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Her feat was all the more remarkable given that conditions at Senwes Park were actually not helpful for seamers

Liam Brickhill10-May-2019South Africa seamer Masabata Klaas revelled in her hat-trick, which helped her team pull level in their three-match Women’s Championship ODI series against Pakistan, crediting “hard work” for both her and the team’s success.”It’s all because of my team-mates and the hard work we’ve put in,” Klaas said. “It’s nice. It’s a mixture of emotions. It’s the first hat-trick of my career, so it feels nice.”Having been bowled out for 63 in the first ODI, South Africa bounced back with an eight-wicket win that was set up by a remarkable burst of seam bowling led by Klaas. On a track that hadn’t offered much to the quicks, Klaas’ earlier spells gave no indication of the carnage that was to come, but her introduction in the 39th over brought an implosion in Pakistan’s lower middle-order.After Aliya Riaz sliced a slog to mid-on, Klaas found lift and shape outside the off stump to dismiss Umaima Sohail and Sidra Nawaz off the next two deliveries, both caught behind. When wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta tumbled forward to cling on to a low, dipping chance that secured the hat-trick, Klaas charged down the wicket in celebration before she was mobbed by her team-mates. She became just the second South African – after Dane van Niekerk – to take a hat-trick in a women’s ODI, and Pakistan quickly collapsed from 146 for 5 to 147 all out.Klaas picked up the game as an 11-year-old in her home town of Botshabelo, 50km east of Bloemfontein, playing against boys until she reached provincial age-group cricket. A debut against Sri Lanka in 2010 followed, but Klaas stepped away from international cricket in 2013 to look after her daughter, who was born that year. For two years, she continued to play provincial cricket for Free State, finally forcing her way back into national colours against Pakistan in Sharjah in March 2015. She then earned a national contract and became a regular starter in the playing XI.

“She was actually feeling a bit under the weather this morning. But all of a sudden, after that hat-trick, she wasn’t sick anymore.”Laura Wolvaardt on Klaas

“I’ve been training hard,” Klaas said. “I’ve been doing a lot of fitness and target bowling. I must say, at the end of the day hard work does pay off. It’s a nice feeling.”Before I came on this tour, I sat down and did my work. I said to myself, even if I get one Woman-of-the-Match trophy, that would be my goal. So, I achieved that, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. To be honest, everyone went back to the drawing board [after the first game] and checked what we were lacking, and then everyone worked on where they needed to be. We played good cricket today. I can’t wait for the next game. Everyone’s in a good space.”Laura Wolvaardt, whose unbeaten 74 sealed South Africa’s chase in the afternoon, revealed that Klaas had walked into the game feeling a bit unwell.”That was so cool,” Wolvaardt said. “She was actually feeling a bit under the weather this morning. But all of a sudden, after that hat-trick she wasn’t sick anymore. She was sprinting around the field. So we laughed at her a bit for that.”It’s amazing to see her [take a hat-trick]. It’s very well deserved. She’s been bowling well for a long time and hasn’t always got the rewards. I’m really proud of her. I’m really happy she got it.”Klaas’ feat was all the more remarkable given that conditions at Senwes Park were actually not helpful for the seamers, with the ball coming on to the bat and a fast outfield providing value for shots.”Seam was easier to face on this wicket, I felt, and our bowling attack was full of seamers, so they had to really hit their lengths,” Wolvaardt said. “Because as soon as they missed their lengths, it was quite easy on this wicket, with a fast outfield as well. Kudos to our seamers, they must have hit their lengths very well to restrict them like that and bowl them out.”The result marked a successful comeback for South Africa, with the series now on the line and two more championship points up for grabs in the third and final ODI on Sunday.

A new report claims that Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz wants to leave Ibrox and has agreed terms with his next club before the Gers have even finalised terms.

Rangers transfer news

The Gers will likely make new signings before the end of this month, with failure to bring in any reinforcements something that could be deemed a big ask. Left-back is the position where the most rumours have emerged of late, with four of five different players linked with moves to Ibrox.

David Jurasek is one player who has emerged as a potential target, with the 23-year-old currently at Benfica, and Bristol City's Cameron Pring also being eyed up by Rangers chiefs. Hellas Verona defender Josh Doig is another name in the mix, as he looks to possibly return to the Scottish Premiership.

The reason for these links is because Yilmaz continues to be backed to leave Rangers in January, as he looks for more regular starts elsewhere, having not always been a key man under Philippe Clement this season. Borna Barisic has also been linked with joining Leeds United, and losing two left-backs could really upset the apple cart.

Ridvan Yilmaz agrees deal with Galatasaray

Taking to X, journalist Gokmen Ozcan claimed that Ridvan Yilmaz wants to leave Rangers this month, but reported that a move to Galatasaray had collapsed and Hellas Verona were instead leading the charge.

However, another update from Turkey, this time from Kadir Cetincali, claims that Yilmaz has actually now agreed terms with Gala and "this transfer is about to happen". However, there is still the small matter of final terms between the club to sort out, as the Gers want a fee now and Gala want it to be a loan deal with an option to buy.

It does feel increasingly as though Yilmaz's time at Rangers is going to come to an end this month, and in fairness, it is understandable why he could want a fresh challenge. He and Barisic have shared the workload in the league this season, with neither starting more than ten games in the competition.

Should Yilmaz depart Ibrox in the next few weeks, it is vital that the Gers snap up a tailor-made replacement for him, and it certainly looks as though they have plenty of options. Doig could be a standout because of his long-term potential, considering he is still only 21 years of age and has been touted as a huge talent for a number of years now, and he could jump at the opportunity to trade Italy for Scotland.

Jurasek would arguably be more of a gamble, with the Czech not yet testing himself in the English game, but he would also be an intriguing young option to come in and make up for the loss of Yilmaz.

Latest Rangers transfer news: Gers want PL teen; Saudi link to midfield ace

Who is Philippe Clement eyeing up in the transfer window ahead of his first full season at Ibrox?

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 9, 2024

Should Yilmaz move on, he should be remembered as a good servant when afforded the chance, registering four assists in 29 appearances.

The superstar striker signed off from his PSG career with a trophy-winning display, as Luis Enrique's side beat Lyon 2-1 in the Coupe de France final.

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Mbappe played final game for PSGGoals from Fabian Ruiz and Ousmane DembeleLyon denied late comebackTELL ME MORE

The Coupe de France final is one of the most prestigious days in the French football calendar and was given added weight by the fact that it was Kylian Mbappe's final gaame for PSG.

And they came racing out of the traps, going close through Mbappe, Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaire-Emery within the first 10 minutes.

Ousmane Dembele took advantage of that fast start after 22 minutes, heading home unmarked at the back post after a fine delivery from Nuno Mendes. Mbappe thought he had added a second soon after but saw his goal ruled out.

Fabian Ruiz added a second soon after, tapping in after his initial shot was saved.

PSG appeared set to cruise home, but Lyon pulled a goal back 10 minutes after the restart, as Jake O'Brien headed brilliantly beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma to spark hopes of a comeback.

Lyon claimed for a penalty late on after an apparent handball but nothing was forthcoming, and PSG held on to claim a 15th Coupe de France.

AdvertisementGettyTHE MVP

Ousmane Dembele gave a potential glimpse into life after Mbappe with an electric display. Not only did he score, he terrorised Lyon with his pace and trickery. Maybe, just maybe, they already have their replacement for the outgoing ace; can he stay fit, though?

THE BIG LOSER

Whoever replaces Mbappe! It may well be Dembele but it's got to be considered that he was involved in almost every attacking move, and it's impossible to envy the man given the task of filling his boots.

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WHAT COMES NEXT?

PSG are set to say goodbye to Mbappe as he is almost certain to head to Spain with Real Madrid. Lyon will have to lick their wounds and hope to make a comeback next season.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy may yet sign a £60 million "big talent" for Ange Postecoglou, as journalist Darren Lewis of The Daily Mirror explained this week.

Spurs grant Postecoglou wish by sealing early January deals

The north Londoners have moved swiftly and impressively in this transfer window, securing deals for Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig and defender Radu Dragusin in a £25 million deal from Genoa.

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ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Tottenham also remain in talks to sign Antonio Nusa from Club Brugge in a buy-to-loan-back deal, with the Lilywhites looking to steal a march on their rivals by snapping up the 18-year-old quickly.

These moves come after Postecoglou expressed his desire for Spurs to get deals done early this month, a wish which was granted by Levy and the wider recruitment team.

"If you can bring them in early, even if they don't play you can bed them into training and our style of football because it's not like we're going to sign somebody and they'll hit the ground running," said Postecoglou on the importance of early January signings.

Timo Werner

Arrival (Leipzig, loan)

Radu Dragusin

Arrival (Genoa, permanent)

Djed Spence

Exit (Genoa, loan)

Eric Dier

Exit (Bayern, loan)

Ashley Phillips

Exit (Plymouth, loan)

Sergio Reguilon

Exit (Brentford, loan)

Japhet Tanganga

Exit (Millwall, loan)

Ivan Perisic

Exit (Hajduk Split, loan)

"Whereas if you leave it towards the end of January, it's potentially not until mid to end of February when they get up to speed, depending where they're coming from, the league they're coming from. So there's a whole lot of moving parts. So yes, I'd love to do something early in the window but even me saying that puts a challenge on us – because other clubs know we want to do something early."

Tottenham heavily linked with Conor Gallagher

After completing the aforementioned deals, it has been widely reported that Spurs could turn their attention towards signing Conor Gallagher from Chelsea.

Time is running out for the club, though, as we approach deadline day next week. Postecoglou is rumoured to be keen on a new midfielder, especially if Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg departs before February 1.

Gallagher is really liked by Postecoglou and Tottenham (Fabrizio Romano), though reports suggest he's valued at around £60 million.

Concern Gallagher could join Spurs in January

Now, Mirror journalist Lewis has shared an update on the matter when speaking to the Last Word on Spurs podcast. He believes Tottenham signing the "big talent", as proclaimed by Frank Lampard, is still very much on the cards this month.

Lewis claimed Gallagher joining Spurs remains a possibility and the reporter is concerned he'll be sacrificed by Chelsea.

“My concern is that he will be sacrificed," Lewis said.

"He’s a terrific player. I’m not sold on the idea that it would be impossible for him to come to Spurs and here’s why. I didn’t think Chelsea would sell Mason Mount to a rival, and they sold him to Man Utd for £60m. He was a poster boy for the academy, I just think as far as Gallagher is concerned there is that problem with PSR with Chelsea. I think he would be an excellent fit for Spurs, and working for a manager like Postecoglou who puts his arm around a player, I think Gallagher could really settle down.

“This is a Spurs podcast so we won’t dwell too much on Chelsea, but I think there is a possibility that Gallagher could come, yes.”

Captain Gulbadin Naib also played a crucial hand, taking 6 for 43 – the third-best figures for Afghanistan in ODI cricket

The Report Deivarayan Muthu21-May-2019
Afghanistan shook off Sunday’s drubbing against Ireland and tuned up for the World Cup by levelling the two-match series in Belfast. Mohammad Shahzad led the way with a blistering century, showing off his range, before Najibullah Zadran’s unbeaten 60 off 33 balls vaulted Afghanistan to 305 for 7 – the highest total at the Civil Service Cricket Club. Ireland opener Paul Stirling peeled off his fourth successive score of fifty or more, but the rapidly rising asking rate was just too much to overcome for the hosts in their steep chase.The outfield was rather sluggish because of the wet weather over the past couple of days, but Shahzad’s batting was anything but. Shahzad set the scene for the day when he dashed down the track to the first ball and launched it over mid-on. Noor Ali Zadran, who was picked in place of Hazratullah Zazai, chipped seamer Mark Adair to mid-on in the fourth over, but the early dismissal of his opening partner did not hold Shahzad back.He unfurled a variety of shots – ranging from the helicopter shot to the good ol’ slog – and bent Ireland’s attack out of shape. Rahmat Shah’s solidity proved the ideal foil for Shahzad’s ferocity as the pair put on 150 for the second wicket at a run rate of 5.35.Shahzad was particularly severe on Adair and Barry McCarthy, hitting 48 runs off 32 balls from them. He reached his sixth ODI hundred off 85 balls when he eased Boyd Rankin to fine leg in the 31st over. Shahzad celebrated the landmark by placing his helmet on the bat and holding them aloft, Chris Gayle-style.Rahmat had needed 13 balls to get off the mark, but soon found his groove when Rankin offered up back-to-back leg-stump half-volleys in the 17th over. Both balls were put away for boundaries. He was also pretty fluent driving on the up through extra cover, but the partnership ended when Andy McBrine had him holing out for 62 in the 32nd over. In the same over, Shahzad, too, holed out, and then by the 41st over Afghanistan were 212 for 5.Rankin and Tim Murtagh then unleashed a short-ball barrage on Najibullah, but the batsman took them on and swatted them away like flies. He smoked three sixes, including one that sailed out of the ground and onto the road. Hashmatullah Shahidi pitched in with 47, helping Afghanistan ransack 93 in the last nine overs to breach 300.Ireland had picked an extra seamer in McCarthy at the expense of left-arm spinner George Dockrell, but three balls into his fourth over he sustained a knee injury and hobbled off the field. McCarthy did not return to bowl. Rankin gave Ireland another injury scare when Shahidi stuck him on his right knee with a drilled drive, but the quick recovered sufficiently to bowl his full quota of ten overs.In pursuit of 306, Ireland lost James McCollum early, but Stirling’s rich form and his 48-run stand with Andy Balbirnie gave the side some hope. However, captain Gulbadin Naib hit hard lengths and removed both batsmen to dent the chase. Naib then turned it into a full-blown collapse by scything through the middle order. By the end, Stirling, Balbirnie and wicketkeeper Gary Wilson were the only Ireland batsmen to get to 20 or more, and the hosts were dismissed for 179 in 41.2 overs.Fittingly, Naib sewed up the victory with 6 for 43 – the best figures by an Afghanistan seamer in ODI cricket. The new captain couldn’t have asked for a better lead up to the World Cup.

Jose Mourinho surprisingly claimed that his transfer to Fenerbahce "is not done yet" despite recent reports.

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Mourinho set to join FenerbahceTurkish club confirmed negotiationsTactician informed deal not yet over the lineWHAT HAPPENED?

The experienced Portuguese manager, who has been out of work since his dismissal from Roma in January, is seemingly close to making a return to management. Although the club confirmed the ongoing negotiations in a statement to its investors, Mourinho informed that the deal is not yet closed.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Fenerbahce have been actively pursuing Mourinho as they look to end their league title drought that dates back to 2014. Despite a strong campaign in which they collected 99 points and suffered only one defeat, Fenerbahce finished as runners-up in the Turkish Super Lig, narrowly missing out to fierce rivals Galatasaray. The club is hopeful that Mourinho's vast experience and tactical acumen will help them reclaim the domestic crown.

Getty/GOALWHAT MOURINHO SAID

"I decided I want to go but it is not done yet. I cannot confirm officially, but yes I want to go," he told "In Fenerbahce's case, eight players are in the Euros. They are not coming for pre-season before the first round so it's hard. But if I go, you know I like challenges, so if I go you know we will fight hard to be in the Champions League."

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DID YOU KNOW?

If Mourinho does finalize his move to Fenerbahce, he is expected to sign a two-year contract, which would keep him at the club until the summer of 2026. With a squad that already showed great promise last season, the addition of Mourinho could be the catalyst they need to finally overcome their domestic hurdles and make a significant impact in European competitions.

Oliver Hannon-Dalby claims five-wicket haul to give Warwickshire hope

David Hopps20-May-2019Dom Sibley is an imposing figure. Not quite Gregor Clegane, Cersei’s bodyguard in Game of Thrones, but you get the general idea. Tim Groenewald did not want to throw him to his doom, just get him out. But when he did, Somerset took a mighty step towards victory.With 209 to defend, Somerset had little margin for error, even though the ball had swung and seamed all day. Sibley had come into the match with hundreds in six successive first-class matches and was well set, with 26 from 84 balls. To add another he needed somebody else to hang around, but on a day when most batsmen had a short shelf life his presence was ominous.Four Warwickshire wickets had come easily, but there was a sense of Thou Shalt Not Pass about Sibley that did not auger well. He had been involved in a run out, too, which might have given him extra incentive to succeed, even if Will Rhodes had contributed to his own downfall by changing his mind after pushing the ball to Tom Abell in the gully; Sibley had already picked up momentum and was in no mood for a juddering change of direction.With 16 overs remaining, Somerset got the wicket they needed. Sibley pushed slightly across a full ball from Tim Groenewald, the sound of the nick rang around the County Ground as if importance of the wicket had somehow amplified it, and Craig Overton plunged low to his left to pull off a fast catch at gully. It was a very good catch on video; an even better catch in the context of the game.Overton had also played a central role in Warwickshire’s decline to 53 for four. He is very much England’s forgotten man, the last of his three Tests having come against Australia in Adelaide in December 2017, a series in which he took seven wickets at 42 and generally won a rating of “solid but unspectacular,” but he is an important cog in this Somerset side.He did not swing the ball markedly, but he swung it just enough in 12 overs of sustained menace. Robert Yates, a product of the Warwickshire academy (not the most reliable production line), is a left-handed batsman playing in his second Championship match, and he fell to a wicketkeeper’s catch. Sam Hain and Adam Hose, a former Somerset batsman, pushed forward in successive overs to be lbw.The late additions of Tim Ambrose, who dragged on an extravagant off drive at Lewis Gregory, and Henry Brookes, who fell to first-day turn from Jack Leach and was caught at slip, left Warwickshire 110 for 7 at the close of the first day, still 99 behind. Seventeen wickets in the day then, and Somerset have fallen foul of pitch inspectors before, but they have kept this surface the right side of the line.This a game between top and bottom – Somerset are already 47 points ahead of Warwickshire, who do have a game in hand – and it is being contested on the sort of surface that should bring about a result in three days, further Somerset’s ambitions of a first Championship title and allow them ample time to prepare for the Royal London Cup final against Hampshire at Lord’s on Saturday. All they then have to hope for is storms on the Solent and Hampshire arriving a little late and queasy from their sojourn on the Isle of Wight.Somerset were bowled out for 209 after an uncontested toss, and to get that they needed 47 extras and a top score of 36 for their No 9 Josh Davey, who had a bit of a punt and came off. Brooks is one of the most promising bowlers in the country. The ball that bowled George Bartlett, who was struck in the midriff after he was late on a pull, illustrated that he is picking up speed again after a stress fracture, although 20 no balls made it hard to suggest that he was finding his feet again – certainly not literally.Instead, Warwickshire’s cutting edge was provided by the spindly seamer, Oliver Hannon-Dalby, who conjured up the third five-for in first-class cricket, a career in which he has made 59 appearances in 11 seasons, initially with Yorkshire before they released him, and has won most plaudits in limited-overs cricket where he carries hidden perils.Oliver Hannon-Dalby of Warwickshire appeals successfully•Getty ImagesHannon-Dalby’s career-best 5 for 18 will delight all those who value his admirable and easy-going persistence. He began with the wicket of Marcus Trescothick, who edged him to second slip. Trescothick’s Championship scores this season (10, 5, 10, 4) sound like the instructions for a dance routine, but they have not quite got his feet moving yet. At 43, he is as old now as his Test average and there are young bucks like Tom Banton awaiting an opportunity. Treasure him while you can.On an extraordinary morning, in which Somerset reached 143 for 6 in 29 cavalier overs, Hannon-Dalby also had Tom Abell lbw to one that left him late and Lewis Gregory caught at second slip which one that curled away from an early juncture. Two tail-end wickets completed those exemplary figures, his first five-for for nine years, although it will take quite an effort for Warwickshire to turn his grand day into victory.

We've looked at the top performers in each position across the continent's 'Big Five' leagues to produce our combined XI

Another campaign is about to conclude. All that's left to play for is the Champions League, with Saturday's final at Wembley bringing together 14-time winners Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, who are bidding to lift the trophy for just the second time.

Madrid and Dortmund have undoubtedly been two of the stories of the season, with the former winning the Spanish title and the latter making light of their domestic struggles to make it all the way to London. However, Bayer Leverkusen also captured the imagination by not only winning a first Bundesliga title but also going desperately close to an undefeated campaign in all competitions. Xabi Alonso's sensational side may have gone on to win a double, but their treble bid was derailed by an awesome Atalanta.

Elsewhere, Inter ran away with the Serie A title and, despite the best efforts of Liverpool and Arsenal, Manchester City won the Premier/Farmer's League yet again, while Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 triumph was probably even more predictable.

So, who have been the players of the European season? Below, GOAL picks its top performers of 2023-24 in each position, laying out its selections in a 3-4-3 formation and basing them on performances in all competitions.

There have been some notable omissions. The likes of Florian Wirtz, Vinicius Jr, Cole Palmer, Teun Koopmeiners, Achraf Hakimi and Nico Schlotterbeck can consider themselves seriously unlucky not to have made the cut. So, as always, let us know your gripes in the comments section!

Getty ImagesGK: Yann Sommer (Inter)

Another Beppe Marotta transfer market masterstroke! Inter sold Andre Onana to Manchester United for €50 million (£42.5m/$54m) and replaced the Cameroonian with a better shot-stopper for roughly a ninth of the fee.

Sommer slotted seamlessly into the Inter backline and kept more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper across Europe's 'Big Five' leagues, playing a pivotal role in the Nerazzurri's runaway Scudetto success.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesCB: William Saliba (Arsenal)

A Rolls Royce of a defender drawing comparisons with Virgil van Dijk, Arsenal ace Saliba just never appears ruffled on the field. He's strong, he's quick and reads the play wonderfully well.

No outfield player has been involved in as many league clean sheets this season (22), while the flawless French centre-back ranks third among his fellow defenders for completed passes (3456), and fifth for possession won (278).

GettyCB: Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)

Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic basically called Hummels a "football god" after the defender's towering display in a vital Champions League group-stage win over AC Milan at San Siro – and it's easy to understand why.

There's been no better player in the tournament this season, with Hummels topping the charts for tackles won, duels won, interceptions and clearances. In short, the 35-year-old is the main reason why a side that struggled in the Bundesliga is facing Real Madrid at Wembley this weekend.

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GettyCB: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Liverpool's defence was devastated by injuries during the 2023-24 campaign, but captain Van Dijk not only managed to stay fit, he got back to his brilliant best.

The Dutchman was utterly dominant in the air (only Nikola Milenkovic won more headers), almost unbeatable on the ground (only four opponents managed to get round him all season along) while he also scored four goals, including the dramatic late winner in the Carabao Cup final.

Millwall rejected the chance to sign a player who Tottenham Hotspur are now in talks to sign, but he has attracted praise from Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.

Spurs enjoying busy January transfer window

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou will be enjoying the club's no-nonsense approach to this January window, especially after the Australian publicly urged chairman Daniel Levy to make quick-fire moves.

Sky Sports lift lid on Tottenham approach to sign "excellent" World Cup ace

Postecoglou has liked him for a long time.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 18, 2024

Postecoglou expressed his desire for the Lilywhites to get signings in early, suggesting it will give both Spurs and the new arrivals a better chance at success in the short-term.

"The January window, like for every club, is an important one," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's transfer plans last month.

"My view on the January one is that if you can get your business done early in the window it certainly is more helpful because you leave it until the end of January and sometimes what you train to gain you've missed that opportunity by waiting a whole month."

Spurs sealed deals for both midfielder Timo Werner and defender Radu Dragusin during the first half of January, which is out of character for the club in comparison to previous years.

Postecoglou's influence appears to be growing behind-the-scenes, and especially after Tottenham's wonderful start to the 2023/2024 season.

Timo Werner

Arrival (loan)

Radu Dragusin

Arrival (permanent)

Eric Dier

Exit (loan)

Djed Spence

Exit (loan)

Japhet Tanganga

Exit (loan)

Sergio Reguilon

Exit (loan)

Ashley Phillips

Exit (loan)

Ivan Perisic

Exit (loan)

The former Celtic boss has endeared himself to the Spurs faithful with his brand of intense, high-pressing football – and it appears Levy is ready to back his head coach.

Tottenham may not be done after the signings of Werner and Dragusin, either, as reports suggest Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is a player of real interest to Postecoglou.

Elsewhere, it has been reported that Spurs have opened talks over a buy-to-loan-back deal for Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa.

The 18-year-old is widely regarded as a rising star, but Tottenham News have shared an interesting bit of background on the club's pursuit of Nusa.

Millwall rejected chance to sign Nusa before Spurs talks

As per the outlet, London rivals Millwall rebuffed the chance to sign Nusa before Spurs opened talks this month – with the rejection coming back in 2021.

Their London rivals could've got him for around £420,000, so it's safe to say Millwall will be regretting their decision as Nusa impresses for Brugge and Norway.

He's now valued at around £25 million as technical director Johan Lange personally pursues a deal for him, with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard also calling the teen an "incredibly exciting" player.

“Fantastic! He is an incredibly exciting player," Odegaard told TV2 (via Sport Witness).

"You see it, everything he gets the ball, it’s exciting. He is still young and will get even better. It was cool to see him. He deserved to get the chance that he takes it to such an extent. Incredibly cool!"

The USMNT suffered a 5-1 thrashing by Colombia in what boss Greg Berhalter dubbed a pre-Copa America "wake-up call".

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Berhalter left angered after heavy defeatColombia scored three in final 13 minutesUSMNT's Copa campaign begins June 23WHAT HAPPENED?

Berhalter's side were humbled in their penultimate Copa America warm-up match, causing the coach to bemoan his team's attitude in the closing stages. The USMNT trailed 2-1 going into the final 15 minutes, but a late collapse saw Colombia seal a big win.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT BERHALTER SAID

Berhalter said: "From the 75th minute on, it was I think a lack of respect for our opponent [and] the game of soccer, what we were doing. We’re not framing it a lesson learned, we’ll frame it as a wake-up call."

The 50-year-old added that the late collapse“overshadows how we got back into the game, how we were aggressive, how we had them on their heels. They were struggling for a moment when it was 2-1, and we weren’t able to capitalize on it, and then the game went to pieces. There were some positive chunks of the game, but again, what I’m looking at right now, 5-1? It’s not good enough, that’s for sure.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Saturday night defeat saw the USMNT concede five goals in a single match on home soil for the first time since 2009, as the team were punished for making individual errors. Another worrying issue for Berhalter going into this month's Copa America is his side's continuing failure to beat a top team, with the USMNT still waiting to beat a top-25 side outside CONCACAF since Berhalter took change in 2019.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BERHALTER AND THE USMNT?

The USMNT go again on Wednesday, when they face Brazil in their final Copa America warm-up match, knowing they will need to put in a much-improved performance if they are to avoid another heavy defeat. It will then be on to the tournament itself, with the team beginning their campaign against Bolivia on June 23 before further group stage clashes against Panama and Uruguay.