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England’s senior bowler claims 200th overseas wicket as late breakthroughs redress balance

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jan-2019James Anderson admitted he was relieved to return to wicket-taking ways in the first Test in Barbados, but added that the tour of Sri Lanka before Christmas – in which he claimed a solitary wicket in England’s 3-0 series win – made him appreciate it all the more when conditions are even remotely in his favour.Anderson produced a superb sustained performance with new ball and old on the first day against West Indies, conceding just 14 runs in his first 14 wicketless overs, before striking hard in his latter spells to finish with 4 for 33 in 24 overs all told, as West Indies slipped from 240 for 4 to 264 for 8 at the close.In the process, he claimed his 200th wicket in overseas Tests, and also went past the combined tally of 1000 wickets with his long-term new-ball partner, Stuart Broad, who was not selected for this match as England opted for the all-round option of Sam Curran.”I’ve always enjoyed the challenge but it’s often been difficult for me to get to grips with conditions away from home,” Anderson said. “I guess it’s getting to know my game and getting my skills and confidence up. Now I feel I can bowl on most pitches – though you could probably take Sri Lanka out of that.”Tours like that make you appreciate when there’s a bit of something for you. There was a bit of swing even though the wicket was pretty flat. You’re always encouraged with that movement through the air. I say I’ve enjoyed it – I’ve not enjoyed the times I’ve bowled rubbish, but in recent years as I’ve improved overseas, I’ve really enjoyed that challenge.”Of the 1000-wicket feat, Anderson said: “It makes you feel old. [Broad and I have] played for a long time together. I think it’s amazing to think we’ve taken that many wickets together. It’s a shame that he wasn’t out there today but hopefully he’ll get a go at some stage on this tour.”The decision to leave out Broad – and his personal haul of 433 wickets – was one of the main talking points of the day, and Anderson said he completely understood why.”Of course it causes conversation, it’s a massive decision. A guy who has played 124 Tests but then you have a really talented allrounder [in Curran]. In that respect it shows how strong our squad is. There will be difficult decisions as this team improves. I thought it was harsh on Jack Leach to miss out after Sri Lanka.”It’s tough for Joe [Root, the captain] but that’s why he gets paid the big bucks. It’s Joe and Trevor [Bayliss]’s job. As players we just turn up and prepare to perform. We know there will be tough calls.”England looked like ruing Broad’s absence in the early part of the day, as Curran in particular endured a tough time, conceding 54 runs in 12 wicketless overs. But with Ben Stokes chiming in with three wickets of his own, England finished the day with their noses fractionally in front.”We really weren’t sure how [the wicket] was going to play,” he said. “It was scruffy-looking so it was difficult to tell what we were going to get. We thought it might have a little more pace in it. The odd ball kissed through nicely but on the whole it was a slow wicket.”Kraigg Brathwaite left really well early on because we were getting some swing. So we’ve got to take a lift from how they played early on, because that new ball is tricky on there with the movement through the air. When we bat, that’s what we have to negate.””That last session with the second new ball got us right back in the game,” he added. “It was a good wicket to bat on today. There’s wasn’t too much off the wicket and it was a bit slow, but there was a bit of swing for most of the day.”All in all, it was a day where we had to sit in and I thought we did that really well. We didn’t really let them get away from us at any stage and we know in cricket if you stay in the game, the second new ball can bring two or three wickets. We bowled really well with that second new ball and got our rewards.”

USMNT and PSV full-back Sergino Dest has begun rehab after suffering a devastating knee injury in training.

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Dest began rehab on crosstrainerSuffered knee injury in training last weekLikely to remain out of action up to nine monthsWHAT HAPPENED?

The Barcelona loanee could remain out of action for up to nine months as confirmed by PSV as he suffered a horrible knee injury during training on Saturday. On Wednesday, the Eredivisie side shared an update on their defender's condition where in a video, Dest was seen undergoing rehab on a crosstrainer.

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Dest has not featured for the Catalan giants since the 2021-22 season as he was first loaned out to AC Milan in the summer of 2022 before joining the Dutch giants on another loan spell ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR SERGINO DEST?

The 23-year-old appeared in 37 games across all competitions this season for his club where provided seven assists and scored twice. The club, at one point, considered making the defender's move permanent for a reported €10m fee, however, they will now consider their options before moving ahead with the offer.

The January transfer window is on the horizon and Leeds United could dip into the market to bolster their squad ahead of the second half of the season.

Chief executive Angus Kinnear confirmed in October that there would be funds available to spend in the winter to improve the group if needed, whilst he also pointed out that there are loan spots available to use.

This suggests that the Whites could explore permanent and loan options to give the team a lift in their bid to win an instant promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Daniel Farke's side are currently third in the table and are playing catch-up on the top two, with Ipswich Town currently ten points ahead of them.

One area that they could look to strengthen is their attacking depth as their forwards have not made a significant impact off the bench so far this season.

Patrick Bamford has zero goals and zero assists in 12 substitute appearances, Wilfried Gnonto has zero goals and one assist in nine cameos, and Jaidon Anthony has one goal and zero assists in 14 substitute outings.

This means that Farke's three go-to attacking options off the bench have combined for one goal and one assist in 35 Championship games this season.

Leeds transfer news – Ben Brereton Diaz

Journalist Ben Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT earlier this month that Villarreal forward Ben Brereton Diaz is 'one to watch' for Leeds as he has been a long-term target for the club.

The reporter claimed that he could be a possible signing for the Whites in 2024 as the Chile international has struggled since his move to Spain.

That claim came after TEAMtalk reported in November that the Spanish outfit are prepared to send him out on loan during the second half of the season.

Appearances

12

Starts

Two

Goals

Zero

Assists

Zero

Big chances created

Zero

Big chances missed

Zero

The outlet named Crystal Palace, West Brom, Burnley, Leicester, and Southampton as the clubs who are interested in a possible deal to sign the exciting forward during the upcoming January transfer window.

This suggests that Leeds would face serious competition for his signature, including from two Premier League sides, and this could make it a difficult deal for them to complete.

However, a loan move could be perfect for the Whites if they are able to secure his services as they could, if Villarreal agree, snap him up on a temporary basis with the option, or obligation, to make it a permanent move if they win promotion back to the top-flight.

Farke could land a dream rival to Joel Piroe's position if he, and Nick Hammond, can win the race for Brereton Diaz in January as the former EFL star is a proven performer at this level who could offer more than their current back-up options.

Joel Piroe's season in numbers

Leeds swooped to sign the Dutch centre-forward from Swansea for a reported fee that was in excess of £10m ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Despite being a number nine with the Swans, Farke has deployed the attacker in a number ten position behind French whiz Georgino Rutter, which has allowed the pair to interchange positions throughout games.

Only Crysencio Summerville (nine) has scored more Championship goals than Piroe (eight) has for the Yorkshire-based outfit so far this season.

The 24-year-old talent has, however, underperformed his Expected Goals of 9.18 and has missed six 'big chances' in front of goal, which suggests that his finishing has left a little bit to be desired.

He has also offered little in the way of creativity as the left-footed forward has created two 'big chances' and registered one assist in 21 Championship appearances.

Piroe has one goal from open play and zero assists in his last five league outings for Leeds but the aforementioned statistics of the other attacking options at Farke's disposal does not suggest that he is in any danger of losing his place.

Appearances

12

Minutes played

168

Expected Goals

1.53

Goals

Zero

Expected Assists

0.25

Assists

Zero

As you can see in the table above, Bamford has not done enough in his opportunities off the bench to prove to the head coach that he has the quality to deserve a start ahead of the Dutchman.

Therefore, Leeds could improve their squad by bringing in a proven Championship performer to rival Piroe for his position and to be an excellent player to use as a substitute.

The statistics that show why Leeds should sign Brereton Diaz

Before his move to Villarreal on a free transfer over the summer, Brereton Diaz enjoyed two fantastic seasons with Blackburn Rovers in the second tier.

He showcased his ability as a versatile marksman who can chip in with goals and assists on a regular basis, which means that the talented gem could provide Farke with a boost at the top end of the pitch.

During the 2022/23 campaign, the Chile international managed 14 goals, four assists, and eight 'big chances' created in 43 appearances.

Joel Piroe

1

Ismaila Sarr

2

Callum Robinson

3

Duncan Watmore

4

Nathan Tella

5

The £29k-per-week whiz, who can play out wide or through the middle, ranked within the top 15% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Championship for non-penalty goals (0.35) per 90.

That eye-catching form came off the back of a sensational return of 22 goals, three assists, and three 'big chances' created in 37 league outings for Rovers throughout the 2021/22 season.

This means that Brereton Diaz produced 36 goals and 11 'big chances' created in 70 Championship outings over the course of his final two seasons in Lancashire, an average of one or the other every 1.49 games.

The former Nottingham Forest prospect, whose physical output was described as "amazing" by ex-boss Tony Mowbray, knows how to make things happen at the top end of the pitch at that level.

Whereas, Bamford, Gnonto, and Anthony have all struggled to make an impact and this has left Farke without real competition for Piroe, in particular, in the number ten position.

This is why Brereton Diaz could be a fantastic signing to come in and rival the Dutch forward as he could provide another significant threat in the opposition box with his ability to score goals and create chances at an impressive rate.

Carlos Corberan will want his West Brom players to put the dramatic defeat they suffered at the hands of Leicester City last game immediately to one side, the Baggies yearning for three points to come their way against a now managerless Sunderland side this Saturday to bounce back.

The Baggies boss will be forced into using his full squad for the game against the Black Cats in a less-than-ideal situation, trusted first team winger Matt Phillips is definitely ruled out for the game at the weekend owing to a long-term injury whilst Jed Wallace's availability remains up in the air.

On top of that, Corberan will also be without defensive midfielder Okay Yokuslu for the clash at the Stadium of Light – West Brom's Turkish titan picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Leicester, meaning he will sit out this away game with a suspension.

This development comes at the worst possible time for the 29-year-old and his team, Yokuslu enjoying a purple patch recently for the Baggies before picking up a frankly needless fifth booking.

Okay Yokuslu's season in numbers

This will be the first time the defensive midfielder has missed a game this season, on the pitch in some capacity in all of West Brom's 19 games so far in the second tier.

The former Trabzonspor's man absence will be felt, Yokuslu particularly impressive last month in tricky games against Southampton and Ipswich Town in his holding role in the starting eleven.

His role in the Ipswich win went under the radar, but he was crucial throughout the statement 2-0 win for Corberan's side – winning six of his seven duels in the game, as per Sofascore.

Yokuslu could have even added a rare goal to his Baggies account against Kieran McKenna's men, hitting his only effort wide in a contest that saw West Brom dominate.

The win was secured courtesy of their no-nonsense presence standing strong up against Ipswich's flair players, the sort of presence that would be perfectly suited to the game against Sunderland when challenged with keeping tabs on skilful opposition players such as Dan Neil and Jack Clarke.

Jayson Molumby will more than likely come into the side to replace the suspended Yokuslu, however, hopeful of stepping up to the mark after an uninspiring season to date had seen him frozen out of Corberan's first-team plans.

Jayson Molumby's season in numbers

Once referred to by his manager as an "animal" in the centre of the park when performing at his best for the Baggies, the 24-year-old will be keen to offer energy and creativity alongside aggression from midfield against the Black Cats.

He'll definitely be wanting to perform to a better standard than he did when he was substituted on against the Foxes, West Brom's number eight winning just one of his four duels from a forgettable 15 minutes on the Hawthorns turf.

The Republic of Ireland senior international will instead want to tap into his excellent displays from earlier in the season and perform to that level again versus the Black Cats, Molumby starring in midfield against Millwall all the way back in August in what was the first home game of the campaign.

Molumby was measured and controlled in the middle of the pitch, only misplacing three passes all game in the otherwise drab 0-0 stalemate.

The Irishman will just hope he does enough against Sunderland to give Corberan a mini-selection dilemma when Yokuslu is free to be selected again, Molumby was one of the first names on the team sheet last season whilst this campaign he's faded to a position on the substitutes' bench.

Perhaps Saturday's crunch clash could be a rare opportunity for the 5 foot 9 gem to grasp.

Liverpool have 'agreed' a deal to appoint Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's successor at the end of the season.

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Liverpool reach deal for SlotCompensation package agreed with FeyenoordDutch boss to join in summerWHAT HAPPENED?

According to The Athletic, Liverpool and Feyenoord have agreed a deal for the 45-year-old to succeed Klopp at Anfield this summer.

The Reds made an initial approach for Slot on Wednesday, which was swiftly knocked back by the Dutch club due to the compensation package that was offered. This issue has since been resolved and the former midfielder is now free to move to the Premier League.

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Liverpool's interest in Slot was only revealed earlier in the week – after Feyenoord had secured the Dutch cup against Nijmegen last weekend.

Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi and Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim had previously been considered frontrunners for the role – but it is Slot who Liverpool CEO Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes ultimately opted for.

WHAT KLOPP SAID

Speaking on the possibility of Slot taking over from him this summer, Klopp said: "What I like a lot about it is if he is the one then he wants to take the job – he’s desperate, excited, let’s go for it.

“I like the way his team play football and all the things I hear about him as a guy. Some people I know, know him, I don’t know him yet. Good coach, good guy.

“If he’s the solution for the club then I am more than happy. It’s not up to me to judge but it all sounds really good to me.”

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

The Reds have slipped to third place in the Premier League title race, three points off Arsenal at the top of the table. Despite the campaign fizzling out, Klopp will see out his remaining games in charge of the club and will be honoured in a fitting manner come the end of the season.

The club will then enter a new era under Slot this summer.

New Zealand concede Women’s Championship series after going down by eight wickets in the second game

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Jan-20194:27

‘We definitely want to make it 3-0’ – Mithali Raj

Smriti Mandhana was a thorn in New Zealand’s side again, this time with Mithali Raj for company, as she scored big for a second game in a row – she has passed 50 eight times in her last ten ODIs – to lead India to an eight-wicket win in the second Women’s Championship game in Mount Maunganui on Tuesday.The win, though, was set up by India’s bowlers, who, after Raj opted to field first, shot the home side out for 161 in 44.2 overs. Amy Satterthwaite, the New Zealand captain, did her bit by scoring 71, but there was little of note apart from her innings as India dominated proceedings. Jhulan Goswami had the best returns among the Indian bowlers, but it was a combined effort, with all the frontline bowlers getting among the wickets.With a small target in front of them, India started poorly, losing Jemimah Rodrigues for a duck in the second over and Deepti Sharma for eight not much later. But that’s where it ended for New Zealand, as Mandhana and Raj put together an unbroken stand of 151 runs to take India to the target in just 35.2 overs.Smriti Mandhana smashed an unbeaten 90 to lead India to victory•Getty ImagesThe two played dramatically contrasting innings. On a slowish track, Mandhana looked untroubled, knocking the ball around initially, and then picking up speed to score at around a run-a-ball for the best part of her innings. She finished with 90 against her name, scored off 83 balls with 13 fours and a six. It was enough to earn her a second consecutive Player-of-the-match award.Raj, on the other hand, went at a strike-rate of under 30 for the large part, and even survived a few close calls, before scoring at a higher clip as India closed in. She finished the game with her second six, hit down the ground off Amelie Kerr. She ended on 63 from 111 balls.India’s spinners had done all the damage in the first game, but the pacers played their parts well in the second, Goswami striking thrice and Shikha Pandey once. That said, the spin trio of Ekta Bisht, Deepti and Poonam Yadav weren’t to be left behind, each picking up two wickets and making sure New Zealand didn’t get away in the middle overs.Goswami struck first, sending back the dangerous Suzie Bates for a four-ball duck in the first over, when she had the batsman caught behind. Sophie Devine, the other opener, didn’t last too long either, Pandey trapping her in front in the fourth over.The Indians did their job well on the field•Getty Images”The bowlers have been doing well,” Raj said after the match. Initially a lot of people asked me if spinners can turn the match around on these wickets. The spinners have been doing well since the first match. Smriti has been scoring runs, as has Jemimah. So, overall the team looks good. The fast bowlers were supported by the spinners in the middle overs. The batting hasn’t been tested but in a way it’s good because whoever gets the opportunity are making use of it.”Satterthwaite led a fightback, first adding 25 for the third wicket with Lauren Down and then, after Bisht and Poonam had reduced New Zealand to 62 for 5, 58 for the sixth with Leigh Kasperek.Satterthwaite hit nine fours in her 87-ball knock, but Poonam had her in the 34th over. Kasperek hung around to score 21, until Goswami returned to send her back. The innings didn’t last too long thereafter, though Bernadine Bezuidenhout (13) and Lea Tahuhu (12) did well to push the total past 160.The third ODI will be played at Hamilton’s Seddon Park on Friday, with New Zealand hoping to bounce back after two big defeats – by nine wickets in the first game and by eight wickets in the second.

Afghan spinner is first signing made by Stuart Law, Middlesex’s new coach, since his arrival at Lord’s

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Feb-2019Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Afghanistan’s teenage spinner, has been signed by Middlesex for this season’s Vitality Blast campaign.Mujeeb, 17, is the first signing made by Stuart Law, Middlesex’s new coach, since he arrived at Lord’s in January, and comes in the wake of his impressive displays for Brisbane Heat in this season’s Big Bash in Australia, where he has picked up 12 wickets with a best of 3 for 16.He has so far claimed 54 international wickets in all formats, having made his Afghanistan debut at the age of 16, and in February last year he became the youngest bowler in ODI history to claim a five-wicket haul, against Zimbabwe in Sharjah.In the course of his international baptism, Mujeeb has formed a burgeoning spin partnership with his team-mate Rashid Khan, and in T20Is, his economy rate in is an impressive 5.07.”It is with great pleasure to say that Mujeeb has agreed to play for Middlesex in the Vitality Blast,” said Law. “His unique style of spin has proven to be difficult to play against and his record is outstanding in this format.”I’m sure the staff and players at Middlesex are looking forward to working with him this season.”Mujeeb will be available for the entire Vitality Blast campaign, and will join up with the Middlesex squad in early July to prepare for the tournament.”I’m very pleased to sign for Middlesex for the Vitality Blast and it will be very exciting to play at Lord’s again,” said Mujeeb. “I hope we can be successful as a team.”

Lionel Messi continues to make history at 36 years of age, with the Inter Miami superstar registering career firsts against the New York Red Bulls.

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Record books still being rewrittenArgentine icon in stunning formStill finding new targets to hitGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was the undoubted star of that show at Chase Stadium. Messi was at his magical best in the Herons’ latest MLS outing, as he inspired them to a crushing 6-2 victory – with a part played in every goal recorded by the Florida-based outfit.

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Messi was on the scoresheet himself, as he hit the net in the 50th minute, and had already teed up Matias Rojas a couple of minutes prior to that. The South American icon would go on to lay on a second for Rojas, while playing a part in all three of the second-half goals that earned hat-trick hero Luis Suarez another match ball for his collection.

DID YOU KNOW?

MLS record books have been rewritten by Messi, with no player in the competition’s history having ever recorded five assists in one match or posted six goal contributions through a single 90-minute appearance. Messi has also achieved those feats for the first time in his remarkable career.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

Messi was named MLS Player of the Month for April and appears to be well on course to secure back-to-back awards on that front. He is also being billed as an early MVP contender, with Inter Miami determined to get their hands on more major silverware in 2024.

Manchester City are considering a move to sign a new central talisman who has been made a top target by Pep Guardiola ahead of January, according to a fresh report.

Kalvin Phillips set to leave Man City

In the Premier League this season, Kalvin Phillips has made zero starts and just four substitute appearances (WhoScored – Phillips statistics), and as a result of being so far low down in the pecking order, there’s an expectation that he will be heading for the exit.

During his goal celebration in the Champions League 3-2 victory over Red Star Belgrade in midweek, Guardiola’s out of favour star looked very much like he was waving goodbye to supporters, and should he indeed leave in the coming weeks either on loan or permanently, the manager will have to enter the market to find a suitable replacement.

Bayern Munich’s defensive midfielder Joshua Kimmich has emerged as Thomas Tuchel’s second best-performing defensive player so far this season (WhoScored – Bayern Munich statistics), and his impressive performances appear to have brought him onto the radar of the hierarchy at the Etihad Stadium.

Back in October, TEAMtalk reported that the Sky Blues would be interested in a deal for the Germany international should he decide that he ever wants to leave the Allianz Arena, and if the following update is to be believed, they may have been given the perfect opportunity to land him.

Man City keen on Kimmich

According to Football Transfers, Man City are interested in Kimmich and have even made him their number one target to sign in January.

“Manchester City are looking to bring in Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich as Pep Guardiola has put the German international at the top of his list of targets, FootballTransfers sources reveal.

"We are told that the 28-year-old has fallen out with head coach Thomas Tuchel and his future at the Allianz Arena looks more uncertain – with the Citizens extremely hopeful of securing his services.”

Guardiola could land "passing master" in Kimmich

In the Bundesliga this season, Kimmich has won 16 out of his 22 tackles, which is the highest success rate throughout the whole of his squad, highlighting that he loves to get stuck into challenges to try and win back possession for his team (FBRef – Bayern Munich statistics).

The Rottweil native is also extremely calm and composed when he does have the ball at his feet, where he’s currently recording a 90.4% pass success rate in the league as it stands, and his ability to dictate the game from in front of the backline has previously seen him receive praise (WhoScored – Kimmich statistics).

According to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Kimmich is a “passing master”, and having even scored once against Man City when having faced them in the past (Transfermarkt – Kimmich statistics), it comes as no surprise that Guardiola views him so highly and now wants him to become a member of the home side in the top-flight.

Celtic are top of the Scottish Premiership heading into the New Year and now look to have a plan in place regarding one of their star men at Parkhead, according to a report.

Celtic 2-1 Rangers

On a dreary Saturday in Glasgow's east end, Celtic put in a stirring performance to defeat arch-rivals Rangers 2-1 at Parkhead courtesy of goals from Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo Furuhashi, who extended the Hoops' lead at the top of the table to eight points heading into 2024.

In Scottish football, the winter break comes into play in early January and following their trip to St Mirren on January 2nd, Brendan Rodgers' side will head off for a few weeks before returning against Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup on January 21st, by which time fans will hope some new arrivals have already entered the building.

Journalist shares £10m Celtic transfer update he’s heard ahead of January

Will the Hoops be splashing the cash next month?

ByHenry Jackson Dec 29, 2023

Recent reports have indicated Celtic could look to spend between £6-10 million in the mid-season window; however, this could also be dependent on players leaving the building during the month of January. Bringing in a striker, central midfielder and left-winger are believed to be key priorities for Rodgers, though he will also consider loan signings to help bolster his squad for the remainder of the campaign.

Outgoings may also be necessary to bring down the plethora of options the Irishman has at his disposal and forgotten summer signing Marco Tilio is said to have reached out via his entourage to former clubs Melbourne City and Sydney FC over a potential loan deal, according to reports in his homeland.

Now, Celtic appear to have a transfer plan in place regarding one of their star men in Glasgow who continues to make waves north of the border.

Journalist shares Matt O'Riley transfer update

According to Football Insider journalist Pete O'Rourke, Celtic are confident of securing a club-record £25-30 million for midfield sensation Matt O'Riley in the summer window, with the reporter sharing that the notion of the Hoops man departing in mid-2024 is increasingly likely.

Matt O'Riley key statistics in 2023/24 – Scottish Premiership (SofaScore)

Key passes

2.6

Big chances created

5

Balls recovered per game

6.7

Tackles per game

1.9

Shots per game

2.9

Despite major interest in the Denmark international from clubs in England and around Europe, it is believed that the 23-year-old is settled in Glasgow and is happy to remain at the club for the rest of the season. The Hoops would demand a fee beyond their highest-ever net gain for a transfer to even consider O'Riley leaving mid-campaign.

Labelled "wonderful" by Rodgers, O'Riley has added goals to his game this campaign, registering nine strikes alongside a further nine assists in 27 appearances across all competitions (O'Riley statistics – Transfermarkt).

All things considered, the Danish playmaker is arguably the Hoops' most important player and Celtic should be looking to keep hold of his services for as long as possible.