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The future of USACA as the governing body for cricket in the USA is in serious doubt

Peter Della Penna01-May-2017The USA Cricket Association’s (USACA) continued existence after more than 52 years as an Associate Member of the ICC may be nearing its end. The ICC announced on Monday that a resolution will be put forward at its annual conference in June to consider expelling the USACA.The ICC notice is the latest step in an attempt to clean up governance issues that have plagued cricket in the USA for decades. The USACA has been suspended since June 2015, its third ICC administrative suspension since 2005. Though it was reinstated on two prior occasions, the ICC has taken a far more hands-on role during the third suspension in an effort to satisfy the majority of cricket stakeholders across the country whereas USACA’s current membership – self-reported to be at 45 leagues as of April – puts them in a minority position.”The decision to pass this resolution was not taken lightly by the ICC Board,” ICC chief executive David Richardson said. “Our focus throughout this two year process has been on the unification of the USA cricket community behind USACA to grow and develop the sport. But it has become clear that this is just not possible and, having invested so much time and resources into helping USACA and with little in the way of cooperation from USACA, the ICC Board now felt that the only remaining option was for the ICC Full Council to consider expulsion of USACA as a member of the ICC.”The tipping point in the current phase of the governance dispute came on April 8 when USACA’s membership rejected an ICC-approved version of a revised constitution at a Special General Meeting in New York. Ratifying a new constitution that met certain ICC stipulated requirements, including term limits for board members and having independent directors, was one of 39 terms and conditions laid out by the ICC in August 2015 for the USACA to be reinstated. Meanwhile, the suspension also meant that the USACA’s annual funding grants from the ICC were discontinued and their debts surpassed $4 million as of their most recent financial disclosure for the 2014 tax year.The USACA was initially given until October 1, 2015, to present a constitution for the ICC’s review and approval before a deadline for ratification by February 1, 2016, but the deadline was extended on multiple occasions. During this time, the ICC formed four national advisory groups to address various areas of concern. The advisory groups included members of the USACA as well as the rival American Cricket Federation (ACF) in an effort to unify the parties. Among the four groups was the 10-person Sustainable Foundation Advisory Group (SFAG), tasked with helping to draft a new constitution.Despite invitations to be included in the process, the USACA has maintained an adversarial stance throughout much of the current suspension. The ICC stated on Monday that the USACA had been uncooperative, most significantly with their refusal to ratify an ICC-approved constitution.”USACA’s refusal to engage in the process, to meet a number of fundamental reinstatement conditions, to provide responses to further requests for information and its apparent failure to put the ICC Board-approved constitution before its members without legitimate excuse undermines the all-important objective of uniting the sport,” Richardson said.The ICC has also assumed control of sanctioning authority for other cricket events in the USA while the USACA is under suspension. In that time, there has been increased interest in having the USA serve as a neutral venue for high-profile events including the Cricket All-Stars tour of 2015, Caribbean Premier League matches in Florida in 2016 with another round scheduled for 2017 as well as West Indies and India playing a T20 international series in Florida last August.The USACA’s previous ICC suspensions resulted in the men’s and Under-19 national teams being barred from competing in ICC tournaments. The most significant blow came in 2007 when USA were relegated to World Cricket League Division Five just three years after having been one of two Associates – along with Kenya – to play in the 2004 Champions Trophy in England. However, the ICC has appointed members of the regional ICC Americas office to serve in a caretaker role overseeing USA’s operations during the current USACA suspension.In the event that a resolution is passed to expel the USACA, it is believed that the ICC Americas office will continue administering USA cricket affairs for at least another year and perhaps longer until a new governing body is formed. Alternatively, the ICC may review an application from another governing body, such as the rival ACF, to take the place of USACA as the ICC’s member governing body in the USA, though at the moment that appears unlikely due to unresolved administrative issues with the ACF.Though the USACA’s debt is in millions, the ACF has had difficulty generating revenue since it formed in 2012 and at the moment would not have independent funding sufficient to sustain operations for the various national teams without assistance from the ICC. Their flagship national inter-league tournament has struggled to stay afloat since it was launched in 2014, and is dependent on self-funding from member teams. Meanwhile, the ACF’s chief executive position has remained vacant for two years since the resignation of Jamie Harrison in May 2015.

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale has been a busy man throughout the summer transfer window as a raft of fresh additions have come through the door at Ibrox.

The Gers have snapped up seven new signings to bolster their playing squad after the club's failure to secure a single piece of silverware last season.

Sam Lammers, Leon Balogun, Cyriel Dessers, Kieran Dowell, Abdallah Sima, Jack Butland, and Dujon Sterling have all arrived either permanently or on loan since the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

However, the Scottish giants may not be done there as they still have well over a month to get their business done before September's deadline.

Last month, it was reported that the Light Blues are still in the race to land Malik Tillman on a second loan spell after his impressive performances for the club last term.

Bayern Munich, although they would be open to a sale, are prepared to sanction another temporary deal if the right opportunity comes about, whilst Premier League teams are also showing an interest in his services.

How many goals did Malik Tillman score last season?

The USA international plundered 12 goals across all competitions for Rangers and his return to Glasgow could allow Beale to brutally bin Ianis Hagi.

It was recently claimed that some unnamed teams in the Serie A are keeping tabs on the Romania international with a view to a potential swoop for his signature this summer, which could open up the door for the Gers to cash in on him.

The 24-year-old wizard missed 69 competitive games through a knee injury between January 2022 and 2023. He made his comeback under Beale last season and, understandably so, struggled to make a significant impact.

Hagi scored one goal and failed to create a single 'big chance' for his teammates across eight Scottish Premiership outings for the club, to go along with a Sofascore rating of 6.90 – the 15th-best score within the squad.

Tillman, on the other hand, ranked ninth on the team with an average Sofascore rating of 7.09. The £13k-per-week sensation, whose "infectious" attitude was hailed by ex-Gers boss Alex McLeish, racked up ten goals alongside 12 'big chances' created in 28 league matches for Rangers.

Fashion Sakala (12) was the only winger or midfielder with more Premiership goals than the German-born talent, which highlights how important the exceptional loanee was to the side with his ability at the top end of the pitch.

His form was also more impressive than Hagi's most successful campaign at Ibrox to date. The Romanian maestro averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.02 and contributed with seven goals to go along with six 'big chances' created in 33 matches during the 2020/21 title-winning season.

This suggests that Tillman has the ability to offer more, as a scorer and a creator, than Hagi in the final third as a midfielder or wide player.

Therefore, with the additions of Dowell and Sima to further bolster the club's options in those areas of the pitch, bringing the Bayern Munich dynamo back to Glasgow would allow Beale to cash in on Hagi amid interest from teams in Italy.

Kumar Sangakkara treated Lord’s to a fine century on the first day of the London derby but it is no exaggeration to say that Dawid Malan, Middlesex’s own classy left-hander, achieved the same standards in reply

Vithushan Ehantharajah at Lord's20-May-2017
ScorecardWhat Kumar Sangakkara achieved, Dawid Malan matched [file picture]•Getty ImagesAn 18th first class hundred for Dawid Malan, brought up in an innings that started in rain and ended in sun, paints an appropriate picture. Middlesex were in no great shakes at 50 for 2, as Surrey exploited a lively surface in the early afternoon, when Malan strode to the crease to calm them with a bit of class.Some prefer the crashing of waves, others the wails of whales. Judging by the sighs in the Pavilion, impeccable cover drives from Middlesex’s No. 4 did the trick. It is not forcing the point to say that Kumar Sangakkara’s day one century has been matched by one from Middlesex’s own classy left-hander.Maybe his teammates sought to match the Sangakkara portrait unveiled at Lord’s before the opening day by knocking up a doodle to stick on the wall of the changing room for when he returned 103 not out – bat under one arm, game under the other.But just as Sangakkara’s was a lone hand of style and substance, Malan negotiated tricky periods to steer Middlesex out of harm’s way and close to parity, with five wickets remaining. Aided with an enterprising half-century from James Franklin in the evening session – he reached the milestone off 43-deliveries with back-to-back sixes off Scott Borthwick – they are in control of what happens next. They both rest overnight with 92 unbeaten for the sixth wicket.The last nine months have been strange for Malan who, aged 29, has never been more assured of his own game but might be a tad confused by his standing in the domestic game.Last summer, he was left “speechless” by a call-up to England’s T20 side for a one-off match against Sri Lanka, though did not make the playing XI. He was then asked to captain an exciting Lions side against Pakistan A but, despite finishing the season strongly – including an England Lions List A record score of 185 not out – he was overlooked for the winter programme. It is fair to say he was miffed by the snub.That meant filling his winter how he could. Previously he would spend the part of his off-season back in South Africa, giving his game an MOT under the precise watch of Gary Kirsten. On occasion, he has had to weigh up the possibility of spending the new year in Australia on the off-chance that he might wangle a BBL gig as a late injury-replacement.Yet again, he spent time at the Bangladesh Premier League for the Barisa Bulls before winning the PSL with Peshawar Zalmi, which involved a final in Lahore. He was back in front of the selectors’ eyes during the North-South series in the UAE. Even when he returned a century in the first match, he wasn’t getting ahead of himself. He surmised that three figures, while nice, was useless if it did not bring him closer to higher honours.For the most part against Surrey, he was chanceless. There was a bit of tentativeness early on – after all, his highest score until today, in all forms, was a 50 against Glamorgan in the Royal London One-Day Cup. But, for the most part, he had a plan against all those he faced today and stuck to it brilliantly.Against Mark Footitt, who brought Malan to the crease with an exceptional delivery that pitched on middle and leg climbed into the shoulder of Nick Compton’s bat on its way through to Ben Foakes, he remained calm and picked him off when the left-armer arrowed in at the stumps. He was able to second-guess Stuart Meaker’s changes in length, rarely omitting to punish anything over-pitched.When Meaker did settle into the groove upon the wicket of Adam Voges, he was able to unsettle John Simpson with a sustained assault on about middle and leg. After a couple of strong lbw shouts against Simpson, Malan took charge and hit Meaker out of the attack with back-to-back fours: the first cut behind point, the second thumped through cover, to take him to 68. The hundred came up off his 169th ball, as he stepped into a delivery from Gareth Batty and threaded it through a staggered cover field.For the most part, Stevie Eskinazi kept him company. It speaks volumes of Eskinazi’s standing in the side that with Sam Robson’s injury, it was Compton, in his first Championship start of the season, who opened with Nick Gubbins.Eskinazi is very much Middlesex’s man at first drop: 67 was a third score above fifty this season and one that took him past 1,000 first-class runs. He bats like a man who has made more.If Middlesex were wasteful on the first morning, they were ruthless on the second day. Surrey lost their last five wickets for just 48 thanks to some incisive bowling and exceptional catching.The bigger of Franklin’s two wickets – Sangakkara, adding just one to his overnight score – owed more to Ollie Rayner, who took his second blinding catch of the match from a wideish third slip. Sangakkara cut hard, expecting four, but instead found Rayner’s sizeable right paw. The Sri Lankan’s disbelief was shared by most who bore witness.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in Sporting CP forward Youssef Chermiti, as Julen Lopetegui bids to end his side’s woes in front of goal.

It’s been a busy summer for the Midlands club, who have offloaded ten players ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The latest news has reported a move away for Raul Jimenez, who has been approached by Fulham where a fee has been agreed, giving Lopetegui another incentive to chase a new forward.

Could Wolves sign Youssef Chermiti?

As reported by Portuguese outlet Record last week, Wolves have had scouts present at Sporting’s recent friendly to watch Chermiti.

The 19-year-old could be available for a fee in the region of £17m, with the report claiming that the Portuguese giants expect €20m for their forward.

With a release clause of €80m (£69m) included in his contract, Lopetegui could pounce on the teenager's rumoured availability for a cut-price.

How good is Youssef Chermiti?

Rising through the ranks at Sporting, the academy graduate made a breakthrough last season, recording 22 appearances in all competitions for his boyhood club.

Deployed as a traditional centre-forward, the “very interesting” teen, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, got among the goals last term, scoring three and assisting two in 16 Liga Portugal appearances, via Sofascore.

Lauded as a “superb prospect” by Kulig, Chermiti made a fast start to his senior career, scoring two and assisting once in his first three starts for the first team.

Despite only averaging 58 minutes per game in the league, the 19-year-old needed little time to make an impact, averaging 1.8 shots per game and acting as a strong presence leading the line.

For Wolves, the bright talent could be an encouraging capture this summer, as the club prepares to bid farewell to much-loved striker Jimenez.

The Mexican scored 57 goals in 166 appearances for the Old Gold, including two consecutive rich scoring streaks to get the side comfortable on their return to the Premier League.

Scoring 30 goals over his opening two campaigns in the Premier League, the 32-year-old fired Wolves to claim two consecutive seventh-place finishes to seal the club a place in the Europa League.

Jimenez was the leader of all things positive at Molineux on their return to the top tier, however, the former Benfica forward had his career halted by a life-threatening skull fracture sustained in 2020.

Missing the remainder of that season impacted the Mexico international, who was lucky to play again, however, his form was unable to be recaptured, with him netting just ten goals since his return.

A goalless campaign last term suggests that the 32-year-old’s departure comes at the best time for club and player, with Chermiti posing as a strong candidate to take his throne.

Described as a ‘pure striker’ by The Scouting App, the teenager has had his strengths identified through his ‘physicality, explosiveness, sense of goal and eccentricity’ by the scouting site, making him the perfect fit to replenish Lopetegui’s side in front of goal.

Still very early into his career, the teenager could be given the chance to shine as the leading man at Molineux, in a move that could ease the sadness of Jimenez’s pending departure.

The Bangladesh batsman broke into the top ten, only the second player from the country to do so

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jun-2017Bangladesh batsman Sabbir Rahman has broken into the ICC’s top 10 rankings for T20I batsmen for the first time. He is currently tenth with 627 points, after the rankings were updated following the T20I series between England and South Africa.Sabbir, 25, rose in the rankings despite scoring only 117 runs in five innings this year.Sabbir is the only Bangladesh player after Shakib Al Hasan to break into the top ten rankings for T20I batsmen. Shakib, who is leading the allrounders rankings across all formats at present, achieved the feat in 2012. Mahmudullah, at No. 6, is the only other Bangladesh player among the top ten T20I allrounders.In the T20I bowling rankings, Mustafizur Rahman is at No. 6, while Shakib is ranked ninth.

The India opener was hopeful playing in the Tamil Nadu Premier League T20s could get him in the right frame of mind after a five-month layoff from international cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Aug-2017India opener M Vijay was looking forward to ending a five-month period without any top-level cricket and though his first match back – in the Tamil Nadu Premier League – ended up a washout, he said the T20 tournament was an ideal way to regain match-fitness.”This is an excellent opportunity to start my second innings,” Vijay told reporters on Thursday after Lyca Kovai Kings and Madurai Super Giant had to share points. “It is an absolute pleasure to be back here. I’ve been waiting for this, and hopefully I can start it from here and build it there on.”I don’t feel a 100 percent, to be honest. But mentally, yes, I’m up there. And, format doesn’t matter to me. It’s just been injuries, which are not under my control. I just want to get myself fit and play cricket.”A wrist injury in March, during the Border-Gavaskar series, had forced Vijay out of the IPL. He underwent surgery in the UK and was expected to return to international cricket during the Tests against Sri Lanka, but recurrence of pain in his wrist forced him out of the squad again.Vijay also experienced problems with his left shoulder during the final Test against England in December. After five months out of international cricket, he was conscious of the need to manage himself better, especially because he intends to be more than a Test specialist. “As you’ve seen, my career has become one-dimensional at the moment. So, I obviously want to enhance it. Batting is never a problem for me. It’s just about mindset and injuries, which I want to manage properly now on. Any cricket is fantastic for me, because I enjoy playing.”

Crystal Palace may have waved goodbye to key man Wilfried Zaha this week, but another big name could soon be arriving at Selhurst Park in Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.

Who are Crystal Palace's forwards?

Zaha's departure to Galatasaray on a free transfer will leave a huge void to be filled, the winger departing the club he has called home for close to two decades, either side of a doomed spell with Manchester United.

Palace still have talented pair Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, assuming they fend off interest from top-flight rivals, but their squad is otherwise looking a little bare in attack.

Jean-Philippe Mateta struggled in his first season at Selhurst Park and may be moved on this summer, which would leave Jordan Ayew and Odsonne Edouard as Roy Hodgson's only senior forwards.

However, according to TheEaglesBeak, via football.london, Palace are looking to bolster their ranks and have made signing Nketiah their priority between now and the end of the transfer window on September 1.

How many goals has Eddie Nketiah scored?

Nketiah has made 89 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, but he has found the net just 14 times, while his overall record for the Gunners is 32 goals in 131 appearances.

The 24-year-old was called upon by Mikel Arteta in the midst of a tense title race with Manchester City last season after Gabriel Jesus sustained an injury that ruled him out for three months.

Nketiah initially took full advantage of his big chance by scoring six goals in six games in all competitions, including a double in Arsenal's thrilling 3-2 win over Manchester United in January.

That led to praise from captain Martin Odegaard, who hailed Nketiah for the "amazing" manner in which he stepped up to lead the line in Jesus' absence.

However, Nketiah – on wages of £100k-a-week at the Emirates Stadium, according to Capology – did not score in his next 14 appearances and ended the 2022-23 season with four goals in 30 appearances.

Still, Nketiah's return of 0.33 goals per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season, as per FBref, was bettered by only Eze – just – among Palace players last season (0.34). Nketiah's 0.41 goals and assists combined per 90, meanwhile, was near enough on a par with Olise (0.43).

In fact, Nketiah's figures were a lot better than he was perhaps given credit for. According to FBref's comparison model, the Englishman was very alike Manchester United's Marcus Rashford in a number of metrics last season.

Nketiah and Rashford fired away shots at an almost identical rate per 90 minutes (3.39 v 3.38 respectively), had a very similar pass-completion rate (80.4% v 76.7%), and likewise when it came to progressive carries per 90 (2.64 v 2.66).

While Rashford did register more goals and more assists than Nketiah, the pair recorded an identical expected assisted goals figure of 0.11 per 90, effectively meaning that they created the same quality of chances for teammates.

That is not to say Nketiah is on a par with Rashford, but should he be given a regular run of starts in a team full of talented young players, it may well be that he finally gets a chance to truly fulfil his potential at a London club.

Leicestershire ensured they will go into their final group match, against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, knowing that a win will see them qualify for the quarter-finals

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Aug-2017Mark Cosgrove guided Leicestershire to victory•Getty ImagesLeicestershire ensured they will go into their final group match, against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, knowing that a win will see them qualify for the quarter-finals.The Foxes’ four wicket win over the Falcons means that Derbyshire must also win their final match, at home to Worcestershire, to be certain of going through to the knockout stages for the first times since 2005 – although they will also qualify if Leicestershire are beaten by Notts.”We’re over the moon. We knew we would probably have to win our last four games to qualify, and we’ve still got a chance of doing that – it’s not how you start a competition, it’s how you finish it that counts,” Leicestershire head coach, Pierre de Bruyn, said.”We were very good in the field tonight, and Aadil Ali isn’t really a part-time bowler, he’s worked really hard on his offspin over the last year. Then Mark Cosgrove was outstanding, you need a calm head from a senior player in these sort of circumstances, and he controlled our innings.”We know what we’re up against at Notts, but we have momentum, and they will know we are a dangerous side. It’s like a mini quarter-final for us.”Put in on a slightly slow pitch, Derbyshire struggled from the start, scoring just 34 from the six-over Powerplay, and losing their three leading run-getters in reaching just 46. First to go was Billy Godleman, the left-hander losing his leg stump to Gavin Griffiths bowling around the wicket, and Luis Reece quickly followed, caught and bowled off a leading edge by Ali.The key wicket, however, was that of Wayne Madsen, who came into the match having hit 457 runs in the competition this season, but had scored only 10 when he reverse-swept Ali straight into the hands of Callum Parkinson at backward point.With wickets falling at the other end, opener Matt Critchley set his stall out to bat through, and did so successfully, going to a run-a-ball 50 with a six, and finishing on 72 off 60 balls as the Falcons hit 44 from the last four overs of their innings to give their bowlers something to bowl at.Leicestershire’s reply was a nervous one, though it should not have been after they were given their customary flying start by Luke Ronchi. The former New Zealand international lost opening partner Cameron Delport to a fine diving catch by Madsen at backward point, but had hit 32 off 14 balls before he holed out to Alex Hughes at mid-on off Madsen.Colin Ackermann was run out after a fine piece of fielding by Matt Henry, but Cosgrove’s experience was vital as the Australian shepherded the Foxes home, reaching his 50 off 40 balls, and winning the match in the penultimate over with a four over midwicket.Derbyshire captain Daryn Smit said: “It was a strange surface, it looked good, but it didn’t really come on to the bat, and perhaps we should have played a little differently. The batters have done in week in week out this season, but they were bound to have a slip-up eventually. Critch was brilliant but we knew we were 20 runs shy and we’d have to be unbelievable in the field the restrict them. We weren’t far off but one good innings by Cosgrove got them over the line.”We kept fighting though, and showed a lot of character. We have to win tomorrow to be sure of going through, it’s in our hands and we have to go out and do it in front of a good crowd.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in Championship starlet Jordan James, as Julen Lopetegui desperately seeks reinforcements this summer.

The Spaniard admitted he was “worried” about the future of his squad during the Old Gold’s pre-season festivities, with Wolves struggling to raise the finances to bring in much-needed improvements.

Could Wolves sign Jordan James?

As reported by journalist Alan Nixon, the Midlands club are eyeing a move for Birmingham City midfielder James.

The 19-year-old is a player Wolves have been ‘keeping tabs’ on, in a move that could suit Lopetegui with him being valued around £4m by Football Transfers.

Contracted until 2025, the Old Gold are joined by Tottenham and Everton as the Premier League representatives eyeing the young talent.

Who is Jordan James?

Praised as being a “tremendous asset” by former Blues boss Lee Bowyer aged just 17, the midfielder has become an integral part of the rotation in Birmingham’s squad.

Making 33 appearances in the Championship last season, the teenager showcased his talents and added to his tally of 20 appearances in the second tier the year prior.

While Wolves would’ve ideally wanted to replenish their side with a player of the same calibre as Ruben Neves following the captain’s departure, the young Welshman could be an ideal addition to Lopetegui’s squad.

The Old Gold received £47m for the sale of the Portuguese gem, however, due to ongoing financial struggles, the club are facing great difficulty in securing the signatures of players this summer.

A relegation-threatened season that ended with a relieving 13th place finish thanks to the expertise of Lopetegui, however, the Spaniard is facing a denial of resources to improve this side ahead of the new campaign.

The potential move for James could add a much-needed presence in the midfield at Molineux, with a player that has similar strengths to the departed captain.

A combative midfielder with an eye for a good pass, the 19-year-old could develop his game in the Midlands, at a time when a glimmer of hope in a young signing could be fundamental to the progression of the transitioning squad.

As per FBref, the Blues academy graduate averaged 1.72 tackles and 1.46 clearances per 90 in the Championship last term, highlighting his defensive stability in the engine room.

The youngster’s numbers also suggest his potential in distribution, where he recorded an average of 4.12 progressive passes and 3.52 passes into the final third per 90.

For context, Neves averaged 6.50 progressive passes per 90 in the Premier League over the last year and 2.36 tackles, giving a perspective on how efficient the teenager could be in Lopetegui’s side with room to grow from the early stages of his budding career.

The Welshman has acted as the natural successor to former Blues sensation Jude Bellingham, and could now opt for pastures new to fill the void left by Neves in the top tier.

If the teenager performed at a level as sufficiently as he has at St Andrew’s at Molineux, the deal could give Lopetegui some breathing space as he prepares for a challenging term ahead.

Aston Villa reportedly remain interested in Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, as Unai Emery eyes more talent from Spain this summer.

The Spaniard has already secured the signing of Pau Torres from his former club Villarreal, and could now delve back into La Liga for additional reinforcements this window.

Could Aston Villa sign Dani Ceballos?

The link between Ceballos and Villa has been ongoing since Janaury, when Marca claimed in the January window that the former Arsenal star had turned down a move to Villa Park.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

Now, the reports are back with Spanish outlet Sport speculating that the Villans are preparing an offer for the 26-year-old, who is under contract in Madrid until 2027 after just penning a new deal.

The fee is reported to be in the region of €15m (£13m), in what could potentially be a bargain move for Emery.

How good is Dani Ceballos?

Once lauded as “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Spaniard knows exactly the demands of what it takes to perform in the engine room of a Premier League club.

After spending two seasons on loan in north London, the versatile midfielder obtained valuable Premier League experience, in which he made 49 appearances in the league for the Gunners.

Deployed primarily as a box-to-box player, the Real Madrid ace has the ability to play in a more advanced number 10 role, or in a deeper role due to his innate reading of the game.

Having been praised as being a “very clever player” by former Premier League sensation Robin van Persie, the 26-year-old could now unleash his talents once more in England, with Emery’s side posing a new challenge.

Emery was the force behind bringing Ceballos to the country back in 2019, in which Ceballos identified the Spaniard as being the “turning point” for him joining Arsenal.

Villa have been linked with an array of midfielders this summer and with Youri Tielemans already secured in such position, the Villans could land themselves a strong coup in the Madrid sensation.

The Spaniard has been likened to a player that the Premier League are familiar with in Enzo Fernandez, with FBref forming a comparison between the two midfielders based on their numbers obtained over the past year.

In Ceballos, Emery could bolster Villa with their answer to the £106.8m star, who has been classed as a “complete” player by scout Antonio Mango.

Comparing the two based on their respective 2022/23 campaigns makes for promising viewing from the point of view of the Midlands club, with the Spaniard excelling in traits applicable to a central midfielder when placed against the Argentine.

As per FBref, the 26-year-old averaged a dominating 11.74 progressive passes and 3.45 progressive carries per 90 in LaLiga last term, all while maintaining a pass completion rate of 90.6% per 90.

To put it into perspective, Fernandez averaged 9.77 progressive passes and 1.28 progressive carries per 90 for Chelsea, with a pass completion rate of 88.1%.

Defensively, the former Arsenal maestro put in the work too, as highlighted by his average of 2.47 tackles and 1.44 interceptions per 90 for Madrid, followed by Enzo who averaged 2.62 tackles and 0.93 interceptions per 90 for the Blues last term.

A player proven to be able to adhere to both defensive and offensive roles in midfield, Emery could sign his answer to Fernandez in a deal worth almost 10 times less than the Blues' eye-watering British-record fee for the 22-year-old.