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Crystal Palace are "in a really good position" to beat Chelsea to the signature of Flamengo's highly rated and highly sought-after youngster Matheus Franca, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

Is Matheus Franca joining Crystal Palace this summer?

It hasn't been a great start to the summer window for Palace so far this year. They have made just one senior signing so far, and it was the rather uninspiring signing of Jefferson Lerma from Premier League rivals Bournemouth.

However, the departure of club legend Wilfried Zaha is the biggest problem for the South Londoners, as his performances over the last few seasons have been instrumental in keeping them in the league, and to see him leave for free is nothing short of a disaster.

That said, the club do appear to be making inroads with some potential transfers, one of those being for the highly-rated Brazilian youngster Franca.

According to Brazilian publication Tocedores, Palace co-owner John Textor has made an offer for the 19-year-old in the region of £26m, putting them in direct competition with cross-city rivals Chelsea for his signature.

The Blues have also made an opening bid for the exciting prospect after meeting with his representatives in London earlier this month, per Globo.

The fact that he has made just 28 senior top-flight appearances since making his debut in 2021 has done little to put people off, with football scout Jacek Kulig waxing lyrical about the youngster, saying:

"Great midfielder, great striker, he can play almost everywhere. One of the most exciting teenagers in Brazil at the moment."

What did Dean Jones say about Crystal Palace and Matheus Franca?

Jones was surprised by Palace's success in reaching this point of the transfer battle but was full of praise for them and didn't rule out the possibility of them securing his signature.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "Yeah, it would be massive for them if they could actually win this battle. I mean, it's not easy to even get as far as they've got with it to be honest because he's a player that has been coveted by a lot of clubs.

"Getting to this moment and obviously Chelsea being the biggest of them and Chelsea don't normally miss out on targets like this. It has to be said that Palace have put themselves in a really good position to actually sign him."

Who else have Crystal Palace been linked to this summer?

While Franca would undoubtedly be an excellent signing for the future, it's unlikely that he'd make an immediate impact on the team and so, the South London side are likely to do some more business this summer before the transfer window slams shut on September 1st.

One of the players that the Eagles are interested in is Arsenal's American striker, Folarin Balogun. The 21-year-old is coming off a brilliant season in France, where he scored 21 goals for Ligue 1 side Stade Reims and achieved an average match rating of 6.9.

The club's interest in the young prodigy was revealed last month by Football Insider, an interest that was confirmed by Ryan Taylor earlier this month when he told GIVEMESPORT that Palace were still "looking at him."

The biggest hurdle for this deal is that Arsenal now want close to £50m for their young American, which would eclipse Palace's previous record transfer fee of £27m, which they paid Liverpool for Christian Benteke in 2016.

Perhaps Roy Hodgson's side could get some kind of discount should they include a buyback clause, as they are going to have to find a way to replace the goals lost from Zaha's departure.

ScorecardTom Westley led Essex closer to a semi-final slot•Getty Images

Tom Westley hit a century as Essex moved to within touching distance of a home semi-final with a 72-run Royal London One-Day Cup win over previous South Group leaders Somerset at Taunton.A crowd of around 4,000 saw the visitors run up 334 for 6 from their 50 overs, Westley making exactly 100, Ravi Bopara 92 not out and Alastair Cook 65. Craig Overton and Roelof van der Merwe claimed two wickets each.Somerset were given a lightning start in reply by Johann Myburgh (57). But despite a solid 77 from skipper Jim Allenby, they lost wickets regularly as Neil Wagner took 3 for 55 and Simon Harmer 3 for 56.The result gave Essex a two-point lead over Somerset going into the final round of group games, so avoiding defeat in their final match against Kent at Canterbury would put them in the last four. Somerset may have to be content with a play-off spot.After the early loss of Varun Chopra, Westley and Cook laid the foundation for a competitive Essex total with a second-wicket stand of 135 in 20 overs.Cook reached an untroubled 54-ball half-century, featuring six boundaries, shortly after his partner had reached the same landmark off 42 deliveries, with 9 fours.It was a surprise when the former England captain, who had looked in total command, departed with the total on 156, caught behind flashing at a short ball from Jamie Overton.Westley was in full flow by then, moving fluently to three figures off 95 balls. Without addition he was bowled by left-arm spinner van der Merwe going down on one knee to swing to leg.There was a second wicket for van der Merwe when Ryan ten Doeschate was bowled by a delivery that skidded through. At 215 for 4, Essex were in danger of falling short of 300.That changed when Bopara and Ashar Zaidi added 88 in less than ten overs before the latter was well caught by Adam Hose at deep mid-wicket for a brisk 32.Bopara went to his fifty with a straight six off Tim Groenewald, having faced 56 balls, and completed a valuable contribution with another maximum off the final ball of the innings from Craig Overton following a short rain break.Somerset’s reply began in sensational style as Myburgh, who survived the simplest of chances to Paul Walter at mid-on off the fifth ball of the innings, bowled by Matt Quinn, went on the charge.The South African was on 48 by time the total reached 50 after just 4.4 overs and completed a thrilling 28-ball half-century, with 6 fours and 4 sixes, before holing out to Chopra on the mid-wicket boundary off Quinn.Peter Trego, Steve Davies and James Hildreth fell cheaply as Essex began to peg the run-rate back. At the halfway stage of their innings Somerset were 158 for 4, with Allenby well set.The captain took few risks moving to a 56-ball half-century and was looking on course for his first Somerset hundred at Taunton when he drove loosely at Neil Wagner and directed a simple catch to cover.Adam Hose, looking to build on his maiden century in the previous game against Gloucestershire, looked good again before being bowled for 28 by an off-break from Simon Harmer, who sent back Jamie Overton in the same over, attempting a second six over mid-wicket.With the required run-rate rising fast, van der Merwe and Groenewald perished to attacking blows. Some lusty hits from Craig Overton kept Somerset hopes alive before he was run out to finish the game.

When Leeds United secured promotion to the Premier League in 2020 after 16 years away, a city erupted into rapture. Manager Marcelo Bielsa was soaked in adulation, the players revered as saviours, harvesting the malaise of two decades and returning the club to its rightful place.

And initially, this was carried out with aplomb; the Whites' first season back in the Premier League resulted in a ninth-placed finish and an admiration from supporters of English football for the attractive football and cohesive efforts of a unified squad.

To say it unravelled would be an understatement, and Bielsa's dismissal in February 2022 confirmed the end of an era at Elland Road; the subsequent appointment of Jesse Marsch did little to quell the escalating discontent, with a near-escape from relegation unable to be built upon this term, and the bitter fate has been confirmed, and Leeds return to the second tier.

But with the 49ers now imminently awaiting the confirmation of their takeover of the club, there is reason to hope for greener pastures once again in west Yorkshire, with the right moves on the transfer front surely setting the prestigious outfit in good stead for an immediate return to the top-flight.

And while there will be a multitude of outgoings this summer, one player who must be fervently convinced to remain at the club is USMNT international Tyler Adams, who has been one of the bright sparks in a dull and uninspring crop.

Should Leeds keep hold of Tyler Adams?

While the 24-year-old would no doubt fetch a pretty penny if sold over the coming months, the value of keeping him as the nucleus of the Leeds midfield is vital to ensure that the Premier League is the forthcoming destination.

There have been reports that the Whites have slapped a £40m price tag on the industrious ace amid interest from the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Aston Villa, and while recuperating such a fee after the chastening plummet from the Premier League would be beneficial, his exploits on the pitch would not be easily replaced.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post's Graham Smyth, the club will "make a big play" to keep the gem at the club, and while it will not be easy, Leeds' chances of promotion would increase tenfold with the £55k-per-week Adams in the middle, pulling the strings.

Signing from RB Leipzig for around £20m one year ago, Adams was always viewed as the successor to Kalvin Phillips, with the endeared midfield general departing for Manchester City in a £45m deal several days prior.

Described as a "monster" by former Crystal Palace star Yannick Bolasie, Phillips starred for United across their first two Premier League seasons of recent times but notably stole the show with his stunning performances in the 19/20 Championship season, where he earned an average Sofascore rating of 7.28, completing 82% of his passes, averaging 1.8 key passes per game, and making 2.6 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 1.3 clearances per outing.

Comparatively, the 36-cap USA centre-midfielder recorded a respectable average rating of 6.98 in the Premier League this season, completing 82% of his passes, averaging one key pass per match and making 3.7 tackles and 1.5 interceptions.

Adams could be the "tackling machine" – as praised by Kevin Campbell – that the club needs to return to prominence, and with the robust brute pulling the strings with his all-encompassing work, it could be a successful season for a side desperate to return to former glory,

انتهت مباريات الجولة التاسعة والعشرين لمنافسات الدوري الإسباني “الليجا” لموسم 2023-2024.

واختتمت مباريات الجولة بـ فوز مثير لبرشلونة أمام أتلتيكو مدريد، في مباراة حسمت بنتيجة (3-0).

ورغم غيابه للإيقاف، حافظ جود بيلينجهام مهاجم ريال مدريد، على صدارته لترتيب هدافي الدوري الإسباني.

ورفع البولندي روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، رصيد أهدافه بعدما سجل هدفًا في فوز برشلونة أمام أتلتيكو مدريد.

وتواجد فينيسيوس جونيور مهاجم ريال مدريد في قائمة الهدافين، حيث أحرز هدفين في فوز فريقه أمام أوساسونا بنتيجة 4-2. ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإسباني 

1. جود بيلينجهام، ريال مدريد، 16 هدفًا.

2. أنتي بوديمير، أوساسونا، 15 هدفًا.

3. بورخا مايورال، خيتافي، 15 هدفًا.

3. أرتيم دوفبيك، جيرونا، 14 هدفًا.

5. ألفارو موراتا، أتلتيكو مدريد، 14 هدفًا.

6. روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، برشلونة، 13 هدفًا.

7. ألكسندر سورلوث، فياريال، 13 هدفًا.

8. جوركا جوروزيتا، أتلتيك بلباو، 13 هدفًا.

9. فينيسيوس جونيور، ريال مدريد، 12 هدفًا.

10. هوجو دورو، فالنسيا، 12 هدفًا.

ويمكن متابعة ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإسباني، موسم 2023/24، محدث بشكل مستمر من هنا.

It was a disappointing season for Liverpool last year, and part of the reason for that was the lack of goals in the team, something Luis Diaz needs to work on in particular, claims RedMenTV presenter Paul Machin.

Liverpool – What's the latest on Luis Diaz?

Liverpool's £55k-per-week winger had a season to forget last term, more so than a number of his teammates, due to a combination of poor goal-scoring form and serious time on the sideline due to injury.

The Barrancas-born star had a decent start to the campaign, playing in all the team's opening eight fixtures, scoring three goals and assisting another two, but it all came apart at the Emirates.

During the game against Arsenal, Diaz went down in the 42nd minute following a knee injury.

After needing surgery, he would miss the next 21 games, not featuring again until April 17th against Leeds United.

His last nine appearances in the season only returned a single goal. However, it is worth noting he didn't play a full 90 once in those games.

What does Paul Machin think about Luis Diaz's lack of goals?

Machin was quick to stress his and the fans' love of the ex-Porto star for his exciting, attacking style of play but emphasised that he needs to add more goals to his game to kick on from here,

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "I adore him. I think Liverpool fans absolutely adore him. He's one of the most electrifying players that I've seen at Anfield. 'It's can he score enough goals?' That's a big part, and that's the thing.

"I think stylistically a lot of the bits and pieces that he does are unique to Liverpool's squad, they are quite Mane-esque. He takes men on, he drives past people, he opens up space for others, things that Jota doesn't have, but Diogo Jota scores, lots and lots of goals, and presses brilliantly and wants to be in the 18 yard box. I think that's something that needs to be trained into Diaz."

How good is Luis Diaz?

People might look at his lack of goals over the previous campaign and conclude that he just isn't that good. Those people could, however, be incorrect.

As Machin points out, there is much more to the Colombian than just his goal-scoring. According to WhoScored, in his 11 starts in the league last season, he averaged a respectable match rating of 6.97 and, in his three Champions League appearances, managed a seriously impressive average of 7.23.

The underlying numbers help to show just how good of a player he really is as well.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, the tricky winger is in the top 6% for touches in the opposition box, the top 11% for progressive passes received and aerial duals won, the top 12% for pass completion and successful take-ons, and the top 16% for non-penalty goals, all per 90.

Diaz is clearly extremely talented, and his manager Jurgen Klopp certainly seems to agree, saying:

"He's so football smart, moving in the right areas, naturally defending from his position, goal threat, speed, cheeky. Very, very special player, I have to say."

With an injury-free run in the team next year, Diaz might rediscover his goal-scoring form again.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsJason Holder’s figures of 8-0-16-2 set the tone for West Indies’ win•AFP

West Indies’ bowlers, led by Jason Holder and Ashley Nurse, defended 227 on a deteriorating Harare pitch to register a bonus-point win, their first against Sri Lanka at a neutral venue since 1999. West Indies may not have had as much had it not been for enterprising cameos from Jonathan Carter and debutant Rovman Powell.Holder set the tone with a sensational opening spell of swing bowling in which he picked up two wickets and conceded 12 in five overs. He had Dhananjaya de Silva caught behind off an inside edge and drew Kusal Mendis forward with a full delivery that swung away late and took the outside edge. Nurse took a reverse-cupped catch in front of his face at second slip. In between, Johnson Charles effected an agile run-out of Kusal Perera, hitting the stumps directly from square leg.The pitch seemed to slow down as the afternoon wore on with more than a few balls stopping in the surface. Nurse dismissed Sri Lanka captain Upul Tharanga with one such delivery. It pitched on leg, drawing Tharanga into a flick, but the ball spun and bounced extravagantly to take the leading edge and lobbed back to the bowler.A few overs later, Nurse beat the defense of Asela Gunaratne and trapped him in front with what looked like an innocuous offbreak. Suddenly, Sri Lanka had slumped to 79 for 6 on a surface that was getting increasingly harder to bat on, making West Indies’ score of 227 seem a lot more.Sachith Pathirana and Shehan Jayasuriya kept Sri Lanka in the hunt with a 60-run seventh-wicket partnership, but too much damage had been done too early. Nurse finished with 3 for 46, while Shannon Gabriel claimed the last two wickets to return 3 for 31.West Indies’ first away ODI win since the 2015 World Cup was achieved after Jason Holder had lost his sixth straight toss and West Indies were put in. For most of their recent ODI series against Pakistan, their focus was on their biggest strength: power-hitting, as opposed to strike-rotation. It seemed like West Indies had intentionally swapped their strategy, with mixed results.West Indies’ major concern would have been negotiating a testing opening spell in gloomy conditions. Their batsmen were adept at doing so, albeit on a morning with less swing available than in the tri-series opener two days ago.Sri Lanka nipped out the openers in that period, including the run-out of Kraigg Brathwaite who plonked his bat on the crease while completing a run. The bat jarred in the turf and bounced up as Nuwan Kulasekara’s direct hit from mid-on found him short.Debutant Shai Hope and Evin Lewis, a T20 specialist, were then forced to stabilise a faltering innings. As the slower bowlers were introduced, the pair looked in so much discomfort in finding gaps that West Indies could only muster 51 runs between overs 11 and 25. The Harare pitch had begun to deteriorate and the Sri Lanka spinners strangled the batsmen. West Indies had cut out expansive shots on their own volition, and Sri Lanka closed the gaps.Carter, an ODI specialist, found his rhythm from the outset, hitting gaps and finding singles by looking for them. He struck 54, and picked off two fours and two sixes in a 62-ball knock filled with intent.Powell displayed his ball-striking ability in his 29-ball 44, an innings that featured two fours and three muscular sixes into the leg side, all a result of a strong bottom hand.Just when West Indies looked set for a score in excess of 250, Sri Lanka’s seamers returned in the end overs to trigger a collapse. West Indies lost their last five wickets for 18 runs.