West Ham United have been enjoying a rather up-and-down campaign so far this season, with impressive wins over Manchester United and Arsenal as well as humbling defeats away to Liverpool and Fulham.

That said, there have been more positives than negatives this year, with David Moyes' men currently sitting in sixth place in the Premier League and into the next round of the Europa League.

All this has been achieved without their former captain and club talisman, Declan Rice, who left in the summer for a record £105m, and while the players bought in to replace him have done well, the latest midfielder linked with the Irons could be the perfect partner for James Ward-Prowse and replicate Rice's time at the club – Morten Frendrup.

West Ham could make January move for "underrated" ace, Moyes is a real fan

The Hammers boss wants new additions.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 4, 2024 West Ham United transfer news – Morten Frendrup

According to Italian outlet TuttoJuve, several Premier League teams are currently interested in Genoa's exciting young midfielder Frendrup, including West Ham.

The report also reveals that Crystal Palace are one of the interested parties and that the English teams could offer around €10m – about £9m – this transfer window.

The 22-year-old Danish midfielder has been plying his trade with Genoa since joining in January 2022. While he initially struggled for game time, he has since made himself undroppable, making 37 Serie B appearances last season and 18 in Serie A this year.

He has started the majority of games in either a central midfield or defensive midfield position, which, combined with his performances, has seen him dubbed a "midfield destroyer" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Morten Frendrup could be the perfect midfield partner for James Ward-Prowse

Ward-Prowse has started every one of West Ham's Premier League games this season, either as an attacking midfielder or a central midfielder and, with nine goal involvements to his name, he has been one of the best players in the league.

So, were the Hammers to invest in an up-and-coming midfield talent such as Frendrup, he would likely come in to compliment the former Southampton captain, something that his skillset seems perfectly set up to do.

The 22-year-old's biggest strengths lie in his defensive abilities, mopping up attacks just in front of his defence and allowing his teammates to get forward and attack the opposition, in a sense, precisely what Rice used to do at the London Stadium.

In fact, the "midfield machine", as described by Jacek Kulig, has been making and winning more tackles than the Englishman in league play this season. According to FBref, the young Dane has been making four tackles per 90 and winning 2.06, while the Arsenal man has been making 2.16 per 90 and winning just 1.24.

So he is more defensively active than the former Irons captain, but how do his underlying numbers stack up to the two men Moyes' often starts in the defensive midfield positions, Edson Alvarez and Tomas Soucek?

Well, rather surprisingly, the Tuse-born gem comes out on top in the majority of important metrics including tackles, tackles won, ball recoveries and even progressive passes and carries.

Stat per 90

Frendrup

Alvarez

Soucek

Tackles

4.00

2.68

1.24

Tackles Won

2.06

1.34

0.88

Tackles + Interceptions

5.22

3.96

2.41

Errors Leading to Goals

0.06

0.00

0.00

Progressive Passes

3.61

2.75

2.53

Progressive Carries

1.06

0.54

0.29

Ball Recoveries

6.67

5.84

4.53

All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season

The one area in which the two West Ham men have him beat is in errors leading to goals this season, although that could be down to his younger age and relative inexperience.

Ultimately, buying younger players from outside the Premier League will always be a slight gamble, but this seems like a gamble worth taking, especially as Frendrup could keep his place in the team for a decade or more if things go well.

Having come just two matches away from winning a quadruple during the 2021/22 season, Liverpool finishing outside the top four in the last term was certainly unprecedented.

While Jurgen Klopp will have been unhappy with his side’s display throughout the campaign, last season was important for the club to begin their rebuild from the team that won the Premier League and the Champions League twelve months apart a few years back.

The manager and his recruitment staff made a lot of new additions to the playing staff, selling some high-profile, ageing stars and this rebuild could continue ahead of the January transfer window.

Liverpool transfer news – Piero Hincapie

According to a report from South American journalist Christian Martin, the Reds are one of several European clubs who will battle it out for Bayer Leverkusen central defender Piero Hincapie. The reporter is also claiming that Newcastle United, AS Roma and AC Milan are all keen to secure the Ecuador international’s signature in the near future.

Hincapie signed for Leverkusen from Talleres in Argentina for a reported £7m and had a £39m release clause in his deal with the German outfit. However, having signed a new four-year deal with the Bundesliga’s current league leaders back in February, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that no buyout clause had been included in his updated contract.

Furthermore, 90min journalist Graeme Bailey revealed last Friday that Hincapie was being scouted by Liverpool’s recruitment team, with his value being placed at £34m, as per CIES Football Observatory.

Piero Hincapie’s stats this season

In his first two seasons with Leverkusen, Hincapie was one of the first names on the teamsheet and made 76 appearances for the German giants in all competitions. However, the Ecuadorian has found himself as a bit-part player this term under head coach Xabi Alonso, having made merely two starts in the Bundesliga.

The 21-year-old started the season with a fractured foot which certainly hasn’t helped his game-time. As a result of his absence, Alonso was forced to utilise a back three of Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah and Odilon Koussouno. Incidentally, this trio have been in superb form, leaving Hincapie as a peripheral figure this term.

His lack of minutes this season could be the catalyst for a move away from Leverkusen and Liverpool could be the perfect option for him, particularly with both Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip being on the wrong side of 30 now and with the latter’s contract expiring at the end of the campaign, having just picked up yet another nasty knee injury.

Given Van Dijk has played predominantly as a left centre-back throughout his career at Anfield, Hincapie could be the Dutchman’s long-term replacement, particularly as he is left-footed.

However, in the short term, the defender could take Matip’s place in the squad should the veteran leave this summer. In fact, Hincapie is outperforming Matip in several key defensive metrics this term.

Per 90 Metrics	Piero Hincapie	Joel Matip
Assists	0.13	0
Expected Assists	0.11	0.03
Progressive Passes	5.3	4.63
Progressive Carries	1.97	1.02
Key Passes	0.61	0.37
Passes To Final 1/3	3.79	3.06
Tackles	0.91	1.11
Tackles Won	0.51	0.51
Interceptions	1.54	1.19
Stats via FBref

Furthermore, Hincapie has played at left-back 35 times throughout his infant career, meaning the youngster could even rotate with Andy Robertson, allowing Klopp to switch to a back three in possession, as he likes to do, with Trent Alexander-Arnold inverting into midfield on the opposite side.

Hincapie has a very bright future in the game, with football scout Jacek Kulig even claiming that the young centre-back is a “future legend of Ecuadorian football”.

With Van Dijk and Matip nearing the end of their careers at Anfield, Hincapie could be Ibrahima Konate’s ideal partner in the very near future.

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his secret to de-stressing, with the Al-Nassr superstar extending his remarkable career towards a 40th birthday.

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All-time great showing no sign of slowing downHas maintained his relentless pursuit of perfectionMore goals & trophies to chase down in 2024GettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Portuguese icon, who has five Ballons d’Or to his name, has established a reputation down the years for leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of perfection. He demands the best from himself and those around him, with that relentless work ethic ensuring that he is still going strong at the age of 39.

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Ronaldo has registered 48 goals this season, with a half-century in his sights, and has major silverware up for grabs in the King Cup of Champions. He will be doing all he can to ensure that he is in peak condition – physically and mentally – heading into the end of the 2023-24 campaign and this summer’s European Championship.

WHAT RONALDO SAID

In a bid to keep his mind sharp and body relaxed, Ronaldo has teamed up with wearable tech company Whoop as a global ambassador and investor. Speaking with them about how he stays laser-focused, CR7 has said of managing his stress and sleep: “One important thing, I don’t speak after 10/11 o’clock. I don’t speak on the phone. I don’t like to speak in the night because of my brain. So, after 10 o’clock, don’t call me!”

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WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

Ronaldo claims that Whoop helps him to know his body “inside and out”, which prepares him to produce his best whenever stepping onto the field. Retirement still appears to be some way off for the all-time great, with more goals to be scored and records to be broken before he thinks about hanging up his boots.

Sitting nine points clear of the relegation zone and in the comforts of mid-table in the Premier League, Fulham are gradually re-establishing themselves as a consistent Premier League side, much to the credit of Marco Silva. When the Cottagers lost Aleksandar Mitrovic in the summer transfer window, it was easy to assume that they'd struggle, but Silva has got former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez firing on all cylinders once again to hand his side a major boost.

Now, with the January transfer window open, Fulham could make further improvements. And that could include winning the race to sign an in-demand midfielder ahead of Premier League rivals this month.

Fulham transfer news

Fulham's last result – a 2-1 win over Arsenal – sums up the progress that they've made since returning to England's top flight. The London club's best moments this season came back-to-back when they scored ten goals in two games as they smashed West Ham United and Nottingham Forest 5-0. They are results that Silva will want to see his side replicate on a more consistent basis, however, and the transfer window this month could play a major part in that, especially if they sign one particular target.

According to Ben Jacobs, Fulham are optimistic about signing Andre from Fluminense, who have become resigned to losing the midfielder after he verbally agreed terms with the London club.

Given that Liverpool were also reportedly interested in Andre in the build-up to the winter window, it would be some coup for Fulham to land the Brazilian in the coming weeks.

"Monster" Andre is better on the ball than Palhinha

If you cast your minds back to the summer transfer window, Joao Palhinha was reportedly steps away from completing a move to Bayern Munich when things fell through. If the Cottagers lost the midfielder, then they could have been stuck for potential replacements at the worst time possible. Andre can ensure that fears over finding a Palhinha alternative come to an end, however, with the Brazilian even better than the Portugal international in some ways. Andre's stats show that he could be the perfect upgrade at the heart of Silva's midfield.

Player

Progressive Carries

Progressive Passes

Key Passes

Successful Take-ons

Andre

58

184

19

38

Joao Palhinha

8

101

7

14

It's no shock, given the numbers, that Fernando Campos had nothing but good things to say about Andre. The journalist posted on X: "Pressure and playing with the confidence of someone who knows they are different. Get out of the way and make the team work. André Trindade is the best midfielder in the country and is a monster of a player."

In what could be one of the smartest deals of the January window, Fulham could land themselves an improvement at the heart of midfield for Silva to take things up a level at Craven Cottage.

A rictus of a grin contorted Trent Alexander-Arnold's face. Before half time, the influential Liverpool star had struck the bar with a venomous strike after waves of Arsenal pressure at the Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup.

Liverpool rode their luck and Jurgen Klopp probably inwardly tipped his cap to the hosts' profligacy, but this group of players, resilient and tenacious and together, held firm to turn the tide in the closing stages and advance to the fourth round with a 2-0 win.

Luis Diaz, under fire of late for a dip in performance, has made improvements over recent games and will be delighted with his stunning strike at the death to confirm Arsenal's demise, assisted by the Gunners' personal scourge in Diogo Jota.

Prior, Alexander-Arnold – donning the captain's armband with Virgil van Dijk ill – had whipped in a fierce free-kick that was fortuitously turned in by Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior.

It was a hard-fought and noteworthy victory. However, not all caught the eye, with Cody Gakpo unable to spark the game into life and withdrawn before the hour mark.

Cody Gakpo's performance in numbers vs Arsenal

Writing in his post-match ratings, 90min's Grey Whitebloom was not impressed by the Dutchman's endeavours and handed him an ignominious 2/10 score, writing: 'Utterly ineffective throughout a painfully forgettable 59 minutes on the pitch.'

Harsh? Probably. But it's true that Gakpo was not influencing proceedings as he might have hoped despite an adroit pivot to beat his man and instigate the phase that led to Alexander-Arnold's bar-rattling strike.

The 24-year-old, who has been hailed for his "special skill set" by Reds assistant manager Pep Lijnders, has scored eight goals this season but remains a conflicting figure, enduring several lacklustre games.

Against Arsenal, as per Sofascore, Gakpo was indeed ineffective as he sort of played in flux from the No. 8 role and out on the right wing, withdrawn after 59 minutes having taken just 20 touches, which is even fewer than Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who enjoyed a largely impressive night between the sticks but took the fewest touches (32) of any starting player, bar Gakpo.

Minutes Played

59

Touches

20

Accurate Passes

14/16 (88%)

Key Passes

1

Crosses

0

Shots

0

Dribbles

0

Duels Won

1/4

While he completed 88% of his passes and made one key pass, his impactful moments were few and far between and Klopp will surely be considering whether to drop him for the forthcoming Carabao Cup tie against Fulham, with Jota impressive off the bench once again.

Of course, it's not all doom and gloom for Gakpo, who scored an important late goal against Newcastle United on New Year's Day during Liverpool's emphatic Premier League victory over Newcastle United.

Moreover, he has actually scored in all three of his side's Carabao Cup fixtures thus far and will be desperate to pardon his poor display in London with a confident performance over the Cottagers.

The £120k-per-week Gakpo remains an important member of Klopp's squad and his versatility has impeded him in instances, but there is no denying that a trail of lacklustre displays litter the road of Liverpool's campaign.

With Jota in fine form and Luis Diaz returning to his best, perhaps Gakpo should sit the next one out, and if his manager does decide to hand him a starting berth once again, he surely needs to play as centre-forward.

Liverpool have their eyes on an "amazing" defensive midfielder who could be a difference-maker in the Premier League title race, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Liverpool linked with Andre Trindade

Much was made of the Reds' struggles in midfield throughout last season, with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson a far cry from the players they used to be when they sealed title glory in 2019/20. It was clear that major surgery was needed in the middle of the park, so Jurgen Klopp focused exclusively on that area, offloading dead wood and bringing in four new signings.

The difference has been immeasurable to date, with Dominik Szoboszlai the star addition to date, but Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo all providing more energy.

There have been calls from some supporters to sign a proper No.6 like Fabinho at his peak, though, with Mac Allister largely doing well in the deep-lying role, but naturally more of a No.8. Fluminense ace Andre has been talked about as an option for the Reds, but those rumours do appear to have quietened of late.

Liverpool have their eyes on Joao Palhinha

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones said Liverpool are interested in signing Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, claiming it could help turn them into Premier League champions:

"I'm surprised Liverpool haven't already made their move on Palhinha if they were going to do it. They've had their eye on him for the past year and it seems very clear to me that Palhinha is a player that they could do with.

"If Palhinha was playing number six for Liverpool, I think that they would have a much better chance of going on to win the league this season than they would without him. Certainly when you see Alexis Mac Allister having to play that role. There doesn't seem to be a defined person right now at Liverpool who can play that role."

There is no doubt that Palhinha is an impressive midfielder who can be so dominant in the middle of the park, standing out so often in a Fulham shirt. In fact, no Premier League player has made more tackles so far this season than Palhinha, and exactly the same applied last term, when his tally of 147 was 47 more than second-place Moises Caicedo (100). His teammate Alexsandar Mitrovic is a huge admirer, too, saying of him in the past:

"I think this year there’s been some sensational [signings] that we have made. For me personally, [Joao] Palhinha is the signing of the season so far, amazing, amazing [player]."

Appearances

14

Goals

2

Assists

1

Tackles per game

5.4

Interceptions per game

1.6

Clearances per game

1.5

That being said, Palhinha is now 28 years of age, so he could drift past his peak relatively soon after joining Liverpool, and the money that Fulham will demand could make it a risk.

Klopp isn't one to sign players of this ilk, especially midway through the season, so it feels far more likely that he will end up sticking with the midfielders already in his squad, hoping they can do enough to get over the finish line in the title race.

MatériaMais Notícias

O dia a dia do Botafogo contará com uma novidade. Marcelo Chamusca desembarca no Rio de Janeiro nesta segunda-feira e já começa a trabalhar como treinador do Botafogo. Ele ainda não comandará a equipe contra o São Paulo, pela 37ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, às 20h, no Estádio Nilton Santos, mas sim estando presente no planejamento da próxima temporada.

O treinador estará presente no dia a dia do Alvinegro, conhecerá o elenco e participará da avaliação, ao lado de Eduardo Freeland, de quais são os atletas do atual plantel que ficarão para a disputa da próxima Série B do Brasileiro.

Mais do que isto, Chamusca terá, a partir de agora, dedo em todas as contratações que o Botafogo fizer – ou tentar. Eduardo Freeland tem consigo uma imensa lista de nomes que foram oferecidos para diversas posições. Os jogadores serão avaliados pelo novo treinador.

Quem for “aprovado” na avaliação de Chamusca terá a continuidade. As questões de negociações e sondagens estavam paradas desde o anúncio oficial de Chamusca como treinador, já que a diretoria entende que, com um técnico definido, ele precisa participar das decisões envolvendo o futuro da equipe.

Haverão, contudo, cinco novidades no elenco do Alvinegro que não necessariamente passaram pelo crivo de Chamusca. Ronald, já anunciado, foi o primeiro reforço para 2021. Outros nomes, como Pedro Castro, Jonathan, Matheus Frizzo e Gilvan estão com as situações encaminhadas.

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TEMPORADA 2021 JÁ COMEÇOU
O contrato de Marcelo Chamusca com o Botafogo tem status de “imediato” porque o Botafogo entende que a presença do treinador é importante para que ele entenda o elenco, mapeie as lacunas das equipe e, assim, saiba quais são os nomes indicados para buscar no mercado.

O planejamento visando a próxima Série B começou no Estádio Nilton Santos. A partir de então, o novo treinador terá dedo em tudo que envolver o vaivém do clube de General Severiano.

Weston McKennie may have dropped a hint to his transfer plans at Juventus, with the USMNT star sending a “not the last time” trophy message.

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• More silverware for American midfielder
• Approaching final year of contract
• Has hinted at extended stay in Turin

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States international played the full 90 minutes for the Bianconeri as they battled their way to a 1-0 victory over Atalanta in the 2023-24 Coppa Italia final. Dusan Vlahovic netted the only goal of the contest with just four minutes on the clock.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  McKennie and Co. had to dig deep in order to get over the line, with Tim Weah also figuring for Juve off the bench – allowing him to land a first piece of silverware with the Turin giants. Understandably, there were wild scenes of celebration at the final whistle.

• WHAT MCKENNIE SAID

  McKennie has seen questions asked of his future in Italy, as he approaches the final year of his current contract, but he appears to have offered a nod towards staying on at the Allianz Stadium. After savouring Coppa Italia glory for the second time in his career, the 25-year-old posted on social media: “Not the first time and not the last time.”

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• WHAT NEXT?

  That bold statement would appear to suggest that McKennie intends on sticking around and chasing down more major honours with Juve. That would rule out a summer transfer elsewhere, amid links to teams in England and Germany, while fresh terms may yet be committed to following protracted extension talks.

أعلن مسئولو نادي الزمالك، عن إلغاء ودية الفريق الأول لكرة القدم أمام فريق الأنصار السعوي اليوم السبت.

وكان الزمالك، سيواجه الأنصار السعودي، في تمام السادسة مساء اليوم السبت، خلال معسكر الفريق في الإسكندرية.

طالع..سيف الجزيري يوجه رسالة غامضة لجمهور الزمالك.. هل يرحل عن القلعة البيضاء؟

وكشف الجهاز الإداري للززمالك عن اعتذار فريق الأنصار السعودي عن عدم خوض المباراة الودية على ملعب فندق الإقامة في برج العرب.

وتوصل الجهاز الإداري بالقلعة البيضاء مع فريق سبورتنج لاتفاق على خوض مباراة ودية مساء اليوم بين الفريقين بعد اعتذار الأنصار السعودي.

وانتظم الزمالك في معسكر مغلق أمس، الجمعة، ومن المنتظر أن يواجه الشعلة السعودي يوم 3 سبتمبر المقبل، ويختتم مبارياته الودية بمواجهة الشرطة العراقي يوم 7 سبتمبر.

Chirag Gandhi fails to get bat on ball with two runs needed for Gujarat in a thrilling finish

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Mar-2019

KCA/Ranjith Peralam

Super League kicks off with a thriller
Jharkhand snatched victory from Gujarat in a last-ball finish in the opening game of the Super League phase of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Indore.Needing six off the final two deliveries bowled by Vikash Singh, Chirag Gandhi dispatched the first for four to leave Gujarat needing two off the last delivery. However, Gandhi failed to connect as Gujarat faltered in heart-breaking fashion.Put in to bat in a truncated 18-overs-a-side contest because of a damp pitch, Jharkhand overcame a middle-order collapse to post 148 for 7. Ishan Kishan, the captain and wicketkeeper, put together 82 in just 7.2 overs with Anand Singh, who made 45, for the opening stand before they lost five wickets for just 37 runs off the next 41 balls. It needed an unbeaten 20-ball 22 from Kumar Deobrat to provide a late lift.Gujarat slumped to 9 for 2 in the second over, but found an enforcer in Karan Patel, who made a 26-ball 35, and Axar Patel, with 28 courtesy three fours and a six, kept them on track before a breakdown that eventually proved costly. Anand also chipped in with the ball, taking 2 for 26 to walk away with the Man-of-the-Match award.Shreevats Goswami pulls one away•BCCI

Karnataka quicks rattle Mumbai’s line-upMumbai’s batting line-up collapsed against the Karnataka quicks, who combined to take six wickets and restrict Mumbai to 97 for 9 in 20 overs. Led by Rohan Kadam’s unbeaten 62 off 45, Karnataka chased the total down easily in only 13.2 overs for the loss of one wicket.Mumbai’s innings was given an early jolt when Prithvi Shaw was dismissed for a duck by Vinay Kumar on the second ball of the match. Only one batsman – Akash Parkar – crossed 20 for them as Siddhesh Lad (13), Suryakumar Yadav (14) and Shreyas Iyer (10) fell cheaply to leave Mumbai on 39 for 5 after eight overs. Parkar’s boundary-less 22 off 32 later carried them towards 100 as Mumbai kept losing wickets regularly. Vinay Kumar finished with 2 for 15 from three overs.Karnataka saw a solid opening stand of 79 in under 12 overs between Kadam and BR Sharath, who was dismissed for 25 by Lad. Kadam and Mayank Agarwal then finished the chase with 40 balls to spare.Vidarbha hand Delhi a thrashing
A batting implosion led not just to a massive loss, but also a huge dent to Delhi’s net run rate, as Vidarbha bowled them out for 83 and then romped home by nine wickets in just 8.3 overs. Opener Jitesh Sharma scored nearly half the runs for Vidarbha, with a 24-ball 41.Having elected to bowl, Vidarbha picked up wickets in a rush. The fast-bowling trio of Umesh Yadav, Yash Thakur and Shrikant Wagh got two wickets apiece. Barring opener Hiten Dalal, who made 42 to lift Delhi from 20 for 5 with Pawan Negi, all the other top-six batsmen were dismissed for single-digit scores, captain Unmukt Chand and Himmat Singh getting out for ducks.Goswami slams 80, Saha falls for a duck
Bengal needed Shreevats Goswami to slam a 55-ball 80 with nine fours and two sixes to take them over the line in a middling chase against Railways, while Wriddhiman Saha, who had hit a century against Arunachal Pradesh and 52 against Odisha, fell for a three-ball duck.Batting first, Railways put up 142 for 6, with Ashish Yadav leading the innings with a 44-ball 51.Though Saha fell in the first over, Bengal got to a strong position through Goswami and Abhimanyu Easwaran, who took them past 100 before the latter fell for 46 in the 13th over with the team on 104. Though Manoj Tiwary, the captain, was dismissed soon after for 4, Goswami carried on to take Bengal to within a shot of victory before being caught behind, and they went past the target with 11 balls left. Ashish completed his all-round effort by picking up the first two Bengal wickets as well to finish with 2 for 20 from his four overs.