Spurs eyeing move for Adama Bojang

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.

A stronghold for South Africa and Kallis

Stats preview to the third Test between South Africa and West Indies in Durban

Cricinfo staff09-Jan-2008With the series level at 1-1 and everything to play for, South Africa will be pleased with the venue for the decider. Of the 31 Tests they have played here, the South Africans have won 12 and lost nine, but it’s their recent record which will give them more confidence: seven victories and two defeats since their readmission into international cricket in 1992. The last time they lost to a side other than Australia in a Test here was almost ten years ago, when Pakistan beat them by 29 runs in February 1998.West Indies’ two trips here have hardly been memorable. In the Boxing Day Test in 1998 they went down by nine wickets, while five years later the hammering was even more severe, by an innings and 65 runs.



South Africa in Durban
Tests Wins Losses Draws
Overall 32 12 9 12
Since 1992 15 7 2 6
versus West Indies 2 2 0 0

Jacques Kallis has, as usual, been the leading batsman for South Africa at this ground: he needs just 143 more to get to 1000 runs here, but for the rest it’s been a mixed bag. Shaun Pollock has enjoyed himself with the bat, with three half-centuries in 11 Tests, but some of the bigger names have struggled. It hasn’t been a happy venue for the captain, but for Hashim Amla Durban will conjure up miserable memories: in four innings he has scores of 1, 0, 1, 0.



South African batsmen in Durban
Batsman Tests Runs Average 100s/ 50s
Jacques Kallis 10 857 57.13 4/ 2
AB de Villiers 3 218 43.60 0/ 2
Shaun Pollock 11 491 40.91 0/ 3
Herschelle Gibbs 9 619 38.68 2/ 2
Ashwell Prince 3 209 34.83 1/ 0
Mark Boucher 9 395 30.38 1/ 4
Graeme Smith 6 203 20.30 0/ 1
Hashim Amla 2 2 0.50 0/ 0

Graeme Smith got some form back with his 85 in the second innings in Cape Town, but in ten innings in Durban, he has only scored one half-century. His average of 20.30 is his worst among home venues where he has played at least three Tests.



Graeme Smith at each home venue (at least three Tests)
Venue Tests Runs Average 100s/ 50s
Cape Town 10 904 53.17 2/ 6
Johannesburg 6 501 50.10 1/ 4
Centurion 7 332 30.18 1/ 0
Port Elizabeth 3 132 22.00 0/ 1
Durban 6 203 20.30 0/ 1

The absence of Chris Gayle will seriously weaken the West Indian batting. Among the batsmen in their squad, only two have played at this ground before. Shivnarine Chanderpaul has a healthy average here, but Daren Ganga, who will take the mantle of senior opener in the absence of Gayle, has struggled, scoring just 51 in four innings.



West Indies batsmen in Durban
Batsman Tests Runs Average 100s/ 50s
Shivnarine Chanderpaul 2 188 47.00 1/ 1
Daren Ganga 2 51 12.75 0/ 0

Not only has Pollock enjoyed batting here, he has also been among the wickets, taking 39 at an average of less than 23. Makhaya Ntini has averaged more than five wickets per Test here, but in his only Test he played here, against England in 2004, Dale Steyn only managed match figures 3 for 148.



South African bowlers in Durban
Bowler Tests Wickets Average 5WI/ 10WM
Shaun Pollock 11 39 22.41 2/ 0
Makhaya Ntini 7 37 23.24 2/ 0
Andre Nel 3 14 26.35 0/ 0
Jacques Kallis 10 15 36.60 0/ 0
Dale Steyn 1 3 49.33 0/ 0

أوناي إيمري يحذر أستون فيلا: مانشستر سيتي وجوارديولا سيظلان الأفضل

تحدث أوناي إيمري، المدير الفني لفريق أستون فيلا، عن مباراة مانشستر سيتي المرتقبة غدًا، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويستضيف ملعب “فيلا بارك” مباراة الفريقين في إطار منافسات الجولة السابعة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي، 2024/25.

ويخوض مانشستر سيتي تلك المباراة وهو في أسوأ حالاته حيث لم يفز إلا في مباراة واحدة في آخر 11 لقاءً في مختلف المسابقات.

ويحتل مانشستر سيتي المركز الخامس برصيد 27 نقطة، في حين أن أستون فيلا لديه 25 نقطة في المركز السابع.

وعندما سُئل عن رأيه تجاه المستوى الحالي لـ مانشستر سيتي، قال أوناي إيمري في تصريحات نشرها الموقع الرسمي لـ أستون فيلا: “مندهش بعض الشيء، لكن هذه هي كرة القدم، إنه (بيب جوارديولا) الأفضل”.

وأضاف: “نخوض كل مباراة على حدة، إنها أصعب بطولة في العالم، كل فريق يقدم لنا الكثير من المعلومات حول وضعنا وكيفية مواجهتنا لهم”.

اقرأ أيضًا | ضربة جديدة.. جوارديولا يعلن إصابة لاعب مانشستر سيتي وغيابه لمدة شهر

وواصل: “غدًا سنواجه أفضل فريق في السنوات القليلة الماضية في الدوري الإنجليزي، ربما لا يكونون ثابتين بسبب ظروف مختلفة، لكنهم الأفضل ومدربهم هو الأفضل”.

واسترسل: “لقد وصلت إلى هنا منذ عامين وكنت هنا من قبل، كان الأمر صعبًا للغاية دائمًا، أن تكون ثابتًا، كما هم عادةً، هو الأصعب”.

وأوضح: “لقد حققوا نجاحًا على مدار السنوات القليلة الماضية، وكانوا ثابتين في كل شيء، سيقدمون أداءً جيدًا مرة أخرى، لديهم الوقت ليكونوا فائزين مرة أخرى في هذه البطولة”.

واختتم: “سنواجه مانشستر سيتي غدًا والأهم من ذلك هو كيف سنواجههم، كيف سنرد، كيف سنختبرهم، هذا هو أهم شيء بالنسبة لي”.

Yorkshire's tail rallies to leave Headingley's faithful with something to care for

ScorecardCricket’s changing landscape was there for all to see at Headingley. Behind the arm at the rugby end of the ground, the clanking and hammering told of a new stand rapidly taking shape. And, as spectators soaked up the sunshine on an entertaining, helter-skelter day, conversation often turned to the ECB’s controversial plans for 100-ball cricket. Praise for that in this hotbed of traditionalism is not easy to find.The two things are linked, of course. Without the revenue gained by successful short-form cricket, such stands as the one that will secure Headingley’s future would be impossible to finance. But this? Sun-creamed heads shook not with shock, but with deepening sadness.Many feel the game is being stolen from them. Championship diehards begin to grow old, lose friends and family and the game they love is gradually pilfered. Having become used to Twenty20, they are now told that even Twenty20 is not enough. If there was a unanimous plea here it would probably be to say: “Just leave us something worth caring for.”At such times, traditionalists take their pleasures one day at a time. There was plenty to be had with Yorkshire, up against it for much of the day, finding resilience down the order in the form of Andrew Hodd, who made 62 from 116 balls, and then picking up four cheap Nottinghamshire wickets by the close.There was zest, too, from Jack Brooks, who is no fall-guy with the bat. Last season he scored a Roses Championship century at Old Trafford and added another during an intra-squad friendly on Yorkshire’s pre-season tour of South Africa last month. His stand of 44 for the tenth wicket with Ben Coad gave Yorkshire the edge and his 30 included another clanking of the new stand with a six off Samit Patel.Three top-order wickets then quickened Yorkshire’s rally. Steven Mullaney dragged on and Chris Nash’s furtive dab flew to slip – two for Brooks in his first two overs. Patel fell lbw, that one met by a throaty Headingley roar, 100-ball cricket temporarily forgotten. If Nottinghamshire’s batting line-up is to survive the rigours of Division One, one senses that Patel needs a big season.Yorkshire made much play before the start of the season on batting time in the Championship. Twenty20 shot-making was to be frowned upon. Lines were drawn in indoor schools, sessions arranged with psychologists, meaningful conversations held.Yet before the ball had lost its sheen Alex Lees fended at a wide one from Jake Ball and Gary Ballance, the skipper, yet to score, slapped his ninth ball to point. Conditions were testing, but there were grumbles that nothing had changed. Still, if they were accused of a T20 mindset, they could always have suggested that nobody had warned them not to play 100-ball.It was grand to see Luke Fletcher among the wickets – four of them – after his horrendous head injury in a Blast tie against Warwickshire last season. Such career-threatening blows, if things turn out well, can encourage players to return with fresh resolve, determined to make the most of their good fortune.For 18 overs, Fletcher allowed few gifts. His quartet included the Indian Test No 3 Cheteshwar Pujara, a valid lbw decision which Pujara dwelt upon before leaving, as if he was still hanging around for his luggage at the airport carousel.

A return to 50-over strengths after T20 troubles

The 50-over format has become England’s calling card while New Zealand have a strong record at home but a slow pitch in Hamilton may challenge aggressive batting

Preview by Andrew McGlashan24-Feb-2018Big PictureNeither of these teams hit their straps during the T20 tri-series, clinching a win apiece, with New Zealand edging into the final then underwhelming with the bat. But this series is a meeting between two confident 50-over outfits. England have had a week to dust themselves down from the T20 setbacks – which has included a couple of days off – and readjust their sights back to the format which is becoming their calling card, while New Zealand have eight victories on the bounce this season.Whenever these sides meet the conversation quickly turns to England’s humiliation at the 2015 World Cup – particularly the shredding in Wellington – and the conversation that ensued between Eoin Morgan and Brendon McCullum, which persuaded the England captain there was only one way to go in 50-over cricket. There was no saving that tournament, but since then England have blazed a trail. It’s a narrative that is likely to be revisited over the next couple of weeks.Thoughts are now turning towards the next World Cup, starting in 15 months in England. There is still time for some tinkering if it’s required, but teams will want to start having a firm idea of the 15 they will use at the tournament. Both teams are probably not far from that position already.There is one notable addition to the England squad from last month with the return of Ben Stokes. Away from the debate about whether he should be on the tour or not, who makes way for his return will be one of the intriguing aspects of the series.West Indies and Pakistan were disappointing opposition earlier in New Zealand’s season, while Australia hit a post-Ashes wall (and picked the wrong side) against England last month. This series promises a more compelling tussle.Ben Stokes bowls in the nets•Getty ImagesForm guide(last five completed matches, most recent first)
New Zealand WWWWW
England WLWWWIn the spotlightApart from Ben Stokes, okay? Jason Roy started the one-day series in Australia with a bang, his 180 in Melbourne setting a new record for England, but since then his top score has been 49 including three single-figure scores in the T20 tri-series. Yes, mixing formats when looking at statistics is not really the done thing, but it’s all a little hit-or-miss for Roy at the moment. He appears safe despite Stokes’ return and the top-order rejig required, but a significant score early in the series wouldn’t go amiss.This is an important series for Tom Latham who has yet to nail down the wicketkeeper-batsman role, a position New Zealand are struggling to fill in both white-ball formats since the retirement of Luke Ronchi. This season his top score is 37 in seven ODI innings – off the back of a very productive series in India – but he has been given the backing of selector Gavin Larsen (his wicketkeeping has been tidy) and this New Zealand set-up likes to give players an extended run. Still, they won’t want uncertainty over a key position leading into the World Cup.Team newsQuick bowler Lockie Ferguson has been released from the squad to play in Saturday’s Ford Trophy final for Auckland. Mitchell Santner (knee) and Todd Astle (side) have carried recent injuries with Astle’s still providing the more pressing concern. If he isn’t fit then Ish Sodhi would slot into the side.New Zealand 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Colin Munro, 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 6 Henry Nicholls, 7 Colin de Grandhomme, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Todd Astle, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Trent BoultBarring a late reaction to his workload, Stokes will return. That means a batsman making way, as England revert to six main bowlers, with Alex Hales seemingly the most vulnerable. Tom Curran and David Willey are likely to contest the final pace-bowling slot with Craig Overton having to wait for his chance.England 1 Jason Roy, 2 Jonny Bairstow, 3 Joe Root, 4 Eoin Morgan (capt), 5 Ben Stokes, 6 Jos Buttler (wk), 7 Moeen Ali, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Tom Curran, 11 Mark WoodPitch and conditionsIt will be a used surface and is expected to get slower as the match progresses. Seddon Park is a venue where spin can come to the fore, although that can be countered by evening dew making the toss a tricky decision. Last year, Martin Guptill plundered 180 off 138 balls to chase down 280 against South Africa with five overs to spare. The forecast for the afternoon and evening is good.Stats and trivia England have won eight of their last nine bilateral ODI series Ross Taylor needs 37 runs to reach 7000 in ODIs; Kane Williamson needs 23 to reach 5000 – if he does it in this match the New Zealand captain will be joint fourth-fastest to 5000 runs equal with Brian Lara England have lost both their ODIs at this venue: a 10-wicket trouncing in 2008 and a much tighter three-wicket loss in 2013.Quotes”They went a long stretch of winning one-day international cricket so they are a strong side particularly at home and we are going to have reproduce similar performances or better than we produced in Australia to win the series.”
“I think we park the T20 for now and focus on a lot of the good one-day cricket we’ve been playing. The plans are fairly different so it’s important we go back to that. We know it’s a tough challenge in England.”

Spurs "Like" 21 y/o Who Is "Born To Score”

Tottenham Hotspur are "informed on the conditions" required to land an exciting forward described as being "born to score", per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Tottenham Hotspur news – what is the latest?

It has been a real summer of ups and downs for the Spurs faithful this year, with brilliant signings and painful departures.

On the positive side of things, the club have been able to genuinely improve elements of the first team with the signing of the ever-exciting James Maddison and the Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

The arrival of Manor Solomon, whilst not necessarily improving the first eleven, is clearly still a positive addition and should help to strengthen the squad as a whole.

Read the latest Tottenham Hotspur transfer news HERE…

However, for as good as those three are and as convincing as Ange Postecoglou has been, the exit of club talisman Harry Kane is an enormous blow to the side's attacking output, an output that the current crop of forwards do not seem equipped to replace.

With that in mind, it appears that Spurs have identified one of Europe's most exciting and prolific goalscorers as the man who could potentially come in and help the team find those 20-plus goals a season they are bound to lose in the absence of Kane, Gift Orban.

According to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, the north Londoners have "appreciated" the youngster for some time now and are well aware of what is required to bring him to N17 this summer.

gift-orban-transfer-gossip-genk-tottenham-hotspur-postecoglou-harry-kane

He explained the situation on his Here We Go podcast, saying:

"Orban is appreciated, Tottenham are informed on the conditions of the deal so let's see if they decide to bid. At the moment, they have not sent any bid. I saw some rumours saying it's close or something like that; no, there is no bid yet. It can't be close without a bid.

"Tottenham know the conditions of the deal, [they have] been following the player for a long time. I told you this two weeks ago on here that they like Gift Orban, but at the moment nothing else evolved yet."

How many goals has Gift Orban scored?

It has been a rapid rise to fame for the 21-year-old former Stabæk striker, with prolific form propelling him to the forefront of transfer lists across the continent.

So far, the Nigeria under-23 star has scored 44 senior club goals and provided nine assists in just 50 appearances in Belgium and Norway, which is only 37 fewer than Richarlison's 81 career goals at club level.

In his 16 league appearances for Gent last year, the "superb finisher" scored 15 goals, provided two assists, won four Man-of-the-Match awards and averaged a genuinely impressive match rating of 7.40, per WhoScored.

gift-orban-tottenham-transfer-news-premier-league

With a goal involvement on average every 85 minutes in senior football, it isn't hard to see why Spurs are interested in the player that football talent scout Jacek Kulig described as "born to score."

With Kane out the door and their current crop of forwards struggling in front of goal, the Lilywhites need to do what they can to secure Orban's services before he inevitably joins one of Europe's super clubs and continues to score for fun on the biggest stage.

Wrexham star Jacob Mendy has a moment to forget as he marks AFCON debut with horrible mistake which sees Gambia all but eliminated following defeat to Guinea

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.

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  • 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.

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    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.

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    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.

Howe Eyeing Bruno 2.0 With Newcastle Move For £21m "Steering Wheel"

Despite bolstering the ranks this summer, Newcastle United still look to be in the hunt for further midfield signings, and have identified Brazilian prospect Victor Hugo for transfer.

What's the latest on Victor Hugo to Newcastle?

That's according to Brazilian outlet Bola VIP, who claim that the midfield talent has left the Magpies enamoured after his performances in his homeland, with the Premier League outfit 'monitoring' his progress.

It's even believed that Eddie Howe's side will now look to invest in the dynamic midfielder, with a formal offer for the 19-year-old now said to be forthcoming.

Newcastle are expected to table a bid of €24m (£21m) for Hugo and expand the Brazilian core of their centre, with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton already plying their trade at St. James's Park.

Who is Victor Hugo?

Guimaraes is not only Newcastle's starring Brazil international but one of the most impressive stars in the Premier League.

The magnitude of his arrival to orchestrate the long-awaited Tyneside renaissance cannot be understated, and each of his 57 appearances for United have succeeded in continuing the ascent since his £40m move from Lyon in January 2022.

His arrival coincided with the genesis of Newcastle's turnaround, just a few months on from the affluent PIF takeover and Howe's deployment in the managerial role, and he is now renowned as the centrepiece of the club's midfield, hailed as "magnificent" by Alan Shearer.

Hugo will hope to emulate his senior peer and utilise his own positional versatility, having played centrally in offensive and defensive roles this term – as well as occasional stints out wide.

Described as the "steering wheel" of his side for his sway over the Fluminense system by journalist Rodrigo Lima, Hugo might be in the early phase of his career but is already attracting attention for his performances.

Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes.

As per Sofascore, the teenage talent has produced an average match rating of 6.98 in the Brazilian top-flight this year, scoring a goal and assist from 15 appearances (just five starts), completing 88% of his passes, forging 1.1 tackles per game, winning 63% of his ground duels and succeeding with 72% of his attempted dribbles.

He bears the emblem of prodigious talent and is a rising star with a variegated ability to allow him to thrive at the highest level, also ranking among the top 3% of midfielders across Men's Next 8 divisions – behind the big European five – for progressive carries and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, which could serve him well on Tyneside if he does put pen to paper this summer.

Guimaraes plays more of a deep-lying role than his countryman, but thrives among a multitude of midfield roles and would be an apt mentor for Hugo to absorb the fruits of his craft, having been described as "world-class" by teammate Dan Burn for his impact at the club.

And he also ranks among the top 13% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions, progressive passes and successful take-ons, indicating his superlative technicality, which could be passed on to someone like Hugo.

Howe is making all the right moves to consolidate his squad's success last term and continue the meteoric rise into the fresh campaign, one that will hold heightened expectation and a return to European competition, and while Hugo would initially serve as an understudy of sorts, it might be the perfect time to sign him on and mould him into a first-rate phenom.

Man United In Talks With £370K-p/w Real Madrid Star

Manchester United are reportedly in talks to sign Real Madrid defender David Alaba this summer, seeing him as a strong option to come in at the back.

How old is David Alaba?

The Austrian, who is now 31 years of age, has enjoyed a glittering career, enjoying a huge amount of success along the way.

Alaba has won an incredible 10 league titles during his career, as well as three Champions League crowns, with endless silverware coming his way at both Bayern Munich and Madrid. Not only that, but he has been named Austria's Footballer of the Year an eye-catching eight times, showing just how much he has stood out as the best player in his country.

The defender is contracted to Madrid until the summer of 2026 and has continued to be a key man there in recent times, starting 21 La Liga matches last season, mainly in more of a centre-back role, as he has become accustomed to in the latter part of his career.

It could be that Alaba is allowed to leave the Santiago Bernabeu in the current transfer window, however, which is where United come into play, as they continue to eye up important summer signings.

Could Man United sign David Alaba?

The Faithful MUFC relayed an update from Spain, who claimed that Alaba could possibly seal a move to Old Trafford this summer, with Madrid saying "OK" to a move happening and the player himself potentially "accepting the offer" from the Reds.

The parties are believed to be "in talks" over the transfer, while United manager Erik ten Hag is "obsessed and wants to have him under his command."

At 31, there is an argument to say that Alaba isn't quite the force he used to be – only natural, given his age and some of the injuries he has had – but he remains a top-level footballer who could be a fascinating short-term signing by United.

His ability to play at both centre-back and left-back would be great for squad depth, with such versatility an invaluable attribute to have, and he has even turned out in various midfield roles on more than 100 occasions during his career.

The winning mentality that Alaba possesses could be invaluable, too, enhancing United's hopes of trophies moving forward, and the fact that he was hailed by Pep Guardiola during their time together at Bayern, highlighting just how highly he was thought of.

The Austrian is on a huge £370,000-a-week, but you could argue that he may not come in as a guaranteed starter for United, considering Lisandro Martinez is excelling in the left-sided centre-back role and Luke Shaw is the first-choice left-back, but he could push those individuals hard, ensuring they remain at their best level, bolstering the club's high-quality defensive options even further.

There may be some who have their concerns, due to Alaba not being a young signing with a high long-term ceiling, but additions of this ilk can be so priceless, as Casemiro has shown, having joined United at the age of 30, and by the looks of things, a move is one to keep an eye on.

‘I want to be playing football’ – Lionesses star Ellie Roebuck opens up on ‘really tough’ time after latest England snub as goalkeeper reflects on losing Man City starting spot this season

Ellie Roebuck has opened up on a "really tough" period that has seen her lose her starting spot at Manchester City and her place in the England squad.

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  • Roebuck opens up on "really tough" season
  • Goalkeeper lost City starting role
  • 24-year-old suffered England snub
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Roebuck has not featured for City since May, when she was sent off against Manchester United in a WSL clash. City boss Gareth Taylor has since instilled 19-year-old Khiara Keating as his number one, with Roebuck's lack of minutes costing her a place in the Lionesses' squad in November.

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    The reasons behind Roebuck's relegation to the bench at City are unclear, and at times this season she has been absent from the matchday squad despite being fit. After committing the 24-year-old from her England squad last month, Sarina Wiegman said the goalkeeper needs to try and "find opportunities."

  • WHAT ROEBUCK SAID

    Speaking to about her situation, Roebuck said: "I make no bones about it, it's been a pretty tough few months of the season. I'm just head down, working as hard as I can, and I'll continue to support the team. Working hard is all I can control.

    "I want to be playing football, that's what I do, it's my job, my love, my passion."

    When asked if her desire to return to the England squad will impact any decisions on her future, Roebuck said: "Definitely, that's a huge priority for me. It's the greatest honour to play for the national team, it was really tough for me not to make the last camp. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't on my mind."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR ROEBUCK?

    Roebuck looks unlikely to win back her starting spot at City any time soon, but there have been no concrete reports linking her with a move away from the club in January. She'll continue to try and impress Taylor on the training pitch while City fight in the WSL and WSL Cup.

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