Newcastle United are “informed” on the situation of Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae ahead of the summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Kim Min-Jae leaving Napoli?

Since joining from Fenerbahce last summer, the centre-back has been a regular feature of Luciano Spalletti’s former side, making 45 appearances across all competitions during his debut season at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

In his CaughtOffside Daily Briefing last month, Romano stated that the Magpies had sent scouts to watch the 26-year-old and suggested that Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth could compete with Manchester United in the race to bring him to the Premier League.

Journalist Raimondo De Magistris has since claimed that the Red Devils have offered the South Korean a “huge salary” so the northeast outfit will have to act fast, but with his contract including a £52m release clause that’s set to become active next month, anything can still happen.

Are Newcastle signing Kim?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Newcastle are keeping close tabs on Kim as they weigh up a potential hijack this summer. He wrote:

“Manchester United have Kim Min-jae on their list since October and remains the main target. Release clause, only valid in July as United are in contact with agents; Newcastle are informed too. Understand Man Utd are also monitoring the French market for plan B options.”

Could Kim be a good addition for Howe?

Newcastle obviously hold a clear interest in Kim to be considering a swoop during the upcoming window, and having been dubbed a real “leader” by former professional Park Ji-Sung, the centre-back putting pen to paper would be a massive coup for PIF.

The Serie A champion averaged 3.5 clearances and 2.6 aerial wins per league game last season, alongside recording a 91% pass success rate, via WhoScored, which was higher than any of the black and white striped players, highlighting his calmness and composure on the ball.

The Nike-sponsored ace is also capable of contributing to his team’s efforts at the opposite end of the pitch having clocked up four league goal contributions (two goals and the same number of assists) in 35 appearances last term.

Finally, Kim has spent the majority of his career playing in the heart of the defence but he also has the versatility to operate out wide at right-back so he would be a great option for Howe to have at his disposal should rotation be needed as a result of an injury crisis, in a similar way to how the gaffer has used Dan Burn this season.

Glasgow Rangers continued their summer rebuild by announcing their third signing of the summer on Tuesday, welcoming Jack Butland to the club.

The experienced English goalkeeper is set to arrive at Ibrox on a free transfer from Crystal Palace at the start of next month and will join Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling, who agreed moves to Scotland before him.

Michael Beale's work in the market is far from done as the Light Blues boss is reportedly keen on a number of other deals to improve his squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Daily Record recently claimed that the Gers are pursuing a deal to sign Cremonese centre-forward Cyriel Dessers, Nottingham Forest's Jonathan Panzo and Swansea winger Morgan Whittaker.

Who is Jonathan Panzo?

He is a 22-year-old central defender who spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Coventry City in the English Championship.

Beale must seal a swoop for the young left-footed enforcer as the ex-Monaco ace could be the future of the club's defence alongside academy graduate Leon King.

He happens to be the only first-team centre-back under the age of 26 as the likes of Connor Goldson, Ben Davies and John Souttar are in the prime years of their respective careers.

Therefore, the club could benefit from bringing a younger defender through the door as they could already have their future replacements for the current first-choice options in the building by the time they move on.

King and Panzo could complement each other tremendously well as the Rangers ace is a right-sided defender who plays on the other side, which means that they suit each other in terms of what they do in possession.

Both of them would be able to open up onto their stronger foot to play the ball out from the back, rather than playing next to a player who forces them onto their weaker foot, which could lead to lesser-quality passing if they are not as proficient on their other side.

Panzo has also proven himself to be a strong and capable defender at Championship level in England. The 22-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.99 across 29 appearances and won 58% of his individual duels.

King, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.89 across 15 outings in the Scottish Premiership and also won an excellent 58% of his physical contests, which shows that both players are able to get the better of their opponents more often than not in matches.

Therefore, Rangers must swoop for the £1.5m Forest ace, who was once praised as being "outstanding" by his former coach Mark Robins as he could be an excellent long-term signing for the club who is able to strike a connection with King in the years to come.

حرص محمود الخطيب، رئيس نادي الأهلي، على تهنئة اللاعبين وجهازهم الفني والإداري والطبي، بمناسبة الفوز ببطولة كأس مصر للمرة الـ39.

ووفقًا للمركز الإعلامي بالنادي الأهلي، أشاد الخطيب بالروح العالية للاعبين، والإصرار على حسم البطولة لمصلحة الأهلي.

وأكد على أن هذا الفوز يلقي بالمسئولية على كل عناصر المنظومة، ويدفع الجميع لتحقيق المزيد من الانتصارات على كافة المستويات.

كما وجه التحية والشكر إلى جماهير الأهلي الوفية، التي تساند النادي وفرقه الرياضية في كل المواقف، لا سيما التي تواجدت في ملعب المباراة مساء اليوم وكان لها دور كبير في تحفيز اللاعبين، ودعمهم ومنحهم الثقة حتى نهاية اللقاء.

إقرأ أيضًا..حسين الشحات: اللعب في الأهلي يعني “بطولات”.. واستغلينا الفرص أمام الزمالك

وجدد الشكر للأشقاء بالمملكة العربية السعودية على حفاوة الاستقبال وكرم الضيافة الذي لاقته بعثة الأهلي، مثلما جرى في السابق أثناء المشاركة في كأس العالم الأندية، ولاقى فيها فريق الأهلي كل الدعم والمساندة.

ويتواجه الأهلي في المباراة المقبلة مع البنك الأهلي، في خضم مواجهات الجولة الخامسة عشر من عمر مباريات الدوري الممتاز، على أرضية استاد القاهرة الدولي.

ويحتل الأهلي المركز العاشر في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 17 نقطة، بينما يتواجد البنك الأهلي بالمركز الخامس عشر ولديه 12 نقطة.

The BCCI-Lodha Committee hearing in the Supreme Court has been put off for the second time in a week

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Dec-2016The BCCI-Lodha Committee hearing in the Supreme Court has been put off for the second time in a week; after adjournments on December 5 and December 9, the issue of the Indian board not implementing the Lodha Committee’s recommendations in total will now be heard on December 14.The adjournment was because another case that the Supreme Court was hearing on Friday took too long.The Supreme Court had last heard the BCCI-Lodha Committee case on October 21, when it passed an interim order asking the board to stop disbursing funds to state associations until the association gave a written resolution that it would adopt the Lodha Committee’s recommendations. BCCI president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke were also required to submit an affidavit of compliance in the court by December 3, elaborating on the recommendations already implemented by the board and the steps taken to persuade the state associations to adopt the recommendations in total.Since the previous hearing, the Lodha Committee submitted its third status report in the Supreme Court and once again recommended that the BCCI and state office bearers who did not meet the eligibility criteria laid out in the recommendations be removed immediately. It also recommended that GK Pillai, the former home secretary in the federal government, be appointed an “observer” of the BCCI and that he oversee the board’s financial transactions. The BCCI rejected the suggestion and also said that the Lodha Committee’s inaction had “tremendously hurt” the image of Indian cricket.The BCCI had remained firm in its stance that it could not force the Lodha Committee’s recommendations on its state associations, and that a majority vote was needed to pass them. At several board meetings, the states had voiced opposition to most of the Lodha Committee’s recommendations: in particular, the one-state-one-vote policy, the age cap for office bearers, and the limits on tenure.The Lodha Committee – comprising former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha and retired Supreme Court judges Ashok Bhan and R Raveendran – was formed in January 2015 to determine appropriate punishments for some of the officials involved in the 2013 IPL corruption scandal, and also to propose changes to streamline the BCCI, reform its functioning, prevent sporting fraud and conflict of interest.In January 2016, the committee released its report, which recommended an exhaustive overhaul of the BCCI’s governance and administrative structures. On July 18, the Supreme Court approved the majority of the recommendations and directed the Lodha Committee to supervise the BCCI’s implementations of the same. However, despite the Lodha Committee laying out timelines and other directives, the board has not cooperated because its state associations objected to the recommendations.

Wolverhampton Wanderers will aim to make improvements this summer, despite expected financial constraints following the revelation of the clubs’ Financial Fair Play (FFP) woes.

Julen Lopetegui will wish to bolster his squad this transfer window, which is something he could do in stylish fashion as Wolves’ latest link has emerged as a hot talent.

What’s the latest on Manu Kone to Wolves?

As reported by the Daily Mail yesterday, Wolves are showing interest in Borussia Monchengladbach whizz Manu Kone.

The 22-year-old machine has gathered interest from both Liverpool and Aston Villa for his performances in the Bundesliga, with him being valued at £35m as per the report.

Contracted to Die Borussen until 2025, it’s expected that the club will hold out for a good fee for their star.

What could Manu Kone offer to Wolves?

With Ruben Neves almost certain to depart this summer, Lopetegui must find midfield reinforcements to live up to the absence of the Molineux skipper.

Once hailed as “majestic” by talent scout Antonio Mango, the Frenchman could certainly be the man to fill the vacancy left by Neves’ pending departure.

At just 22 years old, the bustling midfielder was monstrous in the Bundesliga this campaign, as highlighted by his 2.5 tackles per game and 54% total duels won with an enormous average of 7.4 won per game, via Sofascore.

It’s clear to see why the youngster is wanted by Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool for his defensive exploits in the engine room, however the Colombes-born gem has far more to his game than protecting the back line.

Having been likened to Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo, Kone could replicate the passing ability of Neves in his assured nature in the centre of the pitch.

Also lauded as having a “swagger” about him by Mango, the 22-year-old maintained a passing accuracy of 87% in the Bundesliga this term as well as registering an average of 5.73 progressive passes per 90 via FBref.

As per FBref again, the Gladbach midfielder ranks highly in comparison to midfielders in Europe, positioned in the top 4% in Europe’s top five leagues in the past year for his rate of successful take ons, averaging 1.97 per 90, incomparable to Neves’ 0.57.

While the Portuguese stalwart offers more in the final third, the Wolves target offers an opposing skill set to the 26-year-old, flexing the ability to open the play from deep playing as a commanding defensive midfielder.

His ball-carrying abilities are second-to-none and present as another area that the young whizz could signify progression in Lopetegui’s set-up without Neves, with him averaging 2.04 progressive carries to the Wolves captain’s 0.83 per 90.

With Liverpool and Villa expected to have significantly bigger budgets than Wolves this summer, only time will tell if Lopetegui can source the pennies to lure the talent to Molineux, there is no denying the impact he could have should the Old Gold win the race for his signature.

The Spaniard could well have his perfect Neves successor if that turns out to be the case.

نجح فريق الكرة الأول بنادي الزمالك في الرد بهدفي التعادل والتقدم بشباك نظيره الجونة خلال 4 دقائق فقط، وذلك في المباراة الجارية بينهما حاليًا.

ويستضيف استاد خالد بشارة بالغردقة، مباراة الزمالك مع الجونة، ضمن مباريات الجولة الـ 15 من عمر مسابقة الدوري المصري.

أحرز هدف الزمالك الظهير الأيسر أحمد فتوح في الدقيقة 51 من عمر اللقاء، برأسية متقنة مستغلًا عرضية محمود شيكابالا.

وبعد مضي 4 دقائق وفي الدقيقة 55 ظهر سامسون أكينيولا ليسجل الهدف الثاني للزمالك مستغلا تمريرة أحمد فتوح السحرية معلنًا تقدم فريقه بعد التأخر.

فيديو | رضا صلاح يسجل هدف الجونة الأول أمام الزمالك

وكان الجونة قد تقدم بالهدف الأول عن طريق رضا صلاح في الدقيقة 30، مستغلًا خطأ بين دفاع وخط وسط الزمالك.

الزمالك يحتل المركز الثالث عشر في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز، برصيد 15 نقطة من 10 مباريات، حيث استطاع الفوز في 4 وتعادل في 3 وخسر في 3 مواجهات.

بينما فريق الجونة يتواجد في المركز التاسع بترتيب جدول الدوري برصيد 19 نقطة من 13 مباراة، حقق الفوز في 4 مباريات وتعادل في 7 وخسر في مواجهتين. هدف الزمالك الأول أمام الجونة

هدف الزمالك الثاني أمام الجونة

Michael Beale has gone about his transfer business at Glasgow Rangers in a swift and orderly fashion, already signing six new players across the January and summer windows.

The likes of Nicolas Raskin, Todd Cantwell, Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell and Sam Lammers are all set to be part of a new era at the Ibrox side heading into 2023/2024, with Premiership title glory the main aim.

Raskin and Cantwell have already strutted their stuff during the second half of last season, with the Englishman, in particular, shining for Beale.

The playmaker had endured a tough run at Norwich City between August and December, where he made 19 appearances without registering a single goal or assist. The 25-year-old looked like a man reborn upon arriving in Glasgow however, eventually finishing the season with six goals and five assists from just 20 games and it’s evident that Cantwell has been a steal, costing only £1.5m.

Could the 42-year-old repeat his masterclass with the former Norwich starlet again this summer? With the Light Blues showing an interest in Sunderland winger Jack Clarke, there is a possibility lightning could strike twice.

Could Rangers sign Jack Clarke this summer?

Football League World reported at the start of the month that the Gers were interested in the player, yet they could face stiff competition, with Premier League outfits Everton, Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers all keeping tabs on him too.

Beale could use the allure of Champions League football to bring him to Ibrox and the £15k-per-week gem has the potential to shine in Scotland, no doubt about it.

Across 45 league matches for Sunderland, he scored 11 goals and grabbed nine assists, while he also created seven big chances, made 1.7 key passes per game, and completed two successful dribbles per game.

He ranked in the top three across the whole squad for these metrics, showing how important he was to the team and his attacking qualities on the left wing could give Beale a major boost as he has shown that scoring and creating plenty of chances for others are key facets of his game.

Noel Whelan, a former professional, lauded Clarke when he was starring for Leeds United, saying: “He has got a great ability to glide past players. I don’t think I’ve seen a winger really as talented as that, where it looks effortless, just to take somebody on and he really does get you on the edge of your seat, he’s one of those exciting players.”

With Cantwell arriving from the Championship and shining in the Premiership, the 22-year-old could follow in the same footsteps should he make a move to Scotland.

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has been disqualified from contesting for the post of HCA president after his nomination papers were rejected by returning officer K Rajiv Reddy on Saturday.Uncertainty over whether Azharuddin’s life ban imposed by the BCCI had been lifted, and whether he was classified as an HCA voter, resulted in his disqualification.”(He had not given) a satisfactory explanation whether the BCCI ban on him in the wake of the match-fixing scandal was not lifted and that he failed to provide adequate proof that he was enrolled as a voter,” Reddy told the .Azharuddin said he wasn’t given a reason for the decision. “Right from the beginning, I think the process looked to me a little bit fraud. I gave them the court order also,” Azharuddin said. “People are misinformed. I think things should be put to rest. Court has given an order which has cleared me of everything.”The returning officer should answer my questions, but he is not present. I will go for a legal case. I think the Lodha Committee rules and orders are not followed at the HCA.”Azharuddin was banned for life after being found guilty of fixing matches in an investigation conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Azharuddin’s initial attempts of challenging the ban were unsuccessful, but in 2012, a division bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled the BCCI ban illegal.Azharuddin, who filed his nomination papers representing the National Cricket Club on Tuesday morning, had said he didn’t “foresee any issue” with the BCCI ban.

Leeds United's search for a new manager nears its conclusion, with a recent update detailing those most likely to get the job…

What's the latest on Patrick Vieira to Leeds United?

That's according to Sky Sports, who emphasise this notion, with the 49ers having narrowed down their search from a list containing dozens of names.

The use of data analytics aided this process, which saw around ten different coaches interviewed across Zoom last week.

However, one of those who were fortunate enough to get a face-to-face interview was Patrick Vieira, who retains his presence on that final shortlist.

It seems the Frenchman stands a strong chance at being offered the post, however, will battle with promotion specialist Daniel Farke for the role.

Would Patrick Vieira improve Leeds United?

Whilst it might be tough to opt against the German, who has enjoyed two successes in guiding a team out of the Championship, it could be argued that opting for the former Arsenal midfielder places more of a focus on the long-term.

His experience in the Premier League surpasses that of the 46-year-old, having managed 65 games to dwarf the 49 of his rival. Whilst the latter might ensure a speedy return to the top-flight, history suggests he offers little once he reaches that level.

After all, his points-per-game average of 0.53 is abysmal, and a far cry from Vieira's 1.15.

Whoever is chosen to fill the vacancy must fix the glaring issue in Yorkshire though, by plugging up one of the most threadbare backlines around.

Last term the Whites conceded 78 times, the most of anyone in the league, and the year prior would ship a further 79. Whilst on paper some of their players might be talented, a lack of confidence and direction has stifled their progress.

Pascal Struijk is one such name whose form has faltered lately, maintaining a 6.75 average Sofascore rating last campaign as they fell to the drop, the sixth-best of anyone in the side.

However, his debut season at the age of just 20 saw this figure rise to 6.94, upheld through his 86% pass accuracy and 80% dribble success rate alongside 1.7 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and 3.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Despite his youth, he showcased bravery on the ball that had many fans thrilled at the bright future he promised for their defence.

Mismanagement following Marcelo Bielsa's sacking quickly saw him prioritised to fill gaps though, and soon he was forced to feature at full-back, undoing all his work building a solid reputation.

Vieira could well be the man to revitalise the 23-year-old, given how his first year at Selhurst Park saw him get the best out of two young lesser-known centre-backs in Marc Guehi and Joachim Anderson.

The former in particular maintained an impressive 7.03 average Sofascore rating during that fine first campaign for the inexperienced manager, establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most impressive young defenders, and even earning an England call-up.

Pundit Clinton Morrison sought to praise their head coach during that year too, branding him "outstanding" for his work in defying the odds.

It is clear that Vieira knows exactly how to manage defensive youth, and his 4-3-3 philosophy and infectious passion for the game could help finally direct Struijk back on the right path towards being the future of a successful new defensive dynasty at Elland Road.