Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be plotting a move for Chelsea midfielder, Conor Gallagher, with the Englishman currently facing an uncertain future in west London.

What's the latest on Gallagher to Tottenham?

According to journalist Lee Wilmot, the Lilywhites are said to be keen on signing the 23-year-old this summer as Ange Postecoglou looks to strengthen his midfield options, with a departure from the Blues seemingly in the offing for the former Crystal Palace loanee.

Writing on Twitter, the respected insider revealed: "Understand Tottenham are interested in signing Conor Gallagher from Chelsea this summer. The 23-year-old is expected to leave Stamford Bridge, with Spurs a potential destination."

In his attached piece for football.london, Wilmot goes on to add that the six-cap maestro – who is reportedly valued at around £50m – has been linked with a move to Newcastle United of late, albeit with the Magpies now said to be looking at 'other options', potentially opening the door for the north Londoners to pounce.

Would Gallagher be a good signing for Tottenham?

Having shone during his loan stint at Selhurst Park in the previous campaign – where he bagged eight goals and three assists in 34 Premier League games – it is fair to say that Gallagher was not able to hit those heights again as part of a struggling Chelsea side last term, having contributed just three goals and one assist in 35 league outings.

That being said, however, the £50k-per-week menace remains a "hungry" and "high energy" talent – as described by pundit Ally McCoist – that could well breathe new life into Tottenham's midfield, with the current starting pair of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp having been criticised by talkSPORT's Perry Groves earlier this year, as they seemingly "don't do anything".

The addition of the Blues ace may also prove to be something of a masterstroke for Postecoglou due to his apparent likeness to compatriot and new Real Madrid man, Jude Bellingham, having compared favourably to his international colleague, according to FBref.

That similarity between the two midfielders is notably showcased by their all-action style, with Gallagher having been described as a "box-to-box" player by writer Zach Lowy – while Bellingham – who only recently sealed an £88.5m switch to the Bernabeu – has been described as a player that can "do everything" by Sky Sports pundit, Gary Neville.

That ability to make an impact at both ends of the pitch is shown by the fact that the two youngsters can put in the hard yards defensively, with the latter man ranking in the top 7% for blocks made among his European peers, while Gallagher ranks in the top 4% in that regard.

Equally, the pair also have a real desire to get involved in the action in the final third despite typically operating in a central midfield berth, shown by the fact that the Chelsea man ranks in the top 3% for touches in the attacking penalty area, while Bellingham ranks in the top 2% for that same metric.

To share such statistical and stylistic similarities to the 19-year-old superstar is a sign of Gallagher's exciting potential, with the ex-Borussia Dortmund ace undoubtedly a player that any manager would wish to have in their side despite his relative youth, having been tipped to become the "best midfielder in the world" by Manchester City's, Phil Foden.

While the current Tottenham target may not be at that same level as his fellow Englishman, it would be a dream for Postecoglou to have his own version of Bellingham on the books at N17.

Leeds United defender Robin Koch could make a shock move to Manchester United in the summer transfer window, according to an update from reliable journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Is Robin Koch leaving Leeds?

The Whites were relegated from the Premier League last month, following a dismal campaign that eventually saw three different managers leave the club. It was a massive blow after three years back in the top flight, but the key now is for the Whites to rebuild under new owners 49ers Enterprises, making a swift return to the division in the process.

There is no question that relegation is going to make it difficult for Leeds to keep hold of a number of their key players, however, with many understandably not wanting to be plying their trade in the Championship in 2023/24, and choosing to remain at a higher level instead.

One of those who could move on is Koch, with the £38,000-a-week utility man's current Whites deal expiring at the end of next season. That means that this summer could begrudgingly be the best time to sell him, with some claims even emerging that he actually has a relegation clause which allows him to leave for free immediately.

Are Man United signing Koch?

Taking to Twitter, Sky reporter Plettenberg claimed that United are eyeing a summer move for the Leeds star, as they look to boost their squad options moving forward:

"News #Koch: He‘s on the shortlist of Man Utd! Loose talks took place. Confirmed."

While Koch is likely to move on – something that many Leeds fans would likely understand, given their current situation out of the Premier League – the idea of him moving to United could go down very badly with some.

There is a bitter rivalry that exists between the two clubs, so the fans seeing a Whites player move to one of their biggest adversaries could sour his legacy, which would be a shame after three good years at the club that have seen Koch make 77 appearances overall.

Ideally, the 26-year-old would stay put and sign a new deal – he is an eight-cap Germany international who has been hailed as a "machine" by teammate Max Wober – but that seems highly unlikely at this point.

The hope is that he opts not to join United, however, where he could not only struggle to be a regular starter, given the quality they have, but also affect his relationship with Leeds supporters at the same time.

The impasse between the Lodha Committee and the BCCI appears set to continue, with the committee saying the board has shown no sign of complying

Nagraj Gollapudi01-Nov-2016

The impasse between the Lodha Committee and the BCCI appears set to continue, with the committee saying the board has shown no sign of complying with its directive to provide an undertaking to follow the order the Supreme Court passed on October 21.Based on an email received on October 24 from BCCI president Anurag Thakur, the Lodha Committee told the board in its reply on Tuesday that it anticipated “impediments” to the implementation of the order.On October 21, the Supreme Court directed the BCCI not to distribute funds to state associations until they agreed to comply with the Lodha Committee’s recommendations, which the court had approved in an order on July 18. The court also asked BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke and Thakur to meet the Lodha Committee by November 3 and placed several restrictions on the board’s ability to enter into contracts, which forced the IPL broadcast and digital rights tender process to be put off indefinitely.The BCCI has since written repeatedly to the Lodha Committee asking for clarifications on how to proceed with its financial transactions, but has not provided the letter stating it will comply with the Supreme Court’s October 21 order as requested by the committee. Shirke and Thakur have not yet met the committee either. As a result, the committee has not given the BCCI directions on the way forward for the IPL tender and other contracts, leading to the impasse.”In the absence of the unambiguous and unequivocal letter of compliance from the President duly undertaking on behalf of BCCI to unreservedly comply with the order of Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 21.10.2016, the Committee anticipates (having regard to the consistent stance adopted by the BCCI that it has issues with regard to reforms concerning governance) that there would be impediments in carrying out the order dated 21.10.2016,” the committee told Thakur in an email on Tuesday.The committee told Thakur that his email on October 24 had made no mention of compliance with the October 21 order, but instead referred to various other points that had “no relevance to the question at hand”.Thakur’s email, the Lodha Committee said, had once again stated that certain state associations had issues with some of the recommendations and the BCCI could not pass them without a two-thirds majority. The committee also objected to a qualifying phrase in the BCCI’s correspondence.”You have stated that you would take ‘all steps in accordance with law’ to implement the directions at Paragraph 20 of the Supreme Court’s order,” the Lodha committee said in its email. “This language is identical to the one you have employed in the past with this Committee and with the Supreme Court to cherry pick those aspects that you would seek to refer to a vote by the Member Associations.”As far as this Committee is concerned, it is implicit that the orders of the Supreme Court are in accordance with law. It cannot possibly be implied by you or anybody else that the Supreme Court is passing illegal directions. There is thus absolutely no question of qualifying your undertaking by stating that your compliance with the Order would be in accordance with law.”The Lodha Committee – comprising former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha and retired Supreme Court judges Ashok Bhan and R Raveendran – was formed in January 2015 to determine appropriate punishments for some of the officials involved in the 2013 IPL corruption scandal, and also to propose changes to streamline the BCCI, reform its functioning, prevent sporting fraud and conflict of interest.

Leeds United reportedly see West Brom boss Carlos Corberan as a possible ideal option to be their next manager moving forward.

Has Corberan been linked with Leeds job?

The 40-year-old has done a hugely impressive job at the Hawthorns during his short spell there to date, having arrived when they were second-bottom of the Championship late last year.

West Brom ended up coming close to finishing in the playoff positions, however, and if Corberan had been in charge a little longer, chances are they would have achieved that goal.

Since Sam Allardyce's exit as Leeds manager was confirmed last week, numerous names have been linked with replacing him in the Elland Road hot seat. Steven Gerrard and Brendan Rodgers have emerged as high-profile options, but Corberan's name has also been thrown into the hat.

The Whites seemingly consider the Spaniard as a strong choice to come in, having seen the job he is doing with the Baggies, but it remains to be seen if he will eventually be the man to be handed the reins.

Is Corberan really a target?

According to Football Insider, Corberan is indeed "on the shortlist" at Leeds currently, and it is unlikely that they will look to bring in a "traditional figure" in the mould of Allardyce.

Interestingly, the West Brom boss is seen as "ideal" by those high up at the club, should they want to bring in a long-term appointment who can build something special over time.

Leeds are further boosted by a claim in the report that states that Corberan's future with the Baggies is also in doubt "amid a backdrop of financial issues at the club".

It is so important that the Whites get this decision spot on, avoiding the same ludicrous situation they have found themselves in this season, with Jesse Marsch, Javi Garcia and Allardyce all in charge at some point in the campaign.

Corberan may still be a young manager – one who isn't as proven or well-known as the likes of Gerrard and Rodgers – but the progress he has made at West Brom has been bordering on astonishing, and he has even reportedly been inspired by the style of former Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa.

The fact that Corberan has worked at Leeds in the past is also a bonus, having spent three years in charge of the Under-23s between 2017 and 2020, and he will have learned plenty from Bielsa in that time.

Whether the Sneddon Park pitch will aid the quicks or the spinners remains to be seen, but the balance is tilting towards the quicks: two days out from the game, the track is green, and much of the grass will be retained

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Nov-2016Pitch prediction sometimes brings to mind the reading of palms or tea leaves.In the days before a Test, coaches and captains take familiar positions near one end of the track and stare pensively down at the clay; silently nodding or shaking heads, or murmuring softly under their breath. They drop ritualistically, to their haunches to lay hands on the surface, sometimes feeling it with closed eyes, as if searching for the pitch’s life force. Towards the end of the exercise, glances are often thrown skywards and divine guidance is sought. Occasionally, the pitch curator consulted.Members of both teams observed this tradition, at Seddon Park, on Tuesday, and if they were especially intense during the examination, it is because the Hamilton pitch has had many avatars in recent years. It bounced for Sri Lanka last December, when even a visiting seamer prospered with the short ball, and Sri Lanka’s top order treated the crowd to an unforgettable slapstick collapse. In 2013 it had sung for offspinner Sunil Narine, who took 6 for 91 in the first innings. In the two Tests before that, reverse-swing had defined the outcome. All the way back in 2010, when Australia came, pace and seam movement had proved significant.Pakistan say they are happy to play on any track, but two days out, this track is just as green as the one at Hagley Oval had been. And although it was a warm, cloudless day, Seddon Park’s curators also kept the surface covered for much of the afternoon. Much of the grass will be retained – all the better to mute Pakistan’s spinner, said New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling, who also plays on this surface for the Northern Districts domestic side.”A lot can depend on the cloud cover we get here when conditions are around,” he said. “It can swing when it’s overcast. I’m hoping it doesn’t spin too much because Yasir Shah is a world-class bowler, and we really don’t want to bring him into the game too much.”In addition to aiding swing, the cloud cover and rain expected for the first three days of the match may also prevent the track from drying out as much as Pakistan and Yasir would like. The forecast has improved through the week, however, and Watling suggested that even a little sunshine could change the pitch’s character.Todd Astle will likely lose his spot to Mitchell Santner, who has recovered from a fractured wrist•AFP”Our pitches here can flatten out quite quickly. If it’s green on day one, I can guarantee that by the end of day two, if it stays sunny, it won’t be that green anymore.”If the pitch does turn out seam-friendly again, the visiting quicks had shown competence in such conditions – particularly on the third morning of the first Test, when the claimed six wickets for 96. Their success had largely come from bowling shorter lengths than they had initially ventured, the previous day.”Their bowlers are very good, and conditions like these can suit them,” Watling said. “They would have learned from that last match and will adjust their lengths accordingly. They would have learned a lot with the bat as well and we can expect a tougher challenge in this game.”New Zealand are likely to retain the quicks that played in Christchurch, but will likely swap Mitchell Santner for Todd Astle in the XI. Watling said the hosts’ attack is varied enough to be menacing, even if the ball does not move for as long as expected.”We know we always have Neil Wagner, who when conditions flatten out, can change a game and give you those couple of crucial wickets to bring our swing bowlers back into the game as well. We’ve got a good balance there. With Colin bowling quite a few overs for us as the allrounder, I think it really helps Kane.”

حسم التعادل الإيجابي بهدف لكل فريق، نتيجة مباراة فيوتشر وسوبر سبورت الجنوب إفريقي، التي أقيمت مساء اليوم الأحد، ضمن منافسات كأس الكونفدرالية.

والتقى فيوتشر مع سوبر سبورت على ملعب الأخير، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الخامسة من البطولة القارية.

ويتواجد فيوتشر وسوبر سبورت في المجموعة الأولى، رفقة اتحاد العاصمة الجزائري والهلال الليبي.

جاء هدف فيوتشر عن طريق علي زعزع، في الدقيقة 31، بعد عرضية من أحمد عاطف استقبلها زعزع بتسديدة في المرمى الخالي.

طالع أيضًا | رسميًا | حل أزمة إذاعة مباراة الزمالك وأبو سليم الليبي في كأس الكونفدرالية

وسجل الفريق الجنوب إفريقي هدف التعادل في الدقيقة 69 بضربة رأسية من ماتوزي في أقصى الزاوية اليمنى بعد تلقيه عرضية رائعة من الجبهة اليسرى، لتصبح النتيجة 1-1.

بات فيوتشر في وصافة ترتيب المجموعة الأولى في الكونفدرالية برصيد 8 نقاط من تحقيق الفوز في مباراتين مع تعادلين وخسارة، بينما سوبر سبورت الجنوب إفريقي في المركز الثالث برصيد 4 نقاط من فوز وخسارة في 3 مواجهات وتعادل وحيد.

ويحتل اتحاد العاصمة الجزائري صدارة المجموعة برصيد 10 نقاط، والهلال الليبي يحتل المركز الرابع بـ3 نقاط.

وينتظر أن يتأهل فيوتشر في حال تعادل أو فوز اتحاد العاصمة الجزائري في مواجهته مع الهلال الليبي هذا المساء. أحداث المباراةبداية المباراة

د 3 خطأ لصالح فيوتشر من خارج منطقة الجزاء لصالح غنام محمد، وهشام عادل يُسدد الكرة مباشرة نحو المرمى ولكنها تتحول إلى ركلة مرمى.

د7 عرضية خطيرة من جانب سوبر سبورت، ومحمد ربيعة يتدخل قبل المهاجم ويُحول الكرة إلى ركلة ركنية.

د8 اووووه الركنية تُنفذ بشكل رائع وسط ارتباك دفاعي وكاد سوبر سبورت يتقدم بالهدف الأول ولكن يتصدى جنش للكرة على مرتين ويُنقذ مرماه. تصدي جنش أمام سوبر سبورت

د14 تصويبة من أحمد عاطف يتصدى لها الحارس. تصويبة أحمد عاطف

د19 عرضية من الجناح الأيمن ولكن يمسك بها جنش بسهولة.

د 31 جوووووووووووول، الهدف الأول لمودرن فيوتشر، بعد عرضية من أحمد عاطف يستقبلها علي زعزع بتسديدة في المرمى الخالي. هدف فيوتشر الأول في شباك سوبر سبورت بكأس الكونفدرالية

 د 35 ركلة حرة مباشرة لصالح سوبر سبورت من على حدود منطقة الجزاء يُرسلها داخل المنطقة التي شهدت ارتباك دفاعي كبير وازدحام وكاد لاعب الفريق الجنوب إفريقي تسديد هدف التعديل لولا تصدي جنش. استراحةالشوط الثاني

د 49 اووووه فرصة خطيرة، اهوتشايو كاد يُسجل هدف التعديل بعد ضربة رأسية رائعة ولكن تصدي أكثر من رائع لجنش يمنع به تسجيل هدف في مرماه. تصدي جنش الرائع في مباراة فيوتشر وسوبر سبورت بكأس الكونفدرالية

د 55 سوبر سبورت كاد يُسجل هدف التعادل بعد عرضية من الجبهة اليسرى تصل للمهاجم ماتوتزي الذي يضرب الكرة برأسه ولكن تذهب بعيدًا عن المرمى.

د 69 جووووول، هدف التعادل لفريق سوبر سبورت يُسجله ماتوتزي بضربة رأس رائعة في أقصى الزاوية اليمنى بعد تلقيه عرضية رائعة من الجبهة اليسرى. هدف تعادل سوبر سبورت في مرمى فيوتشر

د 87 اوووووه تسديدة رائعة من غنام محمد من خارج منطقة الجزاء ولكنها تصطدم بالعارضة. انختاء المباراة بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدف لكل فريق

Arsenal are confident that Reiss Nelson will sign a long-term contract to stay at the club very soon, journalist Charles Watts has revealed.

What's the latest on Nelson and Arsenal?

The 23-year-old has struggled to break into the Arsenal first team this season as a result of injuries and the form of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, but has delivered when called upon as a substitute.

His cameo against Bournemouth saw him provide an assist for the equaliser and score a stunning winner as Arsenal completed a dramatic comeback, and some impressive substitute appearances followed as he finished the season with six goals and assists in 18 games across all competitions.

Nelson's contract expires this summer, and it appeared that he was going to depart the club, but he now looks set to stay following a breakthrough in talks.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts revealed that there is now confidence within the club that the winger is going to commit his future to Mikel Arteta's side.

"All signs are that this is going to be a done deal with Reiss Nelson and his contract, after rejecting a few previous offers," he stated.

"A breakthrough in talks has happened and people that I'm speaking to at Arsenal think this is going to happen. Until it's signed, until it's done, you never know something can change and other clubs can come in and wave a big contract offer under his nose and he could decide to go elsewhere.

"But at the moment there is a lot of positivity that Reiss Nelson will sign his new contract, we're just waiting for it to be done and announced."

What are Arsenal's aims for Nelson?

Given that Saka played in every league game last season, Nelson can be used more as rotational cover for the England international as Arsenal return to the Champions League.

Losing Nelson for free would have made a replacement necessary, and keeping Nelson, even with a wage rise, would likely be better value than spending a large fee on another winger, when Saka and Martinelli are the undisputed first choice options.

Arteta recently described Nelson as "important," and it is hard to imagine a scenario where Nelson will have committed his future to the club without assurances over his game time.

The winger was once regarded as one of the best talents in the academy, and after a difficult few seasons and a number of loan spells away, it now seems that he is in prime position to fulfil his potential at the club.

Liverpool should focus on bringing in two more midfielders whose main attributes are their dynamism and athleticism according to Redmen TV presenter Ste Hoare.

The club recently confirmed the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion, and will now push to bolster the midfield further ahead of the next campaign.

Liverpool transfer news – midfielders

Liverpool is set for a major midfield overhaul after a disappointing season which resulted in Europa League football for the first time in eight seasons.

The club has already completed the signing of Mac Allister on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee, but reports state the fee is around £35m as the Reds activated a clause in the Argentines contract.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool is set for talks with the agents of Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone following the completion of the Mac Allister transfer.

There have also been reports on the Red's interest in Southampton's Romeo Lavia, Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch and Celta Vigo's Gabri Veiga.

It is clear based on the reports and rumors that the Merseyside-based outfit is targeting young midfielders who can come into the current squad and play their part whilst also having the potential to grow into a regular starter.

What does Hoare think of Liverpool's midfield situation?

When asked on the midfield situation, Hoare told Football FanCast: "In terms of who is next, I think they probably need two more midfielders.

"The one thing Mac Allister doesn’t offer that we are probably still in need of is more dynamism and athleticism. He’s a very good player, and he puts in a lot of work, but I think Liverpool probably lacks a bit of physicality still in the midfield, and we saw that at times last season."

Who should Liverpool sign for midfield?

As the Redmen TV presenter stated, Liverpool needs to bring in midfielders that offer more "dynamism" and "athleticism" than the current options at the club, and both Thuram and Kone fit those descriptions.

The 22-year-old from Nice made 35 appearances in Ligue 1, scoring two and assisting four en route to averaging a rating of 6.91 according to WhoScored.

The 6 foot 4 midfielder is a fantastic creative force, averaging 0.18 xAG as well as 3.25 progressive carries and 1.63 successful take-ons per 90, which ranks him alongside some of the best midfielders in Europe, according to FBref.

Kone is a more defensively dynamic option, with the man who was dubbed a "one-man army" making 30 appearances for his club last season and averaging a rating of 6.81 according to WhoScored. The French youth international averages 2.55 tackles per 90 as well as 1.10 interceptions per 90 showcasing his defensive prowess, as per FBref.

If Liverpool are able to bring in both French youngsters, their midfield will arguably be as dynamic and athletic as ever.

Zimbabwe and West Indies are chasing that winning feeling, and Friday’s match is essentially a semi-final, with the winner guaranteed a spot in Sunday’s final

The Preview by Liam Brickhill24-Nov-2016Match factsFriday, November 25, 2016
Start time 0930 local (0730 GMT)Shai Hope is one of the two batsmen to have scored hundreds in the tri-series•AFP

Big pictureWest Indies are yet to cross the line and win a match in Bulawayo on this tour after their tie against Zimbabwe and one-run defeat to Sri Lanka. That leaves them second on the points table, with seven points, while the hosts are third on four, with their points coming from that tie and the rain-ruined encounter against Sri Lanka. Both teams are chasing that winning feeling, and this match is essentially a semi-final, with the winner guaranteed a spot in Sunday’s final.The statistics favour West Indies: they have three of the top five wicket-takers and the top two run-scorers in this tri-series in their squad. But both teams’ recent form has been unpredictable and inconsistent, and West Indies may well be without strike bowler Shannon Gabriel after he limped off with a hamstring niggle during the game against Sri Lanka on Wednesday, making this a difficult match to call.The Zimbabweans floundered in the tournament opener, stooping to an eight-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka, but the green, seaming conditions they encountered in Harare are a world away from the more benign surface they are likely to find on Friday. Zimbabwe will also be able to draw confidence from their last match against West Indies, as well as the comfort of playing at home in front of a supportive crowd.Zimbabwe’s best hope may be to play on West Indies’ performance anxiety and build pressure on their lower middle order. Captain Graeme Cremer made no secret of his intention to starve West Indies’ batsmen of boundaries as a route towards building pressure at the beginning of this series, and if his batsmen are able to cobble together a score, scoreboard pressure in the chase may be Zimbabwe’s best way to find a route past West Indies.Form guideZimbabwe TLLLL (Last five completed matches, most recent first)
West Indies LTWLLIn the spotlightWest Indies’ Nos. 5 to 8 have scored 224 runs at 22.40 in the series, and both times that they chased they were unable to fully close off the game. Whether they are setting or chasing, the West Indies’ lower order will have to find a way to build on the platforms handed to them by the top four, and deal with pressure situations in unfamiliar conditions.It’s all very well formulating and sticking to a bowling plan, but if Zimbabwe’s fielding is not up to scratch that could all be for nought. Before their dramatic comeback, Zimbabwe missed multiple chances in their last game against West Indies, and coach Heath Streak pointed out that, as proud as he was of the fight they showed, this was one area to improve upon. The cliché ‘catches win matches’ should be ringing in Zimbabwe’s ears.There are doubts over Shannon Gabriel’s fitness•AFP

Team newsWhile Tarisai Musakanda might have seemed the romantic choice for a debut earlier in the series, it’s more likely that Zimbabwe might turn to experience in this situation. Hamilton Masakadza could slot in the opener’s position in place of Brian Chari, who hasn’t been able to take advantage of the Powerplay even when he has looked solid. Masakadza has been somewhat out of sorts recently, but he averages a healthy 34.79 at Queens. There are also questions at the lower end of Zimbabwe’s batting order, and the choice of whether to play Elton Chigumbura or Malcolm Waller as their finisher will have to be made.Zimbabwe (possible): 1 Chamu Chibhabha, 2 Brian Chari/Hamilton Masakadza, 3 Craig Ervine, 4 Sikandar Raza, 5 Sean Williams, 6 Peter Moor (wk), 7 Elton Chigumbura/Malcolm Waller, 8 Graeme Cremer (capt), 9 Donald Tiripano, 10 Tendai Chisoro, 11 Chris Mpofu.Shannon Gabriel could only bowl five overs during West Indies’ match against Sri Lanka on Wednesday, and given the fast bowler’s susceptibility to injury they might not want to risk aggravating any niggles by playing him again, in which case Miguel Cummins seems the obvious replacement. Sulieman Benn has struggled to make an impact with the ball, and Zimbabwe’s batsmen might find Devendra Bishoo a more difficult prospect.West Indies (possible): 1 Johnson Charles, 2 Evin Lewis, 3 Kraigg Brathwaite, 4 Shai Hope (wk), 5 Jonathan Carter, 6 Rovman Powell, 7 Jason Holder (capt), 8 Carlos Brathwaite, 9 Ashley Nurse, 10 Devendra Bishoo, 11 Miguel Cummins.Pitch and conditionsThe pitch being used for Friday’s match is expected to play similarly to Wednesday’s encounter. With a little grass on it, albeit dead, it should hold up through the day and offer a little more for the bat than the ball, without being an absolute road. Friday’s weather forecast suggests a little more cloud cover than the last two days, as well as the threat of thunderstorms in the area.Stats and trivia Evin Lewis and Shai Hope are the two leading run-scorers in this tri-series, with 193 and 173 runs respectively, and they are the only two batsmen from any of the sides to pass 100. Zimbabwe have chased 300-plus targets twice, with both times coming in the last five years, and both against New Zealand. Just over five years ago, Zimbabwe had chased down 328 at this ground. Craig Ervine is Zimbabwe’s leading batsman in this series, with 115 runs at 57.50 in three innings.Quotes”The mood in the camp is happy and confident. We’re hoping for a good home crowd as well, as the support will definitely help to fire us up.”
“We expect a good competition. They played a very good game against us last time, and we don’t expect anything different from them. Their tails will be up, so the situation for us is that we need to buckle down and close off these close games.”

Arsenal are "progressing" in talks to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia and are "close" to an agreement on personal terms, according to reports.

Who will Arsenal sign this summer?

The north Londoners have their eyes on multiple additions this summer as they look to strengthen Mikel Arteta's ranks and challenge again for next season's Premier League title.

Central midfield is the position to really look out for, as a wide variety of sources claim they're stepping up their pursuit of West Ham star Declan Rice and have already had bids rejected for the England international.

They're apparently "serious" about signing Rice and remain confident of doing a deal, having already agreed personal terms, while the likes of Man City star Ilkay Gundogan and Lavia are also being repeatedly linked.

Further forward and in defence, Gunners supporters could see the likes of Kai Havertz join from Chelsea with talks advancing and terms also agreed there, and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is at the centre of real interest.

Following Southampton's relegation from the top flight, Lavia is a player who could well be on the move, as he attracts interest from Arteta, Chelsea, Man United and Liverpool (The Independent).

Arsenal have been in talks for the 19-year-old, as reported elsewhere, but Football Insider have a really promising update on their efforts to sign him.

According to their information, Arsenal are "progressing" in negotiations for Lavia, with personal terms "close to agreement". This is part of a potential quadruple spending spree and Arteta could see as much as £300 million spent in total this summer.

As well as Lavia, it is believed Rice, Havertz and Timber are all still in ongoing discussions to make a move to the Emirates Stadium.

How has Romeo Lavia done at Southampton?

Having signed for the Saints last year on a deal from Man City, Pep Guardiola has since been very impressed with his efforts at St. Mary's.

Speaking to City's official website, Guardiola held special praise for the Belgium international, who has gone on to make 29 league appearances.

“I am really impressed with what Romeo has done and is doing,” said the City boss.

“(It’s a) good experience to go to the Premier League and play at this early age. So important.”

Lavia also averaged a higher pass accuracy (86.4%) than any Southampton player in the Premier League last campaign.