Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in snapping up Leicester City midfielder James Maddison this summer, with the appointment of former Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers potentially set to aid in that pursuit.

What's the latest on Maddison to Spurs?

According to Football Transfers, the Lilywhites' executive director Donna-Maria Cullen is believed to be pushing to give the permanent job to the Northern Irishman, with the belief being that the 50-year-old's arrival at N17 could also tempt Maddison to follow suit.

The latter man – who has just over a year left on his existing deal – is set to leave the King Power Stadium this summer regardless of whether the Midlands side are able to stave off relegation, while Rodgers is currently out of work after being dismissed by Leicester last month.

This latest report does suggest that while Cullen is fighting to land the ex-Liverpool and Celtic boss, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is said to be 'against' such an appointment, with it still somewhat up in the air as to just who will be the long-term successor to Antonio Conte.

Should Spurs move for Maddison?

If Rodgers is to ultimately get the nod, the one-time Swansea City coach would likely be keen to reunite with Maddison once again, having heaped praise on the 26-year-old earlier this season after suggesting that the playmaker "plays the game at the highest level".

The two-cap England international – who has been valued at around £60m – is clearly of interest to those in north London amid further recent claims that Levy and co are interested in a move, while reports as far back as 2018 suggested that the club were ready to prise the versatile midfielder from Norwich City.

Since then, Maddison has blossomed into a leading figure at his current side having contributed 96 goals and assists in 201 games in all competitions to date, while having also received praise from Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate in the past for his "world-class" delivery from set-pieces.

As for the current campaign, the £110k-per-week wizard has again been in fine form despite the Foxes' overall woes, having recorded "extraordinary numbers" – as per Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker – after chipping in with 19 goal involvements in just 28 league outings.

The Coventry-born ace is clearly a fan of the "genius" that is Rodgers – as described by journalist Sid Lowe – having offered an emotional tribute to his former boss after the latter man's Leicester exit, describing him as a "top manager" and a "a brilliant and caring man".

That relationship should indicate that Rodgers could well prove vital in Tottenham's bid to bring in Maddison this summer, with it potentially set to prove a fine double swoop as far as the Lilywhites are concerned.

Manchester United will surely continue to rebuild their squad this summer in their pursuit to rise to the top again and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target who could be on his way to Old Trafford.

What's the latest on Man United's interest in Manuel Ugarte?

According to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha (via The Faithful MUFC), the Red Devils have submitted a salary offer for Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

As per the report, Man Utd are competing with Chelsea and Paris Saint Germain in their efforts to snap up the services of the talented player, but have now made a salary offer for an undisclosed amount, whilst committing to delivering the fee needed to activate his €60m (£52m) release clause.

Who would Manuel Ugarte replace at Man United?

Whilst improving the centre-forward position will be the highest priority for Erik ten Hag this summer, making subtle tweaks and upgrades in other key positions would be massively advantageous ahead of their return to Champions League football.

As a result, the opportunity to sign Ugarte would be a great move for the club as the 22-year-old could inject some much-needed youth into a crucial area of the midfield, where Fred and Casemiro are both in their 30s with the latter in the final seasons of his career.

When comparing Fred's output this season to the Uruguayan ace, it is clear that Ugarte has outperformed his positional peer in several attributes including pass completion rate (91.6% vs 79.1%), progressive passing (120 v 76), successful take-ons (54.8% v 37.5%), tackles and interceptions won (178 v 66) and aerial duels won (62.5% v 50%), as per FBref.

Bringing in a player who not only improves upon Fred's impact on the team but provides Casemiro with a young and energetic midfield partner could cause trouble for their opponents next season and boost their chances of progressing comfortably across the many competitions they will be competing in from European football to domestic cups.

It has been reported this week that the Sporting CP star – hailed a "warrior" by talent scout Jacek Kulig – is excited by the prospect of a move to Old Trafford, which should put them in a great position to secure his signature over their competitors this summer.

With that being said, the signing of Ugarte would be a major coup for Man Utd as it could provide them with a young talent who could occupy an important position in the team for years to come and provides Casemiro with a reliable collaborator to work alongside him.

Manchester United are believed to plotting a move for Atalanta marksman, Rasmus Hojlund, with the Red Devils seeking to ease their centre-forward woes this summer.

What's the latest on Hojlund to Man United?

According to transfer insider, Jacque Talbot, the Old Trafford outfit are said to be keen on signing the Denmark international ahead of next season in their quest to find a new number nine, albeit with the 20-year-old's current side hoping to hang on to their prise asset for another year at least.

Writing on Twitter, the journalist stated: "Understand that Man Utd are in for Hojlund, as first reported by @hirstclass, but Atalanta wish to keep 20yo for another season -thought that the striker’s valuation could be doubled in 2024. Club will demand north of £60million at the very least this year".

In the attached piece for Football Transfers, Talbot goes on to add that securing a deal for the four-cap international could well prove difficult, with the highly-rated youngster still having four years left on his existing contract after only making the move to Bergamo for a fee of around €17m (£15m) last summer.

Would Hojlund be a good signing for Man United?

As Talbot noted above, this report comes following a recent claim from the Times' Paul Hirst regarding United's interest in the former Sturm Graz starlet, with that piece suggesting that Erik ten Hag is potentially keen on signing both Hojlund and Tottenham Hotspur talisman, Harry Kane.

Although it may prove expensive to pull off that double deal – with Kane said to be valued at £100m despite only having 12 months to run on his current deal – it would be hugely exciting for the Carabao Cup winners to have such a wealth of attacking options at their disposal next term.

At present, Ten Hag has been forced to rely on struggling striker, Wout Weghorst, who has scored just two goals for the club since joining on loan in January, as well as injury-prone asset, Anthony Martial – the latter man having also been linked with an exit at the end of the season.

Amid the prospect of both Weghorst and Martial moving on come the summer, it would make sense to acquire two new centre-forwards in their place, hence looking at Kane and Hojlund to fight it out for a starting berth next term.

In the case of the Spurs ace, the England skipper could represent the world-class asset that Ten Hag is said to be craving, with the 29-year-old having proven his credentials after bagging 211 Premier League goals to date over the last decade or so.

With the experienced ace representing a player who could make a more immediate impact, in Hojlund the Red Devils could find a youthful, quality understudy who can potentially replace Kane in the future, with having such a clinical duo a truly mouthwatering prospect for the top-four hopefuls.

The Atalanta hotshot has certainly warranted the interest in his services having scored eight goals in 30 Serie A games this season, notably being described as a "monster in the making" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

A player who is "scary quick" and can stretch any opposition backline – according to journalist Sacha Pisani – 6 foot 3 machine would offer a different profile to that of Kane, who has begun to 'drop deeper' in recent years, as per Manchester Evening News journalist, Tyrone Marshall.

To have two striking figures of different strengths and traits could well prove invaluable, with United supporters likely daring to dream that both men find their way to Manchester this summer…

West Indies Women have picked 30-year-old uncapped allrounder Erva Giddings for the first three ODIs of the five-match series against England Women, which starts from October 8

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Oct-2016West Indies Women have picked 30-year-old uncapped allrounder Erva Giddings for the first three ODIs of the five-match series against England Women, which starts from October 8.WI Women’s ODI squad

Stafanie Taylor (capt), Anisa Mohammed (vice-capt), Merissa Aguilleira, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Erva Giddings, Stacy-Ann King, Hayley Matthews, Shaquana Quintyne, Tremayne Smartt
In: Erva Giddings
Out: Kyshona Knight, Kycia Knight, Shakera Selman

The 13-member squad does not include Kyshona and Kycia Knight and Shakera Selman, who were part of the World T20-winning team earlier this year. Offspinner Anisa Mohammed has been appointed vice-captain.Giddings, who bowls medium-pace, was invited to attend the West Indies Women’s training camp in Jamaica last month. She had earlier been picked in the West Indies side for the tour of Pakistan in 2008-09, which was called off due to security reasons.The first two matches between West Indies and England – on October 8 and 10 – will be played at the Trelawney Stadium, Florence Hall. The last three matches, at Kingston’s Sabina Park on October 14, 16 and 19, will be counted for points in the ICC Women’s ODI Championship.West Indies are second on the table, with 20 points from 15 matches, while England trail them by one point. Australia Women, who lead the group with 30 points, have already secured their place in the 2017 Women’s World Cup.The top four teams at the end of the ICC Women’s Championship will gain direct entry into next year’s World Cup, while the bottom four teams will have to play the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier with six other regional qualifiers. The top four sides in the Qualifier will then advance to the World Cup.

ScorecardJake Libby almost carried his bat [file picture]•Getty Images

Jake Libby went close to carrying his bat for Nottinghamshire in their Specsavers County Championship match against Durham at Chester-le-Street.But after batting for three full sessions to make 144 the 23-year-old opener was last out with the total on 313, a lead of 69.The Durham openers then put on 67 but they ended the day on 83 for three, only 14 ahead, with Keaton Jennings unbeaten on 34.Mark Stoneman edged Steven Mullaney to slip for 39, then Scott Borthwick fell for nought when he padded up to a straight one from Harry Gurney.With three overs left Imran Tahir came on and skidded a quicker one through an attempted pull to bowl Jack Burnham for three.Libby’s progress has stuttered, partly through injury last year, since he made a century on debut at the end of the 2014 season. This was only his second hundred since, but easily beat his previous best of 108.Durham were guilty of feeding his strength as he scored the vast majority of his runs through the leg side, with the most memorable of his 11 fours being a back-foot punch through mid-on.Having reached 50 off yesterday’s penultimate ball, he completed his 191-ball century just before lunch and was lbw to Paul Coughlin in the last over before tea.Libby was badly missed on 87 by Michael Richardson, who had just been posted at leg gully, and survived a more difficult chance to Borthwick at slip on 116.Otherwise he looked well capable of becoming the solid opener Nottinghamshire have craved, and they would have been in trouble without him, despite Michael Lumb’s fluent 82.Lumb edged a drive to second slip when Graham Onions went round the wicket, then Brendan Taylor sliced to backward point before Libby and Samit Patel set out to build steadily.They had put on 82 in 32 overs when Jennings came on for a couple of overs before the new ball and his fifth ball skidded through low to bowl Patel for 37.That sparked the loss of the last six wickets for 45 as Chris Read and the two Lukes, Wood and Fletcher, all fell to the new ball.Imran Tahir saw off Onions and Chris Rushworth, who finished with three wickets each, only to drive Borthwick to extra cover. Libby departed in the next over.

Tottenham Hotspur have been called a “hot mess” amid reports Celtic manager Ange Postcoglou is a leading contender for the Spurs job.

What’s the latest on Ange Postecoglou to Spurs?

The Lilywhites still have a fair few names on their managerial shortlist to succeed Antonio Conte, who left north London over two months ago.

Indeed, Marco Silva of Fulham, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi and free agent Graham Potter have been mentioned most recently, with chairman Daniel Levy also personally holding Luis Enrique talks.

Former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers and ex-River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo are being linked too, but it appears Postecoglou is a name gathering more and more momentum.

Relible outlets have suggested in the last few days that the 57-year-old has become a leading contender for the Tottenham job, coming as he chases a domestic treble north of the border.

Celtic face off against Inverness at Hampden Park this Saturday, a game which will go some way to cementing Postecoglou’s status as one of their most successful managers of recent years.

However, despite his great success at Parkhead, members of the media are not exactly thrilled by his potential Tottenham appointment this summer.

Journalist Oli Gamp of The Daily Mail, writing on Twitter, believes Spurs hiring the Australian would be the worst decision made by Levy in the last five years.

Pulling no punches in his damning assessment of Spurs, Gamp brands the club a “hot mess” in response to Postecoglou’s links to N17.

Who is Ange Postecoglou?

Going off his entertaining brand of football and silverware accumulated at numerous sides, whatever the quality of division, we believe Gamp’s assessment of Postecoglou is a slightly harsh one.

Revered for his “beautiful” style of attacking play, the former Brisband Roar boss has won 10 pieces of silverware across an impressive career, and could well make it 11 this weekend.

Snooker legend John Higgins is certainly aware of Postecoglou’s impact at Celtic since being appointed in the summer of 2021, giving this glowing assessment on him to STV (via The Celtic Way):

“Ange Postecoglou has been amazing for the club he has come in and everybody just loves him, so for as long as he stays at Celtic I think we can look forward to more games like the weekend for, hopefully, years to come.”

The tactician is a beloved figure at his current club, and for good reason, so Spurs critics certainly shouldn’t discount him so quickly.

Glasgow Rangers appear to be edging closer to making another summer signing, with Jack Butland the next player looking set to arrive at Ibrox in the coming weeks.

What’s the latest on Jack Butland to Rangers?

According to Fabrizio Romano, Rangers are getting closer to securing the goalkeeper.

He reveealed on Twitter:

“Rangers are advancing in negotiations to sign Jack Butland as new goalkeeper on free transfer from Manchester United, deal getting closer.”

Butland spent the second half of the 2022/2023 season on loan at Manchester United from Crystal Palace, however with his contract expiring at the end of the month, he is available for nothing and Michael Beale appears to have jumped at the chance to secure his signature.

Will Jack Butland be the number one goalkeeper at Rangers next season?

Allan McGregor has now retired and while Jon McLaughlin has a year left on his current deal, Beale could be willing to move him on in the summer in order to free up some of the wage bill and make way for more incomings.

This would leave young Robby McCrorie as the only 'senior' shot-stopper in the first team squad. Whilst he has impressed during the latter stage of the season, having kept clean sheets in three of his four matches, it will be interesting to see if Beale decides that Butland is his number one ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Englishman’s experience may prove to be the game-changer with regard to that quandary, having played 87 Premier League matches during his career to date. He has kept clean sheets in 21 of them and the £35k-per-week titan may thrive if given the chance to be no.1 next term.

There is no doubt that the last couple of years have been tough for the 30-year-old, having missed 16 games this season with a fractured finger and not making more than ten appearances during a campaign since 2019/20 for Stoke City.

During his last season in the top-flight with Stoke, he certainly showcased his abilities, making 4.1 saves per match – a success rate of 70% – while completing 0.8 run-outs per game, and he managed to keep six clean sheets in total.

Butland also has international experience, winning nine caps for England, where he has conceded only four goals, which indicates that he can perform at the highest level and with Champions League football at Ibrox next term, the Palace ‘keeper could be an excellent option to call upon.

Erik ten Hag has previously described him as “really skilful” upon his arrival at Old Trafford and this shows just how highly rated he is.

Beale could land a dream signing with Butland this summer by securing him for free, it will give the 42-year-old the chance to focus his limited funds on other crucial areas of the team.

واصل الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي تدريباته صباح اليوم استعدادًا لمواجهة شباب بلوزداد الجزائري في دور المجموعات لدوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وركزت التدريبات على الفقرات البدنية المكثفة في الجيم، تنفيذًا لبرنامج الجهاز الفني لتجهيز اللاعبين للمباراة.

وقاد ميشيل يانكون مدرب الحراس فقرات متنوعة لحراس المرمى على ملعب مختار التتش.

طالع أيضًا | شباب بلوزداد يتعرض لضربة موجعة قبل مواجهة الأهلي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

وفي سياق آخر، قرر مجلس إدارة الأهلي، برئاسة محمود الخطيب، تكليف محمد الجارحي، عضو مجلس الإدارة، برئاسة بعثة الفريق المتوجهة إلى الجزائر يوم الأربعاء المقبل.

وتأتي هذه الخطوة استعدادًا لمواجهة فريق شباب بلوزداد المقررة يوم الجمعة المقبل 16 فبراير الجاري، في الجولة الرابعة لمباريات دور المجموعات لبطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وحرص الجارحي على التنسيق الكامل مع خالد بيبو، مدير الكرة، لترتيب كافة الأمور الخاصة بالبعثة، وتوفير أفضل الأجواء للجهاز الفني واللاعبين.

Liverpool are preparing for an important summer in the transfer market following a disappointing campaign this season and Jurgen Klopp will be looking to identify the next generation of success at Anfield.

The Reds are now looking unlikely to qualify for Champions League football next season after sharing the spoils with Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday afternoon, and will instead compete for an opportunity to deliver the Europa League in Dublin, one of the few trophies the Liverpool boss is yet to win.

Indeed, the Anfield faithful will be under no illusion that the club are about to splash the cash at the levels of their fellow top six teams like Chelsea and Manchester United, however, it will be expected to make much-needed improvements to refresh and revive the squad to bring success back to the red side of Merseyside.

Liverpool have been linked with numerous midfielders over the last few months as the club are set to part ways with Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer, paving the way for a complete transformation in the centre of the pitch.

One player who has been linked in the last few days with a move to the club is Feyenoord captain Orkun Kokcu, a player who could follow in the footsteps of Cody Gakpo by swapping the Eredivisie for the Premier League.

Who is Orkun Kokcu?

The Turkish midfielder has been a revelation for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie and has played an integral role in their title charge this season.

Like Gakpo was at PSV Eindhoven, Kokcu captains his side and could bring his outstanding leadership qualities to the centre of the pitch at Anfield if he can continue to dominate in English football.

The former has already taken to the Premier League like a duck to water after swapping the Netherlands for English football, having scored six goals and registered three assists in 20 top-flight outings.

The hope will be, therefore, that Kokcu could replicate that tally, but judging by his numbers this term he stands an excellent chance.

Indeed, over 30 Eredivisie appearances, the 22-year-old midfielder – dubbed a "leader" by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has scored eight goals, registered two assists and created ten big chances, as well as averaging a whopping 90.7 touches, 2.8 key passes and 60.5 accurate passes per game.

Not only that, Kokcu ranks in the top 4% of his positional peers across the world's next eight best divisions outside of the 'big five' leagues for shot-creating actions, passes attempted, progressive passes and progressive carries, proving that he is an immense attacking talent and could be a huge asset to Klopp and his forwards next season.

According to CIES Football Observatory, Kokcu has a market value of €30m (£26m) and if Feyenoord are willing to part ways with their midfielder for a similar transfer fee, it would be much cheaper than pursuing other similar midfield targets like Jude Bellingham who is reportedly commanding a fee of £130m and Mac Allister who will cost the Reds £70m.

With that being said, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool can strike up a good deal for the "hidden gem" – as per Charlie Morley – this summer, but if they could secure his services for a fraction of the price of Liverpool's other top targets it will give them the opportunity to reinvest in other areas of the pitch.

South Africa took control of the Centurion Test after a 13-wicket third day that they ended 372 ahead with four wickets left in their second innings

The Report by Nikhil Kalro29-Aug-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details1:41

Moonda: Steyn and Philander almost back to their best

South Africa gained control of the second Test in Centurion after their seamers made light work of New Zealand’s middle and lower order to bowl them out for 214. On a 13-wicket third day at SuperSport Park, South Africa’s lead ballooned to 372 despite New Zealand’s quicks scything through their top order to leave them 105 for 6 at stumps.Kane Williamson’s diligent work ethic helped weather a testing period in the morning, but regular breakthroughs meant South Africa ripped through New Zealand’s largely untested middle order, and took a first-innings lead of 267.Having chosen not to enforce the follow-on, South Africa began their second innings in sprightly fashion after an early tea, with Quinton de Kock hitting five fours and a six off the first 11 balls he faced. But Trent Boult and Tim Southee utilised appreciable lateral movement to nip out three wickets in two overs: Stephen Cook lbw after being pinned in the crease to a Boult inswinger, Hashim Amla caught at second slip off Southee, and JP Duminy playing around his front pad. After five overs, South Africa were 32 for 3.Just like in the first innings, New Zealand persisted by bowling short at de Kock, but he didn’t shy away from pulling. He made use of any width on offer and brought up his second fifty of the Test, off 42 balls. But an unplayable bouncer from Doug Bracewell, jagging into the left-hander from around the wicket and rearing towards his head, caused him to glove a catch to gully. By then, though, South Africa were 349 ahead.It looked like Temba Bavuma and Stiaan van Zyl would play out the overs remaining till stumps, but just when they seemed set to achieve that objective, Wagner produced a lovely delivery in the channel outside off to have van Zyl caught behind.In the morning, Williamson displayed exemplary technique – head over the ball, soft hands at point of contact and bat near pad – to quell Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander, all of whom got the ball to move both ways through the day. Williamson repeatedly left deliveries on a testing line outside off stump, forcing the quicks straighter and then picking them off through midwicket – his modus operandi for most of his innings. He scored 77, his first Test fifty in South Africa.At the other end, South Africa peppered Henry Nicholls with short balls. Despite looking awkward while fending or avoiding the bouncers, Nicholls seemed largely untroubled against the ensuing full deliveries until he missed a drive off Rabada. Umpire Paul Reiffel adjudged Nicholls to be not out but on review, Hawkeye indicated that the ball had pitched in line and would have hit middle stump.The short-pitched plans continued after Nicholls’ dismissal with a leg gully and short leg in place. Williamson and BJ Watling, two of New Zealand’s better-equipped batsmen to tackle the bouncer, ducked or swayed out of the line.Steyn persevered and reaped reward when he had Watling fending off his ribs, the ball grazing his glove on the way to wicketkeeper de Kock. A thin spike on the Snickometer resulted in South Africa’s second wicket of the day, via their second successful review. With Mitchell Santner inside-edging Philander onto his stumps shortly before lunch, and Bracewell and Southee falling within six overs of each other after the break, New Zealand were 169 for 8.Rabada, regularly clocking 150 kph, discomfited Wagner with a series of bouncers, one of which took the edge of his bat and lobbed to second slip via his shoulder. However, replays indicated Rabada had overstepped. Thereafter, Wagner changed tack from wearing blows to all-out attack, and heaved three fours and a six in the space of five Steyn deliveries to hurry New Zealand past 200.He kept playing the pull, and eventually, one took his leading edge on the way to de Kock and Steyn duly directed Wagner back to the dressing room. Williamson was last man out in the next over, top-edging a pull just as Wagner had done.