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Gautam Gambhir’s 54 went in vain for Maharajas, as Sohail Tanvir took three wickets in Lions’ defense

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Mar-2023

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq rolled back the years with a splendid 73 off 50 balls that laid the foundation for Asia Lions’ nine-run victory against India Maharajas in the first match of the Legends League Cricket Masters this season. His innings was countered masterfully by Gautam Gambhir’s 54 – the only other 50-plus score of the match – but that proved insufficient, as Lions opened with a tight win in Doha.Defending 165, Sohail Tanvir came to the fore for Lions with figures of 3 for 27, which included a maiden in the first over of the chase. Tanvir angled his first two deliveries away from Robin Uthappa’s hitting arc, before the third was pitched short and defended with an angled bat. That set-up from Tanvir paid dividends in the very next delivery, as Uthappa attempted to hit Tanvir through cover but found Abdul Razzaq, who took a sharp, low catch.But Gambhir found his rhythm quickly. His range of strokes included typical step-out shots against the spinners, including a drive through cover with the spin off part-timer Tillakaratne Dilshan. Gambhir was ably accompanied by former India opener M Vijay, who got a cameo of 25 runs off 19 deliveries laced with three boundaries and a six. However, following the dismissals of Gambhir and Vijay, Maharajas collapsed in the death overs in the face of an increasing asking rate.Earlier, Maharajas’ Irfan Pathan had initially set the tone for the first innings with a nostalgic spell of swing bowling. Each of his first few deliveries with the new ball displayed some lateral movement. His new-ball partner Ashok Dinda got the first breakthrough in the form of Dilshan.Dilshan, with his footwork not quite at his best, ended up edging a full delivery outside off stump to Uthappa, who completed a juggling catch in the third attempt.But Misbah quickly brought momentum into Lions’ innings. He looked at ease, either when stepping out against the spinners or even the pacers, as evident from his six off fast bowler Parvinder Awana in the ninth over. Misbah’s knock of 73 included two fours and four sixes, before he was dismissed in the 18th over off Stuart Binny’s medium pace.His former Pakistan team-mate Shahid Afridi displayed his typical aggressive intent from the outset. He successfully ramped one in the 18th over to fine leg, albeit off a top edge. Off the next delivery, he tried the same shot but miscued it straight to Harbhajan Singh at short fine leg.Little else was new to the new T20 norm as Lions held their nerve, barring Harbhajan accidentally applying saliva to the ball, something which was banned post the advent of Covid-19.

Earlier, Brett Lee picked up 3 for 18 to restrict Maharajas to a sub-par total

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Mar-2023Chris Gayle’s 46-ball 57 made light work of World Giants’ chase of 137 after Brett Lee (3 for 18) bowled a game-changing penultimate over against India Maharajas on Wednesday. World Giants completed the chase with eight balls to spare to complete a routine win in Doha.Gayle was clear about his intent from the start of the innings. He smashed six boundaries in the first three overs to pile misery on Maharajas’ bowlers, and was particularly harsh on Ashok Dinda. In the sixth over, he hit him for 4, 6, 4 and 4 off consecutive deliveries.Shane Watson added to the momentum with some vintage shots in his quickfire cameo. After taking two fours off Pravin Tambe in the seventh over, he smashed stand-in India Maharajas captain Harbhajan Singh for two consecutive boundaries in the next.Tambe temporarily stalled Giants’ cruise, bowling a dream delivery to dismiss Watson as the ball beat him on the outside edge and dislodged the off bail.That dismissal, along with a few wickets as the innings progressed, forced Gayle to take a cautious approach in the chase. Having reached his half-century in 26 balls, he managed only seven in the next 20. His innings was cut short by Suresh Raina, who surprised him with a length ball that didn’t bounce much and trapped him right in front.Even though World Giants continued to lose wickets after that dismissal, cameos from Samit Patel and Morne van Wyk carried them over the line.Earlier, in the absence of their regular captain and in-form opener Gautam Gambhir, India Maharajas were desperate for a strong start. Robin Uthappa, coming off a spectacular fifty on Tuesday, did not look in control against Samit even though he had found a boundary off his second delivery. Two balls later, Samit dismissed him with an arm ball, with the batter mis-hitting it to Aaron Finch at midwicket.Raina tried to increase the scoring rate, hitting Monty Panesar for two back-to-back sixes in the eighth over. First, he picked up a back-of-a-length delivery and pulled it over deep midwicket and then stepped out to smash the next over the bowler’s head.However, Maharajas’ innings followed the pattern of solid partnerships followed by quick wickets throughout. After a 60-run stand between Raina and Manvinder Bisla, they lost Yusuf Pathan and Stuart Binny off consecutive deliveries.Irfan Pathan’s cameo of 25 off 20 balls carried them for a while but Lee’s two wickets in the 19th over restricted them to a sub-par total.

Offspinner Ashmini Munisar and wicketkeeper Shunelle Sawh also earn maiden call-ups

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jun-2023

West Indies have named fit-again Chinelle Henry in their 16-member provisional squad for the first two ODIs of their three-match series against Ireland. The allrounder has fully recovered from the injury that kept her out of the recent Super50 Cup and T20 Blaze.Offspinner Ashmini Munisar and wicketkeeper Shunelle Sawh have also earned their maiden call-ups. Munisar, West Indies’ captain at the Under-19 T20 World Cup earlier this year, was the joint-third highest wicket-taker in the T20 Blaze with six scalps from five games. Her economy of 3.31 was the best among those who bowled at least ten overs in the tournament.Hayley Matthews will continue to lead the squad; Shemaine Campbelle will be her deputy. The official squad of 13 players will be named ahead of each match.Related

Robert Samuels appointed head coach of WI Women for Ireland series

Business-class flights and single rooms for West Indies women

“The ODI series against Ireland gives a good opportunity for batters to focus and to stay longer at the crease and build an innings,” Ann Browne-John, CWI’s lead selector for women’s cricket, said. “A number of the younger players would be transitioning from the shorter format to the 50-over format. They definitely have the potential, and it is important that the policy of identifying young players and developing the talent pool is continued.”The ODI series is part of the Women’s Championship, where West Indies and Ireland are the bottom-most teams. Both teams have played six games each so far; West Indies have one win while Ireland are yet to open their account.”The squad shows a great balance of batting coupled with a variety of bowling styles, which is something that has been lacking in the recent past,” Browne-John said. “Victory here will provide valuable points as the team attempts to move up in the rankings and qualify for the World Cup.”The ODI series from June 26, West Indies’ first ODI cricket since December 2022, will be followed by three T20Is. All six matches will be played at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia, and for the first time, a full West Indies Women’s bilateral home series will be broadcast live on television.These are West Indies’ only home fixtures this year.Provisional squad for first two ODIs: Hayley Matthews (capt), Shemaine Campbelle (vice-capt), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, Qiana Joseph, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Shunelle Sawh, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams

Cricket Australia have allowed the quick to play the club’s first eight T20 matches after initially blocking his County Championship stint

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Apr-2024

Xavier Bartlett will join Kent for the Vitality Blast weeks after Cricket Australia blocked the fast bowler from playing for them in the County Championship.Bartlett was originally signed for Kent’s first five Championship games, but CA denied him a No Objection Certificate on the eve of the season, a week after handing the 25-year-old a central contract. It was the first national deal Bartlett had earned after a breakthrough Australian summer in which he made his ODI and T20I debut and led the Big Bash League wickets list with 20 for Brisbane Heat.Kent acted swiftly to replace him, signing South African bowling allrounder Beyers Swanepoel on an all-format deal which runs from May 1 until the end of the season. They had remained hopeful Bartlett would be able to uphold the white-ball element of the initial deal which amounted to at least eight Blast games. That has now been confirmed.CA are understandably cautious with Bartlett’s workload, particularly when it comes to first-class cricket. He played just three Sheffield Shield matches for Queensland after returning from a back stress fracture sustained during the last English summer while playing club cricket. He is likely also to land a deal in Major League Cricket, which is set to begin on July 4. Though unlikely to make the final 15 of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, he is firmly in the frame for their limited-overs tour of England in September.Bartlett will join Swanepoel and fellow Australian seamer Wes Agar as three overseas options for Kent’s Blast campaign, which begins on May 31 against Middlesex at Chelmsford. Only two of them are permitted in any given playing XI.In a statement released by Kent on Tuesday, director of cricket Simon Cook said: “We’ve been working extremely hard with Cricket Australia to ensure that Xavier can join us in some capacity this season, and we’re really pleased to have secured his services for eight matches of our T20 campaign.”He is hot property at the moment and fully deserves his new central contract with Australia. I know that Spitfires supporters around the world will be extremely excited that the BBL’s top wicket-taker this Winter will be pulling on a Kent shirt this June.”

Liverpool are cruising to the Premier League title under Arne Slot and have now sent scouts to watch a clutch of potential summer targets, per reports.

Liverpool's summer activity begins to gain traction

The Reds have managed to put themselves in pole position to claim the Premier League, but what comes next after celebrating their second top-flight triumph of the modern era?

Slot appears on the surface as a man who won’t be keen for any complacency to creep in, though he has serious work to do regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s contract situations.

Taking internal matters to one side, Liverpool have Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman on their radar as experience on the flanks becomes a priority to bolster depth across the Reds’ front four positions.

Vasco Da Gama star Rayan Vitor could also be en route to Anfield. Nevertheless, his prospective arrival is likely to be categorised as a long-term commitment while he develops at his own pace.

Darwin Nunez could make way for a new centre-forward amid his frustrating campaign through the middle. Diogo Jota and Luiz Diaz have been ahead of the Uruguayan in the pecking order at times, which hasn’t exactly helped his case in trying to win over Slot.

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Exploring options to add extra firepower will stand Liverpool in good stead for next season. Salah’s uncertain situation may create a need for someone to fill his goalscoring boots, so it is only fair the champions in waiting do their due diligence on potential targets.

Now, Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on a quartet that could be on their way to Anfield after the Merseyside giants carried out a scouting mission.

Liverpool watch four Premier League stars, one scores under their nose

According to The Boot Room, Liverpool sent scouts to watch Liam Delap score for Ipswich Town against Wolverhampton Wanderers as the England Under-21 international netted under their nose in a 2-1 defeat for the Tractor Boys.

Intriguingly, the visiting side had Joao Gomes, Andre and Rayan Ait-Nouri under observation from the Reds. The latter doesn’t have a release clause in his contract at Molineux despite previous suggestions to the contrary.

Liverpool’s next five fixtures – Premier League

West Ham (H)

Anfield

Leicester City (A)

King Power Stadium

Tottenham Hotspur (H)

Anfield

Chelsea (A)

Stamford Bridge

Arsenal (H)

Anfield

Rated at £50 million in some quarters, Ipswich striker Delap has become a standout in the top-flight after putting forward a return of 12 goals and two assists in 30 appearances.

Ait-Nouri is a target who Liverpool have had eyes on for a while, and Andre has been scouted previously as the club weigh up midfield additions to elevate their exciting talent portfolio.

Heading into the window, it is interesting to see where Liverpool feel they can find value for money on the market. The Premier League is a difficult industry to get plates spinning in, though the fact they will head into 2025/26 as reigning champions bodes well for business.

The battle at both ends of the Championship is going down to the wire this season, but there may also be a transfer tussle involving three clubs currently fighting it out in England’s second-tier.

Championship run-in heats up as Blackburn thrash Millwall

Only three matches now remain for most teams in the Championship and there is a high level of jeapordy surrounding both the race for promotion and the battle to avoid the drop. Leeds United and Burnley look likely to enter the Premier League automatically, but there is an intriguing battle for the playoff slots.

Emerging as a surprise late contender, Millwall have put together a decent run of results under Alex Neil and still have a shot at entering the picture for top-flight football, but those hopes were damaged badly by a 4-1 defeat at Ewood Park on Friday.

Neil is a specialist in this type of environment, as exemplified at Sunderland and Norwich City in previous years, though there is an acknowledgement that the Lions will now need to be flawless to stand any real chance.

Looking ahead to the summer, Millwall could strengthen their defence by signing Charlton Athletic’s Thierry Small on a free transfer once his contract at the Valley comes to an end.

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Preston North End are also in hot pursuit of the versatile star, signifying that a number of transfer battles could be about to take place between Championship clubs looking to beef up their pool of talent.

Continuing this theme, Millwall could now face competition from Friday’s victors Blackburn to sign a star who is actually on the books of one of their London rivals, per recent developments.

Millwall and Blackburn fight to sign Morgan Fox from QPR

According to EFL Analysis, Millwall and Blackburn both want to sign Morgan Fox from Queens Park Rangers as the veteran edges closer to leaving his current employers on a free transfer.

Out of contract this summer, the versatile 31-year-old has been offered extended terms at Loftus Road, but it remains to be seen if he signs on amid further interest from Hull City.

Morgan Fox’s key Championship statistics – 2024/25

Tackles won

13

Successful duels

61

Aerial duels won

36

Interceptions

4

Blocks

1

Primarily a central defender, Fox is also capable of playing at left-back and has registered a solitary goal in 23 appearances this season across all competitions.

He has previously been labelled a “warrior” by Gareth Ainsworth, giving an insight into his valiant skillbase. With the end of this term on the horizon, you get the impression Fox will take his time before making a decision on where to commit his future.

Millwall earning promotion could be a decisive factor in potential negotiations, and for now, the quartet of clubs involved will focus on their respective duties until the off-season arrives, which could pave the way for plenty of movement in either direction regarding key assets.

Tottenham Hotspur have seemingly been offered the chance to sign a noteworthy Chelsea player this summer, and he could prove a very useful addition for Ange Postecoglou or his potential replacement next season.

Tottenham transfer plans amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty

Spurs are on course for their worst ever Premier League season, resulting in uncertainty surrounding Postecoglou’s long-term future, and reports suggest the former Celtic boss could be shown his P45 regardless of their campaign in Europe (The Telegraph).

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A succession of managerial candidates have been tipped to potentially succeed Postecoglou, but as technical director Johan Lange and Daniel Levy assess Spurs’ options in that regard, they must also begin preparations for the summer transfer window.

Tottenham’s final Premier League fixtures

Date

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Tottenham are reportedly in the market for a forward, and have even been linked with a surprise move for West Ham star Jarrod Bowen this week.

Levy is apparently willing to bid around £51 million to sign Bowen for Spurs, even if this may not be anywhere near enough, but the England international isn’t their only rival player to be mentioned as a possible incoming in the last few days.

Christopher Nkunku holds talks to join Tottenham via agents

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to The Boot Room, £195,000-per-week Chelsea winger Christopher Nkunku is actively looking to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

The Frenchman, who’s actually scored 14 goals in all competitions this season, verbally agreed terms over a move to Bayern Munich in January (Florian Plettenberg), and looks set to be one of the many men sold or loaned out by Enzo Maresca’s side when the window reopens.

Bailey writes that, while a move to Europe is more likely, Nkunku’s camp have reached out for talks with Tottenham recently, as the ex-RB Leipzig sensation’s representatives attempt to offer him to a host of clubs.

“I am told that a move to Europe is the most likely option – but his people are touching base with clubs in England,” said Bailey.

“Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham have all been spoken to in the past few months. Chelsea want to recoup as much of their plus £50m outlay, but that looks difficult at this juncture.

“I am told the player is very happy in London, and so would a move to a Arsenal or Tottenham appeal? I believe it would but as it stands those options are not advanced – but Arsenal and Spurs both have an historic interest in the player. Both want a wide forward, so you could see the fit.

“There is interest back in Germany – Bayern Munich like him, a new deal for Leroy Sane doesn’t rule out them making a move but it is not pressing. Former club RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen also admire him.”

The versatile 27-year-old has displayed real quality on occasion since his switch to London, and was a revelation in the Bundesliga. However, this could prove to be a costly operation, especially for a price around £50 million, not to mention his lofty salary.

With Spurs in for a ‘sell to buy’ summer, as per The Telegraph, these factors may well deter Levy.

Newcastle United are now racing to sign a “splendid” goalscoring midfielder, who could be available for a fee of just £17m this summer, according to a report.

Howe sets sights on new midfielder

Newcastle are well-stocked in central midfield, with Bruno Guimaraes’ and Sandro Tonali’s impressive performances this season attracting the attention of Manchester City ahead of the summer transfer window.

It is unclear whether the Magpies would be willing to strengthen a direct Premier League rival by selling one of their star midfielders, but if they do decide to cash-in, there are a number of possible replacements on the shortlist.

The PIF are said to have joined a tug-of-war for Man City midfielder James McAtee, while Eddie Howe is particularly fond of Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, with signing a new midfielder deemed to be a priority if Tonali moves on.

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Guendouzi specialises in a defensive role, but there are indications that Howe could also be keen on signing a midfielder capable of making an impact in the attacking third of the pitch.

According to a report from Spain, Newcastle are now racing Atletico Madrid and Nottingham Forest for the signature of Girona maestro Yangel Herrera, with Howe looking to complement his current options in midfield.

Although the rival interest in Herrera may be an issue, there is a sense that a deal could be possible, with the Spanish side willing to sanction his departure for a fee of around €20m (£17m), which would easily be affordable for PIF.

The Venezuelan has been a key player for Girona this season, catching the eye due to his physicality and passing ability, while the central midfielder has also proven himself in front of goal during his time in La Liga…

"Splendid" Herrera impressing on the front foot

The Girona midfielder has been particularly impressive going forward in La Liga this season, picking up four goals and three assists, while ranking in a high percentile across a number of key attacking metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.17 (88th percentile)

Touches (Attacking penalty area)

2.42 (87th percentile)

Shots total

1.84 (92nd percentile)

The Venezuela international is also a dominant force in the air, placing in the 91st percentile for aerials won, and he received high praise from Opta Jose for his attacking output back in March.

Herrera has limited top-level experience, making just five appearances in the Champions League, but Newcastle will need to increase their squad depth to compete on all fronts next season, and the 27-year-old has proven he could be a solid option.

Enzo Maresca has made it desperately obvious that he wants a new striker at Chelsea this summer, constantly targeting a new talisman after taking the reins 12 months ago.

The Italian has been working tirelessly to land a new forward, potentially having the chance to end his hunt during the upcoming transfer window – aiding their Premier League title ambitions.

Nicolas Jackson has been the Blues’ main option at the top end of the pitch in 2024/25, but has struggled with injuries as of late, massively restricting his progress in the final third.

The Senegalese international has scored 10 league goals to date, but could’ve certainly had more had he not missed six games through injury between February and April.

Despite his impressive goalscoring record, it’s evident that the boss wants another option ahead of 2025/26, leading to countless attackers being touted with a switch to Stamford Bridge in the coming months.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for a new striker

Victor Osimhen was a player firmly on Chelsea’s radar last summer, but the club were unable to secure a deal to land him from Napoli – subsequently joining Galatasaray on loan for the current season.

However, with such a deal coming to an end, the Blues have once again been touted with a switch for the Nigerian, with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest also in the race for his signature.

It would be a hefty sum if they were to sign the 26-year-old, potentially leading to a move for another striker target in the form of Strasbourg forward Emanuel Emegha, according to TBR.

The report claims that the Dutchman, who plies his trade for the Blues’ sister club, has been on their radar and has impressed the staff behind the scenes at the Bridge.

It also goes on to state that he would provide an added body to Maresca in the final third, potentially nailing a regular role in the side given his record of 14 goals in 28 games this season.

Why Chelsea’s latest target would be better than Delap

Another player who’s been firmly on their radar to bolster the striker department is Ipswich Town talisman Liam Delap, who appears to be a man in demand this summer.

The 22-year-old, who’s scored 12 goals in the Premier League this year, has a £30m relegation release clause in his contract – coming into effect after the Tractor Boys dropped back into the Championship.

The Blues aren’t the only side in the race for his signature, with Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle United and Liverpool also credited with an interest in recent days.

However, despite the interest in Delap ahead of the upcoming window, they may be better off pursuing a deal for Emegha, with the sister club potentially playing a key role in their pursuit.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign, the Strasbourg star has managed to dominate the Ipswich forward in numerous key areas – showing why the Blues must prioritise a deal for his services.

How Emegha compares to Delap in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Emegha

Delap

Games played

26

33

Goals scored

14

12

Shot-on-target accuracy

57%

43%

Pass accuracy

81%

61%

Shots on target

1.4

1

Carries into penalty area

1.3

1

Aerials won

44%

43%

Stats via FBref

Emegha, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored more goals to date, whilst also notching a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing his clinical nature in the final third.

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst coming out on top in more of the aerial battles he’s entered – handing Maresca that focal point which he’s craved since arriving at the club.

Given the fact that he currently plays for Strasbourg, a cost-effective deal could likely be agreed, offering a cheaper alternative to Delap – but one that would be a better fit for the team, as seen by the stats produced.

If the club are to keep progressing next season, a new talisman desperately needs to be their priority on any shortlist, with Emegha the man who could take responsibility and thrive at the top end of the pitch.

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In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Gus Poyet has backed Enzo Maresca to get Chelsea challenging for a league title next season.

Blues still on track for Champions League qualification

It has been a mixed season for the Blues, with qualification for the Champions League still very much in their grasp, although their task has been made much more difficult after the disappointing 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United last weekend.

If Maresca’s side do manage to get over the line, the campaign is likely to be viewed as a success, although their heavy spending under BlueCo ownership means they should have loftier ambitions in the future.

After a trophy-laden period under the ownership of Roman Abramovich, the west Londoners are yet to win a trophy since the arrival of Todd Boehly, which is something that will need to change in the very near future.

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That is according to former Chelsea man Poyet, who gave his thoughts on Maresca’s first season in charge, in partnership with BetBrain.

The 57-year-old said: “I think for him, Chelsea winning the European competition will be the platform to build on for next season. It’s always important winning a trophy for Chelsea and you cannot lose that.

The Uruguayan also suggested that while it would be a success to win the Europa Conference League, the Blues will need to start competing for major honours next season, saying the manager will know how: “Winning the European competition would be amazing. With all respects to them, two years ago they were young.

“They’re not young anymore, they’ve already played 80 games in the Premier League, so next year there is no excuses. They have to be better and they have to be more competitive? How? Well, the coach knows better than me what he needs.”

Maresca must start competing for major honours

Few would have predicted Maresca winning the Premier League in his first season at Stamford Bridge, and should his side manage to seal a top-five finish, it will be fantastic to return to the Champions League after a two-year absence from the competition.

However, Blues fans have become accustomed to success over the years, having won two Champions Leagues in the Abramovich era, and merely qualifying for Europe’s elite competition shouldn’t become the norm.

Although there may be some concerns about the form in the second half of the season, there has been some cause for optimism of late, with Chelsea securing crucial victories over the likes of Liverpool and Fulham.

Not only that, but BlueCo have already started work on potential summer signings, having identified some exciting targets in a range of different positions, so there is a clear ambition to kick on next season and challenge for the league.

Player

Current club

Potential cost

Victor Osimhen

Napoli

£60m

Nico Williams

Athletic Club

£48m

Morgan Rogers

Aston Villa

£90m

Dean Huijsen

AFC Bournemouth

£50m

Gregor Kobel

Borussia Dortmund

£47m