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Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani has submitted another offer to complete a full takeover of Manchester United, but it is still unclear who the Glazers will sell to, pundit Alex Crook has claimed.

What's the latest on Man United's takeover?

Recent reports indicated that Sir Jim Ratcliffe's consortium were the front-runners to buy the club from the Glazers, but this will have seen the current owners become minority shareholders, rather than completely removing them from the club.

However, Sheikh Jassim's consortium have launched another bid, which includes the promise of investment into club infrastructure and the local area, and the bid is for 100% ownership of the club.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Crook revealed the valuation of the bid, but claimed that Ratcliffe and INEOS are likely still the front-runners in the battle for ownership.

"What we're being told from the Qatari side is that their bid is worth around about £4.5bn up front, plus significant investment in the football club and the community," he stated.

"I think we can almost dismiss the latter part of that because that's of no interest to the Glazers, all they care about at this stage is how much they're going to get for their share in the football club.

"I think when you break it down the offer that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made for a lesser stake still works out as more pounds per percentage than what the Qataris are willing to pay. So at the moment, I don't think too much has changed.

"I think Sir Jim Ratcliffe's offer is probably still more attractive to the Glazers, particularly Joel and Avram because it keeps them in situ in some capacity."

Is a full sale necessary?

Some Man United supporters have voiced their concerns over a partial takeover, which would see the much-maligned Glazer family remain at the club in some capacity.

Many have argued for years that the Glazer's decision-making, and lack of both investment and interest in the club, has led United to where they are now. The club have not won a league title in ten years, and despite some heavy spending, they have not been close to challenging their rivals Manchester City at the top, and the club is in significant debt.

A full takeover from the Qatari consortium could see these debts wiped out, and potentially significant investment on and off the pitch.

Although a takeover from Ratcliffe could see the Glazers initially keep some of their shares, if his consortium do invest in the club in any way, seek to gain full ownership in the long run and gain decision-making powers from the Glazers, United may start to see some improvement.

It remains to be seen which offer the Glazers prefer, but the situation will ideally be resolved in time for Erik ten Hag to be able to spend during the summer transfer window.

Nicholas Pooran smashed 81 off 39 balls to propel Barbados Tridents to 173 and set up a comfortable 25-run win over St Lucia Zouks in Bridgetown

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Jul-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsBarbados Tridents’ 20-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran smashed a career-best 81 off 39 balls to propel his side to 173 and set up a comfortable 25-run win over St Lucia Zouks in Bridgetown.The hosts needed impetus at 51 for 2 in the ninth over, after openers Kyle Hope and Shoaib Malik were dismissed within seven balls of each other. Pooran provided that during a third-wicket partnership of 68 off 40 with AB de Villiers.After de Villiers departed in the 16th over – miscuing a Jerome Taylor slower ball to deep midwicket – Pooran took complete charge of the innings. He hit a four and a six off Kyle Mayers in the 17th over, and followed that with three fours and a six off Shane Watson’s 18th.Zouks never got going in the run chase. Ravi Rampaul knocked over Shane Watson for a duck and kept Andre Fletcher to 20, which ended up the top score of the innings along with the extras. When captain Darren Sammy played onto his stumps off left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer in the first ball of the 14th over, Zouks were reduced to 84 for 6. A double-strike from Wayne Parnell, the South African left-arm quick, in the 17th over left Zouks in danger of being bowled out but they just about managed to prevent that.Tridents registered their third win of the season, out of six matches, while Zouks languish at the bottom of the points table with one win out of four.

New Zealand’s three-Test series in India will begin on September 22, in Kanpur, followed by the second Test from September 30 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, while Indore will host the final Test

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jun-20160:58

India’s pink-ball Test will have to wait

New Zealand are unlikely to play a day-night Test against India this season with the BCCI announcing that all three Tests in September and October would begin at 9.30 am.Kanpur will host the first Test from September 22, followed by the second at Eden Gardens from September 30 and the third in Indore, a brand new Test venue, from October 8.The five ODIs will be played on October 16 in Dharamsala, October 19 in Delhi, October 23 in Mohali, October 26 in Ranchi and October 29 in Visakhapatnam.In April, BCCI president Anurag Thakur had announced India would host its first day-night Test during the New Zealand tour. A day later, NZC responded that nothing had been finalised. Last week, the chances of the series featuring a floodlit Test reduced further when Thakur himself conceded India were in “no hurry” to play one.New Zealand is the first of four teams – England, Australia and Bangladesh are the others – India are set to host in their 2016-17 home season, which comprises 13 Tests, eight ODIs and three T20Is. Thirteen Tests equals the record for the highest number of home Tests in a season; the only other instance was in 1979-80, also in India.New Zealand’s previous tour to India was four years ago, when they visited for two Tests and two T20 internationals. They lost the Tests 0-2 and won the T20Is 1-0.Initially, the BCCI’s press release had said Kolkata would host the third Test in October but the schedule was reworked to accommodate Durga Puja festivities.*1010 GMT, June 28, 2016. The article was amended to reflect a change in schedule in the India v NZ Test series

Chelsea have spent exorbitant sums of money since American businessman Todd Boehly assumed ownership of the club last year, and while a shrewder route must be taken going forward, the Blues have identified Nicolo Barella as a summer target.

What's the latest on Nicolo Barella to Chelsea?

According to Inter Live (via Sport Witness), Chelsea are prepared to rival Premier League rivals Liverpool and Newcastle United for the signature of the Inter maestro, who is being touted at €80m (£70m) by his outfit.

The report continues to state that despite Chelsea's lucrative outgoings across the past two transfer windows, spending roughly £600m, a further midfield signing is desired.

Barella is considered a vital component to Inter's future success, though such a high value to coincide with the club's financial struggles could leave Simone Inzaghi's side resigned to grant a departure from his homeland.

Should Chelsea sign Barella?

Work in the transfer department needs to be conducted in earnest at Stamford Bridge this summer, with Chelsea's ignominious season needing to be left firmly in the past, and swiftly.

The Blues claimed their first victory under interim manager Frank Lampard away to Bournemouth last weekend, though the result ended a shocking run of six straight defeats that have swiped Chelsea from the Champions League and mired the west London club in mid-table obscurity, and they remain 11th with four games to go – 13 points behind Brighton & Hove Albion in the last European slot.

The insurmountable gulf between Boehly's outfit and the Seagulls highlights the searing need for change, and while the inflated squad must be trimmed like a tangled thicket, replenishing the ranks with one or two well-placed moves is vital, and Barella could be the man to take the reins and spur the midfield into lasting action.

The 26-year-old dynamo has won the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia during his time at the San Siro, and with the Nerazzurri holding a 2-0 advantage over city rivals AC Milan in this year's Champions League semi-finals, he could cement his legacy as one of the club's modern greats.

Hailed for his "unbelievable" performance in the derby, the £157k-per-week gem completed 84% of his passes, making two key passes, three tackles and winning three of his seven ground duels in midweek, as per Sofascore.

And as per FBref, the 43-cap Euro 2020 champion ranks among the top 9% of midfielders for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 8% for rate of assists, the top 8% for shot-creating actions and in the top 10% for progressive carries per 90, with the statistical site even comparing him to Manchester City's superlative star Kevin De Bruyne.

De Bruyne, of course, plied his maiden years in Chelsea blue, signing from Genk in 2012 for £7m and failing to make his mark before departing for Wolfsburg in January 2014 for a reported £17m after starting just five matches.

The imperious £400k-per-week Belgian now perches comfortably inside the pantheon of contemporary greats, having scored 96 goals and supplied 148 assists from 351 displays for the Citizens and won a wealth of major honours for Pep Guardiola's City including four Premier League titles.

Signing Barella would provide the Stamford Bridge side with a world-class centre-midfielder to steady the ship after the harshest of storms; he is a "genius" on the pitch, as dubbed by sports editor Mike Piellucci, much like De Bruyne, and could be the catalyst for a year as resounding as it is disparate from the current stricken season.

After a performance as perfect as this – in which John Simpson became their third batsman to score a brilliant ton, and Tim Murtagh and Toby Roland-Jones shared nine Hampshire wickets – it is only rain that can deny Middlesex now

Will Macpherson at Merchant Taylors' School30-May-2016
ScorecardAdam Voges finished unbeaten on 160 before Middlesex’s bowlers got to work•Getty ImagesAs Brendon McCullum watched on from the balcony atop this beautiful, expansive ground’s quaint, wisteria-covered pavilion, he would have been forgiven for wondering quite how his new Middlesex team-mates have failed to win in the Championship this season. Six games, six draws. There is mitigation: half of those games have taken place on the deadest of Lord’s tracks, while they have lost a staggering 618 overs – 103 out of each game – to rain. The top order has been making runs, the bowlers have been taking wickets, yet not a result in sight.After a performance as perfect as this – in which John Simpson became their third batsman to score a brilliant ton, and Tim Murtagh and Toby Roland-Jones shared nine Hampshire wickets – it is only rain that can deny them now. A downpour is forecast for Tuesday, but the heavy lifting is done; surely, across the final two days, the clouds will lift to allow them time to take the seven remaining Hampshire wickets, after they were made to follow on. On the basis of the second day’s play, that should not take long.Angus Fraser talks about the “Middlesex DNA”, the personality traits he wants to define his team, which is a rather hazy concept for those on the outside, but crystal clear to all in a united, friendly, laugh-a-minute dressing room. It was there last week, when Nick Gubbins, the baby of the side – and thus victim of a few pranks – was so touched to be taken out for drinks by his team-mates upon finally reaching a Championship ton, having three times fallen in the 90s. It was visible here, when James Fuller took his first – then second and third – Championship wickets for the club, and the back-slapping seemed to last for hours. It is audible every time Ollie Rayner or Murtagh let out their big barks, their umms and ahhs in the field; each gag is raucously laughed at, each achievement raucously celebrated.It was perhaps most obvious, however, as Adam Voges and Simpson came out and flayed to all parts in the morning session – with clouds low and fielders’ fingers freezing – to add a quickfire 125 in just 19.2 overs and set up a perfect declaration, allowing the bowlers 30 minutes before lunch, upon the completion of Simpson’s rocking, rollicking century. Roland-Jones described their efforts, to which Simpson contributed 72 off 61 this morning as Voges, who finished 160 not out turned the strike over, as “selfless, but highly skilful too”.”It’s never easy to go out and force the issue that clearly,” Roland-Jones said. “They set the tone, playing so positively to get ahead so quickly and we exploited the conditions that were out there.”Simpson, such a pugnacious, powerful batsman, played a dazzling hand. There was a front-foot pull for six off James Tomlinson, then another six to cow, and reverse-swept and straight-driven fours, all of Liam Dawson, as 22 were pilfered from five balls. Each came with crack cleaner than the last. Hampshire, on a pitch described by Roland-Jones as “pretty consistent, but always offering enough to the bowlers with enough lateral movement,” had been thoroughly beaten up by brilliant batting. They looked utterly demoralised.Either side of lunch, the nippy, nagging excellence of Murtagh and the Fraser-ish, bouncy Roland-Jones, a veritable nightmare bowling down the hill, bowled 11- and 10-over spells respectively. As Roland-Jones’s lift continually beat the outside edge, Murtagh’s off-stump line accounted for the top three. Sean Ervine and Dawson – who drove beautifully straight – dug in to share 34, Hampshire’s largest partnership of the day, but a screaming Sam Robson catch at gully saw off Dawson, and before long Rayner’s bounce gave his first over the wicket of Joe Weatherley. Murtagh returned to find Ervine’s edge, and Roland-Jones docked a limp tail.Hampshire’s horrid day was summed up by Tino Best, so hot against Nottinghamshire last week, so very cold today. There he was, at the end of the day’s first over, calling the 12th man on for a second jumper – to be fair, it was chilly enough to force umpire Neil Mallender to don gloves – but soon he was officially warned for beaming Voges and, later, a leading edge off Roland-Jones flew straight to mid-on. His funereal walk to and from the middle meant a one-ball innings lasted four minutes.The follow-on was enforced without the batting of an eyelid – and may mean Hampshire, who are three behind on the over rate, end up taking -2 points from the match. Middlesex continued on their merry way, Murtagh’s second ball taking the edge of Will Smith – promoted to open, before Fuller’s aggressive late burst did for Michael Carberry, caught low at second slip, and Ervine – stump cartwheeling – just as the new-ball pair’s exertions began to show. Off they went, revelling in their six perfect sessions and ready to meet their newest team-mate, knowing that first win is not far away.

While Todd Boehly will undoubtedly have to move on some of Chelsea's bloated squad if he wants to sign new players this summer, it seems clear that attacking additions are necessary.

The Blues are one of the lowest-scoring sides in the division, having mustered just a goal a game in the Premier League so far this season, with the 3-1 win over Bournemouth last weekend just the third time they've managed to score more than twice in a top-flight fixture.

Therefore, it is perhaps no surprise to see Chelsea linked with some of the best strikers across European football, with Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen one man who Boehly could look to bring to Stamford Bridge.

Could Chelsea sign Victor Osimhen this summer?

According to reports last month from 90min, the west London outfit are confident that they can win the race to sign the 24-year-old sensation this summer, despite not being able to offer Champions League football.

They claim that the Blues are prepared to blow other sides out of the water as they prepare what would likely be a club-record bid for the €150m (£133m-rated) forward, who has been at the forefront of Luciano Spalletti's Scudetto-winning side this season.

The Nigeria international boasts a phenomenal record of 23 goals and four assists in just 28 Serie A appearances, earning an incredible 7.47 average rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Previously described as "phenomenal" by former Cagliari coach Walter Mazzarri, Osimhen has naturally been afforded a lot of chances in Napoli's run to the title, but it is his overachievement in terms of expected goals which suggests that he could be the man to solve Chelsea's woes in front of goal.

As per Fotmob, the fine-finishing forward has scored 23 goals from just 18.9 xG this season, which suggests that he is more than capable of putting the difficult chances away.

As such, it marks him out as an ideal replacement for the struggling Kai Havertz, who once again has underperformed on expected goals as Chelsea's main man in the attack.

Could Osimhen replace Havertz at Chelsea?

As per Understat, the former Bayer Leverkusen man has failed to turn his xG into results throughout his time at Chelsea, but this season has been the worst by far, as he has scored 5.15 fewer goals than expected.

He has also averaged far fewer shots (2.1 vs 4.2) and dribbles (0.5 vs 0.8) per game than Osimhen, while the 6 foot 4 striker's 6.81 average rating from WhoScored simply puts the Napoli forward in a different league.

If Boehly is serious about turning Chelsea into title challengers, he must consider ditching the "hopeless" Havertz, as he has been dubbed by Chris Sutton, and bringing in the exciting Osimhen instead.

The current front-runner to be the next Leeds United boss, Sam Allardyce, has already stated on his No Tippy Tappy Football podcast (via Leeds Live) that Wilfried Gnonto should be playing more at Elland Road.

What's the latest Leeds United News?

The Italian winger has struggled for gametime this season, managing just 13 starts in the Premier League despite a return of two goals and four assists.

The 19-year-old has managed even less minutes under Javi Gracia. Since the appointment of the boss in February, Gnonto has managed only nine games and his output has nosedived. He's produced three assists but has failed to hit the back of the net, as Leeds' fortunes have also continued to falter.

The Whites are currently on the edge of the relegation places in the top flight, with the side sat in 17th. They remain only out of the bottom three on goal difference, meaning that the prospect of a drop in league to the Championship is very much real.

With the Leeds fans and board growing weary of Javi Gracia's inability to generate positive results – he's won only three of his 12 games at the helm – it seems he will ultimately be given the boot and the torch will seemingly be passed on to Sam Allardyce. The former Baggies boss will now be tasked with steering the club in the right direction.

A positive for Whites fans though is that their potential new boss could give Gnonto the playing time he – and the supporters – crave. One of the biggest downsides of Gracia's time at the helm has been the lack of action for the Italian but it appears Allardyce could be prepared to give him more, as he called the player "fantastic".

He stated on his podcast last week, via Leeds Live: "There are a couple of players who in my opinion should be playing. Wilfried Gnonto, the young Italian kid. Fantastic.

"He's so positive, so driven, so direct with the ball, he gets the play up the field and he doesn't mind defending as well."

Should Gnonto get more playing time?

Gnonto has certainly proven that he has the talent to be a key player under new boss Allardyce. It was his 12 goals and ten assists for FC Zurich that prompted the Premier League side to snap him up in the first place and he's already on track to beat those tallies in less games with the Whites. The 19-year-old already has four goals and four assists in 24 games so far, so is thriving despite his age (via Transfermarkt).

He can produce the goods for his team and has done so when called upon up to this point. His absence from the side and the way he was deployed under Gracia has meant that creative spark in the Leeds team has been absent – and his ability to drive the team forward has been missed. Throwing him back into the mix now could be just what the side need to avoid the drop to the Championship if Allardyce does play Gnonto.

Newcastle United are interested in bringing Manchester United defender Harry Maguire to St James' Park this summer, according to journalist Alex Crook.

What's the latest transfer news involving Harry Maguire?

As per TEAMtalk, Manchester United are set to make Maguire available for transfer this summer, with Newcastle United and West Ham United said to be among the early frontrunners for his signature.

90min have also claimed that the England international is attracting interest from several high-profile Serie A clubs, with Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan keen on proposing loan deals with an option to buy.

The 30-year-old is believed to be one of several first-team players that the Old Trafford giants could let leave in the off-season, though it would need to be 'in the right circumstances' to sanction a departure.

Ideally, Manchester United would want to accumulate a transfer fee for Maguire's services, though they may need to be 'flexible' to ensure they meet their Financial Fair Play obligations.

Maguire has been in and out of Erik ten Hag's side this season, featuring 28 times in all competitions for the Red Devils, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Crook has said that Newcastle United are keen on bringing the player Paul Pogba called "the beast" to the North East this summer.

Crook said: "Yeah, I think so. It's a question of what sort of money they're going to get for Maguire. He needs to go and play.

"I know there's some interest from Newcastle, West Ham as well.

I think, probably, they would be good moves for him. I think it's best for all concerned that he moves on."

Would Harry Maguire be a good signing for Newcastle United?

Maguire has enjoyed a decent season at Manchester United and has been a fairly reliable presence when called upon, making an average of 2.7 clearances per match in the Premier League, as per WhoScored.

The 30-year-old has also recorded a tackle success rate of 71% in the English top flight this campaign, showing a tenacious nature to win possession back for his side.

Nevertheless, it may now be time for the £190k-per-week defender, who was acquired from Leicester City for £80 million back in 2019, to seek a fresh challenge following four years at Old Trafford.

With Newcastle United looking to be in a strong position to secure Champions League qualification, the England international could potentially be an experienced head in the defence to help marshal the Magpies' backline looking ahead to 2023/24.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane could leave to join Manchester United this summer, according to pundit Frank McAvennie, speaking to Football Insider.

What's the latest on Harry Kane's future?

As expected, Tottenham are currently trying to convince Kane to commit his future to the club, with his contract set to expire at the end of next season, however the club's hierarchy may have a difficult task on their hands.

Earlier this month, it was reported the England captain had told friends he won't be signing a new deal, amid a backdrop of chaos at Spurs. Of course, things have not improved recently, with the club changing interim managers before they even identify a new permanent one, and very unlikely to finish in the top four.

It has previously been reported the Man United board have sanctioned a move for the 29-year-old this summer, and McAvennie believes he would be interested in a switch to Old Trafford.

The pundit does not believe the Englishman would be the right fit for Paris Saint-Germain, given the strength in depth the Ligue 1 club already have in attacking areas, but he indicates a move to United could be on the cards, saying:

“They’ve got Mbappe, Neymar and [Lionel] Messi, I do not know where Harry would fit into that system.

“I do not think he is the kind of player that can do the tippy tappy stuff. We saw at the World Cup that that is not his game.

“That is what PSG do, I can also tell you this also why Man City is not his club.

“From what I know, Harry Kane would be ideal for Man United, they need a number nine plain and simple. I can see it definitely happening, him leaving Spurs for United”.

Will Harry Kane leave Tottenham this summer?

Not for the first time this season, the forward was one of the only Spurs players to impress at the weekend, getting on the scoresheet in the 6-1 defeat against Newcastle.

The shocking result makes it very unlikely the Lilywhites will be in the Champions League again this season, while the Red Devils are in a very strong position, and they have proven they have the ability to compete for silverware this season.

A move to Old Trafford could also be an attractive proposition as it would mean Kane still has the opportunity to break Alan Shearer's all-time Premier League goal record, which he has previously made it clear is his goal.

Hailed as "incredible" by journalist Joe Crann, it would be fantastic if the Tottenham talisman signs a new deal this summer, however it would not be a surprise if he is attracted by a move elsewhere.

Newcastle United have been on an exciting journey since their Saudi-led takeover with the prospect of Champions League football firmly in sight

Now, a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target ahead of the summer transfer window.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Moises Caicedo?

According to The Telegraph's Luke Edwards, Newcastle are interested in a number of Premier League players to bolster their already impressive squad this summer.

As per the report, it is claimed that Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo is one of the many players on the list of targets for the Magpies, alongside Declan Rice, James Maddison, Kaoru Mitoma and Ivan Toney to name a few.

Will Newcastle sign Moises Caicedo this summer?

Eddie Howe and his current squad have enjoyed a phenomenal season so far with a trip to Wembley for the League Cup final and an incredible run in the Premier League that has led to a great chance of playing European football next term.

The Magpies are currently fourth with just eight league fixtures left to secure their dreams of playing in the Champions League next season and it will come as no surprise that the club are looking to continue their pursuit of success and trophies by identifying quality players who can add depth to key positions.

One of their most valuable assets acquired has undoubtedly been midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who has had to sacrifice his attacking flair as of late due to Jonjo Shelvey's departure in January – leaving him in a more restricted defensive role in the centre of the pitch.

The signing of Caicedo this summer could be the catalyst to unlocking the Brazilian's full potential next season, allowing him the freedom to be more involved in the attacking position he thrived in over his first six months at St James' Park.

Over 17 league appearances in 2021/22, the 25-year-old scored five goals, delivered one assist and created three big chances, as well as averaging 1.3 successful dribbles and 1.4 shots on goal per game, which has led to calls for the midfielder to return to higher areas of the pitch this season with reporter Miles Starforth claiming his "magic" is needed there.

Caicedo would be an ideal defensive midfielder to take over from Guimaraes in the deeper role and could provide the popular Newcastle star with even more opportunities to trouble opponents.

The Ecuadorian midfielder – hailed a "pleasure to watch" by writer Ryan Adsett – has tallied up an 89% pass completion rate and successfully completed 56% of his dribbles over 28 league appearances this season, as well as averaging 1.2 key passes, outlining him as a progressive and composed midfield asset.

He also lives up to his billing as a "machine" – as per The Athletic's Andy Naylor – having made 3.2 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and won 6.4 duels per game, proving he is a reliable defensive presence in midfield.

With that being said, if the powerbrokers at the North East club are willing to meet the extortionate £90m price tag set on Caicedo this summer, it could spark a huge tactical shift in midfield personnel and provide Howe with a player who can keep up with the quality needed to compete at the highest level next season.