Phil Parkinson has been given a taste of what life is like as Ryan Reynolds, with the Wrexham boss reacting to being asked for selfies in Hollywood.

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Red Dragons have superstar co-ownersAlso boast their own documentary seriesFanbase growing across the worldWHAT HAPPENED?

The 56-year-old coach is a recognisable figure in his native England, having enjoyed considerable success across a productive managerial career that includes four promotions. One of those came with Wrexham last season, as they secured the National League title in record-breaking style, and the Red Dragons are seeing their stock soar around the world.

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The ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary put in place by co-owners Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has helped to make that possible – with the Welsh outfit enjoying a pre-season tour of the United States in 2023. Star turns such as Paul Mullin were “papped” during that trip, while Parkinson was stunned to discover just how popular side his have become on the other side of the Atlantic.

WHAT PARKINSON SAID

Speaking to , Parkinson has said of Wrexham’s ever-growing fanbase: “I went on holiday with my wife to Greece, and there were a bunch of Americans in the couple of places we stayed. I was shocked at how many of them had been watching the documentary and were coming to speak to me. Then we went to America for our pre-season tour this summer, and that really did blow us away. It was beyond belief, almost like you had to be there to believe it, just how people had bought into our story. Everywhere we went, the players were getting stopped in the street: walking through Hollywood, people were asking for pictures. It was bizarre!”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Wrexham are growing accustomed to their new-found celebrity status, with their exploits on the field helping to keep a global audience interested. The Red Dragons are flying high in League Two this season, with the intention being to wrap up back-to-back promotions.

Christian Pulisic boasts the ability to “help any team in the world”, says Alexi Lalas, but the USMNT star must be “healthy” for that to happen.

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• American forward left Chelsea in 2023
• Now catching the eye in Italian football
• Confidence being restored to his game

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States international has rediscovered a spark in 2023-24, with the “change of scenery” that a 2023 transfer from Chelsea to AC Milan delivered considered to have served him well. Pulisic was not always guaranteed minutes at Stamford Bridge, but has quickly become an important part of collective plans at San Siro.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  A personal purple patch for Pulisic has seen him record goal contributions in seven of his last eight appearances – with three goals and four assists registered for the Rossoneri. There is no doubt that the 25-year-old forward is benefiting from regular game time and an extended spell away from the treatment table.

• WHAT LALAS SAID ABOUT PULISIC

  When on top of his game, former USMNT star Lalas says Pulisic has the potential to star for any side on the planet – with it always the case that players of his ilk need to find confidence from somewhere in order to truly thrive. Lalas has said when asked why Pulisic is flying high at present: “Pulisic's healthy (knock on wood.) When he is, he can help any team in world. Milan (Serie A/Italy) suit him in balance of physical/technical style. Yes, manager who trusts/relies on him helps. But sometimes just the scenery change in the 22 1/2 hours is what changes the 90 mins.”

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• WHAT NEXT FOR PULISIC?

  Pulisic has plenty to look forward to in 2024, with bids for major honours at AC Milan set to be complemented by CONCACAF Nations League finals and Copa America campaigns with the United States – as ‘Captain America’ looks to build on a collection of 64 caps and 28 goals for his country.

With speculation still swirling regarding Harry Kane's future at Tottenham Hotspur, chairman Daniel Levy could be eyeing a dream successor to the England skipper in the form of Paris Saint-Germain contract rebel, Kylian Mbappe.

What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?

As per various reports, Levy may be forced to cash in on Kane this summer rather than run the risk of letting the 29-year-old leave for nothing in a year's time, with Mbappe seemingly facing a similar situation at the Parc des Princes, as the Ligue 1 giants will also not entertain a free transfer exit for the Frenchman next summer, if he does not commit his future to the club.

According to French outlet, L'Equipe, Spurs could look to pounce on the uncertainty surrounding the 24-year-old's current situation, with the north Londoners said to be among the clubs who have 'taken information' from PSG chief, Nasser al-Khelaïfi in recent days.

The belief is that the likes of Tottenham – as well as their rival suitors – see a 'possibility' of taking the former Monaco man on loan for the upcoming campaign, with Ange Postecoglou's ready to lodge an 'important' bid in order convince his current side to agree to that temporary exit.

This comes amid claims that Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have lodged a mammoth £260m bid for the forward, despite the 70-cap superstar being valued at closer to €126m (£108m), according to Football Transfers.

Could Mbappe replace Kane at Tottenham?

For many, attempting to replace Kane either this summer or the next appears something of an impossible task, with the Premier League side set to be forced to fill the void of a player who is their all-time record scorer, having also netted 30 league goals last season to finish second in the scoring charts behind Erling Haaland (36).

If there was a man to plug the gap, however, it would seemingly be Mbappe, with the "crazy" talent – as described by Arsenal icon, Thierry Henry – having arguably been more clinical than the Englishman in recent times.

While the latter man has 280 goals in 453 games in all competitions for Spurs to date with a goal-to-game ratio of 0.61, his PSG counterpart has bagged 212 goals in just 260 games for his current side, resulting in a superior goal-to-game ratio of 0.81.

Equally, despite Kane's heroics last season – as he netted 32 goals and provided five assists in 49 games in all competitions – the Walthamstow native which still edged by Mbappe, with the World Cup-winning hotshot contributing 41 goals and ten assists in just 43 appearances across all fronts.

In the Champions League, for instance, Mbappe netted seven goals in only eight outings despite seeing his side crash out at the last 16 stage, while the Englishman only bagged one goal in eight appearances as his side were also dumped out in the first knockout round.

While it remains to be seen if the younger man could emulate his goalscoring feats in the Premier League, on the evidence of his career so far, the 5 foot 10 machine has certainly proven himself to be particularly lethal in front of goal, performing at a level that even Kane seemingly can't get close to.

Regard as arguably "the best" in the world at present – according to pundit Rio Ferdinand – Mbappe's arrival at N17 could provide Postecoglou with a new, devastating attacking figurehead.

Newcastle United are now showing an interest in signing Blackburn Rovers defender Ashley Phillips, who will be available for just £2m when his release clause kicks in this Friday, according to a report from The Sun.

Who is Ashley Phillips signing for?

Reports from earlier this month indicated that Phillips was closing in on a move to Tottenham Hotspur, with journalist Charlie Eccleshare saying:

"Tottenham set to sign highly-rated 18yo centre-back Ashley Phillips from Blackburn for around £3 million. Understood it won't affect Spurs' plans to try and sign at least one senior CB. Phillips expected to have medical in next 24 hours before hopefully joining the tour."

However, there has been little progress since that point, and now The Sun are reporting that Newcastle could make a late move to sign the 18-year-old, with Blackburn still hoping to receive £9.45m if they are to sanction his departure.

Tottenham's stand-off with Blackburn is set to come to an end this week, as a £2m release clause kicks in this Friday, which would allow Ange Postecoglou to snap up the youngster for a heavily reduced fee.

However, Spurs are waiting to see whether Blackburn find another buyer before that point, with the Magpies showing an interest, although they are yet to make an offer above what their Premier League rivals are currently willing to pay.

As such, a move to north London appears to be the most likely outcome at the moment, however there is still time for Eddie Howe to make a late swoop and hijack the Lilywhites' deal, if he is willing to outbid them.

For now, the Blackburn defender is set to continue training ahead of the Championship opener against West Bromwich Albion, but he is unlikely to be risked in games in case of injury.

Who is Ashley Phillips?

Despite the fact he is just 18-years-old, the youngster has already started to gain some first-team experience with his current club, making 14 appearances for the Rovers, including eight in the Championship during the 2022/23 campaign.

The youngster has predominantly played at centre-back throughout his short career so far, where his 6 foot 4 frame would undoubtedly be useful for Newcastle, and former manager Tony Mowbray has also praised his ability in possession, saying:

"He's 6ft 4', he's fast, mobile and can pass it really well. He can use both feet, he's composed. Ash is just a phenomenal young boy; if you were to create a defender in the mould of how you would want one, this kid has got every attribute."

It is still very early days for the Blackburn starlet, given that he only turned 18 last month, but he is showing all the signs that he could go on to be a top player in the future, and it is exciting news that Newcastle are still in with a chance of signing him.

That said, Tottenham appear to be in pole position at the moment, and the Magpies will need to move swiftly if they are going to hijack the deal for Phillips.

The teenager could be worth a push from Newcastle, though, given his clear potential to be a brilliant defender.

Crystal Palace bringing Everton winger Demarai Gray to Selhurst Park is a deal that Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor thinks will 'end up getting done' this window.

Is Demarai Gray moving to Crystal Palace from Everton?

As per Football Insider, Everton are ready to listen to offers for Gray this summer as Sean Dyche looks to raise funds to carry out his transfer business amid financial difficulty at Goodison Park.

Crystal Palace, Fulham and clubs from Saudi Arabia are keen to offer Gray a new challenge as he ticks into the final year of his deal at the Toffees; however, Everton do have the option to extend his £25k-a-week contract by a further 12 months.

The Daily Mail claim that the fee quoted for Gray to leave Everton will be around £12 million, representing a significant profit for the Merseyside giants compared to the £1.7 million price they acquired him for in 2021 from Bayer Leverkusen.

Former Leicester City winger Gray, who has been hailed as "unbelievable", would be open to leaving Everton due to becoming frustrated at his lack of first-team involvement at the club.

FootballTransfers report that Gray would turn down advances from Saudi Arabia in favour of moving to Crystal Palace and talks are continuing over a potential switch.

Jamaica international Gray is keen to stay in the United Kingdom, where his family is based, which is said to be a main motivator behind his desire to pitch up at Selhurst Park.

Last term, Gray made 36 appearances in all competitions for Everton, registering six goals and a solitary assist in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Daily Express journalist Taylor has confirmed that Gray and Flamengo star Matheus Franca are two names of 'strong interest' at Selhurst Park.

Taylor stated: “They are two names of strong interest. Demarai Gray is one that I expect to end up getting done. I know Fulham are also interested. There have been clubs from Saudi Arabia, including Al-Hilal, who are also interested.”

What now for Crystal Palace?

Crystal Palace have been a slow burner in the window, with only Jefferson Lerma joining the club on a free transfer from Bournemouth so far, as per Transfermarkt.

Nevertheless, The Telegraph's Mike McGrath has confirmed on Twitter X that the Eagles have looked at Ausburg midfielder Ruben Vargas and Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville, stating: "Crystal Palace have been assessing midfielders during the window. They've looked at Ruben Vargas at FC Augsburg as a possible loan. Leeds' Crysencio Summerville is admired but would need to determine LUFC plans for him next season."

In a surprise turn of events, Crystal Palace are keen on a shock deal to acquire Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, who the Citizens would be willing to sell at a considerable loss, according to The Daily Star.

CBS Sports understand that Crystal Palace are admirers of Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun; however, Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United and Inter Milan are also in contention to land the United States international.

Looking ahead, Crystal Palace supporters will hope that some new arrivals will arrive in SE19 in the next few weeks to bolster their squad heading into the new Premier League campaign.

Tamim Iqbal’s expected return could give visitors batting lift; Victory will help South Africa leapfrog India in ODI rankings

The Preview by Firdose Moonda17-Oct-2017Big PictureBangladesh’s tour is one match away from derailing. After losing by big margins in the Tests, they were expected to be more competitive in the 50-over format. But South Africa strolled to the biggest 10-wicket win in the series opener.Bangladesh haven’t been undone by pace and bounce or fire and fury, but by themselves and a South African side that has stuck to simple game plans. Therefore, it isn’t impossible to find a way out of this mess.In the Tests, Bangladesh didn’t help their cause by bowling first on batsmen-friendly surfaces. In the first ODI in Kimberley, their bowling let them down. Not only did they fail to take a wicket, they also couldn’t apply the slightest hint of pressure on Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock. With an inexperienced seam-bowling group that isn’t getting the kind of assistance they would’ve liked, discipline should be their best option.Bangladesh’s batting is getting better and Mushfiqur Rahim’s hundred in Kimberley provided a much-needed highlight, but they can’t rely on him alone.For South Africa, things have come too easy, perhaps why it’s also difficult to judge their performances. They’d like to be pushed ahead of challenging assignments against India and Australia. New coach Ottis Gibson couldn’t have asked for a gentler landing. He may as well enjoy it while it lasts.Form guideSouth Africa: WLLWL (completed matches, most recent first)
Bangladesh: LLWLWIn the spotlightTamim wary of injured thigh

Even while he prepares to play on Wednesday, Tamim Iqbal is aware that his left thigh is vulnerable: another strain to the muscle could rule him out for at least two months, he said on Tuesday.
“If my fitness test goes well today, I don’t see why I can’t play tomorrow,” Tamim said. “[But] injuries need time. This is not my last match, nor is it Bangladesh’s last tour. If I get injured again [in the same spot], then I will be out for two months which I hope the team management doesn’t want and neither do I.”
He did not play the Kimberley ODI because the physio, Thihan Chandramohan, had advanced him not to, Tamim said. “I was excited to play the last but since there was pain, I took the expert’s advice. I have probably had three batting sessions in the last 15 days, which is not ideal. I am trying to get prepared mentally. But I think I am ready for it, depending on my fitness test.”

AB de Villiers was not needed with the bat and had a barely-there showing in the field on his international return after five months. He’ll be itching to get involved. More pressingly, observers will be anxious to see the effects of him giving up captaincy.Bangladesh’s bowling has been underwhelming all tour, but they can salvage something still. Success in South Africa could do wonders for someone like young Taskin Ahmed . He’s delivered in the past, against India, England and Sri Lanka. Now, it’s just a question of finding the right lengths and bringing in some consistency.Team newsSouth Africa could delay experimenting, considering the series hasn’t been won yet. That means allrounder Wiaan Mulder, who was withdrawn from a first-class game to replace the injured Wayne Parnell, Temba Bavuma and Farhaan Behardien may all have to wait their turn. South Africa: 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Hashim Amla, 3 Faf du Plessis (capt) 4 AB de Villiers, 5 JP Duminy, 6 David Miller, 7 Andile Phehlukwayo, 8 Dane Paterson, 9 Dwaine Pretorius, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Imran TahirBangladesh are hoping Tamim Iqbal, who couldn’t recover in time for the series opener due to a muscle strain, is fit and available. He could displace Imrul Kayes at the top of the order. However, Imrul may yet be needed if Mushfiqur Rahim, who tweaked a hamstring while scoring his hundred on Sunday, is rested. Shafiul Islam will join the side as cover for Mustafizur Rahman whose twisted ankle is likely to keep him out.Bangladesh: 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Liton Das (wk), 3 Shakib al Hasan, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim/Imrul Kayes, 5 Mahmudullah, 6 Sabbir Rahman, 7 Nasir Hossain, 8 Mashrafe Mortaza, 9 Mohammad Saifuddin, 10 Rubel Hossain, 11 Taskin AhmedPitch and conditionsWith only 10 ODIs played at this venue, it is one of the lesser-known grounds for teams touring South Africa. The surface tends to play slowly and occasionally takes turn. But, like Kimberley, it should hold no demons.Boland Park, the designated home venue for Stellenbosch Kings in The T20 Global League franchise, was revamped in anticipation of the now-postponed tournament. Though the new lights won’t be put to use just yet, the new stands are expected to be packed. After a drizzly build-up, match day should be fine and clear.Stats and Trivia: South Africa could go ahead of India on the ODI rankings with a 2-0 series lead. Boland Park has not hosted an ODI in more than four years. New Zealand was the last oveseas side to play here, in January 2013. The average score batting first is 258. Only two teams have scored more than 300 here: India and South Africa against Kenya and Sri Lanka respectively.Quotes”The bowlers haven’t fulfilled expectations on this tour but it doesn’t mean they can’t do it tomorrow.”
Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal