Tag Futebol

Steven Mullaney claimed three wickets – including the key scalp of James Vince – as Nottinghamshire held on to reach their first T20 final since 2006

David Hopps02-Sep-2017Steven Mullaney claimed vital wickets in the middle overs•Getty ImagesThey say that Steven Mullaney is unsung, but little is left unsung on NatWest Blast Finals Day. The cricket takes place to a musical backdrop and Mullaney spotted his moment, exercised his lungs and took Nottinghamshire into the final of the NatWest Blast.Hampshire played their part in an engrossing, fiercely contested semi-final before succumbing by 23 runs, but if anybody shifted the equilibrium it was Mullaney, the dismissal of James Vince for 56 from 32 balls the most crucial moment of all as Vince swept and Brendon Taylor, running in too far from deep backward square, clutched the ball over his head.Vince has been looked at in all three formats by England, his last appearance coming in T20, against Sri Lanka on his home ground at the Ageas Bowl in July last year. Too often, he looked irresolute, departing to weak shots, but the majority of those who have followed have also been found wanting to similar degree.This innings was a timely reminder of his quality, but Mullaney whose medium-paced mix-ups also caused Tom Alsop to chip a return catch and defeated a prodigious mow by George Bailey to bowl him, denied Vince the chance to make his mark in the final in an unbroken spell of 3 for 22.Add the run out of Michael Carberry – a direct hit by Samit Patel from short third man – and Nottinghamshire, looking powerful and well balanced, had secured a shot at the trophy against Birmingham, their first appearance in the final since 2006.Only in the last few overs did Nottinghamshire’s victory look assured. With 30 needed off three overs, and four wickets standing, three wickets in an over from the former England left-armer Harry Gurney settled the issue. Riki Wessels held the first two in front of a posse of photographers at long-on, turning round with a thumbs-up after the second one as if to say “that’s in case you missed it”.Notts’ 169 for 7 felt like serviceable job by a quality batting line-up, but it was far from impregnable. They were hopeful that Dan Christian’s 24 from 12 balls at the death had tipped the balance. But they could not have afforded too much mayhem from Shahid Afridi at the top of the order in reply: they got none at all.Afridi is one of cricket’s great capricious talents. His 42-ball hundred against Derbyshire got Hampshire to Finals Day; he marked it with a first-ball duck. Nottinghamshire matched him in the first over with Patel’s left-arm slows. Patel, a confident fellow, would have relished it. He pulled his first ball down slightly short and Afridi deposited it into the hands of deep midwicket. He does nothing by half.Christian, Notts’ captain, said: “It was a bit tight especially when James was thrashing us around everywhere. His was a huge wicket. Steven Mullaney was fantastic. He has had a difficult time at Trent Bridge this season with short boundaries and flat pitches and bowling in the middle overs so it was nice to see him get the wickets.”Vince also felt that Mullaney’s mid-innings wickets had broken them. “It was hard in the middle overs, but they did not lose wickets and we did,” he said.Hampshire’s threat lies in their trip of spinners. Mason Crane, Liam Dawson and Afridi went into Finals Day with 41 wickets between them as well as economy rates all under 7.5 runs an over. They were again central to their challenge, sharing 4 for 80 in 12 overs. Wessels nearly broke them in making 48 from 27, Patel played them wisely, but on a pitch offering a little grip they completed a job well done.There is no more dangerous opening combination in the Blast than Nottinghamshire’s Alex Hales and Wessels. Hales, long-limbed and languid, flows into the slightest width. Wessels, squatter and crouched in old-fashioned style, hunts down a bowler in calculated fashion. For both to be silenced at 71 for 3 in the eighth over was arguably damage limitation enough.The most dangerous, on this occasion, was Wessels, who had just milked Dawson’s left-arm slows for three successive boundaries when he failed to work Crane into the leg side and popped a catch to cover.Hales made history in the final of the Royal London Cup – his 187 not out was the highest-ever score in a Lord’s final – and had that competition still been positioned at the end of the season, it might have propelled him into England’s Ashes tour party. He still might make it, and claims that his T20 form has taken him to a higher level.Afridi picked up a catch on the edge of the circle at short third as Hales carved at Chris Wood. The left-armer added Tom Moores in the same manner for nought: the murmurings on the bench of his father, Notts coach Peter Moores, to “watch the ball” going unheeded.Patel v Crane was cagey, but no worse for that. Crane is no longer the promising ingénue, his leggies now dropped with confidence. Patel is one of the best workers of spin in the country. Crane’s return of 1 for 22 brought him a minor victory, but Patel had eyes for the longer game. Those figures were later matched, somewhat surreptitiously, by the ageless Afridi, revelling in a big occasion – until he self-destructed with the bat.Patel then struck Dawson down the ground for six, but the next was flightier and wider and Patel, who had made room, sliced helplessly at it like a man about to totter from a high bar.At 122 for 5 with 27 balls left, the contest was at its sharpest. Christian’s muscular 24 from 12 balls included three sixes in four balls off Kyle Abbott, but his next assault flew flat to cover. Two excellent sides were nip and tuck. All that was clear at the interval was that it was anyone’s game – and it turned out to belong to Notts.

Newcastle United have around six weeks left to finish their business for the summer transfer window as they prepare for the 2023/24 campaign.

Who have Newcastle signed this summer?

So far, the Magpies have snapped up Sandro Tonali from AC Milan to bolster their options in midfield, whilst Yankuba Minteh joined from Odense BK before being sent out on loan to Feyenoord for the season.

A third arrival appears to be on the way as it has been reported that English winger Harvey Barnes is set to sign for the club in a £38m deal from Leicester City, who were relegated to the Championship earlier this year.

That may not be the end of Newcastle's business this summer, though, as another striker could be on their list. The Magpies have been linked with a swoop for Sevilla centre-forward Youssef En-Nesyri to compete with Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.

How many goals did Youssef En-Nesyri score last season?

During the 2022/23 campaign, the 26-year-old marksman plundered an impressive 18 goals across all competitions for the Spanish side.

Sporting director Dan Ashworth could finally replace Chris Wood by securing a deal to sign the Morocco international, who scored eight goals in 17 LaLiga starts last term.

Newcastle allowed the former Burnley man to leave on loan in January and that led to a permanent transfer to Nottingham Forest this summer, which has left the club with Wilson and Isak as their only senior number nine options.

Eddie Howe's men will be competing across four competitions over the next nine months due to their involvement in the Champions League to go alongside their domestic commitments. This could mean that a third striker is needed to share out the minutes and avoid burnout.

Wood scored four goals in 35 Premier League appearances (19 starts) for Newcastle between the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons following his move to Tyneside from Burnley in January of last year.

The New Zealand international also failed to register a single assist in that time as the experienced titan struggled to offer much of a threat at the top end of the pitch for Howe, which led to his switch to Forest.

En-Nesyri, however, has showcased his quality in recent years for Sevilla and could come in to provide the English head coach with an excellent option to compete with his current first-choice strikers.

The £58k-per-week talisman, who journalist Josh Bunting once described as "dangerous", could be fantastic for the Magpies if he is able to rediscover his 2020/21 form.

During that season, En-Nesyri found the back of the net 18 times in 23 LaLiga starts and scored six goals in eight Champions League matches, which shows that he has the quality to be a reliable scorer at that level.

Callum Wilson (18) was the only Newcastle player who scored more than 11 Premier League goals last term. This suggests that the potential is there for the Sevilla star to provide Howe with an additional goal threat up front.

He could offer far more than the now-Forest titan did during his time at St. James' Park, based on their respective goalscoring output, whilst also possibly being able to be one of the manager's most prolific options.

Therefore, Ashworth would finally replace Wood as Howe would have three superb strikers who all have the quality to be relied upon as the club prepare to compete on all fronts.

يستعد فريق برشلونة لملاقاة باريس سان جيرمان في منافسات ذهاب ربع نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا يوم الأربعاء المقبل.

ويحل برشلونة ضيفًا على باريس سان جيرمان، حيث يلتقي الفريقان على ملعب “حديقة الأمراء” معقل الفريق الفرنسي.

وكشفت تقارير صحفية عن موقف ثلاثي برشلونة المصاب، فرينكي دي يونج وبيدري وأندرياس كريستينسن من مواجهة باريس سان جيرمان.

ووفقًا لصحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، اتخذ بيدري ودي يونج خطوة للأمام في عمليات التعافي، آملاً في اللحاق بمباراة الذهاب أمام باريس سان جيرمان.

اقرأ أيضًا | المسابقات تعلن موقف ليفاندوفسكي وكانسيلو من مباراة برشلونة وريال مدريد

وسينضم بيدري ودي يونج إلى التدريبات الجماعية في نهاية الأسبوع، ويواصلان عمليات التعافي من أجل المباراة. 

ويشير التقرير إلى أن بيدري ودي يونج لديهما نفس الفرصة في الحصول على بعض الدقائق أمام باريس سان جيرمان، وبالنسبة إلى أندرياس كريستينسن فهو جاهز بالفعل للمباراة. 

Liverpool are increasing their efforts to secure one of the signings of the summer transfer window and tie up a deal for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

What's the latest on Aurelien Tchouameni to Liverpool?

That's according to reports in Spain who claim that Liverpool have launched an opening proposal of £55m for the France international, who only signed for the Spanish giants from Monaco for €100m (£85m) last summer.

The report continues that after a tepid first year under Carlo Ancelotti's wing, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is hoping to ensnare the 23-year-old after failing in his pursuit one year ago, and while Real are 'open to negotiating', they demand £80m for the ace.

An imposing midfielder and an exquisite talent, Tchouameni would be the ultimate upgrade at Anfield with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain concluding their contracts this month.

How good is Aurelien Tchouameni?

Such a transfer might seem unlikely, with prominent Liverpool reporter daveOCKOP stating that he "would be surprised" if the Reds succeeded in securing a deal for a player who moved to, arguably, football's most prestigious outfit in Real Madrid just one year ago, but much has changed since.

Jude Bellingham has completed his much-anticipated move to Los Blancos from Borussia Dortmund for an initial €103m (£88.5m) this month, bypassing the likes of Liverpool in their interest, and Tchouameni has endured a disspiriting campaign that has left him on the periphery of prominence at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Joining the fold on Merseyside could prove to be a match made in heaven for someone of Tchouameni's ilk; he is a formidable, prodigious star who will know of the vested attention from Liverpool over the past year or so, and despite Klopp's side failing to qualify for the Champions League this year, there is an expectation that the requisite adjustments in midfield will banish the seeping indifference.

He played regularly this term, clinching 50 appearances for his LaLiga outfit, but was not entrusted with a starting berth in the definitive moments, benched for both Copa del Rey semi-final ties against Barcelona and every knockout phase fixture in the Champions League.

Despite this, the "superb talent" – as dubbed by Rio Ferdinand – ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for pass completion, the top 1% for interceptions, the top 8% for clearances and the top 11% for aerials won per 90, as per FBref.

He could forge a cohesive and frightening partnership with his international comrade Ibrahima Konate at Liverpool, with the "extraordinary" midfielder's robustness and battling mentality exactly what has gone missing for Klopp's team this year, with The Athletic highlighting the inefficacy of the midfield in protecting the defence and subsequently allowing sustained fire on Alisson's goal – with the Brazilian shot-stopper ranking fourth in the saving charts.

Konate is an aggressive and burly central defender, who signed for the club for £36m from RB Leipzig in 2021 and has been praised as "incredible" by defensive partner Virgil van Dijk; the £206k-per-week menace that is Tchouameni would enhance his game with his defensive omnipresence at the nucleus of the pitch.

Konate ranks among the top 10% of centre-backs for successful take-ons and the top 12% for tackles per 90, indicating that he already has the tenacity and vigour to play a central role for Liverpool over the next age, and with an imperious anchor ahead of him, one can only imagine the spectacular success.

Considering the various facets, Klopp must go full ham for Tchouameni this summer and entice him with a package worth taking – he might play for Real Madrid, but at Liverpool he could etch his name into the history books and flourish as the centrepiece as the new chapter under Klopp's sagely stewardship.

Celtic officially confirmed the arrival of Brendan Rodgers as their replacement for Ange Postecoglou in the dugout at Parkhead on a three-year deal earlier this week.

The Northern Irish tactician, who left Leicester City earlier this year, is now tasked with replicating the immense success he enjoyed during his first spell in Scotland.

Rodgers won seven trophies in less than three years at Paradise and The Scottish Sun have reported that the 50-year-old boss will be handed a whopping £30m to work with in the summer transfer window in order to rake in more major honours.

One such investment could be on a player named Zan Vipotnik.

Who is Zan Vipotnik?

Football Scotland claimed last month that the Hoops are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Zan Vipotnik, a 21-year-old striker currently playing for Maribor in Slovenia.

Rodgers must now push to make the young centre-forward his first signing of the summer and use the significant budget that Dermot Desmond and the rest of the board are set to back him with, as the attacker could be an excellent alternative or partner to Kyogo Furuhashi.

Maribor reportedly value the Slovenia international at £3.5m. It is not hard to see why they want a multi-million-pound fee for their player when you consider his impressive form in the 22/23 campaign.

Vipotnik, who talent scout Jacek Kulig described as a "poacher", plundered an eye-catching 20 goals and one assist in 30 Prva Liga outings and produced three goals in four domestic cup matches.

This means that the prolific hotshot registered one goal every 1.48 games in Slovenian football, which shows that he knows how to be consistent in the penalty area.

The four-cap marksman, who also struck ten times in 14 clashes for Triglav Kranj earlier in his career, could come in at Celtic and be another incredible forward option for Rodgers alongside Kyogo, who was the only Hoops attacker with more than 11 Scottish Premiership goals last term.

His 27-strike campaign in the division was enough to secure him the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award and there is, therefore, little doubt that the Japanese finisher will be a huge player for the new manager next season.

However, bringing in a player of Vipotnik's potential quality – if he is able to translate his form over to Scottish football – could provide Kyogo with serious competition for his place and give Rodgers the option to go with both of them as a pairing up front, which could frighten opposition defenders with their incredible respective records in front of goal.

Liverpool are reportedly "firm favourites" to complete the signing of Celta Vigo prodigy Gabri Veiga this summer despite heavy interest from several other top European outfits.

That's following a recent report from the Northern Echo, which claims that while Newcastle United remain interested in the Spaniard, Liverpool have the edge and could look to complete a swoop this summer following a lacklustre campaign that has underscored the need for fresh faces.

James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all depart the club this month upon the expiry of their contracts, and while Alexis Mac Allister has been landed from Brighton & Hove Albion for £35m, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is scouring the market for two further additions.

The aforementioned report states that while Veiga is contracted to his LaLiga outfit until 2026, he holds a €40m (£34m) release clause, and with Chelsea and Real Madrid among the lucrative pool of suitors, Liverpool could secure one of the most coveted prospects in European football by procuring his signature.

How would Gabri Veiga perform at Liverpool?

Anfield would only benefit from signing a precocious talent in Veiga who plundered 11 goals and four assists from just 28 starts across his first full season in top-flight football, described as "dangerous" by journalist Euan McTear for his exploits.

The Sky Blues talent already ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 20% for rate of assists, the top 12% for progressive carries and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, and has been hailed as a "gem" by Romano.

He has been heralded for his aptitude at driving the ball up the field in order to wreak havoc from just behind the frontline, which is evidenced through his previously stated metrics, and he could blossom into a world-class star under Klopp's tutelage on Merseyside, boosted by a burgeoning strike-force that could play to his strengths.

Namely, he could meld seamlessly with Cody Gakpo's skill set, with the dynamic Dutch forward demonstrating his prowess since signing from PSV for an initial £35m in January despite entering the outfit at a time of much strife, plundering ten direct goal contributions from 26 matches and earning acclaim for his "stunning" feats by Alan Shearer.

With the £120k-per-week ace tipped to flourish "in the [Roberto] Firmino role" by Richard Jolly, forward-thinking midfielders such as Veiga would see their game enhanced by such a vibrant and all-encompassing talisman.

Indeed, Gakpo ranks among the top 10% of forwards for rate of assists, the top 17% for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 15% for successful take-ons per 90, which illustrates the selfless work that allows teammates to receive and increase of opportunity in attacking transition.

And with Veiga proclaimed to be "baby Kaka" by football content creator Rimedi, it's clear that the fleet-footed and adroit pair could weave between each other in intricate, sinuous patterns, with the balance and elegance of ballroom dancers and the nimble-limbed precision of a renowned sculptor.

It may well be a match made in heaven, and one that Liverpool's technical director, Jorg Schmadtke, must work tirelessly to achieve; it could be the inception of an illustrious new era on Merseyside.

Giles Clarke, the ECB president, is set to renew his relationship with the Pakistan Cricket Board, after being tasked alongside David Richardson, the ICC chief executive, to explore ways to boost the board’s economy in the absence of any home international matches.The decision was taken at the quarterly ICC board meeting that concluded in Cape Town on Friday. The board also agreed to look into financial “assistance” for the PCB given that it has now been almost eight years since their cricketers were last able to play a match in front of their home fans.Clarke, who is a member of the powerful Financial and Commercial Affairs Committee, headed up the ICC’s original Pakistan Task Force in 2009, although he was unable to visit the country in that capacity due to the ongoing security concerns.Despite their difficulties, Pakistan’s Test team rose to become the No.1 nation earlier this year following a hugely creditable 2-2 draw in their away series against England. It is understood that Clarke is scheduled to meet PCB officials in a month’s time to chalk out the details of the ICC’s funding exercise.”We reflect the unique contribution of Pakistan to world cricket. There is a huge amount of goodwill at the ICC board table for Pakistan,” Clarke told ESPNcricinfo. “Along with the [ICC] chief executive, I have been charged with looking at how we can assist Pakistan. Some of the economics of life has not been easy for Pakistan because they can’t play home games.”We are looking at the economics of Pakistan cricket, seeing where the ICC can help in recognising the importance of Pakistan to the international cricketing community, and to the cricketing world. They got the Test mace and played a superb series in England this summer. They were magnificent on and off the pitch during the England series.”Describing himself as a “very committed supporter” of Pakistan cricket, Clarke said he had spent seven years trying to figure out ways to develop the game in the country.”We have made a bit of progress today with some of the ideas that came out of the meeting. David Richardson and I are going to see what we can do to help Pakistan cricket economically and what we can do what possibilities are there for anyone to tour Pakistan.”However, the prospect of international cricket making a permanent return to Pakistan remains doubtful. Earlier this year, memories of the terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in March 2009 were revived when another terrorist attack ripped through Lahore, killing at least 72 people and injuring 300 others in Gulshan-i-Iqbal, a popular hangout.”As you know, we were a very long way down the road with a concept of having a heavyweight world team tour Pakistan and play against Pakistan,” said Clarke. “Then the atrocity in Lahore absolutely scuppered that.”As a consequence of that attack, the PCB had to terminate a planned World XI versus Pakistanis match, an exercise that had been intended to provide a first step towards a return of full international cricket.”Cricket does not belong in a war zone,” said Clarke. “[But] Cricket does belong in Pakistan. If we are going to bring world cricket back to Pakistan, then we will need the help of the vast number of massively enthusiastic Pakistani cricket followers – which in my view is most of the country. Because it is the bad guys who are stopping us. If you love cricket in Pakistan, you know we can’t have atrocities. It stops people from coming. But if you give up, then the terrorist wins. I am not bloody giving up.”According to Clarke, PCB executive chairman Najam Sethi made a “very powerful plea” which had struck a chord with the ICC board during the Cape Town meeting. Sethi had been representing his board in the absence of Shaharyar Khan, who could not attend due to health reasons.During his address, Sethi focused on the major issues that were denting Pakistan cricket financially. Aside from Zimbabwe’s limited-overs tour in May 2015, have played all of their matches since 2009 in the UAE. However, the extra costs incurred by those matches have directly hampered the development of the game back home in Pakistan.In a bid to shore up their domestic infrastructure, the PCB recently began work on 16 regional academies as a part of their developmental plan. Another option under consideration is that ICC should help carry the cost of Pakistan’s bilateral series in the UAE.There is, however, an acceptance from all parties that it will ultimately be down to the players themselves to determine whether they are prepared to tour Pakistan again. As England’s current tour of Bangladesh shows, administrators cannot force players to tour when they are not comfortable with the security.

Tottenham Hotspur are ready to make a move for Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi, who could follow Ange Postecoglou to north London, according to a recent report.

Which strikers could Tottenham sign?

Harry Kane's future at Tottenham remains very much up in the air, with talkSPORT reporting Real Madrid have identified the 29-year-old as a target to replace the outgoing Karim Benzema, while Manchester United are also interested.

As such, Spurs may be tasked with finding a suitable replacement for the England captain, and they have been linked with a move for AS Roma's Tammy Abraham, although the likes of Chelsea, Man United and Liverpool are also in the mix.

Competition for Abraham's signature will be fierce, so the Lilywhites could look at signing Lille's Jonathan David, having previously been linked with a move for the Canadian, or even Brighton & Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson.

Furuhashi is now emerging as a potential option from north of the border, with The Sun reporting that manager-elect Postecoglou is ready to raid Celtic for the striker, who Tottenham view as a possible long-term replacement for Kane.

Spurs are eager for the Australian to bring the forward with him, and they are prepared to pay as much as £25m-£30m to secure his signature, although other Premier League clubs also have him in their sights. If Postecoglou, who is waiting to talk to Spurs, agrees to take over in north London, it would vastly increase their chances of winning the race for the Japanese marksman.

Who is Kyogo Furuhashi?

The 28-year-old started his professional career with Japanese side FC Gifu, registering 35 goal contributions in 71 appearances for the club, but he has really started to make a name for himself with Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.

With 27 goals to his name, the Japan international was the top scorer in the Scottish top flight this season, averaging 1.04 goals per 90, and playing a major role for The Hoops en-route to their second league title on the spin.

While he has performed very well north of the border, success in Scotland does not always guarantee a player will hit the ground running in the Premier League, and there are question marks over whether he would be an adequate replacement for Kane.

Of course, whoever Tottenham sign is unlikely to hit the heights the Englishman did last season, scoring 30 league goals, however, they could be better off signing a player who is proven in a major European league.

As a back-up option, Furuhashi may well be an astute signing for Spurs, having been hailed as "incredible" by members of the media, but he should not be brought in as an out-and-out replacement for Kane.

Manchester United have some talented youngsters thriving in their academy who could be ready to challenge for a first team spot sooner rather than later.

The likes of Manni Norkett, Marc Jurado, Joe Hugill and Alvaro Fernandez have either shone out on loan this term or impressed in the youth age groups and Erik ten Hag will be delighted that he has a range of talent to cherry-pick over the next few years.

One youngster who has been superb during a temporary move is Amad Diallo.

The winger has been impressive for Sunderland this term, helping them reach the playoffs, and he has scored 13 times for the club, showing much of the promise which convinced United to splash out £19m for him in 2021.

Does he have a long-term future at Old Trafford, however?

Ten Hag may have plans for him next year, although there is another starlet coming through at Carrington which could disrupt Diallo’s development in Mateo Mejia.

Who is Mateo Mejia?

The former Real Zaragoza winger joined United from the Spanish second-tier side in 2019 at the tender age of 16, and he has since progressed through the age groups with swift progress.

Although not as big a goal threat compared to Diallo, his positional dexterity – having played across the front three this season – will allow Ten Hag to have multiple uses for the 20-year-old should he graduate to the first team over the next 12 months.

Four assists from 15 appearances in the Premier League 2 prove he is always creating opportunities for his teammates and this selfless nature will stand him in good stead during his career.

Broadcaster Bolarinwa Olajide even described the 20-year-old as a “wonderkid” before he arrived in Manchester, and he is certainly living up to this praise, with even greater things to come, surely.

Mejia is among a group of youngsters who are ready to make that jump to the next level and gain some first team experience.

Ten Hag signed Antony in order to operate on the right wing, and he isn’t likely to be going anywhere anytime soon, however, if the Red Devils find themselves in a fixture predicament in playing twice a week for the majority of the campaign as they have done this term, then the Dutchman will require a far bigger squad.

Instead of splashing out millions on another winger who will fight with the Brazilian over a first team berth, it makes more sense to ease the Colombian in gently and seeing what he is made off, and he could surprise a lot of people with his ability.

Newcastle United are believed to be "monitoring" Raphinha's situation at Barcelona ahead of a possible summer move, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Is Raphinha impressing at Barcelona?

The 24-year-old moved to the Camp Nou from Leeds United last summer, with the Brazilian finding it too hard to turn down one of Europe's biggest clubs. He hasn't necessarily set the world alight during his first year in a Barca shirt, but he has still scored seven goals and chipped in with six assists in 30 La Liga appearances, helping them to title glory in the process.

It could be argued that more was required from him when he arrived, however, given his reputation at the time, and it could even be that Xavi is happy to see him leave at the end of the season. With Newcastle potentially looking like having a big summer in the transfer market, especially if they qualify for the Champions League, it looks as though they may turn to the winger.

Could Newcastle snap up Raphinha this summer?

Writing for Football Insider, O'Rourke claimed that the Magpies are keeping an eye on Raphinha's situation, should Barca be willing to listen to offers:

"It is my understanding that Newcastle are also monitoring Raphinha's situation at Barcelona. Eddie Howe is a huge admirer of the 26-year-old winger and views him as a direct upgrade to his starting XI at St James’ Park.

"Newcastle have previously considered a move for Raphinha but a move is viewed as more realistic this summer because of the club’s imminent qualification for the Champions League.

"Raphinha is open to a Premier League return if forced out by Barcelona, but only to a team competing in the Champions League. Newcastle are willing to meet the £50-60million asking price set by Barcelona."

Raphinha could be a brilliant signing by Newcastle if they are able to sign him this summer, possessing the pace, trickery and unpredictability that can be a nightmare to play against.

The five-goal and 16-cap Brazil international is a proven Premier League player, registering 29 goal contributions (17 goals and 12 assists) in 67 appearances in the competition, while former Leeds teammate Dan James once described him as a "magician" of a footballer.

Raphinha could jump at the chance to be a star man at St James' Park, possibly even be viewed as an upgrade on Miguel Almiron despite the excellent season he has enjoyed for Newcastle, and he would instantly enhance the squad depth at Eddie Howe's disposal.