talkSPORT

Tottenham are interested in West Ham midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who is expected to leave the London Stadium this summer.

Kudus is one of Spurs' leading targets, as talkSPORT revealed last week.

Spurs are yet to place a bid, but are in talks regarding a move for the 24-year-old Ghanaian.

Kudus scored five goals and got three assists last season and is valued by Spurs due to his versatility.

There is a belief within the club that he can get his goalscoring into double figures, having found the net eight times in the Premier League in 2023/24.

Spurs have also looked at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, but ended their interest recently after learning they must pay £65m or more, which is more than the fee they spent on Dominic Solanke.

Unless the price drops, they won’t revisit that deal.

Bryan Mbeumo and Eberechi Eze have both been discussed as options as well.

However, the Brentford attacker only wants Manchester United, with productive talks continuing to finalise that move to Old Trafford, while Eze is open to an Arsenal switch should they advance their interest.

Nothing is moving to date between Spurs and Palace winger despite appreciation.

Kudus is believed to be open to Spurs and was the subject of a player-plus-cash deal from Chelsea, which the Hammers rejected.

And his departure could lead the Hammers to turn their attention to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall or Carney Chukwuemeka.

The Ghana international also has Saudi interest from Al-Nassr.

Kudus has a Saudi-specific release clause of £120m, although Al-Nassr, like Spurs, believe West Ham will sell of significantly less.

Should Kudus end up joining Spurs, he would become the first player to move directly from West Ham since Scott Parker in 2011.

Although Kudus appears destined for the exit door at West Ham, Hammers boss Graham Potter would certainly prefer to have the Ghanaian flyer in his ranks.

Speaking in May, Potter felt the 24-year-old's struggles were down to the team's overall lack of functionality.

But Potter also pointed out it was the responsibility of the player and the coaching staff to maximise his vast potential.

“He’s been working hard since we’ve been here, I’ve said that many times in press conferences (about Kudus),” Potter said.

“Sometimes when the team isn’t functioning as well as you’d like, individuals within the team can suffer with that.

“He gives his best and the maximum he can and I think it’s probably just the little things that haven’t gone his way have gone his way recently.

“We can see the talent, we can see the potential but it’s our responsibility, and his, to try and get more.”

Alan Pardew believes Tottenham would be a better fit for Eberechi Eze than Arsenal.

However, the former Crystal Palace boss does not expect the England international to leave Selhurst Park this summer.

Eze has been strongly linked with a move after another impressive season in South London.

The 27-year-old scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.

Those strikes included the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City in May.

talkSPORT understands that Arsenal have since added Eze to their list of left wing targets.

Meanwhile, Spurs are also considering an approach as they weigh up triggering the £68million release clause in his contract.

With two years left on his deal, though, Pardew expects Eze to remain at the club for Palace's Europa League campaign.

He told The Final Word: "He’s secured for two or three years on his contract so I think they can be a bit bolder.

"I don’t think there’s any financial pressure there. They have new owners into Crystal Palace, more funds coming in.

"So I think Eze will stay and I don’t think that’s a bad thing because I think he’s one of those he doesn’t get stressed out by things. He’s quite a cool guy, he’s quite grounded.

"I think he’ll have another great year at Crystal Palace, hopefully."

Asked who Eze should join out of Spurs or Arsenal, he added: "My Arsenal friends, all June (said) if they get the right number nine, they’ve got a great chance of winning the league and I do agree with that.

"Would Eze take them nearer to that title? Possibly but I think they’ve got enough quality with everybody there.

"So therefore, I have answered your question."

Pardew continued: "I think he should go to Spurs if he leaves the great Crystal Palace."

Eze joined the Eagles from Queens Park Rangers back in 2020 and has gone on to become a key player for the club.

Having penned a new deal in November 2023, his current contract still has two years remaining.

He has also forced himself into the England squad during his time at Palace.

Since making his debut two years ago, Eze has gone on to score once in 12 caps for the Three Lions.

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Harry Kane has gone almost his whole career as a lone striker, having never recaptured the magic of playing with Souleymane Coulibaly.

The pair formed a good understanding at Tottenham youth and reserve-team level, where it wasn't always clear who would make it.

Kane spent much of his early years on loan at Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich and Leicester, before breaking into the Spurs first-team.

Former boss Tim Sherwood, who handed him his senior debut, revealed that he even resisted instructions to get rid of Kane.

In contrast, club officials had high hopes for Ivory Coast youth international Coulibaly, dubbed 'the new Didier Drogba'.

"They started calling me the new Drogba after the Under-17 World Cup," he said, as reported by the BBC in 2016.

"But he is a legend, and it would just be nice just to meet him."

Coulibaly proved the individual breakout success of the 2011 U-17 World Cup, which featured Memphis Depay and Sebastien Haller, while Jordan Pickford and Raheem Sterling represented England.

At age 16, he scored nine goals in four games and finished with the Golden Boot, despite Ivory Coast crashing out at the last-16 stage.

Coulibaly found the net four times against Denmark and notched a hat-trick against Brazil, which then equalled a tournament record set by ex-Liverpool star Florent Sinama-Pongolle ten years prior.

A month later, Spurs beat out Europe's leading clubs, including Real Madrid, to pluck him from Italian club Siena's youth team.

“Tottenham went to Italy and made me the offer. It was a good opportunity for me. The ambition was good there, so I signed,” Coulibaly told The Set Piece Podcast in 2020.

“The programme at Tottenham was really good for young players. They were planning what they were going to do with the training ground, and I could develop with a young team.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for me. I started training with the first team when I was 16 years old, with Jermain Defoe, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale.

“Harry Redknapp was the one who brought me there. It was a fantastic experience.

“The only thing that was difficult for me at Tottenham was the language because I wasn’t speaking English. I was only speaking Italian.

“But the secretary at Tottenham – his name was Roberto – helped me a lot. He could speak Italian, Spanish and English.

“In football, I was doing good. I scored a lot of goals for the Under-18s, and I scored a lot of goals in the reserve team as well.”

One of those goals stands up above the rest, a dipper into the top corner from 20 yards for the U21's in a 4-0 win over Southampton.

However, Coulibaly never had the chance to show his worth in a competitive game and joined Italian Serie B side Bari in 2014.

“The only regret I have is not playing for the club because they did everything for me,” Coulibaly added.

“They helped me a lot, even when I was sick. I went on holiday to the Ivory Coast and I was sick. Tottenham brought me back and helped me. I was trying to give back the help they gave me by trying to play for the first team one day.

“But I trained with a lot of good players and learned from them. That was the most important thing for me personally. You take that experience and try to move on. I don’t regret my career. I just regret not giving back what the Tottenham fans were expecting of me.”

Following his Spurs exit, a journeyman career followed - first at Pistoiese and then back in England with Peterborough United.

He scored five goals in 32 appearances for the League One Posh in the 2015-16 season, but finished that campaign in the division below on loan at Newport.

Coulibaly then bounced about from Kilmarnock to Al Ahly in Egypt, before enduring stints in Glasgow, Tunisia, Cyprus, and Algeria.

Since late 2024, he found himself at Pickering Town, who currently ply their trade in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

In contrast, Kane has gone on to become England and Tottenham's record goalscorer, before a transfer worth over £100million to Bayern Munich where he has won the Bundesliga title.

Coulibaly said: “Harry Kane was a hard worker. He wasn’t the Harry Kane who people see today, but he was a guy who gave 100 per cent in training.

“He was the one who worked very hard in training and in matches. You know how football is, when one manager gives you the chance you become who you are. That’s what happened to Harry Kane.

“When he started playing with Tim Sherwood, he wasn’t great. But game by game he became the Harry Kane that everyone knows now. I’m not surprised he became like this. He had a great work ethic and was a good professional.

“If I had the chance, like a lot of people had at Tottenham, I don’t think I’d be here,” Coulibaly concluded.

“I’d be playing first team in Tottenham because I know my ability. I know what I’ve got in my locker. If I was there when Mauricio Pochettino came, who knows?

“But it didn’t happen, so that’s why I’m here. I was expected to play in the Premier League for Tottenham, to help them achieve whatever they wanted. But, you know, football is like this.

“Sometimes you go down, sometimes you go up. The best way is to keep going. That’s what I’m doing.”

Cristiano Ronaldo. Thierry Henry. Ronaldo Nazario. Zinedine Zidane. Rivaldo.

Arsenal legend Martin Keown tested himself against some of football's greatest ever players during his 21-year professional career.

During his spell with the Gunners, Keown experienced first hand the silky skills that Manchester United icon Ronaldo had to offer.

He played against him during the infamous Battle of Old Trafford clash in September 2003, which saw the Portugal international leave Ashley Cole with egg on his face.

While he shared the pitch with Rivaldo on four occasions - twice for Arsenal against Barcelona in the Champions League - as well as twice for England against Brazil in international friendlies.

The 1997 friendly also saw Keown tasked with keeping Ronaldo Nazario quiet - as well as 1994 Ballon d'Or winner Romario.

Zidane was twice Keown's nemesis during France vs England battles, with the 2000 friendly seeing the defender face Arsenal teammate Henry.

However, none of those five players left him in awe like Tottenham Hotspur cult hero Chris Waddle.

Speaking to talkSPORT.com, Keown was asked whether there was a particular moment from his career that a rival player left him in awe.

And without hesitating, his mind flashed to an encounter against Waddle in March 1989 at White Hart Lane during his third and final season at Aston Villa.

Waddle scored both goals in Spurs' 2-0 win, finding the back of the net in either half.

His opener in the 23rd minute saw Waddle race onto a through ball on the edge of the box, before jinxing past Keown where he then rifled his shot into the roof of the net.

And his second was a thing of beauty, as he flicked the ball over Keown, before unleashing a stunning volley into the top right corner.

Commenting on who the footballer that left him starstruck on the pitch, Keown said: "Do you know what? It happened more than once!

"But one that sticks in my mind was playing against Chris Waddle for Spurs vs Villa.

"It was a midweek game and I went to press him on the edge of the box.

"And I got as tight as I could and he just hit it round me.

"And when I looked, it went over, he's a left-footed player, it went over my left shoulder.

"And when I looked in the goal, it was in the right-hand side of the goal.

"It was like unbelievable, like a banana shot that he hit round me.

"So respect to him, he was a handful.

"And he probably doesn't get the credit he deserves, top player."

Waddle spent four seasons at Spurs, where he scored 42 goals in 173 matches in all competitions, which earned him a move to French giants Marseille.

He proved to be nothing short of sensational during his three years at Stade Velodrome - winning three consecutive Ligue 1 titles having banged in 29 goals from 149 outings.

His dazzling displays saw him named voted by fans as the club's second best player in their first 100 years of existence, behind Jean-Pierre Papin.

Affectionately dubbed as 'Magic Chris', he certainly showcased his wizardry to Keown in a match he has never forgotten.

Tottenham's attacking stocks look set to take a hit.

According to Sports Illustrated reporter Juan Pablo De Luca, Argentinian side Racing Club are in 'very advanced negotiations' with Tottenham's Alejo Veliz.

De Luca added Racing have already tabled a formal offer to the north London club and there is 'optimism' a deal can be completed over the weekend.

Fellow Argentinian journalist German Garcia Grove added Racing's offer is approximately £3.7million and would acquire 60 per cent of Veliz's rights.

Should a deal be reached, it would bring an end to Veliz's adventure in north London after just two years.

The 21-year-old moved to Tottenham from Argentinian side Rosario Central for an estimated £13million in August 2023.

Upon signing, former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou noted Veliz was one for the future but had 'a lot of talent for a youngster.'

"He's got a great profile," Postecoglou said.

"He is a big guy, but he's very mobile and he works hard.

"He's already made an impact in the Argentine first division and again good to have him in."

He went on to make just ten appearances across all competitions for Tottenham in his debut campaign and scored only twice.

Veliz bagged his first goal for the club in a 4-2 loss to Brighton in December 2023.

With game time limited, Veliz moved to Spanish side Sevilla on a six-month loan in February 2024.

Upon signing he was handed the no.10 shirt, which was once worn by Argentinian icon Diego Maradona.

However, Veliz managed only six appearances for Sevilla for a grim total of just 31 minutes of action.

Veliz was once again sent out on loan for the 2024/25 season to another LaLiga side, Espanyol.

The 21-year-old's tenure in Barcelona began brightly as he started eight of Espanyol's first 11 league fixtures.

However, he started only two more LaLiga matches for the remainder of the season.

In total, he made 27 total league appearances for Espanyol but registered just one goal, which he scored in a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano on August 31.

Veliz also earned two starts for Espanyol in the Copa del Rey in which he bagged a hat-trick against sixth-tier side San Tirso SD.

Should Veliz depart, it would signal the first permanent exit under new Spurs boss Thomas Frank.

Frank was announced as Postecoglou's successor on June 12 and has already made a key signing in the form of Mathys Tel, who moved to north London on a permanent basis from Bayern Munich.

Arsenal have added Eberechi Eze to their list of left wing targets, talkSPORT understands.

Eze, also being considered by the Gunners' north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, has a release clause of around £68m in his Palace contract.

The Crystal Palace ace would be a cheaper option than Real Madrid star Rodrygo, who is also on Arsenal's radar.

Eze became a target for Tottenham after they briefly looked at a deal for Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo, who now appears destined for Manchester United.

The England international has been a sensation at Selhurst Park since he joined from Queens Park Rangers in 2020.

Eze has registered an impressive 40 goals and 28 assists from 167 appearances in all competitions for the Eagles, cementing his status as one of the brightest talents outside the 'Big Six'.

Eze's biggest goal came in last season's FA Cup final as Palace won their first ever major trophy with a 1-0 victory over Manchester City.

In the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, Eze finished with eight goals and eight assists as Palace ended the season 12th.

Eze's impressive displays at club level did not go unnoticed, as he was handed his first senior England call-up in May 2021.

The 26-year-old went on to feature three times for the Three Lions at Euro 2024 as they made it all the way to the final but were beaten 2-1 by Spain.

A deal for Eze will not be cheap given the attacking dynamo's contract runs until 2027, meaning teams will be expected to pay his entire release clause.

News of Arsenal and Tottenham's interest comes almost a year after Palace chairman Steve Parish was left 'astounded' by how few clubs were after Eze in the 2024 summer window.

"I was really worried from a club point of view of losing Michael [Olise] and Ebbs in the same window and we didn't have in Ebbs the interest that I thought we would have," Parish told Sky Sports.

"I was astounded. Genuinely astounded. I mean, the guy's just an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person."

Although there may have been a surprising lack of interest for Eze last summer, former Premier League manager Alan Pardew did not believe that would be the case this time around.

In fact, Pardew likened Eze's ability to that of Dutch icon Johan Cruyff.

“He has this great ability to just glide past people," Pardew said on talkSPORT Breakfast in April.

"It's almost silky, like Johan Cruyff used to move - just shift it and just leave people for dead.

“He's not particularly rapid in terms of taking people on for a pace. He's just clever. And he manoeuvres the ball to create a shot or create a pass. And he's as good as anybody at doing that.

“I'm sure Palace won't thank me for saying, but I think he could play for one of the big clubs for sure.”

Winning run over

Bayern Munich were unable to continue their 100 per cent record at the Club World Cup.

Vincent Kompany's side were beaten 1-0 by Benfica in their final game of Group C.

Their progression to the knockout stages was already confirmed prior to the match, but they have now finished second.

It means they will face Flamengo in the last 16.

The Brazilian outfit are one of three clubs left in the group stage who can qualify with a 100 per cent win record.

Juventus and Manchester City in Group G are the other two teams.

Not going just yet

Neymar has agreed to extend his contract at Santos until the end of 2025, talkSPORT understands.

The Brazilian returned to his boyhood club at the beginning of the year after a tough spell at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

His current deal expires at the end of the month, but he is now set to remain with Santos beyond then.

Neymar initially shone for the club from 2009 to 2013 to attract interest from Barcelona.

The forward won LaLiga and the Champions League in Spain before completing a world-record £200million move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Neymar lifted five French league titles and left in 2023 for Al Hilal, but suffered an ACL injury not long after signing.

Al Hilal announced the mutual termination of his contract in January and he returned to Santos, totalling 237 appearances in his two spells.

Problems

Lyon have been relegated to Ligue 2 due to financial struggles.

As per RMC Sport, they couldn't convince the National Directorate of Management Control to lift restrictive measures on the club.

They were given a provisional relegation to the second tier of French football in November and are reportedly €500million in debt.

Despite the latest decision, RMC Sport say that Lyon can appeal it within seven days.

It follows the story of Bordeaux, the six-time French champions who had to file for bankruptcy due to their financial issues.

They were sanctioned with an administrative relegation to the Championnat National, which is the third division in France.

Someone new for the Toon

Newcastle are also exploring other options instead of Anthony Elanga, talkSPORT understands.

After having their £45million offer for Elanga rebuffed, the Magpies could set their sights elsewhere in the summer window.

Respective PSV Eindhoven and Borussia Dortmund wingers, Johan Bakayoko and Karim Adeyemi, are among the players of interest.

Mohammed Kudus is also a target at St. James' Park.

talkSPORT reported earlier in June that West Ham rejected a player-plus-cash deal for the Ghana international from Chelsea.

The Blues were willing to offer the likes of Robert Sanchez and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in exchange for Kudus.

He has rejected interest from Saudi Arabia as he wants to stay in the Premier League.

Forest are fans

Nottingham Forest are in talks for Samuel Mbangula and Timothy Weah, talkSPORT understands.

However, neither are related to a potential Anthony Elanga exit.

talkSPORT reported earlier on Tuesday that Forest have rejected a £45million offer from Newcastle United for Elanga.

It is understood they do not want to sell the winger and would only entertain offers north of £60m.

Mbangula currently stars for Juventus after progressing through their academy.

The 21-year-old has played 32 matches for the Italian giants and hit nine goal contributions in all competitions.

One of his teammates in Turin is Weah, the son of Monaco and AC Milan legend George Weah.

He joined Juventus from Lille in 2023 and has netted seven times in 78 outings.

Glasgow calling

Max Aarons has completed his medical at Rangers, talkSPORT understands.

He is moving to Ibrox in a straight loan from Premier League side Bournemouth.

The deal is expected to be completed later this week.

Aarons had a breakthrough spell with Norwich City before signing for Bournemouth in 2023.

However, he has made only 14 league starts for the Cherries in two seasons and featured 27 times in total.

The right-back spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan with Valencia, although featured just five times.

Hotting up

Chelsea training has been 'almost impossible' ahead of their crucial Club World Cup clash, according to Enzo Maresca.

The Blues have been preparing to face Esperance de Tunis, live on talkSPORT on Wednesday morning, in Philadelphia.

Temperatures reached a whopping 37 degrees celsius and industrial fans could be seen cooling the players down.

Head coach Maresca spoke on the challenges they have faced due to the heat during his pre-match press conference.

"It is almost impossible to train or to make a session because of the weather. Now we are trying just to save energy for the game.

"This morning's session has been very, very, very short. It's not easy in these conditions with these temperatures.

"We are going to try to do our best."

Chelsea must at least draw against Esperance to qualify for the last 16 of the Club World Cup.

Test for Town

Ipswich Town face a battle to keep Omari Hutchinson.

The 21-year-old joined the Tractor Boys in 2023 on loan from Chelsea and was key to their promotion from the Championship.

Hutchinson fully joined the Premier League newbies in a club record deal worth £22.5million last summer after an impressive first season.

He scored three league goals and assisted another two in 31 matches before Ipswich were relegated by finishing 19th.

The Daily Mail have now reported that Hutchinson has become of interest to Premier League and European clubs.

Everton, Brentford, West Ham and Fulham are said to be monitoring his progress alongside Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.

Their report also says that Hutchinson is keen to continue playing at the highest level, but is grateful to Ipswich for his opportunities.

Rejected

talkSPORT understands that Nottingham Forest have rejected a £45million from Newcastle for Anthony Elanga.

Forest want £60million plus for their star winger.

This approach comes a year on from Newcastle's last bid for Elanga, after talks were advanced last summer.

That move never materialised, but now the Magpies are back in for the forward who had the third-most assists last season.

Elanga set up 11 goals in the Premier League and scored another six, prospering in Nuno Espirito Santo's set-up.

Eddie Howe is wanting to add another wide player to his squad but it may be hard to prise him away from Forest.

New bid

Chelsea are set to place a third bid for Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, who remains the club's top left-winger target, talkSPORT understands.

The Blues have seen bids of £30m and £42m rejected so far, with the latter coming on the June 10th deadline, shortly before the Club World Cup started.

Chelsea were not prepared to go any higher prior to the tournament.

Chelsea and Dortmund are currently holding talks in America, with both teams at the Club World Cup, and there is optimism an agreement can be reached.

Gittens is waiting for a breakthrough having already agreed a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge. The 20-year-old only wants a move to Chelsea despite fresh links with Bayern.

Dortmund are willing to sell Gittens since he's not viewed as a tactical fit at the club, despite featuring in 49 games in 2024/25, contributing 12 goals and five assists in all competitions.

talkSPORT understands Chelsea are hoping to seal a transfer for around £45m and are not far off Dortmund's valuation. The parties were only believed to be around £5m apart when last negotiating.

The clubs are currently in fresh and advanced talks over the structure of the deal, with Chelsea optimistic their third bid will prove successful. Dortmund want a large proportion of the fee paid upfront.

Chelsea also appreciate Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho and Lyon's Malick Fofana, but have now ruled out a move for Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams due to the overall cost of the transfer. The Spanish winger is holding out for a move to Barcelona if he leaves Bilbao, while Bayern are also competing for his signature.

Gittens is Chelsea's top choice, and a breakthrough could come before the end of June.

Pitch complaints

PSG boss Luis Enrique has complained about the pitches at the Club World Cup following his side's win over Seattle Sounders.

Jude Bellingham has already spoken out about the poor state of the pitches in the USA for the tournament.

And Enrique echoed those thoughts when speaking yesterday.

He said: "They are way off the condition of the pitches in Europe. A lot. It's fine but the ball bounces like it's a rabbit.

"Today, because it used to be artificial and now it's natural, they had to fix it. In the break, they had to treat it, but every ten minutes it went dry. For our style of game, it's a problem.

"Obviously I'm not using this as an excuse. I'm saying this today after we won. But it's a problem."

'Why not dream?'

Inter Miami will play European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 of the Club World Cup this weekend.

It sees Lionel Messi take on his former club while he, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets meet their ex-manager, Luis Enrique.

Speaking about the huge test, Alba said after reaching the knockout stages: "I'm proud of the team, and now we're competing against a top team like PSG. It's great.

"For me, they're playing the best football in Europe, and well, it's obviously a very difficult match, but we're going to try to compete."

He added: "Why not dream of beating the European champion?

"It will be very difficult. We know the quality of all the players, and for me, Luis Enrique is the best coach in the world. I know him very well.

"This is football, and it's 90-something minutes, and well, why not dream? ... They're [PSG] the ones who play the best football today.

"They're very versatile, with very good wide players, and guys in midfield who have the ball. Overall, they're the most complete team, for me. We'll see how far we can go and try to compete."

Boro boss

Middlesbrough have confirmed the appointment of Rob Edwards as their new head coach.

The former Luton boss replaces Michael Carrick in the dugout, signing a three-year contract at the club.

Speaking after his arrival, Edwards said: “It’s a real privilege to be given the opportunity to be head coach of this great football club.

"It’s something that’s not lost on me, how big this is, how important this is, and what it means to people. There is an amazing fanbase.

“It felt instantly that this was right for me and it got me excited.

"If I was going to come back in, I wanted to come back in at a place where we had a chance, and we have a really good chance here.

“We have a brilliant owner who historically gives his coaches time, support, and the tools needed to try and be successful. I can’t wait to get started now.”

Ban extended

Rico Lewis will miss Manchester City's Club World Cup game against Juventus and their upcoming last-16 tie.

That is because the defender has had his suspension increased following a red card against Wydad AC last week.

He had already missed Man City's win over Al Ain, but now he will be forced to sit out for two more fixtures.

Lewis was sent off for a sliding challenge that ended up clipping his opponent in the head in the latter stages of their opener.

Pep Guardiola and players were left raging at the decision.

They have appealed the decision to extend the ban but were unsuccessful and now Lewis misses three games.

Fixture change

The Premier League's fixtures were only announced last week, but there has already been a change to the schedule.

Nottingham Forest vs Brentford has been moved from Saturday, August 16 to Sunday, August 17.

The game at the City Ground will kick off at 2pm.

The Premier League explained that the game has been forced to move due to cricket being played at Trent Bridge.

On that Saturday, Trent Rockets' men and women are set to be in action in the Hundred.

And Forest requested that their game be moved to the Sunday due to the clash at the close-quarters venues.

In talks

According to reports in Italy, Sunderland are in talks to sign Sassuolo forward Armand Lauriente.

Lauriente worked with Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris at Lorient before he moved onto Serie A.

He has gone on to play over 100 games for Sassuolo and stuck with his club despite their relegation to Serie B in 2024.

The Frenchman went on to score 18 goals and provide six assists in 33 second-tier games, leading his side to the title.

Sunderland are looking to secure their second signing of the summer following their return to the Premier League.

Enzo Le Fee signed on a permanent deal as their first arrival.

Atleticoing home

Atletico Madrid have become the first big Club World Cup side to face a shock exit.

The Spanish outfit have been knocked out despite beating Botafogo 1-0 on Monday night.

Antoine Griezmann scored in the 87th minute but due to the goal difference between the two sides, Atletico finished third in Group B.

Table-toppers Paris Saint-Germain were 2-0 winners over Seattle Sounders to confirm their progression to the knockout stages.

They and Botafogo join Flamengo as the three confirmed sides in the upcoming last 16.

PSG will meet the runners-up in Group A, which will be one of Palmeiras, Inter Miami, Porto and Al Ahly.

Meanwhile, Botafogo will face the winners of Group A.

Changes incoming

Enzo Maresca will select a new-look starting XI in Chelsea's final match in the Club World Cup group stage.

The Blues face Esperance de Tunis, live on talkSPORT, days after their 3-1 defeat to Flamengo.

Chelsea beat Los Angeles 2-0 beforehand but need at least a draw in their next match to progress to the knockout stages.

Head coach Maresca has revealed that tiredness in the camp will lead to selection changes for what is a crucial match.

"Tomorrow we will do some rotation because the ones who played two games are quite tired to play again," he said in his press conference.

"So we will make rotation and we will see if there is a chance for those who haven't played as much.

"Reece, the reason why [he didn't train] is because he is ill. Levi Colwill has also been ill in the last two days, but today was better and part of the session."

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Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping lightning doesn't strike twice as they close in on the signing of just their second Japanese star.

talkSPORT understands that Spurs have agreed a £5million deal to sign Kawasaki Frontale defender Kota Takai.

Should the 20-year-old's move go through as expected, it would be a record transfer for a player in the J1 League moving overseas.

Spurs have previously tried their luck in bringing in a highly-rated Japan international from their national top-flight division.

In January 2003, the north London outfit signed Kazuyuki Toda from Shimizu S-Pulse on a 12-month loan deal - hijacking Sunderland's move to sign the player.

Arriving at White Hart Lane with great expectations, the midfielder was limited to 189 minutes spread across four Premier League outings.

Former boss Glenn Hoddle waxed lyrical over Toda upon his signing, who had helped Japan reach the last-16 of the World Cup just months earlier.

Hoddle said: "Toda is an immensely impressive midfielder and we are delighted to welcome him to the club.

"His addition to the squad will give us more options in this area, and I am sure the fans will quickly see the benefit of his strengths."

Toda was just the third Japanese player to make the move to the Premier League after Junichi Inamoto and Akinori Nishizaw.

But both men struggled in England, with Nishizaw failing to feature during his loan spell at Bolton in the 2001/02 season, while Inamoto couldn't break into the Arsenal team that same campaign.

Inamoto would eventually become the first Japanese star to feature in the Premier League the following term during his loan at Fulham.

Highlighting the struggles of his compatriots before him, Toda told the club's website: "I understand that a Japanese player has not really succeeded here and I want to change that image and become the first player to succeed.

"Junichi Inamoto said it took a year to adjust. I hope it won't me take a year to adjust. I want to adjust as quickly as I can and play for Tottenham."

Before adding: "I'm very happy to be here. It's a great club, great history, great players and this is my dream, to be part of the Premiership.

"Now I am here to play and show my best and hopefully I will succeed here."

But to say Toda's time at Spurs was underwhelming would be an understatement.

Despite arriving in January, it took until March 1 for him to even make the bench, where he remained an unused substitute for six straight matches.

He finally made his debut at home to Manchester City on Good Friday, where he came on as a substitute at the start of the second half.

His display saw him rewarded with a first start three days later away at West Brom, but he failed to last the full 90 minutes after being hooked at half-time.

A first start at White Hart Lane against Manchester United then followed, where he lasted 78 minutes, as Spurs lost 2-0 to the eventual champions.

Reflecting on the match in 2019, Toda revealed how he caught the attention of tough-tackling Roy Keane for all the wrong reasons following a battle with David Beckham.

He recalled: "Yes, I was a little nervous! My wife and my mother came to the stadium to watch.

“Manchester United were very strong, organised, many world-class players. I was not able to do well! Roy Keane was tough.

"I remember in the second half I did a big tackle on David Beckham. After that tackle, Roy Keane was staring at me. I remember that!”

Toda's final outing for Spurs came on the last day of the 2002/03 season, where he was brought off the bench for the last 21 minutes in a 4-0 home defeat to Blackburn.

After becoming a first-team regular towards the end of the campaign, Toda would then pick up a calf injury that kept him on the sidelines for the start of the next term.

And following a disastrous opening six games into the 2003/04 campaign, Hoddle was sacked, where he was replaced by David Pleat on a caretaker basis.

Just one month later, Spurs cut short Toda's loan spell, with Pleat insisting there is no room for him in his squad.

He remarked: "There is increasing competition for places in midfield so we probably would not sign him now."

But Toda has no regrets about how his time in England panned out, insisting he fulfilled a dream by playing for Spurs.

The 47-year-old stated: "It was the biggest challenge in my life. I did my best. My ability was not enough, maybe, but I did my best.

"I played only four first team games for Spurs, but it is still so special for me.

“I was so excited when I knew Spurs were interested in signing me. It was a dream come true. I made as much effort as I could. I have no regrets, I did the best I could.

"I played with many world-class players – Robbie Keane, Gus Poyet, Jamie Redknapp, Darren Anderton. That was good for me as a footballer. I learned a lot in that time.”

Toda would remain in Europe - joining Dutch side ADO Den Haag for the remainder of the season - before returning to Asia in 2004, where he stayed before retiring in 2013.

Nick Kyrgios is ready to commit the cardinal sin when it comes to football fandom.

The tennis star has never been one to mince his words having become embroiled in controversy more times than he can remember.

But his latest act is sure to get fans of north London’s big two talking after appearing to switch his football allegiance whilst live on air at talkSPORT.

The 30-year-old Australian is of Greek origin much like former Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou and previously admitted his admiration for Spurs due to his compatriot.

However, it appears that Kyrgios is ready to wash his hands of Spurs following the club’s decision to axe the Europa League-winning boss earlier this month.

And Kyrgios is not prepared to stay quiet about where his future footballing attention lies.

The former Wimbledon finalist has revealed that he will now show his support to Tottenham’s bitter rivals Arsenal in what could be described as the cardinal sin.

The move marks the first switch across the north London divide since Sol Campbell’s infamous move in 2001 although there may have been one or two less high-profile ones over the years!

Kyrgios joined talkSPORT Breakfast on Tuesday to discuss all things tennis while taking on a few questions from listeners.

The tennis star was asked if he can still support Spurs following Postecoglou’s sacking and his response was emphatic.

“Half the reason why I do like Tottenham is because of Ange so I’m not sure,” he said before revealing a bombshell. “I think I might have to jump on the Arsenal bandwagon.

He continued: “I played a lot of FIFA (video game) in the past so I’m not sure my supporting cast to Tottenham ever meant much.

Kyrgios then doubled down on his plans saying: “Yeah, I’ll jump on the Arsenal bandwagon.”

For many, it might feel as though Kyrgios' decision is an ill-timed one considering Spurs' recent success.

Postecoglou was victorious in ending the club's 17-year wait to end their trophy drought last month.

That has given Tottenham fans bragging rights, at least for now, over their north London rivals whose last trophy came in the 2020 FA Cup final.

The Gunners have built a squad capable of challenging for honours but have fallen short in the Premier League title race in each of the last the seasons.

Arsenal had high hopes for Champions League success particularly after their 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid in April, only to fall to eventual winner Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.

Arsenal secured second place in the table but the debate rumbles on as to who posted the most success season between the north London giants.

Spurs finished just one placed above the bottom three having recorded a whopping 22 league defeats.

But their success in the Europa League final against Manchester United handed them a trophy and a route into next season's Champions League.

And on paper that is more than what Arsenal were able to serve up for their trophy-starved fans.

Arsenal supporters - including Kyrgios - could yet see their neighbours lift another trophy before the new Premier League season kicks off as Tottenham face PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final on August 13.