Wolverhampton Wanderers are now officially safe from relegation and will be competing in the Premier League again in the 2023/24 campaign.

Julen Lopetegui's side are nine points clear of 18th-placed Everton with two matches left to play and can use these last couple of outings to offer minutes to younger players in the squad to see if they have what it takes to step up next term.

This season, one of the club's top performers has been one of their most experienced gems in the form of Portuguese central midfielder Joao Moutinho.

The ex-Monaco man has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.90, which ranks only behind Ruben Neves out of all the outfield players, across 31 appearances in the top flight.

At the age of 36, Moutinho is still going strong and averaged 2.2 tackles and interceptions and 1.2 key passes per game whilst completing 84% of his attempted passes – as per Sofascore.

The veteran has proven himself to be an ultra-reliable option in the middle of the park and a maestro who can open up defences, to create chances for his teammates, whilst also being strong enough to win possession back for his team on a regular basis off the ball.

However, he is out of contract this summer and it remains to be seen if the magician will remain at the club beyond the end of the current campaign.

Wolves could alleviate any concerns about Moutinho's possible departure, though, by swooping to sign one of their reported transfer targets – Enzo Le Fee.

Who is Enzo Le Fee?

The 23-year-old French central midfielder currently plays for Lorient in Ligue 1 and has caught the eye with his impressive performances this term.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig once likened him to Joao Moutinho, by naming the French gem as a "similar" player, while listing the Frenchman's strengths as "passing, vision, and technique"; sound familiar?

Le Fee has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.24 in the league for Lorient in 2022/23 and made 2.1 key passes and 4.2 tackles and interceptions per match, which shows that the prospect can open up opposing defences and win the ball back for his team – similarly to the way the current Wolves star does.

The £9m-rated youngster, who Kulig once hailed as one of his club's "golden" trio of stars, has created nine 'big chances' for his teammates and ranks in the top 4% of players in his position in Europe's top five leagues over the last 365 days for tackles per 90.

These statistics show that the talented maestro has the quality and stylistic profile to be Lopetegui's perfect Moutinho heir with the midfielder having the ability to impact games at both ends of the pitch with his combative and creative play.

Chaminda Bandara has been called in as a replacement for the injured Dushmantha Chameera in Sri Lanka’s squad for the third Test against England at Lord’s

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Jun-2016

Uncapped left-arm seamer Chaminda Bandara has been called in as a replacement for the injured Dushmantha Chameera in Sri Lanka’s squad for the third Test against England at Lord’s. His selection follows Chameera’s lower-back injury, which ruled him out for the rest of the England tour.Bandara, 29, will leave for England with Kusal Perera, who replaced injured seamer Dhammika Prasad; both players will be available for selection for the Lord’s Test, which starts from June 9.”Bandara has been performing well domestically and he is the best choice available at the time for the English conditions,” chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya said.Sri Lanka will also wait for the results of tests on Shaminda Eranga’s bowling action, which will take place on June 6. Eranga’s action had been reported after the second Test, at Chester-Le-Street. If the tests conclude that Eranga’s action is illegal, he will barred from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect.Bandara was not in the preliminary squad for the tour, but leapfrogs Vishwa Fernando and Kasun Rajitha into the Test squad, thanks largely to his domestic experience. He was also the most successful seam bowler in this year’s first-class tournament, taking 33 wickets at an average of 26.30 for Ports Authority Cricket Club. He has played 51 first-class matches in all, taking 141 wickets at an average of 29.85.

Tottenham Hotspur, although little seems to be changing, must surely be honing in on who will occupy their dugout this summer.

It was reported just last week that Daniel Levy had undergone talks with Julian Nagelsmann, who remains a free agent after his dismissal from Bayern Munich, yet again there seems to be no update.

However, the Lilywhites' transfer movement could prove indicative of which direction they are planning to go, as their reported interest – as per Sport BILD (via Sport Witness) – in RB Leipzig maestro Dani Olmo, a former player of the German boss, speaks volumes.

It seems that already the squad is being crafted to suit the 35-year-old, who could snag a familiar face for a fee of around €30m (£26m), in order to ensure the Spanish international does not leave on a free at the conclusion of his £71k-per-week deal in 2024.

Always one for a bargain, and likely seeking to get off on the right foot with his new head coach, this deal has Levy written all over it.

It could allow Nagelsmann to instantly boast one of his old favourites, who he might immediately seek to convert into a similar role to the one he crafted Christopher Nkunku with great success.

How has Dani Olmo played this season?

Having featured on either wing and through the centre this season for his German club, the 25-year-old boasts a fine return of five goals and nine assists in all competitions.

However, his presence at Spurs would offer far more than these tangible assets, as having someone so familiar with the tactical setup will be imperative in ensuring the speedy instilment of it throughout the squad. The creative leader has played 61 times under the young boss' stewardship, outlining his experience.

This versatility gives credence to the theory that he could occupy a role like Nkunku's, which allowed him to score 35 times and assist a further 20 last season as a shadow striker under Nagelsmann.

Olmo clearly boasts similar attributes to the Frenchman, as a skilful attacker who relies more on his technical qualities than pure physicality. Nagelsmann has been vocal in his praise for both of these wizards, as he first lauded the soon-to-be Chelsea man, claiming:

"He’s versatile and has real quality in attacking one-on-ones."

He ramped up his admiration for the alternative magician, later branding the Spanish maestro an "outstanding footballer" who is "extremely hard-working".

With a relentless attitude and all the qualities to succeed in such a role, perhaps even to the levels that Nkunku has reached, north London could soon boast a fine alternative to the real thing, who will join up with the west London club this summer.

Manchester City are set for new contract talks with James McAtee, with the midfielder impressing Pep Guardiola during his loan spell at Sheffield United, according to a report from the Daily Mail.

Which players could leave Man City this summer?

There is a growing possibility Man City may be able to keep hold of Ilkay Gundogan this summer, despite interest from Barcelona, as they have now offered the midfielder a new €9m (£7.9m) per-year deal to remain at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola is clearly keen to keep hold of the German, however there have been reports he will not stand in Bernardo Silva's way, should the Portugal international want to leave this summer, and he is also said to be eyeing a move to Barcelona.

City are understandably very keen to keep hold of striker Erling Haaland, after his record-breaking first season in Manchester, and they are now preparing to open talks about a two-year contract extension, according to Football Insider.

McAtee is yet to have the same sort of impact in a Man City shirt, however the club are now set to offer him a new contract, after impressing during his loan spell at Sheffield United this season, as per the Daily Mail.

The 20-year-old has delighted Guardiola by overcoming obstacles early on in his loan spell with the Blades, and he went on to play a key role in their promotion back to the Premier League, winning the club's young player of the year award.

After his impressive loan spell, the starlet is attracting interest from the likes of Aston Villa, Leicester and Brighton, but City believe he could soon make the step up to the first team, and are keen to keep hold of him.

Should James McAtee be offered a new deal?

After mainly being utilised as a substitute during the first couple of months at Sheffield United, the Salford-born midfielder went on to become a very important player, recording four goals and one assist in his last seven Championship games.

Hailed as "excellent" by journalist Josh Bunting, the £10k-per-week maestro is also a fantastic dribbler of the ball, ranking in the 97th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 in the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

City are blessed with strength in depth at central midfield, particularly if Gundogan pens a new contract, however McAtee is showing all the signs he could break into the first team in a couple of years time, and it is great news he is set to be offered a new deal.

Glamorgan continued their remarkable form in the NatWest T20 Blast against Sussex with a win that extended their undefeated run in the competition to seven matches

ECB Reporters Network07-Jul-2016
ScorecardTim van der Gugten’s early wickets made the difference•Getty ImagesGlamorgan continued their remarkable form in the NatWest T20 Blast against Sussex with a win that extended their undefeated run in the competition to seven matches.A 55-ball 81 from David Lloyd set up a total that was about par on a slow Cardiff pitch but it was made to look a lot more valuable than that when Glamorgan’s Dutch bowler Timm van der Gugten ripped apart the Sussex top order at the start of the Sussex chase and finished with 4 for 17.The story of Glamorgan’s season has been the coming of age of Lloyd. He made his third first-class hundred of the season against these same opponents on Wednesday and tonight he continued that fine run of form. He looked all set to pass his career best T20 score of 97 not out made against Kent this season but he fell in the 17th over when He mistimed a pull shot off Chris Jordan.Lloyd shared decent partnerships with Colin Ingram and Jacques Rudolph, but he was the most impressive Glamorgan batsman by a distance. The next highest score was Rudolph with 24 who had dropped himself down to No. 4 as he searches for a return to form.Rudolph had looked very well set in this innings, at one point hitting a massive six off Chris Nash that is now residing at the bottom of the River Taff. Just when it appeared that he might make his first truly significant T20 contribution of 2016 he drilled a ball from Nuwan Kulasekara to Luke Wright in the covers.A four-over spell from England bowler’s Chris Jordan and Tymal Mills in the final overs prevented Glamorgan from getting a truly daunting total. Mills was particularly impressive as he took two wickets for five runs in his two overs at the death. He bowled with pace and with accuracy showing why he made his England bow this week.Glamorgan stumbled to a total of 159 for 8, but it ended up being more than enough as the ever more impressive van der Gugten took three wickets in three overs at the start of the Sussex innings to leave them 22 for 3 in the seventh over.With the Sussex top order gone the run rate just kept going up, but a partnership between Ross Taylor and Matt Machan that was worth 37 gave Sussex some hope. When both of those men fell within seven balls of each other any feint hopes of an away win were gone.With that partnership broken it became a procession of Sussex wickets as they finished on 113 all out. Michael Hogan, Craig Meschede and Graham Wagg picked up two wickets.Shaun Tait bowled very fast on his return to Glamorgan after his brief spell with the club in 2010 but he was the only seamer to go wicketless.

Glasgow Rangers have endured one of their worst seasons in recent memory.

The Ibrox outfit will end the campaign trophyless while they have also sacked a manager and even managed to secure the record for the worst ever Champions League group stage performance, losing all six matches and scoring just twice.

Michael Beale will be aiming to put 2022/2023 firmly in the rearview mirror once their finally match has been played and turn his attention to the summer transfer window, with the squad badly needing to be overhauled.

It could be the Gers busiest transfer window in recent memory, especially with seven first team players out of contract and the Englishman will be eyeing up a fair few arrivals too.

Could the 42-year-old turn to the academy to save the club some money?

With plenty of young talent impressing for both the B team and U18s, next season could have a very different feel to it.

One player that Beale may consider giving more opportunities to is defender Lewis MacKinnon and the Ibrox side could certainly their repeat their Leon King masterclass.

Who is Lewis MacKinnon?

The 20-year-old centre-back plays in the same position as King, and he could follow in his footsteps by making the leap to the first team next term.

King is a stunning prospect, making his debut for the club under Steven Gerrard in 2020 aged just 16, he has since gone on to feature for the Light Blues on 28 occasions, gaining valuable Champions League experience along the way.

MacKinnon may not have made his senior bow yet, but there is no doubt the ability is there and with the club having nothing to play for across the final five matches of the season, there may be an opportunity to impress.

He offers a rare attacking threat from central defence having scored three times this term while the Northern Irishman has even stated that he aims to be “solid” in his own box, also admitting that he has improved while speaking to the media earlier this season, saying:

"The Lowland League has been more of a physical test, but when we play these top European teams you’re coming across a different challenge, it’s probably more technical playing against these teams. Ultimately, it will help us improve as a player, everyone’s enjoying it.

“If you look at the boys who got a start against Queen of the South, it just shows you that the pathway is there, and you just have to keep striving each day."

King has proven that there is indeed a clear pathway from academy to the senior side, and Beale could well unleash him either in the final few matches of this season, or bring him into the first team squad ahead of 2023/2024.

Newcastle United are monitoring Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson ahead of a potential move to St. James’ Park, according to journalist Steve Kay.

What's the latest on Johnson's future?

The Welshman is an academy graduate at the City Ground having worked his way up through the youth ranks to become an integral member of Steve Cooper’s first-team, making 103 senior appearances to date.

The Reds attacker’s contract isn’t set to expire for another three years, but being his side’s top-performing offensive player in the Premier League, has caught the eye of PIF and Eddie Howe, though not for the first time.

Back in April 2022, The Independent credited the Magpies with an interest in the 21-year-old, and despite a deal failing to come to fruition at the time, it sounds like the hierarchy could be about to use the upcoming window to take a second bite of the cherry.

Speaking to NUFC Blog, Football Transfers reporter Kay revealed that Newcastle are once again tracking Johnson as they consider their options for the summer. He said:

“Eddie Howe is looking for a young versatile attacking player who is Premier League proven and able to play on both wings. Brennan Johnson fits into that profile perfectly and has been watched by Newcastle. There are other clubs looking at him; Manchester City and Aston Villa to name two. City want a long term replacement for Mahrez and Emery is desperate to sign a winger in the window, having recently played John McGinn on the right.

“If a substantial bid arrives from a big club this summer, I’m told Forest will find it hard not to accept because of the spending power of clubs like Manchester City and Newcastle. The prospect of European football, possibly even playing in the Champions League, could also turn his head.”

Should Newcastle submit an offer for Johnson?

Nottingham Forest being promoted in 2021/22 means that Johnson only has experience of one top-flight season under his belt, but having been hailed the “shining light” of his squad by journalist Josh Bunting, Newcastle should test the waters following his impressive debut campaign in the Premier League.

The World Cup participant has posted 73 goal contributions (47 goals and 26 assists) in 156 appearances throughout his career, with 13 of those coming across all competitions so far this term.

Even if he’s not always on the scoresheet, the £30k-per-week gem is constantly looking to produce moments of quality in the final third having recorded a total of 55 shot-creating actions and 51 shots since the beginning of the season, which are both the second-highest out of all of his teammates in the Midlands, as per FBRef.

Finally, Johnson is a versatile operator having played in seven various positions since first bursting onto the scene, including everywhere across the frontline and even in three roles in the midfield, so this will be another attractive attribute to Howe and one that could tempt him into making an approach in the weeks ahead.

Australia’s stand-in coach Justin Langer believes Matthew Wade could become the best wicketkeeper in the country if he was to follow the hard work ethic of predecessors Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist. Wade was key to Australia’s win in the tri-series final against West Indies thanks to his unbeaten 57 from 52 balls, and Langer said his batting form at practice was outstanding throughout the tour.However, Wade’s glovework has rarely matched the sharpness of previous Australia wicketkeepers such as Healy and Gilchrist, and earlier in the tri-series Wade himself nominated Peter Nevill as the best gloveman in Australia. Earlier this year, the selectors chose Test wicketkeeper Nevill ahead of Wade in the squad for the World T20 in India, leaving ODIs as the only format in which Wade is the incumbent.Wade has played 12 Tests and was the first-choice Test wicketkeeper during 2012 and early 2013, until the selectors went back to Brad Haddin for the Ashes campaign in England. Now 28, Wade’s international future appears more likely to be in the shorter formats with Nevill well established in the Test side, but Langer said there was no reason Wade could not push his case for a recall.”What often happens is you only highlight the mistakes,” Langer said. “But you don’t notice him very often and that’s a really good sign. My advice to him, I was very lucky to play with Ian Healy and Adam Gilchrist and they always had the best work ethic of anyone in the squad, so if he just continues to work hard there’s no reason [he can’t improve].”I heard him say a couple of weeks ago Peter Nevill is obviously the best wicketkeeper in Australia. Well, I’d like to think Matthew Wade is aspiring to be the best wicketkeeper in Australia. He’s in the one-day side, if he works hard, if he has a Healy and Gilchrist work ethic, then there’s no reason why he can’t be the best wicketkeeper in Australia. But that’s up to him if he really wants to work at that.”During the tri-series, Wade spilled a one-handed chance that allowed Marlon Samuels to go on and score a century, but, after Australia’s win in the final, captain Steven Smith acknowledged that the pitches in the West Indies made it a tough place to keep wicket.”It has been difficult,” Smith said. “He’s missed a couple of opportunities but it is a tough place to keep. There’s lots of balls that were bouncing before him and the ball was reversing and doing a bit. It is a difficult place to keep.”Wade’s batting has always been a plus at the selection table, with two centuries from his 12 Tests and an average of a touch under 40 in first-class cricket. His innings in the tri-series final earned high praise from Langer, who was coaching the side in this tournament due to the absence of Darren Lehmann.”He showed maturity, he’s the captain of Victoria at the moment,” Langer said. “He showed really good leadership and he batted very well. A big innings under pressure, that’s when you earn respect from your team-mates, that’s when you earn respect from the selectors, that’s when you earn respect from the public and the media.”

تأهل مانشستر يونايتد إلى دور الـ16 من بطولة كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، بالفوز 4-2 على نظيره نيوبورت كاونتي، ضمن منافسات الدور 32 من المسابقة الأقدم في إنجلترا.

تقدم مانشستر يونايتد في الربع ساعة الأولى عن طريق برونو فرنانديز في الدقيقة 7، قبل أن يعزز النتيجة كوبي ماينو في الدقيقة 13.

وقبل نهاية الشوط الأول، قلص الفارق براين موريس، قبل أن يسجل أصحاب الأرض الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 47 مع بداية الشوط الثاني، عن طريق ويل إيفانز ليعادل النتيجة.

طالع أيضًا.. تين هاج معلقًا على مستقبله مع مانشستر يونايتد: لا يمكنني الخوض في التفاصيل

سيطر مانشستر يونايتد على المباراة، وحاول كثيرًا ليجني ثمار محاولاته عن طريق أنتوني البرازيلي الذي يسجل الهدف الثالث للشياطين الحمر في الدقيقة 68.

وأجرى تين هاج العديد من التغييرات، بدخول ماكتوميناي والثنائي الشاب كامبوالا وفورسون، بدلًا من كاسيميرو ولوك شاو وأنتوني.

مع إقحام هاري ماجواير بدلًا من ليساندرو مارتينيز في الدقيقة 89، لينهي المباراة راسموس هويلاند بالهدف الرابع، ويقود مانشستر يونايتد لدور الـ16.

القرعة كانت أجريت في وقت سابق من هذا اليوم لدور الـ16 من كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، وأسفرت عن مواجهة مانشستر يونايتد للفائز من مواجهة بريستول سيتي ونوتينجهام فورست.

Newcastle United could be set to capitalise on Premier League rivals Leicester City's woes and raid the club for their most coveted asset, James Maddison, this summer as the Foxes scramble against the threat of relegation.

What's the latest on James Maddison to Newcastle?

According to The Telegraph, the high-flying Magpies are preparing for a busy summer and set to rekindle their move for Foxes phenom Maddison this summer, having failed in their pursuit of the playmaker one year ago.

Last summer, manager Eddie Howe attempted to sign the 26-year-old with a £50m bid but failed to meet the £60m valuation which still stands, enquiring unsuccessfully once more during the winter transfer window.

City are 18th in the top-flight with three matches to play and could plummet into the second division, which would all but confirm Maddison's departure from the King Power Stadium, with Newcastle poised to pounce.

How would Maddison do at Newcastle?

PIF have enjoyed much success since the £300m takeover of the Tyneside giants in October 2021, swiftly appointing Howe as manager and lifting the club from the pit of the Premier League towards prominence, securing a comfortable mid-table finish before ascending to Champions League contention this term.

Indeed, Newcastle reside in third with just four matches to play, three points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, who have played an additional fixture.

The signings made over the past three transfer windows have been transformative and adding a creative midfielder of Maddison's ilk could ice the cake and cement this remarkable newfound stature.

Having signed for Leicester from Norwich City for £24m in 2018, Maddison has played 200 matches and scored 55 goals and served 41 assists, crucial in the gleaning of the FA Cup and Community Shield.

However, the outfit's fortunes have taken a dramatic turn and now relegation from the Premier League could become reality in a matter of weeks, despite the best efforts of the £110k-per-week menace.

As per Sofascore, the two-cap England international has recorded a remarkable average rating of 7.4 in the league this term, scoring ten goals, providing nine assists and averaging 2.9 shots and 2.5 key passes per match, assured with his 80% passing accuracy and tenacious with 1.6 tackles per outing.

Ranking among the top 8% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for rate of goals, as per FBref, the top 4% for rate of assists and the top 10% for progressive passes per 90, Maddison is clearly one of the foremost creative talents around, and could spark excitement into Toon hearts at a level scarcely seen since infamous midfield wizard Hatem Ben Arfa graced the St. James' Park pitch.

The Frenchman signed for Alan Pardew's United in January 2011 after converting a loan move to a permanent deal, alighting English football with his defence-splitting weaving runs and sorcery with the ball at his feet, with Pardew hailing the mercurial ace as a "maverick" who has the "x-factor".

The cult hero scored five goals and six assists from just 16 starts in his first full season in the Premier League, but failed to display the discipline to parallel his brilliant natural prowess with a football, making an unsuccessful loan move to Hull City in 2014 and subsequently ending his career in England.

Maddison holds much of that same flair and guile, hailed as a "monster" by journalist Josh Bunting, but has exhibited his own prowess with sustained, trophy-winning performances across multiple seasons, and could be the heir to Ben Arfa's throne in Newcastle to truly send the city into deafening rapture.