Levy let Spurs star leave for £0, now he could've been Frank's new Mbeumo

Thomas Frank is the latest man to be tasked with the responsibility of leading Tottenham Hotspur to potential Premier League glory – taking the reins from Ange Postecoglou during the off-season.

The Dane has already made a superb start to life as the Lilywhites boss, winning two of three league matches – including a sensational victory over Manchester City at the Etihad.

He will undoubtedly want to forget about the recent defeat to Bournemouth on home soil, losing his 100% start to life in the role as manager in North London.

The international break may be a blessing in disguise to the new boss, getting an added period to work with some of his players to fully get his ideology across to the squad.

However, there’s no denying the 51-year-old would’ve wanted to rely upon one player who caught the eye under his guidance at his previous job in charge of Brentford.

Bryan Mbeumo’s time under Frank at Brentford

During his seven-year stint in charge of Brentford, Frank managed to develop numerous top-level talents, including winger Bryan Mbeumo, who managed to take his career to the next level under his guidance.

The Cameroonian scored 70 times for the Bees in his 242 appearances for the club, with 20 of which came in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign.

Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts

Such a year was the best of his professional career, leading to huge rumours about his future during the recent summer transfer window – with the Lilywhites touted as a potential destination.

However, he decided to join Manchester United instead this summer, linking up with Ruben Amorim in a staggering £71m deal – already opening his account for the Red Devils in the recent clash with Burnley.

Frank will undoubtedly have wished that he could’ve secured a reunion with the 26-year-old this summer, but he also could’ve had his next version of the forward had the club kept hold of one talent.

The former Spurs player who could’ve been Frank’s next Mbeumo

Numerous players have caught the eye at Spurs over recent years, with many often cutting inside off either flank and striking dangerous efforts at goal.

Gareth Bale was arguably the best at doing so during his time in North London, often beating the opposition before finding the top corner with his left foot.

Such a skillset led to him scoring 71 times across his two spells as a first-team star – something which led to him leaving for Real Madrid in a £85m deal back in 2013.

However, another player who possessed a singular skill was winger Ivan Perišić, who joined the club in the summer of 2022, arriving on a free transfer under Antonio Conte after his release from Inter Milan at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

The Croatian made 44 appearances during his first season at the club, notching one goal and 12 assists, but he would be unable to make such an impact during his second season in North London.

Ivan Perisic for Tottenham.

He would tear his ACL in the early stages of 2023/24, featuring in just six matches, before moving to Hajduk Split on a free transfer at the end of his contract in the summer of 2024.

Despite his lack of first-team action in North London, he did show glimpses of being able to create danger by cutting off the flank – able to find a teammate or even the back of the net.

The Croatian, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, may now be 36, but he’s continued to thrive in Europe, helping PSV Eindhoven win the Eredivisie last season – notching 16 goals and 10 assists – a tally higher than that of Mbeumo.

His two-footed ability has made him such a threat in the Dutch top-flight, potentially showcasing to the Lilywhites the mistake they made in allowing him to depart.

Most G&A’s at PSV in the Eredivisie (2024/25)

Player

Tally

Luuk de Jong

22

Ismael Saibari

22

Guus Til

21

Noa Lang

21

Ivan Perišić

17

Malik Tillman

14

Ricardo Pepi

13

Johan Bakayako

10

Stats via FotMob

Perisic has had a superb career at the very top level, with credit needing to be directed his way, especially after recovering from his serious injury and producing some incredible goal contributions.

His unpredictable nature in forward areas is extremely similar to that of Mbeumo, which has seen Frank’s side miss out on possessing either of the talents due to their failures in the market.

Spurs struck gold signing "phenomenal" star who's worth more than Simons

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1

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‘Form is fallacy’ – Alexi Lalas tempers expectations for Haji Wright’s USMNT call-up from Championship side Coventry after Josh Sargent’s struggles

U.S. international Haji Wright is back with the national team after being left out of the September squad, thanks to his strong recent form. The Coventry City forward sits among the Championship’s top scorers with eight goals. Yet U.S. icon Alexi Lalas cautions that club form – especially in England’s second tier – doesn’t always translate to international success.

  • Getty Images Sport

    Difficult to read Championship performances

    The FOX Sports analyst pointed to Josh Sargent as an example. Sargent started the season strongly with Norwich, being named the Championship's Player of the Month in August, but that form didn't translate to the national team as he struggled in his start against South Korea in September.

    “We saw what happened with Josh Sargent," Lalas said on his State of the Union podcast. "Now, Josh Sargent's on the outs when it comes to the national team, and he's struggling when it comes to the Championship with where Norwich is. So that's not a good thing for club or country when it comes to Josh Sargent. 

    "I’ve said for years and years, form is fallacy. It often is. Not always, but for the most part, it is."

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    Best options available?

    Yet, with the U.S. looking for a backup striker to Folarin Balogun as Ricardo Pepi is dealing with injury issues, the former U.S. defender believes Wright will get a fair shot to prove his value.

    "He will continue to at least get a look," Lalas said. "This is a wonderful vein of form that he's in."

    Lalas expects Pochettino to keep looking to England’s second division for striker options, given the lack of depth elsewhere. He pointed to Derby Country's Patrick Agyemang as another example.

    “It is still soccer that is being played in Europe. And therefore, that glaze can form over people's eyes and distort the actual quality of the player. But you know what, beggars can't be choosers here," Lalas said.

  • Striker competition continues

    While several American forwards – including Wright, Sargent,  Pepi, and Balogun – have impressed at club level, none has firmly claimed their national team role. Balogun showed promise at the Copa América and again against Japan in September, while Pepi has flashed when healthy, scoring 13 goals in 33 caps.

    Agyemang has five goals in 12 appearances. Meanwhile, Wright and Sargent have combined for 10 goals in 46 appearances.

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    October matches ahead

    As the USMNT prepare for their October fixtures against Ecuador and Australia, manager Mauricio Pochettino will have another opportunity to evaluate Balogun, Wright, and Agyemang in those two matches.

"Talented" £17m England international "open" to signing for Aston Villa

A “talented” England international is now interested in completing a move to Aston Villa, should the Villans like the idea of bringing him in.

McGinn happy after "important" Aston Villa win

Unai Emery’s side got back to winning ways on Thursday evening, winning 1-0 at home to Bologna in the Europa League, courtesy of John McGinn’s strike.

Speaking after the game, the Scot was in positive spirits, as Villa look to build on the victory heading into Sunday’s Premier League clash with Fulham at Villa Park.

“It was important. We got a bit nervy towards the end. They play mental football, man-to-man, and it reminds me of (Marcelo) Bielsa when he was at Leeds. It’s tough and you need to be concentrating because they leave a few players up. You need to be clean going forward with the ball and I don’t think we were.

“I thought we were a little bit rusty going forward, but we created chances and we could have won by more. I thought we played better in the first half than the second, but the important thing was to get the win with a very important clean sheet with a good save from Marco at the end.”

New signings could be needed in January, or at least next summer, in order for Villa to keep improving, and they have now been linked with a move for a 10-cap England international.

England international "open" to Aston Villa move

Speaking to Football Insider, former scout Mick Brown claimed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek is “open” to joining Aston Villa from AC Milan, although no approach has been made for him.

“He’s always showed a lot of promise and at his best he can be excellent, but for me he’s never quite hit the levels people expected of him, even though he’s clearly got a lot of talent. Since his move to AC Milan, he’s done well, and Tuchel obviously sees something in him.

“The qualities he’s got could be an asset to a lot of sides, there’s no doubting that, it’s just about whether he’s going to perform consistently enough. There’s been some talk of a move to Aston Villa, but I’m not sure he’s the player they need right now, he might be better off somewhere else.

“I think it’s something he’s open to, he wants to come back to the Premier League, to compete and potentially put himself in the [England] manager’s thinking. I’m sure if Aston Villa came calling, it’s a move he’d like to make, but I am doubtful about whether they’d push for that one at the moment.”

Loftus-Cheek, thoguht to be valued at £17m, could be a shrewd signing by Villa, having been hailed as a “talented” player by Owen Hargreaves in the past, especially if he has the hunger to win his place back in the England squad before next summer’s World Cup.

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At 29, he is still young enough to enjoy three or four good years at Villa Park, and his pace and power in midfield areas could be a weapon for Emery, also adding depth in the middle of the park.

Joshua Zirkzee in line for Serie A return as title contenders add struggling Man Utd striker to list of January targets

Joshua Zirkzee is pushing for a January exit from Manchester United as the striker continues to struggle for playing time under Ruben Amorim. Roma, managed by long-term admirer Gian Piero Gasperini, are lining up a loan move to bring the former Bologna star back to Serie A, offering a chance to boost his hopes of making Netherlands' squad for the World Cup.

Roma considering January loan for out-of-favour forward

Roma are exploring a January loan move for United's Dutch striker, according to a report from . Zirkzee, who has endured a woeful spell at Old Trafford following his move from Bologna, is keen to secure regular football to boost his chances of convincing Ronald Koeman to add him to the Oranje squad for the 2026 World Cup.

AdvertisementAFPZirkzee's struggles at Old Trafford

Since his €42.5 million (£37m/$49m) transfer from Bologna in the summer of 2024, Zirkzee has failed to make an impact at United. The 24-year-old has been limited to just 82 minutes of action across four substitute appearances this season, finding himself behind Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Bryan Mbeumo in the pecking order. Having not started a single match in the 2025-26 campaign, United may have to settle for around €30m (£26m/$35m) if they are to offload him.

Roma boss Gasperini a long-term admirer

The Giallorossi's interest is driven by manager Gasperini, who was keen on signing Zirkzee for his former club Atalanta. The striker’s versatility and proven track record in Serie A with Bologna make him an attractive option for Roma, who are looking to bolster their attack. A loan deal is seen as financially viable, with Roma expected to cover approximately €1.8 million of his salary for the remainder of the season.

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World Cup ambitions driving exit push

Zirkzee's desire for a move is fuelled by his international aspirations. After being left out of the most recent Netherlands squad by coach Koeman, the striker is understood to have instructed his agent to find him a new club in the upcoming transfer window. A return to a familiar league where he previously excelled could be the ideal platform to reignite his career and secure his place on the plane to the World Cup.

Tuchel says no "special rules" for Bellingham as Real Madrid star left out of England squad

Thomas Tuchel insists there is no problem with Jude Bellingham but warned nobody is guaranteed a place in the England squad after taking the eye-catching decision to omit the Real Madrid star.

England squad announced for Wales and Latvia matches

The back-to-back Euros runners-up face Wales in a Wembley friendly next Thursday before continuing World Cup qualification away to Latvia on Tuesday.

Bellingham missed September’s camp after undergoing shoulder surgery and has since played four matches for Real Madrid, yet there was no place in Tuchel’s 24-man squad for October’s doubleheader.

Phil Foden and Jack Grealish were others overlooked for a call-up, but the 22-year-old was the headline omission two days on from being crowned 2024-25 England men’s senior player of the year.

“I understand your focus on Jude of course,” Tuchel said of a player he would later say is one of the world’s best midfielders and makes his side stronger.

“First of all, he is a very special player and for special players there can always be special rules. I get this.

“But for this camp we decided that we stick with our straightforward decision to invite the same team. That applies also then for Jude. He deserves always to be in camp.

“I think there is an extra layer on top of it, the situation that he has not gathered full rhythm yet at Real Madrid.

“He is back in the team. He hasn’t finished one full match until now. He has only started one match, so he is at the moment in the period where he gets his rhythm, where he gets back to full strength.

“There is this extra layer into the decision, but the decision stayed for this camp.”

Asked if Bellingham was fit enough to be called up, Tuchel said: “Yes, and he wanted to be called up. We had a phone call. There was no issue from that side, he just lacks rhythm.

“He hasn’t finished one complete match, like I said, and on top of it we stayed with our decision to go with the same squad.”

Tuchel has not worked with Bellingham since the England boss apologised for saying in a June interview that his mother finds some of the midfielder’s on-field antics “repulsive”.

The German coach also stressed how good the mood was in the September meet-up, leading the manager to say that “one has nothing to do with the other”.

No problem between me and Bellingham, says Tuchel

Put to Tuchel that some people would think is there a problem between him Bellingham, he said: “No.

“There is also no problem between me and Phil Foden, there is no problem between me and Jack Grealish. Very special players. Phil is back to influencing games, deciding games for Manchester City. Jack is very close to being the best version of himself – a very special player, a very special character.

“There is no problem at all and there is no personal problem in the nomination.”

Bukayo Saka is the only fresh face in October’s squad, replacing injured Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke. Tino Livramento also drops out with a knee injury of his own.

Tuchel insists players have the chance to get back in the squad and acknowledges there are “players out who deserve to be with us”.

He added: “100 per cent there are no guarantees. If we say the competition is on, then the competition is on.

“We cannot say that like for 80 per cent of the squad the competition is on but for 20 per cent it is not on. It’s on. The competition is on. The team did very, very well and deserve to be in camp again.”

MacDonald-Gay powers Surrey revival as Essex succumb again

Kalea Moore and Ryana MacDonald-Gay both hit their maiden half-centuries for Surrey to maintain the county’s recent revival in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup women’s competition with victory over Essex.The pair dug Surrey out of trouble at 117 for six, with Moore posting 66 from 70 balls and MacDonald-Gay 57 from 77 in their partnership of 113 from 135.That enabled the visitors to total 259 for nine at Chelmsford, despite Eva Gray’s return of five for 52 – the Essex seamer’s second five-wicket haul of the tournament. Jo Gardner’s gutsy unbeaten 73 from 46, which included a string of sixes, almost snatched an improbable victory for the home side – but she was left stranded as MacDonald-Gay (three for 52) claimed the last two wickets in as many balls to seal Surrey’s success.Missing several top-order batters due to England commitments, Surrey were forced to rejig their line-up and lost makeshift opener Phoebe Franklin in the first over after being put in, courtesy of a miscue to midwicket.Essex squandered three opportunities to remove Priyanaz Chatterji – two of them off Gray – before the bowler finally pinned her leg before for 21, but Amy Hunter provided the innings with some impetus.The Ireland international’s run-a-ball knock of 29 ended when she was lbw to Sophia Smale, but Alice Davidson-Richards (32 from 41) quickly settled into her stride, using her feet to the spinners and finding gaps in the field.However, Davidson-Richards was among a trio to depart in the space of 18 balls, scooping Esmae MacGregor to mid-on – but Moore and MacDonald-Gray rebuilt with steady, sensible batting.Moore led the way, reaching her half-century from 60 deliveries just after Smale had failed to hold a well-struck return drive and her partner soon followed suit, crashing the left-armer over midwicket for six.Both batters eventually holed out in Gray’s second spell, with Alexa Stonehouse hauling Surrey’s total above 250 before becoming the seamer’s fifth victim in the final over of the innings.Grace Scrivens gave her side’s chase a positive start, cutting Stonehouse for four and the Essex skipper had advanced to 15 from 17 when she was run out by Emma Jones’ pinpoint throw from cover.The home side also lost Lissy Macleod, caught top-edging a sweep off Tilly Corteen-Coleman in the powerplay and regrouped through Smale and Ariana Dowse’s steadfast partnership of 91 from 117.With the required rate hovering at around a run a ball, Surrey prised out both set batters in quick succession as Dowse (44 from 70) miscued a pull off Franklin and Smale (42 from 63) was castled by Gregory.The leg-spinner (four for 57) scythed through Essex’s middle order – aided by Jones’ impressive reaction catch at midwicket to dismiss Amara Carr – only for Gardner and Kate Coppack to threaten a late comeback with a ninth-wicket stand of 54 from 42.But it was not enough as MacDonald-Gay removed Coppack (16 from 22) and Abtaha Maqsood to end Essex’s hopes.

Man Utd readying £70m bid for "world-class" star, could join in Mainoo swap

Manchester United are now readying a £70m bid for a “world-class” midfielder, who could join as part of a Kobbie Mainoo swap deal.

Mainoo fails to force his way into Amorim's plans

It is clear that Ruben Amorim isn’t the biggest fan of Kobbie Mainoo, who is still yet to start a Premier League game this season, despite Man United making an awful start, with their most recent setback coming in a 3-1 defeat against Brentford.

With Casemiro suspended, Manuel Ugarte came into central midfield, alongside Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo once again had to settle for being a substitute, with the 20-year-old being brought on for the final 25 minutes of the game.

Having been unable to force his way into Amorim’s plans, there have been suggestions the Englishman could be ready to move to a new club this winter, and rivals Manchester City have even been named as surprise potential suitors.

That said, with Amorim now under significant pressure, receiving criticism from club legend Wayne Rooney, the midfielder may soon have a new manager, who is more willing to give him consistent game time.

For now, however, INEOS are persisting with the 40-year-old, and Mainoo’s future remains up in the air, with a report from Spain revealing the youngster could be used as part of a swap deal for Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde.

Man United are said to be preparing an offer of around €80m (£70m) for Valverde, but they may be willing to use their youth product as a makeweight in negotiations, in order to reduce the cost of the operation.

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However, Real Madrid are currently showing little interest in sanctioning a departure, with the midfielder emerging as one of their most ‘trusted’ players, so it remains to be seen whether a deal will be possible.

"World-class" Valverde could take Man Utd's midfield to next level

Let’s make it clear — Man United definitely shouldn’t consider letting Mainoo leave, given that the England international has previously shown he has what it takes to perform at the top level, excelling in the 2024 FA Cup Final.

That said, signing the Real Madrid star for straight cash should still be a very attractive proposition, having proven himself over a number of years in La Liga and the Champions League, with Jurgen Klopp once dubbing the maestro “world-class”.

Casemiro has made it clear he is unreliable, with the Brazilian naively getting himself sent off in the 2-1 victory over Chelsea, and at 33-years-old, United are in need of a long-term replacement in the middle of the park.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Pass completion %

89.5% (89th percentile)

Assists

0.20 (89th percentile)

Interceptions

1.48 (86th percentile)

Over the past year, Valverde has shown that he is a well-rounded midfielder, capable of making an impact at both ends of the pitch, and the Uruguayan would undoubtedly be an exciting signing for the Red Devils.

تعرف على مدرب الزمالك في بطولة السوبر بعد رحيل فيريرا

كشف نادي الزمالك برئاسة حسين لبيب، عن المدير الفني البديل الذي سيقود تدريب فريق الكرة الأول خلال الأيام المقبلة، في الدوري الممتاز وبطولة السوبر المصري.

وكان نادي الزمالك قد أعلن منذ لحظات عن توجيه الشكر إلى يانيك فيريرا المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم، عقب تراجع نتائج الفريق في الدوري الممتاز.

وتعادل الزمالك مع فريق البنك الأهلي، بهدف لكل فريق، ضمن مباريات الجولة الـ12 من بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

طالع.. عاجل ورسميًا – الزمالك يعلن رحيل يانيك فيريرا

ويحتل فريق الزمالك المركز الرابع في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز برصيد 19 نقطة، حيث لعب المارد الأبيض 11 مباراة، فاز في 5 مباريات وتعادل في 4 مواجهات وتلقى الخسارة في مباراتين.

وأسند مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك مهمة تدريب الفريق إلى أحمد عبد الرؤوف المدرب العام للفريق، خلفا لـ يانيك فيريرا.

وأكد الزمالك أن أحمد عبد الرؤوف سيقوم بتشكيل الجهاز الفني المعاون له، خاصة وأن الفريق مقبل خلال أيام على المشاركة في بطولة كأس السوبر المحلي المقرر لها في الإمارات، وسيتولى عبد الرؤوف قيادة الفريق بالبطولة.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الزمالك مع طلائع الجيش، غدا الأحد بالجولة الـ 13 ببطولة الدوري المصري، ثم يسافر إلى الإمارات لخوض منافسات بطولة السوبر المصري حيث يستهله بمواجهة بيراميدز في دور نصف النهائي يوم الخميس 6 نوفمبر.

Nuno's first signing could be "exemplary" £35m star as West Ham eye move

Nuno Espirito Santo is in the new manager at West Ham United and the Irons are already eyeing his first potential signing as they look to make improvements come the January window.

Nuno sets out his stall at West Ham Utd

Graham Potter was relieved of his duties by West Ham on Saturday after a poor run of results at the London Stadium, leading to the Hammers acting swiftly to appoint Nuno after his departure from Nottingham Forest.

Availability as an unattached manager and Karren Brady’s desire to see the Portuguese boss take the reins meant he was always the outstanding candidate, albeit his exploits at the City Ground last term shouldn’t go under the radar.

Speaking after his appointment, the former Spurs boss has vowed to try and build a sense of unity among the players, supporters and management staff, claiming that his arrival will be a chance to press the reset button.

He said in his inaugural press conference: “Now it’s a new beginning for everybody. It’s a new process that we really have to know, and we find out who we are and what we want to be. First of all, we have to realise who we are, and then we can create an identity. But first of all, we have to know each other really, really well.

“The supporters are very important, very important. That’s why I truly believe what we want to achieve is a platform. Now is not the moment to ask the fans. Now is the moment to deliver to the fans. When we have this bond, when other teams come to play against us, it’s going to be hell. But we have to achieve this bond first.”

While Paul Merson has voiced his opposition to West Ham appointing Nuno, he was probably the best and most sensible option available, and he could now be set to ramp up efforts to secure his first signing.

West Ham eyeing Juventus star Manuel Locatelli

According to Mark Brus in his Daily Briefing, West Ham are eyeing a January move for Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli, who may be available for £35 million if the Serie A giants decide to cash in on his services.

Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen are also mooted as suitors, albeit the Old Lady would prefer not to lose the engine room operator if they manage to have it their own way.

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Labelled “exemplary” by Massimiliano Allegri, Locatelli has made five appearances this term and possesses the calibre necessary to make an impact in the Premier League.

The Hammers have struggled for inspiration of late and lack leadership in what has been a difficult period on and off the pitch. However, Nuno’s appointment offers a clean slate, and some high-profile signings would improve the mood at the London Stadium.

New Jamie Vardy TV documentary confirmed as star's former Leicester team-mate backs 'great character' to shine after welcoming cameras to follow life in Italy with wife Rebekah

Jamie Vardy will star in a new TV documentary, Danny Simpson has confirmed to GOAL during an exclusive interview, with the Leicester City legend embracing a new professional challenge in Italy. After linking up with Cremonese, a “great character” is being backed to entertain audiences alongside wife Rebekah – with Vardy’s remarkable career following a Hollywood script.

  • Premier League title & England caps: Fairytale career

    A man that went on to win the Premier League title and 26 senior international caps for England was playing non-league football in 2012. Just four years later, he was hoisting the English top-flight title aloft while rewriting the record books as a fearsome No.9 on the grandest of stages.

    Vardy spent 13 memorable years with the Foxes, taking in 500 appearances and scoring 200 goals. He bowed out having suffered relegation into the Championship at the end of the 2024-25 campaign, but made it clear that boots would not be hung up at 38 years of age.

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    Reality TV: Vardy backed to deliver entertainment

    The enigmatic frontman now finds himself in Serie A, having linked up with an ambitious newly-promoted outfit, Cremonese, and will star in an upcoming documentary series that lifts the lid on his life in Italian football. His fairytale rise to the top of the game will also be covered.

    Asked about Vardy becoming a reality TV star, former Foxes team-mate Simpson – speaking in association with – told GOAL: “I know there is one [a documentary]. I know there is one coming but not sure when that will come out. He’ll be brilliant, great character. I know he has got a year, possibly two years – different lifestyle, different league, why not do it? Who would have said to him 10 years ago you will be finishing your career in Italy. It’s great for him and I hope he can do well for that team, get some goals and keep doing what he does.”

  • Surprise call: No Premier League club took a punt on Vardy

    While looking forward to watching Vardy’s exploits in Italy, Simpson is surprised that nobody in the Premier League took a calculated gamble on a proven top-flight performer – with Manchester United having spent much of the summer in the market for another goalscorer.

    Ex-Red Devils academy graduate Simpson added: “I thought someone that is still scoring goals like that for a struggling Leicester team… It was the minutes that he played for me for Leicester, at his age. He wasn’t just coming off the bench for 20 minutes, he was playing full games, 80 minutes, leading the line as a skipper. You’ve got 20 minutes, Jamie Vardy coming off the bench, he’s not just going to run in behind anymore like he used to, he’s still got pace but he’s actually getting goals in the box – sniffing goals, headers, good finishes.

    “Very surprised that nobody took him and took a punt, knowing that he would get you, for me, 10 goals and again be a mentor to other players. You don’t have to be a coach, you can be a mentor as a team-mate. I was very surprised. I was pushing for United but that wasn’t meant to be. I’m surprised that didn’t happen.”

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    Vardy ready to silence any doubters

    Vardy is ready to silence any doubters in Italy, having told reporters when asked if he and fellow Serie A newcomers Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric still have the hunger to compete at the highest level: “You must be one of the doubters. You're one that I'll have to prove wrong. For me age is just a number. As long as my legs are doing exactly what they used to and still feel as fresh as they do then I will carry on. At the moment there are no signs of them slowing down so I'll keep going and I will be giving my all for this club.

    “I will learn Italian, but [for now] it is not a problem: football has its own language, with the ball. The main task is making sure we stay in the league, and that's how it was when I was at Leicester. It was never any, 'we are going to go for this', it was always, 'we need to stay in the league', that's the main thing. So all you do, you go out, you take each game one-by-one, give your all, what will be will be.”

    Vardy has taken in two appearances for Cremonese so far and is still waiting on his first goal. He has been nursing an untimely injury, which has limited his involvement, with documentary cameras set to offer an insight into how he overcomes any hurdles that are placed in his path.

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