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Andrew Leipus has stepped down from his job as physiotherapist at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Bangalore, according to a report in the

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Jul-2017Andrew Leipus has stepped down from his job as physiotherapist at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Bangalore, according to a report in the . Leipus, the newspaper said, had submitted his resignation letter to the BCCI due to the ambiguity surrounding his dual roles at the NCA and IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, and any possible conflict of interest that may amount to. Leipus reportedly had written to BCCI officials several times, asking for clarity on the matter but got no response, forcing him to take this decision.Leipus, who had worked with the Indian team between 1999 and 2004 and was pivotal in raising fitness levels in the national squad, took up the post in the NCA in October 2015. He already had the job with KKR then, but given the recent buzz around the Lodha recommendations regarding conflict of interest, he was doubtful about keeping both roles. According to the Indian Express, due to family commitments he did not want to have a situation in which he was left with neither job, and so he had first written to the BCCI a month ago asking for direction. When no response came, he resigned from the NCA role.A similar issue cropped up for Rahul Dravid, who worked as mentor with Delhi Daredevils and coached India’s Under-19 and A teams. He too had written to the board, asking for clarity on his roles. Not long after, the board confirmed that Dravid will continue in his role as the coach of India A and Under-19 teams for the next two years. This time though, conforming to the recommendations of the Lodha Committee, Dravid’s new contract will run for 12 months each year as opposed to the 10-month contract he had previously – which allowed him to work in the IPL for two months a year.The matter of such conflict of interest was precipitated by a stinging resignation letter from Ramachandra Guha, who gave up his position in the CoA because of what he perceived as inaction from his colleagues against conflicts of interest in Indian cricket. While Guha didn’t directly name Dravid, he contended that it was “contrary to the spirit of the Lodha Committee” for coaches or support staff of India’s senior and junior teams, or staff at the NCA, to have IPL contracts.

Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag is keen to sanction deals for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Onana, Vlahovic and Hojlund?

As per La Gazzetta Dello Sport via Sport Witness, Manchester United remain keen on signing Inter Milan goalkeeper Onana this summer as Ten Hag looks to draft in a new man between the sticks, though he is valued at £51 million.

The report states that no official bid has been made to try and acquire the £63k-a-week ace; however, ‘contacts are constant’ between the Red Devils and the Cameroon international.

Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund has also emerged as a target for Manchester United, with talks continuing over a potential transfer, which could reach a fee of £86 million, as per The Daily Mail.

Manchester United were previously keen on both Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, though they were priced out of a move for the pair, leaving £10.5k-a-week earner Hojlund in their sights.

Calciomercato claim that Juventus striker Vlahovic, who is valued at £70m, may be on the move this summer and his agent has held talks with Manchester United over a move to Old Trafford. Capology report that the Serbia international earns €249,231 (£214,242) per week on a contract that runs until June 2026.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has stated that all three players are potential targets for Manchester United this summer.

Jones said: "There is a Serie A exodus on the cards this summer and Man United are well-placed to take advantage of it. Onana is the prime target in this moment, but Vlahovic and Hojlund are in their sights too and this is a market whereby Italian clubs are finding it extremely hard to fend off bids for their top talent.

"We have seen [Sandro] Tonali nabbed by Newcastle and Kim [Min-jae] being picked up by Bayern Munich — the feeling is that much more is to come and United are looking at that situation right now to see how it can force further deals."

Who else has been linked with a move to Manchester United this window?

As per The Daily Mail, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is undergoing his medical at Manchester United before being officially unveiled as their first summer signing.

The report states that Mount could make his debut as soon as next week, with Manchester United pencilled in to take on rivals Leeds United in a friendly at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo.

Mundo Deportivo via 90min claim that the Red Devils have made a late offer to try and sign Athletico Paranaense striker Vitor Roque, who is being heavily courted by Barcelona.

According to The Mirror, Eintracht Frankfurt stopper Kevin Trapp has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford, signifying that a busy transfer window may be on the way for Manchester United.

The 39-year old record-breaking left-arm spinner also said he considers his future before every series he plays

Andrew Fidel Fernando in Galle 11-Mar-2017Rangana Herath conceded 400 career wickets would be “nice to have”, while reiterating that at 39, he considers his future in the game after every series. Having taken 6 for 59 in Sri Lanka’s victory in Galle, Herath is now the most successful left-arm spinner in Tests, surpassing Daniel Vettori’s career tally of 362. This was also his 29th five-wicket haul – only Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, Richard Hadlee and Anil Kumble have achieved more.”If you can get to a target like that it would be terrific, because very few people have taken 400 Test wickets,” Herath said. “I’d love to get there, but I can’t guarantee that I’ll be in this form forever. But I’ll keep playing and contributing as I can for the team and for the country, and hope that the wickets keep coming.”That Herath is now among the most successful bowlers in the game is all the more extraordinary, given he did not have a long run in the team until he was 31. Before 2009, when he became a fixture in Sri Lanka’s Test XI, Herath had played only 14 Tests at sporadic intervals.”I have no regrets about starting late,” he said. “I have already played 79 Tests and I am happy with what ever I have achieved so far.”Herath needs 34 more Test wickets to get 400, and if matches are played per-schedule, Sri Lanka play six further home Tests this year before they are due to go overseas for a bilateral tour. In those matches, Herath may find himself sharing the spin duties with two other slow bowlers, however – Sri Lanka now having fielded three specialist spinners in each of their last four Tests on the island. Unusually, in this match, they also played two seamers, bringing the number of frontline bowlers to five. As acting captain, Herath said having so many bowlers at his command provided him with a wealth of possible strategies.”We talked a lot about playing six batsmen and five bowlers, and ultimately it was the selectors who made that decision,” Herath said. “I look at it the positive way. I have loads of options when you have three spinners. When we bowl long spells bowlers will get tired, so in that situation having five bowlers is a clear advantage.”As you saw today, playing against three spinners with such a large score to get is difficult for the opposition. The pitch wasn’t turning as much as usual, but we had the bowlers who did well – Dilruwan Perera and Lakshan Sandakan gave a lot of support.”Though Sri Lanka were rarely pushed in this match, they did drop three catches in the first innings. Catches had been liberally spilled in recent tours of South Africa and Australia as well. 

”After a game we look at the weak points in all three departments, and we have to be more cautious when it comes to fielding, as we missed a few chances,” Herath said. “But we are learning. We will work hard and come good.”

Tottenham Hotspur announced their first signing of the Ange Postecoglou era last week, as they made Dejan Kulusevski's loan move a permanent one.

Although the second season of his stint in north London had not impressed as much as his first, scoring just twice, he remained an important cog of this side, and a fine option to have within the squad.

However, the Australian will be far from content to allow that to be his sole purchase of the summer, given the vast scale of the revolution that is required in north London.

He will likely look to other teams around him, akin to Manchester United and Arsenal, and hope to replicate how they have improved to steadily climb the Premier League table. This means that his transfer dealings must be shrewd and focused on a brighter future, likely relinquishing any chance of instant success to get to that level.

Investment in a younger type of player is a must, rather than those just entering their prime.

Whilst a war wages on with Newcastle United to sign James Maddison from Leicester City, another star resides within the King Power Stadium which they also seem to be working on tempting. That man is Harvey Barnes.

In acquiring this wide man, Postecoglou could copy Erik ten Hag even more than he could have imagined, by securing his very own version of Marcus Rashford to terrorise full-backs down the wing.

Would Harvey Barnes be able to emulate Marcus Rashford?

Whilst both Barnes and the England international are right-footed left-wingers, their direct play style and decisive pace and power further draw comparisons. Pundit Alan Hutton even suggested that the former was a true "livewire", to emphasise these claims.

FBref seeks to outline these similarities too, as the 25-year-old is included in the former's similar players model.

It is not just their play style that is shared though, as both boast a penchant for goalscoring from the flank.

It is likely just the comparative quality of their respective squads that led to the gulf in actual goals, as Barnes' tally of 13 is not a far cry from the 17 league goals Rashford notched, whilst one finished third and the other got relegated.

The 24-year-old shone in a lacklustre Leicester side that fell to the drop, just like Maddison, and it seems like Postecoglou has developed an interest in these downtrodden stars who have already overcome hardship in their short careers.

The £35m-rated speedster has seen both the highs and lows of English football, having been lauded in the past by Jurgen Klopp whilst his side was in form: "Barnes is probably one of the biggest talents, I’m not sure if he is respected or appreciated as much as he should be, he is an unbelievable player to be honest, a proper Leicester product."

Opta's analyst tool serves to showcase the foremost assets of such a star, with a clear emphasis on his outstanding figures for dribbles completed, shots taken and all-around goalscoring. He is a constant threat, never afraid to shoot or take on his man. Defenders will never feel comfortable around this sparkling gem, just as they never do around a certain Rashford.

With the Manchester club having finished third in their most recent term, it seems the platform is there for future success of which Rashford will be an imperative cog.

Postecoglou will hope that he too can make steady progress with each year he is in charge, using Barnes as his dynamic left-sided star to emulate an already-successful formula.

Aston Villa are eyeing a move for rising Japan star Keito Nakamura, but NSWE will have to fend off a mega transfer battle to get a deal done this summer, report The Daily Mail.

What's the latest Aston Villa transfer news?

Unai Emery is expected to go on somewhat of a shopping spree in the current transfer window, with the Villans set for a challenging 2023/24 campaign in four competitions, having secured UEFA Europa Conference League qualification on the final day of the season.

NSWE are reportedly happy to back their manager with some serious funds, and they’ve made a positive start already by bringing in Leicester City and Belgium star Youri Tielemans.

The Villans are clearly seeking more midfield reinforcements though, considering they are also linked with the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Manu Kone, and The Daily Mail are now reporting another new target.

According to the newspaper, NSWE are battling with Liverpool, Burnley, Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Monchengladbach, Lille, Reims, Lyon and Feyenoord for LASK star Nakamura, and the player is expected to jump to a new club this summer.

Who is Keito Nakamura?

The 22 year-old, who plays as an attacking midfielder or as one of the wide roles in 4-2-3-1 formation, has burst onto the scene in the Austrian Bundesliga this season, scoring 14 times and providing seven assists in 31 league appearances, adding another three goals in cup competitions and finding the net once in two Japan caps.

His importance in his side’s Europa League qualification has apparently sparked the mass interest from across the continent, and it’s easy to see why when hearing from people who have seen the youngster play.

The £4,000-p/w Nakamura led all Japanese players in Europe aged 26 and under for direct goal contributions this season – beating the likes of Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma – and talent scout Jacek Kulig believes he’s a “brilliant” prospect who has been “absolutely on fire” throughout this season.

Given the rise of Japanese players throughout Europe’s top leagues in the last few seasons, with Mitoma shining in the Premier League, Celtic utilising several Japan internationals and Daichi Kamada thriving in the Bundesliga, Villa could certainly strike lucky by taking a dip into a previously underappreciated market.

Joao Felix would start ahead of Martin Odegaard for Arsenal, presenter Lee Gunner has sensationally claimed.

How has Odegaard performed for Arsenal?

The Norweigan has had a sensational campaign under Mikel Arteta, scoring 15 goals in the league as Arsenal battled to a second-placed finish, and the Gunners' captain was one of his side's standout performers.

However, it has now been claimed that Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix, who had a disappointing loan spell at Chelsea for the second half of this season, should be signed to start ahead of him.

Speaking on The Football Terrace, the presenter claimed that Odegaard did not score enough in big games, and when asked, he stated that he would drop the former Real Madrid man for Felix.

"Odegaard. People will say 'but he scored 15 goals', name one big team he scored against, one decent team this season he scored against. Newcastle, I'll give you that, other than that, what has he done?

"Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, teams like that, he doesn't score against the big teams. I'll take Felix at Arsenal in a heartbeat. And not only that, even when you say when they're all fit, we're trying to build a squad. Why can't Odegaard have a player challenge him?

"Why can't [Gabriel] Jesus or Eddie [Nketiah] have another player challenging? Why can't [Gabriel] Martinelli or [Bukayo] Saka have players challenging? People are saying I'm nuts, I couldn't care less at the end of the day. If Odegaard gets injured, we're putting Fabio Vieira in, are you telling me he's better than Joao Felix?"

Is Odegaard better than Joao Felix?

There is currently a huge contrast between Odegaard and Felix in both performance levels and status.

Odegaard has thrived since taking over as Arsenal captain last summer, and the former wonderkid has had the most productive season of his career, with 15 goals and 8 assists in 45 games across all competitions.

Felix, who earns a reported £195k per week, was loaned to Chelsea in January after a fallout with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, and hardly pulled up any trees at Chelsea, with his four goals in 20 appearances failing to lift them from their stupor.

Chelsea have now decided that they will not keep Felix beyond his loan, and his future is up in the air again. Whilst he could be a useful addition to Arsenal's squad if reasonably priced, he has not shown enough in his performances or mentality to warrant replacing the Norway captain in the Arsenal lineup.

Watch more of The Football Terrace on YouTube now!

Tottenham Hotspur defender Emerson Royal has claimed that Harry Kane wants to “stay” amid speculation about his potential exit.

What did Emerson Royal say about Harry Kane?

Will Kane leave Spurs this summer? It’s arguably the most-discussed transfer rumour in England over the past few months.

From TV pundits to strangers at the pub, you’ve probably heard nearly everyone who follows football offer their opinion on the matter at some point.

Even Kane has had to address the situation recently. Indeed, after scoring twice against Leeds United on the final day of the season, he told BT Sport (via Manchester Evening News): “It is part and parcel of being a footballer [speculation about leaving] especially when you are at the top of your game.

“I have focused on this season and helping the team as much as possible. I am just looking forward to a nice break and some games with England.”

Well, his Tottenham teammate Emerson has now potentially provided a little bit of insider information when speaking to the press.

He said (via Football Daily) “Top [player], for me, he’s number one in this position. I’m so happy for him.

“He wants to stay with us. I want to play with him for a long time.”

Why would Kane stay at Spurs?

Kane is currently on £200k-p/w at Tottenham and his current deal expires in 2024. It’s been reported that he may not sign a new deal and simply leave for free in 12 months’ time.

However, he could also push for a move this summer with Manchester United heavily linked. 90min claims he is the club’s “top transfer target”.

Of course, this might be tempting as he’s not getting any younger (turning 30 this July) and is still yet to win a major trophy in his career.

Some with connections to Sputs even think he should leave. Speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Redknapp said (via Manchester Evening News): “It feels at the moment that Tottenham is a shambles.

“They can’t seem to get a manager. If you were Harry Kane with one year to go, this is the time to leave.

“He has to push now because Man United might get somebody else. He missed out on Man City a few years ago when he wasn’t allowed to leave, right now it feels like he needs to push.”

However, if Emerson does indeed have some inside information, perhaps Kane isn’t looking to go just yet.

This could make sense too because if he sticks around for one more year he can then leave for free next summer.

Manchester United were keen to bring in Sofyan Amrabat over the January transfer window and this is a player who could be on the move over the coming months.

Are United interested in Amrabat?

The Red Devils still have an awful lot to play for in the handful of games that they have left in their 2022/23 campaign with Champions League football not wrapped up yet.

And that could lie insignificant in comparison to the upcoming derby at Wembley Stadium against Manchester City.

But failing to finish inside the top four and potentially losing to City could bring a real sour end to what has been a positive first season under Erik ten Hag.

Although the Dutchman has clearly taken United forward in his short spell at the club, it is apparent they will be looking for upgrades over the summer.

Indeed, United are being linked with a possible move for a big-money striker and it is also believed they are in the market to bolster their midfield.

Speaking on his Youtube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Red Devils had a serious interest in Amrabat in the January window and he will be a player to keep an eye out for:

(4:15) "And for Manchester United he's a player who was appreciated, so this is a small secret looking for January let's see what's going to happen in the summer for Sofyan Amrabat.

"For sure he remains in Barcelona's list. At the moment, no direct contact with Manchester United but we have to keep an eye on this midfielder."

Would Amrabat be a good signing?

Last summer, the Fiorentina midfielder was linked with a move away last year with a Premier League club believed to be interested.

Indeed, Tottenham Hotspur were heavily linked with the Moroccan midfielder who went on to shine at the World Cup over the weekend.

The 26-year-old certainly went on to impress during the Qatar World Cup as he played a big role in his country's impressive journey to the semi-final.

CBS Sports editor Ives Galarcep hailed the midfielder as a "beast" during the World Cup as he became the first player in the tournament to win the ball back 50 times.

The Moroccan has ranked inside the top fifth percentile in pass success rate over the last year in comparison to other midfielders in the top five leagues (via FBref).

However, he has provided (1.91) significantly fewer shot-creating actions per 90 minutes than Casemiro (2.72) this season and over double the number of tackles per game (via Fbref).

On the back of his displays in the World Cup, Amrabat could still prove an attractive option for a number of sides this summer.

And with just one yea remaining on his current deal, it could force Fiorentina into allowing his potential departure if he is keen to do so.

Journalist Charles Watts has claimed that Arsenal could be set for an "unprecedented" summer if they can achieve all their transfer plans in terms of buying and selling players.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Gunners haven't actually played Champions League football since the 2016/17 season but are guaranteed to finish at least second in the Premier League this time around.

This means they will have a greater need to splash the cash this summer as they will be hoping to be competitive in Europe as well as domestically, having fallen just short in the title race this term.

And with the improved revenue gained from finishing in the top four, the North London club can set their sites on some high-profile names – with West Ham United ace Declan Rice the name on everyone's lips right now.

While discussing all this on his YouTube channel, Watts suggested that this could be the club's busiest summer yet with major players set to come in and depart.

He said: (08:42): "I look at this one, I think it's truly going to be unprecedented at Arsenal.

"If they can sign the players they're looking to sign, they're going to spend, they'll have to spend a huge amount of money – again unprecedented really.

"Just if you want to sign Caicedo and Rice you're going to have to spend near enough £200m to get the pair of them. I don't know if they will or not, but if they want, if they try, that's the sort of money they're going to spend

“And on top of that you've also got to try and sign a fullback, a centre-back, right-sided player. You know, huge money.

"And then get loads of players out as well to bring a lot of that money back in.”

Who will Arsenal sell and buy this summer?

Granit Xhaka looks to be the man first out the door this summer, amid talk of a £13m to Bayer Leverkusen. On top of that, Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe, Charlie Patino, Nuno Tavares, Sambi Lokonga, Reiss Nelson, Rob Holding, Folarin Balogun, Cedric Soares, Pablo Mari, Nicolas Pepe and more have all been named as potential departures too.

Those wages off the books – combined with transfer fees brought in by any sales – could really add to the club's finances as they look to improve the squad depth.

As mentioned before, Rice will be a prime target and midfielder Moises Caicedo could cost well over £70m as Arsenal bid that much for the player in January only for Brighton to turn it down.

Beyond those two, Watts also mentions the possible desire to sign a few defenders and an attacking player – with Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby rumoured recently in the Evening Standard.

All in all, it does sound as though Arsenal, Arteta, and director Edu Gaspar could be set for their busiest summer yet.

Manchester United may be sold for "lower than the often quoted £6bn ($7.5bn)", according to reliable CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest takeover news?

The Manchester United takeover took yet another twist this week in what is fast becoming never-ending torture for supporters, as details emerged over the bid from Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.

According to Jacobs, and now widely reported elsehwere, Sheikh Jassim's offer has led to confusion because it "includes the debt & around £0.8bn ($1bn) in pledged investment". The Glazers will not include pledged investment in their decision making and will only base their valuation on the actual offer for the shares, of which the controversial family currently possess 69 per cent. This means Sheikh Jassim's bid is actually only around £4bn ($5bn), which is way shy of the often reported £6bn ($7.5bn) price tag.

That makes the Qatari's bid lower than what's on offer from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, CEO of INEOS, with "some sources indicating" the latter's bid has actually been superior right the way through the process, in what is a huge update to the ongoing takeover saga.

Some light in the tunnel for supporters?

While the supporters hoping for Qatari riches will no doubt be disheartened by the latest major twist in the tale, there is some light at the end of the tunnel, as Jacobs reports the asking price is actually lower than £6bn.

He says: "It is now understood the Glazers may strongly consider an outright sale for between £4.8bn ($6bn) and £5.6bn ($7bn), which is a bit lower than the often quoted £6bn ($7.5bn)."

This of course brings the gap between the Glazers and Sheikh Jassim right down, and fans on both sides of the matter will surely be excited by his rumoured plans for the club. The Nine Two Foundation say they want to "return the Club to its former glories both on and off the pitch" and "invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the Club supports".

There are already reports that the potential new owners are eyeing up superstar signings like Neymar and Jude Bellingham, signings which would certainly bring back the fear factor around Old Trafford, but fans will now simply have to wait and see if they up their offer to try and eclipse Ratcliffe and get closer to the Glazers' asking price.