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Everton target Anthony Elanga is 'veering away' from a move to Goodison Park and will instead keep his 'options open' this summer as he finds himself out of favour at Manchester United, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Is Anthony Elanga moving to Everton?

As per BBC Sport, Everton have been interested in Elanga this window and Manchester United are believed to be open to letting him go for a fee in the region of £15-20 million.

Nevertheless, The Daily Mail report that Elanga isn't keen on a move to Goodison Park this summer and has in fact turned down the chance to work under Sean Dyche as he assesses his options.

The outlet claim that Elanga and Everton have held discussions over a potential switch; however, the player has 'ruled out' the possibility of heading to the Toffees over doubts over his suitability as a player to Dyche's tactical framework.

Elanga has previously been linked with Everton and was close to joining the club on loan in January before his move was blocked by Manchester United at the last minute, according to The Manchester Evening News.

Intriguingly, the same publication state that Nottingham Forest have also expressed a desire to try and take Elanga to the City Ground and it is rumoured that Manchester United could half their asking price to £10 million.

And, it now looks as if he is set to join the Nottinghamshire club.

Last term, Elanga, who was hailed as a "quality" player, made 26 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United, registering two assists in total, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer insider Jones doesn't think that Elanga will envisage himself moving to Everton any time soon.

Jones stated: "Elanga looked like he was going to be, not a central figure at Man Utd, but certainly a first-team figure at Man Utd at one stage and he was probably enjoying being part of that trajectory. If he's going to contemplate a move. I think that he'll want to be veering away from the side that has been so much of the game on the back foot and that are going to be relying a lot on set pieces and moments in games rather than dominating them. Maybe he's just trying to keep his options open to make sure that he lands a move that actually suits him, but from an Everton point of view, yeah, I think it'd be quite disappointing as he holds good value in this market."

Who else does Sean Dyche want to bring to Everton?

Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has detailed that Villarreal forward Arnaut Danjuma is closing in on a move to Everton, stating on Twitter: "Danjuma will undergo medical tests as new Everton player in the next days, it could be weekend — not today. Agreement reached on loan deal from Villarreal until June 2024, as reported earlier. Danjuma has accepted — he already spoke to Sean Dyche. Here we go."

Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto is reportedly willing to swap Elland Road for Goodison Park this summer, though a fee is still to be agreed by both parties, as per FootballTransfers.

Ajax striker Brian Brobbey is being lined up as a potential solution to Everton's goalscoring woes and boss Dyche is keen on pushing a move through for the Dutchman, as per Football Insider.

Everton look like they're about to start ramping up their transfer business and it could be an exciting few weeks for Toffees' supporters as new arrivals draw closer.

England ground their way into a dominant position in the first Test of the series on the back of handy contributions from Moeen Ali and Alastair Cook

The Report by Alan Gardner08-Jul-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsSouth Africa have not lost a Test at Lord’s since 1960, recording four victories and two draws in six visits post-readmission. That redoubtable record looked set to come under threat over the next two days as England ground their way into a dominant position in the first Test of the series.Inch by inch, Joe Root’s new(ish) England side took control on the third day. Moeen Ali again played a key role with the ball, his impressive personal contribution continuing with a four-wicket haul as South Africa settled for a first-innings deficit of 97; Alastair Cook then passed 50 for the 15th time in a Lord’s Test as England stretched their lead beyond 200 on another hot and hazy afternoon in the capital.The situation would have been trickier still for South Africa had it not been for contrasting half-centuries from Quinton de Kock and Vernon Philander earlier in the day. The majority of Philander’s innings came after he had been struck a painful blow on the hand by James Anderson, although X-rays confirmed he had not suffered a break. He did not return to the field until late in the evening session and was not called on to bowl, although South Africa hope he will be fit to play a full part on Sunday.Cook had missed out in the first innings but was not about to let a second opportunity go begging. South Africa lost both their reviews inside ten overs trying to dislodge him and although he was separated from his opening partner, Keaton Jennings, after an 80-run stand, Gary Ballance helped steer England to the close with the majority of their batting resources intact.At one stage in the evening session, Cook amassed a single run over the course of 40 deliveries, a man perfectly content to embody the statelier virtues of a bygone era amid the carnival of modern batsmanship. The practice of leaving the off side open to try and make Cook drive against Keshav Maharaj’s spin resulted in a brace of well-timed cover drives early on, while another four boundaries were eased behind square on the off side.He was inconvenienced, if not ruffled, by lbw reviews off the bowling of Morne Morkel, whose delivery was shown to have pitched outside leg stump, and Maharaj, who struck him outside the line of off with a sharply spinning ball. Morkel was eventually rewarded for a probing spell after tea as Jennings wafted flat-footed to be caught behind.The sense that South Africa were losing their way on a ground where they have enjoyed much success over the last 25 years was betrayed early on, when Temba Bavuma, who had recorded his seventh Test fifty during the opening exchanges, was dismissed by Moeen. Bavuma began heading off the pitch vaguely towards the gap in the boundary boards by the Warner Stand before realising his mistake and being redirected to the pavilion gate.De Kock was more sure-footed, marking his first Test innings at Lord’s with the second-fastest fifty on the ground, from 36 balls. Alongside Philander’s battling knock, they prevented South Africa’s first innings from being completely subsumed, although there was also a sense of good starts being wasted: of the four South Africa batsman to reach 50, including captain Dean Elgar on the second day, none managed more than Bavuma’s 59.Philander was struck several times during his stay but replied with a few hefty blows off the bat, despite his discomfort. De Kock dominated the scoring during their rapid stand of 66, before Philander helped add another 47 for the last two wickets.Root had turned to his spinners early on and, with the surface hinting at variable bounce and increased turn as it cooked under the sun, they will doubtless have an even greater role to play later in the game. Liam Dawson enjoyed a more successful outing as he and Moeen shared six wickets – only the second time since 1999 that two England spinners had done so in the first innings of a home Test.Kagiso Rabada, South Africa’s nightwatchman, got through the first 40 minutes before nicking Dawson into Jonny Bairstow’s gloves to end a stand of 41 and England made an even bigger breakthrough in the following over when Moeen had Bavuma taken at slip, playing back as a delightfully flighted ball drifted away and then spun in to clip the outside edge.De Kock arrived low in the order, at No. 8, but not low on confidence. Stuart Broad was twice taken for three fours in an over as de Kock, who scored his maiden Test hundred against England last year, set about matching the grand surroundings with an innings of equivalent pomp. Philander, meanwhile, dealt bravely with Anderson from the Pavilion End.Although Broad found shape to beat de Kock’s outside edge in his first over with the second new ball, he was soon sent on to the back foot: Broad’s next three deliveries were dispatched to the rope – clipped off the legs, cut and then driven square. The final over of Broad’s spell saw him receive similar treatment, with the last of de Kock’s three fours in five balls a magisterial, rubber-wristed drive through midwicket.Moeen then replaced Broad from the Nursery End but de Kock got stuck into him, too, twice skipping out to loft the spinner over mid-on to go to his half-century. With the adrenalin still pumping, however, he threw his hands at a drive off Anderson from the ball he faced and was scooped up by the diving Stokes at point.Anderson had bowled almost exclusively to Philander to that point, though his only successes were counted in marks left on his opponent. One kept low, another hit a crack and jacknifed away from the right-hander – worrying signs, perhaps, for the team batting last – and Philander had just been beaten by a similar delivery when he was rapped on the bottom hand by a ball that came back and jumped venomously off a length. Philander grimaced, received some treatment and got back to the job. Come the close, there was more work to do still.

Leeds United could be set to hand Daniel Farke a new man to spearhead his reign, who bears a striking resemblance to an old star of his…

Who is Yussef Poulsen?

The latest on that proposed move came early last week, as it was reported that the Whites were interested in a swoop for RB Leipzig's Yussuf Poulsen.

Standing at 6 foot 4, the hulking striker has endured a largely profligate career but boasts a stunning work rate that could make him an asset to a new-look side.

Having kickstarted his tenure in his homeland, the 29-year-old moved to Germany in 2013 and has never looked back. He has been a mainstay throughout the Red Bull revolution of the club, starting when they were in the third tier and progressing up into the Bundesliga.

He could now be set to finally depart, moving to Elland Road to help earn another promotion. The speedster has just one year left on his £66k-per-week deal.

Farke will likely notice the physical similarities the lanky front-man shares with Alexander Isak, who the German boss managed briefly during his time with Borussia Dortmund's reserve team.

How many goals did Alexander Isak score last season?

Both of these men have come a long way since their paths last crossed, as the coach has since led Norwich City to two Championship promotions, whilst the Sweden international has become Newcastle United's record purchase, joining from Real Sociedad.

Last year marked his first in English football, with the gangly forward acclimatising to its physicality well. He would notch 10 goals in just 22 Premier League appearances, impressing through what was an injury-hit campaign.

Although he likely is a far more technically-superior asset, given he has also starred from the wing, Poulsen has also shown a similar turn of pace to rival this dynamism, clocking a 21.2 mph top speed in the Bundesliga just five years ago. That has since dropped to a still-strong 18.95 mph.

However, his 23-year-old counterpart showcases that youthful exuberance well, given how the 6 foot 4 Magpies ace ranks against other strikers across Europe. He sits in the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90, whilst also being in the top 5% for blocks made per 90, via FBref.

It is such solid defensive work rate that truly brings the two even closer together, with the RB Leipzig man having been lauded by teammate Willi Orban for such a tireless attitude: "With or without the ball he's a machine. And he does an incredible amount of work for us."

Boasting 68 caps for his country too, the experience he would bring to Yorkshire would be phenomenal.

Not to mention that he does know where the back of the net is, although he might not find it with as much regularity as he would like.

Just last season saw him score just four goals in all competitions, and the year before a further six in the Bundesliga alone. However, it is his mere physicality that would prove to be a huge asset, especially in a league as physically demanding as the Championship.

Although their time together was short-lived, Farke could still seek to reimagine his relationship with Isak by signing Poulsen this summer.

The long-serving SCG curator Tom Parker will step down later this year, just a few months before Australia’s home Ashes series

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-2017The long-serving SCG curator Tom Parker will step down later this year, just a few months before Australia’s home Ashes series.Parker has spent 20 years in charge of the SCG pitch and turf, and will be joined in his exit by Allianz Stadium curator Michael Finch, with the SCG Trust planning to bring both the cricket and soccer venues together under one team of groundstaff.”It’s been a privilege to work at this magnificent ground,” Parker said. “There are certainly some special moments that I’ll look back on in coming years but the opportunity to call the SCG home for the past two decades is what I’m most proud of.”SCG Trust chairman Tony Shepherd said: “Tom has been a key figure in the ground’s history and has played a huge part in its success over the years. On behalf of my fellow Trustees I would like to thank him, both professionally and personally, for the commitment he has shown to the SCG.”Despite Parker’s achievements over the past two decades, he did face criticism in 2015, when a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG was abandoned due to what was deemed an unsafe outfield. After several players slipped over, the match officials decided to abandon the match, a decision that neither Parker nor the SCG Trust believed was necessary.

Manchester United would elect to choose Eintracht Frankfurt star Randal Kolo Muani over Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund as Erik Ten Hag eyes an elite forward at Old Trafford, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news on Manchester United's striker hunt?

According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United are continuing talks to sign Kolo Muani and Hojlund as Ten Hag looks to secure a striker in pre-season to help spearhead their attack this term.

Both players are admired at Old Trafford and would represent good options in attack. However, with no takeover agreement on the horizon, either of the pair arriving could derail the Red Devils' search for a new goalkeeper in turn.

Football Insider claim that Eintracht Frankfurt star Kolo Muani could cost as much as £85 million to prize away from the Bundesliga outfit this window.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also keeping an eye on the France international as they try to replace Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski, respectively.

Another report from The Daily Mail indicates that for Manchester United's alternative striking target, Hojlund, his parent club Atalanta will try and hold out to receive a blockbuster £86 million fee before considering selling one of their most important assets.

Chelsea also 'remain in the wings' to try and acquire the 20-year-old, though have recently signed Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal, which could put a spanner in the works of their pursuit.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that if Manchester United were to have a choice to make between the two, they would favour bringing Kolo Muani into the building over Hojlund.

Jones told FFC: "In Manchester United's mind, Kolo Muani is valued at a value, that is really, twice what Hojlund should be. That's what they're trying to factor in right now. If Kolo Muani was cheaper, I 100% think they would be going for him right now, but he's got that clause and it's making it difficult."

Who would be a better fit for Manchester United?

Kolo Muani is probably the more established name and is a little more mature than Hojlund at 24-years-old; however, Hojlund is a major rising star in European football that has caught the eye in Serie A, making it hard to pick who would be a better fit for Manchester United.

In 2022/23, Kolo Muani enjoyed a fine campaign in front of goal, registering 23 goals and 17 assists from 46 appearances in total, as per Transfermarkt.

According to WhoScored, Kolo Muani also offered a frequent goal threat that was difficult to contend with for opposition backlines, averaging around 2.4 shots per match in the Bundesliga.

Hojlund has made waves in Europe in fairly rapid fashion and put up some fairly impressive numbers himself last term combining his spell at Sturm Graz and with his current employers Atalanta, firing home 16 goals and seven assists in 42 outings, as per Transfermarkt.

Ten Hag will want to make sure he gets the right man in place to fire his side to potential glory in 2023/24, though only time will tell with regards to who he may turn to in the end.

A round-up of the Dhaka Premier League matches held on April 20, 2017

Mohammad Isam20-Apr-2017In the first close contest of this season’s Dhaka Premier League, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club registered a five-run win over Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club at the BKSP-4 Ground in Savar.Needing 15 runs off the last over in a truncated game of 38 overs a side, Doleshwar’s Mohammad Sharifullah managed to hit a solitary boundary as Abdur Razzak conceded only nine runs off the deciding six balls.That Doleshwar’s chances were alive until the last over was largely due to a 108-run fourth-wicket stand between Puneet Bisht (83) and Marshall Ayub (42). But a sluggish start earlier meant there was too much to be done in the last eight overs. Shahadat Hossain picked up two wickets for Dhanmondi, while Razzak’s 3 for 39 in eight overs earned him the Player-of-the-Match award.Earlier, Dhanmondi Club amassed 235 for 7 in 38 overs, piloted by a 123-run second-wicket stand between Fazle Mahmud (55) and Imrul Kayes (67) before Nurul Hasan’s unbeaten 47 off 41. Habibur Rahman and Arafat Sunny took two wickets each.Gazi Group Cricketers cruised to an eight-wicket win, led by their bowlers, against Legends of Rupganj at the BKSP-3 Ground in Savar. Overnight rain had effected a 30-minute delay before the match got underway, reducing the contest to 47 overs a side.Gazi Group’s left-arm pace bowler Abu Hider took full advantage of the overcast conditions by picking up two early wickets during his four-wicket haul. Offspinner Parvez Rasool picked three wickets, while Mahedi Hasan bagged two, bowling out Rupganj for 156 runs in 44 overs.For Rupganj, No. 9 Mosharraf Hossain top-scored with 37 while No. 4 Mahmudul Hasan made 30.In reply, Gazi Group wrapped up the chase in 36 overs, with opening batsman Jahurul Islam closing out the game unbeaten on 62 off 106 with six fours. Mominul Haque contributed with 44 off 53 balls.Uday Kaul missed out on a century by just six runs but his effort helped Abahani Limited snaffle a 32-run win over Brothers Union at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah.Kaul struck just five fours in his 120-ball knock that spanned 41 overs. He added 96 for the opening stand with Liton Das (48) before adding a further 88 runs with Nazmul Hossain Shanto, who struck a 56-ball 49. Mahmudullah also fell one run short of a half-century, but Shuvagata Hom’s 17-ball 44 – studded with seven fours and a six – propelled Abahani to 327 for 6 in 50 overs.Opener Junaid Siddique’s century kept Brothers Union on track with his 112-ball 114, clobbering eight fours and three sixes. He added 86 runs for the second wicket with Mizanur Rahman and another 61 runs for the fourth wicket with Myshukur Rahman.However, when captain Alok Kapali fell for 6 in the 38th over, Brothers Union lost two more wickets in quick succession, including that of Siddique in the 41st over. No. 10 Nihaduzzaman kept his side in the chase with an unbeaten 32-ball 41, but it insufficient as Brothers Union could only manage 295 for 8 in 50 overs.For Abahani, Shuvagata finished with 3 for 45 from 10 overs and Mohammad Saifuddin ended on 2 for 50 after he dismissed the openers.

There has been an update regarding Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of Wolfsburg defender, Micky van de Ven…

What's the latest on Van de Ven to Tottenham?

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Lilywhites are said to have lodged a "verbal" offer to sign the 22-year-old, with Ange Postecoglou and co pressing on in their bid to land the 6 foot 4 ace.

Writing on Twitter regarding that developing story, the respected insider revealed: "Understand Tottenham have submitted verbal opening proposal for Micky van de Ven. Negotiations ongoing now with Wolfsburg — not done deal yet.

"No issues on personal terms, parties are close on contract details — up to Spurs and Wolfsburg."

This follows a report from football.london's Alasdair Gold which suggested that the north Londoners are set to decide whether to sign the promising Dutchman – who is valued at around £30m – or fellow centre-back, Edmond Tapsoba, as Postecoglou seeks to freshen up his backline ahead of the start of next season.

Who is Micky van de Ven similar to?

As a towering, left-footed central defender who comes from the Netherlands, there is an easy comparison to be made between Van de Ven and his compatriot, Sven Botman, with the latter man – who also stands at 6 foot 4 – having enjoyed a stellar debut season at Newcastle United last time out.

After making the move to St James' Park on a £35m deal from Lille last summer, the 23-year-old quickly made a "huge difference" to Eddie Howe's side, according to journalist Josh Bunting, having helped to stabilise a previously leaky defence that had shipped 62 top flight goals the year prior.

As it proved, the one-time Ajax youth star went on to form part of the joint-best defence in the league – alongside champions, Manchester City – as the Tynesiders conceded just 33 goals in 38 league games, with that solidity seemingly proving vital in the club securing a remarkable top four finish.

Such has been Botman's impact in English football so far, the one-time Heerenveen loanee has been tipped to go on to become the Premier League's best-ever centre-back, according to Sky Sports pundit, Jamie Redknapp, with that a marker of his undoubted talent.

For Tottenham to then find their own version of the £90k-per-week sensation could prove to be a real shrewd piece of business for Postecoglou, with Van de Ven – who has been described as a "jewel" by talent scout Jacek Kulig – having the credentials to be able to follow in his fellow Dutchman's footsteps.

Much like Botman – who is "very good technically but also has that physical presence that you need as a centre-half", according to pundit Danny Murphy – the Wolfsburg monster is also able to combine his defensive prowess with real composure in possession.

As Kulig noted, the emerging ace is a "complete & dominant" asset defensively, although is also "confident & comfortable on the ball", thus showcasing his likeness to the Newcastle man.

Those shared traits can also be shown by last season's statistical record, with Van de Ven keeping 11 clean sheets, averaging 1.4 tackles and enjoying an 88% pass accuracy rate from his 33 Bundesliga outings, while Botman also kept 11 clean sheets, averaged 1.1 tackles and had a pass accuracy rate of 87% from his 36 Premier League appearances.

Such a likeness would appear to suggest that if Spurs are able to get a deal over the line, then the Netherlands U21 international could also potentially make a 'huge difference' to the backline – as Botman has done in the northeast…

Royal Challengers Bangalore defended 157 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium against Delhi Daredevils to register their first win of the tournament

The Report by Nikhil Kalro08-Apr-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details5:38

Agarkar: Losing de Kock as big as losing Kohli or de Villiers

IPL 2017 witnessed its second thriller in five games. Royal Challengers defending a meagre 157, by the M Chinnaswamy Stadium’s standards, caught Delhi Daredevils by the throat and strangled the life out of their chase to register a 15-run victory, their first win of the tournament. Daredevils needed 21 off the final two overs with Rishabh Pant, in tremendous hitting form, and Amit Mishra at the crease. Shane Watson conceded two runs off the penultimate over, and Pawan Negi allowed just three runs off the final over, his first of the season. For the first time since 2013, a team had successfully defended under 160 in the IPL at this ground.Royal Challengers surprised many when they chose to bat, and were quickly reduced to 55 for 3 in the ninth over. Kedar Jadhav not only resurrected a faltering innings but put his team on course for a par score at this ground. But the majority of the work was done by Royal Challengers’ bowlers, all of who contributed with at least a wicket each, to complete one of the toughest tasks in the IPL.Ignoring the dataIn the tournament opener, both teams – Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore – wanted to chase. Sunrisers were put in but negated that disadvantage by batting Royal Challengers out of the game.On a small ground, in terrific batting conditions, Royal Challengers wanted to ensure they didn’t suffer the same fate. In a data-driven format, they ignored all the stats and opted to chase. It was only the second time a team had batted first at this ground since IPL 2015 – the only other time was the 2016 IPL final.In the previous 10 T20s at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, five totals of over 200 have been defended and the five under 200 have been chased down. Royal Challengers knew their target. But had no fail-safe if their batting malfunctioned.Rishabh Pant blitzed a 36-ball 57, but it wasn’t enough•BCCIOne bull, two bearsRoyal Challengers opened with their best batsmen in the XI – Chris Gayle and Shane Watson. Both looked fluent, choosing timing over their preferred modus operandi of brute force. It worked well until Gayle mis-timed a full toss from Chris Morris to mid-off. Mandeep Singh chopped on. Shane Watson was stumped for just the third time in the IPL. Shahbaz Nadeem delivered 4-0-13-1, his most economical four-over figures in the IPL. It was Royal Challengers’ first bear market.Then came Jadhav: full of form, confidence and belief. All of it was discernible with his timing and shot selection despite Royal Challengers’ shaky footing. He brought out the inside-out lofted drives and the off-balance flicks through midwicket. Jadhav’s natural flair was uninhibited. He struck five fours and five sixes in his 37-ball 69. Suddenly a score of close to 180 seemed possible.Clichéd as it may be, wickets turned the game again. Zaheer Khan had Stuart Binny caught at midwicket and then flummoxed Jadhav with a slower ball. In between, he contributed to debutant Vishnu Vinod’s run-out. Seventeen of Chris Morris’ 24 deliveries were dot balls as he returned figures of 3 for 21. The last four overs yielded just 23, and Royal Challengers finished with an under-par 157.Another impressive debutHaving impressed with his pace in the Big Bash League for Adelaide Strikers, Billy Stanlake was bought by Royal Challengers for his base price INR 30 lakh, in the second round of the auction. Stanlake used possibly the quickest surface in the competition to zip through Daredevils’ top order with accuracy and sufficient lateral movement. He went through Karun Nair’s defense with a length delivery that moved away and then harried Sanju Samson for pace with a short delivery, picking up two wickets to keep a packed crowd squealing.Hit and missPant smashed his first ball of the season for a massive six over midwicket. Even as his innings wore on, his timing didn’t fail him. Daredevils’ middle and lower order crumbled around him, but he kept his composure to take his team within 21 with two overs remaining. Bowling the penultimate over, Watson’s plan was clear: beat or get under the bat outside off. He varied his lengths and pace to concede just two runs, including four dot balls to Mishra.With 18 to defend off the final over, the game was still not done. Watson opted for the left-arm spin of Negi to Pant. “Pant had not seen him all night. Iqbal Abdulla had bowled three overs to him,” Watson explained at the post-match presentation. Negi’s dart hit leg stump off the first ball, and Watson was vindicated.

Manchester United are one step away from signing Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, according to reports.

Is David de Gea leaving Man United?

The Red Devils could have a busy summer in the transfer window, with numerous incomings and outgoings seemingly on the table. Up to 13 players have been put up for sale ahead of Erik ten Hag’s second season in charge, including Dean Henderson, who could complete a £15m permanent move to Nottingham Forest.

David de Gea’s future is also up in the air, with the Spaniard’s Old Trafford contract actually set to expire in a matter of days. Recent reports have suggested that De Gea actually signed a new United contract that would drastically cut his current £375,000-a-week salary, however, the Red Devils have since backed out of that deal and have made a new proposal with even lower wages.

As a result, the club appear to be on the hunt for a new first-choice ‘keeper, and it looks as if Onana is on course to move to Manchester with those at Old Trafford previously in pole position to secure his services.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news involving Onana?

According to reports from Italy over the last 48 hours, Man United are one step away from signing Onana this summer, with Inter Milan identifying Yann Sommer, Keylor Navas and Hugo Lloris as potential replacements.

The Red Devils are expected to pay an initial €50m (£43m) fee for Onana, although a transfer will reportedly include bonuses as well.

Onana knows Ten Hag well from their time at Ajax, where the 27-year-old made 145 appearances under the Dutchman. Therefore, the United manager will know exactly what to expect from Onana, including his ability on the ball.

Mark Goldbridge described the shot-stopper as “box office to watch when he's got the ball under pressure”, whereas Pep Guardiola also hailed Onana’s ability on the ball following the Champions League final.

“When you have a goalkeeper like Onana who can read perfectly where everyone is to pass to, with Calhanoglu and Barella, then the strikers hold it up and move the ball around. It is very, very difficult. It would be a tiny bit easier without this goalkeeper, but still very tough.”

With a move seemingly close, it looks as if Onana could come in and become first-choice under Ten Hag, and it will be interesting to see if De Gea’s future finally gets resolved before the end of the month.

New Zealand legspinner Ish Sodhi was unwanted at the IPL, and often by his country, but has joined Nottinghamshire for the NatWest T20 Blast

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Mar-2017New Zealand legspinner Ish Sodhi was unwanted at the IPL, and often by his country, but has joined Nottinghamshire for the NatWest T20 Blast.Sodhi, 24, comes with the recommendation of Andre Adams, the former Nottinghamshire and New Zealand seamer, and will be available for the duration of the tournament.During a brief spell with Adelaide Strikers at the BBL he claimed the remarkable figures of 6 for 11, the sixth best in T20 history, against Sydney Thunder but that was not enough to attract interest from an IPL franchise at the recent auction. Overall in T20 he has 60 wickets at 21.96 and an economy rate of 7.14. He was impressive at the 2016 World T20 where he claimed 10 wickets in five matches with an economy of 6.10.”Ish is a young player whose game has really moved forward,” Peter Moores, Nottinghamshire’s head coach, said. “He’s growing fast and we’re really excited to have him. We’ve seen the impact legspinners can have in T20 cricket. With the way batsmen strike the ball, you need bowlers that can take wickets throughout the innings.”Ish is a natural attacking leg-spinner who can create pressure and get us some crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.”Sodhi has been in and out of the New Zealand side during their current season following his omission after the tour of India. He played two T20s against Bangladesh, where he claimed five wickets, and the first two ODIs against South Africa before being overlooked for Jeetan Patel in the last two matches of the series.Unless New Zealand take three specialist spinners to the Champions Trophy he could miss out on a place in the final 15.