Lions face final-day battle for survival after Rayner's marathon

England Lions 353 (Livingstone 105, Westley 68, Pushpakumara 8-127) and 32 for 2 trail Sri Lanka A 548 (Karunaratne 212, Samarawickrama 185) by 163 runs
ScorecardOllie Rayner’s marathon stint brought four wickets [file picture]•Getty Images

England Lions face a battle to avoid defeat in their second four-day match in Dambulla against a Sri Lanka A side battling to square the series.Sri Lanka A took a commanding lead of 195 then took two wickets early in the Lions’ second innings. When bad light stopped play with 23 overs of the day’s allocation remaining, the Lions had been reduced to 32 for two, with Haseeb Hameed and Tom Alsop both undone by the early introduction of spin.Malinda Pushpakumara, the left-arm spinner who took eight wickets in the first innings and four in each innings of the Lions victory in Kandy, opened the bowling and had Hameed caught behind for 16 in his fourth over, leaving the Lancashire and England opener with only 35 runs from his four innings in the series.Alsop, the Hampshire left-hander who came in for Nick Gubbins in this match, fell lbw pushing forward to the off-spinner Dhananjaya De Silva in the next over, just before the umpires decided that the light was no longer playable.So Tom Westley will resume with captain Keaton Jennings on the last day with the Lions still 163 runs behind – and facing the sort of test that is part of the purpose of development tours such as this.The Lions had spent a total of more than 135 overs in the field in Dambulla’s combination of heat and humidity, with Ollie Rayner bowling almost 50 of them.Rayner is the sole survivor in this Lions team who played in a high-scoring draw at Dambulla three years ago, when he bowled a total of 44 overs without a wicket.So figures of 48.2-8-164-4 represented a significant improvement for the 31-year-old Middlesex off-spinner, whose county team-mate Toby Roland-Jones also earned highly respectable figures of three for 67 from 20 overs.”We’ve done 150 overs in the dirt there – that’s tough,” said Rayner. “And they played very well. I’m feeling like one of the older guys on the trip at the moment. But I think the boys stuck at it. We maybe struggled later on Saturday, let things drift a bit. But we came back today, especially after lunch.”You have a lot of chances to take wickets when you bowl 48 overs. You can’t just have one plan when you bowl in the sub-continent, because it doesn’t go to plan, as we’ve seen today – 30 for 3 to 333 for 3. I feel like I’ve got a few more options than when I last came out here with the Lions three years ago.”Unfortunately for us it was starting to turn a bit more at the end there. But hopefully with a bit of a dust and a roll overnight that should tidy it up.”There was a second wicket for Tom Curran, who had made the first breakthrough on Saturday morning as the Sri Lankans were reduced to 30 for three, and one for Somerset spinner Jack Leach – with Surrey wicketkeeper Ben Foakes taking five catches, including a spectacular one-handed effort to give Curran the wicket of Pushpakumara.Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dimuth Karunaratne, who had made the Lions toil for more than two sessions without a wicket on Saturday, extended their fourth-wicket partnership to 315 before Roland-Jones denied Samarawickrama a maiden double century with the second new-ball, trapping him lbw for 185 as he worked to leg.But De Silva then joined Karunaratne to add further punishment in a fifth-wicket stand of 131 in 28 overs.To take the last six wickets for 72 represented a decent fightback by the Lions, with Rayner claiming three of them. First he had De Silva caught behind down the legside for 74 from 95 balls, and four overs later the left-handed Karunaratne outside-edged a drive to Tom Curran at backward point.The opener, who is expected to return to Sri Lanka’s Test team for the forthcoming home series against Bangladesh, had posted a new first-class career best of 212 from 319 balls – and Rayner in particular must be sick of the sight of him, as he made 156 here against the Lions three years ago.Roshen Silva then pushed a return catch to Roland-Jones, before Foakes leapt to his right to dismiss Pushpakumara, and then claimed his fifth victim when Jeffrey Vandersay edged a cut at the persevering Leach.Rayner claimed the last wicket courtesy of an excellent one-handed catch by Alsop diving forward from short leg, but the Lions already knew they were in for a battle.

Leeds’ "Explosive" £15k-p/w Ace Tells Club He Wants To Go

Leeds United forward Crysencio Summerville has told chiefs that he wants to leave Elland Road, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

When did Crysencio Summerville join Leeds?

The Dutchman first arrived in Yorkshire back in September 2020 when he joined the U21s from Feyenoord's U19s, before getting promoted to the first-team the following summer, but he’s never quite been able to receive the regular game time he needs.

During the 2022/23 Premier League season, the 21-year-old was only handed 12 starts from 38 games and was viewed as more of a fringe player, so is obviously out of favour when it comes to getting consistent minutes under his belt.

The Whites’ right-sided winger may still have another three years to run on his contract but suffering relegation to the second-tier has seen several big names, including Tyler Adams, Wilfried Gnonto and Jack Harrison, all linked with exits. The young attacker could be another following in their footsteps if the next update is to be believed.

Is Summerville leaving Leeds?

According to Dutch outlet 1908 (via Football League World), Summerville has “informed” Leeds that next season he “does not intend” to play his football in the Championship.

The LS11 academy graduate has already “made his position clear” regarding his future having told the hierarchy that he “will not be with the team” beyond the summer transfer window.

The Elland Road ace is attracting interest from the likes of Everton and former side Feyenoord so he won’t be short of potential suitors should he depart which, at this stage, is looking highly likely.

Leeds United forwardCrysencio Summerville.

Should the 49ers keep or sell Summerville?

Leeds will know that Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce didn’t favour Summerville enough last season so he wasn’t given a proper chance to show what he’s capable of, but when he was in action, he more than displayed why he should be in the starting squad.

The Wasserman client, who pockets £15k-per-week, posted six goal contributions (four goals and two assists) in 28 Premier League appearances and was his outfit’s fourth best-performing offensive player, highlighting the positive impact he made in such a short space of time.

The Netherlands U21s international, who has the versatility to operate in five various positions across the grass, has also been hailed an “explosive” winger by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his creative flair in the final third, so the 49ers Enterprises should definitely try to retain his services and bring in a manager that will allow him to get a more consistent run in the team next season.

Fabrizio Romano Drops Key Chelsea And Inter Milan Update

Chelsea and Inter Milan are set for key transfer discussions involving several different players, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who are Chelsea linked with?

The two huge clubs could end up being busy together during the summer transfer window, with various individuals potentially moving from one to the other.

For Chelsea, this summer represents a huge period in their recent history, with Mauricio Pochettino coming in as manager and looking to turn their fortunes around. For that to happen, the right signings need to come in, though, and it is also a case of getting rid of the dead wood, allowing the Argentine to work with exactly the players he wants to.

It remains to be seen who will come in, but Romelu Lukaku could possibly return from his loan spell at Inter, while Andre Onana has been continually linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Romelu Lukaku for Inter Milan

Are Chelsea and Inter set to discuss transfers?

Taking to Twitter, Romano provided an update on the current situation, saying that Lukaku's future is a big talking point in the coming days, but also mentioning other players who could head either way:

"Chelsea and Inter are set to schedule a meeting in the next days, as called yesterday.

"Understand Inter will ask about Kalidou Koulibaly as priority target. Romelu Lukaku’s future, main topic; but Trevoh Chalobah for Inter, Andre Onana for Chelsea will be also discussed."

This is an encouraging update from a Chelsea perspective, suggesting that the club are working hard on sorting both incomings and outgoings early in the transfer window – it hasn't even officialy opened yet (June 14).

Lukaku's future is arguably the most intriguing piece of business out of those mentioned, with the Belgian a striker with so much pedigree, but also someone who there are still doubts over.

His cameo in the Champions League final against Manchester City summed up why his critics often don't rate him, with two huge spurned missed in Istanbul, and at 30, it may be more beneficial for Chelsea to sell him permanently – potentially to Inter – and look to bring in a younger striker this summer.

Meanwhile, seeing both Kalidou Koulibaly and Trevoh Chalobah head to Italy would divide opinion, with the former an experienced head who could come good and the latter a big young prospect,

Onana would surely be an upgrade on Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy between the sticks at Chelsea – Pep Guardiola called him "exceptional" before the Champions League final – so hopefully his arrival is confirmed sooner rather than later.

جوارديولا يقدم روشتة الفوز على ليفربول وآرسنال في الدوري الإنجليزي

تحدث بيب جوارديولا المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر سيتي عن المنافسة مع ليفربول وآرسنال على لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويتصدر ليفربول الترتيب برصيد 60 نقطة بعد فوزه على لوتون تاون في الجولة السادسة والعشرين، ويليه مانشستر سيتي وآرسنال برصيد 56 نقطة بعد خوض 25 جولة.

وقال جوارديولا في تصريحات لـ “بي إن سبورتس”: “الشيء الأهم وبالنظر إلى من حيث أتينا وعودتنا في الدوري، أننا نتواجد هنا مع أصحاب الصدارة (ليفربول)، وفي كل موسم يقدم الفريق عملًا ومجهودًا خارقًا”.

وأضاف: “وعندما يأتي شهر أبريل أو مايو، نصل إلى الأمتار الأخيرة من السباق، وبالتالي دائمًا ما نركز على المباريات الواحدة تلو الأخرى وسنرى”.

اقرأ أيضًا | رايا يرد على الانتقادات بعد هدف بورتو القاتل أمام آرسنال

وأردف: “أعتقد أن أفضل طريقة لتحليل أداء ليفربول وآرسنال تكون من خلال التركيز على نقاط قوتهما، يجب أن نعتقد أننا لسنا في أوج عطائنا عندما نلعب ضدهما فهما يمتلكان مستويات رائعة”.

وواصل جوارديولا: “أعتقد أن الأفضلية تأتي في التفكير كيف يمكننا اللعب بأفضل صورة ممكنة في المباراة المقبلة، فكلما لعبت جيدًا تكون قريبًا من الفوز، وكلما حققت الفوز تقترب من اللقب”.

وأكد: “كان بودي لو تدخلت عندما نلعب أمام آرسنال أو ليفربول أو أستون فيلا أو توتنهام، أو الفرق الأخرى التي نواجهها لكن لا يمكنني ذلك”.

وأتم: “لذلك أركز على فريقي الذي سيحاول تقديم أقصى مجهود ممكن وهذا هو الطريق إلى النجاح”.

Tottenham: Spurs Now Hold "Most Exciting" Manager Talks

Tottenham have held "positive contacts" with Feyenoord coach Arne Slot who could beat other managers to the job, explains Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

Spurs are ever so slowly whittling down their long list of managerial candidates from the last fortnight, with former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann out of contention among others.

The likes of Vincent Kompany (Burnley) and Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso were also of interest to chairman Daniel Levy, but both managers have recently committed their long term futures.

The Lilywhites are rumoured to be targeting Sporting Lisbon's head coach Ruben Amorim, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Slot as a result – with Celtic's Ange Postecoglou also under real consideration.

Levy is reportedly stepping up his chase for a new manager with key meetings scheduled in the coming days, and as the summer transfer window approaches, this could be good news for Spurs supporters.

Going back to Slot, there has been an update on Spurs' strong links to the Dutchman courtesy of Sky reporter Di Marzio, who shared news on his personal website.

The transfer journalist claims "positive contacts" have been held with Feyenoord's coach, fresh off his first ever Eredivisie title win, and he's now a "serious candidate" who "could eventually beat the competition from the other profiles".

Not much is said after this revelation, but Di Marzio's update will be promising for sections of the Spurs fanbase who wish to see Slot succeed Antonio Conte.

Who is Arne Slot?

The Dutchman has been very impressive for Feyenoord, not only guiding them to a title win this season, but also nearly clinching a UEFA Europa Conference League title last year.

Slot narrowly lost out to Jose Mourinho's Roma but all the signs of an exciting, young and hungry tactician are certainly there.

Media members from his homeland, like Netherlands football journalist Marcel van der Kraan, are in no doubt over Slot's huge potential and attacking style.

The 44-year-old has drawn comparisons to Man City manager Pep Guardiola, with van der Kraan claiming to talkSPORT he imposes a similar style.

“He is very similar to Pep Guardiola, his ideas are very similar, he is a massive fan of Pep and he plays the same time."

“He goes ultra-attacking, he is almost like a maniac. Not on the touchline but it is fantastic to see how he has turned an average side into a wonderful attacking machine."

Van der Kraan also branded Slot the "most exciting" manager he's seen in the last 10 years.

Tottenham: Spurs Now Hold "Most Exciting" Manager Talks

Tottenham have held "positive contacts" with Feyenoord coach Arne Slot who could beat other managers to the job, explains Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

Spurs are ever so slowly whittling down their long list of managerial candidates from the last fortnight, with former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann out of contention among others.

The likes of Vincent Kompany (Burnley) and Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso were also of interest to chairman Daniel Levy, but both managers have recently committed their long term futures.

The Lilywhites are rumoured to be targeting Sporting Lisbon's head coach Ruben Amorim, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Slot as a result – with Celtic's Ange Postecoglou also under real consideration.

Levy is reportedly stepping up his chase for a new manager with key meetings scheduled in the coming days, and as the summer transfer window approaches, this could be good news for Spurs supporters.

Going back to Slot, there has been an update on Spurs' strong links to the Dutchman courtesy of Sky reporter Di Marzio, who shared news on his personal website.

The transfer journalist claims "positive contacts" have been held with Feyenoord's coach, fresh off his first ever Eredivisie title win, and he's now a "serious candidate" who "could eventually beat the competition from the other profiles".

Not much is said after this revelation, but Di Marzio's update will be promising for sections of the Spurs fanbase who wish to see Slot succeed Antonio Conte.

Who is Arne Slot?

The Dutchman has been very impressive for Feyenoord, not only guiding them to a title win this season, but also nearly clinching a UEFA Europa Conference League title last year.

Slot narrowly lost out to Jose Mourinho's Roma but all the signs of an exciting, young and hungry tactician are certainly there.

Media members from his homeland, like Netherlands football journalist Marcel van der Kraan, are in no doubt over Slot's huge potential and attacking style.

The 44-year-old has drawn comparisons to Man City manager Pep Guardiola, with van der Kraan claiming to talkSPORT he imposes a similar style.

“He is very similar to Pep Guardiola, his ideas are very similar, he is a massive fan of Pep and he plays the same time."

“He goes ultra-attacking, he is almost like a maniac. Not on the touchline but it is fantastic to see how he has turned an average side into a wonderful attacking machine."

Van der Kraan also branded Slot the "most exciting" manager he's seen in the last 10 years.

Prolific Beaumont and Winfield secure clean sweep

Another match, another rout. At least for Pakistan they can leave this one knowing home is not too far away. It has been a tour to forget

Vithushan Ehantharajah at Chelmsford07-Jul-2016
ScorecardLauren Winfield top-scored for England with 63 off 40 balls•Getty ImagesAnother match, another rout. At least for Pakistan they can leave this one knowing home is not too far away. It has been a tour to forget: a sizeable 6-0 blemish on the last six months that saw them turn over India, in India, at the World T20. From their inability to counter England’s top-order assaults, to their oversized playing kit, which billowed with every misfield and misguided hack across the line – this tour has shown they have much more work to do.A fifth won toss in six and Heather Knight had no qualms batting first: England had won all 11 previous matches at Chelmsford and, with that in mind, Tammy Beaumont and Lauren Winfield ensured a 12th was sewn up early with an opening stand of 108.Across the six matches, the first England wicket has been worth 801 – more than half of their team’s runs. When Pakistan do return to their own beds, a few of their bowlers might want to check under them to ensure Beaumont and Winfield are nowhere to be seen. Both their half-centuries were typical of their play over the last month: Winfield willing and on the front foot, Beaumont wristy and devastating.The familiarity spread right through to the game’s conclusion. Pakistan were run ragged in the field and, facing a total they had no intention of chasing – Danni Wyatt pilfered 11 from the first four balls of the final over to help England set 170 – it was just a matter or whether they would be bowled out in the allotted time. In the end, they finished seven wickets down and 57 short.England rang changes with the ball, the most noticeable being left-armer Tash Farrant coming in for Katherine Brunt. Having made her debut at the age of 17, Farrant spent two years on the sidelines from January 2014 to February 2016, when Mark Robinson gave her a run out in England’s final T20I before the World T20.Hers is an example he was keen to address: a player picked young yet too young to cope with being dropped and overlooked for a prolonged period. Now 20, she looked at ease, cycling through her variations and even nabbing the wicket of opener Nahida Khan with a slower ball that was flat-batted back to her. There were first international wickets, too, for Alex Hartley.Talking about how easy you find things is one of cricket’s great taboos, but even Heather Knight, a measured individual who seems to cringe at her own success, might wonder what all the fuss of captaining your country is about.From the early part of Robinson’s tenure as head coach, it was evident that both he and Knight were on the same page. In one of their first coach-player interactions, Knight said she wanted to move away from feeling like the onus is on her to bat for as long as possible. She wanted freedom.As captain, she has been able to afford that to the rest of her team. All this while questions were being asked of whether life after Charlotte Edwards would really be so rosy. Those answers will not be able to be given just yet, but Knight was understandably punchy in the press conference.”There was a lot of noise around the squad before the series and the girls have responded. The cricket we have played has been really entertaining to watch. Everyone is feeding off the success of each other and it’s been a really nice place to be.”That last point is key. Perhaps one of the most noticeable elements of this England side is how much more open they seem. And while players young and experienced have commented on how Robinson has created a relaxed atmosphere, it has been particularly clear to former players no longer in the system.Caroline Atkins, who represented England between 2001 and 2011, was taken aback at how at ease the players were when she was around the team at Taunton as they prepared for the third ODI. It was not an atmosphere she was used to. Isa Guha and Ebony-Jewel Rainford-Brent have also presented caps to debutants during this tour, something that has rarely happened in English women’s cricket. Rainford-Brent, who  presented Hartley with her T20 cap before this match, was even invited into the team huddle – a ringed haven usually reserved for squad members.There are of course elements that still need work. On a personnel level, Kate Cross’ return to international cricket, after an impressive pre-season tour of Sri Lanka with the England Academy, was disappointing, as she took 1 for 56 from the 11 overs she bowled across the first two ODIs. Cross will spend the next few weeks up to the inaugural Women’s Super League fine-tuning some technical aspects of her game, such as her front arm, before leading the Lancashire Thunder in what is hoped to be a testing fortnight of high-level cricket. She will hope her name will be added to the long list of seamers Robinson has healed.Long term, it will be interesting to see whether the confidence gained from these six matches can carry through into something more sustainable. This is not a team that likes to blow their own trumpet. But after six matches of runs, wickets and outright dominance, and given the manner in which they are looking to play their cricket, they might have to get used to it.

Rangers: Beale could repeat Leon King masterclass in ’23/24

Glasgow Rangers have endured one of their worst seasons in recent memory.

The Ibrox outfit will end the campaign trophyless while they have also sacked a manager and even managed to secure the record for the worst ever Champions League group stage performance, losing all six matches and scoring just twice.

Michael Beale will be aiming to put 2022/2023 firmly in the rearview mirror once their finally match has been played and turn his attention to the summer transfer window, with the squad badly needing to be overhauled.

It could be the Gers busiest transfer window in recent memory, especially with seven first team players out of contract and the Englishman will be eyeing up a fair few arrivals too.

Could the 42-year-old turn to the academy to save the club some money?

With plenty of young talent impressing for both the B team and U18s, next season could have a very different feel to it.

One player that Beale may consider giving more opportunities to is defender Lewis MacKinnon and the Ibrox side could certainly their repeat their Leon King masterclass.

Who is Lewis MacKinnon?

The 20-year-old centre-back plays in the same position as King, and he could follow in his footsteps by making the leap to the first team next term.

King is a stunning prospect, making his debut for the club under Steven Gerrard in 2020 aged just 16, he has since gone on to feature for the Light Blues on 28 occasions, gaining valuable Champions League experience along the way.

MacKinnon may not have made his senior bow yet, but there is no doubt the ability is there and with the club having nothing to play for across the final five matches of the season, there may be an opportunity to impress.

He offers a rare attacking threat from central defence having scored three times this term while the Northern Irishman has even stated that he aims to be “solid” in his own box, also admitting that he has improved while speaking to the media earlier this season, saying:

"The Lowland League has been more of a physical test, but when we play these top European teams you’re coming across a different challenge, it’s probably more technical playing against these teams. Ultimately, it will help us improve as a player, everyone’s enjoying it.

Leon King for Rangers

“If you look at the boys who got a start against Queen of the South, it just shows you that the pathway is there, and you just have to keep striving each day."

King has proven that there is indeed a clear pathway from academy to the senior side, and Beale could well unleash him either in the final few matches of this season, or bring him into the first team squad ahead of 2023/2024.

£200k-p/w Man United Man Slammed After Defeat

Journalist Samuel Luckhurst has slammed Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford following his 'Ineffectual" display in the club's recent defeat.

What's the latest on Marcus Rashford and Man United?

The Red Devils took on Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon with both teams pushing for a spot in the Champions League places.

Man United's ambitious took a major blow, however, as they lost 2-0 at at St James' Park, which means they now slip two fourth while their opponents leapfrog them into third thanks to superior goal difference.

After a well-fought first half, Joe Willock eventually broke the deadlock after 65 minutes and then Callum Wilson sealed the deserved win late on with a header.

It was clearly a bad day for all involved from the Red Devils' point of view but it seems as though one man stood out for Luckhurst.

In his player ratings for the Manchester Evening News, he gave Rashford and 3/10 for his efforts.

He explained why, writing: "Struggled to get going so much he swapped wings with Antony and had no joy against the more cumbersome [Dan] Burn. Ineffectual."

Is Marcus Rashford fit?

Journalist Michael Plant of Manchester World seemed to concur as he went even harsher and handed Rashford a 2/10 for his performance.

His player rating read: "Another who failed to have much of an impact on the game. Rashford didn’t have enough touches and was poor when in possession."

Soccer Football – Europa League – Play-Off Second Leg – Manchester United v FC Barcelona – Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – February 23, 2023 Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford reacts REUTERS/Carl Recine

When you look at the player's stats on SofaScore, it doesn't make for pretty reading either. Indeed, his 6.1 score was the worst on the field for either team.

What's more, he lost the ball 10 times, won 0/4 duels, completed 74% passing, didn't have a single shot at goal (on or off target), failed with two dribble attempts, and managed just 29 touches in 90 minutes.

To put that in perspective, even Wout Weghorst at least managed to get one shot at goal (albeit off target), and fellow winger Anthony completed two dribbles and won five duels.

To be fair, Rashford – who makes £200k-p/w – had actually pulled out of the England squad during the international break and he was an injury doubt coming into this game.

On the evidence of his latest display, it's probably safe to assume he wasn't 100 per cent (much like his passing). Even so, his manager wouldn't have played him if he wasn't ready to make an impact, so there really is no excuse to be quite as poor as he was.

Newcastle Hit The Jackpot On "Impressive" £30m Maestro

Newcastle United have come a long way from the days when Sports Direct tycoon Mike Ashley owned the club and in just over one year the club has been transformed from relegation battlers to top-four contenders.

The Magpies reached their first domestic cup final since 1999 and are currently just two points off a Champions League qualifying spot inside the top four with 12 games remaining this season – a far cry from the bitter memories Ashley left behind.

Indeed, the St James' Park faithful will have only a handful of positive moments to reflect on over the unpopular owner's 14-year reign, but just like a broken clock always right twice a day – he did have some rare success when it came to transfer business during his tenure.

Ashley made some controversial decisions during his time in the northeast, particularly with certain players' futures under the reign of Kevin Keegan and Rafa Benitez, but from an individual standpoint, he made a pretty profit on some to done the famous jersey.

One of the exits he had no choice but to sanction was the sale of Ayoze Perez in 2019 when the Spaniard who had been signed for £1.5m was sold for £30m to Leicester City after the Foxes triggered a release clause in the player's contract – a technicality that Ashley claimed to regret.

Where is Ayoze Perez now?

There is no doubt that the sale of Perez was met with fury from supporters after tallying up 195 appearances, 48 goals and 17 assists, becoming one of Newcastle's shining lights in a difficult time for the Magpies.

However, since making his £30m move to the Midlands, Perez has been unable to deliver the same output for Leicester with only 15 goals and 12 assists registered over 115 appearances – although did collect himself silverware in the form of an FA Cup back in 2021.

In more recent times, the 29-year-old – once dubbed "impressive" by Alan Shearer – found his game-time dwindling under Brendan Rodgers having often been played out of his position of a number 10 or second striker which he was so successful in at Newcastle.

Premier League, Newcastle United, Newcastle United news, Newcastle United latest news, Newcastle United analysis, NUFC news, NUFC latest news, NUFC analysis, NUFC transfers, Ayoze Perez, PIF, Eddie Howe, Mike Ashley

Having never reached the heights once seen in the North East and running out of opportunities to convince the Leicester boss that he is worthy of a spot in his attacking threat – Perez made the move to Real Betis in January this year to get some first-team football away from the Premier League.

Over nine appearances, the Spanish forward has scored one goal and delivered one assist, hitting the back of the net against Manchester United in the Europa League but inevitably being knocked out of the European competition by the Red Devils.

With that being said, hindsight is a wonderful thing and had he stayed at St James' Park things may have been very different for Perez, however, there is no doubt that a £28.5m profit on the player who has not been in better form since is a great sale.

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