It is understood that the fees are expected to go back up to the previous edition’s sum of PKR 40,000 per match

PTI13-Mar-2025Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has issued orders to review the decision to reduce match fees of players and reserves selected to play in the National T20 Cup.It is understood that the fees are expected to go back up to the previous edition’s sum of PKR 40,000 per match, and PKR 20,000 per match for reserves. Originally, the fees had been slashed 75%, to PKR 10,000 (USD 35 approx), and PKR 5000 for reserves. Even the figure of PKR 40,000 is a fall compared to 2022, when players had been paid PKR 60,000 per match.Related

PCB slashes player match fees by 75% for National T20 Cup

The decision to reduce match fees of players, as decided by the PCB’s domestic department, led to a hue and cry in cricket circles, leaving fans and critics wondering whether the board was facing a financial crunch. PCB sources, however, claim that the expense cuts have been executed because of an increase in domestic tournaments this season, leading to greater earning opportunities for players.The National T20 Cup starts on March 14, with 39 matches across three cities: Faisalabad, Lahore and Multan. The final will take place in Faisalabad on March 27. Several leading Pakistan international cricketers will be unable to feature, with the national side having left for New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs.

كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير عن وجود فكرة جديدة داخل النادي الأهلي تتعلق بمنصب مدرب حراس المرمى، مشيرًا إلى أنها لا تزال قيد الدراسة ولم تُحسم بعد.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الأربعاء: “هناك فكرة مطروحة داخل النادي الأهلي في الوقت الحالي بشأن جهاز تدريب حراس المرمى. الفكرة تتمثل في وجود مدربين اثنين لحراس المرمى، أحدهما أساسي والآخر مساعد له، على غرار ما يحدث في عدد كبير من الأندية الأوروبية الكبرى”.

طالع أيضًا | محمد يوسف: الأهلي لا ينسى أبناءه.. وكنت صاحب قرار اختيار عماد النحاس

وأضاف: “المقترح يتضمن أن يستمر أمير عبد الحميد في منصبه كمدرب لحراس المرمى، إلى جانب المدرب الأجنبي الجديد، ولكن حتى الآن الأمر ما زال قيد البحث والدراسة، ولم يصل إلى مرحلة التنفيذ أو الإعلان الرسمي”.

واختتم شوبير حديثه قائلًا: “كل ما يُثار في هذا الشأن ما زال في إطار النقاشات الداخلية داخل النادي، ولم يُتخذ أي قرار نهائي حتى هذه اللحظة”.

ويستعد النادي الأهلي في الوقت الحالي، لمواجهة إيجل نوار البوروندي، يوم السبت المقبل، في إطار مواجهة الذهاب لدور الـ 32 من منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، في الظهور الأول للمدرب الجديد الدنماركي ييس توروب.

Bangladesh are cramming extra training sessions into their schedule in a bid to shift their mindset from T20Is to ODIs ahead of the Champions Trophy. Head coach Phil Simmons is confident that the players can get themselves accustomed to the format despite not playing an ODI since December.The BPL ended on February 7, and the following day, some of the players turned up at a training camp at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. These were mainly cricketers whose BPL teams had been knocked out before the final. The team will train in Dhaka till February 12, after which they leave for the Champions Trophy – their first match is against India in Dubai on February 20.”I agree that it is not the best preparation, but they were playing white-ball cricket, which means that they are sharp skills-wise,” Simmons said. “We have to get their minds up to 50-over cricket in the next six or seven days. They have the skills. They are performing. It is about getting to that 50-over mentality now. We will have double practice sessions in the next couple of days. We bat and bowl in the morning, and then do the same under the lights.Related

• Champions Trophy: Teams, players, venues, where to watch

• Taskin, Tamim headline the BPL team of the tournament

“We are getting ourselves prepared to bat for 50 overs. The first part of the preparation is about Dubai. Once we can get ourselves in the right frame of mind, and work on the right things for Dubai, I think we can start [preparations for] the rest the competition as well. We will get familiar conditions in Pakistan after that.”Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is a worry, particularly because he hasn’t played a lot in the last couple of months. Shanto missed the tour of the West Indies owing to a hamstring injury. His last international outing was in November last year. He returned with the National Cricket League T20s, and then played five games for Fortune Barishal in the BPL.”He was working very hard all of those days when he wasn’t playing,” Simmons said. “We are going to need a strong mental attitude from everyone in the team. I think he possesses that, so I look forward to him continuing his work.”Simmons admitted that Nahid Rana’s drop in pace towards the back-end of the BPL was a concern, but he was relieved since Rana has upped his pace in the training sessions.”He has looked slower than normal in the last couple of games. The run-up was less than normal approaching the wicket,” Simmons said. “They [Rangpur Riders] got knocked out early so he had a bit of rest. He looked sharp in training yesterday. The pace was coming back. The run-up was as quick as it was in the Caribbean.”This is Simmons’ last assignment in his current contract, and there are questions about the future. But Simmons wasn’t giving any clues.”I won’t be here if I didn’t believe [that we can win],” he said. “I think you prepare as best as you could when you go into a tournament. On that day, you play your best games. That’s what I look to do, on every occasion. I think we have made a lot of strides in the Caribbean. I think we have a good chance once we play to the best of our ability.”

Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl says keeping Harry Kane beyond 2027 is “absolutely conceivable" after the striker suggested he is open to discussing a contract extension with the club. Alongside him, Bayern are also working on Dayot Upamecano’s extension to protect the squad’s core amid their perfect start to the new season.

Kane’s contract becomes Bayern’s priority

Kane may still have two years left on his Bayern deal, but the Bavarians are eager to avoid uncertainty. The England captain’s contract runs until 2027, with a reported release clause of around €65 million (£55m/$76m) becoming active in 2026. While that clause has fuelled speculation of a Premier League return, particularly with Tottenham holding first refusal, Bayern are determined to tie their star striker down well before then.

Kane has been nothing short of transformational since joining in 2023. He won the European Golden Shoe in his debut season, became the fastest player to hit 50 Bundesliga goals, and recently helped Bayern reclaim the league title. On Saturday, he netted his 100th Bundesliga goal after 104 matches, breaking a top-flight record shared by Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMax Eberl praises Kane’s leadership

Speaking ahead of Bayern’s Champions League trip to Cyprus, sporting director Eberl was asked about Kane’s long-term future. His response left little room for doubt.

“A collaboration beyond 2027 is absolutely conceivable,” he said. “That’s why we will discuss the next steps with him in a relaxed manner. He’s an absolute leader — it would be awesome to win titles with him, and he said that too. We want to do that with him for a long time to come.”

Eberl’s words echoed Kane’s own comments earlier in the season when he admitted he was “really happy” in Munich and open to staying beyond 2027. With 18 goal involvements already this campaign, Kane remains the heartbeat of Vincent Kompany’s attack, and Bayern view his future as central to their success.

Dayot Upamecano’s uncertain future draws suitors

While Kane’s renewal looks promising, the same cannot yet be said of Upamecano. The French defender’s contract runs until 2026, but talks over an extension have stalled in recent weeks. With Bayern hesitant to match his wage demands, several European giants have started circling.

Liverpool are reportedly leading the chase, viewing Upamecano as a potential successor to Ibrahima Konate, while Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring the situation. If no extension is agreed by January 2026, the 26-year-old will be free to negotiate a pre-contract with clubs abroad.

For Bayern, losing Upamecano on a free transfer would be a bitter blow, especially after seeing Leroy Sane depart in similar fashion. The defender has been a cornerstone under Kompany, featuring in over 200 games since joining from RB Leipzig, and his departure would leave a glaring hole in Bayern’s backline.

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Getty Images SportBayern focus on core players to maintain winning momentum

Eberl has made it clear that securing the futures of Kane and Upamecano will define Bayern’s long-term planning. The club cannot afford to repeat past mistakes of letting top talent walk away without compensation, and both players are seen as essential pillars of Kompany’s project. At the same time, Bayern know they must balance ambition with realism. Kane’s contract talks will likely be straightforward given his public commitment and the club’s desire to build around him. Upamecano’s case, however, may require tougher negotiations, with rival clubs offering lucrative packages. 

After launching a late move to sign Marco Asensio, Aston Villa have reportedly agreed personal terms with another Ligue 1 star in a late transfer flurry for Unai Emery.

Aston Villa open talks to sign Asensio

They’ve left things late, but Aston Villa are finally moving in the summer transfer window. With a matter of days left until the window slams shut, the Villans have opened talks to sign Asensio from Paris Saint-Germain. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Midlands club are pushing to secure a permanent deal following the Spaniard’s successful loan spell in the second-half of last season.

By the time that his loan spell came to an end last season, Asensio had become a fan favourite and scored eight goals in 21 games in all competitions. As such, he was always likely to be a summer target for all involved at Villa Park who made the mistake of falling in love with a loan player.

Alongside Evann Guessand, the former Real Madrid gem would add some much-needed depth to Emery’s attack as deadline day approaches. There’s no denying that his arrival is one that Villa need, having drawn their opening game against Newcastle United 0-0 and then failing to score again in a 1-0 defeat against Brentford.

Aston Villa closing in on "special" £13m former wonderkid; Monchi "confident"

The Villans are closing in on their man…

ByTom Cunningham Aug 29, 2025

After Asensio, they may not be done there, however. Rumours are continuing to emerge that Aston Villa are still targeting further reinforcements as they look to save what has otherwise been a summer to forget. And that has reportedly seen them turn towards another Ligue 1 star alongside Asensio.

Aston Villa agree personal terms with Mikautadze

As reported by French journalist Marc Mechenoua, Aston Villa have now agreed personal terms with Georges Mikautadze and are now in club-to-club negotiations with Lyon after submitting a €25m (£22m) offer. As talks continue, the Midlands club will be desperately hoping to reach a full agreement before Monday’s deadline.

If they can secure a deal worth £22m, meanwhile, then they’d be getting an absolute bargain. When compared to Ollie Watkins last season, Mikautadze more than kept pace – scoring 17 goals and assisting another 11, whilst the Englishman netted 17 himself and created 14 in all competitions.

Described as “electric” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Mikautadze is ready to take the Premier League by storm and potentially form an impressive partnership with Watkins. Welcoming both the Lyon man and Asensio before Monday’s deadline would be a true statement of intent from Aston Villa.

Ruben Amorim has been warned that he faces the threat of being replaced by a Manchester United legend at Old Trafford, with a "Frankenstein team" being assembled. The Red Devils have continued to spend big in the transfer market, but are being told that "none of it fits together" as they continue to struggle for consistency. If positivity remains elusive, then a change in the dugout could be made.

• Amorim refusing to change tactical system

  Amorim has refused to tinker with his tactical beliefs since inheriting managerial reins in Manchester. He arrived in English football having enjoyed considerable success in his native Portugal with Sporting. The 40-year-old remains convinced that his 3-4-3 system will deliver results with United. That is despite finishing 15th in the Premier League last season and suffering defeat in the Europa League final.

  The Red Devils have already crashed out of the Carabao Cup this season, at the hands of League Two side Grimsby, and picked up two wins through five top-flight fixtures. Questions continue to be asked of Amorim, but he is said to boast the full support of his board for now. That situation could shift, with it already being suggested that a familiar face – such as Michael Carrick or his fellow former United midfielder Darren Fletcher – could be asked to steady the ship as Amorim is shown to the door.

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  Carrick or Fletcher: Man Utd legends back at Old Trafford?

  Pat Nevin, who played top-flight football in England for Chelsea and Everton, has told of potential movement in the dugout at Old Trafford: "Short term, I wouldn't be surprised at [Carrick or Fletcher to replace Amorim] at all. That would be absolutely fine. And they might do well. They offered the caretaker role to Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] first didn’t they. It takes the pressure off, you can have a good look around. And if he does well, we just keep him. That's fine.

  "You'll get a bit of pressure in the press saying, ‘They don't know what to do, they haven't got a clue, they can't get the right man, all that sort of stuff’. 've been there before. I just blanked it. I don't care. I've got a guy doing a good job here and I wouldn't look for the other manager. And I'll say to them ‘If you keep on doing well, you can get a job’. I'm not hiding anything from anyone here. I'm looking at every possible option. But what you have to do is give it a number of months in that situation. If it does happen and things go badly for him then you have to have a direction. You have to have a two, three, four, five year plan.

  "Maybe that's been United's problem. They’ve tried, they've had plans. They've had two, three, four, five year plans that have all lasted a year. And that's not good. Because the next person comes in and they change it, the next one changes it. That's the only reason why they're standing by Amorim just now. It's because they know they didn't spend time with the other ones, so we now end up with a Frankenstein team. All bought by different managers. None of it really fits together. And then you find out they got rid of some people they shouldn’t have gotten rid of like [Scott] McTominay."

• Have Man Utd turned a corner after Chelsea win?

  United did pick up three points in their last fixture, as they battled to a 2-1 win over Chelsea in a game that saw both sides reduced to 10 men. Nevin is not convinced that result will prove to be a turning point for the Red Devils.

  The ex-Scotland international added: "Man United fought, chased, battled, they made enough good use of the extra man to go ahead. But after that Chelsea were there for the taking and it kind of fell away. The belief evaporated a wee bit. And then when they went down to 10 men, that was it. It was ‘hold what we've got’. And I actually thought after that, it was quite a dull game. It wasn't a great game. After that, you have an expectation that goes to 10 v 10. The conditions are wild. It's out there. It's up to Chelsea to go and attack. And Man Utd have got some uncertainty about them. But it kind of fizzled.

  "Then there was a big five or 10 minute period at the end which had the goal. But in short, have Chelsea suddenly become very, very special after that game? No, no. We're still waiting to see if they have any chance of challenging. And Manchester United, have they suddenly turned the corner because they beat a 10 man Chelsea? No. Not the case either. I was walking back afterwards in the rain and I was listening to all the Man United fans and they don't think that either. They're not stupid. The biggest phrase that was used around me – and I thought it was very good – was ‘We needed that and we got a bit lucky because of the sending off’. I think that's where most people are and I actually think the manager thinks that too."

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  Man Utd fixtures: Next up for the Red Devils

  United will be back in action on Saturday when taking in a trip to Brentford. Brazilian midfielder Casemiro will be banned for that fixture, having been sent off against Chelsea, with Amorim being forced to shuffle his pack again as a result.

Sunderland shocked many Premier League fans with an opening weekend 3-0 win over West Ham. Recently promoted teams have struggled in the Premier League over recent years, with last season’s best promoted side, Leicester City, only earning six wins for the entire season.

Regis Le Bris has overseen the club’s biggest-ever summer spend, and the opening weekend result demonstrates that it’s paying off. However, whilst there is time left in the transfer window, Sunderland are looking to bring in yet another attacker.

Sunderland had previously considered bringing in Leicester City’s Abdul Fatawu, but the Foxes valued him at £30 million, putting him out of the Black Cats’ price range. Le Bris does still want another attacker, however, and so they’ve shifted their attention to a pacey forward currently playing on the continent.

Sunderland plot move for "quick" forward

After deciding against signing Fatawu, Sunderland have swapped their attention to RB Salzburg forward Adam Daghim. Sunderland have extensive experience working with Daghim’s agency, CAA Base LTD, as five of their current players are also registered with them, including Trai Hume and Anthony Patterson.

This report comes from Football Insider, who write that Daghim is currently valued at £11.2 million after the Austrian side signed him for £2.6 million from the Danish Superliga.

Manchester City’s assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders spoke well of Daghim when he was his manager at RB Salzburg, saying: “Adam has great potential. I don’t like to single out individual players, but he has ability, he is quick, he is very committed and has a big heart. He works for the team.”

Sunderland may face competition if they attempt to sign the promising forward, as the report indicates that other Premier League and Bundesliga teams are also interested in signing him. In the past, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund have been noted as keeping tabs on the player’s development, viewing him as a possible transfer target, but it is currently unclear whether they are among the presently interested teams.

Whilst Daghim is currently featuring in a lot of matches for Salzburg, he is struggling for minutes. In Salzburg's last 13 matches, Daghim has featured in 11 of them, but hasn’t played for more than 45 minutes once. In the Austrian Bundesliga this season, he's only played for 57 minutes but has made a significant impression in those fleeting cameos.

Sunderland could capitalise on the lack of game time that Daghim is receiving by promising him more minutes at the Stadium of Light. The opportunity to prove himself in a more well-regarded league could be an invaluable step in his career progression, as well as being an incentive when Sunderland comes to negotiate personal terms.

Daghim has already proven that he can perform on the highest stage, having scored in the Champions League, most notably against Atlético Madrid and Jan Oblak. Sunderland have already demonstrated this season that they can score goals, but having another option in attack won’t hurt their chances of Premier League survival.

MatériaMais Notícias

Autor do gol que evitou a derrota do Corinthians para o Cuiabá, na noite do último sábado (10), pelo Brasileirão, Ruan Oliveira deve ter o seu contrato de empréstimo esticado até o fim deste ano. O vínculo atual tem duração até o final deste mês, no dia 30 de junho. As conversas entre o clube alvinegro e o estafe do jogador já acontecem há alguns dias e ambas as partes estão animadas. A tendência é que a situação seja resolvida durante a pausa dos jogos que o Timão terá nos próximos 10 dias, por conta das datas Fifa. 

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansAlessandro reforça confiança em Luxemburgo, mas não dá prazo de trabalho para o treinador no CorinthiansCorinthians10/06/2023CorinthiansLuxemburgo admite que Corinthians não possui elenco para disputar três competições e acredita em evolução após a data FifaCorinthians10/06/2023CorinthiansATUAÇÕES: Ruan Oliveira entra no segundo tempo e evita derrota do Corinthians contra o CuiabáCorinthians10/06/2023

– Se depender do Corinthians, já entramos em contato com o agente do atleta, passamos o nosso interesse, eles ficaram até muito felizes pela vontade do Corinthians. E espero que a partir de segunda a gente possa regularizar isso daí e ele tenha o empréstimo estendido até o fim da temporada – disse o gerente de futebol Alessandro Nunes na zona mista da Neo Química Arena no último sábado (10).

+ Ruan Oliveira entra no segundo tempo e evita derrota do Corinthians contra o Cuiabá

O meio-campista caiu nas graças do técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo, que acompanhou a fase final de transição do jogador após quase três anos sem jogar. Ruan sofreu uma lesão no ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho direito em agosto de 2020 e, desde então, precisou passar por três cirurgias. Ele já tinha sido relacionado para o duelo contra o Independiente del Valle, do Equador, pela Libertadores, na última quarta-feira (7), mas ficou somente no banco de reservas. Já neste fim de semana, entrou no segundo tempo da partida contra o Cuiabá, pelo Brasileirão, e anotou o gol que evitou a derrota corintiana, confirmando o placar em 1 a 1. 

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– Você não descobre o jogador, ele está lá, mas aparece. Primeiro coletivo que vi esse jogador treinar, e vinha dois meses de transição para campo, eu perguntei quem era. Assim como fiz com o Danilo no Palmeiras. Eu vi o Ruan treinando e falei para o Alessandro para fazer algo com ele porque tem potencial, ambidestro. E quem faz o gol como ele fez é de quem sabe jogar bola, dar tapa com gente na frente e bola quicando – disse Luxa na entrevista coletiva após o jogo diante do Dourado.

Ruan Oliveira pertence ao Metropolitano, time de Santa Catarina, no qual ele se profissionalizou – ainda que tenha sido contratado pelo Timão, em abril de 2019, para atuar nas categorias de base. O primeiro contrato do jogador com o clube alvinegro tinha validade até fevereiro de 2021, mas foi prorrogado mais de uma vez para que o atleta se recuperasse da lesão estando no Corinthians.

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Na chegada de Ruan ao Parque São Jorge, o Time do Povo adquiriu 10% dos direitos econômicos do profissional. O restante segue do clube catarinense. No entanto, há uma opção de compra fixada em R$ 1,5 milhão (mais algumas taxas da transação, que seriam arcadas pelos corintianos) pela aquisição de mais 60%. Isso, porém, não acontecerá neste primeiro momento. A ideia é a extensão do empréstimo para avaliar uma possível sequência do meia com a camisa alvinegra e, assim, a diretoria decidir se fará a compra definitiva. A tendência é que ela ocorra no fim da temporada.

+ Todos os jogos doBrasileirãovocê encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

– Era até importante colocá-lo para ter uma precisão a mais para negociar, estender, passar uma possibilidade que seria uma extensão do empréstimo até o fim da temporada, que seria o mais regular e justo para todos. Justo para o atleta, que passou um período muito duro e hoje teve um momento muito importante para ele, individualmente falando, então nada mais justo que ele tenha uma sequência em novos jogos – pontuou Alessandro.

Neste momento, Ruan Oliveira está à frente de nomes como Giuliano e Matheus Araújo por uma disputa na vaga do meio-campo corintiano. E isso pode ser definitivo, se o camisa 33 seguir evoluindo enquanto receber as chances através do técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

Derby County have been preparing for a tough season by bringing in a number of different-style players. The Rams narrowly survived Championship relegation last season thanks to the February arrival of John Eustace.

After settling the ship at relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers and turning them into play-off contenders, Eustace made the switch to Derby to help guide them to safety. In order to build on last season’s finish, Eustace has signed a mix of experienced players and up-and-coming talents.

Three young players have come in on loan from teams that will feature in the European competitions this season. Bobby Clark from RB Salzburg, Owen Beck from Liverpool and David Ozoh from Crystal Palace have all arrived at Derby with heaps of potential and even more to prove to their parent clubs.

These loan-signings are a part of Derby’s cost-conscious transfer plans that have also seen four more experienced players, including Rhian Brewster, arrive on free transfers. This frugal business has allowed for bigger spending with the likes of Patrick Agyemang for £5.8 million and another potential new arrival who has worked with Eustace in the past.

Eustace wants Travis reunion with Derby bid submitted

Tuesday afternoon saw Derby make their next move in the transfer market as they submitted an ambitious bid of £1.5 million for Blackburn Rovers captain Lewis Travis. Eustace previously managed Travis during his tenure as Blackburn boss and regularly relied upon him when fit.

Eustace was often full of praise for Travis, and in a game where the midfielder had gotten himself suspended, Eustace still described his performance as “sensational” and praised him as a “real leader”.

Unfortunately, this reunion may have to wait a while longer as the Lancashire Times’ Elliot Jackson has reported that the £1.5 million bid has been rejected as it falls short of Blackburn’s evaluation of Travis. The phrasing of this report does indicate that Blackburn may be open to selling their skipper if Derby are able to offer a price that they deem fair.

Travis is a seasoned player and has survived relegation battles before. He fits the model of player that Eustace seems to want to bring in this summer, but, at only 27 years old, Travis may be the best transfer of the bunch.

Eustace backs experience at Derby

The young loanees have their own merits, but they do lack the experience of regular EFL game time and the stress of a relegation battle. Due to this, Eustace has balanced the squad with a number of experienced players who can lead the team to safety.

Age

EFL Games Played

Travis*

27

248

Weimann

34

482

Batth

34

480

O’Donnell

36

383

Morris

29

290

* Not Yet Signed

If Travis arrives, these five players will have played a monumental 1,883 EFL games between them. Last season, Derby had the oldest average squad age in the Championship with 27.6 years, which has now increased to 28.1 years, just behind newly promoted Wrexham.

Eustace must view the experienced players as instrumental to the club’s survival last season, and so is doubling down on including this profile of player in the squad.

Furthermore, Danny Batth, Andi Weimann, and loanee Owen Beck have all played under Eustace before, so it’s clear that he isn’t taking risks and wants either experienced players or those he knows he can trust. Given this and his past comments about Travis, it’s no wonder that Derby are trying to sign him.

Travis may have the fewest appearances of these five players, but he is the youngest by two years. With almost 250 EFL games under his belt, and potentially another five to ten years of football left in him, Travis is the perfect blend of experience and potential longevity that, if signed, won’t only help Derby this season but in the future.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is still looking to bolster Spurs’ attacking ranks before the transfer deadline in four days’ time, and given their previous luck this window, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them scrambling till the eleventh hour.

Thomas Frank watched on as his side failed to secure the signings of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, both in spectacular fashion.

Gibbs-White saw his once-advanced move to N17 blocked by Nottingham Forest, who wrote a letter to Spurs threatening legal action, as weeks of back and forth between the clubs ensued before the 25-year-old signed a new contract regardless.

Meanwhile, Tottenham were convinced they’d land Eze at one stage – having agreed personal terms with the player and the finances of a deal with Crystal Palace – only for Arsenal to swoop in and hijack the transfer.

Their need for a number 10 is glaring, having lost both Dejan Kulusevski to a knee injury earlier this year and James Maddison to an ACL rupture in pre-season.

At one point, Frank was planning to head into 25/26 with a fully fit Maddison and Gibbs-White, only to now have neither. In an ideal world, it’s been reported that the Dane would like two new playmakers (Gary Jacob), but that scenario looks near-impossible barring a last-gasp miracle.

In terms of who they could bring in, Spurs are in the market for a new centre-back, number 10 and a winger.

One of the playmakers on their radar is West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta, and the Hammers are reportedly open to selling, if their asking price is met, and they can source a replacement (Paul O’Keefe).

The Brazil international would be Spurs’ second signing of the window from their London rivals after a £55m deal for Mohammed Kudus, which also ended an unofficial transfer embargo between the two clubs spanning 14 years.

Tottenham offered Yves Bissouma in swap deal for Lucas Paqueta

According to TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, Levy and the Spurs recruitment team actually made a unique proposal for Paqueta recently, involving Galatasaray-linked Yves Bissouma.

Bailey reports that Tottenham offered Bissouma in a direct swap deal for the Brazil international, and the talks centered around Paqueta going the other way on a straight loan.

Bissouma also would’ve departed for the London Stadium on a dry temporary deal, but it is believed that negotiations didn’t progress to the final details and the Mali international has now agreed to join Galatasaray instead.

According to other reports, West Ham want £60 million to part company with Paqueta, so Spurs will need to head back to the negotiating table.