R Ashwin’s career-best match haul of 13 for 140 against New Zealand in the Indore Test has propelled him back to the top of the ICC Test rankings for bowlers

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Oct-20163:04

Ashwin’s extraordinary numbers against top batsmen

R Ashwin’s career-best match haul of 13 for 140 against New Zealand in the Indore Test has propelled him back to the top of the ICC Test rankings for bowlers. Ashwin had earlier briefly held the position in July, before being overtaken by Dale Steyn and James Anderson.Ashwin picked up 6 for 81 in the first innings and followed it up with 7 for 59 to achieve a career-best rating of 900 points. He joined an elite club of bowlers to have attained 900 ratings points since 2000; Muttiah Muralitharan, Glenn McGrath, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn and Shaun Pollock being the others.Ashwin is now trailed by Steyn, with 878 points, and Anderson on 870. While Steyn’s next Test will be in Australia starting November 3, Anderson is aiming to be fit for the India tour, as he is missing the Bangladesh Tests. Ashwin has a good chance to retain the top spot until the end of the year, with India in the midst of a lengthy home season. If he does so, it will mark the second year in succession that Ashwin closes out the calendar year as the No. 1-ranked Test bowler. Ashwin also leads the allrounders’ table, while team-mate Ravindra Jadeja surged to a career-best third, joint Moeen Ali.Among batsmen, Ajinkya Rahane’s innings of 188 and 23 not out in Indore helped him rise to a career-best sixth position, making him the only Indian batsman in the top 10.

Leeds United are in a precarious position in the Premier League ahead of the final day of the season and Sam Allardyce has his work cut out to prevent them from facing a drop into the Championship.

The Whites will need nothing short of all three points from their Elland Road clash with Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow and will also need favours from Bournemouth at Goodison Park to have any chance of stealing the final survival spot.

Indeed, it is looking bleak for the West Yorkshire outfit as their top-flight journey has the potential to come to an abrupt end, but their problems go further than just spending a season in the second tier.

Sporting director Victor Orta has left the club by mutual consent, whilst Allardyce is unlikely to remain at the club beyond his short tenure, leaving Leeds with positions to fill on and off the pitch.

Despite the uncertainty in so many areas of the club, it hasn’t stopped them from being linked with potential targets ahead of the summer transfer window.

This week, it has been reported that Leeds could be a potential destination for Aris striker Luis Palma – a player who could become a hit at Elland Road if he joined forces with Wilfried Gnonto.

Who is Leeds target Luis Palma?

The 23-year-old has been attracting a lot of attention for his performances in Greece, with Burnley, Rangers, Fenerbahce, Olympiacos and Anderlecht named as other clubs interested in snapping up his services.

The Honduran goal machine has tallied up 15 goals and eight assists in 47 appearances, with a goal contribution every 107 minutes so far – an output that would be a huge asset to Leeds next season.

Earlier this month Aris boss Apostolos Terzis heaped praise on his forward after scoring two league goals that led to the side securing a spot in the Europa Conference League next season:

"Luis has done that all season. He has been a huge player for us. We know there has been a lot of interest in him and it's not surprising.”

According to Sofascore, Palma is the second-highest-rated player in the Aris squad this season and has averaged 1.4 key passes, 2.1 shots on goal, one successful dribble and 37.5 touches per game.

Although the Leeds squad is stacked with forwards, it has been the centre-forward role that has suffered the most, as Patrick Bamford has struggled with injuries and failed to deliver consistency in front of goal, which has contributed to their plight.

As a result, the signing of Palma could spark a new era at Elland Road and the next manager could benefit from forming a fantastic attacking partnership between the versatile forward and young talent Gnonto.

The Leeds winger has shown promising signs and glimmers of magic during his short time at the club but hasn’t had the consistent game time of late to positively impact the attacking threat. Meanwhile, questions have to be asked about whether they will be able to retain his services should they go down.

With that being said, no matter the outcome of Leeds’ season, there is an opportunity for a fresh start to be made after such a difficult campaign, and Palma could make a big difference in improving the forward line next season.

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.

كشف نادي الزمالك حقيقة وجود اتفاق بين مسؤولي القلعة البيضاء، ومحمود عبد المنعم كهربا لاعب الأهلي حول تقسيط الغرامة. 

وقال حسام المندوه أمين صندوق نادي الزمالك في تصريحات للصحفيين إن قيمة غرامة محمود عبد المنعم كهربا لاعب فريق الأهلي دخلت بالكامل في حساب النادي في البنك.

جوزيه جوميز: الحمد لله أننا أحرزنا هدفًا في الداخلية.. ومستعدون لـ الأهلي

وأوضح أمين صندوق النادي أنه لا أساس من الصحة لما تردد عن جدولة اللاعب لمستحقات الزمالك على الإطلاق.

وأضاف المندوه: “لا يوجد اتفاق على سداد نصف المبلغ والحصول على شيك بباقي المبلغ بعد عام كما ردد البعض خلال الساعات الماضية”.

وشدد أمين صندوق نادي الزمالك على أن النادي حصل على جميع مستحقاته لدى محمود عبد المنعم كهربا ليتم إسدال الستار على هذه الأزمة بصورة نهائية.

وفي السياق ذاته شدد أحمد سالم المتحدث الرسمي باسم مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك على أن القلعة البيضاء استقبلت في حسابها ببنك مصر كامل قيمة غرامة محمود كهربا بالفوائد.

واستكمل سالم: “لم يتم التنازل عن سنت واحد، ولم يتم تقسيط الغرامة، وهذه كانت آخر التعهدات السابقة لمجلس الإدارة، خلال 120 يومًا تحقق ما كان البعض يعتبره معجزة”.

وأتم: “النادي الأهلي ليس له علاقة بغرامة كهربا، وليس طرفًا من الأساس، والغرامة تخص اللاعب بصفة شخصية، وأغلقنا الملف، ونفكر في شيء آخر”.

Free agent manager Marcelo Gallardo may emerge as a late option for the Tottenham Hotspur job, according to recent reports.

Who could be the next Spurs manager?

The north Londoners are currently well into their search for a new manager with a few candidates still in the frame to replace Antonio Conte, who departed north London over two months ago.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is said to be leading the hunt for Conte's successor, coming as he also prepares for the summer transfer market and scours the market for a new sporting director.

Of the names still be believed to be contending for the Spurs job, perhaps most notable is that of Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou, who is rumoured to have emerged as a leading candidate in recent days.

The likes of Fulham's Marco Silva, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Graham Potter have also been mentioned in parts – with Levy also personally holding talks Luis Enrique talks.

Tottenham need to make an appointment and fast, especially with the summer transfer window looming and around the corner, and Spurs are apparently in danger of being left behind.

That is according to The Daily Mail, and reporter Sami Mokbel, who claim the Lilywhites have that issue to contend with but also drop an interesting line regarding Gallardo.

The 47-year-old, who is readily-available for hire after leaving River Plate, may "emerge as a late option" for Spurs in their managerial chase.

This is despite Postecoglou's chances of getting the job increasing significantly, but going by The Mail's update, his appointment is certainly no forgone conclusion.

Who is Marcelo Gallardo?

The South American boasts 10 pieces of silverware from his managerial career across the Atlantic, not to mention he deploys an attack-minded 4-3-3 formation – similar to that of former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Called "elite" by members of the media like TUDN Mexico TV host Xavi Sol, Gallardo has also been praised highly by counterparts like Man City boss Pep Guardiola.

“What Gallardo has done with River is incredible,” the City boss said on Argentine television (via Planet Football).“Every year three coaches are named as the best in the world, and he’s never among them.“I can’t understand it. It’s as if there’s nothing else in the world apart from Europe.”

As a free agent, he could be an alluring option for Spurs, and it will be interesting to see if he does indeed come into the fold.

Sam Billings says he is flattered to have been talked up by Michael Vaughan as a potential reinforcement for the Test tour of India, but insists that he remains a work in progress

Andrew Miller02-Nov-2016Sam Billings, the Kent batsman whose technique against spin bowling is considered one of the best among England’s coming generation of batsmen, says he is flattered to have been talked up by Michael Vaughan as a potential reinforcement for the Test tour of India, but insists that he remains a work in progress in first-class cricket.Billings has been on the fringes of the one-day squad for several months without being able to secure a regular berth, but he gave an indication of his aptitude in Asian conditions in the ODI series against Bangladesh last month, when he was drafted in to open the batting in the series decider in Chittagong, and swept his way to a vital 62 from 69 balls in a stiff run-chase.”It was great to contribute,” said Billings during a Chance to Shine event in West London. “I should have got 120 not out to win the game but that’s life and I would have taken 60 at the start. To be involved in another series win in difficult conditions shows how far we are coming along as a group.”Everyone knew that Bangladesh had won their last six home series, including against India and South Africa, so it was no mean feat to win. People think it is only Bangladesh so you should just smack them around but, with Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes, they’ve got a seriously good side in their own conditions.”Bangladesh backed up that assertion in no uncertain terms in the subsequent Test series and, speaking in the aftermath of England’s shocking collapse in the second Test at Dhaka, Vaughan argued strongly for Billings’ inclusion for the five-Test series against India that gets underway in Rajkot next week – not least because, as a right-hander, he will be better placed to combat the offspin of India’s attack leader, Ravi Ashwin.”Obviously that is flattering,” Billings said, “Playing spin is one of my strengths. Manoeuvring the ball around and putting spinners under pressure is one of my strengths, but the guys who are there have done it regularly in first-class cricket and are there for a reason.”Billings had his moments in first-class cricket for Kent last season, most notably a career-best 171 against Gloucestershire in Bristol in August but, having missed the early weeks of the summer during his IPL stint with Delhi Daredevils, he played just seven Division Two matches and was unable to put together the weight of runs that earned Ben Duckett and Haseeb Hameed their call-ups.”Haseeb hasn’t had an opportunity yet, and to have a long run at it too,” he said. “These guys have done it over and over in first-class cricket. But any time England calls you just get on a plane and try and get the job done.”While the prospect of Billings joining the England squad remains, for the time being, a pundit’s pipedream, there is no diluting either his confidence or his eagerness to get involved if the chance should arise. And, having sampled the atmosphere of modern Indian cricket during his IPL stint, Billings believes he has been granted a fascinating insight into what it takes to succeed in conditions that previous generations might have regarded as alien.”The IPL was huge for that,” he said. “It is different to a Test match but the basics don’t change: your footwork is paramount.”I was very fortunate to work with Rahul Dravid in the IPL and pick his brains on playing spin. At some points we moved the stumps back and had the used crease to play with and he said, ‘if you can bat on that you can bat on anything’.”This is one of the reasons [Trevor] Bayliss and [Andrew] Strauss are pushing us to go over there. Yes it is T20 cricket but it is about the environment and learning how those guys go about it.”Billings’ grounding sounds somewhat counter to Alastair Cook’s assertion in the aftermath of the Dhaka defeat, that England’s batsmen were inexperienced in Asian conditions. And certainly, given the resources made available by the ECB on their recent Lions tours, and the coaching expertise that has been drafted in to prepare England’s next generation, the scale of the collapse in Dhaka – 10 wickets for 64 runs in 22.3 overs – was extreme.And if the talking point coming out of the Bangladesh tour is the vulnerability of England’s batsmen to the ball turning away from the bat – particularly the left-handers to the offspin of Mehedi Hasan – then Billings gives the impression that such a challenge shouldn’t have come as quite such a surprise, especially given the identity of two of the lead coaches in the Lions set-up.”Graham Thorpe and Andy Flower may be two left-handers, but they were great players of spin, especially against offspin with the turning away from the bat,” he said. “The basics don’t change, you have to get as close to the ball as possible or as far away from it as possible using the depth of the crease.”For me, I identified two years ago that left-arm spin was a really big area I needed to work on,” he said. “The ball going away or sliding on is generally more difficult for a batter when it is turning.”In the UAE last winter, he was able to pick the brains of New Zealand’s left-arm spinner, Daniel Vettori, who was drafted in as a consultant on the England Performance Programme. “We had a hybrid pitch that was ragging square. He was bowling at a good pace, it was seriously tough, and that’s when you work out what’s good for you.”As a consequence of the grounding that he and his fellow batsmen have been given, and given the experienced heads they can call upon during the India tour, Billings remains confident that England will find a means to battle back from their Dhaka ignominy and put up a fight in the coming weeks.”[Alastair] Cook, in his debut Test, got a hundred in India, so they’ve got no better bloke to pick the brains of – although, of course, he does it a different way. Stokesy [Ben Stokes] is still one of the younger lads, even though it feels he’s been around for years, and in terms of his game against spin, he’s come on leaps and bounds and will only get better. We’ll all get better, the more we are exposed to it.”It’s finding different ways all over the place. I’ve got no doubt there are some seriously good players of spin there. It’s a different kettle of fish against [Ravi] Jadeja and Ashwin, but it’s been great to have had these two Test matches. We got out unscathed – yeah we drew, I know we wanted to win – but we’ll go into the India tour with preparation time. I’ve got full faith in the boys and they are definitely good enough to win.”ECB will double its investment in cricket charity Chance to Shine, from 2017, to inspire millions of young people to play and learn through cricket. Visit chancetoshine.org

A round-up of the CSA T20 Challenge matches played on November 20, 2016

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Nov-2016South Africa finisher Farhaan Behardien did the same job for his franchise, his 33-ball 65 leading Titans to their fourth successive victory in the T20 Challenge, beating Dolphins by 58 runs. After Behardien’s seventh T20 fifty carried Titans to 185 for 4, seamer Junior Dala and legspinner Shaun von Berg threw the chase off the track with three-wicket hauls.Having been sent in, Titans sprinted to 42 for 0 in the Powerplay. Three overs later Imran Tahir provided Dolphins the breakthrough by pinning Grant Mokoena lbw for 25. Cameron Delport and Kyle Nipper then struck in successive overs to send back Jonathan Vandiar and Heinrich Klaasen, bringing Titans to 89 for 3 in 12 overs.Enter Behardien. He added 93 in 46 balls with Heino Kuhn to pull his team ahead. Kuhn was eventually run-out for 32 off 17 balls in the last over of the innings, but by then Titans had passed 180. Behardien stayed unbeaten with one four and four sixes.Chasing 186, Dolphins lost Delport early to Dala, but Morne van Wyk and Kevin Pietersen, who was playing his first T20 since picking up a calf injury in the IPL in April this year, gave Dolphins hope with a 44-run stand.But from the moment van Wyk fell for 41, Dolphins lost six wickets for 13 runs, with von Berg cutting through the middle order. Dala then returned to take care of the tail as Dolphins were restricted to 127 for 8. Pietersen scored 24 as only four Dolphins batsmen reached double figures and suffered their second loss in three matches.File photo – JJ Smuts followed his opening knock of 38 off 29 with figures of 4-0-22-0•CPL/SportsfileChristiaan Jonker’s rapid 48 off 27 balls and three top-order wickets from Basheeru-Deen Walters set up Warriors’ 42-run win against Knights in Bloemfontein. A strong opening stand and Jonker’s unbeaten knock led Warriors to 157 for 5 before Knights were bowled out for 115. Warriors are now placed second with two wins from three matches.Warriors openers JJ Smuts and Somila Seyibokwe capitalised on their decision to bat by putting up 47 runs in 5.5 overs. Seyibokwe fell for a 21-ball 29 before Smuts’ 38 off 29 led them almost to the halfway mark but Warriors soon lost three quick wickets. Jonker, coming in at No. 5, then blasted four fours and two sixes to help Warriors score 51 off the last 35 balls.Defending 157, Walters gave Warriors an ideal start by removing the top three Knights batsmen for single-digit scores. Reeling at 23 for 3 in the fifth over, Knights saw some resistance from Rudi Second, Diego Rosier and Patrick Botha but Smuts’ left-arm spin accounted for two of them and Knights never recovered from there. Only one other batsman – Marchant de Lange – scored in double digits before Knights were bowled out in 18.2 overs. Walters finished with 3 for 16 while Smuts, Sisanda Magala and Andrew Birch took two each.File photo – Needing 21 off the last 12 balls, Cape Cobras only scored five singles and a leg-bye off Aaron Phangiso in the penultimate over of their chase•Getty ImagesMangaliso Mosehle’s fifth T20 fifty helped Lions achieve a three-run Duckworth-Lewis win in a rain-hit match against Cape Cobras in Potchefstroom. Batting first, Lions reached 165 for 5 in 19.1 overs, thanks to wicketkeeper Mosehle’s 40-ball 58 and an unbeaten 20-ball 35 from Nicky van den Bergh from No. 6. Then came a rain interruption, which left Cape Cobras chasing a revised target of 70 in six overs.Richard Levi set the tone for the chase, hitting the first two balls for four and six before Hardus Viljoen bowled him off the fourth ball. With Wayne Parnell and Kieron Pollard continuing to find the boundary regularly, they reached 41 for 1 before Pollard holed out for 26 off 12 balls. Then a Parnell six off Eddie Leie left Cobras needing 21 off the last two overs.Aaron Phangiso sent down a tight fifth over, conceding five singles and a leg-bye, leaving 15 to get off the last over, bowled by Willem Mulder. Parnell hit another six to narrow the equation, and it came down to four runs required off the last ball before Willem Mulder sealed the match by bowling George Linde.

Manchester City were given the chance to snap up two PSG players in a swap-deal from the French club for Bernardo Silva, according to a report from Footmercato, via Sports Mole.

Is Bernardo Silva leaving Man City?

The Portugal international has been a key part of the Premier League side this season, helping them to not only claim a league title but the FA Cup and Champions League too. In 34 league outings, the 28-year-old has managed to bag four goals and five assists along the way to boot. Whilst not his best totals, it's notable that Silva started only 24 of those games, and was often utilised in a deeper midfield role.

However, the playmaker has still proven himself to be one of the best options amongst attacking midfielders and wingers in the 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe. That's because when compared to those in that position, he managed a pass completion which ranks him in the top two percent in that area and also had 5.37 progressive passes per 90, putting him in the 84th percentile for that figure too. It shows that the attacker remains excellent when it comes to his vision and ability to get the ball forward and find teammates.

Silva then has still been able to produce good football at the highest level and it has led to interest from PSG in his services this summer. With the Parisiens desperate to seal a deal for the player, a report from Footmercato, via Sports Mole, has revealed that the French outfit were prepared to offer two players in an "incredible exchange" for the Man City man.

Those two names were Marco Verratti and Gianluigi Donnarumma. With PSG so desperate to get a deal done, it appears as though both names were on the table when it comes to doing business. City though have seemingly snubbed this offer and remain keen to keep Silva.

How much does Bernardo Silva cost?

Silva could cost any interested party around 60 million Euros (or £51m), with CIES Football Observatory suggesting that his value lies somewhere around that figure at present.

That's because Silva has continued to impress, with his manager Pep Guardiola hailing his star man and admitting he is "special", one of the "best players" he has ever trained and that he can "play everywhere."

The former Monaco star has once more shone in a City side that won almost everything there is to offer in England this season – and that is why City have seemingly been prepared to turn down two players from PSG to keep him at the Etihad.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked to a midfield talent ahead of the summer transfer window in a player with Premier League experience.

Julen Lopetegui will have a number of obstacles to overcome in the break, however, the Spaniard could ease the woes surrounding the expected departure of Ruben Neves in a rumoured loan deal.

The former Real Madrid boss faces the uphill challenge of improving his side while balancing the club’s finances following the emergence of FFP issues.

Seeking quality with lower price tags is essential this summer, with the latest link being easy on the club’s wallet.

What’s the latest on Fabio Carvalho to Wolves?

As reported by transfer expert Ben Jacobs for CaughtOffside, Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho is admired by a number of clubs including Wolves.

The report states that Liverpool have no interest in selling the midfielder, however, could see the 20-year-old depart on a loan deal.

The £32k-per-week ace could be a strong talent for Lopetegui to borrow in a beneficial move for both parties, with the Portuguese itching for game time.

What could Fabio Carvalho bring to Wolves?

Playing predominantly as an attacking midfielder in the heart of the pitch, the former Fulham gem worked his way through the Londoners’ academy before signing for Liverpool last summer.

Having made just 13 appearances and four starts this campaign, the “magic” attacker – as dubbed by pundit Jack Collins – could bring a new lease of life to Wolves’ attack.

Neves was Molineux’s top provider in attack this campaign, highlighted by his six goals and a single assist.

However, despite being the shining light in a lacklustre season, the Portuguese midfielder’s numbers are far from mindblowing and amid the pending disappointment of his departure, Lopetegui could replace and upgrade the squad’s creative outlet by capturing Carvalho.

In his final campaign at Fulham, the youngster had 18 goal contributions, scoring ten himself and assisting eight – as per WhoScored – in a year that solidified his status as an academy graduate turned first-team player.

Wolves are lacking inspiration, being the Premier League’s lowest-scorers and are expected to lose a host of attacking talent this summer, so a reshuffle is essential at Molineux this summer.

Carvalho could provide a streak of danger to the clubs’ attack, as highlighted through his numbers over the past year, in a period that has seen the youngster starved of game time.

As per FBref, the attacker averages 0.39 non-penalty goals per 90, ranking him in the top 1% of his position in Europe’s top five leagues, based on his minutes played.

The youngster also excels in being progressive in midfield, as highlighted through his 2.73 progressive carries per 90.

Despite not playing as much football, which can be detrimental to a player’s development, Carvalho has continued to showcase a high level of his quality, particularly in comparison to Neves.

The Wolves captain averages 0.09 non-penalty goals per 90, as well as flagging when carrying the ball making an average of 0.83 of progressive carries per 90 – as per FBref.

A reshuffle in personnel and formation could allow the youngster to blossom and enjoy his football again under the watchful eye of Lopetegui, but only time will tell if Jurgen Klopp will allow the 20-year-old to depart.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in securing a second Premier League free-agent this summer, after striking an agreement to sign Youri Tielemans.

Unai Emery is set to have a busy transfer window, especially if joined by Sevilla sporting director Monchi, as the Spaniard is speculated to be Birmingham-bound to join forces with the Villa boss on the business from at Villa Park.

The club have been linked with a host of star talent already, however the latest name is a figure the Villans should look to avoid.

What’s the latest on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Aston Villa?

As reported by Football Insider this week, Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could join Aston Villa this summer as a free agent.

The 29-year-old failed to strike a new deal with the Merseyside club, and will leave due to the expiration of his contract.

The report claims that Villa are in ‘advanced talks’ to capture the Englishman’s signature, who currently earns around £125k-per-week at Anfield.

Would Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain be a good signing for Aston Villa?

Across 235 Premier League appearances, the Portsmouth-born player has contributed to just 20 goals and 24 assists, having represented both Arsenal and Liverpool.

The winger-turned-central midfielder has been a part of two hugely influential clubs in England, yet has failed to impose himself in the final third despite the quality around him.

While his disappointing numbers have been attributable to his injury woes, his periods of absence make him a player that should be steered clear of as Emery bids to take his squad to the next level.

Once branded as “awful” by Independent journalist Miguel Delaney, the player has faced numerous spells of criticism, including that of Premier League legend Thierry Henry claiming that despite watching the player for a "very long time" he remained unsure what the attacker was actually "good at", via The Guardian.

When analysing his injury data via Transfermarkt, the Englishman has missed over 1000 days due to injury, equating to over three full years, since 2012.

It’s unfair to scrutinise a player’s inability to remain fit, however, the 29-year-old dud has simply failed to perform when given the chance, as highlighted by the attack-minded ace being yet to score over five goals in a Premier League season since his debut in 2012.

If the Spaniard is aiming to equip his squad with quality to compete in Europe and push up the league table, the club should avoid signing an underperforming player with higher-than-average wage demands.

It’s difficult to consider where the out-of-contract player would fit into Emery’s systems, with him not performing in the calibre to compete with the likes of John McGinn who has been a revelation in the manager’s regime.

Having secured Tielemans to play in the Englishman’s favoured position, the Villans should swerve the idea of signing the midfielder where they could instead recruit to significantly improve the squad.