24 to date, scoring twice and assisting once in that time, and also started three Champions League games.

In the Bundesliga, the 22-cap Norway international has enjoyed an 87.3% pass completion rate, while his versatility means that he has played at right-back, left-back and in midfield this season, although the right side of defence is his preferred position.

Ryerson could come in and provide competition for the likes of Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento, as well as give Howe depth in other areas of the pitch, and at 26, his best years could still be ahead of him – and be spent at St James' Park.

Three years into its existence and with none of the teams close to making profits, PSL franchises are urging the PCB to revisit its revenue-share model ahead of the fourth season. One of their main demands is to be exempted from government taxes, at least until they break even on their investments.Five franchises – the sixth one, formerly Multan Sultans, is currently without ownership – met with the PCB a day after the draft in Islamabad, where they were unanimous in their concerns about the league’s financial model. A three-member committee including Javed Afridi, owner of Peshawar Zalmi, Salman Iqbal of Karachi Kings and Ehsan Mani, the PCB chairman, has been formed to find ways to make the PSL more “sustainable” and gain tax breaks.The federal government as well the provincial government of Punjab have asked the PCB to make an official request for exemption in writing, one which will be put in front of the cabinet for a decision. Should they decide not to offer any relief, ESPNcricinfo understands the PCB could register the PSL in Gilgit-Baltistan, a northern province where they could take advantage of laxer taxation. Afridi revealed that registering the league as an offshore company is also an option.Over the last couple of seasons, franchises have raised concerns about the amount of tax they have paid on top of their franchise fees and other operational expenses. The first set of commercial and sponsorship rights deals the PSL signed up when it launched have now ended, and with enhanced deals now being inked in, as well as the scare caused by Multan Sultans’s financial meltdown, the remaining five have sensed this is the time to push for a greater slice of the pie.”Especially after Multan Sultans, we all are concerned about the league’s sustainability,” Afridi told ESPNcricinfo. “All eyes are on the PSL because this league is going to pave the way for other sports in the country. But with this model we are afraid we cannot go any further.”All five franchises came in together in the national spirit and spent a lot of money for the best interest of the country but for how long are we going to bear the losses? We are actually sucking money from our parent companies and are not even close to breaking even. We need a roadmap with a model which is more sustainable.”There should be parameters that should be laid down with tax exemption for sports because in future we will also have a hockey league and there should be a national sports policy to encourage investors to come forward. We have been paying 16% sales tax to the provincial government and 10% as witholding tax to the federal government without making profits. We met with finance minister Asad Umar last week and he seems to be very passionate about the game. They sought some time to revert back to us and we are hopeful this year there should be a permanent resolution to our problems.”The financial model adopted by the PCB in 2016 offers equal shares from a central revenue pool to all franchises, despite the difference in franchise fees. The two most expensive franchises – Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars, sold for USD 2.6 million and USD 2.5 million respectively per year – have argued that the revenue shares should be on a pro rata model, reflecting the expense of the franchise fee. Quetta Gladiators pay USD 1.1 million per year as their franchise fee, as comparison. In theory, however, both Karachi and Lahore should have greater commercial opportunities, based as they are in the two biggest cities in the country.The five franchises have also asked for an increase in their revenue shares. Afridi confirmed that each of the five franchises are operating at losses since the inaugural edition in 2016. For the first three years, the PCB put 85% of the PSL’s media rights revenue, 50% of the title sponsorship rights money, and 50-60% of the gate money into a central pool, which was then shared out equally among the franchises.Another bone of contention is tied to the falling value of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar. According to the agreements signed in 2016, franchise fees have to be paid in dollars – at the time it was signed, the exhange rate was PKR 105 to the dollar. Over the last year, as Pakistan’s economy has slowed down, it has shot up to PKR 134. The franchises want to peg the rate or pay in Pakistani rupees at the same rate when the contracts were signed.In 2015, the PCB had sold the first five PSL franchises for USD 93 million for a ten-year period. Karachi was the most expensive, with the ARY media group shelling out USD 26 million for ownership. Lahore was sold for USD 25 million, Peshawar for USD 16 million, Islamabad for USD 15 million and Quetta for USD 11 million.PCB’s new title rights deal with HBL, at USD 14.3 million, is nearly three times bigger than the last deal in 2015. But the renewal is pegged at the same dollar rate signed three years ago, an option not offered to franchises.

Tottenham Hotspur have apparently set their sights on one club's "vital" Champions League star for manager Ange Postecoglou, and he's been likened to Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham.

Spurs form this season

On the field, Spurs are currently enjoying an unprecedented start to this new Premier League season. Their latest league win, a 2-1 away to Crystal Palace, makes it eight victories out of a possible 10 in the top flight alone. Postecoglou's side are still yet to taste defeat over what has been their most promising first few games since they won a double in 1961.

"Top of the table is great and the results are great but it's more in the manner we're doing it," said Postecoglou on Spurs' form this season.

"Pretty much from the first game we've had all sorts of different challenges we've had to overcome. Every time there has been a real focus and clear-headedness about the group collectively to deal with that. That has been a really pleasing thing and because they're getting rewards from that then that gives us opportunity to accelerate the growth of giving them more tools out there to help them for whatever we need to overcome."

Despite their incredible run of form, though, it is still believed the Lilywhites could strengthen in January. The winter transfer window represents an opportunity to sign a centre-back alternative to both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. There is a serious lack of cover behind the star defensive duo, so Tottenham are interested in Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah among other options.

An injury to Manor Solomon also leaves Postecoglou short of players who can challenge Dejan Kulusevski out wide, so it has been rumoured that Spurs are keen on Al-Ittihad winger Jota. New names are emerging through sections of the press on a regular basis, and now Real Sociedad midfielder Brais Mendez is a name attracting Tottenham's attention.

Mendez emerges as "main target" for Spurs

Indeed, according to a report out of Spain this week, Mendez is a "main target" for Tottenham as Postecoglou and the club's chiefs plot to sign "high level" players mid-season.

The attacking midfielder, who's been called a "vital asset" for Sociedad by this update, has enjoyed an exceptional start to the campaign and his Champions League performances have sparked interest from many top sides – including Tottenham.

Mendez has scored three goals already in Europe's most prestigious competition, making him a coveted player heading into January. Spurs apparently want to back Postecoglou with his signing, and it is believed he will cost around £26 million. While England may be a tempting destination for the 26-year-old, Sociedad will apparently fight tooth and nail to keep one of their star players from leaving so soon.

Mendez has been called a "bargain Bellingham" by journalist Tom Weber, who also wrote this about the Spaniard for Football Transfers:

"While the San Sebastian outfit have become one of Europe's most interesting and exciting teams since Imanol Alguacil was given the head coaching job, Mendez has quietly become the side's heartbeat – and he should be looked at by some of Europe's elite teams."

Tottenham Hotspur have apparently set their sights on one club's "vital" Champions League star for manager Ange Postecoglou, and he's been likened to Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham.

Spurs form this season

On the field, Spurs are currently enjoying an unprecedented start to this new Premier League season. Their latest league win, a 2-1 away to Crystal Palace, makes it eight victories out of a possible 10 in the top flight alone. Postecoglou's side are still yet to taste defeat over what has been their most promising first few games since they won a double in 1961.

"Top of the table is great and the results are great but it's more in the manner we're doing it," said Postecoglou on Spurs' form this season.

"Pretty much from the first game we've had all sorts of different challenges we've had to overcome. Every time there has been a real focus and clear-headedness about the group collectively to deal with that. That has been a really pleasing thing and because they're getting rewards from that then that gives us opportunity to accelerate the growth of giving them more tools out there to help them for whatever we need to overcome."

Despite their incredible run of form, though, it is still believed the Lilywhites could strengthen in January. The winter transfer window represents an opportunity to sign a centre-back alternative to both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. There is a serious lack of cover behind the star defensive duo, so Tottenham are interested in Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah among other options.

An injury to Manor Solomon also leaves Postecoglou short of players who can challenge Dejan Kulusevski out wide, so it has been rumoured that Spurs are keen on Al-Ittihad winger Jota. New names are emerging through sections of the press on a regular basis, and now Real Sociedad midfielder Brais Mendez is a name attracting Tottenham's attention.

Mendez emerges as "main target" for Spurs

Indeed, according to a report out of Spain this week, Mendez is a "main target" for Tottenham as Postecoglou and the club's chiefs plot to sign "high level" players mid-season.

The attacking midfielder, who's been called a "vital asset" for Sociedad by this update, has enjoyed an exceptional start to the campaign and his Champions League performances have sparked interest from many top sides – including Tottenham.

Mendez has scored three goals already in Europe's most prestigious competition, making him a coveted player heading into January. Spurs apparently want to back Postecoglou with his signing, and it is believed he will cost around £26 million. While England may be a tempting destination for the 26-year-old, Sociedad will apparently fight tooth and nail to keep one of their star players from leaving so soon.

Brais Mendez strengths

Key passes

Through balls

Taking set-pieces

Concentration

Mendez has been called a "bargain Bellingham" by journalist Tom Weber, who also wrote this about the Spaniard for Football Transfers:

"While the San Sebastian outfit have become one of Europe's most interesting and exciting teams since Imanol Alguacil was given the head coaching job, Mendez has quietly become the side's heartbeat – and he should be looked at by some of Europe's elite teams."