Eighty-five players, including 23 overseas players, were allocated through a lottery during the BPL 2016-17 draft in Dhaka on Friday

Mohammad Isam30-Sep-2016

Eighty-five players, including 23 overseas players, were allocated through a lottery during the BPL 2016-17 draft in Dhaka on Friday. The number was slightly higher than the 82 players allocated during the 2015 draft. This season’s BPL starts from November 4 in Dhaka.At the start of the draft, the two new franchises, Khulna Titans and Rajshahi Kings, were given a chance to pick two local players to match the other five franchises, who had the option of retaining two local players from the previous season’s squad. Khulna went for left-arm spinner Mosharraf Hossain and pacer Shafiul Islam while Rajshahi took wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan and allrounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz.Rangpur Riders won the first pick of the foreign players, and chose Pakistan’s Nasir Jamshed. He was followed by Khalid Latif who was picked by Comilla Victorians. The next five selections were Grant Elliott (Chittagong Vikings), Lendl Simmons (Khulna), Milinda Siriwardana (Rajshahi), Mohammad Nawaz (Barisal Bulls) and Seekugge Prasanna (Dhaka Dynamites).In the same round, Dhaka picked Wayne Parnell, while Barisal went for Carlos Brathwaite, who will be unavailable between November 10 and 28. Upul Tharanga (Rajshahi), Ben Laughlin (Khulna), Imran Khan jnr (Chittagong), Shahzaib Hasan (Comilla) and Sachithra Senanayake (Rangpur) were the other drafted players in the first round.There was only one other round for the foreign players as franchises chose not to pick any more for the remainder of the draft. Samit Patel (Rajshahi), Jeevan Mendis and Tymal Mills (Chittagong), Pakistani legspinner Usama Mir (Dhaka), Josh Cobb (Barisal), Gihan Rupasinghe (Rangpur), Andre Fletcher and Junaid Khan (Khulna), and Jason Holder (Comilla) were also selected.Earlier this week, franchises had released a list of foreign players they had picked before the official draft. The list includes Chris Gayle, Mahela Jayawardene, Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Nabi.Among the local players, Sanjamul Islam was the first choice, picked up by Dhaka. The other local first-round picks were Shuvagata Hom (Khulna), Mominul Haque (Rajshahi), Abdur Razzak (Chittagong), Shamsur Rahman (Barisal), Rubel Hossain (Rangpur) and Al-Amin (Comilla).A few Bangladesh Under-19 cricketers, who were part of the squad that made it to the World Cup semi-final earlier this year, were among the picks. Apart from Miraz, who was picked by Rajshahi, Mohammad Saifuddin was selected by Comilla and Pinak Ghosh went to Rangpur.Franchises also opted for players belonging to their region. Barisal, for instance, took Shahriar Nafees, Kamrul Islam Rabbi and Monir Hossain Khan. Chittagong added young batsman Yasir Ali Chowdhury from the port city.Comilla took Rasel Al Mamun, while Mohammad Shahid, who was born and raised in Narayanganj, was the closest Dhaka came to picking a player from their region. Rangpur took Naeem Islam, who plays first-class cricket for their division but is from nearby Gaibandha, while Rajshahi also picked local players Sabbir Rahman and Farhad Reza.The event began at 6:30pm local time and Bangladesh players Mushfiqur Rahim, Mashrafe Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah, who are in the A category, joined their respective franchises for certain parts of the draft. The Bangladesh team, in Dhaka for the ODI series against Afghanistan, were staying at the hotel that was the venue for the draft.Shakib, representing Dhaka, will be the highest-paid local player in this season’s BPL and is set to receive Tk 55 lakh (approx. $68,750), the cap set for his payment. Mushfiqur, Tamim, Mashrafe and Mahmudullah will get at least Tk 50 lakh each from Barisal, Chittagong, Comilla and Khulna respectively. Sabbir and Sarkar, also in the A-category players, will get Tk 40 lakh each from Rajshahi.A few BCB directors were also present at the franchise tables, including Khaled Mahmud (Dhaka Dynamites), Kazi Inam Ahmed (Khulna Titans) and Abdul Awal Chowdhury (Barisal Bulls). The country’s planning minister, and former BCB and ICC president, AHM Mustafa Kamal sat at the Comilla Victorians table while Shahriar Alam, state minister for foreign affairs was at Rajshahi Kings’ table.SquadsBarisal Bulls: Rumman Raees, Dilshan Munaweera, Mushfiqur Rahim, Al-Amin Hossain, Taijul Islam, Mohammad Nawaz, Carlos Brathwaite, Shamsur Rahman, Abu Hider, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Nadif Chowdhury, Josh Cobb, Mahedi Hasan, Monir Hossain Khan, Shahriar NafeesChittagong Vikings: Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Smith, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Nabi, Taskin Ahmed, Chaturanga de Silva, Grant Elliott, Imran Khan jnr, Abdur Razzak, Subashis Roy, Jahurul Islam, Nazmul Hossain Milon, Jeevan Mendis, Tymal Mills, Zakir Hasan, Saqlain Sajib, Shahidul Islam, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Jubair HossainComilla Victorians: Imrul Kayes, Liton Das, Ashar Zaidi, Imad Wasim, Thisara Perera, Mashrafe Mortaza, Sohail Tanvir, Nuwan Kulasekera, Rashid Khan, Rovman Powell, Khalid Latif, Shahzaib Hasan, Al-Amin, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Nahidul Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin, Jason Holder, Mohammad Sharif, Nabil Samad, Jasimuddin, Saikat Ali, Rasel Al MamunDhaka Dynamites: Evin Lewis, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Shakib Al Hasan, Ravi Bopara, Nasir Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Seekugge Prasanna, Wayne Parnell, Sanjamul Islam, Alauddin Babu, Suhrawadi Shuvo, Mehedi Maruf, Usama Mir, Mohammad Shahid, Irfan Shukkur, Tanveer HaiderKhulna Titans: Mahmudullah, Nicholas Pooran, Riki Wessels, Kevon Cooper, Mohammad Asghar, Benny Howell, Mosharraf Hossain, Lendl Simmons, Ben Laughlin, Shuvagata Hom, Ariful Haque, Abdul Majid, Alok Kapali, Andre Fletcher, Junaid Khan, Hasanuzzaman, Naeem Islam jnr, Noor Hossain Saddam, Taibur Rahman, Abdul Halim, Shafiul IslamRangpur Riders: Soumya Sarkar, Sharjeel Khan, Mohammad Shahzad, Gidron Pope, Mohammad Mithun, Babar Azam, Shahid Afridi, Dasun Shanaka, Arafat Sunny, Richard Gleeson, Nasir Jamshed, Sachithra Senanayake, Rubel Hossain, Sohag Gazi, Ziaur Rahman, Naeem Islam, Gihan Rupasinghe, Elias Sunny, Pinak Ghosh, Muktar Ali, Mehrab Hossain, Shahbaz ChouhanRajshahi Kings: Sabbir Rahman, Darren Sammy, Mohammad Sami, Nurul Hasan, Milinda Siriwardana, Upul Tharanga, Mominul Haque, Farhad Reza, Nazmul Islam, Raqibul Hasan, Samit Patel, Abul Hasan, Rony Talukdar, Salman Hossain, Ebadot Hossain, Mehedi Hasan Miraz.

Leeds United on-loan midfielder Weston McKennie is not wanted by Juventus beyond this summer, according to a fresh transfer update.

Has McKennie done well at Leeds?

The American joined the Whites back in the January transfer window, coming in on a temporary basis, but with a permanent move a possibility at the end of the season.

In truth, McKennie has been an underwhelming signing, considering his reputation when he came in, doing little to help Leeds' ongoing struggles in the Premier League. The £49,000-a-week midfielder has made 18 appearances in the competition, 15 of which have been starts, but no goals and just one assist have come his way, and his all-round influence in the middle of the park has been lacking, ranking as the club's 18th best performer, as per WhoScored.

The 24-year-old's future is now up in the air, with a new claim emerging over his future that doesn't necessarily bode well for him moving forward.

What does the future hold for McKennie?

According to Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness], McKennie "must absolutely be sold" by Juventus this summer, with the Serie A giants not seeing a future for him, despite racking up 96 appearances for them in the past. Arthur and Denis Zakaria are in the same boat, with Juve wanting to get a number of fringe players off their wage bill.

The report also states that Leeds are unlikely to retain the USA international's services, with the midfielder highly unlikely to want to be playing Championship football next season, assuming the Whites are relegated from the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

In truth, McKennie has done nowhere near enough to justify Leeds keeping him on, even if he wanted to stay, with his performances so disappointing overall. He has enjoyed nowhere near the influence of Tyler Adams, with his compatriot's absence through injury in recent months an enormous blow.

While it was hoped that McKennie could fill the void left by him – Clint Dempsey has called him "dangerous" in the past – he has generally been unnoticeable and not had the impact so many thought he would, averaging just 0.2 blocks per game and playing just 0.7 key passes per match.

For that reason, the idea of him not joining the Whites permanently may not be seen as a great loss, and he could be looked back on as a poor addition, unless he manages to perform some heroics against Tottenham this weekend, playing a part in Leeds pulling off a miraculous escape act on the final day.

The summer transfer window may not yet have opened, although Glasgow Rangers have already wrapped up their first piece of business, following the news that Norwich City midfielder Kieran Dowell will be joining the club ahead of next season.

The 25-year-old – who has just a matter of weeks left on his existing deal at Carrow Road – has signed a pre-contract agreement with the Ibrox outfit and will officially join the Old Firm giants on 1 July, having spent the last three years with the Canaries.

The former Everton youth star will be hoping to emulate the success of his ex-Norwich teammate, Todd Cantwell, in Glasgow, with the latter man having swiftly warmed himself to Gers supporters with four goals in his last four Scottish Premiership games, following his arrival back in January.

In the case of Dowell, the one-time England U21 international is set to link up with Michael Beale and co after bagging five goals and three assists in 23 Championship games in the most recent campaign, having typically operated in central midfield or on the flanks in that time.

The addition of the 6 foot 1 playmaker may well be the first of many for the Light Blues this summer, with recent reports suggesting that Beale is interested in another midfield maestro – Parfait Guiagon.

Who is Parfait Guiagon?

The 22-year-old is an attacking midfielder who currently plies his trade for Maccabi Tel Aviv, with speculation in Israel suggesting that the Ivorian gem has been watched by the Scottish outfit throughout the season and could potentially be up for grabs for the right price this summer.

Much like Dowell, the 5 foot 7 dynamo could help to provide a further attacking threat to Beale's side having chipped in with four goals and two assists in the most recent campaign, including five goal involvements in 25 league outings.

While those numbers are far from spectacular, Guiagon has previously been hailed as "one of the most talented youngsters in Israel's premier league" by respected insider, R.D Football Scout, having also been dubbed "magnificent" by the same source.

The promising gem has also been tipped for big things over recent years having earned an inclusion in The Guardian's 'Next Gen List' back in 2018, placing him among the 60 most exciting young talents in world football.

That report revealed that the then-teenager had even had trials at the likes of Barcelona and Monaco, as well as earning the interest of Anderlecht, albeit while ultimately failing to seal a move to an elite European side after seemingly being mismanaged by a string of agents.

As journalist Maher Mezahi has noted Guiagon's progress since then, the intriguing ace is seemingly the 'creative outlet' for his current side and 'should be moving to a more prestigious league sooner rather than later', hence why the likes of Rangers are keeping a close eye on his progress.

That creative flair is mirrored by Dowell who created six big chances and averaged one key pass per game during the 2022/23 campaign, with Beale set to potentially have two figures on his hands who can help to provide quality service to the forward line.

That would certainly be an exciting prospect for those at Ibrox…

نجح فريق الأهلي في تحقيق فوز هام وصعب بهدف دون رد على ميدياما الغاني، ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

لعبت مباراة الأهلي وميدياما الغاني على أرضية استاد بابا يارا في إطار لقاءات الجولة الخامسة من مرحلة المجموعات في دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

طالع أيضاً.. ترتيب مجموعة الأهلي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

سجل حسين الشحات هدف الأهلي الوحيد مستغلًا تمريرة أنتوني موديست في الدقيقة 48.

وبات الأهلي في صدارة ترتيب المجموعة الرابعة برصيد 9 نقاط من 5 مباريات ليقترب من التأهل إلى دور الـ8 حيث ينتظر مواجهة يانج أفريكانز في القاهرة بالجولة القادمة.

وفاز الأهلي في مباراتين وتعادل في 3، وسجل 5 أهداف، واستقبل هدفًا حتى الآن في مجموعات دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

فيما خاض فريق ميدياما 5 مباريات فاز في واحدة وتعادل في أخرى، فيما خسر 3، وسجل لاعبوه 3 أهداف واستقبلوا 9، ويتذيل ترتيب المجموعة.

ويتواجد الأهلي في المجموعة الرابعة من دوري أبطال إفريقيا بجوار أندية، يانج أفريكانز التنزاني وشباب بلوزداد الجزائري وميدياما الغاني.

ومن المقرر أن يلاقي فريق يانج أفريكانز منافسه شباب بلوزداد غدًا السبت، ضمن نفس الجولة. هدف الأهلي أمام ميدياما في دوري أبطال إفريقيا 

وإليكم تفاصيل المباراة

د 1: حكم المباراة يطلق صافرة بداية الشوط الأول. بداية مباراة الأهلي وميدياما في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

د 7: تمريرات متبادلة بين لاعبو الفريقين في وسط الملعب دون خطورة.

د 8: إمام عاشور يرسل كرة عرضية من جهة اليمين لكنها تمر بعيدة لخارج الملعب.

د 11: أوووووووووووه فرصة خطيرة لصالح ميدياما عن طريق بيرناردينيو بعدما استقبل كرة من رمية تماس ثم سدد كرة من داخل منطقة الجزاء لكن الحارس مصطفى شوبير تصدى لها بنجاح. تصدي مصطفي شوبير الرائع يحرم ميدياما من هدف

د 19: لاعبو فريق ميدياما يطالبون بركلة جزاء بعد تدخل قوي من علي معلول لكن حكم المباراة أمر اللعب دون احتساب شئ.

د 22: فاتاو يطلق تصويبة صاروخية من خارج منطقة الجزاء يتصدى لها شوبير ببراعة.

د 25: ركلة ركنية لصالح ميدياما تُنفذ بعرضية لداخل منطقة الجزاء، وياسر إبراهيم يبعدها خارج منطقة الجزاء.

د 29: حكم المباراة يشهر البطاقة الصفراء للاعب الأهلي كريم نيدفيد للاعتراض بشكل غير لائق على قرارات الحكم. حسين الشحات يهدر فرصة هدف أمام ميدياما

فرصة خطيرة لميدياما على مرمى الأهلي

د 35: محمد هاني يحصل على بطاقة صفراء بسبب اعتراضه على حكم المباراة.

د 37: أوووووووه فرصة خطيرة لصالح ميدياما بعد كرة إلى داخل منطقة الجزاء من ركلة حرة استقبلها لوموتي الذي برأسية مرت بجوار القائم الأيسر. لاعب ميدياما يهدر هدف محقق أمام الأهلي

د 39: إمام عاشور يمرر كرة إلى موديست ويسدد كرة من خارج منطقة الجزاء لصالح الأهلي لكنها مرت بعيدة عن المرمى لخارج الملعب.

د 45: حكم اللقاء يضيف 3 دقائق كوقت بدل ضائع من عمر الشوط الأول.

نهاية الشوط الأول.

د 46: بداية الشوط الثاني.

د 48: جوووووووووووووووووول هدف أول للأهلي عن طريق حسين شحات بعد تمريرة من موديست استقبلها الشحات بتسديدة سكنت الشباك. هدف الأهلي الأول أمام ميدياما

د60:تصويبة قوية من حسين الشحات فوق العارضة.

د68: ركنية لميدياما. إصابة كريم ندفيد واستبداله

د69: رأسية خطيرة من تايلور يتصدى لها مصطفى شوبير ببراعة. إصابة ياسر ابراهيم

د72: اصابة لياسر ابراهيم ورأسية خطيرة لميدياما تمر بجوار القائم.

د75: نزول اكرم توفيق بدلا من ياسر ابراهيم المصاب ونزول رضا سليم بدلا من حسين الشحات.

د80: مهارة فردية رائعة من إمام عاشور لكن الكرة تقطع منه في النهاية.

د84: نزول كريم فؤاد بدلا من بيرسي تاو.

د87: تمريرة رائعة من رضا سليم وانفراد لوسام أبو علي لكن الحارس يتصدى لها.

د88: عرضية من كريم فؤاد وراسية رضا سليم أعلى العارضة.

د90: عرضية من امام عاشور بين أحضان حارس ميدياما.

نهاية المبراة بفوز الأهلي بهدف دون رد على ميدياما.

Glasow Rangers head coach Michael Beale is working hard to bolster his playing squad with a view to competing for major honours next term.

The Light Blues ended the 2022/23 campaign without a single trophy to show for their efforts and must rectify that by competing on all fronts next season.

To do that, the Gers could need to overhaul their roster and work has already started on that front as Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling are set to come through the door, whilst the likes of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos have already departed.

Another player who could be on his way out of Ibrox in the coming weeks is central midfielder Glen Kamara, who has been linked with an exit.

The Daily Mail recently reported that Galatasaray and Besiktas are both keen on the Finland international, who will be allowed to leave for a fee in the region of £6m this summer.

Who could replace Glen Kamara at Rangers?

Beale could brutally ditch the former Arsenal academy graduate by striking a deal to sign LAFC central midfielder Jose Cifuentes ahead of next season.

The Gers are reportedly eyeing the Colombia international and bringing the ace through the door at Ibrox in the coming weeks would allow Kamara to move the other way, as it would provide Beale with the dud's replacement.

In the Scottish Premiership in 22/23, the 27-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.78 across 22 appearances, as well as just one key pass and one tackle and interception combined per match.

The Finnish midfielder, who lost 53% of his duels in the division, struggled throughout the campaign and his statistics in the league suggest that the lightweight failed to make much of an impact in or out of possession. He did not win the ball back for his side on a regular basis or provide his teammates with chances to score too often.

Cifuentes, meanwhile, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.83 across 11 MLS appearances in 2023 and averaged 1.5 key passes and 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game in the middle of the park.

The Colombian dynamo, who LAFC general manager John Thorrington claimed "has absolutely everything he needs to succeed", has also averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.00 across seven outings in the CONCACAF Champions League this year and created four 'big chances' for his teammates in those clashes.

These statistics suggest that the ace, who is three years younger than the Gers dud, could be a big upgrade on Kamara due to his ability to cut out opposition attacks more frequently as well as being able to create more for others with his quality on the ball.

West Ham are plotting to launch an ambitious loan bid for Manchester United starlet Amad Diallo.

That's according to the Northern Echo, which state the Hammers are the latest Premier League to register an interest in the 20-year-old.

The Ivorian has just finished a loan spell with Sunderland and is due to return to Carrington for the start of pre-season in the North-West later this summer.

The report also details that Erik ten Hag intends to give the mercurial talent a chance to force himself into the first-team plans, but hasn’t ruled out any loan move if he feels it benefits Diallo’s development.

Sunderland had harboured hopes of resigning the youngster, but with several top-flight clubs interested, it seems that Diallo is destined for Premier League football in some capacity next season.

Would Amad Diallo be a good signing for West Ham?

The Ivorian's career had veered off track after cutting a peripheral figure during a loan spell with Rangers at the beginning of 2022, making just 13 appearances.

He then joined the Black Cats in August of last year and recorded 16 goal involvements in 37 Championship outings. This meant he was the club’s top scorer and was an indispensable component that narrowly missed out on promotion after losing to Luton in the play-off semi-finals.

When the former Atalanta prodigy joined the Red Devils in 2021, then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær predicted a huge future for the star and said: “His speed, vision, and fantastic dribbling ability will stand him in good stead to make the transition.

"He is a player with all of the raw attributes that are needed to be an important player for Manchester United in the years to come."

After his imperious stint in Wearside, the "electric" winger – as per The Athletic's Peter Rutzler – ranks within the highest 27% to those at a similar level for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, according to FBref.

Extraordinary levels of productivity led his teammate Luke O’Nein to describe him as “incredible.”

His small, weaving diminutive stature, coupled with his potency, close control, and frightening speed means that he shares many similar traits to Arsenal’s Buyako Saka.

The Englishman has been unplayable for the title challengers, having notched 25 goal contributions in 38 top-flight outings and ranking inside the top 10% of positionally similar players in Europe for progressive carries, to underline his similarity to the United starlet.

It is uncalculated to suggest that Diallo will immediately replicate these sensational numbers, but given consistent minutes in the manner that Mikel Arteta has nurtured Saka, it would be exciting to see where this player could end up.

He has clearly proven he is emphatically above Championship level and the London Stadium would be a perfect destination to continue the right pathway.

Rangers are now keen on signing Chicago Fire midfielder Brian Gutierrez, who is attracting the interest of several top European clubs, according to a recent report from The Daily Mail.

Who is Brian Gutierrez?

Despite being just 19-years-old, Gutierrez already has a great deal of first-team experience under his belt, making a total of 71 MLS appearances over the past three seasons, cementing himself as a very important player for Chicago Fire.

Not only that, the young midfielder has also started to make a name for himself at international level, making a total of seven appearances for the USA U20 side, scoring two goals in the process.

Throughout his career so far, the starlet has featured on both wings, and in the centre of midfield, which could make him an ideal target for Rangers, who need to replace the likes of Ryan Kent, Scott Arfield and Steven Davis, with the trio out of contract.

The Daily Mail report the Light Blues are one of the clubs keen on signing the Chicago Fire ace, having been impressed with his performances, with Manchester United, and other unnamed Premier League sides also being named as potential suitors.

However, the British sides may struggle to secure a work permit for the American, and a number of other European sides are also keen to take him, including the likes of Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Girona.

Should Rangers sign Gutierrez?

Hailed as a "special player" by members of the media, the starlet has impressed both defensively and on the front foot over the course of the past year, ranking in the 86th percentile for blocks, and in the 80th for assists per 90 compared to his positional peers.

As previously highlighted, the 5 foot 10 midfielder is capable of playing in a number of different positions, however he has most commonly been utilised at left midfield, impressing Sun Times Sports reporter Brian Sandalow in the process.

Although Sandalow stresses that the Illinois-born ace needs a "smidge more polish", he also adds that he has "taken quite a step forward this season", indicating that he is ready to take the next step in his career.

An average of 1.5 dribbles per game this season ranks Gutierrez second in the Chicago Fire squad, further demonstrating his attacking threat, and he could be a very exciting signing for Rangers, if they are able to secure a work permit.

Aston Villa have been linked to a plethora of Champions League quality players in recent weeks, with the board "trying to reach for the stars", transfer insider Dean Jones has told Football FanCast.

Who do Villa want to sign this summer?

There has been a consistent increase in the quality of players Villa have been able to attract over recent years.

It started with the purchase of the exciting and sought-after Ollie Watkins from Brentford, and then they were able to grab Leon Bailey from under the noses of several European clubs.

Last season saw probably the biggest name to arrive at Villa Park for a very long time, Philippe Coutinho. Granted, it hasn't worked out, but it was still a signal of intent.

The level of player has increased yet again, as just this year has seen the club linked to both Joao Felix and Marco Asensio – despite the latter now looking set for a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

With Football Insider claiming that the club have given Unai Emery a massive 'war chest' of up to £150m this summer, maybe we should expect more stars to be linked with a move to the Midlands.

Afterall, they have already managed to secure the big signing of Youri Tielemans this summer.

What has Dean Jones said about the change in transfer policy for Aston Villa?

Jones thinks that the recent rumours and links to Villa indicate where the club is heading regarding player acquisition and that "anything is possible" under their current owners.

Speaking to Football FanCast, the journalist said: "I think that one thing it does give us is a good indicator of is where the club's heading. They're now basically shopping for luxury products, they're looking at players that before would have been a pipe dream.

"Under the new vision, with the money that they've got, they're trying to show that anything is possible and they're trying to reach for the stars."

Who have been Aston Villa's most expensive signings in the past?

With all of these high-profile players being touted for a move to the Villains, they will likely break their transfer record in the not-too-distant future.

The Birmingham club's record signing at the moment is current player Emiliano Buendia, who joined the club for £35m in the summer of 2021 and may go down with mixed reviews to date.

The club's second most expensive is none other than Watkins, for a cool £31m. It's probably not too controversial to say that the ex-Exeter City man has been one of the best strikers in the Premier League this year.

Bailey comes in third on the list at £29m and it's a bit harder to call his time in England's second city a success. He has had his fair share of injury problems, though, and Emery could be the man to unlock his undeniable potential.

Mumbai Indians will have a new coach for IPL 2017 as former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene will take over the role from Ricky Ponting

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Nov-20161:01

Quick Facts: Mahela Jayawardene in T20 cricket

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene has been appointed head coach of the Mumbai Indians franchise. Jayawardene will replace former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, whose two-year contract in the role will expire soon. Jayawardene’s contract is reportedly for more than one year, but the franchise did not reveal the details.”Mahela Jayawardene’s appointment has come in the wake of Ricky Ponting – coach for the previous two years – contract coming to a close,” the franchise announced in a media release issued on Friday.Jayawardene has played for three franchises in the IPL since the tournament’s inception in 2008. He began with Kings XI Punjab (2008-2010), before switching to Kochi Tuskers for one season (2011), followed by two seasons with Delhi Daredevils.After retiring from international cricket in 2015, Jayawardene has featured in T20 leagues around the world, with teams hiring him as a mentor-cum-player. This will be the former Sri Lanka captain’s first stint as a coach.”I am very excited by the appointment and glad that the Mumbai Indians management appreciated my presentation and ideas,” Jayawardene said. “In what is a new chapter in my career, I will be striving hard to bring them [Mumbai] more on-field success and joy.”The franchise did not explain why Ponting’s contract was not being renewed, and did not reveal whether this decision was taken by the management or Ponting. Having won their second IPL title in 2015, Mumbai failed to make the knockouts, finishing fifth in IPL 2016.Ponting, who retired from all forms of cricket in 2013, was bought by Mumbai for his base price of $400,000 in the IPL 2013 auction. He was appointed captain for that season but stepped down midway through the tournament due to bad form. Mumbai eventually went on to win their first IPL title that season under Ponting’s replacement, Rohit Sharma.Ponting was appointed in an advisory capacity for the 2014 season and signed a two-year contract as coach the following year.

Leeds United have "opened talks" with now former Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber over a move to Elland Road, according to a new report.

Who is Stuart Webber?

The 39-year-old has been a highly thought of figure at Carrow Road for some time now, having joined as sporting director back in 2017, despite only being in his early 30s at that point.

Webber has previously enjoyed roles at the likes of Liverpool, QPR, Wolves and Huddersfield Town, working his way up in the game and enhancing his reputation, with former Norwich boss Daniel Farke once saying he "can't ask" for a better sporting director. However, it has been announced this morning that he will leave the club this summer.

With Leeds on the lookout for a new man in that job, following Victor Orta's exit and 49ers Enterprises' subsequent takeover at Elland Road, it looks as though they have eyes on the soon to be free agent.

Are Leeds looking to bring in Webber?

According to Football Insider, the Whites have "opened talks" with Webber over a summer move to the club, seeing him as an ideal figure to come in and fill the vacant sporting director position.

The report claims that the "recently relegated Yorkshire giants have turned their attention to hiring the recruitment expert from the team who will be their Championship rivals next season", as they look to gain an immediate advantage over those they will be battling with for Championship promotion.

Interestingly, it is stated that he is a "United fan", which could certainly work in Leeds' favour, with Webber potentially dreaming of having some sort of involvement with his boyhood team throughout his life.

This could be such an exciting appointment if Leeds manage to acquire Webber's signature in the near future, at a time when the job of a sporting director is seen as so vital. He could immediately make the Whites strong in the transfer market, identifying the right players, and while Orta had his plus points, the Englishman could come in as a more stable and less volatile figure who allows things to run smoothly behind the scenes.

Should Farke end up becoming Leeds' new boss, as has been mooted in recent days, Webber could be an even more perfect appointment, with their relationship at Norwich clearly strong, as mentioned, allowing the Whites to have a manager and sporting director who are both on exactly the same wavelength.

This summer is so important at Elland Road, with a quick return to the Premier League needed, and bringing in Webber would be a great place to start.