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Fast bowler gearing up for the likely knockout game against Bangladesh on Thursday

Danyal Rasool24-Sep-20251:26

Aaron: Pakistan using three pacers up top made the difference

Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has rejected the notion that the Pakistan T20I side was in any kind of downturn, pointing out that they had won all but one of their previous four series.Speaking after his three-wicket haul against Sri Lanka, which took Pakistan to victory in Abu Dhabi and put them within one win of playing back-to-back T20 Asia Cup finals, he said the team was “ready to face whoever” in their pursuit of a first Asia Cup title in 13 years.”It’s not that we’re not winning,” Afridi said. “We’ve won most of our last dozen games. It’s true we haven’t won against higher-ranked teams, but most of our recent games haven’t been against them. We were here to win the tri-nation series, and we won that. We are here to win the Asia Cup, and that’s all we’re focused on now.”In Abu Dhabi against Sri Lanka, it was the different tactical approach Pakistan took while bowling that stood out. For the first time in 13 matches, no powerplay over was bowled by a spinner. Medium pacer Hussain Talat was given three overs and his two wickets in his first over – the eighth of the innings – were among the game’s turning points. Talat later revealed he’d been told he would play a role with the ball, but it represented a departure from Pakistan’s recent tendency to give spin bowling prime slots through the innings.Related

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Afridi, who bowled three overs in the powerplay on Tuesday, said it did not mean Pakistan’s quicks were playing second fiddle to the slower bowlers. “I don’t think our fast bowlers are struggling, but in T20 cricket on good wickets, batters have the license to go after the quick bowlers. We’ve been trying to vary our bowling more, and that’s something I’m working on. We were getting swing. Early on, I got breakthroughs, removing two of their main players. That’s the kind of attacking cricket we want to play – get your main bowlers on and finish the game quickly.Despite an upcoming game against Bangladesh on Thursday, which could be a knockout for a place in the final, attention has already begun to focus on Sunday. The possibility of a first India-Pakistan final in the Asia Cup is suddenly looking a lot more likely. Afridi, too, had his eye on it but repeatedly pointed out that neither side had made it that far yet.Shaheen Shah Afridi: ‘I don’t think our fast bowlers are struggling’•AFP/Getty Images”Bangladesh has been playing good cricket of late,” he said of the only team to have denied Pakistan a T20I series win in the last four months. “Whenever you play such teams, you should try to strike first. You shouldn’t give them an opportunity. We’ll have to perform well in all three departments if we are to get past them.”The previous game did represent a stark contrast to Pakistan’s demeanor when compared to the one on Sunday. While there were warm handshakes and even embraces between the Pakistan and Sri Lanka players, against India, there appeared to be a coordinated intent to show their more bellicose side. There were several verbal spats on the field, particularly between India’s openers and Pakistan’s pace bowlers. The increased belligerence from Pakistan did not go unremarked upon by Indian opener Abhishek Sharma, who said Pakistan was “coming at us without any reason.”Following the game, India captain Suryakumar Yadav couldn’t resist a dig at the opposition, saying India’s recent dominance meant the game no longer constituted a rivalry. Afridi resisted the temptation to hit back when offered an opportunity.”That’s his opinion; let him say what he wants. Neither they nor we are in the final. We’ll see how things shape up for the final. We’re just here to win the Asia Cup, and we’ll give our all for that.”

Legendary former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has opened up on the possibility of a return to the club, with the Frenchman claiming that he can "never say no" to club president Florentino Perez. Benzema didn't rule out a reunion with his former employers, where he enjoyed a glorious 14-year spell before leaving for Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023.

Benzema enjoying life at Al-Ittihad

Benzema has been having the time of his life in Saudi Arabia after achieving everything there was to achieve at club level following a glorious 14-year spell with Real Madrid. Signed on a three-year contract in 2023, Benzema has delivered success to Al-Ittihad while also becoming one of the pioneers of Saudi Arabian football. He fired Al-Ittihad to a domestic double last season, as his 25 goals across competitions helped the Tigers claim the Saudi Pro League and King's Cup titles. 

Since leaving Europe, Benzema has scored 46 goals in 75 games, and still looks in great form. His goal scoring numbers are on par with what he produced in his final few years at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, with the Frenchman into the final seven months of his deal in Jeddah, his future has become a topic of hot debate. 

In a recent interview, the 37-year-old opened up on his future, where he addressed a possible return to Los Blancos.

AdvertisementAFPBenzema open to Real Madrid return, but only on one condition

Speaking to , the French forward was asked if he imagined Real Madrid calling him for a possible reunion. He gave a pretty straightforward response, claiming that it could be possible as long as Madrid president Florentino Perez is at the club. 

"Why? (Laughs). He's someone I can never say no to. Florentino is special," he acknowledged. "If Florentino is still there, it could happen, it could happen. I talk to him and it's possible. I'm a Real Madrid fan. I feel it in my soul. Madrid is still my city, I feel like a Real Madrid fan and a Madrileno. We'll see what happens. If he's there…"

He added: "It will always be my team. I still watch the games whenever I can. It's the best club in the world. It always has been and it always will be. It's a team with a lot of potential that I think can do more than it's doing right now."

Benzema: A bona fide Real Madrid legend

Benzema's Madrid career began in the summer of 2009, when he was signed from Lyon. The Frenchman created history and broke several records at Madrid. He is one of the most decorated players in the club's history, winning 25 titles, which includes five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles. 

Benzema stands in fifth position as far as all-time Real Madrid appearances are concerned; the striker played in 648 games for the club and is the non-Spanish player with the highest appearances for the 15-time European champions. Not just that, he is also the second-highest goal scorer in Madrid's history, scoring a whopping 354 goals. No other player has had more assists for Madrid than Benzema's 165. His illustrious career in the Spanish capital culminated in him winning the Ballon d'Or in 2022.

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Getty Images SportWhat does the future hold for Benzema?

As things stand, Benzema's future in Saudi Arabia continues to be clouded in uncertainty. With his contract expiring at the end of this season, there's no news about a possible extension. However, Benzema has confirmed that he will continue playing for two more years.

"For the moment, I'm very happy here; they show me a lot of affection," he said. "Players, fans, coach, people who work here… I watch Real Madrid matches. I watch the Champions League and imagine what's next. The Champions League is magical. My contract here is nearing its end, that's true. I still can't say whether I'll stay or leave; it depends on many things. I'll be 38 in December. I see myself playing football for another two years. Physically, I'm fine, I work hard, and I'm playing football. I love football; I enjoy it. We'll see what happens, what the club thinks. I like to talk face-to-face and see what they think."

Benzema also hinted that a return to Europe cannot be ruled out, revealing that he has several offers from European outfits.

"The best thing for me is to continue here, but also not just stay for the sake of staying for a year or two," he added. "I can't do that. I think the level of football in the Saudi league is getting better and better. I've been here for three years now, and it keeps getting better and better. It's true that I have offers from Europe. I have to look at everything, choose wisely, and see where I feel comfortable, without forgetting that I feel good here and receive affection from everyone. But we'll see. They ask me for things, and I give them things. Everything's fifty-fifty, but there are things happening. I'm not going to quit football and stop competing in six months."

Norwich City have held talks with one manager who has a 100% win record over the recently sacked Liam Manning.

When Norwich City could appoint Manning’s replacement

The Canaries finally parted ways with Manning after a seventh straight Carrow Road defeat prior to the international break.

The 2-1 loss to Leicester City was Norwich’s 10th defeat from 15 Championship games, leaving them in 23rd place and four points off safety.

Sporting director Ben Knapper said in a statement that he understood criticism from supporters and is looking to “repair the relationship” with fans.

“We have tried absolutely everything possible to work through this incredibly challenging period but, unfortunately, given the recent run of results and performances, we have been left with no choice other than to make a change at this stage.

“Liam and his staff worked tirelessly to move our football club forward. They are all fundamentally good people and we wish them the very best in whatever comes next.

“We very much understand the frustration and criticism from our supporters at this stage. So far, results and performances on the pitch haven’t been good enough.

“We accept that responsibility, but it’s now imperative that we start to repair the relationship with our supporters and do everything we can to give them something to get behind.”

Birmingham City vs Norwich City

22nd November

Norwich City vs Oxford United

25th November

Norwich City vs QPR

29th November

Watford vs Norwich City

6th December

Sheffield United vs Norwich City

9th December

Something that will get supporters back on side will be to appoint a winning manager, with former midfielder Gary O’Neil linked with the vacancy.

Norwich, according to reliable reporter John Percy, have interviewed O’Neil and want to appoint a new manager by November 22, the day club football returns and the Canaries travel to Birmingham City.

Norwich City hold talks with Will Still

Sky Sports reporters Zinny Boswell, Lyall Thomas and Anthony Joseph shared a Norwich City manager update on Wednesday morning, naming the three bosses who the Canaries have spoken with.

As well as former player O’Neil, Norwich have also held talks with Jon Dahl Tomasson and Will Still, with the former Southampton manager available following his St Mary’s departure earlier this month.

Still, who plays a 3-4-1-2 system, struggled to turn the Saints around, winning two of his 13 Championship games which resulted in his sacking a week prior to Manning.

He did defeat Manning and Norwich 3-0 at Carrow Road in an EFL Cup second round tie, though, which began a terrible spell at home for the former Canaries boss.

Still has a 100% win record vs Manning, and he was impressing over in France with Lens before his move to England, being linked with numerous jobs.

The 33-year-old is still inexperienced in English football, though, and after his spell on the south coast, taking a chance on Still would be a gamble by the Norwich board as they look to climb out of the relegation zone.

It could be a risk worth taking, although O’Neil and Tomasson have more experience in English football than Still.

There are two days remaining until the MLB international signing period begins on Jan. 15, when Japanese pitching prospect Roki Sasaki will initially have the chance to sign with a MLB team until Jan. 23, when the signing period ends. If he does not sign by the 23rd, he will return to the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan.

As the signing period rapidly approaches, four teams have been eliminated from the Sasaki sweepstakes. Both the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants have been told that Sasaki will not sign with them. Giants general manager Zack Minasian confirmed to reporters Monday that they were informed Sasaki would not be choosing San Francisco. Sasaki is reportedly not interested in signing with the New York Mets either, per Andy Martino of SNY.

In addition, Sasaki has reportedly ruled out the Rangers from consideration as well, per Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News.

Sasaki has also met with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, and Toronto Blue Jays, who all appear to still be in the running to land the uber-talented 23-year-old.

Many believe that the Dodgers are the strongest contenders to sign Sasaki, who would join Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the defending World Series champions. The Dodgers have the most significant ties to Japan among teams Sasaki is considering, but there is no indication that Sasaki has officially made his decision. Outside of the Dodgers, Sasaki has a close relationship with Padres pitcher Yu Darvish.

But while the Dodgers and Padres are both in the conversation, Sasaki's agent, Joel Wolfe, has previously said that a team having other Japanese players is not as important to Sasaki as to other prospects coming from NPB.

"He didn't seem overly concerned about whether a team had Japanese players on their team or not, which, in the past, when I represented Japanese players, that was sometimes an issue," Wolfe said in December. "That was never a topic of discussion."

Wolfe instead has noted that Sasaki is concerned with pitching development and how a team will help improve to become great, two key factors that will heavily weigh into his decision over the next 10 days.

Chelsea have now reportedly launched their first move to re-sign Antonio Rudiger in what would be a sensational return for the experienced central defender.

It’s no real surprise that the Blues have set their sights on more experience. As impressive as their young squad is, it is still exactly that – young. Enzo Maresca has already suffered the consequences of an inexperienced side at times this season, with Chelsea too inconsistent to seriously challenge for the Premier League title but good enough to secure a top four place.

Against Wolverhampton Wanderers, that quality was on full show as goals from Malo Gusto, Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto wrapped up a comfortable 3-0 defeat. In the same week, however, Chelsea drew 2-2 with Qarabag in a game they should have comfortably won – highlighting their inconsistencies once again.

The addition of a serial, experienced winner could be the missing piece to the puzzle – particularly within Maresca’s backline. The Blues have suffered a number of injuries and suspensions within their back four this season, leaving Maresca with little choice but to come up with internal solutions.

Against Qarabag, 19-year-old Jorrel Hato especially struggled, begging the question as to whether he’s ready to be thrown into the current Chelsea side. Maresca defended his decision to rotate in midweek, but admitted that young players need the chance to make mistakes.

The Italian told reporters: “They are talented, they are young. When they are young you have to give them chance to make mistakes.”

Still, the question of experience will remain and as Rudiger’s contract continues to tick down at Real Madrid, the Blues could have the ultimate solution to their problems lying in wait.

Rudiger makes Real Madrid decision as Chelsea come calling

According to reports in Spain, Chelsea have now made contact with Rudiger over a return to the club in 2026 when he’s set to become a free agent at the end of his Real Madrid contract.

Alas, whilst Rudiger does love the West London club, his preference is to extend with Real Madrid and stay put. Leaving the ball in the Spanish side’s court, the German has less than nine months to get his wish.

If that contract doesn’t arrive, then Chelsea should come swooping in. Rudiger is a two-time Champions League winner these days and one of the most experienced defenders around at 32 years old. He’s led the Blues before and would comfortably do it again.

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Having previously written in the Players’ Tribune that Chelsea will always be “in his heart”, a return to Stamford Bridge could be the perfect way for Rudiger to close out an excellent career.

Whether Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso will let him leave that easily is another question, though. The Spaniard previously reiterated that the German is “very reliable” and losing that for the cost of nothing next summer is something that the La Liga giants should want to avoid.

Chelsea "actively in talks" over signing "very mature" England international

This was the 12th instance of a batter retiring out in a men’s T20I, and the first in a match featuring two Full Member teams

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Aug-2025Roston Chase became the first batter to retire out during a men’s T20I featuring two Full Member teams when he went off during West Indies’ chase of 190 in the deciding game against Pakistan in Lauderhill on Sunday.West Indies had gotten off to a good start, with Alick Athanaze scoring a 40-ball 60 opening the innings, but they slowed down once he was dismissed to leave the scoreboard reading 110 for 3 at the end of the 13th over. The requirement then was 80 runs from 42 balls.While Sherfane Rutherford, the No. 4, got going immediately, Chase struggled to go big, hitting just two fours in a 12-ball 15 before he was called back to the dugout – 41 runs were needed off 18 balls after that, and West Indies only managed 27 to concede the series 2-1.There has been only one previous instance of a batter retiring out in a men’s T20I featuring a Full Member team: in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Namibia’s opening batter Nikolaas Davin retired out after scoring 18 from 16 balls in a chase of 126 in ten overs against England in North Sound. The other ten such dismissals have all been recorded in matches involving two Associate teams.Chase, incidentally, had been retired out once before in a T20, at the ILT20 earlier this year. His team Abu Dhabi Knight Riders batted first in that game against MI Emirates, and Chase, batting at No. 6, had failed to get a move on after walking out in the 12th over, scoring 20 from 13 at the end of the 18th over, when he was retired out.

Thomas Tuchel has warned his England players to avoid a Cristiano Ronaldo situation and receive their marching orders against Albania on Sunday. Ronaldo was sent off in Portugal's 2-0 loss to Ireland earlier this week and will miss their final World Cup qualifying meeting with Armenia. The Al-Nassr forward will also sit out Portugal's World Cup opener should they make the 2026 showpiece.

Getty Images SportTuchel warns plays not to do anything silly

Portugal still top Group F despite defeat to Ireland last week, but are now just two points clear of Hungary in second ahead of the final group games. The Selecao take on Armenia in Porto today and need to win to guarantee top spot, a match that Ronaldo won't be in attendance for having been sent home from the national team.

England don't face the same problem having already guaranteed first in Group K ahead of their game against Albania this evening. The Three Lions have won all seven matches in World Cup qualifying and will fancy their chances of rounding off their own campaign with a 100% record.

However, Tuchel has revealed that he will warn his players not to do anything silly when they travel to Albania, who are guaranteed a play-off spot, for their final group game.

Advertisement'No red cards please'

Ahead of the game against Albania, Tuchel said: "It is important, I'm aware of it and we will talk about it. No red cards please. If we have a doubt then, because we are through and we are in a position with last man then the player holds the shirt he gets the red card. If there's a doubt then it would be smarter not to do it.

"If he goes in the last man example and if we can avoid it no red card of course but I don't want to make it too big a subject because then you have a cloud above you. But if you have the choice: don't do it."

Tuchel will be forced into at least one change for the game against Albania, with Ezri Konsa absent after suffering a calf strain against Serbia. The Aston Villa man may have played the full 90, but has since returned to his club side.

"Ezri is not with us, he has a tight calf and got assessed in the afternoon and didn’t take the risk so we didn't take him," Tuchel added. "Everyone else is ready to go. He has had a lot of matches for Aston Villa so was a candidate to have a rest."

Getty Images SportTuchel 'didn't like' Frank snub by Spence

Tuchel also revealed that he has scolded defender Djed Spence for his Tottenham behaviour. The full-back snubbed Thomas Frank after Spurs' recent 1-0 loss to rivals Chelsea, storming down the tunnel alongside Micky van de Ven as the north London side put in a poor showing against the Blues.

And while Tuchel didn't consider leaving Spence out of the England squad as a result, the German has made it clear that he did not like that the 25-year-old ignored his manager.

"Yeah, I didn't like it," the Three Lions boss said of the incident. "Because the players know they are not only national players when they are the 10 days in camp, they are always national players and the standard of behaviour is always important."

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Bellingham, Foden & Eze all pushing to start

With qualification wrapped up and just a 100% record to play for, Tuchel may make some changes to the side that started against Serbia. Spence is among those who could start at full-back, while Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah and Trevoh Chalobah are competing to deputise for Konsa at the back.

Adam Wharton, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze are also hoping to feature from the outset in Tirana, the latter trio all replacing Morgan Rogers, Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford, respectively, on the hour mark against Serbia on Thursday.

And it was Bellingham, Foden and Eze who linked up well for the latter's late strike to wrap up the three points after Bukayo Saka had put England ahead in the first half.

The chips fell perfectly and Major League Baseball has the New York Yankees-Los Angeles Dodgers World Series that will provide the biggest spotlight on the sport in a long, long time. That's something to celebrate and and enjoy. Game 1 will get going later Friday night and the long wait between the Championship Series and Fall Classic will be in the rearview mirror.

MLB Network put together a tease to tide audiences over that chronicles all the times these two storied franchises have squared off with everything on the line. With some help from The Killers.

It's kind of wild to watch this as superstar after superstar shows up to do something amazing. There are five former MVP winners scheduled to suit up between the teams and potentially seven future Hall of Famers in the mix altogether. The challenge to be the most important hero amid a crowded group of heroes could really inspire something great.

It's baseball so anything can and will happen. Yet it's hard to imagine this matchup not to deliver something special.

Sean Dyche was once part of a bust-up involving Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, and his comments on the situation have now emerged after taking over as the Reds’ new manager.

Dyche takes the reins as Forest manager following Ange exit

Having proven his ability to come in and stablise clubs during his time with Everton, Dyche has now taken charge at Forest, following a disastrous spell under the helm of Ange Postecoglou, with the Australian failing to win in eight games and lasting just 39 days.

The former Everton man’s first day on the training ground was Tuesday, with the new boss commencing preparations for Thursday’s tough test in the Europa League, as the Tricky Trees take on FC Porto at the City Ground.

Speaking after his return, the 54-year-old made it clear that he has a lot of love for his former club, saying: “I’ve often spoken about my affection for the Club, having started my career here under the great Brian Clough. I didn’t quite make it to the first team, but I have such fond memories from around the place — and hearing the boss’ voice in the distance.”

However, it remains to be seen how the ex-Nottingham Forest youth player finds working with Marinakis, given that the owner’s public falling out with Nuno led to the Portuguese manager’s departure earlier this season.

The Forest owner is known for his fiery temper, having been seen arguing with Nuno on the pitch near the end of the 2024-25 campaign, and The Sun report he was part of a bust-up involving Dyche after Burnley’s Europa League match with Olympiacos in 2018.

Heading into half-time at 1-1, Marinakis reportedly confronted the referees in the tunnel. Shortly after the break, Olympiacos restored their lead and Burnley’s Ben Gibson was sent off, leaving Dyche fuming.

The former Burnley manager’s comments from the time are eye opening: “I don’t know how many people ran on the pitch and surrounded the referee and linesman. The feel of the game changed in the second half, you’re left scratching your head.

“At half-time, there were plenty of people waiting for the ref in the tunnel.

“It wasn’t just the bench, it was people from the offices, even the tea lady! That’s a joke, of course, but it felt like everyone was piling on.”

Dyche has big task on his hands at Forest

Marinakis will no doubt be very frustrated Forest have been unable to kick on since sealing a return to Europe last season, especially considering how much he backed Nuno in the summer transfer window, spending around £206m.

However, having failed to win since the opening day of the campaign, the Tricky Trees have to be considered relegation candidates, with home defeats against a struggling West Ham United side and newly-promoted Sunderland particularly concerning.

Immediate concern for Dyche at Nottingham Forest after Marinakis decision

It probably isn’t what the new manager wanted to hear.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 21, 2025

Dyche is known for making a statement in his first match in charge of a new club, however, defeating then league leaders Arsenal 1-0 in his opening game as Everton boss, and the new Forest manager will be hoping for a similar start against Porto on Thursday.

Tottenham Hotspur have made contact with a former manager, as chairman Daniel Levy and co begin to hatch a new transfer plan for this summer window.

Tottenham 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt with Europa League tie level

Thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Kaua Santos, who made a series of excellent saves on Thursday night, Ange Postecoglou is set to tackle their Europa League second leg against Eintracht Frankfurt with the aggregate score all level.

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There’s been a development in Spurs’ search for an Ange Postecoglou replacement.

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Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring for Eintracht with their first attack of the game on Thursday night, adding to his impressive 24/25 tally of 20 goals in all competitions this season, before right-back Pedro Porro grabbed Spurs their deserved equaliser with an improvised back-heeled finish.

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

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West Ham (away)

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Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Both Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur smashed the crossbar, with Santos pulling off a series of impressive saves in the Eintracht net, so the Lilywhites can feel slightly hard done by the result.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more from them,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s performance against Eintracht.

“We hit the crossbar three times, their keeper made some amazing saves. We had a couple of other good opportunities as well. On any other night we would have a comfortable victory. If we can perform like that over there, and there is no reason why we can’t, then we still give ourselves a good chance.

“I think the guys coming on today made a difference and injected some energy. It could be tight next week, it could go into extra time, and we are going to need everyone ready to go and the beauty of things at the moment is we have a squad ready to go and that will be important next week.”

A good run in the Europa League has been described as crucial when it comes to Postecoglou keeping his job (Fabrizio Romano), amid mounting pressure and reports of Tottenham contact made with Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner this week.

Tottenham contact Jose Mourinho over signing Fenerbache defender Yusuf Akcicek

Now, it has been reported that Tottenham have contacted former boss Jose Mourinho, but not to offer him Postecoglou’s job.

Indeed, Turkish news outlet A Spor (via Sport Witness) claim that Spurs reached out to the Portuguese to ask for information about 19-year-old defender Yusuf Akcicek, with Levy and co apparently planning to make a move for him at the end of the season.

This follows a glowing report on the teenager from Lilywhites scouts, but Fenerbache aren’t expected to let him go on the cheap. Spurs also face stiff competition from the likes of Manchester United and Lille, though it appears Postecoglou’s side are laying the most groundwork as things stand.

The 6 foot 3 starlet has started six Europa League games for the Turks, performing impressively and even getting on the scoresheet, with Mourinho also beginning to hand him more chances in the Süper Lig this year.

His displays also earned Akcicek a first-ever senior international cap for Turkey against Hungary last month.