All posts by h716a5.icu

Fulham have agreed a "deal in principle" for Ajax defender Calvin Bassey, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

The former Rangers defender is set to undergo a medical before his move to Craven Cottage is finalised.

How old is Calvin Bassey?

The 23-year-old is set to depart Dutch side Ajax after just one campaign in Amsterdam.

Despite originally wanting to stay with the club and fight for his place next season, the versatile defender was told by new Ajax manager Maurice Steijn that he is not a part of the clubs plan for next season, so should consider finding himself a new club, with the head coach stating in an interview: "I told Calvin Bassey it would be better to leave Ajax. Also because of the money. When he leaves, we can strengthen the squad properly. I have told him this honestly. He had a really tough year last season. Everyone gets a second chance and if he does better than someone else, he will play. But the chances are, especially if we are going to get a new left-back or left-centre defender, that he will not play."

The Nigerian international joined the European heavyweights last summer in a deal reportedly worth just under £23m, however, it looks like Ajax are set to make a loss of around £5m to get the defender off their books this summer.

Bassey attracted interest from both Brighton and Hove Albion as well as Fulham this window, however, the Seagulls turned their attention towards Fiorentina central defender Igor Julio, leaving the cottagers with a free run at the Nigerian. Following an opening bid of £15m that was rejected by the Dutch giants, both sides have now reportedly agreed a deal for £18.2m to bring the former Rangers man to Craven Cottage.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sheth revealed that the deal has been agreed in principle, and should be confirmed "sooner rather than later", whilst a deal for Southampton defender Mohamed Salisu is also close: "Two deals that look close involve Calvin Bassey and Mohammed Salisu, with one closer than the other. That is Bassey, from Ajax, and it's worth around £18million. That one is agreed in principle and, like Jimenez, we expect him to have a medical at some point this week. The deal should be done and dusted sooner rather than later as well."

What defenders are Fulham signing?

It is set to be a big summer overhaul in Fulham's defence this window.

As Sheth stated, the Cottagers are also closing in on a deal for Southampton defender Salisu, with reports stating that a deal worth £15m has been agreed with the Saints for the Ghanaian international who suffered relegation from the Premier League last season. The defender who has entered the final year of his deal at St Mary's has also attracted the interest of Everton and AS Monaco, who reportedly had two bids rejected for the defender earlier in the window.

Fulham are set to have some outgoings in the defensive department this window as well, with Tosin Adarabioyo attracting a lot of interest as he moves into the final year of his deal at Craven Cottage. Monaco are interested in the former Manchester City player after failing in their pursuit of Salisu, and Tottenham Hotspur are also expected to make a bid for the 25-year-old, with reports stating the defender could be available for as little as £13m.

One defender who will not be leaving this summer is left-back Antonee Robinson. The USA international was reportedly a target of a number of big clubs around Europe, namely AC Milan and Man City, however, the defender signed a new long-term contract at the club earlier this window, which keeps him in London until 2028.

Also, Tim Paine was preferred as wicketkeeper in the T20 side ahead of Matthew Wade for the tour that will run from September 17 to October 13

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Aug-2017Mitchell Starc will miss Australia’s limited-overs tour of India due to a slower-than-expected recovery from an injury to his right foot.Australia’s selectors have named a 14-man ODI squad and a 13-man T20 group for the tour, with the uncapped Hilton Cartwright in line for a one-day debut and fast bowler Jason Behrendorff a chance of making his Australia debut in T20s.Notably, Tim Paine was preferred as wicketkeeper in the T20 side ahead of Matthew Wade, while there was also a T20 recall for allrounder Daniel Christian, who last played for Australia in 2014.Fellow allrounder James Faulkner has returned to the ODI squad, along with spin-bowling allrounder Ashton Agar, and fast bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile, who is returning from a back injury.”Nathan brings raw pace to the side with good variation,” national selector Trevor Hohns said. “It is great to see him back from injury and we are hopeful he will have a big impact in this series.”James Faulkner is a solid one-day campaigner and is very familiar with subcontinent conditions, coming off a very good tour of Sri Lanka last year. We hope that he will take his chance in returning to the one-day side. Hilton is an aggressive striker of the ball and we think his game will be well suited to the transition to short-form cricket.”National T20 selector Mark Waugh said: “The overall standards being set in the BBL and also the IPL are very high and the players selected have impressed in these tournaments. Jason [Behrendorff] has been a stand-out performer for the Scorchers for a number of seasons and deserves his chance at this level.”Dan [Christian] is a very experienced allrounder who can be a very dangerous batsman. He had a solid IPL season this year and we believe his bowling will be well suited to the conditions we will face in India. Tim Paine has been called-up following his successful home T20 international and Big Bash campaigns.”Paine made his international return in February this year, playing a series of home T20s against Sri Lanka while the Test squad was already in India, and these marked his first international games for nearly six years.Starc suffered stress fractures of the foot during Australia’s Test tour of India earlier this year, and upon returning from the Champions Trophy in England it was discovered they had not fully healed. He was left out of Australia’s Test squad to tour Bangladesh, with the intention of being fit for the series in India, but Australia are now targeting the Ashes for his international return.”Mitchell Starc has been excluded from the two squads as he continues his return from a right foot injury,” team physio David Beakley said. “We have recently reviewed the progress of Mitchell’s right foot injury and the healing process has been slower than we would have liked.”Consequently, in order to ensure his best possible preparation for the Ashes, he will be unavailable for the tour of India and will continue his rehab in Australia with an aim to have him play for New South Wales in the domestic one-day cup.”The tour of India will take place between September 17 and October 13.ODI squad: Steven Smith (capt), David Warner, Ashton Agar, Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Patrick Cummins, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), Adam ZampaT20 squad: Steven Smith (capt), David Warner (vice-capt), Jason Behrendorff, Dan Christian, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Patrick Cummins, Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Glenn Maxwell, Tim Paine (wk), Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa

West Ham United have an "interest" in former Manchester United captain and England international Harry Maguire, but wages could be an issue, claims Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Is Harry Maguire joining West Ham United this summer?

It has been a busy summer in east London so far, not due to any incomings, mind you, but due to the intense and protracted negotiations over the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal, which has earned West Ham a tidy £105m.

Unsurprisingly, it looks like the club will be putting that influx of cash to use immediately this summer, with a swathe of players being touted for a move to the East End.

A lot of the names linked with a move to the London Stadium at the moment are midfielders, for fairly obvious reasons, with Fulham's Joao Palhinha, Ajax's Edson Alvarez and Southampton's talismanic captain James Ward-Prowse all players the Irons are interested in.

However, with the club leaking 55 goals in the league last year and finishing just six points above the relegation zone, several defenders have also been linked with a move to the Irons – the most recent being United centre-back Maguire.

According to The Guardian, the Red Devils are open to offers for their £80m man after Erik ten Hag informed his defender that he wasn't a part of his plans, something made abundantly clear by the removal of the captaincy earlier this week.

The Hammers have emerged as one of the teams interested in rescuing the former Leicester City man from his unfortunate situation at Old Trafford this summer, but 'see little value' in paying a transfer fee for the 30-year-old and are equally concerned over his significant pay packet, as per Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

He explained the situation live on Sky Sports News, saying:

"They're looking to strengthen in defence. We mentioned Harry Maguire already. There is an interest in Harry Maguire, they're exploring a loan, they're exploring a permanent deal as well. Wages, though, could prove to be an issue."

How much does Harry Maguire earn?

The former Foxes star earns a seriously hefty pay packet, even for a player at Manchester United.

According to Spotrac, the former captain sits comfortably within the club's top ten earners, occupying the number seven spot and taking home a tidy £189,904 a week – or £9,875,000 a year.

It's easy to understand why these wages would be deemed a problem for the Hammers, especially if they opted for just a loan, as their highest earner is Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who earns £150,000 a week at the London Stadium.

The Irons' best-paid defender is Kurt Zouma, who takes home a weekly wage of £120,000, which is probably what Maguire can expect to be paid should he make the move down to the capital.

While it's obviously a massive pay cut, it might give the 6 foot 4 titan the fresh start and playing time he needs to get back to his "fantastic" best and move on from his underwhelming spell at the Theatre of Dreams.

The presence of players like Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Samuel Badree and Kieron Pollard makes the one-off T20I potentially the most evenly matched game of India’s tour of the West Indies

The Preview by Sidharth Monga08-Jul-2017Match FactsSunday, July 9, 2017
Start time 1030 local (1530 GMT)1:38

Will India field Rishabh Pant?

Big PictureChris Gayle. Sunil Narine. Kieron Pollard. Samuel Badree. With all due respect to the players who managed to win one ODI and also the circumstances of West Indies cricket, now we are talking. With all due respect to the earnestness of Jason Holder and his boys in the longer formats, this is West Indies’ best format. There’s only of these games, and that too at 10.30am on a Sunday for the obvious reasons of meeting India’s television prime time, but this promises to be the most evenly matched contest of India’s tour of the West Indies.Anything close to what these sides dished out the last time they met – 245 v 244 – in Florida last year will be blockbuster. West Indies will be missing Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell from that line-up, but will welcome back Gayle, in his hometown. For India, it’s as if nothing changes. West Indies retain only four members of their ODI squad for this T20I; India usually don’t name a different squad. The look of their T20 side is pretty much the same since the last year.The look of the contest will be similar too: West Indies’ power, with one hitter following another, against India’s touch batsmen and an attack that will rely on spin to take wickets in the middle.Form guideWest Indies WWWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
India WWLLWIn the spotlightThe last time Evin Lewis played a T20 against India he smacked a 49-ball 100. In the whole ODI series, he has scored 67 runs, at a strike rate of 54.91. The difference of 60 points between his T20I and ODI strike rates – 137 and 77 – has to be one of the biggest. Back in his preferred format, he will look for some redemption.The ODI batsmen found Kuldeep Yadav hard to pick, scoring only four an over against him. India will look to control the game in the middle through him or perhaps pull the shutters down if West Indies get off to a quick start.Team newsNow that Gayle is back, he has to open. That pushes down Chadwick Walton to the slot vacated by Lendl Simmons.West Indies (probable): 1 Evin Lewis, 2 Chris Gayle, 3 Marlon Samuels, 4 Jason Mohammed, 5 Chadwick Walton (wk), 6 Kieron Pollard/ Rovman Powell, 7 Carlos Brathwaite (capt.), 8 Sunil Narine, 9 Jerome Taylor, 10 Samuel Bardee, 11 Kesrick WilliamsIf Virat Kohli keeps opening for India, that might mean an exit for Ajinkya Rahane, but if Yuvraj Singh is not fit, India might stick with Rahane. This could be the time Rishabh Pant finally gets a game too. R Ashwin has been in better bowling form than Ravindra Jadeja, but the latter’s fielding will make the second spinner’s slot an interesting debate.India (probable): 1 Shikhar Dhawan, 2 Virat Kohli (capt.), 3 Yuvraj Singh, 4 Rishabh Pant, 5 MS Dhoni (wk), 6 Kedar Jadhav/Dinesh Karthik, 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Kuldeep Yadav, 9 Ravindra Jadeja/R Ashwin, 10 Bhuvneshwar Kumar/Mohammed Shami, 11 Umesh YadavPitch and conditionsUnlike in the earlier ODIs, the ball came on to the bat in the last match, played at the same venue. This could be a high-scorer.Stats and trivia Sunil Narine is two short of becoming the third West Indies bowler – behind Dwayne Bravo and Samuel Badree – with 50 T20I wickets. He has bowled only seven T20I overs against India, for 70 runs and no wickets. Among those who have sent down a minimum of 25 overs inside the Powerplay, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Samuel Badree are the sixth- and eighth-most economical bowlers with rates of 5.68 and 5.75. Newcomer Kesrick Williams has now bowled 10 overs in the Powerplay for just three runs an over. Head to head, West Indies lead India 4-2 after seven matches.

Max Holden’s maiden century in only his sixth first-class game left Durham kicking themselves for dropping him twice early on the second day of their Specsavers County Championship match

ECB Reporters Network03-Jun-2017
ScorecardMax Holden scored his maiden first-class hundred•Getty ImagesMax Holden’s maiden century in only his sixth first-class game left Durham kicking themselves for dropping him twice early on the second day of their Specsavers County Championship match at Chester-le-Street.Once the England Under-19 captain, on loan from Middlesex, had departed for a stoical 124, Northamptonshire lost their last three wickets on 338 and in 22 overs Durham reached 78 for 1 in their second innings, still trailing by 94.Paul Coughlin’s manful efforts to carry the depleted Durham attack earned him a maiden five-wicket haul. He had 5 for 49 in 27 overs, while fellow seamers Barry McCarthy and Gavin Main went at almost five an over.Resuming on 19, Holden survived scares from the day’s first and seventh balls. After a confident lbw appeal from McCarthy he edged Coughlin at comfortable height to second slip, where Keaton Jennings spilled the chance. Then on 27 another straightforward catch was missed by Graham Clark at point off McCarthy, but Holden knuckled down and spent 140 balls over his first 50.With conditions far more benign than on the first day, Durham were made to pay a heavy price for their lapses and three more chances went down as Holden put on 96 for the fifth wicket with Adam Rossington and 162 for the sixth with Josh Cobb.Rossington hit nine fours in his 59-ball 50 before dabbing wide of off stump at McCarthy to edge to second slip and depart for 65. He paved the way for Cobb to take advantage of Durham’s toils with some belligerent strokes in making 96 off 133 balls. Cobb hit 11 fours and a six before edging to second slip during a probing new-ball spell from Coughlin.Holden, becalmed on 85, had exasperated Paul Collingwood, who troubled the left-hander with outswingers. And it was one of those which finally found the edge to give Stuart Poynter his fourth catch, ending the 19-year-old’s 228-ball vigil. The importance of his innings was underlined by Northants losing their last five wickets for 11 runs.With much less assistance than on the first day, the visiting seamers could make little impression, although Ben Sanderson had a big lbw appeal against Stephen Cook. Badly in need of runs before joining the South African Test squad, Cook was dropped by Rory Kleinveldt at third slip on 16 off Nathan Buck.After digging in to reach 23 he took a fancy to Rob Keogh’s offspin, taking 11 off his first over, only to see Jennings stumped for 27 off Keogh’s ninth ball when he tried to paddle him to fine leg and lifted his back foot. It was a lapse from Jennings with only four overs left, but McCarthy survived as nightwatchman and Cook was on 39 at the close.

An update has emerged on the potential availability of one of Liverpool's transfer targets ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign…

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

According to German outlet Kicker, Bayern Munich could be open to offers for central midfielder Joshua Kimmich as they attempt to build up enough funds to push for Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane.

They claim that the Bundesliga giants may be willing to listen to proposals for the 28-year-old star, who has two years left to run on his deal in Bavaria.

This comes amid speculation over captain Jordan Henderson's future. The England international is reportedly closing in on a £10m move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq, who are managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

How good is Joshua Kimmich?

Jurgen Klopp could now land a massive upgrade on the English veteran by signing Kimmich as the German international has proven himself at the top level over the course of a number of seasons.

The 79-cap star has played 347 competitive matches for Bayern Munich and accumulated an impressive 20 trophies to date, including one Champions League, which is 12 more than Henderson has managed in 492 games for the Reds.

This shows that the Bavarian-based machine is a proven winner who could drive Liverpool forward to win more major silverware over the coming years, as he knows what it takes to consistently lift trophies.

His form for Bayern over the last 12 months also suggests that the quality is there for him to improve Klopp's midfield as a replacement for Henderson.

Kimmich averaged a phenomenal Sofascore rating of 7.73 across 33 Bundesliga matches, which would have played him top of the Reds squad as Trent Alexander-Arnold led the way with a score of 7.32.

The German all-rounder showcased his creativity with an outstanding 2.7 key passes per game – 0.8 more than any of Liverpool's players – and a total of 11 'big chances' created for his teammates.

This did not result in him shying away from his defensive responsibilities, though, as the £323k-per-week sensation made 3.6 tackles and interceptions combined per outing, which would have placed him joint-top for the Reds with Thiago Alcantara and shows that he is able to cut out opposition attacks on a regular basis to protect his goal.

Henderson, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.88 – the 12th-highest in the team – across 35 Premier League games last season.

The 33-year-old leader did not offer as much as Kimmich in or out of possession as he managed 0.9 key passes to go along with 1.5 tackles and interceptions combined per clash.

Therefore, the Bayern powerhouse, who was once described as a "phenomenal" player by legendary manager Jose Mourinho, would be a massive upgrade on Henderson in midfield.

Their respective statistics last season indicate that the 28-year-old dynamo would provide Klopp with more quality as a defensive anchor in front of the defence whilst also being able to open up the opposition with his impressive passing to create chances for his teammate with greater regularity.

If the German giants are open to offers for their midfield machine, Liverpool must test the waters to see if they can be at the front of the queue.

Carlos Corberan can be forgiven for growing rather anxious with less than a month to go until West Bromwich Albion kick off their Championship campaign away at Blackburn Rovers.

The Baggies have lost captain and key player Dara O'Shea to Burnley, while a number of others – Jake Livermore, Rico Richards and Tom Rogic among them – have departed since the end of last season.

Who have West Brom signed?

Corberan clearly needs to replenish his squad, but Albion have yet to bring in any new faces this summer. Rather worryingly, reported targets are also few and far between.

Indeed, according to Birmingham Live, more outgoings can be expected soon as the Baggies continue to adapt following the end of their Premier League parachute payments.

Grady Diangana is one of those reportedly being eyed up by Championship rivals, Southampton being among them, but the Express & Star reports Albion will not be forced to sell on the cheap.

Should West Brom keep Grady Diangana?

Diangana scored four goals and assisted a further three in 31 Championship appearances for West Brom last season. At a rate of 0.33 goals and assists per 90 minutes, as per FBref, the former England U21 international ranked fourth among Albion players in that metric, behind John Swift (0.42), Daryl Dike (0.60) and Tom Rogic (0.61).

That perhaps explains why just 39% of West Brom supporters said they would keep Diagana at The Hawthorns this summer in a recent Birmingham Live poll. Diangana has his qualities and can provide moments of "magic" at times, according to journalist Graeme Brown, but Albion fans clearly feel they can find an upgrade in that position.

Furthermore, Dike's return to Albion's training base this week ensures West Brom will not be as reliant on wide man Diangana next season. Dike scored seven goals in 23 league appearances last season, with that return of 0.52 goals per 90 minutes the best of anyone at the club.

The United States international was struck down by an Achilles injury in April that cut his season short, but he appears to be ahead of schedule – or at the very least on track – in his bid to return to action within six months of that untimely setback.

If Albion can get Dike back up and running by October, it will significantly boost their chances of challenging for a play-off spot under Corberan, just like they did after the ex-Leeds United assistant took over from Steve Bruce with the club lingering towards the foot of the table last season.

Dike is valued at £4m by CIES Football Observatory and was described as an "unbelievable" player by second-tier veteran Neil Warnock, who also argued the American was the Championship's best striker when making those comments in April 2021.

While Dike is on the comeback trail in the hope of boosting West Brom's promotion aspirations, Diangana's future is far less clear. Albion could do with keeping hold of as many players as possible at the moment, but the Congo-born winger may be deemed surplus to requirements if Corberan can find that elusive replacement out wide.

Ben Stokes’ phenomenal century for Rising Pune Supergiant in the IPL will have spin-off benefits for England’s Champions Trophy campaign, says Eoin Morgan

Andrew Miller03-May-20172:19

Hogg: Stokes’ innings the best of the tournament so far

Ben Stokes’ phenomenal century for Rising Pune Supergiant in the IPL will have spin-off benefits for England’s Champions Trophy campaign, says Eoin Morgan, the one-day captain, who feels the ECB’s belated change of attitude towards overseas leagues has finally been vindicated.Stokes, who became the most expensive overseas signing in IPL history when RPS picked him up for £1.7million at the IPL auction in February, went a long way towards justifying that price tag with a blistering innings of 103 not out from 63 balls against Gujarat Lions at Pune, a performance that rescued his side from 10 for 3 and delivered a five-wicket win with one ball to spare.As a measure of Stokes’ dominance, the next highest score in RPS’s innings of 167 for 5 was 26 from 33 balls from MS Dhoni, with whom Stokes added 76 for the fifth wicket. After the match, RPS’s captain, Steven Smith, hailed Stokes as a “a perfect fit for our team”.Morgan, who has been a long-standing advocate of greater English involvement at the IPL, believes that Stokes will head into the Champions Trophy next month with his confidence sky-high, thanks to the quality of his performance, as well as the calibre of the players with whom he has been mixing for the past four weeks.”It was absolutely incredible,” Morgan said. “You look at why guys go and play in tournaments like this, and it is so that they can produce performances like Ben’s, and sit in the same team as the Australian captain and an Indian legend, and out-perform them.”It builds a huge amount of confidence and it’s a huge stepping block for us as England cricketers because the huge challenge as a professional cricketer is to get to where you aspire to be, and gain the confidence through that to do it again and again. It is a game that’s played in the mind.”Although the Champions Trophy will be played over 50 overs, not 20, Morgan has no doubt about Stokes’ ability to transfer his form to a longer format.”It just proves he can compete with the best,” Morgan said. “Fifty-over cricket has come a long way. The similarities with T20 aren’t that far away, and rubbing shoulders with the best names in the world, outperforming them and growing in confidence playing with them, are two things he’ll have in abundance when he comes back. It makes us grow as a group knowing that we have a player who is potentially the best in the world.”Ben Stokes’ century lit up the IPL•BCCIMorgan himself has had a less auspicious campaign in this year’s IPL. He flew back from India on Monday to prepare for this week’s ODI series against Ireland, having played just three matches in four weeks for Kings XI Punjab, with a top score of 26.However, unlike Surrey’s Jason Roy, who has opted to cut short his stint with Gujarat Lions and gain 50-over match practice in the Royal London Cup, Morgan plans to return to India next week. His hopes of selection in the coming weeks will be improved by the impending recall of the squad’s contingent of South African players ahead of the Champions Trophy, among them the hard-hitting David Miller.”We’ve a lot of overseas players at the moment so competition for places is tough, but the dynamic will change. I think Jason is a bit further away from playing at the moment, but it’s a decision that we’ve made, and he’s comfortable with what he needs and how he’ll get it.”But now that he is back in the country, and with the first of two ODIs against Ireland taking place in Bristol on Friday, Morgan is impatient to get England’s international summer underway.”It’s very exciting, and it’s something we’ve been looking forward to for quite a while now. I wish it would hurry up and come round, but once we start playing these games it’ll fly round.”I think we are definitely in with a shout [for the Champions Trophy],” he added. “We have all the attributes to go and win the tournament but it’s a ruthless competition, you need to win pretty much every game from group stage and straight through.”It’s come at an important time for us. And it’ll be a good gauge of where we are at as a side. We’ve done a lot of great stuff up until now, but we still have a long way to go before [the] 2019 [World Cup].”

Manchester United are still in talks to sign Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund, according to Sky Sports.

Are Man United signing Rasmus Hojlund?

The Red Devils look set for a busy summer window despite the ongoing takeover saga at Old Trafford. It is believed that the club’s summer recruitment won’t be affected by the results of any takeover, with enough cash available to Erik ten Hag to invest in the team, although Financial Fair Play rules will limit what can be spent.

Mason Mount has officially become the first summer signing ahead of the new season, with the England midfielder joining from Chelsea in a deal worth £60m.

More additions appear to be on the cards, including a new goalkeeper and forward. David de Gea is out of contract at Old Trafford, which has led to plenty of speculation regarding Inter Milan’s Andre Onana. Manchester United had a £34m bid plus £5m in add-ons rejected by the Serie A side, although Fabrizio Romano has claimed a deal remains on for the Cameroon international.

In attack, Antony Martial has reportedly been put up for sale, with Atalanta’s Hojlund linked with a move to England. It was believed last month that Ten Hag even video-called the player ahead of a possible transfer. The Denmark international is thought to be keen on making the move to Old Trafford, and a further update has emerged.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth took to Twitter in the last 48 hours to provide a Man United transfer update. He said that a gap in valuation for Onana remains and the Red Devils are still in talks over a move for Hojlund.

“Manchester United bid worth €45m now in for Inter Milan keeper Andre Onana as per Laurie Whitwell. Gap in valuation exists – but feeling is it can be closed. United still looking at alternatives. Talks continue with Atalanta over striker Rasmus Hojlund.”

How much could Man United pay for Hojlund?

Hojlund is a left-footed striker who has been described as “scary quick” by journalist Sacha Pisani. The 20-year-old has only been with Atalanta for 12 months but appears to have made an impact, contributing to 14 goals in 34 games and being compared to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

It is believed that those at Old Trafford would be willing to pay £51.5m for the forward who has no experience in the Premier League. Something that could help United in a potential deal is Hojlund wanting the move, and he revealed earlier this year that he is a “huge” Red Devils supporter.

"Now that you ask, I will not hide the fact that I am a huge Manchester United fan.

"So personally, it would be one of the biggest things for me, but of course that doesn’t mean that I would turn down other big clubs if the offers come at some point."

He appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €45m Transfermarkt valuation, and by the looks of things, he could be United’s answer in attack in both the short and long term in another big-money transfer.

Mashrafe Mortaza has announced his retirement from T20 internationals during the toss of the first T20I between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Colombo

Mohammad Isam04-Apr-2017Mashrafe Mortaza has announced his retirement from T20 internationals during the toss of the first T20I between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Colombo. Mashrafe said that the current series would be his last in the format.”This is going to be my last T20 series for Bangladesh,” Mashrafe told Dean Jones, who asked the Bangladesh captain if the rumours were true. “I would like to thank BCB, my family and friends, team-mates and coaching staff. I would also like to thank my fans who really supported me in the last 15-16 years.”Mashrafe’s official Facebook page soon carried a statement that said: “It has been a great honor for me to represent Bangladesh in T20I for more than 10 years. I believe that this team is currently a balanced one & there are some promising young stars. There were some bad & some good days as well. I always tried to make my fans happy. I am very sorry to each and every fan for not being able to make them happy in every match. Right now as a team we are playing good cricket. I am sure Bangladesh will keep on playing good cricket in the days to come.”This is high time for me to say good-bye to T20 format so that many youngsters can get the opportunity to showcase their talent and thus BCB can nurture them for the future. Let me congratulate the new Captain in advance & I am sure the best is yet to come.”Mashrafe has led Bangladesh in the most number of T20Is, winning nine of those 26 matches. He played 52 games before Tuesday’s match, having taken 39 wickets at 37.56. He had taken one four-wicket haul in the format, against Ireland in Belfast in 2012. He was also a handy bat down the order, having struck 23 sixes in 37 innings.ESPNcricinfo has learned that Mashrafe had informed the team’s senior players first, and then the rest of the team. There were talks recently around the team and BCB management about infusing fresh blood in the T20 line-up and making the team lead with Shakib Al Hasan, after Bangladesh lost 0-3 to New Zealand in a T20 series in January. Bangladesh’s 259-run defeat in the Galle Test last month also prompted a lot of speculation about major team changes across different formats.Mashrafe will continue as the ODI captain and his next assignment is a tri-series in Ireland, involving New Zealand as the third team. From there, Bangladesh will head to England to play the Champions Trophy in June.