It’s fair to say that among the disappointments of the 2023/24 campaign, there were a handful of shining lights that pointed towards a positive future at Manchester United.

One of those was most definitely Kobbie Mainoo, who excelled at the heart of the midfield under Erik ten Hag from the very second he stepped foot on the field against Everton in November.

At just 19 years of age, he has the maturity and quality to perform at the highest level against the very best, as shown by his FA Cup-winning goal against Manchester City.

With the brilliant Mainoo in mind, let’s take a look at a Red Devils target who could prove to be United’s very own Declan Rice.

Man Utd’s recent transfer activity

Jarrad Branthwaite has been the most heavily linked player to Old Trafford so far this summer, but his move could prove difficult given Everton’s extreme demands.

At the other end of the field, Joshua Zirkzee is a name that’s been mentioned in reports, as United could look to activate his £33.7m release clause.

However, it’s in the middle of the park where United are looking to reinforce, with Edson Alvarez and now Conor Gallagher listed as targets.

According to reports from Spain, Man United have entered the race to sign the Chelsea midfielder this summer alongside Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.

It’s said that the Blues would be willing to sell the England international for £42m, as they look to raise funds for the player viewed as replaceable.

Gallagher could be Man Utd’s own Rice

Under the influence of Mauricio Pochettino, Gallagher became such a vital cog in the Chelsea system, regardless of what position he was deployed in.

Just like all the best leaders in the Premier League, the academy graduate led by example in every single match, displaying determination and the desperation to succeed.

Throughout the campaign, the versatile midfielder started 37 Premier League games, which would have been 38 had he not received a red card against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The former Crystal Palace loanee also proved that he can become a match-winner, becoming influential in the final third with five goals and seven assists.

Touches

70.29

73.95

51.17

Passes completed

51.82

56.96

34.99

Progressive passes

4.95

7.76

2.99

Progressive carries

1.78

2.09

1.17

Tackles

2.45

2.32

2.20

Interceptions

1.24

1.23

1.03

Balls recovered

6.36

4.97

4.49

It’s fair to say that Gallagher has absolutely everything you’d look for in a modern-day midfielder, and the same can be said for Rice.

As you can see from the table, it’s no surprise that Rice and Gallagher have been classified as ‘similar players’ by FBref.

Firstly, the duo are both technically gifted and have the ability to work in tight spaces, control a game, and help the side during the build-up phase, as shown by their touches, passes completed, and progressive passes.

This would make Gallagher an ideal partner for Mainoo, as between them, they’d be able to dictate the tempo of the game as well as adopt the playing out from the back approach.

On the other hand, Gallagher is known for being an absolute “machine” when it comes to off-the-ball actions and intensity, as dubbed by teammate Moises Caicedo.

Just like Rice, the 24-year-old is full of energy, and he can cover ground with ease due to his athleticism, which would be a welcomed addition from Mainoo’s perspective, especially as he was partnered by Casemiro last season, who “cannot run,” as per football creator Liam Canning.

Together, Mainoo and Gallagher would be an absolute nightmare to play against due to the intensity, technical quality, and defensive security they’d bring to the team, which United simply didn’t have enough of last season.

Overall, signing Gallagher could prove to be a masterclass by Man United, especially given that he’s a Rice clone and he’d thrive next to Mainoo, which is why ten Hag must swoop for him before the window slams shut in August.

What Man Utd's dream XI could look like after £230m spending spree

Marcus Rashford doesn’t make the best eleven.

1 ByTom Lever Jun 7, 2024

“I was feeling very weak,” Iqbal posted on his official Facebook page

Mohammad Isam12-Dec-2020Tamim Iqbal will undergo tests on Sunday after he fell ill during Fortune Barishal’s Bangabandhu T20 Cup match against Beximco Dhaka on Saturday. Iqbal didn’t take the field during Barishal’s defence of 193, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz deputising.Iqbal later wrote on his official Facebook page that he wasn’t feeling well shortly after he was dismissed for 19 off 17 balls, and upon the advice of the BCB’s medical team, returned to the BCB’s bio-secure hotel in central Dhaka.”I wasn’t feeling well since yesterday (Friday),” he posted. “I felt even worse after I returned to the dressing room upon my dismissal. I was feeling very weak. BCB’s medical team advised me to immediately return to the team hotel, and a few overs after I was out, I left the stadium. I will undergo all the tests tomorrow. I am seeking everyone’s prayers. If I am feeling well, I will play the Eliminator match.”However, it is not clear what exactly happened to Iqbal, but Dhaka – and many parts of Bangladesh – is currently experiencing unusually cold weather.Iqbal, who has made 302 runs at an average of 43.14 in this competition, has led Barishal in all the matches except for the second half of this game against Dhaka, which they lost by two runs. As a result, Barishal will face the same opponents in the Eliminator on Monday.The BCB has so far been stringent with their health protocols due to the pandemic, having secured several areas within the hotel where all five teams participating in the Bangabandhu T20 Cup are based. The board has also not allowed crowds at the Shere Bangla National Stadium since domestic cricket resumed in October.

Liverpool supporters far and wide will be desperate to see Arne Slot succeed in the Anfield dugout, but then Jurgen Klopp wore big boots and they will be decidedly hard to fill.

Granted, Slot, formerly of Feyenoord in the Netherlands, has tactical acumen, charisma and a winning smile. He has the ingredients to stir up success and lift an already talented squad that won the Carabao Cup last season and fought hard for the Premier League title, pulled away by a disappointing plummet in form toward the backend of the campaign.

But the idea of illustrious fortunes has already taken root in the hive mind of this Liverpool team, and now Slot is looking to build a foundation to reach such a level and sustain it.

Liverpool have a talented squad, yes, but so do Arsenal, and so do Manchester City. Moreover, so does a rather worrying group of top-flight rivals pushing for prominence. This squad might just need a tinker to put it in a good position to realise such potential next year, and beyond.

The Merseysiders might be well stocked across the park but there is no question that improvements could be made, with one exciting transfer story refusing to go away.

Liverpool transfer news

As per Football Insider, Liverpool are still interested in signing Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, who was offered to the Reds at the end of June as the Magpies sought to solve their PSR concerns.

Now that Newcastle have avoided a breach, signing the one-time Liverpool academy member is going to be tricky, but Football Insider's report suggests that a new bid is being plotted. However, the Toon are looking for a 'huge fee' in order to sell.

Indeed, Eddie Howe's outfit's £75m asking price is proving to be a sticking point, but Michael Edwards is a savvy negotiator and could yet canvass a shrewd and acceptable proposal.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: summer transfer window 2024

Find every incoming and outgoing for each 2024/25 Premier League club here.

ByStephan Georgiou Sep 18, 2024 Anthony Gordon's Newcastle career in numbers

Newcastle signed Gordon from Everton for £45m in January 2023 after the winger forced his way out of Goodison via a transfer request. He had made his name with Everton after being released by his boyhood club (Liverpool) during his teenage years.

He might have flattered to deceive at first on Tyneside but the Englishman went from strength to strength after a summer of recovery and invaluable pre-season, he has bloomed into one of the Premier League's most coveted attacking players.

Indeed, having scored just one goal and failed to register an assist across 16 appearances during the latter half of the 2022/23 campaign, Gordon's prolific exploits last season earned him the prize of United's Player of the Season, with his teammate Bruno Guimaraes hailing his "unbelievable" efforts.

Fleet-footed, slippery and invariably dangerous, the 23-year-old proved that he can throw down with the best that Europe has to offer last year and was duly called up to Gareth Southgate's England Euro 2024 squad as a result.

After all, 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions during his first full year at St. James' Park is hardly something to be sniffed at, especially when considering the player's overall performance level.

Matches played

35

Matches started

34

Goals

11

Assists

10

Big chances created

16

Pass completion

82%

Shots taken per game

2.3

Key passes per game

1.6

Tackles per game

1.6

Ball recoveries per game

3.6

Dribbles per game

1.5

Duels won per game

5.3

All-encompassing, Gordon has the mark of an elite-level forward and would be a brilliant addition to Slot's Liverpool team, bringing pace, potency and playmaking quality to make a marked effect on the success of a new era. He is undoubtedly an "exciting" player, as former Red Emile Heskey billed him.

Liverpool will of course weigh up the pros and cons but simply imagining the partnership that could be forged between the winger and Trent Alexander-Arnold is enough to get the legs wobbling.

How Trent could benefit Gordon at Liverpool

As per FBref, Alexander-Arnold ranks among the top 12% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 5% for assists, the top 1% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions and the top 2% for progressive passes per 90.

The £180k-per-week talent is truly one of Europe's superlative ball-playing stars, with pundit Jamie Carragher even exclaiming that "it's like having Kevin De Bruyne at right-back" – in reference to his ability to make staggering surgical passes, carving backlines open at will.

Gordon would relish the opportunity to play with such a phenom at club level.

Liverpool may have a top-class left winger in Luis Diaz, while Cody Gakpo has showcased his ability to wreak havoc from out wide for the Netherlands at Euro 2024 this summer, leading the scoring charts. Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez are both competent on the wing too, albeit better placed in a central striking position.

Supporters understand – if a bit grudgingly – that FSG are reluctant to authorise a high-cost acquisition in such a position given the rich spread of options at Slot's disposal, but if one were to leave, the stance would change entirely.

Diaz has been consistently linked with a move to Barcelona over recent months, but Liverpool would only entertain offers in excess of £50m and La Blaugrana aren't exactly loaded. Still, the interest is genuine and things could change over the next two months.

Harking back to that earlier Alexander-Arnold point, Gordon's pace and output might not be too dissimilar to that of Diaz but the England international is proving himself to be far more reliable in front of goal, providing the Reds' vice-captain with an unceasing attacking focal point to find with his diverse passing ability.

Alexander-Arnold created the joint-fifth-most big chances (16) in the Premier League last season despite starting only 25 times during an injury-affected year, and given that he is starting to shuttle into the centre with greater regularity, he might find himself placed to pick out surging peers such as Gordon with all the more constancy.

If the finances end up working out, Liverpool must surely push to sign Gordon, who wants the move and, four years younger than Diaz, could be one of Slot's linchpins over the coming years.

Hijack: Liverpool eyeing “monster” who'd be Slot's own Van Dijk signing

This would be quite the statement from FSG.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 5, 2024

Ipswich Town are already showing to their fans that they won't roll over and just allow relegation to happen moving up to the Premier League, with a new record buy now in through the door.

Omari Hutchinson has now officially rejoined the Portman Road ranks, signing for a record £20m fee, and will hope he can perform as well as he did in Ipswich's promotion story, whilst now playing in the elite division for Kieran McKenna's men.

It's unlikely that this will be the only statement buy from an Ipswich perspective in the weeks to come, with links now suggesting the Suffolk outfit are keen on signing a deadly striker to add even more firepower to the camp.

Ipswich keeping a close eye on Chile international

According to football journalist Darren Witcoop via social media, Ipswich are eyeing up the services of former Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton-Diaz this summer, with the Chile international keen on a return to the Premier League.

On loan at Sheffield United for the back half of the campaign and making an impact for Chris Wilder's beleaguered Blades, Brereton-Diaz could be tempted by the prospect of joining another relegation-threatened team in Ipswich and being a hero, with fellow promoted side Southampton also reportedly interested.

What Brereton-Diaz can offer Ipswich

Ipswich will hope the current Villarreal man, who has struggled to be potent out in Spain since moving out there in 2023, can be a reliable source of goals, alongside Hutchinson, when making the switch back to England again.

The two new recruits could form a deadly partnership over time, as Ipswich aim to take teams by surprise with attacking intent – which saw them net 92 strikes in the Championship – over just being defensively staunch in the top division.

Last term, Ipswich's new signing scored ten goals and registered six assists in Championship action, leading us to believe that it could be quite the sight if he partnered Brereton-Diaz in attack.

Away from being a renowned cool finisher in the second tier, bagging 14 goals in his final full season at the level with Blackburn, Brereton-Diaz also showed, whilst playing at Bramall Lane on loan, that he won't let the bright lights of the Premier League faze him.

The striker helped himself to six goals from just 14 Blades games, scoring every 185 minutes for his short-term employers subsequently, to try and lift spirits in South Yorkshire away from the doom and gloom of a miserable relegation.

Brereton-Diaz

43

14

4

Conor Chaplin

44

13

9

George Hirst

26

7

6

Nathan Broadhead

38

13

4

Omari Hutchinson

44

10

6

As can be seen looking at the table above, the 25-year-old will hope he can be Ipswich's leading man in attack next season if signed, having beaten all of his competition in the Tractor Boys ranks last season for goals scored across a full Championship campaign.

Moreover, whilst Nathan Broadhead, Hutchinson and Conor Chaplin tore the second-tier apart from down the wings and behind the lone striker, Ipswich's number 27 in George Hirst struggled with just seven goals managed from the striker spot, with injury problems constantly troubling the former Leicester City man.

Therefore, it could be a wise buy from the powers that be at Portman Road to sign Brereton-Diaz, especially with Kayden Jackson no longer at the club and Freddie Ladapo looking to be moved on in the centre-forward spots.

Described as being "extraordinary" by former Riversiders boss Tony Mowbray, Brereton-Diaz will hope his goals, if he does move to Suffolk, helps Ipswich pull off an unbelievable escape from relegation.

Hutchinson & £20m+ star join: Ipswich's dream XI after the transfer window

Kieran McKenna would love to have this Ipswich Town starting eleven next season.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 30, 2024

Hectic last hour leaves England needing 36 with seven wickets in hand

George Dobell17-Jan-2021

It may look like a modest target, but England face a nervous final morning in their bid to wrap up victory in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.When Sri Lanka’s second innings ended, midway through the final session on day four, it seemed the result was little more than a formality. England had been set just 74 to win, after all.But within minutes, England were 14 for 3. The left-arm spin of Lasith Embuldeniya, in particular, appeared to send panic coursing through the England line-up with Joe Root, their captain, run out by yards as he attempted to complete a highly optimistic single.By then, England had already lost both openers. Dom Sibley, desperate not to be drawn into playing at one that left him, instead left a straight ball that hit his off stump. Zak Crawley, meanwhile, was unable to capitalise upon being dropped on one, pushing at one that did indeed turn away from him and presenting a sharp catch to gully.But it was only when Root fell that Sri Lanka would have sensed they could pull off one of the great comebacks. Jonny Bairstow had barely dropped the ball more than a couple of metres in front of him, but seemed to call Root through for a single that was as unnecessary as it was unlikely. He had collided with the bowler, Dilruwan Perera, but was left well short of his ground regardless, as the keeper, Niroshan Dickwella, broke the stumps with his direct hit.Had Bairstow, looking more than a little rattled, been run out to the next delivery – he attempted another impossibly quick single and would have out by yards if there had been a direct hit – Sri Lanka might even have been favourites.But he survived. And in partnership with an impressively calm Dan Lawrence, Bairstow added 24 more runs before bad light forced a slightly early close. You suspect, ultimately, that the damage incurred in Sri Lanka’s first innings will simply prove too deep to mend. That said, England still require another 36 to win on the final day, and as the first six overs of their innings showed, it would be wrong to take anything for granted.Lasith Embuldeniya took two early wickets in the fourth innings•SLC

If England do go on to win, it will prove an especially memorably performance for Jack Leach. Leach, who came into this game having played just two first-class games in the last 14 months, has endured a tough time since he last represented England in Mount Maunganui in November 2019. He fell ill on that tour of New Zealand and was subsequently hospitalised with a case of sepsis that he admitted had him fearing for his life.While he was recalled to the England squad for the tour of South Africa, he fell ill once again and was eventually sent home early to ensure a complete recovery. With the outbreak of Covid-19 adding to the concerns of a man with a reduced immune system (a courtesy of his long-term battle with Crohn’s disease), Leach has admitted there were moments when he wondered if he would ever return the Test team.So to complete a five-wicket haul – his second at this level and his first since England last toured Sri Lanka in 2018 – represents a remarkable comeback. And a further demonstration of the strength of character that lurks under that mild-looking exterior.In truth, neither Leach nor Dom Bess was at their best for much of this game. Lacking the preparation they would have liked, there were times when they were unable to harness the undoubted assistance provided by this surface. Both would confess they bowled more release deliveries than they would have liked.Increasingly, however, they started to find their rhythm on the fourth day. There were moments in Sri Lanka’s second innings when Leach, in particular, looked a dangerous proposition with his drift and turn troubling the right-handers.Lahiru Thirimanne reached three figures•SLC

The wicket of Perera might have been particularly pleasing for England. It saw Jos Buttler complete the first stumping of his Test career to underline a really accomplished performance with the gloves. Buttler, in his 28th Test as keeper, had earlier missed a desperately tough stumping opportunity, but has generally kept impressively in this game. Completing such a dismissal from his old friend, Leach – the pair developed together at Somerset – was due reward for his improvement. And it will please the selectors, who have preferred him to Ben Foakes, who was player of the series when England won here in 2018.There were also moments it appeared Sri Lanka could set England a testing fourth-innings target. Certainly when Lahiru Thirimanne was at the crease, Sri Lanka will have retained thoughts of repeating their remarkable performance here in 2015, when they overcame a huge first-innings deficit to bowl India to defeat in the fourth innings.Thirimanne’s only other century at this level came on this ground in March 2013. But, since that match against Bangladesh, he had averaged 19.16 in 27 Tests coming into this game. Having failed in the first innings, it is no exaggeration to suggest that, by the time he walked out to bat on the third day, his career – and Sri Lanka’s hopes of salvaging anything from this game – were hanging by a thread.Related

Sri Lanka still bugged by batsman error

Moeen returns to England bubble after quarantine release

SL hope Thirimanne can live up to early expectations

But he revived his side’s hopes with an impressively assured contribution in the innings. Showing both patience and composure, he demonstrated a decent defensive technique and put away the loose ball effectively in reaching his first century in 54 Test innings.Each time it seemed Sri Lanka were on the brink of establishing a strong position, however, England would claim the wicket that pulled them back into the mire.In the end, it was the new ball that did for Thirimanne. After Sam Curran had moved a couple away from him, he got one to hold its own and take the inside edge of Thirimanne’s bat. Shortly afterwards, Dinesh Chandimal was drawn into poking at one from Bess that went straight on.Still, by the time they reached parity, Sri Lanka still had five wickets in hand. In partnership with Dickwella, Mathews had negotiated a disciplined spell from England’s seamers to add 48 overs in 23.4 overs.That frustration may well have led to Dickwella’s downfall. Attempting to run a short ball to third man, he succeeded only in top-edging the ball into the gloves of Buttler. In the next over, Dasun Shanaka was beaten in the flight by Leach and effectively yorked before Wanindu Hasaranga was drawn into a drive and Root held onto a sharp chance at slip.While Mathews reached a determined half-century, he was unable to replicate his heroics of Leeds in 2014 and became the final man to fall after edging one that left him from the deserving Leach. It was a performance that gave Sri Lanka just a scintilla of a chance. You cannot help but wonder, however, what might have happened had they managed even 50 or 100 more in their first innings.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em partida pela 22ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, o Ceará derrotou a Chapecoense por 1 a 0, na Arena Castelão. O atacante Jael fez o único gol da partida, que fez o Vozão abrir uma boa margem da zona do rebaixamento e deixou a lanterna Chapecoense em situação ainda mais crítica – a equipe soma apenas dez pontos na competição. Confira no vídeo acima os melhores momentos da partida.

RelacionadasFlamengoMesmo com mudanças, Flamengo tenta manter sua essência ofensiva no duelo com o América-MGFlamengo25/09/2021Futebol NacionalConfiança vence Operário-PR, mas não se afasta do Z-4Futebol Nacional25/09/2021Futebol NacionalPara seguir no G4, Fortaleza busca vitória contra o Sport em duelo de nordestinosFutebol Nacional25/09/2021

Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS

ERA DA CHAPE…

A Chapecoense apareceu com duas chances de perigo logo no início do jogo. Aos 3′, em cruzamento na área, a bola encontrou Anselmo Ramón, que cabeceou para fora. Na sequência, pela esquerda, Anselmo Ramón recebeu dentro da área e finalizou à queima-roupa em Richard, que fechou o ângulo. A bola subiu, foi na direção do gol, e Luiz Otávio salvou em cima da linha.

RESPOSTA À ALTURA!

Aos 9′, o Ceará se livrou da marcação da Chape e deu uma boa resposta. Na jogada, Jael cobrou falta. Luiz Otávio tocou para Kelvyn, que pegou mal na bola, que subiu demais. Aos 16, Vina finalizou mal para a defesa do goleiro da Chapecoense. Cinco minutos depois, uma ótima chegada do Ceará. Vina tocou para Rick, que deixou de calcanhar para Fernando Sobral finalizar. A bola passou próximo ao gol de Keiller.

CHANCES DESPERDIÇADAS!

O jogo seguiu com tudo. Aos 29′, a Chapecoense chegou em mais uma jogada de perigo de Anselmo Ramon, que finalizou por cima do gol. Como resposta, Jael mandou por cima do gol.

KEILLER E JOGADAS DA CHAPE!

Aos 36, Kelvyn recebeu dentro da área e finalizou para defesa espetacular de Keiller. Quatro minutos depois, a Chape chegou duas vezes com perigo de Bruno Silva e Maike, mas a arbitragem já marcava o impedimento.

PRESSÃO…

A volta do jogo seguiu movimentada. Logo no primeiro minuto, Anselmo Ramón recebeu e tentou, de bicicleta. A bola passou por perto do gol de Richard.

PÊNALTI!

Aos 5, a arbitragem pegou pênalti para o Ceará, após Luiz Otávio ser derrubado na área. Com cavadinha, Jael deslocou o goleiro e abriu o placar no Castelão.

SITUAÇÃO RUIM!

Em desvantagem, a Chapecoense ficou mais desorganizada e, com isso, não conseguiu criar grandes oportunidades de perigo. A situação ficou ainda pior aos 22. Jordan cometeu falta em Vina, recebeu o segundo cartão amarelo e acabou expulso.

NOVAS CHANCES…

Aproveitando a vantagem númerica em campo e no placar, o Ceará seguiu pressionando, em busca do segundo. Aos 24, Vina chutou cruzado, mas Keiller defendeu. Cléber tentou na cabeça. Aos 25, o jogador parou na defesa do goleiro da Chape.

NA TRAVE!

A Chapecoense achou uma chance aos 27′. Em bola na área, Derlan cabeceou, e a bola explodiu na trave direita de Richard. Na sequência, Érick e Marlon pararam na defesa do goleiro da Chape. Sem outras chances, a partida terminou com o triunfo do Vozão.

FICHA TÉCNICA
Ceará 1 x 0 Chapecoense
Local: Arena Castelão (CE)
Data e hora: 25/09/2021 – 17h (de Brasília)
Árbitro:Caio Max Augusto Vieira (RN)
Assistentes:Jean Márcio dos Santos (RN) eLorival Cândido das Flores (RN)
VAR: Pablo Ramón Gonçalves Pinheiro (RN)
Cartões amarelos: Moisés Ribeiro e Lima (Chapecoense)
Cartões vermelhos: Jordan (Chapecoense)
Gol: Jael, aos 7’/2ºT

CEARÁ (Técnico: Tiago Nunes)

Richard; Gabriel Dias, Gabriel Lacerda, Luiz Otávio e Bruno Pacheco (Lima, aos 34’/2ºT); Geovane (Marlon, aos 26’/2ºT), Fernando Sobral, Rick (Erick, aos 26’/2ºT), Vina (Gabriel Santos, aos 34’/2ºT) e Kelvyn; Jael (Cléber, aos 15’/2ºT).

CHAPECOENSE (Técnico: Pintado)

Keiller; Matheus Ribeiro, Kadu, Jordan e Busanello (Geuvânio, aos 24’/2ºT); Alan Santos (Ezequiel, aos 31’/2ºT), Moisés Ribeiro (Lima, aos 0’/2ºT) e Denner; Bruno Silva (Perotti, aos 17’/2ºT), Mike e Anselo Ramon (Derlan, aos 25’/2ºT).

Two rounds have been cut from the Sheffield Shield while the Marsh Cup is a five-game season plus the final

Alex Malcolm10-Feb-2021Two rounds have been cut from the Sheffield Shield and the Marsh Cup will be a five-game tournament in the restructured Australian domestic calendar, but the completion of all the fixtures hang in the balance because of the uncertainty regarding state border controls around the country. Western Australia remains a major concern for Cricket Australia’s schedule, with the state government maintaining strict Covid-19 border rules for travellers coming in.CA and the state cricket associations ticked off on the new revamped domestic schedule late last week with each state to play eight Shield matches in total, including those already played, and five 50-over Marsh Cup matches with the top two teams in each competition to play off in the finals in April. The Marsh Cup final will be played on April 11 and the Shield final on April 15-19.The Australian Cricketers’ Association agreed to a reduction of games this season on the understanding that it would return to ten rounds and a final next season.The first half of the Shield season took place in October and November in a hub in Adelaide but the rest of the fixtures will now be played in all six states, with teams to fly commercially alongside the general public and arrange their own accommodation as has been the case in previous seasons. The bio-security rules are set to be far less stringent than they were during the BBL.Related

Victoria cleared to travel to NSW for domestic fixtures despite Melbourne lockdown

NSW and Victoria aiming to still play Marsh Cup opener despite latest lockdown in Victoria

Australia seek middle-order answers during T20 mission in New Zealand

BBL beats season of uncertainty

Cummins named NSW captain for the rescheduled 50-over Marsh Cup

The season recommences next Monday with New South Wales hosting Victoria in a Marsh Cup fixture in Sydney, where Pat Cummins will make his NSW captaincy debut before the two sides meet in a Shield game at the SCG two days later.WA were initially scheduled to face New South Wales in Sydney on that date but the entire schedule was restructured because of WA’s complicated border situation.Travellers entering WA from states where there has been a community Covid-19 case in the previous 28 days are required to do 14-days strict home isolation upon arrival. With the BBL final being played in Sydney, where there has been a recent case, WA and Perth Scorchers’ entire coaching staff, as well as WA and Scorchers players Cameron Bancroft, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Matt Kelly, Joel Paris and Corey Rocchiccioli have been forced into home isolation in Perth for the next 14 days, with the period to end on February 21, a day after the first two rescheduled Shield games have been completed. Had the final been played in Canberra, where both the Qualifier and the Challenger were played, none of the coaches or players would have needed to do home isolation.David Moody delayed his return to WA in the hope that borders would open, only for Victoria to report multiple Covid-19 cases in the past week•Getty ImagesShaun Marsh and Hilton Cartwright, who played in the BBL with the Melbourne Renegades and the Melbourne Stars respectively, are currently in home quarantine, having started 14 days earlier than those coming back from Sydney. David Moody, who was with the Hobart Hurricanes, is also starting a 14-day quarantine having travelled home from Melbourne. Moody delayed his return to WA in the hope that borders would open, only for Victoria to report multiple Covid-19 cases in the past week. The remainder of WA’s squad that aren’t in New Zealand with Australia’s T20I squad, including Test player Cameron Green, have been in WA during the BBL, although Green and Australia coach Justin Langer had to serve 14-days quarantine after returning home from the Brisbane Test against India last month.The WACA has secured training exemptions for staff and players to attend three training sessions at the WACA ground next week on the proviso there are no further cases in NSW.WA is set to host three Shield matches and three Marsh Cup matches under the new schedule, including fixtures against Victoria in both competitions from March 23 to March 28. WA is also set to travel to Sydney to face NSW in a Marsh Cup fixture on March 14. If the current WA border rules remain in place, both NSW and Victoria would need to have 28 consecutive days from now without a community Covid-19 case for those fixtures to go ahead as planned.CA executive general manager of high-performance Drew Ginn said CA would remain agile and open to shifting fixtures if and when necessary as it was during the BBL.”Today’s announcement safeguards the integrity of the Marsh Sheffield Shield and Marsh One-Day Cup competitions while managing the physical and mental wellbeing of players, officials, and staff on account of the extraordinary demands placed upon them this season,” he said. “Every person across Australian Cricket has worked incredibly hard to deliver this summer of cricket and should be proud of those efforts. At the same time, the lived experience of operating through the pandemic has provided us all with new appreciation and perspective for the increased workloads required to deliver elite, national sporting competitions.”It is out of this duty of care that, with the input and support of the States and Territories Associations and the ACA, we have elected to shorten the Marsh Sheffield Shield and Marsh One-Day Cup, while ensuring both competitions are of a sufficient length to ensure a high-level of competition for teams and players.”As has been the case throughout the summer, we will need to remain agile and responsive given the public health situation across the country. The health and wellbeing of players, officials, and staff remains the top priority.”

We are just over three weeks away from the Premier League kicking off for another season of suspense-filled football, and while every club has a lot to fight for, few have quite as much as Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta's side will be hoping it's third time's the charm as they look to finally end their two-decade title drought and stop Manchester City from winning an unprecedented five in a row.

However, to give themselves the best chance of doing that, they must bring in some talented players this summer, such as Nico Williams.

The Gunners have been consistently linked with a move for the Spaniard, but whether they'll be able to get him is another thing entirely. So it's good news that Edu Gaspar ad Co have already lined up a brilliant alternative and someone who'd be the perfect Bukayo Saka rival at the same time.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from Turkish publication Sabah Spor, Arsenal are one of several teams interested in signing Galatasaray ace Baris Alper Ylimaz this summer.

Alongside the Gunners, the report claims that North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are set to meet with the player's representatives to discuss a possible transfer. At the same time, Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool, Manchester United and Aston Villa are also 'closely following the player.'

The report reveals that Galatasaray would entertain offers in excess of €30m, which converts to around £25m, and while that's still a significant sum of money, it's somewhat reasonable in the modern game.

In all, if Arsenal can get ahead of the chasing pack for Yilmaz this summer, then based on his recent performances, they should bring him to N5, as he could be both the perfect rival for Saka and an alternative to Williams.

Why Yilmaz would be a great signing

Okay, so for those slightly unfamiliar with Yilmaz, you may be somewhat confused as to how a player could challenge Saka and be an alternative to Williams, but therein lies one of the Turkish international's biggest strengths: his versatility.

In his career to date, he has started games all over the pitch, from right-back to centre-forward, but his two most played positions have been left and right-wing, with him starting 66 games on the former and 64 on the latter.

It's this experience out on the left that could see the 24-year-old become the Gunners alternative to the Athletic Bilbao ace, and his time on the right, where he spent most of last season, that could see him come in as a challenge to Saka.

So, with that said, how does he stack up against the Hale End superstar when it comes to pure output?

Well, as you'd probably expect given the outlandish talent of the Englishman, the Gala ace comes out second best, but it's close enough to suggest that he could act as the perfect bench option for the Gunners or even as someone who could start some of the less important games to give the 22-year-old some time to rest.

Appearances

55

47

Goals

7

20

Assists

12

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.34

0.72

For example, while the Ealing-born gem scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists in 47 appearances last season, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.38 games, the Turkish dynamo scored seven goals and provided 12 assists in 55 appearances, equating to a slightly less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.89 games.

Moreover, with arguably the best centre-back in the world, Virgil van Dijk, describing the Rize-born star as a player who is "difficult for every defender" to play against, he'd probably surprise many Premier League fans.

Forget Merino: Arsenal in talks to sign a "monster" with shades of Vieira

The “world-class” midfielder would be unreal for the Gunners.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 22, 2024

Ultimately, Arsenal have needed a player who can step in and cover for Saka for years now, and with Yilmlaz supposedly available for just £25m this summer, signing him feels like a no-brainer.

Southampton look to be very much on the hunt for more attacking options this transfer window, after it was finally confirmed that Che Adams had found a new club away from the South Coast outfit.

Losing the Scotland international's firepower up top ahead of their maiden voyage up to the Premier League will sting, especially when you consider he's moved onto Serie A side Torino on a free transfer too, but Russell Martin's men will now be determined to adequately replace the ex-Birmingham City forward's goal threat now.

They would well replace him with one prolific goal machine who will be well known to fans of English football and is need of finding his mojo again with a new permanent club, after shining briefly in the Premier League last campaign.

Southampton leading race for ex-Blackburn Rovers ace

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Southampton are leading the race to sign former Blackburn Rovers ace Ben Brereton Diaz this summer transfer window.

Brereton Diaz shone out on loan with Sheffield United last season, with six goals managed from 14 top-flight games for the basement club, and so could want to end his Villarreal nightmare once and for all this off-season.

Really struggling to make an impact for the La Liga giants after walking out of Blackburn last year, the current Villarreal number nine is said to be keen on a move to the newly promoted Saints, who have long admired Brereton Diaz's prowess in front of goal.

Now feels like the perfect opportunity for this move to get over the line, therefore, with the 25-year-old a deadly finisher when on his A-Game, and a striker that could make Martin and Co instantly forget about Adams departing for Italy.

What Brereton-Diaz can offer Southampton

Away from offering the Blades some much-needed positivity in attack last season at the foot of the Premier League, Brereton-Diaz already had a reputation for being a deadly finisher on English soil, mainly when he was on the books at Blackburn.

The adopted Chile international would bag 47 goals from 177 games at Ewood Park, leading to his ex-Blackburn boss in Tony Mowbray labelling him as an "extraordinary" talent, with 16 goals managed in all competitions from 50 games during his final swansong season in Lancashire.

Brereton-Diaz vs Adams – Most recent PL record

Stat – per game*

Brereton-Diaz (2023/24)

Adams (2022/23)

Games played

14

28

Goals scored

6

5

Assists

1

3

Shots*

2.5

1.7

Big chances missed

5

11

Big chances created

3

3

Scoring frequency

185 mins

399 mins

Stats by Sofascore

As shown in the table above, in the pair's most recent, respective outings in the top flight, it is Brereton Diaz who enjoyed the more fruitful time of it in front of goal, thus indicating just what a potential upgrade he could be amid Southampton's return to the promisied land.

Brereton Diaz's game could also be elevated next to Adam Armstrong – who he lined up with at the Riversiders once upon a time too – with the experienced sharp-shooter scoring a sublime 21 second tier strikes during the regular campaign for Martin's Saints on the way to promotion being dramatically sealed.

Likewise, Armstrong could learn from his new partner up top, with the 27-year-old a feared prospect for defenders in the EFL, but not really for Premier League defences, having bagged only four top-flight strikes across his career to date.

Brereton Diaz eclipsed that total just last season at Bramall Lane, with Adams also previously being a goal-shy presence in the elite division, with only 25 strikes managed from 125 games.

Therefore, if given time over a full season in the bright lights of the top league, the Chilean striker could become a new hero for the Saints, and fill the gap left behind by the Scotsman perfectly.

Related Imagine him & Armstrong: Southampton in talks for PL star who wants to join

Southampton could shine going forward in the Premier League with this new recruit.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Jul 24, 2024

Manchester United flop Joshua Zirkzee could head back to Italy after just six months at Old Trafford.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Zirkzee could leave Man Utd in JanuaryReunion with Motta is on the cards at JuventusFailed to live up to expectations at Old TraffordFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Devils were in search of an attacking option in the summer transfer window and eventually signed Netherlands international Zirkzee from Bologna on a £36.5 million ($47m) deal. After displaying exceptional form for the Italian club in the 2023-24 season that saw them secure a Champions League spot, Zirkzee was expected to shine at Old Trafford right from the off.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

However, Zirkzee has failed to live up to expectations so far at United, scoring just one goal and providing two assists in 17 appearances in the 2024-25 campaign. This has reportedly alarmed bosses at Old Trafford who could consider parting ways with him after just six months, according to .

DID YOU KNOW?

The report also adds that the 23-year-old attacker could head back to the Serie A with giants Juventus reportedly keen on signing him. The Bianconeri are in search of a replacement for injured striker Arkadiusz Milik, who underwent knee surgery in October. The Dutch forward would also get an opportunity to reunite with former manager Thiago Motta and the familiarity could help the player regain his long lost form.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

The Ruben Amorim era at Old Trafford will formally start after the international break when United take on Ipswich Town in a Premier League clash on November 24.