Arsenal are seemingly closing in on one target, with the price tag to secure his services having now been revealed.

What's the latest on Sacha Boey to Arsenal?

Turkish journalist Nevzat Dindar has claimed on his YouTube channel that the Gunners had seen a £14.7m bid made and subsequently rejected for Galatasaray's Sacha Boey.

The Frenchman has enjoyed a standout year at right-back, and with Mikel Arteta evidently keen to offer Ben White some viable competition, this youngster could be that man.

Having failed in their initial pursuit, the journalist would go on to reveal that the Turkish giants are holding out for £21m with Galatasaray’s vice-president Erden Timur reportedly travelling to London to discuss the potential move.

How good is Sacha Boey?

Although a relative unknown across Europe, the consistently impressive showings of the 22-year-old have led to more and more people sitting up and taking note. Journalist Zach Lowy even sought to bring him to the attention of others by labelling him an "intriguing prospect" even before his move to Turkey.

His 7.11 average rating for this season (as per Sofascore) is underpinned by numerous impressive statistics, all of which culminate to highlight his reliability. He can defend like an old-school full-back, but is not without the modern capabilities to burst forward and offer influence at the other end of the pitch.

As such, he maintains one key pass, 1.7 interceptions, 2.7 tackles and 2 clearances per game, via Sofascore. His work rate is also not to be ignored, as writer Cetin Cem Yilmaz branded the defender "tireless" earlier this year.

For comparison, should he come in to compete with White, the Englishman has instead only managed 0.7 key passes, 1.6 tackles and 2 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

His performances at full-back are made more impressive given his preference to feature through the centre, though should a natural alternative like Boey come in, it could prove bad news for the man who has appeared in every one of Arsenal's league games this campaign.

It would be hard to prefer him to the France U20 international, and yet the pairing of Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba was almost perfect until the latter was struck down with an injury. Arteta even described them as a "happy marriage" together.

Given their need to bolster that role, perhaps this bid was intended to push White into a backup role for both positions due to his immense versatility.

Although the 25-year-old has impressed this season, it could be questioned how sustainable his place on the flank is given his lack of attacking impetus that Boey would instead provide. As a classic full-back able to bomb down the wings all game, White simply cannot compete with this given his career has been moulded around defensive solidity. Therefore, this move could spell danger for the former Brighton and Hove Albion stopper.

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.

USA’s captain Steven Taylor will move back into the opening role during the ICC World Cricket League Divsion Four which begins on October 29

Peter Della Penna21-Oct-2016

USA coach Pubudu Dassanayake has said that captain Steven Taylor will move back to opening the innings in the ICC World Cricket League Division Four beginning on October 29 in Los Angeles.Taylor has had a number of trials in the middle order recently, with varied results.The plan to shift him down the order came after Dassanayake witnessed the left-hander’s unbeaten 81 off 53 balls while batting at No. 6 in Florida XI’s one-wicket win over a touring Marylebone Cricket Club XI last month. He then got scores of 5, 1, and 1 in three games at No. 4, before moving back to the opening slot where he scored 27 in USA’s two-wicket win over Canada in the Auty Cup.Dassanayake said that after experimenting with Taylor in the middle, he felt both Taylor and the team had the best chance for success in Division Four with him batting as an opener.”We tried a few things and now we’ve settled down back into the opening [slot],” Dassanayake told ESPNcricinfo. “This is our batting order. What we had [in the win], we’re going to stick to it throughout the tournament.”We were discussing it and he’s comfortable coming down [the order] to bat when the team needs it during the tough periods. But after looking at these conditions, and these wickets where the ball comes onto the bat pretty well, we had a small discussion about it. With his calibre, I think he is better at the top of the order.”The news bodes well for Ravi Timbawala, who was drafted into the USA squad for Division Four on Thursday as a replacement for Srini Santhanam, who was ruled out due to an injury to the right shoulder. Timbawala scored an unbeaten 73, batting at No. 3 in the two-wicket win over Canada, and appears set to keep that role when USA take the field for their first match against Bermuda on October 29.Timbawala’s presence in the middle order also provides more stability for USA as cover for Taylor’s inconsistency. Ever since making a career-best 162 off 102 balls against Nepal – who Dassanayake was coaching at the time – in 2013, Taylor has scored 277 runs in 14 innings at 19.79 in 50-over cricket for USA.In that stretch he has two fifties, but also three ducks to go along with the pair of ones against Canada last week. Dassanayake says that it is important for Taylor to stay aggressive in spite of the low scores, because his approach can devastate opponents the way it did to Dassanayake’s Nepal side in 2013.”His type of batting is not going to be consistent,” Dassanayake said. “I’m happy if he can get [big runs in] three games for us. If he scores in three games and we’re going to win those games, that’s what I’m looking for. He’s hungry. As a leader, first time captaining USA [in an ICC tournament], he wants to win this tournament. He wants to contribute.”A part of those contributions are now coming with the ball. In 21 career 50-over matches for USA, prior to last weekend’s Auty Cup, Taylor had bowled a total of 7.2 overs, taking one wicket. But in his first match after being named captain, he brought himself on and took 5 for 47 with his part-time offspin. That spurred him to bowl out his maximum quota of overs in all three games against Canada, the only USA bowler to do so in the series.It may be a sign of things to come in Division Four as he takes on an increased role with the ball, now that he has given up wicketkeeping. However, Dassanayake says Taylor’s batting is still what will win USA matches at the end of the day and he is backing Taylor to come through.”I can see his feelings. When he gets out, he’s disappointed, but I know that with his calibre and the way that he’s moving, he will get there. I think he understands pretty well how to adjust to conditions. I have confidence that he’ll get us through in the five games coming up.”

Manchester United are plotting a move for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to a recent report from The Telegraph.

Who is signing for Man United?

According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Man United are "pushing" to sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, with Erik ten Hag giving the green light, however rivals Liverpool are also interested in signing the 24-year-old.

As such, the Red Devils could reignite their interest in Caicedo, having been linked with the Brighton star back in May, with The Telegraph now reporting they are one of a number of Premier League clubs currently plotting moves.

Chelsea and Arsenal are also named as potential suitors for the Ecuadorian, while Liverpool could also enter the race, depending on the finances involved, having already swooped for his teammate, Alexis Mac Allister.

Brighton are demanding more than £70m to part with the midfielder, with interest in his signature now beginning to intensify, having rejected a bid of £70m from Arsenal in the January transfer window.

Although they were unwilling to part with the 21-year-old in the previous window, Brighton are willing to let him leave in the coming weeks, having sealed qualification for next season's Europa League.

Who will Moises Caicedo sign for?

According to a report from Ecuadorian news outlet Teradeportes, the youngster "dreams" of playing in the Champions League, which means Man United could have an advantage over the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea in the race for his signature.

However, the same report details the central midfielder has already "agreed personal terms" with Arsenal, viewing a move to the Emirates Stadium as his "priority" this summer, so the Red Devils have a lot of ground to make up on the Gunners.

Should United manage to tempt the Ecuador international into a move to Old Trafford, there is plenty of evidence he could be an excellent signing, having been hailed as "unbelievable" by members of the media last season.

The most impressive aspects of the starlet's game are his defensive attributes, ranking in the 89th percentile for interceptions, and in the 87th percentile for tackles per 90 over the course of the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Caicedo could be a solid signing for Man United, perhaps as a long-term heir for Casemiro, who is now 31-years-old, however Ten Hag's priority is a striker, so it may be unwise to spend a significant amount of the budget on a defensive midfielder.

اعترف مهاجم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي إنتر ميامي الحالي، لويس سواريز، بأن ريال مدريد، كان يرغب في التعاقد معه عام 2014.

وكان يلعب سواريز في هذا العام مع ليفربول قبل الانتقال في الصيف إلى برشلونة بمقابل 81 مليون يورو، عقب نهائيات كأس العالم في البرازيل.

اقرأ أيضًا.. تقارير: وكيل ديفيز يجتمع مع ريال مدريد وبرشلونة قبل حسم مستقبل اللاعب

وتحدث سواريز عن التفاصيل خلال حواره مع إذاعة “Del Sol” في أوروجواي، وقال: “قبل كأس العالم 2014، أراد ريال مدريد التوقيع معي، كانت المفاوضات في الطريق الصحيح”.

وتابع: “في هذا الوقت، كانوا يخططون لبيع كريم بنزيما إلى آرسنال، كل شيء كان منتهي بالفعل”.

واستمر: “عندما بدأت بطولة كأس العالم، انضم برشلونة إلى السباق، وفضلت وقتها الانتقال إلى هناك”.

وأضاف في النهاية: “مع مشكلة عض (جورجيو كيليني) في كأس العالم، انخفض اهتمام ريال مدريد، وأصبح برشلونة أكثر اهتمامًا، في النهاية كان لدي الخيارين ولكن اخترت حلمي”.

وكان سواريز قد عض كيليني من الرقبة خلال مباراة إيطاليا وأوروجواي في مونديال 2014 وتم إيقافه لمدة 4 أشهر ولم يبدأ وقتها الموسم مع برشلونة عقب انتقاله من ليفربول.

Mauricio Pochettino has landed the unenviable task of attempting to pinpoint Chelsea’s new striker and finding the right method to maximise their talents.

During this abysmal campaign, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kai Havertz, and Joao Felix have all been deployed as the focal point – and although the latter displayed minor flashes of brilliance, watching this trio all separately play as a central striker was an unfulfilling and frustrating experience.

One name that has been floated around as the solution to this damaging problem is Lautaro Martinez, who has demonstrated is more than capable of filling this humongous void.

What’s the latest on Lautaro Martinez to Chelsea?

According to The Times, Chelsea will be rivalled by Real Madrid for the 25-year-old’s signature.

The reigning European champions are in the market for a frontman after Karim Benzema’s sudden departure to Saudi Arabia.

A previous report by the Football Insider has revealed that it will take a £70m offer to tempt the Nerazzurri to sanction his sale.

Who can Lautaro Martinez emulate at Chelsea?

The Argentine has arguably been unplayable this season – he has netted 28 times in all competitions and was the second-highest scorer in Serie A.

The 48-cap international was the protagonist of Inter’s recent trophy lift against Fiorentina, who they beat 2-1 in the Coppa Italia. Unsurprisingly, Martinez was on the scoresheet twice and has registered the highest average match rating (7.18) in the squad over the campaign, as per Sofascore.

The Milanese giants will be hoping he can replicate this spell-binding potency in the Champions League final this evening when they take on treble-chasing Manchester City in Istanbul.

If the Blues secured this audacious swoop, Martinez could repeat the tricks of the irrepressible Nicolas Anelka at Stamford Bridge. The Frenchman spent four years in the English capital, scoring 59 goals and registering 36 assists in 184 games, while also winning one Premier League and two FA Cups in that time.

In his first full season at Chelsea, the former Arsenal prodigy found the net 19 times, was crowned as the division's joint-top scorer, and stepped up when Drogba’s season was ravaged by injury as he only scored on five occasions.

This is similar to the current situation at the San Siro, as Martinez has netted more than fellow forwards Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku, combined.

However, what Anelka and Martinez share is the ability to be the driving force of the attack, but is also able to combine and conjure up a formidable striking partnership.

For Anelka, this was shown in 2009/10, when he and Drogba recorded 61 goal involvements in the top flight as Chelsea secured the Premier League title.

Similarly, in the 2020/21 season, the World Cup winner and the aforementioned Lukaku notched the same number of goal contributions in their imperious Serie A triumph.

Described as “spectacular” by Lionel Messi, the £186k-per-week man’s versatility, his mastery of being the main source of goals or sharing the responsibility, and his experience in playing as a single or double striking force, make him an extremely attractive prospect for the west London outfit.

Leeds United are reportedly admirers of West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan and could make a move for the Spaniard this summer.

What’s the latest Leeds manager news?

The Whites are in for an extremely busy summer following their relegation from the Premier League, with a number of issues to be resolved in Yorkshire.

One of those is who will be in charge of the team next season, with Sam Allardyce the fourth and final manager to take charge of Leeds during the 2022/23 season. He was unable to keep Leeds in the top flight in his four games as interim head coach, and an off-field manager update has since emerged.

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from The Daily Mail in the last 48 hours, where Ian Ladyman and David Coverdale covered plenty of Whites-related topics.

One of which was on a manager, suggesting that Allardyce wants to remain in charge. However, the club are already considering other options, with Corberan named as a potential option.

They claim that the former Leeds assistant has admirers at Elland Road, adding that his new contract at The Hawthorns does include a release clause. Another name mentioned was former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and when it came to a takeover, it was added that the 49ers expect to make a takeover proposal in the next fortnight.

Has Corberan been linked with Leeds before?

Leeds have been linked with a number of managers over the last 12 months, including Corberan, who held roles as the U21 coach at Thorp Arch and then as assistant to Marcelo Bielsa.

The Whites were after the 40-year-old after parting ways with Jesse Marsch, however, he reportedly turned down a return to Elland Road and instead signed a new Baggies deal.

He has implemented a Bielsa-style of play as a manager and has now taken charge of 125 games in the Championship, including the playoffs, winning 52 of those. Corberan helped take West Brom away from danger after arriving back in October but failed to guide the club to a top-six finish in the final weeks of the window.

Those still at Leeds from Bielsa’s tenure will know all about Corberan, and with a total reset seemingly required over the coming months, the “very talented” coach, as dubbed by Bielsa, could be the man to oversee things on the pitch, potentially making this one to keep an eye on.

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.

Manchester United have spoken to Mason Mount's camp over the last few days to confirm their interest in the player ahead of the summer window.

Will Chelsea sell Mason Mount?

The 24-year-old's future in west London is looking increasingly unlikely as the days roll on with his contract now winding down to its final year.

There is believed to be interest coming from across the Premier League in the England international this summer with the Red Devils up there among the most interested.

Indeed, it is thought Erik ten Hag's side are seriously interested in potentially bringing the midfielder to Old Trafford as they look to strengthen on what was an impressive 2022/23 campaign.

However, the Blues are said to have an extremely high valuation on their academy product despite his contract situation.

According to reports, Chelsea will be looking for a bid in the region of £68m to allow their 24-year-old midfielder to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

And speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Red Devils have recently held further discussions with the player's camp to assure them of their intentions this summer:

"I can tell you that also in the last two-three days, Manchester United, in the contacts they had with the player side, they confirmed their intention to go for Mason [Mount]. They are not changing their mind.

"So they are confirming that they want him. They have a contract proposal ready. They know that Mason is prepared to say yes. So they kind of sent a positive message to Mason Mount."

Do Chelsea want to keep Mount?

The contract situation of the midfielder is far from ideal as he enters the final year of his time at the club which puts a lot of the power in his hands.

Yes, Chelsea will have the last say, however, they are at risk of potentially losing the player for nothing next summer if he is to stay and not sign a new deal.

But this is Chelsea. This is a club who have enormous financial backing behind them so perhaps they may be willing to take the gamble of keeping Mount ahead of next season.

Having said that, this is also Chelsea who have spent significantly under Todd Boehly's tenure and this does present an opportunity to reclaim some money this summer.

It has been reported their newly-appointed manager, Mauricio Pochettino, is keen to keep Mount around for the foreseeable future.

But the player was spotted walking around Stamford Bridge following their final game of the season against Newcastle United in what some have speculated to be a farewell.

With United seemingly so interested in bringing Mount to Stamford Bridge this summer, it is claimed the arrival of Pochettino may have come too late to persuade the £80k-per-week ace to stay.

While Shikhar Dhawan is set to return after an injury lay-off, Harbhajan Singh will lead Punjab in his first match of the season

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Nov-2016

Harbhajan to lead Punjab on returnHarbhajan Singh will lead Punjab in the Group A match against Tamil Nadu in Nagpur in his first Ranji Trophy game of the season; the offspinner will be returning to the squad after a long personal break. Harbhajan will take over as captain from Yuvraj Singh, who will miss the matches against Tamil Nadu and Gujarat (starts from November 29) due to his wedding. Punjab are currently fourth in Group A with 16 points. Yuvraj is among the top five run-scorers this season with 672 runs, including a career-best 260 against Baroda, in five matches at an average of 84. “I am [still motivated],” Yuvraj told . “I got a career-best 260 just weeks ago. I’m not through with the game.”Gambhir set to lead DelhiHaving been released from the India squad, Gautam Gambhir is set to lead Delhi in their Ranji Trophy fixture against Rajasthan in Wayanad. Fast bowler Ishant Sharma was named the 16th member of the squad, although he is likely to stay with the national team as cover. Shikhar Dhawan, however, is a certain starter in the Delhi XI, having recovered from a thumb injury he sustained in the only Test he played against New Zealand, in Kolkata. Dhawan will be keen to prove his fitness in domestic cricket, in line with national coach Anil Kumble’s policy, and press his case for the hotly-contested opening spots.Mishra boost for HaryanaLegspinner Amit Mishra is set to turn out for Haryana in their Group C fixture against Goa in Ghaziabad after being released from the Test squad. Mishra picked three wickets in the first Test against England and his economy rate was over four runs per over in both innings. He was dropped for the second Test in Vishakhapatnam, and instead his Haryana team-mate Jayant Yadav was handed a debut. The match against Goa will be Mishra’s first Ranji game since February 2015. Haryana are currently placed second, behind Andhra, in Group C with 19 points from six matches.Vinay targets India returnKarnataka captain Vinay Kumar, who went past 400 first-class wickets with a nine-wicket haul in Karnataka’s 393-run win over Rajasthan, has now set his sights on a return to the national side. Vinay has made 41 appearances for India, with the last one in an ODI against Australia in Bangalore three years ago. “I am not going to be satisfied with this [400 first-class wickets] as my main goal is to make a comeback to Indian team,” Vinay told . ” I am feeling much better even though I am 32. Age is just a number. I will keep working on my batting and bowling and try to keep myself fit. I am never going to give up.”Krishna, Mathias included in Karnataka squadSeamers David Mathias and Prasidh Krishna have been called-up to the Karnataka squad for their Group B clash against Orissa in Delhi, with Abhimanyu Mithun still recuperating from injury. Mathias played two Ranji Trophy games last season, while Krishna is yet to make his debut in the tournament. Left-arm spinner Abrar Kazi, meanwhile, replaced J Suchith in a like-for-like swap. Karnataka are currently on top of the Group B table with 29 points.