Aston Villa could top their recent signing of Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester City by acquiring Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Youri Tielemans and Aymeric Laporte?

Last week, BBC Sport confirmed that Tielemans will complete a move to Aston Villa on July 1st on a free transfer once his Leicester City contract officially expires.

Manchester United, Roma and Arsenal were all keen on enticing the Belgium international elsewhere; however, he will now ply his trade at Villa Park next term and will have Europa Conference League football to look forward to in the West Midlands.

90min also claim that Aston Villa have held talks with Manchester City defender Laporte and Villarreal stopper Pau Torres as Unai Emery kicks his transfer proactivity up a notch ahead of the coming season.

The report states that Laporte has grown frustrated by his lack of first-team minutes at the Citizens and Aston Villa have emerged as a possible destination for the Spaniard to gain regular time on the pitch.

Capology understand that Laporte earns around £120,000 per week at the Etihad Stadium on a contract that runs until the summer of 2025.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones is of the opinion that Laporte would be an even better but of business than bringing Tielemans to Villa Park and signalled that the 29-year-old would improve Emery's side.

Jones told FFC: "I definitely think Laporte could be an even better signing than Tielemans. I mean, he would definitely improve this team immediately and for Emery himself, just the sort of mentality that you have coming into his team just continues to rise."

Would Aymeric Laporte be a good signing for Aston Villa?

When you factor in his extensive experience at the top level and calm presence in the backline, Laporte could be an ideal signing for Aston Villa as they enter into continental football in 2023/24.

All in, Laporte amassed 24 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City during 2022/23, registering one assist, as per Transfermarkt.

Laporte is one of the best examples you'll find of a ball-playing defender around Europe, which is reflected in the fact he maintained a pass success rate of 93.1% throughout the campaign, according to WhoScored.

FBRef also take into account that Laporte has excelled in comparison to his positional peers in Europe's top five divisions in the art of progressive carries, averaging around 2.59 per fixture in the last 365 days, putting him in the first percentile for this metric.

Looking ahead, Aston Villa should do everything in their power to try and tempt Laporte to Villa Park as boss Emery looks to strengthen ahead of what will be an exciting forthcoming season for everyone connected with the club.

Stand-in captain Alyssa Healy’s 77 was the backbone of the Sydney Sixers’ match-winning total of 169, with supporting roles from Sara McGlashan, Marizanne Kapp and Ashleigh Gardner

The Report by Will Macpherson at the Gabba25-Jan-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details2:15

Macpherson: Sixers have amazing depth in line-up

Like they did in the first edition of the Women’s Big Bash League, the Sydney Sixers thrashed the Hobart Hurricanes to book their spot in the final. Last year, the margin was ten wickets (Duckworth-Lewis method) and this time, under the scorching Brisbane sun, it was equally emphatic: 103 runs.Alyssa Healy’s 77 provided the backbone of a charge to 169, before the Hurricanes were bowled out for just 66. The Sixers will travel to Perth to face the Scorchers on Sunday and, if their male counterparts beat the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba, only two clubs will compete the finals.A Healy hurricane
Healy has reveled as captain since she took over from an injured Ellyse Perry. In her first game as stand-in captain, she made 84 off 56 against the Melbourne Renegades. Here, she was even more belligerent, making a magnificent 77 off 45 balls before cutting Hayley Matthews to point in the 13th over.Having opted to bat first, Healy thumped Amy Satterthwaite over long-on for six in the second over and by the time Ashleigh Gardner became the second batsman to be dismissed, caught brilliantly at point, Healy had scored 41 of the Sixers’ 49 runs. In the following over, she brought up her half-century with a pull over midwicket for six, and went on to play a cover drive, late cut and reverse sweeps for boundaries. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of her innings, however, was her running between the wickets and the ability to turn ones into twos.She was dismissed with the Sixers on 108, and resourceful knocks from Sara McGlashan (38), who was carrying a hamstring injury, and Marizanne Kapp (36 not out), left the Hurricanes with a stiff target of 170.In her two matches as stand-in captain, Alyssa Healy has scored 161 runs•Getty ImagesSixers’ fabulous fielding
Gardner has been the competition’s break-out star this season, largely due to the three half-centuries that have underpinned her brilliant batting efforts. But her bowling – she took her ninth and tenth wickets of the season, including the vital one of Hayley Matthews for a duck – and fielding have been excellent, too. It was a moment of magic from Gardner that nipped a solid start from the Hurricanes in the bud. She lobbed an off-break up at Erin Burns and it was drilled hard back at her, but barely a foot off the ground. She dropped low in her follow-through and took a fine catch, which was so tight that it had to be reviewed.That was not the last of the Sixers’ superb interventions in the field. Each of the seam bowlers hammered away with a consistent line and length, while the spinners were tough to get away. Angela Reakes took an excellent catch in the deep to get rid of Emma Thompson, but it was the run-outs of Heather Knight and Amy Satterthwaite – with sharp throws from Kim Garth and Dane van Niekerk (the latter a direct hit) – that guaranteed the Hurricanes would fall short.And yet… Hobart self-destruct
Hobart were out-classed but they also contributed to their own downfall. Healy was dropped on 18 by Brooke Hepburn at mid-on, and on 60 by Thompson at short third man, while Kapp was given a life on 13. With the bat, Satterthwaite was responsible for the run-outs of Knight and herself. They are the Hurricanes’ most reliable batsmen and once they fell, there was no way back for the side.The best two teams in the final
This was a complete performance from the Sixers and showed the intimidating depth in the squad. Amy Jones, the England international, could not make the side for this, while Lisa Sthalekar’s experience was not required either. Perry has been ruled out of the final but, given the Sixers’ dominance in the league stages and their performance today, the final against the Scorchers could serve up a humdinger.

Everton managed to clinch survival on the final day of the Premier League campaign, and have now been linked to a star from a club that couldn’t maintain his place in the division.

It’s set to be a busy summer for Sean Dyche, as he aims to ensure the Toffees don’t slip to the lows of the previous two seasons, which has seen them battle relegation to the final minutes.

The latest link could prove to be a significant upgrade in attack, with a player that has already passed the Premier League test.

What’s the latest on Wilfried Gnonto to Everton?

As reported by Football Transfers, Everton are interested in Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto.

The report suggests that Everton have ‘ongoing talks’ with Leeds over attacking duo Jack Harrison and Gnonto, with the Italian’s price in need of a ‘compromise’ for a deal to be reached.

While a price is yet to be named, the winger's expected transfer value sits at €30m (£26m).

What could Wilfried Gnonto offer to Everton?

Hailed as a “diamond” by U23 talent scout Antonio Mango, the 19-year-old lit up the Premier League when given the opportunity at Elland Road.

In 24 appearances, the winger scored two goals and registered four assists for the relegated side, via Sofascore, earning sufficient praise for his exploits and trickery on the left wing.

With relegation confirmed, it’s likely that Leeds will offload a host of talent seeking first-division football, as well as aim to keep their wage budget sustainable to adhere to the drop in finances that comes with demotion.

The Italian forward could add an abundance of talent to Dyche’s Everton side, identified as a skilful presence in the final third and keen creator, as highlighted by his average of one key pass per game this season, via Sofascore. That may not seem too impressive but compare it to those in the Everton ranks and it places him fourth for last term, behind Demarai Gray, Dwight McNeil and Alex Iwobi.

At just 19-years-old, Goodison Park could obtain one of Europe’s most encouraging talents in Gnonto, with a player that could excel in Dyche’s system reliant on the traditional role of a wide player.

The teen could not only fit perfectly into the squad but could challenge some of the side’s best players for a spot based on the potential he displayed in his opening Premier League campaign.

The aforementioned Iwobi is a player that’s deployed primarily in attacking midfield, however, rose to fame in the division through his ability on the wing, and is used at times on the left side by Dyche.

When comparing the numbers of the Nigerian and Gnonto, the teenager proves to be a potential candidate to compete with the former Arsenal gem as the top pick in the side.

As per FBref, the Leeds star averaged 0.27 assists per 90 to Iwobi’s 0.19 this campaign, as well as scoring higher than the Everton player of the season in terms of progressive play.

The Verbania-born ace averaged a huge 4.39 progressive carries to Iwobi's 2.40, as well as 9.04 progressive passes received to his 3.86, communicating the added threat he could equip Dyche with in the final third, via FBref.

Everton could add firepower to their attack in Gnonto; a player that could rise to be one of the most explosive wide talents in the league.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to bolster Ange Postecoglou's playing squad early this summer and with one deal complete, a move for David Raya is edging ever closer…

Tottenham transfer news – David Raya

According to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Lilywhites have agreed on personal terms with the Brentford goalkeeper ahead of a potential switch to north London.

He tweeted:

"David Raya: “I have ambitions to make the next step in my career. I want to try to win titles and to compete in Europe”

""There are options out there but it’s not just my ambitions, the club also needs to let me go”, told Times.

"Personal terms agreed with Tottenham."

It comes after Spurs announced the permanent signing of Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus following a successful 18-month loan spell in the capital. The 23-year-old has signed a five-year deal and is believed to have cost around £25m.

Now the north Londoners must look to strike a deal with the Bees, who are reportedly holding out for £40m for Raya, despite already signing his mooted replacement in Mark Flekken.

Will David Raya replace Hugo Lloris at Tottenham?

It's no secret that the no.1 spot is a contentious issue heading into the summer for Spurs and their new manager.

Long-serving stalwart Hugo Lloris, 36, has been inconsistent over the past few seasons, but his blunders this campaign particularly stood out amid the club's struggles under Antonio Conte and then two interim managers.

Only five teams conceded more goals than the Lilywhites in 2022/23, three of whom were relegated to the Championship.

The World Cup-winning shot-stopper confirmed earlier this month that he wanted to leave Tottenham for a new challenge, claiming: "It’s the end of an era" to French newspaper Nice-Matin (via the Guardian). He does, however, still have one year to run on his £100k-per-week contract.

Raya, 27, seems a sensible replacement as Postecoglou will look to get Spurs back into Europe at the first time of asking.

The Barcelona-born titan was ever-present for Brentford in the Premier League last season, playing every single minute of every single game. And his performances saw him rated as Thomas Frank's fifth-best performer with an average WhoScored rating of 6.97.

By comparison, Lloris earned a paltry 6.59 rating from his 25 league appearances, whilst only four teams conceded fewer goals than the Bees, all of whom finished in the top four.

Having been lauded as an "incredible" goalkeeper and capable of wearing "the number 10 shirt" by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, the 6 foot 1 glovesman could be an ideal second signing after Kulusevski as Postecoglou will no doubt want to address Tottenham's shocking defensive record, sooner rather than later.

Whilst £40m may be a pretty penny to pay, there are few better alternatives available on the market this summer.

An ECB delegation has spent time in Australia this month assessing the Big Bash League as they step up preparations for a high-powered tournament of their own.Anthony Everard, the league manager of the Big Bash, said the delegation, led by the ECB’s head of commercial partnerships, Mike Fordham, “asked all the right questions” when they met. Fordham was joined by Gordon Hollins, the ECB’s chief operating officer, as well as two county cricket chief executives, Somerset’s Guy Lavender and Nottinghamshire’s Lisa Pursehouse.The travelling contingent are representing the “T20 working group”, which was established in December and also contains Rob Calder, the ECB’s head of marketing, and Tom Johnson, the head of business support as well as the chief executive of the PCA, David Leatherdale.It is understood that they are not looking to file a formal report from the BBL, but are observing and researching the way Cricket Australia and the clubs have pulled off the highly successful competition.Anthony Everard, league manager of the Big Bash League•Getty Images

ECB delegations have become a regular feature of the Big Bash as the future of T20 in England remains undecided. “There is a mutual curiosity,” Everard told ESPNcricinfo. “We welcome the ECB, we spent the morning with them, and they asked all the right questions. There is common ground, but also apples and oranges.”The BBL model has effectively tapped its target market: anybody who had not been to a cricket match before. The ECB appreciates that due to a differing population spread and starting point (18 counties, rather than six states) they cannot simply replicate but they do seem increasingly determined to hold a comparable eight-team competition from 2020.Last year, ECB’s market research suggested that only 13% of fans at NatWest T20 Blast games were under 16, and that the average was between 48 and 49, prompting fears about where the next generation of fans would come from and strengthening determination that a shake-up was required.Progress on the project – which has received significant opposition from county members – is expected when the county chairmen and CEOs meet at the end of March.This is not the first time the ECB have visited the BBL – which is averaging 29,875 fans per match this season, as well as free-to-air TV ratings of more than 1m people per night – for inspiration for their own competition. Last year Sanjay Patel, the chief sales and marketing officer, travelled to Australia to assess the competition. Tom Harrison, the ECB’s chief executive, travelled to the USA in November to meet with Twitter, Facebook and other social networks to research how the competition’s media rights package could work.The ECB are not the only overseas board in town to pick the BBL’s brains. Damien O’Donohoe, the Caribbean Premier League’s chief executive, has also met with his Australian counterparts this week.

Misbah-ul-Haq will play the third and final Test against Australia and will do so as captain

Osman Samiuddin01-Jan-20174:10

Samiuddin: Once Misbah realises he is not worth his place in the side as a batsman, it’s time for him to call it a day

Misbah-ul-Haq will play the third and final Test against Australia and will do so as captain.After the final-day loss in Melbourne, in which a second-ball duck prolonged a run of low scores for him, Misbah had spoken of the possibility of retirement from Test cricket and had not ruled out the likelihood of doing so before Sydney.But Pakistan’s management confirmed today he will lead the side out at the SCG on January 3.”Misbah will play at Sydney and he will be captain,” the PCB’s director (media), Amjad Hussain, said.Pakistan traveled to Sydney on New Year’s Eve and cancelled training on the first day of the year.What happens after Sydney is unclear. Pakistan do not play another Test until a series in the Caribbean in April-May 2017.Misbah’s comments post-Melbourne were the strongest indication that he will step down but he has fallen short of confirming it.It could be that he waits to arrive back in Pakistan before he announces his decision and it could also be that the result in Sydney, a dead rubber now, could have a role to play in his decision.Misbah has scored 20 runs in four innings on the tour of Australia so far and the duck in Melbourne brought concerns over his lack of form into the spotlight again. Six innings across Pakistan’s tours of New Zealand and Australia have brought Misbah only 64 runs, at an average of 10.67. After the match he said there was no point staying in the team if he couldn’t contribute the runs.”I always believed that if I couldn’t contribute to the team then it’s no point staying there,” Misbah said after Melbourne. “This is a point where I need to think about that, even before the next game [in Sydney] and after the series. Next couple of days I will think about it and decide what to do. There is no point in hanging around and doing nothing.”Misbah had conceded that he was contemplating retirement during the series against England in the winter of 2015. The prospect of leading the team against India kept him from making that decision but when that series did not materialise, Misbah chose to continue in his role and lead the team in difficult away series.”I was thinking about my retirement long ago, even when I was playing against England in Dubai,” he said. “I was thinking then that we had possibly Tests against India, so I would play that and that’s it.”But then we had difficult tours like England, New Zealand and Australia, I thought that is not right time. I’ve been there for last six-seven years, developing this team. I have to face these difficult series. That is why I hung around. Even at that stage my plan was not to play for another two-three years. I have to think about that, haven’t finalised it.”

أثار خافيير موراليس، مساعد مدرب إنتر ميامي تاتا مارتينو، الغموض حول معاناة الثنائي ليونيل ميسي ولويس سواريز من الإرهاق، ومن ثم قد لا يشاركان في مباراة الغد المرتقبة ضد مونتريال.

ويلتقي الفريقان في إطار منافسات الجولة الرابعة من بطولة الدوري الأمريكي، نسخة 2024.

وذكرت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية أن خافيير مورايس أكد أنه لم يتم اتخاذ قرار حتى الآن بشأن مشاركة ميسي وسواريز من عدمها في مباراة الغد، حيث لا يعرفان ما إذا كانا سيكونان جاهزين أم لا.

وقال موراليس كذلك في تصريحاته خلال مؤتمره الصحفي اليوم: “نحن نعرف ليو بالفعل وهو لاعب يريد أن يلعب كل مباراة، أعتقد أننا سنجري محادثة معه، ونرى ما يشعر به”.

اقرأ أيضًا | فأر صغير.. أجيري يُشبه لامين يامال بـ ميسي بعد هدفه أمام مايوركا

وتابع: “لقد تعرض لضربة في مباراة الخميس ضد ناشفيل، كانت ركلة قوية، ولكنه في حالة جيدة، إنه بخير”.

وأضاف: “سنرى كيف هو ونحاول أن نقرر ما هو الأفضل بالنسبة له لأنه لعب 90 دقيقة في كل مباراة وسنتخذ القرار الأفضل بالتفكير في المستقبل”.

وواصل: “ما يمكنني تسليط الضوء عليه هو أنني مندهش من مدى تنافسه، إنه لاعب فاز للتو بكأس العالم ويلعب في بطولة كونكاكاف، ويريد الفوز بها، يريد الفوز بكل بطولة يخوضها، هذا شئ يفاجئني حقًا، إنه يمتلك هذه القدرة ولهذا السبب هو ما هو عليه”.

Arsenal are in "positive" talks to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber and he "wants to make that move", according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

Who will Arsenal sign this summer?

The Gunners currently have many plates spinning behind-the-scenes as sporting director Edu looks to reinforce their midfield, sign a versatile attacker and bring in more defensive options.

Having missed out on their first league title in nearly 20 years to treble-winners Man City, Arsenal now find themselves in a fierce transfer battle with the blues to sign top target Declan Rice from West Ham.

Both sides have had bids rejected for the England international recently and it will be very interesting to see where he ends up – in Manchester or across London.

Meanwhile, in some better news, Arsenal have sealed the signing of Chelsea forward Kai Havertz in a £65 million deal, with Southampton's Romeo Lavia and Timber from Ajax at the centre of negotiations too.

The latter player has been described as a versatile, inverted full-back option, similar to Oleksandr Zinchenko, and is currently renowed for his composure/passing range (The Telegraph).

Mikel Arteta's side have been attempting to sign Timber over the last fortnight, again seeing bids rejected for the defender in a similar vain to Rice.

However, speaking on Sky Sports, reliable journalist Sheth has dropped a positive update on their pursuit of the 22-year-old.

Sheth believes talks are "positive" between Ajax and Arsenal with Timber firmly setting his sights on a move to the Emirates.

"There is another player that they're interested in as well, and that is the Ajax defender Jurrien Timber," said the Sky reporter during broadcast.

"We are told that talks are ongoing between both clubs, we're told talks are positive as well, personal terms not expected to be a problem.

"And in this case, rather like Declan Rice as well, the understanding is that Timber wants to make that move to Arsenal.

"He's got two years left on his contract, I think, so it's the optimum time for Ajax to maximise that transfer fee."

What's been said about Jurrien Timber?

The Netherlands international was an undroppable for Ajax last season, featuring over more Eredivisie minutes than any other player in their squad over 2022/2023 (WhoScored).

Former Spurs star Rafael van der Vaart has also heaped praise on Timber's athleticism, explaining how he is "so quick" and "sharp" when called upon.

"Timber is so quick, light feet, always sharp, never panicking on the ball. Almost like a great midfielder in defence,” Van der Vaart said (via the MEN).

All the indications are that he could be an exceptional signing for Arteta.

Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot over a potential move this summer to the Old Trafford side.

What’s the latest on Adrien Rabiot to Man United?

According to The Athletic, the Red Devils have begun talks with the representatives of the Frenchman in order to lure him to the Premier League this summer, with his contract set to expire at the end of June.

The Serie A side want to keep him for another season and could be set to offer him a one-year extension to his deal, yet United will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last summer, where, despite reaching an agreement with Juventus, they failed to agree personal terms with the player.

Should Man United sign Rabiot this summer?

Missing out on the Frenchman last summer turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as Casemiro ended up joining the club from Real Madrid and enjoyed a stellar campaign, ending up as their second-best performer in terms of overall rating via Sofascore in the Premier League.

The Brazilian had numerous partners alongside him throughout the season and Erik ten Hag will surely want to bring someone in who could become a mainstay in the midfield, as the likes of Fred and Christian Eriksen filtered in and out of the lineup.

Rabiot, who Gigi Buffon explained has "the strength of Pogba", enjoyed a resurgence during 2022/2023, missing just six league matches for Juventus, and he could certainly offer more going forward than Fred that’s for sure.

The 28-year-old registered 12 goal contributions last term – eight goals and four assists – along with making one key pass per game and succeeding with 60% of his attempted dribbles, giving his team an added threat from the heart of the midfield.

In contrast, Fred managed just four goal contributions – two goals and assists – while making 0.9 key passes and succeeding with just 44% of his attempted dribbles. Indeed, it’s clear Rabiot would be an upgrade going forward.

Even defensively, the 6 foot 2 Frenchman comes out on top across a string of metrics, including winning more tackles (35 to 30), interceptions (26 to 19) while also winning a higher percentage of aerial duels (56.2% to 50%) than Fred, indicating that he would be a shrewd signing, especially on a free transfer.

The £148k-per-week dynamo also shone during the 2022 World Cup for France, scoring during the opening match against Australia while ranking second in the squad for interceptions per game (1.7) and seventh for accurate passes per game (38.8) as France came so close to retaining their title, losing to Argentina in the final.

He was even lauded as being “sensational” by sections of the media during the World Cup and Erik ten Hag could land himself one of the bargains of the transfer window. With Champions League football adorning the Old Trafford pitch next season, it shouldn’t be a hard sell.

West Ham United have held talks regarding a summer deal to sign Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, according to reports.

Who is Folarin Balogun?

Balogun is a striker and academy graduate at the Emirates Stadium having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to get promoted to the first-team, but having only ever made ten senior appearances for the Premier League giants, he’s twice hit the road to aid his development.

The United States international first completed a loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship, before most recently finishing a spell with Stade Reims, as per Transfermarkt, where he was a star man, starting 34 out of the 38 Ligue 1 matches and bagging 21 goals.

Despite still having another two years to run on his contract with Mikel Arteta’s side, the 21-year-old majorly impressed during his time overseas and established himself as Will Still’s top-performing offensive player, and David Moyes and Co are now in ongoing negotiations to try and bring the talented youngster to E20.

Are West Ham signing Balogun?

According to Football Transfers, West Ham have “discussed” Balogun with Arsenal whilst in talks over a move for Declan Rice. The Irons have made the centre-forward a “priority” target and are “willing to accept a part-exchange deal” that would see their captain departing and the Gunners star coming the other way, with some cash of course.

West Ham will know that they are likely to lose Gianluca Scamacca this summer as he has reportedly agreed personal terms to join AS Roma, so they will require a replacement should he depart, and having been hailed a “golden” striker by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Balogun could be the perfect successor.

Arsenal’s £32k-per-week ace, who’s sponsored by Adidas, racked up an unbelievable 24 goal contributions (21 goals and three assists) in his Ligue 1 outings last season, while recording 121 shots, which was more than any of his fellow teammates, as per FBRef.

The New York native, who was recognised for his individual displays by receiving four man-of-the-match awards, is also a versatile operator with his ability to play out wide on both the left and right flanks alongside his natural role through the middle, so this will no doubt be yet another attractive attribute to the boss.

Following his successful loan at Stade Reims, Balogun is likely to be looking for a permanent move to a club that he knows will be able to offer him regular minutes just as he received in France, which is set to be the case should he make the switch across the capital, and considering everything he has to offer, it would be a massive coup should he arrive at the London Stadium.