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With just six goals conceded in their opening ten Premier League games of the season, Manchester City have the second-best defensive record in the top flight so far in this campaign behind league leaders Chelsea who have conceded just three goals.

Despite having conceded fewer goals than the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, it seems as though Pep Guardiola has his eye on adding a new defensive star to his squad to tighten up his defence even further.

What’s the news?

It has recently been reported by Calciomercato (via Sport Witness) that Italian club AC Milan are trying hard to tie left-back Theo Hernandez down to a new deal.

However, they are facing difficulties to secure his future with Manchester City putting pressure on the club in an effort to try and sign their star defender.

Dream move?

Hernandez, who has been described as a “monster” by Milan legend Serginho, joined the Serie A club back in the 2019 summer transfer window from Real Madrid for a reported fee of €20m (£16.9m).

Since then, the 24-year-old, who is currently valued at £45m according to Transfermarkt, has made 92 appearances for Milan across all competitions in which he has managed to rack up a mightily impressive attacking record of 16 goals and 16 assists along the way.

So far this season, Hernandez has played in all but two of Milan’s 11 Serie A games, scoring one goal and providing three assists, showing how important he is for the team and why City want him so intently at the Etihad Stadium.

In terms of a potential move to the Manchester club, we feel this would be a dream move for Pep and co. That’s because they currently only have Oleksandr Zinchenko in their squad that predominantly plays in the left-back position. Not only would be an upgrade on the Ukrainian but if you keep in mind his attacking play-style, it would perfectly suit the Citizens.

That being said, if City does sign Hernandez in the near future, he could find himself in for some competition on the left of Guardiola’s side in Joao Cancelo who has played the full 90 minutes in all but one of City’s Premier League and Champions League games so far this season.

He played as a left-back in the majority of those games and thus, has earned himself an overall season rating of 7.26/10 for his league performances, making him one of City’s highest-rated players according to WhoScored.

That doesn’t mean Hernandez wouldn’t be the ideal signing in January, however.

In other news: Pep must unleash “intelligent” £140k-p/w Man City star vs Brugge, he’s a game-changer – opinion

Loads of Everton fans have been left gushing as some early team news has emerged ahead of their game at home to Norwich City on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match at Goodison Park in the Premier League, Rafa Benitez has now revealed that Jordan Pickford is ‘okay’ and ‘has been training’, meaning that he could well return in between the posts against the Canaries.

It has come as a big relief for the Merseyside club to have their number-one goalkeeper back, especially after the disappointment that Asmir Begovic had in the Carabao Cup loss to Queens Park Rangers, in which he failed to save any of the seven penalties that he faced in the shootout (Sky Sports).

Everton fans on Pickford news

These Toffees supporters gushed as the early team news involving Pickford was shared by the club on their official Twitter page, with one Blue even going as far as to claim that it is ‘huge’:

“SEND THEM IN GET THE RAVE ON”

Credit: @Conor_LaneSmith

“Thank the lord we don’t have to see Begovic again”

Credit: @efcdoyley

“Pickford being back is huge”

Credit: @JDGEFC

“Relieved about Digne, and great to hear Pickford is back, gives us a bit more confidence going into this winnable game”

Credit: @daveblueallover

“No Begovic yessss”

Credit: @ShaunJackson015

“No Casper the ghost yes now”

Credit: @bobmarl03974950

In other news, find out what stadium news has Evertonians fuming here!

أعلن ناديا ريال مدريد وخيتافي عن توصلهما لاتفاق رسمي يقتضي بانتقال مهاجم الملكي، بورخا مايورال، بشكل نهائي إلى خيتافي بعد انتهاء إعارته لمدة 6 أشهر.

وكان مايورال قد انضم لصفوف خيتافي في يناير الماضي، وسجل 6 أهداف في 18 مباراة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رابطة الدوري الإسباني توجه رسالة لـ الأهلي وعضو مجلس إدارته

📢 OFICIAL | Borja Mayoral nuevo fichaje del Getafe.

¡Bienvenido de nuevo a la familia azulona @Mayoral_Borja! 🥳#VamosGeta #MayoralAzulón — Getafe C.F. (@GetafeCF) August 1, 2022

ووقع الإسباني على عقد لمدة 5 سنوات قادمة مع خيتافي، بعد الاتفاق مع ريال مدريد على كافة بنود العقد ليبقى في ملعب “ألفونسو بيريز” حتى يونيو 2027.

وحدد نادي خيتافي موعدًا لتقديم مايورال عبر وسائل الإعلام يوم الخميس المقبل 4 أغسطس، في تمام الساعة الحادية عشر والنصف صباحًا بتوقيت “القاهرة”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo encerrou nesta noite a sua complicada volta de Chapecó (SC), mas não fez todo o trajeto de ônibus. Por volta das 19h30 desta segunda-feira, a diretoria encontrou espaço em um voo saindo de Curitiba (PR) e retornou de forma mais confortável, dentro de um avião.

A mudança no transporte ocorreu porque dirigentes foram buscando alternativas enquanto o ônibus levava a equipe de ​Chapecó a Curitiba, um trajeto de cerca de 480 km. Quando acharam vaga em um voo que partiria da capital paranaense para São Paulo, optou-se por fazer o resto da viagem, de 420 km, de avião.

A delegação desembarcou do avião por volta das 21h e a mudança de planos, alterando o meio de transporte de quase metade da viagem, tem como objetivo diminuir o desgaste do elenco, que passaria cerca de 12h no ônibus. O elenco volta a treinar às 15h30 desta terça-feira, na única atividade antes do jogo de quarta-feira, contra o Vasco, no Morumbi.

A passagem do São Paulo por Chapecó não deixará saudades nos tricolores. No domingo, a equipe foi derrotada por 2 a 0 para a Chapecoense e, para completar, não conseguiu retornar do local logo após o confronto. O aeroporto de Chapecó foi fechado por questões climáticas e a aeronave que buscaria os são-paulinos não recebeu autorização para pousar.

Assim, os jogadores dormiram na cidade catarinense e embarcaram de ônibus na parte da manhã.O São Paulo até tentou ver outros voos saindo de Chapecó nesta segunda, mas encontrou poucos lugares nas aeronaves disponíveis.

A equipe não vence há nove jogos e, com 12 pontos em 14 rodadas, ocupa a zona de rebaixamento do Campeonato Brasileiro. Enfrenta o Vasco às 21h45 de quarta-feira, no Morumbi.

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Cricinfo previews the third ODI between Sri Lanka and India in Colombo

The Preview by Siddarth Ravindran02-Feb-2009Match factsTuesday, February 3, 2009
Start time 14:30 local, (09:00 GMT)
Sri Lanka need Tillakaratne Dilshan to fire at the top of the order © AFP
The Big PictureIndia took 23 years to secure their first bilateral one-day series win in Sri Lanka, finally accomplishing the feat last August. Less than six months on, the Indian juggernaut stands on the brink of a reprise. Besides clinching the series, a victory at the Premadasa on Tuesday will also equal India’s longest winning sequence in one-dayers – eight. Mahendra Singh Dhoni has already warned against complacency, and also said that though India negotiated the threat of Ajantha Mendis and Muttiah Muralitharan well in the first two games, the pair posed a formidable challenge.Apart from overcoming a slick Indian outfit, Sri Lanka will have to beat history: in 84 five-match series, only twice has a side come back from 2-0 down (South Africa against Pakistan in 2003, and Bangladesh over Zimbabwe in 2005). They will be buoyed by the return to form of Mahela Jayawardene, who ended a lean patch with a battling half-century. The other factors in their favour are that the bowlers are doing an adequate job, and Thilina Kandamby is proving to be a reassuring presence in the middle order. If the move to push Tillakaratne Dilshan up the order pays off as it did in the recent Pakistan series, Sri Lanka will still fancy their chances.ODI form guide (most recent first)Sri Lanka LLWWL
India WWWWWWatch out for …After a stop-start career, Suresh Raina is making the most of his second coming. He has managed to keep his place in the middle order despite a clutch of talented youngsters pushing for a place. Besides his batting, he has been an electric presence in the field, and also chipped in with a few tidy overs of offspin.One of the bright spots for Sri Lanka has been the form of Thilina Kandamby, who was recalled after a four-year gap. He has propped up their fragile middle order, and nearly engineered a victory in Saturday’s match with an unflustered 93.TeamsA groin injury has forced Munaf Patel out of the series, and L Balaji has been called in as a replacement. However, it is unlikely he’ll play, as India did well to contain the Sri Lankan batsmen in the second ODI with four frontline bowlers and the combination of Yusuf Pathan, Virender Sehwag and Suresh Raina, who bowled 14 overs among them.India (probable): 1 Virender Sehwag, 2 Sachin Tendulkar, 3 Gautam Gambhir, 4 Yuvraj Singh, 5 Suresh Raina, 6 Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt & wk), 7 Yusuf Pathan, 8 Zaheer Khan, 9 Praveen Kumar, 10 Pragyan Ojha, 11 Ishant Sharma.Thilan Thushara has had two disappointing games, conceding 103 runs in 16 overs for one wicket. However, he played a critical role in bowling out Pakistan in the series decider in Lahore. Though he is under scrutiny, he is likely to retain his place.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 2 Sanath Jayasuriya, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene (capt), 5 Thilina Kandamby, 6 Chamara Kapugedera, 7 Farveez Maharoof, 8 Thilan Thushara, 9 Muttiah Muralitharan, 10 Nuwan Kulasekara, 11 Ajantha Mendis.Stats & TriviaChamara Kapugedera hasn’t made a half-century in his previous 18 innings.The opening partnership has failed to deliver for Sri Lanka. Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sanath Jayasuriya averaged 63.33 for the first wicket in the three-match ODI series against Pakistan, but have managed just 15 runs for the opening stand in this series. Dhoni has won seven of his last eight tosses in one-dayers against Sri Lanka.Pitch and conditionsThe third ODI will be played on a different track, but it is expected to behave in a similar manner to the one used in the last match. A score of 260 should be reachable, but fast bowlers may get some assistance for the first few overs under lights.Quotes”We have to be a bit more consistent with our all-round game. That’s one area we have to focus on, especially when you are playing against a good team. You can’t keep making mistakes.”

“We know we have a lot of work to do but the momentum is with us at the moment. We just have to focus on what we have been doing and give us the best chance of winning the next match.”
.

Questions over Zimbabwe Cricket’s accounts are likely to resurface after it reportedly cancelled this season’s national league because of cash shortages

Steven Price in Harare27-Nov-2008Questions over Zimbabwe Cricket’s accounts are likely to resurface after it reportedly cancelled this season’s national league because of cash shortages.The league, the premier non first-class competition, was due to start earlier this month but was officially postponed at the last minute. Few hold out much hope that it can now take place.Cricinfo has learned that matters came to a head when hoteliers in small cities where some games were scheduled refused to accept cheques from ZC in payment.The ongoing five-ODI series against Sri Lanka was supposed to be split between Harare and Bulawayo but is now being played on in Harare, again because ZC claimed the costs of playing in two centres were prohibitive.Although Zimbabwe’s economy is in utter disarray – the latest inflation rate is 231,000,000% – the board is protected from the worst of it as it receives all payments from the ICC in US dollars.There have been concerns regarding the ZC finances for several years, and in 2007 Malcolm Speed, at the time the ICC chief executive, said that its accounts could not be relied on and they had been “deliberately falsified to mask various illegal transactions from the auditors and the government of Zimbabwe”. Although a subsequent forensic audit by the ICC cleared officials of any wrongdoing, the ICC refused to make its finding public, fuelling speculation that all was not as straightforward as it was portrayed.Less than 18 months ago ZC received around US$11 million from the ICC following the 2007 World Cup. Given it runs only limited domestic competitions and has little international cricket to support, it appears remarkable if, as appears the case, it has run out of money.Cricinfo was unable to obtain a statement from Zimbabwe Cricket as the board will not respond to any media queries put to it by us

According to Sportitalia TV reporter Rudy Galetti, Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension managing director Fabio Paratici, are in ongoing talks to sign Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez.

The Lowdown: Spurs in midfield hunt?

Daily Star reporter Paul Brown broke news of unrest surrounding Tanguy Ndombele’s future in north London last week, with Football Insider now going one step further and claiming he has informed club chiefs of his desire to leave.

Tottenham, as a result, have been linked with a plethora of central midfield options as Paratici looks to add more steel for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Denis Zakaria, Corentin Tolisso and Joao Palhinha are among the players being targeted by Spurs (Daily Star), with Galetti now sharing news on another midfield maestro.

The Latest: Spurs in ongoing talks for Nandez…

Writing on Twitter, the Italian journalist has claimed that Spurs are in ‘ongoing’ discussions to sign the Uruguay international on loan.

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He believes it is an ‘evolving situation’, with the Lilywhites possibly even being boosted by Inter Milan pulling out of the race for Nandez’ signature.

“Ongoing talks between Cagliari and Tottenham for Nahitan Nandez,” he explained on social media.

“The 2 clubs are discussing on possible onerous loan for the midfielder. Inter no longer interested. Evolving situation.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Nandez emerges as one of the more promising central midfield targets for Spurs given the amount of bases he can cover.

The 41-cap international can play out wide on both the left and right wings as well being a natural centre-midfield player.

Paratici could be attempting to secure a real coup for the Lilywhites and Nuno by landing him on a loan deal, especially considering the amount of praise he has received from Serie A pundits.

Indeed, BT Sport and ESPN pundit Mina Rzouki even labelled him ‘amazing’ and ‘one of the most underrated players’ (Twitter), so landing the versatile star on a temporary deal could be a real shrewd piece of business.

In other news: Offer incoming: Levy readying Spurs bid to sign ‘amazing’ player who Nuno personally wants, find out more here.

Flocking to Twitter, many Tottenham Hotspur supporters have been in full voice following an update on defensive target Nikola Milenkovic.

The Serbian powerhouse, who has been linked to Spurs throughout the window, was reportedly on the verge of a move to West Ham at one point with that deal thought to be advanced.

However, in a stunning turn of events, it appears his move to east London has stalled for the time being and managing director Fabio Paratici is attempting to take full advantage.

According to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, Spurs have now entered talks to sign Milenkovic as Nuno Espirito Santo seeks to add two new defenders to his ranks.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-gossip/” title=”Tottenham latest gossip!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Lilywhites supporters have already seen 2020/2021 Serie A MVP award winner Cristian Romero come through the door from Atalanta, and it’s safe to say many have been in full voice over this update on another defensive target.

Given he could leave Italy for as little as €15 million (£12.7m) according to some reliable sources, it’s little wonder some see the 23-year-old as a possible ‘bargain signing’.

Find a flavour of the best verdicts from Spurs fans, in reply to The Spurs Express and The Spurs Web, down below.

Tottenham fans erupt over Milenkovic talks…

“Yesssssss get him in to partner romero he’s cheap”

Credit: @petermo65841775

“He’s perfect and cheap”

Credit: @oliver_grant24

“Please tell me this is true”

Credit: @TheirishY

“Really hope we get him, perfect partnership”

Credit: @_Just_A_Guy1

“€15m and just get it done”

Credit: @wymondTHFC11

“Perfectó.”

Credit: @GicaCALCIO

“He’s built for the prem”

Credit: @jasper96693650

“This could be a bargain signing- massive upgrades on last season’s CB’s”

Credit: @cillian_gm

In other news: Agreement reached: Tottenham confirm another N17 exit in social media announcement, find out more here.

قال جمال عبد الحميد لاعب الأهلي والزمالك الأسبق، وعضو مجلس إدارة القلعة البيضاء الحالي، إنه حزين على نتيجة مباراة القمة.

وكانت مباراة الأهلي والزمالك قد انتهت بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدفين لكل فريق، في الجولة 20 من عمر الدوري المصري الممتاز.

فيديو | الأهلي ينجو من لدعة الزمالك في الوقت القاتل بتعادل مثير في قمة الدوري

وأضاف عبد الحميد في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر فضائية “الزمالك”: “سعيد جدًا بالاداء لكن حزين على النتيجة، تغيرنا في الشوط الثاني 180 درجة”.

وأضاف: “أشكر قطاع الناشئين الذي صعد سيف فاروق وسيد نيمار ويوسف أسامة وعبد المجيد، مجموعة كبيرة من الناشئين مع نجوم النادي الأهلي ولأول مرة”.

وأردف: “يستمر فشل الحكام الأجانب حكم اليوم من أفشل 5 أو 6 حكام أجانب حكموا مباراة القمة و(بيتلكك) للاعبي الزمالك في كل لمسة، ونستحق ضربات جزاء”.

واستكمل: “ولو كان حكم المباراة مصريًا لكنا خرجنا بنتيجة لا تقل عن 3 أو 4 أهداف بضربات الجزاء”.

طالع | موعد مباراة الأهلي القادمة أمام غزل المحلة في الدوري

واستطرد: “لا أعرف لماذا خلع محمود عبد الرازق شيكابالا قميصه بعد الهدف؟ عادي جدًا أن يحرز هدفًا في مرمى الأهلي، أعتب عليه بسبب هذا التصرف، ومحمد عواد هو نجم المباراة”.

أعلن الجهاز الفني لفريق الكرة بالأهلي بقيادة سامي قمصان تشكيل الفريق لمواجهة إيسترن كومباني، في المباراة المقرر لها مساء اليوم ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري.

وتقام مباراة الأهلي وإيسترن كومباني على استاد الأهلي we السلام، ‏في المباراة المؤجلة من الأسبوع الـ14 في المسابقة المحلية.

طالع أيضًا.. مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة الأهلي وإيسترن كومباني في الدوري

ويقود الأهلي في مباراة اليوم، سامي قمصان كمدير فني للأهلي بعد فسخ عقد بيتسو موسيماني.

ويشهد تشكيل الأهلي، تواجد محمود متولي أساسيًا في قلب الدفاع بجوار محمد هاني، بينما يتواجد رامي ربيعة في وسط الملعب، ويقود الهجوم محمد شريف. تشكيل الأهلي أمام إيسترن كومباني اليوم

حراسة المرمى: مصطفى شوبير.

خط الدفاع: كريم فؤاد ومحمد هاني ومحمود متولي ومحمود وحيد.

خط الوسط: أحمد نبيل كوكا ورامي ربيعة وأحمد عبد القادر وحسين الشحات وطاهر محمد طاهر.

خط الهجوم: محمد شريف.

طالع | بدلاء الأهلي أمام إيسترن كومباني.. بدر بانون يجاور حسام حسن

ويحتل الأهلي المركز الثالث بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 37 نقطة، فيما يتواجد إيسترن كومباني المركز الأخير بـ13 نقطة.