Chelsea have already got two new additions through the door this summer, although not both of them are players. Following the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino at the end of the season, the Blues had to search for a new manager, and, after much deliberation and rumours linking them with several targets, they finally got their man.

Chelsea appointed Leicester City’s Championship-winning manager, Enzo Maresca on a five-year contract, with the option of a sixth season at Stamford Bridge. His time in west London will be the first time Maresca has managed in the Premier League, but he has experience as a coach at the highest level, having been under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in previous years.

Maresca was joined by another person linked with City just days later, after centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo signed for the Blues on a free transfer from local rivals Fulham. He becomes the first signing of the Maresca era.

However, there is no doubt that Chelsea will not stop there, given their extortionate spending in recent transfer windows. They have been strongly linked with one Premier League star this week, with a deal for the player having great potential in the last few days.

Chelsea looking to sign Premier League striker

The player in question here is Manchester City and Argentina attacker Julian Alvarez. Having already signed Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer from the Cityzens in recent seasons, Chelsea could once again look to buy from the Premier League champions.

According to a report from Argentine media outlet TyC Sports, Alvarez is currently thinking 'about his future' whilst away on international duty with Argentina. However, the report states that City have a 'categorical position' on Alvarez’s future; that is, they do not intend to sell him this summer.

However, despite City wanting to keep Alvarez, the World Cup winner has one aim for next season, 'which is to play more', according to the report. He has played second fiddle to Erling Haaland for his whole career at the Etihad Stadium, and understandably wants to move on in order to get more minutes.

In terms of a price, Chelsea – who are said to be ready to make a bid – could have to pay upwards of €80m (£68m) for the attacker, as per the report. They are also competing with two European heavyweights for Alvarez’s signature. The two other sides interested are PSG, who need to replace Kylian Mbappe and Atletico Madrid, although the Spanish side would struggle to meet City’s valuation should they pursue a deal over the summer.

How Alvarez would benefit Chelsea

If there is one thing that Chelsea struggled with last season, it was consistently finding the back of the net. Palmer scored 22 times in the Premier League, but Nicolas Jackson was the only other player in double figures, with 14 strikes last season. Alvarez, however, did manage to break the ten-goal barrier for City last season, with 11 goals in the Premier League.

Instantly, you can see what he would bring to this Chelsea side, an influx of much-needed goals, and with more game-time, he could find the back even more than 11 times. As Tifo Football presenter Jon Mackenzie described him Alvarez is a “cheat code footballer” who will “play elite attacking football”, certainly something Chelsea could add to their side.

Not only that, Alvarez possesses impressive versatility. Last season for Guariola’s side, the 24-year-old played in six different positions, albeit three of those were only for a sole appearance each. However, suppose Chelsea were hoping to fit both Alvarez and Jackson into the same side. In that case, it shouldn’t be too much of an issue, given Jackson’s ability to play out wide, and Alvarez’s proficiency as a second striker.

Position

Games

Goals

Assists

Centre-forward

22

9

3

Second striker

18

7

6

Attacking midfield

10

2

3

Right midfield

1

0

1

Left midfield

1

0

0

Right winger

1

0

0

The Argentine is also a superb creator, registering nine Premier League assists to go along with his 11 goals last season. As per Fbref, the 2.55 key passes per 90 minutes he averaged last season placed him in the top 1% of forwards in Europe, showing off his impressive creative nous.

Should Chelsea manage to get a deal for Alvarez across the line this summer, he would represent a superb piece of business. It could even eclipse the £40m deal to sign what was then a relatively untested Palmer from the Etihad, given his goals and assists record and his pedigree in winning trophies – the Englishman having notably made just three Premier League starts prior to moving to Stamford Bridge.

The one-time River Plater man would only add to the quality and experience of Chelsea’s side, increasing Maresca’s chances of success in his first season in charge.

After Tosin: Chelsea eye PL "monster" who’s the “closest thing” to Drogba

The Chelsea target could be an alternative to Benjamin Sesko.

ByTom Lever Jun 7, 2024

That Australia would conclude a domineering home series against New Zealand with their second highest ever ODI total on home shores, on the way to a record-setting 21st consecutive ODI victory, was startling enough. That they would achieve those feats with a 232-run win, without their captain Meg Lanning as well as their famed allrounder Ellyse Perry in the XI, was downright unnerving for the rest of the world.Lanning’s absence, due to a right hamstring strain sustained during her unbeaten century in the second of three ODIs on Monday, was the talk of Allan Border Field on Wednesday morning, giving New Zealand a chance to pressure a batting order shorn of its most vaunted name. Certainly it was enough to encourage Sophie Devine to send the hosts in upon winning the toss despite a slowing and ageing surface.But the response was that of a team far more enthused than overawed by such challenges. The acting captain Rachael Haynes and Alyssa Healy combined for a commanding opening stand worth 144 in a little more than half the available overs, before Haynes and the middle order accelerated fearfully to take the Australians to 325 – only a gargantuan 397 against Pakistan in the amateur days of 1997 surpassed it among matches at home.ALSO READ: How Australia made it 21 wins in a rowIn the midst of the punishment, including 104 from the final 10 overs as Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney and Lanning’s replacement Tahlia McGrath made merry, there was also room for development: an occasionally halting but equally promising stay at No. 3 from the 18-year-old allrounder Annabel Sutherland, as she added 78 in 87 balls with Haynes. Asked to chase a distant 326, the touring side were in trouble virtually from the start, as Devine was cramped into pulling Megan Schutt into the trap of two midwickets placed for her, departing the scene for a disconsolate first-ball duck. There onwards, the Australian bowlers did not relent, as Jess Jonassen and Georgia Wareham particularly enjoyed the expansive spin occasionally on offer.There had been far more optimism for New Zealand early on, as an overcast morning offered the chance for swing, and the knowledge that Healy and Haynes were to be followed by the callow Sutherland rather than the hamstrung Lanning.ALSO READ: Meg Lanning interview – On leading superstars, legacyBut they were unable to find a way through, allowing Healy and Haynes to punish any errors in line and length, and build with something approaching impunity as both passed 50 and Healy reached the outskirts of a century. Thirteen short of a century, she skied wristspinner Amelia Kerr, clearing the way for Sutherland’s entry.The next period saw New Zealand regain some control of the scoreboard as Sutherland struggled to rotate strike with her correct and upright technique, only for Haynes to intervene with some aggressive blows to get the run rate going again. With time, Sutherland began to join in, but was bowled behind her pads attempting to sweep Kerr just as the final 10 overs began.Haynes’ steadfast display merited a century, but was ended on 96 by a marginal lbw call when she, too, knelt to sweep Kerr. Mooney might also easily have followed lbw, saved only by a little doubt over whether the ball had pitched outside leg stump before looking likely to crash into middle. Kerr’s wristspin skills had again been very evident, but upon the conclusion of her spell, having seen Gardner wretchedly dropped by Natalie Dodd, the Australians freed their arms. Eight sixes for the innings were the joint-most for Australia in a women’s ODI.New Zealand’s pursuit was never more than a cursory one, save for Amy Satterthwaite’s 41. On a slow and spinning surface, against bowling options ideally suited to the conditions, they were completely overwhelmed. The evenness of Australia’s display was underlined by the fact that wickets were shared among every member of the attack, rounding off a massive victory without their two biggest names.Twenty-one ODI wins in a row equalled the record set by the Australian men’s team in the 2000s; seldom if ever were Ricky Ponting’s side quite as dominant as this.

Having already reportedly agreed a deal to sign Tim Iroegbunam this summer, Everton have seemingly turned their attention to finally solving their attacking problems for Sean Dyche.

Everton transfer news

Even as the Toffees' takeover struggles continue, they've still managed to start their summer in the best way possible with the pending arrival of Iroegbunam for a reported £9m. The Aston Villa prospect will arrive with plenty of potential and could even become the solution to Everton's potential Amadou Onana problem, as the Belgian's Goodison Park future continues to be thrown into doubt.

If Everton want to finally push away from the threat of relegation and into the comforts of mid-table in the Premier League, they'll need more than just Iroegbunam, however, with a solution to their attacking problems also needed. Dyche and those above him seem to be well aware of that as well, with one particular target who knows all about scoring in English football reportedly lined up.

Related Everton already lining up Dyche's next priority signing after Iroegbunam

The Toffees are wasting no time.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jun 20, 2024

According to Santi Aouna, Everton have made a "very interesting" offer to sign Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille this summer. The attacking midfielder is reportedly seen as a "priority" after being followed by Everton for years and could be tempted by a return to England just one year after leaving Sheffield United.

It remains to be seen just how much Everton's offer for Ndiaye was, but it's certainly a positive sign that they're pursuing such players this summer. Ndiaye never waited long enough to get his Premier League chance at Sheffield United, but could finally step into England's top-flight in an attempt to replicate his Championship form.

"Unbelievable" Ndiaye needs Premier League chance

After a mixed first season at Marseille, a return to English football could take Ndiaye back to his very best, especially if he finally gets the Premier League chance that he once left behind. His Championship form in the 2022/23 season certainly suggests that he is more than capable of stepping up to the quality needed in the top-flight. Now, it could be Everton who give him that chance.

Iliman Ndiaye

Championship 22/23 (via Transfermarkt)

Appearances

46

Goals

14

Assists

11

A true all-rounder going forward, it's no surprise that Ndiaye earned such high praise from former Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom in the 22/23 Championship season.

Heckingbottom said via the Yorkshire Post: "I am going to talk and sound as if I am biased. But you know what I think of Iliman as a player. He can do it against anyone – handling the ball in tight areas at the top end of the pitch where the best players do damage. He's got all that.

"Playing in the Championship doesn't mean players don't handle the ball any better. He's unbelievable with the ball and not many Premier League players can do what he does with the ball."

قرر مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة برئاسة هاني أبو ريدة دعوة الجمعية العمومية للاتحاد للانعقاد غير العادي؛ وذلك لتعديل بعض بنود لائحة النظام الأساسي.

وعلم “بطولات” أن الجمعية العمومية التي أعلن اتحاد الكرة عنها في اجتماعه الأخير، ستقام في شهر مارس المقبل، وذلك بحسب مناقشات الاتحاد في جلسته.

وسيسبق العمومية، مناقشة البنود التي سيتم إعادة صياغتها وتعديلها مع الأندية في ورش العمل حتى يتم اعتمادها تلقائيًا في العمومية.

طالع أيضًا | أبو ريدة: فيفا الأكثر انزعاجًا من خسارة الأهلي أمام باتشوكا في كأس إنتركونتيننتال

وكان مجلس هاني أبو ريدة قد عقد اجتماعًا الأربعاء الماضي، بحضور جميع الأعضاء، واتخذ قرارات هامة، أبرزها تشكيل لجنة فنية لاتحاد الكرة تضم رموزًا هامة وأساطير للكرة المصرية أبرزهم حسن شحاتة ومحسن صالح وعلي أبو جريشة وحلمي طولان وأحمد حسن. قرارات مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة في اجتماعه الأخير

1- التصديق على محضر الاجتماع السابق.

2 – تكليف الدكتور مصطفى عزام بالعمل مديراً تنفيذياً للاتحاد.

3 – إلغاء جميع القرارات المالية والتعيينات التي تمت خلال شهري نوفمبر الماضي وديسمبر الحالي، قبل تولي مجلس الإدارة مهامه مع تكليف المدير التنفيذي بمراجعة القرارات المماثلة التي تم اتخاذها في بقية الشهور الستة الأخيرة.

4 – تكليف السيد المدير التنفيذي بمتابعة اللجان المشكلة للانتهاء من عمليات التسليم والتسلم.

5 – فيما يخص التكليفات التي تم إسنادها خلال الاجتماع السابق للسادة أعضاء المجلس تم الاستماع لعرض السادة الأعضاء عن المهام المكلفين بها، ووجه السيد رئيس الاتحاد الشكر لهم على الجهد المبذول و تقرر إحالة التقارير للجان التي ستشكل الجلسة القادمة.

6 – وقرر المجلس تشكيل اللجنة الفنية على النحو التالي: (حسن شحاتة، محسن صالح، علي أبو جريشة، حلمي طولان، حسن فريد، محمد عمر، أحمد حسن، عبد الظاهر السقا)، بالإضافة للمدير الفني للاتحاد بصفته.

7 – اطلع المجلس على التقرير المقدم من المدير الفني للاتحاد و وتقرر إحالته للجنة الفنية المشكلة لعرض توصياتها بشأنه.

8 – اطلع المجلس على تقرير إدارة المسابقات ووافق على ما جاء به، وتقرر عرض مقترح الموسم المُقبل في الجلسة المقبلة، فيما تم الموافقة على المقترح المقدم بتحديد بدلات مراقبي المباريات اعتباراً من الأول من يناير.

كما تقرر تشكيل لجنة المسابقات كالتالي: سيد بخيت (رئيس اللجنة)، والأعضاء “خالد كامل، ياسر رأفت، مجدي الشيخ (عن القسم الثاني ب)، مصطفى عيسى (عن القسم الثالث)، ناصر فراج (مقررًا)”.

9 – قرر المجلس صرف مستحقات الحكام في جميع الأقسام طبقا للكشف المعد من الكابتن / چيمس حنا المدير المالي للجنة الحكام.

10 – تقرر رفع بدلات التحكيم في جميع المسابقات اعتباراً من الأول من يناير المقبل؛ وذلك طبقا للكشف التفصيلي المقدم.

11 – اعتباراً من الأول من يناير المقبل يتحمل الاتحاد مصروفات التحكيم في جميع المسابقات سواء للفريق الأول أو المراحل السنية المختلفة؛ وذلك تخفيفاً على الأندية فيما عدا مسابقة القسم الأول.

12 – عدم الموافقة على الجمع بين العمل في الاتحاد و إداراته و العمل بالمنتخبات الوطنية.

13 – يُمنع قيد أي لاعب في فترة القيد المقبلة (يناير 2025) إلا بعد سداد كامل رسوم القيد مقدماً، وتكليف الأندية بسداد الديون المستحقة عليها للاتحاد، مع مد فترة القيد الشتوية من 1 يناير حتى ٨ فبراير المقبلين.

14 – الموافقة على هيكل إدارة الإعلام المقدم من السيد أسامة إسماعيل.

15 – تعديل بدلات المديرين الفنيين للقطاعات طبقا للكشف المقدم.

16 – قرر المجلس دعوة الجمعية العمومية للاتحاد للانعقاد غير العادي؛ وذلك لتعديل بعض بنود لائحة النظام الأساسي والتي سيتم عقد ورش عمل بشأنها قبل إرسالها إلى الأعضاء، بالإضافة إلى انتخاب اللجان القضائية ومناقشة مقترح تعديل شكل المسابقات.

Jesse Lingard has explained why he took a long break from football, while also discussing his motivation for joining FC Seoul.

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• Lingard without a club for more than six months
• Eventually signed for FC Seoul in South Korea
• Ex-Man Utd ace opens up on family struggles

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Manchester United player left Nottingham Forest as a free agent in June 2023, but it wasn't until February of this year that he joined K-League team Seoul. Now, the 31-year-old has lifted the lid on what he wants to achieve at the South Korean team and how he put his family first towards the end of last year.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT JESSE LINGARD SAID

  He told The Times: "People wondered why I swapped the Premier League for the K League in South Korea, but I wanted an adventure and a new type of challenge. When I signed for FC Seoul it was for two years, not just the season, because my goal is to bring trophies to my team and leave a legacy here. I’m so hungry for that. We’ve made the play-offs and that’s not a bad first step."

  On his family struggles, he added: "For pretty much the entire season [with Forest] I suffered severe tendinitis in my knees and Achilles. Sometimes I played in pain and other times I was just too sore to play at all. The only cure was rest but, in the summer, when I was out of contract, my nan got ill. She was an amazing woman – Pamela Lingard – and she and my grandad brought me up while, for long parts of my childhood, my mum battled depression.

  "But over the course of last summer, she became really poorly. She was in and out of hospital and though I was training hard and missed being at a club, it felt like being out of contract was God’s plan: I’m not going to give you a team right now, you need to stay home and be with your family. So that’s what I did. I spent as much time as I could with them and in November, when Nan passed away, Grandad took it really hard. He was depressed and suffering dizzy spells and was hospitalised himself. He needed looking after too, and there was the funeral to organise and a speech to give."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lingard reportedly turned down a number of options before joining Forest – in what proved to be a disastrous move – and now he is coming to the end of his first season at Seoul. Despite a rocky start, he has scored five goals and bagged one assist in 21 matches and his side are now in the play-offs. Many questioned the former England international's move to Korea but it seems he is happy with the decision he took.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Lingard's team begin their title bid next Sunday away to Gangwon, before taking on Suwon FC, Pohang Steelers, Ulsan and Gimcheon Sangmu over the next month. He may need to be at his best to help Seoul win a trophy this season.

Hales was the second-highest run scorer in last year’s tournament and will be available for the whole competition

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-2020Alex Hales will return to the Sydney Thunder for the Big Bash as he becomes the first overseas player to sign a new deal with the league ahead of what is expected to be the arrival of a significant number of England players.Tom Banton (Brisbane Heat) and Tom Curran (Sydney Sixers) are so far the only other confirmed overseas names for the tournament but they had existing deals with their clubs.Hales, who was dropped from the England side shortly before the 2019 World Cup after receiving a ban for using recreational drugs and has not played since, was the second-highest run scorer in last season’s BBL with 576 at 38.40 and a strike-rate of 146.93.”To get the chance to come back is exciting because we’re at the start of something,” Hales said. “I think the next two-to-three years is going to be very special for Sydney Thunder as a franchise. I really believe that, and to know I’m coming back to that means a lot.”It is expected that England names will feature strongly in this season’s BBL. ESPNcricinfo previously reported that Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy were lining up deals while Dawid Malan, the current No.1-ranked T20I batsman, is also in the mix and Liam Livingstone is tipped to head back to the Perth Scorchers.However, with England in talks about a limited-overs tour of South Africa in November it remains to be seen the availability of those who would be part of the squad. Overseas players arriving for the BBL will need to undergo two weeks of quarantine when they reach Australia amid the Covid-19 protocols.Shane Bond, the Sydney Thunder coach, said: “There’s a whole range of reasons to be excited about Alex extending his contract – and they’re exactly why we signed him in the first place. He is a great player who is available for the entire tournament.”He played brilliantly for us last year, but he was brilliant on-and-off the field. He was hugely popular with the players and support staff – and that’s how Alex is viewed wherever he plays.”We have some very talented players in our squad, and it is important to have those professionals, like Alex, around so they can learn off them as well. Everyone in the team is looking forward to having him back, he’s a brilliant bloke.”The revised fixture list for the BBL – which is currently due to start on December 3 – is yet to be confirmed by Cricket Australia but there is a chance it will be played in rolling hubs around the country to navigate the various Covid-19 border restrictions.

West Ham United are reportedly leading the race to sign a £30m-rated attacker for Julen Lopetegui.

West Ham seal first summer signing

It could be a busy few months for technical director Tim Steidten and Lopetegui in the transfer market, with the Irons already completing their first addition of the window.

Luis Guilherme is that man, officially joining from Palmeiras last week. Talking to the club’ official website after signing, Guilherme said: “I’m very happy to be signing with West Ham United, a Club that trusted in my work. I also want to thank everyone at West Ham, particularly Tim and his team who came to Brazil, and not only talked with me, but also with my family.

“They presented the project, and both my family and I liked it. So, I'm very happy to be signing with this Club and hope to contribute as much as possible. If things go well, we have a beautiful journey ahead. “The Head Coach and I already had a conversation. He showed me his project and I believe I’ll learn a lot from him. He’s coached at the national level in Spain and managed big clubs.

“The Premier League is the best league in the world. I believe I’ll improve a lot here with the entire staff at West Ham, which is crucial for my development. Growing up, whenever I had the chance, I watched English football. Seeing how it is and now being able to play here is an incredible feeling. Since I was eleven, I had this dream, and now it’s becoming a reality. I’m very happy about it and grateful to West Ham. Let’s go for it!”

West Ham now interested in signing £25m forward who once tormented Ogbonna

They know all about his quality.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 17, 2024

More attacking reinforcement after Guilherme appear to be wanted by the Hammers, with a bid made for Colombian Jhon Arias, rumours to Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling and links to Juventus’ Matias Soule. Now, it looks as if they are in a good position to sign the latter of the three.

Matias Soule to West Ham transfer update

Fabrizio Romano stated last week that West Ham had a serious interest in signing Soule, who is valued at up to £30m.

Now, reports from Italy, relayed by Claret & Hugh, claim that it is the Hammers who are leading the race to sign the forward. It is even added that the player’s representatives have held talks with West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Leicester City in London.

Soule is a right-winger who can also turn out as an attacking midfielder or second striker and is already valued at a career-high €25m by Transfermarkt.

He’d therefore provide plenty of versatility for Lopetegui in the final third and is a player who has caught the eye of analyst Ben Mattison, who praised Soule last season during his loan spell with Frosinone, comparing him to Angel di Maria.

Sporting Lisbon's Hugo Viana is set to replace Txiki Begiristain as director of football at Manchester City at the end of the season.

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Begiristain set to leave Man CityClub agree deal with VianaFormer Newcastle midfielder currently at SportingFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Begiristain joined City in 2012 and played a key role in the appointment of Pep Guardiola as manager four years later. The 60-year-old has played a pivotal part in City's rise, shaping them into Premier League powerhouses and establishing them as one of Europe’s elite teams. Earlier this week, it was revealed that Begiristain will step down at the end of the 2024-25 season, and the champions have now identified his successor.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Daily Mail were first to report that after a protracted search, City have reached an agreement with Hugo Viana to take over Begiristain's role next summer. In order for Begiristain to teach Viana the ropes over a six-month handover period, City are reportedly hoping for the former midfielder to join early in 2025.

(C)GettyImagesDID YOU KNOW?

Since Viana's arrival in 2018, Sporting have become astute players in the transfer market, with notable successes like Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, and Pedro Porro all sold for considerably higher fees than their original purchase prices. The 41-year-old, who used to play for Newcastle United, was also the one who took a bold gamble on appointing a relatively unproven manager in Ruben Amorim, a decision that proved successful. This knack for calculated risks could be a crucial asset for City, especially with Guardiola's future still uncertain.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

According to the report, the move could be officially announced as early as next week before Manchester City return to on-field action with a clash against Wolves on October 20.

Following a disappointing 8th placed finish in the Premier League last season, Manchester United now look set to bolster Erik ten Hag's squad going into the next campaign.

Man Utd eye big moves this summer

With this summer window being the first under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, there was always the assumption that the Red Devils would be set to open their chequebook and spend big.

Ratcliffe now set to sell £90k-p/w Manchester United regular for just £20m

It is the latest in a long line of brutal decisions being taken upstairs at the club.

ByBen Browning May 15, 2024

One area that United appear desperate to improve on is in defence. The latest rumours have linked the Red Devils with a move for Lille star Leny Yoro, who also has interest from rivals Liverpool. This recent news follows the ongoing saga surrounding Jarrad Branthwaite, who has been the Red Devils' top target for some time.

Ratcliffe also seems desperate to bring a new number nine to Old Trafford this summer. Joshua Zirkzee appears to be at the top of United's shopping list with the club leading the race to exercise the Bologna talisman's £34million release clause.

With this in mind, the Red Devils are reportedly interested in bringing in another well regarded striker to the Theatre of Dreams during the transfer window.

Red Devils eye surprise swoop for Morata

As first reported by Sport Witness, the Turkish media are suggesting that Man Utd are one of a number of sides interested in a deal for Atlético Madrid striker Alvaro Morata. The outlet reports that the Red Devils are joined by AS Roma, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and lastly Fenerbahce in pursuit of the 31-year-old forward, hence the interest from the Turkish rumour mill.

It is said that Morata's agent is in talks with almost all of these clubs, including United, who appear to be in the market for a back-up striker to support Rasmus Hojlund going into next season. The Spaniard's current deal has a release clause of a little over £10million, a figure that the Red Devils should have no issue matching.

Whilst boasting a CV consisting of spells in Spain, Italy and England, Morata has often struggled for consistency in front of goal, particularly during his time with Chelsea back in 2017/18 and 2018/19.

Real Madrid

95

31

11

Juventus

185

59

39

Chelsea

72

24

6

Atlético Madrid

154

58

14

Despite his previous struggles, Morata has carved out a decent career for himself at current side Atlético Madrid. Since returning to the Spanish capital in 2022, the striker has become a fan favourite at the Metropolitano Stadium, scoring 15 and 21 league goals in each of his full seasons at the club.

Morata's recent displays have seen him star as Spain's first choice striker at Euro 2024, even captaining his nation during the early passages of the tournament.

It was his exploits last season that saw Morata earn praise from Atletico manager Diego Simeone, who made a bold claim about the striker to the press: "Alvaro Morata is on par with Erling Haaland. In terms of goals and his numbers, he can certainly be compared to him."

Whilst a comparison to the seemingly unstoppable Haaland may be a bit of a stretch, there is no doubt that Morata would be a great addition to the Red Devils' squad if they are determined to let Hojlund flourish as the number one option.

“Being able to produce the kind of freedom in my performance was the biggest thing for me”

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Nov-2020For Glenn Phillips, who has had a stop-start international career, smashing a 46-ball century – the fastest in T20Is by a New Zealand batsman – against West Indies was “absolutely massive”. No, it won’t make him believe his future with the national team is all sorted out, but “you don’t get those very often, so I am going to enjoy it”.”That’s just an incredible day. You don’t get them very often… make the most of it,” Phillips said at a media interaction after New Zealand beat West Indies by 72 runs in the second T20I to go 2-0 up in the three-match series. “My whole thing is to try and be an entertainer for the crowd and, in that moment, having the crowd’s back, I wanted to give them something special, the whole team wanted to give them something special. It was amazing for me personally, (that) I could be part of it.”ALSO READ: Stats – Phillips hits fastest T20I ton by a New ZealanderPhillips and Devon Conway got together at 53 for 2 in the seventh over, but they didn’t really pick up pace till the last ball of the tenth over, when Phillips smacked Kieron Pollard for six. Then came the drizzle, overs that netted them 18, 11 and 24 runs, and then a rain delay. The big hitting continued after that as the two put together a 184-run stand, Conway ending on 65* from 37 balls to Phillips’ 51-ball 108.”Big part of our game plan is communication, reading the situation, adjusting to it. So, for me and Devon, we’ve never played with each other before, the communication side of things is even more crucial,” Phillips said. “We’ve both played a lot of T20 cricket, and when you lose two quick wickets, you don’t want to lose three or four. Especially on a ground like this where it’s hard to get going again, on a pitch that’s a little bit two-paced.”So we decided to give ourselves a couple of overs and by the time we both got going, it was 11-12 overs, and we have a very deep batting line-up, so that death phase can start much earlier, especially with the wind being an absolute hurricane in one direction. So making the most of that side and hitting with the wind and basically getting the momentum going. And then even when the rain came, just carrying on from where we started.

There’s guys that are established and still having to come back. And there’s players that are higher up in the rankings than myself. All I can do is, when I am given the opportunity, do the best that I can possibly for the team, because if the team’s winning, then everyone’s happyGlenn Phillips

“We’ve always been a team that’s big on our running between the wickets, especially on a big ground like this, which, I feel we adapted to very well after playing at Eden Park, which is so small, and twos are hard to come by. We said to each other ‘the moment we hit the ball, we’re going to run and look for two, no matter what’. He’s quick between the wickets, I am quick between the wickets, so we might as well use that asset especially when you’re not necessarily in the power-hitting mode.”Phillips, 23, made his international debut in a T20I in February 2017, but has only played 13 matches in the format now (along with one Test).”I had to go back, work on things, and took a step back to be able to move forward again. Then I had the opportunities in the Caribbean (Premier League), which slowly worked my confidence back and I was able to have a couple of good performances, being able to come out against these boys has had a massive part of play in that,” Phillips said. “And be able to produce the kind of freedom in my performance was the biggest thing for me – and, yeah, I was absolutely ecstatic. You don’t get those very often, and I was going to enjoy it.”The stint with Jamaica Tallawahs in the CPL – he top-scored for them with 316 runs at a strike rate of 127.41 from ten innings this season – have helped in a big way, Phillips said, especially learning to play smartly against spin: “The problem is not necessarily being able to find the boundary, the problem is finding the ones in between and not put myself under pressure.”Phillips, however, isn’t looking too far ahead. “There’s guys that are established and still having to come back. And there’s players that are higher up in the rankings than myself. All I can do is, when I am given the opportunity, do the best that I can possibly for the team, because if the team’s winning, then everyone’s happy,” he said. “Whether I am playing here or I am playing for the Tallawahs, or the (Auckland) Aces or my club back home, just being able to play the role that I need to play for that team and take it one day at a time.”