All posts by h716a5.icu

Liverpool are one of a number of clubs who are interested in signing OGC Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo this summer, according to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Todibo impressing for Nice?

The 23-year-old has become a key player for his current club, catching the eye with his displays at the heart of their defence in recent times. This season, he has started 30 matches in Ligue 1, averaging 3.2 clearances per game and enjoying an 89.1% pass completion rate, showing what a competent all-round player he is.

Todibo may be contracted to Nice until the summer of 2027, but his performances won't be going unnoticed and he could look for a fresh challenge at the end of the season, with his side unlikely to make it into European competition.

Liverpool may well be on the lookout for a new centre-back in the summer transfer window, with both Joel Matip and Joe Gomez enduring below-par seasons, and Virgil van Dijk not getting any younger. Now, it looks as though the Nice starlet could be a summer target, according to a new claim.

Could Todibo join Liverpool this summer?

Taking to Twitter, Romano said that the Reds are one of three big Premier League clubs interested in signing Todibo in the summer window:

"Understand Newcastle, Manchester Utd and Liverpool scouts were in attendance at Nice-Rennes game to monitor Jean Clair Todibo. French centre back could get top club move in the summer – with price tag understood to be around €45m."

Todibo could be exactly what Liverpool are after this summer, coming in as someone who can be a strong backup for Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, but also push them for regular playing time. At 23, he should only improve as the years pass, and learning from the calibre of centre-backs currently at Anfield would surely only aid his development.

The Frenchman has been described as "one of the most underrated CBs in Europe at the moment" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, as well as someone who is the "complete package", highlighting what a big prospect he is.

The £21,000-a-week defender is clearly a wanted man, however, given Newcastle United and Manchester United's rumoured interest, so Champions League qualification could ultimately be key when it comes to who Todibo chooses in the summer. That should be an extra incentive for Liverpool in these final few Premier League games this season, as they look to seal what has looked like an unlikely top-four finish for some time now.

The BCB’s bowling action review committee will assess the suspected bowling actions of at least 13 bowlers who were reported during this season’s Dhaka Premier League

Mohammad Isam25-Jun-2016The BCB’s bowling action review committee will assess the suspected bowling actions of at least 13 bowlers who were reported during this season’s Dhaka Premier League. The committee’s head, Jalal Yunus, said that they will also bring an expert from Cardiff Metropolitan University, which is one of ICC’s accredited testing centres for suspect bowling actions.The committee was formed during last Sunday’s board meeting, three months after BCB president Nazmul Hassan had said that they will weed out illegal bowling actions from domestic cricket in wake of the suspensions of Taskin Ahmed and Arafat Sunny, during the World T20 in March.Bowlers to be sent for re-modelling actions

Mustafizur Rahman – right-arm offspinner

Moinul Islam – left-arm spinner

Amit Kumar – left-arm spinner

Rejaul Karim – left-arm spinner

Sharifullah – right-arm offspinner

Asif Ahmed – right-arm offspinner

Naeem Islam jnr – left-arm spinner

Faisal Hossain – left-arm spinner

Sanjit Saha – right-arm offpinner

Mohammad Saifuddin – right-arm seamer

In the first week of the DPL, six bowlers were reported by the umpires – Naeem Islam jnr, Faisal Hossain, Moinul Islam, Rejaul Karim, Amit Kumar, and offspinner Mustafizur Rahman, who was reported twice. They, along with several others, will be tested next month, after the Eid vacations.”We have a meeting on Tuesday to decide the committee’s modus operandi,” Yunus said. “At least 13 to 14 bowlers have been reported during this Dhaka Premier League. We will start working with them after Eid. We will assess their bowling actions in the nets. Omar Khaled was a former spinner and Dipu Roy Chowdhury and Golam Faruk are former pace bowlers who will work according to their areas. If we find deviation in their bowling through the naked eye and cameras, we will have to rectify them.”Afterwards, if we see the correction is consistent, they can play in next year’s league. If they are reported again, they will be banned for a year. We will work with bowlers in the NCL, BCL, BPL, the Dhaka Premier League, Dhaka First Division and Second Division and age-group.”Yunus said they are in touch with the ICC for technological assistance and have also contacted the Cardiff centre for personnel to be sent to Dhaka to guide the committee, which will also invite local bowling coaches to help out with the process. He, however, said that the BCB doesn’t plan to build a testing centre of its own just yet.”We are not experienced at reviewing a bowling action, so we will bring an outside expert. We will need a dedicated space because this process also requires technological assistance. We have a long gap now and we are now well-equipped to tackle this issue.”Building a lab within ICC’s protocol is going to be very expensive. We want to start with minimum costs. We have written to the ICC for technical assistance. We are also hoping to bring experts from Cardiff on a temporary basis,” he said.Meanwhile, the second bowing action tests of Sunny and Taskin will be completed before Bangladesh’s international commitments begin in October, against England at home. Yunus said that the actions of both bowlers were video-taped during the DPL, and will now be assessed by the Bangladesh’s coaching staff.”Arafat Sunny and Taskin Ahmed are not within our jurisdiction. The national team’s management is working with them. Their rehab is ongoing,” Yunus said. “Their videos from the Dhaka Premier League will be assessed soon, and if it is satisfactory and we are fully confirmed, they will go for a second bowling action test and it will be before the next international assignment.”

Georgia Adams hit 41 as the Southern Vipers produced a flawless display with bat and ball to start their Kia Super League campaign with a six-wicket bonus point win over Surrey Stars

ECB Reporters Network31-Jul-2016
ScorecardNew Zealand’s Suzie Bates scored 25 and took 1 for 20 as Southern Vipers started with a win (file photo)•IDI/Getty ImagesGeorgia Adams hit 41 as the Southern Vipers produced a flawless display with bat and ball to start their Kia Super League campaign with a six-wicket bonus point win over Surrey Stars.Opening batsman Adams crunched her runs from 43 balls in a stylish knock, helping to put on a 66-run opening stand with New Zealand international Suzie Bates. Despite a mini-wobble with victory in their sights, the Vipers chased down their target with 28 balls to spare following a disciplined bowling performance in front of 2,250 at the Ageas Bowl.The only blemish for the home side came when captain Charlotte Edwards, who recently retired from England duty, suffered a sickening neck injury when she collided with Fi Morris attempting to catch Nat Sciver’s aerial strike, forcing her to sit out the rest of the match.Surrey had elected to bat first but opening bowlers Morna Nielson and Natasha Farrant piled on the pressure from the off, with batsmen Bryony Smith and Tammy Beaumont struggling to pierce the infield. The frustration was typified when England star Beaumont chipped Farrant straight to Edwards at mid-on from the 12th ball of the innings.The squeeze continued into left-armer Farrant’s second over when she had Cordelia Griffith leg before and Bates joined the fun by bowling a slogging Smith.The Stars were then left on 26 for 4 when a stunning catch from Edwards, again at mid-on, gave Nielsen her first wicket with the final ball of her spell – and top figures of 1 for 12 from four overs. It got even worse for the visitors when captain Nat Sciver sent back overseas player Marizanne Kapp, who was well short of making her ground.Naomi Dattani was lbw to Morris but Sciver and Rene Farrell milked as many runs as possible in an unbroken partnership of 37 to help the Stars reach 85 for 6 in their 20 overs.The Vipers boasted a glowing bowling card, with home-grown pacer Katie George a surprise standout, only going for 13 in her four overs, including 17 dot balls, and Farrant taking 2 for 17.In reply, Bates and Adams, promoted to the top of the order with Edwards sidelined although able to bat if required, looked more at ease at the crease than their Surrey counterparts. Adams stroked a glorious cover drive before Bates, the ICC’s No. 2-ranked T20 batsman, copied her at the other end as the pair went through the gears to reach 32 for 0 by the end of the Powerplay.Surrey’s day got worse when Kapp dropped a low chance off Adams, and the Sussex batsman made her pay with a beautiful lofted drive down the ground soon after. The fifty stand came up in 65 deliveries, but Adams drilled a caught and bowled at Alex Hartley to end the partnership.Sara McGlashan fell to Hartley’s next ball and Bates was castled by Lea Tahuhu as three wickets fell for two runs, before Alice Macleod was run out with three still required but the home side managed to ease home three balls later.

The appointment of Roy Hodgson as Crystal Palace's manager has worked wonders, he has triumphed in five of his eight Premier League games, propelling the Eagles to absolute safety and an 11th consecutive season in the top division.

If the South London outfit is able to win their final two fixtures against Fulham and Nottingham Forest, then the club will be able to match their best-ever top-flight points tally.

The 75-year-old has pulled off a remarkable job and transformed a side that was winless in their previous 13 games prior to his arrival.

As a result, the Guardian reported that the former Three Lions manager is expected to be asked to extend his stay at Selhurst Park for another year, with the intention of mentoring his current assistant Paddy McCarthy, who may be lined up as his long-term successor.

However, in another report from the Evening Standard, Graham Potter was namedropped as another candidate for the job, and this has the potential to be a match made in heaven.

Why should Crystal Palace hire Graham Potter?

The 47-year-old’s arrival at Stamford Bridge in September 2022 was meant to be the role that would define and shape Potter as one of the country’s most elite coaches. However, it descended into chaos and left many questioning his once-accomplished reputation.

New ownership, a reeling fanbase demoralised by the dismissal of Thomas Tuchel, and a scattered transfer policy meant that Chelsea was a chaotic cauldron. These factors culminated in a suffocating trap that enveloped Potter and hindered his potential.

However, Palace represents a more stable option and is far similar to Brighton, a club that he performed admirably at, having guided them to a ninth-placed finish last season.

These two sides have comparable levels of expectation, quality of the squad, and potential transfer budget. Potter excelled amongst such conditions on the South Coast, and he could do the same in the capital.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who is on the verge of landing a third successive league title, has previously lauded his capabilities and once claimed:

“I am a big fan of Graham Potter. "His players have the courage to play, they all know what to do.

"They have runners high and wide, it does not matter if they are wing-backs, full-backs or wingers. And after that, they create spaces for people in the middle. They press aggressive, all the things I would like as a spectator. I identify with his teams."

Due to his young age, tactical ingenuity, and his previous performance at the Seagulls, Eagles owner Steve Parish must consider lodging a move for him to yield a new era at Selhurst Park.

Two days after scoring his maiden CPL half-century, Darren Sammy did a star turn with the ball, his three-wicket haul setting up a seven-wicket win for St Lucia Zouks against Barbados Tridents

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jul-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsDarren Sammy rattled Barbados Tridents’ top order•CPL/SportsfileTwo days after scoring his maiden CPL half-century at the stadium renamed in his honour, in Gros Islet, Darren Sammy did the star turn with the ball, his three-wicket haul setting up a seven-wicket win that kept St Lucia Zouks in the hunt for a top-four berth.Barbados Tridents, who opted to bat, were restricted to 137 for 8, with Kyle Hope, the opener, making his first T20 half-century. Only three other batsmen moved to double digits, with captain Kieron Pollard’s 20 being the second-highest score of the innings. In reply, Zouks chased down a revised target of 131 in 19 overs, with 15 balls to spare.Tridents started positively, Hope and Ahmed Shehzad raising a 50-run partnership, before Sammy struck in his first over to remove Shehzad. Sammy then sent Shoaib Malik back in his next over to reduce Tridents to 60 for 2 in the tenth over. Sammy coaxed a mistimed pull from Hope in his final over and ended with figures of 3 for 18.The dismissal of Pollard and the in-form Nicholas Pooran off the next two overs, to Derlon Johnson, the left-arm fast bowler, and Shane Watson, further threw Tridents back. David Wiese’s 17-run cameo, however, helped them score 28 off the last three overs.Zouks were driven by 88-run opening stand in the chase, between Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher, which helped them steer clear of the asking rate. Fletcher hit two fours and three sixes in his 41-ball 45 before Pollard struck in consecutive overs to dismiss the openers either side of a rain interval that reduced the contest by an over.By then, Zouks needed only 33 off 36 balls. While Shane Watson, who made 19, was dismissed by Ravi Rampaul, David Miller struck two fours and a six in an unbeaten 19 to seal the winning runs along with Sammy, the captain. This meant that Tridents were consigned to their fourth loss in eight matches.

Tottenham Hotspur's hopes of securing European qualification were dealt a major blow this afternoon as Ryan Mason's men slipped to a dismal, 3-1 defeat at home to Brentford.

It had, initially, been a positive afternoon for the Lilywhites as stand-in skipper Harry Kane netted from range following a well-worked corner routine, with that the 29-year-old's 28th Premier League goal of the season on what could potentially have been his final home game for the club – amid speculation that the striker could be on his way to Manchester United.

After an impressive first-half display from the hosts, the mood swiftly shifted after the break as Bryan Mbeumo drew the Bees level, before the Cameroon international added a second of the day on the hour mark to complete the comeback.

The west Londoners made sure of the points with just a matter of minutes to play as Yoane Wissa curled in from close range after Oliver Skipp had been dispossessed on the edge of his own box, rubbing further salt in the wounds for Mason and co.

That grim scoreline reflects what has been a truly turbulent campaign, in truth, for those at N17, with it looking as if the end of the season can't come soon enough amid the continued search for a new manager.

One man who should surely not be part of the next regime is January arrival, Arnaut Danjuma, with the Netherlands international having failed to make his mark on what was a rare start against Thomas Frank's men.

How did Danjuma perform against Brentford?

While there is still one game left to play for Spurs this season, it would be no real surprise if today's defeat was the last time that Danjuma will be seen in action, with the 26-year-old having done little to warrant an inclusion on the final day.

Although Tottenham do have the option to buy the Villarreal man for a fee of around £27m this summer, the one-time Bournemouth man was unable to make a strong case for himself with regard to earning a permanent stay in north London.

The six-cap speedster did undoubtedly show "bright moments" – according to The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare – although was rather limited in his involvements, making just 25 touches in total – fewer than teammate Fraser Forster in the sticks.

The 18-pass dud was notably unable to convert his guided, headed effort early on, while also proving rather ineffective on the ball after losing possession five times in total, having 'failed to get the ball to stick', according to 90min's Sean Walsh.

As the aforementioned Eccleshare stated, "the best thing for his reputation was to continue not playing", with the wideman's woes having perhaps illustrated why he has been restricted to a limited role in recent months – making just 11 appearances in total.

On the evidence of this latest, below-par performance – which earned the Nigerian-born asset a lowly 6.1 match rating, as per Sofascore – Danjuma's chance to impress may have already come and gone ahead of a decisive summer transfer window.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire could depart Old Trafford this summer, Fabrizio Romano has claimed.

What's going on with Harry Maguire?

The England international has lost his starting spot at United this season following the signing of Lisandro Martinez and has fallen even further down the pecking order behind left-back Luke Shaw, who has moved to the centre on 11 occasions this season.

The 29-year-old has had a mixed spell at Old Trafford since joining in 2019, with a number of high-profile errors leading to criticism, but manager Erik ten Hag recently praised the centre-back, referring to Maguire as "dominant."

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that there is a strong possibility that United part ways with Maguire this summer.

"Man United will probably go for a centre-back, with the situation of Harry Maguire to be considered, because there is a serious chance for him to leave, and with Kim Min-jae remaining as one of the big names they have in the list, with a release clause available in July, for sure he's in the list," he stated.

"Kim Min-jae is not the only one so Man United will go for that type of player."

Should United sell Maguire?

The former Leicester defender has two years remaining on his £190k-per-week contract, and given his current status in the squad, a renewal seems far from likely.

His value may never be higher, and United could potentially recoup some of the £80m they spent on him four years ago.

If they do bring in another centre-back, the prospect of regular minutes will be a remote one for Maguire, and he may be better off finding a new club. It is currently unclear who might bid for him, but if his former coach Brendan Rodgers potentially moves to Spurs as has been mooted, a reunion in north London may be on the cards.

Maguire has made 174 appearances for The Red Devils, but with just seven league starts this season, it is clear that he is not valued as a key player by Ten Hag, and he could be part of a major summer clearout.

The defender joined the club under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but Ten Hag is seemingly keen to stamp his own authority on the squad, and may choose to bring in more of his own targets following the success of Martinez.

Maguire could move on and rediscover the form which he has not found all season, and United could help fund a move for his replacement if an offer arrives this summer, in a deal which could suit all parties.

Concerns over player safety on a soft outfield caused three abandoned days in the Durban Test, despite both teams being “very keen” to get on the park

Firdose Moonda23-Aug-2016Concerns over player safety on a soft outfield caused three abandoned days in the Durban Test and an eventual draw, despite both teams being “very keen” to get on the park. Faf du Plessis and Mike Hesson said the South Africa and New Zealand camps were “extremely disappointed” and “frustrated” after playing only four out of 15 sessions, but respected the decision of umpires Ian Gould and Richard Illingworth not to allow further play.”It’s up to the umpires to make an assessment of whether the ground is safe or not,” du Plessis said. “As cricketers or sportsmen, we generally don’t look at all the factors, we just want to get out there. From our perspective, we wanted to play but the general feeling was that the ground was unsafe. There were quite a few areas that were a bit muddy and a bit loose on the foot. They were very worried that if you were to sprint or make sudden movements on it, you could get badly injured. The message was pretty clear from the umpires that player safety was their main concern and we respect that.”Kingsmead’s recently relaid outfield took 65 mm of rain on Saturday evening, which sunk into the sandy patches caused by the scarifying process that left scant grass in several areas. A full day of sun on Sunday and winds of up to 70kph on Monday were enough to dry it out but the ground underfoot did not harden and the match was called off before the scheduled start of play on Tuesday.In particular, patches around the boundary and on the edges of the square were inspected by the umpires over the two days and were found to give way underfoot, highlighting what was obvious even before the match began – that the outfield needed more time to recover from the work that had been done earlier in the winter. “From the time we arrived at this Test match, we knew that the outfield was in a poor state and obviously it just didn’t cope with the rain,” Hesson said.Solutions such as moving the boundary in or using a drying agent like sawdust were non-starters because the laws do not permit changing field dimensions once play has started and sawdust is only used once there is an indication of when play will be possible. In hindsight, covers on the entire outfield could have kept it protected, but Kingsmead does not own full ground covers, which cost around R400,000 (US$30,000), and none were borrowed from nearby clubs.The covers made a significant difference as was evident from the square, which remained in pristine condition throughout the match. Du Plessis even admitted he would have been happy to field close-in, but it was the outlying areas that posed a danger.”I wouldn’t have minded standing in the slips because there wasn’t much happening there but the areas of concern were the boundaries. If you fielded at fine leg and had sprint around or you have to dive for a ball at mid-off, take a catch or something like that, that was a concern,” he said. “As a player, when a ball is going in one direction, I am going to run and dive and try and stop it. I don’t think of what’s happening on the outfield. It’s the umpires’ job to think of those things. I am there to try and win a game of cricket for my country. The modern game of cricket allows the umpires to make the decision to make sure player safety is important.”Du Plessis also conceded that neither side wanted to take the chance of losing a player to an injury that could be avoided. “If we had got on the field and a bad injury happened, both teams would have been pretty upset. From a captain’s point of view, if one of your strike bowlers ran around the boundary and hurt himself by doing it, you would be upset,” he said.As far as conditions in the middle were concerned, though, seamers on both sides had had reason to smile, as Kingsmead presented them with one of the best pitches seen at the ground. The surface had a significant grass covering, which aided seam movement and had good bounce and carry. New Zealand restricted South Africa to 263 on it, before Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander brought back memories of old in a 12-over period in which they had New Zealand 15 for 2. With the visitors’ best batsmen, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, at the crease, it was shaping up to be an interesting tussle.”We were dying to get out there because we had them in a spot of bother and on that wicket, there was still a lot of assistance. It was a great cricket wicket,” du Plessis said. “There was a bit of movement for bowlers, a bit of swing and if you knuckled down and you were prepared to bat for time, you could score some runs on it. I think it would have been a really good Test match.”

Allrounder Corey Anderson has been named in New Zealand’s ODI squad for the India tour and will play the five-match series as a specialist batsman, New Zealand Cricket announced on Monday

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Sep-20160:53

Quick facts – Corey Anderson

Allrounder Corey Anderson has been named in New Zealand’s ODI squad for the five-match series in India, but he will play as a specialist batsman, New Zealand Cricket announced on Monday.New Zealand recalled batsman Anton Devcich and wicketkeeper BJ Watling to the side, while allrounder James Neesham, who made a return to the Test team after a long injury lay-off, was also picked. Tim Southee, who was ruled out of the Test series in India after straining an ankle ligament, found a place in the 15-member squad. Henry Nicholls, who is part of the Test squad in India, was left out.NZ squad for India ODIs

Kane Williamson (capt), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Anton Devcich, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling
In: Anton Devcich, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling
Out: Brendon McCullum, Grant Elliott, Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Colin Munro

Anderson last played an international game for New Zealand during the World T20 in India, before a back injury ruled him out of the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa. He played in three 50-over trial games in Lincoln last week but did not bowl. NZC selector Gavin Larsen said the allrounder’s rehab would continue to be monitored.”Corey’s professionalism throughout his rehab process has led to this point, and it’s a credit to him and the hard work he’s put in,” Larsen said. “We’re excited to have him back. He provides power through the middle order and knows the conditions in India well.”He’s still working on his bowling and we’ll continue to monitor that, but for this series he will be used solely as a specialist batsman.”Both Watling and Devich have not played ODIs for a significant period. Watling’s previous match in the format was in February 2013, while Devcich’s last international appearance was in December 2014.Watling was added to the squad as wicketkeeping and batting cover, Larsen said, while Devcich’s inclusion gave the side an extra spin option in India, complementing Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner.”India conditions are known to be quite harsh, so it’s really important that we have cover for all positions,” Larsen said. “Luke Ronchi and BJ Watling provide us with wicketkeeping and middle-order cover, while Anton is another spin option for us and can bat anywhere in the order.”The last time we played ODI cricket was in the Chappell-Hadlee series and victory there helped us reach the world no. 2 ranking. We obviously want to keep growing on that and this series is another massive challenge for us.”Fast bowlers Mitchell McClenaghan and Adam Milne, batsman Colin Munro and allrounder George Worker were unavailable for selection due to injury. Milne, who underwent an elbow operation, had played the trial matches in Lincoln as a batsman, while McClenaghan was ruled out due to a pelvis injury.The first match of the ODI series will be played in Dharamsala on October 16, with the remaining games being held in Delhi, Mohali, Ranchi and Visakhapatnam. New Zealand are currently ranked No. 2 on the ICC ODI rankings, three points ahead of India, who are third.

Newcastle United and Eddie Howe are still eyeing a summer move for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.

What's the latest on Scott McTominay to Newcastle?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, reporting on Twitter, McTominay remains a target for the Magpies and PIF this summer as they get set to bolster their squad with Champions League football on its way to St. James' Park next season.

The Magpies finished fourth in the Premier League, four points above Liverpool after the Reds' late surge of form placed Newcastle and Manchester United under pressure to secure their spots in UEFA's showpiece for the 2023/24 season.

Romano reports that while McTominay is a target, Man United have yet to make a decision on his role in the squad for next season. It will depend on Erik ten Hag's vision for the Scottish international, who only started ten Premier League games for the Dutch manager this season.

"Scott McTominay remains in the list at Newcastle — he’s appreciated by Eddie Howe, already wanted him in January. Manchester United have not made any decision yet, it will also depend on Erik ten Hag plans."

Tthe 26-year-old will be out of contract with United in 2025, although the club has the option to trigger an automatic renewal for a further 12 months. With United in a strong position, they should be able to extract a decent fee should they decide to sell. If Newcastle follow through on their interest, The Daily Star previously reported it could cost around £50m for the academy graduate.

How did McTominay perform for United this season?

Appearing for a total of just 1,681 minutes this season, it's clear to see that McTominay has had a difficult time breaking into Ten Hag's first-choice starting XI.

Last season, he played 3,002 minutes of football – a drop-off in game time of 44%. At 26, the Scot may want to consider his options carefully to ensure he doesn't waste time on the sidelines at Old Trafford. He did battle with injuries this season, missing a total of 15 games as a result. Overall, the midfielder scored seven goals and assisted one.

Described as "top class" by journalist Josh Bunting, what McTominay thrives at is driving the ball forward and winning the ball back. According to Fbref, despite his limited minutes, he ranks in the 99th and 98th percentile for clearances and headers won by a midfielder.

He likes to take initiative in defensive situations, backed up by more data from Fbrefs. On average, he takes 4.92 touches in United's penalty area, ranking in the 99th percentile again.

Newcastle could give the Scot more regular game time and in doing so, sign a player that would add more physicality and power to their midfield, making this one to watch.