A new window of opportunity
BALI MUMBA is the latest product of Sunderland’s Academy of Light to attract interest from the Premier League’s big-hitters. And he isn’t 17 until October 1! Two members of England’s World Cup squad came through the ranks on Wearside – keeper Jordan Pickford and midfielder Jordan Henderson, who are now on Merseyside with Everton and Liverpool respectively.
And the Reds were the first of the big boys to be linked with Mumba (below), whose potential is being assessed by the rest.
There was even a feeling in the game that the midfielder could be prised away from Sunderland in the last transfer window.
But clubs making discreet enquiries about the England Under-17s international were shocked to be told that Mumba – for the moment at least – has no interest in leaving League One Sunderland.
He feels he has been well looked after by the club and is happy at the Stadium of Light.
That’s not surprising as he is already in the first-team squad, starting the first two matches of the season and was on the bench against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night.
And when Mumba, 16, made his debut as a sub in the final match of last season against Wolves, he was handed the captain’s armband by the player he replaced – Black Cats skipper at the time, John O’Shea.
Mumba is set to be involved again at senior level today, when Sunderland host Scunthorpe.
PAUL HETHERINGTON ★ into Pies? I’m not getting view it that. I prefer to the as supporters of Clarets Europe-involved feasting on success under boss Sean Dyche. THE abolition of the cup-tied rule in the Champions League this season could mean a busier January transfer window. Previously, a player could not appear for two clubs in the same season. But now they could feature for one club in the group stages, be transferred in the winter window and play for their new club in the knockout phase of the competition. That could interest Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola (left) in his hunt for another defensive midfielder. And Barcelona may keep up their pursuit of Paul Pogba, even though United insist he is not available.
HE had the ball in the net for a disallowed goal after six minutes, hit a crossbar but then in the 76th minute finally ended his hoodoo.
Harry Kane, who had previously specialised in scoring failure during August, got it all together as Spurs crushed a Fulham side that showed spirit, often adventure, but still looked like a side newly arrived from the Championship.
For so long it looked as if Kane was to suffer the kind of drought that had hit Britain this summer. He watched as team-mates Lucas Moura put them ahead and then Kieran Trippier regained the lead after Aleksandar Mitrovic headed in a Fulham equaliser while on his knees.
Kane was relentless, prowling, fighting but nothing would come his way. Even a decent effort was disallowed.
But the bloke has character. Wembley, his temporary home, is his play pen.
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino said: “It was important for Harry because it could become a big trouble if he didn’t score. “Now he can relax. It wasn’t just his goal but his overall energy. He has come back from the World Cup strongly.
“I am also pleased for Kieran Trippier. I didn’t celebrate when he scored because I was focused on the game but when I see his free-kick again, I will. “We changed our formation today as we can be flexible.
“I wanted to give the opportunity for all players. Today was different, a different formula.
“It is not about the team but my decision and it is important we played well, so I’m happy we played well and for getting the victory.” Kane said: “I thought we played really well and we created a lot of chances.
“It looked like it would be one of those days for me but that is the game of a striker. “We have been playing with each other for a long time and the gaffer has said he is not going to just bring in players for the sake of