Erik ten Hag admits that Manchester United did want to sign Harry Kane in 2023, but is backing Rasmus Hojlund to become a 30-goal striker.
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A record-breaking partnership between Josh Philippe and James Vince led the Sydney Sixers to a thumping win over BBL leaders Hobart Hurricanes at the SCG.Philippe, the 21-year-old tyro, and Vince, the wily English pro, broke all manner of records as they mowed down a target of 173 with nine wickets and 17 balls to spare.The pair came together at 1 for 6 in the first over and put on an unbroken 167 in just 16.3 overs. It was a new record partnership for Sixers franchise, the fourth highest in BBL history and the highest second-wicket stand in the eight years of the competition. Philippe, whose previous best in T20s was 30 not out, batted through the chase, making 86 not out from just 49 balls with nine fours and three sixes. Meanwhile, Vince made 74 not out, his second straight score of 70-plus.Earlier, the Hurricanes’ total of 4 for 172 looked competitive on a turning SCG track but ended up being well under par. Matthew Wade made yet another half-century and put on another half-century stand with D’Arcy Short. But they battled to get the Sixers spinners Ben Manenti and Steve O’Keefe away in the middle overs, and without a late cameo from George Bailey may well have fallen short of 170.1 for 225
Wade and Short just continued from their unbroken 158-run stand to beat the Adelaide Strikers none down. There was sharp spin in the opening over from Manenti, which meant caution was required early. But they found their groove yet again. They were simply flawless while keeping the rate above eight by targeting the pace of Tom Curran and Sean Abbott with five boundaries in the last three overs to get to 0 for 49 after six overs. It was the fifth time in 10 games they did not lose a wicket in the Powerplay. They kicked on to their ninth 50-plus partnership in the BBL, and the total partnership across the last two games reached 225 before Short holed out at deep midwicket.James Vince brought up his half-century off 36 balls•Getty Images
Better Bailey than neverWade reached fifty and was involved in some verbal niggle with Tom Curran and Moises Henriques. But while a 67-run stand between Wade and Ben McDermott appeared to be putting the Hurricanes in a powerful position, the run-rate slipped under eight as the spin of Manenti and O’Keefe proved hard to collar.Wade’s dismissal brought in Bailey, who has been arguably the most valuable player in the tournament for the role that he plays. Under pressure in the death overs he has delivered time and again. He gave himself four balls to get the pace of the wicket in the 18th and 19th overs but none were dots. In the 20thover he hit two fours and an incredible six over long-off, scooping it with the bottom hand. He scored 22 from nine balls to turn a total of 160 into 4 for 172. He now has 264 runs in the tournament at a strike-rate of 161.96. No other player in the tournament with more than 250 runs has a strike-rate higher than 145.Philippe fireworks
Philippe dominated the Powerplays in the JLT Cup 50-over competition for Western Australia in October at the top of the order. He then plundered 57 off 53 balls for the Prime Minister’s XI facing two of the world’s best fast bowlers in Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada in the Powerplay. But it took the Sydney Sixers nine games and four different openers to work out Philippe might be worth a try at the top.After scoring 17 off 11 to give the Sixers a fast start in the win over Brisbane Heat, he stepped up a gear on Wednesday. He lost his opening partner Daniel Hughes in the first over of the chase, but proceeded to smash 46 off 22 in the Powerplay to help the Sixers to 67 for 1, the equal-highest Powerplay score of the tournament. The best attack in the BBL was rendered helpless by Philippe’s fast hands and fast feet. He scored all around the ground, thumping three boundaries off the spin of Clive Rose and three off the pace of Jofra Archer in consecutive overs.Vintage Vince
Philippe cruised to his first T20 half-century off just 25 balls and allowed Vince to settle in. The pair scored at an electric rate without appearing to take too many risks. Not only did they thump 15 fours and five sixes between them, they also ran 12 twos. Vince cruised to his second successive fifty while Philippe crowned his career-best 86 not out with two extraordinary shots to finish the game – an inside out cover drive for six followed by a deft scoop over the keeper’s head.
It's been reported this week that Chelsea are "set to cash in" on one of their "selfless" players next month, even if he actually wants to stay.
Chelsea transfer plans for January
Despite spending in and around £400 million in the summer transfer window, Mauricio Pochettino's side have undergone a mixed bag of form so far this season.
Sitting in and around mid-table, the Blues could seriously improve in some areas, as some issues arguably lie both in defence and further forward.
2023 signing now "wants to leave" Chelsea, they'll allow it for £35 million
The Blues need to offload players.
ByEmilio Galantini Dec 8, 2023
Long-serving centre-back Thiago Silva also looks set to leave Chelsea when his contract expires in 2024, prompting reports that chairman Todd Boehly and co are eyeing his successor.
Chelsea have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah in this regard, while other media sources believe Napoli star Victor Osimhen is a top target for Pochettino as he chases a prolific goalscorer.
Boehly's heavy spending over the last 12 months, though, means Chelsea may have to sell on more of their squad members in an attempt to comply with FFP.
Chelsea "set to cash in" on Chalobah
This is echoed by TEAMtalk, who claim that outgoings are set to be a big theme of Chelsea's January transfer business.
One player who now seems more and more likely to leave is versatile defender, Trevoh Chalobah. The 24-year-old seems out of favour under Pochettino, with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest thought to be potential landing spots for him mid-season.
The player himself wants to remain at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea are "set to cash in" on Chalobah regardless. The Englishman has been in west London since childhood, though it now appears likely he'll wave goodbye to his boyhood club in January.
While Pochettino doesn't see Chalobah as viable for the long-term, he's a player who appears to have split opinion at Chelsea over the last 12 months.
Former interim boss Frank Lampard, for instance, was actually a big fan of his.
“He’s such a selfless lad. He doesn’t say ‘I want to play in this position,” said Lampard to the media last season.
“Maybe (his best position) will become apparent, but I think he’s played really well in a back three for the club. (He had) a really good period when he first got into the team, he can play well as a centre-back in a back four and at right-back. The bigger picture is the way he’s been applying himself since I’ve come back.
“He’s a delight to train with every day because he comes in with an enthusiasm, low maintenance, and when you talk about the things you want, he tries to do them on the pitch, which is a great thing.
“In my short period here, you look at what are the games and the individual players, I’ve been very happy. I was looking forward to working with Trev because I didn’t get that chance when I was here before.”
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing attacking reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window, with a host of star names already being linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s side have suffered a dull start to the 2023/24 campaign, as despite sitting just five points out of the top four, the quality of football on show has been questionable.
As well as the lack in quality of overall performance, United are yet to see great success from their summer arrivals, particularly the two attackers signed in the bid to bolster the threat in the final third.
Manchester United summer arrivals
Player
Fee
Club
Rasmus Hojlund
£72m
Atalanta
Mason Mount
£60m
Chelsea
Andre Onana
£47.2m
Inter Milan
Sofyan Amrabat
Loan
Fiorentina
Altay Bayindir
£4.3m
Fenerbahce
Jonny Evans
Free
Leicester City
Sergio Reguilon
Loan
Tottenham Hotspur
All fees via Sky Sports
Striker Rasmus Hojlund is yet to score or assist in nine Premier League appearances, while attacking midfielder Mason Mount is also without a goal contribution in eight league appearances, a dire beginning for the duo that cost a combined £132m.
Putting the summer window behind them, United could find better inspiration in January, with some top-quality forwards referenced as talent eyed by the Red Devils.
Manchester United transfer targets – attackers
News in Spain, relayed by The Faithful MUFC, claimed that the Premier League outfit could offer a wage of £690k-per-week to lure Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann to England.
It’s been revealed that the 32-year-old has a release clause of just €25m (£22m) in Madrid, making him a particularly attractive target for Ten Hag to consider in the future.
While the France international poses an interesting option for the Red Devils, he isn’t the only forward said to be admired at Old Trafford.
Last summer, the Mirror reported that United had made an inquiry over the availability of Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane, reinforcing the club’s likening of the former Manchester City star – while a move was also mooted back in April.
A report this week suggested that a renewed move could be made for the German international, from the viewpoint of Bayern’s speculated desire to sign Raphael Varane, adding that in conversation, representatives could raise the narrative of a swap deal for their former target.
The €100m (£87m) rated forward is said to be targeted by Liverpool, giving United even more of a motive to test their luck in asking for information, with Bayern’s admiration for Varane in mind.
It would take a lot for the 27-year-old to put his alliance with City aside to join United, however, it would be a sensational prospect to see Sane back in the Premier League.
Leroy Sane’s career in numbers
Having recorded 197 goal contributions in 343 senior domestic appearances so far on his journey, Sane is regarded as one of the top wide players in Europe, with his form at Bayern Munich this season some of the best in his career.
Leroy Sane's domestic career stats
Club
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Schalke
57
13
8
Manchester City
135
39
46
Bayern Munich
151
47
44
Figures via Transfermarkt
This term, the German has scored nine goals and recorded seven assists in 18 appearances, finding sanctuary on both the right and left flank in Thomas Tuchel’s setup.
It’s somewhat unsurprising that the Schalke academy product continues to hit such form at the Allianz, with fans in England familiar with the levels of his game from his time at Man City.
In his three seasons at the Etihad, Sane won two Premier League titles, and contributed to a total of 57 goals, scoring 25 and assisting 32 to assert his quality in Pep Guardiola’s highly-contested squad.
Previously lauded as “world-class” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his form in Manchester, the Gelsenkirchen-born dynamo hit a high of 25 goal contributions in 32 league appearances in the 2017/18 campaign, aged just 21.
Tuchel seems to have got the best out of the 27-year-old again, making him even more of an interesting prospect for United to consider poaching, with him ranking among the best in Europe for his gameplay over the past year.
Why Leroy Sane would be a good signing for Manchester United
If there’s one thing that United need to capture this winter, it’s a competent winger, as Ten Hag’s options on the flanks are increasingly thin and low on quality.
In Jadon Sancho and Antony, the Red Devils spent a combined £159m (£73m and £86m) to welcome the two wingers to Old Trafford, where they have since scored just 20 goals between them in a total of 138 appearances, via Transfermarkt.
With Sancho’s future now looking to be far from Manchester, and Antony’s performances being less defendable week by week – the pair both mooted for an exit of late – Sane could provide the top-class wide support craved in Ten Hag’s XI.
When considering how positive some of the club’s rivals’ wingers are, United’s weak spots are more glaringly obvious, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Mohamed Salah and Jack Grealish impressing more and more in wide areas as time goes on.
In Sane, Ten Hag could sign his answer to Salah, whom the German is statistically comparable to, according to FBref – with those at Anfield said to view him as a perfect replacement for the clinical Egyptian.
Salah's presence in the final third is fundamental to Liverpool’s success, with the 31-year-old’s direct playing style and delicate play in the box traceable in the Bayern Munich star’s approach on the flank.
United could not only equip their side with a Premier League-proven talent, but also a world-class asset that could go face-to-face with some of the best in the league, creating a significant improvement on the current options available to the manager at Old Trafford.
How Leroy Sane compares to Manchester United’s wingers
Aside from the absent Sancho and the dreary Antony, United’s wingers have struggled to hit the form that was highlighted last term, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho also finding difficulty in making an impact.
Leroy Sane vs Man Utd wingers per 90 stats over the past 365 days
Statistic
Leroy Sane
Antony
Marcus Rashford
Alejandro Garnacho
Jadon Sancho
Goals
0.40
0.12
0.46
0.17
0.26
Assists
0.37
0.08
0.16
0.17
0.13
Progressive carries
4.61
4.57
3.42
5.95
5.16
Key passes
2.42
1.50
1.11
1.17
2.91
Goal creating actions
0.73
0.25
0.54
0.67
0.40
Successful take-ons
3.85
1.66
2.12
2.01
2.38
Successful take-on %
55.0%
37.7%
41.1%
31.2%
43.9%
All figures via FBref
As portrayed in the table above, Sane has bettered United’s wingers in a host of attributes identifiable in the typical demands of a wide player’s game, based on their statistics over the past year.
It’s imperative that Ten Hag enters the January market on the prowl for a new wide threat to strengthen his side, with the Dutchman’s future at Old Trafford potentially in the balance if the squad’s performances fail to improve this term.
أشاد محمد بركات عضو مجلس إدارة الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم والمشرف على منتخب مصر الأولمبي، باللاعبين بعد تحقيق الفوز على إسبانيا في مباراة اليوم الثلاثاء.
منتخب مصر فاز على إسبانيا، بنتيجة 2-1، في مباراة الجولة الثالثة من عمر مواجهات دور المجموعات من مسابقة دورة الألعاب الأولمبية، باريس 2024.
وتأهل منتخب مصر إلي دور ربع النهائي متصدرًا لمجموعته في أولمبياد باريس، وينتظر المنتخب صاحب المركز الثاني من المجموعة الرابعة لمواجهته.
وتضم المجموعة الرابعة كل من اليابان وباراجواي ومالي والكيان الصهيوني.
طالع | المنتخبات المتأهلة إلى دور الـ8 في أولمبياد باريس 2024
وهنأ محمد بركات اللاعبين ووصفهم بأنهم أبطال ورجال بعد الفوز التاريخي على إسبانيا.
وقال بركات في حديثه للاعبين، أنتم تستطيعون الفوز على أي فريق بهذه الروح القتالية.
وكان منتخب مصر استهل مواجهاته في أولمبياد باريس، بالتعادل السلبي مع الدومينيكان، ثم حقق الفوز على أوزبكستان في الجولة الثانية بهدف دون رد.
Glasgow Rangers continued their rapid improvement under Philippe Clement with an excellent 5-0 away victory in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday evening.
Dundee were put to the sword in what was the Gers’ biggest away victory in the league for over two years, with the 6-1 win against Motherwell on 31 October 2021 the last time the side scored five or more away from Ibrox.
It was a confident performance and one that should inspire confidence amongst the supporters, but there is still a long road ahead, and with a League Cup semi-final clash coming up this weekend against Hearts, Clement will be tested once again.
The Belgian has not been able to call on several members of his squad due to injury and this has impacted who he can pick for his starting XI at the current moment in time.
Nicolas Raskin is the latest player to join the treatment table after being stretchered off against Hearts last weekend and with Clement already missing Kemar Roofe and Tom Lawrence, there is still some more quality to come into the starting XI.
The former Club Brugge manager could turn to the January transfer window, however, in order to add some much-needed squad depth to the side.
Rangers’ January transfer plans
Last week, the 49-year-old tactician discussed his plans for the coming months while speaking to the media, saying: "I am here to build the team and make them stronger – that is where my focus lies and not on any external noise.
“We need to work hard in the coming weeks and months to see what we need to do in January. With injuries, you need to find solutions but we had players who were able to step in and that is what I expect.”
Although previous manager Michael Beale spent a lot during the summer transfer window, these comments certainly suggest that Clement may be looking to add an extra body or two to the current squad.
A recent update has emerged from TEAMtalk regarding some transfer news, and it appears as though Rangers are keen on signing Jhon Arias, who plays for Brazilian side Fluminense.
The report claims that the Gers have been keeping tabs on the player, who can play across a multitude of positions, yet they are not the only admirers.
Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Burnley, and Leeds United have also checked Arias recently and his performances have evidently drawn plenty of interest from these clubs, and the Light Blues look set to face significant competition for his signature.
With the money on offer south of the border, it remains to be seen whether or not Clement will able to tempt the Colombian gem to Scotland with a promise of winning trophies and potentially playing in the Champions League, instead of a move to the Premier League.
Jhon Arias’ season in numbers
Throughout the 2023 season for his club, Arias has mainly operated on the right side of the midfield, either as a winger or dropping slightly deeper, yet he has produced some incredible numbers.
Across 53 matches for the Brazilian side, the 26-year-old has registered 22 goal contributions – nine goals and 13 assists – as Fluminense have reached the Copa Libertadores final against Boca Juniors which takes place on Saturday evening.
Indeed, during the continental competition, the winger is currently ranked third across the squad for goals and assists (five) along with ranking second for big chances created (three), first for key passes per game (2.3), and first for successful dribbles per game (3.3), showcasing his attacking talents on the biggest stage of them all.
His performances have powered his club to the final and another solid display against the Argentinian outfit could drive his price tag up further.
However, it remains to be seen how much the 5 foot 6 dynamo will cost and that may not be an issue that Rangers need to worry about until the January transfer window is close to opening for business.
Journalist Fernando Campos hailed Arias as "decisive" earlier this year, and said: “Jhon Arias has been one of the best players in the country since the beginning of last year and we don't talk about that much.”
The right side of the attack has been a weak point for the Gers this term and Clement has had to persist by using Scott Wright, and there is no doubt that the Colombian is a far better option than the former Aberdeen gem.
Scott Wright has an uncertain future at Rangers
It looked as though Wright was ready to depart Rangers during the summer, with a move to Turkish side Pendikspor all but sealed, yet nothing materialised, and he chose to stay and fight for his place.
Despite remaining, the winger has made just four starts all season while failing to score or grab an assist, and his attacking output has been disappointing, to say the least.
0
5
0
3
0.6
3
1
2
1.4
1.6
Indeed, since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, he has played 43 matches, yet managed to register just two assists, a woeful return, and this area of the team needs to vastly improve in the coming months.
Wright has not been able to produce quality shots or passes with regularity at the top end of the pitch and the Gers could now bring in a player with the ability to be a difference-maker.
Since the start of the 2022 campaign, Arias has played 114 matches across all competitions, scoring 25 goals and grabbing 30 assists, clearly indicating how impressive he has been going forwards.
If Clement is serious about challenging for silverware with the Light Blues and making progress in Europe, signing talented players such as Arias is the way to significantly bolster his squad.
The 26-year-old whiz has shone in South America over the previous few years, and it is clear his talent deserves to secure him a move to Europe sooner rather than later.
Players like Wright, who have underperformed since before Beale was brought in as manager, should not still be one of the main attacking options at the club, and it shows how far the Gers have regressed since winning the league in 2021.
Although they face stiff competition to sign the Colombian maestro in the coming months, Clement must act fast in order to convince him that his project at Rangers is interesting enough for him to move to Glasgow.
It would certainly signal a huge statement of intent if they pulled this move off, and it would further speed up Wright’s inevitable exit for the Glasgow side.
Arias' statistics suggest that the talented wizard has the ability to be a significant upgrade on the Scottish dud, if he can translate his form to Scottish football, and that is why the Gers must swoop for his services.
Lionel Messi has been billed as the most influential player in MLS by Nashville coach Gary Smith, with there nobody else that “can do what he can do”.
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أصدر أشرف صبحي وزير الشباب والرياضة قرارًا جديدًا بشأن أزمة اللاعب الراحل أحمد رفعت، والتي كُشف عنها خلال الساعات القليلة الماضية.
وكان رفعت قد وافته المنية أمس السبت، متأثرًا بالإصابة القوية التي تعرض له خلال مباراة مودرن فيوتشر والاتحاد السكندري، وتوقف عضلة القلب.
صالح جمعة: أعلم من السبب في إيذاء أحمد رفعت.. ووفاته لن تمر مرور الكرام
ونشر محمد رشوان محامي اللاعب أحمد رفعت مستندات رسمية، تشير إلى أن التصريحات التي حصل عليها اللاعب للسفر للاحتراف في نادي الوحدة الإماراتي، لم تكن كافية وأدت إلى معاقبته.
وقرر صبحي تكليف اللجنة القانونية العليا بالوزارة، للتحقيق في كافة الملابسات وفحص جميع المستندات الخاصة بسفر اللاعب الراحل أحمد رفعت -حسبما أُعلن في بيان رسمي-.
وأضاف البيان: “وذلك لما أثير مؤخرًا عبر وسائل الإعلام بشأن وجود شبهة مخالفات إدارية وقانونية شابت سفر اللاعب خارج البلاد”.
أول قرار من وزير الرياضة بعد وفاة أحمد رفعت.. وموقف خاص من رئيس مودرن سبورت
وتابع: “كما أصدر وزير الشباب والرياضة قرارًا بتشكيل لجنة من المختصين بالوزارة للقيام بأعمال الفحص والمراجعة لجميع المستندات بنادي مودرن سبورت والاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم واللجنة الأولمبية المصرية في هذا الشأن”.
وأتم : “هذا وسوف تعلن الوزارة فور انتهاء عمل اللجان عن جميع التفاصيل والملابسات وما انتهت إليه التحقيقات في هذا الشأن”.
Leeds United journalist Conor McGilligan has now taken to X to react to Daniel Farke's latest comments about Georginio Rutter.
What was the Leeds vs Watford score?
Leeds picked up another important victory in the Championship this weekend, defeating Watford 3-0 at Elland Road, courtesy of goals from Joel Piroe, Sam Byram and Jaidon Anthony, in what was a very impressive performance from the whole team.
The Whites undoubtedly deserved to pick up the three points, dominating possession and recording more expected goals than their opponents, and there were a few players who stood out, with Daniel James receiving the highest SofaScore match rating of any player (8.1).
Although Rutter was unable to find the back of the net, he also impressed on Saturday afternoon, setting up Anthony for the third goal in the second half, with just one minute of normal time remaining, and he will certainly be pleased with his display.
Farke was clearly very happy with the striker, hailing him for a "top-class performance" in his post-match interview, while also claiming that his work ethic was "outstanding", but there was one aspect of his game the manager was not overly pleased with.
As relayed by Phil Hay on X, the manager has confirmed he's spoken to the 21-year-old about what he perceived to be unnecessary showboating during yesterday's game, which may have bordered on being "embarrassing for the opponent." Hay said:
"Farke says he's spoken to Rutter about making sure that when he plays, he doesn't try to embarrass or disrespect opposition players. Can show his magic but needs to keep it under control. But very happy with his display."
However, when reacting to the manager's approach on X, McGilligan has now suggested he thinks it is a non-issue, while querying the manager's approach to the forward expressing himself.
McGilligan said: "Relax Farke, let Georgio cook, crazy take."
How did Georginio Rutter play against Watford?
It is probably a little harsh to be too critical of the 21-year-old, as he is in exceptional form at the moment, and the fact he is showing his "magic" highlights that he is full of confidence, which can only serve Leeds well going forward.
The starlet completed seven of the nine dribbles he attempted at the weekend, by far the highest amount of any player on the pitch, while he also created one big chance, and won all three of the aerial duels he contested.
The only thing missing from the Frenchman's performance, which would have topped it off, was a goal, and he may be slightly be disappointed he spurned one big chance, although it ultimately had no bearing on the result of the match.
The Plescop-born forward is now on two goals and one assist in six Championship outings this season, having put in a remarkable performance against Millwall earlier this month, receiving the highest Sofascore match rating of any player (8.6).
Farke will be hoping Rutter can put in a similar display next weekend, when his side face a tough test away at fellow recently relegated side Southampton, who have suffered four defeats on the spin.
Crystal Palace are thought to be interested in signing an available midfielder who is currently without a club, according to reports.
What’s the latest Crystal Palace transfer news?
The Eagles and Roy Hodgson were relatively busy in the summer transfer window, with a number of incomings and outgoings.
Wilfried Zaha, Luka Milivojevic, Jack Butland and Vicente Guaita left on free transfers for Galatasaray, Shabab Al-Ahli, Rangers and Celta Vigo respectively, whereas Matheus Franca, Dean Henderson, Rob Holding and Jefferson Lerma arrived from Flamengo, Manchester United, Arsenal and Bournemouth.
Hodgson has been left happy with the club’s business, saying prior to the international break:
“If I was a Palace fan I would be quite pleased with the team we’re able to put out now. I would also be quite pleased with the bench we have been able to assemble as well. It’s not just 11, we have more players and competition than that.
“Bringing in people like Jefferson Lerma, Matheus Franca and Dean Henderson shows the club’s intention – we want to get stronger and make certain that what they have built on in these last couple of years, we can keep going.”
On the pitch, Palace have made a solid start to the Premier League campaign, picking up seven points from their opening four games ahead of the trip to Aston Villa this weekend.
However, chairman Steve Parish and sporting director Dougie Freedman can still explore the free agent market if they want to bolster Hodgson’s squad even further, and it looks as if they are doing just that.
According to TEAMtalk, Palace are one of four top-flight sides in England who are vying to sign Portuguese midfielder Xeka.
Alongside those in the Premier League, Championship outfits Southampton and West Brom have both made enquiries to the player’s agent, with Xeka also being looked at by sides in France, Italy, Spain and Turkey after leaving Rennes.
How good is Xeka?
Xeka can turn out in a variety of midfield roles including as a holding, central or left midfielder so could offer a versatile option to Hodgson’s squad.
Currently, Palace have Cheick Doucoure, Lerma, Jairo Riedewald, Naouirou Ahamada, Will Hughes and Jeffrey Schlupp as options in areas Xeka can play.
The 28-year-old would bring experience from the top divisions in France and Portugal, with the player best known for his time at Lille where he made 144 appearances, scoring nine times and providing seven assists.
Journalist Josh Bunting described Xaka as a “very creative” player during his time with Lille, and over the past 365 days, he has shown his quality both on and off the ball.
As per FBref, he has ranked in the top 25% of midfielders for pass completion, blocks, aerial duels won, progressive passes, dribblers tackled and fouls drawn.
With no transfer fee required, a move could be a shrewd one, should Hodgson feel he needs another body in the middle of the park, and by the looks of things, Xeka moving to Selhurst Park may be one to watch.