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Ben Duckett will have the operation on the ring finger of his left hand next Monday with the recovery time estimated to be 12 weeks, which also rules him out of the North-South series

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Feb-2018Ben Duckett will miss the start of the English domestic season after it was decided he would undergo surgery on a finger injury sustained at the end of the 2017 summer.Duckett will have the operation on the ring finger of his left hand next Monday, with the recovery time estimated to be 12 weeks, after he carried the injury over the last few months.The surgery means that Duckett has also been ruled out of the North v South one-day series in Barbados in late March.It has been a difficult few months for Duckett, who played four Tests for England in late 2016 against Bangladesh and India, after he was caught up in controversy in Australia for throwing a drink over James Anderson in a Perth nightclub when the England Lions squad was alongside the main Ashes party.Duckett was not sent home at the time of the incident – which came just a few weeks after the Jonny Bairstow headbutt affair at the same club – but was suspended and given a written warning at the time then omitted from the Lions squad which is currently touring West Indies.Duckett’s absence will stretch the Northamptonshire squad at the start of their County Championship campaign. A 12-week timescale takes Duckett’s likely absence into May but his return could coincide with the start of the Royal London Cup.He will be replaced in the North’s squad by Adam Hose, the Warwickshire batsman, who impressed during Birmingham Bears’ run to the NatWest T20 Blast final.A change has also been required for the South after England allrounder Liam Dawson signed for the Pakistan Super League as a replacement for Shakib Al Hasan, with Ollie Pope, the Surrey batsman, taking his place.Dawson, who is currently with England’s T20 squad for the tri-series in Australia and New Zealand, had also been set to play in the one-day leg of the Lions series against West Indies A. The selectors have yet to decide whether to replace him for that portion of the tour.

Glasgow Rangers head into the final days of the summer transfer window well-placed to challenge for domestic honours while hopefully aiming to replicate their European performances which saw them come so close to winning the Europa League in 2022.

Michael Beale has built a solid squad and his next goal will be to turn his team into a side which can succeed on a regular basis.

There were some high-profile departures at the end of last season, including Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent but Beale has moved to replace these once-prized assets.

What happened to Ryan Kent at Rangers?

The English winger enjoyed a fruitful five-year stint in Glasgow, registering 89 goal contributions – 33 goals and 56 assists – across 218 matches while winning the Premiership and Scottish Cup too.

The 2022/23 campaign, which proved to be his last at the Gers, saw his performances slip, and although he scored three goals and grabbed ten assists, he failed to put in consistent displays throughout the season.

Read the latest Rangers transfer news HERE…

This led to him being released and although on his day, Kent could be wonderful, those days were few and far between under Beale and the manager clearly wanted to go in a different direction ahead of the current season.

The former Liverpool gem eventually joined Turkish side Fenerbahce and the 42-year-old has spent the entire window looking for a replacement.

Could there be a solution starring Beale right in the eye, however? Indeed, Rabbi Matondo has enjoyed a redemption of sorts recently following a woeful 2022/23.

How has Rabbi Matondo performed?

The Welsh winger arrived in a £2.5m deal from Schalke last summer and was expected to use his pace and creativity to vastly improve the Light Blues.

A return of just five assists across 28 games suggested that he failed to live up to expectations and having started just three games under Beale during the second half of last term, his future looked away from Ibrox.

The £28k-per-week gem has made huge strides during the summer and following a cameo against Livingston earlier this month where he grabbed an assist, the winger started against Greenock Morton in the League Cup.

Lauded as Rangers’ “bright spark” by journalist Euan Robertson during the game against the Championship outfit, the 22-year-old put himself in the frame for an outing against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

He didn’t disappoint. Matondo emerged from the bench with just 23 minutes remaining, the tie finely poised at 1-1.

Following a free-flowing move by the home side, Matondo used his pace to wonderful effect and got onto the end of a stunning Cyriel Dessers pass to slot the ball into the net and give the Light Blues a 2-1 advantage.

It could certainly prove to be the catalyst that really kick-starts his Rangers career, and he was even praised by teammate Jack Butland, who said after the game:

“He’s been waiting a long time for that moment. He trains well, works hard and is great around the group. This season he’s come on and made some huge impacts.”

With Kent gone, Matondo could take full advantage and cement a regular spot in the starting XI over the coming months. His previous few matches have demonstrated the vast talent he possesses and this could be the beginning of a productive campaign for the youngster that finally sees him replicate Kent.

كشفت تقارير صحفية بريطانية، أن هناك منافسًا إنجليزيًا جديدًا للتعاقد مع البرازيلي فيتور روكي لاعب فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي برشلونة الإسباني.

فيتور روكي انضم إلى برشلونة في يناير الماضي في عمر الـ19 عامًا، ولديه شرط جزائي مع النادي الكتالوني بقيمة 430 مليون جنية إسترليني.

اللاعب الإسباني وجد صعوبة في إثبات نفسه للمدرب تشافي هيرنانديز، الذي فضل عليه روبرت ليفاندوفسكي أساسيًا، ولم يحصل روكي على العديد من الدقائق رغم تألقه في البداية.

طالع أيضًا.. وكيل ليفاندوفسكي يرد على أنباء رحيله عن برشلونة

وكيل اللاعب، أندريه كوري، حذر برشلونة في تصريحات لراديو كتالونيا، أن موكله لن يقبل الإعارة وأنه في الموسم المقبل إما سيكون مع البلوجرانا أو يرحل بشكل نهائي.

تهديدات أندريه كوري لن تجعل تشافي يمنح روكي المزيد من الدقائق، ولن تغير التخطيط الذي يضعه المدرب الإسباني حسب ما أكدت صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية.

صحيفة “ديلي إكسبريس” البريطانية، أكدت أن توتنهام انضم للصراع على ضم فيتور روكي، مع آرسنال وتشيلسي ومانشستر يونايتد.

في العام الماضي كان توتنهام على استعداد التعاقد مع اللاعب مقابل 34 مليون جنية إسترليني، لكن برشلونة تفوق عليهم.

البرازيلي هذا الموسم شارك في 13 مباراة مع برشلونة، ولم يحقق أي لقب تحت قيادة تشافي هيرنانديز.

Arsenal are "ready" to make an offer of "at least" €20 million (£17m) for Dinamo Zagreb defender Josip Sutalo, according to reports out of Italy.

Who will Arsenal sign?

Despite spending over £200 million on the signings of Germany international winger Kai Havertz, versatile defender Jurrien Timber and Premier League star Declan Rice, there is reason to believe supporters could expect even more fresh faces.

Havertz signed for around £65m from Chelsea, with Timber completing a £38m switch from Ajax. However, the most headline-grabbing transfer by some distance was Rice – who signed for a club-record £105 million from West Ham.

Now the most expensive English player of all time, above both Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham, manager Mikel Arteta was left absolutely thrilled by his arrival in north London.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

“We’re really happy that Declan is joining us," said Arteta.

"He is a player with tremendous ability, who has been performing at a high level in the Premier League and for England for a number of seasons now. Declan is bringing undoubted quality to the club and he is an exceptional talent who has the potential to be very successful here.

“Declan has great experience in the Premier League at only 24 years old. He has captained a very good West Ham team and as we all saw, he recently lifted a European trophy. The responsibility and role he has taken on has been very impressive and we are really excited that he is joining us.”

Arsenal have displayed serious ambition this summer transfer window and are also in talks to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, coming as the club seek to provide competition for Aaron Ramsdale.

The Spanish shot-stopper is perhaps Arsenal's most-talked about potential incoming right now, but according to Italian journalist Niccolò Ceccarini, they could well bid for another outfielder.

Speaking to Radio Toscana, as transcribed by fiorentinanews.com, the reporter claims Arsenal are among the sides who are ready to bid at least £17m for Sutalo of Dinamo Zagreb.

They are one of four clubs willing to make an offer, a list which includes the likes of Ajax, RB Leipzig and London rivals West Ham.

"For Sutalo there are 4 clubs ready to put at least 20 million for the player," said Ceccarini.

"From Leipzig to Arsenal to West Ham and Ajax. I don't think Fiorentina will want to have 5 central players in the squad, if another one arrives I think Martinez Quarta would leave. With five players in the department there would always be someone unhappy, never playing, beyond the rotations of Italian."

How good is Josip Sutalo?

The Croatian, who featured at last year's 2022 World Cup in Qatar, has impressed on-lookers with some of his performances on the international stage.

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, for instance, holds a firm belief that Sutalo is "one of the most underrated U-23 CBs in Europe."

Standing at a towering 6 foot 3, the 23-year-old seemingly has a growing reputation and may well provide solid cover to the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes – if Arsenal can get a deal done.

Manchester United have been craving the addition of a striker for so long now, and it finally seems like they are starting to close in on their man…

How much have Manchester United spent on transfers this season?

That's according to journalist Alfredo Pedulla, who took to his website to offer a fresh update on their pursuit of Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund.

He would suggest that the Red Devils remain in contact over the Danish international, who has become an increasingly important target for Erik ten Hag to bring in. Especially considering the emergence of Paris Saint-Germain as a rival for his signature.

An offer of around €60m (£52m) plus bonuses is expected in the coming week, although it was noted back in June that the Italian outfit would not sell for any less than €100m (£87m).

Such an outlay would bring their summer spending up significantly, which has already been buoyed by the additions of Andre Onana (£47.2m) and Mason Mount (£55m). It seems poised to be yet another expensive window for the Manchester club, who are still seeking a return to their former glory days.

How good is Rasmus Hojlund?

Whilst the signing of a striker like Hojlund would almost guarantee goals, which would improve any team, it is the supplementary benefits that his arrival would bring that would surely transform Ten Hag's side.

After all, his outfit have been continuing to provide for lacklustre front-men akin to Wout Weghorst and Anthony Martial, even at times operating without a number nine at all.

The emergence of someone as clinical as the 20-year-old would be paramount, as he notched 16 goals and seven assists across all competitions last season. Such a figure equalled the tallies of the two aforementioned forwards, Antony and Jadon Sancho all combined in the Premier League most recently.

Bruno Fernandes is someone who would certainly benefit from a marksman with a bit of quality, who has both the physical presence to forge space, but also the pace to latch onto his seeking long balls.

The latter asset is emphasised by writer Sacha Pisani, who claimed: "Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund is scary quick."

Last campaign the Portuguese maestro averaged 3.3 key passes per game in the Premier League, forging a ridiculous 32 big chances despite only earning eight assists, via Sofascore.

To compare these figures with Kevin De Bruyne, who has enjoyed the striking talents of Erling Haaland, the Belgian instead created 31 big chances of his own, but instead ended up with 16 assists in the league, via Sofascore.

Back during his first few campaigns at Old Trafford, following his move from Sporting CP, a huge debate raged on regarding who was the better creator out of these two attacking midfielders. After all, during the 2020/21 campaign, the 28-year-old posted 45 goal contributions across all competitions, which dwarfed the 28 of his Etihad alternative that year.

The recent success of Manchester City has seen that argument silenced in favour of the latter, but should Fernandes have his own top forward to feed off, his numbers could return to the level required to rival the 32-year-old maestro once again.

Hojlund may not quite be as clinical as Haaland, with his 17% goal conversion (in Serie A) a far cry from the 29% (in the Premier League) he will seek to emulate, but the potential the young forward boasts is huge.

If he could hit the ground running at Old Trafford, not only could his goals spearhead an unlikely title charge, but once again fans could be treated to the very best of Fernandes.

Newcastle United have already completed their first summer signing with Sandro Tonali joining the club ahead of next season and now a new update has emerged on the club's next potential transfer target.

Will Newcastle sign Goncalo Inacio?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle remain keen on signing Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio this summer.

As per the report, the Magpies are hoping they can seal the deal for a cut-price fee instead of paying the talented centre-back's €60m (£51m) release clause.

It is claimed that Eddie Howe is keen to bolster key areas of his squad this summer to ensure Newcastle can compete in Europe and it is believed that Inacio is seen as a long-term investment for the club.

How good is Goncalo Inacio?

There is no doubt that Howe will be wanting to strengthen his squad ahead of the club's long-awaited return to Champions League football, and the acquisition of Tonali is a testament to the coach's desire to add some much-needed European experience.

Indeed, the likes of Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes have all earned opportunities to play on the elite European stage before their time at St James' Park, however, it would be advantageous to add more experience in key roles.

As a result, the signing of Inacio could not only be a great chance to add another player with Champions League experience but also offers Howe a youthful prospect he can develop and polish to become his next defensive prodigy.

Fabian Schar is now 31 years old and potentially reaching the latter stages of his career, so identifying a worthy successor in his role and a player who can form a successful centre-back partnership with Botman will be a priority for Howe in the not-so-distant future.

As per FBref, Inacio – hailed a "sensation" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – ranks in the top 5% of his positional peers across the men's next eight leagues for shot-creating actions, successful take-ons, progressive carries, progressive passes, pass completion and assists, demonstrating that he is a confident ball-winner with no trouble providing attacking opportunities to his teammates.

Despite being only 21 years old, the Portuguese youngster has already tallied up 122 appearances for Sporting as a first-team regular and due to his impressive development has more recently earned a spot in his national team, with Roberto Martinez handing his debut to the defender in the UEFA Euro qualifying fixtures back in March 2023.

The left-footed Sporting star boasts several similarities to Botman in his style of play and when comparing their output last season the pair came close in a number of key attributes including aerial duels won (60.2% v 65.2%), tackles won (23 v 24), successful take-ons (85% v 100%) and pass completion (89.6% v 86.5%).

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Howe to bolster his defensive options this summer and bringing in a player like Inacio who has similar qualities to Botman could double up their threatening presence when playing out from the back and ultimately make the side unstoppable in their pursuit for success.

Liverpool are in a position to acquire some much-needed reinforcements this summer after a difficult campaign last season and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Jeremy Doku?

According to French news outlet L'Equipe (via Sport Witness), Liverpool have set their sights on Stade Rennais winger Jeremy Doku.

As per the report, the Reds maintain their interest in the player that they almost signed in 2017 and although the player hasn't been a consistent goal-scorer he has become an attractive prospect based on his dribbling expertise.

The news broke a day before interest in Dominik Szoboszlai of RB Leipzig was broken, with FSG clearly looking to splash the cash in the early exchanges of the transfer window.

Who would Jeremy Doku replace in the Liverpool team?

It is no secret that the top priority this summer for Liverpool is to rebuild their midfield presence and inject some much-needed energy into the team to improve performances that were seen over last season.

The Merseyside giants have had no struggles in scoring goals and deploying an attacking threat that is deadly against any opponent of any quality, with only Manchester City and Arsenal scoring more than Liverpool (75) over their most recent campaign in the Premier League, despite their failure to secure a top-four finish.

Having said that, acquiring more attacking options who can provide diversity in the final third wouldn't be the worst idea and with Mohamed Salah set to be out of contract in 2025, there is an opportunity to bring in an understudy this summer to develop and nurture on the right flank who can learn the ropes from the Egyptian superstar.

Doku – hailed a "diamond in the rough" by Kevin De Bruyne – is an impressive attacking presence ranking in the top 5% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for a whole host of metrics, including non-penalty goals, shot-creating actions, progressive carries, progressive passes received and successful take-ons, as per FBref.

The £14m-rated winger offers strengths that are a little different to those of Liverpool's talisman, outperforming his positional peer in a number of attributes last season including shot-creating actions per 90 (5.65 v 3.83), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.70 v 0.66) and take-on success rate (60.4% v 37.3%), suggesting that he offers a more selfless approach in attacking opportunities and is more confident in challenging opponents.

It is unfathomable that Klopp would ever bench his star man who has provided the Anfield faithful with so many moments of magic, however, the acquirement of Doku could give the Liverpool boss some depth and a different perspective in the position that can be deployed in latter stages of games and provides a rotation option when competing in multiple competitions.

With that being said, Doku is definitely one to watch for Liverpool this summer and if the club's hierarchy can strike up a good deal for the 21-year-old this summer it could be a great opportunity to add some more depth in the forward line ahead of next season.

The CoA has put out a directive on the BCCI website, saying the office bearers cannot take any decisions independently without its permission

Nagraj Gollapudi27-Mar-2017The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) has reiterated to the BCCI office bearers that it remains in charge of the Indian board.On Sunday, the CoA put out a directive on the BCCI website, saying the office bearers cannot take any decisions independently without its permission. Also, any decision reached by any of the BCCI committees will not be binding unless the CoA had given it approval.This fresh communique, the CoA said, was necessitated by the court order on March 24, which clarified that an office bearer could hold nine-year terms at the BCCI and state association separately.That meant virtually all the existing BCCI office bearers could continue in their position. These included Amitabh Choudhry (joint-secretary), Anirudh Chaudhry (treasurer) and at least three of the five vice-presidents – CK Khanna (central zone), TC Mathew (west), Goutam Roy (east).According to the CoA, three office beaers – Choudhry, Chaudhry and Khanna – had filed petitions asking the court to offer clarity on their powers. On January 2 the court had removed the pair of Anurag Thakur (BCCI president) and Ajay Shirke (secretary) for failing to comply with the Lodha Committee recommendations.Till the BCCI elected a fresh administration based on the Lodha Committee recommendations, the court said the most senior BCCI vice-president would be in charge of the board while the joint-secretary would be the acting secretary. Consequently Khanna, who is the most senior vice-president in terms of his tenure, thought he was eligible to be the acting president while Choudhry would take over as acting secretary.As far as the CoA is concerned, though, it is clear about the court giving it the authority to supervise and control the BCCI. “Each of the existing office bearers shall be bound to act in accordance with the instructions of the Committee of Administrators and/or shall discharge their duties only with the prior written approval of the Committee of Administrators,” the COA said in its directive. “Any actions already taken by any of the existing office bearers after the order dated 24th March 2017 shall immediately be intimated in writing by the concerned office bearer(s) to the Committee of Administrators for their permission and shall be continued/proceeded with only after written permission for the same is granted by the Committee of Administrators.”The existing office bearers shall not make any statements, representations or commitments on behalf of the BCCI to any third party including to Government, Court, Tribunal, regulatory authority, media or any cricket body or organisation without the prior written approval of the Committee of Administrators.”Over the weekend there have been unconfirmed reports about some of the BCCI members – state associations – thinking of calling a special general meeting on April 9. Despite repeated diktats from the court, the state associations have remained resolute about not adopting the Lodha Committee recommendations and have filed fresh counter petitions. The CoA has submitted two status reports in the court on the “intransigence” of the state associations.To rein in the rebelling, the CoA issued a stern message. “In order for any action/decision (including without limitation any action/decision taken by any Committee or the General Body) to be valid and binding on the BCCI, the same must be taken with the prior approval of the Committee of Administrators.”According to the CoA, going forward all payments would need the “joint approval” of the BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and Choudhry. In case one of them did not approve or failed to sign off on any payment within three days of the other doing it, the CoA would make the final decision. Johri had been given the complete authority to sign all decisions concerning legal issues of the BCCI. It was also pointed out that both Johri and the Santosh Rangnekar, the BCCI’s chief financial officer, will report to the CoA and not the office bearers.

Josko Gvardiol has fully agreed personal terms with Manchester City and negotiations between the clubs over a fee are now very advanced as well.

How much will Gvardiol cost?

Gvardiol won't be cheap due to him showing outstanding ability at the highest level of the game at just 21-years-old. With a market value of €75million (£64.5m), even a deal on the low end of what RB Leipzig could ask for will require City chiefs to open their wallet.

While the higher reports have seen the German side asking for around €100m (£86m), a figure that would make him the most expensive defender ever, any sale would represent a huge profit on the €18.8m (£16m) which Leipzig spent on the Croatian in the summer of 2021.

It has previously been reported that Gvardiol is "keen to join" the treble winners according to journalist Rudy Galetti, and according to CalcioMercato, via Sport Witness, he is now a step closer to the move transpiring.

The report discloses that the versatile centre-back has a total "agreement" with the Blues over personal terms. Adding to this, all that is needed now is to complete the negotiations over a fee, which are said to be "already very advanced".

This likely means a transfer for Gvardiol should be expected sooner rather than later as Pep Guardiola looks to continue his incredible success for the blue side of Manchester.

How good is Gvardiol?

Being a young player who is already playing at such a high level, Gvardiol has had his flowers given to him multiple times already.

BBC Sport's Zach Lowy labelled Gvardiol as a "Rolls-Royce of a defender" at the World Cup last year, continuing: "20 years old and the best player on the pitch in a match that featured Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modrić…sensational center back."

This wasn't the only example of high praise, with Gvardiol's national team boss Zlatko Dalic singing his praises throughout the winter tournament.

Dalic said: “Gvardiol is the best centre-back in the world. To play this maturely, it’s amazing. The way he plays, with what elegance he carries the ball.”

Meanwhile, football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed the 6 foot 1 Croatian as the "[Erling] Haaland of defenders", likely due to his mixture of physical dominance, technical ability, promising potential and already demonstrated his class at a high level.

Should City complete a deal for Gvardiol, he would definitely be of the required standard to slot in and improve Guardiola's champions – a scary prospect for the rest of the league.

Leicester City are looking for a new permanent manager following their relegation from the Premier League this season, and a former Liverpool legend is among the names of the shortlist.

The Foxes could begin their summer rebuild by appointing former Aston Villa and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, as per journalist Tom Collomosse.

Will Steven Gerrard become Leicester manager?

Gerrard has been without a club since he was sacked by Villa back in October after less than a year in charge.

The Liverpool native was dismissed after a poor run of form to start the season and was replaced by former Arsenal manager Unai Emery who later helped guide Villa to a place in next season’s Europa Conference League.

The former Reds captain had a successful stint in Scotland and helped guide Rangers to their Scottish title in ten years back in 2021 before his move to Villa Park.

Gerrard is one of a number of names on the shortlist to take over at the King Power Stadium, which includes current interim boss Dean Smith, former Fulham and AFC Bournemouth head coach Scott Parker and current Manchester City assistant coach Enzo Maresca.

Leicester could face competition from fellow-relegated side Leeds, who The Mail claim are also interested in offering Gerrard a role as head coach. Leeds are looking for a new manager following Sam Allardyce’s departure.

Would Steven Gerrard be a good Leicester City manager?

Although the former England midfielder had some success in his time in Glasgow, Leicester fans may be concerned at a lack of experience on the part of the manager could hinder their chances of promotion back to the Premier League.

Gerrard has only held two senior managerial posts.

The Liverpool legend managed the U18 and U19 teams at the club for which he made over 500 league appearances before landing the job at Ibrox.

But the 43-year-old's spell at Villa will be what concerns Leicester fans the most.

Jordan Campbell of The Athletic has described Gerrard’s managerial style as “repetitive' and that 'it leaves fans cold'. Campbell argues that even before his tenure at Rangers ended, there was a 'distinct feeling that things had gone stale.'

Former Premier League manager Neil Warnock told talkSPORT in October:

“I think it’s hard for him to relate to fans at times”.

“I just think sometimes you’ve got to get on board with the fans a little bit more and become almost one of them.”

Comments like these will worry Leicester fans ahead of a managerial appointment of huge significance as the club look to rebound immediately to England’s top division.