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Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is “on the verge” of signing a new long-term contract, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

When is Marcu Rashford out of contract?

The Premier League veteran is an academy graduate at Old Trafford having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to become a regular feature of Erik Ten Hag’s first-team, clocking up a total of 359 senior appearances to date.

The England international, however, will be out of contract at the end of next season meaning that the upcoming window would be the Red Devils’ final opportunity to cash in, and he wouldn't be short potential suitors having established himself as their top-performing offensive player last season.

The Mirror credited Paris Saint-Germain with an interest in the 25-year-old but stated that his intention was always to remain with his boyhood club, and it would appear that they share exactly the same viewpoint when it comes to extending his stay.

Is Rashford signing a new contract?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Man United and Rashford are close to finalising a deal that would keep him at the club for the foreseeable future. He wrote:

“EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United are on the verge of reaching an agreement with Marcus Rashford over new long term deal. He’s set to accept the proposal. Negotiations at final stages — Rashford, very happy with Erik ten Hag. Final details to be sorted — here we go soon.”

Man United will know that Rashford has played a major role in their success over the past few years, and considering how prolific he was in the final third once again last season, rewarding him with an improved contract is nothing less than he deserves.

Sponsored by Nike, the left-winger posted 22 goal contributions (17 goals and five assists) in 35 Premier League appearances during the previous term, form which saw him receive six man-of-the-match awards, not to mention that he recorded 98 shot-creating actions which was the second-highest total in Ten Hag’s squad, via FBRef.

In 2022/23, the £200k-per-week attacker was also recognised for his individual efforts by being named the top goalscorer in both the Europa League and the EFL Cup competitions, which just goes to show how lost the side would be without their star man leading the line, so retaining his services really is a no-brainer of a decision for the hierarchy to make.

While South Africa have asked for the pitches to help fast bowling and offer no or limited turn, some amount of grass was taken off the pitch in Cape Town

Firdose Moonda in Cape Town01-Jan-2017Someone in the know, and we can’t really say which someone in the know, said these words at Newlands on New Year’s Day. They weren’t said quite as robustly as a resolution, nor with as much whimsy as a wish, but with just the right mix of nerves and certainty to be taken seriously.South Africa have asked the groundstaff to leave much more grass on the pitch than usual, as they did in Port Elizabeth. That strip was designed to turn Rangana Herath into Casper the Friendly Ghost and it succeeded. This one is expected to do the same and more. The thick grass covering could aid seam movement, as it did when South Africa played Australia in November 2011 and the ball moved just enough to cause chaos.After South Africa were bowled out for 96 replying to 284, Australia were dismissed for 47. Twenty three wickets fell in the day, the record at a South African ground, as some part of all four innings unfolded. Gary Kirsten, who was South Africa’s coach at the time, left the ground to be with his new-born daughter and when he returned asked if there had been rain because the action had been fast-forwarded so much.The memory of that madness, however, has faded for his successor, Russell Domingo, who was then the assistant. “It was so long ago that I don’t even remember it,” he half-jokingly told journalists on Sunday to play down the prospect of something similar in the next five days. “Those things don’t happen too often. So I can’t see that happening for a while.”Since the beginning of the series against Sri Lanka, Domingo and captain Faf du Plessis have praised South African pitches for providing a fair contest while acknowledging they were also prepared to suit the home side.”I wouldn’t we are say making the most of it [home advantage]. South Africa and Australia are maybe the two places that provide for a fair contest with both bat and ball. It showed in Port Elizabeth, where it did a bit on day one. But then it was really good to bat on and the ball spun a little bit on day three. Our wickets produce good, fair contests,” Domingo said.Sri Lanka coach Graham Ford almost agreed. “I guess home advantage is something you see around the world. Certainly the pitch in Port Elizabeth suited South Africa. It’s exactly what they wanted and not what we wanted,” he said. “This looks pretty similar. Maybe they’ll give it another cut. I think they’ve had pretty dry conditions here for a while. Hopefully there’s not too much moisture in the surface.”Ford was proven right. Despite initial suggestion that no grass would be cut off the pitch, after South Africa’s training session had ended and with Sri Lanka at the ground, there was a bit of trimming going on. It was not known whether the instruction from South Africa had changed, or the threat of a dramatically shortened Test was looming too large.South African administrators would prefer the match went as deep as possible, ideally five days, because Newlands is their best chance of making money on gate-takings. On Friday, over 57,000 tickets had been bought for the match including a capacity 22,000 on the first day and 6,500 for each of the fourth and fifth days.The weather is set to play ball too. Apart from some strong gusts, conditions should be perfect for cricket watching. Depending on which side you are on, perhaps not entirely perfect for playing.

Last year, Hamilton produced a dry, turning pitch which New Zealand exploited brilliantly. More of the same can be expected for this year’s Chappel-Hadlee Trophy decider

The Preview by Brydon Coverdale04-Feb-2017Match factsSunday, February 5, 2017
Start time 1100 local (2200 GMT)Big PictureThe washout fiasco in Napier means that the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy comes down to this final match in Hamilton. If Australia win and force a 1-1 series result, then as the holders of the trophy they will retain it. If New Zealand win, they take possession of the trophy with a 2-0 series outcome. In fact, more than that is potentially on the line for Australia: if South Africa defeat Sri Lanka in Johannesburg on Saturday, then a loss to New Zealand would not only mean Australia giving up the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, but also the No.1 ODI ranking. In that case, South Africa would be the new No.1, Australia would slip to No. 2, and New Zealand would move up to No. 3.Australia enter this match with a fourth-choice captain – Aaron Finch was given the job because Steven Smith is injured, vice-captain David Warner is resting, and stand-in Matthew Wade hurt his back on the eve of the series – and a batting line-up that requires significant improvement after game one. Focusing on the remarkable unbeaten 146 from Marcus Stoinis at No. 7 obscures the fact that none of the top six batsmen passed 20. And five members of the team – Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell and Shaun Marsh – could be forgiven for having a lot on their minds, for straight after this game they will fly to Dubai to join the Test squad in a training camp ahead of their tour of India.New Zealand, likewise, have injury concerns, with Martin Guptill ruled out due to a hamstring issue. But they had a wider group of batting contributors in the first match than Australia, with fifties from both Guptill and Neil Broom, and 48 from James Neesham. They will push for a series win in front of a capacity crowd at Hamilton’s Seddon Park: it was announced on the eve of the match that tickets had sold out.Form guide(last five completed matches, most recent first)

New Zealand: WWWWL
Australia: LWWWL
Sam Heazlett made a century and two fifties in five matches against South Africa A and India A last winter•Getty ImagesIn the spotlightIn a horses-for-courses approach, New Zealand have brought legspinner Ish Sodhi into the squad for the last match of the series. The selectors recalled the way Sodhi troubled the Australians in the corresponding ODI at the same venue last summer, when he picked up 2 for 31 and claimed the key wickets of Smith and Maxwell. Sodhi is also coming off some impressive form against Australians in another competition: in his final BBL match for the Adelaide Strikers, he took 6 for 11.Through no fault of his own, Sam Heazlett has found himself at the centre of a debate about selection principles in the past week, given he has made his ODI debut without having played a one-day game for Queensland. But there is no question that Heazlett is a talented young batsman: he scored a century and two fifties in five one-day games for the National Performance Squad against South Africa A and India A last winter, and averaged 40 in his maiden Sheffield Shield season in 2015-16. The best thing Heazlett can do in Hamilton is clear his mind of all other matters and prove his worth with a focused batting display.Team newsGuptill’s injury means Dean Brownlie will play his first match for New Zealand since late 2014, and will open the batting. Sodhi has joined the group for this match and would likely be included in the XI. Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell has been released from the squad, and Tom Latham will again take the gloves.New Zealand (possible) 1 Dean Brownlie, 2 Tom Latham (wk), 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Neil Broom, 6 Colin Munro, 7 James Neesham, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Ish Sodhi, 11 Trent Boult.Wade has departed the squad due to his back injury, so Finch will again captain and Handscomb will keep wicket. That should mean another opportunity for the young batsman Heazlett. Adam Zampa will be considered, especially given New Zealand’s mulling over their own legspinner.Australia (possible) 1 Aaron Finch (capt), 2 Travis Head, 3 Shaun Marsh, 4 Peter Handscomb (wk), 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 Sam Heazlett, 7 Marcus Stoinis, 8 James Faulkner, 9 Pat Cummins/Adam Zampa, 10 Mitchell Starc, 11 Josh Hazlewood.Pitch and conditionsWhen the teams played at Seddon Park at the same time of year last summer, New Zealand’s first-innings 246 was more than adequate for victory on a dry, slowing pitch. The forecast for Sunday in Hamilton is for a fine day and a top temperate of 27C.Stats and trivia These teams have met in four ODIs in Hamilton – New Zealand have won three and Australia one Australia boast four batsmen in the top 20 of the ICC’s ODI rankings but only one of them – Glenn Maxwell – will play in this game. Smith is injured, Warner resting, and George Bailey dropped

West Ham United are part of a hotly contested race for Bristol City sensation Alex Scott.

What’s the latest on Alex Scott to West Ham United?

According to the Evening Standard, the Hammers are weighing up a move for the 19-year-old, who could cost in the region of £25m.

It is understood that the Irons have held “initial talks” with the player’s camp and are to make a decision in the near future.

Why would Alex Scott be a good signing for West Ham?

The youngster made 42 second-tier appearances, averaging 1.8 tackles, 1.1 dribbles, and 1.1 aerials won per game, as he has established himself as a magnificent all-rounder and one of the country’s most exciting talents. Strong in the tackle, this also a young man capable of gallivanting past opponents with consummate ease.

His sensational rise to stardom means that Scott was named the Championship Young Player of the Year and also in the division’s Team of the Season.

As such, there is a shared expectation that the Englishman will leave the Championship side this summer.

CBS reporter Ben Jacobs said: “I revealed he would definitely go this summer and that is still my understanding that Bristol City will not be able to hang on to the player and they know that.

“There are, believe it or not, eight different clubs that in the last year have enquired about Alex Scott. There is a realistic possibility that they move on a fantastic player who I think could in the future be very big and consistent in the Premier League.”

This has been echoed by his manager Nigel Pearson, who added: “I believe Alex will play for England one day. I thought that when I first saw him in a training session and nothing since has changed my mind.”

Clearly, he is brimming with wondrous versatility and limitless potential, possessing the ability that could fill the impending void about to be left by Declan Rice.

After guiding the Irons to the Europa Conference League victory, the club captain is set to depart the London Stadium, with Arsenal reportedly due to make a third bid for the midfielder.

The former Chelsea academy player is of inexplicable importance to David Moyes, as he ranks within the top 20% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes, progressive carries, and interceptions per 90.

His ability to recover the ball, protect the backline, and progress the ball forward are all attributes that Scott has in abundance, and his arrival would herald a new, exciting era in East London, whilst softening Rice’s exit.

Indeed, when compared to positional peers in the next eight best leagues, Scott ranks in the top 12% for progressive carries to highlight his effervescent ball-carrying nature.

Described as “unbelievable” by Pep Guardiola, the prodigy has proven he is simply far too superior for the Championship and is ready for top-flight action, perhaps in place of Rice at West Ham.

Manchester United have opened talks with Brighton & Hove Albion over the signing of Moises Caicedo, according to talkSPORT, with Chelsea still reportedly leading the way.

Manchester United transfer news – will they sign Moises Caicedo?

With talks reportedly failing to reach a positive outcome so far with Chelsea to sign Mason Mount, Manchester United have seemingly been forced to turn their attention elsewhere, potentially taking them towards Caicedo.

Of course, the irony is that Chelsea reportedly lead the way in the chase to sign the Brighton midfielder this summer, but it is the Blues who could have welcomed the Red Devils into the race by pricing them out of a move for Mount.

The 21-year-old looks to be valued at around £80m or above by his club, so any deal would come at a hefty price for Erik ten Hag and co, who have reportedly been given a budget of £120m this summer, unless they move players on.

There's still a long summer ahead, however, with plenty of twists to come in the Caicedo saga.

Would Moises Caicedo mirror Declan Rice?

There's not just an argument that Caicedo can provide the same quality as Declan Rice, there's evidence that he is even better than the England international in some departments.

On the ball, the Brighton man distributes far more often than his West Ham United counterpart, making more passes last season, according to FBref.

The difference is that Caicedo is more risk-free in his passing range, opting to recycle the ball more often than progressing it.

Last season, the Manchester United target made less progressive passes than Rice, but was dispossessed fewer times. That said, as per FBref, they are noted as similar players, perhaps an ode to their position on the pitch and starring qualities defensively.

Such traits would suit Ten Hag's side, who aren't in need of a midfielder who can make things happen going forward. After all, they've already got that in the form of Bruno Fernandes.

What they need is a balanced player between Fernandes and Casemiro; a player who is safe on the ball, and quick to recover the ball when without it. Given Caicedo's 248 ball recoveries last season, this is a role that he could play.

Speaking about the quality of the Brighton man, Garth Crooks wrote in his BBC column, via Caught Offside, after the Seagulls defeated Arsenal: “Arsenal wanted to buy Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and after this performance against the Gunners I can see why.

“Following his encounter with Gabriel Martinelli you could see this is a player from the old school and he’s going places.

“They made two bids for the Ecuador international this season and it caused a terrible fuss. Brighton refused the offers and they were sizable.

“The player, naturally upset, took some time to get over the disappointment but to his credit settled his differences with the Seagulls and continued to produce outstanding performances, notwithstanding this extraordinary trouncing of the Gunners on their own turf.”

The 21-year-old was also praised on Twitter, with Football Talent Scout saying back in August: "Moisés Caicedo's market value/asking price will be astronomical next summer. And he'll be worth every penny of it. Machine Man. He's 20 by the way. Twenty years old."

So, although United look set to miss out on the Arsenal bound Rice, Caicedo wouldn't exactly be a disappointing alternative.

Marcus Stoinis’ ability with the ball and his experience with the Australia A side in the subcontinent edged him ahead of other contenders to replace Mitchell Marsh for the Test series in India

Daniel Brettig09-Mar-20172:22

‘No such thing as form, trust what you’re doing’ – Stoinis

Australia allrounder Marcus Stoinis surprised many with his extraordinary innings at Eden Park last month. He will be hoping to surprise many more by contributing to Australia’s Test tour of India over the next three weeks after being called up to replace Mitchell Marsh despite an underwhelming Sheffield Shield season.Entering into this week’s match for Victoria against Western Australia in Alice Springs, Stoinis had cobbled a mere 126 runs at 12.60 in six games. A first innings of 46 on Wednesday was his highest score of the season so far, but it remains a meagre base from which to launch an Indian campaign.However the current Australian selection panel is nothing if not clear in its convictions, and as the interim chairman Trevor Hohns stated, Stoinis’ greater heft as a bowler vaulted him ahead of the New South Welshman Moises Henriques, who has enjoyed a prolific summer with the bat. The Auckland performance helped too.”When we looked at the various options we had to replace Mitch, there were two or three people who came to mind, and certainly Marcus was one, Moises was another, another young man by the name of Jack Wildermuth was considered as well, he’s had a terrific season too,” Hohns said.Marcus Stoinis has struggled in this season’s Sheffield Shield•Cricket Australia/Getty Images”Marcus got over the line because a couple of years ago here with Australia A he performed very well, secondly we consider to give us as many options as we possibly could have in this series, we considered the stronger bowler to be the best option at this stage. That’s what got him across the line.”[Auckland] was very impressive, there’s no doubt about that. What he showed there was his ability to perform under extreme pressure as well so that obviously was taken into account, albeit it was a different form of the game.”As a seam bowler, Stoinis has developed greater accuracy and subtle variation over the past 18 months since his international debut in a T20 in England. He is not as fast as Marsh at his fittest, but will present a strong seam and extract bounce or movement if any is available.Stoinis’ visit to India earlier in 2015, when he played in both first-class matches for one substantial score, now takes on greater significance. Pondering his chances of succeeding on the tour, Stoinis said it was vital that he knew his game and its limitations in difficult conditions – more so than worrying about the unsteady Shield ground on which he stands.”There’s no such thing as form really,” he said. “I went in and made a hundred for Australia recently and hadn’t made many runs before that. You just have to get involved and trust you know what you are doing.”Like most others in Australia, Stoinis has watched the events of the first two Tests closely. He said the touring team appeared to be doing a lot of things right, whether in preparation and strategy, or tactics and match play. What had gone right in Pune, Stoinis felt, had gone awry in Bengaluru – mastery of the key moments.”I think emotions are running high and the series is on the line … it’s a big time for Australian cricket,” he said. “Like every game of cricket there are critical moments and you just have to back yourself that you know what you are doing when you are out there.”

West Ham United could do with landing a new player to soften the imminent exit of Declan Rice, having so far been linked with numerous names without actually getting any deals over the line.

Leicester City's Harvey Banes has been repeatedly touted as a target for David Moyes' side, and they may now be in a position to move for the England international.

How much does Harvey Barnes cost?

Leicester's relegation from the Premier League has already seen them lose the likes of James Maddison and Youri Tielemans, with a couple of others – Barnes among them – expected to follow.

The Foxes are certainly not short of interested suitors in the 25-year-old, who is said to be wanted by Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and indeed West Ham.

According to the Daily Mail, West Ham have made an enquiry regarding the one-cap Three Lion, and it has been made clear Leicester are prepared to cash in if his valuation is met.

In what can be considered a big boost for West Ham and the other circling clubs, they are said to be willing to accept £35m for Barnes, having already brought in £40m through the sale of Maddison to Spurs.

Where would Harvey Barnes fit in at West Ham?

Barnes started 32 games for Leicester in the Premier League last season, each of those coming down the left-hand side. The former Barnsley loanee is a player who likes to cut in and find the net from his wide starting position.

That could spell bad news for Said Benrahma in particular, as the Algeria international made the vast majority of his starts out on the left for West Ham last term.

Benrahma did not have the same impact as Barnes in the 2022/23 Premier League, scoring and assisting a combined nine goals to the 14 managed by his possible future team-mate.

Far from being West Ham's weakest attacker last season, Benrahma would be the most natural player for Barnes to replace on the left, with Bowen providing attacking support down the other flank and a new striker leading the line should Moyes get his wish.

Barnes' 13 goals last season places him in the top 1% of all midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for goals scored, as per The Analyst, whereas Benrahma is in the bottom 32% when compared to forwards in the same metric.

Barnes also ranks far higher for shots on target percentage (47.2 v 33.3), as per FBref, and goal-creating actions per 90 minutes (0.47 v 0.22), highlighting just how much more of a menace he is in the final third.

That is not to say Benrahma does not have his own strengths, with his three assists last season two more than Barnes managed, while he is ranked in the top 9% across Europe's elite leagues among his positional peers for chances created.

Barnes is in the bottom 20% of midfielders when it comes to chances created, but it is someone who can put those chances away that Moyes could ideally do with, given his side were outscored by 13 other Premier League teams last campaign.

It is evident that the Englishman is far too good for the Championship, with his ability clear to see for a number of years now. "Barnes is probably one of the biggest talents [at Leicester]," Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said in February 2021.

"I'm not sure if he is respected or appreciated as much as he should be. He is an unbelievable player to be honest, a proper Leicester product."

A Leicester product he may be, but it could well be West Ham fans who get to enjoy seeing him regularly from this summer should Moyes get his wish. That will of much delight to the fans, although perhaps not so much to Benrahma.

Though Rohit Sharma, Jos Buttler, Lasith Malinga and Kieron Pollard come into the IPL fit and ready, they don’t quite have their usual weight of runs and wickets behind them

Alagappan Muthu04-Apr-20174:00

Agarkar: Rohit’s lack of game time a concern

Likely first-choice XI1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Parthiv Patel (wk), 3 Jos Buttler, 4 Ambati Rayudu, 5 Kieron Pollard, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Krunal Pandya, 8 Harbhajan Singh, 9 Mitchell Johnson, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Lasith MalingaReservesBatsmen: Lendl Simmons, Nicolas Pooran, Siddhesh Lad, Saurabh Tiwary, Nitish Rana, Jitesh Sharma
Bowlers: Vinay Kumar, J Suchith
Allrounders: Asela Gunaratne, Shreyas Gopal, Karn Sharma, Deepak Punia, K Gowtham
StrengthsA settled top order, with Rohit Sharma fit. A fine bowling unit, especially in the death overs – imagine Lasith Malinga from one end and Jasprit Bumrah from the other. And a roster full of options, which includes World T20 champion Lendl Simmons, former World Cup champion Mitchell Johnson, the fastest New Zealander to 50 ODI wickets, Mitchell McClenaghan, and Vinay Kumar, who has over 400 first-class wickets.WeaknessesTraditionally slow to start. Their win-loss record after five games over the last three seasons reads 2-3, 1-4 and 0-5 – although they ended up champions in 2015.Trouble at the top. They used five different opening combinations last year; the count was four even when they won the title.Rohit has been offsetting both issues but he comes into the tournament having played only two competitive matches since October 2016. Fixing a proper position for him in the batting order will be important for the team’s balance and performance.Where they finished in 2016, and how they have changedA portion of their home matches were shifted to Visakhapatnam due to widespread water scarcity in Maharashtra last year. Without the comfort of the flat pitch and fast outfield at Wankhede stadium, Mumbai finished fifth out of eight teams.Mahela Jayawardene has been drafted in to coach the team in 2017, taking over from the highly successful Ricky Ponting.They purchased seven players in the 2017 auction. Johnson, who was crucial to their triumph in 2013, was their most high-profile buy. Jharkhand batsman Saurabh Tiwary returned to the fold as well.Among the new recruits was Sri Lanka allrounder Asela Gunaratne, who struck back-to-back fifties to seal a T20I series in Australia. They also lined-up back-ups for Harbhajan Singh in legspinner Karn Sharma and offspinner K Gowtham.Considering the IPL is a tournament where unfancied names can surprise, there may be interest in uncapped left-arm fast bowler Kulwant Khejrolia. He has so far played only seven List A matches, picking up 17 wickets, including a five-for, at an average of 18.05.Mahela Jayawardene will have his first experience of coaching an IPL team•Peter Della PennaWhat have their players been up to? Rohit was in excellent form the last time he played for India, scoring a match-winning 70 on a slow Visakhapatnam pitch against New Zealand. But that was six months ago. Since then he has scored 16 and 4 in his two competitive matches. Malinga has only just returned from an ankle injury that took an entire year out of his career. Still he looked pretty good steaming in against Australia in February and is expected to join the squad after April 6, after Sri Lanka’s T20Is against Bangladesh. Jos Buttler got an extended taste of Indian conditions, playing for England last season. However, in 12 innings across three formats, he only struck one half-century. Kieron Pollard’s highest score among his 12 most recent international innings is 22. One of the most powerful hitters in the world, he has sometimes been shown up by quality short-pitched fast bowling. On the plus side, Jasprit Bumrah has been excellent in limited-overs cricket, and even helped India recover from a losing position in the Nagpur T20I against England a little over two months ago. Since then he has been active in 50-over domestic cricket, taking 13 wickets in five matches.Overseas-player availabilityMumbai is one team that hasn’t been ravaged by injury. The worst they might have to deal with is Tim Southee, who is recuperating from a hamstring problem.Buttler has been allowed to stay back in India through the time England play an ODI series against Ireland, but he will be back on national duty from May 14.Home and away record in 2016They won two of their four matches in Mumbai before playing the rest of them in Visakhapatnam, where they were bowled out for 92 and 124 before finally racking up a total of 206 and winning by 80 runs. A loss in their final game of the season sent them tumbling out of the playoff equation.PollTest your Mumbai Indians knowledge

Manor Solomon will undertake his medical with Tottenham Hotspur "this week" as the Lilywhites look to secure the signature of the highly rated attacker as soon as possible, claims Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news – What's the latest on Manor Solomon?

It has been a brilliant start to the transfer window for Spurs this summer. The club have brought in two new first-team players in the guise of James Maddison from Leicester City and Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Serie A side Empoli.

It looks like Daniel Levy isn't done there, however, as he looks to give new manager Ange Postecoglou the tools he needs to rebuild the teams and get them fighting for European places once again.

The newest name linked to the north London side is Shakhtar Donetsk star Solomon, who impressed on loan at fellow Premier League side Fulham last season.

The 23-year-old still has six months left on his current deal with the Ukrainian side, but a FIFA ruling from last year that allowed foreign players to run down their contracts at clubs outside the country due to the Russian invasion, has been extended.

Despite significant interest from the Cottagers to keep their loan player for another season, it now appears that the Lilywhites are the firm favourites to secure his signature, per Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam.

McAdam explained the situation on Sky Sports News (via Football Daily):

"We understand that Fulham are keen on him however, it's Tottenham that are showing the biggest signs of interest.

"He has got the opportunity to join there, we are expecting a medical to be completed this week. He impressed Tottenham Hotspur with his performances at Fulham last season despite only starting four Premier League matches, they were impressed by what they saw.

"He's an Israeli international as well, so he brings that pedigree, and it's our understanding there could be some big movement on this one for the 23-year-old this week."

How good was Manor Solomon last season?

Despite starting just four Premier League games for Fulham last season, the Israeli dynamo made quite the impression on the cottagers and enjoyed a great spell in West London.

According to WhoScored, he averaged an impressive rating of 6.52 across his 19 appearances and even scored four league goals in those four starts.

His underlying numbers look promising as well with FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, placing the attacker in the top 1% for non-penalty goals and tackles, the top 4% for pass completion, the top 6% successful take-ons and the top 18% for interceptions, all per 90.

His ability to cause problems for opposing defenders was something that Fulham boss Marco Silva was particularly pleased with, saying: "He can take players on one-on-one, and he is showing he can score."

If Levy and Co can agree on personal terms with the "incredible" Solomon, as described by journalist Niv Dovrat, and get him for free, it would be a spectacular move for the club.

Mehedi, however, could miss a few matches of CPL 2017, if the league clashes with a proposed home series against Pakistan

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Apr-2017Mehedi Hasan’s swift rise in the ranks of world cricket has taken another step, after the Bangladesh offspinner was named Brad Hogg’s replacement in the Trinbago Knight Riders’ squad for Caribbean Premier League 2017.Mehedi, however, could miss a few matches of the league, which will start in early August, as the tournament is likely to clash with a scheduled home series against PakistanMehedi believes the stint will make him a better player. “I am really happy to have got this opportunity,” Mehedi said. “I will get to play with really good cricketers in that tournament. It will improve my standard of cricket.”Mehedi is the third Bangladesh cricketer to play in the league after Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal. Tamim played only the inaugural season in 2013, while Shakib has played two seasons so far and is set to turn out for Jamaica Tallawahs in the fifth edition of the tournament. Other Bangladeshi players who have been picked by overseas franchises to play in a T20 league include Abdur Razzak, Mohammad Ashraful, Mashrafe Mortaza, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah and Mustafizur Rahman.Mehedi’s first few appearances in international cricket were in Test matches, following an impressive debut series at home against England where he picked 19 wickets in two matches. He made his ODI and T20 debuts on Bangladesh’s recent tour of Sri Lanka. His domestic T20 debut came in the 2016 Bangladesh Premier League, where he took 12 wickets in 15 matches for Rajshahi Kings.