ScorecardLast September James Hildreth broke his ankle in the early stages of an innings against Nottinghamshire. The monopedal century he then made on that lustrous day at Taunton has quite rightly passed into his county’s folklore as an example of devotion to the cause. Hildreth’s travails this season – 294 runs in 14 innings – have therefore been all the more painful to his many supporters and to a player whose loyalty to Somerset is both quiet and deep.All the greater then will have been the pleasure in the pubs of Taunton on the third evening of this game when it became known that Hildreth had returned to the pavilion at North Marine Road with 85 unbeaten runs against his name. He had made his first fifty of the season and helped build a strong position from which Somerset may yet win their first championship victory of the season.There were few of the Hildreth flourishes in his 111-ball innings and none of the dreamy cover-drives that make one wonder why the selectors have not looked more closely at him. What the 3002 spectators saw was a fine demonstration of the batsman’s craft by a player who may have thought himself deserted by the muse. There were six boundary fours but what was quite as impressive was the security of Hildreth’s defence and his determination to capitalise on the opportunity to bat against a Yorkshire attack containing only two front-line seamers.Indeed, just as the spectators in the Peasholm Park Stand applauded Hildreth’s half-century, they had probably also bemoaned their fate when Liam Plunkett left the field with a yet-to-be-diagnosed injury. Like Ryan Sidebottom, Plunkett will not bowl again in this match although he will bat if required.But this day’s cricket was not only memorable for Hildreth’s return to something like form. It also saw significant innings played by two young batsmen who probably wondered if any opportunities at all would come their way in 2017. And at the midpoint of a rather troubling summer in the West Country, it might revive the yeomen of Bicknoller and Combe Florey a little to note that both Eddie Byrom and Tim Rouse revealed a mature appreciation of their side’s needs in their contrasting contributions.James Hildreth has been stuck in a lean spell this season•Getty Images

On yet another grey day at Scarborough, one on which the monochrome sky was reflected in the subdued appreciation of Yorkshire supporters, Byrom’s 40 in 136 minutes against the new ball showed an understanding of the fundamental truth that there are times when the only purpose of facing a set of six deliveries is still to be there when the next set begins. Later in the afternoon Rouse brought up his maiden first-class half-century on his championship debut and shared an increasingly fluent partnership of 144 with Hildreth against Yorkshire bowlers who flagged a little as their workloads increased.However, any praise one accords to the Somerset freshmen should still be edged with caution. “Youth is to all the glad season of life,” wrote Thomas Carlyle, “but often only by what it hopes, not by what it attains or what it escapes.” Those stinging qualifications (or something like them) may be on Tom Abell’s mind this summer as he seeks to find some form. For those who saw Abell’s maiden century for Somerset a couple of years ago, his struggles are troubling to see and a reminder that the progression of a cricket career is rarely smooth.Byrom, of course, is only one of five young batsmen in this game who looking to make their way in professional cricket. His innings was ended by another of the quintet, Harry Brook, whose inswinging yorker defeated Byrom’s jab. And Brook’s medium-pacers were useful to Yorkshire, as was Ben Coad’s ability to concede little more than two runs an over while taking the wickets of both Marcus Trescothick, who made 27 before edging to slip, and Rouse, who played on for 69.The desire to make a career in professional cricket is also shared by Adam Hose and the slightly more experienced Tom Kohler-Cadmore and only life’s curmudgeons are not encouraged by their enthusiasm. Ambition is always a fine thing, though it comes in many forms. One recalls a college friend who was a great fan of the American soul singer, Gladys Knight, and aspired to join her backing group. While others dreamed of a career in academe or the foreign office, he wanted nothing more from life than to be a Pip. But things do not always turn out as we envisage: the friend became a Labour MP and Kohler-Cadmore has taken the midnight train to Yorkshire.The former Worcestershire batsman will probably get another opportunity to prove the wisdom of that choice when he bats on the final day of this match. Somerset, for their part, will surely seek to build on their 55-run first innings lead and extend their advantage over 300 before declaring. Then they will challenge Bresnan’s batsmen to chase a target and secure the victory they need to strengthen their championship hopes. Somerset also need a win, though, and the last day at Scarborough may be memorable for even more than the Hildreth century few would begrudge.

Raza also acknowledged continuity, a theory endorsed by head coach Heath Streak and chief selector Tatenda Taibu, for their recent upswing

Andrew Fidel Fernando17-Jul-2017

On a track that has now begun to produce unplayable balls, Zimbabwe’s key to victory on day five will be discipline. So says Sikandar Raza, whose maiden Test century played a pivotal role in transforming the match situation.Zimbabwe are seven wickets away from history, and have 218 runs to defend. Though the overnight pair – Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews – have each produced great rearguard innings before, there isn’t much experience to follow. Niroshan Dickwella and Asela Gunaratne have played only 12 Tests between them; Gunaratne is carrying a hamstring injury in any case.”I think patience and discipline will play a huge role,” Raza said. “If we can stay disciplined and patient, I think there is enough for Sean Williams, Graeme Cremer and the other spinners as well – for balls to misbehave. You could get a jaffa that you can’t do much about. I think on a track like this, once you get the senior players out, with the way their batting is at the moment, it could open a door for us to sneak through.”As was seen with the dismissal of Dimuth Karunaratne, the pitch can also occasionally produce big-turning deliveries out of the rough. Karunaratne had in fact left a Williams delivery that pitched wide but leapt back at him to clip off stump. Williams persisted with a legside line, trying to find the same patch of rough, for many of the remainder of his overs in the day.”We discussed with Sean, and because there was a lot of turn with that dismissal,” Raza said. “The moment they try and get greedy to score, the slip could come into play, the off stump could be exposed, and we could sneak in a wicket there. We wanted to hold one end so that Cremer can attack from the other. While we are holding it, we’re still creating a few chances.”Of his knock, Raza partly credited the inspiration he derived from batting coach Lance Klusener. Zimbabwe had been 23 for 4 at lunch on day three, then 59 for 5 not long after. But by the time Raza departed, they had a lead greater than 300 and were running the match. Along the way, he had forged partnerships worth 86 with PJ Moor, and 144 with Malcolm Waller.”Yes, the heads were down for a little while during that lunch break when we were 23 for 4. Klusener had a word with us and said that it’s up to us – the guys who were still to bat – whether we go down without a fight, or we show some heart.”Zimbabwe have used the sweep shot to excellent effect throughout the tour, and Raza – in particular – combatted the spinners with a range of cross batted strokes. Almost all the batsmen have contributed at some point in the tour, and Klusener has played a role in the run-making, Raza said.”The batting plans come from us. Then we discuss and share our plans with Klusener and then he has his input. Of course he has a world of experience. If I have a plan which I think is too risky, Klusener will always advise me and say you could have a better plan – do XYZ. It’s quite a nice relationship all the batters have got with our batting coach.”If you look at the Sri Lanka tour, everyone has scored runs. In the ODI series we started with Solomon Mire, then Hamilton Masakadza. Then we had Tarisai Musakanda, who is a young guy who got into a team, batted in a difficult place, and did exceptionally. Craig Ervine, has been performing. Sean Williams had been performing.All the guys heading into the Test had runs behind them. Everyone has a different plan. Everyone has their own plan. All our plans worked around being positive. Some were around being aggressive. My plan was certainly like that.”Zimbabwe had not had the happiest year before coming to Sri Lanka, having lost a home ODI series to Afghanistan, and one ODI to Scotland as well. But in keeping the same players around since the start of the year has begun to pay dividends, Raza said.”I think since Heath Streak has become head coach and Tatenda Taibu has been chief selector, we have kept the same group of players. So, certainly it has been about six months that we’ve been together – this core of players.”We haven’t had a lot of changes in our touring 15 or playing XI either. Every time someone has got a chance in the playing XI, they’ve stepped up as well. We’ve had a very consistent squad, and I think that goes hand in hand with consistent performances as well.”

Everton have had a long-standing interest in Arnaut Danjuma and now a reliable source has revealed a fresh update on the club's pursuit of the player this summer.

Is Arnaut Danjuma joining Everton?

According to Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Everton are "closing in" on a deal for the Villarreal winger.

Romano took to Twitter on Thursday to reveal:

"Everton are closing in on Danjuma deal — understand bid has been accepted, here we go soon.

"Understand it’s gonna be loan move. Player believes Everton is best for his career. After January hijack the communication stayed open and now Everton have their player."

How good is Arnaut Danjuma?

Despite the controversy surrounding Danjuma's move to Tottenham Hospur in January, there is no doubt that his potential arrival at Goodison Park in the coming days wouldn't be a major coup for the Merseyside club.

Sean Dyche is in dire need of quality attacking reinforcements after another uninspiring and troubling Premier League season for the Toffees, with exits from Richarlison and Anthony Gordon considerably weakening the talent needed in the final third.

Not only that, Demarai Gray has now been attracting interest with Crystal Palace strengthening their pursuit of the winger over the past few days, according to reports from the Daily Mail, which would only contribute to Everton's concerns should the player depart.

As a result, the signing of Danjuma is exactly what Dyche needs to address his frustrating and uninspiring attacking threat, as well as facilitating a move for Gray which would ultimately boost the transfer funds available for the manager over the remainder of the transfer window.

The £45k-per-week wide man is no stranger to the Premier League of course, spending six months on loan in north London with Spurs, however, a lack of game-time made it difficult for Danjuma to hit the ground running.

During his stint at the London club, the Lagos-born ace only made nine appearances in the top flight, averaging just 19 minutes per performance, but did manage to score a league goal and also find the back of the net once in the FA Cup too.

The last six months with Spurs are not a true reflection of Danjuma's keen eye for goal, however, as the 5 foot 8 winger has proven that with consistent minutes he can be a force in the final third – scoring 22 goals and registering four assists over 51 appearances for the Spanish club, with a goal contribution every 122 minutes, an output that would be extremely valuable to Dyche.

Former Sunderland goal-scorer Kevin Phillips heaped praise on the versatile forward when speaking to Football Insider last year, highlighting qualities that could well make him a wonderful acquisition for Everton.

"On his day he is a nightmare for defenders. He can create and score goals. He can hurt any defence with his pace and directness.

"He’s shown that countless times. Players like him are a rarity in this day and age."

With that being said, Danjuma is an exciting prospect for Everton and with regular game-time at Goodison Park he could quickly become a fan favourite, while outperforming Gray in the process.

خرج المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي بايرن ميونخ، توماس توخيل، في رسالة تهديدية للاعبه، بعد نهاية مباراة يونيون برلين في الدوري الألماني.

ونجح بايرن ميونخ في دك شباك يونيون برلين على أرضه ووسط جماهيره بنتيجة 5-1، قبل 10 أيام فقط من مواجهة ريال مدريد في ذهاب نصف نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا.

اقرأ أيضًا.. بايرن ميونخ يراوغ بشأن ارتباطه بـ زيدان ويعلق على رفض ناجلسمان

ورغم تسجيل مولر هدفين أمام يونيون برلين، إلا أن توخيل لم يكن راضيًا على أداء اللاعب وهدده بالاستبعاد من مباراة ريال مدريد.

وقال توخيل في مؤتمره الصحفي بعد المباراة: “لقد سجل مولر هدفين رائعين، لكن أداءه لم يكن جيدًا، كان متفرجًا على المباراة مثل الجماهير”.

واختتم: “لم يكن مستواه جيدًا في المباراة، عليه أن يتدرب بجدية حتى يحصل على مكان أساسي في تشكيلنا أمام ريال مدريد وهو يعرف ذلك جيدًا ومتفق على رأيي”.

Even prior to the tumultuous ownership of Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly, Chelsea have always strangely handled centre-backs.

Fikayo Tomori and Kurt Zouma were sold for reasonably cheap prices, whilst Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger were allowed to run down their contracts and leave the club on free transfers.

The Blues’ central defensive situation has been thrown under scrutiny with the future of Levi Colwill having become one of the most dominant headlines of the summer.

What's the latest news on Levi Colwill?

Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion are rumoured to be keenly tracking the homegrown wonderkid, but the west London outfit has insisted he is not for sale and they're set to offer a vastly improved contract offer.

For all their faults, it seems that the new Chelsea regime has recognised the need and quality for homegrown talent in the first team.

By tying down Colwill’s future to Stamford Bridge, it will avoid the repetition of allowing another one of Cobham’s most glistening prodigies to prematurely depart the club – just as what happened to Marc Guehi two summers ago.

In 2021, in search of more regular minutes, Guehi moved across the capital to Crystal Palace for £18m. Now in a sensational turn of events, the Blues are targeting a return for the 23-year-old titan.

What’s the latest on Marc Guehi to Chelsea?

According to The Guardian, Chelsea may attempt to engineer a reunion with Guehi after losing Wesley Fofana to a long-term knee injury.

The 2021 Champions League winners have been forced into the market for a central defender after Fofana had surgery on a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

However, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are also interested in the Cobham graduate but are yet to start any formal negotiations.

The report details Chelsea are weighing up whether they need more depth as Mauricio Pochettino already has Thiago Silva, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, and Colwill to choose from.

But, Silva is 39 in September, Badiashile is injured and Chalobah is a target for Inter Milan. Therefore, it’s a fluid situation that the Blues will continue to assess.

Is Marc Guehi a good signing for Chelsea?

Since joining Palace, the former Swansea City loanee has established himself as one of the club’s most influential and consistent performers.

He has played in 73 of the Eagles’ last 76 Premier League matches, forming a solid partnership with the ball-spraying Joachim Anderson to cement Palace as a sturdy mid-table side.

The £50k-per-week colossus has even captained Palace on occasion and is of integral defensive importance, averaging 1.2 interceptions and 3.6 clearances per game, the second-highest in the squad for each metric.

A possible return for the Abidjan-born leader could set up a new relationship with Colwill. The 20-year-old spent enjoyed a fabulous loan stint at Brighton and a trip away with the England U21’s, who won the age group's UEFA European Championships.

The youngster has shown he possesses a perfectly curated mix of physicality and ball-playing competence as he ranks within the best 12% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes and progressive carries per 90, as well as the highest 5% for aerials won per 90.

His previous manager Roberto De Zerbi commented on his limitless potential, saying:

“It’s difficult to find another left centre-back with his qualities.

“He’s a good guy, he’s improving a lot. This year his improvement has been fantastic.”

As Guehi and Colwill both have different strong feet, the prospect of them lining up together makes sense and is it an endearing narrative for the Stamford Bridge faithful to finally reap the rewards of their incredible academy.

Guehi, who was hailed “incredible” by BBC Sport’s Alex Howell, is valued at around £50m, but given the Blues' overwhelming financial muscle, this is unlikely to be a stumbling block.

Manchester United would be willing to apply a slight "discount" on the asking price of Harry Maguire should a club that he wants to join come in for him this summer, claims Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam.

Is Harry Maguire leaving Manchester United this summer?

After a slow start – one dominated by takeover talk – the transfer window has been a relatively straightforward success for United this summer.

The deal to sign Mason Mount from Premier League rivals Chelsea might've dragged on longer than fans would've liked, but with the fee rising to just £55m, it could yet ultimately work out in their favour.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

Following Mount's arrival, the club turned their attention towards Inter's highly rated No 1, Andre Onana, signing the Cameroon international for £47m.

With two new first-teamers already sorted before August and the potential of a deal for Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund, the club now have the luxury to focus on selling a few players – one of whom could be former captain Maguire.

The 30-year-old has had a rough couple of years at Old Trafford, practically becoming the poster boy – fairly or unfairly – of United's defensive frailties in that time.

This period of misfortune was compounded by the removal of the club's captaincy earlier this month, a move that – whilst feeling inevitable – signalled what may be considered as the end of the former Leicester City star's time with the Red Devils.

According to BBC Sport, the three-time European champions are willing to let the Sheffield-born star leave this summer if he so wishes, but they have also rejected a £20m offer from West Ham United as they value him at £40m – half of what they paid for him four years ago.

However, there is reportedly some flexibility on his valuation should a club that the player wants to move to come in for him this summer, per Sky Sports' McAdam.

He explained the situation on Sky Sports News, saying:

"Manchester United are looking for around £40m, but they would be prepared to compromise slightly if there was a club that came to the table and Harry Maguire was keen to join them – so there could be a little bit of a discount, shall we say.

"But it's still going to be in and around £40m."

How good is Harry Maguire?

It can be rather easy for footballers to quickly pick up reputations for being a liability or the weak link; someone the fans blame for every little mistake.

Think Shkodran Mustafi at Arsenal, Timo Werner at Chelsea and certainly Maguire at United.

That said, these players weren't really good enough for their teams, but they also weren't quite as disastrous as fans of that team would have you believe.

In Maguire's case, it's hard to argue that his last two seasons have been anything but a massive disappointment, and yet when you look at his numbers, things don't look anywhere near as bad as you might have initially thought they would.

According to WhoScored, the England international averaged a match rating of 6.59 across his 16 league appearances last season and a solid, if unspectacular, 6.65 across his 30 appearances the season before that.

While nothing amazing, his underlying numbers are also what you would expect and want from a Premier League centre-back.

According to FBref, which compares players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, the 6 foot 4 titan sits in the top 11% for blocks, the top 12% for aerial duels won, the top 13% for touches in the opposition's penalty area, the top 17% for attempted passes, the top 19% for progressive carries and the top 16% for progressive passes received per 90.

His national team performances have also been brilliant over the last few years, making it into Sky Sports' Team of the Tournament for the previous World Cup and the official Euro 2020 XI.

These consistent performances for the Three Lions led to manager Gareth Southgate saying: "What are his strengths? Well, he's technically a fantastic footballer with the ball.

"He's a very strong leader in the team. His physical stature, the aerial challenge is one – we haven't got anybody else with that physical presence.

Ultimately, while he hasn't lived up to the expectations that came with his record-breaking transfer four years ago, he hasn't been quite as bad as some have made out, and leaving United might just be what's best for all involved.

Newcastle United's Premier League campaign kicks off later this month as they host Aston Villa at St. James' Park and the home faithful could have a few new faces to see in action.

Who have Newcastle United signed this summer?

Eddie Howe has been able to bring in two new first-team signings so far during the summer transfer window as Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes have come in to bolster his options in midfield and out wide.

Talented youngster Yankuba Minteh has also been brought in but the 19-year-old winger was instantly sent back out on loan to Feyenoord in the Netherlands.

The Northern Echo have claimed that the head coach would like to make two further additions to the side before the deadline passes; a full-back and a central defender.

Read the latest Newcastle transfer news HERE…

Newcastle and top-flight rivals Everton are both reportedly eyeing a swoop for Red Bull Salzburg centre-back Oumar Solet, although it remains to be seen how much it would take for the Austrian giants to cash in on him.

Who is Oumar Solet?

The 23-year-old colossus stands at 6 foot 4 and could form a monstrous partnership with current Magpies titan Sven Botman at the back if the club are able to snap him up before the end of the window.

Solet, who talent scout Jacek Kulig once described as "marauding", enjoyed a terrific 2022/23 campaign with Salzburg and could be a terrific signing for Howe if the French giant is able to translate his form over to English football.

He averaged a phenomenal Sofascore rating of 7.42 across 25 Bundesliga outings, which shows that the talented youngster produced consistently brilliant performances and rarely allowed his level to dip.

Solet also made a whopping 4.5 tackles and interceptions per game for Salzburg, which is more than any Toon player in any position managed last term.

To put those numbers into context, only Kieran Trippier (7.61) averaged a higher Sofascore rating for Newcastle in the Premier League and Fabian Schar, who Solet could replace on the right side of the defence, averaged a score of 7.13.

The Switzerland international has entered the final year of his contract on Tyneside and turns 32 later this year, which could result in the Salzburg star and Botman, 23, being the long-term pairing for Howe at the back.

Solet and the Dutchman both stand at 6 foot 4 and have the ability to consistently dominate opposition attackers, which could make them a fearsome central defensive partnership for teams to break down this season.

The towering Frenchman won 63% of his Bundesliga duels last term and caught the eye with a stunning 83% aerial contest success rate across four Champions League outings. Meanwhile, Botman won 67% of his battles – 66% of them in the air – throughout his debut Premier League campaign for Newcastle.

This shows that they are both physically strong and imposing defenders who will not be bullied, which could give Howe's side a solid base from which to build.

Therefore, Dan Ashworth and the English tactician could unearth a terrific long-term partnership in defence for the Magpies by signing Solet to replace Botman as Schar's heir this summer.

Mark Stoneman, the Surrey opening batsman, is set to make his Test debut against a pink ball next week, after being named in a 13-man England squad for the first Test against West Indies at Edgbaston

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Aug-2017Mark Stoneman, the Surrey opening batsman, is set to make his Test debut against a pink ball next week, after being named in a 13-man England squad for the first Test against West Indies at Edgbaston, the first day-night Test to be staged in this country.Also in the frame for a debut is the Hampshire legspinner, Mason Crane, who displayed his composure in the T20 series against South Africa in June, and, at the age of 20, has been handed an opportunity to press for a place on this winter’s Ashes tour. He replaces his county team-mate, Liam Dawson, who featured in the first two Tests against South Africa, but was outshined in the spin-bowling stakes by Moeen Ali’s 25-wicket haul.Meanwhile, Chris Woakes, England’s swing-bowling allrounder, could be selected to make his return to international cricket in front of his Warwickshire home crowd, after recovering from the side strain that caused his withdrawal from England’s Champions Trophy campaign in June.England squad for 1st Test

Joe Root (capt), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Mason Crane, Dawid Malan, Toby Roland-Jones, Ben Stokes, Mark Stoneman, Tom Westley, Chris Woakes

Woakes steps into the squad in place of Middlesex’s Steven Finn, having played a significant allround role for Warwickshire on his comeback to the County Championship last week. He took five wickets in the match against the champions, Middlesex, including 3 for 38 in the decisive second innings, and chipped in with a half-century as well, to help his struggling team to their first championship victory of the season.Stoneman, however, is at this stage the only certainty for a call-up, following Keaton Jennings’ struggles to find any form as Alastair Cook’s partner at the top of the order. After making a century in his maiden Test innings against India in Mumbai, Jennings passed fifty just once in 11 subsequent innings, and averaged 15.87 in four Tests against South Africa with a top score of 48.Stoneman, who is set to become Cook’s 12th opening partner since the retirement of Andrew Strauss in 2012, has certainly earned his call-up. His move from Durham to Surrey this season has earned him 1,033 runs in first-class cricket, including a top score of 197 and an average of 57.38 with three centuries.”After an excellent series victory over South Africa, our first against them on home soil since 1998, we now look forward to building on our success against the West Indies,” James Whitaker, the National Selector, said.”The selectors would like to offer their congratulations to Mark Stoneman and Mason Crane who thoroughly deserve their opportunity in the squad.”Keaton Jennings will return to Durham and will look to recapture the form that earned him selection in the first place. I am sure he will find his confidence and look to score runs in the remaining matches of this season.”Chris Woakes has proved his fitness and returns to the squad having missed most of the summer through injury. He was impressive in his return game at Lord’s this week and if selected in the final line-up, he will be relishing the prospect of playing on his home ground.”On behalf of the selectors, I would like to wish Joe Root, Trevor Bayliss and all the squad the very best for what will be an exciting series against West Indies.”

Scorecard File photo – Stephen Cook scored his 41st first-class hundred•AFP

Opener Stephen Cook, who had been dropped for the four-Test series in England, followed his match-winning 89 for Durham with a hundred for South Africa A in Pretoria. His 41st first-class century – 120 off 252 balls – formed the bedrock of his team’s 274 for 4 on the first day.After being left out from the senior side, Cook, 34, might have been anxious about his international future, but has now made his case for a lifeline in the home summer, which will feature 10 Tests. Aiden Markram, who is also in contention to partner Dean Elgar at the top, managed only 22. Rudi Second (32) also had a start but could not press on.David Miller, however, built his innings and added 138 for the third wicket with Cook. His 78 – including 10 fours and a six – came off only 115 balls at a strike-rate of 67.82 The stand ended when fast bowler Mohammed Siraj had Miller caught and bowled in the 84th over. Two overs later, just before stumps, left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem removed Cook to bring India A somewhat closer to parity.Nadeem and Siraj were the only wicket-takers for India A.

Chelsea have opened discussions with Ajax for attacking midfielder Mohamed Kudus, according to David Ornstein.

The Blues are close to an agreement on personal terms with the player.

Who is Mohamed Kudus joining this summer?

The Ghanaian international is a player in demand this summer.

Chelsea are the most recent club to try and make a move for the 22-year-old, with reports stating that the club have made contact with not only Ajax but also the player's representatives. Whilst no official offer has been submitted yet, dialogue between all parties has taken place and the club are considering the player among a host of other targets. It is also reported that personal terms will not be an issue, with an agreement close regarding that matter already.

Arsenal are also interested in the midfielder, with a report from FootballTransfers stating that the Ghanaian prefers a move to Mikel Arteta's side this summer over a switch to Stamford Bridge due to the Gunners' participation in this season's Champions League. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can afford to do this deal however, having already spent over £200m this summer, reports state that the sales of players such as Folarin Balogun and Kieran Tierney could be required first before any move for Kudus can be attempted.

Earlier on in the window Brighton and Hove Albion were interested in the player's signature, with manager Roberto de Zerbi reportedly assessing his midfield options ahead of the clubs first Europa League campaign, however that move seemed to stall as Brighton were unwilling to meet the £40m asking price for the player.

Speaking on the FIVEUK YouTube channel, Ornstein revealed that Kudus is one of a number of options being surveyed by Chelsea, with the club having held discussions with all parties:

"Chelsea came to the fore, but Brighton had initially been the leading contenders, but that one seems to have gone quiet. Obviously Chelsea are looking to strengthen in their attacking midfield department and as I understand there has been some dialogue with Ajax as well as the player side that has made an agreement close on personal terms. Whether that has moved forwards since then I don’t know, and let’s see because Chelsea will be surveying a number of options."

Would Kudus be a good signing?

Kudus could be a bargain signing if he's able to realise his potential.

The versatile player who can feature all across the attack as well as in attacking midfield enjoyed the finest season of his career last season, registering 25 goals and assists in just 42 outings across all competitions last term as Ajax just missed out on the Eredivisie title.

Kudus is also one of the most exciting young players in the world with the ball, ranking in the top one percent for successful take-ons per 90 and the top four percent for attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area, showcasing that even if he is struggling to find the back of the net, the quality he has and the threat he carries makes him a handful for defenders

Former Ballon D'Or winner Marco Van Basten was full of praise for the attacking midfielder, stating:

"I find Mohammed Kudus a much better football player than Antony. Kudus has much better technique and he knows what he is doing. Antony may be faster, but Kudus is smarter and more technical. He is much more of a footballer, you can place him anywhere on the pitch, an all-rounder for the team. In fact, I like him much better than Antony. He's more fun to watch play.”

Should the Blues complete the deal, they will have a very exciting player on their hands, who could form incredible partnerships with the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Enzo Fernandez