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Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven is “expected” to leave his club this summer as Tottenham Hotspur explore the “prospect of a deal”, according to journalist Ryan Taylor.

Who are Spurs signing this summer?

Spurs have moved swiftly to seal deals for multiple transfer targets over this past week, with the club confirming both Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison have put pen to paper.

Vicario, after an impressive season at Empoli, will come in as a potential replacement for long-serving number one Hugo Lloris – with the Frenchman admitting he could depart this summer window.

Meanwhile, Maddison has signed for Spurs on a deal from Leicester City worth £40 million, with midfielder Harry Winks moving in the opposite direction for a separate £10 million.

The Lilywhites are conducting astute business so far and reports suggest that Ange Postecoglou’s side have now turned their attention towards the signing of a centre-back.

After conceding more goals than any other top flight above 15th last season, it is a glaring issue that needs to be addressed, with Spurs thought to be interested in the likes of van de Ven and Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba.

Sharing an update on their pursuit of the former, journalist Taylor has written a small line for The Express, backing reports from other media sources that Spurs are stepping up their interest in van de Ven.

Taylor claims Tottenham are “exploring the prospect of a deal” to sign the Netherlands international, who has also been scouted by Liverpool, but it appears the north Londoners may have been boosted.

Adding another update, Taylor also writes that van de Ven is “expected to leave” Wolfsburg this summer, coming as Spurs seriously eye a move for the colossal 6 foot 4 defender.

Who is Micky van de Ven?

The 22-year-old was an untouchable for Wolfsburg over the 22/23 Bundesliga season.

Indeed, only their goalkeeper played more league minutes for the German side, while no sqaud member could match van de Ven’s impressive rate of blocks per 90 (WhoScored).

The Dutchman also completed more accurate passes (88.3%) than any other Wolfsburg regular, highlighting his exceptional abilities as a ball-playing defender.

Football Transfers journalist, Ronan Murphy, even hailed van de Ven as a “giant” on the pitch who’s been flourishing at Wolfsburg.

Cooper and Pieter Seelar batted out 79 overs on the fourth day and added a record 288 runs for the sixth wicket to ensure a draw for Netherlands against Hong Kong

Peter Della Penna14-Feb-2017Netherlands batsman Ben Cooper says his overriding emotion was “relief” after he batted through the entire final day of play to ensure his side secured an improbable draw with Hong Kong in the Intercontinental Cup on Monday.Set a target of 507 to win, Cooper was at the crease on 19 at the end of day three with Netherlands 48 for 2; two overs after the first drinks break on day four, they were 105 for 5. Pieter Seelaar joined Cooper and the pair produced a historic 288-run sixth-wicket partnership, batting out the final 79 overs together to deny Hong Kong victory.”For me it was a big relief,” Cooper told ESPNcricinfo, when asked how he felt when the draw had finally been achieved. “It had been the first time I had batted for such a period. I was just relieved and very tired but it was special to have been able to produce that performance and hold on for the draw. It’s been something that the Dutch have been working towards and being able to perform on the four-day game and put those big scores together, we’ve now proven to ourselves that we can. So we can take the forward with confidence into future games.”The pair set several marks during their epic stand. They set the Netherlands record for any wicket in first-class cricket and a sixth-wicket record stand in the Intercontinental Cup. It’s also the highest ever stand in the fourth innings in the competition and the sixth-biggest partnership in the 13-year history of the Intercontinental Cup. Netherlands also set a new mark for most overs batted to save a draw in the fourth innings of an Intercontinental Cup match. Cooper says he was too focused on saving the match to think about the significance of their feat at the time but says he is happy to have been able to have created a bit of history with Seelaar.”It’s a special thing,” Cooper said. “It’s something you don’t think is possible but you just have to apply yourself and when you get in you just have to make the most of it. To be able to set a record along with Pieter Seelaar is something very special. The first job at hand is to bat and to produce for your team. Anything second to that, such as partnership records and personal records, is a bonus.”Cooper batted just short of seven hours to finish on 173 not out and was named Man of the Match for his brilliant rearguard. It was only his second first-class match, with his debut coming 18 months earlier at home against Scotland. Cooper says he worked hard on mental preparation to deal with the duration required to bat, in spite of his lack of four-day experience.”It’s a tough one because there’s not a whole lot of four-day cricket around for Netherlands but I guess you just have to back your training,” Cooper said. “You go to training and mentally prepare there. I try to bat as long as I can at training to simulate batting for an extended period in a four-day competition. But I guess it’s just a mental thing. You prepare yourself mentally to fight it out and you know you’ve got time so you don’t have to chase so many balls outside off.”Cooper on Pieter Seelaar’s rise as an allrounder: I’m very happy for him to have ticked that off and to have proved that he is a batsman and not just a bowler•Panda ManJust as remarkable as Cooper’s innings was that of Seelaar, who ended on 138 not out. Coming into the match, Seelaar’s highest score for Netherlands in first-class cricket was an unbeaten 81 against a Zimbabwe XI that came nearly seven years ago. His only other half-century in 40 innings prior to arriving at the crease on the final day was an unbeaten 75 against Canada in 2013. Cooper paid tribute to his partner, saying that the squad was especially pleased for Seelaar to reach his maiden first-class century, especially after he has put in a lot of hard work to turn himself into an allrounder when he began his Netherlands career as a specialist left-arm spinner batting at No. 11.”I think his reaction when he scored his hundred, and the celebration he had, was enough to say how relieved he was,” Cooper said. “I backed him all the way. He’s a class batsman although he may not have been recognised before. But I’m very happy for him to have ticked that off and to have proved that he is a batsman and not just a bowler.”The 1467 runs in the match made it the third-highest scoring game in Intercontinental Cup history, though Cooper says the pitch was playing slightly uneven towards the end to keep the task a challenging one for him and Seelaar. The second new ball was taken in the first over after tea, but Hong Kong failed to make a breakthrough. Cooper says he and Seelaar began to believe they were close to finishing the job when Hong Kong captain Babar Hayat brought himself on as a part-time option in the 101st over, the eighth bowler used for Hong Kong, followed shortly afterward by Nizakat Khan as the ninth.”I think as a team you get that mental victory to know you’ve pushed their main bowlers nearly to their limits and they’ve now had to start using their part-time bowlers,” Cooper said. “That little mental victory does lift you and push you a little bit more. You think it can’t be too much longer until you completely break them and it could be the match saved.”To be able to fight back and hold on for a draw had added significance for Netherlands because it was Hong Kong who had knocked them out of the Desert T20 Challenge in Dubai in January. Netherlands are hoping to take a momentum boost from the final day into the pair of WCL Championship 50-over matches between the sides scheduled for Thursday and Saturday. Netherlands are currently level with Papua New Guinea at the top of the WCL Championship table on 12 points while Hong Kong is third on 11 points.”There’s always that little bit in the back of your head that you may not have played your best cricket previously at the Desert T20,” Cooper said. “But it’s a whole new game, a whole new opportunity to go out and prove yourself and luckily enough we were able to prove ourselves toward the back end of the four-day game and come out with a draw. To come out with a draw from where we were is a great feeling.”

Chelsea are now among the favourites to win the race for an “elite talent” with a £68m release clause, according to a report.

Maresca keen to strengthen in January

Enzo Maresca is looking to bring in reinforcements in multiple positions this month, with the manager trying to get his side’s season back on track after a recent downturn in form.

One area in which the Blues are keen to strengthen is left-wing, and they have now made an approach to sign Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, who could cost around £60m.

Garnacho is not the only Man United player Chelsea are interested in signing, with central midfielder Kobbie Mainoo also being targeted, while the Blues are now in pole position to sign Deportivo La Coruna winger Yeremay Hernandez.

Given that Brighton & Hove Albion have made contact over a deal to sign Tosin Adarabioyo, Maresca may also be tasked with bringing in a new defender this month, and there has now been an update on their pursuit of Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande.

Chelsea make enquiry to sign star who can be Maresca's own Kvaratskhelia

Chelsea are showing interest in the Borussia Dortmund youngster.

ByRoss Kilvington Jan 18, 2025

Having first made an approach for the defender back in November, the Blues are now leading the race for Diomande’s signature, according to a report from CaughtOffside.

Arsenal and Manchester United are also in the race for the centre-back’s signature, but Chelsea are believed to be among the favourites.

The Sporting star is keen to move to the Premier League and also favours a move to London, which could give Maresca’s side the edge over Man Utd in negotiations.

In order to get a deal done, the Blues may have to be willing to spend big, as the 21-year-old has an €80m (£68m) release clause included in his contract with Sporting.

Diomande showing great potential

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has lavished praise on the youngster, tipping him to be capable of playing at the very highest level.

The 6 foot 3 defender has established himself as a key player for Sporting over the past two seasons, and he is showing signs he could be capable of making the step up to a club the size of Chelsea.

With Maresca favouring a possession-based style of play, it is important to sign players capable of building up from the back, and the Ivorian ranks in the 99th percentile for his pass completion rate per 90 over the past year.

As such, it is exciting news that Chelsea are now one of the favourites to sign Diomande, but they should look to get a deal done for lower than the release clause given that he is still unproven in a major European league.

Baker’s half-dozen makes defeat a little easier to digest

ECB Reporters Network10-Aug-2022A sensational Ben Green century when the position seemed hopeless and Sonny Baker’s career-best six-wicket haul failed to save Somerset from a third defeat in as many Royal London Cup group matches as Durham gained a thrilling nine-run victory at Taunton.Durham posted 342 all out after losing the toss, Scott Borthwick making 88 from 67 balls, including 3 sixes and 11 fours, and Graham Clark a more measured 86. Nineteen-year-old seamer Baker claimed a career-best six for 46 from 10 overs as he tried to halt the one-way traffic.Somerset plunged to 195 for eight in reply before Green – with little support – launched an incredible onslaught in the face of well-nigh impossible odds, crashing 12 sixes and 10 fours in an unforgettable inning of 157 off 84 balls.It was only enough to boost the score to 333 all out, but provided rich entertainment for a crowd of 3,000 on one of the hottest days of the year.Green said: “If only we could have found ten more runs out there. I have never struck the ball better and that’s why I went for another six in the final over. I didn’t quite connect right and the bottom line is that we have lost the game.”Earlier, Jonathan Bushnell, making his List A debut, contributed a composed 24 to a Durham opening stand of 60 in 13 overs with Clark before becoming Baker’s first victim, miscuing a catch to fine leg.Borthwick hit the first six of the match off Lewis Goldsworthy before Clark moved to a sold half-century, from 77 balls, with 6 fours.Borthwick’s fluent fifty occupied just 42 deliveries as Durham laid the foundation for a challenging score, reaching 124 for one at the halfway point of their innings.Clark cleared the ropes off Green and Goldsworthy before falling with the total on 191, bowled having a swing at Green. He had faced 101 balls and hit 2 sixes and 10 fours.Nic Maddinson kept the momentum going with 24 off 13 balls before being bowled attempting a big hit off Baker. The Somerset youngster removed Borthwick in the same over, the 36th of the innings, then pinned Sean Dixon lbw for 11.The hosts had given a debut to 19-year-old left-arm seamer Alfie Ogborne, from Yeovil, who bowled four tidy overs for 21 and ran out Paul Coughlin with a throw to the bowler’s end from deep mid-wicket to make it 260 for six.Liam Trevaskis averted any thoughts of a Durham collapse with a rapid 44, including a six and 6 fours, while Tomas Mackintosh weighed in with 28 before driving a catch to long-on to give Baker his fifth wicket.Oliver Gibson was yorked by Baker, whose previous best List A figures had been three for 46, and Durham’s innings was wrapped up by another run out in the final over. Somerset’s reply had reached 26 in the sixth over when Steve Davies’ was caught behind for nine, chasing a wide delivery from Gibson.Matt Renshaw survived a chance to Coughlin at mid-on off Chris Rushworth, but perished in the same over for 23, driving a catch to mid-off to make it 36 for two.Playing in what may well prove the last competition of his illustrious Somerset career, James Hildreth was soon troubled by a muscle injury and made only 12 before being caught at deep cover off 18-year-old seamer Stanley McAlindon.Goldsworthy (27) and George Bartlett (34) shared a stand of 56. But they fell in quick succession, Bartlett driving Gibson in the air to mid-off and Goldsworthy caught and bowled above his head by Borthwick to make it 120 for five.Green and James Rew added 46 before the latter pulled a catch to deep square off Trevaskis. Kasey Aldridge fell leg before to Rushworth and Jack Brooks followed, but if Durham thought the job was done, Green had other ideas.Having reached a 45-ball fifty, his maiden List A hundred occupied only 14 more deliveries as he blasted four sixes in an over off Borthwick and four more off successive balls from Gibson.They were massive blows from the inspired captain, who continued to put Durham’s bowlers to the sword in a frenetic finale, dominating stands with Ogborne and Baker.Somerset needed 11 off the final over, sent down by Gibson. There was visible relief among the Durham players when the second ball saw Green well caught by Trevaskis diving forward at long-on.

Carlo Ancelotti's side picked up three points in a chaotic contest despite playing for over half of the game with 10 men

Kylian Mbappe was sent off for a horrific challenge, but Eduardo Camavinga spared his blushes as Real Madrid secured a 1-0 win from an ugly game at struggling Alaves. Los Blancos never really convinced – and played over 50 minutes with 10 men – yet still managed to pull out a win.

Madrid never quite established control early on, and looked vulnerable almost immediately. Despite that, Raul Asencio thought he had given the visitors the lead when he met a corner at the far post, but the referee adjudged that he had pushed his man to reach Rodrygo's cross. Camavinga soon broke the deadlock, however, as he evaded a defender before whipping a shot into the far corner from outside the box.

Carlo Ancelotti's side should have cruised thereafter, but Mbappe's horrific challenge – a two-footed stamp on Antonio Blanco – handed the momentum back to the home side.

Still, Alaves never quite capitalised, as while Carlos Vicente offered some attacking ideas off the right, Madrid were otherwise relatively untroubled. The hosts then made it harder on themselves midway through the second half when Manuel Sanchez clipped Vinicius Jr as he ran through on goal – leaving the referee no choice but to show hand him his marching orders.

Madrid could have put the game away for good multiple times as the clock ran down; Jude Bellingham saw a shot well denied, Brahim Diaz came close and Vinicius caused problems, but a second goal never came. Still, Alaves lacked the kind of cutting edge necessary to pull level and amid all of the chaos, Madrid are still in La Liga's title race, remaining four points behind leaders Barcelona.

GOAL rates Madrid's players from Mendizorroza…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (7/10):

Had a couple of saves to make, but was never truly tested.

Lucas Vazquez (6/10):

Put in plenty of legwork, but is clearly the weakness in this Madrid side.

Antonio Rudiger (8/10):

Immense at the back. Won his tackles, shepherded the backline, and assured there wasn't any nonsense.

Raul Asencio (7/10):

Solid at the back. Made a couple of key clearances, good in the air, and never looked particularly troubled.

Fran Garcia (6/10):

Held down the left effectively. Engaged in an interesting duel with Vincente and limited his chances.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

Made a few good challenges in central midfield. Kept the ball moving.

Eduardo Camavinga (8/10):

Scored a wonderful goal and was scrappy in midfield. This was a messy game and he seemed to relish it.

Federico Valverde (6/10):

Could have really done without playing all 90. Didn't fully look fit – even if his effort can't be questioned.

AFPAttack

Rodrygo (5/10):

Pretty forgettable on the left. Just five touches in the Alaves box.

Kylian Mbappe (2/10):

Made no impact whatsoever and then got sent off for one of the worst tackles you'll see.

Arda Guler (5/10):

Good in moments without being immensely influential. Would be good to see him get some minutes in a game without a silly sending off.

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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Vinicius Jr (7/10):

Really important off the bench. Stretched the play, drew a red and created chances.

Jude Bellingham (7/10):

A good shift – full of industry and intent. Really should have scored late on, though.

Brahim Diaz (N/A):

A confusing introduction. Madrid needed control and he didn't offer it.

Dani Ceballos (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):

Suspended for this one but orchestrated from high up. Didn't get loads out of his team, and will be furious with Mbappe – but it's three vital points in a chaotic title race.

Mauricio Pochettino's side did not drop in the latest rankings after back-to-back losses to Panama and Canada

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USMNT remain at No. 16 in the rankingsFIFA coefficient increased thanks to January camp winsArgentina remain top after locking up World Cup qualificationFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱FIFAWHAT HAPPENED?

The U.S. men's national team held steady at No. 16 in the latest iteration of FIFA's worldwide rankings despite losing back-to-back games in Pochettino's first competitive fixtures in charge.

Their coefficient increased narrowly – largely thanks to their form in January camp, when Pochettino's side won two on the bounce.

Mexico moved up two spots to No. 17 after lifting the CONCACAF Nations League title, while runners-up Panama also climbed three spots to No. 33. After defeating the USMNT in the third-place match, Canada moved up one spot to No. 30, their highest-ever ranking. 

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

FIFA ranks its teams multiple times per year – although the exact cadence varies based on match regularity and major tournament schedules. The USMNT have been on a steady decline over the past 15 months, dropping from 11th to as low as 18th following their Copa America disappointment in 2024.

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

Argentina remained top of the rankings – where they have sat since April 2023. Their ascendancy was bolstered by the 2022 World Cup win and ensuing Copa America victory 18 months later.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

The next FIFA rankings are set to be released in July. Before then, the U.S. will play a duo of friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland, before hoping to defend their Gold Cup crown on home soil.

Former captain is scoring runs for fun and revelling in the moment

Vithushan Ehantharajah05-Jul-2022″It’s like being a kid again. It’s great. It’s like how it felt when I first started playing.” With the first answer of his press conference, Joe Root summed up exactly what he and the rest of this England side are experiencing at the moment.An hour before sitting down in front of the microphones and cameras, Root had walked off on 142 not out, Jonny Bairstow by his side with 114 of his own having chased down 378 like it was nothing. Certainly not the record chase by an England Test team that it is now.The final 119 runs required were polished off with ease inside 19.5 overs, as Root and Bairstow registered career centuries No. 28 and 12, with five and six already in 2022, respectively. There was no jeopardy, no anxiety beyond the very start where perhaps standard English doom-mongering could not be helped. But for those in the dressing room, there was nothing but calm. As they have been for the three previous chases before this one.Related

The bell still tolls for Zak Crawley, despite vital return on investment

South Africa suffer a Bazboozling as defeat comes in fast-forward

Ben Stokes 'blessed' as England show collective buy-in to seal memorable summer

Root reinvents himself while maintaining trademark style

Ben Stokes: England approach means opposing teams will now 'fear' third innings

“I think once you’ve done it once, you know you can do it and you prove to yourself you can,” Root said on the fact England have chased down four 250-plus targets in the last month. “It does make it that little bit easier. It makes it a little bit more believable.”I imagine there will be sides around the world looking at the way that we’ve been playing and feeling a little bit intimidated by what we’re capable of doing. You don’t want to be too into what other teams are doing and how they’re approaching things. But again, that can only breed more confidence within you and you think sides could be very wary of what you’re capable of.”The difference here was that the scale of the chase meant a little more forethought. Even after Zak Crawley and Alex Lees blitzed the fastest opening stand by a pair of Englishmen, a collapse from 107 for no loss to 109 for 3 just after tea threatened to derail the charge. But Root and Bairstow steadied the ship and ticked over without taking unnecessary risks. It was only when Root had passed his century and victory was more or less assured that he began to have some fun, charging Shardul Thakur for four down the ground then reverse-ramping him for six.Of the outrageous cricket English fans are starting to get used to, perhaps the Root ramps are the one thing many are still struggling to get theirs heads around. The idea that a player deemed not imaginative enough to play a role in England’s hell-for-leather T20 side – his last appearance came in May 2019 – and perhaps even unnecessary for the 50-over format could add such an expansive string to his bow.He admits to be still battling with two sides. One of how he has done things before Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes decided to shake things up, which got him 1708 runs and six centuries in 2021, and two more before the start of the summer. And the other of batting without a care in the world.”The Yorkshireman inside me is still saying ‘dig in, play straight and get behind it’,” he said with a smile. “Then there’s the captain on the other shoulder saying ‘be a rockstar’. So you’re fighting between the two of them, sometimes.”It is clear, though, he welcomes this new approach, not least because it is skewering old whims and unwritten rules. Players are being encouraged to play for enjoyment without losing sight of the bigger goal of victory. And the key has been to rid themselves of the emotional baggage of form and the weight of tradition that have, ultimately, felt like a burden.”It’s scripted out how you need to play in Test cricket. Sometimes being unpredictable is very difficult to bowl at. Sometimes the gaps look bigger, and you know where the ball is going to be because of generally how sides bowl for long periods of time.”For me it’s about making good decisions for long periods of time. There have been occasions this summer I might have played some unusual shots, if you look at the history of Test cricket. But they’ve felt like pretty low-risk options in the moment. I guess it’s just trying to manage the game more.”As incredible as Bairstow has been, Root may be the best example of the nourishing qualities of the current environment. Since a boy he was ordained to be an England cricketer, and through his talent bestowed the FEC (Future England Captain) tag. As well as he has carried both, it meant his career has largely been dictated by those who came before him.Now, you can say with some certainty that for the first time in his England career, certainly for the first time in five years having given up the captaincy in March, he is playing the most expressive, enjoyable cricket. It just happens to be at the very highest level.”It’s how it should be,” he reiterated. “And hopefully the way that we’re playing at the minute can inspire a lot of youngsters to take up the game and enjoy it and get excited about test cricket and love it as we do.”As for how to describe the current ethos, he wasn’t bothered about the buzz phrases that have emerged over the past few weeks. “You can call it whatever you like but it’s great fun to play and great fun to be a part of.”

Chelsea have asked Premier League rivals Aston Villa about signing a player of theirs in the January transfer window, with manager Enzo Maresca told what is required to potentially strike a mid-season deal.

Chelsea could sign new striker this month if Christopher Nkunku leaves

After missing out on Napoli star Victor Osimhen, who eventually sealed a season-long loan move to Galatasaray, it was believed that the west Londoners’ potential move for a new striker would likely have to wait until the summer, rather than January.

£42 million former Man City player now considering move to Chelsea

He’s open to a Stamford Bridge switch.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jan 10, 2025

That is according to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, but in a fresh twist this week, that same source reports that this could change if Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku opts to seriously pursue an exit before February 3.

The Frenchman is one of Maresca’s top scorers in all competitions, making a serious impact off the bench and in the Europa Conference League, but he’s not exactly a mainstay in Chelsea’s ‘A team’ – having started just three Premier League games out of his 15 top flight appearances this term.

Bournemouth (home)

January 14

Wolverhampton Wanderers (home)

January 20

Man City (away)

January 25

West Ham (away)

February 3

Brighton (away)

February 14

This has apparently “frustrated” Nkunku behind-the-scenes, and while he’s not exactly forcing a move at this stage, he is open to departing Stamford Bridge in the winter (Simon Phillips).

Chelsea have been contacted by a host of sides over the 26-year-old’s availability, and if his transfer were to materialise, then co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley would seriously pursue a replacement for him (Simon Phillips).

The versatile attacker is currently on £195,000-per-week at Cobham, so Chelsea would be cutting a seismic amount off the salary bill and saving cash on a player whio’s been used sparingly by Maresca in the Premier League.

In terms of who Chelsea could replace Nkunku with, it is believed that Maresca still holds a very keen interest in signing Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, and the club are serious contenders to tempt the England Under-21 international away from Portman Road.

Chelsea approach Aston Villa over signing Jhon Duran in January

As per CaughtOffside this week, another potential Nkunku replacement comes in the form of Aston Villa starlet Jhon Duran.

The Colombian’s 12 goals in all competitions mark him out as a key player for Unai Emery, and he’s seemingly rejuvenated his career in the Midlands after reportedly coming very close to leaving last summer.

He was awarded with a brand-new £75,000-per-week contract earlier this season for his excellent 24/25 thus far, with Chelsea officials taking real note of the 21-year-old’s exploits.

CO claim that Chelsea have approached Villa over signing Duran in January, to gauge the conditions of a potential deal. Emery’s side apparently won’t sell for a penny less than £60 million, and this could actually seem like good value on paper considering Duran’s sky-high potential, young age and return this term.

However, PSG are apparently considering a big in the region of Villa’s asking price, so Chelsea may have to make a decision on the “special” striker very soon.

Allrounder joins up for latter stages of T20 Blast as well as red-ball fixture at Scarborough

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jun-2022Surrey have signed uncapped Australian allrounder Aaron Hardie for the rest of the Vitality Blast, after losing Kieron Pollard to injury.Hardie, who has been in Sri Lanka with Australia A, has joined up with the squad and will be available for Surrey’s Blast game against Kent on Friday. Surrey are top of the South Group with two games left to play and have already qualified for the quarter-finals.The 23-year-old was part of the Perth Scorchers squad that won the 2021-22 Big Bash League, and has played alongside Laurie Evans and Jason Roy for the franchise.”I’m super stoked to be joining Surrey,” Hardie said. “I spoke to Laurie and Jason about what it’s like to play here at The Kia Oval and I’m really excited to see what the crowd bring on Friday. I’m keen to learn from players like Hashim [Amla] as well as the younger guys in the dressing room like Will Jacks and I hope I can make a good contribution to the team.”Hardie, who averages 50.30 with the bat in first-class cricket, and 25.34 with the ball, will also be in contention to play in Surrey’s LV= Insurance Championship fixture against Yorkshire at Scarborough next month. Surrey currently sit top of Division One, with just over half of the Championship season played.Alec Stewart, Surrey’s director of cricket, said: “Aaron’s all-round skill sets will bring us very good options in our T20 campaign and the County Championship game at Scarborough.”

Arsenal have been given a significant boost as star winger Bukayo Saka returned to training on Thursday.

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Saka out since December with hamstring injuryMade his return to Arsenal training this weekGunners hope to have him back for Madrid tieFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 23-year-old has been out injured since sustaining a hamstring injury in the first half of his team's 5-1 win against Crystal Palace in December, resulting in surgery.

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The north London side hope Saka will be fit for the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid next month, and England international appears on track to make his return soon as he shared a picture of himself giving a thumbs up in training.

"Hello again", he wrote in the caption.

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite his lengthy absence, Saka remains Arsenal's most productive player in the Premier League, having scored five goals and made 10 assists in 16 games. He has also netted four times and set up two more in the Champions League.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Mikel Arteta's team are preparing for next week's Premier League clash against Fulham, followed by a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on April 5.