Leeds United are expected to make a "big appointment" to replace Victor Orta this summer, according to an update from journalist Ben Jacobs.

Has Orta left Leeds?

It has been another tumultuous season at Elland Road, with the Whites still heavily threatened by relegation from the Premier League. Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Manchester City was at least a spirited effort, but it was still a loss in Sam Allardyce's first game in charge.

The Englishman replaced Javi Gracia after his recent sacking – he had initially taken over from Jesse Marsch – and Victor Orta also departed his role as director of football at Leeds. The Italian was a big figure at the club during his time there, so it is vital that his replacement is nailed in the near future, regardless of where the Whites are playing their football next season.

Who will replace Orta this summer?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs touched up on the importance of the appointment, in what could be such a key summer at Elland Road:

"49ers Enterprises are well aware of the importance of the next four games. They were also extremely involved in Orta’s departure and the hiring of Sam Allardyce, as they were in the appointment of Gracia.

"But the one thing that each departure and appointment has in common is that it clears the slate a little bit. Gracia was only temporary, and now he's gone. Allardyce has come in, but he's only temporary. Orta has gone, which means there's a big appointment and window of opportunity to bring in someone new with a different approach and a new strategy."

As mentioned, the importance of Leeds bringing in a top-quality director of football cannot be overstated enough, with Orta such an influential figure, even if he could prove to be a divisive figure at times. He was still the brains behind the signings of players such as Raphinha, Jack Harrison and Mateusz Klich, outlining the job he did, and he was hugely passionate at the same time.

Whether Allardyce stays put beyond the summer remains to be seen, but whatever happens with him, having someone as good as, or hopefully even better than, Orta is vital for the Whites, ensuring they continue to be a well-run club.

It will clearly be easier to appoint an elite director of football if Leeds' Premier League status is preserved, which should act as an extra incentive for Allardyce and his players to get the job done in the coming weeks.

Newcastle United have been name-checked in a transfer report regarding Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse's future.

Is Ward-Prowse leaving Southampton?

The 28-year-old has been a fantastic servant for Saints down the years, so often standing out as their most talented and influential player. In total, he has racked up 406 appearances for his current club, but it looks as though he will soon player his final game for them.

Southampton now look almost certain to be relegated from the Premier League, following a desperately poor season, and they will find it impossible to keep hold of their most prized asset. He is simply too good to be playing Championship football next season and there is sure to be plenty of interest in his signature.

Newcastle are one of the clubs who have been linked with a move for Ward-Prowse this summer, as they look to make significant additions in key areas before competing in four competitions next term. A fresh update has now emerged that suggests it could be a two-way shootout between the Magpies and one other Premier League club.

Could Ward-Prowse seal Newcastle move?

According to The Athletic, it could be a case of "to Newcastle United or Aston Villa" for Ward-Prowse, with a chunk of the report focusing on how he could benefit the Magpies:

"With Newcastle set to play an increased number of games next season due to European commitments, having a figure of dependability, set-play prowess and someone who habitually covers more distance than anyone else in the Premier League would be of undoubted benefit.

"Tactically, Howe’s 4-3-3 shape gives license to two attack-minded No 8s and accommodates the type of box-to-box, high-energy profile of midfielder Ward-Prowse is."

Ward-Prowse could be such a good signing by Newcastle if they pip Aston Villa to his services, with the Englishman someone who is arguably at the peak of his powers, despite Southampton's struggles this season.

The midfielder was described as "world-class" by former Saints manager Nathan Jones earlier this year, which says a lot about his ability, and he possesses a wealth of experience in the top flight.

Ward-Prowse's set-piece quality is up there with the best players in the world – he is only one behind David Beckham's tally of 18 when it comes to most free-kicks scored in Premier League history – and he is also strong off the ball, averaging 1.7 tackles per game in the league this season. He could provide ideal squad depth ahead of European commitments for Newcastle, but is also likely to force his way in as a regular starter.

Everton have had a surprise contract offer for Liverpool midfielder James Milner rejected, according to reports.

What's the latest on Milner's future?

The Premier League veteran has made 329 appearances during his time at Anfield which is more than any other club he’s played for throughout his professional career, but with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, he’s about to become a free agent on the market.

The Reds were reportedly looking to offer the 37-year-old a new deal but the fact that it wasn’t high on their list of priorities mean that he is keen to seek a new challenge elsewhere to a destination he’ll be needed more often, and he isn’t short of potential suitors queuing up to recruit him.

90min report that Leeds United, who are his boyhood club, and Nottingham Forest were both hoping to get him on board, but Fabrizio Romano soon put an end to their ambitions after revealing that he’s agreed a one-year deal to join Brighton and Hove Albion, but it turns out they weren’t the only side that submitted a proposal.

According to Football Insider, Everton actually made a “late move” to sign Milner but had their offer personally “rejected” by Liverpool’s long-term servant. The Toffees are believed to have tabled a “lucrative” contract in the hope of bringing him to the blue half of Merseyside, but he “turned down” the opportunity and instead chose to link up with the Seagulls. Sean Dyche is “likely” to target the free agent market for new signings as a result of Financial Fair Play rules and regulations, so this will be a transfer setback.

Is Milner's contract rejection a blow for Everton?

Everton will know that Milner would have only been a short-term signing given his age, but having been hailed a “role model” to his Liverpool teammates by Jurgen Klopp, Farhad Moshiri and Dyche will definitely have suffered a blow in missing out on securing his services.

England’s former international is naturally an aggressive player and loves to get stuck in having won 189 tackles from 193 players challenged throughout the latest stage of his career, but can also contribute to efforts in the final third having posted 221 goal involvements since bursting onto the professional scene.

The Nike-sponsored athlete, who is a versatile operator with his ability to play in 11 various positions across the pitch, also knows what it takes to be successful and compete at the highest level having secured 12 pieces of silverware so could have passed his winning mentality onto the rest of the current squad at Goodison Park, but that now won’t be the case.

Angelo Mathews is in a race to be fit for the second Royal London ODI at Edgbaston but will be given until the last moment to prove his hamstring has fully recovered from the stiffness that forced him from the field in the first ODI at Trent Bridge.Mathews looked somewhat uncomfortable and was only able to run at around 70 percent during a fitness test on Wednesday afternoon before sitting out the rest of the fielding session, although he did take part in some batting practice later.He will have a further fitness test on Friday before the team is announced but if he is unable to play then Sri Lanka, whose bowling stocks have been depleted throughout the tour, have limited options to replace him.Dinesh Chandimal is tipped to step in as captain and, if the pitch looks likely to turn, Sri Lanka may consider playing two slow bowlers and bring in off-spinner Suraj Randiv to replace Mathews, a move that would undoubtedly weaken the batting line-up and leave Sri Lanka needing a new opening bowler to partner Suranga Lakmal.But while replacing Mathews with bat and ball – not to mention losing his experience as captain – would be a huge challenge, Sri Lanka’s fielding must also be a significant concern.As Mathews lumbered through cones with training staff, his teammates – barely 30 metres away – hardly impressed in their fielding drills, diving over balls and failing to pick them up cleanly on several occasions.Liam Plunkett’s six off Nuwan Pradeep’s final ball may have tied the first ODI but it was Sri Lanka’s sloppiness in the field off the penultimate ball, which gave Chris Woakes three runs instead of two, that put England in a position from which a tie was even possible.It is a point not lost on Sri Lanka opener, Danushka Gunathilaka.”That’s a ball that if we keep to them to two runs we win the game,” Gunithilaka said. “You can’t just blame the one person. It’s a team game.”Of course we are a bit disapppointed by the fielding. We were very good with batting and bowling, the only thing is we have to improve our fielding a bit more. If we fielded well [at Trent Bridge] it would have been a different story but we are improving. We have to improve our fielding. Sometimes we did well, sometimes we gave them runs.”It was a pretty tight game and at the end of the day we were disappointed, but we take some very good positive things and we are looking forward to the next game.”

Lionel Messi's potential return to the Nou Camp could allow for Raphinha to move to Newcastle United, according to reports.

Eddie Howe and the Newcastle board have begun to take steps toward assembling the squad they hope to start the 2023/24 season with.

What's the latest on Raphinha to Newcastle?

After the Brazilian appeared on the front cover of Sport, via Sport Witness, speculation linking him with a return to the Premier League has increased.

Newcastle have reportedly "made an approach" for the 26-year-old and if Lionel Messi does return to Barcelona after his recent fallout with PSG, it would make sense for an ambitious player like Raphinha to search for a club where he can challenge and play constantly.

Eddie Howe could give him that opportunity and with Newcastle said to be prepared to pay him more than the €12m (£10.4m) per year that he earns in La Liga, it's a move with promise.

Arsenal and Chelsea are also credited with interest – Barcelona's tight financial situation means that they will certainly enjoy a bidding war to increase their return on the initial £49m they spent to sign him.

In October 2021, current Gunner Gabriel Magalhaes praised his compatriot for his display in a 4-1 win over Uruguay, calling the former Leeds star a "phenomenon”.

Would a move for Raphinha make sense for Newcastle?

Raphinha is a special player – there is no doubting the quality he possesses even if he hasn't managed to set the world alight during his time at Barcelona, as he still sits highly in a number of attacking metrics across Europe's top leagues, like goals, assists and dribbles per 90.

This season he has been a double threat, scoring ten goals and assisting 11, and would be a player Howe could put to great use. Jacob Murphy has been effective for Newcastle this season but lacks the numbers to hold that right wing spot down.

What Bukayo Saka has become for Arsenal and what Mohamed Salah has been for Liverpool for years should lay down a blueprint for Newcastle to follow if Howe is looking to assemble a side worthy of competing in the knockouts of the Champions League. Raphinha certainly fits the bill and has Premier League experience so there would be fewer issues theoretically concerning the initial adjustment period after a transfer.

It's a move that makes sense for all parties – if Messi completes a return move to Barcelona – this move could advance quite quickly.

Billy Bowden may have stood in his last international match, after being dropped from New Zealand Cricket’s international panel of umpires

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Jun-2016

Billy Bowden may have stood in his last international match, after being dropped from New Zealand Cricket’s international panel of umpires.Bowden was demoted to NZC’s national panel, along with Derek Walker and Phil Jones, in a shake-up of New Zealand’s umpiring ranks that resulted in former first-class players Shaun Haig and Chris Brown being promoted to the international panel. Wayne Knights was the third man added to the international panel.Bowden stood in 84 Tests, 200 one-day internationals and 24 T20 internationals, his most recent appearance having been during the Chappell-Hadlee Series in Wellington in February.He made his international debut in an ODI in 1995 and his Test debut in 2000, and for many years was one of the most recognisable figures on the ICC’s elite panel due to his unusual mannerisms.However, Bowden was cut from the elite panel in 2013. He was reinstated in 2014 after the retirement of his countryman Tony Hill, but was axed once again in 2015.Since then, Bowden was on New Zealand’s international panel, meaning he was still able to stand in international matches. As a member of the national panel, he will now only be able to officiate in domestic games and women’s internationals.NZC international panel Chris Brown, Wayne Knights, Shaun Haig.

NZC national panel Billy Bowden, Chris Brown, Tony Gillies, Shaun Haig, Phil Jones, Wayne Knights, Ash Mehrotra, Tim Parlane, Derek Walker.

سجل فريق زد الهدف الأول أمام بيراميدز في المباراة التي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الرابطة المصرية.

وتقام مباراة بيراميدز وزد مساء اليوم الجمعة على استاد الدفاع الجوي في الجولة الثالثة من دور المجموعات لبطولة كأس رابطة الأندية المحترفة في نسختها الثالثة.

ويتواجد فريق زد في المركز الثاني بالمجموعة الثانية ولديه 3 نقاط، بينما يحل بيراميدز في المركز الثالث برصيد نقطتين.

ويتقدم بيراميدز بثلاثية أحرزها فخري لاكاي ومحمد رضا بوبو ومروان حمدي.

بينما أضاف مروان حمدي في الدقيقة 62 الهدف الثالث لصالح بيراميدز بعد تلقيه عرضية من المخضرم أحمد فتحي.

وأحرز شادي حسين هدف زد الأول في الدقيقة 69 بعد عرضية داخل منطقة الجزاء، استلمها عقب إبعاد خاطئ من دفاع بيراميدز ليصوب الكرة في الشباك. هدف زد الأول أمام بيراميدز في كأس الرابطة (ِشادي حسين)

تمكن سيراميكا كليوباترا من تحقيق الفوز على سموحة بثنائية نظيفة في إطار دور الثمانية من كأس رابطة المحترفين المصرية لموسم 2023-2024.

تقدم سيراميكا كليوباترا بشكل مبكر في الدقيقة التاسعة بهدف عن طريق مهاجمه أحمد ياسر ريان.

وعزز سيراميكا كليوباترا تقدمه في الدقيقة 30 بهدف ثاني بواسطة لاعبه شريف رضا.

اقرأ أيضًا.. فيديو | الاتحاد يهزم إنبي بثنائية ويتأهل إلى نصف نهائي كأس الرابطة

ولم تنجح محاولات سموحة طوال اللقاء في التسجيل لينتهي اللقاء بتفوق سيراميكا كليوباترا بثنائية نظيفة وتأهله لدور نصف النهائي من كأس الرابطة.

ويلعب الاتحاد السكندري في دور نصف نهائي كأس رابطة الأندية المصرية أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا، بينما يلتقي طلائع الجيش مع الفائز من مباراة المصري وبيراميدز في نصف النهائي الآخر. أهداف مباراة سيراميكا كليوباترا وسموحة اليوم في كأس الرابطة

Before Newcastle United took to the pitch against Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday night, supporters knew that ceding ground in the Premier League for a third successive match could prove detrimental to their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Trepidation was in short supply from the bellowing St. James' Park home faithful, supporters turned from doubters to believers in their swathes after the exploits of the past 18 months, having cast aside the cynicism that in football is so often interlinked in negative results on the pitch.

Despite the recent defeat against Arsenal, and despite the away draw to imperilled Leeds United, the Magpies knew that victory would return and against high-flying Albion Eddie Howe's outfit produced a scintillating display of control, composure and creativity, emerging 4-1 victors and illustrating their Champions League credentials with a uniform display of steely conviction.

There were laudable performances from all angles, but it was Miguel Almiron, who didn't get on the score sheet himself, who dazzled with a dynamic performance for the ages on the right flank.

How did Miguel Almiron perform vs Brighton?

The high-octane Seagulls simply couldn't keep up for large portions of the affair, with Howe lauding his squad as "relentless" after a win which now leaves his side requiring just three more points to confirm top four.

And while Callum Wilson, Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn all etched their names onto the score sheet, it was the Paraguayan Almiron who truly stole the show, with podcaster Alex Hurst stating it was "one of the great non-goal scoring performances".

Wilson in particular caught the eye with his late surging run to make it 3-1, latching onto Almiron's through ball and clinching his 18th Premier League goal of the season, but Almiron was indeed the orchestrator.

As per Sofascore, the 29-year-old produced an impressive match rating of 7.6 and earned a late assist after playing Wilson through on goal in the closing stage of the match, but it was the expansive scope of his showing that cemented his "excellent" night on Tyneside, as he was praised by Chris Waugh.

Making four key passes and completing 89% of his total passes, Almiron's ball-playing aptitude was on full show, while his tenacity was also evident after making two tackles and interceptions apiece, winning nine of his 19 ground duels and picking up four fouls; he also succeeded with three of his five dribbles and forced a stunning save from Brighton stop-stopper Jason Steele.

Hailed for “one of the finest” displays out of possession by one analyst, the £42k-per-week star reminded English football of his prowess on Thursday night, and while he couldn't add to his 11 divisional goals this term, he has seemingly returned to top form at the optimum moment, steering his club toward Champions League nights.

Aston Villa are reportedly preparing a move to sign Real Madrid attacker Marco Asensio this summer.

What’s the latest transfer news coming out of Aston Villa involving Asensio?

It looks like it could be an extremely busy summer at Villa Park ahead of Unai Emery’s first full season in charge, with the manager currently leading a late push to qualify for European football in the Premier League.

Plans for the summer are already being put in place, though, with Barcelona director Mateu Alemany reportedly reaching a ‘full agreement’ to move to the Midlands this summer.

He looks set to work closely with Emery when it comes to transfer targets, and it appears as if they have identified Asensio as one of their first possible signings together, with the manager on board over a swoop for the Madrid man.

Reliable Spanish outlet Marca shared an update on Asensio, who is out of contract at the Bernabeu at the end of the season. They said that Alemany and Emery are going to launch an Aston Villa move for the player through his representative, Jorge Mendes.

Asensio would like to renew his Real Madrid contract, however, Villa may well submit an offer for the left-footed winger that could be worth around €8m-a-year (£6.9m), working out at £132,000-a-week and double his Madrid salary.

What would Asensio bring to Villa?

Asensio, described as "sensational" for the impact he's made from the bench back in October, was valued at a whopping €90m by Transfermarkt back in 2018 and is now valued at €25m, so you can see why Alemany and Emery could launch an eye-catching contract offer with no transfer fee required.

The 27-year-old can play on either wing or in an attacking midfield role, so would offer plenty of versatility in the final third. A three-time Champions League winner, the Spaniard has made 281 appearances for Madrid, contributing to 92 goals.

He has plenty of experience in the Champions League, a competition Villa would love to be playing in further down the line under Emery, while Asensio also has 35 caps to his name at international level for Spain.

Therefore, for free, he could prove to be a smart signing by Villa this summer as they look to go to the next level, and it looks as if Alemany and Emery are working on a move.