The next 48 hours will be key in determining whether David Warner will be fit enough to take his place in Australia’s side for the third Test against India in Sydney with his ability in the field as important as what he can do with the bat.Warner admitted it’s unlikely he would have 100% recovered from his groin injury regardless of how the next few days go. He is conscious of not being a liability to the side despite the eagerness to have him return but feels confident he would be able to manage the batting side of the game. Australia’s next two training sessions at the MCG on Saturday and Sunday will give a clearer indication of where he stands.”I’ll be doing everything I can to get on that park and play even if that means I’m not 100%,” he said. “It’s about being smart on this occasion. If I feel like I can do my duties, whether it’s standing in the slips cordon, taking catches to my right and left…think that’s where it will determine whether I do play or not.Related

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• Struggles at the top: Australia's options for the third Test

• Warner a chance at Sydney even if he isn't fully fit

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• Natarajan replaces Umesh for last two Tests in Australia

“I know I can manage the running between wickets, the shot-making I have, it’s whether I have that capacity of catching the balls left and right. With Gazza [Nathan Lyon] bowling, am I going to field at first slip or leg slip? I’ve got to be agile enough to make sure I’m taking those chances.”It will have some restrictions here and there. When you get into the game adrenaline takes over. For me it’s about my speed between wickets, that’s all that matters, it doesn’t matter what shots I can and can’t play. It’s about the drop-and-run, helping the guy at the other end get off strike. They are the things I like to be 100% fit for. In this case, I’m most likely not going to be, but I’ll have to work out myself how I’m going to manage that.”David Warner’s return could come down to how he can move in the field•Getty Images

Warner has been doing extensive rehabilitation since suffering the groin injury in the second ODI at the end of November, which has included using a hypobaric chamber to increase oxygen intake and cryotherapy, where ice is applied directly to the injured tendon.”I had a couple of jabs to get me pain-free,” he said. “The first two weeks were quite challenging, it was difficult to move around in bed and get in and out the car. When it comes to these tendon issues they hang around for quite a while and it’s quite hard to get through that pain threshold. I’m trying to manage that and we are doing everything we can to fast track that process.”In Warner’s absence, Australia’s top order has struggled to impose themselves in this series with their run rate uncharacteristically slow although the bowling from both sides has been impressive on surfaces offering more assistance that is often the case. Warner said that batsmen rode a fine line when trying to score freely but said that it was about more than just the shot-making.”It’s the loud calling, the way your shoulders are back, you are in the bowler’s face, you are trying to unsettle their line and length,” he said. “It has its challenges but sometimes you have to play outside the square and a little bit brave. I’ve always said it from day dot, I’d rather go down swinging than sitting there on the crease. If I’m able to get out there, I’ll have that intent as I always have. Applying a bit of pressure there can release the tension up the other end, help your partner out.”On the flip side of that if they are bowling well, you have to respect that and that’s what has happened in the last two Tests. Batsmen have got into that period of trying to bat time, then it has dictated that run rate. You can’t do anything about if the attack is going well. You’ll have to play a shot somewhere…if you nick off, someone says it’s a bad shot. If you hit it for four, it’s a great shot. That’s why I love it, I live by the sword, die by the sword when I’m out there with the bat.”

Reveals he agreed to be Test captain on the condition that the selectors would be on the lookout for someone else

Firdose Moonda21-Dec-2020

Quinton de Kock has confirmed he will not be South Africa’s long-term Test captain but is willing to tide his team over until a permanent candidate emerges.de Kock, who already leads the team in white-ball formats, was asked to do the same for this season’s Tests even after the director of cricket Graeme Smith said South Africa did not want to overburden their star player, who also keeps wicket and is among the team’s senior-most batsmen. de Kock admitted that accepting the position was not automatic for him, and he only did so on the proviso that the selectors are on the lookout for someone else.”When they (the selectors) told me the situation that we were in, I understood where they were coming from. Obviously, I didn’t accept it immediately. I did think about it and I understood, it’s just for now. For this season. It’s not a long-term thing,” de Kock said, from the team’s biosecure bubble at the Irene Country Club in Centurion. “It’s just [till] when we get someone who really puts up their hand, they will take over. The guys are looking for a long-term leadership role. I won’t be doing that. There does seem a lot on my plate but I am quite happy to do it for now.”South Africa are due to play seven Tests this summer – two against Sri Lanka, two in Pakistan and three against Australia – before shifting their focus to the short formats ahead of the T20 World Cup. That means de Kock will captain them in as many as 16 matches this season, including three T20Is in Pakistan and three T20Is as well as three ODIs at home against Pakistan, and will also be the first-choice gloveman for the majority of those games.de Kock indicated he will continue to keep wicket in Tests despite the presence of Kyle Verreynne in the squad but may let someone else take the gloves in the fifty-over format. “I am going to keep wicket. I wasn’t going to keep in the ODIs against England. We were going to give someone else a chance and now that I am looking after the Test team, we are looking at ways to get a lot of things off my shoulders,” he said. “But in Test cricket, I need to be there as keeper.”He will also need to play a pivotal role in a batting line-up that has very few certainties beyond Dean Elgar and Faf du Plessis. Elgar’s opening partner is likely to be Aiden Markram, with Sarel Erwee and Raynard van Tonder as back-up. Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Keegan Petersen and Verreynne will compete for three other spots in the top six, with de Kock likely to bat at No. 7.In that position, he will either have the luxury of adding impetus to an innings with a solid foundation or the task of a repair job with the lower order and it’s the latter that he has been doing most recently. For that reason, de Kock needs the specialist batsmen to start making statements that show they belong, especially as there are also four of them – Elgar, Markram, Bavuma and van der Dussen – in the running for the captaincy. “We’ve got a young team. We need our younger guys to come through and learn fast so we can have a structured team. That’s what I would hope for for this season – for the new guys to come in and start scoring runs and putting up their hands,” he said.At least there is finally a cricketing issue for de Kock to worry about.South Africa’s build-up to the series has been chaotic, against the backdrop of England’s withdrawal and breaches of the biosecure environment in Cape Town, and with two members of their own squad testing positive for Covid-19 before they convened. The squad returned a full round of negative results on Sunday and will be tested again on Tuesday to confirm they have the all-clear. Until then, they are in a form of quarantine in their hotel rooms. “We can only go get dinner and then go back to the room, for example. And training is done in staggered sessions,” de Kock said. “It is a little bit difficult these first two or three days. Once we do our next Covid-19 tests if we all test negative, I’m sure it will go back to normal. Well, normal within the bubble.”That means the South African squad will be able to mix freely but they will continue to keep their distance from Sri Lanka, who are staying at the same venue. “We have been cordoned off from one side of the hotel to the other. We have got our own boundaries that we have to adhere to. We won’t be in the same facilities as them. We can see them but there won’t be any damage done.”South Africa desperately need this series to take place without incident especially after Cricket Australia confirmed it is keeping an eye on it before deciding if its team will tour South Africa next year. de Kock said the players are aware of the importance of doing whatever they can to ensure the integrity of the bio-bubble is maintained. “We have got that little bit of responsibility, but it’s nothing that we can’t handle. It’s just a small part we can help out in ensuring our future tours go ahead in Covid-19 times. We do the bit we can to make sure our bubble is safe.”

Over the last few weeks, Manchester United have been linked with plenty of players as they look to bolster the squad ahead of next season.

However, it’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Joshua Zirkzee that look to be the two most concrete targets, with the latter being the most attainable of the two.

Yet, it seems that the centre-back spot will be the main priority, especially due to the exit of Raphael Varane and the number of injuries suffered in that spot.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at a defensive target for the Red Devils, who has the potential to be an even better signing than Zirkzee.

Man Utd will look to sign a centre back

According to reports from Spain, via The Faithful MUFC, Man United are interested in signing Ronald Araujo.

It’s said that the Red Devils have intensified their efforts to sign the Uruguayan rock, and they’re ready to go ‘all out.’

The reason for this is due to Araujo and Barcelona not currently being on the same page regarding a contract renewal, which could provide an opportunity for United.

It’s mentioned that a £64m fee will be enough to secure Araujo’s signature if he does decide to depart, and Man Utd will increase his wage dramatically.

Why Araujo would be a better signing than Zirkzee

It’s a known fact that over the last couple of seasons, Araujo has played a huge role in the success of Barcelona.

The versatile defender was once again a consistent performer last season, even though he missed eight games through injury.

In La Liga, the 25-year-old started just 21 matches, but during those games he proved he was elite, also netting once and picking up two assists.

Araujo was also handed the captain’s armband at stages, which just shows how highly rated he is as not just a player but also a character.

Nonetheless, as you can see from the stats above, Araujo is the definition of a complete centre-back that’d improve the United backline significantly.

Regardless of whether he’s under pressure or against a low block, the Uruguay international is fantastic on the ball, showing great composure, vision, and progression, as shown by his passing stats and touches.

On the other hand, he’s an absolute monster of an athlete, having extreme speed and physicality, which makes him incredibly difficult to play against.

This athleticism and reading of the game is why he’s such a “Rolls-Royce” of a defender, as dubbed by football scout Jacek Kulig, with his duel win rate and dribbled past proving that.

Furthermore, Araujo has also displayed that he’s a versatile asset by playing at right back, which would give Erik Ten Hag much more tactical flexibility and the team more depth in multiple positions.

Now the question that still remains is: why would Araujo be better than Zirkzee? Well, the answer is rather simple.

To begin with, the centre-back spot at Man United is arguably the weakest in the squad, not necessarily because it lacks quality but because of the lack of reliability, as highlighted by veteran hero Jonny Evans making 23 Premier League appearances last season.

Therefore, a player of Araujo’s quality would simply walk into the starting eleven, whereas Zirkzee would have to compete with Rasmus Hojlund for the lone striker spot in Ten Hag’s 4-2-3-1.

In an ideal world, both players would join the club and bolster the squad, but the Barca man truly has the potential to have more of an influence at Old Trafford.

What Man Utd's dream XI could look like after £230m spending spree

Marcus Rashford doesn’t make the best eleven.

1

By
Tom Lever

Jun 7, 2024

أكد آرني سلوت المدير الفني لفريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي ليفربول على أهمية مواجهة توتنهام، غدًا الأربعاء في كأس رابطة الأندية الإنجليزية.

ويواجه ليفربول نظيره توتنهام على ملعب الأخير، ضمن ذهاب نصف نهائي كأس رابطة الأندية الإنجليزية، في العاشرة مساء غدا الأربعاء.

وقال آرني سلوت في المؤتمر الصحفي: “سنرى مواجهة قوية بين فريقين يتمتعان بهوية، وهذا ما يتوقعه الجميع، كل فريق سيحاول فرض نفسه، ويمكنكم رؤية ما حدث منذ أسبوعين عندما خضنا مباراة قوية سويًا”.

طالع أيضًا | بعد سخرية محمد صلاح منه.. كاراجر: الآن أثق في استمراره مع ليفربول

وعن أداء ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد أمام مانشستر يونايتد بعد الانتقادات التي تعرض لها، قال سلوت: “نحن جميعًا لم نكن جيدين وشعرنا بخيبة أمل بسبب الطريقة والنتيجة، ليس فقط ترينت. لم يلعب أفضل مبارياته، لكنه لعب العديد من المباريات الجيدة”.

وأكمل: “نحن نلعب حوالي 60 مباراة في الموسم، فلن يكون لديك أفضل أداء في جميع المباريات، والانتقاد جزء من وظيفتنا”.

وعن انتقادات الفريق في وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي، قال: “أتحدث إلى لاعبي الفريق، وما أفعله هو أن أظهر لهم كيف لعبنا ضد يونايتد، ولكنني لا أركز على المنشورات بمواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، إذا فعلت ذلك لن يكون لدي حياة، وأنا مدرب لـ ليفربول”.

وأردف: “أتفهم مدى التركيز على أداء محمد صلاح الرائع، ولكن إذا جمعت بين أهداف لويس دياز وكودي جاكبو، سوف تجد أنهما قريبان من مو، ربما يكونان غير محظوظين لأن كييزا ليس لائقًا منذ بداية الموسم، لذا يلعب محمد صلاح الـ90 دقيقة ولا يغادر الملعب”.

وعن موقف سوبوسلاي من مواجهة توتنهام: “لم يتدرب أمس، ولكنني أتمنى أن يكون جاهزاً معنا في مواجهة الغد، هناك شكوك ولكن قد يتواجد في القائمة”.

وعن انتقالات يناير، قال سلوت: “سيكون الأمر غريبًا بعض الشيء. ولكنني سعيد بالفريق، ننتظر السوق دائمًا، وإذا كانت هناك فرصة سنتعاقد، لكن لدي ثقة في القائمة بالكامل”.

واختتم: “من الصعب المقارنة بين الموسم الحالي والماضي، الشيء الوحيد الذي أعرفه أننا لم نسرق أي نقطة، واستحقينا الفوز بجميع المباريات”.

Arsenal are considering a move for one highly-regarded attacker with 148 career goals in total, coming as a squad member becomes open to leaving this summer.

Edu and Arteta identify forward targets for Arsenal

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, assisted by the club's recruitment team and high-ranking transfer chief Edu Gaspar, has identified several rumoured forward targets as Arsenal look to upgrade their ranks ahead of next season.

Arsenal have submitted opening bid for ex-player who "works his socks off"

Edu and the recruitment team have gone in with their first bid.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 11, 2024

The likes of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz played a crucial role with their attacking impetus last season – racking up a brilliant 51 goals and a further 23 assists between them in all competitions – but Arteta is believed to want another option.

Indeed, Arsenal's manager is keen on a young striking partner for Havertz, leading to their interest in signing RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko earlier this window. Unfortunately, the Slovenia international decided to remain at Leipzig – even putting pen to paper on a new contract despite an offer from Arsenal and other elite Premier League sides.

Luckily, Edu and co have earmarked opposing targets for the 21-year-old. One example is Arsenal displaying a rumoured interest in Ajax striker Brian Brobbey recently, as Arteta seeks an alternative option to Gabriel Jesus going forward.

Arsenal have also been linked with both Sporting Lisbon sensation Viktor Gyokeres and Napoli star Victor Osimhen since the window opened, but both strikers could become very costly operations for interested sides.

Player

Goals

Bukayo Saka

20

Leandro Trossard

17

Kai Havertz

14

Martin Odegaard

11

Gabriel Jesus

8

BBC Sport

Gyokeres' contract includes a seismic £86 million release clause, while it is believed Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is holding firm on Osimhen's £110 million exit clause as well.

A much cheaper and attainable choice, especially considering he has just one year left on his contract, is Lille talisman Jonathan David. The Canada international, who's racked up 148 career goals for both club and country, could be available for just £20 million.

Arsenal ponder Jonathan David signing as Eddie Nketiah considers exit

CaughtOffside have an update this week concerning Arsenal, David and Eddie Nketiah.

According to their information, Arsenal are pondering a move for David as Nketiah considers leaving the club. The latter, who scored five league goals in 27 appearances last season, is attracting serious interest from Ligue 1 giants Marseille and Arsenal could sell the 25-year-old.

Marseille are said to be preparing a bid for the £100,000-per-week Nketiah, and if the Englishman were to be sold, then Arteta would need a prolific replacement. David is being considered for that role after another prolific season in France, where he managed 26 goals 47 across appearances in all competitions last season.

Arsenal are reportedly hopeful captain Martin Odegaard will return from injury next week after an ankle issue.

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• Odegaard been out with ankle injury
• Arsenal captain closing in on return
• Could feature against Inter Milan

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners skipper was injured while playing for Norway in early September, with manager Mikel Arteta saying this was a "significant" injury for the attacking midfielder. However, The Standard claims Arsenal are hopeful the 25-year-old will be back for their Champions League trip to Inter Milan next Wednesday. The report adds he even has an 'outside' chance of making Arteta's squad for Saturday's trip to Newcastle United in the Premier League, but they are wary of rushing him back too soon.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Odegaard has proven to be a vital player in Arsenal's team in recent seasons, with the former Real Madrid man bagging 11 goals and 11 assists in the 2023/24 campaign. Having him back could reignite their Premier League title hopes after falling five points behind defending champions Manchester City.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Since Odegaard swapped Madrid for Arsenal in the 2020/21 season, he has scored 35 goals, created 25 assists, and made 156 appearances in all competitions. His current contract with the Gunners runs until the summer of 2028.

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• (C)Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Third-placed Arsenal travel to 12th-positioned Newcastle this weekend, as they look to close the gap on the Premier League's top two City and Liverpool. They then take on Inter in the Champions League five days later.

Kylian Mbappe just stopped short of matching Cristiano Ronaldo's despicable offside record at Real Madrid after a nightmarish El Clasico performance.

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Mbappe struggled against Barcelona in ClasicoWas caught offside eight times by Barca's high-lineCame close to matching Ronaldo's 2013-14 offside metricsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

In a one-sided El Clasico showdown at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, Barcelona overwhelmed Real Madrid with a stunning 4-0 victory, leaving the European champions searching for answers. Robert Lewandowski led the charge with two goals, and Lamine Yamal and Raphinha contributed to complete the rout. For Mbappe, it was a horrific introduction to the historic fixture as he struggled to make an impact.

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Despite his undeniable skill and goal-scoring prowess, the French forward was repeatedly caught offside, underscoring his difficult night against Barcelona’s organised defence. Mbappe had two goals disallowed for offside, and in total, he was flagged offside a staggering eight times, unable to find the rhythm to break through Barcelona’s meticulously executed defensive line.

This performance brought Mbappe dangerously close to a record associated with one of Madrid’s all-time greats, Ronaldo. During the 2013-14 season, the Portuguese was caught offside 22 times in his first 10 La Liga games, a statistic that Mbappe now approaches with his tally of 17 offsides in the current season, the highest of any player in Europe’s top leagues – surpassing players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton and Fiorentina’s Moise Kean, both with 16 offsides each.

DID YOU KNOW?

The record for the most offsides in a single game is a three-way tie at 10 offsides, held by Kevin Phillips (for Southampton against Wolves in 2004), Steven Savidan (for Valenciennes versus Sochaux in 2006), and Sergio Pellissier (for Chievo against Roma in 2010). Although Mbappe came close with his eight offside calls against Barcelona, the 2018 World Cup winner fell just short of this dubious benchmark.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

In his 14 appearances across all competitions for Madrid this season, Mbappe has notched eight goals and provided two assists. He will look to make amends to his form when he travels to Mestalla over the weekend. However, concerns are mounting that the fixture might be postponed due to heavy flooding in the Valencia area. If the game proceeds, it presents a chance for Mbappé and Real Madrid to reset their campaign and return to winning form before hosting AC Milan in a Champions League clash at the Santiago Bernabeu on November 5.

After such an underwhelming 2023/24 campaign on the whole, Sir Jim Ratcliffe now has the opportunity to return Manchester United to their glory days.

In order for that to occur, the Red Devils must be active in the transfer market, and one player they’re looking to secure is Joshua Zirkzee.

The Dutch international has become a key target for Erik ten Hag recently, and he currently has a £34m release clause in his contract.

However, United could also look to sign another attacker who would almost certainly be perfect for Zirkzee.

Man Utd want to bolster their attack this summer

As per a report from Sky Sport Italia, via TEAMtalk, Man United are interested in signing Dan Ndoye.

It’s mentioned that the Manchester club have ‘initiated contact’ with Bologna to gather information on the Swiss star.

If the Red Devils discover that he is available for sale, then official talks will begin between the two clubs.

The Italian side will reportedly look to receive a higher figure than their previous valuation of £12m, particularly after his role for Switzerland at the European Championship.

Why Dan Ndoye would be perfect for Joshua Zirkzee

This time last year, Ndoye was trying to make a name for himself back in Switzerland, playing for a Basel side that only finished fifth in the league.

However, fast forward to today, and he has just come off the back of a promising first campaign in the Serie A for Bologna, making 20 starts.

The 23-year-old is a versatile attacker who can play on either flank as well as having the ability to play more centrally, and despite only scoring once in the Italian top flight, he’s making waves at Euro 2024.

Switzerland’s talented youngster has become a key player as they secured qualification to the knockouts, starting each game and scoring against Group A favourites Germany.

Goals

0.38

Top 77%

Shots

3.46

Top 91%

Successful take-ons

2.31

Top 86%

Progressive carries

5.38

Top 86%

Carries into final third

3.08

Top 91%

Tackles

1.92

Top 86%

However, as you can see from his average stats so far in the tournament, he’s been absolutely fantastic, even boasting similar stats to the likes of Jamal Musiala and Cody Gakpo, as per FBref.

Ndoye is an extremely direct and quick attacker who tends to create opportunities via his dribbling rather than his passing or vision.

Alongside Zirkzee, who’s a technical player himself – with football analyst Ben Mattinson saying that “he’s 6"4 but turns like he’s 5”9" – Ndoye would be able to combine brilliantly, making United’s attack less predictable.

Furthermore, due to Zirkzee’s tendency to drop deeper to get on the ball, as shown by his FBref rank in the top 91% for attacking touches in the mid-third, Ndoye would provide the movement in behind to stretch the pitch and allow the Dutch ace to work his magic.

The Bologna number 11 is also excellent on the counterattack, with ball-carrying being one of his biggest strengths, as shown by his progressive carries and carries into the penalty area.

Yet, the main reason why he’d be perfect for Zirkzee is the fact that they worked together all last season at Bologna, so their understanding of each other's game will already be developed.

Overall, it’s clear that the "highly talented" Ndoye, as called by football scout Antonio Mango, has all the attributes needed to thrive at a club like Man United, and all that he needs is an environment that will promote his growth as a player.

What Man Utd's dream XI could look like after £230m spending spree

Marcus Rashford doesn’t make the best eleven.

1 ByTom Lever Jun 7, 2024

Manchester United are currently busy behind the scenes trying to secure a number of signings to bolster Erik ten Hag's squad.

The Dutchman penned a new contract at Old Trafford last week and now looks set to get backed by the new ownership group headed up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

That said, they must learn from the mistakes of the past. No puzzling signings like Antony; they must be wiser with the way they spend their money.

Fortunately, it looks as though they could be doing exactly that as they hone in on a multitude of defensive targets.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Owner

December 24th 2023

Dan Ashworth

Sporting Director

July 1st 2024

Jason Wilcox

Technical Director

April 19th 2024

Jean-Claude Blanc

CEO

April 30th 2024

Omar Berrada

CEO

TBC

Man United's centre-back targets

With Raphael Varane leaving, Jonny Evans now 36 and Lisandro Martinez rather injury-prone, it's a necessity that Ten Hag welcomes one or two new centre-backs to United this summer.

It is no secret that Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is a key target with the Red Devils having now reportedly lodged two bids for his services, although both have been rejected.

Talks have been ongoing to secure the signature of Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt while a deal has even been agreed to sign wonderkid Leny Yoro from Lille.

The difficulty with that one is that the teenage defender prefers Real Madrid and is waiting for them to make the call.

So, what should the new recruitment team do? Well, Teddy Sheringham has had his say.

What Teddy Sheringham has said about United's transfer plans

At this current moment in time, De Ligt seems the most likely man to arrive at Man united.

The latest is that they have been given the green light to sign the player. However, Sheringham doesn't think he'd be a worthwhile acquisition.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of Crypto Sports betting, he stated: "I don’t think that he is a player that Manchester United need. They need leaders and strong characters."

Who should United go for instead? Well, the former England striker recommended one of his fellow countrymen.

Sheringham continued: "Marc Guehi is believed to be heading to Manchester United and I would prefer a big strong defender than another ball player, they need more winners and more leaders on the pitch now.

"Any top player heading to Manchester United can improve the team and they need to get signings right to be able to push on next season."

Guehi endured a rather injury-hit campaign with Crystal Palace last season, playing 25 times in the Premier League. However, he has risen to prominence with England at Euro 2024.

The defender missed the quarter-final victory over Switzerland through suspension with Ezri Konsa taking his place. It's expected he will come back into the starting lineup for the semi-final against, ironically, De Ligt's Netherlands side.

Games played

4

Clean sheets

2

Touches *

91.8

Pass accuracy

93%

Interceptions *

0.5

Tackles *

0.5

Ball recoveries *

5

Duels won *

4

Yellow cards

2

Guehi has been nothing short of exceptional in Germany this summer and could quite possibly be hailed as England's Player of the Tournament.

Is that enough to convince United to move for him? Well, with a reported asking price of £65m, he could be cheaper than the aforementioned Branthwaite who has been touted at around £80m.

Better than Branthwaite: Man Utd plot bid for "monster" CB on top of Yoro

This would be a colossal statement of intent from INEOS.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 9, 2024

The topic of Smith leading again came up when Aaron Finch was injured during the T20Is against India

Andrew McGlashan10-Dec-2020Steven Smith has indicated that the topic of him captaining Australia again came up when Aaron Finch was injured in the T20I series against India, but is not yet fully aware of the steps that would need to be taken for him to have the role again.When Finch was ruled out of the second T20I in Sydney, Matthew Wade stepped up to captain Australia for the first time, in the absence of vice-captain Pat Cummins, with coach Justin Langer saying there was “a process” that needed to be gone through before Smith could lead again following his loss of the captaincy after the ball-tampering scandal in 2018.The success Tim Paine has had with the Test side, and the indications he wants to take the team through to at least next year’s Ashes series, plus the improvements in Australia’s white-ball cricket under Finch mean there is no rush for the selectors and the Cricket Australia board to make a ruling.”There were discussions sort of taking place,” Smith said. “I think JL [Langer] answered the question when asked about me and captaincy and stuff. There’s obviously a process that needs to be done. For me I just said I’m happy to do whatever is best for the team and that’s the same going forward.”Right now Tim and Finchy are doing really good jobs in both the formats of the game. I’m comfortable where I’m at right now but as I’ve always said I’ll do what’s best for the team.”I think whenever there is a captain chosen, I think you go through a process where you go to the board and things like that, so I’m sure it won’t be too dissimilar. It’s probably more of a question for someone a bit higher up. That’s all that has been said to me and, yeah, we’ll let it rest for now.”One of the challenges Australia could face when replacements for Finch and Paine are eventually needed is the relative lack of captaincy experience among possible replacements other than Smith.Current vice-captain Cummins has not had any chance to captain at state level and would be unlikely to get it given the limited number of games he plays for New South Wales. Marnus Labuschagne, who has been touted as another option, also has yet to have any captaincy experience.Travis Head, who recently lost the joint vice-captaincy position, leads South Australia and captained Australia A in the recent tour match against the Indians. Alex Carey will lead the side in the second match at the SCG starting on Friday.