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Crystal Palace are keen on Montpellier striker Elye Wahi and he could be a 'great' forward option at Selhurst Park, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Which clubs are keen on Elye Wahi?

According to L'Equipe via Sport Witness, Crystal Palace are believed to have made a 'verbal offer' to try and land Wahi this summer alongside Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea are also keen on the 20-year-old forward and it is said that he is hoping to link up with his new club and start training once he returns from his holiday.

Cited by The Evening Standard, Chelsea have already saw a £24 million bid for Wahi turned down this window and is reportedly keen on a move that would see him pitch up at Strasbourg upon arrival at Stamford Bridge to continue his development at the Blues' satellite club.

Wahi, who has been hailed as a "real beast", isn't yet regarded as ready to lead the line for Chelsea; however, he enjoyed a fantastic campaign last term, notching 19 goals and six assists in 33 appearances across all competitions for Montpellier, as per Transfermarkt.

West Ham United have emerged as another suitor in the race for Wahi and would be willing to launch an attempt to bring him to the London Stadium as a potential replacement for veteran striker Michail Antonio, according to 90min.

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer insider Jones thinks that although Crystal Palace may find it difficult to sign Wahi this summer, there is no doubt that he would be a 'great' attacking option to have at Selhurst Park.

Jones stated: "It would not be easy for a club like Palace to win the race for Wahi because he’s already got clubs like Chelsea bidding for him but if a situation was to arise where he was attainable then he would be great for them. He has such an eye for goal and also still has the hunger to make the most of every step up he makes in terms of level."

What now for Crystal Palace?

As per BBC Sport, Crystal Palace are set to sign Flamengo wonderkid Matheus Franca for a fee in the region of £26 million and he will help to fill the void left by club legend Wilfried Zaha, who is now plying his trade for Turkish giants Galatasaray.

Franca will join Jefferson Lerma at Selhurst Park as Roy Hodgson's second summer signing. At the same time, youngster Chris Francis has joined the Eagles on a free transfer from Bournemouth and will link up with their elite development squad.

Nevertheless, The Athletic report that Manchester City are keen on Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise and indicate that it may be difficult for Hodgson to keep the France youth international in south London.

Crystal Palace are likely to initiate further incomings over the final month of the window and Leeds United pair Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville are both on their radar to strengthen the flanks, according to Football Insider.

Marc Guehi is a player that Crystal Palace are 'desperate' to keep around for the new campaign, though Chelsea are keen to bring in the England international to provide cover for injured central defender Wesley Fofana at Stamford Bridge.

West Ham United have entered talks with Fulham over a move for central midfielder Joao Palhinha, and they are hoping to prise him away for a fee of around £40m, according to a report from talkSPORT.

What's the latest West Ham transfer news?

West Ham are moving swiftly to ensure they secure a suitable replacement for Declan Rice, with it being reported they have already tabled an offer of €35m (£30m) for Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat, although the Moroccan is keen to stay in Italy.

David Moyes is "pushing' to sign Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria, and there has now been a bid of €13m (£11.1m) submitted for the 26-year-old, with talks progressing between the two clubs, while Manchester United's Scott McTominay also remains an option.

A bid of around £20m is expected for Southampton's James Ward-Prowse, despite the Saints' desire to hold out for £40m, with the Hammers set to intensify their efforts to sign the England international over the next few days.

Earlier this month, club insider ExWHUemployee detailed that Palhinha is one of Moyes' priority targets for the summer window, and there has now been an update on West Ham's pursuit of the Fulham ace.

According to talkSPORT, the Hammers have now entered talks with the Cottagers over a move for the midfielder, with the hope of concluding a deal for a fee in the region of around £40m – although Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian says Fulham have now rejected a bid of that amount.

It has previously been reported that Fulham could look to hold out for as much as £90m, given that they have no pressing need to sell the Portugal international, as he remains contracted at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2027.

It remains to be seen whether the Irons are able to negotiate a lower fee, but it is clear they hold an active interest in the 28-year-old, and it will be interesting to see how talks develop in the coming days.

How good is Joao Palhinha?

The former Sporting CP man could have a number of offers on the table this summer, with several big Premier League clubs making their interest well-known, including Liverpool, with Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy recently naming him as a target for the Reds.

Tottenham have also been named as potential suitors for the central midfielder, so West Ham may have to fend off fierce competition from elsewhere if they are to win the race for his signature this summer.

Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim has claimed the Portuguese maestro is "very good without the ball and with the ball", while also lauding him as a "special player", and his performances in the Premier League last season were second to none in some areas.

Palhinha made 47 more tackles than any other player in the top flight in the 2022-23 campaign, while he also averaged 1.3 interceptions per game, the fourth-highest figure in his squad.

As such, the Fulham star could be a fantastic replacement for Rice, considering the England international also flourishes defensively, and he could be a real bargain if Irons chiefs can keep the price close to £40m in negotiations.

The hosts have the weight of expectation on them, but also a batting line-up that has been in sensational form

The Preview by Shashank Kishore17-Jul-2017Match facts Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Start time 1030 local (0930 GMT)1:20

Can South Africa’s attack lead the underdogs to the final?

Big pictureFour years ago, the possibility of England playing South Africa in a semi-final would’ve been scoffed at. But South Africa are here, and that is thanks to their consistent bowling performances and the format itself – seven straight games for each team to leave an imprint.Dane van Niekerk and her team-mates have played a brand of cricket that has been reminiscent of West Indies in 2013, injecting fresh flavour into the tournament, celebrating every win with gusto. South Africa took the qualifier route to get here and the benefit of having a settled team – they’ve been playing together since February – has been apparent. By the time they landed in England, every player knew exactly what was expected of her.England, meanwhile, are in a cocoon outside of training sessions and media commitments. They have even made efforts to log off social media distractions. Heather Knight and her team have the weight of expectation on them, because they are favourites, a well-earned tag after their six clinical and successive victories since losing the opening game to India.The batsmen have been especially dominant. Concerns over Sarah Taylor’s form, after she took much of 2016 out to deal with anxiety issues, were emphatically brushed aside when these two teams had met in the group stages. The England wicketkeeper struck a regal 147 off 104 balls with no less than 24 fours. Natalie Sciver, amid scoring tons of runs, has also introduced the ‘Natmeg’ – a flick between the legs to yorker-length deliveries. And opener Tammy Beaumont is the tournament’s leading run-getter with 372 of them.But if there’s one attack that’s capable of stopping England’s juggernaut, it’s South Africa’s. In Marizanne Kapp and van Niekerk, they have two bowlers who have combined to take 27 wickets, much more than the cream of England’s attack. On form, this is, therefore, a clash of equals, although the pressure of being hosts could weigh on England’s mind.Form guideEngland WWWWW (completed matches, most recent first)
South AfricaLWWLWIn the spotlightAt her menacing best, Anya Shrubsole can be a threat on any surface. In this tournament, however, wickets have been a struggle for England’s vice-captain. Five in seven games is a reflection of how batsmen have taken note of her threat and negated it by looking to play her out. She will, however, have fond memories of the last semi-final against South Africa, at the World T20 in 2014, when she took 2 for 12 in an incisive opening burst to seal the game.Her contributions haven’t attracted the same attention, but it’s a direct acknowledgement of how tidy Trisha Chetty has been behind the stumps. Against Sri Lanka last week, she rose to the top of the list for most dismissals (134) by a wicketkeeper in Women’s ODIs. With 97 ODIs under her belt, she’d want to get as close to that milestone of 100 right here at the Women’s World Cup.Team newsLauren Winfield’s form at the top is a concern, but, barring injuries, England are unlikely to make too many changes for a knockout game. England: (possible) 1 Lauren Winfield, 2 Tammy Beaumont, 3 Sarah Taylor (wk), 4 Heather Knight (capt), 5 Natalie Sciver, 6 Fran Wilson, 7 Katherine Brunt, 8 Jenny Gunn, 9 Laura Marsh, 10 Anya Shrubsole, 11 Alex HartleySouth Africa are likely to bring back Chloe Tryon, a big-hitter who can also bowl seam up. Her services were missed in the loss to Australia. As such medium-pacer Masabata Klaas could find herself out. South Africa: (possible) 1 Laura Wolvaardt, 2 Lizelle Lee, 3 Trisha Chetty (wk), 4 Mignon du Preez, 5 Marizanne Kapp, 6 Sune Luus, 7 Dane van Niekerk (capt), 8 Chloe Tryon, 9 Shabnim Ismail, 10 Ayabonga Khaka, 11 Moseline DanielsPitch and conditionsThe league game between these two sides in Bristol produced 678 runs. This is a televised game, a semi-final at that, and the ICC, over the years, have focused on making such games more marketable. So expect a good bating surface.Stats and trivia Four England players have scored 250 runs or more in this tournament. It is the most among all teams – Beaumont (372), Heather Knight (333), Sciver (315), Taylor (297). South Africa’s only semi-final appearance came 17 years ago. They lost to Australia by nine wickets then England have won 26 out of the 34 meetings between the two sides.Quotes”I came into the World Cup thinking I had the best opening attack in the world, at the moment I am starting to believe I have the best bowling attack.”
“We prepared a little bit differently, there was a different vibe around the group. A few people did things they wouldn’t usually do on cricket, field, but that’s international cricket. And I think we have learnt a lot from that. We’ve done a lot of work on how we deal with that pressure, we’ve made it normal to feel pressure. And that kind of open honesty helps ”

The future of Chelsea defender Levi Colwill will become clearer by the "end of next week" following conversations with manager Mauricio Pochettino, according to Sky Sports' Paul Gilmour.

Is Colwill still a Chelsea player?

Despite spending last season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, making 22 appearances in all competitions, Colwill potentially still has a big future at Chelsea.

With a contract running until 2025 at Stamford Bridge, the Blues are in no hurry to sell the 20-year-old phenom, nor do they want to in the slightest.

Brighton have already seen a £30m bid rejected by Chelsea, who have frequently reiterated that they have no desire to lose yet another high-potential academy talent.

After a thoroughly impressive U21 European Championship with England in which he helped the Three Lions to the trophy without conceding a single goal in six matches, Colwill's price tag has understandably had a few million added to it as Chelsea fend off interest.

Speaking after England's final victory over Spain, which enjoyed a chaotic end that Colwill was at the heart of, he said (via Liverpool Echo):

"I’ll speak to my family, speak to everyone I need to and make a decision. I’ve got to play at the end of the day to hopefully get there [England senior team] and go to the next camp."

Pochettino has already scheduled talks with the youngster to convince him to stay at Stamford Bridge but potential suitors will be eagerly awaiting any fallout from possible discussions over playing time.

Gilmour told Sky Sports: "His future is still uncertain but it should become clear by the end of next week. We know Brighton where he spent last season on loan are still firmly interested in him. They had a £30m bid rejected earlier this summer by Chelsea who see the England U21 defender as part of their long-term plans.

"Mauricio Pochettino could be key in all of this. He is expecting Colwill to be on tour when Chelsea depart for America next week and he expects to hold talks with him. Colwill also keen to hold talks and both parties keen to get an understanding of, certainly from a Colwill perspective, where fits into the team this season.

He added: "From a Pochettino perspective, I guess it is a selling of the project and what's ahead and convincing him that he is firmly part of these plans. So, those talks expected to happen next week when Colwill returns."

As Colwill has said himself he is desperate to play regular football next season, something that may not always be possible at Chelsea as he has to fend off competition from Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah and Thiago Silva.

A move to Brighton or Liverpool, the latter showing interest, in Colwill in recent days, may result in more regular minutes with both clubs having extra European football next term.

A team with Chelsea's unwillingness to sell may make it a hard deal to pull off even for the expert recruitment teams of Brighton and Liverpool.

How good is Colwill?

One of Colwill's great strengths is his versatility. A left-footed centre-back who is very comfortable in possession and stepping into midfield, he can also be shifted to left-back as well as playing in a standard back two.

Despite only playing 17 times in the Premier League last term, Colwill made a phenomenal impact for the Seagulls.

He ranked in the top nine percent of league centre-backs per 90 last season for passes completed (75.76), progressive passing distance (551.43 yards), key passes (0.52), passes into the final third (5.75) and pass completion for long passes (70.8%). All of this highlights his wonderful technically ability and forward-thinking attitude, making him a perfect modern centre-back.

Nicknamed the 'new John Terry' and appearing in GOAL's top 50 NXGN wonderkids in 2022, Colwill has continually shone throughout his development at Chelsea and on loan.

The crowning achievement of his short career so far was lifting the U21 Euros with England, performing wonderfully in the final itself, and he earned himself a 7.4 average Sofascore rating throughout the tournament.

Australia and Bangladesh are at odds over the timing and format of the tour tentatively scheduled for later this year after the previously planned visit by Steven Smiths’ team was scuppered due to security concerns

Daniel Brettig03-Apr-2017Australia and Bangladesh are at odds over the timing and format of the tour tentatively scheduled for later this year after the previously planned visit by Steven Smiths’ team was scuppered due to security concerns.While the Future Tours Programme has Australia visiting Bangladesh in July for two Test matches as per the original 2015 plan, it has been reported that Cricket Australia (CA) suggested changing the tour to an ODI-based visit ahead of the limited-overs tour of India scheduled for October before the home Ashes summer.However the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is believed to have relayed to CA its preference for the tour to remain as originally mapped out, partly because the national team is presently in arguably the richest vein of Test-match form in its history, having registered wins over England and Sri Lanka in recent months.Among Bangladesh’s other reasons for maintaining the tour’s current place is that they have other proposed tours that clash with CA’s plan. Bangladesh are set to play Pakistan in July and August, before touring South Africa from mid-September to late October.The Australian proposal would by contrast maintain consistency for Smith’s team in the wake of the Champions Trophy in England. It would also allow for the selection of a limited overs-specific squad that would in turn offer the opportunity for numerous Test players to play a full Sheffield Shield schedule at home leading into the Ashes.CA and the players also need to consider rolling security assessments for Australian nationals in Bangladesh; previously, the Australian government’s travel-advice website had warned that Australians were subject to a specific threat in Bangladesh, leading to the cancellation of the 2015 tour. The current travel advice for Australians visiting the region is to “reconsider your need to travel” in light of “reliable information to suggest that militants may be planning to target Western interests in Bangladesh”. A CA spokesperson said security remained a primary concern.”We are still hopeful of touring Bangladesh in the near future but the safety of players and officials will always come first,” he said. “We will continue to monitor advice from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and our own security advisors about the security risk for any future tours of the Australian team in Bangladesh and make a decision based on this advice closer to any potential tour.”Discussions between CA and the BCB are ongoing.

Diana Edulji, the former India women’s captain, knew she was in the reckoning for the panel as Gopal Subramanium, the amicus curiae, had asked if she would be interested in such a role

Arun Venugopal30-Jan-2017

In the afternoon, Diana Edulji had almost given up hope of anything definitive emerging from the Supreme Court hearing where a panel of administrators was due to be appointed. The former India women’s captain knew she was in the reckoning as Gopal Subramanium, the amicus curiae, had asked if she would be interested in such a role. But, while Edulji admitted to a tinge of expectation, the adjournment of last week’s hearing had made her “sceptical”. Now, she had seen no news of the hearing on television for nearly two hours and was going to turn it off when the phone rang.”I got a call from one of the channels congratulating me. I said, ‘There is no breaking news anywhere.’ Then suddenly, every channel started carrying the story one after the other,” Edulji told ESPNcricinfo. “Given the number of twists and turns this case has been taking, I was a little sceptical. This time also it [a decision] didn’t come up till 3.45 or 4pm. When the first time it didn’t happen [during the earlier hearing], I didn’t go deeper into it. I left it to God – if it is due for me, I will accept it. If it doesn’t come also, I am okay.”Edulji, who has played 20 Tests and 34 ODIs between 1976 and 1993, is the only cricketer on the four-member committee which also includes Vinod Rai, the former Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Ramachandra Guha, the historian and cricket writer, and Vikram Limaye, managing director and CEO of IDFC (Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation). She is also a part of the four-member steering committee, led by former union home secretary GK Pillai, that has been tasked with the responsibility of setting up a players’ association.Edulji felt her presence in the interim committee of administrators was symbolic of what the Lodha reforms aimed to achieve. “It is a very good thing because what I have wanted [to do], now I am in a position to implement it, if that is the role that is given to us,” she said. “I first thought it was the steering committee and the players’ association, but this is a bigger and more prestigious role given, that I am the only player in India to be nominated by the Supreme Court. I hope I will live up to the expectations.”Edulji hadn’t spoken with her colleagues yet – “I don’t even have their numbers” – and wasn’t sure about the nature of her role with the terms of reference of the panel yet to be issued. While she was aware it wouldn’t be an easy job, she was confident her experience as sports officer in the Western Railways would serve her well.”I was administrating 40 games and 40 teams there. Right from the recruitment to the promotions, to the practice sessions, to the departmental tournaments, everything was looked after,” she said. “It was a huge job but a very satisfying job. Tomorrow [January 31], I complete one year of my retirement – so this is my third innings, I would say.”Edulji also said she was prepared to handle the mudslinging – a possible occupational hazard of being an administrator, even if on a short-term basis – that might come her way. “I am quite used to it,” she said, adding that she would rather work “amicably” and hoped to be a bridge between the old administration and the new era.It helped that former board secretary Ajay Shirke and veteran administrator Niranjan Shah were among the first people to congratulate her. “In fact all MCA [Mumbai Cricket Association] office-bearers rang me up,” she said. “I immediately left for MCA. I wanted to be with them at this moment, because they have been so nice with me.”I got a message from the [BCCI] CEO, Mr Rahul Johri, congratulating me and looking forward to working with me. That was a good sign also. Because I am the only player, it may just work out in my favour, [everybody] may co-operate with me.”

West Ham United are set to make their first offer for Fulham's Joao Palhinha, according to reports…

West Ham transfer news – What's the latest on Joao Palhinha?

As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Hammers are set to make their initial approach to Fulham for the services of their midfielder Palhinha.

"West Ham are preparing their first approach for João Palhinha. Not an easy deal with Fulham but he's top of the list for West Ham to replace Declan Rice," the Italian journalist tweeted.

The recent confirmation from Irons chairman David Sullivan that club captain and midfield powerhouse Declan Rice would be leaving the club made the signing of new midfielders crucial this summer.

However, the east London outfit aren't the only side interested in the Fulham man.

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are keen to bring the player to the Midlands and are 'willing to pay' the reported £60m asking price to get the deal done.

Would Joao Palhinha be a good signing for West Ham?

The short answer to this question is simple, yes.

However, whilst he would certainly replace the defensive output of Rice and then some, he won't replace the attacking threat the Englishman produced.

For example, according to FBref, Rice has created 2.75 shot-creating actions per 90 this season, whereas Palhinha has only created 0.87. The same trend can be seen with take-ons, where the West Ham man attempts 1.73 take-ons per 90 and the Fulham star just 1.13.

The Hammers need to be realistic and look to sign a couple of players that, as a collective, can help the team move on from the departure of Rice.

With all that said, the former Sporting CP man has been fantastic in his debut campaign this year and would certainly go a long way in helping stabilise a new-look Claret and Blue midfield.

His biggest attribute this year has undoubtedly been his tackling numbers, tackling a whopping 147 players, the highest number across Europe's top five leagues by 19, per FBref.

Even more impressive is that these aren't just wild lunges at the opponent, as according to FBref, he is in the top 1% of players for tackles won in the top five leagues, per 90.

His constant involvement in the defensive side of the game hasn't gone unnoticed by his teammates either, with his midfield partner Harrison Reed referring to him as a "tackling machine."

Former players and pundits have been singing their praises for the player as well this season, with former Fulham man Steve Sidwell saying: "He has been absolutely sensational this season."

One of the top-flight's greatest centre-halves, Rio Ferdinand, has also been enthralled by the player, saying: "You need someone like that in front of you as a defender."

He isn't just a bruising machine at the centre of midfield, either. He has the ability to score the occasional wonder goal as well, with journalist Josh Bunting describing him as an "artist" for a particularly stunning finish during his time in Portugal.

It is also worth adding that despite the hefty fee that will inevitably be required to get this deal done, Palhinha's relatively modest wage of £50k-per-week in west London shouldn't be too much of an issue for the Hammers to improve upon.

West Ham would be making a very smart decision if they go and get Fulham's Portuguese star as David Moyes' perfect Rice replacement, but they better get a move on, as he won't be at the Cottage for long.

Kane Williamson wants New Zealand to return to an attacking blueprint for the home Tests against Pakistan

Andrew Fidel Fernando in Christchurch16-Nov-20161:35

‘Pakistan have shown they can adapt anywhere’ – Williamson

The pitch is a vivid green, and the forecast is for rain, but bury caution, Kane Williamson said; “freedom” is his call to action with the bat.The reasoning is simple: it is what has worked for New Zealand at home, in the past. Thrashed in India, and beaten in South Africa, the hosts now seek to regain the dominance they had had at home, between 2013 and 2015. That attacking blueprint, Williamson said, is what New Zealand must return to.”It’s important when you come off the back of that Indian tour, that you come here and play with some freedom, and express our skills,” he said. “When we do that we play our best cricket. That’s our challenge going into this big home summer. There’s always pressure in international sport, but it’s important that we deal with that and play with freedom without trying too hard.”New Zealand’s most recent home Test had also been at Hagley Oval, and Williamson drew lessons from Brendon McCullum’s first innings from that game. Having come to the crease at 32 for 3 on the first morning, McCullum cut loose in memorable style, crashing 21 boundaries, walloping six sixes, hitting 145 from 79 balls, and breaking the record for fastest Test hundred in the process.”If you look at the last Test here, for example, when we lost the toss on a tough surface which did quite a bit, we saw an innings from Brendon McCullum which was in total contrast to my innings. I took the approach of trying to play late and attack when I thought there was a ball in my area. I got seven off almost 70 deliveries. Brendon was the complete opposite. It was an example of someone playing with complete freedom. I think that can come with the confidence of knowing your own conditions.”Kane Williamson on Tom Latham: ‘Tom has been around a long time in the New Zealand set up. For a while he has been considered a leader in this side’•BCCI

Among the batsmen Williamson expects to carry the flag is opener Tom Latham, who was among the better New Zealand batsmen in India, hitting a fifty in each Test. Though only 24, Latham is now the senior partner in the opening combination, following the axing of Martin Guptill. He has played 25 Tests and so far managed an average of 38.”Tom has been around a long time in the New Zealand set up. For a while he has been considered a leader in this side. He has been performing very well. He’s a strong leader within the group, and maybe he’ll take on that little bit of extra responsibility – not just with opening the batting, but also to play with that freedom.”Opening alongside him will be 28-year-old Auckland batsman Jeet Raval, who will make his debut in this Test. Raval had made a steady start to his domestic season when he was called into the Test side, and Williamson described him as a consummate builder of innings.”Jeet has been a consistent performer for a long time, and he knows how to score runs. I guess he’s a guy that can bat a long period of time. In some ways there are similarities between the two openers. Both are quite headstrong. Both will be challenged in this series by a very good seam-bowling attack.”Whenever you make your debut there’s some unknowns, not having experienced the step up in international cricket. Naturally, there are some nerves there. We’ve chatted. It’s a matter of not changing too much – he has been successful with what he has done. It’s a matter of applying a simple game plan – all those sorts of things that he has been doing well, and earned him his selection.”Though he expected his own team to make good use of home conditions, Williamson remained wary of Pakistan, and their good away record.”Home advantage is a good thing, I think, but it provides opportunities for both sides, and a side like Pakistan who have toured well for a while now will know that. They’ll expect their seamers to do well. It’s about making those adjustments of length, as you come away from the subcontinent and on to our surfaces.”

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.”

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be considering Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou for their managerial vacancy, despite growing speculation surrounding Feyenoord's Arne Slot.

What's the latest on Postecoglou to Tottenham?

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 57-year-old has been "discussed" by the Spurs hierarchy as a possible permanent successor to Antonio Conte, albeit with the aforementioned Slot seemingly still the leading option for chairman, Daniel Levy.

Speaking on his Youtube channel, the transfer guru revealed: "Arne Slot is a serious candidate for the Tottenham job. There are contacts internally to decide on the manager but the first step will be new director, then the new manager, with Arne Slot for sure into the race.

“Luis Enrique is also appreciated. Amorim and Postecoglou have been discussed. But Arne Slot is the frontrunner."

This follows a recent report from Sky Sports which also named Postecoglou as a figure that the Lilywhites are 'interested' in, with the Greek-Aussie having come to wider attention due to his fine work in Glasgow over the last two years or so.

Should Tottenham appoint Postecoglou?

The arrival of the former Yokohama F Marinos man would certainly tick a lot of boxes as far as Levy and co are concerned, with the experienced coach potentially able to help end Tottenham's dismal trophy drought, having already claimed silverware at Parkhead of late.

The one-time Australia head coach has guided his current side to Scottish Premiership and League Cup glory in each of the last two seasons, with the Old Firm outfit well placed to add a further Scottish Cup triumph to their collection next month, ahead of a showpiece showdown with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

It is the manner in which Postecoglou has achieved such success that has particularly caught the eye, however, with BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves hailing him as someone who "goes after everyone" with his "attacking football".

Having had to endure the dour brand of football that Conte instilled at N17 – with the Italian's approach described as "negative" earlier in the campaign by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville – the change to the Hoops boss would certainly be well received by Spurs supporters.

The one-time Melbourne Victory man – who has also been dubbed an "unbelievable coach" by compatriot Jackson Irvine – would likely need encouragement to jump ship in the near future, although pundit Mark Bosnich has suggested "Spurs would be the most suitable" club for Postecoglou to work his magic in the Premier League.

With the prospect of seeing the 4-3-3 coach bring "exceptionally attractive football" to north London – according to Bosnich – Levy must certainly consider the Celtic tactician as an alternative to 'frontrunner', Slot.