Leeds United have reportedly made a move to sign AC Milan striker Divock Origi this summer. The former Liverpool man has failed to live up to expectations in Italy, and could be set for an unexpected return to English football.

What's the latest Leeds transfer news?

Leeds United have made their move for Origi in an attempt to bring the forward to Elland Road this summer, according to Sportmediaset. The Yorkshire club aren't the only side interested, however, with both the Whites and Premier League outfit Crystal Palace making offers for the Belgian.

After struggling to make an impact at Milan, it remains to be seen how much the Serie A club would demand when it comes to offloading the forward in the current transfer window.

Earning a reported £87k per-week, they'll certainly be keen to get Origi off their wage bill. And, according to Transfermarkt, the striker is currently worth just €6m (£5.21m).

If Leeds managed to secure the signature of a Champions League and Premier League winner for such a low price, it would arguably be the deal of the summer in the Championship. It remains to be seen whether Origi will make his return to England just one summer after his Anfield exit, however.

Should Leeds sign Divock Origi?

If Leeds have the chance to sign Origi, they should go all out to make it happen.

The forward is a player for the big occasion, and someone who can play at the highest level when at his best. And, whilst things haven't worked out at Milan, a move back to England could be exactly what the Belgian needs to get his career back on track.

The 28-year-old certainly attracted plenty of praise during his time at Liverpool, with Peter Crouch saying after the Reds defeated Milan in December, 2021, via The Daily Mail: "It takes someone different to hang around and play second fiddle, Origi has come up trumps again in the San Siro.

"Fantastic header too, neck muscles, the power and the angle it arrives at, it was a tremendous finish.

"It is difficult to keep yourself focused, he could have moved to a mid-table club but he is playing at Liverpool on the biggest stage."

Leeds' lack of goalscorer proved costly last season, as they suffered relegation back down to the Championship, amid Patrick Bamford's poor form and injury problems.

They'll be keen to avoid similar issues in England's second tier, making the signing of a forward – whether or not that is Origi – imperative to their promotion chances in the coming campaign.

So far this summer, the Yorkshire club have welcomed just one signing, with Ethan Ampadu joining on loan from Chelsea. But, with the season fast approaching, they'll need more than just Ampadu if they want to go back up to England's top flight at the first time of asking.

Origi's future is certainly one to keep an eye on, and if Leeds manage to secure a deal this summer, then it could go down as one of the transfers of the season in English football.

Arsenal seem to be closing in on their fourth signing of the summer, with this relative unknown sure to play a big role in the future of the club…

Who are Arsenal signing this summer?

The latest on their pursuit of Brazilian talent Bitello comes courtesy of 90min, who suggest that the Gunners are continuing their pursuit, working on a deal to tempt him from Gremio.

It is noted in the report that they are confident of securing the move, with the touted £8.5m fee a nominal one given how free-spending Mikel Arteta has been thus far this window.

Negotiations are ongoing, with the player also said to be keen on a move to north London despite the various interest across Europe.

His signing would supplement the earlier additions of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice, which have put them in a far greater position to topple Manchester City in the coming season.

Who is Bitello?

There is a good reason why the 23-year-old maestro is so sought-after, given his recent starring campaign within the Brasileiro Serie A. He announced himself as one of the division's top performers despite his youth, suggesting a bright future for such a classy midfield ace.

His entrance into the Emirates could coincide perfectly with the earlier exit of Granit Xhaka, which has left a huge creative void in the engine room.

His £21.4m move to Bayer Leverkusen was felt heavily by a fanbase who had enjoyed a rollercoaster experience with the Swiss international, eventually coming to love the man they once booed.

This was largely encouraged due to his stellar 2022/23 year, in which his creativity from deep helped to spearhead their unlikely title charge.

The 30-year-old would maintain a 7.05 average rating in the Premier League, upheld through his seven goals, seven assists, 1.3 key passes and 0.9 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

He was everywhere, and deservedly earned praise from his manager following the conclusion of the campaign: "He’s been exceptional. A key part of the success of the team and I’m so happy that everybody is appreciating what he’s done. He’s had an exceptional season."

To replace that will be a tough task, though Bitello has already showcased his possession of the key attributes that made Xhaka so effective.

Standing at 6 foot in stature, just one inch shorter than his potential predecessor, he already has the physical qualities that emulate the box-to-box stalwart. However, it is his creativity in his homeland that has truly caught the eye.

Last term in the Brazilian top flight, Bitello posted a 7.09 average rating alongside his 83% pass completion, 1.9 key passes and 1.8 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

Although he would only record three goal contributions, it is clear that his efforts in forging chances have perhaps not been reciprocated by the strikers. Should he move to Arsenal, instead supplying the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, these are figures only set to grow.

In fact, his key passes per game would have ranked him third amongst Arteta's squad last season in the league, to further emphasise the creativity that led data analyst Ben Mattinson to laud his "unique profile" and versatility.

With a little bit of work, it would not take long to mould the powerful midfielder into the perfect Xhaka heir, with his exceptional creativity already suggesting he is ready to take that step up.

All players of category A-plus in the Bangladesh Premier League – including the local talent – have been given the right to choose the franchises they will play for in the upcoming season

Mohammad Isam18-Jul-2017

All players of category A-plus in the Bangladesh Premier League – including the local talent – have been given the right to choose the franchises they will play for in the upcoming season. The decision was announced by the league’s secretary Ismail Haider Mallick, ending speculation among many cricketers wondering about whom they would play for in 2017.The seven teams have been asked to submit the players they want to retain by the next week with the BPL governing council building towards the draft on September 16.”We have asked the franchises for their list of retained players,” Mallick said. “They can retain any four of their players, which could include their A-plus category player from last season. But it has to be done with consultation with those players, who have a choice of whether to leave or stay in the franchise. July 24 is not a deadline, but we expect the franchises to give us their retention list.”Khulna Titans have already announced Mahmudullah, their captain and A-plus category player from last season, as one of their retained players this season. The 2017 season may also see the introduction of an eighth franchise. Early indications are that the team will be based in Sylhet.The BPL governing council will also have to decide whether to allow five foreign players in a playing XI or let it remain at four. In 2012 and 2013 – the first two editions of the tournament – franchises could field five overseas players, but the rule was changed for the 2015 and 2016 editions. It is learnt the call came from one of the franchises, and the matter will be up for discussion soon.”If it will be four or five [overseas players in the playing XI], we will ask the opinion of the franchises,” Mallick said. “Then we will decide on it.”

Nottingham Forest pursuing both Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson and Wolverhampton Wanderers stopper Jose Sa 'might open up problems' as it will be hard to keep both players satisfied if one is not getting regular minutes, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Are Dean Henderson and Jose Sa heading to Nottingham Forest?

According to Telegraph Sport, Nottingham Forest are in talks with Henderson over trying to lure him to the club permanently following his loan spell at the City Ground in 2022/23.

Last term, the £100k-a-week earner made 20 appearances for Nottingham Forest in all competitions and managed to keep six clean sheets in total, as per Transfermarkt.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano recently spoke to GIVEMESPORT regarding Henderson's future, stating: "I think in the end Henderson will become a Nottingham Forest player and they [Manchester United] will bring in a new backup goalkeeper.”

The Telegraph report also states that Wolves goalkeeper Sa, who earns £25,000 per week on the books at Molineux, is another option that the Tricky Trees are evaluating, as Henderson may not be ready to feature from the start of the Premier League season.

In light of interest in Sa, Wolves have turned towards Liverpool substitute goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher as someone who could fill the prospective void between the sticks at the West Midlands-based outfit, according to The Daily Mail.

Kelleher is believed to want to play regularly, which has proved tough to achieve due to the presence of Alisson at Anfield; nevertheless, Liverpool would command a fee of £20 million for the Republic of Ireland international before sanctioning his departure.

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer insider Jones thinks that bringing both Henderson and Sa to the City Ground this summer could prove problematic if their minutes aren't evenly distributed by Steve Cooper.

Jones told FFC: "In terms of chasing both of these, they really like Dean Henderson and they want him back at the club, but he's not apparently fully ready to start the new season yet and so that's why they're looking at Jose Sa as well right now. If they were to both come in, you're obviously getting to a point later on in the season, one of them is going to be frustrated and that might open up problems that you don't necessarily need for a club of Forest's level."

Who else could Nottingham Forest target this summer?

Nottingham Forest boss Cooper has several targets in his sights as he looks to consolidate his side in the Premier League for a second successive campaign.

Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen has emerged as a target to fill the left-back position at the City Ground; however, the Reds will face competition from top-flight newcomers Burnley, where he spent last season on loan, as per The Athletic.

Dutch outlet HLN via Nottingham Forest News claim that Nottingham Forest will battle with Bournemouth for the signature of Genk captain Bryan Heynen, who is weighing up an exit from his current employers.

The Tricky Trees have also looked at Chelsea forgotten man Callum Hudson-Odoi and Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga as momentum starts to take shape regarding potential incomings at the City Ground, according to a separate report from The Athletic.

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.”

In news that comes as a major surprise to Premier League fans, Liverpool are reportedly in talks to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe on loan this summer.

Have Liverpool put a bid in for Kylian Mbappe?

Well, it certainly seems unlikely that Jurgen Klopp's side could secure the services of one of the world's most sensational footballers in Mbappe this summer, but that has not stopped the Mirror from revealing that the club are in talks with PSG.

The France captain is entering the final year of his contract with the Ligue 1 champions and offers no hope of renewing his current deal, prompting the affluent outfit to seek options after banishing the star from their first-team plans.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is said to be particularly incensed after the 24-year-old's obstinate rejection of Saudi Arabian interest, after Al-Hilal lodged a jaw-dropping world-record £259m offer, which would allow Mbappe to move to Real Madrid in one year's time.

Could Liverpool really sign Kylian Mbappe?

Justifiably, the news filtering in of Liverpool's desire to add Mbappe to the ranks has been met with an incredulous response from the club's fanbase.

Liverpool's emphasis this summer is on bolstering the midfield and adding to the defence; Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have both arrived to contribute to the former – with negotiations to sign holding midfielder Romeo Lavia ongoing – while there is an indication that the Anfield side will accelerate plans to sign a new centre-back.

But the tantalising thought of securing the 2018 World Cup winner's signature, albeit for one season, is seemingly too hard to resist for Klopp and co and if the Mirror's report is to be believed Liverpool are identifying the feasibility of a short-term transfer at the very least.

The wage demands would be astronomical; the 70-cap France star – with 40 goals – earns a salary of £1.95m-per-week in Paris, and is valued at £109m by Football Transfers.

But the "incredible" striker – as he has been praised by France boss Didier Deschamps – would bring a level of striking superiority matched by scant few on English shores, having scored 212 goals and supplied 98 assists from 260 matches for PSG.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 4% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90 – The list goes on, and Liverpool's attack would rival any in world football with Mbappe's addition.

Just imagine the chaos that Mohamed Salah could inflict upon opposition defences with a world-class "alien" – as Piotr Zielinski once pronounced, in awe, of Mbappe's performance, alongside him.

Liverpool fell by the wayside last term and failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven years – a factor that could prove another stumbling block in the Reds' pursuit of the one-time Monaco prodigy – but Salah still managed to produce a scintillating individual campaign that yielded 30 goals and 16 assists across 51 outings from his right-forward deployment.

The dynamic partnership that could arise from Mbappe and Salah's feats on alternating wings, with a creative and selfless focal point such as Cody Gakpo orchestrating the play from the middle, could result in a destructive formula to catapult Liverpool back into title contention.

In a season that is so paramount to the next phase in the club's future as one of Europe's elite, it's no wonder that sporting director Jorg Schmadtke might be assessing the chance of landing Mbappe, even if it is only for one year.

Alas, the likelihood of a move to Merseyside taking place is small, infinitesimal even, but if Klopp did manage to get his hands on one of the greatest offensive prospects football has ever seen, it could spearhead a resurgence that would not only put Liverpool back to the forefront, but eclipse the previous illustrious success under their German manager's wing.

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.

Yorkshire Diamonds kept alive their hopes of qualifying for Finals Day in the Kia Super League with a 17-run victory over Loughborough Lightning at the Hazlegrave Ground in a match reduced to 13 overs a side after a delayed start.It spelled the end of the road for Lightning, who have lost all three of their matches in the round-robin phase of the women’s twenty20 competition.For the second time this week, one big innings by an international opponent gave Lightning too much to chase. After New Zealand skipper Suzie Bates put Southern Vipers out of their reach with a brilliant 119 not out in Derby on Tuesday, it was the Sri Lankan Chamari Atapattu who enabled Diamonds to set them a challenge that was just beyond them.Lightning skipper Georgia Elwiss hit 41 off 28 balls in reply and a partnership of 48 for the fifth wicket with Sonia Odedra kept the home side in with an outside chance. But a target of 111 to win proved too much in the end as Atapattu followed her match-winning innings with 2 for 11 off her three overs, crucially conceded just two singles in the penultimate over of the match, in which she also dismissed Elwiss.Atapattu’s 66 not out off 40 deliveries helped Diamonds to 110 for 5 in their 13 overs after heavy rain and hail had delayed the start by almost an hour and a half.The left-hander, whose 178 not out against Australia was one of the highlights of the Women’s World Cup, gave one chance on 47 when she was put down on the boundary by Beth Langston off Ellyse Perry’s bowling but otherwise batted superbly, hitting nine fours and two sixes, the second of them a wonderfully timed flick over the leg side off the medium pace of Elwiss.The only real blot on the innings was a horrible misjudgement when, needing one to reach 50, she went for a single off a calculated push into the off-side off Kristen Beams but gave partner Katherine Brunt no chance of completing the run.Brunt, who struck two significant blows with the ball when she dismissed both opener Amy Jones and Australian allrounder Perry in single figures, was going well at the time with 21 off just 10 deliveries.

كشفت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الكتالونية موقف مدرب نادي برشلونة، تشافي، من البقاء مع العملاق الكتالوني بعد ساعات من خسارة الكلاسيكو أمام ريال مدريد.

وسقط برشلونة بنتيجة 3-2 أمام ريال مدريد في مباراة الأمس على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” بعدما فشل في الحفاظ على تقدمه مرتين أمام متصدر الدوري الإسباني.

وبحسب التقرير أن تشافي في الوقت الحالي منفتح على تغيير موقفه المعلن في يناير الماضي بالرحيل عن برشلونة، فهو يفكر في الاستمرار كمدرب للفريق.

اقرأ أيضًا | أراوخو بعد خسارة الكلاسيكو: التحكيم ليس مبررًا لنا.. وجوندوجان اعتذر مني

ويتبقى في عقد تشافي مع برشلونة موسم آخر ولكن سيتعين عليه الاجتماع مع رئيس النادي، خوان لابورتا، من أجل تحليل الموسم الحالي وما هو الأفضل للفريق.

ويرى تشافي أن تطور مستوى برشلونة رغم الخروج من دوري أبطال أوروبا وخسارة لقب الدوري الأهم في الوقت الحالي مع مواهب الفريق الحالية.

ويريد المدرب أن يستمر في عمله وتطوير أداء اللاعبين أكثر في الموسم المقبل لأنه يشعر بالدعم من الإدارة والجميع خاصة المدير الرياضي، ديكو.

بقاء تشافي لن يكون مفاجئًا لأن هناك العديد من اللاعبين المهمين الذين طلبوا منه الاستمرار وهو ما طلبته الجماهير ولكن الأهم هو تعزيز الصفوف بصفقات قوية.

ويرغب المدرب في التعاقد مع لاعب وسط دفاعي جديد مثل جيدو رودريجو الذي يلعب في ريال بيتيس وينتهي عقده في نهاية الموسم الحالي.

كذلك يفكر تشافي في ضم لاعب لايبزيج، داني أولمو، والذي يعمل ديكو على صفقته في الفترة الأخيرة.

Defending champions Southern Vipers bowled struggling Lancashire out for 87 in a six-wicket win at Liverpool to qualify for next week’s Finals Day with a group game to spare

ECB Reporters Network23-Aug-2017Defending champions Southern Vipers bowled struggling Lancashire out for 87 in a six-wicket win at Liverpool to qualify for next week’s Finals Day with a group game to spare.The Vipers consigned the Thunder to their fourth straight defeat with an impressive, but not perfect, performance built on success with the ball.Spin proved crucial as the Vipers took their first four wickets for just seven runs in 17 balls, although they dropped a couple of catches and later slipped to 41 for 4in reply.The hosts, who elected to bat, failed to recover from losing key batsmen Sarah Taylor and Amy Satterthwaite in the space of five balls to the off-spin of Hayley Matthews and left-armer Lynsey Smith as the score fell to 9 for 3 in the fourth over.Taylor was brilliantly caught one-handed for one by West Indian Matthews off her own bowling. Either side of the two international dismissals, Smith bowled Emma Lamb and Eve Jones to return 3 for 16.Former Thunder batsman Danni Wyatt then held the Vipers chase together with a composed unbeaten 29-ball 46 following the loss of star player Suzie Bates.New Zealander Bates still managed to stay in the thick of the action. She had Sophie Ecclestone caught at mid-on with her first ball as Lancashire fell to 57 for 8 and also took two catches.She is the leading run-scorer in the competition with 227, the leading catcher with six and the second leading wicket-taker with seven.Lancashire at least gained some respectability through captain Danni Hazell, who hit three sixes in 37, and Kate Cross with 19. They shared 21 for the ninth wicket to avoid the competition’s lowest score across two seasons – 64.Spin continued to prosper in the Vipers chase as left-arm spinner Ecclestone struck twice in her first over, the second of the innings, as the score fell to 7 for 2.She had Matthews caught at mid-off and bowled Georgia Adams before Jess Jonassen had Bates caught at mid-off and Hazell bowled Mignon du Preez.From there, Wyatt was helped along by fifth-wicket partner Arran Brindle, who hit 19 not out. They shared an unbroken 47 and won with 5.1 overs remaining.Vipers host Yorkshire Diamonds at Arundel in their final group game on Saturday afternoon, and a win could still hand them a direct passage into the final with them three points behind Surrey. Lancashire travel to Bristol to face Western Storm.