Karim Benzema's penalty was saved as Al-Ittihad crashed out of the Club World Cup after a heavy loss to Al Ahly.
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Joe Root has the chance to win his first Test series as captain against a side who are known as strong tourists
The Preview by Andrew McGlashan03-Aug-2017Match factsAugust 4-8, 2017
Start time 11.00am local (1000 GMT)Big PictureSouth Africa have fought back once in this series and now they need to do it again to avoid ending their tour of England – which also encompassed a poor Champions Trophy – without any reward. The ODI and T20 series were both lost 2-1 and now the best they can earn from the Tests is a share of the spoils after being comprehensively turned over at The Oval. Throw in the group stage exit from the Champions Trophy and it’s been a difficult couple of months.They also have a proud record in England to maintain: not since 1998, the series that included the famous tussle between Michael Atherton and Allan Donald plus the deciding Test at Headingley marred by poor umpiring, have they lost a series on these shores. England have already retained the Basil D’Oliveira Trophy, but a series win would be a notable first feather in the cap for new captain Joe Root who has experienced a full range of emotions at the start of his reign.It is difficult to know what to expect. Logic would suggest that England are the favourites, but that was the case before Trent Bridge as well after they had taken the lead at Lord’s. And that quickly came tumbling down around Root. England need to show they can follow a highly impressive performance (and The Oval wasn’t too far off being faultless) with another.South Africa will be crossing their fingers they can have a first-choice attack on the park. Their win at Trent Bridge came without Kagiso Rabada. Then at The Oval, Vernon Philander started the match ill and got worse. Now on the eve of this match, Philander was suffering from back spasms. If that pair, along with the impressive and sometimes unplayable Morne Morkel, can fire together, taking 20 wickets is well within their graspThe batting remains a big issue. Dean Elgar’s gusty hundred at The Oval was just South Africa’s second in their last six Tests (Elgar has scored them both) while Quinton de Kock’s move to No. 4 has brought one good score and three failures. A few pieces of England’s batting jigsaw came together at The Oval – Alastair Cook showing the virtues of defence, Ben Stokes’ maturing as Test batsman and Tom Westley’s promising debut – but they need to back it up this week otherwise progress will remain stilted.England have struggled for consistency over the last two years•ESPNcricinfoForm guide(last five matches, most recent first)
England WLWLL
South Africa LWLDWIn the spotlightKeaton Jennings may well have reached a make-or-break Test. His 48 in the second innings at The Oval was unconvincing – dropped in the slips, saved by a review and regularly using his inside edge – and with the wind in his favour he really needed to cash in with a century, but instead edged to gully. With three Tests against West Indies to follow ahead of the Ashes, the selectors will need to decide whether to stick or twist should Jennings not make a significant score at Old Trafford or risk getting to Australia no nearer finding a long-term partner for Cook.A series tally of 13 wickets at 28.30 looks solid for Morne Morkel but they do not show how well he has bowled. His burst on the third day at The Oval, when he removed Cook with an unplayable delivery from round the wicket, was regarded by some commentators as one of the great spells. Pushing the ball a touch further up to the bat than his natural length has increased his threat and a significant haul feels around the corner. For bowlers to have taken more than 200 Test wickets, only Andrew Flintoff and Jacques Kallis – allrounders – have fewer five-wicket bags than Morkel’s six.Teams newsThe damp weather in the lead-up to the Test could persuade England to stick with the same balance of side, despite Trevor Bayliss’ view that eight batsmen is too many. That would mean a second cap for Dawid Malan.England (probable) 1 Alastair Cook, 2 Keaton Jennings, 3 Tom Westley, 4 Joe Root (capt), 5 Dawid Malan, 6 Ben Stokes, 7 Jonny Bairstow (wk), 8 Moeen Ali, 9 Toby Roland-Jones, 10 Stuart Broad, 11 James AndersonPhilander will have a fitness test on his back and he may not be risked if there is a fear of him breaking down. If he comes through with no issues, South Africa may consider playing the extra batsman at the expense of Chris Morris. However, if Philander continues to experience problems – which may reduce the overs he can bowl – Morris’ bowling will be needed. Heino Kuhn has been backed by coach and captain and so will retain his place.South Africa (probable) 1 Dean Elgar, 2 Heino Kuhn, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Quinton de Kock (wk), 5 Faf du Plessis, 6 Temba Bavuma, 7 Vernon Philander, 8 Chris Morris, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Morne MorkelPitch and conditionsThere has been significant rain in Manchester over recent days and, not for the first time, heat lamps have been used to help dry areas of the outfield. Further heavy rain on Thursday morning left large puddles on the outfield. Alongside the stating of pop concerts – something the ground is used to dealing with – teams means the outfield is unlikely to be ideal. It will be interesting to see how much pace and bounce – qualities Old Trafford is known for – the groundsman can get into the surface.Stats and triviaA series defeat for South Africa would be Faf du Plessis’ first as captain (although he did miss the first Test here) following victories over Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.South Africa have not played a Test at Old Trafford since 1998 when they were denied by England’s last-wicket pair of Robert Croft and Angus FraserNeither of these sides have won a home series against each other in series which have started this millennium – South Africa’s 2-1 win the 1999-2000 meeting was the last home success.Joe Root has made at least one half-century in his last nine consecutive Tests – a 10th would equal the England record held by John Edrich.Quotes”There’s been a lot of chat about the outfield and the surface and the weather around, but most importantly all we need to focus on is making sure we look to win this game.”
“We’ll do everything we can to win this last one. England are also an attacking side, so the way they play they put pressure on you as the opposition but they also create opportunity because they can speed the game up a bit. I think this Test match, once again the bat will decide what will happen. Both teams are strong bowling units and the difference is in the batting.”
Talks between Arsenal and Ajax over the transfer of Jurrien Timber are at an "advanced stage" as the player himself "wants the move", claims Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam.
Arsenal transfer news – What's the latest on Jurrien Timber
The Gunners were agonisingly close to ending their almost two-decade title drought last season, but a lack of squad depth, especially in defensive areas, cost them in the end.
It looks like Mikel Arteta and the board don't want that happening again, so they have greenlit a summer of massive spending for the Premier League runners-up.
So far, the north London club have spent £65m to secure the signature of Kai Havertz from cross-city rivals Chelsea and look to be very close to finalising a £105m deal for West Ham United captain Declan Rice.
The next player on Edu's list looks to be Ajax defender Timber, with the club edging closer to an agreement with the Dutch giants over an estimated fee of £40m.
The player is also said to be extremely keen on the move, and that desire to be a part of the project is an important factor for Arteta, per Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam.
He explained the situation on Sky Sports (via Football Daily), saying:
"Talks are continuing between Arsenal and Ajax with regards to the defender Jurrien Timber. They're described as being at an advanced stage at the moment as well, the final valuation and structure still being discussed between the player and, of course, Arsenal.
"He wants the move which is key for Mikel Arteta, and once again Mikel Arteta getting his three key transfer targets very early in the window, so some significant business in that respect."
How Good is Jurrien Timber?
The 22-year-old has excelled for the Dutch giants since he debuted for the senior side in 2020, making 121 appearances, 15 of which were in the UEFA Champions League.
During his three full seasons for the Amsterdam club, he has never achieved a lower average rating for a season than 6.89 and even managed to hit a genuinely impressive rating of 7.40 in the 2021/22 season, per WhoScored.
One of the 5 foot 10 dynamo's best traits is his ability to play multiple roles across the backline. During his time with Ajax, he has been utilised as both a right-back and a centre-back, which could make him the dream player for a team like Arsenal.
Over the last year, Arteta has implemented a style that sees Ben White play as a right-back but then come back into the middle of the pitch when the team is in possession, playing as a de facto third centre-back.
Adding Timber would provide some much-needed competition in that role and allow either himself or White to fill in at centre-back if needed, potentially avoiding another William Saliba situation next year.
If people needed any more convincing of the Utrecht-born gem's quality, just listen to Virgil Van Dijk, who said:
"I wasn't nearly as far along as he is now [at the same age], I have nothing but praise for him. He is a great player and a true professional. He has so much potential."
Should Edu and Co get this deal over the line, Arsenal could well be in for another year of challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title.
Tottenham Hotspur's various transfer interests this summer are wide-ranging, as Ange Postecoglou seeks to usher in a new era. This latest report seeks to only emphasise this.
What's the latest on Harvey Barnes to Tottenham Hotspur?
Coming from journalist Charlie Eccleshare, writing for The Athletic, he detailed a comprehensive list of the numerous options that Spurs have at their disposal for this summer window. Whilst not all will be signed, the calibre of these selections suggests they intend to shop off the top shelf in an effort to kickstart this new dynasty in north London.
However, one example of a smaller club they could poach from is Leicester City, with their two main men seemingly top targets for the Lilywhites. Their interest in James Maddison is well-founded, but it is also noted that winger Harvey Barnes remains on their list too as a potential acquisition.
With a high fee reportedly set to be commanded, given there are two years remaining on the speedster's £35k-per-week deal, his signing would likely still represent better value than the £25m unloaded to tempt Dejan Kulusevski to stay on a permanent basis.
Is Harvey Barnes better than Dejan Kulusevski?
Whilst such a small fee for Kulusevski may have seemed like a coup after his first six months in north London, the following campaign has suggested that the hype has perhaps died down for the 23-year-old dynamo.
After all, it would have been difficult to uphold his 13 goal contributions in just 18 league games, although many likely would have expected a better return than just two goals he scored last season.
Especially considering the impressive year that Barnes enjoyed for a team that fell to the drop. For all the struggles felt at Spurs, it pales in comparison to the Foxes. Yet the 25-year-old still managed to muster 13 league strikes, building on his 25 goal contributions from all competitions the term prior.
It is this gulf in consistent goalscoring that supports the notion that Barnes would mark a better deal than Kulusevski, as he not only has showcased his ability to shine no matter the form of his team but also that he has the experience needed to be a reliable star within English football.
The jury is arguably still out on the Sweden international.
To emphasise the exceptional goalscoring of the Foxes wide man, when compared to other wingers across Europe, he still ranks in the top 6% for non-penalty goals scored per 90. When compared against the same group, Kulusevski's most outstanding asset is his assists, of which he only ranks in the top 21% per 90.
To compare an admittedly unreliable maestro with someone who has instead proven himself as a consistent threat, this "dynamic" finisher, as branded by journalist Adam Goodwin, would mark a much better deal than the aforementioned one with Juventus; especially if they are to tempt him for a figure akin to his Football Transfer value, which sits at €40.4m (£35m).
Leeds United have accepted an offer from Birmingham City for striker Tyler Roberts, according to reports.
What’s the latest Leeds transfer news?
The Whites look set for a frantic summer after the 49ers agreed on a full takeover from Andrea Radrizzani last week. Alongside a new manager, there looks set to be plenty of incomings and outgoings, with Phil Hay expecting the likes of Illan Meslier, Robin Koch, Brenden Aaronson, Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra, Marc Roca and Rodrigo to complete Leeds exits.
Leeds also sent 10 players out on loan last season, plenty of which look set to return, including Roberts. The forward spent the previous campaign in the Championship with Queens Park Rangers, and it looks as if another second-tier move is lined up, this time though on a permanent deal.
According to Football Insider, a full agreement has been reached that will see Roberts join Birmingham City this summer.
The report states that Leeds have accepted a seven-figure offer for the Welshman that includes add-ons, with Roberts set for a medical in the Midlands next week.
How many goals did Tyler Roberts score for Leeds?
Roberts arrived in Yorkshire back in 2018 from West Brom but has endured a frustrating spell at Elland Road which now looks set to come to an end.
The 24-year-old attacker now has just 12 months left on his Leeds deal and is poised to leave after making 108 appearances for the club, scoring just nine goals during that time.
He did show his quality last season, though, netting four times in 20 games for QPR, with Neil Critchley labelling one of Roberts’ goals against Reading as “terrific”. Meanwhile, former Baggies manager Tony Pulis has also praised Roberts in recent years, saying:
“I had Tyler at West Brom and gave him his league debut. He’s a very very talented boy. And I mean a very talented boy. He has got everything.
“I was always concerned whether he had the mental toughness to really push on. At Leeds, if you haven’t got that Bielsa isn’t going to play you.
“The kid has pushed on. It’s great to see all the young players you’ve worked with, especially the ones you had a little bit of doubt with, come through and he’s one of them.”
However, averaging a goal every 12 games as a striker isn’t exactly prolific, and with Leeds seemingly looking for a rebuild this summer, moving on a player like Roberts for a seven-figure fee could prove to be a smart decision.
West Indies allrounders Dwayne Bravo and Carlos Brathwaite as well as England batsman Alex Hales are among the prominent players who have been ruled out of the second season of Pakistan Super League which begins on February 9.Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal of Bangladesh and Eoin Morgan, England’s limited-overs captain, will only be only partially available. A number of reasons have forced the changes, from injury to some players to others not getting no-objection certificates to scheduling clashes with international cricket.
Peshawar Zalmi
In: Tillakaratne Dilshan, Marlon Samuels, Andre Fletcher
Out: Shakib Al Hasan, Alex Hales, Mohammad Shahzad
Quetta Gladiators
In: Moeen Ali, Nathan McCullum, Thisara Perera, Rilee Rossouw
Out: Carlos Brathwaite, David Willey, Rovman Powell, Mohammad Nabi
Lahore Qalandars
In: James Franklin, Chris Green, Jason Roy
Out: Anton Devcich, Shaun Tait, Dwayne Bravo
Each PSL team has a squad of 16, plus four supplement players. Overseas players among supplements are automatically available for selection. But the local players will only get to play if someone from the main squad is injured. A short player draft was thus held in Lahore on Monday to allow the five franchises to replenish their supply of overseas talent.Lahore Qalandars chose Jason Roy, the England opener, to fill in for Bravo for the first five matches. Bravo suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League earlier this month. He said he would be undergoing surgery and recovering in time for the PSL in February seemed unlikely.Lahore have also called up James Franklin, the New Zealand allrounder, to take the place of his countryman Anton Devcich, whose knee injury has flared back up. Australia fast bowler Shaun Tait was the third Lahore player ruled out – due to shoulder problems – and has been replaced by Sydney Thunder offspinner Chris Green.Andre Russell, who hurt his hamstring and knee in the BBL, is another high-profile player who might not play the PSL this season.Russell, who helped Islamabad United win the title last February, is also awaiting the verdict from an anti-doping hearing and if found guilty, he could be banned for a maximum of two years. Although Islamabad did not drop Russell at the draft, it is understood England fast bowler Steven Finn has been kept on standby.Quetta Gladiators decided to swap Brathwaite for England allrounder Moeen Ali after learning he would not be available for the entire duration of the league.Shakib Al Hasan has been replaced by Tillakaratne Dilshan by Peshawar Zalmi•AFP
With the WICB making it mandatory for players to take part in the domestic one-day competition to earn a national call-up, Brathwaite committed to the Regional Super50, which continues till February 18, nine days after the start of the PSL. Additionally, it is likely that he will be with the West Indies side when they take on England at home in the first week of March, which is when the PSL knockouts are scheduled.Quetta have also dropped England fast bowler David Willey and bought back a player they relinquished at the October draft – New Zealand offspinner Nathan McCullum. Sri Lanka allrounder Thisara Perera joined them as well, taking the spot of West Indies batsman Rovman Powell, who will be busy with the Regional Super50.Shakib and Tamim were set to miss the initial part of the PSL in any case, as they will be involved in Bangladesh’s one-off Test against India starting from February 9. Both men were due to fly out to Dubai and join Peshawar Zalmi the day after the Test ends. For now though the franchise has named former Sri Lanka batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan as a replacement for Shakib. Peshawar have also brought in senior West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels for Hales, who is nursing a fractured hand.PSL rules state that a team can keep five overseas players in the squad at any given time. With Hales ruled out Peshawar currently have six but on February 21, when Morgan leaves to captain England in the Caribbean, that count will dip again. It will sink below the required limit if a Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka in February is confirmed. While it is learnt Shakib and Tamim will ask the BCB’s approval to rejoin the team if they make it to the final, Peshawar are in talks with the Afghanistan Cricket Board and are expected to recruit one of their players on Tuesday.Mohammad Nabi and Mohammad Shahzad will miss the PSL since it runs parallel to the Afghanistan-Zimbabwe limited-overs series. Quetta have replaced Nabi with Rilee Rossouw, who recently ended his South Africa career by signing Kolpak deal, and Peshawar have called up West Indies opener Andre Fletcher as cover for Shahzad.The PSL will organise another draft in the final week of February featuring those foreign players who are willing to go to Lahore where organisers say the final will be staged.
Left-arm spinner Jon Holland ran through Tasmania with a five-wicket haul on the first day in Hobart, where the Tigers were dismissed for 203 after choosing to bat first
ESPNcricinfo staff05-Dec-2016
ScorecardJon Holland claimed his third five-wicket haul in first-class cricket•Getty Images
Left-arm spinner Jon Holland ran through Tasmania with a five-wicket haul on the first day in Hobart, where the Tigers were dismissed for 203 after choosing to bat first. At stumps Victoria were 3 for 54 in reply, with nightwatchman Scott Boland on 1. Jackson Bird, captaining Tasmania for the first time in any format, had 2 for 25, having dismissed Travis Dean and Marcus Stoinis cheaply.But Tasmania still had much work ahead of them after their own batting struggles. Dom Michael made 54 and Simon Milenko chipped in with 52, but they were the only contributions of note as Victoria’s strong attack – all of its members have represented Australia in one format or another – gave them little respite.Holland finished with 5 for 49, the second-best figures of his first-class career, and he now has 25 at 17.08 in this Sheffield Shield season. John Hastings, overlooked for Australia’s ongoing Chappell-Hadlee campaign against New Zealand, picked up 2 for 29 from 16 overs, and Chris Tremain also claimed two wickets.
Pakistan deserve to be rated the No. 1 Test side, according to their captain, Misbah-ul-Haq, in recognition of their success despite being unable to play any games at home
George Dobell at The Oval14-Aug-2016Pakistan deserve to be rated the No. 1 Test side, according to their captain, Misbah-ul-Haq, in recognition of their success despite being unable to play any games at home.Pakistan won the final Test against England at The Oval to square the series 2-2. It means that, should Sri Lanka defeat Australia by a margin of 2-0 (or better) and West Indies draw the Port of Spain Test, Pakistan would claim the No.1 spot for the first time since the official rankings were introduced in 2003. Their highest placing to date is second, which they achieved following the series win over England in the UAE at the end of 2015.Misbah believes that, for a side obliged to host its home series in the UAE due to concerns over the security situation in Pakistan since 2009, that is a remarkable record.”This team deserves that for six years of not playing any games at home,” Misbah said. “Sometimes people think it’s really easy for us playing in the UAE. They think the wickets suit us and we win there.Misbah on …
Mohammad Amir:”He did OK. He was unlucky a lot of catches were dropped off his bowling. But overall his behaviour and attitude and commitment were there. He played a crucial innings with Younis Khan, too.”
England playing in Bangladesh: “It’s their decision but if a team is not playing at home, it’s really not good for cricket. People in Bangladesh love cricket. They have a craziness for it. If they are deprived of hosting cricket, it could be a big loss for them.”
“But just living every day away from your country, without your family and friends, and playing every game away from Pakistan, is really difficult. It’s mentally tough.”I can only see my mother once a year. I only see my sister once a year. Some of my friends, I could not see for three or four years because of these commitments. We are out of the country all the time. There are a lot of tours and even our home series are in the UAE. We go from West Indies to New Zealand to Australia. It’s not easy.”But still the team is winning. Still the team is playing competitive cricket. There were lots of questions before we came here about whether we could only play in Asian conditions, but we have shown that we are good enough to play even in these conditions. At one stage we were winning this series.”I’m really proud of this team and I think that, if we can be No. 1 after all these results, then we really deserve that.”The key to Pakistan’s success was, according to Misbah, their self-belief. Despite a thumping loss at Manchester and a final-day collapse that cost them the Edgbaston Test, they showed admirable resilience to fight back at The Oval. And while he admitted that losing from an apparently strong position at Edgbaston still hurt, he felt the final result was “not a bad score”.”I am happy with the character shown by the Pakistan team,” Misbah said. “After two defeats, they fought back in this game and won. This is pleasing for me. This team has character and stood up the occasion, fought hard and levelled the series. Winning this match means a lot.”The important point is that you should keep believing as a team and individuals. These players have been playing for six years and they have performed in difficult situations. Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali and Younis Khan have played winning knocks under pressure and our bowling always stands out. We knew that, when the batsmen found form and we were able to combine our performances with the bat and the ball, we could do well. We had belief throughout the series.”After the situation we were in after the third day at Edgbaston, I am a bit disappointed that the series is level. Losing from there is a little disappointing. But credit must be given to England.”While recent Pakistan tours to England have sometimes ended in acrimony – the Oval Test of 2006 was awarded to England after Pakistan refused to return to the field after an interval following allegations of ball-tampering, while the 2010 series was overshadowed by the spot-fixing scandal – it was noticeable this time that supporters of both sides gave the Pakistan team a warm ovation as they completed a lap of honour around the boundary. It was, Misbah felt, a fitting celebration for a team and a nation making the anniversary of their Independence Day.”Cricket matches are won and lost,” Misbah said, “but to win people and supporters, that is really important. This series has been played in good spirits. Both teams fought well and everyone will remember this series for the sort of cricket we played. There were no off-field issues. We are really happy to conclude the tour on a pleasing note. On and off the field we made friends.”Keeping in mind it was Independence Day, it was something special to draw the series here after being 2-1 down. The way the team fought back… I’m a really happy captain.”
Leeds United are submitting a bid to bring Hamilton Academical teenager Josh McDonald to Yorkshire, Football Insider report.
What’s the latest Leeds transfer news?
The Whites currently find themselves in a battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League, with Javi Gracia’s side just one point above the drop zone.
However, Leeds are still looking to add to their Thorp Arch pool talent and are set to sign teenage winger Ilias Akhomach from Barcelona this summer.
Another youngster in McDonald, dubbed an “exceptional talent” by coaches, also seems to be on the Elland Road radar, regardless of what division Leeds are in next season.
Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey shared an update from Leeds in the last 48 hours, revealing that the Whites are submitting an offer for McDonald.
He adds that the club have been in contact with the player and his family and are looking to pip Rangers to the midfielder’s signature.
Bigger problems for Orta and Leeds…
Things haven’t been going to plan for Orta and Leeds ever since they parted ways with Marcelo Bielsa. The Argentine’s successor, Jesse Marsch, was sacked back in February and Gracia is looking to pick up the pieces of a squad that was largely assembled by Orta and Marsch.
Leeds supporters turned on the sporting director and the board during the 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday, as reported by Phil Hay. Therefore, you could argue that the Whites have bigger problems to deal with instead of looking to sign a teenager in McDonald.
The Scotland U18 international could well turn out to be a future star, however, Leeds could find themselves back in the Championship if things don’t go to plan in the next six games, which would undo all of the hard work put in by Andrea Radrizzani, Orta and Bielsa to get the Whites back in the Premier League.
It seems as if a move for McDonald will be one to keep an eye on, though, and who knows, the midfielder may well be the next promising gem to come through the Thorp Arch ranks and into the first team over time.
Tottenham Hotspur have made initial contact with Julian Nagelsmann's camp over the vacancy in north London following Antonio Conte's departure.
Will Nagelsmann replace Conte?
It has been a whirlwind of a past week in the managerial circle with both Conte and Nagelsmann finding themselves out of a job over the weekend.
Reports would suggest Conte's dismissal was a long time coming, with the north London club having drawn up a shortlist over recent weeks for his potential successor.
However, Nagelsmann may have taken some by surprise as Bayern Munich pounced on the opportunity to appoint Thomas Tuchel amid his links to Spurs.
And it seems as if Nagelsmann's availability has seriously interested Spurs with insider Graeme Bailey telling the Talking Transfers podcast contact has been made:
"The reports suggesting the day after [Nagelsmann's sacking] that there'd been contact isn't true, from what I'm told from people close to him. But there has been contact between third parties now, Tottenham are letting him know that there is an interest there."
Is Nagelsmann right for Spurs?
Tottenham's recent history of managers has shown a different approach with Daniel Levy bringing in 'proven winners' who may have been brought in for a quick trophy fix in north London.
Spurs' trophy drought is well documented within the game and the likes of Jose Mourinho and Conte were two short-term options which have failed to deliver on their reputation.
And with this method from the Spurs board now another failure on their record, it does feel as if the logical step is to return to a manager of Mauricio Pochettino's mould.
The Argentine has been linked with the job in north London but reports would suggest he has not been contacted by Spurs with some board members holding reservations about reappointing him.
And in Nagelsmann they could well have that with the 35-year-old having a lot of experience at big clubs despite his young age.
But the big issue seems to be that the German is keen to wait until the summer to assess his options with suggestions the Real Madrid job could potentially open up for him.
Although it is understandable why Nagelsmann may think this way, after Conte, Spurs surely want a manager who is only interested in the north London club.
And it seems as if Pochettino is keen to make his return to Spurs after over three years since his sacking in 2019.
Nagelsmann has displayed a lot of positives for Spurs with his attacking style of football, favourable age and experience with players at the highest level.
But it will be interesting to see whether the pressure grows on Levy to make an appointment before the end of the season depending on how the results unfold under Cristian Stellini.