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Over the last couple of years, Tottenham Hotspur haven’t been afraid to splash the cash in the transfer market, in an attempt to try and achieve Premier League glory.

The Lilywhites have a net spend of over £500m in the last five years alone, a figure which puts them fourth out of any team in the division for the same time period.

Daniel Levy was often criticised for his lack of spending in North London, but it’s clear that the 63-year-old did financially back various managers during his two decades at the club.

However, it’s clear in the modern game that money doesn’t equal success – especially in the Premier League – with numerous players often failing to live up to their big-money transfer fees.

The likes of Tanguy Ndombele, Roberto Soldado and Steven Bergwijn have all cost a pretty penny in recent years – with many of them leaving North London in deals much lower than what they arrived for.

In 2025/26, Thomas Frank has a couple of examples already within his first-team ranks, with two of his players arguably going down as some of their additions in recent history.

Richarlison & Simons’ form for Spurs in PL during 2025/26

Back in the summer of 2022, Spurs forked out a staggering £60m, including add-ons, for the signature of Richarlison from fellow Premier League side Everton.

Undoubtedly, given the nature of the transfer fee, his transfer generated huge excitement among the supporters in North London, but over three years on from his transfer – it’s safe to say it’s been a disaster.

The Brazilian has registered a total of 108 appearances for the Lilywhites, but has only scored 24 times – with half of his efforts coming in 2023/24 alone.

However, Frank has kept faith in the 28-year-old this season, but he’s failed to return the favour, as seen by his measly conversion rate of just 21% in the Premier League this season.

He’s also missed six big chances in his 11 outings to date, often being a wasteful option in attacking areas and falling way below the standards expected of a £60m addition.

Richarlison isn’t the only big-money addition to struggle under the Dane’s guidance this season, with Xavi Simons also unable to match the expectations many placed on him after his own move to North London.

The Dutch international, who cost a total of £52m in the summer, has racked up a total of 14 appearances across all competitions, but has only registered two assists in such a period.

The attacking midfielder is yet to find the back of the net, but has also struggled to provide the creative nature many would have expected, given the nature of the fee.

Simons has only achieved a total of 0.8 chances completed per 90, whilst also only completing 38% of the dribbles he’s attempted – showcasing his inability to impress with the ball at his feet.

He’s also only registered a tally of 0.17 shots on target per 90, a figure which ranks him in the bottom 14% of all attackers in the division – further highlighting his lack of quality in the final third.

The Spurs star who’s becoming their worst signing in recent history

After Spurs’ measly 17th-placed finish in the Premier League last season, Frank was always going to have a huge task on his hands to push the club back in the right direction.

The Dane has settled on a 4-3-3 system over recent weeks, but it still appears as though he’s yet to figure out his best starting eleven – as seen against Manchester United last weekend.

He utilised Richarlison in a wide-left position, leaving the likes of Wilson Odobert on the bench – with such a decision undoubtedly costing the side all three points in North London.

The Brazilian has mainly struggled to take the responsibility of leading the line for the Lilywhites, with Randal Kolo Muani also yet to find the back of the net after his loan move on deadline day.

However, the manager has been unable to call upon Dominic Solanke during the vast majority of his time at the club, with the Englishman massively struggling with constant injury setbacks.

The 28-year-old cost a club-record £65m from Bournemouth last summer, with his signature providing the side with the replacement to Harry Kane they were crying out for.

It has not all been plain sailing for the striker, with his tally of just nine goals in the Premier League throughout his debut campaign ultimately falling way below the standards many expected.

Other figures, such as 71% passes completed and just 33% aerials won last season, showcase his inability to operate as a target man – often struggling to offer an imposing figure at the top end of the pitch.

However, Frank’s arrival in North London will have given the talisman a new lease of life, but as seen by his recent setbacks, he’s so far been unable to make the desired effect under the Dane.

Games played

27

Goals scored

9

Pass accuracy

71%

Shots on target

0.9

Chances created

0.5

Dribble success

35%

Aerials won

33%

Fouls committed

1.5

Solanke has been suffering continuously with an ankle issue over recent months, subsequently undergoing surgery that has kept him on the sidelines for an extended period.

He’s not featured since the 2-0 triumph over Manchester City on the 23rd of August, with the Englishman subsequently missing a total of 81 days of first-team action.

As a result of his fitness issues, he’s only accumulated a total of 31 minutes of league action this campaign – an unacceptable tally given the fee forked out for his signature.

Solanke has only racked up 29 league appearances for the Lilywhites in his near 18-month stint at the club, something which is nowhere near the level expected given the mammoth price tag paid for his services.

In that time, he’s also managed to register a goal in every three matches, with Solanke so far being unable to fill the boots vacated by Kane a couple of years prior to his move.

Given his transfer fee and lack of form in North London, the 28-year-old has so far been a huge waste of money, with a new centre-forward desperately needed in the near future if Frank is to be a success at the club.

Frank can end Bentancur's Spurs career by unleashing "future £100m" talent

Tottenham Hotspur have a huge talent on their hands, but his progress is being halted by Rodrigo Bentancur.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 12, 2025

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Treinador do Corinthians, Mano Menezes evitou criticar a diretoria do clube após a derrota da equipe para o Novorizontino por 3 a 1, na Neo Química Arena, pelo Campeonato Paulista.

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Apesar de admitir que o elenco precisa ser reforçado nesta janela de transferências, o treinador acredita que o Timão pode produzir mais com os jogadores que estão à disposição.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

– Eu não quero arrumar desculpa, parece que estaria justificando resultado. O ideal era ter acontecido, mas a realidade é essa e deveríamos estar produzindo mais como equipe. É isso que estamos devendo – disse Mano Menezes.

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– Não cabe a mim fazer análise das outras pessoas, cada um tem sua parte no processo, as intenções são as melhores possíveis, mas o futebol é muito duro e não é justo – completou o treinador.

Questionado a respeito de sua permanência à frente do comando técnico da equipe, Mano diz entender o sentimento de angustia do torcedor, mas afirmou que está preparada para liderar o processo de reformulação do clube.

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➡️ Novorizontino passeia em Itaquera, e Corinthians amarga quarta derrota seguida no Paulistão

– Entendo a visão do torcedor, a pressão, tudo que ele está sentindo estamos sentindo também. O caminho é árduo, vamos trabalhar até quando acharem que sou eu que tenho que conduzir o processo – finalizou Mano.

Com apenas três pontos conquistados após cinco rodadas, o Corinthians permanece na lanterna do grupo C do Paulistão. Dono da terceira pior campanha do torneio, o Timão está fora da zona de rebaixamento em razão do saldo de gols. O Ituano, que joga neste domingo, tem menos seis gols de saldo contra menos quatro do Timão.

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CorinthiansFutebol NacionalMano Menezes

Daniel Farke, manager of Leeds United, has provided an update on injuries within his squad ahead of their Sunday clash with Nottingham Forest.

Last season, at the second time of asking, Farke led Leeds back to the Premier League as centurions and winners of the Championship. After 10 games in the top flight, the Whites have picked up 11 points as, alongside Sunderland and Burnley, the newly-promoted teams have enjoyed promising starts to the campaign.

Leeds are certainly at their best when at home, having lost only to Tottenham Hotspur in five games at Elland Road. On the road, however, Leeds have just one win, which came against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Not only have they lost the other four matches, but excluding the win over Wolves, Leeds have not scored away from home.

The Whites are next in action on Sunday when they travel to face Forest, who have not won in the Premier League since their opening day victory against Brentford.

Sean Dyche oversaw a victory against Porto in the Europa League on his debut as Forest manager, having since lost to Bournemouth as well as draws with Man United and Sturm Graz.

Ahead of their visit to the City Ground, Farke has revealed which of his players have faced fitness setbacks.

Farke reveals Leeds pair are struggling with injury

Signed for just over £5 million in the summer from Wolfsburg, Sebastiaan Bornauw was recruited to serve as depth to pre-existing centre-back options Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon, along with fellow summer addition Jaka Bijol.

Yet to make his Premier League debut for the Whites, Bornauw has played just once for the club, when he featured against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup. Farke has now revealed that the Belgian is struggling with a new injury suffered behind closed doors.

Elsewhere within the team, it will be a “late call” whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin can play against Forest. The former Everton striker has been brilliant for Leeds, giving them a physical outlet up front that has allowed them to compete in the Premier League.

Lukas Nmecha is a serviceable back-up option, but Leeds will hope that both Bornauw and Calvert-Lewin are not absent for too long. Given that, including Joel Piroe, no Leeds striker has been a consistent goal threat this season, it may be that Farke could soon turn to some younger options within his squad.

"Dangerous" striker could be open to Leeds switch in January

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O Botafogo anunciou neste domingo (1) que os ingressos para a partida contra o Goiás estão esgotados. O jogo, válido pela vigésima quinta rodada do Brasileirão, será nesta segunda (2), às 20h, no Nilton Santos, casa do Alvinegro.

RelacionadasNotíciasELE CRAVA! Aposte R$40 e ganhe R$170 com Tiquinho Soares e Botafogo contra o Goiás!Notícias01/10/2023BotafogoEm campo minado: Botafogo vê mês de outubro se tornar definitivo para suas pretensões no BrasileirãoBotafogo01/10/2023BotafogoBotafogo vê no apoio incondicional da torcida atalho para se revigorar no BrasileirãoBotafogo01/10/2023

No último sábado (30), torcedores foram ao estádio para acompanhar o Botafogo em um treino aberto do time. Apesar da má fase recente, a torcida compareceu em peso e cantou em apoio aos jogadores e ao treinador Bruno Lage durante o treinamento.

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O duelo contra o Goiás é crucial para o Botafogo recuperar a confiança no campeonato. O time de Lage vem de três derrotas seguidas e o fator casa será um importante aliado nesta segunda para reverter o cenário atual.

As Real Madrid continue to plot their move for Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool have now reportedly set their sights on a signing of their own from the Spanish club.

Real Madrid plotting Konate move

Anyone else feeling a bit of Déjà vu? This time last year, it was Trent Alexander-Arnold who Liverpool were desperately trying to keep hold of in the middle of contract negotiations. Eventually, the full-back ditched Anfield for Real Madrid as the Reds lost one of their best players in a free deal. Now, one year later, they’re facing a repeat courtesy of Konate.

The Frenchman is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal and has less than 10 months left before he can leave as a free agent. As such, Real Madrid are already sniffing around and like Alexander-Arnold, it is rumoured that Konate is likely to join the La Liga giants if he fails to sign a new Liverpool deal.

Liverpool star who's "on par with Salah & VVD" had his worst game under Slot

Liverpool endured a night to forget as they were beaten by Galatasaray in the Champions League.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 1, 2025

That is partly why the defender’s disappointing form comes at such a bad time. As Liverpool begin to stutter – losing consecutive games against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray – it is Konate who has stood out as one of their points of vulnerability.

The Frenchman was dominated by Jean-Philippe Mateta against Palace and struggled to keep possession altogether in Turkey. If Madrid are watching on, then they’re unlikely to be impressed.

The numbers don’t make for pretty reading, either. Against Galatasaray, Konate won none of his three ground duels and completed just three of eight long balls. Alongside the rest of his teammates, it was an evening to forget.

Alas, if Real Madrid do come calling in the summer, reports are suggesting that the Reds could yet land a player of their own in some unexpected revenge.

Liverpool considering huge Camavinga proposal

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now considering a huge proposal to sign Eduardo Camavinga. The Real Madrid midfielder is represented by the same agency as Konate, which could hand the Reds a familiarity boost if negotiations reach an advanced stage next summer.

Of course, given how talented Camavinga is, Liverpool aren’t the only side interested. Both Chelsea and Arsenal are also reportedly sniffing around as the Frenchman considers his Real Madrid future before a potential move to the Premier League.

Dubbed “incredible” by scout Jacek Kulig last year, Camavinga could offer Liverpool the midfield balance that they’ve so desperately lacked so far this season. Securing his signature will be no easy task, however.

Labuschagne makes duck on Glamorgan return as bowlers dominate opening day

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay16-May-2025

Bowlers dominated the opening proceedings between Glamorgan and Northamptonshire as 13 wickets fell in a slow-scoring day one at Sophia Gardens.Northants fell from 99 for 1 at lunch to 185 all out including a period of 35 runs for six wickets being shared around by the Glamorgan seamers, Luke Procter was the only batter flying the flag for the visitors, as has been the story all season with 61.Overseas impact Asitha Fernando continued his form as did Andy Gorvin taking three wickets apiece. In reply, a similar story: a steady, watchful start ending with 82 for 3.Marnus Labuschagne made a disappointing return to his two-match stay at the Welsh County in preparation for the World Test Championship final. The Australian fell for a duck from his fellow countryman Harry Conway while Glamorgan’s top run scorer for 2025 – Colin Ingram – is rested.Both sides recorded their first win in the last round of fixtures to make for a tighter Division Two table after five matches than the initial anticipations from April. Glamorgan moved off bottom spot with a win inside two-and-a-half days while Northants, on the high of their bat-first win against Lancashire, decided to insert themselves after winning the toss on a dry, sun-hit pitch in Cardiff.The first session proved Procter’s decision at the toss to be the correct one as the new ball provided little for the Glamorgan all-seam frontline attack. It was a loose start demonstrated by 16 of the first 39 runs coming via four sets of leg-bye boundaries from the Glamorgan openers.Reliable medium-pacer Gorvin provided the only reason to celebrate, sending back Ricardo Vasconcelos after he had passed a personal milestone of 5,000 first-class runs in his short stay. Despite the positives it wasn’t all celebratory for the Northants captain; he was struck in a sensitive area on two occasions, while number three Goerge Bartlett looked unconvincing despite getting through to lunch unscathed.The form wasn’t long-lasting for the visitors as their top-five woes continued shortly after Procter passed 50. Timm van der Gugten led the way with a ball-on-a-string spell, taking his 300th first-class wicket in the process before the rest of the five-strong seam-attack all contributed for themselves with some smart catching in the slip cordon worth an honourable mention.Justin Broad and Calvin Harrison did resist for Northants as Glamorgan shuffled their bowlers but a loose shot on the brink of tea sent Harrison packing and 185 for 8 at tea wasn’t added to in the final session.Zain Ul Hassan backed up his wicket by coming out in stroke-making fashion, taking five boundaries in his stay for 25 before chopping on in a disappointing dismissal. Asa Tribe however went about his work in a much quieter fashion in the opening 46-run partnership. The Jerseyman was bogged down until his eventual dismissal after the tight spells from Ben Sanderson and Procter, who both found lateral movement with the ball.Captain Sam Northeast together with Kiran Carlson, on his birthday, remained not out at the end of play, surviving the final eight overs after a loss of three wickets for two runs, including Labuschagne who fenced low to Justin Broad at third slip for a seven-ball duck.

Marcus Rashford has been backed to take one of Robert Lewandowski's key jobs at Barcelona by Gary Lineker. The England forward, who endured a rocky spell under Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, has found new life under Hansi Flick, showing flashes of the ruthless finishing that once made him one of England’s brightest stars.

AFPRashford shining in Spain after Old Trafford escape

After being frozen out by Amorim and shipped off to Aston Villa on loan in January, Rashford’s Premier League comeback hopes looked bleak. Yet, after sealing another surprise loan move to Barcelona in the summer, the 27-year-old has finally rediscovered his spark, and Lineker believes he’s already proving he belongs on the biggest stage.

AdvertisementLewandowski under fire after shock penalty miss

Barcelona’s 4–1 defeat to Sevilla in their latest outing was a big setback for Flick's side, but for Lineker, Rashford’s individual brilliance still stood out. The forward scored his first La Liga goal in the game, a confident first-time volley that reminded fans what he’s capable of. However, Lewandowski sent a crucial penalty wide that may have changed the course of the game. It was a shocking blunder that sparked questions over whether the Polish veteran should remain Barcelona’s first-choice spot-kick taker.

Getty Images SportLineker’s verdict: 'Best player on the pitch'

Speaking on podcast, Lineker didn’t hold back in his praise and said: "I’m pleased for Marcus [Rashford], I don’t think he could’ve had a much better start. I mean, admittedly, they lost this particular game, but through no fault of his, in fact, I think he was probably their best player."

While giving his verdict on Lewandowski's penalty miss, Lineker added: "It’s funny, I was at home and thinking ‘Let Marcus take it [the penalty], he’s a brilliant penalty taker’ and obviously Lewandowski has taken them and I always knew he would take it, but I had a feeling and then he hit it wide.

"So Marcus will be champing at the bit, to I suspect, to get that gig, but I don’t think he’ll get it while Lewandowski is there, cause strikers, however many they miss, unless they miss possibly two on the bounce, they tend to keep taking them."

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The return of penalty king Rashford?

It’s been years since Rashford was a regular penalty taker. Back in 2019-20, he was United’s go-to man from the spot, until Bruno Fernandes’ arrival changed everything. Since then, Rashford’s only taken nine penalties across five seasons, though he did briefly reclaim the role during his short loan stint at Aston Villa. His record, however, speaks volumes. Out of 24 penalties in his senior career, Rashford has buried 21; a stellar 88 per cent conversion rate. The few misses include his unfortunate effort in the Euro 2020 final shootout against Italy. 

Giants ended their losing streak to post their second win of this WPL

Shashank Kishore27-Feb-2025A close finish was in the offing. Gujarat Giants (GG) were stifled early in a small chase. Then came an expensive ninth over that went for three fours and a six as Ashleigh Gardner took on rookie Prema Rawat. It turned the scales the way of GG emphatically, as a tricky chase against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) turned into a canter.It left RCB winless at home in three games so far this season. It also meant three sides – RCB, GG and UP Warriorz – are now tied on four points. This lights up the prospect of a tight finish to the group stage next week in Lucknow and Mumbai.Perry’s rare failureShe came into the tournament under a hip injury cloud, but her batting form didn’t seem to suggest any problem. Coming in on the back of 90*, 81, 7 and 57, Ellyse Perry was out for the first duck in her WPL career when she mistimed Gardner to Tanuja Kanwar at square leg off her fourth ball. That wicket, coming on the back of Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s lbw in the first over to Deandra Dottin, left RCB 16 for 2 in two overs.Gautam sizzles; Mandhana fizzlesIt was an uneasy stay at the crease for Smriti Mandhana, repeatedly squared up and beaten on the outside edge by 21-year-old Kashvee Gautam, one of the brightest Indian fast bowlers on show in WPL 2025. Mandhana struggled against late movement as Gautam’s first two overs went for just four. All that pressure led to a wicket at the other end when Mandhana was predictably out to spin yet again when she slog-swept Kanwar to Harleen Deol at deep midwicket for 10 off 20 balls.Kashvee Gautam has been the brightest young Indian fast bowler at the WPL•BCCIAhuja injects momentumDuring the season spent away at rehabilitation after a back injury last year, Kanika Ahuja set herself clear goals. She didn’t want to be known as a “five-ball batter” in the WPL anymore. She worked hard on her power game, shades of which were on display on Thursday as she laid into Priya Mishra, the legspinner.She read the googly off the hand and her manner of stepping out to imperiously loft her twice in the over, including the first six of the innings, spoke volumes of her growth. Ahuja would repeat that two overs later when she stepped out to launch Gardner. Her 33 off 27 before falling to Kanwar led to another RCB slip-up. Georgia Wareham’s cameo of 20 then helped them to 125 for 7, their joint-lowest total in the WPL.Renuka gives RCB hopeGG went with a third opening combination in five games. Dayalan Hemalatha, the latest to join the game of musical chairs, did little to repay the faith following scores of 9, 0 and 4 in her precious three innings. Having been reprieved early when Wyatt-Hodge misjudged a catch at mid-off, she was out stumped looking to heave Renuka Singh for 11. Mandhana’s decision to bowl Renuka out up top paid dividends when Beth Mooney holed out to deep midwicket as GG were reduced to 32 for 2 in the seventh.Gardner tees offA 19-run over off Rawat in the ninth turned the tide for GG as Gardner fed off Rawat’s inexperience, expertly using the depth of the crease to pull, while also showing her driving abilities when the ball was tossed up. The surge in momentum was such that even Deol’s brain fade in trying to hit out against Wareham didn’t lead to any panic.Litchfield reverse-sweeps away to gloryPhoebe Litchfield, playing in only her second game of the competition, exhibited tremendous game awareness and played a succession of reverse sweeps to negate Sneh Rana’s threat to quickly offset any pressure, while ensuring the required rate swiftly went down. She was also aided by some luck when Richa Ghosh put her down on 11 off Rana with GG needing 39 off 42.This didn’t affect her tempo or her adventurousness, which also greatly helped Gardner, who hit Wareham for back-to-back sixes on her way to her third half-century of the season, this time off 28 balls. Gardner and Litchfield’s 51-run stand off just 36 ensured the match was won with 21 balls to spare, greatly helping GG boost their net run-rate even though they stay fifth.

Ash Gardner shone with bat, ball and in the field as Australia chased down a modest target to seize the first points of their Ashes battle with England.Alyssa Healy, Australia’s captain, sealed her full comeback from injury with an important 70 runs off 78 balls after Australia had bundled their opponents out for 204 inside 44 overs at North Sydney Oval.Gardner, whose three wickets were pivotal in the downfall of an England batting line-up which was also culpable amid a rash of soft dismissals, saw Australia home by four wickets with her unbeaten 42, having also taken two catches.Related

• Two teams with points to prove provides ingredients for Ashes epic

• Healy cleared to resume keeping but tight schedule could be a challenge

• Knight: 'Scarred' Australia will come out 'really hard'

Healy had been battling a knee injury since mid-November which ruled her out of her home series against India and forced her to play as a batter only in New Zealand last month while her return to wicketkeeping duties could only be confirmed on the eve of this match.On Sunday, she picked the gaps to perfection as she racked up 11 fours while taking her team within 41 runs of victory.Lauren Bell should have had Garder out for 31 in what would have been an interesting twist with Australia still needing 22 runs but Sophie Ecclestone failed to control her catch as she tumbled at mid-off.Gardner and fellow spinner Alana King then combined to good effect, as they had done with the ball, to see their side over the line before 6236 fans, a record attendance for a women’s international at North Sydney Oval.Lauren Filer overcame her slippery introduction to this ground Thursday’s washed-out warm-up against the Governor General’s XI where she repeatedly lost her footing in delivery to claim two wickets.She set off England’s defence with promise when she removed Phoebe Litchfield with her fifth delivery – the 11th of the innings – an excellent wobble-seam ball that nipped across the left-hander, brushing the outside edge as Amy Jones gathered behind the stumps.Lauren Filer struck early to remove Phoebe Litchfield•Getty Images

Healy overturned an lbw decision off Bell on height and England torched a review for caught behind off Ellyse Perry with replays showing the Filer’s delivery struck the thigh pad with no bat or glove anywhere near. Filer would have had her second had Alice Capsey not dropped a sitter at fine leg off Perry.The Australian duo amped things up in a 19-run over from Filer, Perry’s flick evading Capsey to find the rope at fine leg followed by three fours to Healy, an inside edge just missing leg stump before two more convincing shots through point and cover. But England successfully reviewed to remove Perry, plumb lbw to Bell, and Australia were 43 for 2.Ecclestone entered the attack in the 15th over and she broke a 61-run stand between Healy and Beth Mooney in her next. Having launched Ecclestone for six over deep midwicket, Mooney tried the same next ball but didn’t connect so well as the spinner dragged her length back and found the safe hands of Danni Wyatt-Hodge at stationed just inside the boundary.Wyatt-Hodge executed another calm catch in the deep from Annabel Sutherland’s top-edged pull off Filer but that brought Garder to the crease and she asserted herself with a big six down the ground off Ecclestone.Gardner and Healy put on 40 runs for the fifth wicket before Healy advanced on a fuller ball from offspinner Charlie Dean and was bowled.Maia Bouchier took an excellent diving catch at point to remove Tahlia McGrath before Gardner made the most of her reprieve and King hit the wining runs with a four down the ground.Earlier, Gardner and King shared five wickets between them in the face of a below-par batting performance by England, backed up by two wickets apiece for Sutherland and Kim Garth.Alyssa Healy brought up her half-century in 53 balls•Getty Images

Heather Knight top-scored for England with 39, followed by Wyatt-Hodge with a laboured 38 from 52 balls after their side had made a nervy start.Bouchier chopped the third ball of the match onto her stumps only to be saved when it was discovered that Megan Schutt had overstepped by the barest of margins while Tammy Beaumont wafted dangerously at one outside off stump in the third over.Bouchier broke a run of 16 dot balls between the opening pair when she lofted Garth over midwicket for four but Garth responded by pushing one through from back of a length to draw an outside edge which Healy collected behind the stumps.Knight scored her fourth boundary in 20 balls faced driving Sutherland’s yorker outside off deftly through point and Beaumont broke the shackles of a slow start when she had eight off 22 balls, her lofted drive off Garth finding the boundary. The England pair brought up a 50-run partnership for the second wicket but, two balls later Beaumont chipped Sutherland straight to Garth at mid-on to fall for 13 from 31 balls.That brought Nat Sciver-Brunt to the crease and she slog-swept King for six off the seventh ball she faced. But Gardner claimed the crucial wickets of Knight and Sciver-Brunt in consecutive overs – both holing out to Perry at deep midwicket.Perry couldn’t hold on when she had to come rocketing in from the deep square leg boundary and dive forward just to get hands to Amy Jones’s pull with just one run to her name.Jones launched Sutherland for six over deep midwicket and looked in good touch with back-to-back fours off Garth, who conceded 18 runs all up in the 28th over. But no sooner had Jones raised the fifty stand with Wyatt-Hodge by driving King through mid on and she spooned the very next delivery back to the bowler to fall for a 30-ball 31.Capsey never got going and while Australia had no recourse when King struck Dean, on nought, convincingly on the pad with the DRS down, the system was back up and running and couldn’t save Dean when King hit her directly in front for 1.When Wyatt-Hodge picked out Brown at long leg off Sutherland, it fell to the tailenders to salvage a defendable total. Ecclestone made the most of being put down by Healy when she was yet to score, with two boundaries in her 17-ball 16 and Filer opened her tally with consecutive boundaries off Sutherland.But Ecclestone followed England’s blueprint for easy wickets when she sent a leading edge off Darcie Brown straight to Gardner, who then claimed her 100th ODI wicket when she bowled Bell to end England’s innings.

Tottenham Hotspur’s ambitions to improve their frontline have been evident over the last couple of weeks, as they look to add key depth to the department to hand Thomas Frank the tools for success.

The Dane has already completed the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, with the Ghanaian likely to play an important role in the Premier League throughout 2025/26.

However, the injury to James Maddison and the departure of winger Heung-min Son have further highlighted the need for added reinforcements before the end of the window.

The Englishman suffered an ACL injury that will rule him out for the majority of the campaign, whilst the South Korean completed his £20m move to LAFC – ending his decade-long stint in North London.

As a result, numerous players are being considered by the board as potential options, with moves desperately needing to be made in the next couple of weeks.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer

After suffering relegation to the Championship with Leicester City, Moroccan star Bilal El Khannouss is almost certain to secure a move to a European giant before the September 1st deadline.

Spurs have been one of the sides mentioned as an option for the 21-year-old, who could be available for a bargain fee of just £22m, due to the relegation release clause in his current contract.

However, he’s not the only attacker currently in their sights, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo another player they’re pursuing, according to TBR Football’s latest report.

They claim that the Lilywhites are waiting for a green light from the LaLiga giants that they’re willing to allow the 24-year-old to depart before making their opening offer.

The report also states that North London rivals Arsenal are firmly in the race for the Brazilian’s signature this window, leading to a £70m price tag being mooted in recent days.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s own Bale

Gareth Bale will undoubtedly go down as one of the best ever players to play for Spurs – especially when taking all the factors around his spell at the club into account.

He originally joined the club from Southampton as a left-back, before shifting into a more attacking role, subsequently scoring a hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League back in 2010.

Such a game would catapult him to stardom with the Lilywhites, going on to score 55 times in his 194 appearances during his six-year spell in North London – 26 of which came in his final season.

The Welshman would subsequently join Real Madrid in an £85m transfer back in the summer of 2013 – a then world-record and a fee that remains the highest ever received for a player in the Lilywhites’ history.

His talents of cutting side were there for all to see, scoring banger after banger off the right-hand side, a move that became a real trademark during his career as a professional.

Current boss Frank must wish he had an elite-level talent like Bale within his current ranks, potentially landing his own version of the superstar with a move for Rodrygo this summer.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has already showcased his ability to score similar goals, with his effort against Atlético Madrid evidence of the talent he possesses.

His underlying stats from last season are just as impressive, registering 5.1 progressive passes and 5.3 progressive carries per 90, having the tools to constantly get the ball into forward areas – just as Bale did a decade ago for the Lilywhites.

Games played

30

Goals & assists

11

Pass accuracy

91%

Progressive passes

5.1

Progressive carries

5.3

Successful take-ons

2.3

Shot on target accuracy

50%

Key passes made

1.6

The 24-year-old also completed 2.3 successful take-ons per 90, with such numbers showcasing his ability to glide past the opposition before cutting inside or setting up a teammate – adding the needed quality the hierarchy are hunting for.

Whilst it’s unclear if the player himself is keen on a move to join Spurs, the prospect of Rodrygo plying his trade under Frank is certainly one for the supporters to be excited about.

Should he join the club, it would be a huge coup and one that could help the side in their ambitions of Premier League success – especially if he gets anywhere near the levels Bale produced during his own time in England.

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