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Manchester United are in the market for deals this window and have now been told how much they will need to pay in order to acquire a key target, according to a report.

Who are Man United's transfer targets?

Despite the excitement surrounding the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and company at Old Trafford, there is a yearning among supporters for new players to be announced at Manchester United to help combat their mixed fortunes in the Premier League.

Erik ten Hag will be eager to ensure capable reinforcements pitch up in the North West and a striking addition is reportedly on his transfer wishlist. Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Red Devils have held tentative conversations regarding Bayern Munich's Eric Choupo-Moting, Stuttgart forward Serhou Guirassy and Borussia Dortmund attacker Donyell Malen.

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Romano told the outlet: "To be honest, Manchester United never had the concrete negotiation with RB Leipzig. United had a discussion with Timo Werner's agent just to understand the conditions of the deal. How was the situation around Timo Werner for the January window, but Manchester United.

"United never decided to proceed for the proper negotiation for the transfer of Timo Werner. So they had the same kind of discussion for example with the agents of Choupo-Moting, with the agents of Donyell Malen, with the agents of Serhou Guirassy. All players that could be available on the January transfer market with different conditions."

Queens Park goalkeeper Callan McKenna is believed to be in advanced talks over a move to Old Trafford; nevertheless, he is likely to be one for the future and will take a few years to develop into a senior player. Now, fresh reports suggest that United have been told the price tag of a key target who they have already seen their advances rejected for this month.

Manchester United bid for Morten Hjulmand

According to The Sun, Manchester United offered Facundo Pellistri in exchange for Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand; however, their bid has been knocked back by the Portuguese giants, who have since laid down the law regarding the Denmark international.

Morten Hjulmand key statistics in 2023/24 – Liga Portugal (Sofascore)

Big chances created

2

Tackles per game

2.1

Balls recovered per game

5.7

Clearances per game

1.0

Accurate passes per game

42.8 (87%)

Average match rating

7.06/10

Ruben Amorim's men would require the Red Devils to trigger the 24-year-old's release clause before sanctioning a deal, which is believed to sit at the £69 million mark. United have scouted him in both domestic and European action this term; meanwhile, Christian Eriksen is close friends with the Kastrup-born man and acts as his mentor on international duty.

Hjulmand, who has been praised for his tenacious qualities by Italian journalists, had made 23 appearances in all competitions this campaign, registering one goal and two assists (Hjulmand statistics – Transfermarkt).

The Red Devils have managed to unearth starlet Kobbie Mainoo as a first-team regular and slotting Hjulmand in beside him and Bruno Fernandes could provide Ten Hag with a nicely balanced engine room for years to come.

Manchester United have encountered issue after issue so far this season, with the likes of Jadon Sancho falling out with Erik ten Hag in what is an ongoing saga, whilst the Red Devils continue to struggle on the pitch, suffering a 3-2 loss in their most recent outing against Galatasaray. The club have a number of players out injured, too, and those at Old Trafford will be desperately waiting for the full squad to return.

Any boost is a plus in the current circumstances, and, those in Manchester have finally been handed some good news to cling onto, with one particular player edging closer and closer to a return from an injury suffered in pre-season.

What's the latest Man Utd injury news?

When it comes to injuries, United have suffered the same luck that they've faced when attempting to get results on the pitch this season. At various stages of the campaign, Ten Hag has already been without Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Lisandro Martinez, who is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

The Red Devils have, however, received a recent injury boost, with youngster Kobbie Mainoo back in training, and edging closer to a return to action. And whilst United's next Premier League clash against Brentford could come too early for the youngster, he isn't far off from making a comeback, according to the club's official website.

We've seen in the past just how much of an impact young players can have at Old Trafford, with Marcus Rashford a prime example of that. Now, it could soon be Mainoo's turn to light a spark that has been slowly fading at the theatre of dreams this season. It will be interesting to see if Ten Hag turns to the midfielder, given the current form of his side, and, therefore, the ease with which several names could play themselves into the Dutchman's plans.

Who is Kobbie Mainoo?

Just 18 years of age, Mainoo has the world at his feet at Manchester United, and could soon get his chance to show just how good he is. With Casemiro suspended in the Champions League after his red card against Galatasaray, Mainoo may yet even be handed a chance to stake his claim on the biggest stage to showcase his talents. The pressure would be on, but if he impressed on his chance, then Ten Hag may just have himself another option in the middle of the park.

The teenager has already earned plenty of praise during his time at United, including from club legend Bryan Robson, who told The Telegraph:

"He’s calculated and he’s reading the game, doing things in his own time. He closes down really well, receives the ball and changes the pattern of the game, quickens it up when he wants to and he’s using his football brain. I’m quite impressed with him."

Everything seems to be pointing to the fact that United have a gem on their hands, and who knows, a player who could yet play a surprise part in turning their campaign around after such a disappointing start this season.

Sam Robson. Remember him on the list of former England openers? He has just made his first century of the season

ECB Reporters Network18-Sep-20181:55

Yorkshire edge towards safety

ScorecardSam Robson’s first century of the season saw Middlesex get the better of the opening day of their Specsavers County Championship match with Derbyshire at Lord’s.The former England opener ended a run drought with 134 – becoming Middlesex’s first century maker since May 6.Max Holden (96 not out) was also closing in on a first century in Middlesex colours as the hosts finished an enthralling day at 350 for 8, only the second time this season they have realised a fourth batting point.But late in the day veteran seamer Tony Palladino (4-66) bowled the visitors back into contention with a spell of 4- for 3 in 15 balls.Given Middlesex’s struggles with the bat this season it was no surprise to see them stuck in under cloudy skies for the sixth time in seven red-ball games at HQ this season.Understandably then it was a nervy start – 20 balls and the odd play and miss passed before the first run clicked up on the board.Robson broke the shackles with two fours in an over off Palladino – the second boundary appearing to lift a season-load of weight from his shoulders as thereafter he settled down to play with increasing assurance.At the other end, left-hander Nick Gubbins found life more of a struggle, a spate of cameos having left him short of confidence.Nevertheless, the pair compiled only their third half-century opening stand of the season, reaching 64 before Hardus Viljoen made the breakthrough trapping Gubbins lbw.Sam Robson eases one through the covers•Getty ImagesIt would be the visitors’ only wicket of the morning session as Robson moved smoothly to 50 off 83 balls with nine boundaries, ably supported by Stevie Eskinazi who had the honour of receiving his county cap at the start of the lunch interval.There would be no 50 to accompany the honour, the South African-born wicketkeeper/batsman falling for 35, lbw to spinner Matthew Critchley.Skipper Dawid Malan was next to go, a skittish innings of 16 ending when he aimed an ill-advised hook at Viljoen, the ball arrowing its way to the safe hands of Luis Reece at long-leg.His dismissal more often than not this season would have heralded a collapse, but youngster Holden came in and looked composed from his first ball and as a result he and Robson regained the initiative.Robson’s hundred arrived courtesy of a single to mid-on in the last over before tea, the applause from the Middlesex faithful seeing him raise his bat in delight and relief in equal measure.The pair played with increasing authority at the start of the final session, raising the 250 – a figure reached only once previously in the first innings by the Lord’s tenants this season.The century stand came at almost a run a minute and Holden’s 50 arrived shortly afterwards complete with six boundaries.The dizzy heights of 300 were in sight when Palladino new ball in hand changed the complexion of the day. A devastating spell began when he found the edge of Robson’s bat ending an otherwise chanceless innings and a stand of 132. Tail-up Palladino struck again with his next ball, new man Robbie White get a thinner edge to Gary Wilson at first slip.James Harris survived the hat-trick ball only to depart in Palladino’s next over, trapped on the back foot.The hosts had subsided from 298-3 to 304-6 but Palladino wasn’t finished yet, getting another lbw shout upheld to remove Martin Andersson.With the ball now doing plenty Holden was given a life when Wilson shelled a chance at first slip off Lockie Ferguson.That scare survived, Middlesex briefly steadied the ship until James Fuller, having just hit Ferguson for six top-edged the next ball down to Critchley at third man.Ethan Bamber though helped raise the 350 and kept alive hopes of a Holden century in the morning.

Manchester United have always produced fantastic players from their esteemed academy, and Kobbie Mainoo is the latest gem to come to the fore.

The 18-year-old made his full debut for the club against Everton on the weekend and was awarded Man of the Match by broadcasters Sky Sports.

United have plenty of promising youngsters coming through the Carrington ranks, but who is most likely to follow in the footsteps of Mainoo as we head into 2024?

Football FanCast has taken a look at the 10 most promising Manchester United prospects who could be lighting up the Premier League in the years to come.

10 Isak Hansen-Aarøen

Norwegian, 19 years old

Isak Hansen-Aarøen was already playing senior football with Tromso in Norway before completing the switch to Old Trafford in September 2020.

The under-21 Norway international has been making noise for United's reserve side from central midfield and is tipped to reach lofty heights.

Erik ten Hag has called up the youngster for first-team training on occasion, which perhaps shows he's not too far away from making his debut.

Jonas Johansen, a sport performance coach for Hansen-Aarøen, believes the Norwegian could be sent on loan to further enhance his development.

“I think 1 or 2 loans is what they're thinking. Then it's up to Isak and his family to consider if that's the smartest thing,” Johansen said.

9 Charlie McNeill

English, 20 years old

United outlaid a reported £675k (potentially rising to £1.4m) on Charlie McNeill in October 2020, having ripped it up for Manchester City's youth teams.

The young centre-forward continued his prolific goalscoring record with United's Under-18s, netting 34 times in 35 outings before moving up to the U21s.

A record of 10 goals in 37 outings ensued with the reserve squad between six months on loan at League Two outfit Newport County last season.

McNeill appeared 20 times for the Exiles, scoring two goals, and is now on loan at League One side Stevenage.

The former City youth forward netted on his debut during a 3-0 away victory against Leyton Orient in September but has only appeared twice since.

According to the Mirror, United plan to recall the promising youngster in January and will then decide his next step thereafter.

8 Mateo Mejía

Colombian, 20 years old

Mateo Mejía joined the esteemed United academy from Real Zaragoza in 2019 as a 16-year-old for a reported fee worth €150,000 (£130k).

The Colombia youth international has enjoyed a bright start to the Premier League 2 this term, netting three times whilst laying on four assists across eight outings, and mightn't be too far away from a first-team debut given the exclusion of fellow winger Jadon Sancho and the out-of-form Antony.

Mejía, who typically operates on the right wing, was pictured in first-team training recently ahead of United's Champions League group game away at Galatasaray.

The 6 foot 1 wide player penned a new deal with the club in June.

7 Louis Jackson

Scottish, 18 years old

Louis Jackson was spotted training with the first team ahead of their League Cup clash against Crystal Palace in September, which brought his name to the attention of many hawk-eyed United fans.

The centre-back is highly rated by the club's officials, who handed the teenager his first professional contract in October 2022.

Jackson was just 16 years old when he helped the academy win the FA Youth Cup in 2022 and he has continued to blossom with the reserve side thereafter.

The Scotland youth international also holds the record for the youngest player to ever feature for United's Under-21s.

6 Willy Kambwala

French, 19 years old

Willy Kambwala, a towering and imposing centre-back, joined the Old Trafford club from French second-division outfit Sochaux for a reported fee worth £3.5m in 2020.

The 6 foot 4 defender has trained with the seniors in the past and could be on the cusp of a debut given Lisandro Martínez's injury and Raphaël Varane's potential winter exit.

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Kambwala, who has operated at both centre-half and right-back this term, captained the Under-17 France team as a 16-year-old, which evinces his ability to become a potential future leader for United.

5 Álvaro Fernández

Spanish, 20 years old

Álvaro Fernández was named on the substitutes' bench for United's 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest earlier this season but is still awaiting his senior debut.

The Spanish left-back is currently on loan at LaLiga outfit Granada CF, having enjoyed a successful season at Preston North End last term, laying on six assists.

Should his spell in Spain be successful, he may well become a part of Ten Hag's plans, but he'll have fierce competition in the form of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

Fernández acclaimed United's Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year award in 2022 and picked up Preston's Young Player of the Season Award in 2023.

4 Shola Shoretire

English, 19 years old

Shola Shoretire has already made five senior appearances for United, with his first coming back in February 2021 as a 17-year-old. He became the second-youngest Red to play in the Premier League, with only Angel Gomes appearing at a younger age (16).

The Newcastle-born midfielder endured a difficult six-month loan stint at Bolton Wanderers last term, but manager Ian Evatt believes he'll have a 'really good future'.

Shoretire has put up fabulous numbers for United's U21s this season, scoring six goals whilst providing three assists across 10 outings, and may well be sent on loan in January to further his development.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Premier League 2

7

4

3

EFL Trophy

3

2

0

3 Omari Forson

English, 19 years old

Omari Forson, an England youth international, is highly regarded by United staff and 'there's a feeling he'll be the next academy product to be handed his senior debut', as per the Manchester Evening News' Steven Railston.

Railston further claims that Forson is set to pen a new deal and extend his stay at Old Trafford, evincing the club's high hopes for his future.

The left-footed wide player has netted seven times in eight outings for the academy this season and was named on the subs bench for the senior team against FC Copenhagen in November.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Premier League 2

4

3

1

UEFA Youth League

2

2

1

EFL Trophy

2

2

0

2 Daniel Gore

English, 19 years old

Daniel Gore has one senior appearance for the Red Devils to his name, coming on as a second-half substitute against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup earlier this season, though is still awaiting his full debut.

And many expect the classy midfielder to be the next academy star in line to become a fully-fledged United player, having impressed in pre-season and with the Under-21s.

Gore, who made his England Under-20 debut in October, has captained United in the UEFA Youth League this term, which evinces how well-regarded he is amongst the Old Trafford staff.

X account Olive Footy – a talent identification page – believes the midfielder has an 'innate ability to read the game' and 'execute accurate passes that unlock defences'.

Gore penned a new deal in the summer and appears well-positioned to become a fixture of United's midfield. Though, like all youngsters, he must be nurtured.

1 Joe Hugill

English, 20 years old

Joe Hugill, a former Sunderland youth player, has a fine goal record for United's academy teams and has netted six goals in eight outings in the Premier League 2 this season.

The 6 foot 1 centre-forward hasn't yet made senior debut but was a part of their matchday squad against Everton on the weekend as a substitute, evincing he is on the cusp of an appearance.

X page The Red Devil's DNA said on Hugill's skillset: "Really happy to see Joe Hugill on the bench. That's his first time in the squad. I like his profile. Classic poacher 9 who offers the verticality & movement that [Anthony] Martial lacks.

"Showed his pros in pre-season too. He can give us directness as a super sub if needed today."

As we head into the busy festive period with games coming thick and fast, perhaps Hugill will receive his opportunity, should he continue to bang in the goals for the under-21s.

Age group

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Under-21s

56

30

3

UEFA under-19s

3

1

0

Under-18s

24

18

4

Left-arm wristspinner Zahir Khan slots in alongside Rashid Khan, Amir Hamza and Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the 15-man squad

ESPNcricinfo staff29-May-20181:44

‘Mujeeb takes pressure off me’ – Rashid Khan

Afghanistan have picked four spinners – fingerspinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Amir Hamza and wristspinners Rashid Khan and Zahir Khan – in their 16-man squad for their inaugural Test, against India in Bengaluru from June 14.While Mujeeb and Rashid are coming off successful IPL stints with Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively, left-arm wristspinner Zahir is returning from a finger injury that ruled him out from an IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals. The 19-year old was part of the Afghanistan squad that reached the semi-final of the Under-19 World Cup in January-February this year.Left-arm offspinner Hamza, meanwhile, was the leading wicket-taker in the domestic first-class competition.Though Zahir has not played ODIs or T20Is yet for Afghanistan, he was the team’s leading wicket-taker during their title campaign in the 2015-17 Intercontinental Cup, the ICC’s first-class competition for Associates, taking 31 wickets in six matches. Fast bowler Wafadar was the only uncapped member of the Test squad. Afghanistan will miss the services of experienced fast bowler Dawlat Zadran because of a knee injury.The second-most capped player Asghar Stanikzai will lead both the Test and the T20I squad that will play Bangladesh in three games in Dehradun from June 3. They will have experience in allrounder Mohammad Nabi, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad, Rahmat Shah and Hashmathullah Shahidi for the Tests.Peter Della PennaMeanwhile, Afghanistan opted for a more youthful squad for the three T20Is against Bangladesh in Dehradun, with only five of the Test players retained for the series.Under-19 batsman Darwish Rasooli earned a maiden national call-up on the back of strong performances at the World Cup, while Najib Tarakai was recalled after 15 months following strong domestic performances.Afghanistan’s preliminary squad has just concluded a set of practice matches in Greater Noida, following which the final squad was named by chief selector and former captain Nawroz Mangal.Test Squad: Asghar Stanikzai (capt), Javed Ahmadi, Ihsanullah, Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Nasir Jamal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afsar Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Amir Hamza, Sayed Shirzad, Yamin Ahmadzai, Wafadar, Zahir KhanSquad for Bangladesh T20Is: Asghar Stanikzai (capt), Najeeb Tarakai, Usman Ghani, Mohammad Shahzad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shenwari, Shafiqullah, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Shapoor Zadran, Aftab Alam

Liverpool went through a big summer of change after the 2022/23 campaign failed to bear any fruits for Jurgen Klopp's side, with the midfield receiving more than just a spruce-up after failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven seasons.

While Klopp had crafted a successful, compelling outfit on Merseyside over a number of years, it all came undone as the midfield struggled to charge the engine room and the backline failed to display the kind of strength and synthesis as a collective, too often coming unstuck.

Frankly, Liverpool were outthought and outfought all too often, and it's little surprise that there was a mass exodus over the summer months, with the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo arriving to chart a course back to the forefront.

Such additions have been important but they have augmented the existing members that were not given the chop, with Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones both playing important roles in the Reds' campaign thus far.

Spaniards Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic also played big roles last year but have both been plagued with injury since the summer; the latter, Bajcetic, was a diamond in the dirt last season and proved to be a real asset as he guided his senior peers through the darkness of last year, even being praised as a "special" talent by Klopp.

Bajcetic, aged 19, is evidence that Liverpool's youth ranks boast quality enough to break into the senior set-up, following in Trent Alexander-Arnold's footsteps, but it doesn't look like he will be the last to rise to the fore under Klopp's wing, with a rich crop of talent bubbling under the surface right now.

Not least with prodigy Trent Kone-Doherty continuing to produce some scintillating displays…

Trent Kone-Doherty's season in numbers

Describing himself as "fearless", Kone-Doherty has blitzed up the ranks at youth level and posted 16 goals and four assists from just 29 outings so far, though he is still awaiting his senior debut.

The six-cap Republic of Ireland U17 international has been hailed for his "blinding pace" by Foyle Harps chairman Gerry Doherty, who also declared him a "flying machine".

Signing for the Anfield side for a reported fee of £150k, the 17-year-old is part of a revolution at formative level at the club, with an inpouring of exciting potential arriving to give Klopp more than a little food for thought.

The revered gaffer's history of providing Reds starlets with chances to impress will only convince Kone-Doherty that he can wedge his way into the reckoning, with Bajcetic and Alexander-Arnold not the only youngsters to be brought to the surface.

Indeed, Ben Doak and Jarell Quansah are perfect examples of why Liverpool might be the place for a prodigious talent such as Kone-Doherty to grow into his skin.

Another rising star who was destined for a position of prominence was Kaide Gordon, who had caused a storm among those of a Liverpool persuasion before a detrimental injury culled his growth, but with the fleet-footed winger now returning, Klopp may have to contend with the rise of two competing prodigies.

Kaide Gordon's career so far

Signed from Derby County for around £3m in 2021, Gordon, aged 19, has been regarded as one of Liverpool's most exciting attacking talents since his acquisition and demonstrated his talent through some excellent showings, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists from 27 matches.

Dubbed "exceptional" by Klopp, Gordon was beset with horrendous luck on the injury front and returned to full training this summer after 17 months sidelined with a pelvic growth issue.

There have been minor setbacks that have hindered him from returning to action with regularity as yet, but there is a feeling that Gordon is now ready to dazzle once again with his dynamism, lightning speed and natural finishing instinct – he is left-footed, and prefers to ply his trade as an inside forward from the right.

Apps

Goals

Assists

G/A Rate

U18 Premier League

Kone-Doherty

19

12

3

0.79

Gordon

15

9

3

0.80

Premier League 2

Kone-Doherty

3

1

0

0.33

Gordon

10

4

1

0.5

*Sourced via Transfermarkt

When he arrived at Liverpool, he was dubbed 'the best 16-year-old in the country', and Liverpool, having warded off attention from Manchester United, felt that they had secured a star in the making.

Injury has hindered his development, but it doesn't have to be detrimental, with plenty of time to nurture his innate quality back to its peak.

However, with Kone-Doherty now coming for his throne, Gordon will need to ensure that he puts his heart and soul into his performances over the coming months to reclaim a place in Klopp's first team.

While Kone-Doherty has only just burst onto the scene in the Premier League 2, he got himself off the mark nice and early, scoring a crucial goal in a 1-1 draw against Derby in August.

And given that he's only a few months into his 17th year, there is ample time for him to sculpt the perfect foundation over the coming years, using this as a launchpad to ensconce himself in Klopp's senior team.

Gordon has already demonstrated that such lofty ambitions can be realised, having racked up four senior showings and bagging his first professional goal against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup third round in 2022, a goal among many in a conquest to the trophy, defeating Chelsea on penalties in March.

Despite only recently returning to action after his interminable wait for full fitness, Gordon has already been called up to the senior squad and earned a place on the bench against Toulouse earlier in November; this speaks volumes for Gordon's quality and chances of earning opportunities alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez this term.

Should Kone-Doherty hold onto his 'fearless' nature and continue to sharpen his natural attacking expertise, there is every possibility that he could surpass Gordon and knock on Klopp's door as the most promising youngster on the books.

The German manager has much to consider, but deciding who deserves a chance is the type of conundrum that every manager hopes for.

Newcastle have been dealt a huge injury blow in the run-up to the end of the season after it was confirmed that Sven Botman suffered an ACL injury.

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Botman injured during Man City clashDefender diagnosed with ACL injuryWill undergo operation next weekWHAT HAPPENED?

The centre-back was forced off in the late stages of the Magpies' 2-0 defeat to against Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday. He has since been diagnosed with an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament and faces up to nine months out after he undergoes surgery next week.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT NEWCASTLE SAID

An update from the club read: "Newcastle United defender Sven Botman will undergo surgery next week after suffering a knee injury against Manchester City.

"Following further assessment, a scan has confirmed that he sustained an injury to his ACL during Saturday's match and he is expected to return to action within six-to-nine months.

"The Dutch centre-back initially sustained a knee injury in September 2023 and elected for a non-surgical rehabilitation plan – a decision which saw him return to action in December.

"Everyone at Newcastle United wishes Sven a full and speedy recovery."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The 24-year-old Netherlands international has been a mainstay in Eddie Howe's team this season, making 22 appearances in all competitions. He was previously ruled out with a knee injury that sidelined him from late-September until December.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE?

The absence of a key figure comes as a big blow to Newcastle as they look to get back into the fight for a place in European football next term. Howe's side sit 10th in the table and take on West Ham in their next match on March 30.

Sinha had been undergoing treatment for liver cancer and kidney disease in Singapore and Thailand previously

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Aug-2018BPL chairman and BCB director Afzalur Rahman Sinha died at the Gleneagles Global Hospital in Chennai on Wednesday. He was 68 and is survived by his wife, son and daughter.A Freedom Fighter in Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971, Sinha had been undergoing treatment for liver cancer and kidney disease in Singapore and Thailand. He was a well-acknowledged financier and sports organiser, who joined the BCB in 1998 and later became chairman of its finance committee.Sinha was also president of Surjo Tarun, a Dhaka league side with whom he has worked with for two decades. He had also chaired Acme Laboratories; a leading pharmaceutical company in Bangladesh.

Former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez said compatriot Darwin Nunez is one of the best strikers in the world after his winner against Nottingham Forest.

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Nunez scores winner for LiverpoolHelps Reds stay top of Premier LeagueInter Miami's Suarez lauds compatriotGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Reds striker scored a 99th-minute winner against Forest on Saturday to earn a vital three points and maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League. And after the victory, fellow Uruguayan Suarez, who played at Anfield between 2011 and 2014, sung the praises of Nunez.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT LUIS SUAREZ SAID

Following his brace for Inter Miami in their 5-0 win over Orlando City on Saturday, Suarez said: "Yes I saw [the goal]. I am so happy for Liverpool and I am so happy for Darwin. He is one of the best strikers in the world today."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Nunez has been criticised for his performances and profligacy in front of goal during his time at Liverpool but he has still scored 14 times this season and bagged 11 assists. He has proven to be an important player in the Reds' bid to win an historic quadruple.

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WHAT NEXT?

Suarez's Miami take on Nashville in a round of 16 first-leg tie in the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Friday, whereas Nunez's Liverpool are back in Europa League action away to Sparta Praha in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday.

There’s plenty of substance, and little that’s flash, in Brad Haddin, who is not about to let Adam Gilchrist’s vast reputation cramp his style

Andrew Miller26-Jun-2009Of the 16 players in Australia’s Ashes squad, only six have previous experience of an Anglo-Australian Test match, and of those, only four – Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Simon Katich and Brett Lee – have sampled the unique atmosphere of a Test series in England. In an era when Twenty20 cricket is threatening to turn people’s attention away from the game’s most venerable traditions, it’s a dwindling bunch of cricketers who can pinpoint exactly what it is that makes this rivalry so special.But the Australian tourist best placed to explain the enduring significance of the Ashes is also the one most used to being overlooked. Few players have waited on the sidelines as long or as uncomplainingly as the wicketkeeper, Brad Haddin, a man whose fate it is to be defined in terms of a man who can never be replicated. When Adam Gilchrist retired from international cricket at the end of the 2007-08 season, he closed the book on a career that transformed the expectations of a generation of glovemen, but his reputation didn’t make the vacancy any less sweet for Haddin to fill.”I think we talk a lot about icon series. You talk about India being the powerhouse of world cricket, and we’ve just been playing a very successful South Africa side over a pretty extended period,” Haddin told Cricinfo. “But as a young kid growing up in Australia, the icon series for us was a five-Test series against England. We’re pretty excited about the whole theatre of the event, and from a personal point of view, I can’t wait to get involved right from the start of the first session in Cardiff.”Haddin toured England in 2005, but didn’t get a look-in, while 18 months later, during the 5-0 whitewash Down Under, he was a distant observer, quietly plying his trade in state cricket for New South Wales. But now, at the age of 31, and almost a decade on from his first appearance for Australia in a one-off ODI against Zimbabwe in January 2001, Haddin is the man in possession and he’s revelling in the opportunity. “If the opportunity had never arose I would still have been a happy man,” he said. “I did everything I possibly could, I just happened to be behind one of the best ever to play the game.”Haddin has certainly been forced to earn his recognition the hard way. He was limited to just 21 ODI appearances in his first six years in the national set-up, and in that time he never played more than five games in a row. But metaphorically speaking, he managed not to drop the ball whenever he was called upon, and as a reward for his reliability, his tally began to rise after Gilchrist retired in early 2008. His most treasured possession, however, his baggy green cap, was not presented to him until Australia toured the Caribbean in May 2008.Even then, the hard yards of his journey to the top had not been completed. During his debut appearance he fractured the ring finger of his right hand, but not only did he play on through the pain during the final two Tests of the series, he shrugged off an infection that set in as a result.”I think Test cricket is the pinnacle,” Haddin said. “Growing up in Australia, you want your baggy green cap, and you want to be tested over five days. It’s the true test of where your cricket is at. Other forms are exciting and very good for the game, but Test cricket is the pinnacle.”His current Test average of 37.54 is testament to the fact that he’s not about to let Gilchrist’s vast reputation cramp his style. Haddin’s longevity in the eyes of the selectors is down to the composure he brings to his performances. There is little that’s flash but there’s plenty of substance, as befits a cricketer with nearly 6500 first-class runs to his name.”I see myself as a wicketkeeper-batsman,” he said. “I think Adam changed the perception of how wicketkeepers are viewed, but I think if you talk to him he would also say he’s a keeper first and a batter second, and I don’t think that’s changed. I’m a true believer that you should pick the best wicketkeeper available. You’re a keeper first, and then a batsman.”From a personal point of view, I’ve spent 10 years keeping to Stuart MacGill at the SCG. They talk a lot here of how the ball wobbles after it goes past the bat. But the beauty of Test cricket is that you do play in different venues, all around the world. I played 10 years of first-class cricket, travelling state to state and getting used to the conditions, but one of the attractions of Test cricket is going to India, West Indies, and all over the international stage, and testing yourself in all different conditions.”

“If the opportunity never arose, I would still have been a happy man. I just happened to be behind one of the best ever to play the game.”

It didn’t take long for Haddin’s first examination of this Ashes campaign to come about. In glorious conditions at Hove on Wednesday, on the opening day of Australia’s first competitive outing since the World Twenty20, their batting malfunctioned in the mid-day sun, as they slipped to 114 for 5 against a rookie attack led by a South African journeyman of Italian extraction, Pepler Sandri.By the close, however, the scoreline had been transformed. Brett Lee and Nathan Hauritz eventually made the game look pretty simple as they piled on the runs in an eighth-wicket stand of 117, but Haddin’s performance was the one that made the difference. He top-scored with a cool 69 from 119 balls, an innings of class and intent that reiterated, regardless of the low-key environment, that he has sturdy enough feet to fill some of the most daunting boots the game has ever known.”I didn’t find it tricky at all, stepping into Adam’s role,” he said. “The one thing I tried to do was make sure I was ready. I couldn’t control when Adam was going to retire, if at all, so the bottom line is, all I was trying to do was make sure I was the best cricketer I could possibly be, and if the opportunity came down the track, all well and good, I’d be ready for the challenge of stepping in. I didn’t waste too much energy thinking about what ifs, because it’s something I couldn’t control.”I enjoyed my time on tours with Adam, because I could look at the set-up of Australian cricket, and learn how the elite players train. But taking over his role wasn’t at the forefront of my mind. Six years before that I may have thought about it too much, but for the last five years it wasn’t in my thought processes as much as people think.”Haddin was 30 when he eventually got his extended run in the side – coincidentally just two years older than Gilchrist himself had been in November 1999, when he finally took over from his own immoveable predecessor, Ian Healy. If nothing else, the two careers that preceded him proved to Haddin how precious it is to have the opportunity to represent your country. With that in mind, the succession couldn’t really be in better hands.