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Manchester United have made just one signing during the transfer window so far, luring Mason Mount to Old Trafford for a fee that could eventually reach £60m.

With just a few weeks until the beginning of the Premier League season, Erik ten Hag will be determined to add a few more players to his squad, and AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez could be a potential option.

Are Manchester United interested in Theo Hernandez?

According to sources in Spain, United are keen on luring the Frenchman to Manchester ahead of the 2023/24 campaign as Ten Hag looks to bolster his defensive options.

Initial links for the left-back first surfaced last month according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), with Milan demanding a ‘sensational’ offer to let one of their prized assets depart the club this summer.

The Red Devils are prepared to offer around €60m (£51m) in order to secure his signature and this could well be enough to tempt the Serie A outfit to sell during the transfer window.

What could Theo Hernandez offer Manchester United?

The 25-year-old would be an excellent addition to the United squad, especially as he could offer a key attacking threat from left-back.

The defender made 1.2 key passes per game in Serie A last term, which would rank him fourth in the United squad, while he also completed 0.6 successful dribbles per game, and this figure would rank him as the second-highest defender across the whole Red Devils squad, suggesting that he could certainly offer something different to the current crop of defenders at the club.

Further evidence of his qualities going forward are provided by FBref, where he ranks in the top 11% across Europe’s big five leagues for progressive carries per 90 (3.37) and the top 5% for total shots per 90 (1.48) and Ten Hag would be signing one of the finest attacking full-backs on the continent should he succeed with a move for Hernandez.

This isn’t just good news for the United team as a whole, but also Marcus Rashford in particular, who he could form a solid partnership with down the left-hand side next season.

The Englishman certainly looks revitalised under Ten Hag, enjoying his most productive season since making his United debut in 2016, registering 41 goal contributions – 30 goals and 11 assists – across all competitions as he was typically deployed on the left wing.

With the Dutchman actively looking for a new striker, this could mean Rashford will continue to play from a wide position and Hernandez could use his abilities to create plenty more chances for him. With WhoScored stating that crossing is one of his main strengths and with the United forward scoring 15 of his 17 league goals from inside the box, he could be on the end of one of the Frenchman’s regular deliveries.

Stefano Pioli was full of praise for the defender in 2021, saying: “He can play both phases very well, with his physical abilities it is enough to stay in the game. He can very well become one of the best.

“He has only been playing continuously for a year and a half, I always tell him that he must not be satisfied with being talented.

“He has an incredible physical strength and quality, he must prove that he wants to become the best every day."

£51m may sound a lot on the surface, but judging by his attacking talents and the fact he could become a dream partner for Rashford, it could be a move worth making for Ten Hag this summer.

Romeo Lavia is a player Chelsea "really appreciate" and are actively "following" in the transfer market, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Is Lavia joining Chelsea?

Chelsea's transfer business has been extensive in the summer window so far and shows no signs of slowing down in the coming weeks.

Mauricio Pochettino has been working around the clock to prepare himself for his first season at Stamford Bridge, having signed four players and let 13 go on a permanent basis already.

Some big names have departed such as Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic, while there have been some exciting arrivals in the form of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson – both of whom have got off to a flying start in pre-season.

However, Pochettino is yet to be fully satisfied with his current crop, with suggestions that midfield is the priority area for reinforcement and improvement.

Chelsea's admiration of Moises Caicedo has been well-documented and a deal appears to be slowly edging towards the final stages, but Southampton's Lavia has also emerged as a significant target for the Blues.

According to Romano, a deal for Lavia is possible and would have no impact on Chelsea's ability to sign number one target Caicedo.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano stated: "Chelsea are following the situation of Romeo Lavia. It's not linked to Moises Caicedo, he's a player they really appreciate.

"I told you many times about Joe Shields having a special connection. Joe Shields who is at Chelsea as one of the directors having a special connection with the player. He had the player at Southampton, at Man City, so there is a very good feeling, but at the moment for Chelsea the priority remains Caicedo."

Romano suggests that Lavia would likely cost in the region of £50m and also cites Liverpool as having a strong interest in the player and "actively working" on the deal. Therefore, with Caicedo's deal taking priority, Chelsea could be pipped to the post by the Reds in their pursuit of the 19-year-old.

Lavia featured 34 times in all competitions for the Saints last season contributing a goal and an assist across the season, albeit his primary focus is to shield the back four not offer a goal threat.

The one-cap Belgian international has a high ceiling and huge potential, something he exhibited repeatedly during his debut senior season in the Premier League.

Who are Chelsea signing?

As Romano mentions, Caicedo is undoubtedly the number one target for Pochettino who is looking to replace the departing Mount, Kovacic, N'Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Caicedo would most closely resemble a Kante replacement and would offer some much-needed defensive solidity and awareness for the Blues, while also offering Enzo Fernandez more freedom in midfield.

However, a £100m asking price has been the stumbling block between Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion so far, with the Blues eager to reduce that fee significantly.

The priority after Caicedo may not actually be another signing but instead ensuring that young centre-back Levi Colwill stays at the club amid interest from Brighton and Liverpool, the former being where he spent last season on loan.

Colwill featured in Chelsea's 4-3 win over Brighton in pre-season with Pochettino adamant that the England U21 European Championship winner is not for sale.

Younis Khan became the first Pakistan batsman to make 10,000 Test runs, adding 131 with Babar Azam, before late strikes by Shannon Gabriel evened up the opening Test

The Report by Danyal Rasool23-Apr-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsYounis Khan and Babar Azam added 131 for the third wicket•AFP

It sometimes felt as if the sole purpose for playing this Test match was to provide Younis Khan a platform to score the 23 runs he has needed to become the first Pakistan cricketer to score 10,000 runs. If that was indeed the case, then the purpose had been served. Younis swept – of course he swept – to the fine-leg boundary to reach the milestone, and the wait was over.It happened two balls after the tea interval. Younis had, of course, left us all hanging at the break with his career runs tally reading 9999, and for perhaps 15 minutes, it was a figure almost as famous in cricket as 99.94. But then after two balls (although really after 70 years), it happened. The newest addition to the 10,000-run club took off his helmet and set off for the tiny cluster of Pakistan fans huddled together. He raised his bat, pointed at the Pakistan crest on his shirt and set to work on what he knew best: batting in Test match cricket.There was almost a palpable sense that a burden had been lifted, and Pakistan’s scoring rate picked up sharply after that. The West Indies pacemen had tired themselves out, and the spin bowlers – Devendra Bishoo excepted – were child’s play for the pair to handle. Having come through a cagey second session, Younis and Babar Azam tucked into Roston Chase and Kraigg Brathwaite, during a stand of 131 for the third wicket, a six into the second tier by Younis the shot of the day.Jason Holder was forced to return to the quicks once again, and called upon Shannon Gabriel to do something about a match that was slipping away from his side. The move paid off almost immediately. In just Gabriel’s second over back, Younis, who had perhaps relaxed a bit too much, failed to keep an attempted cover drive along the ground, spooning it straight to Brathwaite at short extra cover. It wasn’t before Younis had scored a valuable 58, though, putting his side in control of an innings that had been quivering at 54 for 2 when he came in.Gabriel wasn’t done, however, accounting for Babar in his next over, the young batsman playing on to his stumps after making a composed 72 off 201 deliveries as a seesawing Test began to even up again. The new batsmen, Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq, simply shut up shop thereafter as the quicks continued to push for another wicket in fading light. But the pair, nothing if not defensively resolute, held on till the close of play, Misbah surviving a review off what turned out to be the last ball of the day, setting the game up for an intriguing last couple of days.The day had started with Mohammad Amir wrapping up the home side’s innings, which had stretched on interminably owing to a combination of uncooperative weather and a wagging tail. They came out nine wickets down, and Amir needed just nine deliveries to account for Gabriel. It was almost a replica of the ball that did for Alzarri Joseph yesterday, angling in to Gabriel from around the wicket to crash into the middle stump and giving Amir his career-best bowling figures of 6 for 44.Pakistan were dealt an early blow when Azhar Ali, indisputably their best batsmen of late, fell to a short wide delivery from Joseph that he will rue flashing at. It caught the edge and Shane Dowrich took a smart catch behind the wicket, but from Pakistan’s point of view it will have felt like a wicket gifted. Ahmed Shahzad struck some confident boundaries on his return to the Test side but fell soon after, as a Holder delivery nipped in late to strike him on the back leg, bringing Younis and Babar together.The pair hung around gamely in the face of a disciplined West Indian attack, ensuring they went in to tea having suffered no more setbacks. It took Younis 48 minutes and ten overs across two sessions to so much as get off the mark as the pace bowlers employed a consistent off-stump line and good length in otherwise unhelpful bowling conditions. Babar and Younis were equal to it, not about to throw their wickets away playing false shots, and consequently the session took on the feel of a stalemate. However, with Gabriel’s late intervention taking the advantage away from Pakistan, the crowning glory is still very much up for grabs.

Manchester United have been linked to a Serie A star, as Erik ten Hag aims to improve his squad this summer.

Leading up to the transfer window, the manager is believed to want to bolster his side in areas such as the midfield and those who lead the line.

The signing of Casemiro last summer set the renovations to the Dutchman’s midfield off to a world-class start, in a theme that could continue should the club seal the signing of the latest player linked.

What’s the latest on Nicolo Barella to Manchester United?

As reported by Italian outlet La Gazetta dello Sport, Manchester United are one of the clubs interested in Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.

The report names United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United as the Premier League sides eyeing the star.

It’s stated that Inter are wanting a fee in the region of €80m (£69m) for the 26-year-old, who is contracted to the club until 2026.

Such a move would represent a cheaper alternative to that of Declan Rice. The Red Devils are in the race for his signature but with rivals Manchester City now planning a bid and indeed a fee of up to £120m touted, Barella may well be a better option.

What could Nicolo Barella offer to Manchester United?

Signing Casemiro made a significant difference to the dynamic of Ten Hag’s side by simply solidifying the midfield with a player laced with experience.

Hailed as being “the cement” to his side, the Dutch boss showered praise on the Brazilian maestro via the club’s official website, stating that he is the difference maker and is a player capable of dominating a game.

The influence of the former Real Madrid star is colossal at Old Trafford, as signified by the club’s win percentage as documented in a report back in March.

Indeed, with Casemiro the Reds obtained a win percentage 75.7%, a figure that dropped to 42.9% without him, telling the story of the importance of his presence in the squad.

This summer, Ten Hag could deliver the five-time Champions League winner a competent partner in Rice, but with that seemingly now unlikely, Inter’s midfield general Barella is a fantastic option.

Lauded a “monster” by journalist Carlo Garganese, the Italian won 55% of his total duels in Serie A and could be a perfect match to partner the Brazilian in midfield.

While Casemiro acts as the anchor in the engine room, Barella provides a box-to-box style as highlighted by his ability in the final third, recording six goals and six assists in his league campaign with Inter.

The former Real Madrid ace ranks in the top 4% of midfielders in Europe in terms of tackles, averaging a colossal 3.49 per 90 as well as registering an average of 1.47 interceptions per 90, via FBref.

The 26-year-old Barella, therefore, could provide the experienced talent with a player capable of helping with the dirty work and presenting a lavish progressive outlet.

As per FBref, Barella ranked among the best-performing midfielders in Serie A in relation to his progressive play, averaging 7.37 progressive passes and 2.62 progressive carries per 90, ranking him in the top 6% in the league in both areas.

The two could create a perfect pivot in Ten Hag’s side, supplying the Red Devils with a balanced duo that is capable of conducting mastery in the engine room.

According to reports, Southampton are making life difficult for Croatian Mislav Orsic to leave the club on a permanent deal.

How many goals has Mislav Orsic scored?

Orsic was signed by the Saints in January in a bid to save their season from resulting in relegation. The ex-Premier League side signed the Croatian international for £8million from Dinamo Zagreb.

The 30-year-old however failed to play, making only one Premier League appearance amounting to six minutes. Orsic did feature in the League Cup and FA Cup making four appearances across the two, but was an incredibly underwhelming signing.

This a far-cry from his 13 goals and eight assists in 27 appearances for Dinamo prior to the move, including two in the Champions League.

Orsic also featured heavily for Croatia at the World Cup, making six appearances with two assists in the process along with the winning goal in his nation's 2-1 win over Morocco in the third place play-off.

The only way to describe Orsic's time on the south coast is disappointing, a player who clearly has ability, but hasn't been given the time to show it or maybe the level is above him.

Therefore, it is no surprise that talk of a departure has been prominent. Despite this, reports from Sabah via Sport Witness have described Southampton's unwillingness to let the Croatian go.

The report mentions Turkish side Trabzonspor as the keenest party. However, the reluctance to agree a fee by Saints and owners Sport Republic means the suitors are beginning to look elsewhere.

It is explained by the outlet that the Süper Lig side 'want to add' Orsic however talks have 'not yet made any progress' in relation to a potential loan deal.

Orsic is described as a 'priority' for Trabzonspor, but the club are turning their attention to Guinean free agent François Kamano due to the English side playing hard ball and annoying the buyers.

What's the latest with Southampton's transfer news?

Southampton look likely to lose their prized asset. The latest report paints Arsenal as 'close to agreement' on a deal for midfielder Romeo Lavia. It has been said there are several top Premier League sides keen on Lavia, including Manchester United as reported by talkSPORT.

23-year-old winger Nathan Tella is another linked with departing Saint Mary's, with The Sun say the Saints will demand £15m for the winger who scored 17 Championship goals last season for Burnley. The Athletic have suggested a return to Turf Moor could be on the cards, with talks taking place between the two clubs, despite the asking price being a hurdle.

Sky Sports have also previously revealed that numerous Premier League sides and teams across Europe are targeting 21-year-old Armel Bella-Kotchap.

It appears a rebuild at Southampton will happen this summer, with quite a few talents set to depart as James Ward-Prowse also appears to be attracting Premier League interest.

The ICC is keen on having an edge-detection tool – Realtime Snicko, UltraEdge or HotSpot – to go with the existing ball-tracking tool as minimum requirements for DRS. However, that depends on the ICC cricket committee headed by Anil Kumble, and a planned meeting with the member boards in February 2017 to “prepare a road map for the use of technology moving forward”. For the ICC, the ideal outcome of the meeting will be some sort of agreement to have DRS for every Test no matter where it takes place, with the decided minimum requirements in place.As it stands now, DRS is employed even in those Tests where no edge-detection technology is available whereas India have been playing without DRS even with the required technology available. That India have agreed to use it on a trial basis against England is a step forward, but ICC’s general manager of cricket operations Geoff Allardice knows there is some way to go.”I look at matches in different parts of the world, and I see the different levels of technology and you see umpires are left without conclusive evidence in one series where in another series they might have conclusive evidence with all tools available,” Allardice said. “There are some logistical challenges as well about having every type of technology in every match but I think overall we should be striving for a more consistent delivery of technology at all international matches.”Ball-tracking is standard in DRS at the moment, and we won’t see that changing. I think you certainly need an edge-detection tool as a standard. If you go back to times gone by with the umpires listening to the stump microphone audio and trying to judge whether that was the sound of bat on ball or bat on pad or whatever, it was very difficult to make a decision [for the umpire] and also for the people watching at home to know what the umpire was thinking. And sound-based edge detection systems like Realtime Snicko and UltraEdge have simplified those kinds of decisions.”HotSpot is another tool that helps in edge detection, and while Allardice said it “has a lot to add to a DRS system”, its inclusion posed “logistical challenges”. India’s home Tests against England, for example, could have had HotSpot but the BCCI was told it would take too long for the equipment to arrive in the country. The cameras used by HotSpot are high-end military cameras, whose shipping needs special permissions from governments.The BCCI’s opposition to DRS arose from a perception that it wasn’t 100% fool proof. Some other boards do not employ it because of the high cost of equipment. As such there has been pressure on the ICC to assume control of the system itself. Allardice was open to the possibility.”If we get the support of members for the ICC to take a greater role in providing consistent technology at every game, we think that’s the right way to go forward. If we can map that out to the countries, and they like that, then the plan will be to start putting it in place.” he said. “Generally in DRS series, we deliver 98 to 99% correct decisions, and what that does is provide a consistency of correct decisions, whether the conditions are difficult for umpiring, or whether the umpire is having a good day or a bad day.”There has also been protest against DRS because of the possibility of human error. When asked if the ICC might be interested in training people to operate the various technologies to assuage that concern, Allardice said it was the technology provider who was best placed to understand the nuances of the system and implement it correctly. He did, however, admit there was a need for the ICC to oversee operations.”At this stage, I wouldn’t see us wanting to be technology providers ourselves, because the expertise and product development work that’s taken place over a long period of time, has been conducted by the technology providers. But I think there is a greater role for the ICC in the coordination of technology that goes to each match, and the oversight of the performance at matches.”DRS’s impact on the umpires is also a point of debate. In the Chittagong Test between England and Bangladesh, eight out of 18 decisions made by Kumar Dharmasena were overturned. Allardice said the number of incorrect calls an umpire makes factors into his assessment by the ICC, but he is judged over a longer term than just one match.”It’s quite a test for an umpire in those conditions, because you can often be making good umpiring decisions that are later proven to be incorrect,” Allardice said. “Like getting a glove on a sweep shot that then leads to an lbw being overturned.”One of the skills of an umpire at all levels, whether there is DRS or not, is his resilience to mistakes. In the old days, you used to find out when you came off the field whether you had made a mistake or not, and now that feedback is a little bit more immediate. And being able to process feedback about your decisions, and then try to either use it to improve your decision‑making, or to not let it affect your decision making, is the thing that determines an elite umpire from the next level down.”

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in the running to sign Fiorentina sensation, Sofyan Amrabat this summer, with new boss Ange Postecoglou seemingly seeking to strengthen his midfield ranks ahead of next season.

What's the latest on Amrabat to Tottenham?

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, the 26-year-old is said to be among those who the ex-Celtic manager is targetting ahead of the upcoming window, with the Lilywhites attempting to 'overtake' their rival suitors in the race for the Morocco international's signature.

The report suggests that while the former Club Brugge ace has also spoken to Barcelona boss Xavi, regarding a potential move to Camp Nou, the north Londoners are seemingly intent on putting themselves at the front of the queue, with the likes of Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich also sniffing around.

The piece goes on to add that the Netherlands-born maestro – who has just a year left to run on his existing deal in Florence – could command a fee of around €30m (£26m), making him a potentially affordable option for Postecoglou and co.

Should Tottenham sign Sofyan Amrabat?

The signing of the in-demand ace – who was hailed as the "best centre midfielder" at the World Cup in Qatar by journalist Carlo Garganese – could well help Postecoglou to find a dream partner to current Spurs star, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

With the latter man offering a destructive and dominant force at the base of the midfield, having averaged 1.6 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game this season in the Premier League, Amrabat could well be a perfect foil due to his innate ball-playing prowess.

The one-time Utrecht ace notably ranks in the top 8% among his European peers for progressive passes as well as in the top 5% for pass completion as a marker of that ability to dictate play in the centre of the park, having also averaged a standout 90% pass accuracy rate in Serie A in 2022/23.

The 48-cap titan's quality was notably on show in the recent Europa Conference League final clash with West Ham United, with journalist Muhammad Butt writing that the Fiorentina gem had taken midfield counterpart, Declan Rice "to school" as a sign of his dominance, despite ending up on the losing side.

Hailed as "criminally underrated" by Butt in contrast to Rice – who could fetch around £92m this summer amid interest from Arsenal – the £32k-per-week star put on an "absolute clinic" in that showpiece tussle, according to writer Zach Lowy.

That outing notably saw Amrabat win nine duels and make 99 touches as a marker of his influence on the game, while the West Ham man, by contrast, won just five duels and was restricted to only 41 touches, as per Sofascore.

That ability to win back possession would suggest that the 6 foot 1 ace would also aid Hojbjerg in carrying out his defensive duties, having also averaged 1.3 tackles per game in Serie A this season.

While unlikely to offer much in an attacking sense – as he ranks in just the bottom 6% for touches in the opposition penalty area – Amrabat could then allow the current Spurs man the opportunity to get forward more freely, with the experienced Dane having bagged four goals and five assists in the league in 2022/23 to illustrate his attacking potential.

Although Postecoglou may have a fight on his hands to win the battle for the coveted ace's signature, it could be of real benefit to both himself – and to Hojbjerg – if a deal can be completed.

Eoin Morgan says he has yet to decide whether he will lead the England one-day side to Bangladesh at the end of this month

Andrew McGlashan02-Sep-2016Eoin Morgan says he has yet to decide whether he will lead the England one-day side to Bangladesh at the end of this month.Morgan was the first of England’s two captains – Alastair Cook being the other – to speak publicly about the trip since it was confirmed it would go ahead, following a security inspection led by the ECB’s head of security Reg Dickason.It has been reported that Morgan is one of the players with the most significant doubts about undertaking the tour. However he claimed, despite being captain, he does not see his decision as being influential on other players who may be wavering.’No issues going’ – Farbrace

Paul Farbrace, England’s assistant coach, has become the first member of the playing or coaching staff to confirm that he is happy to travel to Bangladesh.
Farbrace, who was on the Sri Lanka bus when it was attacked by terrorists in Pakistan in 2009, said that he had been satisfied by the briefing given by the ECB’s head of security, Reg Dickason, last week.
“I heard nothing whatsoever that made me nervous about going to Bangladesh,” Farbrace told the . “We have no reason to doubt Reg Dickason or the board … He is the leading expert after all and I have no issues about going.”

“Absolutely not. It is a completely individual thing,” he said. “The decision any individual makes within the side is the right one and everybody will stand by whoever wants to go or not, and I think that is very important.”I think when so much information is thrown at you within two months of a terrorist attack, you need to digest everything and be settled within yourself so you can go there and concentrate on cricket.”As with other players who have commented on the tour, Morgan said the on-going one-day series against Pakistan has made it difficult to consider the Bangladesh situation.The one-day squad was due to be announced on September 9, two days after the T20 at Old Trafford, but it has now been pushed back into the following week in order to give the players some breathing space after the international season finishes. Morgan indicated that he expected players’ positions – including his own – to be clear within “a couple of days” of the T20.Conversations continue to go on between the players and Dickason, as well as Andrew Strauss, the director of England cricket, who last week said he believed it was “100% safe” for the tour to go ahead following the ECB delegation’s visit and hoped there would not be any absentees.”I would say in a short space of time it is a difficult one, but we have certainly been given the time by the ECB which helps,” Morgan said. “We have not had a great deal of downtime. I think we will take as much time as we need to make a decision and to feel comfortable and to feel safe.”If we’d had time off or no cricket between the meeting and now, I can’t say I would be any closer to the decision, but I would have had more time to digest everything and let everything settle.”If Morgan did withdraw from the tour, England would need a stand-in captain. Jos Buttler, who captained England against Pakistan in the second T20 in the UAE when Morgan was rested, is the vice-captain of the one-day side and could be in line to lead.There is an expectation that some players who appear across all three formats will be rested for the one-day series. Joe Root, who has played 32 international matches since January 1 this year – the second most in the world – would head that list while Moeen Ali and, despite his truncated season, Ben Stokes are also in line for a break. Stokes will be crucial to England’s chances across the seven Tests against Bangladesh and India.

Leeds United are staring down the barrel of what could promise to be another devastating relegation, with the late appointment of Sam Allardyce only emphasising the precarious nature of their plight.

To welcome such an experienced firefighter is for the hierarchy to admit all their mistakes that have led to this moment, many of which have come in this one season.

Trusting in Jesse Marsch was a decision they essentially had to make after he saved them the season prior, but keeping him in charge for as long as they did was far from a necessity.

Then, in appointing Javi Gracia, they afforded the Spaniard just two months before then replacing him with the affectionately known 'Big Sam'.

It has been a year of poor decisions made too late, and with three tough fixtures looming, things do not look good.

With much of this current squad underperforming, hence their league position, whether they survive or not this summer must mark a turning point. With Victor Orta having left and the future of the club's ownership still up in the air, this team must be gutted and an identity reclaimed for the club.

No longer can they afford the panic acquisitions of big names akin to Weston McKennie's January arrival, when the academy boasts such readymade talent.

Should the American return to Juventus this summer, it could allow an opportunity to open up for young Charlie Allen to step into; someone hungry, full of desire, and actually deserving of a first-team spot.

Who is Charlie Allen?

Upon joining, McKennie described himself in his first interview as someone with: "physicality, able to run, I can get box-to-box". More crucially, when questioned by teammate and compatriot Tyler Adams, he agreed to the claim: "I've got goals."

The hope was that an attacking impetus from deep would be crucial in bolstering their survival bid, yet the 24-year-old is yet to score or assist since moving to England.

Meanwhile, for the U21s, the 19-year-old maestro has six goal contributions in 18 Premier League 2 games despite operating all across the pitch. His versatility lends to his preparedness for senior football, as such fluidity in-game could prove imperative.

It is impressive that the teenager has managed to amass such numbers from defensive midfield, and often a deeper right midfield role.

However, it likely comes as no surprise to journalist Patrick Van Dort, who once claimed:

"Charlie is one of those boys that you throw him on to the park and go and ask him to play. [He’ll] play anywhere with the same attitude and enthusiasm. Technically very good and physically can handle it – he is quick enough and he has a real chance

"People say he's a dream to coach, a good listener and ticks the boxes you'd expect of someone so highly rated."

Given he sits there for free, biding his time, whilst McKennie would likely cost a king's ransom for what little he has offered thus far, no matter their division at the end of the season, Allen deserves to play over the 24-year-old flop.

تعهد المصري محمد صلاح نجم فريق ليفربول الإنجليزي، بالعودة بأسرع وقت ممكن للمشاركة مع منتخب مصر في كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023.

وتعرض محمد صلاح لإصابة أبعدته عن المشاركة مع منتخب مصر، والذي حسم التأهل لدور الـ16 من كأس أمم إفريقيا.

وتحدى محمد صلاح المشككين بتغريدة عبر حسابه الرسمي على منصة “إكس”، مؤكدًا أنه سيقدم كل ما هو ممكن للعودة والمشاركة مع المنتخب.

وكتب محمد صلاح عبر حسابه الرسمي على منصة “إكس”: “بدأت إمبارح برنامج العلاج والتأهيل وهعمل كل حاجة ممكنة علشان أكون جاهز في أقرب وقت وأرجع للمنتخب زي ماكان متفق عليه من البداية، بردو بحبها وبحب ناسها، حاولو أكتر”.

بدأت امبارح برنامج العلاج والتأهيل وهعمل كل حاجه ممكنه علشان اكون جاهز في اقرب وقت وارجع للمنتخب زي ماكان متفق عليه من البدايه….بردو بحبها وبحب ناسها🇪🇬… حاولو اكتر 😛 pic.twitter.com/FsNsBfY99M — Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) January 25, 2024

تأتي تغريدة صلاح بعد تعرضه لانتقادات لقرار سفره إلى ليفربول لتلقي العلاج في ناديه، بحسبما أعلن مدربه يورجن كلوب في وقت سابق.

وفي وقت لاحق أكد كلوب في تصريحاته أن محمد صلاح أكثر اللاعبين المصريين انتماءً لبلده (طالع التصريحات كاملة من هنا).