Sports Mole

Liverpool are reportedly 'finalising talks' with RB Leipzig to sell Harvey Elliott before the end of the summer transfer window.Â

Elliott scored seven goals in 2024-25, but most of his appearances came from the bench under Arne Slot.Â

The left-footed winger scored 15 goals in 148 games for Liverpool since joining from Fulham, but he understands that he may need to move away to get regular game time.Â

The Reds are reportedly willing to keep him, but would reluctantly sanction the player's exit at the right price.Â

Elliott close to Leipzig move?Â

The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Leipzig, and according to Football Insider, the German club are finalising talks with the Reds to sign him.Â

Leipzig are likely to sell Xavi Simons to Chelsea, and the Bundesliga club see Elliott as a perfect replacement for the Dutch attacker.Â

The report claims that Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race to sign the former Fulham winger, who is valued at around £40m.Â

Spurs are in the market to sign a new attacking midfielder after missing out on Eberechi Eze, and the north London club could look to hijack Leipzig's deal.Â

Liverpool would prefer to sell Elliott to LeipzigÂ

The Reds are short of options in their attacking areas after selling Ben Doak, Luis Diaz, and Darwin Nunez and the tragic demise of Diogo Jota, and it comes as a big surprise that they are willing to let Elliott leave.

The exciting winger managed only six minutes of action in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, and was an unused substitute against AFC Bournemouth in the previous match, which shows where his position lies in Slot's pecking order.Â

Spurs can lure Elliott with the offer of Champions League football, and the chance to stay in the Premier League, but whether they would be willing to match Liverpool's asking price is a big question.Â

The Reds would rather sell him to a German club than to one of their rivals. Liverpool have already sold Jarell Quansah and Diaz to Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich this summer, and Elliott could become the next Reds player to move to the Bundesliga.Â

Manchester City have suffered an early injury blow to left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri in this afternoon’s Premier League clash at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

The 24-year-old summer signing from Wolverhampton Wanderers was handed his first start at the Etihad Stadium after making his full debut against his former club in the Citizens’ 4-0 opening win at Molineux last weekend.

However, Ait-Nouri was forced off in the 23rd minute against Spurs after jarring his left ankle just under 10 minutes earlier when closing down Mohammed Kudus.

The Algeria international attempted to carry on after receiving treatment, but he was not moving freely when he returned to the pitch and it became clear that an enforced change was required from manager Pep Guardiola.

Ait-Nouri looked in some discomfort as he gingerly walked off, with Nathan Ake brought on as his replacement at left-back to feature in his first Premier League game for City since February 23.

Man City will hope that Ait-Nouri has not sustained a serious injury, with Guardiola expected to deliver some form of update on the defender’s condition in his post-match press conference.

The Citizens travel to Brighton & Hove Albion for their final Premier League fixture in August before preparing for the latest instalment of the Manchester derby at home to Manchester United on September 14 after the international break.

More to follow...

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Rayan Cherki will make his full Premier League debut for Manchester City in this afternoon’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.

The 21-year-old summer signing from Lyon announced himself to English football with a goal in City’s statement 4-0 opening win at Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend less than 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute.

Cherki has been rewarded this afternoon with his first league start for the Citizens in their first home match of the new season, while Omar Marmoush also starts as manager Pep Guardiola makes just two changes to his first XI.

Bernardo Silva and Jeremy Doku make way for attacking duo Cherki and Marmoush, who will link up with Oscar Bobb in behind central striker Erling Haaland, who scored a brace against Wolves last weekend and is eyeing up a couple of PL goalscoring records.

Tijjani Reijnders grabbed the headlines with his goal and assist in a man-of-them-match debut display against Wolves and he continues in midfield, though the introduction of Cherki in the No.10 role may see the Dutchman operate slightly deeper against Spurs alongside Nico Gonzalez.

Fresh from signing a new long-term contract at Man City, Ruben Dias will wear the captain’s armband in an unchanged back four including John Stones, Rico Lewis and Rayan Ait-Nouri, while James Trafford retains his spot in goal despite the return of Ederson from illness, with the Galatasaray-linked shot-stopper beginning as a substitute.

Meanwhile, Rodri and Phil Foden have been included in City’s matchday squad and will also begin this match on the bench after making progress in their recoveries from injury.

Palhinha handed first Spurs start, Bentancur also returns

As for Tottenham, new head coach Thomas Frank has also made two changes to his starting lineup following last weekend’s 3-0 home victory over newly-promoted Burnley.

Rodrigo Bentancur returns to play alongside summer signing Joao Palhinha who is handed his first start for Spurs in midfield, with Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall dropping down to the substitutes’ bench.

Frank has opted to stick with a back four instead of switching to a five-man defence, so Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence all retain their starting spots in the backline, protecting Guglielmo Vicario between the sticks.

In the absence of injured playmaker James Maddison, who scored twice for Spurs in a 4-0 win at the Etihad last season, Pape Sarr looks set to continue operating in an advanced midfield position in front of Bentancur and Palhinha, while Mohammed Kudus and Brennan Johnson start out wide.

After scoring a brace against Burnley last weekend, Richarlison will start again as Frank’s central striker, with Dominic Solanke and Mathys Tel having to settle for a place on the substitutes’ bench.

Manchester City starting lineup: Trafford; Lewis, Stones, Dias, Ait-Nouri; Gonzalez, Reijnders; Bobb, Cherki, Marmoush; Haaland

Subs: Ederson, Ake, Doku, Rodri, Bernardo, Nunes, O'Reilly, Khusanov, Foden

Tottenham Hotspur starting lineup: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha; Kudus, Sarr, Johnson; Richarlison

Subs: Kinsky, Danso, Tel, Gray, Bergvall, Vuskovic, Solanke, Odobert, Davies

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to submit a fresh bid for Manchester City attacker Savinho after Saturday's Premier League game between the two sides.Â

Spurs are desperate to bolster their attacking ranks, with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski out with long-term injuries.

Tottenham hoped to add Eberechi Eze to Thomas Frank's squad, but they have lost out to North London rivals Arsenal in the race for the Crystal Palace star.

As a result, Tottenham are looking at alternative targets before the summer transfer window closes for business on September 1.

Tottenham preparing fresh Savinho bid

Man City's Savinho is one of the names on Tottenham's radar, although they have already failed with at least one bid for the Brazilian.Â

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Man City have blocked all of Tottenham's approaches for Savinho over the past 10 days.

However, Spurs are willing to make one last effort to sign the winger before they look elsewhere in their search for attacking reinforcements.

Tottenham are ready to table an 'improved bid' worth over €70m (£60.7m) after the two clubs face off in Saturday's lunchtime kickoff at the Etihad Stadium.Â

Man City boss Pep Guardiola has already confirmed that Savinho will miss the Premier League fixture through injury.Â

Could Rodrygo hold the key to Savinho switch?

The Citizens are reluctant to part ways with Savinho just a year after signing him from their sister club Troyes.Â

They are certainly under no pressure to sanction his departure, with the Brazil international under contract until the summer of 2029.

As a result, it would surely take Savinho to push for the move for Man City to consider changing their stance in the latter stages of the window.

However, the Citizens would likely want to find a replacement, which could bring Real Madrid's Rodrygo into the equation.

Man City have already been linked with a potential move for the forward, who has fallen down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu.

If Rodrygo were to join Man City, it would pave the way for his compatriot to head to North London.Â

Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki could etch their names into the Manchester City history books when Pep Guardiola’s side play host to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.

Both players have joined the Citizens in the summer transfer window, with box-to-box midfielder Reijnders completing a £46m move from AC Milan and playmaker Cherki arriving from Lyon for £34m.

Reijnders grabbed the headlines on his Premier League debut last weekend as he produced a man-of-the-match performance to inspire Man City to an impressive 4-0 opening victory away against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 27-year-old scored and assisted at Molineux to become the first Man City player since club legend Sergio Aguero back in 2011 to both score and assist on his Premier League debut.

Reijnders has made scoring goals a habit, as he also netted twice in City’s 3-0 pre-season win over Palermo, having previously scored 15 goals across all competitions for Milan where he was named Serie A Midfielder of the Year in 2024-25.

The Netherlands international is expected to retain his starting spot in Man City’s midfield this weekend and he will attempt to become the first player in the club’s history to both score and assist in his first two appearances in the Premier League.

Either Cherki or Reijnders could break 16-year Man City scoring record

Cherki was also on the scoresheet against Wolves and drilled home his first Premier League goal less than 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute for his debut in English football.

The 21-year-old Frenchman scored his first competitive goal for Man City in similar fashion as a substitute at the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this summer, firing a low shot into the bottom corner to seal a 6-0 group-stage win over Al-Ain in June.

Described as a “mercurial” talent who could be a “cheat code” for Guardiola this season, Cherki has arrived at Man City after excelling at boyhood club Lyon where he recorded 12 goals and 22 assists in 44 appearances for the French giants across all tournaments last term.

Cherki, who has been handed the No.10 shirt at City, is in contention to make his first appearance at the Etihad Stadium this weekend and is set to battle with the likes of Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb, Jeremy Doku and Omar Marmoush for a start in attack.

Whether Cherki starts or comes on as a substitute against Spurs, he or teammate Reijnders could become the first Man City player since Emmanuel Adebayor back in August 2009 to score in their first two Premier League games for the club.

Reijnders and Cherki are not the only Citizens stars chasing records this weekend, as prolific striker Erling Haaland is looking to add a couple more Premier League goalscoring records to his ever-growing collection.

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Erling Haaland will be looking to add a couple more goalscoring records to his ever-growing collection in the Premier League when Manchester City welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.

The Norwegian came up short in his quest to claim a third consecutive Premier League Golden Boot last season, finishing seven strikes behind winner Mohamed Salah despite netting a respectable 22 goals of his own.

Man City’s No.9 has since made a prolific start to the 2025-26 campaign after scoring twice to help Pep Guardiola’s men secure a statement 4-0 opening victory away against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.

Haaland, who joined City in the summer of 2022, has now scored in each of his four matchday one appearances in the Premier League, with only Liverpool’s Salah having enjoyed a longer run in the competition’s history (six successive seasons between 2017-18 and 2022-23)

He has also scored more Premier League goals than any other Man City player under Guardiola, with his double at Wolves increasing his goal tally to 87 in 98 games and moving him two clear of Raheem Sterling in second place (85 goals in 194 games) - Sergio Aguero completes the top three with 82 goals in 125 games.

At the age of 25, Haaland has already broken a plethora of scoring records for Man City and he will have two more in his sights heading into Saturday’s encounter with Spurs.

Haaland looking to surpass Cole, equal Shearer PL scoring feats

Haaland’s brace against Wolves has moved the talismanic striker onto 21 Premier League goals in August, despite only playing 12 games in the month since joining Man City.

The only two players in Premier League history who have scored more goals in August are Andrew Cole (25 in 44 games) and Les Ferdinand (22 in 47 games).

Haaland needs to score just one goal to match Ferdinand’s record and will need to find the net at least four times across fixtures against Spurs and away against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 31 if he wishes to draw himself level with Cole - five goals scored across these two matches would see the Norwegian break the record outright.

Forty-eight of Haaland’s 87 Premier League goals have remarkably been netted in as many home matches for City, and the only player in PL history to hit 50 home goals in fewer than 50 appearances is the division’s all-time leading scorer Alan Shearer, who scored his 50th home goal in his 47th game.

Haaland will need to score at least twice at home to Tottenham this weekend if he wishes to become only the second Premier League player to reach the 50-goal mark in fewer than 50 home matches.

City’s leading marksman will back himself to make the net ripple against Spurs, as he has scored four goals in his previous six encounters with the North Londoners, netting the only goal in a narrow 1-0 away victory in February of last season.

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Pep Guardiola has provided the latest update on the fitness of his Manchester City squad ahead of Saturday lunchtime’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.

The Citizens kick-started the 2025-26 campaign with a statement 4-0 victory away against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend despite the absence of a few key players.

Phil Foden and Rodri both travelled to Wolves, but they were not selected in City's matchday squad as they were not deemed fully fit to feature.

Foden has been nursing a knock to his ankle, but he has taken part in team training throughout this week along with Rodri, who continues to recover from a “big injury” sustained at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Guardiola has confirmed that both Foden and Rodri are “ready” for this weekend’s game against Tottenham, but Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, Marcus Bettinelli and Savinho - who continues to be linked with a move to Spurs - all remain sidelined with injuries.

Guardiola delivers fresh injury update with Rodri, Foden “ready” for Spurs test

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Guardiola said: “Rodri and Phil were out of the last game, but for just the reason why was lack of training and rhythm and they didn’t travel to Palermo (for a pre-season friendly).

“They were not ready for 90 minutes against Wolves, but they are ready for tomorrow.

"[Mateo] Kovacic, Josko [Gvardiol], Savinho and [Bettinelli] are the only ones that are out.”

On Rodri, Guardiola added: "I just want a consistent Rodri, that's all. I don't have any doubts about his potential, quality - still, so far, he's the best player in the world.

“In a few months, a new [Ballon d’Or winner] will be elected, but still he is. I don't have any doubts, just consistency; training, weeks, training, weeks, games, minutes, and after everything will be fine."

Ederson available to battle Trafford for No.1 spot

Guardiola has also confirmed that goalkeeper Ederson is fit and available for selection after missing City’s win at Wolves due to illness.

The 32-year-old returned to first-team training earlier this week and although he continues to be linked with a summer exit amid reported interest from Galatasaray, the Brazilian will battle with new signing James Trafford - who kept a clean sheet on his debut against Wolves - for a start between the sticks against Spurs.

“We will decide tomorrow or tonight after dinner,” said Guardiola when asked who will start in goal. “Happy we know the new player (Trafford) brings new energy. It’s tough to change.

“New ideas and players are the same and James brings youth and desire to play at the club he was born and grow with.

“Happy for the performance, but it’s just the first game. Be consistent, play and be better against Spurs.”

Meanwhile, defensive duo Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake are also available for selection despite recent reporting linking them with Galatasaray and Everton respectively.

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Manchester City welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium for Saturday lunchtime’s Premier League kickoff.

While the Citizens eased to a 4-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening weekend of the new season, Spurs secured a 3-0 victory over Burnley in Thomas Frank’s first league game in charge, and here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest team news for the two clubs.

MANCHESTER CITY vs. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

MAN CITY

Out:Â Mateo Kovacic (Achilles), Kalvin Phillips (Achilles), Josko Gvardiol (knock), Savinho (unspecified), Marcus Bettinelli (unspecified)

Doubtful:Â Rodri (groin), Phil Foden (ankle)

Sports Mole's predicted XI:Â Trafford; Nunes, Stones, Dias, Ait-Nouri; Bernardo, Gonzalez; Bobb, Reijnders, Marmoush; Haaland

SPURS

Out: James Maddison (ACL), Radu Dragusin (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Yves Bissouma (unspecified), Destiny Udogie (knee), Bryan Gil (knee), Kota Takai (foot), Manor Solomon (calf)

Doubtful:Â None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Bentancur, Palhinha, Spence; Sarr, Kudus; Richarlison

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Manchester United are reportedly hopeful that Tottenham Hotspur will decide to re-enter the race to sign Alejandro Garnacho in the latter stages of the summer transfer window.

Garnacho has not been involved with Man United since the end of last season, with the Argentina international falling out with Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim following the Europa League final.

The 21-year-old continues to train away from the first team at Carrington, and he is set to leave the 20-time English champions before the summer market closes for business.

Garnacho has reportedly already come to an agreement with Chelsea over personal terms, but the Blues are not thought to be willing to pay more than £25m for the ex-Atletico Madrid youngster.

As it stands, Chelsea are the only serious contenders for Garnacho, placing the London club in a strong position, as Man United are openly keen to sell him before the summer market closes for business.

Man United hoping Spurs 're-join Garnacho race'

According to GIVEMESPORT, Man United are hopeful that Tottenham will decide to re-enter the race for the attacker in the latter stages of the market.

Man United allegedly believe that Chelsea will only be willing to meet their demands if another club are actively attempting to secure Garnacho's signature before the end of the market.

Tottenham are in the market for another attacker, especially after missing out on Eberechi Eze, with the England international now on the verge of making the move to Arsenal from Crystal Palace.

Spurs could therefore decide to reignite their interest in Garnacho, who could potentially join Chelsea for as little as £30m in the closing stages of the summer window.

Man United have been forced to slash Garnacho asking price

At the start of the summer transfer window, Man United are believed to have valued Garnacho at £70m, but they will not be selling him for anywhere near that amount before the market closes.

The Red Devils are now thought to value the forward in the region of £45m, which is a fair price considering Garnacho's age and ability to develop further.

Garnacho has scored 26 goals and registered 22 assists in 144 matches for Man United in all competitions, including 11 goals and 10 assists in 58 outings during the 2024-25 campaign.

Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers has admitted that he is happy at his current club amid reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank began his domestic tenure in the dugout with a comfortable 3-0 win against Burnley at home last Saturday.

Newcomer Mohammed Kudus provided two assists against the Clarets, and the attacker has looked revitalised on the right side of the team's frontline.

Frank may have hoped to have Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze through the doors to play alongside Kudus, but the Eagles star is now closing in on a move to Arsenal.

Rogers of Aston Villa has been touted as an alternative target, but speaking to The Times, the attacker insisted that he is not thinking about his future, saying: "I’m happy here. I love football. I love nothing more than just coming out on the pitch and playing football and that’s what I’m doing.

"I don’t think about anything else. I can’t predict the next 12 months or anything in the future. It’s just about playing football, enjoying my football and showing everyone what I can do.”

Villa are thought to be close to breaching the Premier League's spending rules, so there was hope that Rogers would become available at some point in the transfer window.

Does Morgan Rogers make sense as Eze alternative?

Rogers outperformed Eze in the Premier League in 2024-25 in terms of goal involvements, as while they both scored eight times, the former's tally of 10 assists was two more than the latter's total.

The Villa star did play 3,114 minutes in the league, whereas the Palace man played just 2,588 minutes for Palace.

Both attackers prefer to carry the ball when influencing play in the final third, with Rogers making 79 progressive carries and Eze making 58 in the top flight last season.

Eze is also 27 and is arguably entering his peak years, but Rogers is only 23 and could develop significantly under the tutelage of Frank.

What next for Thomas Frank and Tottenham Hotspur?

If Spurs miss out on Rogers, they will be facing a crisis in attacking midfield considering James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have suffered long-term injuries.

Kudus might be moved into a central role, and his strong ball carrying could help replicate the playstyle of Eze and Rogers.

Wilson Odobert has experience on the right of attack, and the forward is an option on the right flank, but Frank may not be willing to take Kudus away from the wings.

Tottenham have also been linked with Manchester City winger Savinho, but he has limited experience operating as a number 10, and his addition would still require one of Spurs' current options to play as an attacking midfielder.