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Ask an Everton fan what their club’s priority should be as they step into the looming summer transfer window, they will tell you that David Moyes’ side need more quality in the final third.

Recent losses in the Premier League have highlighted the Toffees’ deep-rooted offensive issues that need sorting out if the 2025/26 season is to promote a new breed of success.

New owners, The Friedkin Group, ran the gauntlet when bringing Moyes back to the club in January, but it certainly seems to have worked out, Everton leaping away from the relegation fodder.

The seeds have been planted, but Everton need to fix some playing-squad issues in offence. However, defensive problems also simmer under the surface, with plenty set to change this summer.

The state of play in Everton's defence

Last time out at Goodison Park, Everton fought hard to get something from their match against Manchester City but ultimately fell short in the second half, losing 2-0.

Compounding the defeat, James Tarkowski was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury, since confirmed to be a muscular tear that will require surgery. The unflappable centre-half will miss the rest of the season, his recovery creeping into pre-season.

With Jarrad Branthwaite’s future reportedly not necessarily at Bramley Moore, there’s plenty of uncertainty around Moyes’ backline.

Furthermore, Everton’s contractual situation is going to have a marked impact on the defence, with Michael Keane, Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young all out of contract this summer.

Moyes recognises skipper Coleman’s value and would allegedly like to extend his deal for the leadership and experience benefits, but Young is not a spring chicken anymore and must leave, having become the Scotsman’s new version of Phil Neville.

Moyes must ditch Moyes' new Phil Neville

Neville is fondly remembered for his time at Everton, and Young will depart with a similarly positive legacy, having arrived as an ageing veteran – previously of Manchester United’s parish – but putting in a shift and a half during his time.

However, the 40-year-old needs to leave when his contract expires in the coming months.

Like Neville, Young formerly played for United and was capped by England, working industriously even earning praise from Antonio Conte for being a “machine” of an athlete when plying his trade with Inter Milan.

The 48-year-old completed 385 appearances for the Red Devils before moving to Everton for a fee in excess of £3m. He was 28 at the time, a further similarity to Young given he spent a good chunk of his prime years in red before moving to Inter Milan, then back to Villa, then finally settling at Goodison.

Man United

261

19

33

Aston Villa

247

38

53

Watford

110

22

9

Everton

66

2

4

Inter Milan

59

5

9

Not just walking the same pathway toward Merseyside as Young, Neville was also a versatile defender, chiefly placed as a right-back but wandering over to the alternate side and even featuring in a deep-lying midfield position.

Since starting Moyes’ first game of the (second) Moyes era, a home defeat against Aston Villa, Young has been consigned to cameos ever since.

Young has earned his keep at Everton over the past few years, but he’s now 40 years old and must not see his contract renewed ahead of the new chapter at Bramley Moore.

He was worse than Harrison: 5/10 Everton dud proved that TFG need to spend

Everton have lost back-to-back matches in the Premier League.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 28, 2025

West Ham are now targeting one of Europe's top ten goalscorers of 2023, as manager David Moyes and technical chief Tim Steidten hunt for signings.

West Ham transfer plan takes turn after injuries

As Moyes and the Hammers face a real squad shortage, it is now believed their transfer plans for January have taken a turn. Star midfielder Lucas Paqueta looks set to be out for around two months, dealing a hammer blow to West Ham, with star winger and makeshift centre-forward Jarrod Bowen also set for a spell on the sidelines.

The pair limped off during West Ham's 1-1 draw with Bristol City in the FA Cup last weekend, alongside defender Konstantinos Mavropanos. The trio join striker Michail Antonio on the sidelines, who recently suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.

Coupled with Mohammed Kudus being at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana, the aforementioned absences have put Moyes in a desperately precarious situation.

As a result, West Ham are looking to make signings in January, and especially in the attacking areas. Led by technical director Steidten, the club have been working on a deal for Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy among others (ExWHUemployee).

West Ham also hold an interest in Sunderland winger Jack Clarke, according to Sky Sports, as both Moyes and Steidten scour the market for goalscoring wide players alongside a new number nine.

Other reports suggest Moyes has been working overtime to sign a new striker for West Ham, coming after they failed to replace Gianluca Scamacca in the summer window.

West Ham targeting Vangelis Pavlidis

As the Irons search for a proven attacking threat, a report by journalist Graeme Bailey and HITC has lifted the lid on a pretty promising new name on West Ham's radar. According to their information, West Ham are now targeting AZ Alkmaar striker Vangelis Pavlidis and a January move could be on the cards for him.

The club have sent scouts to run the rule over Pavlidis this season, alongside both Crystal Palace and Fulham, with all three sides now shortlisting the Greek as a target for the winter.

The international has been in fine form for Alkmaar this season, scoring 18 goals in 16 Eredivisie appearances, but what's more impressive is that he was one of Europe's top ten scorers in 2023.

Football Transfers also say Pavlidis is "similar" to ex-Liverpool star Roberto Firmino, but it is unclear how much he'll cost at this time.

Manchester United face a hectic run of fixtures before Christmas that could make or break their season depending on their success or failure in those matches.

The Old Trafford side have two vital Champions League ties against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray to come, while they also have to face Newcastle United, Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League.

If Erik ten Hag can get through this tough run, and it is a big if, it might just be the catalyst the club need to improve during the second half of the campaign and challenge for a top four spot in the table.

Having won just nine of the first 18 matches in the current season, Ten Hag may look to strengthen his faltering side during the January transfer window, especially as some of his players are attracting attention from elsewhere.

Casemiro is reportedly being targeted by clubs in Saudi Arabia according to 90min and this could leave a big void in the centre of United’s midfield.

The riches offered by the Middle East could tempt the Brazilian into making the move to Asia and this may mean Ten Hag delves into the transfer market.

Man Utd transfer news

While their midfield options could be lighter with Casemiro potentially departing, Ten Hag will also be keen on strengthening his defensive options ahead of the second half of the season.

The Red Devils have conceded 30 goals in just 18 matches this season already and something needs to be done to fix this leaky defence.

According to German outlet Bild (via TEAMtalk), United are keeping tabs on young French defender Castello Lukeba ahead of the January window with hopes of luring him to England.

The 20-year-old secured a move to RB Leipzig from Lyon in the summer, despite United showing interest in the youngster earlier this year.

Scouts from Old Trafford, according to the report, have been monitoring the centre-back this season, although a move might be deemed slightly unrealistic in the next few months given that he has only been in the Bundesliga since the summer.

He could emerge as a dream heir to Raphael Varane should he make the move to Manchester, especially as the former Real Madrid defender has been linked with a move away.

Raphael Varane’s future at Man Utd

At the beginning of November, TEAMtalk revealed that Varane was attracting attention from clubs in Saudi Arabia, and they were looking to make a move for the defender in January.

With just 18 months left on his current contract, the next transfer window could be the ideal time for Ten Hag to cash in on the 30-year-old and recoup a fee similar to the one they shelled out for him just over two years ago.

Having established himself as one of the finest centre-backs on the continent during his spell with Madrid, Varane has become more and more injury-prone since arriving in Manchester.

Indeed, since the beginning of the 2021/22 season, the Frenchman has missed 38 matches due a variety of injury issues and he as not quite been at his brilliant best, with his absences not allowing him to find his rhythm on the pitch.

This season, the 30-year-old has started just four Premier League matches while he fails to rank in the top ten in the squad for accurate passes per game in the league (30.4) along with ranking in the 15th spot for tackles per game (0.6) and 19th for interceptions per game, clearly proving that he has not been an outstanding contributor offensively or defensively.

Injury problems could be catching up with the French titan as, even when he is fit enough to feature, Varane has not been quite at the same level which saw him win four Champions League crowns with Madrid along with securing a World Cup winners medal for France in 2018.

By signing Lukeba, Ten Hag could unearth a natural heir to the United defender at the turn of the year.

Castello Lukeba’s career statistics

The young gem made his debut for Lyon during the 2021/22 season, eventually featuring 30 times in what was a breakthrough season, and his performances were widely praised.

Journalist Josh Bunting waxed lyrical about the defender in December 2021 following a match against Metz, saying: “Castello Lukeba again impressive for Lyon at Metz , really sharp young player not just getting the goal but he’s slotting into that back 3 very well, he’s a very accurate passer of the ball,gets on it and can move it quickly. Also has a good pass selection about him. Big prospect.”

30.4

57.5

0.6

0.7

0.1

0.3

2.5

2.5

1.8

3

As you can see within the table above, Lukeba has outperformed Varane at league level this term due to the defensive impact he has had on the pitch.

Another 38 appearances followed last term before he secured his big move to Leipzig in the summer and with his recent performances in Germany, Lukeba is beginning to look like the real deal.

The 20-year-old ace has already made 16 appearances, including four in the Champions League, and is looking settled at his new club this term.

Not only does he rank second among his teammates for accurate passes per game in the Bundesliga (57.5), but the defender also ranks in the top ten for tackles (0.7) and interceptions (0.3) per game, demonstrating how impressive he has been in defence.

Not only is he adept at passing and dictating the play from the heart of the defence, but he has impressive physicality for someone so young. Lukeba has won 63% of his total duels – three per game – in the German top flight this term and his ability to get the better of opposition players in one one-on-one battles is excellent.

The Leipzig sensation featured for the France U21 side on 14 occasions before finally making his debut against Scotland last month in a 4-1 victory, coming on with just three minutes left.

With his impressive performances this term, however, he could potentially sneak into the Euro 2024 squad next summer, and this would be the catalyst for him to really show his worth on the big stage.

Lukeba is certainly following in the footsteps of Varane and, if given continued exposure at the highest level, he may eventually reach his level.

United need another centre-back desperately and Lukeba is a fascinating prospect. While a move in the next few weeks might be out of the question, the Dutchman should be doing everything he can to lure the youngster to Manchester sooner rather than later.

Leicester City supporters have been through all levels of emotions in recent years, from the highs of winning the Premier League title in 2016 to the lows of being relegated to the Championship in 2023.

The Foxes defied all odds in that 2015/16 campaign and were written off from the get-go having survived relegation by the skin of their teeth in the season prior.

Despite being tipped for the drop, the industrious and energetic performances of midfield duo N'Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater as well as the formidable attacking partnership of Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy dragged Leicester to England's top prize.

Throughout that campaign, that unplayable attacking pairing were involved in a whopping 59 of Leicester's 68 Premier League goals, etching their name into Foxes folklore in the process.

While Vardy is still plying his trade in the Championship at the age of 36, Mahrez has achieved world domination since departing the East Midlands.

How much did Leicester City sign Riyad Mahrez for

In January 2014, Leicester captured a 22-year-old Riyad Mahrez for around £400k from Ligue 2 side Le Havre, a fee which turned out to be one of, if not, the biggest bargains in the club's history, aside from Vardy's £1m move from Fleetwood Town in 2012.

A skilful right winger, who possessed incredible attacking attributes, including his precise ball control, ability to manipulate the ball in tight areas and his wand of a left foot – all combined together to produce countless match-winning moments.

In his first 18 months at the club, he helped Leicester win the Championship title in 2014 and then consolidate in the Premier League in 2015, but in 43 appearances across those campaigns, he only managed to post seven goals and eight assists.

While he showed glimpses of his world-beating class during the early stages, the true potential of his talents were showcased in the following campaign as Leicester scooped the Premier League and the Algerian startled defences with his fleet-footed dribbling and ruthless finishing.

As previously mentioned, his indispensable partnership and telepathic understanding with Vardy was instrumental in their success and Mahrez had the season of his life, plundering 17 goals and supplying ten assists in the top flight.

Those tremendous returns saw him get shortlisted for the 2016 Ballon d'Or alongside world-class players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar.

In the 2016/17 season, Mahrez tailed off in the top flight, only recording six goals and four assists, but did play a vital role in Leicester's run to the Champions League quarter-finals with six contributions in nine appearances.

The 5 foot 10 whiz used the allure of Champions League football as fuel to earn a move to an elite European club and on the back of his 12 goals and 11 assists in 2017/18, Manchester City came calling.

How much did Leicester sell Riyad Mahrez for

Man City smashed their transfer record at the time to capture Mahrez for £60m from Leicester and the rest is history.

Across his five-year spell at the Etihad, which came to an end in the summer as he completed £30m move to Al-Ahli, the 83-cap Algerian was instrumental to City's trophy-laden period, winning the Premier League title in all but one of his seasons at the club.

Dubbed by Pep Guardiola as "exceptional", Mahrez had to contend with a whole host of star-studded competition in Manchester, battling it out with Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva among others for a spot on the right flank.

Despite falling victim to the Spaniard's rotation policy, he was still adored by his former teammates and centre-back Aymeric Laporte was one of many who showered him with praise, labelling him as "unbelievable" for his performances in a City shirt.

He may have bid farewell to Manchester this year, but he capped his time at the club in the best way possible by playing a crucial role in their treble-winning campaign, scoring three times in the Champions League, five times in the FA Cup – including a hat-trick in the semi-final against Sheffield United – and posting 15 goal contributions in the Premier League.

15 goals / 13 assists

24 goals / 9 assists

14 goals / 9 assists

13 goals / 16 assists

12 goals / 12 assists

In 236 appearances for the Citizens, he plundered 78 goals and supplied 59 assists – not bad for someone who was originally discovered by Leicester in the French second division and cost them a measly £400k.

Now currently ripping it up for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli with four goals and six assists in 11 matches, Mahrez will always be remembered by the Foxes faithful for dragging them to an unthinkable title win, yet what could have been had he remained at the King Power instead…

Cristiano Ronaldo missed Anthony Joshua's heavyweight boxing match with Francis Ngannou despite having a ringside seat.

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• Ronaldo invited to Joshua vs Ngannou
• Portuguese absent despite 'CR7' seat
• Prioritised sleep and training over spectacle

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The likes of Jose Mourinho, Brazilian Ronaldo, and AS Roma legend Francesco Totti were among the stars to see Joshua knock Ngannou out in the second round in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday night. And while the Al Nassr star had an exclusive 'CR7' seat designated for him, there was no sign of the five-time Ballon d'Or Winner at the Kingdom Arena.

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• Getty
  

  THE EXPLANATION

  It appears the 39-year-old missed the bout as he had an Al-Nassr training session on Saturday morning ahead of a vital AFC Champions League clash against Al Ain on Monday night. With the fight not taking place until 3.30am on Saturday, it seems Ronaldo prioritised rest over the spectacle – something the Saudi Pro League side emphasised when they posted training pictures on social media, and captioned it "No days off".

• Getty Images
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Ronaldo, who is a big boxing fan, visited Saudi advisor Turki Alalshikh's house earlier this week to pose with Joshua, Ngannou, and Tyson Fury. The veteran also went to Joshua's fight against Otto Wallin in Saudi last December.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Al-Nassr host Al-Ain looking to overturn their 1-0 first leg deficit and advance to the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League. After that, Ronaldo's side, who sit second in the division behind runaway leaders Al-Hilal, return to league action away to Al-Ahli Saudi.

da bwin： Italian goalkeeper Marco Silvestri has praised a "great talent" at Tottenham, and he suggests the youngster is just destined for the top.

Spurs surprise everybody with Premier League form

da mrbet： Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has been a rip-roaring success since joining the club from Celtic in June, guiding them to top of the Premier League table at one point. Before their recent injury and suspension crisis, the north Londoners went on a very impressive 10-game unbeaten run, winning eight of them, with Postecoglou making the best start ever by a new boss in the division's history.

All eyes are now on how they'll fare without key duo James Maddison and Micky van de Ven, who are both expected to be out until 2024. Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie are also out through suspension, dealing an almighty task for Postecoglou to get the very best out of Spurs with limited quality over the next few games.

The Lilywhites take on Aston Villa in four days, a tough encounter given the form of Unai Emery's side, while they couldn't ask for a more intimidating contest afterwards as league champions Man City await them at the Etihad.

The importance of Udogie

Missing Udogie is a real blow for Spurs alongside the other aforementioned stars, as his pace and dynamism down the left-hand side has proven to a major asset. Before his suspension, the Italy international had started 10 league matches, providing two assists whilst proving to be one of the success stories of Postecoglou's early tenure.

“Udogie, I’m really staggered by how good he’s been," said The Athletic journalist James Maw in September ( View From The Lane as transcribed by TBR).

"To me, this is going to sound mad after four games, but he already looks like one of the better players in the Premier League.

“For a player in that position, we’ve seen Gareth Bale and this is a slightly lazy comparison given it’s based entirely on position, but we’ve seen a left-back go on to be one of the best footballers in world football over the course of like a five, six-year period. He will be a £100m player like that. Udogie, incredibly good, he’s only going to get better.”

Silvestri tips Udogie for the top

The 20-year-old youngster, upon his return, could even contend for the PFA Team of the Year if he carries on this sumptuous form. Silvestri, a former teammate of his at Udinese, explained exactly why that may be the case in an interview with Tribal Football this week. The 32-year-old goalkeeper heaped praise on Udogie and insists he's a "great talent".

Destiny Udogie's style of play

Likes to dribble

Likes to play short passes

Likes to tackle

"I saw Udo make his debut when we played together in Verona. I have always considered him a great talent and a hard worker, in 4 years I have never heard him complain. I was convinced he would do very well straight away in the Premier League because he has all the characteristics but I believe he can continue to grow and become a top, top player."

Third century of series takes batter to record-breaking territory despite series scoreline

Matt Roller24-Jun-2022Daryl Mitchell likened New Zealand’s series in England to a “heavyweight boxing fight” but finds himself on the ropes despite completing a hundred for the third successive Test on the second day at Headingley.Mitchell’s 109 followed scores of 13 and 108 at Lord’s, then 190 and 62 not out at Trent Bridge in the first two Tests of the tour, giving him the highest run-tally for a New Zealander against England in a single series, even with one innings to spare.He had two lives in the third Test, one on each of the first two days. On 8, he was trapped in front by Matthew Potts, but Marais Erasmus was unmoved and Ben Stokes opted against a review which would have overturned the decision. And after adding two runs to his overnight 78, he edged Potts towards Joe Root at slip, only for Ben Foakes to dive in front of him and spill the chance.”It’s an honour and a privilege to represent the Black Caps,” Mitchell said. “I know that it sounds pretty boring, but I love playing Test cricket for my country. Any chance to wear the silver fern is a pretty special moment and for me, it’s just a case of enjoying it.”It took me a few years to get into this position and to get into this Test team, so it’s about making the most of each opportunity, playing with a smile on my face and enjoying being in that changing room because it’s a great bunch of boys. When individual achievements come about it’s up to the work you do, but I’m just really honoured to be a part of this group.”Mitchell arrived in England a week before the first Test, leaving the IPL a few days ahead of schedule after dropping out of Rajasthan Royals’ playing XI, but had not played a red-ball match for four months and would not have played at Lord’s but for Henry Nicholls’ positive Covid-19 test delaying his rehabilitation from a calf injury.”That’s the nature of international cricket now,” he said. “You need to be able to adapt very quickly and be constantly working on different formats while you’re in other ones. It’s just part and parcel of playing all three formats in international cricket these days and it’s a challenge that you’ve got to keep trying to master.”Related

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He added that New Zealand had “probably fully expected” England to play in the ultra-positive, all-guns-blazing manner they have adopted in this series following Brendon McCullum’s appointment as coach, and said that they still felt as though the game was in the balance with three days to go despite Jonny Bairstow’s extraordinary partnership with Jamie Overton.”It’s been a hell of a Test series,” he said. “For us, there were obviously a couple of small moments in those other Tests that we lost which eventually ended up with us losing those matches. Both teams are evenly poised and it will come down to small moments over the next three days as to who is going to win this one.”It’s been the same themes throughout this whole series. As an onlooker on the sides, I reckon it would have been a hell of a game of cricket to be watching today, obviously the ebbs and flows. We linked it [sic] to a heavyweight boxing fight, the way both teams are throwing punches.”That’s the gameplan that they’ve come about with and we probably fully expected it with Baz taking over. I thought our bowlers did a great job there [and] it took a great knock by Jonny to put the pressure back on us.”It was a great partnership but at the same time we’ve still got a lead and we know there’s a lot of cricket still to be played over the next three days. If we can chip out a couple early tomorrow morning, it’s game on again. We’re really looking forward to it.”

Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign an "exceptional" player in the January transfer window, with a move away looking extremely likely for him.

Liverpool January rumours

The Reds have been stuttering in the Premier League of late, and while the 0-0 draw at home to Manchester United on Sunday were the first dropped points in a while, the performances against the likes of Fulham, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace have not been wholly convincing.

All of a sudden, the dreaded injuries are starting to creep in, with Joel Matip out for the rest of the season, and the likes of Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister and Diogo Jota all absent of late. Ryan Gravenberch also picked up a hamstring issue against United, and Jurgen Klopp's squad depth is being tested.

There is always the chance for Liverpool and FSG to bring in January reinforcements, and the Reds have been linked with plenty of players in recent weeks, with additions backed to come in across various areas of the pitch.

Goncalo Inacio and Piero Hincapie are two highly-rated centre-backs who are seen as possible targets for Liverpool, with the pair currently plying their trade at Sporting CP and Bayer Leverkusen respectively, while rumours of a move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha have also been rife. Now, an intriguing new report has emerged, as Klopp potentially looks to address some issues in the middle of the park.

Liverpool want Kalvin Phillips

According to Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], Liverpool have now joined the race to sign Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who continues to endure such a tough time at the Etihad.

The Reds are believed to have "‘inserted themselves in the last few hours" when it comes to snapping up the 28-year-old, with Juventus also mentioned as potential suitors. Newcastle United have also felt like strong contenders to sign him, too, as they look to fill the void left by the suspended Sandro Tonali.

City are reluctant to allow Phillips to join a fellow Premier League team, which is why Juve look likely to be their preferred club of choice for him.

This could actually be a signing that makes some sense for Liverpool, even if the former Leeds United man was simply coming in as a short-term solution midway through the season. He has the same agent and Ibrahima Konate, which may aid negotiations.

Phillips will be desperate to rebuild his career after struggling so badly to be a regular under Pep Guardiola at City, and he could give the Reds that extra body in midfield, especially with Mac Allister and Gravenberch possibly absent for the foreseeable future, although that remains to be seen.

Guardiola has actually hailed the England international as "exceptional" in the past, so does seemingly rate him, but it has become clear that a new challenge is needed. He can operate as a No.6 or in a more box-to-box role, which could appeal to Klopp, and his experience and know-how of the Premier League could be a handy weapon in the title race.

Klopp could land his new Coutinho in Liverpool move for £117k-p/w magician

The Reds have a long-standing interest in the “magical” Bundesliga midfielder.

ByDan Emery Dec 18, 2023

That being said, for all of Phillips' positives as a player, a move feels unlikely, with Liverpool challenging City in the race for the title.

Weston McKennie could be lined up for a reunion with Gio Reyna, as Borussia Dortmund have reportedly joined the race for the Juventus midfielder.

Article continues below

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• Midfielder working on deal until 2025
• No extension agreed in Turin as yet
• Attracting interest from across Europe

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States international, who has enjoyed a remarkable reversal of fortune in Turin this season, is only tied to a contract in Italy through to the summer of 2025. With no extension agreed as yet, Juve may be left with little choice but to cash in during the next transfer window.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  McKennie’s return to form in 2023-24 is said to be attracting admiring glances from afar, with Manchester United, Fulham and Arsenal credited with interest by – with the 25-year-old having previously spent time on loan in England at Leeds.

• Getty/GOAL
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  It is also claimed that McKennie has suitors in Germany, with RB Leipzig and Dortmund monitoring his situation. Any move to the latter could see the versatile American link up with fellow countryman Reyna – who is due back at Signal Iduna Park at the end of the season following a loan spell at Nottingham Forest.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR MCKENNIE?

  Juventus are still hoping that McKennie can be talked into signing fresh terms, with his value to the cause being highlighted in the current campaign as he fills a number of different roles for Massimiliano Allegri and showcases his talent at both ends of the field.

ICC/Getty

South Africa continued their 16-day domination at home by whitewashing Bangladesh 3-0 with a 23-run win in a rain-curtailed T20I in Bloemfontein. After the match was reduced to nine overs a side (three overs of Powerplay), South Africa defended their total of 64 with key contributions from fast bowlers Marizanne Kapp (2 for 8) and Ayabonga Khaka (3-10).Put in to bat, Tazmin Brits, South Africa’s new 27-year-old opener, top-scored with a 22-ball 29. Only one other player – Dane van Niekerk – scored in double digits as Brits took them to the eighth over, in which South Africa lost two wickets. Captain and offspinner Salma Khatun picked up 2 for 18 from her two overs.In the chase, Bangladesh were strangled from the start. Shabnim Ismail began proceedings with a maiden, which was followed by Kapp and Khaka striking in consecutive overs. Khaka struck again, twice actually, in three balls in the sixth over, and reduced the visitors to 26 for 4. The result was a formality thereafter. Only opener Shamima Sultana (12) and No. 6 Fahima Khatun (10) faced more than 10 balls each.South Africa had also beaten Bangladesh 5-0 in the ODI series.