Tottenham Hotspur will feel that Brenford 'have to cave in at some point' regarding their valuation of goalkeeper David Raya, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving David Raya?

According to 90min, Spurs have communicated to Raya that they may be willing to walk away from a deal to sign him if Brentford don't lower their asking price for the Spain international.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank is said to want around £40 million before he considers sanctioning Raya's departure, which has led Tottenham to evaluate potential alternatives in their hunt for a new goalkeeper, including Guglielmo Vicario, Robert Sanchez, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Gregor Kobel.

Football Insider claim that Manchester United could be ready to hijack Tottenham's attempt to bring Raya to north London this summer amid uncertainty over the future of David De Gea.

Red Devils' boss Erik Ten Hag is believed to be a big fan of Raya's ability to play out with the ball at his feet and is keen to offer him the opportunity to swap the Gtech Community Stadium for Old Trafford.

Capology understand that Raya earns around £25,000 per week at his current employers on a contract that runs until June 2024.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that Tottenham will expect Brentford to 'cave in' over Raya's valuation at some point during the window.

Jones told FFC: "I think that they feel that Brentford have to cave in at some point and actually negotiate. Brentford can't be left with Raya on the bench next season. It's not helpful to anyone, and his value will drop anyway, so if he's not in the team, you might as well have sold him because he's not going to be £40 million at any point in the future. He's been quite diplomatic about it, to be fair to him."

Would David Raya be a good signing for Tottenham Hotspur?

Raya would be an intelligent pickup from Ange Postecoglou this summer as he looks to get his ducks in a row in the transfer market ahead of the new season.

In 2022/23, the 27-year-old made 39 appearances in all competitions for Brentford, managing to keep 12 clean sheets in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

As shown on WhoScored, Raya also features among Brentford's top five performers for his performances during the campaign, having achieved an average match rating of 6.97/10.

FBRef show that Raya was a reliable presence between the sticks for the Bees and racked up an impressive save percentage rate of 77.7%.

Despite this, it remains unclear whether Raya will end up at Tottenham this window as their pursuit of the stopper threatens to turn into a long-winded saga at Hotspur Way.

David de Gea is has been left off Manchester United's retained list but the club have stated that "discussions remain open" over a new contract.

When does David De Gea's contract expire?

The Spanish goalkeeper currently earns £375k-per-week but that deal expires at the end of the month on June 30.

With that being the case, negotiations have been going on for some time but it appears he will have to take a notable pay cut to remain at Old Trafford.

Indeed, Man United have already seen an extension offer worth £200k-per-week reportedly turned by De Gea who presumably wasn't happy with the terms.

However, with no agreement reached yet, at this moment in time it seems that he could well be leaving in just a matter of weeks now.

After all, the club released their official retained list this week and the goalkeeper was not included. Despite that, though, he wasn't among those – such as Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe – to be confirmed as a departure either.

Instead, the statement explained: "In terms of the goalkeeping department, discussions remain open with David De Gea over a potential new contract."

Will De Gea leave Man United?

Some of the club's departures have been known for some time. For instance, after 12 years at Old Trafford, Phil Jones penned an emotional goodbye message on Instagram at the start of June.

De Gea's situation, however, has been unclear for months and even after plenty of discussions behind the scenes, no final decision appears to have been made just yet.

The player wouldn’t have helped his hopes for a big new contract with some iffy displays last term – notably conceding a howler away at West Ham. Even so, he's still be a regular under Erik ten Hag, playing 38 league games and keeping 17 clean sheets.

And so, it's not hard to understand why the Red Devils don't want to offer him the same sort of wages he currently earns.

Indeed, if De Gea wants to earn that sort of cash, it looks as though he'll have to leave England this summer. According to 90min, interest from Saudi Arabia's Pro League could allow him to manage that.

Still, Fabrizio Romano told GIVEMESPORT just last month that the idea for Man United and the player is to "continue together" and negotiations are "very, very advanced.

He explained: "They wanted to reduce his salary but, at the same time, to have a different structure with the contract – maybe a longer contract with a different structure of the salary – so this is the discussion, but it's now very, very advanced.

"De Gea wants to stay and Manchester United want to keep De Gea, so the idea is to continue together. I think Erik ten Hag has been very, very clear on that. It's about the final clauses and then it will be completed soon."

With that being the case, even if they've missed this deadline, it does sound as though it could all be sorted just in time before his contract officially expires.

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.

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.”

Burnley have made an offer to sign Anderlecht defender Noah Sadiki, with contacts advancing with the player’s agent, according to Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the latest Burnley transfer news?

The Clarets and Vincent Kompany have wasted no time in adding to their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League for the 2023/24 season.

Centre-back Jordan Beyer has arrived from Borussia Monchengladbach, whereas full-back Dara O’Shea has come in from West Brom at a combined cost of €22m. There could be more defensive additions over the coming weeks, though, with Sadiki on the club’s radar.

Romano took to Twitter in the last 48 hours to provide a transfer update from Turf Moor regarding Burnley and Sadiki. The transfer expert revealed that an offer worth around €1m has been made, with talks advancing with the player’s agent.

“Burnley have submitted an official bid for Belgian fullback Noah Sadiki — deal being negotiated with Anderlecht around €1m.

“Contacts advancing with player’s agent Christopher Mandiangu.”

Who is Noah Sadiki?

Sadiki is just 18 years of age and is primarily a right-back who can also play on the left or even in a holding midfield role if required.

The Belgian has come through Anderlecht’s academy, so Kompany may have been keeping an eye on him during his time as manager of the Jupiler Pro League side.

Hailed as one of Anderlecht’s “highly talented” teenagers by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Sadiki has made 19 senior appearances for his current employers, turning out in numerous positions.

He’s valued at a career-high €2m by Transfermarkt and is out of contract in just over 12 months time, so Burnley could be making a shrewd signing, if their €1m bid is accepted.

The Belgium U20 international could come in and rival the likes of O’Shea, Connor Roberts and Vitinho at right-back, or he could be initially sent out on loan with a view to breaking through into the first team in the future, but it looks as if a transfer is one to watch over the coming weeks.

An interesting development has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their chances of landing a deal to bring Malik Tillman back to Ibrox for the 2023/24 campaign…

What's the latest on Malik Tillman's future at Rangers?

According to Sport1, via Sport Witness, the Light Blues are still in with a chance of securing a swoop for the USA international on another loan next term.

The report claims that Bayern Munich are willing to sanction another temporary deal for the young attacking midfielder after they decided to activate a clause that stripped the Scottish giants of their €6m (£5m) option to sign him permanently.

However, there is said to be interest from Premier League teams and that could make it difficult for Michael Beale to convince the 21-year-old magician to come back in the summer transfer window.

How did Malik Tillman perform last season?

Tillman enjoyed an incredible campaign with the Gers and his impressive performances for the club mean that the manager could get Ibrox rocking by snapping up the exciting talent again.

Rangers supporters would surely love to see him back in a blue shirt in 23/24 as the Bayern prodigy has already proven himself to be an exceptional option at Scottish Premiership level.

The right-footed whiz averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.09 across 28 league appearances and made a huge impact in the final third, whilst playing out wide and as a number ten.

He scored ten goals and created 12 'big chances' for his teammates throughout the Premiership campaign. Meanwhile, Ryan Kent – on the other flank – scored three goals and provided his fellow attackers with nine 'big chances' in 29 outings for the Light Blues prior to his move to Fenerbahce this summer.

The USMNT starlet also endeared himself to the supporters with his work rate out of possession and willingness to get stuck in for the team. No Rangers player averaged more tackles per game (two) in the top flight than Tillman and this shows that the hard-working wizard is able to provide usefulness on and off the ball.

These statistics, of his ability at both sides of the game, indicate that the 21-year-old prospect would be able to hit the ground running next season as he already knows what it takes to be a consistent performer for the club.

Therefore, Beale could delight the Ibrox faithful by signing the £13k-per-week ace, who was hailed as "phenomenal" by teammate John Lundstram, for a second loan spell this summer due to his pre-existing relationship with the supporters and his proven quality on the pitch.

أعلنت لجنة المسابقات برابطة الدوري الإسباني عن عقوبة مدرب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة، تشافي هيرنانديز، بعد طرده في مباراة أتلتيكو مدريد.

ونال تشافي الطرد من قبل حكم مباراة أتلتيكو مدريد بسبب الاعتراض وتمت معاقبته من لجنة المسابقات بالإيقاف لمدة مباراتين مقبلتين.

وكانت صحيفة “سبورت” الكتالونية قد أفادت بأن إدارة نادي برشلونة قد قررت عدم تقديم أي التماس على أي عقوبة يتعرض لها تشافي.

اقرأ أيضًا | بيدري يعلن تطورات إصابته مع برشلونة.. وفرص التتويج بـ دوري أبطال أوروبا

وبالتالي، لن يتواجد تشافي في مباراتي برشلونة القادمتين أمام لاس بالماس وقادش على أن تكون العودة في الكلاسيكو أمام ريال مدريد.

ويلعب برشلونة في إطار الجولة الثلاثين أمام لاس بالماس بعد التوقف الدولي يوم 30 مارس على ملعب “منتجويك”، ثم قادش في الجولة 31 يوم 13 أبريل في ملعب “ميرانديا”.

وستكون مباراة برشلونة وريال مدريد يوم 21 أبريل المقبل في ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” في تمام الساعة التاسعة مساءً بتوقيت “القاهرة”.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, as Monchi eyes his first transfer window masterclass during his first window in charge.

The Spaniard alongside former colleague Unai Emery will fuse together to ensure the Villans are in good stead ahead of next season, as the Midlands club prepare to endeavour on their first European journey since 2010.

Laporte has been on Villa’s radar since earlier this month, when 90min revealed the club’s interest in the central defender.

An update provided by Football Insider this week cemented the Claret and Blues’ desire to sign the 29-year-old, claiming that the club had ‘set sights’ on the Manchester City star and were ‘considering a move’.

The report adds that the Spaniard ‘ticks a lot of boxes’ wanted by Emery, with the four-time Europa League-winning manager hoping to sign a left-sided centre-back this summer.

Valued at £60m by the treble winners, as per the Mirror, the defender could be Villa’s record-breaking signing this summer, however, he’s not the only centre-back linked to Villa Park.

Indeed, Pau Torres looks as though he's also on his way to the Midlands, with reports emerging on Thursday that an agreement is in place to land the player from Villarreal.

The links to the two centre-backs is exciting news for the Villans, who could see a complete shift in defence with two experienced upgrades potentially incoming.

What could Aymeric Laporte and Pau Torres offer Vila?

While Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings have been a revelation at the back for Emery, the Spaniard could present Villa Park with two world-class signings in a rebuild of the defence this summer.

Hailed as the “best left central defender in the world” by treble-winning manager Pep Guardiola, the City star could be just what Emery requires to take Villa forward.

Despite falling down the pecking order at the Etihad, Laporte possesses quality that could see him dominate in most defences in Europe, seeing him lauded a “beast” by journalist Muhammad Butt.

The 29-year-old won an average of 60% of his total duels in the Premier League last season, cementing himself as a competent defender before anything else, however, his attributes go way beyond his defensive capabilities.

Similarly to Torres, Laporte flexes a powerful progressive ability, acting as a defender that can transition the ball upfield competently, in skills honed by the genius of Guardiola.

When comparing the two Villa targets based on their respective seasons and minutes via FBref, it makes for fascinating reading for those associated with the Midlands club, who could see a complete revamp of the defence as they know it.

While Torres’ 4.30 clearances and 1.74 aerials won along with Laporte’s 2.72 clearances and 2.18 aerials won per 90 communicate their defensive knowhow, their competency on the ball highlights just how much they could add to Villa Park.

As per FBref, the Villarreal gem averaged a monstrous 5.81 progressive passes and 2.24 progressive carries per 90 in La Liga this season, closely followed by the City ace who scored an average of 7.70 progressive passes and 2.72 progressive carries per 90.

By introducing two experienced players in quality and efficiency, Emery could equip his side with strength that could bolster all areas of the field, with two players boasting the ability to move the ball and dictate play from the back. This is surely a mouthwatering prospect for everyone associated with the club.

Jason Behrendorff finished with 9 for 37, the fifth-best Sheffield Shield figures, to help Western Australia gain control against Victoria

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Feb-2017
ScorecardFile photo – Jason Behrendorff returned the second-best figures by a Western Australia bowler in first-class cricket•Getty ImagesIn his first domestic match on return from injury, Jason Behrendorff produced the fifth-best figures in Sheffield Shield history, a sensational 9 for 37, to help Western Australia bowl out Victoria for 117. In reply, Western Australia closed the first day in control at 178 for 4.Behrendorff began Victoria’s slide from the third ball of the match, having Marcus Harris pinned in front for a first-ball duck. In his next over, he had Marcus Stoinis caught behind before Victoria put on a temporary fightback. In the 12th over, Aaron Finch was caught off David Moody for 34, the only batsman not dismissed by Behrendorff. Daniel Christian top-scored with a quick 39.Opener Jon Wells carried Western Australia through with an unbeaten 70 off 164 balls. Along with a 59-ball 43 from Michael Klinger, Western Australia went to stumps with a lead of 61.

Josh Little, Ireland’s 17-year-old left-arm quick, has put his education ahead of his cricket and pulled out of Ireland’s squad for a T20I series against Afghanistan in India next month.He has been replaced by Peter Chase, the Malahide seamer.Little has already interrupted his studies for an Under-19 tournament in Bangladesh last year, as well as two T20s against Afghanistan and Namibia in the Desert Challenge in Abu Dhabi last month,”Josh is only 17 and there were concerns about the time missed in what is a crucial period for his education,” said Cricket Ireland’s head coach John Bracewell.Little became the second-youngest player to be selected for a Twenty20 international, behind Hong Kong’s Waqas Khan, when he made his debut against Hong Kong in Bready last September.Chase, 23, has yet to make his T20I debut for Ireland, but has played eight ODI’s and one ICC InterContinental Cup tie.Bracewell added: “Peter was impressive during the ODI series last summer against Afghanistan, taking seven wickets, and gets that crucial extra bounce with his height.”Cricket Ireland have also appointed former Leicestershire coach Ben Smith, 44, as consultant assistant coach for the tour to UAE and India. Andrew White, who fulfilled a similar role during the Desert T20, was unavailable for the tour due to work commitments.Performance director Richard Holdsworth said: “Given that Peter Johnston is tied up in his role as acting national academy and performance manager, while Ryan Eagleston is preparing the Under 19’s for their World Cup qualifiers as well as working with the emerging academy we felt we needed to go outside for this temporary role.”As well as coaching the first-team at Leicestershire, Smith has held roles with both Worcestershire and the ECB Development Squad. He is currently working in New Zealand as a specialist coach with Central Districts.Ireland play the UAE in two ODI’s at the ICC Academy 1 ground on March 2nd and 4th, before travelling to India to face Afghanistan in nine matches across three different formats.