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Newcastle United are expected to make an offer for an "extraordinary" free agent, but will need to act quickly as he is also wanted by another Premier League club, according to a fresh transfer update.

Newcastle contract & transfer news

The Magpies' summer transfer business is done and dusted, in what was a relatively low-key period in the market for them, but there are still contract and transfer rumours doing the rounds. The future of Anthony Gordon was a major talking point during the summer, with a move to boyhood club Liverpool mooted a number of times, but the winger ended up staying put at St James' Park. Now, it is claimed that the 23-year-old could sign a new deal at Newcastle, acting as a major boost for Eddie Howe.

In terms of potential new signings, only free agents are now available for the Magpies, with Yusuf Yazici reportedly a target, having left Lille upon the conclusion of last season. Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are also thought to be in the mix for the 27-year-old.

There is another free agent who has emerged as an exciting option for Newcastle, too, as they battle with one of the clubs mentioned above for his signature.

Newcastle plan offer for "extraordinary" midfielder

According to a new update from Le Figaro [via Sport Witness], Newcastle could soon table an offer for Adrien Rabiot, who is currently a free agent after his departure from Juventus at the end of last season. United are in the same position, however, seeing the Frenchman as an excellent option to replace Casemiro, as the two Premier League clubs are said to "need to hurry" to get a deal done.

Rabiot could be a fantastic addition to Newcastle's midfield, considering his pedigree as a player throughout his career, during which time he has won seven league titles – six for Paris Saint-Germain and one with Juve. Not only that, but the 29-year-old has won 48 caps for a formidable France team, proving to be a key figure in the middle of the park, while David Trezeguet has lauded him in the past.

With Newcastle supporters not overly happy about a lack of stellar signings during the summer transfer window, the £29.5m-valued Rabiot could add so much class and experience to Howe's midfield all without splashing a penny, possessing quality in possession and a strong work ethic off the ball.

Last season, the France international registered eight goal contributions (five goals and three assists) in Serie A, but he also averaged 1.9 tackles per game, not to mention starting five matches for his country at Euro 2024 earlier this summer.

Newcastle sold a defender for £90k, now he has more career goals than Isak

The Magpies previously sold a defender for mere peanuts…

By
Ross Kilvington

Sep 8, 2024

Signing Rabiot should be considered a no-brainer for Newcastle, even though he would likely demand big wages, with the free element of the fee making it less of an issue.

During his time as captain, a number of fans have kicked and screamed, and he has been one of the most polarising figures in the region since ascending to the helm

Roger Sawh25-Feb-2013The West Indies captaincy has been described as a poisoned chalice because it is one of the most difficult jobs in the sporting world. For one, you are following in the footsteps of giants like Lloyd, Sobers, Richards, and Worrell. The weight of history on your shoulders is tremendous, from multiple World Cups to years of dominance to worldwide respect and admiration for teams of yore. Moreover, you are also seeking to diplomatically manoeuvre in a multinational dressing room. Jamaicans, Guyanese, Bajans, Trinidadians, St Lucians and others are all trying to coexist for the sake of cricket, but there is quite a lot that culturally separates them.Unlike England or Australia, with players from different states or regions playing with a united national conscience, the West Indies’ collection of nationalities makes team captaincy akin to being the Secretary General of CARICOM (the Caribbean Community). Over the past two decades, all of this has happened against the backdrop of a lot of losing, controversies with the administration, cries of nepotism, and too many stresses and strains to mention.The West Indies captaincy is definitely a hot seat to occupy. During the past two years, Darren Julius Garvey Sammy has been the one with his bum on the roast. To say that his tenure has been less than smooth would be an understatement, because ‘Smiling Sammy’ has, in fact, been one of the most polarising figures in the region since ascending to the helm.During his time as captain, a number of fans have kicked and screamed, saying that he isn’t the right man for the job, that he doesn’t deserve a permanent spot in the team, that he is keeping a more deserving bowler (usually) out of the playing XI, and that he is a bowler who only thrives in favourable conditions. More often than not, observers have been able to find an area of his performance to pick on, from ‘agricultural’ batting strokes to pedestrian pace bowling. While his captaincy hasn’t found as much disfavour, there have also been claims that he is a sentinel of coach Ottis Gibson, and that his place as captain is to enforce the ‘new culture’ of Gibson’s management.Though murmurs of discontent have continued, Sammy the cricketer has persisted, mixing steady but not devastating bowling with an uncompromising batting style to be a solid member of the team in all three formats.Now, approximately two years into his tenure as captain, the Sammy debate has arrived at a pivotal juncture. The first two one-day internationals that West Indies play against Zimbabwe are the first time that Sammy is not in a West Indies playing XI (regardless of the format) since becoming captain in 2010. For those who have been anti-Sammy, it’s a moment that has been long overdue. For those who supported Sammy from the beginning, it might be a tense situation. And for those that have recognised an improvement in the team as a whole and have given Sammy the go-ahead as long as the team is growing, this is a chance to see whether the team has developed thanks to the man from St Lucia, or in spite of him.Two matches aren’t much to judge by, especially against an opposition that isn’t among the most formidable on the world stage, but they are still a test in some respects. The Zimbabweans can play with a free spirit because they haven’t much to lose. West Indies, on the other hand, are coming off a 0-5 whitewash at the hands of Australia, and 2-3 loss at the hands of Bangladesh – they need to get back on track in the 50-overs format.Dwayne Bravo steps into the leadership role in Sammy’s absence, and if he enjoys significant success, Sammy may once again find the lights of inspection being focused on him. The inspiring World T20 triumph released a lot of pressure on Sammy as a leader. Supporters and cynics alike had to acknowledge the positive vibes that came from the West Indies team. He has, for better or for worse, made an impact on West Indies cricket, and the more you look at it, the better the influence seems to be.However, despite all that, some may argue that he has outlived his usefulness. There is a notion that Sammy’s time as leader was simply a necessary evil in accomplishing the greater goal of ‘fixing’ West Indies cricket – the captain needed to be a glue and not a divider, a disciple and not a rebel, and a loyalist and not a globetrotter in order for the team’s challenges to be overcome. There is little doubt that Sammy has helped to bind the team, preach a consistent and positive message, and show an unwavering commitment to Caribbean cricket. Under Sammy, the seeds of paradigmatic shift have been sewn, the tree of stability has grown to a decent height, and fruits of success have begun to bear. The lingering question, though, is whether or not the job is done.Considering the possibilities, winning or losing against Zimbabwe might not spark an immediate change in the status quo, but it may certainly affect the timeline. If the team can win emphatically, it may suggest that Sammy’s task of building a strong foundation is far enough along to no longer necessitate him as a bold leadership figure. On the other hand, unconvincing victory or even defeat could simply reaffirm Sammy’s importance, and show the Caribbean public (especially his detractors) that he is an essential part of the team machinery.There are, of course, peripheral factors that will be important – Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels are also not playing, and their absence diminishes the quality of the batting line-up significantly. Additionally, the continued policy of not choosing the evergreen Shivnarine Chanderpaul for ODIs leaves the team very short on experience. Be that as it may, Sammy’s absence will be a significant subplot throughout the matches. Metaphorically, in the absence of the captain, will the ship sail or sink? For now, the great Sammy debate stands at the crossroads.If you have a submission for Inbox, send it to us here

Manchester City star Phil Foden says the team have not lost faith in manager Pep Guardiola despite their current miserable run of form.

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• Man City currently on torrid run
• Beaten at home by United on Sunday
• Foden says players still believe in Guardiola

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  City's 2-1 derby defeat to Manchester United on Sunday poured further misery on Guardiola's struggling side and handed the defending Premier League champions a fifth defeat of the season already. Bernardo Silva admitted after the game that his team had "played like Under-15s," while Guardiola said he "was not good enough" after overseeing yet another miserable performance.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While Guardiola may not be happy with his performances, he still has the backing of his players. England star Foden says the players still believe in the Catalan and has revealed what the Cityzens need to do to get back on track and rediscover their best form.

• WHAT FODEN SAID

  He told reporters: "We are still nowhere near our level, but I still believe that we are playing good enough to get points and results," he said. "It’s about remaining focused throughout the full 90 minutes, but we keep switching off at important times. We just need to get the focus right. We stick together, regroup and believe in ourselves after what we’ve achieved in the past. We keep believing in the process and the manager – I’m sure if we do that we will get back to winning ways and get back to our level. It’s about keeping our mentality strong throughout the whole 90 minutes and we’re not doing that at the moment. We have to go again and show character to come back from this blip. It’s not a time for moaning – it’s about sticking together, remaining strong and going again. I’m positive we are going to come back.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY

  City now have a free week to try and regroup after a demoralising defeat to their neighbours. Guardiola's side go again on Saturday against Aston Villa in the Premier League at Villa Park.

Rob McElhenney has explained why he and Ryan Reynolds are not on a “cash grab” at Wrexham and want to help grow soccer in the United States.

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• Takeover completed in 2021
• Enjoyed success on the field
• Continue to invest off the pitch

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The two Hollywood superstars embraced a surprising sporting venture at SToK Racecourse when completing a stunning takeover in 2021. They have overseen a meteoric rise for Wrexham, which has been aided by an award-winning documentary series.

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  THE GOSSIP

  While considerable success has been enjoyed on the field, McElhenney and Reynolds have branched out into the wider Wrexham community. Funding has been pumped into the local area, as fans from all over the world descend on North Wales, while a takeover of the 142-year-old Wrexham Lager brewery forms part of one of their latest projects.

• WHAT MCELHENNEY SAID

  They are now looking to promote that brand Stateside, but McElhenney insists that the Red Dragons will never be used as a money-making machine. The ‘It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’ actor has told the : “We like the idea of a flywheel where each investment is something we really support and enjoy, and it’s not just a cash grab. Anytime we look at a new investment or new opportunity, it’s only because we believe in it.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Wrexham Lager was flowing when McElhenney joined fans to watch Phil Parkinson’s side in action against Barnsley on the giant immersive screen at Cosm LA. That occasion further highlights how far the Red Dragons have come, with the plan being to help America fully embrace soccer ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

أعلنت اللجنة المنظمة لبطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا تحت 17 سنة عن رجل مباراة منتخب مصر للناشئين أمام الكاميرون، التي أقيمت اليوم الأحد.

وحقق منتخب مصر للناشئين تحت 17 عامًا انتصاره الأول في بطولة كأس الأمم الإفريقية، وذلك على حساب منتخب الكاميرون، بنتيجة 2-1، في اللقاء الذي جمع بينهما مساء الأحد، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة من دور المجموعات.

وحصل اللاعب عبد العزيز الزغبي نجم منتخب مصر على جائزة رجل مباراة مصر والكاميرون، بعد أن ساهم في فوز الفراعنة بتسجيل الهدف الثاني.

وتستضيف ملاعب المغرب مواجهات البطولة التي تشهد مشاركة مصر في إطار المجموعة الثانية من البطولة القارية، والتي تضم أيضًا منتخبي جنوب إفريقيا وبوركينا فاسو. 

منتخب مصر يحقق فوزه الأول أمام الكاميرون في ختام مشاركته بـ كأس أمم إفريقيا تحت 17 عامًا (فيديو)

تقدم المنتخب الكاميروني أولًا عن طريق أندريه من ركلة جزاء في الدقيقة 33، لكن منتخب مصر تمكن من قلب الطاولة، حيث أدرك حمزة عبد الكريم التعادل من ركلة جزاء أيضًا في الدقيقة 43، قبل أن يسجل عبد العزيز الزغبي هدف الفوز عند الدقيقة 66.

وشهدت الدقائق الأخيرة من اللقاء إثارة كبيرة، بعدما سجل منتخب الكاميرون هدفًا أُلغي بداعي التسلل، ليستمر التفوق المصري حتى صافرة النهاية.

رغم الفوز، ودّع منتخب مصر بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا تحت 17 سنة رسميًا بعد احتلاله المركز الثالث في المجموعة برصيد 3 نقاط، خلف بوركينا فاسو المتصدرة، وجنوب إفريقيا صاحبة المركز الثاني. في المقابل، تذيل المنتخب الكاميروني الترتيب بنقطة وحيدة.

Cricketer by day, quality surveyor by night – Williams enjoying life after overturning 2018 retirement

Deivarayan Muthu30-Oct-2021Craig Williams bats in the top order for Namibia in the afternoon or evening. At night, the 37-year-old returns to his hotel room to write reports for insurance companies back home in Namibia.He wasn’t even supposed to be part of this Namibia team that is featuring in its first ever T20 World Cup. Williams had retired from the game in 2018 to shift his focus on his business and family, but head coach Pierre de Bryun valued his experience so much that he talked Williams out of retirement. Williams, ultimately, made a U-turn on his decision and is now relishing being part of Namibia’s incredible run in the UAE.Related

Albie Morkel: 'Cricket was a dying sport in Namibia, but people have started watching again'

“See, I retired for personal reasons. Basically, just business, work, family, kids and there was a lot more responsibility,” Wiliams recalled. “So, it was personal reasons to retire. I’ve said it in previous interviews that when you retire it’s like a dark place and you always have a feeling in your heart that there’s more to offer and when Pierre de Bryun became head coach, we had a meeting in January 2019 and he asked me: ‘Craig, is there a possibility of coming back, returning to assist a very young squad?’ So, I was more than happy to come back.”I just felt that there was more I could offer. At that stage, I wasn’t sure how much I could play. I really wanted to try and help the youngsters. But I obviously haven’t had injuries and my form has been okay, so it has allowed me to contribute on the field as well. So, reflecting… [it’s] probably the best decision I’ve ever made. It was a tough decision at the time; I had to leave my work, unfortunately the guys…there was no space to play cricket at that level and give that much commitment to cricket and work, so it was very difficult decision to come back. It wasn’t easy. But, in hindsight I’m really glad that myself and my family made that decision to commit again and play.”Williams was particularly thrilled at the global exposure that Namibia’s players have got at this World Cup. He cited the example of how allrounder David Wiese is now nurturing Namibia youngsters by sharing his experiences of featuring in various T20 tournaments around the world.”Playing a tournament like this, especially playing in the last 12…the exposure for our guys has been fantastic,” Williams said. “At the end of the day, we want to see our youngsters and our best players playing around the world because then they will bring that exposure and experience that they’ve gained back into our squad and teach our youngsters. So, for example, just having David Wiese – he’s played around the world. The amount of experience he’s brought back into our change room and the lessons that he’s teaching us about how to handle pressure and how to handle playing against the best – it has been fantastic.”So, we’re hoping that with the last few games some of our guys can show themselves in the world stage and hopefully pick up some deals around the world and then it will be fantastic if we can get the likes of Gerhard Erasmus and JJ and Ruben Trumpelmanns, Bernard Scholtzs – all these guys playing around the world. Still looking for the first Namibian to play in the IPL (laughs). So, hopefully after this tournament, we can get one of those deals on the table.”Afghanistan vs Nambia will make for a clash of contrasts, especially on the bowling front. Namibia have packed their attack with left-arm seam (because they don’t have as many right-armers ) while Afghanistan’s strength is right-arm spin. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman, in particular, have been lethal at different points during Afghanistan’s three matches in the Super 12s. Williams reckoned that Namibia’s familiarity with Afghanistan, however, would help his side in countering the opposition spinners.”Our conditions back home in Windhoek aren’t flat, quick wickets; they are quite low and slow,” Williams said. “So, we’ve done really well in the five series back home before coming to the World Cup against good spin attacks on low, slow wickets. So, we’ve put in really good preparation and we’ve put in extreme amount of analysis into the opposition and we’ve worked on individual game-plans for each batsman, so I think sitting where we are tonight, we’re in a very good place. Anything can happen in T20 cricket and we’ve played Afghanistan many, many times in the past. We know what they can do – so it’s just about on the day being able to handle the nerves and execute plans put in place.”So, in terms of playing spin, we’re extremely confident against spin. It’s just a matter of being able to execute your plan on that day against the best in the world because you know that’s who we are playing against.”Cricketer by day. Quality surveyor by night. Williams says that juggling between the two jobs can be challenging, but he’s prepared for greater responsibility as Namibia plan to go deep in the tournament.

da aviator aposta： We are now mere days away from the return of the Premier League, and it's Manchester United who are set to kick it all off when they play host to Fulham on Friday night.

da bet esporte： It's been a strange summer for Erik ten Hag's side this year, with mixed preseason results and a mini-injury crisis to carry on last season's misfortune. However, the club has been very active in the market.

The signings of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui are all incredibly exciting, although, for the here and now, the capture of Matthijs de Ligt is perhaps the most important.

The Dutch international is only 25 but has already enjoyed a stellar career, winning titles for Ajax, Juventus, and, most recently, Bayern Munich – the Red Devils will be hoping he keeps that streak going at Old Trafford.

However, while United's business this summer would be the stuff of dreams for many clubs in the league, they still aren't finished as recent reports have touted a veteran international with a move to the club, and he could be the dream upgrade on Christian Eriksen.

Manchester United transfer news

According to a recent report from 90min, French international Adrien Rabiot 'would be interested in joining Manchester United this summer.'

The report claims that the former Juventus ace, now a free agent, is willing to wait a bit longer before deciding his future but would be happy to move to United because they will compete in Europe next season.

Moreover, the report has revealed that the player is waiting to see if the three-time European Champions will act upon their 'historic interest in his services.'

Overall, while his wage demands might prove to be on the higher side of things, the fact that he's available for free makes him an incredibly appealing prospect this summer, and given the fact that he is still just 29 and looks to have years left at the top, he could be an ideal upgrade on Eriksen – even just for a few years.

How Rabiot compares to Eriksen

Okay, so while Rabiot has played defensive midfield at points in his career, he's spent far more time starting in central areas. Therefore, if he were to move to United this summer, one of his main rivals for a place in the starting lineup would be Eriksen.

So, how do they stack up against one another?

Well, from a pure output perspective, it's the French "monster", as football writer Robin Bairner dubbed him, who comes out on top. In 35 appearances for Juventus last season, he scored five goals and provided three assists, equating to a reasonably impressive average of a goal involvement every 4.37 games.

In contrast, the Red Devils' Danish ace scored one goal and provided three assists in 28 appearances, meaning he averaged a goal involvement once every seven games.

Unfortunately for the former Tottenham Hotspur ace, he also comes out second best when we take a look at their underlying numbers from last season. However, it is a slightly tighter affair.

For example, the Paris-born dynamo comes out on top in most relevant metrics, including non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, progressive passes received, shots and shots on target, passing accuracy and successful take-ons, all per 90.

Rabiot vs Eriksen

Stats per 90

Rabiot

Eriksen

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.25

0.26

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.27

0.24

Progressive Carries

2.44

1.57

Progressive Passes

4.07

5.35

Progressive Passes Received

3.59

1.81

Shots

1.29

1.03

Shots on Target

0.54

0.32

Passing Accuracy

82.2%

80.5%

Shot-Creating Actions

2.17

3.63

Tackles Won

1.32

1.02

Blocks

0.88

1.34

Interceptions

0.85

0.31

Clearances

1.15

1.02

Successful Take-Ons

0.95

0.24

Aerial Duels Won

1.83

0.08

All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 League Season

The 29-year-old also comes out ahead in most defensive metrics, including tackles won, interceptions, clearances and aerial duels won per 90, showing that he can impact play in all phases.

Ultimately, while Eriksen has been a useful signing for United, Rabiot beats him in both output and underlying numbers. Therefore, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co should look to make the Frenchman their next signing after De Ligt – the fact that he's a free agent is just a bonus.

Related The new Rooney: Man Utd want £50m PL star who made his debut aged 14

Man United are looking at attacking recruits despite the addition of Joshua Zirkzee.

Posts ByMatt Dawson Aug 13, 2024

The match is off, but the fight for the result may just be starting.At present, as the ECB and BCCI sift through the fallout of the Test that never was, we know neither the result of the match or the series. We don’t know if the series will be finished in the 2022 English season, or if a one-off Test will be scheduled to mitigate for the substantial losses incurred by this one. We do not even know, for sure, what the insurance implications are.The basic facts are these: if the Test is deemed, by the ICC, to have been called off due to Covid, the game will be treated as abandoned. As a consequence, the series will finish (at least for now) as a 2-1 victory to India. This scenario would also mean the ECB receiving no insurance payout as it is not covered for this eventuality.But if the ICC decide India have effectively forfeited the match, the game will be awarded to England and the result of the series will be deemed to be 2-2. This scenario would also enable the ECB to make a claim for an insurance payout.The compromise solution, offered by the BCCI, is the rescheduling of this game. With India’s white-ball sides due to tour England in 2022, there would appear to be small window available for such a solution, though even then it is unclear whether the match would be treated as standalone or a completion of the current series.”We have to just take a breath and ask the ICC to formally adjudicate on the result of this,” Tom Harrison, the ECB chief executive, said. “The BCCI have offered to reschedule the match, which is good news. But whether that is part of this series, a fresh one-match series or the first match of another series, I don’t know yet.”These are the things that we need to take some time over. I know that fans will be anxious to know. Players are, too. But we do need to take some time in these situations.”Though both boards’ public statements sounded conciliatory, ESPNcricinfo has learned that, behind-the-scenes, the action has been every bit as competitive as anything we have seen on the pitch. The ECB has asserted that, if there is no rearranged date for the game, then the Test should be deemed to have been forfeited by India. That would not only square the series at 2-2, but would allow the ECB to claim insurance payouts on lost revenues, which could well exceed GBP 30 million (USD 41.6 million approx.).The ECB is not covered for Covid-impacted cancellation by insurance. While Harrison did originally seem to imply it was in an interview on Sky Sports, he later clarified to confirm it was not. Instead, he confirmed that all ticket-holders will be refunded by the ECB. Crucially, he argues that the match was not called-off due to a Covid outbreak, but due to of a Covid outbreak.A significant amount of money could be lost over the Old Trafford Test’s cancellation•Getty Images

The ICC’s World Test Championship conditions accept Covid outbreaks as an acceptable reason for abandoning a match, a tour or a series if it has a “significant impact” on a team’s ability to field a team. Whether they accept the of Covid as a reason for abandonment remains to be seen. Harrison – and separately Dinesh Karthik, who worked with the Sky commentary team during the series – both implied that it was fatigue from bubble life as much as anything else that drove the decision.”There is a tangible difference between those things [forfeit or cancellation], Harrison said. “This is not a Covid cancellation. This is a match cancelled because of serious concerns over the mental health and well-being of one of the teams. There is a difference. But it doesn’t make a difference in respect of a ticket buyers; they will be paid back in full. It makes a difference in terms of the ECB balance sheet.”You can’t be flippant about issues of mental health, and this is what this is about. India have been wonderful tourists, but they have been here for a long time. Playing at this level, week after week, is difficult. Even if we feel we are emerging from the pandemic, life is different for the players. When Covid creeps into an environment, it can accelerate very quickly.”Related

• India to play one Test in England in summer of 2022

• Ganguly on India sitting out Old Trafford Test: The players were dead scared, you can't blame them

• Rohit, Bumrah, Suryakumar join Mumbai Indians in Abu Dhabi; RCB to fly Kohli, Siraj to Dubai

• Manchester Test postponed indefinitely over Covid-19 fears

• Lancashire braced for 'multimillion pound' losses

The ECB remains adamant that Covid in itself was not the reason for the abandonment. It points out that the entire India squad was tested on Thursday – the day before the game – and all the results were negative. In principle, therefore, they had around 20 players from which to pick.However, four members of the support staff – first head coach Ravi Shastri, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar, and later on physio Yogesh Parmar – had tested positive, while the other physio Nitin Patel had been identified as a close contact in the first batch of cases. Parmar had been working closely with players over recent days, with Patel staying away from the squad. As a result, players in the India squad have expressed nervousness about mixing, fearing the virus could be incubating within the group.Harrison was at pains to point out that the IPL was not a relevant factor in India’s decision making. Players from both teams involved in the competition are now hoping to arrange flights from the UK to the UAE on Saturday, with a six-day quarantine period likely to be necessary. The tournament is set to resume in the UAE on September 19 after also being put off in May after a Covid outbreak in the bubble. Any player testing positive in the UK would have to isolate for a minimum of 10 days.”Let me be super clear,” Harrison said. “I don’t think the IPL has anything to do with this. This is not a situation which has been created by the rescheduled IPL. I fundamentally do not believe that for a second.”With the game currently deemed “cancelled” – not “forfeited” – the onus will be on the ECB to have that decision overthrown. If it is to do that, it will have to contest it under the ICC’s Dispute Resolution Committee, which is currently chaired by Michael Beloff QC. A private pay-off before reaching that stage is also a possibility, though the offer of another Test next year may suffice.If the matter does come before such a committee, the whole affair could become quite messy. The ECB is likely to claim the India team breached protocols by attending Shastri’s book launch – he is being referred to as “patient zero” within the England camp – and will maintain the game was called off because senior India players simply refused to participate. The details of what constitutes a breach will be important, given that Harrison said teams were no longer in biosecure bubbles.”We’re in managed, living standards, which is a much better and more healthy place for players to be in the long term,” he said. “But it does carry with it some risks. Let’s be clear: we were never trying to sell this as a Covid-free environment, we were trying to sell this as a Covid-managed environment for our Indian friends who have been in bubbles for a long time as well as the England players, this was a really important part of them being here for a three-month period over the course of this summer.”The India camp is likely to argue that it lost faith in any protocols and point to the three pitch invasions from the YouTube blogger, Jarvo, as evidence of failures in security. They will also point to England’s abandonment of their tour to South Africa at the end of last year. Then, while a couple of England players did initially test positive for the virus, they were subsequently found to be false positives.For spectators, meanwhile, the host club, Lancashire, has guaranteed a refund. They are not, however, able to refund travel or accommodation costs. Lancashire’s chief executive, Daniel Gidney, described the club as “devastated” by the development.

Manchester United are interested in signing an "incredible" new left-back this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, with the Red Devils "monitoring" the player but yet to make a move.

Man Utd transfer news

Erik ten Hag will be desperate to bring in as many players as possible in the current transfer window, aiding his side's chances of returning to the top four next season, following a bitterly disappointing Premier League campaign in 2023/24. Sergio Reguilon spent a chunk of last term on loan at the club, and the Red Devils are thought to be interested in signing him from Tottenham on a permanent basis.

With Joshua Zirkzee already brought in from Bologna this summer, further attacking additions are to be expected, and Crystal Palace maestro Eberechi Eze is reportedly a strong target for United. The England international caught the eye with his performances last season, scoring 11 times in 24 starts in the league.

A swap deal with Federico Chiesa and Jadon Sancho has also been mentioned as a possible piece of business this summer, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe looking to snap up the Italian from Juventus, allowing the current United man to head in the opposite direction after a disappointing stint at Old Trafford.

It has become clear that Casemiro isn't the world-class force he used to be, highlighting the need for a new defensive midfielder to come in, and Paris Saint-Germain enforcer Manuel Ugarte is a rumoured option.

Man United keen on signing "incredible" Spain youth star

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano said that Manchester United see Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez as an option this summer alongside Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez, and are "monitoring" the Spain U21 international.

"He [Miguel Gutierrez] could be one of the options, he's one of the players they've been monitoring. At the moment, I'm not aware of direct negotiations with Girona to be honest, but he could be one of the names.

"So we know that Manchester United want to add one more left-back. We already mentioned Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth as an option – it's not an easy one because Bournemouth want to keep the player for one more season and maybe sell him next summer for a higher value. So it's not an easy one, but Kerkez is there."

A new left-back is essential for United this summer, even though Luke Shaw remains a key man when he is fit, with the Englishman simply unavailable too often these days.

The Girona ace could be a fantastic option for Ten Hag, with seven assists coming his way in La Liga last season, as he stood out as an influential performer for a side who eventually finished third in the table behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Man Utd submit bid to sign "formidable" Luke Shaw replacement

He impressed at Euro 2024.

ByJoe Nuttall Jul 14, 2024

Still just 22 years of age, United would also be signing a young player with vast potential, and football talent scout Jacek Kulig has lauded him in the past, calling him "incredible". It may be that Kerkez is still the preferred option, with Premier League experience already in the bank, but Gutierrez could be a superb addition in his own right.

The Indiana Fever guard is now part of an ownership group considered among the finalists in a bid for a 16th NWSL franchise

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Caitlin Clark joins Cincinnati group in NWSL bidDenver, Cincinnati and Cleveland final markets in contentionWould start play ahead of 2026 seasonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

WNBA star Caitlin Clark could be a part owner of a NWSL team, if Cincinnati's bid is successful.

The NWSL is considering a handful of groups for a 16th franchise and Cincinnati is set to compete with Denver and Cleveland for the next expansion team. An announcement on the location is expected before the end of the year, according to a report from .

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Cincinnati's bid is bolstered by backing from the ownership of MLS side FC Cincinnati, as well as the fact that the city already has a stadium purpose-built for soccer. Cleveland and Denver have both pledged to build stadiums, with the former purchasing land on which to construct one. The expansion bid is expected to cost around $100 million, almost double the $53M Bay FC and Boston paid in 2023.

"The NWSL Cincinnati bid team is thrilled that Caitlin Clark has joined our ownership group in pursuit of bringing a women's professional soccer team to our city," the NWSL Cincinnati bid team said.

USA TODAY SportsWHAT JESSICA BERMAN SAID

In a pre-NWSL Championship news conference, league commissioner Jessica Berman expressed her excitement at Clark's involvement in ownership: "Her contribution to women's sports is historic, having her interest in the NWSL is an honor, we couldn't be more excited about her sharing her own personal story about being a young soccer player and loving the game."

WHAT NEXT FOR CAITLIN CLARK AND CINCINNATI?

The league is expected to announce the location of the new franchise before the end of the year. Should that happen, Clark will be added to a long list of athletes invested in NWSL, that already includes the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Serena Williams and Kevin Durant.