Manchester United clearly have the need to strengthen their ranks in the winter transfer market.

The Red Devils have endured a puzzling season to say the least in 2023/24, with obstacles seemingly permanently standing in the way of Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman has had to deal with behind-the-scenes matters concerning Antony and Jadon Sancho while his summer recruits are yet to pull up many trees.

Andre Onana hasn't looked the part since replacing David De Gea, proving to be notably poor in the Champions League during the 3-3 draw with Galatasaray. As for Rasmus Hojlund, he is yet to find the net in the Premier League, even if a handful of European goals have been forthcoming.

The real issues, however, perhaps lie at the back. With Lisandro Martinez unfit and Raphael Varane not trusted, Ten Hag has had to turn to the likes of Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire. Yeah, not great.

Man United's January transfer plans

It won't come as a surprise to see that many of the rumours heading into the January transfer window revolve around defenders.

One target for the club, as per Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenburg is Jean-Clair Todibo. However, their top target is Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva.

It's thought the Portuguese youngster possesses an £88m release clause in his contract which could make any deal an easy, but costly one to wrap up.

Antonio Silva's best qualities

After a Champions League game last season, Jamie Carragher only had praise for a central defender who looks as though he's going right to the very top.

“I mentioned his defensive prowess. But goalscoring there as well. He is going to be a superstar," the former Liverpool star stated.

It's hard to disagree with that viewpoint, particularly when analysing the qualities that make the 23-year-old standout.

According to FBref, Silva ranks in the top 5% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues and continental competitions for short-range pass success with 95.5%. To put that into context, Ruben Dias is the best on the continent in this department over the last year with a 97% accuracy.

Silva is no slouch when it comes to longer passing either, ranking in the very best 1% for medium passes between 15-30 yards. That modern approach will clearly appeal to Ten Hag but the defender is also up for the battle at the back.

He is in the top 3% for percentage of dribblers tackled in Europe and notably, hasn't made a single error leading to an opposition shot on goal.

Antonio Silva's most comparable players

As per FBRef, one of the most similar players to the Benfica star is Arsenal sensation WIlliam Saliba.

The Frenchman has been one of the stars of recent times for Mikel Arteta's men and is a huge reason behind their title-challenging form over the last year.

Antonio Silva vs William Saliba

Stat (per 90)

Antonio Silva

William Saliba

Short pass accuracy

95.5%

93.3%

Medium pass accuracy

96.8%

94.1%

Passes into final 3rd

3.27

4.70

% of dribblers tackled

80%

75%

Touches

68.14

81.75

Successful take-ons

0.57

0.21

Carries

47.56

54.84

Progressive carries

0.43

0.42

Ball recoveries

6.10

5.96

Stats via FBRef.

Evidently, they both boast brilliant progressive attributes, whether it be through passing or carrying the ball, but they very rarely get beaten by their marker when it comes to a one-versus-one duel either.

With the United defence proving to be too much of a pushover without Martinez in the side, adding someone of Silva's calibre to their ranks will no doubt do wonders to help Ten Hag's project at Old Trafford grow.

Leeds United will move back to third in the Championship if they can secure all three points against Swansea City at Elland Road this evening.

The Whites dropped down to fourth in the division after West Bromwich Albion's win on Tuesday night but can move straight back ahead of the Baggies tonight with a win.

Daniel Farke's side host the Swans in Yorkshire and are up against a side with one win in their last six matches, which has left the Welsh outfit 18th in the league.

Leeds will also be looking to pile the pressure on Ipswich Town, who also play this evening, as they could move to within four points of the Tractor Boys if results go their way.

The Whites come into this match off the back of a 1-1 draw away at Rotherham United last Friday night and will be looking to bounce back to winning ways this time out.

Crysencio Summerville opened the scoring with a fine finish into the far bottom corner before a strike from Hakeem Odofin secured a point for the hosts.

Leeds injury news

Farke has confirmed that Georgino Rutter is back to full fitness after an abdominal strain made him a doubt for the clash with the Millers.

The 21-year-old wizard still managed to start and register an assist in that game – his sixth of the season – and he is now back to 100% ahead of today's clash.

Rutter has created 15 'big chances' for his teammates in 15 Championship starts, to go along with three goals, so far this season and has proved himself to be an outstanding option at this level who could be the difference-maker against Swansea at the top end of the pitch.

It has also been confirmed that club captain Liam Cooper is available for selection after being withdrawn with ten minutes to play against Rotherham due to cramp.

Djed Spence has been back in training with the Whites and could be involved in the matchday squad for the first time since his debut against Sheffield Wednesday at the start of September.

Archie Gray has been deployed at right-back, despite being a central midfielder by trade, and the Tottenham Hotspur loanee's return to fitness could provide the 17-year-old talent with some strong competition for his place in the XI over the coming weeks and months.

Sam Byram and Pascal Struijk both started on the bench after their respective injury issues over the international break but Farke has revealed that they are both fit and available to feature against the Swans.

With all of this information in mind, the German head coach must now unleash Struijk from the start at Elland Road tonight and instantly ditch Cooper.

The Dutch central defender should return to the starting XI to partner Joe Rodon if he is 100% fit and able to be named in the line up as he has been a key figure at the back so far this season.

Pascal Struijk's season in numbers

After the club's relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, Struijk was provided with the opportunity to establish himself as the go-to centre-back for Leeds as the likes of Robin Koch and Max Wober secured loan exits away from Yorkshire.

He has grasped that chance with both hands and enjoyed a terrific start to the season with his commanding and progressive performances for the Whites.

In possession, the Dutch titan has showcased his ability to play out from the back under pressure and to play through the lines to build attacks and help the team to break down stubborn defences.

Struijk ranks within the top 5% of Championship centre-backs for progressive passes (5.82) and the top 29% for progressive carries (0.73) per 90 this term.

This shows that the impressive colossus has the requisite forward-thinking mindset and technical quality to progress his side up the pitch through passes and carries, and has been one of the best in the division in his position with the former.

Struijk has not allowed his silky play on the ball to detract from his defensive actions, though, as the Dutchman has made 2.2 tackles and interceptions and 6.6 ball recoveries per match across 16 league outings, which shows that the 6 foot 3 star is able to win possession back for his side on a frequent basis.

Appearances

16

Sofascore rating

7.08

Clearances

45

Duels won

69

He has also won 59% of his duels, including 60% of his aerial battles, and this means that the giant gem has been able to dominate opposition players in physical contests more often than not.

The 24-year-old ace has also avoided making a single error that has led to a goal or a shot for an opponent and is yet to give away a penalty, which illustrates how solid his performances have been.

Liam Cooper's season in numbers

Struijk should be unleashed ahead of Cooper as the Scotland international has offered less for Leeds this season, both from an offensive and defensive perspective.

Out of possession, the 32-year-old veteran has made 1.9 tackles and interceptions and 3.2 ball recoveries per game across nine Championship appearances.

This shows that he wins the ball back far less often than his Dutch teammate, who has averaged more than twice as many ball recoveries per match. Cooper has, however, won 58% of his duels so far this season and can provide a similar level of strength in his physical battles.

The left-footed enforcer does not offer as much quality on the ball in comparison to Struijk. He ranks within the top 14% of Championship centre-backs for progressive passes (4.71) and is in the bottom 19% for progressive carries (0.20) per 90.

These statistics indicate that Cooper is not able to produce as much thrust in possession to push Leeds up the pitch and to find teammates in attacking positions to make things happen offensively.

Therefore, Struijk should return to the starting XI tonight against Swansea in place of the Scottish battler due to his superior quality on and off the ball.

Farke hailed him as a "crucial" part of his team earlier this season and the statistics back that up, which is why his inclusion this evening could be key to their chances of coming away with all three points.

Despite the overarching cloud of a ten-point deduction this season, Everton are performing quite well. The side are currently sitting 18th in the Premier League table but have picked up three wins and one draw in their last five outings.

Another victory away at Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening gained some valuable ground for the Toffees on those above them in the table, with Luton Town's defeat at home to Arsenal on Tuesday night meliorating Everton's pursuit of safety.

However, another big task awaits Sean Dyche and his players as high-flying Newcastle United come to town, having beaten Manchester United 1-0 last time out, although the scoreline flattered to deceive the Red Devils.

Despite Everton's win at the weekend, the manager could look to make a couple of changes to his starting lineup to prevent fatigue, with fixtures against Chelsea and Burnley on the near horizon.

Here is the side's predicted lineup ahead of the Magpies' visit to Goodison Park on Thursday night

1 GK – Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford has been the first name on Everton's teamsheet since joining the club back in 2017 and unless he picks up an unprecedented injury, it's highly unlikely that the goalkeeper will be dropped to the bench.

The England number one is in the top 11% of all goalkeepers in Europe's top-five leagues for post-shot expected goals per shot on target which is a metric used to indicate how likely a keeper is to save a shot on goal and so there's little chance Pickford isn't given the nod for this match.

2 RB – Seamus Coleman

Seamus Coleman has yet to play a single minute for Everton this season, having picked up a knee ligament injury away at Leicester City in the previous campaign. However, the captain was on the bench for the Toffees' defeat at home to Manchester United a fortnight ago and the team's victory at the City Ground on Saturday.

Ashley Young has primarily been Dyche's first choice at right-back, but with games coming thick and fast, the £55k-per-week earner will need to have some rest if he is to continue to feature regularly. Coleman will be champing at the bit to get back out on the grass and this could be the perfect opportunity to get some minutes under his belt.

3 CB – James Tarkowski

James Tarkowski was superb at the weekend and managed to make nine clearances, one interception and seven ball recoveries while also playing seven passes into the final third and winning 80% of his aerial duels.

The ex-Burnley defender has been the captain in Coleman's absence which has certainly been deserved as he is Everton's highest-rated performer this season with a 7.29 average, according to Sofascore. Tarkowski will likely keep his place in the starting lineup against Newcastle.

4 CB – Jarrad Branthwaite

Tarkowski was not alone in the heart of the defence in keeping Nottingham Forest out on Saturday. His defensive partner Jarrad Branthwaite was just as instrumental in preventing the ball from going past Pickford in goal and earned praise this season from the likes of Premier League legend Alan Shearer, who called him a "magnificent" defender.

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Branthwaite won 100% of his ground duels and 67% of his aerial duels and made six ball recoveries, six clearances and one interception. Dyche won't want to upset the apple cart by dropping either of his resilient centre-backs.

5 LB – Vitaliy Mykolenko

Vitaliy Mykolenko has been a solid performer at left-back this season and was one of Everton's best performers against Forest last week, earning a Sofascore rating of 7.1. The Ukrainian fullback also made nine defensive actions, two interceptions and seven ball recoveries, while winning 100% of his aerial duels.

Mykolenko has plenty of gas left in the tank to play once more in midweek and will likely keep his place in the starting eleven.

6 RM – Jack Harrison

Despite a solid defensive display at the City Ground, Jack Harrison was one of Everton's worst performers. The Liverpool Echo handed the loanee a 6/10 rating, explaining that the winger "laboured for long periods" of the game. No Everton player received a lower score from the outlet.

Nevertheless, Harrison still recorded an assist for the winning goal to clinch a valuable three points, putting him top of Everton's leaderboard for assists which may have let him live to fight another day in the lineup.

7 DM – Idrissa Gueye

It's difficult to tell at times that Idrissa Gueye is 34 given the energy he brings in the middle of the park. The Senegal international was tremendous at the weekend, making eight ball recoveries and 11 defensive actions during the match. Additionally, Gueye played three balls into the final third and created one chance, showing a creative side to his game as well.

With Amadou Onana still being assessed ahead of kick-off, Gueye will potentially keep his spot in the team once more.

8 DM – James Garner

No player had a higher match rating than James Garner on Saturday evening with 7.6. The former Manchester United man was scintillating in the midfield, defensively and offensively, recording 12 defensive actions, 13 ball recoveries and three interceptions on top of playing nine passes into the final third.

Once called "superb" by Roy Keane during his loan spell with Nottingham Forest two seasons ago, Garner is finally starting to prove he was worth the £15.5m Everton paid for him last year and will likely start alongside Gueye in the midfield again.

9 LM – Dwight McNeil

Dwight McNeil was the man who earned all three points against Forest, with his second-half goal clawing Everton closer to safety. McNeil alone boasted one-third of his side's total 0.67 xG during the game so perhaps it wasn't too much of a surprise that he came up with the winner.

The winger has struggled in recent weeks but showed the fans why Dyche has been persistent with starting him on the left which will continue on Thursday night.

10 AM – Abdoulaye Doucoure

Having initially been brought to Everton as a deep-lying midfielder, Abdoulaye Doucoure has found his calling as a second striker behind the centre-forward. He is currently top of Everton's goalscoring charts alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin with four goals apiece and is a goal threat in a team that are the joint-third-lowest scorers in the Premier League.

Doucoure must start if Everton are to get a result at home to Newcastle United.

Perry had earlier batted through the Sixers innings making 54 not out, taken a key wicket, made a crucial run out and held a vital catch before bowling the final over that saw the match end in a tie

The Report by Alex Malcolm19-Jan-2019

Ellyse Perry prepares to go aerial•Getty Images

Super over
Is there anything Ellyse Perry can’t do?A stunning six in a Super Over saw the Sydney Sixers keep the dream of three consecutive titles alive scraping past the Melbourne Renegades in a remarkable game. They will face the Brisbane Heat in the WBBL final next Saturday following a day of heart-stopping semi-finals at the Drummoyne Oval in Sydney.Perry had earlier batted through the Sixers innings making 54 not out, taken a key wicket, made a crucial run-out and held a vital catch before bowling the final over that saw the match end in a tie. And after all of that, she clubbed Molly Strano for six off the fourth ball of the Super Over to win the game.Strano only had six runs to play with after Sixers pacer Marizanne Kapp had held the Renegades to four singles and a two.The Super Over was an anti-climax compared to the chaotic final ball sequence in the Renegades chase.Sophie Molineux, on 53 having controlled the chase magnificently, faced Perry needing three runs to win off the final ball. Molineux carved it just over backward point’s head. Erin Burns sprinted from deep cover-point to make a remarkable diving save to prevent the boundary. Sarah Aley was there in support to fire the throw to the keeper’s end. Molineux’s partner Claire Koski made her ground coming back for three but Molineux had been slower covering the ground. Alyssa Healy ripped her glove off, gathered Aley’s throw and fired to the non-striker’s and delivered a direct hit to catch a diving Molineux short to leave scores tied.Ellyse Perry celebrates Sophie Molineux’s run-out•Getty Images

Healy produced another direct hit run-out in Kapp’s excellent Super Over. Kapp found Dani Wyatt’s outside edge with a slower ball but the nick fell just short of Healy. Wyatt went to run but was sent back, only to be run out by Healy’s accurate underarm.Molineux’s remarkable innings was in vain. She made 55 off 54 balls only to be just inches short of winning the game. Her innings was even more special given the Renegades had slumped to 3 for 19 chasing 132. But she got superb support from Jess Duffin who made a vital 41 from 34 balls. But after Duffin and Courtney Webb fell, the Renegades needed 45 from the final four overs. Koski clubbed 19 from 14 to aid Molineux but left her needing 13 from the last over. Molineux struck a boundary first ball, but Burns’ save denied her a boundary off the last to save the game for the Sixers.Earlier, Perry and Dane van Niekerk saved the Sixers blushes with the bat with an unbeaten 98-run stand to set the Renegades a stiff target. The Sixers looked in a world of trouble losing three wickets in the Powerplay and slumping to 4 for 33 in the ninth over.Healy fell in the third over with only eight runs on the board, swiping a slog sweep straight down the throat of Wyatt at deep midwicket off Molineux. It was the fifth time in WBBL Healy fell to Molineux’s left-arm orthodox.Amy Satterthwaite’s bold move to place herself at slip to Lea Tahuhu paid immediate dividends, with the captain pouching a low catch from Ashleigh Gardner’s outside edge. Burns was run out after a horror mix-up with Perry before Sara McGlashan chipped a simple catch to cover-point off Georgia Wareham.Perry, in the form of her life, had struck her first ball for four but really struggled for fluency thereafter. Van Niekerk’s vast experience provided the perfect foil. Despite the horror scenario, the pair didn’t panic. They rotated the strike comfortably and ticked the scoreboard over without taking undue risks during a six-over rebuild. They then unleashed late. Perry reached her eighth score of 50 or more for the tournament. Van Niekerk’s 51 not out from 36 balls was even more valuable. The South African struck three fours and a six in the last three overs which proved pivotal in the end.

Despite the positive strides that have been made at Tottenham Hotspur under new boss Ange Postecoglou, the Greek-Aussie is seemingly aware that further reinforcements will be required in the new year if that momentum is to be maintained.

The former Celtic head coach only recently admitted that a new centre-back will be required amid the lack of depth behind the likes of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, with long-serving stalwart Eric Dier seemingly not considered a suitable option.

It is not just at the back, however, where improvements could well be made in the winter window, with further additions to help bolster the front line also required, following the loss of Harry Kane over the summer.

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With that in mind – and amid the prior success of landing Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur from Serie A – the north Londoners could look the way of Italy again in order to snap up Genoa sensation, Albert Gudmundsson.

Spurs transfer news – Albert Gudmundsson

Reports back in early November indicated that Spurs were among the clubs showing an interest in the Icelandic talent, with former Lilywhites boss Jose Mourinho also said to be keeping tabs on the player at AS Roma.

The 26-year-old made the move to Italy back in the summer of 2022 and still has just under three years left to run on his existing deal, ensuring that Postecoglou and co may have to fork out a sizeable fee to secure his signature.

Currently valued at just €15m (£13m), however, according to CIES Football Observatory, there could be a case for the Premier League outfit to strike a real bargain next month, if they can reach an agreement for anywhere close to that figure.

Albert Gudmundsson's style of play

The former AZ Alkmaar man may not be the high-profile addition that some of a Spurs persuasion will be craving, yet the 5 foot 10 whiz has proven himself to be a real standout performer for his current side of late.

Typically operating through the middle or on the flanks, the in-demand talent has scored eight goals in just 16 games in all competitions this season, taking his total tally to 23 goals and six assists in 66 games for Genoa to date.

Such explosive form in Italy has even seen Gudmundsson likened to a certain Mohamed Salah by teammate Kevin Strootman, with the latter man previously having played alongside Salah at Roma, prior to the Egyptian's exploits at Liverpool.

While suggesting that Gudmundsson can still be somewhat inconsistent, like Salah was in Rome, Strootman hinted that his colleague could well follow in the Anfield hero's footsteps by exploding in the years to come:

“If he keeps improving, he won’t stay at Genoa for long. He reminds me of Salah when he was at Roma, in that every now and then he disappears. Much like Salah then, he would have four or five chances per match and only score at most one.

“They used to say that if Salah was more clinical, he would be playing for Liverpool, and that is exactly what happened. All joking aside, Gudmundsson is a devastating player and also an exemplary professional.”

Salah – who bagged 34 goals in 83 games at the Stadio Olimpico prior to moving to England – has been a phenomenon on Merseyside over the last six years or so, having only recently reached a landmark of 200 goals for the club.

If Gudmundsson can get anywhere close to such feats, then Spurs could have a real superstar on their hands.

How Gudmundsson compares to Richarlison

If the 35-cap international is to arrive through the door in 2024, it could well spell bad news for one of Postecoglou's current forwards, Richarlison, with the Brazilian still dividing opinion at N17 having scored just five league goals since the start of last season.

By contrast, while Gudmundsson was playing in Serie B last term – Italy's second tier – he does now boast 17 league goals since the start of 2022/23, having mirrored the Tottenham man's flexibility after featuring all across the front line.

Not only evidently more clinical in front of goal, the Genoa ace also has the creative prowess to match, as he ranks in the top 10% among his fellow forwards in Europe's top five leagues for progressive passes, as well as in the top 17% for progressive carries per 90.

Richarlison, by contrast, ranks in just the top 33% and the top 21% for those same two metrics, respectively, as a forward, while he is even seemingly outworked by his potential replacement, with Gudmundsson ranking in the top 1% for interceptions per 90, while the former Toffees man ranks in just the top 5% in that regard.

Not only a possible Salah 2.0 but also an upgrade on Richarlison in attack, Gudmundsson could represent an ideal, left-field acquisition for Postecoglou next month.

أعلن نادي مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي، عودة إيلكاي جوندوجان إلى صفوفه مجددًا بعدما أكد اللاعب رحيله عن برشلونة.

وودع جوندوجان جماهير برشلونة برسالة عبر حساباته الرسمية على وسائل التواصل الإجتماعي (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وقام حساب مانشستر سيتي الرسمي عبر منصة “إكس”، بإعادة نشر تغريدة لجندوجان.

وقام جوندوجان بكتابة: “مانشستر سيتي، أعلن صفقة جوندوجان من جديد”، معيدًا نشر تغريدة قديمة له يعود تاريخها إلى عام 2016 حين انضم للنادي الإنجليزي وكتب بها: “مان سيتي.. أعلنوا صفقة جوندوجان”.

وأعاد مانشستر سيتي نشر تغريدة جوندوجان معلقًا: “تبدو وكأنها خطة”.

Sounds like a plan 👀 https://t.co/ZZdwUGuWvi pic.twitter.com/BIYwdhxbCh — Manchester City (@ManCity) August 23, 2024

ثم أعلن مانشستر سيتي في تغريدة منفصلة، عودة جوندوجان رسميًا إلى صفوفه، ونشر مقطع فيديو للاعب وكتب: “ما كنتم تنتظرونه جميعًا.. مرحبًا بك مجددًا في مانشستر سيتي”.

What you’ve all been waiting for…

Welcome back to City, @IlkayGuendogan 🩵 pic.twitter.com/8VutEkQNRU — Manchester City (@ManCity) August 23, 2024

وأتم مانشستر سيتي صفقة إعادة التوقيع مع جوندوجان من برشلونة لمدة عام واحد، بحسب ما أعلن النادي في بيان رسمي.

وأوضح الصحفي فابريزو رومانو، أن صفقة انتقال جوندوجان لمانشستر سيتي هي صفقة انتقال حر، بعقد حتى يونيو 2025 مع خيار التمديد لموسم آخر.

وعند عودته إلى مانشستر، قال جوندوجان إنه لا يمكن أن يكون أكثر سعادة بالعودة إلى مانشستر سيتي.

قال جوندوجان: “كانت السنوات السبع التي قضيتها في مانشستر سيتي بمثابة فترة من الرضا التام بالنسبة لي، سواء داخل الملعب أو خارجه”.

وأضاف: “لقد تطورت كشخص ولاعب، وطورت علاقة خاصة مع جماهير السيتي واستمتعت بنجاح مذهل، كانت فترة استثنائية في حياتي، إن الحصول على فرصة العودة إلى هنا يعني الكثير”.

وأكد: “يعلم الجميع مدى احترامي لبيب جوارديولا، فهو أفضل مدرب في العالم والعمل معه كل يوم يجعلك لاعبًا أفضل، تشعر بالتحدي باستمرار، وهو ما تريده تمامًا أي محترف، لا أستطيع الانتظار للعمل معه مرة أخرى”.

وأتم: “وماذا يمكنني أن أقول عن زملائي هنا في مانشستر سيتي… إنهم لاعبون من الطراز العالميـ أنا سعيد حقًا بالحصول على فرصة التدريب واللعب إلى جانبهم، بصراحة، لا أستطيع الانتظار لارتداء قميص مانشستر سيتي مرة أخرى”.

Acting BCCI president doesn’t want the careers of both players to be put in a limbo

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jan-2019CK Khanna, BCCI’s acting president, doesn’t want the careers of KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya to be “kept in a limbo” and has urged the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) to lift their suspension until the court issues a directive.”I suggest that pending inquiry we reinstate both the cricketers in the Indian squad immediately and allow them to join the team in New Zealand at the earliest,” he wrote in an email, as reported by ‘They made a mistake, and they have already been suspended and called back from the series against Australia. They have also submitted an unconditional apology. We must not keep their careers in a limbo.”Hardik and Rahul were recalled from the tour of Australia after the Test series for their comments on a TV chat show that was aired on January 6. Since then, both players have pleaded guilty to the charge of indiscipline and misconduct imposed on them by the CoA.ALSO READ: Hardik Pandya and the man in the mirrorHaving missed the ODIs in Australia, their hopes of an imminent return were dashed when the Supreme Court on Thursday adjourned the hearing pertaining to Lodha reforms. The fate of Hardik and Rahul is one of several issues that are due to be resolved, but can only be done after the appointment of an amicus curiae to replace Gopal Subramanium, who left that post recently after holding it for several years.The disciplinary issue of the two players is tied to the appointment of a BCCI ombudsman, the board’s final adjudicating authority under its new constitution. The post has been vacant since Justice AP Shah finished his term in late 2016 and the Committee of Administrators has asked the court for directions on a new appointment.

Tottenham have reportedly "set their sights" on a "dominant" centre-back for next month, coming after his agent shared "almost weekly" talks with Spurs.

The centre-backs wanted by Spurs in January

Spurs are said to be prioritising the signing of a new left-sided centre-back in January, coming after an injury to Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero's recent suspension exposed some real lack of depth in the position.

Backed by new sporting director Johan Lange, who is set to assist chairman Daniel Levy in identifying transfer targets, there have apparently been Spurs recruitment meetings behind-the-scenes over who they should target (The Mail).

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Uruguay defender Sebastian Caceres, Everton's Ben Godfrey, Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, Genoa star Radu Dragusin, Union Saint-Gilloise's Koki Machida, Benfica ace Morato, Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio and English starlet Jarrad Branthwaite are all rumoured defender targets for Spurs from the last few months alone.

Dragusin in particular is a very intriguing option, as the Romanian has been in excellent form for Genoa this season. The player's agent, Florin Manea, also said in November that Dragusin could cost just £26 million.

Manea, speaking to Fanatik last month, shared that he's held "almost weekly" conversations with Spurs over Dragusin and even meetings in London – as well as other interested sides.

“The people from Genoa know (that he will soon leave),” Manea explained.

“I have been in London for some time and have almost weekly meetings with important teams. We are getting closer. I spoke with Newcastle, with Arsenal, with Tottenham. I also have the messages with them, conversations. There are teams that ask.

“I want to say that, 100 per cent by next summer, Radu will play for a very strong club. One in the top 10 in the world. He wants to be in the Premier League, but I know that Milan like him a lot. I talked to the people there.”

Tottenham "set their sights" on Dragusin

Now, according to Football Transfers, Tottenham have "set their sights" on Dragusin as one of their top January transfer targets for the centre-back area.

Spurs' scouting team are said to be impressed with the 21-year-old's commanding performances in Italy, so much so that they now have a very genuine interest, as backed by his agent.

Dragusin appears to have floated higher up Lange and Levy's list of preferred defensive additions, and it's hardly a surprise given his form this season.

According to WhoScored, the Romania international is an indispensable member of Alberto Gilardino's starting eleven. Both Dragusin and goalkeeper Morten Frendrup stand out as Genoa's most regularly-selected players, starting 15 matches this term and failing to miss a single Serie A encounter so far.

Tackles per game – 0.8

Interceptions per game – 1.1

Aerial duels won per game – 3

Passing accuracy – 83%

Clearances per game – 4.5

Imperious at the back, Dragusin has also made more clearances per 90 and won more aerial duels on average than any other Genoa player in Italy's top flight (WhoScored). He's also been called a "dominant" defender by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig.

Liverpool have been handed another injury boost ahead of the meeting with Manchester City this weekend, with an "outstanding" player available for selection.

Liverpool injury news

The Reds face arguably their toughest possible Premier League assignment of the season on Saturday lunchtime, making the trip to the reigning English and European champions for an enormous game. City have won an incredible 23 successive matches in all competitions at the Etihad, highlighting the magnitude of Liverpool's task, and they will have to be at their very best to get a positive result.

Jurgen Klopp hasn't been without injury problems of late, with Andy Robertson and Thiago two key players who are now long-term absentees, with neither expected to return until the New Year, acting as a big blow. Youngster Stefan Bajcetic is also someone who has been out for an extended period of time, while midfield pair Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch missed the 3-0 win at home to Brentford in Liverpool's last outing.

It does look as though Klopp's issues have eased after the international break, however, with a big positive emerging from his pre-City press conference on Friday afternoon.

Liverpool handed Curtis Jones boost

According to journalist David Lynch on X, Jones is back for Liverpool's vital meeting with City on Saturday after last playing at the beginning of the month, with Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate and Gravernberch also in contention to feature, with the trio missing last time out.

"Jurgen Klopp confirms Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch are all available for Saturday's trip to Manchester City."

This is good news for Liverpool, considering what an important figure Jones has become in midfield these days, bringing so many strong attributes to the side, as he continues to mature as a player. During his academy days, the 22-year-old was known more for his skill levels and general flamboyance on the ball, but Klopp has turned him into a far more disciplined midfielder, much like Gini Wijnaldum used to be during his Liverpool days.

Jones, who had been out with a hamstring issue, is press-resistant in possession – the Reds ace is enjoying a 94.2% pass completion rate in the Premier League this season – and he has also averaged 1.6 tackles in the competition, showing that he is a force both in and out of possession. Meanwhile, former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson lauded his compatriot earlier this year, saying of him:

"He has been outstanding. Everything that he has been doing with and without the ball: with the ball it speaks for itself, he rarely gives it away, he’s great in tight spaces, a really clever footballer, the goals he scored were outstanding."

Curtis Jones' Liverpool stats	Total
Appearances	106
Goals	11
Assists	12

Having Gomez and Gravenberch to call upon is also great news for Liverpool, although the pair could start on the substitutes' bench, with Konate alongside Van Dijk at the back, and Jones potentially picked in midfield with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Second-guessing Klopp's starting lineup is never easy, but he will be delighted to have as many options available as possible, with substitutes likely to play a key role in proceedings, whether that be defensive players coming on to help hold a lead or attacking stars being introduced to make the difference if a goal is needed.

Mithali Raj has said that the acrimony that followed India’s semi-final exit in the Women’s World T20 is a thing of the past, even though she felt the episode did “hamper” the profile of the Indian women’s team.”I don’t know how controversies help the profile of the sport because the profile of the sport depends on how the players perform,” Raj, India’s ODI captain, said on Sunday, before the team’s departure for their first tour of New Zealand in 13 years. “[The controversy] did hamper women’s cricket. I believe when a lot of non-cricketing things are spoken, it’s not so good, but we are getting an opportunity where we can again perform and let people talk about the team’s performance, and that will only enhance the profile of the sport.

WV Raman on why he applied for the head-coach position

“Given all that has transpired in the last 18 months, this is a very crucial stage. This is a stage where they can skyrocket, and if things don’t go well, things can really go down south. So at this point, I thought they would require somebody with the experience, and also somebody who’s seen a gamut of teams and performed various roles. So I fancied myself, and that’s the reason I am here.
“The very fact that they almost won the World Cup in England and also went up to the semi-finals [in the World T20] – that was one of the reasons I put my hat into the ring. That was to me an indication that there’s great talent in the women’s cricket circuit and that they are capable of going places.”

“It’s a fresh start. Coming into the new year, it’s a fresh series. Yes, we’ve moved on. Right now, the focus is the New Zealand series. As a captain, and as a team, we understand the importance of the [ICC Women’s Championship] points system and how important it is to gain those points and get into the 2021 World Cup, and we know where we stand right now on the table. This series is very crucial from that perspective.”Raj also said that she and Harmanpreet Kaur had left the bitterness that followed in the aftermath of the World T20 semi-final behind them.”I think both of us have moved on from there,” Raj said. “I think too much emphasis has been given to that controversy. It was last year; all of us should look forward to 2019.”As the one-day captain, it is important for me to get the team together and important that we perform as a unit. Individual brilliance can win you a few matches, but if you have to win a series, you need every core member of your team to perform, and that performance has to complement the team’s goal. That is definitely what I believe will get the team together again and that’s what we’re going to work on.”At this level, every player understands what it takes to reach this level, and what it takes as a team to go on an overseas tour to aim to win the series, to gain those points. So, even though we might have differences of opinions, when we come down as players, we sit down as a team. It’s always to the benefit of the team, and what works for the team is decided by everybody.”In the mud-slinging that ensued after the World T20, Raj had written to the BCCI about Ramesh Powar’s supposedly high-handed methods as coach. Powar in turn alleged that Raj had threatened to retire from T20Is midway through the tournament. Raj denied the allegation, saying: “I never thought of quitting, because whatever has happened is off the field. I believe whenever I take that decision, it probably will be because of my own reasoning about my own game.”Mithali Raj and WV Raman field questions at the BCCI headquarters•Annesha Ghosh

During the World T20, Raj had said, “I believe that now the team is settling, so it could probably be the last World Cup for me, the World T20 format”. But on Sunday, she said she hadn’t made any definite plans about her future.”I will take a series at a time. I don’t know where I would be in two-three months from now, so I can’t really predict whether I will be part of the 2020 World Cup,” she said. “For me, at this juncture, this New Zealand tour is as important, very important in fact, [as to] how it goes for me and for the team, so I am only looking forward to this tour as of now. I can’t predict or comment on how it’s going to go in the future. That’s something I’ve never planned; it’s always been with the flow.”Since April 2017, three India women’s coaches – Purnima Rau, Tushar Arothe and Powar – have been ousted controversially. Raj felt that with the appointment of former India opener WV Raman, the team had hit upon the right person for the job. Raman’s coaching credentials include stints with Ranji Trophy and IPL sides, besides a long tenure at the National Cricket Academy.”I’ve not trained under him [Raman], but have met him a couple of times,” Raj said. “If you see his credentials, his experience and expertise, he’s played and coached various teams at various levels. There’s no expectations as such when you have credentials like that. You are only positive that the coach will make a big difference to the team.”On the cricketing front, one of the challenges that Raj will be faced with in New Zealand is lack of experience. India’s last tour of New Zealand was in 2006-07, and the only players with prior experience of playing in the country are Jhulan Goswami (only part of the ODI squad) and Raj herself. That apart, India’s results have been up and down in ODIs. After reaching the World Cup final in 2017, they won the ODI series in South Africa, and then lost comprehensively at home against Australia in March 2018. That was followed by a 2-1 series win against England in April, before they failed to secure a clean sweep in a three-match away series against a lower-ranked Sri Lanka side in September.”The home series against Australia hasn’t gone well for us. We hadn’t won a point there,” Raj said. “So this series is very important, if we can get those six points… Having lost the last game against Sri Lanka also, we lost out on those two points… Playing any side in their home conditions will have its challenges. Yes, Jhulu and I have toured last in 2006, but, over the years, I’m sure New Zealand has also changed.”