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Leeds United could target Danny Ings this summer to solve their goalscoring issues as they prepare for life in the Sky Bet Championship, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Danny Ings?

Speaking to West Ham Zone earlier this month, former Hammers icon Frank McAvennie claimed that Ings wasn't a signing that David Moyes was overly keen on when he joined the club from Aston Villa for £15 million in January, stating:

"Someone told me it wasn’t David Moyes who brought him in. It’s starting to look as if it might be right. He’s an out-and-out striker but that’s not what David wants. We don’t create that many chances."

He later added: "I don’t know, maybe he just turned up and [Moyes] said ‘what are you doing here?’ It’s not a team for Ings so he’d probably be moving on I imagine. He’ll want to play and score goals. If you’re not wanted you’ll want to go.”

Ings has failed to set the heather alight since pitching up at the London Stadium and has managed to record three goals and two assists from 22 appearances for West Ham United in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Nevertheless, the £125k-a-week ace has a solid record across his senior career and has made his name as a respected marksman in English football, bagging 123 goals and 39 assists in 372 appearances.

Football Insider also claim that West Ham United – "goal machine" – could be in the market for a new striker this summer as David Moyes seeks to add some extra firepower to his frontline.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that Leeds United could be an ideal fit for both parties as the 30-year-old would bring a 'guarantee of goals' at Elland Road.

Jones told FFC: "If he was at surplus to requirements and became available then absolutely Leeds should be giving that a go. Leeds really suffered in front of goal last season and while there is hope that Bamford can make up for that this year, Ings would be a guarantee of goals."

Who have Leeds United been linked with this summer?

Leeds United will need to make several additions as they look to transition to life in the Sky Bet Championship following a three-year stint in the Premier League.

Corriere dello Sport via Leeds Live claim that Lens striker Lois Openda could be an option at Elland Road; however, he may cost in the region of £25 million.

As per Football Insider, Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres is also a name that has been mentioned in connection with the Whites in the transfer window.

Earlier this year, The Guardian claimed that Manchester City youngster Shea Charles is being tracked by Leeds United amid competition from Borussia Dortmund and Brentford.

A round-up of East Zone matches in the Inter State T20 tournament played on February 1, 2017

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Feb-2017Jharkhand slumped to their third straight defeat in the Inter-State T20 tournament, falling short by 24 runs against Tripura at the Eden Gardens. They had raced to 106 for 2 by the 13th over in pursuit of 193, but lost three wickets in three overs from that point. Opener Shasheem Rathour scored an unbeaten 70 off 53 balls, but they managed only 168. Earlier, they had put Tripura in and conceded 32 extras; this was the second-highest contribution to Tripura’s score, behind Udiyan Bose’s 74 off 38. Their eventual total of 192 was achieved thanks to a late surge – they scored 23 off four balls before losing wickets of consecutive deliveries to be bowled out in 19.5 overs.File photo – Wriddhiman Saha hit an unbeaten 74 off 45 balls as Bengal won by ten wickets against Assam•BCCIShreevats Goswami scored 71, Wriddhiman Saha scored 74, and the pair put on an unbroken 150 for the opening wicket as Bengal defeated Assam by ten wickets in the day’s second game. Bengal had restricted Assam to 146 after losing the toss. Assam captain KB Arun Karthik was among the three batsmen in the entire match to go past 20 – incidentally, he also remained unbeaten in the seventies, scoring a career-best 76 off 47 balls. The rest of Assam’s line-up couldn’t get going, restricted in particular by medium-pacer Sayan Ghosh who took 3 for 30. In response, Bengal’s openers chased the score down in 16 overs.

Former BCCI presidents N Srinivasan and Anurag Thakur were part of a group of office bearers from 24 states associations that met in Bangalore on Saturday evening to discuss their next step following the latest Supreme Court order

Nagraj Gollapudi07-Jan-2017Former BCCI presidents N Srinivasan and Anurag Thakur were part of a group of office bearers from 24 states associations that met in Bangalore on Saturday evening, for an informal meeting, to discuss their next step following the latest Supreme Court order. The judgement had effectively put an end to the administrative careers of a majority of the office bearers, given it disqualified those who had exceeded nine years in office – as per the Lodha Committee’s interpretation, at BCCI or state level or both combined – from staying on.The meeting reportedly had been called by Srinivasan and was attended by prominent office bearers from various state associations, including Ajay Shirke, Rajiv Shukla, Anirudh Chaudhry, Amitabh Choudhury and Niranjan Shah. Representatives from Delhi & District Cricket Association, Vidarbha Cricket Association, Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association, Cricket Club of India, Railways, Services and National Cricket Club (Kolkata) were not present at the meeting.One of the senior office bearers present at the meeting, who is part of an east zone state association, said that the Bangalore gathering was a move to show solidarity. “It was basically to show we are united [still] after the court verdict. Everybody put forth ideas going forward,” he said, without divulging any details.He pointed out that a firmer stance will be revealed once the court appointed the panel of administrators to run the BCCI, which is likely to be done the next hearing on January 19. The official also stressed that there were no “negative” plans in the works that might disrupt the cricket, international or domestic.The Lodha Committee, meanwhile, remained unconcerned about the Bangalore meeting. It is understood that it will meet on January 11 to discuss the roadmap for both the BCCI and states in the wake of the January 2 court order. The Committee has received emails from 18 state associations asking what should be their next step.

Newcastle United are 'definitely interested' in bringing Leicester City pair James Maddison and Harvey Barnes to St James' Park this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving James Maddison and Harvey Barnes?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle United are keen on landing Maddison and Barnes this summer as Eddie Howe ramps up his transfer market proactivity in the North East.

The report states that £35k-a-week earner Barnes would be willing to leave Leicester City for a new challenge in the off-season; however, he is likely to cost in the region of £40 million.

Sky Sports also detail that Newcastle United are in the box seat to sign his teammate Maddison amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur in his services.

Maddison is entering the last year of his £110k-a-week contract at the King Power Stadium and it is believed that the Magpies could tempt the Coventry-born star to Tyneside with Champions League football on offer next term.

ESPN claim that Manchester United are admirers of Maddison and could also be in the frame to try and entice him to Old Trafford.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that Newcastle United are 'definitely interested' in both players; nevertheless, he doubts whether either will end up at St James' Park.

Jones said: “I don't think they're probably leaders for either Barnes or Maddison, from what I've heard.

“They’re definitely interested in both of those players. But I’ve heard a couple of reasons that make me think they might not end up with either.”

Would James Maddison and Harvey Barnes be good signings for Newcastle United?

Both players possess creative flair and would be worthwhile additions ahead of next term, with boss Howe keen to add quality ahead of a tilt at Champions League football.

In 2022/23, Maddison enjoyed a notable campaign, registering ten goals and nine assists in 32 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Maddison also recorded 138 shot-creating actions in the Premier League during the campaign, demonstrating his intuition despite an unsuccessful season for Leicester City, as per FBRef.

On the flipside, Barnes also had a productive time of things all things considered, notching 13 goals and three assists in 40 outings encompassing all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

The duo both look set for a return to the English top flight, though it will remain to be seen who wins in the battle to secure either Maddison or Barnes in the next few months.

Having secured their third consecutive series win in Australia, South Africa have now set their sights on whitewashing the hosts

Firdose Moonda in Hobart15-Nov-2016There’s a generation of South Africans whose memories of watching their Test team play in Australia are the complete opposite of Faf du Plessis and his team’s. Generation now. Anyone 10 or younger has never known a South African side that has lost a Test series in Australia and to have added a layer to that legacy is this team’s greatest joy.”We know how hard it is. We watched on TV for so many years how hard it was to was for South Africa to come here and do well,” du Plessis said. “I suppose the younger guys looking from back home can see that it’s possible to come here and to an extent and dominate an Australian team. It is extremely special for us. It’s something we will remember as a team. That’s exactly what we came here to do, we want to create memories together.”Not since the West Indies between 1984 and 1992 has a team won three successive series in Australia but that is not the only thing that stands out about this South African victory. It is that they did it without the two players who have been stalwarts for a decade – AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn who are both injured – and Morne Morkel about whom there are concerns about match fitness. Also Hashim Amla, the leader of the batting line-up, contributed only 48 runs across three innings.Kyle Abbott was central to South Africa’s third consecutive series win in Australia•Cricket Australia/Getty ImagesIt has taken a total team effort, something du Plessis has lauded. “This team has been very close to exceptional,” he said. “There haven’t been many things we’ve done wrong. We have been consistent in the way we perform. We are not relying on one or two players. All XI are putting our hands up at different times and that’s what you want from your team.”Australia were warned of South Africa’s ability to spread the load last month in the ODI series. Albeit in a different format, in different conditions, South Africa’s 5-0 victory did provide the springboard for this series. “We came across here with a lot of confidence,” du Plessis said.Self-belief helped South Africa bounce back from a poor first day in Perth to take 10 for 86 and set themselves up for victory there. It also propelled them to pluck Australia for 85 in the first innings in Hobart. The twin collapses showed South Africa that Australia had weaknesses they could exploit, especially if they targetted their senior players.”When you are a team that’s under the pump and under pressure and not playing as well as you like, confidence will fade away,” du Plessis said. “It’s hard to fake it. We didn’t give them the opportunity to do it [assert themselves over a long period of time]. It was important to keep the important guys in the team quiet – David Warner and Steve Smith. If you can put a lot of pressure on them, the younger guys won’t have that same punch. We made sure those guys have been relatively quiet in the series. Even guys like [Mitchell] Starc, he bowled well in that one spell but if you are on top, that’s when you get a five-for and you clean the tail up. We were just really good in making sure we stopped that.”Faf du Plessis: “This team has been very close to exceptional. There haven’t been many things we’ve done wrong.”•Cricket Australia/Getty ImagesOn the other hand, once South Africa got an opening, they were unstoppable. It took just 95 minutes for them to finish Australia off on the fourth morning. Du Plessis did not expect the series win to come so quickly, although he suspected victory was inevitable after the pressure his bowlers piled on late on the third day. “I didn’t expect it to happen that quickly,” du Plessis said. “Yesterday, our bowling was exceptional. The last hour and a half, we were so good in our areas and relentless. We didn’t get the results we wanted but we knew today if we came back, it would change for us. This is one of those sessions we will always remember as a team, that won us the series and it was unbelievable.”It was unbelievable because it was more dominant than a South African side has ever been in Australia. Four years ago, South Africa battled through the first two drawn Tests and then won the third. Eight years ago, they won the first two Tests and lost the third. This time, du Plessis wants to take everything South Africa can from this trip, which means a win in their first day-night Test in Adelaide.”That is the mission for us now,” he said. “We want to do that very badly. We won’t rest on our laurels and be happy with 2-1 or even 2-0. We’ve got Australia in a position where they are under pressure and we don’t want to let that go. It’s hard enough to get them in this position so we will do everything we can to make it 3-0.”What memories that will make.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their efforts to improve the quality of their attacking options in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Josh Maja to Rangers?

According to Football Scotland, the Light Blues could make a move for Bordeaux centre-forward Josh Maja if they decide to revisit their interest in the Nigerian international.

The report claims that the player is not at the top of the club's shortlist of strikers that they want to bring to Ibrox this summer but has been mentioned in the past as a target.

It states that the 24-year-old is now available on a free transfer ahead of the 2023/24 campaign as he is not set to extend his contract with the Ligue 2 side, which expires at the end of this month.

Should Rangers sign Josh Maja?

Michael Beale must swoop to snap up the former Sunderland gem, whose natural talent was hailed as "rare" by ex-Rangers forward Jermain Defoe, as his form in the 2022/23 season suggests that he would be way better than Dutch forward Sam Lammers.

The Gers are reportedly finalising a £3m deal to sign the Atalanta star this summer but his record in front of goal in recent years leaves a big question mark hanging over his head.

Lammers scored two goals in 33 Serie A appearances last season and has only scored seven league goals since the start of 2019/20 – across the Eredivisie, Bundesliga, and the Italian top-flight combined.

Maja, on the other hand, is coming off the back of an exceptional year in the second division of French football with Bordeaux.

The English-born marksman plundered 16 goals in 34 starts and proved himself to be a reliable goalscorer at that level throughout the campaign.

He had a conversion rate of 21% and these statistics suggest that the £10k-per-week whiz could be a superior option to Lammers, who converted a dismal 4% of his efforts in the Serie A during the 2022/23 season as the Atalanta dud scored twice from 4.79 expected goals (xG) whilst on loan at Empoli and then with relegated Sampdoria.

The profligate Dutchman also only created two 'big chances' for his teammates in the Italian top-flight and Maja could offer more in that respect as the Bordeaux talent produced eight 'big chances' for his fellow forwards in Ligue 2 and registered six assists.

Although it is difficult to gauge the difference in quality between the two divisions, these statistics indicate that the Nigerian international would be way better for Beale than Lammers due to his very recent track record of excelling as a goalscorer and a creator, whilst the wasteful 26-year-old has struggled badly in recent years.

As such, Rangers must prioritise a swoop for Maja in the coming weeks.

Several Pakistan players have risen in the ICC’s Test rankings after they beat West Indies in Abu Dhabi to claim the three-Test series 2-0

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Oct-20161:13

Younis rises three places to No. 2

Younis Khan has climbed three places to No. 2 in the ICC rankings for Test batsmen after scoring 127 in Pakistan’s 133-run victory against West Indies in Abu Dhabi. This is Younis’ highest ranking since he was No. 1 in March 2009 and No. 2 in July that year; he currently trails Steven Smith by 46 points and leads Joe Root at No. 3 by eight points.There were more gains in the rankings for Pakistan’s players after they won the three-Test series against West Indies by taking a 2-0 lead. The captain Misbah-ul-Haq moved to No. 10 after making 96 in the Abu Dhabi Test, and Asad Shafiq rose to No. 14 after making half-centuries in each innings.Legspinner Yasir Shah returned to the top five among Test bowlers; he was tied with England fast bowler Stuart Broad at No. 5. Yasir had taken ten wickets in Abu Dhabi, including 6 for 124 in the final innings to bowl West Indies out for 322 on the final day. Yasir was two points behind Sri Lankan’s Rangana Herath, and 24 points ahead of India’s Ravindra Jadeja at No. 7.Pakistan play West Indies in the third Test in Sharjah from October 30.

Crystal Palace are interested in bringing former defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka back to the club, according to reports.

What's the latest Crystal Palace transfer news?

While the Eagles figure out who will be in the managerial hot seat once the Premier League returns in August, with Roy Hodgson's future currently up in the air, the club have also got plenty of work cut out for them in the transfer market.

The future of Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha remains unclear, with the forward currently mulling over a £200k-a-week contract offer from the club, while drawing interest from elsewhere including a potential move to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, where he would earn £45m over three years.

Other figures within the side, such as Jean-Philippe Mateta have also been linked with moves away from Palace, but the club are also currently looking at a number of potential incomings to strengthen the side following this season's 11th-placed finish in the Premier League.

Midfielder Jefferson Lerma will join the side on a free transfer once his current AFC Bournemouth contract expires at the end of the month, while Flamengo forward Matheus Franca has been eyed as a potential Zaha replacement.

One deal the club's sporting director, Dougie Freedman and chairman Steve Parish are interested in, is a reunion with Manchester United's Wan-Bissaka, The Athletic has now reported.

Will Aaron Wan-Bissaka rejoin Crystal Palace?

While Palace are interested in bringing the 25-year-old "real monster" – as once hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – back to Selhurst Park but it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils would facilitate such a deal, with the defender enjoying a bit of a resurgence at Old Trafford towards the end of the season.

The Englishman left the Eagles for just under £50m in 2019 and has had an inconsistent career at United, with reports last year hinting at his future with the club coming to an end. Having rediscovered his form for Erik ten Hag's side, though, he'll likely want to keep ahold of the £100k-per-week defender, with the Red Devils' manager recently praising Wan-Bissaka for "improving a lot".

Having recently extended Joel Ward's and Nathaniel Clyne's time at Palace in the way of new contracts, the right-back position isn't a major priority for the club, but Wan-Bissaka would be a massive upgrade for the club, with his defensive numbers, including 2.1 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and an average WhoScored rating of 6.93 a game in the league dwarfing those of both Ward and Clyne.

Palace actively pursuing Wan-Bissaka seems unlikely at the moment, but the Eagles will certainly keep an eye out for any future developments on his time at Old Trafford.

Although it comes four months after the due date. The ICC said they were aware of the delay but have not immediately commented on the news of ZC’s finalised accounts

Firdose Moonda28-Oct-2016Zimbabwe Cricket is ready to submit its 2015 audit to the ICC, almost four months later than it was due. In accordance with ICC rules all Full Members must file an unqualified audit within six months of the end of its financial year. That was the end of June for ZC, but it has taken them until the end of October to finalise the audit.In a statement, ZC said it “was satisfied with the audit process and subsequently recommended the adoption of the audited accounts to the Special General Meeting (SGM). Delegates to the SGM, after considering the financial records, adopted the audited accounts.”The ICC confirmed they were aware of delays in ZC’s audit and that they were in regular communication with the board. However, the ICC did not immediately comment on the news of ZC’s finalised accounts.Three weeks ago, ESPNcricinfo reported that some members of the board had raised concerns about the figures in an initial audit, with particular scrutiny on US$5.2 million in tour expenses. The amount was thought to be inflated because most of Zimbabwe’s incoming tours were paid for in other ways.The accounts were rejected by ZC, and its auditors, HLB Zimbabwe, distanced themselves from the report saying they were still waiting for information from the board in order to complete the audit.ZC now claim to have “worked closely with its auditors who satisfactorily concluded the exercise.”

Manchester United are believed to be in the race for Fiorentina sensation, Sofyan Amrabat, as manager Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his midfield ranks this summer.

What's the latest on Amrabat to Man United?

According to Spanish outlet, Sport, the Red Devils are seemingly ready to rival La Liga giants Barcelona for the signing of the Moroccan international, with the two clubs said to be among 'several' suitors who are interested in the 26-year-old.

The report suggests that United are showing 'serious' interest in the 6 foot 1 gem ahead of next season and have already made 'contact' regarding a potential summer swoop, with the Netherlands-born maestro seemingly up for grabs with just a year left to run on his existing deal.

Amid that expiring contract, recent reports have claimed that the 48-cap warrior – who joined his current side from Club Brugge back in 2020 – could be available for as little as €25m (£22m).

Should Man United sign Amrabat?

The one-time Utrecht and Feyenoord ace has certainly warranted that hefty interest from the Old Trafford hierarchy amid his standout form for both club and country of late, having notably impressed during Morocco's surge to the World Cup semi-final during the winter.

Hailed as a "monster" and the "best centre midfielder in the tournament" by journalist Carlo Garganese, Amrabat was an immense presence for the Atlas Lions amid that remarkable run to the last four, having notably racked up 2.3 tackles per game from his seven outings in Qatar as a marker of his ball-winning prowess.

Also described as "extraordinary" by ex-Spain boss, Luis Enrique, the £32k-per-week asset has also enjoyed a strong campaign in Florence to date, having helped the Italian side to the Europa Conference League final after averaging 1.6 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game from his 12 outings in the competition.

Not just a ball-winning machine in front of the back four, Amrabat also offers real quality in possession as he ranks in the top 8% among his European peers for progressive passes, as well as in the top 5% for pass completion.

That all-round quality is seemingly shared by another of Ten Hag's reported targets in the form of Mason Mount, with the Chelsea playmaker – who could well be on his way to Manchester this summer – also able to make an impact both in and out of possession.

While typically operating in a more advanced role than the Serie A star, Mount also offers a real creative threat on the ball as he ranks in the top 7% among those in his position for progressive passes.

Equally, like Amrabat, the Englishman is also effective at breaking up play as he ranks in the top 12% for tackles made, with the 24-year-old previously described by former Blues teammate Antonio Rudiger as a "master" at putting in the hard yards defensively.

As such, for United to potentially have two figures who can both dictate play and win back possession effectively would be a real bonus, hence the potential excitement at seeing Amrabat lining up alongside Mount in the centre of the park next season.