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Newcastle United have already completed their first summer signing with Sandro Tonali joining the club ahead of next season and now a new update has emerged on the club's next potential transfer target.

Will Newcastle sign Goncalo Inacio?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle remain keen on signing Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio this summer.

As per the report, the Magpies are hoping they can seal the deal for a cut-price fee instead of paying the talented centre-back's €60m (£51m) release clause.

It is claimed that Eddie Howe is keen to bolster key areas of his squad this summer to ensure Newcastle can compete in Europe and it is believed that Inacio is seen as a long-term investment for the club.

How good is Goncalo Inacio?

There is no doubt that Howe will be wanting to strengthen his squad ahead of the club's long-awaited return to Champions League football, and the acquisition of Tonali is a testament to the coach's desire to add some much-needed European experience.

Indeed, the likes of Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes have all earned opportunities to play on the elite European stage before their time at St James' Park, however, it would be advantageous to add more experience in key roles.

As a result, the signing of Inacio could not only be a great chance to add another player with Champions League experience but also offers Howe a youthful prospect he can develop and polish to become his next defensive prodigy.

Fabian Schar is now 31 years old and potentially reaching the latter stages of his career, so identifying a worthy successor in his role and a player who can form a successful centre-back partnership with Botman will be a priority for Howe in the not-so-distant future.

As per FBref, Inacio – hailed a "sensation" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – ranks in the top 5% of his positional peers across the men's next eight leagues for shot-creating actions, successful take-ons, progressive carries, progressive passes, pass completion and assists, demonstrating that he is a confident ball-winner with no trouble providing attacking opportunities to his teammates.

Despite being only 21 years old, the Portuguese youngster has already tallied up 122 appearances for Sporting as a first-team regular and due to his impressive development has more recently earned a spot in his national team, with Roberto Martinez handing his debut to the defender in the UEFA Euro qualifying fixtures back in March 2023.

The left-footed Sporting star boasts several similarities to Botman in his style of play and when comparing their output last season the pair came close in a number of key attributes including aerial duels won (60.2% v 65.2%), tackles won (23 v 24), successful take-ons (85% v 100%) and pass completion (89.6% v 86.5%).

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Howe to bolster his defensive options this summer and bringing in a player like Inacio who has similar qualities to Botman could double up their threatening presence when playing out from the back and ultimately make the side unstoppable in their pursuit for success.

Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly remain in the chase for a teen sensation, in a player that could turn the fortunes in front of goal around for Julen Lopetegui.

The Midlands side were the Premier League’s lowest-scorers last season, and will aim to bolster the strike area this summer while remaining on a tight budget.

The Old Gold could achieve both by making a swoop for the latest link, in a deal that could prove to be an overwhelming success in years to come.

What’s the latest on Adama Bojang to Wolves

As reported by Evening Standard this week, Wolves remain in the race for The Gambia and Steve Biko FC striker Adama Bojang.

The striker is reportedly wanted by a ‘raft of European clubs’, with Wolves listed as one of five representing the Premier League.

Evening Standard revealed that the Gambian teenager is valued by Steve Biko FC at £2.6m, making him an attractive prospect for Wolves.

What could Adama Bojang offer to Wolves?

The 19-year-old’s agent is a name familiar to English football, with former Millwall and Plymouth Argyle striker Cherno Samba mentoring the young talent.

Speaking about his client via talkSPORT, the former player lauded the teen as being a starlet “destined for greatness”, making his journey one to watch in world football.

The youngster has rightfully earned his praise, shining in international competition so far this year acting as a talisman for The Gambia in both the U20 African Cup of Nations and the U20 World Cup.

Named in the U20 AFCON team of the tournament, Bojang led his team to a second-place finish in the competition, scoring four goals and assisting one in six games, via Sofascore.

A similar feat has been evident at the U20 World Cup, where the 19-year-old scored two goals in four games, averaging two shots on target per game for his country.

Hailed as an “insane talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the teenager could follow in the footsteps of a Premier League great, who was given a slim chance as a rotation player that allowed him to pass through a door that opened record-breaking status.

Harry Kane burst onto the scene in 2014 in his first full season in the Premier League, scoring 21 goals in 34 appearances for Spurs in a feat that redefined the meaning of taking your chance.

The now 29-year-old has never looked back from the campaign that he was nurtured into the first team by Mauricio Pochettino, and now leads as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 280 goals so far.

Kane’s story is an admirable one for rising stars to aim to follow, and with the England skipper listed as one of the players young Bojang “looks up to”, the Gambian is showing signs of having the potential to hit the ground running in the Premier League like his idol.

Lopetegui is desperate for a goalscorer, and in the 19-year-old he could deploy a hungry-to-succeed talent that undoubtedly has an innate eye for goal, as highlighted by his scoring records this year.

In giving such a young player creative freedom when leading the line, the Spaniard could unearth one of The Gambia’s biggest talents, in a side that isn’t short on creativity.

Molineux could pose to be the perfect place for the teenager to flourish, in an environment that could allow him to make a significant difference to his and Wolves’ future.

India offspinner R Ashwin has claimed the top ICC awards for 2015-16, having been named the ICC Cricketer of the Year and the Test Cricketer of the Year

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Dec-2016

India offspinner R Ashwin has claimed the top ICC awards for 2015-16, having been named the ICC Cricketer of the Year and the Test Cricketer of the Year. Ashwin is the third Indian, after Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for Cricketer of the Year.Ashwin, currently the top-ranked Test bowler, had picked up 48 wickets and scored 336 runs in eight Tests during the ICC’s voting period from September 2015 to 2016, in addition to 27 wickets in 19 T20Is. In 2016 alone, he picked up 72 wickets in 12 Tests and became the second-fastest bowler to 200 wickets during the Kanpur match against New Zealand.Ashwin said he was overwhelmed by the recognition. “It’s a bit overwhelming and it is yet to sink in completely. At the same time I was expecting to land one but to end up with two awards was extremely special,” he said. “To be bracketed alongside Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar is indeed a matter of great pride.”I want to dedicate this award to my family who have been a pillar of strength. And not to forget all my teammates and coach Anil Kumble who push me to give my best with their support and guidance.”The offspinner rated his 7 for 83 in the Antigua Test against West Indies as the performance he enjoyed the most. That haul helped India to an innings-and-92-run win, and he finished the series as the leading wicket-taker with 17 dismissals. Another performance Ashwin rated highly was his knock of 118 in the first innings in St Lucia, which helped rescue India from 126 for 5 to 353. They went on to win the match by 237 runs. It was also Ashwin’s fourth Test hundred.South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock was named ODI Player of the Year. De Kock has been South Africa’s leading run-getter in ODIs since September last year, and tallied 793 runs in 16 ODIs during the voting period. Overall, since September 2015, he has scored 1175 runs in 22 matches in the format, with five centuries and three fifties, ahead of senior batsmen like Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla. One of de Kock’s most prolific phases came between October 2015 and February 2016, when he scored four centuries in six innings during the tour of India and the home series against England. He enjoyed the same form in the longest format, with five successive fifty-plus scores between August and November 2016. De Kock is the second South Africa player after AB de Villiers to win the award.West Indies allrounder Carlos Brathwaite’s match-defining 34 not out off 10 balls in the World T20 final against England earlier this year was named the T20 Performance of the Year. The allrounder, who took over as the T20 captain in August, sealed a second World T20 title for West Indies by slamming four successive sixes to end a chase of 156 in Kolkata.Bangladesh seamer Mustafizur Rahman was named Emerging Cricketer of the Year, having notched up impressive performances since his international debut in April 2015. The first Bangladesh cricketer to win an annual ICC award, Mustafizur picked up eight ODI wickets and 19 T20I wickets in the voting period.Afghanistan’s flamboyant wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad won the Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year. He was the leading run-getter in the category, with 699 runs in 16 ODIs, 533 runs in 17 T20Is and 301 runs in the Intercontinental Cup matches.Earlier, New Zealand’s Suzie Bates had bagged the Women’s ODI and T20I Player-of-the-Year awards, while Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq was given the Spirit of Cricket award. Marais Erasmus won the David Shepherd Trophy for the Best Umpire.

Three young West Ham United fans have serenaded Declan Rice, Ben Johnson, Flynn Downes, Aaron Cresswell, Danny Ings and Jarrod Bowen ahead of their Europa Conference League final.

When is the Europa Conference League final?

The Hammers will be playing in their first European final since the European Cup Winners’ Cup back in 1976, and they’ve not actually lifted a major trophy in 43 years when they won the FA Cup.

Understandably then, fans are pretty excited with their team set to take on Italian side Fiorentina in Prague on June 7 – next Wednesday (8pm UK time).

In preparation for the hugely important fixture, David Moyes and co have been off in Europe for a three-day training camp in southern Portugal.

Beyond the obvious hard work they’ll no doubt be putting in, it seems they’ve found the time to have some fun along the way too. For instance, some players were spotted chanting and messing around at a local water park.

On top of that, footage has now been circulated on Twitter showing a number of senior players relaxing at a bar.

Three young West Ham fans sing in front of Declan Rice, Ben Johnson, Flynn Downes, Aaron Cresswell, Danny Ings and Jarrod Bowen at a bar in Portugal.
âš’ðŸ‘🻠pic.twitter.com/xGYsJ6J6uQ
— West Ham Central (@WestHam_Central) June 2, 2023

While the likes of Rice, Bowen and the others sit at the back of the pub garden, a few young Irons take to the stage to deliver a brilliant rendition of the club’s famous anthem “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles” – also more simply known as “Bubbles”.

The players all offer a warm round of applause and it seems the efforts of the youngsters were also appreciated online. Indeed, here are some of the best reactions on Twitter…

Some fans even got emotional!

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.

Timm van der Gugten and Michael Rippon led the demolition job as Netherlands crushed Nepal by seven wickets in their World Cricket League Championship match

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Aug-2016
ScorecardFile photo: Michael Rippon wrecked Nepal with 3 for 21 as Netherlands crushed Nepal by seven wickets in their WCL Championship clash•IDI/Getty

Pace bowler Timm van der Gugten and chinaman bowler Michael Rippon led a demolition job to help Netherlands crush Nepal by seven wickets in their World Cricket League Championship match on Saturday.Van der Gugten and Rippon returned identical figures of 3 for 21 as Netherlands shot Nepal out for 94 after electing to field at the VRA Ground in Amstelveen. Stephan Myburgh then guided Netherlands’ small chase with an unbeaten 33, and along with wicketkeeper Wesley Barresi, who slammed 37 off 33 balls, completed the win in 16.5 overs.Apart from Nepal’s top three – Gyanendra Malla, Anil Mandal and Sharad Vesawkar – only Sompal Kami managed to get into double figures. Malla and Mandal’s 23-run opening stand was the highest Nepal could manage as they were dismissed in 38.1 overs.Van der Gugten and Rippon found support from left-arm spinner Roelof van der Merwe, who took 2 for 12, while Mudassar Bukhari and Paul van Meekeren took a wicket apiece.Netherlands lost Rippon in the fourth over with just 13 on the board but Myburgh and Barresi then came together for a second-wicket stand worth 57 that shut out any early advantage Nepal may have hoped to attain. Both batsmen struck five boundaries each, before Basant Regmi had Barresi bowled with Netherlands 25 away from a win. Ben Cooper could not hang around for long, but van der Merwe and Myburgh saw the team through to the finish line.Both teams face off again on Monday at the same venue. Netherlands are perched on top of the table with 12 points, while Nepal are sixth with four points after seven games.

Wahab Riaz has said that England’s middle order is “fragile” ahead of the first Test at Lord’s and believes Pakistan can put pressure on them

Andrew McGlashan10-Jul-2016Wahab Riaz has said that England’s middle order is “fragile”, ahead of the first Test at Lord’s, and believes Pakistan can put pressure on them.Wahab felt much rested on the shoulders of Alastair Cook, and Joe Root, who has been promoted to No. 3, with the next two positions being filled by James Vince and the recalled Gary Ballance.Vince managed just 54 runs in four innings in his debut series against Sri Lanka, while Ballance is set to play his first Test in a year, having earned a surprising call-up as England reshuffle their order.”We know that England is struggling with their middle order, Joe Root is one of their best players and he has to take the responsibility, so that’s why he is at No.3,” Wahab said. “But I think the other batting is fragile. If you get Cook and Root quickly, you can really put pressure on them, but you can’t take things easy against them.”While Wahab, who went a long way in cementing his Test spot with a fiery spell of reverse swing on the second afternoon against Sussex, is correct to pinpoint the uncertainty around the No. 4 and 5 positions heading into the series, England’s lower middle-order has been prolific of late. However, they are likely to be tested more by Pakistan’s attack – sharp left-arm pace complemented by the legspin of Yasir Shah – than they were by the Sri Lankans.Jonny Bairstow, who has been in stellar form, has led the way, while Moeen Ali struck a career-best 155 against Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street. Moeen will be followed by Chris Woakes who has made half-centuries in Tests and ODIs this season. Ben Stokes, who was left out of the squad for the first Test as he continues his return from knee surgery, is expected to be back for the second Test at Old Trafford.The statistics back up the recent divide between England’s top order and the security provided by those lower down: since May last year, their average for positions 1-5 is sixth in Test cricket (Pakistan’s batsmen average 14 runs more per wicket, albeit in far fewer Tests, and all of them in Asia) but for positions 6-11, England are top of the pile.Ahead of the squad being named, there was a suggestion that Stokes could be included to play as a batsman while Jos Buttler’s name was also linked to a batting position following his impressive limited-overs form. Buttler subsequently broke a finger playing for Lancashire, so will now not be an option during the Test series, but Pakistan’s coach Mickey Arthur said he had been preparing for that duo to be in the line-up.”We obviously looked at the squad with a lot of interest,” Arthur told ESPNcricinfo. “Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are guys that can take the game away of us, so, though it’s not a relief, we were preparing for an England middle order of Bairstow, Stokes and Buttler. But the guys that have come in have earned their opportunity and must have done something right, so certainly won’t take them lightly.”

Fans online have torn Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea to pieces after his terrible mistake in the club’s most recent game.

What did David De Gea do against West Ham?

The shot-stopper has been the subject of plenty of debate over the course of the season with many uncertain about his suitability to play the sort of football Erik ten Hag wants to see at Old Trafford.

For instance, journalist Jacque Talbot recently questioned the sense of handing the Spaniard a new contract, accepting that he can make “world-class saves” but insisting “Man United need to progress” beyond just that and get a keeper who is more comfortable with the ball at his feet.

The Red Devils certainly have a big decision to make regarding the player’s future and they’ve already seen an extension worth £200k-per-week reportedly turned down by De Gea as they look to sign him on a new deal where he’ll earn less than his current £375k-per-week.

Well, the 32-year-old did his hopes of getting a big offer plenty of harm on Sunday night in the Premier League when coming up against West Ham United.

Indeed, with the score still at 0-0, winger Said Benrahma broke forward and fired a tame shot at goal from about 25 yards out.

It looked to be trickling harmlessly towards De Gea but the Spaniard somehow made a complete meal of it as he fell to the ground and failed to stop the ball from crossing the line.

As per Opta, De Gea has now made four errors leading to a goal in all competitions this term, which is the joint-most of any Premier League player – he shares the unwanted record with Tottenham Hotpsur’s Hugo Lloris.

It’s safe to say fans online were rather brutal when responding to the shocking mistake. Here are some of the best reactions…

Man United fans just couldn’t seem to believe what they were seeing…

While Tottenham Hotspur are yet to decide just who will be the permanent replacement for Antonio Conte in the dugout, one major issue that any new appointment will have to sort is with regard to the goalkeeping ranks, with uncertainty mounting over Hugo Lloris' position at the club.

The long-serving Frenchman is undoubtedly something of a "legend" at N17 having spent almost 11 years in north London, according to writer Seb Jenkins, although it remains to be seen just how much longer the veteran will be the first-choice option, with just over 12 months left to run on his existing deal.

According to reports, the Lilywhites are scouring the market to find a suitable successor to the 36-year-old, with the former Lyon man currently ranking first in the division for most errors (four) leading to goals in the Premier League this season.

While Daniel Levy and co are understandably looking to find a high-profile figure to fill the void of the £100k-per-week skipper – amid links to the likes of Brentford's David Raya – the club may well already have a possible heir to Lloris on their books in the form of teenager Josh Keeley.

Who is Tottenham's Josh Keeley?

The 19-year-old – who was signed from St Patrick's Athletic during Conte's tenure last summer – may still be in the early days of his time England, although he has already caught the eye at senior level, having only recently been included in first-team training.

The promising Irishman has earned rave reviews from club insider Superhotspur, with the respected source labelling him as a 'commanding goalkeeper from set-pieces' and describing him as being 'so quick off of his line'.

Those traits are also bolstered by the Republic of Ireland U21 international's 'good and impressive distribution' – as per the same source – with that quality on the ball making him an ideal fit for the modern game.

After sealing a "dream move" to Spurs back in July – as per St Patrick's technical director Alan Mathews – young Keeley has already established himself as the leading figure at U21 level, making 19 appearances at that age group this season.

The £910-per-week starlet has already enjoyed a taste of life at first-team level after featuring twice for his former club, having also featured twice against senior opposition for Spurs in the EFL Trophy earlier in the campaign.

While a chance to impress under Conte was always likely to be hard to come by due to the Italian's unwillingness to look to the youth set-up – a fact that left academy staff at the club frustrated – the arrival of a new man at the helm could bolster Keeley's chances of succeeding the ageing Lloris next term or in the years to come.

Arsenal were dealt a hammer blow in their Europa League clash with Sporting CP last month, not only as they exited the competition on penalties, but as William Saliba was forced off with an injury.

The Frenchman had been ever-present at the back for Mikel Arteta alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, with the two having featured in every Premier League game before his enforced absence.

However, the 22-year-old has now missed their last three games and his return date remains unknown.

As such, Rob Holding has had to deputise in his absence, much to the worry of fans.

For someone who had not made a single start in the league all season to instantly have such pressure heaped upon him was a big ask, but in their wins over Leeds United and Crystal Palace, the 27-year-old 'deputised well' in the words of Goal's Mark Doyle.

However, in what was his toughest test yet at Anfield, the defender looked hopelessly out of his depth. Surrendering a two-goal lead to draw 2-2, it marked a vital two points dropped that could have been even more not for the heroics of Aaron Ramsdale.

How did Rob Holding play vs Liverpool?

Starting in his third successive league match, his 6.3 Sofascore rating was the lowest of any who started for the Gunners that afternoon.

This was a figure largely upheld by his lazy challenge on Diogo Jota, which conceded a penalty. Fortunately for him, Mohammed Salah shot wide, but it only heaped further pressure onto a side that was struggling to contain the rampant hosts.

Journalist Josh Bunting even labelled the act “clumsy”, lambasting him for the “gift” he had presented to the Reds.

This was not all that Holding would perpetrate, as the £40k-per-week dud also made an error that led to a shot, as well as losing five of the nine duels he competed in, as per Sofascore.

Not only was the stalwart defensively lacking, but his lack of competence on the ball often led them into compromising situations. The former Bolton Wanderers ace maintained an underwhelming 73% pass accuracy, and just four of his 12 long balls attempted hit the mark.

Perhaps this gives credence to the fact that Arteta should now abandon his failing experiment, and instead start his £20m January signing Jakub Kiwior.

The Polish defender was brought in to bolster their back four for such an occasion as this Saliba injury, yet the Spanish boss seems intent on omitting his new purchase

With this recent Holding disasterclass, perhaps the manager might have had his hand forced for the coming weeks until his starting centre-back returns.