New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole showed Boston Red Sox slugger—and infamous foil—Rafael Devers the ultimate respect during Saturday's game at Yankee Stadium.

The first time Devers, who has historically enjoyed immense success against Cole in his career, stepped up to the plate, he was hit by Cole. With one out and nobody on in the top of the third inning, Devers stepped up to the plate for his second at-bat, and Cole had zero interest in pitching to him.

In the ultimate sign of respect, Cole signaled for an intentional walk of Devers, who seemed just as surprised as everyone else watching.

Devers ended up stealing second base and scoring on a double as Boston produced three runs in the inning.

As it turns out, Cole was probably correct to walk Devers in the situation. Up a third time with the bases loaded in the fifth inning, Devers laced a two-run single into right field, continuing his success against Cole.

In his career against Cole, Devers owns a 1.370 OPS with eight home runs, a double and 20 RBI. And Cole is certainly aware of the Red Sox third baseman's success against him.

On Hispanic Heritage Day on Tuesday, Cole was asked which Latin hitter has given him the most trouble in his career.

Cole exited the game after 4 1/3 innings pitched, surrendering seven earned runs to Boston.

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O Palmeiras anunciou nesta terça-feira (17) a renovação do contrato do meia Thalys, joia da base e destaque do sub-20. O jovem de 18 anos estendeu seu vínculo com o Verdão até outubro de 2026 – o contrato antigo era válido até 2025.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasConsulados do Palmeiras se revoltam contra Leila Pereira: ‘Atitudes ditatoriais’;Palmeiras17/10/2023FlamengoFlamengo trata como improvável ida de Bruno Henrique para o PalmeirasFlamengo17/10/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras joga pesado com Flamengo e aumenta proposta por Bruno HenriquePalmeiras17/10/2023

+ Palmeiras joga pesado com Flamengo e aumenta proposta por Bruno Henrique

– Muito feliz pela renovação, é fruto de muito trabalho diário. Minha trajetória no Palmeiras tem sido especial demais, com importantes títulos conquistados e momentos que levarei para sempre. Quero continuar escrevendo essa história por muito tempo, sendo campeão por esse time que já fez tanto por mim – disse Thalys.

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que formou craques como Pet, Dante e Léo Moura! Cupom: LANCE1000

Thalys chegou ao Palmeiras em 2021, após destaque no futebol alagoano. Já no ano seguinte, o jovem teve um ótimo desempenho pelo sub-17, conquistando os títulos da Copa do Brasil, do Campeonato Brasileiro e do Campeonato Paulista da categoria. Ainda, o jovem terminou a temporada com 15 gols marcados em 31 jogos.

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Em 2023, Thalys foi integrado ao sub-20, e continuou se destacando. Além da conquista da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior, o meia já tem dez bolas na rede em 32 partidas neste ano. Principalmente por seu excelente poder de conclusão, o jovem passou a ser utilizado como atacante de referência na equipe comandada por Lucas Andrade.

+ Consulados do Palmeiras se revoltam contra Leila Pereira: ‘Atitudes ditatoriais’

A equipe sub-20 do Palmeiras ainda está na disputa do Campeonato Paulista da categoria. Nas quartas de final, as Crias da Academia enfrentam a Portuguesa, sendo o primeiro duelo com mando do adversário. O Verdão decidirá o confronto em casa pois teve melhor campanha. A Federação Paulista de Futebol ainda não divulgou as datas das partidas.

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One-wicket win leaves Leicestershire floored after Budinger fifty

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay06-Jul-2025Notts Outlaws kept alive an outside chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Vitality Blast as they chased down a target of 189 to beat North Group rivals Leicestershire Foxes, winning by one wicket with just a ball to spare in a breathtaking finish at Trent Bridge.The only one-wicket victory in the county’s T20 history was achieved when last man Farhan Ahmed squirted the penultimate ball into the offside off Logan van Beek (three for 25) and, running back for second run, scrambled home as Foxes wicketkeeper Ben Cox fumbled his take from the boundary fielder’s throw.It capped a superb fightback by the Outlaws, who had looked out of contention at 100 for four in the 11th over, despite skipper Joe Clarke’s 50 from 24 balls.The chase was reignited by Daniel Sams smashing 33 off just 12 balls and Tom Moores 42 off 30 only for three quick wickets to tip the pendulum back towards the visitors, before 17-year-old Farhan had the last word in a thrilling finale.Former Nottinghamshire batter Sol Budinger made his second fifty in as many games and Rishi Patel his first of the season, the two sharing a 114-run opening stand as the Foxes made 188 for two, Pakistan Test star Shan Masood chipping in with an unbeaten 40.A profitable and wicketless powerplay justified Leicestershire’s decision to bat on a slow pitch. After a tentative start, Patel and Budinger gained momentum rapidly to put 61 on the board in the first six overs.Budinger and Patel took turns to clear the boundary with nicely timed pick-ups as their partnership moved into three figures in the 11th over, Budinger completing his third fifty of the campaign from 38 balls, Patel reaching the milestone from 32.Outlaws finally hit back by removing both in consecutive overs – Patel stumped after going down the pitch to Calvin Harrison and Budinger undone by a slow and low delivery from Sams.Masood and Rehan Ahmed (30 not out) added 72 from 39 balls to set a challenging total.The Outlaws’ chase began badly, Lyndon James bowled first ball by Van Beek, but Clarke looked in ominous form as he creamed sixes off Josh Hull and Sam Wood – twice – in going to fifty off just 23 balls only to be bowled making room to cut spinner Liam Trevaskis without addition as Notts ended their batting powerplay at 62 for two.Moises Henriques, making only his fourth appearance after suffering back problems, fell for six and the Outlaws were well behind the required rate at 77 for three after a maiden over from Foxes skipper Louis Kimber closed out the first half of the innings.Jack Haynes tried to reignite the chase but fell for 30 from 25 after a fine catch by Van Beek at deep midwicket, giving occasional off-spinner Rishi Patel a maiden T20 wicket from only his fifth ball in the format.But just as the Foxes were eyeing up a “double” over their near-neighbours, Sams turned the game with a stunning knock, including back-to-back slog-swept sixes off Kimber, and although the innings ended tamely with a swing-and-miss off the same bowler, the target was down to just 34 off 24 balls, from which Matt Montgomery trimmed 13 from seven balls before Moores hit Van Beek for six and four, then finding a fielder.After Harrison fell for two, the last over arrived with five required. As Patterson-White was caught at deep cover with two needed, one wicket remaining and two balls left, any result was possible, but Farhan kept his nerve when it mattered most.

تحدث لاعب ليفربول هوجو إيكيتيكي، عن المنافسة على المراكز الهجومية في الفريق، تحت قيادة المدير الفني الهولندي آرني سلوت، وعلّق على مواجهة مانشستر سيتي بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويلاقي ليفربول خصمه مانشستر سيتي غدًا الأحد، في إطار مباريات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج”.

وتعاقد ليفربول في الصيف مع إيكيتيكي وألكسندر إيزاك وفلوريان فيرتز،، ليعززوا خط هجومهم الذي يضم بالفعل محمد صلاح وكودي جاكبو.

عندما سُئل عن المنافسة على المراكز في الفريق، قال إيكيتيكي في تصريحاته لـ “سكاي سبورتس”: “لا أعتقد أن هذه هي الكلمة المناسبة، نلعب لنفس الفريق، من الواضح أن هناك عددًا قليلًا من المراكز في الملعب، لكننا نلعب لنفس الفريق، لذلك ننمو معًا، ونتشارك الملعب، وندفع بعضنا البعض للأفضل، هكذا أرى المنافسة”.

وأضاف: “يستغرق الأمر وقتًا لرؤية الجودة، بالنسبة للاعبين الجدد، فنحن قادمون من أندية مختلفة، وعلينا إيجاد روابط قوية واللعب معًا، يستغرق الأمر وقتًا لتشكيل الفريق المثالي من حيث اللعب والروح الجماعية، يمكن أن ينجح الأمر بالتأكيد، علينا أن نتدرب معًا ونلعب معًا، وسيتحسن أداؤنا”.

طالع | ماكويست: محمد صلاح الوحيد الذي يحق له تراجع مستواه… وليفربول دفع الثمن

وواصل: “في بعض الأحيان يكون الأمر كما لو كان لديك هذا الاتصال مع اللاعبين ويكون الأمر أكثر سهولة، ولكن في بعض الأحيان يتعلق الأمر بقضاء الوقت في الملعب، والتعرف على زميلك الآخر، وما يحبه، وكيف يحب الركض، وكيف يحب استقبال الكرة، واللعب معًا”.

وبشأن خطوة انضمامه إلى ليفربول، أفاد إيكتيكي: “إنه مجرد نادٍ أسعى من خلاله إلى مواصلة التطور وتحسين أدائي، إنه نادٍ جاد ذو قيم عظيمة، وجماهير رائعة، وملعب رائع، لذا أنا متأكد تمامًا من أنه المكان المناسب لي”.

وحول مواجهة مانشستر سيتي، أردف: “إنها المباراة التي تحب لعبها، جميع اللاعبين الكبار على أرض الملعب، وملعب كبير، ومباراة رائعة في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، إنها نوعية المباريات التي أحب لعبها، وأحب الاستعداد لها، أصمم على أن أكون مستعدًا لذلك اليوم”.

وبشأن تأقلمه السريع في ملعب “آنفيلد، بعدما ساهم في تسجيل ستة أهداف وصناعة هدف خلال 15 مباراة في مختلف المسابقات، علّق: “أعتقد أنه لو سألت المدرب فسيخبرك أن الأمر ليس جيدًا بعد بما فيه الكفاية”.

اقرأ أيضًا | مرموش يحذر ليفربول قبل صدام مانشستر سيتي ويصرّح: جمهور مصر متحمس لمواجهتي ضد محمد صلاح

واسترسل: “أما بالنسبة لي، وبالنظر إلى الخلفية التي أتيت منها، فأراه جيدًا، لكن المهم هو الاستمرار بثبات، الموسم لا يزال طويلًا، أعلم أنهم يضغطون عليّ بشدة، لذا أعلم أنهم سيقولون لي دائمًا إن هذا ليس كافيًا، وأن بإمكاني تقديم المزيد للفريق، وهذا ما أريده”.

وعن مواجهة مانشستر سيتي، أتم: “الوضع ليس مثاليًا الآن، ولكن على الأقل عندما ندخل المباراة، أشعر أن اللاعبين يبذلون قصارى جهدهم، بل وأكثر من ذلك، من حيث الطاقة والضغط الذي نمارسه على الخصوم، نحن فريق مختلف، لذا علينا فقط أن نواصل على هذا المنوال”.

Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Napoli are monitoring Hellas Verona forward Giovane following his impressive start to life in Serie A. The 21-year-old Brazilian, who joined on a free transfer last summer, has quickly become one of the league’s most exciting young attackers and Verona could now demand up to €30 million for his signature.

Giovane’s breakthrough sparks European interest

Hellas Verona forward Giovane, formerly of Corinthians, has become one of Serie A’s breakout names this season and his progress has not gone unnoticed across Europe. According to , scouts from Dortmund and Milan were in attendance at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium last weekend to watch the 21-year-old, who scored a superb goal in Verona’s 2-1 defeat to Inter. His confident display has positioned him as a potential target for several elite clubs ahead of the January 2026 transfer window.

Verona are said to value the Brazilian at around €30m (£25m/$33m), a remarkable rise given that he arrived from Corinthians on a free transfer just four months ago. Napoli and Inter have also joined the race, with all four clubs keen to secure a deal before his price climbs further.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportA modern wide forward with pace and flair

Giovane has adapted seamlessly to the demands of Italian football, combining technical flair with tireless off-ball movement. He is naturally a wide attacker, capable of playing on either flank or partnering a traditional striker in a two-man system, an attribute that appeals to managers seeking tactical flexibility.

Across 12 appearances this season, he has registered three assists and one goal, while ranking first among Serie A forwards in successful take-ons (14). Though not yet a prolific finisher, his ability to create chances, stretch defences and beat markers one-on-one makes him a coveted modern attacking option.

Observers in Italy suggest his standout trait is consistency, a rarity for young imports in Serie A’s tactically demanding environment. His work rate and resilience have impressed Verona’s coaching staff, who believe he has the temperament to thrive at a bigger club.

From free transfer to €30m asset

The Brazilian's rapid rise is as remarkable as his journey. Released by Corinthians at the end of his contract, he joined Verona on a free in July, quickly earning a place in the starting XI. Within months, he’s gone from relative obscurity in Brazil’s youth ranks to a sought-after Serie A prospect commanding a €30m valuation.

Verona, who currently sit in the bottom-half of the table, view the player as a vital financial asset and are open to negotiations only if their price is met. The club’s directors are reportedly in no rush to sell but are aware that an offer from one of Europe’s top clubs could prove difficult to resist.

His agent is said to be awaiting formal contact as clubs begin outlining their winter transfer plans. Scouts from Milan and Dortmund have already submitted detailed reports, while Napoli are weighing up whether to act immediately or wait until summer.

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Getty ImagesWhat next for Serie A’s newest star?

Giovane’s first Serie A goal against the Nerazzurri may well serve as the launchpad for his European breakthrough. The strike reflected not only his technical quality but also his growing confidence against elite opposition.

If his current form continues, Verona could soon face a battle to retain him beyond this season. His versatility and dynamism make him an ideal complement for an established No.9 – exactly the profile Milan and Dortmund are seeking.

For now, Verona intend to keep him focused on domestic duties, but with January fast approaching, Giovane’s name will likely dominate transfer headlines once more. Whether he stays to finish the season or becomes Serie A’s next big export, one thing is certain – Europe’s elite are watching closely.

England quick averaged 76mph during furious spell that helped England to snatch victory in third T20I

Valkerie Baynes08-Jul-2025

Lauren Filer pushed the speed gun at The Oval•ECB/Getty Images

Blazing a trail for cricket’s fast-bowling women suits Lauren Filer just fine, but she’ll gladly pull others along with her.Filer averaged 76mph in bowling the fastest recorded over in women’s cricket during England’s thrilling five-run victory over India in the third T20I at The Oval on Friday. She was twice clocked at 79mph in her fourth over – the 16th in India’s pursuit of 172 – and she said the magical 80mph mark was firmly on her radar.”Not to sound cocky, but I think I knew that I’d be able to push close to 80,” Filer said of that over. “I sort of touched on 78 every so often over the last year and, for me on Friday, the great thing about it was the fact that it was more consistent, that’s what I’ve been trying to do.Related

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“It’s not necessarily hitting that one ball that’s 80, that’s not going to make the difference. The difference is the consistency of increasing my speed. From the game in Trent Bridge, I think I was averaging 73, then I went up to 75 in Bristol and now obviously 76 at The Oval.”That’s what I’m trying to aim for and hopefully again I can hit that 80 number. I’m just going to try and keep consistently bowling at that mid-70s and in the women’s game that’s not heard of very often, so that’s my aim.”Filer has made some technical changes, including increasing her run-up since returning from the knee injury which kept her out of England’s T20I series against West Indies earlier in the season. As a result, she feels more “in time”.”Bowling’s all about feel,” she said. “It’s not about trying to lug it down as fast as you can because on Friday I didn’t necessarily feel at my quickest, but actually it’s usually then is when you probably are bowling your quickest, it’s all about flow and rhythm.”So it is more just getting into time and cleaning up my action. I’m quite limby, it’s all limbs go everywhere, so it’s all just bringing it together and that’s what’s happened over the last couple of games.”Filer has a propensity to fall over in her follow-through, which particularly stood out during the Ashes in January. There, she said her front foot was sliding a long way along the surfaces, causing her to fall over, which wasn’t a problem in the moments when she went tumbling in London last week.”It’s nothing that’s to be massively concerned about,” she said. “Sometimes it’s the pitch and then sometimes it’s just me.”Sometimes I just land and I just get in a position where I end up having to just tuck and roll and I’ve sort of mastered that, which is good because it just hurts less.Filer is hoping to breach the 80mph barrier•ECB via Getty Images

“We’re not too concerned as long I’m staying on my feet the majority of the time. It’s not affecting me massively and I can still generally bowl quick with this action. If I can do that, I don’t want to tweak with it too much because it could end up affecting it negatively.”Last year, Shabnim Ismail breached 130kph (80.7mph) for the first time in the women’s game, playing for Mumbai Indians against Delhi Capitals at the WPL, reaching 132.1kph (82.08mph) nine months after she retired from international cricket.South African Ismail also holds the record for the fastest delivery in women’s international cricket – 128kmph (79.54mph) against West Indies in 2016.The prospect of putting herself in that 80mph bracket brings a sense of excitement for Filer in terms of highlighting fast bowling in the women’s game.”That’s probably the reason why I want to hit it,” she said. “It’s not necessarily a personal milestone in myself, but actually proving that women can get to that milestone and hopefully others can follow as well.”I don’t want it just to be one or two people. We want loads of women to be able to be bowling at that speed. After Friday people are probably talking about it more than they were and hopefully if I can hit it then it encourages other people to try and aim for that and actually make the game even more exciting than it already is.”Filer isn’t the first bowler in this England women’s team to speak of bowling at 80mph. Five years ago, a then-17-year-old Issy Wong said she had ambitions to reach the milestone because it had “never been hit by a girl yet”.Wong is still re-establishing herself in England’s T20I squad after battling problems with her rhythm and run-up in 2023, having made her international debut the previous year. She took 1 for 36 from her four overs at The Oval, her first outing of the series with India, having played two T20Is against West Indies.Filer took 2 for 30 in the latest game against India, that pivotal over resulting in a dropped catch off Harmanpreet Kaur, the key wicket of Smriti Mandhana for 56 and a spicy welcome for Richa Ghosh, pinged hard on the helmet, all in the space of three deliveries.England will need more of the same as their next encounter, at Old Trafford on Wednesday, remains a must-win game for the hosts if they are to keep the five-match series alive. India lead 2-1 after a thumping 97-run win in the opening match at Trent Bridge and 24-run victory in Bristol.Winning matches for England, Filer says, is her main aim and the reason she has her eye on the speed gun.”I’ve always sort of kept a number on the speeds, but it’s not necessarily a judgement piece for me. It probably shows me whether I’m doing my technical stuff right,” she said.”If I don’t do some of the technical stuff that I have been doing right then I end up being slower. So for me it’s more of a thing to see if I’ve done my stuff well. I generally come off a pitch and ask the analyst what my average speed was and what my fastest ball was just to see where I was at.”I want to help us win games and if that means bowling 80 miles an hour or getting close to it, if that’s the way, then great. If it’s not, then I’ve got to focus on my variations or doing something else that’s going to help us win games.”

Brendan Rodgers is pleased to see the “strength and power” of Alistair Johnston in training as the Celtic full-back moves closer to a return to action.

The 27-year-old Canada international has been out since the goalless draw in the Champions League play-off at home to Kazakhstan side Kairat Almaty on August 20, missing nine games in all competitions.

Johnston returned to training during the international break and ahead of the trip to Dundee in the William Hill Premiership on Sunday, Rodgers told Celtic TV: “It’s obviously a big blow having someone of that quality out.

“But young Colby Donovan has come in and done very, very well, Tony Ralston is always a very capable player for the club and an international player, so it has given those guys a chance to get games.

“But there’s no doubt Ali’s been a real pivotal part of the team for a number of years now.

“His power and the balance he gives both offensively and defensively is very important for the team.

“So it’s great to have him back on the pitch and seeing that strength and power back in training.”

Rodgers excited by Celtic fixture run

After a “reset” during this international break, Rodgers is looking for his players to embrace the tough tasks they face in the seven games before domestic football takes another rest in November.

Amid a busy upcoming schedule, Celtic, who trail William Hill Premiership leaders Hearts by two points, have Europa League games against Sturm Graz and Midtjylland, a trip to Tynecastle in the league and a Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden Park.

The former Liverpool and Leicester boss said: “Let’s embrace all the challenges that come our way, both domestically and in Europe.

“It’s a really exciting period. It’s what Celtic is all about, playing these games and playing in the big games. And for us, that collective, being together, is always the attitude that we want to show.

“We’re excited by these games that are coming up and we want to go in and embrace the challenges. Everyone together fighting for the same cause is what Celtic is about.”

Twenty-year-old Eyman Fatima has been called up to the Pakistan T20I squad to tour Ireland following her success in the National T20 tournament in May.Fatima was the fourth-highest run-scorer in that tournament, amassing 287 runs at a strike rate in excess of 155. She had earlier played in the inaugural women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in 2023 and was Pakistan’s highest run-getter there (and fourth overall) with 157 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 126.61.Fatima Sana will lead the side that will play three T20Is in Dublin. Sana was both the highest run-scorer and the player with the highest strike rate at the National T20 tournament. These will be the first T20Is Pakistan play this year; the last time they played in the format was at the T20 World Cup last year.Related

• Nida Dar takes indefinite break from cricket

Allrounder Nida Dar, the highest wicket-taker in Pakistan women’s T20I history, and behind only Australian Megan Schutt globally, took an indefinite break from cricket following a breakdown in the relationship between her and the board and last played for Pakistan at that T20 World Cup. This squad, though, is similar to the one which, under new head coach Mohammad Wasim, stormed through the ODI qualifiers at home earlier this year, winning all five games.The squad was chosen from among the 24 players, who have taken part in a skills camp in Karachi that concludes on July 27. Following that, the 15 players selected will undergo an additional pre-series training camp before leaving for Ireland.The three T20Is take place on August 6, 8 and 10.

Pakistan squad for T20Is vs Ireland

Fatima Sana (capt), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan, Waheeda Akhtar

A Leeds United player who the club made a millionaire at a young age has returned to the club.

Leeds’ youngest ever players

The Whites have had some brilliant teenagers come through their Thorp Arch academy in recent years, with Harry Gray the latest youth product who looks destined for a regular first-team role.

The forward, younger brother of Archie, made his senior debut for Leeds on the day they sealed their return to the Premier League in a 6-0 win over Stoke City.

At the age of 16 years, 6 months and 13 days, Gray is in the top five of Leeds’ youngest ever players, with club legend Peter Lorimer top of the charts after debuting as a 15-year-old.

Peter Lorimer

15 years, 9 months and 19 days

Tom Elliott

16 years, 2 months and 25 days

Aaron Lennon

16 years, 4 months and 7 days

Harry Gray

16 years, 6 months and 13 days

James Milner

16 years, 10 months and 6 days

Neil Aspin

16 years, 10 months and 8 days

Aidy White

16 years, 10 months and 16 days

Simon Walton

16 years, 10 months and 25 days

Jimmy Greenhoff

16 years, 10 months and 26 days

Ryan Edmondson

16 years, 11 months and 16 days

Talking about Gray earlier in 2025, Daniel Farke said the teenage forward has the “confidence” and the “skills” to make it as a Leeds player.

“So he definitely has this confidence that you need but it’s also important to channel this a little bit and not to raise expectations too high. He is doing right now his first steps in senior level.

“He has many skills and we like his potential and professionalism. And how humble he behaves – with a few exceptions.

“But that’s totally OK, it would be a pity if your young players were not self confident. But we have to make sure he is not overdoing this. There is a long way to go, he has many things where he needs to improve.”

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Another former Leeds youngster, Aaron Lennon, is a previous success story of the Whites academy, and he has made a return to the club.

Aaron Lennon back at Leeds after becoming teen millionaire

Lennon, a teenage winger at Leeds between 2003 and 2005, made 43 appearances for the first-team prior to joining Tottenham Hotspur for a reduced fee following the financial troubles at Elland Road.

Lennon, who actually made approximately £1.37m in his time at Elland Road from wages and bonuses, admitted his Leeds contract was “silly”, with “crazy numbers” that ultimately impacted his playing time.

“My contract was silly looking back. It was crazy numbers, and they were thinking he won’t play. But then I started playing. I was on the bench, and they couldn’t put me on because I was going to hit one of those appearances.”

“I remember Gary Kelly going mad and saying our best player is on the bench now. Our most in-form winger is on the bench. I was just sat there, and Leeds fans were singing my name.

“At the end of the season, Ken Bates told me ‘you are done at this club’ because of the money. It wasn’t even in a nice way. And I was like, ‘this is my hometown’. I was upset, and I remember going away and got the call saying they have accepted a bid, ‘you are going Tottenham’.”

It emerged last month that Lennon, now 38, has made a return to Leeds in a coaching role for the U18s, working with Rob Etherington and Alex Purver.

Jonny Howson also made the move back to Leeds after leaving Middlesbrough over the summer, helping the U21 in both a playing and coaching capacity.

West Ham are in dire need of a new striker to relieve the pressure on Nuno Espírito Santo.

Nuno Espírito Santo requests three signings for West Ham in January

Alongside a centre-forward, it is also believed that West Ham’s new boss has personally urged both chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady to bring a new defender and midfielder as soon as the next January window (GiveMeSport).

This is somewhat backed up by Sky Sports too, who reiterate that the Hammers are indeed targeting a defender, midfielder and attacker in January, with Nuno also getting “confirmation” he would have money to spend.

Going by this flurry of reports, West Ham could be set for one of their busiest January windows in recent memory, and it’s definitely needed.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

West Ham limped to an uninspired 2-0 defeat to Brentford in their last game, which was Nuno’s first home match since taking charge as manager, with the east Londoners completely failing to lay a glove on Keith Andrews’ side who strutted to victory with ease.

The scoreline could’ve been even worse for West Ham, on a night marred by large protests from the Hammers faithful against their club’s ownership. Brentford attempted a whopping 17 shots on goal and found it far too easy on enemy turf, with this performance highlighting exactly why reinforcements are badly needed.

Even though West Ham look soft as butter defensively, almost every supporter is desperate to see Sullivan and Brady go into the market and sign an exciting striker who can provide that needed injection of quality going forward.

Callum Wilson, who has a torrid injury record, and the inexperienced Callum Marshall are Nuno’s only natural options right now, forcing the West Ham boss to play Lucas Paqueta as a false nine against Brentford on Monday.

This experiment failed, with Paqueta failing to make an impact and losing possession a whopping 23 times.

Niclas Füllkrug, adding to his extensive list of missed games already for West Ham, is set to be “out for a while” after tearing a muscle bundle in his thigh, so the German cannot be relied upon yet again.

Luckily for Nuno, media sources suggest that West Ham are actively trying to solve their striker conundrum, and a key target emerging for the Irons is £53 million Real Madrid sensation Endrick on loan.

Some reports claim that West Ham are even holding talks with Real over a temporary deal for Endrick already, coming after Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Brazil international is expected to leave on a dry loan.

Given Endrick’s desperation for game time, a temporary stint at West Ham could be perfect for all parties involved, with the 19-year-old still classed as one of Brazil’s most exciting up-and-coming talents.

West Ham in pole position to sign Endrick from Real Madrid

Endrick, thanks in part to fitness issues, hasn’t managed to work his way into the Real starting eleven on a consistent basis, but did score five Copa del Rey goals en route to the final last season, before Los Blancos lost to rivals Barcelona.

The Premier League could be beckoning for a player who’s looking to battle his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the World Cup, and West Ham are looking to take advantage.

According to reports from Spain, West Ham are “leading the race” to secure Endrick on loan, ahead of both Newcastle and Aston Villa.

Nuno’s side have expressed serious interest in bringing the teenage striker to England, and Endrick himself sees a temporary move away as critical for his development.

However, while it is reported by some that discussions have been held, a temporary move to another La Liga side is also factored in as a serious option, so West Ham won’t have a free run at his signature.