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Coach Domingo backs Nurul Hasan as Bangladesh’s No. 1 wicketkeeper leading up to the T20 World Cup

Mohammad Isam05-Sep-2021Mushfiqur Rahim has informed the Bangladesh team management that he will no longer keep wicket in T20Is, according to head coach Russell Domingo. Mushfiqur didn’t keep wicket in the third T20I against New Zealand, although it was declared before the series that he would split wicketkeeping duties with Nurul Hasan in the first four games.Although Mushfiqur hasn’t spoken about the matter since Domingo’s announcement two days before the first match, his withdrawal from wicketkeeping comes as a huge surprise, although it is likely he had made up his mind a week ago when Domingo made the announcement. Mushfiqur reportedly didn’t take part in wicketkeeping drills in training on any of the training sessions, even on Saturday, the day before the third T20I in which he was scheduled to keep wickets.Related

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Domingo said that they have to quickly move on to allow Nurul, who has been keeping wicket in Bangladesh’s recent cluster of T20Is since mid-July, to be the No. 1 wicketkeeper going into the T20 World Cup next month.”There has been a change (in plans),” Domingo said. “Initially after speaking to Mushy, he was going to keep after the second game. But he told me he probably doesn’t want to keep wicket in T20s anymore, so we have to move on. I don’t think Mushfiqur’s desire to keep in this format is great anymore. We have to focus on [Nurul Hasan] Sohan, and let him do those duties going into the competition.”This is the first time that Mushfiqur has told the team management that he wants to give up wicketkeeping. Normally, he has insisted that he wants to play as a wicketkeeper-batter, particularly in the last five years when his wicketkeeping has come under the scanner. The most recent occasion was the second ODI against New Zealand in March this year when he dropped Tom Latham at a crucial stage of the game.There were renewed grumblings among the BCB’s top brass, but ahead of the ODI series against Sri Lanka in May, captain Tamim Iqbal fully backed Mushfiqur, the wicketkeeper.”I am very happy with his wicketkeeping. [Half] chances and dropped catches are part of the game. I know how hard he works, so I have no complaints. The team management, coach and I definitely want him to keep wicket in the three ODIs.”You are talking about some dropped catches but he has done a wonderful job as a wicketkeeper over the last 13-14 years. I have complete trust in him and give him my full support. I think he should continue to keep wicket for Bangladesh,” said Tamim.When Mushfiqur missed the T20Is against Zimbabwe and Australia due to a family emergency, Nurul took over with good form both behind and in front of the stumps. It opened up a bit of competition between the two, which the team management decided should be settled by splitting the wicketkeeping duties over four matches of a five-match series.There were immediate murmurs of discontent which captain Mahmudullah tried to diffuse on the day after Domingo’s announcement. But, already, former captain Mashrafe Mortaza, writing on his personal Facebook account, criticized the move. He even predicted that Mushfiqur could refuse to take up wicketkeeping in the future.”I am just wondering how it is affecting [Nurul Hasan] Sohan. How does he evaluate himself now that he is given two matches after keeping wickets regularly in the last two series? Liton [Das] will probably forget wicketkeeping in this situation. Mushfiq doesn’t need to be told that he needs to perform after being around for 16 years. To announce it in this way, it is quite disrespectful towards his dedication. He might be needed as a keeper in the future, so how will it look when he says no?” Mashrafe wrote. He added that such a split doesn’t create healthy competition in the team, rather making players feel insecure about their places.”Having three wicketkeepers in one squad should have been a happy occasion, but instead it has brought on much grief. If you can’t handle this much in the team, it will create an invisible and bad competition within the team. Competition often brings out the best in the players but it has to be healthy. Not by hurting someone.”The team management will take its own decisions, and it will be greeted with applause or abuse, that’s how it usually goes. Who will play, in what position and who will have which role, these are things that should only be in the dressing room. When these things get out, it creates unnecessary pressure on the player,” he said.As the white-ball captain from 2014 to 2020, Mashrafe had to defend Mushfiqur’s wicketkeeping publicly on a number of occasions. Within the team management, there was a bigger battle with Chandika Hathurusingha who didn’t want Mushfiqur keeping in all formats. After a lot of back and forth, finally in 2017 Mushfiqur was told to give up the role.The plan lasted for one Test before Liton’s injury forced the team management to request Mushfiqur to take over the gloves again. In the next two years, Liton and Mushfiqur shared the duties with Nurul keeping in two Tests. Since 2019 however, Liton has been the No. 1 choice, keeping wicket in the last nine Tests.Mushfiqur has been a regular wicketkeeper in ODIs and till 2020, in T20Is. His inclusion as a wicketkeeper-batter allows the team the luxury of two world-class allrounders. But there are many in Bangladesh who believe, with reason, that Mushfiqur should focus his energy on only batting, as he is arguably Bangladesh’s best all-format batter.At the same time, Nurul’s reputation as the country’s best wicketkeeper is backed by good domestic performances this year. For the selectors and team management, he was too hard to ignore as the wicketkeeper in Bangladesh’s white-ball teams.Mushfiqur’s side of the story is yet to be heard. He has previously said that wicketkeeping often helps his batting. But since Domingo has relayed his decision, it is now time for Nurul to become the main man for Bangladesh behind the stumps.

Steph Curry has explained why he is aiming to “emulate” Lionel Messi, with the NBA icon admitting that “greatness inspires greatness”.

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World Cup winner a role model to millionsFellow professionals inspired by himBasketball legend prolonging his own careerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Golden State Warriors stalwart Curry will go down in history as an all-time great in basketball circles with four NBA titles, two MVP awards, an Olympic gold medal and a number of impressive records to his name. Argentine icon Messi enjoys GOAT status in his sporting profession of choice.

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The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been a role model to millions throughout his career, with nobody in the soccer game able to match his haul of major trophies. Messi is still going strong in MLS at 37 years of age, with Inter Miami benefiting from his presence in Florida.

WHAT STEPH CURRY SAID

Curry admits to looking to a fellow superstar in the United States for inspiration, telling reporters of retaining his own appetite for success at the age of 36: “Greatness inspires greatness in many ways. There’s nothing specific you can apply from football to basketball. It’s about longevity, creativity, and his [Messi’s] impact on the sport worldwide.

“We appreciate greatness, of course, he inspires you to keep going and to keep doing things your way. I have the utmost respect for him for how he takes care of himself both on and off the field. I try to emulate the same.”

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WHAT NEXT?

Messi is heading into the final year of his contract with Inter Miami, but has the option for an extension through 2026 – which would include the next World Cup. Curry, meanwhile, is battling to keep GSW in contention for a play-off berth during the 2024-25 NBA campaign.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has a big say in the club’s recruitment drive, and the tactician is now reportedly convinced he will transform a striker’s fortunes if sporting director Edu Gaspar strikes a deal.

Strikers linked with Arsenal recently

The summer transfer window has just closed, but that hasn’t put a halt to speculation over who could join the Premier League title hopefuls in 2025.

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Arsenal spent around £100 million on five new additions before summer deadline day on August 30, with David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, Neto and Raheem Sterling all sealing transfers to the Emirates Stadium.

It’s been reported that Arteta is targeting a prolific goalscorer to lead his Arsenal frontline at the turn of the year, regardless of Kai Havertz’s fine form in a makeshift centre-forward role over the last 12 months.

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Gabriel Jesus’ inconsistent fitness record and lack of proficiency have led Edu and Arteta to consider alternative options to the Brazilian. Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres are all rumoured Arsenal striker targets, as per media sources from the last seven days.

Meanwhile, some outlets have even boldly claimed that Real Madrid star Rodrygo could be offered to Arsenal in a swap deal for defender William Saliba, although the likelihood of this happening is almost nil given just how crucial the Frenchman is to Arteta.

As well as the aforementioned frontmen, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is said to be on Edu’s agenda heading into 2025. Vlahovic was a target for Arsenal back in 2022, during his days at Fiorentina, but the Old Lady eventually ended up winning the race for his signature that year.

Since the Serbian chose a move to Turin over north London, he’s scored 43 goals and racked up a further 10 assists in 107 total appearances for Juve, but uncertainty surrounds Vlahovic’s long-term future in Serie A.

The 24-year-old’s contract expires in 2026, and it is believed that talks over a new deal for Vlahovic are stalling. This has led to Arsenal re-joining the hunt for his signature, with a move away for Vlahovic very much on the cards next year.

Arteta convinced he can transform Vlahovic if Arsenal sign him

As per Spanish media sources, a fresh update has surfaced on Arsenal’s links to the £365,000-per-week forward.

It is believed that Arteta thinks he can get the very best out of Vlahovic if Arsenal sign him, and ultimately transform his fortunes under the Spaniard’s guidance.

The Gunners have their sights set on Vlahovic as a striker reinforcement, and it looks as if Arteta would almost certainly give the green light for his arrival. In terms of asking price, some reports have floated a £52 million price tag, but this may well drop by next summer if his contract situation remains the same.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was backed by the board in the recent summer transfer window, as he brought in a host of new signings to bolster the squad.

Arne Engels, Adam Idah, Paulo Bernardo, Auston Trusty, Luke McCowan, Viljami Sinisalo, and Kasper Schmeichel arrived on permanent deals, whilst Alex Valle signed on loan from Barcelona.

Trusty joined from Championship side Sheffield United and has started the last three games in all competitions, amid Cameron Carter-Vickers’ absence, alongside Liam Scales.

He has been picked ahead of centre-back Maik Nawrocki to partner the Ireland international in these recent games, and it appears as though the Hoops have had a mare with the Polish flop.

How much Celtic paid for Maik Nawrocki

In the summer of 2023, Carl Starfelt left to join Celta Vigo and that left Rodgers in need of reinforcements at the back, which led to the signing of Nawrocki from Legia Warsaw.

The Scottish giants reportedly splashed out a fee of £4.3m to sign the 22-year-old colossus, seemingly in the hope that he would partner Carter-Vickers at the back.

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As you can see in the table above, Nawrocki played regular football for Legia Warsaw in the Ekstraklasa during the 2022/23 campaign, showcasing his dominant defensive work and his comfort in possession.

Unfortunately, though, the right-footed titan did not translate that over to the Scottish Premiership for Celtic and his value has plummeted during his time in Scotland.

Maik Nawrocki's current market value

At the time of writing (10/10/2024), Transfermarkt has his current market value at €3m (£2.5m) and that is less than the £4.3m that the Hoops paid for him just over a year ago.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

Meanwhile, Scales has a market value of €3.5m (£2.9m) on Transfermarkt, which means that the Irish star is currently more valuable than the Polish dud.

That makes sense when you consider that the former Aberdeen loanee was the player who stepped up to become Carter-Vickers’ centre-back partner under Rodgers last season, rather than Nawrocki.

Scales went on to play in 34 of the club’s 38 Premiership matches, starting 33 times, and started all six of Celtic’s games in the Champions League. His performances even earned him a place in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year, alongside Carter-Vickers.

Nawrocki, meanwhile, only made ten appearances in the league, starting seven times, and did not make a single outing in the Champions League, which means that he has rarely been seen in a Hoops jersey since his arrival last year.

The 23-year-old flop has also yet to feature in the league or in Europe this term and has been an unused substitute four times, with one appearance off the bench against Falkirk in the League Cup, as Carter-Vickers, Scales, and Trusty have all been preferred ahead of him.

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Therefore, Celtic messed up with the signing of Nawrocki from Legia Warsaw as they paid £4.3m for a player who is not currently one of the top three first-choice options for Rodgers in his position, and his value has plummeted well below that price over the last 14 months.

The former Zimbabwe captain and England men’s team coach joins Shaun Tait and Lance Klusener on the coaching staff

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Oct-2021Andy Flower, the former Zimbabwe captain, has been named Afghanistan consultant for the T20 World Cup starting later this month.An Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) release said Flower, who oversaw England’s title-winning 2010 T20 World Cup campaign during his time as head coach between 2009 and 2014, has entered the Afghanistan team bubble. He joins a coaching staff that also includes former Australia fast bowler Shaun Tait, who was appointed the bowling coach in August for a five-month tenure, and head coach Lance Klusener.Related

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“We are delighted that Andy has joined ACB. Andy has worked with a number of our players in various franchise completions and his vast experience will be very beneficial and useful to help the team in the World Cup,” ACB chairman Azizullah Fazli said in a statement.Flower, 53, represented Zimbabwe in 63 Tests and 213 ODIs between 1992 and 2003, and has been a sought-after coach on the franchise cricket circuit since his England stint. He has held coaching and consultancy positions in IPL, CPL, PSL, T10 and the Hundred.Afghanistan departed Kabul for Doha, Qatar, on October 6 to take part in a preparatory training camp ahead of the T20 World Cup which will be played in the UAE and Oman from October 17. Pooled in Group 2 alongside Pakistan, India, and New Zealand, Afghanistan are scheduled to play all their group matches of the tournament in the UAE. They kick off their campaign on October 25 in Sharjah.

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has threatened to take legal action after being accused of physically assaulting a journalist.

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Journalist alleges he was assaulted by OsimhenStriker denied claims and offers version of eventsThreatens legal action in bid to get 'justice'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Journalist Tolga Bozduman has accused Osimhen of assault and says the Galatasaray star hit him as he was taking photographs of the Nigeria international along with several other reporters outside a nightclub. He told Turkish publication Posta: "As soon as the flashes went off, he started shouting and ran at me. He tried to grab my camera, but I held on to it. Then he punched me in the head. The right side of my head is still in pain." The Gala star is also alleged to have threatened the journalist after they refused his offer to delete the pictures in exchange for money. He is alleged to have said: "If these images are released, I will ruin you."

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Osimhen has said the allegations are false and offered his own version of events to Turkish journalist Enes Cevahirci: "I was never at a night club. Me and my friends went to an African restaurant for dinner. We were done and went outside to look at my friend's brand new car. I was coming back to go into my van and these guys just popped out from nowhere and put a camera in my face. I was shocked. I was asking them what is the problem, why do you pop out the camera in front of my face? They said they are paparazzi. [I said] Okay what do you want? They didn't say anything, just popped the camera in my face. And then my friends went to meet them and said you can't do that. If you're professional, you have to come if you want to ask for (an) interview."

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The striker also denied assaulting the journalist, adding: "I never punched this guy, I never hit him, I went to him and told him you have to take the picture down, you have to delete it. It's my picture, I have every right to tell him to take it down. I am not new to this type of thing. I knew they were going to lie and lie and lie. This is a case of violence, and he came out to lie. But of course, it is not going to be an easy one. I don't need to shout, but I will take the necessary steps to make sure. If I hit him, he is going to get justice. If he lied, then he is going to see the wrath of the law."

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR OSIMHEN

Osimhen has been starring for Galatasaray this season after joining on loan from Napoli. He has scored 16 goals this season to help fire his team to the top of the table in Turkey. Gala are in Europa League action next on Thursday against Ajax.

Diogo Jota picked up a new injury for Liverpool in the win over Chelsea, but the Portuguese star isn’t the only concern, according to a fresh update from journalist James Pearce.

Jota injured in Liverpool win

The Reds knew that only a win over Chelsea on Sunday would see them return to the top of the Premier League table, and they edged out their opponents in a frenetic clash at Anfield.

Goals from Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones sealed a 2-1 victory for Arne Slot’s side, who have now won eight of their nine league games this season. Their only slip-up came at home to Nottingham Forest last month, as belief grows that a title challenge is on the cards in 2024/25.

The one negative to emerge for Liverpool against Chelsea was a first-half injury to Jota, however, with the Portuguese forced to leave the field with what appeared to be rib damage, being replaced by Darwin Nunez.

Given the striker’s injury-prone nature, it was concerning to see him head down the tunnel, and Reds supporters will be praying that one of their most influential attacking players isn’t missing for a significant period of time, especially with Alisson already a high-profile absentee.

"Really special" Liverpool ace could miss Leipzig

According to a new update from Pearce on X, Conor Bradley missed Liverpool’s win over Chelsea with a new injury picked up with Northern Ireland, suggesting he could also be out for the Leipzig game, given the quickfire turnaround in fixtures.

While Bradley isn’t as influential as Jota, or other injury victims like Alisson and Harvey Elliott for that matter, it is still worrying that he is carrying an issue, ahead of a relentless run of fixtures for Liverpool, with midweek games constant in the coming weeks.

The Northern Irishman is such a great understudy to Trent Alexander-Arnold, bursting onto the scene last season and genuinely feeling like a great squad player, with his international manager, Michael O’Neill, saying of him earlier this year: “We’ve got a really special young player who can only continue that way.

“His attitude to the game is maybe his biggest attribute, he just loves to play. He trains that like that, he always trains at his maximum and I think at times the other younger players feed off that.”

Admittedly, Joe Gomez is also a good option at right-back, with the Englishman coming on and doing a solid job in the latter stages against Chelsea on Sunday, but he doesn’t possess the attack-minded brilliance of Bradley, who outlined his class last season with a superb strike against the Blues.

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Not only that, but Alexander-Arnold will need a rest at some point, rather than being overplayed and risking picking up an injury as the season goes on, so the hope is that the £10,000-a-week Bradley’s injury is only minor, meaning he will be available this week.

Sergio Ramos joined Mexican club Monterrey, setting up a future showdown with his ex-Real Madrid teammate James Rodriguez, who plays for Leon.

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Ramos set to return to actionWithout a club since Sevilla contract expiredWill wear the No. 93 shirt at MonterreyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Spanish icon's move to Liga MX marks a new chapter in his illustrious career after leaving Sevilla last summer. Ramos has chosen to wear the No. 93 shirt at Monterrey, a tribute to his legendary stoppage-time header in the 2014 UEFA Champions League final. That crucial goal in the 93rd minute forced extra time against Atletico Madrid, paving the way for Real Madrid’s historic 10th European title.

Real Madrid paid homage to their former captain with a heartfelt message on social media, stating:

"A tribute to all Real Madrid fans, a memory of a moment that changed our history. Always grateful, @SergioRamos. Good luck and success."

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Ramos spent 16 years at Real Madrid, having initially joined from Sevilla as a young prospect. During his time at the Bernabeu, he captained the side and led them to four Champions League triumphs and five La Liga titles. His impact was equally significant at the international level, playing a key role in Spain’s 2010 World Cup victory and their back-to-back European Championship wins in 2008 and 2012.

WHAT MONTERREY PRESIDENT SAID

Monterrey had been targeting the Spanish veteran since his departure from Sevilla and club president Jose Antonio Noriega revealed that multiple efforts were made to bring him to Mexico.

"We have been trying to sign him since last summer, but we did not come to terms and we tried again in this new window," he said.

"The team needs him, he has quality, enormous experience, enormous personality and he is an undisputed leader."

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@RayadosWHAT NEXT?

Ramos' arrival strengthens Monterrey’s squad as they prepare for a historic campaign. The Mexican giants are one of three Liga MX teams set to compete in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States next summer alongside James Rodriguez's Leon and Pachuca. With his vast experience in high-stakes competitions, Ramos is expected to play a crucial role in Monterrey’s pursuit of silverware on both domestic and international stages.

PNG were skittled out for 97 chasing 181 as Bangladesh got a big NRR boost

Mohammad Isam21-Oct-20214:23

Nafees: Bangladesh’s most convincing win of the group

Bangladesh couldn’t have asked for a bigger margin of victory on a day when the net run rate equation was the main focus. They beat Papua New Guinea by 84 runs, which gave them an NRR of 1.733, making the Oman-Scotland contest that follows a knockout battle.PNG slipped to 29 for 7, briefly threatening Netherlands’ 39 all out as the lowest total in T20 World Cup history. Kiplin Doriga enforced their recovery with an unbeaten 46, as PNG were bowled out for 97 in the final over.Bangladesh’s big score was set up by Mahmudullah’s 28-ball 50, and big-hitting from Shakib Al Hasan who made 46 and Mohammad Saifuddin who hammered a six-ball 19 not out.Shakib bosses with the bat
Bangladesh’s need for a good powerplay was finally fulfilled, thanks to big hits from Shakib and Liton Das. They reached 45 for 1 after six overs, their first 40-plus score at that point in eight matches. Liton hit a 23-ball 29, but Shakib continued to run hard, converting several ones into twos. He struck three sixes in his 46 off 37 balls, the last of which was a one-handed straight hit off Assad Vala.But as he flagged in the Muscat heat, Shakib’s innings was cut short by a brilliant Charles Amini catch, who timed his big dive to perfection at long-on. Ahead of the game, Amini said that he was looking forward to meeting Shakib, and this catch must be a great ice-breaker.Mahmudullah tees off
Mahmudullah took off from where Shakib left off, starting with a hammer down long-on for his first six. He struck Chad Soper for two sixes through midwicket, but also managed to get fours with deft touches through point and third-man. His most delightful shot of this innings was a sweep from outside off stump against the left-arm quick Kabua Morea. It threaded between the square-leg and short fine-leg perfectly. Mahmudullah got out after reaching his 50 off 27 balls, although he didn’t look too pleased to be given out off Ravu’s high full-toss in the 18th over. His acceleration meant that Bangladesh were well set for a big total.Shakib Al Hasan hit 46 before getting 4 for 9 with the ball•ICC via GettyMohammad Naim followed it up with his brilliant leap to his right at the long-on boundary, as Amini fell for 1 to Shakib. Simon Atai fell in the same over, caught at point by Mahedi Hasan, before Shakib had Bau caught at long-on, by Naim.Hiri Hiri, playing his first game in the tournament, struck the first boundary of the innings in the tenth over, but he top-edged one to the wicketkeeper to give Shakib his fourth wicket. PNG were 29 for 7 in the 11th over, well and truly out of the contest.Doriga saves PNG’s blushes
Coming into bat in the 10th over, Doriga came in when PNG were 24 for 6. He added 25 runs with Soper for the eighth wicket, and another 26 with Morea for the ninth wicket.He struck two fours and as many sixes in his 34-ball innings, scoring more than the top seven batters made together. He must have wanted to reach his fifty, but last-man Ravu, with whom he added 43 runs, fell to Taskin.

Looking to make up for last summer’s failure, Newcastle United are reportedly leading the race to sign an in-demand La Liga midfielder for Eddie Howe in 2025 alongside some Premier League rivals.

Newcastle transfer news

Whether it’s Jonathan David or Randal Kolo Muani, the transfer rumours are already coming thick and fast for those at St James’ Park, who are in desperate need of reinforcements. Having spent almost the entirety of last summer on a failed chase to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, Newcastle entered the current campaign without the fresh faces that they lacked in the last campaign and have suffered ever since as a result.

That said, Paul Mitchell has at least already got one deal over the line in the form of Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi. The young forward will officially complete a move to Tyneside on his 18th birthday in August, as confirmed by Newcastle.

Speaking about the deal, Mitchell told Newcastle’s official website: “Scouting and recruiting emerging talent is an essential part of building a sustainable future, particularly within the current PSR framework, so the market is fiercely competitive.

“We continue to scout extensively, both domestically and overseas, with a view to securing players who can come through our talent pathway and, ideally, become part of the first team in future. We look forward to working with Vakhtang and wish him every success during his remaining time with Dinamo Tbilisi.”

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The sporting director isn’t done there, however. According to reports in Spain via Sport Witness, Newcastle are now in pole position to sign Christantus Uche from Getafe alongside Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Bournemouth.

Just 21 years old, Uche mainly operates as an attacking midfielder and central midfielder but has the ability to lead the line in what would offer Newcastle the kind of versatility they’ve arguably been lacking.

"Great" Uche could help to solve Howe's depth problem

Killing two birds with one stone, Uche would provide cover for Alexander Isak in the attacking role and the likes of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff at the heart of Newcastle’s midfield. It’s the type of versatility that the Magpies have needed in the current campaign with injuries mounting up at times against a squad short on extensive options.

It would be quite the rise if Uche did complete a move to the Premier League. Just two years ago, the Nigerian was playing amateur football before rising to steal the headlines at Getafe and potentially earning his biggest moment yet.

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The 21-year-old has earned plenty of praise since completing a move to Getafe in the summer, including from teammate David Soria, who told the official La Liga website: “He’s a great talent who’s going to contribute a lot. He has to adapt to the step up to the top division, but he’s comfortably playing where the manager puts him.”