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Sean Dyche has now personally requested the signing of a “fantastic” Istanbul Basaksehir defender Jerome Opoku at Nottingham Forest, and his current club may be tempted to cash-in.

Reinforcements may be needed in the January transfer window, given that Forest are looking like they could be involved in a relegation battle this season, although there has been an uptick in results since Dyche arrived just under a month ago.

The 54-year-old has made a solid start in the Premier League, collecting four points from his opening three games in charge and signing off before the international break with a 3-1 win against fellow strugglers Leeds United, which could be an important result come May.

The former Everton boss has experience in relegation battles, having managed to guide the Toffees to safety in the 2022-23 campaign, while also stabilising Burnley in the Premier League, so Evangelos Marinakis should have full trust in his manager as we approach the January transfer window.

Sean Dyche requests signing of Jerome Opoku

Given Dyche’s impressive start, Marinakis may be willing to back him this winter, and the Nottingham Forest boss has now personally requested the signing of Istanbul Basaksehir defender Opoku, according to a report from Africa Foot (via Sport Witness).

The 27-year-old has attracted the attention of a number of Premier League clubs as of late, with Everton making an offer in January, while Fulham are also in the race, so the Tricky Trees may have to fend off competition from elsewhere to secure his signature.

Such is the level of interest in the centre-back, he could become ‘one of the hottest topics’ of the upcoming window, and the Turkish club may be tempted to cash-in, given that his current contract is set to expire in 2027.

The Basaksehir defender hasn’t played in England since a spell at Plymouth Argyle in the 2020-21 campaign, at which point he received plaudits from manager Ryan Lowe, who described the 6 foot 5 colossus as “fantastic”.

Since then, the Ghana international has gone on to establish himself as an important player for Basaksehir, making 14 appearances in all competitions this season and helping his side keep clean sheets in three of their last four matches.

Opoku is yet to prove himself in one of Europe’s top leagues, meaning it would be a risk for Nottingham Forest to make a move, but Dyche knows what it takes to avoid relegation from the top flight, so if the manager wants to make the Basaksehir star his first signing, Marinakis should back him.

Nottingham Forest make contact to sign midfielder Dyche called "terrific"

In an early boost for Celtic, Club Brugge boss Nicky Hayen is reportedly open to replacing Brendan Rodgers in Scotland as the Bhoys step up their chase for their next manager.

Those in Glasgow were thrown into chaos when Rodgers resigned and majority shareholder Dermot Desmond had his say in brutal fashion on Monday night. Since then, a number of potential candidates have already been mentioned and veteran manager Martin O’Neill has enjoyed his first win as interim boss.

After thrashing Falkirk 4-0 to get back to winning ways in the Scottish Premiership, O’Neill told reporters: “I’m really pleased to win the game in the manner we did, and we played some delightful stuff. Could have scored a couple of more goals, too.

“I’m hoping some of the players have played today are old enough to know who I am, some of the younger lads I wouldn’t be totally sure. They see this man stepping into the dressing room and think ‘what’s happening here?’.

“I’m delighted, satisfied in the sense I thought we played very well. My anxiety has calmed somewhat, and it was really nice to win. When you get a few goals in front you can perhaps enjoy the last 10 or 15 minutes, and it kind of brought me back.”

Alas, the Northern Irishman will know more than most that the true test awaits this weekend when Celtic square off against Rangers in the Old Firm derby. With a place in the Scottish League Cup final up for grabs, the Bhoys should be desperate to get one over on their rivals.

Meanwhile, as the action continues on the pitch so does Celtic’s managerial search. So far, Parkhead chiefs have drawn up a shortlist which includes Craig Bellamy, Robbie Keane and Club Brugge boss Hayen among others.

Nicky Hayen now open to becoming Celtic manager

As reported by Belgian newspaper Nieuwslabd, Celtic now have concrete interest in Hayen and have got serious about the Brugge manager, who is also open to a move elsewhere.

Rodgers upgrade: Celtic have "kamikaze" title-winning manager on the radar

Celtic have a manager on their radar who could come in as a big upgrade on Brendan Rodgers.

ByDan Emery Oct 29, 2025

The report claims that the Bhoys would have to pay a hefty compensation fee if they did go all in on the 45-year-old, but he may prove to be worth every penny.

Having held Celtic to a 1-1 draw in the Champions League last year before thrashing Rangers 9-1 over two legs in the qualifiers back in August, Glasgow should already know all about Hayen’s quality.

Whether Celtic decide to push on and secure his arrival remains to be seen, however. He is certainly a strong candidate for the job, but is far from the only name in the running to replace Rodgers.

One Celtic star has just made himself undroppable

يستعد منتخب قطر للناشئين لمواجهة قوية أمام نظيره بوليفيا، اليوم الأحد، في المباراة التي تجمع بينهما، ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا والمقامة في قطر.

ويلتقي منتخب قطر أمام بوليفيا اليوم، الأحد، في إطار لقاءات الجولة الثالثة من دور المجموعات في بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا.

طالع | موعد والقنوات الناقلة لمباراة المغرب وكاليدونيا الجديدة اليوم في كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا

ويطمح العنابي إلى تحقيق الفوز الأول في البطولة لتعزيز حظوظه في التأهل إلى دور الـ32، بعد خسارته في المباراة الافتتاحية أمام إيطاليا 0-1، والتعادل مع جنوب إفريقيا بهدف لكل فريق، ويحتل المركز الثالث بنقطة.

وفي الجهة المقابلة، فإن منتخب بوليفيا خسر أمام كل من جنوب إفريقيا وإيطاليا، ويحتل المركز الرابع دون نقاط. موعد مباراة قطر وبوليفيا في كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا

وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الخامسة وخمس وأربعين دقيقة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسادسة وخمس وأربعين دقيقة بتوقيت قطر والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة قطر وبوليفيا في كأس العالم تحت 17 عاما

ومن المقرر أن تنقل المباراة عبر قنوات “بي إن سبورتس إكسترا 1”.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا

It may be a small slate in Major League Baseball on Monday, but we have plenty of ways to get in on some plus-money action. 

Let’s have some fun this afternoon!

MLB Best Bets TodayHouston Astros  -1.5 (+115) vs. Toronto Blue Jays at DraftKings

The Houston Astros are the hottest team in MLB, having won nine of their last 10 games.

That includes taking two out of three from the second-hottest team in June — the New York Mets — this weekend.  

A lot of credit for that hot streak can go to pitcher Hunter Brown, who, after a rough start to the season, pitched to the league’s lowest ERA for June (1.16),  lowering his season ERA to 4.37. 

Brown has been striking batters out at nearly 10 per nine innings this season. He has strung together seven consecutive quality starts since the beginning of May, and there’s little reason to doubt he will make it to eight versus a Toronto team batting just .237 this season (17th).  

The Jays will start righty Yariel Rodriguez this afternoon.  

Rodriguez got blown up in his last start vs. the Cleveland Guardians, not making it out of the second inning. His ERA is 5.94 for the season, and he’s walking batters at an extraordinarily high rate: 6.11 per nine innings. 

That’s likely to spell trouble vs. an Astros team that just put up a 10-spot on the Mets and has averaged 5.44 runs per game this month. 

By contrast, the Jays have scored 4.07 runs per game in June and 4.0 runs per game this season at home.  

Yes, the Astros bullpen may be tired after extras yesterday, but they still have Rafael Montero, Ryan Pressly and Josh Hader available.

On the other side, Toronto's bullpen ranks 28th in ERA for the season and has a 5.07 ERA for June.

The Astros took two out of three from the Jays earlier this season, shutting them out in both wins (8-0, 10-0). I like the payout for the Astros to win by two versus a Toronto team with a losing record at home (20-21). 

It was yet another busy summer for Arsenal, who focused on adding quality depth to improve their squad ahead of the new season. For the last few years, the Gunners have finished second in the Premier League, twice to Manchester City and once, most recently, to Liverpool.

Another busy summer was had at the Emirates Stadium, in an effort to break the cycle of second-place finishes they find themselves in. Eight major signings were made, although Mikel Arteta’s side have not started the season well, but not flawlessly. They sit in second place on 10 points, five behind Liverpool.

However, the new signings have hit the ground running, with Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze two of the most impressive.

Madueke and Eze’s start to life at Arsenal

England international Madueke joined the Gunners from Chelsea back in July. He cost Arteta’s side £48.5m, and has made a strong start to life at the Emirates Stadium. Although he’s yet to register a goal involvement, the winger creates an average of 2.3 chances per game in the Premier League.

The good form on show at the start of his Arsenal career from the England international has left many people impressed. One of those is BBC Sport’s tactics correspondent Umir Irfan, who said the winger has been “sensational” for the Gunners so far.

It is not just Madueke who has shone in an Arsenal shirt already. Eze, too, has been impressive. The England international completed a dream move to North London after previously playing for the club’s academy in his youth.

In seven appearances and 470 minutes for the Gunners so far, the former Crystal Palace star has one goal and two assists. That includes a sensational pass for Gabriel Martinelli to set up a crucial equaliser against Man City last weekend.

Both Madueke and Eze have performed well for the Gunners this season and are already key parts of Arteta’s squad. There is another key player who has also performed well, and is valued even higher than the England duo.

The Arsenal star worth more than Madueke and Eze

Arsenal’s summer signings have certainly enhanced an already talented squad, which can hopefully push them over the line for the Premier League title. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are two examples of that.

Well, another man who could be considered in that same bracket is talented defender Jurrien Timber, who signed for the club from Ajax for £38m in 2023. The Dutchman, described as a “diamond” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has cemented himself as Arteta’s first-choice right-back this season.

The former Ajax star has played 90 minutes in the last three of Arsenal’s Premier League matches and in their Champions League win over Athletic Club. His 64-minute performance against Leeds United saw him score twice and assist once, too.

Despite being in his third year as a Gunner, the 24-year-old missed almost all of his first season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Last season, he also missed a few games due to fitness issues.

But Timber has fully recovered now. The defender has shown this season just how good he is, which the stats back up. For example, per 90 minutes this season, he’s averaged 5.4 tackles and interceptions and 1.5 key passes.

Minutes

72.2

433

Key passes

1.5

7

Passes completed

36.8

177

Tackles and interceptions

5.4

26

Expected goal involvements

0.35xGI

1.67

With form like that in mind, it may not come as a shock that Timber is worth even more than both Madueke and Eze, according to Football Transfers. The Dutch star is valued at £57m, which certainly reflects his excellent performances.

In comparison, Arsenal’s new attacking duo are not worth quite as much. Former Palace star Eze is closer, with Football Transfers valuing him at £53.6m. As for ex-Chelsea winger Madueke, he’s said to be worth just shy of £45m.

Given just how key Timber is to Arsenal’s side, due to his quality on the ball and tenacity without it, there might not be much surprise to learn he has such a high value, but it does show that Arteta hit the jackpot on him because his value has soared from £38m to £57m within the space of two years.

Madueke and Eze are key members of the Arsenal squad, but Timber’s quality and importance to Arteta mean he is worth even more than the attacking pair.

Arsenal hit gold on "world-class" monster worth millions more than Saliba

The incredible international could go down as a legend for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 26, 2025

Newcastle United are set to land Nottingham Forest’s Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson as their new Sporting Director, dealing a major blow to Evangelos Marinakis’ club. The 41-year-old has reportedly agreed terms to move to St James’ Park, where he will succeed Paul Mitchell. Wilson’s appointment marks another major step in Newcastle’s off-field restructuring under Saudi ownership.

• Newcastle to sign Forest's Wilson as Sporting Director

  As per Alex Crook of talkSPORT, Newcastle United have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest’s Wilson to become their new sporting director. Wilson, who joined the Tricky Trees in 2023, has been a key figure in their recent rise, helping Forest qualify for European football for the first time in 30 years. Talks between the two clubs progressed swiftly, with compensation not expected to be an obstacle. 

  It had been reported in July that Wilson was Newcastle’s preferred candidate, with head coach Eddie Howe directly involved in the process. Howe’s strong working relationship with Wilson, developed during their shared time in English football, heavily influenced the decision. If talks conclude as expected, Wilson could officially begin his new role as early as next week.

  Wilson’s move fills a vital vacancy at Newcastle following Mitchell’s departure on June 30. Since then, the club’s recruitment operations have been managed on an interim basis by Steve Nickson and Andy Howe. Wilson’s arrival will now bring long-term direction to a sporting department that has undergone major change in recent months. 

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• Getty
  

  Newcastle continue building up sporting team

  This appointment represents another milestone in Newcastle’s off-field rebuild under the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The Saudi-backed owners have sought to modernise the club’s football structure by bringing in experienced executives from across Europe. Wilson’s reputation for aligning recruitment with managerial philosophy fits perfectly with that long-term plan.

  For Nottingham Forest, however, the timing is far from ideal. Wilson’s departure leaves a significant void in their football operations just months before the January transfer window. Having overseen a successful 2023–24 campaign that ended with European qualification, his loss will be a blow to Evangelos Marinakis’ ambitions for stability. 

  Newcastle’s move also signals a change in recruitment strategy after a turbulent summer transfer window. With several targets missed and Alexander Isak pushing for a move, the Magpies struggled to complete key deals. Wilson’s appointment, following successful spells at Rangers and Southampton, is expected to restore structure and direction. 

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Wilson's journey and relation with Howe

  Wilson’s track record explains Newcastle’s determination to bring him in. He began his career at Falkirk before moving through roles at Watford, Huddersfield Town, Southampton and Rangers — where he helped end Celtic’s dominance by guiding the club to their first league title in a decade and a Europa League final appearance.  

  At Nottingham Forest, Wilson reshaped the club’s recruitment and implemented a strategy focused on younger, data-driven signings. Working closely with Nuno Espírito Santo, he balanced short-term competitiveness with long-term planning, helping deliver a seventh-place finish last season and European qualification. 

  At Newcastle, Wilson will oversee all football operations, with new technical director Sudarshan Gopaladesikan reporting directly to him. His arrival follows that of new CEO David Hopkinson, formerly of Real Madrid, as the Magpies continue to build a continental-style executive structure. Wilson’s close relationship with Howe is expected to ensure alignment between recruitment and coaching, something missing under Mitchell.

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• Wilson crucial to Newcastle's January plans

  Once confirmed, Wilson’s first task will be planning for the January transfer window, where midfield and defensive reinforcements are priorities. He will also review the club’s scouting and analytics structure to enhance synergy between data and recruitment. Newcastle’s goal is to create a more sustainable and efficient sporting model.    

  For Nottingham Forest, the search for Wilson’s replacement begins immediately. Marinakis must find a candidate capable of maintaining the progress made in recent seasons. With Newcastle strengthening both on and off the pitch, this move serves as another reminder of their growing power and intent to remain among the Premier League elite.   

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo se acertou com o meio-campista Claudinho e espera um desfecho positivo para a contratação. A oferta feita pelo rubro-negro está em torno de 15 milhões de euros (R$ 80 milhões).

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Uma das coisas que foi primordial para a volta de Claudinho para o Brasil foi o salário. Na Rússia, o meia recebia do Zenit R$ 1,2 milhões. Esse salário o tornaria o jogador mais bem pago do Brasil.

+ Claudinho pode acionar a cláusula de guerra para acertar com o Flamengo? Entenda

Claudinho teve passagem pelas categorias der base do Santos e do Corinthians. Está no Zenit desde 2021, e entrou em acordo com Flamengo para um contrato até 2027.

O meio-campista disputou pelo Zenit um total de 60 partidas, onde marcou 15 gols e deu 14 assistências. Claudinho também foi eleito o melhor jogador do Campeonato Russo em 2021/22.

Sheffield United certainly suffered from a rude awakening on the opening day of the new Championship season.

Bristol City travelled to Bramall Lane with last campaign’s playoff agony at the hands of the Blades still evidently on their mind, as the Robins exposed constant weaknesses from the hosts to run out as unexpected 4-1 victors.

It hasn’t got any better for Ruben Selles with another two defeats smacking his forlorn team in the face, as the ex-Hull City boss now also attempts to welcome in more new signings before September comes around to turn around this dire start to his reign.

The Blades will be hoping that their next James McAtee-level signing is waiting in the wings, as the Manchester City outcast instantly settled into his South Yorkshire surroundings once upon a time to secure promotion.

McAtee's heroics at United

McAtee looks to be on the move this summer away from the Etihad for good, as the 22-year-old finally appears out from the periphery at the Citizens to try and become another side’s leading man.

When he was chucked into the first-team fold at Bramall Lane back in 2022, the silky, 5-foot-10 attacking midfielder was an instant hit, leading to McAtee extending his loan deal with the club to the following season when Premier League action was on the menu.

In total, the England U21s regular would pick up a stunning 14 goals and eight assists from 75 clashes in South Yorkshire, with a hefty 12 of those coming in the second tier as United jumped back up to the big time via automatic promotion.

Selles will still be dreaming of similar promotion heroics this season, even with the defeats piling up early on, with one signing potentially sticking out as a McAtee repeat if it gets over the line.

The "incredible" £10m star who could be a McAtee repeat

As much as McAtee did enhance the attack during his time at Bramall Lane, the priority in the here and now for Selles and Co. might well be to strengthen defensively.

Indeed, in recent weeks, the Championship promotion candidates have been dealt a harsh blow in losing first-team star Anel Ahmedhodzic to Dutch giants Feyenoord, after the Bosnian lined up for 42 contests last season as a key individual.

Therefore, picking up some fresh blood at the back could be integral to their promotion hopes, over needing to add some spellbinding forward players.

That’s where Callum Doyle could come in handy, with SportsBoom previously speculating this month that the Etihad-based youngster is on the United shopping list this summer, alongside a whole host of other EFL suitors.

Norwich City are also being floated about as a party keen on bringing back their former loanee to Carrow Road off the back of him hammering home a sweet strike such as this one he put away with confidence last season, despite predominantly lining up as a centre-back presence.

It could cost any potential suitor around the £10m mark to land the up-and-coming 21-year-old, but this might well prove to be a price worth paying on United’s end if Doyle’s added presence gifts Selles and Co. the boost they desire in the promotion reckoning.

Games played

40

Goals scored

1

Assists

7

Touches*

93.9

Accurate passes*

65.7 (86%)

Big chances created

7

Ball recoveries*

3.9

Clearances*

3.8

Total duels won*

3.8

Clean sheets

5

Doyle certainly showed off a lot of the same class McAtee brought to proceedings in South Yorkshire when plying his trade in Norfolk last campaign, with a standout seven assists picked up when playing his assured game out from the back.

On top of that, he also won an admirable 3.8 duels per contest for the Canaries, with his potential addition to a depleted backline making the loss of Ahmedhodzic sting less.

Hailed as “incredible” by his Norwich teammate Kenny McLean for his unerring ability with the ball at his feet, it does feel as if Doyle is ready for a switch where he shines even further up the EFL’s elite league, much like McAtee was handed in 2022.

History could repeat itself even more if Doyle is the calm and assured warrior who pushes Selles’ men up to those coveted promotion spaces despite such a bleak introduction to Championship life this season, as his senior game is taken to yet another level.

Sheffield United could land the next Rak-Sakyi with move for "special" ace

Sheffield United could gift Ruben Selles his own Jesurun Rak-Sakyi with this summer move.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 6, 2025

West Ham United have the challenging task of hosting London rivals Chelsea in their second Premier League game of the season this evening.

Graham Potter will be hoping his team put in a far better showing than they did away to Sunderland last week, when it was they who looked like the recently promoted team.

There were disappointing performances across the entire pitch from the Hammers, and once again, try as he might, Niclas Füllkrug just couldn’t make an impact on the game and looked like he was simply out of his depth at this level.

Fortunately, the German might not have to lead the line for much longer, as West Ham have been linked with an international goalscorer who’d be a huge upgrade.

West Ham could sign Füllkrug upgrade

It hasn’t been the summer that fans would’ve been hoping for after the disappointment of last season.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

While West Ham have certainly made some wise additions to the team in the shape of players like El Hadji Malick Diouf, Mads Hermansen and Kyle Walker-Peters, the squad still feels short on quality.

Moreover, while he can be dangerous, Callum Wilson has a nightmarish injury record and scored a single goal last season.

However, the club may not need to rely on the Englishman to lead the line this season, nor Füllkrug, as it now looks like they may get their hands on the perfect upgrade.

At least that is according to a recent report from Italy, which has touted Artem Dovbyk for a move to the London Stadium.

The report has revealed that AS Roma are considering a swap deal with the Hammers that would see the Ukrainian international head to East London and Füllkrug go the other way, both on loan.

It could be an excellent way for the Hammers to bring in someone they’ve previously been interested in without paying a fee, and at the same time upgrade on the German international.

How Dovbyk compares to Füllkrug

So, when it comes to comparing two strikers, it makes sense to start with their output, as that is what they’ll ultimately be judged on.

Unsurprisingly, when doing so, it’s Dovbyk who comes out way ahead, as in 45 appearances last season, totalling 3195 minutes, he scored 17 goals and provided four assists.

That means the Ukrainian international maintained an average of a goal involvement every 2.14 games, or every 152.14 minutes.

Füllkrug, on the other hand, scored just three goals and provided two assists in 20 appearances for the Hammers last season, totalling 877 minutes.

In other words, the German international maintained a less impressive average of a goal involvement every four games, or every 175.4 minutes.

The superiority of the Roma star is not just a one-off, either, as when we compare the underlying numbers for both strikers from the start of 23/24 to the end of 24/25, he once again comes out comfortably on top.

For example, the “sensational” goalscorer, as dubbed by former manager Michel Sanchez, does better in most relevant metrics, such as expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, passing accuracy, shots and shots on target, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.66

0.51

Non-Penalty G+As

0.67

0.62

Progressive Carries

0.76

0.73

Progressive Passes

0.76

2.03

Progressive Passes Received

5.27

4.58

Shots

2.48

2.01

Shots on Target

1.10

0.88

Passing Accuracy

72.5%

66.9%

Shot-Creating Actions

1.96

2.43

Successful Take-Ons

0.43

0.17

Carries into the Penalty Area

0.54

0.37

These numbers help to paint a picture of a shot happy centre-forward who can be trusted to take part in a passing move, but also thrives with the ball at his feet and in situations where he needs to drive into dangerous areas.

Ultimately, it’s clear that Dovbyk would be a significant upgrade on Füllkrug, and therefore, West Ham should absolutely agree to this potential swap deal, and if things go well next season, think about making the loan permanent.

Their new Rice: West Ham submit offer to sign "exceptional" £50m star

The exciting midfield maestro could become Graham Potter’s on Rice at West Ham.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 22, 2025

Head will only be available for three games between the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and a two-Test tour of Sri Lanka

Alex Malcolm18-Oct-2024

Australia’s all-format powerhouse Travis Head has signed to play with Adelaide Strikers in the upcoming BBL season despite a hectic international playing schedule meaning he could only be available for a maximum of three games in between Test commitments.Head, 30, has signed a one-year deal to play for the Strikers, a club he captained to the BBL title in 2017-18 but has not played for since the 2022-23 season. The upcoming five-match Test series against India followed by a Test tour of Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy means Head will only be available for three matches on January 11, 15 and 18.The BBL was hopeful that Australia’s Test stars would be available to give the competition a boost at the back end of this summer’s tournament but despite the window, there are some concerns over player workload coming out of a gruelling high-profile Test series against India and with so little time to prepare for an overseas Test tour in spinning conditions in Sri Lanka.Related

Cummins to prepare for Test summer in Pakistan ODIs, Marsh and Head on paternity leave

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Dates for the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka are yet to be locked in but it is understood the first Test could start as early as January 29, and the Australia team has consistently wanted a ten-day preparation period on the ground for an overseas tour. Strikers’ last away game is in Perth on January 18 meaning Head could be forced to travel to Perth the night before potentially leaving for Sri Lanka.Head’s workload overall has become a key consideration for Australia’s selectors and coaching staff since becoming an all-format player in the last 12 months. There were some concerns over his decision to play in the recent Major League Cricket tournament in July on the back of a huge non-stop period of playing that started with the 2023 ODI World Cup and then included five home Tests, a T20I and Test tour of New Zealand, a full IPL and the T20 World Cup.Head is being rested from the ODI and T20I series against Pakistan ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, partly due to the upcoming birth of his second child.But his decision to add some BBL cricket in a period in January will mean his next decent break will likely have to wait until after the Champions Trophy on February and March, but even that may only be short given he will either be retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad at the IPL or bought at the mega Auction.Australia then could play the World Test Championship final straight after the IPL before a Test of the West Indies in June and July.New Strikers coach Tim Paine is aware of the workload Head has but was keen to have him play some BBL matches.”We understand Trav has a hectic international schedule,” Paine said. “But we also know how much he loves getting back in the blue whenever the chance arises and we look forward to our fans being treated to more of his magic this summer.”