Kohli hails Chahal after Indian record T20 haul seals win

India captain Virat Kohli praised Yuzvendra Chahal as someone who “never says no” to bowling in any situation after the legspinner took 6 for 25 in India’s 75-run win over England at Bangalore

Deivarayan Muthu in Bangalore01-Feb-20172:05

‘We fought fire with fire’ – Kohli

India captain Virat Kohli has hailed the emergence of his side’s youngsters after they trampled England by 75 runs in the decider of the three-match series in Bangalore to add the T20 trophy to the Test and ODI series wins over the past three months.”We got the results we wanted,” Kohli said. “Obviously winning all three series feels really, really good right now because we’re up against a top-quality side. We understand that and to come on top after the end of all three series is a great feeling altogether knowing that we didn’t have that much experience in our teams.”The Test team is almost as good as new. Even in the one-day circuit, we have 3-4 experienced guys, but rest of the guys who stepped up are all youngsters, which is, I think, is a massive, massive boost for Indian cricket.”Kohli singled out wristspinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who led the hosts to a series win in Bangalore with figures of 6 for 25, an Indian record, for special praise. He was also pleased with the depth in the spin group, led by R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who were both rested for the T20 leg.”The key today was to take wickets in the middle overs,” Kohli said. “Chahal didn’t do such a bad job with that. I always back someone like Chahal. In the IPL too, I use him in most of the matches. He never says no to bowling with the new ball or bowling in the middle overs, so I mean having a guy like this is great. He doesn’t say no to any situation.”It was Amit Mishra who set the stage for Chahal by removing Jason Roy with a loopy legbreak in the seventh over before finishing with 1 for 23. Mishra’s last over in the 13th, which cost India just three runs, preceded Chahal’s third over in which the latter took down England’s big guns – Joe Root and captain Eoin Morgan. Kohli said that the wicket-taking ability of Chahal and Mishra would allow the management to rest Ashwin and Jadeja “whenever” they want.”See guys like Chahal and Mishy, who has done well for us in limited-overs and in Tests also,” Kohli said. “Jayant [Yadav] too came in beautifully and did very well for us in the Tests. It gives us an opportunity to rest Ashwin and Jadeja whenever we want. There is no harm in using them as Test specialists and keeping them fresh. Guys like Chahal and Mishra and even [Parvez] Rasool are bowling so well. So we have a lot of spinners who are not only run-containing bowlers but also wicket-taking bowlers.”Chahal and Mishra both have an attacking mindset. All I tell them is go for the wickets, even if you get hit for a six, no big deal. Having them as the next line of spinners is a great thing for us.”Suresh Raina, arriving in the second over of the match after Kohli was run-out for 2, showed that attacking mindset with the bat to lay the groundwork for India’s score of 202 for 6. He set off with a flair-dripping inside-out six over the cover-point boundary and often flitted around the crease to throw the bowlers off their lengths, a departure from India’s recent safety-first approach with the bat in T20s.”The way we batted was again a revelation,” Kohli said. “Even after me getting out initially, Raina and KL [Rahul] didn’t stop their instincts, which is needed in T20 cricket. To reveal themselves, to find their characters, players need to play that way. They don’t need to think about what has happened. They need to keep thinking and looking ahead. That’s exactly what we did this game.”Kohli also credited MS Dhoni and senior seamer Ashish Nehra for offering their inputs during various stages of the limited-overs series.”I take a lot of advice from MS and am always speaking a lot to Ashish Nehra too,” Kohli said. “In the ODI series, I was talking to MS a lot. Although I have captained in the Test format for a while, ODI and T20 games move very fast. So to take advice from a person who has captained the side at this level for so long and understands the game really well is never a bad idea in crucial situations.”Kohli revealed that he was looking to squeeze an over from allrounder Hardik Pandya and widen the equation further after exhausting Chahal’s quota, but instead turned to a strike bowler in Jasprit Bumrah after discussing with Dhoni and Nehra. Bumrah responded by sewing up the game and the series with two wickets in three balls.”Bringing on Bumrah right after that over from Chahal, I was thinking of giving [Hardik] Pandya another over instead,” Kohli said. “[Dhoni and Nehra] suggested that let’s not wait till the 19th over and instead bring on the main bowlers. So these things really help when you are a new captain in the limited-overs format. But again, I am not new to captaincy, but there has to be a balance between understanding the skills needed to lead in shorter formats. MS has been helping a lot on that front.”

Pakistan's terrific chase ends 40 short

Pakistan’s bid for a world-record chase fell a mere 40 runs short, allowing Australia to exhale after coming close to coughing up a match they had dominated over the first four days

The Report by Daniel Brettig19-Dec-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details3:45

Chappell: Pakistan have shown they can adjust quickly

Pakistan’s bid for a world-record chase fell a mere 40 runs short, allowing Australia to exhale after coming close to coughing up a match they had dominated over the first four days and nights at the Gabba.Asad Shafiq’s sublime century and sturdy support from Yasir Shah took Steven Smith’s men close to their wit’s end, but a Mitchell Starc short ball did for Shafiq when the visitors needed only 41 runs to steal the most fanciful of victories. Three balls later, Smith struck the final blow, running out Yasir from slip after the No. 10 wandered out of his crease, ending a match that had seemed destined for a much wider margin.Starc’s speed and direction were vital throughout, and it remains to be seen whether the huge number of overs bowled by him and Josh Hazlewood will have an impact on their physical preparation for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The Australians had a hangdog air in the field for much of the final day, and their relief at the final wickets was palpable.Pakistan, by contrast, will now feel they are very much in the series, with matches on friendlier surfaces in Melbourne and Sydney to come. The Gabba has always been a major competitive advantage for Australia, and the close result will afford plenty of confidence to the tourists even if they are now 1-0 down with two to play.When play began half an hour early, both sides seemed a little unsure of their ground. Shafiq did not take singles he would have gone for the night before, while Smith’s fields were notably defensive, often sparing only one slip in a match where catches in the cordon have been comfortably the main mode of dismissal.After the first few overs passed without incident, Shafiq and Yasir grew in confidence, doubtless aided by a vocal contingent of Pakistan supporters who made their presence felt in an otherwise deserted stadium. Shafiq was able to find numerous off-side gaps, while Yasir married impressive defence with the occasional flourish, including an upper cut over the slips and later a handsome flick over midwicket off Jackson Bird.At length Smith brought Nathan Lyon into the attack, but the spinner was unable to find enough consistency to trouble either batsman – even if Matthew Wade appealed for a stumping from a straighter ball that Yasir played inside. Lyon soon found himself relieved of duty.As the runs ticked down the tenseness on Australian faces was acute. Several near misses took place: Yasir square drove in the air a millimetre out of the reach of a diving Lyon; he was given out lbw to Hazlewood padding up, but on review was reprieved by the bounce. Next Yasir appeared to get the slightest of touches when glancing Starc, but Wade could not hang on and any appeal was strangled.Only 41 runs were required when Starc finally found the delivery to break the stand, a throat ball that Shafiq could only throw his bat at, resulting in a skier that David Warner was able to cling onto at gully. Rahat Ali took a single first ball, but Yasir’s composure was clearly at an end when he swung wildly at the next one.Next ball Yasir dug out a Starc yorker but ventured out of his crease long enough for Smith to throw the stumps down from slips and begin relieved celebrations for a team that went from dominators to nervous wrecks over the course of Shafiq’s wondrous innings.

Tottenham: Spurs Nearing Agreement For Major Signing

Tottenham Hotspur are edging closer to an agreement for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya and are working on the “last steps”, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

Who could join Spurs this summer?

The Spaniard is one of a number of players being targeted by Spurs as new manager Ange Postecoglou seeks to strengthen his ranks and sign a replacement for Hugo Lloris.

Having served as Spurs number one for the last decade, the Frenchman could bid a farewell to supporters this summer, with Lloris candidly admitting as much to Nice-Matin recently.

“We are coming to an important moment, whether for the club or for me. It’s the end of an era,” said Lloris.

“I have desires for other things, I will ask myself quietly to study what will be possible. But I don’t forget that I still have a year of contract with Tottenham and that in football it is always difficult to predict what will happen.”

As the 36-year-old confirms he is looking for new opportunities, and could well make a move to the Middle East, it is imperative for Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy to sign a capable replacement.

There have been a fair few names mentioned by the press in this regard, with AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Croatia number one Dominik Livakovic all linked in recent weeks.

Raya, who is believed to a top target for Spurs, has perhaps been the most regularly mentioned – with reports even suggesting that personal terms are already agreed.

Galetti shared news recently that an agreement between Brentford and Tottenham is close, but the Italian journalist has just dropped another update on the situation.

Taking to Twitter, he claims Spurs are edging nearer and nearer to a deal, with the “last steps” being taken – though there is still work to be done.

What’s been said about David Raya?

As well as drawing admiration from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who claimed he could wear the number 10 shirt, Raya has also been praised by esteemed members of the press.

The Athletic’s Jay Harris, for instance, even claimed he is “one of the best” in Premier League football.

“David Raya has shown he is one of the best goalkeepers in the PL,” said Harris.

“He might have a year left on his deal, but I can’t see Brentford accepting anything less than a club-record sale.”

Standing out as one of Thomas Frank’s best-performers last season, signing him for around £21m plus add-ons would be quite the bargain, even with just over 12 months left on his current deal.

CSA shocked by Richardson's Big-Three comment

CSA has objected to ICC chief David Richardson’s comment, in which he said the Big-Three takeover of the ICC was partly due to CSA’s inability to stand up to the BCCI, ECB and CA

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Dec-2016Cricket South Africa has taken “strong exception” to a comment made by ICC chief executive David Richardson during his recent visit to Sri Lanka, where he said the Big-Three takeover of the ICC in 2014 was partly due to the inability of CSA – among other boards – to stand up to India, England and Australia.”If he is indeed correctly quoted, his remarks come as a complete shock to us,” CSA chief executive, Haroon Lorgat said in a statement. “For someone who was actually party to the 2014 resolutions to now make such a disparaging remark to CSA is frankly nonsense and insulting to us.”The CSA Board had from the very outset realised how damaging the original proposals would have been to the global growth of the game and together with Pakistan and Sri Lanka had strongly opposed it. This included CSA making a significant written submission to the ICC Board which had resulted in a number of the original proposals being amended. That’s in fact the reason why we are where we are now. The CSA Board will always stand up for what it believes to be right for the game.”While in Sri Lanka, Richardson had said during a press conference: “The international game has gone through a period of turbulence, where the governance, the financial model, the playing [of the game] was in turmoil by the resolutions passed by the ICC in 2014 […] what happened in 2014 took place really because unfortunately countries like South Africa, Sri Lanka and New Zealand were not able to stand up to the big boys. I don’t think that will happen again.”CSA said its president would take up the matter with the ICC chairman Shashank Manohar.In 2014, the ICC had radically restructured its governance and revenue distribution system following a campaign by CA, BCCI and ECB, which led to greater executive and financial clout in the hands of these three boards. The proposals initially caught the other Full Members off-guard and four boards opposed the amendments. CSA was one objector but eventually came on board. The constitutional amendments required to put the new structure in place were eventually approved of during the ICC’s 2014 Annual Conference.However, after Manohar succeeded N Srinivasan as ICC chairman, and then got elected as the governing body’s first independent chairman who wasn’t affiliated to a Full Member board, he spoke of ending the Big Three’s “bullying” of the other boards and a return to a more equitable distribution of power and revenue in the ICC.

Villa Could Land "One-Man Army" In £35m Swoop

Aston Villa have been linked with a Bundesliga ace, in a signing that could start Monchi’s tenure as president of football operations with a bang.

Unai Emery will be joined by his fellow Spaniard in the bid to replicate the duo’s success in the transfer windows they endeavoured in together at Sevilla.

The latest link suggests that the pair could enjoy a lavish summer in the Midlands, in a signing that could bolster the squad.

What’s the latest on Manu Kone to Aston Villa?

As reported by the Daily Mail earlier this week, Aston Villa are interested in Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone.

The report claims that the Villans have joined ‘the race’ for the 22-year-old, following Liverpool and Wolves in their pursuit of the youngster.

Valued at £35m, the Frenchman is contracted to Gladbach until 2025 with the club holding the option to extend for an additional year.

What could Manu Kone offer to Aston Villa?

Emery has unveiled the best out of midfield dynamos Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara, who when interchanged with the likes of John McGinn have proved their worth in the Premier League.

The Spaniard could now add additional power to the middle of the park by signing the Bundesliga talent, who could prove to be the perfect partner for Kamara who joined the club last summer.

The former Marseille gem had a stop-start opening campaign at Villa, missing periods due to injury with the club treading carefully in integrating him into the midfield to avoid prolonged absence.

Lauded as a “phenomenon” by former teammate Rolando, Kamara is destined for stardom in Emery’s midfield and could be taken to the next level in being paired with Kone.

manu-kone-liverpool-transfer-news-opinion-premier-league

The attributes that the duo share suggest that they could be a strong pairing in the set-up at Villa Park.

When comparing both players via FBref based upon their averages over this season in their respective league’s there is sufficient evidence to imply the success the French core could impose in the Midlands.

Hailed as a “one-man army” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Kone averaged an impressive 2.55 tackles per 90 which was slightly bettered by Kamara in the Premier League who ended the campaign making an average of 2.94 per 90.

It’s not just the defensive areas of midfield that the pair excel at, as they both portray an impressive rate of passing both in general play and progressively.

As per FBref, the Bundesliga gem averaged a pass completion rate of 86.2% followed closely by the Villa ace’s 84.8%, with both players ranking highly in terms of progressive passes with the summer target averaging 5.73 to Kamara’s 4.25 per 90.

Having two players equipped with strong abilities in both defensive and offensive attributes is essential in creating the perfect pivot in the engine room.

Emery could take his squad a step further in purchasing Kone, who could prove to be a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.

Shardul six-for helps Mumbai boss Bengal

A wrap of day one of the latest round of Ranji Trophy Group A matches

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Nov-2016Shardul Thakur dismissed six of Bengal’s top seven to rack up figures of 6 for 31 as Mumbai rolled out Bengal for 99 in Nagpur. Mumbai then went on to score 164 for 5, riding on Kaustubh Pawar’s 112-ball 78.Bengal collapsed from 90 for 3 to 99 all out, with the last four wickets falling without adding a single run. Dhawal Kulkarni took three of those four wickets, thereby ensuring that Bengal’s lower order was wiped out for next to nothing. In reply, Mumbai rode on Pawar’s knock and handy starts from Jay Bista and Shreyas Iyer to march to 119 for 1. But Bengal hit back with four wickets towards the end of the day to regain some lost ground even as Mumbai closed with a 65-run lead.Madhya Pradesh and Baroda vied for the upper hand on an evenly-contested bowler’s day in Dharamsala, in which 12 wickets fell for 248 runs all told.After being put in to bat, Madhya Pradesh were bowled out for 217 after right-arm pacer Babashafi Pathan bagged career-best figures of 5 for 48. Madhya Pradesh captain Devendra Bundela, playing his record-breaking 137th Ranji Trophy match, top-scored with 86 but was eventually run out, becoming the ninth wicket to fall. The last wicket fell two balls later.Puneet Datey then took two early wickets, before Aditya Waghmode and Deepak Hooda saw Baroda through to 31 for 2 at stumps.Meanwhile, a similar narrative played out in Rajkot, where Uttar Pradesh scored 259 after being put in to bat, and then took an early wicket to leave Railways on 18 for 1 at stumps.Uttar Pradesh’s top-scorer was their captain, Suresh Raina, who made 91 off 109, including eight fours and a six. He came to the crease at 82 for 2, just as his team were in the midst of a wobble. Ducks for Rinku Singh and Upendra Yadav meant it was soon 96 for 5. But Raina held firm and received good support from Saurabh Kumar, with whom he put on 82 for the eighth wicket. Saurabh Kumar was the last man out, for 53. Right-arm pacer Anureet Singh and legspinner Karn Sharma took four wickets apiece.Praveen Kumar then dismissed Shivakant Shukla for 7, before Saurabh Wakaskar and Ashish Sehrawat saw out the day. It was slow going for Railways, who took 14 overs to notch up 18 runs.It was a tough day for Punjab’s bowlers, who toiled without much reward in Belgavi, as Gujarat piled on 281 for 2. Priyank Kirit Panchal was the star for Gujarat, finishing the day unbeaten on 134.Panchal added 143 for the second wicket with Bhargav Merai, who made 65, and another 111 with Rujul Bhatt for the unbroken third-wicket stand. Manpreet Gony and Sandeep Sharma were the wicket-takers for Punjab.

Rangers’ "Energetic" £3.5m Target Set For Medical At Ibrox

Glasgow Rangers target Sam Lammers is expected to imminently fly over for a medical to complete his move to the Scottish Premiership, according to reports.

Who is Sam Lammers?

Lammers is a striker who is currently contracted to Atalanta, but having only ever made 19 senior first-team appearances, he’s spent the majority of his career out on loan. He's carried out temporary spells with Eintracht Frankfurt, FC Empoli and most recently Sampdoria during his time at the Gewiss Stadium.

The Light Blues were credited with an interest in the 26-year-old last month and reports later claimed that Michael Beale was set to step up his pursuit and was preparing to make a move after not only being impressed but being alerted to the centre-forward's availability in the Serie A.

If the following update is to be believed, a deal could be completed in the coming days.

Are Rangers signing Lammers?

According to The Scottish Mail on Sunday (via Rangers News), Lammers is "heading for a medical" and is likely to arrive in Glasgow "within the next 48 hours" to seal his switch to Ibrox. The Teddy Bears are "close" to reaching an agreement, with a deal expected to be finalised "this week".

Steven Gerrard reportedly wanted to sign the attacker back in 2020 when he was in charge, and whilst a move failed to come to fruition at the time, it seems he's finally on his way for a fee of £3.5m.

Sampdoria striker Sam Lammers.

Rangers will be in the market for a new centre-forward to replace the departing Alfredo Morelos, and whilst Lammers has been lauded an “energetic” player by journalist Josh Bunting in terms of his running power, he’s not prolific enough in the final third so Beale should be looking to add a second forward signing to replace Morelos' goals.

The Dutchman, who has the ability to play with both feet, only scored one goal in 20 appearances at Sampdoria and ranked as Dejan Stankovic’s 10th worst-performing offensive player and 13th overall with a WhoScored match rating of just 6.43, failing to have any kind of positive impact during his time on the road.

Lammers wouldn’t offer any kind of versatility having only operated in his usual role through the middle for the majority of his career, playing three times in attacking midfield and just once out wide on the right wing, via Transfermarkt. The boss would be pretty limited to using him almost exclusively as a number nine, meaning Lammers will have to improve his end product to become a sure starter.

Newcastle United "Firm Favourites" To Sign £60m "Magician"

Newcastle United have emerged as “firm favourites” to bring RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai to the Premier League, according to journalist Bence Bocsak.

Is Dominik Szoboszlai leaving RB Leipzig?

Eddie Howe is reportedly looking to bolster his central ranks during the upcoming window and has highlighted the 22-year-old as a player that he would like to try and bring to the northeast in the weeks and months ahead.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg recently revealed that the Hungary international is “aware” of the “concrete interest” from PIF and Eddie Howe who have made him a “top target” after previously sending scouts to watch him twice within the space of a fortnight.

Marco Rose’s talisman has openly admitted that he “dreams” of joining a “big club” and named England as one of three countries alongside Spain and Germany as a possible destination, and despite there also being interest from Liverpool, it sounds like the black and white stripes are the ones currently in pole position.

Are Newcastle signing Szoboszlai?

Taking to Twitter, Bocsak claimed that Newcastle are leading the race to land Szoboszlai who is apparently attracted by the ongoing project at St. James’ Park. He wrote:

“My latest info on Szoboszlai. Leipzig are willing to reluctantly let him go. Many parties interested, but no one ready to pay his €70m [£60m] release clause. #NUFC are firm favourites, and their project is appealing. He also has other interest from Spain and PL. #LFC like him, but not in the race at this stage."

RB Leipzig midfielderDominik Szoboszlai.

Newcastle going to the lengths that they have in their pursuit of Szoboszlai shows just how serious they are about securing his services, and having been dubbed a “magician” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, PIF should 100% cash out on the attacking midfielder.

The EM Sports Consulting client clocked up 14 goal contributions (eight assists and six goals) in 31 Bundesliga appearances last season and as recognition for his high standard of performances, received four man-of-the-match awards.

The Champions League participant was also a constant threat even when he wasn’t on the scoresheet during the previous term, recording 150 shot-creating actions which was higher than any of his teammates and 117 crosses which was the second-biggest total throughout his squad, as per FBRef.

Szoboszlai, who has the versatility to operate in seven different positions in midfield and attack, is additionally appreciated on the international stage having been named Hungary’s Footballer of the Year in 2022, so it would be a massive coup for the Magpies boss should he successfully land his target.

Moeen shows he knows the Laws

Moeen Ali added another reprieve to his list of escapes with the bat in the Chittagong Test

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Oct-2016Moeen Ali has had his fair share of fortune in the first Test in Chittagong. His opening-day 68 involved five DRS interventions – three in a period of six balls when he was given out by Kumar Dharmasena either side of lunch – but in the second innings a reprieve came from a different route.Facing Shakib Al Hasan, on 6, he flicked the ball off his hip straight a short leg who, at first glance from a front-on angle, had appeared to grasp the catch close to his chest. However, Moeen was well aware of the Laws and had noticed that the ball had made contact with the grille of Mominul Haque’s helmet before settling in his hands.Mominul, himself, also appeared to know the outcome as he barely celebrated the catch amid the initial excitement from the bowler. After a quick check with the third umpire, it was confirmed as not out.This is the Law (32.3) in question: “The act of making the catch shall start from the time when the ball in flight comes into contact with some part of a fielder’s person other than a protective helmet, and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control both over the ball and over his own movement… it is not a fair catch if the ball has previously touched a protective helmet worn by a fielder. The ball will then remain in play.”In the dressing room, Jonny Bairstow may have had a wry smile. He has twice fallen foul of being caught off a fielder’s helmet. It first happened in Mumbai, during the 2012 series, when he prodded a catch to silly point which was held by Gautam Gambhir. Initially all looked normal with the dismissal, but the wicket also brought lunch and as replays continued to be scanned it became clear Gambhir’s helmet had been involved. There were attempts by England to have the decision overturned but Bairstow was not reprieved.Three years later, during the 2015 Ashes, it happened to Bairstow again. In the second innings at The Oval he inside-edged Nathan Lyon to short leg where, with a juggle, Adam Voges held the catch. Again, he walked off without much fuss only for subsequent replays to show it had come off Voges’ helmet.More recently, during the India-New Zealand Test series in Kanpur, there was another example when Tom Latham was given a life when he swept Ravi Jadeja off his boot to KL Rahul at short leg but the ball struck the chin-strap of the helmet before the catch was completed. The umpires had already sent the catch to the third umpire, to check for a bump ball, so the deflection was picked up and Latham survived.

Tottenham: "Elite" Manager Emerges As Late Option For Spurs

Free agent manager Marcelo Gallardo may emerge as a late option for the Tottenham Hotspur job, according to recent reports.

Who could be the next Spurs manager?

The north Londoners are currently well into their search for a new manager with a few candidates still in the frame to replace Antonio Conte, who departed north London over two months ago.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is said to be leading the hunt for Conte's successor, coming as he also prepares for the summer transfer market and scours the market for a new sporting director.

Of the names still be believed to be contending for the Spurs job, perhaps most notable is that of Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou, who is rumoured to have emerged as a leading candidate in recent days.

The likes of Fulham's Marco Silva, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Graham Potter have also been mentioned in parts – with Levy also personally holding talks Luis Enrique talks.

Tottenham need to make an appointment and fast, especially with the summer transfer window looming and around the corner, and Spurs are apparently in danger of being left behind.

That is according to The Daily Mail, and reporter Sami Mokbel, who claim the Lilywhites have that issue to contend with but also drop an interesting line regarding Gallardo.

River Plate's former manager Marcelo Gallardo.

The 47-year-old, who is readily-available for hire after leaving River Plate, may "emerge as a late option" for Spurs in their managerial chase.

This is despite Postecoglou's chances of getting the job increasing significantly, but going by The Mail's update, his appointment is certainly no forgone conclusion.

Who is Marcelo Gallardo?

The South American boasts 10 pieces of silverware from his managerial career across the Atlantic, not to mention he deploys an attack-minded 4-3-3 formation – similar to that of former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Called "elite" by members of the media like TUDN Mexico TV host Xavi Sol, Gallardo has also been praised highly by counterparts like Man City boss Pep Guardiola.

“What Gallardo has done with River is incredible,” the City boss said on Argentine television (via Planet Football).“Every year three coaches are named as the best in the world, and he’s never among them.“I can’t understand it. It’s as if there’s nothing else in the world apart from Europe.”

As a free agent, he could be an alluring option for Spurs, and it will be interesting to see if he does indeed come into the fold.

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