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Tottenham Hotspur are "extremely keen" on signing a £60 million star with two of Ange Postecoglou's players set for a 2024 leave of absence.

Lange's Spurs transfer targets

New sporting director Johan Lange will now step into the shoes of former transfer chief Fabio Paratici after the Italian received a 30-month worldwide ban from football earlier this year. While Paratici is believed to still be advising Spurs on a consultancy basis, Lange's appointment comes as a significant one following his departure from Aston Villa.

The 43-year-old was responsible for signing the likes of Ollie Watkins, Matty Cash and World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during his time in the Midlands, so Lilywhites supporters will be hoping he can replicate similar decisions at Spurs.

So far, reports have suggested that Lange has his eyes on a new defender after Micky van de Ven's injury blow. The Dutchman is expected to be back by 2024, but van de Ven and Cristian Romero's absences (through suspension) have brought attention to Tottenham's serious lack of options behind them.

Postecoglou has been forced to call upon the previously out-of-favour Eric Dier and Ben Davies in place of Romero and van de Ven, so a new centre-back is apparently on the agenda. Uruguay star Sebastian Caceres, Everton's Ben Godfrey, Crystal Palace ace Marc Guehi, Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah and Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly have all been linked with moves to Spurs to solve that problem.

Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are also set for a 2024 leave of absence when they travel to represent their countries at the Africa Cup of Nations, which will leave Tottenham short in midfield. As a result, Spurs are battling to keep Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and are believed to be keen on bringing in another option.

Tottenham "extremely keen" on Neves

Indeed, as Postecoglou faces losing both Sarr and Bissouma for an extended period next year, there are reports that former Wolves star Ruben Neves is on Lange's radar. The midfielder, now of Al-Hilal, wants to make a Premier League return in January – which would be just seven months after he opted to join the Saudi side.

A six-month loan move back to England is apparently on the cards for Neves. The Portugal international has struggled to adapt to life in the Middle East, and if his club do green-light a temporary exit, there may also be an opportunity to buy him permanently for £60 million in the summer.

Neves is apparently "intent" on a winter window departure, and that's where Spurs come in, as it is claimed Tottenham are "extremely keen" on signing Neves to plug their midfield gaps.

If Hojbjerg were to depart, Oliver Skipp and Rodrigo Bentancur would stand out as their only available senior midfielders with Bissouma and Sarr away on international duty.

The 26-year-old was a key player for Wolves over many years, with Hugo Bueno calling him an "incredible" star at Molineux.

“He always runs the whole pitch and he’s always there," said Bueno on Neves (Shropshire Star).

"I don’t know how he does it. He is a key player for us. He works very, very hard to win the ball back and also when we have the ball he can control in the game. He is an incredible player and hopefully he can give us more things like this in the future.”

After a solid start, West Ham United have struggled for form as of late with defeats against Everton and Brentford summing up a month to forget for David Moyes’ side. Their initial form means that they’re still clear of any relegation troubles, but the Hammers will want to get back on track as soon as possible to ensure that remains the case.

The defeat on Saturday will have left Moyes the most frustrated, given that his side took a 2-1 lead before capitulating and ending the day on the wrong end of a 3-2 loss. On a run to forget, one particular pundit has delivered his verdict on the managerial situation at the club.

David Moyes contract latest

As things stand, Moyes’ contract is set to come to an end next summer when West Ham may well be looking to start a new chapter in their history, with reports suggesting that West Ham have put contract talks with Moyes on hold until later in the season. If this is to be it for the Scot at the London Stadium, then he will undoubtedly receive the farewell of a hero, as when Moyes came in, survival and mid-table comforts were the expectations.

Years later, he has more than exceeded those by winning a European trophy and overseeing Europa League qualification.

With plenty of credit in the bank, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor believes that Moyes should be offered a new contract at West Ham. After hearing the recent update, the former Aston Villa striker told Football Insider:

“I think they have to give him a new contract. It’s disgraceful if they don’t. He’s just won them their first trophy in many years, they’re in and around the top seven fighting – I don’t see why he wouldn’t get a new deal.

“The West Ham fans were complaining at the start of the season, but then they picked up and they look like a good team. I think they have to give him a new deal. With what he’s done for the club, it’s huge, he deserves one.”

The ball could yet be in Moyes’ court when it comes to renewing his current West Ham deal. The veteran manager has built the Hammers into a side capable of not only staying up but a side looking to challenge for the European places in the Premier League. Now in a position to welcome talents as impressive as Mohammed Kudus, too, Moyes could be leaving the club at arguably the highest point of their recent history.

If West Ham fail to negotiate a new deal or decide against one with their current boss, then they will be left with no choice but to go on the hunt for someone to lead a new era at the club. As things stand, it remains to be seen just who that new appointment could be, with a lot left to change until the end of the current campaign. For now, West Ham may just be focused on ensuring that Moyes continues his job over the coming months.

Sarah Taylor, the England wicketkeeper, will miss the Women’s World T20 in the Caribbean in November due to the ongoing treatment of the anxiety issue that has caused her to take regular time away from the game in recent seasons.Taylor, who played a key role in England’s World Cup victory in 2017, was in prime form with the bat and behind the stumps this season. On the international front, she helped ensure a clean sweep of trophies in England’s series against New Zealand and South Africa, including a matchwinning century against South Africa at Hove in June. Domestically, she was an integral member of the Surrey Stars team that claimed victory in the Kia Super League Final.Perhaps the highlight of Taylor’s summer’s work, however – certainly in terms of the viral clips that circulated on social media – was her series of remarkable leg-side stumpings for England, feats of athleticism which confirmed that, pound for pound, she is among the most talented cricketers of her generation, male or female.However, Taylor’s availability for England has been carefully managed ever since she took a year out of the sport in the wake of the last World T20 in India in 2016. And, having missed the subsequent tour of India earlier this year, a “mutual decision” has been reached that she should sit out this winter’s engagements too.”Since the end of the summer Sarah hasn’t been able to train fully with the squad due to not being as fit as she would want to be from a psychological point of view,” England’s head coach, Mark Robinson, said.”At the moment she isn’t in a place where we would all be comfortable that the demanding training, playing and travel schedule wouldn’t potentially put her backwards and make her road to full recovery longer.”It’s important we see mental health in a similar way to a player with a physical injury. You wouldn’t risk a player if you felt that playing them with an injury would increase the chances of them being out for a long time or the issue even becoming career-threatening.”Sarah will continue to train at Loughborough at a pace more suited to where she is right now with a view to hopefully being fully fit in the new year. All of our players’ health and well-being is the most important thing and we must never lose sight of that in the intense and demanding world of professional sport.”Either way, her absence from England duty is a blow, as Heather Knight’s team look to emulate the efforts of their predecessors in 2009, who managed to add the World T20 title to the World Cup that they had claimed earlier in the same year.England are due to announce their squad on October 4, with Amy Jones now expected to be the frontrunner for the wicketkeeping role.

In March this year, Hiren Bhanu, owner of Pretoria Mavericks, made the offer for the rights to host a competition in the country

Firdose Moonda17-Jul-2018

Cricket South Africa (CSA) turned down a USD 70 million offer from a private businessman to own and run a 20-over league in the country. In March this year, six months after the cancellation of the inaugural GLT20, Hiren Bhanu, owner of Pretoria Mavericks, offered CSA USD 70 million for over 11 years for the rights to host a competition in the country. CSA rejected Bhanu’s offer and, in June, signed an signed an equity deal with broadcaster for a similar tournament, the details of which have yet to be ironed out.In a letter seen by ESPNcricinfo, dated June 19, 2018, CSA’s then acting CEO Thabang Moroe informed Bhanu the board had rejected his proposal. “The CSA Board and its Members’ Council has considered your proposal to privatise the league for a definite period in exchange for a guaranteed fee to CSA. Much as all the proposals that were received were compelling and well-presented, including yours, unfortunately they were not favorably considered.”Asked specifically why the board had rejected Bhanu’s proposal, a CSA spokesperson said: “CSA has, in writing, thanked all prospective buyers for their interest in the league and have also communicated their decision in selecting the SuperSport equity model.”For Bhanu, the situation resembles a “monopoly,” as SuperSport already owns the rights to all cricket played in South Africa – domestic and international – and initially refused to pay the broadcast fees CSA wanted for the GLT20, which led to the tournament being scuppered. Moreover, Bhanu believed he was offering CSA a lifeline by offering to handle the entire logistics of a league, and he was led to believe – in messages seen by ESPNcricinfo – they would be interested in his offer.On May 4, an independent director on the CSA board sent Bhanu a message saying, “I am lobbying Louis [von Zeuner, another independent director] and Chris [Nenzani, board president] regarding your proposal. So far it looks good on the phone.” Ten days later, the same board member sent Bhanu another message to say his proposal was about to be discussed (on May 20) and that Bhanu could “say TY (thank you) to me later.”The proposal was sent to the board by CSA’s financial head Naasei Appiah and then turned down. When Bhanu learnt of CSA’s deal with SuperSport, he questioned the board member, who replied. “What can I do?” In the same conversation, Bhanu told the board member the existing GLT20 owners were planning an injunction and considered CSA’s actions unfair.In the weeks after CSA’s announcement, three franchises – the Durban Qalanders, Nelson Mandela Bay Stars and Bloem City Blazers – all released statements demanding to be reinstated as owners in any T20 competition CSA held. They all indicated they would take legal action against CSA if they were not kept on.Bhanu is considering the same, but also wants to charge CSA for costs he puts at between USD 400,000 and USD 500,000. Those include flights for a trip to India for Moroe and Appiah in November last year that Bhanu paid for because apparently CSA’s travel agent was unable to book flights while his was. The visit was to try and convince the BCCI to allow Indian players to participate in the South African league. Bhanu said the BCCI were willing to consider that, if the tournament was played in August. CSA insists they have refunded Bhanu for the flights, but he told ESPNcricinfo he has not received any monies.CSA have not clarified whether they will continue to engage with private owners but ESPNcricinfo understands they have requested a meeting with the existing owners in early August. Bhanu has indicated he will not attend the meeting.Bhanu was brought on as owner of the Pretoria franchise after it emerged that Osman Osman, the man who was unveiled as the original owner at the launch last June and the only South African to own a franchise, did not have the USD 50 million required to own a franchise for 10 years. Bhanu was approached to take over the Pretoria franchise by former board head Haroon Lorgat and Venu Nair, who was working for Ortus, the company CSA initially engaged to run the GLT20. Osman was kept on as a minority shareholder and has his own grievances with CSA, relating to how they repaid his deposit.

The allrounder won the Man of the Match award for his four-wicket haul in India’s first innings and then a brilliant 63 from 65 balls to rescue England from calamity

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Aug-2018A pulsating Edgbaston Test may have been lit up by a masterful batting contribution from an all-time great in Virat Kohli, and sealed on the final morning by a three-wicket burst from England’s premier allrounder, Ben Stokes. And yet, the Man of the Match award went to a 20-year-old rookie in only his second Test – and the recipient, Sam Curran, found it hard to believe what he had been a part of.”I can’t take it in,” Curran said during the post-match presentations. “It’s all so special, it feels like I’m dreaming. I’m sure I’ll sleep well tonight as I didn’t sleep last night!”In spite of his tender years, Curran grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck twice in as many days. First, he routed India’s top order, claiming three wickets in eight balls en route to first-innings figures of 4 for 74.Then – after Kohli’s brilliant 149 had hauled India back into the ascendancy – he rescued England’s second innings from calamity at 87 for 7 with a counterattacking 63 from 65 balls.It was a precocious display from a player whose temperament has been well known on the county circuit since his Surrey debut as a 16-year-old. But even for a player used to taking the big stage in his stride, this was a step up in intensity.”I tried to take it as another game but it is quite hard when the Barmy Army is chanting down there, and you’ve got world-class players on show, and I’m just on my second game, trying to learn my way. But it’s awesome., I’m just taking it in.”He is, however, well used to gleaning advice from the senior men around him, and Curran admitted that he followed the example of two all-time greats in producing his vital maiden half-century – Kohli on the one hand, and Kumar Sangakkara, his former Surrey team-mate turned Sky Sports commentator, on the other.”To be honest, I was trying to learn a bit from Virat in the first innings, when he batted with the tail,” Curran said. “But chatted with Kumar in the hotel the other day and he also told me a few things about batting with the tail. A few came out of the middle and I was lucky enough to get a few runs.”Joe Root, England’s grateful captain, was full of praise for the manner in which Curran rose to the challenge in the most intense atmosphere of his young career, but also warned that expectations should be tempered so early in his career.”He played a brilliant game, with a huge amount of skill, and he didn’t seem to feel any sort of pressure there,” said Root. “He loves the occasion, it’s like having two Ben Stokes, which is a great thing. But two Tests in, it’s very easy to get carried away.”Stokes himself, whose three wickets on the final morning sealed England’s victory, also credited Curran’s impact as the decisive moment of the Test.”I thought we are a bit behind with the lead but Sam Curran took them out of play,” he said. “The way that he played at such a young age, that was the big turning point of this Test match.”The world is clearly at Curran’s feet at the age of 20, with IPL contracts doubtless in the offing after impressing India’s huge viewership throughout the first Test. But, he said, the chance to win a Test match for England was the ultimate fulfilment of his ambition.”I have dreamt of this growing up,” he said. “Playing Test cricket, in front of these big crowds, with all these players I’ve seen growing up. Stokesy, Jimmy, Broady, I’m just trying to learn a bit every day.”Asked if he’d felt any nerves in what, personally speaking, had been a nerveless display, Curran responded: “Obviously Jimmy getting that first one of [Dinesh] Karthik, that gave us a bit more confidence, but whilst Kohli was there it was obviously going to be nervous. But luckily Stokesy got an awesome spell this morning and turned the game around.”

Leeds United decided to part ways with sporting director Victor Orta earlier this year after his work contributed to the club's drop back down to the Championship.

The Whites were relegated from the Premier League after three years in the top-flight as the Spaniard's work in the transfer market, and in selecting managers, failed to keep the side afloat.

Orta's most-expensive Leeds signings:

Whilst you could criticise the now-Sevilla chief for the signings he did make during his time at Elland Road, you could also question the players he failed to bring in who have gone on to be successful elsewhere.

The Yorkshire-based outfit have been linked with interest in a number of talented gems over the years, only to watch their stock soar as they shine with another club.

One example of this is former Tottenham Hotspur winger Marcus Edwards as he has caught the eye since Leeds had their eye on him earlier in his career.

Were Leeds interested in Marcus Edwards?

Football Insider once reported that the Whites had shortlisted the English forward, who was playing for Vitoria Guimaraes at the time, during the summer transfer window in 2020.

They also claimed that the club continued to monitor the forward ahead of 2021, although it was stated that adding another winger to the group was not a priority for Marcelo Bielsa at that point.

However, he did not leave Vitoria until January 2022 as Portuguese giants Sporting swooped in to secure his services. They reportedly paid an initial fee of €7.7m (£6.6m) to snap up the former Spurs prospect.

This came after the exciting whiz had impressed in Liga Bwin over the previous two-and-a-half years and proven himself to be a reliable attacking outlet on the flank.

Edwards enjoyed a fantastic debut campaign in Portugal with Vitoria as he racked up seven goals and seven assists in 26 league matches for the club.

He averaged a superb Sofascore rating of 7.15, which was the highest within the squad, and showcased his immense close control with the ball as the talented gem completed 3.4 dribbles per game.

After two full seasons with Vitoria, Edwards' form during the first half of the 2021/22 campaign convinced Sporting to pay £6.6m to secure his services.

That came off the back of seven goals and three assists in 18 league outings before the January transfer window, which is when the Portuguese giants pounced to sign him.

This shows that Leeds missed out on the chance to sign Edwards for a fee of £6.6m after tracking him during, at least, 2020 and 2021 with Orta at the helm.

How many goals has Edwards scored for Sporting?

The 24-year-old has produced 16 goals in 72 matches for Sporting since his move to the club in 2022 and has proven himself to be an exciting performer over the last 18 months or so.

He hit the ground running during the second half of the 2021/22 campaign as the former Norwich City loanee contributed with three goals and three assists in 12 league games, which is an average of one goal involvement every other match.

Edwards then enjoyed a terrific 2022/23 season as his magical performances domestically and in Europe throughout the year caught the eye.

The young ace averaged an excellent Sofascore rating of 7.13 across 33 Liga Bwin appearances and chipped in with seven goals and nine assists.

However, he may feel that his teammates let him down on the assist front as the talented wizard created a whopping 15 'big chances' for his fellow attackers and provided 1.7 key passes per game.

Of players with at least 15 league appearances, only Pote (2.2) produced more key passes per match than Edwards and this shows that he was one of Sporting's top creators throughout the campaign.

He also impressed in the Champions League with two goals and two assists in six group stage outings, which earned him an average Sofascore rating of 7.02 – the second-highest rating in the squad.

Edwards, whose ability was once described as "bizarre" by ex-teammate Jeffrey Fortes, has also started the current season in fine form. The 24-year-old hotshot has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.20 across five appearances and showcased his creativity on a regular basis.

No Sporting player has produced as many key passes per game as the English ace (2.4) and he has created four 'big chances' for his teammates in just five games.

How much is Edwards worth now?

Earlier this year, it was reported that Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers were both keen on a deal for the attacker but that it would take a club-record for either of them to snap him up due to a €60m (£52m) release clause in his Sporting contract.

The report also claimed that the Portuguese side also wanted to increase that figure to €80m (£69m) but Transfermarkt state that it remains at €60m as of 29/09/2023.

This means that his value has soared by a whopping 688% from the initial £6.6m that Sporting paid Vitoria to secure his services back at the start of 2022.

It would now cost a team £45.4m more to sign Edwards than it would have done prior to that transfer during the January transfer window of the 2021/22 campaign.

This shows that Orta and Leeds had a mare in their failed swoop for the talented magician as they missed out on an excellent player who could also have made them a significant profit.

His performances in Liga Bwin and the Champions League show that he has the quality to provide a consistent attacking threat on the right flank, as he has proven himself in Europe's premier cup competition.

Edwards' soaring market value and interest from Premier League clubs this year also suggest that the club could have cashed in on him if he had produced the same level of displays at Elland Road.

Therefore, Orta dropped the ball by failing to get a deal over the line for the former Vitoria star and he may look back at that as one of the moves that should have been pushed through instead of other signings.

Manchester United could target a surprise big name arrival in the goalkeeping department despite the recent arrival of Andre Onana at Old Trafford, according to recent reports.

What's the latest news involving Manchester United?

According to The Manchester Evening News, both Mason Mount and Harry Maguire are set to be available for selection in the Red Devils' Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace on Tuesday after recovering from their respective injury concerns.

Due to Manchester United's shortage of players capable of playing on the right flank currently, the prospect of summer signing Mount being used on the right-hand side has been mooted in recent weeks. Erik Ten Hag hasn't ruled out turning this scenario into a reality, stating in a recent interview: "This has been discussed before, but we have options on the right and we will see how we fill it in. We have the options but also they have to be available and then you have to get the routines in. But the principles and rules – they are clear."

Recent reports emerging out of Italy have emerged claiming that Manchester United could look to make another move to try and lure Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot to Old Trafford in the January transfer window. Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the France international's situation, which is complicated further from his current employers' point of view as his contract at the Old Lady is due to expire in the summer of 2024.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Ben Jacobs also hasn't ruled out the possibility of Manchester United bidder Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani potentially submitting another bid as his quest to acquire full control at Old Trafford continues to roll on.

Who are Manchester United linked with?

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are believed to view Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak as an extremely attractive potential acquisition at Old Trafford, though any deal would most likely occur next summer rather than in the January window.

Oblak is said to be open to a potential switch to the Premier League giants; however, Atletico Madrid will look to demand in the region of €50 million (£43 million) before sanctioning any exit for the Slovenia international.

Labelled the "best in the world" by Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, Oblak has made a profound impact during his long spell in the Spanish capital, keeping 193 clean sheets in 398 appearances across all competitions for the La Liga giants, as per Transfermarkt.

As per FBRef, Oblak has excelled in comparison to his positional peers across Europe's top five divisions in the metric of goals conceded per 90 minutes, having shipped an average of just 0.82 combining his match involvement in the last 365 days, putting him in the 97th percentile for this statistic.

Despite current Manchester United number one Onana's inconsistent start to life at Old Trafford, it would seem harsh to look to bring in another elite-level shot-stopper in the mould of Oblak to compete for opportunities between the sticks so soon.

تمكن الفريق الأول لكرة السلة بنادي الاتحاد السكندري، من الفوز على منافسه الأهلي بنتيجة 76-70، بالمباراة التي جمعت بينهما اليوم، والتتويج بلقب دوري السوبر للمحترفين المصري.

وأقيمت مباراة الأهلي والاتحاد السكندري، على صالة استاد القاهرة الدولي مساء اليوم، ضمن منافسات (best of 5).

وكان الأهلي قد تأهل لنهائي دوري السوبر بعد تخطي الزمالك في نصف النهائي، بينما وصل الاتحاد للنهائي بالتغلب على سبورتنج.

طالع أيضاً.. الاتحاد السكندري يهزم الأهلي ويتوج بلقب دوري السوبر لكرة السلة

وتمكن الاتحاد السكندري من الفوز على الأهلي بنتيجة 71-69 في المباراة الأولى التي جمعت بينهما، بينما فاز الأهلي في المواجهة الثانية بنتيجة 83-79.

وفي المباراة الرابعة فاز فريق كرة السلة بنادي الاتحاد السكندري على الأهلي بنتيجة 76-70 ليحصد اللقب الرابع عشر في تاريخه منفردًا بالصدارة.

بهذا الفوز نجح فريق الاتحاد السكندري لكرة السلة في التأهل إلى بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا لأول مرة في تاريخ النادي.

وأقيم نهائي دوري السوبر المصري لكرة السلة بنظام الخمس مواجهات (best of 5)، إذ يتوج باللقب من يحسم 3 مباريات.

أعلن عامر حسين عضو اتحاد الكرة المصري والمشرف على لجنة المسابقات، عن عرض أحمد دياب رئيس رابطة الأندية لفرق الدوري المصري تغيير نظام المسابقة لكنهم رفضوا.

وقال عامر حسين في تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر 2”: “مواعيد القيد الإفريقي لا توجد فيها مشكلة ليست أول مرة يقابلنا هذا الموقف، ولن تكون آخر مرة إلا إذا قمنا بتغيير نظام الدوري”.

وأضاف: “الوضع الحالي الأهلي حامل اللقب فسيتأهل لدوري أبطال إفريقيا وبيراميدز سيكون أول الدوري أو الثاني كذلك سيتأهل لبطولة إفريقيا، والزمالك حامل اللقب سيتأهل للمشاركة في الكونفدرالية والمصري أيضًا سيشارك في نفس البطولة”.

طالع أيضاً.. الدرندلي: معسكر منتخب مصر بلا أزمات.. ونسعى لاستضافة السوبر الإفريقي

وأفاد: :ترتيب الدور الأول هو الذي سيحسم المتأهلين للبطولات الإفريقية”.

وأتم: “أحمد دياب عرض على الأندية تغيير نظام المسابقة وكل الأندية اعترضت، يجب تغيير نظام الدوري المصري في الموسم المقبل”.

Looking to strengthen before the summer transfer window slams shut, Leeds United could reportedly turn their attention to the Premier League as they attempt to build a squad capable of promotion at the first time of asking.

So far this summer, Daniel Farke has welcomed a total of four new arrivals, with the pick of the bunch being Joe Rodon on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

Now, however, the Yorkshire club could reportedly turn to Jonjo Shelvey.

What's the latest on Jonjo Shelvey to Leeds United?

According to reports, Leeds are considering making a move for out-of-favour Nottingham Forest midfielder Shelvey this summer. The former Newcastle United man is yet to make an appearance for Steve Cooper's side this season, and missed the final part of the last campaign after a reported bust-up with the manager.

Now, Leeds could swoop in to end a saga to forget for the Englishman, after they recently lost Tyler Adams to Bournemouth, leaving them in need of a midfielder, as per Teamtalk.

With plenty of experience to his name, it would certainly be interesting to see Shelvey make the move to Elland Road this summer. If he does stay at Forest, game-time looks unlikely to come his way anytime soon.

Should Leeds United sign Jonjo Shelvey?

Replacing a 24-year-old midfielder with a 31-year-old player who was frozen out at the back end of last season is far from a good look on paper for Leeds. However, Shelvey's experience could be crucial in a young squad at Elland Road.

The likes of Ethan Ampadu and Archie Gray could undoubtedly do with a bit of guidance in the middle of the park to combine with their youthful fearlessness. So, whilst Shelvey is far from a star player, he could yet play a pivotal part if he made the move to the Yorkshire club.

It's worth noting, too, that the midfielder has experience of earning promotion from the Championship after securing the league title with Newcastle back in the 2016/17 season.

When at his best, Shelvey has earned plenty of praise, too, including from former Hull City man Michael Dawson, who said on Sky Sports, via Nottingham Forest News: "He certainly creates chances, he gets on the ball and makes things happen. That’s something that Forest in the first 60 minutes, or even in previous games, have been missing.

“He will get on the ball in the middle of the field, he’s got a wide range of passes, he’s a very confident player. Not just confident, he can execute that pass when he sees it, if it’s a long-range one he can hit that.”

So far this season, Leeds have struggled for control in some areas and have, therefore, failed to get off to an emphatic start.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

In their opening three games, Farke's side have struggled, failing to win a single game, with draws against Cardiff City and West Bromwich Albion, as well as a surprise defeat at the hands of Birmingham City.

Shelvey could bring some much-needed calm to what is a rocky ship at Elland Road, if he does end up making the move this summer.