Leeds United are in "advanced talks" regarding a deal to bring Liverpool defender Nat Phillips to the Championship, according to reliable journalist Rudy Galetti.

Is Nat Phillips leaving Liverpool?

Phillips has been at Anfield for the past seven years after initially joining the club’s U23s on a free transfer from Bolton back in 2016, and whilst he’s been involved in the senior first team fold since, he’s failed to ever make a significantly positive impression under Jurgen Klopp.

In the Premier League last season, the centre-back was handed just one start which shows not only how low down in his manager’s pecking order he is but also the fact that he needs to think about completing a move elsewhere should he want to get regular minutes under his belt moving forward.

Read The Latest Leeds Transfer News HERE…

Whites reporter Beren Cross previously revealed that the 49ers made several enquiries for the 26-year-old earlier in the summer and remain interested in securing his signature, which isn’t surprising considering The Athletic’s Phil Hay confirmed that Daniel Farke was keen to recruit him at Norwich, and the boss appears to be taking a second bite of the cherry when it comes to landing his target.

Are Leeds signing Nat Phillips?

Taking to Twitter X, Galetti revealed that Leeds are progressing in negotiations with Liverpool over a summer swoop for Phillips which would see him make the permanent move to Elland Road. He wrote:

"Advanced talks between #LeedsUTD and #Liverpool for Nat #Phillips. The parties are discussing some details about the proposal set at £10m, add-ons included. The CB has been targeted by Leeds as one of the ideal profiles to replace #Wober, now on loan at #Gladbach."

How good is Nat Phillips?

Leeds will know that Phillips wasn’t given a fair chance to prove what he was capable of last season, but he’s more than showed what he can bring to the table when handed the rare opportunity to play having been dubbed "absolutely insane" by Jurgen Klopp, so this could be an exciting move should it come off.

The PLG client averaged two aerial wins and one tackle and interception per top-flight game during the previous campaign and was calm and composed in possession recording an 86.6% pass success rate, via WhoScored, which was higher than any of the regular starters in Yorkshire, meaning he’d be an upgrade on the boss’ current options in that sense.

Furthermore, the 6 foot 2 colossus is even capable of getting involved with the action in the final third having scored four goals and provided three assists in 99 appearances throughout his career, so being a defender that can positively impact the game at both ends of the pitch, he's the perfect profile of player to be pursuing.

Finally, Phillips has the versatility to operate at right-back alongside in the heart of the defence which would be a useful attribute to have in the building considering the long-term injury to Stuart Dallas, so this deal really is a no-brainer to complete should the financial conditions be ideal.

BCB

Dhaka Dynamites went to the top of the points with a crushing 68-run win over Rajshahi Kings in Mirpur. Evin Lewis was adjudged Player of the Match for setting up their big score but there were also meaningful contributions from Kieron Pollard, Shahid Afridi and Abu Hider.Dhaka racked up 201 for 7 in 20 overs after being put in to bat, the first 200-plus score in the Dhaka-leg of the tournament this year. Rajshahi in reply were bowled out for 133 runs in 18.2 overs, sinking to fifth place following their fourth loss in six outings.Lewis quickly off the blocks
The first wicket partnership lasted just 4.1 overs but Afridi and Lewis added 53 runs in that short time. Afridi made 15 off eight balls and then Jahurul Islam, promoted to No. 3 after his heroics in the previous match, struck a four and a six in his six-ball 13. But it was Lewis who kept up the scoring rate soaring with his 38-ball 65 that had ten fours and a six. He fell in the tenth over and at 99 for 3, Dhaka were set for a big score.Pollard finishes in style
Rajshahi took some wickets in the middle but their fielding let them down. They dropped four catches in total, Nadif Chowdhury and Pollard being the beneficiary twice each. While Nadif didn’t capitalise, Pollard did, big time. Two of his sixes went high over long-on and the third over midwicket, which gave him his 500th six in T20s. He also struck five fours in his 25-ball 52 and shared a crucial 62-run sixth wicket stand with Kumar Sangakkara, who contributed 28 off 22 balls.Afridi and Hider trip up Rajshahi
There was no respite for Rajshahi even when they batted. Left-arm pacer Hider removed Rony Talukdar and Samit Patel early, and while Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque looked to get the chase back on track, Afridi stepped in; he ended a 49-run third-wicket stand for his first scalp of the afternoon – Mominul. Zakir, who top scored with 36 off 23 balls, was Afridi’s second wicket before he also added Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz to his haul to complete his second four-for in the tournament in three games. Shakib Al Hasan took two wickets and Mohammad Saddam had one before Hider came back to finish off Rajshahi.

Glenn Maxwell, called in as cover for Warner, will now be on standby for both batsmen

Brydon Coverdale at the Gabba22-Nov-20170:53

Warner will bat like Chanderpaul if he has to – Smith

Shaun Marsh has joined David Warner on the injury-watch list after pulling up from training with a stiff back on the eve of the first Ashes Test in Brisbane. Warner had hurt his neck during a fielding drill on Tuesday. Glenn Maxwell was called in as cover on Wednesday; by the end of the afternoon, he found himself on standby for Marsh as well as Warner.The uncertainty complicates what would otherwise be a straightforward selection for Australia on Thursday morning. Should Warner be ruled out, the most logical move would be to shift Marsh up the order to open with Cameron Bancroft, and have Maxwell come in at No. 6. But Marsh himself being under a cloud muddies those waters somewhat.Earlier in the day, Australia captain Steven Smith had said he was confident Warner would be passed fit. Although Warner had faced only two throwdowns in the nets on Tuesday, he enjoyed a much longer batting session on match eve as he aimed to prove his fitness.”Davey’s going well,” Smith said after Australia’s training session on Wednesday. “He had a hit just before. He’s very confident and he says he’ll be right to go. It’s part and parcel of playing cricket. Guys have injuries now and then. You have little niggles and he’s confident that he’ll be okay. He said he’ll even bat like Shivnarine Chanderpaul if he has to bat that way. So I think he’ll be all right.”Soon after Smith’s press conference, Australia confirmed that Maxwell would be brought in as cover. Maxwell has played Australia’s four most recent Test matches, in India and Bangladesh, and scored his maiden Test hundred in Ranchi in March.However, he is yet to play a Test match on home soil, and was overlooked in the original squad as the selectors instead opted for Marsh as the No. 6 batsman.Smith also confirmed that, as expected, fast bowlers Jackson Bird and Chadd Sayers would sit out of the side from the 13-man squad.

On a tour where more had been said about Jonny Bairstow’s headbutt than his batting he was able to let out a few emotions on the second day in Perth

George Dobell in Perth15-Dec-2017Jonny Bairstow ensured he had the last laugh after completing a maiden Ashes century.On the first night of this tour, Bairstow ventured to the Avenue bar in the suburbs of Perth and greeted Cameron Bancroft with a now notorious genial head-butt.While it took a few weeks for the incident to come to light – Australia used it in the second innings of the first Test to unsettle Bairstow and some have subsequently suggested it provides evidence of England’s “drinking culture” – it briefly threatened to disturb the focus of both Bairstow and the England camp.But upon reaching his century here, Bairstow kissed and then gently head-butted his England helmet several times in a clear and good-natured reference to the episode. It was a celebration that demonstrated both an ability to laugh at his own errors and suggested the incident had long been put behind him. And, as he said afterwards, it may well be the whole affair gave him made him “more determined to succeed.”With that context and the fact that it had taken Bairstow until his fourth Ashes series, his 12th Ashes Test and his 20th Ashes innings to make his first Ashes century, it was perhaps not surprising that he rated it his “favourite” Test century.”The hundred in many ways was my favourite one,” Bairstow said. “I’ve played in a few Ashes series now and to score an Ashes hundred – something that had eluded me until now – is something you dream about as a kid. This is the pinnacle of the game.”It means a heck of a lot to be involved in record stands. You want to make an Ashes hundred. You want to look back in the archives when you’re retired and say to your kids or your grandkids: ‘I made an Ashes hundred at the WACA’.”There’s a huge amount of pride that comes with any hundred and in playing for your country.”The celebration was a bit of light hearted fun and it should be taken as such. It was spontaneous. I hadn’t thought about it before.”Hopefully it is a positive reaction I have given in this innings. Sometimes the chat out there spurs people on and makes them more determined to succeed.”Jonny Bairstow celebrates his maiden Ashes hundred•Getty Images

Bairstow hadn’t scored a Test century since an unbeaten 167 against Sri Lanka at Lord’s in June 2016 – 21 Tests and 38 innings ago – though he made 99 against South Africa at Old Trafford in August. But here he posted a stand of 237 with Dawid Malan – a record for England’s fifth-wicket in Ashes cricket – to steer England from the peril of 131 for 4 to the relative comfort of 368 for 4 before a now familiar batting collapse.While Bairstow admitted the collapse was “frustrating” and the manner of Malan’s dismissal “disappointing”, he maintained a ‘glass half-full’ perspective.”It was disappointing the way he got out,” Bairstow said, “but the intent we showed in our batting was much better.”Maybe we’re frustrated in some ways, but it depends how you look at things. We were 100 for 4 at one stage. You can either think it was a fantastic recovery or you can look at it and say we’ve let our position slip.”Meanwhile the ECB confirmed Mark Wood would remain with the England squad after the end of the Lions tour on Sunday. There are currently no plans to retain the services of any of the other players in that squad, most of whom will arrive back in the UK on Monday.That means that, despite the failings of the top-order, England’s only obvious batting options for the final two Tests are Ben Foakes and Gary Ballance. While others are either in Australia or shortly will be – Jos Buttler, Jason Roy and Sam Billings are among those involved in the BBL while Sam Robson is spending time with his family in Sydney – there are currently no plans to utilise any of them in the Ashes.It remains to be seen how much of a role Craig Overton will play in the rest of the match. Overton was forced off the pitch for a while on the second day after jarring a rib as he attempted to claim a tough caught and bowled opportunity. He returned to the field before the close and it was not deemed necessary to send him for a scan. But he will be assessed by the medical team before play on the third day to ascertain his fitness to bowl.

Arsenal have already completed a host of lucrative deals this summer, but could be set to sneak in one more in order to bolster their first team and comply with their youth-focused transfer style…

Who are Arsenal signing this summer?

With Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber having joined as part of Mikel Arteta's mini-revolution this window, all of whom are 24 or younger, it is clear the direction that he seeks to take the north London outfit just months after narrowly missing out on the title.

Therefore, the recent report from Italian outlet Calciomercato likely has some credence, as it details their efforts to sign young defender Josip Sutalo from Dinamo Zagreb.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Although the outlet actually seeks to outline Ajax's progression towards a completed deal, with a fee of around €21m (£19m) touted, it is noted that there could be a late movement to snag the 23-year-old before his switch is finalised.

Football Transfers value the Croatia international at just €8m (£7m).

How good is Josip Sutalo?

Despite having only really featured in his homeland, aside from a brief stint in Italy, Sutalo still boasts a fine reputation across Europe as a stellar ball-playing asset capable of dominating and creating from the back.

It is, therefore, no surprise to see him linked with an Emirates switch, given the way Arteta's philosophy is built off the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes' exploits.

Should they decide to swoop in, it could provide ample cover for these two dominant defenders, who could be fearing for their starting spots in no time at all.

Especially given, when ranked against other centre-backs across Europe, Sutalo sits in the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90, the top 19% for tackles per 90 and the top 3% for blocks per 90, via FBref.

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig praised his composure too, branding him a: "complete & elegant CB".

Such defensive excellence combined with an ability to stride out with confidence unsurprisingly draws comparisons with Laurent Koscielny, which Premier League News Now outlined by writing:

'Šutalo is very comfortable with the ball at his feet, be that when he is picking people out with passes or going on adventures driving up with the ball. He’s a good passer, both short and long but not spectacular as his passes come off slightly under-hit at moments. He’s composed and draws parallels to Laurent Koscielny'.

The Frenchman spent nine impressive years in north London, enjoying arguably his finest season at the club during the 2015/16 term. Maintaining a 7.31 average match rating, this was a figure buoyed by his insane ball progression alongside his solidity.

He would record an 87% pass accuracy, a 91% dribble success rate, 15 clean sheets as well as 3.8 interceptions and 5.6 clearances per game, via Sofascore, during that standout season.

These are statistics eerily similar to that of his potential successors during the 2022/23 campaign in the Croatian top-flight, as he maintained a 93% pass accuracy as well as two interceptions and 1.8 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Widely recognised as one of Arsenal's finest defensive stars in recent memory – as Arsene Wenger sought to laud his compatriot back in 2011 after dubbing him a "special player" – should Sutalo bring half as much quality as Koscielny did, he would already be recognised as a success.

Wrexham star Jacob Mendy marked his African Cup of Nations debut with a dismal error which proved costly in a 1-0 defeat to Guinea on Friday.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Mendy missed an interception before the goal
• Gambia can only qualify as a best third-placed team
• Hopes of progression hanging by a thread

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mendy made his first appearance in the tournament for Gambia on Friday night, in a game that his country really needed to win. Having lost to Senegal in their opening match, Gambia needed a victory to have any chance of progressing as either group winners or runners-up.

  However, Mendy missed an interception in the build-up to Aguibou Camara's goal in the 69th minute that gave Guinea all three points.

Advertisement

• WATCH THE CLIP

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The AFCON does allow third-placed teams to qualify for the knockout stages, with the four best third-placed teams progressing. Gambia can still qualify through that path, but they would need to beat Cameroon on the final matchday of the group stage, on Tuesday, and hope that three points is enough for progression.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Mendy has been a key player for Wrexham this season, playing as a right-back and a left-back, and has made 19 appearances in League Two. He has scored two goals and registered five assists in that time.

Twenty-one Pakistan players, including Saeed Ajmal and Imran Khan, and commentator Aamer Sohail found themselves in a pay dispute with the Afro T20 Cricket League organisers and decided to return home without completing the tournament. The players’ return tickets were also cancelled at one point but according to Ajmal, their flights were rebooked for December 21 after talks with the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA).The Afro T20 Cricket League, featuring eight teams, is supported by the UCA and was approved by the ICC, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The tournament started on December 17 and was scheduled to run until January 1. However, a few days into the tournament, the organisers were not releasing payments for players. The league had reportedly set USD $50,000 for the winning team with each player having a contractual agreement. Ajmal said he got multiple verbal assurances from the organisers who later flew to Dubai with yet another promise that they were going to arrange the payments and return.”The organiser wasn’t paying us and we insisted for our payments as per the contractural agreement,” Ajmal told ESPNcricinfo. “But he deserted us with a promise that he is going to Dubai to arrange payments and will return but he hasn’t and we decided to return in protest. Our return tickets were blocked and we had informed Uganda Cricket Association and with some pressure we managed to rebook our return flight for December 21. But we are perfectly fine in Uganda, we are in touch with the Pakistan consulate as well and things are under control.”The PCB issued a press release saying the ICC had been in touch with the board about the availability of the players for the league, and things were firmed up by the PCB on that basis. The board said it is looking into the matter and will decide how to act once the facts are established, while also stating that it had been up to the players to negotiate their terms with the organisers.*”PCB received applications from players to participate in the Afro T20 League being played in Uganda. Upon inquiring of the bonafides of this League from ICC, we were advised by the ICC that Afro T20 League has been approved by them and that it is been played under the umbrella of Uganda Cricket Association (UCA). The ICC sent us a list of players which were provided to the ICC by the League organisers and asked us to allow them to take part in the tournament. Upon receiving confirmation from ICC, PCB issued NOCs to all Pakistani players who were mentioned in the approved list.”PCB is currently looking into the incident which has taken place in Uganda during the Afro T20 League and once complete information is received, further course of action will be advised.”It may be mentioned that it is the responsibility of the players to negotiate the terms of their engagement and not that of the PCB whose role is confined to the issuance of NOCs on the condition that the players are not required for PCB duty at home or abroad.”*

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has "validated the profile" of Gent striker Gift Orban with Spurs now "in contact" to sign him.

Who else will Spurs sign?

Spurs have completed a plethora of transfer deals for Postecoglou as chairman Daniel Levy attempts to back his new head coach.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, youngster Ashley Phillips, defender Micky van de Ven, playmaker James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon and striker Alejo Veliz have all now officially joined the north London club, but there may well be more soon.

Postecoglou, speaking to the press last night after Tottenham's entertaining friendly against Barcelona in Catalonia, claimed there may well be another defensive addition if the club can sort more outgoings.

"We've to see what happens with outgoings," explained the Spurs boss.

"But the potential is there to bring in one more centre back after van de Ven"

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

The north Londoners may also sign a new midfielder, as Spurs regular Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is still attracting serious interest from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.

Amid all of the noise surrounding Harry Kane's future, as Bayern prepare to mount yet another attempt to prise him away from Spurs, the club have been looking at possible forward options as well.

Orban, who finished the 22/23 season in electric form, is one attacker who's been linked with a move to Tottenham and journalist Sacha Tavolieri has an interesting update.

The reporter believes Spurs are now in contact over a deal for the Nigeria international, with Postecoglou giving the green-light after he "validated the profile" of Orban.

Tottenham have held verbal discussions with Gent for the player, where they have apparently disclosed their intent to go as high as €30 million (£26m), including bonuses.

"Tottenham in contact with KAA Gent for Gift Orban!," wrote Tavolieri on X.

"Spurs could go as high as €30M (including bonuses) according to the latest oral discussions undertaken with their Belgian counterparts.

The profile of the Nigerian striker has been validated by Ange Postecoglou. The green light to send the written offer is obviously linked to the Harry Kane affair. The English are anticipating the market by paying €30m in 2023 than have to offer the double once Orban has exploded in an intermediate league… Wait&See."

How good is Gift Orban?

The wonderkid is a player of real quality, as displayed by his numbers for Gent last term, with Orban scoring 20 goals in 22 appearances across all competitions.

Orban has also been praised by members of the press as one of Nigeria's latest dazzling talents, as journalist Ryan Taylor points out.

Gift Orban, Victor Boniface & Tolu Arokodare. Remember these names," wrote Taylor.

"Making waves in Belgium & on European stage. Throw in Victor Osimhen & Terem Moffi – future looks very bright for Nigeria. Quickly approaching a golden generation for the Super Eagles."

Meanwhile, Sport 1 reporter Patrick Berger has branded Gent's star as one of Nigeria's "very interesting" crop of new players to have emerged in the last 12 months. Orban could be a promising capture for Spurs, especially given his sky high ceiling, for just £26m.

Robin Uthappa effected four dismissals behind the stumps and struck 52 off 36 balls for Saurashtra while Krunal Pandya took 2 for 23 with the ball to stifle Gujarat

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jan-2018Uttar Pradesh captain Suresh Raina’s poor form continued as his team went down to Madhya Pradesh by seven wickets in Raipur. This was Uttar Pradesh’s second defeat in as many matches at this venue. Following his 13 against Rajasthan on Tuesday, Raina contributed only 1 to Uttar Pradesh’s total of 108 after they had been sent into bat.Coming in at the fall of Sarul Kanwar in the fourth over, Raina lasted only two balls as he was trapped lbw by seamer Ishwar Pandey. Raina, who was recently retained by Chennai Super Kings for INR 11 crore, had a poor Ranji Trophy season as well, averaging 11.66 from five matches.Sarfraz Khan, a surprise retention for Royal Challengers Bangalore, top-scored with a 19-ball 20 even as Uttar Pradesh slumped from 17 for 1 to 83 for 7. Each of Madhya Pradesh’s frontline seamers – Pandey, Avesh Khan and Puneet Datey – picked up a wicket before spinners Ankit Sharma (2 for 22) and Mihir Hirwani bored through the middle order. An unbeaten half-century from opener Rajat Patidar meant Madhya Pradesh completed their chase with seven wickets and 18 balls to spare.BCCI

Kedar Devdhar’s 61-ball 100, his maiden T20 century, helped Baroda beat Gujarat by 36 runs and condemn them to their third successive defeat in the West Zone league.While IPL stars Deepak Hooda and Krunal Pandya managed only single-digit scores, Swapnil Singh chipped in with a 28-ball 44 to propel Baroda’s total to 175 . Krunal, though, had a better outing with the ball to finish with figures of 2 for 23 as Gujarat were bowled out for 139 in 18 overs. Gujarat’s two major contributions came from Chirag Gandhi (52 off 41 balls) and captain Axar Patel (33 off 19 balls). Baroda now lead the West Zone standings with eight points from two games.Seamer Shaurya Sanandia’s four-wicket haul and Robin Uthappa’s all-round effort led Saurashtra to an eight-wicket win over Mumbai in Rajkot. After opting to bat, Mumbai suffered a middle-order collapse to go from 65 for 2 to 66 for 5 in less than two overs. Only captain Aditya Tare (39 off 23 balls) and Siddhesh Lad (38) made sizeable contributions for Mumbai. Uthappa finished with four dismissals before muscling a 36-ball 52 to ensure Saurashtra won with 16 balls to spare. Saurashtra have now won both their matches so far.

Jesse Marsch has revealed that he “pleaded” with Leeds to keep Marcelo Bielsa, before eventually steering the Whites towards relegation.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Inherited the reins at Elland Road in February 2022Lasted less than a year in English footballHas lifted the lid on challenges that he facedWHAT HAPPENED?

The American coach was taken to Elland Road in February 2022, with a change in the dugout made as popular Argentine tactician Bielsa was ushered through the exits. He had returned Leeds to the Premier League, but his high-press and high-energy approach could not be maintained and reins were eventually handed to Marsch.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT MARSCH SAID

Marsch has told the podcast: “When I went to Leeds, my analysts told me that within three years the club had an 84% chance of being relegated – the club knew that too. The Brightons and the Brentfords of the world are very unique, just look at Leicester. I knew when I went there that I was going into the lions’ den. I went because I liked the people at the club, and I believed that we had symmetry in the ways we thought about the game. I felt like Leeds was a club with a big heart, but I knew it was going to be a massive challenge. I didn’t even want to take the job at first. When they called me, I pleaded with them to keep Marcelo Bielsa. They just got to the point where they felt that they had to make a change.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Marsch was able to steer Leeds clear of danger in 2022, but was moved on himself after less than a year at the helm as the Whites lurched towards relegation out of the Premier League in 2023. The 50-year-old added on the challenges that he faced in West Yorkshire: “In a sense I did and didn’t understand the scale of the Leeds United job. Unless you’re in the middle of it, it’s impossible to understand what the club really is. I had coached players that played for Leeds, I had followed the history of the club and I had been to Elland Road, and when you’re tasked with the responsibility of leading the club you know it isn’t a small responsibility. I wasn’t afraid, I was excited by the opportunity. When I arrived, I had to go through customs and they were looking at my passport, they saw who I was and the person checking my passport looked up at me and said, ‘you’re here to save us’. I insisted that it wasn’t just a one-man job and that we all had to work together. It was almost like a test and if I didn’t answer correctly, they wouldn’t let me in. I actually told that story to the team when I arrived. Normally when you watch players on television, they look like strong men in the right physical environment, but when you meet them in person you see that they’re still kids and young men at heart – Leeds was the opposite. When I arrived the players looked gaunt, tired and defeated. They looked like a group that was going to need a lot of help for them to be what I wanted them to be. The first feeling I had when I first met them was that it was going to be a much more difficult task than I had imagined.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MARSCH?

Marsch has remained out of management since severing ties with Leeds. He was mooted as a contender for the USMNT job at one stage, before Gregg Berhalter was reappointed there, and has been linked with a number of other posts in England despite claiming just 11 wins from his 37-game tenure at Elland Road.