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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.

The 2017-18 Ranji Trophy is set for a high-profile start, with India regulars R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Cheteshwar Pujara and M Vijay expected to play the first round of matches. While Ashwin and Vijay are known to have communicated their availability to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, Jadeja and Pujara have been named in the 15-man Saurashtra squad for their first match against Haryana in Lahli from October 6.The availability of Ashwin and Jadeja, however, is contingent on their selection for the three-match T20I series against Australia beginning on October 7. Both players were rotated out of India’s squad for the ODI series against Australia and Sri Lanka.Saurashtra coach Sitanshu Kotak said Jadeja was slated to join the squad on September 30, while Pujara, who has been named captain, was expected to return to India by the end of the month after finishing his county commitments with Nottinghamshire. While Pujara had a lukewarm season, with 333 runs from 12 innings at an average of 27.75 so far, Ashwin played a pivotal role in securing the Division Two title for Worcestershire and consequently a promotion in the county championship. Ashwin aggregated 214 runs at an average of 42.8, including an 82 in the 137-run win over Durham. Ashwin also finished with 20 wickets, with one of his two five-fors coming against Durham.Jadeja’s last competitive outing, on the other hand, came during the Tests in Sri Lanka, and while he was briefly recalled to the India squad in place of the injured Axar Patel against Australia, he was left out for the last two ODIs. Vijay, meanwhile, has endured a fairly lengthy layoff following a surgery for a wrist injury suffered during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in March. He had a low-key comeback in the Tamil Nadu Premier League before turning up for India Green in the Duleep Trophy, where he picked up five wickets but scored only 17 runs.Vijay said he was in a positive frame of mind ahead of a new season. “I am looking forward to playing for India soon,” Vijay told ESPNcricinfo. Tamil Nadu will open their campaign against Andhra at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Lionel Messi did target Robert Lewandowski at the 2022 World Cup, Angel Di Maria has revealed, with rivals warned not to make the Argentine angry.

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Albiceleste clashed with Poland in QatarSouth Americans went on to win the whole thingIconic forward responds to any doubtersWHAT HAPPENED?

Argentina locked horns with Poland in their final group stage outing at a global gathering in Qatar. Having suffered a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening fixture, while edging past Mexico in their second, the Albiceleste knew that nothing less than a win would do. Messi was not on target against the Poles, but he did impress in a 2-0 win and made a point of drifting far enough back that he got a chance to tangle with current Barcelona striker Lewandowski at various intervals – with Argentina ultimately going on to land the biggest prize in football.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT DI MARIA SAID ABOUT MESSI

Di Maria has told the documentary ‘Champions, a year later’: “Even my grandmother realised that Messi was deliberately confronting Lewandowski. These are things about him that remain inside him sometimes. When someone talks about him, he ends up throwing it at you.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Di Maria added on Messi’s desire to get one over on anybody that has written him off, with Lewandowski having questioned why the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner did not vote for him when collecting the 2021 FIFA Best Award: “There are people who talk and don't respect him, and don't realise that he is the best player in history. So you don't have to tell him anything, because in the end he ends up getting angry and it makes things worse [for opponents].”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI & LEWANDOWSKI?

Messi completed his medal collection when inspiring Argentina to World Cup glory. He has crossed paths with Lewandowski again since, but the South American superstar is now plying his club trade in MLS with Inter Miami while a Polish rival is seeing questions asked of his future at Camp Nou – amid talk of potentially joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Co in the Middle East.

All three of Luis Enrique's starting forward line found the net as his team found breathing room in the title race

Luis Enrique has probably been waiting ages for this moment. The Parisians, and their expensive, reworked attacking line, haven't quite pieced a performance together going forward. But on Friday, they did just that — and reaped the rewards. Ousmane Dembele got his first goal in PSG colors, while Kylian Mbappe and Goncalo Ramos also found the scoresheet, as the Parisians saw off title rivals Monaco, 5-2, in a thrilling encounter.

PSG had the most obvious chance of the early goings, but Mbappe's curled effort was turned around the post by Philipp Kohn. Monaco had a clear look of their own shortly after when Gianluigi Donnarumma tipped a header over the bar. Those early events gave way to a chaotic contest.

Ramos was first, latching onto a blunder from Kohn to finish into an empty net. Donnarumma followed with a mistake of his own, giving the ball away to Takumi Minamino, before failing to deny his saveable shot — handing Monaco a well-deserved equaliser. And then, the inevitable Mbappe goal came. This time, it was from the penalty spot, a clumsy challenge giving the captain a chance from 12 yards — which he comfortably dispatched.

PSG only needed two minutes to kill the game. After struggling for the opening part of the second half, a duo of quick breaks sealed the win. Dembele started it, darting down the wing and producing a sublime first touch before burying his first goal in a PSG shirt. And Vitinha sealed it, unleashing a fine curled strike that left Kohn rooted to the ground as it curled into the far corner.

Folarin Balogun bagged a lovely second for the visitors, but a late fifth from Randal Kolo Muani quelled any chances of a Monaco comeback.

GOAL rates PSG's players from Parc des Princes…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Gianluigi Donnarumma (6/10):

Made a handful of excellent saves, but also gave a goal away — which is kind of his thing these days

Achraf Hakimi (6/10):

Dangerous on the right side of the pitch, but was caught lacking defensively at times.

Milan Skriniar (6/10):

A real mixed bag. Was poor on Balogun's goal, and could have offered more on the Monaco first. But he also won some important headers, and handled Balogun well.

Lucas Hernandez 5/10):

Not his best game. Solid in possession, but Minamino gave him a headache throughout.

Nordi Mukiele (6/10):

Another solid showing on his weaker left side. Good to see the Frenchman getting minutes after enduring an injury-interrupted first campaign in the capital.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Manuel Ugarte (7/10):

Impressive at the base of midfield. Clearly loves a tackle, and is always improving in his distribution. Looks like a top signing.

Fabian Ruiz (6/10):

Tidy without being inspirational in central midfield. Looks like he will be given more minutes with Warren Zaire-Emery out.

Vitinha (7/10):

Scored a wonderful fourth to cap off a solid performance. He's found his best under the new manager.

GettyAttack

Ousmane Dembele (7/10):

Excellent in transition, dangerous on the ball. Wasteful until he battered one into the net to give his side a 3-1 lead. Do that more, and he will be among Europe's best.

Goncalo Ramos (6/10):

Grabbed a goal, showing good striker's instinct to pounce on a mistake. He needs to do it more.

Kylian Mbappe (7/10):

A constant threat. Was never going to miss from the penalty spot. Some slick interchanges created problems, and he was as direct as ever.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Bradley Barcola (6/10):

A lively cameo from a player who perhaps deserves more minutes.

Randal Kolo Muani (6/10):

A bit sluggish off the bench, until he scored a late goal.

Carlos Soler (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Luis Enrique (8/10):

A few injuries limited his selection options, but he still fielded a strong side. His 4-3-3 worked well for the most part, and his side found a real attacking groove. A big win.

Australia’s coach, Darren Lehmann, has declined to publicly air his views on the ongoing player pay dispute with Cricket Australia, but has emphasised the importance of the two parties getting a deal done soon

Daniel Brettig18-May-2017Australia’s coach Darren Lehmann has strong views about the fixed revenue percentage model that the players are presently battling Cricket Australia to retain in the next payment MOU. But he’s not going to air them publicly.Lehmann, a former player delegate and president of the Australian Cricketers’ Association and now a highly-paid employee of CA, sat firmly on the fence ahead of the national team’s departure for England and the ICC Champions Trophy – the last tournament to take place before the June 30 expiry of the current pay deal.Though he acknowledged that the dispute would be a distraction for the players over at least the next six weeks, he doubted the Ashes would be disrupted, saying “I wouldn’t think so, and I would hope not as a fan”. Most of all, he stressed the importance of the two parties re-opening effective, respectful communication to get a deal done.”Both parties have got to get talking, that’s what they’ve got to do,” Lehmann said the day after CA rejected the ACA’s request for independent mediation. “Once they get that they’ll get a deal done, and once that happens we’ll be right and get the game going the way it should be.”What I want to do is see both parties come to the table and get a deal done for the betterment of the game. From the grass roots right through to the elite cricketers. From a players point of view they’re sticking together, we support players and support CA. Everyone supports each other, it is just a case of getting a deal done.”Communication has been a hallmark of how Lehmann has coached Australia, and he has continued that theme during the dispute. He has discussed matters at length with the national captain Steven Smith during his IPL stint, and also indicated that he would open the floor to players to discuss matters together when they convene in England, for the start of a campaign that leads ultimately to the 2019 World Cup and Ashes double.”It is going to be a bit of a distraction there’s no doubt about that,” Lehmann said. “But at the end of the day we’re there to concentrate on the cricket, we’ve got to do the best job we possibly can so from my point of view they’ve just got to get talking, simple fact of life. They’re both adults, both will deal with it as best they can and get the outcome right for the game.”We’ll talk about it when we all meet. You have to do that, you’ve got to keep it open in communication so we know the direction everyone’s going. At the end of the day it’s about getting ready for that first game and playing well. The next three years we go to England for one dayers the following year and then we’ve got the World Cup, so it’s a pretty important tournament for us in many ways.”While pointing out that negotiations have often run close to the wire in the past, Lehmann admitted he had not seen such acrimony between the two parties since the 1997-98 dispute that ultimately led to the revenue-sharing arrangement that has existed over the past 20 years.”I was there as a player and a delegate and then president,” he said. “You have those issues, every sport has them, so it’s just about communication and getting the right outcome for both parties. That’s the key. Both sides I’m sure will get there. It traditionally goes quite late, so there’s no panic, it’s just about those two parties getting together.”

Mario Balotelli says new recruits at AC Milan, such as Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah, need to do more to support the efforts of Rafael Leao.

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Portuguese forward starring for RossoneriNeeds more support from those around himEnigmatic Italian planning future Saudi switchWHAT HAPPENED?

The Rossoneri, who savoured Serie A title glory in 2021-22, have become heavily reliant on their talismanic Portuguese forward. Efforts have been made to bring in creativity and firepower alongside him – with USMNT stars Pulisic and Musah acquired in the last transfer window – but big-money signings are still finding their feet.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ex-Milan striker Balotelli has told of the issues at San Siro: “I like [Stefano] Pioli, but if Leao isn’t good Milan do very little. If Leao has a bad day, it’s difficult for Milan to win.” Pulisic has registered two Serie A goals for Milan, while also being dropped in the Champions League, while fellow United States international Musah is being asked to fill an unfamiliar wing-back role.

WHAT THEY SAID

Milan are considered to be alarmingly short in the striker department, with 36-year-old Olivier Giroud leading the way, and Balotelli has jokingly offered up his services having previously taken in two spells with the club. He added: “Here I am. Milan’s problem is that the young players you sign then have to deal with San Siro, which is not a stadium like any other, you need players with personality.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Enigmatic Italy international Balotelli is now 33 years of age himself and is currently back in Turkey with Adana Demirspor as his nomadic career continues. There will be at least one more adventure left him, with the ex-Liverpool and Inter frontman saying when asked if he could join the mass exodus of players leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia: “If the project works, I too will go in a few years.”

ScorecardFile photo – James Pattinson took five wickets in his comeback from injury•Getty Images

James Pattinson’s three wickets in his comeback from injury helped Victoria extend their advantage at the top of the Sheffield Shield table with a comprehensive victory over South Australia inside three days at Adelaide Oval.Set 313 to win after Victoria were bowled out for 306, South Australia never threatened to get close after their top order was rumbled for the second time in the match.Having claimed two wickets in the first innings, Pattinson accounted for Sam Raphael and Tom Cooper with the new ball before returning to end the resistance of Alex Carey. Chris Tremain and Scott Boland were also among the wickets, and Jon Holland completed another excellent display against SA by wrapping up the tail to finish with seven for the match.Aaron Finch and Cameron White had earlier ensured South Australia would face a steep chase. Chadd Sayers’ four wickets gave him eight for the match and 46 wickets in seven Shield matches so far this season.Finch took the gloves for the Bushrangers in the second innings following the concussion suffered by Sam Harper.

Liverpool will look to freshen up the squad across multiple departments this summer after falling by the wayside this season, and West Ham United's Nayef Aguerd has been touted for a shock swoop.

What's the latest on Nayef Aguerd to Liverpool?

According to Goal's Neil Jones, Liverpool's newly-appointed technical director Jorg Schmadtke could burst into action soon, with the Hammers' Moroccan centre-back 'well-liked' at Anfield.

Aguerd only joined West Ham last summer, signing for £30m from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes, and didn't make his debut until the end of October following a pre-season injury, but has impressed with his performances regardless.

Goal first brought Liverpool's intrigue in the 27-year-old in March, and while his time in east London has been fugacious thus far, the allure of Jurgen Klopp's outfit could persuade the ace to jump ship.

Should Liverpool sign Nayef Aguerd?

Liverpool's transfer business over the course of Klopp's tenure on Merseyside has been awe-inspiring for the Reds, and bitterly grudging for competitors, who have been left behind – barring Manchester City – as the German stormed the club into an illustrious period.

It is ironic, then, that the despondency pervading from this lacklustre season is a product of misfiring in the market, with Liverpool's central midfield issues laid bare and the panic loan signing of Arthur Melo, who failed to grace the Premier League pitch after an injury-stricken year, encapsulating the issues that have resulted in a failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Liverpool must now get it right and eradicate the doubts over the squad's calibre, and while the emphasis will be on the centre, bolstering the defence will also be a priority for Klopp and co, and Aguerd would be the perfect addition.

Having forged 29 appearances this term, scoring two goals, the 6 foot 3 titan has instrumentally aided his team in staving off the threat of relegation and leading them to the Europa Conference League final, where they play Fiorentina next week.

He is a dynamic threat for a centre-back, with the £50k-per-week phenom ranking among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of goals, as per FBref.

And he is also a master at sweeping danger aside, averaging 4.3 clearances per match and exhibiting his tenacity by winning 64% of his total duels, metrics courtesy of Sofascore.

Praised as "exceptional" by Gary Lineker, he would add a dimension to Liverpool's defence and perhaps alleviate the burden placed upon Virgil van Dijk's shoulders, with the 31-year-old Dutchman likely benefitting from receiving cover from a natural left-footed positional peer.

Aguerd indeed prefers to occupy the left side of the back-line, and while he doesn't boast the aerial dominance of the £75m titan – who ranks among the top 8% of centre-backs for aerials won per 90 and won 74% of his aerials duels in the Premier League this term – his efficacy in rebuffing advances and his ease at adopting his exact position leaves him in good stead to make a marked impact on Liverpool's system, if Klopp indeed decides to provide him with a chance to impress on Merseyside.

Manchester United return to Premier League action at home to in-form outfit Aston Villa this afternoon, with Erik ten Hag and his charges likely to still be reeling following Thursday's second-half collapse away to Tottenham Hotspur.

Having largely been in control of proceedings heading in at the break, the momentum shifted after the interval as the north Londoners produced a spirited display despite their recent woes, with Heung-min Son sealing a point late on for new caretaker boss, Ryan Mason.

The United manager may well be regretting his substitutions in that chaotic second period as those alterations saw the visitors "relinquish control", as per club legend Rio Ferdinand, with another former Red Devils man – Owen Hargreaves – subsequently suggesting that Ten Hag will need to "address" the squad "depth" this summer, such were the woes of those who entered the fray in N17.

It was not only the substitutes who somewhat underwhelmed in midweek, however, with summer signing Antony having done 'little' in the second half, in particular, according to Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst, after 'fading into the fringes of the game' – as per 90min's Sean Walsh.

That limited impact from the Brazilian – as well as the quick turnaround in this hectic fixture schedule – could spark a need to freshen up the forward line against the Villans, albeit with teen sensation Alejandro Garnacho still not yet ready to return.

With Anthony Martial also undeserving of a starting berth after looking 'off the pace' in the capital, according to Luckhurst, it could be a chance for young Facundo Pellistri to make what would be just his second start for the club.

Will Pellistri play against Villa?

It would be something of a gamble to throw the Uruguayan in against a side who have won five of their last six Premier League games, although the 5 foot 9 gem is clearly a "special talent" – as per journalist Fabrizio Romano – having showcased that quality in flashes this season.

While there have been reports that the wide man could be moved out on loan next term, in the meantime the 21-year-old could still have a part to play over the coming weeks, having previously been described as a player who can "create danger" by experienced teammate, Raphael Varane.

Although he has just one assist to his name in nine first-team outings to date, Pellistri has made his mark in his brief cameo appearances of late, having memorably produced a "scintillating" run – as per journalist Alex Turk – in the build-up to United's fourth goal at home to Real Betis in the Europa League last-16 last month.

The £9m youngster was subsequently handed a first start in the second-leg meeting with the La Liga side and 'took it with both hands' – according to 90min's Jamie Spencer – having been so 'exciting to watch on the ball'.

The Montevideo native is still waiting for a consistent run in the side having thus far made just three league appearances, although today's meeting at Old Trafford could be an opportunity for Ten Hag to put his faith in the promising talent.

Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on signing Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka and are set to make him a contract offer, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

Will Tottenham sign a defender this summer?

It appears likely that Tottenham will be in the market for a new defender in the summer, and it has been reported they are in talks with Barcelona about making Clement Lenglet's stay permanent, having recently advanced in negotiations.

Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi has also emerged as a potential target, although they are only willing to pay £45m for the defender, which is £20m below his valuation, while they are said to have lodged enquiries about Aymeric Laporte and Pau Torres.

Back in February, it was reported that Spurs are set to prioritise the signing of a left-sided defender this summer, and they now look to have identified a key target to strengthen in that area, as they are set to make a move for Ndicka.

According to a report from Football Insider, the 23-year-old is set to leave Frankfurt upon the expiration of his £12k-per-week contract this summer, potentially opening the door for a move to north London.

The Lilywhites are not the only Premier League club interested in signing the Frenchman, however, with Liverpool joining Spurs as the two sides who set to make a contract proposals at the end of the campaign.

The centre-back is said to fit the ideal profile for both Tottenham and Liverpool, particularly if the north London club are unable to agree terms with Barcelona for Lenglet.

Should Tottenham sign Evan Ndicka?

There are some indications the 6 foot 3 colossus would be a real improvement on Lenglet, given that he has averaged far more blocks, interceptions and aerials won per 90 than his compatriot over the course of the past year.

Not only that, but the Paris-born defender is also available on a free transfer, while the Barcelona loanee could set Spurs back around €14m (£12.5m) in the summer.

Ndicka is more competent defensively than Lenglet, and he is also solid in possession of the ball, having been hailed as "technically gifted" by former Frankfurt sporting director Fredi Bovic.

Spurs' defensive shortcomings have let them down on multiple occasions this season, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last six Premier League games, conceding three goals against both Southampton and Bournemouth.

As such, a new defender will undoubtedly be needed in the summer, and Ndicka would be a real upgrade on Lenglet.