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وجه ضياء السيد مدرب منتخب مصر الأسبق، رسالة لـ حسام حسن المدير الفني للفراعنة، موضحًا رأيه في تقليل عدد أندية الدوري المصري بالفترة المقبلة.

وقال ضياء السيد في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة ETC: “رأيي خلال الـ 3 أشهر القادمة ألا يشغل حسام حسن ذهنه بأي شيء إلا البطولة الودية في الإمارات، ومباراتي تصفيات كأس العالم، من أجل انهاء المرحلة الأولى بشكل جيد”.

وتابع: “موضوع التفكير في تغيير شكل مسابقة الدوري أمر جيد، وأتمنى أن يتم تقليل عدد الأندية من 18 لـ 16، لأن هذا يُقلل عدد المباريات”.

وأردف: “وقت قيادة كيروش تحدثنا في هذا الأمر وأمور كثيرة أخرى لكنها لم تظهر لأن الوقت كان مضغوطا، لكنها فكرة جيدة وأتمنى تنفيذها، لكنها تحتاج إلى موسم انتقالي لضبط الأمور”.

طالع | ميدو يوجه رسالة إلى حسام حسن بعد تعرضه لوعكة صحية

وأكمل: “هذه الفكرة يجب تنفيذها، والرعاة يدفعون على قدر الأسابيع التي ستُلعب، وعندما تنتظم المسابقة سيدفع أكثر بعد زيادة قوتها، الفكرة تحتاج لمسؤولين يريدون إصلاح الكرة المصرية”.

وبسؤاله هل ممكن يكون هناك مشرف على المنتخب من خارج الاتحاد؟، أجاب: “طالما هناك مدير للمنتخب فلا نحتاج إلى مُشرف، يكفي مدير المنتخب ولا نزيد الكلام في غرفة الملابس، أنا أرى أن المنتخب لا يحتاج إلى مشرف”.

وأتم: “حسام حسن كان ينتظر تعيينه منذ فترة، ومتحمس، ويتواجد في المباريات ويجمع أفكاره وهذا طبيعي”.

A tireless Yasir Shah bowled Pakistan to a 133-run win over West Indies in Abu Dhabi, picking up his eighth Test five-wicket haul along the way

The Report by Karthik Krishnaswamy25-Oct-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details4:05

Bazid: Misbah’s way has worked

Bowling nearly unchanged from the start of the day’s play, Yasir Shah produced a legspin masterclass on a flat, slow fifth-day pitch to bowl Pakistan to a 133-run win in Abu Dhabi. There was no alarming turn available to Yasir, and hardly any instances of uncertain bounce; he had to draw on all his stamina, skill and intelligence to pick up his eighth five-wicket haul and second ten-wicket match haul in 18 Tests. Yasir bowled 21 of Pakistan’s 46 overs on day five as they bowled West Indies out for 322, chasing an improbable 456, an hour and 15 minutes after lunch.Yasir took all three wickets that fell in the morning session, teasing out Roston Chase in the tenth over of the morning and using the second new ball to dismiss Jermaine Blackwood, who fell five short of a hundred, and Jason Holder. Shai Hope and Devendra Bishoo made Pakistan wait with an eighth-wicket stand of 45, before Yasir and Zulfiqar Babar took out the last three wickets in the space of four overs.West Indies began the fifth day with Blackwood and Chase at the crease. The pair had been the overnight batsmen when they drew the Jamaica Test against India in August. It took until the tenth over of the day for Yasir to break their partnership, which added 63 runs in 26.4 overs.Chase only scored 20, but served a vital function by resisting Yasir, facing 54 of the 80 balls he delivered during the course of the stand. Unlike his team-mates, he seldom wavered from the path of defence, except on the rare occasion when Yasir lost his length, such as when he pulled him for four late on the fourth evening. Yasir plugged away on a good length, but kept varying his lines to Chase. One instance of this came in the fourth over of the morning, when he floated one up outside off after sending down a series of balls around leg stump. Chase had kept his front pad resolutely out of the way while defending the leg-stump balls. Now, he failed to get his front foot across to drive, and sliced the ball uppishly towards backward point.Yasir Shah now has eight five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket match hauls in 18 Tests•Getty Images

In his next over, Chase left two balls on a similar line wide of off. Then, finally, Yasir found the perfect line, pitching on off and middle, forcing Chase to play, and the perfect pace, slow enough to make him reach out, to find his edge.By the 18th over of the morning – the 80th of West Indies’ innings – Yasir was into his 26th straight over since the fourth evening, and seemed to be tiring, serving up a long-hop that Blackwood pulled for four. But Misbah-ul-Haq kept him on, even though he took the second new ball as soon as it was due, and stuck with him even after an expensive first over with it, when Shai Hope put him away for two authoritative boundaries through the off side.Yasir rewarded Misbah’s faith, getting the ball to skid on as Blackwood came forward to defend, looking for turn, and brushed his pads before clattering the stumps. Blackwood, who had lived on the edge on the fourth day, had looked far more assured on the fifth morning, not trying anything extravagant but putting away the smallest lapse in length, such as when he drove Sohail Khan twice to the cover boundary in the first over with the new ball.Then, in the penultimate over of the session, the tendency for the new ball to skid brought Yasir his fifth wicket. Holder, going on to the back foot to work him through the leg side, couldn’t bring his bat down quick enough. He hesitated too long before deciding to review umpire Richard Illingworth’s lbw decision, which was just as well because the ball was pitching in line and had straightened just enough to hit a good chunk of leg stump.Hope played Yasir impressively during his innings of 41, his inside-out drives a standout feature, and it was Zulfiqar who eventually dismissed him. Looking to defend off the back foot, he was undone by one that turned more than expected, and Younis Khan fell to his left to take a sharp low catch. Yasir then grabbed his sixth, bowling the left-handed Miguel Cummins when he played inside the line of a legbreak, before Zulfiqar wrapped up victory, slowing it down and getting Devendra Bishoo to miscue a slog-sweep to Misbah-ul-Haq running from midwicket to square leg.

Chelsea target Moises Caicedo will not be sold for £100m+ this summer but is expected to cost in the region of £70m-£80m from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Will Moises Caicedo be allowed to leave?

The Ecuadorian midfielder has enjoyed an impressive campaign on the south coast which has seen the Seagulls manage to secure a spot in the Europa League for next season.

Caicedo featured in 37 of Brighton's Premier League games this season and started in a whopping 34 of them (via Transfermarkt).

However, it does seem he could be set to leave this summer despite the prospect of European nights to come at the Amex Stadium next season.

Brighton have already seen Alexis Mac Allister depart this summer after the Argentine completed a £35m move to Liverpool on Thursday.

And it is believed that they will not stand in the way of the 21-year-old, Caicedo, who is expected to bring in considerably more money than his former teammate, Mac Allister.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has provided some insight towards a potential move from the south coast to west London with Chelsea believed to be seriously interested:

"Chelsea are absolutely into the race. Chelsea are convinced that Caicedo is kind of perfect player for the idea.

What's the point? I heard something about £100m value for Caicedo. No, the idea from sources I spoke to is that Caicedo is gonna be worth maybe £70m/£80m no more than this."

Who is interested in Caicedo?

Of course, Chelsea have been credited with interest in the Ecuadorian midfielder ahead of the summer window but there are also other reported suitors.

According to Romano, there is interest also coming from other Premier League sides with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United keen on the 21-year-old.

This comes just months after the Gunners made a serious move Caicedo in the January transfer window which saw two bids – worth up to £70m – rejected by the Seagulls.

It is also believed Arsenal are set to launch their first bid for Declan Rice over the coming days but it has previously been suggested this would not deter their interest in Caicedo.

The Blues will not have any form of European football ahead of the new campaign, however, they will likely provide a financial battle to match any other side.

Todd Bohely's willingness to invest the cash into Chelsea since his arrival cannot be ignored with the Blues having spent around £600m over the last two transfer windows.

With N'Golo Kante expected to leave the club over the coming days and the likes of Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher also linked with potential moves away, the door could certainly open up for the Ecuadorian at Stamford Bridge.

كشف صالح جمعة لاعب الكرخ العراقي تفاصيل رحيل شقيقه عبد الله عن صفوف الزمالك في يناير الماضي، موضحاً رأيه في تعيين حسام حسن مديرًا فنيًا لمنتخب مصر الأول.

وكان عبد الله جمعة قد رحل إلى صفوف بلدية المحلة في صفقة انتقال حر بعد فسخ التعاقد مع الزمالك.

وقال صالح جمعة في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة اون تايم سبورتس2: “اختيار حسام حسن لتدريب منتخب مصر تأخر جدًا، كان يجب أن يتواجد منذ فترة طويلة”.

وأوضح: “كل المنتخبات التي تتوج بكأس أمم إفريقيا يقودها مدربين وطنيين، والمدرب الوطني له شكل مختلف لأنه يشعر بالشعب، وهذا يفرق نفسيًا مع اللاعبين”.

وبسؤاله عن كواليس رحيل عبد الله جمعة من نادي الزمالك؟، أردف: “عبد الله دخل بأدب واحترام وأفنى وأخلص في الزمالك 7 سنوات، وتوج بكل شيء دوري وكأس وسوبر وكونفدرالية، تخطى 95% من نسبة مشاركاته في البطولات التي تحققت، حصل على بطولات أكثر من بعض المسؤولين في الإدارة”.

طالع | صالح جمعة يكشف تفاصيل انضمامه لـ الكرخ العراقي.. ويصرح: طموحي العودة لمنتخب مصر

وواصل: “خروج عبد الله جمعة من النادي قبل غلق باب القيد بساعات أمر مُهين جدًا، هناك فرق بين أن أبلغك قبلها بفترة أنك لن تكون موجودا، أو أن أبلغك يومها، ويتم فسخ العقد من طرف واحد”.

وزاد: “خرجت تصريحات بأن الفسخ تم بالتراضي وهذا لم يحدث، عبد الله جمعة لم يوقع على أي استمارة أو فسخ للتعاقد، هو خرج من القائمة ورحل قبل غلق القيد بـ 48 ساعة (اتاخد على خوانة) وهو لم يُقصر مع الزمالك”.

واستطرد: “حسين لبيب هو الذي جدد لـ عبد الله عندما كان رئيسًا للنادي خلال الفترة المؤقتة، وحصل على شيكات منه كمقدم تعاقد لم يتم صرفها حتى الآن، وعبد الله لم يُفكر للحظة أن يرفع قضية على النادي، وتم الضغط عليه من قبل المحامي أن يرفع قضية لكنه رفض”.

وأكمل: “العقد الذي وقع عليه كان يتخطى الـ 25 مليون جنيه، ومع ذلك لم يجلس معه أحد ولم يخرج كما حدث معي في الإسماعيلي المحترم، وبعد أن تغير شكل إدارة الزمالك والنادي والتعاقد مع الصفقات كان يجب أن يتم التعامل مع عبد الله بشكل أفضل”.

وأشار لاعب الكرخ العراقي: “عندما خرجت من الأهلي كان سيد عبد الحفيظ تحدث معي قبلها بمنتهى الاحترام يجعل الواحد يُصلي كل يوم ويشكر الفترة التي عمل فيها مع هذا النادي، وعبد الله جمعة لا يستحق ما حدث معه في الزمالك”.

وأضاف: “تحدثت مع أحمد سليمان لأعرف موقف عبد الله جمعة حتى يكون عندنا وقت لنتحرك بشأن مستقبله، فكان رده إذا لم تأت عروض لـ عبد الله فهو مستمر، ولو أراد أن يرحل سأعطيه مستحقات الموسم الماضي، أما الموسم الحالي فأنا لم أعطي أي لاعب مستحقات حتى الآن”.

وتابع: “عبد الله حزين بعد 7 سنوات أخلص فيها للزمالك، ومحاميه التونسي أنيس بن ميم يضغط عليه من أجل رفع قضية ولكن اللاعب يرفض”.

وأتم: “عبد الله الآن مع المدرب أحمد عبد الرؤوف في بلدية المحلة، عبد الله طيب جدًا، عندما وقع للزمالك والمحامي أخذ عقده من اتحاد الكرة ليطلع عليه عبد الله لم يكن يعرف راتبه”.

New Zealand’s only warm-up match in a tour played during India’s off-season will be played on a pitch that bears little resemblance to the raging turners that they are likely to confront during the Test matches

The Preview by Sidharth Monga in Delhi15-Sep-2016Two weeks ago New Zealand were facing the pace barrage of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada in South Africa’s off-season. A short stop at home later, they are in Delhi, during India’s off-season, preparing for what promises to be a challenging Test series on India’s raging turners. It is so early in the season that even the pre-season fumigation in the press-conference room – Delhi is fighting an outbreak of mosquito-infested diseases – was carried out only minutes before New Zealand arrived.All New Zealand have between landing in India and the Test series, to prepare for what has the makings of the biggest challenge in Test cricket today, are a couple of training sessions in Delhi, a three-day game against Mumbai that begins on Friday, and two more training sessions at the venue of the first Test.India are not going to do them any favours either. Not that New Zealand expected any. They didn’t expect the track for the three-day game to prepare them for what is in store, and Feroz Shah Kotla is certainly in no mood to surprise them pleasantly. The track for the match against Mumbai, which won’t be a first-class fixture and will thus let all 15 have a bat and a bowl, is not quite a greentop but looks nothing like what you will encounter at Indian Test venues.”It is what we expected to see here,” Ross Taylor said of the grass on the Kotla pitch. This is consistent with what Virat Kohli felt when India gave England barely any spin to face in their warm-up matches before the Tests in 2012-13.”We were given flattest of tracks during practice matches in England and Australia, and then suddenly presented with a greentop during the Tests,” Kohli had said back then. “During practice matches, we would face those 120kmph bowlers … If they [England and Australia] wanted to be fair to us, they could have provided us with same kind of tracks for practice matches, like what were used in Tests. Especially, when they knew that visiting teams get very less time to practise. Now they would be playing on turning tracks and definitely would know where they stand.”England played three warm-up matches before the Tests on that tour, but only once, against Haryana, did they get to face genuine spinners. In the other two games, the only spin they faced was delivered by part-timers. New Zealand, having seen the pitch at the Kotla, didn’t look in a mood to complain. “We are expecting the wickets to turn,” Taylor said at the press conference a day before the warm-up game. “We are not expecting the Test wickets to look the way it is looking at Kotla.”For New Zealand the warm-up game is more about getting used to the weather, with temperatures in the mid-30s when it is winter back home. “A warm-up game is a warm-up game,” Taylor said. “A chance to get out and play in Indian conditions. Obviously a lot warmer than a couple of days ago back home in New Zealand. Stretch your legs so to speak. We are expecting a tough match against Mumbai tomorrow.”Before the reversal in South Africa, New Zealand were the side expected to present the toughest challenge to the hosts in this season of 13 Tests. They still possibly have the best spin resources among the touring teams this season. But the scheduling of the series relegates them to being a bit of a sideshow. They are used to this. When they go to England, they play in May; their last tour to India was in August-September, and this year they are playing back-to-back Test series in off-seasons. It is a fact not lost on them.”The last two tours we had here we didn’t even have a warm-up game,” Taylor said. “So it’s nice to have a warm-up game against a good opposition. It’s going to be a hard-fought series over the next three weeks. The boys are looking forward to it.”If the warm-up game is just a means to acclimatise yourselves to the heat and if you are expected to adjust from South African conditions to Indian ones suddenly, how do you do it? In the nets, Taylor said. “Regardless of whether you are playing on a bouncy green wicket or on a turning wicket, you have got to put yourself under pressure in training and try to simulate as much as possible.”Accordingly, one of the members of New Zealand’s support staff was seen asking the groundsmen to shave off the grass on the nets pitches. The next three days are not just about what goes on in the middle at the Feroz Shah Kotla, but also about how much the ones not on the field can take away from their nets sessions.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to plotting a raid on one of the Premier League's recently relegated sides, amid claims that Leeds United's Jack Harrison is a potential target ahead of the summer transfer window.

What's the latest on Harrison to Tottenham?

According to Football Insider, the Lilywhites are believed to be keen to revive their interest in the Englishman ahead of next season, with Daniel Levy and co having previously been linked with the 26-year-old last summer.

As the report noted, the one-time New York City FC man is set to be available at a 'discounted price' following Leeds' drop into the Championship, with talkSPORT stating that the winger has a relegation clause in his contract which will allow him to leave on the cheap.

The former Manchester City asset – who only signed a new deal with the Elland Road outfit back in early April – was previously the subject of a £20m bid from Leicester City during the winter window.

Would Harrison be a good signing for Tottenham?

There may not be too much excitement among Spurs supporters at the prospect of Levy signing a player who has only just been relegated, although Harrison did at least enjoy a positive campaign on an individual note, bagging five goals and seven assists in 35 league games.

The £90k-per-week speedster notably scored what proved to be a mere consolation in Tottenham's 4-1 win over Sam Allardyce's side at the weekend, having looked 'bright' on an otherwise 'dark day' for the Whites, as per Leeds Live's Beren Cross.

That effort also ensures that Harrison now boasts a respectable tally of 36 goals and assists in 106 top-flight games since the start of the 2020/21 campaign, having initially joined Leeds on loan in the second tier back in 2018.

That record has seen the 5 foot 9 ace dubbed "one of the best wingers" that teammate Junior Firpo has ever worked with, while former New York City colleague Frank Lampard also described his compatriot as "one of the best wingers in the Premier League" earlier in the campaign.

Also hailed as a "revelation" by Lampard during their time together in the United States, Harrison is evidently a player of real talent, with the forward's arrival potentially set to prove a dream addition for current Spurs talisman, Harry Kane.

While the latter man can seemingly deliver the goods on his own having scored 30 league goals this season as part of a struggling side, the 29-year-old may benefit from the capture of a clinical and creative force such as Harrison.

The former England U21 international has proven himself able to provide quality service for his teammates after creating nine 'big chances' in the 2022/23 season, with that more than what both Heung-min Son (eight) and Dejan Kulusevski (seven) achieved for the Lilywhites.

That quality from the flanks was evident in the early season win over Chelsea for Leeds, with Harrison having teed up teammate Rodrigo to score with an "absolutely magnificent" set-piece delivery, as per Sky Sports pundit, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Such brilliance could well have Kane licking his lips at the prospect of being supplied even more frequently next season, with such a partnership potentially set to blossom at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Cheteshwar Pujara is not unduly worried by his recent inability to convert starts to big scores, pointing out that some of those starts were important contributions to the team’s cause

Karthik Krishnaswamy in Kingston29-Jul-20162:22

‘We won’t worry too much about the wicket’ – Pujara

Having come in at the fall of an early wicket, Cheteshwar Pujara had done most of the hard things right in the Antigua Test. He had seen off the new ball, achieved a 100% control rate against the opposition’s most dangerous bowler, Shannon Gabriel, and gone to lunch unbeaten. Shortly after the break, though, he got himself out, top-edging a pull off legspinner Devendra Bishoo.With that, his last five scores in Test cricket were 21, 31, 14, 28, and 16. It’s the kind of sequence that, on paper, suggests a batsman isn’t converting his starts, or is losing his concentration too often, and a not-too-dissimilar sequence – though longer – briefly cost Pujara his Test spot in early 2015. Pujara, though, says he isn’t worried about his form. Speaking to the media on Thursday, he pointed out that some of his recent in-between scores were important contributions in a low-scoring home series against South Africa.”Overall I have been batting well and even in the South Africa series there have been good scores and good batting on challenging wickets,” he said. “So at times you have to be realistic and see the contribution without seeing whether I am getting hundreds or big double-hundreds. It’s always about contributing to the team’s success.”I feel I am batting well without worrying too much about it and at the same time I realise I played a bad shot in the last Test match when I was looking good. I did the hard work in the first session when the ball was moving. Obviously I played a bad shot and there are things to learn from that particular game. Overall the team did well and I am really happy with the way things are going.”Pujara was one of only four Indian players – the others were Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul and Bhuvneshwar Kumar – who turned up for an optional practice session two days before the second Test against West Indies in Jamaica. He said he wasn’t working on anything specific, and that he just liked to take every opportunity to bat at the nets.”I think I just want to practice a little more since I didn’t score runs in the first Test match so I can get some extra hits,” he said. “Whenever there is an option to practice, I prefer to practice. It is always about the individual, [whether he] wants to take a break or practice. I am the kind of player who prefers to practice even on an optional day.”There was a healthy covering of grass on the Sabina Park pitch on Thursday, but Pujara said it wouldn’t affect the team’s plans, or change their preparation, all that much.”I don’t think so,” he said “If we see the first Test, there was good pace and bounce from the wicket, and we did well. We just need to continue doing what we have been doing well and there have been many partnerships from the last game. In particular, [R] Ashwin batted well and [Amit] Mishra did well; the top order is doing well and there are contributions from the lower order which is a positive sign from the team.”Pujara said his role in the side remained just the same under new head coach Anil Kumble.”Things remain very simple,” he said. “I always have to contribute and play with responsibility. And I have been doing that and keep working hard on my game as I have been. And I don’t think I need to really worry much about the kind of performances I have put on or what everyone is saying.”I have spoken to [Kumble], he told me about a few things which obviously I cannot disclose here. He has been very positive with the way I have batted in the past and contributions I have made. And he is very happy with the way I have been batting.”

Newcastle United reportedly ‘remain keen’ on signing Sven Botman in the summer, despite a ‘sensational twist’ that has now emerged.

The Lowdown: Milan bound?

It has been reported that the St. James’ Park faithful have ‘not given up hope’ of signing Botman in the summer, despite AC Milan already verbally agreeing personal terms with the Lille central defender.

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After failing to sign him in the January transfer window, the North East club have continually held ‘extensive negotiations’ over the potential signing, but it looks like Milan could be the favourites for his signature.

The Latest: Remain keen

As per Football Insider, the Tyneside outfit ‘remain keen’ on signing Botman, even though a ‘sensational twist’ has now emerged in the form of a new suitor.

According to a source from Manchester United, the Red Devils are now ‘exploring a move’ for the Dutchman, with ‘preliminary talks’ set to take place after a board meeting involving new manager Erik ten Hag.

The Verdict: Get it done

With Manchester United, who can offer Botman European football just like Milan, now entering the frame, the Magpies need to act fast to get this deal done.

Described as a ‘golden boy‘ by his agent Francesco Miniero, he is one of the most promising up-and-coming players in the game at just 22 years of age, having already played regularly at the highest level.

Nonetheless, at six-foot-five, he is an imposing centre-back, and could form a truly scary partnership with the six-foot-seven Dan Burn.

In other news, find out which ‘terrifying’ star NUFC are now eyeing here!

Manchester City supporters have now been given a significant update in the club’s hunt to sign Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong this summer, according to a Spanish source.

The Lowdown: City eye move for De Jong…

After securing a blockbuster agreement to sign Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland in the summer, the Sky Blues seemingly won’t stop there, with a new midfielder reportedly on the agenda.

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Pep Guardiola wants to strengthen his options in the middle of the park, as club legend Fernandinho is set to draw the curtain on a nine-year stay in the Premier League.

The Brazil veteran, who is a major presence behind the scenes as well as on the pitch, will be a sore miss for Sky Blues, who are set to say goodbye to a faithful servant.

Barcelona midfielder De Jong is said to be a target for City, with Sport now sharing the latest.

The Latest: City hold talks over De Jong…

According to the Spanish outlet, Guardiola’s side have held talks and made contact with the Catalan giants over signing their marquee midfielder, mainly to find out his asking price and whether Barcelona could be open to a swap deal.

The answer to the latter question is a resounding no, with club president Joan Laporta ‘only interested in money’ as he ‘marks the figure’ at a seismic €100m (£85m).

The Verdict: Worth the money?

The Netherlands international has no shortage of pedigree, as evident by the fact that only Marc-André ter Stegen, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have played more minutes for Barcelona than De Jong this season (WhoScored).

Xavi’s faith in his midfield maestro is testament to the 25-year-old’s obvious quality, with the Dutchman also racking up one of the highest passing accuracies in the Barca squad in the current La Liga campaign (WhoScored).

Lauded as a ‘phenomenal’ player by former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, these numbers and plaudits point to a star who could seriously strengthen Guardiola’s options for 2022/23.

However, for £85m, it is a move that Etihad Stadium officials must seriously consider, with other capable targets perhaps available for far less.

In other news: Man City ready to move for ‘unbelievable’ star who’s turned Pep’s head, he played his last game yesterday… find out more here

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly contemplating a move to poach Raheem Sterling from former club Manchester City this summer.

What’s the word?

As per the Telegraph, the Gunners are ‘ready to explore’ a deal for the 27-year-old at the end of the season, with the Englishman potentially set to be available to depart the Etihad as he enters the final year of his existing deal.

The report suggests that Arteta – who previously worked under Pep Guardiola at City – wants to make the 74-cap international the ‘focal point’ of his attack, with forward additions seemingly required with Alexandre Lacazette nearing the end of his current deal and with former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang having departed for Barcelona in January.

Sterling – who had been linked with an exit last summer – could well be joined in north London by current teammate Gabriel Jesus, following recent reports that the Brazilian is another player on the radar of the Emirates outfit.

Better than Saka

The addition of the £76.5m-rated man in the upcoming window would prove a major coup for the top-four hopefuls, with the pacy wide man having emerged as one of the top-flight’s leading figures in recent years.

After dazzling as a teenager at Liverpool, Sterling made the controversial £49m switch to Manchester in 2015 in pursuit of silverware, with that move more than paying off as he has since claimed three league titles, five League Cup’s and an FA Cup – with an additional Premier League crown potentially on the way this season.

Under the tutelage of Guardiola, the £300k-per-week gem has developed into a prolific presence in front of goal, having scored 130 times and provided 93 assists in 337 games for the club in all competitions.

Dubbed a “fighter” by Gareth Southgate, the diminutive speedster has also shaken off early criticism at international level to become one of Southgate’s trusted lieutenants, the Jamaica-born ace starring in the Three Lions’ surge to the Euro 2020 final last year, netting three times en route to the showpiece.

It has proven a difficult campaign at club level since then, as he has drifted in and out of the starting XI, although he has still managed to provide 12 goals and four assists in just 22 league starts.

Despite starting 11 more top-flight games than his compatriot, current Arsenal man Bukayo Saka has still scored fewer goals (11 in total) than the more senior man, while he only averages a goal every 248 minutes this season, compared to a goal every 167 minutes for Sterling.

The latter – who Guardiola insisted “always creates something” – also averages 1.8 successful dribbles per game, compared to 1.1 for Saka, while he also ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes received among players in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, with his international colleague only in the top 31% for the same metric.

Equally, the City star offers perhaps greater consistency at the elite level, having been a regular fixture in the top-flight since making his Reds debut as a 17-year-old a decade ago, with it some feat to have maintained his quality for so long.

Saka has dazzled in recent times, although he still has a way to go to reach the heights of the potential target.

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