Turning their attention towards the summer transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur are now racing to sign an in-demand midfielder who Pape Matar Sarr already has experience playing alongside.

Tottenham transfer news

To say that Spurs need to get things right this summer would be an understatement. They’ve so far stuck by Ange Postecoglou and chosen to blame a frustrating list of injury concerns over the Australian’s tactical stubbornness in recent weeks. Now, they must back their manager in the summer transfer window with some much-needed reinforcements.

On that front, the Lilywhites have already been linked to a number of potential options. From Como star Nico Paz all the way to Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, Spurs are seemingly preparing for a busy window.

Whether they can attract such talent is another question, of course. Languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League, it’s increasingly likely that Spurs will miss out on European football altogether this season unless they win the Europa League to secure a shock Champions League place.

By qualifying for the Champions League and rescuing their season as a result, those in North London would also put themselves in a stronger position to welcome one particular reinforcement this summer.

According to The Boot Room, Tottenham are now racing to sign Lamine Camara from AS Monaco after sending their scouts to watch the impressive 21-year-old midfielder.

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They’re not alone in their interest, however, with Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa and other top European clubs forming quite the queue for Camara’s signature. In a tough battle, Champions League football would, of course, go a long way but Spurs may also have another way to convince the Monaco star this summer.

Those in North London could use the fact that Pape Matar Sarr already knows Camara well from their time together as part of the Senegal midfield and attempt to reunite the pair at club level.

"Excellent" Camara could partner Sarr at Tottenham

Following another season to forget for Yves Bissouma, both on and off the pitch, Camara could emerge to end his time in Postecoglou’s strongest side and take Senegal’s midfield partnership to club level.

Dubbed a “phenomenal ground dueller” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the Monaco man would add the discipline that Bissouma otherwise lacks.

From a struggling midfield trio in the current campaign, Spurs’ dream scenario could yet see Sarr, Archie Gray and Camara form quite the partnership at the heart of Postecoglou’s side. With a busy summer ahead, the 21-year-old’s arrival would be an impressive way for the Lilywhites to commence their transfer window.

Sussex enforce follow-on but rain wipes out chance of victory push

ECB Reporters Network30-Apr-2023The weather was the only winner in the rain-ruined LV= County Championship match between Gloucestershire and Sussex at Bristol, which ended in a predictable draw.Only 41.2 overs were bowled on a frustrating final day at the Seat Unique Stadium where the visitors might have secured victory, enforcing the follow-on after bowling Gloucestershire out for 248, from an overnight 198 for 9. Miles Hammond finished unbeaten on 87, while Ajeet Dale contributed ten to a crucial last-wicket stand of 61. Nathan McAndrew ended with figures of 5 for 63 before drizzle and poor light intervened.With a lead of 207, Sussex asked Gloucestershire to bat again and when play resumed at 3.30pm, reduced them to 41 for 4, left-arm seamer Sean Hunt claiming three of the wickets. But, with two runs added, more rain brought a second interruption to play. And, although it began again at 5.08pm with a possible 22.2 overs still to be bowled, only 18.2 were sent down before the players shook hands, the scoreboard reading 121 for 4, with Graeme van Buuren 55 not out.Sussex took 13 points after dominating what play there was in the match, while Gloucestershire had to settle for six.The final day began with Hammond and Dale looking to extend the home side’s first innings and bat for as long as possible. With only a couple of overs until the second new ball, Sussex elected to start with spin at both ends and the decision should have paid quick dividends.Hammond, unbeaten on 42 at the start, reached a 128-ball half-century with two fours off Jack Carson and then reverse swept a third boundary off James Coles. But his valuable innings should have ended on 55 when he miscued a Coles full toss to mid-on where Hunt spilled a catch above his head that should have been taken.The total was 211 for 9 and the error cost Sussex time as well as 37 more runs as Hammond and Dale batted comfortably against the second new ball on what remained a very flat pitch. The pair had taken Gloucestershire to within two of an unlikely batting point when Dale fell lbw to Tom Haines. By then the floodlights were shining brightly under heavily overcast skies.Hammond had suffered a painful blow attempting to pull a delivery from Hunt and the umpires were already showing concern about the light when Dale was dismissed.It was no surprise when, with both teams out and ready to start Gloucestershire’s second innings, they ruled conditions unfit for play to resume.With heavy rain forecast during the afternoon, ground staff brought on the heavy covers. Lunch was taken and a draw seemed the only likely outcome. But on the resumption, with a possible 44 overs left to bowl, excellent opening spells by Hunt and McAndrew plunged the hosts into trouble.Chris Dent was pinned lbw by McAndrew’s second ball of the innings, while the impressive Hunt removed James Bracey, who edged a catch to wicketkeeper Oli Carter. It was almost 9 for 3 as Hammond nicked the ball at catchable height between Carter and first slip Tom Alsop.Sussex needed to take such chances. But Hunt struck two more blows, removing Marcus Harris leg before and Hammond to another Carter catch before the weather closed in again with the total 43 for 4.Again the covers went on and were withdrawn for a final resumption. Gloucestershire skipper van Buuren, who had entered the fray at 16 for 3 on a king pair, went on the counterattack and reached an entertaining fifty off 59 balls, with 11 fours.Ollie Price provided solid support, but having been denied a probable victory at Worcester by rain in their previous game, van Buuren’s men had cause to be grateful to the weather this time.

Liverpool are expected to enter the summer transfer window with attacking intent, bolstering Arne Slot’s talented squad with high-quality additions across the park.

While fans eagerly await news of forwards to strengthen a somewhat lopsided frontline, the realm of full-back is sure to receive focused attention too. And interestingly, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, it’s left-back that will receive the biggest facelift in spite of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expected move to Real Madrid.

Milos Kerkez is the name on everyone’s lips, but Liverpool aren’t a team to place all their eggs in one basket, and may well have found the perfect alternative.

Liverpool transfer news

Kerkez, 21, is expected to leave Bournemouth this summer, with reputable sources like Fabrizio Romano suggesting Liverpool are among the favourites to complete a deal.

However, Kerkez isn’t the only exciting talent on the market. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Liverpool have joined the race to sign Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso.

Riddled with monetary issues, Juventus are ready to hold a fire sale as they try to avoid financial sanctions and Cambiaso is among those listed.

A top player, the Old Lady will field enquiries worth €60m (£50m), with Manchester City and Bayern Munich also interested.

Kerkez, meanwhile, is understood hold a lesser value, around £40m.

Why Andrea Cambiaso may be better than Kerkez

Cambiaso has completed 74 matches, notching 14 goal involvements, for Juventus since joining from Serie A rivals Genoa in 2022.

Physically gifted and endowed with the pace and potency down the flank to serve strongly as an all-encompassing wide defender, Cambiaso may well be a better, more refined pick for Slot’s Liverpool than Kerkez.

No disrespect to the Hungarian, who would mark an upgrade on both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, but Juventus simply have one of the best in the business, who has shone despite his side’s struggles this year under the recently dismissed Thiago Motta.

Matches (starts)

26 (20)

29 (29)

Goals

2

2

Assists

1

5

Touches*

64.7

57.8

Pass completion

92%

81%

Key passes*

1.1

0.9

Dribbles*

0.9

0.6

Ball recoveries*

3.6

4.6

Tackles + interceptions*

2.0

2.6

Clearances*

0.6

2.7

Duels (won)*

3.3 (52%)

3.8 (51%)

In fairness, there’s not the greatest deal of statistical difference between the two players, but deeper diving reveals Cambiaso to be among the most balanced attacking full-backs in the game.

Indeed, the 25-year-old has even been singled out for his “world-class vision” by journalist Zach Lowy. He might be on the wrong side, but this would certainly help to ameliorate Alexander-Arnold’s looming departure.

As per FBref, Cambiaso actually ranks among the top 12% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for pass completion and the top 9% for progressive carries per 90, emphasising his athleticism and creative flair.

That’s not to say Kerkez isn’t a holder of such virtues himself, but if we refresh ourselves with the table above, he’s not yet as refined or relentless as the Italy international.

With so much upheaval set to take place at Anfield this summer, Liverpool may do well to welcome Cambiaso to the ranks. He won’t come cheap, but there are scant few superior options across Europe who could make the marked improvement on Slot’s already-thriving team.

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As dream starts go, this could take some beating for player who turned professional two days ago

Vithushan Ehantharajah19-May-2023 Kent 278 (Evison 77*, Lawes 3-41) and 80 for 4 (Mueyeye 42, Crawley 31*, Lawes 2-2) trail Surrey 362 (Abbott 78, Sibley 60, Atkinson 55*, Bhuiyan 4-65) by 4 runsThere was still one delivery left in the 83rd over, but Arafat Bhuiyan already had his jumper off down at fine leg. Realising his error, he chucked it over the boundary rope, walked in for the final delivery, then chucked his hat on top of that and hurried to the bottom of his mark at the Vauxhall End to continue his spell with the second new ball. For a player who has waited for seven years to break into the professional game, he didn’t want to waste a second.It was a show of faith from Kent captain Sam Billings to give first dibs to a bowler in just his second day of first class cricket, but Arafat had earned it. Surrey had just slipped into the lead with only two wickets remaining. Sean Abbott had passed fifty for the second time this season and was hellbent on hitting the red off the ball, alongside Gus Atkinson who had his eye in. There was scope for a sizeable lead, and Kent needed to put a stop to it.Their fears would be realised as Atkinson struck three gorgeous sixes – all down on one knee – in a superb 55 that helped established a lead of 84. The good news for Kent is they whittled it down to four by stumps on day two, thanks to an eye-catching 42 from Tawanda Muyeye and an unbeaten 31 from Zak Crawley. The bad news came in the form of a thrilling late burst from Tom Lawes, nipping out Muyeye and then Jack Leaning with the final ball of the day to leave Surrey with just six second-innings wickets to take.The visitors go into the weekend up against it, not least because there aren’t many better than the Division One leaders and defending champions at turning the screw in the second half of matches. That Kent were able to go toe-to-toe with them for most of Friday was thanks to Arafat.The 26-year-old’s 4 for 55 had Surrey on the ropes, with 180 for 6 on the board, before Abbott counter-attacked to 329 and Atkinson’s blow landed them on 362. There was no dismay from the seamer as he missed out on a five-wicket haul on debut. The four he did nab were as impressive as any milestone.Related

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Arafat’s maiden first-class dismissal was none other than newly appointed England vice-captain Ollie Pope, crown prince of Surrey, lord of this manor what with a red-ball average of 97 here at the Kia Oval. A usual dance down the track, a usual flick through midwicket went unusually awry as Pope found Grant Stewart at a well-placed midwicket.Jamie Smith became the second; indeterminate footwork and a loose attempt at a punch sending an edge to Jack Leaning at second slip. In the space of four deliveries, he had Ben Foakes – another catch to Leaning – and Will Jacks, who had struck Arafat for six over square leg before being too slow on a pull and gifting a catch to Michael Hogan at mid-off.Past, present and future England internationals in his first go at this level. As far as dream starts go, this could take some beating for a cricketer who only turned professional two days ago. The action itself is smooth, energy collected in the gather and released with a smoothness that suggests there’s a lot to work with, particularly an outswinger that moved late enough to surprise an impressive batting line-up beyond the dismissals on the scorecard. The run-up starts tentatively, but that can be smoothed out at this level. He is more than capable, and willing to get better.”To be able to get four first-class wickets on my debut in the first innings, I’m over the moon really,” Arafat said. “I’m here to do well and I’m always going to keep my mind that way.”He admitted to nerves when he first took the ball on day one, though he did start with a maiden against Dom Sibley, whose 60 carried the first 50 overs of Surrey’s response to Kent’s first innings.”I was more nervous yesterday than today,” he said. “Today I came in and I needed to bowl some overs in the nets. I was more nervous bowling than batting yesterday. But today it came out quite nice.”Born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Arafat moved here at the age of 14 and has UK residency. Living in east London, it was only a short train to Chelmsford, where Bangladesh were playing Ireland in three ODIs last week. Arafat, though, was unable to attend as he was up in Kidderminster preparing for a 2nd XI match for Worcestershire against Warwickshire. Rain ended up washing out the match completely.That pretty much reflects Arafat’s journey to this point. A lot of second-team cricket and a lot of waiting. As it happens, a first taste of county seconds came at Surrey, playing alongside Pope against a Kent XI that also featured Crawley back in 2017. Stints for Derbyshire and Essex twos followed. There was a period on the MCC Young Cricketers’ Scheme, though that came to an end after just a year. To have fallen through the gaps in a programme regarded as a safety net must have been a blow. But Arafat’s persistence won out.He gives special credit to the South Asian Cricket Academy, an initiative established ahead of the 2022 season, which didn’t just catch him but allowed him to thrive. SACA, co-founded by Tom Brown and former England international Kabir Ali, made arrangements to move Arafat up to Birmingham over the winter to join their training programme on a full-time basis. He then showcased his talents during a trial session at Leyton Cricket Ground’s indoor school in February, with Kent head coach Matt Walker in attendance.After impressing in Kent’s seconds with 17 wickets, he was offered a contract earlier this week to improve the club’s bowling depth, becoming SACA’s seventh “graduate” to move from the scheme onto a county contract. All the hard work, all the second team gigs, all the waiting had come good. That he is only one of three British Bangladeshis to have been on staff at a county – a community in excess of 600,000 – speaks to the necessary work SACA are doing to improve British Asian representation in the county game.”I’ve worked hard for this,” Arafat said. “Seven years is a long time to become a professional cricketer. Playing for different counties, trialling around. There are quite a lot of other people, it’s not only just me. There are a lot of people trialling, still trying. I happened to be at Kent in pre-season, and obviously being at SACA has helped me. I’m going to give credit to Dr Tom Brown who has helped me during the winters.”Arafat’s team-mates from Blackheath Cricket Club have been at the Oval these last couple of days, congregating down at fine leg with him between spells and occasionally using the advertising boards to drum their approval throughout his 20 overs. His twin brother has been watching him intently, and there is hope his parents will be in attendance on Saturday.They will have to watch him bat first as Kent look to establish a good enough lead to give him and their bowlers something to work with. That nightwatchman Wes Agar was one of the four lost in the evening session does at least mean there are a few batters to come to pump up this second-innings score, along with Crawley who looks settled and hungry for something big.Surrey could argue they should be further in front given the nature of some of the decisions against them. Most contentious was Sibley’s on the stroke of lunch, after Joey Evison had found his edge. In real time, it looked a spectacular diving catch from Leaning to his left, but replays were less than convincing. Even Sam Curran, always of Surrey but a Punjab King until the end of May, took to Twitter to offer an opinion – very not out, to paraphrase – with an accompanying screenshot, both of which were deleted pretty quickly.Lawes, too, felt aggrieved when Agar used the new ball get some extra lift off the pitch. An edge ballooned to first slip, though assessment of the replays and the loop of the ball suggested the deflection was off the right shoulder of his body rather than the bat. Fair to say they had their revenge by stumps.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras buscava firmar sua boa campanha na primeira fase do Campeonato Brasileiro Femininodiante da Esmac, que já tinha seu rebaixamento decretado. Com golsChú Santos, Ary Borges, Giovana e Byanca Brasil na vitória por 4 a 1, no estádio Francisco Marques, as palestrinas carimbaram a primeira colocação da competição.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasVÍDEO: Os melhores momentos da vitória do Palmeiras sobre o GoiásPalmeiras07/08/2022VídeoLANCE! Rápido: Palmeiras mais líder do que nunca, Fluminense embalado no G-4 e mais!Vídeo07/08/2022PalmeirasMayke revela conteúdo do bilhete passado por Abel Ferreira durante vitória do PalmeirasPalmeiras07/08/2022

Na próxima fase, o Palmeiras, líder isolado do campeonato, enfrentará nas quartas de final o Grêmio, que ficou na oitava posição da competição.

Ainda não foram divulgados os horários e as datas dos jogos da próxima etapa do Campeonato Brasileiro Feminino.

Aston Villa are now seen as the favourites to sign a winger who’s been likened to star loanee Marcus Rashford, despite reports the Man United outcast could remain under Unai Emery next season.

Aston Villa keen to explore £40m buy-out clause for Marcus Rashford

No final decision has been made just yet on Rashford staying at Villa Park beyond 2024/25, but according to reports, Emery’s side are keen to explore this option after the Englishman’s sensational start to life in the Midlands.

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Rashford boasts four assists from nine appearances in all competitions since joining Villa on a temporary deal in the January window, and according to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, the 27-year-old has impressed club chiefs both in training and in the dressing room as well.

Aston Villa’s best-performing players in the Premier League

Player

Average match rating

Youri Tielemans

7.05

Marcus Rashford

6.96

Morgan Rogers

6.83

Tyrone Mings

6.80

Marco Asensio

6.79

via WhoScored

However, there is still plenty to iron out before either party ultimately decides that the in-form forward remains where he is for next season. Rashford is attracting interest from Bayern Munich and other elite clubs abroad, and it is believed he would be open to a move to Europe (Ben Jacobs).

There is also the matter of Rashford’s seismic £300,000-per-week wages. He would almost certainly need to take a pay cut for a permanent Villa move, and even then, Rashford could end up being Emery’s highest-paid player by some distance.

While Fabrizio Romano has reported that Rashford staying at Villa is entirely possible, these factors could mean that a transfer may not be feasible for NSWE after all, especially depending on where they finish in the Premier League table and how much money they’ll have to spend this summer.

It is prudent for Villa to identify alternatives, and one of them could actually come in the form of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

Aston Villa in pole position to sign Noni Madueke from Chelsea

As per GiveMeSport, echoing other reports, the England international is attracting serious interest from Villa, who are eyeing a move for him alongside Newcastle United.

However, GMS reports that Villa are “leading the race” to sign Madueke this summer, and Chelsea are growing more tempted to cash in on the ex-PSV Eindhoven star despite his initial electric start to the campaign.

Madueke has been sidelined by a hamstring injury in recent weeks, but has returned to training and could feature against Tottenham next week. The 23-year-old boasts 12 goal contributions in all competitions (eight goals, four assists), though Chelsea would be prepared to sell if a suitable offer is made – one which would allow them to make a “marginal profit” off his £29 million signing back in 2023.

Members of Villa’s recruitment team are eager for the club to capitalise on Madueke’s uncertain future, and it is even believed that he could be open to leaving Stamford Bridge if there is no longer consistent game time on offer for him.

Interestingly, Football Transfers has called Madueke a “similar” player to Rashford, so he could be an excellent fall-back option in place of the United wantaway.

Manchester United have made an approach to sign a £50m-rated midfielder ahead of rival interest from both Liverpool and Manchester City.

Man Utd already eyeing Amorim replacements after poor start

The Red Devils have had a season to forget, which began under Erik ten Hag before they appointed Ruben Amorim. The current Portuguese boss is already under pressure in Manchester, though, with just five wins in 16 Premier League games and a place in the bottom half.

A number of managers have been linked with replacing Amorim at Old Trafford in recent days. Former Germany boss Joachim Low, Massimiliano Allegri, previously of Juventus and Unai Emery of Aston Villa are just three names mentioned to come in if Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS bring Amorim’s Man Utd tenure to a quick end.

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As well as looking at potential replacements for Amorim in the dugout, INEOS are also looking at the summer transfer window and possible signings.

Sky Sports have claimed that United are ready to bid £25m to sign Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP after sending both Marcus Rashford and Antony out on loan.

Elsewhere, the Red Devils are thought to be in pole position to sign Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund, with the pacey attacker another who could end up replacing one of Rashford or Antony.

In midfield, Man Utd are anticipating the departures of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, and it looks as if they may have identified the ideal addition to come in.

Man Utd make contact to sign Casemiro replacement

According to Caught Offside, Man Utd have made contact to ask for information over a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.

The Brazil international isn’t just wanted at Old Trafford, though. He has been a top target for neighbours Man City, and Liverpool have also made an enquiry.

Atalanta want around £50m for the 25-year-old, and this comes after the Red Devils made an offer for Ederson last summer. Dubbed a “machine” by Football Transfers’ Carlo Garganese, South American football expert Tim Vickery also previously described Ederson to Sky Sports as a “strong, well-built central midfielder.”

“Strong on the ball, versatile, box-to-box. Strong personality as well. The first time I remember him was his professional debut really. He was thrown in the deep end in a big team called Cruzeiro, who were really on the slide. They were relegated in dreadful form and even in this bad context, he stood out, so a lot of virtues.”

Appearances

129

Goals

12

Assists

4

Yellow cards

23

Red cards

0

Trophies

1

Ederson, who has been a regular for Atalanta since 2022, has made the majority of his appearances as a central midfielder but has also turned out in holding and attacking roles.

A move to England and Man Utd in particular could be one to watch, however, should the Red Devils have no European football to offer next season, they could be at a major disadvantage.

Leeds United may need to wait to find out what division they will play in next season, but they have already started transfer activity at Elland Road ahead of the summer.

Leeds facing a nervous end to the season ahead of summer window

Despite originally finding themselves in a position of strength, Leeds have won just one of their last five matches and were knocked off top spot by Sheffield United following a frustrating draw with Swansea City on Saturday afternoon.

Zan Vipotnik’s injury-time equaliser means only goal difference separates the Whites and Burnley, who will take encouragement from Daniel Farke’s recent inability to close out matches heading into their last seven matches of the campaign.

Understandably, losing form at a key point in the season could gravely impact the summer transfer business. However, Leeds and the 49ers seem to be moving forward on that front regardless of their pattern of results.

According to reports, the Yorkshire giants have set their sights on Nottingham Forest defender Andrew Omobamidele. On loan at Strasbourg, the Republic of Ireland international could be available for under £10 million if the Ligue 1 side opt not to trigger the option to buy inserted in his loan agreement.

Kalvin Phillips could be set for an emotional Leeds return in the upcoming window. Meanwhile, Borussia Monchengladbach star Nico Elvedi is a target that may arrive on the premise that his reported suitors gain promotion from the EFL Championship.

Leeds United’s decisive EFL Championship run-in

Luton Town (A)

Kenilworth Road

Middlesbrough (A)

Riverside Stadium

Preston North End (H)

Elland Road

Oxford United (A)

Kassam Stadium

Stoke City (H)

Elland Road

Bristol City (H)

Elland Road

Plymouth Argyle (A)

Home Park

Now, the Whites have turned their attention to a star that could be one for the future at Thorp Arch by taking the first step towards a potential deal.

Leeds make first move to sign Tottenham youngster Calum Logan

According to LUFC Youth, Leeds United have taken Tottenham youngster Calum Logan on trial, and now it is a waiting game to see whether he will become a permanent fixture at Thorp Arch.

Signing his first professional contract with Spurs last year, the 18-year-old left-back has registered a solitary assist in 14 appearances combined across Under-18 Premier League and Premier League 2 action this term.

The Cambridge-born man would likely be one for the future if he were to commit to a long-term stay in Yorkshire, providing a youthful alternative to Junior Firpo and Sam Byram among others on the left-hand side of Farke’s backline.

Strategically, Leeds appear to be pushing on despite the uncertain nature of their prospects for next season. Ultimately, the transfer market doesn’t slow down to accommodate for unsettled business, so it makes sense to assess all avenues regarding potential arrivals.

AC Milan have identified Lyon's Lucas Perri as a replacement for Mike Maignan who is pushing for a move to Chelsea after accepting personal terms.

Article continues below

Article continues below

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• Maignan wants to move to Chelsea
• His contract ends in 2026
• Perri is a possible replacement

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chelsea's attempts to sign goalkeeper Maignan have prompted Milan to seek a possible replacement and in Italy reports Lyon's Perri has been deemed an apt replacement.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Maignan has reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea and has asked Milan to accept Chelsea’s increased offer. Milan considered names such as Roma’s Miles Svilar, Torino’s Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and Parma’s Zhion Suzuki before settling on Perri.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Perri kept 10 clean sheets for Lyon this season and conceded 44 goals. The Brazilian goalkeeper joined Lyon from Brazilian club Botafogo in 2023.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAIGNAN AND MILAN ?

  Milan are set to rebuild the squad led by Italian tactician Masimilliano Allegri. With Maignan pushing for a move, Theo Hernandez in talks to join Atletico Madrid and Tijjani Reijnders off to Manchester City, Milan could start their rebuild with the signing of Perri.

“I still feel like I’m going to watch the Ashes, I need to remind myself that I’m potentially playing it,” says Phoebe Litchfield.In a way, it’s unfair to a player to say an international career feels inevitable because, however talented, there is a huge amount of work that goes into reaching the highest level.But sometimes, a player who is clearly going to make that step pops up.In mid-2019 a social media clip of Litchfield, the left-handed batter, playing cover drives in the New South Wales nets as a 16-year-old went viral. Later that year she made her WNCL debut for NSW and WBBL debut for Sydney Thunder, in the latter scoring a half-century in her second game.In late 2022, on the T20I tour of India, she made her Australia debut and her first ODI series followed a few months later against Pakistan, in which she made 154 runs for once out.Her caveat of “potentially” playing in the Ashes is understandable for a young player who doesn’t want to jump ahead of selection calls, but it would be a huge surprise if she doesn’t add a Test cap come next week in Nottingham.Related

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• Mooney locks in Test opening role with warm-up century

• Annabel Sutherland century helps Australia to draw with England A

The retirement of Rachael Haynes opened one vacancy and the late withdrawal of Meg Lanning created another at the top of the order. Alongside Alyssa Healy’s desire to move down the order to manage her workload, everything points to Litchfield opening the batting as she did in the warm-up match against England A.”I’m so excited, can’t put it into words,” she tells ESPNcricinfo. “The T20 tour to India and the Pakistan series here were amazing highlights but think there’s an added layer to the Ashes. If the opportunity to open arises, I’ll definitely grab it. It’s probably the best position.”Ask others about Litchfield and there is one word that crops up frequently. “Just fearless, we speak about that in our white-ball cricket, and she embodies that,” Australia’s stand-in captain Healy says.Her technique was honed by working with her father Andrew at home in Orange when she couldn’t travel to Sydney 250km away. “It started when I just picked up a bat and it was probably very backyard cricket, then as I progressed, he told me where my front elbow should go and sort of progressed from there. Wouldn’t say it’s a perfect technique, but people have said it looks alright.”There is no multi-day cricket in the Australian domestic women’s game – there isn’t in England, either – but Litchfield has experienced two-day men’s cricket when she played the local competition in Orange. Although, she adds: “To be fair, our team wasn’t that good, so we didn’t last the full day most times.”Litchfield is something of an outlier in Australian cricket as a specialist batter coming through the game. The dominance of white-ball cricket in the women’s game lends itself to multi-discipline cricketers. If you look at a possible Australian XI on the England tour, it’s potentially only Litchfield from the batting group who does not have a second string, albeit Beth Mooney plays as a specialist batter. Litchfield still keeps wicket as a back-up but has never been pushed into being something she isn’t.”I began as a bowler but bowled off the wrong foot and as soon as I went down to training sessions, they were like you can’t bowl like that because you’ll get an injury,” she says. “So, I stopped bowling early on. I was a keeper, still have that as a secondary skill, but for the time, just want to focus on being the best fielder I can be and obviously, the batting.”While Litchfield’s talent was clear from early on, there has been an evolution in her game over the last 12 months. She is adding power to her T20 cricket, while last season, she averaged 49.87 in the WNCL which included a maiden century. Litchfield may not feature in the T20s of the multi-format Ashes – although Lanning’s absence leaves a hole to fill there, too – but she wants to be as versatile as possible.”Being a full-time cricketer, I can work on my game all the time,” she says, speaking just a few days after completing university exams. “I’ve been in the nets working hard on different shots and just being able to work hard on the craft of batting. There’s a lot to work on both the power game and just mentally. Your cover drive can be good, but out in the middle, a lot can happen and it’s about weathering that.”You can’t look perfect all the time; not that I want to look perfect but leading into one-day cricket and the [Ashes] practice matches, I’ve been working hard on the technique because that’s what gets found out, especially over in England with the swinging ball.”For someone who clearly loves batting, the chance to do it for a whole day in a Test match is an exciting prospect. “I’m so keen,” she says. “Now that I’ve got an added appreciation of batting and really enjoying it, I’m excited at the prospect of batting all day. Whether my mind can do it, we’ll see, but keen to give it a crack.”