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There has been an update in Manchester United's pursuit of Napoli sensation, Kim Min-jae…

What's the latest on Kim Min-jae to Man United?

According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, the Red Devils are seemingly close to reaching an agreement with the 26-year-old regarding personal terms.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider stated: "Man Utd made important progress for Kim (Napoli). Talks with the [Korean] player are at the good stage, not far from reaching a long-term agreement.

"On the club's side, MUFC are thinking to pay the release clause to anticipate the competition that is becoming fierce".

As per 90min, that release clause is believed to be in the region of €45m (£39m) and is set to be active in the first two weeks of the summer transfer window, although a €60m (£53m) offer outside of that period could also be accepted by the Serie A champions.

Would Kim Min-jae be a good signing for Man United?

With club captain Harry Maguire seemingly on his way out and with Raphael Varane having been hampered by injury at times over the last two years, it is no doubt wise for manager Erik Ten Hag to be contemplating making a marquee, centre-back addition this summer.

In Kim, the Dutchman could well be acquiring a figure who "truly is the best centre back in the world" – according to manager Luciano Spalletti – with the South Korean star having played a vital role in Napoli's Scudetto success in 2022/23.

The former Fenerbahce man notably kept 14 clean sheets in 35 league games for Spalletti's side, while also showcasing his defensive prowess after averaging 1.6 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game in that time.

The "dominant" asset – as hailed by writer Neal Gardner – is a truly menacing asset in the air as he ranks in the top 14% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for aerial duels won, with the 47-cap ace no doubt aided by his towering, 6 foot 3 frame.

The addition of the £54k-per-week rock would certainly help to add further steel to Ten Hag's current spine, with the former Ajax boss having already reaped the rewards of bringing in the menacing presence of Casemiro last summer.

Like Kim, the £70m man is a true master at winning possession back for his side as he finished joint-fourth in the Premier League with regard to tackles made (89), while also ranking in the top 3% among his European peers for aerial duels won.

An additional element that has also been an added bonus for United is the Brazilian's quality in possession, with the 31-year-old having created seven big chances so far this term in the top flight, as well as averaging one key pass per game.

That quality on the ball is also shared by Kim, with the one-time Beijing Guoan man ranking in the top 12% for both progressive passes and progressive carries, illustrating his ability to play out from the back with ease.

As such, it would certainly be a mouthwatering prospect to have both the Napoli titan and Casemiro lining up in tandem at the Theatre of Dreams next season, such is the pair's destructive and ball-playing brilliance.

Chris Nash and Luke Wells batted Sussex into a position of strength on the second day of their Specsavers’ County Championship game against Gloucestershire at Bristol.

ECB Reporters Network21-Sep-2016
ScorecardLuke Wells made 75 to guide Sussex’s fortunes•Getty ImagesChris Nash and Luke Wells batted Sussex into a position of strength on the second day of their Specsavers’ County Championship game against Gloucestershire at Bristol.The pair put on 114 for the second wicket to leave the visiting county on course for a significant first-innings lead. By the close, Sussex were 208 for 4, just 21 runs behind Gloucestershire.Having resumed on their overnight total of 201 for 7, the host county lost their last three first-innings wickets for just 27.Chris Dent, who not only had a century in his sights, but the accolade of being the first Gloucestershire batsman in 11 years to carry his bat in a four-day game, was first to go, caught and bowled by Jofra Archer.The 25-year-old left-hander, who had been the mainstay of the Gloucestershire innings on day one, finished 10 runs short of three figures. He helped himself to 90, off 193 balls with 11 fours.David Payne, who played his part in the pair’s 114 run partnership for the eighth wicket, saw Josh Shaw depart shortly after – bowled by Archer for 1.Then, Payne, whose fifty came off 105 balls with nine boundaries, eventually perished for 56, caught and bowled by England seamer Chris Jordan. Archer finished with the impressive figures of 3 for 39 off 14 overs. Steve Magoffin also picked up three wickets, with Jordan and Ollie Robinson bagging two apiece.Early-afternoon rain and bad light saw the sides taken off twice by umpires Martin Saggers and Paul Baldwin, before the skies cleared and Nash and Wells settled in on a wicket that was still providing the seam bowlers with plenty of help.It was tough going for both players with Matt Taylor, in particular, causing problems outside the off stump.Still, much as Dent had done on day one, the pair stuck to their task and ground it out until Nash departed, for 66, in the 37th over, caught behind by Phil Mustard off the bowling of Josh Shaw.Shortly before tea, Flynn Hudson-Prentice was bowled by Shaw to leave Sussex on 128 for 3 at the interval.Wells continued to prosper in the final session and after passing his half century he added 58 for the fourth wicket with Phil Salt before he became Shaw’s fourth victim of the innings, for 75, off 151 balls with 13 fours.Shaw finished the day with figures of 4 for 45 off 15 overs with Salt, at the close unbeaten on 29 and Ben Brown 13 not out.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly already looking ahead to the summer transfer window, as a dramatic 2022/23 campaign comes to a close.

It was a season that could’ve ended abysmally for Wolves, who found themselves bottom of the Premier League table on Christmas Day.

The arrival of Julen Lopetegui inspired the side to improve performance and regain structure after the struggles of the first half of the term under Bruno Lage.

While there are still many areas for the club to improve on, the Spaniard is certainly the right man for the job, should he get the financial backing he requires this summer to build the squad to his liking.

Certain areas regarding the spending at Molineux have triggered fears surrounding FFP, with the club due to ‘attempt’ to make a profit this summer to balance out the losses, which may impact the financial backing they can give Lopetegui.

Wolves must improve financially and on the field over the break, having registered themselves as the league's lowest scorers this season, however, the latest transfer link could end one of the club’s woes.

What’s the latest on Chuba Akpom to Wolves?

As reported by TEAMtalk, a host of Premier League clubs are interested in signing Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom this summer.

The report states that Wolves are one of the sides that have “checked on” the forward’s movements ahead of the transfer window.

It’s speculated that Boro would ask for around £20m for their talisman, who cost them £2.75m just under three years ago.

What could Chuba Akpom bring to Wolves?

The 27-year-old former Arsenal striker scored 28 goals this campaign, marking himself as the Championship's top scorer and as his side’s highest performer, as per Sofascore.

To put his goal-scoring frequency into comparison, the Englishman has scored three fewer goals than the entire Wolves squad in the Premier League, who found the net just 31 times in 38 games.

Adding to the goal tally at Molineux is one thing Akpom could bring to the club, however in signing a quality striker, the forward’s talents could finally unlock the potential of midfielder Matheus Nunes.

The Portuguese ace is still adapting to the Premier League, however, could have his performances boosted by playing behind a poacher, with his numbers this season in comparison to his final campaign at Sporting CP showing where he is lacking.

As per FBref, the midfielder averages 3.06 progressive passes per 90 in the Premier League, a significant drop from how he played in his final season in Portugal, where he averaged 5.74 per 90.

A similar pattern is through his engagement of passing into the final third dropping from a 4.37 average per 90 in the 2021/22 Primeira Liga to 2.55 per 90 at Molineux.

Described as being a “playmaker” by members of the media, the 24-year-old could thrive playing behind a creative striker such as Akpom, who was praised by journalist Chris Wheatley as “incredible”.

Only time will tell if Lopetegui can secure the signing of the talisman, however at £20m, the Spaniard could aid both Wolves’ financial woes and scoring woes in one hit this summer.

Aston Villa have held talks over a potential deal for Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, according to a recent report from 90min.

Is Aymeric Laporte leaving Man City?

Laporte only received very limited game time in the Premier League last season, making a total of 12 appearances, and he is now being linked with a move elsewhere, with Tottenham Hotspur emerging as potential suitors.

The Spaniard has reportedly told his agents to find him a new club in the upcoming window, with Man City willing to listen to offers, however they would prefer to sell him abroad, rather than to a Premier League rival.

A more recent report details that the defender is unlikely to remain in England, with City unwilling to strengthen their rivals, however that has not stopped Villa from trying their luck.

According to a report from 90min, the Villans have held talks over a potential deal for the 29-year-old, as he wants to leave in the summer to get more minutes, having fallen behind the likes of John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake in the pecking order.

The centre-back could be allowed to leave for £40m, however Villa are not the only Premier League club interested, with Tottenham still eyeing a deal, having finally appointed Ange Postecoglou. Should he miss out on the Man City ace, Unai Emery may also look to reunite with Villarreal's Pau Torres.

Will Aston Villa sign Laporte?

Given that Man City seem unwilling to strengthen any fellow Premier League sides, it seems unlikely that Villa will be able to win the race for the £120k-per-week defender, however he could be an excellent addition to Emery's squad.

Although his game time has been limited this season, the former Athletic Bilbao man has previously demonstrated that he is a top defender at Premier League level, averaging a 7.12 Sofascore match rating in the top flight last term, higher than any Villa defender.

Whenever he has been given the opportunity this season, the Spain international has proven that he is still very much up to the task, averaging the joint-highest amount of aerials won, and the third-best pass-completion rate in the entire squad.

Hailed as "fantastic" by members of the media, Laporte still has a lot left to offer at the top level, and he could be the perfect signing for Villa as they embark on a maiden Europa Conference League campaign next season.

When JP Duminy first travelled to Australia in 2008 he was, by his own admission, “just a kid” but he surpassed expectations by playing a vital role in South Africa’s series win

Firdose Moonda21-Oct-2016When JP Duminy first travelled to Australia in 2008 he was, by his own admission, “just a kid”. There were few expectations on him – he only had an outside chance of playing in the three-Test series – until he exceeded all of them. That’s when he began to understand how severely responsibility could rest on his shoulders. With that, came intense pressure to perform.”The difference [from then] is that I was a young kid, playing my debut Test against guys like Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden. It was quite intimidating,” Duminy said on the eve of South Africa’s first tour game under lights in Australia. “Now I am more established than I was then. I am coming into a Test series with a little bit more confidence and a little more stability in my role in the team and how I play Test cricket.”To say Duminy has under-performed in the eight years since his debut is neither cruel nor critical. The numbers back it up.To date, he has played only 36 Tests, added only three more centuries, and has an average of 32.44. He spent a period out of the side with injury – sustained when he returned to Australia in 2012 – but was also dropped twice. The current sentiment in South Africa is that he is a placeholder until someone more capable comes along.JP Duminy made an unbeaten 50 on debut in South Africa’s successful chase of 414 in Perth in 2008•PA PhotosAustralia could be the place for Duminy to prove he can fulfill the potential he once showed. In the absence of AB de Villiers, South Africa need senior batsmen to step up. In the context of Duminy’s own career, he needs to step up. He has gone 11 matches without a century since the Galle Test in July 2014, when he got an unbeaten 100 at No. 8.Though his opportunities are sometimes limited by a heavyweight top-order, he also went 11 innings in 2015 without passing 35 and was dumped for the Newlands Test against England last summer.Duminy’s response was to score a double-hundred in a franchise match and force a return, but it was only when he struck an unbeaten 88 against New Zealand in South Africa’s last Test that he was reconsidered. Faf du Plessis, South Africa’s stand-in captain because AB de Villiers is injured, went as far as to say that Duminy’s best was yet to come. Some remain skeptical because Duminy has often threatened without following through, and with an in-form Rilee Rossouw in the squad, an immediate replacement is available if Duminy bombs.That’s why, for Duminy, the lead-up to this series is more important than most and he said he could not have asked for better. “It’s the best preparation we’ve had on any tour, to be honest. I can’t recall this amount of time before a Test match on any tour,” he said. “We’ve got 10 to 14 days of training leading up to the first Test.”JP Duminy has played only 36 Tests in eight years; his last century was in Galle, more than two years ago•AFPSouth Africa arrived in Adelaide on Tuesday, 16 days before they take on Australia in Perth. They have two practice matches before the first Test – including a day-night game – and one between the second and third Tests. Their preparation is focused on the pink ball and playing under lights because this trip will be their first encounter with day-night Test cricket. Duminy said they will need some time to adapt “to that difference in colour and in light,” which will take “a few training sessions.”The concerns for South African fans may be that with all the emphasis on Test cricket under lights, the team could forget that the first two matches will be played in normal conditions and if they don’t compete in those, the outcome of the day-night game could be redundant. Duminy allayed such fears, stressing South Africa were using the ample time they had to do as much as they can to win a third successive series in Australia.”We are concentrating on staying in our bubble,” he said. “We are coming into this series with a bit of confidence on the back of our one-day series but we understand that it’s a clean slate. This is Test cricket. We are not looking at what the expectations are. We are looking to concentrate on our preparations. There might be a lot of banter being thrown around in the media but that’s not something we want to focus on.”

The two most powerful men in the BCCI – board president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke – have told the Supreme Court of India that the Lodha Committee does not have the “expertise” to administer cricket in the country

Nagraj Gollapudi06-Dec-2016The two most powerful men in the BCCI – board president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke – have told the Supreme Court of India that the Lodha Committee does not have the “expertise” to administer cricket in the country.Thakur and Shirke also said removing office bearers at both the BCCI and state-association levels, as proposed by the committee in its latest status report, will “paralyse” cricket administration and create “chaos” in the game.In separate affidavits, albeit with similar content, filed in the court this week, Thakur and Shirke said the committee was not interested in meeting the pair despite the court asking for the same in its last order, issued on October 21.Thakur said that the committee’s secretary, Gopal Sankaranarayanan, informed BCCI CEO Rahul Johri in an email on November 29 that the committee will offer “further instructions” to the board, following the court’s next hearing. The court was scheduled to hear the case on December 5, but had to defer it to December 9 after TS Thakur, the Chief Justice of India, part of the three-judge bench hearing the case, was absent on the 5th.Thakur said in his affidavit: “The Lodha Committee has not complied with the directions of this Hon’ble Court and its inaction has had a crippling effect on the BCCI and has hurt India cricket and the BCCI tremendously. The present status report also underscores the fact that the Lodha Committee does not want to interact with the BCCI or its office bearers in order to understand the complexities of Indian cricket administration. The said status report in fact acknowledges that the Committee does not have the expertise to administer Indian cricket.”BCCI against the ‘observer’

The BCCI has strongly objected to the Lodha Committee’s proposal that an “observer” be appointed by the court to oversee the daily financial and business transactions of the board.
The committee had recommended GK Pillai, a former home secretary in the federal government, for the role of the observer, saying he could “supervise the administration of the BCCI [via] the CEO.” The CEO, Rahul Johri, the committee said, would direct all the daily administration of the BCCI without needing approval from the board’s office bearers as per the existing norm. The committee also said Pillai’s appointment was necessary in order to help “confine” its own role to drafting policy to provide direction.
Thakur and Shirke have called the committee’s move “erroneous” and “misconceived”. “The Lodha Committee had asked for and been granted various additional powers for supervision of the affairs of the BCCI. It now cannot, after disregarding the orders of this Hon’ble Court, seek to vary the same unilaterally,” Thakur said in his affidavit.
Thakur also said Pillai is not qualified to be a cricket administrator: “The Lodha Committee cannot shift the responsibility of overseeing the affairs of the BCCI to another third party who does not have any expertise of running cricket in India and has no established administrative credentials in this field.”

With the committee not providing the required guidance to the BCCI, things had come “to a grinding halt” and had “tremendously hurt” the image of Indian cricket, according to Thakur.In its third status report, submitted on November 18 in the court, the committee highlighted that the BCCI and the state associations had failed to implement various decisions approved by the court in its July 18 judgement. The committee mentioned that many ineligible office bearers continued as administrators in clear defiance of the court order.In his affidavit, Thakur objected to the committee’s stance. “It is denied that the BCCI has not complied with the directions of this Hon’ble Court. The efforts made by the BCCI office bearers to effectuate compliance have already been set out.”Thakur and Shirke also disagreed with the eligibility criteria listed by the committee in its November status report. The committee had stated that an office bearer would be disqualified if he or she was not a citizen of India, was 70 years or older, was a minister or a government servant, held any office or post in any other sports association, or had been an office bearer of the BCCI for a cumulative period of nine years.The BCCI bosses have said that these criteria were not part of the original Lodha report, which was released in January. “Removal of democratically elected office bearers of the BCCI or State Cricket Associations who have been elected in accordance with the statute governing their elections will not result in any benefit to the game of cricket and shall instead paralyse administration immediately creating great chaos in the game,” Thakur said.”It is further submitted that the disqualifications proposed by the Committee in para four (of the status report) are not a part of the memorandum of either the BCCI or the State Cricket Associations in totality. In fact some of the recommendations set out in para four of the status report are not there in the memorandum proposed to be adopted by the Lodha Committee and have only now been added.”According to Thakur, removing the office bearers of the BCCI would also have a direct and adverse impact on India’s standing in global cricket, specifically at the ICC where the BCCI has been regarded as a powerbroker over the last 15 years. “The recommendations made by the Committee do not appear to be in the interest of cricket. These shall have the impact of severely weakening the cricket administration all over the country and shall make the BCCI a weak organisation that is not able to represent itself in international forums,” Thakur’s affidavit said.

Leeds United have finally confirmed their 49ers takeover, but there is still plenty of work to be done at Elland Road and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Leeds' interest in Viktor Gyokeres?

According to Portuguese news outlet A Bola, Leeds are one of many clubs interested in signing Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres.

As per the report, the recently relegated side will need to compete with West Ham United, Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton and Southampton for the talented player's signature this summer, with Coventry expected to command a €20m (£17m) to part ways with Gyokeres.

Who would Viktor Gyokeres replace at Leeds?

Whilst Leeds are still without a sporting director and manager to lead their transfer window and campaign in the Championship next season, it will be important to identify players who can replace those departing as soon as possible.

Rodrigo is one of the latest players to be heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road this summer, with journalist Ryan Taylor revealing to GIVEMESPORT:

"I think Marc Roca is definitely one that will move on. Rodrigo Moreno as well."

As a result, the signing of Gyokeres could be the perfect opportunity to replace the Spanish forward and provide quality competition for Patrick Bamford next season in the Whites' pursuit to instantly bounce back to the Premier League.

Over 46 Championship appearances, the 25-year-old handful – who was dubbed "powerful" by Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray – scored 21 goals, registered ten assists and created nine big chances in a seriously impressive campaign.

He also averaged three shots on goal, 1.8 key passes, 2.1 successful dribbles and won 6.2 duels per game, proving that he is a huge attacking threat.

Gyokeres – who was the second top goalscorer in the second tier this season – is an explosive forward with incredible finishing ability and a wealth of Championship experience that could make him a huge asset to Leeds next season.

The Swedish striker's prolific goal-scoring has captured the attention of many and led to huge praise from his peers with Blackburn Rovers defender Dom Hyam full of compliments for Gyokeres:

"I think he's so good at what he does, his attributes are so rare as well. Obviously strikers have their qualities, but there's nothing he's bad at.

"He's good in the box, he's tall, he's big, he's strong, he's technically good as well. I think as long as he keeps grounded, which I know he will, I know him personally, yeah, I think he's got a massive career ahead of him."

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Leeds to snap up the services of Gyokeres this summer, as he could be the dream Rodrigo heir and his huge influence in front of goal could be the linchpin to securing instant promotion back to the top flight.

Potential new Manchester United owner Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has been handed a transfer boost as he looks to sign Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.

What’s the latest Man United news involving Jassim and Mbappe?

Jassim has been interested in taking control from the Glazers for months now and has placed five Old Trafford offers, with the last being a take-it-or-leave-it bid. Should the Qatar group prove successful, Jassim would clear all of United’s debt and have a separate fund for the club and local community.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos Group are the other main party in the race to purchase Manchester United, with both bidders yet to find out if their takeover attempts have been successful.

However, should Jassim come out on top, it appears as if he has an immediate transfer plan to win United supporters over. Reports have claimed that Jassim feels that Mbappe “belongs at Man United” and is planning a sensational transfer move for the star forward.

PSG would look to sell Mbappe if he doesn’t extend his stay at the Parc de Princes stay over the coming months and value the player at £170m.

Now, The Mirror have shared a further positive update on Mbappe and a potential move to Man United, saying:

“Paris Saint-Germain are prepared to sell Kylian Mbappe to Manchester United this summer should the Qatari-backed Sheikh Jassim takeover bid at Old Trafford prove successful.”

Is Kylian Mbappe signing for Manchester United?

Mbappe making the move to the red side of Manchester would be a huge deal and one that could take Erik ten Hag’s side to the next level.

The £893,000-a-week forward has scored a whopping 212 goals in 260 games for PSG and already has 38 goals in 68 games for France.

Still just 24 years of age, the World Cup winner netted 41 times in all competitions last season, with United scoring 58 goals in the Premier League, the fewest out of the top seven sides.

You can see how Mbappe would fit into this United side and possibly star in England, however, a lot still needs to happen before we can think about a transfer.

A deal needs to be struck between the Glazers and Jassim, and with Mike Keegan claiming it could take eight to 12 weeks for an approval process, meaning that the Glazers may remain in control at the start of next season, so a transfer could be tricky.

Glasgow Rangers have submitted an offer to Los Angeles FC for target Jose Cifuentes, according to reports.

What’s the latest Rangers transfer news involving Cifuentes?

Michael Beale and those at Ibrox have wasted no time in bolstering the playing squad ahead of the 2023/24 season, with four new additions already made.

Dujon Sterling, Kiran Dowell and Jack Butland have all agreed on free transfers to Glasgow, whereas Rangers have also signed forward Sam Lammers from Italian side Atalanta for €3.5m.

That appears to be just the start of the club’s summer business, with Cifuentes looking like he could be the next through the Ibrox door.

Reports have suggested that a Rangers move for Cifuentes could be agreed upon by the end of the month, although a low fee still needs to be arranged with the MLS side, and it looks as if that bid has now been made.

According to journalist Alejandro Ruilova, Cifuentes has agreed to make the move to Rangers, with the Scottish side making an offer to LAFC, who are evaluating the proposal.

“Jose Cifuentes – Ecuadorian player has agreed to go to Rangers. Only that Los Angeles FC asks for an amount of money to be able to release the player before the end of his contract.

“It is being negotiated since Rangers offered an amount that is being studied by the club.”

Who is Jose Cifuentes?

Cifuentes is seemingly at the top of his game with a career-high €12m Transfermarkt valuation and can play as a holding, central or attacking midfielder.

The 24-year-old has made 115 appearances for LAFC after joining back in 2020, contributing to 33 goals along the way. He has also won 15 caps for Ecuador and is sponsored by Nike, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the year.

Lauded as being “very dynamic” by LAFC assistant manager Marc Dos Santos, Cifuentes has also been hailed by Ecuador football expert Benedikt Duda, who said:

“Cifuentes is a no.8, who is physical and strong in defence with a tendency to get involved in the attack. There is a good reason he wears the no.11, and footballing-wise, he models himself after Paul Pogba.”

Therefore, for the right price, it looks as if Rangers could be getting a versatile midfielder at the peak of his powers, and hopefully, he’ll be able to go from strength to strength under Beale in Scotland.

Twenty-year-old Lungi Ngidi, who has taken six wickets in his first two T20 Internationals, has earned a maiden call-up to South Africa’s ODI squad for the first three matches against Sri Lanka

Firdose Moonda23-Jan-20171:11

‘I think a superstar is born’ – Behardien

Twenty-year-old Lungi Ngidi, who has taken six wickets in his first two T20 Internationals, has earned a maiden call-up to South Africa’s ODI squad for the first three matches against Sri Lanka, which start on January 28. AB de Villiers, who has not played an ODI for South Africa since June last year, because of an elbow injury, will return to lead the side while Chris Morris, who missed South Africa’s last ODI assignment against Australia in October with a knee problem, is also back.South Africa squad

AB de Villiers (capt), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi
In Lungi Ngidi, AB de Villiers, Chris Morris
Out Kyle Abbott, Rilee Rossouw, Aaron Phangiso, Dale Steyn

Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw – who were also part of the 5-0 win over Australia – could not be considered because both have signed Kolpak deals while Dale Steyn remains sidelined as he recovers shoulder surgery.South Africa’s attack is also without Morne Morkel, who has not played for them since June when he sustained a back injury. Morkel has been on the comeback trial since August but his progress has been especially slow and concerns over his future are growing. Left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso was left out in favour of left-arm wrist spinner bowler Tabraiz Shamsi, as South Africa trial combinations ahead of the Champions Trophy.South Africa have 10 ODIs in the next six weeks in preparation for the tournament, followed by three more matches in England in May and convener of selectors Linda Zondi is confident they will be ready. “We can’t ask for more in terms of preparation. Our one-day squad is coming together really nicely and we are especially happy that we have AB de Villiers back as captain,” Zondi told ESPNcricinfo.De Villiers will take over from Faf du Plessis, who led South Africa against Australia and has succeeded de Villiers as Test skipper, with a view to taking the team to the 2019 World Cup which he has described as a “top priority.” So much so that de Villiers had opted out of Test cricket for most of 2017 in order to manage his workload ahead of the next World Cup. CSA CEO Haroon Lorgat confirmed de Villiers will be obliged to play in every ODI leading up to that event.He will hold together a well-oiled batting line-up which will see Hashim Amla, no longer under threat from Rossouw, and Quinton de Kock open while du Plessis, Duminy and David Miller make up the rest of the top six. Farhaan Behardien, who was made T20 captain for the ongoing three-match series against Sri Lanka that will be decided on Wednesday, is the reserve batsman in the squad.South Africa have four allrounders in their squad in Morris, Wayne Parnell, Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo and Zondi was particularly excited about the depth they will add. “If you just think back to a few years ago, we were talking about how much we were struggling to move on from Jacques Kallis and how the cupboard was bare, but now we have a lot of choice. The same can be said for the spin department. For the first time in years, we have three or four different players to choose from.”Legspinner Imran Tahir remains South Africa’s No.1 choice but has received assistance from Phangiso in the T20 series and now Shamsi in ODIs. Zondi said Test spinner Keshav Maharaj was also on the radar. “We’re not at all saying Phangiso should only play T20s and Shamsi only ODIs. We just want to see how this combination works out and then we will take it from there,” Zondi said.But the most important experiment will be with the new ball. In Steyn and Morkel’s expected absence, Abbott was being earmarked to open the bowling at the Champions Trophy and Russell Domingo even lamented the lack of time South Africa have to find a suitable replacement when it was revealed Abbott’s international career was over in the first week of January. Now, Ngidi has emerged as a candidate to partner Rabada at the tournament.Ngidi bowls quickly, aggressively and accurately but Zondi does not want to put too much expectation on him just yet. “We need to take it one step at a time with him and see how he develops but we are very pleased with what we have seen so far. To have guys like Ngidi, Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo coming through proves to us that our pipeline is producing.”