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Everton's summer was justifiably spent bolstering the offensive ranks, having escaped the claws of relegation from the Premier League last term despite finishing as the second-lowest scorers in the division.

The additions, almost exclusively consisting of forward-minded players, were made during Sean Dyche's first summer transfer window at Goodison Park, having taken the reins in January following the dismissal of Frank Lampard, and now only time will tell whether his efforts will bear fruit.

Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison were signed on loan, while forwards Youssef Chermiti and Beto were clinched to combat the incessant injury woes plaguing talisman Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has only scored seven times across the past two campaigns as a result of his repeated setbacks.

The Merseyside outfit lost creative midfielder Alex Iwobi in a bitter blow to their seasonal hopes, with the Nigeria international completing a £22m move to Fulham.

Despite the closure of the English transfer window last week, Goodison Park could be subject to further exits, with Demarai Gray a possible departee.

Is Demarai Gray leaving Everton?

Speculation regarding Gray's future has been rife all summer, with the Jamaica international attracting attention from Crystal Palace and Saudi Arabian sides.

Murmurings of an exit have been exacerbated following the player's recent declaration of discontent, via Instagram, with the understanding that the Toffees are currently blocking his proposed transfer to Al-Ettifaq.

Gray was central to Everton's plans last season, utilised as a forward in addition to his natural placement on the left wing as Calvert-Lewin's fitness failed and Neal Maupay proved embarrassingly ineffective in the frontal striking role, scoring once all season after joining from Brighton & Hove Albion for £15m and now shipped out on loan to former employers Brentford.

Scoring four goals and supplying one assist in the league, the 27-year-old proved a dynamic presence and averaged 1.1 key passes per game, completing 81% of his passes and averaging one tackle per match.

As per FBref, he ranks inauspiciously among the majority of metrics, with his standout rankings among the top 35% of positional peers in Europe for progressive carries and 22% for clearances per 90 hardly evoking confidence.

The £25k-per-week ace was believed to have been deemed expendable all summer despite the club's desire to enhance their frontline, which is somewhat perplexing given that Director of Football Kevin Thelwell and co purportedly rejected an official deadline day bid totalling £7.5m from Al-Ettifaq for his signature.

Why Gray remains at Goodison Park is somewhat nebulous, though it is likely that Iwobi's sale and the failure to sign a replacement is the definitive factor.

With Gray out of contract next summer, his continued presence at the side almost feels like little more than a stay of execution, and given that he is now discontented with his position in Dyche's squad, plans must be mapped out for a replacement.

Dyche and the powers that be at Everton might feel that the winger should remain on the books for the foreseeable future, but given that a homegrown, custom-made possible heir in Lewis Dobbin has made their introduction already this season, perhaps the five-cap star's sale should be granted, with the Saudi Pro League transfer window remaining open until Thursday.

Who is Lewis Dobbin?

Everton's Finch Farm academy has produced some exciting talents across recent years, with the likes of Ross Barkley and Anthony Gordon a few of the more prominent names of late, the latter joining Newcastle United in a £45m transfer only in January.

Look a little further back, and you will find Wayne Rooney to have graduated from the club's youth ranks, with the former England international completing a £27m transfer to Manchester United as an 18-year-old in 2004, and the rest, as everyone knows, was history.

The latest in this long, inexhaustive line could well be Lewis Dobbin, who has been integrated into the first-team fold after spending the 2022/23 campaign out on loan with League One side Derby County, where he was hailed as a "crowd-lifter" and "relentless" by BBC Radio Derby reporter Dominic Dietrich, who also remarked that he "has all the makings of a top footballer." He also just so happened to score one of the most memorable goals in recent FA Cup history…

The 20-year-old played in Everton's opening three Premier League matches of the term, starting against Wolverhampton Wanderers, while also playing from the opening whistle as the Blues defeated Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup second round.

While he is inexperienced at the highest level, Dobbin looks a real talent, and given that he favours the left flank like Gray, could prove to be the perfect successor to his position at the Merseyside outfit.

How good is Lewis Dobbin?

A prolific presence at youth level, Dobbin plundered 20 goals and 13 assists for Everton's respective youth levels before earning the opportunity to impress within a first-team fold at Derby.

Having earned 27 starting displays during his time with the Rams, Dobbin posted 11 direct contributions and did enough to convince Dyche of his potential at Premier League level, handed match action from the opening day of the club's league campaign.

Praised for his "work-rate" by Derby manager Paul Warne, Dobbin is a veritable bundle of energy and brings exactly the kind of dynamism and directness that Everton were lacking last season, toothless in attack and devoid of inspiration.

Having penned a new long-term deal with the side in January 2022, the Goodison Park hierarchy is seemingly convinced that the next star is within their clutches, and he could now grow into his skin with a regular role in Dyche's plans.

Also praised for his "explosive" presence marauding up and down the left flank by one talent scout, there appears to be a ready-made solution to the conundrum that Dyche has been beset with.

Gray, who was signed for a paltry £1.7m from German side Bayer Leverkusen, is clearly desperate to move away, so why not entrust a talented academy starlet with the chance to impress and earn an important role for his long-time club?

Recuperating a large sum would be beneficial for the Toffees, and perhaps now it is time for the next homegrown prodigy to rise to the fore.

Manchester United are seemingly pressing on in their pursuit of a new left-back with just a few days left in the transfer window, with Erik ten Hag seeking a much-needed solution amid his current injury crisis in that role.

Will Man United sign a left-back?

The Red Devils are currently in desperate need of a new addition on the left side of the defence having only recently lost Luke Shaw to injury for an extended period, with positional rival Tyrell Malacia also currently sidelined and promising asset Alvaro Fernandez in line for a loan departure.

With that in mind, Manchester Evening News journalist Tyrone Marshall has reported that Lyon's Nicolas Tagliafico has 'emerged as an option' of late for the Old Trafford outfit, with the club ready to 'consider a loan move' for the 30-year-old Argentine.

Read the latest Manchester United transfer news HERE…

While have also been claims made that a permanent switch could be in the offing for the former Ajax man – with a £5m fee having been mooted in recent days – Marshall states that a 'short-term deal' is the preferred option for United in their bid to strengthen what has become a problem position.

The news comes amid the Red Devils' plans to sign Sofyan Amrabat in the dying stages of the transfer window, with the Athletic's David Ornstein revealing they are now 'working' on a deal.

How good is Nicolas Tagliafico?

The signing of his former players has been a recurring theme of Ten Hag's time in Manchester thus far, with the Dutchman having previously snapped up the likes of Antony, Lisandro Martinez and Andre Onana over the past 12 months or so.

Whether that manager-led transfer policy is the best route to success remains to be seen, although there have been notable benefits with regard to the 53-year-old's desire to reunite with familiar faces, with Martinez, in particular, having shone for the club to date.

Despite early concerns over the 5 foot 9 warrior's height – with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher stating last year that the player "can't work" as a centre-back in the Premier League – the 25-year-old went on to prove an "absolute monster" in the 2022/23 campaign, according to Shaw, having been arguably one of the club's "best signings" in "years", as per club legend Patrice Evra.

The diminutive defender could well be aided even further if he is to be joined by former Ajax teammate and international colleague, Tagliafico, on the left of defence, with the pair having lined up together in the past during their time under Ten Hag in Amsterdam.

Prior to leaving for France last summer, the full-back had contributed 39 goal involvements in 169 games while working with the current United boss for the Eredivisie giants, proving just what an attacking outlet he can be from the flanks – with Shaw, for instance, registering just 32 goals and assists in 262 games for the Red Devils.

Not just a dynamic option in the final third, the £75k-per-week gem – who has also chipped in with seven goal contributions in 41 outings for his current side – can also benefit Martinez due to his defensive strength, as he notably ranks in the top 6% among his European peers for interceptions made per 90, as well as in the top 14% for tackles made per 90.

That is in fact again a better record than the aforementioned Shaw, with the stricken Englishman ranking in just the top 27% and the bottom 44% for those same two metrics, respectively, thus indicating the quality of player that Ten Hag could be set to bring to the club.

Having such an all-round "quality" presence like Tagliafico – as described by pundit Kevin Campbell – at left-back would be an exciting prospect alongside Martinez, with the two World Cup-winning compatriots potentially set to shine this season at the Theatre of Dreams if a deal can be agreed.

Travis Head fell short of a hundred but his efforts helped guide Australia to a first victory since September after Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins had filleted England’s top order

The Report by Daniel Brettig26-Jan-2018
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAlex Hales was bowled for 3 by Pat Cummins•Getty ImagesFor a match that appeared over inside 10 overs, Australia’s first ODI victory since September did not come easy. The new-ball pair of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood filleted England’s top order, but Chris Woakes’ doughty rearguard and Adil Rashid’s variations allowed the Australia Day ODI to creep into floodlit hours while Travis Head guided his team close to home.A slimmer-than-expected Adelaide Oval crowd of 24,329 seemed destined to be filing out of the exits early when Cummins and Hazlewood combined to have Eoin Morgan’s side a sickly 5 for 8 as the new ball swung and seamed, before Woakes delivered his latest outstanding display of a series England had already won.Woakes’ innings ensured that Australia needed at least one score of note to register their first ODI win since last year’s India tour and only their second since January 2017, and it was Head, returning to the top of the order in the absence of the injured Aaron Finch, who provided it. His calm presence, laced with regular boundaries, contrasted with less certain innings from David Warner, Cameron White and the captain Steven Smith. Winners or not, this Australian side is a long way from peak batting performance, meaning Glenn Maxwell is a fair chance to play in the final match of the series in Perth on Sunday.That Australia were not chasing more runs was due to the adroit use of helpful conditions by Hazlewood and Cummins with the new ball, in a display that will be of interest in the context of the looming Test tour to South Africa. Andrew Tye, too, contributed a serviceable spell featuring his first ODI wickets, though Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa were somewhat less dangerous.Damp and humid weather in Adelaide had encouraged Smith to bowl first upon winning the toss, even though the hosts rested Mitchell Starc after he played in the first three matches. England lost Liam Plunkett due to a hamstring injury in the third match in Sydney, with Tom Curran called in.Adelaide Oval’s pitch has become known for its even grass coverage and the prospect of some assistance for bowlers as well as batsmen, but the surface combined with the weather made conditions decidedly awkward for batsmen early on – akin more to the early overs of a Test match than the first innings of a 50-over affair. Combined with England’s hyper-aggressive attitude to the early overs of an ODI innings, the result was a truly rare rush of early wickets.Second ball of the match, Jason Roy sliced an airy drive at Hazlewood and was pouched in the gully by Smith, then in the fourth over Cummins found sharp seam movement to bowl Alex Hales off his pads. At the other end Jonny Bairstow drove eagerly at Hazlewood and edged through to Tim Paine, and in the next over Joe Root’s hook shot flew with some precision into the hands of fine leg.When Jos Buttler was out to one of the balls of the summer, a Hazlewood seamer that pitched on the off stump before prancing away and gifting Paine another catch, England had lost four wickets in as many overs. Only once in ODI history, when Canada were 5 for 7 against the Netherlands in 2013, had the fifth wicket fallen at a lower score, and an exceptionally quick finish seemed in the offing.However, the conditions eased slightly as the ball lost some shine, and Smith seemed content to conserve his bowlers rather than going for the kill. The resultant breathing room allowed Morgan and Moeen Ali to raise a 50 stand, before the return of Cummins and an excellent short ball had Morgan gloving down the leg side. Moeen’s innings ended when he hooked Tye straight at Head, centimetres inside the midwicket boundary on the members’ side, and Rashid soon feathered Cummins’ fourth wicket.Woakes, though, played another excellent innings, in vastly different circumstances to the first three matches, working the ball around and then hitting out powerfully when the bowlers strayed into his scoring zones. Curran offered typically determined support, with the occasional flourish like one terrific pull shot in Hazlewood’s final over. While Woakes fell short of a century, he and the rest of England’s bowlers gave themselves a chance to challenge Australia on a pitch still amenable to the new ball.A year ago Warner and Haed had combined to add a world record 284 against Pakistan, but this time their union was worth a mere 25 when Warner edged a Woakes delivery angled neatly across him. White had said before this match that, not being “stupid”, he knew he needed runs to give himself a chance of figuring in Australia’s further plans, but was defeated by a nip-backer from Curran that pinned him in front of the stumps.Smith’s own underwhelming ODI series was maintained when he sliced a forcing shot at Rashid and was reflexively caught at slip by Root, also the fifth time the wrist spinner had found a way past Australia’s captain in ODIs. Marsh hinted at permanence in a stand with Head that soothed any lingering Australian nerves, but after he hammered a return catch to Rashid, Stoinis misread a top spinner to sky a catch.Tim Paine survived his own share of nervous moments, and Head was mortified to shell a catch to mid-on with only 17 required and four short of his century. Cummins was run out in an awful mix-up with Paine, and it was a nervous Tye who accompanied Paine to the finish, albeit with 13 overs to spare. If winning is a habit, then Australia’s limited overs team still have plenty of forming to do.

As Premier League games begin to come thick and fast, the last thing that clubs will want is an injury to a first-team player, particularly this early on. Yet, that's exactly what Jurgen Klopp will likely have to contend with against Newcastle United.

The Liverpool boss revealed in his press conference that Ibrahima Konate is an injury doubt for the Reds' upcoming trip to St James' Park. The German wasted no time in directing the blame for the defender's injury, either, sharing his frustration.

Without the centre-back, Klopp will likely be forced to call on Joe Gomez or Joel Matip for the first time this season.

What happened in Liverpool's win over Bournemouth?

Taking a shock lead through Antoine Semenyo's third minute strike, Bournemouth would have been in dream land at Anfield, before goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah turned the game on its head.

The controversial moment didn't come through the goals, however. Instead, it came through referee Thomas Bramall, who issued a red card to Alexis Mac Allister for his challenge on Ryan Christie. Racing for the ball, Mac Allister was beaten by Christie, and, therefore, followed through to catch the Bournemouth man just above his ankle.

The Argentine couldn't hide his shock at his dismissal, and has since been given vindication for his disbelief, seeing the red card overturned following Liverpool's appeal.

Even after the successful appeal, though, Klopp believes that his side have been made to pay the price for the red card.

What did Jurgen Klopp say?

Speaking in his press conference in the build-up to Liverpool's clash with Newcastle this weekend, Klopp revealed Konate's muscle injury, appearing to place blame on last week's referee. He said: "Trent (Alexander-Arnold), yes, [trained] from Monday on… Curtis (Jones) from Monday on. Ibou (Konate) is a doubt…. playing 40 minutes with ten men didn't help."

It's no surprise that the Reds boss is a frustrated figure, considering that the red card proved to be a mistake, and could have cost his side all three points, let alone the availability of Konate this weekend.

Fortunately, Diogo Jota's second-half strike ensured that the hosts secured all three points at Anfield, but it is still a mistake that all involved would rather forget.

Now that Mac Allister is available, however, Liverpool will hope to finally unleash their summer signing from the shackles of defensive midfield, handing recent arrival Wataru Endo his full debut in the process.

Newcastle won't be an easy challenge, though, that's for sure. Eddie Howe's side got off to a perfect start on the opening day, ruthlessly easing past Aston Villa, winning 5-1, before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

Now, with Liverpool up next, the Magpies will have a point to prove, and have a chance to show that last season's top four finish was no fluke.

The Reds, meanwhile, will be looking to make a statement of their own. Earning seven points from a possible nine, having already ticked off trips to Stamford Bridge and St James' Park, would represent an impressive start for those in Merseyside.

A late rally from the lower order and early wickets from the new-ball pair of Lalit Yadav and Rajneesh Gurbani helped Vidarbha regain some lost ground in Surat

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Dec-2017
Scorecard Aditya Sarwate raises his bat after reaching his century•PTI A late rally from the lower order and early wickets from the new-ball pair of Lalit Yadav and Rajneesh Gurbani helped Vidarbha regain some lost ground in Surat.After they had been pinned down to 95 for 6, wicketkeeper-batsman Akshay Wadkar, who was playing only his third first-class game, struck a maiden fifty, and stitched up 74 for the seventh wicket with Aditya Sarwate (36) to push Vidarbha’s total to 246. Left-arm spinner KC Akshay secured his second five-wicket haul in three matches.In reply, Kerala made 32 for the loss of opener Mohammed Azharuddeen and nightwatchman Sandeep Warrier before stumps was called.Having started the second day on 45 for 3 – wet weather had wiped out two sessions on the first – Vidarbha lost Ganesh Satish and Apoorv Wankhade early. Karn Sharma then added 24 to his overnight 7 before he was trapped lbw by allrounder Jalaj Saxena. At 95 for 6 in the 50th over, a full-blown collapse loomed, but Wadkar and the lower order averted it. He was the ninth man dismissed but Wakhare and No. 11 Yadav put on 53 for the last wicket to frustrate Kerala.

Liverpool's summer transfer window started with such promise, but the optimism that followed the signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai has faded like the warmth of summer.

Much like the changing of the season, the leaves have fallen from the branches at Anfield, with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all concluding their contracts in June before star No. 6 Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson were sold to Saudi Arabian sides.

Jurgen Klopp has not been backed enough and with the ignominious failure to sign both Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo – both of whom have opted to sign for Premier League rivals Chelsea despite the Reds meeting the valuations for the players – desperation is seeping into Merseyside.

There is a tangible possibility that the club will fall into desperation mode with the transfer window's latch open for just over two more weeks, and Klopp must now make a move swiftly to instil confidence back into the club.

Who are Liverpool going to sign?

Liverpool are linked with several players, but perhaps the best option would be to act on interest in Crystal Palace's Cheick Doucoure, who would command a "minimum fee of £70m" to be prised away from Selhurst Park.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

Reports from July have confirmed Liverpool's admiration, and given the importance of signing a new defensive midfielder, a move must be made with haste.

How good is Cheick Doucoure?

Despite only playing in the English top-flight for one year, signing for £21m from Ligue 1 team RC Lens, the Malian midfielder has proved his worth as a formidable presence in the Crystal Palace centre and it is no surprise that Liverpool are interested.

Hailed as "the complete holding midfielder" by former boss Patrick Vieira, Doucoure played 34 matches in the Premier League last season, earning an average Sofascore rating of 6.97, completing 84% of his passes, 2.3 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 1.4 clearances each outing.

It looks like Vieira was right about that 'complete' assessment, and with years of mileage in the tank, he could be crafted into a dependable option for seasons to come on Merseyside.

There will be understandable bitterness and trepidation for the forthcoming months amongst Liverpool supporters, and the news of Chelsea's imminent capture of Lavia and Caicedo was compounded upon The Athletic's David Ornstein's revelation that long-term Reds target Aurelien Tchouameni has no desire to leave Real Madrid following recent rumours.

The France international would be immense under Klopp's stewardship; heralded as a "ball-recovering machine" by journalist Lucas Navarette, he ranks among the top 2% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for interceptions made per 90, as per FBref.

The 23-year-old also showcased his skills and what Liverpool are missing during Los Blancos' opening LaLiga match of the 2023/24 term, during a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, recording a match rating of 7.3, completing 93% of his passes, winning five of his seven duels, making three tackles and four clearances.

Doucoure is not quite so refined but is a talented midfielder nonetheless and could help Liverpool forget about their failed swoops this summer. That said, it's important to remember that he does not have the same level of control with Crystal Palace that Tchoumeni's imperious outfit has, at no discredit to the Eagles.

The Palace man ranks, however, among the top 5% of midfielders for interceptions per 90 regardless, which strengthens the argument that he too could be the 'ball-winning machine' that Klopp so desperately covets.

Praised as "combative, intelligent and consistent" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Doucoure is just what Liverpool need to ensure they have a real chance at gleaning silverware this season, and if his signature is acquired, then the pathos of the summer transfer activity for the Anfield side will fade into distant memory.

After a damp couple of days that resulted in four games getting washed out, the National T20 Cup got back on track with a pair of thrilling last-over chases on Thursday

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Nov-2017After a damp couple of days that resulted in four games getting washed out, the National T20 Cup got back on track with a pair of thrilling last-over chases on Thursday. And it was Peshawar and Rawalpindi that ended on the right side of the results, each securing their maiden win of the competition, beating Islamabad and FATA respectively.Peshawar were the first to collect their maiden points, refusing to let Islamabad’s batsmen settle in the day’s first game, a low-scoring affair. Inevitably, the pressure of the run rate got to Islamabad and they lost wickets regularly to crumble to 128 all out in 19.2 overs. Each of Peshawar’s bowlers boasted excellent figures, four of them taking two wickets apiece, and only two of them conceding over seven an over. Sohail Khan was the best among them, with 2 for 23 in four overs.Peshawar rode on Israrullah’s quick half-century at No. 3 to cruise through most of their chase, but late wickets made the game more nervous than it should have been. Mohammad Irfan was foremost in keeping Islamabad’s hopes alive, snaring 2 for 9 in four overs. It took a last-over six from Sohail Khan to settle the nerves, and seal the win.In the day’s second game, Rawalpindi captain Umar Amin’s half-century helped his side overhaul Federally Administered Tribal Areas’ total of 160 with six wickets in hand. Khushdil Shah (50) and Mukhtar Ahmed (42) scored the bulk of FATA’s runs. Only experienced internationals Sohail Tanvir and Shadab Khan were able to maintain respectable figures, conceding 20 and 15 runs respectively in their allotment of four overs.Rawalpindi got off to a blazing start with Nasir Nawaz’s 29-ball 42 proving suitable support to Amin, but they fell away during the middle overs. By the time Amin departed, his side needed 33 to win with 17 balls remaining. It took cameos from Mohammad Nawaz and Tanvir to seal victory with just a ball to spare, each contributing an unbeaten 21 to the cause. Ahmad Jamal, who sent down the last over, was taken apart for two sixes and a four by Tanvir, ending with figures of 3.5-0-53-1.With all teams having played three games each, Faisalabad remain the only undefeated side, their two wins – one game was washed out – keeping them on top of the table.

Celtic are currently top of the SPFL standings and they are looking to continue adding to their current squad. Transfer insider Dean Jones weighed in on the future of a Premier League winger who has been linked with the Scottish outfit.

Will Celtic land their man?

Celtic have enjoyed two wins from two thus far this season, with Kyogo Furuhashi and Matt O’Riley regularly amongst the goals.

A 4-2 win at Celtic Park against Ross County was followed by their trip to Aberdeen where they won 3-1 at Pittodrie.

They may have six points to their name, but the Scottish giants aren’t about to rest on their laurels, with Glasgow rivals Rangers keen to hunt them down and win the league title themselves.

Once again, the Bhoys have targeted the continent of Asia, bringing in two South Korea internationals and Tomoki Iwata of Japan – a trio of signings that cost just under £4m.

The latest name being linked with a move to Celtic is an English Premier League star. Daniel Podence of Wolves is being considered by Brendan Rodgers in his second stint at the helm of the defending champions, as reported by Mail Sport.

Podence was not in the matchday squad for Wolves’ first game of the season as they were defeated by Manchester United, while he also missed out this weekend's clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.

This would appear to indicate Wolves boss Gary O’Neil signalling that the Portuguese forward is indeed on the way out at Molineux.

What has Dean Jones said about Celtic and Podence?

Transfer insider Dean Jones recently spoke to GIVEMESPORT and revealed all the important information about the links between Daniel Podence and Celtic.

He said: "Daniel Podence just needs a new lease of life and Celtic would be perfect for him – he would absolutely thrive there. I think this is a move that works well for everyone.

"Wolves continue to look at ways to raise funds, and it's far better to have a player like this heading out than some others that have been mooted that are likely to play more of an active role across a season and actually define how things go.

"Podence is such a lovely, creative player at his best, and I think he could be used in various ways across Celtic's attacking line. I did wonder if Celtic would be put off by the valuation, but it seems to be moving forward so far.

"Very soon, we will hit the stage where serious negotiations can determine whether this happens."

What is the latest Celtic transfer news?

Podence isn’t the only Premier League winger being linked with making the journey up north, as Ryan Fraser is himself out of favour at Newcastle United.

The diminutive Scotsman is edging ever closer to the door at St James' Park and Celtic could be the club for Fraser upon a possible Toon exit.

At the other end of the field, a defender from Ligue 1 is a rumoured target for former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers.

Journalist Emmanuel Merceron has reported the Hoops’ interest in Nantes left-back Quentin Merlin, and whilst an official approach has not yet been made, a saga could be upon us.

Chris Tremain and Jon Holland took five wickets between them to leave New South Wales at 5 for 125 after Glenn Maxwell’s 278 had pushed Victoria to a mammoth 9 for 562

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Nov-2017Getty ImagesWith a mammoth first-innings score behind them, Victoria seamer Chris Tremain and left-arm spinner Jon Holland took five wickets between them to leave New South Wales reeling at 5 for 125 on the second day of the Sheffield Shield match in Sydney. Victoria ended the day with a lead of 437 after Glenn Maxwell, batting overnight on 213, pushed his score to 278 and propelled Victoria to 9 for 562.Batting in the same aggressive manner as he had done on the opening day, Maxwell went about compiling the eighth highest knock by a Victoria batsman in the Sheffield Shield. He added nine fours and a six to his overnight tally of boundaries, before falling to Steve O’Keefe for 278 off 318 balls, having batted for nearly eight hours.”He probably just understands it’s a bit more than flashy periods of brilliance and actual runs are far more important,” Maxwell’s team-mate Cameron White said. “It’s great to see that he’s churning them out consistently. Throw that big knock in, it’s what selectors want to see and we as Victoria need him to do. It’s good to see.”Maxwell was Victoria’s fourth wicket, with the score on 478. New South Wales pushed back with a few quick wickets but Tremain’s handy 45 not out ensured Victoria surged past 550.Tremain then returned with the ball to undo a good start by the New South Wales openers, Daniel Hughes and Nic Maddinson. The pair had added 75 before Tremain dismissed them in consecutive overs and Holland capitalised on this opening to dismiss the next three batsmen cheaply. New South Wales lost five wickets for 50, and need another 288 runs to avoid the possibility of a follow-on.