Leeds Eyeing Summer Move For 25-Year-Old PL Attacker

Leeds United are believed to be interested in signing Nottingham Forest attacker Emmanuel Dennis this summer, according to a fresh transfer report.

Who is Emmanuel Dennis?

The Reds attacker is currently 25 years of age, but having joined his current club from Watford last summer, his first season at the City Ground proved to be disappointing. Dennis, primarily a centre-forward who can also play out wide, only managed to start six of Forest's 38 Premier League matches, also coming on as a substitute on 13 occasions, and just two goals came his way in the competition.

There is clearly lots of competition for places at the Midlands club currently, having signed so many players in recent transfer windows, and it could be that the Nigerian is deemed surplus to requirements ahead of the start of the 2023/24 season.

With Leeds looking to make some significant signings in the near future, allowing Daniel Farke to build a squad that can secure promotion straight back out of the Championship, it appears as though Dennis could be a target.

emmanuel-dennis-championship-leeds-united

Could Leeds United sign Emmanuel Dennis?

According to Football Insider, Leeds and the 49ers Enterprises are keen on signing Dennis this summer, seeing him as a replacement for Crysencio Summerville:

"Leeds have identified Emmanuel Dennis as a potential replacement for Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto, sources have told Footballer Insider. Both players are expected to leave before the end of the window following the Whites’ relegation to the Premier League season. As a result, Leeds are currently running background checks on Dennis before advancing with a transfer.

"Nottingham Forest will allow Emmanuel Dennis to leave the club this summer amid interest from the Whites, sources have told Football Insider.

"Dennis had tough campaign last season and Forest are prepared to let him leave which Leeds are aware of. The Premier League side also has a bloated squad and are willing to sell Dennis in order to strengthen their own attack."

Dennis, who has lost all three matches against Leeds, may have flattered to deceive in a Forest shirt over the past 12 months, but he could be an excellent signing by Leeds, as they prepare for their return to the Championship.

He could find it far easier to make his mark in the second tier, however, he did hit double figures in the Premier League for Watford in 2021/22, so he could thrive being the main man in Leeds' attack, coming in as a key starter and acting as a strong replacement for Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford, both of whom could move on this summer.

The fact that Dennis has tasted Premier League and Bundesliga football down the years in the past can only be a good thing, in terms of experience and potentially firing in a weaker division, and the Whites would be signing an eight-cap international with one goal to his name for Nigeria.

Adept at shining both centrally and out wide, the Forest man has been described as "very talented", "fast" and someone with "good skill" by former Premier League title-winning Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri, further highlighting the attributes that he could bring to Farke's side, making him one of the Championship's most dangerous attacking players.

Wolves Plotting Swoop To Bring £7k-p/w "Warrior" To Molineux

Wolverhampton Wanderers are keen to strike a summer deal to sign Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

Who is Taylor Harwood-Bellis?

Harwood-Bellis is a centre-back who currently plays his football at the Etihad Stadium having graduated from his club’s academy to get promoted to the first-team back in 2021, but having only ever made eight senior appearances under Pep Guardiola, his future is up in the air.

Throughout his career, the England U21s international has been sent out on four development loans to build his experience and to help him receive more game time, the first being at Blackburn Rovers, the second Anderlecht, the third Stoke City and most recently last season he was at Burnley, helping them gain promotion to the Premier League.

The Sky Blues product will also be out of contract at the end of next season meaning that the ongoing window is likely to be his parent club’s final big opportunity to cash in should they not want to lose him for free, and following his impressive performances last season, he’s got a potential suitor waiting for him in Julen Lopetegui at Wolves.

Back in November 2022, reliable journalist Alan Nixon reported that the Old Gold were indeed keeping a close eye on the 21-year-old, and despite a deal failing to come to fruition back in January, it sounds like the Wolves hierarchy may be aiming to take a second bite of the cherry in the weeks ahead.

Are Wolves signing Harwood-Bellis?

According to TEAMtalk, Wolves hold a serious “interest” in Harwood-Bellis but are set to face stiff competition for his services with Brighton and Hove Albion, Everton and Fulham also wanting to reach an agreement for the defender.

Burnley are “battling” to try and re-sign the talented prospect following a successful loan spell with Vincent Kompany having already “asked” Man City to let him have his player back, but his former club are “yet to decide” whether they want to loan their product back out or even consider a permanent sale.

Burnley defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Where would Harwood-Bellis fit in at Wolves?

Wolves and Fosun have just sold Nathan Collins to Brentford for £23m so Lopetegui will need to enter the market to find a suitable successor at centre-back, and after being described as having the attitude of a “warrior” by journalist Josh Bunting, Harwood-Bellis could be the perfect candidate.

The 6 foot 2 colossus, who earns just £7k-per-week at the moment, impressed last season averaging 3.1 clearances, 2.8 aerial wins and 1.8 interceptions per second tier game, via WhoScored, so was a real rock at the heart of the backline for the Clartes. He also contributed in the final third with three goal contributions (two assists and one goal) to his name.

Harwood-Bellis, who will possess a winning mentality having not only achieved promotion with Burnley but also secured three trophies prior to that with Man City – albeit with fleeting appearances – also has the versatility to operate at right-back which is an extremely useful attribute for the boss to have available should any unexpected injuries occur.

Date set for Latif disciplinary hearing

Khalid Latif, the Pakistan batsman charged with six breaches of the PCB’s anti-corruption code during the PSL in February, appeared before a three-member tribunal in Lahore on Friday

Umar Farooq31-Mar-2017Khalid Latif, the Pakistan batsman charged with six breaches of the PCB’s anti-corruption code during the PSL in February, appeared before a three-member tribunal in Lahore on Friday, a week after skipping the first hearing citing ill health.Latif and his legal team agreed to the PCB’s adopted timelines, with a formal hearing set for May 15 in Lahore. He was given a deadline of May 5 to respond to his alleged code-of-conduct breaches. The PCB said in a release that it “may, at its discretion, file a rebuttal by May 10”. The final trial is expected to start on May 18.The charges laid on Latif, who represented Islamabad United but returned without playing a match because of the suspension, included failing to disclose suspect approaches.The same tribunal, comprising Justice Asghar Haider, former PCB president Tauqir Zia, and former wicketkeeper Wasim Bari, will also hear the case of Sharjeel Khan, Latif’s Islamabad United team-mate who is facing similar charges relating to the opening match of this year’s PSL. Both players have denied some of the alleged breaches but admitted to at least one of the more minor charges.Meanwhile, fast bowler Mohammad Irfan, who has been banned for one year from all forms of cricket and fined PKR1 million for failing to report an approach during the same tournament, has been handed a lifeline by the PCB. He will be able to return after six months if he assists the board in its ongoing investigations into the PSL corruption scandal, and doesn’t breach the board’s anti-corruption code in that time.Shazaib Hasan, provisionally suspended from all forms of cricket for a similar offence, wants to contest charges laid by the PCB. He has submitted a response to the PCB charge sheet and will wait to hear about a possible referral of his case to the tribunal. He was also pulled out of the tournament failing to report a suspect approach in time and in full detail, and also for allegedly inducing players in corruption indirectly.

فيديو | التعادل الإيجابي يحسم مباراة الإسماعيلي والمقاولون في الدوري المصري

انتهت مباراة الإسماعيلي مع المقاولون العرب بالتعادل الإيجابي بنتيجة 1-1، والتي أقيمت بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

الإسماعيلي واجه المقاولون العرب، على ملعب الأخير، في إطار الجولة الـ16 من عمر مباريات بطولة الدوري المصري.

وسجل هدف الإسماعيلي، محمد عبد السميع في الدقيقة 49 من عمر المباراة، بعدما استغل دربكة في دفاعات المقاولون العرب وسدد الكرة في مرمى محمود أبو السعود.

وشهدت الدقيقة 74 لجوء الحكم طارق مجدي إلى تقنية الفيديو، لاحتمالية ركلة جزاء للمقاولون العرب بسبب لمسة يد على مدافع الإسماعيلي محمد عمار.

وبعد تأكيد الفار على وجود ركلة جزاء لـ المقاولون، نجح فاروقا نور الدين في ترجمتها إلى هدف ليحقق التعادل للذئاب.

طالع | مدرب الإسماعيلي يبرر إشارة إيهاب جلال المثيرة للجدل بعد الخسارة أمام بلدية المحلة

وفي الدقيقة الأخيرة من عمر المباراة وتحديدًا في الدقيقة 90+7، سجل عمرو مرعي مهاجم المقاولون هدفًا ثانيًا برأسية من داخل منطقة الجزاء ولكن تم إلغاءه لوجود تسلل بعد العودة إلى الفار.

وبذلك النتيجة، يحتل فريق الإسماعيلي المركز الرابع عشر في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 14 نقطة، من 15 مباراة، فاز في 3 وتعادل في 5 وخسر في 7 مواجهات.

وعلى الجانب الآخر، يتواجد فريق المقاولون العرب، بالمركز السابع عشر (قبل الأخير) في ترتيب جدول الدوري المصري برصيد 9 نقاط، من 15 لقاء، حقق الفوز في مباراة واحدة وتعادل في 6 وتلقي الهزيمة في 8 مباريات. أهداف مباراة الإسماعيلي والمقاولون العرب في الدوري

Ornstein Drops Exciting Man United Takeover Claim

Manchester United are leaning more towards the proposal from Sir Jim Ratcliffe despite the latest bid to arrive from Sheikh Jassim.

What's the latest Man United takeover news?

Months on from originally putting the club up for sale back in November of last year, United still remains under the control of the Glazer family.

Numerous bids have been lodged from a number of reportedly interested parties over the course of the last few months.

However, the current owners are yet to strike a deal with any of the proposed suitors including Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim.

It has recently been reported that the interested group from Qatar have now lodged one final bid which has been described as 'take it or leave it'.

The summer transfer window is now on the brink of opening ahead of the new season, yet the Glazers still remain at the helm of the Premier League giants.

And despite a fresh bid landing on the table of the Glazers from Qatar, it is believed Sir Jim Ratcliffe is still viewed a the leading candidate if they are to sell.

Indeed, speaking on the Five YouTube channel, reliable journalist David Ornstein has provided insight on where the potential sale of the Red Devils is currently at:

"What has emerged in recent weeks is that the Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEO-backed, bid feels that it's in a really strong position. And they've gone into detail in the negotiations, evidently. And there's optimism that they will win through in the end."

"If you speak to people, they think, you know, maybe five to 10 days that there'll be some kind of clearer picture on this than we've received so far."

Will the takeover situation affect United's summer transfers?

Going into the summer, Erik ten Hag's first campaign at Old Trafford can be viewed as a big success given they landed Champions League football and a trophy.

However, that is not to say there is not room for improvement over the coming months with the Red Devils already linked with some big moves ahead of the summer.

Chelsea's Mason Mount

Indeed, one of the biggest questions ahead of the window is whether Harry Kane will leave Tottenham Hotspur with United listed as one of the interested clubs.

There is also expected to be a number of exits from Old Trafford this summer with Ten Hag keen to offload some of the players he does not use at the club.

Although the takeover debacle continues to fizz away in the background, it is believed United are looking to make some early moves in the window with a serious interest in Mason Mount.

It is reported United have held talks with the player, but whether they will be willing to meet Chelsea's valuation is another matter with the Blues said to be looking for a bid in the region of £68m.

A potential takeover could see United possibly injected with significant funds for this window, however, they could well find themselves compromising if the Glazers remain at the helm.

Chelsea Mulling Over Move For £65m-Rated Striker

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.

Rasmus Hojlund of Atalanta

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.

Agarwal, Gambhir hit fifties on truncated day

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: Spurs Enter Pole Position For "Exceptional" Signing

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.

David-Raya

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.

Yorkshire clinch first victory by narrowest margin

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 Thrilled With Big Signing "On The Horizon"

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.

Michael Beale for Rangers

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.

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