The 29-year old announced on Twitter that he was available to play for Mumbai in their last two Vijay Hazare Trophy group matches on March 4 and 6

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Mar-20171:43

Will Rohit fit into the Test side easily?

Rohit Sharma, who was out of action since November 2016 after suffering a thigh injury, is set to make a return to cricket. The 29-year old opener tweeted that he was available for Mumbai’s 50-over matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on March 4 and 6.Rohit, who last played for India in October 2016, missed the Test and ODI series against England, the one-off Test against Bangladesh and was unavailable for the first two Tests against Australia due to the injury that forced him to travel to London for his treatment.Rohit hurt himself while batting against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam, where he injured his quadriceps while diving into the crease. Battling a poor run of form, he struck 70 off 65 deliveries which proved a match-winning performance.Mumbai, who are currently second in Group C of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, play Bengal (March 3), Andhra (March 4) and Goa (March 6) in Chennai for the last of their group fixtures.

Manchester United will be desperate to build on their solid debut campaign under Erik ten Hag and as Champions League football is set to grace the Old Trafford pitch once again following a hiatus last term, the Dutchman will be keen to strengthen.

Not only that, but he will also be looking at moving some of the deadwood out of United that has dragged them down, with Harry Maguire being a player who must be banished from the Red Devils.

Tottenham Hotspur were linked with a move for the player last month and despite claims that he wants to remain at the club and fight for his place, the Dutchman looks certain to improve his defensive options.

Maguire started just 16 games last season, with only half of those coming in the Premier League and his current earnings of £190k-per-week were not rewarded with regular game time – hence why he should be moved on.

United have shown interest in Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard according to Football Transfers and he could be the perfect replacement for the club's struggling skipper.

Could Benjamin Pavard sign for Manchester United?

The Bundesliga giants are reportedly allowing the Frenchman to leave should they receive offers of around €30m (£26m) this summer and Ten Hag could see this as a deal which represents excellent value.

The World Cup winner has tended to play more as a right-back during his career, but last season for Bayern, he featured heavily at centre-back and this adaptability could be a big plus in terms of Ten Hag launching a potential move.

Pavard could give United an unlikely goal threat, as he ranks in the top 1% across Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.18) and top 3% for shot-creating actions per 90 (1.58) however, it is his ability to bring the ball out of defence that could entice the United boss into signing him.

The 27-year-old ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes per 90 (7.59) and the top 9% for progressive carries per 90 (1.31) across the big five leagues in Europe among those in his position, suggesting that he’d be a perfect fit for Ten Hag’s tactical system which relies heavily on defenders playing out from the back.

In contrast, Maguire makes only 3.09 progressive passes per 90 and 0.95 progressive carries per 90 across Europe's big five leagues, and these are much lower totals than the Bayern star, thus rendering his role as obsolete should he arrive.

The former Stuttgart defender was lauded as being a “real talent” by former Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger and for a paltry £26m, Ten Hag might not make a better signing in terms of value for money all summer.

Newcastle United are continuing to battle Liverpool for the signing of RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai this summer, according to journalist Chris Bascombe.

*David Ornstein claimed shortly after this article was published that Newcastle are dropping out of the race to sign the Hungary international.

Who's in the race to sign Szoboszlai?

The 22-year-old looks increasingly likely to leave Leipzig during the summer transfer window, potentially feeling that now is the best time for him to move on to the next stage in his career.

Szoboszlai has been linked with a move to Newcastle numerous times in recent weeks, as Eddie Howe looks to conduct some serious business before the 2023/23 Premier League season gets underway.

The Magpies aren't going to have it all their own way in their quest to sign the highly-rated Hungarian, however, with Liverpool seemingly providing the sternest competition.

What's the latest on Szoboszlai to Newcastle?

Providing an update, The Telegraph's Chris Bascombe said that Newcastle remain in the hunt to sign Szoboszlai alongside the Reds this summer, with his £60m release clause now expiring on Friday and changing the situation:

"Both Premier League clubs have been considering the merits of a move for the 22-year-old attacking midfielder, but the valuation of the Hungary international is likely to increase after June 30. That means if the two clubs are tempted to make an official move, it is decision time and they would be wiser to do so sooner rather than later.

"Newcastle are seeking alternatives to James Maddison, who signed for Tottenham Hotspur in midweek having earlier spoken to the Tynesiders’. Liverpool have held talks with Szoboszlai’s representatives, but have thus far played down the extent of their interest given the overall cost."

It does feel increasingly likely that this will be a straight shootout between Newcastle and Liverpool, although the former should feel confident of pipping their rivals for two key reasons.

Firstly, they are in a stronger financial position this summer, in terms of being willing to go big on players, meaning they could simply end up overpowering the Reds, whose owners, FSG, are known for their frugal nature.

Newcastle also having Champions League football to offer Szoboszlai while Liverpool are only in the Europa League, and the Leipzig man could be keen to remain in the competition.

If the Magpies could get a deal over the line it could be hugely significant – he has been called an "artist" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – snapping him up as a strong James Maddison alternative and providing a mix of creativity and hard work in attacking midfield.

Yolani Fourie, Lara Goodall and Marcia Letsoalo were the three players dropped from the squad that travelled to Sri Lanka for the World Cup qualifiers in February

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Apr-2017

Allrounders Raisibe Ntozakhe and Nadine de Klerk have been rewarded for their consistent performances by earning their maiden call-ups to South Africa’s 15-member ODI squad for the Quadrangular tournament from May 7 to 21. The tournament, also featuring India, Zimbabwe and Ireland, will be the last set of international matches for the teams before the Women’s World Cup in England starting in July.The captain Dane van Niekerk said she was excited by the new additions to South Africa’s squad. “It’s good to see youngsters putting their hands up and getting recognized for consistently good work,” she said. “We can’t wait to welcome Raisibe and Nadine into the fold.”South Africa squad

Dane van Niekerk (capt), Andrie Steyn, Trisha Chetty, Lizelle Lee, Suné Luus, Laura Wolvaardt, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Moseline Daniels, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Nadine de Klerk

Yolani Fourie, Lara Goodall and Marcia Letsoalo were the three players dropped from the squad that travelled to Sri Lanka for the World Cup qualifiers in February.Opener Andrie Steyn and right-arm pacer Masabata Klaas returned to the ODI squad. Steyn last played an ODI against Bangladesh in January while Klaas’ last international match was in November 2016.Coach Hilton Moreeng said the tournament offered every player a chance to make a mark before the squad for the World Cup was announced and that playing good teams would allow the team to fix its little problems.”We’re really looking forward to the next few weeks in Potchefstroom against good opposition. We’ll be using this series as our last chance at ironing out any last-minute creases that we might spot ahead of the World Cup,” Moreeng said. “We’ve yet to announce the squad that will go to England so the players have this one last chance to impress the selectors and secure their places.The squad will gather for a pre-tournament camp in Potchefstroom on May 1, where the tournament begins six days later.

Andrew Gale has admitted he was “disappointed” by the ECB decision to rest Jonny Bairstow from Yorkshire’s opening rounds of Championship action.Gale, Yorkshire’s new head coach, accepted the absence of Joe Root due to his heavy workload in international cricket. But Bairstow, who has hardly played since the conclusion of England’s Test tour to India in mid-December, has also been rested despite having been made available for the IPL.When Bairstow was not picked-up in the IPL auction, Yorkshire might have presumed he would be available for them. But, despite having played just three days of cricket this year (a warm-up game and an ODI in India, and a warm-up game in St Kitts), Bairstow has instead been rested from the opening two matches of the Championship season, appearing instead as an analyst on Sky’s IPL coverage.That has left Yorkshire, who wrapped up a crushing win over Warwickshire at Edgbaston on Monday after losing their opening game, confused and disappointed.”I can see why someone like Rooty would want a rest given the amount of cricket he’s played,” Gale said. “But Jonny has played one one-day international since Christmas. I think he’s played three days of cricket.”For me, he should have been available right from the first game of the season. He had enough time off from the end of the West Indies trip. I felt he should have been available.”It’s not the first time that Yorkshire, and Gale in particular, have expressed their discontent with decisions made by the England management. At the end of last season, with the Championship title at stake, Gale was frustrated by Adil Rashid’s decision to miss the final match of the season (Rashid claimed that a family member was ill), while the club also requested the release of players from the England touring squad in the Caribbean at the start of the 2015 season. That squad contained several Yorkshire players who were deemed surplus to requirements from the Test side.Both Root and Bairstow will be available for Yorkshire’s next Championship game which starts on Friday. Liam Plunkett, who has a calf strain, is not thought likely to be fit to return.Gale’s concerns have been eased somewhat by the emergence of Ben Coad, who had played just one Championship match before this season, but is currently the leading wicket-taker in the country with 18 from the first two matches, including his maiden five- and ten-wicket hauls.Only winning a place in the side due to the absence of several first-choice bowlers (Plunkett, Jack Brooks, Ryan Sidebottom and, for the opening match, David Willey and Rashid), he has again demonstrated the depth of the Yorkshire squad and the success of their youth development.”When you have fine seamers injured you are a little worried,” Gale agreed. “But it creates opportunities and Coady has grabbed the bull by the horns and put his name in the hat for the rest of the year. I’m sure the lads will looking over their shoulders thinking how they will get back in the team.”He’s surprised himself. He’s always had the talent and done well in the second team but to come in and take 18 wickets, I didn’t expect him to lead the attack.”We pride ourselves on bringing through homegrown players with the time and money we put into the academy. We don’t want to be signing guys from around the country or abroad. We want to back our home-grown players. We will always give them the chance first and then the academy lads can see a path into the first team and that gives them hope.”This is part and parcel of being part of Yorkshire. We’ve always wanted to bring our homegrown players through, but if we do that, they are going to get picked for England. We want our players to play for England, but when they’re available we want them to play for us as well.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly close to striking a deal with Matt Doherty to bring the Irishman back to Molineux this summer.

The 31-year-old is currently a free agent after leaving Atletico Madrid and could be a valuable member for Julen Lopetegui to reintegrate into his side.

Could Wolves sign Matt Doherty?

As reported by The Athletic yesterday, Wolves are in ‘advanced talks’ to bring the defender back to the Midlands.

After three years away from the Old Gold the 31-year-old looks ‘set to seal’ a move back to the club, with ‘positive discussions’ reported via The Athletic’s Steve Madeley.

How could Matt Doherty fit in at Wolves?

After 10 years at Wolves, Doherty opted to join Tottenham Hotspur in 2020 before leaving north London in a surprise move to Atletico Madrid in January 2023.

Things didn’t work as planned for the Irishman in the Spanish capital, as he departed this summer having made only two LaLiga appearances in a move that deprived him of playing time.

A return to Molineux could come at a perfect time for the 31-year-old and Lopetegui, as he looks to rebuild the foundations of the club after a decrease in squad names this summer.

Names such as Ruben Neves, Conor Coady, Adama Traore and Joao Moutinho departed Wolves this summer after each spending five or more years on the books at Molineux, leaving Lopetegui open to a rebuild.

The return of Doherty could reinstall some structure to the Spaniard’s plans to sculpt his side in preparation for his first full season in charge.

Sitting at the bottom of the table on Christmas day left the Old Gold wondering if their time in the top-flight was up, however, Lopetegui managed to turn fate around in ending the campaign in 13th.

While it’s integral that the former Real Madrid boss addresses the issues in the goal-scoring department, regaining defensive structure is key to bridging the gap between Wolves and the bottom third of the table.

Doherty could act as a familiar face to Molineux in a time of change, in a place that he impressed for years, making a total of 302 appearances for the club.

Once hailed as a “machine” by writer Tim Spiers during his time at Wolves, the Irishman could add competition and an authoritative figure to Lopetegui’s squad which has already changed drastically since the end of the season.

During the 2019/20 campaign, the Dublin-born gem averaged 1.5 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game at right-back, as well as contributing strongly in the final third with four goals and three assists, via WhoScored.

The £74k-per-week defender could not only arrive back in the Midlands with experience and a love for the club under his belt, but with a competitive streak worthy of prompting Nelson Semedo to raise his performance.

The Portuguese ace’s future is still not confirmed to be at Molineux, however, Lopetegui could be in a positive stance should Doherty arrive to either compete with the 29-year-old or cover his place.

It’s been a hectic summer already for the Old Gold, who seem to have got their finances under lock after making almost £80m in sales, so the rebuild for Lopetegui begins now with trialling times ahead, one that can be kickstarted with the return of a fan-favourite.

حقق جناح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول، محمد صلاح، رقميين قياسيين في فوز الريدز اليوم أمام برايتون في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

واستطاع محمد صلاح أن يسجل ويصنع ليقود ليفربول للفوز بنتيجة 2-1 على ملعب “أنفيلد” في إطار مباريات الجولة الثلاثين من البطولة.

وبعد مباراة اليوم، يكون محمد صلاح شارك في 15 هدفًا في الدوري الإنجليزي ضد برايتون وهو الضحية الأكبر للفرعون المصري بالبطولة، بحسب شبكة “أوبتا” المتخصصة في الإحصائيات الرقمية.

اقرا أيضًا | كلوب: جودة لاعبي برايتون لا تصدق.. وسأشاهد القليل من مباراة مانشستر سيتي وآرسنال

حيث نجح محمد صلاح في تسجيل 9 أهداف وصناعة 6 أهداف أخرى ويقترب من التساوي مع رقم أسطورة ليفربول، ستيفن جيرارد.

حيث يحتفظ جيرارد برقم أكبر مشاركة في الأهداف وصناعتها أمام فريق واحد وكان ضد نيوكاسل يونايتد برصيد 16 هدفًا “8 أهداف وصناعة 8”.

أما الرقم الثاني، فقد سدد محمد صلاح 12 مرة ضد برايتون في مباراة اليوم وهو الأكبر له على الإطلاق في مباراة ببطولة الدوري الإنجليزي، والأكثر للاعب من ليفربول منذ عامي 2003 و2004.

ولكن يتساوى محمد صلاح بهذا العدد من التسديدات مع مهاجم مانشستر يونايتد السابق، زلاتان إبراهيموفيتش، أمام بيرنلي في أكتوبر 2016 حيث سدد 12 مرة أيضًا في تلك المباراة.

Sean Dyche will be hoping to lead Everton to a more productive campaign in 2023/24 as he looks ahead to his first full season in charge.

Having recently signed Ashley Young on a free transfer, the Toffees could now look to lure a current Manchester United winger to the club this summer…

Could Everton sign Anthony Elanga?

According to The Athletic, the Goodison Park outfit are interested in a move for Anthony Elanga during the transfer window, although they could face competition for the youngster from Nottingham Forest.

Everton were close to securing a loan move for him back in January, yet United pulled the plug at the last minute. Could it be second time lucky for the club this month?

The Old Trafford side have slashed their asking price for Sweden international to just £10m and this could represent a good piece of business by Dyche, who will be aiming to lead the Toffees into the top half of the table next term.

Who is leaving Everton?

A move for Elanga would be just the second player to arrive at Everton this summer after Young however there has already been a few faces heading in the opposite direction. Moise Kean joined Juventus permanently, while the likes of Tom Davies, Andros Townsend and Ellis Simms have also departed, leaving the former Burnley manager short of attacking options.

Winger Demarai Gray has also been linked with a move to fellow Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and West Ham United this summer and despite the Jamaican international scoring six goals last term – the second-highest total in the squad – it appears he could be on the move.

Elanga would make for an ideal heir to the former Premier League winner and aged just 21, still has plenty of time to develop into the player that was dubbed a “breath of fresh air” by former United defender Denis Irwin back in 2021.

Last season proved to be a tricky one in his ascent to becoming a regular for the Red Devils, making just seven starts in all competitions and contributing just two assists during that time. The season prior however, he gave everyone at Old Trafford a glimpse of his immense talents.

Elanga registered five goal contributions for the first team – three goals and two assists – that included scoring away to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, while also impressing at youth level too and with his adaptability across the front three useful for both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, it looked as though he could be a star of the future.

Indeed, from 14 fewer starts than Gray during that campaign, Elanga managed just five fewer goal contributions (nine to four), created just three fewer big chances (six to three) and won more tackles (1.2 to 0.9) and more total duels (four to 3.6), showing that despite the lack of experience, he wasn't that far off the Everton winger.

Of course, the 5 foot 10 speedster will be hoping last term was just a bump in the road, yet a move to a club like Everton, where he will surely get many more starts, could be vital for his long term progression, and he certainly has the ability to succeed Gray on the left wing.

Tim Southee, the New Zealand fast bowler, has signed for Middlesex as their second overseas player for the NatWest T20 Blast

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Apr-2017Tim Southee, the New Zealand fast bowler, has signed for Middlesex as their second overseas player for the NatWest T20 Blast. His arrival to play under the captain and coach combination of Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori – both former New Zealand team-mates of Southee – gives a strong Black Caps feel to Middlesex in the shortest format.Southee, who is currently playing for Mumbai Indians at the IPL, will link up with Middlesex in early July and is expected to be available for 13 group matches (out of 14), as well as the knockout stages, potentially.”Tim is one of the leading fast bowlers in the world. He has plenty of experience in T20 cricket and looks to bowl in the periods where we feel we could be better,” Angus Fraser, Middlesex’s managing director of cricket, said. “We look forward to welcoming him to Lord’s.”Southee previously played county cricket for Essex in 2011, when he took 22 wickets during the Friends Life t20, as well as scoring his only T20 half-century – 74 off 34 balls opening the batting against Hampshire. Overall, he has taken 139 T20 wickets with an economy of 8.26.”I’m excited to be joining Middlesex this year for the NatWest T20 blast and helping the club throughout the T20 competition,” Southee said. “When the opportunity come up to play for Middlesex it wasn’t a tough decision to make and I’m looking forward to calling Lord’s home while I’m there.”

Chelsea are readying themselves to "push again this week" for midfielder Moises Caicedo and are in "direct conversations" with Brighton & Hove Albion over a potential deal, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Is Caicedo joining Chelsea?

Stamford Bridge has been a chaotic place in recent weeks. As players scramble over one another to find the exit door, new boss Mauricio Pochettino still doesn't know what his squad will look like next season.

One thing the Argentine is sure of is that he would like Caicedo to join him, with Chelsea ramping up their interest in the young Ecuador midfielder.

The 21-year-old has consistently shone at Brighton since he broke into the starting lineup and will be imminently granted his wish to leave the club this transfer window.

Caicedo is Chelsea's number one target, but there is still the issue of ironing out the financial details with Brighton before a move can be finalised.

According to Romano, there is nothing concrete yet between the club despite Caicedo and Chelsea being close on personal terms, but the Blues are continually pushing for the South American.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano stated: "For Chelsea it is an important week in terms of contacts for Moises Caicedo because, guys, it's also not easy as a journalist to tell you about this deal because it's a particular deal with the two clubs.

"Chelsea and Brighton are in direct contact, as I explained to you many times, and this is why it is not easy to see in the media many reports about this story for Caicedo. It's not a daily bid, a daily proposal from Chelsea to Brighton and an answer from Brighton to Chelsea. It's a daily exchange between the two clubs, so it's a direct conversation."

He continued: "I can guarantee to you that the conversations are ongoing. Chelsea will push again this week. So, it's not easy to speak about terms of the deal because it's an available conversation, not an official conversation, but for sure this is still ongoing and this week they will work again on the deal – Chelsea and Brighton for Moises Caicedo.

"And the player is still hoping and pushing to join Chelsea because he has an agreement almost done as we know very well with Chelsea on the personal terms. So, the player is not a problem, the player said yes, and now it's on the clubs."

Romano adds that Pochettino hopes to bring Caicedo in as soon as possible, with the Blues heading on their tour of the United States in mid-July. Ironically, they face Brighton on said tour on July 22, but it remains to be seen for which side Caicedo may feature.

Caicedo made 37 Premier League appearances for Brighton last term and helped the Seagulls to a sixth-placed finish and European qualification for the first time in the club's history. Meanwhile, Chelsea slumped to an embarrassing 12th-placed finish, only ten points above relegated Leicester City.

What is Caicedo worth?

The major stumbling block between Chelsea and Brighton at present has been the Seagulls' incredibly high valuation of Caicedo.

Despite having only made 45 Premier League appearances in total, Brighton have slapped a hefty £100m price tag on Caicedo. Chelsea are not keen on paying that much for a player who is relatively experienced, especially given they forked out £106.8m for Enzo Fernandez in January.

The Blues are hoping to compromise, suggesting around £80m, but Roberto de Zerbi's side are holding firm on their appraisal.

Since Todd Boehly's arrival as Chelsea's new owner, the club have spent approximately £500m across two transfer windows and their spending shows no signs of slowing down having signed Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson for a combined £83m.

Admittedly, they have brought in £188m through player sales so far, with more to come, but Caicedo may still eat up a large chunk of any remaining budget.