The “top player” wage demands of USMNT star Weston McKennie in order to make a Premier League transfer possible have been revealed.
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Midfielder has one year left on contract in ItalyBeing used as a makeweight in move for LuizWants to get paid what he is worth in EnglandWHAT HAPPENED?
The United States international, who suffered relegation out of the English top-flight in 2023 during a loan spell at Leeds, is seeing a switch to Aston Villa lined up. That agreement will see the 25-year-old midfielder included in a part-exchange deal.
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McKennie’s current employers, Juventus, are looking to lure Douglas Luiz away from Villa. They are prepared to include two players – with England U21 international Samuel Iling-Junior also being added to the package – in order to land Brazil international Luiz.
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Terms are said to have been agreed between Juve and Luiz, but McKennie remains in talks regarding a settlement package – with there 12 months left to run on his contract in Italy. also reports that the American is demanding a “top player” salary at Villa – with his terms in Turin reportedly worth €2.5 million-a-year after tax.
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GettyWHAT ROMANO SAID
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano still expects a deal to happen, telling : “The problem, from what I am told, is not between McKennie and Aston Villa on the contract. The problem is between McKennie and Juventus on the exit conditions. When you leave a club and your contract and your salary is different to what you are going to get at your new club, you need to agree on the kind of compensation. There are some things to clarify between Juventus and McKennie to make this deal happen. All parties keep trying to find solutions, so Juventus and Aston Villa are talking to find the best solution. The deal has not collapsed, remains absolutely on, but they need to agree on this point on Weston McKennie.”
SLC CEO cites policy of not giving NOCs when there is a national tour for which a player might reasonably be picked,
Andrew Fidel Fernando10-Sep-2019Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has denied Niroshan Dickwella a no-objection certificate (NOC) to play in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and will also prevent Thisara Perera from playing in the majority of the T20 league, after the two players – and eight others – refused to tour Pakistan in September and October.According to SLC CEO Ashley de Silva, it is the board’s policy that if there is a national tour for which a player might reasonably be picked, that player will not be granted an NOC to play in a foreign league if he or she withdraws from national commitments voluntarily.Another SLC official also expressed serious dismay that so many frontline Sri Lanka players had refused to visit Pakistan, despite the fact that the board’s security assessments had concluded that the tour was safe.”It’s our policy not to give NOCs when there is a national tour, and the players would have known that,” de Silva said. “So Dickwella has not been granted an NOC and will be expected to train with the national team in the next few weeks. We have also asked Thisara to return to the country on September 15, so he can also join the team in training.”Thisara has already played two matches for St Lucia Zouks after initially being granted an NOC. That agreement, however, was conditional upon his availability for Sri Lanka tours. And although he has refused to go on the Pakistan tour, he now has to return to Sri Lanka.Unlike Thisara, Dickwella had not been granted an NOC at all, because he had been with Sri Lanka’s T20 team for the series against New Zealand last week. A third player, Isuru Udana, had also been picked for a CPL team, but later made himself unavailable due to international commitments and is prepared to tour Pakistan. As such, he has not sought an NOC from the board.Dickwella and Thisara were among ten players who refused to tour Pakistan despite assurances from Sri Lankan security experts. Although chief selector Ashantha de Mel has told players their refusal would not hurt their selection chances for future tours, there remains frustration within the Sri Lanka board that a full-fledged tour could not go ahead as planned.”We have done a very meticulous security assessment, and the Pakistan board has gone out of their way,” one board official said. “Other international players have also toured there with the World XI and so on. And Pakistan is also willing to provide the same security they give to heads of state for the players. What more could they want?”The Sri Lanka players, however, have suggested they would prefer another team to take the lead in helping international cricket return to Pakistan. It was the 2009 Lahore attack on the Sri Lanka team bus that halted international tours to the country, though only Suranga Lakmal of the current list of players had been caught up in that attack.”I can completely understand that for players who were actually there during the attack – like Lakmal – why they would be reluctant,” the SLC official said. “But we have to help our Asian neighbours. Soon after the Easter Attacks this year, Pakistan sent an Under-19 team to Sri Lanka. We’re not trying to risk anyone’s life, but we do have obligations and there needs to be reciprocation. The security situation in Pakistan has improved a lot.”On refusing NOCs, the official said: “It’s not a question of trying to be vindictive or victimise players. But they do have an obligation.”
Leeds United are in an interesting position at the moment as they are currently unsure as to what league they will be competing in during the 2024/25 campaign.
The Whites are second in the Championship, as it stands, and are hoping to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, having been relegated from the division at the end of last season.
Daniel Farke's team remained in the automatic promotion places on Tuesday night after Southampton lost 2-1 to Hull at St. Mary's, which has kept them two points above the Saints, and above Ipswich Town on goal difference.
Daniel Farke.
This uncertainty could make it tricky for the club to manage the players who are due to be out of contract in the summer, as their respective futures may be determined by the league that Leeds are in.
One player who is currently on course to depart on a free transfer at the end of the season is long-serving captain Liam Cooper, who turns 33 in August.
Farke has shown a willingness to bring through young players, with the likes of Archie Gray and Mateo Joseph being prime examples, and could dip into the market to find a dream replacement for the Scotland international – Diogo Monteiro.
Liam Cooper's career at Leeds
The 32-year-old titan arrived at Elland Road from Chesterfield in the summer of 2014 as the Whites prepared for a season in the Championship.
Cooper went on to establish himself as a regular for the club in the second tier over the subsequent years and then hit his top form when Marcelo Bielsa arrived in 2018.
The Scottish ace made 36 appearances in the Championship during the 2018/19 campaign as Leeds finished third in the table and lost in the semi-finals of the play-offs to Derby County.
Leeds defender Liam Cooper.
He made 4.1 tackles and interceptions per match on average and won 63% of his individual duels throughout those 36 outings, which shows that the impressive gem dominated opposition attackers and constantly looked to win the ball back for his side.
Leeds then went one better the following season as they won the Championship title and promotion to the Premier League. Cooper featured in 38 of their 46 league matches and helped the team to keep 15 clean sheets.
The experienced defender made 3.2 tackles and interceptions per game and won 62% of his duels that term, as he once again dominated players in physical contests to be a solid presence at the back for Bielsa.
Cooper was then tasked with making the step up to the Premier League for the 2020/21 campaign and did so impressively. The towering enforcer caught the eye with his superb defensive work to help the Whites to achieve survival.
Only Luke Ayling (2.8) made more tackles per game (2.7) and no other Leeds player, in any position, made more interceptions per match (2.4) than the veteran colossus.
He also topped the squad for interceptions per outing (2.0) during the 2021/22 season as the Whites, once again, avoided relegation from the top-flight.
Liam Cooper's season in numbers
However, Cooper – who made 18 league appearances – could not prevent the club from suffering the drop at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, and has been a bit-part player under Farke so far this term.
The Scotland international has made seven starts and played 14 times in total in the Championship so far this season, as the likes of Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, and Ethan Ampadu have been preferred to him.
He has made 1.6 tackles and interceptions combined per match and come out on top in 57% of his duels, which shows that the experienced centre-back has not been as dominant as he once was at that level.
Leeds defender Liam Cooper.
Cooper has also been reliable in possession of the ball with a pass success rate of 91% and zero errors leading to shots or goals for the opposition.
The Leeds skipper has been a solid but not key performer for Farke in the second tier, which is why it could make sense to allow him to move on in the summer on a free transfer.
His departure would then open the door for a young player to step up and take his spot as a back-up option, and Monteiro could be the player to make that leap.
Why Diogo Monteiro could replace Cooper
The impressive youngster only turned 19 in January and has already established himself as a regular for the club's U21 side, with 20 appearances since the start of last season.
Monteiro has only missed two Premier League 2 matches during the 2023/24 campaign to date, with 11 outings in the U21 competition so far.
He has also played six matches for Portugal's U19 side since June of last year, and captained his country in four of those games – something the young gem has done twice for Leeds' U21s this season.
This suggests that the Portuguese enforcer has the leadership qualities to potentially develop into Cooper 2.0 at Elland Road, given that the Scottish giant is the current Leeds captain, as he has been selected to lead his team for club and country at youth level.
Back in 2022, Monteiro showcased his quality at first-team level for former club Servette as a 17-year-old against Young Boys with a fantastic performance at the heart of their defence.
Minutes played
90
Blocks
One
Tackles + interceptions
Three
Pass success rate
87%
Duels contested
Ten
Duels won
Six
Sofascore rating
7.4
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the teenage titan was a defensive wall at the back to help his side keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw with the Swiss giants.
Football scout Ron Dor described him as a "monster" after his impressive display, which is backed up by his 60% duel success rate as it shows that he got the better of the Young Boys attackers more often than not.
Therefore, Farke may already have the dream replacement for Cooper in Monteiro as the Leeds academy colossus has the mental, physical, and technical qualities to develop into a first-team asset for the club if he can make the step up to the senior side on a regular basis.
The German head coach could allow the experienced Whites skipper to leave on a free in the summer and then bring the Portugal U19 international into the fold to take his squad role moving forward.
Chelsea are now eyeing a move for Athletic Club star Nico Williams after missing out on Bayern Munich-bound Michael Olise.
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Chelsea show interest in WilliamsMissed out on signing OliseWilliams unlikely to leave Athletic ClubWHAT HAPPENED?
The Blues held talks with Crystal Palace over a possible transfer of their star forward Olise, however, the player eventually decided to join Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. After missing out on their primary transfer target, Chelsea have now shifted their focus to Athletic Club and Spain international winger Williams, according to (via ).
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Other than the West London side, Barcelona have also shown interest in the player after newly appointed manager Hansi Flick reportedly urged the Catalan giants to sign the talented attacker. The player, however, recently pledged his loyalty to the Basque club as he claimed he is happy to see out his existing contract which runs until 2027.
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The 21-year-old enjoyed a stellar run of form in the 2023/24 season having scored eight goals and provided 19 assists in 37 matches across all competitions. He also played a key role in his club winning the Cope del Rey title.
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR NICO WILLIAMS?
Williams currently remains focused on La Roja's Euro 2024 campaign. The youngster has featured in their starting lineup in the first two matches of the group stage and will be next seen in action against Albania on Monday night.
Whilst much of the focus is centred around David Moyes' West Ham United future, the Hammers could be set to face an additional blow with one player's future at the club now in doubt.
West Ham transfer news
As things stand, Moyes' current contract is set to expire this summer, leaving West Ham scrambling for replacements. So far, reports have seen the Hammers linked with the likes of Gary O'Neil and Steve Cooper. O'Neil, currently in charge of Wolverhampton Wanderers, has taken the Midlands club from a side in fear of relegation to a side now competing in the Premier League's top half.
Wolves manager Gary O'Neil
Cooper, meanwhile, has been without a job since his Nottingham Forest sacking earlier this season. After keeping them up in their first season back in the Premier League, Cooper failed to kick on, but could now have the opportunity at redemption in the form of the West Ham job.
If Moyes does depart, West Ham's transfer picture will become far clearer on the incoming front when the next manager takes up the hot seat. On the departure front, however, the rumour mill has already started, with one player's future now in doubt at the London club.
According to Roshane Thomas of The Athletic, Flynn Downes could yet leave West Ham this summer after an impressive loan spell at Southampton. The central midfielder only joined West Ham in 2022 for a reported £12m, but may now be heading for the exit door just two years later.
West Ham wasted £41m on a flop who earned more than Kudus does
This talented player was even worse than Sebastian Haller for the Hammers.
ByAngus Sinclair Mar 3, 2024
Moyes, if still in charge, will be well aware of the potential exit blow, having praised Downes' progress whilst at Southampton in a recent press conference. The manager said via The Athletic: "We’ve been watching Flynn and he’s playing in a good, successful team.
"We paid £12million for him and if you look at the boy (Adam Wharton) who joined Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers for £18m, sometimes you think it might be good value in the end. For Flynn, it would’ve been hard for him to get game time this season, but I’m really pleased he’s doing well at Southampton.”
"Brilliant" Flynn has earned a permanent move
Whilst out on loan at Southampton, Flynn has done exactly what's needed to earn a permanent move this summer, perhaps to the frustration of West Ham. If the Saints go up, he could quickly become their first signing. As things stand in the Championship, Southampton sit fourth and five points adrift of Ipswich Town in the final automatic promotion spot, meaning that anything is still possible.
What's more, manager Russell Martin is certainly a fan, saying via The Athletic: “He is a big player for us, he is important. He’s a brilliant character, he’s a winner, someone who’s aggressive and a brilliant athlete too.”
So, with that said, when the transfer window swings open, West Ham and potentially their new manager could face an instant battle to avoid a frustrating exit. The last thing those at the London Stadium will want, however, is to lose money on Downes, having spent £12m for his signature just two years ago.
On and off the field Australia is leading the way for women’s cricket and it’s starting to show around the world
Alex Malcolm18-Oct-2019The WBBL might be about to highlight a problem. It’s not a problem for Cricket Australia, but it could be for the ICC and the rest of the boards around the world.There is a distinct possibility that WBBL05, a domestic competition, will be the highest standard of women’s cricket played around the world at the moment.CA’s investment in the women’s game along with a generation of outstanding players has combined to turn women’s international cricket into a tour de force for Australia over the last two years. Since the start of 2018 Australia have played 45 internationals and lost just three, including setting a new world record streak of 18 ODI victories and winning the 2018 T20 World Cup in the West Indies.New Zealand allrounder and the Adelaide Strikers import Sophie Devine believes the collection of players at the WBBL is second to none and the even distribution of Australian talent across the eight teams makes it the gold standard of women’s cricket, at least among the domestic leagues.”I think at the end of the day they’ve got the best players from around the world playing in it and I think that makes a huge difference,” Devine told ESPNcricinfo. “If you want the competition to be the best you’ve got to have the best and I think that helps the WBBL in terms of the standard of the game. The collection of players that every side has got, not just overseas but domestic and their Australian players, it just makes such a big difference.”However, there are some big names absent this season. The tournament will be without India’s stars without India’s stars with the new standalone tournament running from late October to mid-December clashing with India’s tour of the West Indies.West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor, who has signed with the Strikers this season after four years at the Sydney Thunder, is only available for the bookends of the tournament due to that tour but will form a formidable trio at the Strikers alongside Devine and Suzie Bates when available.Nida Dar will create history as the first Pakistan player in the WBBL and Ireland’s Kim Garth returns to the tournament, but what continues to standout is the depth available to Australia and there are concerns the gap will continue to grow.Brisbane Heat are crowned WBBL champions•Getty ImagesElyse Villani has fallen out of favour but was one of the leading run scorers in the WBBL last season and will captain the Melbourne Stars this year. Sophie Molineux has likewise been on the fringes of the national side but is one of the competition’s best allrounders for the Melbourne Renegades, and nearly stole last year’s semi-final from the Sydney Sixers off her own bat.However, it’s not just the talent, it’s the professionalism. The fielding, fitness, and athleticism of the WBBL players stands out to Devine as a leading indicator of why the competition stands out.”Having the professionalism of the women’s game over here domestically, you’re not just talking about 15 of your top players being contracted but it’s 90-odd players here that are full-time athletes,” she said. “That helps raise the standard. And I think the biggest difference I’ve noticed over the last couple of years are in the field, diving, moving, throwing, catching, all those skills have improved massively over here and that just adds to the whole spectacle of it.”You only have to look at the semis and the final last year to see how much great athleticism was shown by all the teams out there. So those are the things that make cricket great but it also makes it a great product for people to watch.”Erin Burns’ diving stop to deny Molineux in the semi-final and Haidee Birkett’s stunning outfield catch stand in stark contrast to some of the shoddy fielding and running between the wickets from West Indies during Australia’s 6-0 sweep on the recent tour of the Caribbean.Devine said the wheels are slowly turning in terms of global investment into the women’s game. New Zealand Cricket recently increased the number of central contracts, development deals have been offered and there is a domestic contracts structure albeit at a significantly lower sum than in Australia.”We’ve been really fortunate that we’ve just negotiated a new MOU, with the White Ferns and also some development contracts,” Devine said. “So an increase in pay, which is going to help us train more full time, which we’ve got to do to keep up, not just with Australia but with England, India, South Africa, West Indies. A lot more teams are putting the money and the resources to stay up with the top teams. We’re really fortunate for that.”Visibility is another issue. Australian supporters are seeing their heroes, not just on the pitch on free-to-air television, but in places where they have yet to reach in other nations.”I was in the supermarket the other day and I saw some of the Aussie women’s cricket team on [cereal] boxes,” Devine said. “Things like that, to me just brings a massive smile to my face to see that there’s positive female athletes being represented out there.”I remember growing up I didn’t even know there was a women’s cricket team in New Zealand. I was always following the Black Caps and men’s teams going around. It wasn’t until about the 2000 World Cup that I remember actually watching my first ever women’s game down at Lincoln where they obviously won it for New Zealand, their only time so far. I just think to be seen is such a huge thing for young girls growing up to see them and to normalise it as well.”Particularly cricket, it’s so often referred to as a gentleman’s game but to see the likes of Ellyse Perry, Meg Lanning, Suzie Bates, there’s so many great female athletes out there it’s just awesome to see how the visibility is getting better. There’s still a long, long way to go but it’s certainly a starting point and it’s great to see.”
Ivan Toney insists he has no reason to change his no-look penalty after scoring in England's Euro 2024 quarter-final shootout win over Switzerland.
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Toney vows to stay the sameNo-look penalty sparked reactionEngland into Euro 24 semi-finalsWHAT HAPPENED?
Toney converted from the spot without ever looking at the ball, keeping his eyes fixed firmly on the goal and Swiss stopper Yann Sommer in front of him. He insists there was no feeling of pressure because that routine is all he has ever known.
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Toney scored England's fourth penalty of the shootout, which put the Three Lions on the brink of another semi-final. He didn't start the game but was brought on in the second half of extra-time when Harry Kane was forced off with double cramp.
WHAT TONEY SAID
Toney said: "I wouldn't say [I felt] pressure. I always have my own routine, I'm just focused and do what I always do: just take my time and roll it into the back of the net. I never look at the ball. It's just my routine. Some people may see it as crazy but that's my routine and I'm going to stick to it. It's been working and it can work whenever it's needed."
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DID YOU KNOW?
Toney's style clearly works. As per , the Brentford star has scored 30 of the 32 penalties he has taken in his career (excluding any shootouts). In almost six years since October 2018, he has remarkably only missed once from the spot.
GOAL US writers offer their Copa America final predictions, and evaluate an enthralling tournament on US soil
Finally, we have our two Copa America finalists. One of them was entirely expected. Argentina looked like the best team in the field a month ago, and even if they haven't quite played like it, the reigning World Cup champions were likely always going to have enough to get there.
Their opponents, though, are something of a surprise. Colombia may have started their tournament preparations by battering the USMNT, but few would have pipped them as potential title winners. It all seems set up for a juicy final, which will take place at 8 pm Sunday night in Miami.
There's a lot to reflect on in Copa America 2024. The US flopped on home soil, fired their coach, and now face a serious reset ahead of 2026. Brazil endured a miserable time, while some forgotten stars re-emerged to the forefront of world football. It was an enthralling few weeks, and should culminate in style.
There's a lot to analyze, and our GOAL US writers do just that in a Copa America edition of… The Rondo.
Getty ImagesWho wins the Copa America final?
Tom Hindle: Uhhhh, tough one. On talent, pedigree, and pure vibes, it's got to be Argentina. They haven't played particularly well and – Ecuador penalty win notwithstanding – have made this all look reasonably easy so far. Then again, Colombia have been excellent. Let's go Argentina, if only for the football romanticism alone (oh, and that Messi guy.)
Ryan Tolmich: Colombia has the vibes, but this is Argentina we're talking about here. They're the defending champions of this tournament, and of the world. So of course they're favorites. Lionel Messi isn't quite dominating, but he doesn't have to. His supporting cast is the reason that Argentina is thriving, and they're the reason they'll lift the trophy, again.
Jacob Schneider: Colombia’s resilience in the semis against Uruguay was enough to convince us that they have what it takes to go all the way. In the same manner in which they defeated La Celeste, if Los Cafeteros can earn set piece opportunities, it's entirely possible that they can beat Argentina.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWho is the player of the tournament?
TH: It's not entirely cut and dry. Colombia's James Rodriguez has certainly been excellent, and will probably be the favorite. But a word for both Rodrigo De Paul and Emi Martinez, who have made an impact in a big way for Argentina. With Messi not quite at it, the reigning champs have needed help from elsewhere, and that duo have both been vital. Let's be honest, though, James has been the best player on (possibly) the best team. That should be enough.
RT: It has to be James, right? He's turned back the clock in ways no one could have predicted, reverting to the 2014 version of himself that the world fell in love with. With six assists, and room for more, he's been the biggest force in this summer's tournament. Colombia made it here because of him. Can he pull off one more miracle?
JS: James, hands down. Six assists and a goal, it feels like 2014 again. And Colombia have now gone 28 straight games unbeaten. He’s giving us one last glance at the Galactico he was, and it’s been brilliant.
GettyWho (or what?) has been the biggest disappointment?
TH: The fact that Brazil's Dorival Jr never really gave Endrick a run out – until he absolutely had to. Perhaps we were all wrong, and Endrick really isn't all that. Still, it would have been good to see the 18-year-old have a proper opportunity at proving himself. He was, for most of proceedings, a bit-part player, and was then tossed into the highest stakes game of the tournament, and kicked around for 90 minutes. It's not really fair for a youngster who could have really done with getting some minutes before having the privilege of being fouled by the Uruguay backline for 90 minutes.
RT: There's an easy answer here, and it's the USMNT. Far and away. The other groups largely went relative to plan, aside from one or two slight surprises. No one could have predicted the U.S. crashing out to Panama, of all teams. They were far and away the biggest letdown this summer, which is why it is no surprise that Gregg Berhalter lost his job. JS: Rodrygo. Just expected more out of him, even though he was being played out of position by Brazil. The stage felt too big at times, and he let his form get into his head.
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Getty ImagesWho was the breakout star of the tournament?
TH: Going to cheat and say James was the breakout star – if only because we all thought he was finished. The Colombian playmaker has faded into relative irrelevance over the past few years, and although fans will certainly remind you that he can still be world class, few had him pipped as one of the players of the tournament. Not sure a massive European move is on the way – he's 32, after all – but the guy can still play a bit.
RT: This tournament hasn't exactly been dominated by young players, so we'll shout out an unsung hero. Argentina's Cristian Romero has been far and away the best defender in this tournament and deserves more love. He's been just about perfect the whole way through and, if you didn't already view him as a top-level centerback, you have to now.
JS: There are a few great options here. Someone such as Kendry Paez of Ecuador deserves a shout, because this was his announcement to the world. Also a word for Uruguay's Manuel Ugarte. He had a difficult first season at PSG, and this Copa America was a reminder of how solid the 24-year-old is in the center of the pitch.
An Aston Villa midfielder who earns £75,000-per-week has been the subject of interest from Serie A in recent days, according to reports.
Aston Villa's attack on fire this season
The difference between Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa and Unai Emery's side is quite staggering. Under Gerrard, the team seemed dilapidated and destined for relegation. However, Emery has managed to turn things around and get the Villans competing for the European spots all while playing with style, boasting more top flight goals than all but the three title chasers.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery during a Premier League game.
Indeed, the entirety of the team have seemingly over-performed this season, but their attacking play is the area of the squad which has really shone. Ollie Watkins is the second-highest top flight scorer this season, just two behind than Erling Haaland, but despite his incredible form, his supporting cast have more than lived up to the billing.
Between Leon Bailey, Nicolo Zaniolo and Moussa Diaby, the trio have managed a total of 18 assists across all competitions thus far.
Zaniolo has been picked out for praise by his manager despite rumblings he will leave at the end of his loan spell.
"Zaniolo as a person, it is very easy to talk with him, to work with him," Emery said. “His behaviour and commitment with us from the first day was very good. His adaptation is going very well, and then he is playing well."
Nicolo Zaniolo's season so far
Games
30
Goals
2
Assists
0
Data via Transfermarkt
And, although the Midlands club are currently on course for a top four finish, all good things have to come to an end, so some players will have to leave in the summer in order for them to be competitive in Europe's most prestigious competition while abiding with FFP.
"Very good" Aston Villa star in Serie A contact
Zaniolo looks set to leave Villa Park this summer. That is, according to TuttoMercatoWeb, as summarised by Sport Witness, who say that there have already "been contacts" between the 24-year-old and Lazio.
The attacker is only on loan with the Villans until the end of the season and the report states that the attacker will 'return to Galatasaray' at the end of his loan spell. Then, a move to Lazio remains in the balance as Zaniolo has an 'important past' with Roma, Lazio's arch-rivals.
Despite this, club president, Claudio Lotito, sees the 24-year-old as an 'ideal profile' for his summer reinforcements.
While he has played in 30 games for Emery, only 11 of those appearances have come as starts, hence why a permanent move to England is currently not on the cards.
Let it happen when it has to, the India coach says of the wicketkeeper-batsman’s retirement
ESPNcricinfo staff26-Oct-2019India coach Ravi Shastri feels that speculating about MS Dhoni’s future is “downright disrespectful” and wants to see the debate end “once and for all”.Questions about his future have been thrown at everyone connected with the Indian team in the past couple of months. Chief selector MSK Prasad was asked the question earlier in the week and he said “we are moving on”, adding fuel to the speculation fire.”Half the guys commenting on MS Dhoni can’t even tie their shoelaces,” Shastri told the . “Look at what he’s achieved for the country. Why are people in a hurry to see him off? Maybe, they don’t find enough talking points. He and everybody who knows him know he’ll be going away soon. So, let it happen when it has to.”Making statements at his expense is downright disrespectful. After 15 years of playing for India, wouldn’t he know what’s the right thing to do? When he retired from Test cricket, what did he say? That Wriddhiman Saha was good enough to be handed over the wicket-keeping gloves. He was correct. He’s been a shadow when it comes to the team, always sharing his mind, lending his views.”
MS Dhoni has earned the right to retire when he wants to. And let this debate end once and for allRavi Shastri
While Dhoni has been silent on the subject, he dropped in to the Indian dressing room in Ranchi, his hometown, following their 3-0 sweep of South Africa in the recent Test series.”The other day, he came over to the dressing room in Ranchi to meet Shahbaz Nadeem [a Jharkhand statemate, who had made his debut in the Test] and had a chat – how motivating is that for a guy making his debut at home,” Shastri said. “Let me say this: MS Dhoni has earned the right to retire when he wants to. And let this debate end once and for all.”Earlier in the week, Sourav Ganguly, the new BCCI president, also threw his weight behind Dhoni when asked if he was rooting for a “Gangulyesque comeback”.”It depends on him,” the former India captain said. “I’ve always said – even when I was left out and when the entire world said that, ‘he’ll never make it’ – I believed in myself and came back and played for four years. You know champions don’t finish very quickly. I don’t know what’s in his mind, what he thinks about his career, so we’ll deal with that.”He’s one of the greats of the game. India is very proud to have MS Dhoni. His achievements, when you sit down and take note of what he’s done, you say, ‘Wow, MS Dhoni!’ So, till I’m around, everybody will be respected. That doesn’t change.”