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Misbah-ul-Haq, who did so much to steer Pakistan away from the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, has spoken of his disappointment at having to face up to another case of corruption in Pakistan cricket. Six years ago, Misbah took over a Test side gutted by the sudden loss of its captain and opener, Salman Butt, as well as its new-ball pair of Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir. This time, he was already captain of the Islamabad United side from which Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif were chargedfor alleged breaches of the PCB’s anti-corruption code.”Nobody wants Pakistan and Pakistani players to be associated with fixing again,” Misbah told ESPNcricinfo. “After six years of hard work such things happening again is a matter of great concern and disappointment. I am really disappointed. But, I think whenever such things happen, you have got to be very strong to face them. Forget about the individuals who are responsible and try to make sure that things are not happening again; move forward, try to perform better, try to be disciplined and improve the reputation around the world.”This latest case, during the ongoing Pakistan Super League, has come as the Lord’s trio stands all but reintegrated into the Pakistan system. Misbah has captained Amir at the international level through the course of 2016, while Butt and Asif are back playing domestic cricket. ESPNcricinfo understands Butt is also in contention to make the national squad for the tour of the West Indies in March. But given what has happened in the PSL, the PCB could be forced to rethink that situation.Frustratingly for the Pakistan board, the latest incident has come after six years of concerted effort to tighten its anti-corruption code and practices. Men’s and women’s teams, at all levels, are given lectures before any tour or series, emphasising the dangers of corruption, as well as the ways in which approaches might occur. Players are given literature in Urdu as well. At the domestic level, apart from the regular programme, Amir, Asif and Butt gave anti-corruption lectures in which they spoke about their experiences.The alleged incidents of corruption in the PSL have come as big blow for the PCB, which had taken great steps to stamp it out of Pakistan cricket•PCB

Both Sharjeel and Latif are Pakistan internationals. Sharjeel, especially, was on the verge of becoming a vital cog in the national side. He has played 25 ODIs and 15 T20Is since his debut in December 2013, and over the last year or so, blossomed into the kind of opener Pakistan needed, especially in limited-overs cricket. He was one of the few bright spots in Pakistan’s chastening tour of Australia recently, from the time he made his Test debut in Sydney to his three fifties in the ODI series. Potentially, under the PCB’s anti-corruption code, he could be facing a life ban.Losing Sharjeel and Latif, along with Andre Russell before the season began for an anti-doping code violation, has hit Islamabad hard as they try to defend their title. At the halfway stage of the PSL, they have two wins and two losses.”It obviously affects you when your match-winners and best players go down, but then, there are other boys on the bench raring to go in, and they are equally good,” Misbah said. “There are tough situations, but it’s about the environment and the winning habit so that it doesn’t matter who comes and goes. The boys take inspiration from every win. They are building up, they are getting the confidence, and with couple of victories, we have a way forward in this PSL. They know their roles, they are always ready to chip in and win us games. Our squad is capable enough to retain the title this year.”Islamabad retained their 17 players this season. The core of their side, however, is an aging one, with several of them over 35 years old. But for Misbah, that is an asset.”Philosophy is just to have players who have better understanding about the game,” he said. “Players who are fit for the game, know their roles, handle pressure very well, and if there are younger players around, then they have good chance in making in our squad as well. It’s not deliberate, but this is actually helping us because we have players from around the world who are mature and experienced in this format. This is actually an advantage for us in many ways as we have players who are mentally strong.”

Newcastle United may consider a move for RB Leipzig star Dominik Szoboszlai if they cannot land James Maddison, Sky Sports presenter Michael Bridge has claimed.

What's the latest on Newcastle's transfers?

The Magpies look set to complete a major signing in AC Milan's Sandro Tonali, and have been linked with a move for James Maddison.

It was previously reported that their budget may be limited this summer as a result of financial fair play restrictions, and this may mean that their move for Tonali prices them out of a deal for the England international.

However, an alternative target to Maddison has been mooted in Szoboszlai, and he could be an option if Newcastle are able to strike a deal whilst keeping in line with FFP.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Bridge revealed that the Hungarian is an option for Newcastle this summer, and that they have been admirers of the midfielder for some time.

"They are looking for a more creative player, Newcastle United as well but Newcastle United, they've got a value for James Madison as have Tottenham Hotspur," he stated.

"If they do walk away, if they decide not to pursue James Maddison, I understand Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig is one of interest, a creative midfielder, 22 years of age. He's one they've liked for some time."

Should Newcastle sign Szoboszlai?

The main question about Newcastle's recruitment this summer lies around FFP, but if they are able to complete another deal for a midfielder, perhaps made possible through sales, then Szoboszlai could be one to target.

The 22-year-old has been excellent for RB Leipzig, scoring ten and assisting 13 times across all competitions, and he ranks highly for both creativity as well as defensive contributions as per FBref.

If the Hungary international does arrive alongside Tonali, then it may mean that one of Newcastle's current crop of midfielders is sacrificed.

The expectation is that the new-look midfield is built around Bruno Guimaraes and Tonali, and this would mean that Joe Willock, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff's places in the team come under jeopardy.

Newcastle will need depth as they return to the Champions League after a long absence, and contending with European and domestic fixtures could require heavy rotation, so extra competition and quality in central areas will certainly be welcomed by Eddie Howe.

The Magpies will aim to build upon their impressive top-four finish, and if they are able to bring in quality recruitments this summer, they could compete for major trophies going forward.

Manchester United would love to also add Declan Rice to their midfield this summer if their financial situation was to allow a potential move.

How much is Declan Rice worth?

Champions League football in on the menu at Old Trafford for next season and it seems they are not looking to waste any time in bringing in some new faces this summer.

Indeed, reports would suggest the Red Devils are keen to acquire the services of Chelsea's Mason Mount to provide Erik ten Hag some strength in midfield.

It has been claimed that the Londoners would be looking for a fee in the region of £68m this summer for their 24-year-old who only has one-year remaining on his current deal.

However, there is another 24-year-old midfielder from London who finds himself surrounded in transfer speculation this summer.

And it happens to be Mount's best friend, Rice, who now looks set to leave West Ham United following their Europa Conference League triumph.

Reports would suggest the Hammers are looking for a fee in excess of £100m this summer for their England international with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal said to be interested.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, insider Alex Crook has claimed those at Old Trafford would love to bring Rice to the Theatre of Dreams this summer but the finances could prove an issue:

"I think United would love to try and sign Declan Rice but again it comes down to economics. We know they want a number nine they want a centre-back as well."

What is Man United's transfer budget?

There have been some suggestions that United will only be handed around £100m to spend this summer which will leave them in need of selling some of their players to create funds.

Adding to their limitations as a result of the FFP regulations, it may be a tricky summer of spending to navigate for the Red Devils.

However, their reported interest in Mount and Harry Kane would potentially see that figure swallowed up immediately over the two potential deals.

Indeed, with Chelsea believed to be holding out for close to £70m for Mount, a possible deal for Kane would see United needing to raise some significant cash.

It is believed Tottenham Hotspur will be doing everything they can this summer to keep their all-time record goalscorer in north London.

But if the England captain is to force a move away, then Spurs will be looking for a figure in excess of £100m for the 29-year-old striker.

And with all of this in mind, you do have to question where a potential move for Rice could fit in?

Potentially if moves for Kane and Mount fall flat then United could look at a deal for the "absolute monster", Rice, however, it looks as if Arsenal are not going to waste any time in their pursuit of the 24-year-old.

Ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Conference League Final between West Ham United and Fiorentina, early team news has begun filtering through on how David Moyes’ side will line up for the decider in Prague.

It’s a huge night for both West Ham and Fiorentina.

The London side are looking for their first major trophy since winning the FA Cup in 1980, while the Italians have not won a major trophy since their Italian Cup triumph in 2001 and their last European trophy was all the way back in 1961.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio expects Moyes to stick to their regular formation of 4-2-3-1 for Wednesday’s final, with no major surprise inclusions or omissions.

Who will be in the starting XI for West Ham in the Conference League Final?

The Hammers boss has implemented the 4-2-3-1 formation in 23 games this season, per FootballCritic. Wednesday’s final will likely see the formation played for the 24th time, according to DiMarzio.

Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is expected to start in goal for the Hammers.

The Frenchman has been West Ham’s No.1 in cup competitions this season, starting all 12 of the club’s Conference League fixtures this season. Per Transfermarkt, Areloa has conceded just seven goals in those games, keeping six clean sheets.

A central defensive pairing of Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd is expected, with Aaron Cresswell at left-back and Vladimir Coufal at right-back.

Declan Rice will captain the side in what could be his final appearance for West Ham, with reports linking the England International with a summer move away from the London Stadium with Manchester United, Arsenal and Bayern Munich all interested in his services.

Rice will make be joined in midfield by Czech Republic international Tomas Soucek, who has been in only 33% of the Hammers' starting XIs in this season’s Europa Conference League.

Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma will start on the right and left flanks, while Brazil international Lucas Paqueta will start in the No.10 role behind striker Michail Antonio up front.

Full starting XI: Areola; Cresswell, Aguerd, Zouma, Coufal; Rice, Soucek; Benrahma, Paqueta, Bowen; Antonio.

Has Moyes got his team selection correct?

This is a West Ham side that picks itself for the final, and no inclusions or exclusions will be of huge surprise for Hammers fans.

Thilo Kehrer may consider himself unfortunate to miss out on a starting spot after a strong performance in the semi-final second leg away to AZ Alkmaar, but Moyes has instead opted for the experience of Coufal.

Indeed, the former Paris Saint-Germain ace registered the joint-third highest Sofascore rating in the West Ham team that day, which is hardly a surprise given he registered two clearances, two interceptions (joint-most) and one block, whilst Coufal, 30, could also have the home support behind him, being back in his home country – the Czech Republic.

With the injury to Gianluca Scammaca requiring surgery, Antonio is Moyes' best option up front.

With six goals in eight games in this competition, Antonio could have a big role to play for his side in tonight's final.

Liverpool look to have finally entered a transitional phase following an action-packed campaign that now has them placed as rank outsiders to qualify for the Champions League heading into the final day.

Jurgen Klopp has commented on why their hopes of securing a place in Europe's elite competition for next campaign have all but faded, as cited by The Liverpool Echo, stating: “I think the whole season is a season where we qualify for the Europa League and not for Champions League." He then added: “We were too long not good enough or ourselves. I think we made it pretty exciting. I didn’t think that was possible seven weeks ago. The boys did really well in that period."

Truthfully, Liverpool did come closer than a lot of people would've expected in their hunt to sneak into the top-four, though will now be looking ahead to the summer as change engulfs the horizon at Anfield.

Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all confirmed to be leaving the club once their contracts expire in the off-season. Nevertheless, Red TV pundit Paul Machin has a belief that the Reds could turn to their academy to provide squad depth in another positional area come 2023/24.

Who could emerge next season and become a regular first-teamer at Anfield?

Speaking to Football FanCast, Machin believes that youngster Ben Doak, who has been hailed as "unplayable", could come into the fold next season and help to supplement their squad depth in the wide areas.

Machin told FFC: "We're looking at who can be Mohamed Salah's understudy and I think I think one of Doak or Gordon will be that potentially this season."

In the case of Doak, there is definitely potential for the former Celtic youngster to have a path to first-team opportunities at Anfield and he has even been praised by Liverpool and Celtic icon Kenny Dalglish as his stock continues to rise.

As per Football Scotland, Dalglish said: "He certainly looks the part. He will get there eventually but let's not push him too quickly. The wee man has done brilliant at Liverpool. "He's got good vision, he can go past players and he's not selfish. He's always looking for team-mates. It's asking a lot at 17 to go in there with a Premier League team on a regular basis, but, when he's been in there, he's done all right."

In total, he has made five senior appearances for Liverpool in all competitions, though combined with his exploits at underage levels, Doak has registered 11 goals and eight assists in 32 outings across 2022/23, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored shows that Doak completed three dribbles in just 16 minutes on the pitch for the Reds in their triumph against Derby County in the EFL Cup last December, demonstrating his capacity to regularly beat his opposition marker and advance into dangerous territory.

Klopp was quick to talk up his performance on what was his senior debut that night, as per Glasgow Live, stating: “That’s Ben. His instructions were easy: do what you do all the time. He’s really a lively boy, a smart player, good dribbler, fast, can use both legs."

Of course, he is hardly going to be earmarked as a first-choice to replace £350,000 per week earner Mohamed Salah for example, who has bagged 30 goals and 15 assists this campaign, though Scotland Under-21 international Doak could most certainly be used more frequently at senior level.

Starlet Gordon could also be another one to watch going into 2023/24, with the 18-year-old having notched 15 goals and seven assists combined across all competitions he has featured in, as per Transfermarkt.

For now, Doak is probably slightly closer to a first-team breakthrough and has already experienced a taste of a big occasion. In February 2022, at just 16, the Dalry-born speedster appeared for Celtic in the final stages of a vital 3-0 Glasgow Derby victory over Rangers.

Doak looks to have a bright future ahead on Merseyside and there is every chance he could be accelerated into a more prominent role at Liverpool as they gear up for next season.

Sam Hain was instrumental in Birmingham ending a run of three straight defeats and keeping alive their hopes of a quarter-final place in the NatWest Blast

ECB Reporters Network17-Jul-2016
ScorecardSam Hain continued his excellent limited-overs form•Getty ImagesBirmingham put their NatWest t20 Blast campaign back on track after three straight defeats with a 28-run victory over Leicestershire at Edgbaston.The Bears’ 186 for four was built on an opening stand of 125 inside 13 overs by Sam Hain, who scored 79 off 52 deliveries, and Ian Bell, who made a 35-ball 57.While those two were together the Bears looked set to total over 200 but the Foxes, led by Clint McKay’s one for 16 off four overs, fought back well to leave a target around par on a good batting pitch.But though a string of Foxes batsmen got a start, none played the decisive innings the team needed as they fell short on 158 for nine.A Bears attack including Keith Barker for the first time in the competition this season kept taking wickets at important times to reassert theirqualification bid and extinguish the Foxes’.After the visitors won the toss, Hain and Bell began in measured fashion, with the latter still to score after two overs, before accelerating past 60 in the sixth over.The century partnership arrived in the 12th over, both openers having taken advantage of a short boundary to clear the ropes on the off-side.Hain was first to his half-century, from 36 balls, Bell’s following from 32, but the latter’s dismissal after striking four fours and four sixes in his 57, edging Rob Taylor behind, signalled a sharp drop in momentum.Bell’s wicket was quickly followed by that of Matt Wade, on his home debut, as the Australian fell lbw to his countryman McKay for five.When Hain sought another six – his third of the innings to go with nine fours – off Cameron Delport but found only the hands of Ben Raine at deep extra-cover, three wickets had fallen for 26 runs in 18 balls.Laurie Evans perished in similar fashion to Hain and although Rikki Clarke (24 not out) landed a couple of hefty blows, a skilful final over from McKay sent the Foxes into the mid-innings break in perky mood.The Foxes reply started briskly with Mark Cosgrove and Mark Pettini adding 36 in 27 balls before the latter pulled Oliver Hannon-Dalby to Jeetan Patel at deep mid-wicket.Delport’s 18-ball 20 included an audacious reverse-swept six off Josh Poysden but the South African perished attempting a repeat off Ateeq Javid.As the required run-rate rose, greater risks had to be taken. Cosgrove (42 from 29 balls) hoisted Patel to long off, Lewis Hill charged the same bowler, missed, and was adroitly stumped by Wade and when Farhaan Behardien lifted Clarke to long-off all that remained in the Foxes’ locker was some futile swishing.

Manchester United have tabled a contract offer for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, having met with the player's representatives a few weeks ago, according to a recent report.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

Erik ten Hag is planning a major overhaul of his squad this summer, with Harry Maguire's future up in the air, while Eric Bailly is also expected to leave on a permanent basis, meaning some new options may be required at centre-back this summer.

The Daily Mail report that Victor Lindelof's future is uncertain, meaning Man United have stepped up their pursuit of AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi, while they are also keeping tabs on A.C Milan's Fikayo Tomori.

However, it appears as though Kim may be the Red Devils' main target, as it has recently been reported that a July 1st bid of €50m – €60m (£43m – £52m) is ready to go, with the defender's release clause set to become active on that date.

Not only are United planning to make a bid, but a recent report from Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness) has now detailed that they have actually met with the representatives of the Napoli star, submitting a "colossal" contract offer.

Agreeing personal terms is of key significance, as the South Korean's release clause dismisses any negotiation between clubs, and Man United have tried to get in there early to win the race for his signature.

Even though the 26-year-old is happy at Napoli, he is also interested in moving to the Premier League, and game time would not be a problem at Old Trafford, as the club are planning to get rid of Maguire.

Should Man United sign Kim Min-Jae?

Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti has heaped praise on the South Korea international, describing him as "the best centre-back in the world", while teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has lauded him as an "extraordinary defender."

The 6 foot 3 colossus has played a major part in Napoli's title-winning Serie A campaign, making 33 league appearances, and he has averaged a Sofascore match rating of 7.24, which is more than any Man United player other than Bruno Fernandes.

The Napoli star is dominant in the air, averaging 3.0 aerials won per 90 in the past year, while he is also better at cutting out opposition attacks than Maguire, given that he has averaged more interceptions per 90 than the Englishman during the same time period.

£52m is a bargain for a player with Kim's ability, and he would be a real upgrade at the back for Ten Hag.

أعلن خالد العوضي، مدير النشاط الرياضي في النادي الأهلي، عن التعاقد مع سهيلة وفيق، للانضمام إلى صفوف الفريق الأول لكرة الطائرة «سيدات»، بداية من يناير الجاري.

وأكد العوضي أن اللاعبة وقعت على عقود الانضمام إلى النادي في إطار تدعيم صفوف الفريق، من أجل المنافسة على الفوز بكل البطولات خلال الفترة القادمة.

اقرأ أيضًا..بعد صراع مع الزمالك.. الأهلي ينجح في ضم صفقتين لـ سيدات الكرة الطائرة

وأوضح العوضي أن سهيلة من لاعبات النادي وسافرت للدراسة في إحدى الجامعات الأمريكية، وكان التفكير الأول بعد الانتهاء من دراستها هو عودتها مرة أخرى إلى الفريق.

وأشار العوضي إلى أنها تمثل إضافة كبيرة لفريق كرة الطائرة، مؤكدًا جاهزيتها للمشاركة خلال الفترة المقبلة، تحت قيادة إبراهيم فخر الدين، ‏المدير الفني.

Tottenham Hotspur once again threw away two vital points on the road, as another relegation-threatened team snatched a result at the death courtesy of a 1-1 draw.

This time it was Everton who battled back despite a red card and conceding a penalty, with Michael Keane's unlikely scorcher leaving Huge Lloris stranded with minutes to go.

However, it was surprisingly exactly what their play had merited, as despite taking the lead the Lilywhites once again sat back instead of pushing on. Although Antonio Conte has been sacked, it felt like he was still right there in the dugout with last night's display.

This lack of attacking impetus once again forged a chasm between their potent front three and the midfield, which meant the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son were starved of the ball.

It seems neither Conte nor Cristian Stellini can comprehend that these are the team's match-winners, and to isolate them reduces their chance of winning tenfold.

Due to this lack of service, the South Korean continued his barren run in front of goal. The 30-year-old has been a shadow of his former self of late, with just six league goals to his name after 27 appearances.

Goodison Park played witness to another toothless display last night.

How did Heung-min Son play vs Everton?

With the worst Sofascore rating of those Spurs players who started the match, this alone is a damning indication of his performance.

The anonymity of the winger led to such a poor showing, as his 27 touches were bettered even by his goalkeeper Huge Lloris, who enjoyed 49 touches (via Sofascore).

However, even when Son was involved he was hardly influential. The former Bayer Leverkusen speedster could not muster a single shot all night and was unsuccessful in the sole dribble he attempted. Also, the fact he would lose possession nine times meant that for every three touches, he would have the ball stolen.

These abhorrent statistics were just the tip of the iceberg for journalist Charlie Gordon, who wrote a scathing assessment of not just his performance but his season as a whole: "Heung-min Son still performing so far short of his usual standards. Bit of a passenger in this Tottenham front 3 at present.

"All the quality coming from Kane and Kulusevski. 2yrs ago you’d have bet your house on him burying that chance just before the break."

With his strike partner Kane continuing to score, albeit from the penalty spot, it highlights just how impotent the £190k-per-week winger has been of late. If the England captain is managing to find the net, then his counterpart has no excuses.

In a season to forget for both the player and his club, Son must turn things around soon or face his season ending with a whimper.

Everton are leading the race to sign AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: January contact made

Sean Dyche failed to bring a single player to Goodison Park during the short amount of time he had available to him at the start of the New Year but it sounds like he’s already identifying his targets for the upcoming window.

Abraham’s contract at the Stadio Olimpico isn’t set to expire until 2026, but having recently dropped off in form under Jose Mourinho, he could be on the move at the end of the season.

The Yellow and Reds forward is no stranger to Premier League football, having worked his way up through the ranks from being an academy graduate to a senior first-team squad member at Chelsea.

iNews report that the Toffees had an approach for the 25-year-old turned down in January, but having made contact, it’s believed that the Italian giants would be willing to listen to offers.

The Latest: Everton in pole position

According to Forzaroma.info (via Sport Witness), Everton are in the ‘front row’ to sign Abraham with several clubs, including the Merseysiders, ‘ready to present important offers’.

Roma have already ‘fixed’ their asking price and are set to demand a fee of €75m (£66m) in order to sanction his sale.

Dyche’s side are ‘in the picture’ to land England’s former international, who could ‘part ways’ with the Serie A outfit should his form not improve between now and the conclusion of the term.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Abraham has been dubbed a ‘goal machine’ by former professional Stephen Elliot and should the opportunity to sign him arise this summer, Everton have a no-brainer of a decision to make.

Mourinho’s striker has posted a remarkable 202 goal contributions (159 goals and 43 assists) in 355 career appearances, highlighting how prolific he can be in the final third.

The Camberwell-born talent would also be the ideal target man up top standing at 6 foot 2 where he’s currently averaging 2.2 aerial wins per league game.

Chelsea’s former star offers excellent flexibility with his ability to operate out wide on both the left and right wings alongside his natural centre-forward position, making him a valuable player to have in the building.

Finally, Abraham has bagged three senior trophies during his career so far, including winning the Champions League with the Blues, so he would be able to bring a much-needed winning mentality to Goodison Park.