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Arsenal defender Gabriel has been criticised by Freddie Ljungberg for mocking Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres by copying his celebration.

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• Gabriel copied Gyokeres celebration after scoring
• Defender criticised for mocking Sporting CP star
• Ljungberg said centre-back was 'disrespectful'

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazilian scored as Arsenal beat Sporting 5-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday and proceeded to copy the striker's goal celebration in a reported act of revenge for an incident that occurred in the 2022-23 season.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While the Swedish striker did not seem bothered by the centre-back's actions, his compatriot, ex-Gunners star Ljungberg, believes it was a display of disrespect from Gabriel.

• WHAT LJUNGBERG SAID

  "I’m not a fan of it. Of course, he must have had a lot of talk about playing against Gyokeres and whether he would be able to do it," Ljungberg said on . "Then his point in showing that he can handle it is quite simple. But I think it’s a bit disrespectful. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I don’t think it’s necessary. I think someone else has that target gesture, leave it alone. I don’t like to see it."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  Gabriel has now scored three goals in all competitions for Arsenal this season and will be aiming to help his team to another win when they meet West Ham in the Premier League at the weekend.

Pat Cummins expects David Warner to be fit for Adelaide Test after blow in the ribs

Andrew McGlashan11-Dec-2021Josh Hazlewood and David Warner will be monitored ahead of the second Test in Adelaide after finishing the opening match with side and rib injuries respectively.Hazlewood had a scan on the third evening of the Gabba Test which revealed a “very minor” side strain and he was able to bowl five overs on the fourth morning having not been used after the 29th over the previous day.Related

• Root: 'We are not scared of a challenge'

• Australia romp to nine-wicket win and 1-0 lead

Pat Cummins said a cautious approach was taken with managing Hazlewood and that there will be an eye to future Tests when a decision is taken on whether he lines up in the day-night contest which starts on Thursday.”He’s a little bit sore,” Cummins said. “He came out today and was able to bowl, got through a really good spell. We just managed him, it’s a five Test summer and he’s key for us so don’t want to blow him out of the water on day three.”Nothing too serious but didn’t want it to turn into a huge injury. The key is we don’t want to put him in jeopardy for the whole series. We’ll take our time.”Jhye Richardson, who played two Tests in 2019, and the uncapped Michael Neser, fresh from a five-wicket haul for Australia A against England Lions, are the other two quicks in the Test squad should a replacement be needed.Warner, meanwhile, is nursing painful ribs after a blow on the second day against Ben Stokes. He was off the field throughout England’s second innings and did not open in Australia’s small chase with Alex Carey promoted up the other. Australia said that Warner had been available to bat but with just 20 runs needed the risk wasn’t worth it”Think he had a hit earlier and got through,” Cummins said. “Still pretty sore but should be right for Adelaide. We’ll monitor him but think he’ll be fine.”Usman Khawaja is the spare batter in the squad having been beaten to the No. 5 spot by Travis Head. Although largely a middle-order player, he has opened in five Tests – including a day-nighter against South Africa in Adelaide where he made 145 – and has an average of 96.80 in the position.However, it would be a disruption for Australia if they needed to make a change particularly given the uncertainty over Warner’s opening partner. Marcus Harris was unconvincing in Brisbane as he fell for 3 in the first innings and was saved by an inside edge against Chris Woakes from being lbw for a duck in the second.

Sunderland have finally confirmed another new signing this summer, as Republic of Ireland international Alan Browne joins up with Regis Le Bris' group ahead of the forthcoming Championship campaign.

The 29-year-old has bags of experience at the level, having been a loyal servant to former employers Preston North End for a staggering decade, with a fresh new challenge now coming his way.

This could be an ingenious free agent swoop, as Sunderland were crying out for more seasoned heads last season when the wheels started to come off, with another second-tier veteran reportedly following Browne in through the door.

Sunderland hold talks with EFL star

According to a report by the Northern Echo earlier this week, alongside previously being in talks with their new Irish recruit before he officially signed on the dotted line, Sunderland have also held conversations with former Sheffield United man Oliver Norwood over a summer switch to the Stadium of Light.

It's stated in the article that the Le Bris was keen on adding calm and experienced heads to the dressing room this transfer window, with Norwood able to offer that in spades, alongside the ex-Preston midfielder.

It has been reported that Sunderland's interest might have cooled down on Norwood after the capture of Browne however – according to football journalist Michael Graham – but the new French boss wouldn't turn his nose up at the prospect of having two second-tier experts at his disposal if possible.

When still on the books at Bramall Lane, Norwood would oversee two promotions up to the Premier League, with a mind-boggling four on his career resume overall.

With the Northern Irishman's knowledge of the division evident, signing the 33-year-old could prove to be another cheap masterstroke on the end of the Black Cats, as the pair could strike up a fantastic partnership to steer a youthful Sunderland side back to the top positions in the league.

What Norwood and Browne can offer Sunderland

As can be seen with this stylish finish from Norwood back in 2018, the ageing midfielder can offer lots all over the pitch for his new employers if signed, whether that be racing forward to join in with attacks or helping out with defensive duties.

Amassing a ridiculous 381 Championship appearances to date, with 25 goals and 48 assists managed along the way, it's almost a certainty that the former Blades man will be a reliable and dependable figure that Le Bris can rely upon in moments of deep crisis or tension.

Browne has accumulated similarly impressive numbers across his career, as can be seen looking at the table above, with all of those coming donning a Preston jersey.

The 29-year-old will quickly need to grow accustomed to his new surroundings, therefore, with Le Bris no doubt a fan of Browne's adaptability across the midfield spots too, as the Republic of Ireland international can play in an attacking midfield role or as a defensive option when needed.

It was from the attacking midfield spot last season where the ex-Preston number eight wreaked most of his havoc though, helping himself to four goals and four assists from league action.

Browne could act as an experienced head for Bellingham to lean off of subsequently, with Norwood – who has been dubbed the "finished article" in the division by former Blade, Carl Asaba – also pushing the likes of Dan Neil and Pierre Ekwah as a utility figure in a more holding role.

Sunderland fans will be encouraged by the players that look to be joining the building ahead of next season, praying that everything clicks into place and Le Bris can push the Black Cats back into the promotion reckoning.

Sunderland have a perfect Bellingham rival emerging in the academy

Regis Le Bris could call upon this Sunderland youngster to compete with Jobe Bellingham next season.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 10, 2024

In Bangalore, the visitors showed pluck and glimpses of the skills in their possession. Now, they must sustain their desire to do well in Test cricket

Andrew Alderson04-Sep-2012Five losses out of the last seven Tests makes poor reading for New Zealand, but there remains a feeling of respite in the aftermath of the Bangalore defeat. Despite a winning margin of five wickets, with Indian partnerships of 77 and 96 in the final innings, there was a sense of fight in the New Zealand ranks; something the first Test shambles lacked.The Hyderabad loss left a taste of insipid apathy; the Bangalore loss reinvigorated the Test appetite. Losing in a decent contest earns respect. New Zealand demonstrated pluck through the batting of captain Ross Taylor, the bowling of a youthful pace attack and the guile of offspinner Jeetan Patel. Even at 32, Patel showed he is an alternative coming out from Daniel Vettori’s shadow. In the second innings, Patel was treated lightly by Virender Sehwag and Suresh Raina before bowling them, while Cheteshwar Pujara was hesitant before flicking a catch. Patel deserved his three wickets in challenging circumstances.Unlike December’s victory over Australia, New Zealand could not drag the Test their way. In that match in Hobart – also minus Vettori – they were assisted by a strip with bite. Bangalore provided more of a contest for bat and ball, where the will of India captain MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli proved unbreakable.Yet, until the last few balls, the pair had to work hard. The contest made for an absorbing evening’s viewing in New Zealand. Fans could afford to shelve channel-surfing contingency plans.Ross Taylor’s first-innings century and aggressive captaincy – placing a regular three slips in the cordon for Southee and a short leg and silly point for Patel in the fourth innings – showed a maturity and a quiet fury to propel his team into a better era. He was rewarded with tight bowling for moderate periods. Taylor backed his hunches; like refusing Patel the right to put a man back after Sehwag blasted him for a six over long-off. Sehwag was bowled three balls later.Sadly for New Zealand, Taylor was given little top order batting support in the first innings as he eased to his seventh test century. Fifty to 100 more runs could have taken New Zealand out of danger. Likewise, in the second innings, no New Zealand batsman could fully dominate the spinners, with seven batsmen scoring between 22 and 41. The hosts faced a manageable 261 to haul in, despite it being a record fourth-innings chase on that ground.

The Hyderabad loss left a taste of insipid apathy; the Bangalore loss reinvigorated the Test appetite. Losing in a decent contest earns respect

Tim Southee, backed by like-minded aggression from Trent Boult and Doug Bracewell, produced a gifted spell to knock India back. His 7 for 64 that places him sixth on the list of all-time best New Zealand bowling performances. His ability to trouble India’s line-up by moving the ball to and fro was a credit to his mental aptitude after he earned inclusion at the expense of veteran Chris Martin.Inspirational moments peppered the fielding performance too, like Daniel Flynn scampering crab-like from short leg to take a one-handed catch off the in-form Pujara.Hopefully, though, New Zealand fans can resist reverting to apologist-speak like “rebuilding” and “moving forward” to describe the current team. Those excuses tire quickly in an era where there is more exposure to the international game than ever before from age-group level up. There is plenty of talent but more consistency is required. On the bowling front the India batsmen worked too many loose balls to the boundary with their wrists or “on-the-up” limited-overs style. The batting top order remains more miss than hit with porous defence.Taylor said afterwards they were disappointed with how they played in Hyderabad and wanted to show some fight and courage. They did so, but the onus is now on the players to avoid losing that desire to apply themselves in the longer form. For several of the team, patience is about to be replaced with premeditation at the World Twenty20. The Sri Lanka Test series is shortly afterwards and New Zealand need to further demonstrate that they have serious aspirations in the Test game to keep the public with them.

Scans on Sunday confirmed he would be unable to recover for the knockout stages

Matt Roller08-Nov-2021Jason Roy has been ruled out of the rest of England’s T20 World Cup campaign with a torn left calf. He has been replaced in the squad by James Vince, who was one of two remaining travelling reserves along with Liam Dawson, and approved by the ICC’s Event Technical Committee.Roy suffered the injury during England’s defeat in their final Super 12s game against South Africa, first holding the muscle while fielding before pulling up lame while running a single in the fifth over of their chase. He retired hurt on 20 off 15 balls and limped off the field with support from a physio and Tom Curran, one of England’s substitute fielders.Scans on Sunday confirmed the tear and it became clear that he would be unable to recover in time to play a part in the knockout stages.”I’m gutted to be ruled out of the World Cup,” Roy said. “It is a bitter pill to swallow. I will be staying on to support the boys and hopefully we can go all the way and lift that trophy. It has been an unbelievable journey so far and we have to continue expressing ourselves and concentrating on us.”The rehab has already started and even though I’ve torn my calf, I’m going to give myself the best chance of being ready for the T20 tour of the Caribbean at the start of next year.”England could replace Roy with Vince in a like-for-like swap but appear more likely to bring Sam Billings – an unused squad member – into their middle order, promoting either Jonny Bairstow or Dawid Malan to open. They will also consider bringing in a seam-bowling allrounder as Roy’s replacement – either David Willey or Tom Curran – to bat at No. 7 or 8.Roy’s loss will be hard felt by a side already missing four first-choice squad members through injury or unavailability in Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer and Tymal Mills. Eoin Morgan, England’s captain, said after the game against South Africa that Roy was “unbelievably important” to the squad.”He’s a guy who epitomises everything that we are about in the changing room and the way we play,” Morgan said. “You see how commanding he is at the top of the order… he’s as close as we get to surmising how the changing room should play. We’re gutted for Jase but also half-hoping that he’s OK. For anyone to miss the latter stages of a tournament – particularly when it’s been too guys in two games – that does hurt the mood [in the dressing room].”You got through the names that either aren’t here through injury or other reasons: Archer, Stokes, Sam Curran, Tymal… You look back at the times that you’ve really explored and tried to build a squad, and I’m sitting here thankful that we have done that because we’re going to need those guys in the next game and possibly in the final.”Roy was the Player of the Match in England’s last men’s T20 World Cup semi-final, hitting 78 off 44 balls against New Zealand in 2016 to set up a convincing seven-wicket win, and his return from injury in the 50-over World Cup in 2019 was a major factor in their qualification for the knockout stages.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could leave Napoli as his contract talks have stalled amid interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

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• Kvaratskhelia could leave Napoli
• Talks stalled after disagreement over wages
• Barca and PSG want to sign the winger

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Georgian winger's current deal with the Serie A side expires in 2027 and his representatives had recently met with club officials to discuss the terms of a new long-term contract. However, reports that those talks have stalled after a disagreement over the player's wages. Napoli reportedly offered €6 million (£5m) per season which is significantly less than Kvaratskhelia's demand of €8m (£6m). The player, though, could lower his demand if the club agree to keep his release clause under €100m (£83m).

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Georgia international's complicated contract situation with the Italian side has alarmed two European giants Barcelona and PSG who have a long-standing interest in the player. reported last week that the Catalan giants are reportedly preparing an offer worth €80m (£67m) as they look to further bolster their attack.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Kvaratskhelia has started the 2024-25 campaign on a high having recorded five goals and two assists in 12 league appearances. Napoli currently hold a one-point lead over Atalanta at the top of the Serie A table.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NAPOLI?

  Antonio Conte's side, who have won eight out of their first 12 matches in the league, will be next seen in action against a struggling Roma side on November 24 in the Serie A.

West Ham United have reportedly submitted an offer to sign a teenage attacker already drawing comparisons to Kylian Mbappe.

West Ham make Luis Guilherme first summer signing

The Hammers and Julen Lopetegui have already brought in Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras in a £25m+ deal, and goalkeeper Wes Foderingham on a free transfer after he left Sheffield United. Guilherme was the first addition of the Lopetegui era and expressed his delight at the move, saying last month:

“I’m very happy to be signing with West Ham United, a Club that trusted in my work. I also want to thank everyone at West Ham, particularly Tim and his team who came to Brazil, and not only talked with me, but also with my family.

“They presented the project, and both my family and I liked it. So, I'm very happy to be signing with this Club and hope to contribute as much as possible. If things go well, we have a beautiful journey ahead. The Head Coach and I already had a conversation. He showed me his project and I believe I’ll learn a lot from him. He’s coached at the national level in Spain and managed big clubs."

West Ham chiefs hold talks over move to sign "phenomenal" Player of the Year

He’s valued at £30m.

By
Charlie Smith

Jul 4, 2024

Meanwhile, technical director Tim Steidten was also delighted at signing Guilherme, adding: “We are really happy that Luis Guilherme is now a West Ham United player. He is a very exciting young talent who we have followed for some time, and once we became aware that he was available, Julen and I were determined to bring him to London.

“Luis has enjoyed a fantastic start to his professional career with Palmeiras – naturally a wide player but with the flexibility to play across other attacking positions, which is an important and valuable factor in the modern game. He is technically very gifted, but also has very good physical qualities – great pace, strength and stamina, and these are traits that will help him to adapt to the demands of the Premier League and English football.”

However, Guilherme may not be the only Brazilian attacker moving to the Irons ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

West Ham make Wesley Gassova offer

According to reports from Foot Mercato in the last 48 hours, West Ham have made an offer to sign Corinthians winger Wesley Gassova, who is described as a Brazilian phenomenon.

As well as the Hammers, Premier League rivals Chelsea have also made a move, however, they don't say how much it is worth and add that Gassova would reportedly like to play in France before heading to England.

Nice are one of several Ligue 1 sides keen on the 19-year-old’s signature, with Gassova being compared to Mbappe due to playing from the left but being right-footed as well as his ability in one-on-one situations, being an excellent crosser and his strides with the ball at his feet.

Linked as becoming a potential right-footed Jarrod Bowen at West Ham in recent months, it looks as if the Irons have made their move for Gassova, who has scored seven senior goals for Corinthians in 72 appearances.

After serving as back-up to the England shot-stopper in her first season with the Red Devils, the American has stepped up impressively since her exit

When rumours emerged that Manchester United were interested in Bayern Munich goalkeeper Mala Grohs this summer, there was a little bit of bewilderment among fans. Yes, the Red Devils had just lost Mary Earps, England's star shot-stopper leaving on a free and heading out to join Paris Saint-Germain. But the feeling was that they didn't need to go out and find a suitable replacement because they already had one in their ranks. They already had Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

That was a feeling mainly shared by the die-hards, as they were the only ones who saw Tullis-Joyce in action in her first season at the club. With Earps starting every single league game but also, somewhat surprisingly, getting the nod even in the early stages of the FA Cup, her back-up was only able to showcase her talents in the League Cup group stage, keeping two clean sheets in four fixtures before United were knocked out. But that those who watched Tullis-Joyce were so adamant that she had it in her to be the club's No.1 goalkeeper said a lot.

Through the early weeks of the 2024-25 season, Tullis-Joyce has only justified such beliefs. Ranking very highly, if not highest, among goalkeepers in the Women's Super League for most key metrics, she has kept three clean sheets in four games and conceded just one goal. Now, her biggest test to date will come this weekend, as United take on an Arsenal side that were certainly admirers of her predecessor.

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  Patiently waiting

  After playing two seasons as the starting goalkeeper for Reims, the French side that has a knack for spotting and developing young talent, Tullis-Joyce then went over to the U.S. with the Seattle Reign and became the No.1 for one of the NWSL's biggest and best teams. When she arrived at United as a 26-year-old with four full seasons in two of the world's top leagues then, it baffled some that she couldn't really get a look in.

  Of course, she was never going to come in and totally usurp Earps, who has won the last two FIFA Best Goalkeeper awards and played in back-to-back major finals with England. But that she wasn't getting more action in the cups surprised some.

  "She's a fantastic goalkeeper but she's also behind the world's No.1 goalkeeper. That’s the level," head coach Marc Skinner said at the time.

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  Learning from the best

  If there was one big silver lining of that lack of game time for the American, it was that she spent a whole year learning from a goalkeeper, in Earps, with a ton of experience and top-class quality.

  "Mary is a good laugh, a good personality and she also very much set the standards," Tullis-Joyce said before the start of the season, praising the "warm welcome" that the England star and Safia Middleton-Patel, the young Wales international, gave her as she joined United's goalkeeping alliance.

  "While we had a laugh, we were also very serious and got our job done. We were able to progress as a group even though we were all three different goalkeepers. That’s what has prepared me for this season as well.”

  "Phallon's had a great year under Mary," United striker Rachel Williams noted. "She's been watching, she's been learning and in training, she's just an unbelievable professional. She keeps going every day. I think for Phallon now this year, we don't want her to feel like it's pressure, like she's got shoes to replace, because what Mary did was absolutely fantastic. But this is now where Phallon can make this her legacy, her journey."

  From Earps, Tullis-Joyce will have surely learned a lot about the pressures that come with being the No.1 goalkeeper for a club like Manchester United, too. While she's no stranger to the highest level, the scrutiny will certainly be different with the Red Devils.

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  Making her mark

  But Tullis-Joyce has been dealing with that pressure rather impressively so far. Through four WSL games, the 28-year-old has kept three clean sheets, conceded just once and boasts the best save percentage in the division, at a remarkable 93.3%. Only Brighton's Sophie Baggaley, another former back-up to Earps at United, has a bigger positive differential between expected goals against and actual goals conceded.

  "Phallon is the best shot-stopper I have ever worked with in my life," Skinner proclaimed before this season's start, having already dubbed her as a potentially world-class goalkeeper midway through the last. "She is an incredible footballer, an incredibly intelligent human, thoughtful and I’m really looking forward to showing you what she can do for this team. She is a big-time goalkeeper. That’s why I brought her here. She will lead naturally."

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  Changing opinions

  Could such remarkable form perhaps even lead to international recognition? There has only ever been one formal confirmation that Tullis-Joyce is on the radar of the United States women's national team, that back in June 2022 when she was included on a 59-player provisional roster for the CONCACAF W Championship.

  Her lack of individual recognition is indicative of the sheer talent the U.S. has to choose from in the goalkeeping position, but also of the rather unorthodox route to the top of the game she has taken.

  Tullis-Joyce had to leave her home country to really carve out that path, moving to the French second-tier when she wasn't chosen in the 2019 NWSL Draft. For whatever reason, her potential wasn't spotted by those in the U.S., but instead by Amandine Miquel, the current Leicester City boss who signed Tullis-Joyce at Reims. When going through the process of the move, Miquel reached out to a coach in the U.S. to ask about the goalkeeper, but didn't receive particularly good feedback. Fortunately, it didn't put the Frenchwoman off.

  Fast-forward a few years, Tullis-Joyce was back in the U.S. and shining for Seattle Reign, marking herself out as one of the best goalkeepers in the NWSL. Miquel reached out to the coach she had spoken to before, who was on the USWNT staff, and they were happy enough to concede that they were wrong on this occasion.

Smith’s floating position is in part designed to overcome the challenging batting conditions on display in the UAE

Andrew McGlashan26-Oct-2021Australia batter Steven Smith believes the T20 World Cup could become a scrap to the finish line rather than a cascade of boundaries as he beds into a new middle-order role that will be key to Australia overcoming conditions if they unfold that way.The early stages of the Super 12s has seen a variety of outcomes, ranging from the blowouts of West Indies being dismissed for 55 and Scotland 60 to the relatively high-scoring contest between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka alongside Pakistan’s wicketless chase against India.Australia’s opening match against South Africa in Abu Dhabi fell somewhere between the extremes as 118 provided a challenging chase and while Smith suggested two iffy batting displays played a part, he would not be surprised to see that template on show more regularly.”Even throughout the IPL there was a lot of really scrappy cricket, not huge scores, which made the games pretty interesting and quite close,” he said. “Slightly different to a lot of T20 cricket, quite often it’s flat wickets and big scores, so you have to change slight ways you play and adapt according to what’s required on that surface. It’s been interesting so far.”Don’t think the other day 120 was indicative of the surface. Both teams bowled and fielded really well and probably didn’t bat very well but do think we’ll see plenty of scrappy cricket in this tournament.”Related

• Anderson sets sights on Smith as road to the Ashes begins

• Australia must get the balance right to end T20 trophy drought

Smith’s floating position in Australia’s batting order is in part designed to overcome those challenging conditions. In both warm-up matches against New Zealand and India, and then the opening group game against South Africa, Smith came in at No. 4 with Australia having lost early wickets in the powerplay. If the top three of David Warner, Aaron Finch and Mitchell Marsh fire collectively, Smith is likely to cede ground to Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis.”It’s a little bit different to what I’ve played previously, but my job basically is to fix it if our top order don’t come off, then if our top order do go well the likelihood is I’ll slide slightly down the order and let our big strong boys go out and attack it,” he said. “Think I’ve done it pretty well in the first couple of trial games and our first game.”A renowned worker of the ball, Smith made 35 off 34 balls against South Africa and appeared set to take Australia closer to victory before a fine running catch by Aiden Markram ended his stay.”Think you need ability to get off strike, manipulate the ball to certain areas more than just the power,” Smith said. “Some of these wickets even the powerful blokes have struggled to hit sixes so you need some smarts about you, playing the situation, and having the ability to limit dot balls.”In the months leading up to this tournament – and the IPL which preceded it – Smith was recovering from a recurrence of the elbow problem he had suffered earlier in the year. At the start of his return to batting he was limited to 10-minute net sessions as part of a graduated comeback to manage the problem, which for someone with such a love of batting even outside of matches would not have come easily.He is still managing his out-of-game workloads somewhat by not batting for three consecutive days at training but is confident he is over the problem ahead of the increased demands in the lead-up to the Ashes.”On the days I’m batting I’m batting for as long as I want to which is really nice,” he said. “I’m still taking it easy at the moment, just making sure I’m only batting two days in a row and I’ll build up again as we get closer to playing longer format stuff.”Smith is comfortable he will have adequate preparation when the team returns from the T20 World Cup which will involve two weeks quarantine although training will be permitted. It remains to be confirmed whether the Australians will have a proper match ahead of the first Test at the Gabba on December 8 but a large squad is expected to decamp into Queensland to aid the build-up.”It’ll just be hitting plenty of balls in the lead-up,” Smith said. “There’s not too much else we can do in the times of the pandemic. We are going to be having some really solid centre-wickets and training sessions where I know our fast bowlers will be firing up getting themselves ready, so they’ll be no shortage of quality practice.”

Crystal Palace and sporting director Dougie Freedman have now made contact with the agents of a £25m-rated forward to replace Michael Olise.

Crystal Palace transfer latest

The Eagles haven’t wasted any time in making preparations ahead of Oliver Glasner’s first full season at Selhurst Park, making centre-back Chadi Riad the first signing of the Glasner era. Speaking after completing his move earlier this month, the Morocco international said:

“I’m really happy to join Crystal Palace. I was interested in coming here because of the history of the club, and the league in which it plays. They have been telling me how they played this year and I think it complements perfectly the way I play. The club has high-level players who are young and I have come here to follow their same trajectory, to grow as they have grown.”

Next on course to arrive in London is Daichi Kamada, with the Japanese attacking midfielder set to be announced at the beginning of July. He was a free agent after leaving Lazio and has reportedly penned a two-year deal with Palace.

Alongside the incomings, there looks set to be at least one big outgoing, with Olise appearing to be close to a move to Bayern Munich. A deal worth more than £50m has been agreed with the Bundesliga giants, now managed by Vincent Kompany, with Palace in line to make a huge profit on the 22-year-old.

A replacement will be needed for the talented Olise, and it looks as if Palace have made the first move in acquiring one specific forward.

Crystal Palace make Antonio Nusa contact

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Crystal Palace, and by extension Freedman, have been in contact with the representatives of Club Brugge forward Antonio Nusa over the last 48 hours.

Nusa is thought to be “top of the list at Crystal Palace” and is valued at €30m (£25m), with Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen also eyeing the situation.

This isn’t the first time the 19-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with a move to Tottenham falling through back in January. Brentford have also been name-checked as suitors for Nusa in 2024, but it appears as if Palace could be the side that secure his services this summer.

Primarily a left-winger who can also play on the right or as a second striker, Nusa is a Norway international and has made 82 senior appearances for his current club, scoring seven times and providing five assists.

That isn’t exactly a prolific return, but he has come in for plenty of praise from Norway teammate and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who said previously:

“Fantastic! He is an incredibly exciting player. You see it every time he gets the ball, it’s exciting. He is still young and will get even better. It was cool to see him. He deserved to get the chance that he takes to such an extent. Incredibly cool.”