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Leeds United's start to the season has been less than ideal, but there have been positives to emerge from a Championship campaign that has brought just one win from their opening five fixtures.

It seems that Daniel Farke is still struggling to put together his perfect side, and in experimenting over the weekend he quickly came to the realisation that Georginio Rutter is not a number nine.

Many questioned why Joel Piroe had been signed for big money only to essentially drop him into midfield, with good reason, just a week after the Dutchman had showcased his lethal instincts with a true poacher's finish from close range.

Whilst the fanbase would likely implore their German coach to revert back to the formula that saw them score four goals away from home against Ipswich Town, if he is to persist with deploying the former Swansea City man deeper, then he will therefore need another centre-forward with the qualities to hit the ground running.

Many might look to the wide men who have enjoyed stints in such a role to occupy the position, or even to the academy for those deserving of a call-up.

However, all these suggestions dance around the question of where exactly is Patrick Bamford?

Where is Patrick Bamford?

As the man who had so often been their star talisman, helping spearhead their return to the Premier League before starring upon their first season back in the top flight, a string of injuries saw the 30-year-old's influence wane dramatically.

Then, throughout last campaign's debacle, a clear loss of confidence led to a string of golden opportunities squandered, which proved costly in the end. Striking wide from point-blank range against relegation rivals Leicester City stands out as the key blunder, with the points they would have gained being integral.

Despite that, many might question why he has not been around the match-day squad given the obvious quality he boasts, with the answer being another injury-related one.

Just before their curtain-raiser against Cardiff City back in early August, the Whites were dealt a series of blows as numerous stars were struck down with injury. One of those was Bamford, with his ailment thought to be far worse than the ones sustained by Georginio Rutter and Mateo Joseph.

"Sadly we've had some injuries during the last seven days. Patrick Bamford has a hamstring injury and won't return before the first international break so he'll miss the next games," Farke noted, with a lack of clinical finishing proving to be their undoing after just five games played.

They are crying out for someone to come in and snuff up the chances they are forging, and if Farke is intent on Piroe instead helping with the build-up, they clearly need someone to fulfil that role. After all, the Yorkshire outfit are averaging 59.4% possession in the second tier, raining down an average of 15.4 shots per game too despite having notched only seven goals, via Sofascore.

Bamford scored 16 times in the league the last time they were in this division, and then upon earning promotion would score a further 17 in the English top flight, even assisting eight too. Such form even drew praise from Jurgen Klopp: "Top player, Bamford. I can remember before the season I heard on talkSPORT that people said, 'Leeds need a proper goalscorer, Bamford is not good enough'. I’m so happy that he could prove them wrong, he’s an exceptional player, perfect.

"The work rate is outstanding and still playing the football he plays on top of that and scoring goals, that’s rare. They have a lot of interesting players but Bamford I’m happy for him, don’t know him obviously but it’s a nice career, a little bit later than others but still very impressive."

And yet, it could be argued that he is still not the outstanding candidate to take such a mantle, with an in-form youngster in Sonny Perkins surely meriting a start should his loan spell prove fruitful.

Who is Sonny Perkins?

Despite his impressive start to his tenure at Elland Road, having joined from West Ham United just last summer, Perkins was sent out on loan just last month likely in an effort to toughen him up in preparation for the top two English leagues.

After all, he has already showcased his fine form in front of goal on numerous occasions, and should he bulk up to the requisite physicality, it could prove bad news for the rest of the Championship.

Last season saw the 19-year-old ease into life in Yorkshire with 11 goals and three assists in the Premier League 2, whilst also chipping in with strikes in the subsequent playoffs, the EFL Trophy and even the FA Cup, as he netted his first senior goal.

The consistency of the teenage finisher is exemplified through his 2021/22 performances too, with a further 12 goals in that same league.

Given Bamford has struggled to even muster 25 league starts across the last two campaigns, already Perkins would mark an upgrade on the ageing marksman purely due to his availability.

Not to mention that Rutter, his alternative, has scored just one goal across 18 senior appearances despite joining for a club-record fee. The former Hammers starlet managed this in 14 fewer games.

Michael Skubala, the U21 boss, has been effusive in his praise for the reliable goalscorer since joining: "So we've got this little thing going on the dressing room, like ‘don't let me down today’. He's brilliant, but I think he's hit the ground running and I think you can see him growing.

"He's strong. He's a goal machine. We have to be patient because he's still got things to work on in the way we want to play but I think he's pleased at the minute and we're pleased with his progression.”

The hope is that he can translate such form into senior football with Oxford United, with the plan surely to bring him back as the triumphant answer to their goalscoring woes in January or next summer.

Perkins is clinical, fast, direct and everything Farke's side have been lacking, with his exceedingly bright future hopefully set to be closer than expected in an effort to usurp all the competition and star alongside Piroe rather than instead of.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsMominul Haque became the first Bangladesh player to score centuries in each innings of a Test•Associated Press

A 180-run stand between Mominul Haque and Liton Das stalled Sri Lanka’s advance, and helped Bangladesh secure a draw in the Chittagong Test. In the course of that stand, Mominul became the first Bangladesh batsman to hit two centuries in the same Test and took his match aggregate to 281 runs. Liton got to within sight of a maiden ton, but was dismissed for 94.Theirs, in fact, were the only two wickets to fall on day five. After they had fallen, Mahmudullah and Mosaddek Hossain soaked up almost 18 further overs, before Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal agreed to settle for the draw, with 17 overs remaining in the day. Bangladesh were 107 runs ahead at that stage, with five wickets in hand.The tedious nature of this Test is likely to prompt scrutiny of the Chittagong surface, on which 1533 runs were scored for the loss of only 24 wickets. On day five, occasional deliveries turned dramatically, but on the whole, batsmen could trust deliveries that pitched on the straight – away from the rough. Even wristspinner Lakshan Sandakan, who spun the ball harder than any other spinner in this match, was not gaining appreciably more turn on day five, than he had been on days one and two. It is the lack of wear on this surface that has largely led to such dull cricket.However, Sri Lanka cannot say they made the most of their chances on day five. Batting on 71 just after lunch, Mominul sent an under edge to the wicketkeeper off a Rangana Herath delivery, but Niroshan Dickwella could not hold on. When Liton was on 62, the fielder at short midwicket grassed a tough chance. Another difficult opportunity came to Sandakan late in the second session, when Mahmudullah pulled aerially to cow corner, but the ball burst through his fingers, and Bangladesh’s stand-in captain was reprieved on 6.But those opportunities had come after lunch. In the morning session, Mominul and Liton had played the match situation more or less perfectly, neither counterattacking nor stonewalling, just batting securely and proficiently throughout.Associated Press

Mominul had some nervy moments early in the day, but he hit a handsome six off Herath in the fifth over of the morning, and was more or less at ease after that – the only exception being when he ducked into a Lahiru Kumara short ball midway through the session and required brief medical attention.His innings, being a rearguard of sorts, was not so boundary-laden as his effort on day one, but he rotated the strike efficiently nonetheless. His half-century came off 78 deliveries, and his hundred off 154. Where in the first innings there had been an animated celebration, the expressionless raising of the bat in the second dig was more typical of Mominul. Not only was this his second hundred of the match, it was also the second occasion in which he had scored a match-saving century against Sri Lanka in Chittagong, having hit an unbeaten hundred at this venue in 2014.Liton largely batted in the same vein, favouring the sweep to the spinners and the drive against the quicks, though he was not quite as adept at rotating the strike as Mominul. He brought up a half century – his third in Tests – with a crunching cover drive off Sandakan, and could have had a maiden ton, had he been a little more patient. Batting on 94, he ventured an almighty wallop off Herath, but had not got to the pitch of the delivery. Dilruwan Perera tracked the high chance back from mid off and completed a difficult catch.Save for one unsuccessful caught-behind review by Sri Lanka, the remainder of the Test was uneventful. Mosaddek closed the shutters, making 8 off 53 balls. Mahmudullah -following some wild strokes in the company of Liton – was measured after the fifth wicket fell. He was unbeaten on 28 off 65 balls when the draw was confirmed.

Fulham are eyeing a late move for versatile Leicester City defenderTimothy Castagne as Sky Sports share details out of Craven Cottage.

Who will Fulham sign?

The 2022/2023 season represented a real success for Marco Silva, as his side comfortably swerved relegation and even contended for a Europe over a large period of the campaign.

Fulham even finished above west London rivals Chelsea and sealed a place in the top half, giving the Whites a solid foundation to build upon this term.

How they tackle the remaining summer transfer window, which concludes in just nine days, will be a crucial factor to their success. Silva's men, though, have signed just three players so far.

Defender Calvin Bassey swapped Ajax for Fulham in a deal worth £18.2 million, while Mexico international striker Raul Jimenez joined from Wolves and winger Adama Traore signed as a free agent.

Silva, speaking to the media earlier this month, candidly admitted that he needs his club to make more signings before September 1 particularly at full-back and other areas.

"Unfortunately, we need many still. We have some important players injured,” Silva said.

“I hope they can come sooner. We have just two full backs, we need a midfielder too and we have just two wingers so we need another two wingers.

“We have completed our central defenders. I needed these players 15 days or 20 days ago, not now.”

The departure of star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi side Al-Hilal also means Fulham may need to scour the market for a replacement, with Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun now heavily linked.

In terms of new winger, talks for Chelsea ace Callum Hudson-Odoi have stalled, and it is currently unclear who they're targeting as an alternative.

The full-back chase is another crucial factor for Silva, but according to Sky Sports, they have set their sights on a late move for Castagne of Leicester.

The Belgium international, who featured at last year's World Cup in Qatar, has dropped to the Championship with Leicester and we presume he could be open to a Premier League return.

Sky claim Fulham are targeting Castagne as we approach the final week of this summer window, and it is claimed that talks have already been held with the Foxes.

The 27-year-old is yet to feature under Leicester boss Enzo Maresca this season, putting his future into some question, and this could well be an opportunity for Fulham to pounce.

How good is Timothy Castagne?

If Silva wishes to reinforce his right-back area with experience and quality, Castagne may well be the right man.

According to WhoScored, the former Atalanta star was an untouchable for Leicester in the top flight last season, having featured more regularly than any other member of their squad over 22/23.

Castagne ranked among their best-performers by average match rating that year (WhoScored), with his versatility coming as another big draw.

Indeed, the defender can play anywhere across the defence, at centre-back or full-back, not to mention further out wide.

Former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, speaking after his side completed a deal for Castagne in 2020, revered the player for his speed and application.

"I’ve watched Timothy Castagne for a number of years – he fits the profile of how I want to work," said Rodgers.

"He’s fast, non-stop running – he wants to score but he can defend – good composure. He’s a brilliant signing for us. He’ll prove to be a really good asset for us.”

Chelsea may not be able to afford a double deal for Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo and Ajax ace Mohammed Kudus if Roberto De Zerbi's men don't lower their price for the former; however, the Blues could also be stung if Kudus ends up moving to Brighton instead of Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Paul Brown.

Could Caicedo and Kudus end up at Chelsea?

According to Football Insider, Brighton are said to be 'resigned' to losing Caicedo this window if his £100 million valuation is met between now and the close of the window.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is 'expecting' to get a hold of Ecuador international Caicedo by the transfer deadline and is preparing a new bid worth £90 million.

Earlier this week, Caicedo missed training as he looks to force through a move to Stamford Bridge and he was also left out of the Seagulls' pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano last Sunday, as per The Evening Standard.

Last month, Chelsea were mooted to be in pole position to win the race to sign Ajax attacker Kudus amid competition from Arsenal to sign the Ghana international for a reported fee of £40 million, as per The Independent.

Nevertheless, Brighton have now emerged as frontrunners to bring Kudus to the Amex Stadium and have agreed on a fee with Dutch giants Ajax for the 23-year-old, BBC Sport understand.

However, there is still no agreement over personal terms between Kudus and Brighton and Chelsea alongside Arsenal remain in the hunt to secure his signature.

Although, things are a bit more up in the air right now as Chelsea have bid for Romeo Lavia and Liverpool have bid for Caicedo, so it remains to be seen as to who will get who.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Brown thinks that Chelsea could be left 'furious' if they were to miss out on both Caicedo and Kudus this summer.

Brown stated: "It's a bit of a catch-22, because Chelsea wanted both players, but are they going to be able to afford them if Caicedo costs what Brighton want for him? Probably not.

"But it's looking more and more likely that Kudus goes to Brighton and Chelsea will just have to pay the fee for Caicedo."

What now for Chelsea?

According to The Evening Standard, Chelsea are open to allowing goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to join Bayern Munich this summer following the addition of Robert Sanchez from Brighton.

Valencia stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili and Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel have been shortlisted as potential replacements between the sticks at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea will soon make a decision on whether to pursue a move for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic after Christopher Nkunku was ruled out for an 'extended period' due to suffering a knee issue, ESPN understand.

Deivid Washington is close to joining the Blues from Santos and is set to be farmed out on loan to their satellite club Strasbourg, alongside Lesley Oguchukwu and Angelo Gabriel who are already in the building at Stamford Bridge, according to FootballTransfers.

Leeds United are running out of time to replace their numerous outgoings in the summer transfer market and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a potential target.

Who could Leeds United sign this summer?

According to journalist and transfer insider Peter O'Rourke, Leeds United are preparing a big-money move for a new defender.

As per a report written for Football Insider, O'Rourke claims that the Whites are keen to strengthen their defensive presence following the injury to Liam Cooper and are preparing lucrative offers for Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips.

How long is Liam Cooper out for?

Daniel Farke has not had the fairytale start to his new challenge at Elland Road with numerous departures of key players and injuries piling up over the last few weeks.

Since returning to action in the Championship and Carabao Cup this season, Leeds have conceded in all three of their fixtures played with two goals conceded against Cardiff City preventing them from securing their first victory of the campaign, whilst they also conceded in their 2-1 win over Shrewsbury Town and most recently, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Birmingham City last weekend.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

Whilst Patrick Bamford's hamstring injury in pre-season has been a substantial blow to the West Yorkshire outfit, the biggest loss has clearly been the dominant and experienced presence of Liam Cooper.

Cooper rolled his ankle on the opening day of the campaign when he scored Leeds' first goal in the clash, and it was later revealed by the club that the defender would not be available for selection for at least eight weeks whilst he recovers.

How good is Taylor Harwood-Bellis?

As a result of that injury, the signing of Harwood-Bellis could not come at a better time for Farke, as what the England U21 star lacks in first-team football experience compared to Cooper, he makes up for in reliability and talent in the centre-back role.

The Manchester City youth academy graduate – who has a reported price tag of £15m – has gone from strength to strength over the last 12 months after playing a key role on loan in Burnley's Premier League promotion success and winning the European Championship with the England U21s.

Over 32 Championship appearances last season, the 21-year-old – hailed a "powerful presence" by journalist Josh Bunting – kept 11 clean sheets, won 63% of his aerial and ground duels combined and tallied up an 85% pass completion rate, as per SofaScore, proving he is an incredibly dominant and composed defender.

Not only that, Harwood-Bellis was one of the highest performing in his position across the Men's Next Eight competitions over the last 12 months per 90 minutes played – ranking in the top 15% of his peers for interceptions, progressive passes, shot-creating actions and assists, as per FBref.

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for the Leeds hierarchy to push forward with a concrete move for Harwood-Bellis over the remaining weeks of the transfer window, as he could become a huge asset to the club in their pursuit of winning promotion back to the top-flight.

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to swoop in and repeat a recent success under their new boss…

Is James Ward-Prowse leaving Southampton?

Despite West Ham United being the side seemingly in command to secure the signing of James Ward-Prowse, complications arose that scuppered a deal seemingly progressing smoothly.

As such, the Daily Star are now suggesting that the Lilywhites are seeking to prey on that hesitancy, hijacking David Moyes’ move with a bigger bid.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

The report states that Ange Postecoglou’s outfit are much more likely to match Southampton’s £40m valuation than the Hammers, who could only muster up a £25m bid recently.

Spurs have been watching the English midfielder for months now.

How many goals has James Ward-Prowse scored for Southampton?

The Saints skipper has been a Premier League stalwart ever since his promotion to the first team in 2011, rising through their academy to feature 410 for the senior squad.

During this period, in which the south coast club have starred and suffered across the last decade, the 28-year-old maestro has remained a reliable and constantly outstanding figure in the engine room of every manager to pass through their doors.

As such, even last year during their eventual relegation, he still managed 11 goals and five assists across all competitions.

Nathan Jones, who oversaw a portion of that campaign, hailed his midfield mastermind: “He's been outstanding. When I arrived at the club my first conversation with him was ten minutes after he didn't get picked for the England squad.

“Since that moment, he's been absolutely world-class for me. For me, the way he's been around it and the way he reacted – we're seeing his performances now that are motivated and driven.”

Capable of dictating from deep or operating as an attacking midfielder, Ward-Prowse would arguably be the perfect technician to fit within Postecoglou’s system, which often requires two hard-working and attack-minded no.8s.

With 55 goals and 54 assists during his time at the St Mary’s, alongside the 85% pass accuracy, two key passes and 1.7 tackles per game (via Sofascore) he posted last year in the Premier League, he further emphasises such a suggestion.

Not only that but by swooping from Southampton yet again, it could emulate the success earned when Jose Mourinho tempted Pierre-Emile Hojjberg to join the north London outfit back in 2020.

The Danish enforcer moved for just £15m and has since featured 145 times for the club. And yet, after three fine years of service, they could now be set to make a profit on the 28-year-old, as Atletico Madrid continue to push for his services.

Given his last two seasons have seen him maintain a 7.11 and 7.19 average rating in the league, ranking him within Spurs’ top-five performers in both years, it is fair to say his acquisition marked a masterclass from Daniel Levy for a pleasant change, which could get even better as they push him towards an exit and usher in an exciting future under the new management.

Perhaps Ward-Prowse could have a similarly influential effect, helping to provoke a new, brighter era for the club, with his dynamism and attacking impetus key in instigating that change.

Liverpool have signed teenage defender Harvey Owen from Wolves, with the youngster confirming his move to the Reds on social media.

Who have Liverpool signed?

The Reds have been fairly busy so far this summer as Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his senior side. Midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have already made the move to Merseyside from Brighton and RB Leipzig respectively, with Southampton’s Romeo Lavia looking like the next key target in midfield.

However, the club have also been adding to their academy ranks, and after a deal worth up to £800,000 was first rumoured about Owen back in May, it appears as if that has gone through.

This is Anfield shared a story in the last 48 hours regarding Liverpool and Owen. They relayed a post from the teenager’s Instagram, who confirmed he has signed for the Reds.

“Very happy to sign for Liverpool, can’t wait to get started.

“Thank you to everybody who has helped me to get where I am today and just wanna say big thank you to Wolves who have supported me throughout my career.”

Who is Harvey Owen?

Owen is a right-footed defender and is just 14 years of age, but it looks as if the Reds see plenty of promise to bring him to the club so early in his career.

He was previously praised by Wolves academy coach Wes Hughes, who believes the teenager can “can surprise a few” in the future, while also sharing an interaction between Owen and former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure, who believes the youngster will “be a really good player in the future”.

"Harvey was introduced to the group last year as a 13-year-old playing in the under-15s youth cup. The boys went on and did quite well in the competition and got to the semi-final – Harvey was a part of that journey and the boys really took to him as a younger player.

"He's a right-footed player who likes to play on the left side at the back – whether that's in a back three or a back four. He's come on leaps and bounds in terms of his football. We truly believe if he can overcome some difficulties and embrace some of the adversity, he can surprise a few.

"We recently played at Tottenham and he had a nice pat on the back from an ex-player in Yaya Toure. He personally went up to Harvey and said that he had a lot of potential and would be a really good player in the future, so I think he'll be really proud of that."

The Reds have lost a number of players from their academy ranks this summer with TIF citing six who have been released and four sold, so it is good to see that Owen has made the move to Merseyside from the Midlands, showing that the club are still looking to sign some exciting talents.

You’d expect he may go into Liverpool’s U16s to start with, but who knows, should he continue to develop and impress over the coming years, he could be a first-team defender in the making.

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is asking its members to resolve a long-running disagreement over the future development of Lord’s.The club, which owns the ground, has contacted all 18,000 members seeking a clear, unequivocal solution to a saga that has dragged on for the best part of a decade and persuaded former Prime Minister, John Major, to resign from the MCC committee in 2012.There are two choices.The first, named the Updated Masterplan, was put together by MCC and suggests utilising the club’s own funds to improve the Compton and Edrich stands (capacity would increase by 2,000) and a new East Gate Building, which would effectively replace the hospitality facility on the Nursery Ground. This, the club states, could be completed by 2027. It would cost £89 million, which could come from the club’s own funds, leaving them with £33 million remaining in the bank. The Masterplan would subsequently be completed (by 2032) with the redevelopment of the Tavern and Allen stands at the Pavilion End, and the North Gate at the Nursery End. To fund this, the club would require short-term borrowings, peaking at £28m in 2031, but cash reserves would be restored to £21m by 2035.The second, named the Morley Plan after the architect behind the idea, proposes building two ten-storey apartment blocks either side of a new Nursery Pavilion which would be leased to the MCC. That residential development (it would contain 97 apartments and ground floor commercial space) would fund the redevelopment of the Compton and Edrich stands (by 2034; it would take longer as capital would only be released after the residential accommodation is completed) and would leave the club with £111 million of cash in the bank by 2027. The developers have also offered a sweetener of £15 million to members to cover two years of their subs in acknowledgement of the disruption the building operation will cause.The proposed redevelopment at Lord’s Nursery End, under the Morley Plan•MCC

The developers behind the Morley Plan are the Rifkind Levy Partnership (RLP). Charles Rifkind, an investor and cousin of former Conservative minister Malcolm Rifkind, outbid MCC in 1999 to buy (for £2.35 million) a long-term lease on a 38-metre strip of land running the length of Lord’s at the Nursery End. It means that, while MCC own the lease for the top 18 inches of land, Rifkind owns the disused train tunnels that lie under the surface. RLP are offering £100 million in return for MCC relinquishing its lease to enable building work to progress, as well as £35 million to excavate the tunnels and create parking and storage space. With the sweetener included, the offer is worth £150 million.While MCC have not made any recommendation, there are some doubts expressed over details concerning the Morley Plan. The Review of Development Plans sent to members states “significant issues are unresolved concerning… the effect of residential accommodation within the Ground on security and operations, and whether the plans provide adequate space for the cricket needs of Lord’s”. They also point out that their hospitality facility will be direct neighbours with residential developments and that gaining planning permission for the project could prove difficult given the location’s proximity to St John’s Wood Church Gardens.A key point of difference centres on the redevelopment of the Compton and Edrich stands. While the Masterplan suggests it would be necessary to extend the stands on to the area currently occupied by the Nursery Ground playing surface (and to ensure less congestion on major match days), it also suggests retaining the specifications of the playing area by extending it on to the land currently occupied by the temporary Nursery Pavilion and ensuring the retention of 42 net facilities. The Morley Plan suggests the stands need not stretch further back and there will not be any reduction of the Nursery Ground playing area.An aerial view of the proposed redevelopments at Lord’s•MCC

Neither plan suggests starting work ahead of the 2019 World Cup final, which is scheduled to be held at Lord’s. The ground will continue to host cricket throughout the development period.Members have been sent a mountain of information providing details of the two options. They have also been invited to fill out a survey and attend meetings at venues around the country (in Bristol, Manchester and Nottingham, as well as at Lord’s) at which they can learn more and give their own views.The MCC committee will meet at the end of July to review the feedback and make a recommendation. The membership will then vote on that recommendation at a Special General Meeting at the end of September. If they back the committee’s proposal, the issue can be considered resolved and development can begin. If they do not, the issue could well overshadow the next chief executive’s period at the helm as it has the current one.The club’s CEO, Derek Brewer, stands down a couple of days after the SGM and will be replaced by current Somerset CEO, Guy Lavender.

سجل الدولي المصري، محمد صلاح، هدف فريق ليفربول الثاني أمام برايتون، في المباراة المقامة بينهما حاليًا على ملعب أنفيلد.

ليفربول يستضيف برايتون ضمن الجولة 30 من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، على ملعب “أنفيلد”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | لويس دياز يسجل هدف تعادل ليفربول أمام برايتون

وتمكن محمد صلاح من تسجيل الهدف الثاني لصالح ليفربول عند الدقيقة 65، بعدما تلقى تمريرة حاسمة من أليكسيس ماك أليستر داخل منطقة جزاء برايتون.

فيما نجح لويس دياز في تسجيل هدف التعادل لفريق ليفربول عند الدقيقة 27 من عمر الشوط الأول.

وافتتح داني ويلباك التسجيل لفريق برايتون بحلول الدقيقة الثانية من عمر اللقاء. هدف محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وبرايتون بـ الدوري الإنجليزي

Tottenham Hotspur have been confirmed to have opened direct contacts with Wolfsburg for centre-back Micky van de Ven, who is attracting Premier League attention after a stellar season in Germany.

What's the latest on Micky van de Ven to Tottenham?

That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who has exclusively revealed that the Lilywhites have commenced negotiations for the Dutch centre-back.

Taking to Twitter, the Italian journalist said: "EXCL: Tottenham have opened direct talks with Wolfsburg for Micky van de Ven. Dutch centre back is among top targets.

"Verbal proposal set to be submitted as van de Ven is keen on the move."

Van de Ven is expected to be available for around €30m (£26m), which could prove to be an affordable deal as manager Ange Postecoglou turns his attention to the backline following the £40m acquisition of playmaker James Maddison.

Should Tottenham sign Micky van de Ven?

While Tottenham maintained flashes of brilliance last term, traces of the former cohesive unity, it was by-and-large a discordant campaign that was underscored by a growing discontent under Antonio Conte, who was dismissed earlier this year.

Defensively, Tottenham were inexcusably shocking, with the 63 Premier League goals conceded a tally better than just Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and the three relegated sides.

Which is why Micky van de Ven could be such a shrewd signing; despite only being 22-years-old, the ace has been "flourishing under Niko Kovac" for Wolfsburg of late, earning an average Sofascore rating of 6.86 in the German Bundesliga, keeping 11 clean sheets from 33 outings, completing 88% of his passes and averaging 3.1 clearances per game.

Given his blistering pace – Van de Ven recorded a top speed of 35.87 km/h last term – and his athleticism on the pitch, the £7k-per-week "giant" – as he has been hailed by journalist Ronan Murphy – ranks among the top 10% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Which leads to Yves Bissouma, who has suffered an indifferent spell at Tottenham since completing a £25m plus add-ons transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer, starting just 11 times in the top-flight and recording an average Sofascore rating of just 6.68.

The 26-year-old recorded successive 7.07 ratings in his final two seasons with the Seagulls, however, completing 89% of his passes in the latter campaign and making 2.9 tackles, 1.9 interceptions and 1.8 clearances per outing.

Van de Ven's pace and progressive presence from the defensive third could finally allow Bissouma to thrive if he can capture his former form next term.

Such a stellar defensive outlet would likely see him given more protection, allowing him to thrive from the middle of the park, something he couldn't do with the likes of Eric Dier and Ben Davies behind him.

Indeed, given that the Wolfsburg star maintains his defensive acumen by making a raft of clearances per game, it could restrore the equilibrium to a Tottenham side that fell by the wayside.