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Arsenal have submitted an "official proposal" to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Who is Jurrien Timber?

After progressing through the youth ranks at Ajax, Timber has gone on to establish himself as a key first-team player for the Dutch side, appearing in all 34 league games last season, and he has started to attract the attention of some top clubs.

Manchester United have been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old, but Arsenal appear to be leading the race for his signature, with Florian Plettenberg claiming they are on the "verge" of completing a deal, with Bayern Munich out of the running.

According to Romano, the Ajax star views the project at the Emirates Stadium as "perfect", and he is "really excited" about the move.

Taking to Twitter, the transfer expert has now confirmed that a second "official proposal" has been submitted by the Gunners, and they are aiming to get the deal done "this week", after having an opening bid of £30m rejected.

Talks are "now advancing" between the two clubs, indicating the move is edging closer to completion, and everything is complete on the player's side, with a five-year contract already agreed.

How much will Jurrien Timber cost?

Ajax are believed to be holding out for £50m to sanction the departure of the defender, who is set to double his wages if he does complete a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

The Dutchman has been hailed as "exceptional" by football scout Jacek Kulig, while Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk also heaped praise on him last year, saying: “I was never that good at the age of Timber, he’s just 21… I can only praise him. His potential is so high, I’m sure”.

For a defender, the Ajax star is very assured on the front foot, placing in the 99th percentile for progressive carries, and in the 94th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 in the past year, displaying his eagerness to drive the ball into attacking areas.

Reports have suggested Ben White is going to be utilised in a central role next season, meaning a new right-back will be required, and Timber would be more than capable of filling in when necessary, having made 49 appearances in that area of the pitch.

As such, the Netherlands international could be an excellent addition to Mikel Arteta's squad, and the manager will be hoping that Arsenal's second offer is accepted by Ajax.

Sri Lanka were forced to train indoors at the Wanderers Stadium on Monday, after weekend rains had seeped through the covers and made the outdoor practice pitches unusable.Though there was no rain, overcast conditions did little to aid the drying of the surfaces on Monday, and there is a chance both teams’ training will be affected on Tuesday as well. The South Africa squad does not officially convene till Tuesday, and as such, have not trained yet in Johannesburg.”Our guys are working on it,” Greg Fredericks, CEO of the Lions, the franchise based at the Wanderers, told ESPNcricinfo. “We had a lot of rain from Friday and through the weekend but we are doing our best.”Groundstaff did provide a centre track for Sri Lanka’s bowlers to train on – no one batted there – and will also aim to provide one for South Africa on Tuesday. Additionally it is hoped one of the practice pitches will have dried sufficiently to conduct a nets session on.Sri Lanka were briefly dismayed at the prospect of training indoors on surfaces they felt may be slower than the outdoor practice pitches, and indeed the Test-match surface. But after talking to groundstaff they are hopeful facilities will improve in the approach to the game.

Chelsea have placed Rasmus Hojlund on their list as a potential striker they could move for this summer, according to a report from Evening Standard.

Are Chelsea signing Rasmus Hojlund?

The 20-year-old currently plays his football in Italy for Atalanta and helped the side to a fifth place finish in Serie A this campaign thanks to his goals and assists. Having been played more times this year than ever before in his career – he featured in 32 league games for the side – he was able to produce his best ever goal haul of nine, and had two assists to boot.

In addition to that, when compared to some of the other strikers across the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe, he emerged as a leading attacker despite his youth. Hojlund's non-penalty xG rate of 0.47 per 90 for example led to him being ranked in the top 16% in his position over the course of the year – an excellent feat considering his relative inexperience and age.

With eleven progressive passes received per 90 too, he actually ranks in the 99% percentile for that figure. It shows that not only is he adept at hitting the back of the net but is able to make clever runs, get into good positions and receive the ball in dangerous areas.

This has led to interest from Manchester United in the Premier League but it appears they could now have a rival in their race to sign the player. That's because according to a report from Evening Standard, the player is on Chelsea's radar as a striker they could sign should other deals not materialise. Boss Mauricio Pochettino is looking at potential forwards to sign and Hojlund's name has cropped up as an alternative to Nicolas Jackson, who is mentioned in the same report.

When does Rasmus Hojlund's contract expire?

With the player's deal only running out at Atalanta in 2027 – having only arrived in Serie A at the beginning of the campaign – they won't be too keen to let him go and could demand £65m for his signature according to this report.

However, his performances have clearly caught the eye of those at Stamford Bridge – and he's also impressed many in the game too – talent scout Jacek Kulig stated that the player is a "complete forward" and an "absolute monster". If the Blues desire a younger striker to lead the line for the club and to help Pochettino get the side back to winning ways, it appears as though that could be Hojlund.

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Nov-2016

John Stanworth, the former director of Lancashire’s cricket academy, has become the latest recruit to the ECB’s restructured England Women’s Pathway.Stanworth, who spent three decades at Lancashire as a player, first-team coach and ultimately the county’s first academy director, has taken up the post of head coach of the England Women’s Senior Academy.For this winter, 19 players have been selected from 13 different counties for the Senior Academy programme, which will utilise the National Cricket Performance Centre at Loughborough to improve the experience, performance and conditioning of promising talent. Stanworth will sit on the senior management team alongside the head coach Mark Robinson, who himself joined the England women’s set-up from Sussex in November 2015.Although he left Lancashire under something of a cloud last year, following the appointment of Ashley Giles as director of cricket, Stanworth earned huge respect for his role at the club, and is credited with overseeing the development of several young members of the current first-team squad, including England’s opener-in-waiting, Haseeb Hameed.In a separate appointment to the women’s set-up, Salliann Briggs has recruited to lead the Academy programme for emerging talent, which is also based at the National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough. A further 17 players, representing 10 different counties, have been selected for the Academy, which means that the talent for the three international programmes is drawn from a total of 17 counties.”The pinnacle for any talented, aspiring young cricketer is to play and win matches for England, and through the England Women’s Pathway we believe that we are developing a structure to support their journey,” said Clare Connor, England’s director of women’s cricket.”The introduction of the six new Regional Development Centres aligned to the Kia Super League structure helps us to significantly broaden the talent pool that we are working with at the base of the pathway, and without any age constraints, we can take a broader and extended view of a young player’s potential.”From there, the England Women’s Academy and England Women’s Senior Academy are in place to help bridge the gap to international cricket, developing players with the skills needed on and off the field to perform for England.”In Salliann Briggs and John Stanworth we have two superb Head Coaches for these programmes. John brings a wealth of experience in developing high potential players from his role as Lancashire CCC Academy Director for over ten years, and I am delighted to welcome him to this new role.”

حقق فريق باير ليفركوزن، بقيادة المدير الفني تشابي ألونسو، رقمًا قياسيًا على صعيد الأندية الألمانية بعد فوزه منذ قليل على ماينز.

وتلاقى الفريقان في إطار منافسات الجولة الثالثة والعشرين من الدوري الألماني، موسم 2023/24، حيث فاز باير ليفركوزن بهدفين مقابل هدف.

اقرأ أيضًا.. باير ليفركوزن يُعلن مصير تشابي ألونسو في الموسم المقبل

وعزز ليفركوزن، بذلك الفوز، صدارته لجدول الدوري الألماني في الوقت الحالي برصيد 61 نقطة.

وأصبح باير ليفركوزن صاحب أطول سلسلة بدون هزيمة في جميع المسابقات، على صعيد الأندية الألمانية، بواقع 33 مباراة.

وتمكن باير ليفركوزن من تحطيم الرقم القياسي الخاص بنادي بايرن ميونخ، الذي بلغ 32 مباراة بدون هزيمة.

Australia have conceded the No. 1 Test ranking to India after losing all three Tests on their tour of Sri Lanka

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Aug-20161:29

‘No.1 ranking just a short term incentive’ – Kohli

Australia have conceded the No. 1 Test ranking to India after losing all three Tests on their tour of Sri Lanka. Virat Kohli’s team – currently ahead of Pakistan by one point – must win the fourth Test against West Indies, beginning on August 18 in Trinidad, to retain their top ranking.Australia slipped to No. 3 after the 163-run defeat at the SSC; they had begun the series with 118 points but finished the contest just ahead of England, who also have 108 points at No. 4, on the ICC’s rankings.As a result of Australia being whitewashed 3-0, Pakistan have risen to No. 2, having drawn their four-Test tour of England 2-2. Should India fail to beat West Indies in Trinidad, Pakistan will become the No. 1 ranked Test side for the first time.Sri Lanka’s performance led to them over-taking South Africa to move into sixth place with 95 points. They had begun the home series against Australia at No. 7 with 85 points.ICC Test rankings 1 India (112 points), 2 Pakistan (111), 3 Australia (108), 4 England (108), 5 New Zealand (99), 6 Sri Lanka (95), 7 South Africa (92), 8 West Indies (65), 9 Bangladesh (57), 10 Zimbabwe (8)

In a year when they have won the World T20, Women’s World T20 and the Under-19 World Cup titles, West Indies will hope to add another piece of silverware, even as Australia look to make their mark under Steven Smith

The Preview by Brydon Coverdale25-Jun-2016Match factsSunday, June 26
Start time 1300 local (1700 GMT)Big PictureAnd then there were two. This tri-series, played across three Caribbean countries – Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, and Barbados – has spat out its bronze medallist, with South Africa heading home after failing to overcome West Indies on Friday. The final at Kensington Oval will be contested between Australia, the World Cup champions of last year, and West Indies, the hosts of this tournament and current World T20 champions, but a team that has had limited ODI success in recent years.To lift this trophy would be yet another welcome boost for West Indies in a year that has gladdened the hearts of Caribbean cricket fans. So far, 2016 has brought triumphs for West Indies in the World T20, the Women’s World T20 and the Under-19 World Cup. By comparison, this tri-series is small beer, but small beer is better than no beer. It would also be an encouraging sign for the leadership of Jason Holder (it was Darren Sammy who led West Indies to the World T20 title).For Australia, the No. 1 ODI side, winning a series such as this might be considered business as usual. But they still have much to play for. Only six of the XI who won the World Cup final are likely to play in this game, and stand-in coach Justin Langer noted that Steven Smith’s ODI side was now trying to make its own mark. “We’ve had great success in the past, but that means nothing, besides the fact that we have a great history and high expectation,” Langer said. “Some of the guys have played in World Cup finals, and that experience is vital, but some of the guys are still finding their way.”Form guideAustralia WLWLW (last five completed games most recent first)
West Indies WLLWLIn the spotlight Mitchell Starc’s immense value to Australia in one-day cricket should not be underestimated. Since the start of 2015, Australia have won 90% of ODIs in which he has played (18 wins from 20 completed games) and only 45% of ODIs in which he has been missing (5 wins from 11 games). He literally doubles Australia’s victory chances. Only twice in that time has Starc played in losses – against New Zealand in Auckland during the World Cup, when he claimed 6 for 28 and could hardly have done any more, and against England in Manchester last September when he had a rare bad day and went for 79 off 10 overs. He is also two wickets shy of becoming the fastest player in history to claim 100 ODI victims.Despite having made his ODI debut just two matches ago, Shannon Gabriel has already made an impact. His pace and bounce rattled the South Africa top order in their knockout match on Friday, his three early wickets leaving them at 28 for 3. Gabriel picked up a leg injury, though, and bowled only five overs before leaving the field for treatment. He did not bowl again in the game, and West Indies will hope Gabriel is fit for the final.Team newsAustralia’s batting order is settled and their main decision is whether to bring the young legspinner Adam Zampa back to add some variety to the attack. Zampa is Australia’s leading wicket-taker in the series and yet has not played the previous two matches after leaking runs against West Indies in the game prior to that. Scott Boland would be the man most likely to make way if Zampa comes in.”I dare say it’ll take a little bit of spin, so Adam Zampa certainly comes into consideration for the team,” captain Steven Smith said on the eve of the match. “I’d say he’s a pretty good chance. We’ll wait and see when we look at the wicket tomorrow, but I’d say he’s a fair chance to start.”Australia (probable): 1 Aaron Finch, 2 Usman Khawaja, 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 George Bailey, 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 James Faulkner, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh HazlewoodIf Gabriel is fit, West Indies will likely take in an unchanged XI. Holder was impressive in collecting 1 for 33 from 10 overs against South Africa, just three days after tweaking his hamstring during a match against Australia.West Indies (probable): 1 Andre Fletcher, 2 Johnson Charles, 3 Darren Bravo, 4 Marlon Samuels, 5 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Jason Holder (capt), 8 Carlos Brathwaite, 9 Sunil Narine, 10 Sulieman Benn, 11 Shannon GabrielPitch and conditionsThe two completed matches at Kensington Oval this series have both produced first-innings totals in the 280s – on one occasion it was ample, on the other occasion it was overhauled. The forecast for Sunday is for fine weather and a top of 28 degrees centigrade.Stats and trivia Aside from a couple of tournaments against Associate nations, West Indies have not won an ODI tournament (as opposed to bilateral series) since the 2004 Champions Trophy The three leading wicket-takers in this tri-series are spinners, one from each team: Imran Tahir (13 wickets), Sunil Narine (11) and Adam Zampa (9)Quotes”This team is trying to put its own print on trying to be a great Australian cricket team. We’ve had great success in the past, but that means nothing.”

Newcastle United are interested in signing Fenerbahce teenager Arda Guler during the summer transfer window, a new report has claimed.

How big a prospect is Guler?

The Magpies have had a season to treasure for date, exceeding expectations and now looking likely to seal a top-four finish in the Premier League. That would see Champions League football return to St James' Park, in what is such an exciting time for the club.

Once the summer window rolls around, Newcastle will be expected to make serious inroads in the transfer market, bringing in a number of new faces. Improved squad depth is paramount, especially if they are in the Champions League, so additions all over the pitch are required.

While established players will no doubt arrive at St James' in the coming months, it is also important that the Magpies continue to plan for the future, looking to bring in young and emerging talent. That's where Guler comes into play, with a recent report linking him with a summer move to Newcastle.

Could Newcastle seal signing of Guler?

The rumour is refusing to go away, with Fotomac [via Sport Witness] claiming there is "great insistence" from the Magpies to sign the 18-year-old this summer. In fact, they have "increased the interest" in the midfielder and are "pushing" for him more than any other club. They also "close to making the strongest bid", so all things indicate that he could be on his way to the Premier League.

Guler could be a hugely exciting signing by Newcastle at the end of the season, not necessarily coming in as an immediate starter, but a long-term acquisition with a high ceiling. He has scored four goals in eight Turkish Super Lig starts for Fenerbahce this season, while at international level, he has already got two caps to his name for Turkey.

He has been dubbed the "Turkish Messi", which says all you need to know about Guler's potential, and former Arsenal and Germany star Mesut Ozil has said he can become a "world star" in the future.

Such high praise only further shows why Newcastle are seemingly so interested in acquiring the Fenerbahce starlet's signature this summer, and he is someone who has the ability to be a future hero for the Magpies, should he reach his potential. His current deal runs until 2025, and while they may have to spend a hefty sum to get him, he could end up being worth so much more.

Manchester United will be seeking to pile the pressure onto Tottenham Hotspur by adding another embarrassing defeat to their recent results.

With a new man in the dugout, as Daniel Levy scrambles for something to ease his issues, there is little expected to change in the four days since their 6-1 mauling at the hands of Newcastle United now that Ryan Mason is in charge.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils have just booked their place in a second cup final of the season and will seek to solidify their spot in the top four with a win today against the vulnerable hosts.

The returning Spurs team will surely be greeted with disdain from the home support after such a performance, in which the players were forced to reimburse fans who had travelled. They were defensively anonymous, and whether it was down to the formation or not, the attitude throughout the whole squad was so toxic.

Of those who started for the Lilywhites, few stood out quite like Eric Dier for being a defensive liability. His 5.9 rating gave way to a 75% pass accuracy, as the versatile dud made just two tackles, via Sofascore.

However, that is not a new development, with the 29-year-old having played 358 games for the club, despite pundit Frank McAvennie claiming he was "awful" and "not good enough" back in 2021.

It seems the England defender remains around the starting squad regardless of form, so Erik ten Hag could seek to exploit this glaring weakness by unleashing the hulking Wout Weghorst on the Spurs liability.

How has Wout Weghorst played this season?

Having spent 120 minutes battling for a first goal that never came, it was not a day for the strikers on the weekend at Wembley. A 19-minute cameo for the Dutch forward only really allowed him to take a penalty in the shootout, which he scored, however, he always captures the imagination for his immense work rate despite his 6 foot 6 frame.

This combination of tireless pressing, which actually have led to him being branded a "pressing monster" by journalist Scott Saunders, alongside his unique physique will give Dier a huge headache tonight. The England international looks shaky at the best of times, but seldom has he come up against such a physical marvel who won't give him a moment's peace.

In turn, this will afford the creative assets around him space to pose the real danger, with Weghorst keen but often unable to get on the end of such chances.

Despite scoring only twice in a Red shirt, Ten Hag remains faithful to the £33k-per-week ace, outlining the positives his main marksman brings: "I think he has intelligence from positions, he is a very good anticipator.

“Of course I tell him to [help] linking up there, which he is also doing as a high striker. But in that position, [he is] linking up and getting in front of the goal when crosses are coming in. As for the rest, there is the defending part which he is also very good [at]."

Seeking to bully Dier into submission in the same way Alexander Isak did last weekend, but again with that touch of class that will knit everything together, Weghorst will hope to spearhead another embarrassing loss for the hosts tonight.

Celtic are expecting Liel Abada to leave Parkhead this summer and plan to accept an offer of around £10m, Football Insider reports.

What’s the latest news on Abada’s Celtic future?

There has been plenty of speculation regarding Abada’s future in recent weeks, with pundit Alan Hutton believing the winger isn’t happy with his current role under manager Ange Postecoglou.

Reports last month claimed that Premier League side Southampton are readying a £10m offer for Abada after the player failed to agree on a new deal with the Hoops, with club officials open to offers. There have been more rumours in recent days as well, with Football Insider stating that the ‘sources close to the 21-year-old have revealed that he wants to leave Parkhead’ after rejecting a new contract offer.

Football Insider shared a further development regarding Abada in the last 48 hours. Celtic, and by extension head of recruitment Mark Lawwell, now expect the player to seal an exit over the coming months and are willing to let him leave in a deal worth between £7-10m.

Is this the right decision by Celtic?

Postecoglou described Abada as “ambitious” last month when asked about the winger’s playing time, appearing to hint over an eventual exit.

“What do you reckon would happen to players who throw their toys out of the pram, mate? He’s a really ambitious guy who wants to be at a big football club. He wants to win things and be the best he can be. That’s exactly where he is at.

“All our players, particularly the younger ones who want to go on to further opportunities, maybe to a stronger league, do you think they are going to go to a club where they are guaranteed game time? No, so it’s no different here. We are a big club. Nothing is guaranteed.”

Abada has started just ten Scottish Premiership games this season and has been used from the bench in the league on 19 occasions. He has still made an impact for the club this season, though, contributing to 19 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions, but with his head seemingly set on a move away, you could argue that it makes sense to cash in.

The Hoops would also be making a healthy profit with a sale in the region of £7-10m as reported after paying £3.6m for his services two years ago, so from a business perspective, you'd expect that a transfer would have been viewed as a success overall.