Following the exit of Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al-Hilal for a reported £43m, Fulham have been left without a marquee goalscorer as the Premier League season kicks on and the summer transfer window nears its close.

With time running out, however, the Cottagers have reportedly turned their attention to Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike, who has struggled since making the move to the French capital.

What's the latest on Hugo Ekitike to Fulham?

According to reports, Fulham are joining the race for Ekitike, who has been valued at £30-34m by PSG this summer. The London club will have to move fast if they want to secure the 21-year-old's signature.

Those at Craven Cottage will have to reportedly beat Everton, West Ham United, and a whole host of European clubs for Ekitike before the summer transfer window comes to an end, as per The Sun.

Of course, Fulham, unlike teams such as Everton, have the benefit of seeing their funds boosted following the exit of Mitrovic. The London club have the money there to spend, and now must spend it wisely. And that could yet see them push ahead to secure Ekitike.

Should Fulham sign Hugo Ekitike?

Replacing Mitrovic is undoubtedly no easy task. After all, the Serbian scored 14 goals in 24 Premier League appearances last season. But, that said, Ekitike may well be the man best-placed to slot straight into Silva's side and fill the boots of Mitrovic both in terms of clinical finishing and physical threat.

The young Frenchman has struggled at PSG, with a lack of game-time playing a large part in that after starting just 12 games in Ligue 1 last season.

In the season prior though, when given a chance to showcase his talent at Stade Reims, Ekitike starred, scoring 11 goals, and assisting a further five in all competitions.

The 6 foot 2 youngster will be desperate to regain that form, too, and with Kylian Mbappe reportedly set to stay put at PSG this summer, gaining the opportunity to prove himself will be as difficult as it was last season for the former Reims man.

A move away could benefit all parties involved – Fulham would have their Mitrovic replacement, Ekitike would gain some crucial minutes and PSG would likely receive their asking price.

Compared to Raul Jimenez, too, the Frenchman is far more capable of leading the line at Craven Cottage. Last season, when compared, via FBref, Ekitike made more progressive carries, more progressive passes, and was involved in more goals than Jimenez.

At his best, the forward has earned plenty of praise, with former Reims manager Oscar Garcia telling BeIN Sport's Ligue 1 show, via Chronicle Live: "There is something very special about him. He’s young, and he has the quality to become a very good player. He’s a young man with a lot of quality but also a lot to improve on, but he works hard in training.”

With that said, it would represent a solid piece of business if Fulham pushed ahead to secure Ekitike's signature in the remaining days of the summer transfer window.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Julian Draxler has been a renowned player across Europe for some time now and Crystal Palace could be set to make a move for him, with a new update dropping news on talks between the clubs.

How old is Julian Draxler?

The German has enjoyed an excellent career for club and country, even though injuries have ultimately played a part in him not quite reaching his vast potential. That being said, he has still won 58 caps for Germany, scoring seven goals at international level, not to mention winning the 2014 World Cup.

Now 29 years of age, Draxler has been plying his trade at PSG since arriving from VfL Wolfsburg in 2017, making a total of 198 appearances for the Ligue 1 giants. Last season, he was sent out on loan to Benfica, however, and he was restricted to just ten games in the Primeira Liga.

The midfielder is out of contract at his current club next summer, meaning they could be keen to cash in on him before deadline day arrives next Friday night. If not, it means they will likely lose him on a free transfer in 2024, with an extension not expected to come his way, hence his loan move in 2023/24.

With Palace eyeing up some late business in the current transfer window, a potential move for Draxler looks to be on the cards, following an intriguing update.

Will Crystal Palace sign Julian Draxler?

Taking to Twitter, RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins claimed that Draxler is a summer target for Palace, as they eye up an audacious piece of business:

"Crystal Palace is interested in Julian Draxler. First contacts have taken place between Paris and the English club. The German, who has one year left on his contract, is enthusiastic about the idea of ​​​​going to London."

Granted, Draxler's career has gone the way he would have hoped, in terms of the injury layoffs and not becoming a genuine world-beater, but he could still be a really exciting signing by Palace this summer.

His talent is undeniable, having registered 41 assists and scored 26 goals for PSG, not to mention being called "world-class" by Jens Keller, and he could raise the level of everyone around him at Selhurst Park.

Draxler's contract situation means that Palace could also be able to snap him up for a cut-price amount, with PSG not in a particularly strong bargaining position, so it wouldn't necessarily be a financial risk, even given his injury record.

The fact that the player himself is keen on a move to the Eagles certainly bodes well, as he looks for a fresh challenge away from being a fringe player at PSG, and he could add that sprinkling of magic in attacking midfield, possessing the ability to open up defences and also chip in with goals of his own.

Draxler has scored 66 goals and got 80 assists in his professional career to date – that figure would be higher if he had been available more often – and that level of end product could make Palace a greater attacker force, at a time when goals can come at a premium.

West Ham United are showing real ambition in their attempts to replace Gianluca Scamacca, with news coming to light on Eintracht Frankfurt star Randal Kolo Muani.

Who will West Ham next?

Earlier this week, the Irons completed their first major signing of this summer, as Mexico international midfielder Edson Alvarez joined the club from Ajax.

David Moyes had to wait long, and even saw moves for the likes of Carlos Borges hijacked late on, but Alvarez's arrival comes as a wonderful bit of news.

The 25-year-old could make his debut against Bournemouth today as West Ham gear up for their opening game of the season, with Moyes expressing his joy at the capture of Alvarez.

“We’re really pleased to add Edson to our squad,” he said.

“The midfield area was one we were especially keen to strengthen this summer – and Edson will complement the other options we have in that department. He’s an experienced international player, who has enjoyed great success for both club and country during his career to date.

“We’re excited about welcoming to West Ham and seeing him play his part in English and European competition for the club."

As we enter the crunch phase of this transfer window, attention will now turn to the signing of a striker, with Scamacca's departure to Atalanta coming as a real blow.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

Moyes needs a proven goalscorer to come in the Italian's stead, leading to them making a rather ambitious play for Paris-Saint Germain and Man United target Kolo Muani, who could cost as much as £85 million.

The Bundesliga striker, who enjoyed a dazzling campaign at Eintracht last term, has been subject to interest from all over Europe and we can now add West Ham to that growing list of admirers.

Kolo Muani, according to a report by 90min, has been subject to an approach from West Ham who have moved for the player by enquiring about his summer price tag.

Not much else is said on how the Hammers want to proceed, but it's clear they have their sights set quite high in their bid to sign a proven striker for Moyes.

Alongside the likes of Man United and PSG, it is also believed Bayern Munich had him on their radar before swooping for Harry Kane.

How good is Randal Kolo Muani?

The France international forward hit 26 goal contributions in the German top flight alone over 2022/2023, bagging 15 goals and 11 assists (WhoScored).

His frightening form has alerted some of Europe's top clubs and West Ham are now no exception, though they will surely face stiff competition for his signature.

Felix Magath, speaking to French newspaper L'Equipe on Kolo Muani, called him both "amazing" and a "very clinical" striker in the final third.

"He's amazing," said former Eintracht and Bayern boss Magath (L'Equipe via Bundesliga).

"He's not only a strong dribbler, but he's very clinical in the final third. I love his mentality; he's always thinking about the team. That's obvious when you look at how many assists he's got this season."

He could be the perfect Scamacca replacement, but it will be tricky to get a move over the line if West Ham decide to go further.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Julian Draxler has been a renowned player across Europe for some time now and Crystal Palace could be set to make a move for him, with a new update dropping news on talks between the clubs.

How old is Julian Draxler?

The German has enjoyed an excellent career for club and country, even though injuries have ultimately played a part in him not quite reaching his vast potential. That being said, he has still won 58 caps for Germany, scoring seven goals at international level, not to mention winning the 2014 World Cup.

Now 29 years of age, Draxler has been plying his trade at PSG since arriving from VfL Wolfsburg in 2017, making a total of 198 appearances for the Ligue 1 giants. Last season, he was sent out on loan to Benfica, however, and he was restricted to just ten games in the Primeira Liga.

The midfielder is out of contract at his current club next summer, meaning they could be keen to cash in on him before deadline day arrives next Friday night. If not, it means they will likely lose him on a free transfer in 2024, with an extension not expected to come his way, hence his loan move in 2023/24.

With Palace eyeing up some late business in the current transfer window, a potential move for Draxler looks to be on the cards, following an intriguing update.

Will Crystal Palace sign Julian Draxler?

Taking to Twitter, RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins claimed that Draxler is a summer target for Palace, as they eye up an audacious piece of business:

"Crystal Palace is interested in Julian Draxler. First contacts have taken place between Paris and the English club. The German, who has one year left on his contract, is enthusiastic about the idea of ​​​​going to London."

Granted, Draxler's career has gone the way he would have hoped, in terms of the injury layoffs and not becoming a genuine world-beater, but he could still be a really exciting signing by Palace this summer.

His talent is undeniable, having registered 41 assists and scored 26 goals for PSG, not to mention being called "world-class" by Jens Keller, and he could raise the level of everyone around him at Selhurst Park.

Draxler's contract situation means that Palace could also be able to snap him up for a cut-price amount, with PSG not in a particularly strong bargaining position, so it wouldn't necessarily be a financial risk, even given his injury record.

The fact that the player himself is keen on a move to the Eagles certainly bodes well, as he looks for a fresh challenge away from being a fringe player at PSG, and he could add that sprinkling of magic in attacking midfield, possessing the ability to open up defences and also chip in with goals of his own.

Draxler has scored 66 goals and got 80 assists in his professional career to date – that figure would be higher if he had been available more often – and that level of end product could make Palace a greater attacker force, at a time when goals can come at a premium.

Late blows from Steve O’Keefe and Ben Dwarshuis left Sydney Sixers needing eight off three balls, but Michael Neser sealed Adelaide Strikers’ second win with three yorkers

The Report by Alex Malcolm28-Dec-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAdelaide Strikers belied expectations after holding their nerve against Sydney Sixers at the SCG.The Strikers were in control after high-quality innings from Alex Carey and Jonathan Wells and excellent Power-play bowling upfront left the Sixers needing 61 from 30 balls will no recognised batsmen left. But Steve O’Keefe, Johan Botha and Ben Dwarshuis found a way to reduce the equation to 22 off seven before O’Keefe and Dwarshuis hit consecutive sixes off Ben Laughlin and Michael Neser. Another well-run two made it eight runs off three balls but Neser responded with three pinpoint yorkers to secure the Strikers second straight win.Conversely, the talent-laden Sixers slumped to their third straight loss after their batting line-up failed to fire again.Lefties galore
The Strikers’ new-look top four is made up exclusively of left-handers. It allowed the Sixers to set up their attack specifically to counter them. The Sixers made several changes to the side that lost their first two matches. Moises Henriques was ill, with Botha standing-in as captain. Dwarshuis came in for Doug Bollinger as a like-for-like but the Sixers picked the extra right-arm off-spinner in Will Somerville specifically to counter the left-handers. Jake Weatherald has a poor record against left-arm quicks in the BBL and the trend continued after he skied a Dwarshuis short ball in the first over. Botha and Somerville were able to bowl six of the first 12 overs at Carey and Travis Head, conceding 40 runs between them and picking up Head. By the time Colin Ingram fell to Dwarshuis for a run-a-ball 15 the Strikers had only managed to score 7.23 per over through 13 overs and were headed towards a below-par total at the SCG.O’Keefe not used, Carey and Wells cash in
According to , Steve O’Keefe has the third-best economy rate at the SCG in the last three BBL seasons. Botha, understandably, did not use the left-arm spinner in the first 13 overs against the four left-handers. But when the right-handed Wells walked out, with one boundary significantly larger than the other, it seemed a perfect time to bring O’Keefe on. Instead, Botha opted for Somerville again. Wells nailed a sweep, with the turn, for four to get himself going. Wells and Carey put together an unbroken 74-run stand in the last seven overs to get the total up to 167 without facing a single delivery from O’Keefe.Carey displayed power and placement early to get to his maiden BBL half-century. But despite losing his timing late in the innings, his supreme fitness saw him sprint four twos and one three. He finished with an unbeaten 83 from 59 balls. Wells’ cameo was outstanding too. He hit two fours and a massive 104m six onto the roof of the Bill O’Reilly stand in the last four balls of the innings to finish with 33 not out from 19 balls.Strikers strike early again
Taking early wickets in the Powerplay has been Perth Scorchers’ modus operandi for years when defending totals. The Strikers look to have copied the blueprint, attacking with their seamers upfront. Billy Stanlake conceded just two runs in the first over. Jason Roy flicked him for a huge six in the third over, but Stanlake set the trap for Daniel Hughes tucking him up with two men back and Hughes picked out one of them on the boundary. Neser had Nic Maddinson nicking off with Carey completing an outstanding one-handed catch. Roy, who looked to be fighting his way out of a form slump, did not do his homework on Ben Laughlin, lofting a predictable slower ball first-up high to mid-off. The Sixers were 3 for 42 at the end of the Powerplay before spin was needed.Silk road too long
Jordan Silk did his best to make the chase interesting. In his first appearance for the season as a replacement for Henriques, he struck ball as sweetly as any batsman all night. He raced to 50 off 31 balls with seven classy boundaries. But when he chopped Rashid Khan onto his stumps all hope seemed lost.Rashid had earlier bowled the Sixers’ last recognised batsman in Sam Billings. Botha and O’Keefe kept hopes alive with a 17-run over off Neser. O’Keefe and Dwarshuis then raised heart-rates with two massive blows inside the last seven deliveries after Laughlin and Neser missed their lengths. But Neser found the mark with his last three to wrap up the Strikers’ win.

MatériaMais Notícias

Líder do Campeonato Brasileiro, a partir da próxima semana o Internacional revê a Libertadores no calendário. Com um elenco de bons jogadores, o time de Eduardo Coudet não esconde a ansiedade para intercalar os jogos e buscar os dois títulos.

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A prova da mentalidade vencedora é possível ver nas coletivas. Nesta quarta-feira, o volante Patrick afirmou que o grupo vai se doar ao máximo dentro de campo para sair com bons resultados.

‘No nosso pensamento, não se dosa. Não se administra. São duas competições grandes e vamos buscar o título até o final. Tem jogo do Brasileiro? Vamos dar a vida. Tem jogo da Libertadores? Vamos dar a vida para conseguir o resultado positivo. O Coudet tem as peças e coloca aquelas que estão melhores nos jogos. Quem tiver dentro de campo vai poder dar 100%, independente da competição’, afirmou.

O próximo compromisso do Internacional é nesta quinta-feira, a partir das 19h15 (Horário de Brasília), no estádio Beira-Rio.

Pakistan Under-19s were once again tormented by offspinner Mujeeb Zadran, who took 5 for 13 in the final to bowl them out for a mere 63

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Nov-2017
ScorecardACC

Ikram Faizi’s unbeaten 107 and a five-for from offspinner Mujeeb Zadran clinched the maiden Asia Cup title for Afghanistan Under-19s, with a 185-run win over Pakistan Under-19s in the final in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.Mujeeb came into the final having taken six wickets against Nepal Under-19s in the semi-final and a six-for against Pakistan in the side’s first match of the tournament. His domination over the opponents continued – having dismissed Pakistan’s openers by the fourth over, Mujeeb returned in his second spell to pick up three lower-order wickets without conceding a run. His 5 for 13 took his overall wicket tally in the tournament to 20. Mujeeb was well-supported by legspinner Qais Ahmad, whose three wickets included Mohammad Taha – the leading run-getter in the tournament – and wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir. Taha and captain Hasan Khan were the only two Pakistan batsmen to score in double-figures in an innings that lasted 22.1 overs.Earlier, having been put in to bat, Afghanistan’s top three did the bulk of the scoring. The openers, Rahman Gul (40 off 53 balls) and Ibrahim Zadran (36 off 76), began with a 61-run opening partnership before Faizi took charge of the innings, smashing 10 fours and two sixes en route to his 113-ball 107. He anchored two fifty-plus stands with Darwish Rasooli (18) and Qais (14) for the third and sixth wickets respectively, negating much of the impact of the strikes from Muhammad Musa and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took five wickets between them. Having hit only 14 off his first 50 balls, Faizi accelerated quickly – he brought up his century with a six in the penultimate over, while smashing 18 runs in a 26-run over bowled by Munir Riaz.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has identified a new priority signing as the transfer window reaches its final stages, according to reports.

What's the latest news involving Manchester United?

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on Manchester United's progress regarding their pursuit of Kustosija forward Dino Klapija, stating: "Understand Manchester United and RB Leipzig are both negotiating to sign top talent Dino Klapija — also an option to close the deal now for January. Decision on player side expected soon as 2007 born striker will leave Croatian side Kustosija soon."

Football Insider also report that United have made an enquiry concerning the availability of Wolverhampton Wanderers right-back Nelson Semedo as Ten Hag aims to strengthen his backline before the window closes, especially in light of yet another defensive injury to Luke Shaw.

Contact has already taken place between both parties and Semedo is said to fit the bill in connection to the type of full-back Manchester United are looking to bring to Old Trafford this summer due to his offensive prowess and ability to overlap with regularity, although he of course prefers to play on the right.

Manchester United have also been hot on the tail of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat in recent times and he was left out of Fiorentina's Europa Conference league play-off match against Rapid Vienna, as per Sky Sports.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Manchester United icon Gary Neville has endorsed a move for Amrabat, stating: "They want to buy Sofyan Amrabat for a reason. He wants everybody in the team to be able to accept the football and receive it. Sofyan Amrabat coming in, he is a passer of the ball and can sit in there alongside Casemiro."

Amrabat is also capable of covering in central defence; however, he would finally be able to afford Manchester United some much-needed security in front of the back four.

Who else are Manchester United signing?

According to a report from FootballTransfers, Manchester United see Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo as the 'leading target' to strengthen their defense; however, player sales will be needed to facilitate the process of any prospective deal.

£21k-a-week ace Todibo would cost in the region of £35 million to bring to Old Trafford this summer and it is believed that personal terms would not be a problem in negotiations to acquire his services.

Coveted defender Todibo has featured 104 times for Ligue 1 outfit Nice in all competitions, registering two goals during his time on the field, as per Transfermarkt.

L'Equipe via Get Football News France indicate that Todibo is actually closing in on a move to Manchester United already and his arrival in the North West is thought to be 'in sight' – despite the Red Devils also showing interest in Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard.

Labelled "solid as a rock" by Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig, Todibo could definitely add some solidity to Ten Hag's backline as Manchester United aim to challenge for honours on both domestic and European fronts.

West Ham United are interested in signing Manchester United forward Anthony Martial this summer, as David Moyes looks to bolster his attacking options, and a new update has emerged.

So far this summer, the Hammers have signed just one player, welcoming Edson Alvarez from Ajax.

What's the latest on Anthony Martial to West Ham?

The London club have already done business with United this summer, of course, agreeing on a £30m deal to sign central defender Harry Maguire, according to Sky Sports, as well as seeing their bid for Scott McTominay reportedly rejected.

With plenty of money to spend following the exit of Declan Rice to Arsenal for a reported £105m earlier this summer, Moyes will be keen to welcome players in the coming weeks, having seen West Ham sign just one player in the current window, despite the hefty fee received for Rice.

According to talkSPORT, West Ham have made an approach to sign Martial and are in talks over a transfer. Given that the Frenchman's contract expires next summer, the Red Devils may look to accept a cut-price fee in the current transfer window, handing the Hammers an advantage.

Should West Ham sign Anthony Martial?

Even though Martial has struggled for fitness in a Manchester United shirt, the quality is still there, and securing the Frenchman's signature would represent solid business for West Ham.

At his best, Martial is a player with the quality to play in the Champions League, scoring 88 goals in 298 appearances throughout his time at Old Trafford.

The only obstacle standing in the way could be his wages, however, with the former AS Monaco man earning a reported £250k a week, which would make him West Ham's highest earner.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

Compared to Moyes' current options, too, the 27-year-old stands out. According to FBref, when compared to Michail Antonio and Danny Ings last season, Martial made more progressive passes, scored more and assisted more goals per 90, and enjoyed a better take-on success.

The numbers suggest that Martial would be a major upgrade on the current forwards at the London Stadium. At his best, the United forward has earned plenty of praise, too, with Lee Sharpe telling TalkSport:

“I think Martial on his day is unplayable. I think he’s that good. That’s what frustrates fans, knowing he’s that good but not doing it week-in, week-out.

"I don’t know the lad personally so I’m unsure whether he is happy playing out wide, or if he prefers playing as a number nine.

"If United get the best of Martial then everybody will be happy.”

With that said, if West Ham secured the signature of Martial this summer and got the best out of him, they may well have themselves a new forward ready to take them up a level or two, and it looks as if a deal is one to watch.

Tottenham Hotspur have made an offer to sign FC Porto attacker Pepe, with a report sharing how much a bid was worth and if it has been accepted.

What’s the latest Spurs transfer news?

Daniel Levy and Ange Postecoglou have been productive in the window so far, bringing in money after selling Harry Kane to Bayern Munich and spending around £165m on James Maddison, Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven, Dejan Kulusevski, Guglielmo Vicario, Alejo Veliz, Ashley Phillips and Manor Solomon.

However, Spurs’ incomings could hit double figures by the deadline, with Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge admitting the club want a new attacker and another defender before September 1.

“Yeah, I think Spurs could have a busy final week. I still think maybe two – I think three is probably pushing it.

“I know they would still like another defender and a forward, whether that’s a winger/forward, like I’ve said throughout the months, you don’t replace Harry Kane like for like and I don’t think Ange Postecoglou has any intention of replacing Harry Kane like for like as you simply can’t.

“So we’ll see what the forward options will be, but as I say for now, outgoings are very important.”

It looks as if one player of interest in the final third is Pepe, with an update claiming a bid has been made.

According to A Bola in the last 48 hours, Spurs made a proposal for Pepe worth €60m (£51.4m) broken down into a €45m (£38.6m) fee plus €15m (£12.8m) worth of add-ons.

However, the Portuguese side have turned down the offer from north London and will only let the player go if his €75m (£64.3m) release clause is met.

Spurs aren’t the only English side keen on Pepe, though, with rivals Arsenal also showing an interest this summer but right now, it appears as if the player will remain with Porto unless Spurs pay around £13m more.

Who is Pepe?

Pepe, lauded an “important” member of Porto’s first-team squad by journalist Fernando Campos, is primarily a left-winger but is extremely versatile.

The 25-year-old, valued at a career-high €25m by Transfermarkt, has played in eight different positions during his career so far, ranging from a centre-forward to a right-back.

The Brazilian made 145 appearances for former side Gremio in his native country, contributing to 52 goals before joining Porto in 2021. He is under contract in Portugal until 2027 and has featured on 100 occasions in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and registering 16 assists.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Despite a bid being turned down, a move to Tottenham for Pepe could still be one to keep an eye on, however, he isn’t the only attacking target on the north London radar.

Gent’s Gift Orban, Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson and Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun have all been linked with moves of their own to Spurs, as well as Lille’s Jonathan David and Brentford’s Ivan Toney.

It does look as if the club will push hard to secure a new attacker following this news on Pepe, but who that will be remains to be seen.