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Nottinghamshire captain Steven Mullaney will lead England Lions in their triangular series against India A and West Indies A later this month.The squad features five players capped by England – Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Craig Overton and Reece Topley – and also Ben Foakes who was part of the Test squad throughout the tour of Australia and New Zealand.Matt Parkinson, the Lancashire legspinner who has impressed this season with red and white ball, is included – he is the leading wicket-taker in the Royal London Cup with 18 wickets at 18.22.Topley’s inclusion is significant encouragement for the left-armer who has played 10 ODIs and six T20Is for England. He has suffered a succession of lower-back injuries and has opted to focus on white-ball cricket in 2018.Joe Clarke, the Worcestershire batsman, has not been included with a decision to allow him to play red-ball cricket. The tri-series coincides with two rounds of the County Championship – Worcestershire play Lancashire and Nottinghamshire during that period – and pulling players out for Lions duty has caused tensions in the past.Squad: Nick Gubbins (Middlesex), Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Yorkshire), Sam Hain (Warwickshire), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Steven Mullaney (Nottinghamshire, captain), Ben Foakes (Surrey, wk), Liam Dawson (Hampshire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Craig Overton (Somerset), Matt Parkinson (Lancashire), Matthew Fisher (Yorkshire), Reece Topley (Hampshire), Tom Helm (Middlesex)

Ange Postecoglou has been fairly ruthless when it comes to farewells at Tottenham Hotspur since taking charge, with his rebuild resulting in a number of departures around the squad, or players simply being frozen out.

It must be said, though, that as ruthless as Postecoglou has been, it has worked wonders so far in North London, with an unbeaten start representing the turnaround that the former Celtic boss has overseen so quickly.

Now, even with the transfer window shut, the Australian is making moves to improve his side, which could reportedly see yet another player depart, in what would be perhaps the most surprising exit since Harry Kane's transfer to Bayern Munich earlier this summer.

What's the latest Spurs transfer news?

According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are on the verge of signing 16-year-old centre-back Luka Vuskovic from Hajduk Split, beating a reported five other clubs to the highly-rated teenager's signature in the process.

The deal represents Spurs' improvement in the transfer market, as they continue to plan for the future. The deal for Vuskovic is not without its cost, according to reports, however, with a first-team player heading in the other direction.

According to Croatian outlet tportal, the deal for Vuskovic has opened the option for Ivan Perisic to go in the opposite direction, and join Hajduk Split in his home country of Croatia.

The move would come as quite the surprise, given that Vuskovic is reportedly set to stay at Split until he turns 18-years-old, before then officially making the move to Spurs.

Should Spurs sell Ivan Perisic?

Whilst Perisic is getting no younger at 34-years-old, he has remained an important member of the Spurs squad, even under Postecoglou. So far this season, he has made an appearance in all five games in all competitions, including one start in the Carabao Cup.

In such a young Spurs squad, too, with the likes of Micky van de Ven and Yves Bissouma still relatively new to the team, Perisic's experience can prove to be priceless for those in North London – swapping that experience out for a 16-year-old centre-back may prove to be a costly decision. If Spurs can get their deal done for Vuskovic without bidding farewell to Perisic, then it would be an ideal transfer.

The former Inter Milan man's versatility is an asset in its own right on top of his experience, meanwhile, having played in midfield, wingback, and in an offensive role throughout his career. That is, once again, priceless.

Perisic has earned plenty of praise during his short time at Spurs, too, including from Alasdair Gold, who said, via Football London, after the defender impressed against Sporting: "Crafted a couple of first half chances for Richarlison and Emerson and further opportunities in the second half that should have been put away.

“An excellent creative outlet down the left for Spurs and used all of his experience for much of the match. One of Spurs’ better players other than one moment of iffy defending when Edwards left him in his wake.”

With that said, the Vuskovic deal is certainly one to keep an eye on, especially if Hajduk Split pursue a deal of their own for current Spurs man Perisic in the coming days.

Cricketers around the world should consider taking a leading role in adopting their own honour code under which they operate, according to Tony Irish, chief executive of FICA

Firdose Moonda26-Mar-2018Cricketers around the world should consider taking a leading role in adopting their own honour code under which they operate, according to Tony Irish, chief executive of the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA). Responding to several incidents in the global game over the last few weeks, which reached a climax when Australia’s captain Steven Smith admitted to a premeditated plan to tamper with the ball during the Newlands Test, Irish said players needed to take it on themselves to act within the spirit of the game.”Players are the shop window to the game and they have a great responsibility for the game,” Irish told ESPNcricinfo. “What happened at Newlands falls way short of where that responsibility should be. Everyone wants to see hard-fought Test cricket but we are also seeing many instances in which player behaviour, and not cricket, is the focus. The seriousness of what has just happened has brought things to a head and will hopefully be the catalyst for change.MCC condemns falling behaviour standards

The MCC, which oversees the Laws of cricket, has issued a statement calling for a “shift in attitude and culture” in the game, in the wake of latest controversy to impact on the series between South Africa and Australia, saying that standards of player behaviour had fallen to unacceptable levels.
“We welcome the swift action by the match officials, ICC and Cricket Australia in response to the admission of ball tampering by senior Australia players,” John Stephenson, MCC assistant secretary, said. “Changing the condition of the ball is prohibited under Law 41 concerning Unfair Play.
“Law 41 also places upon the captains of both sides the responsibility for ensuring that play is carried out in accordance with the spirit of the game as well as within the Laws. The behaviour of some of the players in the current South Africa/Australia series, and other incidents in recent times in the game we all cherish, has fallen well below the standard required to inspire future generations of cricket-loving families.
“The time has come for a major shift in attitude and culture of all those with responsibility for leadership within the game, to give young players the kind of role models who will uphold standards, preserve cricket and, vitally, the Spirit of Cricket for future generations.”

“The ICC code of conduct has to be consistent and effective in dealing with player behaviour and that should be a given. But perhaps it’s also time to start the conversation with players around what they feel should the fundamental principles around how the game is played. Perhaps this could lead to their own honour code, which will contribute to the promotion and protection of the unique values and traditions of cricket. This would be a proactive and collective shift led by the players.”Though the ICC has a code of conduct in place, Irish feels FICA, which represents players from nine ICC members, should also engage with the senior players from all countries to get their views on how the code is working. “This should be done in a positive way so that it contributes to solutions around player conduct,” Irish said.The ongoing South Africa-Australia series has seen seven disciplinary issues across three Tests, from ball-tampering and sledging to a shoulder brush. At the same time in Colombo, Bangladesh players were involved in arguments with the umpires over a decision they were unhappy with during a T20 against Sri Lanka and the anger then spilled off-field, where a glass door was shattered.While sanctions have been handed down in all cases, the severity of the punishments differed, causing consternation in some quarters. Kagiso Rabada was initially given three demerit points for the contact he made with Steven Smith (this was reduced to one on appeal) while the Bangladesh players only picked up a demerit point each.Irish said he hoped the players could agree among themselves what constitutes worthy behaviour and how they chose to act when representing their countries.”The ICC code of conduct requires player compliance but standards set by players themselves would hopefully make it less about what one can and can’t get away with under the code,” he said. “It becomes important to look at how players across the world can collectively and proactively take responsibility. One common standard may be a challenge but I would like to think it’s achievable. Different teams have different cultures and approaches, but they are all playing the same game with the same unique history. In my experience, most players recognise how special and unique cricket is and want to do the right thing”Asked why he thinks matters have become so heated of late, Irish was unsure but felt that intensity was good for game, as long as it is contained. “Maybe a lot of this, certainly in this series [in South Africa], is the passion and the heat of this series,” he said. “In a way, that’s positive because it shows you how much players care about Test cricket and winning these games but clearly what just happened is not acceptable.”

After beating Liverpool to the double-swoop of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, it seemed that Chelsea were untouchable in the transfer market and could sign whoever they want due to their overwhelming financial muscle.

Therefore, when the Blues triggered Michael Olise’s £35m release clause, it seemed like the former Reading sensation would inevitably end up at Stamford Bridge.

However, in a mind-boggling turn of events, Olise has now signed a new four-year deal at Selhurst Park, leaving Chelsea to consider other attacking options.

Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson is under consideration, but another name has come to the forefront of speculation.

Who could Chelsea sign instead of Michael Olise?

According to Fabrice Hawkins, Chelsea have accelerated their pursuit of 20-year-old Lyon prodigy Bradley Barcola following their failure to land Olise.

Read the latest Chelsea transfer news HERE…

However, Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in Barcola and the west London outfit’s first €35 (£30m) offer was refused by Lyon.

The player is yet to give a final agreement. Previous reports from France suggested a fee of £43m may need to be offered.

Who is Bradley Barcola?

Last season, Barcola enjoyed a stirring breakout campaign at the club he’s been at since 2010.

In 15 Ligue 1 starts, the attacker bagged five goals and crafted eight assists – his total for the metric was the highest in the squad as he has developed a formidable reputation for tricky, technique, and creativity.

The rising star also ranks impressively across the continent, sitting within the best 1% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for assists per 90, and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90.

Despite possessing an obscene degree of skill, Barcola is deemed to be a hard-working forward who meaningfully contributes to the defensive effort – this is mirrored by his rank in the highest 10% for aerials won per 90, blocks per 90, and interceptions per 90.

The 6-foot livewire made history in April 2023, when he became the youngest player in Europe’s top five leagues to have been involved in ten goals in all competitions in 2023 (six goals and four assists).

Following this achievement, Lyon manager Laurent Blanc provided a glowing review of the Frenchman: "He surprises me on a physical level. He doesn't second-guess himself… he scores goals, even though he is not necessarily an out-and-out striker. He can easily eliminate his opponents with his technical finesse and speed.

"When he wasn't a starter, I told him to be attentive and serious because he was certainly going to be able to occupy an important position in the team. He must have thought I was crazy not to play him."

A player of this repertoire and output is a worthy alternative to Olise. It was widely assumed that he would join the two-time European Champions, but he has committed his future to the Eagles.

Palace were reportedly on the verge of launching legal action against Chelsea for their Olise approach. However, it seems that Todd Boehly has already pinpointed his next target, who like Olise, is a fountain of innovation.

Indeed, last term, the Eagles attacker registered a whopping 11 assists in the Premier League. Barcola couldn't quite manage as many but one year Olise's junior, he still has plenty of time to develop and reach the same dizzy heights.

Lauded as part of the "elite" Lyon academy by Football Talent Sout Jacek Kulig, Barcola is more than capable of becoming a useful asset at a Premier League club.

Everton hold a "genuine interest" in signing Troyes striker Mama Balde, but they may be set to face competition for his signature, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest Everton transfer news?

Sean Dyche is now close to bolstering his attacking options with the signing of Southampton striker Che Adams, who is poised to join in a £15m deal, subject to the completion of his medical, with Brown revealing he has been a long-term target, saying:

“It looks like Everton probably will get Adams. I think they’ve obviously been trying to find a deal for him for quite a long time. He’s been on their radar for many months.

"It looks like Southampton are willing sellers, and it’s not too far away from being done now, so I think Everton are likely to have a new number nine coming in which is good in a number of ways.”

After seeing an initial £12m offer for Adams rejected, the Toffees expressed an interest in signing Balde, according to talkSPORT, who detail that Troyes would be willing to let their striker leave for a fee of around £7m this summer.

Although that report seemed to suggest the 27-year-old could come in alongside Adams, with Dyche said to be in the market for "new forwards", Brown does not believe that is the case.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, the journalist suggested the Troyes forward is likely to be an alternative option to Adams, although Everton's interest is real:

"It looks like there's genuine interest there. It feels a little bit like he's a backup option in case something goes wrong with a move for someone else. For instance, if Che Adams doesn't come off, it feels like he might be on the list. Also, there are other clubs looking at this guy too, though. So, it may be that Everton are not really in the lead for him. We will see."

Read The Latest Everton Transfer News HERE

How many goals has Mama Balde scored?

Across a total of 174 professional appearances with Desportivo Aves, Dijon FCO and Troyes, the Guinnea-Bissau international has scored 41 goals, while he has also found the back of the net for his country on two occasions.

Although those numbers do not suggest the former Desportivo Aves man is particularly prolific, he has predominantly played on the right wing, and he is extremely versatile, having also filled in at right-back on a number of occasions.

In his last 50 matches, Troyes' "key man", as dubbed by journalist Josh Bunting, has started to make the centre forward position his own, featuring in that area on 31 occasions, and his goal record has dramatically improved, scoring 12 goals in 34 Ligue 1 games last season.

Brown has indicated that Balde may be a back-up option for Adams, but there is no reason why he cannot be brought in alongside him, given that he is able to play in a number of positions, and he is available for just £7m.

Dyche's priority may well be to get a deal for Adams over the line, given that he has been a long-term target, but the manager shouldn't discount a move for the Guinea Bissau star in the latter stages of the transfer window.

Aston Villa are reportedly still interested in Galatasaray forward Nicolo Zaniolo, as Unai Emery continues to target the player.

The Villans were said to have interest in the Italian in June, when news in Italy linked the two parties with the winger said to also be attracting interest from Tottenham.

There has since been an update on the 24-year-old, as the Midlands side look to equip more star talent this summer.

What’s the latest on Nicolo Zaniolo to Aston Villa?

As reported in Italy (as relayed by Sport Witness), Zaniolo is ‘most prominently’ being followed by both Bayer Leverkusen and Villa.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

It’s noted that Galatasaray are hoping to clarify the status of the versatile forward’s future quickly, with it claimed that he ‘continues to receive offers and interest’.

Valued by FootballTransfers around the €18m (£15.5m) mark, Monchi could deliver another masterclass in capturing the signature of the highly-rated Italian this summer.

How good is Nicolo Zaniolo?

Despite having a career tainted by injury, the attacker has continued to prove himself as being a star talent on his day both in Serie A and the Turkish Super Lig.

Having once been hailed as “superb” and described as a “lethal playmaker” by writer Zach Lowy, the 24-year-old has continued to show his worth despite being forced down several paths of bad luck in such early days of his career.

In 2020, the Italian suffered two anterior cruciate ligament injuries, recovering from one he sustained in January to suffer the same injury in September that dealt him a double blow of extended periods on the sidelines.

The versatile attacking midfielder struggled to become reintegrated into the side at Roma, however, found his feet again at Galatasaray, signing for the Turkish champions back in February.

Following his arrival, the Massa-born gem has made a fast impact for the Lions, scoring five goals in just 10 appearances, with only two coming from starts in the league, via Sofascore.

Deployed primarily as an attacking midfielder, the Italy international has been used in the past on the right flank with the ability to cut in on his favoured left foot to cause havoc.

In capturing Zaniolo, it wouldn’t be the first time that Villa Park has seen an electrifying wide player with the versatility to play across the field.

Labelled as “magnificent” by pundit Michael Brown, former Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi could have his dynamism on the right side replicated by the 24-year-old.

The two are similar in their approach to play, as supported by the numbers recorded by Zaniolo in his previous consistent season in Serie A and by the former Villa man in his final Premier League campaign in England.

As per FBref, in the 2021/22 Serie A term, the former Roma whiz averaged 2.56 successful take-ons and 3.97 progressive carries per 90, similar numbers to the Dutchman who recorded an average of 2.79 progressive carries and 1.45 successful take-ons per 90 in claret and blue.

While El Ghazi has moved on to pastures new with PSV, his energy and potency in the final third will be remembered at Villa Park, with the reported target having the ability to bring such attributes.

With significant interest listed in the player, Monchi and Emery must act fast if they are serious about obtaining the Italian maestro.

Arjun Tendulkar, son of Sachin Tendulkar, has been selected for the Mumbai Under-19 one-day side for the JY Lele invitational tournament to be played in Baroda from September 16 to 23. Arjun, who has also represented Mumbai in Under-16 cricket in 2015-16, will turn 18 on September 24. Although not a BCCI tournament, the team will represent the Mumbai Cricket Association, which could be a step closer to selection for official U-19 cricket.A left-arm quick, Arjun recently bowled in the nets in the lead-up to the Lord’s Test between England and South Africa, sending Jonny Bairstow off with an injury scare when he hit him on the toe with a yorker. He has also bowled in India nets previously.A day after his selection on Saturday, Arjun played an important part in helping Parel CC draw their Kanga League B division match at Shivaji Park. He batted an hour for 15 runs, and returned figures of 1 for 14 in five overs. One of the opposition batsmen was former Mumbai wicketkeeper-batsman and coach Sulakshan Kulkarni.”I faced Arjun, and it seems he is an aggressive bowler,” Kulkarni told “The more he bowls the better he will get.”Arjun’s father, Sachin Tendulkar has in the past asked to spare his son any comparisons.”I am not interfering in his career because I think it is not fair,” Sachin told in April 2016. “He has to have freedom to express himself. I can guide him. Not on a regular basis, but when I feel that he needs to be told something, then I do. I don’t take his class every evening when he comes back home. I do not want to lecture, but let him enjoy the game and fall in love with cricket, which he is (doing). I have told him things about hard work like any father would.”Unfortunately, he has the excess baggage of his surname and I know that is going to be there. It is not easy for him. For me, it was different as my father was a writer and nobody questioned me on cricket. I feel that my son should not be compared to me and should be judged for who he is.”

India have brought in left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Axar Patel for the Pallekele Test, as a replacement for the suspended Ravindra Jadeja. He will be the third spinner in the squad behind offspinner R Ashwin and left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav.Axar is yet to make his debut in Test cricket, but has played 30 ODIs and seven T20 internationals. He has played 23 first-class matches and taken 79 wickets at 30.37. He has just finished playing the 50-over tri-series in South Africa with India A. He finished the team’s third-highest wicket-taker in the series with seven wickets in four games and an economy rate of 4.11.Jadeja was suspended at the end of the second Test for disciplinary issues; following an incident where he threw the ball at batsman Malinda Pushpakumara “in a dangerous manner” according to the on-field umpires. He was given three demerit points, taking his total to six demerit points inside a 24-month period which triggered a one-Test suspension. Incidentally, he was the Man of the Match in that Test for his his unbeaten 70 off 85 balls and second-innings five-for, following which he moved to No. 1 on the Test allrounder rankings, to go with his No. 1 rating among Test bowlers.The Pallekele Test begins on August 12. India have already won the three-match series, with victories in Galle and at the SSC.Updated India squad: Virat Kohli (capt), Ajinkya Rahane (vice-capt), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Abhinav Mukund

England legend Wayne Rooney has claimed it looks as though Harry Kane is "being held as a prisoner" at Tottenham Hotspur amid persistent exit rumours.

What did Rooney say about Kane?

It wouldn't really be a transfer window without there being a whole load of speculation about the future of the Spurs striker. And it wouldn't really be a transfer window without a load of pundits, managers, and fans weighing in on the debate of where Kane should go next.

Well, Rooney is the latest man to offer his opinions on the matter, suggesting Kane would be "ideal" for his former side Manchester United to sign this summer.

Indeed, when speaking in a recent interview with The Athletic's David Ornstein, the current D.C. United manager made his feelings about his former England international teammate clear.

Rooney said: "Harry Kane would be the ideal player, for me, to go and join Manchester United.

"It looks like he's being held as a prisoner at Tottenham. It's very difficult for him to get out of there.

"But yea I think if Manchester United had Harry Kane there, then I think that gives their chances of going to win and compete… makes that a lot easier and better.

"But whether that happens remains to be seen."

As things stand, it seems more likely that Kane will end up in Germany with Bayern Munich instead of heading to Old Trafford. The Bundesliga giants have already had two bids rejected by Spurs this summer, the latest understood to be worth about £70m plus add-ons.

What did Rooney say about Maguire?

In the same interview with The Athletic, Rooney also weighed in on Harry Maguire with the centre-back having recently been stripped of the captain's armband.

On the matter, the club legend explained how this proves Maguire's not in manager Erik ten Hag's plans and so the defender should probably leave this summer.

He said: “To have the armband taken off you, how does he move forward with the club?

“That shows the manager really doesn’t believe in him. It leaves Harry in a position where he has to think on what he does moving forward.

"The manager has shown he is not part of the plans. I’m sure Harry will want to go and play — for himself, for his England career — to put himself in the best position to be as successful as he can. The best thing now is probably for him to move.”

At the moment, West Ham seem likely the most likely destination for Maguire. Indeed, transfers expert Fabrizio Romano claimed that "it is true" there is "interest" from the Hammers.

However, the Italian journalist did note that there are "also other clubs keen" on the England defender and so his future remains up for grabs for the time being.

Maybe the player will prefer to stay and fight for his spot in Ten Hag's team but it does feel as though the writing is on the wall for Maguire and with Rooney urging him to move on too, perhaps it's best to heed that advice.

Although Mohammad Irfan and Shazaib Hasan were questioned in Dubai, they have been recalled so that their reports of being approached at the PSL can be verified by the anti-corruption unit

Umar Farooq10-Mar-2017Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Irfan and batsman Shahzaib Hasan have been summoned by the PCB in relation to their investigation into alleged corruption in the PSL. Both men had been called in for questioning by the anti-corruption unit in Dubai last month but were given a clean chit to continue playing the tournament. Now, a PCB spokesman said, they face the possibility of being charged.Two cricketers – Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif – have already been charged by the PCB for various code-of-conduct breaches, including attempting to corrupt a cricket match. A three-member tribunal has been set up to hear their cases next week in Lahore.Irfan and Shahzaib had previously come forward to report approaches made on them at the PSL. They have now been recalled so that the anti-corruption unit could vet their stories.”PCB has initiated the investigation from the lead left in Dubai,” A spokesman told reporters at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. “It has started with both [Shahzaib and Irfan] being issued a demand note and by that both are bound to share all the information with PCB anti-corruption unit.”Irfan has been summoned to appear on Monday while Shahzaib has been asked to appear on Tuesday. PCB anti-corruption unit will assess their evidence and information and will determine whether to charge them or not.”Amid the ongoing investigation, Irfan has not been selected in a pool of 31 players to undergo a training camp ahead of the West Indies tour. Shahzaib, however, has not been in contention for a place in the national team since 2010, when he played the last of his three ODIs and 10 T20Is. Sharjeel and Latif are currently provisionally suspended.