Ruben Amorim will have seen first-hand how big of a challenge he has in front of him to turn around this Manchester United side, even admitting that he has a bigger job than he first imagined.

The Red Devils have lost four of their last six matches, with the latest coming on home soil against Bournemouth on Sunday, falling to a 3-0 defeat against the Cherries for a second consecutive season.

As a result, United sit in 13th place in the Premier League on Christmas Day, nine points off a Champions League spot, with Amorim having a huge job to transform the side going into the new year.

January presents the first opportunity for the 39-year-old to make his own additions to the first-team squad, providing him with the added ammunition needed to take the club back to their glory days.

Numerous players have already been touted with a move to Old Trafford in recent days, including one who could improve an area of the side massively should he make the move in the upcoming transfer window.

Man United’s interest in a Championship star

Over the last couple of days, it was reported that United were interested in a move for Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier ahead of January, looking to add more quality to the goalkeeping department.

Andre Onana has been the club’s number one since his arrival from Inter Milan last summer, whilst Altay Bayindir joined United during the same window, arriving as a backup from Fenerbahçe.

The latter deputised for the Carabao Cup defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, but had an evening to forget, conceding direct from a corner, with a move away from Old Trafford yet to be ruled out.

As for a move for Meslier, the report claims that they’re interested in a move for the Frenchman, not for the first time after previously wanting a deal for the shot-stopper after Leeds’ relegation back in 2023.

No fee has been mentioned for his services, but the 24-year-old would provide serious quality that would push Onana for the number one spot, potentially seeing the Cameroonian lose his starting role under Amorim.

Why Meslier could take Onana’s number one spot

Onana was brought in for £47.2m under the guidance of former boss Erik ten Hag, looking to provide that quality on the ball that David de Gea was unable to do during his period under the Dutchman.

However, the former Ajax keeper has been a solid addition but has been prone to a mistake, as seen during the recent defeat against Nottingham Forest, somehow being unable to keep Morgan Gibbs-White’s effort out despite being straight at him.

Given the recent struggles defensively, it’s no surprise to see alternatives being lined up for Onana, who was previously dubbed as Ten Hag’s “most poignant signing” by one analyst.

Meslier, who cost the Whites £5m back in 2020, has been superb for Daniel Farke’s side in the Championship to date, producing numerous stats that are better than the current United goalkeeper, handing Amorim a huge dilemma should he complete a deal for the Frenchman.

How Illan Meslier compares to Andre Onana in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Meslier

Onana

Games played

22

17

Goals conceded

15

22

Clean sheets

12

6

Clean sheet percentage

55%

35%

Pass accuracy

80%

78%

Percentage of launch passes

21%

26%

Save percentage

71%

69%

Stats via FBref

The “world-class” Meslier, as dubbed by one journalist, has conceded fewer goals to date, also achieving more clean sheets with a higher clean sheet percentage.

He’s also completed more of his attempted passes, playing fewer long balls than Onana, potentially being a perfect fit for Amorim’s possession-based system, which requires a lot of playing out from the back.

Whilst no price tag has been mentioned for the services of the Leeds ‘keeper, it’s clear that he would provide healthy competition for the Cameroonian – giving the boss a potential selection headache.

If the club are to progress after years of below-par performances on the pitch, it’s pivotal they recruit in the right way, with Meslier a player that would undoubtedly improve the options already at Amorim’s disposal.

Related Man Utd now "ready" to sign £42m star who has "very high" chance of leaving

This would be some coup…

Posts ByBarney Lane Dec 24, 2024

Current favourite for the potentially vacant West Ham United job, Graham Potter, may have a real competitor in an alternative who’s keen on replacing the under-pressure Julen Lopetegui.

Julen Lopetegui handed Wolves game as last chance to stay at West Ham

Despite some reports yesterday that Lopetegui was “set to be sacked” by West Ham, with Potter poised to replace the Spaniard (Pete O’Rourke), it now appears that he’s been handed one last chance to save his job against fellow strugglers Wolves on Monday.

What Massimiliano Allegri is demanding to replace Lopetegui at West Ham

The 57-year-old is apparently clear.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Dec 5, 2024

The Hammers board are said to regard their face-off against Gary O’Neil’s men as a “cup final” in terms of Lopetegui’s future (The Telegraph), so if things don’t go according to plan, Lopetegui looks very likely to be dismissed as West Ham remain in the market for alternatives.

There is even the prospect of West Ham appointing a new manager on a six-month contract, which may understandably turn some candidates off (The Telegraph), but it could still appeal to out-of-work former Chelsea and Brighton boss Potter.

Match

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

#16

03/12/2024

Leicester City (A)

Premier League

3-1

#15

30/11/2024

Arsenal (H)

Premier League

5-2

#14

26/11/2024

Newcastle United (A)

Premier League

2-0 win

#13

09/11/2024

Everton (H)

Premier League

0-0 draw

#12

02/11/2024

Nottingham Forest (A)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#11

27/10/2024

Man United (H)

Premier League

2-1 win

#10

19/10/2024

Tottenham (A)

Premier League

4-1 loss

Alongside the Englishman, technical director Tim Steidten and the Irons hierarchy are considering the likes of Roger Schmidt, Sergio Conceicao and Kasper Hjulmand, according to various reports, but Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg believes that Edin Terzić is out of the running.

Steidten held talks with Terzic over taking the West Ham manager’s job, as per GiveMeSport, but it now appears that the ex-Rush Green coach won’t be returning to the dugout in a more senior capacity.

Another very intriguing candidate to succeed Lopetegui is former Juventus and AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri.

The 57-year-old, who reportedly wants a £127,000-per-week contract from his new club – which would make him the fourth-highest paid manager in the Premier League above Enzo Maresca, Ruben Amorim and Arne Slot – is apparently becoming more open to the prospect of managing West Ham.

Massimiliano Allegri now keen on replacing Lopetegui at West Ham

As per The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Allegri is keen on replacing Lopetegui at West Ham, following an illustrious last decade in Serie A where he helped Juventus dominate the division.

He won five straight league titles from 2014-2019, including one with Milan in 2011, and actually won the Coppa Italia just two days before he was sacked by the Old Lady earlier this year.

It is believed the tactician has also been making regular trips to London, as Allegri undertakes English lessons in potential preparation for coaching in the Premier League, so his possible arrival may have some legs – if Potter doesn’t beat him to the role.

واصل الفريق الأول للكرة الطائرة رجال بالنادي الأهلي سلسلة انتصاراته في بطولة إفريقيا للأندية المقامة في ليبيا، بفوزه على فريق نيمو ستارز الأوغندي، بالمواجهة التي جمعت بينهما اليوم الثلاثاء.

وأُقيمت المباراة بين الأهلي ونيمو ستارز في صالة مصراتة الدولية، ضمن لقاءات الجولة الثالثة للبطولة القارية.

وحسم الأهلي المباراة لصالحه بعد الفوز عليهم بثلاثة أشواط دون رد.

وانتهى الشوط الأول بنتيجة 25-18، ثم فاز الأهلي بالشوطين الثاني والثالث بنتيجتي 25-11 و25-14 على التوالي.

طالع.. الأهلي يفوز على الشمس ويتوج بلقب دوري اليد “سيدات”

كان فريق الأهلي قد استهل مشواره في البطولة بالفوز على فريق الفتح الرياضي المغربي بثلاثة أشواط دون رد، ثم تغلب في مباراته الثانية على فريق الحرس الجمهوري الكونغولي بنفس النتيجة.

 وتضم قائمة فريق رجال طائرة الأهلي اللاعبين: حسام يوسف، عبد الحليم عبو، مصطفى جابر، زياد أسامة، سيف عابد، محمد عسران، أحمد عزب، عبد الرحمن الحسيني، إسلام محمد، يوندر جارسيا، محمد رمضان، خالد عادل، محمد عثمان، وعبد الرحمن سعودي.ويتكون الجهاز الفني من: فيرناندو مونزو (مديرًا فنيًا)، محمد السيد عبد الفتاح (مدربًا عامًا)، محمد الحسيني (مدربًا مساعدًا)، عبد اللطيف عثمان (مدير الفريق)، أحمد أسامة (إداري)، إيهاب فخر الدين (طبيب الفريق)، إسلام محمدي (أخصائي علاج طبيعي)، روسبر كامبوس وأحمد رضا (محللا أداء)، شريف صلاح (مخطط أحمال)، أسامة طعيمة (أخصائي تأهيل بدني)، محمد شهير (مدلك)، وأحمد رشاد (مسؤول المهمات).

A major European outfit is planning to make a move and sign an exciting Aston Villa player, but NSWE are not looking to sell anytime soon, according to a recent report.

Aston Villa transfer rumours

The 2024/25 Premier League season started off very well for Unai Emery’s side, but in recent weeks there has been an inconsistency in performances and results, and that has seen them fall away slightly in the table. Villa still have plenty to play for, and because of that, January is a good opportunity for Emery and co to bring in some fresh faces.

It could be a busy January for Villa given the number of players they have been linked with. Benfica defender Antonio Silva is probably the most high-profile player to be linked with a move to Villa Park. The centre-back is admired a lot by people at Villa, and contact has already been made with his representatives to get an understanding of the costs of a potential deal in January.

Sky Sports: Aston Villa eyeing move for 18 y/o talent who could cost £19m

Aston Villa find themselves in a Premier League transfer race to sign a striker.

ByBrett Worthington Dec 17, 2024

Silva is not the only defender on Villa’s radar, as they are also interested in signing Raul Asencio from Real Madrid. The young man has impressed in his limited appearances for the Spanish giants, and Emery sees him as someone who could improve his side’s defence, but they are not the only Premier League team interested in securing this transfer.

Emery also appears to have his eye on improving his forward line, as they are interested in signing Stefanos Tzimas. The 18-year-old has scored seven goals in 14 games for Nuremberg while on loan from Greek side PAOK. Tzimas is considered a very talented forward in his homeland, and if Villa are to secure his signature, it could cost them £19 million.

European side move to sign £30m+ Aston Villa ace

According to Il Mattino, relayed by Sport Witness, Napoli are prepared to make a move and sign Jhon Duran from Aston Villa. The 21-year-old has been at Villa Park since January of last year, when he joined from MLS side Chicago.

Duran arrived at Villa relatively unknown, but he had a growing reputation in the game due to his performances in the USA. It took the Colombia international a while to get familiar to his new surroundings, but from the back end of last season and now this campaign, Duran has become an important player for Villa and has scored some key goals, particularly the winning goal against Bayern Munich.

Duran has 11 goals in 24 games this season, and now this report states that Napoli are starting to take serious notice. It is claimed that the Italian giants are putting the “spotlight” on the Villa striker as they look for a “sidekick” to current striker Romelu Lukaku. Duran is said to be at the top of Napoli’s director of football, Giovanni Manna’s, wish list.

Apps

73

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0

People at Napoli have been left impressed by Duran’s physicality and speed which are on show most weeks at Villa Park. Aston Villa are not looking to sell their forward, and it is claimed that should Duran leave, it would cost up to €40 million, which is roughly £33 million. Napoli have already begun contact with Aston Villa intermediaries, but they are described as “frenetic,” and it is unclear if this is a deal for January or the summer.

Barcelona have reportedly drawn up plans that will allow them to avoid repeating their Lionel Messi mistake when it comes to Lamine Yamal’s future.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Messi's salary became unsustainable
• Yamal in line for new deal when turning 18
• Blaugrana will carefully manage terms

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Back in 2021, the Liga giants were forced to bid farewell to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi. After handing him nine new contracts down the years, the Argentine’s salary became unsustainable amid much-publicised financial struggles.

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  Messi moved on to Paris Saint-Germain and is now plying his trade in MLS with Inter Miami. A natural heir to his throne in Catalunya appears to have emerged in teenage wonderkid Yamal. Another left-footed graduate of the famed La Masia academy system has been shattering records at 17 years of age.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Yamal is only tied to terms through to 2026, as FIFA regulations prevent clubs from offering minors deals of more than three years at a time. The expectation is, however, that a long-term agreement through to 2030 will be put in place when Yamal turns 18 in July.

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  According to , Barcelona will not push Yamal’s wages up as quickly as they did with Messi. They appreciate that he is one of the club’s star performers and deserves to see that standing recognised. A “progressive contract structure” is being readied for the talented winger.

Just as people who come to Worcester to watch cricket routinely extol the magnificence of the cathedral, but barely notice the spire of St Andrew’s further along the skyline, so Sean Dickson knew that he would be overshadowed the moment Ben Stokes came to the crease. But Stokes’ first innings since being appointed England captain, and only his third Championship innings for Durham in four years, was put on hold until the second day as Durham piled up 339 for 3 and the plaudits were Dickson’s as he registered his third Championship hundred of the season.Stokes is batting at No.6 here which in many ways sounds a little low but it is eminently logical. It is least disruptive to a very strong Durham top-order – he replaced Ben Raine, who normally comes in around eight – and he will get into the rhythm of batting four-down as he intends to do for England.”He is just nestling in to his England role I think,” Dickson said, “and it is a good opportunity for others to make runs before the man himself comes in. He has such an aura about him. He brings such a great energy into the squad.”It is one of the oddities of cricket that a game can be suspended with a batter on 99 – which is a bit like wandering off for a cup of tea before taking a six-foot putt on the 18th, or attempting to convert a penalty kick. Dickson has been required to do it twice this season and, on both occasions, has survived unscarred.Nobody wants to leave the field, one short of a century, concentration shelved for the next 20 minutes, while the cherished tones of Dave Bradley, on the Worcester PA system, turns attention to the virtues of the Playfair Cricket Annual, on sale now in the club shop, and the array of cakes in the Ladies’ Pavilion.”I think it’s some maturity showing through,” he said. “I think in the past I would have panicked and thought ‘I want to get it before tea’ but there is so much time left in the game. What difference is me going into tea on 99 or 100 in terms of the game? There is no difference. Just go into tea, get my protein shake in, and be more ready for that extra run than I was beforehand.”Back on guard shortly afterwards, the attractions of Playfair presumably overlooked, Joe Leach set him two backward points, offered him an over of balls outside off stump and almost had him caught at cover, the ball falling agonisingly short of Adam Finch. Ed Barnard seemed more accommodating as Dickson lay back to cut him to the boundary in the next over but only for a moment. Barnard then dismissed him for 104, edging a back-of-a-length delivery that left him a shade to first slip.This was Dickson’s third hundred of the season, the previous coming against two of Division Two’s weaker counties, Leicestershire at Chester-le-Street (the scene of his first nervous 99 at tea), and Sussex at Hove. It is fair to say that he will have sterner challenges ahead because this was a benevolent pitch and Worcestershire’s attack has had better days, but he appears to be as settled in this opener’s role as at any time in his red-ball career. The crowd behind the arm gave him out on 57 when they burst into prolonged applause for an imagined catch at the wicket off Leach, but the umpire remained unmoved, and some of them sighed slightly before returning to their conversations.Related

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Durham, who expected to be pushing hard for promotion, have had a slow start to the season, but they could be in business here. Two weeks ago, Worcestershire racked up 491 against Sussex and went on to win by an innings. The moisture content of this pitch is reportedly identical, as is the grass cut. And heavy cloud cover is forecast for late on the second afternoon, about the time Worcestershire can expect to be batting. They have had some tough bowling days and will probably feel they are due a bit of swing.Dickson, like St Andrew’s Spire, was worthy of attention. The church itself was demolished in the 1940s, to be replaced by a shopping centre which has become the modern religion, although perhaps not for much longer to judge by the day’s economic forecasts.Dickson’s county career hit an uncertain phase when he joined Durham on loan from Kent (with a full contract promised) and only made one Championship half-century in his first eight matches, but he has always possessed a limited-overs threat and he is embedded in the Championship opening spot this season.His century had been backed up from all parts by the close. Keegan Petersen bagged a stylish half-century before becoming a first victim for the debutant Ben Gibbon, a sturdy left-arm seamer from Cheshire who showed up well, and Scott Borthwick and David Bedingham had forced home Durham’s advantage by the close.Stokes sat, pads on, until the close, but the grand entrance of the man Dickson referred to as “the king” never happened. As gentle evening sunshine flooded upon this most pastoral of setting, and the cathedral changed to an inviting hue of Ecclestical Bronze (a Farrow & Ball colour if ever there was one) he might have felt that this was his final relaxation before the fray begins.

انتهت قبل قليل مباراة منتخب مصر للشباب أمام نظيره سيراليون في إطار مواجهات كأس أمم إفريقيا تحت 20 سنة، بخسارة الفراعنة الصغار برباعية مقابل هدف.

ولعب منتخب مصر مع سيراليون ضمن لقاءات الجولة الثانية بالمجموعة الأولى من كأس أمم إفريقيا للشباب، على ملعب هيئة قناة السويس بالإسماعيلية.

تشكيل منتخب مصر أمام سيراليون في كأس أمم إفريقيا للشباب.. 3 تعديلات

ويتواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الأولى التي تضم جواره جنوب إفريقيا وتنزانيا وزامبيا وسيراليون.

ويتنافس الخمس منتخبات على بطاقتي التأهل للدور التالي ببطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا تحت 20 عامًا التي تحتضنها مصر خلال الفترة الحالية.

بتلك النتيجة يتجمد رصيد منتخب مصر عند 3 نقاط من فوز على جنوب إفريقيا في الجولة الأولى محتلًا وصافة المجموعة.

وفي المقابل يرتفع رصيد سيراليون إلى 4 نقاط بعد تعادله مع نظيره الزامبي بدون أهداف، وانتصار الليلة، معتليًا صدارة المجموعة. 

ومن المقرر أن يستكمل منتخب مصر للشباب مشواره بالبطولة إذ يواجه زامبيا، في ثالث جولات دور المجموعات بالبطولة القارية المؤهلة لكأس العالم. موعد مباراة مصر وزامبيا في كأس أمم إفريقيا للشباب

ويواجه منتخب مصر تحت 20 عامًا نظيره الزامبي يوم السبت 3 مايو، في تمام الساعة التاسعة مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

As Kyle Jamieson hooked a short ball from James Anderson down the throat of Matthew Potts at deep fine leg five balls after the lunch break on the opening day of the English Test summer, with New Zealand in dire straits at 45 for 7, it appeared out of the question that the World Test champions would be ahead at stumps.But it was Jamieson’s efforts with the ball after the tea break that helped spark an all-too-familiar collapse for England to leave the game evenly poised at the end of a 17-wicket day at Lord’s.Zak Crawley had taken charge early in England’s innings with 43 in a 59-run opening partnership, but Jamieson immediately latched on to his propensity for a drive. After the England opener stroked one through to the cover boundary on the fifth ball of his spell, Jamieson stayed full and tempted him into another, finding an outside edge through to Tom Blundell behind the stumps.Jamieson continued to probe from the Nursery End and after a denied lbw review against Ollie Pope in his third over, further reward came in the fifth, as the pressure built on England’s new No. 3, caught behind after a scratchy 7 off 27 deliveries.Related

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“It was nice to find some rhythm, I felt all right for that spell, it was just nice to get into the game,” Jamieson said. “When we went out to bowl, It wasn’t ideal but we knew we had some time to get ourselves back in the game.”After Jamieson had opened the door, Tim Southee, Colin de Grandhomme and Trent Boult walked right through it as England lost five wickets for eight runs in the space of 28 balls, sliding from 92 for 2 to 100 for 7. The Blackcaps were back in it, and Jamieson said they had always kept the belief they were one or two wickets away from putting pressure back on the hosts.”We still felt like we were very much in game. We knew we had to bowl well, but as things tend to happen here, they tend to happen pretty quickly. We’ve seen that through the first part of the day so you know, if we put the ball in good areas we thought we had a chance.”We thought if we get one, we can get two and then build some pressure. I think we sort of stuck with that, stuck with our lengths, stuck with our areas, we were able to reap some rewards from that and get us right back in the game.”Jamieson revealed that at the lunch break that New Zealand had talked of 130 as a target after the top order had failed to fire, which they reached with help from an unbeaten 42 from de Grandhomme and a lively cameo by Southee.The day had begun with Kane Williamson winning the toss and electing to bat on a sun-soaked morning at the Home of Cricket, and Jamieson was among those who couldn’t explain how it ended up as a day for the bowlers.”I’m not too sure – I’m not very good at reading pitches either,” Jamieson replied when asked about the toss, “I’m not really too sure what the go was there – obviously a few wickets fell. It didn’t look that way initially but things unfolded the way they did.”We were reasonably calm but it obviously wasn’t unfolding how we have it ideally wanted it to. We spoke about 130 [runs], which doesn’t necessarily sound great, but from where we were at, we though if we can get there and we get a few wickets today then we’re right in the game.”Jamieson also dismissed the notion that New Zealand were undercooked for this encounter. Two days of their first warm-up fixture against Sussex were washed out before they fell to defeat against a County Select XI – another match which saw a top-order collapse.”We had two games, we had plenty of times to adjust and adapt – I think we were as good as we could be going into this game.”While New Zealand have a chance on Friday morning to claim an unlikely first-innings lead, or at least limit the hosts to a slender advantage, Jamieson acknowledged that they cannot afford another poor batting display if they are to win at Lord’s for the first time since 1999. “We’ll have to fight hard in that second innings to give ourselves a lead and give ourselves something to bowl at,” he said.

Celtic are soaring this season. Although they recently suffered a humbling defeat in the recent Old Firm derby, they remain comfortably ahead in the race for the Scottish Premiership title.

The Hoops have also added to their trophy cabinet with a League Cup victory and are going strong in the Champions League, losing just one of their six league phase matches and securing memorable wins against RB Leipzig and Slovan Bratislava, leaving them in a play-off place.

Despite there appearing to be no immediate need for Brendan Rodgers to strengthen his team heading into the second half of the season, Celtic are reportedly interested in a number of players.

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2 ByRoss Kilvington Dec 31, 2024

Among those to be linked with a move to Parkhead are Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen, Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka, and Ajax starlet Benjamin Tahirovic.

Kieran Tierney has also been tipped to make a sensational return to his boyhood club, five years after he left to join Arsenal.

As is generally always the case at any football club, arrivals mean there will inevitably be outgoings. Here, we have together a list of players who could realistically leave Celtic this month to make way for potential new additions.

1 Luis Palma Linked to: Olympiacos

Luis Palma arrived at Celtic Park in August 2023 for a fee of £3.5 million and enjoyed a solid first season with the Hoops, scoring six goals and providing nine assists in 24 games in the Scottish Premiership.

However, the Honduran winger has found minutes hard to come by this season, starting just once in the top flight.

According to La Prensa, per Sport Witness, Palma could seal a move away from Scotland in January, with Greek side Olympiacos and two unnamed MLS sides understood to be interested in his services.

Palma’s father, Enrique, also recently opened the door to a potential move away from Celtic for his son, telling Diario Diez in October: “He will be at Celtic right now and focus on the rest of the year and maybe there will be a sale, but what happens to him will depend on his work.”

2 Odin Thiago Holm Linked to: LAFC

Palma isn’t the only Celtic star being linked with a move to MLS.

According to Daily Mail reporter Stephen McGowan, Los Angeles FC are close to securing a loan deal for midfielder Odin Thiago Holm, who has played just 24 minutes of football for Rodgers’ side this season.

McGowan claims that LAFC initially wanted to sign Palma, but after they were unable to secure a deal, they were offered Holm instead. Having recently lost two loanee midfielders, they decided to accept.

The MLS’s transfer window is open for a lot longer than European leagues, with clubs often having until late April to do business.

3 Daniel Cummings Linked to: Bologna, Club Brugge, RB Salzburg

Striker Daniel Cummings is one of Celtic’s most promising young talents.

Cummings, 18, has scored 24 goals in 24 games for Celtic B this season, including 18 in 17 Lowland League appearances – a figure that makes him the division’s top scorer. Earlier this year, The Young Team, which scouts Scotland’s next top stars, described Cummings as “too good for the Lowland League” and praised him for his “great runs” and “spectacular strikes”.

However, according to Scottish journalist Anthony Joseph, the Hoops could soon lose him, with a report in December stating that Bologna, Club Brugge and RB Salzburg all sent officials to watch the striker in action in recent weeks ahead of a potential move.

Joseph reported that a number of English Premier League clubs are also monitoring the teenager, whose contract at Celtic runs out at the end of the season.

4 Stephen Welsh Linked to: KV Mechelen

Defender Stephen Welsh has struggled for regular game time at Celtic this season, managing just one start in both the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish League Cup – and it appears Rodgers is now ready to let him go.

According to a recent report by the Daily Record, Welsh, who is contracted with Celtic until the summer of 2027, is being chased by Belgian side KV Mechelen, who have already tabled a couple of offers.

The Hoops are now “ready” to sanction a loan move so that the 24-year-old can play regular football, claims the publication.

Whether Welsh wants to go to Belgium remains to be seen. Upon signing a new deal with Celtic in 2023, the defender, who came through the club’s academy, said that he wants to be at Parkhead for “another four years at least hopefully”.

5 Alexandro Bernabei Linked to: Internacional

Alexandro Bernabei never managed to cement himself at Celtic following his £3.75 million move from Argentinian side Lanus in 2022, but has impressed since moving to Internacional on loan in March 2024.

Since the move, the 24-year-old has made 25 appearances in Brazil, scoring three goals and producing five assists.

Internacional president Alessandro Barcellos recently confirmed in the past few weeks that negotiations are now taking place to make Bernabei’s move permanent, with Globo Esporte reporting previously that Celtic have even lowered their asking price for him from £8 million to £4.1 million to facilitate one.

However, the Hoops will apparently instead ask for a percentage of any future sale, claims Globo Esporte.

Bernabei himself is loving life with Inter, and recently said he hopes his good form for the club can see him called up to Argentina’s national team for the first time in the near future.

“We are an incredible team – World Cup holders and Copa America champions – so of course I know it will be incredibly difficult for me to be called up for the squad,” he said. “But nobody tells me that I can’t aim for that. I certainly hope with my recent form that it will be my turn soon.”

He added: “Here in Brazil I am playing every three days or so and that’s a real challenge and it is very demanding. But I am very happy with my form.”

Local cricket official feels play can begin within an hour of the rain stopping because of the upgraded covers and drainage facilities

Karthik Krishnaswamy24-May-2022

Kolkata and the rest of West Bengal have experienced a lot of rain over the past week•Getty Images

The threat of rain interruptions hangs over Tuesday night’s Qualifier 1 between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens.Kolkata experienced a brief afternoon shower on the day, and more rain is forecast for the evening, with a nearly 60% chance of precipitation between 6pm and 9pm. The match is scheduled to begin at 7.30pm. Rain could also affect Wednesday night’s Eliminator between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore, with a 50% chance of showers forecast.But Naresh Ojha, the vice-president of the Cricket Association of Bengal, was confident that the match on Tuesday would go ahead, reckoning that play could begin within an hour of the rain stopping. “Our drainage is excellent, and we have full covers for the outfield,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “Even if we can start by 10.10pm, we can have a full 20-overs game, or the worst-case scenario is five overs per side with a 11.56pm start.”