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Glasgow Rangers have endured a poor start to the season, already exiting the Champions League at the final qualifying stage following a 7-3 aggregate defeat to PSV Eindhoven.

Michael Beale made nine signings during the summer transfer window but it's fair to say that not many of them have clicked yet, and the international break comes at precisely the right time.

Out of those nine fresh faces, four of them are forwards, but they haven’t enjoyed the most productive of starts, as Cyriel Dessers, Danilo, Abdallah Sima and Sam Lammers have netted just seven goals between them across nine matches in all competitions.

With the Light Blues losing cult figure Alfredo Morelos during the summer upon the expiration of his contract, Beale knew he was going to have to replace his goals – 124 across 269 games – and the jury is still out on a few of the summer arrivals.

The Ibrox side could have avoided this had they swooped for a player over three years ago who has gone on to shine in the Premier League in the subsequent years – Ivan Toney.

Were Rangers close to signing Ivan Toney?

Under Steven Gerrard, the Gers had endured two trophy-less seasons but during the summer of 2020, things began to change.

They were even linked with Toney, who was playing for Peterborough United at the time, before the record-breaking 2020/21 season which saw the club claim their first league title in a decade.

Speaking on the Diary of a CEO Podcast (via The Daily Record), Toney discussed his potential missed opportunity at joining the Light Blues, saying: "I did speak to other clubs. I actually went up to Rangers and spoke with the manager there, which was Steven Gerrard at the time.

"We spoke a bit, but there were two strikers at the time and they were looking to bring another one in, so there would've been four strikers. I think the formation that they played, the majority of the time was one striker up top. So I would have been third choice, something like this.

"We went to Celtic, we spoke to Celtic and I think it was the same there. I'm one of three strikers or something like this. I think at the time when I was moving, I wanted to be the main guy. The crucial thing for me is playing games.

"Even though I back myself when I’m competing with other strikers, I want to know when I go in, bursting through the door I’m the main man up front. It’s up to me and when I spoke to the manager at Brentford he pretty much said ‘you’re the main guy and I don’t see anyone taking your spot so make sure you produce the goods and it’s yours really’.”

If things had been different, Toney’s career trajectory may have gone in another direction, and he could have been lining up for either of the Glasgow sides, competing for trophies and playing in the Champions League.

He joined Brentford for a fee of just £5m and that now looks like a wonderful bargain.

How much is Ivan Toney worth now?

The striker is currently banned by the FA until January having been found guilty of numerous gambling breaches, yet this hasn’t stopped other teams showing interest in the player.

The Bees currently value their prized asset at £80m following two excellent seasons in the Premier League, and he has attracted interest from clubs such as free-spending Chelsea of late.

The ship has certainly sailed when it comes to Rangers' interest in Toney, clearly missing a major opportunity three years ago when he was available for as little as £5m.

How many goals has Ivan Toney scored?

The 27-year-old sealed his move to Brentford having netted 49 goals in just 94 appearances for the Posh in two seasons, and he showed no signs of slowing down upon arriving at the Bees.

In three full seasons for the Premier League outfit, Toney has scored 68 goals and grabbed 21 assists in just 124 games, and he enjoyed his best top-flight season yet during the 2022/23 campaign.

Stats via Transfermarkt

Not only did the forward finish the season third in the list of top scorers with 20 goals, behind only Harry Kane (30) and Erling Haaland (36), but he also ranked highly for numerous performance metrics in the Brentford squad.

Not only did he rank first for overall Sofascore rating (7.25), but the striker also topped the pile for goals and assists (24), shots on target per game (1.3) and penalties won (three), while finishing in the top three for big chances created (12) and key passes per game (0.8), clearly demonstrating that he has turned into one of the finest forwards in the top flight.

How many times has Ivan Toney played for England?

The 5 foot 10 machine has been heavily praised recently for his goal-scoring antics, with Jamie Carragher claiming he was “one of the best attacking players in the league” upon receiving his first ever call up to the England squad back in March.

The “special footballer” – as lauded by Thomas Frank – went on to make his England debut against Ukraine in the qualifiers for the 2024 European Championship, and it looked as though he could play a key part in their future matches.

Unfortunately, his ban has come at the wrong time for the striker, and he will be missing for both club and country until January as he currently sits on just one cap for England so far.

Gerrard certainly missed a trick in not splashing out on Toney in 2020. Although they went on the win the league that very season, his goals would certainly have aided the likes of Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Beale in subsequent seasons to win more trophies than they currently have.

With the current frontline seemingly struggling during the opening matches of the 2023/24 season, it’s evident that having a player such as Toney may have added something extra to the Gers' attack and fired them to glory.

The failed move will definitely go down as one of the club's biggest transfer blunders in recent times, there’s no doubt about it.

Najam Sethi, the PCB chairman, has announced that the matches will be played on April 1, 2 and 3

Umar Farooq in Dubai11-Mar-2018

West Indies are set to become the latest international team to tour Pakistan. Najam Sethi, the PCB chairman, has announced that they will visit the country for a series of three T20Is, all of them to be played in Karachi. *These matches were originally scheduled for April 1, 2 and 4 but the final one has been pulled forward by a day so as not to clash with the death anniversary of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.These will be the first international matches in Karachi since the 2009 attacks on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore brought international cricket in Pakistan to a virtual halt. Pakistan have played nearly all their “home” matches in the UAE since then. There has been a slow trickle of international teams returning to Pakistan since 2015, with Zimbabwe, a World XI, and most recently Sri Lanka making short visits for limited-overs games, but all of them were confined to the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore. Karachi is also set to host the final of the ongoing Pakistan Super League.”I have been working day and night to conclude an agreement with West Indies which I have just finalised an hour ago,” Sethi said. “Good news is that West Indies will play three games, on [April, 1, 2 and 3], but these matches will be played in Karachi. They will not play in Lahore but in Karachi. That is how we intend to put Karachi back on the cricket map once again. The PSL final, and now three more games for Karachi as per routine. Karachi people should welcome this.”Sethi said Reg Dickason, the ICC’s security consultant, would visit Karachi during the PSL final to look at the security arrangements for the series.”Reg DIckason and his men will be here during the PSL final and we have contracted them to oversee the West Indies games as well,” Sethi said. “Their expert will stay back for seven days and conduct the security for West Indies series. This is part of our agreement with the West Indies board. This will be a one-off series, since, as I told you before, it will be a loss-making enterprise. The idea wasn’t to make money; it was to bring cricket back, so this is a step in that direction.”We have a separate agreement with the West Indies in which we are exploring a tri-lateral series including Pakistan, West Indies and one other country, which will be played in the USA over next five years. The details about the venues, dates, financial model will be discussed later but in principle it has decided that three countries will play in the USA.”Sethi had last year announced a five-year plan that involved the West Indies touring Pakistan every year until 2022, but in January walked back on that claim due to the costs involved.*

Nottingham Forest have been linked to a Serie A midfielder according to recent reports, as Steve Cooper eyes further reinforcements in the middle of the park this summer.

The Welshman and his side are underway to a convincing start, claiming their first three points of the season at the City Ground during game week two, beating Sheffield United late on in a 2-1 thriller.

Despite recruiting strongly already in the transfer market through the arrivals of Ola Aina, Matt Turner, Anthony Elanga and the permanent deal of Chris Wood, the Reds are reported to be on the prowl for a new midfielder.

Who could Nottingham Forest sign this summer?

It’s clear to see just where Cooper envisions his next signing to play, with the club linked to a host of central midfield talent in recent weeks.

Reported interest in Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, Real Betis’ Guido Rodriguez, Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana and Benfica’s Florentino Luiz has circulated, however another name has emerged this week.

As reported by journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, Forest have approached to sign Bologna midfielder Nicolas Dominguez, who has a speculated price tag of €10m (£9m).

Merlo relayed that both the Reds and Galatasaray have “made offers to buy” the player, and are “bidding” to capture his signature this summer.

How good is Nicolas Dominguez?

Deployed in both central and deeper in defensive midfield, the 25-year-old has been lauded as being a presence that “loves a challenge” by South American football expert Nathan Joyes.

Such praise is supported by his monstrous average of 3.13 tackles per 90 over the past year, which has ranked him in the top 8% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues in that area, via FBref.

The Argentine won an average of 5.6 total duels per game last season in Serie A for Bologna, once more solidifying just how much of a protective cog he could be in Cooper’s engine room.

One player in particular that could benefit from the Velez Sarsfield gem’s potential arrival is fellow midfielder Danilo, who has impressed greatly since arriving at the City Ground in January.

Taking to Twitter, one Forest fan commented on the Brazilian’s positioning deeper in the midfield as being a waste of his “amazing talent” in impacting a game further forward, which highlights just how much of a revelation Dominguez could be on the 22-year-old.

The Bologna machine could be the anchor in midfield, which would allow Cooper to hand Danilo a more advanced role, with the assurance that the Argentine could hold the fort in the pivot.

Averaging 6.15 progressive passes and 1.41 key passes per 90 for the Italian outfit last term via FBref, the 25-year-old could be the perfect link to unleashing Forest’s January arrival further up-field, with him having the passing ability to transition play.

Asserting himself as one of the better combative midfielders in Europe, Dominguez could be the ideal acquisition for the Tricky Trees to chase, with him being a more cost-effective and equally as impressive target to others the club are speculated to have eyed.

With Galatasaray also monitoring the Serie A sensation, Cooper must strike fast if he is to secure the impressive talent’s signature before the end of the window.

Leeds United have just under two weeks left to finish any of their remaining business for the summer transfer window.

Who have Leeds signed this summer?

The Whites have not been particularly active in bringing players to Elland Road as they have only signed Ethan Ampadu, Sam Byram, Joe Rodon, and Karl Darlow so far.

However, they have allowed the likes of Marc Roca, Brenden Aaronson, Max Wober, Rasmus Kristensen, Rodrigo, Jack Harrison, and Robin Koch to depart either on loan or permanently.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

Bringing in a striker appears to be on the cards for the Whites before next month’s deadline as they have been linked with a swoop for Venezia star Joel Pohjanpalo, who has a release clause worth €4m (£3.4m).

How good is Joel Pohjanpalo?

The Finland international is coming off the back of an impressive season in the Serie B and he could be the man to lead the line for the club this term.

His performances in Italy suggest that the quality is there for him to be the go-to player for goals for Leeds, which would make him Daniel Farke’s next version of Pohjanpalo’s compatriot Teemu Pukki.

The now-MLS star enjoyed a terrific spell with the German head coach at Norwich as the pair worked together during two title-winning Championship campaigns, in which time the centre-forward was his top-scorer.

Pukki plundered an exceptional 29 and 26 goals respectively across the two seasons as the Canaries lifted silverware on both occasions to secure promotion up to the Premier League.

Farke will now be hoping to reach the top-flight with a second division club for the third time in his career in England and Pohjanpalo’s goals could help him to do that, as Pukki’s did at Carrow Road.

Last season, the Finnish ace, who was once dubbed "dangerous" by journalist Josh Bunting, caught the eye with an impressive return of 19 goals in 35 Serie B starts for Venezia, whilst he was also a provider for his teammates with seven assists.

Pohjanpalo averaged an excellent Sofascore rating of 7.19 for his performances in Italy, which is higher than any Leeds player managed last season in the Premier League.

Pukki averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.10 during the 2020/21 title-winning season and a score of 7.22 throughout the 2018/19 term. This suggests that his compatriot is able to deliver consistently brilliant displays to a similar standard.

No Whites forward scored more than 14 league goals last term and no current player produced more than five strikes. This suggests that the Venezia star has the potential to be Farke’s outstanding scoring option through the middle of the pitch.

Pohjanpalo would be an exceptional striker for the Yorkshire-based outfit if he is capable of translating his form from Italy over to England, based on his sublime displays over the last 12 months.

Therefore, the £3.4m-rated talent could be Farke’s next Pukki as a free-scoring Finland international whose goals could help his side to push for promotion back to the Premier League.

His goal return for Venezia shows that he has the quality to be a reliable scorer and that could allow him to be a match-winner on a regular basis for the Whites, which could lead to vital points being won throughout the campaign.

Arsenal may have already spent big this summer, but that has not stopped the rumour mill from continuing to link them with even more stars…

Is Nicolo Barella coming to Arsenal?

The latest could actually prove to be the most influential, with Italian outlet Calciomercato suggesting that the Gunners could be set to swoop for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.

Having been linked with Newcastle United earlier in the window, with a touted £50m fee likely pushing them towards their eventual Sandro Tonali deal, this is a switch that could now prove imperative in perfecting Mikel Arteta's squad.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

The report states that they hold concrete interest in the Italy international, as they note him as a direct replacement for Thomas Partey.

This move could hold links with the potential sales of Folarin Balogun and Takehiro Tomiyasu too, both of whom have been touted with an Emirates exit. Football Transfers value the 26-year-old at €56m (£48m).

What kind of a midfielder is Nicolo Barella?

Given he is noted as someone who would instantly usurp their current Ghanaian midfield general, it is therefore expected that he would slot in nicely beside another summer signing, Declan Rice.

As a combative, physical yet elegant defensive presence, the former West Ham United captain would likely benefit from such a mobile midfielder who can both aid his role in screening the backline, but also push forward to offer an offensive impetus.

The former quality is succinctly shown in his data from last term, as he posted a 7.08 average rating in the Serie A, bolstered by his 1.6 tackles and 4.4 total duels won per game, via Sofascore.

However, with the goalscoring vacancy left in the engine room by the departure of Granit Xhaka, Barella could step up to occupy this role too, given he posted 12 goal contributions in the league alongside 1.6 key passes per game, via Sofascore.

The Swiss international only scored one more goal and one more assist than the Inter gem during what turned out to be his final Premier League season.

By covering both bases with this acquisition, whilst also having Rice as a mainstay in the midfield too, Partey would swiftly become obsolete, not least due to the fact has recently turned 30 and no longer fits in with the youth-focused philosophy in north London.

Barella would fit Arteta's system with ease, capable of retaining possession but also providing that attacking impetus needed to take the fight to Manchester City. Having starred as a number six or a number eight, he could slot in beside either Jurrien Timber or Oleksandr Zinchenko, allowing them to invert and form a solid midfield two, or push forward alongside Martin Odegaard as Xhaka did so well last campaign.

He is hard-working yet economical with the ball, as talent scout Jacek Kulig once sought to support the former after he branded the Italian a "little warrior" for his relentless efforts combined with his 5 foot 8 stature.

Jurgen Klopp has even been alerted to his talents, noting back in 2022:

"That Barella is not able to play is not bad for us. He's a really good player, a really good player and I like him a lot. He has all the things you want from a midfield player: he is aggressive, he is technical, he can run for ages and all these kinds of things. That's a top-class player."

To be revered by such a fine manager is testament enough to suggest he is ready for the step up, to avenge his recent Champions League final disappointment against the Cityzens by helping Arsenal beat them to the Premier League.

For all the excitement his potential arrival could bring, Partey would surely become surplus to requirements.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, as Julen Lopetegui seeks reinforcements this summer.

The Spaniard has endured the hardships of leading a club bruised by Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions, admitting he is “worried” about the current squad he is taking into the 2023/24 campaign.

The Old Gold must act fast and find a solution to their business woes, with the club facing an uphill battle when the season commences should improvements not be made.

Could Wolves sign Hannibal Mejbri?

As reported by Tunisian journalist Mahmoud Missaoui, Hannibal has gathered significant interest this summer.

The 20-year-old looks set to leave Manchester United on loan, with the Old Gold – as well as Luton Town and Leicester City – eyeing the midfielder.

With just one year remaining on his contract at Old Trafford, the youngster is expected to gain Premier League experience to aid United into making a decision over his future, with his market value currently sitting around £4m.

How good is Hannibal Mejbri?

Picked up by the Red Devils in 2019 from AS Monaco, the Tunisian has occupied the centre of midfield in the club’s academy for the majority of his stay, before moving to the Championship last term to endeavour on a loan spell.

Hannibal made 38 appearances in the second tier for Birmingham City last season, scoring one goal and assisting five in a year that cemented him as having the potential to be a top central midfielder in England.

Hailed as “phenomenal” by Blues manager John Eustace, the 20-year-old made a fast impression at St Andrew’s, proving that he can perform at senior level to give his club an insight into what he could one day offer.

Now that the Tunisian has gained valuable experience in the Championship, Premier League minutes are the next step to his development and future at United, posing a potentially exciting opportunity for Wolves.

Identified as a “roaming playmaker” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Red Devills academy gem was dubbed the “Tunisian Modric” by the scout for his “highly technical” approach to play and commanding nature in the middle of the park.

A potential swoop for a player with such attributes could come at a perfect time for Lopetegui, who must find an heir to departed captain and key presence Ruben Neves, whilst adhering to financial constraints.

While the youngster is far from the finished article, his numbers in the Championship last term suggest that he could be a fundamental asset to the Spaniard’s squad in its present state, with him showcasing similar strengths to Neves.

Averaging 2.13 progressive carries per 90 for Birmingham City, the 20-year-old highlighted his ability to venture upfield, as well as suggesting his eye for creativity in more advanced areas with an average of 1.62 key passes per 90, via FBref.

The Portuguese gem averaged 0.83 progressive carries and 0.95 key passes per 90 at Molineux last season, suggesting the potential that Hannibal’s services could offer Lopetegui in his absence.

Defensively, the United starlet dominated too, averaging 2.31 tackles and 1.20 interceptions per 90 in the Championship, relaying his raw but rounded skill set in the engine room.

With the 2023/24 campaign just around the corner, the Spaniard could ease a host of woes by recruiting the hungry young talent, which could give Wolves a glimmer of hope after the dull summer they’ve endured so far.

Manchester United's deal to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana is still "absolutely on and absolutely close to being completed" despite reports suggesting otherwise, claims transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Is Andre Onana coming to Manchester United?

United have been making positive steps in the transfer window so far this summer, starting with the signing of Chelsea's academy star and former poster boy Mason Mount for a fee reported to be just £55m.

However, it was the goalkeeping position that needed the most attention after another poor season from David De Gea made his position as the club's number one increasingly untenable, and with his recent departure from Old Trafford, the need became even more acute.

Luckily, the Red Devils appear to have made good progress on their deal to sign Cameroon international Onana, with Fabrizio Romano reporting last week that the player had agreed to personal terms with the three-time European champions.

That said, the deal has been held up somewhat as United and Inter butt heads over the final fee for the player, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Italian giants want £51m for their star man, whereas Erik ten Hag's side refuse to go above £43m.

This was followed by an update from Rudy Galetti who stated that there has been an apparent breakthrough made, as they've verbally agreed a fee but final details are still being discussed.

However, these sorts of disagreements and delays are to be expected in deals of this magnitude, and fans shouldn't be too worried about the deal falling through as the next round of talks are expected to begin on Thursday, per Fabrizio Romano.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel:

"I am told that on Thursday, so in the next 24 hours, there will be a new round of talks to try and get this deal done. So, waiting for this new round of talks and waiting for the Andre Onana deal to be completed.

"It was a tense day yesterday (Wednesday) in terms of exchange between the two clubs, but the deal remains absolutely on and absolutely close to being completed, so this is a normal exchange at this stage of the deal when both sides are trying to have the best advantage on this situation.

"So, deal on and Thursday new talks to get it done, but Andre Onana remains very close to Manchester United."

Is Andre Onana a big upgrade on David De Gea?

The "masterful goalkeeper", as described by his former and potential future boss, ten Hag, is coming in to replace a former Premier League-winning goalkeeper, but how does he stack up to him?

In terms of their performances in their domestic leagues last season, the Inter man slightly edges it with an average rating of 7.13 from Sofascore. In contrast, the former Atletico man averaged just 6.96.

When it came to shot-stopping, again, Onana came out slightly ahead with a save percentage of 72% in the league to De Gea's 70%.

The biggest point of difference is in their passing ability. Where the 32-year-old could only average a passing accuracy of 68%, the 27-year-old achieved a pass accuracy of 79% in Serie A.

A final important difference is that, according to Sofascore, the Spaniard made two errors that directly led to a goal last season. In contrast, the former Ajax star didn't make a single error that directly led to a goal in the league for Inter.

United should do all they can to sign the keeper that former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop claimed "ticks all the boxes."

أعلن الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم “يويفا” العقوبات ضد نادي برشلونة بعد مباراتي باريس سان جيرمان في دور الثمانية من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وخرج برشلونة من البطولة بعد الخسارة أمام باريس سان جيرمان بنتيجة 4-1 في ملعب “مونتجويك” يوم الثلاثاء الماضي.

ووجه يويفا اتهامات إلى نادي برشلونة بسبب الشغب وإشعال الألعاب النارية والسلوك العنصري من جماهير الفريق الكتالوني في مباراة “حديقة الأمراء” بالذهاب والتي أقيمت يوم 10 أبريل.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مبابي عن مستقبله بعد فوز باريس سان جيرمان على برشلونة: اتخذت قراري النهائي

وقرر الاتحاد الأوروبي فرض غرامة على برشلونة قدرها 2000 يورو بسبب إشعال الألعاب النارية و5000 يورو أخرى عن الأضرار التي لحقت بملعب باريس سان جيرمان.

وطلب يويفا من نادي برشلونة أن يتواصل مع باريس سان جيرمان لتسوية الأضرار التي سببتها الجماهير وإصلاح المقاعد المكسورة.

بجانب ذلك، تم تغريم برشلونة 25 ألف يورو ومنعه من بيع التذاكر للجماهير لمباراته المقبلة خارج الأرض بسبب الإهانات العنصرية التي خرجت من مشجعي النادي الكتالوني.

وأكد “يويفا” بحسب ما نشرته صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” أن تلك الغرامة هي تحذير لنادي برشلونة وإذا تم تكراره مرة أخرى سيكون هناك عقوبة أكبر.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in Sporting CP ace Goncalo Inacio, as Mauricio Pochettino eyes a rebuild at Stamford Bridge ahead of his first season in charge.

The Blues are expected to have a new look ahead of the 2023/24 campaign after a disastrous year in the Premier League seeing them record their lowest league finish since 1994.

With just 11 wins and 38 goals in 38 games, the Argentine will have a busy summer in west London with another spending spree on the horizon after Todd Boehly’s £600m gamble across last season’s windows.

What’s the latest on Goncalo Inacio to Chelsea?

As reported by news outlets in Spain, relayed by CaughtOffside, Chelsea are ready to challenge Liverpool for the signature of Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio.

The report claims that the two Premier League clubs are ‘two of the candidates’ interested in the 21-year-old, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain also listed.

It’s reported that the central defender has a release clause of €45m (£39m), with his contract running until 2026 in Lisbon.

What could Goncalo Inacio offer to Chelsea?

After allowing Kalidou Koulibaly to depart to Saudi Arabia in a deal with Al-Hilal worth £20m, the Blues will be a centre-back short going into the new season, sparking rumours that they will eye a new defender this window.

The players departing Stamford Bridge isn’t the only thought process regarding the future of the back line, with star player Thiago Silva turning 39 years old shortly after the start of the new campaign.

At just 21, Inacio could provide Chelsea with a long-term presence in central defence, and a player showing glimpses of being capable of taking the reins from the Brazilian veteran.

Hailed as a “complete” defender by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the young star has cemented himself as a firm starter in Sporting’s set-up.

With an average match rating of 7.01, the youngster contributed to seven clean sheets in 33 Liga Portugal appearances via Sofascore, just three clean sheets fewer than Chelsea recorded in the entire Premier League season (10).

Standing at 6 foot 1, the Almada-born gem is an assured presence in Sporting’s back line, flexing a 90% passing accuracy rate as well as sitting in the top 2% of centre-backs in the league in terms of progressive passes, with an average of 9.04 per 90, via FBref.

Praised by Kulig as “playing like an experienced 30-year-old veteran”, the youngster could, therefore, be a strong candidate to act as Pochettino’s heir to Silva. That is further backed up by his numbers this season.

The 21-year-old won 3.9 duels per game with a 59% win rate, as well as making an average of 1.2 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 1.9 clearances per game, as per Sofascore.

Silva, on the other hand, won 1.5 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 4.4 duels per match, rather similar statistics.

While Chelsea have some defensive talent in their arsenal, it would be a strong signing for Boehly should the Blues further their pursuit of Inacio, who at a price lower than familiar to the west Londoners, could prove to be a worthy investment for years to come.

The Napier City Council is set to launch an inquiry into the abandonment of the second Chappell-Hadlee ODI at McLean Park on Thursday, according to a report

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Feb-2017

The Napier City Council is set to launch an inquiry* into the abandonment of the second Chappell-Hadlee ODI at McLean Park on Thursday, according to a report. Not a ball was bowled despite there being no rain for four hours after the scheduled start of play.A series of inspections were made by Kumar Dharmasena and Chris Brown, the on-field umpires, even as the ground staff worked on the square and the outfield, but overcast skies made efforts to dry damp patches of the outfield futile. After multiple inspections, the outfield was deemed too dangerous.This is the second successive ODI that has been washed out in Napier. Last year’s ODI against Pakistan was also called off without a ball bowled.Mike Hesson, the New Zealand coach, later said the ground “wasn’t even close” to being fit for play. “We were given a start time which was a bit on the keen side because there was still casual water around the outfield. As we warmed up you’d throw balls and water would spray. As we did so, more water came to the surface so it actually got worse rather than better which was unexpected.”The ground was unfit for play. It wasn’t even close, to be fair. One of those aspects is player safety but you also need to be able to play a game of cricket, whether it be diving around or digging your knee into the ground, whether it be slipping over, or the ball landing and plugging.”The washout also casts shadows over the possibility of the ODI between New Zealand and South Africa scheduled for March 1. Napier City Council, which owns the ground, is expected to initiate an independent review.NZC’s chief operating officer Anthony Crummy also said the matter had to be looked into. “We did have some rain today but not enough to have the game being abandoned. We really need to have a look at what has happened,”Crummy said. “We understand that Nelson Park [next door] and other grounds are dry so something has gone wrong here and we need to understand what that is.”There was a brief possibility of a start when umpires confirmed a 4.45m start for a 37-over game, but two inspections later, the umpires deemed the ground far from ready. Aaron Finch, the Australia captain, labelled the ground condition “extraordinary”.”There was a good handful [of puddles] but they were in really key spots – backward point, cover, square leg – those spots that are hot spots in the field,” Finch said. “Particularly in around the ring it was quite soggy and slippery, and the water was splashing up quite a bit.”Along with management, we both [Finch and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson], once we started warming up, we realized that at 4 o’clock that they were a bit unsafe and then threw it over to the umpires from there. To be honest, it just didn’t improve. I don’t think the Super Sopper did a hell of a lot, to be honest. It’s just one of those things – for a place that hasn’t had rain for 11 weeks, it was quite extraordinary.”Hesson said it was too early to say if he would be comfortable having his team return to the venue for the South Africa ODI next month. “I’ll be interested in the outcome of the review because we can’t have a day like today,” he said. “You have got two teams fizzing to play, a great crowd, and you haven’t got a huge amount of rain, but the outfield was not even close to fit for play which is very frustrating for everybody.”We were training on Nelson Park 100m away and the ground was bone-dry four hours ago, and the outfield here is not. There’s clearly an issue here, I don’t know what that is, but they need to have that review and we’ll know more.”Napier mayor Bill Dalton, according to the , said an independent expert will look at the ground on Friday, and they would do “everything to make sure we have future games”. “We have a world-class groundsman [Phil Stoyanoff] who has prepared this park for many years,” Dalton said. “We have a rich history of games in Napier and will do everything to make sure we have future games.”It was only one small area of the park that was deemed not dry enough. I know people who walked over that area and couldn’t see what the issue was. But I’m not an umpire, or a cricketer and can’t make those calls.”*11.05am GMT, February 2. The article has been corrected to reflect that the review will be initiated by the Napier City Council, and not NZC as previously stated