Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez is "definitely" open to the idea of joining Chelsea in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Are Chelsea keen on signing Martinez?

This is a vital upcoming window for the Blues, with Mauricio Pochettino looking to sign the right players and ensure that last season's huge disappointment was a one-off.

One area that Chelsea simply must sign a top-class player in is attack, with Kai Havertz expected to join and Romelu Lukaku's future also likely to lie away from Stamford Bridge,

Martinez is a player who has been linked with a move to west London numerous times in recent months, following a stellar campaign that saw the £184,000-a-week attacker score 21 goals in Serie A, not to mention winning the World Cup with Argentina.

Is Martinez keen on Blues move?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones talked up the idea of Martinez moving to Chelsea this summer, saying it potentially appeals to the 25-year-old:

"So far there has been no move for Lautaro from anyone. But at Chelsea there is still a feeling that even if they sign Nicolas Jackson, there will be one more name to come up top.

"Losing [Kai] Havertz and probably [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang and [Romelu] Lukaku means a spot opens up in that frontline, and it’ll be interesting to see if they really trust [Armando] Broja or if they go for that star power.

"Lautaro would be a good option in that sense, given his history of playing at the very top level with Inter Milan and Argentina. He has a decent record of getting to the 20-goal mark and he’s gettable in this window. He would definitely be open to moving to the Premier League from what my contacts say."

Martinez is exactly the right option for Chelsea to snap up this summer, possessing the pedigree and quality to help take the Blues up a significant level next season.

His aforementioned goalscoring prowess speaks for itself – he has scored 21 times in 48 caps for Argentina – and he has the combination of technical ability, work-rate and team ethic that Pochettino will surely want in attack moving forward.

The fact that Lionel Messi has described Martinez as a "spectacular" player says so much about his ability as a footballer, so Chelsea should do all they can to snap him up and beat others to his signature before the 2023/24 campaign gets underway.

Newcastle United are plotting a raid to bring Leeds United star Tyler Adams back to the Premier League, according to reports.

Is Tyler Adams leaving Leeds?

The Whites’ defensive midfielder only made 26 appearances during his debut season at Elland Road after joining from RB Leipzig due to spending a large spell on the sidelines through injury, but despite not being able to prevent relegation, he was the real standout player when available.

The United States international was Sam Allardyce’s best-performer with a WhoScored match rating of 6.73, so whilst he still has another three years to run on his contract, his remarkable displays have grabbed the attention of top flight sides, notably Eddie Howe and PIF.

The Telegraph recently reported that St. James’ Park officials were hugely impressed with the 24-year-old’s character and combative nature when he visited the northeast, and it sounds like they are now weighing up a more concrete approach that would see him switch the opposition for the home outfit.

Are Newcastle signing Adams?

According to Football League World, Newcastle "have their eyes" on Adams, alongside his Leeds teammate Brenden Aaronson ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. The Magpies have placed the duo firmly "on their list" of targets, but it's believed that the former is the "more likelier" to join because he would be able to give more freedom to Bruno Guimaraes.

Newcastle will be aware that Adams is stronger in the natural defensive midfield aspect of his game having recorded zero goals or assists at Leeds, but with the protection that he would bring to the backline as well as his personal qualities, PIF should certainly test the waters.

The World Cup participant, who’s sponsored by Nike, ranked in the 99th percentile for midfielder tackles and the 97th percentile for blocks last season, via FBRef, with his physical presence and desire to commit to challenges seeing him described as a player with a “nasty streak” by journalist Josh Bunting.

The YMU Group client, who has the versatility to operate in seven various positions across the pitch, would also bring wonderful leadership qualities to the centre being the USA’s captain, which will no doubt be yet another attractive attribute to Howe.

The Athletic have reported that Leeds are demanding £40m to part ways with Adams which is a lot considering that they now find themselves in the second-tier, but when thinking about the positive impact he could have on the side, that would be a fee worth paying.

علق محمد أبو تريكة، لاعب الأهلي السابق، على فوز المارد الأحمر على الزمالك في نهائي كأس مصر نسخة 2022-2023.

وفاز الأهلي أمس الجمعة على الزمالك بهدفين دون رد، على ملعب “الأول بارك”، بالمملكة العربية السعودية، وسجل الهدفين إمام عاشور ومحمد مجدي أفشة.

ووجه مقدم الأستوديو سؤالًا لـ أبو تريكة، عن رأيه في ما يتردد بشأن مُجاملة الأهلي تحكيميًا، ليرد النجم المصري: “الشجرة المثمرة تُلقى دائمًا بالحجارة، هذا نصيب الكبار، ودائمًا البطولات من نصيب الكبار”.

طالع أيضًا | بالفيديو | أبو تريكة: لهذا السبب تكرهني جماهير الزمالك

وتابع: “أهنئ الأهلي على الفوز، وحظ موفق للزمالك الذي قدم مباراة كبيرة، الطبيعي أن الناس تنتقد الكبار في أوقات الأزمات والانتصارات، لكن التاريخ سيذكر الألقاب”.

واختتم: “الأهلي لا يهمه كلام الناس، وعينه فقط على منصات التتويج، الناس هي من تتحدث عنه، الأهلي مؤسسة ونموذج، ناد مؤسسي وليس أفراد، تذهب وتأتي الأفراد لكن المؤسسة باقية”. حديث أبو تريكة عن فوز الأهلي على الزمالك في نهائي كأس مصر

Kyle Walker has been touted with a shock future return to newly-promoted Sheffield United, with his time at Manchester City potentially running out.

Is Kyle Walker leaving Manchester City?

Despite having helped the Sky Blues win the treble last season, Walker could be about to call time on his six-year, trophy-laden stint at Man City. With just a year remaining on his current deal, Pep Guardiola could well cash in on the 33-year-old should they choose not to renew his contract.

According to Dharmesh Sheth, who was speaking on Sky Sports News's Transfer Talk podcast, one potential destination could be his boyhood club Sheffield United.

When quizzed about Walker, Sheth said: "I think another one to look out for, maybe not in this summer's transfer window but maybe in the coming years. I think he's always said he'd want to go back and play for his hometown club again in Sheffield United."

While Sheth admits it would be an unlikely return this summer, he went on to add that it was "definitely one to keep an eye on" as the transfer window unfolds. Sheffield United's return to the Premier League could certainly make a potential move back to the city of steel a more interesting proposition for Walker.

Walker was born in Sheffield and came through the academy at Bramall Lane and, despite only making 35 appearances for his hometown side, has previously spoken about how he would like to play for the Blades towards the end of his career.

There is, of course, a chance that Walker will complete his final season at Man City before moving on for free in the summer of 2024, which could be when he opts to make his return home.

Which clubs want Kyle Walker?

If Sheffield United are to sign the right-back, who featured 39 times for City last campaign, they will have to fend off some stern competition.

Sheth also names Bayern Munich as holding an intense interest in the defender, with Sky Germany even suggesting that the Bavarians are in "advanced talks" with Walker.

Considering Bayern are potentially looking to offload their current first-choice right-back Benjamin Pavard this summer, Walker would certainly have an opportunity to stake his claim for a starting berth under Thomas Tuchel in Germany.

Slightly more outlandish reports have even suggested that Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are interested in the 76-cap England international, although a move looks very unlikely at this stage.

Newcastle massively over-achieved last season.

After a sensational campaign under the stewardship of Eddie Howe, the Magpies have found themselves in the unlikely position of playing Champions League football in the upcoming season.

Therefore, the club is now in a frantic phase of getting the squad capable of competing in domestic and European competitions.

They are targeting a new left-back, and Antonee Robinson has been tipped for a move to St James Park.

What’s the latest on Antonee Robinson to Newcastle?

According to the Evening Standard, Fulham are prepared to sell the defender for around £35m this summer.

This outlet revealed that the £25k-per-week ace is refusing to sign a new contract, and with his current deal expiring in 2024, the Cottagers could be set to cash in to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

As well as Newcastle, Marseille, Manchester City, and AC Milan are also interested in the American.

Would Antonee Robinson be a good signing for Fulham?

The pacey full-back spent the majority of his youth career within the youth ranks at Everton, but he was unable to break through into the first team and was eventually sold to Wigan Athletic.

He then found himself at the west London outfit in 2020 and has emerged as one of the club’s most consistent and admirable performers.

During the 2021/22 season, in which Marco Silva’s side cantered to the Championship title, the 33-cap international made 36 appearances, averaging 1.3 tackles and 1.7 interceptions.

He has continued this impressive consistency in the top flight with figures of 1.8 and 1.5 for the same metrics respectively across 35 outings, as well as managing a 77% pass accuracy and being responsible for nine clean sheets, as per Sofascore.

The 6 foot ace has often displayed his defensive solidity, but he has shown he is a formidable force going forward as he ranks within the top 20% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for successful take-ons and progressive carries per 90.

Described as “electric” by Alexandre Gangue-Ruzic, Robinson looks ready to make the next step in his career and could be a cheaper, more attainable alternative to Theo Hernandez.

Gianluca Di Marzio tweeted that Newcastle are “monitoring” the Milan star, but it has been suggested that the Frenchman could cost more than €80m (£69m).

Nevertheless, Robinson is still a fabulously capable option with Premier League experience, defensive tenacity and offensive verve who could seamlessly slot into Newcastle’s plans.

A Ross Taylor century and a six-wicket haul from Trent Boult delivered the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy back to New Zealand

The Report by Brydon Coverdale04-Feb-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsRoss Taylor was fluent throughout his innings of 101 balls, striking 13 fours•Getty ImagesThis was some sort of day for New Zealand. Ross Taylor equalled Nathan Astle’s record for the most ODI hundreds for New Zealand. Trent Boult completed a career-best six-wicket haul. New Zealand regained the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. They jumped to No.3 on the ODI rankings and wrapped up an eighth consecutive bilateral one-day series win at home. And they did it all in front of a sell-out crowd at Seddon Park.They also did it in a fashion that would have pleased some of their cheekier fans: getting Australia’s hopes up, and then dashing them. Set 282 for victory, Australia looked sunk when Marcus Stoinis holed out to leave the tail-enders needing 84 off 65 balls, but Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins plundered 31 from a pair of Mitchell Santner overs and the required rate fell back towards a run a ball. New Zealand fans became suddenly nervous.But all Kane Williamson needed to do was call on Boult, whose pace and bounce forced a false shot from Cummins, who was caught at midwicket. In his next over, Boult bowled to a plan set up by Williamson, who had placed a floating third slip, and Adam Zampa’s steer found the man perfectly. Five balls later, Boult finished the job by bowling Josh Hazlewood. It left Boult with 6 for 33 from his ten overs, and New Zealand with a 24-run win and the trophy.The fortunes of the teams had fluctuated all day. New Zealand looked set for a huge total batting first, lost their way, and then smashed 30 off their final two overs to reach a competitive but far from daunting 281 for 9. Australia’s chase was looking good while Aaron Finch and Travis Head ticked the score along in the first 20 overs, but a run of wickets put them on the back foot. Yet not until Boult’s late wickets could New Zealand feel safe.By the barest of margins, Australia held on to the No.1 ODI ranking, although they may yet lose it in the coming week if South Africa continue to dominate in their home series against Sri Lanka. Australia sorely missed their captain and vice-captain, Steven Smith and David Warner, in this series; while there were contributions from their top-order replacements, none were sufficient to set up a win. Here, it was a pair of fifties from Finch and Head.A fine piece of fielding from Santner in the deep led to the run-out of Shaun Marsh early in Australia’s chase, and Peter Handscomb chopped on to Boult for a duck to leave Australia at 44 for 2. Finch and Head put on 75 for the third wicket before Finch holed out to deep midwicket off Williamson’s spin for 56, and spin continued to trouble Australia when Santner had Glenn Maxwell caught behind in the next over for a duck.Head was the victim of a fine boundary-line catch from Dean Brownlie off Boult on 53 and, in a fore-runner of Williamson’s floating-slip plan that later foiled Zampa, James Faulkner fell to exactly the same ploy for a duck to leave Australia wobbling at 174 for 6. Stoinis struck four fours and a six but it was a mere cameo compared to his starring role in Auckland, and when he was caught at long-on off Santner, it was all left up to Australia’s bowlers.Starc remained unbeaten on 29 as the Australians fell 24 runs short, and he was left to wonder what might have been. In the final over of New Zealand’s innings, he rattled the stumps of Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson with the first two balls, but then let slip a waist-high no-ball that allowed Santner to come on strike and club two fours and a six from the final three deliveries. It was just the late boost New Zealand needed.Taylor and Brownlie had given them a fine start but from 162 for 2 at the 30-over mark, New Zealand lost a string of wickets and much momentum, and managed only 119 runs from their final 20 overs. As things turned out, that was enough. The key man was Taylor, whose 16th ODI hundred brought him level with Astle as New Zealand’s all-time most prolific ODI century-maker.Taylor walked to the crease in the 15th over with opener Brownlie already on 36; Taylor scored his own runs so freely that he beat Brownlie to the half-century. Taylor was particularly strong on the cut shot and brought up his fifty from 44 deliveries; in the next over, Brownlie raised his half-century – his first in ODI cricket – from his 65th ball.Brownlie, playing his first international since 2014, had proven a very effective replacement for the injured Martin Guptill, but on 63 he fell when he drove at a fullish, wide ball from Faulkner and was adjudged caught-behind on review. That began a difficult period for New Zealand, who lost Neil Broom to another edge behind off Faulkner for 8, and then Colin Munro, who couldn’t find his rhythm, drove a catch to mid-off for 3.The middle-order problems continued as James Neesham chopped on off the bowling of Hazlewood for 1, and New Zealand by this stage were wobbling at 209 for 6 in the 41st over. But Santner managed to keep his wicket intact and allowed Taylor to move to a 96-ball hundred with a thick edge through third man for four off Mitchell Starc, though he was caught swiping to leg off Faulkner in the next over for 107.Although the innings had started poorly for New Zealand when Tom Latham, in the third over, flicked a leg-side delivery from Starc straight into the hands of Hazlewood at fine leg for an eight-ball duck, the next two partnerships steadied New Zealand well. Kane Williamson (37) put on 70 with Brownlie before the Taylor-Brownlie stand, which was worth 100.Against an Australian outfit minus their two best batsmen, New Zealand’s efforts were enough. The day, the series, and the trophy were theirs.

Liverpool are planning a midfield rebuild this summer with Alexis Mac Allister the first new addition confirmed ahead of next season and now a new update from a reliable source has emerged on another potential target.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Romeo Lavia?

According to Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are "in the race" to sign Southampton star Romeo Lavia this summer.

Romano revealed on Twitter:

"Understand Liverpool asked conditions of Roméo Lavia deal, they’re in the race. Arsenal, working on this deal for 15 days — no official bid from both clubs yet. #LFC

"Man Utd and Chelsea, monitoring the situation but not in active talks yet."

Will Liverpool sign Romeo Lavia this summer?

It is clear that Jurgen Klopp and his new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke are looking at young talent they can develop into the next generation of success in the centre of the pitch.

Kouadio 'Manu' Kone and Khephren Thuram are two strongly linked targets who are both just 22 years old, whilst Lavia is just 19, so it seems the German coach is keen to nurture talent for the future instead of bringing in more experienced prospects.

Liverpool boast an ageing midfield with Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara both well into their 30s at this point and reaching the latter stages of their careers, whilst Fabinho has seemingly been in decline over the last 12 months and will be turning 30 in October this year.

As a result, the signing of the young Southampton machine would represent a shrewd coup for the Merseyside giants this summer and could offer Klopp not only the perfect heir to Fabinho's role but a young player who could be the club's next Javier Mascherano.

The former Liverpool star was a driving force in the defensive midfield role during his stint at Anfield renowned for his tough tackling and ball-winning capabilities alongside strengths in pass accuracy and blocks, which eventually earned him a move to Barcelona back in 2010.

Now Lavia could be the second coming of the talented Argentinian as he is already displaying many similarities in his style of play in the deep-lying role – prolific in winning tackles, a confident ball-winner and also boasts similar positional experience with the capability of also playing centre-back just like his retired positional peer.

As per FBref, the Belgian gem – who was once hailed as "superb" by Evening Standard journalist Simon Collings – ranks in the top 30% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for blocks, interceptions, tackles, successful take-ons and pass completion per 90, whilst Opta Data Analyst report that he ranked in the top 12% for possession won per 90.

Not only that, Lavia – who has a reported £45m price tag – won the second most tackles in the entire Southampton squad last season and had the best pass accuracy in the squad of players who had made more than one starting appearance, according to WhoScored.

With that being said, if Klopp could continue to nurture Lavia's skills and talents in the Liverpool squad next season there is no reason why he couldn't be a huge hit in midfield and reach his full potential to rival Mascherano's impact at the club.

West Bromwich Albion are set to lose key defender Dara O'Shea to Premier League side Burnley, but Carlos Corberan can give supporters reason to believe by making an exciting signing at the other end of the field.

O'Shea is reportedly the subject of interest from the Clarets in a deal that could eventually be worth up to £10m in what is undoubtedly a major blow for the Baggies as they attempt to improve on last term's ninth-place finish in the Championship.

However, that sizable fee can be used to not only bring in a replacement for the Republic of Ireland international at the back, but also players in one or two other positions.

One area Albion could do with further strengthening is up front, and former West Brom striker Kevin Campbell has tipped the Midlands club to move for Peterborough United star Jonson Clarke-Harris.

Who is Peterborough United striker Jonson Clarke-Harris?

Clarke-Harris is not exactly an up-and-coming striker, but he has proved his quality in League One by winning the Golden Boot on a couple of occasions.

The 28-year-old led the scoring charts again in the third tier last season with 27 goals in 48 games, yet Peterborough somehow missed out on promotion after capitulating in their play-off semi-final with Sheffield Wednesday.

A player boasting over 400 appearances at senior level, having started his career by becoming Coventry City's youngest ever player aged 16 in 2010, Clarke-Harris is someone who can bring knowhow to West Brom – and goals aplenty.

As Campbell told West Brom News: "I’m sure if West Brom were to bring him in and help him, he can be a difference maker."

Clarke-Harris averaged 0.59 goals per 90 minutes during the regular League One season last time out, as per FBref, which is more than any West Brom player could manage, albeit in a division higher.

Indeed, aside from Daryl Dike (0.52), who is facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, no Albion player averaged more than 0.33 goals per 90 minutes than the much-travelled striker, whom Football Observatory suggests could be available for a fee of £4m.

Clarke-Harris not only has power and an eye for goal, he also has plenty of pace to burn, as nicely put by his former Rotherham United boss Steve Evans. "He's quicker than Usain Bolt over 10 metres," Evans said.

It would be easy to dismiss Clarke-Harris as a player who can perform in League One but is unable to take the step up to the Championship, yet he scored 0.36 goals every 90 minutes in a poor Peterborough team the last time he played at that level – better than any Albion player other than Dike.

While it may be a defender Corberan needs to prioritise if O'Shea's move to Burnley goes through, signing striker Clarke-Harris would help soften the blow somewhat and ensure supporters do not lose all hope of a promotion push next season.

An update has emerged on Celtic and their efforts to bolster their squad following Brendan Rodgers' return to Parkhead on a three-year deal…

What's the latest on Hyun-jun Yang to Celtic?

According to South Korean outlet Newstong, the Hoops have made an offer in an attempt to snap up Gangwon FC winger Yang Hyun-jun in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Scottish giants have 'formally' expressed their interest as they pursue a deal for the 21-year-old attacker but the K-League outfit are not willing to accept their current bid – although it is not revealed whether it has been officially rejected or not.

It states that Celtic's proposal is not enough to tempt Gangwon into cashing in on the young gem as they are currently in a relegation battle and do not believe that there is enough money on the table to warrant taking a significant blow to their chances of avoiding the drop.

What is Yang Hyun-jun's style of play?

The exciting South Korean U23 international is a right-footed right-winger who has showcased his ability to score and assist goals at an impressive rate for a player of his age.

By pushing the club to make an offer that convinces Gangwon to part ways with the talented youngster, Rodgers could forget all about Liel Abada, who could reportedly be on his way out of Parkhead for up to £10m this summer.

Abada, who is also a 21-year-old right-footed forward, has proven himself to be an excellent option out wide for the Hoops in the Scottish Premiership over the last two years.

The Israel international averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.01 and plundered ten goals and five assists in 34 league outings in 2022/23, and that came after the No 11 produced ten goals and six assists in 36 outings the previous year.

Yang's form for Gangwon in 2022 indicates that the potential is there for him to be an excellent replacement for the current Celtic attacker if he departs during the summer transfer window.

The South Korean whiz, who was hailed as "special" by journalist Nathan Sartain, averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.02 across 36 K League 1 matches and contributed with eight goals and five assists, whilst he also created six 'big chances' for his teammates.

This suggests that Yang has the quality to make a big impact in the final third with his goalscoring ability and eye for a pass, which means that he could replace a large portion of the production that Abada has provided during his time in Scotland.

A return of one goal and one assist in 14 league starts this year suggests that Yang has struggled this season, but his performances in 2022 indicate that there is still a very promising player for Rodgers to potentially unearth.

Therefore, the Northern Irish tactician could forget all about Abada by signing Yang and helping the 21-year-old to rediscover his touch in the final third, as the Gangwon star has the scope to contribute with goals and assists from a wide position.

More than 100 capped international players will be among the 351 players available for bidding at the upcoming IPL 2017 auction in Bangalore on February 20

Nagraj Gollapudi13-Feb-20170:48

Quick Facts: IPL 2017 Auction

A total of 351 players, which includes 122 capped internationals, will feature in the IPL auction, scheduled to be held in Bangalore on February 20. The final roster was pruned from the original list of 799 players, after the eight franchises submitted their wishlists to the IPL.Fast bowler Ishant Sharma is one of the seven players with a maximum base price of INR 2 crore – approximately US $298,000 – for the tenth player auction. The other six include three England players – allrounder Ben Stokes, ODI and T20I captain Eoin Morgan and allrounder Chris Woakes – two Australian fast men Mitchell Johnson and Pat Cummins, and Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews.In the initial list there were 160 capped players from nine countries – none from Pakistan – and 639 uncapped ones. The final list also contained six players from the Associates, including five from Afghanistan: captain Asghar Stanikzai, Mohammad Nabi, Mohammad Shahzad, Rashid Khan and Dawlat Zadran. Shahzad and Rashid have the highest base prices among the five at INR 50 lakh. UAE batsman Chirag Suri was the other Associate player in the list.Seamer Sudeep Tyagi, who has played four ODIs, is the only one to have been cut from the original list of 24 capped Indian players.Considering they will have to put a majority of their players back into the auction in 2018, some franchise officials said they would not be too aggressive in buying players this season. However, they did agree that there would be considerable interest in the English players.Although the IPL is yet to decide on the retention rules, franchises expect the right-to-match option to be available. This allows a franchise to buy back a specific number of the players they have released for the auction by matching the highest bid those players attract. If they match the bid, they get the player.