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Crystal Palace could do with signing another centre-back this summer as questions continue to surround the futures of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen.

Siamo la Roma reports that Roger Ibanez is being eyed up by Roy Hodgson's side, but they will have to match Roma's high valuation of €35m (£30m) for the two-cap Brazil international.

Who are Crystal Palace trying to buy?

The Eagles have so far brought in only Jefferson Lerma on a free transfer following the midfielder's exit from fellow Premier League side Bournemouth last month.

Wilfried Zaha's future is dominating the headlines at Selhurst Park, with the winger still weighing up whether to sign a new deal, while central-defensive duo Guehi and Andersen have both been linked with moves away.

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are said to be interested in signing Andersen, while Guehi has been touted as a target for Newcastle and Liverpool.

However, Palace are reluctant to sell Guehi and will only do so if a club offers £60m, as per Football Insider.

Should the Eagles fend off all suitors and keep hold of the Englishman, they could potentially partner him with fellow highly-rated defender Ibanez this coming campaign.

Who is Roger Ibanez?

Ibanez has made 30 or more appearances for Roma in each of the past three Serie A campaigns and was described as "untouchable" by head coach Jose Mourinho last season.

The 24-year-old is a defender who also knows how to find the net, highlighted by his three goals last season. Indeed, as per The Analyst, Ibanez ranks in the top 12% of all defenders for goals scored across Europe's top five leagues last season, and in the top 9% for shots taken.

Keeping out the opposition is the number one priority of any centre-back, of course, and Ibanez is more than capable in that side of the game, ranked as he is in the top 5% of defenders for possession won.

Ibanez is also strong in the air, which is an area Guehi perhaps lacks. The latter is in the bottom 45% of defenders for aerial duels won last season, whereas Ibanez is in the top 36%.

Former Fluminense ace Ibanez also ranks higher than Guehi in terms of defensive actions – tackles, fouls and blocks – as he is in the top 62%, compared to the bottom 19% for his possible future team-mate.

That is not to say Guehi is a bad player – his transfer valuation says as much – but more that Ibanez's strengths compensate for the former Chelsea academy player's perceived weaknesses.

The opposite is also true, in fact, as Guehi is more comfortable on the ball – he ranks in the top 23% of defenders for touches of the ball per game, whereas Ibanez is in the top 31%.

It means that Palace would have two capable centre-backs; one who specialises in the aerial side of things, and another who can help begin attacks from deep.

For all the talk of Palace potentially losing Guehi this summer, they could in fact begin the 2023-24 campaign stronger in that department in what would be a huge boost for Hodgson.

West Ham United remain interested in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher despite seeing their advances for the England international rebuffed last week, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Are West Ham United going to bid again for Conor Gallagher?

As per The Daily Mail, West Ham saw a bid of £40 million, including add-ons, turned down for Gallagher and now fear that he may want to stay at Chelsea and try to force his way into Mauricio Pochettino's side this season.

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have also expressed an attraction towards Gallagher this window; however, it is thought that his preference would be to remain at Chelsea for the foreseeable future.

Last term, Gallagher, who has been hailed as a "game-changer", made 45 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions, registering three goals and a solitary assist, as per Transfermarkt.

BBC Sport cite that Chelsea boss Pochettino confirmed that Gallagher would be part of his plans this season, stating on the Blues' pre-season tour of the United States: "The players that are here on the tour are in our plan. Conor is in our plan. I was talking with him the first day that he arrived that he's in our plans. At the moment, there's nothing to say."

The report also adds that Chelsea admire Gallagher but acknowledge that he could leave Stamford Bridge this window in search of a new challenge.

talkSPORT understand that Chelsea value Gallagher at £50 million; however, the Epsom-born box-to-box midfielder is believed to be 'relaxed' about his situation.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer guru Romano believes that West Ham still hold a keen interest in Gallagher and could go back in with a further offer to try and secure his services.

Romano stated: “I think they will try again. But let's see because they didn't want to go higher than £40 million for Gallagher, so I'm not sure what’s going to happen.

"The interest is still there and people in the club are still convinced that Gallagher would be a top candidate for the West Ham midfield.”

Who else could West Ham United target this window?

West Ham boss David Moyes will be keen to add some additional quality to the ranks over the next few weeks following a stagnant transfer window that has seen no arrivals so far at the London Stadium.

The Hammers have seen a bid worth £17 million with £3 million in add-ons turned down for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse and will up their offer to try and land the dead ball specialist, according to The Daily Mail.

Similarly, West Ham have also had an offer of £20 million turned down for Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, who was recently stripped of the captaincy at Old Trafford, as per BBC Sport.

Manchester United are willing to listen to offers for the 30-year-old, though his significant pay packet is considerably more than the highest-earners at West Ham pocket on a weekly basis.

Rennes left-back Adrien Truffert could be on his way to east London after West Ham initiated contact with the Ligue 1 side over the potential scenario of signing the 21-year-old to replace Aaron Cresswell, as per Football Insider.

Scorecard Keaton Jennings drives through the off side•Getty Images

Mark Stoneman and Keaton Jennings made their respective cases to partner Alastair Cook in the upcoming Test series against South Africa, but Haseeb Hameed went run-less for the Lions on the first day of their unofficial Test against South Africa A. Stoneman and Jennings scored half-centuries each on the hottest June day for 41 years in the UK. South Africa A’s attack certainly felt the heat.On a fairly placid surface, they were made to toil and had their fielders to thank for all but two of the scalps they collected.Hameed was the first to fall. After facing 11 balls without scoring, his eyes lit up at a wide half-volley from Duanne Olivier but Hameed did not get hold of it and skied to Aiden Markram. It was not the kind of shot Hameed would have wanted England selectors James Whitaker and Mick Newell to see but they were at the St Lawrence Ground, keeping an eye on performances ahead of next week’s Lions’ game against the senior South Africans.They were treated to a 105-run second-wicket stand between Stoneman and Jennings, in which runs came fairly easily. Though Olivier and his new-ball partner Beuran Hendricks’ lines remained testing, Junior Dale and Dane Piedt were looser. Stoneman and Jennings were authoritative in their shot-selection and boundaries came down the ground for both batsman. Stoneman’s fifty came first, off 94 balls, and he looked well set to keep going but a moment of Temba Bavuma magic in the field stopped him.Stationed at point, Bavuma flung himself at a Stoneman cut to give Hendricks some reward and South Africa A created a small opening. Jennings threatened to shut it firmly when he took on Piedt and brought up his fifty off 106 balls – with 36 runs in boundaries – but Piedt struck back when he bowled Nick Gubbins. Jennings quietened and five overs later cut to gully to give South Africa A their most prized wicket.The Lions lost 3 for 27 and matters seemed evenly poised halfway through the day but Ben Foakes almost single-handedly changed that. He put on 64 runs for the fifth wicket with Dan Lawrence, who hooked to deep square, and 48 for the sixth with Sam Curran, who should have been run out on five but Kuhn’s throw missed. Instead he was eventually lbw to Theuis de Bruyn for 18.Curran’s late wicket gave South Africa A an energy they lacked, especially as the ball grew old, the sun beat harder and the pitch seemed to become easier to bat on but they did not enjoy any more success until they took the second new ball. Four overs before the close of play, Hendricks returned to have Overton caught behind and bring South Africa A back onto a fairly even keel.Perhaps more notable were the 17 no-balls the South Africa A attack sent down, most of them from the Nackington Road End where the seamers struggled to adjust to the slope.As much as England are using this match to aid their decisions on their Test squad, so are South Africa. Olivier will compete with the likes of Morne Morkel, Chris Morris and Wayne Parnell – who are all in the T20 squad – for a paceman’s place. The A tour has not done much for Olivier’s case so far but his form in South Africa, where he topped the first-class wicket-charts, may not have faded from memory. In the batting department, all eyes will be on Kuhn and Markram, who are competing for a spot in the Test opener’s role should Stephen Cook lose out, while Bavuma will also be keen to impress.

Celtic reportedly have an interest in Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.

What’s the latest Celtic transfer news?

The Hoops look set to back Brendan Rodgers in the transfer market following his return as manager, with up to £30m available to the Northern Irishman over the coming months ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Celtic’s finances were handed a boost after Jota completed a move to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad in a deal worth £25m.

There have been incomings, though, with two players already through the door in Glasgow. Odin Thiago Holm has arrived from Eliteserien club Valerenga on a five-year contract, and Australian winger Marco Tilio has also penned a five-year deal, signing from Melbourne City.

There could be more to come, though, with Gangwon FC for forward Yang Hyun-jun a firm target and a £2.1m offer seemingly accepted. Former defender Kieran Tierney has been linked with a sensational return to Glasgow, and another Scot in McTominay has also been linked.

Football Scotland have claimed that with McTominay potentially up for sale this summer, Celtic and Rodgers have been listed as an interested party. Former Celtic defender Mark Wilson labelled the player as a “star” for Scotland but admitted that finances over a fee and wages could be an issue over any possible Parkhead move.

“When was the last player you heard who took a wage cut to move? There is very few of them.

"I really like him and for Scotland he has been a star. He has that composure and he has played at a certain level where I think he would fit into the side. It's one, transfer fee and two, the wage – that is what it all comes down to."

Is Scott McTominay leaving Man United?

There could well be a clear-out at Old Trafford this summer, with up to 13 players reportedly up for sale, including McTominay. The central midfielder has progressed through United’s academy and has made 209 senior appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils.

However, he started just 10 Premier League games under Erik ten Hag last season and is out of contract in 2025, so could well be on the move over the coming months.

A move to Celtic has been mooted, although United’s reported £40m asking price could price the Hoops out of a move, especially when you consider their record arrival is Odsonne Edouard at €11.5m.

McTominay could be a shrewd signing for Rodgers and Celtic due to his experience at the highest level alongside his versatility of being able to turn out as a holding or central midfielder and even as a centre-back. But his price tag and £60,000-a-week wage could be a problem, as Wilson mentions, so a transfer could be unlikely.

After a magnificent loan spell in France, Folarin Balogun has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace.

Indeed, with Arsenal edging towards a deal for Chelsea’s Kai Havertz as the club looks to add attacking reinforcements a move could be forthcoming for the new USA international.

Alongside the German, the club already has Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah in the ranks as they looked well-stacked ahead of Champions League football next season.

What’s the latest on Folarin Balogun to Crystal Palace?

According to Express Sport, if the Gunners are to complete the double acquisitions of Declan Rice and Havertz, then Balogun could be sold as part of the funding.

This outlet reveals that the 21-year-old is prepared to leave to pursue regular football and the Eagles are understood to be keenly tracking the forward.

It has been suggested that the American could cost in the region of €40m (£34m).

Why would Folarin Balogun be a good signing for Crystal Palace?

The New York-born frontman enjoyed a sensational campaign on loan at Reims, recording 22 goals in 39 appearances to become the Ligue 1’s joint-fourth-highest scorer.

This imperious vein of form was noted by Mikel Arteta, who back in February, said: “He’s really ambitious, really committed, and really brave. I’m really happy for him because he deserves what he’s getting.

“When you look at the numbers and what he is doing, it’s just incredible. It’s very rare to see that. But he’s got something special, that’s why we decided to give him a long-term contract.”

Balogun’s stirring breakout term has seen him likened to Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund as per FBref, with both players relatively young and brimming with limitless potential.

The Dane has been tipped for a £85m move to Manchester United and the Hale End graduate performs similarly to his peer in a range of categories.

The two-cap international scored more goals last season (21 vs 12), but was also more of a force in linking attacking sequences as he registered more progressive carries (56 vs 40), progressive passes (55 vs 37), and shot-creating actions (80 vs 56), as per FBref.

Both players possess a punishing pace, meaningful movement, and a keen eye for goal as both could be set to dominate top-flight football in the years to come.

By this evidence, the former Middlesbrough loanee is deserving of consistent first-team action instead of aimlessly waiting in the wings on the Arsenal bench.

The Premier League will be blessed if these two rising stars are appearing on a weekly basis, and Balogun can join up with Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise in the next generation of Palace’s youthful and blistering attack if Steve Parish can seal his man.

Newcastle United are interested in completing a move for Barcelona winger Raphinha this summer after qualifying for next year's Champions League, according to reports…

What's the latest on Raphinha to Newcastle?

According to Spanish outlet Sport – via TEAMtalk – the 'first approach' has been made by Magpies technical director Dan Ashworth to sign the 26-year-old, who joined La Blaugrana from Leeds United for £55m last season.

The Brazilian is said to be reluctant to leave Catalonia but Newcastle are undeterred and hoping to enter formal negotiations over the coming weeks as manager Eddie Howe looks to bolster the ranks ahead of next term.

Xavi's LaLiga champions have made it clear, however, that they will only agree to a deal if their €80m (£69m) valuation is met, meaning Newcastle would have to break their transfer record to seal a deal.

Should Newcastle sign Raphinha?

Despite exceeding expectations and securing a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League this season, Howe is hardly going to rest on his laurels and will look to make waves in the transfer market this summer to consolidate their newfound stature.

While the Toon concluded the 22/23 league season with the joint-best defence, they finished sixth in the goal-scoring charts and signing someone like Raphinha could be the optimum way to increase the flow.

The Brazilian registered 22 direct contributions from 50 outings in Spain this term as his prestigious side secured the league title and would undoubtedly bring the side of prolific dynamism Howe craves to bridge the gap on the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, who waged a spectacular title fight this year.

As per FBref, the 16-cap star ranks among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of assists, the top 15% for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for passes attempted, the top 22% for progressive carries and the top 3% for progressive passes received per 90, drawing parallels between his game and Arsenal prodigy Bukayo Saka's.

The 21-year-old England international, who like Raphinha loves to cut inside from the right channel onto his left, was arguably the offensive centrepiece of the Gunners' title-chasing campaign, scoring 14 goals and supplying 11 assists in the Premier League and ranking himself among the top 10% of positional peers for progressive carries and the top 2% for progressive passes received.

Hailed as a "superstar" by Charles Nicholas, Saka finds success driving up the field and wreaking havoc in and around the opposing area, something Raphinha could emulate on Tyneside given his similar skill set.

A "magician" with the ball at his feet – as former teammate Dan James once stated – Raphinha boasts all the attributes, and acumen to flourish under Howe's wing and with that in mind, he must be signed.

Everton are 'under pressure to sell' midfielder Amadou Onana this summer to raise funds in light of their financial situation at Goodison Park, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest transfer news involving Amadou Onana?

According to The Athletic, Manchester United are keen on Onana this summer and he is on a list of transfer targets at Old Trafford this summer.

The report states that Toffees' boss Sean Dyche would seek to bring in a replacement for the Belgium international if he is to leave Goodison Park.

As per The Daily Mail, Everton are under pressure to cash in on sellable assets this window and are in 'special measures' with the Premier League after recording losses over £370 million over the last three years.

Onana has emerged as someone who could recoup significant cash for the coffers at Goodison Park and could help to balance the books in the blue half of Merseyside.

Newcastle United and Chelsea have also been linked with a swoop for the £100k-a-week ace recently as his future at Everton enters a corridor of uncertainty.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Brown thinks that Everton may have to part ways with Onana to raise funds this summer in light fo their monetary difficulties.

Brown said: "I think Everton are under pressure to sell someone. Possibly even more than one player. They don't have a whole lot of massively sellable assets in their squad and Onana is one of them.

"I think he's young enough and has enough potential to generate a profit from the money that they bought him for. There are certainly Champions League clubs that remain interested in Onana."

Would losing Amadou Onana be a setback for Everton?

Losing Onana would be a big blow for Everton as he has become one of their most important players and played a major part in their successful bid for survival in the Premier League.

In 2022/23, the 21-year-old made 35 appearances across all competitions for Everton, registering one goal and two assists, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored show that Onana was strong in the tackle during the campaign, winning an average of 2.2 tackles per match in the English top-flight.

Onana also managed to complete 79 progressive passes over the course of the season, demonstrating his propensity to initiate attacking passages of play from the middle of the park, as per FBRef.

Moving forward, Everton would have a tough job of replacing Onana heading into next term if he was to leave; however, boss Dyche has a track record of unearthing bargain gems in the transfer market, which is a route he may have to go down given the Toffees' financial situation.

Kent’s chairman, George Kennedy, has confirmed that the club is seeking arbitration with the England & Wales Cricket Board after being overlooked for a place in Division One

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Oct-2016Kent’s chairman, George Kennedy, has confirmed that the club is seeking arbitration with the England & Wales Cricket Board after being overlooked for a place in Division One of the County Championship in the wake of Durham’s post-season relegation.Kent finished as runners-up in Division Two this season, which would ordinarily have been sufficient to earn them promotion. However, with the Championship moving to an eight-team top flight from 2017 onwards, the only spot available went to the champions Essex.However, Durham’s 48-point penalty for financial issues, and subsequent relegation, led to suggestions that Kent ought to have been invited to take their place in Division One. Instead, the ECB confirmed that Hampshire, who finished second-from-bottom in the table, would be allowed to stay up.In a letter to the ECB seen by The Times, Kent described the decision as “prejudiced, perverse and contrary to natural justice,” and even went so far as to claim that Durham officials had been told in May that they would be relegated.””We have [sent the letter] – they would have received it yesterday,” Kennedy told PA. “We have asked for arbitration in the situation, and we’ll see what comes of that.”Kennedy added that he had met with Colin Graves, the ECB chairman, last week to discuss the issue.”It was an amicable meeting – we were able to exchange opinions. One or two things have come to light since then, so we thought we would bring it to a head – and that is exactly what we’ve done.””We can confirm receipt of a letter from Kent county cricket club regarding the issue of promotion and relegation,” said an ECB spokesperson.”Last week’s decision to relegate Durham – with Hampshire remaining in the first division of the Specsavers County Championship – was in line with the two-down, one-up relegation and promotion rules for this season’s county championship which were notified to all counties and published prior to start of the 2016 season.”We are currently considering our response to Kent’s letter and will reply to them in due course.”Durham issued a statement denying the details in the Times report: “Contrary to today’s press report, Durham county cricket club can confirm that they were not told in May that the club would be relegated at the end of the season.”

South Australia squandered a strong position in their chase against Western Australia as the Matador Cup match at the WACA ended in a thrilling tie

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Oct-2016
ScorecardOpener Alex Carey hit 75 off 86 balls, but South Australia lost their last six wickets for 38•Getty ImagesSouth Australia squandered a strong position in their chase against Western Australia as the Matador Cup match at the WACA ended in a thrilling tie.Pursuing 243 for victory after a disciplined bowling effort from a young attack missing Daniel Worrall, Joe Mennie, Adam Zampa and the state captain Travis Head, SA cruised to 4 for 204 in the 39th over, needing a mere 39 from 66 balls at the moment Alex Ross fell.SA had been pushed that far by the debutant Jake Weatherald’s fluent start and then a composed hand by the wicketkeeper Alex Carey. However, SA proceeded to toss away their carefully constructed position, losing their last six wickets for 38 to leave the match tied.WA’s fightback had been driven by Nathan Rimmington, who claimed four wickets including the key figure of Jake Lehmann when SA were within three runs of victory. The final wicket of Nick Benton fell to Jason Behrendorff the following over.WA’s innings had been characterised by a series of starts. The captain Adam Voges top-scored with 51, but he will be hoping for bigger scores from the top six in future assignments.

It is no real secret that Manchester United are set to target a new centre-forward addition this summer, with the question now as to just who will be the man to lead the club's attack for the foreseeable future.

As per Manchester Evening News, manager Erik ten Hag is believed to be keen on bringing in a 'world-class' number nine ahead of next season, with both Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Napoli's Victor Osimhen having been mooted as potential top targets.

In the case of the latter man, the Nigerian marksman has come to wider attention as a result of his standout form as part of the Serie A side's Scudetto success, having thus far scored 23 goals in just 29 league games this season, as well as a further five goals in just six Champions League outings.

A player who is said to be on the "same level" as Manchester City machine, Erling Haaland – according to journalist Tom Colomosse – the 24-year-old certainly won't be allowed to leave Naples without a fight, amid reports that Luciano Spalletti's side could demand as much as €150m (£130m) for the former Lille ace.

Such a hefty asking price would likely blow United's budget – amid reports that Ten Hag will have £100m to work worth this summer, before player sales – hence the need to consider alternative targets if a compromise on Osimhen's value cannot be met.

As it is, it would appear that the Red Devils may well have already identified a more affordable candidate for the role in the form of Osimhen's compatriot, Gift Orban, with recent claims in Belgium suggesting that the Old Trafford outfit having been scouting the Gent starlet.

Should Man United sign Gift Orban?

The promising 20-year-old could well be United's answer to Osimhen, having also proven himself to be a real prolific and clinical presence in recent times, much like his fellow Nigerian.

Hailed as "electric" and someone who is simply "born to score" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Orban has caught the eye after scoring 19 goals in just 19 appearances so far this season for the Pro League side, after previously bagging 19 goals and registering seven assists in just 24 games for Norwegian outfit, Stabaek.

Clearly a real talent, the 5 foot 10 ace has already earned comparisons to the Napoli ace due to his fine start to life at senior level, with CBS reporter Ben Jacobs having stated earlier this year:

"And he is, naturally, because they’re both Nigerian, being compared a little bit to Victor Osimhen. He’s a little bit smaller than Osimhen, but he’s not afraid to put his body about, he’s clinical, he’s intelligent and he’s got good awareness."

The youngster is perhaps following in the footsteps of his compatriot after making the decision to move to Belgium earlier this year, with Osimhen having previously enjoyed a stellar stint at Pro League side Charleroi, where he scored 20 times in just 36 games.

While the 25-cap marksman has since gone on to blossom in both France and now Italy, the hope for those at United will be that young Orban could make a more direct route to England by linking up with Ten Hag this summer, having proven himself a real "phenomenon" – according to his manager, Hein Vanhaezebrouck.

With it set to take a colossal fee to prise Osimhen from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, the Gent ace would be far more attractive with a fee of closer to €50m (£44m) having been suggested by Vanhaezebrouck, while transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claimed the asking price could be closer to €20m (£17m) last month.

Either way, United could well find value for money in the emerging superstar.