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Newcastle United could complete the signing of Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes in the next week or so, according to an update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Harvey Barnes joining Newcastle?

The £40,000-a-week winger looks almost certain to enjoy a fresh challenge during the summer transfer window, following a disappointing season for the Foxes. They suffered relegation from the Premier League after failing to turn their fortunes around, which is now expected to lead to an exodus of key players before the new season gets underway.

In fairness to Barnes, he was a clear positive for Leicester much of the time, scoring an impressive 13 goals in just 32 league starts, made all the more commendable because of his team's all-round struggles. The 25-year-old is far too good to be playing in the Championship moving forward, especially as he will be eyeing up a place in England's squad at Euro 2024 next summer, having won one cap for the Three Lions to date.

Newcastle have arguably emerged as the favourites to acquire Barnes' signature in the coming days and weeks, seeing him as a strong option to come in and bolster the options at Eddie Howe's disposal, likely as a replacement for Allan Saint-Maximin. Now, another update has emerged that further suggests he will be at St James' Park sooner rather than later.

What's the latest on Harvey Barnes to Newcastle?

Speaking to Caught Offside, Romano claimed that Barnes could join the Magpies in a matter of days, in what could be an important piece of transfer business:

"Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes is now close to Newcastle, I think this deal could be closed within the next seven to ten days if all goes to plan. It’s also possible for Allan Saint-Maximin to leave Newcastle. It’s not guaranteed yet, but it’s a possibility and is being discussed on club side."

Barnes has the potential to be a superb signing for Newcastle this summer, possibly coming in as a straight replacement for Allan Saint-Maximin, who flattered to deceive last season and only scored one league goal in 25 appearances. The Leicester man's goal tally was far superior in a weaker team, and his direct running and ability and get in behind could make him a potent weapon for Howe.

At 25, the Foxes ace would also be arriving at an absolute sweet spot in his career, with his best years likely to be from now until around the age of 30, meaning the Magpies could see the very best of him for an extended period of time, seeing him mature even further and become more polished as a winger.

An overall tally of 45 goals and 32 assists in the Premier League further outlines the quality ion Barnes' locker – he has been described as "unbelievable" by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, too, which is big praise from such a renowned figure in the modern game – and he is someone who can further help Newcastle grow into even more of a force, as they build a squad that is capable of flourishing across four different competitions next season, including the Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspur target James Maddison wouldn't find it 'easy' to succeed in north London and may need to 'adapt' his game if he was to join the Lilywhites, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest transfer news involving James Maddison?

According to The Northern Echo, Tottenham are now 'strong favourites' to sign Maddison from Leicester City this summer as Ange Postecoglou gets to work in N17.

Newcastle United are also keen on the £110k-a-week ace; however, his preference is believed to be moving to London, which has put Spurs in pole position to wrap up a deal for the England international.

The Daily Mail report along similar lines and state that Maddison would be more open to joining Tottenham than their divisional rivals Newcastle United in the off-season.

Leicester City star Harvey Barnes is another name on their radar. At the same time, Arsenal and West Ham United also retain an attraction towards the 25-year-old amid news that Spurs submitted a joint bid of £50 million to try and acquire the Foxes' duo.

Football Insider detail that Leicester City want to recoup £50 million for Maddison, while Spurs want to secure his services on a 'cut-price deal', something which may drag their pursuit on for a while to come in the transfer window.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown thinks that Maddison could succeed at Hotspur Way; nevertheless, he doesn't believe it would be easy for him to transition from Leicester City to Tottenham.

Brown told FFC: "There's also the fact that Harry Kane, over the years, has gradually become a striker who likes to drop a lot deeper and occupy a lot of those areas on the pitch. I don't think it would be an easy transition for Maddison there, he can certainly do it and could be a success there if he finds a way to adapt, but I don't think it would be easy for him."

Would James Maddison be a success at Tottenham Hotspur?

Maddison absolutely has the ability to be a success at Spurs should he pitch up in north London this summer, though, as always, it remains to be seen with regards to how a player settles into a new environment.

In 2022/23, the England international featured 32 times for Leicester City across all competitions, registering ten goals and nine assists, as per Transfermarkt.

As per FBRef, Maddison was an inventive presence in midfield for Leicester City from the middle of the park and successfully completed 138 shot-creating actions in the Premier League during the season.

Capable of providing a goal threat either directly or by supplying his teammates, Maddison also recorded around 2.8 shots and 2.3 key passes per match in the English top flight, according to WhoScored.

Getting used to new surroundings would present its own challenges; however, Maddison has the ability and conviction to take these factors into his stride and would be an excellent addition to Spurs' midfield if they manage to secure him this summer.

حقق منتخب مصر الأولمبي فوزًا صعبًا أمام الإمارات بهدف وحيد، في المباراة التي جمعت بينما وديًا ضمن منافسات بطولة غرب آسيا تحت 23 عامًا.

وتقام بطولة غرب آسيا خلال الفترة من 20 إلى 26 مارس الجاري بمشاركة 8 منتخبات وهم “مصر، السعودية، الأردن، العراق، الإمارات، كوريا الجنوبية، تايلاند، وأستراليا”.

ويستعد منتخب مصر الأولمبي من خلال هذه البطولة الودية، للمشاركة في دورة الألعاب الأولمبية بباريس 2024.

طالع | مواعيد مباريات منتخب مصر في أولمبياد باريس 2024

وسجل بلال مظهر هدف فوز منتخب مصر في الدقيقة 82 بعدما راوغ دفاع الإمارات وصوب الكرة داخل المرمى. هدف فوز مصر أمام الإمارات في بطولة غرب آسيا تحت 23 عاماً

ووقع منتخب مصر الأولمبي في المجموعة الثالثة من أولمبياد باريس بجانب إسبانيا وجمهورية الدومنيكان وصاحب المركز الثاني بـ كأس أمم آسيا.

James Anderson will miss the final Test of the series in Chennai with what has been described as “body soreness” by England captain, Alastair Cook

George Dobell in Chennai15-Dec-2016James Anderson will miss the final Test of the series in Chennai with what has been described as “body soreness” by England captain, Alastair Cook.Anderson, who missed England’s two Tests in Bangladesh and the first Test of this series due to a shoulder injury, was later said to have experienced “soreness” in his ankles and in the shoulder.While Cook said Anderson “could get through” the game and was disappointed to be missing out, he explained that the England camp wanted to take no chances with a bowler who they felt “can make a big contribution” to their Test fortunes over the next couple of years.”It’s not worth the risk,” Cook said. “When he has been in this situation over the last six months and we have played him, he has picked up injuries. It doesn’t seem the right time to play him.”He is sore from the previous game and we, as a management group, don’t think it’s worth taking a risk.”Could he get through? Yes, he possibly could. But over the last six months when we’ve played him, he has picked up an injury.”Anderson has now missed eight of England’s most recent 23 Tests, including five this year.Bearing in mind England’s schedule – they do not play another Test until July – it does seem an abundantly cautious decision and will lead some to conclude that he has been dropped. And it is true that his record in this series – four wickets at a cost of 53.50 apiece and no wickets in the two most recent Tests – is not wonderful.But this decision is more likely to be a manifestation of how highly valued Anderson remains in the eyes of the England management and how vital he is to their plans for the English summer of 2017, the Ashes and, perhaps, beyond. With England 3-0 down, it is a dead rubber.”I’m very confident he can make a big contribution to English cricket over the next couple of years,” Cook said. “But we’re going to have to manage him a bit more in Tests. He might miss a couple more Tests as a precaution. He might not. With a couple of months off now, his body might fly again. He’s a very athletic guy and he’s very light on his feet. He can still make a big difference to English cricket over the next couple of years.”Stuart Broad could come back into the side in place of Anderson, but a decision over his fitness will only be made after training on Thursday. Liam Dawson, the left-arm spinner, could also replace Anderson and provide the side with some of the balance it appeared to miss in Mumbai.

Queensland closed the third day needing a further 314 for victory with nine wickets in hand

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Oct-2016
ScorecardDavid Warner scored his 23rd first-class century•Getty ImagesDavid Warner celebrated his 30th birthday by scoring a brisk century against Queensland at the Gabba, continuing his strong recent run of form ahead of the first Test against South Africa. Warner’s hundred came up in 124 balls and he finished with 134 from 160 deliveries, including 16 fours, as New South Wales set the Bulls 365 for victory.Before this match, two of Warner’s three most recent innings had been centuries – 117 and 173 in ODIs against South Africa earlier this month. His hundred in the day-night Sheffield Shield clash also means that three of Australia’s likely top four for the WACA Test – Warner, Shaun Marsh and Steven Smith – have reached triple figures in this Shield round.Warner and Ed Cowan put on 230 for the opening wicket, a stand that ended when Cowan was caught off the part-time bowling of Charlie Hemphrey for 95. Warner fell to legspinner Mitch Swepson just a few overs later, his 23rd first-class century having come exactly a week before the Australians walk out against the South Africans in Perth.Smith compiled 42 and Kurtis Patterson made 38, but the real damage had been done in the opening stand, and New South Wales were able to declare at 7 for 367, leaving Queensland 11 overs to bat before stumps. Hemphrey was bowled by Josh Hazlewood for 4, but Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja survived until the close of play, Burns on 29 and Khawaja on 12, with Queensland needing a further 314 to win.Mitchell Starc, who was playing his first match back having had 30 stitches in his left shin following a sickening training accident in Sydney last month, was substituted out of the game on Thursday as Cricket Australia control his preparation for the first Test. Doug Bollinger came in to the side to replace Starc mid-match.

Leeds United are eyeing up Genk sporting director Dimitri de Conde as Victor Orta's replacement this summer, according to a new rumour.

Do Leeds need a sporting director?

The Whites have had a tumultuous time of things throughout this season, with the campaign not panning out the way many would have hoped last summer. Jesse Marsch's reign as manager came to an end, following too many poor results, Michael Skubala's caretaker period lasted three games and Javi Gracia didn't last much longer in the Elland Road hot seat.

Sam Allardyce is now Leeds' fourth manager of 2022/23, but he looks like he will fail in his efforts to keep his side in the Premier League, with a miracle required on the final day this weekend.

There haven't only been managerial casualties at Elland Road in recent times, however, with Orta relieved of his duties as sporting director, following a six-year spell. It means that the Whites are now on the lookout for someone new in the role, and it looks as though they have a potential candidate to come in.

Could De Conde be Orta's replacement?

According to Het Nieuwsblad, Leeds, and by extension, Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers, are interested in snapping up De Conde from Genk, although they aren't alone in tracking him. Southampton and Tottenham are also mentioned in the report, so it may not be easy for the Whites to get their man, especially if the latter use their weight.

De Conde has been in his current role since 2015, so it could be that a fresh challenge appeals to him, and a move to England could be particularly eye-catching to him.

This could be an exciting appointment by Leeds if they get it done, with Orta having big shoes to fill, despite things ultimately ended badly for him, with Radrizzani deciding that a change was required.

De Conde has a wealth of experience, but at 48, he is still relatively young in terms of his job, and could bring fresh ideas to Leeds and be key to the right players coming in this summer. The clubare also likely to be under new ownership in the 49ers Enterprises, which could be beneficial to the Genk man in the long run, allowing him more funds for signings.

It may be that he is just one of many options to be the Whites' next sporting director, but either way, it is refreshing to see the club moving quickly, as they potentially prepare for life back in the Championship.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
2:09

Manjrekar: Heartening to see WI bowlers go for wickets

India lost their first five wickets for 126 and their last five for 14, but between the two collapses R Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha added 213 runs to save them the blushes. Ashwin scored his fourth century, all against West Indies and two in this series, and Saha attacked his way to a maiden Test century, which countered West Indies’ plan to keep India from scoring freely on a slow outfield.The day, though, belonged to West Indies, whose new opening combination of Leon Johnson and Kraigg Brathwaite followed the bowling charge with a stand greater than all their earlier opening partnerships in this series put together. Brathwaite ended the day unbeaten on 53, with West Indies still 246 behind, which could take some time coming on the slow outfield. After 234 runs on the first day, the second day produced 226 for six wickets.India’s theoretical dislike of slow scoring, and some of the selections in Virat Kohli’s Test team might leave you worried for the future of old-fashioned Test batsmen, but Saha and Ashwin continued to bat for the tribe after the rescue job on day one. While Ashwin, resuming on 75, gave India the solidity, it was Saha who played with intent against a limited West Indies attack happy to play the defensive game. Saha added 58 off 105 balls to his overnight 46 even as West Indies kept it tight at the other end.The first hour of the day replicated what happened for long periods on the opening day. West Indies stacked up one side of the field, and their strike bowlers spent their energy bowling on that side of the wicket, hoping for impatient shots from the batsmen. None of that arrived.The intent came in the second hour with Saha taking risks and Ashwin taking only what came his way, understandable given he was approaching a hundred. Saha’s effort on the second morning was a repeat of his approach on the first day: against disciplined bowling, Saha had scored 1 off the first 34 balls he faced, 8 off the first 65, and then opened up to end the opening day on 46 off 122; when he came back on Wednesday he scored just 6 off the first 31 balls he faced, but then drove Alzarri Joseph through cover for the first boundary of the day, in the 10th over of the morning.After drinks the clear plan seemed for Saha to have a go and disrupt West Indies from their plan of taking time out of the game. Sixty-one came in the second hour as opposed to 21 in the first. Saha was at the forefront, hitting all of the first five boundaries of the day. The third of those, a slog off Roston Chase, the offspinner, took him to his personal best, 64. The fourth took the partnership to 150. In the 21st over of the morning, Ashwin cut away from his body and got his first boundary of the day, moving to 99.Even as Ashwin stayed on 99, Saha raced away from 77 to 93 by the time the players went off for their second meal of the day. In the last over before lunch, though, Shannon Gabriel caught Saha on the bare forearm with a short ball. Saha came back with a swollen elbow, but both the batsmen duly reached their centuries with Saha becoming only the fourth India wicketkeeper to score an away century. In the seventh over after lunch, Saha went to drive a really full delivery from Alzarri Joseph, edging it through to Shane Dowrich.Now the West Indies pace attack charged at the tail with renewed vigour. Having waited 281 balls for his first Test wicket, Miguel Cummins took three in 10 balls: Ravindra Jadeja following an angling delivery, and Ashwin and Ishant Sharma fending at awkward short balls. In between the Cummins carnage, Gabriel came back to get a much-deserved second wicket, Bhuvneshwar Kumar caught at short leg.That the quick bowlers were making the batsmen fend pointed to some life in the pitch, but only if you banged the ball in. The India bowlers – Bhuvneshwar and Mohammed Shami with the new ball – looked to nick the batsmen out. Shami took over Cummins’ poor luck; in the half hour before tea he drew an edge from Brathwaite that fell short, and one from Johnson was dropped by KL Rahul at third slip. By the time Rahul made amends with a direct hit from midwicket to run Johnson out, West Indies had put together their first fifty opening in 26 innings.For the first time in the series Darren Bravo walked out after a good start, and batted with more assurance than earlier. Brathwaite brought out the discipline he is known for, waiting for loose balls, not minding having to run runs because of the slow outfield, breaking the monotony with a chip shot here or there, spending more than three hours at the wicket for his half-century. The closest India came to a wicket was indifferent running from Bravo and Brathwaite.

Liverpool are in hot pursuit of Alexis Mac Allister this summer and now a new update has emerged on the club's progress in completing the signing of the World Cup winner.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Alexis Mac Allister?

According to Football.London, Liverpool are set to beat Chelsea to the signing of the Brighton and Hove Albion star this summer.

As per the report, the west London club have cooled their interest in the midfielder due to Liverpool's strong lead in the race for his signature.

It is further claimed that despite being at the front of the pack to sign Mac Allister, it will not deter their pursuit of Chelsea's Mason Mount.

Would Mac Allister be a good signing for Liverpool?

There is no doubt that a rebuild is desperately needed for the Merseyside giants this summer following a disappointing campaign both domestically and in European football.

The Reds are currently chasing down the fourth and final spot inside the Premier League top four to secure their outside chance of qualifying for the Champions League, but will need Manchester United and Newcastle United to continue to drop points over their remaining games.

Jurgen Klopp is saying goodbye to several midfielders this summer with James Milner already reportedly lining up a move to Brighton when his contract expires at Anfield at the end of the season, whilst Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are both also out of contract this summer too.

As a result, the signing of Mac Allister will certainly be warmly welcomed by the Anfield faithful as the midfielder has not only been a standout performer in the English top flight but was a standout performer at the World Cup too.

The 24-year-old – who has a price tag worth £70m – played a key role in Argentina's winning campaign in Qatar at the end of 2022, which deservedly earned the midfielder high praise from his manager Roberto De Zerbi:

"I think he was one of the best players in the World Cup competition, his style of play was clear, he didn't make mistakes, he understood (what to do) before the play."

Over six World Cup appearances, Mac Allister was simply stunning as he scored the opening goal in Argentina's group stage clash with Poland, registered one assist and created two chances.

A further look at the statistics gives a clear indication of just how well he played in the Middle East, averaging 1.2 shots on goal, 1.3 key passes, 1.5 tackles and 5.2 duels won per game, proving he was a huge presence for his national team throughout.

Those performances didn't quite earn him a place in the World Cup Team of the Tournament, but he was placed among the substitutes.

The talented dynamo has had no trouble translating that form into his displays in the Premier League and has been effective in the attacking threat for the Seagulls – with ten goals, one assist and an 88% pass completion rate over his 30 appearances for Brighton, integral to their huge chance of securing European football.

With that being said, there is no doubt that Liverpool would benefit significantly from securing the signing of Mac Allister this summer as the all-action midfielder could be the solution to many struggles the squad are experiencing at present.

Journalist Charles Watts has claimed that Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka should be fit to play this week despite doubts over his fitness.

What's the latest Arsenal injury news?

On Wednesday night, the Gunners have arguably one of the biggest games in their recent history as they travel to Manchester City.

Right now, Mikel Arteta's men sit at the top of the Premier League, but defeat at the Etihad would see that lead drop to just two points with City having played two fewer games.

With that being the case, Arsenal really need to get a result away from home and will be hoping to have Xhaka involved from the start.

However, the Switzerland international missed the club's 3-3 draw with Southampton, and according to manager Arteta, remains a doubt.

Speaking ahead of the game, the Spaniard explained (via Evening Standard): “Xhaka is hopefully able to train today, still a doubt.”

Despite this, while talking on his YouTube channel, Watts didn't seem overly concerned by the vagueness of Arteta's response.

Indeed, the journalist insisted: "I think Xhaka will play. I'll be surprised if he doesn't.

"Look, he's been ill… If he trains today, then he plays, in my opinion. I know Mikel's saying he is a doubt, but I'd be very, very surprised if Granit Xhaka doesn't play.

"If he's able to train today, if he's fit enough and healthy enough, and he's recovered from this illness in time to be able to train today, then he plays at the Etihad."

Will Granit Xhaka play against Man City?

Of course, Arteta sadly confirmed that key centre-back William Saliba will miss the game, saying (via Evening Standard): “There has not been real improvement unfortunately on him.

“So we are still waiting, we are still hopeful, but obviously it is another week that has gone by and he hasn’t been able to train with the team.

“At the moment, we don’t have him. We are preparing for this game without him and the next game is probably going to come too close as well, so we have to go week by week at the moment.”

With that being the case, it feels vital that Arsenal must get at least get £120k-per-week midfielder Xhaka back on the pitch against City.

After all, he's played in 31 of 32 league games this term – with an average WhoScored rating of 6.97 – showing how important he is to the team.

With that being the case, Xhaka has at least had a great fitness record up until now so he will hopefully be able to overcome this illness and take part on Wednesday night.

كشف مصدر خاص بنادي الزمالك، النقاب عن تطورات صفقة القلعة البيضاء الجديدة، بالتعاقد مع لاعب بيراميدز، محمود صابر.

وكان صابر قد فسخ تعاقده مع نادي زد، الذي كان معارًا إليه من بيراميدز، بعد أن كان مقررًا نهايتها بنهاية الموسم.

وعلم “بطولات” أن نادي الزمالك يستعد لمخاطبة بيراميدز، من أجل التفاوض حول ضم محمود صابر بعد قطع إعارته من نادي زد.

معتمد جمال: أردنا الاطمئنان على ثنائي الزمالك في ودية عثماثون طنطا.. وتسجيل 8 أهداف أمر إيجابي

وأوضح مصدر خاص أن نادي الزمالك أنهى الاتفاق مع اللاعب على معظم تفاصيل التعاقد، وينتظر إنهاء التفاوض بين الناديين.

ومن المقرر أن يحسم الزمالك الصفقة، بعد أن يتم الانتهاء من فتح باب القيد وإنهاء الملف رسميًا خلال الأيام القليلة المقبلة.

الجدير بالذكر، أن محمود صابر يستعد لخوض غمار منافسات دورة الألعاب الأولمبية بباريس “أولمبياد” 2024، في أغسطس المقبل.

وكان محمود صابر قد شارك في 8 مباريات من أصل 10 مع نادي زد في الدوري، سجل خلالها هدفاً واحداً من ركلة جزاء وصنع أخر.