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Following Monchi's appointment as transfer chief – or president of football operations, to give him his official title – Aston Villa can ramp up plans for the 2023-24 season.

With European football returning to Villa Park, it is important the Villans strengthen their squad as they look to balance continental football with the bread and butter of the Premier League.

What is the latest with Aston Villa's transfer activity?

Monchi gained a reputation during his time as Sevilla's sporting director as someone capable of finding a gem, while also garnering big fees for players sold on.

Villa have been quick to move on unwanted players, while first-team regular Ashley Young has also departed, and now focus is on those coming into the club.

The Midlands outfit have been linked with a whole array of players, from Napoli ace Hirving Lozano to Manchester United captain Harry Maguire. One player has already been brought in, meanwhile, with Youri Tielemans arriving from neighbours Leicester City as a free agent prior to Monchi's appointment.

That signing was hailed as a coup of sorts for Villa, given the midfielder supposedly had a number of clubs to choose from following his Leicester departure, and they could be about to repeat a similar trick.

Is Leeds United striker Rodrigo a good fit for Aston Villa?

Having plucked a highly regarded player from one relegated club, Villa could do likewise in moving for Leeds United's Rodrigo, a player previously described as a "livewire" by former striker Aaron McLean.

According to football reporter Ben Jacobs, via the Leeds United Ultras' YouTube channel, the Villans are battling Brighton and Hove Albion and even Paris Saint-Germain for the Spain international's signature.

Rodrigo's 13 goals last season – Jack Harrison was next highest for Leeds with a mere five – were not enough to keep United in the top flight, and they will surely now be tempted to cash in on a player on wages of £100k-a-week, according to Capology.

With 0.56 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes over the past year, as per FBref, Rodrigo ranks in the top 12% of his positional peers across Europe's top five leagues.

Indeed, that figure increases to 0.60 on the basis of last season alone – in a poor Leeds side, remember – which compares to 0.43 for Ollie Watkins and 0.65 for Danny Ings among Villa players.

Signing a player from the Championship should not be sneered at, either, with a number of relegated players going on to prove themselves when given a lifeline.

Tielemans is likely to be one of those, much in the same way as Andy Robertson (Hull City to Liverpool), Georginio Wijnaldum (Newcastle United to Liverpool) and Harry Maguire (Hull to Leicester) to name just a few.

Rodrigo showed during the last of his three Premier League seasons with Leeds that he is good enough to stay in the division. With Monchi in place, it may just be a matter of time until he has a chance to prove that at Villa.

Since his maiden T20 century three weeks ago, things have gone downhill for Sabbir Rahman. He arrested the slide with an invaluable, restrained knock in the second qualifier

Mohammad Isam08-Dec-2016For his first 34 deliveries on Wednesday night, Sabbir Rahman batted very calmly. He picked up 13 singles, two twos and a boundary. It wasn’t the Sabbir Rahman of three weeks ago, when he hit Barisal Bulls’ bowlers for nine sixes and nine fours in his maiden T20 century. This time, he was trying to bat through a 126-run chase to put Rajshahi Kings in the final of BPL 2016-17.His 35th ball, delivered by Mosharraf Hossain, was banished over the straight boundary. Then he got back to picking up singles and twos. In the final over with four to win, he charged at Mahmudullah’s first ball, adjusted himself quickly when the delivery looked too short to slam down the ground, and simply drove the ball for a single to finish unbeaten on 43.In his next innings after that superb 122, Sabbir had slammed 46 off 30 balls against Chittagong Vikings, but since then his scoring tapered off. While his 105 in the nine innings between the 46 and 43 not out cannot be described as a dip in form – batsmen have been known to quieten down after a big one in these domestic T20 tournaments, given the constant grind and subsequent fatigue that are a feature of them – Sabbir also had to deal with issues outside of his cricket. There was the incident with Mohammad Shahzad which cost him 15% of his match fee, followed quickly by an even heftier fine for a disciplinary breach. The fine of roughly $15,000 was almost five times that which was imposed on Shakib Al Hasan in 2014, considered at the time the highest amount paid by a Bangladesh player for an indiscretion.Those two incidents coinciding with a slow-down in run-scoring must have rocked Sabbir. As his captain Darren Sammy said, he had to “put his head down” in the second qualifier. And he did, delivering when Rajshahi needed him most.Sammy praised Sabbir for remaining calm in the chase. He also said that James Franklin’s presence in the middle after the fall of the third wicket with the chase only half done was crucial. “I think it was not required to win it in 15 [overs],” Sammy said. “We just needed a win. Sabbir batted responsibly today. We didn’t need eight or nine runs an over. He showed that if he has to put his head down, curb his aggression, he could. We needed for someone to bat through. The experience of James Franklin did the job for us too. At no time did I think that we had any doubts of chasing the total.”Now, Sammy wants Sabbir to bat responsibly once again in their next game: the final against Dhaka Dynamites on December 9. “I don’t want to change his batting or his style of cricket,” Sammy said. “Today, I just told him: ‘Well played, very responsible, let’s do it again.'”

Leeds United maintained a questionable transfer strategy under the guidance of Victor Orta, who was the director of football for just under six years before his dismissal last season.

The Spaniard was guilty of some dreadful transfer missteps, and his hand in the various appointments they underwent have left the club in a torrid state and exactly where they started under him: in the Championship.

One such example of his misconduct came in the form of Marc Roca, whom he tempted to Elland Road from Bayern Munich, as it quickly became clear that his arrival had been ill-thought-out, and it ultimately fell flat.

Whilst a far less extravagant and exciting appointment, the promise from interim football director Nick Hammond is that they will shift their focus to a more domestic market, seemingly taking fewer risks in order to promote a steady and sustainable return to the Premier League.

To contrast the aforementioned deal, it seems that their interest in Jayson Molumby seeks to spearhead this shift in focus. The Ireland international, whilst a far less attractive name, will almost definitely offer an upgrade in the Whites' engine room for the new campaign and the 49ers' first as owners.

Is Marc Roca better than Jayson Molumby?

Roca's £10m move caught the eye of many for its seemingly cut-price nature, and yet it somehow still managed to be a waste of resources one year on.

The 26-year-old was decidedly average throughout the league term, in which his 6.81 average rating gave way to a meagre 79% pass accuracy and 2.1 tackles per game, via Sofascore. He was not nearly as defensively sound as Tyler Adams, who managed 3.7 tackles per game, yet lacked the creativity needed to make him a truly useful figure in Jesse Marsch's midfield.

Whilst he faltered towards the drop in West Yorkshire, Molumby was playing a key role in Carlos Corberan's West Bromwich Albion resurgence, starring in a new-look midfield that took them from relegation battles to promotion chasers.

His 86% pass accuracy paints the picture of a far more reliable general in the heart of midfield, yet also managed 1.4 tackles per game too in the Championship, via Sofascore. It is a testament to his reliability that his Spanish boss played him in all but two of the league matches he took charge of.

Journalist Rudy Kinsella clearly rates him highly too, claiming last summer: "A disciplined Jayson Molumby is an insane talent. Bloody love him." Perhaps he could realise this potential in Roca's place, given he is set to depart.

Valued at just €5m (£4m) by Football Transfers, it is this kind of intelligent business that will ensure tangible progress for the 49ers' club, which has endured a tumultuous past two decades.

The gulf in quality is little but arguably tipped in the 23-year-old's favour. Should he make the switch, it would be like Roca never even joined, with his relentless presence enough for any second-tier side vying for promotion.

Peter Kippax, who played for the county as a legspinner in the early 1960s, has died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, aged 76

David Hopps18-Jan-2017Peter Kippax, who played for Yorkshire as a legspinner in the early 1960s and became an instantly recognisable figure in cricket circles in the north of England, has died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, aged 76.Kippax only played five first-class games but he was notable for the fact that the last two were 25 years apart: after making his final appearance for Yorkshire against the Pakistan tourists in 1962, he reappeared for MCC against his former county at the Scarborough Festival in 1987 – an opportunity he cherished.Legspin was an unfashionable occupation in Yorkshire, and the presence of England spinners such as Raymond Illingworth and Don Wilson further limited his opportunities, but he went on to enjoy a long career in Minor Counties cricket with Durham and Northumberland, as well as in league cricket in Yorkshire and the north-west. He also coached for many years in Yorkshire cricket circles and was respected as an innovative thinker.He founded Kippax Bats in 1976 and was a popular, effervescent figure around the county. The business, now based in Methley, is run by his son Chris and is one of a dwindling band of companies to grow its own English willow.

The future of Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is still uncertain, despite his contract set to expire.

According to The Athletic, United have backed out of an agreement to extend his contract, despite the fact the ‘keeper signed an extension. The Spaniard agreed to lower his £375k-per-week wages that he earned, but the Red Devils didn’t sign the deal, and they have now submitted a new proposal with an even sharper wage decrease which is being considered by the 32-year-old.

It’s a saga which Erik ten Hag would have preferred to avoid during a summer which should be involving bringing better quality players to the club in preparation for the Champions League next season.

Despite winning the Premier League Golden Glove award for keeping the most clean sheets, he committed a host of mistakes, most notably against West Ham United as he let a weak shot from Said Benrahma evade him and a woeful mix-up with Harry Maguire against Sevilla in the Europa League cost them a goal – and perhaps Ten Hag is better off letting the liability depart.

The question is, who would his replacement be? With United looking to make a surprise move for former Chelsea ‘keeper Thibaut Courtois according to sources in Spain (via Football 365), it could cost them €90m (£77m), as this is the fee that Ten Hag could ‘tempt’ Real Madrid with, as per the report.

Could Manchester United sign Thibaut Courtois this summer?

Regardless if De Gea leaves or not, United still require a world-class shot-stopper ahead of next season, and the Belgian certainly has all the credentials to shine at Old Trafford.

He would bring a winning mentality to the club having claimed a Champions League crown and two La Liga titles since joining Madrid in 2018 along with a host of other honours. The Belgian has also won two Premier League titles, indicating that he would have no difficulty settling in should he move to Manchester.

The former Chelsea star could also be an upgrade on De Gea, as he conceded 0.98 goals per game last term compared to the 1.1 per game that the United ‘keeper let in, while Courtois saved 78.9% of shots faced per 90 during 2022/23, with De Gea saving 71.7% of shots faced per 90 – a significantly higher total in the same time period.

The Madrid gem is also a commanding presence when crosses are delivered into the box, stopping 8.2% per 90, while De Gea manages to stop just 3.1% per 90, and this ability at set pieces could be a big boost for Ten Hag knowing that Courtois could be relied on heavily.

Journalist Josh Bunting lauded his performance against Liverpool in the 2022 Champions League final as “immense” and the 6 foot 6 titan could bring an added presence to the United defence, which is something that will stand them in good stead during their pursuit of more silverware.

Ravindra Jadeja has climbed one place to join R Ashwin at No.1 in the ICC rankings for Test bowlers

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Mar-20171:00

Quick facts – Jadeja’s productive home season

Ravindra Jadeja has climbed one place to join R Ashwin at No.1 in the ICC rankings for Test bowlers in what is the first instance of two spinners jointly claiming the top spot.Top five bowlers in Tests

1. Ravindra Jadeja – 892 points
1. R Ashwin – 892 points
3. Josh Hazlewood – 863 points
4. Rangana Herath – 827 points
5. Kagiso Rabada – 821 points

Jadeja’s seven wickets, including a first-innings six-for, in the second Test against Australia helped him occupy the top rank and assured India the No.1 spot in the ICC Test Team rankings for the annual April 1 cut-off.He shares the top spot with Ashwin, whose eight-wicket haul took him past Bishan Bedi as the fifth-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 269 scalps. However, Ashwin’s poor returns with the bat – 20 in the last four innings – meant he has dropped behind Shakib Al Hasan on the list of Test allrounders.The last time two bowlers shared the No.1 rank was in April 2008, when Dale Steyn and Muttiah Muralitharan were at 897 points. Jadeja and Ashwin are currently at 892 points each, and lead Australia’s Josh Hazlewood at No. 3 by 29 points.In the rankings for Test batsmen, Virat Kohli lost his second spot to Joe Root after managing only 40 in his last two Tests. Steven Smith maintained his reign at the top for the 77th Test, edging past Ricky Ponting’s 76 matches as the third longest stint at the top among Australians after Steve Waugh (94) and Don Bradman (93).

West Ham United are currently in the driving seat when it comes to a potential deal for Yunus Musah, according to a report from CalcioMercato, via Sport Witness.

How many games has Yunus Musah played for Valencia?

The midfielder was given his league debut for current club Valencia back when he was just 17-years-old, which already showcases how much talent the La Liga outfit believed he had.

He went on to feature 32 times in that campaign, despite his age, as his side finished 13th. He has since gone on to establish himself as a regular member of their team and managed another 33 showings in Spain during the 2022/23 season, with two assists along the way. He has now racked up almost 100 appearances for the club – and is only just out of his teens.

Musah has also become an integral part of his national team too, playing 24 times for the USA. He did come up through the youth ranks with England, but opted to switch his allegiance to America and has been rewarded with regular minutes for their team.

Are West Ham United signing Yunus Musah?

Having become a key member of the Valencia team, he has now caught the eye of other clubs. West Ham have already been linked on a few occasions, as have other sides from the Premier League.

However, according to a fresh report from CalcioMercato, via Sport Witness, the Hammers are the team that are in "first place" in England in terms of securing his signature.

It won't be completely straightforward to land the American, with AC Milan also keen to snap him up. It seems the Italian side will be battling West Ham all the way for his signature, with the Serie A giants planning to use the funds from Sandro Tonali's sale to try and seal a deal for the 20-year-old. Valencia have set his asking price at just 20 million Euros (or £17.2m), so a fee will not be too steep for either team.

Musah is already highly regarded when you consider the praise he has received. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig called him a "jewel" for Valencia and added that he keeps getting "better and better" to boot.

Despite his age then, he already has shown his ability and the potential is clearly there for him to keep improving. If the Hammers can snap him up, then they could have both a player for the here and now and for plenty of years ahead too.

Andre Russell faces the prospect of having his anti-doping ban extended to two years after the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) launched an appeal over the original sanction

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Mar-2017Andre Russell, the West Indies allrounder, faces the prospect of having his anti-doping ban extended to two years after the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) launched an appeal over the original sanction.In January, Russell was handed a one-year ban for breaking anti-doping whereabouts regulations three times in a 12-month period which, under the code, classed as a failed test.Russell’s lawyer confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that the appeal will be heard with JADCO seeking the maximum two-year penalty. Currently his ban runs until January 30, 2018.When the one-year ban was handed down, JADCO found that Russell had failed to adhere to whereabouts requirements on January 1, July 1 and July 25, 2015. His defence was that because of his cricket commitments he had left it in the hands of his agent to complete the required paperwork but the JADCO legal counsel accused him of “gross negligence”.

Newcastle United have "shown interest" in signing Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior, who could be allowed to leave on a loan deal this summer, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

What's the latest Newcastle transfer news?

With Eddie Howe preparing for Champions League football next season, the manager has now identified Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze as a transfer target, however the likes of AC Milan, Arsenal and Liverpool are also said to be on his tracks.

The Magpies will have to fend off fierce competition to win the race for the Nigerian, but Howe will be well aware of the need to bring in a new winger, given Allan Saint-Maximin's uncertain future, amid interest from teams in the Saudi Pro League, as well as Everton and Crystal Palace.

Harvey Barnes could be brought in as a replacement for the Frenchman, with the PIF pursuing a move for the England international, who is valued at £40m by Leicester CIty, while Iling-Junior is also emerging as an option.

Newcastle were linked with a move for the 19-year-old back in March, alongside Premier League rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, and there are still a number of top clubs vying for his signature.

That is according to Galetti, who recently told GiveMeSport that Juventus could sanction the youngster's departure this summer, but not on a permanent deal.

The journalist said: “Juventus, for sure, this summer will change something in this squad.

“Some players could leave on loan to grow and improve. Samuel Iling-Junior is one of them.

“He could leave Juventus on loan this summer, and many clubs have shown interest in him. From the Premier League, Manchester City, Newcastle, and Chelsea are monitoring his situation.”

Who is Samuel Iling-Junior?

The Juventus ace, who has stated himself that he is "similar" to Leroy Sane, was born in Islington, and made a number of appearances for Chelsea in the Under 18 Premier League, as well as the UEFA Youth League, before he made the switch to the Serie A.

Since then, the Englishman has risen through the ranks at the Allianz Stadium, making his first-team breakthrough last season, picking up one assist in the Champions League, after making a 20-minute cameo in his side;s 4-3 loss against Benfica.

Despite only receiving limited time on the pitch, the starlet received a 7.4 Sofascore rating, the highest of any Juventus player on the night, and he also made an instant impact in the Serie A, managing to score on his full debut for the club.

Fooball Scout Jacek Kulig has heaped praise on the youngster, describing him as a "flamboyant winger", while also outlining his key traits, which are his dribbling, pace, ball control and bravery.

It is still very early days in his career, but Iling-Junior is showing all the signs he could go on to be a top player, so it is exciting news that Newcastle are monitoring his situation.

That said, Howe will surely be hoping they can sign the £11k-per-week winger on a permanent deal, rather than on loan, as he could be a fantastic long-term replacement for Saint-Maximin.

Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal said the team can no longer keep blaming losses on being in a transition period following the retirement of key players since the 2015 World Cup

Andrew Fidel Fernando25-Mar-2017Sri Lanka can’t continue to use being a team in “transition” as an excuse for poor performances said wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal following his team’s 90-run defeat to Bangladesh.Having conceded 324 for 5, including 109 runs in the last 10 overs, Sri Lanka never had the measure of the chase. Only Chandimal and Thisara Perera made half-centuries and only one partnership reached 50. This was also their sixth consecutive ODI loss after having been whitewashed in South Africa.”You can’t say every time that this is our transition period,” Chandimal said. “We need to put our hands up and come up with results. All players should take responsibility for the opportunities they get. The players are all working hard, and hopefully we’ll be able to see the results soon.”Chandimal also partially blamed Sri Lanka’s poor fielding for the loss. Only one bonafide catch was dropped – by Lahiru Kumara late in the innings – but there were multiple misfields. Sri Lanka’s woeful fielding standards have now been a source of long-standing concern.”If we had restricted them for 280 we could have done something with the bat, but we were sloppy in the field,” Chandimal said. “We do lot of fielding training, but there’s pressure when we come into the game. There are several young players and there could be mistakes. But we are doing our training well and we are looking forward to sharpen up our fielding for the next two games.”Though Sri Lanka’s decision to field first has received some criticism in the wake of the defeat, Chandimal revealed they had opted to chase expecting dew to form after sunset. Statistically, there has been a slight advantage to batting second at this venue – even counting Saturday’s result, teams batting first at Dambulla have lost 26 ODIs to the 22 they have won.”Had we batted first after winning the toss and things backfired, that could have been also wrong,” Chandimal said. “It was a team decision to bat second. We saw that there was dew there over last two days and we wanted to make most of it. But the dew didn’t come into play today, and things didn’t go our way.”This was only the second ODI Bangladesh have won against Sri Lanka on the island, and the fifth time they have beaten Sri Lanka overall in 38 completed matches. Chandimal said the loss was “painful” but suggested the opposition had improved as well.”When I first came into the side, we beat them easily,” Chandimal said. “But if you take the new Bangladesh, they have seven to eight players who have been playing international cricket, and since that group has been playing together, they have a lot of experience.”