Manchester United are set to submit an offer for Fiorentina defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat in the coming days, and reports have revealed the club’s chances of bringing him to the Premier League.

How old is Sofyan Amrabat?

Amrabat is 26 years of age so is very much in the prime years of his career, and with his contract expiring in less than a year meaning that the ongoing window will be Vincenzo Italiano’s final opportunity to cash in should he not want to risk losing his prized asset for free, he’s been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.

The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell has reported that the Red Devils have already held talks over a deal for the Morocco international and that personal terms are not expected to be a problem, which seems to be the case with the player having turned down offers from West Ham and Saudi Arabia to force a switch to M16.

Read The Latest Man United Transfer News HERE…

With Fred having now completed a permanent exit to Fenerbahce and Donny Van De Beek also looking like he’ll be on his way out before September 1st, Erik ten Hag should create more space for new central reinforcements, and if the following update is to be believed, the Serie A star is a candidate being targeted by the boss in the top-flight.

Are Man United signing Sofyan Amrabat?

According to TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness), Man United could table a “proposal” for Amrabat “after” August 15th (Tuesday). Fiorentina’s talisman is “courted” by Ten Hag, and a different outlet, Corriere Fiorentino, claim that the club are still the “main contenders” to secure his signature, with a bid of €27m (£23m) likely to be “enough” to seal a deal.

When recently asked during a public interview whether or not he’d be moving onto new pastures this summer, the player said: “I don’t know if I’m leaving… maybe I can stay here at Fiorentina. I don’t know, I could remain.”

How good is Sofyan Amrabat?

Man United will know that Amrabat isn’t that strong in the attacking aspect of his game having provided just one assist across all competitions last season, but having been dubbed a “monster” in defensive midfield by reporter Carlo Garganese, he could be an excellent recruit for Ten Hag.

The Huizen native last season recorded an 89.8% pass success rate which would make him the third-highest in comparison to what the manager’s current squad achieved, displaying his calmness and composure on the ball, alongside averaging 1.3 tackles per top-flight game, showing his desire to get stuck in and win back possession for his team.

Amrabat, who has the versatility to operate in an outstanding eight different positions over the pitch, including everywhere across the centre and even three roles in the defence, also shares the same agent, CAA Stellar, as Luke Shaw, Dean Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo and Facundo Pellistri, so this existing connection that his representative already has to the club could give them a small advantage in their pursuit during the final weeks of the window.

Dean Jones has given an update on Wolverhampton Wanderers midfield pursuit.

The club are looking to strengthen in the middle of the park this summer after losing key players this window.

What is the latest Wolves transfer news?

The side are in chaos before the start of the season.

The club have recently had to make a managerial change, with former coach Julen Lopetegui leaving his post by mutual consent after just nine months at the club. A key factor behind the Spaniard's decision to depart was the clubs failure to secure him the transfer targets that he wanted due to the clubs financial position.

Wolves have moved to replace him with former Bournemouth head coach Gary O'Neil, who has identified Coventry midfielder Gustavo Hamer as a target as he looks to bolster his squad for the upcoming season, but that plan has already been foiled as he's joined Sheffield United.

Wolves haven't had much luck when it's come to transfers this summer, with the club missing out on top target Alex Scott. The midlands side saw two offers rejected for the young Englishman, with the second rebuffed offer being worth £20m. Bournemouth then stepped in and paid the Bristol City asking price of £25m and completed the deal.

The club lost Ruben Neves earlier this window as he made the switch to the Saudi Pro League in a £47m move to Al Hilal, whilst experienced veteran Joao Moutinho departed this summer following the expiry of his contract at Molineux.

Wolves pursuit of Hamer may be short-lived however, with The Telegraph reporting that newly promoted Sheffield United have agreed a deal for the player for £15m. The Dutch midfielder is set to undergo a medical with the Blades soon, so if Wolves want the player they will have to act quickly.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones revealed that the club were seriously looking at Hamer as a target, whilst Manchester City midfielder Tommy Doyle is also a name being considered.

He said: "The centre of the park is somewhere Wolves should be shopping, but there are frustrations around this and is part of why Lopetegui was wondering what he could do with this team. They have shown their liking for Scott, but beyond that, they should also be looking more seriously at Hamer, whom they have been admiring from afar, I am told.

To me, his value in this market seems golden, but maybe it’s still too much to expect from Wolves as they iron out their current problems. There is also some doubt around him being a guaranteed success as they need players that fit into the Premier League seamlessly. Tommy Doyle at Man City has also been mentioned, and I believe it remains the case that they are waiting to see if that can become more active."

What next for Wolves this window?

The club seem to be looking to add Premier League experience to the side.

According to Jones, the club are interested in signing West Ham forward Michael Antonio. The Hammers are reportedly willing to let go of the Jamaican international this summer, but the forward has reservations about making the switch to Molineux due to the uncertainty around the club, and would like a better understanding of the situation before committing to the move.

Previous boss Lopetegui wanted fellow Irons player Aaron Cresswell, and despite his departure, the interest from the Midlands club has remained, with Football Insider reporting that should Wolves up their rejected offer by £1.5m, then West Ham will sanction the move for the defender who has just 12 months remaining on his contract.

Group B round-up: Piyush Chawla’s five-for helps defending champions Gujarat skittle Kerala for 208; Rajasthan steady against Jharkhand

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Oct-2017

Sheldon Jackson (181) and Ravindra Jadeja (150 not out) shellacked centuries as Saurashtra racked up 428 for 4 on the opening day of their second-round match against Jammu & Kashmir in Rajkot. The two, who joined hands with the side precariously placed at 59 for 3 after electing to bat, added 281 for the fifth wicket.Jackson’s 14th first-class century consisted of 22 fours and seven sixes. His knock came off just 156 deliveries before Waseem Raza struck in the final session. Jadeja, in comparison, was more watchful, playing out 223 deliveries. By stumps, he had put on an unbroken 88 for the sixth wicket with Snell Patel, who was not out on 31. Robin Uthappa, promoted to open, made 37, while Cheteshwar Pujara, who continued to lead in Jaydev Shah’s absence, fell for 13.Legspinner Piyush Chawla picked up five wickets in his first appearance as a professional as Gujarat, the defending champions, wrested the initiative in their season opener in Nadiad. Kerala, who elected to bat, were bowled out for 208, with just one fifty-plus score that belonged to Sanju Samson. Chawla triggered the lower-order slide as Kerala lost their last six wickets for 38 runs. Jalaj Saxena was unbeaten on 30. Sachin Baby, the Kerala captain, was the second-highest scorer with 49. In reply, Gujarat lost Priyank Panchal, the previous season’s highest run-getter, and Bhargav Merai to finish on 60 for 2.Opener Amitkumar Gautam’s unbeaten century helped Rajasthan rally after a top-order wobble against Jharkhand in Jaipur. Gautam’s unbroken 131-run stand with Tarjinder Singh (66 not out) helped Rajasthan end the day at 250 for 4. Ashok Menaria contributed 50 before falling to Jaskaran Singh. Adding to concerns in the Rajasthan camp was the injury to wicketkeeper Dishant Yagnik, who was forced to retire hurt. They can avail a substitute wicketkeeper if Yagnik isn’t fit to keep later in the match, under the new ICC guidelines which the BCCI has also implemented. Ashish Kumar, the fast bowler, picked up two wickets for Jharkhand.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsHasan Ali exhibits his trademark celebration•Associated Press

Albert Einstein believed doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results was the definition of insanity. As such, it seems to be insane to have organised five ODIs between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They’ve done this three thrice so far, and a different result is nowhere in sight.This match was the most decisive of the lot, an all-round masterclass from Pakistan helped them ease to a series win over Sri Lanka by seven wickets, with more than seven overs to spare. Hasan Ali’s five-for helped bowl Sri Lanka out for 208, before a debut century by Imam-ul-Haq – just the second Pakistani to achieve that feat – made this game a heavily one-sided affair. Pakistan cruised to their seventh successive ODI win, while Sri Lanka slumped to their tenth straight defeat.

Not my fault I am Inzamam’s nephew – Imam-ul-Haq

When Pakistan’s squad for the ODI series was announced, Imam-ul-Haq’s selection came under scrutiny given he is chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq’s nephew. Imam was given a debut in the third ODI on Wednesday and after becoming the second Pakistan batsman to score a century on debut, the 21-year-old said performances were the best way to answer any questions over his place in the side.
“It’s not my fault that I am his nephew,” he said. “The only thing I can do is try. I am not answerable to everyone for this. The best way is to perform. There will be some failures, and I am not afraid of that because failure is a part of every cricketer’s life.
“It doesn’t make a difference to me. I have a lot of self-belief. I have domestic performances and an Under-19 World Cup to back me. People talk, and in some ways they are doing their job and I respect them but one has to go out and perform. If I don’t perform in the next game, this kind of criticism will be leveled again, so I don’t pay it much attention.”

Pakistan needed no more than sober level-headedness in their modest chase. Fakhar Zaman and Imam provided more than just that. Imam looked unperturbed by the enormity of the occasion and wasn’t afraid to hit in the air. Although he was uncomfortable against offspinner Akila Dananjaya at times, it was a generally chanceless innings that would have undoubtedly eased some pressure on his uncle and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq.Zaman was stumped attempting a wild heave over midwicket after the openers added 78. But the hosts did not collapse like Sri Lanka after their opening partnership was broken. Imam simply grew in confidence, coming down the wicket to neutralise the spin, and continued to take the attack to the opposition.Babar Azam added 30 and went, but there was no twist in the tale. The outcome was a forgone conclusion long before the winning stroke was played. The only excitement towards the end was the wait to see the 21-year old Imam complete his debut hundred. And he nearly didn’t.In the 37th over, a peach of an indipper from Dushmantha Chameera took his inside edge, when he was on 89, and settled in the wicketkeeper’s gloves. Imam whipped around to watch it happen and began shuffling off the field well before he was adjudged out. The on-field umpires, however, asked him to wait as he made his inconsolable trek back to the dressing room, saying they wanted to check the legality of the catch. With each passing replay it seemed a little bit of the ball had touched the ground before Niroshan Dickwella had taken it. The big screen finally flashed “not out”. Both the Abu Dhabi crowd and Imam himself heaved a sigh of relief. And he knocked off the remaining 11 runs without further trouble to soak in all the emotion.Earlier, Sri Lanka started brightly, as if liberated by not having a target to chase. Upul Tharanga’s touch looked to have never left him since he carried his bat in the previous game. He drove Junaid Khan and Rumman Raees regularly through the offside, his timing allowing him to score regular runs past mid-off.He put on 59 with Dickwella in 10.5 overs – it was the first fifty partnership at the top of the order for Sri Lanka in seven games – but Hasan broke through just as it began to look ominous. He bowled Dickwella, who was slightly unfortunate considering the ball had kept low.That, right there, was the end of the good times for Sri Lanka. They slowed down considerably, the new batsman Chandimal needing to settle and the set batsman Tharanga beginning to stutter. It seemed that Sri Lanka, having seen clumps of wickets fall early in the first two games, made a point of prioritising wickets in hand over run rate.The result was a familiar sight. Pakistan’s spinners wrestled control of the middle overs and began to asphyxiate the batsmen. Chandimal made a painful 19 off 49 balls, and there was a sense of inevitability when he was out lbw after misreading a Shadab Khan googly.Sri Lanka’s run rate, once over six, had dipped below four. Tharanga, not having played an aggressive shot for the best part of 20 overs, pulled a long hop from Shadab straight to deep square leg. With a dull sense of familiarity, the visitors began falling apart, again. No one was able to get used to the slowness of the Abu Dhabi pitch or throw the Pakistan spinners off their nagging lines and lengths.The fast bowlers were back to finish off the middle order, with Chamara Kapugedera, Milinda Siriwardana and Jeffrey Vandersay all falling within 12 balls. Hasan and Junaid were the men responsible, making all three batsmen mistime their shots. Suddenly, Sri Lanka were 141 for 6 in 36 overs, and even 200 seemed an eternity away.Hafeez got rid of Thirmanne – a particularly unfortunate dismissal as he cut a ball onto his boot which then ballooned into the wicketkeeper’s gloves. Hasan removed Akila Dananjaya to wrap up his third five-wicket haul of the year and leave Sri Lanka reeling at 163 for 8.A late flurry from Thisara Perera, finding five fours in his 37-ball 38 dragged Sri Lanka past 200 even as Pakistan’s fielding disciplines fell apart. Several mistakes on the boundary allowed ones and twos to be turned into many more. Hasan restored the upper hand, snuffing out the resistance of tailender Dushmantha Chammera and ensured Sri Lanka couldn’t put up a total closer to what they would have aimed. Thisara was the last man dismissed, run-out while trying to look for a non-existent second run. Pakistan had knocked Sri Lanka over within 50 overs again. In a few hours, they had knocked them out of the series.

Aston Villa are open to listening to offers for attacker Leon Bailey this summer, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

When did Leon Bailey join Aston Villa?

The Jamaica international first arrived in the Midlands from Bayer Leverkusen back in 2021 meaning that his contract isn’t set to expire for another two years, and last season he nailed himself down a regular starting place under Unai Emery at Villa Park.

In the Premier League, the left-winger was handed 26 starts so wasn’t at all out of favour in any way, but despite this, NSWE and Monchi have recently been linked with moves for Wolverhampton Wanderers' former star Adama Traore and Barcelona’s Ferran Torres, which would suggest that they are looking at potential replacements.

Read The Latest Aston Villa Transfer News HERE…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor delivered his own personal verdict on the 25-year-old’s current future. He said:

“I think Bailey’s situation is self-inflicted. I don't mean that nastily, but he hasn't honestly really delivered since he arrived at the club. I had high hopes for him because I'd seen what he could do with Bayer Leverkusen and during his time in Belgium. He had that ability to cut in and score goals which is so hard to be stopped. But he hasn't shown that Villa.”

Is Leon Bailey leaving Aston Villa?

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are "willing to listen to offers" for Bailey ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. The B6 outfit are hoping to "raise cash" to fund another forward signing and have identified the attacker as a player that they can let go of before the end of the ongoing transfer window due to him no longer being seen as a "regular starter" by the boss following the arrival of Moussa Diaby.

Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr are "showing an interest" in him which leaves his future "up in the air", and it's stated that the board "would not discourage" the move going ahead, with the Middle East club able to offer their target a "huge" contract and also to easily meet his £20m asking price.

Aston Villa and more importantly Emery believing that Bailey doesn’t have a long-term future at the club is tough to take when considering how much of an integral part in their success he played last season, so getting rid of the left-winger this summer would be a huge mistake.

The Phoenix Sports Management client, who’s sponsored by Nike, posted eight goal contributions (four goals and the same number of assists) in 33 top-flight appearances whilst recording 51 shots over the course of the previous campaign which was the second-highest total behind Ollie Watkins, via FBRef.

The Spaniard’s “deadly” forward, as previously dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also provides the manager with excellent versatility having been deployed in seven various positions since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even three roles in the midfield, so regardless of whether he’d start, Bailey is still a wonderful player to have in the building.

MatériaMais Notícias

No Barradão, Vitória e Náutico protagonizaram um jogo fraco e o resultado ficou inalterado. Com o placar, o Leão ficou na 7ª posição, com seis pontos. O Timbu é o 16º, com três pontos.

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Na próxima rodada, o Vitória encara o CRB, em Alagoas. Já o Náutico recebe o Juventude, nos Aflitos.

O jogo

Faltou muita coisa na etapa inicial de Vitória e Náutico. As duas equipes pouco apresentaram com a bola no pé e quase não criaram. O jeito foi apostar na bola aérea. Em uma delas, o Leão assustou com Marcelinho, que pegou de primeira e viu Jefferson salvar.

Um pouco mais disposto em campo, Vitória teve a sua última chance aos 20, quando Léo Ceará marcou. Porém a alegria durou segundos, já que o bandeira assinalou impedimento e anulou o tento.

No segundo tempo o jogo até começou animado. Com apenas 2 minutos, Marcelinho ganhou de cabeça da zaga e tirou tinta do poste pernambucano. A resposta do Timbu veio na bola parada. Jean Carlos bateu falta e assustou Ronaldo.

Com o passar do tempo, Vitória e Náutico abraçaram o resultado de empate sem gols com unhas e dentes e apenas esperaram o apito final do juiz para somar um ponto na tabela.

Africa’s biggest broadcaster are expected to air the tournament, albeit by paying reduced rights fees

Firdose Moonda04-Oct-2017Cricket South Africa will reveal the broadcast partners for the inaugural T20 Global League on Thursday, pending final discussions with SuperSport. Though unconfirmed at the moment, Africa’s biggest broadcaster are expected to air the tournament, albeit by paying reduced rights fees. The exact figures will be made public when the deal is sealed.With less than a month to go before the event begins on November 3, and in the wake of Haroon Lorgat’s departure from CSA, the absence of a broadcast deal has dogged the organisation. Lorgat, who told media last month that he was “waiting for the right time” to sign a broadcast partner, was unable to confirm either a South African or Indian television company and is understood to have rejected a bid from SuperSport, which he considered too little.But with no other viable broadcaster on the continent and a lack of interest from Indian companies, CSA has been forced to go back to SuperSport and negotiate a new deal. Given the tight timeframe before the tournament’s start, SuperSport will likely incur extra costs, leading to a smaller deal. An Indian broadcaster has yet to be confirmed.However, CSA is exploring the option of making some of the tournament available on free-to-air television in South Africa, via the public broadcaster, SABC. CSA acting CEO Thabang Moroe told ESPNcricinfo that once the SuperSport deal had been signed, CSA would look at how best it could accommodate the SABC. While the SABC does not broadcast domestic cricket, international cricket played in South Africa is shown on the network. For the majority of South Africans, that it the only way to watch cricket on television as SuperSport is a paid-for service.

Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde has been ruled out of tonight’s fixture against West Brom due to an EFL protocol, Phil Hay reports.

What’s the latest Leeds team news?

The Whites head into tonight’s meeting against the Baggies at Elland Road still looking for their first Championship win of the season.

It has been a tough few months for manager Daniel Farke both on and off the pitch, with a number of outgoings and injuries leaving him with a small squad to work with.

Following relegation from the Premier League, a number of first-team players have had clauses in their contracts activated to allow them to leave on loan, whereas Wilfried Gnonto is refusing to play as he looks to force a move away of his own.

As a result, Leeds have picked up just one point against Cardiff City and Birmingham City, while narrowly scraping past Shrewsbury Town in the EFL Cup.

It could be a busy end to the transfer window in regards to incomings and outgoings, however, Leeds still have three fixtures to fulfil before the deadline closes on September 1.

Read The Latest Leeds Transfer News HERE…

One player who has featured in all three matchday squads is Hjelde, who got the nod from the off against both Cardiff and Shrewsbury at left-back. However, the teenage defender was replaced at half-time in both of those games, and he won’t be featuring tonight.

Hay was present at Thorp Arch for Farke’s pre-West Brom press conference on Wednesday and relayed a fitness update on the squad.

When asked about team news, the manager said that Hjelde got a concussion in training during the week, so as per EFL protocols, won’t be available this evening.

In better news, though, Farke added that Sam Greenwood, who is yet to feature this season, is available again following an injury.

Who plays left-back for Leeds?

Hjelde has been the only recognised left-back available to Farke so far this season, as Junior Firpo has been missing through injury.

Former Ross County boss John Hughes has hailed Hjelde in the past, saying last year the 19-year-old is an "athlete".

“In terms of potential he plays a way beyond his age, with a maturity that is two or three years above himself. He’s only just turned 18, he’s just a baby, but he’s 6ft2 and still has a bit of growing to do. That’ll come. He’s an athlete, quick, nobody would run him. He had a great recovery if someone did go by him, and technically he’s very good.

“He’s still got a lot to do in terms of getting where he wants to get but it’s fantastic for Leeds, a really good signing. If he fulfils his potential Leeds have got a real proper centre-half on their books. He’s got that ‘I’m a player’ about him. It’s not in an arrogant way, it’s a belief.”

Therefore, being without him entirely isn’t ideal for the Whites, however, there are versatile options the manager can lean on. Centre-back Pascal Struijk and right-back Sam Byram can both turn out at left-back when needed, something which will be required tonight.

Byram was picked at left-back last time out against Birmingham, so it will be interesting to see who Farke goes with tonight as Leeds look to get their first league win of the season.

A new report has emerged regarding Everton's pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike this summer, as Sean Dyche looks to improve his attacking options ahead of the Premier League season.

The Frenchman started just 12 games for the Ligue 1 champions in the last campaign.

What's the latest on Hugo Ekitike to Everton?

Whilst Fabrizio Romano's recent report revealed the Toffees' concrete interest in Ekitike, Sky Sports' Alan Myers has now reported that Everton have made an offer for the striker, which PSG are considering.

It remains to be seen just how much the Ligue 1 champions want for the 21-year-old, but, according to Transfermarkt, he is currently worth €20m (£17m).

Given that PSG have just welcomed Goncalo Ramos, too, their need for Ekitike has significantly decreased, potentially making a deal easier for Everton to complete in the coming weeks.

You'd expect that Dyche will certainly welcome the arrival of a forward, too, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin the only striker for the former Burnley manager to call on at Goodison Park, as things stand.

With that said, Everton's pursuit of Ekitike is certainly one to keep an eye on this summer.

Should Everton sign Hugo Ekitike?

As already mentioned, Calvert-Lewin is currently the only recognised striker at Everton, as they head into the Premier League season hoping to avoid relegation once more.

The Englishman, himself, hasn't exactly got a good track record when it comes to availability, either. The forward missed 14 games throughout the entirety of last season, as Everton struggled for goals, scoring just 35 times – the second-lowest in the league.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

An injection of youth in the form of Ekitike could be exactly what the Toffees need to avoid another nervous gamble with their top-flight status in the coming campaign.

The 21-year-old struggled in his debut campaign for PSG, scoring just three times, and assisting a further four times in 12 Ligue 1 starts.

However, when given a consistent chance in a side, Ekitike is capable of reaching double figures in goals, as proven by his time at Stade Reims, where he scored 11 goals, and assisted a further five in all competitions in the 2021/22 campaign.

It is during his time at Reims that the young Frenchman earned plenty of praise, with his head coach at the time, Oscar Garcia, telling BeINSPORTS, via Breaking The Lines:

"There is something very special about him. He’s young, and he has the quality to become a very good player. He’s a young man with a lot of quality but also a lot to improve on, but he works hard in training."

The stats only back up the claims of Ekitike's former manager, too. According to FBref, the PSG man was better than current Everton forward Calvert-Lewin in most areas. He made more progressive passes, scored and assisted more goals, and had more successful take-ons than the Englishman per 90 last season.

The more that Ekitike is looked at, the more he seems like he could be an ideal option for Dyche and Everton in the coming season, as they look to avoid the chaos of another Premier League relegation battle.

A report shared the latest on Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney and his potential exit as Newcastle United attempt to sign the defender.

Who will leave Arsenal?

The Gunners have sealed a plethora of marquee deals this summer as manager Mikel Arteta is backed with serious funds.

Indeed, Arsenal have spent north of £200 million on new signings this transfer window, coming in the form of Germany international winger Kai Havertz, defender Jurrien Timber, goalkeeper David Raya and club-record signing Declan Rice.

Raya was the most recent arrival on a season-long loan with the option to buy next summer for around £27 million, with Arsenal paying an initial loan fee of around £3 million.

Sporting director Edu, speaking to the club's official website, heralded the signing of Raya who will come in to provide competition for current number one Aaron Ramsdale.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

“We welcome David to us on a season-long loan from Brentford," said Edu.

"David is a top-quality goalkeeper, who has consistently performed to a high level with Brentford in the Premier League. With David joining us we are adding quality and depth to our squad so we can perform at the highest possible level in all competitions.”

In wake of these high-profile arrivals, it is now Arsenal's task to balance the books with player sales, and there are a fair few who could make way before September 1.

Indeed, striker Folarin Balogun continues to attract major interest, while winger Nicolas Pepe and left-back Nunon Tavares are others on the chopping block.

Tierney has also been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United, and despite Arteta saying the defender is in his "plans" late last month, it appears he may have performed a U-turn.

As per Football Insider, Tierney is "nearing the Arsenal exit" and is keen to go somewhere he can play regular football – coming as both Newcastle and Real Sociedad make contact for his signing.

The Scotland international, who featured 27 times in the league last term, but mostly from the bench, is wanted by both Sociedad and the Magpies.

However, Arsenal are keen to do a permanent deal for Tierney's sale, while the aforementioned two clubs have enquired over a possible loan move.

Newcastle continue to explore a deal for the former Celtic left-back who has three years left on his contract. Tierney has found consistent starting places hard to come by since the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko from Man City last summer.

What's been said about Kieran Tierney?

Over his best Arsenal campaign during the 2020/2021 season, Tierney managed 27 league appearances with 26 of them being full starts.

The 26-year-old chalked up a goal and three assists in that time as a regular member of Arteta's starting eleven, with Arsenal's manager having lavished Tierney with praise for his performances.

"I am really looking forward to working with him and giving him the opportunity to play," Arteta said on Tierney ahead of the 20/21 campaign.

"His attitude, his commitment, his willingness it’s incredible. I think he’s going to bring something special to us."

Interested clubs like Newcastle could get their hands on a more-than capable full-back option, but it remains to be seen what kind of deal Arsenal will sanction following Timber's recent injury.