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Head coach Hemantha Devapriya is optimistic about Sri Lanka’s batting prowess after a demonstrable improvement in the Women’s World Cup earlier this year

Madushka Balasuriya 05-Oct-2017Sri Lanka women have left for their tour of the West Indies, beginning from October 11, in high spirits, boosted by a positive showing with the bat in this year’s Women’s World Cup in England.Despite losing six of their seven World Cup matches, the team crossed the 200-mark four times – one of which was a winning total of 221 for 7 against Pakistan in their final game – and came close in two other losing causes, with the only real blemish being their drubbing at the hands of South Africa when they were bowled out for 101.”[Prior to the tournament] a concern was that we were not getting close to 200. The team used to average 130, which was not good enough. But in the seven matches in the World Cup, we averaged 190 [195],” said head coach Hemantha Devapriya.This drastic improvement was in part down to the fine form of Chamari Atapattu, who was responsible for one the highlights of the tournament when she bludgeoned an unbeaten 178 in 143 balls against Australia. The rest of the team more than held their own though, thanks to a new-found focus on rotating the strike.”We developed a range of shots to increase the number of singles. We were therefore able to increase from an average of 40 runs, to 80 at the World Cup through singles,” Devapriya explained.The inclusion of wicketkeeper-batsman Rebeca Vandort in the 15-player squad travelling to the West Indies highlights the team’s intent of doubling down on their batting strength. Seven specialist batsmen in total have been included in the squad, while the likes of Shashikala Siriwardene, Atapattu and Sripali Weerakkody offer options with both bat and ball.The team will face the West Indies in three ODIs and three T20s.Sri Lanka squad: Inoka Ranaweera (capt), Sripali Weerakkody, Rebeca Vandort (wk), Prasadani Weerakkody, Chamari Atapattu, Dilani Manodara, Nipuni Hansika, Hasini Perera, Yashoda Mendis, Chandima Gunaratne, Hansima Karunaratne, Shashikala Siriwardene, Ama Kanchana, Achini Kulasuriya, Udeshika Prabodhani

Aston Villa are plotting a summer move to sign free agent Adama Traore, according to fresh reports.

Where is Adama Traore now?

The right-winger was most recently at Wolverhampton Wanderers where he made a total of 194 appearances, but with his deal there having expired which saw him depart on July 1, he is now technically able to speak to other clubs, and the Old Gold's sporting director Matt Hobbs has delivered an update on his future. He said:

“As the manager said in his press conferences recently, Adama is a player we’d like to keep and we’re still talking to him. He’s now out of contract, but it doesn’t mean there’s not an opportunity to still come to an agreement, so conversations will be ongoing. He’s probably earned the right to understand what else is out there.”

Read The Latest Aston Villa Transfer News HERE…

The Spaniard will already be familiar with life across the Midlands having had a one-year spell with Unai Emery’s side from 2015-16, which despite being a period of time that didn’t work out as a result of him leaving after a single season, his name is once again being brought onto the radar of chiefs at Villa Park.

Are Aston Villa signing Adama Traore?

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are “plotting a surprise move” for Traore ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. NSWE and Monchi have “set their sights” on the attacker and are “turning their attention” towards trying to get a deal over the line having placed him on a “shortlist” of transfer targets.

Wolves have tabled their former talisman a new “contract offer”, but it’s less than his previous one meaning that he’s more likely to want to start afresh elsewhere, with Emery looking to add “pace and cutting edge” to his frontline.

During his time at Wolves, Traore posted 34 goal contributions (20 assists and 14 goals) across all competitions, and whilst the 27-year-old’s first spell at Aston Villa was short, it would be an absolute bargain to once again secure his services for the cost of nothing having been dubbed a “monster” by members of the media.

The Gestifute client, who has the versatility to operate in seven different positions over the grass, last season ranked in the 93rd percentile for successful take-ons and recorded 81 crosses which was more than any other of his teammates, via FBRef, highlighting his ability to dribble past his marker and whip balls into the box for his strikers.

Spain’s eight-cap international also has a decent record against Villa, having secured four victories and registering one assist when part of the opposition’s team, so if he can perform well for the away side, imagine what he’d be capable of under the guidance of Emery.

Villa recently secured the signing of Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen who is also a right-winger, but this doesn't seem to have stopped the hierarchy from looking at a deal for Traore, so should he put pen to paper, the boss will have two new solid options to choose from on that side of the flank next season.

Arsenal are reportedly taking an interest in Crystal Palace sensation Michael Olise, as Mikel Arteta eyes additional reinforcements to bolster his side this window.

The summer has started brightly for the Gunners, who secured the signings of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice, however, the spending is not set to dry up yet, with latest news linking the north Londoners to the Premier League gem.

Could Arsenal sign Michael Olise?

As reported by 90min this week, the French dynamo has gained interest from fellow sides in the Premier League, with the north Londoners named among them.

The Gunners are joined by top-flight rivals Chelsea and Manchester City, as clubs that have ‘registered an interest’ in the 21-year-old.

The report also claims that the former Reading star is suspected to have a £35m release clause in place in his contract at Selhurst Park – a fair fee for one of the league’s most promising talents.

How good is Michael Olise?

Once lauded as an “all-rounder” by scout Jacek Kulig, the young talent is best identified for his versatility to play in most areas of attack.

Primarily used on the right flank at Selhurst Park, the France U21 international has asserted himself as one of the most threatening players in the league.

Signed by the Eagles from Reading for a fee around the £8m mark in 2021, Olise has seen his market value rise to around £23.2m to coincide with his development, as per FootballTransfers.

At just 21, the youngster ranks in the top 7% of those in his position throughout Europe’s top five leagues for his frequency of assists, averaging 0.36 per 90 over the past year, via FBref.

A creative player, the London-born gem registered 11 assists in 37 appearances for Palace, as well as scoring twice in last season's Premier League competition.

For Arsenal, and more importantly Arteta, obtaining a talent as bright as Olise could be fundamental to the Gunners’ reinstatement as one of the best sides in Europe, as he is a player that could bring so much to the Emirates.

One current squad member, in particular, could benefit from the presence of the Frenchman, that being Gabriel Jesus, who had an impressive first term in north London after making the move from City last summer.

Making 17 goal contributions in only 26 Premier League appearances, the versatile Brazilian frontman could have his game bolstered by the playmaking winger, who could thrive in playing alongside a figure as dynamic as the former City man.

Also previously hailed as “electric”, the 21-year-old became the youngest player to assist three goals from open play in one game in the Premier League, showcasing just how much of a threat he brings from wide areas, via OptaJoe.

Whilst Arsenal’s squad is packed with creative outlets, the pace and vision of Olise could benefit Jesus as a player that could fit perfectly in exchanging play with the 26-year-old striker, who was a prominent figure in piecing together attacks for the Gunners.

Averaging an impressive 2.36 key passes per 90 last season, the Palace gem exceeded Arteta’s key creator Martin Odegaard, who managed an average of 2.19 per 90 in the Premier League.

The French target could be given an explosive forward to target in his play-making exploits, providing Jesus with an added pathway in the final third to the benefit of all at the club.

Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion have a "great relationship" and are "talking about a deal behind the scenes" for Ecuadorian superstar Moises Caicedo, claims transfer insider Ben Jacobs.

It's hoped that the informal conversations between the two sides will increase the likelihood of an official bid being accepted at the first time of asking.

Chelsea transfer news – What's the latest on Moises Caicedo to Chelsea?

There's no such thing as a quiet transfer window at Stamford Bridge, and that has once again been borne out this year, with the West London club engaging in something of a fire sale over the last few weeks.

The club have shipped off several players from the team that helped them win their second Champions League two years ago to the ludicrously wealthy Saudi Pro League while seeing academy graduates Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount join AC Milan and Manchester United, respectively.

There have also been a few incomings in the guise of Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig and youngster Diego Moreira from Benfica B.

However, the biggest signing the Pensioners look set to make over the coming weeks is midfield maestro Caicedo, who has been hailed as the "crown jewel", with the Guardian reporting that the Seagulls want £100m.

What has journalist Ben Jacobs said about the situation surrounding Moises Caicedo and Chelsea?

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "The clubs have got a great relationship and rather than going back and forwards with formal offers, they're very much talking about a deal behind the scenes to try and see what is possible, verbally and slightly more informally.

"So, when, and I think it is fair to say when, Chelsea place a formal offer, again, for Moises Caicedo, there's a higher confidence that there'll be a framework there for success or just an offer actually being accepted.

Who are Chelsea's most expensive signings ever?

Chelsea are a club that has become synonymous with free-spending and extravagance since their takeover by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in 2003.

That hasn't changed under their new owners and Todd Boehly; if anything, they're spending more, breaking the record for the most amount spent in the January transfer window earlier this year, forking out an eye-watering £323m on eight players in just a month. So who are their three most expensive signings ever?

In third spot is new boy and Ukrainian international Mykhailo Mudryk, who joined Chelsea this January in a deal work £88.5m after being heavily linked to Arsenal for much of the preceding month.

It's fair to say that things haven't gone entirely to plan for the tricky winger yet, as other than a brief cameo against Liverpool in February, he is yet to show fans why he cost as much as he did, with no goals and just two assists in his 15 Premier League appearances.

Coming in at number two is Belgian international Romelu Lukaku, who the Blues spent a hefty £97.7m on to prise from Inter Milan, something they undoubtedly regret doing now.

To say the former Everton man's time in West London has been a disaster would be an understatement, as, after a poor first season at the club, he was immediately loaned back to Inter, who now look set to re-sign him for a fraction of what they sold him for.

And Chlesea's most expensive signing in the club's history is another new boy, World Cup-winning midfielder Enzo Fernandez who cost a whopping £106.8m from Benfica.

Unlike Mudryk, Fernandez has already shown some promise in midfield and, under Mauricio Pochettino, could flourish and end up being well worth the massive outlay the club paid to get him.

Manchester United are in the market to find their next superstar to take on the number nine role at Old Trafford and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target who could be perfect for the role.

Will Randal Kolo Muani sign for Man United?

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United are continuing talks to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani this summer.

As per the report, Erik ten Hag is keen to have a new striker in place before his squad returns for pre-season training and the Red Devils are continuing to hold discussions for their main centre-forward targets with Kolo Muani named alongside Rasmus Hojlund.

Is Kolo Muani a good prospect for Man United?

There is no doubt that the signing of a striker will be the top priority for Ten Hag in his pursuit to rebuild the squad and lead the club back to dominance in both domestic football and on the European stage.

The Red Devils failed to replace Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese superstar made a shock departure just a few months into last season and instead secured a six-month loan for Wout Weghorst which spectacularly failed with the Dutchman only finding the back of the net twice during his short spell.

As a result, the signing of Kolo Muani would be a major coup for Ten Hag if he can secure a deal for the talented titan this summer and could spark a dangerous goal-threatening partnership between the Frankfurt ace and Marcus Rashford next season.

Over 46 appearances last term, the 24-year-old France international scored 23 goals and delivered 17 assists in all competitions, with a goal contribution every 91 minutes, an output that would be incredibly valuable to Ten Hag.

In fact, no Man United player was able to match Kolo Muani's impressive output in front of goal with Rashford the only player coming close to his numbers with 39 goal contributions in all competitions last season.

Therefore, combining the England international's goal threat with Kolo Muani's could set the team's attack up as a devastating force for years to come.

The talented 6 foot 1 goal machine – who has a reported €90m (£77m) price tag – has been the recipient of high praise for his standout performances in the Bundesliga, with former Bayern Munich ace and Sky Sport pundit Lothar Matthäus claiming:

"Kolo Muani is a major asset for the Bundesliga. He has remarkable technical ability, he's ice-cold in front of goal and he really throws himself into challenges.

"The most impressive thing is that he's performing in every game. I can't remember a match where he's played badly. That's the mark of a future superstar."

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Ten Hag to snap up the services of Kolo Muani this summer.

Indeed, combining his strengths with the prowess of Rashford next season could prove to make Man United unstoppable against their opponents in the Premier League and on the biggest stage of all; the Champions League.

Nottingham Forest may have found the perfect Brennan Johnson replacement as the Tricky Trees eye Sydney van Hooijdonk, according to reports from Italy.

What's the latest Nottingham Forest transfer news? – Sydney van Hooijdonk identified

After escaping relegation last season, Forest are keen to strengthen their squad and build on the back of their first season back in the Premier League, with the club linked to a number of different players.

Former Premier League defender Roman Saiss is reportedly on the club's radar, with Steve Cooper determined to strengthen the team's back line.

Forest have also identified a Keylor Navas replacement after the goalkeeper returned to Paris Saint-Germain, with Citta Celeste reporting that the club have made an offer for Lazio's Luis Maximiano.

On the flip side, one man that may be leaving the Forest Ground is talisman Johnson.

According to reports, the 22-year-old has caught the attention of Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton, so the club have begun searching for a possible successor.

Well, it seems they've found the perfect replacement in Bologna's van Hooijdonk, according to Corriere Di Bologna.

How does Sydney van Hooijdonk compare to Brennan Johnson?

While the 23-year-old dynamo was primarily played as a centre-forward last season during his loan spell at Eredivisie side, SC Heerenveen, he is also more than capable of putting a shift in on the left wing and Forest have identified him as a possible successor to Johnson.

On paper, the two men aren't all that similar, but in van Hooijdonk, Forest would replace Johnson with a natural goalscorer.

The Dutch forward scored 19 goals in all competitions last season, double the tally that the Englishman put up himself, whilst in the past, talent scout Jacek Kulig has described the "prolific" frontman as a "target man" who has "athleticism," with the latter attribute comparing well to Cooper's current gem.

With an average WhoScored rating of 6.83, van Hooijdonk out-performed Johnson who averaged a score of 6.49, and the two men put up a similar number of key passes, with van Hooijdonk averaging 0.5 a game, while the Forest man averaged 0.7.

Having controlled the ball with his feet 426 times last season, the Dutchman showed a similar ability to Johnson, who controlled the ball 450 times with his feet last season.

With the Forest man set to fetch the club at least £30m in any potential move away, and van Hooijdonk valued at just £2.5m, the forward would be a bargain for the club and offer a worthy successor to the talented Englishman.

Interestingly, the 6 foot 3 Bologna man's father Pierre played for Forest in the late 1990s, and the deal ended sourly when the former player refused to play for the club towards the end of his time there, drawing criticism from fans and his teammates, so the 23-year-old could potentially offer the chance to rewrite the van Hooijdonk name in the eyes of the club and everyone surrounding it.

Tottenham Hotspur are a 'suitor in the race' to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer as Ange Postecoglou gets down to work in N17, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Conor Gallagher?

As per Football London, Tottenham hold an interest in Gallagher this summer and have him on a list of potential targets as boss Postecoglou earmarks areas of his squad he would be keen to strengthen.

The 23-year-old is expected to leave Chelsea this off-season and Newcastle United were also previously linked with a swoop for the England international.

90min report that Brighton & Hove Albion are in discussions with Gallagher as they try to bring the £50k-a-week ace to the Amex Stadium and they have set their sights on him as a potential replacement for departed midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

West Ham United have shortlisted Gallagher as David Moyes looks to build on their impressive Europa Conference League-winning campaign at the London Stadium, signifying that there is plenty of interest in the Epsom-born star from Premier League suitors.

According to The Daily Mail, it may cost in the region of £40 million for any interested parties to prize Gallagher away from Chelsea this window.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has indicated that several clubs will be looking to sign Gallagher this summer.

Jacobs told FFC: "The indication in the last window was that Chelsea would be looking for about £40 million for the player and at that point, clubs like Everton and Newcastle and Crystal Palace were all looking. Gallagher wasn't keen on Everton at the time, Newcastle never really escalated their interest and Crystal Palace have always been keen because, of course,

"West Ham will be looking to strengthen in the midfield area, both a defensive midfielder and an attacking midfielder or a box-to-box one. There'll be several clubs looking at Conor Gallagher."

How did Conor Gallagher fare for Chelsea in 2022/23?

Gallagher, who has been hailed as a "warrior", was a regular for Chelsea across the season, though he struggled to influence their disappointing 12th place in the Premier League as the Blues collectively flattered to deceive.

In 2022/23, the England international amassed 45 appearances in all competitions, registering three goals and one assist, as per Transfermarkt.

As per WhoScored, Gallagher remained strong in the tackle throughout the campaign and averaged around 1.3 successful challenges per match in the English top flight.

FBRef show that Gallagher was also able to drive his side forward from the middle of the park with regularity, successfully carrying out 59 shot-creating actions.

Tottenham may be interested in his services; however, they will likely have to battle with several other clubs to secure his signature this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed the green light from Ange Postecoglou that he is keen to take on the vacant managerial role in north London.

Who is Ange Postecoglou?

Daniel Levy saw Antonio Conte leave the club back in March following a run of underwhelming results amid the Italian's ongoing issues off the pitch.

But the off-field issues did not end there for Spurs with Fabio Paratici also leaving the club after the director of football was caught up in legal issues from his past.

However, Tottenham could now be heading in the right direction to get their plans for the future underway with the managerial vacancy expected to be filled in the coming days.

Indeed, it is believed the Celtic manager, Postecoglou, will take the reins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium having completed the Scottish treble on the weekend with the Bhoys.

The 57-year-old has never managed in one of Europe's top five leagues with the opportunity at Parkhead presenting him with his first role in the United Kingdom.

However, the Australian is seemingly keen to make the step up to the Premier League with Alex Crook telling TalkSPORT the Celtic boss has informed Spurs of his desire to take the job:

"What I was told last night [Sunday] by sources close to Postecoglou, that it's pretty much a done deal, but he's already given Tottenham the indication that he wants to job obviously still have to formally approach Celtic. They were holding off out of respect until after that cup final at the weekend.

"But it won't be a complicated one because Postecoglou has a 12-month rolling contract, so compensation won't be an issue for Spurs."

Where has Postecoglou managed before?

The Australian has a very short history of managing in Europe with the job at Parkhead marking just his second role on the continent having previously managed Panachaiki in Greece.

Prior to taking the role at Celtic, Postecoglou had mainly managed in his homeland and Japan with Yokohama but it is apparent he has made a positive impression on those within the Premier League.

Indeed, it is believed Spurs were not the only side to have looked at Postecoglou as a potential option with Leeds United and Leicester City – prior to the relegation – both linked with the Australian.

Although some Spurs fans may not look at these links as positives, it is worth mentioning that Postecoglou was also a serious candidate for the job at Brighton & Hove Albion when Graham Potter left.

Again, the Seagulls who many may view as the best-run club in the league, are believed to be seriously keen on one of the Asian stars which Postecoglou has introduced to Europe in Reo Hatate.

Postecoglou may not be a familiar name with some just yet, however, Spurs fans could take a lot of optimism from the attention he has received from the likes of the Brighton board.

After all, Spurs have tried the big names with the likes of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, perhaps it is now time to try a manager who could bring the fanbase back together.

أعرب وسام أبوعلي، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، عن سعادته بالعودة للمشاركة في التدريبات الجماعية بعد تعافيه من الإصابة، ووجوده ضمن بعثة الأهلي المتواجدة حالياً في غانا لخوض مباراة ميدياما في دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ويلتقى الأهلي مع ميدياما الغاني، على أرضية استاد TNA بارك بمدينة كوماسي الغانية في خضم منافسات الجولة الخامسة من دور المجموعات، في السادسة من مساء غد الجمعة.

وقال وسام أبوعلي في تصريحات للموقع الرسمي للأهلي: “سبق لي السفر مع الفريق في معسكر الإمارات وخوضت مباريات ودية، إلا أن وجودي مع الأهلي في غانا أمر مختلف، نحن مقبلين على مباراة صعبة أمام ميدياما، وفي بطولة بحجم دوري أبطال إفريقيا التي يتطلع الأهلي إلى التتويج بها، وإضافة لقب جديد للنادي على الصعيد القاري”.

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وأضاف: “أنا سعيد بوجودي مع الأهلي، ولدي حماس كبير للتواجد مع الفريق ومساعدته خلال المباريات الرسمية، كما أن المشاركة مع الأهلي خلال المواجهات الرسمية سوف تساهم في زيادة معدل انسجامي مع الفريق، أترقب ظهوري الأول على المستوى الرسمي”.

وأوضح: “سعيد بالدعم الكبير الذي وجدته منذ وصولي لمصر وانضمامي للأهلي، سواء على المستوى الجماهيري أو زملائي بالفريق، وهذا يسعدني ويمنحني دوافع قوية في بداية مشواري”.

واختتم: “أحلم بالتتويج بجميع البطولات مع الأهلي سواء على المستوى القاري أو المحلي، لإسعاد جماهير النادي التي طالما وجدت منها كل الدعم والمساندة لي في بداية مشواري”.

تغنى المدير الفني لمنتخب جنوب إفريقيا الأول، هوجو بروس، بحارسه، رونوين ويليامز، بعد تألقه وقيادته للأولاد من أجل التأهل إلى دور نصف النهائي من كأس أمم إفريقيا.

ونجح ويليامز في التصدي إلى 4 ركلات جزاء أمام الرأس الأخضر في نهاية المباراة أوصلت جنوب إفريقيا إلى المربع الذهبي لمواجهة نيجيريا يوم، الأربعاء المقبل.

ولكن قبل الوصول إلى ركلات الجزاء كان هناك تصدي رائع من ويليامز حيث أنقذ مرماه من هدف في الدقيقة 91 كان كفيلًا بمنح التأهل لصالح الرأس الأخضر.

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وقال بروس عن حارسه في المؤتمر الصحفي: “ما حدث ليس حظًا، لدينا حارس جيد للغاية، إذا تمكن من التصدي لأربع ركلات جزاء فهذا لم يعد حظًا”.

واستمر: “لم يفعل ذلك فحسب، بل أنقذنا أيضًا قبل دقيقتين من نهاية المباراة بانفراد من لاعب الرأس الأخضر، لذلك نعم كان رجلًا للمباراة، ولا يمكننا اختيار أي لاعب آخر”.

وعن ماراثون ركلات الجزاء: “كان عمري قبل 6 ساعات 71 عامًا، والآن 75، كانت مباراة مرهقة للغاية”.

والتأهل إلى نصف النهائي: “ليس لدينا ما نخسره بعد الآن، وهذا لا يعني أننا لا نريد التأهل إلى النهائي، بالعكس ولكن لم تعد هناك أي ضغوط خاصة وأننا وصلنا إلى تلك المرحلة التي لم يتوقعها أي أحد في جنوب إفريقيا قبل البطولة”.

وأتم: “أمام الرأس الأخضر، كان اللاعبون متوترين بعض الشيء، لم يلعبوا كما كان الحال في المباريات الماضية ولكننا نجحنا في تلك البطولة”.