Chelsea are considering a move to bring a world-class goalkeeper to the Premier League, with a fresh report revealing that he'd be open to joining the club next summer.

Chelsea's goalkeeping situation

Over the summer, Todd Boehly and Mauricio Pochettino sanctioned the permanent sale of Edouard Mendy who joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, while Kepa Arrizabalaga put pen to paper on loan with La Liga’s Real Madrid for the remainder of the season.

The Blues therefore purchased New England Revolution’s Djordje Petrovic and Brighton’s Robert Sanchez to replace them, and even though the latter has nailed down a regular spot in the starting line-up, the owner is still on the lookout for a permanent number one.

AC Milan’s Mike Maignan has been highlighted as a possible target who would fit the bill, with the shot-stopper having made a total of 84 appearances since joining his side from Lille back in 2021 (Transfermarkt – Maignan statistics).

The France international was the subject of an enquiry from Stamford Bridge during the previous transfer window, and even though a deal failed to come to fruition before the deadline, the 28-year-old is set to receive a second round of interest from the top-flight.

Chelsea interested in Maignan

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea remain keen on Maignan and it's believed the board want to revisit a move next summer if the right opportunity was to present itself.

"Chelsea have identified AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan as a potential signing as they’re looking for a world-class goalkeeper, sources have told TEAMtalk.

"The French international is a player the club highly admire. That does not guarantee that Chelsea will make a bid for his services but sources state that he would be open to a move in the summer."

Maignan could be a real "giant" for Pochettino

Since the start of his career, Maignan has recorded 102 clean sheets from 271 matches, which shows how good he is at keeping the ball out of his net, but there are also so many more qualities that he possesses which will be attractive to Chelsea.

The 6 foot 3 “giant”, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has made 25 saves from 38 shots on target against this season, giving him a success rate of 71.1% (FBRef – Maignan statistics), which is higher than Sanchez’s 69.2% (FBRef – Sanchez statistics).

The Cayenne native is even strong in possession when he has the ball at his feet having completed 100% of his short passes and 99.1% of his medium dispatches since the beginning of the campaign, so his range of passing to his outfield teammates is spot on.

According to reports, AC Milan could look to demand £70m in order to sanction the sale of Maignan next summer, but with the player himself keen to get on board, Boehly would surely be happy to cash out to secure the services of his long-term target.

Sitting six points clear of the relegation zone as we approach the halfway mark in the Premier League, Crystal Palace's status in the top flight is on course to remain intact for another season. As the campaign progresses, however, those at Selhurst Park will be hoping to see their side not only stay up but add some excitement to things under Roy Hodgson. And the January transfer window could help do exactly that.

Reports suggest that the Eagles are leading the way ahead of Premier League rivals to land one particular talent, who could help Hodgson's side take a crucial step towards the Premier League's top half.

Crystal Palace transfer news

Speaking on the potential of January arrivals, Hodgson told the official Crystal Palace website:

“In the situation, we find ourselves in, in the wrong end of the table – we’re not in the top half, we are that in that bottom half of the table – I don’t think there’d be many teams who are not looking at the January transfer window and saying it would be good if we could bring in a couple of players who will strengthen us, either as a player to go directly in the team or as a player to help us in the squad.

“We’re in that group, but it is easier said than done. I think when you are assessing it, one does have to always bear in mind what bringing in a senior player in a certain position will do to one or two of the younger ones that you are actually now quite keen to see given a chance and weigh up how much these people are going to play a part and help you.”

That said, according to TeamTalk, Crystal Palace are leading the race to Fenerbahce right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel ahead of both Championship side Leeds United and Premier League relegation rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. The full-back, who has impressed Selhurst Park chiefs, left Queens Park Rangers in 2021 and has improved more and more ever since to attract the interest of those in the Premier League. Palace chiefs reportedly hope to get him for a cut-price next year, given that his current contract expires in 2025.

"Outstanding" Osayi-Samuel could be ready for England return

After picking up experience on the European stage and in Turkey's top flight at Fenerbahce, Osayi-Samuel could be more than ready to step into a Premier League side. Osayi-Samuel's stats this season, compared to Nathaniel Clyne's, for example, show the upgrade that Palace could be getting.

Player

Tackles Per Game

Interceptions Per Game

Dribbles Per Game

Goal Involvements

Nathaniel Clyne

1

0.1

0.3

0

Bright Osayi-Samuel

2.1

1

1.4

3

Before Fenerbahce, however, the right-back earned plenty of praise at QPR, including from former manager Mark Warburton, who said:

"Bright came off because we've got to look after the young players. I've never been booed at 6-0 before I've got to say. These demands, you can't be playing 21st, 26th, 29th, 1st, 4th or 5th whatever it might be without injury and fatigue. If you lose those boys for four to six-week injuries, you can't afford to do that. Today he was outstanding and deserved the applause."

When the January transfer window opens, Palace could make their move and add a much-needed improvement to a side aiming to move away from the threat of relegation even further, making this one to keep an eye on.

Major League Soccer has been on a steady rise since its formation, but Lionel Messi's summer arrival from Paris Saint-Germain has skyrocketed the league's profile multiple times over.

The regular season has been and gone and the MLS playoffs are all but concluded, other than the final, which takes place on Saturday.

But how does it actually work? Football FanCast provides you with all the necessary information about the MLS Cup playoffs.

How the MLS regular season works

29 teams compete in MLS

MLS comprises of 26 teams from the United States and three teams from across the border in Canada.

It was founded in 1993, with its inaugural season commencing three years later in 1996. The US's 1994 World Cup was a major catalyst for the league's formation.

FIFA awarded the US the World Cup in exchange for their commitment to developing a top-level professional soccer league after the National American Soccer League (NASL) was scrapped in the mid-1980s.

How the MLS Eastern and Western Conferences work

15 teams in Eastern, 14 in Western

Each of the 29 teams in MLS play 34 games – 17 at home and 17 away. Sides in the Eastern Conference play each other twice and six cross-conference opponents once.

In the Western Conference, sides play each other twice and one-to-two additional inter-conference opponents. They're also required to play six-to-seven cross-conference opponents once.

Atlanta United

Austin FC

Charlotte FC

Colorado Rapids

Chicago Fire FC

FC Dallas

FC Cincinnati

Houston Dynamo FC

Columbus Crew

Los Angeles Football Club

D.C. United

LA Galaxy

Inter Miami CF

Minnesota United FC

CF Montréal

Portland Timbers

Nashville SC

Real Salt Lake

New England Revolution

St Louis City SC

New York City FC

San Jose Earthquakes

New York Red Bulls

Seattle Sounders FC

Orlando City SC

Sporting Kansas City

Philadelphia Union

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Toronto FC

Ranking the best stadiums in the MLS Western Conference

How the MLS playoffs work

The top seven from both conferences automatically qualify

After the regular MLS season has ended, the top seven sides from each conference automatically proceed to a best-of-three series.

The eighth and ninth-placed teams from each conference qualify for the single-knockout MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card match. The two winners from each Wild Card match earn a spot in the aforementioned Round One best-of-three series.

This means that nearly two-thirds of all the teams in MLS remain in contention for the MLS Cup come the end of the regular season. Perhaps understandably, the format has come under fire, with the 34 regular-season matches for each team resulting in not much more than a playoff place – bar the honour of the Supporters' Shield for the side with the best overall record.

To put this into perspective, Western Conference 'winners' St Louis City were knocked out of the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs after being defeated by Sporting Kansas City home and away. Sporting KC finished seven places and 12 points behind the side which only joined as an expansion club this year.

Effectively, the only advantage the Missouri outfit gained from their Western Conference placing was the prospect of having home advantage in each round – something they did not even benefit from after losing in successive matches in their best-of-three tie.

Each match in the best-of-three series must determine a winner, with penalty kicks used as a decider in any drawn game.

The eight winners across the two conferences advance to the semi-finals and then the finals, where an Eastern and Western conference winner are crowned.

The two conference champions then meet at the MLS Cup, on 9th December, 2023. The team with the best regular season record in the regular – or Supporters' Shield – standings will host the game.

This year, the regular MLS season started on 25th February and ended on 21st October. Here are the two final conference tables:

FC Cincinnati

34

20

9

5

57

39

69

Orlando City SC

34

18

9

7

55

39

63

Columbus Crew

34

16

9

9

67

46

57

Philadelphia Union

34

15

10

9

57

41

55

New England Revolution

34

15

10

9

58

46

55

Atlanta United

34

13

12

9

66

53

51

Nashville SC

34

13

10

11

39

32

49

New York Red Bulls

34

11

10

13

36

39

43

Charlotte FC

34

10

13

11

45

52

43

CF Montréal

34

12

5

17

36

52

41

New York City FC

34

9

14

11

35

39

41

D.C. United

34

10

10

14

45

49

40

Chicago Fire

34

10

10

14

39

51

40

Inter Miami CF

34

9

7

18

41

54

34

Toronto FC

34

4

10

20

26

59

22

St Louis City SC

34

17

5

12

62

45

56

Seattle Sounders

34

14

11

9

41

32

53

Los Angeles Football Club

34

14

10

10

54

39

52

Houston Dynamo FC

34

14

9

11

51

38

51

Real Salt Lake

34

14

8

12

48

50

50

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

34

12

12

10

55

48

48

FC Dallas

34

11

13

10

41

37

46

Sporting Kansas City

34

12

8

14

48

51

44

San Jose Earthquakes

34

10

14

10

39

43

44

Portland Timbers

34

11

10

13

46

58

43

Minnesota United FC

34

10

11

13

46

51

41

Austin FC

34

10

9

15

49

55

39

LA Galaxy

34

8

12

14

51

67

36

Colorado Rapids

34

5

12

17

26

54

27

Ranking the best stadiums in the MLS Eastern Conference

Qualified teams for the MLS playoffs

16 teams qualify for the playoffs

This season's MLS Cup playoffs were played across seven weeks – the longest campaign since its formation.

All of the rounds have played out now, other than the final, which commences on Saturday the 9th of December between Columbus and LAFC.

FC Cincinnati

St. Louis City SC

Orlando City SC

Seattle Sounders

Columbus Crew

Los Angeles Football Club

Philadelphia Union

Houston Dynamo FC

New England Revolution

Real Salt Lake

Atlanta United

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

New York Red Bulls

FC Dallas

Nashville SC

Sporting Kansas City

Charlotte FC

San Jose Earthquakes

Latest MLS Cup playoff results & fixtures

As the MLS Cup draws to a close, FFC takes a look at playoff scorelines over the last couple of months ahead of Saturday's final at the Lower.com Field in Columbus.

NY Red Bulls 5-2 Charlotte

Sporting KC 0-0 San Jose (4-2 on pens)

Game 1

FC Cincinnati 3-0 NY Red Bulls

Game 2

NY Red Bulls 1-1 FC Cincinnati (7-8 on pens)

Game 1

Philadelphia Union 3-1 New England Revolution

Game 2

New England Revolution 0-1 Philadelphia Union

Game 1

LAFC 5-2 Vancouver Whitecaps

Game 2

Vancouver Whitecaps 0-1 LAFC

Game 1

Houston Dynamo 2-1 Real Salt Lake

Game 2

Real Salt Lake 1-1 Houston Dynamo (5-4 on pens)

Game 3

Houston Dynamo 1-1 Real Salt Lake (4-3 on pens)

Game 1

St Louis City 1-4 Sporting KC

Game 2

Sporting KC 2-1 St Louis City

Game 1

Orlando City 1-0 Nashville

Game 2

Nashville 0-1 Orlando City

Game 1

Seattle Sounders 2-0 FC Dallas

Game 2

FC Dallas 3-1 Seattle Sounders

Game 3

Seattle Sounders 1-0 FC Dallas

Game 1

Columbus Crew 2-0 Atlanta United

Game 2

Atlanta United 4-2 Columbus Crew

Game 3

Columbus Crew 4-2 Atlanta United

FC Cincinnati

1-0

Philadephia Union

Orlando City

0-2

Columbus Crew

Houston Dynamo

1-0

Sporting Kansas City

Seattle Sounders

0-1

LAFC

The Conference finals saw Columbus fight back from two nil down to secure a 3-2 away victory at FC Cincinnati whilst the reigning champions LAFC beat the visiting Houston Dynamo 2-0.

The two victors are scheduled to meet this Saturday to determine a winner of the MLS Cup.

FC Cincinnati

2-3

Columbus Crew

LAFC

2-0

Houston Dynamo

The MLS Cup final will get underway this Saturday at 9pm GMT, as the defending champions LAFC make the trip to Columbus' own patch the Lower.com Field.

Columbus

vs

LAFC

MLS Cup history

Los Angeles FC are the reigning champions

27 teams have been crowned MLS Cup winners, and LA Galaxy are the current record holders for the most triumphs with five, closely followed by D.C. United on four.

Los Angeles FC won their first cup last year and have the chance to retain the trophy on Saturday, as they take on two-time winners Columbus.

D.C. United

D.C. United

Chicago Fire

D.C. United

Kansas City Wizards

San Jose Earthquakes

LA Galaxy

San Jose Earthquakes

D.C. United

LA Galaxy

Houston Dynamo

Houston Dynamo

Columbus Crew

Real Salt Lake

Colorado Rapids

LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy

Sporting Kansas City

LA Galaxy

Portland Timbers

Seattle Sounders

Toronto FC

Atlanta United

Seattle Sounders

Columbus Crew

New York City FC

Los Angeles FC

England secure their largest T20I win in terms of runs after home side records lowest total in the format by a Full-Member nation

The Report by Valkerie Baynes08-Mar-2019
Scorecard and ball-by-ball commentarySam Billings rescued England before Chris Jordan’s four-wicket haul demolished West Indies for a paltry 45, handing the tourists a 137-run victory in the second T20I and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.Man of the Match Billings’ career-best knock of 87 off 47 balls and a return to T20I form for Joe Root, who made 55 off 40, resurrected England’s innings from a dire 32 for 4 after 5.2 overs.Then Jordan’s remarkable 4 for 6 off two overs meant West Indies were never in the contest and they fell for the second-lowest T20I total, behind Netherlands’ 39 against Sri Lanka at the World T20 in 2014. It was the lowest total by a Full-Member nation, worse than the 60 posted by New Zealand against Sri Lanka at the same tournament and West Indies’ 60 against Pakistan in Karachi last year.With the top order tumbling around him, Root produced a composed innings, sharing an 82-run partnership with Billings to reach his half-century. It was the first time Root had reached double figures in four T20I innings and his tenth knock since he last reached fifty, in the 2016 World T20 final won by West Indies in Kolkata.When Root was run-out, scrambling to the danger end for a second with the fleet-footed Billings as Fabian Allen threw the ball in to wicketkeeper Shai Hope, the rescue mission fell to Billings and he chose to accept it willingly. Billings racked up 17 runs in one Sheldon Cottrell over, including a six to bring up his 50.Carlos Brathwaite had been economical through his first three overs, claiming 1 for 11, but he conceded 22 off his last over, including three fours to Billings and a six to David Willey. The pair put on a 68-run stand for the sixth wicket, before Billings was dismissed on the last ball of the innings, but not before he had scored 22 off the over, bowled by debutant quick Obed McCoy. Billings was dropped by Shimron Hetmyer on the third ball of the over and then picked up six thanks to a fumble by Brathwaite, who was trying to palm the ball back into play. Billings punished the next one for four before attempting another big hit and edging to the keeper.By then, he had led England to a respectable total, especially given their early position. West Indies had won the toss and sent England in on a pitch that was expected to improve as the match went on. Unfortunately for them, they were not in long enough for that to play out.Willey, who had questioned the noise around Jofra Archer’s World Cup prospects in the lead-up to the match, continued to press his own claims for a berth when he snared the wicket of Chris Gayle for just 5, caught simply by Root at mid-on. Willey had West Indies’ other opener, Hope, out cheaply too with Eoin Morgan holding the catch despite colliding heavily with Tom Curran as he took the ball.Then Jordan went on the rampage. He claimed the wickets of Darren Bravo, one of only two West Indies batsmen to reach double-figures, and Jason Holder with consecutive balls, and then dismissed Nicholas Pooran and Allen in his second over.The damage done, Adil Rashid and Liam Plunkett cleaned up the West Indies tail, with England’s largest T20I victory secured inside 12 overs.

Sunderland could be set to lose one of their first-team stars next month, with a fresh report revealing that he's emerged as a target for three clubs in the Premier League.

Sunderland's recent departures

The Black Cats sanctioned the sales of 10 players during the previous transfer window, with seven of those leaving on a permanent basis, while the remaining three were sent out on loan for the rest of the season to increase their experience and game time.

The Championship side have Alex Pritchard, Bradley Dack, Corry Evans, Ellis Taylor and Jack Diamond who will have all reached the expiration of their deals at the end of the campaign, so they could also be heading for the exit door in 2024 (Sunderland contracts).

"Talks…" – Significant progress made in Sunderland manager search

Are the Black Cats closing in on their next boss?

ByHenry Jackson Dec 13, 2023

Back in January, Pierre Ekwah joined the club from Premier League side West Ham and the defensive midfielder has since gone on to make 34 senior appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Ekwah statistics), and he’s spoken about how much he’s loving life.

“I think it’s a really good place to develop as you can see. They gave me trust and I’m the one who gives it my all on the pitch and gives it back to them at the same time. As a team we have a thing going on and I really like this place, definitely.

"I feel good here, that’s why I’m still here and you can see that. I’m definitely pushing through to get Sunderland where they need to be.”

Ekwah attracting significant interest

According to TEAMtalk, however, Ekwah is of interest to a trio of admirers in the top flight, so there's a chance that he could be tempted to leave the northeast and start a new adventure elsewhere in January.

"Sunderland starlet Pierre Ekwah could be set for a quick return to the Premier League with Fulham, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest showing interest, TEAMtalk can reveal. It is believed Ekwah, who has represented France at youth level, moved for a nominal fee but West Ham would be due a sizeable sell-on fee."

Sunderland need to keep "outstanding" Ekwah

In the Championship this season, Ekwah has been averaging an 86.1% pass success rate and 1.6 tackles per game, representing that he is not only calm and composed in possession, but that he also loves to get stuck into challenges to try and win the ball back for his team (WhoScored – Ekwah statistics).

The Frenchman is even capable of making a positive impact at the opposite end of the pitch having posted 21 contributions (16 goals and five assists) from 106 appearances since the start of his career, showing how much of a well-rounded player he is.

Despite the fact he’s still in his first year at Sunderland, Josh Bunting has hailed Ekwah an “outstanding” maestro in the centre of the park and even the thought of losing him is a blow, so the board may want to do everything they can to retain his services beyond January.

Despite a couple of setbacks against Aston Villa and PSV over the last week, Arsenal are once again flying in the Premier League.

While the team are less pleasing on the eye this season, Mikel Arteta has seen his side grow in maturity and develop a sterner side.

The £105m signing of Declan Rice has been instrumental in the solidifying of Arsenal, and while he and Martin Odegaard are practically guaranteed places in the starting XI, the third member of the Gunners midfield has been changing on a fairly regular basis.

Arsenal could sign Rice regen in 'one of the best young midfielders in Europe'

The 18-year-old could replace Rice one day, or become the perfect midfield partner.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Dec 15, 2023

However, that could soon change as the latest player to be linked with a move to the Emirates, Martin Zubimendi, could become the Englishman's perfect partner.

Arsenal transfer news – Martin Zubimendi

According to The Mirror, Arsenal are conscious of their FFP position going into January but are still on the lookout for a new midfielder, and while their interest in Villa's Douglas Luiz remains, the 'mega, mega-money' it would take to sign him renders the transfer unlikely.

However, the north Londoners are also interested in another fantastically talented midfielder, Real Sociedad's Zubimendi and the fact that he has a £53m release clause makes a move for him far more realistic – at least from a balancing-the-books perspective.

It would still represent a hefty investment from the Gunners – and make him their fifth most expensive signing ever – but for a player that Luis de la Fuente, Spain's manager, called one of "the best midfielders in the world", it would likely be worth it.

Martin Zubimendi could be the perfect partner for Declan Rice

As mentioned before, Rice and Odegaard are practically guaranteed their place in this Arsenal team, as the former has been integral this year, and the latter is the captain who looks back to his best after a slightly rocky start to the campaign.

So, the Sociedad man would have to replace one of the players Arteta has been swapping in and out of the starting XI this year: Kai Havertz, Jorginho, Fabio Viera and even Thomas Partey when he was fit.

However, "the heart of La Real's midfield", as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, primarily plays as a defensive midfielder, meaning he would likely replace Jorginho or Partey, allowing Rice to occupy the left-eight role.

The first advantage Zubimendi has over the competition is age. The "special talent", as described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is still just 24 years old, whereas Partey is 30 and Jorginho 31, meaning that Zubimendi could come in and reach his peak at the same time as Rice and Odegaard, securing Arsenal's midfield for nearly a decade.

When it comes to their output, however, it is a little trickier to claim the Spaniard is the outright superior player, but given how close their overall underlying numbers are, there is no reason to suggest that with time and the right coaching, he couldn't replicate their best – or even better them.

Martin Zubimendi vs Jorginho vs Thomas Partey
Stats (per 90)	Zubimendi	Jorginho	Partey
Non-Penalty Expected Goals +Assists	0.18	0.04	0.14
Progressive Carries	1.34	1.18	1.23
Progressive Passes	5.10	7.55	8.37
Shots on Target	0.34	0.04	0.14
Passing Accuracy	85.4%	85.8%	87.2%
Tackles Won	0.87	1.52	1.45
Clearances	1.95	0.63	1.49
Miscontrols	0.81	0.93	1.20
Ball Recoveries	6.11	7.93	8.15
All Stats via FBref for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 Domestic Seasons

The young ace outclasses his older opposition for progressive carries, clearances, miscontrols, shots on target, and non-penalty expected goals and assists but falls short in other areas, such as progressive passing and ball recoveries.

Ultimately, with both Arsenal players seeing less and less game time and are arguably over the hill in a football sense, bringing in someone young, exciting and potentially brilliant such as Zubimendi just makes sense.

Equally, given enough time to bed in, he could prove to be the perfect partner for Rice at Arsenal.

Fast bowler attracts board’s ire after becoming 43rd South Africa cricketer to take the Kolpak route

Liam Brickhill26-Feb-2019

Duanne Olivier reacts after getting the better of a batsman•Getty Images

Duanne Olivier was offered a two-year contract as an incentive to stay in South Africa ahead of his decision to take up a Kolpak deal with Yorkshire, Cricket South Africa has revealed after news broke of Olivier’s decision to effectively end his international career.Olivier was upgraded to a national contract during the current home season, in which he played all five home Tests against Pakistan and Sri Lanka and was also trialled in the ODI side, and was offered a contract that would have kept him in the national frame until the end of the 2020-21 season.In a post on Instagram, Olivier wrote that the decision to turn his back on South Africa was “possibly the most difficult … I’ll ever have to make”, adding that he was aware that CSA “might not understand or agree” with his decision.Sure enough, CSA chief executive Thabang Moroe was strongly critical of the decision. “We find it extremely disappointing that Duanne has taken this step after all the opportunities we have given him, particularly over the past season and going forward, to live his dream of being an international cricketer,” Moroe said.”He was upgraded to a national contract during the current season on the strength of his outstanding performances in our Test squad and we offered him a two-year contract which would have given him financial security through to the end of the 2020-21 season.”Moroe also suggested that the trend of cricketers putting domestic leagues and franchise cricket ahead of national duty was “not good news for the global game”. Forty-two South African cricketers have now opted for Kolpak deals since left-arm spinner Claude Henderson became the first to take that route back in 2004.”If one looks at the bigger picture this is not good news for the global game either that a player who has just broken into the top 20 on the ICC Test match bowling rankings for the first time should opt effectively to bring down the curtain on his international career in favour of playing only in domestic leagues,” said Moroe, adding that Olivier was “not short of opportunity” after the cricket he played this summer.South Africa head coach Ottis Gibson echoed Moroe’s disappointment. “We are naturally disappointed with Duanne’s decision to sign a Kolpak contract,” he said. “He has been a key feature for us this summer and was without a doubt one of our standout performers.”We held several meetings with him regarding his future with the Proteas throughout the summer and even offered him a two-year contract. To see him cut short a promising international career is disappointing. Ultimately, it was a decision we could not control despite our best efforts.”CSA expects to announce the contracted South Africa men’s and women’s squads for the next 12 months later this week.

The January transfer window provides the perfect platform for West Ham United to build on what has been an incredible first half of their Premier League campaign, with a European place firmly within their grasp.

Striker on David Moyes' January wishlist

David Moyes currently has three striking options on the books at West Ham, in the form of Michail Antonio, Danny Ings and Divin Mubama. The former is only just set to return from injury, whilst Ings and Mubama have been used sparingly off the substitutes' bench, with Jarrod Bowen often occupying a false nine sort of role at the pinnacle of the Hammers' attack.

And, with Mohammed Kudus now at the African Cup of Nations for the foreseeable future, there's even more of a need to bring in an attacker at some point this month.

Related West Ham could land £15m-rated Ward-Prowse partner who's the "next Mbappe"

West Ham are eyeing a move for another striker during the January transfer window

Posts ByRoss Kilvington Dec 31, 2023

If the Ultimate Transfer Window Guide by the Daily Mail is anything to go by then a striker is definitely on the radar. Indeed, under the category of 'who they like' are players such as Serhou Girassy of Stuttgart, Dominic Solanke of Bournemouth and Marcos Leonardo of Santos over in Brazil.

Exciting striker target emerges for West Ham

One name purposely missed off above is Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna. The Daily Mail claim that Zirkzee is a player who West Ham United have also taken a liking to. Whilst it doesn't state how much a potential fee would be for the striker, he has established himself as a vital part of the Italian club's season so far, so it's unlikely that they'll accept a small sum, with European aspirations of their own.

Zirkzee came through the academy at Bayern Munich but moved to Bologna last summer, and the 22-year-old has had a bright start to the new campaign, netting eight times and laying on four assists in 20 games in all competitions.

Joshua Zirkzee's Serie A statistics – 2023/24 (Sofascore)

Chance conversion

19%

Shots per game

2.1

Big chances created

8

Key passes per game

1.3

Assists

2

Goals

7

Appearances

18

At just 22 years of age, the Dutch striker still has his best years ahead of him, so to see him already racking up goals and assists in a tough league over in Italy is rather promising. However, West Ham fans will feel slightly cautious after Gianluca Scamacca's rather dismal time of things in the Premier League as he just couldn't get up to speed.

If Thiago Motta's praise is anything to go by then Zirkzee could be the perfect addition for David Moyes' side however, as the potent ending to an explosive West Ham United counter-attack.

He said: "It was an excellent goal from a player with extraordinary qualities. He scored a similar goal in training. Joshua is very talented, but I want to emphasize that he also works very hard for it."

Aaron Finch fell just sort of a hat-trick of hundreds before a limp batting display from Pakistan left them facing the prospect of a whitewash

The Report by Danyal Rasool27-Mar-2019Shoaib Malik said on Sunday, and again at the toss here today, that Pakistan were using this series to test their bench strength. Well, it appears they haven’t got much.It was a grey day in Abu Dhabi, sparsely attended by the locals who’d had their fill with the recently concluded PSL. And that was just as well, because the cricket that transpired won’t have brought much joy. It was another commanding performance from Australia, who, having won just four ODIs in two years, have suddenly come up trumps in six on the bounce. They sealed their second consecutive series win in a fortnight with an 80-run win and will fancy a 5-0 scoreline.Aaron Finch’s 90 – he fell 10 short of becoming the first Australian to score three ODI hundreds on the trot – and a 55-ball 71 from Glenn Maxwell, who was given a life on 27, took Australia to 266. Pakistan, who lost their first three wickets for 19 runs, were never really in the game from that point onwards; partnerships between Imam-ul-Haq and Shoaib Malik, and then Umar Akmal and Imad Wasim, merely delaying the inevitable. With five overs to spare, they had folded for 186 in what the most uncompetitive series defeat for Mickey Arthur’s men since New Zealand whitewashed them fourteen months ago.The recalled pair of Pat Cummins and Jason Behrendorff found early swing that kept Imam and Shan Masood on their toes. Masood has had a frustrating series so far, struggling to replicate the form that saw him impress so highly in the Test series in South Africa. He was the first to fall, edging Cummins to second slip, where Peter Handscomb completed a superb catch. Haris Sohail, who came in at No. 3 was deceived by the bounce, edging to first slip to leave Pakistan tottering as rain interrupted play for the second time in the day.While the rain stopped soon after, the rot didn’t. Mohammad Rizwan was undone by a pearler from a brilliant Cummins who maintained the probing off stump line, shaving the outside edge on the way to the keeper. It brought Imam and Shoaib Malik together for a consolidation that never looked like it could move to the next level. The spin bowlers had come in and showed no signs of letting up on the intensity or quality of their quick counterparts. It didn’t even take one of the specialists to break the partnership. Maxwell drifted one in to Imam, who played outside the line and found himself trapped in front of middle and leg.ESPNcricinfo LtdWith Pakistan fielding a long tail in the absence of Faheem Ashraf, Umar and Imad came together with the hosts still needing 171 for victory. They tried to take the attack to Australia, bringing up a boundary just about every over while attempting to play through the line on a slowing surface, but with an ever-increasing run rate and a vast number of runs still to get, it was a hopeless cause. Some risk had to be taken, and when a visibly tiring Umar slogged Behrendorff right down deep square-leg’s throat with 118 still to get, that was the end. Adam Zampa was good enough to rip through the lower order, the final four wickets falling in just 16 balls.For a while in the first innings, Australia did have it all their own way. Off just the sixth ball of the innings, Usman Shinwari knocked back the off stump of his namesake. Usman Khawaja needed just two runs to surpass Virat Kohli as the highest ODI runscorer this year but a fast, inswinging yorker meant he will have to wait till Dubai to achieve that landmark. Shinwari was Pakistan’s most impressive bowler overall, going at just two per over in his first spell, and the only bowler who looked in control of proceedings towards the end when Maxwell had teed off. Not long after, the other new inductee into Pakistan’s bowling line-up, Junaid Khan, needed just three balls to make his mark when Shaun Marsh got a think inside edge to square leg.That put Australia into rebuilding mode straightaway. Finch was content to nudge and nurdle his way for most of the innings, departing from that policy only when Yasir Shah pitched the ball up to deposit him into the stands behind the sightscreen. Peter Handscomb was brighter in his approach, beginning by punishing a wayward Mohammad Hasnain with four boundaries in an over. It was another tough day for the 18-year old; he had conceded 16 in that over, and it wouldn’t be his most expensive of the innings. Overall, Malik only saw fit to trust him with half his allotted quota, in which he conceded 50 runs, and still awaits his first international wicket.Progress was slow and when Marcus Stoinis was castled by Imad, Pakistan would have sniffed a chance to get the lower order in. But Finch and Maxwell held firm, even if it came at the expense of the run rate, and a revision of the total they would aim for. Yasir looked more comfortable, and finished off his spell by snaring Finch in his final over.It wasn’t until the end of the 44th over that Australia crossed 200, but a costly drop by Imam at point that gave Maxwell a reprieve on 27 meant the next four overs would be chaotic for Pakistan. As their fielding standards dipped and Maxwell finally hit his straps, Pakistan conceded 47 off the following 24 balls. It was a crucial passage of play that allowed Australia to seize the momentum – they would never let it go after that.

AC Milan are aiming to beat Arsenal to the signing of striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in the upcoming summer transfer window.

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Milan met with Sesko's agentsRelease clause set to increase furtherEuro 2024 opportunity beckonsWHAT HAPPENED?

The Rossoneri are said to be offering a bid of €50 million (£43m/$54m) – his previous release clause – and may now have the edge over the Gunners after meeting with the Slovenia international's agents. According to , the meeting went very well and Sesko's team could be in the stands for Milan's Serie A game against Cagliari at San Siro on Saturday.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

But while relations between the two parties are reportedly good, Milan will likely have to up their bid as Sesko's performances have seen his release clause increase to €65m (£56m/$70m) – and it could go as high as €73m (£63m/$79m) before the window opens. Milan may have to cough up even more if Arsenal hang on in race as the Italian club look to find a replacement for Olivier Giroud, who will join Los Angeles FC as a free agent on July 1.

WHAT'S BEEN SAID ABOUT SESKO?

Despite the fact the fees being quoted are fairly large, Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek believes Sesko would be a bargain for any top European club. When asked whether the striker would be a good fit at Milan, he told : “It’s not a question for me. Let me explain: I am happy with how he is growing at Leipzig and in general, his evolution as a footballer. This is why he is becoming increasingly important to Slovenia as well. The point is whether he will change club. All I can say is that whoever signs him will make a bargain. Sesko does not disappoint.”

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DID YOU KNOW?

Sesko, still just 20, has scored 11 goals in 27 appearances for Slovenia and has been in fine form for Leipzig this term. The ex-Red Bull Salzburg poacher boasts 13 goals from 30 Bundesliga appearances – including six in his last six – and also netted twice in the Champions League before the German outfit were eliminated by Real Madrid in the last 16.