Manchester City target Josko Gvardiol has reached an agreement regarding a contract to move to the Etihad Stadium, according to reports.

Is Josko Gvardiol joining Man City?

The RB Leipzig centre-back still has another four years remaining on his deal in the Bundesliga, but his impressive performances during the last season at the Red Bull Arena have grabbed the attention of Pep Guardiola in the Premier League.

Football Insider first reported that the Sky Blues had opened talks with the 21-year-old earlier this month and had made him a top target, and it wasn’t long before Fabrizio Romano revealed that the player had agreed personal terms to complete the switch to England.

The Croatia international’s sporting director Max Eberl has also since confirmed that negotiations between the two parties are ongoing, stating that he and his representatives have indicated their “desire” to leave the club to link up with the top-flight champions.

What's the latest Man City transfer news?

According to German outlet BILD (via Sport Witness), Gvardiol has “reached an agreement” in terms of his own contract being offered and is therefore “on the verge” of departing RB Leipzig and joining Man City.

Marco Rose’s side are “willing to discuss” the deal should they receive a fee of €100m (£85m) which is a figure that the City hierarchy have “shown a willingness” to pay.

Man City are clearly serious about pursuing Gvardiol for the RB Leipzig chief to publicly address the situation, and considering the positive impact he could make at both ends of the pitch, Guardiola and the board should definitely submit an opening offer for the centre-back.

The Zagreb native, who is naturally left-footed, won 17 out of his 23 tackles last season and averaged 2.3 clearances per game in the Bundesliga, with this solid form seeing him dubbed a “warrior” in defence by journalist Sripad, but he also adds to the side’s success going forward.

As per FBRef, the five-time trophy winner ranked in the 96th percentile for successful dribbles by centre-backs this season, so loves to take on his marker and push his team higher up the pitch. He even occasionally gets on the scoresheet himself, having netted two goals in six outings in the Champions League.

Last but not least, Gvardiol would also provide the boss with some versatility with his ability to operate at left-back alongside his usual role in the heart of the backline, so this move really is a no-brainer to complete should the conditions be right.

Crystal Palace are one of the clubs competing to sign Wolfsburg midfielder Aster Vranckx, who could be available for a fee of around €9m (£8m) this summer, according to a recent report from Spain.

Who are Crystal Palace signing this summer?

With Luka Milovojevic and James McArthur leaving this summer, Palace have made bringing in a new central midfielder one of their priorities, having already agreed a deal to sign AFC Bournemouth's Jefferson Lerma, who has now linked up with the squad.

Roy Hodgson seemingly has no plans to stop there, however, with Lyon's Romain Faivre also emerging as an option for the Eagles, and transfer expert Dean Jones thinks he could be a quality addition to the squad, saying:

"I think he’s a good level of player to be looking at. He's very confident on the ball. He’s very confident in his decision-making. He's got a bit of cheekiness about him too."

Palace had been keeping tabs on former FC Koln midfielder Ellyes Skhiri, however, the Tunisian has now completed a move to Eintracht Frankfurt, so Hodgson is now considering another player from the Bundesliga.

According to a report from Faro de Vigo (via Sport Witness), Palace are chasing Wolfsburg's Vranckx, but they are not the only Premier League club in the race for his signature, with Burnley and Fulham also said to be in the picture.

The central midfielder spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at AC Milan, but the Italian club have decided against making his stay permanent, and the door could now be open for a move elsewhere.

From the player's point a view, the goal is to move to England, however, he may also have the opportunity to sign for Celta Vigo, who are currently "well-placed" to win the race for his signature.

As the Belgian has three years left on his deal, Wolfsburg are still in a position to demand a fee to sanction his departure, and he could be available for around €9m (£8m).

Who is Aster Vranckx?

The Wolfsburg ace is only 20 years old, but he has already managed to rack up two senior caps for Belgium, and he has been playing first-team football for a number of years, having first made his breakthrough with KV Mechelen in the Jupiler Pro League.

Last season was a real opportunity for the youngster to kick on, but he did not make the impact he would've been hoping for at the San Siro, playing just 235 minutes in the Serie A across the entire season.

The maestro is now at an age where he needs regular game time if he is to fulfil his lofty potential, having been compared to Steven Gerrard by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who has also lauded him as one of a number of "talented" Belgian midfielders.

Having captained Belgium at youth level, there are indications that Vranckx would be a positive influence in the dressing room, and his first-team experience in the Bundesliga suggests he could be able to make the step up to the Premier League, making this one to watch over the coming weeks.

Sixteen-year-old legspinner Amelia Kerr is set to become the youngest New Zealand women’s player at a World Cup, after being picked in the 15-member squad for the tournament which starts in England from June 24.

New Zealand squad for Women’s World Cup

Suzie Bates (capt), Erin Bermingham, Sophie Devine, Maddy Green, Holly Huddleston, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Katey Martin, Thamsyn Newton, Katie Perkins, Anna Peterson, Rachel Priest, Hannah Rowe, Amy Satterthwaite (vice-capt), Lea Tahuhu

Sophie Devine, who missed the ODI and T20I series against Australia women due to a thumb injury, returned to the squad, while seamer Hannah Rowe earned a recall, having last played for New Zealand in November 2016. Offspinner Leigh Kasperek, who underwent surgery in February after suffering multiple fractures to her finger, has also returned to the squad. Allrounder Anna Peterson and seamer Holly Huddleston have also been selected for their first 50-over World Cup.Twelve of the 15 members in the World Cup squad had played the World T20 in India last year.Kerr has impressed since her international debut in the home series against Pakistan last year. In seven ODIs, she has taken 10 wickets, including two four-fors, at an average of 22.9 and an economy rate of 3.89″We’ve had a lot of players put their hands up domestically, internationally and during our two recent camps – so the last few spots were particularly fiercely contested,” New Zealand coach Haidee Tiffin said. “I’m really happy with the balance of the squad. I think it’s a strong team who are certainly capable of bringing that cup home.”It’s really exciting to have Amelia in the squad and she’s proved herself more than ready for the big stage. With the likes of Suzie Bates, Amy Satterthwaite, Katey Martin and Sophie Devine – we’re not short on leaders in the group.”There’s been a real focus on our team-first mentality and everyone’s bought into that – which means we’ll turn up in England as a tight, motivated unit.”New Zealand will have a pre-tournament camp in Hampshire from June 11 and will play their opening match against Sri Lanka in Bristol on June 24. New Zealand have won the tournament once – in 2000 – and have been runners-up three times, in 1993, 1997 and 2009.

أعلن المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، يورجن كلوب، عن تشكيل اللاعبين الذين سيخوضون مباراة أتالانتا، في ذهاب الدور ربع النهائي من مسابقة الدوري الأوروبي.

وتنطلق مباراة ليفربول ونظيره أتالانتا في تمام الساعة التاسعة مساءً بتوقيت “القاهرة” على ملعب “أنفيلد”، بصافرة الحكم التركي خليل ميلر.

اقرأ ايضاً.. فان دايك: نشعر بخيبة أمل بسبب مانشستر يونايتد.. ونتطلع لمواجهة أتالانتا منذ إجراء القرعة

وحسبما نُشر، يتواجد الدولي المصري محمد صلاح على مقاعد البدلاء في مباراة الليلة أمام أتالانتا الإيطالي. تشكيل ليفربول أمام أتالانتا في الدوري الأوروبي

حراسة المرمى: كيليهر.

خط الدفاع: جو جوميز، ابراهيما كوناتي، فيرجيل فان دايك، تسيميكاس.

خط الوسط: واتارو إندو، ماك أليستر، كورتيس جونز.

خط الهجوم: هارفي إليوت، كودي جاكبو، داروين نونيز. بدلاء ليفربول أمام أتالانتا في الدوري الأوروبي

أدريان، أندي روبيرتسون، بايسيتيتش، أرنولد، كوانساه، دومينيك سوبوسلاي، جرافنبيرخ، كلارك، جوتا، محمد صلاح، لويس دياز.

Team news is in for tonight’s #UEL clash with Atalanta 👊 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 11, 2024

Chris Lynn thought his Champions Trophy hopes were over when he suffered a shoulder injury during the IPL

Melinda Farrell31-May-2017The Wankhede Stadium is heaving, as it does at every Mumbai Indians home match. Kolkata’s Chris Woakes runs in and bowls to his team-mate in England colours, Jos Buttler. Buttler, aggressive as ever, comes down the track but doesn’t quite get to the pitch of the ball. He tries to hoist it over the long-off boundary but only succeeds in skying it.Chris Lynn, fielding at mid-off, turns and sets off at full speed on the chase. It’s touch and go as to whether he’ll get there. But he’s not the sort to die wondering. He’s the sort who dives, wondering. And so as the ball drops, still a little too far away, he hurls himself full stretch, intent only on taking the catch. He crashes into the ground and he’s just short. But far worse, he feels the tell-tale pop in his left shoulder joint. He’s felt this before and he knows what it means.

****

This was the moment Chris Lynn thought his Champions Trophy hopes were over.A third injury to the same shoulder in less than two years didn’t bode well for a player who has all too often suffered an injury setback at the worst possible time. After the match, of of Lynn’s frustration was distilled in a single tweet: “Dear Cricket Gods, did I do something wrong?”Now, fully fit on the eve of Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign, Lynn vividly remembers the fear that enveloped him when he thought his IPL season was finished and his chances of representing his country in England were gone.”Yeah I was shitting myself to be honest,” said a typically laconic Lynn. “I was in good nick as well. It was probably the first thing that crossed my mind that it would dampen my chances of playing here.”That’s why I stayed over in India because I knew, there’s not a great deal to do over in India, but rehab was the first priority.”So I smashed that every day and I knew that if I stayed over there and tried to get a bit of game time I’d give myself every chance to get myself fit for this.”It took three and a half weeks for Lynn to get himself back on the park and he scored 50 and 84 in his first two matches back for KKR, picking up from his blistering start to the IPL.”I was really determined to get back from that dislocation and I didn’t lose any form over that period,” Lynn said. “I think first game back in the IPL I struck the ball really well so I’m confident if I get a chance that I can contribute to the side and, not only just contribute, but hopefully put up a couple of big scores or match wining knocks here or there.”It’s a good feeling that I know my body a lot better now, know my restrictions, so we’ll see how we go.”Fortunately for Australia, those restrictions don’t affect his batting. But he has been forced to reevaluate his technique in the field.”I can’t dive with my arms outstretched,” said Lynn. “It’s got to be sort of nice and tight in. it’s taken me a couple of dislocations to get that but I’ve got a fair bit of strapping on there to remind me so I think, as much as you want to try and dive and save as many runs for your team, there’s a point where you’ve got to reel it in and be realistic with your body so I’m pretty comfortable with it at the moment.”Such restraint doesn’t come naturally to Lynn, a ferociously powerful batsman whose aggressive demolition of bowlers in T20 tournaments has spawned its own hashtag. But he knows that in a tournament that leaves little room for error and a format which, should he break into Australia’s starting line up, sometimes requires batsmen to craft an innings, he may at times have to curb his natural aggression. A little less #Lynnsanity and a little more #Lynngenuity, if you will.”I guess I’ve got to sum up each game as they come and each scenario,” said Lynn. “If I do get the license out there obviously it’s going to be good fun and hopefully I can get going but if we do, say, lose a couple of early ones then I’ve got to pull my head in and reel it in and play some smart cricket.”I think the way I played in India, obviously there were a lot of big hits over there, but I thought my game awareness was pretty good as well in certain situations so I’ve just got to find the right tempo and find it as early as possible.”Whether or not Lynn gets the opportunity to find his tempo remains to be seen. Australia’s powerful batting line up means there’s no guarantee Lynn will make the starting XI. He claims he hasn’t even thought about selection and is relaxed about slotting in to a 50-over team after an extended run in the T20 format.”Does my role change?” asked Lynn. “I’m not sure yet. At the end of the day it’s a white ball coming down at me and if I can smack the ball like I do in T20 I’ll be pretty happy but finding that right tempo is key and working out when to play smart cricket and when to have a go.”Whoever plays in the best XI is obviously there for a reason and whoever’s missing out is a bit, well, not stiff because who do you drop out of that line up? We’re all good players.”Whatever happens, mate, if we win the comp who cares?`’

Overseas tours during pre-season afford players the chance to give back to the fans who set their alarms for, quite frankly, ludicrous times to make sure they’re up and ready to watch their favourite side.

It’s a chance for supporters to realise their dreams of getting to see the action first-hand and to show their support in person. And that’s why it’s even more wholesome when players go that extra mile to thank them.

Bukayo Saka became the latest star to show his appreciation to the Arsenal support as the Gunners continued their USA tour.

As you can see in the footage below, the winger made a fan’s day in a viral clip following the Gunners’ 5-0 thrashing of MLS All-Stars

Bukayo Saka makes fan’s day with wholesome gesture

Going over to the supporters, Saka was seen signing shirts and taking photos, before noticing one particular fan holding a sign, which read: “Saka, it’s my B-Day, can I get a pic?”

The Arsenal man did more than just take a picture, however, giving the young supporter a moment that he’ll forever cherish by gifting him his boots.The fan couldn’t hide his shock, in what was the most wholesome moment of pre-season so far.

Meeting the fans and performing gestures like that is what pre-season is all about.

Fans online loved the footage, flocking to Twitter to say so.

How many Premier League goals does Bukayo Saka have?

Saka’s rise into one of the best players in the Premier League is something that cannot be applauded enough.

When the England international first emerged as an academy graduate, he would have seen a defeated and drained squad which was out of ideas. He breathed new life into the Gunners, alongside Emile Smith Rowe, however, and has been rewarded ever since.

Helping to transform the North London side, with the helpful guidance of Mikel Arteta, Saka will make his Champions League debut next season, as he looks to continue his rise, potentially helping his side to another Premier League title challenge.

In total, the winger has scored 31 Premier League goals in 135 appearances, whilst also assisting a further 27 goals.

That number will undoubtedly increase more and more as the seasons go by, too.

In the last campaign, the 21-year-old enjoyed his best season so far, as Arsenal finished second behind Manchester City. By the end of the season, Saka had been involved in 25 goals, finding the back of the net 14 times, and assisting 11 further goals.

Having been involved in 17 goals in the campaign prior, it looks as though Saka’s output is rising by the season, which means we could see an even greater improvement from the academy graduate come August.

That will be the hope of England boss Gareth Southgate too, that’s for sure, as he will be looking to guide his country to the piece of silverware they so desperately desire at Euro 2024 in 12 months’ time.

Saka is on course to play a key role for the Three Lions, as one of the most crucial assets that Southgate can use to his advantage. If the Arsenal man is at his best next season, then not only will Arsenal benefit, but England at the Euros will, too.

Tottenham are keeping an eye on Lille star Jonathan David in case they lose Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, according to reports in France.

Is Harry Kane leaving Tottenham?

It’s not a summer transfer window unless there is a saga surrounding Kane’s future in north London, but it’s fair to say this one feels closer to something actually happening than those that have come before.

That is of course due to the talisman’s contract situation, meaning Daniel Levy has to at least consider the offers coming in from Munich, and Ange Postecoglou has admitted he’s had no assurances:

“No, I haven't had any assurances [over Kane's future] and I wouldn't expect any assurances because with these kind of things you're never dealing in definites or certainties.

“I'm trying to concentrate on the things that I know right now, and what I know right now is that Harry's part of this squad.”

Those comments were followed by a pretty worrying update from Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, who insists Kane has actually personally agreed to join the Bavarian giants:

“As reported: Harry Kane made 100 % clear that he only wants to join FC Bayern.

He’s not considering a move to another club abroad. It’s an agreement between Kane & Bayern.”

Now, according to French newspaper L’Equipe, the Lilywhites have picked out David as a possible option to replace their record goalscorer. Sport Witness translate the update, which says Lille have set their price at €60m (£51m).

Lille hope to make a signing of their own with the money they generate from selling their star man, a Canada international, but Kane’s moving is holding everything up, with Spurs one of the teams “observing” David’s situation.

There is plenty of competition for his signature however, as PSG, Chelsea and Newcastle are all keeping an eye on the striker merry go round as well.

How good is Jonathan David?

In truth, it’s going to be impossible for Postecoglou and Levy to find someone to fully replicate Kane’s end product, but there aren’t many players who come closer than David over the last couple of seasons.

The 23 year-old found the back of the net 15 times in 38 Ligue 1 showings in the 2021/22 campaign, and followed that up with 24 strikes in 37 games this time around.

He can play as an out and out centre forward, in behind another number nine or even on both wings if required, and hasn’t fallen below ten league goals in a season since he was a teenager.

A 40-cap international – with 24 goals in those games too – his injury history is also a major selling point, having missed a total of just three games due to illness or injury across his entire career to this point.

Labelled an “absolutely massive” player for Lille for his ability to step up to the plate in pressure situations, that is exactly the kind of mentality Spurs need from whoever arrives to fill Kane’s shoes – if he goes – and for £51m, Postecoglou would be getting an exciting young talent in the form of his life.

West Brom's chances of signing Omari Hutchinson this summer have just been handed a huge boost, with The Athletic reporting that he has been left out of Chelsea's pre-season squad.

How many games has Omari Hutchinson played for Chelsea?

The 19-year-old attacker has already made his league debut for Chelsea, but has yet to really assert himself or push into the first-team picture on a regular basis with the Blues. Even that showing came only last season and lasted for just 23 minutes – showing that, whilst he is highly regarded, he is currently unable to get regular gametime at Stamford Bridge. Instead, the midfielder has had to make do with minutes for their reserve side and did likewise with Arsenal before joining Chelsea.

However, when he has been able to get onto the field for the club's youth outfit, he has impressed. In 21 games for the Blues' reserves last season, he managed seven goals and eight assists. That meant a record of 15 goal contributions in just 20 lots of 90 minutes – or a rate of 0.75 goal contributions per 90. It meant that Hutchinson, when he played, was good for either a goal or an assist every other game.

Are West Brom signing Omari Hutchinson?

Now, having yet to be sent out on a loan to an EFL side, he could get the opportunity with West Brom in 2023/24. Birmingham World reports that there could still be interest in adding the player to their squad this summer from the Baggies, with the Championship side having held a previous interest in snapping up the midfielder. However, it also adds that they will not be the only side wanting to try and secure a deal for Hutchinson this transfer window.

Now, according to The Athletic, West Brom may have been handed a boost in their efforts to get a deal done. That's because he has been left out of Chelsea's pre-season squad that is heading to America – and it states that it could be because they are trying to sort out loan moves for the youngster. If that is the case, it means that the winger is available on a short-term deal this summer and with the Baggies keen, it does appear as if a deal could be possible now. As yet though, no official bid has been tabled for Hutchinson.

Even though he has not yet managed to break into the first-team picture with Chelsea, he has already been given some high praise by one of his former bosses. Graham Potter allowed Hutchinson to play during a friendly in 2022, whilst the World Cup was being held. It led to the manager stating that the youngster was "dangerous" and continually asked questions of the opposition defence, also adding that he was "really, really good".

Hutchinson then has already caught the eye – and that's why West Brom want to try and sort out a short-term deal. If he is given regular football with them, it could continue to bring the best out of the exciting young talent next season.

Liverpool are reportedly willing to meet Khephren Thuram’s €30m (£25.6m) asking price this summer.

What’s the latest Liverpool transfer news?

The Reds and Jurgen Klopp have been busy so far this summer in the transfer market as they look to improve on what was a disappointing 2022/23 campaign where they missed out on Champions League qualification.

Owners FSG have already splashed the cash by spending €112m (£95.7m) on two new marquee midfielders. Alexis Mac Allister was the first to make the move to Anfield from Brighton & Hove Albion, and the Argentine has since been joined by Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig.

Fabrizio Romano did hint that three new midfielders were on the radar for the Reds this summer, which may leave one more addition on the cards.

Reports have suggested that Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia could be on the way to Merseyside, with those at Anfield believing the player wants the move despite interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. The Saints want £50m, whereas Liverpool are willing to offer £40m, however, Thuram, another player to be linked with the Reds, would command a lower fee.

Paisley Gates relayed an update from Spain regarding Thuram in the last 48 hours, claiming OGC Nice want to receive €30m (£25.6m) for the Frenchman.

The report states Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool are all interested, however, the La Liga winners cannot meet the asking price, whereas the Reds and Bayern Munich are willing to pay that figure.

Who is Khephren Thuram?

Thuram is primarily a central midfielder who can play in a holding role or on the left of midfield and appears to be going from strength to strength with a career-high €40m Transfermarkt valuation.

The 22-year-old, a France U21 international, has made 138 appearances for the Ligue 1 side and was the club’s sixth best performer last season, as per WhoScored. Thuram’s average match rating was actually better than any other Liverpool midfielder, so he could be a wise addition in both the short and long run.

Journalist Zach Lowy certainly feels a move could be a smart one, recently describing him as the perfect signing for Klopp’s team due to his elite ball-carrying and high press.

“Khephren Thuram is just the sort of player that Liverpool need to transform their midfield. Elite ball carrier for someone of his size and really effective at winning the ball high up the pitch — perfect signing for Klopp’s side.”

Lowy’s comments are backed up by FBref, who rank Thuram in the top 1% of midfielders for successful take-ons that lead to a shot and top 4% for progressive carrying distance.

At just £25.6m, under his current Transfermarkt valuation, Liverpool may feel that a deal could be a bargain in the long run, and by the looks of things, the Reds are willing to meet that asking price. As a result, a move could be one to keep an eye on, which could mean Liverpool lining up with Thuram, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in a completely new midfield three at some point next season.

Cricket South Africa has regained the right to bid for and host major tournaments, after meeting the government’s transformation criteria

Firdose Moonda09-May-2017

Cricket South Africa has regained the right to bid for and host major tournaments, after meeting the government’s transformation criteria. Sports minister Thembelani Nxesi confirmed the lifting of the sanction at the annual Eminent Persons Group (EPG) report handover on Tuesday morning. The EPG report is a yearly assessment by an independent committee on various sports’ commitment to and execution of transformation.After a season in which CSA established transformation targets for the national team – which stipulated that a minimum average of six players of colour including two black Africans should take the field over the course of the season – and exceeded those targets, it was widely expected that the ban, which was imposed last year, would be lifted. Cricket is among two other sports, rugby and netball, which has now satisfied the sports ministry, while athletics remains under sanction.In real terms, the news will only have an immediate effect on rugby, whose administrators are bidding to host the 2023 World Cup. CSA does not have any international events on its calendar for the next six years and CEO Haroon Lorgat told ESPNcricinfo earlier this week that he does not foresee that changing.There was some talk of the ICC organising a World T20 in 2018 and South Africa being considered the front-runner to host it, but there has been no further developments on this. Nonetheless, CSA has been recognised for what the ministry called “improved barometer scores” and could put itself up to host tournaments in the future.