All posts by h79snht.top

Now into July, Manchester United are finally starting to get a move on as Sir Jim Ratcliffe presses ahead with plans to make the Red Devils a force to be reckoned with again.

A deal to bring Dan Ashworth to Old Trafford is finally complete and with that said, incomings and outgoings could begin to gather pace in the transfer window.

There have been a host of rumours already, most notably in recent days linking the club with a move for Dutch titan Matthijs de Ligt.

United are keen to bolster their defence having also reportedly made a bid for Jarrad Branthwaite in recent weeks, although that has been rejected.

So, what's next on the agenda? Well, it's believed a midfielder is top of their shopping list.

Man United's midfield shopping list

Rumours have been rife over recent months linking Man United with a swoop for Benfica sensation Joao Neves. However, with a release clause of over £100m that feels unlikely.

So, where next? Well, according to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg, PSG star Manuel Ugarte is a 'serious target' having been told he can leave the French club before the window closes.

Claims from Ugarte's native Uruguay report that 'positive talks' have been held between United and PSG with a deal now said to be moving 'closer' according to some in Italy.

A £51m fee has been mooted for his services.

What Ugarte could offer to Man Utd

One of the biggest issues in 2023/24 for Erik ten Hag was a lack of spine. Not his spine, of course, but the team's spine.

Having to get through the season with a crippling injury list that saw them robbed of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane for large parts of the campaign, it meant that building out from the back was tough.

Combine that with Casemiro's disastrous term, with Jamie Carragher memorably saying he should be playing out in Saudi Arabia, and there was no hope for any fluid play down the centre of the pitch.

Fortunately, they are looking to address that. Talks have been held to sign the aforementioned De Ligt and in the Dutchman, they'd be acquiring a player who has the world at his feet. After all, he appears twice on the list of the most expensive defenders of all time.

Most expensive defenders ever

Player

Price tag

10. Achraf Hakimi

£60.9m

9. Marc Cucurella

£63m

8. Ruben Dias

£65m

7. Lucas Hernandez

£68m

7 = Matthijs de Ligt

£68m

5 = Wesley Fofana

£75m

5 = Virgil van Dijk

£75m

3. Matthijs de Ligt

£77.1m

2. Josko Gvardiol

£77.6m

1. Harry Maguire

£80m

Valuations via TEAMtalk.

So, he's a pretty good player based on those valuations. But what would he offer? Well, the 24-year-old is one of the most composed centre-backs around, succeeding with 93% of his passes over the last year, a tally that ranks him in the best 4% of positionally similar players in Europe.

Furthermore, De Ligt is among the 10% for progressive passing, suggesting he knows what it takes to bring the ball out of defence and find a man.

So, let's get back to Ugarte, how would this be advantageous for him? The Uruguayan is a defensive midfielder by trade and would benefit greatly from playing in front of De Ligt, as opposed to someone like Jonny Evans or even Casemiro, who had to play as a makeshift centre-half at times last season.

Ugarte would know he's got a composed defender behind him, someone willing to give him the ball to dictate play from deep.

Importantly, they're both incredibly strong defensively too. Although the PSG star was playing in a possession-dominated team, he still got through plenty of work off the ball.

Ugarte sits inside the top 2% of midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for tackles won and the best 1% for ball recoveries, suggesting that he'd certainly make United's spine sterner.

It's vital that Ratcliffe and Co bolster those central areas this summer and in these two players, they could well solve one of their biggest problems.

Related Man Utd plot concrete move for their own Van Dijk in £42m talent

Erik ten Hag is a huge admirer of the Dutch international.

Posts ByTom Lever Jun 28, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

É oficial: a partida entre Flamengo e Barcelona de Guayaquil, válida pela semifinal da Libertadores, será disputada no Maracanã. A decisão foi confirmada pela Conmebol na tarde desta quarta-feira. O duelo acontece no dia 22 de setembro, uma quarta-feira, às 21h30 (de Brasília).

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> Veja a tabela da Libertadores

Vale lembrar que, na última terça-feira,a prefeitura do Rio de Janeirodecidiu liberar parcialmente a presença de público nos jogos do Flamengo a partir de 15 de setembro. Dessa forma, o Maracanã está liberado para receber 50% da capacidade do público na partida entre o Rubro-Negro contra o Barcelona de Guayaquil.

>Flamengo disponibiliza ônibus para time rival voltar para casa após jogos

Vale destacar que três jogos do Flamengo servirão como eventos-teste na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, com a liberação de 35% a 50% da capacidade total Maracanã. Confira as datas abaixo:

15 de setembro – Copa do Brasil
Flamengo x Grêmio – Liberação de 24.783 lugares (cerca de 35% do estádio)

19 de setembro – Brasileirão
Flamengo x Grêmio – Liberação de 28.324 lugares (cerca de 40% do estádio)

22 de setembro – Libertadores
Flamengo x Barcelona (EQU) – Liberação de 35.045 lugares (cerca de 50%)

No entanto, mesmo com a liberação da prefeitura, a CBF juntamente a 19 clubes da Série A (isto é, todos menos o Flamengo) decidirampor manter a primeira divisão do Brasileirão sem público. Além disso, sobre o jogo da Copa do Brasil,Nestor Hein, diretor jurídico do Tricolor, informou à Rádio Guaíba que, caso tenha torcida na arquibancada do Maracanã, o Grêmio não entrará em campo.

🏟️🔴⚫️ Mudança de estádio! A partida de ida entre @Flamengo e @BarcelonaSC pelas semifinais da CONMEBOL #Libertadores será no @maracana, em 22/9. pic.twitter.com/0pBVkvK1Eu

— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@LibertadoresBR) September 8, 2021

أصدرت النيابة العامة المصرية بيانًا للكشف عن نتائج التحقيقات التي جرت في الفترة الماضية بشأن وفاة أحمد رفعت لاعب مودرن سبورت، وكذلك محمد شوقي عبد العزيز لاعب نادي كفر الشيخ.

وتوفى أحمد رفعت عن عمر ناهز 31 عامًا في شهر يوليو الماضي، إثر أزمة قلبية، حيث سقط في مباراة فريقه أمام الاتحاد السكندري، في الدوري المصري، قبل أن يتعافى ويعود لمنزله ويتعرض لأزمة جديدة أدت لوفاته.

وتعرض أحمد رفعت لأزمة صحية خلال مباراة الاتحاد السكندري في 11 مارس الماضي، حيث عانى من توقف عضلة القلب، مما استدعى وضعه في العناية المركزة لفترة.

طالع | تامر مصطفى يروي كواليس جديدة في وفاة أحمد رفعت

وكشف بيان النيابة العامة عن النتائج التي توصلت إليها التحقيقات، كما أصدرت عدة توصيات بشأن متابعة الحالة الصحية للاعبين وضرورة إجراء كشف طبي عليهم من قبل الأندية وتوفير أفضل الأجهزة الطبية داخل كل الأندية والفرق المصرية الرياضية. بيان النيابة العامة بشأن وفاة أحمد رفعت

حيث أجرت النيابة العامة طيلة الفترة المنصرمة تحقيقات موسعة بشأن واقعتي وفاة اللاعبين أحمد السيد رفعت لاعب نادي مودرن فيوتشر ومنتخب مصر) محمد شوقي عبد العزيز لاعب نادي كفر الشيخ الرياضي)، استمعت خلالها الأقوال العديد من المسئولين باتحاد كرة القدم المصري واللجنة الأولمبية ووزارة الشباب والرياضة ورئيس وأعضاء مجلسي إدارة ناديي مودرن فيوتشر وكفر الشيخ الرياضي وأعضاء أجهزتهم الرياضية والإدارية والطبية، وكذلك الأطباء مستقبلي ومتابعي الحالة الصحية قبل الوفاة، كما استعمت أيضًا إلى آراء بعض المختصين بالطب الشرعي والطب الرياضي وجمعية القلب المصرية وهيئة الإسعاف المصرية.

وقد خلصت التحقيقات المجراة إلى أن السبب المباشر في حصول وفاة اللاعبين يرجع إلى ظروف ومشكلات صحية ووراثية بكل منهما، حيث أسفرت التحقيقات أن اللاعب أحمد السيد رفعت توفى بتاريخ ٢٠٢٤/٧/٦ بسبب سكتة قلبية مفاجئة كانت قد اعترته بعد سابق إصابته بتوقف عضلة القلب بتاريخ ٢٠٢٤/٣/١١ حال مشاركته في مباراة لفريقه بالدوري المصري الممتاز بسبب إصابته بجلطة قلبية بالشريان التاجي المحوري.

وقد جري آنذاك اتخاذ الإجراءات الطبية اللازمة قبله من تركيب دعامة وتقديم الأدوية العلاجية إلا أنه لم يستجب لتلك الأدوية لوجود خلل جيني لديه يمنع ذلك ويؤدي في الأصل إلى التصلب المبكر في الشرايين التاجية وحدوث خلل بالصفائح الدموية.

هذا، وقد توصلت التحقيقات إلى وجود بعض المخالفات الإدارية التي شابت إجراءات سفر اللاعب المتوفى إلى خارج البلاد من قبل، وقد أصدرت الجهة الإدارية قراراتها حيال المتسبب فيها.

كما أسفرت التحقيقات عن أن اللاعب / محمد شوقي عبد العزيز، توفى بتاريخ ۱۱/۱۹/ ۲۰۲٤ بسبب إصابته بنوبة قلبية حادة وما استتبعها من مضاعفات طالت المخ والكلى نتيجة لتوقف عضلة القلب الحاصل بتاريخ ٢٠٢٤/١١/١٣ حال مشاركته في مباراة لفريقه بدوري القسم الثاني (ب) بحري، إذ جرى إسعافه ونقله آنذاك بواسطة سيارة إسعاف مجهزة بأحدث الأجهزة الطبية إلى مستشفى الزرقا المركزي، والتي تبعد عن مكان الواقعة بمسافة لا تجاوز أربعمائة متر، وفى توقيت لا يجاوز الدقيقتين، إلا أن المنية قد وافته برعايتها المركزة بعد اتخاذ الإجراءات الطبية اللازمة على إثر مضاعفات تلك الإصابة.

وإزاء ما كشفت عنه التحقيقات من أن الحالة الصحية الأصلية لكل من اللاعبين / أحمد السيد رفعت ومحمد شوقي عبد العزيز، كانت تحول دون احترافهما ممارسة لعبة كرة القدم، فإن النيابة العامة ومن منطلق حرصها على أبناء الشعب المصري ومقدراته ولعدم تكرار تلك المأساة مع لاعبين آخرين تهيب بالقائمين على الرياضة المصرية الأخذ بعين الاعتبار بالتوصيات الآتية –

 أولا: – ضرورة تكليف لجنة من المختصين قانونا تكون مهمتها وضع لائحة تحتوي على كافة الاشتراطات الطبية والصحية اللازمة لممارسة الأنشطة الرياضية المختلفة بجمهورية مصر العربية.

ثانيا – ضرورة تعميم إجراء الفحص الجيني لكافة اللاعبين قبل ممارسة الأنشطة الرياضية المختلفة نظرا لأهميته في التنبؤ بالأمراض التي قد تصيب اللاعب لاحقا.

ثالثا: – ضرورة إجراء كشف طبي متقدم على جميع اللاعبين قبل المشاركة في أية بطولة دولية أو محلية، وذلك بمعرفة جهة طبية معتمدة، على أن يحظر مشاركة اللاعبين في تلك البطولات إلا عقب اجتيازهم ذلك الكشف المتقدم.

رابعا: – ضرورة إجراء تحليلات وكشوفات طبية دورية على جميع اللاعبين بالفرق والأندية المصرية المختلفة للوقوف على حالتهم الصحية وفي سبيل منع تناول أي منشطات أو مكملات غذائية أو مشروبات طاقة أو اتباع أي لاعب لحمية غذائية دون إشراف طبي على أن يُعد سجل طبي لكل لاعب يحتوي على نتائج تحليلاته وكشوفاته الطبية والتاريخ الصحي الوراثي والتوصيات الخاصة بها.

خامسا: – ضرورة إلحاق أحدث الأجهزة الطبية اللازمة لإسعاف المصابين بجميع النوادي والفرق المصرية على اختلاف درجاتها.

Celtic are believed to have agreed a deal to sign a 22-year-old player with a "great attitude", according to a new update from Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.

Celtic transfer news

It has to be a slow start to the summer at Parkhead when it comes to transfers, but reinforcements should come in over the next few weeks or even days. In goal, Kasper Schmeichel is on the verge of moving to the Hoops, replacing the similarly experienced Joe Hart following his retirement at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

Meanwhile, Royal Antwerp forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha has emerged as another target, with talks taking place with the 23-year-old's agent over a move. He scored seven goals and registered five assists in the Jupiler Pro League, showing the type of end product he could bring to Brendan Rodgers' squad.

Another report has suggested that Aston Villa goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo is another option to come in as Schmeichel's deputy, as he potentially looks for a chance to enjoy more regular football away from Villa Park.

Talks are also ongoing regarding a permanent move for striker Adam Idah, with the Norwich City man scoring eight goals in 15 appearances in the Scottish Premiership in 2023/24 on loan at Celtic, of which only five were starts. Now, another similar rumour has emerged over the signing of another player.

Celtic agree £3.5m deal to sign player with "great attitude"

Taking to X, Joseph claimed that Celtic have agreed a £3.5m deal with Benfica to sign Paulo Bernardo on a permanent deal, with personal terms hopefully sorted in the near future:

This is brilliant news for Celtic, considering what a popular figure Bernardo proved to be during his temporary stint at Parkhead last season. He made 22 appearances in the league, scoring and assisting three times apiece, and he also averaged 1.3 tackles per game in the competition. Meanwhile, Rodgers has shown his admiration for him in the past, saying:

"For Paulo it was good. He’s such a mature player for a young player. He’s always had a great attitude at training. He’s played in a lot of big games. But he had a wee bit of everything today – he had a wee bit of dig, put his foot in, passed the ball and made runs into the box."

Related Imagine him & Johnston: Celtic continue talks to sign "incredible" star

The Hoops are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the centre-forward this summer.

Posts ByDan Emery Jul 15, 2024

At 22, Bernardo represents both a current starter and one for the future, and snapping him up for a number of years to come can only be seen as a positive for Celtic, with the hope being that he grows into an even more formidable player over time.

كشف الجهاز الفني للنادي الأهلي، موعد السفر إلى كوت ديفوار، لخوض مواجهة استاد أبيدجان، في منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويلعب الأهلي مع استاد أبيدجان، يوم السبت المقبل 11 يناير، في إطار الجولة الخامسة من عمر مباريات دور المجموعات لـ دوري أبطال إفريقيا 2024-2025.

ويتواجد الأهلي في المجموعة الثالثة، بدوري أبطال إفريقيا، مع أندية استاد أبيدجان وأورلاندو بايرتس الجنوب إفريقي وشباب بلوزداد الجزائري.

وقال محمد رمضان، المدير الرياضي للنادي الأهلي، “الفريق يتجه إلى كوت ديفوار يوم الخميس المقبل، لخوض مواجهة استاد أبيدجان.

طالع | الأهلي يكشف سبب غياب كولر عن المران الختامي قبل مباراة سموحة

وكان مجلس إدارة النادي، برئاسة محمود الخطيب، قد قرر تكليف محمد الدماطي، عضو مجلس الإدارة، برئاسة بعثة فريق الكرة في كوت ديفوار.

كما تقرر سفر سمير عدلي، المدير الإداري للفريق الأول لكرة القدم، إلى كوت ديفوار ‏صباح الأربعاء للترتيب لسفر البعثة المحدد له

وتقرر أن يسبق الكابتن سمير عدلي البعثة، لإنهاء الترتيبات الخاصة بالرحلة من إقامة ‏وانتقالات ومعاينة ملعب التدريب، في إطار توفير الأجواء اللازمة للفريق قبل المباراة.‏

ويحتل الأهلي، المركز الثاني في ترتيب المجموعة، برصيد 7 نقاط، بينما يتصدر الترتيب فريق أورلاندو برصيد 8 نقاط.

ويتواجد فريق شباب بلوزداد، في المركز الثالث برصيد 6 نقاط، ويتذيل الترتيب استاد أبيدجان بنقطة واحدة.

MatériaMais Notícias

Com dez vitórias nos últimos 12 jogos, o Botafogo vai, finalmente, criando uma vantagem no G4 da Série B do Brasileirão. A equipe comandada por Enderson Moreira abriu “duas rodadas” de gordura para o Guarani, primeiro clube fora da zona de classificação para a próxima Série A.

+ Botafogo: com dívida de R$ 50 milhões, CEO visa Nilton Santos além do futebol para atrair naming rights

O Botafogo, em 3º lugar, em 44 pontos, enquanto o Bugre vem com 38. Com seis pontos de vantagem, o Alvinegro tem três vitórias a mais – principal critério de desempate da competição – em relação à equipe de Campinas. O Alvinegro tem 13 triunfos, enquanto o Alviverde venceu dez vezes.

Ou seja, mesmo que que o Botafogo perca as duas próximas partidas e o Guarani tenha 100% de aproveitamento no período, o Alvinegro não deixaria o G4. As equipes, neste contexto hipotético, ficariam empatadas em pontos, mas o Glorioso mesmo assim teria uma vitória a mais que o rival.

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Único clube com 100% de aproveitamento no segundo turno, o Alvinegro, aos poucos, vai se consolidando no pelotão de frente da Série B. Apesar da boa fase, o treinador Enderson Moreira faz questão de ressaltar que a equipe precisa manter os pés no chão.

O Botafogo volta aos gramados na próxima quinta-feira para enfrentar o CSA, no Estádio Rei Pelé, às 19h30, pela 25ª rodada.

The switch was obviously approved, but didn’t seem to go down well with Justin Langer

Sidharth Monga04-Dec-20205:25

Gambhir: India picked Chahal as concussion sub to best of their advantage

Yuzvendra Chahal became the first concussion substitute to be named Player of the Match in international cricket as he took three wickets after replacing Ravindra Jadeja at the break between innings. When India batted, Jadeja had rescued them with an unbeaten 44 off 23 to give the bowlers something to bowl at. When Chahal came on to bowl, Australia were 54 for no loss in a chase of 162, but he struck to remove Aaron Finch and Steven Smith in his first two overs. His final analysis of 4-0-25-3 – he returned to dismiss Matthew Wade – earned him the match award.ALSO WATCH: Video highlights – Chahal’s match-winning three-for (India subcontinent only)Jadeja batted with a hamstring strain, which was apparent and had already put his participation for the rest of the match in doubt, and he then top-edged Mitchell Starc on to his helmet on the second ball of the 20th over. The blow was hard enough to ricochet to backward point, where the catch was dropped. He wasn’t given a concussion test on the spot, but it is not unusual for concussion symptoms to show up belatedly.The ICC officials obviously approved the substitution, based on the advice of India’s team doctor that Jadeja was concussed as a consequence of an event on the field and during the match, and that Chahal was a like-for-like replacement for Jadeja.Australia coach Justin Langer, however, was seen remonstrating with match referee David Boon just before the start of the chase. Finch also stood by during the discussion, but didn’t appear to say anything.Virat Kohli congratulates Yuzvendra Chahal after he took the wicket of Aaron Finch•Getty Images

At the post-match presentation, Finch said that it wasn’t fair to question expert advice, and that was the end of the matter.The concussion assessment was carried out by India’s team doctor and BCCI’s anti-doping manager Abhijit Salvi, and their physio Nitin Patel. At the press conference, Sanju Samson said Jadeja was asked how he felt when he came back in. He said he was dizzy. India’s captain Virat Kohli said at the post-match presentation that Jadeja was dizzy when he returned, and continued to remain so even after the match.ALSO WATCH: Video highlights – Jadeja rescues India with a 44* off 23 (India subcontinent only)”Ravindra Jadeja was hit on the helmet in the final over of the first innings of the first T20I,” the BCCI tweeted. “Yuzvendra Chahal will take the field in the 2nd innings as a concussion substitute. Jadeja is currently being assessed by the BCCI Medical Team.”This concussion might put Jadeja in doubt for the rest of the series, because head injuries are required to be dealt with seriously, and players are not rushed back in two days’ time, which is when the next match will be played. The ICC protocol says: “Generally, concussion symptoms will settle within two-three days and a player diagnosed with a concussion is ready to return in about a week but, in some individuals, this time might be shorter or longer. Medical oversight, as occurs in elite teams, is essential if a player is to return to play within a week or on a subsequent day of a multi-day match.”Kohli remarked that the concussion substitute rule might have worked to their advantage on the day – having originally dropped Chahal on a surface that gripped – but on another day, India might not have a like-for-like replacement in the squad.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na fria tarde desta terça-feira, no CT Joaquim Grava, o Corinthians realizou o segundo treinamento preparatório para o clássico diante do Palmeiras, que acontecerá no próximo sábado, às 19h, na Neo Química Arena, pela 22ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Adson novamente fez um trabalho de transição.

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TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão-2021 clicando aqui

> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

GALERIA
> Relembre a estreia de grandes jogadores do Corinthians na última década

No Campo 4, os atletas realizaram o aquecimento sob as orientações da equipe de preparação física. Depois, no Campo 3, o técnico Sylvinho promoveu uma atividade de passes e marcação pressão em espaço reduzido.

Em seguida, ainda pensando no clássico contra o Verdão, o técnico Sylvinho dividiu o grupo em três times. Enquanto dois faziam jogos em campo reduzido, a outra equipe praticava cruzamentos e finalizações com os goleiros.

Os atletas que atuaram por mais de 45 minutos na última partida do Timão, diante do América-MG, participaram da atividade inicial do treino e, depois, foram para a parte interna do CT para trabalhos regenerativos e de força.

Além deles, o meio-campista Adson, em transição, participou do aquecimento e da primeira parte do treino. Depois, permaneceu no campo para um treinamento físico com o preparador Leandro da Silva.

Vale lembrar que os jornalistas não podem acompanhar as atividades in loco por conta dos protocolos de saúde em decorrência da pandemia de Covid-19. As informações são fornecidas pela assessoria de imprensa do clube.

O elenco volta a treinar na manhã desta quarta-feira, no CT Joaquim Grava. Serão mais três dias de preparação para o clássico. Atualmente, o Corinthians ocupa a sexta colocação na tabela do Brasileirão-2021 com 30 pontos.

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With Regis Le Bris now at the helm of Sunderland, the Black Cats are looking to provide their new manager with attacking reinforcements this summer.

Black Cats set to sign new players for Le Bris

With a new manager finally in the dugout, the big news out of the Stadium of Light now surrounds some of the names that could be making a move to the Wearside outfit this summer.

Related Sunderland hit gold on star who is now worth more than Ballard & Neil

Sunderland struck gold signing this star when they did.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Jul 13, 2024

A recent report has linked Sunderland with a move for Burnely's Scott Twine, who spent last season on loan with Championship sides Hull City and Bristol City. Despite the previous interest from the Black Cats, it is claimed that no side has matched Burnley's valuation of the player.

Another name doing the rounds in Sunderland circles is that of free agent Oliver Norwood who left Sheffield United upon the expiration of his contract last month. The former Manchester United academy product has been linked with a move to Wearside ever since it became clear that he would not be renewing his terms at Bramall Lane.

If a deal for Norwood is to get over the line he would be joining Republic of Ireland international Alan Browne who joined the Black Cats in a free transfer from Preston North End earlier this month. With the Black Cats' rumour mill showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon, Sunderland are now reported to have made a bid for a new striker.

Sunderland submit first bid for new striker

As relayed by Sport Witness, the French press are claiming that Sunderland have made a move for SM Caen striker Alexandre Mendy. The outlet states that the Wearside outfit have made a first bid for the Guinea-Bissau forward as the Black Cats' new boss eyes attacking reinforcements this summer.

The 30-year-old has been left out of Caen's team for a recent friendly as well as their squad for their pre-season camp in Switzerland. This seems to suggest that the French outfit are resigned to the fact that Mendy will be leaving this summer, opening the door for Sunderland to strike a deal.

Despite potentially being shown the door at his current club, Mendy enjoyed a very successful campaign last season. The 30-year-old found the back of the net on 23 occasions last term, finishing as the top scorer in the French second division.

If the Black Cats are in the market for a more physical brand of striker during the transfer window, then they should look no further than Mendy. Standing at a little over 6 feet tall, the forward ranked in the 82nd percentile for aerial duels won last term, winning over four per ninety.

Despite Sunderland's clear interest in agreeing on a deal, the report by Sport Witness states that there is also interest from Saudi Arabia who could be able to better the Black Cats' offer in the salary department. Perhaps it could be Le Bris' links to the French game that helps his new side get this transfer over the line, making this one to watch.

Sri Lanka are due to depart for SA for a two-Test series once the LPL ends on December 16

Andrew Fidel Fernando and Firdose Moonda10-Dec-2020

Sri Lanka’s tour of South Africa is set to go ahead as expected after SLC’s medical staff confirmed they were satisfied with the bio-bubble arrangements being planned for the series.SLC had reconsidered the tour following England’s withdrawal from their ODI series in South Africa last week. The board was concerned about the possibility of Sri Lanka cricketers returning unwell, something that could put their home series against England in jeopardy with the first Test against England to start roughly a week after Sri Lanka’s return.However, SLC’s medical staff has held talks with its CSA counterparts and is now confident that Sri Lanka will be able to undertake the South Africa tour with little risk of players contracting Covid-19. In addition, it is understood that CSA has agreed to strengthen their bio-security protocols as per the SLC medical team’s requests. In particular, SLC has asked for better PCR testing protocols and the hospitality staff which will cater to the teams to be kept on site.On Thursday afternoon, CSA put out a media release saying that the two-Test series would go ahead as planned.”Cricket South Africa appreciates the ongoing support from Sri Lanka Cricket under the leadership of Ashley de Silva, who has never wavered in its willingness to engage us in important and open discussions around our plans and the state of our readiness for the tour,” CSA’s interim CEO Kugandrie Govender said. “We are thankful that these discussions have allayed any trepidation around CSA’s ability to successfully host home tours in these unpredicted times.”As always, we are excited to host the Sri Lankan team in this important, World Test Championship series that will yield crucial points towards the points table for the eventual winners. We are also certain that cricket fans around the world will tune in for another series of thrilling cricket on display.”ALSO READ: Australia’s tour of South Africa may move to Perth amid Covid-19 falloutIn a meeting that the SLC’s medical team had with their ECB counterparts on Wednesday, the latter’s medical officers are also understood to have supported the idea that a tour of South Africa can be completed without a breaching of the bio-secure bubble. Although England withdrew from their own tour, no England player was found to have contracted Covid-19 despite some false positives being returned at one stage.Sri Lanka are due to depart for South Africa soon after the ongoing Lanka Premier League concludes on December 16. They are scheduled to play two Tests – in Johannesburg and Centurion – before returning home on January 8.Both teams will be housed at the Irene Country Club in Centurion, which includes a golf course, six tennis courts, squash courts and a driving range, thus eliminating the need for teams to leave the venue, as was the case during England’s curtailed visit. England left their biosecure hotel in Cape Town to play golf at several locations, which South Africa’s interim board chair Zak Yacoob described as “lax”, but necessary to keep their visitors happy.Sri Lanka’s first Test against England then begins on January 14. Both Tests in that England series will be played at Galle. SLC was especially nervous about putting that series in jeopardy because it carries substantial broadcast value, which the board cannot miss out on following a tough fiscal year in 2020.