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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been in contact with Villarreal over a potential deal to sign defender Pau Torres.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Ryan Taylor had his to say on the matter.

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He stated: “Torres has been the subject of initial swap-deal discussions with Villarreal because obviously, they want to sign [Giovani] Lo Celso on a permanent basis. Torres is left-footed and can play in a back-three as well.”

A product of Villarreal’s youth system, the 25-year-old has gone on to make 201 appearances for the club across their senior and youth teams, chipping in with 13 goals and five assists along the way.

Conte will be buzzing

His latest La Liga campaign saw the centre-back rack up more minutes than any other outfield player at Villarreal, showing just how highly he is rated at the club. In his 33 league appearances last term, Torres ended up winning 14 tackles in addition to making 44 interceptions and 43 blocks, also racking up the second-highest number of clearances (120) in the squad.

Alongside his clear defensive talent, the Spaniard has shown how impressive he is on the ball by completing a total of 1,715 passes last season, the second-highest at the club.

Indeed, during his younger years, Torres was described as having an “extraordinary talent to construct the play”, according to former Villarreal midfielder and coach Javi Calleja.

Taking all this into account, it’s easy to see how the centre-back could be a great asset for Antonio Conte at the north London club, especially considering Taylor’s point about the player’s versatility in defence.

With a reported release clause of £55m, if the Lilywhites can work out a deal with Villarreal this summer which would see them sign Torres and get rid of Lo Celso for good, this could be a perfect deal for all parties, and it would surely have the Spurs boss buzzing.

Having already secured deals for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma, if the north London club can seal Torres’ signature and offload the underperforming Lo Celso at the same time, this would definitely add to what has already been a productive summer transfer window at N17.

In other news: Sky Sports drop big behind-the-scenes transfer claim, it’s terrible news for Spurs

Everton have reportedly now reached out to the representatives of Oleksandr Zinchenko ahead of a potential move this summer.

The Lowdown: Underrated?

Zinchenko perhaps does not get as many plaudits as some of the other players in Manchester City’s squad.

He does not always play under Pep Guardiola – in fact he only made four different positions during his time in Manchester.

The Latest: Everton contact

Writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that the Goodison Park outfit are one of a number of clubs to have now reached out to Zinchenko’s representatives over a possible move.

West Ham United, Leicester City and Arsenal have done the same, while Wolves also hold an interest.

However, the Ukraine international is thought to cost in excess of £30m.

The Verdict: Sign

£30m may seem excessive for the Merseyside club, but they can raise funds from player sales, with the likes of Andre Gomes and Yerry Mina reportedly facing the chopping block.

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Nonetheless, Zinchenko would be worth every penny, given his added versatility, as he can provide a seriously quality option in the middle of the park while also giving sufficient cover to fellow countryman Vitaliy Mykolenko at left-back.

Kyle Walker has even gone as far as to claim that his teammate is ‘incredible’ and ‘more gifted’ technically than City superstar Kevin De Bruyne, so the Toffees would be getting a real coup if they sign the 25-year-old.

In other news, find out which ‘quality’ gem the Blues are now eyeing here!

Divock Origi’s exit from Liverpool could be completed within a matter of days, with journalist Fabrizio Romano providing a fresh update in the early hours of Friday morning.

The Lowdown: Origi on the move

The 27-year-old’s Reds contract expires next month and it has long been decided that he will move on to pastures new.

Origi became an increasingly sporadic presence in Liverpool’s squad in 2021/22, only making seven appearances in the Premier League and not a single start.

A summer move to Milan is on the cards and a new update has now emerged regarding his exit.

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The Latest: Romano provides update

Taking to Twitter, Romano says that Origi’s switch to Italy could even be completed over the weekend, revealing medical exams and signatures are expected ‘in the next days’:

“AC Milan have prepared all contracts for Divock Origi, just waiting for the Belgian striker in Milano in the next days to undergo medical tests and sign.”

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The Verdict: Right time to leave

While it is sad to see Origi move on, it makes complete sense for him to find a fresh challenge this season, following eight years at Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp clearly doesn’t see him as an important player moving forward and he is too good to be warming the substitutes’ bench week in, week out.

Origi has the potential to really flourish as the leading man at Milan, given his technical ability and physical prowess, and it would be heartwarming for Reds fans to see him thrive elsewhere.

In other news, a journalist has dropped a key claim regarding one Liverpool player. Read more here.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou could be heading for an early summer transfer disaster as the Hoops are at risk of losing defender Osaze Urhoghide permanently.

What’s the news?

According to a recent article from the Daily Record, Belgian club KV Oostende are weighing up a permanent move to sign the centre-back just a year after he signed for Celtic.

Last July, the Hoops secured a deal for the defender from Sheffield Wednesday, making him the first signing of the Postecoglou era at Parkhead.

After making just one senior appearance for the Bhoys, which came during their 3-2 win over Real Betis in the Europa League in December, the 21-year-old joined Oostende on loan in the January transfer window. Since then, the former Hillsborough youngster has made seven league appearances for the Belgian club.

In those appearances, he showed what a capable defender he is by averaging 2.1 tackles, 2.9 interceptions and 1.7 clearances per game. He also earned himself an overall performance rating of 6.81/10 from WhoScored, making him the second-highest rated player at the club in the 2021/22 season.

Taking this into account, and with Urhoghide still having a lot of time ahead of him to grow into an important and very capable first-team figure for the Hoops, seeing him potentially leave on a permanent basis this summer after barely getting a chance to show what he can do at Parkhead could be a big mistake from Postecoglou.

Bearing in mind how the Hoops have seen young players leave the club in recent times such as Ben Doak and Leo Hjelde, having Urhoghide added to that list of ex-Parkhead youngsters to potentially thrive and blossom elsewhere would not be a good look for the Bhoys.

While Oostende are reportedly weighing up a decision as to whether or not they will use their option to sign the 21-year-old on a permanent basis, the Hoops will need to hope that the Belgian club don’t trigger this option and instead send the player back to Glasgow.

Otherwise, if they do sign him outright, Celtic’s decision to put in a purchase option when they loaned him out could well come back to bite them.

In other news – “Celtic have..”: Transfer insider drops exciting claim that’ll have supporters buzzing

Liverpool have reportedly earmarked Rennes forward Martin Terrier as a replacement for Sadio Mane this summer, according to The Mirror. 

The lowdown: End of an era

Following the end of a relentless and successful 2021/22 campaign, speculation surrounding the future of Mane has spiralled out of control and it appears that the writing could be on the wall for an exit.

Both Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are pursuing the Senegalese star who is believed to be seeking a fresh challenge away from Anfield after a trophy-laden six years on Merseyside.

However, Liverpool are likely to be reticent to sanction the departure until a suitable successor can be lined up, which could be where the Terrier comes in…

The latest: Fresh beginnings

As per The Mirror, the Reds are said to have already ‘identified’ the 25-year-old former France Under 21 starlet as a replacement for the centre-forward role in which Mane ended the season.

It’s claimed that Terrier is the ‘ideal player’ to bolster Jurgen Klopp’s squad should Mane leave as expected following a stellar Ligue 1 campaign.

The report states that Liverpool could land the versatile Frenchman described as ‘intelligent’ and ‘hard-working’ by French football writer Jeremy Smith for a ‘reasonable fee’ in the off-season market.

The verdict: Better options available

Equally adept operating from the left-wing or as a centre-forward, Liverpool’s perceived interest in Terrier should come as little surprise as a like for like replacement for Mane.

His manager has also praised him for his ‘technical quality’ and ‘intelligence’, so perhaps we are even looking at a player of similar ilk to Roberto Firmino, who is also nearing the conclusion of his time as a Liverpool regular.

Terrier’s impressive 7.30 Sofascore rating from 2021/22 included winning 4.5 duels, taking 2.4 shots and making 1.1 key passes on average per game, so he is certainly an intriguing option for new Sporting Director Julian Ward.

However, prior to a 21 goal and four assist campaign last time out, the ex-Lyon ace has only reached double figures in terms of direct goal involvements in one other league season and at present only has 11 Champions League outings to his name.

At the right price, perhaps this is a move that would be worthwhile as a replacement for Divock Origi or even Firmino, but the Reds should also be attempting to sign a real rising star to succeed Mane, having been linked to the likes of Benfica’s Darwin Nunez.

In other news, a fresh Liverpool transfer rumour has emerged. Read more here.

Journalist Phil Smith has sung the praises of Alex Pritchard after Sunderland were promoted to the Championship on Saturday afternoon. 

The lowdown: Sunderland promoted

The Black Cats overcame a resilient Wycombe Wanderers to return to the second tier of English football, having won the League One play-off final 2-0 at Wembley.

Elliot Embleton opened the scoring for Alex Neil’s side before Ross Stewart doubled the advantage just 10 minutes before full-time in London as Sunderland ended a four-year spell in the third tier of English football.

After the match, in a performance full of impressive outings from the Wearsiders, Smith was full of praise for one man’s standout display in particular…

The latest: Pritchard praised

Compiling the player ratings for the Sunderland Echo, the outlet’s chief SAFC writer awarded the 29-year-old a nine out of 10 rating.

Pritchard was hailed for his ‘excellent’ positional awareness and ‘superb work rate’, whilst also providing the assists for both goals at Wembley.

The midfielder completed five of his nine crosses, won six duels and made four key passes and three clearances during an 81-minute outing which earned a match-high 8.10 Sofascore rating.

The verdict: ‘What a moment’

Ultimately, Pritchard’s performance and indeed the day were summed up in Smith’s final line – ‘what a moment’. This day had been a long time coming for Sunderland supporters, and to do it in such style was an ideal way to finally seal promotion.

Former England under-21 international Pritchard has been sensational throughout the campaign, with four goals and 14 assists, and he played a fitting role in the win which ensured that Neil’s side will bring Championship football back to the Stadium of Light for 2022/23.

Attention can now turn to Neil’s transfer business both in terms of incomings and outgoings over the coming weeks and months, and the 29-year-old is almost nailed-on to remain an integral part of Sunderland’s Championship plans after his Wembley heroics.

In other news: ‘Toxic’ – Sky Sports expert rips into Donald and Methven after Sunderland takeover development

Former Sunderland captain Max Power has backed his old club to gain promotion to the Championship ahead of their upcoming League One playoff final and says he is ‘gutted’ he couldn’t get the job done himself.

The Lowdown: Road to the final

The Black Cats are set to face Gareth Ainsworth’s side at Wembley Stadium this weekend after securing a 2-1 aggregate victory over Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-final to book their place in the ultimate showdown.

The 28-year-old, who currently plays for Wigan Athletic, recently helped the Latics claim the third-tier title, but is still showing support for his former club and believes that they will be able to join him in the promotion party.

The Latest: Power hopeful but ‘gutted’

Speaking during an episode of the Roker Rapport Podcast, Power admitted that he can’t envisage anything but a Sunderland win on Saturday, even though Wycombe are a difficult opponent to play against. He said:

“You look at both teams, I think for me and this is no disrespect to Wycombe at all, I think they have got some very good players and a very good manager and very much a different style to what Sunderland will bring on Saturday but, for me, I look player for player and I think Sunderland have got the better players.

“If there’s one team who can upset a game and cause issues and problems and are comfortable without the ball, it is Wycombe.

“I think Wycombe are very experienced and before, by the way, I meant no disrespect to them by saying Sunderland, for me, have got the better players, I stand by that. But I do think Wycombe can cause any team problems and I like I said, they are comfortable without the ball.

“I’m not going to sit on the fence, I do think Sunderland will win the game on Saturday.

“It’ll be interesting. I’m over in Ibiza, so I’ll find a bar to watch it in.

“Over the course of this season, I think anyone who knows me on a personal level knows I’ve no ill feeling towards Sunderland whatsoever. Obviously I’ve moved on and that’s football but I look back at my time with Sunderland, I am gutted it didn’t go how I wanted it to but I’ll be rooting for the lads on Saturday and I’m just glad I’m not involved to be honest!”

The Verdict: Advantage Sunderland

If the results from when the two sides met earlier on in the season are anything to go by, it’s looking like very happy reading for Alex Neil, whose outfit are yet to be defeated by their rivals.

The Black Cats recorded a comfortable 3-1 win at the Stadium of Light back in August, before playing out a 3-3 draw in the reverse fixture at Adams Park in January.

Over 44,000 Sunderland supporters have already booked their seat at Wembley, so it promises to be an amazing atmosphere and one that hopefully is enough to help get the Wearsiders over the line.

In other news… Sunderland have reportedly made an approach to sign one of their summer transfer targets.

Newcastle United have reportedly made a move to sign Juventus forward Paulo Dybala on a free transfer this summer, according to reports in Italy.

What’s the word?

Speaking to CMIT TV (via Sports Witness) Italian journalist Romeo Agresti revealed that the Magpies are the only club to have made a “concrete offer” for the Argentine ace, despite reported interest from the likes of Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur.

Agresti said of the 28-year-old – who is set to depart the Serie A outfit once his contract expires in June – that: “Where is Dybala going? Inter will not take him off. Inter have asked him to be patient, they must be sure to eliminate certain deadwood to free up the salary,” Agresti said.

“But I also keep the Premier League, he has instructed intermediaries to test the waters. Favourite destination? I say Manchester United. But Dybala has received only one concrete offer, from Newcastle. But it doesn’t look like a club that warms the Argentine.”

This follows on from previous reports that suggested that PIF had made an offer for his services, albeit there are lingering question marks over whether he favours a move to the Premier League.

Supporters buzzing

Although it is still far from a done deal, should Eddie Howe and co be successful in their pursuit of the 32-cap international, it would represent the first real marquee arrival of the club’s new regime.

The likes of Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes did join in January, although the capture of Dybala would seemingly be a more statement addition and a marker of the rapid progression that the club intends to make in the coming years under their ambitious new owners.

The £220k-per-week man – who joined Juventus from Palermo on a £23m deal back in 2015 – has been one of the most coveted players in world football in recent years, having registered 115 goals and 48 assists in 291 appearances during his time in Turin.

This season, in particular, has been particularly eye-catching for the £36m-rated star, as he has netted ten goals and provided a further five assists in 27 league outings, creating 11 big chances and also averaging an impressive 1.4 key passes per game.

Those remarkable statistics have also contributed to the 5 foot 10 marksman recording a staggering 7.47 average match rating so far this term, the highest of any player in Max Allegri’s immensely talented squad.

Previously dubbed “one of the best in the world” by Mauricio Pochettino and “magical” by Dejan Kulusevski, Dybala has also performed superbly in other metrics, ranking in the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 8% for progressive carries among forwards in Europe’s top five leagues, showcasing his talent at building attacks, rather than simply finishing them off.

A link between midfield and attack, the creative playmaker could prove to be a real catalyst for Howe’s men, with it imperative that they fight off the other suitors to secure his signature. Should they do so, it will understandably leave fans in a state of delirium.

IN other news, Eddie Howe can now help NUFC sign “spectacular” £64m “nightmare”, he’s better than ASM 

The best stats from India’s 385 for 9 against New Zealand in Indore on Tuesday

Sampath Bandarupalli24-Jan-202330 Hundreds for Rohit Sharma in ODIs. That puts him at No. 3 on the list, alongside Ricky Ponting. Only Sachin Tendulkar (49) and Virat Kohli (46) have more ODI hundreds.360 Runs for Shubman Gill, the joint-most for a batter in a three-match ODI series. He equalled Babar Azam’s 360 runs, which he scored with three straight tons against West Indies in 2016.385 for 9 India’s total in the third ODI in Indore, their second-highest against New Zealand. India’s highest total against New Zealand came in their 2009 tour when they posted 392 for 4 in Christchurch. This 385 is also the third-highest total by any team against New Zealand in ODI cricket.

Replay of the third India vs New Zealand ODI is available on ESPN Player in the UK, and on ESPN+ in the USA in both English and Hindi.

212-run partnership between Rohit and Gill, the highest by an opening pair against New Zealand in ODIs. The previous highest was an unbeaten 201 between Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag in 2009 in Hamilton.19 Sixes hit by the Indian batters in Indore, equalling their best in a men’s ODI. India hit 19 sixes against Australia in 2013 in Bangalore; 16 of them came off Rohit’s bat.28 Out of Rohit’s 30 ODI centuries have come while opening the batting. Only Tendulkar – 45 centuries – has more. Sanath Jayasuriya also has 28 tons.Related

Rohit and Gill outdo Conway as India go No. 1 with 3-0 win

New-age Rohit tears up old ODI template

Shubman Gill shows how good he can be

8.10 The run rate during Rohit and Gill’s partnership. It is the fourth-highest for a 200-plus opening stand in men’s ODIs and the highest when batting first.24.1 Overs that India took to bring up their 200, making it their second-quickest in ODIs. India got to 200 in only 23.3 overs during the Hamilton ODI against New Zealand in 2009.55 Runs scored by India between the 31st and 40th over, their fewest in a ten-over phase during this ODI. They scored more than 75 runs in the remaining four 10-over phases. India hit only five boundaries between the 31st and 40th overs for the loss of three wickets.