Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven is “expected” to leave his club this summer as Tottenham Hotspur explore the “prospect of a deal”, according to journalist Ryan Taylor.

Who are Spurs signing this summer?

Spurs have moved swiftly to seal deals for multiple transfer targets over this past week, with the club confirming both Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison have put pen to paper.

Vicario, after an impressive season at Empoli, will come in as a potential replacement for long-serving number one Hugo Lloris – with the Frenchman admitting he could depart this summer window.

Meanwhile, Maddison has signed for Spurs on a deal from Leicester City worth £40 million, with midfielder Harry Winks moving in the opposite direction for a separate £10 million.

The Lilywhites are conducting astute business so far and reports suggest that Ange Postecoglou’s side have now turned their attention towards the signing of a centre-back.

After conceding more goals than any other top flight above 15th last season, it is a glaring issue that needs to be addressed, with Spurs thought to be interested in the likes of van de Ven and Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba.

Sharing an update on their pursuit of the former, journalist Taylor has written a small line for The Express, backing reports from other media sources that Spurs are stepping up their interest in van de Ven.

Taylor claims Tottenham are “exploring the prospect of a deal” to sign the Netherlands international, who has also been scouted by Liverpool, but it appears the north Londoners may have been boosted.

Adding another update, Taylor also writes that van de Ven is “expected to leave” Wolfsburg this summer, coming as Spurs seriously eye a move for the colossal 6 foot 4 defender.

Who is Micky van de Ven?

The 22-year-old was an untouchable for Wolfsburg over the 22/23 Bundesliga season.

Indeed, only their goalkeeper played more league minutes for the German side, while no sqaud member could match van de Ven’s impressive rate of blocks per 90 (WhoScored).

The Dutchman also completed more accurate passes (88.3%) than any other Wolfsburg regular, highlighting his exceptional abilities as a ball-playing defender.

Football Transfers journalist, Ronan Murphy, even hailed van de Ven as a “giant” on the pitch who’s been flourishing at Wolfsburg.

أعلن المدير الفني لمنتخب إنجلترا، جاريث ساوثجيت، موقف النجم هاري كين من خوض المباراتين الوديتين المقبلتين للأسود الثلاثة.

ويستعد منتخب إنجلترا لخوض مباراة يوم السبت ضد البرازيل، على الصعيد الودي، قبل مواجهة الثلاثاء أمام بلجيكا.

وعانى هاري كين من إصابة على مستوى الكاحل خلال مباراة بايرن ميونخ ودارمشتات في الدوري الألماني، يوم السبت الماضي.

ورغم الإصابة، تواجد هاري كين في معسكر منتخب إنجلترا استعدادًا للمشاركة في المباراتين الوديتين، ولكن يبدو أن ذلك لن يحدث.

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وقال ساوثجيت في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ذا صن” الإنجليزية: “لن يتواجد هاري كين أو جوردان هندرسون أو كول بالمر في مباراة الغد”.

واختتم: “أود القول أن بالمر وهندرسون لديهما فرصة للمشاركة أمام بلجيكا، أفضل من هاري كين، سيكون الأمر مشكوكًا فيه للغاية بالنسبة له”.

Ashish Nehra, soon to turn 38, believes he would be handy to the Indian team during the Champions Trophy in England later this year and has been working towards regaining his place

Nagraj Gollapudi18-Feb-20170:44

Quick Facts: Ashish Nehra

Ashish Nehra has expressed a strong desire to make a comeback to India’s ODI team. Though he last played in the format in the 2011 World Cup, Nehra has said he retains hopes of playing fifty-over cricket for India again when they land in England in June for the Champions Trophy.”I would love to play in the Champions Trophy,” Nehra told ESPNcricinfo. “When you go to England you will take at least four fast bowlers in addition to two spinners. I know I can bowl anywhere: up front, in the middle overs and at death. I can also share the experience I have with the other young fast bowlers.”Nehra’s last competitive fifty-over match – the recent practice game against England notwithstanding – was in December 2015. But that doesn’t deter him. He says he has worked out a detailed plan for his comeback, which includes playing at least half of Delhi’s six matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s premier one-day tournament.”I aim to play at least three matches to build up my match-fitness. Fifty-overs is a different challenge and Vijay Hazare is a good platform to test myself,” Nehra said. “I bowl about eight overs even in the nets while preparing for a T20 match. It is not about fitness. It is about the feel of playing in a 50-over match.”It was Nehra’s success in the IPL, initially at Chennai Super Kings and then with the Sunrisers Hyderabad, that brought him back in contention for India in T20 cricket. The selectors could not ignore the key role he played for those teams, keeping it tight with the new ball and bowling yorkers at the death. The confidence gained from a successful reintegration to international cricket is apparent in Nehra. “Once I play these Vijay Hazare matches I will be fit enough to play and good to go for the Champions Trophy.”During his time out of the ODI team, Nehra has maintained form through the IPL•BCCINehra’s original timeline had him working towards returning to one-day cricket with the New Zealand series last October but he fell ill and was forced to spend a couple of months on the sidelines.A match-winning 3 for 28 against England in the second T20I and more recently hauls of 2 for 35 and 3 for 26 for North Zone in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy suggest Nehra has regained his fitness. At 38, he is the oldest active player in the Indian team but that does little to diminish his value. Nehra still bowls at speeds of 135 to 140 kph and his experience – he will complete 18 years in international cricket at the end of February – makes him sort of a father figure for the young fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Chairman of selectors MSK Prasad, too, has acknowledged Nehra’s importance, saying he can be handy in English conditions.Nehra is hopeful these assets help make him an attractive pick for the Champions Trophy but felt it premature to think as far as the next ICC tournament. “The 2019 World Cup is still two-and-a-half years away. We are going to play at least 50 one-dayers in between. For me every tournament is important. I will try to play as much as I can.”

According to Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian, Nottingham Forest are among the clubs interested in a deal to sign Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer, with Fulham and AC Milan also reportedly interested.

Nottingham Forest transfer news – will they sign Callum Hudson-Odoi?

As per Steinberg, Forest are in the race to sign Hudson-Odoi, who is likely to leave Chelsea this summer after failing to hit the heights on loan at Bayer Leverkusen last season.

The Blues have reportedly set a price tag of just £15m for the academy graduate, who is out of contract next summer.

Hudson-Odoi has reportedly received offers from Saudi Arabia – like many others – but has prioritised staying in Europe and getting his career back on track.

We saw last season that Forest are not afraid to splash the cash, spending €195.25m (£168.61m) on a number of arrivals.

Among those was Jesse Lingard on a free deal, proving that they are capable of attracting players from big clubs, which could be a factor for any potential Hudson-Odoi move.

Would Callum Hudson-Odoi perform at Nottingham Forest?

There are not many players around that need a move to get their careers back on track more than Hudson-Odoi. The loan move to Leverkusen was meant to do exactly that, but one goal and one assist in 21 appearances tell you all you need to know about how that spell went.

Back in the familiar territory of the Premier League, however, the 22-year-old could finally get back to his best – a version that was once linked with a sensational move to Bayern Munich.

If the Chelsea man does decide to make the move to Forest, it would be incredibly similar to Lingard's move last summer, given that he'd be moving from a top club on potentially huge wages.

Like the former Manchester United midfielder, Hudson-Odoi would be under a lot of pressure if he made the move. The hope will be that he can handle the pressure better than Lingard did after the England international recorded zero goals and assists in the Premier League last season.

Hudson-Odoi could even play the role of wingback if he made the Forest move, given Steve Cooper's tendency to occasionally play with a back five. This is a role that he has played before, of course, under Thomas Tuchel, making him a versatile option for many clubs.

Speaking on the academy graduate back in 2020, Chelsea teammate Mason Mount told the club website: "We all know what Callum can do and he came on and brought that spark.

"He’s very good one on one and we just have to get him the ball going one on one and try to create chances. He did very well when he came on and that is something he can take away from the game."

Also praising the winger, scout Jacek Kulig said back in 2020: "Three years ago I gave Hudson-Odoi 10/10 potential and I stand by my opinion. Callum still has crazy potential."

It's clear that Forest have the ability to attract names from the Premier League's big six, but they will hope that the similarities between Lingard and a potential move for Hudson-Odoi this summer end there. Indeed, should the wide man live up to that famed potential, Forest would have an almighty player on their hands.

An update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to add more recruits to their attacking options in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Hyun-jun Yang to Celtic?

According to South Korean outlet Sports Donga, the Hoops are pursuing a deal for Gangwon creative midfielder Yang Hyun-jun ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the club have already made one offer for the South Korean magician's services but his current side are reluctant to let him go as they battle against relegation from the top flight. It also states that the player is keen on the move and would like to test himself in Europe.

Whilst Gangwon are not willing to part ways with the forward at this moment in time, Sports Donga claims that an upturn in form in July could see them change their stance – and that would allow the Scottish giants to complete a deal for him.

Where would Yang Hyun-jun fit in at Celtic?

The 21-year-old dynamo is a versatile forward who predominantly plays on the right flank, and his arrival could spell bad news for current Hoops attacker Sead Haksabanovic, as it could result in him losing game time.

Celtic's Montenegro international was often deployed on the wing by Ange Postecoglou last season as either a right or left-winger after his permanent transfer from Rubin Kazan last year.

The 24-year-old gem averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.96 across 26 Scottish Premiership appearances in the 2022/23 campaign and contributed with five goals scored to go with six 'big chances' created.

Yang, on the other hand, averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.02 across 36 K-League outings in 2022 and chipped in with eight goals, along with six 'big chances' created.

These statistics suggest that the exciting youngster, who was lauded as "special" by journalist Nathan Sartain, could provide a similar level of production in the final third, in terms of both scoring and creating goals.

He also completed 1.2 dribbles per match with a success rate of 61%, which is an impressive achievement in comparison to the Celtic man's 0.5 with a success rate of just 36%.

Of every player with at least ten starts, only Jota (1.5) managed more dribbles per league game last term for the Hoops than Yang produce for Gangwon, which suggests that the South Korean starlet could be an excellent ball carrier to get Brendan Rodgers' team up the pitch.

Therefore, Yang's arrival could be bad news for Haksabanovic as Celtic would be bringing in a player in his position who could offer the same contributions in the final third while also being more direct on the ball.

The Gangwon prodigy is also three years younger than the ex-West Ham attacker, which could be more appealing to Rodgers when the Northern Irishman decides on who he wants around as part of his long-term plan.

Western Australia knocked off the target of 54 within 10 overs to seal a comfortable nine-wicket win against Tasmania in Hobart

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Feb-2017
ScorecardFile photo – Simon Milenko struck 75 off 62 balls and took a wicket on the third day•Getty Images

Western Australia completed a nine-wicket thumping of Tasmania inside three days at Bellerive Oval to notch their third consecutive Sheffield Shield victory and pull back into contention for the competition final.Western Australia were again well served by their seam attack, the debutant Cameron Green added two wickets to his first-innings five while David Moody claimed four to help round up Tasmania’s second innings for 265, despite a firm rearguard effort from Simon Milenko that ensured the hosts would avoid an innings defeat.That left a target of only 54 for Western Australia to seal victory, with Hilton Cartwright wasting little time on the requirement after Cameron Bancroft fell to Milenko. Cartwright earned Man-of-the-Match honours for his first-innings 94 when batting conditions were at their most difficult.WA remain fifth on the table, but are now within an outright win of second place with three fixtures remaining.

غاب الدولي البرتغالي، جواو كانسيلو لاعب فريق برشلونة، عن مباراة الجولة الماضية من الدوري الإسباني، أمام أتلتيكو مدريد.

وفاز برشلونة بثلاثية مقابل هدف، وكانت التقارير تشير إلى أن غياب كانسيلو كان بسبب مشاكل في القلب، أبعدته عن المباراة.

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موقع “راديو كتالونيا”، أكد بأن جواو كانسيلو لا يعاني من مشاكل في القلب، ولا يوجد لديه أي خلل في النبضات كما أشارت بعض التقارير، بل وبعضها ذهب إلى أنه مرض وراثي.

وبعد إجراء العديد من التحاليل، تم التأكد من أن كانسيلو سليم ولا يعاني من مشاكل في القلب، مثلما حدث مع سيرجيو أجويرو في 2021، واعتزال كرة القدم بعد شهرين من انضمامه إلى برشلونة.

بالإضافة إلى ذلك، سيشارك كانسيلو مع منتخب البرتغال في معسكر مارس الجاري، لكنه مستبعد مثل نجوم الفريق من مواجهة السويد حسب ما قرر المدير الفني الإسباني روبرتو مارتينيز.

Liverpool are one of numerous clubs keeping an eye on Rav van den Berg, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

Who is Rav van den Berg?

The 18-year-old is a name that likely won't be familiar to too many yet, with the defender having only recently broken into the first-team picture at hometown club PEC Zwolle. He's worked his way up through the ranks at the club and having initially begun playing for their Under-17 and then Under-18 sides, he was promoted to the Under-21. His performances there – he played six times with one assist – then led to a first-team call-up.

He's now become a frequently used squad player for them. He already has 32 games under his belt for the club and even put his name onto the scoresheet on one occasion too, despite being a centre-back by trade. That's where Van den Berg predominantly plays his football, although he has also been used on a role on the right-flank as a right-back and has even been moved further forward into midfield once, and into right midfield on another occasion.

Now, having burst onto the first-team scene for PEC Zwolle, he is catching the eye of some European giants. According to a report from The Daily Mail, Bayern Munich and AC Milan have both registered an interest in the player, as have Ajax.

From the Premier League, it is Liverpool and Brentford who are monitoring the situation, but the latter are the most advanced currently and have now entered talks. For the Reds, they have not made an official approach yet, but it does seem as though he is on their transfer radar.

What is Rav van den Berg's value?

The giant defender – he stands at 6 foot 3 and may grow more yet – would be an imposing figure at the back, and does already have ties to Liverpool through brother Sepp. He spent last season out on loan in Germany and prior to that, was shipped out to Preston North End from the Reds. A move to Anfield then would reunite the two siblings.

There is no value mentioned in the report in regards to the younger of the pair, but Transfermarkt suggest that he could cost just 200,000 Euros (or around £171,000) to any interested party. The Mail's report does however say that he is seen as "one of the best emerging young defensive talents in European football", so this is the type of move that could be looked back on as a steal if he fulfils his potential.

Whilst Liverpool haven't made an official move yet, it seems there is some talent in the 18-year-old to have put him in the first-team already and at such a small fee, it may be worth the Reds launching a bid for the player this window.

Match Facts

February 22, 2017
Start time 11.00am local (2200GMT)New Zealand’s Trent Boult was one of the biggest buys at the IPL auction•AFP

The Big Picture

Kagiso Rabada and Trent Boult are now significantly richer men after big deals at the IPL. On the flip side, players from both sides – notably Imran Tahir, Ish Sodhi and Ross Taylor – can probably count themselves unfortunate not to have gained any interest, especially Tahir as the No. 1 white-ball bowler. Most players insist they don’t take much notice of the auction as it’s out of their hands, but it will surely have been a topic of conversation in Christchurch today.However, of more immediate importance is the second one-day international. Especially for New Zealand who can’t afford to go 2-0 down against a South Africa side with 12 wins on the bounce. New Zealand fought hard to almost steal victory in Hamilton, but their top order – save Kane Williamson – was worryingly exposed by Chris Morris. For their own piece of mind, they need a century from someone in the top five.South Africa were not perfect in the opening match – the death overs were a touch wayward and there were a few loose shots to make the chase tight – but, as confident sides tend to do, they found a way to win. And being put in a few tight corners during this series is probably no bad thing in preparation for the Champions Trophy.

Form guide

(completed matches, most recent first)
New Zealand LWWWW
South Africa WWWWW

In the spotlight

Tom Latham has hit a tricky period with his last three ODI innings reading 7, 0 and 0. He was pinned on nought for ten balls in Hamilton before being trapped lbw by an inswinger from Morris. But he will have good memories of this ground: he made 137 against Bangladesh in December. He also has his second string as wicketkeeper, a role he and Luke Ronchi could alternate depending on the balance of the side.It was a rare wicketless ODI for Imran Tahir two days ago – his first since South Africa’s previous overseas one-dayer, against West Indies in Barbados, back in June – which was followed by not being bid for at the IPL. Neither will worry him much, but it was instructive to see how Williamson quickly tried to stamp some authority over him in Hamilton with a slog-sweep for six. What has the world’s No. 1 white-ball bowler got in response? You suspect plenty.AB de Villiers is 50 runs away from being the fastest to 9000 runs in ODIs•Getty Images

Team news

New Zealand have previously played Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi together at Hagley Oval – against Sri Lanka in 2015-16 – although they were barely needed. The odds favour an extra seamer being brought in although the larger playing-area works in Sodhi’s favour. If they retain Latham as keeper, it creates room for another bowler.New Zealand (probable) 1 Dean Brownlie, 2 Tom Latham (wk), 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Neil Broom, 6 James Neesham, 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Ish Sodhi/Lockie Ferguson, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Trent BoultSouth Africa will also have to decide whether to retain Tabraiz Shamsi or return to another of their allrounders, either Wayne Parnell or Dwaine Pretorius who is now available having arrived following the birth of his child. David Miller’s finger was assessed and he passed a fitness test, but he remains an uncertain starter.*South Africa (probable) 1 Hashim Amla, 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Faf du Plessis, 4 AB de Villiers (capt), 5 JP Duminy, 6 Farhaan Behardien, 7 Chris Morris, 8 Wayne Parnell, 9 Andile Phehlukwayo, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Imran Tahir

Pitch and conditions

This is the only day-game of the series, on a ground that has provided some high scores. Five of the nine first-innings totals at Hagley Oval have been over 300 – in the previous ODI, when New Zealand faced Bangladesh, they piled up 341 for 7. The threat of showers has subsided and there is a high forecast of 29 degrees with some sunshine for most of the day.

Stats and trivia

• AB de Villiers needs 50 runs to become the fastest to 9000 in ODIs, although there is no innings pressure on the feat with Sourav Ganguly’s current mark being 228 innings. De Villiers has batted 203 times.
• This will be South Africa’s first international match at Hagley Oval. The last time they played in Christchurch was 2004.
• In his short international career, Colin de Grandhomme has scored 319 runs off 285 balls across the three formats.

Quotes

“It’s just bizarre. A huge honour, but my focus is still heavily on concentrating on the game tomorrow.”
“New Zealand don’t give you much, they’re a seriously good fielding unit and all New Zealand sides seem a close knit bunch of guys and really fight.”
*13.20GMT, February 21: The preview was updated after David Miller’s fitness test.

Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement in principle with Clement Lenglet over a three-year contract, according to reports from Spain.

What's the latest Tottenham transfer news?

Tottenham are now edging closer towards completing a deal for James Maddison, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reporting contracts and documents are set to be completed in the next 24 hours, before the move will finally be made official.

It is not only attacking areas in which Ange Postecoglou is looking to strengthen, with several new defenders also being considered, including Tosin Adarabioyo, Edmond Tapsoba, Micky van de Ven, and at least one other.

As well as looking at options from elsewhere, Postecoglou is also keen to bring Barca loanee Lenglet back to the club on a permanent basis, and there has now been an update on Spurs' pursuit of the defender.

According to reports from Spain (via Sport Witness), Tottenham remain in continuous contacts with the La Liga club over a deal for the Frenchman, and there has been some progress made on the player's side in recent days.

Spurs have now reached an agreement in principle with the 28-year-old over a three-year deal, meaning the only obstacle remaining is agreeing a fee with Barcelona, who are keen to get him off the wage bill.

A transfer fee of €10m (£8.6m) is currently being considered, with the Lilywhites aware of Barca's desire to sell the defender, and unwilling to overspend.

Is Clement Lenglet joining Tottenham?

At this stage, it seems very likely the France international will complete a switch to north London, considering his current club are so eager to get rid of him, and there is evidence he could be a solid addition to Postecoglou's squad.

Hailed as a "brilliant" talent by members of the media, the former Sevilla man put in some promising performances on loan last season, capping off the campaign with a 7.1 Sofascore rating against Leeds United, after making 13 clearances, the most of any player.

The £145k-per-week defender did struggle at times, however, putting in a particularly disappointing performance in the 2-2 draw against Manchester United in April, winning just one of the eight duels he contested.

A fee of £8.6m is hardly going to break the bank for Tottenham, so Lenglet is certainly worth bringing back to the club as a depth option, but Postecoglou will be hoping the centre-back can become more consistent in his second season in the Premier League.