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Mark Stoneman, the England opener, is aware his next two Tests against New Zealand could go a long way to deciding his international future as he tries to secure one of England’s troubled top-order positions.Stoneman has shown moments of promise in his eight Tests to date – and the England management like what they have seen – but has failed to convert three fifties into a century. Having played three matches against West Indies last season and then the five Ashes Tests, he averages 27.07 which is very similar to many of the openers tried since Andrew Strauss retired more than five years ago.After facing Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins over five bruising encounters in Australia – literally in the case of the blow on the helmet Stoneman took against Hazlewood in Perth – it would have been understandable if Stoneman had wanted to hightail it out, but instead he spent another six weeks in the country visiting in-laws (his wife is from Australia) and netting with Surrey team-mate Ollie Pope. He only had 10 days back in the UK before heading to New Zealand.With the selectors having quickly named their squad for this tour after the Ashes – “It’s nice to have that bit of faith in you,” Stoneman said – he did not have to fret over his place, but now has two Tests, one of them the potentially demanding experience of a day-night encounter at Eden Park, to persuade those selectors he is worth keeping for the home season against Pakistan and India. He knows the only way to stop the questions is to score big.”I think I’ve got myself on trial really,” he said. “I always put myself under pressure and can be my own worst critic at times. I’m expecting good things of myself, that’s the most important thing.”He used much of his extended stay in Australia to reflect on his Ashes experience. “I sat back and looked through it all and said, right there’s some good stuff there and at other times there doesn’t look like there’s a whole lot wrong, but probably what was wrong there was my thought process,” he said. “I’ve got the shots, I feel I’ve got the technique to make the runs, I’ve just got to make sure I apply it for longer. What I do for three hours for 50 I’ve got to do for six hours for 100 and build on that.”I’ve shown glimpses but that’s been the problem, it’s only been glimpses so far and if I can go on and do some really good stuff here hopefully I can go on to have a successful international career.”It was a series of two halves for Stoneman: before and after the blow on the helmet by Hazlewood at the WACA – one, final, bristling period of pace bowling at the old ground. He was 52 at the time, having survived a barrage of short stuff to reach his second fifty in five innings in the series, but then fell four runs later when he feathered another searing short ball from Starc. At that point he had made 186 runs; his next four innings brought 42.”I think it was just coincidental on the back of that and it was unfortunate I wasn’t able to finish the series stronger,” he said.The challenge ahead in New Zealand will be less brutal than across the Tasman – although Neil Wagner will no doubt test his technique against the short ball – but more about the moving ball. However, despite what is on the line Stoneman is trying to keep a balance amid the pressure of the international game.”Problems start arising when you start living on the peaks and troughs of cricket,” he said. “Just trying to keep things on a general level in life and you work hard at the cricket and at the end of the day it will be what it’ll be.”

Everton are now showing an interest in signing Manchester United's Harry Maguire, and journalist Rudy Galetti has now revealed whether the defender is likely to be on the move this summer.

Is Harry Maguire leaving Man United?

West Ham United intended to sign Maguire in a £30m deal, however the move collapsed, with it emerging that he would rather stay at Old Trafford this season, however the Red Devils still remain open to offers, despite Erik ten Hag being content to keep him.

ESPN report that United think it is too late to go into the market for a new defender, but Fabrizio Romano has recently stated they are interested in signing Jean-Clair Todibo, Edmond Tapsoba, and Marc Guehi, although Benjamin Pavard is their "priority."

If his pursuit of a new centre-back proves to be successful, Erik ten Hag could choose to sanction Maguire's departure, and there have been a number of Premier League clubs credited with an interest this summer, including Tottenham Hotspur and Everton.

Just a few weeks ago, it was reported the Toffees were leading the race for the England international, and they could now be gearing themselves up to make a move, as GiveMeSport have credited them with "shock" interest.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Galetti has now confirmed the 30-year-old is still available to sign this summer, but there has been little in the way of progress towards an exit over the past couple of weeks.

The journalist said: "Despite the deal that collapsed with West Ham, Maguire is still on the market. Only with his farewell, Manchester United will sign a new centre-back. At the moment for the former United captain, everything is going slow.

“Everton showed interest in him in the last few days, but nothing concrete at the moment. Saudi Arabia is not an option. So, as it stands, the chances to remain in Manchester grow day after day."

Read The Latest Everton Transfer News HERE

How much does Harry Maguire earn per week?

If Everton are to tempt the Englishman into a move, they may have to offer him a significant wage package, given that he is currently tied down to a £190k-per-week contract at Old Trafford, which is not due to expire until the summer of 2025.

While he has received plenty of criticism during his time at Man United, the former Leicester City man has also received praise from his teammates, namely Luke Shaw, who hailed him for his performances for England, saying:

"Look at the Euros and what he has done, people need to understand he is a big part of the England team and they have to accept it."

"He keeps putting himself in the spotlight and it shows the strength and character he has got because, come on, everyone knows that he is an unbelievable player."

Maguire's aerial ability is very impressive, ranking in the 90th percentile for aerials won per 90 over the past year, and he has proven himself at international level, receiving 57 caps for his country, so he could be an excellent signing for Everton.

An update has emerged on Southampton and their attempts to bolster the playing squad before the summer transfer window slams shut on Friday.

What's the latest Southampton transfer news?

c is looking to add a seventh new signing to the group on top of Shea Charles, Flynn Downes Ryan Manning, Ryan Fraser, Mason Holgate, and Joe Lumley.

According to Football Scotland, the Saints are interested in a deal to sign Aberdeen centre-forward Bojan Miovski to improve their attacking options.

The report claims that the Scottish Premiership side are now braced for offers for their star striker as Martin is a big fan of him and is pushing the club to make a move for the left-footed marksman, who he also wanted to sign for Swansea during his time in Wales.

It states that it would take a fee of at least £4m to secure his services and that the ongoing negotiations with Everton over a possible deal for Che Adams could open the door for the 24-year-old gem to arrive at St. Mary's.

How good is Bojan Miovski?

The Dons number nine has been in sublime form for the Scottish outfit since he joined the club ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and the talented dynamo could be a perfect replacement for the outgoing Adams.

So far this season, the Scotland international has plundered three goals in three Championship matches for the Saints. However, he has not been a prolific striker throughout his time on the south coast as the 27-year-old attacker scored 25 goals and assisted 14 in 124 Premier League appearances for the club before their relegation earlier this year.

His impressive start to life in the second tier with the Saints does, however, suggest that the ex-Birmingham City star has the potential to be a reliable scoring option for Martin this season.

Therefore, Southampton must bring in a proven scorer who can provide a significant attacking threat on a regular basis to replace Adams if he does move on to Everton, or elsewhere, before the deadline passes on Friday.

Miovski's time at Aberdeen so far indicates that he would be a dream signing for the Saints to bolster their frontline. Last season, the exciting marksman racked up 18 goals and three assists in 42 appearances, which included 16 goals in 37 Scottish Premiership outings for his club.

No current Southampton player managed more than five Premier League goals last term, which illustrates how impressive the North Macedonia international's displays were for Aberdeen – albeit at a different level of football.

The 24-year-old hotshot has started the current campaign in blistering fashion with three goals and one assist in four matches in all competitions, which means that he has been directly involved in a goal every single game on average so far.

Miovski, whose movement was hailed as "fantastic" by ex-boss Jim Goodwin, is a man in form who is seemingly full of confidence in front of goal based on his goal return over the last 12 months or so, which is why he could be a perfect replacement for Adams to make up for the goals that Martin's team would lose if the Scottish ace moves on.

Arsenal could be forced to revive their interest in an earlier summer target, as manager Mikel Arteta aims to solve a significant defensive blow.

The Spaniard has given the club a successful transfer window of business so far, obtaining Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz, with David Raya also close to being unveiled.

On the pitch, the season has got underway in impressive fashion, winning the Community Shield against Manchester City at Wembley before claiming their first three points of the Premier League campaign against Nottingham Forest.

Their opening-day win was however overlooked by a nightmare defensive injury, reinforcing the need for the Gunners to recruit again this window.

Who could Arsenal make a move for this summer?

Throughout the summer break, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi was the subject of being a host of club’s targets at centre-back.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

The 23-year-old titan has most recently been linked to Manchester United by Fabrizio Romano via Caught Offside, but rumours have also circulated naming the Englishman as a target for clubs in the capital.

As per the Evening Standard back in May, Arsenal and Tottenham were named as potential suitors for the £50m defender, with the Gunners now having the motive to revive such interest later in the window.

How good is Marc Guehi?

Once lauded as an “absolute tank” by England U21 teammate and Stoke City goalkeeper Josef Bursik, the 23-year-old has been one of the stand-out performers at Selhurst Park since his arrival in 2021.

A product of Chelsea’s academy, the defender failed to make a single Premier League appearances for the Blues, however, has cemented himself as one of the best central defenders in the league at Palace.

The Ivory Coast-born star resumed his form on the opening day, playing 89 minutes against Sheffield United to earn a clean sheet in the Eagles’ 1-0 away win, winning a mammoth of 78% of his total duels, via Sofascore.

It’s clear to see why the defender is on the watch list of many, however for Arsenal, reviving interest in Guehi could be pivotal to their progression from last season's narrow title miss.

Signing from Ajax in a deal worth £38m, the Gunners welcomed versatile defender Jurrien Timber in the bid to bolster their back line after last term’s late mishaps.

After an impressive start to life with the north Londoners, the Dutchman suffered a significant knee injury against Forest which could leave him sidelined for a lengthy period of time, with the club yet to confirm the full extent of his injury.

With the 22-year-old expected to be ruled out of action for the foreseeable future, Arteta finds himself another injury away from being left short once again at the back just one game into the Premier League season.

Now could be the perfect time for the Gunners to consider a swoop for Guehi, who could restore the depth at the back at the Emirates in style.

The Englishman has sufficient experience playing in the top-flight, as well as being a highly regarded defender in the Premier League, posing a potentially risk-free acquisition for Edu and Arteta to deliberate.

With United also eyeing a move for the 23-year-old, it could be now or never for the Londoners to regenerate their interest in the centre-back.

West Ham United are chasing the signature of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher; however, it looks like the prospective transfer may be 'off' due to his hefty price tag, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Is Conor Gallagher moving to West Ham United?

According to The Daily Mail, West Ham fear that they will miss out on Gallagher this summer as he would prefer to stay at Chelsea and fight for his place under Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.

The report states that the Hammers saw a £40 million bid plus add-ons turned down for the England international, who has also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.

Due to advances from West Ham, Chelsea are believed to have slapped a £50 million price tag on Gallagher's shoulders, though the Epsom-born man is 'relaxed' about his future, as per talkSPORT.

Gallagher has two years left on his deal at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea are faced with the conundrum of this window potentially being the last chance to recoup a sizeable fee for the 23-year-old.

Last term, Gallagher made 45 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea and managed to register three goals and one assist, as per Transfermarkt.

West Ham source Sean Whetstone has claimed on Twitter X that Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi was offered to the Hammers during talks for Gallagher, though he could be on his way to Fulham, who are in the 'box seat' to sign the 22-year-old, according to Football Insider.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that any notion of a deal for Gallagher is now 'off' due to Chelsea's asking price for the midfielder.

Jacobs told FFC: "The West Ham deal is off for now and I stress for now because it's a long window, but West Ham's bid was rejected around the £40 million mark and Chelsea are looking for; I would say, at least £45 million on preferable terms, but some even say £50 million, which would even be an increase on some of the numbers that the club were willing to sell Gallagher for in previous windows and the West Ham interest is obviously genuine, which is why they've placed a bid, but they're not prepared to go that high."

Who else could West Ham United sign this window?

According to The Sun, West Ham have seen a £25 million bid turned down for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse, who the Saints want closer to £40 million for before sanctioning his exit.

Southampton director of football Jason Wilcox confirmed the news, stating: "Have we rejected the bid? Yep. Is there another offer? Not as I know. I think when a club makes an offer, very rarely is it their full and final offer. If we get the right offer, we will consider it. Consider is an important word because we don’t have to sell."

Initial discussions have also taken place regarding Manchester United pair Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire; however, a gap in valuation currently exists for both players between West Ham and the Red Devils, as per Sky Sports.

Football Insider have claimed that West Ham are 'confident' that they can land Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez for between a fee of £35-40 million as David Moyes looks to fill the void left by Declan Rice in his engine room.

The CoA has been directed to draft the new BCCI constitution as per the approved Lodha Committee recommendations

Nagraj Gollapudi23-Aug-2017The Supreme Court has issued notices to and summoned three BCCI office bearers – CK Khanna (BCCI’s acting president), Amitabh Choudhary (acting secretary) and Anirudh Chaudhry (treasurer) – for the next hearing on September 19, asking them to explain why they have failed to implement the Lodha Committee recommendations.The court was responding to the latest status report filed by the Committee of Administrators (CoA), in which the committee said that there was a “need to direct” all three office bearers to “forthwith cease and desist” from continuing in the BCCI till fresh elections were held.The CoA had also asked the court to order that the committee, along with the BCCI’s professional management led by its chief executive officer Rahul Johri, take complete charge of the board in the interim. But the court deferred a decision on that request, effectively meaning Khanna, Choudhary and Chaudhry can continue in their posts.The court’s pronouncement cannot be misread as a relief to the office bearers, however. Khanna, Choudhary and Chaudhry had given written undertakings to the court in January saying they would ensure the BCCI implemented the reforms. Those undertakings were sought by the court after it sacked Anurag Thakur and Ajay Shirke, the BCCI president and secretary, for failing to honour their written submissions where they had stated the board would implement the reforms.On Wednesday, the court also directed the two-member CoA panel (comprising Vinod Rai and Diana Edulji) to draft the new BCCI constitution as per the approved reforms, barring the three it said it would revisit during the previous hearing on July 24. Back then, the court passed an interim order asking the BCCI to implement the reforms as far as “practicable” so that the “‘gentleman’s game’ remains nearly perfect”. The court had also said that it was willing to reopen debate over some of the reforms “pertaining to membership, number of members of the selection committee, concept of associate membership, etc”.Two days later, at a special general meeting (SGM), the BCCI members – the state associations – “unanimously” agreed to implement all but five of the reforms approved by the court in its original judgement of July 18 last year. Furious, the CoA said that the BCCI had handpicked from reforms that formed the “fundamental core” of the recommendations that were approved by the court originally.The five broad reforms the BCCI wants the court reconsider comprise: membership status which includes the one-state-one-vote reform, disqualification of office bearers, ministers and government officials based on eligibility criteria such as the age cap, tenure and cooling-off period, the strength of the Apex Council – which replaces the existing working committee – the division of powers between the office bearers and the professional management, and strength of the national selection committee.Those objections, the CoA noted in the status report, were “nothing short of gross abuse/contempt”. On Wednesday, Gopal Subramanium, the amicus curiae in the case, echoed the sentiment. “The objections to the recommendations expressed in the meeting (SGM) seeks to erode fundamental aspects of Lodha Committee recommendations and the principal judgement,” Subramanium said in a 23-page submission in the court. “It was clear that anything that affected the vested interests of the concerned individuals was not acceptable to the office bearers of BCCI and the state associations.”In his expansive note, Subraminum outlined the “systematic manner” in which the BCCI office bearers and state associations had “repeatedly” played the obstructionist role in not implementing the reforms. In its principal judgement of July 18 last year the court had given the BCCI a maximum of six months to implement the approved reforms. “Over a year has since passed,” Subramaniam said. “The conduct of the stakeholders has throughout been that of veiled non-cooperation.”He also said that the CoA, having realised the “portrayal of the purported intention” of the office bearers at both BCCI and state associations was merely a “farce”, was forced to request “sweeping directions” from the court including removal of board’s top three administrators – Khanna, Choudhary and Chaudhry.Subramanium agreed with the CoA that if “stringent” steps were not taken, the court’s principal order was in danger of staying as a dead letter. “The fact that two august Committees have conveyed considerable difficulties in resolving the deadlocks evidences the resoluteness of all involved to make a mockery of Justice and Rule of Law. Permitting such a course of action will be detrimental to the public perception of the sanctity attached to the judgements rendered by this Honourable Court.”This Honourable Court has been magnanimous in accommodating the grievances of all parties to ensure that justice is done. However, all efforts have been designedly defeated with the sole intention to avoid implementation of the judgement by triggering all fathomable objections.”

Heart of Midlothian didn’t exactly have a season to remember during 2022/23, despite playing group-stage European football for the first time since 2004/05.

They finished third in their Europa Conference League group, recording two victories along the way, yet this clearly wasn’t enough to satiate the supporters, who had to make do with a poor domestic campaign.

The Tynecastle outfit finished fourth in the Premiership, despite holding a healthy advantage over Aberdeen before Barry Robson’s side overhauled them during the final few weeks, and they failed to even reach the semi-finals of both the Scottish Cup and League Cup, coming as a major disappointment considering they had reached three of the previous four Scottish Cup finals.

Lawrence Shankland was the standout performer for the team, scoring 28 goals across all competitions, however, the Jambos had to go through most of the campaign without the services of both defender Craig Halkett, who missed 45 matches and midfielder Beni Baningime, who was ruled out of the entirety of the season due to a cruciate ligament injury.

The duo are set to return during the early stages of the 2023/24 campaign and this could be a big boost for Steven Naismith, especially as he could revive Baningime, who starred for Hearts during his first few months at the club.

Could Beni Baningime be an important player for Hearts next season?

The 24-year-old began his career at Everton, making 68 appearances for the youth sides before finally making his debut for the club during the 2017/18 season, going on to play in 12 games across all competitions, and it looked as though the Toffees had a talented youngster who was ready to make the step-up.

Despite this early promise, changing of managers at the club led to him dropping down the pecking order, failing to shine during loan spells at both Wigan Athletic and Derby County, making only three appearances combined. The Move to Hearts in the summer of 2021 gave him a new lease of life, however.

The £3.5k-per-week machine not only ranked seventh across the whole Hearts squad for overall Sofascore rating, despite playing just 24 matches, but he also finished second for tackles per game (2.6) and interceptions per game (1.2), showcasing his defensive abilities from the heart of the midfield.

Hearts clearly missed his presence last term, conceding 57 goals in 38 league matches, which is 13 more than the previous season and Baningime’s tenacious nature in the midfield was obviously key to the Edinburgh side finishing behind Rangers and Celtic in third place.

Journalist Ewan Murray lavished praise upon the former Everton starlet, dubbing him as an “absolute sensation” and it’s clear that the club sorely missed him last season.

With Naismith taking permanent charge of Hearts following an interim spell at the end of 2022/23, he could be the man to revive Baningime once he returns from his serious injury and if he manages to get him performing like his first nine months in a maroon shirt, then they will have a great chance of improving on last season.

A top-order collapse from Delhi Daredevils helped Mumbai Indians defend 142 and strengthen their position at the top of the IPL table with their sixth win in seven matches

The Report by Karthik Krishnaswamy22-Apr-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsChris Morris made a fighting, unbeaten 51 but Delhi Daredevils were always struggling after slipping to 24 for 6 in their chase of 143•BCCIBatting first for the first time in six matches, Mumbai Indians never really got going on a bouncy Wankhede Stadium pitch that also provided grip for spin and cutters, and only managed a total of 142. It turned out, however, to be more than enough to give them their sixth win in seven matches and strengthen their position on top of the IPL table.A couple of early wickets put an inexperienced Daredevils batting line-up under pressure, and the top half fell away in no time. They lost five wickets inside the Powerplay and another in the seventh over to slip to 24 for 6. A seventh-wicket stand of 91 between Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris ensured Daredevils stayed in contention, but some smart end-overs bowling from Jasprit Bumrah ensured the target remained a fair way out of their reach.With Daredevils needing 46 from 24 balls, Bumrah conceded only four runs from the 17th over, and, after Morris had clattered a big six off the last ball of Mitchell McClenaghan’s 18th to bring it down to 30 off 12, came back to concede only five off the 19th while taking out Rabada with a yorker.It left Hardik Pandya 24 to defend off the last over – he landed his wide yorkers there or thereabouts, and Morris and Pat Cummins could only manage 10.Daredevils chip away after Buttler blitzJos Buttler’s 28 off 18 balls wasn’t the biggest innings and was definitely not the prettiest – his first two boundaries, off Morris, both came off the top edge – but it ensured Mumbai had some momentum through the Powerplay. They lost two wickets in those six overs – Rabada, making his IPL debut, yorked Parthiv Patel, and the fleet-footed Sanju Samson ran out Buttler – but also scored 48.Daredevils had picked perhaps their strongest attack – with Rabada joining Morris, Cummins, Zaheer Khan and Amit Mishra – and the tactic continued to pay off. Mumbai were five down by the end of the 13th over, with Mishra’s googly accounting for Rohit Sharma and Krunal Pandya. There was plenty of turn on offer, and Kieron Pollard, in particular was struggling against him – at the end of the 13th, he was batting on 4 off 13 balls.Mumbai patchy in slog oversPollard clubbed three fours in the next two overs, and Mumbai were 102 for 5 after 15.Before this match, Daredevils boasted the best economy rate in the last five overs (7.71), and Mumbai the best batting run rate (12.26). Mumbai would score 40 in their last five in this game. Cummins, Morris and Rabada varied their pace well, and either bowled short of a good length and into the body, or pitched it right up. Hardik Pandya hit two sixes, off what were probably the only two balls that were really in his hitting zone in his 23-ball innings. In an effort to keep Hardik on strike with only the lower order for company in the last two overs, Mumbai suffered two run-outs too.McClenaghan revels as Daredevils stumbleDaredevils had fit Rabada, Morris, Cummins and Corey Anderson into their side, which meant no place for Sam Billings at the top of the order. Sanju Samson, Aditya Tare, Karun Nair and Shreyas Iyer made up Daredevils’ top four – plenty of talent but not a whole lot of experience at the top level.An attempt at a chancy single led to Tare’s dismissal off the fourth ball of Daredevils’ innings, and when Samson drove McClenaghan uppishly and straight to mid-off in the next over, uncertainty gripped their batting. Iyer, shuffling this way and that, seemed a little off with his timing and McClenaghan dismissed him in his next over off a tickle down the leg side. A bit of skid into Anderson and McClenaghan had three in two overs.Karun Nair, struggling for form all through the season, played out a nervy maiden off the next over, failing to get to grips with Mitchell Johnson’s pace variations. Then Mumbai struck two more times – Rishabh Pant poked uncertainly at Bumrah and edged to slip, and Nair, feet going nowhere, chopped Hardik on.Morris, Rabada save faceRabada had been promoted to No. 7, above Morris, and he showed both technique and an ability to hit cleanly down the ground while dominating the early part of the seventh-wicket partnership. Once they spent a few overs at the crease, the smallness of the target became apparent again. With five overs remaining, Daredevils needed 52. You would usually favour the batting team in those circumstances, but not a batting team that had lost so many early wickets.McClenaghan and Bumrah, moreover, had two more overs to get through each. McClenaghan mixed slower short balls with quick short balls, and Bumrah, generally aiming fuller, varied his pace just as well. Rabada’s limitations as a T20 hitter quickly became apparent, and there wasn’t much Morris could do either. Daredevils only managed 27 off McClenaghan and Bumrah’s 24 end-overs deliveries.

Manchester United are reportedly close to signing goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Urawa Red Diamonds.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag are making preparations ahead of the new season, with Mason Mount confirmed as the first signing of the summer. The midfielder has arrived from Premier League rivals Chelsea at a cost of £60m, penning a five-year deal in Manchester.

It looks as if Mount could be the first of many through the door at Old Trafford, with a new goalkeeper on the agenda after David de Gea’s contract expired at the end of June.

Inter Milan’s Andre Onana has been heavily linked with a move to reunite with Ten Hag following their time at Ajax. The Cameroon international is keen to make the move to Manchester if a fee can be agreed on, with personal terms already sorted between player and the Red Devils.

Man United have had an opening bid worth €40m plus €5m add-ons rejected by Inter Milan, but it looks as if they are having more success when it comes to a move for Suzuki.

The Metro relayed an update from Sponichi regarding Man United and Suzuki, claiming a shock move to England is close to completion after a formal £5m offer was made.

It is believed that the Red Devils have been scouting the goalkeeper since 2017, and should a £5m transfer go through, it would represent a record J League departure, surpassing the £4.5m Celtic spent on Kyogo Furuhashi. Talks are reportedly progressing smoothly, and a deal is thought to be imminent.

Who is Zion Suzuki?

Suzuki is 20 years of age and was actually born in the United States of America. He has been on the books with Urawa Red Diamonds for a number of years, though, and has made 28 senior appearances for his current employers.

The ‘keeper has turned out at youth level for Japan and can even represent Ghana, should he wish, and Suzuki will be out of contract with Urawa Red Diamonds early next year.

In the media, Suzuki is ‘widely considered as one of the most exciting goalkeeping prospects coming out of Japan’. His ‘distribution is exceptional, he makes passes which would be talked about for weeks if it were Ederson’. Therefore, he could be an ideal addition at Old Trafford alongside someone like Onana, viewed as a potential star in years to come.

If De Gea finds a new club and Dean Henderson joins Nottingham Forest as has been speculated, United would be left with just Tom Heaton as their only senior option. That shows how more than one goalkeeper could be of use to Ten Hag ahead of his second season in charge, especially with the Red Devils back in the Champions League.

Who knows, Onana could arrive as first choice with Suzuki playing second fiddle in domestic cup competitions, looking to develop his game at Carrington ahead of a long-term future at Old Trafford, and by the looks of things, the Urawa Red Diamonds shot-stopper could soon be on the move.

Glasgow Rangers are in talks regarding a summer swoop to bring Cyriel Dessers to the Scottish Premiership, according to reports.

Who is Cyriel Dessers?

The Nigeria international is a striker who currently plays his football for Cremonese having moved there from KRC Genk last summer, and during his debut season at the Giovanni Zini Stadium, he clocked up a total of 29 appearances under Davide Ballardini.

The Scottish Daily Mail (via Ibrox News) first credited Michael Beale with an interest in the 28-year-old and revealed that he was one of the names “on a list” of targets being considered for the upcoming window, and it wasn’t long before the boss made his opening move.

The Daily Record earlier this month reported that the Light Blues had submitted a seven-figure bid for the Serie B forward after seeing their initial offer turned down which resulted in the two parties getting locked in talks, though it would appear that there has now been a successful breakthrough in negotiations.

Are Rangers signing Dessers?

According to Football Insider, Rangers are "pursuing" a move for Dessers with talks firmly "underway" ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. The Cremonese striker has been a target north of the border for "some time" and it's stated that a fee of £5m "could be enough" to get a deal over the line this summer.

The Italian outfit are looking to "trim costs" following their recent relegation so are resigned to selling some of their prized assets, one of those being the attacker who could well be on his way to Glasgow.

Rangers have confirmed that Alfredo Morelos has left the club upon the expiration of his contract so Beale will need a natural centre-forward to replace him, and having been described as someone who is “awkward to play against” because of his physical strength by journalist Josh Bunting, Dessers could be the perfect successor.

The Stirr Associates client, who has the versatility to operate everywhere across the frontline, posted 13 goal contributions (ten goals and three assists) from 32 appearances in all competitions last season so was prolific in the final third, but he also posed a threat when he wasn’t on the scoresheet.

Dessers ranked in the 92nd percentile for number of attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area and recorded 49 shots over the course of the term which was the second-highest total throughout his squad, as per FBRef, so should he sign on the dotted line, it would be a massive coup for Beale.