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Nottingham Forest have now accepted an offer to sell Gustavo Scarpa, which will result in profit being made at The City Ground, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Nuno in at Nottingham Forest

It has been a busy week for owner Evangelos Marinakis, who decided to sack Steve Cooper earlier this week after more than two years in charge and bring in Nuno Espirito Santo as his replacement.

The former Wolves and Tottenham manager has already addressed the media and was full of praise for Cooper, saying:

"We have a good group of players, a squad that needs to become better. What Steve [Cooper] did here is amazing. Putting Forest back in the Premier League, keeping Forest in the Premier League. That shows how good Forest fans are, the respect they show for Steve. That says a lot about our fans. We are trying to improve his legacy."

Nuno then added:

"What we can bring is to try and improve the players. Help players become better, give them the solution that they need to compete well – starting on Saturday. Play good and win – that's the biggest challenge we have ahead of us. It's a huge challenge."

Nuno’s first game is a big one at home against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, and with the January transfer window just around the corner, he may need to make some quick decisions on who to keep and who to sell in his squad.

One player who hasn’t featured for the Reds this season is Gustavo Scarpa – currently out on loan at Olympiacos. Forest recently received a bid for his services, and it looks as if he is now on course to leave the club on a permanent basis.

Nottingham Forest accept Gustavo Scarpa bid

According to Romano, who took to X on Wednesday, Forest have accepted an offer for the attacking midfielder from Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro. The transfer expert said:

“Nottingham Forest have accepted bid in excess of €5m for Gustavo Scarpa to join Atletico Mineiro. Personal terms agreed and documents being exchanged soon.”

The 29-year-old, labelled as "creative" by Brazilian coach Tite, arrived in England at the beginning of the year on a free transfer from Palmeiras, however, things haven’t gone to plan at The City Ground or in Greece for that matter.

Gustavo Scarpa career stats

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Palmeiras

213

37

51

Fluminense

119

19

25

Nottingham Forest

10

0

0

Olympiacos

11

0

0

As can be seen, the attacking midfielder hasn’t scored or provided an assist in 2023 for Forest or Olympiacos, so heading back to Brazil where he had success with Palmeiras and Fluminense appears to be the right call for all involved.

Forest will also be making a profit in excess of €5m on a player they signed for nothing at the start of the year, so all parties involved in the deal could be happy at the outcome, and by the looks of things, it is only a matter of time until he departs for good.

The BCCI and its state associations are yet to fully implement the Lodha Committee’s reforms. What happens now, and when will the board conduct its elections?

Nagraj Gollapudi20-Feb-2019Why is this hearing significant?This hearing has the potential to end the situation in which the BCCI has not carried out in full the Supreme Court’s orders on reforms. On July 18, 2016, the court approved the reforms recommended by the RM Lodha Committee and directed that they be implemented by all state associations; it subsequently amended certain reforms at the request of several state associations. To date, though, not a single member association of the BCCI, nor the parent body itself, has implemented the recommendations in toto.The CoA has now recommended that the BCCI conduct elections within 90 days from the court’s ruling and has requested, in its status report, that the court approve a timeline for elections.Why has the BCCI failed to hold elections?To conduct the elections, the states and the BCCI first need to comply with the new constitution, which was registered last August. That means they have to agree unconditionally to all reforms. Not one of the 34 state associations of the BCCI was fully compliant when the CoA submitted its status report on October 27. The CoA identified seven states as being “non-compliant”, while the rest fell under the “partially compliant” and “substantially compliant” categories.ALSO READ: CoA asks Supreme Court to suspend voting rights of non-compliant statesWhat are the contentious reforms?Although the state associations have set the ball rolling, many have dragged their feet on key reforms such as the cooling-off period, disqualification criteria, and selection panels. The most significant reform that BCCI members want the court to re-examine is the nine-year tenure limit set for office bearers in the new constitution. The members have suggested that, as per the original order of the court in 2016, the office bearers’ tenure at the BCCI and state associations was distinct, giving office-bearers a potential cumulative life of 18 years. However, under the new constitution, that limit has been reset to a cumulative nine years – whether at state level or at the BCCI or both.What can the court do to enforce its order?Follow the CoA’s recommendation of barring errant state associations from their voting rights in the BCCI elections and also withhold their funding.Anything else the BCCI members want to pursue?Several BCCI members want the CoA’s reign to be brought to an end. But that will only happen if they conduct elections. Nonetheless, the members want to make the court aware of the deep divisions and mistrust within the two-member CoA comprising Vinod Rai, the former Comptroller & Auditor General of India, and Diana Edulji, the former India women captain.Vinod Rai, the chairman of the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators•AFPThe issues that have split the CoA
The Rahul Johri sexual-harrassment allegations
The hiring of the India women coach
The Hardik Pandya-KL Rahul chat show controversyHow does the divide in the CoA really matter?It matters because the CoA’s squabbles have now spilled over to the cricket arena. Take the controversial TV-show comments of Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul: Rai and Edulji agreed the players ought to be penalised, but differed strongly on how to go about it. The BCCI’s legal team recommended that the players be suspended pending an inquiry with the Ombudsman being the final adjudicator. Both Rai and Edulji wanted the court to give directions on the appointment of an Ombudsman, a position the BCCI has not filled since late 2016. Finally, at the behest of Narasimha, both CoA members agreed to lift the suspension on the players.Their differences are now reflected in the fact that Edulji attended the January 17 hearing with her personal lawyer – Amit Sibal, the son of senior politician and prominent lawyer Kapil Sibal, who himself is representing one of the state associations. Although Edulji has not made any public statement it is understood that she wants to safeguard herself and hence wanted a lawyer.That’s it, then?Keeping in mind the differences between Rai and Edulji the court could consider adding new members – at least two – to the CoA which would allow it to reach a consensus.And, finally, who is conducting the hearing?At least three chief justices have presided over the case stretching back five years. On Thursday the bench will comprise Justices SA Bobde and AM Sapre.

Referee Jarred Gillett wore a 'RefCam' during the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Crystal Palace.

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RefCam was used in Man Utd vs Palace clashProvided insight into referee's point of viewFootage to be used as part of an educational programmeWHAT HAPPENED?

For the first time in the history of the Premier League, a referee wore a video camera to officiate a match as the technology was used during Crystal Palace's mauling of Manchester United on May 6. The head-mounted camera, also known as the 'RefCam', provided an insightful peek into referee Jarred Gillett's point of view during the match and the footage will be used in an educational programme highlighting the role of a referee.

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A similar technology was used during a Bundesliga clash earlier this year where German referee Daniel Schlager wore a camera to officiate Eintracht Frankfurt vs Wolfsburg match. This was a one-off occurrence in the current Premier League season that the 'RefCam' was brought into practice.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

After officiating United's game at Selhurst Park, Gillett has been named as the VAR for the club's penultimate Premier League game against Newcastle United on Wednesday.

SLC hopes the hefty fine will send a “strong message” to the rest of the players regarding such behaviour

Madushka Balasuriya02-Apr-2019Sri Lanka’s Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne has been fined USD 7500 (LKR 1.3 million approx), by Sri Lanka Cricket, following his drink driving episode, which was a violation of his player contract. Karunaratne’s fine is the equivalent of the match fee he would receive for one Test.”When you’re preparing for an important competition like the World Cup, and we’re spending so much money on this upcoming [Super Provincial] domestic tournament, we just cannot tolerate this kind of nonsense,” SLC secretary Mohan de Silva told ESPNcricinfo.On Sunday morning Karunaratne was involved in an accident with a three-wheeler in Borella, a neighbourhood of Colombo, which put the three-wheeler’s driver in hospital with minor injuries. Following the incident Karunaratne was arrested and released on bail, and his driver’s licence suspended. The three-wheeler’s driver has since been discharged from the hospital.Karunaratne, who will be captaining Kandy in the upcoming Super Provincial Tournament starting on Thursday, offered an apology on his Facebook page. SLC however was keen to ensure such incidents are not repeated; the hefty fine, it felt, will send a “strong message” to the rest of the players.”We just want to send a strong message to everyone that we mean business,” de Silva said.

It's no surprise that Newcastle United are already turning their attention towards the January transfer window after suffering defeats against both Luton Town and Nottingham Forest to sum up a season to forget so far. Out of the Champions League and eight points adrift of the top four in the Premier League, to say that Eddie Howe needs reinforcements would be an understatement.

No matter who the Magpies sign in January, they must avoid a repeat of the mistakes they made during the summer transfer window, which saw them fail to recruit enough depth. That said, this time around, Howe has reportedly identified the positions that he needs PIF to strengthen.

Newcastle transfer news

With Sandro Tonali into his 10-month ban, Newcastle must get things right in January, with the season arguably more than salvageable if the right additions arrive. Those at St James' Park have already suffered the consequences for a lack of squad depth and as injuries continue to pile up, the last thing they need is to suffer another setback in the transfer market. When the window opens in a matter of days, they'll certainly be ones to keep an eye on.

According to Luke Edwards of The Telegraph, Howe wants as many as three new signings in January, with a midfielder and forward the reported priorities alongside another goalkeeper. This follows Nick Pope's injury, which could see him miss the majority of the campaign and there have also been concerns over stand-in Martin Dubravka and his recent form.

Meanwhile, the Magpies still need a replacement for Tonali following his ban and added depth in the forward role. As things stand, Howe has just Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak to call upon, who have both suffered injury setbacks in the current campaign. If the boss gets his wish next month, then the Magpies could rescue their season before it's too late.

Newcastle's mounting injury problems

Whilst failed recruitment has been a large part of their failure, Newcastle's injury list certainly hasn't helped. Speaking ahead of his side's trip to Anfield on New Year's Day, Howe said:

“Of course, we’ve suffered the injuries we’ve had and those players you see aren’t available. I don’t think anyone is coming back in the next few days. It was really good that we had Joelinton return today, he’s been a massive miss for us. And we’ve still got players that are finding their fitness from playing matches, which is never ideal, and there were several players on the pitch today in that respect. We’ve not had it easy, and I think that needs to be acknowledged by me more than anyone else in my reflection of the team.”

Newcastle absentees

Potential Return Date

Sandro Tonali

31/08/2024

Nick Pope

13/04/2024

Jacob Murphy

30/01/2024

Harvey Barnes

30/01/2024

Joe Willock

13/01/2024

Elliot Anderson

13/01/2024

Jamaal Lascelles

No return date

Javier Manquillo

No return date

Matt Targett

No return date

As many as nine absentees, it's fair to say Newcastle's luck hasn't been in so far this season. The January transfer window could change that, however, with Howe identifying three main targets.

The opener added that they would be going hard on visitors Pakistan, keeping the points needed for direct 2021 ODI World Cup qualification in mind

Liam Brickhill05-May-2019Vital ranking points that could be crucial in deciding who qualifies for the women’s ODI World Cup in 2021 are up for grabs as Pakistan’s tour of South Africa kicks off with the first of three one-day internationals at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom on Monday.Hard-hitting opener Lizelle Lee is delighted with the consistent improvement of the team, and particularly the batting unit, and is cautiously optimistic of their chances against the visitors.Squads

South Africa: Sune Luus (captain), Nadine De Klerk, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Masabata Klaas, Lizelle Lee (wicketkeeper), Zintle Mali, Mignon du Preez, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Andrie Steyn, Chloe Tryon, Laura Wolvaardt
Pakistan: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Javeria Khan, Jaweria Rauf, Kainat Imtiaz, Nahida Khan, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Rameen Shamim, Sana Mir, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper) and Omaima Sohail

“There is no better teacher in cricket than game time against good opposition,” Lee said. “We’re really fortunate to be getting more and more time out on the field. It really helps teams grow and ups the competitiveness of women’s cricket around the world.”When we go into game one on Monday, we’re going to go hard because we understand the importance of the World Cup and the points needed for World Cup qualification,” added Lee. “The way we are batting and bowling now and even fielding gives me confidence that we can do well in this series. We’re definitely going out to get those six points, we’re not going to hold back.”Right now, because we’ve played so much cricket we have a team that’s more confident in themselves and their abilities because we’ve been in enough match situations that we don’t panic when things don’t go our way – it’s the healthiest and most competitive that we’ve ever been as a national team.”Hosts South Africa are currently ranked fifth and visitors Pakistan sixth in the women’s championship, with just a single point separating the two teams. The eight-team championship provides the path for direct qualification for the World Cup for four teams, alongside hosts New Zealand.South Africa, on 13 points from 12 matches, would look to improve their points position in home conditions after their recent 3-0 series win over Sri Lanka, while Pakistan would be hoping to keep up the tempo after a 2-1 series win over the West Indies. They are also without captain Dane van Niekerk, who picked up a leg injury during Sri Lanka’s tour earlier this year, with Sune Luus standing in as skipper.Australia have assured themselves of a place in the World Cup as they are at the top of the table with 22 points from 12 matches while England, who have 18 points from 15 games, will get the chance to do so in a home series against the West Indies next month. India and New Zealand are second and third on the table with 16 and 14 points, respectively.There are also personal milestones at stake in the series for both sides. Seamer Marizanne Kapp is South Africa’s top-ranked bowler in sixth position, with an eye on a move into the top five. She is only 10 points behind India’s Shikha Pandey with 678 points. Just behind Kapp with 663 points is Shabnim Ismail in seventh position. For Pakistan, former captain Sana Mir could challenge for the top position among bowlers as she goes into this series in third position, just 12 points adrift of the top-ranked Jhulan Goswami of India.South Africa fought back with Sune Luus’ five-for•ICC/Getty ImagesThe hosts’ squad also includes a couple of fresh faces looking to make a strong impression. Wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta, who is back in the national set-up for the first time in two years, said she is both nervous and excited about her re-call.”I actually thought I got called to be told that I’ve missed out on the call-up, until he [Clinton du Preez, national convenor of selectors] told me that I’ve made it for the tour,” Jafta siad. “I thought it was just for the ODIs because previously, I only ever played ODIs so when he said I was in for the whole tour, inside I was like ‘finally all this hard work has brought me back here.’ It’s taken two years but I’m finally back. It was emotional.”This time around, yes there are nerves, which is good. If I wasn’t nervous I think I would be wasting my time, but at the same time, it’s not overshadowing my confidence.”After a promising spell in the national academy, 23-year-old Nondumiso Shangase could be in line for an international debut against Pakistan. Shangase was the first black African woman to score a hundred for KwaZulu-Natal, a team she also captains, achieving the feat against Mpumalanga in a provincial match last year. Success at provincial level saw her included in the academy intake – alongside the likes of Robyn Searle, Tumi Sekhukhune and Lara Goodall – and she could now be tested in one of the allrounder slots against Pakistan.”I was at Kingsmead practising (with the KZN women’s provincial team) when Clinton (du Preez) called me and told me that I’m gonna be part of the squad in both formats,” said Shangase. “I was so speechless. I froze, I didn’t say anything to him, I kept quiet. I was so excited and emotional. I even cried.””I didn’t think it was gonna happen so fast. I was aiming for maybe after this year’s national academy but I’m grateful,” Shangase added. “By the end of this tour, I’m hoping to be a better player than before. To learn a lot about my batting and bowling because I’m an allrounder and I want to take in as much as I can so that I can get another call-up.”

Rangers have reportedly been boosted in their efforts to sign a "superb" player in the January transfer window, due in part to Manchester United's potential upcoming business.

Rangers transfer news

The Gers have been linked with plenty of players this month, with Hellas Verona left-back Josh Doig one individual who has stood out as a primary target, having initially burst onto the scene at Hibernian. The left-back is seen as a strong defensive option, but could be on his way to Marseille instead.

Similarly, Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland is also reportedly wanted by Rangers, with the 28-year-old midway through an excellent season for his current club – one that sees him topping the Scottish Premiership goalscoring charts in the process. He is seen as an alternative to Belgium international Michy Batshuayi.

Oscar Zambrano is also another option for the Scottish giants as well, with the 19-year-old Quito midfielder someone who could be considered a long-term addition.

Rangers given David Jurasek boost

Meanwhile, according to a new update from HITC, Rangers are eyeing a move to sign David Jurasek from Benica, with those at Ibrox fans of the left-back who cost £12m last summer. Manchester United loaning out Alvaro Fernandez to the Portuguese giants could also help Rangers.

"Premier League giants Manchester United are close to sending Alvaro Fernandez to Benfica on an £8.6 million loan-to-buy deal in a move which could open the door for David Jurasek to join Rangers. HITC Football understands that, with one of Manchester United’s brightest young talents on his way to the Portuguese capital, this could present an opportunity north of the border.

"HITC also understands that Fernandez’s arrival will open the door for fellow left-back David Jurasek to leave Benfica. Rangers and Marseille are fans of the 23-year-old Czech Republic defender. Interestingly, both clubs are also speaking to Hellas Verona about former Hibernian flyer Josh Doig. Doig is reportedly on his way to Marseille instead of Rangers, however. And that may leave Philippe Clement’s side free to pursue Jurasek."

This is undoubtedly good news for Rangers, should Fernandez head to Benfica on loan from United, and if it all goes to plan, Jurasek could be a strong addition to Philippe Clement's squad. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has hailed his many attributes in the recent past, saying of him:

"Attacking full-back, fast, powerful & athletic, inexhaustible energy, vertical player who’s always looking to push forward at every opportunity. Superb crossing skills, tenacious & committed in duels, high work rate, determination & winning mentality 22 years of age. Excellent left-back we will see in a top league rather sooner than later."

This shows what a big prospect Jurasek is, and how he could represent a great alternative to Doig, and he is someone Rangers should do everything they can to snap up this month.

Rangers looking to complete move for player who “looks like Ronaldo”

His teammates are in awe of his athleticism.

ByHenry Jackson Jan 13, 2024

He has still only been limited to 12 appearances for Benfica and could jump at the idea of a fresh challenge, and five caps for the Czech Republic are proof of his international pedigree, further showing why the Gers should acquire his signature, making this one to watch.

Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo revealed League Two teams used to be jealous of Wrexham as they constantly fought them after every game.

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League Two teams were jealous of Wrexham Fought the Red Dragons after every match Okonkwo enjoyed remarkable form for the Welsh side WHAT HAPPENED?

The Arsenal loanee enjoyed a stellar run of form for the Red Dragons in the 2023/24 season as he kept 14 clean sheets in 36 starts and played an important role in his club gaining promotion to League One.

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After a successful season with the Welsh side, the 22-year-old revealed how their League Two rivals were always used to be jealous of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's side and how they practically treated every league game during the campaign as a cup final.

WHAT ARTHUR OKONKWO SAID

Speaking to the , the English custodian said, "I don’t think there’s a lot of teams who like us in the division. Just because of the club, there’s some jealousy and I think every game we played was like a cup final. If we lost a game then they would celebrate. It would be unbelievable. With the fans jumping into crowds, fighting us at the end of games, pushing us and saying to us, ‘You’re rubbish’ and stuff like this. It’s definitely a different experience! We had pressure on our shoulders, we were determined to get promoted and we showed we can handle it."

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The player will become a free agent when his contract with the Gunners expires at the end of next month. Phil Parkinson's side are working hard to try and sign him permanently before competing in the third tier.

The latest round-up of how the Australians are performing in the IPL and county cricket as the World Cup and Australia A tours edge closer

Alex Malcolm07-May-2019Who’s in form and who’s notJames Pattinson was the only member of the Australia A squads playing overseas this week. He only played once though after Nottinghamshire’s Royal London One-Day Cup clash with Durham was washed out. Pattinson took 1 for 55 from nine overs and made an important 15 from 10 balls in a thrilling win over Northamptonshire.Ashton Turner, another Australia A squad member, oddly didn’t get selected in Rajasthan Royal’s last IPL game against Delhi.Chris Lynn, who is not in Australia’s winter squads, had an excellent finish to the IPL for Kolkata making 46 off 22 against Kings XI and then 41 from 29 in the loss to Mumbai Indians.Andrew Tye dismissed Lynn but had a very difficult season for Kings XI. After being the IPL’s leading wicket-taker in 2018 with 24, and an economy rate of 8.00, he took just three wickets in six games this season with an economy rate of 10.59. In his last two outings he conceded 78 runs in just six overs.#AsheswatchThe Royal London Cup continued in England this week as the County Championship remains on hold with World Cup preparations ramping up. Although 50-over white-ball form may not carry as much weight towards Ashes selection, the Australian selectors are undoubtedly keeping an eye on the players involved.Cameron Bancroft was starved of opportunity this week due to bad weather. Durham’s clash with Notts was abandoned prior to the toss and he was 18 not out when the clash with Yorkshire was washed out after 34.2 overs, a result that eliminated Durham from the competitionMatt Renshaw is putting his hand up for allrounder status in white-ball cricket. He took 2 for 17 from five overs and made 32 not out in Kent’s a big win over Surrey. But his returns with bat and ball against Essex weren’t as fruitful. Peter Siddle didn’t play for Essex.Marnus Labuschagne has been doing plenty of bowling, taking 2 for 57 from his full quote of 10 overs for Glamorgan against Middlesex, but he would prefer a few more runs after making 16 in the loss and became the first List A wicket for Sam Robson’s part-time spin.Jake Lehmann made an impressive start to his short spell with Lancashire•Getty ImagesDid you see?Jake Lehmann made an excellent start at Lancashire as a replacement for Glenn Maxwell. He struck 77 not out from 66 balls in a win over Derbyshire. He then followed up with 23 in a loss to Warwickshire.Injury listTurner revealed last week he will need shoulder surgery after the Australia A tour of England. It will be the third procedure he’s had on his right shoulder but he hopes it will fix the issue that has restricted his bowling and throwing.Performance of the weekCallum Ferguson is a forgotten man in Australian cricket. He was in the mix for the ODI tour of India but was dropped from South Australia’s Sheffield Shield team late in the season. He made 103 not out from just 95 balls for Worcestershire on Monday as they chased down 352 with ease at Derby. Ferguson had a great season in the Royal London Cup last year with Worcestershire and will be hoping to carry that form forward.

Chelsea are reportedly looking to make a statement signing this summer and could join Bayern Munich in the race to sign Barcelona's Ronald Araujo.

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Chelsea looking to sign Ronald AraujoBayern also interested in the defenderBarca don't want to sell the UruguayanGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

As per Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea are keeping a keen eye on the Uruguayan defender for a potential summer move as they believe he could take over as the leader in defence following Thiago Silva's departure from Stamford Bridge this summer.

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The Uruguayan currently has a contract with the Blaugrana that runs up to the summer of 2026 and also has an unrealistic release clause of €1 billion (£850m/$1.08bn). To further complicate the situation for Chelsea, Araujo is one of the names on the Catalan side's non-transferable priority list. However, due to Barcelona's economic troubles, the London outfit know that a big bid would likely appeal to Joan Laporta and company as they must comply with La Liga's FFP rules.

DID YOU KNOW?

Barca reportedly held talks with the Uruguayan over a potential contract extension earlier this year but negotiations have not progressed since as the Catalan side have put an extension on 'stand-by' as they look to make further investments in the squad.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ARAUJO?

The Uruguayan defender's future could also depend on who is the manager at Barcelona next season as the club has been moving haphazardly in regard to Xavi Hernandez's future at the club. It is now very likely that Hansi Flick could join the Catalans to take over from the former midfielder.