Journalist Josh Bunting has praised Rangers and their signing of forward Sam Lammers from Atalanta, calling it an “interesting” move by the club.

What’s the latest Rangers transfer news?

Michael Beale and the Teddy Bears have undergone a major summer overhaul thus far, with many former first-teamers departing Ibrox in late May.

Indeed, ex-mainstays like Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield, Filip Helander and Steven Davis all departed at the end of their contracts, leaving Rangers with the almighty task of replacing them.

They’ve done an exceptional job of it thus far, completing deals for Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling, Jack Butland and now Lammers for a fee of around £3 million.

The Dutchman has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Rangers, with Beale now signing a replacement for Morelos and potentially astute addition.

Reporter Josh Bunting, writing on Twitter after the Gers confirmed his capture, is completely aware of Lammers’ ability and believes the club have pulled off a major coup.

The journalist detailed exactly what supporters can expect from Lammers, namely his technical ability, sweet left foot and in-game intelligence.

How many goals has Sam Lammers scored?

The 26-year-old, who stands a towering 6 foot 3, could have the physicality suited for Scottish football and some of his past numbers suggest he could do well under Beale.

Lammers spent the 2022/2023 campaign on loan at Sampdoria, where he bagged just one goal and an assist, but his previous spell at SC Heerenveen in 2019 indicates there is a real goalscorer waiting to be unearthed.

During the 18/19 season, Lammers bagged an impressive 16 goals and five assists on loan at Heerenveen in the Dutch top flight, which may have prompted Atalanta to later snap him up from PSV Eindhoven.

While his career arguably didn’t work out there, Lammers has been handed another chance to succeed at Rangers and showcase his true ability.

Heerenveen boss Kees van Wonderen has also praised the attacker.

“What you get from him as a player is first and foremost a superb work ethic. He’s a left-footed striker and is good technically,” said van Wonderen.

“He’s a player who has an eye on the tactical aspects of the game, he appreciates how the game is played, where the spaces are and how to deal with circumstances on the pitch.”

Leeds United's search for a new manager nears its conclusion, with a recent update detailing those most likely to get the job…

What's the latest on Patrick Vieira to Leeds United?

That's according to Sky Sports, who emphasise this notion, with the 49ers having narrowed down their search from a list containing dozens of names.

The use of data analytics aided this process, which saw around ten different coaches interviewed across Zoom last week.

However, one of those who were fortunate enough to get a face-to-face interview was Patrick Vieira, who retains his presence on that final shortlist.

It seems the Frenchman stands a strong chance at being offered the post, however, will battle with promotion specialist Daniel Farke for the role.

Would Patrick Vieira improve Leeds United?

Whilst it might be tough to opt against the German, who has enjoyed two successes in guiding a team out of the Championship, it could be argued that opting for the former Arsenal midfielder places more of a focus on the long-term.

His experience in the Premier League surpasses that of the 46-year-old, having managed 65 games to dwarf the 49 of his rival. Whilst the latter might ensure a speedy return to the top-flight, history suggests he offers little once he reaches that level.

After all, his points-per-game average of 0.53 is abysmal, and a far cry from Vieira's 1.15.

Whoever is chosen to fill the vacancy must fix the glaring issue in Yorkshire though, by plugging up one of the most threadbare backlines around.

Last term the Whites conceded 78 times, the most of anyone in the league, and the year prior would ship a further 79. Whilst on paper some of their players might be talented, a lack of confidence and direction has stifled their progress.

Pascal Struijk is one such name whose form has faltered lately, maintaining a 6.75 average Sofascore rating last campaign as they fell to the drop, the sixth-best of anyone in the side.

However, his debut season at the age of just 20 saw this figure rise to 6.94, upheld through his 86% pass accuracy and 80% dribble success rate alongside 1.7 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and 3.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Despite his youth, he showcased bravery on the ball that had many fans thrilled at the bright future he promised for their defence.

Mismanagement following Marcelo Bielsa's sacking quickly saw him prioritised to fill gaps though, and soon he was forced to feature at full-back, undoing all his work building a solid reputation.

Vieira could well be the man to revitalise the 23-year-old, given how his first year at Selhurst Park saw him get the best out of two young lesser-known centre-backs in Marc Guehi and Joachim Anderson.

The former in particular maintained an impressive 7.03 average Sofascore rating during that fine first campaign for the inexperienced manager, establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most impressive young defenders, and even earning an England call-up.

Pundit Clinton Morrison sought to praise their head coach during that year too, branding him "outstanding" for his work in defying the odds.

It is clear that Vieira knows exactly how to manage defensive youth, and his 4-3-3 philosophy and infectious passion for the game could help finally direct Struijk back on the right path towards being the future of a successful new defensive dynasty at Elland Road.

Chelsea's transfer activity so far this summer has been dominated by players that have either left of are set to leave, but there is plenty of time remaining for new head coach Mauricio Pochettino to bring in one or two players of his own.

The Blues may be well stocked in attack, though the likely departures of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz will still leave a gap to be filled in terms of a creative player.

Plenty of names have been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge, including the likes of Jonathan David and Wilfried Zaha, but another candidate has emerged that may just be an ideal fit in West London.

It could be argued that Chelsea have never truly replaced Eden Hazard since he joined Real Madrid in 2019, but versatile Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus could be just that man.

According to Chelsea football writer Simon Phillips, via his Substack page, the Blues have a serious interest in signing Kudus and have made him their priority option in terms of a number 10.

What can Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus bring to Chelsea?

Kudus can indeed play as a number 10, but as pointed out by Phillips, the left-footed speedster can play out on the right – where he is given licence to cut inside – and through the middle, whether as a centre-forward or playing just off one.

Indeed, that is much the same as Hazard, who showed across seven years at Chelsea that he was comfortable playing in an array of positions, namely out on the left and also through the middle.

It is not just positionally the pair are alike, though. Indeed, the comparisons grow stronger when looking at their dribbling stats. Taking the figures from Hazard's final Premier League season at Chelsea in 2018-19, he was successful with 67.32% of his take-ons, as per Squawka.

That is a staggeringly similar number to Kudus with Ajax in Eredivisie last season at 67.91%, with the 22-year-old unsuccessful from 2.1 take-on attempts per game, compared to 2.2 for Hazard.

They also have similar passing accuracies across those respective seasons (84.33% for Hazard, 87.6% for Kudus) and got away similar numbers of shots on target (1.4 v 1.5).

The comparisons do not stop there, either, as Hazard scored 0.5 goals per game from outside the box – the exact same figure as Kudus, though the latter preferred to use his left foot and the Belgian his right.

As highlighted by Independent writer Karl Matchett, Kudus is a "sensational" and "magical" player who, beyond being one of the best dribblers around, is also tactically aware, has an eye for goal and is aggressive in winning the ball back.

It is that last part that sets Kudus apart from Hazard. The Ghana international averaged 5.5 ball recoveries per game last season, whereas Hazard's figure was down at 3.2 in the 2018-19 season.

Many attackers have arrived at Stamford Bridge over the past four years with the promise of becoming the next Hazard, but in Kudus – expected to be available for around £40m – they may have finally found just that.

Liverpool could now be leading the race to sign Samuel Chukwueze according to Sports Mole, who claim that Villarreal are ready to sell him this summer.

Are Liverpool linked with Samuel Chukwueze?

The current Villareal man has once more been a key player for the Spanish side this season, playing in 37 La Liga games for the club. With 27 starts, he has managed his most goal contributions in a top flight season, with Chukwueze managing eleven over the 2022/23 campaign.

In addition to that, he also ranks highly amongst attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe too. When you compare his stats to those in that position in the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues, he has a rate of 3.31 successful take-ons per 90 – which puts him within the top three percent of players in that area.

In addition, he has also managed 5.12 progressive carries per 90 too, which puts him in the 91st percentile there to boot. It means that, as far as his dribbling goes, there aren't many better at driving up the pitch and beating players one on one.

It's put him on the radar of Liverpool, and they've today been handed a boost in terms of potentially signing him. That's because, according to a report from Sports Mole, the Reds are now believed to be in pole position to add him to their ranks with Arsenal potentially leaving the race to focus on Kai Havertz.

Further to that, Villareal are now prepared to sell him this summer in order to keep their finances stable.

What is Chukwueze worth?

There is no potential fee mentioned in regards to Chukwueze or how much Liverpool may have to pay for the player, but Transfermarkt suggest that his current value could be around the 25 million Euro mark (£21.4m). If that is the case, then it could be quite a cut-price deal for the attacker and could make him a bargain buy for Liverpool.

When you consider how highly he is regarded too, it makes it look even more shrewd for the Reds. His coach Quique Setien called him an "extraordinary player" for example, which shows how impressive he has been for Villareal.

If he can carry that form over to the Premier League, then he could be a real asset to Liverpool if they sign him this window.

The former India seamer replaces Wasim Akram for the 2017 IPL season

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jan-2017

Kolkata Knight Riders have named former Indian seamer L Balaji as their new bowling coach for the 2017 IPL. He replaces Wasim Akram, who said “professional commitments and time constraints” had prevented him from being with the team this year.Balaji, who represented Knight Riders between 2011 and 2013, is currently in his first season as a full-time bowling coach with his former state side, Tamil Nadu. “I had thoroughly enjoyed my stint as a player for KKR,” he said, “And I am delighted to be back to the franchise that I have admired.”Knight Riders chief Venky Mysore was pleased to have one of his old team members back. “It is great to welcome Bala back to the KKR family. He was an integral part of our team and played a key role in helping us win the championship in 2012.”The 2017 IPL is set to begin on April 5 with the final scheduled for May 21.

Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha has said his team’s inexperienced pace attack has to overcome the physical test of playing back-to-back Tests if the team is to compete as hard as it did in Wellington

Mohammad Isam in Christchurch18-Jan-2017Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha has said his team’s inexperienced pace attack has to overcome the physical test of playing back-to-back Tests if the team is to compete as hard as it did in Wellington. Taskin Ahmed, Subashis Roy and Kamrul Islam Rabbi together bowled 99.2 overs to take seven wickets in Wellington, and get only a three-day break before the second Test begins in Christchurch.Hathurusingha said none of the Bangladesh pace bowlers were used to taking on that much of a workload, with the Wellington Test being Taskin’s first first-class game in nearly four years. Subashis and Rabbi are regulars at their domestic outfits but like any other pace bowler in Bangladesh’s domestic scene, they hardly get a long bowl in first-class matches. Hathurusingha also pointed out that conditions in Christchurch would be favourable to the Bangladesh bowlers.”I think it is a physical challenge of bowling in back-to-back Tests for long overs,” Hathurusingha said. “If you look deep into their history, they are not used to bowling like 18 overs and then another 15 overs the next day. With the physical challenge comes the mental challenge as well. But the good thing is that this is the best condition for fast bowlers.”We had a very green attack in the last game, who had an experience of two Tests between the three fast bowlers. One of them hasn’t played a first-class game for three years. But it is not an excuse. We prepared them the way we want. I think they bowled really well in the first innings. They bowled for 140-odd overs and created enough chances. Their [New Zealand] captain acknowledged it as well. What happened in the second innings had nothing to do with them. We lost because of batting.”Apart from the fast bowlers’ encouraging show, Hathurusingha is also banking on the batsmen repeating what they did in the first innings in Wellington. Shakib Al Hasan made his maiden double-century while Mushfiqur Rahim battled hard for his 159. Tamim Iqbal, Mominul Haque and Sabbir Rahman also made fifties. Hathurusingha said Bangladesh would look to finish the game better than they did in Wellington.”We can take lots of positives out of the last game. We were ahead in the game for four days until the last half an hour. We approach this [Christchurch Test] the same way as we did the last Test match.”We batted really well in the first innings. We will have the same approach. We expect similar conditions here as well. If we happen to bat first, we will do the same thing. We are expecting to finish the game better than the last game.”For the second innings debacle that ultimately cost Bangladesh the match, Hathurusingha didn’t point fingers at any batsman in particular but said their approach depended on their mindset, which has to improve in a game’s second innings. Bangladesh were bowled out for 160 with Mushfiqur Rahim having to retire hurt after receiving a knock to the head and Imrul Kayes also injuring his thigh. But the rest of the batsmen, particularly Shakib, couldn’t replicate their first-inning exploits.”I don’t blame one particular person. It is all about our batting group,” Hathurusingha said. “We didn’t bat well in the second innings. What went through their head, I don’t know.”It is definitely something to do with how they think, how they approach the second innings. We have discussed it and I am sure we are going to rectify it in the next game.”

Fulham are "on pole" for the signing of Fiorentina centre-back Igor Julio, and he is believed to be on closing in on an exit from his club, according to journalist Dimitri Conti.

Who could join Fulham this summer?

Marco Silva's side enjoyed a successful first campaign back in the Premier League last season, finishing in the top half and above the likes of west London rivals Chelsea.

They were even contending for a European spot at one point but fell just short with the likes of Aston Villa, Liverpool and Brighton beating them to Europa League and Conference League qualification places.

It was a promising season for Fulham and one which has resulted in plenty of interest in their key assets, with midfield star Joao Palhinha attracting interest from Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Man United.

Meanwhile, it is believed Silva wishes to reinforce his squad this summer as the domestic window officially opens today.

Gil Vicente striker Fran Navarro, for instance, is reliably believed to be of interest to Fulham with Man United duo Harry Maguire and Fred also on their radar.

It has also been mentioned that Fulham are plotting a move for Austria international and Wolfsburg star Patrick Wimmer, as they are with Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Another player they have been linked with is Igor, with reporter Conti sharing an update in a piece for TUTTOmercatoWEB.

According to his information, a major overhaul could occur at Fiorentina this summer as the future of manager Vincenzo Italiano appears to be resolved.

La Viola reached two major cup finals last season, but that apparently won't stop some players seeking pastures new, with Igor being one of them.

Conti says his suitcase is "already in hand", meaning he is on the verge of leaving, and Fulham are "on pole" to bring him to England.

The Whites are apparently favourites for his signing as they seek to build upon last season's brilliant efforts.

Who is Igor?

The Brazilian was one of Fiorentina's key defensive players last season – ranking in their top three for tackles made, interceptions and clearances completed per 90 in the Italian top flight (WhoScored).

He also sits sixth in their squad for most Serie A minutes played, and with just over 12 months remaining on his deal, Fulham could get him for a fairly reasonable price.

The left-footed centre-back is also still just 25-years-old, meaning he has many years at top level still feasilbly ahead of him.

Chelsea's pursuit of Mike Maignan may have received a huge helping hand, with the Italian media, via Tribal Football, reporting that the player has refused to discuss fresh terms with AC Milan and could now leave.

How good is Mike Maignan?

The shot-stopper currently plays in Italy and has slowly established himself as Milan's first-choice option inbetween the sticks, despite having only played for the side for two seasons now.

In his first campaign in Serie A, he helped them to a league title with only 21 goals conceded in 32 games, but his minutes tailed off in 2022/23 due to an injury. In that most recent season, he played on 22 occasions and conceded 21 again, as the side dipped to fourth in the standings.

Even though his playing time fell, he still ranks as one of the best in his position across Europe. When you compare Maignan to othe 'keepers across the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues, his 50% save rate for penalty kicks puts him in the 92nd percentile there while his rate of goals against puts him comfortably in the 89th percentile.

What's the latest transfer news on Maignan?

Despite being successful so far in Milan, reports from the Italian media, via Tribal Football, suggest that the player will not be agreeing a new contract at San Siro, or even engage in talks with them.

That could mean he is available on a deal this summer, with Premier League sides Chelsea and Man United ready to pounce to bring in the 27-year-old and the player himself keen to explore something new.

Whilst he wouldn't be cheap – the asking price for the shot-stopper could be a whopping 70 million Euros (or £60m) – it appears as though a deal is doable. That is because interested parties such as the Blues are being told by intermediaries to go in with a formal bid.

Maignan has been praised for his performances in Italy with AC Milan over the last few years, with football journalist Josh Bunting for example calling the player "impressive" in the past.

His aforementioned stats certainly back that up and if he did make the move to Chelsea, then it would surely help solidify their backline given their struggles in the goalkeeper department this season.

تحدث خافيير ماسكيرانو، المدير الفني لمنتخب الأرجنتين الأولمبي، عن إمكانية مشاركة النجم ليونيل ميسي في أولمبياد باريس 2024.

ويستطيع كل منتخب أولمبي الاعتماد على 3 لاعبين فوق السن، في تلك المنافسات.

وذكرت تقارير صحفية في الفترة الأخيرة أن ليونيل ميسي مُرشح بقوة للمشاركة في أولمبياد باريس 2024 رفقة منتخب الأرجنتين الأولمبي.

وقال ماسكيرانو في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “infobrisas” الإسبانية: “لقد تحدثت مع ميسي بشأن إصابته، لمعرفة حالته، سنرى”.

وأضاف: “حالة ميسي مشابهة جدًا لحالة بقية اللاعبين في الخارج، علينا فقط التحدث وسنرى ما سيحدث (بشأن المشاركة في الأولمبياد)”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. دي ماريا: ماسكيرانو تواصل معي وميسي للمشاركة في أولمبياد باريس

وأضاف: “نعلم أن هناك أيضًا كوبا أمريكا، علينا أن نرى كيف ستنتهي الأمور، هناك صعوبة منطقية وهي أن لاعبي كرة القدم الذين يلعبون هذه اللعبة سيقضون الكثير من الوقت بعيدًا عن أنديتهم وهذا ليس بالأمر السهل أبدًا، ولكن هناك دائمًا أمل”.

وعن رغبة الثلاثي إيميليانو مارتينيز ونيكولاس أوتامندي ورودريجو دي بول المشاركة في الأولمبياد، قال: “إنه أمر منطقي، لقد فازوا بكل شيء مع المنتخب الوطني والشيء الوحيد المتبقي هو الفوز بالأولمبياد”.

وأردف: “بالنسبة لنا، إنه لشرف وفخر أنهم يريدون أن يكونوا هناك، سنحدد احتياجاتنا، اليوم ليس لدينا فكرة كبيرة عن القائمة”.

واستأنف: “هناك لاعبون موجودون في نادِ ما اليوم، وفي بداية الموسم قد يكونوا في نادِ آخر، سننظر إلى كل حالة على وجه الخصوص”.

Joe Root has been named as England’s Test captain, succeeding Alastair Cook, who last week stepped down after four years in the job.Root, 26, had been the frontrunner to follow Cook in the Test role, having been made vice-captain in 2015. He met with Andrew Strauss, England’s director of cricket, last week and was offered the job over the weekend but will have to wait five months for his first outing as captain, when England host South Africa in July.There were few serious alternatives to Root, who has emerged as England’s star batsman since making his debut under Cook in 2012. Ben Stokes has been confirmed as Root’s new vice-captain. The appointments had been widely anticipated, with England leaving for a one-day series in the West Indies next week.”It is a huge honour to be given the England Test captaincy,” Root said. “I feel privileged, humbled and very excited.”We have a very good group of players and I’m looking forward to leading them out in the summer, building on Alastair’s achievements and making the most of our talents in the years ahead. The senior guys in the changing room play a very influential role and whilst there’s a natural progression for me it’s a huge support to know that they are there to help and advise.”Strauss chose to give Root more responsibility when taking over as director of cricket two summers ago and he was pleased that the Yorkshire batsman had immediately accepted the promotion to captain, described him as “the right man” to succeed Cook.Strauss said: “Joe has shown a number of admirable qualities in his Test career so far. Making his debut in 2012 at the age of 21 and going on to establish himself as one of the premier batsmen in all forms of the game in such a short period of time demonstrates his drive, determination, cricketing intelligence and an ability to learn that will serve him well in his new role.”He is universally respected by his team-mates, passionate about driving the Test team forward and extremely excited about the prospect of leading his country.”I’m also delighted that Ben Stokes will take over from Joe as vice-captain of the team. He has real presence and influence within the team environment that serve as a great source of support for Joe. I have no doubts that the responsibility will also help Ben to continue his rapid rise as a world class allrounder.”Colin Graves, the ECB chairman, called Root as the “perfect choice” to be England’s 80th Test captain. “When I spoke to him last night you could feel the excitement and sense the pride – he can’t wait to get started,” Graves said.”Joe is a fine player and a fine person who has the respect of the players, the selectors and all at the ECB. He also has a changing room with experienced players and leaders who will support him from the start.”The role of Test captain is an honour and a responsibility which he thoroughly deserves. Joe has maturity beyond his years and having seen him develop at Yorkshire over the last ten years I know his qualities well.”I offer my congratulations to Joe for becoming Test captain and, once again, my thanks to Alastair Cook for the way he has developed the team, the timing of his decision and the platform he has given his successor.”Root inherits a talented side from Cook but one that has, in its previous captain’s words, “stagnated” over recent months. England lost eight of the 17 Tests they played in 2016, including six of the most recent eight. Cook admitted a “new voice” was required in the dressing room.While Root has little captaincy experience – he has led for only four first-class games – he is respected by his peers as a senior player and had been the team’s vice-captain. It would have been a major surprise had he not been appointed. Stuart Broad, one potential candidate for the position, described Root as “ideal” for the role, while Stokes has previously suggested he harboured few captaincy aspirations. “You have to be boring like Cooky if you want to be captain,” he said when asked about the role on the recent tour of India.There may also be some concerns over Root’s workload. As a key batsman in all three formats of the game – and as a new father – the demands on his time and energy are already substantial. But he can point to the example of Virat Kohli, in particular, and argue that the increased responsibility may improve his individual performance.Root will have some time to settle into his new role. England do not play Test cricket again until July, with a four-match series against South Africa and three-match series against West Indies providing time for Root to shape his new team before an Ashes tour towards the end of the year.His relationship with the coach, Trevor Bayliss, may prove crucial. While Cook and Bayliss did not always appear to be in unison over England’s style of play, it is anticipated that Root will adopt a bolder, more aggressive approach that may be more to Bayliss’ liking.