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Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Liverpool are still in the race to sign Jude Bellingham this summer and the player will soon make a decision on his future.

What's the latest on Jude Bellingham and Liverpool?

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has been touted as a long-term target for some time now but it remains unclear if he will end up at the Reds.

After all, there is fierce competition for his signature with the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City also tipped as possible destinations with Liverpool supposedly no longer favourites to land the 19-year-old.

However, despite those reports, Romano insisted that Jurgen Klopp and co will push for the player "until the end".

When speaking on his YouTube channel, the journalist began (0:50): Liverpool will try until the end, we had reports of Liverpool almost out of the race for Bellingham. But what I can tell you is that Liverpool will insist until the end because they know it's up to the player, he has to decide. And so Liverpool are still in the race.

Before adding that a decision will soon be made by the player's camp (1:11): “So the race is open, but from what I understand, Jude Bellingham will now enter into important days to make his decision.

"He's going to speak to his family of course to his father Mark, who's taking care of the negotiation, then there will be a discussion also between Borussia Dortmund and Bellingham side to decide about the future.

"But important days are coming internally in Bellingham's camp, so into his family, to make a final decision on the future project he wants to pick.

" So this is a really important part of the story for Jude Bellingham. So get ready because April could be a really important month to understand more about Jude Bellingham's future."

Will Bellingham join Liverpool?

Whoever signs Bellingham will have to spend a small fortune on the Englishman. Indeed, as per a report in The Sun from last January, around £100m upfront will have to be paid – on top of wages in the region of £300k-p/w.

After he starred for the Three Lions at the World Cup, it's little wonder so many top clubs are after the teen.

Premier League legend Alan Shearer praised Bellingham for his efforts in Qatar, saying on BBC Sport (via Daily Mail): "He has some engine on him and his energy is incredible from the first to the last minute. He is the one trying to get up there and drive England forward."

While Rio Ferdinand added: "Equally comfortable receiving the ball on the backfoot here as he is here in the number ten spot. I don't quite know at the moment what he is going to be. Is he going to be another Steven Gerrard, [Frank] Lampard type or maybe a defensive midfielder?"

Those Gerrard comparisons will certainly have Liverpool fans excited and it sounds as though they could yet land the talented midfielder.

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Ajax teenager Amourricho van Axel Dongen, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Business under Ten Hag

Erik ten Hag has enjoyed a positive first season at Old Trafford, ending the club’s six year wait for a trophy by winning the Carabao Cup last month.

He has been backed in the transfer window by those at the top, with big-money moves for Casemiro and former Ajax stars Antony and Lisandro Martinez. In total, United have spent €243m (£213m) under Ten Hag, and it looks as if this summer could be just as expensive ahead of his second season in charge.

Reports have suggested that Ten Hag and United have made a new forward and midfielder their transfer priority, with Victor Osimhen, Harry Kane, Frenkie de Jong and Jude Bellingham named as potential targets.

None of those players would come cheap, but it looks as if the ed Devils are eyeing a cut-price move for Van Axel Dongen.

The Latest: Van Axel Dongen rumours

Romano took to Twitter in the last 48 hours to share an update on Van Axel Dongen, where United were named. The transfer expert said that the Red Devils ‘are one of the clubs informed on the situation’ regarding the youngster as a ‘potential free agent’.

He added that ‘Ten Hag knows him’, however, Ajax have offered him a new deal until 2027, although there is still no full agreement.

The Verdict: One to watch?

Van Axel Dongen is primarily a left-winger who is the current captain of Ajax’s U21 side and is already sponsored by Adidas. The 18-year-old actually shares the same agency as United players Luke Shaw and Anthony Elanga and has made three senior appearances for Ajax this season, registering one assist.

The Sun have described Van Axel Dongen as a ‘wonder kid’ and he appears to be a star in the making, so could be a shrewd signing in a cut-price transfer.

He turned down a move to Chelsea back in 2020, so the possibility of United securing his services over the coming months is an exciting one, with Ten Hag knowing the player from his time at the club.

Should a move materialise, United may look to use him sparingly in the first-team to start with, especially due to the club’s plethora of senior wide options, with Van Axel Dongen potentially gaining most of his minutes in the U21s or even out on loan, making this one to watch.

Chelsea have made contact with Mauricio Pochettino regarding taking over at Stamford Bridge, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Potter under pressure

The Telegraph’s Matt Law has claimed that Graham Potter could be sacked should he not pick up results over the next two games, with the 51-year-old Argentine allegedly on the list of potential successors.

The former Spurs boss reportedly actually turned down an approach from Todd Boehly despite being keen on a return to the Premier League, but an update has now emerged to the contrary.

The Latest: Chelsea hold talks

According to Football Insider, Chelsea have ‘made contact’ with Pochettino as they consider a change in the dugout.

The Blues have ‘spoken’ to the out-of-work boss, and it’s now believed that he would be ‘interested’ in accepting the job should it become available, in what FI’s report describes as a ‘twist’.

Talks ‘at this point’ haven’t yet turned into anything more serious, but with him still owning a home in London, this could be one to watch.

The Verdict: Perfect candidate

Pochettino has been dubbed a ‘world-class’ manager by pundit Jamie O’Hara and he would be the perfect candidate for Chelsea.

The Murphy native will already be used to the style of play in England from his time at Tottenham, where he won 160, drew 60 and lost just 73 of his 293 games in charge.

Spurs’ former coach has a preferred 4-3-3 attacking formation and knows what it takes to be successful at a club with huge expectations like the Blues, having secured three trophies during his spell at Paris Saint-Germain.

Pochettino is also currently a free agent so the Stamford Bridge higher-ups wouldn’t have to pay any compensation to secure his services, making this a move suitable for both parties.

Glasgow Rangers have been backed to make a move to sign a new free agent, with a BBC pundit believing he’d be the perfect fit for the Scottish Premiership.

What new players have Rangers signed?

Over the summer, Michael Beale entered the market to secure nine fresh faces, with Danilo, Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers and Jose Cifuentes being purchased, whilst the likes of Jack Butland and Dujon Sterling joined for free.

In terms of outgoings, Glen Kamara, Fashion Sakala and Antonio Colak were the three permanent sales to take place, whilst Ryan Kent and Filip Helander led the departures of squad members that had reached the end of their contracts, as per Transfermarkt.

The Light Blues might already be assessing their options ahead of the January window opening, and one star that they could target is Stefan Johansen, who most recently played his football for Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship.

The Norway international, who is naturally a central midfielder, decided to mutually terminate his contract at the end of last season meaning that he is now a free agent on the market and waiting to be snapped up, and the 32-year-old has been mooted to move to Ibrox.

Are Rangers signing Stefan Johansen?

Speaking to Football League World, BBC pundit Carlton Palmer named Rangers as a potential destination for Johansen, who he believes would easily slot into their style of football, especially having previously been coached by Beale during his time at Loftus Road. He said:

"Stefan Johansen is a very, very good footballer. I think maybe Glasgow Rangers might have a little look at him on a free. He is an experienced midfielder that can play really, really well, and play at a high level. Maybe someone like Glasgow Rangers may look at him on a free. He’s available, has experience, and has worked with the previous manager."

What could Stefan Johansen bring to Rangers?

Being 32, Rangers will know that Johansen isn’t getting any younger, but with age comes experience and he’s had plenty of that having been dubbed the “ultimate professional” by journalist Josh Bunting, so he could prove to be a fantastic short-term addition for Beale.

The TP Sport Management client is naturally stronger in the offensive aspect of his game having clocked up 19 contributions (13 assists and six goals) in 88 appearances during his time at QPR, whilst whipping 73 crosses into the opposition’s box last season, which was the fourth-highest total throughout his squad, via FBRef.

The Hoops’ former left-footed ace is also a versatile operator having been deployed in six different positions over the pitch since the start of his career, including everywhere across the midfield and even at centre-forward, so he would be a wonderful option for the boss to have in the building should any unexpected injuries occur in other roles where cover is needed.

Finally, Johansen was the captain of Gareth Ainsworth's side which means he will possess extremely strong leadership qualities, so for all the atrributes that he would add to the boss' ranks, alongside the fact he's available for free, this is a no-brainer of a deal to complete.

Liverpool are considering a late swoop for West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen, but only should one outcome occur before September 1st, according to reports.

Where is Jarrod Bowen from?

Bowen was originally born in Leominster, Herefordshire, but completed his big move to the Premier League and indeed the London Stadium from Hull City back in 2020 where he’s since gone on to become an integral member and regular feature of David Moyes’ first team, clocking up 161 appearances to date.

The England international still has another two years remaining on his contract, but having emerged as the Irons’ joint-top goalscorer last season alongside Said Benrahma, he’s caught the eye of FSG and Jurgen Klopp, but not for the first time.

Last summer, TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook revealed that the Reds boss is an “admirer” of the right-winger, whilst transfer insider Dean Jones confirmed that the Merseyside outfit were “keeping an eye” on the 26-year-old’s situation, and despite a deal having failed to come to fruition at the time, they are now considering taking a second bite of the cherry.

Are Liverpool signing Jarrod Bowen?

According to Football Transfers, Liverpool have "listed" Bowen as a potential transfer target should Mohamed Salah leave before Friday's deadline.

Klopp reportedly views the attacker as an "ideal replacement" for his veteran, who is being targeted by Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, and it's stated that they are prepared to table a €150m (£128m) package to prise him away.

Anfield chiefs are "adamant" that they don't want to sell their prized asset and have made their stance clear, but it doesn't sound like that's going to stop his potential suitor from trying their luck.

€42m (£36m)

€70m (£60m)

€20m (£17m)

How many goals has Jarrod Bowen scored for West Ham?

Since joining the Hammers, Bowen has racked up 74 contributions (42 goals and 32 assists) in 161 appearances, form which has seen him hailed “outstanding” by journalist Josh Bunting, and whilst nobody could ever really replace Salah, Moyes’ star will be one of the closest to him.

Sponsored by Adidas, the attacker also last season recorded a total of 159 crosses and 73 shots over the course of the campaign, with both statistics being the highest throughout his squad, via FBRef, highlighting his desire to create chances and hit the back of the net.

Read The Latest Liverpool Transfer News HERE…

The Europa Conference League winner, who pockets £60k-per-week, is also a versatile operator with his ability to play in seven different positions over the grass, including everywhere across the frontline and even three roles in the midfield, which is yet another attribute that the boss will no doubt have been attracted to.

Furthermore, Bowen shares the same agent, PLG, as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson and Nathaniel Phillips, so this existing connection that his representative has to the club could give chiefs a small advantage should they decide to pursue a deal in the final days of the window, and it may be one to keep an eye on.

Rakep Patel, Thomas Odoyo and Jackie Janmohammed have stepped down after the team finished winless in WCL Division Two and was demoted to Division Three

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Feb-2018

Rakep Patel plays a sweep shot during his innings of 52•ICC

Kenya’s captain Rakep Patel has resigned after the team returned home winless from the WCL Division Two tournament in Namibia. The coach Thomas Odoyo has also stepped down, and so has the board president Jackie Janmohammed.By finishing last out of the six teams that participated, Kenya were demoted to Division Three. Their performance included a 218-run defeat, to UAE, which was the tournament’s worst in terms of margin of runs.Odoyo, who was part of the Kenyan team when they played World Cup cricket, found this turn of fortunes quite tough to take. “The one week we spent in Namibia was a week of mental anguish. It was stressful and I would not wish anyone to go through what I went through,” he was quoted as saying by the . “We broke record of poor performance. For Kenya to improve we must set up a high performance centre.”Janmohammed, the first woman to head a cricket board, made her call based on the team’s dismal performance as well. “One of the consideration that I took to account was the performance of the national team and somebody had to take responsibility for it,” she told .Janmohammed said Cricket Kenya would be conducting fresh elections to replace her in a month. “Whenever there a vacancy of an elected member, there must be an election in 30 days. The office will continue until the elections are conducted.”

West Ham United "may be one step closer" to sealing a first major summer signing as they eye a move for Man United defender Harry Maguire.

Who will West Ham sign?

It's been a window of nightmares for manager David Moyes and new technical director Tim Steidten, with reports even suggesting there is a rift between the pair as both men dither over transfer targets.

West Ham, as things stand, are still the only Premier League side not to have made a single summer signing – which will come as a big worry for supporters given the new season is soon upon us.

Moyes, speaking to Sky Sports at the end of last month, admitted that "several offers" have been made by West Ham and he is hoping that those moves advance sooner rather than later.

“Because of the shortness of the summer and being in Australia. it’s meant the time has been limited, but I’m sure we’ll get down to work and do what we have to do,” Moyes told Sky.

“The club have made several offers for players, we’re out on the market, we’re quite active, and hopefully some of them will come off in the future.”

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

The east Londoners recently walked away from a deal for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, despite the player's willingness to join, but they have in fact agreed personal terms with Ajax star Edson Alvarez.

Former West Ham star Declan Rice completed a club-record £105 million switch to Arsenal earlier this window and striker Gianluca Scamacca will follow him out the door after just one year at the London Stadium.

It is now up to Moyes, Steidten and the Hammers hierarchy to reinvest those funds into first-team signings. Club insider Claret & Hugh, sharing news on their links to Maguire, has a promising update.

Relaying what their "insiders" have told them, C&H claims the England international "may be one step closer" to joining West Ham this summer.

Moyes is apparently "desperate" to bring Maguire to the London Stadium, with United and the Irons exchanging medical information on Maguire's fitness history.

There is apparently "growing optimism" that an agreement can be struck for the centre-back, although his valuation is deemed "problematic" at this stage.

How good is Harry Maguire?

The 30-year-old came under fire for some of his performances under Erik ten Hag last campaign and made just 16 top-flight appearances.

Maguire's performances for England, though, could provide West Ham supporters with some optimism he could be a success for Moyes.

The former Hull City and Leicester star was a key player on England's run to the World Cup quarter-finals and has been a mainstay under Gareth Southgate for years.

"We're not in a world where we're cuddling. It's tough world professional football," Southgate told talkSPORT (via The Mail) when talking about Maguire's lack of game time.

"It doesn't baffle me as they have two top players in [Raphael] Varane and [Lisandro] Martinez there.

"He and John Stones has been a partnership that's been brilliant for us [England], but we've got young centre-backs coming up who are getting that experience and that will be the challenge going forward."

Scotland have called up Chris Sole and Stuart Whittingham after the ICC responded to concerns about their future eligibility to play county cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Nov-2017

Chris Sole gets congratulated after his third wicket on debut•Peter Della Penna

Scotland have called up Chris Sole and Stuart Whittingham for their Intercontinental Cup fixture against Ireland in Dubai this week, as well as two WCL Championship fixtures against Kenya in December.Both players had initially not been included after proposed changes to the ICC’s eligibility regulations led them to prioritise county careers – Whittingham is contracted to Sussex, while Sole, the son of former rugby union international David Sole, has played for Hampshire. The ICC has now agreed to put the new rules, which were revised in October, on hold after lobbying from Associate Members.At the time of the initial squad announcement, Scotland’s coach, Grant Bradburn, said: “Any distractions must not take our focus away from delivering on the field to levels like never before, which we are ready to do. Many of the players are feeling a range of emotions, which is understandable. However, times of adversity will often bring out the fighting character within. Our team will be united in wanting to use our challenging build up to create even greater resolve in playing outstanding cricket on the park in Dubai.”Sole, who has taken 13 wickets in eight ODIs, and Whittingham, who made his debut last month, will strengthen Scotland’s bowling stocks as they seek a place at next year’s qualifying tournament for the 2019 World Cup.Last week, Scotland beat Papua New Guinea 2-0 in their two-match ODI series – although neither game counted towards the WCL Championship. The top four teams will go to the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe and Scotland, in third, will seal their spot if they beat Kenya in either fixture in Dubai.

Bottle-flinging fans in Pallekele caused a 35-minute disruption, and prompted the intervention of riot police, in the closing stages of India’s six-wicket victory on Sunday. In the 44th over of India’s innings, plastic bottles began to be thrown from the two grass embankments that flank the ground – many of these projectiles made their way on to the playing area. Ground staff were seen clearing the bottles, but more continued to be flung, thereby forcing the Sri Lanka fielders to move to the centre of the field in order to avoid being hit.At one stage, there was doubt as to whether the match could even be concluded, because the bottle-throwing persisted for so long. Having spent about 20 idle minutes near the pitch – MS Dhoni even finding time for a nap – players eventually shook hands and made their way off the field. Later, however, after the embankments were cleared of spectators, match referee Andy Pycroft decided the match could continue. India required only seven further deliveries to close out the game.This is the second crowd-related incident in Sri Lanka in the space of two years. In 2015, a fight between two groups of fans had broken out in the stands at Khettarama, and had subsequently degenerated into stone-throwing. That incident had also caused a disruption of play, though on that occasion, no projectiles had been thrown towards the players.Earlier in the month, fans in Dambulla had also held up the team bus in order to voice their displeasure after the first ODI. That incident, however, had not been marked by any violence.

Taylor Swift could cause Lyon a major headache at the end of the season if they cannot turn around their horrendous Ligue 1 campaign.

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Lyon have just won once in 13 gamesRooted at the bottom of the Ligue 1 tableMay have to away from home due to SwiftWHAT HAPPENED?

Lyon are currently struggling at the bottom of the Ligue 1 table with only one win in their first 13 league matches this season. The seven-time champions have found no rhythm whatsoever and it is no surprise that they are in search of their third manager after firing Laurent Blanc in September and World Cup winner Fabio Grosso in late November. They face potential relegation this season but would get a chance to stay up if they climb at least to the 16th spot in the league table as it would take them through to the play-offs.

However, that should not be a Herculean task for the team having the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Dejan Lovren in their ranks as they find themselves just five points short of Lorient, who are 16th now. But pop sensation Swift could certainly make it difficult for them.

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Swift is set to perform at two sold-out concerts scheduled at Groupama Stadium on June 2 and June 3. And the dates coincide with the second leg of the Ligue 1 relegation/promotion play-off which sees the 16th-placed team lock horns with the winner of the Ligue 2 promotion play-offs. The return leg is always played at the home of the Ligue 1 side and hence Lyon find themselves in a spot of bother.

DID YOU KNOW?

The decision to host concerts was aimed at boosting the club's revenue, with the club management not anticipating being in a relegation battle. But the gamble could prove costly, as relegation would mark a significant downturn for a team that reached the Champions League semi-finals just three years ago beating Manchester City on the way.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR LYON?

If Lyon indeed end up finishing 16th, the club may need to find an alternative venue for their home fixture in the relegation play-off as the dates for Swift's concerts are already locked. But should they move to a new stadium it would potentially cost them their home advantage at a crucial juncture in their fight to stay in Ligue 1. Nonetheless, Lacazzette and Co will hope to revive their fortunes as quickly as possible and climb up the ladder so that they do not need to bother about the relegation battle. They travel to Marseille on Wednesday for their next Ligue 1 fixture.