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Leicester City are interested in making a move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka immediately after his return to Darsley Park.

The Lowdown: Dubravka’s loan terminated

The 33-year-old joined United on a season-long temporary deal back in September, heading to Old Trafford as a backup to David De Gea.

Dubravka was limited to just two EFL Cup appearances for the Red Devils however, and his loan deal has now been terminated, returning to Newcastle training this week.

It could be that the Magpies are planning on selling their ‘keeper permanently this month, following a fresh update.

The Latest: Leicester keen on signing

Writing on Twitter, Aarons claimed that Leicester are interested in signing Dubravka in the January transfer window:

“Understand that Leicester are interested in signing Martin Dubravka this month after Newcastle terminated his loan to Manchester United.”

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The Verdict: Right time to leave

It could be a wise decision for Newcastle to sell Dubravka this month, generating more transfer funds and allowing the player himself more regular minutes elsewhere.

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It is hard to see the Slovakian forcing his way into Eddie Howe’s plans moving forward, even though Tom Heaton has called him ‘excellent’, with Nick Pope the undisputed first choice between the sticks.

Granted, Dubravka was on the substitutes’ bench for Tuesday’s 0-0 draw away to Arsenal in the Premier League, but if the right offer comes along they will surely consider moving him on.

New Glasgow Rangers boss Michael Beale got his tenure off to a bang with victory over Hibernian on Thursday evening, with the Old Firm giants twice coming from behind in what was a thrilling return to Scottish Premiership action at Ibrox.

The Light Blues had gone into the World Cup break on something of a sour note after being held to a 1-1 draw with St Mirren in their most recent league outing, with that stalemate proving the straw that broke the camel’s back for former boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst, as the Dutchman was subsequently relieved of his duties.

Despite the renewed belief sparked by the change in the dugout, it looked set to be more of the same last night for the Gers as the home side fell behind inside the opening eight minutes, with contract rebel Ryan Porteous – who has been tipped for a move to Glasgow – almost inevitably getting on the scoresheet with a bullet free header.

The hosts swiftly hit back, however, through a driven effort from Fashion Sakala, only for Lee Johnson’s side to re-establish their lead just seconds later as Scotland international Kevin Nisbet marked his return from a lengthy injury absence by getting himself on the scoresheet with a deft dink over the onrushing Allan McGregor.

With nerves no doubt building among both the home crowd and the home dugout, midfielder Ryan Jack then tapped home at the back post early in the second half to draw the Gers level, before Alfredo Morelos netted for just the fourth time this season following good work from Malik Tillman in the build-up.

The Colombian’s strike ultimately proved crucial as there was to be no response from the Edinburgh outfit, with the new era at Ibrox getting underway with what was a hard-fought victory for Beale’s men.

That result seemingly came in spite of the dour performance of one Rangers man, however, with former Sheffield United midfielder John Lundstram having looked distinctly uncomfortable after being deployed as a makeshift centre-back alongside James Sands.

With Connor Goldson still not yet back to full fitness and with teenage star Leon King out of the matchday squad, the Englishman was forced to take on an unsuited role in the backline, albeit with that having almost backfired as far as Beale is concerned.

In truth, Lundstram simply had a “shocker” – in the words of journalist Josh Bunting – having been “all over the place” on the night, notably proving culpable for the visitors’ second goal after failing to deal with a rather innocuous through ball that fell kindly to the feet of the aforementioned Nisbet.

Not only a weak link in that second goal for the away side, the 28-year-old also looked shaky throughout the 90-minute affair, having lost possession on 11 occasions from his 105 touches, while also failing to win any of his four aerial duels.

While perhaps not used to taking on the centre-back berth, that can be no excuse for what was a truly limp performance from the Liverpool-born dud, with his match rating of 6.8, as per SofaScore, unsurprisingly the third worst of any starting player for his side.

The hope will be for both the player and his manager that such an experiment is not one that has to be tested out again any time soon, with Lundstram’s outing having laid bare the need to get that man Goldson back amongst the action.

Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder, Moises Caicedo, having previously snubbed the chance to sign the Ecuadorian.

What’s the word?

Recent reports have claimed that the Red Devils – as well as fellow Premier League sides Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United – are in the running for the 21-year-old’s signature, with the youngster’s current side said to open to a sale in the near future.

The Seagulls – who signed the 26-cap sensation for just £4.5m back in February 2021 – are believed to demanding a substantial fee if they are to part ways with their prize asset, however, with the player’s current asking price believed to be around £85m.

South American football expert Tim Vickery – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – has now provided his thoughts on the 5 foot 10 ace potentially joining one of the division’s elite clubs, suggesting that he has the quality to make an impact at any of them.

Asked which suitor could be in need of his services, the respected journalist stated: “I think any of them because he’s a class act as a midfielder and he’s involved in all the phases of play, winning the ball, setting up the play – he finds lovely little angles for his passes – and running beyond the strikers and getting shots on goal. He’s very, very impressive.”

Rectify Ole’s error

Making a move for the emerging talent for such a colossal asking price could well sting somewhat as far as United are concerned, with the Old Trafford having seemingly had the chance to sign Caicedo in the past, during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time at the helm.

Reports back in December 2020 suggested that Solskjaer and co had been keen on landing the then-teenager from Independiente del Valle, only to eventually pull out of negotiations with the deal having appeared ‘too messy’, according to Manchester Evening News.

Such obstacles didn’t seemingly harm Brighton’s bid to land the playmaker, with the south coast side having since reaped the rewards of their bargain signing, having seen Caicedo blossom into a real leading asset at the club in the past year or so.

The £3.5k-per-week sensation – who has been tipped to be someone that “stands out” at the World Cup by pundit Alan Shearer – has two goals and one assist in his 22 Premier League outings for his current side to date, notably netting a stunning strike in the thumping 4-0 win over United at the end of last season.

That quality was again evident when the two sides met again on the opening weekend of the 2022/23 campaign, proving a nightmare start to life at the Theatre of Dreams for new boss Erik ten Hag as the Dutchman saw his side slump to defeat.

That 2-1 scoreline saw the one-time Beerschot loanee – who spent the first half of last season on loan in Belgium – seemingly give the home midfield the runaround,  winning eight of his 11 total duels, while recording four tackles, three interceptions and three clearances on the day.

That showing will likely have had the former Ajax boss ruing the fact that his predecessor was unable to finalise a deal for Caicedo, with it having been no real surprise to see the player linked with the club again during the summer window.

Ten Hag can now rectify Solskjaer’s previous mistake and fork out to bring the exciting starlet to Manchester in the New Year, with the imposing gem the type of asset who “could well be the difference between a Europa League spot and a place in the Champions League for certain teams”, in the words of journalist Sam McGuire.

A deal certainly won’t come cheap, although if Caicedo’s arrival helps in the quest for a top-four berth, the addition of a “special talent” – in the words of Ryan Taylor – could prove to be priceless.

The switch is seemingly a “dream” as far as the player himself is concerned, now United need to simply make it a reality.

Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly already have provisions in place should Antonio Conte leave…

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Dean Jones, Mauricio Pochettino could make a sensational return to north London to replace the livewire Italian.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “I just feel like, no matter what, if Pochettino is still available, I do believe they would turn back to him. I think the fans would love it. 

“Daniel Levy, I know some people think that he might be too stubborn to do that. I don’t believe that would be the case. I think he too might take some comfort from the fact that Pochettino is available.”

It could be a Levy masterclass

Although Conte has brought a steely resolve to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he is yet to get his team to play the kind of liquid football that saw his Argentinian predecessor lauded.

If this experiment with the former Chelsea coach was to fizzle out, returning Pochettino to the dugout could be a masterclass from chairman Daniel Levy, who would be getting a manager who knows the club but has also gone on to find out what it means to win trophies, having overseen some of this generation’s most talented players at Paris Saint-Germain.

At the French club, he won Ligue 1 and two domestic cups.

Another positive that the 50-year-old would bring is that few managers have helped Harry Kane thrive as much as he did under him.

During the season where they nearly won the title, in the 2016/17 campaign, the 29-year-old scored an astounding 29 goals and assisted seven in just 30 games.

Any success he might bring would hinge on the performances of their senior marksman, who boasts a rich history under Pochettino.

This return marks his second-best goal-scoring return, only bettered by the season following, where he would hit 30 in the league again under his management.

The previous success of the former Southampton boss was lauded on talkSPORT, where Jamie O’Hara claimed that his achievements at the club made him “world-class”.

To replace Conte with him would not see a drop in pedigree, with his high-pressure style likely to bring attractive football back to the Lilywhites.

It solely depends on what Levy thinks is his best chance of winning trophies: pragmatism or style. Either way, he will likely end up with a world-class manager, so it must stand as another masterclass.

First points for Sri Lanka in ODI Super League; Bangladesh take series 2-1

Mohammad Isam28-May-2021

Dushmantha Chameera’s maiden five-wicket haul complemented his captain Kusal Perera’s sixth ODI hundred as Sri Lanka finished their Bangladesh tour with a 97-run win in the third ODI. It is Sri Lanka’s first points in the ICC ODI Super League; also a much-needed win for the new-look side even though Bangladesh took the series 2-1.After Perera’s 120 hauled Sri Lanka to 286 for 6 in 50 overs, Chameera’s three early strikes rocked Bangladesh. He later returned to take out two lower-order wickets to complete his five-for. But when he removed Mohammad Naim with his first ball, he had taken a wicket in his first over in all three ODIs of this series. In his following over, the fourth of the innings, Ramesh Mendis timed his leap to take Shakib Al Hasan’s catch at square-leg. Bangladesh were reduced to 9 for 2.Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim couldn’t arrest the slide either. Iqbal was out to a contentious caught behind decision as he was given out attempting a dab outside off to the wicketkeeper. Upon review, it looked a tight call with the bat hitting the ground at the time of the ball passing close to the bat. Iqbal, understandably, walked off disappointed.After Chameera’s three-wicket burst in his first spell, Rahim and Mosaddek Hossain attempted a rebuild by adding 56 for the fourth wicket, before Rahim became Ramesh Mendis’s first ODI wicket when he hold out to long-on for a 56-ball 28. After that, the innings simply meandered, with Mosaddek fighting to make a half-century before falling to a reverse sweep. Mahmudullah too hung around to make 53, but damage had been done at the top.Earlier, Bangladesh paid the price for dropping Perera thrice, as he went on to hold the innings together. Shakib Al Hasan was the unlucky bowler on two of those occasions, which meant his wait to become Bangladesh’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs is set to continue.First, Mustafizur Rahman couldn’t hold on to a reverse sweep off Shakib Al Hasan at point on 66 . Then, Afif Hossain dropped him running back from mid-on on 79, Shakib the unlucky bowler again. Then On 99, Mahmudullah dropped him at mid-off. He got to his hundred, his third against Bangladesh, off the next delivery.Perera struck eleven fours, only two of which were his signature cover-driven boundaries. The majority of his fours came square on the legside, as he hit six fours between square leg and fine leg, while his only six was a mow over midwicket.Perera formed a formidable association at the top with Danushka Gunathilaka as they got Sri Lanka off to their brightest start in the series, hitting seven fours in the first five overs. They added 82 before Sri Lanka were rocked with the wicket of Gunathilaka and Pathum Nissanka in quick succession.Perera carried on to reach his fifty in the 16th over, consolidating the innings with his deputy Kusal Mendis. The third wicket pair added 69 runs in the next 13.2 overs, with Perera dominating the partnership. Mendis hit just a six in his 22 off 36 balls before skying one to Tamim Iqbal at mid-off. Iqbal had brought on Ahmed in search of a wicket around then and the fast bowler repaid that faith.Sri Lanka’s scoring rate however dipped around this stage despite Perera and Dhananjaya de Silva adding 65 for the fourth wicket. Both batters tried to take their stand into the last 10 overs, but Perera felt to a tired shot off Shoriful Islam in the 40th over. Shortly afterwards, Niroshan Dickwella, one of four changes in the XI for this game, was run out for seven.Sri Lanka managed 69 runs in the last 10 overs, but the good deeds of Perera and later Dhananjaya, on the face of a collapse, helped them tide over a collapse and score enough to clinch the game.

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita is wanted by a trio of heavyweight Premier League clubs, according to a new transfer rumour that has emerged.

The Lowdown: Keita’s struggles continue

The 27-year-old’s Reds career has ultimately been a hugely frustrating one, having arrived with such a massive reputation from RB Leipzig back in 2018.

A mixture of injuries and inconsistent form has held Keita back, with the Guinea midfielder only making 117 appearances in just over four years at Anfield.

The midfielder’s current Reds deal expires at the end of this season and a new update suggests he could be heading elsewhere.

The Latest: PL trio eye up move

According to 90min’s Graeme Bailey on Twitter, Keita is wanted by Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham – all of whom are eyeing him up on a free transfer next summer:

“A host of clubs are keeping a close eye on Naby Keita’s situation at Liverpool. The possibility of landing him on a free transfer next year is appealing. Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs amongst a raft of clubs maintaining a watching brief.”

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The Verdict: Time to move on?

When Keita is fit and firing, he can be an influential performer. Indeed, Virgil van Dijk once called him ‘world-class’, but his lack of availability is a major issue.

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Liverpool’s midfield has looked ageing and slow this season, and having the Guinean fit for every game would have made such a difference in taking the pressure off the likes of Fabinho, Thiago, Jordan Henderson and James Milner.

Given Keita’s ongoing fitness issues, it makes sense to part ways when his contract expires, although if he can prove himself between now and May, the club may yet consider an extension.

North East reporter for The Daily Mail Craig Hope has revealed that Graeme Murty is ‘in talks’ to take over as the new Sunderland U21 manager.

The Lowdown: Left Rangers

Murty left Glasgow Rangers as their Head of Elite Academy Development back in November of last year, as the club hailed him for his ‘outstanding’ service over five years in Scotland.

He had played a leading role in the development of their Academy players and practices, leading their development squad to success in the SPFL Reserve League as well as managing their first steps into the UEFA Youth League in 2019.

The Latest: Sunderland talks

Taking to Twitter, Hope has revealed that Murty is now ‘in talks’ to take over as U21 boss at the Stadium of Light:

“Understand Graeme Murty, the former Rangers manager, is in talks to take over as Sunderland Under-21s boss.”

The Verdict: Smart appointment

Given Murty’s previous success at a big club like Rangers, this seems like a very smart appointment by the Black Cats.

He had a six-month spell as Gers manager in the 2017/18 season, accumulating 1.9 points per game, while for their B team, he managed an even more impressive 2.14 points per match (Transfermarkt).

As a player, Murty made over 80 appearances in the Championship, and so knows the league well.

Nonetheless, the 47-year-old could excel as manager of the U21’s, before potentially being promoted up to the first team’s backroom staff in the near future, or earning himself another significant job away from the club.

Now backed by mega-rich owners, Newcastle United are a far greater force in the transfer market than they were during the Mike Ashley era, having only recently secured the club-record arrival of Alexander Isak.

For all the focus on potential incomings, though, manager Eddie Howe could well save PIF millions by promoting from within, with the Magpies having a handful of emerging prospects who could well be unleashed on the first team in the near future.

One such academy talent is that of midfielder Joe White, with the 19-year-old yet to feature at senior level despite having impressed in the youth ranks, having previously scored eight goals and provided nine assists in just 33 games for the club’s under-18s.

The Carlisle-born starlet also impressed after joining Hartlepool United on loan in January, registering three assists in just 16 appearances for the League Two outfit.

There had even reportedly been interest in the playmaker from Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers – among others – prior to that, albeit with the Englishman subsequently quashing such speculation by signing a new long-term deal at St James’ Park in March.

While another temporary exit was mooted over the summer for the “talented” starlet – as dubbed by Howe – no such move came to fruition, ensuring that the youngster is available to be called upon by the former Bournemouth boss.

A chance in the first team should well be afforded to the attacking midfielder amid the current injury woes at the club, with Jonjo Shelvey facing an extended period on the sidelines, while January addition Bruno Guimaraes has been out of action of late.

With midfield options already limited, there should seemingly be a chance for White to stake his claim as the season progresses, with fellow academy prospect Elliot Anderson having already managed to take on a more prominent role in the early weeks of the season by making four appearances thus far.

It would certainly be a positive statement for the club’s youth department if those two academy graduates could go on to become key figures for the Tynesiders over the coming years, and it’s a mouthwatering prospect to imagine the pair running riot in midfield for Howe’s side.

Amid the recent interest in Leicester City’s James Maddison – who could cost more than £60m – Newcastle could well avoid splashing the cash by turning to young White instead.

All the transfer talk concerning Scottish champions Celtic appears to be centred around whether or not Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley will make the move to Parkhead.

What’s the word?

Recent reports have suggested that the Old Firm giants are interested in signing the 28-year-old before the September deadline, albeit with a host of Premier League clubs also in the race for his signature.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – has given his backing to the idea of the Englishman joining the Glasgow side this summer, albeit while outlining the potential risk that could come with it due to his failings at Stamford Bridge of late.

The transfer insider stated: “It would be an exciting signing, just because of who he is. He’s a top player, he’s played in the Premier League for Everton and Chelsea, although his career has stalled in the last few years, so it would be a gamble in some respects if Celtic were to sign him.”

The 33-cap playmaker – who has just a year remaining on his current deal in west London – appears to be surplus to requirements under Thomas Tuchel after having not been handed a shirt number for the new season.

Sensation

While there may be those at Celtic Park questioning the wisdom of signing a player who made just a solitary league start last season, the overriding feeling seemingly mirrors that of O’Rourke, with huge excitement as to the potential impact he could have in the Scottish Premiership.

Pundit Kevin Campbell has certainly given his backing to the switch, stating that: “I think he’ll be a sensation up there I really do. A strong side like Celtic, the way they play, his dynamism from the midfield, the way he can dribble, shoot, beat players, I think he’d be a revelation at Celtic.

“I think that could be good for him. He could go up there for a year, do the business, and then he’s a free agent. I think he’ll do great up there.“

As has proven the case with Barkley’s former Three Lions teammate, Joe Hart, a move north of the border can well inspire a new lease of life for a player of undoubted talent who is undergoing a tricky spell in their career.

While it has been an extended stint without regular football for the former Everton man of late, having made six just league outings last season, he has still managed to rack up a respectable tally of 12 goals and 11 assists in his 100 appearances in the English capital thus far.

Equally, in what was arguably his only regular run in the side under Maurizio Sarri during the 2018/19 season, the £10.8m-rated ace recorded an impressive haul of five goals and six assists in 48 games in all competitions, proving that perhaps all he may need is the faith of a manager.

Once likened to compatriot Wayne Rooney during his time at Goodison Park – where he netted 27 goals and provided 28 assists in 179 games – the £96k-per-week man no doubt has unquestionable natural talent, with the Liverpool-born gem simply needing a new stage to show it.

If handed the chance, he could well become a ‘sensation’ for Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou.

The agent of Roma winger Nicolo Zaniolo is in contact with Tottenham Hotspur to see whether a resolution can be reached over a potential transfer.

The Lowdown: Zaniolo links

On Monday, Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Spurs remain interested in the 23-year-old, but their current offer – a loan with an obligation to buy for £21.14m – doesn’t meet the Serie A giants’ valuation.

Tottenham were handed a boost in their pursuit when Juventus, another club interested in the youngster, pulled out of the race, having switched their attention to alternative targets (via Football Italia).

However, Roma have still refused to lower their £42m price-tag on Zaniolo, leaving the two clubs stuck at a crossroad.

The Latest: Agent now involved

According to the print edition of Il Tempo (08/08/22 – as relayed by Sport Witness), Zaniolo’s agent, Claudio Vigorelli, is “talking to Tottenham to see if there are margins for an offer in line with AS Roma’s demands: €50m cash, with no counterpart.”

Giallorossi boss Jose Mourinho would apparently like to keep the Italy international, but it is thought that if a suitable offer came in, the Serie A outfit would cash in on the winger.

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The Verdict: Great signing but seems unlikely

Given his underlying statistics, it seems Zaniolo would certainly fit in well playing in Antonio Conte’s fast-flowing side.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 23-year-old ranks in the 93rd percentile for shots total and in the 90th percentile for progressive passes received, boasting similar traits to Adama Traore, another target for Conte.

Once dubbed a ‘lethal playmaker’ by journalist Zach Lowy, Zaniolo would add further depth and quality to the Lilywhites’ squad.

However, with the two clubs so far apart in their valuations, this appears to be an unlikely deal if Spurs aren’t going to budge on their offer.