Wolves: Reporter drops Alex Scott transfer update from "sources"

Wolverhampton Wanderers could eventually be stumped in their bid to land Bristol City playmaker Alex Scott as they struggle to scramble funds together to acquire the England youth international, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Is Alex Scott moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers?

As per The Express & Star, Wolves are in a precarious position with regard to their pursuit of Scott after seeing separate bids of £18 million and £20 million turned down for his services by Bristol City.

The report states that the money needed to sign the 19-year-old is 'unavailable' due to a risk of breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, potentially putting their efforts to buy Scott in doubt.

Football Insider have revealed that Bristol City chairman John Lansdown is holding out for a fee of £25 million before he will agree to sanction the Guernsey-born playmaker's exit from Ashton Gate.

Last term, the youngster established himself as a key player for Bristol City, registering two goals and five assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Over the course of the window, Bournemouth, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan have all been linked with Scott, which is a testament to his potential despite his relative inexperience in the game.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that Wolves could eventually be upended in their efforts to land Scott as his other suitors may spot an opportunity to take advantage of their financial irregularities.

Jones stated: “This has become very frustrating. One week ago, Wolves looked like they might be able to start moving forward, but these FFP fears continue to hold them back.

“So… While they have intentions over a third bid for Scott, they must be careful. I still think they can get him, but that is as long as no one else makes a massive bid while they are trying to clear more players from the squad, but it’s a bit at risk as we get to August and a key time for recruitment.

“At some point, someone will meet Bristol City’s valuation, and sources close to the selling club say there is not much optimism of Wolves stepping forward with £25m in the coming days.

“But, at the same time, others touted, like Spurs, aren’t moving either. If anyone is a threat, it might be Bournemouth. They have gone a little quiet and may be working on something.”

What now for Wolverhampton Wanderers?

In all honesty, Wolves have endured a torrid transfer window and only Republic of Ireland international Matt Doherty and experienced stopper Tom King have been added to Julen Lopetegui's thin squad as new additions this summer, as per Transfermarkt.

Big-name departures such as Ruben Neves and Nathan Collins haven't helped their cause, while dressing room presences such as Diego Costa and Joao Moutinho have also left the building, which is hardly cause for optimism around Molineux as the new Premier League campaign draws closer.

West Ham'sAaron Cresswell

Wolves had been in negotiations with West Ham in an attempt to acquire veteran full-back Aaron Cresswell ahead of the new campaign; however, the Hammers pulled the plug on any notion of a deal as a fee couldn't be agreed between both parties, as per The Daily Mail.

Old Gold boss Lopetegui has admitted he is "worried" about the size of the squad he has to work with at Wolves this term and the collective anxiety around the club is likely to continue the longer the window drags on if further reinforcements don't appear between now and the close of play in the market.

'I don't intend to continue with the current set-up' – Sana Mir

Sana Mir has responded to the head coach’s criticism of her alleged “negative approach” during Pakistan’s winless campaign in the 2017 World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Aug-2017Pakistan women’s captain Sana Mir has responded to criticism from Sabih Azhar, the team’s coach, saying she had “fought” to play a young bowler contrary to the allegations against her. She also said she did not “intend to continue” under the current circumstances.In a report, Azhar had described Mir as “self-centered, egotistical and being wrapped up in oneself” during the course of the team’s winless campaign in the 2017 Women’s World Cup in England.He had said newcomers were discouraged in the team’s set-up, and that 25-year-old Kainat Imtiaz was dropped from the playing XI against West Indies without his knowledge. Among the matters which Mir and Azhar didn’t agree upon was the selection of 21-year-old Diana Baig, the fast bowler who picked up seven wickets in five matches. Mir wrote on Facebook of this: “My coordination with the coach suffered when I insisted on playing Diana Baig, who was in absolutely great form. That was our major disagreement. Diana is talented and was in great form in the WWC 2017.”My fight was to play a youngster in the team who is ready for international cricket. I don’t regret it. Moreover, we suffered defeats in this World Cup as spinners with the new ball penetrated our top order consistently in each game, specially left-arm spinners. We are also still short of players who can perform under pressure.”Much of the focus of the report fell on the leadership of Mir. In turn Mir, who relinquished her T20 captaincy last year, said she did not want to carry on in this set-up. “I would have preferred not to have had this conversation through the media but since a confidential report by the coach, and comments by GM Women Wing and Chairman PCB have been making headlines, I feel obliged to give a short response to clarify some issues from my point of view.”I want to make it clear I don’t intend to continue in the future with the current set-up of the Women’s Wing in any capacity. I would still be sharing a detailed report with all of you to improve women’s cricket once I get back by the end of August.”Mir had previously hinted on various occasions that she would step aside after the 2017 World Cup. Having made her international debut in 2005, Mir was appointed captain in 2009 and has led Pakistan to 26 wins each in 76 ODIs and 65 T20Is.

Arsenal: Arteta Now Targeting "Real Beast" Of A Signing

Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta are keen on signing Montpellier forward Elye Wahi but face stiff competition for his signature, according to reports out of France.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Gunners have been very busy so far this transfer window as sporting director Edu attempts to back Arteta with marquee additions. Arsenal fell just short of the title to eventual treble-winners Man City last season, despite being in pole position for much of the 2022/2023 campaign.

In response, they've taken swiftly to the transfer market, having put pen to paper on deals for the likes of Kai Havertz from Chelsea, defender Jurrien Timber and a club-record £105 million deal for Declan Rice from West Ham United.

The latter player represents a significant signing for Arteta in particular, with the 24-year-old becoming England's most expensive ever player ahead of both Jack Grealish (Man City) and Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid).

More signings haven't been ruled out, either, as the north Londoners maintain an interest in Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia among others, Though reports suggest they're now looking more at outgoings to balance the books, it is believed Arteta and co are eyeing an electric young striker.

According to French news outlet Foot Mercato, both Arsenal and Newcastle hold an interest in signing Wahi from Montpellier this summer. It is believed the Frenchman is being targeted by both sides, but they may need to hurry and formalise that interest if they're serious.

Soccer Football – Premier League – Everton v Arsenal – Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain – December 21, 2019 New Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Phil Noble EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your acc

Strasbourg, recently bought by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, will attempt to sign the 20-year-old who is also on the list of Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt – if the latter side manage to sell Randal Kolo Muani.

Sharing more on Arsenal's interest, the outlet explains that the north Londoners also have to make a sale before moving for Wahi.

Foot Mercato wrote:

"On the England side, Arsenal (which must sell Folarin Balogun) but also Newcastle (always on the lookout for a good shot) are also on the lookout,"

"Trained at the club, the seventh top scorer in Ligue 1 during the 2022-2023 financial year is, in any case, on the verge of a new challenge in his young career."

How good is Elye Wahi?

The promising young attacker, who bagged a brilliant 19 goals and five assists in 33 Ligue 1 appearances last season, has been praised by members of the media and club chiefs alike for his sky high potential.

"He was two or three years ahead of his peers in terms of what he could do," explains Pierre Ville, former Suresnes club president, to GOAL.

"He quickly outclassed them.

"During a tournament that we hosted, I saw him score a volley with the ball falling vertically out of the sky, like watching [Zinedine] Zidane in the 2002 Champions League final, but the boy was just 11 years old!"

Meanwhile, journalist Andrés Onrubia Ramos has called Wahi a "real beast" of a forward who will "definitely explode".

Ramos wrote on Twitter:

"Elye Wahi (2003). If he manages to polish the definition, we are facing a striker who is going to exceed ten goals per season. A real beast in space that, in addition, associatively also leaves interesting things. It should definitely explode."

Wolves Eyeing Move For 24-Year-Old Defender

Wolves are battling Tottenham for the signing of Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson during the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Who is Victor Nelsson?

The Dane has been an eye-catching performer for the Turkish giants of late, having joined from Copenhagen in 2021 and become a key man since then. Last season, he started 33 matches in the Super Lig, winning an average of 3.3 clearances and 3.2 aerial duel win per game.

Nelsson was also part of Denmark's squad at the 2022 World Cup, and he made one start during the competition, coming in the 2-1 defeat to France. He has won 10 caps for his country in total, not to mention a whopping 35 for the Under-21s, prior to breaking into the senior setup.

Given the 24-year-old's impressive form for Galatasaray, they could find it extremely difficult to retain his services beyond the end of the current transfer window, even though his current deal doesn't run out until the summer of 2026. Wolves have been linked with a move for him in the recent past, and it is speculation that isn't going away, alongside rumours regarding right-back Matt Doherty.

Reports have suggested that Doherty is closing in on a return to Molineux after becoming a free agent, with Nelsson potentially joining him in the Midlands.

Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson.

Could Wolves sign Victor Nelsson?

According to Ekstra Bladet [via Sport Witness], Wolves are "fighting" to sign Nelsson over Spurs this summer, as they look to bring in a top-quality defensive addition. The player himself does prefer the idea of a move to north London, however, potentially seeing them as a bigger club that can offer a greater chance of success moving forward in his career.

Wanderers could be boosted by the fact that Spurs are reluctant to pay the player's €25m (£21.2m) release clause that Galatasaray are demanding for his services, though, and the report says they are in "urgent" need of a new central defender, following Nathan Collins' transfer to Brentford.

Nelsson's future is believed to belong "in the Premier League", according to the update, but negotiations over a potential move could end up being "prolonged". Meanwhile, Galatasaray vice-president Erden Timur has admitted that the centre-back is one of numerous players who could move on in the near future:

"There are concrete offers for our players. There are offers for Nelsson, Zaniolo, Sacha Boey, Cicaldau, Morutan, Kerem, Yunus, Barış, Taylan, Emre, Emin Bayram and Berkan. Fortunately, we have a good squad. There are also offers for our local football players from beautiful leagues in Europe. Whoever goes, they have very good alternatives."

Nelsson, who talent scout Jacek Kulig once hailed as a "monster" at the back, could be a strong signing by Wolves this summer, immediately making up for the loss of Collins, who was a solid performer throughout the 2022/23 campaign, starting 19 Premier League games and enjoying an 88.1% pass completion rate.

In comparison, the Galatasaray defender completed 93.2% of his passes in his aforementioned World Cup appearance against France, highlighting the quality that he possesses on the ball.

At 24, Nelsson is at a brilliant age to come in and be a formidable signing for Wanderers for a number of years, possibly shining under Julen Lopetegui and potentially forging a strong partnership with the likes of Max Kilman, should the latter stay put at Molineux this summer, making this a move to watch.

Quetta Gladiators overseas players pull out of PSL final

The majority of Quetta Gladiator’s overseas contingent have opted not to travel to Lahore for the PSL final

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Mar-2017

Kevin Pietersen will not take part in the PSL final•PCB/PSL

The majority of Quetta Gladiators’ overseas contingent have opted not to travel to Lahore for the PSL final.Kevin Pietersen, Luke Wright and Tymal Mills all tweeted about leaving the tournament, while former New Zealand offspinner Nathan McCullum will also not travel. Rilee Rossouw, the South African batsman, had been considering playing in the final on March 5, *but he too wrote on Twitter that he was leaving the tournament. “Its with a sad heart that I must announce that i will not be taking part in the final.”Wright, the England allrounder, tweeted: “It’s with a heavy heart I will not be coming to Lahore. I have a young family and for me a game of cricket is just not worth the risk. I’m sorry as I know how much it means to you all and hopefully in the future the safety will not be in doubt to come play there.”Pietersen signed off from the tournament with 40 from 22 balls, as Quetta stole a one-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi, taking his tally to 241 runs. Rossouw is currently their top scorer with 255 runs at 42.50 and a strike-rate 123.18.Mills took seven wickets from five matches, while Wright played just one match and McCullum did not feature.One-off payments, ranging from USD 10,000 to 50,000, are being offered to foreign players should they agree to play in Lahore. That, as one foreign player considering taking part in the final pointed out, brings its own complications. “What is the difference in me playing in Lahore under a security threat and a Pakistani player doing so?” he said. “In any attack both are at risk. And physios and masseuses? A life is a life, mine or a Pakistani player’s.”Teams who end up severely shorthanded can rope in a pool of nominated foreign players. The list, initially of 54 names, has now grown to above 60, and is said to be composed of those who were not picked in the draft last October, as well as additional names from outside the draft, who are willing to travel to Pakistan.Each franchise will nominate five to six players from the long list and hand it to the PSL, who hope that ultimately, accounting for common names that appear in multiple lists, they have a shortlist of 12 to 15 waiting on standby to participate in the final.

Tottenham: Spurs In Talks To Hijack "Superb" Star

Tottenham Hotspur have entered talks to sign Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and could hijack Inter Milan, according to journalist Michele Criscitiello.

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

The north Londoners, buoyed by the arrival of new manager Ange Postecoglou, are seeking to strengthen their ranks in many different areas before next season.

One of the major positions Spurs could reinforce is the goalkeeping position, especially after long-serving number one Hugo Lloris recently declared that he is seeking a new challenge.

The Frenchman, who has been at Tottenham for over a decade since signing from Lyon in 2012, told Nice-Matin that an exit is very much on the cards – a year before the expiry of his current contract.

“We have reached an important moment, whether it be for the club or me,” said Lloris.

“It’s the end of an era. I have a desire for something else. I will carefully study what is possible. However, I haven’t forgotten that I have a year left on my contract at Tottenham, and in football, it’s always hard to predict what will happen."

As a result, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has reportedly been targeting Brentford's David Raya, though despite agreeing personal terms, it is believed there is an impasse on his £40 million asking price.

Alternatives who have been in the frame include Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, but according to reports in the lasr 24 hours, Tottenham have set their sights on a new target for in-between the sticks.

Tottenham transfer target Guglielmo Vicario in Serie A action.

Indeed, Empoli's Vicario is now of serious interest, with Italian reporter Criscitiello telling SICafè on Sport Italia that Spurs are in talks for the 26-year-old.

They could also hijack Inter Milan, who apparently had the 6 foot 4 Vicario "in their grip" but are "wasting time" – meaning Tottenham are swooping in.

"The Nerazzurri had Vicario in their grip," said Criscitiello.

"But now they are wasting time and as a result the goalkeeper has fallen heavily in these hours, with important money, at Corsi's house. Tottenham. Empoli are negotiating with the English, I don't know the figures."

Who is Guglielmo Vicario?

The Italian starred for Empoli last season under Paolo Zanetti, even standing out as their second-best performing player by average match rating according to WhoScored.

Off the back of his national team call-up last year, BBC journalist Moseph Ekine was also effusive in his praise for the shot-stopper, calling him one of Serie A's "very good" keepers who has been "superb" for Empoli.

If Spurs can get a deal done, they may well have an excellent Raya alternative.

Leciester: Foxes put 42 y/o on manager shortlist

Following Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League, The Foxes now have the task of choosing a permanent manager to try and guide the former Premier League champions back to England’s top division.

Per Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, former Fulham and AFC Bournemouth manager Scott Parker is named on the shortlist of targets that includes Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca, former Manchester United coach Scott McKenna and current interim head coach Dean Smith.

Who will be Leicester’s next manager?

According to McGrath, Smith has 'some support' from within the organisation despite his failure to keep Leicester in the Premier League.

The club have held talks with Smith over his future after the former Aston Villa manager achieved two wins and three draws in his eight matches in charge at the King Power Stadium.

Smith is a name on a long list of potential targets, including former Premier League manager Scott Parker.

According to McGrath, other targets include Man City first-team head coach Maresca, who was considered by Southampton earlier in the season as their potential head coach following the departure of Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Leicester will have to wait until after this weekend’s Champions League final if they want to speak to the 43-year-old.

McGrath names McKenna, the current Ipswich manager and former assistant coach at Man Utd, as well as former Villa and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard as potential candidates to become Leicester manager for the upcoming season too.

Should Scott Parker become Leicester manager?

It’s hard to think Parker would be a popular choice to become manager amongst the Leicester faithful.

Parker was sacked by AFC Bournemouth after a 9-0 loss to Liverpool at the end of August and moved to Belgium to manage Club Brugge following the disappointment with The Cherries.

Parker would go on to manager Club Brugge after the Bournemouth sacking, but his stint in Belgium proved to be a disaster.

The former West Ham and Spurs midfielder, now 42, received his second sacking of the season in March following a 7-1 aggregate defeat to Benfica in the Champions League round of 16.

Soccer Football – Premier League – Liverpool v Fulham – Anfield, Liverpool, Britain – March 7, 2021 Fulham manager Scott Parker Pool via REUTERS/Clive Brunskill EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.

In a brief club statement, Club Brugge stated: 'In 12 games, the Briton could only win 2 times' – that's a win rate of just 16%.

The former England international has been without a club since his disappointing tenure in Belgium, but the opening at Leicester could present an opportunity for the Englishman to bounce back.

No matter who becomes The Foxes' next boss, they will have a serious rebuilding job on their hands.

The club confirmed the departures of Youri Tielemans, Caglar Soyuncu, Ayoze Perez, Tete, Ryan Bertrand, Nampalys Mendy and Daniel Amartey on Monday night.

It also looks likely that stars James Maddison and Harvey Barnes will be leaving the King Power Stadium this summer.

هازارد: لاعب مانشستر سيتي الأفضل في العالم وليس الدوري الإنجليزي فقط

يرى إدين هازارد، لاعب فريق ريال مدريد السابق، أن مواطنه كيفين دي بروين لاعب مانشستر سيتي، هو الأفضل في العالم.

ويقدم كيفين دي بروين أداءً مميزًا مع مانشستر سيتي في مختلف المسابقات، خاصة بعد عودته من الإصابة التي تعرض لها في أغسطس الماضي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. هازارد يعارض رونالدو بشأن أفضلية الدوري السعودي على الفرنسي

وعندما سُئل عما إذا كان دي بروين هو أفضل لاعب في الدوري الإنجليزي، أجاب هازارد: “بالطبع، بفارق كبير عن الآخرين، لا يوجد أحد قريب منه حتى، هو يرى أشياءً لا يراها الآخرون”.

وأضاف في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ديلي ستار” الإنجليزية: “كما أن جوارديولا يمنحه الحرية في اللعب، في كل مرة يمتلك فيها كيفين الكرة، يكون حرًا”.

وواصل: “لهذا السبب فهو الأفضل، عندما يكون كيفين حرًا، لا يكون فقط أفضل لاعب في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ولكن في العالم أيضًا”.

Arsenal Want "Decisive" £15m Odegaard Partner

Arsenal have set their sights on a top young talent from South America, with a move to bring him to north London already in the works.

What's the latest on Matheus Franca to Arsenal?

That's according to journalist Artur Petrosyan, who took to Twitter to hand a surprise update on Edu's pursuit of Brazilian wonderkid Matheus Franca.

He wrote: "Arsenal's initial offer of £15m + add-ons for Matheus Franca from Flamengo has been rejected. Newcastle have also expressed interest".

As a tricky attacking midfielder with all the quality to one day be a true superstar, investing in this 19-year-old now could not only mark an instant success for the present, but a staple of the bright future promised at the Emirates.

Who is Matheus Franca?

As a little-known teenage sensation from Flamengo, the powerful number ten has garnered more attention of late for his silky yet domineering displays in his home country over numerous years now.

Standing at 6 foot tall but possessing all the flair and carefree philosophy that a Brazilian should, it is no surprise that even Real Madrid have reportedly taken a keen interest in the future of this potential superstar. Their success in prying Vinicius Junior straight from his homeland should be another glowing endorsement of Franca, as the left winger is coming off a season with 44 goal contributions to his name in all competitions.

After all, the midfield trickster instead registered an impressive 11 goal contributions last year across 28 appearances, having struggled more recently despite interest still ramping up.

This is no doubt due to other tangible qualities, better outlined through his 0.9 key passes and one tackle per game, made more impressive given he is averaging just 43 minutes per game in the Brasileiro Serie A, via Sofascore.

Fabio Matias, one U20 coach of his, outlined the exact qualities that would make him a success in the European game, despite having only scored three times in 2023.

He noted: "In addition to technical and tactical ability, he has a very good understanding of the game. That makes him stand out because he interprets spaces well. The most talented players have an understanding of space and how to manage that. He also has the ability to be decisive in front of goal and is a great finisher."

martin-odegaard-arsenal

His notoriety in Flamengo is what likely led to the mouth-watering £176m release clause inserted into his contract, to ward off potential coups.

Bringing in such a powerful yet technically proficient magician to partner Martin Odegaard could be a stroke of genius from Edu, as the two creative forces at the tip of their box midfield. Given Mikel Arteta's unique formation, their Norwegian captain has shone alongside Granit Xhaka in their advanced roles, who scored seven and assisted a further seven, much to the surprise of many.

However, with the Swiss international expected to leave, it could provide a space for someone like Franca to come in and immediately shine, with all the attributes the 30-year-old boasts with regard to physicality and work rate, plus the additional benefits of a Samba upbringing that would add some flair to partner the ever-reliable Odegaard.

His 15 goals and eight assists have truly seen the 24-year-old reach new heights in England, but partnered with another tricky attacking midfielder rather than a more workmanlike box-to-box type, it could overwhelm opposition defences and propel them to further success. At the very least, Franca's skill could provide a threat that earns the former Los Blancos wonderkid some additional space to further thrive.

Cummins 'fights hard' before maiden Test strike

West Indies quick Miguel Cummins has said he did not let the long wait for his first Test wicket fluster him

Karthik Krishnaswamy in St Lucia 11-Aug-20161:42

‘My debut game was very tough’ – Cummins

Having gone wicketless with the first 280 balls of his Test career, Miguel Cummins picked up three in his next ten balls. In the space of those first 280 balls, Cummins went through multiple frustrations: going off with cramps in his debut Test, and, in his second Test, watching batsmen fend accurate bouncers in the general direction of short leg but just out of the fielder’s reach.”For me, the debut Test was very tough, because I was playing for the first time so nerves took in,” Cummins said at the end of the second day’s play in St Lucia. “Was fighting a long way, fighting hard, hard, hard. Came today, saw the [other] guys take wickets but didn’t let that fluster me. I tried looking for wickets but my job was to build pressure.”On Tuesday, West Indies took the first five Indian wickets for 126 runs, and in the second session on Wednesday, they ran through the last five wickets for the cost of only 14 runs. But in between, R Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha put on 213 to balance out some of West Indies’ good work with the ball.Cummins applauded his team-mates for toppling India’s top half, but admitted Ashwin and Saha made things tough for them. “We did a very good job of getting their top order,” he said. “They are a very talented batting line-up but we stuck to our plans. But can’t take anything away from Ashwin and Saha, they batted very well. We had to keep fighting when they had the partnership.”West Indies made good use of a St Lucia pitch with plenty of bounce on offer, with Alzarri Joseph dismissing Virat Kohli with a well-directed lifter on day one and Cummins and Shannon Gabriel wiping out the lower order with a barrage of short balls.”The plan was not to bowl short [exclusively] but mix it up,” Cummins said. “Ashwin normally sits on the back foot, lot of guys sit on the back foot. So our plan was to get some balls [pitched] up and let them drive and then use the short-pitched stuff.”

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