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On the pitch, Everton are back on track for survival and potentially more after a disastrous start to the season left them fearing for their Premier League status. Sean Dyche has gone from defeats at Luton Town to wins over Bournemouth and West Ham United, as well as a draw against Brighton & Hove Albion. In an ideal world, their form at Goodison Park would be matched with success away from the pitch. But that has been anything but the case.

As 777 Partners look to complete their takeover of the club, the Premier League's financial fair play investigation into Everton has brought new fears for the club. The investigation could result in major consequences, be it a 12-point deduction or transfer sanctions, or perhaps even both. That said, the Merseyside club may need to raise funds to pay any punishments and are reportedly open to selling one particular player in the January transfer window.

Everton transfer news

Everton did well in the summer to keep hold of some key players. The likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdolaye Doucourse and Jordan Pickford all stayed put, as Beto, Jack Harrison and Ashley Young, among others, came in to reinforce Dyche's side. The result of a successful summer window has been a place five points clear of the Premier League's dropzone.

They are still happy to cut ties with one player, however. According to 90min, Everton are open to the sale of Ben Godfrey amid interest from a number of British clubs. Newcastle United, Rangers, Burnley, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are all reportedly interested in signing the central defender in the January transfer window.

Godfrey, of course, has fallen out-of-favour at Goodison Park and could, therefore, do with a fresh start. So far this season, the England international has featured in just one Premier League game in what has been a fall from grace. Godfrey's price-tag once sat at £20m when Everton landed his signature from Norwich City in 2020.

Everton may regret sale of "fantastic" Godfrey

An England international once worth £20m who is still only 25-years-old, Everton may well regret allowing Godfrey to depart if he does complete a move away in the January transfer window. The former Norwich City man has impressed in the past at Goodison Park and, whilst he remains without a place under Dyche, the defender is an ideal back-up for the former Burnley manager.

Godfrey caught the eye of the legendary Carlo Ancelotti during the Italian's time in charge of Everton. The current Real Madrid manager said, via The Boot Room: "Fantastic. We signed him as a centre-back not a right-back, but he has quality to play in that position, He had a little problem when he went on the pitch at the beginning, but second-half was really good. Congratulations to him, he was ready and he’ll be ready for the future."

When the January transfer window opens, Godfrey certainly looks like one to keep an eye on. Whether Everton regret his potential departure or not remains to be seen, however, as they look to avoid relegation once more.

Newcastle United are keeping close tabs on an exciting defender, but a fresh report has revealed that they aren't the only club hoping to secure his services in January.

Do Newcastle need any more defenders?

At St. James’ Park, Eddie Howe currently has Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Paul Dummett and Sven Botman as his natural options at centre-back, but as we’ve seen this season, those have been limited at times due to the injury to the latter.

During the 8-0 Premier League victory over Sheffield United, Botman sustained a knee injury and has been missing for the last four games, and whilst he’s recently dropped a hint on social media that he will be back sooner rather than later (Chronicle Live), there’s no guaranteeing that another player won’t take his place in the treatment room.

The Magpies could therefore be tempted to bolster their ranks at the heart of their backline next year, and one player that has emerged onto the radar in the northeast is Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah who has fallen out of favour under Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues’ 24-year-old has carried out three loans throughout his career at Ipswich Town, Huddersfield and FC Lorient, and the fact that he is yet to make a single appearance in any competition this season shows how low down in the pecking order he is (Transfermarkt – Chalobah statistics), so it sounds like he’s now prepared to start a new adventure elsewhere.

Trevoh Chalobah transfer update

According to 90min who have delivered a transfer update on Trevoh Chalobah, Newcastle are interested in a deal to sign the defender in January, but they are set to face stiff competition to secure his services:

"Trevoh Chalobah is ready to leave Chelsea when the January transfer window opens, 90min understands, with clubs across Europe already exploring a possible deal.

"Chalobah may also have the option to follow fellow Blues graduates Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Italy, where Roma and Juventus have registered their interest in a January transfer."

How much does Trevoh Chalobah earn?

In SW6, Chalobah currently pockets £50k-per-week which he’s not earning considering that he isn’t being given the opportunity to play (Chelsea salaries), but should he put pen to paper at Newcastle in January, that could all change if he was to operate on a regular basis.

Standing at 6 foot 3, Freetown’s native was averaging 2.2 clearances and 1.2 aerial wins per top-flight game last season (WhoScored – Chalobah statistics), showing the “ice cold” rock and physical presence he can be both on and off ground, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Chalobah, who has the versatility to operate everywhere across the backline and even three roles in the midfield, additionally shares the same agent, CAA Base Ltd, as Kieran Trippier, so this existing connection that his representative has to the club could give the board a small advantage should they try to get a deal over the line.

Wrexham released their financial results for the year ending June 30 2023, and they owe owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney a large sum.

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Reynolds and McElhenney owed significant sumWrexham increased turnover in last financial yearMade a loss of £5.1m despite winning promotion Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Wrexham have released their financial results for the year ending 2023, and have confirmed that they owe Reynolds and McElhenney a total of £8.9 million ($11m). However, they have also made it clear within their statement that they are under "no immediate pressure to repay these loans", with the owners pumping cash into the club to bring them out of the National League and into the English Football League.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Wrexham have also confirmed that they had a turnover of £10.4m ($13.1m) and a loss of £5.1m ($6.4m), an increase from £2.9m ($3.6m) from last season. They also have increased their wage bill to £6.9m ($8.7m), a figure that outstrips most League One clubs, as they continue their quest to gain promotion once again.

WHAT WREXHAM SAID

Wrexham's statement explained: "The financial losses suffered by the Club since the takeover shouldn’t be repeated, with income generated by the Club now sufficient to meet the operational costs of the Club going forward.

"These losses were deemed necessary to allow the Club to maximise its full potential in the shortest time practically possible. The Club is under no immediate pressure to repay these loans at the expense of the progress we seek to achieve and further financial support will be provided/secured to support the capital expenditure projects the Club is currently planning, which includes increasing the capacity of The Racecourse Ground and the development of a training facility for all the Club’s teams.

"The year-on-year income comparisons since the takeover, show the potential of the Club. These will significantly increase again for the year ending June 30, 2024, following promotion and the continued popularity of ."

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Wrexham are next in action against current league leaders Mansfield Town this weekend in a huge encounter. A win for Phil Parkinson's side would move them level on points with their opponents, although they do have a significantly worse goal difference.

Everton supporters have been through the ringer through the course of the previous two seasons and unless Sean Dyche leads them on a solid winning run, they could face yet another relegation battle.

The Toffees have finished 16th and 17th during the last two Premier League campaigns and there has been a variety of reasons behind the poor performances and lack of confidence at the club. Both Rafa Benitez and Frank Lampard were far from ideal choices to lead the Merseyside outfit, while their records in the transfer market were underwhelming to say the least.

Players such as Neal Maupay, Salomon Rondon and Dele Alli didn’t exactly set the world on fire, and it is perhaps no surprise that Lampard and Benitez failed to make their mark in charge of the club.

In saying that, there have been a few hidden gems that have moved to Everton since the summer of 2021 which have proven to be solid signings and will play become key members of the squad in the coming years.

Nathan Patterson and Dwight McNeil are talented youngsters who could become integral members of the first team for the foreseeable future, yet it is a signing made by Lampard that could potentially turn into a lucrative piece of business by the Toffees…

How much did James Tarkowski cost Everton?

After escaping relegation by the skin of their teeth at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, Lampard entered the summer transfer window with grand designs on how to bolster his squad so that this wouldn’t occur again.

Amadou Onana looked like a promising arrival, joining from Lille, while James Garner signed from Manchester United and McNeil arrived from Burnley and these all looked like positive signings. James Tarkowski also made the move to Merseyside, and it was arguably their finest signing that summer, as he joined for nothing after he left Burnley following the expiration of his contract.

Director of football Kevin Thelwell praised the player when he joined, saying: “We are delighted to welcome a player of James’ quality to Everton and believe he will be an excellent addition to our squad. The statistics show that James has consistently been one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders in recent years. Added to his playing attributes, his excellent leadership skills and experience will be a huge benefit, too.

“James is a player I’ve admired for many years and Frank was very keen to bring him to the Club. We look forward to him being a highly-valued member of our squad next season and in the years to come.”

This was a player who had made 219 appearances for Burnley and had spent the last six seasons in the top flight, gaining plenty of experience in the process.

The move has since gone on the become a very shrewd signing by the Toffees, especially considering his market value has risen due to his performances over the previous 12 months and this could potentially generate Everton a vast profit should they be tempted to sell him.

What is James Tarkowski’s market value now?

When the centre-back moved to Everton in July 2022, his market value was only €8.4m (£7.2m), yet over the next 12 months, this value would rise sharply.

Indeed, it didn’t even take a month for Tarkowski to be valued at €29.8m (£26m) according to Football Transfers and while this has dropped slightly in the months since, the defender is now currently worth €19m (£16m), and this represents an impressive increase from when he made the move to Everton in 2022.

Why is James Tarkowski worth this much?

Although the Toffees conceded 57 goals last season and finished in 17th place, just two points clear of the relegation zone, there were a couple of bright sparks throughout the season and Tarkowski was one of them.

The 30-year-old played a total of 40 games across all competitions during his maiden season on Merseyside, and he certainly proved to the supporters why the club were keen on signing him in the first place.

Tarkowski ranked third across the Everton squad for overall Sofascore rating (7.2) during the 2022/23 season while also ranking third for accurate passes per game (34.6) and interceptions per game (1.3), clearly indicating that he settled in well at the club and was a positive figure as they narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship.

Not only impressive among his teammates, Tarkowski also showcased his abilities when compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues. Indeed, the defender ranked in the top 1% for blocks per 90 (2.46), the top 8% for aerials won per 90 (3.16) and rather remarkably the top 1% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 (2.33), indicating that he is among the finest on the continent over a wide range of metrics.

The former Burnley defender has continued this rich vein of form into the current season, topping the pile for Sofascore rating (7.33) and interceptions per game (1.7), while also ranking third for clearances per game (3.0) and fourth for accurate passes per game (35.6), emerging into a player Dyche can count on as he looks to lead them into the top half of the table.

Dyche knows all about his qualities, having managed him when they were both at Burnley and the 52-year-old has even lauded the defender as “outstanding” in the past.

Everton haven’t had much joy to cheer about with regard to success in the transfer market over the previous few years and this has arguably led to them underperforming and battling relegation on a consistent basis.

Tarkowski has proven to one of their few shining lights over the last year or so and his performances possibly allowed the Toffees to retain their Premier League status and without him performing heroics at the heart of the defence, they may have found themselves in the second tier this term.

There is still a long way to go in the current campaign, but Everton have no doubt hit the jackpot on Tarkowski, and they will hope he can give them the boost they need to push into the top half under Dyche.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em comunicado oficial, o presidente do Vasco Alexandre Campello novamente criticou o sistema de votação on-line nas eleições do clube, marcadas para o próximo dia 7, sábado. De acordo com o mandatário, o pleito realizado de maneira virtual pode abrir margem para fraudes e fere o Estatuto do Gigante da Colina.

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Além disso, ele considerou que tais mudanças são manobras realizadas por outra chapa, através da empresa contratada pelo presidente da Assembleia Geral Extraordinária (AGE),Faues Mussa.

– As manobras para a realização de uma eleição on-line, com uma empresa contratada pelo Presidente da AGE e, portanto, pela chapa que ele representa e na qual estão seus dois filhos e dois sobrinhos, são uma afronta ao Estatuto – disse Campello.

Em anexo ao comunicado, o presidente apresentou uma carta enviada apelo sócio Eduardo Nery,especialista em segurança da informação, e um laudodo Programa de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computação da Coppe/UFRJ para explicar a sua posição diante da escolha por uma votação virtual. Ele também comemorou a recente decisão da justiça que dá direito a voto aos sócios anistiados.

Cabe salientar, que por meio dessa decisão, os anistiados votarão de maneira separadaenquanto o mérito seguirá em discussão nas instâncias judiciais. Com isso, o resultado das eleições podem ficar sob judice, assim como ocorreu em 2017, em que a urna 7 foi anulada.

Por fim, vale destacar que em entrevista ao programa”Super Papo Vascaíno”, o presidente se mostrou novamente contrário a votação on-line e chegou a ameaçar a retirada de sua candidatura caso a decisão do presidente da Assembleia Geral Extraordinária (AGE), Faues Mussa, aconteça.

Confira a nota da diretoria do Vasco divulgada no site do clube

Desde o início de nosso mandato, esta gestão tem adotado uma série de medidas para depurar a base de sócios, aperfeiçoar a administração deste cadastro e, consequentemente, assegurar a realização de eleições limpas.

Entre essas ações, podemos destacar:

. Processo de anistia
. Recadastramento dos associados
. Unificação das bases de sócios estatutários e sócios torcedores
. Contratação de empresa terceirizada, uma das maiores gestoras de programa de sócio do Brasil

É importante ressaltar que foi esta gestão a responsável pelo processo de anistia de 2018, que, à época, permitiu o reingresso ao quadro associativo de mais de 2,5 mil sócios, entre os quais 1.324 sócios gerais.

O processo de anistia foi uma decisão minha. E tomamos o cuidado de lançá-lo no primeiro ano da gestão, portanto o mais distante possível do período eleitoral. Da mesma forma, temos nos empenhado para que os sócios gerais anistiados possam participar da eleição, direito este legítimo, que a Junta Eleitoral do Clube tentou tirar.

A maior prova da lisura da Diretoria Administrativa na gestão da base de sócios e na elaboração da relação de associados encaminhada à Junta Deliberativa é que essa lista não foi contestada nem pela Junta e muito menos pelos diversos grupos políticos participantes do processo eleitoral.

Todas as contestações e ações judiciais relacionadas à lista se referem aos critérios adotados pela Junta Deliberativa para definir a relação de sócios aptos a votarem e serem votados. Não ao trabalho da Secretaria e desta Diretoria Administrativa. Trata-se de algo inédito em muitos e muitos anos de eleições do Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama e motivo de orgulho para esta Diretoria.

Diante de todas as ações tomadas por esta Diretoria para assegurar a realização de eleições limpas, anseio de todos os vascaínos – ou quase todos -, não podemos compactuar com as manobras feitas por um determinado grupo político, com a conivência e cumplicidade do Presidente da Assembleia Geral.

Muitos dizem lutar por uma eleição sem fraude no Vasco da Gama, mas, quando têm a chance de contribuir para isso, seus atos não correspondem às suas palavras.

Não há eleição meio limpa.

As manobras para a realização de uma eleição on-line, com uma empresa contratada pelo Presidente da AGE e, portanto, pela chapa que ele representa e na qual estão seus dois filhos e dois sobrinhos, são uma afronta ao Estatuto: nenhum fornecedor pode ser contratado sem a anuência da Diretoria Administrativa. Mais do que isso: essas manobras abrem margem para que as eleições do Vasco sejam fraudadas.

O que pedimos ao sócio vascaíno, independentemente de sua predileção ou posição política, é que ele atente para a gravidade dos fatos narrados.

Não há qualquer garantia de eleição limpa com a realização de votação on-line.

Compartilhamos com os sócios dois importantes documentos, que merecem ser lidos por todos com atenção. Os dois documentos estão anexados no fim do texto.

Um destes documentos é uma carta endereçada aos Presidentes de Poderes do Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama pelo sócio João Eduardo Nery de Oliveira, especialista em segurança da informação e com experiência em eleições públicas, tendo participado de diversos pleitos organizados pelo Tribunal Superior Eleitoral e por Tribunais Regionais Eleitorais.

Eduardo Nery diz textualmente que o processo de eleições pela Internet no Vasco da Gama é o “caminho certo para possíveis fraudes que tirariam por completo a legitimidade dos poderes do Clube que venham a ser eleitos”.

O segundo documento é um laudo do Programa de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computação da Coppe/UFRJ, um dos mais renomados centros de estudos sobre tecnologia e segurança da informação do país e órgão absolutamente isento e independente.

Ambos vão na mesma direção: é impossível garantir a segurança e atestar a confiabilidade de uma eventual eleição pela internet no Vasco da Gama, uma vez que a implantação de um sistema desta natureza não deve ser realizada de forma prematura, sem um plano elaborado de ações.

Portanto, pedimos, mais uma vez, aos sócios que leiam os dois documentos em anexo com a devida atenção e percebam a importância deste tema e os esforços da Diretoria Administrativa para a realização de uma eleição limpa e segura. Pedimos, gentilmente, que essa leitura seja feita sem paixões partidárias ou preferências políticas, mas com base na razão e na sensatez.

Esta Diretoria Administrativa e eu, na condição de Presidente do Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama reafirmamos que não permitiremos qualquer manobra que possa colocar sob suspeição o processo eleitoral.

Esta gestão tem o compromisso moral e ético de realizar eleições 100% limpas. E é assim que será.

Like any club, Tottenham Hotspur have endured their fair share of blunders with regard to letting players depart on the cheap as well as failing to keep hold of promising academy assets, having famously lost David Beckham to rivals Manchester United back in 1991.

The Lilywhites were subsequently forced to witness the wing wizard develop into something of a global footballing superstar as he swept all before him at Old Trafford, with the former England captain a true case of what might have been for those at N17.

The same can also be said with regard to iconic Scotsman, Graeme Souness, with the midfielder-turned-pundit having begun life on the books in north London, only to be foolishly allowed to depart by legendary manager, Bill Nicholson.

Why did Tottenham sell Graeme Souness?

As a man who enjoyed a 55-year association with Spurs – notably winning three FA Cups and the First Division title during his time as manager – it is hard to question the work of that man Nicholson, with few figures having arguably been as important in the club's lengthy history.

That being said, however, the sale of Souness may be one rare blot on the copybook for the late, great Englishman, with the midfield maestro going on to enjoy remarkable success at Liverpool, in particular, in what was an illustrious and glittering playing career.

The Edinburgh-born titan had been unable to force his way into the first-team reckoning at Tottenham after making just a solitary appearance prior to his departure, with the then-youngster's only taste of senior football coming in the form of a loan spell to North American outfit Montreal Olympique in the summer of 1972.

In need of a more prominent role elsewhere, Souness was ultimately able to seal a move to Middlesbrough later that year, with Nicholson and co sanctioning that exit for what was a rather measly figure of just £30k – with the British record transfer fee at the time having been the £225k that was spent to take David Nish to Derby County.

On reflection, that sale proved a true mistake as the 5 foot 11 ace went on to feature prominently for Boro over the next six years, prior to the start of a memorable and hugely successful spell at Anfield.

How long was Souness at Liverpool?

Having been catapulted into a side containing legendary figures such as Kenny Dalglish and Alan Hansen, Souness helped the Merseyside outfit to European Cup glory in his debut campaign – the first of three triumphs he would enjoy in the competition.

That success was also mirrored domestically as the no-nonsense brute – who had cost the Reds a reported £350k – claimed the league title in five of his seven seasons at the club, as well as a further four League Cup honours.

As his time with Liverpool came to an end in 1984, Souness had made over 350 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 55 goals, having left those back at White Hart Lane to rue their decision to allow him to leave.

With further success also coming at both Sampdoria and Rangers – for whom he claimed five domestic honours in Glasgow – the fiery figure called time on his playing career in 1991, almost 20 years on from his departure from Spurs.

It is hard to deny that had the 54-cap international stayed put in north London he could have made a major impact for the club, with the Lilywhites instead having now gone more than 60 years since last claiming the league title – while Europe's most coveted prize, the Champions League, also still eludes them.

West Ham United could be set to reward three players with brand-new contracts in the very near future, with an update coming out of east London this week.

Latest West Ham news

David Moyes has guided the Irons to three wins out of their opening four Premier League matches so far this season; building upon their exceptional UEFA Europa Conference League triumph last term.

Despite losing some superstar players over the transfer window, most notably midfielder Declan Rice to Arsenal to the tune of £105 million, West Ham haven't looked back.

Impressive victories over the likes of in-form Brighton and big-spending Chelsea have showcased the real potential of this new-look Moyes side, with the east Londoners seriously reshaping their team.

Summer signings Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse have excelled in Claret and Blue. The former has been lavished with praise by members of the media for some of his performances, while the latter was desperately unlucky not to be selected for Gareth Southgate's England squad.

It's an exciting time to be a Hammer, as reports even suggest they could bolster their ranks further by re-signing free agent Jesse Lingard on a short-term deal.

West Ham also managed to keep hold of star defender Nayef Aguerd, despite some serious interest from Al-Ittihad just before the Saudi transfer window shut at 10pm on Thursday night.

Moyes, in more good news for the club, brought in a host of promising new additions to his backroom staff this week; appointing John Heitinga, Mark Robson and Henry Newman.

I would like to welcome John to West Ham United and also welcome Mark and Henry into the first-team group," said Moyes to the club's official website.

“John is someone I have known for a long time. He has gained some very good experience since beginning his coaching career in the Ajax Academy and working his way up to their first-team.

"Mark and Henry are both already familiar to everyone here at the Club and have deserved the opportunity to step up within our structure.

“John, Mark and Henry will each bring experience in different areas and complement the strengths we already have in the coaching team."

Who could leave West Ham?

The London Stadium side have displayed signs of real promise ahead of a long and congested 2023/2024 season, where they will also be competing in the UEFA Europa League.

West Ham's next goal is apparently to tie some of their key squad members down with new and improved contracts, with O'Rourke sharing three stars could now be offered fresh terms.

Indeed, writing for Football Insider, he claims that Pablo Fornals, Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek are the the trio in question; as all of their contracts are set to expire in 2024 as things stand.

All three "will now start sitting down with the West Ham hierarchy about potential renewals", O'Rourke says. Meanwhile, initial contract talks have already been held with Coufal in particular.

Following a successful transfer window, where they also put pen to paper on deals for Ghana star Mohammed Kudus and ex-Arsenal ace Konstantinos Mavropanos, West Ham "are now set to turn attentions" to renewals.

Kamindu Mendis, who can bowl orthodox left-arm spin as well as right-arm offspin, and is also a handy batsman, will lead Sri Lanka Under-19s at the World Cup in New Zealand. Mendis was named as part of the 15-man squad announced by Sri Lanka Cricket on Wednesday. He had also played the previous U-19 World Cup, in Bangladesh in 2016.Sri Lanka are in Group D for the showpiece junior event, which runs from January 13 to February 3. They are grouped alongside Pakistan, Ireland and Afghanistan. They will begin their campaign on January 14 in Whangarei against Ireland, before playing Afghanistan on January 17 and rounding off their group-stage games against Pakistan on January 19.Squad: Kamindu Mendis (capt), Dhananjaya Lakshan, Santhush Gunathilaka, Hasitha Boyagoda, Nawanidu Fernando, Nipun Dananjaya, Ashen Bandara, Kishan Sanjula, Nishan Madushka, Jehan Daniel, Praveen Jayawickrama, Haren Buddila, Thisaru Rashmika, Kalana Perera, Nipun Malinga

Arsenal are considering strengthening their defence before the end of the transfer window, as Mikel Arteta assesses his options following Jurrien Timber’s significant injury blow.

Recent reports have revealed who the Gunners could target as a result, with a host of dazzling names among those that could arrive at the Emirates.

Despite already spending over £200m this summer, Arteta and Edu look poised to re-enter the market to add to the club’s defensive depth, with Timber being the only defender recruited so far.

The Dutchman left the pitch just 50 minutes into his Premier League debut, suffering a knee injury that will see him out of action for a number of months, once again leaving the north Londoners short at the back.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

In a report by the Express, names such as Marc Guehi and Edmond Tapsoba arose as potential figures that could be targeted by the Gunners, however, a Bundesliga star that has been also eyed by Manchester United has emerged.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

As reported by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal, the Red Devils and Inter Milan are interested in Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard, who is said to be valued around the €40m (£34m) mark by the Bavarians.

Romano claimed that the Frenchman “could become an option” for the north Londoners, however added that “no decision” had been made as to whether sporting director Edu Gaspar will make a move for his services.

What is Benjamin Pavard’s style of play?

Deployable at both centre-back and right-back, the World Cup winner would typically suit the versatility that Arteta expects in his backline.

Having been lauded as “outstanding” by Bayern president Uli Hoeness, it’s unsurprising that the 27-year-old has generated interest from the Premier League, with his approach to play fitting the narrative wanted by most managers in the top-flight.

An expectation perfected by Pep Guardiola, both centre-backs and full-backs have greater roles to fulfil than simply defend, with an eye for progressive play being pivotal to succeeding in the modern game.

Pavard fits the mould, as echoed by his numbers last term where he averaged 7.48 progressive passes and 1.37 progressive carries per 90, as well as maintaining an average pass completion rate of 88.3%, via FBref.

Likened to Manchester City star Nathan Ake based on his statistical profile provided by FBref, the 27-year-old machine could be another shrewd example of Arteta taking note of Guardiola’s expertise to great effect.

Last campaign, the squad was bolstered by the Spaniard emulating his former colleagues' exploitation of his full-backs in the inverted role, with the arrival and deployment of Oleksandr Zinchenko a fine example.

A new opportunity is now there for the Arsenal boss to equip his side with his own version of Ake in Pavard.

Like the Frenchman, the 28-year-old can play both on the flank and in central defence, with his versatility used to City’s advantage by adding depth and handing him a position in which he can showcase his defensive and offensive ability.

Within his ranks, Guardiola has a reel of dynamic defensive talent, all of which being first-team quality, which is where the Gunners fell short to City last term.

By signing Pavard, Arteta could bridge the gap on the treble winners in terms of squad quality, as well as having his answer to their reliable Dutchman in a player who is multidimensional in his defensive approach.

The pair added 164 for the fourth wicket as South Australia recovered from 3 for 18 to post 6 for 291 on the opening day in Melbourne

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Nov-2017
ScorecardGetty ImagesA century of some panache by Jake Lehmann and a supporting hand by his captain Travis Head lifted South Australia to a decent first innings against Victoria on day one of the Sheffield Shield match at the MCG.Arriving at the crease after the Bushrangers had struck three times with the new ball, Lehmann counter-attacked so effectively that he raced to 74 by lunch and ultimately made it to 103, all watched by the selection chairman Trevor Hohns, as he deliberated on who should fill the Nos. 6 and 7 slots for Australia in the first Ashes Test at the Gabba.Head’s more measured innings was also an indicator of his candidacy for the role, even if he was disappointed to fall to the hook shot not long after Lehmann had also been dismissed by the short ball. Lehmann’s upper cut off Scott Boland was taken by a diving Aaron Finch at third man.In the final session, Tom Cooper and Alex Carey formed a serviceable partnership, before the wicketkeeper was visibly annoyed to slice a catch to point when a bigger score would also have pressed him into Ashes contention. Boland, Chris Tremain and Peter Siddle all bowled presentably for the Bushrangers, but, thanks to Lehmann, could not capitalise on their early successes.