Wolverhampton Wanderers will be hoping to make it back to back Premier League wins for the first time since February when they face Manchester City.

Gary O’Neil has enjoyed a solid debut season at Molineux, but with two of their final three games of the season coming against City and Liverpool, is a top half finish beyond them?

With injuries coming at the wrong time of the season, it could see O’Neil make a few changes to his starting XI as they take on the champions.

Rayan Ait Nouri had to be subbed off with an injury against Luton Town last weekend and the manager may have to turn to someone else to fill the void if he isn’t fit.

The players who could replace Rayan Ait Nouri

Unfortunately, Wolves don’t have many options in their squad who could come in to replace the Algerian – with O'Neil not providing any information on the potentially stricken star during his pre-match press conference.

Matt Doherty has been used on the left several times this term, but he will fill in for Nelson Semedo on the right side of midfield as the Portuguese defender drops deeper to play alongside Max Kilman and Toti Gomes at the heart of the defence.

This leaves Hugo Bueno, who could certainly be a like-for-like replacement for Ait Nouri against Pep Guardiola’s men, offering the youngster the chance to stake his claim ahead of next season, amid reports that his teammate has caught the eye of title hopefuls Arsenal – among other 'big six' sides.

Hugo Bueno’s statistics this season for Wolves

Bueno enjoyed a breakthrough season during 2022/23, playing a total of 23 matches in all competitions, which gave him a solid foundation to build on ahead of the current campaign.

Due to the form of Ait-Nouri, the Spaniard has been reliant on appearances from the bench, starting just seven matches throughout the entire season so far, but he could well be brought into the starting XI against City.

Journalist Liam Keen hailed the 21-year-old as a “promising talent” after he signed a new four-year deal at the Old Gold in 2022.

Metric

Bueno

Ait-Nouri

Goals

0

2

Assists

0

1

Big chances created

2

2

Possession lost per game

6

10.1

Key passes per game

0.3

0.8

Despite averaging only 36 minutes per game in the Premier League, starting six games, Bueno has still managed to create two big chances, averaging 0.3 key passes and 0.4 successful dribbles per match, showing glimpses of his attacking tendencies.

Defensively, he has made one tackle on average per game while winning 2.1 total duels per game – a success rate of 46% – while losing possession six times per match.

Of course, Wolves could miss the presence Ait-Nouri, who has succeeded with 1.9 dribbles per game along with taking 0.7 shots per game, but Bueno has the chance to stake his claim on a regular place by shining against City.

There is no doubting his talents, but a more consistent run in the first team is required if the youngster is to continue his upward trajectory, otherwise his performances could suffer as a result.

Wolves defeated City 2-1 earlier this season, but Guardiola’s charges look like a different team during the final stages of the campaign, indicating just how tough a match it will be for O’Neil and co.

Wolves struck gold on "incredible" star who's worth as much as Ait-Nouri

They paid just £900k for him

ByJoe Nuttall May 2, 2024

With interest in Ait-Nouri ramping up, now could be the perfect opportunity for Bueno to showcase what he can do against elite opposition.

Everton have usually conducted better business in offloading players rather than signing them in recent times, with the Toffees often able to make hefty profits on players after their excellent stints on Merseyside.

Romelu Lukaku is arguably one of the club’s best pieces of business in their history, after signing him for £28m, before selling him less than four years later to Manchester United for a deal that could’ve reached up to £90m – a profit of £62m, a staggering amount.

The club also sold winger Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United in 2022 for £45m and as the forward came through the club’s academy, the Toffees kept all of the figure, making it a complete profit and one that decreased the PSR breach astronomically.

In Gordon’s case, the move has been a success, reaching double figures in the Premier League in goals and assists for the first time ever – subsequently receiving a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s 33-man provisional squad for the European Championship.

However, the club have also offloaded one player who never reached his potential shown at Goodison Park, with his deal being worth a hell of a lot more in 2024.

Jack Rodwell’s stats at Everton

After spending his youth years on Merseyside with the Toffees, midfielder Jack Rodwell made his Everton first-team debut during the 2007/08 campaign as just a tender 17-year-old.

Over the next couple of seasons, he would become a regular player under David Moyes, featuring 26 times during the 2009/10 campaign – his highest tally during his time at Goodison Park.

He would score his first goal for the Toffees during the aforementioned campaign in the 3-1 win over Manchester United, before adding to his tally a couple of weeks later in the 5-1 rout of Hull City.

Jack Rodwell's stats at Everton

Statistics

2007/08

2008/09

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

Games

2

19

26

24

14

Goals

0

0

2

0

2

Minutes played

3'

859'

1,619'

1,415'

925'

Stats via Transfermarkt

His time was constantly plagued with injuries, however – with Rodwell missing over three months of the following season with an ankle issue, restricting him to just 24 appearances.

The 2011/12 season would be his final one before departing the club to sign for Manchester City, for a deal in the region of £12m – a move that would spark something of a downward spiral in his career.

How much Jack Rodwell’s transfer would be worth in 2024

Nearly 12 years on from his move to the Etihad, it’s safe to say Rodwell’s career has dramatically dropped since then, with the now 33-year-old a free agent after being released by Australian side Sydney FC just a couple of days ago.

He also endured a difficult spell at Sheffield United in 2020, making just two appearances during his short-term contract with the Blades, before once again being released – a familiar tale of his career in recent times.

As each year passes by, it goes to show how much of a good piece of business it was by the Everton board to part ways with their star talent, but just how much would that deal be worth now in 2024? Well, we have the answer.

The deal for Rodwell would see him worth £36.1m, according to a conversion tool from The Totally Money Transfer Index.

The figure would see him be worth more than current Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford – who cost Everton a whopping £30m from Sunderland, way back in the summer of 2017 – in a move that was then a club record.

The England number one has enjoyed a stellar campaign that has seen him keep 13 clean sheets in his 38 Premier League matches during the 2023/24 season – the second most of any ‘keeper in the division.

Pickford has been a sensational signing for the club and is still worth £18.7m, as per Transfermarkt, despite recently turning 30 years of age.

The same can’t be said for Rodwell, with his career taking a huge nosedive since his departure from Goodison over a decade ago.

His move goes to show that joining a big club isn’t always best for a youngster’s progression, with the midfielder undoubtedly going on to have a better career had he stayed put on Merseyside.

Related Everton must rue losing a star who's now worth £42m more than Lookman

The former Everton man created new history in the Europa League final last night.

Posts ByEthan Lamb May 23, 2024

Glasgow Rangers have now gone three seasons without winning the Premiership title. Philippe Clement did a remarkable job in pushing Celtic for as long as possible with this group of players, but ultimately, the Gers stumbled when the pressure was on.

Things need to change this summer. Clement should be looking at moving out some of the deadwood at Ibrox while bringing in young, dynamic talent who can take the Old Firm side to the next level.

Mohamed Diomande could be the first of many youngsters who fit the bill. Not only does he possess wonderful potential, but the midfielder has the chance to bring in a major profit for the Gers in the coming years.

Clement has a player right under his nose who should be ready to kick on after a disappointing few years. Might it be the last chance saloon for Alex Lowry this summer?

Clement must unleash Alex Lowry against Hearts

While the league might be done and dusted heading into the final round of fixtures this weekend, the Scottish Cup final takes place on May 25.

With nothing to play for against Hearts this afternoon, Clement should consider resting Todd Cantwell and giving Lowry some precious minutes in the starting XI.

On the final day of the 2021/22 campaign, Rangers also faced Hearts and the “gallus” Scot – as dubbed by coach Andy Goldie – started that match, going on to score and grab an assist against the Tynecastle side just days ahead of the Europa League final.

He was rewarded with a place on the bench for that match which the Gers lost, yet he has failed to live up to his prodigious potential.

Player

Position

Allan McGregor

GK

James Tavernier

RB

Connor Goldson

CB

Leon Balogun

CB

Jack Simpson

LB

John Lundstram

CDM

Ianis Hagi (Alex Lowry replaced him in 1st half)

CM

Juninho Bacuna

CM

Brandon Barker

RW

Fashion Sakala

LW

Cedric Itten

ST

Could today be the catalyst which will allow the 5 foot 11 starlet to prove to Clement he belongs as Rangers?

Alex Lowry’s stats this season

In a bid to see the midfielder secure more game time, Michael Beale sent him on loan to Hearts last summer.

In just 17 games for the Jambos, Lowry scored once and registered four assists before his loan spell was cut short by Clement due to him suffering an injury.

It had the promise of being a productive spell at the capital side, yet he failed once again to really demonstrate his talents on a consistent basis, starting just ten Premiership matches under Steven Naismith.

The 20-year-old recovered to make the bench during the midweek 5-2 win over Dundee at Ibrox yet failed to make it onto the pitch.

Saturday afternoon represents an ideal chance for the midfielder to make a rare start, especially as there is no pressure on the Light Blues – having previously been hailed as "unlike anyone else at Rangers" by Graeme Murty, in relation to "his technical ability, the range of passing that he sees and executes, his individual ability to go past people and he has a remarkable degree of self-confidence".

Even if Lowry only played for 45–60 minutes, allowing him some minutes in the legs while also giving him the chance to prove to Clement he has the attitude to succeed at Rangers.

Rangers can send Lundstram packing by unleashing "gallus" starlet

Philippe Clement has a few decisions to make regarding his team when the season is finished

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 16, 2024

The Scot looked like one of the most exciting teenagers to emerge from the academy after his debut in January 2022, but he has lost his way slightly in the following two seasons – his time is not up just yet, however…

Both the New Zealand captain and coach have had to answer questions about their equation in recent times

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jul-2020

Kane Williamson and Gary Stead have a very good relationship, they have stressed•AFP via Getty Images

Kane Williamson and Gary Stead, the New Zealand captain and coach respectively, have had to answer questions about their supposedly frayed relationship ever since they got to Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui for a training session. After Williamson called the relationship “very good”, Stead has called it “really strong”, adding that they are both gung-ho about taking the team to the next level.Some of the chatter in local cricket circles started after speculation in May that Stead wanted Tom Latham as the regular Test captain in place of Williamson after Latham led New Zealand in one Test – a 279-run loss in a 3-0 series sweep – in Australia earlier this year. “Kane and I have a really strong relationship, and we spoke about it,” Stead told Stuff on Saturday. “There was no basis in truth and the disappointing part is it’s coming from somewhere and someone, but it’s not Kane and it’s not I.”I really enjoy working with Kane. The discussions we have are robust and always directed at what’s best for the team, which is something I know we are truly aligned on.”It’s like any business, you always have positive conflict and if there wasn’t, then I’d be worried.”ALSO READ: Jeremy Coney hits out at Gary SteadWilliamson was asked the question a couple of days back too, when he attended a press interaction after a nets session, and he said, “Gary and I have a very good relationship. We are always honest with each other and keen to challenge each other with our views on the game. Ultimately we both share the vision of where we want the team to go – how we get there is a constant discussion as in any organisation – and we are happy to have those honest discussions together.”Stead, the 48-year-old former Test batsman, took over from Mike Hesson in August 2018, and it has been a largely good run so far, with nine wins and five defeats in 16 Tests, which have taken them to No. 2 in the ICC’s Test rankings. They also finished as the runners-up at the 2019 ODI World Cup final. On the other hand, the Test series sweep in Australia was the lowlight.”For the most part we’ve had some pretty amazing experiences as a group and I cherish a lot of those,” Stead, who would be expecting a contract extension when the current one expires after what should have been the end of the T20 World Cup in October, said. “Most of the time it’s an enjoyable job, and there’s always things that are tough which is part of the role as well.”Selection is always difficult when you know there’re some very good players that miss out, and at times the media side and the extra scrutiny you get is more demanding.”

أعلن نادي المصري، عن غياب 4 لاعبين في مباراته القادمة أمام بلاك بولز الموزمبيقي، التي تقام بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية.

ويلعب المصري ضد بلاك بولز، في إطار الجولة الثانية من عمر دور المجموعات لبطولة الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.

وتقام مباراة المصري مع بلاك بولز، على ستاد دو زيمبيتو الوطني بالعاصمة الموزمبيقية مابوتو في التاسعة مساء الأحد المقبل الموافق الثامن من ديسمبر الجاري.

طالع | حكم مباراة المصري وبلاك بولز في كأس الكونفدرالية

ووفقًا للصفحة الرسمية لنادي المصري على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “فيس بوك”: “تأكد غياب الرباعي حسن علي وكريم بامبو وحسين فيصل ومحمد دبش لاعبي الفريق عن مباراة الفريق المقبلة أمام مضيفه فريق بلاك بولز”.

وصرح بذلك الدكتور محمود الشحات طبيب الفريق، مؤكدًا أن اللاعب حسن علي يعاني من تمزق في العضلة الخلفية، فيما أصيب الثنائي كريم بامبو ومحمد دبش بإلتواء في الكاحل ، بينما يعاني حسين فيصل من شد بالعضلة الضامة.

وكان المصري فاز على إنيمبا النيجيري في مواجهة الجولة الأولى من مباريات دور المجموعات بهدفين دون رد، وذلك يوم الأربعاء الماضي.

ويتواجد المصري في المجموعة الرابعة من بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية، مع أندية الزمالك وإنيمبا النيجيري وبلاك بولز الموزمبيقي.

ويتصدر فريق المصري ترتيب المجموعة، برصيد 3 نقاط، ويتساوى معه الزمالك صاحب المركز الثاني بنفس عدد النقاط، وفي المركزين الثالث والرابع فريقي بلاك بولز وإنيمبا بدون نقاط.

The summer transfer window is just around the corner, and after being one of the few Premier League clubs to spend in January, Tottenham Hotspur look poised to make another splash in the market.

Ange Postecoglou has overseen a reasonably impressive first season in charge of the Lilywhites. However, with no Harry Kane in the squad, goals have been a bit harder to come by, as evidenced by the club boasting just the seventh-best attack in the league.

However, if recent reports are to be believed, that could soon change, with the latest player touted for a move to N17 potentially being the perfect upgrade on Son Heung-min as the team's primary number nine.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from the Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Noticias (via Sport Witness), Tottenham Hotspur have joined the clubs interested in Porto's in-form striker Evanilson.

The report has named the Lilywhites as a potential destination for the Brazilian forward alongside Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United.

According to the report, the 24-year-old's impressive form and the subsequent interest from English sides mean that the Dragões are confident of securing a fee in the region of €100m for their star player, which comes to around £86m.

This would be an undeniably hefty investment from Daniel Levy and Co, but with the forward's impressive exploits this season, it might be one worth making, especially if it allows Son to return to his best position.

How Evanilson compares to Son

Now, what is the most vital metric to consider when comparing two players tasked with playing as a nine? Their ability to put the ball into the back of the net.

There are, of course, other elements to a striker's skillset worth considering in the modern game, but simple goalscoring still reigns supreme – just look at Erling Haaland – and when it comes to the comparison between Evanilson and Son in this regard, there is no competition.

In his 36 games this season, the Chuncheon-born ace scored 17 goals and provided ten assists, whereas in his 41 games, the Fortaleza-born Porto star scored 24 goals and provided six assists.

Appearances

41

36

Goals

24

17

Goals per Match

0.58

0.47

Assists

6

10

So, while both players averaged a goal involvement every 1.33 games, the "electric" Brazilian, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, averaged a goal every 1.70 games to the Spurs captain's 2.11.

Moreover, signing the Fortaleza-born marksman would allow Postecoglou to start the Lilywhites star out on the left and leave Richarlison – who has just 12 goals to his name this term – on the bench.

Lastly, while the South Korean might not have quite the same explosiveness he did a few years ago, he has still shown himself to be effective out wide.

For example, FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, places the veteran in the top 1% of wingers for expected assists, the top 5% for non-penalty goals and non-penalty expected goals plus assists, the top 9% for pass completion, the top 10% for touches in the opposition's penalty area and the top 14% for assists, all per 90.

Expected Assists

0.37

Top 1%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.45

Top 5%

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.68

Top 5%

Pass Completion

82.8%

Top 9%

Touches in the Opposition's Penalty Area

6.43

Top 10%

Assists

0.33

Top 14%

Ultimately, while the price is certainly something the club will have to seriously consider, signing Evanilson would represent a genuine upgrade on Son as a traditional number nine while also allowing the 31-year-old to get back to his best on the left wing.

Spurs hoping to beat Arsenal to sign "prolific" £56m upgrade on Son

The in-demand star could move to the white side of North London.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 21, 2024

Ollie Pope has insisted that England are ready for the challenge of facing a fiery West Indian pace attack next week, despite three days of preparation on a “slow” wicket in their intra-squad warm-up match.West Indies officially added Shannon Gabriel to their squad on Thursday evening, and he looks set to go straight into the side that plays at the Ageas Bowl on July 8. He is expected to be joined by Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph and captain Jason Holder – who averages 14.22 with the ball in Tests since 2018 – in the same formidable fast-bowling line-up which blew England away in Barbados and Antigua last year.Pope has an imperious record against bouncers in his fledgling Test career to date, scoring 67 runs off the 54 short balls he has faced to date and being dismissed only once, and managed to withstand a brief barrage from Ben Stokes and Jamie Overton on the final day of the warm-up.But despite those positives, the pitch was slow from the outset, with several balls dying on their way through to the wicketkeeper and several short balls sitting up nicely. The Ageas Bowl’s head groundsman, Simon Lee, is in his first season in the job after joining from Somerset, and – perhaps harshly – came in for criticism in his final years at Taunton for obliging when asked to prepare challenging batting surfaces. He has not had the luxury of a county season in which to get used to his new surroundings in preparation for his first Test pitch, but will undoubtedly hope the bounce is slightly truer next week.”It was quite a slow wicket,” Pope admitted. “On the first day it felt a little bit soft, and there wasn’t a lot of carry. Nicks weren’t always carrying through. We’re not sure what kind of wicket we’re going to get out there come next Wednesday, but it was quite slow. It started turning a little bit at the end.”In particular, Pope highlighted the contrast with what had been served up in training. “We’ve played on some quite spicy wickets in the nets, and obviously just against our own bowlers. There’s no net bowlers around, so the quality of bowling has been seriously high on some pretty spicy wickets.Ollie Pope made an unbeaten half-century in the second innings•Stu Forster/Getty Images

“Sometimes it’s trying to get through the net and keep your wicket rather than feeling good and finding the middle of the bat. We’re gone from one extreme to the other. That’s great for our games, because it’s good to adapt.”And Pope maintained that he had few qualms about which type of surface he played on, saying that it was up to England’s batsmen to adapt. “Sometimes on a wicket with truer bounce, it makes playing the short ball a little bit easier, but then again it makes it a little bit easier to pull if it’s a slightly slower wicket,” he said. “It’s just adapting, whether you want to take on the pull shot or get under a few more, depending on how quick it is and how consistent the bounce is.ALSO READ: Relief for England as Sam Curran tests negative for Covid-19“The quality of competition going on out there was really high-class throughout the three days. I think we’re getting there. I felt pretty good in the first innings, and it was nice to spend a bit more time out there today. We’re all moving the right direction.”England will name a squad for the first Test on Saturday morning, with seven players from their enlarged 30-man training group set to leave the bubble at the Ageas Bowl. Joe Root has already been confirmed as missing the first Test to attend the birth of his second child, and the side will be led by Ben Stokes.The selectors were due to meet on Friday evening to finalise the details, but 22 players will be named in total, with around 15 in the main squad and a smaller group of reserves. Those likely to miss out include Keaton Jennings, Lewis Gregory and Amar Virdi, while question marks over Olly Stone’s fitness (he took no part this week due to a tight hamstring) and Sam Curran’s lack of match practice following his self-isolation this week could count against them.Jofra Archer only bowled three overs on Friday, and twice received medical attention in the match – first on his foot on Thursday evening as he tried to break in a new pair of bowling boots, and later on Friday as he hurt his left wrist in the field – but is understood to be fully fit and available for selection in the first Test.

With the six franchises allowed to sign overseas players outside the draft, no player attracted the top bid of USD 160,000

Deivarayan Muthu06-Jul-2020Afghanistan allrounder Mohammad Nabi, Nepal legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane, and Australian batsman Ben Dunk headlined the CPL 2020 draft that was held virtually on June 24. All three players fetched deals worth USD 130,000 each, with Nabi being the first pick in the draft. The CPL is scheduled to be played in Trinidad & Tobago between August 18 and September 10 behind closed doors, subject to the permission from the local government.Nabi had been part of St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in 2017 and was snapped up by St Lucia Zouks, who finished second from bottom last season in the six-team league.A total of 537 players had registered for the draft, but a few names including New Zealand seamer Tim Southee and England allrounder Ravi Bopara pulled out. No player in the draft attracted the top price of USD 160,000. That was mainly because the CPL allowed the six franchises to sign overseas players outside of the draft for the first time.Accordingly, Australian opener Chris Lynn was signed by St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, while Afghanistan leggie Rashid Khan was scooped up by defending champions Barbados Tridents. Both players are understood to have fetched USD 160,000. Rashid’s Afghanistan team-mate Qais Ahmad was signed by Guyana Amazon Warriors while South African batsman Rilee Rossouw was hired by Zouks.Nabi will help fill the void created by the absence of Chris Gayle, who pulled out of CPL 2020, citing personal reasons. Lamichhane, who had played for the champions Tridents last season before leaving midway through the tournament for international duty, will turn out for Jamaica Tallawahs in the upcoming season. He is set to team up with former West Indies and Patriots captain Carlos Brathwaite at Tallawahs. It is understood that the 31-year-old big-hitting allrounder was bought for USD 110,000.As for Alex Hales, he was the only Englishman to be picked up in the draft, with reigning champions Tridents retaining him for USD 70,000. Hales, who was the first pick in the 2019 CPL draft, had an underwhelming stint that year, managing 197 runs in 12 innings at an average of 16.41 and strike rate of 124.68. Hales hasn’t been involved with England since being dropped from the World Cup last year following a positive drug test.Ben Dunk slashes through the off side•Getty ImagesDunk was rewarded for his hot form in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Mzansi Super League (MSL), getting a gig with Patriots. He had been part of the CPL back in 2014, when he represented the now-defunct Antigua Hawksbills. Dunk was the top-scorer in the last MSL, with 415 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate touching 150. He then tallied 266 runs in seven innings, striking at an incredible 186.01 in PSL 2020, which was halted by the Covid-19 pandemic.England’s batting sensation Tom Banton, and his captain Eoin Morgan went unsold, as did former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. Quite a few high-profile Pakistan players, including Shoaib Malik and Wahab Riaz, were set to play CPL 2020, but the tour to England meant they were all unavailable for the league. T20 specialists Asif Ali and Sohail Tanvir, though, were selected by Tallawahs and Patriots respectively.USA’s Ali Khan (TKR), his national team-mate Jessy Singh (Amazon Warriors), and Canada’s Saad Bin Zafar (Zouks) were among those who secured ICC Americas contracts in the CPL.Afghanistan players in demand
Nabi wasn’t the only Afghanistan player to make a splash at the draft. Fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq will join Qais Ahmad at Amazon Warriors while exciting wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz will play for defending champions Tridents. Gurbaz has a variety of unorthodox strikes in his repertoire like his idol AB de Villiers. After leading Afghanistan to a 2-1 T20I series win over a full-strength West Indies side, led by Kieron Pollard, in India, the teenager cracked an 18-ball half-century on his Bangladesh Premier League debut for Khulna Tigers in Dhaka.ALSO READ: Naveen-ul-Haq hopes to start a pace-bowling revolution in AfghanistanNoor Ahmad, all of 15 years old, got a gig with Zouks. The left-arm wristspinner has a big-turning wrong’un in his repertoire, and was particularly threatening against right-handers in the 20-over Shpageeza league. Against right-handers, he took six wickets in 130 balls while conceding 131 runs. All up, he claimed eight wickets in the league and was named the Emerging Player of the tournament. He then pressed onto play for Afghanistan in the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year in South Africa.The 48-year-old Pravin Tambe will play for Trinbago Knight RidersTKR sign up Tambe
Forty-eight-year-old Pravin Tambe, the former Mumbai and Rajasthan Royals legspinner, was hired by Trinbago Knight Riders for USD 7,500. He is set to become the first Indian to feature in the CPL. Earlier in 2019, Tambe was snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL auction, but was forced to withdraw later after the BCCI pulled him up for playing in unsanctioned cricket leagues like the T10 League. Tambe was one of the two Indians in the CPL draft along with former Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman Asad Pathan, who found no takers.Zimbabwe allrounder Sikandar Raza also went to TKR for USD 7,500, as did fast bowler Anderson Phillip. Australian legspinner Fawad Ahmed was back at TKR after playing for Zouks last season. In 2018, Ahmed had spun TKR to back-to-back title wins, taking 22 wickets in 13 games at an impressive economy rate of 6.18.Locals rewarded for Super50 form
Chemar Holder, who broke into West Indies’ Test squad for the England tour, will join Kesrick Williams at Zouks. Mystery-spin bowling allrounder Mark Deyal, who can turn the ball both ways with his knuckles, switched from TKR to Zouks.The strong performers in the Super50 Cup – West Indies’ domestic 50-over tournament – were rewarded with CPL contracts. Wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva, who is currently on tour with the national Test side in the UK, was drafted by Patriots. Da Silva hit 310 runs in nine innings in West Indies Emerging team’s run to the title. Nkrumah Bonner, who has been among the runs in both the Super 50 and the four-day format, was picked up by Tallawahs.Batsman Tion Webster was retained by TKR while 33-year old left-arm spinner Dennis Bulli went to Patriots. Bulli took 12 wickets in six games at an economy rate of 5.28 for Jamaica in the Super50.The CPL has told all franchises to assemble their squads from August 1, with the players and support staff having to undergo a two-week period in quarantine before the tournament gets underway on August 18.Squads
Jamaica Tallawahs
Retained: Andre Russell, Rovman Powell, Glenn Phillips, Chadwick Walton, Oshane Thomas
Signed: Tabraiz Shamsi
Drafted: Sandeep Lamichhane, Carlos Brathwaite, Asif Ali, Fidel Edwards, Preston McSween, Andre McCarthy, Nicholas Kirton, Jeavor Royal, Nkrumah Bonner, Veerasammy Permaul, Ryan PersaudSt Lucia Zouks
Retained: Daren Sammy, Colin Ingram, Andre Fletcher, Kesrick Williams, Obed McCoy, Rahkeem Cornwall, Kavem Hodge
Signed: Rilee Rossouw, Anrich Nortje, Noor Ahmad, Kimani Melius
Drafted: Mohammad Nabi, Chemar Holder, Mark Deyal, Leniko Boucher, Javelle Glen, Saad Bin ZafarTrinbago Knight Riders
Retained: Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Colin Munro, Darren Bravo, Lendl Simmons, Khary Pierre, Amir Jangoo, Tion Webster, Akeal Hosein, Ali Khan
Signed: Fawad Ahmed, Tim Seifert, Jayden Searles
Drafted: Sikandar Raza, Anderson Phillip, Pravin TambeSt Kitts & Nevis Patriots
Retained: Evin Lewis, Fabian Allen, Sheldon Cottrell, Rayad Emrit, Alzarri Joseph, Dominic Drakes
Signed: Chris Lynn, Rassie van der Dussen, Sohail Tanvir, Ish Sodhi
Drafted: Ben Dunk, Dennis Bulli, Joshua Da Silva, Colin Archilbald, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Sunny Sohal
Via transfer: Denesh RamdinBarbados Tridents
Retained: Jason Holder, Harry Gurney, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope, Hayden Walsh Jr, Ashley Nurse, Jonathan Carter, Raymon Reifer, Justin Greaves
Signed: Rashid Khan, Marcus Stoinis, Nyeem Young
Drafted: Alex Hales, Kyle Mayers, Joshua Bishop, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shayan JayangirGuyana Amazon Warriors
Retained: Imran Tahir, Nicholas Pooran, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Green, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Odean Smith, Anthony Bramble
Signed: Ross Taylor, Qais Ahmad, Kevin Sinclair
Drafted: Naveen-ul-Haq, Ashmead Nedd, Jessy Singh

With Raphael Varane set to leave Manchester United this summer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly turned his attention to landing a replacement for the Frenchman in a cut-price deal.

Man Utd transfer news

Varane confirmed the news that he would be leaving Manchester United at the end of the season following two years at Old Trafford. The Frenchman at least ended on a high, having started in the Red Devils' shock FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. Running out 2-1 winners, Varane bowed out in the best way possible.

Now, however, those at Old Trafford have turned their attention towards finding a replacement for the former Real Madrid star, with the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Antonio Silva already mentioned. Branthwaite, in particular, would be an interesting option given the season that he has just enjoyed at Everton as a clear standout. As the Toffees look to ease financial concerns too, United could swoop in.

Alas, Everton aren't the only club in need of funds. According to Charlie Gordon of the Daily Express, Sporting CP in Portugal need to raise money and Manchester United are considering a move for Ousmane Diomande in a deal that could be worth as little as £35m. What's more, with interest reportedly cooling elsewhere in the Premier League, Ratcliffe should be perfectly placed to land his Varane replacement.

Still just 20 years old and coming off the back of an excellent season in Portugal, Diomande could quickly prove to be the bargain of the summer if United make their move.

"Elite" Diomande can fill Varane void

Whilst Varane's time at Manchester United may go down as what might have been at some points after injury troubles, replacing a World Cup and Champions League winner is still no easy task, but signing Diomande would do exactly that. Described as "elite" by Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, the central defender can step into the Frenchman's role and more with a move to Old Trafford.

Starts

25

16

Progressive Carries

0.94

1.05

Progressive Passes

5.15

3.86

Tackles Won

1.02

0.72

Ball Recoveries

5.62

4.38

As Ratcliffe looks to finally transform Manchester United into a club capable of competing among the Premier League's very best, signings such as Diomande would go a long way.

The Sporting man ticks the box for his age, potential and current ability, which is particularly important when rebuilding Erik ten Hag's backline, given that Jonny Evans is 36 years old and Harry Maguire is 31. Only time will tell whether Diomande is the man that Ratcliffe turns toward, however, with a number of options linked with a summer move.

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke was backed by the board in the summer transfer window last year as they allowed to make a host of new signings.

Some of his additions, including the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Glen Kamara, and Joe Rodon, have turned out to be fantastic additions to the squad.

Ampadu, who was named in the Championship Team of the Season, has been one of the standout signings since his permanent move from Chelsea last summer.

However, the German boss did not hit the mark with every piece of business made during that window. Djed Spence arrived on loan before being sent back to Tottenham Hotspur in January, whilst Jaidon Anthony has failed to make an impact on the pitch this season.

Why Leeds signed Jaidon Anthony

The Whites snapped the winger up on a season-long loan deal from Premier League side Bournemouth last summer, after he had played a season in the top-flight with the Cherries.

Anthony arrived at Elland Road off the back of a return of three goals and one assist in 30 Premier League games for his parent club during the 2022/23 campaign.

Appearances

45

Goals

8

Assists

7

Big chances created

18

Key passes per game

1.6

As you can see in the table above, the English whiz had previously caught the eye in the Championship during Bournemouth's promotion-winning season the previous year.

He had showcased his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals with 26 goals scored and 'big chances' created combined in 45 league outings.

Leeds have been rinsed by Jaidon Anthony

Unfortunately, Leeds have not seen the best of the 24-year-old star this season as he has flopped at Elland Road, enduring a rough season on the pitch so far.

Per Capology, the Whites are paying his £25k-per-week wages during his loan spell and that money is being sent down the drain, due to his lack of impact on the field.

Staggeringly, Anthony has played even fewer minutes (503) in the Championship than veteran defender Liam Cooper (707), despite the Scottish defender having made just 15 appearances so far.

18 players have played more minutes than the Cherries loanee in the league for Farke, which illustrates how sparingly he has been utilised this term.

Anthony has started just two league games for Leeds and been brought on as a substitute in a further 29 matches. In that time, he has slightly underperformed in front of goal with one strike from 1.7 xG.

The right-footed flop has also failed to register a single assist and has not created a single 'big chance' for his teammates in his 31 Championship outings.

Ultimately, the Bournemouth whiz has not done enough on the pitch to justify the £25k-per-week that Leeds are supposedly paying to have him on loan.

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He has not contributed too much in the way of attacking quality in the Championship and has been rarely used by Farke, playing even less than a centre-back – Cooper – who has been a back-up to a natural defensive midfielder – Ampadu.

Therefore, the Yorkshire-based side have been rinsed by the £25k-per-week loan flop so far this season, and it may take some surprise heroics in the remainder of the play-offs this month for his time at the club to be remembered as a success.