The ICC has reiterated its commitment to safety and security at the forthcoming Champions Trophy and Women’s World Cup, in the wake of the terrorist attack that killed at least 22 people and injured several more in Manchester on Monday night.The incident, which police believe to have been a suicide bombing, took place at around 10.30pm towards the end of a concert by the US singer Ariana Grande and constitutes the worst terrorist atrocity in the UK since the attacks on the London Underground in July 2005.The Champions Trophy, which gets underway on June 1, will be taking place at The Oval, Edgbaston and Cardiff’s Swalec Stadium, while the Women’s World Cup commences on June 24 at venues in Derby, Leicester, Bristol and Taunton before the final at Lord’s on July 23.”Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the horrific attack in Manchester,” said the ICC in a press release. “The ICC and ECB place safety and security at the ICC Champions Trophy and ICC Women’s World Cup this summer as the highest priority.””We operate on advice from our Tournament Security Directorate – in conjunction with the ECB and relevant authorities – to ensure that we have a robust safety and security plan for both tournaments. We will continue to work with authorities over the coming hours and days and review our security in line with the threat levels.””The security situation has been very much front and centre of our preparations and we constantly review our procedures to guarantee they are as effective as possible to keep everyone safe.”We do not disclose our security details as a matter of policy.””Our thoughts and condolences are with everyone who has been affected by this appalling atrocity,” said Steve Elworthy, the ICC tournament director. “The security plan and planning process has been developed in line with, and reflects, the current threat level within the UK. We will be assessing and reviewing that security plan all the time.”We’ve continually worked with the venues to help develop our plan,” he added. “The readiness testing has been completed, so we are up to speed with all of that. The ICC, through David Richardson [CEO] and ourselves have been in contact with all of the members and are in continual communication with them over the last 12 hours, and will continue to be in contact until the tournament kicks off.”

Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan have been so strikingly inconsistent in their respective campaigns that it opens up a host of possibilities when they clash in a must-win in Cardiff

The Preview by Andrew Fidel Fernando 11-Jun-2017Match FactsJune 12, 2017
Start time 10.30am local (0930 GMT)Big PictureAnd so, it has transpired that two fundamentally flawed sides – seventh and eighth on the ODI rankings – now have the chance to scramble over the other into the semi-final of the most competitive one-day tournament around.How this came about deserves a brief recap. Pakistan, who barely strung together five overs of competence against India, choked South Africa’s top order with spin, before the quicks came back to wipe out the middle order with reverse swing. The next day, Sri Lanka, who had been swatted away like a gnat by South Africa, ran down India’s 321 for 6 with ease – Angelo Mathews so cool in the final overs, he practically had a cigar between his lips, and a drink in one hand.Even just two games in, both teams have put together such colourful campaigns. Sri Lanka’s old warhorse, Lasith Malinga, has been sporadically effective with the ball, but has been more entertaining in the field, where his slow-motion dives have brought to mind the keeling over of a ship. If you squint, you can just about see seismic ripples in the turf. Elsewhere, Sri Lanka have attempted singles advisable only on low-gravity planets, have committed batting hara-kiri against high-quality wrist spin, and players have strived en masse to rule themselves out of this game – Chamara Kapugedara, Kusal Perera and Upul Tharanga already unavailable, before a blow to Thisara Perera’s head at training also put him in doubt, though, thankfully, he appears to be fine now.Pakistan, meanwhile, had lost Umar Akmal to fitness concerns a week before the tournament, have seen ace bowler Mohammad Amir go wicketless in both matches, while other bowlers in the attack lurched from abysmal to dominant in the space of three days. Sarfraz Ahmed’s new captaincy has also been eventful. Mohammad Hafeez delivered ten overs and contributed the vital wicket of Quinton de Kock in Pakistan’s win over South Africa, but had not been bowled at all in the previous match, prompting much head-scratching, not least from Pakistan’s own coach.Look, these previews are often an occasion for considered analysis; a platform for weighing up relative strengths, and figuring out which side has the upper hand. But is there really a point with these two teams? When they play as they have, they are impervious to any kind of meaningful dissection. There is so little consistency from one game to the next, the whole exercise loses its value.And a Sri Lanka v Pakistan knockout has so much tragicomic potential that to discuss it beforehand is like giving out spoilers. This preview may already have said too much.Form guideSri Lanka WLWLL (completed matches, most recent first)
Pakistan WLWWLIn the spotlightBabar Azam, one of the brightest young batting talents on the planet, has five hundreds and six fifties in 28 innings, a rocking average of 54.44, and – crucially for a Pakistan batsman of the last two years – a 21st-century strike rate of 89. He had just been warming up when the rains came down in Birmingham – his last stroke having been a regal on-drive off Kagiso Rabada. Having had a modest tour of England last year, Babar will be eager to cross fifty for the first time on English soil, and Sri Lanka’s limited attack may be the opposition to do it against.Also in possession of a potentially devastating payload of talent is another 22-year-old, Kusal Mendis, whose crinkle-free 89 on Thursday helped set Sri Lanka on track to victory. There are still flaws in his game – Pakistan might be wise to pack their slip cordon early in his innings, for example. But 26 innings in, there is a scientific composure to his game that has been the cause of quiet excitement for Sri Lanka fans. Only Joe Root has hit more ODI fifties than Mendis’ 11, since the latter’s debut almost a year ago.Kusal Perera’s hamstring injury may mean a straight entry into the XI for Dhananjaya de Silva•Associated PressTeam newsKusal Perera’s exit from the tournament due to a hamstring injury means Sri Lanka’s batting will be in flux again. They have flown in Dhananjaya de Silva and, given Tharanga remains suspended for another match, de Silva may have to walk straight into the middle order. There is a chance Sri Lanka will play Lakshan Sandakan instead of Thisara Perera, but the selectors have generally been conservative, so Thisara could stay. De Silva and Gunathilaka both provide offspin options.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 2 Danushka Gunathilaka, 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Dinesh Chandimal, 5 Angelo Mathews (capt.), 6 Asela Gunaratne, 7 Dhananjaya de Silva, 8 Thisara Perera, 9 Suranga Lakmal, 10 Lasith Malinga, 11 Nuwan PradeepThere is a chance of fast-bowling allrounder Faheem Ashraf debuting, in place of Mohammad Hafeez. However, Pakistan will perhaps be unwilling to mess with a winning combination.Pakistan (possible): 1 Azhar Ali, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Mohammad Hafeez, 5 Shoaib Malik, 6 Sarfraz Ahmed (capt, wk), 7 Imad Wasim, 8 Mohammad Amir, 9 Shadab Khan, 10 Hasan Ali, 11 Junaid KhanPitch and conditionsThe weather is forecast to be cloudy but dry, with temperatures around the mid-teens. A fresh pitch is being used for this match. Scores of 280-300 have seemed about par in the two matches played in Cardiff so far.Stats and trivia The last time these two teams met in an ODI outside Asia was back in 2002. Of their ten most recent encounters – each of which has been in Asia – Sri Lanka have won six. Angelo Mathews, who hit 52 not out against India, has averaged an outstanding 50.08 since the start of 2014, with a strike rate of nearly 88 Since his debut in August last year, Hasan Ali has taken 33 wickets at an average of 25.9 and strike rate of just under 27 – better, by a distance, than any of his team-mates to have played more than one match during that periodQuotes”We are not trying to get too far ahead. We just want to take one game at a time. We’re not thinking about the semi-final as of now. We’re just taking on Pakistan tomorrow. We’ve got to play really good cricket to beat them, and we all know that they’re a very dangerous team.”
“I think it’s an achievement. Everyone wanted to do well in this competition. I believe, and we believe as a team, we are moving towards the right direction. We know as a team we are gelling together.”

Southampton will 'expect' the likes of defender Duje Caleta-Car to leave St Mary's Stadium this summer ahead of their return to the Sky Bet Championship, according to Daily Express reporter Ryan Taylor.

Will Duje Caleta-Car leave Southampton this summer?

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Caleta-Car could follow his ex-teammate Mislav Orsic to Trabzonspor this summer, with an initial loan deal said to be on the table for the £40k-a-week ace.

Pianet Genoa via Football Italia claim that Serie A side Genoa have approached Southampton over the possibility of signing Caleta-Car this window, with a loan deal including an option-to-buy floated as a solution to end his woes on the South Coast.

Caleta Car only joined Southampton last year from Marseille in a deal worth £8 million, signing a four-year contract at the club, as per The Daily Mail. Former boss Ralph Hassenhuttl spoke highly of the Croatia international upon his arrival, stating to the media: "Duje is already a very established and experienced player, who has done an impressive job at his previous clubs. 'He is a big presence on the pitch and he will bring even more quality into our centre-back group."

Nevertheless, Caleta Car couldn't stop Southampton's eventual relegation despite scoring twice in 20 appearances across all competitions in his debut campaign, as per Transfermarkt.

Now, the Sibenik-born defender looks set for a fresh challenge ahead of 2023/24 and it looks as if it'll only be a matter of time before his next destination becomes apparent.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Daily Express reporter Taylor agrees with the notion that Caleta-Car will be moved on and adds that he expects several other players to leave Southampton.

Taylor said: "I think there are some that will leave. I expect players like Caleta-Car to leave. Obviously, Lavia would be a great sell for Southampton because they can generate a lot of cash there.

"There's Walker-Peters as well. I think he'll get a Premier League move because he is a very solid defender. Ward-Prowse would also generate cash, so I think the future is bright for Southampton."

Who else could leave Southampton this window and where could they go?

In an unfortunate situation, it looks like open season has descended on the South Coast as several of their first-team players attract interest from the Premier League and beyond owing to Southampton's relegation.

The Daily Mail report that West Ham United have made a 'verbal offer' for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse as the Hammers look to replace ex-captain Declan Rice.

Examining the case of young Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, both Arsenal and Liverpool are set to push each other all the way in their attempts to land the Belgium international, according to Football Insider.

Telegraph Sport claimed last month that Ryan Fraser could be offered up to Southampton as part of a swap deal that would see Tino Livramento move to Newcastle United.

Of course, the Saints have made inroads into building a new-look squad for the upcoming season, with Shea Charles and Ryan Manning arriving at St Mary's from Manchester City and Swansea City, respectively.

Nevertheless, the next few weeks will prove to be telling for the Saints as several of their star players get set to walk through the exit door at the club.

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Rayan Cherki, as the French side faces a financial battle this summer.

The Ligue 1 outfit’s woes could come as an advantage for Eddie Howe, who is on the prowl for sufficient reinforcements ahead of the highly anticipated 2023/24 campaign.

Could Newcastle United sign Rayan Cherki?

As mentioned by Foot Mercato earlier this week, Lyon may be backed into a position to offload some talent this summer, with Cherki named as a potential suitor for Newcastle.

The Frenchman is rumoured to be valued by his club at €50m (£43m), with a separate report last month also linking the Magpies to the 19-year-old.

With Lyon scrambling for funds ahead of the new season, now could be the perfect time for Howe to poach the teen sensation.

How good is Rayan Cherki?

Named among a “crazy” group of U21 France international by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Cherki could be a statement signing for Newcastle, after expressing his talents in Ligue 1 last term.

Rising through the ranks at Lyon, the teenager has cemented himself as one of the club’s leading talents, making 34 appearances in the league last campaign.

Contributing four goals and six assists from central midfield, the Lyon-born gem has found himself likened to both Lionel Messi and Vinicius Junior for his exploits over the past year, as per statistics from FBref.

FBref numbers reveal that the midfielder ranked in the top 1% of those in his position out of Europe’s top five leagues, averaging 3.80 successful take-ons per 90, as well as being present in the top 2% for his 6.39 progressive carries per 90.

Such figures highlight that the teenager is on the path to becoming one of the star talents in the continent, and a player that could excel in Newcastle’s midfield.

Deployed primarily as a central attacking midfielder, the Frenchman is versatile in his approach to play, featuring in both flanks as well for his current side.

Such flair and progression in his playing style suggest that he could be a perfect fit to play alongside St James’ hero, Bruno Guimaraes.

The Brazilian – who has been dubbed "world-class" by teammate Dan Burn – has shone for the Magpies over the last 18 months or so, after moving to the North East in January 2022 from Lyon.

The 25-year-old is a player that Cherki is very familiar with, given the two were teammates in France before Guimaraes opted to challenge himself in England, where the teenager could follow in his footsteps.

If paired together under Howe, the duo could become a frightening combination, the Brazilian acting as the protector in the middle of the park, as highlighted by his average of 2.58 tackles per 90.

Having an enforcer behind him as tactically aware as Bruno could give Cherki freedom to exploit his talents in the final third, with the two both possessing innate passing strengths.

Lauded as a “difference-maker” by Kulig, the teenager flexed his ability to cause danger in the box with his average of 3.17 key passes per 90, as well as receiving a monstrous 12.50 progressive passes per 90, to showcase his strength in positioning.

The movement of the Frenchman could come as a delight to Guimaraes, who averaged a mammoth 7.33 progressive passes per 90 last term in the Premier League, giving a bolstered outlet to Cherki’s advanced playing style.

Howe could mix a dangerous concoction to unleash on the league next term, however the Magpies must act fast to grasp the teen prospect.

The dream for every parent is to see their child excel in anything they choose to do, and it doesn’t get much better than when your child conquers the world of football. And that’s exactly what Reece James, and his sister, Lauren James have done, both playing at the top level.Reece James is arguably one of the best right-backs in the world when fit. Without him due to injury issues last season, Chelsea struggled to impress, and finished disappointingly in the bottom half of the Premier League, going through three managers.With Mauricio Pochettino the latest to take the potentially poisoned chalice at Stamford Bridge, James will hope to stay fit, and help the Blues transform back into a Champions League side following a dismal recent campaign.Even with the lack of success in London of late, however, the England international managed to spark reported interest from Real Madrid, leaving his father shocked.

What did Reece James’ father say?

Speaking to The Beautiful Game Podcast, James’ father, Nigel, said: “I was just gobsmacked. I don’t read things anymore, because yeah, until someone rings my phone, or tells the people I work with what the deal is then you take something seriously but Reece is a top player, so I’m sure most clubs would want to sign him but right now I don’t see anything changing.

“He is a Chelsea player and until, if Chelsea wants to sell him, it’s like anything. If a club do not want to work with you anymore and for some reason they want to get rid of you then you go. If they want you … he’s been there since six years of age, his ambition is to wear the armband and captain the side and it broke his heart the season we have had just gone.”

Who is Reece James’ sister?

Of course, Lauren James also plays professionally at the top, playing for Chelsea in the WSL. Speaking about his daughter, her father said on the aforementioned podcast: “She was too good to train with the Arsenal girls so they tried to move her to train with the women. Senior women in the team did not like it so they moved Lauren to train with the AFC academy boys”

So, with that said, it seems as though top-level football runs in the James family. Both playing for Chelsea, the siblings are living the dream – especially with Lauren off to the Women’s World Cup this summer.

Reece James, unlike his sister, may not be competing for the top prizes next season due to the need to first rebuild under Pochettino.

Given the fact that his father has outlined his plans to one day become captain at Stamford Bridge, we doubt James is going anywhere anytime soon, no matter the interest from any club.

Keeping hold of the right-back should certainly be a priority of everyone at the club. You won’t find many better in his position, and if he can get over his injury issues, he can surely help return the Blues to the level they belong.

It will be an interesting season for brother and sister, that’s for sure.

West Ham are in the market for a right back and are targeting Emil Holm.

Who wants to sign Emil Holm?

According to Tuttomercatoweb, the Irons and Brighton have made €9.5m (£8m) bids for the Spezia man, both of which were instantly rejected.

The report details that the Serie A outfit is demanding closer to £13m for Holm.

Who is Emil Holm?

The full-back, described as a “rising star” by Swedish midfielder Pontus Wernbloom, made 23 appearances across all competitions last term and could evolve into a better option than Ben Johnson.

Defensively, Holm and Johnson rank extremely close for a number of metrics for a defender.

That includes tackles per 90 (1.68 vs 2.08) which are in favour of Johnson, blocks per 90 (1.36 vs 1.25), clearances per 90 (2.65 vs 2.91), and aerials won per 90 (4.2 vs 1.66).

Whilst the Englishman betters Holm in 75% of those metrics, the Swede has still shown he is extremely reliable, failing to commit any errors leading to shots or goals domestically. Interestingly, he's also a great deal better in the air.

David Moyes’ interest in the youngster is most likely driven by his versatility and attacking threat.

Last season for Spezia, Holm mainly appeared as a right-wing back/right midfielder, tasked with supporting offensive sequences, whilst also slotting into a five-man defence.

Nevertheless, the two-cap international seemed to thrive in this position and emphatically trumps Johnson in forward areas.

Most notably, he outperforms the West Ham youngster for shots per 90 (0.97 vs 0.21), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.33 vs 0.83), progressive carries per 90 (2.65 vs 1.56), successful take-ons per 90 (1.16 vs 0.85), and touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (2.58 vs 0.21).​​​​​​​

Whilst there can be a question around defensive capabilities, his similarity to Johnson’s numbers coupled with his supreme attacking superiority would make him a more attractive option. Holm also has the added incentive of allowing Moyes more flexibility with his formation choices.

Johnson seems to excel the deeper he plays, so if Moyes ever opted to play a three-at-the-back system, the defender’s profile means he could fit in seamlessly as a right-sided centre-half.

However, most worryingly for Johnson, he only started nine Premier League games, despite Vladimir Coufal experiencing a troubling campaign. The 30-year-old ranks within the lowest 2% in Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion and successful take-ons per 90, as well as the worst 39% for progressive passes per 90.

It seems that Johnson and Coufal both suffer from a lack of incisiveness on the ball in attacking areas, which could pave the way for a more dynamic and technical player, such as Holm, to cement the position.

The £4.3k-per-week titan still remains in the early stages of his career and Tim Steidten, the Hammers’ newly-appointed director of football, has forged a habit of signing players at a young age before they’ve hit a ridiculous ceiling of potential.

This includes the likes of Serge Gnabry and Kevin De Bruyne, and whilst it would be foolish to suggest that Holm’s quality can reach this level, he is on the right trajectory and there is definitely an opportunity to flourish at the London Stadium.

تمكن الفريق الأول لكرة اليد بنادي الزمالك، من الفوز على نظيره الترجي التونسي، بنتيجة 37-32، في المباراة التي جمعتهما اليوم السبت ضمن منافسات بطولة إفريقيا للأندية أبطال الكؤوس.

والتقى الزمالك مع الترجي على صالة قصر الرياضة بمدينة وهران الجزائرية، في الجولة الثانية لدور مجموعات بطولة إفريقيا لكرة اليد.

ويلعب الزمالك في المجموعة الرابعة لبطولة إفريقيا رفقة: “الترجي التونسي – وبي إم سي الكونغو”.

طالع أيضاً.. موعد مباراة الأهلي القادمة في بطولة إفريقيا لكرة اليد بعد التأهل لربع النهائي

بهذا الفوز تأهل الزمالك إلى الدور الرئيسي ليواجه وصيف المجموعة الثالثة فريق جي إس كي، ببطولة إفريقيا لكرة اليد.

وتقام بطولة كأس الكؤوس الإفريقية خلال الفترة من 18 إلى 27 أبريل، بمدينة وهران الجزائرية. موعد مباراة الزمالك وجي إس كي في بطولة إفريقيا لكرة اليد

يواجه الزمالك نظيره جي إس كي، يوم الإثنين المقبل 22 أبريل في تمام الساعة التاسعة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، العاشرة بتوقيت السعودية.

Australia’s players face a ban from the 2017-18 Ashes series should they take part in any kind of “disapproved cricket” in the event of an extended pay dispute beyond the July 1 expiry of the current MOU between Cricket Australia and the ACA

Daniel Brettig28-Jun-20171:59

CA comes down heavily on talk of unsanctioned matches

Australia’s players face a ban from this summer’s Ashes series should they take part in any kind of “disapproved cricket” in the event of an extended pay dispute beyond the July 1 expiry of the current MOU between Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association.The warning to all players, whether they are in or out of contract after the MOU expiry, was issued by CA’s team performance manager Pat Howard on Wednesday night via state associations and also sent to the ACA, though it was not directly relayed to the Australia women’s team currently taking part in the World Cup in England. Potential for the staging of exhibition games has been discussed among the players in recent weeks, while the prospect of many taking part in overseas Twenty20 tournaments is also in the wind.However Howard wrote in his email, seen by ESPNcricinfo, to remind players that ICC regulations dictate bans of at least six months on any players taking part in matches not staged under the auspices of national boards. Equally, CA would also deliberate on whether players would be given No Objection Certificates to play in overseas T20 competitions on a case-by-case basis.”Players (including uncontracted players) cannot play in ICC approved cricket (e.g. domestic T20 competitions operated by overseas cricket boards) without approval from Cricket Australia,” Howard wrote. “Players who participate in disapproved cricket (e.g. exhibition matches) are not permitted to participate in ICC approved cricket for a minimum of six months thereafter.”With the Ashes due to start in November and conclude in the first week of January, such a ban would rule anyone playing exhibition matches out of contention for the England series. These words provided a stark reminder of the cliff edge Australian cricket has reached, two days out from the expiry of the MOU with neither party showing any sign of changing position on the fundamental of their disagreement – CA’s determination to end the fixed-revenue-percentage model, and the ACA’s resolve to retain it.Players falling out of contract on July 1, including all CA-contracted players such as the national captain Steven Smith and his deputy David Warner, were likewise warned against entering into commercial arrangements with sponsors in conflict with CA’s commercial partners. They were also told that any delay in reaching an MOU agreement beyond July 14 – the date when current contract offers expire without the signing of a new deal – would not be addressed with any back pay.”If your contract expires on 30 June, you will not be an employee of CA, a State Association or a W/BBL Team from 1 July,” Howard wrote. “This means that you are not required to play, train, perform player appearances or media commitments, and you will not be paid a retainer until such time as a MOU is agreed and a player contract is agreed with you in writing.”If a MOU is agreed on or by 14 July, your playing contract would only commence from the date the MOU is agreed. CA does not intend that retainers would be back paid to cover any elapsed period between your current contract expiring and the execution of a new contract when a new MOU is agreed.”3:46

What exactly is the Cricket Australia-ACA pay dispute?

The commercial warning was particularly pointed given the ACA’s foundation of the Cricketers Brand, a new commercial wing of the association devised to take control of the players’ intellectual property after July 1. “All players will be provided with a list of protected sponsors for 2017/18,” Howard wrote. “Any player entering into unapproved endorsements during any uncontracted period puts at risk future endorsement arrangements with CA, State and W/BBL partners and puts you at risk of not being able to enter into a contract for the upcoming season with CA, the State or W/BBL Team.”Howard’s communique featured other interim advice for all players, stating that none would be locked out of training facilities beyond July 1 whether contracted or not, though players not on multi-year deals “are not required to train”. Also included were interim arrangements for medical expenses and accident and health insurance, including a promise to work operationally with the ACA on insurance rollovers beyond the expiry of the MOU.The ACA has called on CA’s chief executive James Sutherland to enter negotiations directly with his counterpart Alistair Nicholson, with the association planning on a meeting of its executive – the president Greg Dyer, Aaron Finch, Moises Henriques, Neil Maxwell, Lisa Sthalekar, Janet Torney and Shane Watson – on Sunday if no agreement has been reached.

Sunderland have rightly been praised for the way they have gone about their transfer business so far this summer, but they potentially risk making their first howler in their ongoing pursuit of Croatian forward Matija Frigan.

What players have Sunderland signed?

The Black Cats have so far signed Nectarios Triantis, Luis 'Hemir' Semedo, Jenson Seelt and Jobe Bellingham, with each of those aged 20 or under as the Wearside outfit look towards the future.

However, manager Tony Mowbray has made no secret of his desire to bring in another attacking player after seeing Amad Diallo return to parent club Manchester United, whilst Ross Stewart will miss the start of the new season through injury.

Having missed out on a deal for Coventry-bound Ellis Simms, who impressed on loan at the Stadium of Light in the first half of last season, Sunderland have since switched their focus elsewhere.

According to Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti, the Championship outfit have already had a first bid of £3.4m turned down for Frigan, but they may now return with a follow-up offer.

However, given the possible size of the fee involved, plus the fact that 6 foot 1 forward is untested outside of his homeland, it would surely make sense for Mowbray's men to look elsewhere.

Who is Croatian forward Matija Frigan?

Frigan has made 42 appearances in the Croatian top flight – 27 of those with current club Rijeka and the rest during a spell on loan at Hrvatski Dragovoljac in the 2021/22 campaign.

The 20-year-old frontman scored 13 goals in those 27 outings last season, with that a more-than-adequate return for a player of his age and highlighting that he is undoubtedly a big talent.

However, Football Insider previously reported that it will take an offer of £5.2m to persuade Rijeka – who is also supposedly wanted by Rangers – to cash in, which is a huge sum as far as Sunderland are concerned.

Indeed, it was previously suggested that Sunderland were out of the running to sign Simms from Everton after Ipswich Town tabled a £4m bid earlier in the window.

The Englishman later joined Coventry City in a deal that could climb to £8m.

Frigan would have to be ready to hit the ground for that sort of fee and, while he has scored fairly regularly in the Croatian top flight, that country is ranked behind the likes of Sweden, Israel, Norway and Ukraine in terms of coefficient, giving a clear indication as to the quality of the league.

That is not to say there are no gems out there waiting to be signed at the right price, particularly given the likes of Josko Gvardiol and Luka Sucic have prospered in Europe, but Frigan still only scored at a rate of 0.59 goals per 90 minutes last season, as per FBref.

To give that some perspective, Stewart scored at a rate of 0.86 goals per 90 for Sunderland in the Championship.

Whilst the Croatia U21 international is clearly a talent – a "very interesting" one in the view of football talent scout Jacek Kulig – Sunderland would be better suited to spending their money on a more tried and tested option this window as they look to improve on last season's sixth-place finish.

The South Africans enjoyed a productive outing at New Road, with four batsmen registering half-centuries as England Lions managed just three wickets on another shortened day.

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Jun-2017
ScorecardHeino Kuhn made 80 before retiring in his warm-up for a Test debut•Getty Images

The South Africans enjoyed a productive outing at New Road, with four batsmen registering half-centuries as England Lions managed just three wickets on another shortened day.Heino Kuhn, who is expected to make his Test debut at Lord’s next week, and Hashim Amla retired in sight of hundreds, while Temba Bavuma was unbeaten on 85 when an early close arrived due to bad light. Quinton de Kock added a brisk 51 as the South Africans scored 324 from the 77.3 overs possible.George Garton added a second wicket, after Kuhn’s retirement, when he dismissed JP Duminy for 25 and Liam Plunkett dismissed Theunis de Bruyn – the potential deputy for Faf du Plessis if South Africa’s captain does not make at back in time after the birth of his child.De Kock then added 82 in less than 20 overs with Bavuma during the afternoon before before falling to the back-up seam of hid former U-19s team-mate Keaton Jennings.Kuhn, who won a call-up after making an unbeaten 200 in a pink-ball game against Hampshire and then a century against the Lions for South Africa A, continued his good form by scoring 80 off 126 balls before retiring.Amla was similarly assured, with 91 from 148, while Bavuma batted for more than three hours, putting on an unbroken 68 with Chris Morris to give South Africa a satisfying day ahead of the four-Test series, which starts on Thursday.