All posts by h716a5.icu

Journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed that defender Davinson Sanchez will "struggle" with the style of football Ange Postecoglou wants to play at Tottenham Hotspur.

Will Davinson Sanchez ever play for Spurs again?

It was a pretty disappointing season for the centre-back as he made just eight starts for Spurs in the Premier League.

What's more, he didn't really impress in that limited game time. For instance, he was booed off the field after coming on off the bench only to be subbed just 23 minutes later in a home loss to Bournemouth.

The good news for Sanchez, however, is that a new era is about to begin with former Celtic boss Postecoglou now confirmed as Tottenham's next manager.

The only concern, though, is whether or not the £65k-p/w defender will be well suited to the Australian's tactics. While talking about all this on his YouTube channel, Gold certainly didn't seem to hold out much hope for Sanchez.

He explained: "Some of those players are going to struggle with the playing around from the back.

"You maybe imagine, unfortunately, Davinson Sanchez perhaps will struggle with that. The ability to very quickly and calmly play some of the passes that will be required."

What style of play will Postecoglou bring to Spurs?

Former Spurs goalkeeper – and current Celtic number one – Joe Hart has given some insight on what Tottenham fans and players might expect of their new manager.

Indeed, he told the press (via Keep Up) that Postecoglou will ask his player to stick to his tactic of playing out from the back no matter what.

Hart said: “We live and die by it. I love that opportunity. There’s been many coaches and managers I’m sure out there who say, ‘Look, this is how I want you to play and, if it doesn’t (work), it’s on me’. I have heard that many times.

“But I genuinely feel comfortable making risky passes, short passes, and if someone does miss a pass or a tackle and the ball goes in, I don’t think any of us would even flinch because that’s what we are being asked to do."

It seems, then, the Spurs defenders will need nerves of steel to stay calm under press and play out from the back.

Seeing as Sanchez has been accused of bringing "the panic in the stadium" by Jermaine Jenas on Match of the Day (via TeamTalk) before, he might not be an ideal fit for Postecoglou.

Only time will tell but it's not looking good for the Colombian.

A round-up of the Ranji Trophy Group B matches that ended on October 30, 2016

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Oct-2016Krishnappa Gowtham ran through Assam, picking up his second five-wicket haul in successive matches as Karnataka completed a 10-wicket win and earned a bonus point at the Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai. Assam, resuming on 48 for 1 in their second innings and trailing by 197, were bowled out for 264, with the offspinner Gowtham returning career-best figures of 7 for 108 in 34 overs and the legspinner Shreyas Gopal picking up the other three wickets.Amit Verma followed up his first-innings 166 with a 120-ball 74 containing seven fours and four sixes but no one else got past 50 although all but two of Assam’s batsmen got into double figures. Needing 20 to win, Karnataka got there in just three overs, with Mayank Agarwal hastening victory with four fours in ten balls to finish unbeaten on 17.The win lifted Karnataka to the top of Group B, above Jharkhand, who only managed three points in Wayanad, where Vidarbha’s middle and lower order batted through the first 56.2 overs of the day to frustrate their hopes of an outright win. Vidarbha stretched their overnight 315 for 3 to a third-innings total of 444, with Jitesh Sharma, Akshay Karnewar and Shrikant Wagh contributing useful 30s. For Jharkhand, seamers Ashish Kumar and Vikash Singh bowled 63.2 overs between them to take four and three wickets respectively.Set 188 to win, Jharkhand were rattled by left-arm seamer Wagh, who took three early wickets to reduce them to 48 for 4 in 13.1 overs, before they finished on 75 for 4 as Saurabh Tiwary (35*) and Virat Singh (6* off 45) batted out the remainder of the day.Half-centuries from Biplab Samantray and Saurabh Rawat led Odisha’s resistance as they frustrated Delhi’s bid for an outright win in Mohali. Odisha, on 109 for 4 overnight, lost overnight half-centurion Govinda Poddar to a run-out in the fourth over of the day to slip to 116 for 5, still 142 away from making Delhi bat again.From there, Samantray and Rawat added 134 in 59.2 overs before both fell in the space of 39 balls. Samantray was caught behind off Sumit Narwal for 88 (221b, 11×4), before Ishant Sharma dismissed Rawat for 55 (189b, 8×4) to leave Odisha seven down and still trailing by one run. Delhi, though, only managed to pick up one more wicket as Deepak Behera (15 off 58 balls), Basant Mohanty (5* off 57) and Dhiraj Singh (1* off 29) blocked Odisha to safety and one point. Between them, the eighth and ninth-wicket partnerships batted out 20.1 overs while adding 17 runs. Of that, Mohanty and Dhiraj’s unbroken ninth-wicket stand added two runs in 53 balls.Rajasthan gave Maharashtra a scare but had to be content with a single point after a 12-wicket final day in Hyderabad. Resuming their first innings on 299 for 8 and trailing Maharashtra by 162, Rajasthan’s last two wickets added 31 runs in the first five overs of the day. Having secured a first-innings lead of 131, Maharashtra would have expected a safe passage to three points, but were rocked by Rajasthan’s seamers, as Pankaj Singh and Aniket Choudhary reduced them to 38 for 4 inside ten overs of their second innings.With plenty of overs still left in the day and Maharashtra only 169 ahead, Rajasthan had a small opening in front of them, but the middle and lower order eventually ate up too much time. Maharashtra were all out for 145, but consumed 61 overs, with Chirag Khunana (36 off 64 balls), Akshay Darekar (22 off 74) and Mohsin Sayyed (11 off 55) chiefly responsible for ensuring their three points were safe. Nathu Singh picked up the last three wickets to end with figures of 3 for 32. Chasing an out-of-reach 277, Rajasthan made 4 for no loss in six overs before the teams agreed to a draw.

Citing “unforeseen” circumstances over which the BCCI has “no control,” the board has postponed the IPL media rights bidding process scheduled for Tuesday

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Oct-2016Citing “unforeseen” circumstances over which it has “no control”, the BCCI has postponed the IPL media rights bidding process that was scheduled for Tuesday. The board made the announcement late on Monday and did not specify when the bids would be opened.The BCCI said that because the Supreme Court order on October 21 had made the Lodha Committee the “custodian” of the IPL tender process, the board, despite being well prepared, had to wait for directives from the committee before proceeding.The board’s release stated: “As the Committee has been entrusted by the Hon’ble Supreme Court with the mandate of overseeing the tender process and in effect is now the custodian of the IPL tender process and has to take all actions to safeguard the IPL tender and the interest of BCCI and cricket in India, the BCCI wrote to the Committee on 21st October 2016 itself immediately on receipt of the Judgment, inter alia seeking guidance on (a) whether to defer the IPL tender or (b) to cancel the same and (c) requesting that the name of the auditor appointed be intimated to the BCCI to ensure that he could be associated with the IPL tender. Further, BCCI has sent all the IPL Media Rights Tender documents to the Committee along with the Revised MRAs and relevant documents, which are yet to be issued to the Potential Bidders.”Offering a “sincere apology” to the bidders, the BCCI requested for patience. “The BCCI requests all bidders to appreciate that the events as have occurred were unforeseen and something over which the BCCI has no control.”After the court order came four days prior to the IPL bids being opened, the BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke wrote again to the Lodha Committee on Saturday, pointing out the “urgency in the matter”. Shirke also mentioned the 18 companies that had bought tender document, saying a “large number of potential bidders” would be represented by overseas staff and the BCCI would need to lay out timelines to facilitate the process. Failing to do so would hurt the board’s “commercial interests”, the board told the committee.The release issued on Monday stated: “The BCCI has accordingly sent requests on 23rd October 2016 and 24th October 2016 to the Committee on the aforesaid lines and requested for confirmation of receipt of emails and an urgent response to avoid any uncertainty in the IPL tender process to avoid any inconvenience to potential bidders. The BCCI also informed the Committee that any delay in responding and resultant uncertainty was hurting the commercial interest of the BCCI as it would lead to devaluation of the commercial rights that were to be awarded.”The prevailing uncertainty, the BCCI said, had put potential bidders on edge and they had put forth “numerous queries” and asked for a “clear roadmap on the way forward”.One of the bidders confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that it had sent an email to the BCCI on Sunday. The company had asked for the final Media Rights Agreement (MRA), which the BCCI had prepared after clarifying doubts through a two-round process with potential bidders. “We asked the board for the MRA, saying how do you expect us to enter the bidding without the documents (MRA) in hand,” a senior company official said.However, the official said they were prepared for the postponement keeping in mind the court was hearing the matter. “There was no urgency from our side. The new cycle of rights starts only from 2018.”The BCCI said the MRA could not be issued because it was awaiting a reply from the Lodha Committee, which the board said it finally got at 3.07 pm on Monday afternoon. The committee’s response asked for “certain further undertakings” and “further clarifications”. The BCCI said it had responded to the committee, which then replied by saying it would issue directions after “meeting amongst themselves”.”The BCCI, apart from the above communication, has so far at the time of going to Press, not received any further directions from the Committee, which is now the custodian of the entire process and has been tasked with the duty to ensure that the tender process is undertaken in a professional and transparent manner with least inconvenience to all stakeholders,” the board said. “Once the BCCI receives a response from the Committee it shall bring the same to the notice of all stakeholders as the BCCI is currently not in a position to take any decision in the matter other than what the Committee recommends. In the absence of permission from the Committee to go ahead with the process scheduled for tomorrow, the BCCI is unable to do so.”

The West Ham board has been teetering for a while, endlessly agonising over David Moyes’ uncertain future.

The Scotsman has bought so much joy to East London. Incredibly, he managed consecutive top-seven finishes, as well as a commendable European excursion last season that was halted in the semi-finals by the eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt.

This term, the Irons have gone one step further on the continent and made it to the Europa Conference League Final.

Moyes and his squad are on the cusp of immortality, but failure to win this competition could spell the end for the veteran coach.

According to the Guardian, the Hammers are giving fresh consideration to Moyes’ dismissal to heighten the pressure on the game on Wednesday evening in Prague.

His fate rests upon reversing history and securing West Ham’s first major trophy in 43 years.

However, as per Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna, Brendan Rodgers is a “leading candidate”, should Moyes fail at the last hurdle.

Would Brendan Rodgers be a good fit at West Ham?

A victim of recency bias would wrongly discount the obvious quality of Rodgers. The 50-year-old has endured a difficult campaign, unable to stem Leicester City’s downward spiral that culminated in a surprising relegation.

The club only signed two players last summer to leave Rodgers exposed and unevenly supported.

Prior to this tumultuous year at the King Power Stadium, the Northern Irishman had deservedly developed a prestigious reputation as quite simply, an unbelievable coach.

He first announced his managerial brilliance to British football with Swansea, securing promotion to the Premier League in 2012 via the play-offs.

The tactician was then announced as the boss of Liverpool and although it didn't quite go according to plan there, Merseyside legend Steven Gerrard was one effusive voice, heaping praise upon his managerial style.

He said: “His one-on-one management is the best I have known. He makes you go out onto the pitch feeling a million dollars — full of confidence and belief. He is a very confident manager.”

In more recent times, Rodgers managed the Foxes to their first-ever FA Cup victory in 2021 and had the club on the cusp of Champions League football.

Jurgen Klopp has expressed his admiration for his peers' work and said: “Leicester are built like you would like to build a team. Brilliant team. What they do is really good. Exciting, fresh; defend well; play football and are especially threatening in counter-attacks."

After an £166m outlay last summer, Moyes conceded that the spending “has not worked as well” as he would’ve liked, and given Rodgers' ability to pinpoint a player’s best role and mould a squad, his arrival at the London Stadium could be the perfect scenario.

Described as “unbelievable” by Michail Antonio, a player he could end up coaching, the appointment of Rodgers would herald a new era that could reignite the squad and the fan base.

Arsenal are expected to table their opening "bid" in an attempt to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in June, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Declan Rice leaving West Ham?

The Premier League veteran has made 243 senior appearances at the London Stadium having worked his way up through the academy ranks with David Moyes’s side, but with his contract set to expire at the end of next season, the upcoming window is likely to present the 24-year-old with his final big opportunity to secure a big-money move, and he isn’t short of potential suitors being the E20 outfit’s overall top-performing player with a WhoScored match rating of 7.04.

According to the Irons manager, the England international is set to bring in a “British transfer record” should he depart over the summer, and whilst his price tag hasn’t yet been specified by the club, Sky Sports have reported that they would sanction their skipper’s sale for £120m, or alternatively, £100m in cash plus a player going the opposite way as part of a swap deal amid interest from Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and indeed Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium.

Are Arsenal signing Rice?

Taking to Twitter in the last 48 hours, Romano revealed that Arsenal are preparing an offer in an attempt to fend off other attention and sign Rice ahead of the start of the 2023/24 campaign. He wrote:

"Arsenal have not changed their plans for Declan Rice as top target: opening bid to be submitted in June, waiting for West Ham to clarify final price tag. #AFC Nothing is agreed or done, race remains open. Other clubs are also interested; so timing will be crucial."

Arsenal are clearly serious about recruiting Rice in the summer if they are already in the process of readying a bid, and having been dubbed a defensive “midfield general” by talent scout Jacek Kulig and "world-class" by pundit Alan Smith, he would be an outstanding acquisition for Arteta in N7.

The World Cup participant has made 79 tackles since the start of the term which is higher than any other member of West Ham’s squad, via FBRef, not to mention that he also averages 1.7 interceptions per top-flight game so loves to get stuck in and regain possession for his team.

The Kingston upon Thames-born talent, who is even impactful in the final third having clocked up six league goal contributions (four goals and two assists) this season, would finally add excellent versatility to the manager’s squad with his ability to operate in five various positions over the grass, so this really is a deal that the board can’t give up on during negotiations over the summer.

Legspinner Rumana Ahmed’s hat-trick – the first in international cricket by a Bangladesh Women’s cricketer – helped her side defend a small total of 106 and beat Ireland Women by 10 runs in the third ODI to claim the series 1-0

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Sep-2016
ScorecardFile photo – Rumana Ahmed dismissed Kim Garth, Clare Shillington and Mary Waldron for her hat-trick•IDI/Getty ImagesLegspinner Rumana Ahmed’s hat-trick – the first in international cricket by a Bangladesh Women’s cricketer – helped her side defend a small total of 106 and beat Ireland Women by 10 runs in the third ODI to claim the series 1-0.Ireland had begun their chase of 107 well, with the openers Meg Kendal and Cecelia Joyce adding 52. Offspinner Khadija Tul Kubra dismissed Kendal and No. 3 Shauna Kavanagh quickly but the big setback to Ireland’s innings came when Cecelia was run out for 35. Having lost Isobel Joyce for 2, Ireland’s chase was starting to look shaky at 84 for 4 when Rumana struck. She dismissed Kim Garth, Clare Shillington and Mary Waldron off successive balls to leave Ireland’s chase in tatters. Laura Delany, Ireland’s captain, pushed the score along to 96 before she too was dismissed and Bangladesh wrapped up the win in the 38th over.Bangladesh’s spinners split up all eight bowler dismissals in Ireland’s innings. Apart from Rumana’s 3 for 20, Tul Kubra and legspinner Fahima Khatun took two wickets each, while left-arm spinner Nahida Akter had returns of 1 for 18. Khatun’s 2 for 13 was her best in ODIs.Earlier, medium-pacer Amy Kenealy wrecked Bangladesh’s top order, leaving them tottering at 25 for 5 after they had opted to bat first. Her career-best 4 for 32 accounted for four of Bangladesh’s top six. Opener Sanjida Islam top-scored with 33 and led a brief fightback, adding 44 for the sixth wicket with Ritu Moni. Jahanara Alam and Akter shared another useful partnership of 32 runs for the eighth wicket, lifting the score past 100. The failure of the middle order, however, meant that Bangladesh could only muster a total of 106. Twenty-six extras, including 23 wides, were the second-biggest contribution in Bangladesh’s total.The third ODI was not originally scheduled in the series but was added after the first ODI was abandoned without a ball bowled. The second match, which was curtailed to 47-overs-a-side, then saw only 18 overs of play before being abandoned. Bangladesh had earlier lost the T20I series 0-1.

Manchester United are interested in signing Ajax attacker Mohammed Kudus during the summer transfer window, journalist David Ornstein has claimed.

Could Kudus leave Ajax this summer?

The 22-year-old is arguably one of the Eredivisie's most exciting young players currently, following a string of standout performances for his current club. He has scored 11 goals in just 18 league starts this season, and he has also chipped in with four goals and two assists in the Champions League.

Not only that, but Kudus made a name for himself at the 2022 World Cup, catching the eye with Ghana and finding the net twice in three appearances. That gave him more of a mainstream audience and he has been linked with a move away from Ajax in the months since.

United are one of the clubs who are seemingly in the race to sign the £10,000-a-week star, with the Red Devils looking for a fresh injection of attacking quality this summer. His current deal expires at the end of the 2024/25 season, but it could be that Ajax decide that now is the best time to cash in on him and receive a lot of money for his signature.

Are Man United in the mix to sign Kudus?

According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, United remain interested in snapping up Kudus this summer, but they aren't alone, in that respect:

"It is expected to require a fee of around £40million ($49.8m) to sign the Ghana international, although that might be influenced by which teams are in for him.

"Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United are among those tracking Kudus, and while other candidates may be above him on their transfer lists at present, the 22-year-old is admired."

Interestingly, Van Basten stated that Kudus is "much better" than Antony who is currently at Manchester United.

Kudus could be such an exciting signing by United ahead of next season, coming in as a long-term prospect with an extremely high ceiling. He was hailed as someone with a "great future ahead of him" by journalist John Bennet during the World Cup, as well as "brilliant", and he could strengthen the Reds' squad depth in attacking areas.

The Ajax man is capable of thriving in a central strike role, on the right-hand side or even in the centre of midfield, and this versatility will surely appeal to Erik ten Hag. The fact that the pair have already worked together during their time at Ajax would also make the move less of a risk, with the United boss knowing the Ghanaian inside out.

Sam Heazlett, David Grant and David Moody shone on their List A debuts as Australia’s National Performance Squad prevailed over South Africa A by 17 runs in the first game of the Quadrangular A-Team One-Day Series

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Aug-2016
ScorecardFile photo: Sam Heazlett’s century on List A debut set up the National Performance squad’s 17-run win over South Africa A•Getty ImagesSam Heazlett, David Grant and David Moody shone on their List A debuts as Australia’s National Performance Squad (NPS) prevailed over South Africa A by 17 runs in the first game of the Quadrangular A-Team One-Day Series.Heazlett struck 101 off 87 balls to steer NPS to 8 for 243 after they were asked to bat at the Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville. Grant (4 for 31) and Moody (3 for 44) then ran through South Africa’s batting order to bowl them out for 226 in 48.4 overs.Heazlett had walked in at the fall of the first wicket when Caleb Jewell was dismissed for 20, after he had added 43 for the opening wicket with Hilton Cartwright. Thereafter, it was a Heazlett show all along. Right-arm pacer Andile Phehlukwayo’s double-strike in the 16th over reduced NPS to 3 for 57, before Heazlett partially steadied the innings through a 49-run fourth-wicket stand with Matthew Short. Heazlett’s second significant stand of the match came with Arjun Nair, with whom he added 91 for the sixth wicket. Heazlett was run out with 33 balls remaining, but captain Sean Abbott’s cameo ensured a decent finish to the NPS innings.South Africa A’s bowlers shared the wickets equally. Phehlukwayo and Aaron Phangiso took two wickets each, while Dane Paterson, Sisanda Magala and Qaasim Adams took a wicket apiece.Adams came good with the bat too, but waged a lone battle. Captain Heino Kuhn had ground it out for 47 balls for his 28, but when he fell, South Africa A were on the mat at 5 for 71. That would soon become 7 for 88. Adams and Magala combined for a 99-run stand for the eighth wicket to give their side a brief passage of cheer, until both batsmen were dismissed in the space of 10 deliveries. Adams had made 78 off 83, with seven fours and three sixes, while Magala’s 59-ball 35 was laced with three fours. Thereafter, brief contributions from Phangiso and Paterson, South Africa A’s Nos. 10 and 11, took them closer, but not close enough.The second match of the series will take place on Sunday when Australia A take on India A at the same venue.

The Mudgal Report admonished CK Khanna, the long-serving vice-president of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), saying his “pernicious influence” is responsible for the “major ills” of the premier state association

Nagraj Gollapudi12-Jul-2016The Mudgal Report has admonished CK Khanna, vice-president of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) since 1982, saying his “pernicious influence” is responsible for the “major ills” of the premier state association. The remarks about Khanna are doubly concerning because he is also the vice-president of the BCCI from the central zone.”The major ills of the DDCA can be traced to a long-serving vice-president of DDCA,” the Mudgal report, which was submitted in Delhi High Court on Monday, said. The report was prepared by Justice Mukul Mudgal, the former chief justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court, who was appointed this February to oversee the conduct of matches at Feroz Shah Kotla during the World T20 and IPL, between March and May.While he highlighted in detail the various problems that have plagued the DDCA for many years now, Mudgal reserved his sternest words for Khanna. “It was seen during my tenure that there is no transparency or accountability in the functioning of the some senior office bearers of DDCA,” the report said. “The most pernicious influence affecting DDCA’s administration is the ever-present Mr CK Khanna, who is the vice-president of DDCA for several years and also happens to be the vice-president of BCCI, though from the central zone. He controls a large number of proxies and, accordingly, has a strong hold in DDCA.”The proxies, Mudgal pointed out in the report, are the thousands of members of DDCA who are given one complimentary pass for every match conducted at Feroz Shah Kotla. The only purpose these members serve, he said, is that of voting during the DDCA executive committee elections.In his conclusions, Mudgal noted that the proxy system “is the bane of Delhi cricket and subject to other legal requirements deserves to be jettisoned”. Mudgal said the list of these “few thousand” members, acting as proxies, needed to be properly scrutinised.According to Mudgal the complimentary tickets and passes are a “bone of contention” between various office bearers, executive committee members and other authorities at the DDCA. And it was here Khanna used his influence to get as many complimentary passes as he could. “He excels in at evading responsibility and claiming credit for an achievement by someone else,” Mudgal noted. “His paramount interests are peddling of complimentaries to gain favours and satisfy his proxy interests, and mounting the dais repeatedly for presentations. He craves for every photo opportunity.”Mr Khanna has not the slightest interest in promotion of cricket in Delhi and his sole occupation is the traction obtained by complimentaries to his proxies and various authorities. He specialises in using his proxy power from behind the scenes and always avoids putting his signature on any document to avoid any responsibility. He is very efficient at securing complimentaries for the avowed purpose of giving to various licensing/sanctioning authorities and diverting some of them for his own benefit.”According to the report, a clear case of conflict of interest could be established against Khanna, who had three relatives serving at DDCA. “He has planted his relatives in various positions in DDCA, for example a) Mr Anil Khanna, General Secretary (first cousin) b) Ravi Khanna, Patron (brother) c) Vivek Gupta, Joint Secretary (wife’s first cousin). This is clear case of conflict of interest.”The report highlighted the downward course taken by Delhi cricket in the Ranji Trophy. It argued that if Delhi is to regain its pre-eminence in domestic cricket, Khanna has to leave the DDCA. “Mr CK Khanna is present throughout working hours in DDCA. His supporters who keep him in power are only interested in complimentaries and free food and liquor during matches. Mr CK Khanna is one person whose latent actions along with his proxy-controlled acolytes have brought down the reputation of DDCA. Delhi, which has given several great cricketers to the Indian team, including the present Test captain, now languishes in the second tier of Ranji Trophy. All those who want to work only in the interests of betterment of cricket are hampered and prevented at every stage by the influence of CK Khanna. A restoration of Delhi cricket to its erstwhile glory may not be possible with Mr CK Khanna controlling the affairs of DDCA.”

Manchester United are now lining up to sign Napoli's Victor Osimhen this summer, and it would be the striker's "dream" to move to Old Trafford, according to a recent update.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

Man United have set their sights on bringing in a new striker this summer, and it has been reported they are still keen on signing Goncalo Ramos from Benfica, with the Portuguese club resigned to losing him at the end of the campaign.

However, Lautaro Martinez is said to be Erik ten Hag's top target, with the Red Devils willing to offer £60m to secure his services for next season, an offer that Inter Milan may be forced to accept.

Another option for United is Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane, with it recently being reported they are set to make the England captain a priority target, as they believe he could play a big part in turning them back into title contenders.

Ten Hag has identified a number of targets for the summer, and Sport Witness has relayed an update from Italy, which details that Man United are lining up to sign Osimhen, and the player himself is said to be attracted by the proposition.

It would be a "dream" move for the Nigerian to complete a switch to Old Trafford, however actually being able to land him is where it gets difficult, as Napoli are set to demand €130m (£113m) plus bonuses to sanction his departure.

Not only that, but there will be stiff competition from the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

How many goals has Osimhen scored?

The 24-year-old has been in fantastic form with Napoli this season, weighing in with 28 goals in all competitions, including 23 in the Serie A, which places him at the top of the goal-scoring charts, above Martinez.

Hailed as "world-class" by members of the media, the marksman has spearheaded Napoli's title-winning Serie A season, and it is no surprise that there are a number of clubs lining up for his signature.

However, £113m is a huge amount and would be a club record fee at Old Trafford, particularly considering Kane could be available for less, with it being reported Daniel Levy may listen to offers above £100m.

Given that Kane has proven himself in the Premier League over many years, the 29-year-old could be a better target this summer, but Osimhen would still be a fantastic signing.