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.

Tottenham Hotspur are very interested in signing Rennes defender Loic Bade as a summer signing for any eventual new permanent manager.

Which Tottenham players could leave this summer?

Despite Tottenham's dugout woes, with Cristian Stellini replaced by Ryan Mason today, they are advancing in talks with Barcelona about signing Clement Lenglet permanently, while Eric Dier is set to be offered a new contract.

There is also likely to be some departures, however, as journalist Dean Jones claims Ivan Perisic isn't "enjoying" his time with Spurs, having been linked with a return to Inter Milan, while Harry Kane's future remains in doubt.

Japhet Tanganga was linked with a move elsewhere during the January window, and having failed to break into the starting XI, the 24-year-old could depart, alongside Davinson Sanchez, who Alasdair Gold claims has been open to leaving for years.

Tanganga and Sanchez leaving would open up space in the squad for a new centre-back, and Spanish sources have now reported (via The Boy Hotspur) that Tottenham would be interested in signing Bade.

Signing the Frenchman is said to be one of the Lilywhites' "main objectives" in the summer transfer window, however Sevilla have the option to sign him for €10m (£8.8m), which they are keen to do.

Spurs certainly have the requisite funds to match that bargain figure, and the 23-year-old could be attracted by a move to north London instead, considering Sevilla are not enjoying their best season in La Liga.

Should Tottenham sign Loic Bade?

The defender has been a mainstay in the Sevilla backline since arriving on loan in January, making 13 appearances in La Liga, and he is ranked as the joint-third best performing player in the squad, with an average Sofascore rating of 6.98.

In recent weeks, the 6 foot 3 colossus has really started to find his form, showing that he has a keen eye for goal by scoring against Valencia and Manchester United, while also helping his side keep clean sheets in both matches.

Against Man United, the £27k-per-week centre-back was particularly impressive, making the most clearances, and the joint-highest amount of tackles of any Sevilla player, displaying he has what it takes to perform against one of the Premier League's best sides.

Bade is not the proven top level centre-back that Tottenham require, as he is yet to estabish himself at one of Europe's top clubs, but he could still be a nice back-up option to have, especially considering he is likely to be available for a bargain fee.

It looks set to be a summer of change for Manchester United with manager Erik ten Hag seemingly plotting to move on a host of first-team assets ahead of next season, in order for the Dutchman to continue his squad rebuild at Old Trafford.

One man who appears to be a certainty to move on to pastures new is long-serving dud, Phil Jones, with the former Blackburn Rovers man – who arrived in Manchester on a £16m deal back in 2011 – having just a matter of months remaining on his existing deal at the club.

As The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell revealed earlier this week, the former England international is yet to complete a full training session since the former Ajax boss arrived at the club, having been so "unfortunate" with injuries in recent years.

The 31-year-old has not been included in United's Premier League squad and is not set to be handed a look in any time soon, despite the loss of both Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane to their own injury woes of late.

The £75k-per-week man's slide down the pecking order was laid bare during the club's Carabao Cup final triumph back in February, with the experienced asset having been part of Sky Sports' pre-match coverage, rather than earning a place in the matchday squad.

That fall from grace represents a real decline for a player who was once tipped to be the Red Devils' "best ever player" by Sir Alex Ferguson, with it somewhat bizarre that the peripheral figure has not been moved on even sooner, having made just six league appearances since the start of the 2019/20 campaign.

While by his own admission, the 27-cap brute has endured a "tough time" of it of late, Jones can still look back fondly on his positive start to life at the club, having notably played his part in United's most recent title success, back in 2013.

That winner's medal is something which teammate Harry Maguire – who has also been tipped for a departure this summer – is unlikely to get his hands on any time soon.

Is Maguire worse than Jones?

It could well be said that it would be Jones who could leave the club with a greater legacy as a result of his part in that title triumph, having made 17 league appearances in the 2012/13 campaign.

Maguire, by contrast, only swooped his first piece of silverware as a result of the League Cup success earlier this season, albeit while only featuring off the bench in the showpiece victory against Newcastle United.

Although the 30-year-old still has time to add to his tally with Ten Hag's men still in the FA Cup and League Cup, supporters would no doubt have been expecting more from the England international following his £80m arrival from Leicester City just under four years ago.

Not that the Sheffield native is to blame for that price tag – nor is Jones to blame for being handed a new long-term deal in 2019 – although such a high-profile signing would have been expected to lead a side toward a title charge.

Equally, while with the case of Jones – who was branded a "very good player" by former boss Jose Mourinho – the struggling dud has largely been impacted by his injury woes, it is Maguire's on-field performances that have drawn notable criticism, having been described as "woeful" by pundit Lianne Sanderson earlier in the campaign.

Club legend Rio Ferdinand also suggested that the former Foxes man should feel "embarrassed" after arguably being outshone by Jones when the injury-prone defender made a rare outing against Wolverhampton Wanderers last season in his place, with the latter man having impressed despite his lack of action prior to that defeat at Old Trafford.

As Ferdinand noted, supporters were notably "singing his name" when the Preston-born rock left the field following that 1-0 loss, with there perhaps a sense of sympathy toward Jones for the repeated injury woes that he has had to endure, having "kept trying" to get fit – as per Whitwell.

As Ferguson's ultimately failed prediction showcased, the ageing talent was at one stage a hugely bright prospect at Old Trafford, with repeated setbacks having ensured that the 5 foot 11 man never managed to reach that early potential.

In the case of Maguire, supporters are likely to be less forgiving of a player who is captain of the club and who remains the most expensive defender of all time.

Of course, neither man can be deemed a successful signing, in truth, although Jones' title glory will ensure he leaves behind a legacy that it looks as if Maguire will be unable to match, particularly should the £190k-per-week skipper follow his compatriot out the door this summer.

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale is believed to be plotting a move for Honduran winger Luis Palma ahead of the summer transfer window as he looks to strengthen his side.

What’s the latest on Luis Palma to Rangers?

According to Football Insider, Beale is ready to make a move for Palma sooner rather than later and the Ibrox side could be ready to table a €5m (£4.3m) bid for the player.

They face stiff competition from Belgian side Genk in order to prise him away from Aris in Greece and much will depend on what happens over the coming weeks.

Could Rangers sign Luis Palma?

There is no doubt that the club require some attacking reinforcements, especially with left-winger Ryan Kent in the final few months of his current deal.

Recently promoted Burnley are keen on landing him on a free transfer this summer, and it is looking increasingly unlikely that Rangers will retain his services, this triggering Beale into moving for another left-winger.

Palma certainly fits the bill and has enjoyed a “great season” for Aris according to Honduran outlet, Diario Diez and with 11 goals and seven assists across 33 matches, he poses a wonderful attacking threat from the wing that’s for sure.

He can also play through the middle if required and has also been known to even drop into an attacking midfield position too and this positional versatility could be useful for Beale next season.

Palma could form a dream partnership with Todd Cantwell, who has often been deployed on the right wing or just behind the striker since arriving at the Light Blues in January and the two could combine well.

Cantwell may not have the pace or goal-scoring eye that the Honduran star possesses – scoring just twice for the Gers to date – yet his intelligence in creating space for the winger could allow him to get into more attacking positions across the duration of a season. The Englishman has averaged 1.6 key passes this term while succeeding with 62% of his attempted dribbles and these attributes could allow Palma to flourish.

The 5 foot 10 dynamo could be a worthwhile addition to the Rangers first team, despite the near £5m price tag that it could cost them, yet in order to improve, Beale will likely need to spend some money this summer.

Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin have both been "playing well" since joining the club in January – according to Beale – and Palma has the talent to replicate their impact at the Light Blues.

Journalist Craig Hope has revealed that Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett could be set for a new contract as he is a home-ground player.

What's the latest Newcastle contract news?

When you think of the exciting talents you might expect to see representing the Magpies in the Champions League next season, you think more of Alexander Isak – Neymar even – than 31-year-old Dummett.

After all, the defender has played just once for Newcastle in all competitions this season and his reported £35k-p/w contract is up in the summer.

However, manager Eddie Howe recently seemed to allude to the fact that the Englishman could soon be handed an extension.

When asked if Dummet may have a chance of being given a new deal, the manager told BBC Sport: "Very much so. I see Paul [as] part of our future.

"When you build a squad, you are never going to be able to play everybody for the amount they want.

"You want players that are prepared to fight for their place, train really well and have a good effect on the group."

Adding his own input to the situation, Hope has now potentially outlined why Dummett may be of particular use to Newcastle with European football on the horizon.

Speaking on YouTube, the journalist said (1:51): "He does tick a lot of boxes in terms of that character, his professionalism, he can play a number of positions.

"And most importantly, you know, if they are going to go into the Champions League next year, you do need four players on your books who are qualified as home-trained. That is [players] who have spent three years at the club between 15 and 21.

"And, you know, Paul satisfies that criteria. And I just think now there is a chance that he will get a new deal beyond this summer.

"In fact, the way Eddie was talking this morning, so glowingly about him, I dare say it might be one of those where the contract length is undisclosed, it could be so long."

Why would Newcastle give Paul Dummett a new contract?

Having come through at Newcastle as a youngster – spending his entire career with the Magpies apart from loan spells to Gateshead and St. Mirren – it's safe to say everyone at the club will know what they're going to get from Dummett.

And while he might not be the most exciting footballer in the world, on the basis of Howe and Hope's comments, it certainly sounds as though he is a model professional.

With 205 senior appearances to his name, Dummett is an experienced squad option who can count as a home-grown player to have in the Champions League squad next term, should Newcastle finish inside the top four.

With all that in mind, you can see why it might more sense to just keep him around on relatively low wages – as opposed to having to spend money on bringing in somebody new who would have to fit the same criteria.

All in all, it sounds as though fans can expect to see a contract extension announcement in the near future.

حقق فريق جيرونا فوزًا كبيرًا ضد خصمه إشبيلية، في مباراتهما مساء يوم الأحد في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني.

وتلاقى الفريقان في إطار لقاءات الجولة الحادية والعشرين من الليجا، موسم 2023/24، حيث فاز جيرونا بخماسية مقابل هدف.

كان جيرونا قد اهتزت شباكه بهدف لصالح إشبيلية، سجله اللاعب إسحاق روميرو بييرنال في الدقيقة 10 من عمر الشوط الأول.

واستفاق جيرونا بعد ذلك الهدف سريعًا، حيث سجل أرتيم دوفبيك هدف التعادل في الدقيقة 13، قبل أن يسجل هدف التقدم في الدقيقة 15، وسرعان ما أحرز الثالث في الدقيقة 19.

وتمكن فيكتور تسيهانكوف من تسجيل الهدف الرابع لفريق جيرونا، في الدقيقة 56، في حين أنهى كريستيان ستواني الخماسية بتسجيله هدف في الدقيقة 89.

بتلك النتيجة، ارتفع رصيد جيرونا إلى 52 نقطة في المركز الأول، بفارق نقطة عن ريال مدريد، في حين تجمد رصيد إشبيلية عند 16 نقطة في المركز السابع عشر.

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.

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.

ECB Reporters Network20-May-2016
ScorecardDaniel Bell-Drummond continued his excellent batting form•Getty Images

Kent Spitfires launched their NatWest T20 Blast campaign in style by romping to an eight-wicket win over Somerset in Canterbury.Last season’s quarter-finalists made light work of the run chase as they pursued Somerset’s spanking 197 for 7 to land victory with 16 balls to spare.The hosts were given a stunning start to their innings by in-form Daniel Bell-Drummond and Joe Denly, who posted 150 for the first wicket in 12.3 overs – a Kent record T20 partnership for any wicket against any county.Kent spinner Fabian Cowdrey, who finished with 3 for 18 including the vital scalp of Peter Trego, said the victory should send shockwaves through the group.”We didn’t have either of our overseas players tonight yet we knocked off 200 to win comfortably,” he said. “It was an incredible win and I hope people start to take us seriously now. Either way, we’ll keep playing without fear and putting results on the board.”In front of a 5,000 crowd at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Kent’s openers dismantled the Somerset attack with boundaries to all parts of the ground.Bell-Drummond, the England Lions’ batsman who is approaching 600 first-class runs for the season already, led the way with an unbeaten 83 off 47 balls. He hit 10 fours and a brace of sixes.Having taken 22 off one over from former Kent seamer Yasir Arafat, Bell-Drummond was dropped in the deep on 34, but never looked back thereafter, taking the man-of-the-match award after clubbing the winning boundary.Denly, fresh from a first-class, career-best 206* against Northamptonshire this week, holed out for an excellent 75 from 38 balls, then Kent skipper Sam Northeast (27) edged to short third man with the finishing line in sight, but Bell-Drummond saw Spitfires home.Batting first after winning the toss Somerset made a mixed start. They lost Johann Myburgh (5) to the seventh ball of the match when he tamely drove the first ball of the second over, from David Griffiths to Darren Stevens at mid-off.The dismissal bought together former Kent all-rounder Peter Trego and his skipper Jim Allenby, who combined to set the tempo for the visitor’s innings with a second-wicket stand of 134 inside 12 overs.Allenby took three successive boundaries off Matt Coles while Trego heaved a leg-side six off James Tredwell that pitched into the building site that by next summer will be retirement flats – Canterbury’s OAP’s may well be in the firing line come June 2017.Somerset reached 53 for 1 at the end of the six powerplay overs and by the first ball of the 11th over Allenby and Trego had raised a century stand with an Allenby six over long-on off Stevens.Allenby raised his 50 from 32 balls, while Trego reached the milestone off only 26 deliveries at which point the West Country County looked set fair for a score in excess of 220.It was the introduction of Cowdrey, the loopy left-arm spinner, that changed the course of the night. With his uncle Graham, the former Kent batsman and ECB cricket liaison officer watching from the stands, the 23-year-old produced a golden-arm spell.Cowdrey had Trego (57), Ryan Davies (5) and Jamie Overton (9) all caught in the deep while, at the other end, Coles accounted for Leask (8) to a catch at long-on.Kent’s attack bowled superbly at the death as Griffiths cleaned up Roelof van der Merwe (9) and Claydon denied Allenby (91) his ton by pegging back off stump with a full ball via the toe-end of the bat.The Somerset skipper faced 59 balls, hit 10 fours and three sixes, but his efforts proved inadequate and all in vain as Kent romped home.Kent’s team plans had been thrown into disarray at the start of the night when New Zealand top-order bat Tom Latham – who was also due to keep wicket – strained his ankle during the warm-ups and pulled out to be replaced by Adam Rouse.

Rangers could be set to lose Ryan Kent this summer, with Fenerbahce now eyeing a move for the winger, according to Sports Digitale journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglo.

Which Rangers players could leave this summer?

A number of Rangers players could be on the move in the upcoming window, with midfielder Glen Kamara being linked with a move to Ligue 1 side Nantes, having previously made an approach for the 27-year-old last summer.

Michael Beale may need to bring in quite a few new players to bolster the central midfield area, as Scott Arfield, Ryan Jack and Steven Davis are all set to be out of contract this summer, while striker Alfredo Morelos could also be on the move.

It has recently been reported the Colombian's time at Ibrox is set to come to an end, with no new deal currently on the horizon, and his representatives are said to have held talks with Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray.

According to journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglo, who recently took to Twitter, Kent could also be on his way to Turkey, as Fenerbahce are now interested in signing the winger, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

The Turkish Super Lig is not the only potential destination for the winger, however, as Premier League side Burnley are also said to have made their move to sign the Rangers ace on a free transfer.

How much will Rangers miss Ryan Kent?

Of course, nothing is confirmed at this stage, however it seems increasingly unlikely the 26-year-old will remain at Ibrox beyond the end of the season, and he will be a huge miss for Beale.

The Englishman has been a vital player for the Gers this season, averaging a 7.31 match rating from WhoScored, the fifth-highest in the squad, having weighed in with a total of three goals and eight assists.

Hailed as "brilliant" by members of the media, the £18k-per-week speedster has amassed 90 goal contributions in 217 appearances for the Light Blues since joining the club on an initial loan spell, before signing permanently for £7.5m in 2019.

The winger's exit will be particularly frustrating for Rangers fans as he is yet another player set to leave on a free transfer, with the Gers unable to recoup any of the sizeable transfer fee they shelled out for him a few years ago.

As such, it may be difficult to bring in a suitable replacement for Kent next season, should his move to either Fenerbahce or Burnley materialise.