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Ottis Gibson has been impressed by Wiaan Mulder and is keen to get him involved with the national squad as soon as possible with an eye on the 2019 World Cup

Firdose Moonda17-Oct-2017

When Wiaan Mulder walked out to bat for his franchise, Lions, on Monday afternoon, he knew his innings wouldn’t matter. Not because his team was 280 for 4 with one centurion, Reeza Hendricks, and another on the way, but because Mulder would only have seven overs to bat and he would not be able to continue the next day.At around 3pm, Mulder found out he would have to get on a flight to Cape Town to meet up with the ODI squad, where he would replace the injured Wayne Parnell. “I hadn’t gone in to bat yet. The coach told me I would be replaced by someone else,” Mulder said. So when Nicky van den Bergh was dismissed late in the day, Mulder wasn’t sure what he would do at all. “I said to the coach, ‘Must he go bat, or must I go bat?’ He said, ‘You’re still going in to bat and it’s important that you do your best for us’.”Mulder faced 24 balls and scored 18, with 12 of them coming in boundaries but he insists he wasn’t trying to be too aggressive. “I tried to get a not out overnight because the guy who’s replacing me would get a chance to bat today. It’s a funny feeling leaving the game,” Mulder said.On Tuesday morning, Wihan Lubbe took Mulder’s place and Mulder arrived in the national camp. “It’s extremely intimidating. Going to greet the guys – AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Kagiso Rabada – it was massive for me. I didn’t know what to say to them,” he said. “I just went and shook their hands and smiled. You’re not too sure what to do. I think it’s like that for everybody.”This is not Mulder’s first time with the senior side or around these players. He went to the same school as Rabada, St Stithians, but was three years younger than him. He was included as cover for Parnell ahead of the first Test in Potchefstroom but released when Parnell passed a fitness test and he also played with de Villiers and JP Duminy for the Invitation XI against Bangladesh last week. But this time it’s different because Mulder may actually get the chance to play at the highest level with them.Even though new South Africa coach Ottis Gibson said the team may not be tinkered with for the second ODI on Wednesday he did hint that experimentation could be on the cards in the final match on Sunday if the series is wrapped up. “Maybe in the third game, if we win tomorrow, we might make some changes.”Mulder will come into contention then, especially because he has been hand-picked by Gibson to be part of South Africa’s long-term plans. “He is very talented. One of the first days I got into the country, I went to the Wanderers and he was playing and I saw him and immediately liked him. I asked a question about him and they said he was in the system already and he is a very good Under-19 player,” Gibson said, referring to the opening round of first-class fixtures which he attended last month. Mulder took 4 for 70 in the first innings and scored 79, impressing Gibson with his all-round ability.Mulder is only 19 and Gibson is confident Mulder could develop into a candidate for the 2019 World Cup. That’s why Gibson wants to keep him as close to the national squad as possible. “One of the things we are trying to do as a one-day team is widen the pool of players that we need to choose from. He is here now because he is talented and he is somebody who in two years, if he develops in the right way, there is no reason why he can’t be part of the squad going forward. This is a good opportunity for us to have a look at him as well.”All this means expectation on Mulder is high and he has admitted he can’t quite guarantee that he is ready to meet it. “I’m not too sure if I’m ready,” Mulder said.But Mulder has been surrounded with good advice, especially from former U-19 World Cup winning captain and recent Test debutant Aiden Markram. “Aiden told me a couple of months ago to, ‘Go out there and be yourself. Don’t try and prove a point to anybody. Don’t try and be somebody that you’re not’,” Mulder said. “Just having that peace of mind, that no matter what you’ll still be the same person, is quite a big thing. It’s helped me with my success, going out there and not worrying too much about what the guys are saying or what they might say afterwards. A lot of young guys struggle with that because the mindset of just being yourself is tough. As a young guy you want to impress. You want to be the big guy. You want to be the guy who stands up when the occasion is there.”Mulder also intends to “feed off” the likes of de Villiers and Amla because he hopes to “become one of them one day” though that does not mean he will neglect his bowling. “I’d like to be a batsman who can bowl or a genuine allrounder,” Mulder said.Just like his other idol Jacques Kallis. “He has been my hero since I was a little boy. I used to watch him and say I want to be like Kallis one day.”And Mulder’s sporting role-models don’t end there. He also looks up to a man who is proving evergreen, tennis legend Roger Federer. “Just the way he approaches every match, the way he trains, the way he’s extremely strong mentally – he can come back from wherever he is in a match. He’s been my main role model in sport. His mindset is unbelievable. That’s driven me massively in tough situations, and even when the going is good.”

تترقب الجماهير الرياضية، ومسؤولو نهضة بركان المغربي واتحاد العاصمة الجزائري، بقلوب حائرة، قرارات الاتحاد الأفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف”، بخصوص مباراة ذهاب الدور نصف النهائي لـ كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية، التي ألغيت أمس الأحد.

وكان من المقرر أن يتواجه فريق اتحاد العاصمة ونهضة بركان بالجزائر، ضمن مواجهات ذهاب دور نصف نهائي بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية للموسم الحالي 2024.

ورفض لاعبو الفريق المغربي خوض اللقاء بالإضافة إلي رفض مراقب المباراة لعدم سماح السلطات الجزائرية بارتداء نهضة بركان قميصه الأساسي الذي يخوض به مباريات البطولة منذ بدايتها.

وأصدر الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف” بيانًا رسميًا، إشار فيه إلى أنه هذه الأزمة سيتم إحالتها إلى الجهات المختصة، للوصول إلى قرار، بعد إلغاء اللقاء.

وبحسب مصدر قانوني لـ “le360 سبور” المغربي، فإن لجنة المسابقات التابعة لـ “الكاف” تنتظر تقرير مندوب المباراة قبل حسم القرار، مؤكدًا على أنه لا خوف على نهضة بركان بعد هذه الأزمة.

طالع أيضًا | اتحاد العاصمة يُهاجم كاف بعد أزمة قمصان نهضة بركان: مندهشون من القرار.. وسنلجأ لـ”التحكيم الرياضي”

وأوضح أن قرار الاتحاد الإفريقي سيكون أحد أمرين لا ثالث لهما، الأول سيتمثل في اعتبار اتحاد العاصمة منهزمًا في النتيجة بثلاثة أهداف دون رد.

وأشار إلى أن القرار الثاني هو اعتبار الفريق الجزائري مقصيًا مباشرةً من البطولة من خلال دور نصف نهائي المسابقة. لحظة مغادرة الجهاز الفني ولاعبي نهضة بركان الملعب بعد الغاء المباراة أمام اتحاد العاصمة

It is very possible that Everton will look to sign a new midfielder in the summer transfer window, according to a key update from journalist Alan Myers.

Are Everton looking for new signings?

The Blues endured another disappointing season in the Premier League last time around, having gone into the campaign with an element of hope that a positive year could be enjoyed.

Instead, Everton had to wait until the final day to secure their safety, with their 1-0 victory over Bournemouth keeping them in the top flight and preventing what would have been a damaging relegation to the Championship.

It is now imperative that a repeat of the last two seasons doesn't happen, however, with Sean Dyche and his players needing to find a new level in 2023/24, ahead of a move to their new ground in the near future.

For that to happen, it is clear that new signings need to come in, bringing a freshness to proceedings, and most importantly, adding more quality and depth to Dyche's squad. It looks likely that Atalanta will beat them to the signing of primary attacking target El Bilal Toure, which is a blow, but other areas of the pitch also need to be focused on.

There have already been players brought in, though. Ashley Young was the first to join, signing on a free transfer after leaving Aston Villa, and he has since been followed by Arnaut Danjuma, who has made the move to Merseyside on loan from Villarreal.

Another new face, this time in the middle of the park, could also be on the cards.

Will Everton sign a new midfielder?

When asked by a fan on Twitter whether Everton would bring in a new midfielder this summer, Sky Sports reporter Myers responded with a simple but promising two-word response regarding the situation:

"Very possibly."

While no specific player is mentioned in the report, it is encouraging to hear that a midfielder could arrive at Goodison soon, hopefully in time for the start of the Premier League season, with Everton entertaining Fulham in their opening game on August 12th.

Chelsea and England midfielder Conor Gallagher has been linked with a move to Merseyside and he could be an ideal option, although he isn't without suitors, with West Ham thought to be in the running to snap him up, having tabled a £40m offer for his services.

The 23-year-old is renowned for his energy levels and would provide a fresh impetus in the middle of the park, not to mention an eye for goal, having scored eight league goals on loan at Crystal Palace in 2021/22.

Whoever ends up coming in – you could argue he needs to be the right age and profile for Dyche, arriving as a key man from the off and providing strong competition for the likes of Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gueye and Alex Iwobi.

These next few weeks really could decide how Everton will cope and potentially even finish in the league in 2023/24, and if key additions don't come in across several different positions – centre-back, midfielder and centre-forward all stand out – there is the definite risk of yet another painful relegation battle, but it looks as if a new midfielder could be one to watch.

Manchester United have been on an extensive search to identify their next big-name striker this summer and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club's pursuit of one particular target.

What's the latest on Man United's interest in Rasmus Hojlund?

According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Manchester United are preparing a "new proposal" to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.

Galetti revealed on Twitter:

"Talks on between #ManUTD and #Atalanta for #Højlund.

"Understand that after the closure of the deal with Inter for Onana, #MUFC will prepare a new proposal for Rasmus.

"The position of the 🇮🇹 club for the 🇩🇰 striker is the same: £50m to evaluate his farewell."

What is Rasmus Hojlund's style of play?

It is no secret that Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster the centre-forward role at Old Trafford following the premature exit of Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of last year, and the club has been linked with a number of strikers across Europe.

Harry Kane, Goncalo Ramos and Victor Osimhen are just some of the big-name goal machines that have been tipped for a move to the Theatre of Dreams this summer, however, it is looking increasingly likely that the United boss will put his faith in Hojlund to develop and flourish under his guidance.

The 6 foot 2 youngster has been a stand-out performer for Atalanta owing to his strong stature and hold-up play that allows others to become involved in his attacking prowess, which has ultimately led to comparisons to Erling Haaland already.

In an interview, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini claimed:

"Hojlund has this spirit, energy, intensity, but also the technical quality that is just remarkable. He still has so much margin for improvement, too.

"He has very similar characteristics to Haaland. He is so quick, he’s under 11 seconds over 100m and that’s not even trying very hard. Considering his height, he has a low centre of gravity. I am convinced he’ll have a great career, he just gets stronger every day."

This style of play could be perfectly complemented by the presence of Mason Mount in midfield – United's first signing of the summer – and the pair could form an attacking partnership next season that would be unstoppable against opponents, both in the Premier League and on the European stage.

According to WhoScored, the former Chelsea maestro boasts strengths in taking set-pieces, key passes and through balls, as well as his highest-rated position (6.89) last season being in the no.10 role just behind the striker, proving that he would be the perfect candidate to provide goal-scoring opportunities to Hojlund next season.

Whilst it may seem more favourable to sign a striker with a lot more experience to lead the forward line into future success, there is an opportunity for Ten Hag to mould and develop Hojlund into the exact profile of centre-forward that he wants to deploy in front of goal and at just 20 years old could deliver a decade of service.

With that being said, the signing of Hojlund – once hailed a "monster in the making" by Jacek Kulig – would be a great piece of business for the Red Devils this summer and if the young goalscorer could quickly strike up a good connection with Mount, it could take the side to the next level next season.

West Ham are thought to be leading the race to sign Marseille midfielder Matteo Guendouzi in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Are West Ham linked with Guendouzi?

The Frenchman is known to Premier League supporters as a former Arsenal player, having burst onto the scene as a youngster at the Emirates. He has since returned to his homeland, however, becoming a key man for Marseille over the past few seasons.

Last term, the £42,000-a-week-earning Guendouzi featured in 33 of his side's 38 Ligue 1 matches, starting 25 of them, and he enjoyed an 87.9% pass completion rate in that time. He also averaged a tally of 1.2 tackles per game in the competition, not to mention making one appearance for France at the 2022 World Cup.

It could be that the 24-year-old leaves Marseille ahead of the new season, however, and a return to the Premier League could possibly be the most likely outcome. West Ham are one of the clubs who have been linked with a move for him, as David Moyes looks to bring in a number of new signings – not least someone who can help fill the upcoming void about to be left by Declan Rice, who is on the verge of joining Arsenal.

What's the latest news on Guendouzi to West Ham?

According to La Provence [via Hammers News], West Ham are now the favourites to acquire Guendouzi's signature during the summer transfer window, potentially pipping rivals such as Aston Villa to his services in the process. It is they and the Villans who have the "hottest leads" in the race to snap up the midfielder.

Admittedly, the France international's time at Arsenal ended badly, hence his return to his homeland, but he could be a really strong signing by the Hammers.

He was a more immature player during his Gunners days, almost bordering on petulant at times, but he has come on leaps and bounds in his overall impact as a footballer, and remains a relatively young player who could be a long-term acquisition for Moyes' men.

One of the biggest positives is that Guendouzi already has plenty of experience in the Premier League, making 57 appearances in the competition, so there wouldn't the risk of him coming in and being overawed by the speed and power of the division, as can be the case with some new signings.

He has also been hailed as "fantastic" by Gary Neville in the past, and while not necessarily on Rice's level – few in Europe arguably are in his position currently – he could be someone who fits in nicely at the London Stadium, combining tackling ability with intelligent use of the ball.

The fact that Guendouzi's current Marseille deal expires in the summer of 2025 could also mean that the Ligue 1 side see this as a good chance to sell him for the biggest amount of money possible, before his value threatens to diminish the closer his contract comes to running out.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is believed to be open to a potential move away to Bayern Munich this summer but Daniel Levy will not make any deal easy.

How much is Harry Kane worth?

Despite the north London club enduring a seriously underwhelming 2022/23 campaign, it was not a season to forget for Kane on a personal note.

Indeed, the 29-year-old striker enjoyed one of his best individual Premier League campaigns after returning an impressive 30 league goals.

To put that into context, his return was only six short of the Golden Boot winner, Erling Haaland, who was operating in a Manchester City side which won the title.

And it is apparent his stunning displays across his career at Tottenham has earned him a lot of interested potential suitors.

The likes of Manchester United have been heavily linked with a possible move for the England captain this summer, but are believed to have since pulled out of the race.

Now, it seems as if a potential move abroad could potentially be opening up for the 29-year-old with the Bundesliga champions reportedly making their move in the last few days.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the striker is believed to be open to a possible move to Munich but any deal would be made difficult by Levy:

"From what I understand, and I always said even when he was linked with Real Madrid, Daniel Levy – Tottenham chairman – is going to make this deal very difficult. He wants to keep the player the club is still dreams of Harry Kane as Tottenham player for the next season and for the future."

"They don't want to give up on the story for Harry Kane also because they feel that the player will be open to make this move happen. So Harry Kane is not saying no to Bayern and this is why they sent an official bid and this is why they want to insist but it's also crucial to understand Tottenham's position in this story. They don't want to make it happen."

Should Harry Kane leave Spurs?

There was certainly a lot that went on in north London last season which could potentially make the England captain keen to find a new adventure this summer.

Tottenham's eighth place finish was largely as a result of the stunning form in front of goal shown by the 29-year-old who after he scored 43% of the club's leagues goals.

However, another season showing similar form in front of goal could potentially take him within 30 goals of matching Alan Shearer's all-time record.

It is apparent Levy will be in no mood to see his prized assed leave this summer under any circumstances which could potentially lead to a messy affair in north London.

But if Kane is adamant on leaving, then next summer would allow him free rein over his options and would even allow him a bigger scope to negotiate a better deal for himself.

There promises to be a lot of change at Spurs this summer with the arrival of Ange Postecoglou and the expected signing of James Maddison.

And perhaps the early signs being shown from Levy to wrap up the signing of Maddison, for example, may be enough to persuade Kane to give Spurs one more chance.

تحدث الألماني يورجن كلوب، المدير الفني لليفربول الإنجليزي، عن لاعبه المصري محمد صلاح، وعودته لتدريبات الفريق مجددًا بعد غياب للإصابة، متطرقًا لإمكانية استدعائه من قبل منتخب مصر في فترة التوقف الدولي القادمة.

وأصيب محمد صلاح خلال مشاركته مع منتخب مصر في كأس الأمم الإفريقية أثناء مواجهة منتخب غانا في شهر يناير الماضي، وعاد إلى ليفربول.

وظهر محمد صلاح في تدريبات ليفربول اليوم الأربعاء، قبل مباراة الغد أمام سبارتا براج بمنافسات الدوري الأوروبي بذهاب دور الـ 16.

طالع | قائمة منتخب مصر لمعسكر مارس.. موقف محمد صلاح وضم مصطفى شوبير

وقال كلوب في مؤتمره الصحفي: “محمد صلاح سافر معنا، لقد تدرب لمدة يومين وهو مليء بالطاقة، علينا أن نرى ولكن من الجيد جدًا أن يعود وهذا أمر جيد بالنسبة لنا”.

وأضاف: “إنه سعيد جدًا وكان الوضع غير متوقع حيث غاب لفترة طويلة، ولعب مباراة مذهلة أمام برينتفورد ثم خرج، هذا هو الحال”.

وأكد كلوب: “نريد أن نكون حذرين ولكن هذه فترة مكثفة للغاية من الموسم، نريد الاعتماد عليه، إنها أخبار جيدة”.

وعن استدعاء محمد صلاح لمنتخب مصر، أفاد مدرب ليفربول: “سيتم تحديد ذلك من قبل قسم مختلف”.

وأشار: “دعونا نرى كم من الوقت يمكن لصلاح اللعب الآن، مر يومان فقط في تدريبات الفريق، بعد فترة طويلة غاب اللاعبون عنا بشكل طبيعي ولكن هذا هو الوضع، مباراتان مع مصر… الأمر ليس بيدي”.

وشدد كلوب: “نحن لسنا متورطين في الأمر، دعني أقول ذلك بهذه الطريقة، يمكنك المناقشة في الأقسام الأخرى”.

وهناك أزمة دائرة في الوقت الحالي بين منتخب مصر وليفربول بسبب محمد صلاح، حيث توجه النادي الإنجليزي بطلب للمنتخب لمنع استدعاء اللاعب لمعسكر مارس.

ومن المقرر أن يخوض منتخب مصر مباراة ودية، يوم 22 مارس الجاري، ضد منتخب نيوزيلندا.

يواجه نادي ليفربول مشكلة في إطار اهتمامه بالتعاقد مع مدرب فريق باير ليفركوزن، تشابي ألونسو، لخلافة يورجن كلوب بداية من الموسم المقبل.

كان كلوب قد أعلن نهاية الشهر الماضي أنه ينوي مغادرة صفوف ليفربول بمجرد انتهاء هذا الموسم.

وارتبط العديد من المدربين بإمكانية خلافة كلوب في تدريب ليفربول، وعلى رأسهم تشابي ألونسو.

ولكن يبدو أن مهمة ليفربول لن تكون سهلة على الإطلاق، حيث ذكرت شبكة “ذا أثلتيك” العالمية أن نادي بايرن ميونخ لديه رغبة مماثلة في الظفر بخدمات ألونسو الموسم الجديد.

ويواجه توماس توخيل، المدير الفني الحالي لفريق بايرن ميونخ، ضغوطا متزايدة في ظل سوء نتائج الفريق تحت قيادته، كان آخرها هزيمة الأمس أمام بوخوم بنتيجة 3-2.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ميكا ريتشاردز ينصح ليفربول بشأن مستقبل محمد صلاح: لاعب بقيمة كبيرة

ويتواجد بايرن ميونخ في المركز الثاني في جدول الدوري الألماني، بفارق 8 نقاط عن باير ليفركوزن.

وأفادت بأن إدارة بايرن ميونخ تتطلع إلى المستقبل حيث تفكر جديًا في الإطاحة بـ توخيل والاستعانة بـ ألونسو خلفًا له.

من جانبه، لن يتحدث ألونسو مع نادٍ آخر حتى انتهاء الموسم، وليس هناك ما يضمن أنه سيترك صفوف باير ليفركوزن.

وأمضى ألونسو ثلاث سنوات في بايرن ميونخ كلاعب بين 2014 و2017، بينما أمضى خمس سنوات في ليفربول بين 2004 و2009.

Arsenal have been linked to a striker ahead of the transfer window, as the Gunners turn their attention to strengthening this summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side enjoyed a memorable 2022/23 campaign, falling just five points short of winning their first Premier League title since 2004.

Despite there being a sense of disappointment surrounding the Emirates with reference to what could have been, there are an excess of positives the north Londoners can take into next season.

With the summer window around the corner, the Gunners will look to capitalise on their errors made this term to challenge again after the break with potential new signings on the cards.

What’s the latest on Marcos Leonardo to Arsenal?

As reported by 90min last week, a host of clubs have been scouting Santos striker Marcos Leonardo at the U20 World Cup.

Premier League representatives such as Tottenham, Newcastle, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have been named as those watching the young star.

The 20-year-old is valued by Football Transfers at €16.1m (£14m), and is contracted to the Brazilian club until 2026.

What could Marcos Leonardo bring to Arsenal?

Hailed as “frightening” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Brazilian has scored three goals in three matches at the U20 World Cup, averaging a seriously impressive 3.7 shots per game as per Sofascore.

The youngster is continuing his form from his season with Santos, in which he has contributed to six goals in 11 appearances in Paulista Serie A1.

His record throughout 2022 told a similar story, as per Mango, seeing him score 19 goals in 39 games in all competitions, all of which came inside the box, making him a hot prospect in European football this summer.

With reference to Arsenal, the young forward could bring essential depth to the strike areas, which was required in the absence of Gabriel Jesus who needed knee surgery following an injury sustained at the Qatar World Cup.

Second-choice striker Eddie Nketiah held the fort strongly, notably scoring against Manchester United, however, after the Englishman, Arsenal’s strikeforce was all-out.

The quality shown at such a young age by Leonardo could see him potentially rival Jesus in north London, bringing essential competition to Arteta’s attack to increase performance.

Arsenal’s number nine brought with him from Manchester City an infectious energy and tireless flare as seen so frequently in Brazilian players, replicated by the 20-year-old target.

Lauded by Mango as being a player that plays “without fear”, the forward has comparable qualities to Jesus, and could raise the standards of the 26-year-old who was described as being "poor" in the run-up to the final straight, showing slight inconsistencies in front of goal.

With depth in numbers comes competition which naturally raises the bar of expectation for a manager regarding selection, introducing a hungry-to-succeed starlet such as Leonardo could benefit Arteta’s squad in so many ways beyond goals.

Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher ahead of a potential move this summer, according to reports.

Is Caoimhin Kelleher leaving Liverpool?

The Irishman is an academy graduate at Anfield having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to get promoted to the first-team four years ago, and despite establishing himself as Jurgen Klopp’s firm second choice behind Alisson Becker, he’s made zero appearances this season in the Premier League.

The Reds shot-stopper primarily only gets a chance to feature during the likes of the EFL Cup and FA Cup and therefore, back in December, the 24-year-old admitted that he’ll have to consider his options at the end of the season should he want to receive more regular game time.

Speaking during a recent interview, Klopp publicly claimed that he can’t see the 6 foot 2 colossus leaving during the upcoming window, but should he end up on the market looking for a permanent move elsewhere, there are already a trio of top-flight clubs queuing up to sign him.

Who is signing Kelleher?

According to Football Insider, Spurs, Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion are all “keeping tabs” on the situation of Kelleher ahead of the summer. Liverpool are “braced for offers” for the goalkeeper, although are “determined” not to let him go for a cut-price fee, despite it being stated that is “attracting interest” from the name-checked potential suitors above.

The Cork native, however, could create a scenario where he “forces the issue” to sanction his sale to become a number one at a new club, so this could be one to watch.

Tottenham are reportedly on the hunt for a new goalkeeper with Hugo Lloris expected to depart upon the conclusion of the current campaign, and whilst he’s still not got bags of experience in the Premier League, Kelleher could be a great signing for the long-term future of the club.

Liverpool’s titan has kept ten clean sheets in 20 senior appearances on Merseyside and recorded a 75% success percentage in 2021/22 having made six saves from eight shots on target against, as per FBRef, not to mention that he is a “hero” when it comes to penalty shootouts, as lauded by journalist Josh Bunting.

The Champions League participant, who earns £10k-per-week, also shares the same agency, CAA Stellar, as Fraser Forster and Ben Davies, so this existing representative connection could potentially give the Lilywhites the edge over their fellow competitors when attempting to get a deal over the line in the months ahead.