The three-match series will be staged in the UAE in January, clashing with the BBL

Matt Roller17-Nov-2020

Getty Images

Several BBL clubs are facing a headache over the availability of their overseas players after Afghanistan confirmed that their three-match ODI series against Ireland will go ahead as planned in January, as part of the ODI Super League.Three regular Afghanistan internationals – Rashid Khan (Adelaide Strikers), Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Brisbane Heat) and Mohammad Nabi (Melbourne Renegades) – have signed deals for the whole of the BBL, while Melbourne Stars are set to announce Zahir Khan as their third overseas signing this week.The three-match series between Afghanistan and Ireland will be staged in Abu Dhabi. The exact venues for each fixture are unconfirmed at this stage, but matches will take place on January 18, 21 and 23.With a mandatory 14-day quarantine period on arrival in Australia currently in place for overseas travellers from anywhere other than New Zealand, it is highly unlikely that players will be able to take part in the series and return for the BBL playoffs from January 29-February 6.While Zahir Khan has only played one ODI in his career to date, Mujeeb, Nabi and Rashid are all key players for Afghanistan in 50-over cricket. It is possible that they could ask to opt out of the series, but such a move is made less likely with World Cup qualification points on the line through the ODI Super League.ALSO READ – Noor Ahmad: ‘I’m feeling like the luckiest cricketer in the world’A fifth Afghan player, Noor Ahmad, has signed for the Renegades for the start of the competition only, so his availability is unlikely to be affected. He is yet to make his international debut.For Ireland, confirmation that the series will take place comes as a significant boost. Since the Covid-19 lockdown, their men’s team has played only three matches – against England in July and August – with their whole home summer wiped out due to the pandemic.Negotiations are ongoing about a possible series in the UAE in December, initially planned to involve the hosts and Scotland in a tri-series. Cricket Ireland is understood to be keen to ensure that tour goes ahead, with centrally-contracted players back in training.Afghanistan v Ireland fixtures:January 18 – First ODI
January 21 – Second ODI
January 23 – Third ODI

Saudi Pro League sides Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal have both held internal talks over signing a £60 million star from Tottenham, with PIF eyeing yet more big-name Premier League players for their growing division.

Players who could still leave Tottenham this summer

So far, chairman Daniel Levy has managed to get a number of surplus players off the Spurs books, as he seeks to both bolster Ange Postecoglou's transfer kitty and trim the club's wage bill.

Tottenham weighing up move for £60 million forward who Postecoglou loves

The Australian is a real fan of him.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 3, 2024

Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Eric Dier and Ivan Perisic have all left N17 upon the expiry of their contracts, while Levy also sought to terminate Tanguy Ndombele's deal a year before it was meant to run out. Ndombele has reportedly agreed to join Nice after leaving Tottenham, with Wales international defender Joe Rodon also joining Leeds United on a permanent deal worth around £10 million after a successful loan spell at Elland Road last season.

Son Heung-min

7.30

James Maddison

7.17

Pedro Porro

7.05

Cristian Romero

7.04

Dejan Kulusevski

7.03

Six senior players have now departed north London, coming after reliable club insider Paul O'Keefe said Tottenham were open to offers for over a dozen members of their squad this summer.

Emerson Royal, Bryan Gil, Djed Spence, Giovani Lo Celso, Troy Parrott, Yves Bissouma, Manor Solomon and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are other players who could be sold by Tottenham in the coming weeks, with AC Milan in talks to sign Royal from Spurs in particular.

Despite finishing 2023/2024 as Tottenham's second top-scorer in all competitions, uncertainty also surrounds the future of striker Richarlison. Signed from Everton two years ago, the Brazilian endured a debut campaign to forget, but managed to impress in a significant mid-season purple patch under Postecoglou last season.

The 27-year-old scored nine goals in eight Premier League games from early December through to early February, but this may not be enough to secure his long-term future.

There are some doubts over Richarlison's suitability as a long-term replacement for Harry Kane, and widespread reports have claimed that Tottenham are targeting a prolific new striker this summer – which could put the South American further down Postecoglou's pecking order.

Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal internally discuss Richarlison deal

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the former Watford star is attracting serious interest from the Gulf.

Both Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal have internally discussed signing Richarlison from Tottenham, with Levy ambitiously looking to make back the £60 million they paid to sign him from Goodison Park in 2022.

The £90,000-per-week ace has scored 15 goals and racked up a further eight assists in all competitions since joining Spurs, with that total coming across 66 appearances.

David Beckham has been told when he can expect to become a “sir”, with the Manchester United legend and Inter Miami co-owner waiting on a knighthood.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Ex-England captain working with MessiFocused on commitments in FloridaTipped to become a knight at some stageFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Talk of the ex-England captain becoming a knight has raged since his playing days, with the iconic No.7 taking on a number of charitable roles before hanging up his boots. He has rubbed shoulders with royalty down the years, including King Charles and Prince William, but has never been invited to receive the most distinguished of individual honours.

AdvertisementGettyTHE GOSSIP

Beckham does have an OBE and is expected to become Sir David at some stage. That may not happen until his commitments at MLS side Inter Miami – where is now working with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi – are reined in.

WHAT PAUL BURRELL SAID

Ex-royal staff member Paul Burrell, who was once butler to Princess Diana, has told : “We haven't seen [Beckham knighted] yet because A, he's not old enough and B, he hasn't earned his stripes yet and C, he's still in a very commercial world.

“David Beckham is everywhere. He's sponsoring and commercialising himself. Obviously, this is the end of his career. And once this phase is over, the commercial phase, and he goes back into charitable work because you've seen him with William, you've seen him with the King. He's obviously been fast tracked for a knighthood, but not just yet and they're keeping him just dangling for a while. Because, you know, they're waiting to see what happens.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Burrell added: “I think he is an excellent ambassador, not only for charitable foundations, but for our country. I think he's shown his worth, and I'm expecting it. Of course it's going to happen. The question is, when. When will the King finally say it's time for David to receive his knighthood?

“I think he has to put some more work into the King's Trust, and I think he'll be seen many more times with the King and William before that honour comes his way. It's a much sought after honour, it's one that's eluded him, but it will come his way, he just has to be more patient. It's on its way. It’s not in the post yet, but it's on its way. His name is on the King’s desk!”

Big picture

Sunrisers Hyderabad have won each of their last three games, and four of their last five. Royal Challengers Bangalore have lost each of their last four. None of this will matter on Friday, when the two teams meet in Abu Dhabi. Momentum might be overrated, but the contrasting kinds of momentum these two teams have built up over their recent games will inform how they might go about this Eliminator.ALSO READ: Need help putting your Fantasy XI together for the Eliminator? Check out our tipsThe Sunrisers’ bowling attack came together as a collective in the second half of the league phase, with Sandeep Sharma almost always taking wickets in the powerplay, Rashid Khan bossing the middle overs, and Jason Holder teaming up effectively with T Natarajan at the death. Their opening combination of David Warner and Wriddhiman Saha has clicked into gear ruthlessly, and Manish Pandey and Kane Williamson, on form, are as good a No. 3 and 4 as any in the competition. But the batting below that – as was the case in the early part of the tournament, and as has been the case right through the Sunrisers’ recent history – remains suspect.The Royal Challengers will want to get at that middle order early.But the Royal Challengers have issues of their own to sort out. They’ll want to win the toss and chase, because they’ve batted first in each of their four back-to-back losses leading into the Eliminator. If they’re forced to bat first again, they’ll want to sort out their approach. Their middle-overs (7-16) run rate of 7.14 is the worst of all eight teams this season and their collective scoring rate against spin across phases (7.17) is the second-worst of all teams behind the Chennai Super Kings’ 7.08.It’s not that their batsmen have struggled in the traditional sense against spin. The three batsmen in their line-up who’ve faced the most spin – Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal and AB de Villiers – average 110.00, 54.33 and 54.00 against that type of bowling this season. But their strike rates against spin this season are 108.91, 120.74 and 109.09 respectively.Those numbers spell out the issue clearly. In one word (a word Kohli loves using): intent. The Royal Challengers will have to show more intent in the middle overs, and against spin, to give themselves a better chance of putting up an above-par total. They’ll have to do it against an attack that includes Rashid Khan.Or it could come down to the death overs and – if he’s still at the crease – de Villiers. It isn’t an ideal way to win matches, but the Royal Challengers probably wouldn’t have got to the playoffs without a small collection of de Villiers’ end-overs masterclasses. Perhaps he has one – or, who knows, more – left in his locker for the season.

In the news

Navdeep Saini split the webbing of his right hand while fielding off his own bowling against the Chennai Super Kings on October 25. He missed the Royal Challengers’ next match against the Mumbai Indians, then came back and bowled two expensive overs against the Sunrisers, and missed out again in their last league game against the Delhi Capitals. It’s not clear yet if he’s recovered fully from the injury.Chris Morris only managed two overs in the game against the Capitals before leaving the field with a hamstring injury. His fitness status is also unclear, but the four-day gap between that game and the Eliminator might have given both him and Saini the time they needed to recover from their respective injuries.Virat Kohli is in a contemplative mood after RCB’s loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad•BCCI

Previous meetings

A debut half-century from Devdutt Padikkal and a 30-ball 51 from AB de Villiers hauled the Royal Challengers to 163 in the two sides’ season-opener in Dubai. That total seemed inadequate when Jonny Bairstow’s 61 moved the Sunrisers to a point where they needed 43 in 28 balls with eight wickets in hand. But a double-wicket over from Yuzvendra Chahal turned the game on its head, triggering a collapse that saw the Sunrisers lose their last eight wickets for 32 runs.When the teams met again, in Sharjah, the Royal Challengers were a win away from sealing qualification, at the Sunrisers’ expense. That win failed to materialise, as Sandeep Sharma’s early breakthroughs, followed by a constricting performance by the rest of the bowlers, kept the Royal Challengers to 120. Wriddhiman Saha and Manish Pandey had the chase under control with a 50-run second-wicket stand, but Chahal, once again, triggered a bit of panic by dismissing both of them, and when Kane Williamson fell cheaply the Sunrisers were at an uncertain 87 for 4. Jason Holder, however, calmed their nerves and sealed victory with an unbeaten 26 off 10 balls.

Likely XIs

Sunrisers Hyderabad 1 David Warner (capt), 2 Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 3 Manish Pandey, 4 Kane Williamson, 5 Priyam Garg/Abhishek Sharma, 6 Jason Holder, 7 Abdul Samad, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Shahbaz Nadeem, 10 Sandeep Sharma, 11 T Natarajan.Royal Challengers Bangalore: 1 Devdutt Padikkal, 2 Josh Philippe, 3 Virat Kohli (capt), 4 AB de Villiers (wk), 5 Shivam Dube, 6 Chris Morris/Moeen Ali, 7 Washington Sundar, 8 Isuru Udana, 9 Shahbaz Ahmed/Navdeep Saini, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Yuzvendra Chahal.

Strategy punt

Virat Kohli has faced 259 balls in the middle overs (7-16), more than any other batsman in IPL 2020, but his strike rate (108.10) is the fourth-worst of all batsmen to have faced at least 100 balls in that phase. Given that the batsmen who have partnered Devdutt Padikkal at the top of the order haven’t set the IPL alight so far, there’s a case for Kohli to move himself up the order, start his innings in the powerplay, and make use of the field restrictions to pick up a few early boundaries.This would also allow Moeen Ali, who boasts the best middle-overs strike rate (160.50) of all Royal Challengers batsmen since the 2018 season, to come into the side at the expense of Josh Philippe. Moeen has a decent record against Rashid Khan over a limited sample size (26 runs off 18 balls, one dismissal), but his overall T20 numbers against legspin and left-arm fingerspin (the two types of spinner in the Sunrisers’ expected attack) are encouraging: 503 runs in 297 balls at a strike rate of 169.36 and a reasonable average of 23.95.Playing Moeen could also allow the Royal Challengers to delay the entry of AB de Villiers, whose incredible death-overs strike rate of 230.86 this season is offset by a not hugely impressive middle-overs figure of 129.71. More pertinent to this game, the later de Villiers comes in, the less he will have to face of Rashid Khan and Shahbaz Nadeem. Since the 2018 season, de Villiers has modest numbers (by his standards) against legspin – a strike rate of 124.63, an average of 31.62 – and while he has averaged 55.00 against left-arm orthodox, his strike rate against that style of bowling is only 118.27.The Sunrisers are masters at using fingerspinners tactically. They memorably played the left-arm spinner Bipul Sharma as a de Villiers specialist in the 2016 final, and while they have the left-arm spin of Nadeem in their usual attack, they could double up on that style of bowling and play Abhishek Sharma ahead of Priyam Garg in the middle order. Neither has made a consistent impact with the bat so far, but the potential for Abhishek to bowl an over or two, if needed, to a specific opponent, could make him a handy pick.Manish Pandey has gone on an excellent run of form of late, and the Royal Challengers will see him as a key wicket. One way to combat him would be to bowl their spinners in tandem as soon as he comes to the crease. Yuzvendra Chahal has a terrific record against Pandey in the IPL: 48 balls, 41 runs, four dismissals, as does Washington Sundar: 18 balls, 15 runs, one dismissal.

Stats that matter

• Since the 2011 season, when the IPL moved to its current playoffs system, it’s been a historically difficult task for teams finishing third and fourth on the league table to win the tournament. Only one team that has featured in an Eliminator (the Sunrisers, who finished third in the league phase in 2016) has won the title that year, and only one other team featuring in an Eliminator (the Chennai Super Kings, who were fourth on the table in 2012) has even made an IPL final
• Remember this game? And this one? AB de Villiers certainly will, as will Jason Holder, even though he won’t want to. They’ve not met in the death overs of an IPL game this season, and who knows how that contest could go. Holder, though, has been excellent in the death this season, with an economy rate of 7.83 in that phase. Only Chris Morris (7.03) has done better among bowlers to have delivered at least 30 balls in this phase
• Morris has done exceptionally at the other end of the innings too. Among bowlers who’ve sent down at least 60 balls in the powerplay, he has the sixth-best economy rate (6.26). Washington Sundar (5.75) is second-best, and T Natarajan (6.33) and Sandeep Sharma (6.47) are also in the top eight
• Given a cut-off of 40 balls faced, Wriddhiman Saha (169.04) and Manish Pandey (158.62) are both in the top three for powerplay strike rates this season (Chris Gayle sits between them at 160.00)
• Rashid Khan (18) and Yuzvendra Chahal (18) have the most middle-overs wickets of any bowler this season. At 5.16 and 6.30 respectively, they also have the best economy rates in the phase
• Three more sixes will take Virat Kohli to 300 in T20s
• Jason Holder is 20 runs short of 1000 in T20s

Birmingham City head into the forthcoming League One season as a major sleeping giant, with the Blues more used to battling it out in the Championship, as opposed to playing the likes of Burton Albion in the third tier.

The relegated side cannot underestimate the challenge ahead, however, as teams are likely to raise their game when facing off against Chris Davies' men, in an attempt to pull off a scalp and embarrass the Blues.

Birmingham could, however, become more feared by their upcoming League One opponents by signing this attacking gem, who could also soften the potential blow of Paik Seung-Ho departing, by strengthening the midfield ranks.

Birmingham locking horns over soon-to-be free agent

According to a recent report by Birmingham World, Birmingham could be set for an intense transfer scrap with Championship side and near neighbours, West Bromwich Albion, over the services of Josh Windass this summer.

The soon-to-be free agent, who was dazzling towards the back-end of last season for Sheffield Wednesday, would have been a much-needed boost to Birmingham's survival chances if he was on the roster at the Blues then, with Davies and Co now having to convince the 30-year-old to drop down to League One.

The former Accrington Stanley man will, no doubt, see West Brom as the more attractive offer on the table currently, and with the Baggies having already made contact as per the report, Carlos Corberan's men look to be in the driver's seat over a deal for the enigmatic attacker.

What Windass could offer Birmingham

With a reported £20m up for grabs in the Birmingham transfer kitty, Birmingham could flex their guns in the market and swoop in for Windass by offering him a bumper deal, without having to dent the bank too much when it comes to a fee, owing to Windass joining for £0, with his Wednesday contract ripped up shortly.

As well as offering Birmingham a composed head who can finish under pressure, as seen with the curled-in strike above against Newcastle United, Windass would also offer the Blues another option through the centre of the park, if South Korean gem Paik Seung-Ho is off this summer.

Linked with the likes of Blackburn Rovers recently, the 24-year-old Seoul-born midfielder departing will be a blow, but one that would be softened quickly by Windass' arrival onto the scene.

Windass' numbers by position for Wednesday

Position played

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

AM

48

16

6

CF

33

12

6

SS

14

3

0

RW

8

2

0

RM

5

1

1

LW

4

1

1

LM

2

1

1

CM

2

1

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

As much as Seung-Ho endeared himself to Birmingham supporters last season with his versatility across the midfield positions, Windass is, arguably, even more flexible for his team when needed, as can be seen glancing at the table above.

The 30-year-old's numbers last playing in the third tier will also make for extremely encouraging reading from a Blues perspective, with a combined goals and assists league tally of 18 from just 34 regular league games really sticking out.

That doesn't even take into account that a last-gasp header from the daring 5 foot 9 forward sealed promotion for Wednesday at the end of that campaign too, crashing in a very late header to win the League One play-off final for the Owls.

Danny Rohl even described Windass as being a "game-changer" for his men on his day last season, seen in his heroics in that play-off final, with more up his sleeve perhaps, if moved onto St. Andrew's soon.

Related Birmingham could sign perfect Miyoshi partner in swoop for deadly forward

Birmingham City would surely be overwhelming favourites for promotion if they signed this deadly Koji Miyoshi partner.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Jun 25, 2024

Popular Sydney Sixers bowler who played three matches for Australia calls time on WBBL career

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Nov-2020Sarah Aley has announced her retirement, taking to Instragram to reveal she played her last match for Sydney Sixers in the WBBL at the weekend.The Sixers failed to make the tournament finals, which start on Wednesday, but they upset the top-placed Melbourne Stars by five wickets in their last match of the season.Afterwards Aley, the 36-year-old medium pacer who played three matches for Australia, wrote on Instagram: “Well the cat is outta the bag… It’s time to call it a day. Have loved every moment in magenta with the @sixersbbl…”ALSO READ: Century ‘didn’t really mean a lot’ to Alyssa HealyAley took an excellent catch on the boundary at deep midwicket, juggling the ball and holding on at second grab to dismiss the Stars’ and England’s Nat Sciver on Sunday. It prompted Alyssa Healy, who scored a stunning 48-ball century in the match, to muse that she and her team-mates believed Aley was going to “go out in style”.”She’s really busy working full-time outside of cricket and taking up some coaching roles so I think that’s the last time that we’ll see her out here which is such a shame considering she had more energy than the 17, 18 year olds out there today in the field,” Healy told a post-match press conference.”She’s been such a good mate of mine and such a good team-mate to have alongside you and she’s done some amazing things for the Sixers.”She’s just one of those true champions of the game that people will talk about and in 10 to 15 years’ time, ‘remember Sarah Aley?’ and everyone who played with her said, ‘yep, I remember the passion that she brought to the game,’ so it will be a sad loss.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sarah Aley (@sarah_aley03)

Healy also gave a glowing video tribute on the Cricket NSW website when Aley retired from the Breakers in May after a Women’s National Cricket League career spanning 16 seasons, describing Aley as “the lifeblood of this team for a very long period of time”. Then Healy described seeing her friend get the opportunity to play for Australia as “still one of the proudest moments of my career”.Aley played one ODI for Australia against Pakistan at the 2017 World Cup and two T20Is, both against England in Australia later that year.Aley played all six editions of the WBBL for Sixers and began this season in second place behind Melbourne Renegades’ Molly Strano on the competition’s all-time leading wicket takers list with 83 wickets at an average of 17.42. Strano went on to become the first player to claim 100 wickets in the WBBL and finished the season with 104, while Aley finished the season fourth on the all-time list with 89.In her second season in the competition, Aley claimed 28 wickets at 11.75, including 4-23 in the final against the Perth Scorchers. Her haul of 28 wickets remains the most wickets taken by any bowler in a single WBBL season.

Aston Villa have yet to make their first signing of the summer, but could that change in the next week or two?

Ross Barkley looks set to arrive but Unai Emery is also eyeing up a reunion with one of his former players after a frustrating season in which they didn't play many minutes.

Aston Villa transfer news

According to Super Deporte (via Sport Witness), Villa are keen on making a move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso this summer in a bid to improve the squad.

Emery managed the Argentinian talent during spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Villarreal, so he clearly knows how to get the best out of a player who hasn’t quite lived up to his vast potential at Spurs.

The report states that Lo Celso is ‘willing to join’ Villa in a bid to secure regular first-team football as he looks to join the project Emery has going in the Midlands.

With a year left on his contract, this could be the perfect time for Emery to make a concrete move for the player, especially as Douglas Luiz could be on his way out of Villa Park.

What Aston Villa’s starting XI could look like after £105m spending spree

Aston Villa will be looking to build on their momentous 23/24 campaign, having qualified for the Champions League.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 6, 2024 How Lo Celso could replace Luiz at Aston Villa

Luiz is attracting attention from Arsenal and the Gunners will need to stump up a fee of around £50m if they wish to sign him this summer, according to the Mirror.

While it looks as though the Brazilian will depart the Midlands sooner rather than later, might Lo Celso fill the gap left by Luiz?

Metric

Luiz

Lo Celso

Goals

9

2

Assists

5

2

Key passes per game

1.5

0.8

Big chances created

10

1

Pass success rate

89%

92%

The former Manchester City gem registered 20 goal contributions last term – ten goals and ten assists – which could be difficult to replace in the midfield area.

Lo Celso is not exactly known for his goalscoring abilities. The last time he scored more than four goals in a single season was during the 2018/19 campaign for Real Betis.

That said, he could offer other qualities as evidenced by FBref. Indeed, when compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, the 28-year-old currently ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes (12.09), progressive carries (4.45) and assists (0.36) per 90.

Also sitting in the top 3% for shot-creating actions (4.98) per 90 and the top 4% for touches in the attacking penalty area (3.38) per 90, it showcases how dangerous he can be when moving the ball forward into the final third and creating chances for others.

With Luiz only ranking in the top 42% for progressive passes and the best 30% for progressive carries, clearly an upgrade in some areas could be sourced here.

French commentator Raph Chader previously hailed the Spurs dynamo as “exceptional” and if given a starting berth under Emery, there is no doubt he could shine.

During his career, the 5 foot 9 gem has played the most games for Emery, scoring eight goals and grabbing 12 assists across 88 matches during spells in Spain and France, which shows how well he likes to perform under the Spaniard.

The former Betis maestro hasn’t enjoyed much success in London since arriving in the Premier League back in 2019, but perhaps a fresh start at Villa could help him to showcase his true abilities.

Emery could well be looking for a Luiz replacement soon and Lo Celso fits the bill nicely.

Manchester United are still keen on signing a "phenomenal" new forward in the summer transfer window, with a player plus cash move involving a current Red Devils star possibly on the cards.

Man Utd transfer news

Erik ten Hag will be hoping to see his squad improve significantly ahead of next season, following a disappointing campaign overall that saw his side finish eighth in the Premier League table.

It will be fascinating to see which new signings come in at Old Trafford, and it looks as though Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is still a leading option to come in and boost the defensive options on show. Raphael Varane has left, while Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans aren't the answers, and the England international could be an exciting addition.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag has reportedly personally held talks with Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee over a switch to United in the near future, with the Dutchman seen as someone who could add more goals in the final third. He has 23 goal contributions (14 goals and nine assists) in 58 appearances for Bologna, and at 23 years of age, his best years are likely to lie ahead.

The Red Devils are believed to be willing to double Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo's wages, too, with the Uruguayan currently earning £114,000 per week at the Catalan giants. He could represent a more experienced option to Branthwaite, should the Everton man end up not joining.

Man Utd want "phenomenal" striker

According to La Repubblica [via Sport Witness], Manchester United haven't given up hope of signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen yet, with the Nigerian expected to leave his current club in the current transfer window for a fee in the region of £85m.

The report says that "in recent months, United have tried to convince Napoli for Osimhen", offering money plus the services of Rasmus Hojlund, which may come as something of a surprise, but the report claims this is an idea which could now be revisited after the arrival of Dan Ashworth.

Osimhen is one of the world's leading strikers at the moment, considering he has scored 76 goals in just 133 matches for Napoli, as well as being hailed by Walter Mazzarri, who heaped praise on him: "Osimhen is phenomenal because he runs alone at five players and gets through. If you look at genuine scoring opportunities, compared to the number Napoli created lately, I didn’t see that many."

While the 25-year-old is clearly an elite-level striker who could be a devastating addition for United, selling Hojlund would seem like a strange decision, considering his long-term potential. Granted, he hasn't yet set the world alight at Old Trafford, but he has done enough to suggest that he is a star of the future, scoring 16 times in 43 appearances for the Red Devils.

Dan Ashworth start date at Man Utd revealed as Ratcliffe reaches agreement

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sealed a massive addition.

3 ByHenry Jackson Jul 1, 2024

That being said, if push truly comes to shove this summer, Osimhen would still represent an immediate upgrade on Hojlund and become a potential icon at Old Trafford, kicking off the Ashworth era in style and acquiring the services of a wonderful footballer.

MatériaMais Notícias

O elenco do Palmeiras foi convidado, antes do treino desta quinta-feira (2), para conhecer a nova sala de troféus do clube. Durante a visita, muitos atletas se emocionaram relembrando o título da Libertadores em 2020/21, que foi o segundo na história do clube.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasJorge treina com elenco, e Palmeiras segue preparação para enfrentar o FlamengoPalmeiras02/09/2021PalmeirasBoletim: Jorge deve estrear pelo Palmeiras diante do FlamengoPalmeiras01/09/2021PalmeirasDestaque físico no Palmeiras, Dudu volta a jogar em alto nível e pode ser decisivo em reta final da temporadaPalmeiras01/09/2021

Os atletas reencontraram todas as taças conquistadas no ano de 2021, além de outros troféus importantes vencidos nos 107 do Verdão, como o do Mundial de 1951.

O goleiro Jailson, campeão Brasileiro (2016 e 2018), Paulista (2020), da Copa do Brasil (2015, 2020) e da Libertadores (2020), fez questão de tirar foto com todos os títulos que levantou durante sua passagem pelo Maior Campeão Nacional. As Crias da Academia, por outro lado, priorizaram os troféus da base.

Na sequência, todo o elenco assistiu a um vídeo sobre todos os 107 anos de história do Palmeiras até a conquista continental em 2020. Neste momento, muitos atletas se emocionaram, relembrando a trajetória até o gol de Breno Lopes.

– Durante a visita e durante o vídeo eu vi muitos se emocionando porque é impossível não pensar em tudo o que passamos até alcançar as conquistas, como foi na temporada passada. Isso, com certeza, nos trouxe à memória tudo o que nos dá esperança para o que vem pela frente, que são mais títulos importantes. Melhor do que dois, são três, do que três, são quatro, e assim por diante. É muito legal poder fazer parte da história de um clube gigante como o Palmeiras e poder visitar essa Sala de Troféus maravilhosa.

A sala de troféus do Palmeiras conta com todos os títulos conquistados pelo clube. O espaço, inaugurado no dia 26 de agosto, ainda não está aberto para o público geral, mas isso deve ocorrer no final de setembro.

continua após a publicidade

Jose Mourinho has been living in a lavish five-star hotel since joining Fenerbahce as he eyes revenge over Manchester United in the Europa League.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Mourinho living it up in plush hotel
• Running up huge bill at the Four Seasons Bosphorus
• Preparing to take on Manchester United

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mourinho joined Fenerbahce in the summer and received a rapturous welcome from supporters after moving to the Turkish side. The 61-year-old has been living in the five-star Four Seasons Bosphorus hotel since his move and has already racked up a huge hotel bill of £142,000, according to the Daily Mail. Mourinho's new residence boasts five restaurants, two swimming pools, a fitness suite and a spa – with the cheapest room costing an eye-popping £1,000-a-night.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mourinho may be living it up at the Four Seasons but life hasn't been too rosy on the pitch for the Portuguese icon's new side. Fenerbahce were beaten by Lille in Champions League qualifying, while Mourinho was mocked after defeat to rivals Galatasaray and has been accused of "generating unhappiness and helplessness" in the dressing room. Next up for Mourinho is a clash against former employers Manchester United, who have also had a tough start to the season, but victory would certainly lighten the mood at the Turkish club.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Mourinho has won just two of his last 17 games against sides he’s previously managed. He's lost 11 and drawn four of those games, but one of the wins was a 6-1 victory against Manchester United with Spurs in October 2020.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• (C)Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT

  All eyes will be on the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Thursday when Mourinho faces the Red Devils once more. United head to Turkey with just two points from their first two games in the competition, while Fenerbahce have four after beating Union-Saint Gilloise and drawing with FC Twente.