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Defending champions have eight wickets in hand, chasing season’s first win on last day

ECB Reporters Network05-Jun-2019An exciting, absorbing third day’s play at Guildford saw 17 wickets tumble and ended with Surrey, the 2018 champions, still believing that a remarkable first victory of the season is possible against Somerset, last year’s runners-up.Needing 267 to win, Surrey will start the final day on 99 for 2, with Scott Borthwick on 35 not out after adding a determined 72 in 27 overs for the second wicket with Rory Burns, who slog-swept left-arm spinner Jack Leach for six and also hit eight fours in an excellent 48.Jack Brooks, who also bowled Mark Stoneman for 12 in his second over with the new ball, struck a potentially crucial blow just before the close, however, when he had Burns, Surrey’s captain, caught at first slip. Scoring the remaining 168 runs Surrey require will not be an easy task.In seam-friendly conditions, under overcast skies, Surrey had earlier resurrected their chances in dramatic fashion, Matt Dunn taking a career-best 5 for 43 as Somerset’s last seven second-innings wickets fell for 39 and they were bowled out for 153.James Hildreth’s silky 64 from 80 balls, including 11 fours and by far the best batting of the day, had threatened to put the game beyond Surrey’s reach after a hostile new-ball spell of 6-2-12-2 from Morne Morkel had removed openers Tom Abell and Marcus Trescothick.Tom Banton then fell to Dunn, leg-before for 12 on the stroke of lunch, to leave Somerset 50 for 3 but Hildreth and first-innings centurion George Bartlett added 64 for the fourth wicket to put the visitors seemingly in complete control.Ryan Patel, however, who was last out for a defiant 63 when Surrey slid from their overnight 188 for 5 to 231 all out, then shaped one into Hildreth’s pads to win a leg-before appeal – the ball appearing to hit pad and then bat – and, suddenly, Somerset were struggling to build the lead of above 300 that would surely have made them overwhelming favourites.Bartlett, on 16, edged Rikki Clarke to be athletically caught to his right by keeper Ben Foakes, and then Morkel and Dunn sparked the Somerset collapse. Still, the victory target is a stiff one on a pitch that makes batting a testing business, especially against the new ball.At the start of the day, Craig Overton’s opening spell of 5-1-12-3 had set the tone for what was to follow, with Surrey losing their last five wickets for 41 runs in 14 overs.But Somerset’s second innings began with Abell and Trescothick, respectively, caught at gully for 9 and behind the wicket for 12, although the latter clearly did not think he had touched the ball. Morkel, however, was extracting fearsome lift and, even with an older ball when he was brought back in mid-afternoon, facing the giant South African was not for the faint-hearted.Morkel, on his return, had Craig Overton caught and bowled for 1 with his first ball – which spat from just short of a length to take the shoulder of the bat and loop so high into the air that the bowler could run forwards and take the catch just beside the batsman.Dunn then finished off the innings in some style, having Jamie Overton caught behind for 2, trapping Steven Davies leg-before for 16 and, after tea, bowling Jack Leach for 5 and also swinging one back into Tim Groenewald’s stumps to dismiss him for 10.Craig Overton’s early morning burst earned him final figures of 5 for 38 in Surrey’s first innings. Will Jacks did not add to his overnight 13 before edging to second slip, Clarke steered to gully after a bright and breezy 20 and Morkel miscued to mid-on without scoring.Jamie Overton ended with 3 for 46, with Patel skying an intended pull to mid on, and Groenewald picked up the other Surrey wicket to fall, that of Gareth Batty for a duck, as the seamers of both sides dominated the day.

Manchester United are reportedly set to deal Mikel Arteta a blow by snapping up a crucial Arsenal asset who is regarded as "one of the best".

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Man Utd to raid ArsenalAim to snap up physio Jordan ReeceRed Devils determined to solve their injury crisisWHAT HAPPENED?

According tothe Red Devils have made an offer to acquire physiotherapist Jordan Reece from the Gunners. They have been locked in discussions for quite some time and are currently trying to figure out Reece's potential departure date from north London.

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This recruitment comes as part of a comprehensive medical review at Manchester United, which is being led by Dr. Gary O’Driscoll, a former Arsenal employee who has recently taken charge of United’s medical department. O’Driscoll, familiar with Reece’s capabilities from their time together at Arsenal, is spearheading efforts to overhaul an 'outdated' medical department that has struggled to cope with a spate of injuries over the past season.

United have faced a gruelling campaign marred by injuries, which have significantly impacted their performance. The club's poor injury record has been a point of concern, prompting new majority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his lieutenant, Sir Dave Brailsford, to prioritise addressing these issues. The recruitment of Reece, known for his expertise and effectiveness in managing players' long-term health, is seen as a pivotal step in this direction.

DID YOU KNOW?

Reece has earned a reputation as "one of the best" in the field, particularly noted for his successful work with players like Gabriel Jesus during extended recovery periods. Arsenal, understandably, are reluctant to lose such a valuable asset, having already struggled to retain O’Driscoll when he left for United last season.

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Erik ten Hag has openly attributed some of the team's disappointing results to the injury list, highlighting the critical need for a robust medical team. Despite securing the FA Cup, the persistent injury problems exposed major weaknesses within the squad and the club's medical infrastructure. The recruitment of Reece is part of a series of measures aimed at rectifying these deficiencies and providing the squad with the best possible medical support.

Nottingham Forest were extremely active in the summer transfer window, bringing in 14 new players for then-manager Steve Cooper. Only newly-promoted Burnley (16) recruited more in that period.

Forest, who have since been charged with breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, haven't made any additions so far in January as we approach the deadline, but that's not to say they haven't been active.

Nottingham Forest: Every signing since promotion to the Premier League

Nottingham Forest have splashed the cash since returning to the top flight – FFC has detailed every signing they’ve made.

ByMark Marston Feb 2, 2024

Forest had hoped to sign Giovanni Reyna from Borussia Dortmund on a season-long loan after reaching an agreement with the player, but French side Marseille have swooped in and may hijack the deal. Carlos Forbs at Ajax may be the Plan B, with negotiations now at an advanced stage.

Another area Nuno Espirito Santo could look to strengthen is between the sticks. Predecessor Cooper brought in Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos during the summer, but neither have been able to nail down the No 1 spot at the City Ground.

Games played

16

5

Goals conceded per 90

1.62

2.4

Save percentage

68.8%

50%

Now, though, Forest are attempting an ambitious move for a player who could solve that problem by definitively making the position his own.

Forest make contact over Gulacsi transfer

According to Fabrizio Romano, Forest are working on a deal to sign Peter Gulacsi from RB Leipzig. Nuno wants to recruit a new goalkeeper "in the final days" of the window and has identified a prime target.

The club have already been in contact over a potential deal but have learned that Leipzig aren't inclined to let him leave, which will make things "difficult". Forest may hope that the Bundesliga side can line up a suitable replacement, freeing up Gulacsi for a move.

"Top-level" Gulacsi can be another Navas

Gulacsi used to be on the books at Liverpool but left for RB Salzburg in 2013, and then moved on to sister team Leipzig two years later. Now 33, he's vastly experienced at the highest level with 287 games under his belt for Leipzig.

However, after an anterior cruciate ligament tear last season, he lost his place in goal to Janis Blaswich, and he's been limited to just three outings this season – two in the cup, and one in a Champions League group-stage dead-rubber against Young Boys. That may be why Nuno has sensed an opportunity.

Gulacsi established himself as one of Europe's best goalkeepers during his time at the Red Bull Arena, earning a place in Kicker's Bundesliga Team of the Season in 2018/19. He's been capped 51 times by Hungary and twice named the country's Footballer of the Year (2018 and 2019).

Delving into the advanced data, you can see that across the past five seasons, he's ranked seventh or higher for goals prevented per 90 three times, and led the way in Europe's top five leagues for this metric in 18/19 (0.34).

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Described as a "top-level" shot-stopper by football writer and podcaster Danny Corcoran, he could in a sense be another Keylor Navas – a veteran goalkeeper brought to Forest amid limited game time at a Champions League club (in Navas' case, PSG). The Costa Rican helped keep the club up last season, and Gulacsi could do the same this year.

Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino have been handed a major transfer boost after one journalist said a top target has “chosen” to move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea striker rumours

The Blues have been linked with a number of attackers during the January transfer window as Todd Boehly looks to seal a first signing of 2024.

Nicolas Jackson has been away with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, whereas Armando Broja has been linked with an exit. Should the latter leave, then a short-term replacement could be required as Pochettino’s side push for silverware in the second half of the season.

Chelsea offered "incredible" striker with same agent as James

He’s scored twice at Stamford Bridge in the past.

ByCharlie Smith Jan 26, 2024

France legend Karim Benzema, now at Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, has been rumoured as one who could come in until the summer, with talks ongoing and Boehly appearing to be excited at that prospect.

AZ Alkmaar’s Vangelis Pavlidis, Zenit St Petersburg’s Mateo Cassierra, Cercle Brugge’s Kevin Denkey and Atletico Mineiro’s Paulinho have also been offered to Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen appears to be the club’s top target, and even though a move may not go through before February 1, the club have still been handed a big boost in their pursuit of the striker.

Victor Osimhen transfer update

There has been plenty of speculation regarding Osimhen and Chelsea this month, and at one point, it was suggested by Simon Phillips that co-owner Behdad Eghbali had held “positive” talks with the player’s agent are were still looking at a January move.

Since then, it has been claimed that the Nigeria international would be open to a Stamford Bridge switch and that Chelsea were in pole position to complete a transfer, and there has now been a further development.

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Osimhen has now “chosen” to join Chelsea, highlighting the fact that the Blues, Manchester United and Liverpool were all circling last summer.

This is clearly great news for Chelsea, with Osimhen, on £250,000-a-week with Napoli, someone who could come in and be an upgrade on the club’s current striker options.

Victor Osimhen

Nicolas Jackson

Armando Broja

Goals

82

20

18

Assists

18

7

2

Progressive passes

146

93

62

Shots per 90 mins

3.89

2.43

2.04

Shot creating actions

345

120

100

Career stats, as per FBref

He has also earned the praise of Gianfranco Zola, with the Chelsea icon comparing the player to Didier Drogba.

"I see a lot of similarities but it’s unfair to compare players from different eras. They both play with a lot of physicality and they are both very good with scoring, taking their opportunities. He’s a very complete player. He’s got a good reference going forward, he can link up play and he’s devastating in the air. He’s a pest to defenders."

The 25-year-old could therefore be the next big-money signing at Stamford Bridge, with Osimhen’s release clause standing at €130m (£110m), although fans may have to be patient and wait until the summer.

De Villiers confirmed he had spoken to Faf du Plessis two days before South Africa picked their squad but was not trying to ‘force’ his way

Nagraj Gollapudi12-Jul-2019Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has revealed that on the day he announced his international retirement, in May 2018, he was asked privately by a person from within the Cricket South Africa set-up whether “the door was still open” for him to play the World Cup. De Villiers said yes then, but insisted that he did not push for late inclusion when he contacted Faf du Plessis shortly before the squad was named.De Villiers did not want to name the person who had asked him whether he was available for the World Cup, but said that was what prompted him to “casually” talk with du Plessis, the South Africa captain, during the IPL and repeat that he was available for World Cup selection but “only if required”.That conversation, as revealed by ESPNcricinfo in June, happened just days before South Africa’s World Cup squad was going to be picked. Linda Zondi, chairman of the South Africa selection panel, said that de Villiers’ “desire” to be included in the squad came as a “shock” to not just him but du Plessis and Ottis Gibson, the South Africa coach.However, de Villiers has now said he never wished to “force his way” into the squad. “On the day of my [retirement] announcement, I was privately asked whether ‘the door was still open’ for me to play in the World Cup,” de Villiers said in a statement, seen by ESPNcricinfo. “I was asked. I did not offer. I quickly replied ‘Yes’. With hindsight, maybe I should have just said no, but my natural instinct has always been to find a way to oblige whenever possible.”During the weeks and months that followed, there was no formal contact between Cricket South Africa or the Proteas and me. I didn’t call them, and they didn’t call me. I had made my decision and the Proteas moved on, enjoying success under the expert guidance of coach Ottis Gibson and the outstanding captaincy of Faf du Plessis.”Faf and I have been friends since we were at school together and, two days before the World Cup squad was announced, I contacted him for a chat. I had been in decent form during the Indian Premier League and casually repeated what I had said when asked a year earlier, that I was available if required… but only if required.”I made absolutely no demands at all. I certainly did not try to force my way into the World Cup squad on the eve of the tournament, and did not expect to be included. There was no burning issue from my side, and no sense of injustice.”According to de Villiers, the reason he did not speak out immediately after the news broke was that he did not want to distract South Africa’s faltering World Cup campaign. Many fans, former cricketers and media were critical of de Villiers’ move with some saying he was not entitled to make such a late approach just because he was a South African great.De Villiers said that he was making the statement now because of the criticism that followed. “I continue to be asked to comment on the disclosure, and distortion, of a private conversation that took place just before the squad was announced and, for the benefit of anyone who may have felt let down, would like to explain what happened.”First, I announced my retirement from international cricket in May 2018 because I wanted to reduce my workload and spend more time with my wife and young sons. Some have insisted I was motivated purely by money. They are wrong. In truth, I have turned down many lucrative offers to play around the world, and have cut the time spent away from home each year from eight months to just over three months.”De Villiers stressed his conscience was clear and he had retired for “honest” reasons. “Then, out of the blue, on the evening after the Proteas lost to India, suffering a third successive World Cup defeat, elements of our private conversation were disclosed to the media, and distorted to cast me in the worst possible light.”The story was not leaked by me, or anybody associated with me, or by Faf. Maybe someone wanted to deflect criticism. I don’t know.”As a result, I was unfairly described as arrogant, selfish and indecisive but, with all humility, my conscience is clear. I retired for honest reasons and, when asked if I could be available for the World Cup, agreed to keep the door open. In the event, understandably, the team moved on. No problem. I am not angry with anybody.”Despite what he called an “unpleasant and unnecessary saga”, de Villiers said he would always continue to support South African cricket. “Now, at this stage of my life, I would like to continue spending time with my family and to play in selected T20 tournaments in SA and around the world.”I have been massively proud to have played for, and indeed captain, my country on the cricket field. My relationships with the Protea players remain as strong as ever, and I will always be available to support and assist the next generation.”Lastly, in stating my side of this unpleasant and unnecessary saga, I want to stress my continuing support for the team and the game that has shaped my life and provided me with so many lasting friendships and incredible opportunities.”

Erik ten Hag will reportedly have a paltry base sum to work with in the transfer window after he was kept on as Manchester United manager.

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Ten Hag survives at Man UtdWill have little control over recruitmentAround £50m for signings this summerWHAT HAPPENED?

Despite being retained as the club's manager, the Dutch tactician will have to navigate the transfer market with just £50 million ($64.20m) to spend initially, a stark contrast to the expectations and needs of the squad, according to the Moreover, with chief executive Omar Berrada set to begin in his role in the middle of next month, and sporting director Dan Ashworth joining the team later, the hierarchical dynamics have shifted, with Ten Hag's focus now more on coaching rather than recruitment – effectively reducing his influence on transfer decisions.

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With only £50m available for new signings, United must look to player sales to boost their transfer budget and comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial have already departed the club, with others expected to follow. The club is prepared to listen to offers for most of the squad, including notable names like Antony, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. These sales could be crucial for generating the necessary funds to bring in new talent. They are also open to offers for homegrown talents like Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay, whose departures would contribute entirely to the FFP balance sheet.

DID YOU KNOW?

One of the primary targets for United is strengthening the defence. The club have several centre-backs on the shortlist, including Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice, Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton, and Leny Yoro from Lille. However, acquiring any of these players would consume a significant portion of their budget. Additionally, they are interested in Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee to provide competition for Rasmus Hojlund. However, without significant player sales, securing these transfers will be challenging.

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The uncertainty surrounding the squad and the financial limitations place Ten Hag in a difficult position. The current situation necessitates a strategic approach to player sales and acquisitions and the blueprint will be set by Berrada and Ashworth once they are in office at Old Trafford. Ten Hag could only hope that he gets a revamped squad at his disposal in August so that he can fight for silverware on multiple fronts.

Mitchell Santner and Todd Astle are also part of the squad for the two-Test series as New Zealand return to action after the World Cup drama

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Jul-2019New Zealand have named four spinners in their squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka which marks the beginning of the World Test Championship for both teams.Offspinner Will Somerville and left-armer Ajaz Patel are reunited after their role in helping New Zealand to their 2-1 victory over Pakistan in the UAE last year. They are joined by Mitchell Santner, who played his last Test in December 2017 before being sidelined by injury, and legspinner Todd Astle who made his debut in Colombo seven years ago.Neither Santner or Astle were part of the success over Pakistan with Patel making his debut in the opening game of the series in Abu Dhabi where his 5 for 59 in the second innings secured a gripping four-run win. Then in the deciding match Somerville, making his Test debut at 34, bagged seven wickets in the game – alongside another five for Patel – as New Zealand won by 123 runs.”Playing three spinners is an option in Sri Lankan conditions and we believe this group provides the best variations and skill mix on offer,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. “England were playing three spinners against Sri Lanka on their successful visit there last year and the slow bowlers also dominated the previous series against South Africa.”The dominance of spin in the squad leaves just three frontline quicks – Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner – alongside the medium pace of Colin de Grandhomme. It means that Lockie Ferguson, who was one of the stars of the World Cup, will have to wait for a Test debut although with series against England, Australia and India to come over the next six months it is likely to just be a matter of time.The rest of the squad is as expected with a settled top order. Tom Blundell, who was part of the World Cup squad, has been included as back-up to BJ Watling.After taking time to reflect on the dramatic end to the World Cup, Stead said it is good to be able to get back to playing with a new structure to Test cricket under the WTC which begins with the Ashes series on Thursday. “It’s good timing for us after the World Cup,” he said. “It was an incredible time for the team and the country, but we’re now excited to move forward as a group and sink our teeth into another opportunity.”Kane Williamson called the restructuring of Test cricket – with nine teams playing each other over a two-year cycle culminating in a final at Lord’s in June 2021 – “exciting and refreshing”.”Obviously every side is going to be fighting for that opportunity to play in the final,” New Zealand’s captain said, “But I guess as we’ve seen and felt, even in a World Cup which is over two months, the focus is on the immediate challenge ahead and what you need to try and do. To negotiate those challenges to give yourself the best chance to what is a long long time away. And I suppose over two years you are going to be see a number of different players potentially involved in different squads around the world because it is such a long period of time and the conditions are so different wherever you are playing in the world. So a pretty exciting new competition that I know all the guys are looking forward to getting involved.”Squad Kane Williamson (capt), Todd Astle, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Jeet Raval, Will Somerville, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling

Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically died at the age of 26.

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Sarkic fell ill in the weekWas away with Montenegro when he passedClubs, players and fans left devastatedWHAT HAPPENED?

The passing of the Championship goalkeeper has sent a shockwave across the world of football after appearing for several English clubs during his career. Sarkic fell ill while with his friends at an apartment in Budva, but attempts to save his life were unsuccessful. He was in action for his country just over a week ago against Belgium.

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Millwall released a statement following the news and expressed their devastation at the incident. A post on their website read: "Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26. Sarkic, The Lions' number one goalkeeper, made 33 appearances for the club since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023. A Montenegro international, Matija proudly represented his country on numerous occasions."

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Tributes have been pouring in from a number of Sarkic's former clubs. Birmingham City said: "Everyone at Birmingham City is shocked and saddened to learn of the news that our former goalkeeper, Matija Sarkic, has passed away at the age of 26. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all those that knew him."

The Villa Academy page posted a heartwarming message for their ex-stopper, adding: "Difficult to put the news of this morning into words. Former Villa goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26. Rest in peace, Mati. You and your family are in our thoughts. 💜"

Millwall's official supporters club were also saddened to hear of his death, saying: "🖤 RIP Matija Sarkic 🖤 What horrendous news to wake up to this morning that our goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the young age of 26. Devastating news for his friends and family and for all of us associated with Millwall. Once a lion, always a lion 🦁"

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WHAT NEXT?

The world of football will mourn the tragic loss of a top athlete and person. Millwall will be keen to pay tribute to their goalkeeper further with fans of the club when they return from the summer break.

Last month, it emerged that Erik ten Hag and Manchester United are keeping an eye on Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who's just returned from an eight-month ban for breaking gambling rules.

Brentford want £100m to sell Toney, and aren't prepared to drop much lower in negotiations, so it remains to be seen whether United are priced out of a deal or whether they launch a blockbuster move at the start of the Jim Ratcliffe era. The Red Devils also have alternatives in mind, including, as it turns out, the player Brentford view as their ideal replacement for Toney.

United in touch over Jonathan David

According to Football Transfers, Manchester United have made contact over a deal for Jonathan David, registering their interest in the Canadian striker. Alongside Brentford, fellow Premier League sides Aston Villa, Chelsea and Newcastle are all keen too.

The Bees are firm admirers of David, with Thomas Frank impressed by what he saw when Lille visited Brentford for a pre-season friendly last summer. The German apparently believes that he has what it takes to be Toney's successor at the Gtech Community Stadium.

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Lille have set out an asking price of around €50m (which is equivalent to about £43m) for David's suitors, and while they're "reluctant" to let him go, he's thought to be "desperate" to play in the Premier League.

United fans will love David's Liverpool comments

David, who has scored 13 goals and provided six assists in his 30 appearances this season, has made no secret of his aforementioned desire to move to the English top-flight.

Speaking during Canada's World Cup campaign in 2022, he said: "The Premier League is the best league in the world and I think every player would want to play there some day."

Player

Goals

Assists

Rasmus Hojlund

11

2

Alejandro Garnacho

7

2

Marcus Rashford

5

5

Anthony Martial

2

1

Antony

1

1

He actually gave that answer when asked directly about supposed interest from United, and while he wouldn't comment on the club directly, he has already ticked one important box for the Old Trafford faithful. During his time with previous club Gent in Belgium, he singled out Liverpool, who are of course United's arch-rivals, as the one Premier League side he doesn't particularly like.

He said: "I love all teams in the Premier League: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, but also Southampton, Crystal Palace, Everton … I like nice teams. I’m just not a big fan of Liverpool."

United and Brentford are entangled in something of a transfer web at the moment as they plan to make striker signings in the summer. There could be a scenario where the London club reject an offer from Ten Hag's side for Toney, and then find themselves battling with the 20-time champions for the signature of David.

Richmond Mutumbami’s fight in vain as Zimbabwe collapse in a heap

The Report by Liam Brickhill18-Sep-2019With their backs up against the wall, Bangladesh cruised to a 39-run win over Zimbabwe in a sweltering Chattogram to book their place in next week’s tri-series final. Put in to bat by Zimbabwe, Bangladesh’s 175 for 7 was built around a 78-run fourth-wicket stand between Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim. While Zimbabwe did well to hold Bangladesh back when they had been poised to score many more, they showed no such application with the bat in their chase. Brendan Taylor fell for a duck in the very first over, Zimbabwe stumbled through the Powerplay, and an eighth-wicket partnership of 58 between Richmond Mutumbami and Kyle Jarvis was their only combination of any substance as Bangladesh took full control.Mahmudullah’s sixesMahmudullah spanked five sixes in his 62 – only one less than Zimbabwe managed in their entire innings. Liton Das had cracked two of his own to lead Bangladesh’s charge in the Powerplay, taking 21 off an over from young left-arm spinner Ainsley Ndlovu, but when he, debutant Najmul Hossain and Shakib Al Hasan fell in the space of 17 deliveries, the momentum was transferred back to Zimbabwe. Mahmudullah ensured it didn’t stay that way for long, stepping out to biff the very first ball he faced over long-off for six.While Mushfiqur Rahim kept things ticking over at the other end, five overs later Mahmudullah was at it again. Sean Williams was slogged over long-on, just past the outstretched fingers of Tino Mutombodzi in that position, and soon afterwards it was Mutombodzi who was on the receiving end, with a floated legbreak flayed over long-off for Mahmudullah’s third six.By then, the fourth-wicket stand had passed fifty, the innings had been well and truly set up, and Mushfiqur joined the party by slog-sweeping a Chris Mpofu slower ball for a six of his own. He was out soon afterwards, but Mahudullah wasn’t done yet, raising Bangladesh’s 150 in the 18th over, and his own half-century three balls later with his fourth maximum via a muscular pull off Mpofu. He saved his best for last, with six No. 5 coming off a delivery from Mpofu that was only slightly too full, a low, dipping full toss being lifted cleanly over fine leg.Full tosses do the trickWhile Mpofu’s full toss disappeared over fine leg, Kyle Jarvis found that the delivery worked rather well for him. He reverted quickly to the full toss as his stock delivery when he came back into the attack in the 18th over, bowling four in a row to keep Afif Hossain and the marauding Mahmudullah to just six off the over.He used the same tactic in the final over of the innings, and the tactic bore dividends. Jarvis dished up a full toss that was only under waist height to Mahmudullah, who aimed for the stands beyond square leg and a sixth six, but could only pick out Williams near the boundary. The next ball was an action replay, Mosaddek Hossain swinging a high full toss straight out to Regis Chakabva at deep midwicket, and all of a sudden Jarvis was on a hat-trick. But instead of sticking with the seemingly deadly full toss, Jarvis reverted to length, Mohammad Saifuddin clipping the hat-trick delivery to midwicket for two and then swatting the last ball, a bouncer, to midwicket for four to boost Bangladesh’s total.Disarray in the PowerplayFaced with a challenging chase, Zimbabwe were hunting quick runs, but what they found was quite the opposite. Tied down for four runless deliveries in Saifuddin’s opening over, Brendan Taylor aimed a wild swipe at the fifth and skied a simple chance to Shakib at mid-off. Three balls (and just two runs) later, Chakabva picked up the second duck of the innings.The run rate was hobbled at under three an over when Shafiul Islam, playing his first T20I for almost two years, hurried Williams’ pull to have him easily caught at midwicket with his very first ball. Though Hamilton Masakadza found his range with a couple of characteristically meaty strokes, and Mutombodzi swiped Mustafizur Rahman over long-on for six, Zimbabwe ended the Powerplay at 34 for 3, the required rate above 10 and their chase going nowhere fast.A debut to remember It came as something of a surprise when Aminul Islam was picked to make his T20I debut having never bowled in a domestic T20. Yet it proved a debut to remember for the 19-year-old, as he picked up a wicket with his third ball as Mutombodzi looked to plonk him over long-off, but could only get the ball as far as Najmul in the deep.Aminul’s next wicket was even more memorable. Masakadza, almost twice his age, seemed to be the only batsman in Zimbabwe’s top order to have settled, but he was undone by some flight and dip from the young legspinner. Masakadza missed a sweep and was struck plumb in front. By the end of his spell, he had 2 for 18 and Zimbabwe were as good as sunk.