Manchester United won’t be signing Tottenham striker Harry Kane this summer, Football Insider report.

Are Man United signing Harry Kane?

Kane’s future has been a hot topic of conversation once again in the transfer market, with a move to Old Trafford being heavily linked in the media.

Spurs appear to be willing to sell the England captain who is into the final 12 months of his north London deal, and recent reports suggested that had brought Man United back into the race.

However, Kane has also attracted interest from German giants Bayern Munich, with the Bundesliga champions’ chief executive and technical director flying to London to meet with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy about a possible transfer.

Read The Latest Man United Transfer News HERE…

A new centre-forward is still on the agenda at Old Trafford, though, and it looks as if Erik ten Hag will get his wish with a move for Rasmus Hojlund. Man United and Atalanta have reached an agreement that will see the Denmark international move to the Premier League in a deal worth around €70m, and there has been a further update on Kane.

According to Football Insider’s Wayne Veysey in the last 48 hours, Man United have pulled the plug on moving for Kane after the development with Hojlund.

The reporter adds that Kane has been a top target for Man United all summer but they didn’t want to get drawn into a stand off with Levy and have since moved for Hojllund, who was scheduled to travel to undergo a medical today.

Ten Hag has been a big fan of Kane, saying earlier this year that he was a “great player”, however, a move to Manchester appears to be off the table.

“It's quite clear, he can have a big impact on the game. We have a plan for that. In the home game we did very well, so for tomorrow we need a very good plan as well.

“You have to defend as a team. He's a clever player. First of all, the number of goals and also his key actions that come to a goal. Final passes as well. He is just a great player, and a great personality as well.”

Who else could Man United sign?

Alongside Hojlund, Man United have already completed transfers for midfielder Mason Mount and goalkeeper Andre Onana. More could still be yet to come, though, with reports claiming a £26m move for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is close.

The Morocco international could be the fourth player through the door with the new season just around the corner, and attention could then turn to a new defender.

Reports have suggested that Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite are players of interest to the Red Devils, and one of the two could be viewed as a replacement for Harry Maguire, with West Ham making an opening offer for the centre-back last week which was rejected.

Therefore, it could be a busy month for Man United both on and off the pitch, but it looks as if barring a miracle, one player who won’t be turning out for the club in te 2023/24 season is Kane.

Morne Morkel’s participation in the remainder of the first Test against Bangladesh is in doubt after he sustained a side strain on the fourth afternoon. Morkel will be taken for scans on Monday. This also raises question marks over his availability for the second Test starting October 6.Morkel, who took two wickets in a searing opening burst, left the field in his sixth over of the second innings. He bowled Tamim Iqbal off his fourth ball and trapped Mominul Haque lbw with his sixth. However, replays showed the ball would have missed leg stump, but Mominul didn’t avail a review.In his next over, Morkel knocked out Mushfiqur Rahim’s middle-stump with a full delivery but had overstepped in doing so. That made it the 14th time in Tests that he’d taken a wicket off a no-ball. Temba Bavuma said the disappointment if missing the wicket lingered.”Morne is a big team player, and he’s obviously a senior player in the team so he knows there’s a lot of responsibility thrust on his shoulders to lead the attack. When he commits a cardinal sin he really takes it emotionally,” Bavuma said. “I think if there was still time out there on the field he would have come back even stronger. Knowing the guy, I understand the emotional side of it all and I know that sitting in the change room he’s still having a go at himself.”Morkel had more time in the change room than he might have expected. He only bowled 20 more deliveries before walking off, with Duanne Olivier completing the over.Morkel has had a fairly regular load in this Test match. He bowled 19 overs in the first innings, five less than Kagiso Rabada’s 24 but more than Olivier (11) or Andile Phehlukwayo, the fourth seamer. Phehlukwayo, who was particularly under-utilised, bowled only six overs, thereby bringing into question South Africa’s strategy to play the extra bowler.The slowness of the surface has meant Keshav Maharaj, the left-arm spinner, has had to do more than his share of the work, with 27.1 overs in the first innings. He was given the ball in the 12th over of the second innings.With Bangladesh sliding in the second innings, South Africa should not miss Morkel too much in Potchefstroom, but Bavuma still described it as a “massive blow,” and was even willing to step up himself, if needs be.”He’s the leader of the attack and he was hot at that point in time. Luckily we’ve got guys in the reserve tank, and I’ll be bringing my bowling spikes tomorrow as well,” Bavuma joked “Andile, KG, Keshav and Duanne will all be putting their hands up and doing work for the team.”Still, Morkel’s injury adds to a growing list of walking wounded in the South African camp. They are already without Dale Steyn, who continues to recover from a shoulder injury, Vernon Philander and Chris Morris, both of whom will only resume playing later in October.Wayne Parnell, not considered for selection in this Test because of lack of four-day cricket recently, Beuran Hendricks and Dwaine Pretorius are the other players who may come into consideration.

The opener added 142 with PJ Moor, who made 52, to help Zimbabwe recover from the depths of 14 for 3

The Report by Liam Brickhill in Bulawayo29-Oct-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsHamilton Masakadza pierces the off side•AFPHamilton Masakadza’s fifth Test century carried Zimbabwe back into the match on a rainy first day at Queens Sports Club. Masakadza shared a 142-run partnership with PJ Moor to help the hosts recover from the depths of 14 for 3, Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel having scythed through the top order under gunmetal grey skies after Graeme Cremer had opted to bat. Moor fell for 52, but Masakadza was unbeaten and unbowed on 101 when rain brought the day to a premature end after tea.As is often his wont, and possibly as an effect of the unseasonal cold that has descended on Bulawayo, Masakadza took some time to get going this morning. He did not score until his 17th delivery, and then did so in trademark style: thrashing a full ball through the covers with a solid crunch.At 34, Masakadza is the senior statesman of the side and he displayed the class and patience befitting his position. His knock wasn’t perfect, but he did enough to survive the edges and misses and was also granted the odd slice of luck. An edge off Roach fell short of the wicketkeeper, and a Gabriel no-ball granted a further reprieve.Beaten by the pace of a bouncer in the 11th over, Masakadza seemed to have inside edged a pull onto his own shoulder, the rebound being caught at gully. Umpire Simon Fry turned down the appeal, West Indies reviewed and Masakadza started walking off. But Gabriel had overstepped, and the no-ball allowed Masakadza to bat on. The opener remained particularly fluent through the covers.He found an obdurate partner in Moor, and gradually they helped Zimbabwe restore parity, the score creeping past 50 in the 21st over. Other teams have tested Moor with the short ball, and though the West Indies certainly have the personnel to do so their main line of attack was outside the off stump. Moor had the gumption to pick which ball to leave, and which to hit, and his patience barely faltered: his first boundary was a rasping cut off Holder in the 18th over, his second came more than 28 overs later and was no less well executed.At the other end, Masakadza continued to gain momentum, passing fifty from 96 deliveries. He celebrated that milestone with his first six of the day, rocking back to thump a Bishoo long-hop over deep midwicket. Gabriel was driven whenever he overpitched, while the introduction of Roston Chase was greeted with yet another crunching drive. The same bowler was dispatched over midwicket for Masakadza’s second six, the shot taking him past 2000 Test runs for Zimbabwe.Moor reached a dogged fifty, from 148 deliveries soon after tea, and Masakadza then brought up his own milestone with a confident drive down to long-on in the 60th over, just before the rain arrived. This was Masakadza’s fifth Test century, and his first since 2014.His runs were sorely needed by Zimbabwe. In polar conditions this morning, Gabriel and Roach had cut the hosts’ top order down to 14 for 3. The temperature was up to 38 degrees earlier this week, but plummeted ahead of this game and there were hands in pockets for the slips in the very cold weather. They stayed there for much of the morning with the sun nowhere to be seen, but Zimbabwe’s feet were even more leaden in the cold, and the opening stand lasted just four overs.Roach used the angle of his delivery stride and a touch of seam and swing to masterful effect to remove Solomon Mire, while the dismissal of Craig Ervine resulted more from fast bowling brawn than brain. Coming round the wicket from the Airport End, Gabriel speared a length delivery at the left-hander’s middle stump, beating him for pace. Such was the speed of the delivery the stump snapped in half, and Zimbabwe were 11 for 2.West Indies smelled blood, and Roach had three slips and a gully for the incoming Brendan Taylor. In the event, he needed no fielders at all as his testing lines and cunning changes of angle soon paid dividends. Neither forward nor back, and unsure whether to even play at a delivery whipping through the channel outside off, Taylor succeeded only in deflecting the ball onto his own stumps to leave Zimbabwe reeling at 14 for 3.West Indies might have had a fourth wicket in the first hour, but Gabriel’s front foot boo-boo gave Masakadza a second life. So far, he has made excellent use of it.

علق حمادة عبد اللطيف لاعب الزمالك الأسبق، على هزيمة الأبيض أمام سموحة بهدف دون رد، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما اليوم ببطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

والتقي الزمالك مع سموحة، على أرضية استاد برج العرب بالإسكندرية، وذلك في إطار مواجهات الأسبوع الـ 21 من عمر بطولة الدوري.

وقال حمادة عبد اللطيف في تصريحات عبر قناة “أون تايم سبورتس”: “جوميز هو المسؤول عن الخسارة اليوم أمام سموحة، لأنه قلق وفكر في مباراة الكونفدرالية، كان عليه أن يبدأ بالأساسيين وبعدما يطمئن للنتيجة يشارك البدلاء”.

طالع أيضاً.. موعد مباراة الزمالك القادمة بعد الخسارة أمام سموحة في الدوري

وتابع: “جوميز جازف وخاطر وأهدر ثلاثة نقاط اليوم، هذه الهزيمة الخامسة للزمالك في الدوري”.

وأضاف: “أتمنى من جوميز “ميألفش” لا تلعب في التشكيل في مباراتي الذهاب والإياب أمام نهضة بركان المغربي المقبلة، هذه مباراة بطولة”.

وأتم: “سلبية جوزيه جوميز أنه يفكر في مباراة نهضة بركان ولم يفكر في مواجهة سموحة في الدوري”.

The game was delicately poised before the rain interruption, with Bangladesh A at 75 for 3 in pursuit of 230

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Oct-2017
ScorecardBarry McCarthy chipped in with a solid lower-order knock and then took two wickets•Getty Images/Sportsfile

Rain in Cox’s Bazar ruined the first one-day match between Bangladesh A and Ireland A. The interruption came with the game delicately poised: the home side were on 75 for 3 chasing 230 runs to win, with Zakir Hasan was unbeaten on 35 and Tanbir Hayder on 10.Batting first, Ireland A came back from a poor start to post a competitive 229. They had slipped to 14 for 4 in the fifth over with Subashis Roy and Abu Hider taking two wickets each.But they recovered through an 83-run fifth wicket stand between Sean Terry and Lorcan Tucker. This was followed by an eighth-wicket stand between Andrew McBrine and Barry McCarthy, which yielded 64 runs.Terry top-scored with 65 off 64 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, while McCarthy and McBrine made 39 and 37 respectively. Subashis, Hider, Abul Hasan and Hayder took two wickets each.In pursuit, the home side had lost three wickets by the 11th over before the rain arrived. McCarthy removed Shadman Islam and Nazmul Hossain Shanto while Jacob Mulder took the wicket of Nadif Chowdhury.The second match of the series will be held on October 19.

Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers in history, was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina. Raised in a working-class family, he displayed a remarkable talent for football from a young age. His journey began at his local club, Newell's Old Boys, where his incredible dribbling skills and innate understanding of the game were evident.

However, Messi's early life was not without challenges. At the age of 11, he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, a condition that would have hindered his growth and potentially ended his football dreams. Yet, his talent caught the eye of Barcelona, who offered to cover his medical expenses and provide a platform for his development, and the Argentine's move to Barcelona changed the course of football history.

His rise through the ranks of the club's famed La Masia youth academy and subsequent integration into the first team marked the beginning of an extraordinary career. Despite his initial struggles adapting to life in Spain, Messi's dedication, work ethic, and natural talent paved the way for a legacy that would transcend the sport and inspire millions worldwide.

Lionel Messi at Barcelona

From his humble beginnings to becoming a global icon, Messi's journey with Barcelona is one of unparalleled success, records and milestones.

Messi's time at Barcelona began in 2000 when, at the age of 13, he joined the club's famed youth academy, La Masia. His tremendous talent quickly became evident as he progressed through the ranks. Messi made his official first-team debut on October 16, 2004, in a league match against Espanyol, and it marked the start of a legendary journey.

The following years saw the Argentine evolve into a footballing phenom. He formed a potent attacking trio with Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o, helping Barcelona secure their first UEFA Champions League title in 2006, as well as capturing the La Liga crown. As the years rolled on, Messi's influence grew, and he became Barcelona's focal point on the pitch.

One of the most defining moments in Messi's career came in 2009. Under the guidance of coach Pep Guardiola, Barcelona achieved a historic treble by winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. The forward's performance throughout the season was nothing short of exceptional, and it led to him being awarded his first FIFA Ballon d'Or in the same year.

Messi went on to collect individual and team accolades at an astonishing pace. He claimed his second, third, fourth, and fifth Ballon d'Or awards in consecutive years, establishing himself as one of the greatest footballers of all time. In 2011, he scored a record-breaking 91 goals in a calendar year, cementing his status as one of the most prolific goalscorers to have ever played the game.

Barcelona and Messi's dominance in both domestic and international competitions continued. They clinched numerous La Liga titles and Champions League trophies, with Messi's on-field brilliance being the catalyst for such successes. In 2014, he signed a contract extension that made him the highest-paid player in the world and solidified his commitment to the club.

But Messi's connection with Barcelona transcended mere statistics. His dribbling, vision, and ability to unlock defences with precision passes made him the focal point of the team's playing style. The famous "tiki-taka" philosophy of quick, intricate passing was epitomized by Messi's tricky link-up play.

In August 2017, Messi scored his 500th career goal for Barcelona, a remarkable feat that further etched his name into the club's history books. His partnership with Luis Suarez and Neymar, forming the famed "MSN" trio, showcased an unparalleled attacking force that led Barcelona to more domestic successes. During this period, the Spanish giants were simply unstoppable.

However, even the most extraordinary chapters must eventually conclude. In August 2021, due to financial and contractual issues faced by Barcelona, Messi's contract with the club was unable to be renewed, leading to his departure. Messi's tearful farewell press conference marked the end of a 21-year journey with the club.

However, Lionel Messi's legacy at Barcelona will forever remain nothing short of monumental. He became the club's all-time leading scorer, notching a staggering 672 goals in 778 appearances. He lifted 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, and four UEFA Champions League titles with the club, among numerous other honours. His impact on the team's playing style, tactics, and success has left an indelible mark.

Lionel Messi's career at Barcelona serves as a saga of records shattered, milestones achieved, and achievements that redefined the standards of football excellence. His journey from a talented teenager to a global icon was marked by moments of brilliance, teamwork, and dedication that will forever be etched in the annals of football history, let alone Barcelona's.

Messi's Honours at Barcelona

La Liga (10)

2004/2005, 2005/2006, 2008/2009, 2009/2010, 2010/2011, 2012/2013, 2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2017/2018, 2018/2019

Copa del Rey (7)

2008/2009, 2011/2012, 2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2020/2021

Supercopa de Espana (7)

2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018

UEFA Champions League (4)

2005/2006, 2008/2009, 2010/2011, 2014/2015

UEFA Super Cup (3)

2009, 2011, 2015

FIFA Club World Cup (3)

2009, 2011, 2015

Lionel Messi at PSG

Lionel Messi's transition from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) marked a seismic shift in the football landscape. His arrival at the French club brought a wave of excitement, anticipation and a new chapter in his storied career.

After an emotional departure from Barcelona in August 202, Messi found his new home in the French capital. On August 10, 2021, he was officially unveiled as a PSG player, and the football world watched with bated breath as Messi embarked on this new era.

Messi's PSG tenure began with great expectations, and he didn't take long to make his presence felt. On August 29, 2021, he made his debut for the club against Reims in Ligue 1. The sight of Messi in a PSG kit was surreal for fans around the world who had grown accustomed to seeing him in Barcelona colours. His arrival injected a new level of star power into Ligue 1 and added a new layer of competitiveness to PSG's pursuit of domestic and continental dominance.

On September 15, 2021, he scored his first goal for the club in a UEFA Champions League match against Club Brugge. This goal not only opened his PSG account but also added to his incredible tally of goals in the Champions League, a competition he had previously excelled in.

Messi's partnership with fellow superstars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr. captured the imagination of football fans. The trio formed an attacking trio known as the "MNM." Their combination of flair, speed, and creativity posed a frightening threat to opposing defenders.

One of the most significant milestones in Messi's PSG career came on December 8, 2021, when he scored a hat-trick against Club Brugge in the Champions League. This performance made him the first player to score a hat-trick for two different clubs in the competition, adding another feather to his cap of records.

While Messi's time at PSG was relatively short compared to his lengthy Barcelona tenure, his impact was clear. His ability to adapt to a new team, league, and environment showcased his footballing intelligence and versatility. As he integrated himself into the PSG setup, his influence on the field and in the locker room was evident.

Beyond the individual accolades and records, Messi's presence at PSG raised the club's global profile and intensified their pursuit of domestic and European titles. During his two seasons in France, the Argentine helped PSG to two Ligue 1 titles and the Trophee des Champions, adding three more trophies to his bulging cabinet of silverware.

On 3rd June 2023, it was revealed Lionel Messi would be leaving PSG at the culmination of the 2022/2023 campaign, and the Argentine called time on his stint in France with an impressive 32 goals in 75 first-team appearances.

Messi's Honours at PSG

Ligue 1 (2)

2021/2022, 2022/2023

Trophee des Champions (1)

2022

Messi at Inter Miami

Despite links with a return to Barcelona and a big-money switch to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal, Messi opted to sign for MLS side Inter Miami, who are owned by David Beckham.

Messi had confirmed that he would not remain in Europe if he was unable to resign for Barcelona, but continued financial constraints at the Catalan giants meant they were unable to make his dream come true, and paved the way for Inter Miami to secure Messi's signature.

Messi's arrival in the USA was officially announced on 15th July 2023, with the Argentine signing a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Messi with Argentina

Messi made his senior debut for the national team on August 17, 2005, quickly becoming a vital component of Argentina's footballing identity.

Despite his remarkable success at the club level, Messi faced criticism for his perceived inability to replicate that form with the national team. It was a narrative that stuck with Messi for much of his international career, with Argentina regularly falling short in major tournaments.

However, in the 2021 Copa America, held in Brazil, Messi led Argentina to glory against the hosts in the final, clinching his first major international title. His performances earned him the tournament's Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards.

That Copa America victory was a defining moment not only for his career but for the nation as a whole. It shattered the notion that Messi couldn't achieve success on the international stage.

The following year, in what was widely reported to be Lionel Messi's final appearance at a World Cup, the Argentine legend led his country to glory once again, with La Albiceleste lifting their first World Cup since 1986 securing Messi's legacy on the international stage.

Messi's journey with Argentina is full of records and milestones, much like his club career. He is Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing the record held by Gabriel Batistuta (54) in 2016 and then scoring his 100th international goal against Curacao in 2023.

Messi's Honours with Argentina

FIFA World Cup (1)

2022

Copa America (1)

2021

CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions (1)

2022

Lionel Messi's Personal Accolades & Records

Lionel Messi's exceptional football career is underlined with a plethora of personal records and prestigious awards.

He has won the FIFA Ballon d'Or a record seven times, securing his first in 2009. His extraordinary goal-scoring ability has led to numerous milestones, including becoming the all-time top scorer for Barcelona and Argentina.

In 2011, Messi set a new record by scoring 91 goals in a calendar year, while he has consistently topped the goal-scoring charts in various leagues and competitions, showcasing his lethal goal-scoring prowess.

The Argentine's name is synonymous with consistency, evidenced by his multiple seasons as the top scorer in La Liga. His achievements extend to the UEFA Champions League, where he holds records for most goals in a single season and most hat-tricks.

Messi's Personal Honours

FIFA Ballon d'Or (7)

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021

FIFA World Player of the Year (1)

2009

Best FIFA Men's Player (2)

2019, 2022

FIFA FIFPRO World XI (16)

2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

UEFA Team of the Year (12)

2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

European Golden Shoe (6)

2009/2010, 2011/2012, 2012/2013, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019

FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (2)

2014, 2022

FIFA World Cup Silver Boot (1)

2022

FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball (2)

2009, 2011

UEFA Men's Player of the Year (3)

2008/2009, 2010/2011, 2014/2015

Copa America Best Player (2)

2015, 2021

Copa America Top Goalscorer (1)

2021

La Liga Best Player (6)

2008/2009, 2009/2010, 2010/2011, 2011/2012, 2012/2013, 2014/2015

Argentine Footballer of the Year (15)

2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

UEFA Champions League Top Scorer (6)

2008/2009, 2009/2010, 2010/2011, 2011/2012, 2014/2015, 2018/2019

La Liga Top Scorer (8)

2009/2010, 2011/2012, 2012/2013, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021

UEFA Champions League Top Assist Provider (2)

2011/2012, 2014/2015

LA Liga Top Assist Provider (6)

2010/2011, 2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020

Copa Del Rey Top Assist Provider (6)

2011/2012, 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018

FIFA Club World Cup Top Assist Provider (1)

2011

Copa America Top Assist Provider (4)

2011, 2015, 2016, 2021

FIFA World Cup Top Assist Provider (2)

2018, 2022

Ligue 1 Top Assist Provider (1)

2022/2023

Messi's Individual Club & International Records

All-time Barcelona Top Scorer

672

All-time La Liga Top Scorer

474

Most goals in a calendar year

91 (2011)

All-time Argentina Top Scorer

103

All-time Argentina Appearances

175

All-time Supercopa Espana Top Scorer

14

All-time UEFA Super Cup Top Scorer

3

Last season, Burnley cantered to the Championship title.

Vincent Kompany’s irrepressible Clarets won the most games (29), scored the most goals (87), and had the best goal difference (+52) in the division.

However, as has been the case in elite second-tier sides, the team starred many on-loan top-flight stars. Ian Maatsen and Taylor-Harwood Bellis featured heavily in defence, but the most awe-inspiring asset was Nathan Tella, who has been linked with a return to Turf Moor.

What’s the latest Burnley transfer news?

According to the Daily Mail, Southampton could lose the attacker amid interest from Burnley and Bayer Leverkusen.

The outlet details that the Saints have already ‘rejected bids’ from the newly-promoted side and the German outfit view Tella as a replacement for Moussa Diaby, who recently joined Aston Villa.

It was previously reported that he could be available for around £15m.

What does Nathan Tella offer?

The 24-year-old made his senior debut for Southampton back in June 2020 but had never forged any notable impact or consistency.

Prior to his loan move last summer, Tella started just 22 times for the south-coast club in three years across all competitions and subsequently joined Burnley in search of regular minutes.

Up north, the Englishman enjoyed a stirring breakout season with 22 goal contributions in 31 Championship starts.

This astonishing form included two separate hat tricks – the second of which was against Hull City in a 3-1 victory, with opposition manager Liam Rosenior describing the forward as “outstanding.”

Kompany echoed this sentiment, lauding the accomplished nature of Tella’s play, saying: "I still call him a raw diamond. He has goalscoring ability but many with that ability don't put the work in for the team but he does. He has all the tools and helps us in so many ways, not just goalscoring."

The retired defender has done a tremendous job to remodel Burnley’s style of play into an aesthetically pleasing attacking unit, which was channelled through the brilliant Tella.

As a result, the Lambeth-born frontman was named in the EFL Team of the Season and it seems almost unfair that he finds himself back in the second tier with a relegated side following his imperious promotion-driven consistency.

Therefore, it is obvious why Burnley still retains such serious interest in the former Arsenal academy graduate.

Last campaign, alongside Tella, Manuel Benson was another player who tremendously excelled in a first-ever year of Championship football.

In 14 starts, the Belgian notched 12 goals and created three assists, including the winner against Blackburn Rovers in a 1-0 victory that clinched their promotion back to the top flight.

Benson combined this magnificent productivity with eye-catching creativity as he ranks within the top 18% outside of Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for successful take-ons per 90, as well as the best 1% and progressive carries per 90.

Last term, Benson and Tella were two of the club’s most scintillating assets, and due to the latter’s staggering versatility, in which he appeared across the frontline last term, they could reunite behind the striker to steer the club away from relegation.

They combined phenomenally well last season and although now a step up presents a new challenge, they could come together to transform each other's games.

The club’s 3-0 defeat on the opening day against a clinical Manchester City indicated that is going to be a gruelling season and the addition of the effervescent Tella could be transformative not only in their fortunes, but Benson's.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in Bundesliga striker Serhou Guirassy, with updates suggesting that the forward could make the switch to the Premier League this summer.

Steve Cooper is eyeing reinforcements this transfer window, in the bid to build on his side’s form in their return to the top-flight last season, in which they left it late to secure their safety from relegation.

A win against Arsenal on the penultimate match day of the 2022/23 campaign confirmed the Reds’ survival, a result that Cooper would like to replicate on Saturday as the Tricky Trees open the 2023/24 calendar against the Gunners.

What’s the latest on Serhou Guirassy to Nottingham Forest?

As reported by German outlet Kicker (as relayed by Sport Witness), Forest are debating a move for VfB Stuttgart forward Guirassy.

The report claims that the Reds are willing to trigger the 27-year-old’s release clause, which is believed to be in the region of €20m (£17m).

It’s suggested that the French-born striker is keen to make the move to the Premier League, in what could be an exciting acquisition for those at the City Ground.

How good is Serhou Guirassy?

In signing the forward, Forest could land themselves a seasoned goalscorer, with extensive experience playing in Europe’s top leagues.

The Guinea international has netted 79 goals throughout his domestic career, representing clubs at various levels in both France and Germany.

Guirassy could now venture to England, with Cooper eyeing a new goalscorer to assist his side in increasing their hopes of remaining in the top-flight for another season, in a move that could prove fundamental to both player and club.

Forest ended last campaign having scored 38 goals in as many games, displaying the desperate need for further aspirations in the final third.

For Stuttgart, not many were as important to the side as the striker last term, having almost single-handedly confirmed the club’s survival in the Bundesliga relegation play-offs.

The 27-year-old titan netted one goal and registered one assist over the two decisive fixtures, adding to his 11 Bundesliga goals and two scored in the DFB Pokal.

Once hailed as “irreproachable” by former coach at Amiens SC, Luke Elsner, the striker could be a strong signing for the Premier League side, in a move that could give Cooper his answer to fellow captures of forward’s in the league this summer.

Manchester United's new arrival Rasmus Hojlund was sniped by Erik ten Hag’s side for £72m, adding to the prospect of Forest potentially obtaining a player likened to him for just £17m in Guirassy.

As per FBref, the two players were likened based on their statistical output over the past year, suggesting the quality of striker Cooper could integrate into his side.

FBref also reveals the mirrored quality between the two players that could both feature in the Premier League next season, with the Forest target averaging 0.49 non-penalty goals per 90 to the United man's 0.44 in Serie A.

While goals are the best representation to suggest the quality of a forward, the number of shots the duo averaged implement their lively nature in attack, with the Stuttgart star averaging 2.57 shots per 90 to Hojlund’s 2.65 per 90.

It’s clear to see the calibre Cooper could equip at the City Ground this summer for a cut-price, in a deal that could prove to be of huge importance to the club come the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

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Left-arm spinner Jon Holland’s five-wicket haul sent New South Wales packing for 243 and gave Victoria a massive first-innings lead of 319. And by stumps on the third day, after they had batted again, Victoria reduced New South Wales to 2 for 46 in an improbable chase of 468.Moises Henriques’ men were always likely to face significant trouble at the North Sydney Oval considering they were 5 for 125 in reply to a total of 562. But they negotiated the first hour or so without much loss as Ed Cowan and Peter Nevill extended their sixth-wicket partnership to 47. But Holland found a way to break through the resistance as soon as he was brought back for his second spell of the day.New South Wales’ tail battled hard, with Steve O’Keefe striking 50 of the 81 runs his team made in the second session before being bowled out. However, a lack of big scores hurt them badly. Nine of the XI players fell for less than 35. Holland finished with 5 for 67 in 33 overs while fast bowlers Chris Tremain and Scott Boland chipped in with two wickets each.Victoria’s second essay was an absolute sprint as they racked up 3 for 148 at 7.04 an over. Marcus Harris blitzed an unbeaten 62 at a-run-a-ball despite the loss of Travis Dean off the first ball of the innings. Glenn Maxwell, who was left out of Australia’s Ashes squad for the first two Tests, followed up his first-innings 278 with 16. Aaron Finch blasted 43 off 28 balls, with four fours and two sixes. Shortly after his dismissal, the Victoria captain called his batsmen back in so that Holland could cause problems for New South Wales again. He bowled promising opening batsman Daniel Hughes for 21. Tremain flattened Nick Larkin’s stumps for 8 and it was left to Nic Maddinson and nightwatchman Sean Abbott to hold firm until stumps.

The allrounder took 4 for 60 and 6 for 57 to drown out a spirited fightback from Northern Districts

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Nov-2017A brave fight put up by Northern Districts, with wicketkeeper Tim Seifert coming out to bat after retiring hurt on the final day, was ultimately in vain as Wellington clinched their third victory in as many Plunket Shield games. Logan van Beek provided the star turn, picking up 6 for 57, which then took his match tally to 10 for 117. It was the first 10-wicket haul in first-class cricket for the seam-bowling allrounder, who has also played international cricket for NetherlandsVan Beek, 27, was instrumental in reclaiming lost momentum for Wellington. After they had put up a mammoth 380 in the first innings – led by fifties from Stephen Murdoch (97), Luke Woodcock (61) and Fraser Colson (52) – they stumbled to 158 all out in the second. James Baker, the 29 year old seamer playing his 50th first-class game, picked up 4 for 34. Brent Arnel, the workhorse who took 5 for 73 in 34.2 overs in the first innings, took 2 for 22.Northern Districts had to chase a target of 290. However, they ran into problems when van Beek struck twice in the 12th over to remove opener HR Cooper and the No. 3 Bharat Popli. The captain Daniel Flynn fell in the 21st and Seifert had to retire hurt a little later with the score on 103 for 3. Dean Brownlie top-scored with 72 off 117, but did not last long enough to truly worry Wellington. Hamish Bennett had him lbw to leave Northern Districts at 143 for 5 and van Beek took over from there, knocking over the tail and forcing Seifert to return to the crease. He made 43 off 92 balls and was the ninth man out with the score on 206. One run later, the game was done.Brownlie was the only Northern Districts batsman who consistently troubled the visitors, top-scoring in the first innings as well – 82 out of a total of 249. That left Wellington with a handy lead of 131, which in the end, proved more than decisive.