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After the Frenchman announced his departure on Thursday, a look at some of the names who could take over at the Santiago Bernabeu next season

Getty ImagesANTONIO CONTEThe Italian will be available as he is set to leave Chelsea imminently after two years in London. A serial winner, he would be likely to guarantee success in La Liga but his style of play may not attract Madrid fans. His record in the Champions League is also disappointing.AdvertisementMAURICIO POCHETTINOThe Tottenham manager has only just signed a new five-year contract with the north London club, but he has long been admired by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. His Spurs side beat Los Blancos in the Champions League group stages and he is the current favourite with bookmakers to take over at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2018-19. However, Tottenham would not let him leave without a huge fight.Getty ImagesARSENE WENGERThe French manager turned down Real Madrid in the past out of loyalty to Arsenal, but is available now after leaving the Gunners at the end of the 2017-18 season following 22 years in charge of the north London club. The 68-year-old has said he wants to continue coaching and could be considered by Los Blancos, perhaps as a short-term option.ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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GettyJOACHIM LOWThe Germany coach extended his contract with the world champions to 2022 recently, but he is another long linked to Real Madrid and admired by president Florentino Perez. Low is currently preparing Germany's World Cup defence after the Mannschaft were crowned champions in 2014, but he could be tempted if things do not go to plan in Russia this summer.

Chelsea have suffered a major setback in their attempt to make a profit from academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah during the January transfer window.

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Chelsea looking to sell Chalobah in JanuarySale will allow club to make signingsWill indicate profit as defender is an academy graduate(C)GettyImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

After a poor start to the season, Mauricio Pochettino has had an eye on the market, with the Blues looking set to sign a striker in January – but they will need to free up some of their budget before they can sign a number nine. Chalobah, who hasn't played in a league game under the Argentine, is one of the players rumoured to depart the Blues.

However, the 24-year-old's prolonged absence has presented Chelsea with a serious challenge. reports that Tottenham and Bayern Munich have now both cooled their interest in the versatile centre-back and are actively looking at other signings, as Chalobah's injury will rule him out until 2024.

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RB Leipzig, AC Milan, and Inter Milan have all expressed an interest in signing Chalobah in the past and are still keeping a close eye on his situation – although they could be put off by his injury record. Chelsea may lower their asking price if there is no interest, but this would obviously have an effect on their budget. The report by also suggests that Newcastle may be interested, as could West Ham, who are looking for cover for Nayef Aguerd when he leaves the club in January for the African Cup of Nations finals.

DID YOU KNOW?

Since he graduated from Chelsea's Cobham Academy, as any sale for Chalobah would represent entire profit for the club, which would be favourable in light of Financial Fair Play rules. As a result, his sale is something that the Blues find appealing internally.

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WHAT NEXT FOR CHALOBAH?

The team is still optimistic that Chalobah will finalise his departure in the upcoming months since he is eager to take on a new challenge. But, in order to find a buyer, they might have to lower their asking price.

The Chelsea star has confirmed that she will miss the tournament, so who are the contenders to make an impact for the Lionesses in her place?

It's not been a great few months for England on the injury front and, on Tuesday, Chelsea star Fran Kirby added her name to a growing list of absentees and concerns. In a statement, Kirby confirmed she will miss the 2023 Women's World Cup as she undergoes knee surgery to solve an issue that has plagued her since she limped off against West Ham in early February.

That news followed an ACL rupture for Lionesses captain Leah Williamson late last month, the same fate that Arsenal team-mate Beth Mead suffered before Christmas. Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze are also currently on the sidelines due to their own knee surgeries, though neither player is expected to be ruled out of this summer's tournament.

England have, at least, been without Kirby for the last two international windows, and have therefore been able to take a closer look at other options in the advanced midfield role that she often holds in the team.

The Lionesses are not exactly blessed with depth in the centre of the park, but there are a number of candidates for head coach Sarina Wiegman to consider in Kirby's absence – not only for her starting line up, but also as substitutes who could have an impact in the freer midfielder role.

GOAL runs the rule over the contenders:

Getty ImagesElla Toone

The obvious candidate to replace Kirby is the player who did so off the bench so often during the Euros last summer and who has assumed her spot in the starting XI while she's been out. That player is Ella Toone.

Wiegman has started Toone in nine of England's 11 games since they became European champions last summer and the Manchester United star has fit in seamlessly, scoring the Lionesses' goal in the Women's Finalissima triumph in April.

However, there have inevitably been comparisons between the impact the 23-year-old is having on games from the start and the impact she had on them from the bench. During the Euros, as a regular sub, Toone registered a goal or an assist every 80 minutes. Since that tournament, as a regular starter, she has recorded a direct goal involvement every 155 minutes.

In truth, it seems unlikely that Wiegman reverts the midfielder back to being a sub now that Kirby is out. She contributes a lot to the team in other ways and has the ability to be decisive.

Perhaps the bigger question is who steps in to take her place when a change is needed during the World Cup, just as she did with Kirby in the Euros.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesGeorgia Stanway

Admittedly, it's unlikely – but one other option for Wiegman to start in the more advanced midfield role is a player who is already key to her XI: Georgia Stanway.

The Bayern Munich maestro often shone in a No.10 role as she was coming through with England and Manchester City, her technical ability, creativity and deadly shot from range making her a stand-out playmaker.

She's since dropped back into a more box-to-box role and assumed a great partnership with Keira Walsh in the deeper areas of the Lionesses' midfield. However, her versatility would likely mean she'd have no problem pushing further forward if desired.

There are a few reasons this is unlikely: Stanway's good relationship with Walsh in her current position is one, with there alternatives that could be chosen without breaking that up. Plus, Wiegman would then have to choose someone to play the role she does and that feels a lot more difficult to do.

It would be a lot of fun to see Stanway in a freer, more attacking role again, though.

GettyJordan Nobbs

Sadly, injuries have limited Jordan Nobbs' ability to have a real impact on the England team selection in recent years but that doesn't mean her chance to do so ahead of a major tournament has passed.

The Aston Villa midfielder remains one of the Lionesses' most naturally talented players and her form since she left Arsenal to move to the Midlands in January has backed that up.

Capable of playing in a deep-lying role, box-to-box or in a more advanced position, Nobbs can do it all, and she brings a level of experience that none in the midfield pool can match.

She hasn't had too many opportunities to force her way into Wiegman's thinking, but could Kirby's absence change that?

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GettyLaura Coombs

Before her recall to the squad in February, Laura Coombs' last England cap came back in 2015. But that drought was ended when she was brought in for the Arnold Clark Cup and replaced Stanway from the bench in the 4-0 win over South Korea.

The Manchester City star isn't really a No.10. She's more of a No.8, a player that arrives late into the box and finds the back of the net. Maybe, then, she is the type of player that Wiegman can bring into the team to push Stanway further up.

Or, alternatively, perhaps she can utilise those qualities in a different role. Coombs has adapted at times to play a deeper position for her club. Why couldn't she play a more advanced one? She certainly has the attacking qualities.

ESPNcricinfo assesses Durham’s prospects for 2015

Alan Gardner31-Mar-2015Last season
InOut: Gareth Breese (released)Overseas: John Hastings
2014 in a nutshell
Given the thin spread of Durham’s resources, a defence of their Championship title was always an outside bet – but the odds shortened on the possibility of relegation after they failed to win a four-day game until mid-June. A one-wicket defeat to Lancashire in August left them in the bottom two but Paul Collingwood’s side reeled off three consecutive victories – including a thrashing of Northamptonshire in which Chris Rushworth took 15 wickets in a day – to pull themselves comfortably clear. Their late-season surge saw them win six in a row in all competitions and was topped by lifting the Royal London Cup on a grey day at Lord’s, the campaign lit up by contrasting Man-of-the-Match performances in the semi-final and final from Ben Stokes.2015 prospects
It would be unwise to write Durham off and they might hope for better luck with injuries this year. The squad remains much the same, with Collingwood extending his contract and John Hastings set to return after a successful spell as overseas player. Graham Onions, who has been awarded a benefit, will return following surgery on a back injury that severely disrupted his 2014 and, if an England recall looks unlikely, he should close in on Steve Harmison as the county’s second-highest wicket-taker in first-class cricket. Mark Stoneman will hope to build on a successful first season as limited-overs captain, but Durham could lose a significant asset if Stokes is called on to help revive England – though his ECB central contract should ease the financial pressures which have been emphasised by a marked lack of activity in the transfer market.Power brokers
In his first full season in charge, Jon Lewis ensured that Durham’s run of locally-sourced success would continue. Lewis, a long-time servant of the club before stepping up to replace Geoff Cook, has not sought to make dramatic changes and the positive environment was enough to convince Collingwood to play on into his 40th year, even as he contemplates a future in coaching. Collingwood will continue to lead the Championship side, with Stoneman being groomed in the shorter formats.Key player
Such is the team ethic at Durham, several names could fit the bill, from Collingwood, to Onions, to Rushworth. Stokes has plenty to prove but England’s disastrous World Cup has paved the way for a swift international return and he will miss the first month of the season with the Test party in the West Indies. The focus, then, will be on Stoneman, whose aggressive batting at the top of the order can help dictate games at seam-friendly Chester-le-Street (until England pick him in the one-day side, that is).Bright young thing
Again, Durham are well stocked in this area. Mark Wood has already made an impact with the Lions, leading to an England Test call-up, while Jamie Harrison and Usman Arshad played their part in Durham’s 2013 Championship win. Paul Coughlin might be the latest seam-bowling sensation to come through the academy. He was the youngest player on the field in last year’s Royal London Cup final but exhibited few nerves as he took the new ball; he can also bat and made 85 on Championship debut.ESPNcricinfo verdict
If they can field their first-choice XI more often than not, Durham should be comfortable enough in the top half, although the likelihood is that the squad will be stretched over the course of the season and that could be a serious concern. They could do with more runs from the top order but are always likely to win matches with the bowlers they can deploy. Whether Lewis can add further trophies to a well-stocked cabinet may depend on how often England come calling throughout the summer.Bet365 odds: LV= Championship, Div 1: 9-1; NatWest Blast 20-1; Royal London Cup 9-1

Former Australia captain Mark Taylor has urged the selectors to think as much about the 2015 Ashes as the India Test when they meet to pick the Australian Test squad

Daniel Brettig10-Nov-20145:22

‘Australia team should be picked with long-term view’ – Taylor

When Australia’s selectors sit down to choose the squad for the first Test against India they must think as much about the composition of the XI for the first Ashes Test against England in Cardiff eight months later, the former captain and current Cricket Australia board member Mark Taylor has said.Taylor was adamant the team’s older players such as Chris Rogers, Brad Haddin and Ryan Harris should be retained if they are part of next year’s Ashes plans, but moved aside if they are not.Part of the reason for England’s dramatic fade from a 3-0 win at home to a 5-0 humiliation abroad last summer was the fact that many members of the team – the spinner Graeme Swann and the coach Andy Flower among them – were hanging on for one last tour. Taylor said more forward thinking was required.”I don’t like picking sides when you’re not a selector but what I would say is whatever side they pick for the first Test should have this summer and the Ashes in mind,” Taylor said at Nine’s season launch in Sydney. “I think if they believe Chris Rogers can play in England next year I would pick him for the first Test.”But if they don’t believe that I think it’s time to make a change, because there are some good young players coming through. I think they’ve got to start looking at some younger guys to fill the voids of Chris Rogers, Shane Watson’s probably got a couple of years left in him, Michael Clarke’s probably only got a couple of years left. We’ve got to start looking to fill those voids.”There are some good young ones around. Phil Hughes is probably dying for another opportunity so whatever team they pick for the first Test, sure it’s got to play against India, but also I’d like to see the bulk of that team be in England next year.”Taylor, Ian Chappell and Shane Warne all shared their views frankly ahead of the season. Chappell was particularly trenchant in stating that the current captain Clarke had underestimated the importance of getting his batting order right against Pakistan, notably by tossing Glenn Maxwell in at No. 3 for the second match in Abu Dhabi.”If you’ve got a side that is struggling as a batting line-up then you better get them in the right order,” Chappell said. “I can’t believe the quote I saw from Michael the other day when he was asked about Shane Watson batting in the top order or batting at three, and he said ‘I’m not so sure about the top order’, I mean Shane Watson is the No. 3 as far as I’m concerned.”The thing about Mitchell Marsh at six, one I think he’s got a hell of a lot of potential, but two he’ll take a lot of pressure off Shane Watson because Watson won’t have to bowl. You can use him basically as a batsman, and he’s a No. 3 in my book, or an opener – he’s a bloody good player of pace bowling.”Warne spent four hours with Clarke on Sunday before commentating on the Twenty20 match at Stadium Australia, but said he remained mystified as to how Nathan Lyon had bowled against Pakistan, seeming to divert away from the methods that brought him success in England, Australia and South Africa.”Nathan Lyon didn’t bowl that well, for some reason he changed the way he was bowling, I don’t know what he was told or why he bowled differently in those conditions,” Warne said. “But I thought he was bowling really well before and I still think he’s Australia’s No. 1 spinner.”But it’s nice to see Adam Zampa coming through, we’ve got Cameron Boyce, I still think Fawad Ahmed’s pretty good too, so it’s good to see we’ve got a few legspinners out there as well as some left-armers.”Warne, Taylor and Chappell will all have had their fill of commentating on cricket by the time the World Cup has concluded on March 29, leaving open the question of how Australia will manage to maintain a sense of mental and physical freshness for this unusually back-ended season. Warne said finding the right balance between strong team selection and shrewd use of resources will be a major challenge.”That’s the trick,” Warne said. “You want everyone to be playing every game they can for Australia, the best team they can every time. But the selectors and Michael Clarke have to be a little bit careful and also have a look towards the World Cup and the rest of what’s up ahead. So it’s a big summer, keep the guys fresh but everyone wants to play every game too. It’s a balancing act.”

With the Premier League transfer window now closed, Goal ranks the completed deals based on value, quality and potential improvement to teams involved

Getty Images20Adama Traore: Middlesbrough to Wolves (£18m/€23m)The former Barcelona man was unquestionably one of the most exciting forwards in the Championship last season and it proved only a matter of time before he was again handed an opportunity to perform in the Premier League. Newcomers Wolves added the explosive winger to their squad ahead of the new season for a club-record £18 million and will be sure the 22-year-old will finally leave his mark in the top flight.AdvertisementGetty19Bernd Leno: Bayer Leverkusen to Arsenal (£19m / €22m)Veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech has held the title of first-choice shot-stopper at Arsenal for three seasons but is now 36 years of age and often faced widespread criticism last season. As a result, the Gunners penned a deal to sign the Germany international. Cech may be afforded the start of the season to prove his worth but Leno's technical ability and composure on the ball will ensure he will immediately be on his team-mate's toes.18Riyad Mahrez: Leicester City to Man City (£60m/€68m)Pep Guardiola required minor tweaks to his Manchester City squad this summer, with Riyad Mahrez again being a target to strengthen his attacking options. The £60 million switch from Leicester City was duly completed and the Algeria international took to the field in his new colours during the International Champions Cup and in City's 2-0 Community Shield victory against Chelsea, immediately impressing his manager. While the price is perhaps a touch heavy, Mahrez's arrival ensures City's strength in depth in attack is unrivalled.ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty Images17Felipe Anderson: Lazio to West Ham (£33.5m/€37m)The 2018-19 Premier League season stands as a decisive one for West Ham, with the relationship between the club chiefs and fans strained. The financial backing Manuel Pellegrini has received as manager offers hope of improvement for the Hammers, with Felipe Anderson's arrival a particularly exciting one. The 25-year-old can be inconsistent but has incredible talent, with brilliant dribbling qualities and lightning pace – and he was one of the best players in the Europa League last term.

Tanwir Afzal named captain as Hong Kong announce squad for 2015-16 season and ICC World T20 qualifiers

ESPNcricinfo staff28-May-2015Fast-bowling allrounder Tanwir Afzal has been named captain of Hong Kong and allrounder Mark Chapman Afzal’s deputy for the upcoming ICC World T20 qualifiers. Afzal replaced Jamie Atkinson who resigned from the post earlier this month. .Squad for the ICC World T20 qualifiers

Tanwir Afzal (capt), Mark Chapman (vc), Aizaz Khan, Anas Khan, Anshuman Rath, Babar Hayat, Ehsan Nawaz, Haseeb Amjad, Irfan Ahmed, Jamie Atkinson(wk), Kinchit Shah, Nadeem Ahmed, Nizakat Khan, Waqas Barkat, Waqas Khan

“The selectors have had a tough job, however, this would have to be one of the strongest squads we have ever had,” Charlie Burke, the director of Hong Kong cricket, said. “The T20 format best suited us and I’m confident that we will qualify for the World Twenty20 again. The tournament requires us to play our best cricket from the first match, hence we are going to the venues earlier to prepare and get the right balance in the team.””It’s great to have the likes of Anshuman (Rath), Chappy (Mark Chapman) and Kinchit (Shah) back as they are quality batsmen and very good fielders. The focus for the coming weeks will be fielding and game plans.”Hong Kong are drawn in Group A and will play Ireland, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Namibia, USA and Jersey. The top four teams in each of the two groups will progress to the quarter finals, and the top six qualify for the group stages of the ICC World Twenty 20 to be held in India in 2016.The HKCA have also announced the full squad for the 2015-16 season and named seven development playersThe full squad: Tanwir Afzal (captain), Adil Mehmood, Aizaz Khan, Ali Skhawat, Anas Khan, Anshuman Rath, Baber Hayat, Ehsan Nawaz, Haseeb Amjad, Irfan Ahmed, Ishtiaq Muhammad, Jamie Atkinson, Kinchit Shah, Manjinder Singh, Mark Chapman, Nadeem Ahmed, Niraj Patwari, Nizakat Khan, Waqas Barkat, Waqas KhanDevelopment squad: Awais Mohammad, Cameron McAulsan, Giacomo Lamplough, Karan Shah, LI Kai Ming, Nick Way, Raag Kapur

Former Schalke striker Raul has rejected an offer to take over as the German side's coach, it has been reported.

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Schalke sacked coach last weekOffered post to former strikerSpain icon wants Madrid stayWHAT HAPPENED?

Thomas Reis was sacked from his post as head coach last week with the Gelsenkirchen side sitting as low as 16th in the 2. Bundesliga.

Schalke turned to ex-star forward Raul to offer him the job, according to , but the Spain legend has turned down the opportunity.

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Raul signed for Schalke on a free transfer from Real Madrid in 2010 and went on to make 97 appearances for the club, scoring 40 goals.

He helped fire them to the Champions League semi-finals in his first season with the Bundesliga side, and the quarter-finals of the Europa League the following year.

Raul is currently at the helm of Real Madrid Castilla and, according to the report, would prefer to stay there than take over at the German side.

DID YOU KNOW?

Raul, who won six La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns as a player at Madrid, took charge of the Castilla side in 2020. He has overseen 138 competitive matches and won 59.

Raul, 46, also guided the Madrid Under 19s to UEFA Youth League success in 2020.

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Schalke will look to other options to take over as head coach and lead their bid to escape the relegation zone in the second tier of German football.

Jack Taylor’s suspension from bowling for England and in competitive county cricket because of an illegal bowling action has been lifted by the ECB with immediate effect.

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Feb-2014Jack Taylor’ssuspension from bowling for England and in competitive county cricket because of an illegal bowling action has been lifted by the ECB with immediate effect.This follows a reassessment as permitted within the ECB regulations, carried out on 4 February 2014. This was subsequent to a period of remedial work undertaken by Taylor on his bowling action after an initial analysis in May 2013.Taylor, an offbreak bowler, had become Gloucestershire’s first-choice spinner before his season was abruptly interrupted by an investigation into the legality of his action.The Banbury-born bowler undertook much rehabilitation work in Gloucestershire as well as visiting the ECB’s national performance centre at Loughborough to seek advice from experts in bio-mechanical sports science.Gloucestershire’s director of cricket, John Bracewell, himself a former international offspinner, said: “This is great news and a lot of credit must go to Jack himself for the dedication and determination he has shown throughout what must have been a very tough time in his life.”I must thank our coaching staff. In particular, specialist spin bowling coach, Richard Dawson, who has put in hour after hour with Jack and Chris Bodman for his work on mind management. Lastly, thanks to the University of Gloucestershire for allowing us access to their first class 3D test facilities. Good job guys. Jack can now get on with his career.”

Zimbabwe’s Prosper Utseya can resume bowling in international cricket, but he still won’t be allowed to bowl his offbreak

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Dec-2014Zimbabwe’s Prosper Utseya can resume bowling in international cricket, but he still won’t be allowed to bowl his offbreak. Utseya’s slow and medium-paced deliveries were found to be legal by the ICC, but his offspin deliveries were still measured to be above the permissible limit.Utseya, who had gone undergone remedial work after being banned from bowling in October, had identified his offspin and a variety of slow and medium deliveries as the type of deliveries he would be bowling during the ICC retest. All his slower deliveries were measured within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the ICC Regulations for the Review of Bowlers Reported with Suspected Illegal Bowling Actions, but not his offspin deliveries.During matches, the umpires will still be at liberty to report Utseya if they believe he is displaying a suspect action and not reproducing the legal action that was analysed during the retest. To assist in comparing the action used in the lab to the action used in upcoming matches, umpires have been provided with images and video footage of Utseya’s remodeled legal bowling action.