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Manchester City 'can spend' significant money on Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this window if he is a player Pep Guardiola decides to firm up interest in, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Which clubs are interested in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?

Back in June, FootballTransfers claimed that Manchester City were 'monitoring' Kvaratskhelia following his superb campaign in Serie A with Napoli as he helped his side to their first Scudetto since 1990.

Nevertheless, the outlet report that Napoli would ask for a fee of €150million (£128.5 million) to let the Georgia international depart the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, making it 'hugely unlikely' that he would move on from the Italian giants this window.

Last term, Kvaratskhelia was in fantastic form for Napoli, registering 17 goals and 14 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

According to Corriere dello Sport via ESPN, Newcastle United have also emerged as suitors for Kvaratskhelia and even made an offer worth £100 million to try and land his services this window.

The Magpies are believed to already be planning a second offer for the 22-year-old, though Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are mooted to be eyeing the Gli Azzurri sensation.

Calciomercato via Football Italia reveal that Kvaratskhelia has no intention to leave Napoli and is in discussions over a contract extension at the club that would see him tied down until the summer of 2028 with the option of an extra year.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has indicated that Manchester City could afford to land Kvaratskhelia and has put forward the example of their failed £90 million bid for Rice as a signal that money is there to be spent.

Jacobs told FFC: "Obviously, it's a little bit different for Manchester City because they've had established income from European football, so might be able to put a package together. We know that they've got that type of money lying around because they obviously tabled that £90 million bid for Declan Rice. From a budgetary point of view, sometimes you learn what a club are prepared to spend and can spend under the rules based upon what they tried to spend and failed to spend and then you know that money is there. I just think it's a difficult deal to pull off because Napoli really don't want to lose the player."

What next for Manchester City?

Manchester City boss Guardiola will be keen to add a couple of shiny new players to his squad to accompany the acquisition of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea, as per Transfermarkt.

The Citizens are keen to add Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise to the ranks as a potential replacement for the now-departed Riyad Mahrez; however, they are set to be rebuffed in their advances as Roy Hodgson wishes to keep the France youth international at Selhurst Park, as per Football Insider.

RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol is a long-term target for Manchester City, who have received a deadline of August 12th from the Bundesliga side as they look for a resolution to what could potentially be a record-shattering transfer worth £86 million, according to The Daily Mail.

Bayern Munich right-back Benjamin Pavard is being eyed by Manchester City as a potential replacement for Kyle Walker, who could move in the opposite direction to join the German champions, as per Fabrizio Romano writing in his column for The Guardian.

Even whilst Carlos Alcaraz was busy cementing himself among the best tennis players around right now, defeating Novak Djokovic to take the Wimbledon crown, the 20-year-old still had time to name his dream football XI.

Still at such a young age, the Spaniard's football knowledge extends to years before he could have really experienced the beautiful game. On top of that, he had the privilege of growing up watching football in an era full of stars. We're talking Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andreas Iniesta, and Thierry Henry. It's no wonder he was keen to name his dream team.

With that said, we've taken a look at who was included in his line-up.

Who won Wimbledon 2023?

Impressing the tennis world by defeating Djokovic on grass, Alcaraz placed his name among the best in the world by winning Wimbledon.

Getting past Jeremy Chardy in the First Round, the Spaniard went on to defeat Alexandre Muller, Nicolas Jarry, Matteo Berrettini, Holger Rune, and Danni Medvedev to set up the final against Djokovic.

In picking up the win, Alcaraz became the first player not named Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, or Andy Murray to win Wimbledon since 2002 – when the Spaniard wasn't even born yet.

Speaking on the win, the 20-year-old said: "Beating Novak, winning Wimbledon, is something that I dreamed about since I started playing tennis.

"It's the happiest moment of my life. I think it's not going to change for a long time."

Who was included in Carlos Alcaraz's dream football XI?

Starting in goal, the tennis star named Iker Casillas as his number one, which comes as no surprise given Alcaraz's Spanish nationality. He stuck with the Spanish theme throughout the backline, too, naming both Sergio Ramos and Carles Puyol, before going down the Brazilian route with his full-backs by naming Roberto Carlos and Cafu.

It gets even more impressive as it goes on. The midfield is aesthetically as good as it gets, and not many would stand a chance at getting the ball off them. Alcaraz named Luka Modric, Zinedine Zidane, and Iniesta.

Can we just take a second to imagine that trio together? It would simply be unfair on anyone who dared to commence a battle of technique in the middle of the park.

The team peaks in the frontline, though, with Messi combining with Ronaldo, and the legendary Brazilian Ronaldo. It simply wouldn't be a dream team without those three.

You can see the full line-up below:

Looking at the team as a whole, Alcaraz has arguably done a perfect job, combining the best players across different eras to make what would undoubtedly be an unstoppable side. For the sake of European football, it's a good job that it's a mere fantasy, and only that.

If we could find one criticism, it would be certain players who were unlucky to miss out. There could be a shout for Sergio Busquets, for example, who remains one of the most underrated players of all time. The Barcelona man would add the perfect defensive balance to allow the likes of Iniesta and Zidane to do what they do best.

No doubt, many of you will also be able to think of others who were also deserving of a spot – but, of course, football is a game of differing opinions after all.

تحدث ميكيل أرتيتا، المدير الفني لفريق آرسنال، عن فوزهم في مباراة اليوم أمام برايتون، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وتلاقى الفريقان على ملعب “فالمر” في الجولة الثانية والثلاثين من الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث فاز آرسنال بثلاثة أهداف دون رد (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وقال أرتيتا في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “اللعب هنا أمر صعب، خاصة وأنهم لم يخسروا في ملعبهم منذ أغسطس الماضي”.

وأضاف: “من الصعب اللعب ضد ذلك الفريق، لكن فريقنا كان ناضجًا وذكيًا في المباراة التي كان يتعين علينا لعبها”.

وواصل: “لقد قدمنا عروضًا كبيرة على المستوى الفردي، من حيث الهجوم والدفاع، لقد أهدرنا بعض الفرص الكبيرة، لكن الفريق بدا متماسكًا حقًا ولديه هدف”.

وأردف: “كان من الممكن أن تكون التمريرة الأخيرة والتسديدة الأخيرة لإنهاء الموقف أفضل، لكن لا يهم لأننا واصلنا التقدم، سعيد حقًا باللعب هنا”.

وعن عدم تلقي شباكنا أي هدف في خمس مباريات خارج أرض آرسنال، قال أرتيتا: “نعم، هذا أمر جيد حقًا وإضافة كبيرة، علينا أن نواصل القيام بذلك”.

وتابع: “لقد كان برايتون جيدًا حقًا اليوم، لقد طرحوا علينا الكثير من الأسئلة لكننا تمكنا من حلها”.

وفيما يخص تألق حارس المرمى ديفيد رايا وخاصة تصديه لتسديدة إنسيسو، قال: “كان لدينا لاعب في الدفاع كذلك في ذلك الموقف، ساليبا أعتقد، ولكن هذا هو السبب في أنك تحتاج إلى حارس جيد ليقوم بالتصدي الصحيح”.

وعن مواجهة بايرن ميونخ المرتقبة يوم الثلاثاء المقبل في ذهاب ربع نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا: “دعونا نذهب ونخوضها”.

Manchester United are 'one step away' from announcing Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount as their first summer signing, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Mason Mount?

As per Sky Sports News, Mount is undergoing a medical ahead of his move to Manchester United in a deal that is worth in the region of £60 million.

The Red Devils has three bids turned down for Mount in the process of trying to secure his signature; however, the £80k-a-week ace now looks set to swap Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford in a high-profile summer signing for Erik Ten Hag's men.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Mason Mount has completed his medical ahead of signing for Man United.

According to The Manchester Evening News, Manchester United midfielder Fred could be shunted out of the exit door at Old Trafford once Mount finalises his move to the Premier League giants, with Fulham believed to be keen on his services.

Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay have also been linked with moves elsewhere this summer, though there is pessimism that another midfielder besides Mount would be affordable for Manchester United.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has detailed that Manchester United are nearly there as they prepare to officially capture Mount from Chelsea.

Jones stated: "An announcement is prepped and soon he will be getting the 'Here We Go' treatment. This is a very good signing, a player with pedigree at every level on the elite stage and still only 24.

"As an 8 in this United team, he will really thrive. I’m told Erik ten Hag can’t wait to work with him."

Will Mason Mount be a good signing for Manchester United?

Mount is a hard-working, quality individual who has possibly become a victim of circumstance at Chelsea and joining Manchester United under Ten Hag may be the best move for him, as the Dutch boss will have detailed plans to help him rediscover the consistency of his earlier career at the Blues.

In total, the England international has made 195 appearances for Chelsea, notching 33 goals and 37 assists in total, as per Transfermarkt.

Last term, Mount also showed his credentials as a creative force in midfield, racking up 1.3 key passes per match in the Premier League, as per WhoScored.

FBRef display that Mount recorded 83 successful shot-creating actions during last campaign, showing sparks of what he is capable of despite an underwhelming time of things across the board at Stamford Bridge.

With the right stewardship, Mount could be a key asset for Manchester United and form an exciting midfield alliance with the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.

Australia and their three debutants fought to the finish against the visitors in front of a raucous crowd at the MCG, but a win offered Sri Lanka the chance to wrap up the series at Kardinia Park on Sunday

The Report by Daniel Brettig17-Feb-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAsela Gunaratne continued his good form in international cricket•Getty Images

Australia’s “best of the Big Bash League” took Sri Lanka to the final ball. The hosts and their three debutants fought to the finish against the visitors in front of a raucous crowd at the MCG, but a win offered Sri Lanka the chance to wrap up the series at Kardinia Park on Sunday.The Perth Scorchers’ Andrew Tye was left with six runs to defend from the final over, and one from the final ball. Chamara Kapugedara surveyed the ring field then punched the winning boundary through the covers to secure the result. His composure ensured Sri Lanka finished in the ascendant after looking the more likely victors throughout their chase, largely due to a boundary count that outstripped the hosts, 21 to 13.None of Australia’s batsmen were able to go on to substantial scores after Upul Tharanga sent them in to bat, as a spongy pitch and disciplined Sri Lankan bowling denied them the ability to find a domineering rhythm. Sri Lanka’s pursuit was then given the desired fast start by Dilshan Munaweera after Tharanga was dismissed in the first over, and Asela Gunaratne’s nimble half-century guided the tourists to within sight of victory in front of 42,511 spectators, many of them barracking for Sri Lanka.Gunaratne also made a brief but notable contribution with the ball, goading the captain Aaron Finch into a skier after he had appeared the man most likely to produce a truly damaging tally for Australia. The dismissal came two balls after Finch had hammered the biggest six of the night, and 10 runs after Michael Klinger’s long delayed international debut was ended.Lasith Malinga, making his own return from a long absence, bowled tidily and scooped a couple of late wickets, while Seekkuge Prasanna gave up a mere 23 runs from four overs that featured 10 dot balls and should have been rewarded with the wicket of Travis Head – dropped badly by Tharanga at point.Tharanga’s night did not improve when he opened the batting, as he received a perfectly pitched ball going across him from Pat Cummins in the first over and offered a thin edge through to Tim Paine behind the stumps. While the Australians celebrated this wicket with some gusto, they were soon haring about the MCG outfield as Munaweera and Niroshan Dickwella went to work.Their partnership ensured the run rate was not going to be much of an issue, compelling Finch and his bowlers to chase wickets and consequentially offer more scoring opportunities. Adam Zampa delivered his usual handy spell and deserved his two wickets, but oddly Finch did not try his other spin options until introducing Ashton Turner with only a modest equation required.Dilshan Munaweera’s six fours in his quick innings rallied Sri Lanka till the halfway mark•Cricket Australia

Turner’s offbreaks were rewarded by a smart Paine stumping to end Gunaratne’s innings just when he appeared to be coasting home, before a debatable lbw verdict against Milinda Siriwardana closed the gap between the teams. In the end, Kapugedara was left needing a single from the final delivery, an assignment he made light work of with a steely drive for four.Klinger, Turner and Billy Stanlake were all named for their first T20 appearances for Australia but there was no room for Ben Dunk and only three specialist batsmen selected – Finch, Head and Klinger. The visitors included the left-arm wristspinner Lakshan Sandakan, who was so effective against Australia in the Test series in Sri Lanka last year.Malinga kicked off the evening with his first ball in a full international since February last year, and also bowled the first ball faced by Klinger in an international match no fewer than 19 years after his state debut. The pitch was a little on the sluggish side, but Klinger and the acting captain Finch made a decent start with a smattering of boundaries and hustling between the wickets.They had 76 on the board by the time Klinger tried to tug a Sandakan googly to the leg side and was pouched by Malinga via the resultant top edge. Finch had his eye on a big score as leader, but after depositing Gunaratne’s first ball well into the Great Southern Stand he tried to repeat the trick two balls later against an offcutter and popped another high catch.From there the innings was a sequence of fits and starts, as Head, Moises Henriques, Turner and James Faulkner all offered cameo contributions. However, Prasanna’s spell was particularly tidy, Sri Lanka did well to keep the boundary count down – only seven fours and four sixes in total – and two wickets in successive balls for Malinga in his final over also served to aid the tourists’ ultimately winning cause.

A big update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to appoint Brendan Rodgers as their replacement for Ange Postecoglou…

What's the latest on Brendan Rodgers to Celtic?

According to The Scottish Sun, the Hoops have agreed terms with the 50-year-old tactician after talks between the ex-Leicester City boss and majority shareholder Dermot Desmond went well.

The report claims that the club see this proposed appointment as a statement of intent and believe that they can now push on in the Champions League next season.

It is stated that an announcement is expected on Monday [19th June 2023] as they plot to officially confirm their new head coach, who was once hailed as a "genius" by journalist Sid Lowe.

Does David Turnbull have a future at Celtic?

The return of Rodgers to Parkhead could ensure that attacking midfielder David Turnbull has a future at the club as the Scotland international could be the perfect playmaker for the Northern Irishman.

During the 2022/23 campaign, the 24-year-old wizard was restricted to just six starts in the Scottish Premiership as he failed to break into the starting line-up on a regular basis.

The no.10 did not naturally fit in with Postecoglou's 4-3-3 set-up but could be the dream player to feature as the supporting player behind the striker in Rodgers' 4-2-3-1 system.

Playing as an attacking midfielder in that formation with two teammates behind him and three forwards to link up with, it could suit him perfectly as the former Motherwell star is an exceptional talent on the ball who has the quality to score and create goals on a regular basis.

Prior to Postecoglou's arrival in 2021, Turnbull started 30 matches in the Premiership during the 2020/21 campaign and averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.47 – the highest average score in the entire squad that season.

The Hoops star scored nine goals and created 12 'big chances' for his teammates, whilst he also created 2.9 chances per game, in 36 league appearances.

No Celtic player created more than Matt O'Riley's 2.1 opportunities per match in the Premiership during the season just gone under Postecoglou and Reo Hatate was the highest-scoring central midfielder with six.

These statistics suggest that Turnbull has the ability to play as a no.10 and offer far more quality in the final third than the club saw from their other options in the middle of the park last season, by providing more goals and opening up the opposition's defence more frequently to create for his teammates.

The 6 foot 1 magician has proven himself to be an exceptional performer in the Scottish top-flight and for Celtic in the past and Rodgers coming in to utilise him as an attacking midfielder could allow the young maestro to flourish next term, which is why this appointment is fantastic news for the £16k-per-week dynamo.

تعرف على تشكيل الهلال أمام الاتفاق اليوم في دوري روشن السعودي.

أعلن البرتغالي جورجي جيسوس، المدير الفني لفريق الهلال السعودي، تشكيل اللاعبين لمواجهة الاتفاق، بالمباراة التي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري روشن.

ويلعب الهلال مع الاتفاق، على أرضية ملعب الأخير في استاد عبدالله الدبل، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الـ 21 من عمر مباريات الدوري السعودي للموسم الحالي.

ويحتل فريق الهلال صدارة ترتيب الدوري السعودي برصيد 56 نقطة من الفوز في 18 مباراة والتعادل في مباراتين ولم يتلق أي هزيمة هذا الموسم.

طالع أيضاً.. موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة الهلال والاتفاق اليوم في الدوري السعودي.. والمعلق

وعلى الجانب الآخر، يتواجد فريق الاتفاق في المركز الثامن بجدول الدوري السعودي، برصيد 28 نقطة، حيث فاز في 7 مباريات وتعادل في مثلها وخسر في 6 مواجهات. تشكيل الهلال أمام الاتفاق في الدوري السعودي

حراسة المرمى: ياسين بونو.

خط الدفاع: سعود عبد الحميد – كاليدو كوليبالي – علي البليهي – لودي.

وسط الملعب: روبن نيفيز – سافيتش – محمد كنو – سالم الدوسري.

خط الهجوم: سلمان الفرج – مالكوم – ألكسندر ميتروفيتش.

📜 قائمة الزعماء في #جولة_يوم_التأسيس 🇸🇦💙#الهلال | #الاتفاق_الهلال pic.twitter.com/yqCAnU9JlF

— نادي الهلال السعودي (@Alhilal_FC) February 26, 2024

Sunderland's season ended last week as they were knocked out of the play-offs in the semi-finals against Luton Town and as a result, they could now spend this summer trying to keep hold of their best players.

Crystal Palace and Brentford are both reportedly keeping tabs on forward Jack Clarke after the Englishman's impressive campaign in the Championship.

The 22-year-old scored nine goals and provided 11 assists in 45 games from out wide in the second tier of English football and the club could be looking for his heir in the transfer market if a move to the Premier League arises.

Who could replace Jack Clarke at Sunderland?

It was recently reported that the Black Cats are one of the clubs interested in a deal to sign CD Universidad Catolica winger Alexander Aravena this summer and he could be the dream heir to Clarke next season.

AZ Alkmaar and Granada are said to be providing competition in the race for his signature as Tony Mowbray eyes up a possible swoop.

Whilst it is difficult to predict how a player will adapt after coming over from Chile, his former teammate Marcelino Nunez made the switch to the Championship last summer and enjoyed a strong season with Norwich.

The 23-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.90 – a score that would have placed him ninth in Sunderland's squad – and chipped in with three goals and two assists from central midfield.

This suggests that it is possible for a player to instantly adapt to English football after moving from South America – and CD Universidad Catolica in particular. Therefore, Aravena could make an instant impact at the Stadium of Light.

The 20-year-old whiz, who can play on the right or the left flank, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.08 in the Primera Division in 2023, scoring seven goals and creating 13 chances in 13 appearances.

Having also completed 1.2 dribbles per game, it outlines the youngster as an exciting prospect who can make meaningful contributions to matches on a regular basis in spite of his young age.

This comes after he plundered 11 goals and three assists in 24 starts in the league for Catolica in the 2022 campaign, which shows that his current form is not a flash in the pan.

Aravena, whose intelligence was once hailed as "magnificent" by press officer Salvatore Gandhi, is two years younger than Clarke but is already displaying similar qualities by delivering goals and assists at first-team level.

The Sunderland forward, who averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.00 in the Championship in 2022/23, could be on his way out of Wearside this summer but Mowbray signing the Chilean prospect as his heir could be a shrewd piece of business for the club.

His form for Catolica over the last 18 months shows that he has the quality to be a difference-maker in the final third, like the Englishman, and Nunez's seamless adaption to life at Norwich indicates that it is possible for Aravena to hit the ground running.

Manchester United are a club that often finds itself drawn into long-running transfer sagas, given their huge profile, a penchant to spend big and an unparalleled desire to go after the most sought-after players in world football.

However, few in history can compete with the summer of 2022, as Erik ten Hag entered a relentless pursuit for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong that would last the whole window.

Having reportedly got close in late June, the Dutchman would eventually stay in Catalonia, and his former Ajax boss was forced to look elsewhere.

The acquisitions of both Christian Eriksen and Casemiro massively bolstered their midfield anyway, but it still felt like they were craving that young maestro to lead them into the future. For all the quality of that pairing, both are 31 years old. They were brought in to ensure that a successful present would make them an attractive proposition for the future.

Having since enjoyed a fine debut campaign at Old Trafford, attention could now be turned to a far more attainable option for this coming summer, in an attempt to finally claim that youthful injection to add to their engine room.

As per Football Insider, that man seems set to be Ryan Gravenberch, as United are noted as having entered the race for another of Ten Hag's former players, alongside rivals Liverpool.

How good is Ryan Gravenberch?

Having starred in his home country, the 20-year-old had more than earned his big move elsewhere. When Bayern Munich came calling, it seemed like a match made in heaven as the switch was made with ease.

However, it has since been an arduous first year in Germany for the £26m-rated youngster, who has seen chances limited under both Julian Naglesmann and now Thomas Tuchel.

Just two Bundesliga starts is disingenuous towards what was a standout season the year prior, as he left Amsterdam with a lasting memory of his excellence.

Maintaining a 7.17 average rating, it was astounding how comfortable this teenage sensation was on the ball despite standing at 6 foot 3.

His imperious displays were underpinned by 1.1 key passes and 1.6 tackles per game, showcasing his penchant for reclaiming possession and then sending his team on the attack. Coincidentally, this is how the aforementioned De Jong plays, almost as a quarterback but possessing the ability to carry the ball into the final third too.

Indeed, although De Jong is far more concentrated on carrying the ball himself, given how he ranks in the top 2% for progressive carries per 90 when compared to other midfielders across Europe, he has made 1.3 key passes and 1.3 tackles per game this term, a similar output to that of his Dutch colleague.

Also, given the 26-year-old is six years Gravenberch's senior, there is reason to believe that should the £156k-per-week monster link up with Ten Hag once again, he can soon reach the levels of Barcelona's midfield magician ahead of schedule.

Despite Bayern's sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić branding his titan as "an outstanding player", it is clear that they view him as one for the distant future. A move to Manchester could see his potential realised much faster, under the tutelage of someone who arguably knows him better than anyone.

Real Madrid and Manchester City played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in the first leg of a mouthwatering Champions League semi-final tie, and there were plenty of battles all over the pitch.

Vinicius Junior and Kevin De Bruyne both scored incredible long-range efforts, in what ended up as a draw that both sides may be happy with.

However, one incident which has sparked a divisive reaction came towards the end of the first half.

Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal engaged Jack Grealish in a number of physical battles, and he may consider himself lucky that he was not penalised for some of the heavy-handed tackles he left on the Englishman.

One particularly controversial duel came when Carvajal followed the ball out of play, before sending Grealish hurtling into the advertising boards as he collided with the winger.

Some have argued that this should have been a red card, whilst others encouraged the physical nature of their duels in what was a fiery affair.

The best of the reaction can be seen below. Was Carvajal lucky to escape without a card?

Some fans were sympathetic towards Grealish…

Others were quick to defend it as a regular challenge in a physical game…