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Manchester United are closing in on what looks to be their final transfer of the summer window, with Erik ten Hag creating a framework to build on last season's exploits.

What's the latest on Sofyan Amrabat to Manchester United?

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are finally securing the services of Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, with the 27-year-old "on his way to Manchester shortly" to complete a medical.

The Fiorentina ace, who is joining on an initial loan deal with a 25m (£21m) buy option, has been of a vested interest to the Premier League outfit all summer, and they now look set to seal a deal at the final stage.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

With fears of a deal stagnating, United director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves flew to Italy earlier today to finalise a deal, and it now looks like he has succeeded.

How good is Sofyan Amrabat?

The Red Devils have been tracking the pass-proficient midfielder after his stunning performances with his nation at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he starred as the fulcrum of Morocco's fourth-placed finish.

Having been hailed for his “masterclass” of a performance against Spain in the last-16, the £32k-per-week powerhouse cemented his name as one of Europe's first-class midfielders with his international escapades, and his sustained performances with his Italian outfit Fiorentina have affirmed to Manchester United the decision they are making is the correct one.

As per FBref, the 6 foot 1 machine ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 2% for passes attempted and progressive passes per 90.

He has also been lauded for his "defensive instinct" by pundit Joe Cole, and very much looks the high-octane force the Old Trafford side covet to enhance the club's fluidity and cohesion in the engine room.

With such iron-clad protection in the centre through his defensive application and the assurance that a superlative passing presence will keep the play ticking in metronomic style, Red Devils captain and chief playmaker Bruno Fernandes could take his prolific game to the next level.

Hailed as a creative "genius" by journalist Muhammad Butt, Fernandes has posted 65 goals and 55 assists from just 188 outings for United since joining from Sporting Lisbon for an initial £47m in January 2020.

The £240k-per-week star ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for passes attempted and the top 3% for progressive passes per 90, and Amrabats' supplementation and presence in the deep-lying role would allow the Portugual star to maintain this and then some.

The fact that Fernandes also ranks among the top 11% for tackles and the top 7% for clearances per 90 underscores his own defensive work rate and tenacity, which would allow Amrabat to implement his game on English shores and perhaps be the foundation of a stunning new midfield partnership at the Theatre of Dreams.

Ten Hag must ensure that an unthinkable late slip does not occur as Manchester United home in on Amrabat, with the midfield "monster" – as said by reporter Carlo Garganese – just what the Premier League club needs to close the gap on those at the top of the league ladder.

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.

MatériaMais Notícias

Editor e colunista do LANCE!, Carlos Alberto Vieira, no ‘Coluna de Vídeo’, programa da TV L!, analisou o comportamento dos grandes times na rodada de fim de semana do Brasileirão e cravou: ainda há muito o que melhorar em todos eles, mas que no São Paulo o treinador Fernando Diniz parece ter encontrado uma fórmula para dar um bom rumo para o restante da competição. Veja acima, o vídeo da TV L! com a análise do nosso editor sobre o seu time do coração até aqui na Série A e deixe o comentário: Você está de acordo ou não?

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NR: Carlos Alberto Vieira é editor e colunista do LANCE! desde 2000 e titular da coluna de vídeo da TV LANCE! às segundas, quartas e sexta-feiras.

Southampton have real interest in Norwich City defender Max Aarons, according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.

The deal could depend on some departures in the full-back position, however.

What is the latest news regarding Max Aarons?

The Norwich fullback could be departing the club this summer for a new challenge.

According to a report from talkSPORT, the Saints are lining up a move for the English defender as manager Russell Martin aims to revitalize the recently relegated club in the hopes that they are able to bounce straight back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. The report states that the deal is seen by Southampton as a potential replacement for Tino Livramento, who has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United throughout this window.

According to the Telegraph, the fee required to sign Aarons is in the region of £10m, with the player also attracting the interest of Premier League side Fulham earlier this window.

Norwich director of football Stuart Webber has stated that this summer could be the right time for all parties to go their separate ways, with Aarons having "out-grown" the club: "People on the outside might have this perception that we have these close relationships. Max [Aarons] needs to go. He needs to go. He's out-grown us. We can't help him anymore. And I hope he gets the move that I think he deserves. I think he's been really unlucky not to have got a move by now, But on the business side, and what I truly believe is right for Max, and probably what's right for the team as well it is time to freshen it up. I think if the right offer came this summer, it could be really good for all parties.”

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Crook said that whilst Southampton's interest in the player is genuine, the Canaries will demand a large fee to part ways with the player who has been at the club his whole career: "I believe so, but a lot will have to happen because I think Norwich want a lot of money for him.

Currently, they've got Kyle Walker-Peters and Livramento as well. If they stay, he wouldn't necessarily go straight into the team. Romain Perraud, the left-back, could play over there as well. But he's got some interest from clubs. He could be one that could go towards the end of the window. But, I think the interest is genuine.”

Is Max Aarons a good signing for Southampton?

Aarons, who has been hailed as "underappreciated", could be a really solid pickup from the Saints.

The Englishman is incredibly experienced despite his tender age of 23, having made 213 first-team appearances for the Canaries, 70 of which have been at the Premier League level. The defender also has relevant experience for the Saints, having been a part of two Norwich sides that have won promotion to the English top flight, which is the aim of the Saints for next season. The player also has a strong youth international career, having made 34 appearances for the England youth sides and most recently being a part of the Euro U21 squad that won the tournament.

Described as "outstanding" by former manager Aidy Boothroyd, the defender could be a better option than Livramento for this level. Aarons averaged a WhoScored rating 6.69 last campaign, however in previous Championship campaigns has managed an average rating as high as 6.93, which is higher than Livramento managed in his best PL campaign. The current Southampton fullback has never played in the Championship before, therefore manager Martin could be leaning on Aarons experience as a deciding factor. The injury factor could also be important, with Livramento having just come back from a major knee injury that kept him out for 43 games. On the other hand, Aarons has missed just two games in his career with injury.

Should Livramento seal a switch to Newcastle, Aarons could be a strong upgrade on the former Chelsea man due to multiple factors.

Twenty-four hours after he was dropped for the first time in his Test career, Mominul Haque has been reinstated in the Bangladesh squad for the first Test against Australia, which starts from August 27. Mominul will replace Mosaddek Hossain, who is suffering from an eye infection, and the turnaround came after a meeting between the BCB president, Nazmul Hassan, and the selection committee.Mosaddek will need at least 15 days of rest for his condition to improve, according to an eye specialist. His infection was known to the selectors after he missed Bangladesh’s training camp in Chittagong earlier this month. During Saturday’s press conference, coach Chandika Hathurusingha had said that Nasir Hossain had been picked in the 14-man squad as Mosaddek’s back-up.However, following a stormy press conference after the team’s announcement on Saturday and subsequent criticism by the media, the BCB president called the selection committee, which also includes Hathurusingha, for an impromptu meeting. Hassan later said that such discussions with selectors and players often occur before a tour or home series, and this time took place after the squad was announced. Hassan said he would have insisted on Mominul’s inclusion in the squad if he had met with the selectors before Saturday’s announcement.”I don’t know if he would be in the XI but there was an opportunity to keep him in the squad,” Hassan said. “What would happen if they made it a 15-man squad instead of a 14-man squad? There’s no need to create controversy. Anybody would feel bad seeing Mominul out of the squad.”We have decided that Mominul is coming in as Saikat has an eye infection. So we don’t want to take a risk with him. See, it wouldn’t have come to that if we didn’t have a gap [in communication].”Squad for the first Test: Mushfiqur Rahim (capt & wk), Mominul Haque, Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Mustafizur Rahman, Taijul Islam, Mehedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nasir Hossain, Shafiul Islam.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are in the quest to replenish their side after making almost £80m worth of sales so far this transfer window.

Julen Lopetegui will be eager to put his spin on the squad he inherited last term from Bruno Lage, however the Spaniard could face his first howler with links to a Premier League underperformer arising.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has been linked with a move to Molineux, however the Midlands club should avoid taking the risk on a potentially expensive move.

How much is Harry Maguire worth?

Valued at €23.5m (£20m) by FootballTransfers, the Englishman’s value has crashed following a sequence of underwhelming individual campaigns.

A report this week from GIVEMESPORT claimed that United hope to sell the defender for a speculated fee of £35m this summer.

Transfer insider Dean Jones raised Wolves as a potential suitor for Maguire in his GIVEMESPORT column saying:

'… The only other Premier League clubs on the lookout for a new centre back – that could seem viable in any shape or form – this summer include Wolves, Fulham and, at a stretch, his old club Sheffield United.'

Should Wolves sign Harry Maguire?

After a trialling 2022/23 season, the Old Gold relied on Lopetegui to turn fortunes around to keep the club in the Premier League, after sitting bottom of the table on Christmas Day.

In his first full term in the Midlands, the Spaniard will aim to get the side back among the top ten, with a raise in defensive and offensive structure required over the break in play.

With the objectives clear, it would be a questionable move for Wolves to go for Maguire, who at the age of 30, has seen a disappointing decline in form attributable to a knock in confidence.

The once famed Leicester City ace – and the world's most expensive defender – started just eight Premier League games last term for United, being identified as a weak spot in the club’s back line.

Slammed by Red Devils legend Roy Keane earlier this season for having “not been good enough”, the Englishman faces an almost impossible battle in reclaiming his spot as the club’s favoured central defender, leaving him facing a potential exile.

United’s trash should not be regarded as a project for Wolves to polish and use in the bid to improve, with other central defensive options available, Lopetegui could show the club’s ambition by avoiding a move for the £190k-per-week dud.

A report from Planet Football highlighted just how detrimental the 30-year-old has been to the Manchester giants’ form, with their record both with and without him being captured between the 2021/22 campaign to January 2023.

In that time frame, the Red Devils played 42 games with Maguire, losing 14 and conceding 62 goals with a loss rate of 33.3%, however without the Englishman in the side, the loss rate decreased to 18.2%, conceding 33 goals and losing just six in 33 games.

In a season that must show progression, adding a defender famed for his frailties should not be for consideration, with the room for defensive error being considerably low in the top tier.

Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun following an impressive loan spell in Ligue 1, according to Ryan Taylor.

Is Balogun leaving Arsenal?

It's truly amazing what just one season can do to a player's transfer value.

The evidence of this is plain for all to see in the case of Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, who has now been valued at £50m by the Gunners following a sparkling season on loan in France. This time last year, that figure would have been significantly lower.

Balogun has come through Arsenal's youth setup and has always stood out as a striker with great potential. Thierry Henry, a forward who knows a thing or two about what it takes to succeed in north London, had praised the youngster's decision to choose a loan to a foreign club rather than staying in England (via Evening Standard).

This move to Stade Reims proved hugely beneficial for both player and club; the USA international netted 22 goals in 39 games for the French outfit. Balogun's strikes helped a team expected to struggle in Ligue 1 to an 11th-placed finish.

Such a fruitful loan spell has naturally attracted attention from clubs around Europe, with Arsenal open to selling the 22-year-old for the right price given they cannot guarantee him the minutes he wants at first-team level.

One club who are keen to keep him in the Premier League, however, are Crystal Palace. With Jordan Ayew, Jean-Phillipe Mateta and Odsonne Edouard far from the most clinical forward line, Roy Hodgson may look to Balogun to help provide a more consistent source of goals next campaign.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Taylor stated: "They [Crystal Palace] are looking at him, from what I understand. I've had conversations about Balogun's future. There are a lot of clubs informed on his situation.

"Palace are one, Inter Milan, Monaco, Marseille, Leipzig, AC Milan, but I think ultimately, the price tag's going to prove complicated for a lot of these clubs because Arsenal know he's a really talented player."

If Arsenal refuse to budge on their high valuation of Balogun, a deal for any club may be beyond reach. £50m would make the starlet by far and away Palace's most expensive signing of all-time and may prove to be too risky for the Eagles given Balogun's lack of Premier League experience.

They will also have to fend off competition from some colossal forces, as Taylor states, with last year's Champions League finalists Inter among the clubs vying for his signature.

With Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and new signing Kai Havertz all available to Mikel Arteta at the Emirates, there is no natural opening for Balogun in the near future.

What kind of player is Balogun?

Someone who now knows Balogun better than most is English Reims manager Will Still. He has been effusive in his praise of the attacker in the past: "He is a super complete striker, he is able to play with his back to goal, in depth. It is technically very clean. He scores, he is decisive."

His goal tally in Ligue 1 speaks for itself, but Arsenal fans have seen first-hand glimmers of the youngster's talent. He managed two Europa League goals in five games for the Gunners, despite only playing a total of 63 minutes.

Journalist Alex Barker (via CNN) has waxed lyrical about the forward's goalscoring instincts, with Balogun often scoring from close range with one-touch finishes or quickfire strikes.

At just 5ft8 and with a fairly slight build, Balogun will not bully defenders, instead using his pace and tactical awareness to find space in the penalty area, constantly keeping opposition centre-backs on their toes.

Even if his future lies away from Arsenal, he has all the tools to be a top striker in the Premier League and beyond.

A round-up of the Vijay Hazare Trophy Group B matches played on March 1, 2017

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Mar-2017

Tripura needed only two bowlers – pacers Abhijit Sarkar and Ajoy Sarkar – to sweep Himachal Pradesh away for 68 in 15 overs in their 138-run victory in Cuttack.Abhijit was on a hat-trick twice in Himachal’s innings. He began the innings with two wickets off the first two balls and then, in the 11th over of the innings, took wickets off the second and third deliveries. The 11th over ended as a triple-wicket maiden and, with Ajoy having taken a wicket on either side of that over, resulted in a slump where Himachal lost five wickets without adding a run on the board. Abhijit ended with career-best returns of 6 for 31 in eight overs, while Ajoy took 4 for 37.Earlier, Tripura recovered from a shaky 54 for 4 to post 206 runs after being put in to bat. Nirupam Sen Chowdhary (51 off 72 balls) was the common factor in two partnerships that helped Tripura recover. He added 41 for the fifth wicket with captain Yashpal Singh (47), followed by a sixth-wicket partnership off 55 with Gurinder Singh (33).Four wickets from Shrikant Mundhe led Maharashtra to their fourth straight win, when they beat Tamil Nadu by 22 runs at the DRIEMS Ground in Cuttack. Chasing 271, Tamil Nadu got decent starts from the top three batsmen but Mundhe dismissed two of them by the 21st over. The middle and lower orders were led by B Indrajith’s 49 even though he was running out of partners as Nikit Dhumal and Shamshuzama Kazi struck twice each. Once Indrajith was gone for 49 in the 41st over, leaving them on 193 for 8, M Mohammed scored a quick 33 off 24 but they were bowled out with five balls to spare.Maharashtra were steered by opener Ruturaj Gaikwad’s half-century after they opted to bat even though Vijay Zol, Ankit Bawne and Kedar Jadhav scored only 48 runs among them. Once Gaikwad fell for 82 off 76, Naushad Shaikh’s quick 68 off 66 took them past 250 before they were dismissed in 48.5 overs.Uttar Pradesh registered their first win of the tournament by amassing 387 for 5 with the help of Akshdeep Nath’s 143 off 117 before bowling Kerala out for 142 at the KIIT Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Once UP captain Prashant Gupta was dismissed early, Nath stitched partnerships of 142 with Shivam Chaudhary (63) and 135 with Eklavya Dwivedi (75) as he scored his maiden List A hundred. Once Nath fell after smashing 19 fours and three sixes, Sarfraz struck an unbeaten 45 off 22 and Rinku Singh chipped in with 29 off 12 to lead UP past 350.Five Kerala batsmen scored in double digits, including their top three, but none of them could convert them into big scores as Piyush Chawla dismissed three of the top four batsmen. Shivam Chaudhury removed Sachin Baby and Sanju Samson with his offspin in consecutive overs, leaving them on 141 for 6 and the last four partnerships could only survive 14 more balls to score one run, being bowled out in 32 overs.

Fulham are now "serious contenders" to sign Southampton star James Ward-Prowse, and it is believed he is keen to make the move to Craven Cottage.

Who will join Fulham this summer?

Marco Silva is keen to make sufficient squad upgrades after a very successful first full campaign back in the Premier League.

Fulham secured an impressive mid-table finish and were never in any real danger of the drop. The Whites also contended for a European spot over much of the season, but were ultimately beaten to it by Brentford, Aston Villa and Liverpool.

As a result, star players of theirs like midfielder Joao Palhinha are attracting serious interest from the likes of West Ham, Liverpool and Man United – but Fulham won't be bullied and are set to demand around £90 million for his services.

When it comes to who Fulham could actually sign this summer, rumours have been circulating the past week involving United midfielder Fred, Leicester City defender Timothy Castagne, Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres and Norwich full-back Max Aarons.

Silva and club chiefs appear to be chasing options defensively, further forward and in the centre of midfield – with a new target in Ward-Prowse now coming to light.

According to the Belfast Telegraph and PA news agency, Fulham are "serious contenders" to sign the Englishman this window and could be in pole position above the likes of West Ham.

This is because Ward-Prowse actually favours a move to west London over the Hammers, who would come in as a replacement for Palhinha if he were to depart.

The Saints skipper is interested in making the move to Fulham, mainly because he sees Silva'a brand of football as the best fit for him as he seeks a route back into the top flight.

Who is James Ward-Prowse?

Ward-Prowse, as proven by his 22/23 performances at St. Mary's, is Southampton's star player.

As per WhoScored, the 28-year-old racked up 13 goal contributions and stood out as their best-performing player by average match rating.

Former Southampton manager Nathan Jones, speaking to the press, also called him "vital" last season.

"He’s vital, I like to get to know my captains and have a real relationship with them, a real personal relationship so they understand decisions we make," said Jones.

“Sometimes we’ll make tough decisions, out there tactical decisions, but he is one that takes everything on board and understands. You see how the group is."

علق أحمد خليل كالوشا لاعب إنبي، على هزيمة فريقه أمام الاتحاد السكندري في إطار لقاءات الدوري المصري، موضحًا موقفه من الانضمام لمنتخب مصر.

وتلقى إنبي هزيمة صعبة أمام الاتحاد السكندري بنتيجة 2-1 في المباراة التي جمعتهما مساء الأحد الماضي.

وقال أحمد كالوشا في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة صدى البلد: “اتفقنا كلاعبين أن نفوز على الاتحاد وفاركو، وهزيمتنا أمام الاتحاد كانت مُزعجة جدًا، لم نكن موفقين وخسرنا بـ كرة في آخر لحظة”.

وتابع: “كنا نريد أن نحصل على الـ 6 نقاط من أجل الاستمرار على المنافسة في المربع للمشاركة في البطولات الإفريقية في الموسم الجديد”.

وأوضح: “شرف لأي لاعب التواجد في منتخب مصر، لكن حتى الآن لم يتواصل معي أحد من الجهاز بشكل رسمي، شرف لي التواجد تحت قيادة حسام حسن الذي فتح الفرص أمام جميع اللاعبين للانضمام”.

واستطرد: “أنا جاهز للانضمام لمنتخب مصر، هذا سيفرق معي ومع أي لاعب في طموحه، لأن الانضمام للمنتخب يفتح الباب أمام اللاعب لصناعة التاريخ”.

وبسؤاله هل تخطيت مرحلة عدم انضمامك إلى الزمالك؟، أجاب: “لو لم أتخطاها إذًا فأنا سأضيع ما فعلته، لن أظل أقف في نقطة ألوم فيها الناس، لا يوجد في الكرة ظُلم، وطالما تجتهد أي شيء سيأتي لك”.

وبسؤال هل ستنضم للزمالك في الموسم المُقبل؟، أردف: “هذا الأمر يعود لإدارة نادي إنبي”.