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Mushfiqur Rahim, returning from a thumb injury, looked comfortable during his 58, and Soumya Sarkar played some attractive shots, but Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah failed to build on starts in the tour game against India A

The Report by Mohammad Isam in Hyderabad05-Feb-2017
Scorecard
Aniket Choudhary took 4 for 26 on the first day•AFPThe sight of Imrul Kayes studiously watching his batting footage in the first session suggested the sort of day Bangladesh had at the Gymkhana ground on their first day of cricket on their first bilateral tour to India. Kayes was the first wicket to fall against India A, when he picked out the only fielder in the deep – Hardik Pandya at long leg.It was a carbon copy of his dismissal on the first day of the Wellington Test last month, when he picked out Trent Boult, who was the only man in the outfield, in the same region. Bangladesh’s concerns about the inconsistency of their batsmen hasn’t abated, with only four days to go for the one-off Test.The day belonged to India A’s left-arm quick, Aniket Choudhary who generated extra pace and bounce using his height to claim four wickets. Mushfiqur Rahim, who was ruled out of the Christchurch Test because of a thumb injury, marked his return with a half-century. Top-order batsman Soumya Sarkar also struck a fifty while Sabbir Rahman and Liton Das, who has not played international cricket since 2015, made cameos before Bangladeshis declared on 224 for 8 with more than 60 minutes remaining in the first day. In reply, India A, led by Priyank Panchal’s unbeaten 40, reached 91 for 1 before stumps. Abhinav Mukund was the only Indian to fall, caught at first slip off seamer Subashis Roy.It wasn’t the kind of tune-up Bangladesh were looking for, ahead of the Test. After opting to bat on the sluggish pitch, they lost wickets at regular intervals. Five overs after the fall of Kayes, Choudhary bowled Tamim Iqbal 13 and then surprised Mominul Haque with extra bounce. Choudhary later returned to test Mushfiqur with extra bounce and had him edging to Rishabh Pant. He then trapped Mehedi Hasan Miraz for a first-ball duck.Mushfiqur, though, looked comfortable on his comeback from injury, striking eight fours and a six during his 106-ball 58. Sarkar, meanwhile, played some attractive drives in the arc between covers and mid-off during his 52 off 73 balls, including nine fours and a six. But Tamim, Mahmudullah and Sabbir Rahman didn’t convert starts, after briefly looking comfortable, as the India A bowlers preyed on their patience, or the lack of it.

Tottenham Hotspur will be worried over the possibility of losing star man Harry Kane to Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Harry Kane?

According to talkSPORT, Kane is being lined up by Real Madrid as a potential replacement for striker Karim Benzema, who moved to Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League earlier this week.

The report states that Carlo Ancelotti has made the £200k-a-week England international his top target this summer. However, Spurs will be resistant to offers from other Premier League sides for Kane's services.

Manchester United are also keen on signing the 29-year-old, giving him an option that would be able to keep him based in England; nevertheless, Spurs will be a tough side to negotiate with for his signature, as per The Telegraph.

Kane was in magnificent form for Tottenham this term, registering 32 goals and five assists from 49 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Now, it looks as if Kane will have a decision to make on his future in the next few months based on his career ambitions, with just 12 months now left on his contract in N17.

Although, it has since been claimed that Levy has no intention at all of selling the striker to Real Madrid, so it remains to be seen.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that Tottenham may be worried over the possibility of Kane swapping the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

Jones told FFC: "If you're Spurs, it's never great news if Real Madrid are linked with one of your players these days; they took Bale, they took Modric and now they want Kane. They've got a really good hit rate of signing Tottenham stars and there's a pretty good relationship between the two clubs."

Should Harry Kane stay at Tottenham Hotspur or move elsewhere?

Kane is an elite striker, though he has never won a single trophy in his career, which is something that he will want to rectify before his playing days are over.

Spurs have just installed former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou as their new manager, who is someone that has plenty of silverware under his belt, seeing as he took the Hoops to five out of six trophies, including back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles in his time in Glasgow, as per Transfermarkt.

Nevertheless, whether that translates to the waters of the Premier League is an entirely different matter to deal with and it will be interesting to see if Kane sticks around to try and achieve that feat.

Of course, the England international is only 48 goals away from becoming the Premier League's all-time top goalscorer, which may sway him to remain at Tottenham to try and secure the extremely prestigious accolade.

Arsenal midfielder Jorginho "is leaving" north London this summer as Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri dreams of signing him, according to reports out of Italy.

Who could leave Arsenal this summer?

As well as managing who could come into the club, with West Ham star Declan Rice and Galatasary's Sacha Boey being heavily linked recently, Mikel Arteta's side must also shift the deadwood.

Having missed out on their first Premier League title in nearly 20 years to Man City, it's back to the drawing board for club chief Edu, who has already confirmed that transfer planning is well and truly underway.

"Our planning has already been done," said Edu back in April (ESPN via 90min)."It has already reached the owners. Now, we're taking things step by step. We're focused on how we will finish the season, but we've put in the planning and I'm very excited."

Of the players who could leave to make room for new signings, there are a fair few, with the standout names being defender Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe, Nuno Tavares, Sambi Lokonga, Folarin Balogun and, of course long-serving star Granit Xhaka (Goal).

However, a report from Italy suggests another name has been added to that long list, as Jorginho is being tipped to leave just six months after putting pen to paper on a move from Chelsea.

According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, the Italy international "is leaving Arsenal" this summer window, and Lazio are thought to be very interested in signing him.

The midfielder, who was brought in last winter as midfield cover, is seriously wanted by his former manager at Chelsea and Napoli.

Sarri apparently "dreams" of signing Jorginho and it is believed there is a real chance the pair could work together at, what would be, their third club.

Who is Jorginho?

The 31-year-old has proven to be a phenomenal player in recent seasons, even winning the UEFA Player of the Year award in 2021 as he helped Chelsea to Champions League glory.

Called "world class" by former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique, Arteta has also praised Jorginho's efforts since making the move to north London.

Speaking after a win over Aston Villa in mid-February, the Gunners boss called him "tremendous" whilst hailing some real magic he produced.

"I certainly didn't expect that from him (Jorginho). I thought he was tremendous today," said Arteta.

We needed a magic moment and Jorginho produced it, the boys really wanted it, after what happened a couple of days ago.

"If you want to be at the top you have to win games in different ways."

Liverpool are set for some major changes to their playing staff in the summer as they gear up for a period of transition next term that will see them take to the Anfield turf without many of the old guard who have been mainstays in Jurgen Klopp's side for several years.

Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are already on their way out in the off-season and more could be set to follow as the Merseyside giants plan ahead for 2023/24.

Transfer incomings and outgoings are likely to be at the forefront of Klopp's thinking with the summer window now almost upon us.

As per Sky Sports, one potential arrival at Anfield in the forthcoming transfer window may be RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, who is attracting interest from Liverpool alongside Chelsea and Manchester City.

What's the latest news involving Josko Gvardiol and who could he displace at Anfield?

BILD report that RB Leipzig have reportedly set Gvardiol's price tag at €100 million (£87 million) amid significant attraction towards his services heading into the summer.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Red TV pundit Paul Machin thinks that any prospective arrival of Gvardiol at Anfield could pose a problem to Liverpool defender Andy Robertson, who has featured at times as part of a back three in recent matches to accommodate for Trent Alexander-Arnold's new advanced role.

Machin told FFC when asked about Gvardiol: "That's either as a long-term replacement for Virgil Van Dijk, who plays the left side of a centre-back pairing or more interestingly, is he going to challenge with Andy Robertson, who in this new system effectively plays more like a left of a back three."

Intriguingly, £100k-a-week earner Robertson has actually been linked with a shock move to Real Madrid, who are said to have the Scotland captain on a 'list of potential summer reinforcements' to replace Ferland Mendy, according to The Daily Mail.

Gvardiol, who has been labelled as "fearless" by former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand arriving at Liverpool would likely add further competition for his place in the side, especially in a back three, given his potential to develop into a star.

In 2022/23, the Croatia international has made 41 appearances in all competitions for RB Leipzig and netted three goals in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

Despite it not being the most obvious player comparison to make due to evident positional differences, WhoScored notes that Gvardiol this season trumps Robertson on completed clearances, pass success rate and aerial duels won per game. In order, Gvardiol has managed 2.3 clearances, 89.3% pass efficiency and 1.4 aerial bouts won. On the other hand, Robertson comes in at 1.3 clearances, 84.2% pass success and 0.6 successful aerial duels per fixture.

If Alexander-Arnold is going to feature in a central role more often next term, it may be an idea to bring in an elite-level central defender to combat counter attacks and also to provide quality distribution to break the lines, something Gvardiol evidently has the capacity to do.

As per BT Sport quoted by The Daily Express, pundit Owen Hargreaves tipped Gvardiol to go on to become the best central defender in the world, stating: "I think the boys said it, three centre backs in the studio before, all top players. He [Gvardiol], I think, is an absolute top one. I think he’ll be the best centre-back in the world one day."

In a summer of upheaval at Anfield, Gvardiol joining Liverpool would be a coup and he could go on to be a Premier League star for years to come.

Glasgow Rangers will be aiming to make their summer transfer window as effective as possible in order to give them the best chance of turning the tide next season.

Michael Beale has already lured Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell to Glasgow, and they have both been positive signings after "playing well" of late – as per the Gers boss – with another few like that before next season the requirement in order to prevent Celtic running away with the title again.

With Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos confirmed to be leaving the club this summer following the expiration of their contracts, Beale will be looking at adding a few new attackers to his squad this summer.

One name to have been linked with the club is Brandon Vazquez, with 90min claiming last month that the Gers have scouted the FC Cincinnati striker ahead of the transfer window. He is currently valued at €3.8m (£3.3m) and with a deal running until 2025, the Ibrox side may need to offer more than that to sign him.

Could Brandon Vazquez be an Alfredo Morelos heir at Rangers?

Although Morelos has endured a poor season from a goal-scoring point of view, netting just 12 goals in all competitions, his time at Rangers will go down as a highly productive one, becoming the clubs highest ever European scorer and winning both the Premiership and Scottish Cup during his time in Glasgow.

A change is needed now and Vazquez could be an ideal replacement for the Colombian hitman ahead of 2023/24. Across 33 MLS appearances in the 2022 season, he scored 19 goals and grabbed eight assists, indicating that scoring and providing plenty of chances for others shouldn’t be a problem by moving to Scotland.

He had 1.3 shots on target per game, created seven big chances and succeeded with 0.5 dribbles per game, which were all better than Morelos’ one shot on target, four big chances created and 0.3 dribbles per game, suggesting that not only would he make a fine replacement for the departing striker, but he could also potentially be an upgrade judging by these stats.

Journalist Chris Smith said that Vazquez “has developed into a ruthless goalscoring machine” back in August last year and the 24-year-old has even been capped three times for the USA, scoring once, proving that Rangers could be signing a player who is going to be a regular for their national team over the coming years.

There will be a void to fill with Morelos leaving Ibrox, yet Vazquez has displayed all the correct attributes during his stint in the MLS to suggest that he could make the next step and shine in Europe.

Newcastle United could aid Barcelona in their quest to bring Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou this summer by signing Brazilian winger Raphinha, journalist Dean Jones has suggested.

What's the latest transfer news surrounding Raphinha and Lionel Messi?

As per The Daily Mail, both Newcastle United and Arsenal are said to be 'monitoring' Raphinha's situation at Barcelona as Xavi weighs up whether to sell the 26-year-old to raise funds this summer.

Both sides were keen on Raphinha last year before he joined Barcelona from Leeds United for £55 million; however, there is 'no guarantee' that La Blaugrana will be able to recoup the fee they shelled out for the Porto Alegre-born man in the upcoming off-season.

Spanish publication AS also claim that Tottenham Hotspur are keen on offering Raphinha a second spell in the Premier League, potentially creating a tug-of-war for his services.

Barcelona are also believed to be leaving 'no stone unturned' in their mission to re-sign club icon Messi and find themselves in contact with his representatives, with both parties at a point where an 'agreement is close to being reached', as per 90min.

Writing in his column for GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has suggested that Newcastle United acquiring Raphinha may not be out of reach in the forthcoming transfer window.

Jones suggested: "Newcastle are in the market for an exciting wide player and have a host of targets in mind. But one of the most ambitious is Raphinha, who joined Barca from Leeds last summer for £55million.

"It would be a tricky one to pull off but with a Champions League place now firmly within reach a good source told GiveMeSport such a move is “not impossible” for the Toon."

Would Raphinha be a good signing for Newcastle United?

The £212k-per-week winger could provide a goal threat and an extra element of creative ingenuity to Newcastle United's side, which could help them to break down stubborn defences in 2023/24.

This term, the Brazil international has registered 10 goals and 11 assists in 44 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt, chipping in with his fair share of important contributions as Barcelona near a first La Liga title triumph since 2019.

FBRef also show that the 26-year-old has successfully performed 114 shot-creating actions in 2022/23, demonstrating his ability to fashion chances on a regular basis.

With Newcastle United looking likely to secure continental qualification this season, Raphinha could be a statement signing that could take Eddie Howe's men to the next level next campaign.

Manchester United are reportedly well-placed to sign AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi this summer.

What’s the latest news on Man United and Disasi?

The Red Devils look set to be busy in the transfer market ahead of Erik ten Hag’s second season in charge, with a new midfielder and forward also on the wishlist.

The club could also be under new ownership, and there has been plenty of speculation over a move for Disasi. Reports have suggested that the Red Devils are in pole position to sign the France international, who has been described as a "complete" defender by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and a further update has now emerged.

Sport Witness relayed an update from L’Equipe in the last 48 hours regarding Disasi, claiming that the Red Devils could be on the search to replace Harry Maguire after ‘some rather dire performances at the back of late’, with the defender, on £200,000-a-week, linked with a move to top-four rivals Newcastle.

They stated on Disasi that he is certain to leave Monaco this summer, with United well-placed to secure a transfer. Talks were held with the player’s representatives a month ago, with a fee in the region of €35m-€45m possibly enough to get a deal over the line.

Is Disasi an upgrade on Maguire?

Maguire has struggled in recent weeks and was labelled as a walking disaster by Samuel Lukchurst against Nottingham Forest earlier this month.

Statistically, the 30-year-old has been United’s 14th-best player in the Premier League this season and as per WhoScored, Disasi has outperformed the Englishman during the current campaign for overall match rating as well as tackles, interceptions and clearances per 90.

Disasi also appears to be at the peak of his powers at the age of 25, holding a career-high €25m Transfermarkt valuation, showing how he could be a shrewd replacement for Maguire.

The 6 foot 2 colossus would also bring a goalscoring threat to United after scoring 12 times in 123 games for Monaco, with five of those coming in 2022/23, more than Maguire’s seven in 172 in Manchester, and it looks as if an Old Trafford transfer may well be gathering pace.

قطع نادي ليفربول إعارة ثاني لاعبيه في موسم الانتقالات الشتوي لعام 2024، بعدما قرر إعادة اللاعب أوين بيك.

كان أوين بيك يلعب في صفوف فريق دندي في الدوري الاسكتلندي، على سبيل الإعارة من ليفربول.

ولكن ليفربول قرر قطع تلك الإعارة، بعد يوم من قطع إعارة اللاعب فابيو كارفاليو من لايبزيج الألماني.

يأتي هذا في ظل الإصابات التي يعاني منها ليفربول في مركز الظهير، بعد غياب كل من آندي روبرتسون وكوستاس تسيميكاس.

وقال دندي في بيان رسمي: “يمكننا التأكيد على أن ليفربول قد استدعى أوين بيك وأن إعارته مع دندي انتهت”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. لو باريزيان: ليفربول ينافس بقوة على ضم مبابي وسط غموض مستقبل محمد صلاح

وأضاف: “لقد وقعنا مع أوين على سبيل الإعارة في الصيف، وسرعان ما أصبح لاعبًا مهمًا مع الفريق حيث قدم أداءً رائعًا”.

وواصل: “مع فتح نافذة الانتقالات لشهر يناير، نفذ نادي ليفربول حقه في استدعاء أوين من عقد الإعارة لمدة موسم، سنفتقده جميعًا لأنه كان متميزًا داخل وخارج الملعب”.

وأردف: “نود أن نشكر أوين على كل ما قدمه لفريق دندي ونتمنى له كل التوفيق في المستقبل، وسيتم دائمًا الترحيب به مرة أخرى في دندي وفي ملعب سكوت فوم في دينس بارك”.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Inter defender Denzel Dumfries this summer and the Dutchman could be a Reece James clone at Stamford Bridge.

Could Chelsea sign Denzel Dumfries?

Fabrizio Romano confirmed earlier this week that the Netherlands international had joined the Wasserman agency in an attempt to force through a summer transfer, with a move to the Premier League his preference.

Romano mentions the interest that was shown by Manchester United and Chelsea in recent months but suggests that the race is very much open for the 26-year-old this summer.

Inter have previously slapped a €60m (£53m) price tag on the versatile defender's head but given the investment we have seen at Stamford Bridge since the arrival of Todd Boehly, this would be a mere drop in the ocean for the Blues if they decided to reignite their interest in Dumfries this summer.

While Malo Gusto was signed from Lyon in the January transfer window as a long-term competitor for James at Stamford Bridge, their respective injury concerns this season suggest that Graham Potter could still be in the market for a more reliable option in his defence.

James has mustered just 12 Premier League appearances due to a number of injury problems, while Gusto was ruled out after picking up a hamstring injury back on loan in Ligue 1, with his last appearance coming in early February. The former has only managed two goal contributions too.

Therefore, it is easy to see why Boehly might target a player such as Dumfries, who has been a constant force in Inter's back line so far this campaign, notching one goal and six assists in 24 Serie A appearances.

The former PSV Eindhoven man, like James, has cultivated a reputation as an attacking wing-back, registering five goals and four assists in Italy's top-flight last season.

NBC Sports Editor Joe-Prince Wright perhaps put it best when describing the Dutchman's impressive athletic ability during Euro 2020.

He said: "Denzel Dumfries has been my favourite player at this tournament. Every time you look up he's seemingly surging forward on the right or left. Incredible."

James has shown regular attacking intent since breaking into the first team at Stamford Bridge, contributing five goals and nine assists in the Premier League in the 2021/22 campaign, and Dumfries could perhaps do a similarly-impressive job if he is trusted to play instead of the injury-prone Englishman.

FBref suggests that the Inter star scores in the top 1% for non-penalty expected goals and progressive passes received when compared with other full-backs across Europe's top leagues, which emphasises his attacking ability and knack of being in the right place at right time.

Therefore, if Boehly does feel the need to sign another right wing-back this summer, Dumfries could be the ideal candidate.

An update has emerged on Premier League giants Liverpool and their interest in signing Joao Palhinha in the summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Joao Palhinha to Liverpool?

According to the Daily Mail, the Reds are eyeing a swoop to sign the defensive midfielder from Fulham at the end of the season as Jurgen Klopp attempts to improve his midfield options.

The report claims that the club are the ‘most serious’ suitor for the former Sporting CP dynamo, although the Cottagers have him under contract for another four seasons.

It is stated that Marco Silva’s side are prepared to demand a fee in the region of £60m for their star midfielder after paying £20m to sign him last summer.

Who could replace Fabinho?

Palhinha could replace Fabinho at Anfield as the Portugal international has performed superbly in the Premier League this season, proving himself to be an excellent player at this level.

Prior to the current campaign, the Brazilian midfielder had never averaged a Sofascore rating lower than 6.90 in the top flight and averaged a score of 6.96 in the division last term.

Fabinho is currently averaging a rating of 6.84 across 24 appearances in the league and has won 50% of his individual duels whilst making 2.7 tackles and interceptions per game.

These statistics suggest that the experienced battler’s form has dropped off this season as his average performance level has never been lower throughout his career at Anfield.

Palhinha, meanwhile, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.10 – higher than Fabinho has ever managed in the league – across 24 outings in the division for Fulham.

He has made a whopping 5.6 tackles and interceptions per match and won 63% of his individual duels – compared to Fabinho’s 2.7 and 50%. Indeed, these eye-catching statistics show that the 27-year-old has been terrific in the top-flight.

The Portuguese giant, who was hailed as “outstanding” by BBC commentator Steve Wilson earlier this term, has proven that he has the quality to deliver brilliant performances week-in-week-out in the Premier League and has outperformed the Liverpool midfielder this season. 

Fulham’s star is in the top 9% of players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues over the last 365 days for tackles, clearances, and aerial duels won per 90, while Fabinho does not rank higher than the top 31% in any of those statistics.

This, along with their respective Sofascore ratings this season, suggests that Palhinha would come in as a significant upgrade on the current Reds enforcer in what he offers in midfield, both in terms of his general performance level and the defensive contributions the gem makes each match.