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After beating Liverpool to the double-swoop of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, it seemed that Chelsea were untouchable in the transfer market and could sign whoever they want due to their overwhelming financial muscle.

Therefore, when the Blues triggered Michael Olise’s £35m release clause, it seemed like the former Reading sensation would inevitably end up at Stamford Bridge.

However, in a mind-boggling turn of events, Olise has now signed a new four-year deal at Selhurst Park, leaving Chelsea to consider other attacking options.

Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson is under consideration, but another name has come to the forefront of speculation.

Who could Chelsea sign instead of Michael Olise?

According to Fabrice Hawkins, Chelsea have accelerated their pursuit of 20-year-old Lyon prodigy Bradley Barcola following their failure to land Olise.

Read the latest Chelsea transfer news HERE…

However, Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in Barcola and the west London outfit’s first €35 (£30m) offer was refused by Lyon.

The player is yet to give a final agreement. Previous reports from France suggested a fee of £43m may need to be offered.

Who is Bradley Barcola?

Last season, Barcola enjoyed a stirring breakout campaign at the club he’s been at since 2010.

In 15 Ligue 1 starts, the attacker bagged five goals and crafted eight assists – his total for the metric was the highest in the squad as he has developed a formidable reputation for tricky, technique, and creativity.

The rising star also ranks impressively across the continent, sitting within the best 1% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for assists per 90, and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90.

Despite possessing an obscene degree of skill, Barcola is deemed to be a hard-working forward who meaningfully contributes to the defensive effort – this is mirrored by his rank in the highest 10% for aerials won per 90, blocks per 90, and interceptions per 90.

The 6-foot livewire made history in April 2023, when he became the youngest player in Europe’s top five leagues to have been involved in ten goals in all competitions in 2023 (six goals and four assists).

Following this achievement, Lyon manager Laurent Blanc provided a glowing review of the Frenchman: "He surprises me on a physical level. He doesn't second-guess himself… he scores goals, even though he is not necessarily an out-and-out striker. He can easily eliminate his opponents with his technical finesse and speed.

"When he wasn't a starter, I told him to be attentive and serious because he was certainly going to be able to occupy an important position in the team. He must have thought I was crazy not to play him."

A player of this repertoire and output is a worthy alternative to Olise. It was widely assumed that he would join the two-time European Champions, but he has committed his future to the Eagles.

Palace were reportedly on the verge of launching legal action against Chelsea for their Olise approach. However, it seems that Todd Boehly has already pinpointed his next target, who like Olise, is a fountain of innovation.

Indeed, last term, the Eagles attacker registered a whopping 11 assists in the Premier League. Barcola couldn't quite manage as many but one year Olise's junior, he still has plenty of time to develop and reach the same dizzy heights.

Lauded as part of the "elite" Lyon academy by Football Talent Sout Jacek Kulig, Barcola is more than capable of becoming a useful asset at a Premier League club.

West Ham United are still very active in the transfer market as they attempt to strengthen their squad before the window closes and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

Who is Anthony Martial signing for?

According to talkSPORT's transfer expert Alex Crook, West Ham are now interested in signing Manchester United striker Anthony Martial.

As per a report written for the broadcaster, Crook claimed that after submitting offers for both Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire, the Hammers are now looking to steal away a third Red Devils mainstay with Martial named as a target.

Crook notes that talks are in the early stages and Erik ten Hag may not be particularly keen on parting ways with the goal-scorer, due to a shortage of out-and-out number nines at Old Trafford.

United fear they are unlikely to get a big fee for the forward, as West Ham monitor the French forward's situation in the northwest.

How many goals has Anthony Martial scored?

There is no doubt that David Moyes and the West Ham hierarchy desperately need to step up their pursuit of their transfer targets with only a few weeks remaining to secure much-needed new additions in key positions.

Indeed, Declan Rice's £105m move to Arsenal is the most high-profile departure for the Irons, but they have also lost Manuel Lanzini and Gianluca Scamacca, whilst Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio's futures hang in the balance with both players keen for a move away.

As a result, the signing of Martial could be a great piece of business for Moyes as he looks to improve and bolster the attacking threat for the east Londoners, with the Man United striker a worthy heir to Antonio should he leave this summer.

The Frenchman has been a regular for the Red Devils over his long-standing tenure, scoring 88 goals and registering 53 assists over 298 appearances with a goal contribution delivered every 135 minutes played – an output that would be a major asset for West Ham this season.

When comparing Martial's output with Antonio's last season, the 27-year-old comfortably outperformed the West Ham all-time top-scorer in a number of key attributes including shots on target rate (46.2% v 33.3%), pass completion (80.2% v 53.4%), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.58 v 1.92), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.46 v 0.44) and successful take-ons (53.8% v 40%), as per FBref.

The £250k-per-week ace has been the recipient of high praise over his career so far, with Man United legend Paul Scholes hailing Martial for his talent last term:

"Every United fan knows he has real talent. But we just need to see it more often.

"The lad’s got real ability. He’s been quiet for 18 months, we’re not sure what happened to him, injuries, confidence, but the lad has got ability, we need to see more of it. He can score a lot of goals."

Now that young goal machine Rasmus Hojlund has joined the Manchester giants, it could mean that Martial will struggle for game-time this season under Ten Hag, so a move to West Ham presents an attractive opportunity to earn first-team football consistently.

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for West Ham to secure a deal for Martial this summer, as he could certainly ease the blow of losing Scamacca and offer Moyes a potential replacement for Antonio.

Leeds United could be set to repeat a recent transfer success of theirs, should they choose to once again sign from the Bundesliga.

Is Alexander Nubel leaving Bayern Munich?

With Daniel Farke's summer revamp having been kicked off by the signing of Ethan Amapdu, it now finally feels like the 49ers will start to exert their influence on their new club and help forge a brighter future for this struggling giant.

Dropping into the Championship last season was a gut punch to their reputation, having only spent three years back in the Premier League. However, it already seems like the new owners are planning for an instant return, with a fresh report coming from Sky Sports Germany to reaffirm the Whites' interest in Bayern Munich goalkeeper Alexander Nubel.

Whilst VfB Stuttgart seem in the lead for his signature, the report does not discount the pull of the Yorkshire team, who remain in the race despite having yet to make an offer.

The German shot-stopper is valued at €13m (£11m) by FootballTransfers.

How good is Alexander Nubel?

Having spent the last two seasons on loan at AS Monaco, as playtime at his parent club was limited given the legendary status of Manuel Neuer, the 26-year-old has proven himself more than capable of starring as a first-choice option.

After all, his 6.93 average rating last term in Ligue 1 is indicative of this, with his 71% save success rate feeding into the mammoth 3.7 stops he averages per game, via Sofascore. A tally of 24 clean sheets across his 97 appearances for the French club is an admirable one.

However, his talents reach far beyond his ability to keep the ball out of his net, as Germany's U21 coach Klaus Thomforde claimed: "You can only speak highly of Alex – he's an incredibly talented goalkeeper, with the world at his feet. He's got an extraordinary footballing ability, but he's also very down to earth and is a great lad."

In once again returning to the Bundesliga for a signing, similar to how they did by prying Tyler Adams from RB Leipzig, the Elland Road outfit could be set to repeat old successes that would all but assure their promotion next season.

After all, the USMNT international proved to be an instant hit in the engine room despite relegation, having provided a much-needed injection of pace, dynamism and defensive steel.

This was outlined through his statistics, as he posted 1.5 interceptions, 3.7 tackles, one clearance and one key pass per game, whilst maintaining an 82% pass accuracy too, via Sofascore.

His ability to break up and dictate the play was impressive, as his 6.98 average rating in the Premier League made him the club's best performer of those who had started five or more games.

Sky Sports journalist Tim Thornton sought to support this, noting back in September:

"He's done really, really well. He knows his game. When he came in, he said ‘I'm not going to be the man to replace Kalvin Phillips, I’m my own man.’ There are similarities in the way he plays with Phillips in the way that he breaks play up and screens the defence. But he's also very different in a lot of ways. So he's done brilliantly."

Given the immediate success the 24-year-old garnered, translating his form from Germany to England in a flash, perhaps Nubel could seek to emulate this switch and help alleviate an area of huge weakness for Leeds.

Liam Dawson hopes to be able to pick the brains of Shane Warne during the Test series against South Africa but believes he remains primarily a batsman with his bowling a valuable second string.Dawson, who made his Test debut against India in Chennai, was a surprise inclusion in Joe Root’s first Test squad as captain. He had a mixed experience at Lord’s, bagging a pair but also picking up four wickets including the key scalp of Hashim Amla with a beautiful delivery in the second innings.The view of his own game, that the batting still holds sway – he has opened in the County Championship for Hampshire this season and made 66 on his Test debut – seems to go against the role he was given in the first Test where he was billed as the team’s main spinner. Trevor Bayliss, the England coach, said the reasoning behind that had been to take the pressure off Moeen Ali who responded with his first 10-wicket haul in Tests.Dawson said that he and Moeen were “equal” in terms of their bowling but that he was keen to evolve his left-arm spin by seeking out Warne who was the Hampshire captain when Dawson made his first-class debut against Yorkshire in 2007.”I will try and catch up with him over the course of this series and have a chat with him about bowling. That would be brilliant to do,” Dawson said. “Someone who is that good, been that successful and a legend of the game, you can only pick their brains. You might pick up something that might give you a little edge when you are out there and that can only be a positive.”I am an allrounder but batting is my strongest suit,” he added. “I can do a good job with the ball. Having two strings to your bow is always helpful.”Dawson admitted he had to battle nerves at Lord’s and was disappointed with his first-innings performance with the ball where although he claimed two wickets he conceded more than four an over. However, despite missing a big full toss from Kagiso Rabada to complete his pair on the fourth morning, making it three Test ducks in a row, he felt far more assured when he was brought on in the second innings and had the joy of straightening one on Amla to trap him lbw.”I usually deal with nerves pretty well, but this time I was just too nervous and I have got to handle that better next time and I think I will be better for it,” he said. “It is just part of sport and you have just got to try and deal with it and I did in the second innings. I was more relaxed second innings because I was out there again and enjoying every minute of it.”Dawson has been well-regarded by the England management since taking three wickets on his T20I debut against Sri Lanka at the Ageas Bowl last season. Bayliss has previously said “he has something about him” and Dawson prides himself on being a “smart” cricketer.”People probably watch me and think ‘you know he is not the best cricketer’ but I have got to use my cricket brain. That has always helped me for Hampshire. That is another thing I pride myself on, being smart and clever. I think I am always trying to get into a battle and enjoy it. It is nice when that happens. Test cricket is suited to that. It is hard. I have only played two Test matches and it is extremely hard but it is so rewarding when you get a win like we did.”The indications after the victory at Lord’s were that England would retain the same XI at Trent Bridge with Bayliss’ view that a fifth quick bowler in the side would be overkill regardless of how green the surface was. Toby Roland-Jones, the uncapped Middlesex seamer, is the 12th member of the unchanged squad.

It couldn’t be a better time to be a Newcastle United fan.

Instead of the customary plan scrabble to avoid relegation, Champions League football beckons, and the club will aim for a consecutive top-four finish.

This summer, Sandro Tonali has already been added to the ranks from AC Milan – another glorious statement of intent that signals the unwavering ambition of the new ownership.

To follow this, stories have emerged that the Magpies are set to raid Serie A and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is the next target.

What’s the latest on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Newcastle United?

According to Saudi outlet WinWinAllSport (via Corriere Dello Sport), Newcastle are prepared to invest €95m (£82m) to sign the Napoli talisman.

The Partenopei are yet to respond to this lucrative offer and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis is keen to keep the winger, whose contract doesn't expire until 2027.

However, given the attractiveness of the project at Newcastle and its overwhelming financial muscle, it will be intriguing to see if the club can prize away one of Serie A's most delightful talents.

Why does Newcastle want to sign Khicha Kvaratskhelia?

The spindly and unassuming 22-year-old arrived in Campania from his native Georgia last summer almost as a completely unknown entity.

But, in a blistering twelve months, Kvaratskhelia embedded himself into Neapolitan folklore, thanks to his dazzling skill and consistency, which secured the club their first Scudetto in 33 years.

Across 43 appearances across all competitions, the joyous technician notched a whopping 31 goal contributions and was simply unplayable at times.

This imperious debut campaign in Italy earned him a series of accolades, including the Serie A MVP of the year.

The League’s Chief Executive Luigi De Siervo said: "Kvaratskhelia`s impact on the league has been impressive. Congratulations to Napoli for having brought to Italy this talent, who from the very first matches showed off his repertoire of technique, dribbling, personality, and creativity."

This sentiment was echoed by his title-winning boss Luciano Spalletti, who added: "Kvara is gorgeous, magnificent, and delightful. A top player, despite his age. He still has a lot to learn and when he does he will become deadly, a super footballer."

His devastating partnership with the endlessly industrious and ruthlessly efficient Victor Osimhen was one of the title-winning catalysts and is something he could emulate with Alexander Isak.

Although the Swede’s first season in England was interrupted by injury, he still showcased marvellous quality. In just 17 Premier League starts, the former Real Sociedad star still managed 12 goal contributions, whilst often playing in his unfavoured left-wing position.

His wonderful ability to effortlessly glide with the ball, which he has merged with a commendable potency, has created a fiendishly effective forward.

In Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers, he ranks within the best 17% for progressive passes, progressive carries, and successful take-ons per 90.

Isak has magnificently acclimatised to English football and with the added bonus of Champions League football for the upcoming season, he will be expected to more regularly deputise for Callum Wilson as the focal point.

The prospect of Kvaratskhelia and Isak starting together under Eddie Howe is mouth-watering and will leave Newcastle fans brimming with excitement.

A selection camp featuring 50 players has been scheduled for March 16 to 19 to pick a 14-man squad for the WCL Division Three in Uganda

Peter Della Penna14-Mar-2017

Former Hyderabad wicketkeeper Ibrahim Khaleel is one of three former first-class players to be invited to a USA selection camp from March 16 to 19 in Houston, Texas. The purpose of the camp is to pick a 14-man squad to tour Uganda in May for WCL Division Three matches.Khaleel, 34, last represented Hyderabad in January 2015, having played 57 first-class matches in the Ranji Trophy since his debut in 2002. He has been playing league cricket in Chicago for the past several summers and was identified by selectors at an ICC Regional Combine held in Chicago last May.It was understood that Khaleel has not yet met the eligibility threshold – a non-citizen can represent his resident country provided he has spent a minimum of 183 days per year over four consecutive years prior to a tournament – but would be immediately eligible if he were to secure a US passport. According to a source, Khaleel currently has US permanent residency status and was in the latter stages of obtaining US citizenship.Roy Silva, the Sri Lankan batsman who played 87 first-class matches, and Camilus Alexander, the former Windward Islands legspinner, were also called up to the selection camp.Silva, 36, played his last first-class match for Colombo CC in March 2013 and has been a heavy scorer in the Georgia and Florida leagues since moving to the USA. Alexander, 35, was the leading wicket-taker at the USACA T20 National Championship in 2014 while playing for the South East Region. Both would be eligible to play for USA under the ICC’s four-year deemed national rule.The 19 players from the camp are expected to link up with a training squad of 31, which had been assembled prior to USA’s title-winning run at WCL Division Four.The other talking point was the potential returns of offspinner Abhimanyu Rajp, batsman Charan Singh and left-arm spinning allrounder Mrunal Patel. Rajp and Charan last played for USA during the Auty Cup tours to Canada in 2013 and 2011 respectively while Mrunal had been part of the team that went to Ireland in 2015 for the World T20 qualifier.Four recent USA Under-19 representatives will be part of the camp as well. New York batsman Randall Wilson is a strong contender for a batting spot after solid performances at the ICC’s Regional Combine in New York last June and a half-century against a touring MCC side in September. Batsmen Gauranshu Sharma, Sagar Patel and Tohidul Islam were the other former U-19 players up for selection.Danial Ahmed (left) was unavailable while Timroy Allen (right) has issues over taking time off work•Peter Della Penna

“When considering players to add to the trial, the [selection] panel wanted to predominantly focus on youth players, young guys who stood out at Combines last year or in previous USA U-19 teams,” selection chairman Ricardo Powell said in a press release. “It will be good to give them some additional exposure in this environment. Those young players are accompanied by a couple more experienced players who have been consistent performers in the US and abroad.”The large number of invitees was partly because seven of the most recent USA squad members were unavailable, including four who were a part of either the Division Four squad or the one for their previous assignment, the Auty Cup. Fast bowlers Hammad Shahid and David Pieters, and allrounder Srini Santhanam have been ruled out due to injury while seamer Aman Lobana and left-arm spinner Danial Ahmed were unavailable.Shahid’s absence was the biggest blow. He had taken three wickets in two matches, with an exemplary economy rate of 3.55 in the Auty Cup last October. He had a strong chance of being among the final 14 to play in Uganda but sustained a torn posterior cruciate knee ligament (PCL) during a recent training session and was expected to be out for up to three months.Santhanam had surgery on his right shoulder in December and cannot play cricket at least until the second half of 2017. Pieters, who has yet to debut for USA, tore a meniscus at a trial match in Florida last August ahead of Division Four. Subsequent tests revealed cartilage damage in his right knee. After going under the knife for a second time last week, he has been ruled out of action indefinitely.There were doubts over batsman Alex Amsterdam and allrounder Timroy Allen attending the camp as well. Both spent a month in Barbados with the ICC Americas squad at the WICB Regional Super50 in January and February, making it difficult for them to take more time off work again, especially considering the team would be away from home for up to three weeks for the Division Three tour. Allen, one of USA’s most valuable assets, was recently retained by Jamaica Tallawahs in the CPL draft.A six-day pre-tour to South Africa has been organised for USA before they land in Uganda for the start of the matches on May 23. In addition to the hosts, USA will be competing against Canada, Malaysia, Oman and Singapore in the next phase of the qualification process for the 2019 World Cup. The top two finishers at Division Three advance to Division Two, expected to be held in late 2017 or early 2018. It is the last step prior to the 2018 World Cup Qualifier, currently slated for Bangladesh in April 2018.

Thirty-two-year-old Sarah Aley has been added to Australia Women’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand on February 17. She was called in as cover for Lauren Cheatle, who sustained an injury to her shoulder during training last week.Aley – who finished as the highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded Women’s Big Bash League – would be the fourth-oldest Australian woman to make a T20I debut if she plays, behind Cathryn Fitzpatrick (37), Belinda Clark (34) and Lisa Keightley (34).She was the player of the match during the WBBL final. In 10 matches in the tournament, Aley took 19 wickets with three three-wicket hauls, including 4 for 23 in the final.National selector Shawn Flegler said Aley’s consistent performances in both the 50-over and 20-over versions have earned her a spot in Australia’s squad. “Sarah had yet another consistent season in both the T20 and 50-over competitions this season and there’s no doubt she has earned her selection,” Flegler said. “She has got a wealth of experience and we know that if the opportunity arises she will be able to perform the role she’s given. You always know what you are going to get with Sarah.”Cheatle is expected to be available for the second and third matches of the series. The three-match T20I series starts in Melbourne, before moving to Geelong and finishing in Adelaide on February 22.

Bayern Munich have hijacked Manchester United’s move for Napoli defender Kim min-jae, according to reports.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news involving Kim?

The Red Devils appear to be in the market for a new centre-back this summer and have made Kim their top target in defence.

The South Korea international has a release clause in his contract that can be activated next month, with previous reports claiming that United have agreed to pay the €60m clause and have also agreed on personal terms with the player. However, there seems to have been a twist in the transfer race, in what will come as a blow to Erik ten Hag and co.

Football Insider shared a story in the last 48 hours, claiming that the Red Devils are now worried they could lose out to Bayern in the race for Kim’s services.

The report adds that United made enquiries over a transfer but ‘Bayern have now hijacked the deal and are now moving to seal a quick agreement with Kim’.

Who else have Man United been linked with?

United appear to be on the search for a new centre-back as the futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof appear to be up in the air. It was claimed earlier in the year that Ten Hag was willing to part ways with the pair this summer, which could leave United with just Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as the only senior centre-back options.

Should Kim opt for a move to Germany over England, United would need to look elsewhere, and one player who has recently been linked with a move is Leeds United’s Robin Koch.

Loose talks have already taken place over a move for the German defender, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, so he could emerge as a real option if United can’t land Kim.

Even if they do somehow secure Kim’s services, another defender could be of use if Maguire and Lindelof departs, but with a new midfielder and striker also wanted at Old Trafford, it could be a busy few months, especially with the ongoing takeover saga still yet to be resolved.

The ECB are planning to stage a round of Championship matches under lights at the end of June next season as England prepare for their first day-night Test

George Dobell23-Oct-20161:39

ECB announces first day-night Test

The ECB is planning to stage a round of Championship matches under lights at the end of June next season as England prepare for their first day-night Test.England are scheduled to play two Tests under lights in 2017. First they will play West Indies at Edgbaston in August, before playing one of the Ashes Tests in Australia at the end of the year.While details are yet to be confirmed, it is understood that the ECB has identified a round of games starting on June 26 for the floodlit matches in the hope that England players will be available. England play a T20I against South Africa in Cardiff on June 25, with the first Test against South Africa starting at Lord’s on July 6.That scheduling is not ideal. It comes just a few days after the longest evening of the year (sunset time is around 10pm) so the value of using lights will be diminished. But the ECB hopes it will attract more spectators to games and provide more data over the strengths and weaknesses of the pink ball and optimum pitch conditions for its usage.It is also one of few rounds where England’s Test specialists are expected to be available. Plans to stage the games in August were rejected as not all teams are scheduled to play at the same time and, in the ECB’s words, “equitability is deemed important”.The Division One games will be hosted by four of Warwickshire, Yorkshire, Essex, Hampshire or Surrey, while the Division Two games will be staged by five of Durham, Kent, Nottinghamshire, Sussex, Northamptonshire and Glamorgan. The ECB has asked each of the counties to ensure there are no issues – such as permission from the local council – with them hosting such games before they confirm the schedule.

Celtic have put Archie Brown on their transfer radar this summer, with a report from The Mail stating that checks have already been made by the club.

Who are Celtic signing this summer?

The 20-year-old has been impressing for Lausanne in Switzerland this season, having now established himself as a first-team regular for the club. He has managed 33 league outings for the side this season and with an added amount of gametime, he has rewarded the side with plenty of goal contributions. He's managed five goals and four assists in the competition this campaign for example, despite playing as a left-back.

It's the highest amount of games that Brown has managed so far over the course of his career, with the player having never previously played regularly at the top level. Prior to moving to Switzerland, his game time came with Derby at youth level and having never broken into their senior line-up, he opted to move countries to get regular football. Having found it – and impressed – it appears there is now interest from the Scottish Premiership in his signature.

It does appear as though there could be an Old Firm battle to sign the player this summer. According to a report from The Mail, Celtic and Rangers are both keeping an eye on Brown and could be part of a tug-of-war to land the defender during the transfer window.

A deal would likely be modest but would still cost seven figures for either club if they did want to add him to their ranks. However, they aren't the only sides keen to do business, with a multitude of other sides also believed to be keeping tabs on the situation.

Who is Archie Brown?

The defender would offer Celtic a versatile option for their backline if they did manage to add him to their ranks, with Brown already having played on the left but also centrally too. He is predominantly a left-back but can also play slightly further forward too as more of a left midfielder.

That has often amounted in goals for the player, although those strikes largely came at reserve level. For example, when pushed further forward, he has scored 17 goals with nine assists over the course of his career in that left midfield position. It shows that Brown has plenty of offensive capabilities if you allow him to get the ball forward.

The Scottish side then would be getting a young player, with an attacking mindset that has proven that he can already score goals and set up teammates at a decent level in Switzerland. If he can carry that over to the Scottish Premiership, then he could be a really good pick-up for the side.