Tag Futebol

Tottenham Hotspur’s youth production has been largely rather prolific in recent years, with Mauricio Pochettino’s leadership providing the perfect atmosphere for the next generation of stars to emerge.

His work in developing Dele Alli and Harry Kane into two of the Premier League’s, and the world’s finest talents for a period, was nothing short of exemplary. The Argentine will hope to replicate such success at Chelsea now, given the exceptionally youthful squad he has inherited in west London.

It is now Ange Postecoglou tasked with ushering in the Lilywhites Academy’s next crop of budding superstars, with the feel-good factor fostered by the affable Australian having already gone a long way towards cultivating the perfect environment for success.

Any youngsters in England would likely love to be in north London right now, as they miraculously sit atop the Premier League table, level with rivals Arsenal after eight games.

Such a situation was unthinkable after Antonio Conte’s dismissal and the subsequent embarrassment that followed, so it is worth noting just how impressive the 58-year-old tactician has proven to be.

Within his academy, he actually boasts what many might describe as a golden generation of sorts, with quality all over the pitch. Strikers such as Troy Parrott, Dane Scarlett, Jamie Donley and Alejo Veliz suggest that the future of goalscoring is in good hands, whilst the likes of Alfie Devine and Yago Santiago boast the creativity to supplement them.

However, for the U21s, all of this talent is governed by their captain and defensive stalwart, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster.

Who is Brooklyn Lyons-Foster?

Having spent his entire career within N17, despite failing to make a single senior appearance, the 22-year-old remains a highly rated and clearly well-respected member of the academy setup who still has every chance of making a late push for the first team.

After all, his versatility makes him unique, and someone that could be of massive use to Postecoglou. Even Spurs’ official website seeks to detail this, noting: “Indeed, although right-footed, Brooklyn can play either as a centre-back, left-back, right-back or midfielder.”

Such an ability to shift into midfield and the full-back spots arguably showcases his impressive proficiency on the ball, with the ability to not only command a backline with immense solidity and leadership, but also act as a steady metronome.

Academy expert Lennon Branagan would help to emphasise such a notion, highlighting only in August: “Another great game in midfield for the excellent Brooklyn Lyons-Foster, Spurs were much the better team.”

Starting five of their opening six Premier League 2 games in the new term, the youngster seems set to enjoy another year of immense responsibility in seemingly any position he is needed.

What is Brooklyn Lyons-Foster's style of play?

Although the report comes from 2018, SuperHotspur actually details the assets that make Lyons-Foster so revered, which he is sure to have honed in the five years since: “Possessing all the raw attributes a centre half needs, Brooklyn is a player who loves to play it out from the back.

Sol Campbell

503

Peter Crouch

467

Luke Young

378

Stephen Carr

377

Nick Barmby

343

All stats via Transfermarkt

“Taking on opposition players in the process he is often seen pinging lovely forward passes. Whilst there is that Stonesesque aspect of his game, there is also a decisiveness which none of our other young defenders possess.”

That niche quality outlined is in reference to Manchester City’s John Stones, who too boasts immaculate ball-playing skills whilst also moving from centre-back to midfield with frequency.

Perhaps, with a little nourishment, Postecoglou could soon be set to unearth his own version of Pep Guardiola’s sensational defensive maestro.

What is John Stones' style of play?

Enjoying what will be his eighth full year at the Etihad since joining for £47.5m, it marked a huge show of faith to spend so heavily on the young stalwart.

However, under the tutelage of the legendary Spanish manager, he has grown into one of the division’s finest in his role, even reinventing a position and helping his side win an unprecedented treble of trophies in 2022/23.

It is when compared to other centre-backs across Europe that the 29-year-old truly shines, as he sits in the top 9% for non-penalty goals per 90, the top 7% for pass completion percentage per 90, the top 8% for progressive carries and successful take ons per 90, and the top 1% for progressive passes received per 90, via FBref.

There are few on the planet as adept in possession as the former Everton man, who seemingly loves to create just as much as he does to defend.

Guardiola would laud the adaptability of his 6 foot 2 ace back in April: “At the same time, it’s a new position for him and he has to be able all the time to concentrate more than when you play as a central defender or other positions.

“When you see the game from behind it’s completely different to when you play in the middle and are surrounded. Some movement and patterns are a little bit more difficult that’s why I appreciate a lot what he has done.”

Fortunately for Postecoglou, Lyons-Foster is already well-versed in operating within that crowded environment mentioned and were he to be trialled in a similar role it could prove extremely profitable almost instantly.

Stones’ technical prowess was further praised by Jamie Carragher, who outlined the new hybrid role he was engineering: “John Stones’s performances since the World Cup in that hybrid role for Man City have been outstanding, we have spoke for years about England having a centre back who can step into midfield & dictate the game. That’s what he did tonight, will Southgate do the same”.

With the new age of centre-backs arguably underpinned by the 67-cap ace, as Barcelona great Gerard Pique noted, every club will now be scampering to secure their own version of Stones.

However, Spurs are seemingly already blessed with a man boasting all the qualities to emulate the master, should Lyons-Foster be given his chance.

يلتقي منتخب بلجيكا وسلوفاكيا مساء اليوم الأثنين، في منافسات بطولة كأس أمم أوروبا، يورو 2024.

ويواجه منتخب بلجيكا مع نظيره سلوفاكيا، بملعب “دوتش بانك بارك”، حيث يلتقي المنتخبان بالجولة الأولى من دور المجموعات عن منافسات المجموعة الخامسة.

ويتواجد منتخب بلجيكا في المجموعة الخامسة ضمن منافسات يورو 2024 بجانب كل من، رومانيا وأوكرانيا، بالإضافة إلى سلوفاكيا. موعد مباراة بلجيكا وسلوفاكيا في يورو 2024

تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة السابعة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، والمملكة العربية السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة بلجيكا وسلوفاكيا في يورو 2024

تذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN sports Max 1. معلق مباراة بلجيكا وسلوفاكيا في يورو 2024

سيعلق عصام الشوالي على أحداث المباراة عبر قناة beIN Sports Max 1

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

West Ham United endured a tumultuous summer transfer window but appear to have emerged with a squad fit for purpose under David Moyes' tutelage.

The Hammers triumphed in the Europa Conference League last season to bathe east London in glory, but failed to live up to expectations in the Premier League and finished 14th – with improved form in the latter phase of the campaign saving the squad from the threat of relegation.

Securing that slice of silverware has transformed the 2023/24 season's narrative, however, with West Ham now awaiting the group phase of the Europa League in a continuation of the meteoric rise under their Scottish manager's tutelage.

Despite the anticipated £105m sale of midfield general Declan Rice to Arsenal in July and the slow start to the bolstering of the squad during the transfer window, stability appears to have been reinstated and the Irons are now in a position of real strength.

Who did West Ham sign this summer?

Losing Rice was a poignant moment for all affiliated with West Ham, but one that was expected following the rising rumours of his inevitable departure over the past year.

Once the England international did depart, Moyes and co had the perfect opportunity to make astute additions to the squad ahead of a third successive European campaign, and it looks to be mission accomplished so far, with the signings gelling nicely and West Ham currently boasting ten points from a possible 12 in the Premier League.

Mohammed Kudus

£37m

Edson Alvarez

£32m

James Ward-Prowse

£30m

Konstantinos Mavropanos

£17m

Andy Irving

£1.5m

All stats sourced via Transfermarkt

Despite speculation over a possible incoming in the centre-forward department, the Hammers decided to remain with their current options, instead bolstering across the midfield and defence, spreading Rice's transfer fee across numerous exciting acquisitions.

The likes of Paris Saint-Germain's Hugo Ekitike, Folarin Balogun, Dominic Solanke and Kelechi Iheanacho were among the range of forwards eyed for transfer in August, and while Moyes covets a new first-class striker, there are options aplenty at the London Stadium.

While Michail Antonio and Danny Ings are the obvious focal frontmen to spearhead the seasonal charge, the club are currently nurturing a homegrown talent, dare we say the next Rice, to the fore in Divin Mubama, who looks a promising prospect and is touted for a big role this year.

Who is Divin Mubama?

Having been hailed as one of the club's “top talents” by writer Will Lebeau following his breakthrough into first-team contention last season, Mubama now looks set for a role among the West Ham first-team with regularity after impressing throughout the east London side's youth ranks.

Indeed, the 18-year-old prodigy has been as clinical as they come at youth level, posting 40 goals and five assists from 57 outings for the U18 side before bagging 14 goals and two assists from 28 outings with the U21s.

The bustling 6-foot forward rose to prominence with two impressive performances on the continental stage last term, bagging an assist on his European debut against FCSB in a 3-0 group stage victory before coming off the bench to plunder his maiden goal at senior level in a 4-0 last 16 victory over AEK Larnaca.

There were many coloured impressed by such a blistering start to life on the major stage, with journalist Josh Bunting among those to wax lyrical following his contribution in a pivotal match.

Bunting said: ”Divin Mubama with his first West Ham senior goal. Has been flying for the youth teams this season but he has a massive future ahead of him. Is quick to adapt into different play styles. Not just a goal-scorer but has that link up play. Protects the ball very smartly for his age.”

If there were any doubts regarding the precocious youngster's talents, concerns were eradicated after a brilliant pre-season in the thick of the first-team action, scoring three goals from four matches and handing Moyes a welcome quandary when assessing his forward plans for the forthcoming campaign.

With the 2023/24 campaign now up and running, Mubama has earned a place on the bench across all four of his Premier League club's outings, though is yet to earn his first minutes on the pitch; regardless, this is a testament to the trust placed in his age-belying talents.

Could Divin Mubama replace Michail Antonio?

As one player steps up to the plate, another approaches the twilight phase of their impressive career in West Ham colours.

Antonio's contract at the London Stadium is up for expiry at the end of the term, albeit with an option to extend for an additional year, and Moyes may well have found the perfect heir for the 33-year-old striker in Mubama, a talent who is showing promising signs of following in Rice's footsteps; plucked form the academy and ready for senior action.

Signed from Nottingham Forest for around £7m in 2015, the Jamaica international has been a stalwart for his club and has been praised for being "absolute fire" by Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, having forged 280 displays, scoring 77 goals and supplying 43 assists.

Instrumental in securing the Hammers their first major honour last year since gleaning the FA Cup in 1980, Antonio plundered six goals and supplied two assists in the Conference League, including goals across each knockout stage leading up to the triumphant final against Serie A side Fiorentina.

It's a good thing that Mubama has displayed early signs of thriving on the European stage, with the teenage talent's own performances during the tournament illuminating his big game potential.

Having indeed been touted for a 'massive future' by Bunting, Mubama will continue to grow into his skin this season, earning opportunities to impress and using his promising progress from last year as a launchpad for an auspicious career.

Antonio, who scored 14 times across all competitions last term, remains a solid option up front and has shown little sign of rustiness across West Ham's return from the summer break, bagging against Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion.

It's early days, but the Irons might just have the biggest talent since Rice on their hands in Mubama, who could lead the line at the London Stadium for years to come.

As one of the key men involved in their last promotion success, Pablo Hernandez remains a deified figure at Leeds United despite his departure having come two years ago now.

The Spanish trickster spent five seasons playing for the Whites, making 175 appearances, scoring 36 goals and recording an admirable 41 assists.

However, in what was a tear-filled afternoon in 2021, Hernandez played his last game for the club as they defeated West Bromwich Albion, before his eventual exit led him to Castellon.

His age was a huge factor in the ease of his departure, with Marcelo Bielsa likely thankful for his services to the club, but reluctantly aware of his waning powers. Despite that, the now 38-year-old was steadfast in his self-confidence, as he would reveal.

Why did Pablo Hernandez leave Leeds United?

Leeds fans held a deep affiliation with the now-retired magician, who spearheaded both the club’s promotion push during the 2018/19 season, and the promotion success the year following.

However, his opportunities dwindled significantly once they emerged into the Premier League, and speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, he would reveal all whilst issuing a heartfelt goodbye: “The last year was not the best for me, it's a difficult situation for me, I didn't play much.

"I never felt this in my career, I always felt like an important player in the squad and played with regularity, but this year I can see the other part of the football, when you don't play, when you're not important in the squad in the field.

"I know I can be important in the dressing room, helping my teammates. I know that for my teammates I am an important player, an important person and I try to give my best.

"It's not the most positive last year but I leave Leeds United thinking of the best moments and now try to enjoy this last game. It's not the best way to say goodbye because all the fans can't be involved in the stadium but I know they understand the situation and I think it's the best moment to say goodbye.”

Hernandez signed off his speech with a glowing tribute to the Yorkshire outfit: “From the first day, I felt the love, the support every game, every day, not just for me but for my family too. I can't describe this. I know a lot of people won't forget me, but for my part, I'll never forget this club or these fans."

Many could argue that such a revered figure had deserved a better end, but given his performances since returning to his homeland, it is fair to say that Bielsa made a good call to instigate his exit. He scored just six goals across 56 appearances and called time on his career in July 2023.

Admittedly, since then things have turned sour at Leeds, with two years of struggle as they fought to avoid the drop, failing in such a pursuit last year.

Whilst a threadbare defence was naturally the outstanding cause of such disappointment, given they conceded a massive 78 goals across the campaign, they also lacked a creator to supplement the free-scoring Rodrigo.

Sunderland

22.8

Leeds United

23.2

Blackburn Rovers

23.9

Plymouth Argyle

24.3

Swansea City

24.3

All stats via Transfermarkt.

Even now, as they seek to return to the top flight, it could be argued that such creativity is still absent at Elland Road. The likes of Wilfried Gnonto, Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville are a trio of young, raw attackers who will all seek to solve that issue, but remain unproven.

Despite that, the latter’s start to the term offers a window into a brighter future, which could even see the 21-year-old emulate Hernandez’s fine performances in Yorkshire should Daniel Farke get his development right.

Who could be Leeds United's next Pablo Hernandez?

Whilst it could be argued that nobody has come near to the magic midfielder in recent history, the aforementioned Dutchman may well have the potential to at least come close.

After all, to compare his opening performances already in the Championship with Hernandez’s best campaign, and the foundation is already in place for Summerville to spearhead their promotion charge with even better displays.

The former Valencia star enjoyed many fine years in a Leeds shirt, but the pinnacle arguably came during the 2018/19 term. Maintaining a 7.52 average rating, he would score 12, assist a further 12 and record three key passes and 1.6 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

Unsurprisingly, his rating made him Bielsa’s top-rated player for that season by some distance, with no one having even come close to such a figure previously.

Despite falling to a playoff defeat against Derby County, the silky customer still drew praise from his Argentine head coach who boldly claimed: “He is one of the best players in his best position that I have worked with in my career."

What makes him so special though, is that he did not let the disappointment of their failed promotion push dent his confidence. The ex-Getafe ace posted similar figures the following year, with his 18 goal contributions in the league helping them waltz to the title.

And yet, Summerville’s start threatens to outdo all of that, despite having only made two league appearances.

The £15k-per-week flyer has scored one and assisted another in clashes with Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday, with such attacking consistency meriting a 7.95 average rating, via Sofascore.

Adding to this, Summerville blends his consistent threat with four ball recoveries per game too, which is magnificently only marginally higher than his 3.5 key passes per game. Considering he has managed this from the number ten role too, despite being a natural winger, and at the very least his fine showings are in the same position that saw Hernandez shine.

He would naturally draw praise for these performances, but U21 boss Michael Skubala had predicted such a bright future for the former Feyenoord starlet: “Cry in possession, he's a wizard sometimes,” he added. “He's quick and he can open things up and he's a special player. So I thought he was pulling into possession tonight.”

Although it might seem ludicrous to suggest that anyone could even equal what Hernandez managed during his time at Leeds, Summerville has already begun to show that he might have what it takes to finally offer fans the heir to their former hero.

Not only this, but with youth also on his side, should he spearhead another promotion he boasts the longevity to remain a star under Farke for many successful years.

MatériaMais Notícias

A evolução do Flamengo sob o comando de Domènec Torrent é clara em vários aspectos, como destacou o técnico após a vitória por 2 a 1 sobre o Fluminense. A ideia de jogo do espanhol começa a ser vista e, com a liberdade aos homens da frente, a produção ofensiva passa a lembrar a dos ótimos momentos de 2019, enquanto a defesa apresenta uma melhora a cada jogo. Tudo isso, nas últimas três partidas, foi facilitado graças aos inícios fulminantes, com o rime marcando gols logo nos primeiros minutos e deixando as partidas a seu gosto.

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Foi assim no Fla-Flu de quarta (Filipe Luís abriu o placar aos 8 minutos), diante do Fortaleza (Everton Ribeiro fez um golaço ainda aos 6 no Maracanã) e contra o Bahia (Pedro marcou aos dois e ampliou aos 16 em Salvador). Especialmente no clássico, o time de Dome controlou o ritmo do jogo e mostrou a segurança de que venceria a partida, em especial no primeiro tempo. Uma confiança no resultado positivo similar à que era apresentada pelo Fla na última temporada.

Abrir o placar no início, invariavelmente, muda a dinâmica do jogo, obriga o adversário a se expor mais e, por consequência, deixa o Fla mais confortável e com mais espaços para explorar com o ótimo ataque que tem à disposição.

‘Taticamente jogamos a cada jogo melhor. Entendemos o que queremos fazer contra cada adversário. Todos estamos muito melhores. Eu também’, afirmou Dome Torrent.

O volume de jogo e o controle defensiva do Flamengo deixaram o Fla-Flu com ritmo de treino em alguns momentos. O 2 a 1, com o rival marcando nos acréscimos da etapa final, não refletem o que se viu em campo, com o time da Gávea perdendo, ao menos, duas chances claras e o goleiro Gabriel Batista sem precisar fazer qualquer intervenção. O adversário só finalizou em gol três vezes – todas na etapa final. Ainda há ajustes a serem feitos no sistema defensiva, que se apresentou de forma mais compacta e, por vezes, em linha alta, como se acostumou a ver com Jorge Jesus.

As entradas de Isla e Thiago Maia deram mais potência ao time, e ambos vão conquistando pontos com o treinador. O lateral chileno foi de novo uma boa opção ofensiva pelo lado direito, dobrando com Everton Ribeiro, e chegando com potência à linha de fundo. Para fazer isso sem comprometer a defesa, contou com a ótima cobertura de Thiago Maia. Bem posicionado, fez cortes e desarmes importantes – e de forma limpa: o volante só cometeu uma falta.

O desafio, agora, é fazer com que o Flamengo consiga manter a intensidade também no segundo tempo. Nas quatro vitórias, o time teve uma queda de desempenho após os intervalos. Tais quedas são naturais devido ao desgaste da sequência de jogos, o início de trabalho do Dome e, no caso das partidas no Maracanã, contra Flu e Fortaleza, também ao péssimo estado do gramado.

Ainda que ao poucos, o estilo de Dome vai ficando mais visível no jogo do Flamengo, que conquista os resultados e dá a chance do treinador trabalhar sem maiores cobranças. A quarta vitória consecutiva no Brasileirão levou a equipe aos 17 pontos, ao lado do São Paulo e do líder Internacional, que ainda entra em campo pela nona rodada nesta quinta, no Beira-Rio, diante do Ceará.

Newcastle United have now made fresh contact over a deal for Kieran Tierney, with a new report also revealing how much Arsenal would be willing to let the left-back leave for this summer.

Are Newcastle signing a left-back?

According to a report from The Telegraph, Newcastle are looking to sign a left back on loan in the final two weeks of the transfer window, as they are wary of financial fair play, having identified Marc Cucurella and Tierney as potential options.

Only one of the two is set to arrive on Tyneside, but they have so far found it difficult to negotiate a deal, despite Arsenal's willingness to sell their left-back, as the Magpies are now viewed as rivals for the Champions League places.

The Gunners would prefer to sell the Scotland international at this stage, but a compromise could be reached to allow Eddie Howe's side to defer the fee for another year, in order to avoid receiving FFP restrictions.

The 26-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium and wants to play regularly, so he could seek a move to St. James' Park this summer.

Read The Latest Newcastle Transfer News HERE

According to a report from The Chronicle, Newcastle's interest in the Arsenal defender has not gone away, and they have now made fresh contact with the north London club in order to discuss a deal.

The difficulty up to this point has been the Gunners' asking price of £30m, with Mikel Arteta's side well aware they are in a strong negotiating position, as the former Celtic man has three years remaining on his current deal.

Arsenal are willing to part ways with the Scot this summer, but only for the right price, and the Magpies continue to be kept in the loop, as their Champions League rivals begin to seriously look at a possible exit plan.

How many caps does Kieran Tierney have for Scotland?

The Isle of Man-born defender has made 38 appearances for national side Scotland, during which time he has scored one goal, but he has not been able to hold down as consistent a place in the Arsenal starting XI in recent times.

Last season, the full-back featured for just 776 minutes over the course of the Premier League campaign, playing second fiddle to Oleksandr Zinchenko, but that does not mean he would not be a good signing for Newcastle.

When the Arsenal ace was featuring more regularly in the first team, he was lauded as "sensational" by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, and he has still managed to impress on occasion for the Gunners in more recent times.

Last season, the former Celtic star performed well when called upon in the Europa League, achieving an average SofaScore match rating of 7.07, the fifth-highest figure in the squad, having made six appearances in the competition.

Tierney could be a solid signing for Newcastle, if he is able to reignite his form, and it is exciting news that a deal is still on the cards, even though a loan deal may be required, as a result of FFP restrictions, making this one to watch over the coming weeks.

Burnley are now closing in on a deal to sign Troyes forward Wilson Odobert, having had an offer of €11m (£9.4m) accepted by the French club, according to a recent report from Foot Mercato.

What's the latest Burnley transfer news?

Ahead of his side's return to the Premier League next season, Vincent Kompany is looking at bolstering his attacking options, with a move for Genk attacking midfielder Mike Tresor still on the cards, according to reports from Belgium.

The Clarets have also been linked with a move for Southampton striker Che Adams, who may be keen on an immediate return to the top flight, following the Saints' relegation from the Premier League last season, with Everton and Nottingham Forest also keen.

A bid of £9m was also tabled for former loanee Nathan Tella, who played an important part in the Lancashire club's promotion from the Championship in the 2022/23 campaign, however it was immediately knocked back by the Saints.

Kompany is still running the rule over potential alternative options from abroad, and Foot Mercato have now reported that Burnley's €11m (£9.4m) offer for Odobert has been accepted by Troyes.

After a promising first season in Ligue 1 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, the young winger has attracted the interest of the Clarets, and they now appear to be closing in on his signature.

Sport Witness have also relayed the report from Foot Mercato, and they have added their own information, stating that Troyes' relegation from Ligue 1 last season has definitely helped Kompany bring in the 18-year-old for a cheaper ee.

It remains to be seen whether Burnley are able to agree personal terms with the Troyes starlet.

Who is Wilson Odobert?

The winger came through the youth ranks at PSG, making six appearances for the French champions in the UEFA Youth League, during which time he managed to score three goals, however he made his first-team breakthrough with Troyes last season.

In the 2022-23 campaign, the Meaux-born forward, who can play on both wings and in advanced midfield, weighed in with four goals and two assists, which is a decent return considering it was his first season of men's football.

Journalist Andres Onrubia Ramos praised the attacker for the impact he made for Troyes early on last season, lauding him for his "extraordinary quality", while also claiming that he is "very skilled" in 1v1 situations.

Football commentator Robbie Thomson has hailed the Troyes star as "outrageously talented", indicating he could be a quality long-term addition to the Burnley squad, so it is exciting news the move now appears to be close.

Of course, the Frenchman does not have any Premier League experience up to this point, which will be a minor concern, and he is still only 18-years-old, so it is definitely a risk for Kompany to bring him in.

However, Odobert fits the mould as another promising young signing for the Clarets, who have already brought in the likes of Zeki Amdouni, Michael Obafemi and James Trafford, with Kompany clearly keen to build for the future, rather than focussing solely on survival next season.

There has been an update regarding Manchester United's pursuit of Fiorentina playmaker, Sofyan Amrabat…

What's the latest on Amrabat to Man United?

Following reports that an "agreement" has been reached with the 26-year-old regarding personal terms, Sportitalia have claimed that the Red Devils have 'presented' an offer to the Serie A side, with a fee of around €35m (£30m) having been suggested.

The piece notes that the Moroccan international is now just 'one step away' from joining the Old Trafford outfit, with the player himself said to be 'ready to leave' Florence in order to make the move to the Premier League.

The former Club Brugge ace – who worked under Erik ten Hag previously at FC Utrecht – currently has just a year left to run on his existing contract, thus allowing United to wrap up a deal without breaking the bank.

What is Sofyan Amrabat's style of play?

While Ten Hag began his summer spend by acquiring Mason Mount from rivals Chelsea, it looks as if the former Ajax boss is seeking to bolster his midfield ranks even further, particularly with the likes of Fred and Donny van de Beek facing uncertain futures at the club.

With Mount set to bring extra "dynamism" to United's midfield in an attacking number eight berth – in the words of his manager – the addition of Amrabat is seemingly set to help solve a different need, with the Netherlands-born ace set to offer a composed, ball-playing presence in front of the back our.

In many ways, the "underrated" talent – as described by writer Muhammad Butt – takes on a similar role to that of Jorginho at Arsenal, and before that at Chelsea, with the two men both said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities, according to FBref.

That likeness between Amrabat and the Italy international – who also made the move to England from Serie A – can be seen by how they typically operate in a deep-lying midfield role and are unlikely to bomb forward too regularly, with the Fiorentina star ranking in just the bottom 6% among his European peers for touches in the attacking penalty area, while the ex-Napoli man ranks in just the bottom 28% in that regard.

What that disciplined nature does is allow the pair to attempt to dictate the tempo of the game in the centre of the park as well as look to get the ball forward to the more attack-minded talents where possible, with Jorginho notably ranking in the 9% for attempted passes and the top 11% for progressive passes, while Amrabat ranks in the top 11% and the top 8% for those same two metrics, respectively.

The beauty of having such assets at the base of the midfield is that they also rarely play their team into trouble or squander possession, with Amrabat and Jorginho ranking in the top 5% and the top 15%, respectively, for pass completion as a sign of that innate composure.

That comparison to the latter man is of note as it was not too long ago that the Brazil-born maestro was dubbed the "best midfielder in Europe" by ex-United boss, Jose Mourinho, with the 31-year-old having also claimed the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award back in 2021.

The experienced asset did endure his early teething problems while at Stamford Bridge – having suffered early criticism from Blues supporters following his arrival from Naples in 2018 – although has since come out the other side to prove the doubters wrong.

For Ten Hag to find his own version of the Champions League winning playmaker in the form of Amrabat could then represent something of a coup, with the 6 foot 1 gem also offering the benefit of having an added edge to his game, having been branded "a raging bull" by Moroccan journalist, Amine El Amri.

With Jorginho having made a success of himself in the Premier League, perhaps the 49-cap ace can too.

Celtic appear to be edging closer to a move for Gangwon FC forward Yang Hyun-jun, with the situation “gradually being resolved”.

Are Celtic signing Yang Hyun-jun?

The Hoops and Brendan Rodgers have acted swiftly in the transfer market following the Northern Irishman’s return as manager at Parkhead, with midfielder Odin Thiago Holm and winger Marco Tilio joining from Valerenga and Melbourne City receptively on five-year deals.

Rodgers reportedly has a £30m transfer kitty to play with this summer, and that figure may have been boosted, with star man Jota since signing for Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad in a deal worth £25m.

As a result, Celtic appear to be on the hunt for another wide forward, with Yang a player they have been heavily linked with. Reports suggested that a £2.1m fee had been agreed between the two clubs, however, as we know, a move is yet to materialise.

Yang has been keen to make the move to Scotland and even previously admitted he would give up his salary to force through a deal with the Scottish Premiership champions.

"Celtic is a good offer, so I want to go. I have to do my best as a member of Gangwon. But I think the desire to go will still be there.

"I want to go to Celtic this summer. I hope Gangwon will allow me to transfer. If the transfer fee isn’t enough, I’ll even give my salary."

The Daily Record shared an update on Celtic and Yang in the last 48 hours, saying that a dream Hoops transfer for the forward is still on. They believe a £2.1m deal is still being floated and shared more comments from the player himself, who said that “situation is gradually being resolved”, with Gangwon re-evaluating Yang’s value following a meeting.

"The stagnant situation is gradually being resolved.

"The club have re-evaluated the value through CEO Kim Byung-ji during the one-on-one meeting. Still, there seems to be some progress. I think I hurt the fans too much. I want to make the fans smile and go to Celtic."

Who is Yang Hyun-jun?

Yang is valued at a career-high €700,000 by Transfermarkt and has made 71 senior appearances for his current employers, scoring nine times and registering five assists in all competitions.

The South Korea U23 international has previously been labelled as Gangwon's up-and-coming star who is unpredictable and eye-catching by K League United columnist Nathan Sartain, so could be a shrewd addition to come in and attempt to fill the void left by Jota.

Primarily a right-winger who can also play on the left or through the middle, the 21-year-old was hailed as “excellent” and a “level above” in the media following a pre-season performance against Tottenham last year.

By the looks of things, he could be the next attacking Asian player to move to Parkhead, following in the footsteps of the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Oh Hyeon-gyu, and it appears as if a deal in the region of £2.1m could be edging closer following the player’s recent comments.

Keaton Jennings and Michael Richardson continued their superb form with a stand of 158 in to propel Durham to a 19-run Royal London Cup win against Northamptonshire

ECB Reporters Network07-May-2017
ScorecardFile photo – Keaton Jennings maintained his excellent run of form with another century•Getty ImagesKeaton Jennings and Michael Richardson continued their superb form with a stand of 158 in to propel Durham to a 19-run Royal London Cup win against Northamptonshire at Chester-le-Street.Northants’ challenge looked to have ended when a brilliant stop and direct hit from extra cover by Paul Collingwood ran out Richard Levi for 66. But at 124 for 5 in reply to 291 for 7, Adam Rossington and Steven Crook revived them with a stand of 99 in 16 overs.Rossington reached 50 off 43 balls and with 89 needed off ten the balance was tipping when he lofted the first two balls of a Chris Rushworth over for six over long-off and backward square. But on 69 he tried a scoop shot off Paul Coughlin and lost his middle stump, leaving Crook with too much to do. He holed out at deep midwicket for 48 in the 48th over and Northants finished on 272 for 8.Jennings’ second century of the competition took his aggregate to 403 from five games and Richardson boosted his tally to 351 by making 68.Durham wobbled when both fell in quick succession and from 186 for 1 in the 34th over they lost momentum and slipped to 227 for 5. But it was picked up brilliantly by Collingwood with an unbeaten 53 off 43 balls as the last seven overs yielded 64.Collingwood continued to have an impact as he bowled straight through his ten overs to take 1 for 47 and ran out Levi, who had slowed after bludgeoning a 45-ball half-century. His lack of fitness showed when he declined a second run the ball before he was out.Durham made a cautious start after being put in under heavy cloud and Stephen Cook fell lbw to Ben Sanderson, the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 36.The score had reached 79 after 20 overs when left-arm spinner Graeme White conceded only three in a tight first over. But his second cost 14 after Richardson picked him up him over the midwicket rope then pulled him for four. When Northants tried spin at the other end, Jennings on-drove Rob Keogh for his fifth four to reach 50 off 66 balls, one faster than his partner.On 52 Richardson uppercut Richard Gleeson over third man for his second six and, at 159 after 30, 80 had come off the previous ten overs.Jennings helped a poor ball from Sanderson to fine leg for his 13th four to reach his century off 105 balls. But then both batsmen departed. A firmly struck cut by Richardson lodged in the hands of White low down at backward point then Jennings tried to hit Sanderson down the ground and miscued to deep mid-on.