Liverpool are believed to be closing in on a £70m deal for Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, according to an exciting new transfer rumour.

Will Mac Allister leave Brighton this summer?

The Seagulls star has enjoyed a brilliant season in the Premier League, scoring 10 goals but impressing with his all-round game in the middle of the park. He has also become a World Cup winner during the campaign, tasting glory with Argentina back in December, as his reputation has soared.

It is no surprise to see Mac Allister being linked with a move to some of English's biggest clubs this summer, with his time at Brighton almost certainly coming to an end. Liverpool are arguably the team who have been most strongly tipped to snap up the 24-year-old, as they look to make major midfield reinforcements.

Now, a new claim has emerged, suggesting the Reds could be closer than ever to getting their man.

Is Mac Allister heading to Liverpool?

According to The Mirror, Liverpool are "ready to end the race for World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister with a £70million deal", with the Argentine "ready to commit his future" to the Merseysiders. Manchester United and Arsenal are also credited with interest, but negotiations with the Reds are "a long way down the line".

This is such an exciting update for Liverpool, with Mac Allister someone who could be absolutely perfect for them for so many reasons. He is an outstanding midfielder, possessing a combination of technical ability, end product, hard work and a good team ethic, with Sergio Aguero hailing him as a "very intelligent" footballer.

The Brighton ace is tailor-made to thrive in one of the No.8 roles currently being taken up by the likes of Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones, with over two touches in the penalty area per 90 minutes, but also being defensively solid and providing over two tackles per game (via FBref).

At 24, the £50k-per-week ace Mac Allister should also only get better in the coming years, so Liverpool would be signing him as both an immediate starter and also someone who could remain at Anfield for close to a decade. It is a transfer that has so few negatives to it, if any, and it is now a case of the Reds making sure they beat the competition. A top-four finish would certainly help, in that respect, although that is still looking unlikely ahead of the final few games.

Chelsea have spent exorbitant sums of money since American businessman Todd Boehly assumed ownership of the club last year, and while a shrewder route must be taken going forward, the Blues have identified Nicolo Barella as a summer target.

What's the latest on Nicolo Barella to Chelsea?

According to Inter Live (via Sport Witness), Chelsea are prepared to rival Premier League rivals Liverpool and Newcastle United for the signature of the Inter maestro, who is being touted at €80m (£70m) by his outfit.

The report continues to state that despite Chelsea's lucrative outgoings across the past two transfer windows, spending roughly £600m, a further midfield signing is desired.

Barella is considered a vital component to Inter's future success, though such a high value to coincide with the club's financial struggles could leave Simone Inzaghi's side resigned to grant a departure from his homeland.

Should Chelsea sign Barella?

Work in the transfer department needs to be conducted in earnest at Stamford Bridge this summer, with Chelsea's ignominious season needing to be left firmly in the past, and swiftly.

The Blues claimed their first victory under interim manager Frank Lampard away to Bournemouth last weekend, though the result ended a shocking run of six straight defeats that have swiped Chelsea from the Champions League and mired the west London club in mid-table obscurity, and they remain 11th with four games to go – 13 points behind Brighton & Hove Albion in the last European slot.

The insurmountable gulf between Boehly's outfit and the Seagulls highlights the searing need for change, and while the inflated squad must be trimmed like a tangled thicket, replenishing the ranks with one or two well-placed moves is vital, and Barella could be the man to take the reins and spur the midfield into lasting action.

The 26-year-old dynamo has won the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia during his time at the San Siro, and with the Nerazzurri holding a 2-0 advantage over city rivals AC Milan in this year's Champions League semi-finals, he could cement his legacy as one of the club's modern greats.

Hailed for his "unbelievable" performance in the derby, the £157k-per-week gem completed 84% of his passes, making two key passes, three tackles and winning three of his seven ground duels in midweek, as per Sofascore.

And as per FBref, the 43-cap Euro 2020 champion ranks among the top 9% of midfielders for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 8% for rate of assists, the top 8% for shot-creating actions and in the top 10% for progressive carries per 90, with the statistical site even comparing him to Manchester City's superlative star Kevin De Bruyne.

De Bruyne, of course, plied his maiden years in Chelsea blue, signing from Genk in 2012 for £7m and failing to make his mark before departing for Wolfsburg in January 2014 for a reported £17m after starting just five matches.

The imperious £400k-per-week Belgian now perches comfortably inside the pantheon of contemporary greats, having scored 96 goals and supplied 148 assists from 351 displays for the Citizens and won a wealth of major honours for Pep Guardiola's City including four Premier League titles.

Signing Barella would provide the Stamford Bridge side with a world-class centre-midfielder to steady the ship after the harshest of storms; he is a "genius" on the pitch, as dubbed by sports editor Mike Piellucci, much like De Bruyne, and could be the catalyst for a year as resounding as it is disparate from the current stricken season.

Arsenal are "doing all they can" to stop prodigy Ethan Nwaneri from joining Premier League rivals Man City, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The north Londoners are attempting to back manager Mikel Arteta behind-the-scenes after what has been, overall, a very strong campaign – even if Arsenal end up missing out on their first league title in nearly 20 years.

City's incredible form has resulted in the Gunners playing catch up, with Arteta relying on a slip up from his former mentor if his side are to stand any chance of winning the league.

Regardless, just one year ago, Arsenal were pipped to a top four finish by arch rivals Tottenham – and now they're guaranteed the riches of Champions League football for next campaign in a major boost for the club.

2023/2024 is a prime opportunity to build upon this season and challenge for honours, but as well as incomings, there have been reports of certain players potentially leaving the Emirates Stadium.

The likes of Kieran Tierney and Emile Smith Rowe have been mentioned in this regard, with highly promising starlet Nwaneri also attracting major interest.

According to Football Insider and reporter O'Rourke, City have been targeting the 16-year-old and are increasingly confident they can land him, but Arsenal are desperate to stop it.

Indeed, it is believed the club are "doing all they can" to prevent Nwaneri's departure to the Etihad Stadium, and while City think they can sign him, it is by no means a done deal.

As the youngster is yet to pen a professional deal, Arsenal would only be due a compensation package if he were to move up north.

Why Arsenal need to halt Nwaneri exit

Nwaneri is, arguably, the most exciting young and upcoming player Arsenal have in their ranks.

The midfielder has already broken a Premier League record, becoming the youngest player to ever make a top flight debut earlier this campaign at just 15 years and 181 days old.

The England Under-17 international has dazzled for Arsenal at youth level this season too – scoring six goals and four assists across appearances in Premier League 2, The Under-18s Premier League and FA Youth Cup (Transfermarkt).

Jack Wilshere has also heaped praise on Nwaneri, calling him an "exceptional talent", and losing him to one of Arsenal's biggest rivals will be a sore, sore blow for Arteta to take.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is closing in on his second Scottish Premiership title in as many seasons as his side are sitting 13 points clear with five games left to play.

The Hoops can secure the title this weekend if results go their way and one of the keys to the club's impressive form in the division has been the manager's superb recruitment since arriving in the summer of 2021.

Postecoglou has brought in a number of excellent gems to bolster the squad, including the likes of Jota, Liel Abada, and Cameron Carter-Vickers, and he will be hoping that his latest batch of January recruits turn out to be just as effective.

Yuki Kobayashi joined from Vissel Kobe at the start of the year and he could be one of the next success stories as the youngster has the potential to be the dream heir to 27-year-old Carl Starfelt's position on the left-side of the centre-back pairing.

How has Yuki Kobayashi performed for Celtic?

The 22-year-old defender has only played three times in the Premiership since making the switch to Scotland but has caught the eye in his limited minutes.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.03 in those matches and completed 93% of his attempted passes, whilst also winning 44% of his individual duels.

These statistics indicate that the defender is still adjusting to the physicality of the Scottish top-flight but his 68% success rate in his battles in the J1 League in 2022 suggests that the potential is there for him to be a dominant defender.

Starfelt has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.25 in the Premiership and won 67% of his defensive duels in the division but has been playing on the left of Carter-Vickers despite being naturally right-footed.

The Japanese enforcer has shown signs of being able to perform at a similar level, with his three displays in Scotland so far and his impressive dominance at his previous club, and he also has room to improve at the age of 22.

Bhoys teammate Greg Taylor recently heaped praise on the "unbelievable" Kobayashi and hailed the "balance" that having a natural left-footed player in defence can provide the team.

The £1.2m-rated defender could slot in on the left side to be the long-term heir to Starfelt's position in the team, with the Swedish international possibly moving to the bench or to the right centre-back position in the years to come, if he is able to adapt to Scottish football and find his best form.

At 22, the 6 foot 1 warrior still has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and grow and Postecoglou may have brought him in with a view to taking over on the left of Carter-Vickers in the future.

Match facts

Thursday, June 16
Start time 10.45 local (0945 GMT)William Porterfield and Angelo Mathews pose with the series trophy•Getty Images

Big picture

Ireland begin what they hope will be a busy period of ODI cricket by welcoming a somewhat battered Sri Lanka across the Irish Sea for a pair of matches in Malahide. The series will provide a useful test of their progress after John Bracewell’s first year in the job of head coach.Although Ireland have theoretically been given a pathway to reaching the 10-team 2019 World Cup, a lack of fixtures means they face an uphill struggle to reach the top eight and secure automatic qualification (West Indies, currently ranked No. 8, are 52 points clear of Ireland in 12th). But the visit of Sri Lanka, ahead of a five-match series against England, will allow Ireland to return their focus to the format that has given them greatest exposure on the world stage after a disappointing World T20.It is only by playing the top sides that Ireland can be expected to progress and these two ODIs will be their first against a Full Member since a one-off game with Australia last August; Pakistan will also visit later in the summer, with a five-match series against fellow Associates Afghanistan in between. This all represents vital competitive game time for Ireland.As they look for a first major victory in Dublin, Ireland might be tempted to view Sri Lanka as wounded prey. Heavily beaten in the Tests against England, they have brought in several new faces (and some not so new) for the ODIs and their first challenge will be in working out a first-choice XI. Since Sri Lanka played five one-dayers against New Zealand in December-January, injuries, withdrawals and a change in selectors mean that only five of the side that played at Mount Maunganui are available here.Sri Lanka have a reputation as hardened Associate-beaters, however, as well as experience of playing Ireland in Dublin, having won with reasonable comfort in 2014. Graham Ford will be hoping a change to white-ball cricket can bring out some of their native belligerence once again.

Form guide

Ireland: WLLLL (last five matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka: LWLLW

In the spotlight

Boyd Rankin‘s last ODI appearance came in an England shirt, at the end of the ill-fated Ashes tour of 2013-14. His time as an England-qualified Irishman was not the happiest but he remains a classy bowler, reliably effective with his county Warwickshire and set for a first home appearance in green in almost four years. The last time Rankin played at Malahide, he took 4 for 46 – but that was for England against his countrymen.Upul Tharanga has 13 ODI hundreds to his name but has played only nine matches in the last two years (one of which was against Ireland in Dublin). His last significant contribution was even further back in time, an unbeaten 174 against India in 2013 that stands out like a lighthouse amid the rocky returns of the latter half of his career. Recalled after strong domestic form at the age of 31, he will add vital experience to a transitional side.

Team news

Ireland lost Niall O’Brien, due to a calf strain, and Stuart Thompson (personal reasons) from their original squad of 13, while Craig Young was not considered due to injury. Durham seamer Barry McCarthy looks set for a debut, unless Max Sorensen is preferred. John Anderson provides another batting option but played the last of his three ODIs in 2014.Ireland (possible): 1 William Porterfield (capt), 2 Paul Stirling, 3 Ed Joyce, 4 Gary Wilson (wk), 5 Kevin O’Brien, 6 Stuart Poynter, 7 George Dockrell, 8 Andy McBrine, 9 Barry McCarthy, 10 Tim Murtagh, 11 Boyd RankinTillakaratne Dilshan made himself unavailable for the tour but Sri Lanka do have Kusal Perera back after his now-rescinded doping ban. Kusal Mendis could make an ODI debut, with Lahiru Thirimanne struggling for runs – although ODIs are his strongest format. Sri Lanka have several all-round options, including the uncapped (in ODIs) Dasun Shanaka, Danushka Gunathilaka and Farveez Maharoof, whose last international appearance came in 2012.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Kusal Perera, 2 Upul Tharanga, 3 Lahiru Thirimanne/Kusal Mendis, 4 Dinesh Chandimal (wk), 5 Angelo Mathews (capt), 6 Dasun Shanaka/Danushka Gunathilaka, 7 Farveez Maharoof, 8 Seekkuge Prasanna, 9 Suraj Randiv, 10 Shaminda Eranga, 11 Suranga Lakmal

Pitch and conditions

The surface is unlikely to be chock-full of runs, with 250 the par score in recent years and some assistance likely for seam bowling. There has been some rain around but the forecast is reasonably good for Thursday

Stats and trivia

• Sri Lanka and Ireland have met four times in ODIs, with two wins for Sri Lanka and two abandonments.
• Ireland’s lowest all-out ODI total came against Sri Lanka during the 2007 World Cup, when they were dismissed for 77 in Grenada.

Quotes

“There’s a big opportunity for us to get a series win against one of the top-ranked sides. There’s no reason why we can’t come away from this with a 2-0 win.”

Sri Lanka Cricket has suspended Kithuruwan Vithanage from all forms of cricket for one year for his part in a public brawl in Colombo

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jul-2016Sri Lanka Cricket has suspended batsman Kithuruwan Vithanage from all forms of the game for one year for his part in a public brawl in Colombo. In a hearing conducted on June 16, SLC’s disciplinary committee found Vithanage guilty of misconduct and in breach of the ICC code of conduct.The suspension not only makes Vithanage ineligible for international and Sri Lanka A team cricket, he is also unable to represent his club – Tamil Union – in the Premier tournaments, and is barred from any provincial tournaments in the coming domestic season. SLC’s severity on this occasion is a reflection of existing displeasure at Vithanage’s conduct. In September 2014, Vithanage was docked his full match fee and handed a “suspended sentence of one year” after leaving the team hotel overnight in the middle of a Test match he was playing. It is understood that at least two other breaches of conduct had been dealt with informally.In this case, SLC said its disciplinary committee “was presented with written and oral evidence from witnesses to the incident in question and Vithanage was invited to present similar evidence in his defence.”After a closed hearing, and in consideration of the evaluation of the evidence presented, the Disciplinary Committee has recommended an immediate suspension, specifically drawing attention to the fact that the conduct of Vithanage is ‘unacceptable when considering his status as a public figure, and a role model for the youth of Sri Lanka’.” Vithanage can appeal the decision.He last played for Sri Lanka during the tour of New Zealand in December and January, but his modest returns on that tour had seen him drop out of contention for national selection. Vithanage, 25, has scored 370 runs at an average of 26.42 in ten Tests, and has also played six ODIs and three T20Is.

يرى المدير الفني لمنتخب السنغال الأول، أليو سيسيه، أن تفوق كوت ديفوار تاريخيًا على الأسود لا يهم كثيرًا عكس ما يمكن تحقيقه في الحاضر في كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023.

ويلتقي منتخبا السنغال وكوت ديفوار غدًا، الإثنين، في دور الـ16 بكأس أمم إفريقيا في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت “القاهرة”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كاف يعلن التشكيل المثالي لـ دور المجموعات من كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023

وقال سيسيه في تصريحات بمؤتمره الصحفي منذ قليل: “ليس لدي القدرة على تغيير الأرقام التاريخية، لكن نحن في الحاضر وهو الأهم”.

وتابع: “كانت بدايتنا مثالية في البطولة، لكننا سنواجه فريقًا عظيمًا مثل كوت ديفوار أمام جماهيره، مباراة صعبة للغاية ولا علاقة لها بالماضي سواء في 1992 أو 2014”.

وأضاف: “نحن سنبدأ مرحلة جديدة من البطولة، علينا التركيز، بالطبع فريق مثل كوت ديفوار سيريد التعويض عما حدث في المجموعات، لكننا نريد التأهل”.

واستمر: “حتى لو لم ننجح في الفوز أبدًا على البلد المضيف، فكرة القدم خلقت من أجل التحديات وسنرى ماذا يخبئ لنا القدر بعد نتائج جيدة بالعلامة الكاملة في المجموعات”.

وأتم: “نحن نحترم الجميع ولكننا لا نخشى أحدًا، نحن عدو أنفسنا ويجب أن نركز على أنفسنا، لقد حققنا الكثير من الأشياء الإيجابية ولكن لن نهتم بذلك في مباراة الغد، علينا الفوز لنواصل”.

Tottenham Hotspur have just two Premier League games remaining until their extremely disappointing campaign can be brought to an end.

Ryan Mason's men now officially have just a Europa League spot to play for as the final two games approach, with Manchester United now nine points out of reach and they have a game in hand.

This certainly won't have a positive effect on Harry Kane's chances of staying in north London, with the draw of Champions League football at another club surely proving too tempting.

Europa League is the best Spurs can hope for now but even that looks unlikely as Brighton have three games in hand and are just two points behind the Lilywhites, so things could get even worse.

The negative result puts even more pressure on Daniel Levy to make the right appointment next, as this is a club that should be challenging in and around the top four with the players at their disposal.

Nevertheless, we have taken a closer look at how the final two games will shape up for Ryan Mason's side…

Tottenham fixtures 20 May: Brentford (h) 28 May: Leeds (a) Tottenham v Brentford

In what will be the last home game of the season for Spurs, it's important that the players give the fans something to shout about and end on a high, as things have been far from good enough recently.

Brentford are no pushovers and will be desperate to finish further inside the top 10, with the opportunity still there to mathematically move ahead of Spurs should they win their final three games and results go their way.

The Lilywhites have conceded 17 goals in their last six games, so we expect the threat of Ivan Toney prove too much for a shaky Spurs defence, with a couple of goals for the Bees. But, in what may be Harry Kane's last home game for the club, he will surely be desperate to end it with a bang in front of the home fans, should he have his eyes on an exit.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Brentford

Leeds v Tottenham

The season ends with a trip to Leeds United at the end of May, which will be a massive occasion for Sam Allardyce's side. The Whites will still be very much fighting relegation, with a win more than likely required.

It could turn out to be quite an awkward day for the Lilywhites as Elland Road can be a daunting place to go on any day, let alone when the club's Premier League status is likely on the line.

And, with Spurs likely having very little to play for with things possibly out of their hands if Brighton win their game in hand, it could be an afternoon that sees a weakened side and you would have to question whether some players' heads will be in it.

Prediction: Leeds 2-1 Tottenham

Predicted run-in points: 1/6 Predicted total points: 58 Permutations: What do Spurs have to play for?

If Tottenham win against Brenford?

Keep their Europa League and Conference League hopes alive. Aston Villa still trail regardless of whether they win, unless they score two more goals than Spurs. Pressure still on Brighton to win their game in hand, though they could already be ahead.

If Tottenham draw against Brentford?

Aston Villa potentially move ahead of the Lilywhites, as well as Brighton moving ahead if they haven't already as they're due to play tomorrow and midweek. Sit in eighth position possibly, which would be disastrous.

If Tottenham lose against Brentford?

Massive dent to European hopes. Aston Villa move ahead with a point and Brighton potentially move even further ahead, depending on results. Need an Aston Villa defeat and a Brighton slump. Harry Kane questions his future at the club even more.

Ange Postecoglou's Celtic side host St Mirren at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership this afternoon as they attempt to bounce back from a defeat in the Old Firm last weekend.

The Hoops were beaten 3-0 last time out and will be hoping for a strong reaction on their own turf today to put that loss behind them as quickly as possible.

They come up against a side that has gone four games without a win, losing three of those, and this is an excellent opportunity for Celtic to return to winning ways.

To do that, the head coach could make some changes to his starting XI after a number of players failed to perform in the defeat at Ibrox.

Will David Turnbull start against St Mirren?

Postecoglou should finally unleash attacking midfielder David Turnbull from the start in the middle of the park as his creativity could help to unlock the opposition's defence.

Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, and Matt O'Riley produced one key pass between them last weekend and the ex-Motherwell man – who has created 34 chances in six starts (24 appearances) in the Premiership – could provide more invention in his passing.

His last start for the club came on the 18th of March against Hibernian and the former Motherwell sensation registered two assists in that match, which highlights the level of quality he can provide when given an opportunity to play meaningful minutes.

The 23-year-old, who Postecoglou once hailed as "outstanding", has also terrorised St Mirren in the past. He has scored seven career goals – three more than against any other team – in 11 matches and has some great memories of facing them in the past.

At the start of the 2021/22 campaign, Turnbull recorded a perfect WhoScored rating of 10 as he scored a hat-trick in a 6-0 win over the Saints.

This shows that the Scotland international has the quality to provide a huge goal threat to go along with his creativity, whilst also having a history of being able to step up in games against today's opposition.

The £16k-per-week maestro has assisted six goals and created four 'big chances' in six Premiership starts this term. This comes after he racked up 3.2 key passes per game and eight 'big chances' created in total in 20 starts in the division in 2021/22.

Turnbull has proven himself to be an excellent performer at Premiership level in terms of what he offers in the final third, both with his goalscoring contributions and his creativity, and that is why the ace should be unleashed from the start today after the Old Firm midfield offered very little.

West Ham have no interest in a swap deal involving influential midfielder Declan Rice despite the recent rumours of a player-plus-cash offer from Arsenal, according to a new update.

Is Rice leaving West Ham this summer?

The 24-year-old's future is a big talking point currently, with a new challenge looking likely to come his way at the end of the season. There is an increasing feeling that he has come as far as he can at the London Stadium, with a move to a Champions League-playing club potentially on the cards, or certainly one of the biggest teams in the country.

Rice has slowly become one of the most important players at West Ham over the years, developing into a dominant midfielder player with strong all-round attributes. Not only that, but he is also one of the first names on the team sheet for England manager Gareth Southgate, starting all five matches for the Three Lions at the 2022 World Cup.

There is still no confirmation that the Englishman will definitely leave West Ham, but with every fresh report that emerges, the more likely it feels. That being said, a new claim may at least give Hammers supporters an element of hope that he won't be allowed to go easily.

Cash only for Rice?

According to Football Insider, West Ham are "not interested in taking any player in part exchange" with Rice, with a summer swap deal off the table. It is stated that Arsenal "lead the chase" for the midfielder and there have been rumours that "Arsenal could include a first-team or emerging star", but he will only depart in a routine cash transfer.

In truth, it feels like a given that Rice will leave at the end of the campaign, especially as his current deal expires in 2024, meaning West Ham would lose him for free next year, rather than earn a huge sum of money this time around.

In an ideal world, he would remain in east London for the rest of his career – he has been hailed as "outstanding" by Joe Cole – but he has lofty ambitions and will want to test himself in the Champions League and win trophies in the coming years. It is hard to begrudge him a move, given his ceiling as a player and the loyalty to he has shown West Ham until this point, and it is now vital that the club use the funds they receive for him wisely.