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Leeds United have been joined by Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq in the race for Divock Origi.

What’s the latest on Divock Origi to Leeds United?

According to Football Insider, Leeds target Origi could be the latest player to secure a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.

Al-Ettifaq are managed by Premier League legend Steven Gerrard, who wants to offer the 28-year-old “huge money” to join him.

Should a deal be finalised, it would see the ex-Liverpool striker reunite with Jordan Henderson, who is on the verge of a £700k-per-week move to the Saudi Pro League himself.

Crystal Palace and West Ham are also said to be interested in the striker, but a highly lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia would appear difficult to reject.

Origi currently plays for AC Milan, and with three years still left on his deal, the Rossoneri are reportedly keen to offload the Belgian after he was left out of their pre-season tour of the United States.

His experiment in Italy has failed, and with just two goals in 36 appearances, he needs a new environment to catapult him back to his effervescent and loveable best.

Would Origi be a good signing for Leeds United?

The 32-cap international has had a previous stint in English football with Liverpool, and although he never managed to nail down consistent game time, he emerged as a highly important component of Jurgen Klopp’s plans.

The end of the 2018/19 campaign is what Liverpool fans will most fondly remember him for, as he netted twice in their Champions League semi-final victory against Barcelona to help his side overturn a 3-0 deficit. Then, in the final against Tottenham Hotspur, he scored the second goal as the Reds clinched their sixth European Cup.

Ahead of his final game for the Merseyside giants, Klopp lauded him as a “Liverpool legend”.

He also praised the forward’s mentality and influence, saying: “He’s a positive person. He is talented, he shoots left and right, he is really quick, in the air – he is a monster. He is an interesting package.

“His skillset is a special thing – he can come in and play brilliantly. The biggest game in our history against Barcelona in 2019, he started and he was incredible. In specific moments, Divock is absolutely outstanding.”

The £85k-per-week man could provide crucial support for Patrick Bamford, who has endured some torrid luck in recent times. A series of injuries have prevented the Englishman from forging any notable consistency in terms of form or fitness, as he has started just 25 of Leeds’ last 76 Premier League games, scoring just six goals.

This evidence could encourage the view that Bamford should be ditched in search of new options. However, if he can avoid such continuous injuries, he has shown he can be a formidable attacking asset.

Between 2019 and 2021, he recorded 45 goal contributions in the Championship and Premier League as Leeds cantered to the second-tier title and secured a ninth-place finish in their debut year back in the top flight.

With the addition of Origi, who has shown he can be instrumental in big moments, he can act as a partner and support for Bamford. If these two players stay fit and can start firing, a return to the Premier League appears a far more doable task.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in Sporting CP forward Youssef Chermiti, as Julen Lopetegui bids to end his side’s woes in front of goal.

It’s been a busy summer for the Midlands club, who have offloaded ten players ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The latest news has reported a move away for Raul Jimenez, who has been approached by Fulham where a fee has been agreed, giving Lopetegui another incentive to chase a new forward.

Could Wolves sign Youssef Chermiti?

As reported by Portuguese outlet Record last week, Wolves have had scouts present at Sporting’s recent friendly to watch Chermiti.

The 19-year-old could be available for a fee in the region of £17m, with the report claiming that the Portuguese giants expect €20m for their forward.

With a release clause of €80m (£69m) included in his contract, Lopetegui could pounce on the teenager's rumoured availability for a cut-price.

How good is Youssef Chermiti?

Rising through the ranks at Sporting, the academy graduate made a breakthrough last season, recording 22 appearances in all competitions for his boyhood club.

Deployed as a traditional centre-forward, the “very interesting” teen, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, got among the goals last term, scoring three and assisting two in 16 Liga Portugal appearances, via Sofascore.

Lauded as a “superb prospect” by Kulig, Chermiti made a fast start to his senior career, scoring two and assisting once in his first three starts for the first team.

Despite only averaging 58 minutes per game in the league, the 19-year-old needed little time to make an impact, averaging 1.8 shots per game and acting as a strong presence leading the line.

For Wolves, the bright talent could be an encouraging capture this summer, as the club prepares to bid farewell to much-loved striker Jimenez.

The Mexican scored 57 goals in 166 appearances for the Old Gold, including two consecutive rich scoring streaks to get the side comfortable on their return to the Premier League.

Scoring 30 goals over his opening two campaigns in the Premier League, the 32-year-old fired Wolves to claim two consecutive seventh-place finishes to seal the club a place in the Europa League.

Jimenez was the leader of all things positive at Molineux on their return to the top tier, however, the former Benfica forward had his career halted by a life-threatening skull fracture sustained in 2020.

Missing the remainder of that season impacted the Mexico international, who was lucky to play again, however, his form was unable to be recaptured, with him netting just ten goals since his return.

A goalless campaign last term suggests that the 32-year-old’s departure comes at the best time for club and player, with Chermiti posing as a strong candidate to take his throne.

Described as a ‘pure striker’ by The Scouting App, the teenager has had his strengths identified through his ‘physicality, explosiveness, sense of goal and eccentricity’ by the scouting site, making him the perfect fit to replenish Lopetegui’s side in front of goal.

Still very early into his career, the teenager could be given the chance to shine as the leading man at Molineux, in a move that could ease the sadness of Jimenez’s pending departure.

The 33-year old batsman had played only one of their five ODIs this year, but he could potentially quintuple that count by the end of June

ESPNcricinfo staff26-May-2017

Hamilton Masakadza, who has played only one of Zimbabwe’s five ODIs this year, has been selected to go to the Netherlands and Scotland in June and Sri Lanka later. Opener Chamu Chibhabha, who last played 50-over cricket for his country in November 2016, and who has only made two fifties in 23 innings, found a way back into the squad as well.Zimbabwe play two games against Scotland on June 15 and 17 and three more against Netherlands on June 20, 22 and 24 before moving on to Sri Lanka for five ODIs and a Test match, the exact schedule for which is not yet fixed. Legspinner Graeme Cremer will lead the team. The former captain Elton Chigumbura was not part of the squad.Masakadza’s only ODI in 2017 came against Afghanistan and he fell for 5 off 17 balls. However, the 33-year old made a hundred for Zimbabwe A against Canada in Harare a week ago to possibly persuade the selectors. Similarly, Sikandar Raza played only one game of the Afghanistan series – his only ODI in 2017 – but he too was backed to perform. Chigumbura, though picked for that series, did not play in any of the matches and his previous appearance in international 50-over cricket dated back to October 2016.While the elder Masakadza was picked, his 23-year old brother and left-arm spinner Wellington was left out of the squad that lost at home to Afghanistan 3-2. Accompanying him on the bench were seamer Carl Mumba and allrounder Nathan Waller.These 10 matches present a significant opportunity for the team for they can help build momentum going into the qualifying tournament in April 2018 for the next World Cup. Only the top-eight teams on the ICC rankings gain automatic qualification into the showpiece event. Zimbabwe, down at No. 11, will have to finish among the top two to have a chance at playing the 2019 World Cup.Zimbabwe squad: Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Graeme Cremer (capt), Craig Ervine, Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Peter Moor, Christopher Mpofu, Tarisai Musakanda, Richard Ngarava, Donald Tiripano, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams

Chelsea have already bolstered their attacking options by securing the signings of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson this summer and now Mauricio Pochettino is aiming to add some more quality to his midfield as the club are interested in Lyon starlet Rayan Cherki.

What’s the latest on Rayan Cherki to Chelsea?

With Christian Pulisic set to depart the Blues this summer, Lyon emerged as a team who were interested in signing the American, even making a superior bid compared to AC Milan, yet it appears he looks set to join the Italian outfit.

According to 90min, Chelsea used the opportunity to ‘voice their interest’ with regard to potentially making a move for Cherki during the transfer window, with the club seemingly following the youngster for a long time.

In a report last month, Lyon set a €50m (£43m) price tag for Cherki in the hopes that this would spark a bidding war between Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United, however, it appears as though the west London outfit may now beat both clubs to his signature.

Who is Rayan Cherki?

The Stamford Bridge side scored just 38 goals in 38 Premier League matches last term, with only four teams scoring fewer, hence why the onus is on Pochettino to significantly bolster the team's chances of scoring a lot more during 2023/24 if they have any ambitions of winning silverware.

Cherki may just be 19 years old, yet he is beginning to turn into one of the finest attacking midfielders on the continent judging by his statistics across a range of attacking metrics, as per FBref.

Indeed, across Europe’s big five leagues, the Frenchman ranks in the top 3% for shot-creating actions per 90 (6.15), the top 1% for successful take ons per 90 (3.8) and the top 4% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (6.78), clearly demonstrating his ability to burst into the opposition box on a regular basis, creating plenty of shooting chances in the process.

He could certainly be a talent that shines should he join Chelsea, with Lyon expert Nicholas Mamo waxing lyrical about the youngster, saying: "[Cherki is a] very creative and unpredictable attacking midfielder.

"Cherki is the type of player you give the ball to when your team is looking for a last-minute winner.

"He is the best player from Lyon's academy in a very long time, maybe since [Karim] Benzema. The fans will react poorly [if he is sold], although the extent of it will depend on the price.”

Chelsea have enjoyed dipping into the French market over the years and one of their finest signings under the successful Jose Mourinho era was Michael Essien – also lured from Lyon in 2005 on a £24.4m deal – and there is no reason why Cherki couldn’t follow in his footsteps.

The Ghanian emerged as one of the finest talents at the French side during their near decade of dominance during the early years of the 21st century before moving to England, eventually making 258 appearances for the Blues.

Although not quite as established as Essien when he joined the club, Cherki is a promising asset who could explode under the right manager and having been hailed as a “magnificent talent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, he could be a wise investment by Pochettino that’s for sure.

Newcastle United boast one of the richest owners in world football. That is a fact that everybody is well aware of, especially selling clubs.

Nobody will be willing to allow a bargain to slip through their fingers when the financial might of a Saudi prince is the buyer, and so the Magpies are set to suffer from a similar issue that Manchester United have been plagued with; over-inflated price tags.

Whilst they are happy to pay on occasion, FFP will keep them restricted despite their presence in the Champions League next campaign.

As such, they must once again invest with intelligence and precision, so as to not fall into the pitfalls that these 'unlimited funds' can bring.

With a few key areas certain in need of urgent improvement, it could be argued that a matter of priority lies at centre-back.

For all the quality Fabian Schar has, the Swiss is set to turn 32 next season. A replacement is sorely needed to partner Sven Botman, and a quality one at that.

It is therefore admirable that someone like Marc Guehi has already reportedly been lined up, once again showcasing the forethought of this remarkably well-oiled machine that Dan Ashworth keeps ticking.

However, the £45m fee could prove a stumbling block for a side that reportedly only had £75m to spend this entire window…

Would Marc Guehi improve Newcastle United?

Given the way Eddie Howe has ingrained his philosophy into this current squad, the former AFC Bournemouth coach will likely want a few readymade assets that don’t demand additional coaching.

With his centre-backs, playing out from the back remains a prerequisite, alongside the physicality and speed to cope with his high line.

In Guehi he would immediately attain all of these attributes and more, with a particular resemblance to Raphael Varane that has surely caught the eye. FBref certainly thinks so, as they include the former Real Madrid ace on his list of ‘similar players’.

The Frenchman has been a rock at the back for their Manchester rivals, as an admirable stopper worthy of mimicry.

After all, his trophy cabinet is one laden with silverware, boasting four Champions League titles, three La Liga successes, as well as last season’s EFL Cup win over the Tyneside outfit.

Not to mention he was a mainstay of a defence last campaign that helped David De Gea take home the Golden Glove award.

Whilst Guehi has shone on a much smaller scale, their shared ability to dominate with grace and poise suggests the England international is ready to make that step up.

Especially given his 6.94 average rating from last season, in which his figures were more than comparable to the World Cup-winning defender.

His rating was aided greatly by his 85% pass accuracy and 82% dribble success rate, alongside 1.2 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 3.6 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

It is no surprise to see he has been lauded as an “absolute tank” in the past by former U21 teammate Josef Bursik.

When compared to Varane, the 31-year-old only trumps the 22-year-old in pass completion (87%) and clearances (3.7 per game), neither of which are particularly convincing victories either, via Sofascore.

Perhaps Guehi is more ready for the elite level than many would believe, as his true talents are hidden by the struggles felt at Crystal Palace.

As a top homegrown talent who could command his back line for the next decade, Howe needs to look no further.

Newcastle United have an EFL talent on their radar radar it seems, with The Sun reporting that they are prepared to make a bid to bring in Josh Griffiths from West Brom.

Who is Josh Griffiths?

The goalkeeper has yet to test his luck in the Premier League, having played only in the Championship, League One and League Two over the course of his career so far. He has worked his way up through the divisions well though, initially joining Cheltenham on loan from West Brom. He helped guide them to a fourth tier title, managing 44 league games and conceding only 37 times along the way. That led to a move up into the third tier with Lincoln, where he once more played a prominent role. Whilst not as successful, a further 33 league outings gave him valuable League One experience.

He was then shipped back out on loan to League One with Portsmouth. After 22 more fixtures (with 27 goals conceded) in the 2022/23 season, he was given a short opportunity in the first-team of his parent club. Over the last 365 days, he sits in the top 17% for clean sheet percentage amongst other 'keepers in the Men's 'Next 8' competitions (those after the big five European leagues).

Now, it appears as though he may be gifted the chance to try his luck in the Premier League. That's because according to a report from The Sun, Newcastle are considering a bid to sign the shot-stopper as they look to bolster their ranks at the back. He may not be a starter for them but he is seen as a potential back-up for Nick Pope, and key club figure Dan Ashworth is a personal admirer.

What is Josh Griffiths' transfer value?

There is no official bid on the table yet and there is no potential fee spoken about yet either. However, CIES Football Observatory suggest that Griffiths' value lies around the 5 million Euros mark (or £4.2m). Considering the riches Newcastle now have, that could be a drop in the ocean to them for a player with a potentially bright future.

He's already a highly regarded player in the Championship – his current boss Carlos Corberan stated that Griffiths is playing "like a Premier League goalkeeper" already despite his age. It means that there might not be too much for the shot-stopper to work on and he may not struggle to adapt either – meaning he could eventually make a very suitable number one if Newcastle do sign him.

Ellis Simms' return to parent club Everton in January was a huge blow in Sunderland's pursuit of a Premier League return, but they may just have found an adequate replacement.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, Benfica youngster Luis Semedo is very close to joining the Championship side after failing to agree new terms with the Primeira Liga heavyweights.

What impact did Ellis Simms have at Sunderland?

Simms made a huge impact in his half-season spell on loan at the Stadium of Light, scoring seven goals in 17 league matches to not only help Sunderland adapt to life back in the Championship, but also compete in the higher reaches of the division.

The 22-year-old may have departed with 31 league games of the campaign left to play, including the two-legged play-off semi-final, yet he still finished as the club's fourth-top scorer behind Jack Clarke (9), Ross Stewart (10) and Amad Diallo (13), the latter of whom also impressed on loan from a Premier League side.

With an average of a goal every 0.56 league games, only Stewart (0.86) was more effective in attack for Sunderland this past season than Simms, who also chipped in with a couple of assists.

Sunderland ultimately battled on to reach the play-offs without Simms, where they went on to lose 3-2 on aggregate to promoted Luton Town, but it remains to be seen what could have been with the Everton academy product in their ranks for the second half of the season – especially considering he started just two Premier League games for the Toffees after being recalled.

Could Luis Semedo replace Simms at Sunderland?

On the face of it, it is easy to see why Semedo is being touted as a like-for-like replacement for Simms. After all, both players are similar in stature, measuring in at roughly the same height at 6 foot 3.

Semedo, whose playing style has seen him described as "a big physical unit" by football reporter Josh Bunting, also has an eye for goal, as reflected by the four goals he scored in four games for Benfica in the 2022-23 UEFA Youth League.

However, whereas Simms arrived at Sunderland with some experience of first-team football under his belt following spells on loan with Blackpool and Hearts, Semedo has so far represented only Benfica B and Portugal U20.

Even before finding his scoring boots in European competition last season, Benfica clearly saw plenty in the youngster as they handed him a professional contract in August 2020 when he turned 18.

While his overall numbers at age-grade level are hardly much to shout about, having scored just twice in 18 Segunda Liga appearances last term, Sunderland have a habit of finding gems in need of fine-tuning – not least Stewart, who went from scoring two goals for Ross County in 2020-21 to 26 goals in his first full campaign with the Black Cats.

With Diallo also heading back to parent club Manchester United – though a possible loan return has been touted – Sunderland need to be smart with their transfer business to plug an obvious gap – or gaps.

As boss Tony Mowbray stated in January, any new signing "has to fit the criteria of what we need". If it is another talented young attacker in need of fine-tuning that Sunderland are indeed after, Semedo – who at a reported €600k (£518k) is a low-cost punt – might well be their man.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked to a former Aston Villa player ahead of the summer transfer window, as Julen Lopetegui hopes to make some much-needed amendments to his side.

The Spaniard won't have it easy this summer, though, following the news of Wolves' FFP troubles. Fortunately, the latest transfer rumour could bring a head of talent to Molineux for a minuscule price.

What’s the latest on Arjan Raikhy to Wolves?

As reported by the Daily Mail this week, former Villa academy player Arjan Raikhy is attracting interest from Molineux.

The 20-year-old, who was recently released by Villa, is reportedly in the middle of a battle between Leicester City and Wolves, who wish to sign the midfielder this summer.

The youngster had a trial at Leicester last month, however, no decisions have been made regarding his long-term future.

What could Arjan Raikhy bring to Wolves?

Hailed as being “excellent” by journalist Ashley Preece, Raikhy could offer a host of attributes to Wolves’ midfield.

Playing predominantly as a central midfielder, sometimes acting in a defensive midfield role, the 20-year-old has flair in both creating and defending.

In 20 Premier League 2 appearances this season, the midfielder scored three goals and assisted two – as per Transfermarkt.

Following the announcement of the departure of Joao Moutinho, Wolves will be without the Portuguese ace’s expertise next campaign, and with Ruben Neves also likely to depart, Lopetegui will surely require reinforcements to his midfield.

While Moutinho’s impact at Wolves cannot be replaced, his role in the current side can be filled, which is where the 20-year-old could show his worth with the freedom to perform at Molineux.

Despite the 36-year-old having a career that spans over 800 professional appearances and experience that a player such as Raikhy could only dream of, in terms of their methods to the game, the two have a range of similarities.

Moutinho acted as a complete midfielder for Wolves, boasting both defensive and offensive capabilities, as shown through his numbers.

As per FBref, the Portuguese averaged 2.58 tackles per 90 over the past year, as well as making 6.67 progressive passes per 90, highlighting his ability to command and be a successful output in the midfield.

Like Moutinho, the 20-year-old has been praised in the past for his ability to do both sides in the middle of the park, hailed by members of the media for his ability to dictate the game and make “excellent defensive contributions" as well as his "passing range being different gravy."

As per Sofascore, in the Football League Trophy, the youngster averaged a passing accuracy of 88%, as well as averaging 1.7 interceptions per game, portraying his rounded ability.

While the 20-year-old is still very much at the start of his career, his raw talent could be sculpted and nurtured by Lopetegui, if given the room to blossom in a competitive environment.

TalkSPORT pundit Jamie O'Hara believes Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou would jump at the chance to join Tottenham Hotspur if offered the job.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy are still on the lookout for a new manager to succeed Antonio Conte, coming after the Italian parted company nearly two months ago.

Their list of candidates is slowly being whittle down, though, with former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann apparently out of the running despite his status as a readily-available free agent.

Of the names still in contention, Levy is reportedly interested in the likes of Ruben Amorim, who has done exceptionally at Sporting Lisbon, and Arne Slot of Feyenoord.

Closer to the Premier League, it is also believed that Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is "prominent" in Tottenham's thinking after his excellent debut season on the south coast.

Another name to have been sporadically linked with the post is Postecoglou, who is currently chasing down a Scottish treble after yet another dominant SPFL campaign.

Speaking to Grosvenor Sport (via The Mirror), talkSPORT regular O'Hara has suggested that the 57-year-old would jump at the chance to manage Tottenham if Levy made a move – urging his old club to lodge an approach.

“Tottenham should go after Postecoglou in the summer," said the former Spurs midfielder.“He’s brilliant and Tottenham are a huge football club. If he got offered the job, there is no way he is turning it down – how could you?“If he had the opportunity to manage Tottenham in the Europa League or Europa Conference League, or manage Celtic in the Champions League, you’re taking Tottenham. Celtic will get pumped in the Champions League and will be out in the group stages, then they’ll walk the league.“Celtic are a huge football club but for Postecoglou’s career, there is no way in a million years he would turn Spurs down.”

Who is Ange Postecoglou?

The tactician has won multiple league titles across spells at various clubs in Japan and Australia – as well as in Scotland with Celtic.

Postecoglou deploys an attack-minded 4-3-3 formation, which could interest Spurs fans who wish to see the return of open, expansive football to N17.

Another former Spurs defender in Alan Hutton also recently heralded the Australian, calling him "very likeable" and a fantastic coach following his job in Glasgow.

Going by his plaudits and credentials, Postecoglou could be viewed as a solid outside contender for the job.

Sussex have signed Sri Lanka seamer Nuwan Kulasekara for a short-term NatWest T20 Blast deal as they continue to await the arrival of Mustafizur Rahman

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Jun-2016Sussex have signed Sri Lanka seamer Nuwan Kulasekara for a short-term NatWest T20 Blast deal as they continue to await the arrival of Mustafizur Rahman.Kulasekara, 33, will be available for matches against Kent, Middlesex and Glamorgan. The club are expecting to have Mustafizur available for their last four T20 Blast group matches, as well as four Royal London one-day games, after his arrival was delayed following concerns over his workload.Chris Jordan has also been made available for the match against Kent before returning to the England squad ahead of the final ODI against Sri Lanka in Cardiff.Sussex are currently fourth in the South Group, three points behind leaders Glamorgan.