Newcastle United are firmly in the running to sign a new midfielder in January, though a fresh report has claimed that they aren’t the club in pole position to secure his services.

Which Newcastle players are injured?

Eddie Howe currently has Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton as his senior options in midfield in the Premier League, and there has recently been some really positive news regarding the two Brazilians.

The Magpies are reportedly preparing to open talks with Joelinton over a new contract having already agreed terms with Bruno, but even though both look to be putting pen to paper, that hasn’t stopped the boss from wanting to enter the market to search for further reinforcements. And that's perhaps no surprise given that Joelinton and Willock are both injured currently while Tonali is struggling for full match fitness.

At Juventus, Adrien Rabiot’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season meaning that the new year will present Massimiliano Allegri’s side with their final opportunity to cash in should they not want to risk losing him for free, and if he was to depart, he won’t be short of potential suitors.

Back in June, the 28-year-old was the subject of a rejected offer from PIF, and whilst a deal failed to materialise at the time, the following update suggests that they are willing to take a second bite of the cherry in 2024.

Are Newcastle signing Adrien Rabiot?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato.it (via Sport Witness), Newcastle “remain interested” in a swoop for Rabiot in January. The Juventus star is an “attractive” prospect to the northeast outfit, and whilst it’s Manchester United who are currently leading the race to sign him, PIF are “immediately behind” them in second place.

The St. James’ Park side “want to continue to grow” their squad and believe that the central talisman could be the perfect addition at some point in the near future.

What type of player is Adrien Rabiot?

Able to play in defensive, central and on the left side of a midfield, Rabiot is a versatile and physical “monster” on the pitch, as dubbed by Ligue 1 journalist Robin Bairner during his time at PSG, and already this season, Newcastle will have witnessed his ability to make a positive impact at both ends of the pitch.

The Frenchman, who is naturally left-footed, has so far made a total of 14 Serie A tackles which is more than any of his fellow teammates, via FBRef, so loves to get stuck into challenges, and he’s also calm and composed in possession having recorded a 90.8% pass success rate which would be the second-highest out of the starters under Howe.

Sponsored by Adidas, Allegri’s £147k-per-week earner has additionally scored one goal and provided an assist during the opening five games of the season, as per Transfermarkt, but prior to this term, the success he’s experienced speaks for itself.

Since the start of his career, Rabiot has helped to secure an outstanding 24 trophies for both club and country so possesses a fantastic winning mentality, and it’s one that would definitely match that of the current squad who are already in NE1.

ScorecardSamuel Beckett might enjoy watching Dane Vilas bat. Just when you think he can’t go on, he goes on. Unlike the eponymous character in Beckett’s novel, however, one doubts Somerset’s cricketers consider Vilas . On the contrary, they probably had some pretty ripe names for him on the third evening of this game, albeit they may not be good out-loud words.One sees their point. When Lancashire were eventually bowled out, deep in the evening session of this hot day, they had taken an improbable lead of 63 runs. More to the point, 235 of their 492 first-innings runs had been mercilessly plundered by Vilas, a batsman who seems not to know fatigue and who regards a century as the end of his beginning, an opening gambit, an opportunity.Vilas is a serial converter. Having reached three figures on 17 occasions, he has now made nine scores in excess of 150 and four double centuries. More remarkably still, Vilas has never been dismissed between 100 and 120. His innings against Somerset illustrated his ruthlessness. Having put on a mere 201 for the third wicket with Keaton Jennings, Vilas remained at the crease while Lancashire’s total was nearly doubled, adding 102 for the sixth wicket with Jordan Clark and 49 for the tenth with Matt Parkinson.He had opened his account on Saturday with a couple of sixes off Jack Leach but hit only eight fours in reaching three figures. Then he tore the flagging Somerset attack apart in the hour before lunch, levying ten more fours in getting to 150. Before long we had almost forgotten that Jennings had made his first hundred in 43 first-class innings.Somerset thought they had chances late in the morning session when they removed Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Steven Croft cheaply. Then Vilas reasserted his mastery and, like an implacable bailiff, took everything away from them. He and Clark dominated the afternoon session so the sudden tumble of four wickets just before tea came as something of a surprise, not least because all of them were taken by the Somerset skipper Tom Abell, who nearly doubled his first-class tally in the space of 12 balls.Abell is a medium-pacer who runs up with the genial good-nature of a chap who doesn’t really go in for this bowling lark but is always happy to help the side out, doncha know. The reality is rather different. A tight off-stump line is kept and if you play down the wrong line, as Clark did, you lose your pole.Two overs later Abell took three wickets in five balls as Lancashire declined to 443 for 9. Joe Mennie was bowled, Tom Bailey was leg before and James Anderson was caught at the wicket first ball. Abell smiled at all and sundry, as if to say that a career-best 4 for 43 was absolutely tickety-boo but surely old Jack deserved some more wickets.One tended to agree. Leach may yet wake in the cold and lonely hours before dawn and imagine he is bowling to Vilas. A similar sensation may afflict Lewis Gregory who dropped Lancashire’s linchpin in the gully when the batsman was 171 and just settling into his day’s work. And even when he had reached 200 off 323 balls, Vilas was not done. There were two more sixes as he shepherded young Parkinson towards greater Lancastrian strength. A late tea came and a late tea went. Then Parkinson was brilliantly caught in the gully by Craig Overton off Paul van Meekeren to end the innings.As for the game, it will probably end in a draw. Somerset’s openers faced 18 overs in the late evening and negotiated them without mishap. Lancashire’s wicketkeeper was Dane Vilas. He watched every ball intently. It is his incurable habit.

أوضحت شبكة “كانال بلس” موقف قائد ومهاجم منتخب فرنسا، كيليان مبابي، من المشاركة في مباراة هولندا في الجولة الثانية من مجموعات كأس أمم أوروبا، يورو 2024.

وبدأت فرنسا مشوارها بفوز صعب يوم أمس، الإثنين، أمام النمسا بهدف نظيف من نيران صديقة ولكن مع نهاية المباراة، تعرض مبابي لإصابة بكسر في الأنف.

اقرأ أيضًا | ديشامب يوضح سبب مشاركة ساليبا بدلًا من كوناتي.. ويؤكد: راضِ عن فوزنا أمام النمسا

وأكدت الشبكة عبر حسابها على منصة التواصل الاجتماعي “X” أن مبابي لن يشارك في مباراة هولندا في الجولة الثانية يوم الجمعة المقبل في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت “القاهرة”.

🚨🚨 INFO CANAL+ 🚨🚨

Kylian Mbappé est forfait pour le match face aux Pays-Bas !

Il portera un masque pour le reste de la compétition, la cicatrisation de sa blessure et l’enjeu sportif dicteront un potentiel retour face à la Pologne 🙏 pic.twitter.com/OYtzBvOudo — CANAL+ Foot (@CanalplusFoot) June 18, 2024

أما مباراة بولندا في الجولة الثالثة من دور المجموعات، ستتحدد مشاركة لاعب ريال مدريد الجديد وفقًا لحالته ودرجة شفائه من خلال الجهاز الطبي لمنتخب فرنسا.

مع التأكيد على أن مبابي سيرتدي واقي لحماية وجهه وأنفه في جميع مباريات فرنسا في بطولة يورو 2024 إذا تقررت مشاركته من الجهاز الفني بقيادة، ديديه ديشامب.

الجدير بالذكر أن مبابي هو من صنع هدف فرنسا بالأمس أمام النمسا بعد عرضية أخطأها مدافع المنافس، ماكسيماليان فوبر، بالدقيقة 38.

Sheffield United slipped up on Monday night when Leeds United came to town with the Whites running out as 3-1 victors in the Championship.

But, the ball is firmly in the Blades’ court next match with a trip to Queens Park Rangers giving them a perfect opportunity to bounce back, with third-placed Burnley not playing this coming Saturday owing to the FA Cup.

Chris Wilder will know that even if his team do move up to the Premier League once more, a number of his top talents could still be poached, with that gutting reality happening to the Blades under Paul Heckingbottom before the cursed 2023/24 season got underway as Sander Berge departed.

Sander Berge's time at Sheffield United

This news would have been a bitter pill to swallow, considering Berge had become a real fan’s favourite in South Yorkshire after a £22m move from KRC Genk.

In total, the Norwegian notched up 109 appearances at Bramall Lane across four campaigns, with his most impactful season coming right at the death in terms of goals and assists.

Berge helped himself to a stunning six goals and five assists across 37 league games to steer his side to automatic promotion glory, taking his overall tally to 15 strikes and 12 assists, before a move to Turf Moor then materialised.

But, it was his well-rounded game from the middle of the park that would have really caught the eye of the devoted Bramall Lane masses, with 4.3 duels won per second-tier clash that season when the Nordic ace had to roll his sleeves up and put in some gritty displays.

The ex-United number 8 has since solidified himself as a Premier League calibre star at Fulham, with a current midfield talent in Wilder’s ranks hopeful he can make an impression on the top-flight soon as the 57-year-old’s very own Berge.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Chris Wilder's new version of Sander Berge

Coincidentally, United now have another star taking the Championship by storm having also been purchased from Belgium.

That man was Vinicius Souza who left Lommel S.K. behind in the summer of 2023 for a fresh challenge in England.

Wolverhampton Wanderers were reportedly interested at one stage too, but the South Yorkshire side would win their desired Brazilian who has slotted in perfectly to Championship football this campaign so far.

The 25-year-old might not possess the same flair in terms of providing goals or assists when comparing his overall game to Berge’s, but Souza didn’t look out of his depth completely during United’s bottom-of-the-table top-flight finish.

He won a sizeable 6.1 duels during his debut Premier League season, more than making up for just one goal finding the back of the net.

The £30k-per-week ace still hasn’t come alive with his output in the division below, but he continues to be a brute centrally, with Wilder going as far to say that Souza is a “leader” for his side with his constant full-blooded displays.

Games played

26

Games started

25

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches*

62.0

Accurate passes*

41.2 (88%)

Tackles*

3.2

Ball interceptions*

4.3

Total duels won*

7.0

Looking at the table above, it’s clear Souza prides himself on being dogged and determined with his duels won bumped up to seven in the second tier, but he is also capable of being a classy operator on the ball.

That was seen in United’s devastating 3-1 loss to Leeds – despite the final score being a kick in the teeth – with 32 accurate passes alongside three successful dribbles to try and make something happen from the middle.

Wilder will just hope Souza’s efforts can help his team climb back up to the Premier League like Berge managed, but there will be a concern this tale plays out like the Scandinavian’s did with the South American rumoured to be worth around £30m last summer.

Sheffield United's "super signing" is now looking like Brewster 2.0

Sheffield United fans will feel slightly let down by this buy once lauded as outstanding.

1 ByKelan Sarson Feb 25, 2025

Last season's defeated finalists Newcastle United will look to kick off their bid to win the League Cup this season with a victory over Manchester City at St. James' Park.

Clearly, this is a bit of a tricky test for Eddie Howe's side at the first stage of their journey in the competition, but after withstanding an AC Milan onslaught in the Champions League last week before obliterating Sheffield United 8-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, there will be optimism that they can win.

Especially with Pep Guardiola's side nursing a few injuries; the imperious treble winners have been in characteristically destructive form so far this season, boasting a perfect record in the league across six outings and making a successful start to their Champions League defence in the group phase.

However, with a host of first-team players' injuries compounded by Rodri's recent red card, there is a good opportunity for the Magpies to strike at a chink in City's armour and pull off a major victory as they attempt to glean some silverware this season.

What's the latest Newcastle team news?

Harvey Barnes will be sidelined for "months rather than weeks", according to Howe, after injuring his foot against the Blades on Sunday.

Joelinton and Joe Willock are also still sidelined in a double blow that restricts the array of midfield options at the Toon manager's disposal.

Alexander Isak might be in line for a start after moving to the bench against United, while Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall – who both joined this summer – will be eyeing up a maiden start in black and white.

Should Lewis Hall start vs Manchester City?

Hall arrived from Chelsea on loan in August with an obligation to make the move permanent for £35m, and made his debut at the weekend, playing the final nine minutes against Paul Heckingbottom's stricken side.

Given the strenuous workload that serves as a by-product of a return to European competition, Howe might actually be wise to hand Hall his maiden start against the ominous squad of Manchester City, especially after his performances against the Citizens for Chelsea last term.

Indeed, last season, Hall was given the nod for Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, with City looming; the Blues were defeated, but Hall certainly impressed, winning six of his seven duels and succeeding with all three of his attempted dribbles, as per Sofascore.

The 19-year-old also ranks among the top 6% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 16% for successful take-ons, the top 5% for tackles and the top 10% for interceptions per 90, as per FBref, and could utilise these skills to great effect against a first-class team.

With Sandro Tonali also likely to earn a recall to the starting fold, Hall's technicality and "unbelievable dribbling ability" – as has been said by BBC Sports' Raj Chohan – could pay dividends in breaking down one of the most cohesive and formidable outfits in world football.

Tonali has not quite found his feet on English shores since signing from AC Milan in a £55m transfer in the summer, but undoubtedly looks a first-rate midfield talent and will only improve as he continues to acclimatise to life at St. James' Park, ranking among the top 12% of midfielders for assists per 90.

Defeating City won't be easy, but Howe will know the job and will set his team up aptly to sink the best team in the country, and with Hall deployed at left-back, bringing athleticism and exuberance, an inspiring victory might just be achieved.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo já finalizou a preparação visando o duelo desta quarta-feira, quando receberá o Junior Barranquilla, pela última rodada da fase de grupos da Libertadores. Com a equipe classificada antecipadamente às oitavas, Domènec Torrent já externou que trocará diversas peças, visando o duelo de domingo, contra o Internacional, em briga direta pela liderança do Brasileiro.

RelacionadasFlamengoFlamengo renova contrato de Daniel Cabral, campeão mundial pela Seleção sub-17Flamengo20/10/2020FlamengoCom lesão no testículo, Gustavo Henrique desfalca o Flamengo na LibertadoresFlamengo20/10/2020VídeoAssista aos bastidores da goleada do Flamengo sobre o CorinthiansVídeo20/10/2020

Mas o foco atual é Libertadores, mesmo com uma equipe alternativa a ir a campo. E Arrascaeta, recuperado de uma lesão no bíceps da coxa esquerda, sofridaestava a serviço da seleção uruguaia, vive a expectativa de ser relacionado, uma vez que treinou com o grupo ao longo de toda atividade no Ninho do Urubu – na última segunda, só esteve junto na primeira parte.

Por outro lado, Diego Alves não deu um novo passo em sua recuperação. Nesta manhã, o goleiro realizou apenas um trabalho à parte e específico para a posição, com carga leve. Ou seja, descartado para o jogo de amanhã.

Quem certamente não estará na lista de relacionados é Gustavo Henrique, se juntando a Gabigol e João Lucas. O zagueiro, segundo o clube informou mais cedo, passou por avaliação com um urologista, que recomendou repouso de três dias e antibioticoterapia.

Em tempo: o jogo entre Flamengo e Junior Barranquilla será realizado às 21h30 (de Brasília) desta quarta, no Maracanã. O LANCE! transmite a partida em Tempo Real.

Alô, @flamengo! Tô bonito pra amanhã? pic.twitter.com/CTJSftV43L

— Maracanã (@maracana) October 20, 2020

Andrew Strauss, the director of England cricket, has announced he is to take an extended break from the game to spend time with his family.Strauss’ wife, Ruth, was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago and it is understood the condition has worsened. The couple have two young sons.Andy Flower, the former England coach and current Lions coach, will take over Strauss’s duties in an interim capacity. No time frame has been given for his return.”My wife was diagnosed with cancer in December,” Strauss said on Tuesday. “We are very lucky, she has been very well up to now, although she is starting a new treatment on Friday which is going to more challenging for her, and as such I am going to be stepping back from my day-to-day duties while that treatment is going on.”On a day-to-day basis Andy Flower is going to be stepping in for me over the course of the summer. We all know about his qualities and his experience of both England and English cricket and he will fill in my shoes very adequately.”I look forward to returning and grabbing the reins again. But, at this period of time, my focus has to be on supporting Ruth and my family at a challenging time for us.”Strauss flew home from this winter’s Ashes tour after the initial diagnosis in December and did not rejoin the team in Australia, although he did return to work in the new year.Last month, Strauss unveiled Ed Smith as England’s new national selector, replacing James Whitaker who stood down in March. He was also involved in the ECB’s unveiling of their proposed new 100-ball tournament, as well as the working party looking into the future structure of county cricket.Strauss met his wife, an Australian actress, while playing grade cricket in Sydney in 1998-99. The pair married in 2003.In 2009, when Strauss led England to victory in that summer’s Ashes, Ruth was credited by her husband for her role in keeping him grounded when the pressure of the series was at its highest, particularly during Australia’s series-levelling victory in the fourth Test at Headingley.

Tottenham Hotspur are a side on a seemingly unstoppable road to success thus far, with Ange Postecoglou their triumphant leader set to lead them back to where they will feel they belong.

His role in turning things around in north London has been nothing short of miraculous, given how devastating last season's failure under Antonio Conte proved to be.

Dejan Kulusevski, who was actually signed by the Italian coach, spoke frankly over the summer regarding just how damaging a year it proved to be: "The months during the World Cup were really bad, I must say, it was really, really bad.

“We trained so hard but there was no energy, it was dark and we were in London. We drove and we drove and really thought we would be prepared when the season started again, but the joy wasn’t there, the desire to play wasn’t there, the energy… everything was down."

So, with the affable Australian now at the helm, there already seems to be a newfound positivity surrounding the club, with almost everyone benefitting from his presence.

However, it could be argued that few have seen such a sharp upturn in form more than Cristian Romero, who has seemingly evolved overnight from a reckless livewire at the back into a reliable stalwart with which their immense new philosophy is built from the foundation he provides.

How good is Cristian Romero?

Having joined from Atalanta, again under Conte's leadership, the £42m expended instantly put a huge weight on his shoulders.

It was expected that the 25-year-old would prove to be an instant hit in N17, as a rock-solid stalwart set to underpin the staunch, often defence-first mindset employed by the coach that had just led them back into the Champions League.

And whilst he did largely impress, there were moments of foolishness that seemingly characterised his play style, with former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood outlining one example back in May: "Ollie Watkins goes and gets a straight ball off the midfield player, and Romero just comes through him.

“There’s absolutely no reason why he should. He’s a liability, this guy. I think he has got a lot of qualities, but he keeps making these rash challenges all over the pitch, and he has done it again today. It looks like he has cost them."

However, being promoted to part of Postecoglou's leadership group has seemingly done wonders for his confidence and composure, with the former Celtic man having lauded the contribution of his defensive ace: "I will tell you what, I wouldn’t like to play against him [Romero].

Most of the boys don’t like to train against him. He’s a real competitor and I love that about him. Whether it’s training or a game, what you see is what you get with Romero.”

Such a notion shows up in the data, with his 7.43 average rating for the current Premier League term a reward for his fine form, further buoyed by a 92% pass accuracy alongside 2.4 tackles, 3.3 clearances and 5.7 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.

Why does Cristian Romero need an heir?

Whilst the Argentina international has been ever-present for the Lilywhites this season, and thus it might be questioned why someone so young would even need an heir, it must be remembered that there is always scope for things to go disastrously wrong.

After all, although the centre-back is seemingly far calmer, that does not completely rule out moments of head loss that could see him dismissed and banned for subsequent matches. Postecoglou must account for this.

Not to mention that injury woes have already plagued the World Cup winner on several occasions since his 2021 move, with six different ailments reportedly sustained whilst with the club having seen him miss at least 33 games.

However, arguably the biggest reason for requiring an heir is merely to keep him engaged, ensuring that the £165k-per-week colossus remains focused and playing his best football, with the knowledge that an ample stand-in is waiting to take his spot.

1

Richarlison (Everton)

2

Cristian Romero (Atalanta)

3

Yves Bissouma (Brighton and Hove Albion)

4

Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus)

5

Destiny Udogie (Udinese)

All stats via Transfermarkt

Although they might have to wait until next year to boast such a perfect replacement, Joe Rodon is slowly gaining vital experience on loan with Leeds United, and could return to north London with a serious point to prove should he maintain his current form.

How good is Joe Rodon?

"Joe [Rodon] belongs to our last row, he had to be there with many clearances, was an aerial threat, even with a little cut under his eyebrow, he was willing to go [on], so he showed warrior mentality," noted Daniel Farke after his side's conclusive 3-0 win over Millwall just last month.

A glowing recommendation for one of two Spurs loanees he tempted over the summer, already it has become clear that the Welshman in particular could play a key role in any promotion aspirations they hold.

After all, his knowledge of the Championship is already phenomenal, but then with recent experience with Rennes in Ligue 1, and with Wales at the international level, it should come as no surprise to already see the 25-year-old dominate.

His 90% pass accuracy is admirable, which this season has been paired with 1.4 interceptions and 2.9 clearances per game, via Sofascore. Clearly boasting a similar adeptness with the ball at his feet, whilst retaining his defensive steel, the similarities with Romero are there to be seen.

Not only this, but his quality possession was further outlined by journalist Paul Abbandonato, who branded him a "Rolls Royce" when previewing the bright future of Welsh football back in 2020.

With his humble beginnings likely not to have produced an inflated ego, but with a clear desire to reach the top that his move from Swansea to the Lilywhites showcased, it is clear that Postecoglou has seemingly inherited the perfect backup for his first-choice centre-back, who is set to boast more than enough quality for such a role, but without upsetting squad harmony should his play time be limited.

Whilst Romero and Micky van de Ven are set to dominate at the back for the foreseeable future, there is no harm in bringing Rodon back into the fold next term, ready to challenge them both for a starting spot and offer much-needed healthy competition without having to break the bank.

Arsenal are back in action this afternoon after their Champions League win against PSV Eindhoven in midweek, as the Gunners host fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur in what is guaranteed to be an enthralling match-up.

The north London derby is always an occasion to grab the attention of the footballing world, with today’s contest showing all the signs that Mikel Arteta’s side will be tested by the visitors, with both teams level on points in the table.

Ange Postecoglou’s men have showcased some impressive football so far this campaign, with an intensity matched by Arsenal who will feel confident going into the fixture based on history alone.

The Gunners haven’t lost at home to the Lilywhites since 2010, sparking inspiration for Spurs and motivation for Arteta’s side to keep the tradition running.

What is the latest Arsenal team news?

There aren’t any injuries to report on since Wednesday night’s 4-0 win over PSV, as it’s expected that Gabriel Martinelli will remain away from the action after sustaining a hamstring injury against Everton.

Arsenal are yet to discover the extent of the Brazilian’s blow, however Doctor Rajpal Brar speculated that at first glance the injury looks to be one that would typically keep a player out for two weeks.

Leandro Trossard stepped in for the 22-year-old to make his Champions League debut, which he marked with a goal to add to his sensational winner at Goodison Park last weekend.

Another change that could be made to the Premier League squad is the player who is selected to lead the line, as Gabriel Jesus got the nod over Eddie Nketiah midweek, scoring a fabulous goal to cap off a delightful performance.

Should Gabriel Jesus start against Tottenham?

Previously lauded as “exquisite” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Jesus was at his best at the Emirates on Wednesday night, as he looks to have regained full fitness after missing the start of the season due to a knee injury.

Against PSV, the 5 foot 9 Brazil international scored and registered three shots on target, along with one key pass, causing havoc to the opposition with his energy and desire to get forward, via Sofascore.

Spurs centre-back Cristian Romero suffered nightmares after failing to contain the 26-year-old last time the two sides met at the Emirates, where Arsenal’s number nine scored and the Argentine recorded a dire 5.9 Sofascore match rating.

If restored to the Premier League starting eleven, Jesus could repeat history and trouble the hot-headed 25-year-old – who has been dubbed a "reckless teenager" in the past by journalist Sam Dean – once again in front of a home crowd.

Despite performing to a good standard for the Gunners, Arteta could cause Spurs more of a threat by unleashing Jesus over Nketiah, with the Brazilian performing so well in midweek and bringing more energy to the front line with his playing style.

The four-time Premier League winner dubbed himself as a player who likes to “create chaos” on the pitch, which is a statement supported by his numbers over the past year, with the striker averaging 3.79 shot-creating actions per 90.

Such a figure ranks the £265k-per-week earner in the top 8% of forwards in Europe's top-five leagues, reinforcing the danger that the Arsenal whiz can bring in the final third in any given moment.

If the 26-year-old can replicate his performance against PSV this afternoon, it could be a tiring afternoon for the likes of Romero in Spurs’ defence.

Tightness in right quad forces allrounder out; Tom Curran brought into England squad as replacement

George Dobell04-Jun-2018England allrounder Chris Woakes has been ruled out of the Scotland ODI with tightness in his right quad. Surrey’s Tom Curran comes into the squad in his place.Woakes, who left the field towards the end of Pakistan’s second innings at Headingley, will be assessed during the week to judge whether he will be fit for the start of the series against Australia on the June 13.Woakes was recalled to the Test side in Leeds having been left out of the opening Test at Lord’s when England preferred Mark Wood. He claimed 3 for 55 in the first innings and then removed Sarfraz Ahmed in the second before reporting discomfort.Tom Curran, whose brother Sam made his Test debut at Headingley, was already part of the squad for the Australia series. Woakes is the second player to be withdrawn from the Scotland match after Ben Stokes picked up a hamstring strain. Stokes will also be reassessed later in the week in order to ascertain when he may be fit to return. The England management have already confirmed he will miss the first part of the Australia series.Royal London Cup qualification

The two group winners will immediately qualify for a home draw in semi-finals. The team finishing second in each group will receive a home draw in the play-offs and play against the team finishing third in the opposite group. The play-off winners will play away in the semi-finals. Semi-final ties will be determined by a free draw.

Meanwhile, Joe Root will be among the England players returning to county action later this week as attention turns to the shorterformats of the game. Root, England’s Test captain, is available for Yorkshire’s home game against Northamptonshire on Thursday; a match that could yet decide which teams qualify for the knock-out stages.Other players from England’s Test squad available for Royal London Cup fixtures this week are Dom Bess (Somerset), Mark Wood (Durham), Keaton Jennings (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Middlesex) and Sam Curran (Surrey). Malan has also been made available to play for Middlesex in their County Championship match against Leicestershire starting on June 20.Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler have been rested ahead of the ODIs, while England are yet to make a decision on the county availability of James Anderson and Stuart Broad ahead of the start of the Test series against India in August. They have, however, confirmed that neither will be available for the next round of County Championship matches which starts on Saturday.But Alastair Cook is available for Essex’s Championship game against Lancashire and Moeen Ali will play for Worcestershire’s final Royal London game before joining up with England’s limited-overs squad.