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Journalist Simon Jones has delivered a promising update on Tottenham Hotspur and their pursuit of Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson.

Who will Spurs sign next?

Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou has received some backing by chairman Daniel Levy, undoubtedly, as the north London club seal deals for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, young centre-back Ashley Phillips, defender Micky van de Ven, playmaker James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon and striker Alejo Veliz.

The new league season is upon Tottenham supporters, who may be eager to witness more of Spurs' new-look, attacking style, as implemented by Postecoglou in pre-season.

Spurs already appear to be adopting a more expansive and entertaining brand of football, especially when compared to more dogmatic previous managers like Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo.

Postecoglou, though is especially eager to see more signings come through the door and has dropped multiple hints that a new centre-back is on the agenda.

“It's not done yet," said Postecoglou last weekend.

"We need bolstering in that central defensive area. We need defenders who can work in an aggressive formation, defend well & behind them. We'll be looking to bring in a couple in that area in the coming days."

While he later backtracked on that message in midweek, saying a new centre-back signing will depend on outgoings, the desire for more transfers is certainly present.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Tottenham have also been linked with a new midfielder, if Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg departs, and a possible addition further forward.

Johnson, who starred under Forest boss Steve Cooper last season as they dodged relegation to The Championship, is apparently a target for the wide area.

A lot of his pull is reportedly centered around the fact he is homegrown, and would succeed Harry Kane in that regard if the Englishman does in fact depart for Bayern Munich.

The 22-year-old, though, could cost Tottenham in the region of £50 million according to some reliable media sources.

Now, according to The Daily Mail and their reporter Jones, a promising update has come to light on Spurs and their possible move for Johnson.

Indeed, as per their information, the Lilywhites have seemingly entered pole position to sign the Wales international over the likes of Brentford.

The Mail and Jones expand on this by saying Tottenham are "considered favourites" for Johnson, and while nothing is added beyond that, it would appear Postecoglou's side are in the driving seat.

How good is Brennan Johnson?

Johnson racked up eight goals and three assists in the top flight last season, all while featuring among Forest's top two for attempts at goal and key passes made per 90 (WhoScored).

Cooper, speaking to the press last season, was effusive in his praise for the attacking ace.

“He’s a fantastic player, we know he’s got qualities and is a great finisher." said Cooper.

Meanwhile, pundit and Man United legend Roy Keane heralded Johnson's form ahead of an FA Cup clash with Arsenal in early January 2022.

"No doubt a lot of teams are looking at him and we'll see if Forest can hold on to him," said Keane on ITV (via Nottinghamshire Live)

"It will be interested to see what he's like against a tricky team. He's got a bit of pace and he's tricky.

"He's got an assist in him and he's really talented. Sometimes you need to go out on loan."

India’s T20I captain had an impressive WBBL debut with the Sydney Thunder last season

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Nov-20170:34

Harmanpreet Kaur’s numbers from her WBBL stint last season

India T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur has extended her association with the Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League by another two seasons. She was re-signed by the franchise on Friday, the final day of the tournament’s contracting period for the third edition, which starts from December 9.Last season, Harmanpreet became the first India women’s player to feature in an overseas T20 league, scoring 296 runs for the Thunder at an average of 59.2 and a strike rate of 117 – the second-highest run-getter for the side – while her offspin yielded six wickets, including a four-for against the Melbourne Stars. She was adjudged the Sydney Thunder’s Player of the Tournament for her stellar performances, even though the side failed to make the playoffs.

Current Sydney Thunder squad

Alex Blackwell (capt), Sam Bates, Nicola Carey, Hannah Darlington, Maisy Gibson, Lisa Griffith, Rachael Haynes, Rachel Priest, Naomi Stalenberg, Harmanpreet Kaur, Rachel Trenaman, Hannah Trethewy, Belinda Vakarewa.

Harmanpreet’s big-hitting prowess was in the headlines again after she steered India to a tense win in the final of the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in February, and, in July, propelled India to the final of the Women’s World Cup with an unbeaten 171 off 115 balls against Australia – the highest ever individual score in the tournament knockouts.Thunder general manager Lee Germon expressed his excitement at Harmanpreet’s re-signing.”Following the Women’s World Cup, Harmanpreet was the hottest property in cricket,” Germon said. “She showed during that tournament, and through her performances with the Thunder, that she is one of, if not the most, destructive batters in the game at the moment.”Thunder coach Jo Broadbent spoke about the value Harmanpreet brought to the side as a big-hitter.”She’s a match-winner and that’s what you need in T20, you need those match-winners,” Broadbent told . “She’s got that really good blend of technique and power, she really works on the basics. She’s just incredible and such a great person to have. Her bat does most of the talking.”Normally in the women’s (T20) game if you get your run rate up to eight runs an over, you rarely see players explode and get over 10 runs an over and do that for four or five overs. She can do that. If we had to get 10 or 12 runs an over and she was in the middle, you’d almost be backing her to win a game.”Harmanpreet’s signing comes more than a week after New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Rachel Priest’s move to the Thunder from the Melbourne Renegades. The side, however, still have to confirm two members of their 15-member squad for the third edition before the deadline.

Liverpool have reportedly made an offer to sign LASK attacker Keito Nakamura, however, the Reds have had their bid turned down.

What’s the latest Liverpool transfer news?

Jurgen Klopp and the Anfield board have been busy so far this summer, bringing in two new midfielders ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.

James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all left on free transfers when their contracts expired, whereas Jordan Henderson has left to join Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia.

Fabinho could soon follow Henderson with a move to Saudi Arabia of his own, but Liverpool have brought in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai from Brighton and RB Leipzig respectively.

A third midfield addition appears to be wanted on Merseyside, with Southampton’s Romeo Lavia seemingly a top target. The Reds have already had an opening £40m offer turned down, with the Saints wanting close to £50m, but James Pearce believes it is “increasingly likely that a compromise will be reached”.

“LFC preparing improved bid for Southampton's Romeo Lavia after initial offer rejected. Increasingly likely that a compromise will be reached. Player keen to make the move.”

The Belgian doesn’t appear to be the only player Liverpool are working on signing, though, with an update emerging on Nakamura.

According to reports from France in the last 48 hours, the Reds made an offer of €7m for Nakamura which includes a loan, but Austrian side LASK quickly rejected their bid.

Ligue 1 side Lille appear to be in pole position to secure a deal, with LASK holding out for a record-breaking €11m deal.

Who is Keito Nakamura?

Nakamura, who actually shares the same agency as Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, is a Japan international and is primarily a left-winger who can play as a second striker or as a centre-forward.

The 22-year-old has plied his trade in his native country and has also had loan spells in the Netherlands and Belgium before moving to LASK in 2021.

In total, Nakamura has made 68 appearances for his current employers, scoring 26 times and registering eight assists. The best season of his career came during the 2022/23 campaign, netting an impressive 14 times and providing seven assists in the Austrian Bundesliga.

His Transfermarkt valuation has rocketed over the past 12 months to a career-high €8m, showing how he appears to be at the top of his game.

LASK head coach Dietmar Kuhbauer praised Nakamura last year, describing him as “exceptional” player with a “really good shooting technique”.

"Keito really is an exceptional soccer player, an exceptional technician and blessed with a really good shooting technique."

However, the Reds are currently well stocked on the left-hand side with Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota all options, so it may not be viewed as a big blow if they miss out on Nakamura and sign another midfielder in Lavia.

The forward could have been seen as a versatile addition with plenty of potential, but by the looks of things, Nakamura may soon be turning out in France with Lille despite Liverpool making their move.

Manchester United are closing in on a potential cash-only deal for Rasmus Hojlund – but reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed via Caught Offside that the Red Devils nearly sent Fred the other way in exchange.

What is the latest Manchester United transfer news?

With the Red Devils bagging themselves Champions League football for next season after a top four finish in the Premier League, they will need to ensure they are able to compete on all fronts in 2023/24. The Glazers have takent plenty of flak for their lack of ambition but they won't want to settle for mediocrity and will be eager to push on in both the top flight and in their multitude of cup competitions. That will involve the English outfit pulling off numerous transfer deals this summer, to provide the squad with both quality and depth.

It appears as though they will certainly keep busy on the transfer front this summer too. One name that won't be arriving at Old Trafford is Leon Goretzka – it looked like Bayern Munich wanted to sell him on this summer, and that had led to United keeping a close eye on how the situation unravels. The German himself though is keen to stay at the Allianz Arena and doesn't want to go anywhere – and that has now led to the Red Devils deciding against a move for him.

Higher up the pitch, the Premier League side are determined to add another attacker to their ranks. A recent report has suggested Goncalo Ramos could be one name on their radar, but one of the main talking points has been Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund. The 20-year-old has been on their wishlist for most of the summer and a recent report stated that a bid was being lined up, with the youngster himself eager to switch to Old Trafford.

Are Manchester United signing Rasmus Hojlund?

Now, according to reliable journalist Romano via Caught Offside, it's been revealed that the Serie A side want only cash as part of a potential deal for Hojlund this summer.

The Red Devils are preparing that opening bid it seems, but he's revealed that they originally tried to offer Fred as part of the transfer. It would have meant that United could have offloaded one of their surplus players and only need a smaller fee to get a deal done. Atalanta though have "already rejected" a swap plus cash deal and "made it clear" they are not interested in exchanging players -they want just the fee of around 65 million Euros (or £56.4m).

Hojlund may only be early on in his career, but has already received plenty of plaudits for his performances so far. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has called the striker an "absolute monster in the making" and added that 2023 is "his year".

The attacker then is clearly seen as having a bright future and someone who is already impressing, but can continue to get better. Whether United have to part with just cash or get a deal over the line with players, Hojlund looks like a really exciting capture.

Defending champions Southern Vipers bowled struggling Lancashire out for 87 in a six-wicket win at Liverpool to qualify for next week’s Finals Day with a group game to spare

ECB Reporters Network23-Aug-2017Defending champions Southern Vipers bowled struggling Lancashire out for 87 in a six-wicket win at Liverpool to qualify for next week’s Finals Day with a group game to spare.The Vipers consigned the Thunder to their fourth straight defeat with an impressive, but not perfect, performance built on success with the ball.Spin proved crucial as the Vipers took their first four wickets for just seven runs in 17 balls, although they dropped a couple of catches and later slipped to 41 for 4in reply.The hosts, who elected to bat, failed to recover from losing key batsmen Sarah Taylor and Amy Satterthwaite in the space of five balls to the off-spin of Hayley Matthews and left-armer Lynsey Smith as the score fell to 9 for 3 in the fourth over.Taylor was brilliantly caught one-handed for one by West Indian Matthews off her own bowling. Either side of the two international dismissals, Smith bowled Emma Lamb and Eve Jones to return 3 for 16.Former Thunder batsman Danni Wyatt then held the Vipers chase together with a composed unbeaten 29-ball 46 following the loss of star player Suzie Bates.New Zealander Bates still managed to stay in the thick of the action. She had Sophie Ecclestone caught at mid-on with her first ball as Lancashire fell to 57 for 8 and also took two catches.She is the leading run-scorer in the competition with 227, the leading catcher with six and the second leading wicket-taker with seven.Lancashire at least gained some respectability through captain Danni Hazell, who hit three sixes in 37, and Kate Cross with 19. They shared 21 for the ninth wicket to avoid the competition’s lowest score across two seasons – 64.Spin continued to prosper in the Vipers chase as left-arm spinner Ecclestone struck twice in her first over, the second of the innings, as the score fell to 7 for 2.She had Matthews caught at mid-off and bowled Georgia Adams before Jess Jonassen had Bates caught at mid-off and Hazell bowled Mignon du Preez.From there, Wyatt was helped along by fifth-wicket partner Arran Brindle, who hit 19 not out. They shared an unbroken 47 and won with 5.1 overs remaining.Vipers host Yorkshire Diamonds at Arundel in their final group game on Saturday afternoon, and a win could still hand them a direct passage into the final with them three points behind Surrey. Lancashire travel to Bristol to face Western Storm.

Steven Finn and Dawid Malan shared the individual honours as England Lions took the lead in their three-match series against South Africa A

ECB Reporters Network01-Jun-2017
ScorecardDawid Malan finished unbeaten on 125•Getty ImagesMiddlesex team-mates Steven Finn and Dawid Malan shared the individual honours as England Lions took the lead in their three-match series against South Africa A with a clinical team performance at Trent Bridge.Finn took three wickets in an eight-ball burst and there were two wickets each for Tom Curran, Craig Overton and Liam Dawson as the tourists were dismissed for 268 despite significant contributions from opener Reeza Hendricks, who made 79, and wicketkeeper Heino Kuhn, with 81 not out.Then Malan stroked an unbeaten 125, his third century in nine one-day innings for the Lions, to secure a nine-wicket win with more than nine overs to spare. He faced 110 balls and hit 15 fours and a six.Ben Duckett, who had already taken a spectacular diving catch, gave the Lions reply a flying start with a 43-ball half century. The Northamptonshire left-hander fell lbw to the left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi for 69 in an opening stand of 134 inside 18 overs.But Kent’s Daniel Bell-Drummond, who has been so consistent for the Lions in one-day cricket both in Sri Lanka in the winter and in last summer’s tri-series, joined Malan to maintain the momentum in an unbroken partnership of 135. Bell-Drummond ended with 62 from 76 balls with four fours, the third time in four one-day innings for the Lions he has passed 50.James Vince won the toss and chose to field on a fine Nottingham morning, and it was his early introduction of Dawson’s left-arm spin which broke South Africa’s opening stand. JJ Smuts was bowled swinging across the line at his third ball, and in the next over Overton dismissed the dangerous Theunis de Bruyn courtesy of Ben Foakes’s tumbling low catch to leave the tourists on 42 for 2.Hendricks and Temba Bavuma, who is due to join the senior South Africa squad for their Test tour of England later in the summer, responded with an intelligent third-wicket partnership of 95 for the third wicket.It was Dawson again who made the breakthrough, winning an lbw decision against Hendricks to dismiss the experienced opener for 79 from 73 balls. Again the Lions made it a double strike in the next over, as Tom Curran found some extra bounce to surprise the diminutive Bavuma, and Liam Livingstone caught his top-edged cut running towards the point boundary.That was a good catch but it was eclipsed by Duckett’s effort to dismiss South Africa’s captain Khaya Zondo 10 overs later, one-handed diving full length to his right to give Overton his second wicket. Then Finn took over, trapping Mangaliso Mosehle leg before and seaming the ball away to find the outside edge of first Sisanda Magala, then Shamsi.The Curran brothers, who had shared the new ball, then did likewise with the last two wickets, although they were separated by a stand of 44 between Dane Paterson and Kuhn, a 33-year-old with seven T20 international appearances.Tom Curran earned fine figures of 2 for 39 from his 10 overs, taking his tally of one-day wickets for the Lions to 24 in 12 matches, and Dawson ended with 2 for 41.

An unknown name has thrown his name into the mix for the managerial vacancy at Sheffield Wednesday, according to reports.

What's the latest Sheffield Wednesday news?

After the shock departure of Darren Moore earlier this week, Wednesday have been busy looking for a replacement as they prepare for their first season back in the Championship.

The news came as a surprise to fans after the 49-year-old had just steered the Owls back to the second tier of English football, with the club embarking on a historic playoff run that saw them overturn the biggest deficit in League One playoff history, coming back from 4-0 down to beat Peterborough before a last-minute Josh Windass goal against Barnsley sealed their return.

Out of seemingly nowhere, club chairman Dejphon Chansiri announced Moore's departure, with The Star reporting that the two parties came to a mutual agreement for the 49-year-old to leave due to their differing transfer policies.

In the aftermath, Wednesday have begun their search for his replacement, with former Owls boss Carlos Carvalhal sensationally linked with a return to the club, but The Star has now reported that former Chaves manager Vitor Campelos has now put his name forward to Chansiri to take charge at Hillsborough.

Will Vitor Campelos take charge at Sheffield Wednesday?

Campelos is far from the only name in the mix for the vacant managerial job at Wednesday, so it remains to be seen how likely it is that he'll be taking charge of the club ahead of next season.

Having spent the last two years at Chaves, the 48-year-old was a resounding success at the club, guiding them to promotion and a return to Portuguese's top flight in 2022, before leading them to a seventh-place finish in their first year back, one point short of their greatest ever league campaign.

After being linked to several Championship clubs, the Portuguese coach left Chaves earlier this month, but is keen to get straight back into management and has apparently identified the Wednesday job as one of great interest to him.

Campelos' preferred formation is a 4-4-1-1, a shape that Wednesday aren't too familiar with, so if he were to get the job, it's likely the club's tactical approach would change significantly, but as he has previously shown in Portugal, his ability to navigate a team to success after promotion to a higher division could bode well for his chances on securing the job.

Coach Anil Kumble has said India’s failure to adapt in Pune cost them the game, and that Ajinkya Rahane’s spot in the team is not in question

Karthik Krishnaswamy in Bengaluru02-Mar-2017Anil Kumble, India’s coach, has put their first-Test defeat down to a failure to adapt to the challenging conditions in Pune rather than anything their opponents did.”Australia are a quality side. All the other touring sides were quality sides too,” Kumble said, when asked if Australia tested India in a way their other oppositions during this home season – New Zealand, England and Bangladesh – didn’t. “I don’t think we played to our potential. And that’s what we’d like to do [in the second Test in Bengaluru].”We’d like to come back into this Test match and play to our potential and not really worry about [the opposition]. I think I did mention in the previous presser, or probably against Bangladesh, someone asked me about the opposition. We only look at what we need to tick. If we keep ticking those boxes, results go our way. And that’s what we’d like to do here.”We didn’t tick those boxes in the last game, and we didn’t win. So we need to tick all those boxes – be it partnerships as a batting unit, partnerships as a bowling unit or taking those catches – all those things are important to win Test matches. That’s what we’ll focus on.”India’s defeat in Pune ended an unbeaten run stretching to 19 Test matches.”You can’t keep winning every game,” Kumble said. “It has to come to an end at some point of time. But as I said, 20 games in the current scenario of Test cricket – it’s quite challenging for any international side to go out there and keep winning. And that’s what this team has been able to do. Across conditions, be it Sri Lanka, India, West Indies. And against quality sides, we’ve won from difficult situations.”We have adapted to various conditions and also various situations. That’s what we didn’t do in the last game. That’s why the result didn’t go our way. That’s why we are looking forward to this game to again start on a winning note.”Ajinkya Rahane has managed just one fifty-plus score in his last nine innings•AFP

In Pune, India played their regular combination of five batsmen, a keeper, and five bowlers. Asked if the magnitude of their defeat there – they were bowled out for 105 and 107 – would necessitate playing an extra batsman, Kumble said India wouldn’t change their thinking based on one result.”No I don’t think so,” he said. “It all depends on what we believe is the right combination to win a Test match. And that’s all we do. If we believe that four bowlers are enough or five bowlers are needed, which five bowlers or which four bowlers, all that depends on what we look at. Our aim is to win every game. That’s the combination we’ll put out there.”Kumble brushed aside suggestions that India might think of leaving out Ajinkya Rahane – who has only passed 50 once in his last nine completed Test innings – for Karun Nair, whose last Test innings was a triple-hundred in Chennai.”I think there’s no question of looking at dropping Rahane,” Kumble said. “He’s scored really well, he’s been extremely successful over the last couple of years. There’s absolutely no question about that. In terms of the team composition, we still haven’t discussed on that. All 16 are available.’We have adapted to various conditions and also various situations. That’s what we didn’t do in the last game’ – Anil Kumble•AFP

“It’s unfortunate that Karun has missed out after he scored that triple-hundred. That’s the way the composition of the team has been where we’ve looked to play five bowlers and you know it’s unfortunate. He came in as a replacement [for the injured Rahane during the series against England]. It’s really nice to have those kind of choices in the team where people have been successful in a group.”And this group has been, like I mentioned before the first Test or even against Bangladesh where Karun couldn’t make it, that’s the beauty about this group where whoever comes in has done really well. Yes, they’ve been left out, there have been times where people have had to be left out because of combinations that we go with. But everyone is available. It’s unfortunate for Karun but he’s one class act and you’ve seen that in the short international opportunities that he’s got.”Kumble grew tetchy when the talk moved to the Pune pitch – which was rated ‘poor’ in match referee Chris Broad’s report. “Can we move on?” he asked. “It’s only 22 yards, it won’t be different here.”When asked if there was any one kind of pitch he did not like to come up against, Kumble said he never dwelled on such questions.”There’s nothing like that,” he said. “I never looked at the pitch. People wrote a lot about my bowling with regard to pitch. Unfortunately as a bowler, or as a captain or as a coach, it never bothered me. Yes, you go there, you look at the pitch, and then come up with what you need to do, what kind of strategies you need with regards to what you read looking at the pitch. That’s about it.”There was a lot of talk during my playing career that he can bowl on one particular pitch. That didn’t really bother me. Nor does it bother me now.”

With Mbappe set to stay at Paris Saint-Germain for at least one more year, Real Madrid may have to look elsewhere

It wasn't supposed to be like this for Real Madrid; they were going to wait patiently for Kylian Mbappe to be exiled this summer, readying themselves for a last-minute bid, coaxing the France captain to the Santiago Bernabeu at a cut price. Mbappe, they assumed, would diligently wait for his long-anticipated Madrid move.

Instead, the striker has tentatively agreed to stay in Paris for at least one more year. The specifics of his deal are clouded, but it seems that the winger will make some kind of concession in order to stick around — and ensure that PSG will get an agreeable fee for him when he inevitably leaves next summer. This is a very kind thing for a player who has spent six years holding his club hostage.

Meanwhile, Madrid are left with a conundrum. Although they scored twice against Athletic Club to open their season, chances came at a premium. They were, as perhaps expected, worryingly lacking a central striking presence. It always figured that Mbappe would fill that void for the 2023-24 season. But now, Madrid are left with 33-year-old Joselu as their sole striking option — which hardly inspires confidence for a side hoping to compete for the league title.

So, Madrid might have to make a foray into the transfer market. And who to get? It's a suddenly dwindling talent pool, with some of the big names already making moves. Still, there are some options out there. GOAL takes a look at who Madrid might be able to sign with Mbappe out of the question…

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  Randal Kolo Muani (Frankfurt)

  This would be an interesting acquisition on multiple levels. First of all, Randal Kolo Muani would give Madrid some much-needed versatility in attack. He is not exactly one to drop deep like a certain Karim Benzema, but he's a reliable enough link-up player and passer to serve as a focal point. Furthermore, his experience playing alongside Mbappe for France's national team has ensured he can work effectively with pacey forwards who like to get in behind — something Vinicius Jr could benefit from. Add his 15 goals in the Bundesliga last year, and you have a well-rounded forward.

  The added bonus here is Kolo Muani has been one of PSG's main targets for some time now. The Parisians were expected to sign him this summer, but elected to bring in Gonaclo Ramos instead. There could still be room for him at Parc des Princes — Mbappe might insist on it — but he doesn't seem like a surefire addition anymore. The transfer market can be a petty thing, especially for Madrid. They might just take some satisfaction in stealing PSG's top target.

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  Romelu Lukaku (Inter)

  Romelu Lukaku could've sorted his next club by now. Inter seemed ready to negotiate with Chelsea for the striker, but he entered personal negotiations with Juventus when he was on the verge of sealing a move to his former club — something that didn't sit well with any of the parties involved. That move has failed to materialise as of yet, with Chelsea's €50 million (£43m/$55m) asking price proving too high for the Bianconeri.

  It leaves room for Madrid to swoop in. Los Blancos were briefly linked with the Belgian earlier in the summer, including him on their shortlist to replace Benzema. And with other suitors dwindling — rumours of a Tottenham switch have been quashed — there's certainly an opportunity here.

  He might be something of an awkward fit, though. Lukaku isn't the playmaking forward that Madrid covet and typically functions more effectively in a two-striker system. Asking him to play with his back to goal would be an immense waste of his talent. Still, some Carlo Ancelotti magic could be worked here.

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  Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)

  Dusan Vlahovic has never quite worked out at Juventus. The Serbian sealed a €70m (£61m/$75m) move from Fiorentina back in January 2022, and has only scored 17 goals in 42 games since then. But there's clearly a player in there.

  It seems strange, in that sense, to suggest that a 23-year-old needs a change of scenery to start banging them in. In this case, though, it might just be true. Vlahovic is an ideal central striker at his best, and feasts inside the box. With Vinicius and Rodyrgo either side of him creating chance after chance, he could thrive.

  Price might be an issue, though. Juventus repeatedly rebuffed Chelsea in player-plus-cash talks over Lukaku, and will look to recoup a hefty chunk of their investment — if they do indeed elect to let him go at all. Their economic situation may necessitate his exit.

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  Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

  Victor Osimhen was arguably the best striker in Europe last year, leading the line for a Napoli side that battered its way to Serie A and captured a historic Scudetto. The Nigerian striker scored 26 goals in the league and added a further five in the Champions League. Add the fact that he is still only 23 — and poised to improve — and this would be incredibly difficult to make happen.

  But it would also be a dream addition. Osimhen became a more well-rounded attacking presence last season, serving as a valuable playmaker, and combining effectively with Napoli's pacy wide players. Kvara Kvaratskhelia may have grabbed the headlines, but Osimhen's five assists are nothing to be sniffed at. It all amounts to a player Madrid would love to have. Whether they can afford him, though, is an entirely different question. Consider it unlikely – especially as he is finally about to sign a new contract.

ScorecardFile photo: Assad Vala struck his second successive I-cup century•IDI/Getty

Stand-in captain Assad Vala scored an unbeaten 144 in the first innings to set up Papua New Guinea’s 199-run win over Namibia at Port Moresby in their first Intercontinental-Cup match at home. It was PNG’s second win in the competition, moving them past Scotland and Hong Kong into fourth place with 40 points from four games and putting them just six points behind Netherlands for third.Vala, who took over captaincy for the injured Jack Vare, elected to bat and scored his second century in as many I-Cup matches after making 120 in January against Ireland. It set up PNG’s first-innings total of 311. Namibia struggled in reply after medium-pacer Norman Vanua took 3 for 39 to reduce the visitors to 52 for 6.Captain Sarel Burger produced an unbeaten half-century to keep Vanua at bay and added 52 for the eighth wicket with JJ Smit. Part-time bowler Lega Siaka broke the stand, removing Smit lbw for his maiden first-class wicket and then finished off the tail to hold Namibia to 146, giving first-innings points to PNG with a lead of 165.PNG elected not to enforce the follow-on and Vani Morea opened their second innings with a brisk 61 off 86 balls. Left-arm spinner Bernard Scholtz kept Namibia in the match by ripping through PNG’s middle order to take 6 for 65, to finish with 11 for 170 in the match. His effort helped keep the hosts to 189 in their second innings, setting up a target of 355 for Namibia.As they had done in the first innings, Vanua and Siaka did most of the damage early. Vanua helped reduce Namibia to 14 for 4. Siaka finished with 4 for 38, and a match haul of 7 for 54.