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Julian Nagelsmann lauds Cristiano Ronaldo’s dedication and fitness after Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League semi-final win over Germany.

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Portugal defeat Germany 2-1 in Nations League semisNagelsmann admits Germany fell shortRonaldo’s goal a result of hard work, 'not by chance'Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Portugal stunned Germany with a 2-1 win in the Nations League semi-final, knocking out the tournament hosts in Munich. The four-time World champions took the lead through a well-directed header from Florian Wirtz, but Portugal hit back quickly with Francisco Conceicao equalising before the Portuguese star netted the winner right five minutes later. It was Ronaldo's first-ever international win over Germany after five straight defeats.

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Germany boss Nagelsmann admitted Portugal “deserved” the win and revealed he would have to “speak to some players” after a performance that lacked full commitment from certain individuals. He may hold Ronaldo up as an example for them to follow as he heaped praise on the the 40-year-old superstar, who scored his 137th international goal to take his career tally to a whopping 937.

AFPWHAT NAGELSMANN SAID

On CR7’s performance, Nagelsmann offered praise and acknowledged the veteran’s continued excellence: "At 40, Ronaldo has a great body and he invests a lot in it. He invests a lot in himself and the result is there for all to see. He scored a goal, it's not by chance."

Die Mannschaft's coach admitted his team were second best on the night, adding: "It was a deserved victory for Portugal. They were better than us. We gave everything in the first half, but if we are not at 100 percent, we cannot compete with the best teams."

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

Ronaldo’s club future remains uncertain after his contract with Al-Nassr expired this summer. Reports linked him to Brazilian side Botafogo and a possible short-term Club World Cup stint. However, multiple reports now suggest Ronaldo could extend his stay at Al-Nassr until he turns 42.

Details about the specific offence for which he was arrested are unclear but they relate to Al Qadir University

Danyal Rasool09-May-2023

Imran Khan, the former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister, has been arrested in Islamabad. He was scheduled to appear at the Islamabad High Court to apply for bail in a number of cases that had required his presence, though local media reported that he has not been arrested for a charge for which he was appearing in court on Tuesday.The arrest warrant, seen by ESPNcricinfo states that Imran has been “accused of commission of the offense of corruption and corrupt practices” under a section of the National Accountability Ordinance.At approximately 2:15pm local time, Imran was arrested by, according to local media, the Pakistan Rangers, a paramilitary federal law enforcement corps in Pakistan. He was handed over to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for further investigation. Section 144, a colonial-era law that prohibits large gatherings, has also been imposed in Pakistan’s capital.Islamabad Police released a statement from their Inspector General on Twitter saying Imran had been arrested in the Al Qadir University case, an institution he founded as prime minister in 2019 and where he remains chairman. The allegations centre around the alleged involvement of the former prime minister and his wife in the university being donated the land it stands on by the influential Pakistani businessman and real estate giant Malik Riaz. The UK’s National Crime Agency seized assets worth £190m from Riaz in December 2019 and returned them to Pakistan and it is alleged links between the land allotted for the university and what the Pakistan government did with those funds that is unclear but has been the subject of a government investigative committee.Related

Supreme Court orders immediate release of Imran Khan

Imran's exit casts shadow over Ramiz's future as PCB chairman

Imran Khan suffers leg injuries after being shot at in protest march

The current federal government in Pakistan, which replaced Imran’s government in April 2022 after a vote of no confidence, has often called for his arrest, as have several courts over the past year. There were two separate concerted attempts to arrest him from his residence in March, where police were thwarted by huge numbers of supporters gathered outside his residence to help him resist arrest. Several senior figures of Imran’s PTI party (Pakistan’s Movement for Justice) have been arrested over the last year, on charges the party says are spurious. They have all been subsequently released.Pakistan’s Supreme Court had ordered elections in Punjab, the country’s largest province, to be held on May 14, a few weeks after the constitutional mandate for the caretaker government, set up in the province in January, expired. The ruling party had rejected calls for those elections to be held in defiance of that order.Several polls have shown Imran holding a clear lead as the most popular politician in the country, and he has accused the government of thwarting Pakistani citizens’ democratic rights by refusing to hold elections.”The government and its backers are petrified of elections because so far in the last eight months, out of the 37 by elections, my party has won 30 out of them,” Imran told in March.”They want to either arrest or disqualify me because they are scared [of the fact] that my party is one of the most popular in Pakistan’s history,” he said then, as attempts to arrest him from his residence in Lahore were underway.The development escalates an already unstable political climate in the country. Last November, Imran suffered bullet wounds to his leg after an assassination attempt while he was leading a protest march in Wazirabad in Punjab.

According to police, Shaw “refused to take a selfie for the second time with two people”

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Feb-2023India batter Prithvi Shaw has been involved in an incident in the suburbs of Mumbai, in which his friend’s car was allegedly attacked by a group of people, against whom a case has been filed with the police.”Oshiwara Police has registered a case against 8 persons over an alleged attack on the car of a friend of Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw after Shaw refused to take a selfie for the second time with two people,” Mumbai Police was quoted as saying by ANI.In videos circulated on social media, Shaw can be seen on the street at night, in the presence of police personnel. The person filming the video can be heard accusing Shaw and his friends of attacking them.Shaw has played 12 matches for India – five Tests, six ODIs and one T20I – the last of which came in July 2021. He recently returned to the T20I squad for the series against New Zealand at the start of this year but didn’t get a game. Shaw has been scoring heaps of runs in the domestic circuit in recent times – including a triple-century in the Ranji Trophy last month – but according to reports, he has been out of the India squad for disciplinary reasons.Shaw’s last game for Mumbai was against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy in the second half of January.

Unbeaten Chelsea ran away with the title for the sixth-straight season, but there were plenty of talking points all the way down the table

And so another Women's Super League season comes to a close. It was certainly a memorable one, with Chelsea hitting remarkably new heights with their sixth league title in a row. The Blues went without defeat all year in the competition, while breaking their own record for points accrued and equalling that for most wins. It has not been a bad way for Sonia Bompastor's tenure to begin – and it could get better yet, with the FA Cup final to come this weekend.

There wasn't a great deal of change in the spots immediately below them, either. Arsenal, in the Champions League final later this month, qualified for Europe again by finishing second, with Manchester United to join them on the continent after recovering from the disappointment of missing out last time around. Again, the Red Devils' season can still get better, too, as they will be out to defend their FA Cup when they take on Chelsea at Wembley in a few days' time.

But it wasn't all smiles. This was a massively underwhelming season for Manchester City, for a plethora of reasons, and it was Crystal Palace who occupied that unwanted relegation spot, forcing them to return to the second-tier just 12 months after getting out of it. They were not the only sides left disappointed by this year's events, either, as GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from the 2024-25 WSL season…

Getty Images SportWINNER: Sonia Bompastor

Replacing Emma Hayes after her incredible 12-year stint in charge of Chelsea was never going to be easy for any manager, and yet Sonia Bompastor has made it look so. The former Lyon boss spoke before the season about how, while she couldn't improve on the Blues' position in the league, as reigning champions, she knew they could aim for another title and to break records. That's exactly what they have done.

By clinching the WSL trophy with two games to spare, Chelsea won the competition earlier than any other team has managed before; by avoiding defeat to Liverpool on the final day, they became the first side in the league's 22-game era to go unbeaten; and by finding a late winner in that last outing, they broke their own record for most points in a season and matched the record for the most wins.

"It's been the smoothest transition I've ever experienced," Millie Bright told on Saturday. "From the first day she came in, [Bompastor] excited us." That's a huge credit to the coach and her staff, who could yet lead the Blues to just a second-ever treble next week with victory in the FA Cup final. It's been quite the first season.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: Manchester City

When Manchester City opted to make a change in the dugout just five days before their League Cup final clash with Chelsea, it felt like a massive risk. Head coach Gareth Taylor had been under pressure at various points in his tenure, and some criticisms of him were valid, but there was surely little that his replacement, former boss Nick Cushing, could do with this squad given the injury crisis it was enduring.

Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood both missed several months after having knee surgeries in November and December, respectively, and only returned in the final few weeks of the campaign; Vivianne Miedema had a knee surgery of her own in October and, after returning to some promising form in the New Year, had her season ended early after picking up a problem on international duty; while star striker Khadija Shaw had a spell on the sidelines before Christmas and then didn't play again after that League Cup final in mid-March.

Then there is Risa Shimizu, who missed the whole season; Rebecca Knaak, who joined in January and then was out for two months with a hamstring injury; Mary Fowler, who sustained an ACL injury in April; plus Aoba Fujino, Ayaka Yamashita, Jill Roord and so many more who had to miss notable time.

But City opted for a managerial change at a surprising time, ahead of a four-game series with reigning WSL champions Chelsea across three competitions. Cushing had to come in and deliver immediately, working with a group that was massively depleted and featured only one or two names he had previously coached. It seemed highly unlikely to work and, in the end, it didn't.

Would Taylor have fared better? That's a hypothetical we'll never know the answer to. One thing is for sure, though: He could not have fared worse.

Getty ImagesWINNER: Alessia Russo

There has never been much doubt that Alessia Russo is a fantastic all-round footballer. With a wonderful ability to hold the ball up and link play, the questions around her have instead been related to the goal-scoring instincts needed to be a top No.9. This season, she has answered those in her most impressive fashion to date, sharing the WSL Golden Boot with Man City star Khadija Shaw after equalling her best-ever return of 12 goals in the competition.

It feels like a really significant season in the Arsenal striker's development. She looks more assured than ever in front of goal, posting some of her most clinical statistics in areas aside from the actual strikes themselves, and that has also helped propel the Gunners into the Champions League final which will take place at the end of the month.

Can Russo go up another level yet? Former head coach Jonas Eidevall previously shared his belief that she could be a 20-goal striker. Russo has hit that mark in all competitions to contribute to a strong season for Arsenalm and there is reason to believe she can progress further to remain among the WSL's deadliest centre-forwards, based on what she has shown this past year.

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Getty ImagesLOSER: Sam Kerr

Chelsea have had a remarkable season. On Saturday, the Blues lifted their sixth-successive WSL title, doing so after becoming the first team in the competition's 22-game era to go unbeaten all season and having broken their own record for the most points accrued in a single campaign. But missing from all of that on-pitch success has been Sam Kerr.

The Australia star suffering a devastating ACL injury in January of last year while Chelsea were away on a warm weather training camp. It's an injury that is all too common in the women's game and can often be more complicated for some unfortunate players, with Catarina Macario, Kerr's club-mate, enduring almost two years on the sidelines after her own ACL tear.

Kerr's case has been similarly tough. While there was hope that she could be back to contribute to the second half of the Blues' season, she's still yet to return to action at all. Success has still come Chelsea's way in spades this year, but Kerr will have found it hard to watch them lose another Champions League semi-final to Barcelona, knowing she could've made a difference if fit, and even if there might not have been much else that could've gone right for her team in the WSL, the league has still been deprived of the joy of watching one of the world's best for far too long. It's not just Chelsea fans that will hope to see her back as soon as possible.

Ex-Leeds United loanee Jermaine Pennant believes his former club should make a double signing this summer if they are promoted to the Premier League.

Leeds flying on track for promotion

As we enter the business end of the season, Leeds are in a very strong position to achieve their aim of promotion from the Championship, given that they are currently sitting seven points above third-placed Burnley.

The Whites have won four games on the spin in the second tier, and they strengthened their chances of ending their two-year absence from the Premier League with a dramatic 2-1 victory against promotion rivals Sunderland last time out.

A Wilson Isidor effort gave the Black Cats the lead just after the half-an-hour mark, but substitute Pascal Struijk was the hero in the second half, with the 25-year-old bagging a late equaliser before netting a stoppage-time winner to secure all three points at Elland Road.

The job is far from done, but Leeds chiefs are likely to have one eye on signings for the summer transfer window, and they may be particularly keen to tie down two loanees, who have played a key role in their push for promotion this season.

When asked whether he thinks Tottenham Hotspur’s Manor Solomon and AFC Bournemouth’s Joe Rothwell should be signed on a permanent basis, Pennant, who spent a season at Elland road in 2003-04 told Football FanCast: “100 per cent. Especially when you come into the Premier League, you need as much talent as you can. They’re two great players who have helped Leeds immensely.

“When you get players who have got you promoted, you want to keep that core and then invest around that for players who can adapt and play in the Premier League.

“So 100 per cent they need to sign players like that, it’s only gonna benefit them if they can.”

Leeds now keen on signing "infectious" player in summer transfer window

Leeds and Farke already have their eyes on one or two players they would like to sign if they reach the Premier League.

ByBrett Worthington Feb 17, 2025 Solomon and Rothwell must be signed permanently

Solomon has been a vital player for Daniel Farke this season, and the winger has been particularly impressive since the turn of the year, picking up four goals and four assists in his last eight matches.

At 25-years-old, the Israel international is only likely to improve, and he has previously put in some impressive performances in the top flight, bagging four goals in 19 top-tier games for Fulham, so there are indications he would be able to make the step-up.

Rothwell has also been integral to Leeds’ success, making 30 appearances and assisting both goals in the dramatic victory against Sunderland, with TEAMtalk’s James Marshment lauding the Bournemouth loanee as a “driving force” in Farke’s midfield.

Given the midfielder’s Premier League experience is limited, having only played a bit-part role for the Cherries, the 30-year-old may not be a regular starter next season, but his performances this season suggest he could be a good squad player at the very least.

Chelsea may not be in with a realistic shot at winning the Premier League title, sitting ten points adrift as it stands, but they are well on track to qualify for the Champions League.

The Blues moved up to fourth in the division, moving ahead of champions Manchester City, with a 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.

Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella, and Noni Madueke ensured that Enzo Maresca’s side came away with all three points against the strugglers.

One player who struggled once again, though, was centre-forward Nicolas Jackson. He ended the game without a goal or an assist and missed a ‘big chance’ in front of goal.

The Senegal international has scored one goal in his last eight Premier League appearances and only scored nine goals from 10.96 xG in the division so far this season, which illustrates his big problem in the final third – finishing.

Jackson’s wasteful finishing in front of goal may be of concern to Chelsea and they are reportedly interested in a player who could come in to compete with him for a starting spot and boost Cole Palmer’s remarkable creativity levels.

Cole Palmer's creative quality for Chelsea

Since arriving from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, the England international has been the superstar at the heart of the Chelsea team with his output at the top end of the pitch.

Palmer has racked up an eye-catching return of 39 goals and 21 assists in 69 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League giants since the start of last season, which speaks to his ability to score and create goals on a regular basis.

The left-footed wizard could, justifiably, feel that he deserves to have more assists to his name, however, as his teammates have not made the most of the high-quality chances that he has created for them in the top-flight.

As you can see in the table above, Palmer has created a whopping 35 ‘big chances’ in his Premier League career, only to be rewarded with 17 assists.

This shows that his Chelsea teammates have been incredibly wasteful in front of goal with the opportunities that his wizardry has created in the English top-flight.

So, the addition of another striker would surely go down a treat…

Chelsea eyeing £67m striker

According to Sky Sports Switzerland, the Blues have been ‘unhappy’ with Jackson’s performances in the Premier League so far this season, potentially due to his underperformance as a finisher, and have now turned their attention to RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The report claims that Chelsea have decided to compete with rivals Arsenal to secure a deal to sign the Slovenia international during the January transfer window, which still has more than a week left to run before it slams shut at the start of next month.

It states that the Premier League giants have already made contact with the Bundesliga side to hold talks over a potential deal for the impressive young marksman, as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the second half of the season.

The outlet adds that Sesko has reached an agreement with Leipzig that will allow him to move on from the club if a team comes in with an offer of at least €80m (£67m) for his services this month.

It does not reveal, however, whether or not Chelsea are prepared to pay £67m to sign the forward this month or if they will wait until the summer transfer window to spend that kind of money on a new number nine to compete with Jackson, despite holding talks with Leipzig already in January.

Irrespective of whether it happens now or at the end of the season, signing a clinical forward could be a dream for current Blues star Palmer, due to the creative quality he possesses in the final third.

Why Benjamin Sesko would be a dream for Cole Palmer

Palmer’s statistics in the Premier League suggest that playing alongside a clinical and effective centre-forward would be a dream for him, because that player would be able to make the most of his creativity.

Jackson’s aforementioned form in front of the goal means that he is not currently doing enough in the final third to reward the England international for the work he is doing to break down defences with his genius passes and crosses that create high-quality chances.

Sesko, however, is a ruthless number nine who can elevate Palmer’s creativity, instead of wasting it, as shown by his return of 22 goals from 13.65 xG in the Bundesliga since the start of last season.

The Slovenian marksman, who was described as a “menace” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, scored 14 goals from 8.60 xG in the German top-flight in the 2023/24 campaign, which speaks to his clinical nature in the final third.

As you can see in the table above, Sesko has been incredibly efficient with the little he has had to work with in the Bundesliga for Leipzig so far this term, as his team have only created 4.39 xG worth of chances for him, but he has found the back of the net eight times.

This, and his form last term, suggests that the £67m-rated star could come in as a fantastic signing for Chelsea given the quality of chances that they, and Palmer specifically, create in matches.

Therefore, Sesko could be a dream addition for Palmer in the second half of the season, or for the 2025/26 campaign, as a quality finisher who can convert the opportunities he creates.

It is now down to the board to ensure that they can beat Arsenal in the race to secure his signature, whether that is for £67m or another fee that they can negotiate.

He'd supercharge Sancho: Chelsea enquire over signing "unstoppable" star

Chelsea are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the former Premier League flop.

By
Dan Emery

Jan 21, 2025

As Randal Kolo Muani agrees to join Juventus rather than complete a move to north London, Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been offered the chance to sign a Serie A forward this month.

Tottenham transfer news

The Lilywhites desperately need further reinforcements this month after welcoming Antonin Kinsky to replace Fraser Forster in place of the injured Guglielmo Vicario. Sat in the depths of mid-table, Ange Postecoglou has been forced to rely on fringe players like Djed Spence, whilst forming makeshift centre-back partnerships with young midfielder Archie Gray.

With the January transfer window open, such circumstances simply must not continue if Spurs are to mount a serious comeback into European contention this season. On that front, it looked as though Kolo Muani was set to emerge and provide an attacking boost before Italian giants Juventus came calling and all but sealed the Frenchman’s signature.

Forced to turn their attention to alternatives, those in north London have reportedly been offered a Serie A forward who could yet use a move to the Lilywhites to rediscover his best form.

According to The Boot Room, Tottenham have now been offered the chance to sign Noah Okafor this month in a deal that would see the forward swap Milan for the chance to work under Postecoglou.

Tottenham set to explore late January deal for £264k-per-week PSG player

Spurs already tried to get Randal Kolo Muani.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jan 18, 2025

Still just 24 years old, the Swiss winger has struggled since arriving at the San Siro in the summer of 2023 and could now be heading for the exit door just under two years later.

Like Kolo Muani, Okafor needs a fresh start, and represents a risk as a result. However, whether Spurs are willing to take the same risk on the Milan ace that they were on the PSG forward remains to be seen.

"Electric" Okafor could rediscover best form at Tottenham

If Tottenham can secure either a loan or a bargain deal to sign Okafor this month, he’d be worth the gamble. The winger thrived during his time at Red Bull Salzburg, and a fresh start could yet see him rediscover such form. Arguably still yet to reach the peak of his powers at 24 years old, there’s every chance Okafor could burst into life courtesy of a departure away from the San Siro.

Dubbed “electric” by analyst Ben Mattinson when he was first presented as a Milan player, Okafor will be desperate to earn such praise again – perhaps in the Premier League.

With just 15 days left until the transfer window slams shut, Spurs must return to the transfer market and sign the attacking boost they’ve been chasing this month.

كشف علاء عبده مدرب منتخب مصر للشباب، تفاصيل الصعوبات التي واجهت الجهاز الفني واللاعبين قبل مباراة غانا في تصفيات ربع نهائي كأس أمم إفريقيا تحت 20 عامًا.

وتمكن منتخب مصر من تخطي عقبة غانا بالفوز بضربات الجزاء الترجيحية، ليتأهل إلى نصف نهائي البطولة الدولية وكذلك كأس العالم للشباب.

وقال علاء عبده في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة اون سبورت: “كانت المباراة صعبة للغاية، وهناك كواليس قبل المباراة تؤثر على الأداء، لعبنا مباراة إضافية مقارنة بباقي المجموعات، بينما حصل منتخب غانا على يوم راحة إضافي قبلنا”.

وأكمل: “العامل البدني لعب دورًا كبيرًا جدًا، حيث استهلكنا بدنيًا بشكل واضح، لكن اللاعبين بذلوا مجهودًا رائعًا واجتهدوا بقوة، وسنغلق صفحة هذه المباراة الآن ونستعد للمواجهة المقبلة”.

طالع | حمادة أنور: صعدنا لنصف نهائي أمم إفريقيا من أجل مصر.. وانتظرونا أمام المغرب

وأردف: “جميع المنتخبات تقدمت بشكل ملحوظ على المستويين الخططي والبدني، وتمتلك لاعبين محترفين بمستوى عالٍ جدًا، ولا يوجد منتخب سهل أو صعب في هذه المرحلة”.

واختتم: “منتخب مصر سيكون على قدر المسؤولية في مواجهة المغرب، سنستعد بشكل جيد مع المدرب أسامة نبيه، وسنقدم مباراة كبيرة تليق باسم المنتخب”.

Manchester United have made another approach to sign a fresh face to bolster their midfield ranks as they look to turn their poor form under Ruben Amorim around, according to a new report.

Manchester United struggling under Amorim

Despite the arrival of Amorim in November, things have not improved for United so far this season. Though they battled to a 2-2 draw with Premier League leaders Liverpool in their most recent outing, the point stretched their winless run to five games, having lost the previous four.

It also means that Amorim has won just two of his opening nine Premier League games, and he opened the door to potential relegation with his side currently just nine points clear of the drop zone in 13th place, the lowest they have ever been at this stage of a campaign.

“I think that it is a possibility. We have to be clear with our fans”, the new Red Devils head coach explained. “It is a really difficult moment, one of the more difficult moments in the history of Manchester United and we have to address it with honesty.”

One of the biggest problems has been in central midfield, where both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are the wrong side of their peak and lack the energy required for Amorim’s high-press 3-4-2-1 system.

The pairing of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte appears to provide a solution to this, with the younger duo working well in tandem against Liverpool and Mainoo’s introduction proving a key turning point in the defeat to Newcastle the game before. However, the club undoubtedly needs more investment in that area, and now they could have identified their man.

Manchester United make new approach for Wolves midfielder

That comes as a fresh report from TEAMtalk claims that Manchester United have once again asked Wolves for details over a potential move to sign Joao Gomes in the upcoming transfer windows.

The Red Devils have held a long-term interest in the Brazilian no.8, having chased him before they ultimately opted to sign Ugarte over the summer.

That interest clearly remains, and with Wolves currently battling relegation the club could be sniffing a potential bargain at Molineux. Described by Football Analyst Ben Mattinson as a “serious player”, Gomes still has three and a half years left to run on his £30,000 a week deal in the Midlands, but is unlikely to stick around should the Old Gold find themselves in England’s second tier.

How Joao Gomes ranks against Manchester United midfielders

Premier League 24/25 stats

Joao Gomes

Manuel Ugarte

Casemiro

Kobbie Mainoo

Appearances

19

14

14

14

Goals and Assists

3

0

1

0

Pass Accuracy

84.2%

90.4%

79.3%

86.6%

Tackles and interceptions per 90

4.19

5.73

5.05

4.02

Yellow Cards

6

5

1

5

However, any deal is unlikely to happen this winter, with the report claiming that Wolves are “not open to considering selling him this transfer window” save for “a huge offer”, something that Manchester United are unlikely to be able to put together given their well-documented financial issues.

Should he become available this summer, Manchester United are unlikely to be the only side keen to sign him, but he could prove a massive upgrade on their current options in midfield and offer some more much-needed energy to Ruben Amorim’s ranks.

Stumps Tamim Iqbal had been dismissed in the nineties twice in his the last five innings against Sri Lanka, coming into the first Test. He had seven half-centuries against them in the format, but had not breached the three-figure mark even once. The 31-year-old made sure he set the records straight as he notched up his 10th Test century on the third day, helping the hosts take control of the first Test, in Chattogram.By stumps, Bangladesh had piled on 318 for 3 and were just 79 runs away from Sri Lanka’s first-innings score of 397. Mushfiqur Rahim, who is just 15 runs away from becoming the first Bangladesh player to reach 5000 runs in Test cricket, ended the day unbeaten on 53. Litton Das, who added 98 with Mushfiqur, was also unbeaten, on 54. Tamim, for the most part looked like reaching the 5000-run mark first, but was forced to retire hurt on 133 because of cramps. He is now 19 runs away from the landmark.The third day, though, firmly belonged to Tamim, who fought the weather, and some tight bowling. He was his usual aggressive self from the get-go and found boundaries at regular intervals in the morning session. Unbeaten on 35 overnight, Tamim raced to his fifty in the fifth over the morning and notched up his ton shortly after lunch. However, the humid conditions got the better of him and he could not come out to bat after tea.Resuming on 76 for 0, still 321 runs behind, Bangladesh’s batters quickly went about their job. In a near-perfect morning session, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Tamim added 81 runs in 28 overs, as Bangladesh went to lunch unscathed on 157 for 0.Tamim brought up his fifty by cutting Ramesh Mendis wide of point for a four and it did not take long for the duo to bring up Bangladesh’s first century stand for the opening wicket in over five years.Mahmudul, too, raised his second half-century in just his fifth Test with a flick through midwicket but fell shortly after lunch. Having had a reprieve on 51, when Lasith Embuldeniya failed to hold on to a catch at the fine-leg, the 21-year-old finally fell for 58 to Asitha Fernando. Continuing with his ploy of bowling short from around the wicket, Asitha induced a faint tickle off Mahmudul’s bat and glove down leg through to the keeper, with the opening stand ending on 162.Tamim though continued on his merry ways, as he coasted through the nineties with a couple of fours before reaching his century by flicking Asitha to deep midwicket.However, having looked flat in the morning, Sri Lanka were much better with their control in the second session. Kasun Rajitha came in as concussion substitute for Vishwa Fernando, who suffered from dizziness after he was struck on the head late on day two by a Shoriful Islam bouncer. And it was Rajitha, who pulled Sri Lanka back in the game with two quick strikes.Concussion sub Kasun Rajitha picked up two quick wickets•Getty Images

The seamer accounted for Najmul Hossain Shanto for 1, in his very first over before sending back Mominul Haque for 2. Bowling from around the wicket, he first induced an outside edge off Najmul’s bat through to the keeper and then crept through the gap between Mominul’s bat and pad to clean him up.With the surface playing a few tricks, Sri Lanka had the chance to take control. Ramesh seemed to have Tamim caught behind on 102 but the decision was overturned on review. When the outside edge did arrive off Tamim’s blade a few overs later, Dhananjaya de Silva failed to hold to the chance at first slip, when the opener on 114.Mushfiqur and Tamim survived the 45 minutes or so before tea, but it was evident that the heat was getting to Tamim. Sri Lanka would have sensed a chance to stamp their dominance on the game in the final session. However, Litton and Mushfiqur had other ideas.Litton, in particular, showed maturity. He started off cautiously but made sure the loose deliveries did not go unpunished. Mushfiqur,too, held his end up well.Litton was the first to reach his fifty, his 12th in Test cricket, with an elegant flick wide of mid-on. He looked untroubled for the most part. Barring a chance at short leg, which the fielder failed to latch on to, Litton gave nothing away.Mushfiqur too reached his fifty soon after and will be hoping to break the 5000-run barrier early on day four. For Sri Lanka, their only bright spot was Rajitha, who wasn’t originally included in the starting XI.