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An update has emerged on Nottingham Forest and their pursuit of central midfielder Houssem Aouar in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that the club are “very close” to sealing a deal for the France international and that talks are “ongoing” at this moment in time.

It remains to be seen how much money Forest are prepared to pay Lyon for his services, but they appear to be on the verge of agreeing a fee with the Ligue 1 outfit.

If this move goes ahead then Aouar will come in as Steve Cooper’s 15th signing of the summer, assuming no other players arrive before that happens.

Imagine him & Jesse Lingard

Just imagine how exciting Forest’s midfield could be with Aouar and Lingard linking up through the middle of the pitch to cause damage to the opposition this season.

The club brought the latter in on a free transfer from Manchester United and he is a proven performer in the Premier League who is capable of delivering goals and assists from a number 10 position.

He spent the second half of the 2020/21 campaign on loan to West Ham in the top-flight and caught the eye with a string of superb performances. The attacking midfielder racked up nine goals and four assists in 16 outings for the Hammers – creating 1.1 chances per match.

This shows that Lingard has the potential to make a big impact in the final third if he can find his form under Cooper’s management and the club could be about to land a player who can help him to do just that.

Aouar is an attack-minded central midfielder who could line up behind the England international and use his quality to bring the former Red Devil into the game.

In the 2021/22 Ligue 1 campaign, the Frenchman scored six goals and set up four in 29 starts. The dynamo created eight ‘big chances’ for his teammates in that time, creating 1.1 chances per game, and this suggests that he has the quality to thread quality passes into the forward players.

This means that he could be the player tasked with playing the ball between the lines to find Lingard in the space that he needs to then work his magic in the final third, whether that is scoring or assisting goals.

Now, imagine both of them scoring and creating in the Premier League alongside each other for the rest of the 2022/23 campaign and beyond. It is an exciting prospect and one that will hopefully become reality soon.

Newcastle United are reportedly ‘considering’ a bid for Chelsea striker Armando Broja.

The Lowdown: In demand

Broja is a striker in demand after an impressive loan spell at Southampton from Chelsea last season, where he scored nine goals and made one assist in all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The likes of West Ham United and Everton have strongly been linked with a move, while a return to the Saints has also not been ruled out.

The Latest: Bid considered

Speaking to EFC Daily, CBS Sports Golazo journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit are ‘considering’ making a bid for Broja, adding that his situation is ‘one to watch’ later on in the window:

“Newcastle are considering a bid and Everton could yet formally advance their interest, too. It’s one to watch later in the window as Broja’s Chelsea future becomes clearer.”

The Verdict: Get it done

With so much interest from Broja from their Premier League rivals, this is a deal that the North East club simply need to get done as soon as possible.

Hailed as ‘devastating‘ by Albania assistant coach Sergio Porrini, and a player with ‘incredible pace and strength’ by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, it is hard to believe that the six-foot-three colossus is still only 20 years of age, and he already has four goals in 14 caps for his country too (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, having already added defensive reinforcements in Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett, the Magpies should now be focusing on strengthening their attack, and Broja would certainly fit the bill.

Southampton are plotting a move for right-back Marcus Pedersen from Feyenoord this summer, and the player has spoken about the rumours surrounding him joining the club.

What’s the story?

In an interview with ESPN (via the Daily Echo) Pedersen said: “I am a player who has never been afraid to move, to take new steps in a higher league.

“Southampton have shown for years that they can develop young talents in England, and have sold them to bigger clubs. So they are a good club for developing young players.”

He went on to confirm that he hasn’t spoken to the Premier League club over a possible move, but seemed like he would be keen should Saints make an offer.

Supporters will be excited

This is a tease that will excite supporters, especially given recent reports surrounding Kyle Walker-Peters, with Saints putting a £40m price tag on the English full-back following interest from several top-flight clubs including Everton.

If Pedersen were to join the club then he could come straight in as a replacement and ease any worries that supporters may have about Saints’ squad for next season.

If you look at the Norwegian international’s statistics from last season, they prove he would make a good addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

He made a total of 30 appearances in the Eredivisie keeping seven clean sheets. Where he impresses most is with the ball, his pass accuracy percentage per game was 80%, proving he can be trusted to keep possession by successfully finding a teammate.

Over half of the dribbles he made were also a success which shows that he’s more than capable of pushing forward and providing an attacking threat.

At 22 years old he has a lot of room for improvement as well, and under a coach like Hasenhuttl, who has a record of working with Saints’ young players, he can become even better.

Even if Southampton manage to keep hold of Walker-Peters, he would provide great competition and depth should an injury occur.

Prior reports, via Sport Witness, also recently claimed that he was valued at around €4.5m (£3.8m) so there’s a bargain to be had.

AND in other news: Good news: Teasing Southampton transfer claim will surely excite supporters…

Former Rangers striker and now Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd has made a big claim on a certain fan favourite at Ibrox which will leave Light Blues supporters buzzing.

What’s the word?

The news surrounds Alfredo Morelos, who with one one year left on his contract, has been the subject of abundant rumours about his future.

Boyd told Sky Sports News [via Daily Record]: “I’ve said it before, every player has a price tag. If someone wants to meet that valuation then I’m sure Rangers will speak about it. As it stands he is a Rangers player and I am sure he will return back for pre-season ready to go to attack the Champions League qualifiers and Premiership when it starts.”

Hopefully the 38-year-old is right and Morelos comes back ready to hit pre-season with everything he has got, aiming to start the new campaign with a bang.

Morelos is key for Rangers

Despite Giovanni van Bronckhorst tying some players down to extended deals towards the end of last season such as Steven Davis and Scott Arfield, the likes of Ryan Kent, Joe Aribo and Morelos are all into the final year of their contracts, so it’s time that Rangers tie them down to longer deals.

Sevilla launched a derisory bid of £7m for the Colombian earlier this week, and whether or not he extends his deal, clubs will surely need to offer much more than that to sign the £11.7m-rated predator.

Since joining the Gers in 2017, the Colombian has scored 113 goals in 224 appearances for the Ibrox giants, with 29 of those coming in European competition, making him the club’s record continental goalscorer.

The 26-year-old has become a talisman as the club wrestled back the Premiership crown from Celtic in 2021 to win their first title in ten years, and while injury ruined the end of his 2021/22 campaign, he still contributed heavily in Europe by netting five goals in Rangers’ run to the Europa League final.

Hopefully Ross Wilson and Van Bronckhorst can sit Morelos down and make him an offer he can’t refuse, as he could go on to become an undisputed club legend.

AND in other news, Rangers now closing in on 7-figure deal for “quality” 126-goal ace, he’s Van Bronckhorst’s dream

According to Tottenham insider John Wenham, Japhet Tanganga will stay with the Premier League club this summer.

The Lowdown: Tanganga’s injury setback

The 23-year-old had been enjoying life under Antonio Conte, making 11 appearances for the boss after his arrival in north London back in November last year.

Despite the positive start though, the defender suffered a major setback after he sustained a serious knee injury in March which required surgery, something that saw him ruled out for the remainder of the 2021/22 campaign.

As a result of not being involved in the action, some Lilywhites fans have recently been calling for the academy graduate to be sold, but after a fresh update, a club ‘insider’ seems to think quite the opposite.

The Latest: ‘He will be staying’

Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham says ‘a lot of people’ want the player sold and he’s ‘surprised’ by the negative noises around the player.

“A lot of people have been saying ‘sell Tanganga, sell Tanganga’. I’m sorry, no, you need a certain number of club-trained and homegrown players and he ticks every single box.

“Conte obviously likes him. People forget he made 19 appearances last season before getting injured against Chelsea.

“That game was 23 January so there weren’t that many games before then, he featured heavily.

“He picked up the man of the match award on the opening day of the season against Man City, shepherding both Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling.

“He is certainly a player for the future. He seems to have been condemned for one red card against Palace.

“I didn’t realise young players were exempt from being able to make any mistakes. In the three games before that, we kept three clean sheets.

“He played every minute of them and he was outstanding. It seems people want to hold a grudge against him.

“He cost us nothing, came through the academy and has never really let us down. I’m a bit surprised that people are suggesting Rodon should be in front of him for some reason.

“Conte trusts him and likes him. He will be staying at the club.”

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The Verdict: Keep

Tanganga will have been disappointed not to have been able to play more often last season, but Conte will no doubt now take the time to make a proper decision over his future during pre-season, and the manager should definitely keep hold of him.

When the centre-back was part of the Spurs backline, he showed just how much of a rock he can be at the heart of the defence, averaging 2.7 clearances and 1.3 tackles per top-flight match, via WhoScored.

The Hackney-born talent, who was once hailed a “really special” player by Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, has all the attributes to play as a right sided centre-back in a three and would be an ideal low-cost backup to Cristian Romero moving forward.

Manchester United have held internal discussions over a move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow, according to Samuel Luckhurst.

The Lowdown: Henderson to depart?

New United manager Erik ten Hag is set to be extremely busy over the coming months, and he could now be on the hunt for a new back-up goalkeeper to David de Gea.

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That’s because Dean Henderson may well be on the move to Newcastle, with reports in the week suggesting a transfer to St James’ Park was close.

Should Henderson depart, Ten Hag would be left with De Gea and Tom Heaton after Lee Grant announced his retirement on Thursday.

The Latest: Darlow links

Chief writer Luckhurst shared a story for the Manchester Evening News on Friday morning regarding United’s back-up ‘keeper targets.

He revealed that United are considering a move for Darlow after Newcastle suggested including the 31-year-old as part of a deal for Henderson.

Darlow, described as ‘terrific’ by Steve Bruce, is aware of discussions, with Watford’s Daniel Bachmann another player of interest to United chiefs.

The Verdict: Good move?

As back-up targets go, Darlow could be the ideal man to arrive at Old Trafford. He’s made 33 appearances across the past two Premier League campaigns, taking his tally in the top-flight to 52.

Older than De Gea by just one month, the 31-year-old stood in for Martin Dubravka during the early stages of the 2021/22 season. He was on the bench after Eddie Howe took over, so he could well be open to serving as second choice under Ten Hag.

Bringing him to the club as part of a transfer for Henderson would also give the United boss one less transfer headache as he looks to make some marquee additions.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd & Ten Hag eyeing another Dutch gem along with De Jong and Timber. 

Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor is confident that Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou will sign a new long-term deal at Parkhead.

The Lowdown: Ange a new Celtic hero

The Australian replaced Neil Lennon as Hoops manager last summer and was tasked with bringing the glory days back to the club immediately.

Postecoglou has done just that, wrestling the Scottish Premiership title back from Rangers at the first attempt, following a superb campaign.

Worryingly, the 56-year-old’s current Celtic deal expires at the end of this month and no extension has been signed yet.

However, The Daily Record did report last week that the Hoops hierarchy are set to open talks over a bumper new deal, and Agbonlahor is ‘sure’ it will happen.

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The Latest: Agbonlahor reacts

Speaking to Football Insider after hearing about those talks, Agbonlahor, a regular on talkSPORT, urged Postecoglou to stay on as Hoops boss, saying it’s ‘big’ not just for Celtic but for the Premiership as a whole:

“I think he does deserve that long-term deal, he has been outstanding this season. I’m sure they will give him that. It’s big for Scottish football. It’s great for Scottish football.

“Rangers and Celtic both look really good at the moment, next season is going to be really exciting I remember as a kid always watching Rangers v Celtic, now, more people will be watching because they are both doing well.”

The Verdict: Will surely extend stay

To lose Postecoglou this early in his tenure would feel like an enormous blow for Celtic, having already become such a much-loved figure at the club.

He is done an incredible job as manager in no time at all, and with Champions League football sealed, he will surely be desperate to test himself in Europe’s best club competition.

There is always the risk that a Premier League club comes calling but it would still be a shock if news didn’t emerge of Postecoglou signing a new deal in the next week or two now that UCL football is in the bag.

In other news, a key Celtic transfer claim has emerged ahead of the summer. Read more here.

Rubel Hossain’s famous four-for in Adelaide in the last World Cup remains his most memorable performance. He will look to change that in England

Mohammad Isam02-Jun-20192:25

Rubel sends England packing

Rubel Hossain was all the rage four years ago. His head-spinning move from Dhaka’s central jail to the cauldron of a World Cup match occurred in a matter of weeks, and he became the hero of Bangladesh’s historic win over England, which took them to their maiden World Cup quarter-final.While the entire country danced to the tune of Rubel’s last two wickets against England that day in Adelaide, and his real-life turnaround caught the imagination of an already excitable cricket nation, the performance didn’t quite transform his life.His 4 for 53 lives on in highlights montages, but despite having over ten years’ experience in international cricket, Rubel will play a much smaller role for Bangladesh in this World Cup. In all likelihood, 22-year-old fast-bowling allrounder Mohammad Saifuddin will be preferred over Rubel in their opening game, against South Africa. Saifuddin is a more accomplished batsman and has also carved out a spot as a death bowler.ALSO READ: Bangladesh’s selection issues: Rubel or Saifuddin, or both?Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza considers Rubel a dependable bowler, mainly due to his ability with the old ball mid-innings and for being reliable in the death overs, but it’s a fact that he hasn’t lived up to his potential in international cricket. His Test bowling average is the worst among those who have bowled at least 3000 deliveries. And in ODIs, since the end of the 2015 World Cup, he has taken 46 wickets at an average of 33.23 from 36 innings.Rubel has never appeared as confident as many of his other more celebrated and successful team-mates even though he has starred in some of Bangladesh’s iconic wins – against Sri Lanka on debut in 2009, New Zealand in 2010 and 2013 (where he took a career-best six-for), and of course, the 2015 World Cup win in Adelaide.After his 6 for 26 against New Zealand, which contained a hat-trick, his captain at the time, Mushfiqur Rahim, said that it was the first time Rubel had used his head. What Mushfiqur meant was that Rubel had finally shouldered the responsibility of being a leader of the attack after four years of international cricket. Bangladesh fans will be quick to point to the lows too – when Muttiah Muralitharan smashed him in a tri-series final ten years ago; and the Nidahas T20 Trophy final, when Rubel, having bowled so well earlier in the game, and through the tournament, ran into a rampant Dinesh Karthik.”It is important to keep cool while bowling. One or two boundaries can rattle bowlers but it is necessary to think clearly and finish the over properly”•Getty Images”I consider myself a positive person, so I don’t let bad thoughts take control,” Rubel says. “After I have bowled a couple of deliveries to my liking – where the ball has pitched where I intended it to, and it goes through quickly – then I try to build a rhythm.”The Adelaide spell was a great moment in my career. In English conditions, I will keep that performance in mind. We usually go through footage before every tournament, but I will definitely review my good performances. My preparation will reflect the positivity I gain from remembering some of my best performances.”While great spells from him have been sporadic, Rubel’s main role, of bowling in the death overs, has been a constant in the Bangladesh bowling set-up. He is among the top three-wicket takers in the last five overs for Bangladesh. Rubel and Mustafizur Rahman have formed a partnership since 2018 and have done well at home against Sri Lanka as well as in the West Indies, where Bangladesh won the ODI series in July last year.”Bowling in the slog overs is getting harder,” Rubel says. “Batsmen are targeting boundaries every ball. It is important to keep my cool, read the batsman and bowl. Right execution brings success, and I am working on it in training.ALSO READ: Mohammad Isam picks Bangladesh’s all-time World Cup XI”We know that conditions in England now allow teams to reach 400 runs at times. It is important to keep cool while bowling. One or two boundaries can rattle bowlers but it is necessary to think clearly and finish the over properly. It is a batsmen’s game, so the bowlers have a battle in their hands.”Rubel won’t be a front-line option for Bangladesh in the World Cup. Over the last four years he just hasn’t bowled as well as the team’s second-most experienced pace bowler ought to have done. He will need to tap into his big-match temperament and remember that one great spell isn’t going to give him a regular place in the Bangladesh team.

Six candidates were considered for the position. What have they done in the coaching space so far?

Arun Venugopal01-Jun-2017Ravi Shastri
In August 2014, after India had capitulated to a 3-1 defeat in a Test series in England, Shastri, who had no prior senior coaching experience, was brought in as team director to work with head coach Duncan Fletcher. India went on to lose a Test and ODI series in Australia, but reached the semi-final of the 2015 World Cup. After that, Fletcher’s contract was not renewed and Shastri continued as director, overseeing Test series wins in Sri Lanka, at home against South Africa and a win in the Asia Cup. He is understood to have developed a rapport with captain Virat Kohli during that period, which is one of the chief reasons he is considered the favourite to be named coach this time.Phil Simmons
Simmons has coached three international teams – Zimbabwe, Ireland and West Indies. His 18-month stint with West Indies ended in September 2016 after he had disagreements with members of the West Indies Cricket Board and with director of cricket Richard Pybus, who is also a candidate for the India coaching job. His sacking came just four months after West Indies won the World T20. That was a rare high during Simmons’ tenure with West Indies – the only other series win, in any format, under him was in a Twenty20 series against India, and the team slipped down the ODI rankings, leading them to miss the 2017 Champions Trophy.His eight-year stint (2007-2015) with Ireland was more successful. With him as coach, Ireland won 11 trophies, qualified for every major ICC event and beat Pakistan, England and West Indies in World Cup matches. It was in sharp contrast with his tenure as Zimbabwe coach, from 2004 to 2005, which was fraught with disagreements with board members and ended with him facing deportation from the country.Since being removed as West Indies coach, Simmons has coached St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the 2017 Caribbean Premier League and acted as a consultant to the Afghanistan national team.Virender Sehwag
When he was appointed mentor of Kings XI Punjab in the IPL last year – his first coaching stint at any level – Sehwag brought to the job the free-spirited approach that had characterised his batting. Despite Kings XI finishing last in 2016, the management persevered with Sehwag and elevated him to head of cricket operations and strategy for the 2017 season.Kings XI did markedly better this season and remained in contention for the playoffs deep into the season, before finishing fifth. Sehwag, 38, did not mince words after Kings XI’s dire performance in their last game, lashing out at his overseas players
for not pulling their weight.Tom Moody has helped Sunrisers Hyderabad win an IPL title•BCCITom Moody
Moody will hope to be third-time lucky in the race for the India coaching job, after losing to Greg Chappell in 2005 and Anil Kumble last year.Soon after his playing career wound down in 2000-01, Moody, a two-time world cup winner, was named director of cricket at Worcestershire before taking over as Sri Lanka coach in May 2005.After guiding Sri Lanka to the final of the 2007 World Cup, Moody returned home to coach Western Australia. Ahead of IPL 2013, Moody was named coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad and he oversaw the team’s title triumph in 2016. In 2014, Moody took up the role of director of cricket in the Caribbean Premier League. He is also the current director of cricket for the BBL team Melbourne Renegades, a post he has held since 2014.Richard Pybus
After injuries restricted his playing career to a solitary List A game, Richard Pybus turned to coaching at a young age and achieved remarkable success. Apart from winning trophies with Titans and Cape Cobras in South Africa, Pybus, born and raised in England, coached Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup, when they made the final. His second stint with Pakistan in the 2000s wasn’t as successful though.In May 2012, Pybus took over as Bangladesh coach before resigning five months later because of a disagreement over the terms of his contract. A year later Pybus was appointed director of West Indies cricket for a three-year period.Lalchand Rajput
A former Mumbai batsman with a first-class average of nearly 50, Lalchand Rajput’s post-retirement career has been just as, if not more, fruitful. Rajput was manager of the India team that won the inaugural World T20 in 2007, and he has had successful coaching stints with the India under-19 and A teams.Apart from coaching the Mumbai side in the Ranji Trophy, Rajput, 55, was with Mumbai Indians in the first season of the IPL in 2008. He was also one of the candidates interviewed for the India coaching job last year. While he didn’t make the cut then, Rajput was appointed coach of Afghanistan soon after. He is currently with the Afghanistan team in the West Indies for a limited-overs tour.

ESPNcricinfo marks the India players out of 10 following their 3-0 series win against South Africa

Sidharth Monga08-Dec-20155:41

The emergence of a stronger R Ashwin

10R Ashwin (31 wickets at 11.12, 101 runs at 25.25)Man of the Series for a fourth time out of the six series he has played in India. Continued on from the good work in Sri Lanka on pitches that were more helpful and more familiar. The ball came out beautifully, loose balls could be counted on the fingers, and the psychological hold was never released. Contributed valuable lower-order runs for good measure.Ravindra Jadeja (23 wickets at 10.82, 109 runs at 21.8)Unfortunately, there could be only one Man of the Series. Was the perfect foil to Ashwin’s artistry with his high pace and accurate bowling, and with his use of subtle changes of pace and crease. Was a constant thorn for South Africa with the bat. Scored crucial runs from 102 for 5 in Mohali, 125 for 6 in Nagpur and 139 for 6 in Delhi.8Amit Mishra (seven wickets at 17.28)Did not get as many wickets or overs as the two leading spinners. Was the disposable spinner too. But when he played, he picked the big ones. In Mohali he got AB de Villiers twice, in Nagpur he ended the resistance offered by Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis. Captain Kohli was asked if he missed Mishra in Delhi when South Africa frustrated India.7M Vijay (210 runs at 35)In a series dominated by the ball, he gave India the important runs in Mohali and in Nagpur. Did not cash in when it might have been slightly easier in Delhi, but his 75 and 40 in Mohali and 40 in Nagpur set the tone for India’s wins. He will be a little disappointed he did not convert one of them into big runs.6Ajinkya Rahane (266 runs at 53.2)The one man who converted the starts was Ajinkya Rahane. The only man to score a century in the series, he went ahead and got himself another, both in the last Test. That he did not get a start on turning surfaces in the first two Tests will be a little bother.Rohit Sharma came in at No. 3 in Delhi, but his luck did not quite change•BCCICheteshwar Pujara (202 runs at 33.66)Similar to Vijay but just a notch below in quantity. Gave India the runs in Mohali and Nagpur after shaky starts. Looked good for a hundred in the second innings in Mohali. For a man who was not the first choice in Sri Lanka, Pujara has shown his worth to the team for good.Wriddhiman Saha (five catches, two stumpings, 83 runs at 16.6)Not quite MS Dhoni, but began to come into his own as a pure wicketkeeper. Was dogged with the bat, surviving more than 100 balls on the Nagpur minefield. Was the rock in the lower order, which frustrated South Africa.5.5Virat Kohli (200 runs at 33.33)His failures were similar to Rahane’s in the first two Tests that he batted in. When he looked really good, in Delhi, he got out in a freakish manner. Was vigorous as captain. His demand for turning pitches shows a certain selflessness, in that he did not care for his or his other batsmen’s numbers as much as he did for Test wins.5Umesh Yadav (Five wickets at 12)There was not much for him to do in the series, but when there was, in Delhi, he did so with aplomb. He reversed the ball, bowled at a good pace, and provided India the breakthroughs when needed badly on the final day of the series.Shikhar Dhawan (150 runs at 25)Had a horrible start to the series with a pair in Mohali, but showed remarkable application in the remaining five innings that he had. He made the bowlers or the pitch get him out, but the big score is still missing. Might have earned himself another chance, but needs to find a big one soon.3Ishant Sharma, Varun Aaron and Stuart BinnyWas not much in there for them in the pitches or the match situation. Ishant remained economical, Aaron produced a superb delivery to get Amla out in Bangalore, and Binny took a special catch.2Rohit Sharma (26 runs at 6.5)India’s big disappointment of the series. They have invested so much in him that he must feel under tremendous pressure in Tests now. What will hurt more is not that he didn’t score runs, but the way he got out on three of the four occasions.