Ryan Patel takes key wicket of Jonny Bairstow as hosts seal victory before lunch

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay19-May-2025

Jordan Clark claimed seven wickets in the match•Surrey CCC/Getty Images

Occasional seamer Ryan Patel bowled Jonny Bairstow for 77 to claim his first wicket of the season as Surrey quickly completed a crushing Rothesay County Championship victory by an innings and 28 runs after dismissing Yorkshire for 229 at the Kia Oval.Patel, a 27-year-old batter in his 68th first-class appearance but with just 22 previous wickets to his name, was in his fourth and final over before Surrey took the second new ball when he deceived Bairstow with a nip-backer that defeated an attempted drive and removed off stump.With Bairstow, who had resumed on 64, went all remaining hope for Yorkshire after they had begun day four on 185 for six in their second innings, still 72 runs adrift. It was a great moment for the popular Patel, who leapt in celebration and was mobbed by his teammates.Matthew Revis had already departed by then, for 13, lbw to Tom Lawes, and soon Yorkshire were 222 for 9 when Ben Coad (2) played on to Jordan Clark’s sixth delivery with the second new ball.The end came 45 minutes before lunch when Jordan Thompson, having smeared Lawes over cover point for six, holed out to deep mid on for 16 aiming another big hit against Clark, who finished with 4 for 45. Lawes took 3 for 47.For Surrey, it extends a remarkable recent record at their Oval fortress. The win, their second of the campaign, propels them into second place in the Division One table behind early pace-setters Nottinghamshire and is the 18th victory from the 24 championship matches they have played at their headquarters since the start of the 2022 season. In that time, too, they have lost at home just once.With four draws in their other early-season matches – three of them in away fixtures played on ultra-flat pitches at Chelmsford, Hove and Edgbaston – Surrey may have made an unbeaten start to their quest for four successive titles, following the triumphs of 2022, 2023 and 2024, but there have also been whispers that the champions may have lost a little bit of edge.The way Yorkshire were brushed aside, with Surrey running up 512 in their own first innings after dismissing their visitors for 255 on day one, certainly refutes that – particularly as Dan Worrall, the leader of their potent pace attack, missed this game with a heel injury while Dan Lawrence, who took two for 22 with his off spin on day one, was unable to bowl or field in Yorkshire’s second innings after hurting his back while batting.Lawes made the initial breakthrough in the 12th over of the morning session, one ball after seeing Revis edge one that curved away from him just short of third slip.Thompson nicked the first ball he faced, from Patel, but Jason Roy at slip could only scoop it up on the half-volley as he reached forward.

Cameras picked up Ted Lasso actor Jason Sudeikis in attendance at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night as Arsenal hosted Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. The American entertainer is known to be a huge sports fan and his presence at the game, given his alter ego's place within modern football culture, was an amusing side-note for fans of the world famous show.

• Ted Lasso at the Emirates again!

  Sudeikis was there as himself, rather than some kind of Ted Lasso cameo, dressed in a jacket and tie, flat cap and dark glasses. Richmond gear was nowhere to be seen. It's not the first time this season that he's been seen at an Arsenal game, attending August's season opener against Nottingham Forest, and is increasingly a known fan of Mikel Arteta's side. Still, Brendan Hunt, known for playing Lasso's assistant, Coach Beard, was alongside him.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Arsenal's good luck charm

  Atletico Madrid have forged a reputation in the decade-plus that Diego Simeone has been at the helm as being one of Europe's toughest teams to beat. So for Arsenal to put four goals past them and prompt a full-on collapse – just 13 minutes elapsed betwen Gabriel putting the Gunners ahead and Viktor Gyokeres making it 4-0 – was certainly worthy of a few raised eyebrows.

• Not a fan before Ted Lasso series began

  Ted Lasso was born when Sudeikis starred as the character in a series of TV commercials advertising NBC's coverage of the Premier League in 2013, ironically depicted as the new Tottenham Hotspur head coach. But it wasn't until 2019 that a full series was commissioned, airing in 2020.

  Sudeikis wasn't a soccer fan before taking on the role, but it has introduced him to the world's most popular sport. "I like it, yeah," he remarked in 2024. "I don't understand everything, but after the show, I started to enjoy it even further."

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  Solskjaer also attends

  Sudeikis wasn't the only famous face spotted among the crowd. Ex-Manchester United boss and Old Trafford legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also seen watching on. The Norwegian was recently dismissed by Besiktas following successive Europa League and Conference League qualifying eliminations, only eight months after taking the job in Istanbul. It was Solskjaer's first role since leaving United in 2021.

They say a week is a long time in politics, but it’s even longer in football, and Chelsea are a great example.

Just seven days ago, it would be fair to say that there were some questions over Enzo Maresca’s squad, as, although they had just beaten Benfica 1-0, the victory was hardly convincing.

Moreover, the Blues had lost 3-1 to Brighton & Hove Albion and 2-1 to Manchester United in their previous two Premier League games.

However, any genuine concerns over the direction of the club were quickly dispelled with a sensational 2-1 win over Liverpool thanks to a late Estevao goal.

It was the ideal way for the Brazilian to introduce himself to the wider league, although while he does seem destined for greatness, Chelsea once had a homegrown superstar in the making, whom they let go for nothing.

Why Estevao could be an international superstar for Chelsea

Despite still being just 18 years old, the expectations surrounding Estevao are sky-high, to the point where respected analyst Ben Mattinson has claimed that he is a “future Ballon d’Or winner.”

That might sound like an absurd thing to say about someone so young, but the incredibly exciting wonderkid already has an impressive amount of first-team football under his belt.

For example, before making his way to Stamford Bridge this summer, the Franca-born gem racked up a brilliant tally of 27 goals and 15 assists in 83 appearances for Palmeiras.

Appearances

83

Minutes

5610′

Goals

27

Assists

15

Goal Involvements per Match

0.50

Minutes per Goal Involvement

133.57′

Additionally, he has already won seven senior caps for the Brazilian national team, scoring his first goal in a 3-0 win over Chile in September.

Back in England, the left-footed prospect has continued to make progress. While he scored his first competitive goal for the Blues and grabbed the headlines in the process against Liverpool, he has also made quite an impression in his other games.

For example, on his first start, against West Ham United, it was his unreal close control and technique that allowed him to get past the Hammers’ backline and provide an assist for Joao Pedro.

In all, Estevao looks like he will be a world-class star for Chelsea, but so long as he stays out on the right, he’ll be in, compared to another former Blues gem, someone the club lost for free.

Chelsea's former Estevao

As with every other big club in the game, Chelsea have lost several outrageously talented youngsters over the years, from Jamal Musiala to Declan Rice and potentially even Rio Ngumoha.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

However, in this instance, the player in question is someone who could be rivalling Estevao for the title of best winger in the world a few years from now: Michael Olise.

The incredible Bayern Munich joined the West Londoners’ academy set-up in 2009 but ended up leaving in 2016, which, according to former Blues youth coach Sean Conlon, was a “mutual decision.”

The dynamic attacker would then travel to Manchester City before joining Reading’s academy, where he’d go on to make his senior debut and, after an impressive 20/21, in which he produced 19 goal involvements in 46 games, catch the eye of Crystal Palace, who paid £8m to sign him.

Over the next three years, the tremendously exciting Frenchman would make 90 appearances for the South Londoners, scoring 16 goals and providing 25 assists, and was lauded as “one of the best talents in the world” by former manager Oliver Glasner.

The former Cobham gem made his big-money move to Bayern last summer, and since moving to Germany, he has been on another level entirely.

For example, in his first campaign with FC Hollywood, the 23-year-old phenom scored 20 goals and provided 23 assists in just 53 appearances.

So far this season, instead of taking a slight step backwards following an outrageous first campaign in Germany, he appears to have become even more effective.

In just ten appearances across all competitions, the ten-capped superstar has scored five goals and provided six assists.

Ultimately, Chelsea have a future world-beater in Estevao, but they’d be an even better team had they kept hold of Olise all those years ago.

Moises Caicedo tells Chelsea fans where he ranks himself compared to Kante

The Blues midfielder scored a stunning goal as his side went on to defeat Liverpool.

BySean Markus Clifford Oct 6, 2025

The Premier League is reportedly set to vote on proposals that could see a “salary cap” of sorts introduced at the top end of English football. An “anchoring” plan has been drawn up, which would limit spending for elite clubs, with shareholders expected to address that issue in November. Several teams, including Manchester rivals United and City, are said to oppose the concept.

Who is in favour of anchoring and which teams oppose it?

reports on how arch-rivals from Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium have expressed concerns regarding the introduction of regulations that would restrict Premier League clubs to spending five times what they generate from prize money and broadcast revenue on wages and transfers.

Said proposals were first revealed in March 2024, with a poll taken at the time. It is claimed 16 voted in favour, with City, United and Aston Villa opposing the plan while Chelsea abstained. Concerns are said to have been raised regarding the negative impact that such rules would have on the Premier League’s ability to retain its status as “the strongest domestic competition in Europe”.

AdvertisementGettyPoint deductions: Penalties that would be introduced

Teams on the continent are already governed by UEFA’s “squad cost ratio” rules, which aim to reduce spending to 70 per cent of revenue. The Premier League’s proposal would set that bar at 85 per cent, with the anchoring plan running alongside.

Clubs in England already operate under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) which allow clubs to post losses of £105 million ($141m) across a three-year timespan. A meeting in November will reportedly address the issues of “squad cost ratio rules, anchoring and sustainability rules linked to football’s new independent regulator”.

An insider has told The Times: “If we bring in these anchoring rules, it could dramatically affect the Premier League’s ability to attract the world’s best players. How can that be in the best interest of English football?”

It is suggested that if the anchoring rules were to be introduced, then some teams would immediately be in breach of them – given estimated spending figures. It is reported that sanctions would include “a minimum six-point deduction plus a point for every £6.5million of overspend”.

Would anchoring rules make the Premier League less competitive?

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) is said to be considering legal action if anchoring is introduced, due to the impact said regulations would have on player wages. The Premier League already finds itself caught up in several legal battles.

Those voting in favour of the reforms have been warned that they risk seriously undermining the competitiveness of English top-flight football. Another source told The Times: “Many clubs don’t have a particularly strong view on this issue because they don’t think it will affect them given their current spending levels. It feels like we are actually sleepwalking into this.”

The clubs in question are said to believe that the rules will actually make the Premier League more competitive, as they help to level the playing field somewhat, ensuring that the division remains attractive to broadcasters in multibillion-pound deals.

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is among those to disagree, as the Red Devils draw up plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium that will help to push their revenue figures ever higher. He has said: “The last thing you want is for the top clubs in the Premier League not to be able to compete with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, PSG – that’s absurd. And if it does, it then ceases to be the finest league in the world.”

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Getty/GOALPSR punishments and protracted FFP saga

Everton and Nottingham Forest are among the clubs to have been stung with PSR punishments, having faced point deductions, while Manchester City remain locked in a 115-charge Financial Fair Play case.

A final ruling in that long-running saga is said to be close, with an independent hearing having concluded late in 2024, but City could drag it out even further if appeals are lodged against any punishments. Various sanctions – ranging from point deductions, transfer embargoes and even expulsion from the top tier of English football – have been mooted over the course of the last two-and-a-half years.

Michelle Agyemang worryingly left the pitch on a stretcher as England beat Australia 3-0 at Pride Park in Derby on Tuesday night. The up and coming teenage forward has made a huge impact since bursting onto the international scene for the Lionesses earlier this year, going on to play a decisive role at Euro 2025, but could now be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Concern for Agyemang

There had been plenty of reason to be cheerful for England, enjoying a relatively comfortabe win over an Australia side reduced to 10 players inside the opening 20 minutes when Alanna Kennedy was sent off. There were debuts for Taylor Hinds and Lucia Kendall at left-back and in midfield respectively, while Wiegman finally handed Maya Le Tissier the chance to play as a centre-back for her country. Agyemang replaced Alessia Russo up front just over an hour in, with the score at 2-0, but lasted only 18 minutes after appearing to badly hurt herself.

Journalist Kathryn Batte noted on X: "This looks a bad one for Michelle Agyemang, England's players all very concerned, Beth Mead pointing to her knee as she came over. Really hoping it's not as bad as it looks."

Girls on the Ball similarly posted: "This does not not look good at all. The stretcher is out and she is being looked after by a number of England players as well as the physios."

The Brighton striker, on loan again this season from Arsenal, was treated and then taken away on a stretcher, as fans on all four sides of the stadium stood up and applauded in a moving show of respect and concern.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWiegman: It doesn't look good

There is no confirmed diagnosis at this early stage, but women's football has been plagued by anterior cruciate ligament injuries in recent years – over the past few weeks alone, Liverpool pair Marie Hobinger and Sophie Roman Haug, as well as Bayern Munich's Lena Oberdorf have been sidelined long-term. It is hoped that Agyemang has avoided such severe damage, but it could be a worrying and distressing wait for further news.

"Of course it was an awful moment, it doesn't look good. We don't know yet but I'm not very positive about what I've seen," England manager Sarina Wiegman told reporters afterwards. "Of course that looked horrible when you’re stretchered off that’s not nice anyway, that doesn't look good. It looks bad."

In front of the ITV cameras, forward Aggie Beever-Jones reflected: "It's never nice when anyone comes off on a stretcher, let alone a team-mate. I don't know what she's done, but I just hope she’s okay. It's never nice to see anyone in pain like that. I'm just praying she's OK."

Euro 2025 super sub

Agyemang made her name during Euro 2025 as England's wildcard and super sub. She had fairly little club experience when Wiegman first selected her in a Lionesses squad in the build-up to the tournament in April, scoring a spectacular strike only 41 seconds after coming on for a debut against Belgium. The rising talent repeated the trick twice at the Championship, coming off the bench to score an 81st minute equaliser in the quarter-final against Sweden to force the penalty shootout that England subsequently won, then later sending the semi-final against Italy into extra-time, as the Lionesses again won. She also came off the bench in the final and ultimately named young player of the tournament for her overall efforts and impact.

Rather than risk her not getting sufficient game time to build on and further develop off the back of that epic summer, Arsenal opted to send Agyemang to Brighton on loan for a second time – she had already played 17 WSL games for the Seagulls during 2024-25.

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Getty ImagesWhat comes next?

It remains to be seen when Agyemang will be back in action. Everything will depend on the severity of the injury, with an ACL tear the worst case scenario in this instance, with absences often varying wildly. More mild and minor ligament damage could equate to being sidelined for weeks rather than months.

The matches will be played on September 27, 28, and 30 in the lead up to Nepal’s participation in the men’s T20 World Cup Asia qualifier

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jun-2025

West Indies and Nepal played against each other in the ODI World Cup qualifier two years ago•ICC via Getty Images

Nepal and West Indies will face-off in three T20Is in what will be the first bilateral series between the two teams, in September in Sharjah. Even though the games will be played at a neutral venue, Nepal will be the official hosts of the series.A Cricket West Indies (CWI) statement called the “historic” series a “significant milestone in the ongoing mission to grow and globalize the game of cricket”. The matches will be played on September 27, 28, and 30 in the lead up to Nepal’s participation in the men’s T20 World Cup Asia qualifier later in the year.”This series is more than just a set of international matches – it’s a celebration of the game’s expanding global footprint and a testament to what cricket represents: pride, purpose, and the power of unity,” CWI chief executive Chris Dehring said in the statement. “As a full-member nation, we see it as part of our responsibility to contribute to the development of cricket beyond our borders.”Supporting Nepal in this key phase of their cricketing journey not only builds the sport at the grassroots and international levels but also reminds us of the deep pride and honour associated with representing our nation and wearing our national colours. We are proud to stand with Nepal at this moment in their history and look forward to exciting and competitive cricket in Sharjah.”The statement added that West Indies were expected to field a “competitive squad”.The West Indies T20I team is currently in Ireland for a three-match T20I series, of which the first match was washed out. Nepal, meanwhile, are in Scotland for a T20I tri-series also involving Netherlands.Two-time World Cup champions West Indies are currently ranked fifth in the format while Nepal are 18th.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank could be backed with further signings in January, coming after the Lewis family bankrolled the Lilywhites with a £100 million capital injection last week.

Lewis family make Tottenham statement with £100m windfall

This extra funding will be used for the ‘day-to-day’ running of Spurs, according to reports, with CEO Vinai Venkatesham and non-executive chairman Peter Charrington now poised to decide how this cash will be spent.

Frank and technical director Johan Lange will also have a say, according to reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, with the two Danes and Tottenham’s new-look boardroom finalising their financial requirements for on-pitch success.

This follows an intriguing claim from Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol last month, who reported all the way back then that ENIC were intending to pump money into the club, and these funds could be used on new transfers or to heighten their wage budget.

With January around the corner, there is every reason to believe that a portion of his new capital could be used to attack the transfer market, and there are a few key areas of the squad that need addressing.

It is believed that Tottenham still want a centre-back and another winger, after failing to sign Savinho and another defender in the summer window. Meanwhile, there are multiple reports now surfacing that Spurs are keen to sign a new number nine as well.

Dominic Solanke hasn’t featured since Tottenham’s 2-0 win away to Man City in August, and hasn’t played more than 20 minutes in any of his three appearances so far this term as the England international continues his comeback from minor ankle surgery.

Richarlison, meanwhile, is a cause for concern amid some criticism surrounding his lack of consistency, with Mathys Tel given the starting nod against Leeds United and opening the scoring in place of the Brazilian.

Frank has made a solid start to life in the Spurs dugout, after ex-chair Daniel Levy handed him a lucrative three-year contract which made him the Premier League’s joint-third highest paid manager, but the Dane arguably needs a reliable goalscorer up top.

Rank

Manager

Club

Wage per year

1

Pep Guardiola

Man City

£20m

2

Mikel Arteta

Arsenal

£10m

3=

Unai Emery

Aston Villa

£8m

3=

Thomas Frank

Tottenham

£8m

5

Arne Slot

Liverpool

£6.9m

Randal Kolo Muani can play as a centre-forward, but he’s only on a straight loan, which is highly uncharacteristic for Spurs, as Lange and co may well be forced to return to the market for a more long-term target.

The France international, once he’s back fully fit, could eventually prove that he’s worth negotiating for a permanent deal, but for now, Tottenham are considering their options.

Journalist responds to "whispers" about Ivan Toney joining Tottenham

Al-Ahli star Ivan Toney, who worked with Frank at Brentford and scored 20 Premier League goals in 2022/2023, has been linked with a January move to N17 recently.

Some reports claim that Frank has even contacted Toney about joining Tottenham on loan in the winter, and reporter Dean Jones has responded to “whispers” he’s heard about the £40 million forward’s potential return to England.

Since his move to Saudi in the summer of 2024, Toney has played just two minutes of action for England and was omitted from the Three Lions squad for nearly a year, before appearing on the bench against Andorra in June and featuring in a shock loss to Senegal.

The 29-year-old might have one eye on a place in Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup side, but despite scoring for fun in the Middle East, he isn’t getting much of a look-in bar that one summer call.

Taking this into account, the prospect of a return to England could tempt him, but Toney would also have to give up a seismic £426,000-per-week pay packet to come home.

Celtic ended the transfer window with a whimper. Still, they may now have a surprise opportunity to strengthen their engine room after holding talks with the camp of a free agent midfielder.

Celtic face pivotal week in Europa League and Scottish Premiership

After dropping points at home to Hibernian, Celtic sit two points behind Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership table and may well be five adrift once they take on Motherwell this Sunday, depending on whether the Jambos defeat Hibernian on Saturday night.

Overall, the Bhoys more than merited a victory against David Gray’s men last weekend. However, Kelechi Iheanacho missed several opportunities and his teammates were profligate in front of goal, leading to a goalless stalemate at Parkhead.

Now, Celtic turn their attention to the task of facing Braga in the Europa League on Thursday, swiftly be followed up by a home clash against the Steelmen.

Brendan Rodgers opted to remain positive after his side drew a blank against Hibernian, claiming their performance on the day was encouraging and they simply didn’t get the rub of the green to force a triumph over the line.

He stated: “In terms of performance, the players have done really, really well. If you look at all the metrics in the game, created big chances, moved the ball really well. And our only downside was that killer touch in the box.”

In theory, he is correct to point out that his side did put on a decent performance, though their tally of eight goals in six league games is a cause for concern that could lead to unrest if he isn’t able to rectify their lack of cutting edge.

Taking a step away from matters on the field, there may well now be an unexpected development on the transfer front concerning the Hoops.

Pierre Ekwah's agents hold talks with Celtic over his availability

According to Mark Hendry on Substack, free agent midfielder Pierre Ekwah’s camp have contacted Celtic to hold talks over a Parkhead move after he controversially saw his deal Ligue 2 club Saint-Ettienne ripped up under acrimonious circumstances.

Foot Mercato state Ekwah decided to terminate his deal himself after being unhappy at the French side activating an option to buy included in his loan deal from Sunderland last term. He has since been at a stand-off with the second-tier outfit and could be involved in a legal battle.

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Keen to kickstart his career elsewhere, his camp has approached both Celtic and Rangers to gauge their interest in adding the 23-year-old to their ranks.

Capable of featuring either in defensive or central midfield, he made 29 appearances last term in Ligue 1. Ekwah hasn’t taken part in Saint-Ettiene training or pre-season, although he has clubs from England, Italy and Belgium vying for his services.

Celtic could use cover for Callum McGregor in the six role. However, it remains to be seen whether they pull the trigger in a situation that could become complicated between all parties involved after departing his club caused a huge stir.

Everton have a new-found level of financial freedom under the Friedkin Group and could now look to beat rivals Liverpool to the signature of a talented winger.

Jack Grealish on David Moyes' impact at Everton

After a summer of exciting arrivals, David Moyes came away with one of the signings of the window in Jack Grealish, who has recently spoken openly about his career and recent form since pitching up at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Thanking the Scot for his belief in his abilities, the Three Lions man stated via Sky Sports: “People were saying to me, ‘what are you doing going to Everton’, and I was like, ‘what do you mean?’. It’s a massive club. I’m at my best when I feel loved. You know I’m quite vulnerable off the pitch and I wanted to go somewhere to just feel the love again.

“It’s down to him (Moyes) for giving me that platform to go and play the way I’ve been playing. I don’t mean this in an arrogant way but I do like it when managers say, ‘you’re the footballer, go and do what you want to do. I’d rather someone just be like, ‘when you get the ball Jack, just go and play.’ That’s what he says to me.”

Reviving attacking talent from the Premier League appears to have become a specialty for Moyes. Reports suggest Everton could look to sign Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus in January, which could be another trump card as they build a formidable forward line.

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Plenty of optimism surrounds the direction of travel Everton are heading, and they could now be set to take things up a level after sending scouts to watch an exciting target.

Everton scouts watch Konstantinos Karetsas at Ibrox

According to Alan Nixon on Patreon, relayed by Everton News, Everton sent scouts to watch Genk winger Konstantinos Karetsas against Rangers, albeit he only came on as a late substitute in a 1-0 victory for the visitors.

The Greek international is expected to depart Belgium next year and could be available at around £20 million, though Liverpool, Sunderland, Newcastle United and Bournemouth are all fighting to secure his services.

Five similar players to Konstantinos Karetsas (FBRef)
Mikey Johnston	West Bromwich Albion
Wilfried Zaha	Charlotte FC
Christopher Bonsu-Baah	Al-Qasdiah
Tiago Palacios	Estudiantes
Claudio Aquino	Colo-Colo

Labelled a “superstar in the making” by Ben Mattinson, Karetsas has registered three goals and six assists for Genk in 53 appearances and is viewed as a rising star across Europe, given he is only 17 years of age.

His performance for Greece against Scotland back in March turned heads after the youngster curled in a stunning strike to give his side an aggregate lead over Moyes’ country in the UEFA Nations League.

Tapping into the stars of the future is something that Everton will be willing to work on as they build a conveyor belt of exciting players who can play their part under new ownership, and beating Liverpool to his signature would send a message that the Toffees are to be revered.

Arsenal and Manchester United are now among the leading clubs looking to sign an “exciting” French defender, who is also capable of playing in midfield.

Gunners looking to bolster defensive options

The Gunners appear to be in a strong position to finally end their long wait for a title, currently sitting top of the Premier League table, and much of their success can be put down to their extremely impressive defensive record in the early stages of the campaign.

Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded just three goals in their opening seven games, which is the fewest of any side in the top flight, with William Saliba and Gabriel continuing their solid partnership at the heart of the defence.

The north Londoners also bolstered their options at the back during the summer transfer window, signing Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia, and the 21-year-old has featured fairly regularly so far this season, featuring eight times across all competitions.

Given that Arteta is already well-stocked in defence, it may be surprising to learn that Arsenal have now set their sights on another centre-back, who is attracting interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which reveals the Gunners are now among the leading clubs tracking FC Nantes defender Tylel Tati, alongside Premier League rivals Manchester United, with both clubs sending scouts to watch him in action.

There could be serious competition for Tati’s signature, however, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Aston Villa also being named as potential suitors, while Barcelona, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen headline the interest from abroad.

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The widespread interest in the 17-year-old may stem from his ability to play in multiple positions, with the report stating he is capable of playing at left-back, while also possessing the ability to play in defensive midfield.

"Exciting" Tati could be fantastic long-term addition for Arsenal

Scout Jacek Kulig has named the youngster among the most “exciting” French U21 centre-backs, and it is clear to see why, given that he has already managed to establish himself as a first-team regular for Nantes.

The starlet has made six Ligue 1 appearances so far this season, which is an impressive feat, given that he only turned 17 earlier this year, highlighting that the Nantes ace could be ready to make the step-up to the Premier League before too long.

Arguably the Frenchman’s toughest test to date came on his debut against Paris Saint-Germain, but manager Luis Castro singled him out for praise after the match, despite Nantes suffering a 1-0 defeat, saying: “He played a very good match, he is calm, focused, and at 17, that’s not bad,”

With the likes of Saliba, Gabriel, Mosquera and Piero Hincapie on the books, there is no pressing need to bring in a new centre-back, but Tati could be a fantastic addition on a long-term basis, and his versatility is an added bonus.