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Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes "rejected some approaches from Saudi" last month, in what would have been a real blow to their Premier League ambitions had he not, per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Is Bruno Fernandes leaving Manchester United?

Things are looking rosy at Old Trafford this summer. The club is coming off a season that saw them once again establish themselves as a top-four side while picking up yet another trophy for the trophy cabinet.

That feel-good feeling has only been solidified with the club's transfer dealings so far this summer, dealings that have seen the arrival of Chelsea star Mason Mount for just £55m, and the imminent arrival of Inter Milan's star goalkeeper Andre Onana, for a fee that is reportedly around £47m.

Add to that the news that fan favourite Fernandes is set to be named the new captain of the side, and it's hard not to be optimistic about the Red Devils' future under Erik ten Hag.

However, things could have been very different had the captain-elect made a different decision concerning his future early last month.

According to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, United's talismanic midfield maestro received several offers from clubs in the immensely rich and ambitious Saudi Pro League in early June, but he turned them down.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"I wanted to add something that I revealed today on my social media platforms. Bruno Fernandes has rejected some approaches from Saudi. It was in the beginning of June, not now.

"This is behind the scenes context, but at the beginning of June, Saudi clubs approached Bruno Fernandes. He said, 'No thanks, I want to stay and Man United'. Bruno trusted Man United project since day one, since he joined the club; in difficult moments, he's always been there fighting and helping the club, and now Bruno wants to stay.

"Bruno wants to win at Manchester United, and he hopes to do that as a captain."

How good was Bruno Fernades last season?

In a season which saw many of United's star players rise to the occasion and, after a rocky start, put in fairly consistent top-class performances, Bruno still managed to stand out from the rest with some truly dazzling displays.

In the Premier League last season, the Portuguese international scored eight goals and provided eight assists for his teammates across his 37 matches, giving him a goal contribution every 2.3 games and averaging a match rating of 7.44, per WhoScored.

His underlying numbers are, unsurprisingly, very impressive and demonstrate that he wasn't fortunate to produce the output he did last season.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, Bruno sits in the top 1% for expected assists, the top 3% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive passes and clearances, the top 6% for attempted passes, and the top 19% for tackles, all per 90.

His performances and attitude obviously impressed ten Hag, with the Dutchman saying:

"I think he is the example, and that you have to suffer and you have to sacrifice when you want to play on the top level, you want to achieve something.

"So once again he showed there how great a captain he is, how he has taken responsibility, even when he is not 100 per cent fit."

If United want to maintain their positive momentum from last season and push on yet further next season, keeping Bruno at the club will be paramount.

Simon Harmer and Jamie Porter took seven wickets between them as Essex seized control of their Specsavers County Championship Division One match against Surrey at Guildford on a fascinating third day

ECB Reporters Network11-Jun-2017
ScorecardSimon Harmer and Jamie Porter took seven wickets between them as Essex seized control of their Specsavers County Championship Division One match against Surrey at Guildford on a fascinating third day.By stumps Surrey were 253 for 7 in their second innings, a lead of 217, after Essex had earlier earned themselves a slender first innings advantage with Ryan ten Doeschate finishing up on a brilliant 168 not out as they replied with 435 to Surrey’s 399.Off spinner Harmer took 4 for 75 from 34 skilful overs and Porter claimed 3 for 48 from 18 overs while Ben Foakes, with a cool and calm 46 not out, again impressed with the bat for Surrey.Essex captain ten Doeschate, unbeaten on 120 when Essex began day three on 376 for 7, guided his side past 400 and maximum batting points and, eventually, a hard-fought first innings lead of 36.Those runs looked doubly valuable as Porter and Harmer, in their contrasting bowling styles, built up the pressure on a Surrey team who knew they would have to bat for at least three full sessions if they were to make an Essex final day run chase a tough challenge.The loss of Mark Stoneman in the third over did not help their cause. Stoneman, who had batted so beautifully first time around for 197, looked like a man in prime form as he almost dismissively twice clipped Neil Wagner’s slippery left-arm seamers to the mid wicket ropes in front of the beer tent. Then, however, on 10, he edged the probing Porter to second slip where Harmer juggled the ball for Alastair Cook, at first slip, to complete the catch.A second wicket stand of 93 between Rory Burns and Scott Borthwick rallied Surrey, but then Borthwick dragged Harmer’s off spin to mid wicket to go for 36.Burns reached a solid 57 from 128 balls, with eight fours, before Porter had him caught behind and Kumar Sangakkara eased to 26 – going past 900 championship runs for the season in the process – only for Harmer to remove him with a classical piece of off break bowling from around the wicket, drawing the great Sri Lankan defensively forward and thin-edging to James Foster behind the stumps.Simon Harmer’s four wickets gave Essex the chance of a final-day chase•Getty ImagesDominic Sibley, on 28, was lbw half-forward to a Porter delivery angled in to his pads but also seeming to keep a little low and, with Matt Quinn unable to bowl again in the match because of a back spasm sustained on the first day, the 24-year-old Porter’s stamina and willingness to run in for lengthy spells was crucial to Essex’s ability to keep their opponents under pressure as a blustery but sunny day wore on.Harmer, a 28-year-old Kolpak winter signing who has played five Tests for South Africa, then tilted the match further Essex’s way by grabbing the wickets of both Sam Curran and Gareth Batty before the close.Curran, on 4, was athletically caught above his head at short extra cover by leaping substitute fielder Callum Taylor and Batty, who got to 19 without ever suggesting permanency, was well caught by a diving Dan Lawrence at short leg.Earlier in the day Wagner went from his overnight 20 to 34 while stretching an eighth wicket partnership with Ten Doeschate to 72 before he was caught at the wicket off Curran.Porter then stayed long enough to help ten Doeschate secure maximum batting points before being bowled by Stuart Meaker for 6, and last man Quinn lost his middle stump to Ravi Rampaul. Ten Doeschate’s superb innings, his 26th first-class ton, came from 209 balls and the 36-year-old hit a six and 25 fours.

The excellence of South Africa’s pace attack turned the Trent Bridge Test into a rout as England were dismissed in only 44.2 overs

The Report by David Hopps17-Jul-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsThe excellence of South Africa’s pace attack turned the Trent Bridge Test into a rout as England were dismissed in only 44.2 overs, their hopeless pursuit of a world-record 474 to win on a deteriorating pitch transformed with indecent haste into a 340-run defeat.Faf du Plessis missed South Africa’s defeat at Lord’s to be at the birth of his first child but he has supervised a staggering turnaround at Trent Bridge, where England had not lost since 2007, which told not just of South Africa’s skill but invited increasing questions about England’s ability to perform when the going gets tough.England’s coach Trevor Bayliss, appointed primarily because of his reputation in the limited-overs cricket, has now overseen a sequence of seven defeats in England’s last 10 Tests. A 4-0 trouncing in India was embarrassing enough, but this feckless batting display will probably attract the loudest condemnation of all. “We’ve had a shocker,” he said.Data suggests no surface degenerates more reliably than Trent Bridge in Tests in England – and that is normally no bad thing – and South Africa made voracious use of their opportunity, removing England’s top four by lunch and then rushing through the rest of the scorecard in unconstrained fashion.This is an England batting line-up that at its best can be highly entertaining, but which gives the impression it can only swim with the tide. Joe Root, two matches into his Test captaincy, must gather together resolve if his first series in charge is not to end in defeat.South Africa’s new-ball attack, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel, were at the peak of their game and this time they gained excellent support from Chris Morris with only Duanne Olivier, an unimpressive stand-in for Kagiso Rabada, failing to pose a perpetual threat.Philander repeatedly battered away on an excellent line and length as if determined to wear his own hole in the pitch, Morkel possessed uncomfortable bounce and Morris mixed up bouncers and yorkers with alacrity as England struggled to muster resistance. Morkel went wicketless, scant reward for his consistent menace only a few months after he feared his career might be over because of back trouble.England had a single to their name overnight. It felt utterly worthless; their defeat looked only a matter of time. Perhaps they could have planted it and hoped it germinated, or framed it and put it on the wall. Wickets would not be long delayed. By the time the lunch clock brought temporary release, they had careered to 79 for 4. Only 16.2 overs later it was all over.Alastair Cook put up most England resistance, scrambling 42 from 76 balls before he became the fourth England batsman dismissed, hurried by Morris’ excellent bouncer and punching it away from his face down the leg-side where Quinton de Kock held the catch.Cook’s Trent Bridge record almost defies belief. In 10 Tests at Nottingham, he averages 21.93, less than half his Test average and has managed a solitary half-century – 50, nothing more, nothing less – against Australia in 2013.Jonny Bairstow holed out to mid-on as England collapsed•Getty ImagesIt was asking a lot for him to remedy that on this sort of surface. The sound track of the morning was the rapping of pads and the yelping of South Africa fielders as thick edges dropped wide of slips and flew past gully.Keaton Jennings got off the mark by hooking a bouncer from Morkel, a show of resolve perhaps, although his shot could have fallen anywhere. He has been in mediocre first-class form all summer which did not inspire confidence. He fell in the second over of the morning, Philander wasting no time in creating a gap between bat and pad to bowl him.Gary Ballance never got out of his ditch. His only scoring shot careered unhealthily through gully, off Philander. Pushing forward to Philander, he was beaten by low bounce, extremely late on the shot. He also required attention from the physio when Morkel struck him on the bottom hand and, as the match ended, was heading for an x-ray on his left index finger.South Africa’s successful review, to win the lbw decision was a model of grown-up conversation. They had lost a review in the previous over – Cook narrowly surviving because of Morkel’s high bounce – and du Plessis demanded responsible information as he might if lives were at stake.Philander, who delivers from so close to the stumps that his chances of lbw are heightened, was adamant, the captain conceded and the wicket was theirs.Root, the captain, played inside a swinging yorker from Morris. Another excellent delivery from a South Africa attack hunting England down with admirable skill.If England’s top three includes two players whose Test match aptitude must now be in question, their middle-order, so destructive at times, seems unable – or unwilling – to adjust to the more controlled tempo of Test cricket’s more demanding days, traipsing through the most hazardous streets as if it was a suitable place for a picnic.Jonny Bairstow’s self-admonishment was clear as he tried to hit Keshav Maharaj’s left-arm spin down the ground and only succeeded in dragging it to deep mid-on. Moeen Ali, who gives the impression that he has two gears – marked enjoyment and boredom – reached 27 with his usual sang-froid and then top-edged a sweep at the same bowler to Heino Kuhn in front of square.At least Ben Stokes showed a willingness to buckle down against his natural instincts, not for the first time, before pushing back a wary drive at Philander.The end was rapid, as if England’s three pace bowlers, still aching from their work on the third day, had observed the efforts of the batsmen on the fourth and decided they had seen enough. England, though, had been outplayed both with bat and ball and the lack of ready-made replacements for Anderson and Broad must be a huge concern.Stuart Broad indulged in a slog-sweep and was lucky only to get a groan from his home crowd, and, lo and behold, Olivier wrapped things up with two in two. Mark Wood spliced to gully, James Anderson poked to the keeper.At the on-field press conference, du Plessis looked like a man you would not mess with and Root looked as if he needed to become that man overnight.The series swung markedly from England to South Africa and conceivably in the last two Tests it could swing back again. But it is South Africa who look ingrained in the ways of Test cricket.

With a return to the Premier League now on the horizon, newly-promoted Burnley are reportedly looking to strengthen their ranks with the signing of Genk forward, Mike Trésor, according to the latest speculation.

What's the latest on Trésor to Burnley?

As per Belgian outlet, Het Nieuwsblad, the Clarets are seemingly ready to rival Fulham for the signing of the 24-year-old this summer, with the chances of the two-cap Belgium international staying at his current side said to be 'very small'.

While the piece notes that the Cottagers are showing an 'interest' in the former Willem II ace, it is claimed that the 5 foot 8 dynamo remains 'on the list' of those at Turf Moor, having been linked with a move to the club earlier in the window.

Speaking back in June regarding that interest from his compatriot, Vincent Kompany, the player himself stated: "I have learned that he (Kompany) appreciates my qualities. Of course, that is nice to hear.

"He plays with Burnley with a certain philosophy in which I would feel good. For me, playing style has always been important when choosing a club."

How good is Mike Trésor?

The Lancashire side were only recently able to see the playmaker's talents up close as he was part of the Genk side that beat Burnley in Saturday's pre-season encounter, with the Pro League side running out 2-0 winners on the day.

While not on the scoresheet on that occasion, Trésor did previously enjoy a particularly fruitful 2022/23 campaign as he boasted "crazy numbers" for his current side – as per talent scout Jacek Kulig – having racked up eight goals and a staggering haul of 24 assists in Belgium's top-flight.

That "absolutely sensational season" – in the words of Kulig – came with the Antwerp native typically operating in a left-wing berth, albeit with the reported Brentford target also having showcased his ability to feature in an attacking midfield role in recent times.

A player who can provide a moment of magic in the final third – as his haul of 40 goals and assists in just 79 games for Genk illustrates – Trésor could well represent the ideal replacement for ex-Burnley loanee, Nathan Tella, with the pair noted as similar players, according to Football Transfers.

Despite Kompany's apparent desire to re-sign Tella, the Southampton starlet remains at St Mary's with the start of the new season now looming, with the 24-year-old having sparkled from the flanks last term with 17 goals and five assists in 39 Championship games.

With Trésor's tally of 32 goal involvements last term even eclipsing the Englishman, he could represent the next big attacking threat for Burnley moving forward, having notably created 22 big chances and averaged 2.8 key passes per game in 2022/23 in the league.

While seemingly more of a creator than a goalscorer, in contrast to Tella, the Belgian's ability to pose a devastating threat from his wide berth will allow him to fill the shoes of the Saints star next term, with the Clarets' other forwards likely to relish the prospect of linking up with such a quality provider.

Although Kompany may face a battle to sign the £6m-rated sensation this summer, it is easy to see why there is such clamour for his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is "closer" to joining La Liga giants Atletico Madrid with the player agreeing personal terms, according to reports.

Who will leave Spurs?

As new manager Ange Postecoglou seeks to rebuild this Spurs side in his own image, certain squad members will inevitably have to make way this summer.

The north Londoners have already put pen to paper on deals for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, playmaker James Maddison and winger Manor Solomon – but Harry Winks remains their only confirmed departure.

A succession of players have been linked with an exit, though, including Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier and Ben Davies. Giovani Lo Celso and Sergio Reguilon, who spent parts of last season on loan elsewhere, are also candidates for the chopping block (The Telegraph).

Some Spurs players have come out to confirm they could indeed move elsewhere, with long-serving number one Lloris saying as much to French news outlet Nice-Matin.

"We are coming to an important moment, whether for the club or for me," explained Lloris.

"It’s the end of an era. I have desires for other things, I will ask myself quietly to study what will be possible.

"What is essential at the moment is to recover well from my injury. I’m on vacation but I continue to talk and do my training. My goal is to be on top in July, then we’ll see what the future holds."

Hojbjerg, who has been attracting real interest from Atletico Madrid recently, could also end up departing this summer as Postecoglou aims to reinvent the midfield with more creativity.

Tottenham have apparently had their eyes on the likes of Chelsea star Conor Gallagher and Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie as possible replacements for the Dane.

According to The Times, it appears Hojbjerg is edging nearer and nearer to the Spurs exit door just three summers after they signed him from Southampton.

The 27-year-old has apparently agreed personal terms with Atletico, and after this development, Hojbjerg "has moved closer" to a move across the continent.

Nothing else is said beyond that line, but we can safely assume Tottenham's mainstay from last season may well be on the move pretty soon.

How good is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg?

The former Saints star was one of Tottenham's most regularly-used assets over 2022/2023.

Indeed, only superstar striker Harry Kane played more league minutes than Hojbjerg last season, with the Denmark international bagging four goals and five assists from midfield (WhoScored).

Hojbjerg also averaged an impressive passing accuracy of around 88.6%, so selling him could leave a gaping hole behind for Postecoglou and co to fill.

Members of the press called him "sensational" at times for Tottenham last campaign, with former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson left "surprised" by his brief turnaround in form under Antonio Conte late last year.

"“Hojbjerg has surprised me this season," said Robinson to Football Insider.

“There was a point where it looked like he would be on his way but now he is one of the first names on the team sheet.

“Under Conte, he has reached another level."

The former India captain believes that Australia’s confidence is the only thing which will be missing in the Indian line-up

Gaurav Kalra19-Jul-20176:25

Chopra: India will need a good start, like they got against England

India have a “50-50” chance of beating defending champions Australia in the Women’s World Cup semi-final on Thursday, an opinion the former India captain Anjum Chopra insists isn’t merely the “hope” of a positive outcome. Chopra has been closely following the fortunes of Mithali Raj’s team as a commentator, but concedes Australia’s superior experience and pedigree will be a factor going into the clash.Australia have won six of the 10 World Cup tournaments prior to this and hold an overwhelming 34-8 win-loss record against India in ODIs. Since the last World Cup in 2013, India have won just one of their four ODIs against Australia. In the group stages of this edition, Australia won six of their seven games while India won five.”Yes, I think India can beat Australia,” Chopra told ESPNcricinfo from London. “When I say that, I am not just being hopeful that India should be in a final. The reason I say that is, I’ve always felt that anytime you get into a quarter-final or a semi-final, there’s always one match that as a team you need to play well together, even if they are the current world champions.”Definitely they are a beatable side. Yes they have been world champions often, so they’ve seen themselves as an Australian team in this situation many more times than the Indian team. So yes, the confidence is there, they know how to come to this stage and how to conquer this stage, which will apparently be missing in the Indian line-up.”One of India’s major concerns going into the game will be the sharp decline in the form of their opener Smriti Mandhana. Mandhana, who turned 21 on Tuesday, started the tournament with scores of 90 and 106*, helping the team secure wins over England and West Indies, but has subsequently been dismissed for 2, 8, 4, 3 and 13. India do have the option to promote 19-year old Deepti Sharma, a specialist opener who has been playing in the middle order, but Chopra believes such a move could only have been contemplated had Deepti been tested in the role in the group stages.”Against an Australian line-up where Smriti as an attacking left-hander will be required to come good at the top, I don’t think the Indian team will be looking at that change,” she said. “As players, we have seen ourselves go in and out of form. In the last four days, the Indian team would have had the time to relax, if required, or go and hit the nets. I think four days is good enough time for any cricketer to make that turnaround. At the top, that strong partnership that India can come up with it, like they did against England, I think that will be very crucial.”While Mandhana’s form has tapered off, her opening partner Punam Raut has been consistently providing solidity to the top order. Raut is, in fact, second behind captain Mithali Raj among India’s leading run-getters in the tournament and made a hundred against Australia in the league stage. India will also be encouraged by the contributions of Harmanpreet Kaur and Veda Krishnamurthy, who struck half-centuries in their final game of the league phase, a must-win encounter against New Zealand.”At this level, it is a mental game,” Chopra said. “It is not just about realising that you are playing for India, it’s about making your presence felt that you are an Indian player, where the world is actually watching and following you. Veda, of course, has good shots down the ground, she has the power to clear the field as well. You just have to make sure that as a player you give yourself enough time to get yourself in such a position that you can play in an attacking way. Harman, too, wasn’t getting enough time out in the middle, she got it against New Zealand and she really made it count.”Currently the second-highest run-getter in the tournament, Ellyse Perry is one of the more significant threats for India in the semi-final•ICC/Getty ImagesAlthough Australia are brimming with skilled players, the biggest threat to India will come from their captain, Meg Lanning. Though Lanning has missed two matches due to shoulder problems, she is still among the top run-scorers of the tournament. In fact, she made a serene, unbeaten 76 to guide her team to a comfortable win in their league encounter against India. Chopra reckons while Lanning is a big thorn in India’s flesh, they have to be wary of the threat from other players, too.”She is a world-class batter, there is no doubt about her ability to lead the team,” Chopra said. “She has been a prolific run-getter for Australia, someone you as a spectator would like to pay money to watch. She is so good, playing front foot or back foot, fast-bowling or spin, she provides class to her batting. But I think a very important factor here is also Ellyse Perry. She’s been batting at No. 3 or 4 for Australia. Remember the partnerships she’s been stitching together with Lanning or whoever else she has been batting with.”India’s bowling tactics for this make-or-break encounter will also be carefully watched. India’s spin bowlers have taken 36 wickets in the tournament so far, while the seamers have taken just 13. Considering their area of strength, could India contemplate opening their attack with an off-spinner, especially as Australia’s opening pair of Nicole Bolton and Beth Mooney are both left-handed?Chopra isn’t sold on the idea and says any strategy India employ will rely heavily on how well they do with the bat, if they win the toss and take first strike.”All these tactics will come into play if the Indian team is able to put up a good score in excess of 250-260 on the board and then come out defending it,” she said. “I am not a big fan of bowling the second over in English conditions with a spinner, no matter what the wicket is like. I still feel in these conditions the first few overs should be bowled by the quicks. In women’s cricket, only one ball is used throughout the innings, so the shine of the ball can only be utilised in those initial overs, not later.”If India do get past Australia, it will be their second entry into a World Cup final. Chopra was a member of the team that reached the final in 2005, losing to Australia by 98 runs in Centurion. After a lifetime in the game, including an international career spanning 17 years, she is enthused by the positive vibes around women’s cricket at the moment and confesses to being pleasantly surprised at the scale of interest.”It is wonderful to see the response back home,” she said. “I have to confess I never expected it. I knew it would be a very big coverage before the start of the World Cup or before the build-up but the way the response has come about, I think it is phenomenal. The reason is the Indian team is winning and also that the men aren’t playing a series presently! Even the men’s cricketers, their support coming in the form of tweets, with encouraging words to the players, it has been phenomenal.”

Warwickshire, bottom of the First Division, are putting up a fine scrap at Lord’s after England allrounder Chris Woakes joined a stubborn batting performance on the second day

ECB Reporters Network07-Aug-2017
1:21

County Championship round-up: Amir completes Yorkshire demolition

England all-rounder Chris Woakes made an impact with the bat on his return to Warwickshire’s side and Matt Lamb, grittily led the way in just his third first-class match, as Warwickshire fought back in determined style against champions Middlesex at Lord’s.Lamb, 21 last month and a product of Warwickshire’s age group system, played with the composure of a veteran across 165 balls and was joined by Woakes, Jonathan Trott and Andy Umeed in a battling performance which has breathed new life into a low-scoring contest.Woakes and Trott made half-centuries, with Woakes helping Lamb to add 102 in 32 overs for the sixth wicket in a partnership that could yet shape the destination of this game. Warwickshire had reached 293 for 8 by stumps, a lead of 258, with Ryan Higgins the pick of Middlesex’s bowlers with 4 for 49 and Tim Murtagh taking 3 for 52.Twenty wickets had fallen on day one, on a seaming surface, with Middlesex just 35 runs ahead on first innings after replying with 161 to Warwickshire’s 126, and a similar clatter of wickets was expected when the visitors began the second day still 23 runs adrift at 12 without loss.Dominic Sibley fell early, edging Murtagh to keeper John Simpson to go for 17, but then Trott and Umeed began to turn the tables by adding 73 in 20 overs for the second wicket.Middlesex’s pace attack, so hostile on the first morning, did not pose the same threat and both Steven Finn and Tom Helm bowled too many loose balls, but it was still a fine effort by the Warwickshire pair, with Trott hooking and pulling Helm to the boundary several times.Opener Umeed fell for 30, shouldering arms to the first ball of Higgins’s second spell from the Nursery End and watching aghast as it nipped up the slope to clip his off stump.Two balls later and Ian Bell was gone for a duck, leg-before to Higgins, who followed that up by having Trott caught behind in his next over for 54, made from only 73 balls and including 10 fours. Suddenly, Warwickshire had slumped from 100 for 1 to 109 for 4 at lunch, and a Middlesex victory again seemed the likeliest outcome.With the second ball of his second spell, Murtagh had Tim Ambrose caught at the wicket for 16 but, from 139 for 5, Lamb and Woakes led further resistance and batted with increasing confidence.The Wolverhampton-born Lamb drove the disappointing Finn through extra cover with a flourish for one of his 10 fours – as did Woakes in the same over – and the pair were still together at tea, which Warwickshire took in some comfort at 218 for 5.Higgins, summoned again to bowl his medium-pacers, ended the stand on 241 when Woakes, on 53, mishit to mid-on where Murtagh did well to hold on to a sprawling catch. Woakes had faced 93 balls, hitting 11 fours and it was a fine effort in his first match for two months following an intercostal muscle injury lay-off.The second new ball was taken at 255 for 6 and, in the fourth and fifth overs with it, Lamb edged Helm behind and Jeetan Patel was bowled for 0 aiming an ugly swipe at Murtagh.Keith Barker, though, found a willing partner in No 10 Chris Wright and a further 31 had been added for the ninth wicket when bad light ended play seven overs early. Barker is 30 not out, Wright is unbeaten on 11 and Warwickshire, bottom of Division One, will be aiming for their first championship win of the season on the third day of what has been a fascinating contest.

Liverpool are reassembling the squad after a forgettable campaign, and while the onus is on the midfield, Juventus' Federico Chiesa remains a target to bolster the attacking ranks.

What's the latest on Federico Chiesa to Liverpool?

This comes after Calciomercato's report that the Old Lady consider the Italy international expendable and will consider his departure from Turin if their €70m (£60m) valuation is met.

Several clubs, including Liverpool, have made enquiries this year but are yet to have tabled a formal offer, and given the Reds' expenditure and emphasis on the midfield and defence, would likely only make a move for the 25-year-old if Juventus would be open to a sale for a smaller fee.

Despite this, prior reports confirming Jurgen Klopp's desire to see Chiesa at Anfield suggest that there is concrete intrigue there, and the possibility remains that discussions could intensify before the summer window swings its doors shut.

How good is Federico Chiesa?

If Klopp does decide to give the green light and rumours surrounding Chiesa take a more tangible form, then Liverpool's offensive force would be completed with a dynamic and tenacious new winger.

The 42-cap ace suffered an ACL injury in January 2022 to disrupt his progress with Juventus, and while the 22/23 campaign was marred by his fitness issues, the 41-cap gem started to return to form in the closing weeks and clinched four direct contributions across the final five matches of the Serie A term.

Described as a "wizard" by Liverpool reporter DaveOCKOP, Chiesa ranks among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues for assists, the top 15% for progressive carries, the top 16% for successful take-ons and the top 13% for tackles per 90, as per FBref, which illustrates his prowess and energy as a driving force on the wing.

The £153k-per-week gem would be bolstered by the efforts of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is renowned as one of football's most creative and naturally talented pass masters, having been hailed as "sensational" by commentator Martin Tyler.

The 24-year-old ranks among the top 8% of full-backs for assists, the top 4% for shot-creating actions, and the top 2% for passes attempted and progressive passes per 90, which further underscores his ball-playing skills that could complement the forward-surging game of Chiesa.

It could prove to be a "devastating" concoction – as the Juventus star has been called by Paolo Di Canio – with Chiesa's 22 goals and 20 assists with Juventus confirming that he boasts the varied approach to open up several dimensions to the attack, consequently adding to the overall flow of Klopp's side as they look to rekindle the intensity that was essential to the illustrious success of recent years.

Dubbed a “diamond” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Chiesa would glisten at Anfield and could wreak havoc in and around the danger area with a first-rate star such as Alexander-Arnold behind him, orchestrating the play, and Liverpool's attack could cement itself at the forefront of European football for years to come.

While there may be hefty competition for the former Fiorentina man's signature, Klopp would be wise to steal a march on those rival suitors.

The series, set to follow on from England playing an ODI in Edinburgh, will be the first instance of Scotland hosting a Full Member for a T20I

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Sep-2017Scotland will host Pakistan for a two-match T20I series in Edinburgh next year. It will mark the first face-off between the two sides in the 20-over format since they met in the group stage of the 2007 World T20 in South Africa, where Shahid Afridi’s all-round performance eased Pakistan to a 51-run win.The series, set to be played in the same week that England arrive for an ODI, also at The Grange, will be the first instance of Scotland hosting a Full Member for a T20I. The fixtures against Pakistan will be held on June 12 and 13.Pakistan’s last visit to Scotland was in 2013 for a two-match ODI series, where they defeated the home side by 96 runs before the second game was abandoned due to rain.Weighing in on the significance of the series, Scotland captain Kyle Coetzer said: “To have the opportunity to take on a hugely talented Pakistan team at home in two T20Is is wonderful news for both the players and our supporters.”With these matches taking place in the same week that we host England in an ODI in Edinburgh it gives us a great chance to show how far we have come as a group in both of these formats of the game.”It also means that, having defeated Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka this year, we have another great chance to take some more Full Member scalps. As a squad we want to test ourselves against the world’s best and, in Pakistan and England, we have two of the current top sides in the world coming to Scotland next summer. Along with the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier taking place in 2018, the year is really starting to look like an exciting one for everyone involved in Scottish cricket.”Like many of the Associate nations, Scotland have struggled to arrange fixtures against Full Members. They face a challenge if they are to qualify for the 2019 World Cup, which has been reduced to 10 teams, but could target the next World T20, in three years’ time, as another opportunity to further their cause.

The task of replacing Declan Rice was always going to be difficult, but now in August and West Ham are no closer to finding his replacement.

James Ward-Prowse seemed to be the leading contender, however, the Irons are set to walk away from the deal after having a second bid rejected for the Southampton captain.

David Moyes wants to recruit two midfielders after the £105m sale of Rice to Arsenal, ideally with Premier League experience.

Denis Zakaria is reportedly on the shortlist, but it is hard to suggest that his seven English top-flight appearances constitute Moyes’ key condition.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

Whilst the Scotsman and new technical director Tim Steidten come to understand each other’s philosophies, the search must continue, with Tyler Adams another possible option.

Is Tyler Adams leaving Leeds?

According to GIVEMESPORT, Leeds United are looking to offload Adams this summer and the Hammers are interested.

Reputable journalist Ben Jacobs spoke to the outlet, saying: “I would keep one eye on West Ham United, who are obviously in the market for that kind of player."

As part of his contract, the American had a relegation release clause, ramping upon speculation that he’s set to leave Elland Road.

Although Adams only has 24 Premier League outings to his name, he’d be a far more logical choice than Zakaria.

How good is Tyler Adams?

The 36-cap international only joined Leeds last summer and was viewed as a direct replacement for Kalvin Phillips, who joined Manchester City in the same window.

Then-manager Jesse Marsch, who previously worked with Adams at RB Salzburg, predicted him to have a glittering future, saying: "I have worked with a tonne of talented players. But the ones that right away you can see they have something. It is the work they do on a daily basis, their love of improvement, their love of competitiveness, their fearlessness.

"Honestly, the first player that I ever coached who I saw that in was Tyler Adams. At 15, it was so easy to see that he had the tools, mostly from a mental and intelligence perspective, to do whatever it takes.”

The 5 foot 9 protector possesses a defensive solidarity that emphatically trumps West Ham's other main target in Zakaria. Adams outperforms the Swiss for tackles per 90 (3.72 vs 2.37), interceptions per 90 (1.46 vs 1.04), blocks per 90 (2.00 vs 0.89), and aerials won per 90 (1.04 vs 0.00).

Moreover, the former RB Leipzig sensation ranks within the top 3% in Europe’s top five Leagues among his positional peers for tackles and blocks per 90, as well as the highest 18% for interceptions per 90.

Adams has also displayed that he is more astute and forward-thinking on the ball, outranking Zakaria for progressive passes per 90 (5.68 vs 1.78), and progressive carries per 90 (0.79 vs 2.22).

Therefore, the £55k-per-week titan has still emerged from the rubble of Leeds’ disappointing relegation with a commendable degree of respect and a more reliable asset than Zakaria.

Once hailed as a “machine” by journalist Wes Rucker, Adams looks destined to continue playing Premier League football, and he could go some of the way to easing the departure of Rice.