Weston McKennie and Tim Weah may be heading back to square one at Juventus, with Massimiliano Allegri reportedly ready to quit his post.
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Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsMustafizur Rahman sliced through Ireland’s middle order•AFP
Mustafizur Rahman’s spell accounted for the cream of Ireland’s batting and helped Bangladesh cruise to their first win in the tri-nation series.Ireland, sent in to bat, were bowled out for 181 in 46.3 overs with Mustafizur taking 4 for 23 off nine overs. Soumya Sarkar then struck his second successive half-century as Bangladesh cruised to victory by eight wickets in the 28th over.Ireland’s inability to convert starts – three batsmen made 25 or more but no one got to 50 – resulted in them losing wickets in clumps. They lost Paul Stirling in the first over, but recovered briefly: they were 60 for 2 in 14 overs when Andy Balbirne played all around a Shakib Al Hasan delivery and was lbw. In a nine-over spell courtesy spin, Ireland managed just 31.The only resistance came when Ed Joyce, who top scored with 46, and Niall O’Brien put together 55 for the fourth wicket. Mustafizur returned to dismiss O’Brien to expose the lower-middle order with 22.3 overs still to play.George Dockrell’s 50-ball 25 lifted Ireland to 181 before Mashrafe Mortaza, the captain, brought the innings to a close. Mashrafe and Sunzamul Islam, the debutant left-arm spinner, finished with two wickets apiece.Bangladesh’s openers – Tamim Iqbal and Sarkar – started steadily, before they went into overdrive in the ninth over when Sarkar blasted Barry McCarthy for two fours and a six. Tamim, generally the aggressor, built gradually to make 47 before the O’Brien brothers combined to break a 95-run stand. Tamim, looking to run the ball down, could only get a faint nick through to the wicketkeeper.Sabbir Rahman found his groove quickly, making an enterprising 35 that included three fours and a six, before falling with Bangladesh 10 short of victory. Sarkar was unbeaten on 87 at the finish.
Liverpool will continue to monitor the market as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to rebuild after a challenging campaign, and Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch is one young talent who they are 'pushing' to sign.
What's the latest on Ryan Gravenberch to Liverpool?
That's according to the Mirror, who state that Klopp has received the green light to complete a move for the Dutchman, who has endured a frustrating maiden term in the German Bundesliga with the formidable champions.
The player is said to be 'keen' on a move to Anfield and, while in an ideal world he would remain at the club he chose to kickstart his career one year ago, a lack of minutes and the offer of prominence at Liverpool could result in a transfer, with a fee of around £25m enough to prise him away.
Especially considering that James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all left the club; Alexis Mac Allister has been signed for £35m but the robust Gravenberch could be new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke's masterstroke this summer.
Should Liverpool sign Ryan Gravenberch?
Gravenberch forged 103 appearances for Ajax and was a key component of an outfit that gleaned the Eredivisie thrice and the KNVB Cup twice across three campaigns, catching the eye of many an outfit across Europe and subsequently earning a €24m (£20m) transfer to Bavaria.
However, five starts from 33 matches across all competitions in Germany this season will do little to convince the precocious talent of committing his future to the club despite winning the title this year, with Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka unlikely to fall out of favour any time soon.
Previously hailed as the Netherlands' "greatest talent" by ex-Ajax ace Wim Kieft, the £152k-per-week machine ranks among the top 7% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 23% for progressive passes, the top 19% for successful take-ons and the top 27% for tackles per 90, as per FBref, which emphasises the dynamism of his trade and hints at a future as one of Europe's most destructive conductors.
If Klopp succeeds in signing the 21-year-old, he will strengthen the Dutch spine Anfield currently boasts, with Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo occupying prominent roles either side of the centre of the park, where Gravenberch could pull the strings and inject the unrelenting intensity to send the Kop into rapture.
He could forge a distinctively slick partnership with Gakpo, who has impressed since signing from PSV for an initial £35m last winter and scored seven goals and three assists as he ostensibly slots into the departing and iconic Roberto Firmino's all-encompassing frontal role.
Adept and weaving the threads of Klopp's hundred-hued tapestry together with his creative ingenuity, Gakpo ranks among the top 10% of forwards for rate of assists, the top 17% for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 1% for tackles per 90.
Such metrics play into Gravenberch's favour – and indeed vice versa – because of his role in tethering the midfield to the attack, opening space for the inversions of wide forwards such as Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez, and keeping the robustness intact with his multi-faceted approach.
Lauded for his "dominant" demeanour on the pitch by his former youth coach Brian Tevreden, the confidence that exudes from Gravenberch's tenacity in the middle will keep the system ticking, and the countrymen could play significant roles in the next phase of Klopp's dynasty in Liverpool.
This summer will see seismic change at Glasgow Rangers as they aim to put their troubles behind them and usher in a new era under Michael Beale, with the manager looking ahead to his first full season in charge.
Positives were few and far between during 2022/23, with failure to win any silverware and suffering a horrendous Champions League group stage campaign bringing the club down from the high of reaching a historic Europa League final at the end of the previous term.
Although the Gers ended up scoring 115 goals in all competitions, they were let down by the fact they shipped 70 goals throughout the campaign, with Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin conceding 51 and 18 goals between them.
The 41-year-old has now departed Ibrox, however, McLaughlin still has a contract until 2024, and Beale must move him on this summer in order to free up more of the wage budget and also bring in a small fee for the ‘keeper, especially due to his underwhelming performances.
Will Jon McLaughlin leave Rangers this summer?
Robby McCrorie played four matches towards the end of last season, conceding just one goal from four games, and he should play a more prominent role in 2023/24.
Beale has also secured the signing of Jack Butland on a free transfer and those two should battle it out for the number one spot, suggesting that the 35-year-old will be surplus to requirements.
The former Sunderland shot-stopper has tended to play second fiddle to McGregor during his three years at the Light Blues, however, he was given the nod to begin the 2022/23 campaign as number one.
Throughout August and September, he played ten matches and conceded 15 goals, with his displays against Celtic and Ajax within a matter of four days drawing criticism. Indeed, Jordan Campbell described his showing in the woeful 4-0 defeat to their Old Firm rivals as “a poor performance” and after conceding another four goals against the Dutch giants, he played just five more games.
The £6.1k-per-week liability was a solid enough backup option during his initial two years at the Gers, yet those inexcusable displays against Celtic and Ajax arguably stunted any momentum Giovanni van Bronckhorst had going, and it’s evident he should never pull on a Rangers shirt again.
The next few weeks will be crucial in terms of attracting interest as his time is now up at the club, especially now with Butland and McCrorie ahead of him in the pecking order.
Chelsea have started to explore a deal to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia this summer, according to reports.
Is Romeo Lavia leaving Southampton?
The Belgium international only arrived at the St. Mary’s Stadium from Premier League rivals Manchester City, who do have a buy-back clause available, last summer, but after establishing himself as Ruben Selles’ second top-performing defensive player last season, has caught the eye of Mauricio Pochettino.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Rudy Galetti revealed that the Blues have the 19-year-old at the “top of their list” of central targets and have “already started” talks regarding a potential move, and it’s fair to say that reinforcements will be needed in the months ahead.
The Stamford Bridge outfit have N’Golo Kante and Denis Zakaria both out of contract this summer whilst Mateo Kovacic has reportedly entered negotiations over joining Pep Guardiola’s side so fresh faces will be required which is where the south coast starlet comes in.
Are Chelsea signing Lavia?
According to Football Insider, Chelsea, and by extension owner Todd Boehly, have “sounded out the possibility” of a deal for Lavia ahead of the 2023/24 term. The SW6 side have already “made some early moves” for Southampton’s midfielder, and it’s stated that Pochettino has “marked” the teenager as a player who he is a “huge fan” of. The £25k-per-week gem, who is preparing to leave, is also attracting interest from Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal.
Could Lavia be a good signing for Chelsea?
Chelsea will know that Lavia is still a very young player in the development stages of his career, but having been labelled a “diamond” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the defensive midfielder could be a fantastic signing for the long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
The Elite Project Group Ltd client ranks in the 96th percentile for blocks and recorded a total of 60 tackles throughout last season which was the third-highest number out of the squad on the south coast, as per FBRef.
Hailed as "perfect for Chelsea" by journalist Nick Emms, Lavia is sponsored by Adidas and also occasionally chips in with his team’s efforts at the opposite end of the pitch having provided one goal and the same number of assists during his debut campaign at Southampton.
Finally, Lavia would add versatility to the manager’s ranks with his ability to operate slightly higher up in central midfield alongside his natural role sitting just in front of the backline, and he could only excel even further under the guidance of Pochettino.
The way Ravindra Jadeja spoke of how the match went showed the confidence India went into the match with
Sidharth Monga in Kanpur24-Sep-20160:42
‘We didn’t want to give them free boundaries’ – Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja’s press conference was hilarious. It will most certainly be lost in translation, but it is worth reproducing it for the benefit of those who understand Hindi in its entire colour because what he said was instructive.He was talking about why India didn’t ever feel they were in threat of ceding the advantage despite there being three partnerships in New Zealand innings, especially the 124-run stand between Kane Williamson and Tom Latham.
On the feeling in the dressing room
“It was a tough day. We have to look forward to tomorrow and make sure we make the adjustments that are required. We need to improve, but I know the boys are determined. We are trying to learn [playing in] these conditions and figure out ways to score runs and take wickets. We’d definitely like to do things better tomorrow, and I know the boys are determined to do that.”
“There was definitely a bit more turn, but they have two quality spin bowlers and we lost wickets in clumps. We talked about that, we know it’s tough to start in these conditions, and we’ve definitely got to do that better in our second innings.”
Thinking of how to fight out a draw now?
“We’ve got to look at that first session tomorrow, try and restrict them and take as many poles as we can tomorrow morning. That’s our main focus at the moment, and then trying to deal with our second innings with the bat.”
On the pitch
“As you’d expect with a day three wicket there is a lot more rough, a lot more footmarks out there and it’s getting a bit slower in the middle of the track. But that is what you expect when you start the game. We know it is going to get tougher and tougher into day four and day five. No surprises there.”
And now realising where he was going, Jadeja stopped. What usually follows this is beeped on TV. Or asterisked as its loose translation in text here will be. What Jadeja meant was one big partnership is always expected but it is no big deal on such turning tracks because when a new batsman comes in and he sees the footmarks and the rough, he goes…That’s where he stopped himself. What usually follows in Hindi can be loosely – and very loosely indeed – translated to, “He goes holy f***.” Had he said the whole sentence it wouldn’t have been funny. The fact that he stopped himself was what made it hilarious. He stopped talking clichés and let himself go in a language he was most comfortable with, but also had the awareness to stop himself when he was about to say something he shouldn’t be.The way Jadeja spoke of how the match went showed the confidence India went into the match with. New Zealand tried their best, but in hindsight did they really stand a chance? The batsmen couldn’t pick from the hand which balls were going to turn and which were going straight on. Loose balls were few and far between. Fielding, especially catching, was at its best. On such a turning track six wickets were lbw, which in itself is testament to how accurate Jadeja and R Ashwin were.Jadeja said the accuracy bit was discussed with both Anil Kumble and Ashwin. “He [Kumble] told me to go wide on the crease and bowl around the sixth stump for the left-hand batsmen because there was rough there. He told me to target putting as many balls as possible in that rough because from there, some balls were turning and some were going straight. That would have created doubts in the batsmen’s minds, so that’s what we spoke of.”Ashwin and I spoke of bowling at the stumps. Adjust our lines so that after the turn the ball ends up on the stumps. We knew we’ll get maximum chances if we kept the threat of lbw or bowled alive. There wasn’t much turn from the stumps so our initial plan was to string together maiden overs. We needed to give up fewer runs and that would also create pressure on them. Finally we executed our plan.”Jadeja also said they were aware of the lack of experience in the New Zealand batting. He said they knew there weren’t many who could play a long chanceless innings.Jadeja’s biggest threat on such turning tracks is the straighter balls that he picks. New Zealand have said they don’t pick him from the hand, and they try to play him off the pitch. Jadeja wasn’t giving out his secrets although it is quite possible that on turning tracks it is the natural variation that carries balls straight. In the process he did compare this Kanpur track to the under-prepared tracks he grew up playing on in Saurashtra.”We didn’t have very well prepared grounds and pitches growing up. These are the kinds I’ve been brought up on, the kinds where there were no groundsmen and we were just practising,” Jadeja said. “The facilities we had were of that kind, so having played on such pitches, I’ve got an idea of how to bowl, which areas to bowl on, what speed to bowl at. From my childhood to Under-17, Under-19 till now, I’ve played on turners or unprepared pitches. Having played so much on them, I’ve got an idea now.”
Manchester United are "working" on a new contract for right-back Diogo Dalot, according to a new claim by journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Is Dalot a key man for United?
The 24-year-old has had a frustrating season for the Red Devils, not necessarily because of a loss of form, but due to injuries limiting his minutes in the team. The £25,000-a-week defender has still managed 23 starts in the Premier League, in fairness, but his playing time has reduced the more the campaign has gone on, especially with Aaron Wan-Bissaka playing well.
Dalot has clearly done his bit, however, helping United get into the top four and remain there, and the hope is that he remains at the club for the foreseeable future. That being said, his current deal does expire at the end of next season, meaning if he does sign an extension soon they will risk losing him for free next year.
There has been interest in the Portugal international, with Barcelona one of the clubs linked with signing him, so this upcoming period looks key when it comes to his future.
Could Dalot sign new Reds deal?
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano said that United are keen on extending Dalot's stay at Old Trafford, seeing him as an important figure moving forward:
"We know that Manchester United are working on a new contract for Diogo Dalot because this is crucial to understanding how to proceed with the right-back situation. But Jeremie Frimpong remains on the list but not something advanced."
Dalot signing a new deal would be great news for United, with the Portuguese who has described as "very professional" by Cristiano Ronaldo during his second spell at the club. Granted, he will be disappointed at aspects of this season, and Wan-Bissaka is providing strong competition, but he arguably has the higher ceiling and is younger than his teammate.
At 24, the 11-cap and two-goal Portugal man still has his best years ahead of him, and for United to have two good options at right-back is exactly what is required, especially with Champions League football now almost certain to be returning to Old Trafford next season.
The key now is ensuring that the Reds provide Dalot with a good offer, nailing him down for many years to come, rather than offering him too little, making him feel undervalued and ultimately leading to him deciding he wants a fresh challenge this summer and beyond.
Journalist Beren Cross has slammed Leeds United midfielder Marc Roca for his "poor performance" in the club's disappointing recent defeat.
What's the latest on Marc Roca and Leeds?
The Whites have now lost three Premier League games in a row as they edge worryingly closer to the relegation zone with just six games left to save them.
Indeed, after losing 5-1 and then 6-1 at home to Crystal Palace and Liverpool, Javi Gracia and his team were away against Fulham this weekend.
In the end, despite a late consultation from Patrick Bamford (that may well be an own goal from Joao Palhinha), goals from Harry Wilson and Andreas Pereira saw the home side win 2-1.
Understandably, few players truly impressed in a Leeds shirt but it seems as though Roca may well have been the worst on the pitch.
Cross certainly didn't hold back in his player ratings for LeedsLive as he handed the Spaniard a 4/10 – the joint-worst in the team – and called him "clumsy".
He wrote: "A poor performance neatly summed up by the four consecutive corners he failed to get beyond the first man in the second half. Looked overrun as the sole pivot. Tackles were clumsy or non-existent."
How poor was Marc Roca against Fulham?
Interestingly enough, Graham Smyth also gave Roca a 4/10 in the Yorkshire Evening Post player ratings and wrote: "Couldn't get to grips with the game, gave away free-kicks, gave the ball away ahead of the second."
While these two journalists concurred, the stats also go some way to outlining just how poor the £50k-per-week midfielder played on the day.
Indeed, as per Sofascore, Roca lost the ball 20 times and made four fouls (only Max Wober was poorer than him in both categories). He also was dribbled past once, while he failed with his only dribble attempt and made just one tackle – which shows why Cross calls his defensive work in the middle of the park "non-existent".
This certainly doesn't reflect well on Roca who was slammed by Cross in his LeedsLive player ratings just last week after the Liverpool defeat, handing him a 3/10 and writing: "Dire in possession when Leeds were in half-decent positions. Bypassed too easily at points."
Following that same game, One Leeds Fan Channel host Conor McGilligan said (via Football FanCast): "I've said multiple times, I'm a big fan of Roca. He is embarrassing at the minute, embarrassing."
All in all, it's been a terrible few weeks for both club and player and it could soon get worse if they can't fix things in the near future with the threat of relegation now looming large.
Arsenal continued their imperious form yet again yesterday, with a comprehensive win over Leeds United. It marked yet another huge stride towards Premier League glory, continuing to keep Manchester City at arms length after the fine victory of their own against Liverpool.
With the gap still at eight points, the Gunners must rely on maintaining performances like these, which have seen them blow away plenty of opposition. It marked their seventh straight league victory, done so in emphatic style.
Whilst much of the praise might fall upon the attackers, for once again blowing away the Whites' defence with some of the best football they had played all season, it marked yet another comfortable game for their back four too.
People rushed to laud Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, and rightly so, but their exploits are only propped up by the rigid solidity of those behind them.
It was expected that the loss of William Saliba could derail this, yet yesterday's win only served to continue the resurgence of Rob Holding. Arguably, he was once again Mikel Arteta's true hero.
How did Rob Holding play vs Leeds?
Starting just his second league match of the campaign, the 27-year-old strolled through the match with purpose and poise. This earned him a Sofascore rating of 7.0, propped up predominantly by his fine defensive work.
Boasting four clearances, one block and one tackle, the Stalybridge-born stalwart was a rock at the back alongside Gabriel Magalhães. He even won an impressive 83% of the six duels he competed in too, marking a resolute display that limited the opposition throughout, via Sofascore.
Before the game, the former Bolton Wanderers ace had been urged to thrive in the absence of his 22-year-old teammate, with journalist Simon Collings claiming: "He's an incredibly popular figure at club. Chance now for him to lead on the pitch as well as off it." It is fair to say that Holding did in fact take that chance.
Not only was he strong in the tackle, but his work in progressing the play also merits further plaudits. The £40k-per-week star also enjoyed 76 touches of the ball, maintaining an 84% pass accuracy that also included five accurate long balls, as per Sofascore.
Given how important Saliba also was in this department, it truly is startling to see his English counterpart thrive in such a role with such ease.
Few could have expected Holding to instantly excel, but that is arguably a testament to the environment that Arteta has created at the Emirates. It allows anyone to feel like they can come in and be a star within his team, and this once-forgotten man serves as the perfect example of such a revival.
Chelsea are still battling Manchester United for the signing of Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen this summer, according to a report from Italy.
The Lowdown: Chelsea linked with Osimhen signing
The Nigerian is having a magnificent season for Napoli currently, spearheading their relentless Serie A title charge and scoring 19 goals in as many league starts.
Osimhen has been linked with a move to Chelsea recently, with a new centre forward surely at the top of their shopping list during the summer transfer window.
The move still potentially looks on the cards, following an intriguing new update.
The Latest: Offer ready
According to Calciomercato, Chelsea are still in the hunt for the signing of Osimhen, with the Blues now ready to table an offer to the player.
Todd Boehly is apparently personally ready to double the Nigerian striker’s current salary of €4.5m per year, which would mean an offer of about £153,000 per week, while Napoli are set to demand up to €130m (£115m).
United are also strong contenders to snap him up, however, with manager Erik ten Hag seeing him as a primary transfer target.
The Verdict: Could be a sensational signing
If Chelsea managed to pip United to Osimhen’s signature this summer, it could end up being a masterstroke of a signing, considering he is one of Europe’s top strikers currently.
Not only is he flying for Napoli but 15 goals in 23 caps for Nigeria further outlines his attacking pedigree, with his pace, power and cool finishing making him a defender’s nightmare.
Jose Mourinho has even compared Osimhen to Chelsea legend Didier Drigba, which is high praise indeed, while Walter Mazzarri has hailed him as ‘phenomenal’ in the past.
At 24, the Napoli ace should only improve further, too, and he could transform the Blues’ attack next season, improving those around him and supplying regular end product.