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Proposals to amend constitution will give Ganguly, secretary Shah longer terms and more powers, won’t need Supreme Court approval

Nagraj Gollapudi10-Nov-2019

The BCCI’s newly elected administration has proposed several amendments to the board’s constitution which, if adopted, could undo some of the most significant reforms recommended by the RM Lodha Committee in restructuring the BCCI on the Supreme Court’s orders. They comprise: tweaking the cooling-off period of the board’s office bearers, modifying the disqualification criteria, giving unprecedented powers to the BCCI secretary, and stopping the court from having any say if the board wants to alter the constitution.The amendments to the constitution – approved by the Supreme Court last year – will be voted on by the BCCI’s general body, comprising elected representatives of the state associations, at the board’s annual general meeting (AGM) in Mumbai on December 1. They need a three-fourth majority in the general body to be passed. However, even with the approval of the BCCI general body, the board will need the approval of the court to alter the constitution to accommodate the amendments.The amendments – seen by ESPNcricinfo – were finalised by the newly elected BCCI administration, led by former India captain Sourav Ganguly. The AGM notice and proposals were sent to the state associations on Saturday by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who is the son of India’s home minister Amit Shah.The following are the proposed amendments:Amending the constitution: taking the Supreme Court out of the equationThe constitution says: Any amendment to the rules of the BCCI constitution will need a three-fourth majority of the board’s general body comprising all state associations. In addition, final approval will need to come from the Supreme Court for the amendment to kick in.BCCI viewpoint: This requirement to amend the constitution was not part of the Lodha Committee recommendations and it was also not part of the “principal judgement” of the court, delivered on July 18, 2016. “By this provision the members’ autonomy and right to seek legitimate changes would every time have to be approved by the Supreme Court,” the BCCI said. “This is not practical.”Proposed: The rules in the constitution can be “repealed, added to, amended or altered” by the three-fourth majority of elected and eligible representatives of the general body, with the court having no role in the process.Cooling-off period: six-year terms for the BCCI president and secretaryThe constitution says: An office bearer who has held any post for two consecutive terms (six years) either at a state association or in the BCCI, or a combination of both, shall not be eligible to contest any further election without completing a cooling-off period of three years. During the cooling-off period, the person cannot serve in any capacity at both the BCCI or state level.BCCI viewpoint: The cooling-off period is a “restriction”, which is “proving to be a big blow to selecting talented and experienced hands”. The BCCI feels the cooling-off period must be applied only after the individual has finished six years at one place – the BCCI or the state association, separately. The BCCI has also said that the treasurer, joint-secretary and vice-president should be allowed to finish nine years as office bearer at the board at one go, instead of having to take the three-year break after two consecutive terms (six years) in the job.Proposed: The two most powerful office bearers of the board – the president and the secretary – should be allowed to serve two consecutive terms (six years) solely at the BCCI before the cooling-off period kicks in. The person cannot return in any capacity during the break and/or contest any elections.Empowering the BCCI secretaryThe constitution says: The secretary shall essentially record the minutes of key BCCI meetings, while delegating work to the joint-secretary.BCCI viewpoint: The secretary has been reduced to a “mere minor functionary”, with his powers “curbed”, compared to the “powers vested in the paid executives”. The BCCI wants the secretary’s position restored as under the old constitution, where the CEO reported to him.Proposed: The secretary will assume supreme powers in all matters including cricket. “The management personnel, the staff and the CEO shall work under the direct supervision, control and direction of the secretary,” the BCCI said.Disqualification criteria ‘too wide’The constitution says: A person can be disqualified as an office bearer or as a member of the IPL governing council or any other board committee or from being sent to the ICC as the board’s representative if he/she is: over 70 years old, is insolvent or of unsound mind, has finished a cumulative period of nine years as office bearer at the BCCI or state association separately, is a government minister or government servant or holds public office, is part of any other sport’s governing body, or has been charged of criminal offence by a court of law.BCCI viewpoint: The disqualification criteria are “too wide”. If people with “sufficient experience” are not sent to ICC meetings, it fears, India’s position at global cricket’s governing body will recede. “In order to protect the interests of BCCI, which are being steadily eroded at ICC, people with experience of negotiation and personal interaction with other member nations should be made the representatives,” the BCCI said.The BCCI also said some of the criteria needs to be relaxed for members of the IPL governing council because otherwise it would be “increasingly difficult to find able hands to guide and nurture the interests of IPL”, which it called the “most valuable property” of the board. It also disagreed with rule disqualifying persons having a criminal charge against them as being “more stringent” than that found in “the Representation of the People Act 1950”.Proposed: The BCCI has proposed a different set of disqualification rules, one for the office bearers and members of the board’s apex council, and another for members of the IPL governing council and other board committees.With regards to the office bearers and apex council members, the BCCI has retained some of the original rules, but has removed certain key disqualification criteria. This include: holding public office, which the BCCI said was too wide a definition. It has also proposed that if an office bearer has finished nine years cumulatively at the state association, he can still continue to serve at the BCCI. Also being a member of another sport’s administration should not be a deterrent, it said. And, if a person is carrying a criminal charge, he/she needs to be “convicted… and sentenced to imprisonment for a period not less than three (three) years” to be disqualified.The same rules have been proposed for members of the IPL governing council and other board committees, with one addition: the age cap of 70 years will not apply to them.Secretary to become point man for apex councilThe constitution says: The nine-member apex council, which has replaced the working committee, will supervise the functioning of the CEO, the cricket committees and all other committees in the board, barring the IPL governing council. The apex council will also have the powers to take action against, or defend for or against, an office bearer or official of the board.BCCI viewpoint: The secretary should be the point man for the apex council and not the CEO as listed in the constitution.Proposed: The apex council will oversee the functioning of the CEO as well all the committees through the secretary. Also, instead of the apex council, the secretary will have the powers to take action against, or defend for or against, an office bearer or an employee.Daily management of the BCCIThe constitution says: This will be handled by the CEO and his team.BCCI viewpoint: While the CEO will continue to carry out the daily administration, the powers should rest with the office bearers.Proposed: The BCCI has said daily management will be conducted by the management team in both cricketing and non‐cricketing matters “under the direct supervision, direction and control of the respective office bearers”.

Leeds United secured their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 4-1 win in extra-time at Home Park against Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night.

The Whites will now travel to either Aston Villa or Chelsea, depending on the winner of their replay on Wednesday, in the next round of the competition.

Wilfried Gnonto's opening goal was cancelled out by a close-range finish from Brendan Galloway in normal time, which led to an additional 30 minutes.

Daniel Farke brought on his Championship stars from the bench, and they made the difference as Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville both registered a goal and an assist each to make it 3-1 before Ryan Hardie's own goal rounded off the scoring.

They were not the only stars of the show, though, as central defender Joe Rodon produced a colossal performance at centre-back to keep Leeds in the game at times.

Rutter and Summerville's match-winning contributions

The exciting pair started the game on the bench but made their presence felt in extra-time with a terrific display to secure the win for their side.

Summerville made it 2-1 in the 97th minute of the match as the Dutch winger cut inside from Rutter's pass to curl in a brilliant strike into the far corner to put Leeds ahead

The 22-year-old whiz then returned the favour to the France U21 international as his ball across to the former Hoffenheim starlet led to a finish off the post to make it 3-1, which all-but-finished the tie before the late own goal.

Between Summerville and Rutter, the Whites substitutes combined for two goals, two assists, and seven chances created off the bench, which is a staggering impact.

Joe Rodon "saved" Leeds

The final scoreline made it look like a comfortable win for Leeds. However, it was anything but comfortable for the away side as Plymouth caused plenty of problems through the impressive Morgan Whittaker and the likes of Bali Mumba and Hardie.

Rodon's defensive brilliance at the back was vital for Farke's team and one phenomenal block in the first half stopped the hosts from taking the lead.

Plymouth brilliantly carved out an opportunity to cross down the right flank and Mumba's low ball in deflected off Liam Cooper and appeared to fall perfectly to Matthew Sorinola to make it 1-0. Rodon had other ideas as the central defender flung himself in front of the full-back to make a colossal block.

BBC Sport commentator Jonathan Pearce said that the Tottenham Hotspur loanee "saved" Leeds, during their coverage of the game, with his heroics.

As you can see in the table above, the Wales international was a busy man throughout the match with his dominant defensive work on the deck, including his stunning block, as he won possession back seven times through his tackles and interceptions.

Rodon was also assured on the ball with a staggering 133 completed passes (95% success rate) from 154 touches of the ball on the night for Leeds, two of which created chances for his teammates.

These statistics show that the former Swansea star was crucial to what the Whites did in and out of possession, with his crucial defending and extremely reliable play on the ball.

Therefore, Rodon saved Leeds with his colossal showing, as he prevented Plymouth from taking the lead and changing the game with his block before making a number of other interventions to send the game to extra-time, which allowed Summerville and Rutter to work their magic to secure the win.

MatériaMais Notícias

A vitória do São Paulo sobre o Ituano por 3 a 0, no último domingo, no estádio Novelli Júnior, em Itu, envolveu um fato curioso.Dos 23 atletas chamados pelo técnico Crespo para o jogo, 17 foram revelados na base de Cotia, ou seja, 74% dos relacionados.

No Dia do Goleiro, veja os nomes da posição com mais jogos na história do São Paulo

Oito jogadores formaram a equipe titular na partida. O goleiro Lucas Perri, os defensores Diego Costa e Rodrigo, o lateral-esquerdo Welington, os meias Liziero, Rodrigo Nestor e Talles Costa e o atacante Galeano. Rodrigo e Galeano fizeram gols no triunfo.

CONFIRA A TABELA ATUALIZADA DO CAMPEONATO PAULISTA DE 2021!

RelacionadasSão PauloSão Paulo inicia semana de olho no segundo jogo da LibertadoresSão Paulo26/04/2021São PauloZagueiro Rodrigo comemora primeiro gol pelo São Paulo: ‘Muito feliz’São Paulo26/04/2021VídeoVÍDEO: Crespo fala sobre volante Hernanes: ‘Uma pessoa muito importante no vestiário’Vídeo26/04/2021

Já no banco de reservas, mais atletas formados na base:Thiago Couto, Beraldo, Luan, Patryck, Igor Gomes, Nathan, Vitinho, Marquinhos e Hernanes. O Profeta, inclusive, voltou de lesão nessa partida e foi formado na base do clube, onde estreou antes da inauguração do CT de Cotia.

A base vem ganhando espaço com Crespo nesta temporada.Lucas Perri, Diego Costa, Igor Gomes, Luan e Liziero não são novidade na equipe principal. Luan, inclusive marcou gol na estreia da Libertadores e renovou o seu contrato recentemente, depois de sondagens do futebol europeu.

Gerações da base relacionadas contra o Ituano
– 1985: Hernanes
– 1997: Lucas Perri
– 1998: Liziero e Rodrigo
– 1999: Thiago Couto, Diego Costa, Luan e Igor Gomes
– 2000: Rodrigo Nestor e Galeano
– 2001: Welington e Vitinho
– 2002: Nathan e Talles Costa
– 2003: Beraldo, Marquinhos e Patryck

Pep Guardiola's continuance at Manchester City past the summer of 2025 is in doubt and here is how the club are trying to convince him to stay.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Man City trying to convince Guardiola
• The Spaniard wants to leave next year
• Club hoping Club World Cup may convince him

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Guardiola has created an empire at Manchester City since he joined the club in 2016, and that empire may be creeping to an end with the Spaniard reportedly not looking to renew his contract as he looks towards his next venture. However, City have reportedly drawn up a plan to try and keep him past the summer of 2025 with Sheikh Mansour set to lead the charge.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As per a report by The Mirror, Guardiola made a trip to Abu Dhabi and met with Sheikh Mansour at his home. City's current contract with Guardiola expires on 30 June 2025, two weeks before the start of the new format of the FIFA Club World Cup. They hope that the opportunity to lead his side at the tournament could be something that entices the 53-year-old to remain at the club. The eight-time Premier League winners are also ready to offer a significant bump to Guardiola's current £20 million-a-year ($25.3m) wages.

• Imago Images / Agencia EFE
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  It is internally believed at the club that if Guardiola decides to call it a day at the Etihad, they may also see the departure of their Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain. However, Shiekh Mansour and CEO Khaldoon Al Mubarak are looking to do everything to not let the two depart.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR GUARDIOLA?

  Regardless of what happens in the summer of 2025, Guardiola will be looking to prepare his side for yet another season as they will look to retain and win their fifth-straight Premier League title and also try to attain their second Champions League trophy.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is currently navigating his first January transfer window since his return to Scotland, and has now made a decision on the future of one first-team player.

Celtic's quiet transfer window so far

Despite much anticipation in the lead-up to the January window, Celtic are yet to announce any formal signing as they take stock of players' availability before moving into the market.

Speaking back in December, Hoops boss Rodgers indicated his wish to add quality to his squad in the coming months, stating via Sky Sports: "There's no doubt now that, one, the squad will come down in numbers and obviously we need to add quality. There is no dressing it up, the group lost real quality players in the summer. That's something that over the coming windows we will look to improve on."

Celtic targeting "unbelievable talent" for Rodgers in January

Celtic are among a host of teams on the trail of a young midfielder.

ByDavid Comerford Jan 7, 2024

Rumours are slowly starting to arise regarding the Hoops' pursuit of potential targets and Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt is mooted to be on their radar alongside arch-rival Rangers. Bologna striker Sydney van Hooijdonk is another name that refuses to go away when discussing Celtic's transfer dealings this window, and reports in Italy claim that the 24-year-old has been told he can leave the Serie A outfit.

Later on in the same report, the outlet share quotes from Rodgers that suggest he is not looking to upgrade his side's goalkeeping options despite Joe Hart's contract being set to expire at the end of the campaign, as he stated: "It’s not something that we’re looking at just now. There are other areas we have to look at first."

Nevertheless, one man who only joined in the summer could now be on his way out of Parkhead this month after an approach was made for his signature, as per reports.

Gustaf Lagerbielke courted by Lecce…

According to Sky Sports News, Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke is subject to an approach from Lecce and could be offered a way out of his disappointing spell in Glasgow on a loan basis until the end of the campaign.

Gustaf Lagerbielke's spell at Celtic – Scottish Premiership (Sofascore)

Total games played

6

Total games started

4

Accurate passes per game

61.3 (85%)

Tackles per game

1.8

Average match rating

7.18/10

Reporter Nick Powell told viewers: "Lecce from Italy have approached Celtic about signing Gustaf Lagerbielke on loan. Lagerbielke is a Sweden international centre-back; he's played nine times for Celtic this season, including in the first of the Old Firm meetings back in September."

Signed for £3 million from Elfsborg in the summer, the 23-year-old has cost roughly £333,000 per appearance so far, a steep sum for a fringe player. However, Lagerbielke has contributed to five clean sheets in nine outings and netted his only goal for the Scottish Premiership champions against Feyenoord on Champions League duty, helping Celtic to secure their first home win in the competition for over a decade (Lagerbielke statistics – Transfermarkt).

Despite this, the Stockholm-born man could now be on his way out of the club after failing to impress Rodgers over the course of his time at Parkhead.

Offspinner Sana Mir claimed 4 for 11 in her six overs to dismiss South Africa women for 63 – their second-lowest total in ODI cricket. Mir took the new ball alongside 17-year-old medium-pacer Fatima Sana and removed four of South Africa’s top five inside eight overs. There would be no way back for the hosts in Potchefstroom.That they passed fifty was down to Mignon du Preez (18) and Chloe Tryon (21). Those two were the only South Africa batsmen to reach double figures in an innings that lasted all of 22.5 overs. Nashra Sandhu and Nida Dar backed up Mir by picking up two wickets each. Chasing a slim target, Pakistan women got home with eight wickets and 212 balls to spare. This was Pakistan women’s biggest ODI victory in terms of balls remaining.Mir had set the foundation for the win by taking the wickets of opener Laura Wolvaardt and captain Sune Luus in her first over. She missed the hat-trick, but triggered a terminal slide.Marizanne Kapp, playing her 100th ODI, struck early for South Africa, as did Shabnim Ismail, but Javeria Khan and captain Bismah Maroof made light work of the chase with an unbroken 38-run stand – the highest in the match.

Aston Villa, in a newfound position as a side competing for a top-four place in the Premier League, have the chance to cast their transfer net on more players than ever in the transfer market. And that has seen a number of players linked with Villa Park moves this month, including a Championship star.

Aston Villa transfer news

In the latest Aston Villa transfer news, the Midlands club have been linked with boosting their attack. The likes of Felipe Anderson and Giovanni Reyna have been mentioned among those who could join Unai Emery at Villa Park this month. Meanwhile, according to Fabrizio Romano, Villa are close to an agreement to sign Kosta Nedeljkovic from Red Star Belgrade, who will take the right-back on loan until the end of the season.

Emery spoke about the potential of January arrivals at the end of December, saying:

"We are analysing and we are meeting with Monchi (president of football operations) and the owners in how we can improve and change something in the squad, but I am very happy.

“We might change something, but not 100 per cent — only if we can get something that can really help. We are going to be alert as to whether we have the possibility to add to the squad, but at the moment we are happy with the players we have, getting good results, good commitment and the competitive structure we are creating. I don’t know if we are going to get something or not in the transfer window.”

Related Aston Villa leading the race for "unplayable" talent who's just Coutinho 2.0

The Villans are seemingly keen to snap up another mercurial Brazilian talent in the January window.

Posts ByRobbie Walls Jan 18, 2024

Among those who could really help is a Championship star. According to reliable reporter John Percy of The Telegraph, NSWE and Aston Villa and by extension owners NSWE have now made a second bid for Morgan Rogers after seeing their first offer rejected by Middlesbrough. Percy posted the news on X, admitting that Villa haven't had any luck this time around, either.

With Boro remaining stubborn and Villa still in pursuit, the deal for Rogers is certainly one to watch this month.

"Dangerous" Rogers is one for the future

At just 21 years old, Rogers could get better and better with experience and a move to Aston Villa may only accelerate that. Having previously played for Manchester City before finding his feet at Middlesbrough, the young forward could now get the chance to earn Premier League redemption through a move to Villa Park.

Rogers' versatility stands out as a trait that could prove to be incredibly useful for Emery in the remainder of the season, with his ability to play in every role across the frontline handing Villa some attacking depth. Boro boss Michael Carrick won't want to see his forward leave, however, and the Manchester United legend was full of praise for Rogers after his side's recent win over West Bromwich Albion.

Carrick said: “He creates, he’s dangerous. He’s a huge talent. He’s fantastic to work with, he wants to learn and get better all the time and is desperate to give what he can for the team which is brilliant. He’s got a terrific attitude for the game and is showing his quality. You can see he’s growing here, he’s at home here and belongs here and you can see him growing all the time.”

Newcastle United aren't enjoying the best of times at present under Eddie Howe and sporting director Dan Ashworth has now reportedly travelled to scout three players participating in the same match as the Magpies search for January reinforcements.

Newcastle form…

On Saturday, Newcastle United lost 1-0 away to Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, with a solitary effort from Andros Townsend enough to ensure the Magpies encountered their fifth defeat in six matches across all competitions.

In the Premier League, Howe's men sit seventh, having taken 29 points from 18 matches played; nevertheless, they have also exited the Champions League and EFL Cup, making their season so far a mixed bag following on from a fantastic 2022/23 campaign. Of course, injuries have played a major part in their recent decline; nevertheless, Howe wasn't in the mood to make excuses after his side's defeat against Rob Edwards' spirited outfit, as he said:

"No excuses from our side, just on the day we weren't where we needed to be to win the game. I'm not going to say any more than that really but I think the players felt that as well. We were well aware we were below our levels but the second half was a lot better and we couldn't force the goal we needed and the mistake in the first half has cost us the match."

Newcastle eyeing move for “special” attacking player in January

Eddie Howe has previously admitted his admiration for the youngster.

ByHenry Jackson Dec 24, 2023

Looking ahead, Nottingham Forest will make the trip to St James' Park on Boxing Day as the Toon Army look to bounce back from a concerning run of form, which is likely to increase their appetite for new arrivals in January.

Now, new information has emerged regarding three potential targets for Newcastle United who have been scouted recently as Howe and his recruitment staff eye reinforcements.

Dan Ashworth's scouting mission…

According to Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, Newcastle United sporting director Ashworth attended Salernitana's 2-2 draw with AC Milan on Friday evening to take in the performances of Lorenzo Pirola, Lassana Coulibaly and Boulaye Dia.

Pirola, Coulibaly and Dia's match rating vs AC Milan (Sofascore)

Lorenzo Pirola

7.6/10

Lassana Coulibaly

6.9/10

Boulaye Dia

6.3/10

Di Marzio claims that Newcastle United are keen to recruit from Serie A once again following the initial impact of Sandro Tonali at the club before his ban for breaching gambling rules kicked in.

Pirola is a central defender, Coulibaly is a midfielder and Dia operates as a central striker, which are three positions that could all do with further strengthening as Howe battles with a strong current of absences at St James' Park.

All three have been regulars for the Italian top-flight basement battlers this term; however, Dia, who journalist Jonas Adnan Giæver described as an “absolute monster”, is probably the standout candidate, given that he has scored 20 goals and laid on a further six assists in his 47 appearances for Salernitana (Dia statistics – Transfermarkt).

Shopping in Italy appears to be an avenue Newcastle feel they can garner success from, so it will be intriguing to see whether the North East giants advance in their pursuit of any of the mentioned trio once the transfer window gets underway.

After failing to win any of their last five matches prior to last weekend, Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur earned a much-needed 4-1 victory over Newcastle United, ensuring that the early season feel-good factor has momentarily returned.

Losing record goal scorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in the summer hasn’t had such a drastic impact as everyone expected, which is a testament to the Australian’s man management and tactical approach, getting the best out of Heung-min Son in particular.

With James Maddison and Manor Soloman out, and Spurs lacking in attacking options, they are looking to buy a true striker, with the role currently being occupied by the South Korean and at times, Richarlison.

Tottenham transfers latest – Lois Openda

Even though the forward only moved to RB Leipzig in the summer, Lois Openda’s performances have piqued the interest of numerous big clubs, including Spurs according to the Mirror.

The Belgian’s value is thought to be around £75m and the Lilywhites want to make the centre-forward role much more competitive.

Manchester United are also reportedly interested in signing the Leipzig striker who scored a brace at the Etihad in the Champions League last month.

Lois Openda’s style of play

Openda is known for his speed and acceleration, which has been described as “terrifying” by European football writer, Seb Stafford-Bloor. The 23-year-old has exploded on the Bundesliga and European stage in his first season, scoring ten goals in the league in 14 appearances and four in five in the UEFA Champions League.

Based on the Belgium internationals FBref scouting report, it is clear that Openda thrives in front of goal, but not necessarily in build-up or in possession. The table below serves as evidence for this.

Shots

4.32

Top 14%

Goals

0.83

Top 14%

Passes completed

9.81

Bottom 2%

Key passes

1.33

Top 34%

Touches

27.59

Bottom 6%

As you can see, the ex-Vitesse forward is the definition of a true finisher, with elite box movement that is reminiscent of Kane, who Openda loves and has clearly modelled aspects of his game on.

Indeed, speaking about the former Spurs star, the forward stated: "Harry Kane is one of the best in the world. He’s better than me. But that’s exactly what drives me – I want to be at his level one day."

All of the forward's goals this season have been scored within the penalty box, which would potentially benefit Tottenham's current captain. Indeed, it would give Son the freedom to create and find the attacker in a similar fashion to the first two goals that Spurs scored last weekend.

The Lilywhites’ captain would feature off the left rather than the central role he has been deployed in so far this season, but Postecoglou’s approach is fluid with positions prioritised over personnel in the role.

His pace and threat on the counterattack with Son and Maddison feeding him would be one of the deadliest combinations in the Premier League, especially when you add that to the fact that he can score with both feet. The number 17 will bring energy and a suffocating press to Spurs’ attack, as well as a constant out ball, as shown by the 8.56 passes received per game this season – a stat that ranks him within the best 6% in Europe. He certainly knows where to be – good news for the creative players at Spurs.

To briefly summarise, Openda could well be a season-changing signing for Spurs.

Brighton and Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson has recently been linked with an exit, and a reliable journalist has dropped an update on the chances of him leaving in January.

Ferguson's incredible breakout at Brighton…

Back in 2021, Ferguson first joined the club’s academy and he’s since worked his way up through the ranks to become a regular feature of the first-team, where he’s so far made a total of 43 senior appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Ferguson statistics).

The Republic of Ireland international only recently signed a new long-term contract that runs until 2028 – and it contains no release clause – so that will be music to the ears of supporters, but that won’t stop potential suitors from trying their luck.

The Seagulls centre-forward has emerged as Roberto De Zerbi’s best-performing offensive player so far this season (WhoScored – Brighton statistics), and his high standard of displays have brought him onto the radar of five clubs in the Premier League.

According to reports, Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in a deal for the 19-year-old, whilst Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are also believed to have joined the race for his services, but if the following update is to be believed, it will take a lot to prise him away from the south coast in January.

Fabrizio Romano shares update on Ferguson

Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Ferguson is happy at Brighton and currently isn't looking to leave to join a rival in England.

"We keep seeing Brighton’s Evan Ferguson linked with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United. I can confirm that big clubs like these are following Ferguson, because he’s a top talent, but it’s just normal scouting and monitoring – it would be surprising if they weren’t keeping an eye on an exciting young player like him!

"There is, however, nothing more concrete to report for the moment. Ferguson only recently signed a new contract with Brighton, so he’s fully focused on them. I’m told he’s really happy at Brighton and sees it as the best place for him to develop now, as we’ve seen with so many other top young players there in recent times.”

During his time at Brighton, Ferguson has posted 19 direct contributions (15 goals and four assists) in 43 appearances at senior level, which shows how prolific he can be in the opposition’s box, but it’s not just his finishing that he has to offer when leading the line.

Standing at 6 foot 2, De Zerbi’s talisman currently ranks in the 97th percentile for pass completion so he has extremely strong link-up play with his fellow teammates in the attacking areas of the pitch (FBRef – Ferguson statistics).

Furthermore, Ferguson’s ability to operate in five different positions over the field, including everywhere across the frontline and even as an attacking midfielder, makes him easily able to adapt to the manager’s demands, so it’s important that the club do everything they can to retain his services beyond January.