Kane Williamson and Trent Boult return to the T20I side; Jacob Duffy earns maiden New Zealand call-up

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Dec-2020Ross Taylor has been dropped from New Zealand’s T20I squad for the series against Pakistan, while fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out with a back injury. The returning Kane Williamson – who is currently on paternity leave – and Trent Boult, who were rested for the T20Is against West Indies, will be available only for the second and third games of the series along with Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson and Daryl Mitchell, who were also part of the Test side.Fast bowler Jacob Duffy has earned his maiden call-up after impressing with his performances for Otago in the domestic circuit and for New Zealand A. The 26-year old finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in the Ford Trophy earlier this year with 21 strikes in nine innings and picked up six wickets across two innings in the four-day game against West Indies A last week. Seamer Hamish Bennett, who played in the T20Is against West Indies, will also miss the Pakistan T20Is with an abdominal tear he sustained in round three of the Ford Trophy.Mitchell Santner will once again lead the T20I side in the series opener at Eden Park – having done so in the rain-hit third T20I against West Indies in Williamson’s absence – before taking his first break from the game since the CPL in August. Legspinners Ish Sodhi and Todd Astle will cover for him.Glenn Phillips and Devon Conway, who were involved in a record third-wicket stand of 181 in the second T20I against West Indies less than a fortnight ago remain part of the squad. Seamer Blair Tickner, batsman Mark Chapman and allrounder Doug Bracewell will only be part of the first T20I. Chapman will stay on standby in case Williamson needs to stay with his family for longer than expected.According to selector Gavin Larsen, Taylor, who made 38 and 9 in the T20Is against West Indies, misses out because of the “quality and form” of the rest of the squad.”It’s great to have the class of Kane and Trent returning to our T20 side having missed the West Indies series after their starring roles in the IPL in November,” Larsen said. “We were thrilled Glenn and Devon were able to take their opportunities so well in the previous series and we’re keen to give them the chance to back that up against a strong Pakistan T20 outfit.”Their inclusion and the return of Kane means we’ve left out Ross Taylor. This was, as you’d imagine, a very tough decision as Ross has been a consistent performer for us, but unfortunately we just couldn’t find room in the squad for him due to the quality and form of the other batsmen.”The T20Is will begin three days after the conclusion of the ongoing second Test against West Indies, with Auckland, Hamilton and Napier set to host the three matches on December 18, 20 and 22 respectively.New Zealand squad for 1st T20I: Mitchell Santner (c), Todd Astle, Doug Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Martin Guptill, Scott Kuggeleijn, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Blair TicknerSquad for 2nd and 3rd T20Is: Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Martin Guptill, Kyle Jamieson, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee

Chelsea value a highly-rated first-teamer at around £100 million if they even entertain the notion of selling him this summer, coming after claims that Bayern Munich are targeting him and he'd be open to a move.

Players who could be sold by Chelsea this summer

Ian Maatsen looks set to swap Chelsea for Aston Villa, which would come as another departure after Thiago Silva's move back to Brazil, but it is believed that many more players could follow them out of the Stamford Bridge exit door.

Real Madrid set sights on £146,000-per-week Chelsea 29 year-old

Carlo Ancelotti’s side think he’s ideal.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2024

Villa agreed a £37 million fee to sign Maatsen, according to Fabrizio Romano, with Midlands talent Omari Kellyman going the other way in a separate move for around £19 million – coming as an unofficial kind of swap deal.

After Maatsen, an array of Enzo Maresca's squad have been linked with high-profile exits. Romelu Lukaku, Armando Broja, Conor Gallagher, Malang Sarr, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Trevoh Chalobah, Omari Hutchinson, Lesley Ugochukwu, Marc Cucurella and Conor Gallagher come as players who could be sold by Chelsea this summer, with Todd Boehly looking to balance the books and comply in terms of PSR regulations.

Cole Palmer

7.48

Conor Gallagher

7.13

Nicolas Jackson

7.07

Moises Caicedo

6.85

Noni Madueke

6.84

Arrizabalaga is attracting interest from Real Madrid, who could look to bring the Spaniard back to the Bernabeu on a permanent deal after he spent last season there on loan. Meanwhile, Juventus have even been linked with a surprise move loan move for Cucurella, so it will be interesting which of these claims come to fruition in the next few weeks.

According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, another big-name European club have their eyes on versatile defender Levi Colwill. Indeed, Vincent Kompany's Bayern are said to be real admirers of the Englishman who is highly-rated in west London.

Earlier this month, Plettenberg even claimed that Bayern could make a move for Colwill in addition to Jonathan Tah. A separate Sky Germany report, via The Mail, also stated that Colwill is open to joining Kompany at Bayern and willing to consider the possibility.

Chelsea think Levi Colwill is worth around £100 million

Now, as per The Athletic, Kompany's side may run into a serious roadblock if they decide to pursue Colwill further. According to their information, Colwill could fetch close to £100 million if Chelsea even decided to sell, which would surely rule Bayern out immediately in terms of doing a deal.

The 21-year-old is apparently viewed as an elite Cobham talent with the potential to blossom into one of England's best centre-backs, which is why he is deemed not for sale by the club.

Celtic are yet to make their first official signing of the summer transfer window, which opened for business last month, but there could still be plenty of change in the squad over the coming weeks.

The Hoops kick off their season in less than a month as they prepare to play host to Kilmarnock at Parkhead in the opening game at the start of August.

Their lack of business so far in the market has not been through a lack of trying, however, as the Scottish giants are reportedly working to make multiple additions to the squad.

Firstly, Brendan Rodgers' side are said to be preparing a bid to sign Sparta Prague goalkeeper Peter Vindahl Jensen to be their new number one, after Joe Hart's retirement.

The Bhoys are also reportedly in talks to sign Paulo Bernardo on a permanent deal from Benfica and are confident of sealing a swoop for Adam Idah on a permanent move from Norwich City.

Celtic could be set for a shuffle at the top end of the pitch with the Ireland international, Idah, re-joining and another striker possibly moving on, which would also open up space for another new signing in that position.

Celtic's potential striker shuffle

Firstly, it was recently reported that the Scottish Premiership champions are expecting to cash in on centre-forward Hyeon-gyu Oh this summer.

Belgian giants Genk are said to be interested in a deal to sign the South Korea international ahead of the 2024/25 campaign and that a sale could rake in in excess of £4m for his services.

However, there is yet to be any reports or official confirmation that the Pro League outfit have agreed a fee with the Hoops for the 23-year-old attacker.

Oh's exit from Parkhead could then open the door for the Glasgow-based side to jump into the market to land a replacement for him, with another striker possibly coming in to compete with Idah – should they sign him from Norwich – and Kyogo Furuhashi.

The Athletic reported last month that the Hoops are one of a number of teams eyeing up a potential swoop for Motherwell marksman Theo Bair.

Fellow Premiership outfit Rangers are also said to be keen on the Canada international, who has also attracted interest from Bundesliga clubs.

Rodgers and his recruitment teams should now pursue a deal to sign the 24-year-old dynamo before the end of the summer transfer window, because he could come in as a dream replacement for Oh ahead of next season.

Why Celtic are right to cash in on Hyeon-gyu Oh

The South Korean flop has not done enough during his time at Parkhead to suggest that he is likely to play a significant role on the pitch for the club moving forward.

Ange Postecoglou swooped to sign the striker from Suwon Bluewings in January 2023 for a reported fee of £2.5m in his last window in charge of the Hoops.

Oh enjoyed a solid, if unspectacular, start to life in Glasgow with a return of six goals and zero assists in 16 Premiership appearances during the second half of that season.

At the end of the 2022/23 campaign, Postecoglou joined Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and Rodgers was brought back for a second spell at Paradise.

The Northern Irish boss did hand the attacker opportunities to impress during the first half of the season, with 19 league outings by the 2nd of January, but Oh did not impress.

Celtic's xG underperformers

23/24 Premiership

xG

Goals

xG differential

Kyogo Furuhashi

18.39

14

-4.39

Daizen Maeda

8.78

6

-2.78

Reo Hatate

4.92

3

-1.92

Luis Palma

8.54

7

-1.54

Hyeon-gyu Oh

6.35

5

-1.35

Stats via WhoScored

As you can see in the table above, the 23-year-old dud underperformed his xG by more than one goal, with five goals in 20 league outings in total.

Alongside his wasteful finishing, Oh also offered little as a creator for his teammates as he only made 0.3 key passes per game and did not produce a single 'big chance' or assist in his 20 Premiership appearances.

These statistics show that the South Korean flop was not good enough as a scorer or a creator of goals to earn himself regular minutes on the pitch, which is why Celtic are right to sell him this summer if they can get a bid of more than £4m from Genk.

Why Theo Bair would be a dream replacement

The Hoops should then swoop to sign reported target Bair as a dream replacement for Oh as he is a proven Premiership performer who could come in and challenge Idah and Kyogo.

If Celtic do snap up the former on a permanent deal from Norwich, Rodgers would already have two senior centre-forward options but having three competing for a place could improve the competition in the squad and help to deal with the demands of domestic and European football.

Bair enjoyed a fantastic season for Motherwell in the top-flight as the SPFL star earned himself a place in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year, with 15 goals in 38 league games – three times as many goals as Oh managed.

23/24 Premiership

Adam Idah

Hyeon-gyu Oh

Kyogo Furuhashi

Theo Bair

Appearances

15

20

38

38

Goals

8

5

14

15

Big chances missed

7

5

24

11

Conversion rate

27%

13%

14%

21%

Assists

2

0

5

6

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Canada international ranked well against Celtic's forward options, with more goals and more assists than all of them.

The 24-year-old ace, whose work rate was hailed as "top drawer" by boss Stuart Kettlewell, would come in as a proven Premiership striker who has shown that he can find the back of the net on a regular basis at this level, without wasting a huge number of 'big chances' – like Kyogo last season.

Related Celtic set to pull off "miracle" as £4m+ sale of forward expected

The Hoops are reportedly set to cash in on the rarely-seen attacker this summer.

Posts 1 ByDan Emery Jul 9, 2024

His vastly superior statistics to Oh also suggest that he would come in as a dream replacement and upgrade on the Genk target, and provide Rodgers with three – assuming Idah signs – excellent centre-forward options to call upon next term.

Martin Odegaard has returned to full training ahead of Arsenal's crucial matches against Inter and Chelsea this week.

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Odegaard back with first-team squadHas been out of action for two monthsWants to make comeback against InterFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Gunners skipper damaged his ankle ligaments while playing for Norway on August 31 and has spent the last two months on the sidelines. He missed several key games, including Arsenal's Premier League draws against Manchester City and Liverpool, however, according to , Odegaard has now returned to full training. The midfielder is said to be 'itching' to make his long-awaited comeback against Inter in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

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It remains to be seen if Mikel Arteta hands Odegaard any minutes against Inter, with Arsenal likely to be cautious over rushing him back into the fold. Odegaard has been left out of the Norway squad for their matches against Slovenia and Kazakhstan during the November international break.

DID YOU KNOW?

The 25-year-old has established himself as a vital member of the current Arsenal squad, with the former Real Madrid man bagging 11 goals and as many assists in the 2023-24 campaign. Having him back could reignite their Premier League title hopes as the Gunners have slipped seven points behind league leaders Liverpool after ten games.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Even if the club captain does not feature against Inter on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta could consider bringing him back into the matchday squad in Arsenal's next Premier League encounter against Chelsea on Sunday.

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe getting ruthless this summer, Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement to sell a 2020 flop in a deal that will see the Red Devils suffer a significant loss on their initial investment.

Man Utd transfer news

Losing out on potential profit won't be the way that Dan Ashworth would have wanted to start his tenure as Manchester United's sporting director, but in between that reported sale, he has secured a deal to extend Erik ten Hag's contract. The Dutchman's future has been in doubt for months, but those at Old Trafford finally decided that he's the man they want in the hot seat, agreeing an extension as a result.

Ashworth was full of praise for Ten Hag after the news, telling Manchester United's official website: "With two trophies in the past two seasons, Erik has reinforced his record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in European football. While the club’s review of last season highlighted areas for improvement, it also reached a clear conclusion that Erik was the best partner for us to work with in driving up standards and outcomes."

Bid submitted: Man Utd lodge offer to sign the “English Neymar”

He is one of England’s most highly-rated youngsters.

ByJoe Nuttall Jul 7, 2024

However, whilst one Dutchman has signed a new deal, another is seemingly heading for the exit door. According to Fabrizio Romano, Girona have now reached an agreement to sign Donny van de Beek from Manchester United this summer, with the transfer now subject to an agreement over personal terms.

The deal could reportedly rise to as high as €5m (£4m) based on appearances, in what would see the Red Devils suffer a loss of £30m on their initial £35m investment in 2020. Arriving under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2020, Van de Beek never showed signs of finding his form, even as former Ajax manager Ten Hag arrived, and he now looks likely to finally end his Manchester United nightmare.

Van de Beek needs next move to go right

Whether it's been at Manchester United or on loan at Everton and Eintracht Frankfurt, Van de Beek has failed to reach the levels that once saw him shine on the biggest stages against the likes of Real Madrid. Now 27 years old, his next move, which looks likely to be Girona, must go right. We've seen other midfielders of his calibre such as Isco enjoy similar revivals in La Liga, and now the Dutchman must be next in line to rediscover his best form.

Of course, he's not the first Manchester United arrival to reach flop status, but he must ensure that he follows in the footsteps of the likes of Memphis Depay when it comes to putting such a nightmare spell behind him in the coming season.

Lewis Gregory has backed his Somerset team-mate Tom Lammonby to be signed in the Hundred draft this month following his breakout season in county cricket last summer.Lammonby, a former England Under-19 captain, struggled in his first season in Somerset’s T20 side in 2019 but flourished in the abbreviated 2020 season when he was handed an unexpected opportunity as an opener in the red-ball side.His three Bob Willis Trophy hundreds – including 116 in the final against Essex and 107 not out against Worcestershire in a must-win group game – impressed those involved in England’s pathway selection, while he maintained a strike rate of 177.94 in the T20 Blast, the third-highest in the competition out of batsmen with more than 100 runs.And Gregory, who has been retained as Trent Rockets’ captain on a contract worth £80,000 (plus a captaincy bonus), suggested that his team-mate was likely to attract attention from teams in the Hundred as a potential long-term pick thanks to his value as a finisher in the middle order and his left-arm medium pace.”I think there will be quite a few teams after him, if I’m honest,” Gregory said. “He’s a brilliant kid, who works his absolute socks off. To see him contribute in the manner that he did last year – in both red-ball and white-ball cricket – was great.”He’s got a very, very high ceiling and he’s going to keep developing and keep growing. He’s got a very bright future and it won’t be long before we’re seeing him in an England shirt, [so] I’ve no doubt that there will be a few teams interested in him.”Gregory, Somerset’s T20 captain, has spent his entire professional career at the club and admitted that he would find it “weird” to miss five weeks of the 2021 county season while playing in the Hundred. Those involved in the new tournament will miss the Royal London One-Day Cup next year, which will instead take on the role of a “development competition” between July and August.”It will be weird, but you get used to playing in franchise competitions and developing as a team quite quickly,” he said. “Naturally I’ll see that Somerset are playing games in the 50-over comp and miss being around, but equally [the Hundred] is a new opportunity to go out and play on the global stage.”That’s an exciting prospect for anyone that’s going to be involved in the competition. I think it will become the norm and something that we’re used to very quickly.”Gregory’s Trent Rockets side are one of three teams – alongside London Spirit and Southern Brave – who will make only two picks at the draft, which will take place between the second and third India vs England Tests later this month. They opted to retain the vast majority of the players they signed at the initial draft in October 2019, including their three overseas signings: Rashid Khan, D’Arcy Short and Nathan Coulter-Nile.Gregory has been a regular contributor for Brisbane Heat in the BBL•Getty Images and Cricket Australia

Gregory said he has been involved in “a few conversations” regarding the Rockets’ strategy but has largely left things to Stephen Fleming and Mick Newell, the side’s head coach and general manager respectively. The two players they released were Harry Gurney – who was offered a new deal but opted to enter the draft instead – and Luke Fletcher, and they appear likely to sign two seamers in the draft as a result.”It was a no-brainer, really,” Gregory said of his decision to stay with the Rockets. “Trent Bridge is a place that I’ve really enjoyed playing cricket, so when the opportunity comes about to call that your home ground, I don’t think you have to think about it too much.”There’s a lot of talent around English cricket at the moment and a lot of good county cricketers are going to miss out. There will be a lot of talent that’s not playing in the Hundred, which shows that the standard of the competition will be one of the strongest across the world.”Related

• The Hundred – full 2021 squad lists

• Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc released as the Hundred teams finalise retentions before draft

• Lammonby seizes chance with record-breaking first impression

• 'When we say data, we don't just mean the numbers'

• The Hundred teams set to finalise retentions ahead of draft

Gregory was speaking from his hotel room in Canberra, ahead of Brisbane Heat’s fixture against Perth Scorchers on Thursday night, with the winner progressing to the Big Bash final. Having grown used to the competition’s new rules this season, he suggested that the Hundred could look to incorporate the Power Surge – with the powerplay split into two blocks – and a bonus-point system in future years.”I don’t think it will be used initially but [the Power Surge] could easily be brought in. I’d be fine with that, as long as I’m not bowling in it. I’ve [also] enjoyed the Bash Boost point, which brings in a game within a game – you’re not just looking at the final target but also the 10-over score. They’re nice innovations and it’ll be interesting to see how they develop over the next year or so. I can definitely see them being tried and tested around the world.”I think four [powerplay] overs up front is potentially not long enough in a T20. I think you could either have five up front and one over at the back end, or even a five and a two. But it’s created different perspectives on things, and brings a different dynamic. You stay in the game a little bit longer when you’re chasing, knowing that there are two overs to capitalise on with only two men out, and you can make a charge a little bit later.”

CA has previously shifted three fixtures from Sydney to Canberra due to border restrictions

Alex Malcolm11-Jan-2021The Brisbane Heat have been locked out of travelling to Victoria from Queensland this week due to the Victorian government’s hard border on travellers from Covid hotspots, something which has forced Cricket Australia to relocate seven upcoming BBL matches from Sydney and Melbourne as it tries to keep the season alive.CA has already shifted three fixtures from Sydney to Canberra, including the upcoming Sydney derby between the Sixers and the Thunder.Fixtures relocated

January 14: Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Renegades, Manuka Oval, 7:15pm AEDT (originally at Docklands)

January 21: Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat, Adelaide Oval, 6:45pm ACDT (originally at Melbourne Cricket Ground)

January 22: Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder, Adelaide Oval (originally at Sydney Cricket Ground)

January 24: Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers, Adelaide Oval (originally at Sydney Showgrounds)

January 24: Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Cricket Ground (originally at Sydney Cricket Ground)

January 25: Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder, Adelaide Oval (originally at Sydney Showgrounds)

January 26: Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers, venue TBC (originally at Sydney Cricket Ground)

But the Heat were scheduled to head to Melbourne to face the Renegades on Thursday at Docklands. But Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, went into a three-day lockdown after a rare community Covid-19 case was found on January 7. The Victorian government has imposed border restrictions on travellers coming to Victoria from Queensland and New South Wales which has caused chaos with CA’s scheduling after they were unable to get exemptions for the teams who were in Queensland from January 2 onwards.The Heat-Renegades fixture on Thursday has been moved to Manuka Oval in Canberra, in the ACT, and won’t be played in front of a crowd, while the Heat’s match with the Adelaide Strikers, that was scheduled for the MCG on January 21, has been instead shifted to Adelaide.Alistair Dobson, the head of the BBL, said the border restrictions from the Victorian government forced CA’s hand.”We have elected to move this Thursday’s Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Renegades match from Marvel Stadium (Docklands) to Manuka Oval given the Victorian Government’s current restrictions on travel from Brisbane and to create certainty that this fixture can be delivered,” Dobson said. “Unfortunately, given the operational difficulties in providing a safe and secure environment for fans to attend at such short notice – including the ACT Government’s requirement that all tickets go off sale 24 hours prior to the match – tickets to this match will not be available to the public.”In addition, we will be shifting the Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat match to Adelaide Oval as a result of that venue being re-engaged at the back end of the tournament, a great reward for Strikers’ members and fans.”CA have also moved all the remaining matches that were scheduled to be played in Sydney interstate to avoid any potential disruptions for the remainder of the season. “We understand our many passionate members and fans of both the Sixers and Thunder will be disappointed by today’s news that KFC BBL 10 matches won’t be played in Sydney this year,” Dobson said.The schedule changes mean that the Sixers and the Thunder won’t play a single match at home this season. Both sides already had to endure heavy restrictions while playing in Western Australia against the Perth Scorchers after arriving from Queensland.The Heat had already faced issues earlier in the tournament when Chris Lynn and Dan Lawrence were fined for breaking CA’s Covid protocols in Canberra.

كشفت تقارير سعودية عن موقف النجم البرازيلي روبرتو فيرمينو، مهاجم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، من المشاركة في المباراة المرتقبة أمام نادي الخلود.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الأهلي مع الخلود، غدًا الأربعاء، ضمن منافسات الجولة الخامسة عشرة من مسابقة الدوري السعودي للمحترفين “دوري روشن”.

وبحسب صحيفة “الميدان الرياضي”، فإن فيرمينيو بات جاهزًا للمشاركة في المباراة؛ وذلك بعد فترة من الشكوك حول مشاركته، حيث عانى اللاعب من آلام في الكاحل عقب مباراة الفريق الأخيرة أمام نادي الشباب، والتي حقق فيها الأخضر فوزًا مثيرًا بنتيجة ثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدفين.

طالع أيضًا | رئيس الأهلي السعودي يوضح حقيقة رحيله عن منصبه

ويُعتبر روبرتو فيرمينو من العناصر الأساسية في تشكيلة المدرب ماتياس يايسله، المدير الفني للنادي الأهلي، ويعتمد عليه المدرب بشكل كبير في الخط الهجومي للفريق، بجانب النجمين رياض محرز وإيفان توني.

ويُساهم هذا الثلاثي الهجومي في تعزيز قوة الفريق الهجومية وقدرته على تسجيل الأهداف.

وعلى صعيد آخر، يحتل النادي الأهلي حاليًا المركز الخامس في جدول ترتيب الدوري السعودي برصيد 28 نقطة، جمعها من 14 مباراة.

وقد حقق الفريق الفوز في 8 مباريات، وتعادل في مباراتين، بينما تلقى الهزيمة في 4 مباريات، ويسعى الراقي إلى تحقيق الفوز في المباراة القادمة أمام الخلود لمواصلة المنافسة على المراكز المتقدمة في الدوري.

Leny Yoro has sent a bullish message on Instagram as he gears up to make his Manchester United debut after his ill-timed foot injury.

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• Yoro fractured foot in summer
• Yet to play for United
• Hopeful of fresh start

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• Getty Images & Instagram
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Yoro broke his foot in the summer, mere weeks after arriving at United from Lille in a £52 million ($67m) deal – an injury that required surgery. As a result, he has yet to play a single competitive game for the club, but is nearing his debut after returning to training.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Yoro has subsequently posted on Instagram, hyping his return, as he prepares to get to work under Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese is set to join the club ahead of the club's clash with Ipswich Town after the international break.

• WHAT LENY YORO SAID

  Yoro posted a montage of images and wrote on Instagram: "New start."

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• WHAT NEXT?

  United face PAOK in the Europa League on Thursday before playing Leicester City in the Premier League this weekend. Then, Amorim will take charge.

Amid a frustrating transfer window so far, Newcastle United chiefs are now reportedly racing to sign a defensive reinforcement for Eddie Howe who is represented by the same agency as Kieran Trippier.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies and PIF were quick out of the blocks this summer, welcoming Lloyd Kelly on a free deal, but that has since been nothing more than somewhat of a false start. Since Kelly, Newcastle have only managed to sign John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachomidos, whilst selling prospects such as Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion respectively.

Related Sky Sports: Newcastle back in to sign £35m player approved by Paul Mitchell

The Magpies have been chasing the player for some time.

Posts 1 ByTom Coates Jul 23, 2024

For a side with some of the richest owners in the Premier League, it's been an incredibly disappointing window, which has perhaps been limited by the fear of breaking profit and sustainability rules. Nonetheless, given that the new campaign is now less than a month away from kicking off, things could yet ramp up at St James' Park on the transfer front.

The likes of Crysencio Summerville have recently been linked to the Tyneside club, but it could be a Premier League defender that the Magpies turn towards before anyone else. According to GiveMeSport, Newcastle chiefs are racing to sign Trevoh Chalobah in a deal worth a reported £30m this summer. Chelsea recently omitted their academy graduate from their pre-season tour in an attempt to force his exit in what could benefit Newcastle.

As revealed by Fabrizio Romano, however, Newcastle aren't alone in their interest and now face a fight to secure Chalobah's signature without European football to offer. They may hope to gain an edge by using their relationship with the defender's agent, given that Trippier is represented by the same agency.

"Monster" Chalobah could compete with Schar and Botman

Signing Chalobah seems like business that Newcastle should be chasing this summer. For £30m, his arrival could far from break the bank or leave them in trouble with PSR.

Meanwhile, Chelsea's current stance means that the Magpies should be able to strike a fairly simple deal for the right price. If they reach an agreement with the Blues, then Howe could be getting a centre-back who would instantly compete with Sven Botman and Fabian Schar.

Premier League stats P90 23/24 (via FBref)

Trevoh Chalobah

Sven Botman

Fabian Schar

Progressive Passes

2.92

2.29

3.92

Tackles Won

1.13

0.85

0.71

Ball Recoveries

4.34

4.58

5.13

Aerial Duels Won

1.79

2.22

2.04

What's more, Chalobah's experience playing on the biggest stages is an invaluable trait for a side gunning for an instant return to European football. Described as a "monster" by Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, the Chelsea defender now has the chance to put his recent Stamford Bridge misery behind him and feature in Howe's backline in the coming season.