Hardik Pandya’s lower-back injury, which has taken away his bowling, for the time being, has affected India’s team balance in a big way, but there was good news for India’s fans after the first of the three ODIs in Australia. Not only did Pandya give a good account of himself as a batsman, top-scoring with 90 off 76 from 101 for 4, he also dropped a hint he might be ready to bowl come the World Cups. There are three of those in the next three years: for T20Is in 2021 and 2022, and the ODI variety in 2023. He said he was bowling already but still not confident physically or skills-wise he could do it in games.”It is a process,” Pandya said when asked where he was with respect to a return to the bowling crease. “I am looking at a long-term goal where I want to be 100% of my bowling capacity for the most important games. The World Cups are coming. More crucial series are coming. Whenever it is required.”I am thinking as a long-term plan, not short term where I exhaust myself and maybe have something else [injury] which is not there. So it is going to be a process, which I am following. I can’t tell you exactly when I am going to bowl but the process is on. In the nets, I am bowling. It is just that I am not game-ready but I am bowling. It is all about confidence and the skill has to be at an international level.”ALSO READ: Monga – India’s one-dimensional batsmen hurting their five-bowler strategyThe absence of Pandya the bowler hurts India all the more because they have no part-timer to hold the fort for the time being. Ravindra Jadeja is the only two-dimensional player in the ODI squad in Australia, but he plays as the fifth bowler, leaving no allowance for any of the bowlers to have an off day. At least three of them had it in the series opener, which resulted in a humongous target of 375.Pandya said India needed to groom someone promising even if there was no natural allrounder coming through. “That has been the question always, right?” Pandya said of the missing link in the side. “We have to find and maybe make… I have always believed that… even when I came into the circuit, I was not always the allrounder which I wanted to be. But with time I groomed myself and became that bowling option. I worked on my bowling.Hardik Pandya launches one down the ground•Getty Images

“Yeah, it is always going to be difficult when you go with five bowlers. When someone is having an off day you don’t have someone to fulfil the quota. More than injury, the sixth bowler’s role is when someone among the five bowlers is having a bad day. I think it is going to be… maybe we will have to make, maybe we will have to find someone who has already played India, and groom them and find a way to make them play.”Pandya went on to make a cheeky suggestion: “Maybe we should look in the Pandya family only. There is one sitting at home.”Brother Krunal has been tried in T20Is by India, but not in the ODIs. It is probably because they already have one fingerspinner in Jadeja, and they need either a seam-bowling allrounder or a batsman who can turn his arm over.India’s captain Virat Kohli admitted they didn’t have such an option in the touring party in Australia. Asked if he would have a bowl himself, Kohli joked he might bowl if Aaron Finch were batting. He called for his specialist bowlers to pick up wickets to make up for the absence of that cushion of a sixth bowler and asked for a better body language.”The key to winning games is picking up wickets,” Kohli pointed out. “That is something we were not able to do. Also, lapses in the field were also a reason why we couldn’t capitalise on any kind of momentum, the pressure that we created in the early part of the innings.”Everyone needs to show the intent for the entire 50 overs. Probably we played 50 overs after a long time. That could have an effect, but having said that we have played so much ODI cricket that it is not something we don’t know how to do. I think the body language in the field wasn’t great after around 25 overs. It was a disappointing part. If you don’t take your chances against a top-quality opposition they’ll hurt you and that is what happened today.”

Fast bowler comes into England’s South Africa tour in form after adapting successfully at the IPL

Andrew Miller20-Nov-2020As Ben Stokes can amply attest from his most recent experience at a T20 World Cup, there are some days as a death bowler when you have no place to hide. Chris Jordan had a few of those himself at this year’s IPL – not least in his opening three outings of the campaign for Kings XI Punjab, in which he went wicketless and conceded 135 runs from 11 leaky overs.But by the end of the tournament, Jordan had found his range to carry his team close to an improbable play-offs berth, and as he gears up for another T20I campaign in South Africa – a trip on which he may well overhaul Stuart Broad’s long-term England record of 63 wickets – he believes it is his enduring faith in his own methods that is keeping him in demand in the format.ALSO READ: ‘Real conversations’ key for anti-racism message – Jordan”The more you play T20 cricket, the more I’m a big believer in sticking to your strengths and trusting them as much as possible,” Jordan said. “Some of the batters and quality hitters out there can make you doubt them at times, but the nature of T20 cricket is that, as long as you’re bowling, those kind of things are liable to happen.”Sometimes you can go back through your spell and look at the execution and think, well, actually my execution wasn’t too far off, the batter just got the best of me on the day. So, over a period of time, I just tried to judge myself on execution as much as possible and not end result, just so I can keep my emotions as level as possible.”Jordan’s performances in the IPL were a testament to the mental strength that, at the age of 32, he has built up in the course of a long and varied T20 career – one that has included stints in Australia’s Big Bash, the Caribbean Premier League and the Pakistan Super League, in addition to his exploits for Sussex in the Blast.And that experience proved to be an especially valuable commodity at this year’s IPL, as he found a way to adapt his game to the uncompromising, dew-heavy conditions that prevailed the UAE, without abandoning his variations – including his trademark wide yorkers – that other fast bowlers of his ilk chose to shelve in favour of out-and-out pace.England warm-up match

Team Morgan: 1 Jonny Bairstow, 2 Tom Banton, 3 Ben Stokes, 4 Eoin Morgan, 5 Liam Livingstone, 6 Moeen Ali, 7 Chris Woakes, 8 Tom Curran, 9 Mark Wood, 10 Jake Ball, 11 Reece Topley
Team Buttler: 1 Jason Roy, 2 Dawid Malan, 3 Joe Root, 4 Jos Buttler, 5 Sam Billings, 6 Sam Curran, 7 Lewis Gregory, 8 Chris Jordan, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Jofra Archer, 11 Olly Stone, 12 Tom Helm

“When I come across new players and new coaches, I’ve got pretty good at filtering information,” Jordan said. “I always try to learn something [from every tournament] and take just one thing to add to my game, to build up myself as a player and build up a profile as well.”So, in the IPL, it was about finding different ways of bowling at the death, possibly bowling to different fields, adding one or two other things to your arsenal as well, such as a new slower ball to my repertoire.”From that point of view, it’s great to play with other international stars, and different minds, to keep adding things to your game, and continue to try to evolve as a player as well.”Jordan finished the IPL with nine wickets at 33.77 in as many matches, but seeing as each of those scalps came in his final six matches, including a Player-of-the-Match-winning haul of 3 for 17 against Sunrisers in Dubai, he has arrived in South Africa as one of the form bowlers in England’s line-up.ESPNcricinfo LtdNevertheless, Jordan still faces stiff competition for a starting berth given the wealth of options in England’s ranks – including Jofra Archer, the IPL’s newly crowned MVP, and his fellow quick Mark Wood, as well as the left-arm option of Sam Curran, whose T20 credentials have never been higher after a formidable all-round display for Chennai Super Kings.”T20 has been talked about as a batsman’s game from inception really, so it’s just nice to see fast bowlers getting recognition and really stake a claim in in this format,” Jordan said. “So many guys were just involved in the latest IPL and doing well, as well. So the more depth and options that the selectors and captain and coach have, it’s the better for the team.”As for the prospect of becoming England’s leading wicket-taker in the format – he needs just three scalps in the course of the series – Jordan insisted it was not something at the forefront of his mind.”I don’t draw myself into thinking about it too much,” he said. “I just try to stay in the moment as much as possible, and play like it’s my first game every time. I’m someone that likes to stay on my toes. Keep my standards up on a day to day basis, not get too comfortable, because I feel like that’s how to bring out the best in myself.”It’s something I’ve worked on mentally a lot to stay in that headspace. I just try to give everything I can to the team, and wickets is a part of that, runs is a part of that. I’m always happy to contribute to the team with the ball, with the bat, in the field, off the field, in any way I can, to continue to allow this team to keep moving forward.”And with the next T20 World Cup looming in just under a year’s time, Jordan admitted the end goal of another global tournament was an exciting one.”It’s been good being back with the group, seeing all the boys again,” he added. “The vibe, the energy, everything that this team brings is how the bubble has been so far, so I can’t wait to get started.”If you weren’t getting excited, you’re not a human being. It’s natural to get excited, especially off the back of everything that happened in 2019 as well.”Gearing up to a big tournament is a process, and that starts with the day-to-day running of the team. One series at a time, one game at a time, which is a lot of what we’ve focused on to get ourselves to this point.”Despite another positive Covid-19 test leading to the cancellation of South Africa’s intra-squad warm-up on Saturday, England will still be in action in Cape Town. Team Morgan will play Team Buttler in a 40-over match, with no restrictions on the amount of overs bowlers can deliver, in order to give the touring spinners a good workout.

نجح فريق الكرة الأول بنادي الزمالك في تحقيق الفوز على نظيره أبو قير للأسمدة بمستهل مشواره في كأس مصر 2024-2025، بهدفين دون رد.

وأقيمت مباراة الزمالك وأبو قير للأسمدة، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي ضمن مواجهات دور الـ32 ببطولة كأس مصر.

طالع | موعد مباراة الزمالك القادمة بعد الفوز أمام أبو قير للأسمدة في كأس مصر

فوز الزمالك صعد به للدور الـ16 ليستكمل مشواره ساعيًا لاقتناص اللقب الغائب منذ موسم 2020-2021. منافس الزمالك في دور الـ16 من كأس مصر

ومن المقرر أن يواجه الزمالك نظيره مودرن سبورت في مباراة لم يتحدد موعدها حتى الآن.

وكان مودرن سبورت قد نجح في تحقيق الفوز بخمسة أهداف مقابل هدفين ليتأهل إلى دور الـ16 من كأس مصر.

Mikel Arteta has done an excellent job in transforming Arsenal since his appointment at the Emirates back in 2019.

Upon his arrival back at the club where he spent five years of his playing career, he was tasked with taking the Gunners back towards the top end of the Premier League after numerous years without Champions League football either.

In what has been his first senior management job, the Spaniard has excelled and instilled a free-flowing possession-based system in North London, with the midfield able to get on the ball and dictate the play.

The arrivals of talents such as Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard have taken the Gunners to the next level, allowing the club to finally compete for another title.

However, despite the duo’s respective successes at the Emirates, the club have been crying out for one more midfield talent to complete Arteta’s midfield trio.

The supporters may finally receive their wish, with the club raging closer to securing the signature of one player who has been on their radar for a number of transfer windows.

Arsenal leading the race for £60m talent

According to reports in Spain, Arsenal are leading the race to sign Everton’s Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana, despite interest from LaLiga side Barcelona.

The 22-year-old, who joined the Toffees for £33m back in the summer of 2022, has excelled at Goodison Park, making 72 appearances during his two years on Merseyside – attracting interest from some of Europe’s elite.

The report claims that Sean Dyche’s side need to raise funds this summer, with Onana potentially one to leave the club to prevent a further PSR breach next season following their total of eight points deducted in 2023/24.

It’s previously been reported that Everton are set to demand £60m for his signature this summer, with Onana having the ability to transform Arteta’s midfield once more and complete his trio in the middle of the pitch.

Why Onana would complete Arteta’s Arsenal midfield

In a campaign where Dyche’s side managed to claim Premier League status once more, Onana played a key role in midfield for the Toffees featuring in 30 matches over the course of the league campaign.

The Belgian produced some excellent stats for the Toffees, numerous of which would hugely benefit Arteta’s side ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

The 22-year-old achieved a pass accuracy of 84% in the Premier League last season, producing an average of 4.6 progressive passes per 90 – showcasing his desire to play forward and create opportunities where possible.

Whilst he’s excelled on the ball, he’s been phenomenal defensively, with analyst Ben Mattinson dubbing the midfielder as a “monster”.

Onana has averaged 3.1 tackles per 90, winning 2.2 per game, demonstrating his excellent ball-winning abilities at the base of midfield before playing the ball forward in transition.

His excellent stats would play perfectly into the hands of Rice and Odegaard who thrive with the ball at their feet, with the duo contributing with a combined 18 assists in the league last season.

The potential arrival of the Belgian would allow for the aforementioned duo to take their game to the next level, whilst also providing Arteta’s side with added security to bolster their already impressive defensive unit. Rice has been a revelation since joining but has looked at his best when given an opportunity to move further forward, contributing with seven league goals.

As a result, this is a move that could well truly complete Arteta's midfield trio. Odegaard from the right, Rice from the left and Onana at the base certainly sounds like a tasty recipe.

The Toffees star may prove to be an expensive addition for the Gunners, but his excellent stats with and without the ball would allow for the club to finally edge even closer to ending their 20-year drought without a Premier League title.

What Arsenal’s starting XI could look like after £300m spending spree

Arsenal could have a massive summer ahead of them if they are to finally overtake Manchester City.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 16, 2024

David Warner is still struggling to regain his former dynamism after a groin injury, meaning he is a doubtful starter for the third Test of the series against India even as Australia feel his absence ever more keenly at the top of the batting order.Australia’s coach Justin Langer revealed on Sunday that Warner was now batting comfortably in the nets as part of the hosts’ preparation for the next match, but remained affected in terms of running mobility by the after effects of the groin tear suffered during the second ODI against India at the SCG back in November.Urgency has been added to the need for Warner’s recovery by Australia’s failure to gain a first innings foothold in either of the first two Tests, meaning they are leaning heavily on their vaunted bowling attack to keep the home side ahead of India.Related

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“There’s no-one more professional and he’s doing everything possible,” Langer told Ricky Ponting during a lunchtime interview on Seven. “We saw him bat the day before the game, he’s batting again this afternoon at the MCG, so in terms of his batting he’s flying, it’s just trying to … he’s still having some trouble with his groin and we know how dynamic he is.”His running between the wickets, his movements all the time, so he’s getting closer and we’re hopeful he will come good, he’s certainly hopeful he’ll come good, but time will tell. We’ve still got a few more days to the next Test match.”It was Warner’s union with Joe Burns last season that gave the Australians several key platforms against Pakistan and New Zealand, and in his absence they are yet to register a century stand against India, coming closest in an 86-run union between Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head on Boxing Day.But even that stand was a source of frustration for Langer, underlining how when two batsmen are set in challenging conditions, it is critical for them to go on to partnerships worth 150 or more.”A bit like the first Test, just our partnerships,” Langer said when asked what he had been disappointed by. “We’re not going to set up games as well as we could – if you look at our partnerships in the first Test match in the first innings and then yesterday, we have to get a lot better at that.”We had one 50-partnership in the first Test and we had an 86-run partnership yesterday, and you’ve also, when you have an 86-run partnership, you’ve got to turn that into 150, because you’re set and to set up the game. So we weren’t able to do that and to me, partnerships as much as anything.”

The decision was ratified by the BCCI’s general body comprising the state associations

Nagraj Gollapudi24-Dec-2020

The BCCI has approved a 10-team IPL from 2022. The decision was ratified by the BCCI’s general body comprising the state associations at the board’s annual general meeting on Thursday in Ahmedabad. Deciding on two additional teams was among the main points on the agenda for the board’s 89th AGM; with less than four months left for the next IPL, it was decided to stick to eight teams for the 2021 edition.Another important point was to discuss cricket’s possible inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The BCCI deferred taking a stand on it and will instead discuss it at a special general meeting in early 2021. With the ICC becoming more optimistic about the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Summer Olympics, the body had recently sent a questionnaire to all member countries asking them to quantify the “potential financial benefits” they could accrue from their respective governments if cricket was included in the Olympics.The biggest decision at the AGM concerned the expansion of IPL, which the BCCI has been discussing since the successful organisation of the recent edition in the UAE despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is understood that at the meeting on Thursday, both Sourav Ganguly and Jay Shah, the BCCI president and secretary, stressed that the IPL must become bigger, to provide more opportunities to more players worldwide while adding new cities to the IPL map.The board members – the state associations – accordingly decided that the IPL can comprise up to 10 teams from the 2022 edition and authorised the IPL governing council to finalise the preparations for the addition of the new teams. That means the 2022 IPL could have nine or 10 teams. The state associations and the BCCI office-bearers agreed that time constraints would prevent an additional franchise in 2021, which would remain an eight-team tournament.The board also decided to set a cap of one franchise per state. Consequently, the new IPL franchise(s) would be located in a state where no existing franchise has a home base. With Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and the union territories of Delhi and Chandigarh ruled out, other international match venues like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Visakhapatnam, Kochi/Thiruvananthapuram and Lucknow, would be favourites to host the new franchises.BCCI open to cricket at LA Olympics but…
According to several state associations officials who attended the AGM, the members were open to the idea of cricket featuring in the 2028 summer Olympics. However, they wanted clarity on few key issues.That included whether the BCCI would firstly need to give up its autonomy and become part of the Indian Olympic Association, which the members were against. The state associations also wanted to know what the revenue-sharing agreement would be like. There was also concern about whether participating in the Olympics could dilute the IPL, which has been the biggest money-spinner for the BCCI over the past decade.BCCI’s Arun Singh Dhumal, Sourav Ganguly, Jay Shah, Rajiv Shukla and Brijesh Patel at the 89th AGM•PTI

Rajiv Shukla back as BCCI vice-president
Rajiv Shukla has returned as the BCCI vice-president after he was elected for the post at the AGM. Shukla had previously served as the board vice-president for three years when N Srinivasan was president, and now takes over the post left vacant by Mahim Verma earlier this year.Shukla has had a long association with the BCCI; he has also served as the IPL chairman twice, from 2011 to 2013 and from 2015 to 2018. He had ended his first stint in the middle of 2013 following the IPL scandal over alleged corruption in the league when three Rajasthan Royals players were arrested for spot-fixing allegations.On Thursday, Shukla said his focus as vice-president will always be to improve Indian cricket. “It’s a great day for Indian cricket, we have taken many decisions in today’s AGM by which cricket of our country will certainly be growing. This year COVID-19 impacted one and all but we managed to hold IPL this year and my focus as the vice-president will always be to improve Indian cricket,” Shukla told ANI.

Hazlewood and Cummins dismantled India for 36 with Australia securing victory before the floodlights were even needed

Andrew McGlashan19-Dec-2020A fascinatingly poised Test match. What sort of target could Australia chase? The scene set for Virat Kohli to sign off the tour with a defining innings? The third day in Adelaide promised so much – in many ways it delivered, but in scarcely believable fashion as Josh Hazlewood – who reached 200 Test wickets – and Pat Cummins dismantled India for their lowest-ever Test total with Australia securing victory before the floodlights were even needed.India resumed at 9 for 1, having lost Prithvi Shaw late the previous evening, with a lead of 62 under their belts and the expectation that anything over 200 would make them favourites to repeat their 2018-19 victory on this ground. In the space of 16 overs they were all out, without a single batsman reaching double figures – a first in Test history. To compound their woes, last-man Mohammed Shami was forced to retire hurt to close the innings after a fierce blow on the arm from Cummins.Australia’s bowlers were on the mark from the first ball and when Cummins collected a low return catch off nightwatchman Jasprit Bumrah they became unstoppable. Not that the collapse needs any further breaking down, but the nine wickets on the third day fell for 21. From Kohli’s run out on the first day, when India were well placed on 188 for 3, they had lost 17 for 92.What can be considered a perfect day for Australia was capped by their new opening pair of Matthew Wade and Joe Burns putting on 70 for the first wicket. Wade played confidently and compactly while there were signs of Burns, who was struck a painful blow on the arm, coming out of his funk. He made his highest score of the season which included some increasingly neat strokeplay, bringing up a half-century with a top-edged hook for six that brought victory. That’s a big tick for the Australia selectors.Four overs after his first wicket of the afternoon, Cummins made the breakthrough that really began Australia’s surge when a perfect delivery took Cheteshwar Pujara’s outside edge and carried low to Tim Paine – the first of five catches for Australia’s captain, whose unbeaten 73 on the second day all of a sudden became matchwinning.The famous Adelaide scoreboard records the details of India’s collapse•Getty ImagesMayank Agarwal followed in similar fashion against a peach from Hazlewood as did Ajinkya Rahane four balls later with Australia’s quicks locating the perfect, slightly fuller, length to draw the edges. There will be criticism aimed at India’s batsmen for such a low total, but it was pace bowling of the highest calibre.While Kohli remained there was some hope that he could galvanise the lower order towards a total that would give the bowlers something. But that soon vanished as well in a moment that showed how things were all rolling Australia’s way. Lured into a drive by Cummins, the edge flew quickly to gully where Cameron Green couldn’t grab it cleanly but the ball rolled from his chest back into his hands. The third umpire checked it for a while and was satisfied it was a clean catch. Kohli walked off, and shortly to the airport as his tour comes to a close. It was Cummins’ 150th Test wicket and only one Australian – Clarrie Grimmett (28 Tests) – has done it quicker than his 31 games.At 19 for 6 the record books were being thumbed. Sadly for New Zealand’s sake, their 26 in 1955 remained the lowest total ever but India’s 42 – made against England in 1974 – could not be avoided. Wriddhiman Saha, chipping to midwicket, and R Ashwin fell in consecutive balls to Hazlewood with the latter wicket bringing up 200 Test scalps.Hazlewood had another crackerjack up his sleeve to account for Hanuma Vihari which completed one of the game’s swiftest five-wicket hauls. Cummins was denied the chance to match him when Shami was unable to continue following the blow on his arm despite lengthy on-field treatment. It will be another problem for India who will have to dig deep into their resolve to recover from this drubbing, and without their main man.

Arsenal are one of two Premier League sides considering a move for Barcelona forward Ferran Torres in the January transfer window.

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Arsenal eyeing mid-season reinforcementTorres wants to stay at BarcelonaAston Villa also keen on ex-Man City starFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Torres has been pushed down the pecking order at Barcelona, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha both shining alongside Robert Lewandowski in attack. According to , his situation has sparked interest from Arsenal, with the Gunners potentially trying to make a move happen in January.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Barcelona are reportedly open to selling Torres when the January transfer window opens, although the player is keen to stay and prove himself under Hansi Flick. Yet he's made just five starts in La Liga this season and is increasingly finding himself part of the rotation, instead of in the starting line-up. The 24-year-old's contract runs until 2027.

DID YOU KNOW?

Arsenal may face competition for Torres' signature. Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is also a fan of the Spain international and could try to lure him to Villa Park as he attempts to build a squad that routinely qualifies for the Champions League.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR FERRAN TORRES?

The former Manchester City winger will hope to be involved when Barcelona take on Real Madrid in the first Clasico of the season on Saturday evening.

In his first transfer window at the helm at Liverpool, new manager Arne Slot appears eager to bring a number of fresh faces to Anfield ahead of next season's Premier League campaign.

Reds ready moves for new defensive players

The big news out of Anfield surrounds Liverpool's ongoing search for a new central defender. With Virgil van Dijk's future at the club uncertain, the Reds have been moving quickly to assess possible replacements for the Dutchman.

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FSG would make a real statement of intent by sealing this signing.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 14, 2024

A longstanding target for Liverpool has been Lille teenager Leny Yoro. The 18-year-old is said to be available for £51million this summer, however, it now looks like the Reds' rivals Manchester United could beat them to the signing with the Red Devils now the preferred buyer for the young defender.

With a deal for Yoro potentially off the table, Liverpool have moved on to other targets most recent of which has been Juventus' Gleison Bremer. The Brazilian defender is valued at £59million by his current club with the likes of Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Manchester United also eyeing moves for the player.

Whilst Slot's search for a new centre-back continues for now, the Reds appear to be edging closer towards agreeing a deal for one of their top targets.

Liverpool make progress in quest to sign European defender

As Liverpool's quest to find a new central defender continues, sources have told Caught Offside that the Reds are making progress in negotiations over a potential transfer move for Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio. The outlet claims that the 22-year-old has a €60million (£52million) release clause in his current deal with the Portuguese champions which Liverpool would have no issue matching.

Caught Offside even goes on to state that Sporting could be willing to compromise on this fee, allowing Inacio to leave for an even lower price this summer. This update follows the news from last month that Liverpool were monitoring the player with this latest development confirming that contact has been made and negotiations are well underway.

Inacio has just returned from representing his country at Euro 2024 where he only managed to make two appearances for Portugal as they fell at the quarter-final stage of the competition. Despite this, the 22-year-old has earned no shortage of acclaim from his current national team coach Roberto Martinez who said of the player:

“Goncalo Inacio has the most sought-after profile in European football. A centre-back, who is left-footed, and plays in the middle, has quality, scores goals and is intelligent.”

Inacio's domestic season saw him play a vital part in Sporting's march to the Liga Portugal title. The central defender featured 49 times for his side in all competitions and managed to find the back of the net on four occasions, showing his ability to be a threat on the goal-scoring front. With proven pedigree on both the domestic and international stage, there is no doubt that Inacio could be the perfect player in Liverpool's defence next season.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Liverpool are closing in on a "historical" piece of transfer business this summer in hijacking a hugely in demand academy talent.

Liverpool transfer news

It is no surprise to see the Reds being linked with new additions on a daily basis, as Arne Slot looks to hit the ground running as manager, bringing in the right players who can suit his system down to the ground.

Versatile Wolves hero Rayan Ait-Nouri appears to be a strong target for Liverpool in the current transfer window, with the Algerian capable of thriving at left-back, on the left wing and even in more of a central midfield role at times. He could link up with Anthony Gordon down the left flank, should the boyhood Reds supporter complete a move from Newcastle United.

Nico Williams is enjoying a standout Euro 2024 tournament with Spain, proving to be a key starter for his country, scoring and assisting en route to them reaching the semi-finals in Germany. He has also been linked with a move to Merseyside, as Slot looks to potentially add more firepower in wide attacking areas.

There are also a number of current squad players who could depart Liverpool before the start of next season, however, and Nat Phillips is one of them. A bid has been rejected for his services from Trabzonspor, though, with Michael Edwards wanting £8m instead of the rumoured £4m that has been tabled.

Liverpool close in on "historical" signing

According to Romano on X, Liverpool are close to signing 15-year-old Chelsea starlet Rio Ngumoha, in what is considered a "historical" piece of business given it will break the Reds £50,000 per year cap on academy wages.

"Liverpool are closing in on deal to sign Rio Ngumoha (2008) as he’s leaving Chelsea Academy. LFC are set to break historical wage structure for Academy to sign Rio, who’s highly rated by the club. Deal set to be completed soon."

While Ngumoha clearly isn't a household name across the country, given his tender years, it is hard to shake the feeling that this could be a huge piece of business by Liverpool, such is his ceiling as a player.

At just 15, the attacking ace has already played for Chelsea's Under-21s, which is remarkable and shows that he has developed at an incredible speed, and the fact that the Blues are reportedly fuming about losing him also speaks volumes.

On X, journalist Maxi Angelo has outlined the significance of the deal and work that Edwards, Alex Inglethorpe and others have done, saying: "Liverpool steals Chelsea’s biggest talent, a 15 y/o who’s already trained with the first team. One of the biggest talents in the UK. Inglethorpe and academy staff’s work the past few years is terrific. Increased quality level, attracted top talent, got more players to first team."

"He'd be superb alongside Van Dijk": Heskey wants £65m PL star at Liverpool

Emile Heskey was speaking to Football FanCast about Liverpool’s recruitment for the summer window.

ByMatt Dawson Jul 8, 2024

Acquiring the brightest homegrown talent is something that Liverpool should always be looking to do, as was the case with Harvey Elliott, for example, and the hope is that Ngumoha develops into something very special over time.