Sunrisers stay winless after stumbling at crucial junctures

ECB Reporters Network05-Sep-2020Skipper Sophie Luff’s elegant half century led Western Storm to a crushing 86-run victory over hosts Sunrisers at Chelmsford.Luff stroked nine fours in an innings of 85 from 115 balls, sharing stands of 80 – in just 61 deliveries – with Alex Griffiths and 55 with Claire Nicholas as Storm rattled up 265 for 6, despite 10 excellent overs of offspin from Alice Macleod.Lauren Filer then took wickets with her first two balls of the tournament, before Fi Morris claimed a five-wicket haul as Sunrisers mustered 179 in reply, Jo Gardner top-scoring with 54.Morris and Lauren Parfitt got Storm off to a solid start with an opening stand of 43 after being asked to bat first. But the former fell to Macleod and helped by a mix-up which saw Georgia Hennessy run out, Sunrisers reduced the visitors to 109 for 4 just beyond halfway.Instead of grabbing the match by the scruff, Sunrisers’ bowlers lost their discipline as Griffiths and Luff unleashed a flurry of boundaries, producing 58 runs in the next five overs.Griffiths hit the innings’ only six before being given a life on 29 when skipper Amara Carr and bowler Emily Thorpe left a simple top edge to one another and the chance was lost.

for @LuffSophie #StormTroopers pic.twitter.com/WwHBWEPIr3

— Western Storm (@WesternStormKSL) September 5, 2020

The Welsh-born allrounder was eventually snared LBW by Sonali Patel for 43, made from just 34 balls, before Luff was stumped off Katie Wolfe. Nevertheless, 265 looked an imposing score and Filer soon made it look a whole lot bigger.Storm’s medium pacer struck a huge blow when having Carr caught at slip for a golden duck and her next ball splayed MacLeod’s stumps to leave the hosts 2 for 2. The hat-trick ball proved an anti-climactic wide, one of three in an over of 11 deliveries.Hard-hitting Cordelia Griffith lost her middle stump playing all round one from Griffiths, before Morris accounted for both Naomi Dattani and Gaya Gole to leave Sunrisers in tatters at 70 for 5.Gardner smote two big sixes in a gritty half-century, sharing a sixth-wicket of 51 with Grace Scrivens, but she became Morris’ fifth victim to leave Sunrisers still winless in the tournament.

It could be a long summer transfer window at Everton, who are already reportedly eyeing a move to sign a midfielder who could replace Amadou Onana, should the Belgian decide to leave Goodison Park in the coming months.

Everton transfer news

In an ideal world, Everton wouldn't need to sell players of Onana's quality, but without the completion of a takeover and concerns over even more FFP sanctions, the Belgium international is reportedly a player they are willing to sacrifice in a big-money sale with the likes of Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain interested in his signature.

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The sale would follow Sean Dyche's earlier prediction, having admitted to The Guardian at the start of May: "If the [777] takeover doesn’t ­happen, or a takeover, then it will probably be juggling dust, not sand.

"Because who knows then? You are having to self-generate ­everything then, I would imagine, because it’s not like there is a pile of cash anywhere so you’ve got to self-generate. And if you self-­generate, how do you get in what you are ­losing? If­ ­someone leaves, how do you get the next one in who is as good as the one leaving? There is no time for development [of young players] because this club hasn’t got time for that.”

With that said, if Everton do sell Onana, they'll still need a replacement and reports suggest that they've lined one up in the form of a former Premier League loanee. According to TuttoJuve, Everton are eyeing a move to sign Weston McKennie alongside interest from both Newcastle United and Aston Villa in a deal that would be worth between €20m and €25m (£17m and £21m) this summer.

Whether Everton will be able to afford such a fee remains to be seen, however, in what sums up their struggles once and for all ahead of a difficult few months.

"Incredible" McKennie isn't without his risks

Whatever Everton spend this summer, they must make sure that every deal makes a significant enough impact to prove worthwhile, and after McKennie's failed stint on loan at Leeds United last season, he's a risk they must weigh up. Goodison Park saw the American and the rest of his Leeds teammates fall short in a 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park in the last campaign in a crucial result in the relegation battle, but he has since bounced back at Juventus.

League stats 23/24 (via FBref)

Weston McKennie

Amadou Onana

Goals

0

2

Assists

7

0

Progressive Carries

64

21

Progressive Passes

92

107

Ball Recoveries

115

160

Whilst Onana's ability off the ball is better, McKennie's creative output and ball-carrying ability would hand Everton an added dynamic alongside the similar Abdoulaye Doucoure.

What's more, even whilst at Leeds, McKennie earned plenty of praise, including from former manager Jesse Marsch, who said via Leeds Live: "He's got incredible flexibility and can play almost any position on the pitch and I've seen that. He's aggressive, he's confident and he has quality.

"At Schalke they played a little bit similar to the things that I like to do, so now even sitting and talking to him about what we think his role will be, he's pretty clear on how to integrate himself. Training over the past week, he's been outstanding."

After an excellent first season under Gary O'Neil, Wolverhampton Wanderers have turned their attention towards rewarding the manager with a possible left-back boost in the transfer window.

Wolves transfer news

For clubs outside of the Premier League's top six, impressive campaigns can come at a price with those at the top of English football and around Europe more likely to circle around their top stars. And that looks set to be the case at Wolves this summer, with Pedro Neto and Matheus Cunha already linked with summer departures to Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.

The attacking duo enjoyed standout seasons in the Midlands, earning such links as a result, with Neto battling injuries whilst still maintaining his form when available throughout the season.

Both departures would undoubtedly deal Wolves a frustrating hole and two major gaps to fill, but they're not the only ones linked with a move away. Reports have also cast doubts over Rayan Ait-Nouri's future in the Midlands, with Liverpool mentioned as a potential destination. Suddenly, O'Neil could be looking at losing three of his best players in what would leave his side instantly battling against the odds in the Premier League at the start of next season.

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After being pushed aside under Julen Lopetegui, Ait-Nouri found himself restored to the Wolves side by O'Neil this season in what turned out to be a stroke of genius by the former Bournemouth boss. Now, however, if the defender repays that faith by heading for the exit door, those at Molineux may have a potential successor lined up.

According to A Bola, Wolves are one of the main candidates to sign Francisco Moura from Famalicao this summer in a deal that could be worth just €10m (£9m). Moura has impressed in Portugal and could follow a famous trend of Portuguese players finding themselves on their way to the Midlands, following in the footsteps of the likes of Neto and Ruben Neves.

With five assists to his name – three more than Ait-Nouri managed this season – Moura certainly represents a solid option to turn to when looking to ease any potential summer blow.

Wolves wise to target Moura

Still just 24 years old, Moura would represent smart business for Wolves, especially if Ait-Nouri does leave in the coming months. The Famalicao man, at just £9m could quickly turn into a bargain deal if he took his form from Portugal into the Premier League. Replacing Ait-Nouri will be no easy task, however, with the left-back attracting the interest of Liverpool for good reason.

Having bounced back well from losing Neves last summer, Wolves will be hoping to enter the start of next season in similar form no matter who they lose in the coming months. What's more, if links to Moura are anything to go by, the Midlands club could be willing to spend when it comes to replacing any outgoings this summer.

French star Giulian Biancone has expressed his delight at helping Olympiacos to exact revenge on “very arrogant” Argentine goalkeeper Emi Martinez.

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Keeper has won World Cup & Copa AmericaCharacter can grate on some rivalsSaw Greek giants dash Villa's European dreamsFollow GOAL's official WhatsApp channel!Join nowGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Aston Villa shot-stopper has seen his stock soar in recent times, with his ability between the sticks having never been in question. He has forged a reputation as a penalty-saving specialist, with that skill set allowing him to play crucial roles in World Cup and Copa America triumphs for his country.

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Martinez’s antics can, however, rub some up the wrong way. France, and Kylian Mbappe in particular, were on the receiving end at Qatar 2022, while many more domestic, continental and global rivals have found cause to pick fault with the 32-year-old’s behaviour.

WHAT BIANCONE SAID

Biancone did get one over on Martinez and Co last season, as his Olympiacos side dashed Villa’s Europa Conference League dreams at the semi-final stage, and he has told of wrestling bragging rights away from a player that divides opinion: “I find him very arrogant. What I didn’t like about Martínez’s behaviour was the lack of respect. The result made me happy because I made my French friends happy.”

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WHAT NEXT?

Olympiacos went on to make history in 2023-24 when becoming the first Greek club to win a major European trophy. Martinez is still waiting on honours at Villa, with Unai Emery's side preparing to join the Champions League ranks in 2024-25.

Endrick became Real Madrid's youngest ever scorer in the Champions League as they beat Stuttgart 3-1 on Tuesday.

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• Endrick came off the bench to score
• Broke record set by Raul in 1995
• Madrid ran out 3-1 winners vs Stuttgart

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 18-year-old came off the bench in the 80th minute with his side leading 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu. The striker took on a pass from Dani Carvajal in the middle of the field and ran towards goal, firing a shot from long range beyond Alexander Nubel to complete a 3-1 victory.

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  Endrick's goal saw the Brazil international break a record that has stood at Real Madrid since 1995, when club legend Raul set it at the age of 18 years and 113 days. Endrick's new record stands at 18 years and 58 days, according to Opta.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Endrick's goal also makes him the second-youngest non-European player to score on his debut in the Champions League, says MisterChip, behind only ex-Ghana forward Peter Ofori-Quaye, who scored for Olympiacos at 17 years and 194 days.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ENDRICK?

  With two Real Madrid goals under his belt, Endrick will hope to be given another chance to shine when his team return to La Liga action with a game against Espanyol in the Spanish capital on Saturday.

An India player is among at least ten members of the Chennai Super Kings contingent who have tested positive for Covid-19 in Dubai. ESPNcricinfo understands there is only one player among those who tested positive, with the rest of them comprising support staff members and a few net bowlers. One of those found positive is the wife of a senior Super Kings official, though the official himself has tested negative.The infected persons are understood to have been moved to a different hotel from the team hotel, and are being monitored by medical personnel behind closed doors.As a result of this development, Super Kings have been forced to postpone the start of their training in Dubai to September 1. According to the IPL’s Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs), all those who tested positive will now need to undergo at least two weeks of further quarantine and clear two more tests before they can rejoin the group.ESPNcricinfo understands the positive test results are from the final round of testing in the UAE, which is part of IPL’s Covid-19 protocols comprising three tests that are mandatory for every person who is part of the tournament. As per the protocol, every person would get tested at the airport upon landing in the UAE, followed by two tests at the hotel on days 3 and 6. The protocol also makes it mandatory for everyone to undergo a six-day quarantine after landing, when they are not supposed to even mingle with team members or colleagues. Only once the squad members clear all the mandatory tests can teams start their training.As per the original schedule, Super Kings would have started their training on Friday. However, their preparations are now in disarray. So far neither the franchise nor the IPL has made any public comment.The IPL is to start on September 19, but the schedule is yet to be finalised. The development is bound to put the IPL on alert simply because Super Kings, who finished runners-up in 2019, are expected to play defending champions Mumbai Indians in the tournament opener.Super Kings landed in Dubai on August 21 after part of their Indian contingent underwent a six-day conditioning camp in Chennai. That group included most of the senior Indian players in the squad including captain MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Deepak Chahar and Piyush Chawla.What happens now?According to tournament’s SOPs, those who test positive have to be “immediately isolated from rest of the squad”, and it is understood this has been done with the infected persons having been moved out of the team hotel. The SOPs also say “contact tracing” should “commence immediately”.If the person is “asymptomatic or has mild symptoms”, then he/she would need to be isolated outside the biosecure bubble for two weeks from the “first day of symptoms or a positive PCR test report whichever is later”.The individual cannot also train during the 14-day isolation period and is advised complete rest. If the symptoms worsen then he/she would be shifted to a tournament-accredited hospital.”After the 2 weeks isolation, the individual must return 2 negative PCR test reports done 24 hours apart before being permitted to re-enter the BioSecure Environment. After recovery, players must undergo a cardiac screening before resuming any team activities,” is what the IPL said while distributing the SOPs to franchise recently.Had “reservations” about Chennai camp – Super Kings CEO
Incidentally, Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan revealed he was skeptical about organising the camp in Chennai and that it was Dhoni who convinced him that the camp was necessary.”When we announced that the tournament [IPL] is going to happen, I had reservations about conducting the camp here because of the bio-bubble which we will have to observe,” Viswanathan said in a Super Kings video published on YouTube on August 26. “In fact, I even sent a message to him whether it will be worthwhile having a camp of five days before we leave for Dubai. But captain [Dhoni] was crystal clear in his thoughts.”Dhoni reasoned that the Chennai experience would also help players understand the basics of what being in a bubble meant. “He said: ‘No, Sir, we have not played for nearly 4-5 months. All of us need to get together. We should be in Chennai, in a bio-bubble, so that we get used to that when we land in Dubai. And also will help the boys getting in shape.’ This camp, though we had some reservations, has really helped. And I am very happy we were able to host the camp.”

Leeds United are currently preparing for the biggest game of their season as they face the prospect of a play-off final at Wembley against Southampton on Sunday.

The Whites are set to battle it out in the capital to secure an instant return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, which would also be the case for their opponents.

Daniel Farke joined the club last summer after the Yorkshire-based outfit had been relegated to the Championship under Sam Allardyce, who came in after Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia had both been let go.

The German head coach has led the side to within one game of the Premier League, after beating Norwich City – his former team – 4-0 in the semi-finals of the play-offs.

Attention will quickly turn to the upcoming summer transfer window irrespective of the outcome of the game on Sunday, as Leeds will then look to shape their squad for the 2024/25 campaign.

In fact, the Whites are reportedly already eyeing up one big-money addition to their team in the event that they come out on top at Wembley…

Leeds plotting swoop for English playmaker

According to GIVEMESPORT, both Leeds and Southampton are lining up bids to sign attacking midfielder James McAtee from Manchester City.

The report claims that both sides are ready to make a move for the England U21 international if they win the play-off final to secure Premier League football for next season.

It states that Manchester City are prepared to cash in on the young whiz, who just spent the campaign on loan with Sheffield United as they were relegated to the Championship, and Leeds and the Saints are now looking to take advantage of that.

The outlet reveals that both clubs have already put plans in place to make an offer to Pep Guardiola's side to sign the left-footed playmaker in the summer transfer window.

It also claims that McAtee is not part of City's long-term plans and that a bid within the region of £20m is likely to be enough to secure his signature, although it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites are prepared to stump up the full amount.

GIVEMESPORT states that the two Championship play-off finalists are long-term admirers of the central midfielder and that the winner on Sunday is set to formalise their interest with an approach to sign him.

If Leeds are promoted this weekend, McAtee could be an excellent signing for Farke and a player who could excite supporters alongside Georginio Rutter at the top end of the pitch.

Georginio Rutter's exciting play in the Championship.

The young Frenchman enjoyed a terrific campaign in the Championship under the German head coach and showcased the best of his creative talent.

Farke put him in a position to consistently unlock opposition defences with his dynamic dribbling and creative passing to provide his teammates with ample opportunities to find the back of the net.

Only Leicester's Abdul Fatawu (32) created more 'big chances' in the Championship than Rutter (22) and only Leif Davies (18) provided more assists than the left-footed whiz (15).

In fact, the Leeds star ranked within the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the division for shot-creating actions per 90 (4.41), and the top 2% for Expected Assisted Goals per 90 (0.29).

These statistics show that Rutter was one of the best creative talents in the Championship during the regular season, as he ranked towards the very top of the charts in several key chance creation statistics, including xAG, big chances created, assists, and shot-creating actions.

Appearances

45

xG

12.34

Goals

6

xA

10.52

Assists

15

Big chances created

22

As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old magician has been exceptional at setting his teammates up for goals but has let his fellow attackers down when they have created chances for him.

It is clear that Rutter will need to work on his finishing in front of goal in order to thrive in the Premier League but his sensational creativity does help to make up for his wastefulness in the final third.

Leeds could now find an exciting partner for him in the middle of the park by landing a deal for McAtee upon promotion, as he is another player with huge creative potential.

James McAtee's impressive creative quality

Like Rutter, the Manchester City youngster is a left-footed playmaker who likes to split open the opposition's defence to create high-quality opportunities for his teammates on a regular basis.

The 2023/24 campaign was a difficult one for McAtee, though, as Sheffield United finished bottom of the league with three wins, 16 points, and a staggering 104 goals conceded in total.

He ended the season with a return of three goals and three assists in 20 Premier League starts for the Blades, which is not a bad effort given the talented whiz was a 21-year-old playing in a statistically horrendous side.

Despite Sheffield United's dismal relegation, McAtee ranked within the top 30% of midfielders in the division for xAG per 90 (0.14), and the top 34% for shot-creating actions per 90 (2.96), which shows that he was still able to shine as a creative force in spite of his team's struggles.

The "electric" – as per talent scout Jacek Kulig – whiz spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan with the Blades in the Championship and caught the eye with his impressive chance creation numbers.

Assists (0.14)

Top 19%

xAG (0.20)

Top 7%

Shot-creating actions (3.41)

Top 18%

Progressive carries (3.85)

Top 5%

Attacking box touches (4.13)

Top 2%

Non-penalty goals (0.43)

Top 1%

As you can see in the table above, McAtee thrived in the second tier and ranked among the best in his position as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

The 21-year-old star, who scored nine goals in 21 league starts that term, could excite supporters alongside Rutter as they could combine at the top end of the pitch to consistently break down opposition defences.

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Leeds may not struggle to create high-quality chances in the Premier League if they have McAtee and the French wizard both on the pitch and using their passing and dribbling abilities to make things happen in the final third, which is why they could get fans off their feet on a consistent basis.

The team management was wary about holding the camp, which went ahead on MS Dhoni’s insistence

Sidharth Monga28-Aug-20206:45

Newsroom: This will make people more careful going forward in the tournament

The Covid-19 crisis at the Chennai Super Kings has brought their five-day camp at the Chepauk stadium from August 16 in sharp focus. There has been no direct correlation established yet between the camp and the positive tests, but its location – in the Triplicane area of Chennai, a Covid-19 hotspot in one of the worst-affected cities of India – will raise questions about whether it was necessary at all.It is now evident that the Super Kings management was wary about holding the camp, which went ahead on captain MS Dhoni’s insistence. “When the tournament dates were announced, I had reservations about conducting the camp here because the bio-bubble had to be created,” Kasi Viswanathan, the Super Kings CEO, told in a video uploaded on their YouTube channel on August 26. “In fact I sent a message to him [Dhoni] whether it would be worthwhile having a camp for five days before going to Dubai. But the captain was crystal clear in his thoughts.ALSO READ: Chennai Super Kings extend quarantine, to train from September 1″He said, ‘Sir, we have not played for nearly four-five months. All of us need to get together in Chennai. We should be in a bio-bubble in Chennai so that we get used to that when we land in Dubai.'”In a way, the Super Kings have been unfortunate because the members of the party that have tested positive returned negative tests on at least six occasions before the eventual test that has sent them into this crisis. However, that only underlines the unpredictability around the spread of the disease.Chennai has 131,869 recorded Covid-19 cases, as of August 28, and 2690 related deaths. The neighbourhood of the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, especially Triplicane, is heavily congested and severely affected by Covid-19. In July, the area around the stadium was identified as a containment zone and all roads were sealed off. Quite a few of the ground staff at Chepauk come from neighbouring lanes in Triplicane.The incubation period for the virus can extend to up to a month, so an infection during the camp cannot be ruled out. Apart from Dhoni, who announced his international retirement at the start of the camp, those present included Suresh Raina, Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Ambati Rayudu, M Vijay and L Balaji, the bowling coach. Harbhajan Singh and Ravindra Jadeja had opted out for personal reasons.Once they cleared the preliminary tests, the players moved around freely at the stadium; videos uploaded by the franchise’s various social media handles have shown the players not wearing masks or observing social distancing.No other IPL team organised an official camp before leaving for the UAE barring a couple of smaller exceptions. Kings XI Punjab’s five Bengaluru-based players trained with their coach Anil Kumble in Bengaluru, while Mumbai Indians held some practice sessions featuring Rohit Sharma, and Zaheer Khan working with Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya at the Reliance Corporate Park in the outskirts of Mumbai.

MatériaMais Notícias

A semana é importante para o Coritiba. Após vencer o Náutico no Couto Pereira, o Coxa visita o Brusque de olho na liderança da Série B.

+ Veja no aplicativo do LANCE! o resultado dos jogos da rodada

No momento, o time do Couto Pereira está com 28 pontos, dois a menos que o Timbu, atual líder do torneio.

Se o time comandado por Gustavo Morínigo vencer os catarinenses fora de casa, o Coritiba iguala o número de partidas do Náutico e assume a liderança isolada do torneio nacional.

Confira a situação

1º Náutico – 30 pontos e 15 jogos
2º Coritiba – 28 pontos e 14 jogos

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Newcastle United's heavy spending under the Saudi PIF could be about to continue in the summer, with the Magpies desperately needing to increase their squad depth ahead of next season.

The club are already looking to strengthen the centre-back department after the long-term injury suffered by Sven Botman, with the Dutchman ruled out for up to nine months after his ACL surgery.

The Magpies are said to be edging closer to completing a deal to sign Bournemouth centre-back Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer when his current deal expires with the Cherries on the 30th of June.

Injuries have left Eddie Howe's side light in multiple key areas across the pitch, with other players such as Joelinton and Nick Pope spending multiple months on the sidelines.

Alongside the backline, Howe's midfield has also been depleted due to injuries, with the club targeting one player to potentially complete the Magpies' midfield puzzle this summer.

Newcastle United eyeing £50m midfielder this summer

Although the club will have to operate in a sensible manner given their current FFP situation, they will try and improve the squad with one player in particular catching the eye.

According to The Athletic's Chris Waugh, the Magpies are admirers of Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, with the Englishman not seen as a direct replacement for Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes should he depart St James' Park this summer.

However, the deal could cost the Saudi PIF a pretty penny, as Nuno Espirito Santo's side are expected to be wanting a bid of at least £50m to part ways with the 24-year-old.

Whilst he may be an expensive addition to the Newcastle squad, Gibbs-White would add serious quality to the midfield department, potentially playing in a box-to-box or a more advanced role behind the front three.

Waugh might claim that the former Wolves man wouldn't come in to replace Guimaraes, but he certainly wouldn't be a bad option should the 26-year-old have his release clause triggered over the off-season.

How Gibbs-White could fit in at Newcastle

With Sandro Tonali set to come back from his suspension in October, the Italian will be like a new signing for Howe's side, allowing him to sit as an anchor at the base of the Magpies' midfield, with Gibbs-White ahead of him.

The "sensational" talent, as described by former teammate Billy Sharp, has operated in a deeper role for Forest in recent weeks, partnering Danilo in the Reds' midfield.

He's still produced some excellent numbers in the Premier League this season, showcasing his versatility in a side that has struggled for the vast majority of the campaign.

Gibbs-White's stats at Forest 23/24
Statistics	Tally
Matches played	35
Goals	5
Assists	8
Passes completed	926
Successful dribbles	43
Chances created	69
Tackles	24
Duels won	186
Stats via FotMob

He's been likened to former Newcastle midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with the Englishman potentially able to follow in his footsteps on Tyneside.

Despite only lasting a season at St James' Park, Wijnaldum flourished during the 2015/16 campaign, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 40 games in all competitions, prior to departing for Liverpool on a £25m deal upon the Magpies' relegation.

The hope will be that Gibbs-White can have an equally as impressive, albeit more sustained impact at Newcastle as the Dutchman, while also filling the shoes of Guimaraes in the process, with the latter man a real attacking threat having chipped in with six goals and six assists in the league this term.

With Gibbs-White boasting 13 league goal involvements of his own, he can certainly fill that attack-minded void in Howe's side. As such, should Guimaraes depart, the club should make the Forest man their primary target to replace him.

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