Everton are now in the driving seat to complete an ambitious summer swoop for Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire, with Sean Dyche offering the England international a lifeline to rekindle his career.

Is Harry Maguire going to Everton?

According to Football Insider, the Toffees are now leading the race for Maguire after presenting an enticing offer, with Premier League rivals Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United retaining interest.

It is believed that the Red Devils want £35m for the 30-year-old, who has lost his starting role and captaincy at Old Trafford, after the Hammers saw a £20m offer rejected in July.

Defensive duo Yerry Mina and Conor Coady have departed Goodison Park this summer, whilst exciting young ace Jarrad Branthwaite's future is up in the air, and as such, Dyche will need to bolster his backline ahead of the new campaign.

How good is Harry Maguire?

Everton narrowly escaped relegation from the Premier League last season after a 1-0 victory on the final day of the campaign ensured Leicester City's victory over West Ham proved fruitless, relegating the Foxes.

While the Toffees were far from the desired standard, they conceded 57 goals in the league – the fewest of any side in the bottom six – and will hope that a well-placed move for someone of Maguire's ilk could bolster the backline and allow the attack to flourish.

And while Maguire has fallen by the wayside at the Theatre of Dreams of late, he still played a major part in the club's Carabao Cup triumph this year and has completed 175 appearances for the club since finalising a £80m transfer from Leicester City in 2019.

Once hailed as a "colossus" by talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan, albeit also branded a "bit of a liability", the £190k-per-week defender ranks among the top 17% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 19% for successful take-ons, the top 11% for blocks and the top 12% for aerials won per 90, as per FBref.

Also described as an "unbelievable player" by teammate Luke Shaw, he would prove to be the non-nonsense and assured presence Dyche covets to take his defence to the next level, and would thrive as the centrepiece of the Toffees' defensive structure.

With Maguire forging a steely partnership with James Tarkowski in front of Jordan Pickford's goal, it could allow Amadou Onana to take the next step in his own development, having impressed during his maiden term with Everton despite the club's issues.

Onana joined on a £33m transfer from Lille last summer and captured the awe of Merseyside Blues, making 33 Premier League appearances and earning an average match rating of 6.92 – as per Sofascore – completing 84% of his passes, averaging 2.2 tackles and 1.1 clearances and interceptions per match and succeeding with 59% of his ground duels.

The Belgian midfielder, who has been also dubbed a "colossus" himself by the Daily Mail's Dominic King, is a composed passer of the ball and a robust defensive force, also aerially dominant, ranking among the top 7% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for aerials won per 90.

His ability to take control of the middle third would alleviate the burden on Maguire's shoulders, in what would prove to be a move to restore Everton's equilibrium and finally pave a pathway to success after several years of instability and strife.

Chris Woakes’ second spell of the day yielded four wickets for 15 runs, and his six-for took his wickets tally in two first-class matches on the tour to 12

George Dobell in Townsville15-Nov-2017
ScorecardChris Woakes doesn’t fit the classic image of a fast bowler.While the newspapers in Australia are full of stories of his counterparts – brooding, menacing types persuaded to stare down the lens like it just took the last pringle – promising to unleash pace and destruction upon England, Woakes responded to another outstanding performance by saying “it was nice”. And then, after a pause, “and pleasing”.Make a headline out of that: “It’s nice,” roared Woakes. “It’s pleasing,” bellowed Woakes. “I’m focusing on my processes,” vowed Woakes.But beneath the bluster, beneath the wearying propaganda that seems to preface Ashes series these days, Woakes is getting on with his job “very nicely” indeed. And while most of the media may be fixated on the damage the Australian fast bowlers are promising to inflict on England and the absence of Ben Stokes, the tourists’ other fast-bowling allrounder is enjoying the opportunity to warm-up for a confrontation that could go a long way to defining his career. And the result of the series.Woakes’ performance is vital. If he can replicate his record in England – where he has 42 Test wickets at a cost of 24.28 apiece – he will have given England a potency that will support James Anderson and Stuart Broad and ensure they have a viable attack. If he cannot improve his overseas record – he has currently taken eight Test wickets outside England (and Wales) at a cost of 63.75 apiece – then too much will be required of England’s opening bowlers and it is hard to see how they win.The key would appear to be movement. If Woakes can persuade the Kookaburra ball (used here) to move laterally as he can the Duke’s (used in England) then his other qualities – his control, his relative pace (upper 80s, you would think) and his bounce – will all be enhanced.So the good news – from an England perspective – from this tour to date is that he is finding that movement and, as a result, proving a tough proposition. Even on these pudding pitches.Getty Images

Woakes, for the second time in successive innings, produced a spell that effectively cut the opposition in half. This time it was four – the first four wickets to fall – for 15 in six overs. Later he returned to claim two more. It means he has, at present, claimed 12 first-class wickets on this tour at a cost of just 10.25 apiece. The opposition is about to get much tougher but the pace he is bowling and the movement he is generating are encouraging.It may be tempting to read some diffidence into Woakes’ softly-spoken manner. To imagine that he will recoil in the furnace of the Gabba.

‘Getting close to being cooked’ – Woakes

Chris Woakes feels he is coming to the boil nicely ahead of the first Test in Brisbane.
Woakes claimed 6 for 54 on the first day of the match against a CA XI in Townsville and afterwards spoke of his delight at his own rhythm and his ability to move the Kookaburra ball.
“All the numbers are saying I’m getting close to getting cooked,” Woakes said. “I’m pleased with where my body is at and getting overs in the legs is important. You don’t want to go in to the Test series undercooked and I’m pleased with where I’m at.
“We got a bit of shape with the ball, which was nice. There has been a lot spoken about the Kookaburra ball not doing as much as the Duke’s and generally it doesn’t. The fact that we got a bit of movement today is pleasing and builds some confidence with this ball that we are not as used to.
“The most important thing today was that I was pleased with how it came out and my rhythm. Six wickets is pleasing but had I picked up one or two I would still have been pleased.”

Tempting but wrong. Instead his quiet manner reflects a confidence in his own ability, which doesn’t require the layer of bravado others see fit to use. He knows it is performances that matter, not rhetoric. And he knows, if he “nails his processes” he will end the tour in a “very nice, very pleasing” mood. What’s that saying about empty vessels and loudest sounds? Talk doesn’t take wickets.It’s been noticeable in Woakes’ career to date that he has produced some of his most eye-catching performances when his side have been under pressure. How about that 11-wicket haul against Pakistan at Lord’s? England lost. Or that unbeaten 95 in an ODI against Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge? He came in when England were 82 for 6 and chasing 287. Both times, the pressure brought the best out of him.His wickets here generally came from deliveries on or around off-stump that either bounced or nibbled away. So once Nick Larkin and Josh Carder’s fine opening stand (they put on 66 in 26 overs as England failed to fully utilise the first new ball) was ended with Larkin slashing to gully, Carder and Ryan Gibson were unfortunate enough to receive balls that demanded a stroke and nipped away just enough. Jason Sangha and Simon Milenko were beaten for pace by full deliveries while Harry Nielsen also pushed one to gully.Broad’s figures, in comparison, were modest. But he bowled fine generally and used this game for the warm-up that it is. He is, in the best sense of the word, something of a show-off. And performing amid the bucolic charm of Riverway Stadium – and a vocal crowd who were never far away from reminding him he remained wicketless for most of the day – was never likely to inspire him.This is another slow pitch, too. Disappointingly slow. England opted to come here over other options (Drummoyne in Sydney and Hobart were mentioned) as the ground had a reputation for pace that was akin to that expected in Brisbane. Instead, they have something more akin to New Road. Mount Louisa, off in the distance, even did a passable impression of the Malvern Hills. For the third time in succession, they surface they have encountered has been markedly different to that expected in Brisbane.The England camp are remaining tight-lipped on their view of the preparation they have been provided. But it will be no surprise if, the next time they are here for an Ashes series, they bring a battery of their own seamers (and perhaps hire their own training facility) to ensure they face more taxing bowling. The likes of Mark Footitt, Stuart Meaker, Olly Stone and Richard Gleeson could all have been employed – fitness permitting – to ensure England experienced some pace ahead of the Ashes.Getty Images

Cricket Australia would have you believe this CA XI represents almost the best opposition available with the Shield in full swing. It’s not entirely true, though. Ed Cowan, for example, says he would have loved to play this game but, having been offered the opportunity to appear only 48-hours ahead of the Adelaide match, could only promise his availability for the second game. Perhaps, with a bit of planning, the likes of Cameron White and Michael Klinger could have been included, too?England experienced a few nervous moments during the day, though. The most serious came when Jonny Bairstow had to leave the field after hurting the middle finger of his left hand in scuffing a delivery off the bowling of Woakes that appeared to bounce just in front of him.While Ben Foakes, who was permitted to take the gloves by the umpires despite not being named in the XI, is a more than capable deputy (and soon had a catch – perhaps the first ‘caught Foakes, bowled Woakes’ of many), the thought of losing Bairstow from England’s middle-order is enough to keep Joe Root up at night. He will, therefore, have been hugely relieved to see Bairstow reclaim the gloves about 50 minutes later having been diagnosed with nothing more serious than a bruise.The cordon remains a bit of a concern, though. While James Vince, so fallible in the slips during his first spell in the side, has taken to the gully position with some class – he held three sharp chances on the first day here, none of them easy – another two or three chances went begging in the region. The most straightforward went to Root, off Mason Crane, when Matthew Short had 36, while Bairstow – leaping in front of first slip – put down another (this time off Woakes) to reprieve Milenko. Another edge, again off Crane, went between Bairstow and Root, while Mark Stoneman dropped a tough chance – he did well to get a hand on it, really – when Short cut Crane on 25.Short took advantage of his reprieves to record a stubborn half-century (51 from 122 balls with just two boundaries) and ensure the CA XI recovered from the loss of four wickets for 25 runs either side of lunch.Craig Overton impressed, too. He has settled into this tour nicely and, with his height and ability to generate movement, has demanded respect from the batsmen. He has conceded almost exactly two an over in the first-class games on this tour so far and has given himself an outstanding chance of a Test debut in a week’s time.There was also good news off the pitch for England. James Anderson, who missed training on Tuesday due to illness, bowled in the nets, while Jake Ball returned to running for the first time since sustaining strained ankle ligaments in Adelaide, and later also enjoyed a gentle bowl.

USWNT star Kristie Mewis was in a wistful mood as she shared some stunning pictures from a dreamy winter break with fiancée Sam Kerr.

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• Mewis posts photos of idyllic retreat
• Pair enjoy break in stunning winter location
• Kerr on comeback trail after ACL injury

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The pair, who announced their engagement in November, wowed social media followers with breathtaking pictures of their snow-covered holiday, including shots of them swimming outside under clear blue skies.

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• WHAT KRISTIE MEWIS SAID

  "Photo album purging this week," said Mewis, as she posted the stunning collection of photos from her and fiancée Kerr's winter break.

  🚨 IMPORTANT: Delete this slide, via the three dots 'More Actions' button above, if there are no quotes to use in this story

• Getty
  

  THE GOSSIP

  It's not known when their trip took place but it appears to be before Kerr suffered a season-ending ACL injury after an 'innocuous' incident during Chelsea's mid-season training camp in Morocco.

  The injury is expected to keep the Australian international on the sidelines for the remainder of this season and the beginning of next term.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR MEWIS & KERR?

  While Kerr begins her long road to recovery, Mewis will be hoping to make her WSL debut for new club West Ham against Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday. The Hammers are currently 11th in the table and in desperate need of a victory in their battle to beat the drop.

Everton will need to further supplement their attacking ranks this summer to hit the ground running this season, with Sean Dyche setting his sights on Southampton striker Che Adams.

Who are Everton signing this summer?

According to multiple sources – including BBC Sport – the Toffees are closing on a deal for Sporting Lisbon striker Youssef Chermiti, aged 19, who broke into first-team contention last term.

Ashley Young has already been signed on a free transfer while Arnaut Danjuma arrives on a one-year loan transfer, but a recognised and established centre-forward would also be well-received as Everton strive to avoid another season mired in relegation troubles.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

And so, Adams – who was relegated with Saints last season – is also being considered for transfer, with Football Insider revealing the Merseyside outfit have a genuine interest in the Scotland international, with Premier League rivals Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers also in pursuit.

Should Everton sign Che Adams?

Adams penned a deal with the south coast club for £15m from Birmingham City in 2019, and has scored 31 goals and supplied 15 assists from 145 outings across all competitions.

Once quirkily likened to "the ketchup bottle phenomenon" by former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl for maintaining his hunger for goals despite a concerning goal drought, Adams is the tenacious and multi-skilled striker Everton could benefit from.

He suffered an injury-disrupted campaign as Southampton fell into the second tier, but still plundered five goals and three assists from 23 starts, as per Sofascore, forging 1.7 shots and 0.9 key passes per match.

To compare this to Dyche's attacking options last term, Maupay scored once, averaging 1.2 shots and 0.3 key passes per match, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin only scored twice as he fought his own fight against injury, though did average 1.8 shots and 0.5 key passes per outing.

As per FBref, Adams is interestingly considered the most comparable player to Roma striker Tammy Abraham, and given the former Chelsea ace's dynamism and variety in attacking approach, Dyche could certainly benefit from adding a similar player to the ranks.

Abraham was once described as "incredible" by former manager Frank Lampard, and has impressed during his time in Italy, scoring 36 goals and supplying 12 assists from 107 appearances, winning the Conference League in the 21/22 campaign.

The 11-cap England international averaged 1.6 shots and 0.9 key passes per game last season and as such boasts a similar profile to Adams, which would only play in Everton's favour.

There is a cautious optimism that Calvert-Lewin will play a major role in the forthcoming campaign, and has been partaking in a new summer fitness regime to build his resilience.

The 6 foot 2 focal point will be the team's main goal-grabber if he can indeed put his medical issues behind him, and Adams could prove to be the perfect partner, offering a more dynamic, multi-faceted threat.

Abrahams once claimed that Jose Mourinho's tutelage in Rome was turning him into a "monster", and perhaps Dyche can play to Adams' strengths to a similar effect.

The 22-year-old bowler will replace the injured Craig Overton and will make his debut in the Boxing Day Test in front of a first-day crowd that couldexceed 90,000

George Dobell at the MCG25-Dec-20171:04

Curran will give it absolutely everything – Root

Tom Curran’s competitive streak was a key factor behind the decision to award him a Test debut at the MCG, according to Joe Root.Curran, the 22-year-old son of former Zimbabwe international Kevin, will replace the injured Craig Overton (who has been diagnosed with a fractured rib) in the England side. That means Curran will make his debut in the Boxing Day Test in front of a first-day crowd that could exceed 90,000.But Root, the England captain, is confident that Curran will not be intimidated by the atmosphere of the hostility of the opposition. And, combined with his excellent fitness record and ability to withstand a demanding workload, it was enough to see him win selection ahead of more experienced seamers such as Jake Ball and Mark Wood.”Tom offers a lot,” Root said. “He’s a real competitor. He does get the ball to move around a bit – he’s skilful – and he’s always in the contest. He has a similar work ethic to Overton. He’s always wanting to get in the contest and you know that he will give you everything.”He’s a feisty character. One thing that really stands out to me is that at no point will he hide away from a challenge if it does become very hard he’ll give it absolutely everything.”While Wood is understood to have assured the team management over his fitness, Root felt his selection on what is expected to be another very good batting surface “might have been a risk.””The fact that Wood is not necessarily 100% fit and he hasn’t played a huge amount of cricket came into it,” Root said. “He might have been a risk going into this game. It was a tough call.”Getty Images

And while Root still expects the MCG surface to be “slow and dry towards the back end” of the game, he felt some watering of the pitch on Christmas Eve might have counted against the inclusion of the legspinner Mason Crane.”He’s been very impressive,” Root said of Crane. “He’s close to playing because of the way he’s gone about things in practice and in the warm-up games. But looking at that surface, we wanted something different, though it might be that if it does offer spin further down the line. It wasn’t an easy selection.”Curran was not an original member of the tour party – he was added to it when Steven Finn was forced home through injury – but has clearly risen above Jake Ball in the management’s view as the trip has progressed. While he has not taken a five-wicket haul in first-class cricket since September 2015 (and he has never taken one in Division One of the County Championship), he does play most of his home cricket on a relatively unresponsive Oval surface. He is likely to bat at No. 9 – he averages 17.70 and has a top first-class score of 60 in first-class cricket – and scored an unbeaten 77 in the warm-up match at Richardson Park .”This match is a big test of our character,” Root said. “But that’s one of our strengths. That hasn’t let us down in the first three games. We have been out-skilled and not good enough when it really mattered.”That’s our big challenge this week. We need those big scores that get you ahead of the game and into strong positions. And we need to create 20 chances and take them to win the Test match.”

Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo parted ways controversially to say the least in 2022, yet there was no doubting his ruthless nature in front of goal.

During his second stint at Old Trafford, the mercurial Portuguese forward netted 27 goals, with his 24 efforts during the 2021/22 campaign enabling him to finish as United’s top scorer.

Marcus Rashford stepped up to the plate following Ronaldo’s departure in November last season, going on to score 30 goals across all competitions, yet he was mainly deployed out wide.

Erik ten Hag has signed Rasmus Hojlund already this summer, but he is eyeing a move for Marcos Leonardo, who could turn into a perfect heir to Ronaldo.

Could Manchester United sign Marcos Leonardo?

According to Calciomercato.it, United have shown interest in the Brazilian striker, although they face stiff competition from Serie A side AS Roma.

The Santos youngster wouldn’t exactly break the bank either, with the South American outfit looking at a fee of around €15m (£13m) and Ten Hag will be hoping that the allure of playing for one of the finest teams in the world, along with Champions League football, will convince him to move to Manchester.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

For a player who has the world at his feet, this low fee represents a perfect opportunity for the Dutchman to invest in someone who could potentially generate a massive profit in the coming years.

How many goals has Marcos Leonardo scored?

Like Ronaldo, Leonardo has made a splash for his first club side at a tender age. He made his debut for Santos aged just 17 back in 2020, and it didn’t take him long to showcase his clinical nature in front of goal.

He netted 12 times during his first two seasons before turning into a player they could depend on during the 2022 campaign as he scored 21 goals across all competitions.

Leonardo has carried on this form into the 2023 season, scoring 15 times already and he ranks first across the squad in the league for goals (seven), shots on target per game (1.1) and second for big chances created (two) and this suggests he is already among one of the most influential players in the team, despite being in the embryonic stages of his career.

The 20-year-old has also made a mark at international level, emerging as arguably Brazil’s brightest spark during the recent U20 World Cup.

Not only did he score five goals during the tournament which showcases the best young talent across the globe, but his performances ranked him highly across a variety of metrics.

Not only did Leonardo rank sixth for overall Sofascore rating, but he also finished third in the competition for goals and assists, fourth for big chances per game and for penalties won, suggesting that his game revolves around more than just scoring goals.

Lauded as a “special talent” by South American football expert Nathan Joyes, there is no doubt a move to Europe is the next stage in his development.

Across his fledgling career to date, Leonardo has netted 48 goals in 150 matches, which works out as a goal nearly every three matches, ensuring he could potentially sparkle if handed the chance to impress at Old Trafford.

As United saw in the case of Ronaldo – who Leonardo could help replace this summer – taking a gamble on a promising attacking talent can prove particularly beneficial, with the Portuguese ace winning three league titles and the Champions League during his first stint at the club, after signing from Sporting CP at the age of just 18 back in 2003.

With Ten Hag in need of a new attacking figurehead following the veteran's exit back in November, the young Santos forward could prove to be the dream successor to Ronaldo next season as another potentially prolific asset.

Danielle Wyatt recorded the first-ever century by an England batsman in women’s T20Is to set up a record chase in the final T20I, a result that had no bearing on Australia’s hold on the Ashes

The Report by Daniel Brettig21-Nov-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsGetty ImagesDanielle Wyatt saw Beth Mooney’s blistering hundred and raised a barnstorming century of her own at Manuka Oval as England took the final Twenty20 match of a series that leaves the Ashes in Australian hands.In a last encounter thrilling for its high-scoring – the highest aggregate in all women’s T20 internationals – but also notable for signs of mental fatigue on both sides after seven matches in less than a month, the hosts seemed content with a tally of 2 for 178 built upon Mooney’s freewheeling 117 from 70 balls.However Wyatt’s response was bolder still, rattling England’s first ever T20I century from 56 deliveries in a victorious chase that was aided not only by captain Heather Knight’s typically mindful contribution, but also the dropping of no fewer than four catches by Australia.In the progression of the women’s game to full professionalism such lapses are likely, much as the advent of domestic T20 tournaments such as the IPL and BBL exposed domestic male players to hitherto unknown pressures from crowds and television cameras.ESPNcricinfo LtdRachael Haynes had been happy to win the toss for Australia as they fought to win the match and so claim the multi-format contest on points, having ensured the safety of the urn in the opening T20 at North Sydney Oval on Friday. Mooney was into stride quickly, taking a heavy toll on the usually exemplary Anya Shrubsole, who was so expensive as to only be called on for three overs costing 36.Alyssa Healy, Elyse Villani and Ellyse Perry all offered support, but it was very much Mooney’s show, backing up her equally arresting display in game one of the T20 matches. It left England with plenty to do, but a warm night under the Canberra lights and an effectively dead rubber as far as the Ashes were concerned gave Wyatt plenty of licence.She needed to show all her ability after three early wickets left England a decidedly wobbly 3 for 30, but a measure of Knight’s leadership was provided by how she did not panic, while also supporting Wyatt in her bolder approach. The dropped chances were telling in terms of mental fatigue, but they also served to let Wyatt carry on until the pursuit was all but completed.Like Shrubsole, the otherwise excellent contributions of Megan Schutt were somewhat sullied by a last game blowout. But the final win for England and the overall result for an Australian side shorn of Meg Lanning due to a shoulder surgery meant both sides could finish the night with happiness of different sorts.

Marc Overmars has been given a global ban by FIFA for "inappropriate messages" he sent to female colleagues during his time at Ajax.

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Overmars left Ajax in 2022Global ban now handed outHad been working for Royal AntwerpWHAT HAPPENED?

As per , Overmars has been given a global football ban by FIFA after being reported by the Dutch football association (KNVB), having previously been banned in the Netherlands for two years, with one year suspended, by an independent Dutch sports tribunal. He subsequently left Ajax in February of 2022 and had been working with Royal Antwerp, although it remains to be seen if he will be forced to resign.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT FIFA SAID

A statement from the governing body read: "FIFA can confirm that following a request by the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the sanction imposed by KNVB on Mr Marc Overmars to have worldwide effect."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The former Arsenal striker made his name with Ajax as a player, winning three league titles and the Champions League during his time with the Dutch club. He then moved to Arsenal, where he won the double, and finished his career with stints at Barcelona and the Go Ahead Eagles.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

A global ban being imposed is almost certain to affect Overmars' current employment status at Antwerp. He expressed remorse after leaving Ajax in 2022 and admitted to being "ashamed" as the messages he sent to his female colleagues were brought to light.

"Certainly for someone in my position this behaviour is unacceptable," Overmars added. "I now see that but it is too late. I see no other option but to leave Ajax."

FATA‘s decision to bowl turned out to be a nightmare after Kamran Akmal, Salman Butt and Aamer Yamin struck brisk half-centuries each to set up a 41-run victory for Lahore Whites. FATA tried hard to chase down the daunting total of 213 – the highest total in the tournament so far – but were dismissed for 172 after opener Mukhtar Ahmed (30 off 15) and captain Hammad Azam (50 off 28) were the only batsmen who got going in the innings. Regular wickets from Wahab Riaz (3 for 15), Umaid Asif (2 for 27) and Bilal Asif (2 for 15) made it tough for FATA.Lahore started with a blazing opening partnership of 94 runs between Kamran (63 off 29) and Butt (74* off 50) in 7.5 overs. FATA slowed them down with a few wickets but Yamin and Butt joined hands to hammer another hefty 75 runs in under seven overs to take Lahore past the 200 mark. FATA were scoring at over 10 runs per over with the help of Mukhtar and Hammad, but once the latter fell at the score of 151 in the 15th over, FATA could add only 21 more runs before being bowled out.Asad Shafiq’s 72 off 49 and Anwar Ali’s 4 for 30 set up a 14-run win for Karachi Whites over Rawalpindi. Karachi were led to 178 by Shafiq and a cameo from Sarfraz Ahmed’s unbeaten 30 off 20 balls. In reply, Rawalpindi were off to a steady start but no batsman was able to capitalise on a start as none of them scored more than 30.Opting to bowl, Rawalpindi struck early with the wicket of Khurram Manzoor in the second over, but Shafiq led the charge by batting until 19th over. Shahid Yousuf’s 21 off 20 and Sarfaraz’s unbeaten innings helped Karachi to a competitive total. Rawalpindi did manage to keep the game afloat for some time but were not able to keep the asking rate in check as Ruman Raees (2 for 25) and Azam Hussain (2 for 33) shared four wickets along with Anwar’s four-for. Rawalpindi needed 65 from the last five overs with only three wickets in hand and ended on 164 for 9.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are considering a shock summer swoop to sign Nice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel as a new report reveals the club's concerns over the long-term future of Jose Sa.

How old is Kasper Schmeichel?

Schmeichel is 36 years of age having been on the scene now for almost two decades. He spent 11 years of his career in the Premier League with Leicester City, but eventually he left the King Power Stadium in August 2022 to join Francesco Farioli's side at the Allianz Riviera.

The Denmark international firmly established himself as their official number one following his arrival having started 36 out of the 38 games in Ligue 1 during his debut season, and despite still having another two years remaining on his contract, the shot-stopper has been attracting interest once again in England.

Nottingham Forest are believed to have identified the 6 foot 2 colossus as a suitable alternative to Manchester United’s Dean Henderson should they not be able to secure his services, though if the following update is to be believed, a new competitor has entered the running in the form of Gary O’Neil at Molineux.

Are Wolves signing Kasper Schmeichel?

According to TEAMtalk, Wolves are "considering a move" for Schmeichel before the end of summer transfer window.

The Old Gold feel that they could be "forced to lose" Sa as a result of needing to balance the books to help with their financial worries, and Nice's goalkeeper is one that Fosun are "keeping tabs" on because they view him as a "ready-made replacment" for their current first choice.

The Premier League's former star is thinking about a return to England, so this could be one to keep a close eye on in the final weeks of the market.

How many clean sheets has Kasper Schmeichel kept?

In Ligue 1 last season, Schmeichel kept 11 clean sheets from 36 games, so even though he’s not getting any younger, he’s still performing at an extremely high level, therefore it’s no surprise that Wolves are contemplating a swoop for the experienced man between the sticks.

Sponsored by New Balance, the shot-stopper also recorded 105 saves from 141 shots on target against, giving him a success rate of 77.3%, via FBRef, which was significantly higher than Sa’s 67.1%, showing that he’d be an upgrade on O’Neil’s current number one.

Nice’s £65k-per-week earner additionally has a strong range of passing having completed 100% of his short passes and 97.4% of his medium attempts last term, showing that he clearly has an eye for picking out balls to his outfield teammates, so for someone who is this well-rounded in terms of being equally strong with his hands and his feet, he's the perfect target for club chiefs to be pursuing.

Finally, Schmeichel, who has been dubbed a goalkeeping “legend” by journalist Josh Bunting, possesses a winning mentality having won five pieces of silverware since the start of his career, so could help to create a positive mindset should he put pen to paper in the Midlands.