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

Are Chelsea signing Rasmus Hojlund?

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

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

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

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

When does Rasmus Hojlund's contract expire?

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

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

Mayank Agarwal and Gautam Gambhir struck half-centuries for India Blue before thunderstorms washed out close to two sessions in Greater Noida

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Aug-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsFile photo: Gautam Gambhir reached his 61st first-class half-century before rain hit Greater Noida•AFP

A thunderstorm that turned the Greater Noida Sports Complex ground into a swamp washed out close to two sessions of play after Mayank Agarwal and Gautam Gambhir struck half-centuries at the top of the order after Yuvraj Singh’s India Red elected to bowl.Yuvraj, perhaps mindful of his side being bowled out in under two sessions in their Duleep Trophy opener at the same venue last week, was left to wonder what may have been had they converted two opportunities – one each from Gambhir and Agarwal – in the 34.2 overs that were possible. A majority of those were bowled by the pace trio of Nathu Singh, Pradeep Sangwan and Ishwar Pandey in search of seam movement when there was none on a fresh surface that had less grass cover than the one used for the previous game.Gambhir, batting with an open-chested stance, seemingly in a bid to negate the away-going deliveries that have often discomfited him over a period of time, was troubled early on by his Delhi team-mate Sangwan. In the third over of the morning, the left-arm pacer saw an edge fall short of second slip and then had a shout for lbw turned down, but released the pressure in the very next over when he grassed a miscued pull at fine leg off Nathu.Agarwal’s technique outside off stump also came under scrutiny, but unlike Gambhir, he was happy to trust the bounce and hit through the line. After Nathu’s initial burst, he looked increasingly comfortable against the Pandey and the spin of Akshay Wakhare and Kuldeep Yadav.Kuldeep, the left-arm wrist spinner who picked up his maiden five-wicket haul last week, didn’t get the kind of purchase he would have hoped for. He was also guilty of bowling a touch flat and short as Gambhir, who captains him at Kolkata Knight Riders, eased him repeatedly behind square on the off side.Agarwal, who had a lucky reprieve minutes from the tea break when he fended a Nathu bouncer back for a return catch off a no-ball, got to his fifty in the second over after the break when he lofted Kuldeep over the infield. Gambhir then struck Sangwan for successive boundaries to raise his half-century before retiring to the dressing room to see a gentle drizzle turn into a thunderstorm.

Tottenham Hotspur have entered pole position to bring Brentford goalkeeper David Raya to Spurs this summer, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

Who could Spurs sign this summer?

Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy currently have a plethora of issue to solve, namely the pursuit of a new manager to replace the departed Antonio Conte, with their lack of a sporting director also needing to be addressed.

On top of the aforementioned tasks, the north Londoners also need to commence transfer planning for the upcoming summer window, with the Premier League season drawing to a close this afternoon.

Long-term number one and faithful club servant Hugo Lloris has been tipped to potentially leave this summer, with jaw-dropping offers reportedly coming from Saudi Arabia for his services.

Finding a replacement for the Frenchman is imperative, and Spurs have been linked with a few top goalkeepers like Andre Onana and even Jan Oblak in recent months.

Another name to have been mentioned is Raya as the Lilywhites allegedly identify the Spaniard for their list of potential Lloris successors.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Rudy Galetti has an update on the matter, and it seemingly comes as a promising bit of news for Spurs supporters.

The Italian transfer reporter claims Tottenham are in pole position for him, with Levy and co "leading the race" for Raya's signature. Galetti adds that he is almost certain to depart next month.

"At the moment, we can say Spurs are leading the race for the Spanish goalkeeper," explained the reporter.

"He's considered one of the main targets to replace Lloris, who unless a sensational twist, will say goodbye in June. As for the coach situation, there will be concrete developments only when the new director has been chosen."

Who is David Raya?

The 27-year-old has been a key fixture and mainstay in Thomas Frank's Brentford side, playing more league minutes than any of his teammates and ranking among their top five best performers per 90 (WhoScored).

Raya's contract also expires in 2024, making him an attractive option for top clubs given Brentford have limited time to sell him on for a decent price.

The former Blackburn Rovers star has also been praised for his distribution by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and revered by members of the media, with journalist Sam Dean calling him "exceptional".

If Spurs can tempt him to N17, Raya could well be a brilliant stand-in for Lloris, though he'll have big shoes to fill.

ScorecardAdam Lyth continued his good form as Yorkshire sneaked to victory on DLS•Getty Images

Rain helped Yorkshire notch their first NatWest T20 Blast win of the season by just one run against Derbyshire at Headingley. Chasing a modest 154 target, Yorkshire were 67 for 3 in nine overs when light rain swept across the ground, exactly the score they required to win the game under the Duckworth Lewis Stern method.After losing their first three matches in the competition and then having two no-results, this was just the result that bottom-of-the-table Yorkshire needed and it brought some comfort to the 7,114 fans who turned out on a dreary afternoon.Put in to bat, Derbyshire were never able to bring any real momentum to their innings and they were partly held in check by offspinner, Azeem Rafiq, who has been brought back to Yorkshire on contract until the end of the season. Man-of-the-match Rafiq, who was the county’s Twenty20 captain for a spell, was playing his first game in almost exactly two seasons and he was brought back after some impressive performances with the 2nd XI.”It was a brilliant day for me but it was even more important that we got over the line,” Rafiq said. “I really enjoyed myself and it was nice to get a wicket with my fourth ball. Kane had the idea in his mind to bring me on early and he mentioned it to me before the game, so I was ready for it when I came on.”I have been playing for Yorkshire seconds for the last couple of weeks and feel in a good rhythm and I am happy where my cricket is at. I was asked by second team coach Ian Dews if I wanted a game or two and I jumped at the chance.”Rafiq struck with only his fourth delivery having come on at 18 for the loss of Neil Broom’s wicket. His second ball was smacked for four by Chesney Hughes who then sliced him high to Liam Plunkett at cover.It became 35 for 3 in Rafiq’s next over as Hamish Rutherford was caught at deep mid-off by Adam Lyth for 15 and although Rafiq was less successful in a later spell he still finished with figures of 2 for 33 from his four overs and also held on to two good catches. Left-arm spinner Karl Carver also bowled well to claim 1 for 17 from three overs but the best figures were returned by Tim Bresnan who finished with 3 for 22.Too many of Derbyshire’s batsmen got out to miscued shots that sailed into the hands of waiting fielders and although Shiv Thakor reached 30 and James Neesham and Alex Hughes made it into the 20s no one played the big innings that the Falcons were looking for.The best stand was for the fifth wicket, Thakor and Neesham adding 44 together before Neesham skied Plunkett to Gary Ballance at cover, his 23-ball innings containing three fours and a six.Yorkshire’s one-day captain, Alex Lees, dropped himself from the match in order to accommodate the in-form Lyth who blasted centuries on consecutive days in 50-over matches last week, New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson, taking over the reins.With rain threatening, Yorkshire needed to keep up with the required rate and Lyth made sure that they did, hitting Wayne Madsen just over deep mid-on for four in the first over and driving a straight six off Ben Cotton. David Willey was lbw to Madsen for 8 to make it 26 for 1 in the fourth over but Lyth went on to blast Neesham for four and six while Williamson drove Madsen sweetly for six.Having faced 16 deliveries for his 30 from 16 balls with three fours and two sixes, Lyth attempted to reverse sweep Matt Critchley but missed and was lbw.Yorkshire had two of the best batsmen in the world together with Williamson and Joe Root at the crease. But with the score at 60 Williamson was out to a cruel piece of misfortune, Root driving the ball back to Alex Hughes who brushed it into the stumps with the Kiwi just out of his crease.With their strong batting line-up, Yorkshire would have been favourites to reach their target had not rain intervened but it was still a cruel way for Derbyshire to lose the match.Before the game began Yorkshire president, John Hampshire, and both teams lined up for a minute’s silence in memory of murdered Batley and Spen MP, Jo Cox, after which the crowd burst into spontaneous applause.

Rangers pundit Michael Ball has been left thrilled amid reports that Championship midfielder Kieran Dowell is closing in on a move to Ibrox.

What's the latest on Dowell to Rangers?

The Canaries star is being heavily linked with a move to Glasgow as Michael Beale allegedly plots a major summer overhaul, with many first teamers out of contract this month.

Rangers could see a plethora of squad members depart before the summer begins, and after a lacklustre campaign, it is imperative that work begins soon to prepare for next season.

Arch rivals Celtic are on the cusp of a potential domestic treble with the gap between them and Rangers growing wider.

Rangers must strengthen in key areas, especially with the likes of Ryan Kent nearing exits, and the Scottish Premiership giants could be closing in on their first signing.

According to reports, Dowell has already completed a medical ahead of his proposed move up north as Rangers inch ever closer to his capture (Football Insider). This comes after Beale's side reportedly gave the green-light for his team to make a move.

The Daily Record have also backed that Dowell has shaken hands on a three-year Rangers deal with the club close to finalizing his capture, and speaking to the same outlet, pundit Ball has been left thrilled after hearing this news.

He explained:

“It’s a huge opportunity for Kieran to step up and show he can play for a huge club like Rangers.“He deserves his chance having racked up a number of successful loans while at Everton. He should have got more games at Goodison had Everton not wasted so much cash bringing in big players under the new owner.“Before Moshiri came to the club, Everton were successful in promoting youngsters into the first team.“He went to Nottingham Forest and they were keen to keep him. Everton didn’t want to sell at that stage and he went on a few more loans but ultimately Kieran decided it just wasn’t going to happen for him at Goodison and he had to move on to get the games he needed.“But he’s now getting that reward with this move to Rangers on the horizon.”

What could Dowell bring to Rangers?

The 25-year-old has been brilliant at Carrow Road under David Wagner, and on a free deal, he could come as an excellent like-for-like Kent replacement.

Chipping in with eight goal contributions in England's second tier this season, he has been a fixture in Wagner's midfield and could well replicate that solid form under Beale.

Now that Norwich are out of contention for promotion, Dowell could find a new lease of life north of the border and help to bridge the gap between Rangers and Celtic.

Tottenham Hotspur manager target Arne Slot has a 'good chance' of becoming Spurs' next manager after Antonio Conte, according to reports.

What's the latest Spurs manager update?

There have been little in the way of official developments on Spurs' next permanent boss with chairman Daniel Levy seemingly taking his time on what will be a crucial next step.

Indeed, the Premier League top four hopefuls have appointed Cristian Stellini as interim in the meantime, assisted by Ryan Mason, and the duo are tasked with securing Champions League football for next season.

In terms of who could come in afterwards, there has been no shortage of managers linked to the post, with Mauricio Pochettino, Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique, Zinedine Zidane and Brendan Rodgers among those being monitored by Levy.

The aforementioned five stand out as enticing options given their current status as free agents, yet reports have also suggested that Spurs could turn to in-work coaches as well. Slot, who is currently chasing an Eredivisie title with Feyenoord, is said to be a target.

The 44-year-old has been mentioned by various sections of the press as a tactician on both Spurs and Levy's shortlist, with an update coming courtesy of Voetbal International.

The Dutch news outlet, relaying news from journalists Simon Zwartkruis, Stef de Bont and Kalum van Oudheusden, share that Slot has a 'good chance to become a trainer at Spurs'.

This comes after reports that Spurs have explored the possibility of Slot through back channels and it appears his name could be more regularly-mentioned as the weeks go on in Tottenham's manager search.

What would Slot bring to Spurs?

The former AZ Alkmaar boss is a slightly more left-field option than the likes of Pochettino, Nagelsmann and Enrique – yet he is not without his credentials.

Sharing the same agent as Martin Jol, Slot has been praised for his work in the Netherlands and could be about to add a league title to his CV.

Indeed, Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan has even described Slot as the 'most exciting head coach' he's seen in the last 10 years with the manager also being unlucky not to boast more silverware.

His Feyenoord side reached the UEFA Europa Conference League last year and were unlucky not to clinch the trophy, eventually losing out to former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho, who won the competition with Roma.

While he arguably wouldn't bring as much as excitement as Pochettino, you can see why Levy has taken an interest.

West Ham manager David Moyes will continue to take charge of the Hammers this weekend, according to an update from renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Moyes in trouble?

The Premier League relegation battle continues to be a thrilling one this season, but also a nerve-wracking one for the teams involved. West Ham are very much one of those sides, currently sitting 15th in the table with 10 matches remaining in 2022/23.

The Hammers' campaign reached a new low point on Wednesday evening as Newcastle United made the trip to the London Stadium, with the Magpies romping to a 5-1 victory. Many of the home fans streamed out of the exits towards the end of the game and there was clear pressure on Moyes.

There have certainly been question marks over whether or not the Scot should keep his job in recent weeks. A key update has now emerged regarding the situation ahead of the weekend's trip to Fulham, with the board making a key decision.

Last chance saloon for Moyes?

Taking to Twitter, Romano claimed that Moyes would keep his job for the time being, as he clings to it increasingly by the week:

"West Ham board has not changed the position on David Moyes. He’s set to remain in charge of West Ham for next game against Fulham."

In many ways, it is refreshing to see West Ham show faith in Moyes for the time being, with so much impatience in the modern game and managers so often disposed of too soon – as seen with the sudden departure of Brendan Rodgers at fellow strugglers Leicester City.

Moyes has done a good job in east London overall, guiding them into Europe in back-to-back seasons, and while he is rightly under pressure at present, he has the experience and quality to get the Hammers out of this mess, having done so in the 2019/20 season.

Of course, if results don't improve very quickly, the board may need to have fresh conversations, but we feel Moyes has credit in the bank and should be able to steer his side clear of danger over these next 10 games. It promises to be a nervy ride between now and the end of the season, and starting on Saturday, both Moyes and his players need to up their game.

A win at Fulham this weekend would feel absolutely huge in the relegation fight and give them some breathing space if other results go their way, while also easing the pressure on Moyes and repaying the faith shown in him in the process.

Crystal Palace have reportedly held talks with former Borussia Monchengladbach manager Adi Hutter, according to Sky Sports.

The Lowdown: Vieira’s departure

The Eagles officially confirmed Patrick Vieira’s dismissal on Friday, leaving U21s coach Paddy McCarthy to take this afternoon’s Premier League clash with leaders Arsenal.

Palace actually first considered sacking Vieira last February, according to Matt Woosnam, while many inside Selhurst Park were unconvinced by his coaching staff.

The Daily Mail add that those at boardroom level had concerns over his communication ad poor discipline. The club are currently on an unwanted streak of 12 games without a win dating back to New Year’s Eve, with Steve Parish admitting he will not rush when it comes to bringing in Vieira’s successor.

However, reports elsewhere seem to suggest he has already contacted two potential managers, one of which being Hutter.

The Latest: Sky Sports update

Sky Sports shared an update regarding Palace’s search for a new manager in the last 48 hours on Twitter, saying that the Eagles have been in talks with former manager Roy Hodgson, who is the ‘clear frontrunner’. However, they added that the club have also spoken with Hutter.

‘We understand Roy Hodgson is in talks to go back as Crystal Palace manager. We understand they have spoken to a number of candidates that include Adi Hutter who was recently head coach at Borussia Monchengladbach, but Hodgson, at 75 years of age, is the clear frontrunner to take over from Patrick Vieira.’

The Verdict: One to watch?

Hutter, like Hodgson, is currently out of work, so a move could be one to keep an eye on and one that could be finalised very quickly due to his availability.

The 53-year-old likes to play a 3-4-2-1 system and as well as Monchengladbach, has managed Eintracht Frankfurt, BSC Young Boys and Red Bull Salzburg.

Hutter has taken charge of 365 games with those four clubs, winning the double with Salzburg during the 2014/15 season and the league title with BSC Young Boys in 2017/18.

He even has experience of managing sides in the Europa League and in the qualifying stages of the Champions League, so could prove to be a shrewd option in either the short or long term.

However, with Palace now battling to avoid the drop, they may see Hodgson’s previous Premier League experience as key over the coming months to steer the club to safety, before looking at their long-term options in the summer.

Liverpool blew Manchester United to smithereens on Sunday evening, obliterating their historic, venomous rivals 7-0 at Anfield in one of the most shocking and inconceivable results of modern times.

In a campaign holding so much peril, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds rekindled their former vigour in the most resounding of fashion.

Man United, having last week clinched the Carabao Cup – the club’s first silverware since 2016/17 – have been resurgent under Erik ten Hag’s tutelage this year, and despite the ignominious recent loss still boast a seven-point advantage in the Premier League table to Liverpool, whose recent purple patch has finally instigated a climb up the table, away from mid-table obscurity.

There have been glaring question marks erected above Merseyside since the turn of the campaign, with Liverpool – quadruple-chasing and FA Cup & Carabao Cup-gleaning last term – facing the inconceivable prospect of failing to qualify for the Champions League, a proposition now seeming far more realistic.

The powers that be at Anfield will be hoping that the monumental victory can serve as a watershed moment for Klopp’s squad, setting course of silver-laden success over the coming years.

The imperious Mohamed Salah stole the show, plundering a brace of goals and assists, but seasonal signings Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez scored doubles of their own, and a devastating new offensive force might just be borne.

Who is Liverpool’s next Sadio Mane?

When Sadio Mane was sold to Bayern Munich for £35m last summer after years of splendid servitude, there was trepidation aplenty that Liverpool’s once roaring front three, revered and enviously admired by all, had run its course, fears that were grudgingly confirmed as the wobbly start to the season capitulated into a truly woeful year.

Mane scored 120 goals and registered 48 assists from 269 outings for the Reds, imperative in winning a wealth of major honours, notably the Premier League and Champions League, in the most illustrious spell in the outfit’s modern history.

To counter his summer exit, Liverpool completed the club-record £85m signing of exciting young forward Nunez from Benfica, and despite offering glimpses of brilliance, there has been plenty of criticism over the Uruguayan’s wayward shooting boots.

In the graphic listed above, Nunez’s impact is clearly discernible with 14 goals already, and if these are the numbers on offer for the phenom before he finds his feet, the Premier League must be quaking at the thought of his potential under Klopp’s wing.

Typically a centre-forward, Nunez has indeed forged 11 appearances on the left-wing in Luis Diaz’s absence – the Colombian is out with a long-term injury – and scored seven goals, with his impact against the Red Devils an illustration of his prowess, with the 16-cap star praised for making a “big difference” by The Athletic’s James Pearce.

Hailed as a “monster” by sports writer Charlotte Coates, the £140k-per-week machine ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five divisions for goals and shots per 90, as per FBref, and given Mane’s formerly prolific expertise, the Senegalese sensation winning the Premier League top scorer in 18/19, the similarities are illuminating.

Nunez is an unrefined diamond, but make no mistake, he is a glistening gem.

The inflated price tag raised eyebrows, hardly helped by his wayward shooting – Nunez has missed 17 big chances from 19 Premier League matches –  but the quality this South American sensation exudes is undeniable, and as Klopp’s new-look Liverpool starts to slot into place, Nunez will only grow into his talismanic role.

Mane’s departure has been sorely felt, but the winds of change hint at fruitful future fortunes, with the ‘monstrous’ striker the new catalyst.

Chelsea once wielded a bright young star from Belgium in their youth ranks, offering the starlet a pathway to prominence after signing him from Genk before eventually deeming his capabilities lay best elsewhere and cashing in.

That youngster was none other than Kevin De Bruyne, who forged a name for himself in Germany following the stuttering maiden period of his professional at Cobham, plundering 20 goals and 37 assists from 73 outings, announcing himself as one of Europe’s most formidable creative forces and consequently earning a move that would define his career as indeed a playmaker of supreme ability.

Receiving €20m (£17.8m) from German outfit VFL Wolfsburg in 2014, Chelsea sold the ace after he had failed to establish himself as a regular presence in west London, but the Premier League was certainly not finished with this creative outlet.

Indeed, Manchester City raised plenty of eyebrows when they signed the star for a then club-record £55m in 2015 – and the rest, as they say, was history.

Having cemented his role as the central talisman in Pep Guardiola’s esteemed Cityzen system, De Bruyne has recorded a remarkable 227 direct goal contributions from 335 appearances in City colours, winning four Premier League trophies, the FA Cup and five Carabao Cups – as well as being bestowed the honour of City’s Player of the Year on two occasions.

This season alone, the “Rolls-Royce” of a midfielder, as lauded by Fox’s Keith Costigan, has supplied no less than 17 assists across all competitions from just 28 appearances across all competitions, just seven behind his record of 24 assists across all competitions in the 2020/21 season.

The 97-cap international is now valued at £45m by the CIES Football Observatory, and at 31 years old he still has plenty left to offer, ranking incredibly well among positional peers across a plethora of metrics.

Indeed, as per FBref, De Bruyne ranks among the top 1% of midfielders for rate of goals, assists and shot-creating actions, also among the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 5% for progressive carries.

His irreplaceable stature at the beating heart of the Etihad Stadium has left him truly considered as one of the greatest players in the world, a figure of unmatched passing prowess and inexplicably fine-tuned vision.

Manager Guardiola once heralded him as “outstanding”, and he truly is one of the most dynamic and naturally gifted phenoms to ever grace English soil; Chelsea must rue the day he left west London.

Since De Bruyne’s departure from Stamford Bridge back in January 2014, the club has not quite found another player in the Belgian’s mould, a creative and central playmaker with an emphasis on enhancing the collective effort of his team, and they will surely be crying out for their former gem right now, languishing in ninth place in the English top-flight.

Chelsea have certainly enjoyed their fair share of success since the 31-year-old Belgian technician’s departure, but one can only imagine the incredible creative flair that could have been firmly embedded into the Stamford Bridge core had he been provided more time to nurture and develop his skills.

He is one of his generation’s finest players, one of the great Premier League midfielders, and Chelsea let him slip away, like sand through their fingers…