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Chelsea have submitted an offer for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol in the hope of bringing him to the Premier League, according to fresh reports.

Is Josko Gvardiol leaving RB Leipzig?

The Croatian international still has another four years remaining on his deal at the Red Bull Arena, but after being one of the standout performers for his nation at the 2022 World Cup which saw him play the full 690 minutes of the tournament, he’s been long on the radar of Todd Boehly at Stamford Bridge.

Marc Rose’s centre-back was the subject of a turned down offer from the Blues last year, with Fabrizio Romano revealing when speaking to GiveMeSport:

“They were the first to approach Leipzig last summer because they were pushing for Gvardiol. In the final days of the window, they had a bid rejected. It was €80m [£68m] plus add-ons making it closer to €90m [£77m] to leave the player on loan at Leipzig for one season and then sign him in the summer of 2023. Leipzig said no and they extended his contract.”

Read The Latest Chelsea Transfer News HERE…

During a public interview earlier this year, the 21-year-old admitted that he “really struggled” to come to terms with being denied the chance to complete the move, but if the following update is to be believed, Mauricio Pochettino is planning to take a third bite of the cherry.

Are Chelsea signing Josko Gvardiol?

According to Spanish reports (via Paisley Gates), Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all submitted offers to sign Gvardiol ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Premier League trio are "pressing" to land the defender and are looking to "take advantage" of the fact that he's not yet joined Manchester City despite there having been a previous agreement in place.

RB Leipzig value their prized asset at €100m (£86m), though it remains to be seen whether any of the three clubs would be willing to pay the desired fee.

At the World Cup, Gvardiol was dubbed a “gladiator” by journalist Ryan Taylor for his performances for Croatia and that high standard of displays continued into the rest of the season with RB Leipzig, so should he put pen to paper, it would be a massive coup for Pochettino and Chelsea.

The Zagreb native last term averaged 2.3 clearances and 1.4 aerial wins per league game, via WhoScored, alongside winning 17 out of his 23 tackles, highlighting just how much of a rock he can be at the heart of the backline, though he can also be a threat driving forward.

The Bundesliga’s left-footed gem ranked in the 96th percentile for most successful take-ons showing that he loves to bring the ball out from the defence and dribble past his marker, not to mention that he’s scored five goals and provided three assists during his time in Germany.

Finally, Gvardiol, also labelled as "fearless" by former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand, will already know what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level having secured five trophies since the start of his career so he could be the perfect candidate to walk through the door and instil a winning mentality in SW6.

West Ham United are reportedly interested in Ajax star Edson Alvarez, as David Moyes exercises his options to replace Declan Rice.

The Hammers gained £105m from the sale of the Englishman, leaving them with a hefty cash exchange and a void to fill in the middle of the park.

A host of talent has been speculated to be on the list of the east Londoners, with star names rumoured to be targeted.

Could West Ham sign Edson Alvarez?

As reported by Football Insider on Sunday, West Ham are ‘confident’ that a deal can be struck to secure the signing of Ajax enforcer Alvarez.

The report claims that talks are ‘ongoing’ regarding the possible transfer of the player, who is ‘interested’ in a move to the Premier League.

Ajax could sell the midfielder for a price in the region of £35m-£40m, in what would be a strong acquisition for the Hammers.

How good is Edson Alvarez?

Captured by the Eredivisie greats from Mexican side America in 2019, the defensive-minded ace has risen up the ranks in Europe, showcasing his versatility.

Hailed as “tenacious” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 25-year-old is primarily deployed as a defensive midfielder by Maurice Steijn, with the ability to play at centre-back and full-back as well.

By signing Alvarez, West Ham could equip their side with added quality, in a move that could inspire Moyes’ squad to climb the table and avoid another relegation-threatened season.

There is an abundance of quality in the squad at the London Stadium, however only a number of stars can be relied on consistently to produce moments of magic.

One player of such calibre is Lucas Paqueta, who was signed from Olympique Lyon last summer.

The Brazilian scored five goals and registered seven assists in his first campaign in east London, in what was a trialling first year in a side that battled in the bottom half of the table.

Signing a player of the quality of Alvarez could give the dazzling 25-year-old further freedom to exploit his talent at West Ham, with the Mexican proving to be the perfect outlet for cover in the engine room.

As per FBref, the Ajax ace averaged 2.47 tackles and 3.38 aerial wins per 90 in the Eredivisie last season, flexing his suitability to act as the protector of the defence.

Being able to protect the back line is half of the job for a midfielder, with a strong progressive outlet also required to transition play efficiently.

The 69-capped Mexico international highlighted his perfect balance in the role, averaging 7.76 progressive passes and a monstrous 83.91 attempted passes per 90, via FBref, suggesting how comfortable he is with his distribution.

For Paqueta, the introduction of Alvarez could be pivotal to him unlocking more elements to his game, with protection similar to what he had at Lyon in Thiago Mendes.

Last term, the Brazilian averaged 0.13 non-penalty goals per 90, compared to his 0.30 per 90 in Ligue 1 the campaign prior, where he had the freedom to roam thanks to the combative nature of his midfield partner Mendes.

Moyes could not only replace Rice with the 25-year-old but also prompt the development of other talents in the squad for the overall benefit of his side’s collective form.

Joe Clarke guided Worcestershire to safety at Cheltenham as their director of cricket Steve Rhodes raged that Gloucestershire “wanted it all ways”

Paul Edwards at Cheltenham12-Jul-2017
ScorecardJoe Clarke’s quality prevented a Worcestershire slump•Getty Images”Ten to five,” said Stuart Cummings at twenty past twelve and we all knew what the ECB’s Cricket Liaison Officer meant. Once most of the third day of this game had been lost and any collusion between the teams ruled out, an agreed draw at the earliest opportunity always seemed the likeliest outcome. Yet we reached our destination by a circuitous route, tarrying to admire each of the Slaughters rather than taking the M4 to Tedium New Town. There was no agreement on the draw at all until ten to six, when nine overs remained to be bowled and the shadows were generous on the College Ground. And even after the result was agreed, there was concord about damn all else.Worcestershire’s players began this day disgruntled that Phil Mustard would not enter into negotiations yet ended it grateful to take five points for a draw. Presented with the notional challenge of scoring 370 in 51 overs, the visitors had collapsed to 47 for 4 but finished on 155 for 5. Their anger remained fresh and keen when the post-match beers were being sunk. It was expressed by the county’s director of cricket, Steve Rhodes, who voiced his disappointment that Gloucestershire had rejected all offers to set up a run-chase.”We were extremely disappointed that there was not going to be a situation where we could fix up some sort of reasonable game for the crowd that turned up and for the two groups of players,” said Rhodes. “It seemed as though Gloucestershire wanted it all ways. They wanted to get as many runs as they could, quickly in the end after a boring start, and then try to bowl us out in a short space of time. Perhaps they are now ruing the fact that they didn’t have another hour at us and it may be something they consider next time. If they had given us 70 overs to bat, we might have had a real problem hanging on for a draw.”Given the difficulties Worcestershire had encountered, home supporters were reluctant to criticise their side’s tactics. Had it not been for Joe Clarke, who came within seven runs of scoring his third championship hundred in five innings, the visitors may well have been leaving Cheltenham only eight points clear of third-placed Kent instead of 13. Even as it stands, the race for the promotion places in Division Two actively involves half the ten clubs.Clarke hit 15 boundaries in his 93 not out but what was rather more impressive was the security of his defence when facing the 80 other balls in his innings. Certainly this was in notable contrast to the porous techniques exhibited by the rest of Worcestershire’s top order.The visitors lost Brett D’Oliveira and Tom Fell in their first three overs, both batsmen being leg before to the left-arm seamer, David Payne, when playing across the line. Daryl Mitchell and George Rhodes were then bowled by Liam Norwell, Mitchell when playing down the wrong line, Rhodes when playing no shot at all. Ben Cox put on 63 runs in nine overs with Clarke before being leg before on the back leg to Kieron Noema-Barnett. It was left to Ross Whiteley to bat out another 16 overs before Phil Mustard offered the draw and the post-match brouhaha could get under way.In truth, Worcestershire’s players had been irritated with Gloucestershire in general and Chris Dent in particular since the opening half-hour of the day. John Hastings and Josh Tongue made their displeasure plain with a series of short deliveries to Dent, and Leach supported his bowlers by posting six slips and a gully when the left-handed Dent faced Hastings. Indeed, the Gloucestershire opener took something of a battering and received a painful blow on his forearm from Tongue.Dent, though, is made of gritty stuff and withstood this trial by fire. He played the straight balls, avoided the wide ones and wore a few on his body when the moment demanded it. Will Tavaré was the first Gloucestershire batsmen dismissed when he was hit on the knee roll by Ed Barnard and departed unhappily for 32. Dent reached his fifty off 143 balls, hitting three boundaries in six balls immediately prior to reaching that landmark. As if to acknowledge that the temper of the exchanges had changed, Leach brought on the spinners, although a need to raise his team’s over-rate from -2 may have been the captain’s prime motivation in doing so.That change was expensive. The 20 overs bowled by Brett D’Oliveira and George Rhodes either side of lunch and they cost 142 runs. Dent took 43 balls over his second fifty and reached his century with a sweep for four off Rhodes. It was a remarkable and well-earned transformation for the batsman who had been ducking and weaving in the first hour of the day. Gareth Roderick also tucked in merrily, making 81 off 95 balls before being bowled having a pre-declaration swipe at Tongue.Dent returned to the college pavilion – a building modelled on a 19th century Indian railway station, so they say, – with 135 runs against his name. It had been a most valiant innings yet its full value was at that point unclear. As things turned out, Dent’s unbeaten century did not set up Gloucestershire’s third victory of the season. Instead it was the prelude to a disharmony which hardly seemed fitting as the evening sunlight dappled the hills above Prestbury and one savoured the wonderful discovery that there is a cricket club in Adlestrop

As West Ham United begins to plan and prepare life after Declan Rice they are beginning to be linked with various targets.

There have already been multiple stories that have suggested that Scott McTominay could be heading to the London Stadium.

However, there have been more recent updates that have named his teammate Fred as another option for the Hammers and for manager David Moyes.

The Brazilian has seen his involvement decrease due to Casemiro’s arrival at Old Trafford, and with his contract expiring next summer and a desire to be valued, he may need to leave Old Trafford.

Last month, the midfielder revealed he was set to discuss his future with Erik ten Hag and said: “Of course I always want to be playing. [About my future] I still don’t know, I have to talk with my family, I still have one year left in my contract here. I’ll talk to my staff, to the club and see what’s everyone’s decision.

“I do have to talk with ten Hag as well, he’s the manager and the conversation has to involve everyone. We have to see how next season will plan out. I want to be important, I want to help the team, so we’ll see. ”

What’s the latest on Fred to West Ham United?

According to 90min reporter Graeme Bailey, who has been speaking on the ‘Talking Transfers’ podcast earlier this week, the Hammers have ‘sniffed’ around Fred as they explore a potential move in this summer window.

The reputable journalist also earmarked Fulham and clubs in Saudi Arabia are also interested in the 30-year-old, with United due to demand around £20m for his services.

Should West Ham United sign Fred?

It has been a frustrating campaign for Fred, who only fielded 12 Premier League starts. However, the 5 foot 7 machine was used as a substitute on a mammoth 23 occasions, to show he is still a highly valued member of the squad. His major drawbacks are his lack of presence and consistency, but his time in the northwest has seen impressive flurries of contribution.

This is showcased by his rank within the best 10% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions per 90, as well as the top 3% for tackles and blocks per 90 to indicate his wondrous all-round midfield ability.

This has been highlighted by John Barnes, who said: “Fred deserves more respect for the job he’s doing on the pitch.”

This sentiment was echoed by Mikael Silvestre, who feels that Fred is ‘underrated’ and added: "He’s doing the dirty work which goes unnoticed in front of the back four, but I can tell that the defence will always like these types of players because they give protection.

"I actually think he’s very underrated in this team, he’s someone who gives everything to the team and does that job which goes unnoticed.”

Having a player of this similar expertise could allow the boundlessly creative Lucas Paqueta to continue thriving in east London.

The former Lyon phenom struggled during the early stages of his English odyssey – having only netted his first league goal in early January – but glistened in the latter stages of the campaign, and will forever be embedded in West Ham folklore as he provided the assist for Jarrod Bowen’s Europa Conference League winning-goal.

The playmaker possesses a profile like no other in the squad, with his creative ability showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 7% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for progressive passes, having also registered seven assists in all competitions in 2022/23 – the joint-most of any of his teammates.

While also a hard-working asset like his fellow Brazilian – as he ranks in the top 1% for tackles made – having someone of Fred’s defensive acumen alongside him would afford the 25-year-old sustained freedom, allowing him to blossom in a more advanced, playmaking berth.

If the one-time AC Milan ace is able to thrive in a roaming midfield role, he could become truly unplayable in the process, while cementing himself as a real talisman for Moyes and co.

Another global cricketing event, another chance for a strong South African unit to snatch that elusive title

Firdose Moonda01-Jun-2017OverviewHere they go again. South Africa. In search of a major trophy. It’s a script so well known, it must be close to being a classic. And South Africa still hope to be able to write a different ending.The prelude has been much the same as in competitions past: South Africa have enjoyed a solid build-up, so much so that they are considered one of the teams to beat, and have a constellation of star players in their squad. On the way to the event, they’ve won series against two of the opposition they will meet in the pool stage – India and Sri Lanka – and, as the only non sub-continent team in the group, have come to terms with the amount of spin they will have to deal with.So what will it take this time? Chances are that the answer is as simple as a little bit of luck, the one thing that has eluded South Africa over the years. It’s not something they can train or plan for, only something they can hope finally finds it’s way to them.Several South African seniors – AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Imran Tahir and Morne Morkel – have spoken of the 2019 World Cup as their swansong. So desperate are they to win that trophy that they may forgive themselves if this event becomes little more than a practice round.But they have a strong incentive not to regard the Champions Trophy so casually. Coach Russell Domingo’s contract expires at the end of this tour and although he is free to reapply for his job, has given no indication of his future plans. This may be his last chance to have success at a limited-overs’ competition and if that is the case, the squad, who have been vocal in their support of him, will want to send him off on a high.Champions Trophy history1998 – Champions2000 – Semi-finalists2002 – Semi-finalists2004 – First round2006 – Semi-finalists2009 – First round2013 – Semi-finalistsForm guideBefore their trip to the UK, where South Africa lost the three-match rubber against England, they had won their last seven bilateral ODI series. Among those was a first-ever 5-0 whitewash over Australia, a clean sweep over Sri Lanka and victories in what were effectively finals in India, New Zealand and against England at home. In that time, South Africa equalled their longest winning streak of 12 matches, which was last achieved in 2005, and rose to No.1 on the ODI rankings to arrive at the Champions Trophy as among the favourites.ESPNcricinfo LtdStrengthWith four of the world’s top-10 ODI batsmen (de Villiers sits at No. 1) and the world’s top-two ODI bowlers in Kagiso Rabada and Imran Tahir, the quality of individuals in South Africa’s squad is a standout strength. In Amla, Quinton de Kock, de Villiers, du Plessis, David Miller and Duminy, South Africa have players who can combine a well-paced innings with power-hitting and totals over 350 are not unfamiliar to them. In the bowling department, Tahir is the world’s top-ranked limited-overs’ spinner while Rabada is ODI cricket’s newest No. 1, having overtaken Tahir on the rankings after the England series.A mix of seam and spin talent, and experience and youth, give South Africa no less than eight bowling options. Among those is everything from a left-arm paceman – Wayne Parnell – to a death-bowling specialist in Andile Phehlukwayo and two specialist spinners.WeaknessIn an attempt to give themselves as many options as possible, South Africa have packed their side with allrounders but getting the right balance in the XI may prove tricky. Chris Morris, Parnell, Dwaine Pretorius and Phehlukwayo are all bowling allrounders capable of hitting the ball a fair distance but South Africa are likely to only have room for two of the four in most XIs and they don’t seem too sure which two.South Africa have yet to decide on a new-ball pair – though Rabada and Morkel would seem an obvious choice – which has left them uncertain about the balance of the side. Add to that de Villiers’ problems with managing his over rate and that the best captain, Faf du Plessis, does not lead the side in this format, and South Africa can sometimes seem comical in the field. But only sometimes.Key stats South Africa have lost half of the matches in the Champions Trophy in which they have batted second – six out of 12. Only Bangladesh have a worse record chasing. By contrast, South Africa have the best win-loss ratio when batting first, wining five out of eight games. Wayne Parnell has taken 11 of the 19 Champions Trophy wickets that South Africa’s current squad have all together. Apart from Parnell, Duminy and Morris (who each have four wickets) and Morne Morkel are the only four bowlers with Champions Trophy experience. None of the batsmen in the current South African squad have scored a Champions Trophy hundred. South Africa have lost all three matches they have played against India in Champions Trophy history – twice in the semi-finals and once in the round-robin stage.

Chelsea have now submitted an opening bid for Flamengo's Matheus Franca, with Todd Boehly willing to pay the €25m (£21m) needed to secure the forward's signature, according to a recent report from Globo Esporte.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

A new attacking midfielder is on the agenda for Mauricio Pochettino, with Lyon's Rayan Cherki currently being pursued, and transfer expert Graeme Bailey has claimed that members of the scouting team are "really pushing" for the 19-year-old.

Fabrizio Romano has recently reported that Franca has been followed by the Blues for quite some time, while also suggesting the player himself would be very open to the move, saying: "Matheus Franca is really appreciated. He is a player that they have been following for a long time.

"I can mention that the player will be really excited about the possibility of joining Chelsea."

Now, it appears as though the Brazilian could be presented with an opportunity to move to Stamford Bridge, as according to Globe Esporte (via Sport Witness), Chelsea have now submitted an opening bid.

The Blues are not the only Premier League club to have tabled an offer for the 19-year-old, however, as Flamengo club director Bruno Spindel has confirmed that Crystal Palace have also came forward with a proposal.

It is not clear how much Chelsea have put on the table for the youngster, but it is detailed that Flamengo want €25m (£21m) to sanction his departure, and Boehly is willing to match that asking price.

One potential disadvantage the west Londoners may have in the race for the starlet is that they plan to loan him out to Strasbourg immediately, while Palace are keen to use him straight away, which could attract him to Selhurst Park.

Who is Matheus Franca?

The Rio de Janeiro-born maestro mainly plays in an advanced midfield role, but he is also very much capable of playing on both wings and at striker, so he would be a versatile option for Pochettino.

One of the forward's key strengths is his dribbling ability, ranking in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers playing at a similar level, while also placing in the 96th percentile for progressive carries over that timeframe.

Lauded as "highly talented" by football scout Jacek Kulig, the Flamengo star has already recorded 54 first-team appearances for the Brazilian Serie A side, despite being just 19-years-old, during which time he has found the back of the net nine times.

That said, the attacker is, as yet, unproven outside of Brazil, and it would be a risk to put him straight into the first team, so it is probably a wise move to send him out on loan to Strasbourg.

Ideally, Franca would agree to move to the Ligue 1 side on loan and develop his game further, but it would not be a surprise if he wants to play Premier League football immediately, and ends up being attracted by a move to Crystal Palace.

Chris Woakes’s participation in the remainder of England’s Champions Trophy campaign could be in doubt, after he picked up a side strain during the tournament opener against Bangladesh at The Oval

Andrew Miller at The Oval01-Jun-2017Eoin Morgan, the England captain, admits that his satisfaction at an otherwise emphatic victory over Bangladesh in the opening match of the Champions Trophy has been tempered by a side strain sustained by Chris Woakes, which threatens to rule him out for the rest of the tournament.Woakes had come into the match nursing a tight quad that led to his omission from the final two matches of England’s recent ODI series against South Africa, but he looked in fine fettle as he opened the campaign with a maiden to Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal.However, he bowled just one more over in his spell before leaving the field for treatment. He will undergo a scan on his left side this evening, but Morgan is already braced for bad news from England’s medical team.”He’s obviously been very impressive for us over the last couple of years, and a mainstay, a very reliable guy,” Morgan said. “And it is a worry when he goes off the field and can’t come back on and bowl.”Though it is too early to say how the injury will impact on Woakes’ involvement either in the remainder of this match, or England’s subsequent group games against New Zealand on June 6 and Australia on June 10, side strains are notoriously difficult injuries for fast bowlers to shake off.A typical recovery can take between four and six weeks, especially if the injury involves damage to the intercostal muscles, because even when fully recovered, fast bowlers in particular find it hard to hit the crease with their usual aggression, for fear of suffering a relapse.Were that the case, it would rule Woakes out of the entire tournament, and leave him in some doubt for the start of England’s Test series against South Africa as well, which gets underway at Lord’s on July 6.”Side strains are a big confidence thing, aren’t they?” said Morgan. “Yeah, he would definitely be a loss if he couldn’t play.”Morgan denied, however, that Woakes had suffered for being rushed back into action before he was fully recovered from his quad niggle. “He was chomping at the bit to play,” he said. “If we rushed him, he might have played the last game of the one-day series but we didn’t want to rush him.”Woakes’ injury isn’t the only issue undermining England’s previously settled Champions Trophy squad. Ben Stokes came into the match nursing a knee injury that limited his ability to bowl in the South Africa series – although he showed no signs of discomfort in his seven overs today – while Joe Root also picked up a calf injury in the course of his match-winning 133 not out.”Joe is all right,” Morgan said. “He wasn’t in extreme pain. It was manageable, so given that we have four days between now and the next game, hopefully he’ll rest up well and be fully fit.”The size of England’s victory masked a few concerns beyond the fitness issues. Jason Roy endured another day to forget, making just 1 from 7 balls to extend his fallow run at the top of the order, while Jake Ball, surprisingly included in place of the legspinner Adil Rashid, struggled for consistency as his ten overs were dispatched for 82 runs.However, Morgan reiterated his unequivocal support for Roy, adding that he had been unlucky to fall to an impressive catch at short backward square leg from Mustafizur Rahman.”It was quite smart, bowling a slower bowl from the opening bowler, and brave,” Morgan said. “It was a big gamble. But that sort of stuff can happen. You can get out in that sort of fashion when you’re short on runs. But yeah, certainly we believe in him.”On the subject of Rashid’s omission – which seemed to go against the team ethos of selection continuity – Morgan insisted there were two separate issues to consider.”We felt Bangladesh probably would have preferred to play against a lot more spin, as opposed to four quicks, and obviously Ben [Stokes]. So that contributed to how we wanted to balance the side and how we saw them playing. Their top three batters are lefties, and the possibility of getting Joe [Root] or Mo [Ali] on early was an option.”With the batting, obviously you can’t ask guys to go out and play positive cricket and whack it everywhere – there’s an element, a high-risk element – and then drop them as soon as they are lacking runs. On previous teams, that has happened and we don’t want it to happen.”We want to reinforce confidence so the guys can go out and we can make 300 an easy score to get, by playing real positive cricket. And contributing to that, both as a captain and coach, and selectors, by backing your own players up.”

Chris Liddle’s five wickets turned Gloucestershire’s Royal London Cup tie against Kent on its head as they claimed an unlikely win over Kent by 12 runs in glorious Bristol sunshine

ECB Reporters Network10-May-2017
ScorecardChris Liddle’s five wickets stymied Kent’s run chase•Getty ImagesChris Liddle turned Gloucestershire’s Royal London Cup tie against Kent on its head as they claimed an unlikely win over Kent by 12 runs in glorious Bristol sunshine.Michael Klinger’s 134 looked to have paved the way for a challenging Gloucestershire total after they have been asked to bat first. But a flurry of late wickets saw Matt Coles finish with 4 for 57 and hosts restricted to 275 for 8, no more than a par score in the conditions.It didn’t look like enough as Daniel Bell-Drummond followed up his tons against Somerset and Sussex with 90 off 108 balls. With Sean Dickson and Sam Northeast lending good support, Kent looked to be cruising.But Liddle had other ideas and, from 200 for 2 in the 39th over, he bowled a telling spell from the Ashley Down Road End as the visitors collapsed spectacularly, closing on 264 for 9.The win was Gloucestershire’s second in the competition and kept alive their slim hopes of a top three finish in the South Group, while Kent must accept elimination before the knockout stage, having won only one of their first five games.Gloucestershire head coach Richard Dawson said: “It wasn’t until late in the day that I felt we had a chance of winning. I’ll take the victory even though I’m not quite sure how it happened.”It was a battle and Chris changed the game with one spell. He varied his pace really well was smart in how he bowled his cutters.”We kept going and once we got a sniff we were good enough to capitalise on it. It keeps us in the competition and makes Friday’s home game with Somerset even more appetising.”Klinger could hardly have done more, reaching his 16th List A hundred off 123 balls to help take the home side’s score to 260 for 3 before he was out.The 36-year-old Australian hit three of his sixes into the flats at the Ashley Down Road End of the Brightside Ground, his favourite one-day shot at the venue, and progressed with increasing assurance on an excellent batting pitch.Chris Dent and Ian Cockbain shared useful partnerships, but when Klinger was caught at deep mid-wicket off Joe Denly it signalled a rapid transformation in fortunes.Far from building on their captain’s efforts with some big hitting at the end, Gloucestershire lost five wickets in less than two overs as Coles and James Harris put themselves on hat-tricks.With the sun still shining in a cloudless sky, a target of 276 did not appear looked likely to test Kent’s strong batting line-up.They lost Joe Denly to a careless shot off Liddle with the total on 64, but Bell-Drummond, who survived a couple of early scares, and Dickson then put together a stand of 89 in 17.3 overs.Dickson perished the ball after reaching a 62-ball half-century, picking out George Haskins at deep mid-wicket to give left-arm spinner Tom Smith a wicket. By the time Bell-Drummond was brilliantly caught low down by Klinger at extra-cover off Liddle, Kent had posted 200 and needed a further 76 from 11.4 overs.Northeast was established and playing well. His fourth six, over long-on off Jack Taylor was one of the biggest of the match.Darren Stevens was visibly angry with himself when caught behind off Liddle trying to run the ball down to third-man and at 217 for 4, Kent were suddenly far from comfortable.Soon it was Northeast trudging back to the pavilion having smashed Liddle straight to long-on where Jack Taylor took the catch. From looking in total command, the visitors were suddenly under pressure at 220 for 5.More poor shots accounted for Matt Coles and Alex Blake and Gloucestershire sensed their chance. The Kent tail-enders flailed wildly without success and the game headed for an unlikely outcome.

Journalist Andrew Musgrove has urged Newcastle United to keep Jamaal Lascelles at the club ahead of next season.

Is Jamaal Lascelles going to leave Newcastle?

The club captain has been at Newcastle since 2014, when he joined from boyhood club Nottingham Forest alongside Karl Darlow in a double-swoop for the Magpies which cost them £7m.

Since then, Lascelles has made 225 appearances for the team, captaining them in the 2016/17 campaign as they won the Championship title and subsequent return to the Premier League.

Following the arrival of Eddie Howe in 2021, however, the Englishman has found his game time reduced, with the 29-year-old making just 11 appearances for the club last season.

Despite this, it is thought that the central defender remains an important figure on Tyneside and has been a big influence in the Magpies dressing room amid the club's return to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.

While there will be more matches for Newcastle next season, Football Insider reports that Lascelles will have to leave St James' Park this summer if he wants to get more regular first-team football, with competition for places potentially getting even tougher if reports about the club's interest in Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio come to bear fruit.

Reports from earlier this year stated that a sensational return to Nottingham Forest was potentially on the cards this summer, with Steve Cooper wanting to add more experience to his side. However, that interest hasn't ended up resulting in a bid just yet.

Lascelles' contract runs until the summer of 2024 and it seems unlikely that the Magpies will be offering the defender a new deal, so this summer would be the final chance for the side to cash in on the player who is closing in on 10 years on Tyneside.

But speaking on the Everything is Black & White YouTube channel, Musgrove stated that he disagrees with the result of a fan poll which stated that over 20,000 fans believed the club should sell Lascelles, citing the 29-year-old's experience and influence, as well as the quality he still has as reasons to keep him around.

Musgrove said: "He hasn't kicked off at losing his place – he's taken it in his stride and he's put his focus and attention elsewhere and become a real benefit to Newcastle United off the pitch.

"A lot of you guys will remember him picking up two bookings as a substitute, and that's the kind of thing that really reaffirms just how important he is off the pitch; he's always fighting for the club, even if he isn't kicking a ball for 90 minutes.

"And he's got the right attitude, because let's be honest, a lot of club captains who are suddenly out of the side would've kicked off, they would not have been happy. And I'm sure he's not happy at not playing, but he understands the bigger picture and he really has handled essentially being benched really, really well.

"And when he did come in against Manchester City, against Liverpool, I thought he did very well – and I think he can still play a big part in Newcastle's future going ahead, especially next season."

What should Lascelles do next season?

Lascelles has a big decision to make this summer about his career.

He is 29 years old now and should be in the prime of his career. Does he want to spend it playing regular Premier League football at his boyhood club, or does he want to captain the side he has been with for the past nine seasons into their first Champions League campaign in over two decades?

The big thing that might sway the decision is the fact that he only has a year remaining on his deal, so he could move on in the summer of 2024 and clubs wouldn't have to pay a fee. However, should he only play limited minutes next season, the question will have to be asked about whether teams should take the gamble on him.

It is a massive call for the defender to make, but he has two very appealing options, whatever he decides.

Liverpool are one of the clubs monitoring Birmingham City prospect Trevan Sanusi, who is poised to leave this summer, according to a recent report from The Daily Mail.

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

Jurgen Klopp is clearly looking to build for the future, given some of the players that have been linked with a switch to Anfield, with 19-year-old Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia now considered a priority target, following recent talks.

With the manager also keen on signing a new centre-back, 21-year-old Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio has emerged as a target, and the Reds would have no issues paying his €45 (£39m) release clause this summer.

Young Torino defender Perr Schuurs is also admired by Klopp, with Liverpool set to return for a new offer soon, having had their opening bid of €30m (£26m) turned down, and they could be set to match the Italian club's €40m (£34m) asking price.

Two Liverpool players feature in the top 25 of the Golden Boy Index, which ranks European football's most promising young talents, with Harvey Elliott sitting in 14th and Stefan Bajcetic ranking 21st, and the Merseyside outfit are now keen to bring in another exciting prospect.

That is according to a report from The Daily Mail, which details that the Reds are keeping tabs on Birmingham's Sanusi, who is poised to leave St. Andrew's this summer, amid growing interest in his signature.

Scouts have made regular checks on the 16-year-old's progress, and Liverpool are now keen on snapping him up, but they face fierce competition from a number of the Premier League's top clubs.

Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are all keeping tabs on the youngster, who has already occasionally been training with the Birmingham first team, however he has not signed his scholarship contract.

The Magpies and the Reds have of course been linked with similar targets already this summer, with reports claiming the former liked what they saw of Dominik Szoboszlai while the latter fancied a move for Sandro Tonali, and it seems they could be about to go head to head with Manchester's finest along with Spurs.

The left-winger has already featured in Birmingham's match-day squad, being called up for their away trip to Blackpool last season, but he is yet to make an appearance for the first team.

Who is Trevan Sanusi?

The Birmingham starlet has managed to force his way into the U21s team, scoring the second goal in a 3-0 victory against Crewe Alexandra back in March, while he also netted a stoppage-time winner against Everton in December.

Birmingham boss John Eustace has hailed the forward as a "really exciting young attacking player", and he clearly has a lot of faith in him, given that he has already called him up to the first-team squad for a Championship match.

Considering the young prospect only turned 16 in April, he is likely to be some way off breaking into the Liverpool squad, however he is showing all the signs that he could go on to be a top player, if he continues his current trajectory.

Sanusi is rising through the ranks with England, making nine appearances for the Under 16s in international friendlies, weighing in with one goal and one assist, and it is exciting news that Liverpool are in the mix to secure his signature.