Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Ligue 1 ace Habib Diallo, as Eddie Howe looks to prepare his squad for the Champions League.

The Magpies are hitting new levels with the backing of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), and after a fast transition, are expected to have a busy summer to get their side up to scratch.

Could Newcastle United sign Habib Diallo?

According to journalist Ignazio Genuardi, Newcastle have emerged as one of the sides interested in Strasbourg striker Habib Diallo.

Genuardi tweeted this week that the northeast giants are joined by top-flight rivals West Ham United and Brentford in their pursuit of the prolific forward, who is contracted to the French side until 2025.

"Targeted by several PL formations (West Ham, Newcastle, Brentford), Strasbourg H. #Diallo also has a track in Serie A, in particular. Linked until 2025 with Racing, the ex-Messin is on the shortlist of a Roma in search of a new edge," he tweeted.

It's thought that Diallo is valued at around £20m by the French outfit.

How good is Habib Diallo?

Across 37 Ligue 1 appearances, the Senegalese gem scored 20 goals for Strasbourg, asserting himself as one of the most potent scorers in a league packed with star names.

Ending the campaign as the sixth-highest scorer in the French top-flight, it comes as no surprise that clubs in the Premier League are swarming around his availability this summer.

For Newcastle, the potential of signing Diallo is an exciting one, with the 28-year-old showing glimpses of being a suitable heir to Callum Wilson, who at 31 is not getting any younger.

Despite theoretically nearing a less lucrative milestone in his playing career, the Englishman has shown no signs of slowing down, as highlighted by his 23 goal contributions in the Premier League last term.

Across 31 league appearances, the former AFC Bournemouth talisman found the net 18 times, whilst he also registered five assists in a celebrated individual campaign leading the line at St James’ Park.

Howe’s reported target could be the perfect man to one day succeed Wilson, with the two having similar strengths playing as a typical no.9.

The Senegal international, who stands at 6 foot 1, has shown over the years in France that he is a natural goalscorer, netting 53 goals in 150 appearances in Ligue 1 representing both Strasbourg and FC Metz, who have both fluttered on the fence between the first and second division.

In a side as skilled in the final third as Newcastle, the 28-year-old titan could thrive in the northeast, in ways similar to Wilson since making the step from the south coast.

Just like the Strasbourg sensation, the England international has found the net every campaign, showing his innate threat in front of goal.

Having been hailed as “reliable” by his manager Frederic Antonetti, Diallo could bring a mirrored level of consistency leading the line, as highlighted by his 0.53 non-penalty goals per 90 last term, via FBref.

Averaging 1.13 shots on target per 90 in Ligue 1, the Thies-born gem recorded a presence in front of goal for the 15th-place side similar to Wilson in the Magpies’ fourth-place finishing campaign, who averaged 1.49 shots on target per 90.

Howe could add a goal-scoring talent to his side this summer, in a figure that could provide St James’ Park with a talent in the calibre of Wilson and could potentially one day take the reins from the 31-year-old in the northeast.

ScorecardKent all-rounder Darren Stevens left Trent Bridge to undergo a scan after a nasty blow to the back of the head during the night session forced him to retire hurt as his side delayed Second Division leaders Nottinghamshire in their quest for another comprehensive win.The 41-year-old, who ducked into a short ball from the left-arm pace bowler Harry Gurney, never lost consciousness but his helmet was split and Kent decided to take the safety-first option after he was still suffering from a headache two hours after suffering the blow.On the field, he was passed fit to continue initially, with a replacement helmet, but left the field shortly afterwards, after facing seven more deliveries, which he was struggling to pick up under the lightsStevens was able to speak to reporters as he left the ground but Kent head coach Matt Walker said: “Darren won’t take any further part in the game. Early assessment suggests a concussion.”He’s struggling with a bit of vision in his left eye and he’s got a raging headache, so we’ll get him off to hospital and get him checked out because he’s not 100 per cent at all.”Gurney, who is friends with Stevens, like him a former Leicestershire player, was unsettled by seeing the popular veteran struggling.”He came in and was playing some shots so I tried to make life unpleasant for him because he’s not a spring chicken any more,” Gurney said. “I ran in and bowled a bouncer and caught him on the head, which as a bowler is tricky because you want to intimidate the batsman and encourage them to make a mistake.”But Stevo is a mate of mine and it wasn’t nice to see him down on the deck like that, although I’ve just seen him and he’s ok.”Stevens was the second player in the match sent for a scan after England fast bowler Jake Ball, who is still being assessed after suffering a knee injury on Tuesday.Darren Stevens went to hospital for a scan•Getty Images

The results were “still being studied” according to the final medical update of the day issued by Nottinghamshire, who will monitor both Ball and Stuart Broad before deciding, in consultation with England, whether either can play in Saturday’s Royal London One-Day Cup final against Surrey at Lord’s. Broad had a brief workout in the middle after stumps.Earlier, Nottinghamshire reached the brink of seeing off one of their closest rivals in the Second Division promotion race only to be denied the satisfaction of doing so inside three days by a stubborn partnership witnessed by barely more than 100 spectators.Wicketkeeper Adam Rouse and New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne had added 47 for the eighth wicket – effectively the ninth with Stevens ruled out – when play finished at 9.46pm, which means Kent will resume on the final day with a lead of 23.A horrible evening, cold as well as damp, could be held accountable for the lack of spectators rather than any rejection of the day-night concept. That 40 overs were played was a bonus, given that heavy rain had persisted well into the afternoon.There will be question marks, though, over whether the pink ball under lights poses an unnecessary hazard for batsmen after the Stevens scare.The odds were against Kent salvaging anything from the contest had been forcibly lengthened at the close of play on Tuesday when Sam Billings, 39 not out and the batsman who had looked most capable of leading a Kent fightback, set off to join the Lions squad in Worcester.His place at today’s start – delayed until 5.45pm – was taken by 20-year-old Joe Weatherley, playing in only his seventh first-class match.Weatherley helped Will Gidman add 25 to a fifth-wicket partnership worth 42 overnight before Steven Mullaney beat Gidman with an inswinger with the sixth ball of his first spell of the day, maintaining his reputation as a partnership breaker.The young right-hander, who stands tall at the crease, appeared to wind up James Pattinson, who was given a talking-to by umpire Neil Bainton after a shy at the stumps off his own bowling struck Weatherley on the leg.The Aussie pace bowler had the last word, yorking Weatherley shortly before Stevens left the field. Matt Coles, the all-rounder’s replacement at the crease, lasted two balls before feathering a catch to Chris Read off Gurney.At that point Kent still trailed by 24 runs and the assumption was that, with Stevens ruled out, two more wickets would clinch victory for Nottinghamshire. But then another shower took more time out of the game and after play resumed at 9.10pm, Rouse and Milne were able not only to survive the 12 overs left but to require the home side to bat again on the final day.

England captain Eoin Morgan has praised Ben Stokes for his all-round efforts in England’s win over Australia

George Dobell11-Jun-2017Every team in the world would want Ben Stokes in their side, according to England captain, Eoin MorganStokes made an unbeaten 102 against Australia at Edgbaston – his third century in 13 ODIs – as England secured a third successive victory in the ICC Champions Trophy. He added 159 in 26 overs with Morgan to rescue England from 35 for 3 to clinch a 40-run DLS victory.It left Morgan praising an allrounder who has the talent – with bat, ball or in the field – and the attitude to help England win games. And he credited his experience in the IPL for contributing to the calm manner in which he helped England chase down their target at Edgbaston.”The IPL auction proved that every team would want him,” Morgan said, referring to Stokes’ £1.7m price tag before the recent IPL season. “He’s always looking to influence the game: with the bat, ball, or even in the field.”Even in the field today at mid-on, he saved a lot of runs. He went through a period today of about five overs where he was unbelievable. He always wants to be in the game.”That attitude in itself… You know, a lot of guys with potential like that, when things aren’t going your way, go back into a corner. But that’s not Ben.”While it was Stokes’ batting that stood out, Morgan also praised Stokes’ versatility and willingness with the ball. And he credited his growing experience, not least during that spell with Rising Pune Supergiant, as a crucial ingredient.”I think he bowled four overs in his first spell,” Morgan said. “And then we went back to him at the end with two of the hardest overs to bowl.”You know, that sums him up. He took it on his shoulders. He did it at the IPL. He did it really well.”And then his batting was exceptional. He was very calm at the crease; very relaxed. All those games he’s played really came to the fore today. He was outstanding. His potential is through the roof.”Stokes and Morgan reacted to the loss of three early wickets in typically positive fashion. Despite going into a rain-break at 35 for 3, Morgan hit the first two balls after the resumption for four, precipitating a partnership in which both batsmen took the attack to Australia and eventually forced errors both from the bowlers and the fielders.”It was important to get some sort of a partnership going and find a way we were going to negate Australia’s bowling,” Morgan said. “They bowled really well up front. They asked a lot of questions and got the ball moving. They’re a very threatening side.”But it managed to work. We did it in our own way. We felt, I suppose, the positive way was the best way. And we spoke about how we were going to go about it a little bit differently. The way in which we played forced a few errors here and there.”But pleased though Morgan was by the result, he rejected any idea that England were on the brink of “a period of domination” in ODI cricket.”I think you’re getting way ahead of yourself,” Morgan replied. “A start would be winning the semi-final.”Beating a side like Australia in a game where we’ve nothing to gain is a big step forward for us because we beat one of the better sides around the world. And if we’re being serious about competing in future tournaments, we need to win games of cricket like this.”

Former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson believes relations between players and Cricket Australia will take a long time to heal after difficult negotiations over the MoU

Daniel Brettig19-Jul-20173:46

What exactly is the Cricket Australia-ACA pay dispute?

Negotiations between Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association are continuing at a snail’s pace but the damage has already been done, the former Test paceman Mitchell Johnson has said.Talks between the two warring parties – including the chief executives James Sutherland and Alistair Nicholson – resumed in Melbourne on Wednesday with time fast running out to avoid major dislocation to the game, both in terms of commercial deals with sponsors and broadcasters, and also the Bangladesh tour in August.While discussions are now taking place on the sort of level that should lead to an eventual resolution, little movement is discernible from CA’s strong desire to end the fixed revenue percentage models at the core of past collective agreements, and likewise the ACA’s intent to keep the model in place. Johnson, who retired from the international game in 2015, said relationships would take a long time to heal whatever the outcome.”It’s been pretty disappointing and once it’s all dealt with, the player and CA relationship is going to be a struggle … it’s going to be very ordinary,” Johnson said in Sydney. “Even if it gets sorted, the damage has already been done. There’s been personal insults about the players being greedy. That’s not the case.”The relationship is going to have to build again. The last time I felt this way – not to this extent – was the Argus Review [in 2011]. That was the last time we had a little bit of trouble between the players and CA.””If we lose this battle as players, does then the ACA start getting their legs chopped from underneath them and the players lose the ACA?” – Mitchell Johnson•Getty ImagesCommercial pressure is mounting in terms of players looking at signing deals with sponsors competing against CA’s major corporate partners. It has been reported that both Usman Khawaja and Steven Smith are close to signing deals with Mercedes to follow on from Mitchell Starc’s newly unveiled contract with an Audi dealership in western Sydney. The ACA’s commercial manager, Tim Cruickshank, is currently in India for talks about the collective intellectual property passed on from CA to the players’ commercial arm, the Cricketers’ Brand, when the most recent MoU expired on July 1.”The players have fought so hard, the ACA, for the last 19 years, and got this model that we have in a really good place, and other things as well,” Johnson said. “From the CA point of view, I know David Peever, ex-Rio Tinto … no unions. So that is the thing that concerns me a lot. If we lose this battle as players, does then the ACA start getting their legs chopped from underneath them and the players lose the ACA?”That is the scary thing from my point of view. Cricket will still go on but I don’t know what sort of input the players will have in the future. I saw Nathan Lyon this morning and I think he’s as disappointed as everyone. The way it has been dealt with in the media, it probably should have been more of a private matter … it could have been dealt with very differently.”Speaking at the launch of a new app called BowlFit for young fast bowlers, Johnson also said England’s recent loss to South Africa at Trent Bridge would place doubts in the minds of the team led by Joe Root ahead of a likely pace-based Australian assault in the forthcoming Ashes series.”They’ve got a few issues to sort out,” Johnson said. “It’s only one game but it’s the way they got beaten that you see the score line. Joe Root being a new captain; they’ll try and put a bit of pressure on him to see how he handles it. Australia are a huge chance. It’ll be a great series but there are some scars there as well.”You want to be consistent and they probably haven’t got that consistency at the moment. It’s going to be hard for them now because they have been beaten, there’s pressure on them. I don’t care too much about England to be honest. I don’t care what they bring as long as it’s a good contest.”Another area Johnson found intriguing was the selection of Gary Ballance at No. 3, though a finger fracture has ruled him out of the next Test against South Africa. “England have Gary Ballance at No.3 and when you’re at No.3, you’re meant to be one of the best players in the team, if not the best,” Johnson said. “I don’t think he is.”If you’re a bowler and you see Gary Ballance at No.3, then you actually get a lot of confidence from that. Australia would have a lot of confidence. They [England] have changed their team a little bit over the past. They’re trying to find the right squad. It’s getting close to an Ashes series, so you want to lock that in.”

Leeds United "really like" Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow ahead of a potential summer move, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

How old is Karl Darlow?

The Magpies stopper is now 32 years of age, picking up a huge amount of experience down the years and representing the likes of Nottingham Forest and Hull City on loan. While he has rarely managed to nail down a regular spot in Newcastle's starting lineup, he has still made 100 appearances down the years, proving to be a steady performer and a strong squad player.

Nick Pope is the Magpies' undisputed first-choice man between the sticks currently, also pushing Jordan Pickford to be England's No.1, so it is difficult to see many minutes coming Darlow's way moving forward, barring an injury to his teammate.

For that reason, he may feel that now is the time for a fresh challenge in his career, allowing him to be a first-team player elsewhere, and be someone who could start most matches. That's where Leeds come into play, as they potentially look for a replacement for Illan Meslier, who has been tipped to move on over the coming weeks.

Could Leeds sign Karl Darlow?

Speaking on The Square Ball Podcast [via The Boot Room], Hay discussed Leeds' keenness to sign a new 'keeper after sealing a move for Ethan Ampadu, name-checking Darlow as a possible option to bring in, however, he also added that the Whites could end up missing out to Bournemouth.

"All the noises suggest that with Ampadu signing and with that signing they would move onto a goalkeeper which is a pretty crucial position for them to sort out. They do like Darlow, they really like Darlow up at Newcastle, but there are reports that Bournemouth are getting close with Darlow and they like him too."

While Darlow doesn't necessarily represent the long-term future when it comes to a new signing coming in at Leeds, he could actually be a really shrewd signing, considering the experience he has acquired throughout his long career.

At 32, he is still far from old as a goalkeeper, too, with many players in that position proving to be more than capable of remaining at a high level close to the age of 40 nowadays. Darlow may not be the most spectacular 'keeper around, but he could be a safe pair of hands for Leeds, having racked up 241 appearances at senior level, with 52 of those coming in the Premier League.

He has been hailed as "absolutely awesome" by Sky Sports pundit Matt Murray in the past, such was the level of performance he produced for a period around 2021, and he may not be daunted by a move to Elland Road, instead being seen as a solid option who could bolster the Whites' Championship promotion push.

There are arguably more glitzy options out there, such as Bayern Munich stopper Alexander Nubel, for example, but Darlow has proven himself at various levels of English football over an extended period, even winning the Championship with Newcastle in 2016/17, so he could be a savvy signing for Leeds.

Whether he wants to leave Newcastle at a point when they are back in the Champions League and growing hugely as a club remains to be seen, though, and he may be content to remain in the top flight with either Newcastle or Bournemouth.

تقدم فريق ريال مدريد بهدف أول أمام مانشستر سيتي، في المباراة بين الفريقين ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويحل ريال مدريد ضيفًا على مانشستر سيتي بملعب “الاتحاد” في إياب ربع نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ولاحت فرصة لريال مدريد من لعبة جماعية، ومرر فينيسيوس جونيور إلى رودريجو الذي سدد وتصدى له إيدرسون.

وارتدت الكرة مجددًا ليسددها رودريجو في مرمى مانشستر سيتي ويتقدم لريال مدريد بهدف أول في الدقيقة 12.

اقرأ أيضًا | الكلاسيكو يحسم مصير تشافي مع برشلونة

وكانت مباراة الذهاب بين الفريقين حسمت بالتعادل الإيجابي بين ريال مدريد ومانشستر سيتي بنتيجة 3-3، على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”. هدف رودريجو في مباراة ريال مدريد ومانشستر سيتي

Arsenal's Thomas Partey is not close to a move to Saudi Arabia as his discussions with Saudi Pro League clubs are "not something advanced" at the moment, despite the genuine interest in him from sides in the Middle Eastern state, claims transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Is Thomas Partey leaving Arsenal?

It has been a frankly unbelievable start to the transfer window for Arsenal so far this summer, with the club splashing the cash in a major way on several new marque signings.

So far, the club have confirmed the £65m purchase of German international Kai Havertz from cross-city rivals Chelsea and the £34m signing of Netherlands international and Ajax star Jurrien Timber.

The Gunners have also smashed the British transfer record to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice, despite the club yet to announce it officially.

With all of this spending, it's perhaps not surprising to hear that some players may be on their way out of the Emirates this summer, with one name consistently mentioned over the last few weeks being midfield general Partey.

American outlet CBS Sports revealed last month that the former Atletico Madrid man was on the radar of three clubs from the Saudi Pro League; Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Khaleej.

It looks like things might've progressed further than interest in the last month, as Saudi journalist Nawaf Al-Aqeel reported earlier this week that Partey was now discussing personal terms with "a Saudi club."

However, Fabrizio Romano has since confirmed that these reports are untrue and that, at the moment, nothing has advanced regarding the interest from these few sides.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"At the moment, for Thomas Partey, it's still not something advanced with Saudi clubs.

"They want him, I told you, it was an exclusive news a few days ago, a few weeks ago, but at the moment, it's still not something advanced, so let's see what happens with Thomas Partey, and then we will understand on the midfield for Arsenal."

Should Arsenal sell Thomas Partey?

It's an interesting question, as had it been asked in January, the answer from almost all quarters would likely have been a resounding no, such was his importance to the Gunners' title charge last season.

That said, as the north London side's campaign fell apart in the latter stages of the season, the Ghanaian international was often one of the players to receive most of the criticism.

Telegraph reporter Sam Dean highlighted his surprising drop in form on the Arsenal Beat Podcast (via Fansided), saying:

"Thomas Partey has dropped off a cliff in the past few games. He's forgotten how to play football in the same way, and watching him against City on Wednesday was bizarre."

That said, the 31-year-old is still a brilliant player, and his underlying numbers bear that out.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, the Black Stars midfielder is in the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 6% for attempted passes, the top 15% for pass completion, the top 11% for successful take-ons and aerial duals won, and the top 23% for clearances, all per 90.

If the club are looking to challenge for the Premier League yet again next season, it might be wise to keep Partey in the side as he has shown, more often than not, that he can be one of the league's best midfielders.

Russell Domingo conceded he will hand over an unfinished article to the person that succeeds him as South Africa’s head coach, but hopes he has given them plenty to build on

Firdose Moonda09-Aug-2017Russell Domingo conceded he will hand over an unfinished article to the person that succeeds him as South Africa’s head coach, but hopes he has given them plenty to build on. Domingo, whose contract expired at the conclusion of the England tour, appears resigned that his reapplication has failed and considers his four-year tenure over. Though he leaves behind a team that will require some work, Domingo reflected proudly on what he achieved in this time at the helm.”There are definite holes in the Test side that need bit a of attention, some tinkering which must take place,” Domingo said. “But I’ve loved my time. For a team that has a lot of challenges we’ve done okay.”When Domingo took over from Gary Kirsten in mid-2013, he inherited a side that had already reached their peak. Under Graeme Smith, South Africa were No.1 on the Test rankings and though Kirsten exited with an ICC tournament defeat in the Champions Trophy, South Africa were thought to be building solidly to the 2015 World Cup.Domingo’s first assignment was a limited-overs tour to Sri Lanka which went badly, but his Test team drew in the UAE and won at home against India. Then came the retirements.Jacques Kallis was the grinch who stole Christmas when he announced he would hang up his Test whites on that very day in 2013. The Boxing Day Test was his last. Three months later, with South Africa locked at 1-1 against Australia, Graeme Smith followed Kallis in the decider. The series was lost. A succession hunt bypassed AB de Villiers and found Hashim Amla, who led the team to victory in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, and against West Indies at home. Following a wash-out against Bangladesh, India inflicted a massive defeat on their new-look team at the end of 2015. By then, the World Cup had been lost, amid political interference in selection for the semi-final. Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander were injured and a home series against England awaited.Things were tough and, when Amla gave up the Test captaincy, they got tougher. De Villiers accepted it amid anxiety over his workload and then got injured before he could bed into the role. Then came the transformation targets.After a ministerial ban on hosting major tournaments, CSA introduced a strict system for the national team that required them to field a minimum average of six players of colour including two black Africans over the course of a season. Because the national side had resisted radical change for so long, such measures had to be forced on them.The fuss that arose from this toxic mix of sport and politics – which is entirely necessary in a country like South Africa – made it seem as though all hope was lost. But when Faf du Plessis took over, South Africa enjoyed a summer of success in 2016-17 and redemption was in sight. Then came the Kolpaks.Eight recently capped Test players chose county over country, including Kyle Abbott, who walked out on the team midway through their series win over Sri Lanka, and South Africa toured England with a depleted squad, and duly lost in an ICC event and a Test series. That is how Domingo will bow out.”It’s been tricky,” is how he summed it up. “I took over a side that was established, then lost a lot of players, went through a dip, re-established some, lost a few players again, we sort of established something again, but then we lost Dale, Vernon and AB and that sets you back a little bit more.”In all of that, Domingo sees opportunity because, despite those three big challenges, South Africa continue to produce quality cricketers. He singled out two of them – Keshav Maharaj and Temba Bavuma – as future stars. Maharaj was South Africa’s second-highest wicket-taker in the England series and has operated as their sole specialist spinner since November, while Bavuma, despite only one hundred to his name, has shown the temperament and technique to score big runs.”I think Keshav is going to be the best spinner South Africa’s ever had. He’s fantastic, think of the roles he can fulfill. He’s a fantastic young bowler,” Domingo said. “And Temba Bavuma has shown so much promise. I honestly believe he’s got the technique to become one of South Africa’s best players, but you’ve got to persevere with him. You can’t just, after 20 Tests, because he’s averaging 30, get rid of him. You’ve got to invest in those types of players. You’ve got to give them time to develop.”And Domingo believes there will be many more even though that depth appears absent at the moment. “We will always produce good young cricketers because of our schooling system,” Domingo said. “The challenge is keeping the players within the system. Look at the number of players playing abroad – you could pick a pretty strong side from the players playing abroad, That’s the big challenge facing South African cricket – it’s about providing opportunities for all those players to feature in our system, somehow.”One of Domingo’s frustrations during his time in charge was the number of South Africans who played T20 leagues and then either picked up injuries or were fatigued by the time they were needed for national duty. De Villiers was a case in point. His elbow injury was at its worst after the CPL in 2016, which then ruled him out of most of the following season.CSA have tried to prevent that from happening again with the introduction of their own franchised T20 tournaments, which will kick off this year. Although that means South African players will have wall-to-wall action from the end of September, when they host Bangladesh, until the beginning of April, when they play Australia, Domingo hopes the league will serve as an incentive to keep players in the country.”We need to make sure that you have some sort of control of your players, so they are not playing in the Caribbean League week in and week out or trying to play in the Big Bash. They’ll play in the IPL and they’ll play in our domestic T20 league – that’s sort of what you’re hoping for,” he said. “It also provides an opportunity to develop some new players, just look what the IPL has done for India, the number of young players that have come through because they are playing with some great players. It’s a massive learning curve to play with the old experienced players – there are massive benefits for them.”As for Domingo, he could end up working with some of those players. While he has no firm plans on his future, he has been linked with the South Africa A side and the under-19 side and will try to continue to serve South African cricket. “I’d like to stay in South African cricket,” he said. “I’ve got a young family, my roots are in South Africa, my family’s in South Africa, I want to stay in South Africa. Whichever level I coach at, that’s my job, that’s what I love doing and as long as I can play some part in South African cricket I’ll be glad to stay.”

Southampton are preparing to compete in the Championship for the first time in over a decade and Russell Martin will be tasked with the ambitious challenge to earn promotion back to the Premier League.

The Saints have already completed the signings of left-back Ryan Manning and former Manchester City youth prospect Shea Charles so far, but with so much speculation surrounding potential outgoings, there is still plenty of work to be done before they kick off their campaign in the second tier next month.

Romeo Lavia has been the subject of huge interest from Premier League giants like Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal over the past few weeks, whilst James Ward-Prowse's future also hangs in the balance at present, but the most concrete first-team departure so far is likely to be Brazilian centre-back Lyanco.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed on Tuesday that an agreement has been reached for Lyanco to join Turkish club Besiktas:

Who could replace Lyanco?

Considering the 26-year-old was the seventh highest-rated player (6.81) in the entire Southampton squad last season, according to SofaScore, it will be important to replace his defensive contributions ahead of next season.

Not only that, Valentino Livramento and Kyle Walker-Peters have also been linked with an exit from St Mary's too, so Martin will need to make the signing of reinforcements in the back line a top priority.

One player who has been tipped for a move to the south coast is Everton's Mason Holgate, a versatile defender who has found himself falling out of favour in recent seasons at Goodison Park.

It was reported by Mail Sport last week that Saints were holding discussions with the Toffees titan, who is also attracting interest from newly-promoted Sheffield United.

How good is Mason Holgate?

Despite struggling to gain consistent game-time with Everton over the last 18 months, Holgate has a wealth of experience and the versatility to be a real asset to Southampton next season.

The 26-year-old has tallied up 149 appearances with the Merseyside club and whilst predominantly playing most of his football in a centre-back partnership, has also made 38 appearances over his career in the right-back role.

Holgate ranked in the top 21% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues per minutes played for shot-creating actions, successful take-ons, clearances and tackles, proving that he is both a progressive presence in the defensive third and a confident ball-winner.

Not only that, the £11m-rated ace tallied up an 86% pass completion rate in his own half, successfully completed 100% of his dribbles and won the majority of his ground and aerial duels combined (51%) over his eight Premier League appearances last season, showcasing his strength in a multitude of areas.

Holgate has had his struggles, notably when it comes to make individual errors at the highest level, but has earned high praise over his career so far, especially when he was featuring consistently for Everton in the past, with Liverpool Echo reporter Sam Carroll waxing lyrical about the defender back in 2020:

"He’s a leader in this team. How old is he? 23/24, absolutely superb.

"I think you can play him right-back, left-back, centre-back, centre-mid as he showed last season and he’ll be excellent."

With that being said, Holgate could now revive his career at Southampton and would provide Martin with some much-needed Premier League quality in the team to ensure they can comfortably compete for automatic promotion back to the top flight.

كشف مسؤولو نادي التعاون السعودي، حقيقة وجود اهتمام ومفاوضات من جانب النادي لضم ثنائي منتخب مصر اللذين يلعبان في صفوف القطبين الأهلي والزمالك في الموسم المقبل.

التعاون يتواجد في المركز الخامس بجدول ترتيب الدوري السعودي (دوري روشن)، للموسم الحالي 2023-2024 برصيد 48 نقطة.

التعاون كان قد نجح في فترات سابقة في التعاقد مع لاعبين مصريين وهم عصام الحضري وعماد متعب ومصطفى فتحي.

طالع | أحمد سليمان: لم نعاند الأهلي عند التعاقد مع ثلاثي الزمالك.. وضموا كهربا وإمام عاشور “بعد لفة”

ووفقاً لمصدر من نادي التعاون أوضح لصحيفة “الرياضية” السعودية، أنه لا توجد أي رغبة في التعاقد مع الثنائي الدولي المصري إمام عاشور، لاعب الأهلي، وأحمد مصطفى زيزو، لاعب الزمالك، الموسم المقبل.

وأضاف: “نادي التعاون ليس لديه نية بالتعاقد مع أي لاعب مصري خلال الفترة المقبلة”، مشيرًا إلى أنهم لا يعلمون أسباب تداول اسم النادي في مصر عندما يراد تسويق لاعب أو مدرب.

ويعاني ثنائي الأهلي والزمالك، إمام عاشور وزيزو في الوقت الحالي من إصابة ويغيبان عن فريقيهما خلال منافسات نصف نهائي بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا بالنسبة للمارد الأحمر، والكونفدرالية بالنسبة للفارس الأبيض.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع مازيمبي يوم الجمعة 26 أبريل، في إطار مباراة العودة لدور نصف نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا بالقاهرة، بينما الزمالك يحل ضيفاً على دريمز الغاني يوم الأحد 28 أبريل، في مواجهة العودة لنفس الدور ببطولة الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.

وكان الأهلي تعادل مع مازيمبي في مباراة الذهاب بالكونغو سلبياً، وبنفس النتيجة تعادل الزمالك مع دريمز على ملعب استاد القاهرة.