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Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal have now spoke about signing an £80 million star called "similar" to Douglas Luiz.

Arsenal's reported top January targets

Widespread media claims have shared that manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu have well and truly got to work on identifying transfer targets for the winter window. Thomas Partey's injury woes and rumours that the midfielder could even depart mid-season are leading to other reports that a new midfielder is top of the Arsenal agenda next month.

An important target for the north Londoners, as stated previously, is Villa star Luiz. The Brazilian has starred under Unai Emery so far, playing all 15 of their opening Premier League games while pitching in with five goals.

Arsenal could make a bid for Luiz in January, despite Emery wanting him to stay, but Villa look set to make life difficult for Edu in his pursuit of the player (Fabrizio Romano). The Midlands side are performing exceptionally this season and are on an upward trajectory of their own, making a deal all the more difficult to do.

Meanwhile, it's also been reported that Arsenal have their eye on a new striker and could well attempt to steal away Brentford star Ivan Toney. In a boost for Arteta and co, Toney is apparently ready to leave Brentford next year after Arsenal's talks with his representatives.

Arsenal hold internal Palhinha talks

Toney may well be more attainable than Luiz at this point, especially given Villa's rumoured hard stance over selling their star midfielder. Alternative options for the 25-year-old are now being mooted, with Fulham star Joao Palhinha apparently liked by the Gunners.

The Portuguese has been incredible under Marco Silva and even attracted summer interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, who ultimately failed to take him (The Guardian).

According to Romano, Arsenal have held internal talks over signing Palhinha, with some inside the club viewing him as a pretty great option to bolster Arteta's midfield. However, there are also potential roadblocks.

“What I can confirm about Palhinha, this was around the media in recent days, is that there are also English clubs interested in Palhinha,” he told Kick (via Sport Bible).

“One of those clubs is Arsenal. It is true that Arsenal appreciate the player. There are some people at the club who consider Palhinha a very good player. It’s one of the players they discussed internally.

“There are two issues. The first one is the age, he’s not a super young player. I think next year he will be 29. Also, the price. Arsenal cannot spend that amount of money, something like £70-80 million on one more midfielder after spending the big amount of money they invested on Declan Rice.”

Joao Palhinha strengths (via WhoScored)

Tackling

Aerial duels

Palhinha has made 12 appearances for Fulham this season, scoring two goals and ranking as one of their top performers according to WhoScored. Former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has also called the 29-year-old an "amazing, amazing" player, with Football Transfers saying he is "similar" to Luiz in playing style.

“I think this year there’s been some sensational [signings] that we have made," said Mitrovic.

“For me personally, [Joao] Palhinha is the signing of the season so far, amazing, amazing [player]. [Bernd] Leno is the signing that we made that’s amazing. The players who fit straight away and didn’t need time to adapt like before, they fit straight away."

It's been reported that West Ham could consider making a "surprise" move by cashing in one of their senior squad members this January.

Hammers seal dramatic win 2-1 away to Burnley

This time last month, the pressure was seriously on manager David Moyes who had just come off the back of a dismal 1-0 defeat at home to struggling Everton. Since then, West Ham have won four out of their last five in all competitions, with impressive victories over the likes of Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Olympiacos and the Clarets.

By all accounts, their latest Premier League three points was a real smash and grab. Promising young striker Divin Mubama, who is being offered a new West Ham contract, played a heavy hand in Dara O'Shea's own goal before Tomas Soucek's acrobatic volley sealed the game in added time.

However, Moyes, speaking after the contest, was adamant his side can play better. "We were really disappointed with our performance in the first-half. We needed to do better – we never played any forward ball or put them under any pressure," said Moyes on West Ham's win over Burnley (via BBC).

"Second-half we did. I thought we got into some areas, got some good chances, attempts at goal. In the end we nicked a win, in the Premier League that's the way it is. There's very little between a lot of the teams, even Burnley, and that's the way it is today.

"Getting back with a couple wins on the trot and a good win away from home – we want to play better but we're in a good league positions, still in the League Cup, top of our group in Europe. We musn't forget the good things we are doing as well."

With the January transfer window looming, there could be a chance to better West Ham's chances of more eye-catching performances with star signings. They're sorely lacking a proven goalscorer, for instance, and reports suggest technical director Steidten is desperate to sign a striker.

However, it is believed January funds are actually pretty limited (ExWHUemployee), so the club may well need to consider a sell-to-buy approach.

West Ham could sell Benrahma

According to a report by Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke, winger Said Benrahma could be a candidate for the Irons chopping block.

Indeed, West Ham could consider selling Benrahma amid interest from Saudi Arabia, which O'Rourke claims would come as a "surprise" move given his starring role in the Europa Conference League last season.

The Algerian has started four of their 13 league games this term, though, and is believed to be eyeing more first team football for 2024. Benrahma has also been called a "wonderful, wonderful talent" by former striker Frank McAvennie, who told West Ham Zone that he was wrong to doubt the winger's signing back in 2020.

“At the time I thought it was stupid because there was a young player everyone was raving about in the exact same position, and they sold him and brought in Benrahma and I’m thinking really," said McAvennie.

Said Benrahma's strengths (via WhoScored)

Long shots

Direct free kicks

Through balls

“But he proved me wrong, he’s a great talent, a wonderful, wonderful talent. So it just shows you David Moyes knows what he’s doing.”

Everton will be reeling from a recent verdict that has seen them punished with a ten-point deduction in the Premier League, the Toffees alleged to have breached Financial Fair Play rules.

This points deduction would see Sean Dyche's side slide down the division into the top-flight drop-zone, level on points with bottom-of-the-table Burnley and into a dog-fight to stave off relegation in a blink of an eye.

This damning news has come at the worst possible time for the Blues, who had been rejuvenated by recent positive form with a 3-2 victory at Selhurst Park last time out in league action against Crystal Palace meaning Dyche's men were only eight points off Manchester United in sixth spot.

Transfer rumours linking star Everton players away from Goodison Park could intensify as a result of this points deduction revelation, with Jarrad Branthwaite being eyed up by a number of clubs according to reports.

As a result, Dyche might start putting together a list of targets tentatively for his side to go after if their star 21-year-old defender does indeed end up moving on.

Here are three potential centre-backs the Toffees could look at signing if that eventuality occurs…

1 Ben Cabango

Shopping in the EFL market for centre-backs has proven to be a fruitful endeavour for Everton in the past, John Stones joining from Barnsley the obvious example but Branthwaite was also signed by Everton from Carlisle United who now play in League One.

The Toffees will hope that they can pick up another top talent by exploring this pool of players once more, with Ben Cabango standing out at Swansea City this season whom Everton should look to target for a bargain price. At present, Football Transfers' xTV model values him at £7m.

A regular first-teamer with the Swans for a number of seasons now – coming through the Academy ranks at the club before becoming a key senior player – the 23-year-old's strengths lie in his ability to pass out from the back and give his team an added attacking threat going forward when necessary.

Averaging 1.33 progressive carries per 90 minutes over the last year according to FBRef, Cabango would be an exciting addition to the Toffees group if signed that could competently fill the gap left behind by Branthwaite and offer something more unique as a result.

2 Wout Faes

The next target Everton could potentially go after is Leicester City's dominating presence Wout Faes, the Belgian centre-back excelling at Championship level this season after a tricky introduction to the Foxes' first-team in the Premier League.

Averaging a 7.36 Sofascore rating this campaign for Enzo Maresca's promotion-chasers, Faes has helped himself to five clean sheets from the 13 games he's played in with crucial interventions and tackles nullifying opposition attackers effectively.

Winning the ball back 6.4 times per game according to Sofascore, Faes would slot straight into the Toffees set-up in the wake of Branthwaite's exit and provide Dyche's men with some needed steel and defensive resilience.

Question marks could arise about whether or not the £22m-rated defender is cut out for Premier League football, but with his form in the Championship at the moment currently excellent, he deserves another crack at top-flight action to prove himself.

3 Jorrel Hato

The most left-field option out of the three transfers that could be lined up, Jorrel Hato is standing out in the Ajax ranks as an exuberant and confident centre-back at just 17 years of age. As a young talent, he certainly fits the Branthwaite bill when it comes to youthful energy.

It's led to Hato being linked with Liverpool and Arsenal in recent memory, but the Toffees could offer Hato an opportunity to impress straight away in the first team set-up if Branthwaite departs rather than waiting it out for a spot at Anfield or the Emirates.

The Dutch giants find themselves uncharacteristically languishing in 12th spot in the Eredivisie, but Hato is still gaining plaudits for his individual displays amidst the collective mess at the club.

The teenage starlet's performance last match versus Almere showcased his talents at the back, winning nine out of ten aerial and ground duels in the contest as per Sofascore.

The £22m-rated starlet would even wear the captain's armband for the Dutch club in this contest, the world Hato's oyster currently.

Everton gave a young Branthwaite a chance in the first team whilst he was still learning the ropes and never looked back, the Toffees hoping lightning could strike twice if they pursued a deal for Hato.

Atletico Madrid have baulked at the asking price Manchester United are demanding for Mason Greenwood, currently on-loan at Getafe.

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Greenwood on loan at GetafeAtletico interested in signing playerGreenwood not appeared for United since arrestWHAT HAPPENED?

Greenwood has not appeared for United since he was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in 2022. The case was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023 and the player was sent on loan to Getafe. It is unclear whether he has a future at United and Atletico are interested in signing the forward, according to

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

According to the Spanish outlet, Atletico have been taken aback by United's asking price for the Englishman – set at €58 million (£50m/$63m) – which is seen as "outrageous" to the Rojiblancos. However, given Greenwood's situation at United, it is difficult to make any predictions on what his next destination is and the fee United may charge potential suitors.

WHAT JIM RATCLIFFE SAID

Greenwood's future will be dealt with by the hierarchy at United, including Ratcliffe who oversees the club’s football operations. In February, he said on Greenwood: "He’s a Manchester United footballer so we are in charge of football. So the answer is yes, we have to make decisions. There is no decision that’s been made. The process will be: understand the facts not the hype and then try and come to fair decision on the basis of values which is basically is he a good guy or not, and answer could he play sincerely for Manchester United well and would we be comfortable with it and would the fans be comfortable with it."

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR GREENWOOD?

Major decisions on Greenwood's future will have to be taken in the summer when he returns from Getafe. Should United decide they do not wish to retain his services, he will have to find a new club and United a buyer. Juventus recently emerged as new candidates for his signature.

Newcastle United are reportedly looking to complete the signing of an "extraordinary" renowned midfielder, as they aim to make further reinforcements in the coming transfer windows.

Newcastle transfer news…

Eddie Howe's side drew 2-2 at West Ham on Sunday afternoon, as Mohammed Kudus' late strike deprived them of three valuable Premier League points. While failure to pick up a victory in east London was slightly disappointing, it is still a draw that could be looked back on as a decent result in May, with the Hammers a strong team currently. Newcastle have really turned a corner since a poor start to the season, not least thrashing Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 in the Champions League, and it feels as though they could once again be destined for big things in 2023/24.

One thing that could help the Magpies in their quest for glory is making a number of new signings in the January transfer window, allowing Howe to make his squad stronger, aiding rotation in the process. Should the right players not be available at that point, plenty of summer additions should be expected instead, even though the manager has addressed Newcastle's FFP situation, stating they won't lead to the club spending big, and that appears to have resulted in targeting a potential soon to be free agent.

Newcastle transfer update; Adrien Rabiot

According to a fresh Newcastle transfer update on Adrien Rabiot, the Magpies are interested in signing the Juventus midfielder at the end of this season, with Rabiot's contract expiring at that point. The Magpies aren't alone in expressing a keenness to snap up the Frenchman, however, with Manchester United also believed to be in the mix. Both clubs are "ready to knock on Rabiot's door again" after showing interest in the past, and they look in a better position to offer him a superior deal than Juve, as they look to keep hold of him.

Rabiot could be a really shrewd signing by Newcastle in the summer of 2024, with the free aspect of it making it far less of a gamble, too. Granted, the 28-year-old may demand high wages, but not having to pay a fee for him could make it an excellent deal. The Juve midfielder has been a top-level player for some time now, winning 38 caps for France and making a combined 412 appearances for his current club and Paris Saint-Germain, while former French striker David Trezeguet has described Rabiot as "extraordinary".

A box-to-box player who can provide both defensive nous and an eye for goal, Rabiot has averaged 2.1 aerial duel wins per game in Serie A so far this season, not to mention enjoying an 89% pass completion rate, highlighting the overall quality that he possesses in his game. He could therefore be great foil for the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, as well as providing Howe with the extra depth he may well crave.

An update has emerged on Leeds United and their interest in adding to Daniel Farke's first-team group in the upcoming January transfer window.

What's the latest on Noel Tornqvist to Leeds?

According to Fotboll Skanalen, the Whites are one of a number of clubs currently keeping tabs on Swedish goalkeeper Noel Tornqvist this season.

The report claims that the Championship outfit had scouts in attendance for Mjallby's recent 1-0 defeat to AIK Solna as they weigh up a possible swoop for the 6 foot 6 giant at the start of next year.

This comes after Football Insider reported last month that the club are open to offers for current number one Illan Meslier after they failed to cash in on the French shot-stopper during the summer transfer window.

Date

Illan Mesliers's market value (via FootballTransfers)

October 2022

£26.9m

January 2023

£25.4m

July 2023

£22.4m

October 2023

£19.7m

However, it remains to be seen how much Leeds would be able to rake in for the former Lorient prospect or if any teams are willing to splash the cash on him.

How good is Noel Tornqvist?

Farke must avoid a swoop for the Swedish titan in January as his form this season suggests that the German head coach would be signing a downgrade on Meslier between the sticks.

The current Leeds player was once described as a "massive liability" by journalist David Kent but that does not mean that any goalkeeper would improve the club.

In terms of shot-stopping, there is not much to separate Tornqvist and Meslier this season. The former has conceded 1.2 goals per game in 23 matches throughout 2023 in comparison to the latter's one per match in 11 Championship outings.

However, the Whites colossus appears to have the edge with his play in possession as he has completed 77% of his attempted passes and 95% of his passes within the Leeds half. Whereas, the Swedish youngster has a pass completion rate of 69% and that includes an 87% success rate within his own half.

Meslier is also more proactive in coming out to clear danger. The French gem has completed 0.5 run-outs per match to sweep up behind his defence, whilst Tornqvist has not made a single sweeping action all season.

This suggests that the Whites target would not suit the high line that has caused the ex-Lorient 'keeper to be called upon to come out and make clearances when the ball is played into the space between him and his back four.

Mjallby's number one has also been more of a liability than the Leeds stopper with the number of direct errors he has made throughout 2023. The 21-year-old prospect has made two mistakes that directly led to a shot or goal for the opposition and given away two penalties, as per Sofascore.

Meslier, on the other hand, has not made a single error that has led to a shot or goal for the other team and has not conceded any penalties in the Championship this term.

Overall, Tornqvist's statistics do not indicate that Leeds would be signing an upgrade on the French talent, who is only two years older than the Swedish ace, and that is why Farke must avoid a deal for the left-footed target.

Arsenal are now considering a move for a new striker, with scouts watching one of their targets in action over the weekend, according to a report.

Who are Arsenal signing in January?

The Gunners are keen on strengthening in several positions this winter, having been linked with a move for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, although the youngster's agent has made it clear his client is happy where he is for the time being.

Mikel Arteta may also look at bringing in reinforcements in wide areas, and Ousmane Dembele has now been named as a potential target, having made a slow start since arriving at Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for £50m in the summer.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed that Borussia Dortmund starlet Jamie Bynoe-Gittens could also emerge as an option for the north Londoners this January, although he does not believe the 19-year-old is likely to be among their main targets.

In terms of options at striker, one of Arsenal's main targets appears to be Brentford's Ivan Toney, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano recently revealing that they have already held talks over a move for the 27-year-old.

However, the Gunners are also considering Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez, with 90min reporting scouts were sent to watch him in action during his side's fiery clash with Ajax on Sunday, which was ultimately suspended due to crowd unrest.

Scouts will have been left impressed by the Mexican's performance, as he put on a real show, providing two goals and an assist for Feyenoord before the game was halted around the hour mark.

Although his time on the pitch was limited, Gimenez most certainly caught the eye, but other scouts were also in attendance, including representatives from Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, so there is likely to be stiff competition for his signature this winter.

Back in August, the 22-year-old opted to commit his long-term future to Feyenoord, agreeing a new contract to extend his stay at De Kuip until 2027, but it appears as though he will have no shortage of offers to move elsewhere in the January transfer window.

How many goals has Santiago Gimenez scored for Feyenoord?

The Buenos Aires-born forward has been prolific in a Feyenoord shirt since making the move from Mexican side CD Cruz Azul, scoring 29 goals in 51 games for the club, and there are early signs he is going to kick on even more this season.

After the opening five games, the Mexico international has already amassed six goals, discounting the two he scored against Ajax at the weekend, having now established himself as a key player for the Dutch side.

The Feyenoord star is a constant threat in attacking positions, ranking in the 99th percentile for touches in the opposing penalty area per 90 over the past year, while he has been likened to Erling Haaland and dubbed a "machine" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

That said, it could be a risk to take a chance on Gimenez, considering he is unproven outside the Eredivisie, especially when Arteta also has Toney on his shortlist, who scored 20 Premier League goals last term.

The only new addition is Gauteng’s 21-year old offspinner Raisibe Ntozakhe. Marcia Letsoalo, who last played over a year ago at the World Cup Qualifiers, is the only exclusion from the 2017-18 list

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Mar-2018In what could be seen as a sign of continuity looking ahead to the next cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship and the Women’s World T20 to be played in West Indies later this year, Cricket South Africa have offered contracts to 13 of the 14 players from the 2017-18 season.The only new addition is Gauteng’s 21-year old offspinner Raisibe Ntozakhe. Marcia Letsoalo, the 33-year-old fast bowler who last played over a year ago at the World Cup Qualifiers, is the only exclusion from the list. The new contracts will come into effect on May 1 and run up to April 30, 2019.South Africa, who hosted India for a limited-overs series in February, have a busy 14 months coming up. They next host Bangladesh in May before touring England and West Indies for the second and third round of championship matches. The World T20 and a home series against Sri Lanka will follow that.”The esteem in which our women’s team is held following their successful campaign when they reached the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup last year is reflected in their invitation to have a major tour of England including a T20 triangular series against England and New Zealand,” said Corrie van Zyl, CSA’s general manager. “It is important that we build on our recent successes as we prepare for this year’s Women’s World T20.CSA contracts list for 2018-19: Dane van Niekerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Mignon du Preez, Shabnim Ismail, Trisha Chetty, Chloe Tryon, Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt, Masabata Klaas, Andrie Steyn, Mosaline Daniels, Raisibe Ntozakhe

Leeds United have had little to shout about over the last year, given their miserable run of form, persisting defensive frailties and eventual relegation.

It was a year that saw three different managers endure a stint in the dugout, with Daniel Farke having emerged out the other end as the man now trusted to lead the Whites into a brighter future.

He has already taken great strides towards this goal with a fine summer transfer window, where he carefully negotiated the various pitfalls that the previous regime had left for him, to finish with a squad still worthy of a title run.

Having already hit the ground running with Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon's acquisitions, despite winning just once in the Championship, Deadline Day saw a further three new faces welcomed in a last-gasp scramble to provide ample competition to his stars.

However, it was marred by the late exit of Luis Sinisterra, which did leave a sour taste in the mouths of supporters given his reintegration back into the first team.

Things could have been far worse though, had they also lost Wilfried Gnonto earlier in the window, which reports had suggested they were very close to.

Who is Leeds United's most valuable player?

Given the numerous departures that Farke was forced to oversee this summer, the label of their most valuable player has shifted dramatically. Especially considering how their relegation dented the value of most of their stars, given the weakened position they were forced into.

After all, to get just £20m for Tyler Adams marked poor business given they had paid the same amount the year prior, particularly given he was one of few shining lights last term in the Premier League.

The same can be said for the various loan deals suffered, with Brenden Aaronson, Max Wober, Marc Roca and more all leaving, despite having only joined within the last year for £24.5m, £11m and £10m respectively.

So, now there is just a small group of players who sit atop the club's list for highest market value, with the Italy international in Gnonto being one of those stars.

Having joined last summer in a Deadline Day move, the teenage star quickly became a mainstay under Jesse Marsch, dazzling defenders and endearing himself to the Elland Road crowd with his dynamism and direct play style. Then, to notch eight goal contributions across all senior English competitions marked a fine return for what was his first year in a new country.

Such form understandably merited praise, which pundit Tam McManus gladly offered: "The boy who got the assist, he came on and he just looks like a little pocket rocket. Wow, what a performance from him. He looks like he has a real low centre of gravity and he looks absolutely tremendous."

This ability in possession is best outlined when compared to other wingers across Europe, as Gnonto manages to rank in the top 17% for progressive carries per 90, with his speed and powerfully short stature a key factor in that success.

So, it was no surprise to see his services well sought-after this summer.

How much was Wilfried Gnonto worth before joining Leeds?

Having spent the bulk of his youth career with Inter Milan, in 2020 the 5 foot 7 dynamo made the bold choice to trade his homeland for Switzerland, signing for FC Zurich. He would swiftly break into the first team and saw his value skyrocket accordingly.

With the first recorded valuation sitting at a lowly €1m (£855k) as of December 2020, by the time of his exit this had risen to a lofty €10m (£8.5m). This made the eventual fee that the Yorkshire outfit would sign him for even more of a coup.

In total he made 74 appearances for the club, scoring 12 and assisting ten. However, it was his performances since moving to England that really put him on the map.

How much did Leeds United sign Wilfried Gnonto for?

To view those aforementioned figures in relation to how much Marsch actually paid for Gnonto, it is crazy just how much of a bargain this deal was.

However, there was a potentially different outcome that was pushed to the side, as the speedster was actually due to join in the following January, with a deal having been agreed weeks before his eventual move.

Despite that, failed ventures to sign Cody Gakpo and Bamba Dieng saw them alter the stipulations of the move, fast-tracking it to that very summer despite journalist Phil Hay reporting: "Marsch says Gnonto wouldn't be Premier League ready. Would be a longer-term thing and not certain to happen in this window."

They would spend just £5m to bring him to Yorkshire, with that fee having since soared given the platform they offered him to shine on, which he took with both hands. He proved his former boss wrong instantly, by shining at the top level with ease.

What is Wilfried Gnonto's market value now?

Such was the nature of his performances, the young Italy international understandably drew plenty of interest. Everton were reportedly one such club who continued to push for his services, firing off numerous bids to no avail.

Gnonto would even hand in a transfer request as he sought to force through the move, but Farke remained steadfast on his stance: the wide man would not be leaving.

Rejecting £25m for his services was bold, but clearly the German manager saw him as an integral part of any promotion success they hoped to achieve. After all, that fee would have made him their largest outlay for the window.

Such persistent interest from the Toffees, as well as a brief flirtation with Tottenham Hotspur, only serves to emphasise just how highly-rated the youngster now is. Football Transfers even value him at €26.7m (£23m), suggesting that had they accepted that offer from the Merseyside outfit, it would have marked a deal made above market value.

Such a figure helps to track the steady progression of Gnonto, as it can be compared to his initial transfer fee as a marker for how far he has come. Across just 12 months, his value has soared by 360%, by taking what first Leeds paid and comparing it with his current valuation.

Having since been welcomed back into the starting side, and with the transfer window now slammed shut, there will be hope around Yorkshire that he can put his head down and work towards earning an instant Premier League return, truly proving his worth. Irrespective of this summer's events, they have certainly struck gold with their initial investment.

Azhar Ali, who had replaced Shehzad in the ODI squad, did not find a place in the T20 squad

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jan-2018Opener Ahmed Shehzad, who had been dropped for the ODI leg of the New Zealand tour, has returned to Pakistan’s squad for the three-match T20 series. Azhar Ali, who had replaced Shehzad in the ODI squad, did not find a place in the T20 squad. The only other change from the ODI squad was the inclusion of batsman Umar Amin in place of Imam-ul-Haq.Shehzad’s recent form bodes well for Pakistan: he has scored 403 runs in seven innings in the ongoing Departmental One Day Cup at an average of 67.16 and strike rate of 100.24.With allrounder Imad Wasim yet to recover from the knee injury that had sidelined him from the ODI series, Mohammad Nawaz retained his place in the squad.”Imad Wasim was yet to recover from his knee injury, and was told to continue his rehabilitation at the NCA,” Inzamam ul Haq, the chief selector, said.Pakistan are presently two games into a five-match ODI series, with New Zealand prevailing in both contests via the DLS method. The first of the three T20s will be played on January 22 at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington, three days after the fifth ODI.Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (capt &wk), Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Aamer Yamin, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Rumman Raees, Umar Amin