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This will be the second Test series Mathews has missed over a six-month span, with multiple leg injuries also having prevented him from touring Zimbabwe in October and November.

Andrew Fidel Fernando25-Feb-2017Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews has been ruled out of the Test series against Bangladesh as the hamstring injury that has ailed him since January 22 continues to pose problems. Sri Lanka’s selectors are expected to name the Test squad on Tuesday, and with it, the replacement captain.This will be the second Test series Mathews has missed over a six-month span, with multiple leg injuries also having prevented him from touring Zimbabwe in October and November. He had played a substantial amount of cricket in the two years leading up to this period, representing Sri Lanka in all three formats, as well as leading the team in the 2015 World Cup, in last year’s World T20, and in Tests.Rangana Herath had filled in as captain during the Zimbabwe Test series, and it is possible he will be picked for the role again. However, regular vice-captain Dinesh Chandimal – who had also missed the Zimbabwe tour through injury – may also be considered for the captaincy in this series. Upul Tharanga, who led Sri Lanka in the recent ODIs against South Africa and the T20s in Australia, represents a third option. Neither Chandimal or Tharanga have previously led Sri Lanka in a Test.The first Test starts in Galle from March 7, before the action moves to the P Sara Oval, from March 15.A Sri Lanka Cricket release said Mathews was “likely” to be available for the ODI and T20 series that follow the Tests.

Qatar’s Al-Watan newspaper has reported that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani’s bid to complete a takeover of Manchester United has been completed and will be announced soon.

What is the latest MUFC takeover news?

For months now rumours have circulated about who could be the new owners of Old Trafford, or if the club had even actually been fully put up for sale by the Glazer family.

While the situation is ever-changing, it wasn’t that long ago that Ineos’ Sir Jim Ratcliffe was viewed as the leading candidate as his bid would see two of the Glazers stay put in a partial takeover, though it would still see the British billionaire become majority owner.

However, as reported by CNBC, Manchester United shares surged as much as 30% in premarket trading on Tuesday, before paring gains, after Qatari media suggested Sheikh Jassim was likely to succeed with his takeover bid.

Indeed, a Tweet from the Al-Watan newspaper wrote about the “success of Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim’s acquisition of Manchester United” and said the announcement of deal the will be done “soon.”

On top of that, Zaid Al-Hamdan, who is the Vice Chairman of the Canadian Qatari Business Council and Chairman of Armasite Group – and is followed by Sheikh Jassim’s brother on Twitter – also spoke of ‘successful’ acquisition.

He wrote on social media: “Congratulations to Shaikh Jassim Bin Hamad Bin Jassim on his acquisition of Man Utd.”

How big is Man United’s debt?

In that CNBC report, they also note that a spokesperson for Manchester United was not immediately available to comment and so these reports are only coming from Qatar and have not been confirmed by the English side as of yet.

Last week, BBC Sport stated that Sheikh Jassim had made a final bid for 100% of the club and he will clear United’s debt – reported to be £969.6m – and has a separate fund for the club and local community as part of his offer.

If he is to fail with that bid, the Qatari banker will pull out of the race and so it feels as though we have finally reached crunch time with regard to the whole takeover saga.

It remains to be seen if his offer will be enough to meet the Glazer family’s demands but it seems those outside of England are pretty confident a deal has been struck at last.

Real Madrid have put Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane atop their list of potential Karim Benzema replacements.

With just a year left on his current deal, Harry Kane has attracted the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs, but it is perhaps Europe’s biggest that will end up taking him away from north London.

What’s the latest on Harry Kane?

According to Spanish Football expert Guillem Balague, Real Madrid have made Kane their new priority to replace the departing Karim Benzema.

The news comes on the back of the recent announcement that the club’s all-time leading goalscorer has left the club for a lucrative deal in the Saudi Pro League.

Before the Frenchman departed from the Spanish capital, the most likely destination for England’s record goalscorer looked like it would be Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United.

However, the new vacancy in Real’s attack has turned everything on its head.

The prospect of playing under Carlo Ancelotti and for a team that has made winning the Champions League a habit might prove too much to turn down for Kane.

What are the stumbling blocks?

The most significant barrier to this deal being completed is undoubtedly the hefty price tag that Daniel Levy has placed on his star man reported to be a minimum of £100m.

This is in spite of the fact that the 6ft striker only has a year left on his deal, and according to Balague, this figure is something ‘Real would be reluctant to pay.’

Then there is the much-publicised desire from the player himself to break Alan Shearer’s Premier League goal record of 260 goals, only 47 more than Kane’s current tally.

Would Harry Kane improve Real Madrid?

The Walthamstow-born forward has been an integral part of every Spurs side he has played in and quickly established himself as one of the first names on an England team sheet.

He certainly has the approval of Pep Guardiola, who only this year described him as ‘one of the best strikers I have ever seen in my life.’

With praise like that, it shouldn’t be surprising to find out that according to WhoScored, Kane has averaged a rating of 7.51 throughout his 38 games in the Premier League this season.

Those 38 games have seen him rack up 33 goal involvements in a dysfunctional Spurs side.

In contrast, Benzema, the man he would be replacing in the Spanish capital, could only reach 22 goal involvements in LaLiga this term.

The underlying numbers are there as well. According to FBref, the Spurs man ranks in the top 10% for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for progressive passes and the top 14% for non-penalty goals per 90.

If Florentino Perez and Daniel Levy can figure out a way to make this deal work, Harry Kane could well end his career with a whole host of trophies in Madrid.

Celtic head coach Ange Postecoglou has been heavily linked with a move away from the Scottish Premiership with several English top flight clubs on the search for new managers.

The 57-year-old was asked by Sky Sports whether any of the speculation, particularly amid interest from Spurs, had come across his radar. To which he defiantly said: "And yet, I'm still here."

Adding more to his reply, Postecoglou said:

"Listen, it doesn't,""I think anyone that knows me knows that what is important for me is the here and now. I've never planned anything in my football career."My ambitions right now are to enjoy tomorrow and have a good game and try to win a cup final to have a special year. It's not every year that you get the chance to win a Treble. If anyone thinks that I am thinking anything other than that then they don't know me."

Celtic face Iverness in the Scottish Cup final and the manager appears focused on bringing the treble home for Celtic fans.

What's the latest on Ange Postecoglou's Celtic future?

In the last 48 hours, the Daily Mail's Rob Draper reported on behind the scenes news he's heard on Spurs' interest in Postecoglou in a promising boost for Celtic fans.

With Tottenham set to part ways with acting manager Ryan Mason following the end of the Premier League season, It's reported that Xabi Alonso, their initial no.1 candidate, had ruled himself out of contention while Postecoglou looks quite likely to commit to another year at Celtic.

For Spurs there wouldn't be an exorbitant exit clause due to the 57-year-old's one-year rolling contract with Celtic. Yet, the manager's desire is to remain at the club with his "ultimate ambition" said to be to guide Celtic through to the Champions League knockout stages.

Additionally, the current Celtic side has been "largely recruited by him" and so Postecoglou wants to yield returns on that faith shown in him by the club.

What is Ange Postecoglou's contract situation at Celtic?

As reported by the Daily Mail, Postecoglou is on a one-year rolling contract. This means that unless terminated by either the club or the manager, it will renew again and "roll" into another season.

For Celtic, it's a precarious situation as they can do little to prevent Postecoglou from leaving if he decided to due to the lack of a prohibitive exit clause.

For instance, another former Spurs managerial candidate, Feyenoord manager Arne Slot has a £17m release clause, while the Daily Mail claims Postecoglou's contract does not contain an "expensive" clause.

That said, Postecoclgou seems set for another year at the club with a European adventure in sight.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their attempts to bolster their midfield options in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Adrien Rabiot to Newcastle?

According to Calcio Mercato, the Magpies are one of the clubs eyeing up a potential bargain swoop to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot in the coming weeks.

The report claims that the Old Lady powerhouse is yet to reach an agreement over a new deal with the Italian giants and this means that he is set to be a free agent at the end of June.

It is stated that Bayern Munich and Manchester United are also in the race for his signature, whilst the likes of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona could also join the growing list of suitors.

How has Adrien Rabiot performed this season?

The former Paris Saint-Germain maestro has been in terrific form in the Serie A for Juventus in 2022/23 and his arrival could be bad news for current Toon midfielder Sean Longstaff.

Newcastle's academy graduate has been a crucial cog in Eddie Howe's side in the Premier League – starting 27 matches – but his position in the starting line-up would be under threat with Rabiot in the building.

Longstaff has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.74 and chipped in with one goal and 1.8 tackles and interceptions per match in the top-flight. The Englishman has also created 0.7 chances per game for his teammates and won 47% of his physical duels.

Rabiot, meanwhile, could offer more quality at both ends of the pitch and in his average performance level.

The 28-year-old has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.06 across 28 Serie A starts and produced eight goals and 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game for the Italian giants. This suggests that the Frenchman, who has created 0.9 chances per match in the Italian top-flight, would be an improvement on Longstaff in terms of what he is able to provide in and out of possession.

Rabiot, who ex-teammate Gianluigi Buffon once hailed as a "wardrobe" due to his impressive physique, wins the ball back more frequently for his side and carries a great goalscoring threat, whilst they create a similar amount for their respective sides.

The France international has also averaged more progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90 (3.3) than the 25-year-old (1.04) over the last 365 days and this indicates that the Juventus star is better at bringing the ball forward and progressing the team up the pitch.

The £152k-per-week machine has also featured in 60 Champions League matches across his career, whilst the Magpies man has never played in a European game, and Howe could lean on his experience in the competition if they qualify for it in their last two Premier League outings.

Therefore, Longstaff should be concerned by the possible arrival of Rabiot as the Frenchman could take up his position in the starting XI and leave the English gem as a rotational option rather than a go-to starter.

Tottenham Hotspur's ongoing search for a manager seldom seems to be reaching a conclusion, as the weeks pass by and Daniel Levy continues to abstain from making a final decision.

Whilst Chelsea seem to at the very least be closing in on a sole target in former Lilywhites head coach Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs far from that stage, despite having dismissed Antonio Conte before the Blues sacked Graham Potter.

This uncertainty surrounding their dugout vacancy means the rumour mill continues to turn, with Feyenoord boss Arne Slot the latest to return as a frontrunner.

As per Voetbal International journalist Martijn Krabbendam, the Dutch boss is now actively pushing for a move to N17, having rejected the advances of Leeds United earlier in the season, but not without having his interest piqued.

With the increased stature of the north London outfit compared to the Whites, perhaps Levy might boast the allure to tempt the 44-year-old away from his title-chasing outfit..

However, his system could spell wholesale changes for a club that has staunchly committed to three-at-the-back coaches like Nuno Espirito Santo and Conte of late.

As someone who suffers in systems outside of that, Eric Dier will be worrying about his future.

How has Eric Dier played this season?

Slot has earned huge success in his home country this season, transforming his current team into an outfit that seems set to win the Eredivisie title.

What makes this achievement even more impressive is that he has done so with a brand of football that has captured the imagination, preferring a 4-3-3 formation with a rapid, vertical attacking style.

Such a philosophy led Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan to wax lyrical about the tactician, noting:

"The best thing about Arne Slot is that he is probably the best attacking coach I have seen in the last 35-40 years at Feyenoord. He is very similar to Pep Guardiola, his ideas are very similar, he is a massive fan of Pep and he plays the same time.

“He goes ultra-attacking, he is almost like a maniac. Not on the touchline but it is fantastic to see how he has turned an average side into a wonderful attacking machine."

All of this will have Spurs fans thrilled at the prospect of Slot taking over, especially if he is the man to finally end Dier's career at the club.

The 29-year-old has suffered a tumultuous season, maintaining a 6.86 average rating in the Premier League. However, the true culmination of this miserable year came at St James' Park, where they sought to foolishly match Newcastle United by playing four-at-the-back.

Woefully exposed, the England international posted a 5.9 rating, shipping six goals in the process whilst looking hopelessly out of depth and often out of position, via Sofascore.

Given his defensive deficiencies, culpability when partnered with just one other centre-back, and a career that has waned in influence of late, Slot's first port of call could be to finally cut short Dier's time in north London.

Shrikant Kalyani, the former Maharashtra and Bengal batsman, has been named coach of the Maharashtra senior team for the 2016-17 Indian domestic season. Kalyani succeeds Australian David Andrews, who coached the side in the last two seasons.”It’s a great feeling to be appointed as Maharashtra coach. I came to know that it is [a decision] taken by the managing committee [of the Maharashtra Cricket Association],” Kalyani told ESPNcricinfo. “After playing more than 18 years of first-class cricket, I’d really like to share my experience with the boys and nurture their talent.”Maharashtra had an underwhelming season in 2015-16, finishing third from last in Group A. Kalyani said he kept track of Maharashtra’s recent performances, and that he would address the team’s issues. “My main purpose will be to enhance the talent of the boys overall,” he said. “I have to work on their fitness, technique, their strengths, all these things are there.”Maharashtra have had a number of coaches in recent times like Shaun Williams, Dermot Reeve, Surendra Bhave and Andrews, but Kalyani said he wasn’t worried about getting – or not getting – a long stint. “I suppose it [the contract] is for one year,” he said. “I am not concerned with the long-run coaching contract. I am concerned with enhancing the performance of the boys.”Ajay Shirke, the president of the Maharashtra Cricket Association, announced the state’s selection committee for the Ranji Trophy will include Kalyani. Also on the selection committee are the assistant coach Akshay Tandale, Riyaz Bagwan (chairman), Kaisar Fakih and Rahul Dhole Patil.

تحدث خالد الدرندلي عضو مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة المصري، عن مباراة منتخب مصر أمام موزمبيق، التي انتهت بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدفين لكل منهما، وذلك ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا، ويوضح موقف حجازي بعد الإصابة.

وتواجه منتخب مصر مع موزمبيق، على استاد “فيليكس هوفويت بوينجي”، في مستهل مواجهات الجولة الأولى لدور مجموعات كأس أمم إفريقيا.

وقال الدرندلي في تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر”: “فيتوريا جلس مع اللاعبين، بعد المباراة وأنا وجمال علام جلسنا مع المدير الفني، لن نهرب من المسؤولية ولن نجامل، يوجد تقصير اللاعبين لم تقدم المستوى المتوقع منهم الذي كان في المباريات السابقة سواء داخل مصر أو خارجها، الذي لا يعترف بالخطأ هذا هو الخطأ الأكبر”.

طالع أيضاً.. مدرب تونس السابق: منتخب مصر خاض معركة لكي يتعادل.. وتعجبت من مركز محمد صلاح

وأضاف: “لا أريد الحديث عن الفنيات، كلنا زعلانين لأن مسؤولية منتخب مصر كبيرة، يوجد خطأ حدث، واللاعبين لديها القدرة على التعويض ووعدوا بذلك”.

وأفاد: “يجب أن ندعم منتخب مصر، ونغلق الصفحة ونقف بجوار المنتخب، ونوعد أن المقبل سيكون أفضل، سنعوض في المباراة المقبلة أمام غانا، نريد من الجماهير ألا تحبط المنتخب”.

ما هو رد فعل فيتوريا على هزيمة غانا؟ أجاب: “كنا نشاهد المباراة، هو تركيزه حاليًا على مواجهة غانا، وحزين من النتيجة أمام موزبيبق، أول شيء سيفعله غدا مع اللاعبين هو الاجتماع بهم”.

وعن إصابة أحمد حجازي أتم قالا: “لا يوجد إصابة، من يوم ما انضم لمنتخب مصر وهو يتدرب بشكل طبيعي، إصابته في المباراة كانت بسيطة ولن تأثر على مشاركته أمام غانا”.

Arsenal currently boast all the hallmarks of a truly great side, with a strong and experienced core in midfield surrounded by a wealth of exuberant young talent.

As such, they are currently marching towards what would be their first taste of Premier League glory since that legendary campaign that concluded in 2004.

It is that engine room that proves so imperative to how Mikel Arteta's outfit functions, with a steely resolve that remains aligned with the classy ball-playing nature of the rest of the squad. This unique sharing of two contrasting attributes is what often sets players apart, as those who can pair a hulking physique with a fleet-footedness are often revered.

As such, although still young and very inexperienced, Everton's Amadou Onana has all the hallmarks of an asset in this same vein.

Having signed in the summer for £33m, the 6 foot 4 maestro has taken to English football with ease. He mixes a solid defensive output with a rich desire to progress the play, and as such has earned instant support from the Goodison faithful.

However, due to their woes and the Gunners' winning ways, the 21-year-old could be ready to instantly make the step up with reports circulating out of Belgium suggesting Edu is engrossed in talks with the player's entourage over a potential deal this summer. However, it will likely not be for a fee less than the £70m that the cash-strapped Toffees demand.

How has Amadou Onana played this season?

These aforementioned traits that the youngster boasts make it hard not to draw comparisons with the legendary Patrick Vieira, who too dominated in north London due to his killer mentality with a touch of class that separated him from the everyday midfield brute of his time.

Featuring exactly 400 times for Arsenal, for a defensive midfielder to also post 32 goals and 45 assists outline that he was much more than just someone there to break up the play.

Arteta himself even said of the former captain of his club: "He was very dominant. He was physically really gifted, technically too, he had the right temper, he was brave and he could score goals. He could do a bit of everything and he was remarkable."

His desire to progress forward helped uphold Arsene Wenger's ideology, and in a similar way Onana could mirror this.

The Belgium international already has the defensive side locked down, as he has averaged one interception, 1.1 clearances and 2.3 tackles per game. However, it is his 84% pass accuracy and 0.6 key passes per game that suggest he is in the right areas but still seeks improvement (via Sofascore).

Given the glowing recommendations offered by former Premier League midfielder Matty Holland and journalist Siavoush Fallahi, who again contrast in their reports, this is only exacerbated. The former branded him "immense" when chatting on PL Productions after the Merseyside club had toppled Arsenal at Goodison Park, whilst the latter took to Twitter to label him a "big baller".

Given how Arteta has raised the level of almost every player that he has committed to, this could be a perfect move.

Seeking an heir to both Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, who are 30 and 29 respectively, Onana would be the perfect man, boasting all the attributes to emulate a truly legendary figure around these parts.

Tottenham Hotspur would be looking for a much higher offer than £100m in the summer if they are to allow Harry Kane to leave the club.

Does Harry Kane want to leave Spurs?

There have been reports suggesting the England captain would be open to listening to the contract offers that the club are expected to put forward in the coming months.

However, there have also been some claims that the 29-year-old is looking to leave Spurs in the summer with the likes of Manchester United said to be interested.

That being said, perhaps the most important thing is Daniel Levy and Spurs are reluctant to allow Kane to leave this summer despite his contract close to entering its final year.

And speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel, David Ornstein has claimed the price – if Spurs were to listen to offers – would be well over £100m:

"Daniel Levy will want the highest possible price. And there was a report in The Times, ahead of us recording this, that they want at least £100m in a lump sum. And that isn't the final price – that would be, like, the initial outlay.

"You will speak to people at Tottenham who will hypothetically say way higher than that [£100m], crazy numbers, to even consider it with just a year to go. And that's their stance at the moment."

Should Spurs allow Kane to leave in the summer?

Just two years ago, Kane tried to force his way out of north London with Manchester City said to be interested in the England captain.

However, the 29-year-old lost the battle and has been with Spurs ever since as Pep Guardiola's side were unwilling to match Tottenham's price tag for Kane.

Since then, Kane has gone on to score a further 38 Premier League goals and become the club's highest-ever goalscorer b surpassing Jimmy Greaves' record.

And there could well be a feeling that Kane has done his part for the club and Spurs should grant his wish – if he does want to leave – with just one year remaining on his deal.

But this is a business, and Spurs will have their price set on Kane that Levy should stick firm to if clubs are going to come in for Kane over the coming months.

Kane is not a slightly above-average player who Spurs will be able to replace with ease if they are to part ways.

This is a striker who is at the very top of his game. Not only would it cost a huge amount of money to find a potential replacement, but there is no guarantee of finding someone to come in and match his consistent output of goals.

Signing a club's best player should not be easy for any interested party – no matter how big of a club they are – and Levy absolutely should stand firm on his valuation of the striker.