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In what would see INEOS go all out, Manchester United are now reportedly willing to offer a stunning £125m deal to sign a Premier League and World Cup winner for Ruben Amorim.

Man Utd transfer news

Whilst it may seem as though they need a rebuild every two years as another managerial failure arrives, Manchester United arguably need more construction than ever under Amorim.

The former Sporting Club manager arrived to pick up the pieces of Erik ten Hag’s disastrous final few months in charge and quickly realised just how many square pegs he’ll have to work with in a system full of round holes.

Since then, he’s at least welcomed Patrick Dorgu to solve his wing-back problem but there’s still plenty of work to be done at Old Trafford. What’s more, in order to complete that work, Manchester United must sell a number of stars with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo potentially among those.

It’s only after those sales that the Red Devils can even consider reinforcements, at which point they’re reportedly setting their ambitions as high as ever in pursuit of fresh faces.

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are now willing to offer a €150m (£125m) deal to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid this summer – just one year on from his Manchester City departure.

After a slow start, the Argentine forward has adjusted to life in Spain and once again firing on all cylinders to attract the attention of the Red Devils. As a former Premier League champion at Manchester City, it’s fair to say that Alvarez would steal plenty of headlines by completing a move to Old Trafford this summer.

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As for Amorim, he would be welcoming the perfect player for his 3-4-2-1 system, with Alvarez likely slotting straight into one of the two advanced midfield roles behind the striker, whoever that may be.

"Amazing" Alvarez could come back to haunt Man City

By joining Manchester United, Alvarez would be joining a list which includes both Carlos Tevez and Peter Schmeichel as the latest player to play for both Manchester clubs.

Somewhat breaking the trend, however, the Atletico Madrid man would be going from a City man to an Old Trafford star rather than the opposite path that Tevez and Schmeichel chose.

If Manchester United can afford such a deal, and that’s a big if at this stage, then it’s certainly one they should attempt. Not only would Alvarez finally suit Amorim, but his arrival would also be getting one over on Manchester City, who he could come back to haunt.

Earning plenty of praise from Pep Guardiola during his time at The Etihad, the Spaniard previously told TNT Sports: “Julian is amazing so he’s an extraordinary player and many things help us. Really good, so very pleased for his birthday, not just for the goals, the many things he does.”

Scoring 17 goals and assisting a further four in his debut season for Atletico Madrid, it’s fair to say that Alvarez has remained “amazing” even after leaving Manchester City.

كشفت وسائل إعلام إنجليزية عن رغبة نادي الهلال السعودي في التعاقد مع أحد لاعبي اتحاد جدة على سبيل الإعارة، خلال الفترة الحالية من الموسم.

ويتواجد الهلال السعودي في منافسات المجموعة الثامنة ببطولة كأس العالم للأندية بجانب كل من ريال مدريد، سالزبورج وباتشوكا المكسيكي.

وتنطلق منافسات كأس العالم للأندية 2025، الأحد المقبل، بمواجهة الأهلي وإنتر ميامي على ملعب “هارد روك”.

اقرأ ايضاً.. لا يُمكن حدوثه بين الأهلي والزمالك.. الهلال يشتري المدة المتبقية من عقد لاعب النصر

وذكرت صحيفة “ذا أثليتيك”، أن الهلال يسعى للتعاقد مع نجولو كانتي، من غريمه اتحاد جدة على سبيل الإعارة لمدة قصيرة حتى يكون متاحًا للمشاركة في كأس العالم للأندية.

وزعمت الصحيفة أنه على الرغم من عدم التوصل إلى اتفاق حتى الآن، إلا أن هناك تفاؤلاً بإمكانية التوصل إلى اتفاق يقتضي بانضمام النجم الفرنسي إلى الزعيم.

وفي حالة إتمام الصفقة، سيلتقي كانتي مجددًا مع زميله السابق في فريق تشيلسي كاليدو كوليبالي، الذي انتقل أيضًا إلى المملكة العربية السعودية في عام 2023.

ويخضع كل من الهلال والاتحاد لسيطرة صندوق الاستثمارات العامة السعودي، الذي يملك أيضا ناديي النصر وأهلي جدة.

استعاد الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي إنتر ميامي الانتصارات بالتغلب على مونتريال الكندي بنتيجة 4-2 في إطار الجولة السادسة عشر من الدوري الأمريكي.

وأقيمت مباراة إنتر ميامي ومونتريال على ملعب “Chase”، وسط حضور جماهيري متوسط.

وشهد تشكيل إنتر ميامي تواجد رباعي برشلونة السابق ليونيل ميسي، لويس سواريز، سيرجيو بوسكيتس وأخيرًا جوردي ألبا.

اقرأ أيضًا | ساكي: الأهلي يلعب على طريقة الكبار.. ومواجهة إنتر ميامي ستكون ممتعة شاهد أهداف إنتر ميامي ضد مونتريال في الدوري الأمريكي

وافتتح ليونيل ميسي المباراة تهديفيًا في الدقيقة 27 من زمن الشوط الأول الذي انتهى بنتيجة 1-0 لصالح أصحاب الأرض إنتر ميامي.

أما في الشوط الثاني، لويس سواريز نجح في مضاعفة النتيجة بالدقيقة 68، ثم عاد الأوروجوياني وهز الشباك بالثالث في الدقيقة 71، لتصبح النتيجة 3-0.

قبل أن يقلص دانتي سيلي النتيجة إلى 3-1 في الدقيقة 74 لصالح مونتريال، ثم عاد ليونيل ميسي ببصمته الثانية بالدقيقة 87 لتصل النتيجة إلى 4-1.

وبالدقيقة الثانية من الوقت بدل الضائع، كان الهدف الثاني من فيكتور لوتوري من أجل مونتريال، لتنتهي المباراة بنتيجة 4-2 لصالح إنتر ميامي.

هذا الفوز يأتي بعد 4 مباريات من النتائج السيئة بتعادلين وهزيمتين لإنتر ميامي منافس الأهلي في كأس العالم للأندية قبل أقل من 3 أسابيع على افتتاح البطولة.

بهذه النتيجة، يرتفع رصيد إنتر ميامي إلى 26 نقطة في المركز السادس في ترتيب المجموعة الشرقية من الدوري الأمريكي وبفارق 7 نقاط عن فيلادلفيا يونيون متصدر الترتيب.

It wasn’t pretty, but Manchester United are through to the next round of the FA Cup. The defending champions beat Leicester City, managed by club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, running out as 2-1 victors thanks to two second-half goals.

The Red Devils were, quite frankly, disappointing in the first half. Leicester took the lead in the 42nd minute, with the ball bouncing in off Bobby Decordova-Reid after Andre Onana made a strong save.

United did bounce back in the second half. Joshua Zirkzee, who came on in the 64th minute, converted a loose ball in the six-yard box to draw United level. Then, with extra-time approaching, United found their winner.

After winning a free kick in stoppage time, Bruno Fernandes whipped the ball onto Harry Maguire’s head, and he fired home to win the game. Incredibly, he was in an offside position, but with no VAR to intervene, the goal stood.

It was not the best night for the Red Devils, although Zirkzee and Maguire both played well, aside from their goals.

Zirkzee & Maguire’s performances vs Leicester

Both goalscorers on the night for United performed well and had a big impact. Zirkzee offered Ruben Amorim’s side a focal point which they previously didn’t have. He was able to link up play for United and bring others into the game.

His performance was held in high regard by Samuel Luckhurst, writer for The Manchester Evening News, who gave the United number 11 an 8/10 for his night’s work. He explained the Dutchman made “a big improvement on his teammates”.

As for Maguire, the England international was impressive aside from his goal, helping to keep out a Leicester side that knocked on the door in the first half. With that being said, he perhaps could have done better for the Foxes’ goal, leaving Wilfred Ndidi unmarked in the box.

Maguire’s stats from the game show just how well he performed against his former side. As per Sofascore, the United number five won six duels and made four clearances, as well as completing 85% of his passes.

Despite the fact that Zirkzee and Maguire ultimately saw their side through, some United players struggled against Leicester. One of those was striker Rasmus Hojlund.

Hojlund’s stats vs. Leicester

It was another frustrating night for United’s number nine against the Foxes. He has been in frustrating form for much of the season, and it was a similar story against Van Nistelrooy’s side, with the striker having very little involvement in the game.

Hojlund didn’t make many runs in behind, aside from one occasion in the second half when he looked threatening. Once again, he struggled with his hold-up play, losing key duels against the centre-backs.

His stats from the game reflect how disappointing he was on the cold Friday night at Old Trafford. He had just 23 touches, fewer than Onana’s 27, completed 62% of his passes, and won 2 out of 8 duels. Worryingly, the striker did not manage a shot at goal.

Stat

Number

Touches

23

Pass accuracy

62%

Passes completed

8/13

Ground duels won

2/4

Aerial duels won

0/4

Number of times possession lost

9

Shots on target

0

Luckhurst was critical of the Denmark international, giving him a post-match rating of 3/10 for his efforts. The journalist said he “did little right all night”, a scathing review which was clearly backed up by his stats.

Hojlund is a player who looks short of confidence at the moment. He has not scored since the 12th of December in the Europa League, which is frustrating for the Red Devils. He was a big investment, and to see him struggling so much will be a worry.

The 22-year-old will certainly have been relieved to see Maguire score the winning goal in Fergie Time but while the defender will continue to play a regular role, the Dane must find himself on the bench next time out.

“I hope if there is some sort of clash of events, there are some sort of things put in place between the two bodies of cricket”

Firdose Moonda16-Aug-2022Dean Elgar is hopeful that clashes between T20 leagues and Test cricket will be minimised and better managed to avoid a repeat of the situation South Africa had in March-April when six Test regulars chose to go to the IPL instead of playing in the two-match series against Bangladesh.At the time, CSA gave the players the choice to stay with the national side or otherwise, which Elgar initially called a test of loyalty that may determine their future selections in the Test side. A few weeks later, when the players chose the IPL, Elgar’s stance had softened and he said they were put in a “bit of a situation,” which the team understood.Related

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Now, in the first Tests South Africa are playing since the Bangladesh series, all six players (Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen and Marco Jansen), are back in the squad and Elgar has accepted them with open arms. “We were aware of the situation those players were put in. It was a very unfortunate situation that they had to go through and I don’t blame them for the decision they made. There was no air to be cleared,” Elgar said.He is certain that all six players have been and will continue to be committed to South African cricket. “We’re pretty sure they want to be here.”, Elgar said. “I am pretty sure if you go back then, they would have loved to have been playing Test cricket for South Africa. They were put in a corner and they had to make a decision and as a group they made a decision. It wasn’t an individual decision, it was a group decision which I am totally happy about because I sat in more meetings than anyone. I am very happy to have them back.”I didn’t have my potential best XI around at that time but we gave a lot of guys exposure to Test cricket and it was also an exercise we wanted to try and do knowing there might be a clash – to give the young guys opportunity and expose them to this level. But now, it’s good to have them back and they are more than welcome in the changeroom.”Khaya Zondo, Ryan Rickelton, and Lizaad Wiliams, who made their debuts during the South Africa series are in the squad for the England tour•Lee Warren/Gallo Images

South Africa gave debuts to three players – Ryan Rickelton, Lizaad Williams and Khaya Zondo (as a Covid-19 substitute) in the Bangladesh series and both Rickelton and Zondo are on this tour. They also welcomed back offspinner Simon Harmer, who had been unavailable for South Africa on a Kolpak deal, but returned to share the wicket-taking load with Keshav Maharaj and provide a second, specialist spin option. Whether South Africa would have to be as generous with new caps and comebacks if the opposition was higher-ranked is unknown but they made-do in the Bangladesh series and won it 2-nil and Elgar hopes the situation won’t be repeated.”I hope if there is some sort of clash of events, there are some sort of things put in place between the two bodies of cricket. I would like to think there is something more concrete put around that just to give players more safety,” he said, alluding to the financial rewards for players in T20 leagues. A South African player, who earns in South African Rands, will earn many times more than their annual salary in one IPL season, not least because those amounts are paid in US Dollars.Elgar’s wish may well come true and clashes are likely to be avoided. In a draft copy of the men’s FTP, seen by ESPNcricinfo and expected to be officially released by the ICC tomorrow, South Africa have no international fixtures scheduled from mid-March to the end of May from 2023 onwards. They do have sometimes have Tests in January and early February (2024 in New Zealand and 2027 against England at home) when their own T20 league will be played but ESPNcricinfo understands that if any of the red-ball squad members are playing in the new league, they will be released to the Test squad for those matches.

Wicketkeeper gets a gig with Desert Vipers, the franchise owned by Lancer Capital

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Aug-2022Azam Khan has become the first Pakistan player to sign up with the UAE’s International League T20. The 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter is among the overseas players recruited by Desert Vipers, the franchise owned by Lancer Capital.Azam will be joined by Sri Lanka legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga, England wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings and West Indies left-arm quick Sheldon Cottrell.Azam has played 74 T20s so far, scoring 1449 runs at a strike rate of just under 145. However, ESPNcricinfo has learned that his inclusion in the Vipers squad is subject to him getting a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the PCB. The PCB had recently turned down NOCs for a batch of Pakistan players for the BBL draft and it had also refused two requests for NOCs for the ILT20. The eighth edition of the PSL is tentatively scheduled to start just days after the ILT20 ends in February 2023.ESPNcricinfo, however, understands that Azam was given an NOC to play in the upcoming CPL after he filed an appeal when his first request was turned down.Desert Vipers also brought in former Australia allrounder Tom Moody and former England wicketkeeper-batter James Foster as the director of cricket and head coach respectively.Billings is currently leading Oval Invincibles in the Hundred while Cottrell is set to return to action from injury for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the upcoming CPL. Alex Hales, who recently passed 10000 T20 runs, Tom Curran and Ben Duckett will join their English compatriot Billings at Vipers. Namibia left-arm seamer Ruben Trumpelmann and Nepal legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane were the Vipers’ Associate picks.Related

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Moody has had several high-profile positions in T20 cricket, including stints as director of cricket and head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and as CPL’s director of cricket. At the IPL, Moody had also coached the Punjab franchise from 2008 to 2010 before linking up with Sunrisers in 2013. In international cricket, Moody had coached Sri Lanka between 2005 and 2007 – years in which the side had considerable success in Test cricket and became World Cup runners-up.”I’m honoured to lead the cricket operations of Desert Vipers in what promises to be an entertaining and high-quality tournament,” Moody said. “We have assembled an excellent mix of youth and experience in a highly skilled squad and I warmly welcome our players from all over the world in what is truly an international event.”Foster, meanwhile, is among the most promising coaches in England and is currently in charge of the Northern Superchargers men’s side in the Hundred. Since ending his playing career in 2018, Foster has had a number of stints in franchise cricket, including at the IPL, PSL, CPL, BBL and BPL. Foster has also worked as a consultant with England and Netherlands in international cricket.Acquiring the Vipers franchise is Lancer Capital’s first foray into cricket. They are also the owners of Manchester United football club and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl.The ILT20 is set to launch in January next year. The inaugural edition of the six-team competition, however, is set to coincide with South Africa’s T20 league, the BBL in Australia, and the BPL in Bangladesh.Desert Vipers squad so far: Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), Sam Billings (England), Alex Hales (England), Colin Munro (New Zealand), Tom Curran (England), Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal), Ruben Trumpelmann (Namibia), Saqib Mahmood (England), Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies), Ben Duckett (England), Benny Howell (England), Sheldon Cottrell (West Indies), Azam Khan (Pakistan)

On Tuesday night at Lesser Hampden, two days after going head-to-head in the League Cup Final next door, fierce rivals Celtic and Rangers met in the Glasgow Cup Final.

The competition, first contested in 1887, has been a youth tournament since the ’90s, with the city’s big two capturing the trophy every time since Partick Thistle’s triumph all the way back in 1989.

This time, it was Rangers who prevailed 3-2, extending their record with this the 59th time the Glasgow Cup will head to Ibrox.

More than the result, Gers supporters are becoming excited about one of the stars from this victorious side, so could he break into the first team in the near-future?

Rangers' next teen sensation

Born in London, Zak Lovelace began his youth career at Millwall, before joining Rangers’ academy in July 2022.

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Upon his arrival, now-former Sporting Director Ross Wilson described Lovelace as “an exciting young player”.

However, he didn’t exactly make the best first impression to the wider fanbase, sent off for simulation during the 2023 Scottish Youth Cup at Hampden, live on the BBC, a match his side would go on to lose 6-5 to Celtic.

This time however, Lovelace was the hero, scoring a very late winner in Tuesday’s Glasgow Cup Final.

Rangers manager Philippe Clement was in attendance at the City Stadium, with Lovelace one of the players the Belgian was reportedly keeping a close eye on.

The 18-year-old has already featured for the Light Blues’ first team under Clement.

Last year, he came off the bench during Michael Beale’s final game in charge, a miserable 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Aberdeen, before starting a 3-0 victory at St Mirren during Steven Davis’ very brief stint as interim boss.

This season, Lovelace has made his European debut, introduced as a substitute for the final quarter of an hour of the 4-0 Europa League drubbing of Steaua București, although this is the only time he’s appeared for the first team during the campaign thus far.

So, could he start to feature more regularly in the near future?

Where Zak Lovelace could fit into Rangers' team

Writer Kai Watson compared Lovelace’s winner in the Glasgow Cup Final to Daizen Maeda’s goal in the League Cup Final and, given how much the Japanese winger has tormented Rangers in recent seasons, Gers supporters would be delighted if their teen sensation turns out to be even half as good.

Indeed, Maeda – who arrived in Glasgow back in January 2022 – has scored four goals and provided four assists in his 17 Old Firm appearances to date, utilising his lightning speed to terrorise the Gers’ backline.

Perhaps, Lovelace can utilise his similar attributes to return the favour – as he did with his Maeda-esque finish in midweek – having previously been lauded as a “very exciting and quick forward player” by former Head of Academy, Craig Mulholland.

With the aim now for the teenage diamond to force his way into Clement’s plans on a regular basis, here’s a look at how the Light Blues’ current wingers have been performing this season and why Lovelace could start to feature prominently soon.

As outlined, Václav Černý aside, none of Rangers’ wide-attackers are offering much end-product so far this season, with the Czech international, alongside strikers Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane, the only squad members to have scored more than five goals across all competitions.

Thus, Lovelace could be thrown in, something Rangers have proven themselves not to be afraid of in the past, making Ross McCausland a key figure last season and, while the Northern Irishman’s role has somewhat diminished this time round, he did score a crucial goal off the bench during the Europa League victory in Malmö in September.

Over the festive period and beyond, games come thick and fast for the Light Blues, with 13 fixtures to be played during a 43-day period between this Saturday and 2 February.

In mid-January, just four days before visiting Old Trafford, Rangers host Highland League outfit Fraserburgh, so surely Lovelace is in line for a start when fifth-tier opposition visit Ibrox, if not sooner?

If Clement does turn to his young starlet, he could well have his very own Maeda to call upon moving forward.

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Dan Emery

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Manchester United’s poor run of form continued before Christmas with a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.

Set-pieces proved to be a key issue for Ruben Amroim’s side, who conceded from a free kick and also gave away a penalty. The Cherries secured all three points at Old Trafford for the second consecutive season.

#1 Wolves

14

#2 Man United

9

#3 Southampton

8

#4 West Ham

7

#5 Leicester

5

Surprisingly, the statistics weighed fairly heavily in the Red Devils’ favour. According to Sofascore, United had more possession, 60%, and created a higher expected goals tally, 2.28 xG to the visitors’ 1.63xG. With that in mind, to lose 3-0 was incredibly frustrating.

There were certainly some disappointing performers across the board from Amroim’s side.

Man United’s worst performers vs. Bournemouth

As the final score might suggest, there were a few United figures who did not perform to a high enough standard to come away with the three points. One of those was Noussair Mazraoui, who has been exceptional this season.

After a fantastic start to life in that famous Red shirt of United, Morocco international Mazraoui did not quite hit the same levels against the Cherries. He was clumsy in giving away a penalty to double the visitors’ 1-0 lead and also won just four duels from the eight he attempted.

Another United star who struggled to influence the game was Diogo Dalot. The Portugal international has looked far from his best this season, and that continued against the South Coast outfit.

He received a rating of just 4/10 from the Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst. He explained that the Red Devils’ number 20 was ‘no more effective in attack’ after switching back to right wing-back following a spell on the opposite flank.

It was certainly a disappointing day at the office for Dalot and his teammates. Fellow wing-back Tyrel Malacia was another player who struggled last time out and could face being dropped from the starting 11 as a result.

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Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Malacia’s stats vs. Bournemouth

It has not been an easy 18 months for defender Malacia, who has faced a long road to recovery after an awful injury picked up at the end of the 2022/23 season. However, he has recently regained full fitness and has now played four times in the first team this campaign.

His most recent game came against Andoni Iraola’s side in the last game before Christmas, although he struggled to perform. The Dutchman was substituted at half-time, putting in a poor defensive display where he won just one duel and lost the ball seven times.

Minutes played

45

Touches

35

Pass accuracy

84%

Ground duels won

1/5

Tackles won

0/1

Errors leading to shot

1

Number of times possession lost

7

It was a frustrating day at the office for the 25-year-old, who received a rating of just 3/10 from the aforementioned Luckhurst. The journalist explained he was ‘not at it from the start’ and pointed out it was Malacia who ‘clumsily conceded’ the freekick that led to Bournemouth’s opener.

Indeed, United fans were seemingly disappointed with the Dutchman’s performance, too. Journalist and Red Devils supporter Alex Turk was one critic. After the game, he called him “one of many bad Erik ten Hag signings”. Of course, this is referring to the £600m spent by the former United boss, with many of them not really working out, Malacia included in Turk’s opinion.

Boxing Day sees United travel to Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Old Gold won their first game under new manager Vitor Pereira 3-0 against Leicester City, and with the confidence a side can get under a new manager, it could be a tough test.

This may well be a game Amroim chooses to drop Malacia for, after his poor performance last weekend, and there are a few options for a replacement. Bringing Leny Yoro into the side could be a route for United to take, with Mazraoui moving to wing-back. It is actually the very substitution the United boss made at halftime last weekend.

Alternatively, he could opt for more attacking firepower and bring Alejandro Garnacho in for the Dutchman. He has played as a wing-back already this term, away to Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League, and this is certainly an option.

Garnacho is a tireless player, and given his role would essentially be that of a winger, seems like he could be a good fit.

It certainly seems justified if Amorim does not start Malacia at Molineux in this Boxing Day clash. It was a poor performance against a well-drilled side, and with some other options available to the Portuguese boss, he may well decide to freshen his side up in a must-win game.

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Bangladesh crumbled to spin again and barely batted for an hour on the fourth morning

Mohammad Isam11-Apr-2022When the result of this Test series will be read about years later, it will say South Africa 2, Bangladesh 0. Many would take it as a usual occurrence since Bangladesh have usually been below-par in Tests in South Africa. However, this time around, the hosts were without their frontline bowling attack, and had lost the preceding ODI series to Bangladesh for the first time at home. Keshav Maharaj, though, made sure the IPL stars were not missed as he helped South Africa demolish the visitors by 332 runs in the second Test in Gqeberha and complete a clean sweep.Khaled fined for flinging ball at Verreynne

Khaled Ahmed has been fined 15% of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC’s code of conduct during the second day of the Gqeberha Test, when, in the 95th over of South Africa’s first innings, Kyle Verreynne hit the ball back towards Ahmed, the bowler, and he flung it towards the batter in “an inappropriate and dangerous manner, hitting him on the right glove”.
In addition to the fine, one demerit point has been added to Ahmed’s disciplinary record. It was his first offence in a 24-month period.

Maharaj took 7 for 40 in the fourth innings to skittle Bangladesh for a meagre 80, thus becoming the first bowler in Test history to take seven-wicket hauls in consecutive fourth innings. He had returned figures of 7 for 32 when Bangladesh were rolled over for 53 in the fourth innings of the first Test, in Durban. In the process, Maharaj also completed 150 wickets in Test cricket. Simon Harmer took three wickets in this innings, as he did in the fourth innings of the previous Test, as South Africa once again embarrassed Bangladesh by just using two bowlers.Chasing 413, Bangladesh started the fourth morning on 27 for 3 and they would have hoped that there would not be a repeat of the Durban collapse. But the Bangladesh batters wilted under pressure.Related

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How far can SA go with the Maharaj-Harmer partnership?

Zondo, Stuurman come in as Covid-19 substitutes

Mushfiqur Rahim was the first to depart, edging Maharaj to Dean Elgar at slips in the second over of the day. Mominul Haque followed in Maharaj’s next over, top-edging a sweep that he couldn’t quite reach, with Ryan Rickelton completing an easy catch at square leg. Yasir Ali then top-edged Harmer in his attempted slog sweep, giving Lizaad Williams, the only fielder on the leg-side boundary, an easy catch. By the fifth over of the morning, Bangladesh had slipped to 44 for 6.Litton Das struck five fours in his 27 off 33 balls before Maharaj lured him out of the crease. Litton missed the ball by a foot and Kyle Verreynne completed an easy stumping. Maharaj then had Mehidy Hasan Miraz caught behind and Khaled Ahmed lbw, before Harmer ended Bangladesh’s misery.The day had started with South Africa making international cricket’s first two Covid substitutions after Sarel Erwee and Wiaan Mulder tested positive and were replaced by Khaya Zondo, who got a Test debut, and Glenton Stuurman.

The race to sign one of Europe’s most exciting teenage talents has intensified significantly, with Bayern Munich formally entering the battle for Jagiellonia Bialystok sensation Oskar Pietuszewski. The Bavarian giants have dispatched scouts to watch the winger in action and are now prepared to rival Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester City for a signature that is expected to shatter Polish transfer records.

• German giants join European rivals in the race

  Bayern have set their sights on acquiring the services of Oskar Pietuszewski, the 17-year-old Jagiellonia Bialystok winger who has taken the Ekstraklasa by storm. Reports emerging from Germany and Poland confirm that the Bundesliga leaders have solidified their interest in the "Polish Jewel", dispatching senior scouts to monitor his development closely as they plot a move that could see them beat the Premier League’s elite to his signature.

  The teenager has emerged as one of the most coveted prospects in Eastern Europe this season, with his performances for the Polish side drawing the attention of the continent's biggest sporting directors. While Bayern have a long and successful history of recruiting from the region – most notably with Robert Lewandowski – they are arriving at a crowded negotiating table. The sheer volume of interest from Champions League contenders suggests that Pietuszewski’s stay in Bialystok is drawing to a close, with a summer transfer now appearing possible.

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  Bayern scouts spotted in the stands

  Bayern officials have been present at several of Jagiellonia’s recent fixtures to run the rule over Pietuszewski, reports. The scouting reports have reportedly been glowing, highlighting the player’s potential. The Bavarian club view Pietuszewski not just as a prospect for the future, but as a talent capable of integrating into Vincent Kompany’s first-team setup relatively quickly. With the club looking to lower the average age of its squad and secure successors to established stars like Serge Gnabry, the Polish winger fits the profile of the dynamic, high-ceiling attacker that Max Eberl is keen to bring to the Allianz Arena.

  However, Bayern are acutely aware that they are not alone in their admiration. The presence of scouts from across Europe’s top five leagues has accelerated Munich's timeline, forcing them to consider a formal approach sooner than initially planned to avoid losing out on a player widely tipped as the "next big thing" in Polish football.

• A Premier League tug-of-war

  While Bayern’s interest is concrete, the financial might of the Premier League looms large over the potential transfer. Manchester City and Arsenal have both been heavily linked with Pietuszewski, viewing him as an ideal candidate for their respective youth projects.

  Pep Guardiola’s City have a well-established global scouting network that aggressively targets the best teenage talent on the planet, and Pietuszewski’s ability to operate in half-spaces and drive at defences appeals to the City profile. Similarly, Arsenal’s project under Mikel Arteta has been built on trusting young players, and the pathway from Hale End to the first team—or for recruited talents like Gabriel Martinelli—serves as a compelling sales pitch for the North London club.

  Barcelona’s involvement adds another layer of prestige to the saga. The Catalan giants, despite their well-documented financial constraints, remain a massive draw for young players. The success of Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí has reinforced the idea that if you are good enough, you are old enough at Camp Nou, a philosophy that could tempt Pietuszewski to choose La Liga over the Bundesliga or Premier League.

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  A record-breaking transfer?

  Jagiellonia Bialystok are resigned to losing their academy graduate but are determined to ensure his departure leaves a lasting legacy. The club is reportedly holding out for a fee that would shatter the Ekstraklasa transfer record, with valuations circulating in the region of €15 million (£12.5m).

  For a player who has only recently broken into the senior setup, such a fee represents a significant gamble, but one that Europe’s elite appear willing to take. Jagiellonia’s stance is strengthened by the player’s contract situation; with a deal running until 2027, they are under no immediate pressure to sell and can effectively auction their prized asset to the highest bidder.

  In the current campaign, he has already racked up significant minutes in both the domestic league and Conference League, showcasing an ability to handle the physicality of senior football. His international form for Poland’s youth sides has been equally impressive, further cementing his status as a player destined for the very top. As the January transfer window approaches, the battle for Pietuszewski is set to become one of the most intriguing storylines in European football. Bayern Munich may have made their move, but with Barcelona, Arsenal and City circling, the race for the Polish record-breaker is only just beginning.