Tom Westley hit a century as Essex moved to within touching distance of a home semi-final with a 72-run Royal London One-Day Cup win over previous South Group leaders Somerset at Taunton

ECB Reporters Network14-May-2017
ScorecardTom Westley led Essex closer to a semi-final slot•Getty Images

Tom Westley hit a century as Essex moved to within touching distance of a home semi-final with a 72-run Royal London One-Day Cup win over previous South Group leaders Somerset at Taunton.A crowd of around 4,000 saw the visitors run up 334 for 6 from their 50 overs, Westley making exactly 100, Ravi Bopara 92 not out and Alastair Cook 65. Craig Overton and Roelof van der Merwe claimed two wickets each.Somerset were given a lightning start in reply by Johann Myburgh (57). But despite a solid 77 from skipper Jim Allenby, they lost wickets regularly as Neil Wagner took 3 for 55 and Simon Harmer 3 for 56.The result gave Essex a two-point lead over Somerset going into the final round of group games, so avoiding defeat in their final match against Kent at Canterbury would put them in the last four. Somerset may have to be content with a play-off spot.After the early loss of Varun Chopra, Westley and Cook laid the foundation for a competitive Essex total with a second-wicket stand of 135 in 20 overs.Cook reached an untroubled 54-ball half-century, featuring six boundaries, shortly after his partner had reached the same landmark off 42 deliveries, with 9 fours.It was a surprise when the former England captain, who had looked in total command, departed with the total on 156, caught behind flashing at a short ball from Jamie Overton.Westley was in full flow by then, moving fluently to three figures off 95 balls. Without addition he was bowled by left-arm spinner van der Merwe going down on one knee to swing to leg.There was a second wicket for van der Merwe when Ryan ten Doeschate was bowled by a delivery that skidded through. At 215 for 4, Essex were in danger of falling short of 300.That changed when Bopara and Ashar Zaidi added 88 in less than ten overs before the latter was well caught by Adam Hose at deep mid-wicket for a brisk 32.Bopara went to his fifty with a straight six off Tim Groenewald, having faced 56 balls, and completed a valuable contribution with another maximum off the final ball of the innings from Craig Overton following a short rain break.Somerset’s reply began in sensational style as Myburgh, who survived the simplest of chances to Paul Walter at mid-on off the fifth ball of the innings, bowled by Matt Quinn, went on the charge.The South African was on 48 by time the total reached 50 after just 4.4 overs and completed a thrilling 28-ball half-century, with 6 fours and 4 sixes, before holing out to Chopra on the mid-wicket boundary off Quinn.Peter Trego, Steve Davies and James Hildreth fell cheaply as Essex began to peg the run-rate back. At the halfway stage of their innings Somerset were 158 for 4, with Allenby well set.The captain took few risks moving to a 56-ball half-century and was looking on course for his first Somerset hundred at Taunton when he drove loosely at Neil Wagner and directed a simple catch to cover.Adam Hose, looking to build on his maiden century in the previous game against Gloucestershire, looked good again before being bowled for 28 by an off-break from Simon Harmer, who sent back Jamie Overton in the same over, attempting a second six over mid-wicket.With the required run-rate rising fast, van der Merwe and Groenewald perished to attacking blows. Some lusty hits from Craig Overton kept Somerset hopes alive before he was run out to finish the game.

فاز فريق رين أمام نظيره نانت، بنتيجة 3/0، اليوم السبت، في إطار منافسات الجولة الثلاثين من الدوري الفرنسي.

واجه فريق نانت نظيره رين في الجولة الثلاثين من الدوري الفرنسي، على ملعب “لو بوجوار” بقيادة الحكم، ويلي ديلاجو.

وشارك الدولي المصري مصطفي محمد أساسياً في مواجهة رين اليوم طوال الـ90 دقيقة.

اقرأ ايضاً.. وحيد خليلوزيتش يوضح حقيقة تلقيه عروضًا لتدريب منتخب مصر ويوجه نصيحة لـ مصطفى محمد

انتهى الشوط الأول سلبي النتيجة بين الفريقين، حيث شهد سيطرة وأفضلية لفريق رين، ووصلت نسبة الاستحواذ لـ60% لصالح الفريق الضيف.

في الشوط الثاني وعند الدقيقة 66، افتتح أرناود كاليموندو مونيجا التسجيل لصالح فريق رين، بعد تلقيه تمريرة حاسمة من جويلا دوي.

ومن علامة الجزاء، تمكن بوريجايد من تسجيل الهدف الثاني بحلول الدقيقة 77.

وكاد أن يسجل مصطفى محمد هدف نانت الأول، لولا براعة حارس رين مانداندا، الذي حرمه من تسجيل هدف مؤكد من رأسية داخل منطقة الجزاء.

وبتمريرة حاسمة من ديزيري دوي، سجل جويري الهدف الثالث لصالح رين عند الدقيقة 90.

وبهذا الفوز، ارتفع رصيد رين إلى النقطة 42 في المركز السابع بترتيب الدوري الفرنسي، بينما تجمد رصيد نانت عند النقطة 31 في المركز الرابع عشر. أهداف مباراة نانت ورين 0 3 الدوري الفرنسي

ملخص لمسات مصطفي محمد في مباراة نانت ورين بالدوري الفرنسي

Arsenal are reportedly taking an interest in Crystal Palace sensation Michael Olise, as Mikel Arteta eyes additional reinforcements to bolster his side this window.

The summer has started brightly for the Gunners, who secured the signings of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice, however, the spending is not set to dry up yet, with latest news linking the north Londoners to the Premier League gem.

Could Arsenal sign Michael Olise?

As reported by 90min this week, the French dynamo has gained interest from fellow sides in the Premier League, with the north Londoners named among them.

The Gunners are joined by top-flight rivals Chelsea and Manchester City, as clubs that have ‘registered an interest’ in the 21-year-old.

The report also claims that the former Reading star is suspected to have a £35m release clause in place in his contract at Selhurst Park – a fair fee for one of the league’s most promising talents.

How good is Michael Olise?

Once lauded as an “all-rounder” by scout Jacek Kulig, the young talent is best identified for his versatility to play in most areas of attack.

Primarily used on the right flank at Selhurst Park, the France U21 international has asserted himself as one of the most threatening players in the league.

Signed by the Eagles from Reading for a fee around the £8m mark in 2021, Olise has seen his market value rise to around £23.2m to coincide with his development, as per FootballTransfers.

At just 21, the youngster ranks in the top 7% of those in his position throughout Europe’s top five leagues for his frequency of assists, averaging 0.36 per 90 over the past year, via FBref.

A creative player, the London-born gem registered 11 assists in 37 appearances for Palace, as well as scoring twice in last season's Premier League competition.

For Arsenal, and more importantly Arteta, obtaining a talent as bright as Olise could be fundamental to the Gunners’ reinstatement as one of the best sides in Europe, as he is a player that could bring so much to the Emirates.

One current squad member, in particular, could benefit from the presence of the Frenchman, that being Gabriel Jesus, who had an impressive first term in north London after making the move from City last summer.

Making 17 goal contributions in only 26 Premier League appearances, the versatile Brazilian frontman could have his game bolstered by the playmaking winger, who could thrive in playing alongside a figure as dynamic as the former City man.

Also previously hailed as “electric”, the 21-year-old became the youngest player to assist three goals from open play in one game in the Premier League, showcasing just how much of a threat he brings from wide areas, via OptaJoe.

Whilst Arsenal’s squad is packed with creative outlets, the pace and vision of Olise could benefit Jesus as a player that could fit perfectly in exchanging play with the 26-year-old striker, who was a prominent figure in piecing together attacks for the Gunners.

Averaging an impressive 2.36 key passes per 90 last season, the Palace gem exceeded Arteta’s key creator Martin Odegaard, who managed an average of 2.19 per 90 in the Premier League.

The French target could be given an explosive forward to target in his play-making exploits, providing Jesus with an added pathway in the final third to the benefit of all at the club.

Everton have made the trio of Jordan Pickford, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Alex Iwobi untouchable this window according to Dean Jones.

The Toffees are hoping to bounce back after a couple of disappointing campaigns.

What is the latest Everton transfer news?

The Toffees are in the midst of one of the most important summer transfer windows in their recent history, as they hope to build a squad to avoid a relegation battle next season.

The club has already made their first signing, with experienced Englishman Ashley Young joining on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Aston Villa. Reports have also stated that the side is looking to add another forward, with Marca stating that the Toffees had seen an offer rejected by Almeria for striker El Bilal Toure, whilst Leeds United have rebuffed a £15m offer for Italian youngster Wilfred Gnonto according to the Mail.

Sean Dyche's side have also explored a deal for Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga according to Fabrizio Romano. The Swedish youngster has attracted the interest of many clubs but the Toffees are favorites as it stands, with the deal reportedly set to cost between £8-10m.

In terms of outgoings, Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana has been linked with a move to fellow Premier League side West Ham United. The Hammers recently sold captain and star midfielder Declan Rice for a record £105m fee and are looking to potentially replace him with Onana. The midfielder turned down a potential move to West Ham in the summer of 2022 in favour of a move to Goodison Park, but now could make the switch to the London Stadium for a fee in the region of £50m.

However, according to journalist Jones, Everton have made three players untouchable this summer, with the club not wanting to lose the "instrumental" figures this summer, as he stated whilst talking to Give Me Sport: "There has been plenty of speculation around Everton and who they will sell to raise funds this summer and a lot has been made of Jordan Pickford potentially being the one that brings in a lot of cash. That actually goes against what I am hearing on the situation now that we are here in the middle of the transfer window and heading towards the new season. Pickford is not available for transfer, it seems a pretty clear stance from what I’m hearing.

Obviously, he and Calvert-Lewin are the two big names in that team that could make the jump up to a team playing in Europe, but I don’t see it happening as things stand. The same goes for Alex Iwobi to be honest, he is one they want as an instrumental figure in the team and while there have been a couple of reports suggesting he will be available in this window, I do not believe that to be the case.”

Will Everton sell those players?

Despite the club's stance, should they receive a massive offer for any of those players, they could depart Goodison Park this summer.

Jordan Pickford has been the subject of interest from a number of top sides throughout this summer from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, however both sides seem to have opted for different targets for between the sticks, and Everton have stuck a £70m price tag on the England number one's head this summer.

Calvert-Lewin has battled with injury problems for the past couple of seasons, however, he was the subject of Arsenal interest this year according to reports, and should he be able to maintain his fitness, could easily attract that level of interest again.

Iwobi enjoyed his finest season last campaign since his move from Arsenal in the summer of 2019, and has reportedly attracted the interest of Premier League clubs West Ham and Fulham, as well as from Italian giants Inter Milan regarding a potential move this summer.

It remains to be seen whether the trio will still be on Merseyside for the club's first game of the season at home against Fulham.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsA goose egg, bagel, doughnut, or a duck in cricket. Whatever you want to call it, Scotland had a big fat zero next to their name in the wins column for ODIs against Full Members: no wins, 23 losses since the 1999 World Cup.That dubious record was laid to rest on Thursday.Scotland didn’t get official ODI credit for laying the smackdown on Sri Lanka in a Champions Trophy warm-up last month, but the hosts came out of that match oozing confidence. It showed against Zimbabwe when Kyle Coetzer responded with a top-class century, like he had done against Sri Lanka, to set up a total of 317 for 6 in an eventual 26-run win on DLS Method.Both sides grappled through the first four overs in which Scotland added just four runs. Off the penultimate ball of the fourth over, Richard Ngarava pinged Kyle Coetzer on the side of the helmet with a bouncer. Much like a “heel” attempting a vicious maneuver on a “face” character in a wrestling match, the blow appeared to stir up Coetzer to bring out the full gamut of moves in retaliation.But it was Ngarava’s new-ball partner Tendai Chatara who was at the receiving end of Coetzer’s initial punishment, with a drive over long-on for six sandwiched by three boundaries in a 19-run seventh over. Matthew Cross was not to be left out of the fun at the other end; he pulled Ngarava and played a series of cover drives as part of five boundaries spread across the sixth and eighth overs. Cross struck seven fours in all for 33 off 35 balls before he played on to end a brisk 56-run opening stand.Coetzer brought up his half-century off 44 deliveries, dropkicking his opposite number Graeme Cremer’s legspin over the rope at long-on for six and then through midwicket for four along the way. At the other end, Zimbabwe connected with a few elbow drops to knock over Calum MacLeod, Richie Berrington and Preston Mommsen cheaply.But Coetzer was unmoved, bringing up his second ton in three days. It was Coetzer’s fourth ODI ton overall; he finished with 13 fours and two sixes in his 109 off 101 balls before he was caught at deep midwicket off Sean Williams to make it 215 for 5 in the 40th over.Making 300 is the bare minimum under good conditions at The Grange. With Coetzer gone, it was left to Craig Wallace and Michael Leask to take the act into overdrive, and they did just that. After bringing up 50 in 49 balls, Wallace pulled out a reverse ramp on Chatara in the 47th over to move to his highest ODI score of 58 before eventually holing out to long-on in the 49th.Leask, playing his first ODI since August 2016, stuck to old-school slogging at the other end, clearing the front leg to heave both medium pacers over the leg side boundary. He too finished with a career-best unbeaten 59 off 38 balls. Ngarava also had a career day, but in the wrong direction, ending up with 1 for 96 in 10 overs, the second-worst ODI figures by a Zimbabwean.Con de Lange finished with career-best ODI figures of 5 for 60•Peter Della Penna

Zimbabwe’s reply kept the 500-odd home fans mostly silent in the early part of their 318 chase as Hamilton Masakadza hit two monstrous sixes over long-on, one of which resulted in a ball change. But for the first of several times in the chase, Zimbabwe climbed up the top rope and readied themselves for the finishing move only to slip and fall off the turnbuckle.Masakadza was run-out for 38 when he responded to Solomon Mire’s tight call for a single off Leask, who ran towards short midwicket on his followthrough and relayed the throw to Cross. Craig Ervine was beaten for pace an over later by Chris Sole as a top-edged pull swirled before coming down to Cross.Con de Lange entered in the 18th over and struck five balls later, the first of what would be a maiden five-for in Scotland colors, when Mire’s top-edged sweep carried to Safyaan Sharif at deep square leg to make it 97 for 3. Another run-out came moments before the umpires took players off for thickening showers as Berrington’s spectacular diving stop at backward point created confusion between Williams and Sikandar Raza, with the latter ultimately short of the relay to Cross.The teams sat for 100 minutes before skies cleared and play resumed with Zimbabwe 107 for 4 in 21.3 overs, though set a new target of 299 in 43 overs. Williams made up for his role in Raza’s run-out by producing a series of reverse sweeps for boundaries off de Lange. He brought up his half-century off 49 balls with a boundary. He would go on to make 70 before Berrington dislodged him thanks to a sharp catch by Cross standing up to Berrington’s medium pace. In the same over, Berrington could have had another if not for a tough drop on a return chance to reprieve Malcolm Waller on 8.While de Lange burrowed through Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order at one end, Waller seized on the early evening cross-breeze to launch five sixes. Scotland’s nerves showed in the 38th over when a four and six off by Waller off Sole was followed by a no-ball, with the ensuing free hit smashed for another four. Fifteen had come off three legal deliveries, with Zimbabwe dragging the equation down to 59 off 33. However, they were eight down and Waller began turning down singles in order to protect the tail.With 38 needed off the last three overs, De Lange was brought back again only to be hit for another six down the ground by Waller. But three balls later another slog sweep held up in the wind for Sole to claim Waller at deep square leg for 92 off 62, though it was not without controversy as Scotland took a dramatic “heel” turn of their own. Video footage of the catch appeared to show that Sole’s right foot was on the rope when he completed the catch before quickly dragging it back inside play.For Zimbabwe fans, it will bring back bad memories of the disputed catch taken by John Mooney on the boundary to dismiss Williams on 96 in the 2015 World Cup, a match Ireland eventually won by five runs.Zimbabwe initially protested and Waller stayed at the wicket for nearly a minute before reluctantly walking off. De Lange had five, Zimbabwe were down on the mat for good. Sharif then came back to claim the final wicket to clinch a famous Scotland win.

Mithali Raj believes India’s lack of experience was a telling factor in their narrow defeat in the Women’s World Cup final

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jul-2017Mithali Raj, the India captain, put down India’s nine-run loss in the World Cup final at Lord’s to nervousness and lack of experience in finishing close games. India lost seven wickets for 28 runs after looking set to clinch their maiden World Cup title. They slumped from 191 for 3 to 219 all out in chase of 229.But even in disappointment, Raj chose to focus on her team’s “special journey”. “Everybody was very nervous and I think that resulted in our defeat,” she said. “The girls are sad because they have given it their all. Its natural and it will take time. These girls have set the platform. They have opened a lot of channels for women’s cricket. They should be proud.”As a captain I am very proud. I have seen the changes the girls have made. I’ve seen the transition. The team still looks very confident they will be a team that other teams will be looking out for. That’s what I’m proud of. We started off well. We had a few matches in which we were defeated and we came back stronger. Unlike 2005, this went to the end. The girls gave their best.”Without taking any names, Raj said the middle and lower order had not been able to handle the pressure of the chase. Veda Krishnamurthy was out slogging, Sushma Verma was bowled playing a nervous sweep, Shikha Pandey was run out attempting a single that wasn’t on while Deepti Sharma, realizing the need to finish things off as she was running out of partners with India needing 11 with two wickets in hand, dragged a hoick to midwicket.The slide undid some solid groundwork laid by Punam Raut, who top-scored with 86 during a 95-run stand with Harmanpreet Kaur, who made 51.”The last four or five batters could not handle the pressure,” Raj said. “At one point, the game was in the balance. That is when we didn’t hold our nerve. Their bowling and fielding was really up.”We messed it up in the end. It was a very brave innings from Punam. It’s about experience and how composed you are. The girls weren’t experienced enough to do it. But the way they have fought all along the tournament is very heartwarming. The Indian women’s team has a very bright future.”Raj, who confirmed that this was her last World Cup game, hoped India’s performance would serve as the start of a giant leap for women’s cricket in India. “The response from the public is very positive. I’m sure BCCI is very proud of the team. When we lost the warm-up games, no one gave us the chance to reach the semi-finals,” she said. “When we lost to South Africa and Australia, no one thought we would get to the final. A team like that has come to the finals and given a good fight to the home team.”The WBBL has given exposure to the two girls who have played [Smriti Mandhana and Kaur]. If more girls participate in such leagues, it will give them experience and help them to improve their own game. If you ask me they should have IPL because now is the right time to create that base. Women’s cricket is everywhere and they have put up a much better standard than the last World Cup.”

The renaissance of Aston Villa under the tactically meticulous Unai Emery has been remarkable.

The club’s flirtatious relationship with relegation has been transformed into a burning desire to make inroads into European competition. This has been heightened by the appointment of Monchi as the President of Football Operations, who alongside Emery, has been described as a “serial winner” by the chairman Nassef Sawiris.

The manager’s ambition is matched by the ownership and board, who have started the summer sensationally. Last week, Villa completed the signing of Pau Torres for around £31.5m as they prepare the squad to juggle domestic and European football.

In the previous transfer window, Emery outlined his need for a “specialist winger” and he’s targeted Moussa Diaby.

What’s the latest on Moussa Diaby to Aston Villa?

According to RMC Sport (via Sport Witness), the Midlands outfit are closing in on an agreement to sign the Bayer Leverkusen star.

It's thought that Villa and the Bundesliga side have 'almost agreed' on a deal of around €50m (£43.5m), including bonuses for the France dynamo, though Saudi Pro League's Al-Nassr are still lingering with interest.

Emery's side would like to conclude dealings sooner rather than later, with the player himself now in control of where his future lies.

What can Moussa Diaby bring to Aston Villa?

Last season, Diaby was in imperious form, recording 25 goal contributions in 48 appearances across all competitions.

His untameable potency is reflected by his nine Bundesliga goals, which meant he was Leverkusen’s top scorer.

One scout, speaking to The Athletic on the condition of anonymity, believes he is a “wildcard” capable of affecting the game in moments. This is also shown by his rank within the best 19% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for total shots and non-penalty goals per 90.

However, he supports this goal-scoring with sparkling creativity and dribbling. Last year, he notched the most assists (8) and chances created (50) in the team, as per BBC Sport.

Morade Djeddi, president of Diaby’s first club Esperance Paris 19eme, has lauded his quality, saying:

“Since he was young, Moussa had this talent… very quickly, you realise that he has explosiveness, an ability to take on his opponent and dribbling skills.

“He was born with it. Moussa has a supernatural, divine gift. A gift that some have and others don’t.”

How would Moussa Diaby benefit Ollie Watkins at Villa Park?

This glorious combination of invention and productivity could make for a formidable offensive partnership with Ollie Watkins.

Under Emery, the Englishman has enjoyed a phenomenal revival, and in the most fruitful period of his top-flight career, he netted 13 goals in the final 23 league games of the season.

The former Brentford striker’s endless running and indomitable hard work have been noted by his boss, who said:

“His mentality is very good. Sometimes we have to stop him; we have to tell him, ‘No, this is enough for today. Tomorrow, more.’

“Defensively and offensively, we try to use his skills, adding his characteristics. He is doing it: scoring and defending with a great attitude. Overall, he is improving in everything.”

Pairing him with the mooted Villa transfer target could be a match made in heaven for Emery, given the credentials of both players, as evident above.

In the “dangerous” Diaby – as lauded by former Freiburg striker Nils Petersen – Villa could be adding a player with key European experience and someone to rival Watkins’ commendable effervescence and output.

The summer transfer window can be both an exciting and devastating time for all involved. Whilst there's a chance that you'll see your favourite player arrive at your favourite club, there's also the flip side to that deal of that same player leaving his previous supporters heartbroken.

When that heartbreak occurs, too, it needs to be worth it. The worst thing a player can do is leave a club for seemingly better things, only to fly too close to the sun before crashing and burning. See, for example, Philippe Coutinho who famously flopped at Barcelona.

From a club's perspective, however, at the very least, they hope to sign a player capable of avoiding injuries and playing a part. Seeing their investment spend more time in the physio room than on the pitch is the stuff of nightmares for those running the accounts.

Unfortunately for Chelsea, though, if they sign Mohammed Kudus, history suggests that could end up becoming well acquainted with the club doctors, with some worrying numbers coming to the fore.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, the Blues have made contact with Ajax to express their interest in the midfielder, with an agreement over personal terms with Kudus close.

Issue Chelsea could face with Mohammed Kudus

Kudus' injury record is an incredible concern. According to Transfermarkt, the 22-year-old has picked up a total of seven injuries in the last three seasons, missing a total of 47 games for Ajax.

At such a young age, too, there's not a guarantee that the injuries won't continue to pick up as his career progresses, especially in the intensity of the Premier League.

We've seen players join sides in England's top flight in previous seasons, before becoming fairly injury prone, with Naby Keita being a prime example of that at Liverpool.

The midfielder missed 13 games in three seasons at RB Leipzig, before going on to miss 58 games in the same time frame at Liverpool.

If Chelsea do sign Kudus, they'll be desperate to see his injury record improve. However, worryingly enough, Ajax have confirmed this week that he had been absent from training for medical reasons and is receiving treatment for a minor injury.

How did Mohammed Kudus perform for Ajax last season?

Even as Ajax failed to win Eredivisie in their first season since Erik ten Hag's departure to Manchester United, Kudus stood out.

The midfielder scored an incredible 18 goals, whilst also assisting a further seven in all competitions.

For those numbers, alone, Chelsea may well ignore his worrying injury record. At his best, and fully fit, the 22-year-old has the potential to become one of the best in his position.

When compared to other midfielders at Stamford Bridge last season, Kudus is a cut above the rest, with a hand in just three fewer league goals than Mason Mount, Enzo Fernandez, and Conor Gallagher combined, according to FBref.

Under Mauricio Pochettino, we've seen young midfielders such as Dele Alli thrive, and Kudus undoubtedly possesses the ability to hit similar levels under the new Chelsea boss.

Having seemingly registered their interest, Kudus to Chelsea is certainly a move to keep an eye on this summer, with Arsenal reportedly snooping around too.

No doubt, the Blues will be looking to bounce back after a campaign to forget last time out and perhaps he could be the man to help with that – but only if he can stay fit.

Chelsea are reportedly closing in on the £80m signing of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to an exciting new transfer update.

Do Chelsea want to sign Moises Caicedo?

The future of the £15,000-a-week Seagulls star has been one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer window so far, with numerous clubs interested in signing him.

Caicedo was one of Brighton's top performers last season, shining under both Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi, seeing his stock rise hugely in the process. While his current club are desperate to retain his services, having already lost Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool, it is looking increasingly difficult for them, especially as he wants to leave.

Chelsea has emerged as the strong favourites to acquire the 21-year-old's signature, with the Blues and by extension new manager Mauricio Pochettino seeing him as the ideal replacement for N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic in the middle of the park. Now, it looks as though his move to Stamford Bridge could be nearing its conclusion, in what represents a positive update.

Are Chelsea signing Moises Caicedo?

According to a key claim from Football Insider, Caicedo is now closer than ever to joining Chelsea, with an £80m move on the verge of coming to fruition:

"Chelsea are confident of securing a deal for Moises Caicedo worth £80million in total, sources have told Football Insider. Caicedo has already agreed personal terms with the Blues and his potential move to Stamford Bridge is now edging closer. The 21-year-old has been a long-term target for the London club and is believed to be keen on the move.

"Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been pushing hard to sign the midfielder and are closing in on an £80m deal following new discussions in the last hours."

This is great news for Chelsea, who have seen Caicedo as a top target for some time now, and he has the potential to be a game-changing signing in midfield, assuming the move does go through.

The Ecuadorian has the rare talent of being a top-class midfielder both in and out of possession, proving to be equally adept at pressing opponents and winning tackles as he is at keeping the ball ticking over. Last season, no Brighton player averaged more tackles per game in the Premier League than his tally of 2.7, while of those to have started 10 games or more in the competition, only Lewis Dunk (90.4%) had a higher pass completion rate than his 88.8% for the Seagulls.

It still isn't guaranteed that Chelsea will get Caicedo – a move to Liverpool isn't completely out of the question, amid rumours are several experienced stars moving on, including Jordan Henderson and Fabinho – but it would be a big surprise at this point if he wasn't plying his trade in west London next season.

He could be seen as a fantastic option alongside Enzo Fernandez in midfield – Jamie Redknapp has hailed him as both "brilliant" and "magnificent" – in what could be a vibrant young partnership for many years to come. Big strides are needed from Chelsea in the Premier League next season, in order to get back into the top four, and snapping up Caicedo could go a long way to making that happen.

An opening partnership of 171 between Nicole Bolton and Beth Mooney paved the way for Australia women to begin their title defence with an eight-wicket win against West Indies

The Report by Karthik Krishnaswamy26-Jun-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details1:37

‘Felt like I was in a dream’ – Bolton

An opening partnership of 171 between Nicole Bolton and Beth Mooney paved the way for Australia women to begin their title defence with an eight-wicket win against West Indies, the team they beat in the 2013 final. Mooney made 70, while Bolton remained unbeaten on 107 as Australia completed their chase of 205 in 38.1 overs.At no point were West Indies on top after they chose, after all manner of toss-related confusion, to bat first. Four of their top five got starts, but none of them got past fifty, as Australia’s bowlers, led by Ellyse Perry, kept striking regular blows to ensure that an innings struggling to get out of second gear never built significant momentum.Wickets through the middle overs cut short any partnership that threatened to blossom. Jess Jonassen, who dropped the opener Hayley Matthews on 27, made amends by bowling her with an arm ball just when she was looking dangerous, having added 19 off her last 18 balls. That ended a second-wicket stand of 52 between Matthews and Chedean Nation.Then came a cameo from Deandra Dottin, who put on 34 in 29 balls with her captain Stafanie Taylor for the fourth wicket. Dottin may have just begun to worry Australia’s think tank when Perry brought a swift end to her innings. Having just conceded two successive fours – a pull and a flick, both placed wide of midwicket – she came up with the perfect riposte, an inducker that bowled Dottin through the gate.West Indies, 157 for 4 at that point, simply couldn’t pick themselves up, with Taylor finding no support at the other end. The last seven wickets fell for 47 runs, Taylor eighth out for 45 off 57 balls.”It’s not the start we wanted,” Taylor said. “There were a couple of mistakes that we made but we just need to go back to the drawing board. We have more games coming up so we can use this as an example. We didn’t bat well, we had a platform but the middle order didn’t push on to get us to that total.”Australia were never going to sweat over a target of 205 unless they lost wickets up front. Bolton and Mooney ensured that wouldn’t happen, serenely seeing off West Indies’ new-ball bowlers. Shakera Selman found late swing into the stumps from over the wicket to the two left-handers, while the taller, quicker Shamilia Connell went round the wicket and extracted bounce from just short of a good length. The first five overs brought only 15 runs, but neither batsman looked anything but secure.Then Mooney, profiting from Connell dropping too short, picked up two fours in the sixth over before Bolton clipped Selman to the square-leg boundary in the seventh. Australia were away. Mooney and Bolton barely had to stretch themselves thereafter, as the spinners and medium-pacers kept offering up a boundary ball roughly every second over.Mooney led the scoring through two-thirds of the opening stand, bringing up her fifty 2.5 overs before her partner, before Bolton left her in her wake with a blaze of boundaries. Stepping out whenever she saw some flight and punishing the inevitable short balls that followed, Bolton raced from 45 off 69 balls to 92 off 96, her sprint to her third ODI hundred interrupted only by Mooney’s dismissal at the other end, bowled by Taylor’s offspin.Taylor picked up another wicket, Meg Lanning miscuing a big hit, but it was only a consolation, as Bolton and Perry steered Australia home with no further drama.”When we were out there that it felt like we were in a dream,” Bolton later said. “To share an opening partnership like that of 171 is special, we didn’t play the scoreboard but instead the way we normally play, tried not to put too ourselves under too much pressure.”It was a pretty damaging partnership, there was a period where it kicked into gear for me – I was mindful of getting the job done but the closer I got to a century the more the nerves kicked in.”It was a pretty special feeling, the result is exactly how we want to play as a team and the bowlers played a massive part in that.