Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior have generated ‘BMV’ talk at Real Madrid, but a club colleague wants to “add the R of Rodrygo”.
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Another collection of 'Galacticos' at the Bernabeu
French, English & Brazilian stars making headlines
Team-mate wants his efforts to get same recognition
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Blancos have assembled another star-studded attacking unit, with World Cup winner Mbappe the latest ‘Galactico’ to join the ranks at Santiago Bernabeu. There has been plenty of discussion regarding what the France international can achieve in a partnership to rival fabled ‘BBC’ and ‘MSN’ frontlines that once featured Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.
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Madrid’s ‘BMV’ drew a blank in a 2024-25 La Liga opener against Mallorca, with Brazilian forward Rodrygo netting their goal in a 1-1 draw. The 23-year-old has sparked controversy with a WhatsApp post that suggests he is deserving of greater recognition.
WHAT RODRYGO SAID
The message in question read: “Hi guys, yesterday the result was not what we wanted. In La Liga every point makes the difference in the end. I'm happy with the goal and with the growth of the team. Last week they talked about the trio of Bellingham, Mbappe and Vini, but they are going to have to add the R of Rodrygo to that acronym. We have a quartet of attackers and the rest of the team. They all have their importance in the games and will show their value in the different competitions in which we participate. The week will be full of hard work until our next match at the Bernabeu.”
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Said post has since been deleted, with it not receiving the response that Rodrygo had hoped for. are among those to confirm that the message was real, with the South American’s representative advising that it be taken down as they are eager to avoid upsetting squad harmony in the Spanish capital.
ECB board decides to delay start of the English season by at least seven weeks due to coronavirus pandemic
ESPNcricinfo staff20-Mar-2020No professional cricket will be played in England or Wales before May 28 in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the ECB has announced.The ECB board decided on Friday to delay the start of the season by at least seven weeks after discussions with the 18 first-class counties, the MCC, and the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA). Modelling has begun on a range of options to start the season in June, July or August with an immediate focus on options for cricket in June, including the three-Test series against West Indies, the Vitality Blast and England Women’s schedule against India.The potential for reduced versions of competitions, should the season become further shortened, would also be discussed, the ECB said in a statement, with plans to review this position as the situation unfolds. The move essentially buys the governing body time to respond to the impact of the ever-evolving progress of COVID-19 in the UK.Tom Harrison, the ECB’s chief executive officer, said: “During this period of deep uncertainty it is the ECB’s first priority to protect the wellbeing of everyone within the cricket family, from players, to fans and colleagues across the game.”The decision to delay the start of the season has been essential, given the circumstances the nation faces. I am reassured by the collaborative effort from across the game that together, we will make the very best of whatever length of season we are able to safely schedule in the coming months.”With the information available to us at the moment a delay to the start of the professional cricket season until May 28 was unavoidable. This also allows us time to keep pace with a fast-moving situation and continue to plan for how a revised season might look. Critically, we can also remain as flexible and adaptable as possible, within the obvious restrictions we face.”Securing the future of the game will be a primary focus as we plot a revised schedule with an emphasis on the most financially important forms of the game for the counties across international and domestic cricket.”The ECB will prioritise public safety and the health and wellbeing of players, staff and fans. From a sporting perspective, it will seek to protect international cricket, the Blast and the new Hundred competition as the most financially important forms for first-class counties. Broadcasters’ needs and the growth of the women’s game will also be key concerns.The English domestic season was due to begin on March 24 with the traditional Champion County match between holders Essex and MCC – this year to be held in Galle, Sri Lanka – and the County Championship was scheduled to have started on April 12. Seven rounds of Championship matches were originally planned up to May 27, after which the Blast would commence.The loss of almost half of the fixture list, coupled with the ECB’s commitment to fitting in the shorter formats come what may, means the Championship may not be contested for the first time since World War II. The 50-over Royal London Cup is also likely to be dropped.PCA chief executive, Tony Irish, said his organisation supported the decision to delay the start of the season.”The decision has at least given clarity to players following a week of uncertainty about whether or not they will be playing over the coming weeks,” Irish said. “All players are in this together and as their players’ association we now need to work for the players collectively in dealing with the ECB and the first-class counties to find solutions to the challenges ahead.”Naturally, players have concerns around when they will be able to start playing again, about what the schedule will look like when cricket resumes and about employment security around their contracts. The PCA will represent them in dealing with these issues with the ECB and the counties and seek the right solutions and ones that are acceptable to the players.”
Rishabh Pant has been the topic of a lot of debate in recent times and Rohit Sharma, for one, feels the young wicketkeeper-batsman must be “allowed to do what he wants to do on the field” and be left alone.After criticism about his shot selection, Pant the wicketkeeper came under scrutiny after he fluffed a chance to stump Liton Das in the second T20I when he collected the ball marginally in front of the stumps, which resulted in the delivery being called a no-ball.”There’s a lot of talk happening about Rishabh Pant, every day, every minute,” Rohit said on the eve of the third T20I in Nagpur. “I just feel that he needs to be allowed to do what he wants to do on the field. And I would request everyone to just keep your eyes away from Rishabh Pant for a while.He is a young guy, probably 21-22 now, trying to make his mark in international cricket, every move he makes on the field, people start talking about it.”While that might be Rohit’s position on Pant, other senior members of the Indian team set-up haven’t shied away from speaking about the youngster in the recent past. Ravi Shastri had called for a “rap on the knuckles” for Pant for his reckless batting, Vikram Rathour had spoken about the importance of being fearless without being careless, and captain Virat Kohli had called on him to read situations better.”I think it’s not fair, I think we should just allow him to play his cricket, which he also actually wants. And yes, focus on him a lot more when he is doing good things also, not just the bad things,” Rohit said. “He has kept well, he is learning every game, and yes, he is just doing whatever the team management wants him (to do). He is a very fearless cricketer, and we want him to have that freedom. And if you guys just keep your eyes a little bit away from him, it will allow him to perform even better.”Since the start of the year, Pant has scored just one half-century across limited-overs internationals, making 195 runs in 12 matches at an average of 21.66 in T20Is and 188 runs in nine games at 23.50 in ODIs. He played all three formats in the West Indies in August, but though he was retained in the T20Is against South Africa, he was replaced by Wriddhiman Saha for the Tests.While former players including Yuvraj Singh have backed Pant, India’s selectors have also made it clear that they want to persist with him across formats.On being asked what would be his piece of advice to youngsters like Pant – and Shreyas Iyer – Rohit said: “Both of them (are) very talented, have great abilities in whatever they do, and yes, definitely the future of Indian cricket, for sure. And they have proved it whenever they have played for their franchise, domestic cricket. They are just trying to make their mark in international cricket.Rishabh Pant exchanges notes with Rohit Sharma in the nets•Getty Images
“All I would tell them is (to) just understand their game, which is very, very important in whatever format you play, and feeling confident about yourself is very important. I think they are working hard towards their game, and I don’t see any reason why they can’t get the results on the ground. They have everything that is required to be successful at the international level. They work really hard on their games and yes, at the same time they are learning also. They are very new to this set-up. They are learning every game and with experience in a year or two, you will see them batting differently.”All we want them to do is to just go out there and enjoy, and be fearless. That would be the message from my side. Because as a young player when you are coming into the side, that is what you look forward to, having that freedom from the management. That is what we are here to assure them, that ‘you have all the backing that you need, you have all the freedom that you need, so just go out there and express yourself’. That is when players like these give you the best performance.”Over to the bowling unit, and while India have been attempting to give more and more players a chance in the lead up to the T20 World Cup next year, not all of them have grabbed their chances yet. Khaleel Ahmed, for one.”This is the time for youngsters to learn. We always say that playing domestic cricket is important and learn more. Till you don’t play international cricket you won’t know where you stand as a bowler,” Rohit said. “I think this is a good challenge for our bowling group because you’re playing against an international team. They will always challenge you, batsmen will play shots and challenge you. You won’t know where is your bowling until you’re put under pressure. I think for these bowlers it’s a good time to know where they stand.”
A versatile young attacker is seen as one of the most "concrete" potential Tottenham signings this month as chairman Daniel Levy and co ready an offer.
Spurs want three new January signings
According to recent reports, Spurs are chasing up to three major new additions in January – a centre-back, midfielder and winger to bolster Ange Postecoglou's options.
Tottenham in discussions to sign "fascinating" player alongside Dragusin
The Romanian isn’t the only player who Spurs are chasing this month.
By
Emilio Galantini
Jan 4, 2024
The north Londoners have suffered from a major lack of depth at the heart of Postecoglou's defence in particular, with both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero being absent for large periods since early November.
Tottenham's first choice centre-back pairing have often been replaced by makeshift duo Emerson Royal and Ben Davies. Spurs' record is pretty dire when they're both selected to marshal the back line, prompting Levy and technical director Johan Lange to make January moves as the window opens.
Indeed, Spurs are attempting to sign Genoa star Radu Dragusin, and it's widely reported that talks are advancing after they agreed personal terms with the defender (Fabrizio Romano).
Spurs rumoured centre-back targets for January
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Trevoh Chalobah
20th December
Jean-Clair Todibo
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Morato
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Radu Dragusin
3rd January
Sebastian Caceres
14th December
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Elsewhere, Postecoglou is reportedly keen on a new midfield engine and wide man as well, and one player who's been heavily linked is Ajax sensation Stanis Idumbo. The attacking midfielder is a target for Spurs, and rumour has it Idumbo would actually come straight into Postecoglou's first team (Kevin Sauvage).
Tottenham "putting together" proposal for Idumbo
CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs has shared an update on the matter this week. Speaking to Last Word on Spurs, he says Tottenham are "putting together a proposal" to sign Idumbo and he is a very concrete potential signing for Postecoglou – but they face stiff competition from Sevilla.
“I think Muzambo is the most concrete because Spurs are putting together a proposal but there is competition from Sevilla, and the feeling talking to sources is that Sevilla may be a bit more aggressive and that they may be ahead in that race at the moment,” Jacobs said.
“There might be a sale in January, or it might be a pre-agreement because I think he becomes a free agent in June anyway. I think that Muzambo is actually going to turn into a formal proposal, whereas I think Itakura is just being looked at.”
The Belgian is seen as a player of huge promise, with Malmo video scout Elijah Michiels already raving over his versatility, ball control and creativity.
Arsenal sporting director Edu will "genuinely" look into signing a marquee star this summer as journalist Dean Jones eases FFP worries.
Arsenal endure quiet January transfer window
Despite a lot of noise in the build-up to January, manager Mikel Arteta was forced to watch on as other Premier League sides spent while the Gunners were fairly inactive.
Expert reveals Arsenal January transfer decision that Arteta may now regret
This could prove to be a decision to forget…
ByTom Cunningham Feb 2, 2024
Arsenal were widely linked with a striker, midfielder and new full-backs in the months leading up to winter, but Edu's transfer plans ultimately amounted to nothing despite their glaring need in some areas.
After spending over £200 million last summer, journalist Graeme Bailey, among others, put Arsenal's inactivity down to both a cautionary FFP approach and a limited mid-season budget.
“Arsenal spent a lot of money in the summer window. Spending the amount of money they did on Declan Rice, it has implications,” the transfer expert explained to Arsenal Insider last month.
“We’ve seen big new contracts handed out in the last season or so, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli all signed new deals. In the January window, you do tend to overpay."
Brentford star Ivan Toney is one name who was regularly mentioned as a top striker target for Arsenal, and still is. The 27-year-old has just recently returned to action after serving a long footballing ban for alleged gambling breaches, and he's already bagged two goals in two league starts since.
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Toney is undoubtedly going to be mentioned in the build-up to summer as well, with Jones sharing a small update to GiveMeSport while also easing some concerns surrounding FFP.
Edu set to "genuinely" look into signing Toney
Indeed, it is believed Arsenal will "genuinely" look into signing Toney and the club are actually in very healthy shape when it comes to avoiding the sanctions of breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Everton and Nottingham Forest are the latest cautionary tales in regards to what could happen if you go over the line in that regard, with Sean Dyche's side already docked 10 points this season.
However, that isn't something Arsenal will have to be concerned about too soon.
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"Arsenal suffered losses over the three seasons up to 2021/22 and have been rumoured to be on UEFA’s watchlist in the past in relation to Financial Fair Play," wrote Jones.
"However, UEFA’s old version of FFP is very different to the Premier League’s and the club have also stated a £122m Covid impact on revenue in their accounts.
"This figure, even before any other PSR exemptions, gets them to an adjusted three-year PSR calculation of a loss of £28.15m, well within EPL limits. Arsenal have prospects of signing a top striker and midfielder – and they may look to bring another exciting wide player too. Ivan Toney is rated upwards of £70million and is regarded as a player they genuinely will look into signing."
Sledging gave batsman ‘extra personal motivation’ in heroic series-squaring innings
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Nov-2019Ben Stokes says that the extraordinary unbeaten hundred with which he carried England to a one-wicket win over Australia at Headingley this summer was inspired by David Warner’s incessant goading from the slip cordon.In a new book, On Fire, which chronicles his remarkable performances throughout the 2019 season, Stokes recalls how Warner set out to distract him during his unbeaten 135 in the third Test, particularly in the early part of the innings on the third evening of the match, when his only objective was to reach stumps with his wicket intact.With England 1-0 down in the series after their opening defeat at Edgbaston, their hopes of regaining the Ashes appeared to be over when they were bowled out for 67 in their first innings at Headingley, before eventually being set a target of 359 to square the series with two to play.And after arriving at the crease in the final hour of the third day, Stokes ground his way to the close on 2 not out from 50 balls in partnership with Joe Root, as England sought to keep their hopes alive.In a book extract published in the Daily Mirror, Stokes noted how Warner had given the impression of being a reformed character after completing his year-long ban for ball-tampering.However, with Warner in the midst of a terrible run of form that would result in him making 95 runs in ten innings, the lowest return by any opener in a five-Test series, Stokes also suggested that he had reverted to type in a bid to bring out the best in himself.”I had extra personal motivation due to some things that were said to me out on the field on the evening of day three when I was trying to get through to stumps,” Stokes wrote. “A few of the Aussies were being quite chirpy, but in particular David Warner seemed to have his heart set on disrupting me.”He just wouldn’t shut up for most of my time out there. I could accept it from just about any other opponent. Truly. Not from him, though.”The changed man he was adamant he’d become, the one that hardly said boo to a goose and even went as far as claiming he had been re-nicknamed ‘Humble’ by his Australia teammates, had disappeared. Maybe his lack of form in his new guise had persuaded him that he needed to get the bull back?”Warner’s solitary Ashes half-century came in the first innings at Headingley, but second-time around, he was trapped lbw by Stuart Broad for a second-ball duck, one of a record-equalling seven dismissals by Broad in the course of the series.”Although he’d enjoyed a prolific World Cup campaign, he had struggled with the bat at the start of the Ashes and was perhaps turning to his old ways to try to get the best out of himself,” Stokes wrote. “The nice-guy act had done nothing for his runs column.”I muttered ‘Bloody Warner’ a few times as I was getting changed. The more time passed, the more it spurred me on. All kinds of ideas of what I might say to him at the end of the game went through my head. In the end, I vowed to do nothing other than shake his hand and say ‘Well done’ if I could manufacture the situation.”You always shake the hands of every member of the opposing team at the end of a match. But this one would give me the greatest sense of satisfaction.”Stokes went on to square the series in remarkable fashion, adding 76 runs for England’s tenth wicket with Jack Leach, who finished on 1 not out. Australia then won the subsequent Test at Old Trafford to retain the Ashes, but England’s win in the final Test at The Oval ensured the first drawn Ashes series since 1972.
Rohit Sharma’s decision to keep three overs of Khaleel Ahmed for the death backfired
Sidharth Monga in Delhi04-Nov-20198:02
Did a conservative Powerplay hurt India?
It was difficult to focus on it through the toxic haze, and even more difficult for those playing it – two players vomited during the game – but the Feroz Shah Kotla T20I was a great study in minute tactics and larger struggles of batsmen looking to find their touch, and the intersection of both. One captain known for his studied and deliberate decision-making went against a side known for emotionally charged cricket, and it made for a gripping finish.Rohit Sharma, India’s stand-in captain but a clinical leader of the Mumbai Indians, made a seemingly un-clinical move by leaving the young Khaleel Ahmed three overs to bowl in the last six. His third eventually went for 18, sealing Bangladesh’s chase, relieving some of the nightmares Mushfiqur Rahim might have had from the unfinished job in Bengaluru three years ago.Players actually think less of those nightmares than we do. Not least because Mushfiqur knew he has finished many a game off for Bangladesh since then. It was more challenging from the point of view of where Mushfiqur stood and where his team stood. After all the drama of the last fortnight – “the toughest two weeks of my 15-year career” – Mushfiqur knew the only way back was winning matches.ALSO READ: ‘Nothing feels more special’ – Mushfiqur Rahim on making tough runsIn the way of that win were struggles on a slow pitch with turn on it and canny spinners exploiting it. Mushfiqur and Soumya Sarkar struggled to find any sort of fluency in their innings. After they had spent six overs together, ESPNcricinfo’s Forecaster gave them a 65% chance of winning. It seemed optimistic: the ball was turning, and the two were going at around a run a ball despite having tried adventurous shots.The T20 rule of thumb for these situations in chases is that you hit out only if the conditions are flat. Otherwise, if you are a seasoned batsman, if you are finding it difficult, chances are the next batsman will find it more difficult. So you back yourself. So Mushfiqur and Soumya decided to fight it out and take the game deep and wait for the seamers.Unknown to themselves, the Bangladesh pair pushed the seamers back by simply not getting out, leaving, as a result, Khaleel with three overs at the end. Now Rohit might ask Jasprit Bumrah or Lasith Malinga to bowl three at the death, but he ideally doesn’t want Khaleel in that position. However, he is calculating in his head that after Soumya, Mahmudullah will come out to bat, so he is waiting to see if he can re-introduce Khaleel to two right-hand batsmen instead of a left-hand batsman.It is as much about protecting Khaleel’s left-arm angle into the left-hand batsman as it is about exploiting the angle across the right-hand batsmen. Rohit would later say that the angle troubled them too. Rohit knows he can keep Yuzvendra Chahal back for one over but other spinners need to bowl out before the death. So that window to get that one Khaleel over out of the way is brief, a window that Mushfiqur and Soumya unwittingly shut by just looking to take the game deep.Chahal goes for just one run in the tenth, Washington Sundar concedes just four in the 13th, the first six overs of the partnership bring just 40 runs, the asking rate keeps rising, but neither of them gives up the ghost.”Only the batsmen in the middle know what’s going on in the pitch,” Mushfiqur said. “Not anyone in the dugout, not the next batsman. I told Soumya if one of us bats till the 19th over, we can still chase 25 because they will bowl seamers.”It is true India would bowl seamers in the last two, but to get three straight overs from Khaleel to be able to line him up is a bonus Bangladesh get without really working towards it. In ultimate irony, Khaleel gets the wicket of the left-hand batsman, a precondition, if fulfilled sooner, that might have given him an easier task at the death. Such events can make a captain look silly at times, but captaincy is not done in hindsight. Rohit had a sound cricketing reason for what he did.And so begins the 19th over with all the similarities of that Bengaluru heartbreak coming to fore. A similar target, same opposition, the same two batsmen out in the middle. This time, though, they have Khaleel instead of Bumrah. The stakes might not be as high as in a virtual World Cup quarter-final, but losing will raise more questions about their finishing abilities against India. Losing will send them back to thinking about the events of the last two weeks.Mushfiqur gets the better of Khaleel here, ruining his figures of three overs for 20 runs. Mushfiqur eventually ends with a strike rate of 140, Bangladesh have their first win in India after having let the Forecaster drop to 49%, but it is fascinating to imagine how the game plays out if Soumya falls to spin around the 11th over. Khaleel tries to sneak an over in, but surely Bangladesh don’t sit back and let him bowl that over. Or perhaps, in a similar situation next time, Rohit – who usually has a proper sixth-bowling option at Mumbai Indians – tries to sneak one in from Shivam Dube.There is relief too that the next such set piece will be played in much more breathable air.
Manchester City look set to have a rather busy summer transfer window once their current season comes to an end.
Having secured a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, the Citizens may also be set to see one of the club’s most significant figures leave the Etihad Stadium.
Last month, City’s veteran midfielder Fernandinho revealed that this would be his final season at the Manchester club after signing for them back in 2013.
With 380 appearances for City under his belt across all competitions, the Brazilian has scored 26 goals, delivered 33 assists and won numerous trophies along the way.
If the club feel the need to secure an immediate replacement for the 37-year-old this summer, one potential transfer that they could look to complete is for AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
Last month, Pep Guardiola’s side were linked with a summer move for the 22-year-old.
Since joining Monaco from Bordeaux in January 2020, the midfielder has gone on to make 93 appearances across all competitions. In that time, the youngster has chipped in with eight goals and six assists along the way.
Despite his occasional knack for scoring or creating goals, it’s his defensive talents which could make him an ideal long-term replacement for Fernandinho at City.
With 33 Ligue 1 appearances and three goals to his name in the current campaign, the midfielder has the highest number of players tackled (94), tackles won (64), pressures (562), successful pressures (203) and interceptions (108) of anyone in the Monaco squad.
Looking at the league as a whole, Tchouameni also has the highest number of combined tackles and interceptions under his belt (202).
Having racked up a total of 225 players tackled during his time with City in the Premier League since the 2017/18 season, the Brazilian would leave a big hole in their squad with his absence, but one that a player like Tchouameni could fill.
Labelled an “extraordinary” player by his fellow France international Paul Pogba, the Monaco star reportedly has a price tag of £83m to his name.
While this may seem hefty given his fairly young age, it could be an investment worth making for City to give them their ideal replacement for Fernandinho.
In other news: David Ornstein drops big Man City transfer development, supporters will be gutted
Aaron Ramsdale could be heading out of the Emirates as the Arsenal outcast is reportedly on the wish list of Southampton.
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Ramsdale has no future at Arsenal
Southampton show interest in stopper
Wolves have also made an approach
WHAT HAPPENED?
According to the the Saints have been actively exploring their options between the sticks, holding discussions over a potential move for Feyenoord's Justin Bijlow. However, should those negotiations falter, the Saints are eyeing Ramsdale as a viable alternative.
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With Southampton manager Russell Martin eager to add depth to his squad, particularly with Gavin Bazunu sidelined due to a ruptured Achilles, Ramsdale has emerged as a strong candidate to fill the void. The 34-year-old Alex McCarthy, who started in goal during Southampton’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle in their Premier League opener, has been dependable but may not be the long-term solution Southampton need.
DID YOU KNOW?
Wolves have also entered the fray, offering an initial loan deal for Ramsdale with an obligation to buy at the end of the season. The Midlands club is reportedly willing to cover the majority of Ramsdale's wages during the 2024-25 campaign, making the offer financially attractive for Arsenal.
Ramsdale, who joined Arsenal in 2021, quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper under Mikel Arteta, starting 72 of the 76 Premier League matches during his first two seasons with the club. However, the arrival of David Raya from Brentford on loan has drastically reduced Ramsdale's playing time, with the Englishman making just six starts in the Premier League.
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Arsenal, meanwhile, have been exploring their own options to cover the potential departure of Ramsdale. The north London club has shown interest in Wolves’ goalkeeper Dan Bentley as a backup for Raya. However, it remains unclear whether Arsenal and Wolves will seek to include Bentley in any potential deal involving Ramsdale. The Gunners reportedly have Espanyol's Joan Garcia on their shortlist as well.
Faf du Plessis has hinted he would like to continue as South Africa captain until the T20 World Cup in Australia next year.While du Plessis continued to rule out the suggestion that he would retire from international cricket after the current World Cup he expressed a belief that his experience could help younger players – and perhaps a new captain – through a transitional period.Imran Tahir and JP Duminy have already confirmed their retirement from ODI cricket, while it seems there is little chance that du Plessis (who is 35 in a few days) and Hashim Amla (who is 36) will be viable contenders by the time the next 50-over World Cup comes round in 2023.WATCH on Hotstar (India only): Faf du Plessis’ hundredBut du Plessis, in particular, feels he is batting as well as ever – he made a century as South Africa defeated Australia at Old Trafford on Saturday to take his tournament tally to 387 runs at 64.50 – and suggested he might be interested in playing until the T20 World Cup – which is scheduled for October and November 2020 – to help younger players “grow and mature” into their roles.Asked whether he had just played his final ODI innings, du Plessis replied: “I don’t know right now. I love playing for South Africa, but the big thing for me is to have purpose as a leader.”I don’t want to just play games for the sake of playing games. When I play I want to make sure I’m motivated to keep doing it and right now sitting here I am still, very, very motivated.”I decided way before this World Cup that I was going to play, win or lose, good or bad, and then after the tournament sit down and relook at what how hungry I am, how motivated, and what are Cricket South Africa’s plans. Those things will happen over the next three or four weeks. But I really enjoyed this game, so it will be hard to walk away from that feeling and playing international cricket. The decision will probably be decided in front of a fireplace with a glass of red wine in my hand.”Although du Plessis accepted that it would, “in a perfect world,” make sense for South Africa to start building a new ODI team for the 2023 tournament now, he urged caution over blooding too many inexperienced players at the same time.”If your plan is to start introducing some young players, I think you need to have some experience around those players because they learn very quickly from those [more experienced] guys,” he said. “From a leadership point of view, whoever is going to be the next captain, I think there is still a lot of value of playing with me for a year or two to make sure that they can learn and grow and mature into what will be the next World Cup.”I think to completely cut off everything is not necessary. I think probably four or five players make space in the team and then you start phasing it out by getting players ready for four years’ time.”Initially the plan was for me and [the coach] Ottis Gibson to go to the T20 World Cup so that is in a year’s time. For both of us, the plan was not to look past that. Then Cricket South Africa may change the coach and captain probably after that tournament and still have two-and-a-half to three years before the World Cup. That’s a possibility.”