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Aston Villa are reportedly interested in West Bromwich Albion youngster Rico Richards, as Unai Emery plots to steal a rising star from the club’s rivals.

It’s expected to be a busy summer at Villa Park, as both Emery and Monchi aim to take the side to the next level following on from last season’s highs.

The Spanish duo will be hoping to bolster the squad with depth in all areas, as Emery explained to The Athletic in April, which is something they could do by introducing the talent of West Brom’s Richards.

What’s the latest on Rico Richards to Aston Villa?

As reported by Football Insider, Villa are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign the 19-year-old talent who will leave West Brom this summer at the expiry of his contract.

The report states that talks are ‘well underway’ and making good progress, with Villa ‘confident’ in reaching a full agreement with the player.

Who is Rico Richards?

Hailed as a “technician” by analyst Tom Williams, the teenager has shone for the Baggies’ academy sides and made his Championship debut earlier this year, playing ten minutes against Hull City.

Deployed primarily an attacking midfielder, the 19-year-old is versatile in his position behind the striker, with the ability to play on either flank as well as centrally.

In 19 Premier League 2 Division 2 appearances last season, the 6 foot Englishman contributed to nine goals, scoring four and assisting five in an impressive feat in the final third for the skilled teenager.

Described as a player that “loves dribbling” by Williams, the youngster could offer a lot to Emery’s side, and would follow in the footsteps of academy stars that have made the cut to the first team, including the likes of Jack Grealish and a certain Jacob Ramsey who transitioned into being a regular starter.

Possessing the ability to play centrally and on the flanks like Richards, Ramsey initially filtered out Bertrand Traore with his top performances over the past few seasons, a trend that Richards could follow as he bids to dislodge someone of Emiliano Buendia's standing.

Signed from Norwich City in the summer of 2021, the Argentine playmaker secured 32 goals and assists in his final Championship campaign with the Canaries, however, has failed to show his full potential as of yet in the Midlands.

The 26-year-old has registered just 18 goal involvements in the entirety of his Villa career which has spanned over 78 appearances so far, showing his struggle for form in the Premier League.

With the "splendid" Richards – as dubbed by Joe Chapman – potentially arriving at Villa Park, the youngster could target Buendia’s spot in the starting 11, just as Ramsey did in claiming the right-flank as his quarters.

As per The Athletic’s Steve Madeley, the teen has been described by unnamed coaches that have worked alongside him as being an individual with an ‘eye for a goal-creating pass’, to a level that is ‘rarely seen in players his age’.

With his composure on the ball and in the final third, Emery could discover a revelation in Richards, in a talent that could grace his side for years to come and emulate the success of youngsters that have excelled before him at Villa Park.

A round-up of the Group B matches on the opening day of the 2016-17 Vijay Hazare trophy

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Feb-2017

Dinesk Karthik’s 118 off 97 balls took Tamil Nadu to 314 for 8 and set up their eventual 42-run win over Delhi at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. After being put in, Tamil Nadu’s openers Kaushik Gandhi (41) and Ganga Sridhar Raju (33) came good, which took the team to 94 for 2 when Karthik came out. Karthik began by adding 58 for the fourth wicket with Vijay Shankar, before sharing a 105-run fifth-wicket stand with B Indrajith. Karthik was bowled by Ashish Nehra with the score on 276, having struck 13 fours and three sixes. Thereafter, Indrajith, and Antony Dhas’ late cameo ensured a strong finish. Nehra finished with 4 for 39 in nine overs.Shikhar Dhawan dominated the early part of Delhi’s chase, scoring 23 in an opening stand of 32 with Gautam Gambhir. Following Dhawan’s dismissal, Gambhir added 86 with Dhruv Shorey. Both batsmen struck half-centuries, but Delhi slid from 118 for 1 to 136 for 4. A late half-century stand for the seventh wicket between Milind Kumar and Pawan Negi brought the chase back to life. But Delhi’s hopes came crashing down with Milind’s dismissal for 68, with 49 still needed. Delhi were bowled out shortly thereafter for 272.At the KIIT Stadium, Gurinder Singh’s career-best 61 at No. 7 took Tripura to a tense two-wicket win in a slow-scoring thriller against Kerala. After electing to bowl, Tripura restricted Kerala to 233 for 9, helped new-ball bowler Abhijit Sarkar’s 3 for 41. In reply, Tripura made 235 for 8 in 49.2 overs to win with four balls to spare.That Kerala were lifted to 233 was down to captain Sachin Baby and Salman Nizar, who helped them recover from 60 for 5. The duo shared a 120-run stand before Baby was bowled for 77 by Sanjay Majumder. But Nizar carried on and remained unbeaten on 82 – his best List A score – as Kerala scored 53 runs in the last nine overs. Like Kerala, Tripura were helped by a sixth-wicket partnership. Gurinder, who walked out at 86 for 5, took them to 161 in the company of Yashpal Singh before the latter was caught behind off Sandeep Warrier. Sanjay Majunder then dominated a seventh-wicket stand of 49 before both batsmen fell on the same score. But Sarkar and Dwaipayan Bhattacharjee fought nerves to see their team through.Maharashtra won a run glut against Himachal Pradesh by 25 runs in Tangi. After being inserted, Maharashtra put up 376 for 7 on the back of debutant Ruturaj Gaikwad’s maiden List A century. Likewise, Prashant Chopra struck a century opening the innings in Himachal’s chase, but left-arm spinner Jagdish Zope’s 4 for 60 on List A debut ensured Himachal were bowled out for 351.Gaikwad set up Maharashtra’s platform with a 167-run opening stand with Vijay Zol (62). He added 53 more for the second wicket with Ankit Bawne before being bowled by Bipul Sharma’s left-arm spin. Naushad Shakih then took charge of proceedings, and along with Shrikant Mundhe, punished Himachal. Naushad struck 72 off 39 balls with eight fours and three sixes, while Mundhe’s 42 came off 20 balls and with the help of three fours and as many sixes.Chopra’s even 100 in the chase came off 85 balls. He began by putting on 98 with his opening partner Ankush Bains (38), before following it up with 68 with Robin Bist (46) for the second wicket. With Bist falling for 46, caught off Anupam Sanklecha, Himachal were in a bit of a wobble at 227 for 6. But Ankit Kaushik mounted a late fightback, and along with Bipul Sharma (20) and Pankaj Jaiswal (24), took Maharashtra close. But Zope, who had taken out the openers, returned to dismiss the last two batsmen. Kaushik was unbeaten on 59 off 34 balls, with five fours and four sixes.

تمكن ويلي أوربان من تسجيل هدف التعادل لصالح فريق لايبزيج الألماني في شباك ريال مدريد، ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويواجه ريال مدريد نظيره لايبزيج، ضمن منافسات إياب دور الـ16 من مسابقة دوري أبطال أوروبا، على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”.

اقرأ ايضاً.. مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة ريال مدريد ولايبزيج في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. هدف تعادل يشعل اللقاء

ونجح ويلي أوربان من تسجيل هدف التعادل لصالح فريق لايبزيج الألماني في شباك ريال مدريد، بعدما إستقبل تمريرة عرضية من ديفيد راوم، ليضعها أوربان بالرأس في شباك لونين بحلول الدقيقة 68. هدف تعادل لايبزيج مع ريال مدريد 1 1 دوري ابطال اوروبا

فيما تمكن فينيسيوس جونيور من تسجيل الهدف الأول لصالح ريال مدريد عند الدقيقة 65، بعدما تلقى تمريرة حاسمة من جود بيلينجهام.

ويتابع بطولات المباراة لحظة بلحظة مباشرة من خلال لقطات الفيديو مـــن هـــنـــا.

Cape Cobras captain Omphile Ramela has been suspended from their next Sunfoil Series match against Dolphins on November 3. He was found guilty of breaching CSA’s code of conduct during a match against Knights on October 11, after team-mate Zubayr Hamza was given out handled the ball.Ramela had run foul of clause 6.3.1 (f) – “using language/ a gesture that is seriously obscene, offensive or insulting to another participant or a spectator”. Should he repeat the offence over the next year, he will be suspended for another game.”I have taken into account the fact that Mr Ramela admitted the offence and has accepted that his behaviour was inappropriate,” CSA Disciplinary Commissioner, Professor Rian Cloete, said.”I am satisfied that the appropriate penalty in respect of this offence, which is a level 2 offence, is a suspension for two matches, of which one (1) match is suspended for one calendar year.”

Tottenham manager target Arne Slot apparently plans to bring "trusted" Feyenoord coaches Marino Pusic and Sipke Hulsoff with him to Spurs, a move which could "complicate" matters.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

The 44-year-old is reliably believed to be a top Spurs manager target as chairman Daniel Levy steps up his search for Antonio Conte's successor, with the Italian departing two months ago.

Slot is apparently eager to make the move to north London but other managerial candidates, like Luis Enrique and Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim, aren't completely out of the running either.

Other names in the frame include Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou and Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi, with the latter coach chasing European football at the Amex.

However, Slot is currently the overwhelming favourite, according to reports, with The Daily Mail sharing an update on his intentions in regards to joining Spurs.

According to their information, Slot apparently "plans" to bring "trusted" coaches Pusic and Hulsoff to north London from Feyenoord – a stance which could well force Spurs to pay more for the tactician.

Indeed, it is believed the Dutch champions will demand over the reported £6 million fee Feyenoord originally wanted due to Slot's desire to take both Pusic and Hulsoff.

There are apparently growing tensions behind-the-scenes overt Slot's future, with a key meeting planned between both Feyenoord and his agent, Rafaela Pimenta.

Slot's plot to steal away Pusic and Hulsoff could actually "complicate" his departure, according to The Mail, with Feyenoord also "angry" given they have committed to his summer transfer targets.

It appears Tottenham are rustling a few feathers in their attempts to prise away the Dutchman and it will be interesting to see how this develops.

Who is Arne Slot?

The tactician, fresh off his first ever Eredivisie title win, also reached a UEFA Europa Conference League final last year and narrowly missed out to Jose Mourinho's Roma.

Slot is amassing quite the reputation abroad and his stock has never been higher, with Dutch football journalist Marcel van der Kraan even likening him to Pep Guardiola for his style of play.

He explained to talkSPORT:

"The best thing about Arne Slot is that he is probably the best attacking coach I have seen in the last 35-40 years at Feyenoord."He is very similar to Pep Guardiola, his ideas are very similar, he is a massive fan of Pep and he plays the same time."He goes ultra-attacking, he is almost like a maniac. Not on the touchline but it is fantastic to see how he has turned an average side into a wonderful attacking machine."

Kiran Carlson took 5 for 28 on his first-class debut to help bowl Northamptonshire out for 269 on the opening day at Wantage Road

ECB Reporters Network31-Aug-2016
ScorecardRob Newton helped put on 140 for the first wicket before Northants collapsed•Getty ImagesKiran Carlson took 5 for 28 on his first-class debut to help bowl Northamptonshire out for 269 on the opening day at Wantage Road. It was a remarkable introduction for the 18-year-old offspinner from Cardiff.Flighting the ball well and enjoying help from a dry, used wicket, Carlson – playing only due to Craig Meschede’s back injury – tore through the Northants lower order. The home side collapsed in the afternoon, losing 9 for 84, although it may yet prove a heathy total.Carlson’s first wicket came as a a great relief for Glamorgan with the final ball before lunch. He broke an opening stand of 140 with a full delivery that beat Ben Duckett’s sweep and took out leg stump. He returned to pick up a second wicket in the over before tea, a delivery that spun in to hit the off stump of Steven Crook.After tea, a similar delivery bowled Rory Kleinveldt and he then induced David Murphy and Graeme White into driving to Graham Wagg at short extra-cover to complete an extraordinary debut.Carlson finished off what was an impressive comeback from Glamorgan. The home side were in a commanding position at lunch, 140 for 1, but as some heavier cloud rolled in and the breeze picked up, batting became less straightforward. Glamorgan, to their credit, also bowled with far more discipline and took 5 for 45 in the second session.It was Wagg who made the breakthrough in the afternoon, shaping a delivery back into the right-handed Rob Newton just enough to take an inside edge into the stumps – Newton gone for 78. Rob Keogh followed in identical fashion for just 5, with Timm van der Gugten the successful bowler.In between those dismissals, Alex Wakely edged David Lloyd’s medium pace to slip and when Saif Zaib was splendidly caught by Jacques Rudolph running back from mid-on as Zaib looked to hit Owen Morgan down the ground, Northants’ ambitions of a large first-innings total were checked.It was quite a turnaround from the morning session, when Duckett went past fifty for the sixth time this year in the County Championship, from 65 balls. Among his eight fours featured the odd moment of fortune – an early drive wide of the slip cordon and a top-edged cut over second slip – and his six was a miscued pull that flew over long leg.Duckett’s opening partner Newton made his own half-century in 81 balls but his afternoon dismissal was the beginning of Northants’ collapse.

With takeover talks ongoing over the sale of Manchester United, Sky Sports pundit Kieran Maguire has reacted to the latest rumours from Old Trafford in an interview with Football Insider.

What is the latest on Man United's potential takeover?

The Red Devils are on the market, with several parties interested in potentially buying the Premier League outfit. A sale has been on the cards for months now too, with current owners the Glazers allowing the team to go through three stages of a bidding process so far in order to see any further offers for the side.

The two frontrunners to takeover at United are currently Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani from Qatar. Both have made bids to be handed the reins at Old Trafford but, as of yet, neither has officially been confirmed as being accepted by the Glazers. However, recent reports suggest that it is the offer from the Qatar-based group that is the "preferred" offer.

If Al Thani was to buy the Red Devils, it would be a "full takeover" from the new owners. If Ratcliffe was to buy the Premier League outfit, he could leave the Glazers on the board, with this latest report stating he may buy only just over 50 per cent of the team. That is an option that is likely to "anger" Man United supporters according to Sky Sports pundit Kieran Maguire via Football Insider, who stated that it could "allow the Glazers to have an element of input".

He said: "If they’re [The Glazers] allowed a 20 per cent threshold, there’s no obligation from Sir Jim Ratcliffe to give them a seat on the board. But that could be part of the negotiation strategy by the Glazers to demand that they stay in the boardroom. However, having a voice on the board isn’t the same as controlling the board.

"Ultimately, that would be by Sir Jim’s team, but it would allow the Glazers to have an element of input. I have a suspicion that it would anger quite a few Manchester United fans."

Would either takeover option be better for Man United?

The Red Devils supporters have displayed their annoyance at current owners the Glazers on several occasions since their tenure began, with fans even angry at them taking over before any deal had been completed.

Their ire has only increased since, with protests regularly arranged at Old Trafford in order to show their unhappiness at the Americans. It would therefore be a better option for the businessmen to have no further involvement with the club when they do decide to sell up, as supporters have recently demanded a complete sale. Whilst Ratcliffe's ownership would take some power away from the Glazers, they could still have some involvement – and therefore the Qatar bid seems the better option for everyone involved at Old Trafford.

Manchester United will find it extremely difficult this summer to bring Napoli striker Victor Osimhen to Old Trafford, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Victor Osimhen?

As per Cinque Minuti via The Daily Mail, Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has signalled that the Serie A champions will not sell Osimhen this summer despite significant interest in his services from around Europe.

Despite Manchester United being keen on the Nigeria international, De Laurentiis has recently indicated that he will be a stubborn presence to deal with regarding Osimhen, stating: "I will not sell Victor Osimhen this summer – no way!"

Football Insider have also backed up the notion that it may be difficult for the Red Devils to land the 24-year-old, claiming that Manchester United are ready to 'pull the plug' on their pursuit of the striker.

The report states that Osimhen would cost over £100 million, something which has put off Manchester United chiefs and there are also believed to be concerns over his injury record and lack of Premier League experience.

Capology understand that Osimhen earns around €104,808 (£91,047) per week at Napoli on a contract that runs until June 2025.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones has echoed the sentiment that it may prove tricky for Manchester United to sign Osimhen in the forthcoming off-season.

Jones told FFC when asked about De Laurentiis's comments: "When he says there's no chance he leaves, I never believe that there's no chance of any player leaving, but I do believe that it's a slim chance he leaves. Obviously, he's won Serie A now, they've had a good run in the Champions League, which they'll look to go again at. I mean, the celebrations we saw in Naples were unbelievable and they've got obviously, three star names in that squad that they're fighting to keep hold of now and I think Osimhen is just so important to them, it's going to be a really hard get for anyone."

What have Victor Osimhen's stats been like this season?

Osimhen, who has been hailed as the "best striker in the world", has been in superb form for Napoli this term, netting 28 goals and laying on five assists in 35 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored also note that the Nigerian has had a monstrous 4.2 shots per match on average in Serie A, illustrating why he has become one of the most feared strikers in Europe.

FBRef show that the 24-year-old has excelled in comparison to his positional peers over the last 365 days, coming in the top percentile of non-penalty goals among strikers per 90 minutes, with a figure of 0.90 per outing.

Unsurprisingly, Napoli want to keep hold of Osimhen and they may end up disappointing many interested suitors this summer as they look to retain his services at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Liverpool have deployed chiefs to assess Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha ahead of a potential summer move to Anfield, according to reports.

What's the latest on Palhinha to Liverpool?

The Reds are known to be in the market for a few new central-midfield additions during the upcoming window, with four players in that position set to be out of contract and therefore likely to be on their way out, and Palhinha has been identified as a possible candidate.

The Portugal international only arrived at Craven Cottage back in July, but has taken the Premier League by storm, as in his 31 appearances to date, has quickly become Marco Silva’s best-performing defensive player with a match rating of 6.99, as per WhoScored.

GiveMeSport reports that Jurgen Klopp had his eyes on the SW6 talisman even before he joined the Whites, so has clearly been a long-term admirer of his target, though a deal won’t be easy to complete with another four years still to run on his contract at Craven Cottage.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have “sent scouts” to monitor Palhinha on several occasions as they weigh up making an official approach ahead of the 2023/24 term. The Merseyside outfit have a “strong relationship” with his agency, Gestifute, which is owned by Jorge Mendes – the same agent who also acts for Fabinho, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez. The Reds are hoping to bring in “multiple” midfielders at the end of the season as the boss plots a huge overhaul and the £50k-per-week talent is one of the names on his list of options.

Would Palhinha be a good signing for Liverpool?

Palhinha may not be as high-profile a player as the likes of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and Chelsea’s Mason Mount, who Liverpool have also been linked with, but the man dubbed an “artist” by journalist Josh Bunting, could be a fantastic acquisition at Anfield.

The 6 foot 3 ace is naturally a defensive midfielder, as displayed by him ranking in the 99th percentile for tackles – making 105 this season alone, winning 60 in total, which is higher than any of his fellow teammates, as per FBRef.

The Lisbon native is also capable of contributing to his side’s efforts in the final third having scored four goals since joining, with this form at both ends of the pitch. And perhaps more importantly, his influence on the Fulham team is stark.

Indeed, Fulham have lost every game he has not featured in this season, such is his impact in midfield. Therefore, whilst his price tag remains to be seen, we think there is enough evidence for FSG to splash the cash to secure his services later in the summer.

HLTCO host Dan Cook has claimed that there must have been "sizeable" issues at Crystal Palace under former boss Patrick Vieira following the club's sudden change in form.

What's the latest on Roy Hodgson and Crystal Palace?

In the Premier League this weekend, the Eagles stunned many as they cruised to a 5-1 win against relegation rivals Leeds United at Elland Road.

Indeed, Jordan Ayew stole headlines as he netted a brace, but goals from Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze, and Odsonne Edouard helped new manager Roy Hodgson make it two wins from two since returning to Palace.

Considering the club were sliding towards the bottom three, on a run of 12 games without a win, before sacking Vieira, such a quick turnaround in form has been quite remarkable.

Of course, changes at the top often do cause a bit of a new manager bounce but while speaking about it all on the HLTCO podcast, Cook has suggested that something must have been amiss behind the scenes under their former head coach.

He explained (2:04) “I think at this stage, we have to look and say that there cannot have been any smoke without fire. You know, there must have been pretty sizeable things wrong behind the scenes.

"Because the way that Roy Hodgson and Ray Lewington have come into the squad and galvanised it, the joy that these players are playing, with the smiles on their faces, the freedom in an attacking sense that we are suddenly seen, is not something you can just click your fingers and cultivate.

"It has to have come because of a release of a pressure valve, because of a difference in the way that the coaches have approached things, because of a structural differentiation when it comes to training and the way that we are going about things.”

How many goals have Palace scored since Hodgson returned?

Hodgson certainly has been in good form in his press conferences after returning to the South London club he managed prior to leaving in the summer of 2021.

Indeed, he eloquently told The Independent about how he and his coaching team must act as "orchestra leaders" to get his players to play hit the right notes and perform with real quality for the rest of the season.

He certainly got things right on the weekend and it does feel as though a weight has been lifted off the Palace squad. Indeed, the Eagles have seven goals in their last two games since Hodgson arrived. Prior to that, they had one in their last five.

That doesn't reflect too well on the now-departed Vieira. No wonder, Cook suspects something was a little off behind the scenes.