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Both South Africa and Sri Lanka, filled with youngsters accustomed to the shortest format, clash in the first of three T20s at SuperSport Park on Friday evening

The Preview by Firdose Moonda19-Jan-2017Match factsJanuary 20, 2017
Start time 1800 local (1600 GMT)South Africa’s T20 squad has a new look to it – just four members of their World T20 campaign have been included for the Sri Lanka series•Gallo Images/Getty ImagesBig PictureIn a year with no World T20, it would be easy to forget the shortest format exists at international level, but South Africa and Sri Lanka are doing their bit to keep it alive and kicking. The three-match whirlwind series takes place in five days and will feature an almost entirely new-look South African outfit. Only four members of the squad that played in the World T20 last March, 10 months ago, have been included in the 13-man group for the first two matches as South Africa look to the future.They have assembled the best players from the last two seasons’ domestic T20 competition, and given an opportunity to veterans like Heino Kuhn, who has played professional cricket for more than a decade, and rookies like Lungi Ngidi, who at 20 has already featured in two franchise T20 finals. Of particular interest will be Jon-Jon Smuts, who may make a case as a long-term opening option and Theunis de Bruyn, whose star is rising in all formats.Sri Lanka’s squad has a more familiar hue but with one superstar omission. Lasith Malinga has failed to regain fitness after a bout of dengue fever and had to make himself unavailable for the South Africa tour, leaving Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep to carry the seam-bowling responsibilities along with recalled players, Nuwan Kulasekara and Isuru Udana.With only one new batsmen in their ranks, Thikshila de Silva, Sri Lanka will look to their line-up to do a better job than they managed in the Tests even though their form in shorter formats has not been particularly promising. Still, such an inexperienced host side may present Sri Lanka with their best chance to enjoy some success.Form guide(last five completed matches, most recent first)
South Africa: WLWLL
Sri Lanka: LLLLL
In the spotlightDavid Miller is in the unusual position of being South Africa’s most experienced batsman. Captain Farhaan Behardien confirmed that Miller will bat higher than his usual No.6 spot, perhaps at No.4 where he scored a century for the Knights earlier in the season, in order to give him the best chance of facing as many balls as possible. Behardien said if Miller faces between 50 and 60 balls, he is almost guaranteed a hundred because of his strike rate. No pressure, then.Sri Lanka will look to their captain Angelo Mathews to spark a revival•Associated PressAngelo Mathews was under fire for his tactics in the Test series, particularly in the way he used his bowlers, including himself. The limited-overs contests will be a chance for him to redeem himself. Mathews is much more respected as a short-format bowler and will likely take the new ball in a bid to strike upfront. He will have the opportunity to set the tone and, having failed to do that in the longer formats, will know his performance over the next few weeks could be important to his survival as captain.Team newsSouth Africa could field as many as six new caps in a completely new-look XI which should see the T20 competition’s leading run-scorer Jon-Jon Smuts open the batting with veteran Heino Kuhn. David Miller, who will bat up the order through the series, and Farhaan Behardien will provide middle-order experience around Theunis de Bruyn and Reeza Hendricks. Mangaliso Mosehle will keep wicket, while Wayne Parnell and Andile Phehlulwayo make the allrounder contingent. Dane Paterson will compete with Lungi Ngidi for a place while Imran Tahir could edge out Aaron Phangiso as the sole spinner.South Africa: 1 Jon-Jon Smuts, 2 Heino Kuhn, 3 Theunis de Bruyn, 4 David Miller, 5 Farhaan Behardien (capt), 6 Reeza Hendricks, 7 Mangaliso Mosehle (wk), 8 Wayne Parnell, 9 Andile Phehlukwayo, 10 Dane Paterson, 11 Imran TahirSri Lanka will need a new opener to partner Danushka Gunathilaka and may turn to one of their youngsters Kusal Mendis or Dhananjaya de Silva to do the job. Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal will hope to turn a disappointing tour around, while Thikshila may make his debut. Two specialist spinners and two seamers, in addition to captain Angelo Mathews, could make up the Sri Lankan attack.Sri Lanka: 1 Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Kusal Mendis/Dhananjaya de Silva, 3 Angelo Mathews (capt), 4 Dinesh Chandimal (wk), 5 Niroshan Dickwella, 6 Asela Gunaratne, 7 Thikshila de Silva, 8 Sachith Pathirana, 9 Seekkuge Prasanna, 10 Nuwan Pradeep, 11 Suranga LakmalPitch and conditionsCenturion is known for its spicy surface but in limited-overs matches it tends to favour batsmen a little more. This season, though, it has been a touch slower and seen some lower-scoring contests in the domestic T20 competition. Still, at altitude, the ball is set to travel. Tickets have been sold out for the spectacle. A perfect summer’s evening is forecast, with temperatures cooling down from 31 degrees and no afternoon thundershowers lurking.Stats and trivia South Africa and Sri Lanka have never a played a T20 in South Africa before. They have faced each other six times, of which South Africa have won four matches and lost two. The last time South Africa and Sri Lanka met in a T20 was at the World T20 – which was also when South Africa last played in the format – and South Africa chased 121 to win comfortably by eight wickets with 14 balls to spare.Quotes”As a captain I try to be very lighthearted. The players need to make their own decisions, bring their own flair in the change-room. When they do that, that’s when they can perform at their best and not feel restricted to any sort of structure or anything.”

Tottenham Hotspur could unveil their new goalkeeper shortly after agreeing personal terms with Empoli titan Guglielmo Vicario, ending speculation over the club's pursuit of a new shot-stopper.

What's the latest on Guglielmo Vicario to Tottenham?

That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who has taken to Twitter to provide a series of updates on the situation, the latest of which claims that a €19m (£17m) official proposal is incoming after personal terms were agreed yesterday.

Signing on a five-year deal, Vicario would likely assume the No 1. role at the club after impressing in Serie A this year; Spurs 'keeper Hugo Lloris is expected to depart this summer and he is clearly viewed as the replacement.

The 26-year-old Italian has been favoured by the Lilywhites hierarchy despite also agreeing terms with Brentford's David Raya, deterred by the £40m asking price.

Should Tottenham sign Guglielmo Vicario?

The 35-year-old Lloris has been a stalwart for Tottenham since signing from Lyon for £12m in 2012, but having made four errors leading to goal this year – the most in the division – and with Tottenham shipping 63 strikes, change is understandably afoot.

And while Raya would have been an impressive appointment after starring with the high-flying Bees in the Premier League over the past several seasons, the shrewder route has been taken and could still bear fruit, with Vicario offering all the promise of a first-rate goalkeeper for years to come.

Hailed as an "extraordinary" talent by revered compatriot Gianluigi Buffon, Vicario recorded an average Sofascore rating of 7.05 as Empoli finished 14th in Serie A, playing 31 matches, keeping seven clean sheets and making 97 saves at a rate of 69%.

As per FBref, the £18k-per-week star also ranks among the top 9% of positional peers throughout Europe's top five leagues over the past 12 months for touches per 90, which underscores his prowess as a ball-playing goalkeeper, something that could fit the philosophy of new Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou to a tee, having been lauded for bringing "a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play" by club chairman Daniel Levy.

It could replicate Spurs' recent success in bringing Cristian Romero over from Italian football, with the no-nonsense centre-back signing from Atalanta for £42m in 2021.

Despite the north London outfit's defensive woes, the Argentine World Cup champion has been hailed as a "Rolls-Royce" by Martin Keown and has earned his stripes through his tenacious grit, ranking among the top 5% of centre-halfs for tackles, the top 17% for successful take-ons and the top 20% for interceptions per 90.

On top of the assurance that a burgeoning goalkeeper would bring, Spurs could continue their trend of fortifying the ranks from Serie A with the signing of Vicario, and it is a transfer that must be concluded swiftly ahead of a campaign of paramount importance.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres on loan this summer, before potentially snapping him up permanently next year.

Is Torres leaving Barcelona?

The 23-year-old moved to Barca from Manchester City during the 2021/22 season, having struggled to ever look like a genuinely key part of Pep Guardiola's plans.

While Torres will have hoped to kickstart his career against back in his homeland, he has also found it difficult to nail down a regular starting berth under Xavi. He only started 14 La Liga games last season, coming on as a substitute on 19 occasions, and it has become apparent that he is expendable.

It means Barca could even allow him to leave during the summer transfer window, along with fellow young talent Ansu Fati, which is where Villa could come into play.

The Villans could be set to embark upon a hugely exciting summer window, with Pau Torres already expected to come in as an eye-catching defence signing, and funds available to bring in more players.

Are Villa eyeing summer move for Torres?

According to Mundo Deportivo [via Caught Offside], Villa are keen on the idea of signing Torres on loan ahead of the new season, with a view to signing him permanently in 2024, should he impress. There is a €25m (£21.5m) purchase option that would come into play at that point.

Newcastle United have also been linked with a move for the Spaniard in the recent past, however, so there could be competition for his signature, should he and Barca both agree to a move away makes the most sense.

Torres could be another statement signing by Villa this summer if they could get a deal over the line, possessing genuine pedigree, having already won three league titles in his short career to date, not to mention scoring 15 goals in 35 caps for Spain.

The fact that Xavi has called him "world-class" in the past says a huge amount about what the youngster is capable of as a footballer, and while he clearly hasn't set the world alight at City and Barca, he could thrive by being one of the first names on the team sheet at Villa Park.

At 23, he still has so many years to hone his talent and he could fulfil his potential under Unai Emery, with his compatriot outlining why he is one of Europe's leading managers after a great start to life at Villa.

A round-up of the Momentum Cup matches played on February 24, 2017

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Feb-2017Massive hundreds from openers Jonathan Vandiar and Henry Davids blasted Titans to a total of 400 and a 158-run win against Cape Cobras in Cape Town. Only two Cobras batsmen scored more than 30 as legspinner Shaun von Berg’s 4 for 65 helped bowl them out for 242.After opting to bat, Titans had a gargantuan opening stand of 313 between Vandiar and Davids, both struck five sixes each and ended with a similar strike rate of just over 123. The partnership passed 50 and 150 at a run rate of exactly six per over before they launched into the Cobras attack. Davids reached his century first, off 93 balls in the 31st over, and Vandiar registered his off 100 balls soon after. Davids was the more attacking of the two from then on but it was Vandiar who teed the score past 300 with consecutive sixes off Dane Piedt in the 41st over. The partnership was broken when he was caught behind for 153, his sixth List A hundred, that was studded with 15 fours.Davids was also dismissed by Lizaad Williams, for 163 off 132 balls that featured 14 fours. Albie Morkel’s 32 off 18 helped the score past 350 before Titans collected 27 runs off the last three overs to reach 400.Cobras’ chase was dented early when von Berg dismissed Richard Levi in the fourth over and Stiaan van Zyl was run out eight balls later. Omphile Ramela and Dane Vilas joined forces in the eighth over for a solid stand of 131 in only 15.2 overs to steer them past 150. But Ramela was run out too, for 63, and Cobras slipped from 174 for 3 to 206 for 8. Vilas’ 88 off 60 balls also went in vain as Cobras lasted 34.5 overs. Morne Morkel, who was picked in the Test side earlier on Friday, finished with 2 for 52.File photo – Keshav Maharaj took his second five-wicket haul in List A matches•BCCILeft-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj and medium-pacer Robbie Frylinck shared nine wickets between them to help Dolphins to a 27-run win over Lions in Durban. The victory was built on a 145-run fifth-wicket partnership between Khaya Zondo (74 off 98 balls) and Sibonelo Makhanya (82 off 83 balls) that revived Dolphins to 245 for 7 from a position of 48 for 4.Lions were 213 for 6 at the beginning of the 46th over – with the set pair of Nono Pongolo – 31 off 36 balls – and Temba Bavuma – 74 off 94 balls – at the crease – when Frylinck struck three times in one over to derail the Lions chase. He dismissed both set batsmen and removed Aaron Phangiso for a duck to finish with figures of 4 for 43. Maharaj chipped in with regular wickets through the innings, including that of opener Reeza Hendricks and last-man Beuran Hendricks to return figures of 5 for 40, his second five-wicket haul in List A games, as Lions lost their first game of the tournament.Earlier, two wickets from Bjorn Fortuin and a run-out meant Dolphins had lost four wickets by the 16th over, before Zondo and Makhanya struck half-centuries . Their 162-ball partnership took Dolphins close to the 200-run mark, after which useful knocks from Maharaj and Calvin Savage took the total close to 250.

Arsenal star William Saliba is set to sign a new contract until June 2027 with the club also tying down both Ethan Nwaneri and Reiss Nelson.

Who is leaving Arsenal?

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta could be about to orchestrate a major summer overhaul, particularly in midfield, with West Ham United star Declan Rice finally about to join the north Londoners.

Arsenal are set to sign the England international for £105 million in total (£100m + £5m in add-ons), coming after Arteta's side agreed to pay the initial £100m over a 24-month period.

Rice will join the likes of Kai Havertz, who has already put pen to paper on a £65 million move from Chelsea, and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber as reports suggest he is also on his way to the Emirates.

With all of these incomings, it is inevitable certain players will have to make way, and there are a fair few who could depart. Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe, Nuno Tavares, Sambi Lokonga, Folarin Balogun and, of course, long-serving star Granit Xhaka are all nominees (Goal).

Meanwhile, it is believed star midfielder Thomas Partey has requested to leave Arsenal, meaning supporters could be seeing the back of the Ghanaian sooner rather than later.

However, there are now a couple who seem set to stay as they avoid the chopping block, a list which includes both Nwaneri and Nelsson as both starlets committ their futures to Arsenal.

Saliba, whose deal is set to expire in 2024 as things stand, will follow the aforementioned duo in penning fresh terms as renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano shares what he knows.

According to the Italian reporter, Saliba is "set to sign" a new long term deal till 2027, with the option of a further year. This is brilliant news for the club, especially considering his importance last campaign.

"After Nwaneri earlier today, Arsenal have scheduled new long term deal signing for Reiss Nelson — four year as revealed in May," said Romano on Twitter.

"Next one: William Saliba, set to sign until June 2027 with option for further year."

What's been said about William Saliba?

The former Marseille star returned from his 2021/2022 loan spell in France to become a fixture in Arteta's starting eleven, playing nearly every game alongside Gabriel Magalhaes before his injury.

Saliba has been praised for his epic contribution by Arteta, not only for his quality, but also a brilliant attitude and application.

"His attitude, the way he came in and said: ‘I’m going to prove that I’m very good and I deserve to be here," said Arteta.

“Without any looking back or being shy, he was doing it the right way and giving the right reasons to think that he was going to be really good for us.

“He took out every question mark that we could have with him and gave us all the reasons to play him. And I think he’s been exceptional since that day.”

Imran Tahir is set to turn up for a second IPL franchise – the Rising Pune Supergiant – after being signed as a replacement for the injured Australian allrounder Mitchell Marsh

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Mar-2017South Africa’s Imran Tahir, the No. 1-ranked ODI and T20 bowler, is set to turn up for a second IPL franchise – the Rising Pune Supergiant – after being signed as a replacement for the injured Australian allrounder Mitchell Marsh.Marsh, who had to leave Australia’s tour of India midway because of a shoulder injury, underwent a reconstructive surgery last week and faces the prospect of being sidelined for close to nine months. His unavailability allowed Supergiant to pick from the list of unsold players who had registered for the auction.Tahir, released by Delhi Daredevils after the previous season, found no buyers at the auction in February, despite listing himself at a base price of 50 lakh INR (US$ 76,394 approx). The franchise now has two overseas legspinners in their roster – they retained Australian legspinner Adam Zampa after an impressive debut season in 2016.Tahir, who played four games last season, had picked up 29 wickets in 20 matches for Delhi.

Sam Hain was in fine form as defending champions Warwickshire got their Royal London Cup campaign started with a win on a wet day at Wantage Road

ECB Reporters Network27-Apr-2017
ScorecardFile photo – Sam Hain made an unbeaten 89 to lead Warwickshire to victory•Getty ImagesSam Hain was in fine form as defending champions Warwickshire got their Royal London Cup campaign started with a win on a wet day at Wantage Road. Hain made an unbeaten 89 as he and Will Porterfield knocked off a DLS-adjusted target of 159 without loss.Warwickshire have had a difficult start to the season in the Championship, with a draw and two defeats, but they shrugged off those difficulties with a strong collective display at the start of white-ball competition. Northamptonshire’s innings was interrupted several times by rain and only Rob Keogh made a score of note as they were dismissed for 151 in a game reduced to 30 overs a side.Hain, the leading run-scorer in last year’s Royal London Cup, removed any doubt that it was a below-par total as he raced to a 30-ball fifty before reining in. The hundred stand came up in the 16th over and Porterfield also recorded a half-century, from a rather more sedate 63 balls, before hitting the winning runs with four overs to spare.It was a welcome return to form for Hain who lost his place in Warwickshire’s Championship side for their last match. He and Porterfield, who shared 180 for the opening wicket to help their side beat Northants at Edgbaston last season, ground their opponents down again with the home side finding nothing in response to a poor effort with the bat.Northants, having been sent in on a cold gloomy day, were certainly not helped by three delays due to varying amounts of drizzle, but failed to develop any significant partnerships. Ben Duckett fell for just 7 in a fine opening spell from Rikki Clarke, slapping straight to extra cover. Alex Wakely then chipped a catch back to the bowler, smartly taken down low by Clarke, who took 2 for 18 in his seven overs, either side of rain delays.Cobb settled well after driving Chris Wright down the ground for his opening boundary. He muscled debutant Grant Thornton over the midwicket fence but to the final ball of an Oliver Hannon-Dalby over in which he had already taken two boundaries, holed out to long-on for 33.Thereafter, Keogh played smartly in a 64-ball half-century but received no support. Adam Rossington mistimed a drive down the ground and was caught by Hain running round from long-on for just 13, Steven Crook rocked back to cut Jeetan Patel, missed and lost his off bail for just 2, two excellent run-outs were effected by Porterfield from backward point before Hannon-Dalby cleaned up the tail with two caught-and-bowled dismissals.

Newcastle United have already started to add quality new additions to their impressive squad this summer with Sandro Tonali confirmed, and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of another transfer target.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Harvey Barnes?

According to The Telegraph's football news correspondent Matt Law, Newcastle are "closing in" on a deal for Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes.

In an article for the publication, the journalist reveals that Newcastle are beating West Ham United and Aston Villa to the signing of the forward this summer with the Magpies hoping to pay a transfer fee of £35m to secure his signature this summer.

It is further claimed that Barnes has been a long-standing prospect identified as a top target by Eddie Howe with the player keen to join Newcastle and a bid is expected to be tabled over the next few days.

What position does Harvey Barnes play?

Howe will be thrilled with the rapid progress his squad has made during his first 18 months in charge at the Tyneside club, however, now with Champions League football secured, there is definitely an opportunity and demand to add important depth to key roles.

Whilst competing on the elite European stage will play a huge part in Newcastle's campaign, the club and supporters will be desperate to seal some silverware after coming incredibly close in the League Cup final at Wembley against Manchester United last season and suffering a drought in major trophies since 1955.

As a result, the signing of Barnes could be a great opportunity for Newcastle to strengthen their wide options in the attacking threat and the recently relegated winger could be the perfect player to work alongside Alexander Isak to boost goal contributions and consistency in front of goal in all competitions next season.

Despite being unable to fight off a drop into the Championship last season, the 25-year-old – once hailed a "livewire" by pundit Alan Hutton – has been a consistent and reliable performer on the left side of the forward line for the Foxes, tallying up 45 goals and 32 assists over 187 appearances, with a goal contribution every 164 minutes.

Now the Newcastle squad and especially Isak could benefit from Barnes' keen eye for goal-scoring opportunities with more goals scored last season (13), more shots on target per 90 (1.13) and more goals per shot (1.13) than any of Howe's current crop of wingers, as per FBref.

Isak has been a revelation at St James' Park and has quickly cemented himself as a fan favourite at the North East club with his undeniable pace and finishing abilities playing a vital role in the club's Champions League qualification – as he netted ten goals in just 22 league games last term – so having a player who can provide the killer ball into the box would offer him even more opportunities to score next season.

With that being said, the signing of Barnes would be a great piece of business for Newcastle in their pursuit to compete at the highest level across all competitions next season and if the winger can have the desired impact by forming a partnership with Isak, there is no doubt that they would be an unstoppable threat.

Luke Wells’ 90 not out guided Sussex to a five-wicket victory on the final afternoon of the Specsavers Division Two Championship match against Leicestershire

ECB Reporters Network12-Jun-2017
ScorecardLuke Wells continued his productive run of form•Getty ImagesLuke Wells’ 90 not out, guided Sussex to a five-wicket victory on the final afternoon of the Specsavers Division Two Championship match against Leicestershire at the Fischer County Ground.Needing early breakthroughs when Sussex resumed chasing 232 to win, Leicestershire did dismiss nightwatchman Danny Briggs when only five runs had been added to the visitors’ overnight score of 100 for 2. Clint McKay found the edge of the right-hander’s bat, and Paul Horton at first slip held a brilliant catch one-handed to his left when the ball seemed to have gone past him.Wells, having resumed on 27 not out, had played himself back in though, and he received solid support from Stiaan van Zyl in compiling a partnership of 70 for the fourth wicket. Neither batsman took unnecessary risks, though Wells did go to his half-century in style, hitting offspinner Colin Ackermann for a beautifully timed straight six.He lost van Zyl shortly before lunch, when the South African unaccountably decided to leave a delivery from Ben Raine bowled from around the wicket which went on to knock his off stump out of the ground.Luke Wright went shortly after the break, edging a catch to Horton at first slip off Zak Chappell, and if Ned Eckersley had held a Wells edge behind the stumps off the same bowler shortly afterwards, Leicestershire might have had entertained hopes of an unlikely victory. The chance was spilled, however, and Wells and former Leicestershire player Michael Burgess saw the visitors home.

Aston Villa are reportedly leading the race to sign Juventus forward Federico Chiesa, however the move could prove to be a repeat of the past for the Villans.

A report from Italian outlet Calciomercato earlier this week claimed that Villa have ‘led above all’ in the pursuit for the Italian winger, with the Turin giants reportedly keen to sell the 25-year-old this summer.

A separate report from the Daily Mail claimed that Juventus have ‘offered’ the former Fiorentina whiz to Premier League clubs, with Villa named as one of those interested.

Unai Emery is keen to equip his side with star quality this summer after securing European football next term, however not all stars are worth aiming for, as seen in the Midlands before.

Would Federico Chiesa be a good signing for Aston Villa?

Lauded as a “diamond” by scout Antonio Mango, Chiesa was once regarded as a shining light in Italy for his time at Fiorentina.

The 25-year-old was snatched up by Juventus back in 2020 on an initial two-year loan deal before making the move permanent last summer.

In his final full Serie A campaign with Fiorentina, the versatile attacker contributed to 19 goals in 34 appearances, scoring 10 and assisting nine in a dominant individual year to showcase his breakthrough as one of the continent's best.

The 2020/21 season marked his first in Turin, where he made 30 appearances and both scored and assisted eight goals in the process.

Since that campaign, the Italian has failed to hit over 30 appearances in a league term for Juve, in an unfortunate sequence of events that have seen him miss a host of game time due to injury.

An anterior cruciate ligament rupture in January 2022 saw the 25-year-old sidelined for 36 games, with his record not getting easier for the player, missing a total of an additional 55 days of action since his recovery.

Players that face individual battles with staying fit face cruel paths, whether that be struggling to rediscover form after time away from action, or returning to find their spot no longer vacant, with Chiesa discovering such hardships at Juventus.

Making just six starts in Serie A last season, the Genova-born gem has fallen down the pecking order in Massimiliano Allegri’s side, not helped by him scoring just four goals over the previous two league campaigns.

Villa could learn from past mistakes before opting to take the £51m plunge to sign Chiesa, who despite his fitness woes is a superb talent, but could present the Villans with more burdens than success.

Villa Park has seen such disappointment with Philippe Coutinho, who arrived in the Midlands in January 2022 with an extensive injury history and has struggled to perform since trading Catalonia for Birmingham permanently last summer.

In 2020, the Brazilian sustained a rupture to his knee, leaving him sidelined for a total of 220 days, which like Chiesa, didn’t mark the end of his injury woes, with the 31-year-old missing an additional 81 days on separate occasions after.

Since returning to England, the former Liverpool gem – who has been linked with a move away from the Midlands side this summer – has scored just six goals in 41 appearances in all competitions, while starting just seven league games for the Villans last campaign.

Spending on Chiesa could implement a repeat of the woes surrounding the fitness and lack of performance from Coutinho, using funds that could allow for a better-suited individual to grace Villa Park.