“They went into a negative position to save their wickets and defend the balls. The ball is turning from the rough. I think positive approach is the best way to play on this wicket,” Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella said

Mohammad Isam in Chittagong03-Feb-2018As soon as third umpire Joel Wilson confirmed to the on-field umpires that Mushfiqur Rahim was out, the balance of the first Test became a lot more skewed. Bangladesh will have to fight without their two most experienced batsmen on the fifth day against Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella later said that despite the batting-friendly Chittagong pitch, it is their game to win. He also said Sri Lanka were helped by Bangladesh’s defensive approach. Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur both got out trying to defend, while Imrul Kayes’ was caught at square leg off a soft lap sweep.”We have a pretty good chance to win the Test,” Dickwella said. “It is a pretty good wicket. It is all turning from the rough, and outside the stumps. We are hoping to start the day well. We are bowling in good areas, line and length.”They went into a negative position to save their wickets and defend the balls. I don’t think it is the way to bat on this wicket. The ball is turning from the rough. I think positive approach is the best way to play in this wicket.”Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam said their approach was to score off the bad balls, but their focus will remain on saving the Test. Taijul bowled 67.3 overs, the most in an innings for a Bangladesh bowler, and conceded 219 runs, the most for a Bangladesh bowler. His returns of 4 for 219 was the most expensive four-for in Tests.”There is a lot to think, and a lot not to think about. We have to save the game. If our batsmen can survive the fifth day, then we can get something out of it. Batsmen would like to score runs off the bad balls. It would have been better had we lost one wicket. Three wickets are too many,” he said.Bangladesh’s predicament in Chittagong was largely down to their spinners’ struggles against Sri Lanka’s batting. Starting the fourth day just nine runs short of Bangladesh’s first-innings total, Sri Lanka piled on the misery by keeping them on the field for 199.3 overs.Sunil Joshi, Bangladesh’s spin bowling coach, said that the spinners could have bowled with more consistency and shown more patience.”I think they could have been better. They could have had more consistency,” Joshi said. “If you don’t get wickets in the first session, you can always get them in the second and third session. You need to be patient. The young Bangladesh spinners need to understand the way they can perform in Test cricket.”It is important for a spinner to understand to bowl a dot ball, where you can bowl one. Consistency is key for Test cricket. These spinners will learn with due time,” he said.

Leeds United have finally got their season underway, but Daniel Farke will be keen to ensure his side do not rest on their laurels after claiming a first Championship win in four attempts…

Who are Leeds United signing?

It has been a tumultuous summer for the Whites, who despite welcoming five new faces into Elland Road have seen their window marred by the numerous outgoings. Despite the bulk of a lucrative squad underperforming, they were seemingly unwilling to stay and help pull the club out of the mess they created.

As such, the German boss will be keen to bolster his side further, having showcased their attacking talents with a splendid win yesterday over top-of-the-league Ipswich Town.

For all the benefits plucked from such a hearty display, the shining light was to see their new striker instantly get off the mark, firing home from close range to add their third of the day.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

Now, perhaps in an effort to place their faith in Joel Piroe, the new manager could be set to build his squad around the Dutchman, with their reported interest in Djed Spence clearly seeking to do so.

The attack-minded full-back is massively out of favour at Tottenham Hotspur, and valued at just €12.9m (£11m) by FootballTransfers.

How good is Djed Spence?

Although his career has stuttered since his £20m switch to north London, the former England U21 international still remains a promising young star surely raring to reignite a career that once promised much.

Especially after his 2021/22 season, where he caught the eye whilst on loan for a Nottingham Forest side that claimed promotion to the top flight.

He was dynamic, relentless, and a breath of fresh air down the right flank for Steve Cooper, earning huge praise from former Forest star Brian Laws:

"He has been the standout player in the Forest side and we are talking about a full-back. Full-backs do not tend to get many headlines. He grabs them by the handful. In every single game, he has a positive impact.

"He has power going forward, he has electric pace, he has an abundance of skill, he can drop his shoulder, step over, go inside or outside — he is a major threat. I’ve been impressed with his one-to-one defending. He is decent on the back post, he is strong in the air. There is nothing I have seen that you could call a weakness.”

This attacking impetus showed up in his numbers too, as the 23-year-old scored twice and assisted four, all whilst averaging one key pass, 1.5 interceptions and 1.4 tackles per game throughout that Championship term, via Sofascore.

You only have to imagine him powering down the right to deliver for Piroe, who has scored 19 and 22 in his last two league campaigns, and things are finally looking promising once again for the Yorkshire outfit.

Spence is certain to aid in the potential improvement of those figures, with his presence set to forge plenty of chances should he recapture his form of old – especially given that, when compared to other full-backs across Europe, he sits in the top 8% for pass completion per 90, the top 7% for progressive carries per 90, and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90, via FBref.

At the very least his tireless running will provide enough of a threat to draw the interest of defenders, affording more space for the former Swansea City hitman to light up his new environment.

The hope will be that this combination can be struck instantly, to help forge plenty of goals for the Elland Road crowd to enjoy, and fire them back into the Premier League with ease.

Aston Villa have opened discussions regarding a deal to sign Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares this summer, and his agent has delivered his stance on his future at the Emirates Stadium.

Where was Nuno Tavares born?

Tavares was originally born in Lisbon, Portugal, and first made the move to the Premier League from Benfica back in 2021, but after making just 28 senior appearances since putting pen to paper, he spent last season out on loan with Marseille in Ligue 1.

The Gunners left-back still has another two years remaining on his contract in N7, but after firmly establishing himself as Marcelino Garcia Toral’s top-performing offensive and second-best defensive player whilst on the road, via WhoScored, he’s caught the eye of Unai Emery.

Italian reporter Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that the Midlands outfit had brought the 23-year-old onto their radar as a result of his proposed move to Nottingham Forest having fallen through. Taking to X, he wrote:

"After deal collapsed with Forest, Aston Villa are exploring conditions of deal to sign Nuno Tavares from Arsenal. Personal terms not discussed yet — as up to the clubs now. Nuno, alternative option to Marcos Acuna deal with Sevilla for Villa."

Are Aston Villa signing Nuno Tavares?

According to 90min, Aston Villa have "reached out" to Arsenal to enquire about a summer deal for Tavares. NSWE and Monchi have already "expressed an interest" in the defender, but they aren't alone in their pursuit with Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg also keeping close tabs on his situation in England.

Speaking to TRT Spor during a public interview last month, however, the player's representative said:

"Nuno is still under contract at Arsenal. He wants to stay in the team but we'll see what happens in the future."

At Marseille last season, Tavares netted six goals which is an impressive return for a left-back, and despite his natural role being in defence, he’s much stronger in the offensive aspect of his game when bursting down the flank and creating chances in the final third.

Arsenal’s £27k-per-week earner ranked in the 99th percentile for shots having made 65 over the course of the campaign which was his squad’s second-highest total, via FBRef, alongside the 97th percentile for successful take-ons so loves to dribble past his marker, making him “aggressive”, as lauded by journalist Josh Bunting.

Read The Latest Aston Villa Transfer News HERE…

Sponsored by Nike, the left-footed gem also has the ability to operate slightly higher up in left midfield, at right-back and on the right side of the centre so he would provide the boss with wonderful versatility should he ever want to tinker with his formation or team selection.

With Marcos Acuna talks having been temporarily stalled with Sevilla, not to mention that Lucas Digne has reportedly reached an agreement to join Nice, Emery will have to enter the market to find a suitable reinforcement, and if the above update is to be believed, Tavares could be the perfect candidate to sign on the dotted line in the final days of the window.

Liverpool's Curtis Jones has sent a message to England boss Gareth Southgate as he believes that he is doing well enough to warrant a call up.

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• Jones believes he deserves England call-up
• Still uncapped by Southgate
• Reveals Klopp shock after announcement

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  With Euro 2024 coming up fast, Southgate has only two more games to finalise his squad for the tournament. The 53-year-old's future post the tournament is up in the air and a positive result this summer could see him extend till the 2026 World Cup. Jones has been flirting around the edge of the selection, but has never been capped despite featuring prominently for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. Later on in the same interview, Jones also discussed the shocking departure of the German from the Merseyside club.

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• WHAT JONES SAID

  Talking to the BBC, Jones said: "It’s not easy. The lads I’m against are doing well. Gareth and the staff have got a choice, but I think I’m doing enough. Everything around me is going well, so we’ll see."

  On Klopp's announcement: "We were in the changing room, actually in the gym, and everyone was told we needed to come in at half 10. It was a bit of a strange one. We didn’t know what was going to be said, but I could feel it amongst the lads it was a little bit strange. He broke the news, it was tough to take. He’s his own man. You've got to respect he’s got his own things he wants to do with his family. He turned me from a boy to a man. I’m grateful for him, so are the teams, the fans, the city."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Jones was handed his professional debut for Liverpool by the German coach in 2019 when the midfielder played against Wolves in the FA Cup third-round clash. Since then, the 23-year-old has become a mainstay in the Liverpool squad, however, the same has not been the case for him with his nation as he hasn't got a single cap for the Three Lions' senior team.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR JONES?

  If Southgate has any intention of integrating Jones in the England squad, he will only have two games to do so before the tournament. Before Euro 2024, the Three Lions have friendlies against Brazil and Belgium in late March, before facing Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland in early June ahead of the tournament.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has provided an update on Chelsea's pursuit of an attacker at the end of this window.

The side recently missed out on Michael Olise, who signed a new deal at Crystal Palace.

What is the latest Chelsea transfer news?

The Blues have been sent back to square one in their forward pursuit after Olise signed a new four-year contract with Palace despite the Blues activating his £ 35 million release clause.

One player that the side are reportedly considering is Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson, with Chelsea having held initial talks with Forest after adding the Welsh attacker's name to their shortlist. Chelsea are reportedly willing to include players in the deal in order to bring down the £45m valuation that the Trent-based side has of their youngster who impressed in his first season in the Premier League, racking up eight goals and three assists across 38 appearances.

The Blues reportedly tried to include English defender Trevoh Chalobah in talks regarding a potential swap deal, however, it is understood that the defender would reject a move to the City Ground as he wants to join a club competing at a higher level.

Chelsea aren't the only side to have an interest in the Welsh international, with Brentford having seen a club-record offer of £35m rejected earlier in the window, whilst Tottenham Hotspur also have an interest in the player, and could make a move following the departure of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.

It remains to be seen whether Forest would sell the player, who is contracted until 2026 and is a fan favourite at the City Ground, however, they could look to balance the books after they spent £150m on players last summer, and £45m would go a long way to doing that.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs stated that Chelsea "really like" Johnson, however their interest in the last 24 hours was simply "quite formative".

He said: "There is some interest in Brennan Johnson at Nottingham Forest. That might be one to watch between now and the end of the window. As of the last 24 hours or so, any kind of approach was quite formative. But let's see whether that picks up in the coming days, and between now and the close of the window. Chelsea really like the player, for sure. He's had excellent form of late as well, so you can understand why."

What is next in this window for Chelsea?

The focus for the Blues at this point will be on outgoings, after spending over £300m this window.

One player who is set to depart is young star Lewis Hall, who is close to sealing a loan move to Newcastle United. The deal would include an obligation to buy for a total package worth £35m. The London club were originally planning to send the youngster out on loan to Crystal Palace, however, with Newcastle's interest the side became more willing to complete a permanent deal. Hall also preferred a move to Tyneside due to being a boyhood Newcastle fan, as well as the fact that he gets the opportunity to play in the Champions League.

Another player who looks set to depart is Hakim Ziyech. After a move to the Saudi Pro League fell through due to the Moroccan failing a medical, he now looks likely to join Turkish giants Galatasaray on a free transfer. Despite reports stating that he had failed a medical at the Turkish club, the vice-president of the club Erden Timur confirmed that he has not had a problem with his medical yet: “Medical tests are almost over. We did a very detailed check. A certain point has been reached in the transfer. So far, there has been no problem with a medical.”

Ajax, Feyenoord and Roma have refuted claims made by Barcelona president Joan Laporta that they are among those willing to join the new Super League.

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Ajax, Feyenoord, & Roma deny Super League involvementJoan Laporta claimed 15 clubs want to joinProject resurfaced after December 2023 court rulng(C)GettyImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

All three clubs have publicly distanced themselves from the resurfacing controversial Super League project. Blaugrana chief Laporta listed 15 teams from various countries across Europe that he claimed are ready to join the competition, that could start as soon as next season. They were Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter, AC Milan, Napoli, Roma, Marseille, Sporting CP, Benfica and Porto, Ajax, Feyenoord, PSV Eindhoven, Club Brugge and Anderlecht, plus "any team in La Liga except Atletico Madrid".

AdvertisementWHAT THE CLUBS SAID

The Ajax Supporters Association contacted the club and relayed the following message: "Inquiries at the club reveal that Ajax never discussed this with Laporta, let alone agreed. Ajax is completely surprised by this unjustified claim."

Feyenoord's short statement read: "Feyenoord is very surprised by reports in international media that the club has agreed to participate in the so-called Super League. This is total nonsense."

Roma issued a slightly longer statement, which read: "As stated publicly a few hours after the European Court of Justice's decision on the Super League case, AS Roma reiterates that it does not support any project related to the so-called Super League. The club also states that it has never changed its position on the matter, nor has it entered into any discussions about taking a different path other than clubs working together through the ECA in strong partnership and collaboration with UEFA and FIFA."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Super League project was given new life in December 2023 when the European Court of Justice ruled that it was unlawfully blocked first time around by UEFA and FIFA. There are still many hurdles for the organising firm, A22, to clear and it is far from guaranteed to get off the ground. But UEFA is legally obligated to give full and fair consideration to pitches regarding this or any other proposed new competition operating within its realm. Premier League clubs, Atletico Madrid, Inter and Juventus all withdrew from the original 2021 launch, while Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have never been involved.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Even with last year's court ruling, Premier League clubs will be automatically barred from joining unlicensed competitions – like the first Super League – under conditions to be set by English football's new independent regulator. The Premier League's Owners' Charter from 2022 also stops clubs from being involved in the creation of "new competition formats outside of the Premier League's rules". Both measures were adopted as a result of the events and uproar of 2021.

Chris Lynn looks set to be ruled out of the Pakistan Super League, and will return to Brisbane for further assessment, after suffering a dislocated right shoulder while diving in the field during Australia’s T20 Tri-Series final victory over New Zealand.It was another cruel stroke of injury misfortune for Lynn, who left the field midway through the ninth over of New Zealand’s innings after attempting to intercept a clip through midwicket from Ross Taylor. Sprinting to his left, he reached for the ball with his right arm, in an apparent attempt to protect his troublesome left shoulder, on which he has undergone three bouts of surgery in recent seasons.However, he appeared to jar his right arm on the turf, and it was later confirmed that he had popped the shoulder out of its socket. Although the team medical staff were able to put the joint back into place, he took no further part in the match after being sent for a scan.”Chris dislocated his right shoulder after landing awkwardly on it when fielding the ball,” said Australia’s physio, Alex Kountouris. “His shoulder was able to be put back into place at the ground and he was consequently sent for X-Rays which revealed no major bone injury.”At this stage Chris will not travel to the Pakistan Super League in Dubai. He will return to Brisbane to undergo further scans and assessment and from there we will have a better understanding of the ongoing management, along with the return-to-play timeframes.”Lynn had previously said he would avoid diving in the field in a bid to prevent any further shoulder problems.”It’s something that’s played on my mind for about four years,” he said. “Let’s go one step at a time – I want to dive, there’s no doubt about that, I want to do well and contribute. But at the moment, I don’t want to have another setback because I feel like I’m making good ground.”Lynn had been due to travel to Dubai imminently to take part in Lahore Qalandars’ first match of the Pakistan Super League, on Friday, against Multan Sultans. The Qalandars will be hoping Lynn’s injury is not serious, considering the explosive Australian was their first pick at the PSL draft.Another franchise that will be anxiously hoping for a swift recovery for Lynn is Kolkata Knight Riders. Lynn was the Knight Riders’ most expensive buy at the IPL auction last month, fetching $1.5m. The team is yet to announce its captain and Lynn was one of the names on the shortlist.

It’s the most favourable thing to do with my fiance in Johannesburg, says recently-engaged Test batsman

Firdose Moonda24-Apr-2018South Africa’s middle-order Test batsman Temba Bavuma has moved from Cape Cobras to the Highveld Lions ahead of the upcoming domestic season.Bavuma, originally from the Western Province, spent his entire professional career upcountry but moved back to the Cobras for the 2017-18 summer, even though he rarely played for the side owing to international commitments.”I made the decision to ply my trade for Cape Cobras to fulfill a childhood dream of donning the blue colours, but there have been developments in my personal life that have led me to reconsider that decision,” Bavuma said. “I recently got engaged and feel that with my fiancé in Johannesburg it’s the favourable thing to do.”Bavuma spent most of his time with the Cobras playing T20 cricket, where he scored 195 runs in 10 matches. He featured in just one first-class and one fifty-over fixture for the team. An opportunity to open the batting in List A cricket in a bid to push for an ODI berth, ESPNcricinfo understands, was one of the reasons for Bavuma to move to the Cobras last season.Now, it remains to be seen if Lions will have a spot for him up the order. However, with their trophy cabinet bare after a tough previous season, they will welcome a player of Bavuma’s experience.”We welcome Temba back with open arms. He is a player with special skills, experience and a star of his calibre is hard to find,” Greg Fredericks, Lions CEO said. “We did not have the best of seasons, so it is a step in the right direction to have him back in our system.”Bavuma’s decision also comes at a time when the six franchises are scrambling to secure player contracts that have been delayed because Cricket South Africa and the South African Cricketers’ Association are yet to agree upon a new MOU. Unless an interim agreement is formulated between both parties by the end of April, most of South Africa’s professional cricketers, including those from the national team, will be out of contracts.In March, CSA announced the names of the 18 players who they intend to contract, but those won’t come into effect without a binding MOU. Although the situation remains tense, a temporary agreement is expected to be put in place to avoid a player walkout and non-payment of May salaries.Since Bavuma is among those awarded a national contract, he is allowed to choose the domestic franchise he’d like to represent. The Lions, therefore, will not have to contract Bavuma. None of South Africa’s six franchises have been able to announce their contracted player lists and no other players have made public any intentions to change domestic teams.

The New York/New Jersey's MetLife Stadium was picked over Dallas to host the 2026 World Cup final with Kim Kardashian set to play a key role.

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• AT&T & MetLife were locked in an intense battle
• Opportunities for commercial activations played a major role in the pick
• Kardashian to continue playing a major role in collaboration with FIFA

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to the intense competition to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final narrowed down to Dallas and New York City, with stadiums in Arlington, Texas (AT&T Stadium), and East Rutherford, New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), respectively, being the focal points. Dallas seemed poised for victory, but after FIFA president, Giani Infantino revealed that the city would host nine matches, the most among all host cities, it was obvious that their rivals had checkmated in the race to host the title decider of the showpiece event in 2026.

  However, the unexpected decision to award the final to New York/New Jersey took many by surprise, indicating how close Dallas was to clinching the prestigious event. This choice underscored the intricate dynamics of FIFA politics, where apparent frontrunners may not always secure the bid.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  New York City presented compelling advantages from the outset, including its extensive public transportation network, a comparatively less controversial political climate than Texas, and a lucrative media market in a favourable time zone. The potential for commercial engagements around iconic landmarks further enhanced its appeal. MetLife Stadium's successful hosting of the Copa America Centenario final in 2016 also bolstered confidence in its capability to stage high-profile matches.

• WHAT JERRY JONES, OWNER DALLAS COWBOYS, SAID

  Speaking to Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, said: "It was a hell of a battle. We almost got there.”

  Although New Jersey did bag the biggest prize New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy was uncertain until the last moment.

  “I started a war game in my mind that that probably meant that they weren’t going to get the final,” Murphy said.

  "I felt at that point that it was, more likely than not, that it would be us.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Reality TV star Kim Kardashian announced on a FIFA live stream that the USMNT will host their first game at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium. Infantino also posted an Instagram collaboration with the pop celebrity as part of the promotion of the launch event. It is reported that it is just the beginning and her presence was not a one-off appearance as several other superstars and legends of the sport have been lined up for similar activities.

Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag doesn't look like he is finished in the transfer window yet and has identified a new target to strengthen the striker position at Old Trafford.

What's the latest news involving Manchester United?

The Red Devils have endured a frustrating start to the campaign on the field and have a point to prove following two under-par performances in their opening Premier League matches, as they fortuitously scraped by Wolverhampton Wanderers and then suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Tottenham Hotspur.

This weekend, Manchester United take on Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford and will be looking to make it six points from nine in the English top-flight so far. Rasmus Hojlund, who recently signed from Serie A outfit Atalanta, could be in line to make his debut for Ten Hag's men from the substitutes bench, as per The Evening Standard.

Nevertheless, Mason Mount is facing an extended injury lay-off due to a hamstring injury and may spent up to six weeks on the sidelines, potentially moving the goalposts surrounding Scott McTominay's future at Manchester United, as per Telegraph Sport.

Manchester United previously looked open to selling McTominay this summer after he fell out of favour under Ten Hag, though he could now see his path to leave the club complicated by Mount's injury and Fred's departure.

Kobbie Mainoo, who starred for the Red Devils in pre-season, has been ruled out with an ankle injury and has added to Manchester United's depletion in midfield, as per The Guardian.

Who are Manchester United signing?

Taking to X, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update detailing that Manchester United boss Ten Hag is keen to add a young star to the ranks this summer, stating: "Understand Manchester United and RB Leipzig are both negotiating to sign top talent Dino Klapija — also an option to close the deal now for January. Decision on player side expected soon as 2007 born striker will leave Croatian side Kustosija soon."

According to The Daily Mail, 16-year-old Kustosija forward Klapija has attracted interest from elite European sides such as Chelsea, RB Leipzig, Barcelona, AC Milan and Juventus, and it is believed that some of his suitors would be willing to breach the £5 million mark to land the prodigious talent.

Born in in the United States, Klapija has turned out for both the USA and Croatia at youth level on the international stage, impressing scouts from across Europe with his performances. RB Leipzig are willing to offer a pathway to the first team for Klapija and view him as someone who can make the step up to the senior squad in the next two years.

In other news, The Athletic have revealed that Manchester United have turned to Fenerbache stopper Altay Bayindir in their hunt for a new goalkeeper and they have conducted medical tests with the 25-year-old.

Football Insider claim that Manchester United have enquired about Wolves right-back Nelson Semedo as they seek to bolster their defensive ranks before the close of play in the market.