All posts by h716a5.icu

Fast bowler fractures ribs upon return after long layoff; ruled out of next month’s home Tests against Sri Lanka

Umar Farooq29-Nov-2019Hasan Ali is injured again, days after recovering from a back injury that took seven weeks to heal. The latest one is a rib fracture that is set to rule him out for at least another six weeks. This automatically rules him out of the two home Tests against Sri Lanka next month.”Fresh CT scans revealed cortical rib fractures involving the ninth rib on the right side and eighth and ninth ribs on the left side,” a PCB spokesman said. “The fractures will require up to six weeks of healing. He will start a rehabilitation process at the National Cricket Academy from Monday.”Hasan last played for Pakistan in June. Since then, he has featured in just the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy opener in September. Earlier in the week, he was cleared to play the last two rounds of the first-class competition and even joined his side Central Punjab in Karachi. During training, he complained of sudden pain in his left side after which the fractures were revealed.ESPNcricinfo understands that Hasan received the clearance to play from Sohail Saleem, PCB’s director for sports and medical sciences. He had been bowling approximately 50 overs a week at the NCA in Lahore. It is yet unclear how he sustained the rib fractures.Hasan’s injury comes at a time when the team management is in search for a genuine quick to complement the existing pace pack in Australia. Over the years, Pakistan have invested significantly in Hasan, because of which he became an automatic pick across formats under previous head coach Mickey Arthur.Between his debut in May 2017 and his previous Test appearance in January 2019, Hasan picked 31 wickets in nine Tests at 28.90. He also featured in 53 ODIs and 30 T20Is, which yielded 82 and 35 wickets respectively.Pakistan’s long list of injuries in Australia forced them to field 16-year old rookie Naseem Shah and 19-year old Musa Khan. While both are quick and touch the 145kph mark, their lack of experience has shown. Pakistan’s Test captain Azhar Ali touched upon the dearth of genuine quicks ahead of the second Test against Australia in Adelaide.”It’s been five-seven years now that we’ve been struggling without proper fast bowlers,” Azhar said. “I think the nature of the ball and our first-class cricket pitches meant that there was no need for really genuine fast bowlers. You could manage with medium-pacers, who were taking a lot of wickets. Teams were being bundled out in within 30-40 overs.”That really made openers in Pakistan redundant. Like their job was to only come to the ground. The batting began at No.5. The conditions were such that pace-generating bowlers weren’t being encouraged. Look at what’s happening this year. There are hardly any pacers with wickets.””That’s because for five-seven years they got away without bending their back. Now there’s a need to put some effort and it’s changing. If this continues in their vein, if we get flat wickets where just swinging the ball at medium-pace isn’t enough and you have to put more into it, then you’ll get more bowlers.”

Balogun insists he's fully fit and ready to fight for his spot on Pochettino's squad with the World Cup 10 months away

Balogun stressed that he's fully fitStriker ready to make markDoesn't expect long adjustment periodFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

After dealing with injuries throughout the 2024-25 campaign, U.S. international Folarin Balogun finally has his chance to work under national team manager Mauricio Pochettino. The striker is eager to make an impression in his first camp under the USMNT coach.

"I think with Mauricio coming in, the objective was clear that he wanted to bring the group forward," Balogun told reporters. "So as players, it's no surprise for us to be competing for places and positions. I think it's something we've done all our careers, and everyone wants to make an impression, and I think that's just natural. [The World Cup] is such a big competition coming in 10 months, it's important to leave your mark."

Balogun had some initial struggles after committing to the USMNT, but was one of the few bright spots during the 2024 Copa America. Overall, he has 17 caps and five goals for the U.S.

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After a calf injury ruled him out of Monaco's first fixture, Balogun has featured in the club's last two matches – scoring one goal. He insisted his persistent injury issues are now behind him.

"I feel good. Injuries are behind me and yeah, it was a tough period, but I think every athlete goes through that at some stage," he said. "And yeah, first impressions of Mauricio and his staff, they've been really good for me. They've embraced me, made me feel welcome. And the feedback I've got from the other players and stuff, they're great people and everyone's delighted to have them here, so it's all good."

Last season, Balogun was limited to just 13 league appearances, scoring four goals. He hasn't featured for the national team since the Copa America. He admits he will have to earn his spot back after being away.

"I mean, you can't do much if you're not in the field. But yeah, overall I do believe that now I'm in a good shape and in a good way," he said. "And yes, it's something I've been doing all my career, fighting for my position and fighting to get in teams. So I believe that's a balance that comes more naturally to me."

Getty Images SportWHAT BALOGUN SAID

Balogun said he's trying not to overthink and be intuitive on the pitch.

"I think it's important to make an impression, but yeah, of course that's part of the psychology to not overdo it because things will just become more complicated," Balogun said. "The harder you try, sometimes the more difficult it is. When I wasn't getting called into camp, obviously, I knew the priority for me was to be healthy.

"I think everybody's playing football at a high level as athletes and as footballers. As attackers especially, it's our job to look for creativity and to look for different ways to break down the offenses. So for sure, I don't think it'll take too long and I'm looking forward to playing with everyone."

DID YOU KNOW?

Balogun last scored for the U.S. in a 2-1 loss to Panama in the Copa America. His first goal came in a 2-0 win over Canada in 2023.

He added 154 with Jack Clayton in a commanding partnership and an adjusted chase proved out of reach

AAP03-Dec-2024Matt Renshaw let loose with a masterclass century to lift Queensland to a 56-run One-Day Cup win over Tasmania.The 28-year-old’s player-of-the-match knock of 122 off 99 deliveries in Hobart, while batting at No. 4, was his fourth ton in domestic one-day cricket and another example of what he can achieve when the shackles are off.Rain came after 46.3 overs in Queensland’s 319 for 6 and Tasmania, chasing a revised 338 to win in 46 overs, replied with 281 all out.Queensland skipper Mitchell Swepson chimed in with his well-flighted legspinners despite aggressive knocks from Jake Weatherald and Matthew Wade.Renshaw told AAP after his recent Sheffield Shield century against the same opponents the secret to his success was all about “intent”. He showed plenty of intent, and what a wonderful white-ball cricketer he can be, in another reminder to Australian selectors of his talents.Renshaw and fellow left-hander Jack Clayton added 154 for the fourth wicket to set up the win.A smashing flick over the mid-on fence by Renshaw off medium pacer Bradley Hope was followed by a classic cover drive to the boundary to bring up his half-century.Jimmy Peirson and debutant Angus Lovell gave Queensland early impetus. Tasmania spinner Matthew Kuhnemann was far and away the best bowler for the hosts. He was also magnificent in the field with several diving stops saving certain boundaries.Swepson bowled one of his best spells for Queensland with his flight, variation and all-round guile on show to have the hosts in dire straits at 207 for 8.The interest at that point was whether Queensland could keep Tasmania to less than 271 and secure a bonus point. Kuhnemann and Tom Rogers in a 67-run ninth-wicket stand denied Queensland the privilege.

Tottenham Hotspur did more than just end their interminable trophy drought when defeating Manchester United in the Europa League final last season; Ange Postecoglou opened up a road to the Champions League.

Given that Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League, this was quite the saving grace at the end of a campaign that left so much to be desired, and it ensured the Londoners could make a compelling case to potential signings like Xavi Simons.

While Tottenham supporters were overjoyed when signing the Dutch playmaker from RB Leipzig for £51m, after intense interest from Chelsea earlier in the summer, there’s no denying that the 21-year-old has yet to perform on English shores.

Given his big-money profile and the expectation upon his arrival, there’s a concern that Simons is echoing the likes of Tanguy Ndombele before him.

Simons' start to life at Spurs

Thomas Frank hasn’t yet established his vision at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with his side struggling for form in the final third. Simons has been a part of the problem, but it’s important to remember this is a young talent who has entered a team lacking offensive coherence.

In just two years in Germany, Simons scored 22 goals and supplied 24 assists across 78 matches. He was the difference-maker, and many Premier League clubs were keen.

Spurs won the race, and credit to them, but Simons has yet to prove he has what it takes to raise his game to the next level, thus prompting concerns that he might mimic Frenchman Ndombele, who became the Londoners’ club-record signing when joining from Lyon in a £54m deal in 2019.

Ndombele’s temperament and commitment were among the cruxes of his demise in English football, and Simons cannot be blamed for a lack of effort, but it’s a concern all the same, and one Frank will need to rectify quickly to get his side operating at full creative capacity.

The jury is still out for the Netherlands international, who is young and talented and settling into an outfit that lacks creative direction right now.

There’s actually another Lilywhites man with far more experience who might be deteriorating into Ndombele 2.0.

Spurs' new version of Ndombele

Frank has spoken of his players’ frustrations following their recent run of form, and this was clear to see last weekend when Fulham condemned Tottenham to yet another home defeat.

Pedro Porro was incensed, but the Portugal international might want to direct that anger inwards, given his spate of shambolic displays this year.

The 26-year-old has been in the English capital for almost three years now, and while he is among the most technically gifted players in the ranks, his awareness and accuracy in defensive phases could see him become a disappointment in a similar way to Ndombele, especially when considering he had such a furore about his signature in 2023 that Manchester City came sniffing around last year.

Porro is rudderless. Sofascore record that he has made five errors already in the Premier League this season, and he is among the most dribbled-past defenders in the division thus far.

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Player

Stat

1.

Mats Wieffer

19

2.

Neco Williams

18

3.

Pedro Porro

17

4.

Hugo Bueno

16

5.

Matty Cash

16

In fairness, Porro sits among the top 16% of Premier League full-backs this season for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, but his defensive work has been well below the desired standard.

But his lack of focus and misuse of his own athleticism led one Tottenham podcast host to brand him “an absolute liability” last season, and that’s only been underscored since then, with Frank now facing his own Ndombele-like conundrum in working out what to do with this talented but toiling star.

Porro has enjoyed some high points across his Tottenham career, but he’s been culpable for too many poor performances over the past couple of years, and in this, it is he and not the young Simons who is shaping into the London side’s new version of Ndombele.

Just like Romero: Spurs prepare £40m bid for "crazy" Van de Ven upgrade

Tottenham are in the market for more defensive depth ahead of the January transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair 7 days ago

Nottingham Forest’s most recent home game in the Premier League was a convincing 2-0 win over West Ham United, and if it wasn’t for poor finishing, they could have defeated Manchester United in the week.

But since Nuno Espírito Santo’s excellent start to life at the Tricky Trees, beating Newcastle United and the Red Devils in December, they’ve won once in the league.

However, Forest have the chance to turn their form and their season around this weekend, as they face Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at a player who simply must feature in the starting lineup, alongside Taiwo Awoniyi.

Why Taiwo Awoniyi must start vs Liverpool

The number nine has been fantastic for Forest since joining for £17.5m at the start of last season, scoring 16 goals and providing four assists in 42 appearances.

This season, his progress has been hindered by injuries, but when he has started up top, Forest have looked far more deadly, with Awoniyi netting six goals and three assists in 12 league starts.

The Nigerian is a striker who won’t just score goals but will also be a relentless outlet up front, which will be vital against Liverpool, a side that will dominate the possession.

Awoniyi is also a selfless striker who is willing to give 100% for his team off the ball, whether that be by leading the press or covering space to prevent progressive passes.

The former Liverpool centre-forward also knows how to score against his old team, netting in the 1-0 win over the Reds in this exact fixture last season, ensuring he would be a welcome return to the fold – alongside any of those who started on the bench in midweek…

Nottingham Forest star had one of his best game under Nuno vs Man Utd

He’s failed to reach the levels he achieved at times last season.

ByEthan Lamb Feb 29, 2024 Why Nicolas Dominguez could be key against Liverpool

Nicolas Dominguez has been one of the most consistent midfielders in the league this season, with his performances often going under the radar.

The versatility of the midfielder is what makes him so “impressive,” as labelled by analyst Statman Dave, with the Argentine having the ability to feature in multiple roles within one match.

However, it’s his defensive qualities while having the ability to affect the game in the final third that could make him key this afternoon.

The number 16’s performance against West Ham recently provides evidence of that, where he was deployed in the double pivot of a 4-2-3-1, which is where he should start today.

Tackles

6

Ground duels won

6

Assists

1

Pass accuracy

93%

Touches

57

As is shown in the table above, the former Bologna star thrives during the physical side of the beautiful game, breaking up the play and frustrating the opponent, as shown by his six tackles and six ground duels won.

However, he has also shown his ability to control the game and give his side a breather by retaining the ball once it’s been retrieved rather than wasting it, which will be vital later on. Against the Hammers, Dominguez had a pass accuracy of 93% and 57 touches while also registering an assist.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Dominguez’s tenacity and engine in the middle of the field will be incredibly important. The Argentine and Awoniyi could just hold the keys to a huge upset this weekend.

Notts remain unbeaten at top of North Group after another impressive display

ECB Reporters Network31-Aug-2020Nottinghamshire 194 for 4 (Duckett 86*) beat Yorkshire 190 (Root 65) by six wicketsA punishing innings of 86 not out by Ben Duckett steered the Notts Outlaws to a six-wicket victory over Yorkshire Vikings in their Vitality Blast North Group clash at Trent Bridge.Duckett scored his runs from 53 balls and hit 10 fours and two sixes to seal the win with four balls remaining. The left-hander shared stands of 85 with Chris Nash, who scored 51, and 51 from 27 balls with Tom Moores, who was undefeated on 21 when the target was reached.Earlier, Yorkshire were dismissed for 190 from the final ball of their innings, after choosing to bat first, with Joe Root making 65 and Adam Lyth 53. Luke Fletcher took career best bowling figures of five for 43 for the hosts.Root’s second half-century inside 24 hours paved the way for the visitors to set Notts a challenging target. The England Test captain, who had scored 64 on Sunday against Derbyshire Falcons, arrived at the crease in the fourth over after Tom Kohler-Cadmore had been deceived by Matt Carter and was stranded several feel outside his crease.Root and Lyth put on 54 together in only 4.5 overs, with the opener having a slice of luck on 29 when his pulled shot brushed the fingers of Steven Mullaney before being tipped over the ropes for six.Appropriately, Mullaney got his revenge by having Lyth caught in the deep by Dan Christian but Harry Brook made 39 from only 26 deliveries to maintain the impetus.Fletcher had conceded 25 from his opening two overs but returned at the back end of the innings to wreak havoc, picking up five wickets from his final nine deliveries.Root had reached his 50 from 43 balls but fell to a stunning catch on the boundary from Alex Hales, one of four he held, including one to dismiss Mat Pillans from the penultimate ball of the innings. Fletcher then yorked George Hill to end the innings. Jake Ball also impressed, taking three for 36.Notts were soon in disarray, losing the key wickets of Hales and Joe Clarke inside the first two overs of their reply but Duckett anchored their chase after lofting Jordan Thompson away for six.Nash reached his second half century of the tournament from only 30 balls, with five fours and two sixes, but then wandered across his stumps and was given out leg before wicket.Neck and neck with their opponents’ score throughout, Notts began to take control after Duckett clubbed the leg spin of Josh Poysden for 18 in the thirteenth over.Outlaws’ captain Christian made 21 from just 11 balls but his dismissal failed to turn the tide in Yorkshire’s favour as Duckett and Moores brought the scores level at the start of the final over.With the field in tight Duckett clipped Pillans away to the ropes to seal the victory and clinch the Outlaws’ fifth consecutive win over the White Rose in completed matches.Notts remain unbeaten in the group, moving on to five points, whilst Yorkshire’s setback leaves them on three points.

A European giant has now made an early move to try and sign a Manchester United star in January, with Ruben Amorim yet to be impressed by him, according to a fresh report.

Amorim takes first Manchester United game

Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by Ipswich Town on Amorim’s Premier League debut after he took charge in the November international break.

A new-look Red Devils side trialed a 3-4-3 system that saw Noussair Mazraoui form part of the back three, with Amad Diallo stationed at right wing-back and Diogo Dalot on the opposite flank.

They did not look comfortable for much of the game, and Amorim’s changes did little to inspire improvement, with the new Man Utd boss singling out summer signing Joshua Zirkzee as someone who needed to improve to continue getting game time under his management.

“I think that [decision-making] is a concern, you don’t need to coach them at this level,” Amorim said.

“You have to keep the ball and know the momentum to put the ball in front. Sometimes you feel that you can’t keep the ball and you [have to] put the ball in front.

Appearances

18

Starts

7

Goals

1

Assists

2

Minutes per goal/assist

240.3

“Then you have like we are in the end of the game, we were around the box with two strikers. Josh [Zirkzee] has to understand that he has to go to the box to have the crosses. So we are doing some things that were not at the right moment, so that is something we have to address.

“Sometimes people talk about the 3-4-3, that is not the concern, the system is the system but the understanding of the game is what we have to improve a lot in this area.”

Already under pressure after a poor start to his Old Trafford career, Zirkzee has been linked with a move away and now those comments have caught the eye of a European giant.

Motta wants Zirkzee reunion at Juventus

That comes as reports in Italy claim that Juventus are keen to sign the Dutch striker should Manchester United decide to cut their losses.

The Turin side are now coached by Thiago Motta, who worked with Zirkzee at Bologna last season, a campaign which saw the forward net 12 times in all competitions.

And now, it is claimed that he is eyeing a reunion, and “first contact has now been made between Juve and Motta’s former striker”, as they look to bring his Old Trafford nightmare to an end.

Man Utd ready to offer Serie A star £33m+ Old Trafford deal to join Amorim

He would be a massive statement of intent from the new Manchester United boss.

ByBen Browning Nov 27, 2024

It is added that “Juventus are in the front row” to sign the 23-year-old, who arrived for £36.5m just months ago and is on £105,000-a-week, though there is no suggestion that Manchester United have changed their stance on the youngster.

Nonetheless, with the Red Devils linked to several new forwards and Rasmus Hojlund already at the club, Zirkzee may only likely see his game time decrease in the months and years ahead, suggesting that perhaps a move away from Old Trafford is the best move for all parties.

Henry's last match was the 4-0 thrashing of Chivas in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Clásico Nacional, played on March 12

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Martín is suffering from tendonitis in his Achilles tendon.

He will miss the matches against Tigres, Cruz Azul, and Pachuca.

The forward is doubtful for the return leg against Cruz Azul in the Champions Cup.

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

América captain Henry Martín will be sidelined for at least four weeks due to a lingering Achilles injury. The forward has been dealing with the issue for months and hasn’t been at full strength since the start of the year. His absence means he will miss Liga MX matches against Tigres and Pachuca, as well as the first leg of the Champions Cup quarterfinals against Cruz Azul.

It is unlikely that Martín will recover in time for the second leg on April 8, and his availability for América’s Liga MX match against Cruz Azul on April 12 (Matchday 15) remains uncertain. Manager André Jardine will have to wait and see if his captain can return in time.

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A few weeks ago, the forward consulted a specialist in Guadalajara, who recommended that he stop and undergo a month of rehabilitation to return fully recovered.

Martín currently has his leg immobilized with an orthopedic boot, and although he is receiving daily rehabilitation at Coapa, for now, he cannot engage in any football-related activities.

Getty Images SportWHAT VÍCTOR DÁVILA SAID

"A shame, we hope to have all our teammates available for the end of the tournament, but we're calm because the coach has handled it well. We've had rotations, and we have a wide enough squad to cover every position," Davila said of Martin's injury. "Each player has contributed good things in the attack, and André Jardine has managed the pieces well and distributed each player accordingly. What we expect is that Henry can recover properly, and it will be up to us to do our part and cover for his absence."

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

Injuries have impacted Martin's performance this season. The forward has only been able to play nine matches this year between Liga MX and the Champions Cup, where he has scored just once and registered three assists. Martín has a total of 115 goals in matches with América and is currently in fourth place on the list of the club's all-time top scorers.

Visitors plod their way to total control in relegation battle with Warwickshire

ECB Reporters Network14-Sep-2022Somerset’s greatest display of aggression came before the start of the third day at Edgbaston when they issued a media release stating that the ECB’s current cricket schedule was “unacceptable” and that the south west needed “the highest standard” of men’s and women’s cricket to be able to sustain the game in the region.”The current domestic playing programme, which resulted in only four one-day matches being played in Taunton over 43 days in the height of summer this year, with 17 Somerset players unavailable, is unacceptable to the club, its members and the South West’s cricketing public,” Somerset said as the debate continued over the future structure of the English game.Their point made, on the field they plodded their way into total control against Warwickshire on the third day of their LV=Insurance County Championship Division One relegation battle at Edgbaston. They closed the third day on 277 for 4 – 300 ahead – to virtually insure themselves against defeat heading into the last day of this crucial game.On a pitch which remained slow but lost its menace, Somerset, led by captain Tom Abell’s obdurate 87 from 173 balls, batted through the day for 264 runs in 101 overs. Supported by Tom Lammonby (40 in 170 minutes) and George Bartlett (91 not out, 209 balls), the skipper lifted his team into a position whereby they have it in their power to simply bat Warwickshire out of the game.It was another tough day for the home side, who took just two wickets in three sessions. They must now lift themselves to bat well enough on the final day to avoid a defeat which would severely damage their prospects of survival.After resuming on 13 for 2, Somerset settled straight into the slow lane, Lammonby and Abell adding 55 runs in 36 overs in the morning session. At one stage, one run arrived in seven overs while Lammonby went 11 overs without scoring.It was gritty stuff, not easy on the eye but a totally understandable approach in the match situation. Warwickshire’s hopes of an early clatter induced by India internationals Mohammed Siraj or Jayant Yadav were thwarted as the pitch blunted the pace of the former and offered only very slow turn to the latter.The second-wicket pair added 79 in 41 overs before Lammonby edged Olly Hannon-Dalby to Rob Yates at slip. Bartlett seamlessly took up the cudgels of caution and settled in alongside his captain while Warwickshire skipper Will Rhodes shuffled a bowling attack that plugged away nobly to ensure that runs at least never came quickly. The fourth-wicket stand was worth 72 in 25 overs when Abell’s 246-minute vigil ended when Danny Briggs turned a beauty onto his off stump.Again, home hopes of one wicket bringing two were in vain as Lewis Goldsworthy added his application to the collective diligence. Bartlett and Goldsworthy put up a century stand in 202 balls and were still there together to resume in the morning having so far added 121.

Chelsea have held discussions with intermediaries in the last few days over a potential forward signing, as those agents attempt to find their player a new home in January and reach out to Stamford Bridge officials.

Chelsea scour January market for new attackers in January

Enzo Maresca’s side are believed to be targeting a fresh attacking option before deadline day on February 3rd, leading to their widely reported interest in the likes of Bayern Munich starlet Mathys Tel, Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens and Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho.

Chelsea make "formal" bid to sign "exciting" £65m forward for Maresca

The Italian could witness a busy end to their transfer window.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 24, 2025

The Telegraph’s Matt Law wrote earlier this week that Chelsea are considering Tel, Garnacho and Gittens to bolster Maresca’s forward line, while other reports from South America claim a “formal” offer has already gone in for the Man Utd man.

Man City (away)

January 25

West Ham (away)

February 3

Brighton (away)

February 14

Aston Villa (away)

February 22

Southampton (home)

February 25

Garnacho’s exit from Old Trafford is looking more and more like a realistic possibility, given United’s PSR concerns, and it is believed that Chelsea could look to take full advantage of this situation to snap up the Argentine.

The forward’s rumoured price tag has varied, but it has gone as high as £65 million according to some media sources, making him an expensive potential acquisition mid-season.

Taking this into account, BlueCo may also be wise to keep their eyes on further alternatives to Garnacho, and Lyon star Rayan Cherki could be a very prudent option.

The Frenchman is widely regarded as a very exciting prospect, and Lyon’s provisional relegation to Ligue 2, as a result of their financial situation, means Cherki could go on the cheap.

His price tag has dropped to as low as £19 million, as per Fabrizio Romano, which could be too good of an opportunity for elite sides to pass up.

Chelsea hold talks with intermediaries over Rayan Cherki

According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, agents have spoken to Chelsea “in recent days” over Cherki and his availability, as they scour the market to find their client a new club this month.

The Blues are keen on him, as are Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United, Newcastle, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton and West Ham, who’ve also held discussions with Cherki’s camp.

That being said, all these sides, including Chelsea, have concerns over Cherki’s attitude to fulfilling his potential. However, if the 21-year-old does begin to perform at the level he can, journalist Dean Jones suggests he’d be an excellent signing.

“He’s just different, this player,” said Jones on the Ranks FC Ultras podcast recently.

“If you haven’t seen Cherki play, then just either stop the pod and go and watch him on YouTube for 10 minutes and then come back or just go watch him while we’re talking right now. Because his skill level is outrageous. He feels like he could become one of the best players in the world.”