The Mirror

Tottenham will have to get creative if they wish to formalise interest in Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.

That's because the Cherries are insistent the 26-year-old striker will only depart the Vitality Stadium this summer if his £65million release clause, which can reportedly only be triggered by certain clubs, is matched.

It's currently considered unlikely that Tottenham will put club-record cash on the table but if they're serious about landing Solanke, they could seek to test Bournemouth's resolve by including players in a potential swap deal package that helps them get close to the eye-watering figure.

England international Solanke struck 19 Premier League goals last season and has also been tracked by his former club Chelsea.

Andoni Iraola's side have always been mindful that Solanke would be the subject of interest this summer on the back of such an impressive campaign that saw him find the net 21 times in all competitions.

Additionally, Liverpool are set to receive a 20 per cent cut of any profit Bournemouth make from an onward transfer and that could further complicate Spurs' pursuit of the player.

Ange Postecoglou admitted earlier this week that Spurs were prioritising the signing of a new striker.

He stated during the club's pre-season tour of South Korea: “It's still the area of the park we're really probably the thinnest when I talk about squad-wise at the moment, so obviously that's a focus for us. Looking forward to finishing things up in a positive manner and hopefully a good way to finish it off."

Speaking in Santa Barbara, Bournemouth owner Bill Foley also recently stated that he expects Solanke to stay put for at least another season. The Cherries chief said: "I believe Dom is going to be with us this coming year. He has a release clause, which is very expensive.

"We shouldn't reveal anything about the contract, but that area [reported £65m] sounds roughly correct. I guess if someone comes for him, we are going to have to replace him. We have two or three candidates that we have lined up, but I believe Dom will be here next year - and I believe he is going to score 21 or 22 goals."

Ivan Toney has also been linked with Spurs and his Brentford future remains in doubt after entering the final year of his current deal with the Bees.

The England international is yet to return to training following his involvement at Euro 2024 but he could yet move onto pastures new before the transfer window closes.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham are all reportedly interested in Juventus' Federico Chiesa - a player who Jurgen Klopp had eyed as his ideal Mohamed Salah replacement.

Italian trickster Chiesa has been linked with a move to England for some time. He caught the eye during Italy's Euro 2020 triumph, proving a handful for every defender he faced.

An ACL tear in 2022 saw the winger sidelined for seven months, stunting his growth into what could've been one of Europe's best forwards. Chiesa now has a choice to make, as his Juventus deal has just a year left and a new contract has yet to be agreed upon.

Last summer, Jurgen Klopp lined up Chiesa as the man to replace Salah should he move to Saudi Arabia, but Liverpool's Premier League rivals have now shown an interest in the cut-price ace.

Liverpool's interest in the forward dates back to his Euros exploits. An ambitious £86million bid in 2021 was reportedly tabled but swiftly rebuked by the Old Lady.

With the Italian's deal winding down, however, his price tag has allegedly been slashed to just £30m after an unimpressive domestic campaign and zero goal involvements during Italy's early exit at the hands of Switzerland at Euro 2024.

This prospect has obviously attracted English heavy-hitters like moths to a flame, according to Turin-based outlet La Stampa. They report that Chiesa's agent, Fali Ramadani, is attempting to negotiate with Spurs, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal as per Tutto Juve.

"I’ve spoken about the renewal with the director. We’ll talk about it at the end of the season," Chiesa added. "We’ll sit down calmly, discuss our projects, and continue talking.”

These talks have not progressed well so far. The two parties remain in reported disagreement over the length of Chiesa's new deal and his salary, which Juventus allegedly wishes to lower.

Tottenham require a forward, having never entirely replaced Harry Kane's goals, but reportedly don't hold any concrete interest in the Italian. Arsenal need that catalyst to help them finally taste league title success while United may seek help up-top with Rasmus Hojlund sidelined for six weeks, and Chelsea also need another tricky winger to help them improve on their sixth-placed finish last season.

Liverpool, now under the guidance of Arne Slot, have not yet shown an interest in the Italian this summer despite the Salah conundrum remaining.

The Dutchman's side are yet to dip their toes into the transfer market but were interested in Newcastle's Anthony Gordon before his club's stance changed, and still hold an interest in the Englishman. Valued at a whopping £100m, rekindling interest in Chiesa may not be a terrible idea, as the Reds must prepare for life without Salah eventually.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou didn't hold anything back when angrily scolding his sluggish players during a pre-season friendly.

Spurs beat a K-League XI 4-3 on Wednesday to continue their preparations ahead of the new Premier League campaign. Spurs tailed off towards the end of last season before finishing fifth and Postecoglou wants more from his second term in north London.

Postecoglou named a strong starting XI for Wednesday's friendly which included South Korean icon Son Heung-Min, Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson as well as new £30million signing Archie Gray. But after they failed to score inside the opening 25 minutes, the Australian-Greek boss wasn't happy.

During a drinks break in the sweltering Seoul heat, Postecoglou let rip and told his players: "I've got one f***ing thing to say. We go and have a crack, man for man."

His bellowing message clearly got through, as within minutes of the restart Kulusevski put Spurs 1-0 up before Son soon scored twice. The K-League All Stars hit back with two goals early in the second half before 19-year-old forward Will Lankshear gave Tottenham breathing room again heading into the closing stages.

The best players in South Korea's top flight pulled one back but it wasn't enough to stop Spurs from coming away with their fourth successive pre-season win, their second victory on tour in Asia. In his post-match press conference, Postecoglou was asked to explain why he addressed his players so furiously.

"[It was] nothing really specific," the former Celtic manager replied. "It was more just about making sure we kept pressing on, because with the conditions the way they are and the training loads been pretty high, I didn't want us to back off in that moment and really [wanted to] push to half-time just more for our fitness than anything else.

Your turn! Where will Tottenham finish in the Premier League? Give us your prediction in the comments section

"We thought it was a good opportunity for us to push on and try to be even more aggressive than we had been up to that point."

Postecoglou added: "I thought it was a decent game, obviously with the conditions and you know we've been training pretty hard so we didn't probably look as sharp as we have been, but within that, I thought the players still gave everything and some good passages of play. The game was very open at the end I think, very stretched.

"As I said, the conditions were really difficult for the players but they never stopped, they kept trying to play and I think overall we were better for that game."

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou didn't hold anything back when angrily scolding his sluggish players during a pre-season friendly.

Spurs beat a K-League XI 4-3 on Wednesday to continue their preparations ahead of the new Premier League campaign. Spurs tailed off towards the end of last season before finishing fifth and Postecoglou wants more from his second term in north London.

Postecoglou named a strong starting XI for Wednesday's friendly which included South Korean icon Son Heung-Min, Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson as well as new £30million signing Archie Gray. But after they failed to score inside the opening 25 minutes, the Australian-Greek boss wasn't happy.

During a drinks break in the sweltering Seoul heat, Postecoglou let rip and told his players: "I've got one f***ing thing to say. We go and have a crack, man for man."

His bellowing message clearly got through, as within minutes of the restart Kulusevski put Spurs 1-0 up before Son soon scored twice. The K-League All Stars hit back with two goals early in the second half before 19-year-old forward Will Lankshear gave Tottenham breathing room again heading into the closing stages.

The best players in South Korea's top flight pulled one back but it wasn't enough to stop Spurs from coming away with their fourth successive pre-season win, their second victory on tour in Asia. In his post-match press conference, Postecoglou was asked to explain why he addressed his players so furiously.

"[It was] nothing really specific," the former Celtic manager replied. "It was more just about making sure we kept pressing on, because with the conditions the way they are and the training loads been pretty high, I didn't want us to back off in that moment and really [wanted to] push to half-time just more for our fitness than anything else.

Your turn! Where will Tottenham finish in the Premier League? Give us your prediction in the comments section

"We thought it was a good opportunity for us to push on and try to be even more aggressive than we had been up to that point."

Postecoglou added: "I thought it was a decent game, obviously with the conditions and you know we've been training pretty hard so we didn't probably look as sharp as we have been, but within that, I thought the players still gave everything and some good passages of play. The game was very open at the end I think, very stretched.

"As I said, the conditions were really difficult for the players but they never stopped, they kept trying to play and I think overall we were better for that game."

Amanda Staveley said she could “move on to other projects” following her departure from Newcastle United.

Staveley and husband Mehrdad Ghoudouss played critical roles in the Saudi Arabia-led £305million takeover of Newcastle in 2021 but have stepped away from the club earlier this month.

The pair’s influence on the club’s turn in fortunes is significant, with Staveley playing a particularly large role in helping the club qualify for the Champions League for the first time in two decades and reaching the Carabao Cup final. The 51-year-old businesswoman was also paramount in making the women’s set-up a fully professional operation.

Reflecting on her exit, Staveley said she was “devastated” to leave the Premier League side.

“It’s such a wonderful club, so it feels very bittersweet,” Staveley told The Athletic. “It has become part of my DNA, something you love so much and don't want to let go. It's very painful.

“And I would wish to be there every day, but it's also not fair. The club's management team need to have the chance to deliver their business plan. We did a great job and it's been a privilege to be part of it, but they need to be left to do their jobs, too.

“Maybe we were right for Newcastle for those few years. Maybe that's what they needed. But I'd be useless just standing there doing nothing and it wouldn't be fair on Darren [Eales] if we're always there telling them what we think. There's processes and accountability and they'll figure it out.”

Staveley and Ghodoussi left St James’ Park after selling their remaining shares to PIF, increasing their stake in the club from 80% to 85%.

But Staveley and Ghodoussi’s football investment days might not yet be behind them. Recent reports have linked the pair with Tottenham, with Staveley reportedly to have held talks about the possibility of investment after raising £500m through her investment fund PCP Capital Partners.

Asked as to whether there was truth to these reports, Staveley said: “My preference would have been to stay with Newcastle, but life doesn't always work out exactly how you want it to. Nothing is going to replicate that.

“I fell in love with Newcastle, the club and the people and that can't change, but I didn't want to get in Newcastle's way. It's got to be about what's best for Newcastle.

“Mehrdad and I are keen to be hands-on. We're hard-working people, I love to be very busy and to engage and I love football.

“Very sadly, we have to move on to other projects and that might involve us taking a stake in another club or buying another club and that's difficult. But it's possible.”

Tottenham haven't made a signing over the age of 18 this window – but they could finally be lining up a proper replacement for Harry Kane.

Ange Postecoglou's side has been building for the future this summer, spending nearly £50million on three starlets. Archie Gray was the priciest of the bunch, costing Spurs roughly £30m from Leeds.

The north London side missed out on Champions League football last season, ranking seventh for goals scored as they relied heavily on an ageing Son Heung-min in front of the net.

Brentford's Ivan Toney has emerged as a player who could give Postecoglou something different as an out-and-out No. 9, and the outgoing Emerson Royal and rumoured sale of Richarlison could indicate that Spurs are gearing up to make a move for the Englishman.

Selling their Brazilian forward would likely signal Spurs' intent to replace him, and Toney would be most likely.

Toney targeted

Tottenham have been on the lookout for someone to replace Kane since his departure last summer, and England team-mate Toney seems like a smart choice.

The forward's price has been slashed from the nearly £100m figure the Bees demanded just a year ago, due to his suspension for breaches of betting regulations and a lack of suitors willing to pay his price tag.

With just a year left on his deal, Brentford will be motivated not to let their star 28-year-old depart for free so that any approaching clubs will enter negotiations with a slight advantage.

Estimated to now cost around £50m, Toney has been linked with a move to Tottenham. Having already spent a reasonable amount, it seems as though the deal may rest on Richarlison's shoulders, as if his rumoured £60m move to Saudi Arabia is completed, it would fund an approach for Toney.

A Royal coup

Italian giants AC Milan are on the verge of signing Tottenham's Brazilian Royal in a reported £20m deal, as Postecoglou looks to shrink down his squad ahead of the upcoming season.

The signing of Pedro Porro signalled the end of Emerson as Tottenham's preferred right-back, and Djed Spence has returned from his loan with Genoa to stake a claim for the back-up role, having impressed in pre-season.

The Brazilian full-back was linked with a move away from Spurs in January, but bids for him were rejected as a replacement hadn't been secured.

Now it seems the player will finally depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium three years after he first arrived, and he'll be leaving for just £6m less than Spurs paid Barcelona for his services.

Chiesa a no-go

Amid reports that Juventus' Italian star Federico Chiesa may look to leave the club, Tottenham, who have done plenty of business with the Old Lady in the past, have been linked.

However, it is believed the winger is not one of Tottenham and Daniel Levy's targets this summer, and they won't be lining up a move for the 26-year-old.

Chiesa's exit is down to him not agreeing on a new deal with his current club and his contract expiring in 2025. Juventus are understandably eager not to let their star go for free, much like Brentford amid Toney's transfer saga, and will have to look elsewhere for potential suitors.

The Italian may still end up on English soil, however, as Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Liverpool have all been rumoured to be interested.

Summer clear-out

Aside from Emerson, Tanguy Ndombele and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg have both left Spurs as the club looks to root out the deadwood from their Europa League-competing squad.

Eight first-team players have left Spurs this window, including Eric Dier, who joined Bayern on a free transfer, Ryan Sessegnon, who Fulham recently recruited, and Joe Rodon, who went to Leeds as part of the Gray deal.

Tottenham have signed two of their five transfer targets this summer, but Ange Postecoglou’s side are yet to purchase any senior talent.

Despite a promising start to last season, the Australian manager's time in north London has garnered mixed opinions. Whilst a Europa League campaign can be looked forward to this time around after a fifth-place finish, a trophy is what fans crave.

Youth has been the focus of Spurs' transfer window so far, with nearly £45million spent on two young midfielders, but it remains to be seen whether direct improvements to the squad's starting XI will arrive.

Brentford's Ivan Toney is reportedly on Tottenham's list, and the club could also bring in another midfielder who may bring something a little different to Postecoglou’s squad.

Lucas Bergvall

Young Swedish prodigy Lucas Bergvall became Tottenham's first signing this summer, though the deal was agreed upon on February 1st of this year.

Costing the club £8.5m and joining from Djurgarden in his native Sweden, the 18-year-old has already shown glimpses that he could become something special in a Tottenham shirt.

Coming on at half-time in the club's 5-1 friendly success against Hearts, the silky midfielder assisted another one of the club's starlets, Mikey Moore, and impressed onlooking fans.

He went down with a knock during the next friendly against QPR but was granted a start in that match, proving that he may have a part to play in the upcoming season.

Archie Gray

Another young midfielder who seemingly has the world at their feet, Gray garnered a slightly larger fee than Bergvall, having impressed in the Championship for Leeds.

A near-£40m signing with add-ons and the swapping of defender Joe Rodon included, Gray looked set to sign for another London club, Brentford before Spurs stole the player from under their noses.

Signing a four-year deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the composed midfielder played 52 times in all competitions for Leeds last campaign, playing all 90 minutes as his side lost in the play-off final to Southampton.

"When Spurs came and I had the opportunity to play in the Champions League eventually and Europa League this year I couldn't really say no," said Gray. "I know so many players that are here, not so much the first team but the young lads, and another thing is that it's a massive project under Ange, and it's something that I want to be a part of."

Yang Min-hyuk

Continuing the current trend of making signings for the future, Korean wonderkid Yang Min-hyuk is reportedly set to join Postecoglou's men. A rumoured £3.5m will be the fee paid to his current club, Gangwon FC, as the 18-year-old seals a move and links up with compatriot and fan favourite Son Heung-min.

Having played 24 senior matches for Gangwon, he has netted seven times since March, setting the K-League ablaze. An expert on the league, Sungmo Lee, told football.london: "Yang Min-hyuk is the best young player in the K League right now, and most significantly, he's still a high school student.

"His talent was so exceptional that his club, Gangwon, proposed a professional contract to a high school student, which was the first such case in the K League's history.

"He showed great performances in K League this season, winning the 'Young Player of the Month' award three times in a row from April to June. He is a great dribbler but also possesses great finishing skills, making Korean fans hope he can become the next Son Heung-min."

Conor Gallagher

If Tottenham decide to turn their transfer attention to senior signings, then Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher could be someone they look to recruit.

Since the window opened, Gallagher has been linked with a move away from the club he joined at the age of eight. Aston Villa were looking to rival Spurs for Gallagher's signature, but their £50m signing of Amadou Onana has all but eliminated that possibility.

It now seems as though Postecoglou would face no challengers should he wish to approach the £50m-rated Gallagher, whose contract at Stamford Bridge runs out next season.

While England team-mate Kieran Trippier has encouraged the midfielder to move to Atletico Madrid in La Liga, as he did in January 2022, Gallagher has had positive words to say about new boss Maresca, and a contract renewal is not entirely off the cards.

"I’ve heard really good things, and I’ve seen really good things," said Gallagher on Maresca. "Myself and everyone at Chelsea are really happy and excited to work with him.”

Ivan Toney

Brentford's Ivan Toney has had a summer to remember. Cooly converting a penalty against Switzerland and making headlines with his composure at Euro 2024, the marksman has now entered the final year of his contract and the Bees will be eager to at least garner some fee for their star man.

The west Londoners initially demanded an £80m fee, according to reports, but with a lack of potential suitors, they may lower their asking price into a range that Spurs can afford.

Other clubs that have shown an interest in this striker are seemingly dropping like flies. Arsenal have chosen to prioritise the likes of Riccardo Calafiori over a new frontman, Manchester United have secured their new forward in the form of the £36m Joshua Zirkzee, and Chelsea are reportedly keen on a younger striker such as Atletico's Samu Omorodion.

If Spurs are looking to fill Harry Kane's shoes, then Toney is one of the best signings they could make. However, any potential deal may rely on Richarlison leaving the club.

Approached by various Saudi Pro League clubs, the Brazilian has been the subject of £60m interest - a fee that could be directly spent on Toney. The striker would add goals to Postecoglou’s team, and a deal is not yet off the table.

In Paris, there are some potential diamonds Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could snap up this summer.

Many may not have noticed because it kicked off before the Olympic Games opening ceremony, but the football has already started in the French capital. Unlike the European Championship or Copa America, the football event is capped at Under-23 players, with only three 'over-age' exemptions being allowed for each nation.

While many big names may not be involved, it provides a platform for talented youngsters or players who are not able to get into their national team. And there are plenty competing in the Games who could add immediate value to Ten Hag's squad.

Mirror Football has a look at five Olympic stars the Red Devils could potentially target in the summer.

Desire Doue

If United are interested in the Rennes forward, they may have to fight off competition from Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Doue earned his place in the French squad by contributing four goals and six assists in 43 appearances for the Ligue 1 giants.

Bayern Munich are understood to have already seen a £29m offer be turned down. Ten Hag's options on the wing are limited, particularly with Jadon Sancho's future still uncertain and Antony continuing to struggle.

Tottenham reportedly hold a huge interest in the promising 19-year-old, who has two international caps for Les Bleus U23s side. If United do become interested, they may need to act quickly.

Samuel Omorodion

He is young, 6ft 4in and looks hungry to cause havoc - Samuel Omorodion could lead Ten Hag's line or be the ultimate Plan B. Ten Hag leant on Wout Weghorst over the course of his first season and the gangly Dutchman helped bring out the best in United's other forward options.

Omorodion could play a similar role to Weghorst while also offering so much more. While on loan at Alaves from Atletico Madrid last season, the 20-year-old scored eight goals and contributed one assist in La Liga – an impressive return for a young forward.

He has a big future ahead. And the Olympics could be his opportunity to make his name on a big stage.

Alex Baena

He is considered to be one of Villarreal's most promising academy prospects in years, Alex Baena is an exciting player to look out for. The Spaniard is a talented playmaker who contributed 14 assists for the La Liga giants last season - only Alejandro Grimaldo and Nico Williams contributed more in the top five leagues in Europe.

If United are to lose Bruno Fernandes, as some reports have claimed is possible, Baena could be the perfect replacement for the Portuguese international. However, if they did hang on to their captain, Baena could potentially play in midfield with Fernandes.

He can dictate play from deep positions or play across the forward line where he can also make late runs into the penalty area. But he will not come cheap as Villarreal reportedly value him at around £50m.

Fermin Lopez

United reportedly lodged a bid of around £25m for Fermin Lopez, who scored eight goals in 31 appearances for Barcelona last season. Lopez was also part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024, but he only made one appearance from the bench in Luis de la Fuente's side 1-0 victory over Albania.

However, the Olympics could be the perfect springboard for his career. Lopez is a versatile attacker who can play on the left, behind the striker or even within the midfield three. The 21-year-old has been at Barcelona since 2016, where he moved from the Real Betis youth development system into Barcelona's famed La Masia.

But his future is uncertain amid Barcelona's pursuit of Nico Williams and their other links to Dani Olmo. With the club still struggling with their finances, they may be convinced to part with the young Spaniard as a means for raising funds. If Ten Hag rates Lopez, Barcelona's situation could play into United's hands.

Achraf Hakimi

Of course, Achraf Hakimi cannot be considered as a young prospect, but he is exactly what United need. As the captain of Morocco's Olympic squad, Hakimi is one of the highest profile players at the Games.

United struggled in the full-back areas last season as injuries and inconsistent performances from Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka meant they were missing sharpness at both ends of the pitch. With Wan-Bissaka's future currently uncertain as a result of interest from the likes of West Ham United and Inter Milan, Hakimi would be a perfect replacement.

He brings experience, leadership qualities and pace at both ends of the pitch. Moreover, now could be the time for United to launch a bid, as he only has two years left on his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. As they have already watched Mbappe depart the club on a free transfer, the Parisians would not want the same to happen again. United are, however, interesred in other right-back options such as Bayern Munich's Noussair Mazraoui and Inter's Denzel Dumfries.

Tottenham Hotspur legends Glenn Hoddle and Ossie Ardiles are teammates again as owners of a winning racehorses.

The duo, linchpins of the Spurs midfield during the 1980s, have been joined by another former player Alan Brazil to head a racehorse syndicate.

They became winning owners together for the first time when the two-year-old filly Miss Fascinator captured the first race at Ascot on Friday.

On her third start for trainer Roger Varian, the 77,000gns juvenile pulled clear of newcomer Musical Angel to score under Silvestre De Sousa by two and three quarter lengths.

Back in fourth was Pearl Of Windsor, who is owned by Ify Madueke, whose son is the Chelsea star Noni Madueke.

Hoddle, Ardiles and Brazil were all absent for the victory but were informed of the success by racing manager Gary Coffey.

“This is a fun racing syndicate made up of mainly Spurs supporters,” said Coffey. “Our boss Graham Smith-Bernal, who owns Newsells Park Stud, is a Spurs enthusiast.

“So Glenn, Ossie and Alan are unfortunately not here but they are on the phone and are thrilled we’ve scored our first goal, if you like. It’s onwards and upwards from here.

“She is a lovely filly which we bought at the Breeze-ups with Jamie Piggott, She got stuck in the mud the last day at Newmarket but today the quicker ground suited her perfectly.”

Argentina World Cup winner Ardiles has visited the Tattersalls sales with Smith-Bernal while TalkSport presenter Brazil has owned a number of horses since hanging up his boots.

“Ossie has freely admitted this is a new world for him and he is enjoying every minute of the ride,” said Coffey. “It’s only since Graham set up the syndicate that he’s got involved.

“Alan has always followed racing and Glenn is very involved as well. He was in touch this morning about today’s race.”

Tottenham Hotspur legends Glenn Hoddle and Ossie Ardiles are teammates again as owners of a winning racehorses.

The duo, linchpins of the Spurs midfield during the 1980s, have been joined by another former player Alan Brazil to head a racehorse syndicate.

They became winning owners together for the first time when the two-year-old filly Miss Fascinator captured the first race at Ascot on Friday.

On her third start for trainer Roger Varian, the 77,000gns juvenile pulled clear of newcomer Musical Angel to score under Silvestre De Sousa by two and three quarter lengths.

Back in fourth was Pearl Of Windsor, who is owned by Ify Madueke, whose son is the Chelsea star Noni Madueke.

Hoddle, Ardiles and Brazil were all absent for the victory but were informed of the success by racing manager Gary Coffey.

“This is a fun racing syndicate made up of mainly Spurs supporters,” said Coffey. “Our boss Graham Smith-Bernal, who owns Newsells Park Stud, is a Spurs enthusiast.

“So Glenn, Ossie and Alan are unfortunately not here but they are on the phone and are thrilled we’ve scored our first goal, if you like. It’s onwards and upwards from here.

“She is a lovely filly which we bought at the Breeze-ups with Jamie Piggott, She got stuck in the mud the last day at Newmarket but today the quicker ground suited her perfectly.”

Argentina World Cup winner Ardiles has visited the Tattersalls sales with Smith-Bernal while TalkSport presenter Brazil has owned a number of horses since hanging up his boots.

“Ossie has freely admitted this is a new world for him and he is enjoying every minute of the ride,” said Coffey. “It’s only since Graham set up the syndicate that he’s got involved.

“Alan has always followed racing and Glenn is very involved as well. He was in touch this morning about today’s race.”