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KL Rahul and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will play in the next round of Ranji Trophy matches, with an eye on selection in the India side for the last three Tests against England

Arun Venugopal10-Nov-2016

India opener KL Rahul and seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar will play the next round of Ranji Trophy matches beginning on November 13, after missing the major part of the New Zealand series with injuries.Bhuvneshwar confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that he would turn out for Uttar Pradesh against Mumbai in Mysore, and Karnataka coach J Arun Kumar said Rahul would join the team on November 10 ahead of their Group B clash against Rajasthan in Vizianagaram. With the tournament nearing its home stretch, both teams, especially Uttar Pradesh who are third from the bottom in Group A, will welcome the return of key players.Shikhar Dhawan is likely to play the round beginning on November 21, when Delhi play Rajasthan in Wayanad. He made 1 and 17 in the only Test he played against New Zealand, in Kolkata, before sustaining a fracture in his left thumb after being struck twice by Trent Boult on the third day. He was subsequently ruled out of the third Test in Indore and the limited-overs contests.Rahul and Bhuvneshwar haven’t played competitive cricket for over a month, and will therefore be keen to prove their match fitness in the Ranji Trophy, in line with India coach Anil Kumble’s policy. Good performances there could put them in line for selection in India’s side for the last three Tests against England.Rahul’s most recent game was the first Test against New Zealand in Kanpur, where he injured his hamstring while running between the wickets. He missed the remaining two Tests and the subsequent five-match ODI series. He has since undergone rehabilitation before being picked for the game against Mumbai.Rahul had been in fine form prior to his injury, scoring a 158 in Jamaica and a half-century in St Lucia, before smashing an unbeaten 51-ball 110 in the first T20I against West Indies in Florida. He also had a productive tour of Zimbabwe in June, when he made his ODI debut and scored 196 runs in three matches, including a century.Bhuvneshwar picked up a back strain in the second Test, in Kolkata, where his five-for in the first innings gave India a substantial lead and set up a 178-run win. It was his second five-wicket haul in three matches – the first one came against West Indies in St Lucia, which was his first Test in over 19 months.

Arsenal have often been left frustrated by certain transfers in the past, with rivals poaching their stars due to a lack of ambition or for a more attractive proposition.

As Robin van Persie left for Manchester United in 2012, and Ashley Cole would join Chelsea just six years earlier, both induced terrible heartbreak for the Gunners.

However, given their newfound stature as title challengers, the shoe could now be on the other foot as the north Londoners seek the ultimate revenge.

What's the latest on Mason Mount to Arsenal?

That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who offered an update on his YouTube channel with regard to the ongoing Mason Mount transfer saga.

Detailing all the clubs interested and who might be the favourites, the journalist honed in on Mikel Arteta's pursuit, claiming: "Arsenal are there."

He continued: "There's three clubs [Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United] that are keen on signing Mason Mount. What they said in the last few days and weeks is that it looks difficult to extend the contract of Mount at Chelsea.

"Still no agreement between Chelsea and Mount, sources believe that he will be on the market in the summer.

"The real problem for United, for Arsenal, for Liverpool, is that Chelsea want more than £80m for Mason Mount."

How good is Mason Mount?

Such a mouth-watering fee is made all the more ludicrous as the England international has just one year left on his £80k-per-week deal at Stamford Bridge, meaning that they could lose him for free next summer should they price him out of a move in the upcoming window.

However, given his homegrown status and presence as one of the league's more consistent performers, it would mark fine addition to Arteta's squad.

After all, aside from this tough injury-hit campaign, the 24-year-old has remained a reliable goalscorer and creator ever since Frank Lampard first integrated him into the first team.

Last season marked a standout one for the midfielder, who notched 11 goals and assisted a further ten in the league, recording 29 goal contributions across all competitions. Writer Karim Rizk even suggested he was the club's "hero" in 2022 after such a term.

For comparison, despite his exceptional personal year, Martin Odegaard has only mustered 23 goal contributions in all competitions this campaign.

Even the seasons prior have seen Mount achieve similar feats, with the 2020/21 term commanding 18 goal contributions, and a further 14 came the year before.

To snag a creative leader from the Blues would actually mark a reversal of this aforementioned trope, where the Gunners typically lose their star assets as they struggle behind their rivals.

Instead, it is they who are now the attractive proposition, unlike when Cesc Fabregas left Barcelona for west London back in 2014.

Having come through as a youth product at La Masia and later Arsenal, the Spaniard would make 303 appearances for the north London outfit before earning his dream move to his home country. He was their midfield general, and with 152 goal contributions, a massive offensive force from deep too.

The 36-year-old would spend just three years with the Catalan giants before returning to England, instead joining the fierce rivals of his former employers. Not only that, but he would help them claim two Premier Leagues too, as an experienced maestro in their engine room.

Whilst that stung Arsenal fans, they could now be set to get their own back in snatching Mount, as the potential catalyst to push them towards a league title of their own.

Manchester United have placed Tyler Adams on their transfer radar, with Football Insider reporting that he could leave Leeds United if they drop down to the Championship.

Is Tyler Adams leaving Leeds United?

The midfielder has impressed in the Premier League since his move to England last summer, with the player emerging as one of his current side's standout options. With his WhoScored match rating of 6.73, the player actually ranks as the best player in the current Leeds side based on performances in the top flight this year.

It's an even better rating than Adams managed during his final season in Germany with RB Leipzig, suggesting that at 24 years old, he is continuing to get better and better. But with Leeds struggling at the wrong end of the division – and a potential relegation on the cards – the player could be tempted elsewhere.

That certainly appears to be the case according to Football Insider, which reports that the midfielder could be one of the names out the door should the Whites drop down to the second tier.

It would be hard to keep such a talented player in the Championship and it appears as though the club are fearing the worst. That has now alerted Man United, who have put him on their transfer radar. The Red Devils have watched him in action and have liked what they have seen, so they are now keeping tabs on the current situation.

Will Man United sign Tyler Adams?

It's no secret that United want to add some more midfield depth to their squad this summer, with Erik ten Hag outlining his need to add in that position. Adams could be a perfect fit for the club there.

The American – valued at €15m (£13m) by the CIES Football Observatory – averages more passes per game than any other Leeds player this season (55.3) and has the best pass success rate of any player in the side to have played ten games or more (82.4%). That shows that the 24-year-old is extremely competent in terms of picking out teammates and dictating the play from the centre of the field, almost like a quarterback in American football.

He was also praised by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who admired his showings at the World Cup for the United States. He claimed that the midfielder was "excellent" in keeping England quiet and lauded him for his performance. It shows that he is even catching the eye on the world stage and is certainly able to produce the goods, no matter the competition or team he is playing for.

Adams is young and already capable at the top level – so could be a fine addition to United's team.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has left pundits waxing lyrical from all angles for how he has constructed a robust and free-flowing outfit from relegation-threatened strugglers.

Since the £300m PIF takeover in October 2021, the Magpies' fortunes have turned around most resoundingly, and despite the overt opulence of the club's new owners, transfer business has been conducted shrewdly.

Dan Burn, for example, was signed for his hometown club for £13m in January 2022 to kickstart a prosperous run that has yet to falter, the Magpies perched in third place in the Premier League and on course for a return to the Champions League with just three matches to play.

Considering this, Howe is looking to fortify his ranks with signings across the pitch, and despite Burn's success as a makeshift left-back this season, has earmarked Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney as an option for transfer this summer.

According to The Sun, technical director Dan Ashworth is planning to instigate a £30m raid on the Gunners for the Scotsman, who has fallen out of favour under Mikel Arteta's wing, with the Magpies boss actively searching for a new left-back.

Should Newcastle sign Kieran Tierney?

Despite his recent woes in north London, Tierney remains a dynamic and exciting full-back and there is no reason why he cannot reignite his career under Howe's tutelage on Tyneside.

Signing for Arsenal from Celtic for £25m on transfer deadline day in 2019, Tierney has won the FA Cup and Community Shield with the Emirates-based outfit and forged 120 displays for the club, scoring five goals and supplying 14 assists, hailed as a "warrior" by distinguished former left-back Ashley Cole.

This season, the 25-year-old has played 33 times, scoring once and assisting twice, but found a starting berth in the top-flight on only five occasions, with £32m summer acquisition Oleksandr Zinchenko cementing the position as his own.

With Arsenal making commendable progress over the past few years under Arteta, it's difficult to argue that Tierney deserves a permanent place when the ship is flowing with such formidable conviction, but at Newcastle he could solidify the left flank as his own for years to come.

As per FBref, the £110k-per-week ace ranks among the top 11% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues for total shots, the top 15% for progressive passes, the top 13% for progressive carries and the top 21% for rate of assists per 90.

Prospectively sealing a transfer, Howe could emulate the success of Liverpool's Andy Robertson on Tyneside, with Tierney's compatriot flourishing as one of the world's best in his position since signing for the Reds for a scant £10m from Hull City in 2017.

The 60-cap Scotland captain has won a wealth of major honours at Anfield including the Premier League and Champions League and currently boasts the highest assist tally of any defender in Premier League history, hailed as a "Duracell Bunny" by Liverpool writer Leanne Prescott for his unrelenting presence down the left.

With Tierney boasting passing proficiency of his own and an aptitude at carrying the ball up the pitch, as highlighted via his FBref statistics, Newcastle could soon sign a dynamic new defender to steer them towards illustrious success.

A round-up of the Dhaka Premier League games on May 26, 2016

Mohammad Isam26-May-2016Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club jumped from eighth to fourth place in the Dhaka Premier League 2016 points table after their 11-run win over Brothers Union in an absorbing game at the BKSP-3 ground. Brothers too had the chance to go to fourth place, but slipped to ninth place instead.Mahmudullah, the Dhanmondi captain, struck 107, his second century of the season, to carry them to 252 for 8 after being inserted. In reply, Dhanmondi’s bowlers showed fight to restrict Brothers to 241 for 8 in 50 overs.Brothers were cruising at 184 for 3 in the 41st over after Imrul Kayes, and captain Tushar Imran had struck half-centuries. Muktar Ali, the right-arm medium pacer, removed Milind Kumar at that stage, after which the required rate crept and wickets tumbled regularly.Shafiul Islam was particularly good towards the last few overs, and finished with 3 for 40. Mahmudullah too finished with three wickets, including Zakir Hasan and Nur Alam, at a critical juncture.Earlier, Mahmudullah struck five fours and three sixes in his 114-ball knock. He added 119 runs for the third wicket with Marshall Ayub, who contributed 54 off 84 balls. Offspinner Sanjit Saha took 3 for 69 from his 10 overs.At the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Kalabagan Krira Chakra hung on for an eight-run win against Victoria Sporting Club in a nail-biting contest.Mehrab Hossain jnr’s unbeaten 86 had carried Kalabagan to 213 in 49 overs after they had elected to bat.In reply, Al-Amin top-scored for Victoria with 67 off 77 balls, before Jubair Ahmed’s unbeaten 35 nearly took them home.Victoria lost their ninth wicket in the 45th over with 36 runs still required for victory. The last-wicket pair of Jubair and Kamrul Islam Rabbi then got the equation down to 12 off the final over, sent down by Dewan Sabbir, the right-arm pacer, but couldn’t knock off the requisite runs. After a single by the more settled Jubair off the first ball, Rabbi played out a dot ball. He then ran two, but Sabbir bowled him with the fourth ball to give Kalabagan their third win, and some breathing room from the relegation zone, occupied by Kalabagan Cricket Academy and CCS.The loss prevented Victoria, who remained at nine points from eight games, from keeping pace with Rupganj.Offspinner Sharifullah took 3 for 32, while Abdur Razzak and captain Mashrafe Mortaza picked up two each.Earlier, Mehrab almost ran a one-man show and struck four boundaries in his pugnacious 112-ball knock. With Kalabagan 174 for 9, Mehrab added 39 runs in an unbroken tenth-wicket partnership of 39 – the second highest of the innings after the 44-run opening stand between Shadnam Islam and Jashimuddin – with Sabbir to take Kalabagan past the 200-run mark. Mehra’s efforts earned him the Man-of-the-Match award.Mahbubul Alam, the right-arm medium pacer, playing his first match for Victoria this season, took 3 for 54, while Rabbi, Chaturanga de Silva and Al-Amin took two each.At the Fatullah Cricket Stadium, Mohammad Mithun crunched 90 off 114 balls to manoeuvre Legends of Rupganj’s chase of 243 and help them to a six-wicket win over Cricket Coaching School.Asked to bat, CCS rode on captain Rajin Saleh’s unbeaten 106 – his first century of the season – to put up 242 for 7. Half-centuries from Mithun and Asif Ahmed, who scored an unbeaten 72, steered Rupganj to 243 for 4 in 48.2 overs.The win took Rupganj, on 11 points, to third place, while CCS remained rooted at eleventh place after eight games.Mithun’s knock, which contained four boundaries and two sixes, pulled Rupganj out of trouble after they had been reduced to 45 for 2, with Soumya Sarkar and Junaid Siddique, the two openers, dismissed. Mithun added 44 for the third wicket with Ishank Jaggi, the Jharkhand middle-order batsman, before adding 127 more for the fourth wicket with Asif, who struck six fours in his unbeaten 75-ball knock.Saif Hassan, the offspinner who opened the bowling, took 3 for 38.Saif, however, didn’t score too many after CCS had been asked to bat. But Rajin guided them to a respectable total.Rajin added 99 for the third wicket with Amit Majumder who made 56. CCS suffered a wobble thereafter, slipping from 144 for 2 to 162 for 6. Rajin stopped the slide by adding 55 with Saeed Sarkar for the seventh wicket.Mosharraf Hossain, the Rupganj captain, took 3 for 32, while left-arm spinner Taijul Islam took two wickets in an economical spell.

Leeds United fans will naturally have been excited when their club announced the signing of Jay-Roy Grot in 2017 given the Dutchman's impressive performances in the Eredivisie at such a young age, but his time at Elland Road would turn into a nightmare.

Why did Leeds sign Jay-Roy Grot?

Following the sale of Chris Wood earlier in the summer of 2017, Leeds worked quickly to bring in the 19-year-old Grot from NEC Nijmegen for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal.

The forward, who stands at six foot four, had accumulated plenty of experience in the Dutch top flight ahead of his arrival in Yorkshire and managed six goals in 24 league appearances prior to signing for Leeds.

Sadly, the 2017/18 campaign proved to be a disappointing one for both Leeds and Grot, as the Peacocks finished 13th in the second tier, with their new striker finding the back of the net just once in 22 appearances in all competitions.

However, the Netherlands U21 international was still young and few would have predicted that those would have been his final appearances as a Leeds player, but he was sent out on loan just a month into Marcelo Bielsa's tenure at Elland Road.

His first spell away from the club saw him hit six goals in 34 appearances for VVV-Venlo back in his home country and at that point, the striker still harboured hopes of making it at Leeds.

He said:

“I did not succeed in the first year (at Leeds), which is why I am now looking to play a lot. The English dream is still there.”

Unfortunately for the Dutchman, he would endure another disappointing spell at Vitesse the following season, with just two goals in 25 appearances, as Leeds stormed to the Championship title back in England.

Where is Jay-Roy Grot now?

It was clear at that point that Grot didn't have a future at Leeds given their promotion to the Premier League and he would finally depart in February 2021, joining German 2. Bundesliga outfit VfL Osnabruck, but he managed just four appearances and no goals in his time there.

The most successful period of his career came in Denmark with Viborg FC, where he managed a modest return of 15 goals and three assists in 50 appearances, but he still opted to join Japanese side Kashiwa Reysol in January of this year, where he is yet to score in three league outings.

It seems clear that Grot, who is now 25, is another player who failed to live up to his potential at Elland Road and sadly his career has not gone to plan after looking like a promising young signing back in 2017.

Everton have emerged as a serious contender to sign Brondby goalkeeper Mads Hermansen this summer, according to reports.

What's the latest on Hermansen's future?

Sean Dyche will have been extremely pleased to have secured the long-term services of Jordan Pickford, who signed a new deal in February that keeps him at the club until 2027, and it’s obvious that he will always be No 1 going forward, but the manager is lacking strong options on the bench in the Premier League.

The Toffees’ second-choice shot-stopper, Asmir Begovic, isn’t getting any younger at 35, and neither is their third-choice in 39-year-old Andy Lonergan. With the pair both out of contract at the end of the season, the need for more youthful reinforcements is clear.

The Denmark U21 international has a deal in the Superliga that runs until 2025, but Hermansen has already publicly confirmed that he’ll be leaving and looking for his next destination during the upcoming window. Having made 22 appearances this season, he has caught the attentions of the hierarchy on Merseyside.

According to Danish outlet Bold (via Sport Witness), Everton and Burnley are two of the “hottest suitors” in the race to sign Hermansen. The Brondby keeper is attracting “massive interest” from England, with the Toffees specifically mentioned as one of the clubs “particularly” keen to complete a deal.

Clarets manager Vincent Kompany has already been spotted in attendance at one of Hermansen's games, so could be moving faster, but it’s stated that his future isn’t set to become clearer until the conclusion of the current term, with Dyche’s outfit still looking to preserve their top-flight status.

Should Everton make a move for Hermansen?

Hermansen is still very much in the early stages of his career and is yet to have competed at the highest level, but his performances at Brondby have been promising and could be the ideal backup for Pickford at Everton.

The 6 foot 2 star has kept five clean sheets in 22 appearances across all competitions this season, with a total of 12 in 61 outings since making the step up to the senior team, as per Transfermarkt. Elsewhere, he has recorded a save percentage of 68.7%. This season, the £900-p/w talent has also made 69 saves from a total of 99 shots faced on target, which highlights one of his key strengths.

Therefore, Hermansen – hailed as a “jewel” by talent scout Jacek Kulig – arguably deserves an opportunity to show Dyche what he’s capable of, with a move potentially in the works should he decide that Everton is his preferred destination.

Arsenal could reportedly sell Rob Holding along with nine other players in a mass summer clear-out.

The Lowdown: ‘Outstanding’ against Palace

Holding had to step in for the injured William Saliba in the 4-1 win at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League last time out, and put in an ‘outstanding’ performance in the words of journalist Steve Kay.

Indeed, he won a player-high 11 of his individual duels, and also made more clearances (five) than any of his team-mates, while he was also accurate with all five of his long ball attempts, and recorded one successful dribble, two tackles, 87 touches of the ball and a 91% pass accuracy (SofaScore).

However, that was Holding’s first start in the top flight this season, and he has been limited to just ten starts in 18 appearances in total over all competitions so far.

The Latest: Mass clear-out

As per The Sun, Holding is one of ten players who could be facing the chopping block at the Emirates Stadium this summer.

They are thought to be ready to listen to offers for Nicolas Pepe, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares, Pablo Mari, Cedric Soares and Alex Runarsson, while Kieran Tierney and Folarin Balogun are also facing uncertain futures.

The Verdict: Keep him!

While Holding is not a regular starter, he has proven to be a useful squad player in case of injury.

Mikel Arteta has called upon him no fewer than 89 times over the last four seasons that he has been in charge, showing how much faith that he has in the 27-year-old.

Being English as well, Holding helps fill the homegrown quota, and so there is no harm on keeping him for at least another season, with him, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jakub Kiwior four solid centre-back options for Arteta going into the next campaign.

Arsenal’s Hale End academy has churned out talent after talent over the previous 25 years, from the likes of Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy to Jack Wilshere emerging and becoming stars in the first team.

Mikel Arteta now has his own generation of youth prospects to pick and choose from, with the academy arguably having never been stronger than it has been under the Spaniard’s tenure.

Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson, and Eddie Nketiah have all made massive strides under the 40-year-old, yet it is Emile Smith Rowe who could perhaps be the surprise package, with his value skyrocketing.

How much is Emile Smith-Rowe worth now?

The 22-year-old has been unlucky with injuries this term, missing 13 matches in total while only playing nine matches across all competitions.

However, his sparkling form since breaking into Arsenal’s first team in the 2020/2021 season has seen his value rise, with Transfermarkt rating him at a whopping €38m (£34m).

That is a staggering 1316% increase from the start of the aforementioned campaign when he was valued at just €2.7m (£2.4m).

The Englishman made his name at Hale End, scoring 21 goals and grabbing eight assists for the U18 and U21 sides, and these numbers caught Unai Emery’s eye, thus giving him some experience in the Europa League in 2018/2019.

Two goals in four appearances in the competition was an encouraging start and loan moves to RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town convinced Arteta that Smith Rowe was ready for regular first-team football.

Last season, the attacking midfielder was in superb form, scoring ten Premier League goals, creating three big chances, making 0.9 key passes per game, and succeeding with 60% of his attempted dribbles with his attacking output was key for Arsenal.

Indeed, he ranked second behind only Saka for goals, third in the squad for shots on target per game (0.7), and fifth for big chances created.

Despite his injury this term, Arsenal have been excellent and Arteta will be pleased to have the youngster back in the squad ready to gain some vital minutes ahead of what could be the most important two months in the club’s recent history.

The £40k-per-week star certainly has an extremely bright future with former Gunners player Mesut Ozil dubbing him a “difference maker” in 2021. That was certainly a testament to just how impressive he looked upon breaking into the senior side.

Having cost nothing, Arsenal have definitely hit the jackpot with the 22-year-old and if he can recapture the form he showed last season over the next eight weeks, Arteta may well have a secret weapon he can utilise.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in signing Antonee Robinson in the summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Antonee Robinson to Newcastle?

According to Football Insider, the Magpies are eyeing up the Fulham left-back as their number-one target to bolster their options in that position ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the club have been scouting the USA international, formerly of Wigan, but could face competition from Inter, AC Milan, and Manchester City, who are all looking at the dynamo.

It is stated that the club ‘desperately’ want to improve their left-back choices and would like to sign a younger full-back who offers more of an attacking threat than Dan Burn.

Is Robinson better than Dan Burn?

Eddie Howe could land an upgrade on his current first-choice in that position by securing a deal to sign Robinson ahead of City and the two Italian giants this summer.

The former Brighton defender has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.84 across 23 appearances for the Magpies in the Premier League so far this season.

Burn has been a solid defender at the back for the Toon with 1.9 tackles and interceptions per game and has won 55% of his duels in the top flight, which shows that the gem can hold his own in physical contests and regularly cuts out opposition attacks.

Robinson, meanwhile, has made 2.8 tackles and interceptions per match and won 55% of his battles in 21 outings for Fulham in the division this term.

These statistics indicate that the 25-year-old enforcer could offer a similar level of defensive efficiency whilst completing more defensive actions to win the ball back for his side.

On the ball, the USA international, who is five years younger than Burn, has created 15 chances in 21 matches, six more than the current Toon man has managed (nine) in 22 games.

Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic once hailed the battler as “electric” and described his progression of the ball as “fun to watch”. Indeed, Robinson is in the top 10% of left-backs in Europe’s top five leagues over the last 365 days for progressive carries per 90 (3.40), whilst the Newcastle defender is in the worst 1% (0.60).

This suggests that the Fulham defender would be a sizeable upgrade on the 30-year-old in terms of what he offers in possession, in both carrying the ball forwards to progress play and in creating opportunities for his teammates, which is why Howe must bring him in this summer.