Wrexham defender Max Cleworth is stunned by the fact he will play in sold-out matches in his team's North American pre-season tour this summer.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Wrexham to play in North American tourWelsh side have big fanbase in USACleworth amazed games are selling outWHAT HAPPENED?

The Welsh side will come up against Bournemouth and Chelsea in California over the next week before they travel north to Canada to face Vancouver Whitecaps in the hometown of co-owner Ryan Reynolds as they prepare for their first season back in League One.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Red Dragons have enjoyed immense popularity in the United States since Hollywood actors Reynolds and Rob McElhenney completed their takeover of the club and started the successful documentary series Welcome to Wrexham. The size of their American fanbase has resulted in great interest in their pre-season friendlies and Cleworth is still getting used to the attention.

WHAT CLEWORTH SAID

"You almost have to pinch yourself. It is mental that we can go across the world to America and be part of selling out stadiums," Cleworth said to . "Last year was unbelievable to see the support over there and playing some really competitive matches. I am sure there will be even more fans this year after the success of the last two seasons of the documentary. It is going to be another unbelievable experience and we are all extremely grateful being given the opportunity to do it. I am really looking forward to it and hopefully we can put on some good performances. The focus is on getting fit but getting to play against two Premier League teams is going to be another good experience and will stand us in good stead for the new season."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT?

After their matches in the United States and Canada, Wrexham will return to Wales to continue their preparations for the new season. After earning a second consecutive promotion, they will begin their League One campaign with a match against Wycombe on August 10.

Tottenham are reportedly in the "front row" to sign a "devastating" forward likened to Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, as Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou and the wider recruitment team look at attacking upgrades.

Spurs looking to sign clinical new attacker this summer

As now backed by reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the north Londoners are looking to sign a clinical new wide forward, and one who could inject more goals and assists into the side.

Tottenham bid ready for £21m attacker as they aim to beat Arteta and ten Hag

The north Londoners have an offer “already” prepared.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 21, 2024

As per Romano, the likes of Wolves winger Pedro Neto and Barcelona forward Raphinha feature among technical director Johan Lange's list of potential summer targets, as they seek an exciting player of that mould to come in and add that extra bit of flair.

"Look, a player they appreciate for a long time is Raphinha from Barcelona. We know the financial situation at Barcelona is not easy, so he could be one of the names. They will look at that kind of player," said Romano on JD Football.

"Another player they appreciate is Pedro Neto, but he has this issue with his injuries, so I’m not sure Liverpool, Tottenham or the other clubs following the player will be prepared to play big money for Pedro Neto this summer. That kind of player is the priority for Tottenham, I see them going for that kind of winger, a quality player to help with goals and assists."

Elsewhere, Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is thought to be attracting Tottenham's interest, but he will cost around £43 million, the value of his release clause, to prise away from La Liga.

As Spurs also seek to bring in a new centre-back, as confirmed by Postecoglou himself, it may be prudent for the north Londoners to fish for potentially low-cost attacking options as well as bigger names.

A player who fits this mould is Genoa star Albert Gudmundsson. Lange and Tottenham chiefs are thought to have made contact over Gudmundsson already, but they aren't the only ones, with Serie A giants Inter Milan also interested (La Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness)

Tottenham enter "front row" to sign Gudmundsson

The Iceland international could certainly provide extra attacking impetus, as suggested by his impressive Italian top-flight numbers.

Udinese 2-2 Genoa

8.75

Genoa 1-1 Juventus

8.26

Genoa 4-1 Roma

8.17

Genoa 1-0 Salernitana

7.96

Sassuolo 1-2 Genoa

7.68

He's bagged a brilliant 10 goals and three assists over 27 league appearances this term, with a report by Calciomercato (translated by Sport Witness) following up on La Gazzetta's claim and stating that Tottenham are in the "front row" to sign Gudmundsson – who'll cost suitors just £26 million.

Interestingly, teammate Kevin Strootman has likened the player to Salah – which comes as pretty lofty praise.

“If he keeps improving, he won’t stay at Genoa for long,” Strootman told Il Secolo XIX newspaper.

“He reminds me of Salah when he was at Roma, in that every now and then he disappears. Much like Salah then, he would have four or five chances per match and only score at most one.

“They used to say that if Salah was more clinical, he would be playing for Liverpool, and that is exactly what happened. All joking aside, Gudmundsson is a devastating player and also an exemplary professional.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Após muita especulação, o Santos, enfim, se manifestou sobre ausência do atacante Marinho no duelo desta quarta-feira (26), às 21 horas, no Equador, contra o Barcelona, pela Copa Libertadores. O técnico Fernando Diniz justificou a ausência do camisa 11. Segundo o treinador, a intenção é ter o jogador de volta 100% recuperado.

RelacionadasSantosBarcelona-EQU x Santos: prováveis escalações, desfalques e onde assistirSantos25/05/2021SantosSantos negocia com André Mazzuco para o cargo de executivo de futebolSantos25/05/2021SantosPlanejamento Estratégico do Santos é aprovado pelo Conselho DeliberativoSantos25/05/2021

– Desde a minha chegada, o Marinho vem se empenhando muito. Tanto no tratamento quanto nos treinamentos. Ele está cada vez melhor e em breve vai estar nos ajudando. Tem tratado e treinado continuamente, mas nós achamos melhor ainda resguardá-lo um pouco, pois existe um risco de lesão. E por conta disso preferimos preservá-lo – disse o treinador.

Marinho teve uma lesão muscular na coxa esquerda de grau 1 no clássico contra o Palmeiras, pelo Campeonato Paulista. De lá para cá, o jogador perdeu jogos contra o São Bento, Boca Juniors e The Strongest.

A expectativa é que o atleta eleito o Rei da América em 2020, esteja disponível contra Bahia, na estreia no Brasileiro, no dia 29, e contra o Cianorte, na Copa do Brasil, no próximo dia 1º.

Wrexham co-owner and Hollywood star Rob McElhenney showed off Welcome to Wrexham star Wayne Jones' sunburn in California.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• McElhenney showed off Wayne Jones' sunburn
• Wrexham currently in California for pre-season
• They face Chelsea next on Wednesday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Dragons are currently in California in the United States for a pre-season tour ahead of the start of the new campaign. They have already played a friendly against Bournemouth where the League One side were held to a 1-1 draw by the Premier League club and are now preparing to take on English giants Chelsea.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  To catch the Welsh club live in action against the Blues, Welcome to Wrexham star and fan Wayne Jones is currently in California. However, it seems he may have seen a little too much sun during his stay, with McElhenney taking to social media with an epic picture.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  On X, the 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' star posted a photograph of himself with Jones and wrote, "Welcome to California, Red Dragons." Jones later quoted the actor's post and wrote, "Cheers Boss. Ruthless."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  After facing the Blues in their final game in California on Wednesday, Phil Parkinson's side will next travel to Canada where they are scheduled to take on Vancouver Whitecaps.

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed comparative success under Ange Postecoglou but will need to hit a rich vein of form heading into the business end of the Premier League campaign – Champions League qualification is on the line.

Last time out, before the international break, the Lilywhites were trounced 3-0 by Fulham at Craven Cottage but have the perfect opportunity to make amends on Saturday, welcoming relegation-threatened Luton Town to north London.

Still fifth-placed and just three points behind Aston Villa in the top four (and with a game in hand), Spurs simply have to secure victory against Rob Edwards' side and will be galvanised by the possible return of Micky van de Ven, who missed out against Fulham due to injury.

Moreover, Richarlison could be in line for his first start since picking up an ankle injury against Wolverhampton Wanderers in February.

Postecoglou has options to defeat a Hatters side that has not claimed a Premier League win in two months, and he might make three changes to set the tone for the final stretch of the campaign.

1 GK – Guglielmo Vicario

Guglielmo Vicario has started every Premier League fixture for Tottenham this season and has been rewarded for his fine efforts with an Italy debut last week.

Spurs' top defenders get much credit for the improvements in the defensive third this season but the shot-stopper has been immense.

2 RB – Pedro Porro

Pedro Porro was guilty of some poor performances last season after joining from Sporting Lisbon in January 2023, but he's now blossoming into a first-class player and has been incredible across a number of areas for Spurs.

Defensively solid, intelligently creative and seamless in his movements, the Spaniard is one of the most important members of the team.

3 CB – Cristian Romero

Perhaps a little overzealous at times, but hey, Cristian Romero is a singular centre-half and he's oh-so impressive in combining aggressiveness and technical quality.

Counterbalanced against the athleticism and speed of Van de Ven, the 2022 World Cup winner will be key is stifling any Luton attacks.

4 CB – Micky van de Ven

There are questions surrounding Van de Ven's return and whether Postecoglou will play the prudent game and keep him away from the starting XI ahead of Tuesday's clash against West Ham United, but he's been training and may well start.

Van de Ven bagged his only Tottenham goal against Luton and has been ridiculously important for the club – he's lost just two times across 18 Premier League appearances, with his teammates falling to defeat across half of the ten fixtures he has missed.

5 LB – Destiny Udogie

Who else? Ben Davies enjoyed a fine international break with Wales and picked up a 9/10 match rating during his nation's penalty defeat against Poland, but Destiny Udogie, aged 21, has been brilliant since arriving in England last summer.

As per FBref, the £75k-per-week speedster ranks among the top 10% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 14% for progressive passes, the top 8% for progressive carries, the top 11% for successful take-ons, the top 18% for tackles and the top 8% for interceptions. Quite the complete skill set.

6 CM – Yves Bissouma

After a terrible 2022/23 campaign, Yves Bissouma has been one of the Premier League's most fearsome defensive midfielders this season, with his ball-winning expertise and crisp distribution marrying into Postecoglou's robust style of play.

His season has been punctuated with suspensions and dips in form, but he will now need to pull it all together as the final few months arrive.

7 CM – Rodrigo Bentancur

Rodrigo Bentancur endured a torrid injury-blighted 2023 but he has been a regular part of the matchday squad since just before the New Year and will be hoping to be fielded from the outset after starting from the bench across Tottenham's past two games.

He's embracing a more expansive style of play this season after being largely used as a deep-lying playmaker under Antonio Conte and offers a nice balance alongside the tough-tackling Bissouma.

8 RW – Dejan Kulusevski

Dejan Kulusevski is not a 20-goal-a-season winger, nor is he a creative phenomenon on the level of, say, Kevin De Bruyne, but the Sweden international is a fantastic player and is one of the most important members of Postecoglou's team, energetic, enterprising and effective.

As per Sofascore, he has scored six goals and provided three assists across 26 Premier League fixtures this season, creating ten big chances, completing 82% of his passes and averaging 2.0 key passes, 1.8 tackles, 4.2 ball recoveries, 1.7 dribbles and 4.3 successful duels per game.

9 AM – James Maddison

Still not quite back to his stunning pre-injury levels, James Maddison remains one of the Premier League's elite playmakers and has been the conduit between midfield and attack, racking up seven assists and averaging 2.5 key passes per game.

It was he who claimed the match-winning assist as his side slenderly won the reverse fixture back in October, and you wouldn't bet against him popping up with another defining moment tomorrow.

10 LW – Heung-min Son

He might be nearing his 32nd birthday but Heung-min Son is very much still a "world-class player", according to Postecoglou.

1.

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

19

2.

Heung-min Son

Tottenham Hotspur

17

3.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool

13

4.

Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United

13

5.

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal

13

5.

Martin Odegaard

Arsenal

13

5.

Kieran Trippier

Newcastle United

13

5.

Dwight McNeil

Everton

13

A dynamic forward, Son is hailed for his scoring prowess but he's also one of the most creative and fluid forwards around, so effective as his side's multi-functioning talisman.

The skipper will take Brennan Johnson's place on the left wing, and while the Welshman has been noted for his "frightening pace and directness" by content creator HLTCO, Son offers so much more.

Manchester United have been underwhelming for the majority of this campaign, as evidenced by their sixth-place position in the Premier League.

However, it won’t just be the performances on the field that will have concerned new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with the way the club has functioned behind the scenes serving as a huge problem.

From Casemiro earning £350k-per-week to Anthony Martial being paid £250k-per-week, the club has struggled to keep a lid on wages.

Unfortunately, this has been the case for years, with one player, in particular, rinsing the club of millions. while even earning more than Alejandro Garnacho currently does.

Alejandro Garnacho’s 23/24 campaign

At just 19 years of age, it can very much be argued that Garnacho has been Man United’s best player this season, showing bravery and courage to drag the team to victories.

The Argentine has been influential on both flanks, with his well-rounded ability allowing him to play on the right, despite preferring to be a left-winger.

This tactical tweak by Ten Hag seems to have worked brilliantly, as the number 17 has scored four goals and provided two assists in 13 games in his new role.

Alongside his talent, Garnacho’s continuous reliability and availability are remarkable, having not missed a game through injury all season.

Despite this, the United academy graduate is currently earning £50k-per-week or £2.6m per season, which is far less than one individual who struggled to impact the side on a frequent basis.

Man Utd star who earns more than Garnacho & Hojlund needs to be replaced

The United star has barely played over the last month.

ByTom Lever Mar 15, 2024 What Phil Jones cost Man United over his career

In 2011, Phil Jones joined Man United from Blackburn Rovers in a deal worth £16m after meeting his release clause, signing on a five-year contract.

Jones was known as a promising talent who could thrive in multiple roles, and that was on show during his first campaign, playing 29 Premier League matches as a right-back, defensive midfielder, and centre-half.

During his early career, Sir Alex Ferguson infamously stated that the number four had the potential to become Man United’s “best ever player,” which just highlights how highly-rated Jones once was.

However, it’s fair to say that injuries completely ruined the 32-year-old’s career, with Jones missing a total of 210 games through injury since 2013, which meant that he was only able to reach 20 league appearances in one season after 2015.

22/23

0

21/22

4

20/21

0

19/20

2

18/19

18

Despite suffering multiple setbacks, Jones was earning £50k-per-week, according to Capology, and in 2019, he was handed a new contract until 2023 that saw his wage increase to £75k-per-week, which is clearly £25k more than Garnacho's weekly wage.

After signing that new deal, Jones only made 13 Premier League appearances due to injury, in what was an extremely frustrating and difficult spell for the former England international.

Throughout his United career, Jones was unfortunately rather “unreliable,” as per football creator Liam Canning, but what’s frustrating is that Canning also mentioned that Jones was often “excellent” when available.

Nevertheless, over his 12-year stay at the club, which ended last summer upon the expiry of that contract, Jones most definitely rinsed the Red Devils due to his lack of minutes, costing the club a huge £48.5m when his original fee and wages are combined.

Wage Burners

Football FanCast's Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.

تغنى الأسطورة آلان شيرر هداف الدوري الإنجليزي التاريخي بالرقم الجديد الذي حققه هداف وجناح ليفربول، محمد صلاح، بعد تسجيله أمام برايتون أمس، السبت.

وساهم محمد صلاح في فوز ليفربول على برايتون في إطار الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على ملعب “أنفيلد” بنتيجة 2-1.

هدف محمد صلاح جعله في المرتبة الثامنة بترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي التاريخيين برصيد 164 هدفًا، ليتخطى روبي فاولر.

اقرأ أيضًا.. فيديو | ماذا قدم محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وبرايتون بـ الدوري الإنجليزي؟

وتحدث شيرر عن الرقم الجديد الذي حققه، محمد صلاح، وقال خلال تواجده في الأستوديو التحليلي للمباراة: “لاعب من الطراز العالمي، هل يمكنك أن تتخيل تسجيل هذا العدد من الأهداف؟”.

وأضاف: “محمد صلاح لاعب رائع للغاية، لقد كان دائمًا أحد أفضل اللاعبين في كل موسم ببطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، بغض النظر عما يحدث في نهاية الموسم مع عقده”.

واختتم: “لاعب استثنائي وهداف من الطراز الرفيع، أحب دائمًا مشاهدته مع ليفربول، بالنسبة لي، هو أحد عظماء الدوري الإنجليزي”.

Tshwane Spartans were lifted by an AB de Villiers special but could not defend 189

The Report by Firdose Moonda03-Dec-2019

Ben Dunk slashes through the off side•Getty Images

The Nelson Mandela Bay Giants completed the highest successful chase of this year’s Mzansi Super League against the Tshwane Spartans at St George’s Park to join the Paarl Rocks on 23 points at the top of the table. Ben Dunk’s unbeaten 99 off 54 balls anchored the Giants’ effort and his fifth-wicket stand of 86 off 44 with Marco Marais took the team over the line. The Spartans had their chances to close out the game but dropped Dunk four times and had an ordinary night in the field which left them unable to defend a good total.Slam Dunk as Ngidi lets it slipDunk was on 8 when he offered his first chance, hitting Tom Curran to deep midwicket where Wiaan Mulder dropped a straightforward chance. Lungi Ngidi made up for that with two wickets in his opening over, which also showed off a skill he has honed in this season’s tournament – the slower ball. According to broadcaster SABC, eight of the nine wickets Ngidi has taken have been with deliveries slower than 125kph, including both in this match. He had Jon-Jon Smuts caught at deep midwicket and Heino Kuhn dragging one on to legstump to leave the Giants on 28 for 3.Dunk and Ryan ten Doeschate led the recovery with a fourth-wicket stand of 78 but they gave the Spartans a big opportunity to end their partnership on 51. Dunk, on 37, hit the ball to Ngidi at deep square leg but the big fast bowler let it slip through his fingers. Ngidi got over his blunder quickly and took a good catch low down to get rid of ten Doeschate off Morne Morkel. But just when Ngidi might have considered the night his, Tony de Zorzi dropped Dunk, now on 52, off his bowling at deep midwicket. The dance continued when Ngidi had a chance again in the next over. Dunk hit Morkel to deep backward square, Ngidi made his ground to get to the ball but could not lay hands on it. The Giants needed 62 off the last five overs and Dunk scored 40 of them.Say hello to SalamkheilWhen the Spartans bought Afghan left-arm wristspinner Waqar Salamkheil in the draft, coach Mark Boucher admitted he didn’t know much about the teenager – and hoped no one else would either. South African viewers got their first sighting of Salamkheil in the 10th over of the Giants’ chase, and saw the youngster take a hop, a skip, another skip and then deliver the ball. His unusual action does more than amuse, it also disguises his many variations which includes the googly but that didn’t yield much reward. His two overs cost 23 runs on a poor night for the Spartans’ spinners.New openers set tempoTheunis de Bruyn and Dean Elgar have the highest opening stand of the tournament, 104 against the Paarl Rocks, but after stands of 3, 10 and 12 in the Spartans’ last three matches, change was needed. Both internationals were benched for this fixture, where de Zorzi made his tournament debut and Mulder was promoted to open the batting. The move paid off. The pair scored 57 runs in the Powerplay before de Zorzi was was stumped off an Imran Tahir google. Mulder went on to score 52 off 31 balls including the first six of the innings, over long-on.Another AB special There were only two other sixes in the Spartans innings, and they came from none other than AB de Villiers. He scored his third half-century of the MSL and now lies third on the run-charts. His moments of glory came in the 18th over, when he hit Junior Dala to cow corner for his first six, followed up with back-to-back fours, and then hit Dala back over his head for a second six. Dala saw de Villiers dropped at long leg off his fifth ball but then had the last laugh when de Villiers was caught at deep midwicket. The over cost 23 runs but removed de Villiers and kept the Spartans under 200.

MatériaMais Notícias

Murilo Barreto é um dos nomes do atual elenco do Internacional que fizeram parte do time que conquistou a Copa São Paulo de Juniores do ano passado. O jogador que participou da vitória contra o Vasco no último final de semana, demonstrou ter pés nos chão e preferiu não comemorar muito a classificação.

O volante já está de olho no próximo adversário. O fato de o Coritiba eliminar o Atlético-MG chamou atenção de Murilo, que pede para que o time não mude a sua maneira de jogar.

– A cada vitória, nos sentimos mais motivados a avançar na competição, esperamos fazer mais dois grandes jogos e se classificar para a final. Sabemos que não será fácil, o Coritiba vem de um vitória expressiva contra o bom time do Atlético. Temos que manter a postura que o time vem tendo nos jogos, agressividade no ataque sem perder força na defesa – afirmou.

Diante de um elenco recheado de boas opções, alguns até com passagem pela Seleção Brasileira, e com vários estilos, Murilo comentou sobre como o Colorado se beneficia com isso.

– O elenco é muito bom e temos vários jogadores com características diferentes, acredito até que isso seja um diferencial do nosso time. Jogadores com velocidade, outros mais técnicos, tem os de força também, enfim. Claro que isso não garante resultado, mas nos dá uma variedade de estilo muito boa durante as partidas – analisou.

Apesar de não ser um jogo entre os profissionais, onde a pressão para o Inter se classificar seria maior, Murilo comentou como é o clima entre os jogadores prestes a jogos importantes e um pouco da parte interna do clube:

– A comissão técnica consegue trabalhar muito bem o elenco e mesmo quem está no banco, não fica desmotivado. Temos que honrar essa camiseta como se fosse o último jogo de nossas vidas. Vestir a camisa do Inter é uma oportunidade imensa e não vou medir esforços dentro de campo para ajudar imo Colorado – concluiu.

The Adelaide Strikers allrounder is the leading run-scorer and six-hitting in this year’s tournament

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Dec-2019Sophie Devine, the Adelaide Strikers and New Zealand allrounder, has been named player of the tournament for this season’s WBBL after playing a starring role in the Strikers’ progress to finals weekend.Devine currently tops the run-scoring with 699 at 77.66 and a strike-rate of 130.16 including eight half-centuries. Her 28 sixes puts her well ahead of the next best of 19 from Lizelle Lee. She also claimed 16 wickets at 20.25 and an economy rate of 6.35With potentially two matches to play should the Strikers reach the final on Sunday, Devine has a chance of eclipsing Ellyse Perry’s record of 777 runs in last year’s tournament. At one stage during the regular season she went 207 deliveries without being dismissed.Devine earned votes in 12 of the 14 matches she played, finishing 13 clear of Brisbane Heat’s Beth Mooney (35 votes) and Melbourne Renegade’s Danni Wyatt (33).Votes were awarded on a 3-2-1 basis by the standing umpires at the end of each match meaning a player can receive up to six votes per match.Of the players to top the voting only Perry, whose campaign was ended early by a shoulder injury, will not be appearing at finals weekend in Brisbane.Leading votes1 Sophie Devine (Adelaide Strikers) – 48 votes
2 Beth Mooney (Brisbane Heat) – 35 votes
3 Danni Wyatt (Melbourne Renegades) – 33 votes
4 Jess Duffin (Melbourne Renegades) – 31 votes
= Meg Lanning (Perth Scorchers) – 31 votes
= Ellyse Perry (Sydney Sixers) – 31 votes
5 Jess Jonassen (Brisbane Heat) – 27 votes