All posts by n8rngtd.top

Tottenham Hotspur are now the favourites in the race for a £67m “pocket rocket”, who wants to move to the Premier League in the summer, according to a report.

Spurs seal European glory in Bilbao

Ange Postecoglou made it clear that he is always successful in his second season, and nothing has changed this time around, with Tottenham’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao sealing Europa League glory.

Not only does the triumph end the 17-year wait for a trophy, but it also grants Spurs qualification to next season’s Champions League, which should make a move to north London far more appealing for some of Europe’s top players this summer.

In fact, the Lilywhites now have renewed hope of being able to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi this summer, with club chiefs adamant that the prospect of playing in the Champions League could tempt the England international into a move.

Postecoglou sack stance after Levy holds fresh Tottenham boardroom talks

The Australian is now a history-maker.

3

By
Emilio Galantini

May 24, 2025

The doubt lingering over Cristian Romero’s future means signing a new centre-back could be important for Tottenham this summer, while they are also keen to strengthen in more attacking areas of the pitch.

Indeed, according to a report from Spain, RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons is now a priority target for Spurs, who are believed to be among the favourites in the race for his signature, but a deal will be on the expensive side.

Leipzig are set to hold out for a fee of €80m (£67m) in order to sanction Simons’ departure, amid widespread interest, with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal recently being named as potential suitors.

Qualification for the Champions League means Spurs could have the funds to get a deal done, and a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium may appeal to the 22-year-old, as he is believed to be keen on a move to the Premier League.

"Pocket rocket" Simons could be exciting signing for Spurs

Of course, finally winning silverware was of key significance for Tottenham, but an added bonus of winning the Europa League is the fact it should allow them to compete for some top players this summer, and the Leipzig attacking midfielder could be firmly in that category.

After making a name for himself at PSV Eindhoven, the Dutchman has taken his game to the next level over the past two seasons, regularly contributing with goals and assists for Leipzig in the Bundesliga.

Not only that, but the Netherlands international has been lauded as a “pocket rocket” by analyst Raj Chohan, who also insisted he would take the former PSV man at Liverpool ahead of Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

With Liverpool now closing in on the signing of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, however, the path is now becoming clearer for Tottenham to sign Simons, and there are plenty of indications the Leipzig star could be an exciting addition to the squad.

Crystal Palace have now joined Manchester United in the race to sign a “magnificent” £19 million playmaker who could replace Eberechi Eze, according to a recent report.

Eze edges closer to Crystal Palace exit after FA Cup triumph

It was a weekend to remember for the Eagles as they secured their first major trophy in their history by winning the FA Cup and, in the process, also secured Europa League football for next season.

This achievement will likely see Palace spend some money this summer, as Oliver Glasner looks to build a squad which is capable of competing in Europe and domestically.

Viana now moving to sign £59m Crystal Palace star who destroyed Man City

He’s been in sensational form as of late.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 18, 2025

Despite securing European football, it appears it hasn’t done much in terms of them retaining the services of Eberechi Eze for next season. The Englishman, who got the only goal of the game over the weekend, has been a standout performer this season and is now wanted by several clubs from the Premier League.

Not long after beating Man City in the final, it was reported that incoming City sporting director Hugo Viana has made a move to sign Eze for the Blues. Eze is thought to have a release clause worth around £68-70 million, and the Etihad hierarchy are ready to activate it.

But City are not the only team ready to activate Eze’s release clause, as a report from Spain has stated that Chelsea are also lining up an offer for the exciting attacking midfielder. The fact that Eze has a release clause means the likelihood is that Palace will lose their talisman this summer unless he downright demands to stay, and therefore, a replacement may well be needed.

Crystal Palace in race to sign Rayan Cherki

The Eagles appear to already have a player in mind when it comes to replacing Eze, as according to a report from Spain, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Rayan Cherki from Lyon, who are desperate to sell their midfielder.

The report states that Lyon’s financial situation means they are having to consider letting players leave the club this summer. It goes on to add that the French side are looking to improve their accounts quickly and therefore are willing to sell Cherki for around 22 million euros, which is roughly £19 million, and they hope an offer will arrive soon.

Palace are not the only team chasing the 21-year-old, as Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the Frenchman, as well as Manchester United, who have been contacted with the chance to sign Cherki.

The right-winger, who can also play in a more central position, has been dubbed “magnificent” by scout/writer Jacek Kulig, and he could be seen as a player who could fit perfectly into Eze’s playmaker role.

Fabrizio Romano has even reported that Lyon have confirmed Cherki will be leaving the club this summer, and were Palace to sign him and lose Eze, it would represent a good bit of business for the South Londoners from a financial perspective, as much as it would hurt to see their cup final hero walk out the door.

Manchester United could now be offered the chance to sign a “strong” Juventus star in exchange for selling striker Rasmus Hojlund, according to a recent report.

Amorim determined to keep key man at United

United are all set to play the second leg of their Europa League semi-final tie against Athletic Bilbao, knowing they are in a very good position to seal their place in the final. Leading up to United’s biggest game of the season, there has been talk about Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal wanting to sign talisman and captain Bruno Fernandes.

Hojlund upgrade: Man Utd could see £34m bid accepted for "incredible" star

Man Utd are in desperate need of a new striker this summer, whatever happens in the Europa League

By
Robbie Walls

May 8, 2025

Al-Hilal are said to be prepared to pay a British record transfer fee and also pay the Portugal international more than £1 million a week to get him out of Old Trafford. However, that may not be an easy task for the Saudi team, as Ruben Amorim has once again confirmed that he wants Bruno to stay at the club, as he is “one of the top players in the world”.

Amorim said in his pre-match Bilbao press conference: “Our idea didn’t change. We want to keep the best players – and Bruno is clearly one of the top players in the world. We want Bruno here.

“It is easy to understand [his importance] – not just because of the numbers but the way he plays and the importance he has during his five years here.

“It’s normal; a lot of clubs want a player like Bruno. He is a leader, and he’s the captain, so he’s really important. He is a top player; we need top players.”

Man Utd could be offered £135k-p/w star in exchange for Hojlund

While Amorim makes it clear he wants Fernandes to stay, he may be open to the idea of letting other players leave, in particular Hojlund, and the Red Devils could now be offered an intriguing player swap. According to Tuttosport, Juventus could be prepared to offer Douglas Luiz to Man United in exchange for Hojlund.

The report states that the Serie A giants are leading the race to sign Hojlund this summer and have taken steps to move towards a deal. There is talk that Dušan Vlahović, who Juventus are open to selling this summer, could be a part of a deal for Hojlund, but it also mentions that Luiz is an ‘important card to play’ in the negotiations for the United striker.

Luiz, who has been dubbed “strong” by Aston Villa sporting director Monchi, only joined Juve in the summer but has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot, featuring in just 17 Serie A games and mostly from the bench. Despite being under contract until 2029, Juventus may look to use Luiz in a deal for Hojlund to bring United’s price down.

Hojlund, who earns £85,000 a week at Old Trafford, has struggled in front of goal all season for United, and it could be that the Red Devils do move him on, so it allows them to bring in a suitable replacement. However, it is unclear if the Premier League side would be interested in doing a deal which sees them sign a new midfielder in Luiz, who earns a staggering £135,000 a week at Juventus despite barely making an impact. If there is going to be a player swap, United may want a striker for a striker instead of a new midfielder.

One of the most underrated academies in English football could well be that of West Ham United. The Hammers have produced some exceptional players in the Premier League era, some of them going on to have legendary careers, though sadly away from East London.

Perhaps the most famous example is Frank Lampard, who broke through under Harry Redknapp and eventually joined Chelsea, where he became a key player at Stamford Bridge. Rio Ferdinand is another player who came through the Hammers academy, but he moved to Leeds, and then Manchester United, where he was a vital player under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Of course, there are other examples, including Jermaine Defoe, who broke through the first team at Upton Park. There are more recent talents to have come through West Ham’s academy system, who have now left.

Some of West Ham’s biggest academy losses

When you think of West Ham’s academy in the modern-day era, the one player who might spring to mind immediately is Declan Rice. The England international moved to Arsenal in 2023, but certainly left his mark on the London Stadium.

He made 245 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals and grabbing 13 assists from defensive midfield in that time. He also helped them to win the UEFA Conference League back in 2023, one of his final acts as a West Ham player.

Another player, who people may not know was once a West Ham academy player, is Ayden Heaven. However, he was poached by Arsenal as a youngster, and is now at Old Trafford like Ferdinand once was. So far, the youngster has made two Premier League appearances.

Heaven is not the only former West Ham academy man now plying his trade in Manchester. Striker Divin Mubama joined Manchester City last summer, and he has gone on to play twice this season, scoring once against Salford City in the FA Cup.

However, perhaps the most frustrating loss of an anace,y player in recent years is someone else poached by Man City.

West Ham’s biggest academy loss

Over on the Blue half of Manchester, they are not short of elite talent. However, Divine Mukasa, formerly of West Ham, is arguably one of the most exciting. He was described as a “serious talent” by football analyst Ben Mattinson.

In fact, Mattinson also says he believes Mukasa “would be playing for West Ham’s first team right now if he had stayed”, which further shows just how talented he is. He has certainly reached an exceptionally high level this season.

Muksas’s numbers for City’s under-18s this term are nothing short of incredible. In 25 games in the Under-18s Premier League and the FA Youth Cup, a competition in which City are in the final, he has managed 17 goals and 21 assists.

To break that down further, he has found the back of the net 16 times and created 15 goals for his teammates in the league, making just 20 appearances. In just five FA Youth Cup games, he’s grabbed a phenomenal six assists.

Mukasa has also stood out in the UEFA Youth League for City, and his underlying numbers via Sofascore show how well he has played. In eight games, he averaged 1.7 key passes per game and completed 0.6 dribbles.

In a West Ham shirt for the under-18s, Mukasa’s record was not as good as it was for City. He managed just one goal and one assist in ten games, playing 610 minutes, the equivalent of 6.7 full 90-minute games.

Based on his sparkling form in the Etihad youth ranks, it might not be long before he earns his chance in Pep Guardiola’s first-team ranks, with the Irons left faced with the prospect of witnessing one of their own go on to shine elsewhere – much like with the case of three-time Premier League winner and all-time top Chelsea goalscorer, Lampard.

There is no doubt that fumbling Mukasa was a real error by the Hammers. His talent is clear to see, and he could have had an impact in their side this season, if only they had managed to keep hold of him two years ago.

Biggest wonderkid since Rice: West Ham struck gold on "electric" starlet

West Ham have struck gold on their biggest wonderkid since Declan Rice with this “top player”

By
Connor Holden

Apr 17, 2025

Arsenal are now in talks to seal an early summer deal for a “sensational” striker, who has now emerged as their top target, according to a report.

Gunners' striker pursuit heating up

These are exciting times for the Gunners, who are daring to dream after defeating Real Madrid over two legs to reach the Champions League semi-final, but there is a feeling a top striker could be the final piece of the jigsaw in their Premier League title pursuit next season.

As such, the north Londoners are now ramping up their pursuit of a new forward, and talks have now been held over a deal for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, with sporting director Andre Berta trying to convince the Slovenian to move to the Emirates Stadium.

However, given that a deal for Sesko could amount to £58m, there may be a temptation to look at a cheaper alternative, and talks have also been held over Lille striker Jonathan David, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.

Kiwior upgrade: Arsenal want to sign "the most in-demand CB in the world"

The tremendously exciting prospect could be incredible for Arsenal.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 21, 2025

Mikel Arteta’s side have expressed clear interest in Sesko and David, but a different striker is now their first choice option for the summer transfer window.

According to a report from Football Insider, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is now Arsenal’s top target, and they have opened talks to sign the Sweden international in an early summer deal.

Berta is known to be an admirer of Gyokeres, and the sporting director is driving the pursuit, with negotiations ongoing to try and convince him about the move to north London, while the Gunners are also attempting to put a package together.

The Sporting CP star becoming the north Londoners’ top target is the latest ‘twist’ in their pursuit of a new striker, with bringing in an elite forward deemed to be a priority heading into the summer window.

"Sensational" Gyokeres is a goal machine

Despite having an £86m release clause, Fabrizio Romano has revealed the Swedish striker will cost up to £60m this summer, which seems a reasonable fee, given just how impressive his goal and assist record has been this season.

The 26-year-old was lauded as “sensational” by Richard Keys earlier in the campaign, and his performances in Portugal indicate that he is now ready to make the step-up to a top club.

While there may be some concerns that Gyokeres is yet to prove himself in a major league, his Champions League exploits this season suggest he could be a fantastic signing for Arsenal, and potentially the missing piece of the jigsaw in their title bid.

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs are now considering the possibility of poaching a star from Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca now prepared to let him go.

Ange Postecoglou faces crucial Europa League quarter-final

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is currently preparing for his most important match since taking over as manager.

Collymore urges title-winning manager not to join Tottenham after Levy talks

The pundit thinks he’d be making a big mistake.

5

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 5, 2025

The Lilywhites take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday, and many see the tie as pivotal in determining Postecoglou’s long-term future at N17.

It is truly Europa League or bust for the Australian, who is relying on a good run in Europe to have anything to shout about from this campaign. Sitting 14th in the table after 16 defeats in the league alone, Postecoglou is statistically on course to become Spurs’ worst ever Premier League manager.

He’ll be desperate to make history in the Europa and restore some of his reputation, amid protests surrounding the club’s unpopular ownership by supporters. Large sections of the Spurs fanbase rallied against Daniel Levy and ENIC again on Sunday, so there is continuous pressure on the board to start delivering on-field success.

They warmed up for their clash with Frankfurt in solid fashion, relegating bottom side Southampton, with goals from Brennan Johnson (2) and a late Mathys Tel penalty handing Spurs all three points.

As Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is repeatedly linked with becoming the new Tottenham manager to replace Postecoglou, major uncertainty surrounds the 59-year-old’s future, but the Spurs recruitment team are also planning for new players ahead of next term.

Tottenham planning "surprise" move for Chelsea star Noni Madueke

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Chelsea winger and England international Noni Madueke is on their radar.

Tottenham are planning a “surprise” move for Madueke this summer, while it is also believed that Maresca will sanction his exit, which would free up a move for the north Londoners to strike a deal for PSV Eindhoven’s ex-starlet.

At his best, Madueke has really shone as part of Chelsea’s front three this term, especially during the first half of 2024/2025, but Maresca apparently has doubts whether the 23-year-old can fit into his system long-term.

As a result, Tottenham could look to re-sign Madueke seven years after he departed their youth set-up for PSV.

“He is top,” said personal technical coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst to Sky Sports.

“For me, he is one of the best young forward players in Europe, easily. A lot of focus has been on Cody Gakpo at PSV, because of the World Cup, but Noni is up there.

“He is one of the best, if not the best, because he is so dynamic, so strong in one-v-ones, so technically gifted, so athletic.”

According to GiveMeSport, Chelsea would sell for a “marginal profit” on the £29 million they paid to initially sign Madueke, so Levy wouldn’t have to break the bank. However, they also report that Aston Villa and Newcastle are in the race.

Chelsea still have plenty to play for over the next two months as they fight to end the 2024/25 campaign with a trophy to show for their efforts on the pitch.

The Blues have one foot in the semi-finals of the Conference League after they travelled to Poland to hammer Legia Warsaw 3-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final clash on Thursday evening.

Tyrique George opened the scoring, with his first senior goal for the club, and Noni Madueke scored twice to secure a comfortable victory for Enzo Maresca’s side.

The Blues will be hoping to win their first Conference League trophy to claim a piece of silverware in the manager’s first season at the club, whilst also attempting to qualify for the Champions League.

Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League and now know that the top five in the division will qualify for Europe’s premier cup competition, which means that they are in a great position at this moment in time.

Despite the fact that it could be a successful end to the season, the Blues are reportedly active in the market ahead of the summer – with Liam Delap one player who is of interest to the London giants.

Why Chelsea want to sign Liam Delap

It was recently reported that Chelsea are serious about a deal to sign the England U21 international, and that they have already opened talks to snap him up from Ipswich Town.

The 22-year-old striker is set to be relegated to the Championship with the Tractor Boys, who are 12 points adrift with seven matches left to play, and the Blues could take advantage of that to bring the forward to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Despite Ipswich’s struggles in the Premier League this season, the former Manchester City centre-forward has proven his ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis.

He has scored 12 goals in 30 appearances in the division, despite his team having only scored 31 times in 31 games in the league, and outscored current Chelsea number nine Nicolas Jackson.

As you can see in the graphic above, Delap has been significantly more clinical with the ‘big chances’ that have come his way than Jackson has for the Blues this term.

This may be why Chelsea are interested in signing the English youngster when the summer transfer window opens for business later this year, because he could improve the team’s ruthlessness in the final third.

The Blues, however, have now been linked with interest in a player who could be a even better signing than Delap from another Premier League team.

Chelsea have made contact to sign Premier League star

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Chelsea are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign central defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Liverpool are the other Premier League sides keen on a swoop for the Spain international, who has caught the eye with the Cherries this season.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It states that all four of those clubs, as well as Chelsea, have made contact with the player’s representatives to see where his head is at ahead of the summer.

Ornstein’s report adds that the Spanish centre-back has a £50m release clause in his current contract with Bournemouth, which would allow teams to snap him up without having to have drawn out discussions with his club.

It reveals that the Cherries and Huijsen both want a transfer, or for him to commit to staying at the Vitality, as early as possible in the window, to avoid any late drama.

This means that Chelsea could get a deal for the young central defender wrapped up early, allowing them to focus on other positions later i the window.

Why Huijsen would be a better signing than Delap

Whilst Delap would be an excellent addition to the squad, for the reasons mentioned earlier, Huijsen would be an even better signing for the Blues for several reasons.

Firstly, the Spanish colossus is three years younger than the Ipswich sensation and this means that Chelsea could get more out of him in the long-term, assuming both players are successful and go on to be long-serving performers at Stamford Bridge.

Secondly, Huijsen is already accustomed to playing in a team that wins games fairly regularly, as Bournemouth are tenth in the division and have won 12 and lost ten. This means that he could hit the ground running for the Blues in a team that is on the front foot and expected to perform well as a team.

Whereas, Ipswich have only won four of their 31 matches and this means that Delap has often been chasing long balls or trying to fashion chances for himself against the run of play, which would be completely different to the way that Chelsea play with their possession-based football under Maresca.

That is not to say that the English ace could not adapt to the new style, but it suggests that Huijsen is less of a gamble and has a greater chance of hitting the ground running.

Delap is also yet to show that he can create chances for his teammates on a consistent basis, with 0.7 key passes per game, three ‘big chances’ created, and just two assists in 30 league matches.

Whereas, Huijsen, who football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed as “extremely dominant”, has excelled at both parts of the game in his respective position at centre-back, by offering consistent quality in and out of possession.

As you can see in the table above, the Spain international ranks incredibly highly among his positional peers when it comes to progressing play to create chances in possession, whilst also being an outstanding defender who is typically in the right place at the right time to make vital interceptions and clearances.

This suggests that there are not many, if any, flaws in the 19-year-old star’s game, whilst there does seem to still be some gaps in Delap’s development, and that is why he could be an even better addition than the England U21 international.

Contact made: Chelsea plot move for "world-class" ace who'd be Desailly 2.0

Chelsea could repeat their Marcel Desailly masterclass by raiding AC Milan once again.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 7, 2025

The Blues could bolster their squad by signing both of these young talents in the summer transfer window, but – for the reasons listed here – Huijsen should be their top priority.

Sheffield United know their hopes of promotion to the Premier League hang in the balance, but Chris Wilder is already hard at work on the transfer front ahead of this summer.

Sheffield United's transfer activity hinges on season outcome

The Championship is famous for twists and turns, which is a statement that rang true yesterday after an eventful afternoon left the Blades second in the league standings following a 1-0 loss to Oxford United.

Burnley claimed three points away to Coventry City, while Leeds United actually gained a point on Sheffield United despite only mustering a draw against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.

Most importantly, Wilder can take solace in the fact his side are still on course for automatic promotion with five matches left to play. Millwall await at Bramall Lane on Tuesday, offering a chance to take a step closer to the promised land of the Premier League.

What does the current state of limbo mean for Sheffield United’s transfer business? Not much apparently, with the Blades seeking a deal for Sunderland defender Daniel Ballard to strengthen a backline that has been altered since Harry Souttar’s long-term injury.

Elfsborg defender Terry Yegbe is also on the radar in South Yorkshire, even if the Allsvenskan outfit want to recoup a fee of £5.9 million for his services.

Sheffield United plot new contracts for three stars on combined £90k-p/w

This would be fantastic news for the Blades.

By
Henry Jackson

Apr 5, 2025

Reading between the lines, solidifying across the rearguard appears to be a central priority for Wilder regardless of what division his side end up in next campaign.

Looking ahead to the window, the 57-year-old has a goalkeeper in his sights that has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence over the last year, per recent developments.

Sheffield United eye move to sign Barnsley goalkeeper Kieren Flavell

According to The Daily Star, Sheffield United are keen to sign goalkeeper Kieren Flavell from Yorkshire rivals Barnsley. He started the campaign on loan at Farsley Celtic before returning to feature at first-team level in League One.

Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion are also interested in the Pontefract-born stopper and the former has sent scouts to watch him on several occasions.

Tipped for a promising future in the game, the 21-year-old has previously been labelled “brilliant” by Conor Hourihane after his performance in Barnsley’s 1-1 draw with Cambridge United last month.

Jackson Smith and loanee Joe Gauci’s injury problems could afford the youngster an extended run between the sticks at Oakwell; something that is only likely to accelerate his development amid the backdrop of high-profile clubs showing admiration towards his talent.

From a Sheffield United perspective, he would likely be billed as one for the future behind Michael Cooper and Adam Davies. Nevertheless, learning from two experienced numbers one’s is the ideal scenario for the youngster as he aims to establish himself at a high level in years to come.

Bangladesh are expected to go hard with the bat against Hong Kong who lost their opening game by a distance

Mohammad Isam10-Sep-20252:29

Chopra impressed with Bangladesh’s seam attack

Big picture: Hong Kong would want to repeat 2014

Bangladesh come into the Asia Cup riding on the high of winning three consecutive T20I series. Their campaign begins with a Group B encounter in Abu Dhabi against Hong Kong. They will rely on a robust pace attack and a batting unit that has finally started to see the power of hitting sixes.Bangladesh, however, will remain wary of their opponents who defeated them in the T20 World Cup in 2014, when the hosts were taken down by two wickets in Chittagong. Hong Kong have two survivors from that famous victory, but they have also played only 11 international matches against Full Member sides since then.Related

• How Martin Coetzee fell in love with Hong Kong cricket

• Asia Cup 2025: Politics, passion and a stage for new rivalries

• Bangladesh finally see the power of hitting sixes

Hong Kong’s lack of exposure against top sides was stark in their opening outing against Afghanistan on Tuesday. Their medium pacers went for plenty before the spinners Ehsan Khan, Yasim Murtaza and Kinchit Shah pulled things back briefly, but they couldn’t stop Afghanistan from getting to 188.More disappointing was Hong Kong’s reply with the bat, scoring only 94 for 9 in 20 overs. Only one of their top six reached double-figures and wickets falling at the other end meant Babar Hayat had to restrain himself.Bangladesh will be in a rush to take wickets in the first ten overs, a phase in which they have been consistent in recent times. Taskin Ahmed will lead the fast-bowling group, although offspinner Mahedi Hasan has made a name for himself bowling in the powerplay. Mustafizur Rahman will shore up the death overs with Tanzim Hasan Sakib likely accompanying him. They will also be keen on using legspinner Rishad Hossain for a couple of overs up front.Bangladesh will also likely be a little more aggressive on a good batting track. They have raised their big-hitting prowess in the last 18 months, particularly openers Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon in the powerplay. Shamim Hossain and Jaker Ali are the death-overs hitters the team is banking on.

Form guide

Bangladesh WWLWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)

Hong Kong LLWWL1:27

Can Bangladesh maintain their aggressive batting approach?

In the spotlight: Tanzid Hasan and Babar Hayat

One of the reasons why Bangladesh have become a big-hitting T20I side is the young opener Tanzid Hasan. His shots have been free-flowing, targeting the straight boundaries frequently. Tanzid takes a bold approach, often looking for a big hit in the first over. Bangladesh will hope that his opening stand with Emon can give them a rollicking start.Babar Hayat stood firm while wickets fell regularly at the other end in the Asia Cup opener. He couldn’t quite cut loose as a result, but showed his might with three big sixes in his knock of 39. An attractive batter who is tasked to hold the top order together, Hong Kong will hope that Hayat continues to be their best batter against Full Member sides.

Team news

Bangladesh are likely to go with three pace bowlers and two spinners. They have options in their batting and bowling departments but are likely to stick to a more conventional playing XI to make a strong start in the Asia Cup.Bangladesh XI (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Parvez Hossain Emon, 3 Litton Das (capt & wk), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Shamim Hossain, 6 Jaker Ali, 7 Mahedi Hasan, 8 Tanzim Hasan, 9 Rishad Hossain, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Mustafizur Rahman.Hong Kong have experienced batters in Martin Coetzee and Anas Khan to step up from their bench, should they choose to.Hong Kong XI (probable): 1 Zeeshan Ali (wk), 2 Anshy Rath, 3 Babar Hayat, 4 Nizakat Khan, 5 Kalhan Challu, 6 Kinchit Shah, 7 Yasim Murtaza (capt), 8 Aizaz Khan, 9 Ayush Shukla, 10 Ateeq Iqbal, 11 Ehsan Khan.

Pitch and conditions

Abu Dhabi delivered with a pretty high-scoring start, with Afghanistan setting Hong Kong a target of 189. Dew also set in quite early although Afghanistan had the attack to defend their total after opting to bat. The weather will remain warm, almost touching 40 degrees Celsius during the day and won’t drop much once the match starts.

Stats and trivia

• Babar Hayat and Nizakat Khan are the only survivors from Hong Kong’s famous two-wicket win against Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup in 2014.
• Bangladesh have played only two T20Is so far in Abu Dhabi, and lost both, during the T20 World Cup in 2021.
• Openers Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon have struck the most sixes for Bangladesh this year – 23 and 22, respectively.

The interest in former MLB superstar Albert Pujols becoming a manager continues as a third team has been reported to be looking at the 11-time All-Star to fill their manager role.

It was previously reported that the Angels were first interested in Pujols as he played there from 2012-21. Los Angeles just let go of manager Ron Washington and interim manager Ray Montgomery after the season ended. After the Angels, the Orioles popped up as an option for Pujols to become their manager. Baltimore fired Brandon Hyde back in May.

As of Monday, the Padres have become the third team tied to Pujols, Kevin Acee of the reported. San Diego manager Mike Shildt retired from the role after the Padres' playoff exit to the Cubs. Acee reported that the Padres plan to speak with Pujols.

Pujols doesn't have any MLB managerial experience since retiring after the 2022 season. He remained in the baseball world, though, as he's acted as a special assistant to the Angels since '23, while also working as an analyst for MLB Network. He managed Leones de Escogido, a team based in his home country of the Dominican Republic, and led them to titles in the Dominican Winter League and Caribbean Series this year. He is also set to be the manager for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic next year.

Angels reportedly stopped discussions with Pujols amid other MLB teams showing interest

Shortly after the report came out on Monday regarding the Padres' interest in interviewing Pujols for their manager role, the reported that the Angels are now stopping talks with their former player.

The Post noted that the two sides had differing opinions on "coaches, resources and compensation" leading to the discussions ceasing. Pujols was the Angels' top option for the position, though, especially with his history being with the team and the fact that he still works as a special assistant for the organization.