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Celtic are thought to be keen on signing Manchester City midfielder James McAtee this summer, according to The Daily Mail.

What’s the latest Celtic transfer news?

The Hoops and Brendan Rodgers have been busy so far in the transfer market, bringing in six new players at a total cost of £12m. Maik Nawrocki, Odin Thiago Holm, Hyun-jun Yang, Marco Tilio, Hyeok-kyu Kwon and Tomoki Iwata have all made the move to Parkhead, however, there have also been departures.

Star winger Jota made the move to Saudi Arabia in a deal worth £25m, whereas Conor Hazard left for Plymouth Argyle. Defender Carl Starfelt looks like the next player to leave, with Rodgers saying before the opening-day win over Ross County:

"Carl is in a position where he may be leaving the club.

"He has been fantastic and really respectful, but he is in a position where we may lose him. This is a chance for Maik (Nawrocki) to build a partnership with Cam (Carter-Vickers)."

The club could therefore be on the hunt for another new centre-back before the transfer deadline, but it looks as if they are also keen on landing McAtee.

According to The Daily Mail on Monday, McAtee’s future at the Etihad Stadium is in doubt, with City needing to make a decision on the player.

The report claims that McAtee may find game time hard to come by under Pep Guardiola, and despite the fact that City are reluctant to sell, a move could materialise, with Celtic interested in a deal.

However, alongside the Hoops, Brighton, Wolves, Real Sociedad, Sheffield United and AZ Alkmaar are also keen on signing the midfielder.

Who is James McAtee?

McAtee is just 20 years of age and is primarily a central midfielder who can also turn out in an advanced midfield role when needed.

The left-footed Englishman has been on the books at City for a number of years and spent last season out on loan in the Championship with Sheffield United.

During that time, McAtee made 43 appearances for the Blades in all competitions, helping them win automatic promotion back to the Premier League and even to an FA Cup semi-final against City at Wembley.

His Transfermarkt valuation rocketed to a career-high €12m as a result of his time in Yorkshire, showing how he appears to be at the top of his game currently, and you’d like to think there is room for improvement due to his age.

McAtee has turned out on six occasions for City at senior level, with Guardiola keen to praise him after turning down one loan spell in 2022.

"Maybe it happened because he's a special player. These players when we don't have incredible depth, we cannot forget he's just 19, training every day is so important for him."

A move to Celtic Park could therefore be one to keep an eye on, and should he move to Glasgow, McAtee could rival the likes of Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley, Callum McGregor, David Turnbull, Holm and James McCarthy for a place in Rodgers’ side, adding further strength in depth.

وصف ماوريسيو بوتشيتينو، المدير الفني لفريق تشيلسي، ما حدث بين لاعبيه في مباراة الأمس أمام إيفرتون بـ”الأمر المخزي”.

وتلاقى الفريقان على ملعب “ستامفورد بريدج” في ختام منافسات الجولة الثالثة والثلاثين من الدوري الإنجليزي حيث فاز تشيلسي بنتيجة 6-0.

واُحتسبت ضربة جزاء لصالح تشيلسي، ودخل لاعبو الفريق في جدال بشأن مسدد الركلة، حيث أراد مادويكي ونيكولاس جاكسون تنفيذها.

وتدخل قائد تشيلسي كونور جالاجر للحيلولة بين اللاعبين، قبل أن ينفذ كول بالمر ضربة الجزاء.

وعن ذلك، قال بوتشيتينو في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “إنه أمر مخزِ، إنها عملية لفريق شاب يحتاج إلى تعلم الكثير”.

وأضاف: “كنت أتحدث عن هذا الأمر مع اللاعبين بعد المباراة، إنها المرة الأخيرة التي أريد فيها رؤية شيء كهذا، أريد الاعتذار للجماهير”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. بالمر يختار هدفه المفضل بعد تسجيله سوبر هاتريك أمام إيفرتون ويعلق على تنفيذه ضربة الجزاء

وواصل: “نريد أن يكون الأمر واضحًا المرة القادمة، إنهم بحاجة إلى التعلم والاحتراف، نحن بحاجة إلى التركيز على العمل الجماعي”.

وأردف: “لقد عرفوا أنه كول، كول هو مُنفذ ضربات الجزاء، إنه مثال واضح على أنها عملية حيث ما زلنا في حاجة إلى التعلم”.

واستمر: “كما قلت، إنه أمر مخزِ، لا يمكننا التصرف بهذه الطريقة، قلت لهم هذه هي المرة الأخيرة لهذا السلوك”.

واختتم: “من المستحيل أن يكون لدينا هذا النوع من السلوك بعد هذا الأداء، إذا أردنا أن نكون فريقًا رائعًا، علينا التغيير والتفكير بطريقة جماعية”.

West Indies captain Jason Holder said he is expecting his bowlers to utilize bowler-friendly conditions to gain the upper hand in the opening Test against Pakistan

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Apr-2017West Indes captain Jason Holder believes his side can pick up where they left off against Pakistan in the final Test of their previous three-Test series in the UAE, aiming to carry that momentum into the opening Test of the return three-Test series beginning at Sabina Park on Friday. But Holder says that in order for his side to achieve a positive result, the team has to follow through on the potential they showed at the end of their UAE tour rather than the inconsistent displays that have undermined progress in the past.”For me just stressing consistency,” Holder said at a press conference in Kingston on the eve of the first Test. “One thing we’ve spoken about in the dressing room is momentum and if we have the momentum, we need to hold it as long as possible and not shift it back to the Pakistanis. For us it’s just to get runs on the board in the first innings and our bowlers will support us in the field.”Holder’s men have found success hard to come by in the longest format – the 25-year-old was winless in his first 11 Tests in charge – but finally earned a gritty victory at Sharjah by five wickets last November and is hoping to bring that winning spirit into Kingston.”We finished off the year last year quite well, we won that game in Sharjah,” Holder said. “We batted well and we also got 20 wickets. In the past we’ve been able to get 20 wickets but we haven’t been able to consistently put runs on the board and that’s one area that we need to obviously pay attention to. The first innings total obviously is very very important for us to start the game well and obviously set up things well for the end of the game.”History is on West Indies side. They have never lost a Test series at home to Pakistan, hosting them seven times previously with four series wins. There have been three drawn series, including each of Pakistan’s last two visits when the teams split twin two-Test series. On both occasions West Indies won the first match before Pakistan came back to draw the final match, including in 2005 at Sabina Park.Corey Collymore took 11 wickets in that match for West Indies and a recent match in the regional four-day competition between Jamaica and Leewards Islands lasted just 151.4 overs on a dicey pitch where fast bowlers prospered. Though that pitch came under criticism from both sides for the way it was prepared, Holder says he had asked for a pitch for the upcoming Test that will aid quick bowling and is pleased at what he saw when the covers were off during training.”It’s similar to what we asked for,” Holder said. “We asked for some pitches now with some grass and some life in them. Hopefully our faster bowlers can get the ball in the right area and extract whatever there is on the surface. For us, we just need to be consistent.”Holder did not seem concerned that such a pitch would backfire on what is a relatively inexperienced batting lineup projected to take the field on Friday. Of the team that won in Sharjah, three of the top six are not in the current squad: Darren Bravo, Leon Johnson and Marlon Samuels. Vice-captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who scored 142 not out in the first innings and then an unbeaten 60 in the winning chase, will face even more responsibility to shepherd newcomers Shimron Hetmyer and Vishaul Singh while Kieran Powell is in line for his first Test in nearly three years. Holder is backing them to perform regardless.”I think this squad that we have is a very good squad,” Holder said. “It’s a young squad and guys have been doing well in first-class cricket. It’s just about transitioning that into the international circuit now and being consistent here.”

Pat Cummins will officially return to contention for a place in Australia’s Ashes team for next summer when he plays his first Sheffield Shield match in almost six years, for New South Wales against South Australia at the SCG from Tuesday.Cummins made his state debut at 17 and his Test debut later that year, before a series of foot and back injuries prompted the national selectors and Cricket Australia’s medical staff to drastically alter their plans for him.Now 23, Cummins’ body is approaching a point of maturity that is hoped will reduce his risk of injuries, after the fashion of the incumbent Test bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. As such, he is now in line to play in the Shield for the Blues and possibly Australia A in South Africa later this year ahead of next summer’s home Ashes series.”There’s the Ashes, which is a goal for probably everyone playing Shield cricket this year at the moment,” Cummins told reporters in Sydney. “I think for me getting back into first-class cricket was the No.1 goal for the year and I’m absolutely pumped to be back. I think if I get through these games then hopefully next year I can start off the year just like any other cricketer.”Cummins’ bowling action has gone through numerous adjustments over time, while his range of skills and experiences have broadened to add to his capabilities this week. While Cummins always demonstrated exceptional intelligence for a fast bowler, as evidenced by his memorable display against South Africa at the Wanderers on his 2011 Test debut, it has taken time for his body to catch up to his mind.”Probably given the extra week that we waited after the T20s has just given me a chance to prepare for the game once I got back in the frame for playing Shield cricket,” Cummins said. “I just wanted to go in [to Shield cricket] with no restrictions and not have to think about my body really, so all good.”I feel like I’m a lot more consistent now than I probably was a couple of years ago, and I think that’s put down to a few things. I think having a long pre-season, I was able to just work on quite a consistent rhythm and tempo rather than trying to bowl 180kms every ball.”I think the beauty of red-ball cricket is the ball normally swings out here [in Sydney]. After some rain hopefully it might seam around a little bit so actually bowling within yourself that 5 or 10% can actually provide some better results. Pace is one tool a bowler uses, but it’s not the be-all and end-all.”NSW have also added the English wristspinner Mason Crane to their squad for the match after a series of stand-out performances in Sydney grade cricket. However, the same overcast and damp weather that may aid Cummins to swing the ball may work against Crane’s chances of a Shield debut as the second spinner behind Will Somerville’s off-breaks.The Blues need to win both their remaining matches outright to have a chance of making the Shield final, while their opponents South Australia are in second place and can solidify their own chances with victory at the SCG.

West Ham United are interested in making a move for Geoffrey Kondogbia, with the Hammers pushing hard for a move, according to reports…

West Ham transfer news – are they signing Geoffrey Kondogbia?

West Ham are pushing hard to sign the Atletico Madrid midfielder, as per journalist Aaron Dominguez, who also reported offers from both Olympique Lyonnais and Besiktas.

The news that the Hammers are targeting such a move comes as little surprise, given that Declan Rice is set to leave the club this summer with both Arsenal and Manchester City pursuing a deal for the England international.

As things stand, Kondogbia's contract is set to come to an end next summer, meaning that, if Atletico do want to cash in, it will need to be during the current transfer window, or in January.

The Central African Republic international's current valuation, according to Transfermarkt, sits at €14m (£12m), though it remains to be seen exactly how much the 30-year-old would command this summer.

What role would Kondogbia play at West Ham?

With Rice seemingly on the move, Kondogbia would come straight into David Moyes' side, almost mirroring the genius of Brighton & Hove Albion replacing Yves Bissouma with Moises Caicedo last summer.

The Atletico Madrid man holds similar traits to Caicedo, too, with the added benefit of a much lower valuation. FBref have ranked the Seagulls sensation as the sixth most statistically comparable player to Kondogbia.

As per the same site, it is Kondogbia who stands strong defensively when compared to the Brighton midfielder, making more tackles and interceptions per 90 in 2022/23.

An interesting difference, however, is how Caicedo, in Roberto De Zerbi's system, wins more tackles in the final third. Moyes, in contrast, would be getting himself a more defensive-minded player in his transfer target, which may suit his system at the London Stadium better.

Kondogbia has certainly attracted plenty of praise throughout his career, too, with his Central African Republic teammate Wilfried Zahibo telling BBC Sport back in 2021:

"I think he can be in the discussion even now for sure.

"Obviously we have some guys like Mahrez who are in a special dimension but we should definitely talk about Geoffrey too. For me, he's one of the best midfielders in Africa and maybe the world."

"We have had a good relationship for some time, and he is a great guy to be around. He helps everybody and is the leader of the team, on and off the pitch."

At 30 years old, the former Valencia midfielder would bring with him veteran experience at the London Stadium, having also featured for the likes of Inter Milan, Sevilla, and Monaco.

A safe option in the middle of the park, whose defensive ability bettered that of the highly-rated Caicedo in some areas last season, the £114k-per-week "monster" – as once lauded by A-League creative producer James Todd – also loses the ball less than his potential midfield counterpart.

The more that you look at West Ham's potential deal with Atletico, the more it looks as though they could be performing a piece of transfer genius, comparable to Brighton's upgrade on Bissouma through Caicedo last summer.

As the transfer window goes on, and Rice's exit edges closer and closer, it will certainly be a deal to keep an eye on as the Irons could well hand Moyes his very own version of the Seagulls machine.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsBrendon McCullum’s fluent 42 and his leadership set the tone for Brisbane Heat’s comeback win•Getty Images

Marshalled expertly by Brendon McCullum, Brisbane Heat held their nerve to storm Adelaide Oval and deny the Strikers in a high-scoring Big Bash League shootout in front of a hefty pre-Christmas crowd.McCullum and Jimmy Peirson set the Heat on the road to a tally of more than 200 on a pristine batting surface, before the visitors persevered through a blistering opening stand by Ben Dunk and Jake Weatherald to constrict the Strikers middle order and walk off the victors.Slam DunkThe Heat showcased a useful recruit of their own when the former Striker Alex Ross tailed off the Heat’s innings with a series of telling blows, but it was Dunk’s pyrotechnics at the start of the Strikers innings that stuck in the memory. Though he was dropped twice, Dunk also produced a series of exceptionally clean blows, the best of which was an inside out cover-driven six off Samuel Badree that comfortably cleared a teal wall of fielders on the off side.Dunk was able to pull along the promising left-hander Weatherald in his slipstream, and the pair now look likely to be one of the more dangerous opening combinations in the tournament. Dunk’s own hitting was to be placed in perspective by the struggles of the batsmen that followed him, quickly turning a gettable equation into a favourable one for the Heat.Second spellBadree is of course one of the world’s leading T20 exponents, and he did not let 15 runs from his first seven balls fluster him. Only two more singles could be taken from the remainder of that second over, and when returning in the 10th over, Weatherald and Dunk still flying, Badree was able to tie up the younger batsman with a trio of dot balls that were the first sign of any momentum being lost.Recalled to the attack to twirl the ball down at the new batsman Travis Head after Weatherald was finally dismissed, Badree produced the rarest of T20 gems – a maiden. In his recent ODI appearances for Australia, Head was a batsman of almost perpetual motion, but he was unable either to muscle or finesse Badree. The Strikers’ required run-rate leapt up by more than a run in the space of that over, and from there McCullum was able to use his other bowlers to keep that rate climbing.Another area in which Badree’s influence could be seen was in how the other legspinner Mitchell Swepson responded to his own difficult start. At a time when the Strikers needed boundaries, he conceded only four singles and a two, while also dismissing Head with a hard-spun delivery that the batsman could only top edge to, you guessed it, Badree running around from short third man.Six and not outThe Adelaide Oval’s crowds have been the most consistently bounteous of the BBL since the ground was redeveloped, and those on the short square boundaries have gotten quite used to trying to catch the many sixes hit in their direction. The first six of the night, a typically rasping cut over point by McCullum, was expertly caught by one man in the members, who promptly threw it back up in celebration.Later, Jake Weatherald hammered a pull shot to straight midwicket where another catch was neatly held. But the most notable effort was the most nonchalant of takes behind square leg by a security guard posted on the fence. Joe Burns’ hook shot arrowed towards him, and he held it without even getting up from his seat. Three sixes caught from among a crowd of 38,011 was an impressive effort.The McCullum effectBrisbane’s signing of McCullum as far back as BBL01 had to be done with one eye on the time they would be able to utilise him full-time, and his international retirement last season means he will now be available for the entirety of this competition. Not only did the Heat benefit from his lead-off hitting before the Adelaide sun went down, but his composure and confidence in the field radiated in a way that helped the Heat’s players keep their heads while the Strikers gave up a handsome position in the chase.

Michael Beale looks like he is already making sweeping changes at Glasgow Rangers ahead of next season.

Out go Allan McGregor, Alfredo Morelos, Scott Arfield, Ryan Kent and Filip Helander – who all leave for nothing – while in come Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling, signed on pre-contract agreements.

Beale doesn’t look like he is messing about and the summer will be filled with transfer activity, with some others departing Ibrox, while there could also be an influx of fresh faces.

The Light Blues have been linked with a potential move for Liverpool youngster Leighton Clarkson, who spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Aberdeen, as the 42-year-old wants to improve his midfield options.

They could face a transfer battle with Old Firm rivals Celtic however, but Beale must do everything in his power to secure his signature, especially as he can be a big upgrade on John Lundstram ahead of 2023/24.

Could Leighton Clarkson improve Rangers?

There is no doubting the Englishman’s talents, having shone for the Dons as they secured third place in the league, guaranteeing European group-stage football next term.

The 21-year-old ranked second out of the whole Aberdeen squad for overall rating, first for both big chances created and key passes per game, underlining his importance to the team.

Lundstram on the other hand, ranked only 11th for overall rating in the Rangers side, he didn’t even create a big chance and ranked 18th for key passes per game.

With Beale rejigging his first-team squad, could Lundstram potentially make way for Clarkson next season? It’d certainly be a big decision to make, but the manager knows risks have to be taken.

Indeed, the 5 foot 8 starlet registered more goal contributions than Lundstram during the recent campaign (13 to eight), delivered more crosses (147 to 14), won more tackles (41 to 27) and committed fewer fouls (24 to 36), indicating that he has certainly been more effective, both defensively and in an attacking sense than the former Sheffield United midfielder.

Football writer Ben Webb lauded him for being “a proper tidy passer of the ball” in 2021, and he could certainly shine under Beale going forward, becoming a solid investment in the process.

Lundstram will turn 30 in February, and it makes sense for the Ibrox side to sign a player who could replace him now, rather than wait until it is far too late. Clarkson could be an ideal option, and they would be able to slot him into the starting XI sooner rather than later.

Glamorgan’s seamers picked up Leicestershire’s last eight second-innings wickets for just 85 runs to put the visitors in a strong position to go on and win their Division Two Specsavers County Championship match

ECB Reporters Network21-Sep-2016
ScorecardAngus Robson made 72 but Leicestershire could only set a target of 181•Getty Images

Glamorgan’s seamers picked up Leicestershire’s last eight second-innings wickets for just 85 runs to put the visitors in a strong position to go on and win their Division Two Specsavers County Championship match at Grace Road.Needing 181 to win, Glamorgan did lose an early wicket, pacy left-arm seamer Dieter Klein trapping Nick Selman lbw for just 2 before bad light saw play ended 15 overs early.The morning had seen Leicestershire openers Angus Robson and Paul Horton extend their second-innings partnership to 123 before being parted. Robson hit three fours in a single over from Timm Van der Gugten to bring up his ninth half-century of the season before Horton was drawn into pushing at a Craig Meschede delivery and edged to second slip.On the same score, Robson attempted to cut a short ball from Lukas Carey but succeeded only in edging to first slip, where Will Bragg held the catch.Neil Dexter and Mark Cosgrove added 75 for the third wicket before the lCosgrove, having survived two vehement appeals for catches behind the wicket, drove airily at a Meschede inswinger delivered from around the wicket and had his off stump knocked back.Ned Eckersley played two glorious back-foot drives through the off side before clipping a Michael Hogan leg-stump half-volley straight into the hands of square leg, and Mark Pettini, having suffered a first-ball duck in the first innings, had made only 1 when he chopped a wide delivery from Van der Gugten on to his stumps.Harry Dearden, making his home debut for Leicestershire, played solidly in going to 16 before being trapped leg before on the back foot to a van der Gugten inswinger, and the tail quickly followed, with Hogan picking up two wickets in two balls. Dexter was the last man to go, looking to force a wide delivery into the off side and like Pettini, edging the ball into his stumps, to give van der Gugten match figures of 9 for 133.Klien’s dismissal of Selman indicated Glamorgan might not find their target easy to reach, but with the ball continuing to swing Leicestershire were frustrated when light forced an early close.