Josh Philippe fires Sydney Sixers to second BBL title in rain-hit encounter

The hosts completed a handsome 19-run win as the Stars’ wait for the crown continued

The Report by Andrew McGlashan08-Feb-2020The rain clouds parted in the nick of time and the Sydney Sixers took the Big Bash title without it being handed to them in a washout courtesy of a handsome 19-run victory over the Melbourne Stars in a 12-over contest, which meant the Stars’ wait for the crown will enter the tournament’s tenth edition.After two days of heavy rain, gaps in the weather teased for a while on Saturday afternoon before clearing to allow a reduced match, but not the complete lottery of a five-over game that the Sixers had feared. Josh Philippe anchored – if there can be such a term in a shortened hit – the Sixers’ innings, while there was useful striking from Steven Smith and Jordan Silk either side of the Stars’ spinners putting a hold on the innings.The key period, however, was the first three overs of the Stars run chase, which saw them lose their two big guns – Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell – for a combined total of 15 off eight balls either side of Josh Hazlewood taking 1 for 1 in his first over. Even in the reduced match, the result was clear well before the finish as the Sixers claimed their first BBL title since the inaugural season in 2011-12 and no one will be able to say they didn’t do it properly.Philippe keeps his cool
Philippe has been very impressive in the latter part of the tournament as he overcame a run of low scores to string together three half-centuries in his last four innings. This one was another very mature display because he did not lose his head under the pressure of the final and also when he wasn’t getting much of the strike. It meant he was still there at the end of the innings, able to deposit Adam Zampa over the deep-midwicket boundary to reach another fifty.Josh Philippe mistimes a pull•Getty ImagesSilken finish
After six overs (not the Powerplay, that was just three overs), the Sixers were 2 for 60. However, they then entered a period of 26 deliveries between boundaries as the Stars spinners – Zampa and Maxwell – proved difficult to hit. A very pumped-up Maxwell had cut off Smith’s promising innings when he was caught in the deep for 21 and also got Daniel Hughes lbw when the left-hander missed a pull. Moises Henriques was beaten by a Zampa delivery that slid on and the Sixers were scoring in ones and twos – acceptable for the middle overs for a full T20, but a problem in a shortened game. Silk had reached 12 off ten balls when he broke the boundary-less streak with a mow over midwicket and managed 15 off his last five deliveries.Stars’ top order blown away
Stoinis, the competition’s leading scorer by a distance, clubbed an early four and a six off Nathan Lyon, who was given the first over, and then could not believe it when he picked out deep square-leg. He could barely haul himself off the ground. Still, in a short chase, the Stars might have been able to compensate for one of their key figures going early. But it didn’t stop there for them. The horribly out of form Nic Maddinson faced three dot balls against Hazlewood before lobbing a slower delivery to cover but the worst blow came next when Maxwell was given lbw sweeping at Steve O’Keefe. When Peter Handscomb was run-out in a horrible mix-up, as he jogged a single but Nick Larkin wanted two, you just knew this was going to be added to the list of nights where it went wrong for the Stars.Sixers wrap it up
The back of the Stars’ batting was well and truly broken and it would have taken something miraculous to turn the chase around. When O’Keefe bowled the final ball of the fifth over to Larkin, it meant a completed match. The Sixers just had to avoid any slip-ups. Ben Dunk, who had been brought into the side for Clint Hinchliffe when the match was reduced, managed one six before being lbw to Lyon. After all the talk that the weather would cause the damp squib it was the Stars’ limp batting that made for a subdued finish despite a late flurry from Larkin and Nathan Coulter-Nile – the latter suggesting he could have been used earlier. Not that anyone in magenta – or the majority of the 10,121 crowd that had ignored the weather forecast – was worrying about such things.

Fabrizio Romano: "Agreement" reached over new contract for Newcastle star

As much as this season has been full of moments to forget, Newcastle United fans are at least set to get some good news on the contract front, with an agreement reportedly reached for one particular star.

Newcastle contract news

Without Champions League football and perhaps European football altogether next season, some may have been concerned about certain futures at St James' Park. But they've since had good news on that front, with the likes of Alexander Isak reiterating his loyalty to the Magpies.

Newcastle eyeing move to sign £60m "phenomenon" who is “ready to leave”

The Magpies need to solve their defensive crisis.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 10, 2024

Amid links to Liverpool and Chelsea, the Swede said via The Standard:

“Of course I want to be here in the future. I came here for the project, I absolutely love playing here, I really feel at home. I want to finish this season in a good way for me and the team. I love playing here.”

PIF can now breathe a sigh of relief and focus on potential summer incomings, with the likes of Max Kilman and Dean Huijsen linked, as Newcastle look to finally put an end to their defensive injury crisis in the coming months.

Before that, however, Eddie Howe is set to recieve a major boost. According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have reached a verbal agreement with Joelinton over a new contract at the club in what was described as a "huge move". The transfer expert posted on X:

This comes after initial concerns over the Brazilian's future, with Howe even saying earlier this season:

"He has 18 months left on his contract so it's a possibility he'll be sold in the summer.

"I'm not a fortune teller but it's a possibility. I hope that's not the case. I want him to stay. I love him as a person and player. But before a player signs a contract he has to be happy with everything and we are not there yet."

Now that those concerns have seemingly been put to bed, the midfielder can focus on his return and handing his side a major boost next season.

"Fantastic" Joelinton more important than ever at Newcastle

It's no surprise that Newcastle have struggled in the absence of Joelinton, such is the importance of the midfielder in Howe's side these days. The Brazilian has gone from a transfer flop leading the line to a key component at the heart of Newcastle's midfield in a positional change that Howe and his staff deserve the highest praise for.

Now set to stay put at St James' Park, Joelinton has the chance to reaffirm his place in the Newcastle side when he returns from injury this summer. Once described as "fantastic" by Howe, there's no doubt that he will slot straight back in and pick up where he left off. Amid a frustrating season, Newcastle are at least set to put the potential exit rumours to bed.

Arteta struck gold selling Arsenal flop who’s now worth less than Nelson

Over the last couple of years, Arsenal have done a brilliant job of offloading fringe players, allowing the club to invest in the squad to try and end the 20-year wait for a Premier League title.

Players such as Joe Willock and Folarin Balogun have both departed the Emirates with the club for fees over £20m, with the pair only making a handful of appearances for the Gunners.

Subsequent fees have allowed boss Mikel Arteta to invest in players such as Declan Rice and David Raya, with the duo transforming the side and turning the side into genuine title challengers.

The club allowed one player to leave the club last summer, with the club conducting sensational business in offloading him given his dreadful record at his new club this season.

Matt Turner's stats at Arsenal

After joining the club for £7.5m from MLS side New England Revolution back in 2022, goalkeeper Matt Turner immediately took his place as a backup for Aaron Ramsdale, with the American only utilised in cup competitions.

During his solitary campaign at the Emirates, the 29-year-old failed to make a single Premier League appearance, with Turner only featuring seven times for the Gunners across all fronts.

He made five Europa League appearances and two starts in the FA Cup, with the 'keeper keeping four clean sheets in the process – a record that tempted Nottingham Forest into a move for the shot-stopper.

After agreeing a deal for current number one Raya, the club allowed Turner to depart the Emirates, swapping London for the East Midlands, with the two clubs reaching a deal of up to £10m for the USA international – with Arteta's side making a £2.5m profit despite his lack of game time for the club.

Matt Turner's stats at Nottingham Forest

His move to Forest has been an unsuccessful one, to say the least, with the 29-year-old already suffering the same fate as he did during his time in north London.

Turner arrived at the City Ground, becoming the number one choice between the sticks, but a catalogue of unforgivable errors has seen him drop to back up behind Belgian 'keeper Matz Sels.

The American notably gave the ball away in the 2-1 win over Manchester United, with Marcus Rashford punishing his mistake to leave Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville to claim that Turner is "useless" with his feet.

His mistake was one of a few that the struggling goalkeeper has made during the course of the season – having made three errors leading to a goal in the league – with the 29-year-old's market value dropping as a result.

Despite joining for £10m only seven months ago, Turner's value has dropped to £4.6m, as per Football Transfers with the shot-stopper now worth less than current Arsenal squad player Reiss Nelson, who has a value of £6.7m – after only managing 14 Premier League appearances this season at the Emirates.

Now worth less than one of Arteta's fringe assets, the Gunners made a great decision offloading the 'keeper, with it clear the American isn't up to the standard of what's required of a number-one goalkeeper in the Premier League.

Arsenal targeting £47m signing who's "good enough to displace Saka"

Arsenal’s new 21-year-old wonderkid winger target could take Saka’s spot in the team.

ByJoe Nuttall Mar 29, 2024

Contact made: Man City have “sent scouts” to watch record-breaking star

Manchester City have reportedly "sent scouts" to watch a record-breaking European player in action, with contact already made with the individual in question.

Man City eyeing big-name summer signings

Pep Guardiola has built arguably his strongest-ever squad at the Etihad currently, with so many elite options littered all over the pitch. He is a manager who constantly wants to freshen things up, however, ensuring that players don't rest on their laurels and get too comfortable. For that reason, it has been no surprise to see City being linked with a plethora of big names of late, as they look for another eye-catching summer in the transfer market.

For example, the reigning Premier League champions are believed to be willing to spend a whopping £127m on AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, potentially seeing him as a replacement for Jack Grealish, who has struggled to kick on this season. The Portuguese has nine goals and eight assists in all competitions in 2023/24 to date.

City are also reportedly the front-runners to snap up Bayern Munich superstar Jamal Musiala, jumping to the head of the queue ahead of Liverpool. A move to England could appeal to the youngster, having turned down a new contract at his current club. Former Cityzens player Douglas Luiz could be a target, too, with Guardiola rating him highly and possibly wanting to seal a reunion with him in the summer.

Man City make contact with record-breaking gem

According to a new update from Corriere dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Manchester City have "sent scouts" to watch Milan teenager Francesco Camarda. Contact has been made with him, with north London pair Arsenal and Tottenham also interested, and they all have the "financial ability to mock" any offer that comes his way from Milan.

AC Milan forward Francesco Camarda.

Camarda is certainly an exciting option for City, considering his record-breaking feats in his young career to date, becoming the youngest player in Serie A history last year, appearing as a substitute at the age of just 15.

Admittedly, the Italian forward has only appeared twice this season, with his two cameos totalling just 12 minutes, but he is considered a player with a huge long-term future. Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero has shown his support for him recently.

Francesco Camarda's international stats

Caps

Goals

Italy Under-17s

9

4

Italy Under-16s

7

3

Italy Under-15s

9

6

Long-term planning is essential at City, making sure the club continue to thrive long after Guardiola is gone, and Camarda could be a major part of the future at the Etihad, having thrived with three different youth teams at international level.

Granit Xhaka offers everything England's midfield is missing: Switzerland captain looking to continue dream year at Euro 2024 after Bayer Leverkusen success

After playing a pivotal role in a flawless Bundesliga triumph, the 31-year-old is now perfectly placed to make more history with his country

Switzerland's 3-0 loss to Italy at Euro 2020 has long bothered Granit Xhaka. He felt his team failed to turn up for the group game in Rome. Last weekend was different, though. Last weekend, Switzerland didn't just take to the field at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, they made it their own private playground, dumping the defending champions out of Euro 2024 with the most dominant of 2-0 wins.

"I have never seen the Azzurri in such difficulty on the field as against us," Xhaka enthused after the last-16 showdown in Berlin – and with no shortage of justification. "We won even before going on the pitch, just as they did with us three years ago. They were scared."

One wonders if England will be feeling a little fearful themselves right now, because despite picking up a minor adductor injury against Italy, Xhaka is expected to start against the Three Lions in Saturday's quarter-final clash in Dusseldorf, which means that there is a very real chance that a player in the form of his life will deliver another midfield masterclass on the biggest stage.

'In Granit we trust'

One Switzerland supporter showed off a poster during the dismantling of Italy that read, "In Granit we trust." And why wouldn't they? Xhaka is not just proving himself a great leader at Euro 2024; he's also proving himself a great player. Indeed, he's been one of the best central midfielders on show in Germany, alongside Toni Kroos and Rodri.

He's already claimed two Player of the Match awards, after Switzerland's 3-1 win over Hungary and the 1-1 draw with Germany, taking his overall Euros tally to five – only Andres Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo have claimed more (six apiece).

His most impressive performance to date, though, came against Italy.

AdvertisementGetty Xhaka's 'positive' passing

For an awfully long time, Xhaka was renowned for his more destructive qualities: making interceptions, winning crunching tackles, hoovering up loose balls. However, it was telling after the opening-round win over Hungary, Xhaka said his focus is on helping his team "by being positive" – and he's unquestionably delivering in that regard.

Working wonderfully well in tandem with Remo Freuler, and within what is a dynamic, disciplined and well-drilled Swiss side, Xhaka is dictating games and constantly putting his team on the front foot with his swift and precise use of the ball.

Against the Azzurri, no other player on the pitch had more touches (101), completed more passes (94/98) or created more chances (three). Even more significantly, he made a whopping 25 line-breaking passes – a single-game tally that only Kroos has bettered so far this summer.

Getty Alonso's special six

Of course, anyone who watched Bayer Leverkusen last season will be unsurprised by Xhaka's excellence at the Euros. The German outfit made several astute signings last summer, but Xhaka's arrival from Arsenal was utterly integral to their historic domestic double.

Under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates, Xhaka was deployed in more of an advanced role, like a box-to-box No.8, but fellow Spaniard Xabi Alonso saw the Swiss as a No.6 and made him the fulcrum of his team.

Xhaka may not have dominated the headlines last season in the same way as Florian Wirtz, for example. He didn't even register a single assist across the unbeaten Bundesliga campaign, but absolutely everything Leverkusen did went through Xhaka.

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(C)Getty Images'I have come to lead'

Alonso didn't just want Xhaka for his play-making skills, though. His character was also key. Alonso had an abundance of promising players at his disposal in Leverkusen; what he needed was someone with experience and an insatiable will to win. Consequently, he saw Xhaka as an "essential" addition to his relatively young squad.

"I also think that Granit had a vital need [to change] after his time in London, where he spent seven years," Alonso explained. "I motivated him to return [to Germany] to take on a different role, and he did so with a different level of maturity, saying, 'I have not come to follow anymore; I have come to lead.'"

He did exactly that at Leverkusen – and now he's doing likewise with Switzerland.

Chelsea once lost £3m gem who’s outscoring Palmer this season

Chelsea really are the most challenging team to predict in the Premier League.

Despite their wins away to Aston Villa and Crystal Palace in recent weeks, you would have been hard-pressed to find many who would have predicted anything other than a Manchester City win ahead of their clash on Saturday night.

Competition

Opponent

Result

Premier League

Liverpool

4-1 Loss

Premier League

Wolverhampton Wanderers

4-2 Loss

FA Cup

Aston Villa

3-1 Win

Premier League

Crystal Palace

3-1 Win

Premier League

Manchester City

1-1 Draw

Yet, a goal from Raheem Sterling against his former side and an incredible defensive display from the Blues – especially Axel Disasi – meant Mauricio Pochettino's side left with a point.

However, with the chances they created, they could've potentially left with more, which must leave Todd Boehly and Co even more frustrated that the club lost a striker in 2017 who has outscored Cole Palmer this season.

Dominic Solanke's slow and steady rise

The man in question is none other than former Chelsea and Liverpool forward Dominic Solanke.

The current Bournemouth star started life as a footballer with the Blues and made 45 appearances across the U21, U18, and UEFA Youth League teams, in which he scored 35 goals and provided six assists, meaning he averaged 0.91 goal involvements per match as a youth player.

However, with opportunities hard to come by in West London, the Basingstoke-born gem opted to join Liverpool in the summer of 2017, a move which netted the Blues £3m through a tribunal.

Unfortunately for Solanke, his time on Merseyside wasn't particularly fruitful, and after a year and a half in which he made 27 first-team appearances, scored one goal, and provided one assist, he was sold to Bournemouth for a hefty fee of around £19m – primarily thanks to his potential and World Cup success with England's U20s in 2017.

Dominic Solanke Bournemouth boom

Now, while the "simply superb" striker, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has been on fire this season, his time with the Cherries did not get off to the best of starts.

In his first half-season with the club, he failed to score a single goal in ten Premier League appearances, and things didn't get much better in his first full campaign either, as he scored just three goals in 32 top-flight appearances in the 2019/20 season which wasn't enough to stop Bournemouth getting relegated.

However, with less of a spotlight over his head in the second tier, Solanke managed to make amends for his poor start to life on the south coast, bagging 15 goals and 11 assists in 45 appearances in 2020/21 and, then, in 2021/22 he managed to do even better, scoring 30 goals and providing seven assists in just 48 appearances.

In his first season back in the top-flight, his rate of return did take a hit somewhat, as the once-capped international managed to score seven goals and provide seven assists in all competitions for managers Scott Parker and Gary O'Neil.

However, this year, the "brilliant" Premier League star, as dubbed by Kulig, has hit an entirely different level with 16 goals and four assists in just 28 appearances across all competitions, a goalscoring tally that beats out all of Chelsea's current attackers.

Appearances

Goals

28

16

32

14

31

8

27

9

For example, Sterling has scored eight goals in 31 games, Nicolas Jackson has nine in 27, and even Cole Palmer has scored fewer, with 14 goals in 32 games, although if you include assists, the 21-year-old just about edges it altogether.

Chelsea let a "player of the season" who's outperforming Enzo leave for £0

The former international has been like a man possessed this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Feb 18, 2024

Ultimately, though, with Chelsea underperforming their open play expected goals by 10.06 according to Understat, Pochettino would surely love to have a striker like Solanke in the side, especially as the Cherries star is only underperforming his by 1.32, which is why Chelsea should regret letting him slip through their grasp.

Hit or Miss: Every USMNT transfer from the 2023-24 European season

GOAL break down a season's worth of transfers, which ones proves successful, and which ones missed the mark…

It was a season of change for many of the U.S. men's national team's most important players. With the Copa America looming, and the 2026 World Cup coming rapidly after that, this season was a big chance for players to take a swing in the transfer market.

Several of the team's top stars made massive moves, giving them the opportunity to further their careers at club level, while others on the outside looking in with the USMNT took big steps of their own in an attempt to battle their way into Gregg Berhalter's Copa America player pool. With the 2022 World Cup firmly in the rearview mirror, players had the freedom to take risks. Some worked out. Others? Not so much.

By and large, most of the USMNT's top stars did quite alright for themselves during the two most recent transfer windows. There were a few, though, that now find themselves at a major crossroads after whiffing on their big swing.

There's still time to fix those misses, and who knows how long this season's hits will keep hitting. Either way, we'll look back at this season as a massive one for the USMNT as several stars made career-altering decisions…

  • Getty

    Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)

    No doubt about this one; Christian Pulisic was one of the signings of the season not just for the USMNT, but for all of Europe.

    The American became a Serie A superstar this season, emerging as one of Italian soccer's most dangerous forwards. He was AC Milan's second-leading goal contributor and looks ready to thrive for years to come after finally putting that Chelsea mess behind him.

    Verdict? Hit

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    Gio Reyna (Nottingham Forest)

    A nightmare, to say the least. Gio Reyna never got going at Nottingham Forest as he played just 230 minutes during his loan spell. His time at the City Ground couldn't end soon enough, as Reyna now heads back to Borussia Dortmund in no better position than where he started.

    What comes next? To be determined, but it's safe to say that Reyna didn't advance his career at all during his short Premier League star.

    Verdict? Miss

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    Yunus Musah (AC Milan)

    Yunus Musah wasn't always in Milan's starting XI, but the young midfielder got plenty of run. From big starts in the Champions League to important Serie A minutes, Musah saw enough of the field to make this first season a success.

    The 21-yar-old still has plenty of developing to do, but he isn't in over his head at San Siro. He'll look to claim a starting spot going forward, but this was a good debut season for a player who is well on his way to the top.

    Verdict? Hit

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    Malik Tillman (PSV)

    This season was a big test for Malik Tillman, and he passed with flying colors. He proved himself with Rangers last season, but a loan move to PSV from Bayern Munich was a step up, and Tillman thrived, contributing to a combined 20 goals in all competitions.

    PSV were quick to make the move permanent, giving Tillman a second season to develop in the Eredivisie before a potential future move up the food chain.

    Verdict? Hit

Leeds could ease Struijk blow by sealing "fantastic" January signing

Leeds United comfortably progressed through to the next round of the FA Cup against Peterborough United last weekend, Ethan Ampadu playing further back in a centre-back role and even scoring twice in the resounding 3-0 win despite the positional switch for the day.

The ex-Chelsea youngster turned dependable Whites star could be utilised more often in a back four as a result, especially with Pascal Struijk's recent injury woes troubling Daniel Farke and his Championship side.

Sammie Szmodics

Blackburn

25

16

3

Adam Armstrong

Southampton

26

13

9

Morgan Whittaker

Plymouth

26

13

5

Crysencio Summerville

Leeds

23

12

6

Jack Clarke

Sunderland

26

12

2

Jonathan Rowe

Norwich

24

10

2

With Struijk's return date from a slight knock unknown at this point – the Dutchman sitting out the contest in Cambridgeshire as a result – Farke could well be tempted to add another centre-back to his promotion-chasing group to ease any growing concerns with this wantaway Premier League defender potentially taking his fancy.

Leeds transfer latest – Chris Mepham

When speaking to GIVEMESPORT recently, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook opened up about what the January transfer window could look like from a Leeds perspective.

Crook boldly stated that the promotion-hungry Whites could be 'quite ambitious' this month to help in their pursuit of promotion glory come the end of the season, with Chris Mepham one name the Leeds hierarchy allegedly admire as one potential incoming.

The current AFC Bournemouth centre-back would be up for leaving the South Coast behind as well according to recent reports, the 26-year-old is disheartened by his lack of minutes at the Vitality Stadium under Andoni Iraola and is 'open to all options' about a move away according to the Bournemouth Echo.

Signed by Bournemouth for a reported fee of £12m from Brentford in 2019 – the Bees saddened to see their young star go at the time – the Welshman could well view a move down a division to Leeds as a way to reignite his stuttering career and prove doubters at the Cherries wrong.

EFL Championship done deals: Every January 2024 transfer

As the January transfer window closes, FFC has you covered for every in and out involving your club in the EFL Championship.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024 Why Chris Mepham would be a good signing for Leeds

Signing Mepham would see Leeds have an invasion of Welsh defenders in their first-team ranks, with Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu fellow compatriots of the solid 26-year-old alongside murmurs of Leeds being in for Connor Roberts this month from Burnley.

Farke will hope those links can see Mepham come in and do a job in the defence at Leeds alongside his familiar teammates, with the 6 foot 4 titan a trusty defensive option to rely on in the Championship.

At the level previously under ex-Bournemouth boss Scott Parker, Mepham played a key role in the second-tier club achieving promotion with the sternest defence in the division – leaking only 39 goals across the 46-game season.

This even saw Parker describe Mepham as "fantastic" when praising his team after a Championship contest versus Coventry City that season, selecting the towering centre-back boldly after months out in the treatment room but helping his side all the same to a confident 3-0 victory.

Leeds transfer target Chris Mepham in training for Wales.

Despite only starting two games this campaign in the Premier League under new management, Mepham has proven himself to be a reliable defender in the top flight when selected regularly before the arrival of Iraola.

Looking at FBRef, over the last year, Mepham excels in his basic defensive duties with an astounding 6.17 clearances averaged per 90 minutes on top of registering two tackles.

Selected by Iraola against Swansea City in the EFL Cup earlier this season the 26-year-old show signs of his class against second-tier opposition too, winning eight of his 12 duels against the Swans alongside notching up two key passes.

Thankfully for Mepham, despite giving away a penalty in the game, Bournemouth ran out 3-2 victors in Wales.

Minutes played

90

Clearances

8

Duels won

8/12

Touches

88

Key passes

2

With the slow and steady approach Leeds like to play when coming out from the back before breaking with pace in attack, Mepham could slot into the Leeds first team without looking out of his depth as a ball-playing centre-back and make Struijk's absence feel less obvious.

Only conceding 25 goals at the time of writing in the league, Mepham's arrival could see Leeds tighten up their back four even more and steer the Whites to more decisive wins in the fierce promotion battle near the top of the division.

Bayern rejected by Crystal Palace! German giants made ambitious effort to lure Oliver Glasner away from Premier League team after being knocked back by Xabi Alonso and Ralf Rangnick

Bayern Munich held talks with Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner in their difficult hunt for a new permanent boss.

Article continues below

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  • Bayern spoke to Glasner
  • Austrian coach has shone at Palace
  • Flick the favourite to replace Tuchel
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Ralf Rangnick has already rejected a move to the Allianz Arena to remain in charge of the Austria national team, while Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso will also not be completing a switch to Bavaria this summer. According to , Glasner was considered for the position by the Bayern hierarchy before they made Hansi Flick their first choice.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    With Thomas Tuchel's departure at the end of the season confirmed back in February, Bayern are desperate to tie down a new manager. Ex-Eintracht Frankfurt boss Glasner and Bayern's sporting Christoph Freund share a close relationship and there were discussions. However, it is reported that Palace made it clear that Glasner would not receive clearance.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Glasner has masterminded quite the turnaround at Palace since replacing Roy Hodgson. Only Manchester City and Arsenal have picked up more points than the Eagles since the 49-year-old Austrian took charge. Saturday's 3-1 victory at Wolves was Palace's fifth in their last six games, a run which includes a 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?

    With Glasner happy and thriving in south London, Flick's return to Bayern looks firmly on the cards. The 59-year-old endured a tough spell in charge of Germany and was sacked last September following a dismal run of results – but he enjoyed huge success in his previous spell at Bayern, winning the treble in 2019-20.

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