Australian Aaron Finch revived Surrey’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the NatWest T20 Blast with a brutal hundred against Sussex at the Kia Oval.Finch muscled his way to an unbeaten 114 – his third hundred in the format – to help set up victory by 17 runs against Sussex Sharks in front of a crowd of 13,229.Aaron Finch soaks up the applause after a brutal hundred•Getty Images

The 30-year-old equalled the Surrey record of seven sixes in a T20 innings held by Mark Ramprakash, striking four of them in a remarkable assault on David Wiese in the 18th over.Finch cleared the ropes off four successive deliveries – two over midwicket and two over long-off – before hitting the last balls for four in an over which yielded 30 runs and transformed the Surrey innings.Finch and Jason Roy, whose 50 was his highest score in this season’s Blast, had posted 91 in the first ten overs, but Surrey only added 31 in the next five as Chris Jordan, whose four overs cost just 19 runs, and leg-spinner Will Beer (1 for 23) dragged Sussex back into contention.Then Finch launched his withering assault on Wiese as Surrey plundered 71 off the last five overs to get them to 193 for 2.Finch finished on 114 off 64 balls with seven fours and seven sixes, the other three struck during the Powerplay. Roy cleared the ropes four times in a 33-ball half-century before holing out to deep mid-wicket.

Finch oils his ‘rusty gate’

Aaron Finch, Surrey batsman: “It was in the back of my mind to try and bat through because on that surface I knew I could do some damage at the end.
“I knew David Wiese was going to bowl slower deliveries into the wicket. He got them a touch too full and I was able to swing through the line, whereas a few overs before I was swinging like a rusty gate and couldn’t make contact with them! That over really broke the game open for us.
“We seem to play our best cricket when our backs are against the wall. We have two games left and hopefully two wins will get us into the top four.”

A target of 194 was always going to be tough to get on a pitch already used twice this summer during the Champions Trophy but Chris Nash kept Sussex’s hopes alive with his fifth half-century in this season’s Blast.The opener struck 53 off 38 balls, with five fours and two sixes, but after he was caught on the long-on boundary in the 14th over Sussex’s chase fizzled out, although Jordan and Jofra Archer added an unbeaten 39 at the end.Nash played well without being able to match Finch’s power and while he and Stiaan van Zyl were adding 48 in 29 balls for the second wicket Sussex had a chance.But van Zyl was caught at deep mid-wicket for 29 off Gareth Batty’s first ball and it turned into a profitable afternoon for Surrey’s captain.Batty bowled his left-arm spin adroitly on a pitch giving him some assistance to finish with 4 for 24 including the key wickets of Nash, Ross Taylor, whose 11 continued a disappointing run of scores for the Sussex captain, and former Surrey player Laurie Evans (6).Taylor’s side must now beat Essex at Hove on Friday to have any chance of squeezing into the last four while Surrey will probably need to win both their remaining games. Both are among five counties locked on 12 points in the table.

It appears Manchester United midfielder Casemiro could be to blame after Kobbie Mainoo picked up a serious injury on tour in the United States.

What is the latest on Kobbie Mainoo’s injury?

Following the Red Devils’ recent pre-season friendly match with Real Madrid – which they lost 2-0 – the young midfielder sadly suffered a major fitness setback.

Indeed, the club confirmed the unfortunate situation on their website, noting that he is expected to be ruled out for the first part of the 2023/24 season with this ankle injury sustained during the match against Los Blancos.

They also added that he has flown home from the US tour to the United Kingdom where further assessment of his fitness issue will take place before a medical decision on the next steps.

This comes as a real blow for Mainoo, who looks to be a real talent and had impressed sufficiently in pre-season to actually start four friendlies in a row before suffering this injury.

In a Tweet relaying the news, the official Man Utd social media account said: “Gutted for you, Kobbie. But setbacks are set-ups for comebacks — we’re all right behind you.”

In light of the incident, however, a video was shared on Twitter and it does appear as though Mainoo’s injury comes as a direct consequence of Casemiro’s needlessly deliberate foul on Real Madrid’s Rodrygo just one minute into the friendly.

i wonder how it happened 🤔 https://t.co/14ZvHXtyeb pic.twitter.com/t3Fi2Cvi9f— !¡ (@m4wiii) July 29, 2023

As you can see in the footage above, the Brazilian midfielder cynically fouls his opponent, who then tumbles into Mainoo and catches him awkwardly.

Here is what some bemused fans have been saying about it all online…

Who is Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo?

Described as a “creatively outstanding Stockport-born midfielder” on the official Man Utd website, Mainoo is still only 18 years old but appears to have a very bright future within the game.

Despite his tender age, he has already played in three competitive games for the Red Devils at senior level, as well as the aforementioned friendly games he started this summer.

Mainoo has also represented the club at the U18 level and higher but made his Premier League debut last February, playing ten minutes off the bench in a 3-0 home win over Leicester City.

His recent displays had earned praise from his manager, with Erik ten Hag telling the press: “It’s fantastic. Manchester United is famous for always bringing young players up, and it can be done. We have confidence, he is playing with confidence, and I really like his performance.

“But this year, he showed it in spring, then he got injured. We are really happy. There are more youngsters with us now and they’re all doing very good. But I don’t want to raise expectations too high.”

On top of that, United icon Bryan Robson also tipped the teenager to have a big future, telling The Telegraph: “He’s calculated and he’s reading the game, doing things in his own time.

“He closes down really well, receives the ball and changes the pattern of the game, quickens it up when he wants to and he’s using his football brain. I’m quite impressed with him.”

تحدث يورجن كلوب المدير الفني لليفربول، عن ارتباط النادي بمفاوضات مع آرني سلوت لخلافته في تدريب الفريق.

ويتولى سلوت مسؤولية تدريب فينورد الهولندي في الوقت الحالي، ويتفاوض ليفربول للتعاقد معه لتدريب الفريق بعد رحيل كلوب في نهاية الموسم الجاري.

كلوب سبق وأعلن قراره بالرحيل عن ليفربول نهاية الموسم الجاري، في تصريحات أدلى بها خلال شهر يناير الماضي.

وأكد سلوت وجود مفاوضات مع ليفربول، مشيرًا إلى أنه ينتظر حسم الأمر بين النادي الإنجليزي وناديه الحالي فينورد.

وسُئل كلوب عن سلوت في مؤتمره الصحفي اليوم الجمعة، قبل مباراة الغد أمام وست هام بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وقال كلوب: “لم أقرأ أي شيء ولكن آرني قال شيئًا ما، أنا لست مشاركًا في الأمر، من حيث النادي، أود بشدة أن يتولى المهمة إذا كان هو الشخص الذي يريد ذلك ويكون متحمسًا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | كلوب: محمد صلاح يمر بأصعب شيء في العالم.. ولن ألوح بالعلم الأبيض

وأضاف: “أنا أحب أسلوب فريقه، كل شيء سمعت عنه كرجل، أخبرني أنه مدرب جيد، كل شيء يبدو جيدًا حقًا بالنسبة لي”.

وعن الطريقة التي سيصف بها تدريب ليفربول لسلوت، أفاد: “بعض الناس الذين أعرفهم يقولون لي أنه مدرب جيد، كل شيء يبدو جيدا حقا بالنسبة لي، هذه أفضل وظيفة في العالم وأفضل نادي في العالم، ووظيفة صحية، وهناك مساحة للتحسين، وتتعامل مع أشخاص رائعين، سلوت سيحظى بوظيفة مثيرة للاهتمام حقًا”.

Aston Villa are now on a mission to add depth and quality.

In a stunning second half of the season, which ended with seven consecutive home victories and a total of 49 points from 25 games including victories against Manchester United and Tottenham, Brighton (twice), and Chelsea, meant they ended a long-awaited 13 absence from European football.

The Midlands outfit miraculously climbed from the brink of relegation to a Europa Conference League qualification spot.

They now face the exciting task of preparing for the demands of playing in multiple competitions, and look to add to the impressive signings of Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres.

Strengthening wide attacking areas has been described as ‘the most pressing’ concern, and with the attempted capture of Moussa Diaby proving to be tricky, the club may turn their attention to Jeremy Doku.

What’s the latest on Jeremy Doku to Aston Villa?

According to Ghana Soccer Net (via Sport Witness), Villa have seen an initial bid of €25m (£22m) for the Doku rejected, but a deal could be completed quickly if they raise their offer.

The Rennes whiz has been described as one of Unai Emery’s 'key targets', but Villa’s proposal was not enough to persuade the French club to proceed with talks.

The report details that Rennes is seeking a fee in the region of €40m (£35m) and if an agreement is reached with a second offer then the deal could be completed by the end of the week.

What can Jeremy Doku bring to Aston Villa?

Doku has been at Rennes since 2020, but last season, in what was his most productive year, he has been catapulted into the spotlight.

Across 35 appearances across all competitions, the Belgian, who was once hailed as “amazing” by Jacek Kulig, recorded 11 goal involvements. However, his most eye-catching attribute has been his dribbling, in which he even trumps Diaby.

The 21-year-old outperforms his elder for progressive carries per 90 (6.95 vs 4.04) and successful take-ons per 90 (6.59 vs 1.77). Even more impressively, these figures mean that Doku ranks within the best 1% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for the aforementioned metrics.

The winger has merged this scintillating directness with some sensational creativity. Although Doku only managed two assists in Ligue 1 last term, he sits within the top 1% for xAG (expected assisted goals), which demonstrates that if he was partnered with more clinical forwards he could achieve some frightening numbers.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe was perhaps ahead of the curve in how he rates Doku as back in 2021, he said:

“Recently, I was speaking with my father about a player who impressed me because of his speed qualities, that is Doku, at Rennes.

"In five years as a professional, I have never seen someone from a standing start demonstrate so much power."

With this spectacular profile, Doku can be viewed as an equal to Diaby, and an easier target to acquire.

Villa has recently just submitted a second bid for the Bayer Leverkusen gem of around €50m (£43m), which the Germans are yet to formally respond to.

Although Diaby has a more well-known and esteemed reputation, the ridiculous numbers behind Doku’s rapidly mounting potential would make a dream alternative for Unai Emery.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in Strasbourg marksman Habib Diallo as first-team manager Steve Cooper looks to bolster his side this summer.

The Reds must add some additional quality ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, after leaving survival late to secure their second-year stay in the Premier League.

What’s the latest on Habib Diallo to Nottingham Forest?

As reported by TEAMtalk earlier this week, Forest are one of the clubs ready to battle West Ham and Brentford for the signature of Ligue 1 ace Diallo.

The report claims that Cooper has made signing a striker one of the ‘top priorities' this summer, which they could achieve in capturing the Strasbourg goal machine in a deal valued around £20m.

How good is Habib Diallo?

Having scored 20 goals in 37 Ligue 1 appearances last season, the 28-year-old cemented himself as a sharpshooter in a league packed with attacking talent.

The Senegalese striker outscored the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar last term, continuing his adequate scoring streak in France.

Representing FC Metz, Stade Brestois and Strasbourg, Diallo has made 134 goal contributions in a recorded 271 appearances, scoring 107 and assisting 27 in his career in the country, via Transfermarkt.

His rich scoring stint last term saw him dubbed as “reliable” by manager Frederic Antonetti, making him an undoubtedly strong acquisition for Cooper to chase, considering his side’s yearning for a natural goalscorer.

Forest’s top scorer last term was Taiwo Awoniyi, who made the switch from Union Berlin last summer, scoring 10 Premier League goals in his debut campaign.

While the Nigerian acted as an assured presence on those occasions, the Reds lacked the firepower sufficient enough to keep them away from the bottom three, as relegation cast over the fun of their return to the Premier League.

In signing Diallo, Cooper could find himself with a trusted goal scorer, as well as a player suggested by his statistics to be more multidimensional in his approach to leading the line than Awoniyi.

As per FBref comparisons, the Senegal international averaged 6.00 touches in the penalty area per 90 in comparison to the Nigerian’s 3.53, highlighting the influence in his positioning and movement to receive the ball in key areas.

A similar pattern is evident in terms of the quality of Diallo in front of goal, averaging 1.13 shots on target per 90 to the Forest man’s 0.96, as well as scoring 10 more goals than the 25-year-old in his respective league campaign.

Once hailed as “powerful and quick” by members of the media, the Forest target could prove to be the perfect capture to lead the line in competition with Awoniyi, giving Cooper an opportunity to fuse different approaches to play between the two forwards.

Scoring just 38 goals in 38 games last term, it’s imperative that the Welshman addresses his side’s weakness in front of goal this summer, with little room for error next term with teams around them also having the chance to improve during the break.

Should Forest wish to remain in the top-tier, signing Diallo could be a strong start to getting the side consistently ticking in the Premier League, adding to the talent already on show at the City Ground.

Tottenham Hotspur's board "appreciates" young Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel and will try to include the youngster in any deal to sell club talisman Harry Kane, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

What is the latest Harry Kane transfer news?

This year's Harry Kane saga continues to rumble on as Bayern Munich seem resolute in bringing the England captain to Bavaria before the clock strikes 11pm on 1st September.

The six-time European champions have already had two offers rejected by the Lilywhites this summer, with the second being worth €80m (£69m), and according to The Guardian, they are now prepared to reach €100m (£86m) to secure the 30-year-old's signature.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

The two clubs are set to meet in person next week to discuss the situation, which suggests a deal might be possible, considering Spurs's stance just a few weeks ago.

The north Londoners are also said to be interested in Bayern's exciting young striker Tel – a player that Thomas Thuchel is keen to keep but could be tempted into selling should that help bring Kane to the Allianz Arena.

That said, while Tottenham are certainly fans of the young Frenchman, they're yet to officially speak to him, per Romano.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"So Bayern and Tottenham are expected to meet at the beginning of next week for Harry Kane. Today [Friday] we had rumours from England about Mathys Tel as one of the players appreciated by Tottenham, and it's true that someone [on] the board appreciates Mathys Tel.

"But the point is that at the moment, on the player's side, they have not received any direct approach from Tottenham, and the idea of Mathys Tel has always been to stay at Bayern and fight for his place at Bayern.

"So the only way for Tottenham to include Mathys Tel in the deal is if the player speaks to Bayern, and Bayern tells him, 'we want you out of the club' – that's the only way. Otherwise, Mathys Tel will not be part of this deal."

How good is Mathys Tel?

Fans outside of Germany can be forgiven for not knowing a great deal about Bayern's newest young prodigy, especially since, at just 18, last year was his first full season of senior football.

The Sarelles-born prospect made seven substitute appearances for Ligue 1 side Rennes in the 2021/22 campaign before earning himself a £24m move to the German champions last summer.

However, it was a mixed campaign for the youngster as he only started one game in the league, coming off the bench a further 21 times and amassing a total of 399 Bundesliga minutes, but he did manage to score five goals in that time.

It could be the efficiency at which he scored, coupled with frankly outrageous underlying numbers that have piqued Spurs' interest.

According to FBref, which compares players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, the young forward sits in the top 10% for a number of attributes, including progressive passes received, blocks, non-penalty goals, shots, touches in the opposition's penalty area, interceptions, progressive carries, attempted passes, pass completion and successful take-ons per 90.

With numbers like those, it's easy to understand why former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann was so happy with his arrival last summer, saying:

"Mathys is a very talented young player. He can play in several positions, and he is very fast as well as strong. He can become one of the best attackers.

"He is not a like-for-like replacement for [Lewandowski], which is normal at this age. However, if he scores 10 goals this coming season, we will all be very happy. I hope that he will one day score 40 goals per season."

While the Spurs faithful will understandably be desperate to keep hold of Kane for at least one more year, if Tel comes the other way with cash as well, they can at least rest assured that they could have another star striker on their hands.

As day turned to night a familiar figure made light of the creeping darkness to leave England in the pink

The Report by Andrew Miller17-Aug-20171:13

Root and Cook set solid platform

England 348 for 3 (Cook 153*, Root 136) v West Indies
Live scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAs day turned to night, and while a historic fixture was being graced with a far more impressive sunset that a dank morning in Birmingham had threatened, a familiar figure made light of the creeping darkness to leave England in the pink and Edgbaston’s 21,000 punters in beery good spirits – not that West Indies’ toiling attack had quite so many reasons to be cheerful.Alastair Cook has been threatening a big score all summer long – his 88 against South Africa at The Oval was arguably the most important innings of England’s season to date – but at the scene of his career-best 294 against India in 2011, he racked up his 31st hundred, and his first since returning to the ranks, to grind England into a position of utter dominance in their maiden pink-ball Test.He did so, for the most part, in the company of the man to whom he had passed the reins. In the course of a stand that spanned 66.5 overs and the best part of five hours, Cook and Joe Root added 248 for the third wicket to atone for another flimsy display from their top-order rookies and cement England’s status as runaway favourites in this three-Test series.Root, in keeping with a remarkable run of form that has now carried him to half-centuries in each of his last 11 Tests – a new England record – was, as usual, the principle aggressor. Until he missed a loose drive in the 75th over – beaten by late inswing from Kemar Roach, the most energetic and impressive of an outclassed pace quartet – he had scarcely played a false stroke in racking up 136 from 189 balls, his 13th Test century and second of the summer.West Indies’ hangdog day in the field was epitomised in bizarre circumstances in the closing half-hour of play. For reasons known only to the captain himself, Jason Holder chose, in the 81st over, to pass over the chance to attack England with the shiny new pink ball and instead brought himself on to bowl three tepid deliveries before limping off the field with cramp.To compound the sense of a side that had lost their bearings, the spinner Roston Chase was called upon to complete an over in which England brought up their 300th run, and he might have carried on for the 83rd as well had it not been for late change of heart – presumably initiated by the coach Stuart Law on the player’s balcony.That passage of play was a dereliction of opportunity from West Indies, particularly given how tentatively Dawid Malan had been playing since replacing Root at the crease – he had been dropped on 2 as he cut Kraigg Brathwaite through the hands of slip, before completely losing sight of a Roach bouncer that didn’t get up nearly as dramatically as the jerk of his head had indicated. But Malan endured to the close, on 28 not out, still a long way from convincing as a Test batsman but armed with the sort of reconnaissance that could yet pay dividends when play resumes tomorrow afternoon.In a parallel universe, West Indies might have been drawn to the lights like a swarm of moths and given England’s middle-order the sort of test that the conditions merited. But they already had the look of a team that had seen enough. Cook, crucially, had not, and though the prospect of an evening new-ball attack from James Anderson and Stuart Broad surely will not be passed over should England be in a position to declare at tea tomorrow, he has a monster in his sights if he can get going again.Throughout the first two sessions, both of which had been played without the floodlights so much as blinking, only two deliveries had truly troubled any of the batsman – it just so happened that both claimed wickets in England’s wasteful first half-hour, as their unstated ambition of using this series to resolve their top-order issues in good time for the Ashes received an early reality check.Mark Stoneman, whose impending debut had been confirmed on the eve of the game, duly received his cap from Jonathan Trott in the team huddle before play and emerged from the pavilion shortly before 2pm to become Cook’s 12th opening partner since the retirement of Andrew Strauss in 2012.And briefly, he looked like one of the more accomplished candidates for the long-term role. After being granted a yawning sighter from Roach – a Harmison-esque wide that stung the fingers of second slip – Stoneman eased himself off the mark with a beautiful cover drive from his second legal delivery, before clipping a second four, off his pads and through square leg, in the same erratic over.But Roach, it transpired, was merely finding his range, and with the first ball of his second over, he nailed it to deadly effect. Stoneman propped half-forward to a good-length delivery on middle and leg, only to lose the top of his off stump as the ball zipped off the seam and past his outside edge.Enter Westley, who once again looked settled at the crease in an 18-ball stay, without translating that serenity into a telling performance. He too chipped in with a brace of boundaries – all told England amassed 22 in the morning session alone, more than 80% of their lunchtime total of 102. But, without addition to his 8, Westley was pinned on the front pad by Miguel Cummins’ third delivery and sent on his way via a review.Cook, as he has become accustomed, watched the events unfold at the other end with a faint air of bemusement, and simply got on with his job. His innings was a classic example of playing each ball on its merits – he got off the mark with a first-ball tap into the covers, and had picked off five fours from his next 13 balls before resorting to another single.Once Root had joined him, with the score on 39 for 2 in the eight over, he reverted to his familiar holding role – not that either man needed to be especially sluggish against a samey attack who served up too many freebies on both sides of the wicket. With his cut, flick and punch through the covers in full working order, he ground his way towards one of his trademark daddies.Cook’s 150 arrived via a familiar nudge off the hip for four, as Edgbaston burst into a tuneless chorus of “Ali-Ali-Cook Nah Nah Nah” that must nonetheless have sounded like a celestial hosannah to Edgbaston’s beancounters. By that score, at least, the first day of floodlit Test cricket in England had been a resounding success. The future of the format may, however, rely on stiffer competition in the long run.

There were three India A wickets left standing on the final day and the seamer took three of them to wrap up a 235-run victory

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Aug-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsJunior Dala picked up his fifth first-class five-for•Getty ImagesThere were three India A wickets left standing in Pretoria at the start of the fourth day, and they were toppled in fewer than six overs as South Africa A registered victory by a whopping 235 runs. Stephen Cook, who had been dropped from the senior team, was awarded the Man of the Match after scoring 120 – a score that took all 11 of India A’s players to match in the first innings, and as such might give him hope that he remains a contender for the opener’s position when South Africa’s home season begins.India A’s first-innings capitulation featured a top score of 31. On their next try, Ankit Bawne got as far as 46 before he was dismissed off what became the last ball of day three. Junior Dala, the 27-year old seamer, had made that blow and he proved too good for the tail as well, taking all of the wickets the tourists had left on the final day to finish with 5 for 36 in 10.1 overs. India began the day at 192 for 6 after 46.5 overs and, thanks to Dala completing his fifth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket, they ended it 211 all out in 52.1. Allrounder Vijay Shankar who retired hurt for 26 in the first innings did not bat again.

Liverpool have submitted a second bid to sign Romeo Lavia in their pursuit to continue their midfield rebuild, but now a new update has emerged on the club's next move.

Who do Liverpool want to sign after Romeo Lavia?

According to reports coming out of Spain, Liverpool are now interested in signing Barcelona centre-back Andreas Christensen this summer.

As per the report, it is claimed that the Reds have already had a formal offer of €30m (£25.6m) rejected by the La Liga giants for their defender, but Jurgen Klopp is willing to improve the bid to secure Christensen's signature this summer, with a €50m (£43m) offer being prepared to present in the coming days.

Liverpool are hoping that Barcelona's financial troubles will encourage them to sacrifice Christensen in their pursuit to strengthen other areas of the squad.

How good is Andreas Christensen?

With the exit of Jordan Henderson confirmed and Fabinho set to follow his former club captain to Saudi Arabia imminently, further reinforcements, such as the incredibly promising Lavia, in the midfield set-up have taken priority at Anfield in recent weeks.

However, it is clear that Liverpool are also keen to strengthen their defensive set-up too with links to a number of defenders across Europe including Joska Gvardiol, Perr Schuurs, Jurrien Timber and Levi Colwill, but now it seems that Klopp has set his sights on Barcelona's centre-back.

The Anfield faithful will be familiar with Christensen owing to his decade-long tenure with Premier League rivals Chelsea which ended last summer when his contract expired, and he joined Barcelona on a free transfer.

Over 23 La Liga appearances last season, the 27-year-old titan – hailed "extraordinary" by Xabi Alonso – scored one goal, tallied up an impressive 94% pass completion rate and won 60% of his duels combined, as well as averaging two clearances per game, proving he is a huge presence in the back-line and competent in possession of the ball.

The potential arrival of Christensen could be bad news for Joe Gomez, as the Denmark international has a wealth of experience covering both the right-sided centre-back role and right full-back position too, so would likely push the Liverpool mainstay even further down the pecking order at Anfield next season.

When comparing Christensen's output to the Liverpool defender last season, the Barcelona ace outperformed Gomez in a number of key defensive attributes including pass completion (94% v 85.7%), percentage of dribblers tackled (62.5% v 57.9%), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.10 v 0.06) and aerial duels won (68.9% v 54.8%), as per FBref.

What that suggests is that the Dane is a great deal more composed on the ball, while he's also far better in aerial situations.

Whilst the Merseyside giants have not lost any of their first-team defenders during the huge clear-out that has taken place this summer, Joel Matip is now in the last 12 months of his contract and Ibrahima Konate is still finding his feet after suffering injury issues last season, so bringing in a fresh perspective would be advantageous.

With that being said, if Liverpool could strike a deal for Christensen it would provide Klopp with a defender who can make an instant impact on the defensive set-up with his wealth of knowledge and experience in the Premier League to provide Virgil van Dijk with a worthy partner.

Ashley Nurse and Tion Webster were picked as replacements for Mehidy Hasan and Raymon Reifer respectively

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Aug-2017

Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Tridents have brought in Ashley Nurse and Tion Webster as replacements to their respective sides for losing out on players who received Test call-ups recently. Knight Riders lost the services of Mehidy Hasan, who was picked for the home series against Australia, while Tridents have been without Raymon Reifer who has been in the UK with the West Indies Test squad.Mehidy will not be available for Knight Riders for the entire CPL this season. Nurse, who earlier represented Tridents, most recently played ODIs for West Indies at home against Afghanistan and India. Nurse will join the squad in St Kitts for the match against St Kitts & Nevis Patroits on August 23. Knight Riders head coach Simon Katich said: “Ashley gives us another spin option. He has been playing some league cricket in England so he comes fresh to us from there.”Dwayne Bravo was very keen to get him into the squad given that we have still got some big games coming up against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Jamaica Tallawahs and Barbados Tridents.”Last month, Reifer had earned his maiden call-up to the Test squad and was therefore unavailable for Tridents for this season’s CPL. He played the tour game for West Indies against Kent but was left out of the day-night Test at Edgbaston. Webster, his replacement and so far uncapped in T20s, made his first-class debut for Trinidad & Tobago in April 2017, and scored a century in his second match, which was also the last match he played.