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AB de Villiers and Morne Morkel are set to play for their franchise, Titans, next week to prove their fitness for the upcoming home summer

Firdose Moonda02-Dec-2016AB de Villiers and Morne Morkel will be available for their franchise, Titans, in a bid to prove their fitness for the home series against Sri Lanka later this month. Both de Villiers and Morkel have been out of action since the CPL with an elbow and back injury respectively, but are expected to be available for selection for the Test squad.De Villiers is in the final stages of recovery from elbow surgery which saw him miss the New Zealand Tests in August, the home ODIs and the three Tests against Australia. The Titans confirmed to ESPNcricinfo he will be available for the final two matches of their campaign, which will take place next week.Whether de Villiers gets game time could be crucial to his participation in the home summer, especially since South Africa’s selection convener Linda Zondi stressed he will need to be match fit before he can resume his national duties. De Villiers is expected to return as captain even though Faf du Plessis made a strong case to keep the role permanently following ODI and Test series wins over Australia.Morkel, who travelled with the Test squad to Australia but did not play a game because of concerns over match readiness, is available for T20s but has not been picked for Friday night’s fixture against Warriors. With Titans at the top of the table and hopeful of securing their spot in the final, the management has chosen not to alter the team. A source also confirmed that Morkel has not been cleared to bowl longer spells, which could put his participation in the Tests in doubt.Meanwhile, Hashim Amla sustained a neck injury while fielding at slip during the final Test in Adelaide and will sit out the remainder of the T20 competition. JP Duminy, though, is available to play for the Cobras.

West Ham are plotting to launch an ambitious loan bid for Manchester United starlet Amad Diallo.

That's according to the Northern Echo, which state the Hammers are the latest Premier League to register an interest in the 20-year-old.

The Ivorian has just finished a loan spell with Sunderland and is due to return to Carrington for the start of pre-season in the North-West later this summer.

The report also details that Erik ten Hag intends to give the mercurial talent a chance to force himself into the first-team plans, but hasn’t ruled out any loan move if he feels it benefits Diallo’s development.

Sunderland had harboured hopes of resigning the youngster, but with several top-flight clubs interested, it seems that Diallo is destined for Premier League football in some capacity next season.

Would Amad Diallo be a good signing for West Ham?

The Ivorian's career had veered off track after cutting a peripheral figure during a loan spell with Rangers at the beginning of 2022, making just 13 appearances.

He then joined the Black Cats in August of last year and recorded 16 goal involvements in 37 Championship outings. This meant he was the club’s top scorer and was an indispensable component that narrowly missed out on promotion after losing to Luton in the play-off semi-finals.

When the former Atalanta prodigy joined the Red Devils in 2021, then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær predicted a huge future for the star and said: “His speed, vision, and fantastic dribbling ability will stand him in good stead to make the transition.

"He is a player with all of the raw attributes that are needed to be an important player for Manchester United in the years to come."

After his imperious stint in Wearside, the "electric" winger – as per The Athletic's Peter Rutzler – ranks within the highest 27% to those at a similar level for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, according to FBref.

Extraordinary levels of productivity led his teammate Luke O’Nein to describe him as “incredible.”

His small, weaving diminutive stature, coupled with his potency, close control, and frightening speed means that he shares many similar traits to Arsenal’s Buyako Saka.

The Englishman has been unplayable for the title challengers, having notched 25 goal contributions in 38 top-flight outings and ranking inside the top 10% of positionally similar players in Europe for progressive carries, to underline his similarity to the United starlet.

It is uncalculated to suggest that Diallo will immediately replicate these sensational numbers, but given consistent minutes in the manner that Mikel Arteta has nurtured Saka, it would be exciting to see where this player could end up.

He has clearly proven he is emphatically above Championship level and the London Stadium would be a perfect destination to continue the right pathway.

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have discussed the possibility of hiring Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim amid Arne Slot’s rejection, according to reports.

Who could be the next Spurs manager?

It’s becoming a rather embarrassing search for Antonio Conte’s replacement, with the Italian departing two months ago and Spurs still yet to confirm his successor.

This is becoming quite similar to their long, drawn out attempts to hire Jose Mourinho’s replacement in 2021 – which took around 72 days to draw to a close.

Spurs went through a succession of candidates in that time, six in total according to ESPN, and Slot’s latest declaration of intent to remain at Feyenoord means Tottenham are still firmly on the look-out for a new manager this time round.

It’s now back to the drawing board for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, who has been under-fire in recent months, and this latest debacle will only be heaping more pressure on the club chief.

Tottenham remain keen on a number of alternatives to Slot, with Spurs drawing up a shortlist which includes the likes of Champions League winner Luis Enrique and former Chelsea boss Graham Potter.

As per reporter Graeme Bailey, writing on Twitter, this is indeed the case and Sporting CP’s Amorim is among the names to have been discussed internally as an option.

The 38-year-old has amassed a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young managers, making him an enticing option for Levy.

Who is Ruben Amorim?

Amorim has made history at Sporting, having previously ended their 19-year wait for a Primeira Liga title in 2021, with Man City boss Pep Guardiola saying this on the Portuguese in an interview with the media (via City Xtra):

Spurs journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke has also called him “the most exciting” young coache on the continent, yet it remains to be seen whether he will depart Sporting for the Premier League.

Arsenal could reignite their interest in a familiar figure, according to recent reports…

Arsenal transfer news – Raphinha back on the Gunners' radar

Spanish outlet SPORT have claimed that sporting director Edu Gaspar has regulary been in contact with FC Barcelona over a potential move for Raphinha, having missed out on him prior to his switch to the Nou Camp.

It's thought that the Brazil winger, who made a name for himself at Leeds United, is growing open to the idea of leaving the LaLiga giants this summer transfer window but is yet to decide what club he wishes to join, with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Newcastle United also presenting offers to his agent, Deco.

Barcelona are set to demand a fee in the region of €70m and €80m, meaning he could cost the Gunners in excess of £70m.

Could Raphinha become Mikel Arteta's own Riyad Mahrez?

It seems as if Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has held a long-term admiration for Raphinha, having already impressed in the English top-flight with Leeds, though it would certainly be an interesting move for the club to make, given Bukayo Saka's immense form on the right flank this term.

That said, with the Gunners back in the Champions League next season, a swoop for the 26-year-old dynamo shouldn't be ignored, particularly as he could give the Spaniard a familar presence and one that could elevate the club onto the next level.

In the past, Raphinha has been likened to Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez, a terrific talent that Arteta worked with closely during his time as assistant manager to Pep Guardiola. The Algerian winger even noted how 'sad' it was to see him leave to takeover from Unai Emery back in 2019.

"He’s scored some very, very important goals. The way he drifts and comes in on the inside it reminds me of Riyad Mahrez," said Robbie Keane, who was appointed as Sam Allardyce's first-team coach at Elland Road earlier this week, on Sky Sports (via LeedsLive).

Also having lauded the tricky maestro as a "revelation" with "a real ability", there is no denying that Raphinha is an electric talent and it's not as if things haven't worked out in Spain because he has provided seven goals and six assists in LaLiga this season, despite averaging just 58 minutes per appearance.

FBref liken his statistical profile to that of Saka, as well as another City star in Phil Foden, so he should have no problems in adapting to Arteta's system and ideology.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers across Europe's 'top five' divisions, the Barca gem ranks inside the top 7% for non-penalty expected goals and expected assists per 90, the top 8% for total shots per 90 and the top 9% for passes attempted per 90, via FBref, making him a creative yet dynamic threat in the final third.

It is perhaps why his former Whites teammate Dan James once hailed him as a "magician" who "can do absolutely anything on the pitch."

These are all attributes that are associated with Mahrez too, an immense wizard who is often capable of cutting in and doing the unthinkable from the right flank and in recent outings, he has emerged as the difference-maker for City as they look set to pip the Gunners to the title.

Across the last three games, the 32-year-old has provided four assists, including two in their 2-1 win over Leeds over the weekend.

In Raphinha, Arteta could be getting his own version of the player he once coached; someone able to turn a game on its head and one that could well get Arsenal a little closer to thwarting City's powerful dominance in English football.

As such, Edu must pay up to land the Brazil sensation this summer.

Newcastle United are interested in making a move for Paris-Saint Germain superstar Neymar in the summer window, journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed.

What's going on with Neymar?

The 31-year-old looks set to depart PSG this summer, following fan protests outside his house calling for him to leave the club, and the Premier League could be a viable destination.

PSG are believed to be willing to listen to offers for the Brazilian superstar, who cost the club a world-record £200m back in 2017.

Neymar has two years left on his contract, but it appears his time in the French capital will come to an end, with both sides seemingly keen to move on.

Speaking on the Talking Transfers Podcast (3.50), Bailey revealed that Newcastle's owners, PIF, are interested in signing Neymar as the club prepares to potentially return to the Champions League.

"It's our understanding, sources have told us that Newcastle United's majority shareholders, PIF, have a real interest in bringing Neymar to the Premier League," he stated.

"This is a real thing. Newcastle, I think it is an ideal fit for him in some ways. They do want a left-sided forward. They want a marquee signing, they love Brazilians.

"It wouldn't be a cheap deal, we're being told PSG would want around £75m, maybe a bit more."

Should Newcastle move for Neymar?

Newcastle have already made incredible progress since PIF came in and hired Eddie Howe, and the signings they have made have helped take them from a relegation battle to European football.

The likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak arrived for big fees, but as signings who can be around for the long-term.

Neymar – hailed an "artist" by Christophe Galtier – would be a move away from this strategy, but given that Newcastle are returning to Europe for the first time in around ten years, he could provide an instant injection of quality which could help them compete at the top level.

The former Barcelona star has only made 29 appearances in what has been another injury-hit campaign, but his quality has often shone through, scoring 18 and assisting 17 times in all competitions.

Neymar would arguably be the biggest signing in Newcastle's history in terms of status, arriving as a Champions League winner and Brazil's talisman, and the club could even benefit commercially from such a huge transfer.

An attacker such as Allan Saint-Maximin could potentially leave in order to make space for Neymar, but despite his age and injury record, he could be the statement signing to help take Newcastle to the next level.

Chelsea currently occupy 11th spot in the Premier League table following a season which has seen them win just ten matches in the top flight, scoring only 30 goals in the process, while they are on their fourth manager of the campaign.

It’s remarkable really considering just how much they have spent since last summer that the club find themselves in the position they’re in, facing the prospect of no European football next term as Todd Boehly continues his search for a new manager.

The Stamford Bridge outfit have splashed the cash in recent transfer windows, although this hasn’t exactly generated instant success on the field, with the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Wesley Fofana clearly needing to improve in order to take Chelsea back to the top four.

Under Thomas Tuchel, the Blues perhaps sold a few players slightly too hastily, with Fikayo Tomori and Timo Werner prime examples as the duo are shining for their respective sides, but the decision to sell Tammy Abraham to AS Roma in 2021 for £34m was arguably one of his worst, particularly with his current value soaring.

How much is Tammy Abraham worth now?

The striker made his debut for Chelsea in 2016 under Guus Hiddink before enjoying various loan spells at Bristol City, Swansea City and Aston Villa, scoring 60 goals in three seasons which prompted new Chelsea manager Frank Lampard to unleash him in the first team for the 2019/20 campaign.

The Englishman settled into Premier League action with ease, scoring 15 times in the top flight, and he was even praised by Rio Ferdinand, who stated that Abraham’s performance against Lille in 2019 was “Drogba-esque” and this was high praise indeed considering how much of an impact the Ivorian had during his spell with the club.

Although the goals dried up under Tuchel, he still managed to play a part in the team that won the Champions League in 2021, yet he was soon on the move to Serie A.

However, it appears that Chelsea have had a nightmare by selling the 25-year-old as he has netted 35 goals in 96 matches for the Italian side while Football Transfers now value the player at €60.5m (£53m), a sparkling rise on the £34m they sold him for just two years ago.

Tuchel made a blunder by selling him for a fee that low when he knew the striker was only going to get better. His recent success in Serie A proves that Abraham is a wonderful forward and should have been given more of a chance at the club.

Leicester City are considering appointing former Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch to replace Brendan Rodgers as manager, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Did Brendan Rodgers deserve to be sacked?

The decision to sack Rodgers cannot have been easy for chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, given the success the Northern Irishman has brought to the club since joining from Celtic, most notably leading them to their first-ever FA Cup, beating Chelsea 1-0 in the 2021 final.

The 50-year-old has now spoken to the media about his departure, making it clear how proud he is to have secured European qualification in consecutive seasons, a remarkable achievement for the Foxes.

That said, the current campaign has been well below par, and Srivaddhanaprabha made the decision to sack the manager after a run of six Premier League games without a win, and in real trouble of being relegated to the Championship.

As such, it was an understandable decision from the Leicester hierarchy, but their next appointment will be crucial, given that they are currently two points from safety, with only nine league games left to play.

Taking to Twitter earlier this week, Romano provided an update on who the Foxes may target to replace Rodgers, claiming that Marsch will be "considered" – however, he is not the only target they have in mind.

Rafa Benitez is said to have been "in the frame" since Sunday, while Ralph Hasenhuttl and Oscar Garcia have also emerged as potential options.

Would Jesse Marsch be a good appointment for Leicester?

There is some indication the American could be a shrewd appointment for Leicester, as he has experience in a relegation battle, managing to preserve Leeds' Premier League status last season after going on a five-game unbeaten run from March to April.

Hailed as "brilliant" by members of the media, the 49-year-old has experience winning silverware, leading both New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Salzburg to success, but there are question marks about whether he's cut out for English football.

During his time with Leeds, the Wisconsin-born coach averaged just 1.16 points per match – far lower than replacement Javi Gracia has at this stage, with the Spaniard managing to turn around the Whites' fortunes in his seven-game stint as manager, with an average of 1.43.

As such, Leicester are perhaps better off focusing on other targets, and Hasenhuttl is a very interesting option, given his extensive Premier League experience, taking charge of Southampton for 173 matches.

Mikel Arteta looks set to strengthen his Arsenal side this summer as the club are reportedly keen on signing Ismael Bennacer.

What’s the latest on Ismael Bennacer to Arsenal?

According to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, the Gunners are keeping tabs on the AC Milan midfielder and could be ready to offer young sensation Folarin Balogun as part of the deal.

The Serie A side are interested in the striker who has scored 17 Ligue 1 goals already this term and Arteta may offer him plus cash in order to lure the Algerian to London this summer.

He is rated at €35m (£31m) by the CIES Football Observatory and having just signed a new contract in January, Arsenal still may have to offer a big number along with Balogun to sign him.

Could Arsenal sign Ismael Bennacer?

With the club looking increasingly likely to win their first Premier League title since 2003/04 this season, securing a return to the Champions League for the first time in six years, the prospect of joining Arsenal has never seemed brighter.

Arteta has a wonderful midfield triumvirate in Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, yet only the Norwegian is under the age of 25, and it’s evident from his recent signings that the Spaniard is keen on planning for the future.

A move for Bennacer is certainly possible when you consider these factors, and could it give the 40-year-old a licence to perhaps ditch Xhaka in the process?

Indeed, this season, Bennacer has registered more shot-creating actions per game (4.38 to 3.49), won more tackles (29 to 20), interceptions (21 to ten) and won more challenges (72.2% to 43.3%) proving that although he may not be as big a goal threat this term as the Swiss, his combative nature in the middle of the pitch could be vital for Arteta.

The 25-year-old has been lauded for his recent performances, with Stefano Pioli describing him as “complete” while journalist Khaireddine Rouba dubbed the player a “warrior” for his national team displays and there is no doubt he could improve Arsenal’s starting XI.

He ranks in the top 2% for ball recoveries, top 5% for tackles and top 8% for shot-creating actions compared to positional peers across Europe’s big five leagues, clearly demonstrating his all-round ability.

Xhaka will be 31 in September, and although he is enjoying a great season, like all the best managers, Arteta may well be looking to strike when the irons hot and secure a younger, more gifted replacement this summer. Bennacer certainly fits the bill perfectly.

Celtic could face a new challenge in the summer as they are expected to receive interest from the Premier League in their centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Could Carter-Vickers leave Celtic?

The American has now been playing his football at Parkhead for almost two years now having initially joined the club on loan back in 2021.

His move was made permanent over the summer in a deal believed to be worth in the region of £6m from Tottenham Hotspur.

However, it seems as if a return to England could potentially be on the cards over the coming months with a strong interest coming from the Premier League.

Indeed, speaking on the House of Champions YouTube channel, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has put Carter-Vickers’ future in doubt ahead of the summer:

(14:00) “I think it’s going to be an important summer because I’m told some Premier League clubs are already exploring this possibility. Of course, he knows Premier League football so it could be a possibility in the summer but Celtic will try their best to keep their players.”

How long does Carter-Vickers have left on his contract?

Since arriving at Parkhead, Carter-Vickers has gone on to solidify his spot in the side under Ange Postecoglou and has recorded 76 appearances across all competitions (via Transfermarkt).

And Celtic fans will be thankful to hear the club were able to tie him down to a four-year deal when they permanently signed him last summer.

Therefore, going into the next transfer window, Carter-Vickers will still have three years remaining on his contract at Parkhead.

This will leave the Bhoys in a strong position ahead of the summer should any sides show an interest in the centre-back who was only bought in the summer of 2022.

Reports have suggested the move from Spurs could potentially cost Celtic up to £10m in total as a result of add-ons in the American’s contract.

Whether an exit in the summer would see those clauses fall short having only played one season as a permanent player or not is another question.

But with three years left on his deal, it likely will allow Celtic to negotiate a considerable fee for the player if they are open to the notion of allowing him to leave.

Carter-Vickers has played a huge role in the club’s success under Postecoglou, however, if the Premier League is to come calling, it may be an opportunity which Carter-Vickers feels is too good to turn down.

Having said that, he hasn’t exactly had the best of spells in the numerous clubs across England having spent his time out on a number of loans across the EFL.

So having found his feet in Scotland, Celtic fans will surely be hoping he is looking to continue his football at Parkhead. d

Southampton are interested in free-firing Aberdeen marksman Bojan Miovski, who has attracted the attention of owners Sport Republic after an excellent first year in Scotland.

What’s the latest on Southampton’s striker search?

In January, Southampton completed the signing of Paul Onuachu from Genk for £18m, but with the club’s woeful campaign shackling them to the bottom of the Premier League table, prospective summer acquisitions are already being distinguished.

And according to the Scottish Sun (via Aberdeen Live), Saints are keeping tabs on the prolific Miovski, and recently sent scouts to watch the ace during a 4-0 away defeat to Celtic.

Having signed for the Dons for only £535k from MTK Budapest last summer, the North Macedonian man could earn his big break in the Premier League in short time, and while Aberdeen have not attached a price tag to his name, his value has nearly tripled to £1.5m, as per Football Transfers.

Should Southampton sign Miovski?

In his first season in Scotland, the 23-year-old has already plundered 17 goals from 32 appearances, including 15 strikes from 27 matches in the Scottish Premiership.

And considering his seasonal tally is the greatest of his career, indeed the first time he has netted double figures in a single league season, there is an upward trajectory that Southampton will hope can be replicated in England.

While Saints’ Premier League future hangs precariously in the balance, five points adrift of safety after 24 league clashes, the allure of English football could work in boss Ruben Selles’ favour, with the 13-cap star adopting a talismanic role to either preserve top-flight status or forge a way back from the Championship next term.

Lauded as a forward with “pace, power and fantastic movement” by Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin, his impressive goalscoring record is bolstered by his 2.1 shots and 0.6 key passes per game, illustrating a robust nature and a desire to get stuck in and pump life into his outfit, who are currently sixth in the division.

Of the striker, Goodwin also said: “He ticks all of the boxes in terms of profile – he is about 6ft 3in, very mobile, very athletic and a decent turn of pace.

“Most importantly for a striker he has got a knack of being in the right place at the right time.”

With a transfer, Selles could in fact replicate the masterclass swoop for Virgil van Dijk, who was also clinched from Scotland, arriving from Celtic for £13m in 2015 before making a world-record £75m switch to Liverpool in 2017, after forging 80 outings and scoring seven goals.

With the Dutch defender hailed as “outrageous” by Jonathan Woodgate, his career trajectory is an embodiment of the shrewd and supreme prowess of Southampton’s transfer department, and if the 23-year-old Miovski, who is discernibly efficient in front of the net and possessing that innate predatory instinct, his own value could be nurtured and grown into a mammoth figure at St. Mary’s Stadium.

After all, those to cross the border and arrive on the English south coast have become figureheads before, not least Van Dijk but also the likes of Victor Wanyama and Fraser Forster.

With such a laudable goal record for Aberdeen this term, indeed the most potent season of Miovski’s career yet, there will be considerable optimism from Saints that a move could not only materialise, but perhaps be deal that will etch its name into the outfit’s folklore.