A significant number of the England players signed for the BBL are unlikely to be available to their clubs until after Christmas due to quarantine requirements following their tour of South Africa.Jason Roy and Liam Livingstone (Perth Scorchers), Dawid Malan (Hobart Hurricanes), Tom Curran (Sydney Sixers) and Tom Banton and Lewis Gregory (Brisbane Heat) were all named in the squads for the limited-overs trip to South Africa.However, Malan was only included in the T20 group so it may be possible for him to leave the tour ahead of the others.The final match of the series will be played on December 9, so depending on flight timings and the route taken they would be likely to arrive in Australia on December 11 when they would start their 14 days of hotel quarantine.The BBL fixtures confirmed on Thursday have all the teams playing three matches before Christmas, except the Hobart Hurricanes who will play four in Tasmania in that period.It would appear the earliest that players arriving from South Africa would be able to play would be Boxing Day, but with them unable to practice or train outside during their quarantine (under current regulations they will only have access to gym equipment provided in their rooms) that may be too short of a turnaround for them to be ready.The ECB is also able to hold back a contracted player from playing too soon after quarantine, as they did with Katherine Brunt in the WBBL for the Melbourne Stars, to reduce the risk of injury.A number of other English players not involved in the South Africa tour have been linked as replacements, including Will Jacks, Dan Lawrence and Joe Clarke as reported by ESPNcricinfo.”It’s been on the radar for a while, since that tour was earmarked, so our clubs have been planning around that,” Alistair Dobson, the head of the BBL, said. “Whether they are able to bring in another international for that specific window, it’s probably not as easy as a normal year.”Our clubs are expert list managers and have been planning for some of those players to not be available in that early window. We are also working really hard to make sure we can get those players from that tour into the BBL as quickly as possible.”Dobson added that the league was “hands on” in helping organise travel arrangements and that a chartered flight from South Africa was a possibility depending on the commercial options available.”We had great success with the WBBL [and we are] working really hard with relevant government authorities and the Australian Border Force to get overseas players in,” he said. “We are on track, but at the same time the landscape changes pretty regularly.”Most overseas players arriving into Australia for the tournament will have to quarantine, but currently it is only the England names that are impacted by a tour beforehand. Imran Tahir, the South Africa legspinner who has signed with Melbourne Renegades, retired from ODIs after the 2019 World Cup and while he never officially did the same in T20Is has not played since March 2019.There has been talk of making use of the Trans-Tasman travel bubble that exists between New Zealand and some states in Australia to bring in West Indies players who will be touring there without the need to quarantine although currently none of them have signed.However, the Sydney Thunder have signed New Zealand quick Adam Milne who may be able to take advantage of the arrangement.The tournament is likely to be without a number of big-name Australian players throughout. Earlier this week Steven Smith ruled out taking part due to the demands of moving from one bubble to another while it is expected that David Warner, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will also sit out the BBL.However, it is hoped that Australia’s limited-overs players who will be involved in the ODIs and T20Is against India – including those who have come from the IPL – would be available for the start of the BBL and with various restrictions loosening around the country players may be able to have more freedom rather than being in a tight bubble.”We are certainly hoping they can get into the BBL and play those first few games,” Dobson said. “We are working closely with the national team division as to how we make that as logistically smooth as possible.””One thing we are working really hard on is that as the competition moves across the country, where medical and safety advice allows we want to give the players as many freedoms to enjoy the local environment [as we can].”The way things are trending at the moment we’d like to make sure it can feel as much like a normal BBL for the players as possible, albeit a different travel pattern. That said it’s incumbent on the league and CA to make sure players and the public are as safe as possible.”

Two T20Is in Karachi, in first visit for 16 years, will form part of T20 World Cup build-up

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Nov-2020

Fakhar Zaman punches off side•Getty Images

England’s men’s team will make their first visit to Pakistan in 16 years when they play two T20Is in Karachi on October 14 and 15, 2021.As reported by ESPNcricinfo earlier this week, England’s plans for a short stop-over in January had to be shelved due to a lack of space in a crowded itinerary, with England also due to tour Sri Lanka and India in the first months of 2021, and with several players committed to T20I franchise deals during the same period.But following talks between the ECB and PCB, it has now been agreed that England will fit in the visit as part of their preparations for the T20 World Cup in India next year. The squad will arrive in Karachi on October 12, and both teams will depart for India on October 16 for the start of a tournament that is expected to culminate in mid-November.England last toured Pakistan in 2005 when they played three Tests and five ODIs. The subsequent series between the two sides in 2012 and 2015 were played in the United Arab Emirates.Tom Harrison, the ECB’s chief executive, said: “It’s a real pleasure to announce that the England men’s IT20 squad will be playing in Pakistan in October 2021. This will be the first time since 2005 that an England team has toured Pakistan and as such it represents a significant moment for both nations.”As was demonstrated this summer, we have a strong relationship with PCB and ECB is delighted to be able to play our part in ensuring the safe return of international cricket to this wonderful nation of passionate cricket fans.”As always, the safety and welfare of our players and staff will be paramount. We are working closely with the PCB to ensure all the necessary plans are in place, especially concerning the anticipated levels of security around the team, the proposed travel protocols and of course the situation regarding the fast-moving and ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic.”The two-match series will serve as ideal preparation for the England team leading into an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup taking place in India during October and November 2021.”England had already been scheduled to play a Test series in Pakistan in late 2022, but the PCB had expressed their desire for a visit sooner than that to show the ECB’s support for the return of international cricket to the country.With Pakistan’s players having endured less than perfect conditions in helping England fulfil their international fixtures in 2020, there was a sense that the ECB owed Pakistan a reciprocal favour. The ECB subsequently confirmed that a white-ball tour of Bangladesh in the same period is expected to go ahead as planned.Wasim Khan, PCB Chief Executive, added: “I am delighted to confirm that England will be touring Pakistan to play two T20s in October 2021. This will be their first visit to Pakistan for 16 years and will open the door for both Test and White Ball tours in the 2022-23 season.”The full-strength England squad will arrive at the back-end of our home white-ball series against New Zealand. We also expect Australia to visit Pakistan for their FTP commitment in early 2022, with England returning for both Test and White Ball tours in the 2022-23 season.”The October 2021 T20Is will allow the leading England cricketers to access and examine the world-class arrangements we will put together, which will give them further encouragement and confidence to not only return in 2022-23 but also express their interest in the Pakistan Super League, which has grown to become one of the top leagues in the world.”England’s visit to Pakistan for the 14 and 15 October 2021 T20Is will provide further lift to our passionate fans, both in Pakistan and across the globe. The nation has waited patiently for cricket to return sustainably to Pakistan and the 2021 tours by South Africa, New Zealand and England will only ensure international cricket is played uninterruptedly.”The enhanced progress made over the last two years has been down to nurturing relationships with various cricket boards and international players, as well as building trust and confidence.”The ECB’s confirmation further endorses Pakistan as safe and secure. Importantly, this announcement speaks volumes for the relationship that we have with the ECB and I would like to thank the ECB for their strong will and desire to make this short tour a reality.”England’s visit in 2021 is an outcome of the PCB’s efforts and hard work to ensure Pakistan cricket continues to move in the right direction.”

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke “would love” to sign a £40,000-a-week player after Joe Rodon, according to one journalist.

Gray to Tottenham, Rodon to Leeds

It has been a busy few days at Elland Road, with the Whites cashing in on academy product Archie Gray. It looked as if the 18-year-old was on course to join Brentford on Saturday before a transfer twist which saw Tottenham take full advantage.

Spurs have now won the race to sign Gray and will pay £40m for his services, whereas Leeds will re-sign centre-back Joe Rodon following a successful loan spell last season. Rodon will join on a permanent deal this time around, costing £10m, with both deals now officially announced.

The deals will help Leeds comply with PSR rules for the last financial year, and selling Gray could help the club keep the likes of star wingers Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto, who have both been linked with exits since Leeds' playoff final defeat.

One player who isn’t involved in the deal for Gray, though, is Oliver Skipp, but it looks as if Farke is keen on the midfielder’s services.

Farke “would love” Skipp at Leeds

Reliable Spurs reporter Alasdair Gold, speaking on the Gold and Guest Talk Tottenham Podcast, relayed by TBR, said that Farke “would love” to reunite with Skipp after working with him at Norwich City.

However, even if Tottenham were open to letting him go, Gold feels there would be a number of Premier League clubs keen.

“We mention Oliver Skipp. It doesn’t seem as though he’s involved in this deal in any way, although Daniel Farke would love to have him there after a terrific season with Norwich.

“I get the sense that if Spurs were to allow him to go, Oliver Skipp, there would be Premier League clubs queueing up to take him.”

Related Farke could land an "exciting" Piroe upgrade for Leeds

The Whites have been linked with a swoop to sign the attacking midfielder this summer.

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Gold also wrote in a story for football.london on Saturday that a loan or permanent deal for Skipp, on £40,000-a-week, could be looked at by Leeds.

“Leeds are expected to look at Skipp in terms of both a permanent or loan move – depending on their financial situation. The lure of playing for Farke again would be appealing for the young midfielder, although it's likely that a string of Premier League clubs would also enter the equation if Tottenham decide to let the player go and that's likely the level he would expect to be playing at.”

It could still be one to keep an eye on as the window progresses, even if a deal looks to be complicated with Skipp a senior homegrown player in north London.

Paul Pogba is likely to leave Juventus as a free agent after director Cristiano Giuntoli confirmed that they are "invested in different players".

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• Pogba preparing for his return in March
• Revealed that he wants to continue at Juve
• However, the Bianconeri are looking beyond him

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The French midfielder saw his doping ban cut short to 18 months from four years, following a successful appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and is slated to return to action in March 2025. Pogba is keen to restart his career with Juventus and is even willing to take a pay cut to get back in the fold.

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  WHAT GIUNTOLI SAID

  Although Pogba has a contract with the Serie A giants until June 2026, Giuntoli made it clear that the club is prepared for life without him.

  "Our position is clear. Pogba has been a great player, he has been out for a long time and last year we were forced to invest in other players," Giuntoli told DAZN ahead of the club's home match against Lazio. "So now the squad is complete as it is."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  There were reports which claimed that Juventus were seeking an amicable exit route for Pogba and Giuntoli's confirmation has sealed the midfielder's fate. However, given his quality, the French star should have little trouble finding a potential suitor.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR JUVENTUS?

  Juventus remain unbeaten in Serie A and climbed to the second spot in the standings after eking out a narrow 1-0 victory over Lazio on Saturday evening. They will be back in action on Tuesday in the Champions League when they face VFB Stuttgart at home.

Lionel Messi has suggested he is not thinking about retirement any time soon after proclaiming he has "more years to play" football.

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Messi turns 38 next yearSays he has 'more years left'Reveals goals going forwardFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 37-year-old is seemingly in the twilight years of his career but the legendary Argentine still feels "unstoppable" at present. The Inter Miami ace has no plans to hang up his boots just yet, but was a bit coy on whether or not he would represent his country at the 2026 World Cup.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT LIONEL MESSI SAID

He said at the Marca America Award night: "Coming to Inter Miami does not mean I will retire anytime soon, I still have more years to play."

Messi added: "In the moment, we will see. I don't like to accelerate time or look ahead. I try to enjoy every day. I hope I can keep playing at this level to feel good and be happy. When I get to do what I love I am happy. I value that more than reaching the 2026 [World Cup] tournament. I haven't set a goal to reach the World Cup, but more so to live day-to-day and be well."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi has, arguably, put together the most glittering football career of all time; winning Champions Leagues, a World Cup, and a host of the biggest trophies in the sport. And the fact that he wants to play for a while yet is great news for the game.

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IMGANWHAT NEXT?

After representing his country in their latest World Cup qualifiers, including scoring a hat-trick against Bolivia, his Inter Miami side host New England Revolution on Saturday night in Major League Soccer action.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Ministério da Saúde se manifestou sobre os procedimentos da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) que levaram à suspensão do jogo entre Brasil e Argentina, neste domingo (5), em jogo válido pela sexta rodada das Eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo-2022. A Anvisa afirmou em nota que teve o intuito de cumprir a legislação sanitária do país e interromper a partida não esteve em sua alçada.

+Confira a repercussão da suspensão da partida na imprensa internacional

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Emiliano Martínez, Buendía, Cristian Romero e Giovani Lo Celso não poderiam jogar porque não fizeram uma quarentena de 14 dias, conforme prevê a Portaria Interministerial nº 655, de 2021, “a qual estabelece que viajantes estrangeiros que tenham passagem, nos últimos 14 dias, pelo Reino Unido, África do Sul, Irlanda do Norte e Índia, estão impedidos de ingressar no Brasil”.

O Ministério da Saúde se manifestou em nota oficial. A pasta deu razão para a medidas tomadas pela Anvisa em relação ao episódio.

– O Ministério da Saúde informa que apoia e reconhece as recomendações da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa), autoridade em saúde responsável pelas ações de vigilância sanitária do país – declarou o ministério.

A Anvisa, por sua vez, detalhou em nota quesoube das informações falsas dos quatro atletas argentinos no dia 3 de setembro e, no mesmo dia, notificou o Ministério da Saúde e as autoridades. Além disto, em reunião com as delegações e a Conmebol, exigiu que os atletas ficassem em quarentena.

– Cabe esclarecer que os jogadores entraram no Brasil às 8h do dia 3/9, prestando informações falsas. Neste mesmo dia, a Anvisa identificou que as informações eram falsas e ainda na noite do dia 3/9, a Anvisa notificou o CIEVS, atualizou as autoridades de Saúde (Ministério da Saúde e a Secretaria de Saúde de São Paulo) – escreveu a Anvisa.

O órgão regulador falou sobre o alerta da irregularidade e destacou.

– No dia 4/9, às 17h, foi realizada a reunião com as instituições envolvidas, na qual a Anvisa e autoridade de saúde de São Paulo informaram a contingência de quarentena. No entanto, mesmo depois da reunião e da comunicação das autoridades, os jogadores participaram de treinamento na noite do sábado.

Em seguida, a Anvisa detalhou como foi a busca por garantir o cumprimento da quarentena dos atletas.

– Na manhã deste domingo, a Anvisa notificou a Polícia Federal, e até a hora do início do jogo envidou esforços, com apoio policial, para fazer cumprir a medida de quarentena imposta aos jogadores, sua segregação imediata e condução ao recinto aeroportuário. As tentativas foram frustradas, desde a saída da delegação do hotel, e mesmo em tempo considerável antes do início do jogo, quando a Anvisa teve sua atuação protelada já nas instalações da arena de Itaquera.

A agência afirmou que “se limitou a buscar o cumprimento das leis brasileiras, o que se limitaria à segregação dos jogadores e as suas respectivas autuações”. Além disto, falou sobre a forma como tudo transcorreu no gramado da Neo Química Arena.

– A decisão de interromper o jogo nunca esteve, nesse caso, na alçada de atuação da Agência. Contudo, a escalação de jogadores que descumpriram as leis brasileiras e as normas sanitárias do país, e ainda que prestaram informações falsas às autoridades, essa assim, sim, exigiu a atuação da Agência de estado, a tempo e a modo.

LEIA A NOTA OFICIAL DA ANVISA NA ÍNTEGRA

Desde a tarde deste sábado (4/9), a Anvisa, em reunião ocorrida com a participação de representantes da CONMEBOL, CBF e da delegação argentina recomendou a quarentena dos quatro jogadores argentinos, ante a confirmação de que os jogadores prestaram informações falsas e descumpriram, inequivocamente, a Portaria Interministerial nº 655, de 2021, a qual estabelece que viajantes estrangeiros que tenham passagem, nos últimos 14 dias, pelo Reino Unido, África do Sul, Irlanda do Norte e Índia, estão impedidos de ingressar no Brasil.

Neste domingo, pela manhã, a Anvisa acionou a Polícia Federal a fim de que as providências no âmbito da autoridade policial fossem adotadas de imediato.

No exercício de sua missão legal, a Anvisa perseguiu, desde o primeiro momento, o cumprimento à legislação brasileira, que, nesse caso, se restringia à segregação dos quatro jogadores envolvidos e a adoção das medidas sanitárias correspondentes.

Desde o instante em que tomou conhecimento da situação irregular dos jogadores – no mesmo dia da chegada da delegação – a Anvisa comunicou o fato às autoridades brasileiras em saúde, por meio do CIEVS – o Centro de Informações Estratégicas de Vigilância em Saúde.

Por força dessa comunicação, ainda na tarde do sábado, ocorreu a reunião já referida envolvendo o Ministério da Saúde, secretaria estadual de saúde de São Paulo, representantes da CONMEBOL, CBF e da delegação argentina. Nessa reunião, a Anvisa, em conjunto com a autoridade de saúde local, determinou, no curso da reunião, a quarentena dos jogadores.

Cabe esclarecer que os jogadores entraram no Brasil às 8h do dia 3/9, prestando informações falsas. Neste mesmo dia, a Anvisa identificou que as informações eram falsas e ainda na noite do dia 3/9, a Anvisa notificou o CIEVS, atualizou as autoridades de Saúde (Ministério da Saúde e a Secretaria de Saúde de São Paulo).

No dia 4/9, às 17h, foi realizada a reunião com as instituições envolvidas, na qual a Anvisa e autoridade saúde de São Paulo informaram a contingência de quarentena. No entanto, mesmo depois da reunião e da comunicação das autoridades, os jogadores participaram de treinamento na noite do sábado.

Na manhã deste domingo, a Anvisa notificou a Polícia Federal, e até a hora do início do jogo envidou esforços, com apoio policial, para fazer cumprir a medida de quarentena imposta aos jogadores, sua segregação imediata e condução ao recinto aeroportuário. As tentativas foram frustradas, desde a saída da delegação do hotel, e mesmo em tempo considerável antes do início do jogo, quando a Anvisa teve sua atuação protelada já nas instalações da arena de Itaquera.

A ação da Anvisa, em síntese, se limitou a buscar o cumprimento das leis brasileiras, o que se limitaria à segregação dos jogadores e as suas respectivas autuações.

A decisão de interromper o jogo nunca esteve, nesse caso, na alçada de atuação da Agência. Contudo, a escalação de jogadores que descumpriram as leis brasileiras e as normas sanitárias do país, e ainda que prestaram informações falsas às autoridades, essa assim, sim, exigiu a atuação da Agência de estado, a tempo e a modo.

It wasn't the smoothest of debut campaigns for Ange Postecoglou last season, but considering the injuries he had to deal with and the departure of Harry Kane before a ball was kicked, qualifying for the Europa League has to be seen as a success.

However, the Australian will be looking to guide a club the size of Tottenham Hotspur further up the Premier League table than fifth next year, and with the right transfers, he might just be able to.

Daniel Levy and Co have already secured the signature of Leeds United's wonderkid Archie Gray for just £30m, but the latest start touted for a move to N17 plays at the sharp end of the pitch and may well be an upgrade on Dejan Kulusevski.

Spurs looking at Premier League forward

According to a recent report from insider Paul O'Keefe, Tottenham have reignited their interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers ace Pedro Neto in the last few days.

O'Keefe does not mention a potential price, but another report from Football Transfers last week revealed that the Old Gold have reduced the winger's asking price to just £43m and that the Lilywhites North London rivals Arsenal were potentially interested in the 24-year-old as well.

While the transfer could prove complicated due to the Gunners' interest, if Levy and Co can land a player as talented as Neto for the reported price, then it's certainly worth pursuing – even at the detriment of Kulusevski.

How Neto compares to Kulusevski

So, if Neto does end up signing on the dotted line and moving to the white side of North London, the fact he favours playing off the right of a front three will inevitably put him up against Kulusevski for a starting role. So how do they compare?

Well, from a pure output perspective, it's a comprehensive win for the Portuguese international. In 24 appearances last season, he scored three goals and provided 11 assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.74 games.

In comparison, the Swedish international scored eight goals and provided three assists in 39 appearances, which equates to a goal involvement every 3.54 games.

What about what's going on under the hood then? Is it another comfortable victory for the Old Gold's star winger when we compare their underlying numbers?

Unfortunately for the former Juventus ace, it is. For example, while he makes fewer progressive passes, maintains a lower passing accuracy and takes fewer shots on target, the 24-year-old "monster", as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, comes out ahead in most other metrics, including non-penalty expected goals and assists, progressive passes, shots, key passes, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, ball recoveries, key passes and aerial duels won, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.47

0.40

Progressive Passes

3.21

4.69

Progressive Carries

5.83

4.92

Shots

1.98

1.81

Shots on Target

0.68

0.69

Passing Accuracy

74.5

77.2

Key Passes

2.26

2.15

Shot-Creating Actions

4.45

4.14

Goal-Creating Actions

0.83

0.26

Successful Take-Ons

2.20

1.76

Ball Recoveries

4.70

4.33

Aerial Duels Won

0.24

0.23

Overall, it starts to look like the Wolves ace is the better option here, but the major concern with the talented winger is his injury record, which has seen him miss 46 games for club and country in the last two campaigns.

However, this could allow Postecoglou to play him and Kulusevski regularly throughout the season, ensuring they get adequate game time and rest time.

Spurs struck gold on "titanic" ace worth millions more than Archie Gray

The sensational star was one of the Lilywhites’ best performers last season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 2, 2024

Ultimately, it's practically impossible to find the perfect transfer, and while his injuries are undoubtedly a concern, Neto is too good a player to pass up on, especially at this lower price.

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared some news on Tottenham and their possible transfer plans for the summer window, as Spurs seemingly eye an interesting alternative to heavily linked Aston Villa starlet Jacob Ramsey.

Tottenham have player-plus-cash bid for Ramsey rejected

As reported by an array of media sources in the last week, Ange Postecoglou's side had a player-plus-cash bid for Ramsey rejected recently.

Tottenham offer Richarlison in swap deal bid for £120,000-per-week star

The Brazilian has been tipped to leave.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 28, 2024

Villa have insisted on players being included in a fair few of their summer deals so far, with star midfielder Douglas Luiz swapping the Midlands for Turin in a £24 million deal, as Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior also head the other way from Juventus.

Villa also wanted players included in recent Chelsea talks over a deal for Jhon Duran, which ultimately came to no avail. In light of this, Tottenham looked to take advantage of this trend with their own bid for one of Unai Emery's stars.

Indeed, Spurs tabled a £20 million player-plus-cash offer for Ramsey, which included out-of-favour midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, which makes sense considering Emery knows the Argentine well from their time at Villarreal together.

Stat

Total (via Transfermarkt)

Appearances

21

Goals

1

Assists

2

Yellow cards

2

Minutes played

1,068

However, the proposal was rejected out of hand, with Villa deeming the offer far below their valuation of the 23-year-old. Johan Lange is driving Tottenham's interest in Ramsey, though, and it is believed Postecoglou has personally green-lit any approach for him (Alasdair Gold).

A deal for the Englishman could be very difficult to pull off, so it is perhaps wise for the Lilywhites to have alternatives for Ramsey of a similar ilk.

Tottenham have been eyeing Leeds sensation Archie Gray

Leeds United sensation Archie Gray, who starred under Daniel Farke with 52 appearances in all competitions last season, could be an interesting option. The 18-year-old midfielder featured predominantly at right-back last season, but was utilised in his natural position on many occasions as well.

The versatile teenager not only acts as an alternative to Ramsey, but could also come in as a replacement for the exit-bound Emerson Royal, who is attracting serious interest from AC Milan (Fabrizio Romano).

Romano says Tottenham have been closely eyeing Gray, alongside the likes of Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund, so he could be one to watch. However, other reports suggest he could cost around £50 million.

"I can tell you that Chelsea have been scouting the player this season; for sure, he is a player they appreciate.

"At the moment, no bid, just interest and we will see what clubs like Manchester United and others do in this situation because many other clubs are scouting the player," said Romano on his YouTube channel this week.

"But at the moment, the two clubs with concrete interest are Chelsea and Dortmund but for example, Tottenham have also been following the player closely, so let’s see who is going to move in terms of the bid, but still nothing official to Leeds United."

Another threat to their chances of snapping up the youngster was the news that has since emerged, stating Brentford had agreed a deal with Gray, with the Bees "on course" to secure his transfer, with a medical pending.

However, journalist Ben Jacobs has said there is "caution until the ink is dry", suggesting that his sheer volume of suitors, including Spurs, means other teams could still come in and hijack the deal.

After another disappointing season, Chelsea are reportedly open to offers to sell one player who only joined last summer, as Todd Boehly gets ruthless in an attempt to steer a sinking ship once and for all.

Chelsea transfer news

The Blues wasted no time in getting their summer transfer business underway, welcoming Tosin Adarabioyo. The former Manchester City defender left Fulham at the end of his contract, allowing Chelsea to swoop in and land a free deal for new head coach Enzo Maresca.

Full of praise for Chelsea's new signing, Co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said: "We are delighted to bring Tosin to Chelsea. Throughout his career, he has showcased his maturity and defensive qualities and has gained a wealth of experience in the Premier League in recent seasons.

"He is ready to make the step up to Chelsea and work alongside the talented players in our squad. We look forward to Tosin joining up with us for pre-season."

Chelsea eye Enzo Fernandez-like deal as Bayern Munich target agrees to join

The west Londoners have made a breakthrough in talks.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 15, 2024

As Adarabioyo arrives, however, a defender could be heading for the exit door just one year after arriving. According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are now open to offers for Benoit Badiashile, despite spending £35m to secure his signature from AS Monaco a year ago. The centre-back is one of several stars who have struggled since making the move to Stamford Bridge in a summary of Chelsea's dilemma.

Maresca may hope that Adarabioyo's arrival will cover any potential loss and quickly turn into a wise business. Badiashile, meanwhile, will be wondering where it all went wrong if he does head for an early exit from the London giants. Only time will tell whether he gets a summer switch away from the Blues and onto rediscovering his best form, however.

Chelsea may regret exit of "outstanding" Badiashile

As Chelsea found their form at the end of last season, it was Badiashile who found himself at the heart of their backline. But just like Mauricio Pochettino, he could be heading for the exit door in frustrating fashion. With Adarabioyo confirmed, the Blues seem willing to take a risk and attempt a return on their investment, though the numbers show that Badiashile is not a level below the new arrival.

Progressive Carries

3

10

Progressive Passes

46

62

Tackles Won

15

11

Ball Recoveries

82

43

At his best, Badiashile has also been at the centre of praise. Former Monaco assistant manager Joao Tralhao told Sky Sports: "In terms of personality, he is very cold. He does not shake if he is playing against Mbappe or Neymar, if the stadium is empty or full. He is a very balanced boy. His character is outstanding. He focuses on what he must do to perform. It is one of his best qualities.

"He has that maturity and that emotional control. That impressed Thierry a lot and he had no hesitation to play him. Some questioned that. He was 17 and centre-back is a position that requires some experience. Now we can say Thierry was right to bet on him."

D’Arcy Short has been called up as a replacement for Warner

Daniel Brettig30-Nov-2020

David Warner walks off the field after injuring his groin•Getty Images

David Warner is in an 18-day race to be fit in time for the opening Test of the summer against India, after he was formally ruled out of the remainder of the white-ball matches and replaced in the squad by D’Arcy Short, while Australia’s vice-captain Pat Cummins is also to be spelled until the opening long-from game at Adelaide Oval from December 17.The groin/adductor tear Warner suffered while fielding against India on Sunday night at the SCG has not been ruled serious enough to remove him from calculations for the start of the Test series, although he will need to make a rapid recovery given the short turnaround time.Former Cricket Australia team doctor Peter Brukner suggested* that in his experience, similar injuries were likely to take between four and six weeks to heal, and said that Warner would be more likely to be fit in time for the second Test at the MCG on Boxing Day than the first.”It certainly seemed to be a significant injury, what we’d call a grade two, the fact he’s not having surgery indicates he hasn’t torn it off the bone or anything like that, but it was clearly more than a grade one and traditionally we’d say that was a four to six week injury if you’re looking at a footballer, hopefully closer to four than to six,” Brukner told SEN Radio. “It’s 18 days between yesterday and the start of the first Test, so that’s cutting it pretty fine.”Probably the odds are that he’s not going to make it, but knowing Davey he’ll give it a good crack and he’s in superb shape and he’ll do everything possible, he’ll be very well looked after by the physios, David Beakley and his group. So I think he’s a chance but probably the odds are against him playing the first Test – second Test should be fine, much more realistic.”Australia’s opening two victories over India made it patently clear how valuable Warner is as a top order batsman in home conditions, forming a platform against the new ball but also scoring freely and setting up an innings for the likes of Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. Australia’s’ coach Justin Langer said Warner’s timely return would be pivotal to the Test team’s fortunes, in addition to giving Cummins some time off following his IPL stint and lengthy quarantine.ALSO WATCH: David Warner run out by direct hit (Indian subcontinent only)”Pat and Davey are critical to our plans for the Test Series,” Langer said. “Davey will work through his injury rehab and in Pat’s case it is important all of our players are managed well to keep them mentally and physically fit throughout what is a challenging summer. The priority for both is being fully prepared for one of the biggest and most important home Test Series we have played in recent years, especially with World Test Championship points up for grabs.”Labuschagne said that Australia needed to adapt to a scenario where they would be missing Warner for at least four matches, but he expected the super-fit 33-year-old to make his return for the Test series.”He’s been a massive part of us winning this series and it’s not great that we’ve lost him, but like anything it provides an opportunity for someone else to step up in the top order and make runs,” Labuschagne said. “It’s unfortunately how the game works, there’s always an opportunity for someone else when something like that happens. We hope Davey gets a speedy recovery and he’s back as soon as we can get him. He’s a very strong character and he’ll be back.”I hope he’s back for the Test series, but I’m not a physio or a doctor, so I think for us it’s just about being able to adapt. We need to make sure we adapt for this last one-dayer and then if he’s not available it provides an opportunity for someone else to step up. That’s how we have to play it.”Short had been on standby in Sydney in the event of injury, and comes into the team with the benefit of a couple of Sheffield Shield appearances for Western Australia earlier in the season. It remains to be seen whether he slots straight in opposite Aaron Finch at the top of the order, or the selectors shuffle around their other available options, including that of Matthew Wade.The uncertainty around Warner’s fitness adds further intrigue to debate around the opening spots in the Test team, as the incumbent Joe Burns and the aspiring talent of Will Pucovski wait in hope of chances to wear the baggy green this summer. Labuschagne said that Burns was capable of stepping up to play a more senior role should Warner be absent.”Joe’s averaging 40 in Test cricket so he’s certainly established and he’s got four Test hundreds, so he’s a very good player,” Labuschagne said. “Although he hasn’t made the runs in Shield cricket he would’ve liked, he got 99 [97] against Pakistan in the first Test last summer and he negotiated through that new ball period almost every time.”So he’s not far away from a couple of really big scores and I think if he was to step up into that senior opener role, 100% I think he’s that sort of player that can step up if the team really needs it.”Meanwhile, allrounder Mitchell Marsh will not join the Australia A squad for the matches against India as he continues his recovery from the ankle injury sustained at the IPL. He will now target a return in the BBL with the Perth Scorchers.