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Test and white-ball formats too far apart to land any psychological blows, says captain

Andrew Miller29-Oct-2021

Eoin Morgan is looking forward to England’s rematch with a familiar foe•Gareth Copley/ICC/Getty Images

England versus Australia is always a high-stakes contest irrespective of the format, but Eoin Morgan believes that the result of Saturday’s T20 World Cup clash in Dubai will have no bearing “whatsoever” in the build-up to December’s Ashes opener in Brisbane.England go into the third match of the Super 12s on a high after thumping victories over West Indies and Bangladesh in their opening two games, but anticipate a stiffer test against Australia, who are also unbeaten in Group 1 following a forceful run-chase against Sri Lanka on Thursday.”It’s probably going to be one of our most difficult games,” Morgan said. “Australia are a very strong side. Coming into the tournament, they would probably be considered joint-second favourites, along with us. They’re a side that we know pretty well – we’ve played against them a lot over a number of years, so looking forward to a really good game.”The two teams played out an absorbing pair of white-ball series in England last summer – England claimed the T20 leg 2-1, but lost by the same margin in the ODIs for their first home series defeat since 2015. Australia also won convincingly at the same stage of the 2019 World Cup, before being overwhelmed by eight wickets in a pulsating semi-final at Edgbaston.”You learn a hell of a lot about how they play their cricket, how disciplined they can be,” Morgan said. “When they get on top they can be a difficult to side to play, when you try and wrestle momentum back.”The challenge for us and them is that we’re not playing at home so it’s about trying to adapt our style of play. Early momentum in any game can go a long way to winning. But like we’ve witnessed over the last couple of years, if we don’t manage to gain that momentum, I think we have guys that can either wrestle it back or counter-punch.”Related

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One key operator who has yet to feature in the tournament is Mark Wood, England’s fastest bowler, who has been resting an ankle niggle during the opening week. Morgan said that both he and Tom Curran were “progressing really well” and that a call on Wood’s availability would be made on the morning of the match.But, Morgan insisted, despite Wood also being earmarked for a frontline role in the Ashes, there would be little point in trying to read too much into his display across four overs in the UAE, compared to the challenge that awaits in Australia in the coming weeks.”I’ve played Test matches and have played 50-over and T20 for a long period of time,” Morgan said. “There was a time and place where 50-over cricket was closely aligned with Test match cricket and the way that it was played.”Particularly top of the order and how your quicks bowled, but I think white-ball cricket has moved so far away from red-ball cricket that there’s just day and night between a psychological blow in one format in comparison to the other.”In the wake of the controversy surrounding Quinton de Kock and his refusal to take a knee ahead of South Africa’s match against West Indies, Morgan acknowledged that England and Australia may need to co-ordinate their own anti-racism gestures, particularly given that their failure to show solidarity during their 2020 series attracted criticism, not least from the former West Indies great Michael Holding, who decried their lack of action as “lame”.England’s cricketers have taken to wearing T-shirts denouncing all forms of discrimination prior to their home internationals, but because this approach is not permitted at ICC tournaments, Morgan said that the team would need to discuss the appropriate action.”If we’re not allowed to take our stance against all discriminations, we need to try to find something else that makes a difference,” Morgan said. “There’s a chance [we will take a knee]. The collective message [is] more powerful [when] everybody agrees to what we’re buying into. That’s the best way to raise awareness, educate and come across with a more powerful message.”We’ll talk at length today but we are quite restricted in what we can do at ICC events. If we come to something that can be supported by Australia, we will speak to them and see what their thoughts are as well.”

Fabrizio Romano has dropped some important new details regarding Anthony Gordon’s new Newcastle United contract, with an agreement believed to have been reached on a huge new deal.

Newcastle transfer news

After a disappointing summer transfer window – one that has led to a reported fallout between Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell – Newcastle continue to be linked with potential new signings. Lille star Jonathan David has emerged as a hugely exciting target, with a recent update even suggesting that the Magpies are in talks to complete the signing of the highly-rated Canada attacker, who has scored 29 goals in 56 caps for his country.

Seventeen-year-old Barcelona ace Marc Bernal has also been mentioned as a possible addition at St James’ Park, with the teenage midfielder seen as a player with a huge future in the game.

There has also been plenty of talk surrounding the future of Howe as Newcastle manager, who is believed to be safe in his job for the time being. Last weekend’s 3-1 defeat away to Fulham in the Premier League was a big disappointment, however, and performances have been lacking since the season got underway.

Romano reveals details in Newcastle's deal with Gordon

Now, some positive news has emerged, with Romano taking to X to claim that Gordon has agreed a new deal with Newcastle, becoming one of the club’s “highest earners” in the process. It’s safe to assume then that it will be at least in the £7m-per-year range given what the top figures in the squad are currently on – more than double his current £3m-a-year salary.

1. Bruno Guimaraes

£160,000

£8.3m

=2. Joelinton

£150,000

£7.8m

=2. Lloyd Kelly

£150,000

£7.8m

=4. Sandro Tonali

£120,000

£6.2m

=4. Kieran Trippier

£120,000

£6.2m

=4. Alexander Isak

£120,000

£6.2m

12. Anthony Gordon

£60,000

£3.1m

Romano has since revealed a further and slightly unique detail, claiming he’s “been told” the initial reports of a five-year deal (the typical length of such a contract) were wrong and Gordon’s deal is in fact valid for six years, until June 2030. The Italian transfer guru says this was “not as initially expected”.

This comes after the Magpies “rejected several approaches” for him during the summer, with a move to boyhood club Liverpool mooted. And while there is no doubt that the Gordon has been well short of his best so far this season, picking up just one goal contribution in five league appearances, this is still fantastic news for Newcastle.

The 23-year-old has been an excellent signing since arriving from Everton last year and the impression he has made on Bruno Guimaraes is obvious, with the Brazilian saying of his teammate: “No one at the club deserves to be in the England squad more than him. He has been unbelievable, always scoring and giving some assists. He is a lovely guy as well, I am very happy for him and hope he can get some minutes for England. For me to play against him will be massive for both of us and the club as well.”

Losing Gordon to Liverpool, or another club for that matter, would have been a massive blow for Newcastle so soon after arriving, and it is essential that they keep hold of their most important players. The former Everton man can grow into one of the Magpies’ best wingers in years if he continues to mature at such a rapid rate, with his end product highlighted by a tally of 11 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League in 2023/24.

Howe must finally ditch Newcastle star earning as much as Gordon

He’s reached the end of the line…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 27, 2024

For now, it is a case of Howe ensuring that Gordon returns to his best, which would play a big part in Newcastle being back in top form again.

أعلنت رابطة البريميرليج عن الفائز بجائزة رجل مباراة ليفربول ونيوكاسل، في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

والتقى ليفربول ونيوكاسل اليوم الأربعاء ضمن مباريات الجولة السابعة والعشرين للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وحقق ليفربول الفوز بهدفين دون مقابل، ليرفع رصيده للنقطة 67 في صدارة ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي.

اقرأ أيضًا | تقييم محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول ونيوكاسل بـ الدوري الإنجليزي

وتوج دومينيك سوبوسلاي لاعب ليفربول، بجائزة رجل المباراة أمام نيوكاسل، بعد أدائه في المواجهة.

وساهم سوبوسلاي في فوز ليفربول، حيث سجل هدف فريقه الأول، في الفوز بثنائية دون مقابل.

وحصل سوبوسلاي على أعلى نسبة تصويت (55.6%) ليحصد الجائزة، وجاء زميله ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد في المركز الثاني بالتصويت بنسبة (24.1%).

Bangladesh 302 for 5 (Iqbal 112, Nurul 45*, Madhevere 2-45) beat Zimbabwe 298 (Chakabva 84, Burl 59, Raza 57, Rahman 3-57, Saifuddin 3-87) by five wicketsTamim Iqbal’s forceful 112 off 97 balls set up Bangladesh’s 299 chase before Nurul Hasan, playing his first ODI in nearly five years, put the finishing touches with his 39-ball unbeaten 45 to give the visitors a five-wicket win. The visitors collected full points for the World Cup Super League from the ODI series by winning 3-0 as Zimbabwe, despite batting well in this game, fell into disarray with the ball, and the chase was completed with two overs to spare.Even after removing a rampant Iqbal and Mahmudullah off consecutive balls, the home side couldn’t stop Nurul and Mohammad Mithun from adding 64 for the fifth wicket, before Nurul and Afif Hossain, unbeaten on a 17-ball 26, finished the job.Iqbal struck his fastest ODI century, his 14th in the format with eight fours and three sixes. His crucial contribution was in the form of three partnerships: he added 88 with Liton Das for the opening stand before adding 59 with Shakib Al Hasan and 57 with Mithun for the next two wickets.Iqbal pushed Bangladesh’s chase into the next gear as early as the eighth over. He struck a six and two fours off Tendai Chatara, who conceded 19 runs in the over. He hammered his second six off a Donald Tiripano free hit, before Das fell top-edging Wessley Madhevere to backward square leg off a sweep, for 32.Shakib couldn’t forgive himself after under-edging Jongwe, having scored a comfortable 30 off 42 balls. Iqbal hardly let go of any scoring opportunities even after Shakib’s dismissal. After sweeping Burl for four, he moved into the nineties with a whip off Jongwe.Iqbal reached his century in the 30th over when his drive off Chatara went through mid-off’s legs for four. But Tiripano removed Iqbal and Mahmudullah off the first two balls following the drinks break, getting both caught behind to loose shots. Two in-form senior batters gone in a matter of minutes must have worried the Bangladesh dressing room, but Nurul didn’t seem too bothered.He opened his account, off the hat-trick ball, with a steered four through point, before hammering Jongwe for two fours – a whip across square leg, and chipped over mid-on. Nurul had another brace of boundaries off Tiripano during his nine-ball over, which ended with wicketkeeper Chakabva dropping Mithun.It didn’t cost Zimbabwe anything as Mithun fell on the same score, 30, by holing out to long-off off Madhevere. Hossain then completed the job by hitting three fours and a six, two of those taking Bangladesh to the target.Zimbabwe’s bowling had fallen apart by then, having conceded 27 extras, apart from missing a few run-out chances and Chakabva dropping a chance. But it was a much improved batting effort from the home side. Chakabva’s career-best 84 kept the Zimbabwe innings together, as he struck seven fours and a six in his 91-ball knock while being promoted to open. He added 71 runs for the third wicket with the rookie Dion Myers, but Zimbabwe were in the middle of a mini-collapse when Chakabva got out.But Raza’s six fours and a six in the next seven overs — sweeping, pulling and driving with class – calmed the home side’s nerves. Burl, who had nurdled 12 runs off 25 balls until the 45th over, then took over with his burst of boundaries.He struck 47 runs off his next 18 balls, that started with two fours off Taskin Ahmed in the 45th over, before flat-batting Mustafizur Rahman for his first six. Next over, he flicked Mohammad Saifuddin for two consecutive sixes on the leg side. When Shakib dropped him at the deep-fine-leg boundary, Burl reached his second ODI fifty, off 38 balls.Rahman stopped the carnage by removing Raza in the 48th over for 57 off 54 balls, with seven fours and a six, before Saifuddin dismissed Burl, Tiripano and Chatara in the following over. This 13-ball phase had a big impact on the game ultimately, as a further 15 runs may have given Zimbabwe a psychological advantage.

The American assisted Leeds' second goal and scored their third in a thrilling 4-0 victory

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• Leeds defeat Oxford 4-0
• Aaronson has goal, assist
• American in fine form in England

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. international Brenden Aaronson scored and assisted for Leeds United as they defeated Oxford United, 4-0, in the English Championship on Saturday. The 24-year-old helped Jayden Bogle score their second of the day in the 57th minute, before adding a strike of his own in the 67th to make it 3-0.

  Teammate Manor Solomon scored the dagger in the 73rd minute. Aaronson's strike saw him fed by Solomon before slotting home with a low-driven right-footed effort.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Aaronson has been in fine form of late, and his return to Leeds in 2024 has proved to be a successful one after some uncertainties early in the campaign. Through 21 regular season games, he has six goals and two assists, putting him on track to have hist best scoring season to date as a professional.

  In 2020/21 with Salzburg in Austria, he scored seven goals and recorded five assists — and now, he looks set to surpass that record with this campaign.

  Leeds sit second in the English Championship with 45 points, three points out from league leaders Sheffield United.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AARONSON?

  The 24-year-old and Leeds return to action on Thursday in a Boxing Day clash with Stoke City. They round-out the calendar year on Dec. 29 against Derby County.

Manchester United could look to make an offer for a "world class" player in a hurry after INEOS held internal discussions over his signature last week, according to an intriguing new transfer claim.

Man Utd transfer news

The summer transfer window may be closed, but that doesn't mean the Red Devils aren't continuing to be linked with potential new signings, having brought in the likes of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee earlier in the year.

Brighton captain Lewis Dunk has emerged as a surprise target for United in the January window, as they look to test the Seagulls' resolve, although opinion may be split about whether the 32-year-old is the right target to bring in, given his age.

Adrien Rabiot is also seen as an option, with the France international now a free agent after his summer exit from Juventus, should Erik ten Hag feel that immediate midfielder reinforcements are needed after Casemiro's disastrous performance against Liverpool in the Premier League last weekend. Man Utd chiefs are said to have held internal discussions last week about whether to make a move.

In terms of the managerial situation at Old Trafford, Ten Hag's job looks to be safe for the time being, but pressure is mounting on him by the week. Former Germany boss Joachim Low has been mentioned as a potential successor to the Dutchman.

Man Utd could soon table offer for "world class" star

According to a new update from Le Figaro [via Sport Witness], Manchester United are considering tabling an offer for Rabiot, so it seems things have developed since the internal talks last week. Newcastle United are also eyeing a bid for the 29-year-old, but European giants Barcelona appear to be out of the race due to their financial issues holding them back, and both English clubs have now been told they need to hurry.

United supporters would surely jump at the chance to have Rabiot in their ranks, not least because of Casemiro's woes, gifting Liverpool two goals in their aforementioned 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford last Sunday. The Frenchman is still at peak age, and should remain that way for the foreseeable future, and the Red Devils have the funds to offer him big wages, which he is likely to demand after earning £162,000 per week at Juve.

A silky footballer who can shine in a deep role or as a box-to-box figure, Rabiot would strengthen Ten Hag's options in the middle of the park significantly, also helping Ugarte to ease into his new surroundings and not have too much pressure on his young shoulders.

Former Juve great David Trezeguet has described the midfielder as a "world class" player, which is big praise, while ex-France colleague Hugo Lloris once said of him: "Technically he's a very elegant player and he really can help us go far."

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Some may point to the fact that Rabiot turns 30 next year and not see him as a long-term acquisition, but with Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo exciting young options, he could be the ideal foil for them, also providing more legs than the increasingly problematic Casemiro.

Following a frustrating opening to the season, Rangers are now reportedly prepared to get ruthless and suffer a £3m loss in the process to show one particular player the door this month.

Rangers transfer news

It's been a hectic summer of change at Ibrox, with the likes of John Lundstram, Borna Barisic, Ryan Jack and others heading for the exit door and as many as eight fresh faces arriving in an attempt to hand Philippe Clement a major boost.

Those fresh faces are yet to make their mark, however, with Rangers held to a 0-0 draw on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership campaign, before being denied victory once more by Dynamo Kyiv in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round.

The recent results are hardly an ideal way for the Gers to begin their attempt to dethrone Celtic in the Scottish Premiership and it seems as though they're now ready to get ruthless.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Rangers are prepared to allow Ianis Hagi to leave on a free deal this summer, despite still having one year left on his current deal. Signed during Steven Gerrard's tenure for a reported £3m, Rangers would be suffering quite the loss by allowing the attacking midfielder to leave for nothing this month.

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There were times at the start of his Rangers career that Hagi looked destined to become quite the hero in Scotland, but those days have now passed. In the final weeks of the window, his time in Glasgow looks set to end with a whimper rather than the roar it initially commenced with all the way back in 2020.

"Brave" Hagi needs Rangers exit

Now 25 years old, Hagi finds himself at a real crossroads in his career with his next move more important than ever before. After struggling on loan at Alaves last time out, failing to score a single La Liga goal, it remains to be seen just where the Romanian's future lies. Son of the legendary Gheorghe Hagi, the 25-year-old is yet to follow in his father's footsteps.

Wherever he finds himself next, Hagi will hope to recreate the form that he showed under Gerrard to earn impressive praise from his former manager. The Liverpool legend said via BBC Sport: "Ianis is a top talent. I thought his performance grew as the game wore on. In the first half he was getting used to the game in Scotland, people knocking him about. Second half he was much stronger.

"He's a brave player. He'll receive the ball in any situation, in any area of the pitch. Even if he makes a mistake, he won't shy away. He was outstanding. I was actually shouting at him to take a touch [for the goal], so it shows what I know."

Of course, there's still plenty of time for him to turn things around, but it looks as though Hagi is destined to do so away from Rangers.

Without their captain, with another player barely able to move and a chase having seemingly slipped away, New Zealand levelled the T20I series in the second game in Napier when a final-ball bottom edge from Maddy Green reached the boundary to set up a decider in Auckland.Sophie Devine had been ruled out of the game in the morning having woken up ill but Frankie Mackay, her replacement at the top of the order, battled through a calf injury that became progressively worse to complete a Player-of-the-Match all-round performance with her 46 off 39 balls following figures of 2 for 20 which helped restrict an underpowered Australia batting performance.Still, it appeared Australia would again find a way to win when Megan Schutt took two wickets in two balls, including the vital wicket of Amelia Kerr, but Green and Hannah Rowe managed to score the 29 needed off the last three overs in a performance that will do much for a team that has struggled this season.Mooney anchors, no one cuts loose
New Zealand were excellent with the ball and in the field, with Thamsyn Newton, who replaced Devine, being particularly dynamic in the outfield. But it was a curious batting performance from Australia who never cut loose despite having plenty of wickets in hand. Alyssa Healy had not got going when she skied Jess Kerr, but Beth Mooney and Meg Lanning had laid a platform. Rachael Haynes came in at No. 4 ahead of Ash Gardner with the third-wicket stand ending up being worth 49 at barely more than a run-a-ball. When the 17th over went for 11, it looked like there could be a late push, but the last three overs would go for just 20 – with the last two not bringing a single boundary.Beware the limping Mackay
Mackay had come into the game with a tweak to her calf but managed to open the bowling as well as the batting. With the former, she went at just five an over, claiming two deserved wickets in her last over to quell any acceleration from Australia, but the injury worsened as her innings went on. However, that turned out to be a blessing in disguise for New Zealand as it meant she swung hard for the rope and struck the first sixes of her international career – the second of them into the stand over deep-midwicket. It helped keep the asking rate within reach for New Zealand and though she fell the ball after the second six, she had done her role perfectly.Brown’s lively debut
Eighteen-year-old fast bowler Darcie Brown was handed her debut as Australia rested Tayla Vlaeminck as part of her workload management. It was an impressive start as her first two overs cost just five runs as she was given three overs in a row during the powerplay by Lanning. When she returned in the 12th over, Mackay and Amelia Kerr used her extra pace – which touched 122kph – to their advantage to find the boundary. But from her last delivery, Brown claimed her first wicket when Mooney held a sharp, juggled catch at point. A short while later, it appeared Australia had made use of that opening.New Zealand edge it
After Brown struck, the next three overs from Jess Jonassen and Georgia Wareham went for just 11 runs as Australia applied significant pressure. Katey Martin could only manage 5 from 12 before skying to mid-on before it appeared that Schutt had swung the game the visitor’s way when Brooke Halliday and Amelia Kerr fell off the last two deliveries off the 17th over. But firstly Green and then – perhaps more unexpectedly – Rowe found boundaries in the 18th and 19th overs with Schutt’s last over going for 12 runs, which left nine needed from six balls. A perfectly-placed drive for four from Green took the pressure off, but then Nicola Carey – preferred over Ellyse Perry for the final over – went for just two off the next four deliveries. With another three runs needed off the last ball – or two for a Super Over – Green swung across the line and the bottom edge flew past leg stump.

Everton are in talks with the current club of a "huge talent" about signing him in the summer transfer window, according to an update from renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Everton transfer news

New signings are required all over the pitch for the Blues this summer, but added firepower is arguably needed more than defensive solidity, considering Sean Dyche's side only scored 40 goals in 38 Premier League matches in 2023/24.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has emerged as a rumoured target for Everton before next season gets underway, with the Gunners man unlikely to be a key starter at the Emirates, considering the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are ahead of him in the attacking pecking order. He still scored five goals in 10 league starts last term, however, and could be a shrewd signing by the Merseysiders.

Former Tottenham centre-back Davinson Sanchez has also been linked with a move to Goodison Park this summer, with the Colombian currently playing for Turkish giants Galatasaray. The 28-year-old may be viewed as an ideal replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite, albeit the young defedner now looks set to stay after the imminent sale of Amadou Onana.

It has also been claimed that Everton could look to hijack a deal for Roma midfielder Edoardo Bove in the summer window, jumping in front of Fiorentina in the queue. He has been described as a "wonderful lad" by Jose Mourinho, and at 22, would represent a long-term signing who could perhaps fill the Onana void.

Everton in talks over signing "huge talent"

Writing on X on Friday evening, Romano said that Everton are in talks with Napoli over signing midfielder Jesper Lindstrom this summer, with the Serie A side willing to move him on.

"Everton have opened talks with Napoli to sign Jesper Lindstrøm as winger is next top target. Negotiations underway, Napoli are open to selling Jasper in case of good proposal, EFC on it. NO talks for Jackson Tchatchoua from Verona despite links."

As mentioned, attack is an important area for Everton to focus on, especially if Dominic Calvert-Lewin departs, and Lindstrom could be a great option for them in wide attacking midfield and wide areas.

The £47,000-a-week ace made 22 appearances in Serie A in his first season at Napoli in 2023/24, although the fact that only two of those were starts explains why a move away could appeal to him. Meanwhile, 16 caps have come his way for Denmark, while former Eintracht Frankfurt teammate Kevin Trapp has lauded him in the past.

"Jesper is still very young but is a huge talent. He shows it now more often. He’s (playing at) a high level, he’s on top form. The goal he scored last week against Leverkusen was beautiful and I guess he has a lot of confidence right now."

Jesper Lindstrom's key career stats	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Eintracht Frankfurt	80	14	14
Brondby	65	15	15
Napoli	29	0	0

At 24, Lindstrom is at a great age to come straight in as a key player for Everton, and a tally of 14 goals and assists apiece in 80 appearances for Frankfurt highlights his quality in the final third. Granted, his one year at Napoli has been underwhelming, but there is no reason why he shouldn't be an excellent addition at Goodison.

Southampton are believed to be in talks to complete the signing of a player who Jurgen Klopp admires greatly, according to an exciting new transfer rumour.

Southampton transfer news

Saints are continuing to track potential new signings ahead of their return to the Premier League next month, with Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele emerging as a possible target for Russell Martin.

The 33-year-old could be tempted to move to St Mary's in order to be a regular starter, and his ball-playing style from the back is thought to appeal to Martin, as he looks to bring in an upgrade on Alex McCarthy, who is considered more of a squad player.

Sao Paulo left-back Welington is also a rumoured option for Southampton, who are even said to be in pole postiion to snap him up during the summer transfer window. A £6m move to the south coast could come to fruition soon, although there is competition for his signature.

In terms of attacking reinforcements, Manchester City youngster Liam Delap is being looked at as a great addition for Saints, as he looks to seal a permanent move away from the Etihad, kicking on in his career rather than constantly being loaned out.

Southampton in talks with player Klopp admires

According to reports in Turkey [via Give Me Sport], Southampton are in talks to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Besiktas this summer, bringing him back to the club in the process. The 30-year-old could be deemed surplus to requirements at the Turkish club and Saints are hoping to strike a bargain deal for his services.

This could be another nostalgic signing for Southampton this summer, with the newly-promoted Premier League outfit already sealing a reunion with former hero Adam Lallana, which has gone down well with many.

Bringing back Oxlade-Chamberlain wouldn't simply be for those reasons, however, and Martin will still feel that he has plenty to offer, even though his very best days are now behind him.

The midfielder arguably hasn't been the same player since suffering a serious knee injury at Liverpool in 2018, but that's not to say he doesn't still possess real quality. Klopp is well aware of that, saying of him after he left Anfield last year: “I remember early and we had our first finishing sessions and I looked and thought, ‘He didn’t score that many goals in the past, if I could shoot like you I would start in the morning at seven and finish shooting at nine or 10 o’clock because it’s incredible!’.

"So, then he started scoring these wonderful goals against [Manchester] City and in other important games. It was always a real joy to work with him."

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Oxlade-Chamberlain could provide real thrust and experience in attacking midfield areas, having won 35 caps for England, and the fact that Arsene Wenger once compared him to Wayne Rooney further outlines the ability he possesses if Saints can just keep him fit.