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Miguel Cummins, the West Indies fast bowler, has signed as Worcestershire’s overseas player for the final three rounds of the Championship

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Aug-2016Miguel Cummins, the West Indies fast bowler, has signed as Worcestershire’s overseas player for the final three rounds of the Championship. Cummins, who made his Test debut against India last month, replaces South Africa’s Kyle Abbott as Worcestershire aim to maintain their pursuit of the one promotion spot available in Division Two this season.Abbott was called up for South Africa’s Test series with New Zealand and, after two defeats in their last three matches followed by conceding 551 against Northamptonshire, Worcestershire have decided to strengthen their attack by bringing in Cummins.With one day of their ongoing match at New Road to go, Worcestershire sit fourth in the Division Two table, 56 points behind leaders Essex after they secured a three-day win against Leicestershire.Steve Rhodes, Worcestershire’s director of cricket, said: “We have signed Miguel for the last three games of the season. I am delighted not only to be getting someone who has been playing recently but also someone who has recently been playing international cricket and that says a lot for his quality.”He played in the West Indies-India series and was successful in the penultimate Test of that series. He is a young guy with no experience of county cricket or English conditions but he is hungry to do well, try and impress and make an impact and he has got this opportunity in the last three games and we are looking forward to having him on board.”He is a little bit quicker than any of our bowlers, with a bit of bounce, and he is well thought of by Ottis Gibson. I spoke to him and he gave a very good recommendation for him and when you look to give someone an opportunity, you want someone with a point to prove.”There is a lot of unavailability [of overseas players] towards the end of the season and we are very lucky to get Miguel.”Cummins, who took 6 for 48 in the St Lucia Test against India, has a career record of 125 first-class wickets at 22.44. He was the most successful pace bowler in this year’s WICB Professional Cricket League, with 33 at 20.69. He is expected to arrive at the club on Monday and be available to play Essex at Chelmsford, starting on Wednesday, followed by games against Sussex and Derbyshire.”I am relishing the chance to play county cricket for the first time,” Cummins said. “I am always keen to learn and broaden my cricketing knowledge and experiences and this is an ideal opportunity for me. Several West Indian players have played for the county and I hope I can make a significant impact and help the club towards its goal of trying to achieve promotion.”

England Under-19s dominated with the bat on the second day of their match against Sri Lanka, declaring at 500-9 and then making inroads with the ball as the tourists moved to 96 for 2 at stumps

ECB Reporters Network27-Jul-2016
ScorecardOllie Pope made 78 as England Under-19s racked up 500•Getty ImagesEngland Under-19s dominated with the bat on the second day of their match against Sri Lanka, declaring at 500-9 and then making inroads with the ball as the tourists moved to 96 for 2 at stumps.After rain delayed start to the day, play finally got underway at 1.40pm with Worcestershire’s Olly Westbury looking to build on his overnight score of 157. But he fell short of his double-century by just four runs after being caught at first slip by Avishka Fernando from a slow Damitha Silva delivery. His four-session stay at the crease saw him face 379 balls, hitting 16 fours and one six.Wicketkeeper Ollie Pope who started the day on 9 was caught by Lahiru Kumara for 78 after a wild swing at Daniel, quickly followed by two balls later by Durham’s Josh Coughlin, caught by Avishka Fernando for 14.Sri Lanka spent a second day frustrated in the field, with their best efforts coming after Aaron Beard and George Panayi were run out from direct hits off Fernando and Rashmika Dilshan.After England declared at tea at 500 for 9, Warwickshire’s George Panayi struck first with the ball for England, luring Pathum Nissanka into a nick to the wicketkeeper Pope for just 5. Dilan Jayalath then gave Surrey spinner Amar Virdi England’s second wicket when he hit the ball into the hands of a diving Panayi on 23.”I was a bit disappointed not to get 100, but I knew we were going to declare about 15 minutes later so gave it a good go,” Pope said. “We got two big wickets, with both their openers out, and we knew this wicket was going to be tough because it is pretty flat. Luckily we got an early wicket but then they started to build a partnership.”We knew before we came out that we would have to work hard for every wicket as we knew they wouldn’t just roll over. It was a pretty tough day for me. Normally I get a bit of time to put my feet up between batting and keeping, so today has been really tiring.”We can’t play for the weather tomorrow, but we will be aiming to get 4 or 5 wickets by lunch so if the rain doesn’t come we can bowl them out by the end of the day.”The tourists regrouped with a flurry of boundaries to finish the day, as captain Charith Asalanka moved past a half-century. But with more rain forecast, England will need to take early wickets on Thursday to force home their advantage and give themselves a chance of victory.

BBC pundit Alan Hutton has called into question some of the current backup defensive options at Celtic, telling Football Insider that it's a "worry" for boss Ange Postecoglou heading into the transfer window.

What happened in the Old Firm?

The Scottish Premiership side have once more conquered all-comers in the domestic league this campaign, with the club bagging first-place and the title for the second season in a row. Their current haul of 95 points has seen off second-placed Rangers and ensured that more silverware heads to Parkhead.

In addition to that, boss Ange Postecoglou has also claimed the Scottish League Cup again this campaign. It means the manager has now taken his trophy haul to a total of four in two seasons in charge – and he will no doubt be hoping to challenge again on all fronts when the next campaign rolls around.

However, their most recent fixture to Rangers ended in a humbling 3-0 defeat, with Celtic opting to make a number of changes to their starting eleven. The rotation didn't pay off though and the club were unable to pick up the three points.

Now, pundit Alan Hutton has spoken to Football Insider and feels that it perhaps showcases a need for better depth at Parkhead for next season – especially with the club set to compete in both domestic cups, the league and in Europe.

Speaking about the game and the changes, Hutton said: "There was not much on this game but it was an opportunity for the manager to assess the rest of his squad.

“I do not think Bernabei is at it, I do not think he is ever going to dislodge Taylor. Kobayashi I thought struggled, he got out-muscled by [John] Souttar for one of the goals. Johnston has come in and really hit the ground running so it has been difficult for Ralston.

“I do not like using the term second string but it was a little bit and they could not quite match to the levels of who they are trying to replace. So it probably is a bit of a worry for the manager."

Will Celtic sign anyone over the summer?

The club will likely not lose too much sleep after the loss, with the title already wrapped up this season. However, Postecoglou may have been able to identify areas that he feels may need improvement in the upcoming transfer window and it may have given him a good action plan.

It means that, with the season coming to an end, the manager will be able to address any weaknesses and strengthen his squad where he feels it is necessary. The Scottish Premiership side have already been linked with Eduvie Ikoba, who currently plays in the Hungarian league and they've also been keeping an eye on Ryotaro Ito according to reports.

Ange Postecoglou and Mark Lawwell will know who they want this summer then and having seen where they need to improve, will be keen to get transfers done during the close season.

Marcus Trescothick moved within one hundred of Harold Gimblett and as Peter Trego added his own century, Somerset made Middlesex fight all the way at Taunton

David Hopps at Taunton12-Jul-2016
ScorecardMarcus Trescothick is within one century of Harold Gimblett•Getty ImagesMiddlesex will anticipate the final day of four at Taunton and reflect that on such days are Championships won and lost. With Warwickshire getting little change from the bottom club Hampshire, there is a chance to extend their lead at the top, but Somerset’s lead of 203 with four wickets remaining makes victory in the balance. A tense day lies in prospect.When Middlesex took a first-innings lead of 145 and then removed four Somerset wickets before conceding the lead, their hopes must have been high that they could be well on the way to their third win of the season which would be quite an achievement for an attack lacking Toby Roland-Jones, Steven Finn and Tim Murtagh: 76 wickets between them.Instead, they ran aground on both sides of tea against familiar foes as centuries from Marcus Trescothick and Peter Trego lifted Taunton spirits. For 40 overs, as they crashed and carved 181 runs, West Country cricket had a smile on its face again. Middlesex’s stand-in seamers have much to commend them, but they deteriorated under pressure and as a green pitch became firm and true their hold over the match weakened.Here are two fine servants of Somerset cricket: the gentle roll of Trescothick, ambling around the crease with the contentment of a jolly sailor reaching dry land after a satisfying day’s fishing in the Bristol Channel, and the piratical figure of Trego, who is more likely to dock with cutlass and eye patch. They offer fine entertainment, even on a day when a chill wind is whistling around the Quantocks.Trescothick’s 48th first-class century for Somerset takes him second in the county’s all-time list, his innings coming to grief on 124 when James Harris had him caught at the wicket with a delivery of tight line. His latest landmark leaves him just one century behind the great Harold Gimblett, a batsman from five centuries of Quantocks farming stock.Jayawardene stays on

Mahela Jayawardene will now be available to play in the remaining matches in Somerset’s Royal London One-Day Cup campaign.
Originally the Sri Lankan batsman had only signed for the NatWest T20 Blast campaign but this has now been extended to the 50 over competition.

Trego, the great entertainer, only averages about one hundred a year – destructive 40s and 60s are more his metier – but he played with great certainty and remained 115 not out at the close. To reach his first century of the season, he needed a let-off by John Simpson, the wicketkeeper, on 81, a chance high to his right off James Fuller.Trego said; “It was my 200th game and I never thought I would get to this point. But having been around for such a long time, I have had to make sure that my game has evolved. I needed to dig in for the team and I felt I did that today.”Tres and I have got a great rapport, but a lot of our better partnership[s have been in one day cricket. With Marcus not playing one day games anymore, we don’t often get the chance to bat together. So, yes, it was enjoyable.”Fuller, resuming on 84, had failed to achieve his maiden Championship hundred before lunch, falling nine short when he edged Tim Groenewald to first slip. James Harris fell in identical fashion, their ninth-wicket stand stretched to 162 in 46 overs, and the match in Middlesex’s grasp.Peter Trego shows delight at his century•Getty ImagesThere was talk of a three-day win as Middlesex, led by three wickets for Harry Podmore, worked through Somerset’s second innings. No batsman likes to lose his middle stump because of a leave alone, but Johann Myburgh could at last reflect that he was beaten by a ball that came back sharply and which he might have felt he could fairly leave on length alone.Chris Rogers – the captain who had risked a greentop, knowing that Somerset would have to have first bat on it – had reason to be doubly frustrated about his duck, guiding Podmore to his former Australian team-mate George Bailey at point. Spin has played a minor role on this pitch, but Ollie Raynor chipped in with the wicket of James Hildreth thanks to a sharp catch at slip from James Franklin.Trescothick, as he has so often, welcomed each new partner with equanimity, a figure of certainty while change happened all around hm. Jim Allenby first provided support until he pulled Podmore to mind-on. Then came Trego and Taunton put its gripes and grievances aside and soaked up the entertainment.

Arsenal have had a season that has certainly exceeded expectations in the Premier League, despite recent form causing them to almost certainly miss out on a historic title.

Mikel Arteta’s side were top of the table for the majority of the season before a damning April dealt the Gunners a blow to their hopes of securing their first league triumph since 2004.

With two games remaining this campaign, the north Londoners are reportedly already looking ahead to next term, with the summer transfer window in sight.

Finishing in the top two has settled Arsenal’s place in the Champions League in 2023/24, where performances and squad depth will be vital in providing success both in and out of England.

The injuries to both William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu in March were influential on Arteta’s teams’ collapse, where their lack of depth to cover first-choice names became all too evident.

It seems as though this is an area Arsenal wish to strengthen this summer, with a Bundesliga defender rumoured to be on the shortlist of names wanted at the Emirates.

What’s the latest on Mohamed Simakan to Arsenal?

The club have set their sights on RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan this summer, as reported by The Guardian’s Ed Aarons earlier this month.

It’s understood that the north Londoners are showing "strong interest" in the 23-year-old, coinciding with football.london’s reports that the Gunners are aiming to 'bolster' their defence.

The Frenchman signed a new deal in December with Leipzig taking his current contract to 2027 with the Bundesliga side. It remains to be seen exactly how much the young talent would command this off-season, though CIES Football Observatory currently estimate his value to be in the region of €30m (£26m).

What can Mohamed Simakan bring to Arsenal?

At just 23 years of age, Simakan has made 22 appearances in the Bundesliga this season so far, averaging a Sofascore match rating of 6.88.

Having been lauded as a "physical monster" by sports writer Robin Bairner, the versatile centre-back – who has primarily played on the right this term – has made a name for himself in Europe, hence sparking interest from the Premier League.

Arsenal have built an inspired young squad under Arteta, making the youngster a perfect fit for the Gunners based on his age and performance level alone.

The club are crying out for depth in defence, something that they have lacked in comparison to Manchester City.

The Spaniard has taken defensive pages out of Pep Guardiola's books and put them into practice since his move from the Etihad Stadium, take the positioning and use of Ben White and the use of Oleksandr Zinchenko as an inverted full-back as two clear examples.

Unlike Arsenal, City have a wave of talent in their ranks in all areas of the pitch and are heavily praised for their bench options being at the calibre of starters, an area that the Gunners must replicate should they wish to push on from this season.

A signing like Simakan could present Arsenal with their own Nathan Ake – a player that began as a squad option for Guardiola and graduated into the first-team at the rotation of Aymeric Laporte. He has been deployed as a left-back and a centre-back throughout the season as City look set to clinch a third successive league title.

The young Frenchman poses a lot of similarities to the Dutchman in his game, and even betters the City man, making 2.75 clearances per 90 compared to Ake's 2.09, and winning 2.26 aerials per 90 to his 1.85, as per FBref.

While the positions of both Gabriel Magalhaes and Saliba look concrete in Arsenal's backline next term, the versatile colossus could provide necessary defensive options and competitions for the duo ahead of next season.

It's depth that could take Arteta's plans with the team to the next level, and allow him to once more emulate a part of his time at City at the Emirates as they look to go one better in 2024.

Everton midfielder Dele Alli potentially permanently joining Besiktas this summer “makes no sense”, according to Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell.

What's the latest on Alli's future?

The Premier League veteran joined the Turkish outfit on a season-long loan in August 2022 but had his spell cut short after returning to Goodison Park to receive treatment on his hip tendon injury, not to mention that they decided not to trigger the buy option included in his terms.

England’s former international had a disappointing time in the Super Lig, scoring just three goals all season, but despite his poor form, the club’s president Ahmet Nur Cebi recently admitted that they could look to take the 27-year-old back on a permanent basis during the upcoming window.

Back in April, Sean Dyche revealed that no decision has yet been made regarding the future of the Toffees star, who will be out of contract next summer, with the boss first and foremost wanting him to focus on getting fully fit again.

Speaking to Goodison News, Campbell delivered his verdict on Alli returning to Besiktas for good should his deal at Everton get terminated, and it’s fair to say that he’s completely against the move taking place. He said:

“No I just don’t see it. I don’t know what’s going on. To me that makes no sense. He’s not good enough for you now so you’re sending him back, but you’ll sign him on a free in the summer? That makes no sense. No sense at all.”

Should Everton keep or sell Alli?

Everton will have a lot of decisions to make on the futures of their senior first-team players if they get relegated at the end of the season, but Alli has only ever made 13 Merseyside appearances and has hugely disappointed during those, so regardless of the club's league status, Farhad Moshiri should cut all ties this summer.

The Adidas-sponsored athlete has scored zero goals with no assists for the Blues since joining, and throughout the 2021/22 season where he made the bulk of his outings, he only managed to record three shots all campaign, with none of those even being on target, as per FBRef, not to mention he was ranked the 21st worst member of the squad with a WhoScored match rating of 6.26.

If there was further reason to get him out of the building, Alli also pockets £100k-per-week and is the third-highest earner on the books, which is unbelievable for a player who isn't even part of the senior fold right now, so letting him go would help free up the wage bill and put the spare cash towards signing some fresh faces in the weeks and months ahead.

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan has suggested that the Pakistan board should receive a ‘higher percentage of the income’ from matches against India at ICC events

Umar Farooq04-Jul-2016With the PCB looking to raise funds in the absence of international cricket in the country and the deadlock with the BCCI in terms of bilateral series, chairman Shaharyar Khan has suggested that the Pakistan board should receive a ‘higher percentage of the income’ from matches against India at ICC events. According to a paper circulated among the PCB’s directors – accessed by ESPNcricinfo – Khan presented the suggestion while making a strong case for a support system for the board at the recent ICC annual conference in Edinburgh.He also made Pakistan-specific points during the meeting, including a request that the ICC compensate Pakistan for having to arrange home fixtures outside the country.”Pakistan continues to play India in ICC events. The interest and finances that these generate are unparalleled. Tickets for the World Cup matches in Adelaide and Calcutta sold out quicker than other major sporting events – Wimbledon, the Olympics being two examples,” the paper stated. “The financial income in ICC championships benefits enormously from India – Pakistan clashes. Currently, all members benefit from the windfall from these matches. [The] Chairman proposed that Pakistan should be given a higher percentage of this income.”Barring Zimbabwe’s limited-overs tour in May 2015, Pakistan has not hosted an international game since the attack on Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009. The UAE has subsequently become their new base. However, the paper says, the extra cost that the PCB has borne to host its cricket in the UAE has placed a huge financial burden on Pakistan cricket and is directly hampering the development of the game in the country.During the isolation, the development phase was put on hold in Pakistan and regional academies were gradually closed due to lack of funds. The project has been revived partially under Mudassar Nazar, who was recently appointed director of Pakistan’s national cricket academy.The lack of bilateral series, however, has been a major concern for the PCB at every level, including Under-19s, A team tours and the women’s team. Pakistani teams can tour foreign countries but the cost of hosting matches in the UAE makes it difficult for the PCB to organise reciprocal home series. The report also reflected on how the isolation has upset Pakistan’s capacities in other areas, as curators and umpires are unwilling to come to the country.”Pakistan is the only country that plays its home matches in a third country,” the paper said. “This has placed a huge financial burden on Pakistan cricket. This includes having to play host in one of the most expensive destinations in the world. Dubai, for example, was recently ranked as the most expensive holiday destination. To host two teams – Pakistan and the opposition, scorers, umpires, other officials – in the UAE is prohibitively expensive. In addition, the hiring of grounds is a further drain. Little is recouped through gate receipts. Therefore, every time we play at home it is a further drain on resources.”Pakistan is also suffering cricket-wise. Many of the national teams have never played a match at home against international teams. These cricketers have been denied the opportunity to benefit from home crowds. At the same time the cricketing public is starved of cricket at home – when Zimbabwe toured all five matches [two T20Is, three ODIs] were sold out in minutes.”The political situation between India and Pakistan has also had an impact. The BCCI had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to play six series with Pakistan between 2015 and 2023, with the first to be hosted by the PCB in the UAE in December. As has often happened in the past, the strained political relationship put the series in doubt. The last full series between the countries, including Tests and ODIs, was in 2007 when Pakistan toured India. Since then Pakistan have played only one limited-overs series in India, in December 2012, and the teams have mostly met in multi-team competitions and ICC events. India’s refusal to play has cost the PCB over $80 million in terms of broadcasting and other commercial deals.”This needs to be further put in perspective when we remember that India has refused to play Pakistan since 2006,” the paper stated. “Therefore, the principal source of income has been cut off for a decade. Pakistan, in the meantime, has twice been to India since 2006 without reciprocation and the 2014 MoU has not been fulfilled as the Indian government has yet to lift the embargo on cricketing relations.”

Cricket South Africa have secured the financial backing of one of the largest financial institutions in the country, Standard Bank, who have signed on as headline sponsor for the national men’s team in all three formats

Firdose Moonda18-May-2016Cricket South Africa have secured the financial backing of one of the largest financial institutions in the country, Standard Bank, who have signed on as the headline sponsor for the national men’s team in all three formats. The bank replaces Castle Lager and Blue Label Telecoms, who are still expected to be involved in some capacity.The new sponsor is not new to cricket. Standard Bank was previously one of the biggest backers of the game and had a 14-year period as the title sponsors of the ODI and T20 team (then called Pro20 in South Africa) which ended in 2011. Then, Standard Bank also sponsored the Pro20 domestic championship, a 20-over schools competition, CSA’s high performance programme including the national academy, the schools development programme, and the national Under-13 cricket week.However, that year the bank cut ties will all sports sponsorships including that of two of the country’s most popular football clubs, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. With the global economy deep in recession at the time, Standard Bank said they had to “reassess the costs of these sponsorships and the benefits for Standard Bank in the light of changed business needs”.The up-turn in world finances since then has put Standard Bank in a position to resume it’s sports affiliations. A spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo that “a different economic climate” was the main reason for Standard Bank’s renewed interest in the game. The four-year deal is limited to the sponsorship of the national team and not to any of the other areas Standard Bank was previously involved in.It also comes with the debate continuing over banning alcohol advertising and sponsorships, particularly in sport, which is the category Castle Lager are in. In 2013, the Cabinet approved a draft bill to reduce the exposure of alcohol advertising, which had yet to be ratified by Parliament when it was withdrawn. In August 2015, the ruling African National Congress said if the draft bill proceeds it would have “devastating consequences for the sport and recreation sector”, and chose to target regulating sales of alcohol instead. Castle Lager remain associated with the national rugby side, the Springboks.

Liverpool's prospective new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke could provide a 'fresh approach' to recruitment at Anfield, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Jorg Schmadtke?

As per The Guardian, Liverpool are in talks to appoint Schmadtke as their new sporting director to replace outgoing figure Julian Ward, who will leave in the summer following a brief stint in the role.

The report states that the 59-year-old left Wolfsburg back in February and has occupied similar positions at Hannover and Cologne; however, has yet to venture abroad in his recruitment career.

Jurgen Klopp has recently commented on Liverpool's search for a new sporting director, as per BBC Sport, stating: "Pretty much everyone has a sporting director because it makes sense.

Sport BILD journalist Christian Falk has heard different information to the widely discussed rumours that Schmadtke is in dialogue over the possibility of becoming sporting director, stating on Twitter: "According to our information, Jörg Schmadtke is actually in talks with Liverpool first about a post as "external consultant for transfers" for temporary support".

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones believes that Schmadtke would provide a 'fresh approach' to potential incomings at Liverpool if he was to be brought to Anfield in any capacity.

Jones told FFC: "I think it's actually quite refreshing to hear something like this is in the works and it might put a bit more of a fresh approach to the market and might provide a new spark to the conversations that they end up having among the transfer committee."

Who could Liverpool sign in the summer to rebuild their squad?

Liverpool have been linked with several players this summer as they look to strengthen, with midfield said to be a particular area of interest for German coach Klopp.

It has already been confirmed that long-term target Jude Bellingham won't be heading to Anfield in the off-season; nevertheless, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, Bayern Munich anchorman Ryan Gravenberch and Brighton & Hove Albion ace Alexis Mac Allister are all reported to be on Liverpool's wishlist.

Portuguese outlet O'Jogo have also claimed that Sporting Lisbon man Manuel Ugarte is someone who has attracted interest from the red half of Merseyside, though Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also mooted to be keen on securing his signature.

Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will all leave Anfield on free transfers come the end of this term, indicating that Klopp's rebuild is already well underway as he looks to freshen up his squad ahead of 2023/24.

Newcastle United target Ivan Fresneda may be on Eddie Howe's 'radar' and the Magpies may swoop for his services in the summer transfer window.

What's the latest transfer news involving Ivan Fresneda?

As per 90min, Newcastle United, Arsenal and Aston Villa scouts were all in attendance last month to watch Fresneda turn out for Real Valladolid in their recent 2-1 defeat to Valencia.

The report states that Arsenal tried to sign Fresneda in the January window; however, a move never materialised and now interest is said to be growing in the 18-year-old.

As per Sky Sport 24 via Sport Witness, journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that Newcastle United 'remain in the race' to sign Fresneda this summer; however, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund are also monitoring his situation with intent ahead of the forthcoming off-season.

Fresneda is believed to have a release clause worth £26.5 million inserted into his contract at Real Valladolid, as per The Sun.

Madrid-born Fresneda has gained plenty of first-team experience this campaign, making 21 appearances for his current employers in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that Newcastle United will likely be one of several clubs keeping tabs on Fresneda moving into the summer.

Jones told FFC: "I think it's a situation that finally needs to be sorted out. There's so many clubs that have enquired and have shown interest in him, but Newcastle are one of them; it wouldn't surprise me at all if they kept him on the radar, ready to make a move."

Would Ivan Fresneda be a good signing for Newcastle United?

Fresneda is a youngster with bags of potential and could go on to be a very savvy piece of business by Eddie Howe if the Englishman could entice him to St James' Park this summer.

As shown on WhoScored, the 18-year-old has made an average of 2.2 clearances per match this campaign in La Liga, demonstrating his defensive awareness toward dangerous situations.

FBRef also note that Fresneda has successfully performed 37 shot-creating actions this term, illustrating that he can also carry an offensive threat bombing forward from the right-hand side of defence despite being in a relegation-threatened Real Valladolid side.

Given his age, the Spaniard also has plenty of room for development in the coming years and if he joined Newcastle United, he would be able to learn from the example that first-choice right-back Kieran Trippier sets every week on the field.

Moving forward, acquiring Fresneda, who has been hailed as "fantastic", would be an intelligent signing for Howe as he looks to strengthen ahead of 2023/24.