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Sunderland looks to have a tricky few clashes in store as they continue their return to the Premier League.

Thankfully, the Black Cats haven’t been paralysed by the challenges in front of them just yet, with Regis Le Bris’ men sitting in a pretty ninth spot in the early standings, after picking up an impressive three wins from their opening seven fixtures.

Still, a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United last time out will be a worry for Le Bris, considering Chelsea, Everton, and Arsenal are on his team’s fixture list heading into the rest of October and then November, who are all above Ruben Amorim’s underperforming Red Devils in the division.

Further down the line, the Frenchman will also need to make some cutthroat decisions about who he keeps on past their contracts expiring, with many of his reserve personnel perhaps walking away next summer.

The Sunderland players now in danger of leaving

As a direct consequence of Sunderland splashing out over £160m on transfers in the busy transfer window just gone, many of Le Bris’ camp have now had to make do with limited gametime, despite once being important cogs in the Black Cats’ machine.

Indeed, despite only missing two Championship games last season during the regular campaign, Dan Neil looks to be running out of time now as his deal expires next June, with only one minute of Premier League action afforded to him so far.

Patrick Roberts was even sent out on loan to Birmingham City in the summer, as another figure that has dramatically tumbled down the Stadium of Light pecking order.

With a goal and assist already next to his name at St. Andrew’s, it’s clear that the 28-year-old still has more to give in the second tier, even if he has been deemed surplus to requirements back at his parent employers.

There is also reserve goalkeeper figure Simon Moore, who will surely be moved on soon, with Robin Roefs eating up all his potential minutes even more.

Before the Dutchman’s inspired arrival, the ex-Brentford stopper had only ever made six first-team appearances on Wearside, with his exit from the club presumably in the offing.

There is another figure who hasn’t been mentioned yet, who will also find it hard to make a pressing case to stay put, despite consistently shining when selected by Le Bris.

Why Dennis Cirkin is now on borrowed time

While Sunderland did break the bank this summer to prepare for their Premier League voyage, several of Sunderland’s promotion heroes have also stepped up to the mark, away from the disappointing tales of Neil and Roberts.

Wilson Isidor – who fired home a respectable 13 goals during their promotion heroics – already has three league goals to shout about, whilst Trai Hume’s fiery character in the Championship has been front and centre of his game in the top-flight, too, with the Northern Irishman winning a mammoth six duels on average across his seven outings in the demanding league, as per Sofascore.

One of Hume’s reliable teammates at the back in the EFL’s elite division in Dennis Cirkin, has failed to make the step-up look effortless, though, with the number three’s ongoing journey on Wearside marred by injuries once more.

Since entering the club as a wide-eyed prospect from Tottenham Hotspur in 2021, Cirkin has collected a standout haul of eight goals and six assists from 116 appearances, with his ability to break up the pitch with speed, matched by his Hume-like tenacity in defence, seeing him earn rave reviews in the past.

Indeed, he seemingly has “the potential to be a Premier League player”, according to ex-boss Tony Mowbray, who also noted that “Jose Mourinho really liked him” back at Spurs, amid his rise up the Lilywhites youth ranks.

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He is yet to live up to Mowbray’s – and Mourinho’s – praise and grace the Stadium of Light turf in the Premier League, owing to more injury difficulties mounting up, with a concerning 67 games missed in total over the five seasons he’s been at the top-flight newcomers.

With a £20m price tag once above his head when at his Black Cats peak, it does look far-fetched that any club would want to fork out that lavish amount on such an injury-prone individual in January, even if he does have a bilstering strike up his sleeve when free from his demons.

Sunderland could, therefore, be staring down the barrel at Cirkin leaving for nothing when his contract ceases to be next year, with it a risk to keep such an injury-ravaged star around, in what would be a very sad end to the 23-year-old’s long-established Wearside affiliation.

Not just O'Nien: Sunderland's "proper leader" is now on borrowed time

Another leader in Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland group could now be on borrowed time.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 14, 2025

Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank has claimed he was happy to have only given up five shots to Manchester United during their 2-2 draw in the Premier League on Saturday due to the visitors' attacking strength. The Red Devils led for much of the game before Spurs scored twice in quick succession late on, only for Matthijs de Ligt to head in a 96th-minute equaliser to ensure the spoils were shared.

De Ligt comes up with last-gasp equaliser

United took the lead midway through the first half through £71 million ($93m) summer signing Bryan Mbeumo, who rose highest to meet an Amad Diallo cross. Mathys Tel came off the bench to bring Tottenham level on 84 minutes, and then Richarlison thought he had won it with a deft header to redirect Wilson Odobert's shot from distance. However, one last United corner saw Bruno Fernandes plant the ball atop the head of De Ligt, whose effort crept over the line to salvage a point for the visitors.

De Ligt's header was only United's fifth attempt of the game, with both of their shots on target going in. They accumulated 0.63 expected goals, compared to the 0.96 tally of Tottenham, who had 10 shots with four on target.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFrank pleased with stifling United

Much of the buildup to this fixture centred on United's run of four straight defeats to Tottenham across all competitions, including in the Europa League final in May. But Frank denied that match or this record had any bearing on his plans, claiming Ruben Amorim has done well to make the Red Devils a more threatening outfit.

Frank told GOAL: "I think I saw this game as one game ahead of us, to try to do everything we could to try to win it. That was the aim of the game. I spoke before the game about it's clear they have improved this season. They look, how can you say, more in sync together. But I think especially going forward they look like a big threat. That's why I actually think, I know we conceded two goals, but if you said to me before the game concede five shots in the game, I would take that. So we're all happy."

Mbeumo comes back to haunt Frank

The Spurs boss also came up against a familiar face in Mbeumo, who was signed by the Dane at Brentford in 2019. Mbeumo scored 70 goals in 242 matches under Frank before completing a mega-money move to United this summer, despite interest from Tottenham and his former manager.

Though the Cameroonian has been a revelation from his favoured right-wing position this season, Amorim shifted him to the left to face Spurs, pushing Amad into the front three and dropping striker Benjamin Sesko to the bench. Nevertheless, Frank said this was a wrinkle he wasn't totally stunned by.

"I think it's not the first time Ruben has, how can you say, played around with the front three," he added. "I think no matter where Bryan plays he's a threat, which he showed again today."

Regarding the game in general, Frank said: "Of course, the emotions inside me are high but I take the positives out of this game. That’s what I believe and how I believe in building a good team and keep adding layers to it.

"Overall, a fine/good performance against a good Man United team which is definitely in flow. We are talking a bit about our, how can you say, level of defensive/attacking threats and to play against a Man Utd side that play with confidence with [Matheus] Cunha, Mbeumo, Amad and Sesko coming on and we kept them to five shots. It's just another example on the other way around that it's not that easy to create in the Premier League even though they had all their big boys out there.

"Second half, I was extremely happy with our response. We are playing at home and of course we all want to win and don't talk too much about (Tottenham's bad) home form and all that. I know we need to win before we don't talk about it. The way we turned it around to stay in the game, kept doing the right thing throughout the second half very happy with that. So close to winning it. On any other day, we win it."

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AFPMan Utd & Tottenham continue rebuilding

Ahead of the rest of the weekend's fixtures, Tottenham sit third in the Premier League table, while a resurgent United, who are unbeaten in their last five games, are seventh, but only behind Tottenham on goal difference.

Tottenham Hotspur have now entered talks to sign an “elite” new striker, with sporting director Fabio Paratici a big fan, it has been revealed.

Spurs looking to sign new striker amid Tel and Solanke concerns

Dominic Solanke has struggled on the injury front ever since his arrival at N17, with the striker suffering knee, thigh and ankle issues during the 2024-25 campaign, and he has been unable to put the problems behind him at the beginning of this season.

Solanke is set to be out of action for a prolonged period, with it emerging that Thomas Frank may not be particularly fond of the English striker, who was Ange Postecoglou’s first-choice option at centre-forward last season.

With the 28-year-old on the treatment table, Mathys Tel has led the line for Frank’s side in recent weeks, but Jamie O’Hara has not been impressed, and the former midfielder singled the Frenchman out for criticism after the 2-1 loss against Aston Villa.

As such, Tottenham are now ramping up their pursuit of a new striker, according to a report from Caught Offside, which states they have now opened talks over a deal for FC Porto star Samu Omorodion.

Paratici is a big fan of Omorodion’s versatility, and Spurs have held discussions over the possibility of an initial short-term deal with an option to buy, but the Portuguese club’s huge asking price has proven to be a major issue.

Indeed, the Liga Portugal side are set to hold out for a huge fee for the 21-year-old, with it being revealed they are unwilling to let him leave for below the €100m (£87m) release clause in the youngster’s contract.

Tottenham join hectic race to sign £75k-p/w star who Redknapp called "tremendous"

The Lilywhites could beat Chelsea to the deal…

ByTom Cunningham Oct 26, 2025 "Elite" Omorodion could take Tottenham's attack to next level

Scout Ben Mattinson has made it clear he believes the Porto striker is able to play at a much higher level, having already established himself as a Liga Portugal star.

The three-time Spain international has made a flying start to the campaign, scoring eight goals in ten matches in all competitions, off the back of scoring 19 league goals, in what was a very impressive 2024-25 campaign.

With Tel struggling, and Richarlison finding the back of the net 23 times in 103 games for Tottenham, it would make sense for Frank’s side to bring in a new striker, and Omorodion has proven he could be a fantastic option.

Zimbabwe end their tri-series campaign with no wins in four games with serious questions around their batting depth

Firdose Moonda24-Jul-2025New Zealand smashed the highest score of the tri-series and any hope of Zimbabwe earning a consolation win as they laid down a marker ahead of Saturday’s final against South Africa.After choosing to bat first – despite captains in this tri-series usually bowling – a second-wicket stand of 108 between Tim Seifert and Rachin Ravindra set New Zealand up well. Both went on to score half-centuries before a Michael Bracewell cameo of 26 of 16 balls pushed New Zealand to 190. They bowled Zimbabwe out in 19 overs, as only three Zimbabwean batters got into double figures.As dominant as New Zealand were, Zimbabwe will be particularly unhappy with their lapses in the field. They put down three catches – Tim Robinson on 0, Seifert on 13 and Bracewell on four – and bowled seven wides and a no-ball in a messy display which left them needing to complete their second-highest successful chase to win.Any chance of that happening was blown away when Zimbabwe were reduced to 44 for 5 in the eighth over. Ish Sodhi took three of those wickets, bowling in the powerplay, and proved too much to handle for Zimbabwe’s top-order. A sixth-wicket stand of 51 between Tony Munyonga and Tashinga Musekiwa leant the innings some respectability Sodhi’s career-best 4 for 12 scripted a simple win for New Zealand. With 150 T20I wickets, he also climbed to third on the all-time wicket-takers’ list in the format.Zimbabwe will be spectators on Saturday and have no more fixtures scheduled before they host the Africa Region T20 World Cup Qualifiers in September.Ngarava among the wickets again Richard Ngarava has been Zimbabwe’s most successful bowler of the series and almost struck with his second ball when Robinson chased a delivery that angled away and got a thick outside edge. Ryan Burl at wide slip could not hold on. There was not too much damage done from that miss as Ngarava had Robinson caught at deep third off the second ball of his next over. Ngarava was brought back at the death and though he was hit for three successive by Seifert, he eventually foxed him with a slower ball that he feathered through to Clive Madande. Two balls later Bevon Jacobs tried to hit a short, wide ball out of the ground but was done for pace and sliced it to backward point.Ngarava’s change-ups worked again when he had Mitchell Santner caught behind off a slower ball in an over that lasted 10 balls. His next challenge is to enhance his wicket-taking skills with a bit more discipline in order to truly lead Zimbabwe’s attack.Ish Sodhi (150*) moved past Shakib Al Hasan (149) to take the No. 3 spot on the T20I wicket-takers’ list•ESPNcricinfo LtdSeifert sees another opportunity to cash inDon’t drop Seifert. He was put down on 0 by South Africa in the previous match and went on to score 66* in a clinical run-chase. In this match, he was on 13 and had already hit two fours when Munyonga, at deep backward square, put him down off Tino Maposa and Seifert didn’t need a second invitation.Two overs later, he smacked Dion Myers into the leg side for his third four and the runs kept coming. Wellington Masakadza was sent through extra cover, Myers through the slip area and Sikandar Raza past short fine. Seifert brought up his 12th T20I fifty off 33 balls and went on to score his first six when he deposited Raza over long-on. He was especially good in a wide ‘v’ down the ground with 50 of his runs coming between extra cover and mid-wicket before he eventually fell to Ngarava for 75.Myers might be an opening option In search of a solid start, Zimbabwe asked Myers to open the batting, ahead of Wessly Madhevere, for the first time in his T20I career and he was off to a flier. He drove and cut Matt Henry for back to back boundaries to give Zimbabwe a blazing start and then showed off his pull shot to end the first over on 14 without loss. Myers was less in control against Zakary Foulkes, who he inside-edged over the keeper but showed intent against legspinner Sodhi, albeit without success.He walked across his stumps off the second ball he faced from Sodhi and tried to flick him fine but gave himself too much room and was bowled. A score of 22 from 18 balls is not much to write home about but given how poorly Zimbabwe have batted through this series, it could be an option worth exploring in future.Henry gets Raza and Zimbabwe unravel Zimbabwe were 28 for 3 after five overs thanks largely to a Sodhi double-strike and New Zealand clearly in control despite Henry’s expensive opening. He switched ends to complete the powerplay, started with a wide and then went short to Sikandar Raza, who met with him aggression. Raza swiped Henry to the leg side three times, and the third was well enough to get four before Henry adjusted his length and caught Raza in the crease. Raza was given out lbw and indicated he was not happy with the decision which left Zimbabwe 37 for 4 and in danger of their lowest score against New Zealand which sits at 84.They got to 130 but were never in the hunt to chase down the target and have serious questions about their batting depth.

Hampshire reply with resolve after title-chasers post imposing 578 for 8 declared

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay23-Jul-2025Hampshire 90 for 0 (Weatherley 43*, Middleton 34*) trail Nottinghamshire 578 for 8 dec (James 203*, Haynes 103, McCann 79, Hutton 71) by 498 runsLyndon James masterfully struck his maiden double-century as title-chasing Nottinghamshire took control of their Rothesay County Championship clash with Hampshire.James helped his side to maximum batting points with an awesome 203 not out, overtaking his previous personal best of 164.With him, Jack Haynes took himself to a fourth hundred of the season – the most in Division One – while Brett Hutton’s 71-run cameo allowed Nottinghamshire to declare on 578.Joe Weatherley and Fletcha Middleton reached close with no damage for the hosts – ending on 90 without loss, in arrears by 498 runs.The day was a procession of bat raises from Nottinghamshire batters – six of them in total.Haynes was the first as he converted his overnight 70 to three figures in 42 day-two balls – 129 in total. It was the fourth time he had passed fifty, and the fourth time he had converted to a hundred this season.But after a flourish of drives and boundaries, his 106-run stand with James was ended when Kyle Abbott got Haynes chipping the second new ball to mid-on.Hampshire had an inexperienced attack – without Keith Barker, Liam Dawson, Brad Wheal and John Turner – and failed to build any pressure throughout the day, albeit with an unhelpful ball.However trouble-free much of the bowling was, the batter standards were incredibly high – led by James.The all-rounder kept up the scoring rate throughout his innings as he mixed a constant yearning for runs with a tight technique.His one major life came on 94 when Hampshire missed a third chance in the slips during the innings – a frequent pattern this season, and one which was met by derision in the stands and by Abbott curling into a frustrated ball at mid-on.James shook off the nineties nerves to reach his second century of the season, and the sixth of his career – one of real fluency.Liam Patterson-White had accompanied him for 66 runs – one of six partnerships to pass 40 – before James Fuller pinned him lbw.But Hutton – who will be replaced by Josh Tongue from day three onwards after his release from the England squad – arrived to ignite the innings even further.Where fours had previously been struck, short balls were cannoned into the stands by both Hutton and James – combined they struck 12 in total – as any hope of containing them had disappeared for Hampshire.Nottinghamshire reached maximum batting points – which could be crucial in their Championship bid. They had started the round just a point behind leaders Surrey.Hutton picked out long-on for an 87-ball 71, but James kept going despite being disturbed by tea when on 197. He reached his double century with a flick to the boundary and a fist pump.Nottinghamshire immediately declared on 578 and gave Hampshire’s refreshed opening pair of Middleton and the recalled Weatherley a testing 32 overs – with Ali Orr absent with a concussion suffered in the Second XI.As it happened, both breezed through with sturdy defences, although the defensive nature could harm their quest for much needed bonus points in the long term.

Real Madrid cult hero Ivan Zamorano has taken aim at Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal over his behaviour before and after the recent El Clasico, claiming the youngster lacks the requisite character to represent Los Blancos and pointed at the behaviour of another Barca legend as a shining example of how he should behave.

La Liga rivalry spills over in El Clasico

There was a confrontation between Yamal and Los Blancos players during the recent El Clasico which came after controversial pre-match comments made by the Spanish wonderkid. During a Kings League Twitch stream, the Barcelona winger accused Madrid of "stealing and complaining" about officiating, which angered Madrid's squad. After Madrid won the match 2-1, several players confronted Yamal, who reportedly taunted them as they exited the field. On social media, Madrid star Jude Bellingham posted an image of himself celebrating and a message that read, "Talk is cheap. HALA MADRID SIEMPRE!!!". In a separate Instagram post that went viral, Yamal told Madrid players, "SEE YOU AT THE DOOR OF THE TUNNEL". Spain international Dani Carvajal also confronted Yamal during the incident, although La Roja's coach later downplayed the event.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLos Blancos legend takes aim

As one of the most prolific strikers in his era, Zamorano cemented his legendary status at Real Madrid with his sheer determination and knack for scoring. "Ivan the Terrible" famously led the team to the 1994–95 La Liga title, finishing as the league's top scorer with 28 goals and landed the prestigious Pichichi Trophy – an award handed out by top sports journalists in Spain.

'He does not have the essence of what a Real Madrid player is'

Zamorano said: "I wouldn’t sign Lamine (for Real Madrid). He's a crack, but he does not have the essence of what a Real Madrid player is. I would sign Pedri, he is a phenomenon and he does it without talking. He is humble, he speaks just enough and that is the essence. Lamine Yamal has neither the soul nor essence of Madrid. Barcelona, good; not here. It’s another story, another completely different club. Real Madrid is a team of class and culture. The players must represent that."

He added: "I never heard Messi say that we stole, and he was the best in the world. A 17-year-old boy who is given these lights for what he talks about… I think what we have to do is show it on the pitch and the other later on. Barcelona have to try to get Lamine Yamal on track. He will only be a great player like that. Players who leave a legacy are made of another lineage."

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AFPAgent comes to Lamal's defence

Yamal's agent, Jorge Mendes waded into the argument, telling : "I don’t understand all the noise around Lamine Yamal. We’ve all been 18 and young once. What we must do is support him and help him as much as possible because he’s a great asset to the club. Lamine is the player everyone in the world is talking about – there’s a consensus that he’s the great footballer of both the present and the future. 

He added: "Having everyone watching you also comes with great responsibility and pressure. He's handling it very well, and the best way to keep helping him is to let him focus exclusively on his work. Lamine knows perfectly well what he has to do both on and off the pitch, and that’s exactly what he’s doing—staying calm, working hard, and not talking too much. He’s a very intelligent and disciplined boy. He’s dealing with a minor physical issue together with the club, trying to manage it in the best possible way while continuing to play. The key thing is that he recovers properly and keeps contributing to the team. He’s very smart and learns something new every day. Speaking little and focusing on work is essential."

Tottenham Hotspur made a fairly bold call in the summer when they decided to part ways with Ange Postecoglou after he won the Europa League trophy at the end of last season.

The Lilywhites ended a trophy drought that lasted the best part of two decades, but that was not enough to keep the Australian head coach in his post in North London.

They opted to go with Thomas Frank, who was poached from fellow Premier League side Brentford, to replace Postecoglou in the dugout, and he has had a terrific start to life at the club.

The Danish tactician led his side to a 3-0 win away at Everton in the top-flight on Sunday, which has left Spurs sitting third in the Premier League table after nine matches.

Two goals from Micky van de Ven and a late header from Pape Matar Sarr secured all three points for the Lilywhites on Merseyside, but it was not a perfect performance.

For example, the Spurs head coach may not have been entirely pleased with the performance of his starting number nine, as Randal Kolo Muani struggled.

Why Spurs need more from Randal Kolo Muani

The Lilywhites need to get more out of their summer signing from Paris Saint-Germain, because his performance against Everton was slightly alarming.

In his defence, it was his first Premier League start and only his second outing in the league for Spurs. However, he lost seven of his eight duels and took four unsuccessful touches from 15 total touches, per Sofascore, which shows that the striker struggled on and off the ball.

Kolo Muani needed to offer more of an outlet in the number nine position to take pressure off his team at times, as the hosts pressed for a goal but could not get past an impressive Guglielmo Vicario, and failed to do so, as James Tarkowski and Michael Keane found it too easy to get the better of him.

It remains to be seen whether or not Spurs will see major improvement from the France international during his time in North London, because his form across two seasons with PSG left a fair bit to be desired.

Appearances

26

10

xG

6.09

4.67

Goals

6

2

Big chances missed

3

7

Conversion rate

27%

13%

Assists

5

1

As you can see in the table above, Kolo Muani underperformed his xG and only scored eight goals in 36 Ligue 1 appearances for the French giants.

He did, though, score eight goals in 16 Serie A matches on loan at Juventus in the second half of last season, along with two goals in three games at the Club World Cup, per Sofascore.

Whilst Spurs are looking for more from their striker and hoping that he can channel the form that he displayed for Juventus, the club are reportedly eyeing a striker who would be an instant upgrade on him.

Spurs have held talks to sign new striker

According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham Hotspur are one of the clubs interested in a deal to sign Porto centre-forward Samu Aghehowa in the January transfer window.

The report claims that Spurs, Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest are all showing an interest in the Spain international, as they look to bolster their squads.

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It adds that Porto have a €100m release clause, around £87m, in the marksman’s contract at the club, and they are not willing to allow him to leave for less than that figure.

CaughtOffside adds that Spurs have held internal talks over the potential of a short-term loan, for the second half of the season, with an option to make it permanent next summer, but the £87m valuation is a roadblock at this moment in time.

It now remains to be seen whether or not Tottenham will test the waters with a formal offer for Samu’s services when the January transfer window opens for business.

Why Spurs should sign Samu in January

Spurs should swoop to sign the Porto centre-forward ahead of the second half of the campaign because he could come in as an instant upgrade on Kolo Muani.

As aforementioned, the France international’s contrasting form for Juventus and PSG suggests that there is no guarantee that he will improve his performances and become a star for Frank in the next couple of months before the January window.

This means that the Lilywhites may get to January and realise that they need a consistent and prolific striker who can score them the goals they may need to win silverware, or to qualify for the Champions League.

Samu’s form for Porto suggests that he could arrive in North London to hit the ground running as a lethal scorer for Frank, as he has scored five goals in seven league games this season, per Sofascore.

The Spanish marksman also scored 25 goals in 41 matches for Porto in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore, which included six goals in nine appearances in the Europa League.

Appearances

30

26

xG

14.07

9.37

Goals

19

10

Big chances created

5

4

Assists

3

2

As you can see in the table above, the former Atletico Madrid youngster outperformed Kolo Muani at league level last season, with nine more goals and one more assist in just four more appearances.

Samu, who was described as an “absolute powerhouse” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored eight goals in all competitions so far this term, per Sofascore, whilst Micky van de Ven is Tottenham’s top goalscorer with five goals, per Transfermarkt.

This suggests that he would come in as an instant upgrade on Kolo Muani, whilst also solving a glaring issue for Spurs, because their centre-back is their top goalscorer heading into November.

Samu’s return of 33 goals for Porto since the start of last season shows that he can be a prolific and consistent performer at the top end of the pitch for Frank, whilst it remains to be seen which side of Kolo Muani will settle down in North London.

Over Van de Ven: 8/10 Spurs star is becoming Frank's most important player

This Tottenham Hotspur star is becoming their most important player, and it is not Micky van de Ven.

ByDan Emery Oct 27, 2025

Therefore, Spurs should be looking to wrap up a deal for the Spanish centre-forward when the January transfer window opens for business, whether that is an initial loan or a straight-up permanent move.

Kool and the Gang's "Celebration" blared over the Oakland Coliseum speakers one last time on Thursday afternoon, as the Athletics defeated the Texas Rangers 3–2 in their final home game in Oakland.

Shortly after closer Mason Miller slammed the door on the Rangers in the ninth inning, A's manager Mark Kotsay walked on the field and grabbed a microphone to deliver a speech to the sellout crowd of 46,889 fans.

"There are no better fans than you guys," Kotsay said. "Thank you all for loving the game of baseball. Thank you for your lifelong support of the Oakland A's."

Kotsay then led the crowd on one final "Let's go Oakland" chant at the Coliseum. Many A's fans were seen getting emotional in the stands on the NBC Sports California broadcast.

The A's spent 57 years playing in the Oakland Coliseum after arriving in the Bay Area in 1968. They won four World Series championships—including three straight from 1972 to '74—and won 17 AL West division titles, most recently in 2020.

The franchise will now play the next three seasons in Sacramento at Sutter Health Park, the home of the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats. Owner John Fisher aims to move the franchise to Las Vegas by the 2028 season, although it's worth noting no shovels have hit the dirt yet in Southern Nevada on the proposed $1.5 billion ballpark.

Luis Diaz scored a goal of the season contender as Bayern Munich travelled to Union Berlin on Saturday afternoon. Bayern were looking to maintain their rampant winning form and follow up their midweek Champions League victory at PSG in their weekend trip to the capital. And Diaz, who joined from Liverpool over the summer, netted a sublime first half strike for Vincent Kompany's men.

Getty Images SportDiaz follows up PSG double with sensational strike

Diaz has endured a week of mixed emotions having bagged a brace at PSG in midweek. However, the Colombian's night in Paris was cut short owing to a dangerous challenge on Achraf Hakimi that resulted in his dismissal deep into first half injury time following a VAR review.

Nevertheless, the former Liverpool man was used from the outset by Vincent Kompany at Union Berlin on Saturday afternoon as Bayern looked to make it 10 successive wins to kick off the Bundesliga season.

However, Bayern found themselves behind in the first half through Danilho Doekhi, the towering centre-back on hand to bag his third league goal of the season. FC Hollywood responded through Diaz shortly before the break as he struck past Frederik Rønnow from an impossible angle.

AdvertisementWatch the goal

Diaz impressing in debut Bayern season

The goal was Diaz's sixth in the Bundesliga this season and the reaction of teammate Josip Stanisic spoke volumes about the quality of the 28-year-old's finish. Indeed, the 25-year-old, who was credited with the assist for the goal, ran to celebrate with Diaz with his hands on his head in shock at what he had just witness.

Diaz kept an admittedly poor Stanisic pass in play before touching the ball past Janik Haberer and finding the far corner from an incredibly tight angle.

The former Porto man has really caught the eye since moving to Bayern Munich over the summer, having also provided four assists for Vincent Kompany's men. All four assists have been for Harry Kane to score, with the former Premier League pair striking up a fine understanding for the Bavarian powerhouse.

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Getty Images SportBayern one of the favourites for the Champions League

Diaz will hope he can inspire Bayern to claim further domestic and European glory this season. Bayern have already won the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup as they beat VfB Stuttgart 2-1 back in August, with Diaz on hand to score what proved to be the winning goal.

Bayern are the outright favourites to win the Bundesliga and successfully defend their domestic crown having started the season in flying fashion. Kompany's side are also expected to challenge for the Champions League this season having won all four games so far, beating Chelsea, Pafos, Club Brugge and PSG in the process.

However, they face arguably their toughest test of the campaign when they travel to Arsenal in the next round of European fixtures following the international break. The Gunners, like Bayern, have won all four games Champions League matches so far, and sit top of the Premier League. Yet Diaz will have to sit out that match due to suspension following his dismissal against PSG.

Wolverhampton Wanderers find themselves on the lookout for a new manager and have been alerted to the availability of a former Liverpool star.

Over the weekend, a chain events happened that could lead some to think that former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is in line for a return to management in the West Midlands.

On Saturday evening, the ex-Premier League star gave an honest verdict on why he didn’t make a return to Scotland following negotiations to take him back to Ibrox breaking down at the last minute.

Speaking on TNT Sports, he admitted that the timing of the offer came at a difficult point in his personal life, while he also made clear that instability at Rangers made him unable to commit to a return.

“I have to analyse, is it right for me? Is the timing right and are things perfect for me to be the best version of myself in that job? Unfortunately the timing, it didn’t feel right to me. I’ve got that much respect for Rangers that I wouldn’t go in there if I was 80-90% ready, but hopefully one day I’ll be more ready and more prepared for it and that chance might come again.”

Despite passing up the opportunity to return to his old club, his availability comes at a time when Wolves are searching for a permanent successor after sacking Vitor Pereira.

An out-of-work boss may well be their preference amid links to Brendan Rodgers and Xavi. Gerrard may not be keen due to Fosun and the new ownership at Rangers being mired in difficulty, but they do have an interest from one of his old teammates.

Robbie Keane applies for Wolves managerial vacancy

According to talkSPORT, Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane has applied for the Wolves managerial vacancy after leading his side to the Hungarian top-flight crown last season.

Formerly a fan favourite at Molineux due to scoring 27 times in 85 appearances during his spell at the club, the 45-year-old also won the Israeli Premier League title and Toto Cup while in charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Keane has also been considered for the Celtic job in light of their search for a permanent successor to Rodgers. His credentials to get teams on winning runs can’t be underestimated, though coming from Hungary into the Premier League would be a major ask.

Wolves are eight points adrift in the top-flight and appear to be knee-deep in a scrap for survival. Seeing a former face would provide some hope to deflated Old Gold supporters, though the Irishman’s return of 13 wins in 22 matches circa 2025/26 hasn’t lived up to the hype of last term.

Find out the latest on Wolves' managerial search

Gary O’Neil could step back into the club after leaving less than a year ago. Either way, there is sure to be plenty of anticipation at Molineux over who will replace Pereira.