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A new era is dawning at Liverpool following the departures of the long-serving James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino this summer.

That midfield trio left a huge void that needed filling and the Red's prime transfer targets were Brighton's Moises Caicedo and Southampton's Romeo Lavia, however, they were beaten to the punch by Chelsea and instead focused their efforts elsewhere.

Despite signing RB Leipzig's Dominik Szoboszlai and Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister to play in their advanced eight positions, Jurgen Klopp still needed a midfield destroyer and their answer to that problem was Stuttgart's Wataru Endo, whose signature underwhelmed in comparison to their former targets.

With that said, Liverpool have put their shortcomings in the transfer market behind them by taking ten points from their opening four matches as victories over Bournemouth, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and a draw against Chelsea extended their unbeaten run to 15 Premier League matches.

Although their strong start can be attributed to the form of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Núñez and new signing Szoboszlai, the huge emergence of youth within the club's first-team picture suggests that the future isn't only looking bright on the field.

In their victory over Villa, Klopp named four players on his bench who were aged 20 and under, including Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah, Stefan Bajcetic and 17-year-old Ben Doak, with the latter of that quartet receiving high praise for his impressive pre-season form.

Who is Ben Doak?

Liverpool secured the signature of Doak from Celtic for a compensation fee of £600,000 in March 2022, signing his first professional contract with the Reds in November of that year.

A fast and direct winger, who has been branded by Klopp as a "special boy", is highly regarded alongside Bajcetic and Elliott at Anfield, and it is clear to see why.

Doak has dazzled since joining the club, scoring ten times across Liverpool's underage groups in his first season, attracting the attention of those higher up and earning himself multiple call-ups to the first team.

During his first five appearances for the club, the Scottish winger stunned fans with his blistering pace and power, which he showcased in a 2-2 draw against Wolves in the FA Cup last season.

Following his excellent start to his Liverpool career, legend and fellow Scotsman Kenny Daglish lavished praise on the teenage sensation, lauding him as "brilliant" since breaking into the first-team picture.

Although Mohamed Salah's future is closed for now, the Egyptian could still depart in the future and given his age, his contract at Liverpool and the fact that Saudi Arabian clubs are desperate to get him, the possibility of him departing next summer is high.

While replacing Salah – should he depart – would cost upwards of £100m, Liverpool could save themselves a lot of money by dipping into their goldmine of youth prospects. Doak is leading that charge, but fellow golden boy Kaide Gordon can't be forgotten.

How good is Kaide Gordon?

A fleet-footed winger with tremendous ball-striking ability, Gordon's sharp rise onto the scene at Liverpool during the 21/22 was marked by his debut goal against Shrewsbury in the FA Cup, becoming the club's second-youngest scorer at 16-years-old.

Following this debut, Gordon would appear a further three times in that campaign, including a Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Arsenal, as he helped his side advance to the final against Chelsea – a match they would triumph in and lift the trophy.

Lauded as "exceptional" by his manager, Gordon could put recent injury troubles behind him and become a handy addition to Liverpool's first team.

The Reds will be battling across all fronts this season as they attempt to go deep into every competition and Gordon will hope his chance of game time is increased by Klopp's side competing in the Europa League.

Since joining the club from Derby for a fee believed to be around £3m in 2021, Gordon has enjoyed a fruitful period in the youth setup at Liverpool, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 24 appearances which are returns that have seen him considered for a place in the first-team.

After making his return to action in Liverpool U21's defeat against Middlesbrough last weekend, the "forgotten" winger – as he was described by RedMen TV's Paul Machin – will hope he can kick on from there and rival Doak for a spot in Klopp's starting XI, returning to the form that saw the German wax-lyrical about his talents.

Speaking after his debut goal for the club, Klopp said: "He is a special kid, everyone knows that. He is really calm, great finisher. But he can improve he needs to get more involved in the game."

Talent doesn't fade overnight and although injuries could have dented his confidence, the 18-year-old sharpshooter is one of many talented youngsters that the Merseyside club have at their disposal. Watch out Doak.

On a quiet Tuesday, as the Cape Town suburbs poured into offices in town, four India players woke up nice and early, packed their bags, and made their way to the Newlands nets. This is rare for Indian teams to do: to go straight into the nets after a defeat. The players in the nets were those who didn’t play in the XI – KL Rahul, Ajinkya Rahane, Parthiv Patel and Ishant Sharma – but, still, it is a move that suggests India realise they need all the help they can muster after their batting struggled badly and their bowlers let the game slip before making a stellar comeback.This is something that should please traditionalists such as Sunil Gavaskar who keep asking India to go to the nets and prepare harder after losing. The team’s refrain usually has been: “What will an extra nets session achieve?” The team didn’t even train a day before this Test, sending Sanjay Bangar, the batting coach, to look at the pitch and address the pre-match press conference, which is usually handled by the captain.The four players who turned up for nets could well be called upon in the rest of the series. Rahane seemed a certainty to start in Cape Town, but lost out to Rohit Sharma based on “current form”. As Shikhar Dhawan struggled with his “minor injury” at the start of the tour, Rahul would have thought he would make the playing XI, but Dhawan recovered, and his left-handness prevailed. Ishant was not well three days before the Test, but the team management says that was not the reason he was left out to make way for Jasprit Bumrah. Parthiv could be a left-field choice if Wriddhiman Saha continues to struggle against quick bowling.The order in the nets was unusual. One was kept for throwdowns from Bangar, throwdown specialist Raghavindra and fielding coach R Sridhar. The other net was where Ishant and the net bowlers bowled. Two batsmen would go into the nets, and the third would wait outside. They would face an over each and switch: the idle batsman would take one of the nets, the batsman in that net would switch to the other net, and the remaining batsman would watch from the outside.Ishant bowled with new balls, and the throwdowns were intense, not shy of bouncing the batsmen. This could be more of an individual enterprise than a team order for players who feel they could be asked to play as the series wears on. If they are going to be asked to play, then it makes complete sense to prepare as hard as they can, because the word around is that the pitches up in the north are going to test India even more without necessarily seaming as much as the one in Cape Town did.If Rahul comes in, he will have to replace Dhawan. To fit Rahane in could be trickier because Rohit now has only had one chance. Ishant’s selection, too, may pose a few challenges, considering Bumrah made an impressive comeback in the second innings of the Newlands Test. If he plays as the fourth specialist fast bowler, that could further weaken the batting. The decisions only become tougher as India travel north, but it seems they want everybody prepared should those changes be made.

تحدث بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي في مؤتمر صحفي قبل مباراة فريقه أمام فولهام ببطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويلاقي مانشستر سيتي نظيره فولهام غدًا السبت، ضمن مباريات الجولة السابعة والثلاثين للدوري الإنجليزي.

مانشستر سيتي يحتل المركز الثاني في الترتيب خلف المتصدر آرسنال بفارق نقطة واحدة، وهناك مباراة مؤجلة لفريق جوارديولا أمام توتنهام.

أكد جوارديولا في حديثه جاهزية جميع لاعبيه وقال: “الفريق جاهز تمامًا، جميع اللاعبين بخير، ليس لدينا إصابات، الفريق الطبي رائع ونحن سعداء بكيفية سير الأمور”.

وفي ظل الصراع على اللقب مع آرسنال، سُئل جوارديولا إذا كان سيشجع مانشستر يونايتد أمام منافسه على اللقب، وأجاب: “أنا أشجع السيتي فقط، وسأحاول التغلب على فولهام، هذا هو اهتمامي الوحيد”.

وإذا كان هذا السباق هو الأشد على اللقب، أجاب: “بنفس الدرجة التي كان فيها في المنافسة مع ليفربول في تلك السنوات”.

اقرأ أيضًا | كلوب: مندهش من غياب محمد صلاح عن قائمة أفضل لاعب في الدوري الإنجليزي

وعن دوري أبطال أوروبا حيث تأهل ريال مدريد وبوروسيا دورتموند للنهائي، استطرد: “بصراحة كنت أفضل التواجد في نصف النهائي، تهانينا للفريقين المتأهلين، أيضًا بايرن ميونخ وباريس سان جيرمان لعبا جيدًا”.

وانتقل جوارديولا للحديث عن مهاجم الفريق إيرلينج هالاند وغضبه من استبداله وأفاد:”هالاند يحب تسجيل الأهداف ومساهمته منذ وصوله للسيتي كانت رائعة”.

وأشاد جوارديولا بلاعبه الكرواتي ماتيو كوفاسيتش قائلاً: “كوفاسيتش يلعب بشكل جيد حين يشارك، مساهمته مع الفريق مميزة، خاصة في المباريات الأخيرة”.

وحول قيام لاعبي فولهام باللعب بطائرات ورقية أثناء التدريبات، علّق جوارديولا: “هل أنت متأكد؟ أنهم يلعبون أمام جماهيرهم وسيفعلون كل شيء للفوز علينا، لكن بخصوص هذا [الطائرات الورقية] لا أعرف ما الذي تتحدث عنه، مدربهم ماركو سيلفا ممتاز، فرقه تلعب كرة رائعة وتأثيره واضح”.

وعن كيفية اختياره التشكيل الأساسي، أوضح: “يتعلق الأمر بشعور اللاعبين وطريقة تدريبهم، والخصم وطريقة لعبه، أشياء كثيرة، لا توجد لدي قاعدة خاصة”.

وسُئل جوارديولا عن عدم ترشيح لاعبه المتألق رودري، لجائزة لاعب العام في الدوري الإنجليزي، ورد: “المرشحون يستحقون ذلك، الفائز بالجائزة يستحق ذلك، القائمة ضخمة لذا الجميع مهم”.

وشدد:  “رودري أحد أفضل لاعبي العالم، يجب أن لا يقلق بشأن ذلك، نعرف قيمته، وروعة مدى ما يقدمه، هو لاعب استثنائي بالنسبة لنا”.

Derby County are thought to be in talks to sign Sheffield Wednesday striker Michael Smith, according to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett.

What’s the latest Derby transfer news?

The Rams and Paul Warne have been busy in the transfer market ahead of the manager’s first full season in charge at Pride Park, which begins this afternoon at home to Wigan Athletic.

In total, seven new players have arrived at the club in Curtis Nelson, Callum Elder, Joe Ward, Sonny Bradley, Josh Vickers, Conor Washington and Kane Wilson.

More could be on the way, though, with the domestic deadline not set to close until September 1. Another new forward appears to be on the agenda for Derby and Warne, with Smith, who has scored two goals against the Rams during his career, a target.

Senior Sky Sports reporter Dorsett took to Twitter in the last 48 hours to share news on Derby’s search for a striker. He said that the Rams are in talks over a move for Smith and are also interested in free agent and former forward Martyn Waghorn.

“#dcfc and #blackpoolfc both interested in a deal for free agent Martyn Waghorn, who left #ccfc in May. Derby also in talks with #swfc over Michael Smith, and unlikely to sign two strikers, so Blackpool hopeful they can steal a march with Waghorn.”

Dorsett then added a further update on the pair, with Smith appearing to be the key target.

“Slight tweak: #dcfc MAY sign two strikers, but #Blackpoolfc hoping to sneak a deal with Waghorn while the Rams focus is primarily on Smith.”

Who is Michael Smith?

Smith is an out-and-out centre-forward who has plied his trade from a number of Football League clubs over the years. The 31-year-old came through the ranks at Darlington and has gone on to play for Charlton Athletic, Accrington Stanley, Newport County, Colchester United, AFC Wimbledon, Swindon Town, Barnsley, Portsmouth, Northampton Town, Bury, Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday.

In total, the striker has made 70 appearances in League Two, 257 in League One and 89 in the Championship. Smith has scored 113 goals in the Football League and has registered 38 assists.

Smith was hailed as a “game-changer” by former Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore following his performance in an FA Cup win over Mansfield Town last season, who said:

“Michael Smith is a game-changer today. The quality showed at the end of it, and that’s what Michael is. He was in the right place at the right time and that’s what quality strikers do.”

He appears to be a proven third-tier forward who has netted 34 times in the division over the past two seasons, helping Rotherham and Wednesday to promotion.

Therefore, Smith seems to be a smart target for Warne, and who knows, he could look to make it three in a row with Derby, should a transfer go through.

Derby currently have Washington and James Collins as their centre-forward options, so Smith would provide a proven and experienced third option, making this a deal to watch over the coming days.

كشفت تقارير صحفية إسبانية، أن مانشستر يونايتد، يسعى للتعاقد مع المدير الفني لفريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي جيرونا، ميجيل أنخيل سانشيز مونيوز، والشهير بـ “ميشيل”.

المدير الفني الإسباني، صنع الحدث هذا الموسم بعدما نافس ريال مدريد وبرشلونة على لقب الدوري، قبل أن يضمن تأهله إلى دوري أبطال أوروبا الموسم المقبل، لأول مرة في التاريخ.

طالع أيضًا.. تقارير توضح موقف توخيل من خلافة تين هاج في مانشستر يونايتد

ميشيل أوضح أنه يريد الاستمرار مع جيرونا بعد هذا الموسم، ولكن هذا لا يعني أنه لن تكون هناك اهتمامات بضمه، خاصة من الدوري الإنجليزي.

صحيفة “تيليجراف” البريطانية، أكدت أن مانشستر يونايتد يفكر جديًا في إقالة إريك تين هاج نهاية الموسم، بقرار من جيم راتكليف، بعدما قام بشراء نسبة كبيرة من النادي، خاصة فيما يخص الشأن الرياضي.

وأشارت التقارير إلى أن راتكليف يريد التعاقد مع ميشيل، ويرى أن الإسباني مناسب لتدريب مانشستر يونايتد في الموسم المقبل، لما يمتلكه من مقومات يتفوق فيها على تين هاج.

مانشستر يونايتد يعاني هذا الموسم بعد خسارة جميع الألقاب، باستثناء لقب كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، الذي سيخوض مباراته النهائيه ضد مانشستر سيتي.

ميشيل ضمن 6 مرشحين لتولي قيادة مانشستر يونايتد، بجانب جراهام بوتر وتوماس توخيل، وجاريث ساوثجيت، بالإضافة لـ تياجو موتا ودي زيربي.

Crystal Palace could be in for a busy few weeks ahead of the start of the new Premier League campaign as they are potentially forced to seek a replacement for in-demand Marc Guehi.

The Eagles are interested in signing Torino's Perr Schuurs, according to the Evening Standard, and journalist Dean Jones believes he could be the perfect player to replace Guehi at Selhurst Park.

What is the latest with Marc Guehi?

Football Insider reports that Liverpool are ready to battle it out with Premier League rivals Newcastle United for Guehi, who is valued in the region of around £60m by Palace.

That fee would allow Roy Hodgson's side to bring in a high-quality replacement, and Jones is not surprised Schuurs is wanted by so many of Europe's elite clubs.

Speaking to FootballFanCast, the reporter said:

"If Guehi was to leave, and they got the money in for him that they want, they'll have to scout around quickly to find a talent as good – and Schuurs is a big talent.

"He's got a great ability to read the game, so no surprise at all that he's been on the radar of the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool – he has a profile that fits those sides well."

Schuurs is under contract with Torino for another three years, with the option of another, meaning the Serie A side are under no real pressure to cash in unless their reported €40m (£34.2m) valuation is met.

How good is Torino defender Perr Schuurs?

Schuurs joined Torino from Ajax last August and played 30 times in 2022-23 for a side boasting the fifth-best defensive record in the Italian top flight.

The Netherlands U21 international rated particularly highly in metrics such as possession won and aerial duels won, with The Analyst ranking him in the top 7% and 23% respectively among defenders across Europe's top five leagues.

For comparison, Guehi – eight months younger than Schuurs at 22 – was among the top 10% for possession won and in the bottom 45% for aerial duels won.

The youngster's strengths do not necessarily lie in winning the ball in the air, but he was also outperformed by Schuurs in terms of defensive actions – tackles, interceptions and blocks – as he was in the bottom 19 percentile and the latter in the bottom 37.

That is not to say Guehi is necessarily a worse player than Schuurs – his huge valuation says as much – but the Dutchman appears a more-than-adequate option to come in for half the price.

Indeed, Schuurs also came out on top last season in areas such as passing accuracy (88.1% v 85.3%), take-on success rate (71.4% v 66.7%) and direct goal involvement (0.08 goals or assists per 90, compared to 0.03 for Guehi), which is always a handy bonus for a centre-back.

In an ideal world, Palace would have Schuurs and Guehi lining up alongside each other in one of the most talented partnerships in Europe next season. But if the former Ajax player is instead bought solely as a replacement, then he would be close to the ideal successor for the Eagles.

As Ange Postecoglou kicked off his Tottenham Hotspur tenure with a pre-season defeat to Premier League rivals West Ham United, it was perhaps clear as to why the Greek-Aussie has been looking to strengthen his defensive unit, in particular, this summer.

While it is often wise not to read too much into these warm-up encounters, the ex-Celtic boss may have still been concerned at seeing his side ship three times against the Hammers in Perth, with David Moyes' men surging into a two-goal lead inside 23 minutes.

Having endured the sixth-worst defensive record in the division last term, the Lilywhites will desperately need to improve next season if they are to have any hope of regaining their place in European competition, hence why a string of centre-back targets have been named.

What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?

Much of the speculation at present appears to be surrounding the north London outfit's interest in Bundesliga duo, Edmond Tapsoba and Micky van den Ven, with Daniel Levy and co said to have been engaging in talks with Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg, respectively, regarding the two central defenders.

That German-based pairing are not the only figures whom Tottenham are targetting, however, with The Sun having reported last week that Postecoglou is also showing an interest in Crystal Palace rock, Joachim Andersen, with Levy said to have been tracking the Denmark international since his prior stint on loan at Fulham.

While any deal for the former Lyon ace certainly won't come cheap – with the 27-year-old set to command a fee of £50m – his strong showings at Selhurst Park of late would suggest that he can be the defensive solution that Spurs are craving.

What is Joachim Andersen's style of play?

The 6 foot 4 powerhouse offers the benefit of being able to provide a towering, physical presence at the heart of the defence, while also having the quality to play out from the back when required, with that combination of qualities ensuring that the one-time Sampdoria man could be able to thrive at one of the Premier League's elite clubs.

That was the verdict of pundit Robbie Earle during Andersen's days at Craven Cottage, with the former Wimbledon midfielder discussing the defender's suitability to life at Liverpool:

“Right now, he would be a perfect fit for Liverpool Football Club, by the way. Good size, can play, looks commanding, looks like he can organise, he’s 24 years of age."

Those at N17 will also be intrigued by Andersen's apparent likeness to Manchester City's treble-winning ace, Ruben Dias, with the pair said to share a number of statistical and stylistic similarities, according to FBref.

That is shown by the two men's desire and willingness to get on the ball, with the Palace gem notably ranking in the top 20% among his European peers for attempted passes, while Dias ranks in the top 1% in that regard.

Equally, the pair are also able to offer a real threat at the other end of the pitch, with Andersen ranking in the top 13% for touches in the attacking penalty area, while his Portuguese counterpart ranks in the top 18% for that same metric.

That likeness can also be seen by their leadership qualities, with Andersen having been named captain during his temporary stint with the Cottagers, while Dias has also taken on the armband at times at the Etihad, having been dubbed a "leader of men" by Sky Sports pundit, Jamie Redknapp.

That comparison to the latter man is of interest such has been the 26-year-old's impact in Manchester over the last three years, with the former Benfica man having been hailed as a "man mountain" by pundit Michael Ball due to his standout showings under Pep Guardiola.

For Spurs to then snap up their own version of the 6 foot 1 titan in the form of Andersen could prove to be just what Postecoglou is searching for.

هاجم أسطورة حراسة مرمى منتخب باراجواي، خوسيه لويس تشيلافيرت، جناح ريال مدريد الحالي، فينيسيوس جونيور، بسبب بكائه في مؤتمره الصحفي.

وانهمرت دموع فينيسيوس أمام عدسات الكاميرات في المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص بمباراة البرازيل وإسبانيا الودية قبل أيام قليلة في ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”.

ولكن اتضح بعد ذلك أن هناك فيلمًا وثائقيًا يتم تسجيله من قبل شبكة “Netflix” الشهيرة وهو ما كشف عنه أحد الصحفيين الإسبان.

اقرأ أيضًا.. عقبات تواجه ريال مدريد بشأن تقديم مبابي للجماهير

وكتب تشيلافيرت عبر حسابه الرسمي على منصة “X” بعد مؤتمر فينيسيوس قبل أيام: “يتبع سياسة الخبز والسيرك (الإلهاء)، لأنه أول من يهين ويستفز الخصوم، عليك أن تكون رجلًا، كرة القدم للرجال”.

وعاد الحارس المخضرم لتوضيح ما قاله في تصريحات عبر إذاعة “Splendid AM” الأرجنتينية، وقال: “هل ما قلته عن فينيسيوس كان قاسيًا؟ اعتقد أنني كنت أملك الحس السليم؟ لماذا يبدأ في البكاء؟”.

واستمر: “يقول لك إنه يريد أن يتمكن أصحاب البشرة السمراء من العيش بشكل أفضل، فماذا علينا نحن أصحاب البشرة البيضاء أن نفعل؟ هل يتعين علينا الانتحار؟ ما هي القضية التي يتحدث عنها؟ لا ينبغي أن نشوه الأمر”.

وواصل تصريحاته: “العنصرية موجودة في الأرجنتين، فرنسا وفي العالم كله، عندما وصلت من باراجواي إلى سان لورينزو (الأرجنتين)، قالوا لي إنني شخص جائع، أسرق المال، ابحث عن الإهانات التي تعرضت لها من الجمهور هناك”.

واستمر: “ما كتبته عبر X لم يكن به أي شيء مهين، كانت كاميرات نتفليكس في كل مكان في المؤتمر، ثم بدأ في البكاء، ماذا بقي لرجل ذو شعر داكن يكسب 300 دولار وعليه إطعام 4 أطفال؟ فينيسيوس يلعب في ريال مدريد، وبعيدًا عن ذلك فهو أول من يستفز المنافسين”.

وأتم: “أين كان فينيسيوس عندما قامت الشرطة البرازيلية بضرب جماهير بوكا جونيورز والأرجنتين حتى الموت؟ لقد ضربوا النساء والعواجز، كان كل شيء على ما يرام وقتها، والآن هو يبكي”.

David Warner overtook AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli on the ICC’s ODI rankings to become the top-ranked ODI batsman for the first time in his career

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jan-2017

Australia batsman David Warner has leapt to the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings, a result of a sensational run in the format since the start of 2016. Warner has scored 1755 runs in 28 ODIs since early last year at an average of 65 and a strike-rate of 106.94, including nine hundreds and four fifties. Warner became the No. 1 ODI batsman for the first time in his career, overtaking AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli.He capped the home ODI summer with a career-best 179 off just 128 balls in the fifth match in Adelaide, leading Australia to a 4-1 series win against Pakistan. Warner also won the Allan Border Medal for the second consecutive year and bagged the ODI Player of the Year title at the function, too. “It is a huge year for one-day cricket with the ICC Champions Trophy later this year and I am hoping I can take my good form into that tournament and help Australia lift the trophy for the third time,” Warner said.Pakistan batsman Babar Azam broke into the top 10 for the first time, gaining five spots to finish tenth. Azam also had a stellar year in ODIs: he has struck 938 runs in 16 games since the start of 2016, including three consecutive hundreds against West Indies in October.Azam became the joint-fastest batsman to 1000 ODI runs, reaching the landmark in 21 innings, equaling Sir Viv Richards’ record. He also became only the second Pakistan batsman to hit an ODI century against Australia in Australia, when he struck 100 in the fifth game in Adelaide.In the ODI bowlers rankings, Australia quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood made significant jumps after the Pakistan series. Starc moved up to second spot, from fourth, after picking up 15 wickets in the home ODI summer. In seven matches, he returned an average of 19.06 and an economy rate of just 4.67. Hazlewood jumped five places to fifth spot. He took 13 wickets in seven ODIs at an average of 23.46 and an economy rate of 4.70.After their 4-1 series loss against Australia, Pakistan continued to remain in danger of failing to directly qualify for the 2019 World Cup. They are currently in eighth place, two ranking points behind Bangladesh. Hosts England and the other top-seven sides as on September 30, 2017 will receive direct qualification for the event.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in sealing a move for Nice defender, Jean-Clair Todibo, as manager Erik ten Hag seeks to strengthen his centre-back ranks this summer.

What's the latest on Todibo to Man United?

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils are believed to be keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, alongside Monaco's Axel Disasi, as the Premier League giants plot alternatives to Bayern Munich target, Kim Min-jae.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider stated: "Axel Disasi remains concrete name in the list at Manchester United in case Kim Min-jae will end up joining Bayern as expected [next week will be crucial for Kim deal].

"Man Utd also sent their scouts to follow Jean Clair Todibo multiple times — no decision made yet."

The signing of the 6 foot 3 Frenchman – who still has four years left to run on his existing deal – could reportedly cost United a fee in the region of £26m, according to reports in Spain (via Football365).

Who is Jean-Clair Todibo?

Lauded as the "French Wall" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the former Barcelona man – who made the move to his current side back in 2021 – could well be the figure to replace club captain Harry Maguire in Ten Hag's squad next season, with the England international having been linked with an exit from the club of late.

The £80m man was branded a "walking disaster" by journalist Samuel Luckhurst during the 2021/22 campaign and continued those woes last season, having notably slipped down the pecking order after being restricted to just eight Premier League starts.

With a departure likely to be in the best interest of all parties – despite the 30-year-old's apparent desire to stay put – Ten Hag could well hasten the former Leicester City man's exit by bringing Todibo into the fold over the coming weeks and months.

Not only would the one-time Toulouse starlet represent a more long-term option due to his relative youth, but he is also seemingly a much better asset in the short-term, such is his superior quality both in and out of possession.

With Maguire representing something of a liability when playing out from the back – as his clumsy error in the defeat away to Sevilla showcased – the Sheffield native notably ranks in just the bottom 47% for progressive passes and only the top 48% for pass completion, while Todibo, by contrast, ranks in the top 12% and the top 20% for those same two metrics respectively.

Equally, the latter man also appears to offer a greater ball-winning presence than the current United skipper as he ranks in the top 8% for tackles made, with Maguire ranking in just the bottom 15% in that regard.

With Todibo coming off the back of a season in which he started 33 Ligue 1 games – averaging 3.4 tackles and interceptions combined per game in that time – the towering gem could well aim to replicate that stellar form at Old Trafford, while in turn allowing Ten Hag to finally show his club captain the door.