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England legend Wayne Rooney has claimed it looks as though Harry Kane is "being held as a prisoner" at Tottenham Hotspur amid persistent exit rumours.

What did Rooney say about Kane?

It wouldn't really be a transfer window without there being a whole load of speculation about the future of the Spurs striker. And it wouldn't really be a transfer window without a load of pundits, managers, and fans weighing in on the debate of where Kane should go next.

Well, Rooney is the latest man to offer his opinions on the matter, suggesting Kane would be "ideal" for his former side Manchester United to sign this summer.

Indeed, when speaking in a recent interview with The Athletic's David Ornstein, the current D.C. United manager made his feelings about his former England international teammate clear.

Rooney said: "Harry Kane would be the ideal player, for me, to go and join Manchester United.

"It looks like he's being held as a prisoner at Tottenham. It's very difficult for him to get out of there.

"But yea I think if Manchester United had Harry Kane there, then I think that gives their chances of going to win and compete… makes that a lot easier and better.

"But whether that happens remains to be seen."

As things stand, it seems more likely that Kane will end up in Germany with Bayern Munich instead of heading to Old Trafford. The Bundesliga giants have already had two bids rejected by Spurs this summer, the latest understood to be worth about £70m plus add-ons.

What did Rooney say about Maguire?

In the same interview with The Athletic, Rooney also weighed in on Harry Maguire with the centre-back having recently been stripped of the captain's armband.

On the matter, the club legend explained how this proves Maguire's not in manager Erik ten Hag's plans and so the defender should probably leave this summer.

He said: “To have the armband taken off you, how does he move forward with the club?

“That shows the manager really doesn’t believe in him. It leaves Harry in a position where he has to think on what he does moving forward.

"The manager has shown he is not part of the plans. I’m sure Harry will want to go and play — for himself, for his England career — to put himself in the best position to be as successful as he can. The best thing now is probably for him to move.”

At the moment, West Ham seem likely the most likely destination for Maguire. Indeed, transfers expert Fabrizio Romano claimed that "it is true" there is "interest" from the Hammers.

However, the Italian journalist did note that there are "also other clubs keen" on the England defender and so his future remains up for grabs for the time being.

Maybe the player will prefer to stay and fight for his spot in Ten Hag's team but it does feel as though the writing is on the wall for Maguire and with Rooney urging him to move on too, perhaps it's best to heed that advice.

Manchester United remain in talks with Italian outfit Atalanta over striker Rasmus Hojlund, however, both sides are apart on their valuation.

Why are Manchester United in the market for a striker?

The Red Devils are looking to add a new number nine to their squad ahead of the 2023/24 season, with the clubs only recognised number nine option currently being Anthony Martial.

The club brought in Dutch international Wout Weghorst on loan last January, however, after zero Premier League goals in 17 appearances the Manchester side decided to not make his loan move a permanent one.

United struggled on the goalscoring front last campaign, being the third-lowest scorers out of the top 10 in the division. Marcus Rashford had a fantastic league campaign scoring 17 goals, which was 29% of the clubs goals last season, suggesting that should the England international struggle in front of goal for a prolonged period, the side may struggle in front of goal period.

Atalanta's Denmark international Hojlund appears to be one of the Red Devil's top targets for the position as the club look to add to the signing of Mason Mount this window.

The 20-year-old is not the only striker on the clubs shortlist, however, with Eintracht Frankfurt's French forward Randal Kolo-Muani also being an option that is being explored, according to Dharmesh Sheth.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Sheth confirmed United's interest in both players, and revealed that the club remain in talks with the Italian outfit regarding the transfer with both sides apart in their valuations.

"United remain in talks with Atalanta over their striker Rasmus Hojlund, the Denmark international. Again, a gap in valuation exists in that one but United continuing to work on that deal. Another option is the Eintracht Frankfurt striker Kolo-Muani."

Should Manchester United sign Rasmus Hojlund?

Hojlund is one of the most highly rated striking prospects on the planet, with his play style, attitude and looks drawing comparisons to Premier League golden boot winner Erling Haaland

Following his move from Sturm Graz in Austria last summer for a fee of €17.2m (£14.5m), the Dane really made his mark and grew his reputation, making 34 appearances and recording 10 goals and four assists across both the Serie A and the Italian Cup.

The forward is incredibly threatening in the final third, with his 0.47 non-penalty xG per 90 putting him the top 16th percentile of all forwards in that category. The players 0.44 non-penalty goals per 90 being a fine indicator of his lethal finishing, with their being just a 0.03 underperformance of xG per 90.

A part of Hojlund's game that will be appealing to manager Erik ten Hag will be his ability to play as a target man. The 20-year-old is an incredible presence in the box, with his 6.53 touches per 90 in the attacking penalty area ranking him in the top 7%, whilst his 10.99 progressive passes received per 90 putting him in the top percentile among company such as Kylian Mbappe.

The strikers tactical profile is incredibly desirable, and compares very well to some of Europe's elite from the past decade including Robert Lewandowski and Romelu Lukaku, and with so many years ahead of him yet, it's no surprise why Manchester United want to get this deal done and see Hojlund devlop his game at Old Trafford.

An update has emerged on Tottenham Hotspur and their interest in signing Edmond Tapsoba from Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

What's the latest on Edmond Tapsoba to Tottenham?

Speaking on his YouTube channel this week, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the defender is an active target for the club this summer.

“This list includes Edmond Tapsoba, a player always appreciated by Arsenal but not a priority this summer because I’m told he’s too expensive.

“Keep an eye on Tottenham for Tapsoba because he’s one of the players they’re following since a long time. Both Arsenal and Tottenham sent their scouts to follow Tapsoba. Tottenham are very strong on him, from what I’m told.”

It has previously been reported this summer that a bid in the region of £61m would be required to tempt the Bundesliga side into parting ways with the talented enforcer, although it remains to be seen whether or not Spurs would be willing to meet those demands.

Ange Postecoglou has made one addition to his squad since joining from Scottish giants Celtic – Dejan Kulusevski on a permanent deal from Juventus – and Tapsoba appears to be on the Australian's wishlist to join the Sweden international.

How did Tapsoba perform last season?

The Burkina Faso international, who was once dubbed a "monster" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, did not enjoy his best campaign in the Bundesliga in 2022/23.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.88 across 33 appearances for Leverkusen and that was lower than the average rating the enforcer managed in both 2020/21 and 2021/22.

Tapsoba averaged a score of 7.17 and 7.00 in the previous two seasons respectively and this suggests that his performances have been on the decline over the last couple of years, which is a potential red flag for Spurs.

The 6 foot 4 colossus has remained an imposing figure at the back throughout that time, though, as he has won at least 59% of his duels in the Bundesliga since the start of the 21/22 campaign. This shows that the right-footed gem is a dominant defender who is able to win the majority of his contests against opposition forwards.

His ability on the ball could also be attractive to Spurs. Over the last 365 days, Tapsoba ranks in the top 8% or higher of players in his position in the Men's Big Five Leagues and European Competitions for progressive passes and progressive carries per 90, which shows that he excels at breaking lines and driving forward with the ball to set his team on the attack.

For context, Cristian Romero does not rank higher than the top 25% in either statistic and this indicates that the Leverkusen man mountain could be an upgrade for Spurs in terms of what they do in possession of the ball.

Sadio Mane hasn't exactly hit top form since joining Bayern Munich from Liverpool last summer, having endured a difficult first season.

Looking to replace Robert Lewandowski last year, the Bundesliga turned to a Premier League, Champions League and Golden Boot winner in a transfer costing just £35m. If that didn't look like good business at the time, then we're not sure what does.

One year later, however, that transfer has been utterly underwhelming. Indeed, it's been a fairly disastrous spell for the forward so far in Germany.

What went wrong for Sadio Mane in his first season at Bayern Munich?

It seemed controversial at the time, when Liverpool so willingly let Mane leave the club. But, ultimately, this was and still is a player on the decline, as shown at Bayern.

During his first season in Germany, the Senegal international scored just 12 goals in 38 games, whilst also recording just six assists. Injury issues may have gotten in the way at times, but numbers like that for a star signing remain a disappointing read.

If the statistics weren't damming enough, a bust-up with teammate Leroy Sane really summed things up for Mane, who got into a physical confrontation after Bayern's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League last eight, before being fined and suspended by the club.

For Bayern, as a whole, it was a strange season, however, it must be said. The Bavarians ruthlessly dismissed Julian Nagelsmann late in the season and were very nearly made to pay as Thomas Tuchel only just guided the club to a dramatic title win on the final day.

Mane voted most disappointing player by fellow players

In what is a rather brutal vote, as shared by Kicker (via Reddit), fellow Bundesliga players take part in a Player of the Season vote, which sounds fairly standard, before you realise that it also includes a vote for the biggest disappointment of the season.

Picking up that unwanted 'award' in the season just gone was Mane with a staggering 41.7% of the votes. Something tells us the next team meeting will be an awkward one at Bayern.

The forward was one of five Bayern players to make the vote, with Joshua Kimmich receiving 7.5%, Sane receiving 3.6%, Goretzka 3.2%, and Dayot Upemecano tallying up 1.6% of the votes.

It seems that, despite ultimately winning the title, the champions of Germany had themselves a pretty difficult season.

Elsewhere, Randal Kolo Muani picked up the best Player of the Season accolade with 24.2% of the vote.

Celtic could now consider appointing Red Bull Salzburg boss Matthias Jaissle as their new manager, according to a recent report from 90min.

What's the latest Celtic manager news?

Celtic chiefs are compiling a shortlist of manager targets, with Manchester City's Enzo Maresca at the top, however there are a number of other potential successors to Ange Postecoglou, including Jesse Marsch and Bodo/Glimt's Kjetil Knutsen.

West Ham United boss David Moyes is the Hoops' "priority" target, according to journalist Santi Aouna, with reports indicating the Scot could leave his current role, regardless of whether his side wins the Europa Conference League final tonight.

Alternatively, former player Kris Commons has urged the board to make a "box-office" appointment by going for someone like Graham Potter, as his attacking play-style is "everything you would want" in a modern manager.

Another manager in this mould is Jaissle, with BBC journalist Raj Chohan previously claiming that he plays "liquid footy", and there are now reports that Celtic could consider the RB Salzburg boss as an heir to Postecoglou.

According to a report from 90min, the Hoops could turn to the 35-year-old manager, however a number of other potential options are named, including Marsch, Moyes and Brendan Rodgers.

It appears as though Celtic's interest is tentative at this stage, but the German will certainly be considered.

Who is Matthias Jaissle?

The young manager has started to make a name for himself in the Austrian league, leading RB Salzburg to two league titles and an Austrian Cup, and what is equally impressive is the style of play he has implemented at the Red Bull Arena.

Journalist Raphael Honigstein believes the Nurtingen-born coach could be the "next big thing", and the man himself has spoken of his desire to play "brave and bold" football, even when his side faced tough very tough competition in Chelsea.

BBC's Chohan has also indicated the former FC Liefering manager could be a better appointment than Marsch, given that he evolved Marsch's Salsburg side in possession when the American left to join RB Leipzig.

Despite his age, the Salzburg boss already has ample experience competing for silverware, and he became the youngest-ever manager to successfully defend the Austrian Bundesliga title this season.

Appointing Jaissle would be a risk, as he does not have any experience managing outside of Austria, however he could be a shrewd appointment, given that he has already experienced some success and plays an exciting brand of football.

Middle-order batsman Babar Azam and left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz earned maiden Test call-ups, for the first Test against West Indies in the UAE. Azam’s selection came right after he scored three consecutive centuries in Pakistan’s 3-0 ODI whitewash over West Indies.Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Hafeez and Shan Masood were the players left out of the group that went to England this summer, as Pakistan named a 14-man squad for the Dubai Test from October 13. Younis Khan had already been ruled out of the fixture, Pakistan’s maiden day-night Test, because he was recovering from dengue.The squad contained only five specialist batsmen in Azhar Ali, Sami Aslam, Azam, Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq, meaning Pakistan are likely to play Sarfraz Ahmed at No. 6, and allrounder Nawaz at No. 7 or go in with five specialist bowlers.Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq acknowledged that Pakistan have been struggling to find quality allrounders and hoped Nawaz could be the answer. “We have been searching for one who can bat in the lower order and bowl as well. And if you look at Nawaz, he has got a good first-class record. It shows he has been promising with the bat and has competed as a bowler.”Nawaz has 1440 runs and 44 wickets, including three centuries and a seven-wicket haul, across 29 first-class matches.

Changes to the Test squad

• Out – Younis Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Hafeez, Shan Masood

• In – Babar Azam, Mohammad Nawaz

Azam, 21, was picked in the squad after a prolific run in one-day cricket for Pakistan this year, scoring 656 runs in 11 innings at an average of 59 and strike rate of 95. He made his ODI debut in the home series against Zimbabwe in May 2015, and has 886 runs in 18 matches. Azam averages 41.13 in first-class cricket, having scored 1522 runs in 41 innings for five different teams.Hafeez played three Tests on the tour of England, making 102 runs in six innings, before he was dropped for the last match at The Oval, which Pakistan won to draw the series 2-2. He played the one-off ODI against Ireland and the first one against England before he suffered a leg injury and returned home. After recovering Hafeez was asked by the selectors to play in the Quaid-e-Azam trophy, Pakistan’s first-class competition, and he made 68 in both innings of his first game for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines.Inzamam said this was because they didn’t want the players sitting on the bench for too long. “Those who are good but weren’t able to perform in England, we made them to play in first-class cricket. We didn’t want them to waste their time on the bench but rather they play some cricket get themselves back into form.”Hafeez earned a spot in the PCB Patron’s XI against the West Indians in Sharjah, but he made a duck in the first innings and was left out of the Test squad.This meant Pakistan were going into the series with only one specialist opener – Aslam. The selectors felt with Azhar having performed the role in their most recent Test and with it being a home series, they were covered.”See this is our home series and if we need anyone we can bring them over,” Inzamam said. “And if you recall, in the England series, it was Azhar who opened the innings so it’s fine. He knows he will open again.”Squad Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Imran Khan, Mohammad Amir, Rahat Ali, Sami Aslam, Sarfraz Ahmed, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar Babar, Babar Azam, Mohammad Nawaz

Stafanie Taylor’s unbeaten 74 guided Western Storm to an unlikely but thrilling five wicket victory over Surrey Stars in the Kia Women’s Super League at the Brightside Ground

ECB Reporters Network07-Aug-2016
ScorecardNatalie Sciver made the best of her reprieve – but failed to have the final word•Getty Images

Stafanie Taylor’s unbeaten 74 guided Western Storm to an unlikely but thrilling five wicket victory over Surrey Stars in the Kia Women’s Super League at the Brightside Ground.Taylor, who dropped England star Natalie Sciver (90 not out) on two during the Surrey innings, put on an unbeaten 71 with Sophie Luff (21 not out) to see the Storm home in the final over of a remarkable game in Bristol.The Storm appeared dead and buried when Surrey, who hit 161 for 6 off their 20 overs, reduced the hosts to 17 for 3 in the fourth over. However, Taylor made up for her earlier error to earn the hosts a second victory in three games.Having chosen to bat first, Surrey made a steady start thanks to England’s Tammy Beaumont and fellow opener Bryony Smith. However, having reached 19, Smith tried one expansive shot too many and was bowled by England’s Anya Shrubsole, for 19.Beaumont and Cordelia Griffiths added 18 for the second wicket and Beaumont and Sciver 26 for the third before the former was finally out, for 13, run out by a smart piece of fielding from Taylor.Sciver, who was dropped by Taylor on 2, at deep square leg, batted with great purpose despite losing fourth wicket partner Marizanne Kapp, for two, at 90 for 4.The Storm, who also came into the game having won one and lost one of their opening games, did their best to stem the tide and bowled well between overs 11 and 14.Mark Robinson, England coach, keeps an eye on form•Getty Images

Unfortunately, they were made to pay dearly for Taylor’s slip in the deep, as Sciver edged closer to 50. The gifted all-rounder finally reached her half century off 29 balls with nine fours and a six.With Beth Morgan, she added 29 for the fifth wicket, before Morgan gifted Freya Davies her second wicket at 119 for 5, in the 16th over. Sciver continued to heap misery on Taylor, hitting the West Indian all-rounder for four successive boundaries in the 17th over as Surrey piled on the runs.In the end, Surrey reached 161 for 6 with Sciver unbeaten on a quite brilliant 90, off 45 balls with 16 fours and two sixes.The Storm’s reply could not have got off to a worse start. Having hit seven off the opening over, they lost their first wicket when Rachel Priest was run out for seven at 8 for 1. Captain Knight departed at 16 for 2 and when Fran Wilson was trapped leg before, at 17 for 3, the Storm’s chances appeared to have disappeared.Lee was sublime. She struck two straight sixes into the Ashley Down Road flats before Taylor followed suit, over mid wicket. Lee reached her 50 off 35 balls with eight fours and two sixes, but was out shortly after, for 53, caught by Sciver off the bowling of Lea Tahuhu at 93 for 4. It was soon 94 for 5 with Georgia Hennessey trapped lbw by Sciver.Only then did the Storm come to life with Taylor and Luff hitting the ball to all four corners. Gradually they set off in pursuit of their target and with the help of some poor fielding and one or two dropped catches, they won the day in the final over during which Taylor struck two sixes and a four.Bristol looks resplendent in the sunshine•Getty Images

Rumoured Newcastle United transfer target Raphinha could now leave Barcelona this summer, according to a fresh update on his future.

Has Raphinha shone at Barcelona?

The Brazilian has been linked with a summer move to St James' Park numerous times in recent weeks, as the Magpies look to make big inroads in the upcoming transfer window. He moved to Barca from Leeds United last summer, seeing it as an ideal next step in his career.

Raphinha hasn't necessarily been as influential as he was for the Whites, however, struggling to consistently start games throughout the campaign. In fact, the £100,000-a-week winger has only started 21 of his side's La Liga games, still managing to score seven goals and register six assists along the way.

It could even be that Xavi simply doesn't see the former Leeds man as an important part of his plans moving forward, instead deciding to sell him this summer and receive a hefty amount of money for his services, and a new update certainly suggests as much.

Could Newcastle snap up Raphinha?

According to Sport [via Sport Witness], Raphinha is "on the exit ramp" at Barca ahead of the summer window, with only Ousmane Dembele and Robert Lewandowski guaranteed to stay put at the Camp Nou. The 26-year-old is very much on the transfer list, along with the likes of Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres.

It is noted that there is a "market" for him in England and that Newcastle are one of the clubs who are "bidding" for him currently, with the Magpies willing to spend big on him.

This is a clear boost for Eddie Howe, with Raphinha seemingly surplus to requirements at Barca and free to join another club at the end of the season. There is no shame in him not quite reaching the desired levels at a club of their stature, and there is no reason why he couldn't be a roaring success at Newcastle, with his techique once described as "perfect" by Michael Owen.

The Brazil international showed during his time at Leeds that he is more than capable of excelling in the Premier League, scoring 11 times in the competition last season and playing a big role in the Whites avoiding relegation from the Championship. His trickery and end product from out wide could make the Magpies an even bigger force next season, and he could be an upgrade on Miguel Almiron, even though he has clearly enjoyed a strong 2022/23 campaign.

Qualifying for the Champions League could be massive, in terms of being able to entice Raphinha to the club, so these remaining few matches are absolutely huge.

Liverpool will continue their unlikely pursuit of Champions League qualification when they welcome Brentford to Anfield on Saturday evening with the knowledge that dropping points would all but confirm their fate outside the top four.

An abysmal campaign has left Jurgen Klopp's outfit without major silverware, with the Reds occupying fifth place in the Premier League after 34 matches.

Brighton & Hove Albion's dramatic victory at the death over Manchester United on Thursday night did improve their minute chances of a late surge, but the Red Devils and third-placed Newcastle United boast four and six-point advantages over Liverpool respectively, while both have a game in hand.

However, five wins on the trot certainly leave the Merseyside outfit in good stead to pounce on any mishaps of their foes, with Klopp seemingly finding the formula that has evaded his men for so long this term – though it might indeed be too little too late.

Regardless, defeating Thomas Frank's Brentford is paramount and will certainly increase the pressure on the aforementioned opposition.

In order to unlock a mean defence and sturdy structure, we think Liverpool's German boss must return Harvey Elliott to the starting fold, with the exciting prodigy capable of sinking the Bees with his fleet-footed gait and creative flair.

Should Klopp start Elliott v Brentford?

Elliott has been an ever-present for his team this season, playing 43 matches across all competitions, scoring five goals and two assists. However, he has been an unused substitute for four of his club's past six league outings, starting just once in this period.

The 20-year-old maestro undoubtedly needs to work on his physicality, but at such a young age, he has plenty of time to make the requisite adjustments.

Regardless, he boasts plenty of pleasing attributes that could be utilised against the west London outfit, with FBref ranking the £46k-per-week star among the top 9% of midfielders for shot-creating actions over the past year, as well as the top 8% for progressive carries, the top 14% for progressive passes and the top 14% for blocks per 90.

While captain Jordan Henderson might offer greater leadership and an industrious grip, Elliott's creativity could pay dividends.

A "special" talent, as proclaimed by Fabrizio Romano, the one-time Fulham youth does need to crank the defensive side of his game up a notch, with Sofascore recording just 0.8 tackles and 0.5 interceptions per game, but with his rate of 2.3 ground duels per match (a 49% win rate) besting Henderson's 1.4 (at a win rate of 51%), he certainly has the foundation to build upon and round his scope as he continues to improve.

Against Brentford, Liverpool simply have to win, and as such, need a player who can "make things happen", as Elliott has been hailed by Reds writer Leanne Prescott.

There is a small chance that the table might turn in the battle for Champions League qualification this season, and if top-four territory is ceded, Elliott's skills will leave Klopp's team in good stead to narrow the margin and pull off a remarkable turnaround.

أثنى إينياكي ويليامز لاعب منتخب غانا على محمد صلاح المحترف في صفوف فريق ليفربول الإنجليزي كونه أحد أفضل لاعبي العالم، معلقًا على تواجد بلاده مع منتخب مصر في مجموعة واحدة بـ كأس أمم إفريقيا.

ويتواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثانية ببطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023، بجانب منتخبات غانا وموزمبيق والرأس الأخضر.

وقال إينياكي ويليامز في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة أون تايم سبورتس: “لقد أتيحت لي الفرصة للعب أمام محمد صلاح، إنه لاعب عظيم وأحد أفضل المهاجمين في العالم لقد قدم مواسمًا رائعة”.

وتابع: “محمد صلاح أصبح رمزًا في ليفربول وقاد مصر إلى نهائي كأس أمم إفريقيا وخسروا بركلات الترجيح، كما أنه يحمل مصر دائمًا إلى أعلى مستوى كونه قائد الفريق”.

وأكمل: “سنواجه منتخب مصر في مباراتنا الثانية في دور المجموعات، وسيتحدد إذا كنا سنتأهل في المركز الثاني أو الأول”.

طالع | ميدو: منتخب مصر حاليًا أفضل من السنوات الماضية.. واسألوا لاعبي إفريقيا عن الفراعنة

وأردف: “يجب علينا أن نجتاز مرحلة المجموعات، إنه الهدف الأساسي، ستكون ضربة قوية لنا إذا لم نتمكن من تحقيق ذلك، والوصول إلى الربع النهائي على الأقل”.

وأتم: “السنغال أحد الفرق المفضلة للفوز، ولكن إذا كان علي أن أذكر منتخبا واحدا سأقول المغرب بسبب ما فعلوه في كأس العالم الأخيرة، هذه المنتخبات المرشحة للتتويج باللقب”.