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Southampton are now plotting a move for a “really exciting” midfielder, who could jump at a move to St. Mary’s this summer, according to a report.

Still looking to build promotion-winning squad

In his first season as Saints manager, Will Still’s aim will undoubtedly be to return to the Premier League at the first opportunity, and Tony Pulis has insisted that nothing but an immediate return to the top flight will be deemed good enough next season.

Pulis said: “He will have the opportunity and the chance to definitely be successful in his first year and success there is promotion, nothing less than promotion.”

As such, Still has set out to build a promotion-winning squad, with Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg revealing the negotiations over a deal for FC Köln striker Damion Downs are now at an advanced stage, as the centre-forward has emerged as a top target for the Championship promotion-hopefuls.

Having a reliable goalscorer is, of course, a major factor in any side’s success, but it is equally important to have players capable of creating chances, and Still’s side have now set their sights on a new midfielder.

That is according to a report from Football League World, which states Southampton are now plotting a move for RB Salzburg maestro Bobby Clark, who joined the Austrian side from Liverpool for a fee of £10m last summer.

However, the move to Austria hasn’t panned out how Clark would’ve hoped, having recently been left out of the squad for the Club World Cup, meaning he could jump at the opportunity to move to St. Mary’s this summer.

Speaking about why the midfielder was left out of the squad entirely, RB Salzburg manager Thomas Letsch said: “I decided on other players. I wasn’t satisfied with Bobby’s training week and therefore told him he wasn’t in the squad.”

"Really exciting" Clark could reignite his career at St. Mary's

There may be some concerns over the fact the 20-year-old hasn’t been training well at Salzburg, but there are signs he could reignite his career at St. Mary’s, having previously displayed some promising signs at some of England’s top clubs.

During his time as a Newcastle United youth player, the starlet was lauded by reporter Lee Ryder, who said: “Bobby was Newcastle’s most promising youngster. He is a really exciting player with bags of skill and talent.”

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The Newcastle-born starlet then decided to move to Liverpool, where he went on to put in some impressive performances at youth level, despite never quite making the grade as a first-team player, picking up 11 goal contributions in 37 games for the U21 side.

At this stage of his career, a move to a promotion-chasing Championship side could be ideal for Clark, and his exploits at youth level indicate that he could be a solid signing for Southampton, capable of setting up chances for Downs.

Bangladesh could qualify even if they lose, but one more point will assure them of the Super Eight spot

Mohammad Isam16-Jun-2024Match detailsBangladesh vs Nepal
June 16, Kingstown, 7.30pm localBig picture: Bangladesh on the cusp of Super EightBangladesh’s Super Eight fate in the T20 World Cup 2024 is in their own hands as one more win is all they need to go through.The only way Bangladesh can miss out is if they lose big against Nepal, and Netherlands beat Sri Lanka by a big enough margin with that game scheduled an hour after Bangladesh vs Nepal. Bangladesh will fancy sailing through as they have looked like the second-best team in Group D so far. They know they can’t take Nepal lightly, more so after their close game against South Africa.But Bangladesh are high on confidence, a side on the mend that, only recently, went down in a T20I series against USA. Their top-order batting remains a concern but their middle-order batters and bowlers have carried them to this promising position.Legspinner Rishad Hossain is the surprise package, with his seven wickets. He has often picked the crucial scalps and his skilful bowling has lifted Bangladesh’s morale. The pace trio of Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Tanzim Hasan have provided a strong backbone, and their relentless accuracy this tournament has often brought about well-timed breakthroughs.Nepal are still smarting from their one-run loss against South Africa. They were left wondering how they messed up a chase where they were ahead at one point. Gulsan Jha’s run out on the last ball left their legion of fans heartbroken, but their overall performance against one of the tournament’s top teams gives them confidence for the next challenge. Kushal Bhurtel and Dipendra Singh Airee shared seven wickets against South Africa at the same ground, while Aasif Sheikh comes in fresh off a stylish 42. Their big hitters are an X-Factor too.Nepal have enough firepower to win, but Bangladesh, at this tournament, have shown an appetite for staying in the fight for longer periods. Key battles will be fought between their middle-order and Nepal’s spinners, particularly how they play Sandeep Lamichhane. Bangladesh’s fast bowlers, meanwhile, will look to exploit any lack of experience among the Nepal batters.With Nepal wanting to finish the tournament with one win and Bangladesh equally motivated to take two points, expect another tight game in a T20 World Cup full of thrillers.Form guideBangladesh WLWWL (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
Nepal LLLLWIn the spotlight: Tanzid Hasan and Aasif SheikhTanzid Hasan hasn’t done anything special yet in the T20 World Cup but the left-hand opener played an attractive innings against Netherlands. His glut of powerplay boundaries gave Bangladesh their best start in the first six, since arriving in North America four weeks ago. Tanzid is strong on both sides of the pitch and shows presence of mind whenever the bowlers ask him tough questions. It is now a matter of staying long enough for a big score.Aasif Sheikh was better known as the Nepal wicketkeeper who won the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award in 2022 for not running out the stumbling Andy McBrine. Those watching him bat for the first time against South Africa saw the other side of Sheikh: an attractive opener who can wow with his flicks. Sheikh’s off side strokeplay also looked promising. After making 42 against South Africa’s attack, he will aim to get even better.Nepal will have to lift themselves after suffering a heart-breaking defeat against SA•ICC/Getty ImagesTeam news: More spinners in the offingBangladesh shouldn’t tinker ideally, but they could consider either left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam or offspin-bowling allrounder Mahedi Hasan on a spin-friendly pitch.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Najmul Hosain Shanto (capt), 3 Litton Das (wk), 4 Shakib Al Hasan, 5 Towhid Hridoy, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Jaker Ali, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tanzim Hasan, 10 Taskin Ahmed 11 Mustafizur Rahman.Nepal have left-arm spinners Lalit Rajbanshi and Sagar Dhakal if they want more bowing options.Nepal (probable): 1 Kushal Bhurtel, 2 Aasif Sheikh (wk), 3 Rohit Paudel (capt), 4 Anil Sah, 5 Dipendra Singh Airee, 6 Kushal Malla, 7 Gulsan Jha, 8 Sompal Kami, 9 Karan KC, 10 Sandeep Lamichhane, 11 Abinash Bohara.Pitch and conditionsArnos Vale became a spin haven in the Nepal-South Africa match, producing 12 wickets for the spinners. There’s light rain forecast for Sunday evening in the area and in case there is a washout, Bangladesh will be through to the Super Eight.Stats that matter Mustafizur Rahman boasts the lowest economy rate (minimum three overs), of 2.25 per over, among bowlers in the last four overs at this T20 World Cup Aasif Sheikh’s 42 against South Africa in their previous match is Nepal’s highest score against a Full Member side. Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah and Sompal Kami are the only survivors from the Bangladesh vs Nepal match in 2014 – their only previous encounter – when they faced off at that year’s T20 World Cup.Quotes”If we were going to play on the same wicket, we could say it’s going to be a battle of spin. But we are playing on a completely different wicket, a fresh wicket. So we will expect normal behaviour. We are not thinking anything differently until we bowl the first ball. After bowling the first ball, we might be able to read the pitch.”
“If I had to only speak like a fan from outside, I know that they are capable more than that. But just as a fan who loves the game, I would say Nepal definitely have left their footprints with that game and to let the Test nations know, the world cricket know that they belong. I have a strong belief in this class of 2023, the players who have come together.”

Leeds United could spend up to £90m on three more players alongside a potential deal to sign Everton striker Beto this summer.

Beto linked with move to Leeds this summer

Chairman Paraag Marathe has recently confirmed that Daniel Farke will remain as Leeds United manager following promotion to the Premier League, with the Whites lifting the Championship title on the final days.

After a promotion parade through Leeds city centre, attention will soon be on the summer transfer window and what the 49ers Enterprises will do as they look to make Leeds an established top flight club.

Talking about the summer plans, Marathe recently said: “You’ve got to nail your transfers. You’ve got to nail the players that come in that really fit the style of play that you want to have, that fit the club and and play together cohesively.

“I think that’s really important. Some lessons learned from the three years when I was sitting as a vice chairman, watching us do what we did those three years.”

One player who has been heavily linked with a move to Elland Road in recent days is Beto. Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett shared Leeds’ interest in the Everton forward on Wednesday.

The Yorkshire Evening Post have now added that ‘Leeds could test the Toffees’ resolve with a bid before the June 30 accounting deadline’, and that a sale could be possible ‘if Everton sign a new striker and tie Dominic Calvert-Lewin down to a new deal’.

At this stage, the 27-year-old is Everton’s only senior forward under contract for the 2025/26 season, so a transfer could prove tricky as Leeds look to make their mark early in the window.

Alongside Beto, Sky Sports have shared some further information on where Leeds will look to strengthen ahead of their Premier League return.

Leeds willing to spend £90m on three more players

As per Sky Sports, Leeds are looking to improve the spine of their team by signing a new goalkeeper, centre-back and central midfielder alongside a new forward. The 49ers are also ‘willing’ to spend £30m on each position, meaning a £90m spend on three new players along with a striker.

Those areas of the pitch are seen as ‘priorities’ for the Whites and if they manage to get those in, new full-backs and a right-winger could also be targeted, it is added.

There have been previous claims that Leeds and the 49ers will target players with Premier League experience, a category that Beto falls into.

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It promises to be a busy and crucial first transfer market for new managing director Robbie Evans and sporting director Adam Underwood and one Leeds will have long been preparing for.

Tottenham Hotspur are now in the race for an “unbelievable” England international, but they may need to qualify for the Champions League to compete for his signature, according to former goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

Spurs' season hinges on Europa League triumph

The 5-1 battering at Anfield on Sunday afternoon was the latest extremely disappointing performance from Tottenham, in a season where there has been no shortage of poor results, but ultimately the loss is of little importance.

Spurs’ season now hinges entirely on their Europa League campaign, and they should be in a very strong position to reach the final in Bilbao, given that they are set to come up against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the semi-final.

A Europa League triumph would end the Lilywhites’ long wait for a trophy, while also granting them access to next season’s Champions League, which should place them in a strong position to bring in some top players this summer.

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In a recent interview with Football Insider, Robinson has now provided an update on a player Tottenham could target this summer, although he believes they will only be able to compete for his signature if they win the Europa League.

The former goalkeeper said: “Tottenham are in the race for Marcus Rashford; but without Champions League football, without the Europa League trophy, and Tottenham 17th in the Premier League? Sorry, you’re not in the conversation.”

As Rashford’s relationship with Ruben Amorim has “broken down”, the England international is expected to leave this summer, with a move to Barcelona potentially on the cards, while a permanent switch to Aston Villa remains a possibility.

The 27-year-old is not the only England international Spurs have their eye on, however, with a recent report revealing they are also serious contenders to sign Manchester City’s Jack Grealish.

"Unbelievable" Rashford impressing at Aston Villa

After falling out with Amorim, it was clear the left-winger needed to leave United in January, and he has started to look more like his former self since moving to Villa, picking up four goals and six assists in 17 matches.

Having once been lauded as “unbelievable” by Harry Maguire, it is clear the £300k-per-week forward has bags of talent, but United has been a graveyard for top players in recent years, and it is good to see him reignite his career elsewhere.

Should Tottenham manage to win the Europa League, a move to north London could be attractive to Rashford, but the signs are not good heading into their crucial semi-final against Bodo/Glimt.

Spurs have lost their last three Premier League games on the spin, and even if they manage to reach the final, it will be a very difficult task to beat Athletic Bilbao in their own stadium, or three-time Champions League winners Man United in a European final.

Australia are still in control of the game, but the clouds of doubt have reappeared on the horizon for them

Alex Malcolm28-Dec-20241:31

Boland: ‘We’re still in a pretty strong position but could’ve been better’

In the glorious sunshine on a Saturday morning in Melbourne, Australia were in control of the game. Nathan Lyon had just pinned Ravindra Jadeja lbw to leave India 221 for 7, 253 behind with two days and two sessions remaining.Five hours later, Nitish Kumar Reddy walked off the MCG to a standing ovation from 83,073 people, unbeaten on 105 and India’s innings still 116 runs behind but alive and kicking, as the dark clouds of a rainstorm rolled in to end play early.From the brightness of the horizon to the impending gloom was an apt metaphor for Australia against India in recent years.Related

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They are still in control of the game, with two full days of set fair weather to come. But the clouds of doubt have appeared. They shouldn’t be there, but they are because they have seen this movie before. In Brisbane in 2021 and in Delhi in 2023 they were in control of the game, until lower-order century stands dragged India back into the contest and to eventual victory.It was noted yesterday after Steven Smith and Pat Cummins’ exemplary stand, that Australia had only produced four century stands for the seventh or lower wicket in the last ten years. India have produced four in the last four years against Australia alone. Only one other team, England, have managed one in that time against this Australian attack.The same man has been involved in two of them. Washington Sundar named his dog after the Gabba, having made 62 on debut in a 123-run seventh-wicket stand with Shardul Thakur that turned that game India’s way.Can you call a second dog MCG? He could do whatever he likes if India win from here following his 50 in a 127-run eighth-wicket stand with Reddy.The other lower-order century stands were produced by Axar Patel and R Ashwin in Delhi in 2023 and Thakur and Ajinkya Rahane in the World Test Championship final at The Oval only months later against this exact Australian bowling quartet of Cummins, Lyon, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. The only difference is that Mitchell Marsh is the allrounder at the MCG in place of the injured Cameron Green. That was the only one of the four that hasn’t cost them the game so far.2:10

Washington: Nitish’s hundred ‘will be remembered forever’

This one shouldn’t either. But how and why it keeps happening should be concerning to this Australian side.To be fair to Australia, they did exactly the same with the bat on day one. Two lower-order century stands, both against the second new ball, might point to an excessively flat pitch. But a man who knows MCG pitches would disagree.”I think it started off with a fair bit of nip in it, still a little bit of nip there at the moment,” Boland said. “Not as consistent as I’d like as a bowler, but I think it’s going to be a pretty good Test match wicket.”Boland knows a truly flat MCG pitch when he sees one, having played Sheffield Shield cricket in the pre-Matt Page era. The ongoing issues he manages in his left knee could well have resulted from slamming it repeatedly into the slab of concrete that used to sit underneath the drop-in trays here prior to 2018.Australia’s bowlers have been doing the heavy lifting for the team in recent times, but the repetitive nature of these stands against this opponent speaks to a couple of issues.India’s ability to nullify Lyon is a major reason why the tail continues to frustrate Australia. Against every other opponent, Lyon can lock down an end when the hardness of the new ball wears off. His frugality, and his ability to threaten batters with spin and bounce in Australian conditions allows Cummins to set and forget and rotate his three quicks in short bursts at the other end to ensure they sustain their pace and quality.Ravindra Jadeja was trapped by a quicker one from Nathan Lyon•AFP/Getty ImagesBut Lyon has been almost completely shut out of this series so far. He has five wickets at 53.60, striking at 114. Two of those bookended the stand between Reddy and Washington. In between times, Reddy scored 44 off 60 against Lyon including three fours and a six.It meant Cummins had to manage his bowlers differently and he made some odd decisions. Boland, who had easily been Australia’s best having removed Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant, was hardly used in the early part of Reddy’s innings. He went from 1 off 2 to 56 off 90 before Boland returned to the attack.Straight after an hour-long rain delay, the likes of which had enabled Cummins and Starc to continue to bowl in Brisbane, Marsh bowled a three-over spell in tandem with Starc, instead of Cummins or Boland, when the pitch had become more difficult to bat on according to Washington.”Coming off that break we tried to take them a bit wider with the ball,” Boland said. “We obviously set a seven-two field and try to see if they want to flash their hands outside the off stump.”Marsh conceded just four runs. But it only served to massage his figures from 0 for 24 from four overs to 0 for 28 from seven. Since taking 2 for 12 in the first innings of the series in Perth, Marsh has figures of 25-1-1-125.There were some slightly odd bowling changes on Pat Cummins’ part•Associated PressIt was no surprise then to see Starc grimacing with some back soreness as he shouldered the load at the other end. He never left the field and continued to bowl at high pace despite getting the physio to check his back at fine leg between overs.Starc was part of a three-man attack that took 20 wickets in Adelaide, and a three-man attack that did all of the bowling in Brisbane after Josh Hazlewood broke down.”He’s okay,” Boland said. “I think he just had a bit of a niggle somewhere in his back or rib, I don’t know. But he came out after the break and was bowling 140kph so I think he’s going to be fine. I think he’s underrated for how tough he is.”Four years ago, Australia’s quicks got to the line in the fourth Test having shouldered a heavy load in Melbourne and Sydney, only to run out of gas in Brisbane.”We’re leading by 115 runs, so in a pretty strong position,” Boland said. “Obviously, it could have been better, but I think that’s Test match cricket. It ebbs and flows. Yeah, hopefully tomorrow morning, we get that first wicket, and then put on a really nice lead and see how the game plays after that.”There shouldn’t be cause for alarm in Australia’s dressing room. But no one could blame them if there wasn’t a looming sense of déjà vu.

A final-ball thriller in Christchurch was celebrated by cricketers around the world

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Mar-2023

Unbelievable!!!! Test Cricket!!

Imagine having been in that NZ changeroom for this and the England finale. Incredible scenes. #NZvSL

— Trent Copeland (@copes9) March 13, 2023