يستعد الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة لاستكمال استعداداته بعد الفوز على أولمبياكوس بسداسية مقابل هدف ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.
واكتسح برشلونة نظيره أولمبياكوس بسداسية مقابل هدف في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة بمرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.
اقرأ أيضًا | ترتيب دوري أبطال أوروبا بعد فوز برشلونة على أولمبياكوس
واستطاع رجال هانز فليك دك حصون الفريق اليوناني بسداسية مقابل هدف ليكون الاستعداد الأمثل والأخير للقاء الكلاسيكو في الدوري الإسباني المقرر إقامته الأحد المقبل.
ويحتل برشلونة المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 22 نقطة، فيما يتصدر ريال مدريد الجدول برصيد 24 نقطة. موعد مباراة برشلونة القادمة بعد الفوز على أولمبياكوس في دوري أبطال أوروبا
ومن المقرر أن تكون مباراة برشلونة القادمة بعد الفوز على أولمبياكوس هي مواجهة ريال مدريد في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني” لا ليجا” يوم الأحد المقبل.
ويواجه برشلونة نظيره ريال مدريد في “كلاسيكو” الدوري الإسباني ولأول مرة بقيادة تشابي ألونسو، على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”، في تمام الساعة السادسة والربع مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة.
Whisper it quietly, but there are some promising signs at this early stage of the season for Tottenham Hotspur.
Whisper it quietly, because there have been false dawns before. But then, in Thomas Frank, Spurs have appointed a calculated and composed manager whose experience and success in the Premier League with Brentford speaks for itself.
Wins against Burnley and Manchester City have placed Tottenham in a good position for the league season ahead, and having kept clean sheets in both, a new degree of defensive solidity may have returned to the club.
But it hasn’t all been sunshine and rainbows. Tottenham lost James Maddison to an ACL injury during a pre-season clash against Newcastle United in July, and he is expected to be out for much of the campaign.
Moreover, efforts for a new number ten have thus far proved fruitless: Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze both came close to one-way trips down N17, but alas, external forces have wreaked their will against Spurs’ plans.
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Could that happen once more with RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons?
The latest on Xavi Simons to Spurs
Simons has been on Tottenham’s radar for a while, but much of the summer transfer window has pointed toward Chelsea being the team primed to sign the Netherlands international.
A talented playmaker, the 22-year-old has agitated to leave the Bundesliga club after last season’s struggles shut the door on any hopes of playing European football this season.
And while Chelsea remain interested, transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano revealed on X on Thursday that the 22-year-old has flown to London ahead of crunch talks with the respective outfits.
Recent rejections will be stamped fresh in the minds of the Lilywhite faithful, and given that Chelsea have been working on a move for many months, it would be worthwhile for chairman Daniel Levy to identify a fallback.
Luckily, he has, and this England international might even work out to be a better signing.
Spurs prepare offer for Simons alternative
According to Spanish newspaper AS – as translated by Sport Witness – Tottenham are preparing a late-window offer for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who has been pursued by the Londoners several times when Ange Postecoglou was at the helm.
However, several other Premier League clubs are interested too, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and West Ham United vying for the 26-year-old’s signature.
The Spaniards only welcomed Gallagher from Chelsea one year ago, but might be willing to talk business if their €40m (£35m) valuation is met.
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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Palace have already made an official approach, but the pointers suggest Tottenham are getting ready to do the same, with a bid set to be lodged ‘in the coming hours’.
What Conor Gallagher would bring to Spurs
Gallagher was fashioned in the furnaces of Chelsea’s Cobham youth academy, bringing to the Premier League a robust, athletic and durable playing style.
Gallagher made 95 appearances for Chelsea before being sold, actually featuring 135 times in the Premier League all told due to successful loan stints at Selhurst Park and with West Bromwich Albion.
There may well be a vested interest in Simons, but the diminutive star hasn’t actually played Premier League football before, whereas Gallagher has, with his ex-Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo once hailing him being “like a machine”, adding so much energy and tenacity to the engine room.
He’s not quite so attack-minded as a player like Simons, but might his dynamism and multi-positional skill within the midfield game not prove worthwhile for Frank’s Tottenham?
Gallagher: Recent Prem Stats
Stats (* per game)
22/23
23/24
Matches (starts)
35 (18)
37 (37)
Goals
3
5
Assists
1
7
Pass completion
85%
92%
Big chances created
5
11
Key passes*
0.6
1.4
Dribbles*
0.7 (50%)
1.0 (68%)
Ball recoveries*
5.1
6.3
Tackles*
1.3
2.3
Duels (won)*
3.5 (45%)
5.7 (50%)
Stats via Sofascore
After all, there have been suggestions that Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur might both leave the club before the market slams shut.
Simons is prolific, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists across 33 matches in all competitions last season. Moreover, he boasts an interesting defensive profile. His aggressive personality on the pitch, plus a high success rate in the duel, often beating his man and coming out on top during tussles.
However, Gallagher is truly the complete package, and has showcased as much across several years in his homeland and a recent foray into La Liga, where time spent under Diego Simeone’s wing will have fashioned an even steelier base to his combative side.
FBref reveal that Brentford ranked 15th in the Premier League for average possession held (47.9%) last season, with an emphasis on transitional play and applied pressure on opponents.
Gallagher, who was viewed by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca to have been at tactical odds with his ball-playing vision, may well thrive in an environment at Tottenham that is not reliant on having the ball every moment, for his athleticism, fitness levels and ability to cover ground could add an impactful dimension to the squad.
And it’s not like he can’t contribute from an offensive standpoint, with FBref’s data also revealing that Gallagher ranks among the top 12% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goal involvements per 90.
Sevilla's Juanlu Sanchez in action against Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher.
Given that Maddison will be desperate to return to form when he is given the green light after the New Year, it might be shrewder and more prudent for Tottenham to sign a profile like Gallagher’s, especially with Dejan Kulusevski also readying himself to return from a muscular injury sustained toward the backend of the 2024/25 campaign.
Simons, who can play centrally and out wide, would be a fantastic buy regardless, but Chelsea lurk in the background of that race, and when considering the myriad facets, Gallagher might better fit the bill.
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Highlights from Day 3 of the sixth round of Ranji Trophy matches
Shashank Kishore25-Jan-2025
J&K players pose after beating Mumbai in their backyard•PTI
J&K beat Mumbai after 11 years Eleven years after they first beat them in the Ranji Trophy, Jammu & Kashmir pulled off another heist against Mumbai to strengthen their knockouts hope. Chasing 205, they wobbled at different times with Shams Mulani picking up four wickets, but starts from each of the top five helped J&K win by five wickets. Opener Shubham Khajuria top-scored with 45, while Abid Mushtaq, who had minimal contribution with the ball, hitting a crucial 32 not out to seal victory.Gill century in vain as Karnataka stay aliveShubman Gill struck a combative 102, but couldn’t prevent Karnataka from running through Punjab for a second time in three days. After being bowled out for 55, Punjab batted out a little more time in the second dig to make 213, but still went down by an innings and 207 runs. Outside of Gill’s innings, the second highest from the top seven was Anmolpreet Singh’s 14. The bulk of the damage was done by young seam-bowling allrounder Yashovardhan Parantap, who picked up 3 for 37.Related
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Patidar, Venkatesh Iyer put Madhya Pradesh on topHaving conceded the first-innings lead, Madhya Pradesh responded strongly in the second innings, declaring on 369 for 8 to set Kerala a target of 363. Rajat Patidar top scored with 92, while Venkatesh Iyer hit an unbeaten 70-ball 80 at No. 8 as MP recovered from 247 for 6. MP picked up one wicket by stumps to keep themselves in line for an outright win.Vijay Shankar scored a century•PTI
Vijay Shankar century powers Tamil NaduIn Salem, Vijay Shankar’s 14th first-class century, his second of the season, helped Tamil Nadu put themselves in line for six points against Chandigarh. Having taken a 97-run lead, Vijay Shankar helped extend TN’s lead with an unbeaten 150 after N Jagadeesan set the foundation of the innings with 89. By stumps, Chandigarh had slumped to 113 for 5, still needing 290 with the left-arm spinning duo of S Ajith Ram and R Sai Kishore picking up two apiece.Gaikwad among the runsBatting at No. 4 with an eye on being a top-order batter, instead of just playing a specialist opener, Maharashtra captain Ruturaj Gaikwad hit 89 in a marathon Maharashtra innings – they were 464 for 7 in the second innings, extending their lead to 616 by stumps against Group C toppers Baroda. This is only the third game Gaikwad has featured in this season, as he was away during the first half of the tournament to play for India A in Australia. With them out of knockouts contention, it remains to be seen if Maharashtra declare overnight and try for an outright.Wadkar leads Vidarbha’s fightVidarbha captain Akshay Wadkar hit an unbeaten 102 to revive a floundering innings. Vidarbha, who conceded a lead of 100, went to stumps with a lead of 258 with three wickets still remaining. At one stage, they had effectively been reduced to 44 for 5, before Wadkar stood tall to play a typically gritty knock to help last year’s runners-up take the fight into the final day. Vidarbha are currently Group B toppers and are primed to Mae the knockouts.Haryana through to knockoutsA game that was fought on an even keel in the first innings turned decisively in Haryana’s favour thanks to a massive second-innings batting effort, led by half-centuries from Himanshu Rana and Nishant Sindhu as they opened up a 32-run lead into a 369-run target. Bengal, sans the injured Abhimanyu Easwaran, were bowled out for 85 in 21.4 overs, with Wriddhiman Saha, playing in his penultimate first-class match, unbeaten on 25. Anshul Kamboj, who earlier in the season picked up a perfect ten, finished with four wickets./
Thunder’s captain was given a life and made Hobart Hurricanes pay to set up a meeting with Brisbane Heat
AAP27-Nov-2024
Phoebe Litchfield played the key innings in Sydney Thunder’s chase•Getty Images
Phoebe Litchfield steered Sydney Thunder to within one win of the WBBL grand final, helping her side end Hobart Hurricanes’ season with a tense six-wicket victory at Drummoyne Oval.With Thunder chasing 127 for victory in the knockout final, they appeared to be in trouble with 26 runs required from the final three overs.Enter Litchfield and Anika Learoyd, who got the job done for the Thunder with six balls to spare. The pair took 16 runs off the 18th over from Heather Graham, before Litchfield struck Nicola Carey for six off the first ball of the next over.The 21-year-old was eventually bowled trying to scoop Carey and finish the game off, but by the time she walked from the field on 46 the game was effectively over.Litchfield controlled the chase calmly, twice breaking the tension by driving Hurricanes’ bowlers to the rope when the pressure appeared to be building. She hit five fours in her 36-ball knock with Hurricanes left to rue a crucial missed stumping chance when Litchfield was on 23 and Thunder still needed 42 to win.Her runs came as Learoyd played a supporting hand with an unbeaten 23 from 24, while Chamari Athapaththu hit 31 up top after also taking two wickets with the ball.The victory means Thunder will play Brisbane Heat in Friday night’s Challenger, with the winner of that to face the Melbourne Renegades in Sunday’s final at the MCG.Elyse Villani had given Hurricanes a small hope of victory with an unbeaten 49 after the Hurricanes had fallen to 47 for 4 from their opening 10 overs.Athapaththu’s 2 for 24 did the bulk of the damage with the ball, bowling Carey for 1 and then having Heather Graham caught cutting to cover cutting on 10.Litchfield also took two neat catches, while Taneale Peschel got the key wicket of Lizelle Lee for 23.And while Molly Strano’s 1 for 8 from four overs and Amy Smith’s 1 for 17 from three threatened to strangle Thunder, Litchfield was in the end too good after being offered a second life.
Brisbane Heat have continued to breathe life back into their WBBL campaign, landing a mega blow to the Sydney Sixers’ campaign after beating the hosts by 12 runs.In a crucial match for both teams, the Heat’s bowlers delivered to restrict the Sixers to 127 for 8 at North Sydney Oval, defending their total of 139 for 9 with apparent ease.Led by Jess Jonassen (3 for 24), the Heat remain fifth on the ladder with a 4-3 record after two straight wins.The Sixers, however, are at risk of missing the finals for the second straight season with a 3-4 record while sitting sixth on the ladder. Even more concerning for the Sixers is the fact they were somewhat in control midway through the match.While Grace Harris (39 off 26) and Georgia Redmayne (28 from 23) threatened to get away for the Heat, Amelia Kerr’s 4 for 23 had the Sixers well on top.The New Zealander spun her way through Brisbane’s middle and lower order, while Sophie Ecclestone also claimed 2 for 18 from her four over.But from there, it fell apart for the Sixers on a ground where runs are generally easy to strike. Alyssa Healy’s difficult start to the tournament continued when she skied Shikha Pandey (2 for 25) in the first over, while Ellyse Perry also fell for one early.Kerr became Pandey’s second victim shortly after, and when Ashleigh Gardner was lbw trying to scoop Jess Jonassen, the game was all but over.Sarah Bryce (30 from 26) and Ecclestone (24 not out from 18) threatened a late comeback, as teenager Caoimhe Bray also helped get the equation down to 29 off 12 balls.But Pandey and Jonassen stood tall when it mattered in the final two overs to get the Heat home.The other point of note for both the Sixers and Australia is the fitness of Healy. The 34-year-old opted not to keep on Thursday, with Bryce instead taking the gloves.Healy has previously said she expects to be managed through the summer after a foot injury in the World Cup, with Thursday’s move part of that.”I’ve got a few things going on at the moment that I am managing,” Healy told Fox between taking two catches at short third. “It’s obviously a really big summer of cricket. I am still really confident I can bat, I just wasn’t sure about squatting, which is one of the concerns.”I am just trying to manage that, get through WBBL, we have six ODIs before Christmas and then the Ashes.”
Manchester United are now set to make an offer worth £34m for an “immense” defender, as Ruben Amorim believes he would be the ideal player to strengthen his backline, according to a report.
Man Utd looking to strengthen in all areas
A lack of goals was the real problem for Man United last season, finding the back of the net just 44 times in the Premier League, so it is little wonder that they have now set out to sign a new striker, having identified a number of targets.
Target
Current club
Goals in 24/25
Luis Suarez
Almeria
31
Hugo Ekitike
Eintracht Frankfurt
22
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Free agent
3
Victor Osimhen
Napoli
37
However, after finishing 15th in the Premier League, very few players are likely to be safe, with Atalanta star Ederson being targeted to strengthen the midfield, while the Red Devils are also racing Tottenham Hotspur for Genoa centre-back Koni De Winter.
United are already relatively well-stocked in the centre-back department, but with Lisandro Martinez still recovering from an ACL injury, it could be worth bringing in another option, and they now plan to make a bid for one of Amorim’s former players.
That is according to a report from Football Transfers, which states Man United are set to propose a loan deal for Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio, which would include an obligation to make the deal permanent for a fee of €40m (£34m).
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Amorim clearly holds Inacio in very high regard, with the manager viewing him as the ideal player to strengthen the Red Devils’ backline, and an official bid could be made soon.
Sporting have previously been hesitant to sell the centre-back, but they could now be willing to listen to offers, and United should be well-positioned to win the race, despite interest from Borussia Dortmund, given Amorim’s pre-existing relationship with him.
"Immense" Inacio could be solid signing for Man Utd
Analyst Raj Chohan has singled the Sporting star out for high praise in the past, lauding him as “immense”, and the defender put in some impressive performances en-route to his side securing the Liga Portugal title last season.
Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio
The 23-year-old, who shares the same agency as Bruno Fernandes, was one of the most consistent performers in the squad, averaging a 6.97 WhoScored match rating, while also showcasing his ability on the front foot by picking up three goals and two assists.
Journalist Zach Lowy claims that Amorim has “worked miracles” with the Almada-born defender in the past, and he has now gone on to gain more top-level experience, having established himself as a 16-time Portugal international.
As such, Inacio could be a solid signing for Man United, but their main priority should be to bring in a new striker, given that they struggled considerably in front of goal last season.
Derbyshire, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Middlesex, Sussex, Worcestershire, Yorkshire in second tier from 2025
ESPNcricinfo staff18-Jul-2024Derbyshire, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Middlesex, Sussex, Worcestershire and Yorkshire will form the second tier of the new domestic women’s competitions in England and Wales from next year.The ten Tier 2 counties will play 50-over and 20-over cricket, with details of the competition structure and schedule for 2025 yet to be announced. Tier 3 status will be awarded to all National Counties who would like to participate in the new competitions at that level from 2025.With all three tiers to be closed from between the 2025 and 2028 seasons, with no promotion or relegation, the ECB also announced on Thursday a knock-out cup competition consisting of teams from all three tiers, giving all counties a chance to compete against each other. It is anticipated that the cup competition will be launched in 2025, alongside the establishment of the three-tiered structure.Related
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Earlier this year, the ECB announced that Durham, Essex, Surrey, Hampshire, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset and Warwickshire would play in Tier 1 of the new competitions starting in 2025. Yorkshire will become a Tier 1 Club for the 2026 season, subject to meeting a series of conditions, and Glamorgan will join Tier 1 in 2027. The ECB also aims to expand Tier 1 to 12 teams by 2029.Beth Barrett-Wild, director of the women’s professional game, said: “It’s exciting to see the three tiers finalised. It brings the new landscape of women’s professional domestic cricket one step closer. From next summer we will see up to 39 counties competing across the new structure, which will both accommodate the growth and accelerate the depth of the women’s professional game – on and off the field.”We shouldn’t underestimate how big this step is for women’s cricket and indeed the whole game; a thriving and sustainable women’s domestic pyramid underneath the Hundred and England Women, with more professional female players, increased investment, and enhanced alignment across the men’s and women’s game, is a huge step forward for cricket.”Under the plans, £8m in new funding per year will be invested in women’s domestic cricket by 2027 – taking annual investment in this area to about £19m.
After agreeing a deal to sign Zepiqueno Redmond on a free transfer, Aston Villa have now reportedly made an offer to sign a Serie A champion who is tempted to complete a move to the Midlands.
Aston Villa set to sign Redmond
Kicking off their summer business as early as possible, the Villans are reportedly set to sign Redmond from Feyenoord when his current contract comes to an end at the end of the month. At just 18 years old, the Dutchman very much reflects the future of Aston Villa’s frontline and could provide Unai Emery with a replacement for Jhon Duran that he has needed at times.
When it comes to first-team experience, the young forward has already received a taste of Eredivisie action at Feyenoord and even featured in the Champions League last season. Now, Redmond will be keen to add some Premier League experience to a portfolio that only looks likely to grow more and more impressive as the years go on.
Despite their PSR concerns, Redmond could yet be the first of a few fresh faces in the Midlands if reports are anything to go by. Recent rumours have mentioned names such as Jack Grealish in recent weeks and there’s no doubt that his return would cause quite the stir.
Having been shown the door at Manchester City, Grealish could yet complete a sensational Villa comeback and one that would need to see him get fans back onside as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, away from Grealish, the Villans have also reportedly submitted an offer to sign a Serie A champion this summer.
Aston Villa submit offer to sign Rrahmani
According to Il Mattino, as relayed by CalcioNapoli, Aston Villa have now submitted an offer to sign Amir Rrahmani from Napoli this summer and whilst he is not desperate to leave the Italian club, he is reportedly tempted by the offer from the Midlands.
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Villa aren’t alone in their pursuit, however, with Tottenham Hotspur also reportedly chasing a deal to sign the experienced centre-back. And that interest should come as no surprise. The 31-year-old enjoyed an excellent campaign as part of Napoli’s Serie A-winning side, starting in all 38 games, and has done more than enough to attract impressive admirers.
League stats per 90 24/25 (via FBref)
Amir Rrahmani
Pau Torres
Starts
38
23
Progressive Passes
4.97
4.33
Tackles Won
0.82
0.67
Ball Recoveries
3.57
2.77
Given how highly those in the Midlands rate Pau Torres, the fact that Rrahmani outperformed the Spaniard in several areas proves just how impressive an addition he would be.
A deal may be easier said than done, however, especially if Antonio Conte has his say. The Napoli boss was full of praise for his defender last season, describing him as “hardworking” and like a “solider” in his title-winning side.
Leeds United are back in action in the Championship this evening as they prepare to host play-off hopefuls Bristol City at Elland Road in the penultimate game of the campaign.
The Whites secured their promotion to the Premier League on Easter Monday, after their 6-0 win over Stoke City, but still have to battle it out with Burnley to win the title.
Daniel Farke’s side need to win this evening to go back to the top of the division, and the German head coach could make a change to his starting XI by dropping Brenden Aaronson from the side.
Why Brenden Aaronson should be dropped
The USA international was selected in the number ten position for the handsome win over Stoke last week, but was the only member of the attack who ended the game without a goal contribution.
Wilfried Gnonto scored a goal, Manor Solomon provided two assists, and Joel Piroe, of course, scored a staggering four goals, whilst Aaronson did not deliver a goal or an assist.
The American midfielder did not create any ‘big chances’ for his teammates and missed the only ‘big chance’ that came his way, as he failed to get in on the action against the Potters.
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Aaronson has scored one goal and failed to provide any assists in his last 14 appearances in the Championship for Leeds, which is why it could now be time, after promotion has been secured, for Farke to ruthlessly ditch him from the side.
The rarely-seen Leeds star who should replace Brenden Aaronson
The former Norwich City head coach should unleash the rarely-seen Largie Ramazani in his place, either as the number ten or out wide, with Gnonto moved into a central position.
It has been a difficult season for the Belgian dynamo since his permanent move from Almeria last summer. He has only started seven of his 27 appearances in the second tier and has been an unused substitute in four of the last five matches.
Ramazani, who was described as an “explosive” forward by journalist Joe Donnohue, has shown flashes of quality in the second tier this season, as shown in the clip above against Norwich City earlier this term.
24/25 Championship
Largie Ramazani
Appearances (starts)
27 (7)
xG
3.86
Goals
4
Big chances created
1
Assists
2
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old star has been directly involved in six goals in the Championship, despite only starting seven times to date, which shows that the potential is there for him to make a big impact in the final third.
This is why Farke must consider bringing the rarely-seen whiz into the starting XI against the Robins this evening, because he could provide a threat at the top end of the pitch that they have not had with Aaronson in the team over the past 14 matches based on his return of goals and assists against his lack of game time.
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Ramazani could, then, use these last two matches of the season to prove to Farke and the club that he has what it takes to be a part of their Premier League campaign next season.
After Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico González, Vitor Reis and Juma Bah all joined in January, at the cost of around £180m, more big-money signings are expected to be arriving at the Etihad this summer.
So, get excited Man City fans, one of the most talented left-backs in world football could be on his way.
Manchester City's first-choice left-back target
According to a report by Lyall Thomas and Mark McAdam of Sky Sports News, Manchester City are “interested” in a move for Bournemouth left-back Miloš Kerkez, with Liverpool and Real Madrid also mentioned as clubs that are in the running.
After a very impressive season by the South Coast, the Hungarian international is widely-expected to move this summer, and is valued at £45m, according to a report by Gary Jacob of the Times, although a bidding war could see that price-tag increase.
So, could the 21-year-old be on his way to Manchester?
How Miloš Kerkez would improve Manchester City
As alluded to earlier, Kerkez has been a standout performers this season, with Matt Furniss of Opta’s the Analyst describing him as ‘one of the hottest properties’ in world football right now, adding that he’ll soon become ‘one of the best full-backs in Europe’.
Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout agrees, describing him as “one of the most talented left-backs in world football”, so let’s assess his statistics.
Minutes
2,897
16th
Goals
2
120th
Assists
5
31st
Progressive carries
89
28th
Progressive passes
141
24rd
Passes attempted
1141
52nd
Key passes
30
64th
Crosses into the area
22
3rd
Shot-creating actions
74
51st
% of dribblers tackled
61.1%
49th
Blocks
33
47th
Interceptions
38
17th
Clearances
100
33rd
Ball recoveries
148
23rd
As outlined in the table, Kerkez ranks highly for most metric across the board, with his attacking statistics particularly impressive, considering he is a full-back.
Only Antonee Robinson and Pedro Pedro have accumulated more than Kerkez’s 22 crosses into the penalty area, helping the Hungarian international rack up five assists, two of which came during a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in November.
Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez
So, how would he fit into Man City’s team?
Well, Pep Guardiola has deployed numerous players on the left-wing so far this season, including Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Savinho, Bernardo Silva and Marmoush, but Jérémy Doku has always appeared to be the most natural fit for this position.
The Belgian was in the headlines on Tuesday night, assisting Matheus Nunes’ last-gasp winner against Aston Villa with a sensational, impudent trivela cross that was tucked home at the back post.
Alex Keble told the Premier League that Doku’s introduction changed the game, as a result of his direct dribbling and maverick energy, something such a tactical chess match required.
Meantime, Guardiola stated on Saturday that it was “‘so unfair” that Doku had not been starting more frequently, with this the fourth successive fixture in which he’d been utilised off the bench.
The Belgian ranks second in the Premier League for attempted take-ons this season, as well as first for both successful take-ons and progressive carries, registering at least 38 more of the latter than anybody else, all according to FBref.com.
Thus, with a high-quality, reliable and consistent left-back in Kerkez behind him, we could finally see the best of Doku on a regular basis, should the pair link-up in sky blue.
100% dribbles, 88% passing: Pep has found his own Cambiaso in Man City star
Manchester City claimed a vital 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in the Premier League on Tuesday, with one star in particular catching the eye.