There were a few catches put down during the record-breaking T20 at Eden Park, but one very valuable one was taken.Mitchell Grimstone, a 20-year-old student, earned himself NZD50,000 courtesy of a local drinks sponsor when he leaned over the railing at deep midwicket to pluck Ross Taylor’s penultimate-ball six out of the air with his left hand.His reaction was priceless (or, well, worth 50K) as he was mobbed by those next to him in the stands.”I’m not left-handed,” he said. “But somehow I put it there and it stuck, and then everyone was jumping over me.”After the match, Taylor also presented him with his gloves and the match ball while offering congratulations.Having had a major boost to his bank balance, it’s probably a good thing Grimstone is studying accounting at university.
يشهد اليوم السبت الموافق 25-5-2024، العديد من المباريات الهامة والمرتقبة، حيث تُلعب مباراة نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا بين الأهلي والترجي، بالإضافة للعديد من المواجهات المُثيرة في أوروبا.
ويحل الترجي ضيفًا على الأهلي، على أرضية استاد القاهرة الدولي في مباراة العودة لنهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا، لحسم الفريق الفائز باللقب القاري للعام الحالي 2024.
وكانت مباراة الذهاب بين الأهلي والترجي، التي أقيمت السبت الماضي على ملعب حمادي العقربي برادس انتهت بالتعادل السلبي.
طالع أيضًا | سيد عبد الحفيظ يوجه رسالة للاعبي الأهلي قبل مواجهة الترجي.. ويعلق على تصريح الشناوي
ويواجه فريق العين الإماراتي منافسه يوكوهاما مارينوس الياباني على أرضية استاد هزاع بن زايد، في إياب نهائي دوري أبطال آسيا.
واستطاع يوكوهاما الفوز في مباراة الذهاب بنتيجة 2-1 على حساب العين، ويحتاج إلى الفوز أو التعادل بأي نتيجة من أجل التتويج بالمسابقة القارية.
وعلى مستوى كأس فرنسا، يستضيف ملعب “بيار موروا” مباراة باريس سان جيرمان وأولمبيك ليون في نهائي البطولة، موسم 2023/24.
وفي الدوري الإسباني، يستضيف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة ريال مدريد أمام ريال بيتيس، في الجولة الثامنة والثلاثين. مواعيد مباريات اليوم السبت 25-5-2024 والقنوات الناقلةموعد مباراة الأهلي والترجي في نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا اليوم
الأهلي ضد الترجي، الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 6”. مواعيد مباريات الدوري المصري اليوم
الداخلية ضد المقاولون العرب، الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “on time sport 1”. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الإسباني اليوم
أوساسونا ضد فياريال، الساعة 3 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 3”.
ريال سوسيداد ضد أتلتيكو مدريد، الساعة 5:15 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 3”.
رايو فاليكانو ضد أتلتيك بلباو، الساعة 7:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 3”.
ألميريا ضد قادش، الساعة 7:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 2”.
ريال مدريد ضد ريال بيتيس، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 3”. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الإيطالي اليوم
يوفنتوس ضد مونزا، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “AD SPORTS Premium 1”.
ميلان ضد ساليرنيتانا، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “AD SPORTS Premium 1”. موعد نهائي دوري أبطال آسيا اليوم
العين ضد يوكوهاما مارينوس، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC5 HD” وقناة “beIN Sports AFC HD”. موعد نهائي كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي اليوم
مانشستر سيتي ضد مانشستر يونايتد، الساعة 5 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 1”. موعد نهائي كأس ألمانيا اليوم
باير ليفركوزن ضد كايزرسلاوترن، الساعة 9 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “Dubai Sports 2 HD”. موعد نهائي كأس فرنسا اليوم
باريس سان جيرمان ضد أولمبيك ليون، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 1”.
ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث المباريات لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا
Rangers are now plotting a move for Queens Park Rangers midfielder Sam Field, with Michael Beale plotting to replace two first-team players with the 25 year-old, according to a report from Football Insider.
Who are Rangers signing this summer?
The Gers have seemingly done most of their summer transfer business, having significantly strengthened the spine of the team by bringing in the likes of Kieran Dowell, Leon Balogun and Jose Cifuentes, however they could still be in the market for a couple more players.
With Fashion Sakala recently leaving to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Fahya for an undisclosed fee, there could be space in the squad for a new striker, although Beale believes his squad are "healthy in numbers" in forward areas.
The Light Blues boss is in no rush to re-invest the money raised from selling Sakala by signing a forward but he could be set to make a move for a new midfielder, with Football Insider now reporting that he is interested in signing Field.
Read The Latest Rangers Transfer News HERE
Beale is said to be a big fan of the QPR midfielder, having spent time working with him during his stint at Loftus Road, and Rangers are now plotting a move to sign him, registering their interest in bringing him to Ibrox.
There may be competition for the 25-year-old's signature, however, with Premier League side Burnley also ready to test QPR's resolve to keep him, as he enters the final year of his contract with the Championship side.
With experienced duo Scott Arfield and Steven Davis departing following the expiration of their contracts this summer, Beale could be keen to add another midfielder to his ranks, and a move for the Englishman may now be on the cards.
How good is Sam Field?
The former West Bromwich Albion was one of QPR's best-performing players in the Championship last season, averaging a Sofascore match rating of 6.98, which placed him second in the squad.
Although it was a poor season for the Rs, only just managing to avoid relegation to League One, the central midfielder impressed on a personal level, particularly in a defensive sense.
Over the past year, the 5 foot 11 maestro ranks in the 98th percentile for blocks and clearances per 90, when compared to his positional peers playing at a similar level, while also placing in the 93rd percentile for interceptions, and the 92nd for aerials won.
Sam Field and Gareth Ainsworth embrace
QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth was clearly impressed by the Stourbridge-born midfielder, lauding him as "sensational" back in April, with football writer Ian McCullough previously describing him as "absolutely superb."
With Beale pointing out that he is well-stocked in attacking areas of the pitch, it could be worth re-investing the money raised from selling Sakala on a new midfielder, and the QPR star could be available for a reduced fee, with his contract expiring next summer.
Field's performances in the Championship indicate he could make a real impact for Rangers in their pursuit of the Scottish Premiership title, and he could be a quality addition to the squad.
Everton are still looking to brush up their frontline with the 2023/24 Premier League season set to kick off this weekend, with Leeds United's Wilfried Gnonto the prime target.
What's the latest on Wilfried Gnonto to Everton?
That's according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed that Gnonto's "priority" is to join Everton this summer following the Whites' relegation from the Premier League.
With a full agreement on personal terms, it is now up to Sean Dyche's side to negotiate a fee with Leeds, who are believed to be demanding €22m (£19m) for the Italy international.
Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…
Everton have already signed dynamic forward Arnaut Danjuma and Youssef Chermiti from Sporting Lisbon this summer, but Gnonto would bolster the attacking ranks considerably ahead of a pivotal season.
How good is Wilfried Gnonto?
Described to be an "absolute nightmare for defenders" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also credited his explosiveness and energy, Gnonto was the shining beacon of optimism for Leeds last season as they meekly exited the top flight after three seasons.
Completing a £4m transfer from Swiss side FC Zurich last year, Gnonto scored four goals and supplied four assists from 28 matches for the Elland Road side, with Kulig also lauding his "electric pace" and "powerful finish".
Having already earned 12 caps for Italy, scoring one goal, the 19-year-old ranks among the top 24% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists and the top 17% for progressive carries per 90, while also demonstrating his defensive application by ranking among the top 20% for tackles and the top 6% for blocks per 90, as per FBref.
Capable of playing across the frontline and enjoying most of his trade on the left wing, Gnonto might have been relegated but indeed performed well and has been entrusted with a place in Italy's senior squad for his labours, and as such Dyche must complete a swoop and replicate Everton's deal for Dwight McNeil last summer.
McNeil signed for the Toffees from Burnley on a £20m package following the Clarets' relegation from the English top-flight and impressed after scoring seven goals and providing three assists from 28 starting league appearances.
His defensive workrate is one of the standout aspects of his game, and Gnonto's tenacity is surely a further factor behind Everton Director of Football Kevin Thelwell's desire to wrap up a transfer.
dwight-mcneil
Indeed, McNeil ranks among the top 8% of positional peers for tackles, the top 4% for interceptions, the top 1% for blocks and the top 2% for clearances per 90, and can help to nurture Gnonto's own efforts in the defensive third.
Praised for his "magnificent" performances by scout Ryan Williams, the 23-year-old is tangible evidence that targetting players felled by the bottom three is often a sure-fire route to shrewd success,.
Hailed as a "pocket rocket" by pundit Tam McManus, Gnonto can be an emulation of this, and given that he is still perched in his teenage years, there is plentiful room for growth and development into a first-class attacking talent in the Premier League.
This is something that the Merseyside outfit have been sorely lacking, with the Goodison Park side finishing the 2022/23 term as the division's second-lowest scorers, behind only Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Everton are looking to fortify their attack with younger signings this summer. Dyche is clearly planning for the future, but Gnonto will arrive with the ability to make an instant impact and Everton have to steer this one over the line to forge a successful season.
Arsenal could make another midfield signing this summer despite having spent north of £200 million, according to Sky Sports and presenter Tom White.
What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?
Manager Mikel Arteta has been well and truly backed over what has been one of the most exciting Arsenal transfer windows in recent memory.
Indeed, the Gunners first signed versatile winger Kai Havertz in a £65 million deal from Chelsea, with the club then making a record-breaking move for England international star Declan Rice.
Arsenal agreed a £105 million deal for Rice, including £5 million in add-ons, which comes as their largest ever transfer as the 24-year-old also becomes the most expensive English player in history.
"Declan is a player with fantastic ability and a proven record at both club and international levels," said Arsenal sporting director Edu after his arrival.
“Declan is a high-quality, young international player who will add great strength to our squad, fitting so well into our strategy of competing with young talented players at the centre of our club."
Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber put pen to paper on a transfer around the same period as Rice, a deal which set Arsenal back £38 million.
Edu has done very well to capture Arteta's top targets, but due to finances, the focus will now be on outgoings before bringing in more fresh faces.
That being said, Sky Sports and presenter White have been told not to rule out further additions, especially in midfield, though it will depend on who Arsenal can sell.
mikel-arteta
"We do have an update from Arsenal actually," said White on Sky.
"We’re told that the focus at Arsenal remains on departures for now. That’s following the club’s £200 million outlay on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
“In terms of outgoings, Inter continue to push for a deal for the striker Folarin Balogun. One source claims they will make a formal bid in the coming days.
“But it’s not just Inter Milan who are interested in him because it’s AC Milan, Monaco and Marseille. He was brilliant in France last season and Arsenal are valuing him at £50 million.
“As for arrivals, Mikel Arteta hasn’t ruled out more signings but it will depend on departures.
“A right-sided forward is one of the positions Arsenal have wanted to strengthen for a while and we’re told not to rule out another midfielder if there is a departure.”
Who could join Arsenal?
Belgium international Romeo Lavia, who is a rumoured midfield target for the north Londoners, comes as quite the enticing option.
Having just been relegated with Southampton, there is reason to believe the 19-year-old could move on for an affordable summer fee, and he could well be worth the effort to sign.
Called a "shining star" on the south coast last season, Lavia stood out as one of Southampton's best-performing players by average match rating also (WhoScored).
Man City boss Pep Guardiola also praised Lavia for his development last season, whilst hinting many at City still rate the teenager.
“I am really impressed with what Romeo has done and is doing,” declared the City boss.
“We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him. We thought to keep him, but maybe he would not (get) enough minutes like he has in Southampton."
Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Bayer Leverkusen gem Moussa Diaby, as Unai Emery and Monchi get to work this transfer window.
The Spanish duo is due to have a busy summer as they bid to get the squad up to par to compete in the Premier League and Europe next season.
Monchi could provide his second masterclass in signing Diaby, with Pau Torres set to become the first big signing of his reign.
Could Aston Villa sign Moussa Diaby?
As reported by the Daily Mail earlier this week, Villa were named as one of the clubs interested in the Bayer Leverkusen winger.
The report claimed that the Villans had joined the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle in the race for the 24-year-old.
Contracted to the German club until 2025, Leverkusen would expect an offer in the region of £50m for the Frenchman.
Where could Moussa Diaby play at Aston Villa?
Making a name for himself in Paris Saint Germain’s academy, the Paris-born gem has sparkled in Germany, cementing himself as a favourite in Leverkusen.
In 172 total appearances for the Bundesliga side, the 24-year-old has contributed to 97 goals, scoring 49 and assisting 48 from the wing, seeing him described as “electrifying” by journalist Aaron Stokes.
With the ability to play on either side of the pitch, Diaby has proved to be a constant threat from the flanks, as highlighted by his 24 goal contributions in all competitions last season.
While many know of the wide players’ talents, not many are aware of his expertise on the level of former teammate Leon Bailey, who caused havoc playing alongside the Frenchman at Leverkusen.
The once frightening duo could be an incentive for Emery to hire Diaby, with the possibility that he could uncover the Jamaican’s form prior to his move to the Premier League along with the potential addition.
moussa-diaby-leon-bailey-bayer-leverkusen
Across 119 Bundesliga appearances, Bailey contributed to 49 goals, scoring 28 and assisting 21 to highlight the threat he can pose on the flanks.
His skills have not yet been transferred to Villa Park, with him scoring just five Premier League goals in 51 appearances so far for the Villans.
Hailed as having “deadly wings” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Leverkusen were once spoiled by the riches of Bailey and Diaby, who as highlighted by the scout contributed collectively to 51 goals in 2020/21.
Emery could reignite where the duo left off, bringing a once-threatening combination back to life in the Midlands in the bid to improve the form of their winger as well as the overall form of the club.
Averaging 1.70 successful take-ons and 4.17 progressive carries per 90 in the Bundesliga last season, Diaby could be the perfect outlet on the flank to liven up the play in the wide areas at Villa Park.
The French "demon" – as lauded by The Athletic's Alex Barker – is also a strong figure in his playmaking efforts, averaging 1.93 key passes per 90, being a prominent presence in the final third for those around him.
Monchi could deliver Emery a masterclass in giving the Spaniard a chance at re-coupling the two wingers, in the hope to re-spark the chemistry once loved in Germany.
With Glasgow Rangers managing to complete the majority of their transfer business early, securing seven signings by mid-July, the onus is now on trimming the squad at Ibrox.
Antonio Colak has already departed, joining Italian side Parma for £2.5m, while Fashion Sakala could be set to follow him, with an unnamed side from Saudi Arabia looking to sign the Zambian forward for a fee of £4m.
Michael Beale doesn’t appear to be stopping there, with another few squad players set to leave in order to bring some funds into the club. Scott Wright is nearing a move to Turkish side Pendikspor, however, it could be Glen Kamara who brings in the biggest transfer fee.
Is Glen Kamara leaving Rangers?
There has been plenty of interest in the Finnish midfielder, with Besiktas eyeing up a swoop for him, while Leeds United also seem to be keen on getting a deal done.
Beale has put a £5m price tag on the player, and he will be hoping a team can come forward and pay this as it would give some more funds to play with during the transfer window.
Having made just 17 starts across all competitions under Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Beale last season, he slipped down the pecking order with the signing of Nicolas Raskin during the January window.
Moving on someone who isn’t in future plans is a shrewd move and Beale may already have a long-term heir at the club, with teenager Bailey Rice shining during his time in the academy over the previous year.
Who is Bailey Rice?
The 16-year-old joined Rangers last summer from Motherwell's academy, having rejected their offer of a professional contract and moving to Ibrox for an undisclosed fee.
It has certainly been a move which appears to have paid off, especially with his impressive 2022/23 season for the B team.
Across 21 matches, Rice chipped in with three goal contributions – two goals and an assist – which is decent for a player who primarily operates as a defensive midfielder.
He was playing alongside players aged two and three years older too, proving that his talents could carry him all the way to a regular spot in the first team.
Indeed, he did become a record-breaking sensation against Livingston in February as when he entered the pitch in the dying embers of the 3-0 win, he suddenly became the youngest-ever player to feature in a league match for the Light Blues.
It is surely a sign of things to come, however, Beale won't be putting any undue pressure on the teen starlet, letting him do his talking for the B side and also while representing Scotland across the youth age groups.
Rangers manager Michael Beale.
He already has accumulated 22 caps for the U17 side, scoring once, and it won't be long before he makes the step-up again to U19 level, with it being a matter of when, not if, before his talent is rewarded.
The future of the defensive midfield position at Ibrox looks safe for the next couple of years, with Rice looking ready to explode onto the scene at the Gers if everything works out.
Since they regained their Premier League status in 2013, Crystal Palace has established itself as a solid and sturdy mid-table outfit.
However, the south Londoners cannot be overtaken by complacency. Last season, all three promoted sides avoided the drop zone. Southampton, Leeds United and Leicester City fell victim to relegation.
The latter had forged a superior reputation to Palace, going even further by providing a sustained threat to the top four and even winning the FA Cup in 2021. But last summer they made a fatal error. The hierarchy failed to adequately invest in the squad – with only Wout Faes and reserve goalkeeper Alex Smithies joining the Foxes – as many players were allowed to underperform with little sign of upheaval.
Now the 2016 Premier League champions find themselves in the second tier. With Palace in a comparable financial situation and possessing a similar quality squad, they must improve.
This need has been heightened by Wilfried Zaha's seemingly inevitable exit from Selhurst Park. The winger is a club legend and has been their talisman for many years, but his burning desire to play Champions League could end his childhood love affair with the Eagles.
Palace cannot afford to sulk or reminisce and must pinpoint the correct targets, with Aster Vranckx tipped to play for the Eagles come August.
What’s the latest on Aster Vranckx to Crystal Palace?
According to Faro de Vigo (via Sport Witness), Palace, Burnley, and Fulham are all vying for the signature of Wolfsburg’s Vranckx.
The outlet reveals that the midfielder is keen to play English football, but Celta Vigo is also 'well-placed' to secure his services.
The Belgian’s current contract doesn't expire until 2025, so the German outfit will command a fee of around €9m (£8m) to sanction his departure.
Who is Aster Vranckx?
The two-cap international joined Wolfsburg in 2021 and has made 29 appearances in all competitions for the Germans.
Last summer, he then sealed a surprise loan move to AC Milan, but his career stuttered during this period as he only managed two starts for the Rossoneri.
However, the 20-year-old is still considered an exciting prospect, and Dean Jones thinks he would be an astute signing, saying: "I think he’s a good level of player to be looking at. He's very confident on the ball. He’s very confident in his decision-making. He's got a bit of cheekiness about him too."
Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig echoed this praise and feels his “pace, passing, vision, athleticism, movement and tackling” are his most attractive attributes.
From a Palace perspective, a player of this profile could inject some real quality into their midfield and the club will be hoping he can mirror the impact that Conor Gallagher displayed in the 2021/22 season.
Conor Gallagher
The Chelsea man spent a year on loan at Selhurst Patrick and was outstanding. In 34 Premier League outings, the 23-year-old recorded 11 goal contributions and the highest average match rating (7.09) in the squad, as per WhoScored.
The Englishman was also notably an effective defensive force after averaging two tackles per game in that solitary season with the Eagles, with Vranckx having also showcased his ball-winning prowess for Wolfsburg in that same season, after averaging 1.4 tackles per game.
If Vranckx can mirror Gallagher’s endless energy and impressive end product then this would be a commendable coup as they look for more signings to join Jefferson Lerma.
With the departure of trusty servants Luka Milivojević and James McArthur, there is space for another midfield to excite the Selhurst faithful and Vranckx could be that man.
Faf du Plessis struck a match-winning 117, and pulled off a superb catch for South Africa as they beat Sri Lanka by 121 runs in Durban
Firdose Moonda02-Feb-2017
Faf du Plessis has taken two sensational leaping catches during South Africa’s home season•ESPNcricinfo Ltd
There’s a secret behind Faf du Plessis’ success in snatching balls one-handed out of the sky to send batsmen on their way and after his second one against Sri Lanka, he was willing to share it.”Someone once told me that if you fear getting hit on the finger or if you fear what happens when you fall, that’s when you are going to get hurt because you go into it 50-50. But if you go into balls-to-the-wall, if I can say that, then you are going to be okay,” du Plessis said in Durban, where he enabled South Africa to pick up their first wicket by running to his left from cover, leaping in the air and pulling off a one-handed catch in effortless fashion.Du Plessis had put in a similarly stunning effort in the slips to dismiss Angelo Matthews in the Test at the Wanderers. The Sri Lanka captain flashed hard at a ball that looked destined to clear the cordon but du Plessis timed his leap perfectly and his right hand did the rest. He rated the Test catch a little higher, because of the force with which the ball was hit.”The Test one will be hard to beat. The ball was traveling very quickly and it was a lot higher than this one was today,” du Plessis said. “Today, my legs were just too tired, I couldn’t jump up off the ground so I had to save it with my hand. It will take a lot to beat that catch I took at Wanderers.”In the ODI, which South Africa won by 121 runs, du Plessis’ time in the field came after he spent two hours and 44 minutes in the middle, crafting a Man-of-the-Match worthy century and sharing in a 117-run stand with David Miller. Du Plessis’ innings included 53 singles, six twos and two threes, which meant a lot of running between the wickets in high humidity.He expected to feel the effects of his exertion in the lead-up to the third ODI on Saturday but does not anticipate having to miss it. “I feel when you get older your body gets more sore after a game after you’ve done it so the next two days will be a write off for me and then we’ll come back for the next game and I will do it again.”‘Two brilliant catches that you very seldom see get taken and then an outstanding run out, real Jonty-style. That killed us’ – Sri Lanka coach Graham Ford on South Africa’s fielding•AFP
Du Plessis is not the only one who can pull off those kinds of moves in this South African team. “We are very lucky. If you look at the guys in the ring – they are all brilliant fielders. There’s not any fielder there that’s a bowler. It’s all quality fielders, who field at point or cover for the different franchises,” he said. “We’ve got the right personnel and with that you can obviously make sure you train hard and then you can change games with them. New Zealand have been a great example of that for many years and we are right up with them now.”The Durban match provided ample proof of that statement. AB de Villiers took a catch running backwards to dismiss Upul Tharanga and a direct hit from JP Duminy at backward point did Asela Gunaratne. Sri Lanka’s coach Graham Ford had to concede that apart from being out-batted and out-bowled, his side were also out-fielded.”I am not too sure there’s any other side in world cricket that can field as brilliantly as they do. If there is, hopefully we don’t have to play against them. Their fielding is electric,” Ford said. “They have got some amazing athletes in that fielding group. South Africa are very lucky that Jonty Rhodes set such a great example years ago. These kids, when they were young, all they wanted to be was be like Jonty. So from a very young age, really worked on their fielding and enjoyed their fielding and it shows. They must have saved plenty of runs and then two brilliant catches that you very seldom see get taken and then an outstanding run out, real Jonty-style. That killed us.”More so, because Sri Lanka put down what could have been a match-defining catch. South Africa were 118 for 4 and du Plessis on 63 when he edged left-arm wristspinner Lakshan Sandakan to slip but Dhananjaya de Silva could not hold on. They also grassed two more chances. Hashim Amla was dropped on 6 by the bowler Suranga Lakmal, although he barely had any time to react and and David Miller, the other centurion, was reprieved on 67, when a very thick edge eluded Dinesh Chandimal standing up to the stumps.Overall, Ford was not too unhappy with what he saw from his players. “It was one of the best ground fielding performances I have seen some Sri Lanka for quite a while. The commitment, the energy, the effort in the field, in fairly tough conditions was amazing,” he said. “We so easily could have had a different day. We had a chance to have them 120 for 5 with two bowling all-rounders to come after that. The game could have been very different if we’d managed to take that chance.”
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.”
Ecuador midfielder Jose Cifuentes.
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.