Liverpool will want to wrap up a deal to bring in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in swift fashion to avoid rival interest in his services, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Alexis Mac Allister?

As per BBC Sport, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has signalled that both Mac Allister and his teammate Moises Caicedo are expected to leave the Amex Stadium this summer.

Speaking in his post-match press conference following the Seagulls' 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last Sunday, the 43-year-old said: "I think that can be the last game of Alexis and Moises, I'm really sorry. They are two great people and two great players. He then added: "The policy of Brighton is like this. "I think it's right they can leave, can change teams and play in a level higher. We are ready. We have to find others big players to play without Alexis and Moises."

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has detailed on his YouTube channel that Liverpool are in an advanced stage of negotiations to acquire the Argentina international, stating: "Liverpool want to be fast. The agreement on personal terms is 90% done, so Alexis Mac Allister is really, really close to Liverpool."

The Mirror reported earlier this month that Manchester and Arsenal were also keen on Mac Allister while Chelsea had also expressed an interest in the past, according to The Guardian; however, the Reds look to be the closest to landing the 24-year-old heading into the summer transfer window.

Capology understand that Mac Allister earns £50,000 per week at Brighton on a contract that runs until June 2027.

What has Ben Jacobs said about Alexis Mac Allister?

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that the incoming Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino could make a 'late move' to try and sign Mac Allister; nevertheless, he expects Liverpool to move swiftly to land the playmaker in the summer.

Jacobs told FFC: "As I said before, the only twist until it's signed could be a late move from Chelsea, but first of all, Pochettino actually has to come in and start before things like that could move. We wait and see on that one, but McAllister has always said that he wants to go early. He's always said that he wants his future resolved as soon as possible when the season ends. Liverpool themselves want to do their business early. They always do that; they always try and window plan and make progress to the point where they don't drag things out if at all possible and much like when they signed Cody Gakpo and it was announced early, it wouldn't remotely surprise me if Liverpool do exactly the same for Alexis Mac Allister and try to get him in as fast as they possibly can."

Would Alexis Mac Allister be a good fit for Liverpool?

Mac Allister has been in fantastic form this campaign for Brighton and has played a major part in helping to propel the Seagulls to their sixth-place Premier League finish.

In total across 2022/23, Mac Allister managed to register 12 goals and three assists from 40 appearances in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored also note that the Argentina international gained an average match rating of 7.05/10 for his exploits on the field for the Seagulls this term, making him their second-most consistent performer behind Solly March.

Providing chances has proved to be his forte in Brighton colours during an impressive season, with Mac Allister successfully performing 106 shot-creating actions in the English top-flight, according to FBRef.

Jurgen Klopp will be in the market to bolster his squad this summer and Mac Allister would be an ideal candidate to provide some fresh ideas in the middle of the park come 2023/24 if the German boss can sanction a deal to bring him to Anfield.

كشف إيهاب الكومي، عضو مجلس إدارة الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، عن كواليس اختيار حسام حسن مديرًا فنيًا لمنتخب مصر، رغم أن الاتجاه كان إسناد المهمة لجهاز فني أجنبي.

وأعلن اتحاد الكرة، أمس الثلاثاء، إسناد مهمة تدريب منتخب مصر لـ حسام حسن، خلفًا للبرتغالي روي فيتوريا، بعد توجيه الشكر له بسبب إخفاق منتخب مصر في كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023.

وقال الكومي في تصريحات عبر برنامج “رقم 10″، على القناة “الأولى” المصرية: “أهنئ حسام حسن، رمز كبير في الكرة المصرية، ونأمل مع الإجماع الشعبي أن نُحقق إنجازات لمنتخب مصر”.

وتابع: “هناك أمور داخل الاجتماعات لا يعرف عنها الناس شيئًا، ولا يصح أن نحكي كل ما يُدار، لكن باختصار بعد خروج منتخب مصر من كأس أمم إفريقيا وظهور الفريق بأداء باهت، وبعد دراسة كافة التقارير الفنية والإدارية، تم الاستقرار على توجيه الشكر للبرتغالي روي فيتوريا”.

وأضاف: “وكان الحديث داخل اتحاد الكرة عن بديل فيتوريا، هل مصري أم أجنبي، الذي كان يريد مدربًا وطنيًا كان يُرشح حسام حسن كأولوية، وكابتن علي ماهر، لكن كانت الأغلبية إن الفترة الحالية تتطلب جهازًا فنيًا أجنبيًا، حتى لا يتم وضع ضغط على الجهاز المصري مثلما حدث مع إيهاب جلال”.

وواصل: “كانت الأولوية بالنسبة للجهاز الأجنبي هيرفي رينارد بتاريخه في القارة الإفريقية؛ ولذلك كان القرار بتعيين محمد يوسف مدربًا عامًا مع الجهاز الفني الجديد، ليكون متابعًا للدوري ويُعد تقريرًا للمدير الفني الجديد”.

طالع أيضًا | أيمن عبد العزيز: فيتوريا مصدوم بعد إقالته من تدريب منتخب مصر.. ويختار أكثر لاعب مظلوم

وأردف: “هيرفي رينارد سمع أن هناك نية للتعاقد معه، ورحب بذلك، وقلنا على بركة الله نبدأ في الحديث معه، والرجل قال إنه مرتبط بعقد مع الاتحاد الفرنسي لكرة القدم، ولن يتفرغ إلا بعد الأولمبياد، وأنه سيرسل مساعديه لتدريب المنتخب لحين الانتهاء من الأولمبياد، وبالتأكيد هذا لا يصح عمله، لأن أمامنا مباراتين هامتين في يونيو المُقبل في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026، وبالتالي نحتاج إلى مدير فني كبير لأنهما عنق زجاجة”.

وأشار: “عندما علمنا ذلك اتجهنا للأجهزة الفنية المصرية وعلى رأسها حسام حسن، وكان قرار المجلس بالكامل أن يتم إسناد المهمة لـ حسام وإبراهيم حسن، خاصة مع الالتفاف الشعبي الكبير حولهما، وبالفعل جمال علام اجتمع معهما، وصدر القرار بتعيين حسام مديرًا فنيًا، ومعه صلاحيات اختيار جهازه المعاون بالكامل”.

وشدد: “محمد يوسف أحد الأفراد الخلوقين والمحترمين، وحقق إنجازات كثيرة مع الأهلي، هو اعتذر عن التواجد، وكان ممكن أن يستمر حال تم تعيين مدير فني أجنبي، وأجمعنا في اتحاد الكرة على ضرورة الاعتماد عليه في الفترة القادمة داخل اتحاد الكرة والاستفادة منه لتطوير الكرة المصرية”.

وبسؤاله هل حازم إمام اعتذر عن الإشراف على منتخب مصر؟، قال: “حازم تعرض لهجوم كبير في الفترة الماضية، واختياره لـ فيتوريا بناءً على سيرة ذاتية أكثر من رائعة، ونحن كمجلس وافقنا على القرار، والعلاقة تضامنية، كلنا نتحمل المسؤولية، كنا نتمنى أن يتقدم المدرب البرتغالي بالكرة المصرية، لكن حتى الآن لم نتحدث عن مسألة الإشراف على المنتخب، وحازم رحب جدًا بتعيين حسام وإبراهيم، وقال إنهما رمزان وأبدعا مع منتخب مصر في السابق”.

Coventry City are just one game away from the Premier League after they secured a 1-0 aggregate win over Middlesbrough in the Championship playoff semi-final on Wednesday night.

Following a stalemate in the home leg, Michael Carrick's side were perhaps seen as the favourites to progress to the final at Wembley to take on Luton Town, but there was another resolute defensive display from the Sky Blues to continue a fantastic season.

Clean sheets have been vital for Robins' side and Ben Wilson earned his 22nd of the campaign with another shutout at the Riverside Stadium last night, with Gustavo Hamer's second-half curler enough for Coventry to progress.

What happened in Middlesbrough vs Coventry?

Chances were at a premium in the first half, with Darragh Lenihan's header perhaps the closest either side would come to the opener, in what was a nervy atmosphere at the Riverside.

Jamie Allen then spurned a glorious opportunity to give the away side the lead when he failed to get a strong connection on a cross, but it wouldn't take long for the Sky Blues to score the only goal of the tie.

The ever-willing Viktor Gyokeres latched on to a ball over the top and took the ball around Zack Steffen, before unselfishly leaving it to Gustavo Hamer, who sidestepped a defender before curling into the top corner.

Although Matt Crooks did have the ball in the back of the net, and Cameron Archer hit the bar, both Middlesbrough attackers were offside, as the hosts struggled to create any chances of note.

It is for this reason that, despite Hamer scoring a wonderful goal and hitting the crossbar with a fearsome free-kick, it is arguably Luke McNally who was Robins' true hero on Wednesday.

How did McNally play against Middlesbrough?

As per Sofascore, the centre-back would earn a superb 7.9/10 rating for his performance, which ranked him joint with Hamer as the best player on the pitch from both sides.

During the 90 minutes, the 23-year-old would contribute a hugely impressive five tackles, five interceptions and two blocks, all of which are an increase on his season average of 2.3 tackles, 2.5 interceptions and 0.8 blocks per Championship game.

Former professional footballer Stephen Elliot dubbed him one of Coventry's "monsters" for his display and suggested that his physicality could be a difference-maker against Luton in the final.

This is certainly backed up by his performance against Boro, as he contributed a further seven aerial duels won, four clearances and wasn't dribbled past once, as he kept the dangerous Chuba Akpom and Cameron Archer quiet.

After seeing his parent club Burnley win the title, McNally will be hoping to make it two promotions in one season when the Sky Blues face up against the Hatters at Wembley next weekend.

Burnley finished their 2022/23 campaign with a 3-0 win over Cardiff City to secure 101 points and the Championship title to earn themselves promotion back to the Premier League.

The Clarets will return to the top-flight next season, just over a year on from their relegation in 2021/22, and planning is already underway to improve the squad with a view to competing at the top level.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Lancashire outfit and Sheffield United have both shown an interest in snapping up Chelsea's £20m midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka on loan.

The Blues are set to sanction a temporary exit for the England U20 international and first-team boss Vincent Kompany is now looking to take advantage of that by adding him to his squad.

What is Carney Chukwuemeka's style of play?

Chukwuemeka is a tall, box-to-box, midfielder who has the quality on the ball to drive a team forward – completing 6.06 progressive carries per 90 in the previous campaign – whilst holding the potential to make an impact in the final third.

The 19-year-old could thrive alongside current Burnley star Josh Cullen – who averaged 1.22 progressive carries per 90 in the second tier – as the Irishman's bite off the ball and his quality in possession could allow the youngster to showcase his qualities in attack.

In the Championship this season, the former West Ham United gem averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.00 across 43 appearances and completed 88% of his attempted passes. He also made 2.8 tackles and interceptions per match, which shows that he can win the ball back for his side on a regular basis week-in-week-out.

Chukwuemeka, meanwhile, has averaged 1.4 tackles and interceptions per game in 11 Premier League appearances for Chelsea this term – having also won 62% of his ground duels.

This suggests that the young midfielder is not defensive-minded and could, potentially, be a liability out of possession if he is not playing next to a player who can be an anchor in the middle of the park – like Cullen.

He is yet to score a senior goal for Aston Villa or Chelsea in his career but has produced six goals in 13 matches for England at U19 level and plundered 13 goals and 13 assists in 55 U21 and U18 games combined for the Villans.

These statistics indicate that the potential is there for the homegrown dynamo to make a huge impact in the final third if given starts on a regular basis and his goals could make up for the lack of threat Cullen, who only scored once in the Championship for Burnley, provides from that position.

Therefore, Chukwuemeka – who was once dubbed a "superstar in the making" by scout Jacek Kulig – could provide an attacking option alongside the Irishman, whilst the current Clarets star's defensive ability could be the platform from which the 19-year-old springs to join in with the forwards.

This is why Kompany must swoop to sign the Chelsea talent on loan for the Clarets this summer as he could form a dream pairing with the 27-year-old machine under Kompany in the Premer League next term.

Match facts

Sunday, August 28, 2016
Start time 1430 local (0900 GMT)Tillakaratne Dilshan needs 158 or more in his final innings to finish among the top 10 ODI run-scorers of all time•AFP

Big Picture

Three days ago, there was no reason to expect that this third ODI would be particularly headline-grabbing – at least, not beyond Dambulla hosting day-night cricket for the first time in six years. Then, Tillakaratne Dilshan announced his impending retirement, Steven Smith flew home and handed Australia’s captaincy to David Warner, and, suddenly, there was more than your average amount of interest in the match. It will also be an important game in determining the outcome of the series – the winner will move 2-1 up with two to play.But for Sri Lankan fans, the attention will all be on Dilshan, the former captain, who is set to play his 330th and final one-day international. It will not be Dilshan’s last international appearance, for he is due to play in the T20s that follow this series, but it is the beginning of a farewell to a Sri Lankan favourite, and one of the last remaining international cricketers who made his debut in the 1990s.Much of the attention will also centre on Australia’s stand-in captain. The decision to fly Smith home to rest ahead of a busy upcoming schedule has been met with plenty of criticism. It does, though, provide an opportunity to test the leadership credentials of Warner, who has never captained Australia in any format. In fact, Warner’s only previous captaincy experience has come in Twenty20, so this is new for him on more than one level.

Form guide

Australia: LWWWL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka: WLLLL

In the spotlight

At 39, Tillakaratne Dilshan has certainly been there and done that. And now, he’s doing it for the last time – in ODI cricket, at least. Barring a monumental knock of 158 or more in his final innings (which would see him overtake Brian Lara), Dilshan will bow out as ODI cricket’s 11th highest scorer of all time. His record against Australia might not be the strongest – he has averaged 26.33 against them in 43 ODIs – but this is one last chance to make a big score against the No.1 team in the world.David Warner will become the 23rd man to captain Australia in ODIs, and while he has never led a team in 50-over cricket, his record as a captain in Twenty20 cricket makes for remarkable reading. Warner has led teams in 34 T20s for 19 wins, but even more impressive is his personal figures as skipper: he averages 53.79 and has five scores of 90 and above. His most recent captaincy experience came in the 2016 IPL, where he led Sunrisers Hyderabad to the title and was second only to Virat Kohli on the tournament’s run charts. Australia’s powers that be will hope Warner continues to lead by example – at least, in terms of his run-making.

Team news

Sri Lanka have added 19-year-old right-arm pacer Lahiru Kumara for the remainder of the series, in place of allrounder Milinda Siriwardana. Like 18-year old batsman Avishka Fernando, who was named in the squad at the start of the series, Kumara has played no senior cricket at all. However, given their success in the previous match, there is every chance Sri Lanka will go in with an unchanged side.Sri Lanka (possible) 1 Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Dinesh Chandimal (wk), 5 Angelo Mathews (capt), 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Kusal Perera, 8 Thisara Perera, 9 Seekkuge Prasanna, 10 Dilruwan Perera, 11 Amila Aponso.Smith’s departure will force at least one change to the top order, with either Shaun Marsh or Usman Khawaja coming into the XI. The selectors might also be tempted to strengthen the attack after Australia’s combined “fifth bowler” – Moises Henriques and Travis Head – leaked runs at an alarming rate in the second game. Henriques has struggled for form on this tour, and dropping him would allow Head – who has one-day scores of 202 and 175 in the past year – to move into the top-six.Australia (possible) 1 David Warner (capt), 2 Aaron Finch, 3 Shaun Marsh/Usman Khawaja, 4 George Bailey, 5 Matthew Wade (wk), 6 Travis Head, 7 James Faulkner, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, 11 Nathan Lyon.

Pitch and conditions

Although pace bowlers have a strong record of wicket-taking in Dambulla, the Australians anticipate that the pitch will still offer plenty for the spinners.

Stats and trivia

• This will be the first day-night ODI in Dambulla since 2010, when the floodlights were deemed to be of inadequate strength. They have now been upgraded
• Australia have played only two matches – in any format – in Dambulla. Both were ODIs played in 2004. They won one and lost one
• The departure of Smith deprives Australia not only of their captain, but also of the highest run-scorer in ODI cricket worldwide over the past year

Quotes

“I think he deserves a break, whether or not it was during the series or before the series. It is going to be very, very tough with the scheduling these days to play all three forms and every single game possible.”

Ben Stokes will continue his rehabilitation from a calf tear that kept him out of England’s last two Tests against Pakistan by appearing for Durham on NatWest T20 Blast Finals Day

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Aug-2016

Ben Stokes will continue his rehabilitation from a calf tear that kept him out of England’s last two Tests against Pakistan by appearing for Durham on NatWest T20 Blast Finals Day. Stokes is one of a number of England players made available for their counties this week in the knockout stages of the white-ball competitions.Stokes, who has been cleared to bat and bowl, is set to come up against England team-mates Joe Root, Gary Ballance and Jonny Bairstow in the second Blast semi-final between Durham and Yorkshire on Saturday. Durham will also have centrally contracted pace bowler Mark Wood at their disposal.Wood and Stokes are hopeful of being involved in England’s limited-overs series against Pakistan, after a summer disrupted by injuries. Wood has twice undergone surgery on his ankle but bowled with impressive pace to help Durham beat Gloucestershire at Bristol and book a place at Finals Day; Stokes also had an operation, on a knee injury suffered during the Sri Lanka Test series, and then hurt his calf playing against Pakistan at Old Trafford.England have allowed seven of the players who were involved in England’s defeat at The Oval to turn out in the Blast and Royal London Cup. Stuart Broad is set to play his first white-ball game for Nottinghamshire in almost a year (he was selected for a Blast game in July but it was abandoned without a ball bowled), with Alex Hales also available for Finals Day, when they will play Northamptonshire.Yorkshire’s trio of Root, Ballance and Bairstow are also in line to play the Royal London Cup quarter-final at Kent on Thursday. Moeen Ali has been released for Worcestershire’s quarter-final trip to Taunton and Chris Woakes will be part of Warwickshire’s squad for the visit of Essex on Wednesday.The only member of the Test side that won’t be in the reckoning for his county is the captain, Alastair Cook, who has been requested to take a break by the England management.

Manchester United are believed to be considering a move for Brighton and Hove Albion starlet, Evan Ferguson, albeit with any deal not set to take place until next summer.

What's the latest on Ferguson to Man United?

According to journalist Melissa Reddy, the Red Devils – as well as rivals Tottenham Hotspur – are seemingly lining up a swoop for the 18-year-old sensation in 2024, with United having previously missed out on the teenager's signature despite taking him on trial in the past.

Writing on Twitter, the respected insider stated: "Manchester United and Tottenham have both earmarked Evan Ferguson as the forward that can lead their line long term, with groundwork having started over a future move…"

In her attached piece for Sky Sports, Reddy explains that the Republic of Ireland international – who recently signed a new deal with the Seagulls – is viewed as a '£50m-plus mistake' by those at United due to their previous failure to sign him, with Erik ten Hag and co now lining up the sparkling youngster as a target for the long-term.

Should Man United sign Evan Ferguson?

The former Bohemian striker has certainly caught the attention of late following what has been a real breakthrough campaign at the Amex, with the precocious talent having scored ten goals at senior level in all competitions this term.

The much-coveted striker – who also boasts a tally of five goals in just six Premier League 2 games this season in the youth ranks – has been earmarked as a potential "£100m phenom" of the future, according to Reddy, while Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has suggested that the 6 foot 2 ace could become one of the "best strikers in the Premier League".

Likened to one-time Man United man, Michael Owen, for his "ice cold" finishing prowess – as per talkSPORT pundit Scott Minto – Ferguson is deservedly earning rave reviews for his standout recent form, with it set to be no surprise if he kicks on again for the south coast side next season.

If the four-cap powerhouse does eventually end up at the Theatre of Dreams, Ten Hag could well have the makings of a truly mouthwatering, long-term attacking partnership involving Ferguson and fellow teen, Alejandro Garnacho, with the latter gem having also been a breakout star in the top-flight this term.

The FA Youth Cup-winning winger has netted five goals and provided five assists across all fronts at senior level to date, only recently marking his return from injury with a late strike off the bench against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

While still only 18 himself, the Argentine speedster has already emerged as a real "game changer" for United – according to Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst – with Ten Hag hailing the "brave" youngster as a "huge talent" following his effort against the Old Gold.

Although the Madrid-born dynamo will need to maintain his initial, first-team impact next season – as too will Ferguson at the Amex – the signs are that Garnacho could well be a real star of the future for the Red Devils.

To think that the teen machine could be well be partnered with the clinical Brighton man at some stage over the coming years is exciting, indeed.

For the fifth time in the series Sri Lanka batted first and a vaguely familiar match played out as Australia ran down the hosts’ 195 in the 43rd over, zipping up the series 4-1

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando04-Sep-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsDavid Warner came back into form with a hundred•Associated PressFor the fifth time in the series Sri Lanka batted first and a vaguely familiar match played out as Australia ran down the hosts’ 195 in the 43rd over, zipping up the series 4-1. Mitchell Starc was denied his customary early wicket this time, but Sri Lanka’s middle-order collapse happened anyway, as it often has in the past two weeks. Australia’s top order then delivered another consummate performance on a spinning track; the margin of victory was five wickets, but it seemed even more comfortable than that.It was David Warner, who provided the spine to this particular chase. He capped an outstanding eight days as captain by scoring Australia’s first ODI century in Sri Lanka – his 106 from 126 balls measured and delicate, in contrast to his usual maurauding style. Warner’s 132-run third-wicket stand with George Bailey effectively ended the contest. The pair had come together at 25 for 2, but Sri Lanka’s score always seemed about 40 runs light.The hosts had squandered their best start of the tour in their own innings, losing batsmen in clusters, then failing to produce significant partnerships before the next cascade of wickets came around. Dhananjaya de Silva and Danushka Gunathilaka were surging along happily against the new ball – making 73 for the first wicket – then three wickets fell for five runs. Before they had properly recovered from that dive, the next set of rapids was upon them. Sri Lanka lost their fourth and fifth wickets for eight runs, and sixth and seventh wickets for 20. And the last three fell within 11 runs of each other. Sachith Pathirana scored a fourth 30-odd of the innings, in the company of the tail, to go with those from the openers and Kusal Mendis.Starc made up for missing out on his customary early wicket by helping blast out the tail and taking 3 for 40. Each of the other five Australia bowlers also made at least one breakthrough.As has been the case for much of the tour, Australia’s bowling was disciplined rather than devilish, but Sri Lanka’s batsmen folded alarmingly when even a little pressure had built up. De Silva mis-hit James Faulkner to mid-on in the 14th over to set the collapse in motion. Six balls later, Gunathilaka misjudged the line of an Adam Zampa ball, and had his leg stump rattled when he missed a lap sweep. Dinesh Chandimal and Mendis were both out poking outside the off stump – though the latter did play some sublime strokes before the dismissal. Upul Tharanga slapped a Travis Head ball to point, and Dasun Shanaka was bowled by a Zampa slider. Starc’s full and straight deliveries were beyond the skill of Sri Lanka’s lower order to defuse.The new ball nipped around under lights for Suranga Lakmal, and Dilruwan Perera immediately had the ball spinning sharply, but beyond the first 12 overs, Sri Lanka failed to exert substantial pressure. Having opened the innings in place of Aaron Finch, who had injured a finger while fielding in the slips, Matthew Wade gloved a ball behind as he attempted to sweep, and Usman Khawaja was soon caught off the leading edge.Warner and Bailey had close calls themselves in the initial period, but soon began to sweep, reverse sweep, and advance down the track, with increasing confidence. Bailey was merely tapping into a body of strokes that has brought him success right through the tour, but Warner’s attempt to return to form was the more compelling of the two innings. He collected his first four with a reverse-lap off Dilruwan in the second over, but was content to score in singles and twos for much of his early stay – his second boundary did not come until the 21st over.Dinesh Chandimal rifled through his many spin options, and though half chances were created throughout the partnership, edges continued to fall into space, and marginal decisions went against the hosts. By mid-innings, the track had begun to take dramatic turn, yet Warner and Bailey marched on, scoring off the loose balls, and scratching together runs – the ball sometimes traveling to unguarded spaces off unintended parts of the bat. Warner reached his first half-century of the series off his 72nd delivery, then hit three fours off the next five balls to herald a more attacking approach. His second fifty came off 39 balls, and the celebration upon reaching his first ODI ton in Asia was uncharacteristically restrained, as the innings had been.Bailey fell with 39 runs to get, then Head and Warner followed not long after, but the wickets merely served to narrow the winning margin, rather than provide Sri Lanka with any real hope.Just about the only area of success for Sri Lanka was their opening partnership, which survived past the fifth over for the first time on tour. De Silva was particularly good against Starc again, driving him gracefully through the covers in the first over, then cutting and flicking him to the fence in the fifth. Gunathilaka was punchier, putting John Hastings into the sightscreen in the fourth over then leaning back to slap him over the point region soon after. Sri Lanka’s first 50 runs came in 9.1 overs, but once the wickets began to fall, they could not arrest the slide.

Newcastle United are thought to be one of four sides keen on signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer.

What’s the latest Newcastle transfer news?

The Magpies and Eddie Howe appear to be turning their attention to the transfer window after Champions League football was guaranteed earlier in the week against Leicester City.

One player who appears to be of interest is Vlahovic, who was linked with a move to St. James’ Park earlier this month. There was speculation that Vlahovic’s agent approached Newcastle over a move to England, and a fresh update has emerged in the last 48 hours.

According to reports in Italy, Newcastle, and by extension owners PIF, along with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United, are all interested in signing the Serbia international.

Bayern Munich are also named as suitors, with Juventus needing to make one sacrifice over the coming months and Vlahovic is expected to be that man.

Who is Dusan Vlahovic?

Vlahovic is 23 years of age and is an out-and-out centre-forward who only joined Juventus last year. Described as “scary” and a “monster” by journalist Carlo Garganese, he has scored 23 goals in 63 appearances with his current employers, previously netting 49 times in 108 games for Fiorentina.

It looks as if an exit is on the cards, and Juventus have even dropped their asking price to €70m (£60m) – a figure which would match the current transfer record at Newcastle for Alexander Isak.

Isak and Callum Wilson have provided the goods in front of goal this season, netting a combined 28 goals in the top flight, with both forwards outperforming Vlahovic when it comes to average match rating, as per WhoScored.

Vlahovic has netted 14 times in 42 appearances during the current campaign, and with the Magpies playing more football next season after their European qualification, bolstering their attacking ranks with someone like Vlahovic could be a shrewd move, especially when you factor in Isak and Wilson’s injury issues this season.

Everton are reportedly ready to assert their dominance in the summer transfer window, as the club have been linked to a prolific forward.

The Toffees confirmed their Premier League survival in dramatic fashion on the final day, after what was a dreary season both on and off the pitch for the club.

Now that the Blues have sealed their fate in the top division, Sean Dyche will look to get to work this summer to make essential improvements in the bid to push on from a tough campaign at Goodison.

Having netted just 35 goals this term, Everton recorded their lowest-scoring tally over the past five seasons, however, the club’s latest transfer link could solve all woes in the final third.

What’s the latest on Yuri Alberto to Everton?

As reported by GOAL earlier this week, Everton are reportedly interested in Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto.

The report states that the Blues are considering a proposal to the Brazilian club for the striker, with them currently “keeping an eye” on the 22-year-old.

As per CIES Football Observatory, the Corinthians talisman is valued at €30m (£26m).

What could Yuri Alberto bring to Everton?

Operating over 2022/23 in the unfamiliar Brazilian league schedule, the striker has scored a total of 13 goals and registered six assists in 38 appearances in the Brasileiro Serie A and Paulista Serie A1 competitions – as per Sofascore.

At just 22, the forward has already had experience in European football, spending a season on loan in Russia representing Zenit St Petersburg, in which he contributed to ten goals in 15 appearances, scoring six and assisting four.

Lauded as being “dangerous” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Brazilian has areas of expertise in most areas of his game acting as a number nine, with Kulig listing him as being a “complete forward”.

Everton have found joy in equipping a Brazilian forward to lead the line previously, with Richarlison having a similar feat in his homeland, scoring 11 goals and assisting seven for Fluminense before signing for Watford in 2017 – as per Transfermarkt.

The young striker could add so much to the Toffees squad, and even force Dyche to reconsider the solidity of Calvert-Lewin’s place at the club.

The Englishman enjoyed a formidable scoring run in the 2020/21 season, bagging 16 league goals, however since then has suffered prolonged injuries, leaving him scoring just seven goals over the past two seasons at Goodison – as per Sofascore.

While injury struggles are out of his hands, competition for starting places remain, and the introduction of Alberto would certainly raise the bar in terms of battling for the number nine spot.

When comparing the two players, the Brazilian showcases a higher threat on the ball than the Everton forward, averaging 2.62 shot-creating actions to Calvert-Lewin’s 1.85 per 90, highlighting his efficiency in attack.

A similar pattern is evident in terms of positioning and threat going forward, with the 22-year-old averaging 6.83 progressive passes received, to the Englishman’s 4.33 per 90 – all statistics as per FBref.

The most important thing for the club is to secure a goalscorer this summer, however, Alberto could offer a dynamic player with “killer instinct” to Dyche’s set-up.

A player that is still developing at just 22 could give Everton more than just goals, with the potential to be a leading name at the club should he continue to showcase his talent in the final third.

It could also mean the end of the road for the stricken Calvert-Lewin who is surely now running out of time to prove his worth in Merseyside.