Journalist Simon Jones of The Daily Mail has shared why Fulham manager Marco Silva is hopeful of signing Arsenals striker Folarin Balogun amid ongoing talks.

Who will Fulham sign?

Silva overseen a mixed start to the new Premier League campaign so far, having secured a 1-0 victory away to Everton on the opening weekend but then suffering a hammering against Brentford.

Fulham's first home game of the season couldn't have gone much worse as their west London rivals put them to the sword with a 3-0 win, courtesy of goals from Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbuemo (2).

The match perhaps exposed some chinks in Fulham's armour as they seek to build upon a fine 2022/2023 season, where they challenged for Europe and comfortably swerved relegation.

Silva has been forthright in explaining his side's need for more new signings, coming after they sealed deals for both Mexico international Raul Jimenez and highly-rated defender Calvin Bassey.

“Unfortunately, we need many still. We have some important players injured,” Silva said earlier this month.

“I hope they can come sooner. We have just two full backs, we need a midfielder too and we have just two wingers so we need another two wingers.

“We have completed our central defenders. I needed these players 15 days or 20 days ago, not now.”

It's been a fairly mixed window for Fulham, and despite their attempts to sign Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, reliable media sources have claimed that talks have stalled over a deal for the Englishman.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, their star striker of last season, has also sealed a move to Saudi side Al-Hilal – where the Serbian will play alongside big name star Neymar.

The need for a replacement is a prevalent one, but The Mail's reporter Jones has some promising news on who they could sign to succeed Mitrovic.

Indeed, Arsenal forward Balogun is of serious interest, and they will now ramp up their pursuit of the USA international with talks ongoing for his services.

While the Gunners want around £50m, Silva is personally hopeful that a compromise can be reached as we enter the final week of this window.

Indeed, Fulham apparently believe they can conclude a move for £35 million plus add-ons.

How good is Folarin Balogun?

Balogun racked up a brilliant 21 goals in 37 Ligue 1 appearances on loan at Reims last season, raising his stock exponentially as Arsenal look to seriously profit off his sale.

Mikel Arteta, commenting on the player's form during his temporary spell, claimed he has the ability to be something special and remains "ambitious".

“He’s a boy that has a really clear idea of what he wants to do with his career," said Arteta.

"He’s really ambitious, really committed and really brave. We discussed a lot before he made that move whether it was the right place to go and the other choices he had. He was so convinced. I’m really happy for him because he deserves what he’s getting.

“When you look at the numbers and what he is doing, it’s just incredible. It’s very rare to see that. But he’s got something special."

Having lost his place in the squad for the first two Ashes Tests, Glenn Maxwell built a case for himself with a rapid double-century

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Nov-2017
ScorecardHaving missed out on a spot in the squad for the first two Ashes Tests, Glenn Maxwell made a statement with an unbeaten 213 off only 260 balls against New South Wales in Sydney, as Australia’s top order struggled against England at the Gabba. Maxwell’s innings took Victoria to 3 for 365 at stumps, with a significant contribution from Aaron Finch, who struck 76.In the first three rounds of the Sheffield Shield, which were considered a selection trial for the Ashes squad, Maxwell had two fifties and one knock of 45, scores that did not seem to impress Australia’s selectors, who decided to recall Shaun Marsh for the first two Tests. Maxwell was then called up to the Gabba as injury cover for David Warner and Marsh, and was released for Shield duty after both batsmen were declared fit for the first Test.In Sydney, Maxwell walked in to bat in the seventh over and dominated through the day, bringing up his century off 113 balls. His impact was evident in the fact that by the time Victoria lost their second wicket, with the score on 162, Maxwell had contributed 115. After that wicket, Maxwell and Finch added 148 runs in 29.5 overs at a run rate of nearly five an over. By stumps, Maxwell had hit 27 boundaries and three sixes, while his strike rate was 81.While the New South Wales attack was not as formidable as it was previously – when Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins had all featured – it still included the experienced Doug Bollinger, Steve O’Keefe and Sean Abbott. However, Maxwell’s charge meant they were without much success. Bollinger conceded 90 in his 20 overs for two wickets, while Abbott was also expensive.

Leeds United finally seem to be getting their transfer business underway once again this summer after a short hiatus, with numerous targets now appearing for Daniel Farke's perusal…

Who are Leeds United signing this summer?

Just four additions have graced Elland Road amidst numerous departures thus far, making for a frustrating window despite the promise that surrounded a potential Premier League return upon first falling to the drop.

Now, things are looking bleak, with three Championship games having been played without a win.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

Something needs to change, with the Daily Mail finally offering a beacon of hope as they suggest that the Yorkshire outfit are closing in on a deal to sign Swansea City forward Joel Piroe. The touted £12m fee actually represents fine value in today's market, especially given the funds already brought in by their mass exodus.

The widespread interest in the lethal finisher could prove a stumbling block for the Whites, but they will hope that the stature of their club can prove enough to tempt the Dutchman to lean in their favour.

How good is Joel Piroe?

To finally sign that much-needed striker would be to revolutionise everything that has been seen currently under the Farke era.

Despite largely dominating matches, maintaining plenty of the ball and raining down shot after shot, one loss and two draws have them sat at a lowly 19th.

In fact, across their three league matches, they are averaging 62.7% possession and 16 shots per game, yet cannot seem to find that cutting edge, via Sofascore.

Piroe would change all that, especially if his signing coincided with the reintegration of Wilfried Gnonto into the first team.

The Italy international has endured a tumultuous summer personally, as he sought to push through his move to Everton, even recently handing in a transfer request.

However, with that move having since cooled down, reports have instead circled to suggest that Farke is willing to welcome the 19-year-old back into the fold.

The teenage sensation swiftly became a fan favourite last season with his dynamic performances on the flank, posting eight goal contributions across all senior competitions in England, having been branded a "pocket rocket" by pundit Tam McManus.

Now, with a year of English football under his belt, perhaps he could be set to take the division below by storm, utilising his pace, trickery and technical proficiency to help provide for Piroe. When compared to others in his role across Europe, he sits in the top 17% for progressive carries per 90, via FBref.

After all, the 24-year-old has proven himself as a reliable goalscorer for this level, with the two set to surely forge a fine partnership as the standout attacking options they would be.

Last campaign saw the Swans' star man notch 19 times in the Championship, having scored 22 and assisted six in his debut year following the departure from his homeland.

It is no surprise to see him lauded, with Tribal Football and EFL YouTuber Benjamin Bloom branding him as "prolific", before writing:

"When he joined Swansea in 2021 from PSV, Joel Piroe was something of an unknown quantity. However, he took to the Championship like a duck to water and is now coming to the end of a second brilliant season."

With Gnonto potentially set to devastate on the wing once more, and Piroe the perfect man to benefit from his creativity, perhaps the arrival of a striker could help the maligned winger reignite his relationship with the fanbase by firing them back to the top flight.

Delhi’s dropped chances and unclear strategic decisions hurt them on the third day as Vidarbha piled on the runs in Indore

The Report by Vishal Dikshit in Indore31-Dec-2017Akshay Wadkar struck his maiden first-class hundred•PTI If one had to compile the top cricket surprises of 2017, Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy campaign would feature fairly high. They continued to impress right until the last day of the year with a solid lower-order performance that gave them an imposing lead of 233 against Delhi, who have slowly been pushed towards the runners-up position.Vidarbha’s ascendancy came with a seventh-wicket stand of 169 runs between wicketkeeper-batsman Akshay Wadkar, who scored his maiden first-class century, and allrounder Aditya Sarwate. Delhi’s showing was marred by dropped catches, a missed stumping and a feeble bowling attack that could do little on a pitch that has started to favour batsmen. Wadkar’s unbeaten innings was later complemented by a barrage of boundaries from Siddhesh Neral (56*) who struck his maiden first-class half-century with four fours and as many sixes.Akshay Wadkar on…

Coming into the squad late in the season: “Initially I wasn’t picked in the team so I performed in the local matches. After scoring two hundreds and three fifties I was picked in the team. Initially I could not perform but in the the quarter-final, we were not in a good position and I like performing under pressure so that’s what I did. I have the confidence for that.”
The pressure after losing Wasim Jaffer: “There was pressure obviously, because we were still trailing and it was important that I stuck around. It was crucial to build a partnership, if we had lost a wicket then we may not have taken a lead.”
Century partnership with Aditya Sarwate: “We share a very good bonding so we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We kept communicating especially when one of us felt dicey or in doubt.”
Siddhesh Neral’s attacking shots: “He himself said, ‘I’ll play my shots since I’m hitting well and I have luck with that drop and being caught off a no ball’. He wanted to score today because who knows what will happen tomorrow.”
His plan when he was batting: “We wanted to play the entire day. [Chandrakant Pandit] sir had said ‘play as much as you can and try to stay unbeaten’. I did not even think I’d score a hundred. My only plan was to stay not out and make the team win with my contribution. I also got to score after I settled in and as the match went on.”

The day began with Wasim Jaffer edging the fourth ball into the cordon, but Kunal Chandela dropped it while diving to his left from second slip when the ball was headed straight to first. Vidarbha were still trailing by 89 then. To rub salt into Delhi’s wounds, Jaffer steered a short delivery two balls later to third man for four.Navdeep Saini was extracting pace and reverse swing with the old ball but Delhi captain Rishabh Pant made the mistake of bowling him for too long at a stretch. Saini did account for nightwatchman Aditya Wakhare and later Jaffer (78) too, aided by a poor lbw decision, but to make him bowl eight overs with the old ball and then hand him the new one too proved detrimental. Five balls into his ninth over, Saini walked off.By then, Sarwate was scoring at more than run-a-ball with authoritative drives. A more sedate Wakhare gathered confidence by slapping a short ball from Kulwant Khejroliya down the ground to level the scores and followed it with a cut for four more two balls later. The second chance of the session went down when Sarwate edged left-arm spinner Vikas Mishra to slip where the ball went through Gambhir and the batsman brought up a 62-ball fifty.Siddhesh Neral was ecstatic after getting to fifty•PTI The Vidarbha lower order wore Delhi down even more in the second session. Even though Wadkar and Sarwate slowed their scoring rate, Pant barely had any bowling options to fall back on with left-arm spinner Manan Sharma down with a knee injury he picked up while fielding. Akash Sudan ran in without much threat, Khejroliya banged in plenty of half-trackers and Mishra kept darting deliveries that were blocked in front of the stumps. Saini returned after lunch but Vidarbha had gone past 350 by then.The extents to which Delhi were stretched was clear in how Nitish Rana stopped bowling medium-pace and turned to offspin. Pant brought on part-time offspinner Dhruv Shorey too to try his luck and Shorey’s third delivery created a chance. Sarwate, on 67, came down and missed a flick but Pant himself failed to execute a sharp stumping. Four overs later, Sarwate, still on 67, was dropped by short leg off Shorey again.Wadkar had overtaken Sarwate by now and Saini had begun to tire again. This made Pant bring back Rana and the change surprisingly worked when Sarwate was caught behind off a flat delivery, with Pant holding on this time. Wadkar stamped his authority further when he stepped out and hit Mishra for a six and a four straight down the ground to celebrate his century in animated fashion.Sarwate’s wicket brought no respite for Delhi. Neral had already smacked Rana for a six before Wadkar’s century and belted more boundaries in the last session by backing away against the pacers for slashes and pulls. After collecting two fours off Khejroliya, he ramped a short delivery to straight third man, and though the fielder held on this time, it was called a no-ball for being the third bouncer of the over.Neral whacked two sixes off Khejroliya and cracked his fourth four to bring up his fifty. Two balls later, he miscued a pull and Khejroliya ran in from long-on for a skier but could not take it cleanly. Like Marvel’s superhero movies that always leave something post credits, Delhi had another problem coming. On 53, Neral pulled Khejroliya and the leading edge was pouched easily by the bowler, but this wasn’t a legal delivery either. Khejroliya had overstepped.Such instances summed up the day for Delhi as Vidarbha amassed 322 runs for the loss of only three wickets.

أكد حسين لبيب رئيس مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك، أن الفريق سيبدأ التفكير في بطولة الدوري المصري بعد التتويج بـ كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.

وتوج فريق الزمالك ببطولة كأس الكونفدرالية، مساء الأحد، ذلك على حساب نهضة بركان المغربي بعدما فاز في مباراة الإياب 1-0 وخسر في مواجهة الذهاب 2-1، ليحسم اللقب مستفيدًا بقاعدة احتساب الهدف خارج الأرض بهدفين.

وقال لبيب خلال تصريحات عبر قناة أون تايم سبورتس: “من أول يوم تواجدنا كان لنا هدف أن نفرح جمهور الزمالك بالكونفدرالية، والحمد لله إننا قدرنا نُسعدهم”.

طالع | جوميز يعلق على احتمالية مواجهة الأهلي في كأس السوبر الإفريقي بعد التتويج بـ الكونفدرالية

وأضاف: “كل مصر سعيدة لأن الزمالك توج ببطولة إفريقيا، مثلما كان الناس تُشجع الأهلي أمام الترجي في نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا”.

وأكمل: “أهنئ اللاعبين الرجال الذين تحملوا ظروفاً صعبة، كان القوام ليس متكاملاً، واستطعنا ضم لاعبين مميزين أضافوا للفريق”.

وأتم: “من الغد سنبدأ التفكير في بطولة الدوري المصري”.

Leeds United have seven days left to finish their business for the summer transfer window before the deadline slams shut and are reportedly eyeing up another winger to add to their squad…

What's the latest Leeds transfer news?

Sky Sports recently reported that the Whites are interested in signing Genk forward Joseph Paintsil as they eye up a number of options in that area of the pitch.

The report claimed that the Belgian outfit will consider offers within the region of €10m (£8.5m), although it remains to be seen how much the Yorkshire-based side are willing to offer for his services.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

Daniel Farke has made four signings for Leeds so far this summer; including Sam Byram, Karl Darlow, Ethan Ampadu, and Joe Rodon. He is now looking to possibly make the 25-year-old magician his fifth over the coming days, but would it be a good piece of business?

How good is Joseph Paintsil?

The Ghana international's form for Genk last season suggests that he has the ability to be a fantastic signing for the German head coach as the talented ace could be a huge upgrade on current Whites winger Daniel James.

Paintsil enjoyed a terrific 2022/23 campaign as the exciting maestro proved himself to be capable of scoring and assisting goals on a regular basis from a wide position, which is something that the ex-Manchester United flop is yet to do.

He averaged an excellent Sofascore rating of 7.13, which was higher than any Leeds player managed last term, over 36 Pro League appearances and contributed with an eye-catching 17 goals and 11 assists.

The nine-cap hotshot also created 12 'big chances' for his teammates and made 1.4 key passes per match, which suggests that he was slightly unfortunate to end up with only 11 assists.

James, on the other hand, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.72 and produced two goals and one assist in 20 Premier League matches for Fulham on loan.

The Wales international failed to deliver consistent quality in the top-flight as he scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in 106 league matches for Manchester United, Leeds, and the Cottagers combined prior to the current campaign.

His last season at Championship level also ended with four goals and nine assists in 33 outings for Swansea, which does not suggest that the drop back down to the second tier will allow him to reach Paintsil's impressive level of production in the final third, as he has never hit double figures for goals or assists in a single season throughout his senior career.

Paintsil, who was described as an "ice-cold baller" by journalist Owuraku Ampofo, could provide far more quality at the top end of the pitch week-in-week-out, which is why he would be a big upgrade on the Welsh flop if the 25-year-old wizard can translate his form over to English football.

The superb attacker has assisted two goals in two league starts this term and his ability to consistently provide goals and assists could elevate Farke's team to the next level, particularly when you consider that no current Leeds player managed more than five goals or four league assists last season.

ScorecardBrendan Doggett leads Queensland off the field•Getty Images

Eleven wickets fell on the third day of the Sheffield Shield game in Perth, as momentum see-sawed between Western Australia and Queensland.First, the WA bowlers combined to take the last five Queensland wickets for only 81 runs, denying overnight batsmen Jack Wildermuth (95) and Marnus Labuschagne (92) a single run, let alone their hundreds. But then Queensland hit back as legspinner Mitchell Swepson (3-76) and seamer Brendan Doggett (2-28) reduced WA to 5 for 99. An unbeaten sixth-wicket partnership of 66 between Ashton Turner and Josh Inglis ensured the hosts went to stumps at the WACA with a 155-run lead.It all began with Queensland losing three wickets without adding anything to their overnight score of 343. Wildermuth was the first to go, when he was caught off Matthew Kelly in the second over of the day. Labuschagne joined him soon after, caught by the wicketkeeper in the following over. Simon Mackin then bowled Swepson for a duck and Queensland were suddenly seven wickets down, still trailing by 71. It was at this point that Doggett, the 23-year old playing only his third first-class game, stepped up with an unbeaten innings of 48 that handed Queensland a 10-run lead.WA’s second innings got off to a solid start with openers William Bosisto (27) and Jonathan Wells (44) putting on 67 in 32.1 overs. But then they lost five wickets for 32 runs and were in serious trouble when Turner (30*) and Inglis (40*) got together to stem any further damage.

MatériaMais Notícias

Um dos reforços do Athletico para a temporada, Guilherme Bissoli chegou sem muito status e para defender a equipe Sub-23 no Campeonato Paraense, porém disputou os amistosos de pré-temporada com o elenco principal e se destacou, marcando dois gols em três jogos. Com isso, ganhou oportunidades no profissional e soube aproveitar muito bem.

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Em sua segunda partida no estadual, balançou as redes duas vezes na goleada contra o Cascavel. Na semana seguinte, estreando na Libertadores, o atacante marcou um golaço de letra contra o Peñarol, decretando a vitória por 1 a 0 na primeira partida da fase da grupos.

Após a paralisação por conta da pandemia, Bissoli retornou aos gramados em grande fase. Nos três primeiros jogos, válidos pelo Paranaense, fez quatro gols e se consolidou na artilharia da competição. Porém, na final, não conseguiu disputar os 180 minutos por conta da lesão na coxa direita.

O atacante fez tratamento intensivo e conseguiu voltar a defender o Furacão justamente contra o São Paulo, clube que o revelou, porém o resultado não foi positivo: 1 a 0 pro Tricolor. Desde então, o Athletico empatou contra o RB Bragantino em casa e perdeu pro Vasco em São Januário.

Para reagir no Brasileirão, a equipe paranaense conta com Bissoli como um dos pilares na parte ofensiva. Em busca do mesmo objetivo, o centroavante visa recuperar a boa fase para voltar a balançar as redes e marcar seu primeiro gol no campeonato.

Arsenal could look at a late move to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, however, a report has stated that the Gunners will need to move on one specific player first.

What’s the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar have been productive so far this summer when it comes to new signings, with Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and David Raya all brought to north London from West Ham, Chelsea, Ajax and Brentford respectively.

In total, the Gunners have spent £200m but have brought in just £29m through player sales. However, it appears as if the club are looking to increase the latter figure by raising £100m in sales before the deadline.

That’s according to The Daily Mail, who claim that Folarin Balogun is one player who may depart with Arsenal valuing him at £50m. Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham have all registered their interest in the forward, with AC Milan, Inter Milan and Monaco also keen.

At the back, Gabriel Magalhaes, who has been left out of Arteta’s first two starting line-ups this season, has also been linked with an exit amid interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Real Madrid.

However, it is believed that the centre-back is likely to stay, although there is a chance the Gunners could allow Garbiel to leave if they can find a replacement. That is where Guehi comes in, with the report adding that a deal could be difficult to do late in the window but that Arsenal admire the player.

Who is Marc Guehi?

Guehi is an out-and-out centre-back who appears to be at the peak of his powers with a career-high €35m Transfermarkt valuation.

Dubbed an “absolute tank” by England U21s goalkeeper Josef Bursik, the 23-year-old began his career on the books at Chelsea and spent two seasons on loan at Swansea City. During that time, Guehi made 59 appearances in all competitions in south Wales which earned him a big-money move to Crystal Palace.

Since arriving at Selhurst Park back in 2021, the defender has turned out on 84 occasions and even captained the club in a 3-0 win against Arsenal during the 2021/22 season with the Eagles.

Over the last 12 months, as per FBref, Guehi has been a solid performer. Compared to his positional peers in the top five European leagues, he has placed highly for progressive passing distance, long passes completed, successful take-ons and passes into the final third, showing his quality on the ball. Guehi also ranks high for fouls drawn and ball recoveries, while also averaging 1.47 tackles and 1.25 interceptions per 90.

Alongside Gabriel, Arteta has William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Rob Holding and the injured Jurrien Timber as centre-back options, whereas right-backs Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu can also occupy central roles when needed.

Therefore, if Gabriel does move on before the deadline, a move for Guehi could be one to keep an eye on, whereas Torino’s Perr Schuurs is another who has been linked with a move to north London, so it could be a busy few days at the Emirates.

A surprise transfer target has emerged for Liverpool this week, with manager Jurgen Klopp looking to end the transfer window on a high and complete his side's midfield rebuild.

The Reds missed out on signing both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia this month after selling Fabinho to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad Club for £40m in July, and have since opted to delve down the shrewder road and sealed an unlikely £16m move for Stuttgart's Wataru Endo.

Klopp could now be set to seek another astute option, with dynamic Feyenoord midfielder Mats Wieffer attracting the Merseyside outfit's attention, per reports.

What's the latest on Mats Wieffer to Liverpool?

According to FootballTransfers, Liverpool are interested in signing Wieffer to add depth and quality to their midfield before the transfer window closes in one week.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

Alongside Endo, the Premier League side have completed deals for engine room duo Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, and Wieffer could add the multi-faceted sheen to close the door on the central signings this summer.

Who is Mats Wieffer?

The 23-year-old Dutchman played 37 times across all competitions last season, scoring three goals and providing seven assists, and was instrumental in Feyenoord's emphatic Eredivisie triumph.

While Wieffer can thrive across a range of midfield roles, he occupied the deep-lying role on 33 occasions last year, and could be the dream fit to compete against Endo – more of a traditional No. 6 – for the holding midfield role under Klopp.

Indeed, the midfield machine ranks among the top 7% of midfielders across Men's Next Eight divisions for assists, the top 5% for passes attempted, the top 7% for progressive passes, the top 14% for successful take-ons, the top 20% for tackles, the top 18% for blocks, the top 8% for clearances and the top 1% for aerial wins per 90, as per FBref.

This exhaustive list underscores the kind of all-encompassing ace Liverpool would get their hands on if they are to forge ahead with a move during the business end of the transfer window, and given the likeness to Newcastle United's star man Bruno Guimaraes, it might be the move to make.

Hailed as "world-class" by teammate Dan Burn, Guimaraes has been the centrepiece of the Magpies' momentous exploits over the past two years, having chalked up after completing a £40m transfer from French side Lyon in January 2022.

A deep-lying midfielder, Guimaraes ranks among the top 18% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 14% for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 18% for successful take-ons per 90.

He also made 2.4 tackles per game in the Premier League last season and won 57% of his ground duels, remarkably composed and emblematic of Newcastle's ascent of late.

Similarities can be drawn from the Brazilian's skill set and Wieffer's, with the latter man being described as an "elite" midfielder "controller" by data analyst Ben Mattinson.

If Klopp can utilise Wieffer's ball-playing skills and tenacity in the tackle, he could wield a star capable of matching Guimaraes' influence on English soil, and given that Liverpool have actually registered an interest in the 25-year-old machine earlier this year, he evidently offers a profile that is capable of slotting into the Reds' team.