Debutants Heazlett, Grant fire NPS to 17-run win

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.

Mudgal slams CK Khanna, 'the most pernicious influence' in DDCA

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.”

Man United Lining Up To Sign "World Class" £113m Star

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.

Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.

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.

Arsenal: Edu Trying To Stop "Exceptional" Gem From Leaving

Arsenal are "doing all they can" to stop prodigy Ethan Nwaneri from joining Premier League rivals Man City, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The north Londoners are attempting to back manager Mikel Arteta behind-the-scenes after what has been, overall, a very strong campaign – even if Arsenal end up missing out on their first league title in nearly 20 years.

City's incredible form has resulted in the Gunners playing catch up, with Arteta relying on a slip up from his former mentor if his side are to stand any chance of winning the league.

Regardless, just one year ago, Arsenal were pipped to a top four finish by arch rivals Tottenham – and now they're guaranteed the riches of Champions League football for next campaign in a major boost for the club.

Chelsea target Ethan Nwaneri

2023/2024 is a prime opportunity to build upon this season and challenge for honours, but as well as incomings, there have been reports of certain players potentially leaving the Emirates Stadium.

The likes of Kieran Tierney and Emile Smith Rowe have been mentioned in this regard, with highly promising starlet Nwaneri also attracting major interest.

According to Football Insider and reporter O'Rourke, City have been targeting the 16-year-old and are increasingly confident they can land him, but Arsenal are desperate to stop it.

Indeed, it is believed the club are "doing all they can" to prevent Nwaneri's departure to the Etihad Stadium, and while City think they can sign him, it is by no means a done deal.

As the youngster is yet to pen a professional deal, Arsenal would only be due a compensation package if he were to move up north.

Why Arsenal need to halt Nwaneri exit

Nwaneri is, arguably, the most exciting young and upcoming player Arsenal have in their ranks.

The midfielder has already broken a Premier League record, becoming the youngest player to ever make a top flight debut earlier this campaign at just 15 years and 181 days old.

The England Under-17 international has dazzled for Arsenal at youth level this season too – scoring six goals and four assists across appearances in Premier League 2, The Under-18s Premier League and FA Youth Cup (Transfermarkt).

Jack Wilshere has also heaped praise on Nwaneri, calling him an "exceptional talent", and losing him to one of Arsenal's biggest rivals will be a sore, sore blow for Arteta to take.

Dexter keeps delivering for Leicestershire

Neil Dexter continued to stake his claim to be one of the signings of the season as Leicestershire reached 299 for 7 against Worcestershire

ECB Reporters Network03-Jul-2016
ScorecardNeil Dexter’s third hundred of the season made for an even opening day•Getty ImagesNeil Dexter continued to stake his claim to be one of the signings of the season as Leicestershire reached 299 for 7 against Worcestershire on a hard-fought opening day in the Specsavers County Championship at New Road.The former Middlesex batsman completed a third century for his new county and at the same time made it back-to-back hundreds when adding 109 to last week’s 136 against Gloucestershire.He was by no means completely fluent, more than one of his 18 boundaries coming off the edge during an impressive first spell by Ed Barnard, but his application could not be faulted following the early dismissal of Paul Horton.Barnard claimed that wicket with his fifth delivery, Tom Kohler-Cadmore holding a fizzing overhead chance at first slip, and he should have had another when Angus Robson was dropped at gully.The opener was on 27 and went on to make exactly 50, his third half-century in four Championship innings, before he gave a low catch to wicketkeeper Ben Cox in Barnard’s second spell.The second-wicket partnership yielded 79 from 32 overs and this was followed by a stand of 54 as Mark Cosgrove perked up the innings until he became another victim for Cox, aiming to force legspinner Brett D’Oliveira square on the off-side.There was something in the pitch to encourage Worcestershire – if not for Kyle Abbott on his Championship debut for the county – but tight bowling by Barnard and Jack Shantry only served to underline the value of Dexter’s performance. He maintained his focus throughout and made it clear that he is enjoying life with his fourth county.If Barnard was the pick of the seam attack with three for 49, D’Oliveira showed impeccable control, and a nice variation, in bowling 23 overs for his 2 for 53.He was also involved in the fourth wicket, not as the bowler but in running out Mark Pettini for 16 with a direct hit from backward point. Dexter was on 98 at the time and eventually got to his century after taking 22 minutes to add four singles to his score at tea.The end for him came with a smart third catch for Cox, standing up to Joe Leach, and Robert Taylor soon drove D’Oliveira to extra cover, but Ned Eckersley and Clint McKay added valuable runs late in the day. McKay was leg-before to Barnard, bowling with the second new ball.While not taking total control, Leicestershire have gone some way towards burying a bad memory from earlier in the season. They were dismissed for 43 on their own ground in May when Worcestershire registered their only win so far in a Division Two campaign following relegation last year.The home side have included Tom Fell after his recovery from two forms of cancer since making a career-best 171 against Middlesex in his final innings of last summer.

Tottenham Can Fix Crazy Error With ‘Outstanding’ Manager

Tottenham Hotspur have given themselves the unenviable task of finding a manager that can surpass Julian Nagelsmann, after it was reported last week that Daniel Levy had not considered the German as a contender for their vacancy despite many viewing him as the outstanding option.

It was a decision pundit Jermaine Pennant could only describe as "crazy", before noting: "It’s like a circus there, at the minute. From top to bottom."

It is just one in a long line of eye-brow raising decisions made by the chairman, who continues to spark debate among the fanbase for his work in plunging the club into disarray.

From consistent Champions League football and progression with each campaign under Mauricio Pochettino to where they are now marks a culmination of years of failure, in which managerial and personnel moves have been consistently flawed.

julian-nagelsmann-manager-tottenham-hotspur

To right these wrongs, they need a head coach who can reset the culture within the club, purging the playing staff whilst reinstating a style of play that the fans can get behind. No longer should they have to suffer the turgid football of recent years, especially when an alternative free agent remains ripe for appointment.

Although perhaps not as glamorous an option, Brendan Rodgers remains a valid alternative to the former Bayern Munich tactician, as someone well-versed with English football, aligned with a free-flowing philosophy, and with a history of winning trophies. He could prove to be the appointment that eases fan concern over the decision to snub the alternative.

Would Brendan Rodgers be a good fit for Spurs?

To outline just how good an appointment this could be, former Spurs star Darren Anderton has already endorsed the move whilst speaking to The Express: "He plays a brand of football that Tottenham fans want to see. I think that's fair to say. Since Pochettino, with Mourinho and Conte, the football has been dour at times.

"I feel like he plays a brand of football that is the Tottenham way, and I think that would work."

Given his success in winning an FA Cup with Leicester City and a treble with Celtic, this 4-3-3 play style marries well with a pedigree of snagging silverware that is so richly craved in north London.

Preferring to dominate possession and always keep the ball moving, the northern Irishman also seeks to employ a counter-press higher up the pitch that would have fans of the club elated. Finally, some energy could be injected into this tired-looking outfit.

Although the end of his time with the Foxes might have marred his reputation as they veered towards relegation, the coach was often hamstrung in the transfer market and thwarted by injuries.

Should he receive ample financial backing from Levy, perhaps he could quickly turn around a squad in desperate need of a refresh, and bolster it to avoid a repeat in north London.

After all, during his early days at the King Power Stadium, Gary Neville had noted: "Leicester are an awkward, awkward proposition. They do a lot of things very well, they're efficient, well-coached. It proves it's no one-season wonder, there's continuity now, and he's one of the outstanding managers in the league, Brendan Rodgers."

With a record of scoring 1268 goals during his 689 games in management, at the very least Spurs fans will see some action return to their viewing experience.

The Northern Irishman is a more than capable alternative to Nagelsmann, who could even prove to achieve more success than the 35-year-old might have given his roles at Liverpool, Watford, Swansea City and Reading have prepared him for such a task.

Marsh 'speechless' at Maxwell innings

Glenn Maxwell produced a jaw-dropping 46 not out from 26 balls to deliver Australia into the tri-series final and left his batting partner Mitchell Marsh lost for words at the other end

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Jun-2016In the lead-up to Australia’s must-win match against West Indies, acting coach Justin Langer spoke of how important Glenn Maxwell’s experience and finishing ability could become at the business end of the tri-series. As if on cue, Maxwell produced a jaw-dropping 46 not out from 26 balls to deliver Australia into the tri-series final and left his batting partner Mitchell Marsh lost for words at the other end.Australia needed 62 off 50 balls with six wickets in hand when Maxwell walked to the crease, a man who had failed to reach double figures in any of his past five ODI innings and had been dropped earlier in the series. But Maxwell found his x-factor and got Australia home with eight balls to spare, along the way reverse-sweeping Sunil Narine for six.”I said give yourself a few balls mate and then go for it,” Marsh said. “I was literally speechless at the other end watching an innings like that. Maxi has had a lot of doubt and hasn’t been in the greatest of form but an innings like that tonight shows why he’s one of the first picked in this side, because he’s so dangerous and can win us games like that in a few overs. Really rapt for him.”He actually told me we’ll just take them for ones. Next thing he’s playing a reverse-sweep for six. I absolutely loved it. Maxi is a free spirit, you’ve just got to let him go and do what he does. When it comes off like that it’s unbelievable to watch.”Maxwell and Marsh steered Australia to victory with their 62-run partnership, which followed on from a 122-run stand between Marsh and captain Steven Smith. Marsh’s innings of 79 not out from 85 deliveries was critical given that he had come to the crease at 99 for 3 chasing 283, and like Maxwell he had struggled for batting form in the series, having not reached 20 in any of his previous for innings.”It’s right up there, I think any time you can bat through an innings and be not out in a win in a crucial chase like that, it’s very satisfying,” Marsh said of his own innings. “I’ve put in a lot of work. I haven’t had much of an opportunity – well, I have, but I haven’t taken them in this series. So it was really nice to step up and get us over the line.”Australia’s place in Sunday’s tri-series final in Barbados is now secure, and they will take on the winner of Friday’s clash between West Indies and South Africa.

Chelsea Interested In Signing £60m Premier League Star

Chelsea has been named one of the clubs monitoring Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister.

What’s the latest on Alexis Mac Allister to Chelsea?

According to Fabrizio Romano, the World Cup winner is definitely leaving the South Coast this summer and Chelsea have been “interested, but it's not a priority.”

As per the briefing, rivals Liverpool are currently leading the race for the 24-year-old and have already had a direct meeting to present their project and plan to the player.

After Jude Bellingham’s proposed move to Real Madrid, the Reds are set to enhance their chase for Mac Allister.

However, considering the excessive spending of the new Blues ownership, they cannot be discounted, and the midfielder, who is valued at £60m, would be an excellent addition to a side crying out for a rebuild.

Who could Alexis Mac Allister replace at Chelsea?

The £50k-per-week man arrived in the Premier League in 2019 from Argentinos Juniors as a relatively unknown quantity but is now one of the country's most sought-after and consistent players.

The 16-cap international – whose current contract expires in 2025 – was catapulted into worldwide stardom as he played a pivotal role in his nation’s World Cup success, having played in six of the seven games with two goal contributions.

His performances generated much acclaim and Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero labelled the player as "very intelligent."

Domestically, the form has been replicated and the Argentine star has averaged 2.1 tackles per game, a 68% dribble success, and an 88% pass completion to become a fantastic all-rounder.

Alexis-Mac-Allister-Brighton

He is an integral cog of a massively over-achieving Brighton side and has the third-highest rating (7.2) of the squad, as per Sofascore.

This prestigious resume means that Chelsea is sniffing around this tremendous talent, and he could be the ideal replacement for Mateo Kovacic, who is reportedly edging close to an exit from Stamford Bridge.

The Croatian has endured a hugely tricky season and appears a shadow of his former self. The 28-year-old has averaged a horrendous average rating of 6.77, with just the 18th-highest rating on the team.

Compared to Mac Allister, he ranks poorly, making just 1.4 tackles per game and registering a pass accuracy of 86%. It's in attack, however, where there are huge disparities. The Argentine has managed 2.6 shots and 1.2 key passes, whereas the Chelsea dud only manages 0.9 for both metrics.

The former Real Madrid man’s deal runs out in 2024 and the Blues may choose to cash in to avoid losing him on a free next summer and make room for Mac Allister.

The technician is an engaging and attractive prospect, who has appeared across the midfield and has already cemented his legacy by assisting Ángel Di María in the World Cup Final against France.

Although he isn't a priority, welcoming Mac Allister to the club would still be an unbelievable first step in a rebuild for the incoming Mauricio Pochettino.

Arsenal Teen Could Be Their New William Saliba.

Since Arsenal lost William Saliba to injury, they have exited the Europa League and seen their title hopes dashed.The Gunners had come a long way this season but much of that was owed to perhaps their strongest central defensive partnership since the Invincibles.Partnered by Gabriel, the duo have similar machine-like qualities, offering a remarkable layer of composure which is entwined with unique physicality.Saliba is like a Springbok at the back, darting back to make recovery runs and evading the press as though he’s not even being hounded by the opposition.Gabriel is the lion, a physical monster who also offers poise at the back. Like Saliba, he will relish that physical battle but ensures radiant composure.However, with Rob Holding in the team, even Gabriel looks worse; Mikel Arteta’s men have conceded 11 goals in their last four matches.There have been cries for a certain Reuell Walters to be given a go, with reports a few weeks ago suggesting Arsenal were ready to abandon their pursuit of a right-back and put their faith in the 18-year-old.

Who is Reuell Walters?

Lauded as an “outstanding prospect” by Arsenal journalist Layth Yousif, the teenager is one of the most gifted to come through Hale End.

Walters featured during Arsenal’s pre-season tour having been handed his first pro deal all in the same year.

It was a ringing endorsement of a player who Arteta and co have high hopes for.

Since Saliba’s injury, the youngster has been on the bench in five successive Premier League games from mid-March to Mid-April, sadly without ever getting on the field.

gabriel-magalhaes-william-saliba-arsenal-ben-white-james-sweet

Walters’ time will no doubt come, however, and it could be as soon as next term.

He deserves his chance, particularly when you consider the skill set the defender can offer the first team.

Although there may well be shades of Sol Campbell in his early career, having swapped Tottenham for the Gunners, it is the crop’s contemporary backline that he evokes memories of the most.

Like Ben White, Walters can feature at right-back or as a centre-back. Like Takehiro Tomiyasu, he can also feature at left-back, an area he played in during Arsenal’s pre-season.

Though, it’s arguably Saliba and Gabriel to who the budding prodigy is most comparable.

Indeed, the Arsenal academy gem’s attributes are remarkably similar, with this a player who can bring down the ball with ease, evade the press and maraud into opposition territory.

That was seen first-hand during the FA Youth Cup final last week. Although Jack Wilshere’s men were defeated 5-1, Walters “showed why he’s on the edge of the first team” in the words of Football.London’s Kaya Kaynak.

That was mostly owed to his work in possession where he looked “impressive on the ball” – as per Sam Dean – with the teen notably having strode forward, weaving his way past West Ham players aplenty in the build-up to Omari Benjamin’s opener.

It was a remarkable piece of play, one that had all the hallmarks of Saliba.

The Frenchman is notably difficult for opposing forwards to beat, having been dribbled past just 0.1 times per game, with that the joint-best tally of any central defender in the Premier League this season.

Comparatively, Walters wasn’t dribbled past at all during his three outings in the EFL Trophy this term, an indication that he can hold his own against senior professionals.

Possessing physical tools rarely seen at such a young age, and supreme composure, it’s easy to see why there are such high hopes for the former Spurs academy man. Indeed, he could just be Saliba 2.0, isn’t that an exciting thought?

Former Wolves Loanee Is Now Thriving Elsewhere

Former Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Francisco Trincao has spoken out on his recent upturn in form, after his hugely disappointing form in England last season.

What did Francisco Trincao say?

The 23-year-old expressed his happiness at this current time with perhaps a disguised swipe at Bruno Lage for how he was managed last term.

Speaking to Sport TV, related by O Jogo, he said:

“It’s like the manager has said about me, I need the consistency that I haven’t had in recent years. I feel good here, I’m happy. I hope to gain this consistency to be able to give more and be better.”

What went wrong for Trincao at Wolves?

The Portuguese joined Barcelona on a five-year deal in January 2020 and was handed his debut in October later that year.

Over a year later, the winger netted his first goal for the Catalan Giants in a 3-2 away win at Real Betis in the Spanish League. The following weekend, he then recorded two assists in a 5-1 thumping of Alaves, which included some delicious link-up play with Lionel Messi.

Due to the incredible competition at Barcelona and with an obvious talent that needed some more regular minutes to be developed and nurtured, the attacker joined Wolves on a season-long loan with an option to buy in the summer of 2021 and was tipped to become a real force within English football.

However, the playmaker endured the least productive campaign of his career and only registered four goals in 30 appearances in all contributions.

It was an incredibly disappointing return, heightened by the fact that he was a player who obviously had an oozing attacking flair but a damaging lack of end product – a painfully similar trend to what compatriot Goncalo Guedes experienced in the Midlands.

The fellow Portugal international has endured a comparatively dismal spell in England. Signed last summer, he has only scored twice and registered a solitary assist in 18 appearances. A better rate than Trincao, but still far from mindblowing.

Like the former Barca man, he is already elsewhere – on loan at Benfica.

After Trincao's disastrous spell, the £13m-rated man has also returned to his homeland, signing on loan for Sporting CP. Across 45 appearances for the Lions, he has contributed 15 goals and assists in a season where Ruben Amorin’s side has defeated Arsenal in the Europa League and Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League group stage.

In a recent league match, the former Braga man netted a hat-trick against Casa Pia and also recorded two key passes, two successful dribbles, and a monstrous 9.3 rating, as per Sofascore.

Trincao opting against signing permanently for Wolves emerged as the best option for parties, his short spell in England will be one he'll swiftly forget.

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