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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.

Aston Villa failed to win their sixth Premier League match in a row after slipping to a 1-1 draw against Brentford last weekend, however, coming back to steal a point showcases the improved mentality throughout Unai Emery’s side recently.

Douglas Luiz slotted home an equaliser with just a few minutes remaining, and the point further enhances Villa’s European ambitions as they sit just two points behind Tottenham Hotspur in fifth spot.

It will be a quick turnaround for the Villa Park side as they prepare to face Fulham this evening and with the Cottagers enjoying a successful season of their own, it could prove to be an exciting clash.

Emery won’t be making many changes to his team ahead of the match as Emiliano Martinez should be available after being substituted during the draw against Brentford due to illness.

Following a relatively quiet afternoon in front of goal, the Spaniard could mix things up slightly by unleashing winger Bertrand Traore against Fulham in the hopes he can continue his recent form.

Will Bertrand Traore start against Fulham?

The winger was brought back to the club by Emery in January following a six-month loan spell at Turkish side Basaksehir FK, where he scored three times, as some added cover to the wide positions.

Since returning, he has played a part in five matches and has scored twice, including a vital late winner against Leicester City at the start of April which continued their momentum.

His 12-minute cameo against the Foxes meant he started the following encounter with Nottingham Forest, and he didn’t disappoint, receiving a 7.1 rating via Sofascore for his efforts.

The 27-year-old demonstrated his talents during his first start for the club since leaving Turkey as he took three shots, won half of his ground duels, completed 91% of his passes and was fouled twice, clearly giving opposition defenders a tough time on the wing.

Although Emery perhaps sees the £17m winger as a better option to have come on from the bench and utilise his skills on tired opponents than unleashing him from the start, his display against Forest proves that he can get involved from the very first whistle.

He is still capable of producing moments of magic, with the winner against the Foxes drawing massive praise from journalist Matt Maher, who said: "You can't help but like a player like Bertrand Traore. All the times he frustrates, are forgiven when he produces something as ridiculously brilliant as that winner. Nonchalance personified."

Will Traore be the most important player for Villa during this impressive run? No, but he pops up from nowhere and produces important moments. This is why Emery has to unleash him this evening.

Celtic moved one small step closer to securing a second successive league title after recording a 1-1 draw at home to Motherwell on Saturday afternoon, with the Old Firm giants now just two wins away from being crowned as champions.

While Ange Postecoglou's men may be rather frustrated to have dropped two points after winning their previous 12 Scottish Premiership games, that stalemate has ensured that the Hoops have remarkably still only lost once in the top flight all season.

It had initially looked set to be yet another routine victory for the Glasgow side as long-serving captain Callum McGregor netted early on through a deflected, long-range effort, only for Well's main marksman, Kevin van Veen, to equalise just after the break with his 20th Scottish Premiership goal of the season.

Despite the overall disappointment of enduring a rare home outing without a win, one standout figure was undoubtedly that of goalscorer, McGregor, with the 29-year-old having brought 'such a calmness to the team', as per Glasgow Live's Alan Galindo.

The Scotland international – who led the way with his 8.3 match rating, as per Sofascore – notably enjoyed a stunning pass accuracy rate of 95% from his 125 touches as a marker of his innate composure on the ball, having also been an effective presence defensively after winning seven of his 11 total duels.

The influential skipper wasn't alone in having been a shining light for Postecoglou's side, however, with fellow midfielder Matt O'Riley having also shown why he is a simply 'sublime footballer', as per Celtic Way's Tony Haggerty.

How did O'Riley perform against Motherwell?

Fresh from bagging a brace in the thumping win over Kilmarnock last weekend, the "wonderful" talent – as previously hailed by Ross County boss Malky Mackay – was again a real 'joy to watch', as per Haggerty, having run the show in his playmaking berth.

The Denmark U21 international was a real thorn in the side of the opposition due to his relentless creative threat, having provided a stellar haul of five key passes from his 108 touches – by far the most of any player for either side.

Hailed as 'the man in form' by Galindo, the 22-year-old also completed all three of his attempted dribbles and created two big chances, notably sliding in Kyogo Furuhashi on the hour mark.

Despite losing possession on 35 occasions, the £12k-per-week dynamo also offered real quality in a defensive sense after winning seven ground duels in his 79-minute outing, with it no surprise to see the former MK Dons man record an impressive 7.9 match rating, as per Sofascore – second only to that of McGregor.

While such an impactful display could not ultimately lead the Bhoys to victory – with January arrival Oh Hyeon-gyu missing a gilt-edged chance late on – it will be encouraging to see O'Riley looking back to his best, ahead of next week's Scottish Cup, semi-final showdown with Rangers.

Tottenham Hotspur dud Davinson Sanchez was booed off as Cristian Stellini's side were defeated 3-2 by relegation candidates AFC Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

It was another miserable day for the Lilywhites as their season continues to peter out into nothingness and this moment, which is merely another slight of toxicity that the north London outfit have grown accustomed to, may well be the lowest ebb – if not the saddest, according to club captain Hugo Lloris.

There is no denying that Sanchez is part of the problem, rather than the sole villain for their woes and the fans' reaction over the weekend was somewhat harsh, though it is merely a culmination of the negativity that has been brewing throughout the current demise.

They have their right to vent such anger, however, and unfortunately for the Colombian international, his form for the club in recent seasons hasn't been good enough and it all came to a head against the Cherries, with Spurs losing their footing in the race for a top-four finish.

Should Spurs sell Davinson Sanchez?

Spurs parted with a then club-record fee of £42m for Sanchez back in 2017; earmarked as a centre-back for the ages for the club.

"We believe he will be one of the best centre-backs in the world in the future. That is why we made the effort to try to sign him," former manager Mauricio Pochettino claimed upon the defender's arrival from Ajax.

Now nearly six years later and aged 26, the 6 foot 2 flop has struggled to cement his place in the starting XI, even despite the constant change in manager. When as many as four different coaches can't trust you, then something is clearly up.

The £65k-per-week "liability" – as once lambasted by Daily Express reporter Joe Krishnan – hasn't started more than 17 top-flight matches in any of the last three seasons, with the current campaign being on track for his lowest output yet, per WhoScored.

Sanchez was introduced in the 35th minute as Clement Lenglet had to be withdrawn due to an injury and by the hour mark, the substitute got replaced himself, leading to the crowd's jeers.

It wasn't just the Lilywhites' faithful that was left disappointed by the 26-year-old's shocking 23-minute outing as former midfielder Jamie O'Hara slammed him on talkSPORT. "We spent a lot of money on him and he is absolutely awful," he said.

This was backed up by another ex-Spurs star as Jermaine Jenas claimed he was "sloppy" and that his passing was "just embarrassing" on BBC Match of the Day.

With 14 months left to run on his contract, the summer window represents one final chance to recoup a tiny bit of the eye-watering £42m the club paid for him.

He's human after all and does not deserve abuse. However, he is just not good enough for this level of football and must be offloaded under the new manager, as soon as possible.

Scottish champions Celtic took one giant step closer towards retaining the league title with a 3-2 victory over bitter rivals Rangers on Saturday afternoon, with Ange Postecoglou's men coming out on top in what was a typically thrilling encounter between the two foes at Parkhead.

After early controversy surrounding the decision to disallow Alfredo Morelos' header, the home side took full advantage of that reprieve as Kyogo Furuhashi lashed home on the turn, albeit with the Hoops soon being pegged back as Gers skipper James Tavernier curled in a free-kick from distance.

That man Kyogo went on to power the hosts ahead yet again on the hour mark, however, before Jota capitalised on a slack back pass from John Souttar to extended that lead just ten minutes later, the Portuguese gem showcasing impressive speed to round the advancing Allan McGregor.

While the aforementioned Tavernier would spark hope of a comeback after heading in late on, the Englishman's effort proved to be only a mere consolation, as the league leaders held on to extend their advantage at the summit to 12 points.

A key figure in that pivotal victory was undoubtedly defensive machine, Alistair Johnston, with the January arrival – who previously made his debut for the club against the Light Blues – having shown once again why he simply "loves an Old Firm derby", as per journalist Alexander Gangue-Ruzic.

How did Johnston perform against Rangers?

While it may be Celtic's attacking talents who will steal the headlines following that thrilling win, the Canadian international provided the steel in his right-back berth, having won a staggering haul of 13 duels on the day, including winning 12 of his 14 ground duels.

As the Daily Record's Michael Gannon noted, the £3.5m addition is seemingly 'heading for cult status' at Paradise such is his infectious and relentless presence on the pitch, as the 24-year-old also won five fouls for his side to help ease the pressure when needed.

That 'top-drawer performance' only served to rubberstamp the feeling that former Hoops star Josip Juranovic is 'being missed less and less each passing week', according to Glasgow Live's Will Lancaster, with Johnston having slotted in with his ease in his new surroundings.

The Vancouver native can be a bit 'rough and ready' at times – as per Gannon – while he did lose possession on 16 occasions form his 85 touches, although that will do little to detract from what was a stellar individual display from the rampant defender.

The 5 foot 11 menace is still in the infancy of his Bhoys career although appears to 'show up every time' when facing the club's Glasgow rivals, according to Football Scotland's Mark Hendry, having recorded an impressive 7.5 match rating this time around, as per Sofascore.

As for the club as a whole, while Postecoglou may not be counting his chickens just yet, it does appear that another league title is on its way to Celtic Park…

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing up a summer move for exciting Lyon youngster Rayan Cherki during the summer transfer window.

How is Cherki doing this season?

The 19-year-old is a hugely talented young player who is already makes waves in France, becoming a key member of Lyon's attacking unit. This season, he has scored three goals and registered four assists in 25 Ligue 1 appearances, as his stock continues to rise.

Cherki is someone who is unlikely to remain at his current club for too much longer, with bigger teams possibly circling ahead of the summer window. Paris Saint-Germain are one of those sides in question and Kylian Mbappe has endorsed the teenager in the past, which highlights his potential. His current deal expires at the end of next season.

Now, it looks as though Newcastle could look to snap him up, following a new update.

Could youngster be off to Newcastle?

According to L'Equipe [via Sport Witness], the Magpies are ready to "get active" with regards to the possible signing of Cherki this summer. Eddie Howe sees him as a strong option to bring in and bolster his squad, ahead of what could be a very productive window for the club.

It is stated that the player himself would rather join PSG, however, with the lure of playing alongside Mbappe something that could be too big to ignore, so it may not be easy for Newcastle to get their man.

Cherki looks like a sublime talent – one who has been described as "incredible" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – so the idea of him in a Magpies shirt next is mouthwatering. To already be such a key figure in a top league at such a young age says a lot about how good he is, and he should only improve in the coming years, as his all-round game matures both on and off the ball.

Newcastle could do with more squad depth moving forward, allowing Howe to rotate more effectively in the process, and Cherki could come in as a great option and someone who can become one of the first names on the team sheet over time. It is essential that competition for places gets more fierce all the time at St James' Park, allowing the Magpies to go up another gear next season and potentially even push for more of a title charge in the Premier League.