Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a late move for Barcelona forward Ansu Fati, with Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas revealing he could be available before the transfer deadline.

What's the latest Tottenham transfer news?

Tottenham have their sights set on a new winger, with journalist Ben Jacobs recently revealing they have held talks with Nottingham Forest over a deal for Brennan Johnson, but he will not come cheap, with the Reds set to hold out for a fee of over £50m.

There has also been another update on Spurs' pursuit of FC Porto winger Pepe, with a report revealing they still hold an interest in the Brazilian, despite already having one bid knocked back, which was way under the Portuguese club's valuation of €70m (£60m).

Having been made available by Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, the Lilywhites may also make a move for former Celtic winger Jota, who manager Ange Postecoglou knows well, having spent time working with him in Glasgow.

Fati is another player whose future with his current club is in doubt, and his agent, Jorge Mendes, has recently offered him to both Tottenham and Aston Villa, for a fee of €50m (£43m).

Speaking on Last Word On Spurs (via The Boot Room), Thomas has now provided an update on Spurs' interest in the Barcelona forward, which suggests he could be on the move due to the financial issues at the Camp Nou. The Sky Sports reporter said:

“A couple of names have been thrown at me today from sources outside the club, one being Ansu Fati from Barcelona and another being PSV winger Johan Bakayoko.

“We will talk a bit more about Brennan Johnson and the other targets, I think I was mid-speech about Ansu Fati wasn’t I? That’s not a straightforward one. I was warned a few weeks ago that Fati would come around at the end of the window, not just for Spurs, but for a few clubs because Barcelona haven’t solved many of their FFP issues. He’s on big wages, so as far as a loan is concerned they want a club to front up all of the wages. Otherwise they will push for a sale."

Read The Latest Tottenham Transfer News HERE

What position does Ansu Fati play?

Throughout his Barcelona career so far, the Spaniard has predominantly featured as a left-winger, but he is also capable of playing as a centre-forward, having scored three goals in the 13 games he's played in that position.

Last season, the 20-year-old was a vital player for Barca, on route to winning the La Liga title, weighing in with 11 goal contributions in 36 league games, and he has been hailed by teammate Eric Garcia, who dubbed him "magic."

If the starlet is available for just £43m, he would be cheaper than Johnson, despite having far more experience at the top level, having racked up a total of 17 appearances in the Champions League.

Fati is still very young, but he has already established himself in the Barca first team, indicating that he could go right to the very top, and Tottenham should undoubtedly pursue a move before the deadline.

Australia opener Cameron Bancroft believes he will reach the standard required of a Test batsman with time and experience, having shown improvement over the course of his first overseas assignment against South Africa in Durban.After walking down the track to fall cheaply to Vernon Philander on day one, 25-year-old Bancroft spoke at length with his more seasoned opening partner David Warner about their respective approaches to the game, and struck a promising balance between attack and defence in a second-innings half-century.Bancroft said that just as he had required time and investment to become a player of first-class standard, the same pattern was forming at Test level, and he hoped to be given the chance to see the process through to completion as an Australian batsman.”In first-class cricket, [Sheffield] Shield cricket, I didn’t improve at that level until I played games,” Bancroft said. “By accumulating those games I was able to play and get better and I like to think at this [Test] level I am going to do exactly the same. I am a guy who is going to work hard and figure out ways to improve.”All I want to do is get better and become the best player that Cameron Bancroft can be. If every time I step onto the track or the field I am taking steps forward to do that, I know I am going to have success. So that’s certainly something I have faith in and believe in, that’s for sure.”Cricket is one of those games where it can be not very rewarding at the best of times. Certainly in my own game I feel like I’ve been improving and doing a lot of very good things and sometimes they don’t always come out or are necessarily recognised out in the middle. I sit here and I’m bitterly disappointed I didn’t go on to make a really big hundred but it’s certainly nice to contribute to the team and make some runs. I will certainly take that with a lot of confidence. It’s very pleasing.”Part of Bancroft’s learning process was to recognise in conversation with Warner that he had perhaps been a touch too intense leading into the Kingsmead Test. “I certainly think leading up to this game I maybe over-prepared a little bit,” Bancroft said. “I know going into that first innings, for example, I felt really confident in my game plans, really confident in the way I was hitting the ball, but I was almost ready to go two days before the game. That was a really good learning curve for me.”The last few days I’ve kept it pretty simple, pretty relaxed, to be able to go out there and play like I did out there today. I’m not sure if that was a big reason. You could say it was because of the work I put in, but they’re parts of my game that I’m always improving and learning about. It’s definitely something I have to mindful of, that’s for sure. There’s no doubt you’ve got to be able to do the work in order to move forward and improve. So at some stage when you need things to get better, you need to put time and effort in it and that’s how you reap the rewards down the track. That’s the way I take my cricket and my game.”The conversation with Warner took place after what Bancroft called a period of “grieving” following a dismissal, which gave way to clarity about the way ahead. “I call that process after you’ve got out grieving, you just digest your dismissal, you digest where you could get better and from there formulate some actions to improve and then move on,” he said. “That’s the way my mind works and when it is time to look forward and prepare for the next innings, that’s what I will focus on.”I spent a bit of time with him [Warner] and took him away from the group. He’s a great fella’, he’s scored a lot of Test runs and he’s a guy that is worth sitting down and listening to about the game. It wasn’t just cricket we talked about – it was an array of topics that certainly came up. But particularly regarding the game of cricket, I find him very refreshing to listen to.”He is very particular in his preparation and things like that and I am as well. I think just being able to go out into the middle and express and play with that confidence and positivity, that’s what he is able to do so well. While I feel like that is something that has developed slowly in my game in my whole career, it is something that I continue to get better at as well.”Without a reserve opener on tour, Bancroft will almost certainly get the remainder of this series to keep learning and to try to shore up his place alongside Warner at the top.

As many as nine India Under-19 players currently at the World Cup in New Zealand are among 578 cricketers who will go under the hammer

Shashank Kishore in Queenstown25-Jan-2018

It’s the week leading up to the IPL auction and as many as nine India Under-19 players currently at the World Cup in New Zealand are among 578 cricketers who will go under the hammer. That they have filtered through to the final list from an initial pool off 1122 players signifies interest from the franchises. But with the Under-19 World Cup in the knockout stage, India coach Rahul Dravid doesn’t want his boys to look beyond their immediate challenge: Bangladesh in the quarter-final.Among those in the auction pool from the current batch are captain Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill, Himanshu Rana, Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shivam Mavi, Arshdeep Singh and Harvik Desai.”There’s no point hiding from the fact that it is there. It is around the corner,” Dravid said of the auction that will be held in Bengaluru this weekend. “There’s no point living in the bubble and pretending it doesn’t exist. We do discuss it. We’ve spoken about what their focus should be and what their long-term goals are as compared to their short-term goals.”Following the conclusion of the Under-19 Challenger Trophy in November in Mumbai, a number of players were invited by Mumbai Indians for selection trials, only to be called back by the team management, keeping in mind their immediate priorities of playing in a World Cup. The team management was mindful of “players being distracted” by a number of other aspects like signing bat sponsorships and being acquired by talent management companies, in the build up to the tournament.With the auction dynamics being as they are, there is a possibility that a number of players could be auctioned for the kind of money they are yet to see. There is also a flipside, having to deal with a group of young players who might go unsold. Dravid, though, has prior experience of this, during the 2016 World Cup in Bangladesh, and has passed on a clear message: ‘One or two auctions won’t make or break players.'”The auction is not something the boys can control,” Dravid said. “One or two auctions won’t really have a long-term impact on their careers. There is an auction every year, but not every year will they have an opportunity to play for India in possibly a World Cup semi-final. That doesn’t come very often.”Dravid, who has been part of six auctions as a player and four as part of the management group, was aware of the challenges of handling a bunch of aspiring professionals who are still dealing with being in the limelight. For many, playing in the ongoing World Cup is their first experience of being on global television. Dravid, though, insisted the team was focused and had their priorities sorted.”I don’t feel worried about it. I think this group of guys are really focused on playing good cricket here,” he said. “I like the energy and the spirit in this team. We’ve been here for three weeks and we couldn’t have asked for better preparation from the boys. They’ve been superb. We talked about the auction once and we said let’s keep that out of our minds.”We’re not thinking past the next game against Bangladesh. We lost to them in the Asia Cup. We are aware of the fact that Bangladesh is a good team. We haven’t even looked at the rest of the draw. The focus is right now on doing well against Bangladesh. We had a week off, that was actually part of the challenge, managing at this age, boys are keen to play, at this age a week off can be a long time. So we had a day off and they got out a bit and relaxed. Today had a light session. Sometimes it’s just a question of hoping they don’t get too overexcited.”

يستعد فريق ريال مدريد، مساء يوم السبت، لمواجهة بوروسيا دورتموند في نهائي بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا لهذا الموسم.

ويستضيف ملعب “ويمبلي” مباراة الفريقين في نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا، نسخة 2023/24.

وسيتولى البلجيكي تيبو كورتوا حراسة مرمى ريال مدريد في مباراة الليلة، وليس لونين، حسبما صرّح المدرب كارلو أنشيلوتي أمس (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

طالع | تشكيل ريال مدريد الرسمي أمام بوروسيا دورتموند في نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا.. عودة كورتوا

وتُعد مباراة اليوم هي الأخيرة للألماني توني كروس مع ريال مدريد، حيث أعلن أنه سيعتزل لعبة كرة القدم بمجرد انتهاء مشاركته في كأس أمم أوروبا رفقة منتخب بلاده هذا الصيف.

كما أن مباراة اليوم هي الأخيرة للاعب ماركو رويس رفقة فريقه بوروسيا دورتموند، بعدما أكد النادي رحيله بمجرد انتهاء الموسم. تشكيل ريال مدريد المتوقع أمام بوروسيا دورتموند اليوم في نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا

حراسة المرمى: كورتوا.

خط الدفاع: داني كارفاخال، ناتشو، روديجر، ميندي.

خط الوسط: فيدي فالفيردي، توني كروس، كامافينجا.

خط الوسط الهجومي: جود بيلينجهام.

خط الهجوم: رودريجو، فينيسيوس جونيور. تشكيل بوروسيا دورتموند المتوقع أمام ريال مدريد اليوم في نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا

حراسة المرمى: كوبيل.

خط الدفاع: رايرسون، هوملز، شلوتربيك، ماتسين.

خط الوسط: إيمري تشان، سابيتزر.

خط الوسط الهجومي: كريم أديمي، براندت، سانشو.

خط الهجوم: فولكروج.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

Wolverhampton Wanderers claimed their first three points of the season in match week three of the Premier League, after what was a treacherous summer for the Old Gold.

From being restricted of funds due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) pressures, to being left without a manager just five days before the 2023/24 campaign commenced, the outlook for Wolves’ season ahead looked bleak before the off.

Gary O’Neil was hired as a quick resolution in the coaching department, as well as the sale of Matheus Nunes aiding the club in bringing in much-needed reinforcements after months of tight finances, turning the direction from the doom and gloom of the past to the positives of the future.

One issue that remains is the squad’s difficulty in scoring goals, which was speculated to have been an area eyed to bolster on deadline day, however, the window closed without a striker identified.

Who did Wolves want to sign this summer?

The narrative of Che Adams’ future was of interest to Molineux on the final day of the transfer window, as the Southampton striker was speculated to make the move to the Midlands.

It was later revealed that any potential deal was off, according to Express and Star, leaving O’Neil short in the strike department as expected this season.

Earlier in the summer, fans were left dreaming as links to former Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres circled, however, the Sweden international made the move to Sporting Lisbon in a deal rumoured to be worth around £18.5m.

How many goals has Viktor Gyokeres scored?

There’s no doubt that Wolves would have been attracted to the services of Gyokeres, who netted 22 goals and registered 12 assists in all competitions for the Sky Blues last term.

After ending the 2022/23 season as the Premier League’s lowest-scorers, it was imperative that a reliable forward was recruited to break the chain, however, things never looked likely as the details of the club’s financial turmoil unravelled.

One positive from the lows of the FFP worries was that Fabio Silva remained at the club, after returning from a season of two loan experiences at both Anderlecht and PSV.

The 21-year-old made a strong impact away from Molineux, scoring seven goals in the Belgian Pro League in his first loan spell, followed by netting four Eredivisie goals for PSV before his return.

While his talent is unquestionable, the youngster's development is a process with his skills still raw and maturing to the demands of the Premier League, leaving question marks over whether he could be the man to solve such woes in the final third.

Indeed, when it comes to his action for the Old Gold, Silva has only found the net on five occasions in 67 outings.

Gyokeres, therefore, could have been the perfect inclusion for the Old Gold, as highlighted by his fast start in Portugal, where he scored a brace on his debut in Liga Portugal for Sporting.

Previously lauded as “one of a kind” by former manager Mark Robins, the 25-year-old has the feel of a prolific forward and one that could have been a reliable figure at Molineux to bolster their outlook in front of goal.

Silva is yet to open his scoring in the Premier League this season, and with plenty of minutes still to be played there is a chance he will find his feet, however, many will be wondering just how the team would have looked with the former Coventry City marksman setting the pace.

The future of West Ham United defender Vladimir Coufal has taken a twist as an update emerges on a potential new deal in east London.

Latest West Ham news

David Moyes and his Irons side have enjoyed an absolutely terrific start to the new Premier League season, coming after they sold former superstar Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105 million in the summer transfer window.

The departure of Rice was seen as a major worry for West Ham, but so far, they have shown that the absence of their ex-powerhouse is proving little issue.

Summer signing Edson Alvarez has excelled in the 24-year-old's stead, impressing national media with some of his displays in claret and blue.

West Ham have also bolstered their coaching department with the appointments of John Heitinga, Mark Robson and Henry Newman, who will assist Moyes behind-the-scenes at Rush Green.

“I would like to welcome John to West Ham United and also welcome Mark and Henry into the first-team group," said Moyes to the club's official website.

“John is someone I have known for a long time. He has gained some very good experience since beginning his coaching career in the Ajax Academy and working his way up to their first-team. Mark and Henry are both already familiar to everyone here at the Club and have deserved the opportunity to step up within our structure.

“John, Mark and Henry will each bring experience in different areas and complement the strengths we already have in the coaching team alongside Billy, Kevin and Xavi. I look forward to working with them and building on the positive start we have made to the new season.”

It is also believed that the Hammers are eyeing up former star Jesse Lingard to further reinforce their ranks ahead of a tough and congested campaign of fixtures.

Their promising start to the 2023/2024 season has also seen some members of the West Ham squad thrive compared to last term, like striker Michail Antonio and Coufal.

Concerning the latter player, there has been a very interesting update on his future.

Will Vladimir Coufal leave West Ham?

Indeed, the Czech Republic international has seemingly re-established himself as Moyes' preferred right-back, coming after he was usurped in favour of Thilo Kehrer over 22/23.

Journalist Pete O'Rourke, writing for Football Insider, has now claimed that initial talks have been opened over extending Coufal's stay at the club.

The 31-year-old's current terms are set to expire at the end of this season, and while they have the option to extend by a further 12 months, it is believed West Ham are plotting to reward his exceptional performances thus far.

Coufal "could even land a new deal" following his "impressive" start, with the full-back having "turned his career around" under Moyes.

He is currently preferred over fellow right-back Ben Johnson, who is yet to play a single second in the top flight.

While Johnson's contract is also set to expire at the end of the current campaign, it appears Coufal is the one currently in line for fresh terms as things stand.

It will be very interesting to find out the conditions of this potential contract for Coufal, who was also a "key member" of the Conference League-winning squad.

كشف فابرزيو رومانو، متخصص سوق الانتقالات أن هناك نادٍ سعودي كبير قد دخل في مفاوضات قوية من أجل ضم حارس يوفنتوس، فوتشيك تشيزني، في الصيف الحالي.

ويمتلك تشيزني عقدًا مع يوفنتوس حتى 30 يونيو 2025، ولكن هناك نية لرحيله من جانب النادي الإيطالي إذا جاء عرض جيد.

وبحسب رومانو عبر حسابه الرسمي على منصة “X” أن تشيزني مطلوبًا في نادي النصر السعودي الذي رحل عن صفوفه، ديفيد أوسبينا، بعد انتهاء عقده.

اقرأ أيضًا | وسط اهتمام النصر السعودي.. مانشستر سيتي يحدد سعر بيع إيدرسون

🚨🟡🔵 EXCL: Al Nassr have started talks to sign Wojciech Szczesny from Juventus as new goalkeeper.

Juve are prepared to sell Szczesny as Di Gregorio will join on €18m deal and new deal talks with Perin will start soon.

🇵🇱 Decision will be up to the Polish goalkeeper. pic.twitter.com/zAe2JsEVjg — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 9, 2024

ولم يمدد النصر عقد أوسبينا رغم أنه كان يشارك في نهائي كأس خادم الحرمين الشريفين، لكنه خرج مطرودًا بعد لمس الكرة بيده من خارج منطقة الجزاء، بسبب الإصابات الطويلة.

ويريد يوفنتوس التخلص من تشيزني لأنه سيضم حارس مرمى مونزا، ميشيل دي جريجوريو، البالغ من العمر 26 عامًا بقيمة 18 مليون يورو.

بجانب ذلك، سيبدأ يوفنتوس مفاوضات مع حارسه ماتيا بيرين لتجديد عقده والاستمرار لفترة أطول مع السيدة العجوز.

أما عن العرض السعودي لضم تشيزني، فالقرار النهائي في يد الحارس البولندي الذي يستعد في الوقت الحالي للمشاركة في يورو 2024.

Under Jurgen Klopp's tutelage, Liverpool has been transformed after a period of strife on Merseyside and an interminable wait for a Premier League trophy came to an end emphatically.

Since the German manager's appointment, Liverpool have cemented a position at the forefront of the domestic and European game, with the likes of Ralf Rangnick hailing the former Borussia Dortmund boss as "one of the best" managers in the world for his impact at the Anfield side.

In the times preceding Klopp's arrival, however, Liverpool boasted some pretty incredible moments since the turn of the millennia, with the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul forever remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history, while the FA Cup victory over West Ham United the following year and many years of lethal partnerships and enthralling moments etched into the club's lore.

Jurgen Klopp's Honours at Liverpool (via Transfermarkt)

Times won

Premier League

x1

Champions League

x1

FA Cup

x1

League Cup

x1

FIFA Club World Cup

x1

UEFA Super Cup

x1

FA Community Shield

x1

FIFA Best Men's Club Coach

x2

PL Manager of the Season

x2

At the centre was Steven Gerrard, one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history and the centrepiece of all that flowed for the Reds, having made his debut in 1998 and going on to record 710 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 186 goals and supplying 157 assists.

He enjoyed tremendous success for his beloved club and is arguably the greatest player in its history, heralded as "without doubt the greatest player I have ever played with, he has everything" by former teammate Fernando Torres.

And what a partnership that was…

How many goals did Fernando Torres score for Liverpool?

Torres was signed from Spanish side Atletico Madrid for a fee believed to be around £20m in 2007, having scored 14 goals in LaLiga the season prior.

Fernando Torres @ Liverpool by season

Goal tally (via Transfermarkt)

2007/08

33 goals from 46 games

2008/09

17 goals from 38 games

2009/10

22 goals from 32 games

2010/11

9 goals from 26 games

Torres would plunder 81 goals and 20 assists from just 142 matches for Liverpool and earned praise for his "world-class" ability by Gerrard.

Despite going trophyless during his spell at Liverpool, the 110-cap Spaniard did win the 2010 World Cup while on the club's books, and his blistering performances sent the fanbase into rapture on more than a few occasions.

His time on Merseyside ended acrimoniously when he completed a then British-record £50m transfer to Premier League rivals Chelsea in January 2011, with the Reds acquiescing to his departure as the Spaniard made his desire to leave clear.

Despite the circumstances of his exit, fans will always remember the electricity of his forward play and his devastating partnership with captain Gerrard.

How good was Steven Gerrard?

Steven Gerrard. The iconic Liverpool captain who orchestrated success in the Champions League, FA Cup and more; his all-encompassing midfield displays are to this day some of the greatest the sport has seen, and his legacy will endure despite failing to bring home the Premier League trophy for his long-time team.

His composure and intellect on the pitch was second to none; his passing range was superlative and his tenacity in the tackle stifled opposing attacks with the robustness and precision of a star centre-half, while his ability to strike the ball is among the best there has been.

Gerrard and Torres developed an innate understanding and forged a truly frightening partnership on Merseyside, with Gerrard's incredible ball-playing skills often breaking the lines and latching onto a surging Torres, whose pace and power in the final third finished off many incisive moves.

Such a duo comes around once in a blue moon, and while Liverpool would struggle to repeat such a destructive weapon, at present, Klopp might have an academy talent capable of blending with prodigious midfielder Stefan Bajcetic, who broke into Liverpool's current team last season. Step forward, Jayden Danns.

Who is Jayden Danns?

Danns is a 17-year-old striker who has been making waves for Liverpool's academy outfit, having scored 15 goals and supplied two assists from just 25 outings for the U18s.

This season, he is already making further strides and has bagged five goals from the opening four games of the U18 term, hailed for his “superb” cutting edge by reporter Lewis Bower.

A versatile attacker with a natural eye for goal and electric pace, Danns may well be in the same mould as Torres, albeit with more than a fair share of work to develop into a striker capable of leading the line at the highest level.

What the precocious talent needs is a teammate to develop a dynamic partnership with, and Bajcetic, who has already been impressing in the Reds' senior set-up, might just be the dream comrade.

How good is Stefan Bajcetic?

Lauded for his "outstanding" performances in a struggling Liverpool side last year by pundit Jamie Carragher, the 18-year-old Spaniard made 19 appearances under Klopp's wing last term, scoring one goal, from his energetic role in the centre.

The 6 foot 1 starlet is nimble and agile, both relentless in his defensive duties and possessing an eye for an audacious pass, with Klopp already praising his "attitude, awareness and intelligence."

While he's not a like-for-like heir to someone such as Gerrard, he certainly boasts enough quality to cement a prominent role in Klopp's Liverpool team in the future, and his security in the centre, blended with a supreme technicality and ball-playing skill, may well be perfect for a forward such as Danns to weave into the danger area and wreak havoc.

It's early days, but with Danns off to a flyer in Liverpool's youth ranks and looking like he could sustain some clinical form in the future and Bajcetic already exuding style and tenacity in the centre, also demonstrating that he possesses a shrewd eye for goal, the teenage duo could forge a formidable partnership in the future.

Like one unforgettable Spaniard and Englishman duo before them, Liverpool's rising stars could play a big role for the Anfield side in the future, and there is a possibility that the days of Torres and Gerrard wreaking havoc in the Premier League could return, albeit in a new form.

Prime Doleshwar staved off a late resurgence from Agrani Bank to squeeze through to a three-wicket win as well

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Mar-2018

Nahidul Islam’s unbeaten 73 took Prime Bank Cricket Club to a comfortable five-wicket win over Shinepukur Cricket Club in Mirpur.Nahid struck six fours and a six in his 78-ball knock that also included 74-run fifth wicket stand with Yusuf Pathan. The chase was finished off with a 51-run unbroken sixth wicket stand with Delwar Hossain.Earlier batting first, Shinepukur were bowled out for 251 in 49.5 overs. Shoriful Islam and Monir Hossain took three wickets each.At the BKSP-3 ground, Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club beat Agrani Bank by three wickets to remain second on the points table. Batting first, Agrani Bank were restricted to 203 for 7 in 50 overs courtesy Sharifullah and Zohaib Khan’s tally of three wickets each. Shamsul Islam top scored for Agrani with 64.In reply, Doleshwar reached the target in 46.2 overs, with useful contributions from Farhad Hossain (49), Marshall Ayub (42) and Zohaib (41) lower down the order.

Leeds United's on-pitch antics have left fans with little to shout about of late, as despite largely dominating in their opening five Championship fixtures, they only have one win to show for it.

Daniel Farke is likely mulling over what needs to change in order to turn things around, as he strives to add some cutting-edge to his side which have predominantly failed at simply putting their chances away.

The hope is that their late transfer flurry as the summer window closed can provide enough additional firepower to push them closer to their goal, which is undoubtedly a Premier League return in ample time. After all, they have invested some solid fees on stars they hope can help them achieve such a feat.

To add these to the wealth of talent they already boasted, which included two of their most expensive ever signings in Georginio Rutter and Dan James, it is expected that they should be challenging for that top spot at the very least.

However, if anyone knows how unpredictable big-money additions can be, it's Leeds United.

Who are Leeds United's record signings?

Having shattered their club record transfer back in January to sign the aforementioned Frenchman, many questioned the decision to unload such a lofty fee on an unproven 20-year-old who had hardly lit up German football.

All fees via Football Transfers

With just one senior goal to his name since then, which has come in this current campaign, he made little impact on their eventual relegation and now has huge expectations to spearhead their Premier League return.

Brenden Aaronson marked another huge outlay with little return, who instead scored just once in the league across the whole of last season, having signed for a similarly ridiculous fee. The combination of Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch seemingly doomed this famous club to the drop.

However, one reasonably successful record acquisition that the Whites did make in the past was the signing of Lee Bowyer, as they sought to capitalise on their newfound wealth to snag the young talent.

Fighting off interest from Liverpool, West Ham United, Coventry City and Sheffield Wednesday, the £2.8m spent marked a British transfer record at the time for a teenager, who had impressed after bursting onto the scene at Charlton Athletic.

Expectations were high for the young midfielder, and admittedly he did perform admirably amidst what was ultimately a tumultuous tenure. Alan Curbishley, his boss with the Addicks, even branded him the "best teenage player I've ever seen".

Having enjoyed a career of immense highs and incredible lows, which he would carry into a brief managerial career too, Bowyer is one of England's most enigmatic aces of the last few decades, who arguably reached his peak at Elland Road.

He so nearly ended up back in Yorkshire too, having been touted as a potential successor to Marcelo Bielsa's throne after the Argentine was sacked.

How good was Lee Bowyer?

Although the early period of his stint in Yorkshire was marred by a racism scandal, the 1998/99 season marked his standout as he took the place of David Hopkins to immediately stake his rightful claim as their key man in midfield. He even claimed Leeds' Player of the Season award at the conclusion of that term, having matured into a fine all-around general whilst also notching nine goals in the league too.

Instantly becoming a key figure under David O'Leary, he first featured heavily as they qualified for the Champions League in 2000, taking it one step further the year prior by excelling in the elite European competition.

The now 46-year-old scored crucial goals against AC Milan, Barcelona and Lazio as they were felled in the semi-final, but he remained the joint-top scorer in the competition.

Despite his blistering form, which even led to a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, controversy was never far behind Bowyer, who was allegedly involved in a booze-fuelled assault of a student in 2001.

Although he was cleared of all charges following a gruelling two-month trial, the club still sought to fine him for flouting their rules regarding alcohol consumption. Thus kickstarted another debacle, with his refusal to pay leading to his placement on the transfer list for all of ten days until they reached a conclusion.

In total Bowyer would make 260 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit, scoring 54 times, with the immense potential he held ultimately derailed by a series of inexplicable events. It is clear that this was not something he saved just for his time at Leeds though, with his on-pitch fight with Kieron Dyer perhaps the most high-profile gaffe of his entire career.

Having started as one of England's most promising young midfield talents, it is a challenging task to sum up what exactly occurred during Bowyer's whirlwind spell at Elland Road. However, what the former Birmingham City manager is up to now will likely shock fans even more.

What is Lee Bowyer doing now?

As a combative, all-action and often overly-aggressive star back in his heyday, many might wonder what the one-cap ex-England international is up to nowadays.

His temperament as a player could draw up all manner of potential vocations, but few would have expected Bowyer to have traded his wild mannerisms for the peace and serenity that fishing can bring.

Speaking to The Daily Mail, he revealed that upon his retirement he invested in La Fritterie, a lake in France which he used to visit in his playing days, which he has since converted into a small business where anglers pay for the pleasure of fishing there.

"You either love or hate fishing. I love it," he started, explaining how it offered an escape during his time as a player. "I was one of those who couldn’t unwind or sleep after games. I’d be up until three in the morning watching replays of the game, seeing what I’d done wrong. The fishing helped me unwind."

He also sought to dispel the myths surrounding his hostile personality, noting: "Everyone has got this pre-conception of me, that the way I played is the person I am. I suppose it’s understandable, but I am the complete opposite."

But when chatting about that infamous period at Leeds, he was effusive in his praise for the battling side they were: "We were a proper team. We weren’t scared of anyone and would attack like you couldn’t imagine. People said we were dirty but we were competitive."

Bowyer, despite the rich vein of form he enjoyed throughout stints of his career, remains one of England's great 'what could have been' stories. However, it is almost comforting to see someone who was so often criticised for this aggressive nature settle down in such a peaceful setting, surrounded by what he loves.