da realbet： Leeds United are now moving to sign an “unbelievable” £10 million player ahead of rivals Sheffield United, according to a recent report.

Leeds United transfer news

da jogodeouro： The Whites’ automatic promotion hopes suffered a severe blow on Saturday, as they were pegged back to 3-3 by Hull City after looking on course to seal all three points when taking a 3-1 lead with 10 minutes to go. The Yorkshire side remains top of the Championship table, and even though they are in a good position, it is expected that they look to strengthen their side this month to ensure they secure promotion.

Related Leeds readying bid for "versatile" £8m ace club may have no choice to sell

He would provide instant cover for Ethan Ampadu.

Posts 2 ByTom Cunningham Jan 4, 2025

However, Daniel Farke revealed after the draw at Hull that he doesn’t “expect much” in terms of players arriving this month. The German said that he is “not a big fan” of the January transfer window, and he is confident his squad has the quality required to hold on to their position.

Farke said: “I don’t like when the group is too big. Once everyone is fit, and you have four players for one position, it could also be negative for the spirit and the togetherness.

“If you are forced to do something due to injuries or something is really missing in the group, then you have to react, but when you’re sitting at the top of the table – there can’t be too much wrong.”

Leeds open talks to sign "unbelievable" £10m player

But while Farke says that he is not expecting much activity in terms of incomings, it has been reported by The Sun that Leeds and the 49ers have opened talks to sign Andrew Omobamidele this month.

The 22-year-old currently plays for Premier League side Nottingham Forest and has done so since September 2023, when he joined from Norwich City. Omobamidele, who has been labelled as “unbelievable” by international teammate Gavin Bazunu, played 11 times in the Premier League last season, but he has yet to feature this term.

Given that he doesn’t appear to feature in Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans, a move could be on the cards this month. The Sun reports that the Whites have now begun talks over a deal to sign the central defender. Nottingham Forest are willing to let Omobamidele leave the City Ground, with a loan and an obligation to buy a real possibility.

Andrew Omobamidele’s 23/24 Premier League stats

Apps

11

Minutes per game

71

Interceptions per game

1.2

Tackles per game

0.9

Balls recovered per 90

1.9

Clearances per 90

3.8

Passing accuracy per game

24.5 (87%)

The Reds hope to get around £10 million for the defender, who Leeds see as a long-term investment and a player who would provide serious competition. However, they are not alone in their pursuit, as rivals Sheffield United are also keen on signing Omobamidele, but they would prefer a loan deal. So, Leeds will hope they have an edge when it comes to completing a transfer, as they may look to sign the player on a permanent basis and there is also the fact that Farke was the one who gave Omobamidele his chance at Norwich City.

Glasgow Rangers manager Philippe Clement may have been offered plenty of backing by new CEO Patrick Stewart, but the Ibrox faithful know that he isn’t the right choice to lead the club into the future.

Indeed, during the 3-1 victory over St Johnstone in Glasgow on Sunday afternoon, the Union Bears departed in the 55th minute as a sign of protest against the board and their decision to back the manager.

With the January transfer window in full swing, the only thing that might save Clement will be a deep run in Europe and winning the Scottish Cup.

The Premiership title race is all but over, as Celtic currently top the standings by a staggering 15 points.

The only positives from recent weeks have been the performances of certain individuals. Nico Raskin has impressed in recent weeks, even captaining the Gers to a memorable 3-0 win over Celtic at the start of the year.

Hamza Igamane has been the other big positive in the previous few months, emerging as someone who shouldn’t be dropped from the starting XI.

If he maintains this current form, then there will be a host of clubs queuing up to secure his signature this summer.

Hamza Igamane’s amazing season in numbers

Rangers were in need of another striker last summer. Despite Cyriel Dessers scoring 22 goals, he wasn’t the answer for Clement.

The arrival of Igamane for a fee believed to have been £1.7m was certainly a surprise, especially considering the youngster had not played senior football outside of Morocco before.

While seen as a big gamble, if the striker could settle and score goals, there was no doubt the Light Blues might strike gold on the Moroccan starlet.

Struck gold they have. Just seven months after moving to Scotland, Igamane has emerged as a hot prospect, one that has already scored 12 goals in just 21 appearances for the club thus far.

A few weeks ago, it was reported that Everton had sent scouts to watch the striker during the Europa League clash against Tottenham Hotspur. Igamane did his chances of a big move no harm by scoring the opener against the Premier League outfit.

Although the 22-year-old has eventually settled into the rigours of Scottish football, it has been in Europe where he has showcased his true talents and that he belongs at this level.

Across four Europa League games, he has netted four goals, scoring once every 48 minutes, along with having a stunning 67% goal conversion rate in the competition.

Furthermore, averaging 1.3 key passes and 1.3 successful dribbles on the continent indicates that Igamane offers more than just a clinical threat in the final third.

He has already endeared himself to the Ibrox faithful, who see the striker as the ideal heir to Alfredo Morelos, with the pair sharing similar attributes.

The more goals he scores, the higher the interest will be heading into the summer transfer window. If a big-money move comes in, he might just make the Light Blues a significant profit.

Having excellent players operating behind him will allow Igamane to improve as the season progresses. Though, should he stay, he could well be complemented by one of the SPFL’s top young talents.

Rangers eye move for Dundee star

According to the Sun, Rangers are considering making a pre-contract move for Dundee starlet Lyall Cameron, who has enjoyed a wonderful season at Dens Park.

Cameron was briefly linked with a move to Glasgow last summer, but nothing materialised in the end. Celtic were the ones to sign a Dundee star, bringing Luke McCowan to the club, who has settled in well at Parkhead.

Could Cameron perhaps follow in his former teammate’s footsteps by making the switch from Dundee to Glasgow?

The report from the Sun claims that the Gers are leading the chase for Cameron’s signature, although there is plenty of interest from other parties.

Fabio Silva

Wolves (loan)

2024

Mohamed Diomande

FC Nordsjaelland

2024

Oscar Cortes

Lens (loan)

2024

Todd Cantwell

Norwich

2023

Nico Raskin

Standard Liege

2023

The chance to win trophies and compete in Europe on a consistent basis suggests a move to Ibrox could be the perfect one for the player to take his game to the next level.

Why Rangers should sign Lyall Cameron

Earlier this season, following a game against Rangers, analyst John Walker took a look at his performance, saying: “Had a look at him closely v Rangers on Saturday & he was an absolute stand-out.”

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

So, he’s already stood out against Clement’s side but what could he offer if he signs in the summer? Well, in the Premiership this season, the Dundee sensation has already scored five goals and registered four assists. When taking into account all competitions, he has registered a total of 15 goal contributions.

This tally is made even more remarkable considering he has operated either in the centre of the Dundee midfield or at times, as a defensive midfielder.

Should he move to Ibrox, could his future be in a more advanced role? It’s something that would see him linking up directly with Igamane.

Considering Cameron has created four big chances in the top flight throughout 2024/25, along with averaging 1.7 key passes and succeeding with 0.6 dribbles per game, he could be excellent if he moved slightly further forward should he join Rangers.

Averaging 59.7 touches of the ball per game demonstrates his willingness to often get involved during games, not shying away from the challenge of more illustrious teams.

These statistics should be enough for Clement to see that he could add a quality midfielder to his squad for nothing, boosting the homegrown quota in the process.

Aged just 22, Cameron still has plenty of development to do. A move to Ibrox could be fundamental in achieving his dreams while improving as a player.

At the time of writing, the youngster has 12 caps for the Scotland U21 side. Switching to Rangers ahead of next season could see him garner the attention of Steve Clarke, who might find it hard to ignore him.

Enquiry made: Rangers could sign a "vastly experienced" Barron upgrade

Rangers could target a player who can potentially leave his club for free

ByRoss Kilvington Jan 11, 2025

Jodie Grewcock fifty not enough as visitors breeze to small target

ECB Reporters Network01-May-2023

Lauren Winfield-Hill maintained her remarkable Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy record with another commanding half-century to put Northern Diamonds back on track as they saw off Sunrisers by five wickets.The Diamonds opener passed 50 for the eighth time in her last 10 innings in the tournament to ensure the defending champions – defeated by Central Sparks on Saturday – responded with a comprehensive win at Chelmsford.Seam duo Lizzie Scott and Jessica Woolston laid the foundations with two wickets apiece before legspinner Katie Levick’s 3 for 23 ensured Sunrisers were bundled out for 157, despite Jodie Grewcock’s second half-century of the tournament.Winfield-Hill then top-scored with 51 from 43 balls and Bess Heath struck an unbeaten 32 from 25, as the visitors chased down their target with 21.3 overs to spare.Scott and Woolston, opening the attack after Diamonds had lost the toss and surprisingly been invited to bowl in overcast conditions, established control as they made the ball swing from the start. Woolston brought one back to uproot Cordelia Griffith’s off stump in her second over and then found movement in the opposite direction to clip the bails and pick up the prize scalp of Grace Scrivens for 11.Mady Villiers departed for a second-ball duck, clipping Scott to the diving Katherine Fraser at midwicket and, when Saskia Horley’s pull off Abi Glen flew straight to Hollie Armitage, Sunrisers were deep in the mire at 32 for 4.Grewcock and Jo Gardner dug in for a concerted rebuilding campaign during the middle overs, clawing their way back into the game with a spirited fifth-wicket partnership of 65. Gardner had just begun to open up, drilling Fraser back past the stumps for an isolated boundary, when she miscalculated a Chloe Tryon delivery and was bowled for 32 – after which Sunrisers’ innings hit the buffers again.Teenage left-hander Grewcock, having battled hard to complete her half-century from 91 balls, was then caught behind off the 93rd – the first of two wickets in three deliveries for Levick.Kate Coppack’s breezy unbeaten 16 at least hauled Sunrisers above the 150 mark before they were bowled out with four overs unused – but the total never looked like one they could defend with any degree of confidence.Winfield-Hill immediately set the tone for Diamonds’ response, slamming Coppack to the midwicket boundary twice inside the opening over as she and Sterre Kalis built a belligerent partnership of 53. Coppack’s luck seemed to be out, with Kalis edging her just over the stumps for four, and it was Sunrisers skipper Kelly Castle who eventually achieved the breakthrough, trapping the opener in front with a slower delivery.With Winfield-Hill striking the ball confidently and Armitage in no mood for caution, as she cracked Abtaha Maqsood to the rope three times in her first over, Diamonds appeared to be coasting towards their target.They were held up by Villiers, whose wily offbreaks brought her figures of 3 for 42 – the trio of victims including Winfield-Hill and Armitage, who until then had been highly effective against the slower bowlers in her knock of 30 from 32. However, Heath clubbed Villiers over long-on for the first six of the match – and then flayed the second off Eva Gray to seal Diamonds’ victory in style.

Las Águilas will visit Rayados de Monterrey Wednesday for Matchday 15 of the Clausura 2025

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

América is on a six-game unbeaten streak against MonterreyThe Águilas don't want to risk their captainThey lost the top spot in the standings over the weekendFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

América will look to snap a four-game winless streak across all competitions – two of those in Liga MX – when they face Monterrey on Wednesday in Matchday 15. Beyond the poor run of results, André Jardine’s side has struggled in front of goal, scoring just once during that stretch.

The absences of Rodrigo Aguirre and Henry Martín have forced the Brazilian coach to play without a natural striker, contributing to the team's scoring drought. The good news for Las Águilas is that the Uruguayan forward is back and available for Wednesday, but fans will have to wait a bit longer to see their captain return to action.

“Aguirre will already be available, and Henry will gain a little more time to recover 100 percent,” said Jardine. “We don’t want to rush things, because that could be dangerous. He’ll likely only be ready for the Liguilla, and I hope that with the upcoming break, we can get him – and everyone else – in top shape.

"My goal is to have the team and each player reach the playoffs in the best possible form. As for the lack of goals, I’m not worried.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

América has dealt with several injuries throughout the Clausura 2025, with the most notable absences being strikers Rodrigo Aguirre and Henry Martín. Both missed the crucial Champions Cup quarterfinal clash against Cruz Azul, where Las Águilas were eliminated.

Now, with the Liga MX season entering its final stretch and a historic fourth consecutive league title on the line, Jardine is gradually recovering key players. Aguirre is back in the squad, while Martín is still sidelined with Achilles tendonitis in his left foot, an injury that has kept him out for more than a month.

Midfielder Alan Cervantes will miss the Rayados match due to an ankle injury, and defender Sebastián Cáceres remains questionable. América’s medical staff is working to have as many players as possible fit for the playoffs.

On the other side, Martín Demichelis' Monterrey will be without Germán Berterame and Óliver Torres, both suspended after red cards in last weekend's Clásico Regio. However, there’s good news for the northern side as Sergio Canales and Jesús Corona are set to return.

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

Las Águilas are riding a six-match unbeaten streak against Rayados, with four wins and two draws in that span. The most recent clash between the two sides came in the Apertura 2024 final, where América emerged as champions, securing their third consecutive league title and completing the historic three-peat.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR AMÉRICA?

The Azulcremas will face Monterrey Wednesday in Week 16.

“Everything is very tight," Jardine said. "We’re going to Monterrey, and the toughest matches are coming. This battle at the top is intense, the tournament has been spectacular – there are six teams fighting for the title. I imagine a very close end to the regular season and a Liguilla that will be extremely competitive."

Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly interested in signing one league’s top passer for Ange Postecoglou in 2025.

Tottenham eyeing new signings in defence and attack

Spurs appear to be eyeing up new signings in 2025, both in defence and attack. Injuries to Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have dealt a major blow to Postecoglou, who’s been forced to utilise a makeshift option in teenage summer signing Archie Gray at the back alongside Radu Dragusin – their only fit natural central defender.

Postecoglou requests £13m Tottenham signing with Spurs in January talks

Spurs are in desperate need of reinforcements.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 13, 2024

Tottenham are rumoured to have held talks over signing Omar Alderete from Getafe in the winter, whereas in attack, Timo Werner came in for criticism from Postecoglou after his display against Rangers.

“I said that to Timo. He’s a senior international, he’s a German international,” said Postecoglou on Werner’s performance against Rangers.

“In the moment we’re in right now, it’s not like we’ve got many options. I need everyone to at least be going out there trying to give the best of themselves. His performance in the first half wasn’t acceptable.”

Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki has been linked as a potential replacement for Werner, but now, another new defender has emerged on the radar of Daniel Levy and co.

Tottenham want another Leeds star after Archie Gray

According to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, talking to Leeds United News, Spurs are one of the clubs looking at signing Leeds defender Pascal Struijk in 2025 after their move for Gray earlier this year.

“Struijk is coming into his prime and has really been under the radar to a lot of people – not Leeds fans – but he is very much on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs.

“A left sided defender and he is real quality and I am told Tottenham are amongst those who have checked on him. Clearly Leeds want him to stay and will look to tie him down to a new deal, but him staying long-term will be dictated by Leeds getting back to the Premier League.”

Struijk has been a regular at the back for the Whites under Daniel Farke and is actually the Championship’s top passer after 21 games.

The 25-year-old has been at Elland Road since 2020 and is closing in on 150 appearances in a Leeds shirt, and it looks as if he could be seen as someone who could arrive in north London.

In memory of an Australian bowler who featured in one of the greatest series of all time

Ashley Mallett04-Oct-2015On February 1, 1961, as Australian wickets tumbled to the West Indian attack on the last day of the fourth Test, Norm O’Neill and 12th man Johnny Martin took the team’s No. 11, “Spinner” Kline to the nets at the back of Adelaide Oval for what they hoped would be a confidence-boosting net.For the next 15 minutes, Martin and champion batsman and part-time spinner
O’Neill repeatedly clean-bowled Spinner, who hardly got a bat to any ball. So poor was his batting effort that a woman watching at the back of the net yelled, “You’re hopeless, Kline. Waste of time you going out there.”When Des Hoare was bowled by Frank Worrell for a duck, the score stood at 207 for 9. The “hope of the side” gathered his gloves, pulled on his baggy green and made his way down the steps through a throng of SACA members. A man yelled in jest, “Won’t be long now, Lindsay.” All the members roared.With a mixture of splendid defence, two cracking boundaries, and the patience of Job, Kline defied all the West Indians could throw at him and his senior partner, the indefatigable Ken “Slasher” Mackay.Led by the Wes Hall, who seemingly pushed off from the sightscreen for every delivery; the greatest allrounder in history, Garry Sobers; medium-pacer Worrell; and spinners Lance Gibbs and Alf Valentine, the West Indies attack bowled a total of 120 eight-ball overs on that final day. But they failed to break that last pair.Mackay took the last ball of the day from Hall, which rose and struck him fair on the chest. He had let the ball hit him through fear of getting an edge. Kline made his highest Test score, 15 not out, and Mackay finished unconquered on 62 to complete Australia’s great escape.

So poor was his batting effort that a woman watching at the back of the net yelled, “You’re hopeless, Kline. Waste of time you going out there.”

In November 1960, in the first Test of that series, Spinner featured with his great mate Ian Meckiff in a brief last-wicket stand. As Wes Hall came in bowl, the scores were level. Australia needed one run to win.Spinner pushed the ball to little Joe Solomon, close-in at point, and took off. Meckiff hesitated and ran full pelt for safety but Solomon threw down the stumps from side-on and the game was over.The West Indies danced in glee. They thought they had won the match. Norm O’Neill and the Australians thought they had won.In the wake of the first tie in Test history, Spinner said drily, “There was me running for a win and there was Meckiff running for a tie.”Over the years Spinner and Meckiff have been regular attendees at the Adelaide Test match. For more than 40 years the pair have been great friends with former South Australia and Test wicketkeeper Barry Jarman. At least once a year over many years they’d drive to Adelaide and hook up with O’Neill for a rollicking few days on board Jarman’s houseboat on the Murray River.One night as BJ, Norm and Meckiff spun stories over a convivial red wine or two, Spinner excused himself.The time went by and Meckiff said: “Where’s Spinner? He’s probably fallen in.”Ropes secured the boat to a couple of trees at a secluded spot on the river. There was a plank from the back of the boat to the sandy shore. They found Spinner hanging on to the side of the boat, saturated and laughing his head off.Kline’s bowling was the object of good-natured ribbing from his friends, but he did take a Test hat-trick•PA PhotosThe next day he announced that he had lost his glasses. Two days later, when they returned to that mooring spot, there the glasses were, murky water washing over them on the shoreline.In 1961, during Spinner’s England tour with Australia, the side played a couple of one-day matches in Ireland. In Belfast the wind blew to near-hurricane force, but Richie Benaud was determined to lead his side onto the ground. He wasn’t keen to bowl into the wind that wild Irish day, though, and left that task to Kline. “Spinner wasn’t the quickest through the air and he not only couldn’t get the ball up, I doubt whether it would reach the other end,” Jarman recalled.Kline’s finest bowling moment was his Test match hat-trick against South Africa in Cape Town in 1958.He played 13 Tests in all, taking 34 wickets at an average of 22.82. His last Test was that drawn Test at Adelaide Oval where he made 15 not out. On the houseboat trips the blokes would always scold him over that innings: “How come you scored only 15 in a whole session? Terrible batting Spinner.”Now Spinner is gone, but the cricket family will never forget the man Barry Jarman calls a “champion.”He loved a good red and watching the television show . He is survived by his wife Stella, two sons and two daughters.In the last year of his life, Spinner was greatly buoyed by the golfing prowess of his granddaughter, 17-year-old Olivia Kline, who in January this year won the SA Junior Masters by a whopping nine strokes at Royal Adelaide Gold Club.We are all blessed to have known this gentle soul who spun a ball and a story so well. God love him.

أكد لويس إنريكي مدرب باريس سان جيرمان الفرنسي، رفضه لفكرة النجم الأوحد، وأن الفريق ككل أهم من الفرد، متحدثًا عن لاعبه عثمان ديمبلي المرشح بقوة للتتويج بالكرة الذهبية “بالون دور”.

ويستعد باريس سان جيرمان لخوض نهائي كأس العالم للأندية 2025 أمام تشيلسي، غدًا الأحد في البطولة التي تستضيفها الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

وقيل لإنريكي إنه هو نجم باريس سان جيرمان، وإنه المرشح الأوفر حظًا للفوز بجائزة الكرة الذهبية لأفضل مدرب، وأجاب في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “جارديان” البريطانية: “لا أؤمن بالجوائز الفردية بشكل عام، ولا حتى بالجوائز الفردية للمدربين”.

وأوضح: “الفريق دائمًا أهم من الفرد، وهذا ما نسعى إلى غرسه في باريس سان جيرمان، عثمان ديمبلي هو الأفضل بفضل إنجازاته الفردية، سواءً بتسجيله أهدافًا أو تمريراته الحاسمة، ولكن الأهم من ذلك كله هو أن عمله هو ما ساهم في فوز باريس سان جيرمان بجميع الألقاب”.

اقرأ أيضًا | إنريكي: أسعى لصُنع التاريخ مع باريس سان جيرمان.. وبطولة وحيدة تكمل موسمنا الاستثنائي

وواصل مدرب باريس سان جيرمان: “هذا هو المعيار الوحيد الذي يُكافأ به اللاعب على المستوى الفردي، هذا رأيي، وأنا متأكد من وجود آراء أخرى”.

وقال إنريكي : “الفريق يتكون من 11 نجمًا، هذه هي كرة القدم، لا نريد نجمًا واحدًا، بل 11، أو 13، أو 14، أو 15، هذا ما نريده، نبحث عن النجم الحقيقي، ألا وهو الفريق بأكمله”.

وأتم: “الأمر أشبه بالجماهير، ليس هناك نجم واحد، بل هو ملعب حديقة الأمراء بأكمله، أعتقد أن الطريق واضح للجميع، نريد نجومًا، ولكن في خدمة الفريق”.

“He is supremely confident about his own ability – the fact that he is fully fit now makes a massive difference,” Shastri says of Hardik

ESPNcricinfo staff12-May-20235:13

Runorder: Ravi Shastri wants Hardik to be India’s full-time T20I captain

Ravi Shastri feels that with the next men’s T20 World Cup just over a year away, Hardik Pandya will be handed the captaincy of the India team immediately.”Everyone can qualify to play, but I think Hardik will lead,” Shastri said on ESPNcricinfo’s . “The next two World Cups [after the 2023 ODI World Cup] are T20 cricket. He’s already [standby] captain of India [in T20Is], so he will continue unless he is not fit. I think they [the selectors] will look into a new direction. There’s a lot of talent among the youth at the moment. You might have a pretty much new team; there will be some new faces if not a new team.”There will be still plenty who played in the last T20I match that India played, but there will be some new faces because what we’ve seen here in this year’s IPL is some refreshing young talent.”Related

• Shastri: Keep Kohli, Rohit for Tests and ODIs; 'current form' all that matters for T20I squad

• Hardik 'more than happy' to take over full-time captaincy

• The Hardik evolution: 'I don't mind playing the Dhoni role'

• Gambhir unsure if Kohli, Rohit, Rahul fit in 2024 T20 WC plans

Rohit Sharma is India’s designated captain across formats, but he hasn’t played a T20I since the 2022 T20 World Cup. KL Rahul was his deputy at the tournament; his last T20I, too, was at the World Cup. In the meantime, India have played eight T20Is, and Hardik has led in all of them with Rohit resting. Of those eight, India have won five, lost two, and tied one.At the last T20 World Cup, India’s intent with the bat had come under scrutiny, not for the first time. In the semi-final, they scored 168, which England chased down with ten wickets and four overs to spare.Since then, India have tried many fresh faces, with good results. And Shastri suggested “the 2007 route” for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Then, with Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and some others opting out, India had named a relatively inexperienced side for the inaugural T20 World Cup, and India lifted the trophy under MS Dhoni’s captaincy.”I feel they will go the 2007 route, where they will identify talent, and Hardik will have lots of choices when it comes to the selection,” Shastri said. “Because his ideas will be different; he has played the IPL as a captain of a franchise and seen a lot of the other players. He will have his inputs.”Hardik Pandya has led India in every T20I they have played since the last T20 World Cup•Getty Images

When asked if it’s Hardik then who should have a conversation with the senior players about the future, Shastri said, “Obviously. Because he is the guy who is going to take the guys out on the park. Whatever he says has to be given importance and listened to.”Until IPL 2022, Hardik had no captaincy experience at the senior level. But he created a stir when he led Gujarat Titans, one of two new teams that season, to the title. This season, too, Titans are all but through to the playoffs with the last few league-stage matches to go.The only concern with Hardik could be regarding his workload management, given he is expected to play a big role for India at the upcoming ODI World Cup as well and his struggle with injuries is well known. Shastri said it should not be an issue, given he no longer plays long-form cricket.”It is not that he is playing three formats,” Shastri said. “Everything now is separate. You have Test matches, so the moment a Test series comes, he gets a corridor of a month to rest and recuperate. He is supremely confident about his own ability. The fact that he is fully fit now makes a massive difference. Form plays an important role. When he is fit, then he is arguably one of the best T20 players in the world.”In November last year as well, Shastri had said that “there is no harm in identifying a new T20I captain, and if his name is Hardik Pandya, so be it”.

Aston Villa are now keen on signing a £25m striker this January, with Unai Emery planning up to three signings, according to a report.

Mixed first half of the season at Villa Park

Villa fans will have mixed emotions about their side’s first half of the campaign, given that they are in a strong position to qualify for the next round of the Champions League, but are struggling to reach the heights of last season in the Premier League.

The Villans remain within touching distance of the top four, six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, so there is still time to turn things around, but Emery may feel some new additions are needed in the January transfer window.

One potential option for Emery this winter is Paris Saint-Germain’s Milan Skriniar, with a price tag of €35m (£29m) being set by the French club, making the 29-year-old a relatively affordable option if Emery wants to pursue a defender.

However, the manager appears to be more keen on strengthening his attacking options, with Villa in the race for a number of forwards, including Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui and teammate Charles De Ketelaere, who operates in attacking midfield.

Now, another option has also entered the frame, with The Daily Mail reporting that Aston Villa have reignited their interest in Borussia Dortmund Donyell Malen ahead of the January transfer window.

The Villans are said to be keen on signing Malen, who can operate across the front line, with Emery keen to add depth to his squad as we enter the second half of the season.

Dortmund are said to value the Dutchman at around £25m, as he now enters the final 18 months of his contract with the Bundesliga club.

The report also states that Emery is planning up to three signings in the January transfer window, so there could be a number of new faces through the door over the next few weeks.

Aston Villa now plotting move to sign "aggressive" £46m forward for Emery

He’s enjoying an excellent season…

ByTom Cunningham Dec 28, 2024 Malen is a versatile option for Emery

The 25-year-old is capable of playing on both wings and through the middle, making him a versatile option for Emery, should he complete a move to Villa Park this winter.

Ever since breaking into the PSV Eindhoven team, the Netherlands international has shown a keen eye for finding the back of the net, as displayed by his goal record in the league.

Season

Appearances

Goals

2019-20

14

11

2020-21

32

19

2021-22

27

5

2022-23

26

9

2023-24

27

13

Lauded as “unstoppable” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the former PSV Eindhoven man ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, highlighting his ability in front of goal.

Villa are not short on top strikers, with Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran performing well this season, but Malen’s versatility and eye for goal could make him a great option for Emery, as he looks to get his side back on track in the second half of the campaign.

Everton showed great fight and fortitude as they battled through a gruelling December run, avoiding defeat against some top-class opposition. They were, however, dismal in the culminating fixture against Nottingham Forest.

The Tricky Trees have been exceptional in the Premier League this season, behind only Liverpool and Arsenal, but Sean Dyche didn’t hold back as he rebuked his squad for failing to deal with danger.

Having avoided defeat across their previous four, Everton will now look to put that blip behind them and start the new year with a bang as they travel to the south coast to take on Bournemouth.

Andoni Iraola’s side have been impressive this term, showcasing their attacking style and avoiding defeat across their past seven top-flight outings. Everton will need to display every ounce of their grit and strike on the counter as the hosts look to stretch forward.

Everton team news

Everton have failed to win on all seven of their Premier League trips to the Vitality Stadium and will have to change that without chief playmaker Dwight McNeil, who remains sidelined with a knee injury.

Seamus Coleman is still out, as are James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam, though the latter pair are “back on the grass” and approaching a much-needed comeback as Everton look to steer away from relegation danger.

Further up the field, Armando Broja will want to reprise his role at number nine but Dominic Calvert-Lewin will fancy his chances despite his abject form this season.

There are a couple of further areas that Dyche will be keen on changing up, however, with Jack Harrison among the worst performers last time out.

Why Dyche must drop Jack Harrison

Harrison has flattered to deceive this season, failing to register a single goal contribution across 17 Premier League appearances. The 28-year-old is entering the final phase of a two-year loan at Goodison Park and you can’t imagine Everton’s new owners will be desperate to tie him down permanently.

Reliable sources such as The Athletic have already confirmed that Everton are set to scour the market for new wingers, and after another dismal display against Forest last time out, Harrison will know that not only are his days as a Toffee numbered but so too are his days as a starting member.

The Liverpool Echo’s Chris Beesley didn’t hold back in his assessment, branding Harrison with a 4/10 match rating after his lifeless effort. His replacement, Jesper Lindstrom, was ‘much more of a threat’ and should start against Bournemouth.

Minutes played

45′

45′

Goals

0

0

Assists

0

0

Touches

25

35

Pass completion

9/17

13/13 (100%)

Key passes

1

1

Dribbles (completed)

0 (0)

3 (2)

Tackles

0

1

Total duels (won)

4 (1)

9 (3)

Harrison isn’t the only man who needs to watch from the sidelines this afternoon, with Vitalii Mykolenko also culpable for a woeful performance last time out.

Why Dyche should drop Vitalii Mykolenko

But wait, Everton’s supply of left-backs isn’t exactly deep. However, Ashley Young has featured in the position twice this term, keeping a clean sheet against Newcastle United and claiming an assist versus Leicester City; both results were draws.

Young might be 39 years old, but he’s still been one of Everton’s most dependable performers this season, averaging 2.6 tackles and 1.1 tackles per game while winning 59% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

Mykolenko, conversely, has lacked composure and conviction, and this was perfectly illustrated by The Toffees Blues, who cried that he was costing the Merseysiders and “giving goals away.”

His languidness in closing down Abdoulaye Doucoure’s loose pass demonstrated a lack of awareness that is simply unforgivable in Everton’s current circumstances.

Moreover, the 25-year-old lost the ball 17 times, as per Sofascore, as he sought to pump creativity through to the frontline but also squandered promising possessional phases on several occasions. There’s no question that Young is the superior ball player, even on his ostensibly weaker side.

Ultimately, the Ukrainian is a talented player, but Everton will be up against it today and must not afford the hosts any space to work with. Young is competent at left-back, one of the most versatile players in the Premier League, and with Nathan Patterson returning last week, it might be a rotation that could bear fruit.

TFG must axe 4/10 Everton flop who’s earning over 2x more than Branthwaite

He needs to be out the door in 2025 as Everton begin an exciting transition.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 31, 2024