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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.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• 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.

Advertisement

• 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 realbet： Burnley are monitoring the situation of an overseas striker as they weigh up a move in January, according to a fresh report that has emerged.

Burnley's season so far

da mrbet： The Clarets have made an extremely disappointing start to the new top-flight campaign having won one, drawn one and lost 11 of their opening 13 games, meaning that they currently find themselves at rock bottom of the table in the Premier League.

Having netted just ten times, Vincent Kompany’s side are the lowest-scoring team in the division, so the manager will know that he has to enter the market during the upcoming window to sign some attacking reinforcements if he wants to avoid relegation.

Related Burnley showing interest in move for left-footed "creative spark"

The Lancashire outfit are eyeing a new player ahead of January.

Posts ByChloe Chadwick Nov 14, 2023

The Turf Moor boss has set his sights on Ajax centre-forward Chuba Akpom, who only put pen to paper at the Johan Cruyff Arena from Middlesbrough over the summer, but he’s already made an impressive start to life in the Netherlands.

The Eredivisie’s 28-year-old has firmly established himself as John Van’t Schip’s best-performing offensive player so far this season (WhoScored – Ajax statistics), and thanks to his outstanding beginning overseas, six clubs are interested in securing his services on a temporary basis in January.

Burnley considering swoop for Chuba Akpom

According to TEAMtalk, Burnley are keen on Akpom, but they are set to face competition from several other potential suitors should they want to get a deal over the line.

“Sources have now told TEAMtalk that Akpom is open to the idea of a move to the Premier League and with Ajax ready to consider a loan deal, there is interest. Crystal Palace and Fulham are both very keen on a possible deal for the 28-year-old, while Everton, Burnley, Luton Town and Sheffield United are also keeping tabs on the situation.”

Kompany could land "stunning" striker in Akpom

At Ajax this season, Akpom has so far scored five goals in nine appearances in the Eredivisie, which shows how prolific he can be in the final third, but he’s also capable of providing cover in areas outside of his own should any unexpected injuries occur.

The Canning Town-born talent is not only a prolific finisher but also a versatile operator having been deployed in five different positions since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even as an attacking midfielder (Transfermarkt – Akpom statistics).

Chuba Akpom's Style Of Play

Gets fouled often

Likes to dribble

Counter attack threat

Likes to do flick ons

Does not dive into tackles (Data via WhoScored)

Sponsored by Nike, the Englishman was additionally named the Championship Player of the Year for 2022/23, so the individual recognition that he’s receiving represents exactly how much of a positive impact he can have on a side compared to his fellow teammates.

According to journalist Josh Bunting, Akpom is a “stunning” striker and there’s no doubt that he could make all the difference for Kompany, therefore, it would be a massive coup if the board could fend off interest and get him to sign a loan deal in Lancashire.

Leeds United supporters have been optimistic that promotion could be achieved under Daniel Farke this season, but now will be exhilarated by the prospect of charging toward the automatics after defeating Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

Farke's side might have started off slowly this season – winning just three of their first nine matches in the second tier – but the system has slowly instilled and now there is a tangible prospect of securing an instantaneous return to the Premier League.

Indeed, having now won five of their past six, the Whites have reduced the gap on Leicester to 11 points, ending a remarkable nine-match winning run for the hosts.

But it is the manner of the performance, the togetherness and the spirit, that would have pleased Farke most, who always knew of his players' quality but had yet to see them come into bloom.

While Leicester still boast a healthy advantage, there is so much football still to be played, and the collective performance of the squad proves that success can be achieved.

Not quite at their apotheosis yet, Leeds have illuminated their credentials and will now seek to maintain a scintillating streak of their own, but to do so, Farke will need to uphold the vigour of the engine room, but no fret, Glen Kamara holds the key.

How much Leeds paid for Glen Kamara

Signing from Rangers in a £5m transfer in the summer, Kamara could prove to be a masterful signing for the Elland Road side, who have countered the mass exodus following relegation earlier this year with some exciting, impactful additions.

He hasn't quite cemented himself as the very centrepiece of his side yet, but Kamara is undoubtedly showing signs of being a key figure in a promotion-pushing team.

As per FBref, the 6 foot midfielder ranks among the top 12% of positional peers across divisions similar to the Championship for assists, the top 1% for pass completion, the top 15% for passes attempted and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90.

A superb distributor and a wise reader of the game, Kamara has been impressive for the Whites thus far, though he has only made six starts in the Championship and will now be expected to continue his development in Yorkshire and start sustaining his performances.

Across those displays, as per Sofascore, Kamara has completed 91% of his passes, made one key pass per game and succeeded with 63% of his dribbles and ground duels.

Over the coming months, the 28-year-old will now be expected to properly click into gear, but with further displays such as the one that subdued the Foxes, the Leeds faithful can rest assured.

Glen Kamara's performance vs Leicester by numbers

Against Leicester, the Finnish star was at the heart of Leeds' success, with Jermaine Beckford even pronouncing him an "absolute machine" on Sky Sports' live commentary, such was the relentless nature of his all-action performance.

Leeds Live writer Beren Cross bestowed a 9/10 match rating for the one-time Arsenal youngster, remarking on how intelligent and omnipresent he was in the centre of the park against the division's mightiest team.

Cross wrote: 'Incredible example of a central midfielder's performance. Read danger brilliantly and acted on it. Broke up play and then got his own side moving forward with superb passes. Contributed with late runs from deep too.'

The 56-cap international was certainly among the foremost performers on the night, demonstrating his crispness, progressive nature and combative presence against a formidable foe.

Glen Kamara vs Leicester by numbers
Statistic	#
Minutes played	90'
Touches	64
Pass completion	47/53 (89%)
Key passes	2
Dribble attempts	4/5 (80%)
Duels won	7/11 (64%)
Tackles	1
Interceptions	1
*Statistics sourced via Sofascore

Kamara might have been immense and indeed proved to be the star man despite Georginio Rutter's goal, but the display of Joe Rodon behind him in central defence must not be overlooked, with the Welshman continually proving his worth since joining the club in the summer.

Joe Rodon's performance vs Leicester in numbers

Rodon has failed to make his mark at Tottenham Hotspur since joining from Swansea City in a deal worth up to £15m in 2020, having made just 24 appearances to date.

Now 26-years-old, he joined Leeds on loan in August and has since started 11 times in the second tier for Farke's outfit, earning praise for his "warrior mentality" from his manager after a 3-0 victory over Millwall in September.

Against Leicester, he arguably reached his apex so far, with Sofascore recording the metrics that prevented the division's frontrunners from breaking the rearguard, taking 61 touches, completing 86% of his passes, blocking a shot and making a staggering seven clearances.

Furthermore, Rodon embodied the spirit that Leeds fans hold so dear, with TEAMtalk editor and lifelong Leeds supporter James Marshment hailing that mentality, dubbing him an "absolute rock" at the back.

Cross seemingly echoed this sentiment and believed that Rodon matched his Finnish counterpart on the night, also handing him a 9/10 match rating and writing: 'Tremendous. Came into his own as the pressure was piled on in the final quarter of the match. Reduced Jamie Vardy to a spectator in the first half. Some massive slides, blocks and clearances in the second period.'

Considering the £10k-per-week titan won 100% of his duels (3/3) against an almighty strike force, then it does appear that such effusive words are warranted.

Rodon ranks among the top 5% of centre-backs across divisions similar to the Championship over the past year for pass completion and an interesting ball-playing inclination is starting to materialise in this Farke team.

The German manager has implemented a progressive, possession-based system at Elland Road and it's a small wonder that such a composed distributor in Rodon was signed.

Having conquered the King Power, the Whites now know that they boast the calibre to defeat any opposition that the Championship has to offer, and while there will be many tests – and not all successful – to come, there is a growing belief that Premier League football will soon return to this proud football club.

da wazamba： EA Sports FC 24 was released at the end of September in the UK and is the first iteration of the game in the post-FIFA era.

da bet nacional： Pace will always be key for players, and this edition is no different. Football FanCast gives a rundown of the 15 fastest male players you can play with on EA FC 24, ranked by their sprint speed.

15 Moteb Al-Harbi (Al-Shabab)

Saudi Arabia is where we start with full-back Moteb Al-Harbi.

The 23-year-old, who plays for Al Shabab, has a rating of 94 for sprint speed and 92 for acceleration, as well as having high agility and a three-star weak foot.

As a 68-rated silver card, he maybe isn’t someone that many people will be looking to use to challenge the very best, but if anyone is building a Saudi Pro League team, then Al-Harbi is a powerful option on the flank.

14 Cade Cowell (SJ Earthquakes)

From Saudi Arabia to the United States with the explosive Cade Cowell.

Capable of huge bursts of pace, this explosiveness is reflected by his 92-rated acceleration.

Similarly to Al-Harbi, the San Jose Earthquakes forward also has a sprint speed rating of 94, and so is another silver card that could be a fine alternative when working on a budget.

13 Theo Hernandez (Milan)

Someone who isn’t very cheap at all is AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez.

The Frenchman plays as a left-back on paper, but his mazy dribbling ability takes him all over the pitch – and that is something which can be easily recreated in the game.

His overall rating is 85, making him a rare gold card, and has the pace attributes that would frighten the best of his fellow full-backs. Adding Hernandez’s 84-rated physicality into the mix, it is easy to see why he could cost you as much as 100k on Ultimate Team.

12 Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce)

Bright Osayi-Samuel previously played for Blackpool and Queens Park Rangers, but has more recently become a Turkish Cup winner with Fenerbahce.

Whilst he has previously been a winger on the game, right-back is his primary position on his 24 UT card, though you can always convert him into a RWB or RM.

The Nigeria international has three-star skill moves and three-star weak foot, so paired with his electric pace, he could be a great player to unleash going forward.

11 Kevin Schade (Brentford)

The first of two Premier League players is someone you perhaps wouldn’t expect, in the form of Brentford’s Kevin Schade.

His ability to play anywhere across the front line as well as at LM could come in very handy.

Schade comes in ahead of the previous players despite having the same level of sprint speed due to his superior 93-rated acceleration – though but his finishing (68) and composure (60) could be something of a deterrent.

10 Inaki Williams (Athletic Club)

Inaki Williams has been a regular choice in the early stages of any Ultimate Team lineup when it comes to La Liga forwards, and he is the fastest in the Spanish top flight once again this year.

Athletic Club now have his brother Nico on their books as well – who is by no means slow himself – and they could be a lethal duo on the same team.

As is the case with Schade, Inaki boasts an acceleration rating of 93 and a sprint speed value of 94, though his 78 shooting rating might see players lean towards deploying him on the right wing rather than centrally.

9 Ismaila Sarr (OM)

Finishing off the group of players with 94 sprint speed is former Watford man Ismaila Sarr, now of Marseille.

Marseille’s attacking options see Sarr team up with the likes of Iliman Ndiaye, Francois Mughe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, something which sounds like an exciting prospect when you’re playing in kick-off mode.

Sarr’s dribbling seems on the low side, with a rating of just 81, but with his raw pace, he can fly down the right flank and get crosses in. Alternatively, switch his card to LM and have the ability to cut back in and get shots off.

8 Sheraldo Becker (Union Berlin)

The last of the five so-called big leagues in Europe to be reached on this list is the German Bundesliga – but they are certainly well represented further down the line.

Sheraldo Becker of Union Berlin kicks off the 95-sprint speed section, with his 93-rated acceleration being very impressive as well.

When it comes to cheap options for strikers, similarly to Inaki Williams, pace stats that are this high mean that a shooting rating in the mid-high 80s can be overlooked. Becker himself has 76 shooting and can be changed to RM or CF if needed.

7 Sirlord Conteh (SC Paderborn 07)

Remaining in Germany but dropping down to the second tier as we travel west across the country to Paderborn.

Sirlord Conteh’s playstyle of mostly explosive pace is a hugely exciting one, even if he is a second-division player who won’t be used all that much.

His available positions are the exact same as Becker's and is also a striker by default, but his acceleration is even higher at a staggering 94, providing the slight extra edge.

6 Moussa Diaby (Aston Villa)

According to EA FC, Moussa Diaby has the highest sprint speed in the Premier League with 95 and he also has an acceleration rating of 95 to go with it.

The Frenchman joined Aston Villa from Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen in the summer and millions have already been able to witness his impact on the game.

Diaby fits into the mould of a player with a wicked foot who will look to cut in regularly, and even if a defender knows what he is going to do, stopping him is another thing altogether, similar to the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Bukayo Saka.

At the same time, the Villa man has a very capable three-star weak foot to go with his explosive speed, while his four-star skill moves mean he can be a threat all over the field.

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.

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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.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• 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.

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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.