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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.

Tillakaratne Dilshan cast aspersions on the conduct of former and present team-mates -particularly Angelo Mathews – soon after his final ODI, against Australia on Sunday. Prompted to speak on the challenges faced in his 10-month stint as Sri Lanka captain between April 2011 and January 2012, Dilshan suggested he did not have the support of some team-mates. He also said he had been hurt by his sudden removal as captain, following the year-end tour of South Africa, in which Sri Lanka lost both series, but won a Test in South Africa for the first time.Dilshan had been named captain after Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene had both resigned from that post. It was Jayawardene who eventually replaced him after the South Africa tour.”I didn’t actually plan to take the captaincy, but the SLC president asked me to take over for six months until we find someone else,” Dilshan said. “Unfortunately, we had also lost two bowlers. Murali [Muttiah Muralitharan] had retired. Nuwan Kulasekara was injured. Ajantha Mendis was injured. I didn’t have great resources.”Angelo Mathews had a calf injury for a year that stopped him from bowling. That must be because of my misfortune, because after I had stepped down, we went to Australia after a week. In that week, Mathews started bowling. That must be because of Mahela’s good fortune.”Mathews did bowl during Dilshan’s captaincy, but had a reduced workload. He did not bowl in nine of the 20 ODIs under Dilshan, and never delivered more than five overs in a match. This workload did see a substantial increase when Jayawardene resumed captaincy.In Tests, Mathews did not bowl in 12 of the 16 innings under Dilshan, though at the time, he was not an integral part of the Test attack. Mathews had also suffered leg injuries even prior to Dilshan’s captaincy, most notably when he missed the 2011 World Cup final due to a quad strain, and has managed his own bowling load carefully since he became captain.Though Dilshan said the manner of his ousting did cause hurt, he insisted he did not let “personal issues” affect his cricket. Sri Lanka’s first assignment after the South Africa tour was the 2012 tri-series in Australia. Dilshan top-scored in that tournament, hitting 513 runs at an average of 51.30.”At the end of that South Africa series, I put everything aside. I went to Australia, scored 500 runs, and became Man of the Series. It didn’t matter to me who was captain. I wasn’t concerned about who ousted me as captain. I always play for my country. I didn’t worry about those personal things, but I was hurt.”Dilshan’s own first assignment as captain had been Sri Lanka’s tour of England, but broke his finger during his 193 at Lord’s in the second Test. He suggested it had been with some reluctance that Sangakkara took on the captaincy for one Test, after that injury ruled Dilshan out for the game at Southampton.”There actually wasn’t anyone who was willing to be captain. Everyone resigned after the 2011 World Cup. In England a ball hit my hand and I broke my finger, and the former captains were asked to lead, and they said no. After that only when it was talked about that someone like Sanath Jayasuriya or Thilina Kandamby be made captain that someone presented himself to be captain. But I guess there’s no point talking about those past things anymore.”But I am proud that it is players that I brought into the team at the time who are winning matches now. About six or seven of the players today are cricketers who I’d given a chance to. At the time it was a problem for me, because people asked me why I was giving young players so many opportunities. But today, we should look at players like Dinesh Chandimal.”Dilshan still has two more T20 matches to play before he becomes an ex-cricketer across formats. He said the decision to retire had been spontaneous.”I hadn’t planned to retire, before the series,” he said. “Whether someone tells me to keep playing or stop playing, that’s not what’s important. What is important is what I feel. I started the series thinking that I’ll play for another year – at least in T20 cricket. But when I woke up on the 25th I felt that it was time to go.”To be honest I could easily play for another year or two. But we have to look to the future. If I play for another two years and leave, there’s only 18 months before the next World Cup and that’s unfair to the team. A young player could be blooded in that time. Since I started opening six years ago, we haven’t found a permanent partner for me. I’ve opened with about 10 people – so that’s a problematic area for us. If I keep playing we won’t be able to get two batsmen settled in that place. I’ll be able to get some rest.”

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.

Arsenal have put up an almighty fight in their battle with Manchester City for the Premier League title. However, with the current form of Pep Guardiola's men, there seems no stopping them as the season reaches its conclusion.

That period in April where the Gunners oversaw three straight draws surrendered their chances of glory, as they lacked the cutting edge in decisive moments and were without the necessary options from the bench to truly push them over the line.

If they are to make that next step and truly topple the unflappable Cityzens, Mikel Arteta will know that this summer has to be a big one.

Arsenal transfer news – What's the latest on Moussa Diaby?

Sacrifices will have to be made in order to reach the required level, and as The Sun is suggesting, one of their starring players might have to make way in the coming window in order to capture one of Europe's brightest young talents.

With just one year remaining on his £120k-per-week deal, and links with a move for Declan Rice refusing to die down, perhaps Bayer Leverkusen's desire to sign Granit Xhaka could afford sporting director Edu Gaspar the chance to instead sign Moussa Diaby.

A longstanding interest in the French winger gives way to the German outfit's desire to acquire the 30-year-old, and all signs point towards this being a profitable swap deal for all those involved. Especially considering the £88.5m asking price they gave in January for the 23-year-old.

How has Moussa Diaby played this season?

Having quietly starred in the Bundesliga for many years now, it seems this season the speedster has converted his petrifying physical assets into tangible success.

With nine goals and nine assists in just 30 league matches, the left winger has terrorised almost every defence he has come up against with his pace and trickery. Such potency has led football writer Jack Grimse to dub him "electric", with journalist Julien Froment supplementing this claim by branding him a "danger".

For comparison, across all competitions he actually boasts the same number of goal contributions as Bukayo Saka; outperforming that of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus too.

To add this kind of firepower to an already fluid and frightening front line would be devastating, but losing Xhaka would also be a blow, given his immense transformation over the last year.

The Swiss international has enjoyed a year of redemption, endearing himself to Arsenal supporters once more with mesmeric performances from the engine room. His 7.02 average rating is upheld through his five goals and seven assists, via Sofascore, although Rice would mark a more than capable alternative.

His average rating instead stands at 7.21, with just three goals and two assists, also per Sofascore.

Although losing their midfield general would be tough, for the progression of the team into a younger, more impressive model, perhaps this is a necessary sacrifice to make them truly capable of beating their Manchester rivals.

نجح فريق البنك الأهلي في تحقيق الفوز على نظيره المقاولون العرب بنتيجة 3-1، خلال المباراة التي أقيمت اليوم ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

والتقى المقاولون العرب مع البنك الأهلي، على أرضية استاد السلام، في خضم مواجهات الجولة الحادية عشر من عمر مسابقة الدوري.

وسجل محمد سالم هدف المقاولون العرب في الدقيقة 14، بعد تمريرة طولية من عبد الرحمن خالد وصلت إلى سالم الذي راوغ لاعب البنك الأهلي سعيدو سنبوري ثم وضع الكرة داخل الشباك.

طالع أيضاً.. مران الزمالك | معتمد جمال يعقد جلسة خاصة مع لاعب الفريق.. وتدريبات بدنية شاقة

وأدرك فريق البنك الأهلي التعادل في الدقيقة 58، بعد ركلة جزاء نفذها أحمد مدبولي لكنها ارتطمت بالقائم وارتدت إلى دفاع المقاولون لكنهم فشلوا في إبعاد الكرة ووصلت إلى محمود قاعود الذي أطلق تصويبة سكنت شباك عامر عامر.

وتقدم البنك الأهلي بالهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 62، عن طريق تسديدة بقدم محمود قاعود ارتطمت بمدافع المقاولون العرب لؤي وائل وسكنت الشباك.

وأضاف محمود قاعود الهدف الثالث في الدقيقة 90+5، من تصويبة صاروخية من على حدود منطقة الجزاء سكنت المرمى.

بهذا الفوز، يحتل البنك الأهلي المركز الرابع عشر في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 9 نقاط، بينما يتواجد فريق المقاولون العرب في المركز السادس عشر، ولديه 7 نقاط.