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According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are ‘closing’ in on a deal to sign Anderlecht defender Sergio Gomez.

The Lowdown: Guardiola’s left-back hunt

After losing Oleksandr Zinchenko to Premier League rivals Arsenal and then missing out on Marc Cucurella, Pep Guardiola will be on the hunt for a new left-back, and it sounds like he’s identified his ideal target.

BBC Sport reported on Tuesday that the Sky Blues are in talks regarding a potential deal for 21-year-old Gomez, and after a quick development, it sounds like his transfer to the Etihad could be announced imminently.

The Latest: City set to sign Gomez

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that it should simply be a matter of time before Gomez is unveiled as a Man City player. He wrote:

“Excl: Manchester City are closing on Sergio Gómez deal with Anderlecht. Fee will be in excess of €10m, final details being discussed and then it will be completed.

“Plan has always been to loan him to Girona… but been told City could now decide to keep Sergi.”

The Verdict: Threat down the flank

It’s believed that City’s initial plan was to buy Gomez before sending him straight back out on loan, but to now learn that Guardiola is considering keeping hold of him suggests that he sees his star potential.

The Spaniard, dubbed the ‘heir to Iniesta’ by football journalist Ronan Murphy, had an outstanding season last term, providing an incredible 15 assists and netting seven goals in all competitions for Anderlecht, via Transfermarkt.

With this kind of form from the wing-back position, it’s no surprise that the City boss wants him to be involved with the action in and around the first team, and he would be a fantastic addition for the future of the club if they managed to secure his services.

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Maxwel Cornet to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Journal (via MOT Leeds News), who claim that, following Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League last season, Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are now all keeping a very close eye on the situation of the 25-year-old winger ahead of a potential swoop in coming weeks.

The report goes on to state that the Ivory Coast international – who only joined the Clarets in a €15m (£13m) move back last August, penning a five-year deal at Turf Moor – is available for a figure of £17.5m this summer, as a result of having a release clause written into his contract.

“The best summer signing”

Considering just how impressive Cornet was for Burnley last season, coupled with Raphinha recently sealing his long-awaited £55m switch to Barcelona, it is easy to see why Orta would be interested in a deal to bring the forward to Elland Road ahead of the club’s 2022/23 campaign.

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Indeed, despite the Clarets’ struggles in the Premier League last time out, the £13.5m-rated talent nevertheless managed to catch the eye over his 26 league appearances, scoring nine goals, registering one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 0.6 key passes and completing 0.5 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £44k-per-week forward who Alex James dubbed “the best summer signing” and Robin Bairner labelled a “massive talent” average an extremely respectable SofaScore match rating of 6.84 – a quite remarkable accomplishment while playing in an attacking lineup that managed just 33 goals all season.

As such, should Orta manage to beat the likes of Spurs and Chelsea to the 29-cap international’s signing this summer, it would undoubtedly represent a huge coup for the Spanish sporting director – especially considering the winger would be available for an extremely reasonable £17.5m fee.

AND in other news: Phil Hay reveals £21m Leeds target now “tops the agenda”, supporters will be buzzing

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on the future of Leeds United transfer target Tyler Adams.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, following a number of reports linking the Whites with a move for the RB Leipzig midfielder this summer, Victor Orta has now agreed a £20m fee – that will be paid in instalments – with the Bundesliga side for the transfer of the 23-year-old.

The transfer insider goes on to state that the USA international is now set to undergo a medical at Elland Road this week, with the former New York Red Bulls starlet thought to be the Whites’ replacement for Kalvin Phillips – who recently joined Manchester City in a £42m deal.

In his tweet, Romano said: “Tyler Adams will undergo medical tests as new Leeds player this week. £20m fee includes add-ons and will be paid in instalments, RB Leipzig have accepted all the conditions on Monday afternoon. He’ll be the replacement for Kalvin Phillips who joined Man City.”

Supporters will love Romano’s update

While the loss of a home-grown player as talented as Phillips will certainly be a bitter pill to swallow for many of the Elland Road faithful, Romano’s suggestion that Orta is now closing in on a deal for Adams as a replacement for the England international in Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad is sure to be news that supporters will love.

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Indeed, after making the move from New York to Leipzig back in January of 2019, the £26m-rated American made an immediate impact on Ralf Rangnick’s side over his 10 Bundesliga fixtures in 2018/19, registering two assists, creating two big chances for his teammates and making an average of 0.5 key passes per game.

The £38k-per-week midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, completing an average of 42.1 passes, 1.8 long balls, 1.4 dribbles, 1.6 interceptions, 2.9 tackles, 0.7 clearances and winning 7.1 duels – at a success rate of 57% – per fixture.

These returns saw the player who Marsch himself dubbed a “special talent” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.19, not only ranking him as Leipzig’s joint fourth-best performer in the league but also as the joint 23rd-best player in the Bundesliga as a whole that year.

As such, while it is true that, following Domenico Tedesco’s appointment at the Red Bull Arena back in December, Adams found his game time become much more limited – starting just five league games under the management of the 36-year-old – should Marsch be able to help his compatriot refind his 2018/19 form at Elland Road next season, £20m could very quickly look like an absolute steal for the Whites.

AND in other news: Journo reveals Leeds now “close to” record-breaking deal, supporters will be buzzing

Eddie Howe has rejuvenated Newcastle United since arriving at the club last November, steering them to an impressive 11th-place Premier League finish.

The onus now is for the Magpies to improve on this and challenge for the European places next season, something which should be an annual ambition for a club of their size.

With one signing already confirmed in Matt Targett, and with deals to bring Kilmarnock youngster Charlie McArthur and Reims striker Hugo Ekitike to St James’ Park close to completion, Howe is a man on a mission.

This surely won’t be the last of the club’s spending in the summer transfer window as they aim to overhaul the squad to the manager’s liking.

One player who could be an excellent fit is Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca, who according to Chronicle Live has been watched by Newcastle scout Steve Nickson.

A move for the player could be expensive, though – with Arsenal having had a £35m offer rejected, the Serie A club now want more than that for him.

Nonetheless, with Luigi Di Baggio describing the striker as “complete”, he could be a major upgrade on Callum Wilson going forward.

Scamacca scored 16 times in Serie A last season, eight more than Wilson managed in the Premier League (albeit in fewer matches), while also having more shots per 90 than the Newcastle marksman (3.27 to 2.08).

For a player who is still maturing and with plenty of years left before he hits his peak, the 23-year-old doesn’t shirk defensive duties for his club either. In 2021/22, the Italian won 17 tackles and made 16 blocks, showing the all-rounded nature of his game, and these returns are much better than Wilson’s six tackles won and nine blocks.

With no Newcastle player hitting double figures for goals last season, it seems clear that Howe is looking to enhance his attacking options. In Scamacca, the 44-year-old might well land a striker who could get close to 20 goals a season for the foreseeable future, which the Magpies boss would absolutely love to see.

AND in other news, Deal close: Keith Downie relays huge Newcastle transfer news that supporters will love

Newcastle United are still trying to sign Lille defender Sven Botman this summer after failing to do so in the January window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: January pursuit

During the winter, the Magpies were reported with a keen interest in the 22-year-old.

According to the Daily Mail, the Tyneside club had offers around the £32m mark rejected by the Ligue 1 side in January.

It was also claimed that the player preferred to assess his options at the end of the season, rather than making the move midway through the campaign.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s claim on Botman

O’Rourke believes that Botman remains very high up on Newcastle’s wish list and that PIF are continuing to negotiate for the defender.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed: “They tried really hard in January to get him but just couldn’t get that deal done. I don’t think the interest has gone away, it’s still a position Eddie Howe wants to improve on this summer and bring in a new centre-back. So if they can land a Sven Botman who has been very high up their list of targets, it would be a great signing for Newcastle.

“There’s fierce competition from the likes of Milan for the Dutchman as well, so it’s going to be a hard one to do, but Newcastle are in there and still trying to do it. They will be hoping to lure him to St James’ Park.”

The Verdict: Could be hard to pull off

Journalist Jacque Talbot believes that any potential deal involving the Netherlands under-21 international will be difficult for Newcastle to pull off, describing the Lille defender as “probably one of the most exciting centre-backs in European football at the moment”.

Nonetheless, the Tynesiders will surely be doing all they can to try and lure the youngster to St James’ Park this summer. Standing at 6 foot 5 in height, Botman is an imposing centre-back who could strike a formidable partnership at the back alongside 6 foot 6 Dan Burn.

Therefore, whilst this deal may be difficult to secure, the Magpies should pull out all the stops to try and get it done.

In other news: Craig Hope drops exciting Moussa Diaby transfer update

Liverpool head to Wembley for their second domestic cup final of the season against Chelsea this afternoon, and all eyes will be on Jurgen Klopp’s team selection for the FA Cup showpiece.

The Reds still have two Premier League games and the Champions League final in Paris left to play this season. They are out again on Tuesday night, so it will be interesting to see how the manager lines up his front three in particular, with the attacking positions becoming even more competitive after the arrival of Luis Diaz in January.

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That being said, Klopp must drop Diogo Jota from the starting line-up this afternoon and look to his other attacking options to secure a second trophy of the season for Liverpool.

Remarkably, the Portuguese forward has been rotating in and out of the team despite scoring 15 goals and contributing three assists in the Premier League this season, but it is his link-up play and ball control which could see the forward losing out when Klopp names his FA Cup final line-up today.

His goal-scoring abilities are undeniable, but when it comes to being effective in other areas of the game, he is underperforming compared to his fellow Liverpool forwards.

According to SofaScore, the 25-year-old has lost possession of the ball every 6.5 minutes in the Premier League this season, has a 75% pass accuracy, is dribbled past 1.2 times on average per match and has been unsuccessful in the majority of his dribbles (62%), which suggests that he could potentially struggle against a very experienced Chelsea defence.

In this particular match, it would be more beneficial to play Roberto Firmino, who has returned to fitness just in time for the final and can offer a more controlled approach to the game than the Portugal forward.

Compared to Jota, the 30-year-old is a bit more reliable in his link-up play and ball control, with an 80% pass accuracy, has only been dribbled past 0.7 times on average per game and is successful in 44% of his dribble attempts.

The Brazilian has been the lynchpin in Liverpool’s forward line for many years working alongside Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, offering a wealth of experience which could be exactly what the Reds need in order to take control of the game early and secure a second trophy of the season.

Ultimately, Klopp will be hoping that he can unlock the formula in claiming victory from Thomas Tuchel’s side within 90 minutes today, as his team has drawn three times with Chelsea this season already.

AND in other news: Liverpool eye summer move for £144m-rated “golden boy”, he’s even better than Haaland

Every dot ball and every six matters that much more in such a condensed format

Barny Read in Abu Dhabi17-Nov-2019For most, the Abu Dhabi T10 is a learning exercise. It is a young tournament, with a format still learning how to walk. There are some, such as three-year veterans Eoin Morgan and Darren Sammy, who can draw on T10 muscle memory but, largely, the teams are learning on the job.It makes for intriguing viewing, especially seeing how the eight captains go about maneuvering their sides through blink-of-an-eye cricket.Some things are a given: win the toss and put them in, bowl into Abu Dhabi’s slow pitch and make batsmen hit to the bigger boundaries square of the wicket. But many other aspects are brand new.Karnataka Tuskers captain Hashim Amla put it like this after his debut: “By and large the game just goes on… the decisions are made for you.”It’s easy to see what he means, the three-game match-days moving at such a pace that they can appear to drift by without your full knowledge, each fixture blending into the other upon reflection at the close.It requires a captain’s full attention, such is the significance of every ball as T10’s fine margins are heightened by the large gains of every dot ball, every six and every wicket.”Every ball is an event, which I really like. It can swing around so quickly,” Delhi Bulls coach Stephen Fleming said. “You’ve really got to be as accurate as you can for those 60 deliveries and small mistakes are going to count.”One man fully embracing the challenge of captaincy is England international Dawid Malan. “It’s good fun, I absolutely love it,” he said. “I love the challenge of trying to be one step ahead, of thinking ahead. It’s just about staying level and being as consistent as you can.”Malan, who leads the Qalandars, knows that “bowlers win you games, batsmen set you up” and so do his counterparts, with the importance of your performance in the field so vital in professional cricket’s most condensed format.”I try and speak to [the bowlers] and [tell them] just bowl your best ball,” Team Abu Dhabi’s Moeen Ali said. “I try and just make things clear for the bowlers, something I’ve been doing at Worcester and it works quite nicely.”Northern Warriors captain Sammy agrees, saying that T10 is “not a game you think too much” about until you’ve got the ball in your hand.”I think when you’re in the field, as a bowling unit, that’s when the thinking really comes in because if you have five or six specialist batters, they’re supposed to bat 60 balls for you,” he said.”For us, I won’t dwell on [the result] too much. If we had two or three days in between games, then you could sit down and discuss. We need to be positive and think of the next game.”It raises an interesting point as to how teams analyse performances while learning the sport as they go, as well as instilling a team ethos and camaraderie in such a short period of time.The games come thick and fast during a 29-match, 10-day tournament and with players flying in just days out from the first ball – and even halfway through in the case of those involved in the recently concluded Afghanistan vs West Indies series – it isn’t easy to create a team environment that breeds unique brands of cricket.For Fleming, it is a common concern in franchise cricket that, like everything else in T10, is brought into sharper focus due to its compressed nature.”It’s a franchise question every time: ‘What do you try and achieve in a short space of time?’ And you can waste a lot of time trying to get an environment that is tight.”The former New Zealand captain has quickly become aware of how important a player’s instincts and skills are when in the middle. “You pick players from the start that you think will gell, so there’s an aspect of that in the draft, and then it’s about backing your skills.”There’s not a lot you can do to get a lot of gain out of it. Two weeks is just not enough time so it’s really a skill-based competition and creating an environment where the players feel they can be as good as they can be or why you bought them so that’s a lot to concentrate on.”

There was plenty of praise for India’s Mithali Raj after she became the highest run-getter in women’s ODIs

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Jul-2017Mithali Raj went past Charlotte Edwards to become the leading run-scorer in women’s ODIs.

Huge congrats to @M_Raj03 on becoming the leading run scorer in ODI cricket and first player to 6000 runs

— Charlotte Edwards (@Lottie2323) July 12, 2017

Congratulations, @M_Raj03! Becoming the highest run scorer in Women's ODIs is a huge achievement. Also, superb knock today!

— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) 12 July 2017

A great moment for Indian Cricket, @M_Raj03 becomes the highest run scorer in Women's ODI Cricket History today. Champion Stuff!

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) 12 July 2017

Wonderful to hear that @M_Raj03 has become the all-time highest run-scorer in women's ODIs. Congratulations!

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) 12 July 2017

The ultimate yardstick of a great player is to maintain excellence over a long period of time & that's what Mithali Raj has done.#WWC17

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) July 12, 2017

Congrats Mithali! Hard work n consistency leading you to become the highest run scorer in Women's ODI's.Well done@M_Raj03 #WWC17

— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) July 12, 2017

A batswoman I have always admired has crossed yet another amazing landmark. Good luck with the rest of the World Cup @M_Raj03.

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) July 12, 2017

Mithali Raj becomes the highest run scorer in Women's ODI Cricket History today. Super achievement ! @BCCI @M_Raj03

— ajinkyarahane88 (@ajinkyarahane88) 12 July 2017

Congratulations Mithali Raj for becoming the leading run-getter in ODIs. We are proud of you. @M_Raj03 @BCCIWomen

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) 12 July 2017

Great achievement for @M_Raj03 becoming the 1st female player to 6000 runs & highest ever run scorer. @BCCIWomen holding both records #WWC17

— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) 12 July 2017

Congrats @M_Raj03 on becoming the first woman to 6000 runs and the highest ODI run scorer. #runsforfun #WWC17

— Isa Guha (@isaguha) 12 July 2017

Seen the growth of @M_Raj03 from the age of 10 to becoming the 1st women cricketer 2 score 6000 ODI runs! Proud of u Mithali Keep it up

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) 12 July 2017

Congratulations @M_Raj03 on the remarkable feat of becoming the all-time highest run-scorer in women's ODIs. More power to you! #Girlpower

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) 12 July 2017

Congratulations Indian run-machine @M_Raj03!
Highest run getter in women's ODIs.
A true champion! #WomensWorldCup2017 #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/9d3K0yuvDI

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) 12 July 2017

Congratulations legend Mithali Raj @M_Raj03 on becoming the highest run scorer in Women ODIs.All time great. Wish the team the best#IndvAus

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 12, 2017

Congrats @M_Raj03 on becoming the leading run scorer in Women's ODI cricket. Phenomenal performer for India over many seasons. #WWC17

— Manoj Tiwary (@tiwarymanoj) July 12, 2017

Raj, whose ODI career began with a century on debut in 1999, said she was “privileged” to hold the record.

Privileged 2 have now become the all time leading run-scorer. Its been an incredible time scoring each & every run for @BCCIWomen #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/eVRjU8rdvP

— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) July 12, 2017

We have seen the chainsaw, the Gangnam, the chicken dance, and the airplane among others. But is Springer’s chest roll the best? Vote for your favourite

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Feb-2016

The cricket world reacts to Jacques Kallis’ retirement from international cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Jul-2014″Jacque Kallis is the greatest ever allrounder in my opinion. The international game will miss him. #Kallis”

“He became mister reliable, the game’s going to miss him for sure.”

“The Garry Sobers of our generation.”

“Been a privilege and an honour to have played alongside this living legend @jacqueskallis75 Congrats.”

“Well done on magnificent career @jacqueskallis75!! Great player, not a great watcher – remember Chittagong for 400+ partnership! See you in Oz!”

Thanks number three, @jacqueskallis75. T'was a pleasure…

— Iain O'Brien (@iainobrien) July 30, 2014

“Congrats @jacqueskallis75 on a legendary career. One of the greats of the game. Was a honour sharing a field with you and the Proteas will miss you.”

“Congratulations to @jacqueskallis75 on a fantastic career. Best allrounder in our generation. Wish him well!”

“He scored runs for fun, swung it both ways, could hit you in the head and had hands like buckets. Congrats @jacqueskallis75 #TheBest”

“Jacques Kallis – congratulations on a wonderful career. Quality cricket over a long period of time. One of the very best.”

Arguably the greatest ever cricketer retires…cricket will miss you, @jacqueskallis75!

— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) July 30, 2014

“Congrats @jacqueskallis75. It was a privilege to have shared the field with you. Enjoy retirement, you certainly deserve to.”

“One of the most influential cricketers of all time calls stumps, congratulations @jacqueskallis75 on an amazing career. #Legend”

“@jacqueskallis75 congrats on a magnificent career mate! Best ever!”

“Jacques Kallis. An absolute pleasure to play against you. An allrounder I always admired a lot. #legend”

A sad day for SA Cricket, as #theking @jacqueskallis75 retire from international cricket. A legend!! #1ofthegreatsofalltime! #thankyou

— Alviro Petersen (@AlviroPetersen) July 30, 2014

“Congratulations to @jacqueskallis75 on a brilliant career. One of the game’s greatest ever players and best allrounder of my era. #classact”

“Most Valuable Player of our generation has called it quits from all forms of International cricket. An era has ended. Jacques ‘Great’ Kallis.”

“There are few cricketers who have made as big an impact as @jacqueskallis75 did in his career. Congratulations on your great career.”

Unbelievable cricketer! @jacqueskallis75

— simon jones (@si610) July 30, 2014

“What we were able to see as players was the man behind all the records. The aura in the change room, the calming influence on other players and the wonderfully subtle sense of humour, often in tight situations.”