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With the summer transfer window now looming large, Manchester United are yet again being linked with a whole host of prospective targets, as manager Erik ten Hag seeks to bolster his squad ahead of next season.

Among the multitude of transfer rumours involving the Red Devils, one perhaps surprise claim that has emerged in recent days is the links to former Liverpool man, Sadio Mane, with Spanish reports noting that the Senegalese forward could be a potential target for the top-four hopefuls.

This follows claims from Sky Germany which suggested that both the Old Trafford outfit and Newcastle United are the likeliest clubs to make a move for the 31-year-old, with the Champions League-winning winger seemingly set for a swift exit from current side Bayern Munich after a disappointing debut campaign in Germany.

The one-time Southampton ace only made the move to the Allianz Arena on a £35m deal last summer after a six-year stint at Anfield, although despite scoring 12 goals and contributing six assists in 37 games to date, the belief is that the Bavarian giants are already contemplating an exit.

That has given the opportunity for United – who reportedly agreed a deal with Mane back in 2016 prior to his move to Merseyside – to pounce, with it set to be another case of an ex-Liverpool man making the contentious move to the Theatre of Dreams.

Would Mane be a good signing for Man United?

United have previous for irking their rivals having snapped up Michael Owen on a free transfer from Newcastle United back in 2009, with the now-retired marksman having begun his career with the Reds, scoring over 150 goals for the Merseysiders.

That controversial move ultimately failed to prove fruitful, however, as the ageing striker – who was 29 at the time of his switch – was repeatedly hampered by injury over the next few years, albeit while scoring a memorable, stoppage-time winner in the Manchester derby during his debut season.

The former England international would go on to net just 17 goals in 52 games for Sir Alex Ferguson's side before leaving for Stoke City in the summer of 2012.

In the case of Mane, the signing of the 94-cap ace would have merit due to his previous heroics at Anfield, with the versatile forward also proving rather clinical for United's rivals, much like Owen, with 120 goals and 48 assists in just 269 games.

Previously hailed as "brutal" and like a "machine" by Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, the 5 foot 9 speedster has lost his way somewhat during his time at Bayern, however, with it difficult to ascertain just what version of the forward Ten Hag would be acquiring.

Mane's woes in his current surroundings have been laid bare by the fact that those in Germany have even quipped that they may have signed the marksman's "twin brother", with the deal proving an undoubted "mistake" – according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

There may well be a feeling that the one-time Red Bull Salzburg ace could be past his best – as appeared the case during Owen's time in Manchester – hence the need for Ten Hag to steer clear of the £35m-rated asset.

Andre Russell struck a 42-ball century, his first in T20 cricket, to lift Jamaica Tallawahs to 195 and set up a convincing win over Trinbago Knight Riders in Qualifier 2

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Aug-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAndre Russell brought up with century off 42 balls to propel Jamaica Tallawahs to 195•CPL/SportsfileAndre Russell struck a 42-ball century, his first in T20 cricket, to lift Jamaica Tallawahs to 195 and set up a convincing win over Trinbago Knight Riders, sealing their place in the CPL 2016 final. After a lengthy rain interruption during the run chase, Knight Riders’ adjusted target of 130 in 12 overs always looked out of their reach, and they fell 19 runs short in the second Qualifier.After being asked to bat first, Tallawahs made halting progress in their first 10 overs. Openers Chadwick Walton and Chris Gayle got off to reasonably brisk starts, with Gayle hitting two fours and three sixes in his 26-ball 35. But both fell to Kevon Cooper before they could convert their starts into more substantial knocks. Kumar Sangakkara and Rovman Powell were dismissed in single figures to leave Tallawahs at 67 for 4 in the tenth over.That brought Russell to the crease. It did not take long for the fireworks to begin. Russell launched Anderson Phillip for two mighty sixes down the ground in the 11th over and he was away. Phillip, Cooper and Ronsford Beaton all came in for heavy punishment in the ensuing overs as Russell pummelled three fours and 11 sixes to blaze his way to 100 off 44. His 101-run fifth-wicket partnership with Shakib Al Hasan came off just 53 balls; Shakib contributed 19 off 23. In the midst of the carnage, Sunil Narine and Dwayne Bravo managed to keep things relatively tight, but that could not prevent a Russell-powered Tallawahs side from racing to 195 in their 20 overs.In reply, Knight Riders lost Umar Akmal early, to a run-out, and pottered to 18 for 1 in three overs before a lengthy rain delay led to a D/L-adjusted target of 130 in 12 overs. With his team in need of quick runs after the resumption, Colin Munro wasted no time in providing some impetus, hitting three fours off Kesrick Williams in the fourth over. More boundaries flowed from Munro’s bat, before he miscued a flighted ball from Imad Wasim to depart for 38 off 26, with Knight Riders still requiring 63 from the last four overs.Hashim Amla took over briefly, hitting a couple of fours and one six. But, in the end, the magnitude of the task proved to be too great and Knight Riders lost five wickets in the last two overs as they stumbled to a 19-run defeat.

Newcastle United's planning for the upcoming summer transfer window is already underway as the Magpies have been linked with a number of players in recent weeks.

The last few games of the campaign could dictate who they end up being able to bring in as the club compete to secure a place in the Champions League for next term.

Their chances of completing ambitious signings could be boosted by playing in Europe's premier competition and this could be the case with West Ham United's Declan Rice, who is a reported £90m target for Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth.

How would Declan Rice fit in at Newcastle?

The England international could be the dream partner for Bruno Guimaraes in the middle of the park as the arrival of a natural defensive midfielder would allow the ex-Lyon man to play further up the pitch.

Newcastle's star scored three goals and provided one assist in nine appearances as a central midfielder in the Premier League for the Magpies last season but 28 of his 29 outings in the division this term have been in a holding role – resulting in three goals.

Guimaraes created three 'big chances' in his 11 starts in the top-flight in 2021/22 but has only provided two in the current campaign, which suggests that his threat in the attacking third is being diminished by the club's need to play him in a defensive position.

Rice has made 4.1 tackles and interceptions per match in the Premier League this term and won 58% of his individual duels, whilst ranking in the top 3% of his players in his role for interceptions per 90 (1.86) in Europe's top five leagues over the last 365 days.

The Hammers skipper is an exceptional defender in the number six position, which is backed up by the aforementioned statistics, and his presence in Howe's midfield would allow Guimaraes to play as one of the eights ahead of Rice.

This would provide the Brazilian with more opportunities to make an impact in the final third by being further up the pitch and his statistics from 2021/22 suggest that he could be a difference-maker for the Toon Army if deployed in an advanced position for an entire season.

Therefore, the £90m star, who was lauded as a "generational talent" by The Athletic journalist Roshane Thomas, could be the perfect partner for the 25-year-old.

His defensive quality could brilliantly complement Guimaraes' skill and poise in possession to create a frightening midfield for Newcastle, which is why Howe and Ashworth must work hard to get this deal over the line in the coming weeks and months.

Offspinning allrounder Ramith Rambukwella has been called up to Sri Lanka’s squad for the T20 against England on Tuesday, team management has confirmed

Andrew Fidel Fernando04-Jul-2016Offspinning allrounder Ramith Rambukwella has been called up to Sri Lanka’s squad for the T20 against England on Tuesday, team management has confirmed. Batsman Upul Tharanga has left the side, but the remainder of Sri Lanka’s ODI squad will stay for the T20.Rambukwella, who was in the UK with the Sri Lanka A team, had played one T20I against New Zealand in 2013, taking 1 for 19 from four overs. He has since been out of Sri Lanka’s T20 squads, but was recalled by the selection committee led by Sanath Jayasuriya, who had also been chief selector during Rambukwella’s previous entry to the national side.In 40 T20 matches, Rambukwella averages 18.04 and strikes at 154 with the bat, and has 36 wickets and an economy rate of 6.71. He hit 141 runs and claimed seven wickets in eight matches during SLC’s club-based T20 tournament this year, but was significantly less effective in the provincial T20 tournament.Left-arm spinning allrounder Milinda Siriwardana, who was part of Sri Lanka’s World T20 squad, was the most notable absence from this T20 squad – though he had already returned to Sri Lanka ahead of the ODIs.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their plans to improve their defensive options in the upcoming summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Jean-Clair Todibo to Newcastle?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Magpies are one of three Premier League sides who have been keeping tabs on Nice central defender Jean Clair-Todibo.

The reporter revealed:

"Understand Newcastle, Manchester Utd and Liverpool scouts were in attendance at Nice-Rennes game to monitor Jean Clair Todibo #transfers French centre back could get top club move in the summer — with price tag understood to be around €45m."

However, it remains to be seen whether or not sporting director Dan Ashworth is prepared to match the French side's £39m asking price ahead of next season.

Who could replace Fabian Schar at Newcastle?

Eddie Howe and Ashworth could secure the dream long-term heir to Fabian Schar at St. James' Park by beating their Premier League rivals to Todibo's signature in the coming months.

The Switzerland international has enjoyed a terrific season alongside Sven Botman at the back for the Magpies this term but the central defender turns 32 later this year and the club may be starting to think about what life will look like after he departs or his powers wane with old age.

At 23, Todibo is a promising young centre-back who has already proven himself in a major European league and he could slot in as competition for Schar, with a view to eventually taking over from the 31-year-old.

In Ligue 1 this season, the Frenchman has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.93 across 31 appearances and won 66% of his individual duels. Schar, meanwhile, has averaged a score of 7.13 and won 64% of his battles across 32 Premier League outings this season.

These statistics show that both players are dominant defenders who can produce solid performances on a consistent basis but Todibo could have the edge when it comes to playing out from the back.

Over the last 365 days, the Nice star ranks in the top 12% of players in his position in Europe's top five leagues for progressive passes and successful take-ons per 90, whilst Schar does not rank higher than the top 28% in either statistic, making Todibo one of the best central defenders around at progressing the ball forward from the defence.

This suggests that Todibo, who talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed as "complete" and a possible "bargain" for a club this summer, could offer more than the current Newcastle defender in possession, whilst still boasting similar physical dominance off the ball in his respective division.

Therefore, Howe could receive a dream heir to Schar if Newcaslte win the race for Todibo, who is eight years younger than the Swiss international, this summer.

A career-best 138 not out from Adam Rossington has put Northamptonshire in a position to push for their first win of the season in the Specsavers County Championship

ECB Reporters Network24-Jun-2016
ScorecardAdam Rossington cut loose to rapidly build Northamptonshire’s lead•Getty ImagesA career-best 138 not out from Adam Rossington has put Northamptonshire in a position to push for their first win of the season in the Specsavers County Championship.Rossington, who was playing as a specialist batsman because of an injury to his left hand, hit five sixes and 16 fours in an impressive display to help his side establish a first innings lead of 300 against Sussex at Arundel.They declared on 478 for 5 but Sussex openers Ed Joyce and Chris Nash successfully negotiated 24 hours before stumps to reach 70 without loss, still 230 behind with a day to go.The experienced pair adopted a risk-free approach against attacking fields with Nash unbeaten on 36 and Joyce 28 not out.Rossington had earlier helped Northants speed towards their declaration 25 minutes after tea on the third day in an unbroken stand of 199 in 39 overs with wicketkeeper David Murphy, a sixth wicket county record against Sussex, beating the 178 by Rob Bailey and David Ripley at Northampton in 1990.The former Middlesex batsman was particularly savage on legspinner Luke Wells, hitting him for four sixes before swiping Ajmal Shahzad over the long-on rope. Murphy gave him good support with an unbeaten 60 as batting conditions eased on a pitch lacking pace.Sussex had a glimmer of hope just after lunch when they reduced Northants to 279 for 5, but on a wicket offering their seam attack little margin for error they failed to make the most of the second new ball as Rossington grew in confidence.The day had started well for Sussex. Ollie Robinson drew Alex Wakely with his first ball of the second day and had the Northants’ skipper caught behind, but the visitors regained the initiative in a punishing fourth-wicket alliance of 119 in 27.3 overs between Rob Keogh and debutant Sean Terry.Former Hampshire batsman Terry, who is on non-contract terms, improved his chances of a permanent deal by scoring 54 only to give it away just before lunch when he hit Harry Finch to deep midwicket.Keogh batted well for his 75, compiled in just under three hours with 11 fours, only to lose concentration just after lunch when he tamely prodded forward to Shahzad and was caught behind.Northamptonshire’s lead was 101 at that point but Rossington and Murphy extended it impressively during the afternoon session.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has demonstrated his willingness to offer the youth a platform to impress this season, and could continue the trend by signing Blackburn Rovers' teenage starlet Adam Wharton.

What's the latest on Adam Wharton to Newcastle?

According to the Daily Mail, the 18-year-old Wharton has enjoyed an impressive breakout season with Rovers and has attracted the attention of several top Premier League outfits.

Indeed, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are joined by Eddie Howe's Magpies in sending sporting director Dan Ashworth and scout Mick Tait to observe the prodigious talent's progress, with Leicester City and West Ham United also interested.

The report continues to state that the dynamic midfielder has been described as a 'taller Jack Wilshere, who can play and tackle.'

Should Newcastle sign Wharton?

The Toon boast a wealth of firepower following the £300m PIF takeover in 2021, having followed the changing of the ownership guard with sustained exemplary performances on the pitch that navigated away from relegation danger and now, just one season later, have the club in third place with just three matches to play.

Securing world-class firepower is indeed necessary to bolster the club's hopes of maintaining this newfound stature and navigating towards a future speckled with success, but solidifying the foundation of the first team's exploits with a vibrant crop of youth talent is just as important.

And in Wharton, who has made 18 Championship appearances this season, scoring one goal and supplying two assists, an heir to the midfield could be found and nurtured into a phenom fit to lead the Toon engine.

As per Sofascore, the gem has recorded an average rating in the second tier of 6.95, completing 84% of his passes, making 0.7 key passes, 1.7 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per outing, with journalist Josh Bunting hailing him as "brilliant" for his work.

In Wharton's final match of the campaign, the enthralling 4-3 victory over Millwall as both outfits chased, painstakingly unsuccessfully, a place in the play-offs, he scored his maiden league goal and earned an impressive 7.1 match rating, complementing his strike with three interceptions, two tackles and success in three of his four ground duels.

The "ridiculous" teenager – as he was dubbed by Blackburn writer Callum Altimas – ranks among the top 8% of midfielders across Men's Next 8 divisions – preceding the European big five – the top 16% for tackles and the top 11% for blocks per 90, via FBref, illustrating the dynamism of his skill set.

While the 5 foot 9 "star boy" – in the words of writer Matthew Stanger – has been likened to former Arsenal maestro Wilshere, it is coveted Englishman Jude Bellingham who he could emulate as he grows into his skin.

Bellingham was always a precocious footballing talent and is now one of the game's most eminent midfielders, with the Borussia Dortmund star reportedly closing on a move to Real Madrid after intense speculation surrounding his future.

Both Wharton and Bellingham have plied their breakout seasons in the Championship, with the Riversiders ace's aptitude in 'playing and tackling' similar to that of Bellingham, who ranks among the top 2% of midfielders across Europe's big five leagues for goals, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 1% for successful take-ons, as per FBref.

There is a long way to go until the Rovers starlet can truly emulate Bellingham, but at Newcastle, he could yet develop into a truly all-encompassing midfielder of the highest order.

Middlesex, bottom of South Group for the last two seasons, offered hope of a revival in T20 fortunes as new captain Dawid Malan inspired a comfortable victory over perennial contenders Hampshire at Uxbridge

ECB Reporters Network27-May-2016
ScorecardDawid Malan slugs one to the leg side•Getty ImagesMiddlesex, bottom of South Group for the last two seasons, offered hope of a revival in T20 fortunes as they launched this year’s campaign with an unexpectedly comfortable victory over perennial contenders Hampshire at Uxbridge.It was a contrasting tale of two new captains as Middlesex gained their first home win over the visitors since 2007, and their first of the season after six draws in four-day cricket. Dawid Malan, making his debut as Middlesex skipper, made light of the absence on IPL duty of Brendon McCullum and Eion Morgan with a 48-ball 93 studded with ten fours and five sixes. His counterpart Sean Ervine, leading Hampshire for the first time as James Vince is on Test duty, was out for a first ball duck.Ervine had put Middlesex in and was relieved at restricting them to 195 for 6 given the hosts were 150 for 3 with five overs left. However, Hampshire collapsed from 55 for 1 to 77 for 7 before eventually subsiding to 126 all out with more than four overs remainingSome batsmen become inhibited when entrusted with the responsibility of captaincy, others thrive upon it. Malan is clearly one of the latter. He hit his first ball, bowled by off-spinner Will Smith, straight down the ground for four. Remarkably he hit his next four balls, bowled by former West Indian quick Tino Best, for boundaries too. The next ball he blocked, and damaged his bat, requiring a new one.Malan made 121 against Hampshire in red-ball cricket earlier this season and continued that form to reach his half-century off 27 balls. The skipper continued to pepper the tree-lined boundary with sixes before being dismissed off Gareth Andrew with a slash to Tino Best at fly slip.Half-century partnerships with Adam Voges (23) and John Simpson (15) had put Middlesex on course for a substantial score but Shahid Afridi bookmarked his final over with the wickets of Ryan Higgins and Simpson. That kept Middlesex below 200 despite Best conceding 51 off four wicketless overs.Hampshire began slowly, being 12 for 1 off 15 balls with Jimmy Adams spectacularly caught by substitute fielder Nathan Sowter. Ten balls later they were 48 for 1 with Adam Wheater cutting loose. However, he miscued to be caught for a 15-ball 30 and Toby Roland-Jones knocked out Ervine’s middle stump next ball.Afridi hit the hat-trick ball for four but was run out attempting a second. With Michael Carberry having perished to a top edge in the interim Hampshire had lost four wickets for nine runs in 12 balls. Though Liam Dawson hit 46 off 29 balls the contest was effectively over.Hampshire have qualified for finals day for six seasons in succession while Middlesex have not escaped the group stages since winning the competition in 2008. It is early days, but this season could be different for both.

Crystal Palace are believed to be interested in signing Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom this summer, according to an exciting new transfer rumour.

Is Akpom having a good season?

The 27-year-old is having a season to remember for 'Boro, proving to be one of the Championship's best players and even winning the division's Player of the Season award last month. He has been a relentless source of goals throughout the campaign, netting 28 times in 37 appearances and helping his side into the playoff places.

Akpom still has work to do this season, in terms of helping inspire Michael Carrick's into the Premier League, with some tense playoff games now on the horizon this month. Should 'Boro failed to return to the top flight, however, there is sure to be interest in their star player's services once the summer transfer window arrives.

The Englishman's current deal expires at the end of this season, meaning he could be snapped up for free if he doesn't sign a new contract at the Riverside Stadium. That's where Palace come into play, as they eye up attacking reinforcements in the summer, and namely a new centre forward.

Could Crystal Palace sign Akpom this summer?

According to TEAMtalk, the Eagles are "ready to launch a move" for Akpom this summer and are "drawing up plans to bid for the former England U21 international", implying a new contract won't stop their attempt. It is also claimed that the striker would "relish" the opportunity to move back to London, having been in Arsenal's academy before departing back in 2018.

Palace will reportedly make a move for Akpom regardless of how Middlesbrough's playoff campaign goes, seeing him as a strong option to bring into the top flight.

He could certainly be an exciting signing, given the prolific nature in which he has scored for 'Boro this season, and while the step up to the Premier League is clearly great, he could be the man Palace are desperately in need for, in terms of providing consistent end product.

This season, Eberechi Eze is leading the scoring charts in the league with just eight goals, which highlights the need to bring in a true marksman who can net somewhere between 15 and 20 strikes per year. Granted, there is the risk that Akpom could find the move hard and not be as prolific, but he has been hailed as "incredible" by journalist Chris Wheatley, and at 27, would be coming in right in the prime of his career.

Liverpool will head to the capital this evening for their Premier League clash with West Ham United at the London Stadium and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that his team can continue to pick up important points as the season reaches the final stages.

The Reds are currently seventh in the top-flight table and are nine points adrift of the Champions League qualifying spots inside the top four at present with just seven games remaining to close the gap.

Indeed, it is looking more and more unlikely that Liverpool will be able to secure a place in the prestigious European competition next season, however, supporters will expect their team to put up a fight over the next few weeks, which includes snatching all three points away from home tonight.

Liverpool have struggled significantly with injuries this season as several key players have experienced multiple absences, which has contributed to the inconsistent performances on the pitch, and Klopp has now revealed that the team could be without another star later.

The German coach took to his pre-match press conference to confirm that centre-back Ibrahima Konate is an injury doubt for the clash with West Ham:

“Ibou, we need to see how it is with him but in the moment I am rather positive, but that doesn’t mean a lot. From possible starters, I think that’s it.”

As a result, it could be the perfect opportunity for Joel Matip to earn his spot back in the starting XI for the mid-week clash, as his experience and partnership with Virgil van Dijk would be the best solution to replace Konate.

Will Joel Matip start vs West Ham?

There is no doubt that the Liverpool boss will be cautious about Konate if he isn't 100% fit, as the defender has been crucial in the positive performances that have led up to this game and will remain important for the upcoming fixtures that include Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa as both teams are ahead of them in the table.

So starting Matip alongside Van Dijk would be advantageous to ensure the Frenchman has enough time to recover from his niggle without compromising the quality of the defensive set-up in the process.

The £100k-per-week ace – hailed as a "huge presence" by Jamie Carragher – has been integral in the past success at Anfield, but more recently, has lost his place in his starting spot to Konate.

Despite being out of favour, there is no denying that Matip would be a worthy replacement for his teammate with his record against West Ham proving that he would be more than capable of a positive performance.

Over his seven appearances against the Hammers, Matip has only lost once and won four when he has featured, as well as scoring a Premier League goal against them.

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer to unleash Matip in the back four tonight as he not only has the experience to influence a good result, but will give Klopp the chance to rest Konate ahead of the clash with Spurs on Sunday.