All posts by h716a5.icu

A major chunk of that figure will have been spent on bringing the World XI team to Lahore. It is thought the players are being paid in the region of $100,000 each, and the rest is made up mostly by the logistic costs involved

Osman Samiuddin in Lahore12-Sep-2017The PCB will end up spending anywhere between US$ 2.5-3 million for the staging of the three-match T20I series against World XI, as it bids to build on unprecedented international goodwill and bring more cricket back to Pakistan.A major chunk of that figure will have been spent on bringing the World XI team to Lahore. Nobody has spoken publicly about how much the players are being paid but it is thought to be in the region of $100,000 each. The rest is made up mostly by the logistic costs involved.The PCB will not, at least, have to pay for the entire costs of the security apparatus for the series. Two international security consultants – Reg Dickason and Nicholls Steyn and Associates – have been engaged, with the $1.1 million cost picked up by the ICC. That is a result of efforts by the PCB over the last year to seek some kind of assistance from the game’s governing body from their projected loss of revenues from the absence of international cricket at home.Although the total spend on the series may appear hefty for a board that hasn’t hosted an India series in well over a decade and has hosted one international series at home since 2009, the PCB’s financial health appears to be better than has been often thought.The board has made a profit every year since 2011 and has, in fact, tripled it in the three years to June 2016 – for the year 2015-16, according to its annual report, the PCB made a profit of $14.5 million dollars.That is one reason a member of the board’s governing body said he would be happy even if they manage to just break even over the course of this week. Since this series was not part of Pakistan’s original FTP schedule, it does not come under the five-year broadcast deal they signed with Ten Sports in 2013, thought to be around $150 million.Instead, the PCB has crafted the same deal they did for the PSL, whereby they buy airtime in bulk and sell advertising space, taking a majority share of the revenues that generates.Ordinarily, the rest of their revenues would come from various series-specific commercial deals and ticket sales. But the talk around Lahore over the last few days has been of disappointing ticket sales, a result of a pricing policy that has not quite worked out. Hours before the game, the PCB chairman Najam Sethi took to Twitter calling on fans to not wait to see how the series develops and instead buy tickets now. Ten overs into the first game on Tuesday evening, the 25,000-capacity Gaddafi Stadium was nearly but not entirely full.What they end up making, the investment, as the board member pointed out, is a longer-term one. If this series goes off without incident, it paves the way for Sri Lanka to play a solitary T20 in Lahore on October 29 and, potentially, West Indies to visit for a three-match series of T20s in November.With more games of the PSL due to be played in Pakistan next season, this period becomes a critical one in determining the future extent of international cricket in Pakistan.

The ECB say they have yet to receive an approach from Cricket South Africa regarding the services of the England bowling coach, Ottis Gibson, who has been linked to the South African head coach’s position

Firdose Moonda04-Aug-20170:58

We’ve heard nothing about Gibson – Farbrace

The ECB say they have yet to receive an approach from Cricket South Africa regarding the services of the England bowling coach, Ottis Gibson, who has been linked to the South African head coach’s position which will be filled as early as next week. Current coach Russell Domingo, who has reapplied for the role, is out of contract at the end of the England tour and the first reported that CSA have been in discussion with Gibson to take over.But an ECB spokesperson said they have had no communication from their South African counterparts and will not entertain any approach until next Tuesday at the earliest, when the ongoing series has been concludedTalk of Gibson’s possible departure from the England camp was also news to Paul Farbrace, England’s assistant coach, who also suggested any confirmation would only come when the Test ends.”Ottis is someone who has obviously had a lot of international experience. He did a great job for the West Indies, won the Twenty20 World Cup as a head coach, then lost out in a semi-final against Sri Lanka – which was a bit unfortunate for him. But at the moment Russell Domingo is head coach of South Africa and doing a brilliant job and it would be disrespectful of us to talk about his position all the time he’s in it,” Farbrace said. “We’ve obviously heard the news tonight, but I promise you we’ve had nothing official. It’s all being left now until the end of the series, I hope.”Uncertainty over South Africa’s head coaching position has hovered over the side since January, when CSA announced they would be advertising the job and not extending Domingo’s contract for a fourth time. But it took five months for CSA to clarify the process they would follow in seeking a head coach, leaving Domingo, who has been in charge since mid-2013, in limbo.In May, CSA appointed a five-man panel, including former national coaches Gary Kirsten and Eric Simons, to recommend a candidate for the coaching job. They also opened applications until June 16, after which interviews were conducted. ESPNcricinfo understands Gibson did not apply for the job.Domingo confirmed he had put himself in contention and had been interviewed but Lions’ coach Geoffrey Toyana was thought to be the front-runner, having had success at domestic level. Other names mentioned included Phil Simmons, who has been seen around the South African camp during the tour of England, and Rob Walter, the former South African fitness and fielding coach who is now with Otago.The committee were due to address CSA’s board on July 21 but were delayed in their work and a decision on the coach was put back. One source suggested CSA was unhappy with the quality and the number of applications they had received and would consider head-hunting instead, especially since the mandate for the next coach is to win a World Cup.Gibson has tasted major tournament success, having overseen West Indies’ capturing of the World T20 in 2012. He is currently in the second year of his second stint as England’s bowling coach. Gibson previously worked with England between 2007 and 2010 and rejoined them in 2015. Though he has no coaching experience in South Africa, he has played for three domestic teams in the country: Border, Griquas and Gauteng.

Tottenham Hotspur could finally be set to secure an heir to an old favourite of theirs, perfecting Ange Postecoglou's new-look midfield in the process.

Who are Tottenham Hotspur signing this summer?

With James Maddison the star new addition thus far, supplemented by the signings of Manor Solomon and Guglielmo Vicario, it seems that the Lilywhites are heading in the right direction towards building a brighter future.

However, it could certainly still be worth borrowing some ideals from the sole successful regime in recent memory though, taking a leaf out of Mauricio Pochettino's book by emulating his main men to prop up the new regime.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Of those stars of the past, few compare to Mousa Dembele, who held down the engine room with relentless power and endless grace for seven fine years. However, there is one star on the market who does boast frightening similarities both in physical profile and play style.

Sofyan Amrabat has been touted with an exit from Fiorentina ever since his exceptional World Cup, and it is Spurs who too are reportedly interested in making the Moroccan general the heir to their Belgian maestro.

He is expected to cost around €40m (£34m), per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

How good is Sofyan Amrabat?

Whilst those performances on the world stage still stand as the apex of his career thus far, he has impressed for his club too across four years in Italy.

The 26-year-old managed a 6.86 average rating in Serie A last season, buoyed by his 90% pass accuracy, 75% dribble success and 1.3 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

When comparing that to Dembele's best year in north London, arguably throughout the 2015/16 campaign, it is clear that the similarities begin to shine through.

After all, they are both a couple of tough-tackling 6 foot 1 midfield stars, with the class to retain possession but also turn defence into attack in an instant.

During that Premier League term, the 36-year-old ace recorded a 7.41 average rating, with just four goal contributions, a 90% pass accuracy, a 92% dribble success rate, one key pass and 3.6 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

It was such form that led Pochettino to compare his key man to some of the greats he had met, claiming:

"I always say to him, ‘Mousa, when I write my book, you will be one of my genius players that I have been lucky enough to meet.

"One was Maradona; also Ronaldinho, Okocha and Iván de la Peña – he was a genius, too – and then Mousa. We always tell Mousa that if we had taken him at 18 or 19, he would have become one of the best players in the world."

Perhaps Postecoglou could now be credited with engineering that rise to the apex of world football with Amrabat, especially given that he has already received widespread praise of his own for that recent World Cup run. Journalist Carlo Garganese even noted:

"Amrabat the best centre midfielder in the tournament. MONSTER."

He too has that genius within him which is just waiting to be unleashed, with only flashes of it having been shown thus far in his career despite his ranking within the top 8% for progressive passes per 90 when compared to other midfielders across Europe.

Perhaps a switch to north London could see him truly look to Dembele as the benchmark, emulating the stylish flair that made him much more than your average defensive midfielder.

Allrounder Timroy Allen returned home to Florida due to a family emergency last week and is not expected to be available for USA’s Auty Cup tour to Canada next month either

Peter Della Penna29-Aug-2017Allrounder Timroy Allen has been replaced at Jamaica Tallawahs by his USA team-mate Elmore Hutchinson for the remainder of CPL 2017. Allen had returned home to Florida last week due to a family emergency. He is not expected to be available for selection for USA’s Auty Cup tour to Canada next month either.Allen played six matches last year for Tallawahs during their CPL championship run but had not featured in the starting XI this season. Hutchinson, 35, made his USA debut in 2012 after qualifying on residency though he still holds a Jamaican passport. Allen was the Tallawahs-designated ICC Americas contract player – one is in each of the six CPL teams – and Hutchinson was chosen as a like-for-like replacement.Hutchinson, a tall left-arm medium pace allrounder, joined the Tallawahs squad over the weekend. In his most recent tournament for USA, Hutchinson scored 52 off 50 balls at No. 9 in a Man-of-the-Match performance against Uganda at WCL Division Three last May, that ensured USA avoided relegation while the hosts were sent back to Division Four.

Everton are believed to be interested in signing Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder Tete in the summer transfer window, according to a new report.

Who is Everton target Tete?

The 23-year-old has been at his current club since 2019, having arrived from his homeland of Brazil, where he previously played for Gremio. Since coming in, he has scored 31 goals in 108 appearances for Shakhtar, also registering 15 assists, showing that he is both a goalscorer and a creative influence in attacking areas.

Back in January, Tete joined Leicester City on loan, hoping to aid their chances of survival in the Premier League, but he was ultimately to prevent them from heading down into the Championship. He only scored once in 13 league outings for the Foxes, not enjoying the success many would have hoped.

That's not to say that the Brazilian couldn't be an exciting target for someone in the current transfer window, however, which is where Everton come into play.

Could Everton sign Tete?

According to talkSPORT, the Blues are eyeing up a summer move for Tete, seeing him as a strong alternative to Leeds United youngster Wilfried Gnonto, should they fail to sign him:

"talkSPORT understands Gnonto, 19, and his advisers are not completely sold on the idea of a move to Goodison Park, and that the Italian could consider staying at Elland Road depending on what other offers he receives.

"While dialogue remains open, Everton have already started drawing up a list of potential alternatives to Italian international Gnonto. These are believed to include Shakhtar Donetsk star Tete, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Leicester."

This could be an intriguing piece of business by Everton this summer, with Tete's goal-scoring record for Shakhtar showing what he is capable of, even if he struggled to make a big impact in a Leicester shirt.

Capable of shining in both a right-sided attacking role and as a centre forward, Tete, known as a "hurricane" by people in Brazil, could add end product and versatility to the Blues' squad, at a time when there is a dearth of it in the attacking third. While not specifically mentioning Everton as a club he would like to join, he has even spoken of his admiration for the Premier League in the past, saying:

"The Premier League is an extraordinary competition, the game is played at a great pace, there are lots of great managers and great clubs."

Tete is still a young player with plenty more improving to do as a player, so he could be viewed as an eye-catching long-term purchase, rather than a short-term quick fix, and is someone with the ability to light up Goodison Park, with Brendan Rodgers recently hailing the player's first touch.

"What a debut for him. It was really good. He knows football, he knows the type of game we were trying to play, his touch is immaculate. He has a good weight of pass but can run in behind. His finish was absolutely brilliant. He loves football off the pitch and he is super professional."

The fact that his current Shakhtar deal expires at the end of December later this year could also mean that his current club consider a bid for him, rather than losing him on a free transfer when his deal runs out. This would act as an added boost for Everton, who could even snap him up for a cut-price amount.

Mark Taylor, the Cricket Australia board director, has admitted that compromise must be found between the game’s governing body and the Australian Cricketers Association before the game suffers further damage

Daniel Brettig11-Jul-20173:46

What exactly is the Cricket Australia-ACA pay dispute?

Mark Taylor, the Cricket Australia (CA) board director, has admitted that compromise must be found between the game’s governing body and the Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) before the game suffers further damage, in an ugly pay war that has put the national team’s upcoming series at risk of abandonment.In speaking at an Ashes event organised by the Nine Network in Melbourne on Tuesday, Taylor became the first senior CA figure connected to the MoU debate to offer a public opinion on the dispute in more than six weeks, since the chief executive James Sutherland was interviewed by the ABC on May 25. Taylor also remains the only board director to have spoken publicly about it at all.Prior to that, Taylor had spoken firmly about CA’s desire to breakup the revenue sharing model on Nine’s programme on May 14. But he took on a more conciliatory tone this time, 11 days after the expiry of the most recent MoU between the players and the board left more than 230 of the country’s cricketers unemployed and a mounting mess of commercial problems for the board. Not least of these is reassuring its chief broadcaster Nine – for whom Taylor commentates – that the Ashes will go ahead as planned.”I think there’s got to be compromise on both sides, I really believe that,” Taylor said on Tuesday. “I think at any negotiation you give and you take. I think when you get to that situation, which I hope we are getting very close to now, then you get close to a resolution. I’m confident there will be a resolution soon. I don’t know when but I just hope both sides keep working hard at it.”I think everyone has probably read and heard enough about things that don’t involve people scoring runs and taking wickets, me included, and I think that [the cricket] is what we all want to see. That includes sponsors, TV networks, past players, commentators, and I think the quicker we get to that situation the better for the game.”I’m still very confident there will be an Ashes series and I’m very confident there will be some Test-match cricket played by Australia before them. That’s certainly what I’m working towards and I’m assuming both parties are working towards that. It’s far from ideal and it’s cost an Australia A tour of South Africa which is disappointing, no doubt about it. But at this stage we haven’t lost a Bangladesh tour and we certainly don’t want to lose an Ashes tour here in Australia.”While Taylor has only recently returned home from holidays, he said all board directors had been kept informed of progress in talks by CA’s lead negotiator Kevin Roberts, including conference calls every three days that he had dialled in to from overseas. ESPNcricinfo understands that some progress appeared to have been made by the middle of last week before regressing and forcing the cancellation of the Australia A tour. While talks go on, little if any movement from entrenched positions has been discernible since.Mark Taylor said it was necessary for everyone involved to “be adult” about the pay dispute; Ian Chappell said while his sympathies lie on the side of the players, give how protracted this dispute is, there has to be fault on both sides•Getty ImagesA director since 2004, apart from a brief absence in 2012-13 when the CA board was changed from a body of 14 state representatives to an independent group of nine, Taylor agreed that it was vital to find a way for the two parties to coexist in whatever new landscape was drawn up as a result of the next MoU.”Day to day it’s management’s job, I’ve been away for the last couple of weeks, only got back on Sunday night myself, but I’ve been kept abreast of the situation,” he said. “Calls every three days, sometimes a bit more often if need be, and now I’m back in Australia I’m well aware of the situation. And I’ll be doing everything I can to try and find a resolution to this.”I think we all have to be adult about it. It’s a big game these days. Players are fully professional. Cricket boards are trying to do what they think is right for the game in general, so there’s going to be times when you disagree and that’s where we are at the moment. But I think both sides have to work towards finding a resolution which is in the best interests of the game and the players.”From a game point of view, it’s far from ideal. We are in July, the Ashes are still four months away, but the Bangladesh tour is only a month away. The quicker we can get it resolved the better, the quicker we can move on and rebuild the relationship [that] I think is important between CA and the ACA. The quicker we can start rebuilding that, I think that’ll be good for the game.”The former captain Ian Chappell, meanwhile, termed the standoff as “the biggest bust up since World Series Cricket between players and administrators” and reckoned both sides of the argument, whatever their merits, had begun to be damaged from the moment the previous MoU expired on July 1.”I think once it went past the June 30 deadline I think it started to hurt the game from both points of view,” Chappell said. “I think the public were probably sick to death of it by then it was a plague on both their houses as far as the public are concerned. I think the quicker it gets resolved the better and if it’s going to be a partnership, which I think it needs to be, it’s not a boss-employee situation.”If it’s going to be a partnership there’s got to be give and take on both sides, and probably most importantly there has to be a bit more respect, that’s the first thing that needs to happen to help rebuild the relationship. My sympathies are always going to be on the side of the players, but when a dispute goes on this long there has to be fault on both sides.”The job of the players association is to work with the administrators. Your job as a cricketer is just to play the game and having come from an era where the players had to fight the fight, that’s not an ideal situation at all. To me it’s up to the players association to get the thing sorted out with the board, and for the players to just play their game.”

With Glasgow Rangers completing the majority of their transfer business early, signing seven players by mid-July, the onus is now on for Michael Beale to trim the squad and free up some of the wage bill for future purchases.

Antonio Colak has already departed, with the Gers actually making a profit on the striker following his £2.5m move to Parma, a year after he joined the club for £1.8m.

Glen Kamara is also set to leave the Light Blues after four and a half seasons in Glasgow, as Leeds United are looking at luring him South of the border for £4m and winger Scott Wright looks set to seal a move to Turkish side Pendikspor for £500k.

Michael Beale is certainly moving on the deadwood and Wright is a player that massively underperformed last season.

How many goals did Scott Wright score for Rangers?

After scoring the second goal in the 2022 Scottish Cup final, it looked as though he could be set to kick on and secure a regular spot in the starting XI last term, although it didn’t exactly go to plan.

Across 34 matches in all competitions, Wright failed to score a single goal and registered just two assists as he fell down the pecking order under Beale which resulted in him starting zero times between December and the end of the season.

Overall, he scored just eight times for the club and the 42-year-old could forget all about him by unearthing a young talent who shone for the B team during 2022/23 – Arron Lyall.

Who is Arron Lyall?

The youngster was making waves back in 2019, as Football Insider claimed that Lyall was highly rated among the academy staff, including Craig Mulholland and U20s coach Graeme Murty, even being handed his debut for the development side aged just 15.

Fast-forward four years and Lyall not only claimed both the Academy Player of the Year award and the B Team Players’ Player of the Year, but he also made his senior debut against Hibs.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder scored 15 times across 39 games for the B side, adding three assists and this earned him a two minute cameo against the Easter Road side in May as the Premiership season was drawing to a close, and he could have a chance to kick on next term.

Lyall does have experience, albeit limited, of senior football, playing four times for Inverness during the 2020/21 season. Their manager at the time, Neil McCann praised the youngster, saying:

“We’re delighted to bring Arron into the squad and thank Rangers for their help with getting the loan agreement until the end of the season.

“Arron is an exciting young player and while he may not be seen as a starter, him coming in helps us boost the squad on either of the wings, which is an area we are currently light in due to injuries and an intense run of fixtures.”

With space now sure to be vacated due to the departure of Wright, Lyall could potentially have an inroad to vital first-team minutes during 2023/24.

Paul Edwards at Tunbridge Wells26-May-2017
ScorecardJoe Denly’s century was the bedrock of Kent’s innings•Getty ImagesJoe Denly may play finer innings for Kent but he will make no century more precious than that which he completed just before five o’clock on an afternoon borrowed from Elysium. Denly’s hundred was constructed in the style of former Kent openers: Wally Hardinge, Arthur Fagg, Brian Luckhurst. It anchored his side’s effort when choppy seas threatened and it was largely responsible for his team ending the day moored in the relatively safe harbour of 316 for 8.Yet Denly’s 119 was freighted with more than statistical significance and this day’s cricket embraced more than deep enjoyment. Tunbridge Wells, you see, is quite gloriously the same but England is different. We did not need the early announcement of evacuation procedures over the public address to remind us of a new reality. Those travelling to this match by train from the north on Thursday were privileged to take part in a perfectly observed minute’s silence when the only noise was the gentle hum of the Pendolino. Then there were the extra police at Euston and a capital city with its Union flags at half-mast. We are suddenly more alert and newly protective of our liberties.Those liberties include sport, of course, and so it was with a special pleasure that folk arrived to watch the cricket on a day when rugs were needed only to prevent the sun’s glare reflecting off windscreens. The game began with a succession of four faultless maidens, which sounds rather like a medieval ceremony of purification. A sun-hatted slip cordon remained in vigilant attendance throughout a first hour in which Kent scored 25 runs off 15 overs and lost Sean Dickson for nought, the opener being caught behind when failing to cover Jofra Archer’s movement and bounce. Archer, of whom fulsome panegyrics have already been written, bowled well throughout the day yet enjoyed no more success.The next wicket fell instead to David Wiese, who sent down a nondescript bouncer to Daniel Bell-Drummond and was no doubt gratified to see the Kent opener waste his 65 minutes’ watchfulness and slap the thing to Danny Briggs at backward point. The French Open begins at Roland Garros this weekend so maybe that was on Bell-Drummond’s mind. Twenty minutes later Sam Northeast followed Vernon Philander’s fine away-swinger – a shot more from Hamelin than Harrow – and gave Michael Burgess the second of his three catches.Denly, meanwhile, was batting with studied precision, driving the Sussex seamers through the off side when they overpitched but otherwise protecting his stumps and playing shots only when they appeared necessary or without risk. At least he obtained full value for his aggression; the ball ran away across the square like a marble on glass.Kent lunched on 69 for 3 and many spectators promenaded contentedly on the outfield. This was “keeping calm”, and few places in our land are more conducive to serenity than the Nevill Ground; and this is “carrying on”, though we did so in the painful knowledge that there are people for whom the mere idea of getting through any day has become almost inconceivable…Kent dominated the afternoon session, scoring 126 runs in a style which brought pleasure to many of the near-as-dammit three thousand spectators. The pitch eased a shade and the ball softened. Joe Weatherly hit six pleasant boundaries and promised more before he was caught behind off a good delivery from Wiese. Darren Stevens, who is having the time of his life this season, batted with much greater aggression, taking three successive boundaries off Wiese and whacking eight fours in all in a run-a-ball 44 which was ended when he went down on one knee but only miscued Briggs to Chris Nash at short midwicket. Denly, meanwhile, had reached his fifty with a straight drive off Archer and the ball was beating his bat infrequently. The temperature settled in the seventies and the crowd basked in their sport. It was the sort of day when the gods turn up and watch the cricket while enjoying a pint of Goacher’s mild in the CAMRA tent.The honours in the evening session were shared, Kent scoring 121 runs but losing three batsmen to leg before decisions. Briggs was cut without mercy by Will Gidman whenever he pitched short but gained his revenge when he trapped the allrounder for 42, the ball striking the pad just prior to the bat. Denly reached his century off 188 balls after 290 minutes of fierce concentration but he then played tiredly across the line to Philander. James Harris became Wiese’s third victim and the day ended with Adam Rouse unbeaten on 32 and batting for Saturday morning in partnership with James Tredwell.The spectators drifted away, though many will be here again on Saturday; the county match is prized in these parts. And the crowd who watch their cricket at Tunbridge Wells over the weekend will share a bond with the thousands attending concerts or the slightly fewer turning up to Tredwell’s hog-roast at Pembury tomorrow evening. The same association links them to those going to the Cup Final at Wembley or the athletics events in the scarred city of Manchester. So perhaps such a day at the end of such a week even gives one the licence to paraphrase very slightly the greatest cricket poem of all, “J M Parks at Tunbridge Wells” by Alan Ross: “Kent 316 for 8. Moss roses on the hill / A dry taste in the mouth, but the moment / Sufficient, being what we are, ourselves still.”

Fulham have made their first bid for Ajax defender Calvin Bassey, according to reports. The former Rangers starlet has also attracted interest from Brighton & Hove Albion, and is under contract in Amsterdam until 2027.

What's the latest on Fulham signing Calvin Bassey?

Swapping Rangers for Ajax last summer in a deal worth a reported £19.6m, Bassey could be on the move just a year later. Fulham have made a first bid of £15m for the 23-year-old, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, with Ajax yet to respond.

Given that they paid just under £20m for his signature last summer, unless the Dutch side are willing to take a loss on their initial investment, then it seems unlikely that they'd accept the Cottagers' opening bid.

Bassey made 25 appearances in the Eredivisie last season, as Ajax finished third in a campaign to forget, and their first since losing Erik ten Hag to Manchester United last summer.

Fulham, meanwhile, enjoyed a season to remember, finishing in the Premier League's top half, and spending the majority of the campaign chasing the European places.

Marco Silva will hope to welcome further additions this summer – perhaps including Bassey – as he looks to guide his side to even better things come August.

Should Fulham sign Calvin Bassey?

There's a reason why Ajax paid close to £20m for Bassey just last summer, and the quality that warranted such a move doesn't disappear in the space of 12 months despite their whole squad having a down year.

The stats show that the former Rangers man would instantly make an impact in Silva's backline. With the way the manager likes his side to play, asking them to build from the back, Bassey would slot straight in.

According to FBref, the Nigerian made 5.62 progressive passes per 90 – more than both Tim Ream and Issa Diop – perhaps allowing Fulham to unlock teams even better than last season.

Meanwhile, Bassey also lost fewer challenges, and won more tackles per 90 than the current Fulham centre-backs. The more that the Ajax man is looked at, the more it seems like the Cottagers simply have to seal a deal this summer.

Full of praise for Bassey, Don Hutchinson told the BBC after Rangers' Europa League heartbreak against Eintracht Frankfurt: "There were so many good performances. Bassey was a giant, a superstar, incredible performance."

It came as no surprise that Ajax made their move for the defender shortly after his display which, in truth, deserved a piece of silverware, rather than heartbreak.

It would be a sign of intent if Fulham managed to secure the arrival of Bassey this summer then, and with a long transfer window ahead still, anything could yet happen. Silva will simply be hoping to have a squad ready and able to push the Premier League's top six all the way again.

In their second season back in England's top flight, Fulham could push on even further, especially if Bassey makes the move to the London club in the coming month.

Celtic will look to 'reinvest' the fee they have received for departed winger Jota and could use it to secure several summer arrivals, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Celtic and Rodgers?

As per Sky Sports, Jota has completed his transfer from Celtic to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in a deal worth in the region of £25 million, where he will now work under fellow countryman Nuno Espirito Santo.

Benfica retain a 30% release clause for Jota that was inserted into his initial agreement when he joined the Hoops permanently last year, which will net them a total of around £7.5 million.

Football Scotland detail that the Portuguese winger stands to make £200k-a-week in the Middle East while will also team up with the likes of football icon Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante.

In his time at Parkhead, Jota was a key player for Celtic and racked up some impressive numbers, registering 28 goals and 26 assists in 83 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

The 24-year-old won five trophies in his Celtic spell in the form of two Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish League Cups and one Scottish Cup.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones has backed Celtic to reinvest the money gained from the Jota sale and reckons that it could be spread across several additions.

Jones told FFC: "It's obviously a blow to lose him, he was one of the best players they had. They will be reinvesting a significant amount of money that they earned from the deal. I'd be interested to see if it all goes on one player, though I don't think it will. I think that they might spread the cost of that a little bit to make sure that the squad is fully ready to defend what they achieved last season. We'll have to wait to see exactly how many signings they make, but they certainly need to sort of reinvest that money."

Have Celtic identified a Jota replacement?

Brendan Rodgers has already entered the market to sign two players this summer in Odin Thiago Holm and Marco Tilio, with the latter being a winger, which could signal that Celtic have already made strides to replace Jota at Parkhead.

Nevertheless, there will be clamour for a direct like-for-like replacement to succeed Jota; however, it is unclear yet what path Celtic will go down as they eye reinforcements on the flank.

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has issued an update regarding the Hoops' interest in Gangwon ace Hyun-jun Yang, who is another winger in the frame to join the Scottish champions, stating on Twitter: "Celtic are stepping up their efforts to sign Gangwon FC winger Hyun-jun Yang. The Hoops made an approach for the 21yo last month, but the K League side are reluctant to sell during their season. It’s understood Yang has now told club chiefs that he wants to move to Celtic."

Returning to the scene of his former glories, Celtic boss Rodgers is believed to have a budget of around £30 million to strengthen his side for both Scottish and European endeavours, according to The Scottish Sun, indicating that the 50-year-old will have plenty of money to play with between now and the close of play in the window.