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An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their plans to add to their forward options in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Matija Frigan to Rangers?

According to Football Insider, the Light Blues have enquired to Croatian side HNK Rijeka as they plot a potential deal to sign striker Matija Frigan ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the young centre-forward is one of a number of players on the club's shortlist as they attempt to replace Alfredo Morelos, who is leaving on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the month.

It is stated that Dinamo Zagreb have offered £3m for the number nine and it remains to be seen whether that is enough to tempt Rijeka into cashing in on their starlet.

What is Matija Frigan's style of play?

The 20-year-old is a centre-forward who is capable of scoring a variety of goals and he could develop into Michael Beale's own version of Lazio and Italy star Ciro Immobile, who stands at 6 foot 1.

In the top tier of Croatian football, Frigan has plundered 14 goals and three assists in 26 appearances and, despite turning 20 in February, is proving himself to be a lethal marksman at first-team level.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig, earlier this year, compared the youngster to Immobile and dubbed him as a similar player. He also hailed the Rijeka star as a "complete" striker.

Kulig also listed "finishing, instinct, movement, heading, ambidexterity" as Frigan's main strengths and this is backed up by his performances.

During his short senior career to date, the 6-foot marksman has scored five goals with his right foot, eight with his left foot, and four with his head.

This shows that the Croatian U21 international is a multifaceted no.9, who is capable of scoring in a variety of ways, which makes him a threat in any position in the box as the ace can find the back of the net with both feet and his head.

Immobile is a similar type of player as the Italian international has scored at least 32 goals with his left foot, head, and right foot throughout his career, which means that he can score in a variety of ways, rather than being restricted to one foot – for example.

Frigan may not end up scoring over 300 career goals in just 548 appearances, like the Lazio star, but his form for Rijeka and his complete style of play indicates that the ace has the potential to be Beale's own version of Immobile – scoring goals on a regular basis from a multitude of positions in the box – for Rangers in the years to come.

There is no guarantee that the prospect will be able to adapt to Scottish football, but it is a gamble worth taking for the Light Blues when you consider the huge impact the dynamo could make for the club if he hits the ground running.

Half-centuries from Mohammad Shahzad and Najibullah Zadran set the base for Afghanistan’s 39-run win in the second ODI against Ireland at Stormont in Belfast on Tuesday

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Jul-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsFile photo: Mohammad Shahzad, who top scored for Afghanistan, hit eight fours and a six in his 79-ball 66•Peter Della Penna/ESPNcricinfo LtdHalf-centuries from Mohammad Shahzad and Najibullah Zadran set the base for Afghanistan’s 39-run win in the second ODI against Ireland in Belfast on Tuesday.Afghanistan, who were bowled out for 250 after being sent in to bat, overcame Ireland’s solid start to the chase – openers William Porterfield and Ed Joyce added 71 – to spin the hosts out. Rashid Khan, the legspinner, finished with 3 for 28, while offspinner Mohammad Nabi claimed 3 for 45 as Ireland were bowled out for 211 in 48.2 overs. That meant Afghanistan took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series which started with a washout.As many as seven Afghanistan batsmen got into double digits but most could not kick on. Shahzad, the opener, top scored with 66. The visitors, who were cruising at 76 without loss, slipped to 125 for 4, before being rescued by 70-run stand between Najibullah Zadran and Samiullah Shenwari. Zadran smashed six fours and two sixes in his 61-ball knock, before Barry McCarthy, the medium pacer, polished off the tail to finish with 4 for 59 – his best figures so far in his fledgling ODI career. Kevin O’Brien also chipped in with four wickets.Ireland were on course as Joyce brought up a half-century. Then, medium pacer Mirwais Ashraf’s two wickets in the space of four deliveries in the 27th over stalled the chase. O’Brien kept Ireland in the game with a 27-ball 35, but the escalating asking rate meant escalated pressure too, which the hosts could not withstand. O’Brien was fifth man out, before Ireland’s last five wickets fell for 22.The third ODI will also be played at the same venue on Thursday.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier was slammed during his side's 2-1 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this afternoon.

What was the Tottenham vs Brighton result?

Tottenham defeated Brighton 2-1 this afternoon, with Heung-min Son and Harry Kane getting on the scoresheet once again, however it could have been a very different game, given that the visitors had two goals disallowed.

There were audible boos for Dier just six minutes into the game, having opted to play a backwards pass, and things went from bad to worse.

Indeed, the Englishman also nearly gifted Brighton one of their disallowed goals after giving away possession early in the first half – but luckily for Dier – the strike was ruled out through VAR.

Football writer Andrew Gaffney, commenting on the player's display, slammed Dier – saying: "It's sad to see but Eric Dier is terrible, man."

Should Tottenham consider signing a replacement in the summer?

The 29-year-old has impressed at times during this campaign, notably putting in a very solid performance against Chelsea in the 2-0 victory at the end of February, receiving the highest Sofascore rating of any player, after bagging an assist.

However, the England international has not performed at that level regularly enough, and it was another disappointing display overall this afternoon – having given the ball away in the build-up to a Brighton goal that was disallowed by the barest of margins.

That was not the only time the Spurs man was caught lacking in possession, giving the ball away nine times, more than any other centre-back that started the match. Dier also won just 33% of his overall duels and ranked among Tottenham's worst-performing starters.

As such, whoever the next Spurs manager is will undoubtedly need to look at strengthening his defensive options in the summer, with Napoli's Kim Min-jae being considered as a potential target, having been branded the "best defender in the world" earlier this season.

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has said that his players have to motivate themselves as a special committee is formed back home to monitor Pakistan’s performance and examine the selection process for the upcoming World Twenty20, following their early exit from the Asia Cup in Bangladesh.Waqar has urged the country to rally behind his team ahead of their World T20 campaign in India, despite their recent performances, after Pakistan picked up a consolation win over Sri Lanka to end the round robin stage.”This word, (investigation), isn’t very pleasant,” Younis said. “But the circumstances are such that such words will be used. I think there are far worse words being used in our media. But that’s the way it is. You have to take it on the chin when you are in this business. I guess this is why everyone is trying their best to have a good World T20.”We have to pick ourselves up, not only the team but even the management. Even the entire country I feel… We are going to a big tournament. You cannot really just put everyone down at all times and then send them to such a big event. I think it is about time that should we all back our boys as well as the management because all the backing will be required.”Younis admitted that they have problems with the top-order but he was impressed with the middle-order batsmen and the bowling attack led by Mohammad Amir, who took seven wickets at an average of 11.57. “We have not been very happy with the top-order but to be fair to them, it has been a tough outing for them if you consider the pitches or conditions here. It’s been very difficult. The bowlers have had a good say especially with the new ball.”So I think the most positive I would like to take is that our bowlers bowled really well. I am really impressed with Mohammad Amir’s bowling. Irfan is coming really good. Wahab Riaz played today. We scored 50 in the first six overs but it came late. But we will go to the World T20 with this win.”Sarfraz’s batting has been the highlight. Umar Akmal has played well. Shoaib Malik has played well. The middle and lower-middle order, they’ve been pretty good. It is just that the top three batsmen have struggled in the matches before this match. But yeah, we have to really fix that.”

West Ham will be looking to put their Premier League woes behind them when they face Cypriot side AEK Larnaca in the Europa Conference League this evening.

David Moyes was the subject of a number of negative chants from Hammers fans at the weekend as his side went down 4-0 against Brighton but the board are yet to pull the trigger on the Scottish manager.

A win will be expected of the former Manchester United boss on Thursday and anything less might just cost him his job, but the 59-year-old should still ring the changes against AEK Larnaca.

While a number of first-team players should be dropped after their woeful displays against the Seagulls, playing such inferior opposition should open the door for a number of fringe and young players to start in Cyprus, with Divin Mubama surely near the top of the list.

Should Divin Mubama start against AEK Larnaca?

West Ham’s main concern in the Premier League this season has been scoring goals. The Hammers have found the net just 23 times in 25 matches so far this term, with Michail Antonio and Gianluca Scamacca managing just six between them.

The former’s disappointing display last week against Manchester United, combined with the latter’s failure to even get on the pitch at Brighton away, suggests that neither are particularly popular with Moyes right now.

While there might be clamours for Scamacca to start in Cyprus, given that he has four goals in Europe so far this campaign, he hasn’t Leeds in early January.

The Italy international was expected to be the long-term heir to Antonio at West Ham but he has followed in the footsteps of a number of big-money striker signings at the London Stadium, with WhoScored ranking him as the 11th-best performer in Moyes’ squad with a disappointing 6.50 average rating in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, the young Mubama has 20 goals and three assists for the various academy sides at West Ham this season and impressed in his previous Europa Conference League outing, grabbing an assist and seeing an effort ruled as an own goal in the 3-0 win against FCSB.

Despite his performance in that game, and sparkling form for the academy sides, notably being nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month in February, Moyes still hasn’t felt it necessary to unleash Mubama in the Premier League.

That said, the “top talent” – as he was dubbed by VAVEL’s Will Lebeau – must surely be given another chance in Europe this evening.

Martin Williamson reviews All-Round Genius: The Unknown Story of Britain’s Greatest Sportsman, by Mick Collins

Martin Williamson19-Aug-2006We live in a time when the media create sporting heroes and
millionaires out of many individuals who are really fairly ordinary.
It’s a contrast to an earlier era when people whose feats these days
would make them household names took part for the fun of it. With few
exceptions, money did not come into it.One such character was Max Woosnam, a character so colourful that if
someone told you his story you would justifiably be forgiven for
thinking he was the invention of an Edwardian Boys’ Own type of
adventure.His achievements are remarkable – he won an Olympic gold at tennis, as
well as a Wimbledon mixed doubles title and also captained Great
Britain in the Davis Cup; he skippered Manchester City, and led both
the amateur and full England side in the same season; he scored a
hundred at Lord’s; he obtained five Blues at Cambridge; and he was
fairly handy at golf and snooker. He also managed all this as an
amateur, and unlike many of his peers, he was not well off and had to
fit in his sport while working full time. He also distinguished
himself in the Great War. And yet, despite this, he is almost totally
forgotten.It is the unearthing of his remarkable tale that makes All-Round
Genius: The Unknown Story of Britain’s Greatest Sportsman by Mick
Collins such an enjoyable read. These days, those who are good at
more than one sport are urged to concentrate on one pursuit and we
long for the days of the multi-faceted players. But what comes across
here is that had Woosnam decided on football or tennis, he would have
excelled. As it is, he ended up juggling several balls.His cricket was almost entirely confined to his time at school, but he
was clearly very good at it. After leaving Winchester he effectively
gave up, reasoning that it took too long and he could pursue several
varied games in the time it took to play a match. Much the same
applied to golf, even though he was a scratch player. Boredom caused
by him finding things being so easy was one his perennial sporting
conundrums.His prowess at games, however, was not matched by his role as a father
which left much to be desired, even by the standards of those less
hands-on times. Clearly, his family ranked very low in his pecking
order. Perfection has its price.Collins is to be congratulated on bringing Woosnam alive for a new
generation. It is a story that is well worth a read even if the sports
he excelled at are not exactly your cup of tea.

Liverpool have been linked with a swoop for a new forward, who according to a fresh report has been identified as the perfect long term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

Is Mohamed Salah leaving Liverpool?

Over the summer, Salah was the subject of a rejected £150m bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, the same club that Fabinho left to join, and whilst reports claimed that they were willing to increase their offer to £200m before the deadline, that never came to fruition.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, however, CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has since claimed that Jurgen Klopp’s side are aware that the veteran is likely to depart next year considering that it could be their final chance to cash in with his contract set to expire in 2025.

Should he indeed leave Anfield, FSG have already highlighted Real Madrid’s Rodrygo as a potential heir, with the right-winger having been a long-term target of the hierarchy who are believed to have first tried to sign him when he was just 16.

Before putting pen to paper at the Bernabeu, Brazil’s international received a proposal from the Reds, with the boss even going to watch him live in action in South America, and following a fresh update, he could have now been given a second opportunity to bring the 22-year-old to the Premier League.

Are Liverpool signing Rodrygo?

According to Spanish reports (via CaughtOffside), Liverpool have set their sights on Rodrygo who they believe is an "ideal target" to succeed Salah should he depart for Saudi Arabia at some point in 2024.

Real Madrid are looking to sign Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe so are therefore "willing to listen to offers" for their current prized asset, and it's stated that they are set to demand a fee in excess of €100m (£86m) in order to sanction his sale.

How many goals does Rodrygo have at Real Madrid?

Since joining Real Madrid, Rodrygo has clocked up 70 senior contributions (38 goals and 32 assists) in 171 appearances which shows the “quality” he brings to the final third, as hailed by Brazil's former manager Tite, but even if the ball doesn’t always hit the back of the net, he’s a constant threat.

The Osasco native, who is sponsored by Nike, ranks in the 98th percentile for successful take-ons and has recorded 20 La Liga shots so far this season which is more than any of his fellow teammates, via FBRef, showing his desire to use his pace, dribble past his marker and take fire at the opposition's goalkeeper.

The Un1que Football client is additionally a versatile operator having been deployed in five different positions since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even in attacking midfield, so this is another attribute that would make him a fantastic option to have in the building.

Finally, Rodrygo already knows what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level having secured eight trophies during his time with Carlo Ancelotti’s side, so he would be able to match the winning mentality of the current squad who are already on Merseyside.

Egypt have confirmed that Mohamed Salah is set to miss two AFCON matches due to a muscle injury, in a blow to his country and a boost for Liverpool.

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Salah injured against GhanaWill certainly miss final group gameEgypt face Cape Verde on MondayWHAT HAPPENED?

Salah limped out of Egypt's AFCON clash with Ghana, which ended in a 2-2 draw, just days after another 2-2 draw with underdogs Mozambique. Now, per , the Egyptian Football Federation has confirmed that he will miss two games – their final group game against Cape Verde, and potentially their Round of 16 clash if they qualify.

As it stands, Egypt are second in Group B, with Cape Verde having already qualified for the knockout stages with two wins from two. Ghana and Mozambique each have a point.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Salah scored in their opening matchday draw with Mozambique but limped out of the game against Ghana without being able to trouble the opposition goalkeeper. Without him, Egypt did score twice, but one has to think that his absence would be a major blow – although it will undoubtedly be a major boost for Liverpool.

DID YOU KNOW?

Salah has a remarkable record for Egypt, scoring 54 goals and providing 32 assists in 96 caps. He has scored seven goals in 19 AFCON appearances, although has never won the tournament. With him in the team, Egypt finished as runners-up in both 2017 and 2021.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR EGYPT?

Egypt play Cape Verde on Monday and a win would guarantee their qualification for the knockout stages. Cape Verde have won their two opening games, beating Ghana 2-1 and Mozambique 3-0, with ex-Manchester United flop Bebe scoring an outrageous long-range free-kick in the latter.

Celtic have reportedly registered their interest in signing a talented new midfielder for Brendan Rodgers.

What’s the latest Celtic transfer news?

The Hoops have brought in six new players at a total cost of £12m this summer, and there is still time to add to their ranks before the domestic deadline closes.

Maik Nawrocki, Odin Thiago Holm, Hyun-jun Yang, Marco Tilio, Hyeok-kyu Kwon and Tomoki Iwata are the players who have penned Parkhead terms in recent months, and a new centre-back to replace Carl Starfelt appears to be on the agenda.

Gustaf Lagerbielke and Xavier Mbuyamba are two defenders who the club have made enquiries for, with Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph saying this earlier in the week…

“Celtic have made enquiries for two centre-backs as they look to replace Carl Starfelt. It’s understood enquiries have been made for Elfsborg’s Gustaf Lagerbielke and Volendam’s Xavier Mbuyamba.

“Reports in Sweden suggest Celtic are further down the line with Lagerbielke.”

However, alongside a centre-back, a new midfielder also appears to be of interest, and one player who has been linked with a move to Glasgow is Manchester City midfielder James McAtee.

In a new update, it appears as if the club have made contact over a potential transfer. Football Scotland reporter Mark Hendry provided a Celtic transfer roundup on Wednesday and touched on the Hoops’ interest in McAtee, saying those at Parkhead have “registered an interest” in the player, however, a whopping 30 clubs are keen on the City gem.

“One player Celtic are indeed keen on is Manchester City's James McAtee – but it won't be an easy get, that's for sure.

“According to sources down south there are believed to be more than THIRTY clubs who have made their interest known in the 20-year-old and that's just in the UK. The lad is no joke and while Celtic have registered an interest, they'll face a battle.”

How good is James McAtee?

McAtee is primarily a central midfielder but can also play further forward in an attacking area if needed. The 20-year-old came in for praise from Pep Guardiola after City turned down one loan spell in 2022.

"Maybe it happened because he's a special player. These players when we don't have incredible depth, we cannot forget he's just 19, training every day is so important for him."

However, McAtee did go out on loan last season to Sheffield United and helped them win promotion back to the Premier League after making 43 appearances for the Blades in all competitions.

You can see just why McAtee is now a player in demand following his form in the past 12 months. As per FBref, the Englishman ranks in the top 1% of midfielders for goals and assists and progressive carries, showing how much of a threat he can be in the final third.

McAtee also ranks highly when it comes to key passes and passes into the final third, so if Celtic managed to win the race for the player’s services, presumably on loan, then perhaps Rodgers could be landing a future star for the campaign.

An official announcement from SLC is likely on Monday, with the former Sri Lanka batsman taking on the role leading up to the 2019 World Cup

Madushka Balasuriya 04-Nov-20170:42

SL batsmen can learn plenty from Samaraweera – Arnold

Former Test batsman Thilan Samaraweera will be Sri Lanka’s batting coach leading up to the 2019 World Cup, SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala has confirmed.The move is expected to be rubber-stamped on Monday, when Samaraweera arrives on the island from Melbourne, where he lives. The following day he will travel with the team to India, where they are set to play three Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is. Samaraweera will have his work cut out on the tour, in shoring up a batting unit low on confidence.While the role of batting coach is officially a first for the 41-year-old former middle-order batsman, he has previously had stints as a batting consultant with other national outfits – with Bangladesh since September last year, and a brief stint with Australia prior to that. He replaces Hashan Tillakaratne, who had taken up the role on a temporary basis in July ahead of India’s visit to Sri Lanka. Tillakaratne will now go back to his role as batting coach of Sri Lanka’s developmental squads.A veteran of 81 Tests, in which he scored 5462 runs at 48.76, Samaraweera retired from international cricket in 2013.