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Daniel Vettori, the former New Zealand spinner, has joined Middlesex on a three-year contract to serve as the club’s head coach for the T20 Blast

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Dec-2016Daniel Vettori, the former New Zealand spinner, has joined Middlesex on a three-year contract to serve as the club’s head coach for the T20 Blast.Vettori, 37, is currently head coach of Brisbane Heat in Australia’s Big Bash, and occupies the same position with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.He will be in charge of Middlesex T20 playing strategy and will work alongside Richard Scott, the club head coach, and Richard Johnson and David Houghton, the club’s two assistant coaches, to prepare the side for the Blast campaign.”I am very excited about the opportunity to be involved with Middlesex in their pursuit of a T20 title,” said Vettori. “Like all players I loved every opportunity to visit Lord’s and that won’t be any different as a coach but the main reason for my desire to be involved was the quality of the Middlesex playing squad. There is talent and experience in all facets of their game and I look forward to complementing their skills and all the fantastic work the current coaching staff has done.”Middlesex finished third in the South Group last season, before losing to the eventual winners, Northamptonshire, in their quarter-final at Wantage Road.”I am delighted Daniel has agreed to join us as T20 Coach and am very much looking forward to working closely with him and tapping in to his expertise,” said Scott. “At Middlesex we pride ourselves on giving all the players the best possible support to develop as cricketers and people, and this is further indication that everyone at the club is driven to back up this year’s Championship success by competing and winning on all fronts.”Angus Fraser, Middlesex CCC’s Managing Director of Cricket, said: “As a club we are always looking to improve and signing Daniel will only strengthen what is already an outstanding coaching unit. Cricket is becoming ever more specialised. The skills required by players in the different forms of the game are wide-ranging – why should coaching be any different?”We spoke to a number of people before signing Daniel and everyone was extremely positive about him not just as a coach, but as a person too. His values and outlook match those of Middlesex CCC and we are all looking forward to working with him.”

Chelsea bringing in Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen would be a statement signing this summer, presenter Terry Flewers has claimed.

What's the latest on Chelsea and Osimhen?

New manager Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly keen to add to Chelsea's strikeforce, after a nightmare of a season in which they scored just 38 times in 38 league games, and the Napoli hitman is of interest.

Osimhen has made himself a hero in Naples, helping his side win a historic Serie A title with 30 goals in 38 games across all competitions this season.

Speaking on The Football Terrace, Flewers highlighted that if Chelsea can sign the 24-year-old, it would be a statement signing for the club having missed out on European qualification in this dismal campaign.

"Chelsea are now ready to sign the Napoli forward Victor Osimhen. That would be a massive statement of intent," he stated.

"Victor Osimhen is the guy that they may chase. Of course, there's links to Harry Kane because of the Pochettino connection, but they're going to explore the option of Victor Osimhen."

Could Chelsea sign Osimhen?

It would be something of a surprise if Osimhen elects to depart Napoli for Chelsea this summer after the contrasting seasons both clubs have had.

Although manager Luciano Spalletti will depart the club, Napoli will be competing in the Champions League as the Italian champions, with Osimhen a key player who has written himself into club history.

Leaving this project to join Chelsea, who are out of Europe, and who are going through a transitional period off the pitch, may not be a move that appeals to the 24-year-old.

Given that Napoli spent a club record fee on Osimhen three years ago, it would take a hefty amount to convince them to part ways with their star player, and Chelsea currently have to sell players in order to meet financial fair play rules.

If Chelsea are able to sell enough players to fund a move for Osimhen, it still remains to be seen whether they can convince the Nigerian to join.

Although they may be able to offer a significantly higher salary than the £91k-per-week he earns in Naples, interest from the likes of Manchester United could be more appealing, and if Osimhen is settled in Italy, he may choose to reject any move this summer.

If he continues his incredible form in front of goal, a big move will still likely be on offer further down the line, and he could have his pick of Europe's biggest clubs. Leaving Napoli for Chelsea now, therefore, seems to be a big risk for the striker, and Chelsea may have to look elsewhere.

Watch more of The Football Terrace on YouTube now!

The last time Anil Kumble was part of an India camp was at his home ground, M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, in 2008. Two men were under immense pressure to keep their places in the side: Captain Kumble and former captain Sourav Ganguly. Just before the series both had struggled in Sri Lanka: Ganguly had scored 96 runs in six innings, and Kumble had taken eight wickets for 400 runs in three Tests. Just before the home series against Australia, Kumble answered in the negative when asked about retirements. A few days later, Ganguly announced this series was to be his last, and an injured Kumble ended his career even before Ganguly.Eight years later, Kumble and Ganguly have emerged as an unlikely duo shepherding the Indian team from the management perspective. Unlike Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, Ganguly has turned out to be pretty hands-on as a state association president and a member of the cricket advisory committee. Kumble, too, has had a stint as a state association president, actually winning an election, willing to put his reputation on the line by entering the contest. Now Ganguly is believed to have played a key role in getting Kumble as the coach of Indian team.Sitting in the same spot that Ganguly had been in when he uttered words that still resonate – “just one last thing lads, before I leave, I just want to say that this is going to be my last series,” Kumble was asked for his opinion on the way Shastri had been overlooked. Shastri had alleged Ganguly was not even present to interview him when he made his presentation. The underlying suggestion being that the decision had already been made before the interview process.Kumble was a relentless bowler, always at the batsman, but here he did a good impression of leaving this swinging ball alone outside off. “I was the first one to call Ravi after I was chosen as head coach,” Kumble said. “He did a wonderful job with the Indian team. It is not about Anil or Ravi, it is not about the head coach. It is about the players, it is about the team. And from my point of view, whether it is me or Ravi or any Indian, we all want the Indian team to do well. We all want the Indian team to perform at its best. We all believe that there is potential for the Indian team to be the best in all three formats.”And If I’m part of the journey, that’s all I have to say. He congratulated me. I told him it’s a fantastic team, a young team that we have. It could be someone else tomorrow [in place of me]. I’m not permanent in this role. I have an opportunity to make a difference. I have an opportunity to be part of the journey and if I can be part of the journey where we see Indian cricket rise to where we all want it to be, then I think it’s wonderful. I feel privileged, like I already mentioned. And an honour again to be a part of the team.”Kumble was more comfortable and open talking about his own role. At the outset he repeated that he and his support staff were going to be in the background, that his legendary status as a cricketer himself was not going to overpower his team. About his preferred support staff – Sanjay Bangar and Abhay Sharma as batting and fielding coach are temporary appointments for the upcoming West Indies tour – Kumble didn’t reveal much except that he was keen to work with the bowlers himself. A fast-bowling coach couldn’t be ruled out, though.”At this point in time, I thought I can get close to the bowlers, for a start,” Kumble said. “Yes, we are considering options, I don’t want to say what because this is my first trip as coach with the team and I’d like to observe and try and see how the team is shaping up. At this point in time, I thought that with the bowlers, it is the strategy that I can certainly play a part of and that’s something which I am looking at, trying to get closer to the bowlers, understanding what their needs are and then looking at probably bringing in, if you are looking at a fast bowling coach I think is what you are trying to say. There are considerations that I am thinking of but at this point, I don’t know if it will be possible to take someone to the West Indies. If that doesn’t happen, then certainly I am keen to look at the bowlers. I feel that that is certainly an area where I can contribute a lot more.”Kumble was asked what he, as a player, used to look for in a coach. The answer to this was the most definitive in his 20-minute press conference. “As a coach, all I sought was organised preparations for the team and informed inputs to the captain and the team to strategise better. Inclusive of every player. You have to include every player. It’s not about just the 11 who are to play. Also abut the six or seven who are not going to play.”That’s something I sought as a player because it was not always that I played in every team that played for India during my time. I was dropped, I was not chosen for tours. So I understand [what it means to] be the most important member in the team to being dropped. I understand all of that, I understand that communication at such times is very critical. For the coach to pick up the phone and send the message, ‘Don’t worry you are still part of the team.’ That’s what I will look to do. Hopefully I will be able to succeed in telling people who are part of the system that they will always be part of it.”Kumble had earlier remarked it felt a little odd being interviewed by three of his long-time team-mates. Having stepped into the team atmosphere, though, Kumble doesn’t feel odd at all. “Obviously you know the roles and boundaries as a coach,” Kumble said. “Other than that it’s no different. All of us want Indian cricket to be doing really well, and these are exciting times. I feel privileged to be a part of that journey, and in whatever way I can help Indian cricket achieve that. It was no different walking into a meeting room with the entire team, although the faces were different. I’ve played with some of them; I’ve mentored a couple of them in various capacities. To be back in the changing room is always special.”

Chelsea may target a surprise pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane this summer to solve their striking problems, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Harry Kane?

LondonWorld have claimed that Kane is a wanted man this summer amid uncertainty over his long-term Tottenham future, with Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Chelsea said to be keeping tabs on his situation.

All three interested suitors are looking to add more firepower to their respective frontlines, though Chelsea could well hold an advantage in the race for Kane's signature due to the impending arrival of former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, who is close to taking the reins at Stamford Bridge as manager.

The Telegraph have revealed that Manchester United have launched 'initial moves' to try and scope out the possibility of bringing the England international to Old Trafford; however, it is said that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will seek at least £100 million before weighing up whether to sell his prize asset.

The Sun have signalled that the Red Devils could be set to offer Kane £300,000 per week to swap north London for Manchester, which would be a £100,000 increase on his current £200,000 salary he earns per week at his current employers.

Kane has yet to win a major honour at Tottenham, though Spurs chairman Levy recently suggested in an interview that he can achieve that feat if he stays in N17.

As per The Athletic, the 61-year-old stated: “He can absolutely win a trophy at Spurs. But being a legend is also important. The fact that he’s top scorer of Tottenham Hotspur, he’s making history. I hope one day that there is a statue of Harry Kane outside our stadium.”

What has Dean Jones said about Harry Kane?

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones believes that Chelsea could have a decent chance of signing Kane this summer and thinks he would 'prefer to stay in the Premier League' rather than move to a club abroad.

Jones told FFC: "Chelsea need a centre forward; if they are going to go and spend any money in the transfer window, that is probably where they would invest. Kane is absolutely proven and able to provide goals at this level. He would prefer to stay in the Premier League, if he was to make a transfer away from Tottenham."

What are Harry Kane's stats like this season?

Kane has been in brilliant form for Tottenham this season despite their struggles on the pitch, netting 26 goals and claiming four assists in 43 matches across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt. Compared to Romelu Lukaku, who has just nine goals and three assists, there would be little competition.

Unsurprisingly, the 29-year-old also ranks as Spurs' best-performing player this term, gaining a match rating of 7.45/10 for his exploits on the pitch, according to WhoScored.

His ability to be more than just a focal point in attack cannot be questioned. FBRef shows that Kane has successfully performed 111 shot-creating actions in 2022/23, demonstrating his ability to be a reliable creator of chances well as possessing a killer instinct in front of goal.

With his contract set to expire in 2024, it will soon be decision time for Kane as he ponders whether his future will lie at Tottenham or indeed elsewhere. Interest is likely to be vast for his services, which promises to make for an exciting summer as the talismanic figure prepares to finalise his next steps.

And with Pochettino potentially set to take on the job at Stamford Bridge, could this be an opportunity for Kane to reunite with his former boss who previously called him "special"?

Everton have found themselves yet again struggling to retain their Premier League status this season and Sean Dyche has been tasked with the challenge of damage control at Goodison Park by securing survival over the remaining fixtures.

The Toffees are currently teetering on the edge of the relegation zone as only goal difference is saving them from being in the bottom three and with just eight games left to play, there is no room for error going forward until the end of the season.

Indeed, if the former Burnley boss can save the Merseysiders this season, there is no doubt that he will be keen to make his own mark on the squad to prompt improvement and resolve the disastrous decisions of those who preceded him.

One player who has been sparking media attention for all the wrong reasons yet again this week is Frank Lampard's signing Dele Alli, with the player banished from his loan club Besiktas this season and now suffering an injury that has left him unavailable to play for the remainder of the campaign.

Will Everton cut ties with Dele Alli?

Despite paying no transfer fee to sign him, there is no doubt that Alli has been one of the worst signings secured on the blue side of Merseyside in a while which is some achievement considering the club is renowned for their transfer disasters over the years.

The former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker made the move to Goodison Park on the same day that Lampard became the new permanent manager, back in January 2022.

After tallying up just 13 appearances over six months and averaging just 27 minutes per game with only three yellow cards to show for it, talkSPORT's Simon Jordan blasted Everton for signing Alli last summer:

"An awful transfer! This was how it was always going to end," he began. “Dele Alli’s career is going one way and I don’t think he can get it back.”

At first, a season-long loan move to Turkey for the troubled £100k-per-week talent looked promising with three goals scored in 17 appearances, however, it wasn't long before the Besiktas boss Senol Gunes became the latest manager to grow frustrated with him and delivered a scathing assessment on the player:

"Dele Alli has had a good career. But he doesn't deserve to play at the moment. The current situation has not met our expectations as a team,

"We expect him to contribute to the team, but we think he cannot contribute at the moment. We will evaluate it with him and the club."

Since then, the England international has seemingly not returned to Turkey after coming back to the UK with a knee injury and it has been reported in the last few days that Everton are considering their options to cut ties with the player once and for all.

With that being said, considering Everton's financial concerns, it would be wise for them to finally end Lampard's transfer disaster by letting go of the 27-year-old as soon as possible, in order to eliminate one of their many problems heading into the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be keeping tabs on teenage sensation, Adama Bojang, albeit with the Lilywhites set to face competition for the striker’s signature.

What’s the latest on Bojang to Spurs?

According to the Daily Mail, the north London outfit – as well as fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest – are among the clubs who are ‘monitoring’ the Gambian gem at present, with the 18-year-old having caught the eye of late as a result of his displays at the AFCON U20 Championship in Egypt.

The report suggests that both Spurs and Forest have made ‘enquiries’ regarding a potential deal for the 6 foot 3 starlet, with the youngster said to be hoping to put himself in the ‘shop window’ by starring for his country.

The emerging ace currently plies his trade for Steve Biko FC in his homeland, although it does appear that a switch to Europe could be on the cards sooner rather than later.

Who could be the heir to Harry Kane?

Those at N17 are likely to be plotting to find a long-term centre-forward solution amid the uncertainty surrounding the future of record goalscorer, Harry Kane, with the England international having been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United with just 15 months left to run on his existing deal.

Even if the 29-year-old is to stay put in the capital and sign a new long-term contract, there will be a sense that an heir to the long-serving, academy graduate will need to be found in the coming years, hence the need to find a youthful candidate.

There has been much talk that youth star Dane Scarlett could be the next “Kane in waiting” – as per fan pundit Rory Brown – although the 18-year-old has hardly pulled up any trees on loan at Portsmouth this season, scoring just four times for the League One fit.

According to Pompey supporter, Brown, the 18-year-old has been a rather underwhelming addition for the club since his summer, temporary switch, with the insider providing a rather damning assessment of the previously highly-rated marksman:

“I know he’s only 18 but he doesn’t have the physicality that Kane does, he doesn’t have anywhere near the clinicality.

“He squanders too many chances, he doesn’t look bothered a lot of the time, which maybe points towards an attitude problem or maybe he wasn’t working under [Danny] Cowley’s system.

“But for me, I expected so much from him and I’ve just not seen it so far, so unfortunately I don’t really see him having a future at Pompey next season if he was ours, let alone a future at Spurs.”

With that in mind, it could well prove to be Bojang that emerges as the successor to Kane if the exciting talent is to be signed in the coming months, with the gifted “gem” – as described by journalist Bence Bocsak – having been “catching the eye” in his homeland of late.

Lauded as “dynamic and quick” by Bocsak, the youth star may seemingly have the ‘physicality’ that Scarlett is not able to offer, having been described as ‘quick, brave and direct’ – as per the Mail report – while also earning the nickname of the ‘Gambian Hurricane’.

Like Kane – who has netted 268 goals for Tottenham to date – Bojang has showcased his finishing prowess with three goals and one assist in just four appearances at AFCON in recent times, ensuring that he is certainly “one to keep an eye on”, as per Bocsak.

While there may be other clubs sniffing around in the hope of landing the promising striker, Spurs must do all they can to land the potential dream Kane heir sooner rather than later.

In the race to win the Premier League title once again, Arsenal are on course for yet another action-packed campaign under Mikel Arteta. This time around, as we approach Christmas, the Gunners are above champions Manchester City for a second consecutive season at this stage, having already achieved something they failed to do last time out in defeating the Citizens.

Given how tight things are at the top, the January transfer window could make all the difference. And that could see Arsenal welcome some extra firepower in the form of one particular forward, who has enjoyed an excellent campaign so far.

Arsenal transfer news

Perhaps aware that last season was no fluke under Arteta, Arsenal splashed the cash to improve the Spaniard's side even further during the summer, welcoming Declan Rice, David Raya, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, with the former particularly flourishing at The Emirates. Now, those in North London could look to repeat their transfer trick by adding more goals to their side in the winter window.

According to The Daily Star, Arteta could now push to sign Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke in January if the Gunners fail to land Ivan Toney from Brentford. Those around the Emirates have reportedly been impressed by the former Liverpool man, who has also attracted interest from West Ham United.

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are also eyeing moves for Toney, so Solanke could be the perfect alternative for Arsenal, as they search for another goalscorer to lead the line. After excelling in the Premier League for Bournemouth so far this season, Solanke could now get his big move when the winter window swings open.

"Complete" Solanke could make surprise difference in title race

When Solanke left Liverpool on a permanent deal in 2019, it was uncertain whether he'd bounce back at Bournemouth. But almost five years later, it's clear that the forward always had plenty of talent. Current Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is certainly a big fan, praising the Chelsea academy graduate by saying:

“I think he’s really complete. He helps us without the ball, on the ball he can go, he’s good technically too. He can play well with his feet, he uses his body well, and if they leave him space at the back he can also exploit it. He had his chances, he scored, he hit the post, I think he was really dangerous and he helped his teammates a lot, so I’m really happy for him.”

Solanke's stats compared to Gabriel Jesus' numbers this season show that he could be the goalscoring forward that Arsenal are crying out for. The Bournemouth star has scored nine goals in all competitions – eight of which have been in the Premier League. Jesus, meanwhile, has scored just three of his seven goals in all competitions in England's top flight this season – proving the extra firepower that Solanke could bring to north London.

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has launched a scathing critique of Real Madrid's hierarchy, accusing Florentino Perez of leaving Xabi Alonso "isolated" at the Bernabeu. The German club's chief claims the culture in the Spanish capital treats managers as a "necessary evil", contrasting it sharply with the support Alonso enjoyed at the BayArena.

Shaky run for Real Madrid

Alonso's tenure at Real Madrid, once viewed as the homecoming of a managerial prodigy, has quickly turned into a trial by fire. Back-to-back home defeats to Celta and Manchester City added fuel to reports that Alonso's future at the club is in doubt heading into the weekend clash against Deportivo Alaves, which they won 2-1. Amidst growing reports that the 44-year-old is facing the sack already, his former boss at Leverkusen has spoken out to defend the coach, pointing the finger squarely at the structural differences between the two clubs. Carro, the CEO of the Bundesliga side, believes that Alonso has been left exposed by a Madrid board that fails to protect its managers in times of crisis.

Alonso departed Leverkusen in the summer to take the reins at the Santiago Bernabeu, tasked with leading a new era for Los Blancos. However, results have been mixed, and the Spanish press has already begun to sharpen its knives. For Carro, who oversaw Alonso’s historic unbeaten domestic double in Germany, the issue lies not with the tactician’s ability, but with the ruthless and often lonely environment fostered by Madrid president Florentino Perez.

AdvertisementAFPCarrow pledges support to Alonso

Speaking to , Carro did not mince his words when comparing the supportive environment of Leverkusen with the cut-throat politics of Madrid. 

"We didn't advise him on anything," Carro said when asked if he had spoken to Alonso about his current predicament. "At the time we would have liked him to stay here, but we know he is a coach with enormous talent who, yes, finds himself in a different context in Madrid.

"If the president says that a coach is a necessary evil, if the coach is left alone and it is always he who receives the criticism, well then the situation is very different from the one he experienced in Leverkusen, where we all rowed in the same direction and did not leave the coach politically alone."

A bond that remains unbroken

Despite the tense situation surrounding Alonso’s future, Carro revealed that his personal relationship with the Basque coach remains incredibly strong. The two forged a close bond during Alonso’s three-year stint in Germany, a period that transformed Leverkusen from underachievers to history-makers.

Carro confirmed that he recently visited Alonso in the Spanish capital, emphasising that their connection transcends the professional sphere.

"During the international break I was in Madrid for a weekend, and the coaching staff and the family were at our house twice," Carro revealed. "We have a very good relationship; after all, during those three years we were like a family. I also know that they follow our matches and we follow theirs, we follow each other. We feel a lot of appreciation for each other and maintain very close contact."

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Getty Images SportThe pressure cooker of the Bernabeu

The contrast described by Carro serves as a warning to Madrid fans and pundits calling for Alonso’s head. However, pressure will only continue to build on the coach unless he brings consistency after a stunning start to his tenure. They started the season with 13 wins from their first 14 games under Alonso, including a victory against Barcelona, but a defeat to Liverpool sparked a dismal run that saw them drop four points behind in La Liga and in danger of falling out of the Champions League's top eight.

While Leverkusen soldier on without him, watching their former manager struggle under the weight of the "white house" expectations has evidently struck a nerve with the German club's hierarchy. Whether Perez heeds the subtle warning from his counterpart remains to be seen, but as the sack rumours intensify, the accusation that Alonso has been "left alone" will likely resonate with those who feel the manager is being made a scapegoat for wider structural issues.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was delighted with the spirit his side showed in Saturday's draw with Manchester City but rued missed opportunities.

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Pochettino delighted with 'aggressive' first halfRegrets not scoring crucial second goalBlues head to Wembley with renewed optimism WHAT HAPPENED?

The Blues caused the champions all sorts of problems before going ahead just before half-time when Raheem Sterling finished off yet another threatening counter attack. City piled the pressure on during the second half, creating a host of chances but Chelsea had opportunities to double their lead before Rodri rescued a late point for the hosts. After the game, Pochettino reflected on a performance that he believes is another step forward in the development of his team.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT MAURICIO POCHETTINO SAID

"Very pleased," Pochettino told after the match. "I think that is the spirit that we want to show. We are working for that. I think today against the the best team in the world, to show this type of performance, we need to be feel very proud. I congratulated the players at the end of the game because we were so brave.

"First half was really good. I think we were very aggressive with the ball going forward and winning duels. In the second half I think they dominated and they forced us to defend deeper. But I think we sustained the effort and we created chances that we should score and win the game. I am so happy. It is a good draw for us and when you face this type of team I think it is important to be brave and to fight in every single aspect.

"Manchester City have the quality and capacity to create chances and they have amazing players. It is fantastic for us because we are a young team and we need these types of experiences to grow."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

It's less than two weeks since Chelsea's collapse at home to Wolves appeared to put Pochettino on borrowed time. But an FA Cup win at high-flying Aston Villa backed up by two strong league performances has suddenly changed the mood at Stamford Bridge with a young and haphazardly assembled squad finally showing some signs of cohesion. Chelsea fans can now head to Wembley dreaming rather than dreading the Carabao Cup final next Sunday.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

That first silverware of the season is on the line when the Blues make the short trip to Wembley Way next weekend. Pochettino has a free midweek to prepare his side, while injury-hit opponents Liverpool have to inspect their walking wounded as well as attending to league business against Luton Town on Wednesday.

Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Sevilla defender Marcos Acuna this summer and a significant update has now emerged regarding the situation.

How many times has Marcos Acuna played for Sevilla?

The 31-year-old left-back has enjoyed a strong career for club and country, most notably winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina last December. He made six appearances in the tournament, four of which were starts, putting his experience to good use.

Acuna has also played 125 times for Sevilla since arriving from Sporting CP in 2020, winning the Europa League with them last season, in what has arguably been the most successful period of his career.

The Argentine has emerged as a primary transfer target for Villa this summer, as Unai Emery looks to add more quality and depth to his squad. Lucas Digne has been a disappointing signing from Everton and can be improved upon, and it looks as though the Sevilla man has been identified as the No.1 target in that position.

A move to Villa Park certainly appears as though it is increasingly likely at this point and another update has only further added fuel to the fire.

Will Aston Villa sign Marcos Acuna?

According to Football Insider, talks are continuing over the weekend between Villa and Acuna representatives, as they look to complete another strong signing:

"Aston Villa are continuing talks on Saturday over a deal to sign Sevilla left-back Marcos Acuna.

"Unai Emery has made it a priority to sign a new left-back to compete with January signing Alex Moreno, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury."

It really does feel as though it would be a surprise if Acuna didn't complete a move to Villa at this point, considering talks are seemingly progressing at a good speed and Digne looks to be on his way out.

Assuming a deal is agreed in the near future, he could be a great signing at left-back, adding experience, fight and ability to a Villans side that is improving all the time, regardless of last weekend's 5-1 defeat away to Newcastle United.

Pep Guardiola has described Acuna as a "top defender", which speaks volumes about the calibre of footballer he is, while Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas has heaped praise on him in the recent past, saying:

"Acuna is someone who transmits his experience to the young players. He is one of the best wing-backs in the world in a three-man defensive system."

At 31, Acuna is admittedly not getting any younger, but he is such fit player, providing constant energy down the left flank, that he should remain in and around the peak years of his career for the foreseeable future, slotting in seamlessly at Villa and making them an even more formidable outfit under Emery.