Wigan Athletic are reportedly keen on signing Rangers’ Jordan Jones this summer, which could be the ideal opportunity for Steven Gerrard to axe him from his squad at Ibrox.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Record, Wigan are poised to make a move for the former Kilmarnock man this summer after he impressed in League One on loan at Sunderland last season.

Jones has managed just 19 appearances for Rangers since joining the club in 2019, contributing just one goal and two assists, so it seems clear that the Northern Irishman doesn’t have what it takes to be a regular in Gerrard’s side.

Should Rangers sell Jones?

The 26-year-old was handed a suspension in November 2020 after breaking some of the covid guidelines in Scotland and was subsequently sent out on loan to Sunderland, which was perhaps always likely to spell the end of his career at Ibrox.

During his time in the North East, the winger would make 20 appearances for Sunderland, contributing three goals and four assists, averaging a solid 6.88 rating from WhoScored.

Therefore, it is no surprise to see him attracting interest from an ambitious side such as Wigan, who have seemingly put their financial issues behind them and are now spending big in an attempt to win promotion from England’s third tier.

Gerrard has praised Jones in the past, dubbing him a “real threat” in 2020 but he has fallen well down the pecking order at Ibrox in the past two seasons, with the likes of Ryan Kent, Scott Wright, Ianis Hagi and now Fashion Sakala all arguably better options for the Gers out wide.

It seems clear that the winger will be a fringe option at best for Gerrard next season, and given that his contract at Ibrox is not set to expire until 2023, Rangers may be best served cashing in on him now rather than continuing to pay his wages for another two seasons.

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If the reports are true and Wigan do make a suitable offer for Jones, then Rangers should definitely let him go.

And, in other news… Rangers handed significant boost with “outstanding” 33-goal beast, Wilson must deliver

Manchester United appear to have reached an impasse in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier.

What’s the story?

According to ESPN reporter Rob Dawson, the Red Devils are interested in acquiring the 30-year-old’s signature this summer, but they are refusing to meet his €40m (£34m) release clause.

The report also claims that Atletico have shown no indication they are willing to compromise, so United may have to move on to their next transfer target.

Solskjaer will be frustrated

News that the current La Liga champions are refusing to lower their asking price for Trippier will surely leave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer feeling frustrated.

The former Tottenham right-back has impressed during his time in Spanish football, supplying 11 assists in 68 appearances for the capital club and claiming the La Liga title along the way.

It had been hoped that his arrival at United would help the 20-time English champions continue their progress under Solskjaer, providing an attacking alternative to Aaron Wan-Bissaka. However, that prospect appears to be unlikely now, with Atletico’s hierarchy pricing the Red Devils out of a potential move.

With two years remaining on Trippier’s contract at the Wanda Metropolitano, it’s understandable why the Spanish giants are demanding that United pay the England international’s release clause in full, but it won’t be much comfort to Solskjaer and co.

The Norwegian will be hoping to add further reinforcements to his first team squad after the signing of Jadon Sancho is finally announced, with Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane appearing to edge closer to the Bernabeu exit door.

Trippier had been widely expected to follow Varane in swapping Madrid for the red half of Manchester, although that prospect appears to be off the cards – for now at least.

United will be hoping to claim their first piece of silverware under Solskjaer next season, ending a four-year wait for a major trophy.

Reeling in noisy neighbours Manchester City will be a daunting task, though, and one potentially made even trickier by the expected absence of Trippier from the Red Devils’ ranks.

In other news… Laurie Whitwell drops update on £54m-rated Man United maestro, Ole will be fuming 

Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield expects Aston Villa to target Burnley winger Dwight McNeil if they cannot persuade Arsenal to sell Emile Smith Rowe.

Villa boss Dean Smith has been keen to bolster his options after a promising second season back in the Premier League.

However, he has been frustrated in his attempts to sign attacking midfielder Smith Rowe, with Arsenal rejecting two big-money bids for the 20-year-old.

It has been reported that Villa will return with a third bid for the England under-21 international, although it is clear the Gunners do not want to sell as they are looking to tie Smith Rowe down to a new five-year deal.

As a result, McNeil has been identified as an alternative to Smith Rowe, much to the delight of the club’s fans.

Despite being just 21, the winger has already made 96 Premier League appearances, contributing seven goals and 16 assists.

Burnley will not want to lose their talisman, but Hatfield has tipped Smith to plot a move if Smith Rowe commits his future to Arsenal.

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, Hatfield said: “The question, I suppose, is with Burnley. Would they be willing to sell him? They have got new owners in so are they looking to keep hold of players like that, or is there a price tag which both clubs can agree on?

“I think Villa are favouring Smith Rowe over him, judging by the interest we have seen there and the bids they have put in. But maybe he could be a back-up option if the Smith Rowe stuff doesn’t work out.”

Manchester City have been credited with an interest in Benfica left-back Alejandro Grimaldo recently and if he were to sign for Pep Guardiola’s side this summer, he could be a huge upgrade on Benjamin Mendy.

What’s the word?

According to Portuguese journalist Pedro Almeida, City have opened talks with the Liga NOS side over a potential move for the Spanish full-back, with Benfica expected to demand around €30m (£25.6m) for his signature.

Whilst transfer stories regarding Harry Kane and Jack Grealish’s potential moves to the Etihad are always likely to dominate the news, Grimaldo could prove to be a very shrewd acquisition by the Citizens this summer.

Although they are arguably well-stocked at left-back, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo both impressing there last season, with Nathan Ake and Mendy providing back-up, only the Frenchman is a natural in that position and Grimaldo would be a big upgrade on the former AS Monaco man.

Would Grimaldo be an upgrade on Mendy?

Last season saw Mendy manage just 13 appearances in the Premier League, in which he earned a disappointing 6.62 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which ranked him as the third-worst performer in Guardiola’s side of those who made at least 10 top-flight appearances.

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Grimaldo meanwhile, would contribute an impressive two goals and nine assists in 31 Liga NOS appearances, averaging an impressive 7.18 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Therefore, when you also consider Mendy’s horrific injury record during his time at Man City, it seems clear that signing a more consistent, less injury-prone left-back as his replacement would be good business for Guardiola’s side this summer.

The former Barcelona man is highly rated in Portugal, with Benfica’s sporting director Tiago Pinto singing his praises in 2020, saying:

“For me, Grimaldo is one of the best five left-backs in Europe. Many Benfica players are ready to, someday, play in a world-class team. Grimaldo is good enough to play for any side right now.”

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Therefore, Txiki Begiristain should definitely be looking to bring in the Spanish full-back, as he could definitely prove to be a success at the Etihad.

And, in other news… Imagine him and Foden: Txiki can secure City’s long-term future with “very strong” 19 y/o

Floyd Reifer hammered his second match-winning century of the week for the Boatyard XI in the annual Fred Rumsey Pro-Am Festival at Queen’s Park yesterday.The left-hander slammed 12 fours and eight sixes in a blazing 112 not out off just 45 balls in an hour to pilot his side to a nine-wicket win over the Mews XI.On Monday, Reifer hit eight fours and six sixes in a blistering 109 not out off 98 balls to lead the Boatyard XI, captained by former England Test opener Bill Athey, to an exciting one-wicket victory over Combined Schools.The schoolboys seemed on course for their second victory of the tournament when they reduced the Boatyard XI to 59 for six in reply to their total of 151, but Reifer launched a fierce attack on their bowling to see his team home with one ball to spare.Needing 13 runs to win off the final over with the last-wicket pair at the crease, Reifer lifted Kenroy Williams for two sixes and a single to seal victory.Summarised scoresCombined Schools 151 in 32.1 overs (Corey Scantlebury 34, Rico Weekes 21; Bill Athey 2-32, Chris Braddock 2-33, Floyd Reifer 2-37). Boatyard XI 155-9 in 34.5 overs (Floyd Reifer 109 not out, Bill Athey 18; Davin Wiggins 2-19, Derick Bishop 2-31). Boatyard XI won by one wicket.Mews XI 170-8 of 24 overs (Chris Adams 50, G Welch 47, G Warner 27; B Athey 2-20, F Reifer 2-24) Boatyard 176-1 in 17.5 overs (Floyd Reifer 112 not out – 45 balls, 12×4, 8×6, Steve Rhodes 48) Mews XI won by nine wickets.

MatériaMais Notícias

Recém contratado pelo Atlético-MG, o atacante Marlone já foi utilizado no clássico contra o Cruzeiro e agora quer mais. Neste domingo, o jogador estará em campo diante da Caldense, já que Roger Machado pretende poupar seus principais atletas. Desta forma, Marlone quer aproveitar a oportunidade para mostrar seu futebol e colocar uma dúvida a mais na cabeça do treinador.

– Estou trabalhando para isso. Estou à disposição do professor Roger. Quero entrar e fazer meu melhor, corresponder à altura, fazer o meu melhor. O grupo também está preparado para isso. Se ele optar por mim, para começar jogando, vou dar o meu melhor e ajudar a equipe – comentou.

Apesar do pouco tempo de casa, Marlone já garante estar totalmente adaptado ao clube alvinegro. A explicação para isso pode ser encontrada também nos novos e antigos companheiros. Nos tempos de Fluminense, o atacante jogou ao lado de Fred. No Sport, foi parceiro de Danilo e mais recentemente atuou ao lado de Elias, no Corinthians.

– Desde o primeiro dia que cheguei fui bem recebido. Conhecia alguns atletas. Me abraçaram, me acolheram, já estou até dando risada com alguns. Aqui é uma família e tem tudo para gente evoluir esse ano. Estou bem adaptado.

The PCB will not object to any decision by the Supreme Court of Pakistan to lift the lifetime ban on former captain Saleem Malik

Cricinfo staff21-May-2008
PCB lawyer: “If the Supreme Court now overturns the ban [on Saleem Malik], we will have no issues with that decision” © AFP
The PCB will not object to any decision by the Supreme Court of Pakistan to lift the lifetime ban on former captain Saleem Malik.Malik was banned in 2001 from playing cricket, holding any office and from involvement in any cricket-playing activity on the recommendations of an inquiry into match-fixing conducted by Justice Qayyum, then a high court judge and currently Pakistan’s Attorney General.Malik appealed against the ban in the Lahore High Court, but after it was turned down, approached the Supreme Court the same year. The matter lingered on in Pakistan’s highest court until earlier this month, when they granted Malik a right to appeal.Malik had regularly expressed his desire to move into coaching and in the recent past toyed with the idea of opening up an academy, only to have the suggestion shot down because of his ban.And as the court prepares to hear the appeal tomorrow, in a further boost to Malik’s hopes, the PCB has said they will not stand in the way if the ban is overturned.”This was not a ban imposed by the PCB or any administration,” Tafazzul Rizvi, the board’s lawyer, told Cricinfo. “This was a recommendation of an independent inquiry and the board at that time only implemented the recommendation. If the Supreme Court now overturns the ban, we will have no issues with that decision.”

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar recently and the Frenchman could be a superb addition to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

According to French news outlet Le10 Sport, Spurs have joined their North London rivals Arsenal in the race for the Lyon star this summer.

The report claims that whilst Lyon are keen to keep him at the club, they have been hugely impacted by the issues with the TV deals in Ligue 1 that have left the majority of French clubs under financial strain, which means that they could be willing to let him go for less than the £45m they demanded of Arsenal last summer.

Would he be a good signing?

Aouar has been a regular at Lyon in the past four seasons, making 170 appearances for the French giants, in which he has contributed an impressive 32 goals and 31 assists from midfield.

Last season saw the 23-year-old contribute seven goals and three assists in 30 Ligue 1 appearances for Les Gones, averaging a solid 6.83 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Whilst that would rank him above the majority of Spurs’ midfield options from last season, Spurs should perhaps be wary of the fact that Tanguy Ndombele, who was also signed from Lyon, has thus far failed to reach the level he was consistently showing in Ligue 1, despite some improved performances last campaign after a nightmare first season at the club.

However, Aouar is clearly a player who is held in high regard across Europe, with legendary Barcelona star Lionel Messi naming him as one of 15 young players to watch, whilst also singing his praises in 2020, saying:

“He is always calm with the ball at his feet with an excellent technical quality.”

Therefore, if he is able to adapt to the Premier League then he could prove to be a superb addition to Espirito Santo’s side this summer, so sporting director Fabio Paratici should definitely be looking to bring him in.

And, in other news… Paratici can sign Nuno a serious Dier upgrade with swoop for “brilliant” beast

حرص إيهاب جلال المدير الفني الجديد لمنتخب مصر الأول، على التواصل مع لاعبي فريق الكرة الأول بالنادي الأهلي، لتحفيزهم قبل مباراة نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويستعد الأهلي لمواجهة الوداد البيضاوي المغربي في “فاينال” البطولة القارية، والمقرر له في الـ30 من مايو الجاري على ملعب مركب محمد الخامس.

طالع | قائمة منتخب مصر لماراتي غينيا وإثيوبيا.. 44 لاعبًا منهم الشحات وعبد القادر

وعلم “بطولات” أن إيهاب جلال أجرى اتصالات بعدد من لاعبي الأهلي، وذلك لتحفيزهم والشد من أزرهم قبل نهائي بطولة دوري أبطال أفريقيا أمام الوداد.

وتواصل إيهاب جلال مع محمد الشناوي وعمرو السولية وحمدي فتحي ومحمد مجدي أفشة وطالبهم بالتركيز في الفترة المقبلة.

واختتم إيهاب جلال حديثه مع لاعبي الأهلي متمنيًا لهم التوفيق في مواجهة الوداد، قبل إنضمامهم لمعسكر المنتخب الوطني.

يذكر، أن لاعبي الأهلي سينضمون لمعسكر منتخب مصر عقب مباراة الوداد، لخوض مواجهتي الجولة الأولى والثانية من تصفيات أمم إفريقيا أمام غينيا وإثيوبيا.

Wolves may no longer be actively looking to sell some of their most important players but after a dismal pre-season, it’s clear that new recruits are needed.

Just how the Old Gold manages that remains to be seen. After all, we were told at the beginning of the window that they lacked financial power.

What’s the word?

One player Wolves have been interested in since the winter months is Divock Origi.

Reports emerged again this week detailing the club’s attraction to the Liverpool forward but they’ve not taken their interest a step further.

According to Ekrem Konur on Twitter, they have now submitted a bid to sign Origi in the final weeks of the market.

That said, it’s an offer that falls short of the Reds’ valuation.

Konur commented: “Wolverhampton have made a £10m bid for Divock Origi to Liverpool. Liverpool are demanding £20m.”

Howler on the cards

Fans should be thankful that Wolves’ bid falls short of Liverpool’s estimations because he would be a questionable signing.

After a horrendous campaign in 2020/21 from an offensive perspective, there’s no denying that Bruno Lage needs to strengthen his options in attack.

Raul Jimenez was missing with a fractured skull from November onwards and those who stepped in for him didn’t exactly set the world alight.

Pedro Neto had an excellent season but finished as their top scorer on just five goals. Fabio Silva only found the net on four occasions after his club-record move while the less said about Willian Jose the better.

The big Brazilian scored once following a loan move back in January. Throw Patrick Cutrone into the mix and their options in the final third look rather shoddy.

Origi, however, would not improve their options. The Belgian was once dubbed a “monster” by Vincent Kompany but his 35 Liverpool goals have come in a less than impressive 156 outings.

Furthermore, the 26-year-old only scored one goal in the entire of the 2020/21 campaign, starting twice in the Premier League.

If Wolves are going to find an able back-up to Jimenez, they should look closer to home. Rafa Mir anyone?

AND in other news, Wolves can find a new Traore by signing “elegant” 13-goal gem with “something special”…