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Following a solid start to the current Premier League campaign, Fulham are now reportedly monitoring one player who would finally replace Joao Palhinha after his summer departure to Bayern Munich.

Fulham transfer news

Having impressed at times last season, Fulham became a difficult side to predict when they lost Palhinha to Bayern Munich in the summer, only to since put any doubts to rest over their ability to compete for a place in the Premier League’s top half. The Cottagers even took champions Manchester City all the way last time out before eventually suffering a 3-2 defeat in a game that featured an early assist of the season from Raul Jimenez.

Sitting as high as eighth thanks to their strong start, Fulham deserve credit for how they invested the Palhinha money in the summer, with arrivals such as Emile Smith Rowe and Joachim Andersen quickly becoming important players under Marco Silva. However, what the Cottagers did fail to do is replace Palhinha in a problem that they must solve in 2025.

According to Caught Offside, Fulham are now monitoring Wataru Endo ahead of 2025 as he continues to struggle for minutes under new Liverpool boss Arne Slot. Open to an exit, the Reds reportedly value the Japan international at around €15-20m (£13-£17m) in a deal that could see them make back the £16m they paid for his signature just last summer.

Whilst on paper it may seem as though Endo has struggled at Anfield as of late, he’s simply fallen victim to the excellent form of Ryan Gravenberch and, as such, fallen into the bit-part role that many believed he’d play when he first arrived.

Surprising many at Anfield last season by becoming a key man under Jurgen Klopp, Endo would undoubtedly ease any blow caused by Palhinha’s exit at Fulham.

"Outstanding" Endo can match Palhinha's quality

Off the ball, Palhinha was one of the standout midfielders in the Premier League, making his move to Bayern no surprise in the summer, but it’s the type of quality that Endo is more than capable of replicating if Fulham make their move. At times, the former Stuttgart captain was the glue holding Liverpool’s midfield together. From what seemed like a panic buy, the Reds found the perfect short-term solution to their defensive midfield woes.

Progressive Carries

10

8

Progressive Passes

101

97

Tackles Won

28

75

Ball Recoveries

108

195

Whilst Endo, like many others last season, fell short of Palhinha on the tackling front, he more than made up for that on the ball in a quality which would prove to be equally as valuable for Silva’s Fulham side.

The 32-year-old earned the praise of former manager Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea last season, with the German saying via Squawka: “He’s a machine. He is footballing-wise exceptional. His defensive brain is outstanding. He gives us a lot of freedom for a lot of things. Yeah, top development. Very helpful, very helpful.”

The balance of South Africa’s side came into focus with results suggesting they were a batter short

Firdose Moonda07-Sep-2021South Africa’s narrow defeat by 14 runs in the first ODI, rather than their loss by 78 runs in the third game, is to blame for their failure to win the one-day series in Sri Lanka, according to coach Mark Boucher. His team, who have not won an ODI series since beating Australia at home last March, now lie ninth on the World Cup Super League points table and their journey to the 2023 World Cup could become tricky, with series against India, Australia and England to come.South Africa were 155 for 1, chasing 301 in the first-match, when Temba Bavuma had to retire hurt with what turned out to be a broken thumb. They reached 209 for 2 before losing 5 wickets for 80 in the last 10.3 overs. Had they reached the target, South Africa would have pulled off the highest successful chase in a day-night match in Sri Lanka.”If I look at the series as a whole, we were given an opportunity to win the series in the first game. We were in control of that run chase and we slipped up in maybe a period of five overs. We were unfortunate to lose Temba when we did. In order to win a series in the subcontinent, you’ve got to cash in when that opportunity arises,” Boucher said. “That’s the biggest regret, that we didn’t finish off that first game.”Fast-forward to the third ODI, and they were in danger of being bowled out for their lowest total in an ODI in Asia (which is 110) when they teetered on 54 for 6 but managed to get to 125, well short of the 204-run target. After a strong bowling performance in the series decider, South Africa lost their top four in the first 10 overs, which Boucher called the “turning point” of the game.Related

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“It was frustrating because everyone in our top order has had a good knock in the previous two games,” Boucher said. “They’ve spent some time out in the middle; the guys are in good form. On a wicket that is tough, and is going to get tougher as the game goes on, to lose three wickets in the first five overs and four of your top six in the first 10, you’re always going to be on the back foot. Although we kept up with the required run rate the whole time we just lost wickets. And they did bowl well — they bowled smartly. Their seamer bowled with good energy and bowled good areas, backed up by some good catching.”Arguably South Africa also paid the price for a bottom-heavy side, which has as many as seven bowling options (eight if you count Reeza Hendricks, who did not bowl), including three spin-bowling and three seam-bowling allrounders, and appears a batter short. Boucher acknowledged that South Africa shortened the line-up after the first game, when they left out Kyle Verreynne, to include both Wiaan Mulder and George Linde as seam and spin allrounders, but believed that the form of players like Aiden Markram, Janneman Malan and Rassie van der Dussen would see the team through.”We thought with the three spinners coming in, we wanted to have the option of three seamers. That is why we took a batter out and put Wiaan in. Also, our batters are in good form and we also wanted to have three seamers,” Boucher said. “It would have been nice to have another batter but we would have been in a difficult position losing four batters in the first 10 overs anyway. We’ve got depth in our batting with the allrounders; we batted right down to Keshav [Maharaj].”In the end, South Africa used four spinners, including Markram. All of them bowled a full quota of 10 overs, making it the first time South Africa have delivered 40 overs of spin in an ODI and suggesting that as much as their batters struggle in spinner-friendly conditions, their bowling resources have caught up.”It’s a change of mindset. As South Africans, we are used to fast-bowlers, a lot of allrounders but you’ve got to back that up with good spinning options and that is where we are quite strong at the moment,” Boucher said. “We’ve got a lot of depth in the spinning department and guys are really competing. Shammo [Tabraiz Shamsi] is No. 1 in T20s and Keshav has really come a long way and he is bowling at his best. The mindset has changed to try and be smarter in these conditions.”Maharaj has also acted as stand-in captain for Bavuma and though South Africa have yet to confirm a T20I captain, he seems to be the frontrunner. “Kesh has got a very smart brain. With the way he has led the guys on the field, his bowing changes and his fielding positions, he demands a lot of respect on the field,” Boucher said.The T20Is are South Africa’s last outing before the World Cup in October-November and they will welcome back Quinton de Kock, who was rested for the ODIs, Lungi Ngidi, who missed out for personal reasons and David Miller, who had a hamstring injury. However, those matches do not necessarily have the same importance as the ODIs in the greater scheme of things and, having dropped points in Ireland and Sri Lanka, South Africa have plenty to do to automatically qualify for the next World Cup.

Senior seamer recalls days of paying to play as she hails progress of women’s game

Andrew Miller20-Jul-2021Katherine Brunt, the longest-serving member of the England women’s squad, has warned her peers not to lose sight of the huge progress made by their game, after a gender pay row threatened to overshadow Wednesday’s standalone opening fixture of the Hundred.According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, several of the more junior members of each of the Hundred’s eight city-based teams risk losing out on regular income for the duration of the tournament, due to heightened restrictions within the teams’ Covid-safe environments.With salaries for the women’s game starting at £3,600, compared to the lowest men’s pay bracket of £24,000, this means that some of the participants may be required to choose between the tournament or their existing jobs.However, Brunt – who made her Test debut as a 19-year-old in 2004, and went on to become of the ECB’s first centrally contracted female players a decade later – insisted that the women needed to remain mindful of the bigger picture, adding that the struggle for equality is never a smooth process, but that the prospects for their sport were better now than at any time in her career.”I used to pay to play,” Brunt said. “I used to only get expenses for a good eight years of my international career. So when you look at it from that standpoint, with more women in cricket being paid than ever before, then we’re doing pretty well. We’re doing very well.”The wages aren’t anything to turn your nose up at,” she added. “They’re good. Yes, they could definitely be better. And there’s gaps in it. That happens all the time in every different field, but it’s definitely going to get better. This isn’t going to go the other way, this is only going to go up.”Related

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A record 41 female players across the English game now hold professional contracts, and while Brunt said she sympathised with those players on the fringes who aren’t yet financially secure within cricket, she also recognised the responsibility of the Hundred’s female competitors to live up to the billing that this competition now offers them, and to set about proving their worth “time and time and time again”.”I do feel for those girls but it is a good chunk of change for one month’s work that they would never have seen before,” she said. “You’d only ever dream about it, to be honest, so you have to look at it from that angle too.”We’ve been fighting for equality for hundreds of years,” Brunt added. “These things don’t happen overnight. And as long as the conversation keeps going, that’s all you can ask for. It’s when you keep quiet and don’t say anything that things don’t move forward, so I think it’s great that the girls are speaking out and they’re brave enough to do that but, equally, sometimes the positive message gets lost in that.”Regardless of all the other things that are flying around, the important thing is that we are being paid. Yes, we are a way off the men, but that’s because the men bring in more crowds, they bring in more money. They bring in more press around the world. You can’t get people like Andre Russell and Rashid Khan over here to play unless you make it worth their while.”But once we start playing these games, and we get this year in the bag, and we show that we can play these games alongside the men, then they will invest in us even more. But we need to keep proving this time and time and time again, but not forget that positive message which is that we’re all being paid for once, and more than ever before.Katherine Brunt has been an England stalwart since before the days of professionalism•ECB/Getty Images”I’m only going to bang on about the positives because I’m here to play the Hundred and get on with this, and do the best I can for my team.”Brunt’s opening match for Trent Rockets comes on Saturday when they take on Southern Brave at Trent Bridge, a venue that she has never played at in the entirety of her two-decade career. While she admitted to a degree of trepidation about bowling at a venue where England and Pakistan racked up 433 runs between them in last week’s men’s T20I, she also admitted that the chance to share equal billing with the men’s team would fill her with pride.”It’s going to be great,” Brunt said. “It’s my first time ever at Trent Bridge, which is unbelievable, but it’s a brilliant ground, with lovely facilities. The boys are here at the same time as us. I’m watching Rash [Rashid Khan] bowl now, and it gives you the feeling that you’re part of something bigger – part of one team, and not just a spare part, or a sidepiece. You’re ‘it’. You’re the ones that people are coming to watch and be entertained by. And that’s brilliant, we’re all really excited.”However, she added a note of caution to the anticipation, warning that the complications of the tournament’s build-up, as well as the fast-tracked nature of many of the newer players in the squad, meant that the standards in the opening rounds may need to be given some leeway.”We really don’t want to mess up, but it’s going to be carnage,” Brunt said. “People are going to have to be patient. We will get better, I promise you, but as of this point, tomorrow’s the first game and today I’ve still got four names to learn. It’s a quick turnaround, but we’ll get there.”

Following the news that Friedkin Group have reached an agreement over the terms of their deal to buy a majority stake in Everton, reports have emerged over the first big move that they want to make.

Friedkin reach agreement to buy Everton

Whilst the deal is still subject to the approval of the Premier League, FA and Financial Conduct Authority in a position that Everton have, of course, been in before with 777 Partners, Friedkin Group look set to complete their takeover of the club. The deal will finally end the Toffees’ wait for new owners and will see Farhad Moshiri step aside as Everton look to take a crucial turn away from relegation troubles and financial instability.

Releasing a statement after news, A spokesperson for The Friedkin Group told Everton’s official website: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club.

“We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction.We look forward to providing stability to the club, and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”

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What is good news for Everton, however, may be the opposite for Sean Dyche and his job security. Recent reports have instantly linked the likes of Gareth Southgate to the Goodison Park role, with Dan Friedkin and Co keen to make their mark from the off.

Southgate has been out of a job since leaving England at the end of Euro 2024, in which the Three Lions fell short at the last hurdle once again. Now, he could be in line for a return to club management, but he’s not the only name that’s been mentioned, as the new owners have apparently already made their decision on Dyche’s future.

Friedkin eyes new Everton manager and fitness coach

According to Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness, Friedkin are plotting a move to hire both Maurizio Sarri and fitness coach Daniele Tognaccini, putting their Italian connections to good use in the process. The pending new owners already own AS Roma and reportedly wanted to bring Sarri to the Serie A club after sacking Daniele De Rossi. In the end, however, they were forced to settle for Ivan Juric thanks to Sarri’s previous role at rivals Lazio.

The Italian would be quite the addition at Goodison Park in a role that would be a contrast to his last Premier League position at Chelsea, in which he guided the Blues to a Europa League win.

Maurizio Sarri’s Premier League record

Stats (via Transfermarkt)

Games

38

Wins

21

Draws

9

Losses

8

As things stand, Sarri would have a tough task ahead of him, given that Everton are without a Premier League win in their opening five games amid a developing habit of conceding two-goal margins to make matters even worse.

As those results continue to arrive, there’s no doubt that the pressure will only increase on Dyche and rumours will begin to mount up over his Everton future.

Acknowledges that the three Tests are in quick succession but says, “we have had a chance to prepare physically leading into this”

ESPNcricinfo staff21-May-2021Tim Southee believes that workload management would not be a concern for New Zealand as they gear up to play three Tests – a two-match series against England followed by the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India – in a 21-day period, stressing that the players have prepared for the rigours.”It’s exciting to play three Test matches in a short space of time,” Southee said after the first training session six squad members took part in following the touring party’s three-day hotel-room isolation in Southampton. “It is something that the team doesn’t get to do that often. We’ve come off a bit of a break, which has been nice, and (we have) been able to get some conditioning into our bodies, the guys that have come from the IPL and are going to be playing some cricket.Related

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“So the guys are refreshed in some sort of way, using the next couple of weeks to get ourselves prepared and ready to play three Test matches. They are in quick succession but we have had a chance to prepare physically leading into this with some strength and conditioning stuff. Now, it’s just getting our loads to a point over the coming weeks so that we can rock on to those three Test matches.”New Zealand arrived in London on Sunday afternoon with most of the Test squad and staff having then transferred to quarantine in Southampton, where they will spend the first two weeks of the tour. A three-day intra-squad game begins on May 26 at the Ageas Bowl, where six local bowlers who have isolated in advance will help make up the sides.

“It’s about familiarising yourself with some footage which we are seeing through and trying to come up with plans for these guys that we haven’t seen a lot of”Southee on New Zealand’s preparation against new members of England’s squad

The two-Test series against England kicks off on June 2 at Lord’s, with Edgbaston the venue for the second game, before New Zealand return to Southampton for the WTC final.”It’s nice to be here [Ageas Bowl]. The guys can familiarise themselves,” Southee said. “I imagine we’ll probably be in the same room when we come back and it’s nice for guys who haven’t been here to be able to come here and experience it. And when you come back for the final, you’re a little bit more comfortable having spent some time here and use the facilities and hopefully can get out and make the most of that later in the squad game in the middle.”Southee echoed his team-mate Neil Wagner in making it clear he doesn’t view the Test matches against England as being warm-ups for the WTC title clash against India.New Zealand will bank on the likes of Neil Wagner and Tim Southee for success on the three-match England tour•Getty Images”Nah, I think anytime you get a chance to play a Test match for New Zealand, it’s an amazing opportunity and it’s something that you treasure, so I don’t think you would treat them as warm-ups,” he said. “It’s a two-match Test series against England and so our focus is first and foremost on those two matches against England.”For us, it is great to have those matches in the lead-in to the final that follows on afterwards. It’s great preparation for the final but in saying that, for us it’s a two-match Test series that we’re really looking forward to, and the quality English opposition in these conditions.”England are very tough in their own conditions. They obviously perform pretty well in these conditions. They’ve got a few new guys who are probably going to be very excited at the opportunity to play for England and try and get their mark on international cricket over the summer. I’m sure, as it always is, when New Zealand plays England that’s usually a pretty exciting, pretty close Test series and I imagine this is going to be no different.”In order to familiarise themselves with the uncapped opponents and the Dukes ball – the New Zealand players who were not at the IPL had trained with it before leaving for England – the squad, Southee said, has been analysing video footage.”There’s a few new faces in this English side that we haven’t seen a lot of. So it’s about familiarising yourself with some footage which we are seeing through and trying to come up with plans for these guys that we haven’t seen a lot of,” he said. “So it’s just about coming up with plans and looking at footage and things that have worked for you personally in these conditions as well.”

This summer has been a successful one for Nottingham Forest, moving away from the erratic dealings of seasons prior and focusing on signing quality over quantity.

With less than a week remaining in the transfer window, the Reds have already secured six first-team additions in the form of Alex Moreno, Jota Silva, Ramon Sosa, Nikola Milenkovic, Carlos Miguel and Elliot Anderson.

All the players will provide needed cover in key positions, whilst also proving to be an upgrade on some of the players already at the City Ground, with centre-back Milenkovic arriving with a pedigree of European football under his belt.

However, there is still time for boss Nuno Espírito Santo to further add to his squad with the transfer deadline not until next Friday, with various players still under consideration.

One deal appears to be edging ever closer, with Forest set to make another expensive addition to bolster the forward line.

Nottingham Forest edge closer to Nketiah deal

After weeks of speculation surrounding Forest’s hunt for a new striker, it appears as though Arsenal man Eddie Nketiah will be the talisman chosen by Nuno and the hierarchy to lead the line in the Premier League this season.

The Reds had multiple bids rejected for Feyenoord forward Santiago Gimenez last week, before moving onto a deal to sign the Englishman, with personal terms agreed with Nketiah over a move to the East Midlands.

Whilst it’s unclear what the fee will be for the 25-year-old, journalist David Ornstein previously stated that the Gunners were holding out for a fee in the region of £30m – making him the club’s third-highest addition behind Anderson and Ibrahim Sangare.

It may come as a surprise on the face of it given Chris Wood’s excellent goal tally of 14 in the Premier League last season, but the Arsenal man will bring a different dimension to Nuno’s attack, with his ability to play on the shoulder a feature the Reds have been crying out for.

He could be joined by another player on Trentside who has previously caught the eye, with additions still potentially being made to the defensive department.

Why Chalobah could be Forest’s own Saliba

William Saliba has cemented himself as one of the very best centre-backs in the Premier League over the last couple of years, proving to be a vital part of Mikel Arteta’s side as they aim to end their 20-year wait without a league title.

Over the last two seasons, he’s started 65 of the Gunners’ 76 league outings – highlighting his importance, with his market value soaring to £67.8m, as per Transfermarkt.

However, the Reds have the opportunity to land their own version of the Frenchman this summer in a move for unwanted Chelsea man Trevoh Chalobah.

The English centre-back, who has been told he’s free to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, was subject to interest from Forest in January and also this summer, amid a potential cash-plus player offer for Murillo.

The 25-year-old, could be available for around the £25m mark, an excellent price for a player who has been likened to Saliba by FBref for his displays in 2023/24.

The comparison is hardly a surprise when delving into their respective stats, with Chalobah having the ability to be the Reds’ own version of the superstar.

How Chalobah & Saliba compare in the PL (2023/24)

Statistics (per 90)

Chalobah

Saliba

Games played

13

38

Minutes played

952

3420

Progressive carries

0.47

0.44

Tackles

1.13

0.68

Interceptions

0.8

0.8

Blocks

0.8

0.8

Clearances

4.8

2.1

Stats via FBref

Chalobah, who’s been described as a “monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, won more tackles per 90 than Saliba last season, whilst making over two times more clearances per 90.

He also managed the same amount of interceptions and blocks per 90 – showcasing his defensive abilities which would massively help Nuno’s side pull clear of another relegation battle this season.

While Milenkovic is an excellent addition for the Reds, the Chelsea ace could provide extra cover, whilst also offering Nuno the chance to switch to a back three should he need to.

Chelsea’s loss could be Forest’s gain, with the centre-back more than capable of replicating his form from West London in the East Midlands, in what could potentially be a massive coup for the Reds.

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Fabrizio Romano says Chelsea will now allow a "leader" of their squad to depart Stamford Bridge if they manage to strike a deal for Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix.

Chelsea in talks to sign Felix after Samu Omorodion deal collapses

As widely reported, Enzo Maresca and co are now attempting to re-sign Felix as the Blues set their sights on a different Atletico star to Samu Omorodion – who was expected to make the move to west London.

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Omorodion was on the verge of joining Chelsea and signing a seven-year contract with England international midfielder Conor Gallagher heading the other way in a separate deal, but a move for the former suddenly collapsed, with the latter now in limbo as he waits to resolve his future.

Omorodion's botched move to Chelsea has had serious implications on Gallagher's move to Madrid, as Diego Simeone's side will no longer receive the mooted £35 million fee for their unwanted striker.

These funds would have contributed towards Atletico's £34 million deal for Gallagher, but the transfer domino has now stalled for the time being with Omorodion not heading to west London after all.

Chelsea's best-performing players in the Premier League last season

Average match rating (WhoScored)

Cole Palmer

7.48

Conor Gallagher

7.13

Nicolas Jackson

7.07

Moises Caicedo

6.85

Noni Madueke

6.84

Chelsea are attempting to find another solution, though, with Romano breaking news over the weekend that Chelsea opened talks to sign Felix as an alternative. The Portugal international, who spent the second half of 2022/2023 on loan at Chelsea, could now rejoin the Blues in Omorodion's stead.

Felix has also attracted interest from Aston Villa this window, but a move to the Premier League may well beckon with a return to Chelsea instead.

The 24-year-old spent last season on a temporary spell at Barcelona, scoring seven goals and assisting three others in 30 La Liga appearances, whilst also performing in the Champions League with three goals and one assist in nine outings.

Supporters will be watching on to see whether they can bring an ex-star back to the club whilst also allowing Gallagher to depart.

Chelsea will allow Sterling to leave if Felix joins

While the 24-year-old's future hinders on Felix's arrival, the same can now be said for Raheem Sterling.

The winger, signed for £50 million two years ago, will be permitted to find a new club if Chelsea can sort a deal with Atletico. That is according to Romano, who says Chelsea are ready to green-light an exit for Sterling if Felix joins.

While the 29-year-old found himself on the bench more often than not during the latter stages of Mauricio Pochettino's only campaign in charge, Gallagher has called Sterling a "leader" in the Chelsea dressing room.

"[Sterling] is brilliant, really nice guy and top player of course, you see his career," said Gallagher (via BBC Sport).

"He's been really professional and a leader at Chelsea so credit to him, he's mentally very strong and hopefully he can keep playing like he played against Burnley because he's why we got that win.

"You need a bit of experience [in the squad] and when you've got young players in the squad, I think Raheem helps a lot of young players. He shows his experience and his qualities on the pitch and he's very appreciated at Chelsea."

Shakib, who was picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 3.20 crore in the 2021 auction on Thursday, wrote to the BCB asking for the leave

Mohammad Isam19-Feb-20214:12

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The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has granted Shakib Al Hasan leave during next month’s Test series against Sri Lanka so he can take part in the IPL, according to the cricket operations head Akram Khan. Shakib, who was picked up by the Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 3.20 crore in the 2021 auction on Thursday, wrote to the BCB asking for the leave, which the board agreed to.”Shakib wants to play T20s at the moment,” Khan told . “He doesn’t want to play Tests. He has asked for a leave for the IPL. We also don’t want to force someone who doesn’t want to play Tests, which is why the board has decided to grant him the leave.”Bangladesh’s Test series against Sri Lanka that was postponed twice last year due to the pandemic, is being planned in April to keep up with the ICC’s extended World Test Championship (WTC) deadline. The dates haven’t yet been announced but since the BCB have granted him the leave, it seems likely that the two competitions were clashing for Shakib. The IPL is reportedly scheduled to begin on April 11.According to the report, Shakib has told the BCB that he wants to return to the national team for the ODIs against Sri Lanka slated for May. The BCB had reportedly set an IPL window for Bangladesh’s cricketers till May 19, but there is also a stipulation in the players’ contract that they must remain available for Bangladesh’s matches during this window too.The BCB has in the past said that Bangladesh players would be allowed to be part of two franchise-based T20 tournaments per year, but there have been a few instances in the last seven years when Shakib had to skip the IPL due to national committments.

With Kevin de Bruyne's Manchester City future recently thrown into doubt, the Blues could now join a fierce race to sign a £105m star ahead of rivals Manchester United this summer.

Man City transfer news

Following a fourth consecutive Premier League title in a season that also followed winning the treble, it seems as though certain Manchester City stars have been left pondering their future, perhaps wondering whether their work in England is now complete. Among those stars are Ederson and De Bruyne.

Reports suggest that the City duo have both been targeted by clubs in the Saudi Pro League in what could deal Pep Guardiola a major blow, with the Brazilian shot-stopper even offered a massive £500,000 per week deal to move.

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According to Rudy Galetti for TeamTalk, De Bruyne has even agreed personal terms with Al-Nassr, who must now negotiate with Manchester City in order to get a deal over the line this summer. The Premier League champions would reportedly rather cash in on their star midfielder this summer than lose him for free upon the expiry of his current deal this time next year.

With a potential exit on the cards, those at the Etihad have reportedly drawn up a plan of their own, however. As per Galetti and TeamTalk, Manchester City will join a "fierce" race to sign Joao Neves if De Bruyne leaves this summer.

The Benfica star reportedly has a £105m release clause, so while not a direct replacement for the Belgian in terms of style, the funds raised from De Bruyne's sale would aid in getting a deal done without pushing the limits of PSR. He has also attracted interest from Manchester United.

Still just 19 years old, Neves is certainly one for the future and a player who could complete the near-impossible task of replacing De Bruyne's influence at Manchester City eventually, even if not providing the same attacking output.

The Cityzens rarely miss in the transfer market and the Portugal international is another player who would likely join Guardiola's long list of success stories in an illustrious career.

Neves and Foden can fill De Bruyne void

Whilst replacing De Bruyne will be no easy task, Neves has shown more than enough potential at Benfica to prove that he's capable of filling the potential void left behind by the Belgian. Given that Phil Foden finally became the main man at Manchester City last season too, the teenager would be able to ease himself into such a role, as Guardiola looks to replace his Belgian superstar by committee.

Minutes

2,311

1,221

Goals

3

4

Assists

1

10

Ball Recoveries per 90

8.25

3.97

A player who is naturally more active off the ball at 19 years old compared to 32-year-old De Bruyne, Neves would offer Guardiola a different type of midfielder in place of his current star, whilst turning to Foden when it comes to directly replacing the final third output next season.

What's more, City would be getting one over on rivals Manchester United by landing a deal for a player who Bruno Fernandes has previously praised. The Red Devils captain said via 90Min: "I don't know if United rumours are true, but I know he is ready for that big jump. He is an excellent player, he's with the national team, that's also why the big clubs are after him."

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is ready to back Ange Postecoglou with a £100 million war chest this summer, and it is believed that one player has now verbally agreed terms to join the north Londoners.

Postecoglou gives scathing assessment of Spurs squad

Speaking earlier this year, Postecoglou gave a scathing assessment of his current squad, who eventually managed to qualify for Europa League football next season despite the absence of former star striker Harry Kane.

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Emilio Galantini

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The odds were stacked against Postecoglou when he first took over from Antonio Conte in north London, having lost the club's record-goalscorer to Bayern Munich that summer, while also contending with a general ill-feeling after his predecessor's disastrous final campaign at the helm.

However, the Australian's brand of football and electric start to life at Tottenham turned many heads, and while they couldn't quite seal a place in the Champions League pot for next term, there are certainly positives to build upon.

Tottenham's most impressive results under Postecoglou last season
Aston Villa 0-4 Tottenham
Tottenham 4-1 Newcastle
Burnley 2-5 Tottenham
Man City 3-3 Tottenham
Tottenham 2-0 Man United

Postecoglou does suggest that this Spurs squad needs multiple windows of upgrades before they're contending at the Premier League summit, though.

"We've got a lot of work to do still on the squad and I don't think we're anywhere near where we want to be. It probably will take a little bit more than three windows to get there, for sure," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's current team.

"Just in terms of the robustness, adaptability, and compatibility of the squad, I think there's still a fair bit of change we need to do. I certainly don't think we're one or two players away from getting to where I want us to be, nowhere near it. Some of that will be natural evolution. Some of it hopefully means we continue to get the improvement we've had this year from some of our players. If that happens over the next 12 months, then we'll be in a great position.

"But you've got to remember, a lot of our group are in their first year of the Premier League. A good chunk of them have been ever-presents, we need them to keep improving at the rate they are. We've still got a lot of work to do with the squad. I think we're a long way away from having one or two players away from getting where we want to be."

Levy, according to Football Transfers this week, is ready to spend on behalf of Postecoglou as he looks to build a winning team.

Levy ready to spend £100m as Toney agrees terms to join Tottenham

FT claim Levy is prepared to support Postecoglou with a £100 million budget this summer, and it is believed they've made headway in pursuit of a potential Kane replacement – Brentford star Ivan Toney.

Toney has verbally agreed personal terms to join Tottenham, who Brentford value at around £65 million. However, there is a belief that a deal could be done for around £55 million given the England international's contract situation.

Spurs are said to have the financial firepower to outbid competitors in the race for Toney, but recently had their opening £40m offer rebuffed by Thomas Frank's side. While there is still work to do in club-to-club talks, it at least appears player terms have been resolved pretty early.

Multiple outlets have also backed that Tottenham are keen to sign Kane's heir this summer, so this could be one to watch.