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An update recently emerged on Southampton and their plans to bolster Russell Martin's playing squad before the summer transfer window slams shut on Friday.

What's the latest Southampton transfer news?

According to a recent Tweet from journalist Darren Witcoop, the Saints are eyeing a possible swoop for Leeds United right-back Cody Drameh.

The reporter has claimed that Martin has a move for the talented young defender in his sights, alongside an attempt to snap up Nathan Wood from Swansea City.

Southampton have brought in Ryan Fraser, Shea Charles, Joe Lumley, Ryan Manning, Flynn Downes, and Mason Holgate during the window so far and could make further additions, including Drameh, before the end of the week.

How good is Cody Drameh?

Martin could land a dream heir to Tino Livramento following the defender's move to Newcastle United earlier this summer by securing a deal to sign Drameh as he is a proven Championship performer who also has room to improve.

The Saints lost a talented prospect when they sold the former Chelsea starlet to the Magpies for a reported £32m and could replace him by signing the Leeds gem.

Livramento, who was restricted to two appearances last season due to injury, had caught the eye during the 2021/22 campaign with an average Sofascore rating of 6.85 across 28 Premier League games.

He showcased his defensive qualities with 3.6 tackles and interceptions per match and won 59% of his duels, whilst the exciting youngster also created 0.7 chances per game for his teammates from the right-back position, as per Sofascore.

Drameh could come in and possibly be an upgrade on Livramento based on his impressive form on loan to Luton Town during the second half of last season.

The 21-year-old battler averaged an excellent Sofascore rating of 7.09 across 16 Championship matches with the Hatters.

He made an outstanding 4.2 tackles and interceptions per clash and won 55% of his battles, whilst the ex-Fulham prodigy also produced 1.6 key passes per game to show off his ability on the ball.

These statistics show that the £4.4k-per-week hotshot is a player who can make an impact at both ends of the pitch, which is helped by his superb energy levels that once led to him being hailed as a "Duracell bunny" by former boss Steve Morison.

No Southampton player managed more than 3.7 tackles and interceptions and only James Ward-Prowse (1.9) produced more than one key pass per game in the Premier League last season.

This suggests that Drameh has the potential to be an outstanding performer for the Saints from a defensive and offensive perspective at right-back due to his excellent ability to consistently win possession back for his side whilst also being able to make things happen at the top end of the pitch to create opportunities for his teammates.

At the age of 21, the ex-Luton loanee also has plenty of time on his hands to improve and could develop under Martin's coaching, which is another reason why he is a dream heir to the 20-year-old Livramento, who could also have grown at St. Mary's.

Therefore, Drameh has the profile to be a fantastic replacement for the now-Newcastle ace and the club could pull off a shrewd swoop by securing his signature this week.

Celtic could be handed the chance to sign a former fan favourite this summer who is 'appreciated' by Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

How have Celtic started the campaign in the Scottish Premiership and who has joined?

Celtic have started their Scottish Premiership title defence in typical fashion, recording a 4-2 victory over Ross County at Parkhead and a 3-1 triumph away to Aberdeen at Pittodrie, as per Sky Sports.

In his second stint in charge of Celtic, Rodgers has been proactive in the window, bringing in five signings in the form of Odin Thiago Holm, Marco Tilio, Yang Hyun-jun, Kwon Hyeok-kyu and Maik Nawrocki, as per Transfermarkt.

The Irishman is close to confirming his sixth addition since returning to Scotland, with Elfsborg central defender Gustaf Lagerbielke expected to arrive later in the week, according to Football Scotland.

Speaking to Sky Sports via the outlet in the aftermath of the Hoops' victory over Aberdeen, Rodgers confirmed that he is close to adding another body to his backline, stating: "Very close. I'm pretty sure next week we'll get that done."

Lagerbielke is expected to join Celtic as a replacement for Sweden international Carl Starfelt, who joined La Liga outfit Celta Vigo last week for an undisclosed fee, as per BBC Sport.

Cited by ESPN, former Celtic star Jota has been the only other high-profile player to seek a new challenge this summer after joining Saudi Pro-League side Al-Ittihad for a fee in the region of £25 million.

What has Rudy Galetti said about Kieran Tierney?

Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney, who has been hailed as "outstanding", has been the subject of interest from several clubs this summer and is wanted by both Premier League outfit Newcastle United on loan alongside La Liga side Real Sociedad, according to Telegraph Sport.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Galetti has signalled that Celtic are another side in the race to sign the £110k-a-week Scotland international and has indicated that an emotional return to his boyhood club before the transfer deadline is not out of the question.

Galetti stated: "In this moment, Kieran Tierney is the hottest name for Celtic.

"Arsenal have asked for around £25million or £30million to let him go permanently, but a transfer on loan is also considered an option."

What other events are occurring at Celtic?

According to The Northern Echo, Celtic are set to make a 'formal approach' for Newcastle United outcast Ryan Fraser, who could be available for a knock-down fee as his current employers look to shift him off the books in the North East.

Celtic boss Rodgers is in the market for a winger before the end of the window and Scotland international Fraser has emerged as a 'viable target' that he looks to be pursuing.

As per STV News, Fringe defender Stephen Welsh looks to have been given an unexpected olive branch at Celtic and was praised by Rodgers for his performance off the bench in the Hoops' Scottish Premiership victory over Aberdeen, as he stated: "I thought he was excellent when he came in. I like Stephen. I took him with me one pre-season when he was a young player because I really liked him. For whatever reason, he hasn’t maybe played the games, but he’s a Celtic boy who wants to be at the club. I want him to be at the club."

The Daily Mail report that Celtic are one of a number of clubs keen to acquire Manchester City youngster James McAtee, though they will need to fight off competition from Brighton & Hove Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Real Sociedad, Southampton, Sheffield United and AZ Alkmaar.

The BCCI has “dismissed” Pandurang Salgaoncar, the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) curator, for “malpractice” that was captured on camera by undercover reporters. The controversy did not affect the start of the second ODI between India and New Zealand, which began as scheduled after a routine pre-match pitch inspection by ICC match officials. Ramesh Mhamunkar, a member of the BCCI’s grounds and pitches committee, was put in charge of the pitch.The nature of what the BCCI called “malpractice” emerged in a sting operation video carried out by reporters from . In the released footage, which has been edited, Salgaoncar is shown interacting with the reporters and talking to them about the pitch for the ODI – the voiceover says the reporters are posing as bookies though the released footage does not show them introducing themselves to Salgaoncar as such.The conversations in the released video are centred on the pitch. Shot over Monday and Tuesday, Salgaoncar said in the video that the pitch – No. 8 of the 15 strips – would have runs. “It is very good. It will garner 337 runs. And 337 will be chaseable.”The ground is a new one and before Wednesday’s game had only hosted two ODIs. First innings scores in those two were 304-8 and 350-7 (an average of 327); the latter score was chased down.In a different clip, at the stadium, Salgaoncar alerts the reporters to the presence of Mhamunkar at the ground. He tells them that as per regulations no outsider is allowed to be at the pitch. Nonetheless one of the reporters is shown tapping a pitch. In another exchange, in a car, the reporter asks whether two fast bowlers could be given some help from the match’s pitch. Salgaoncar replies that the pitch always helps fast bowlers.And in another, the reporter asks that either a player or a team – the identity has been bleeped out – be dealt a “favor” for the game. Salgaoncar says: “I told you, this will be a 340-run wicket, either way.”The reporter replies, “You’ve already said that. We will do betting on that. But the ****** [name of player or team] we want a favour for tomorrow’s match…”Salcaongar interrupts and says: “That will be done good. I told you.”In response, the BCCI immediately “dismissed” Salgaoncar. Though the acting board president CK Khanna had earlier told ESPNcricinfo that Salgaoncar would be “suspended” and “barred” from entering the ground, a BCCI release left no doubt that the curator had been sacked.”After reports stating an alleged malpractice from the MCA (Maharashtra State Cricket Association) pitch curator, Mr Pandurang Salgaoncar, the MCA has dismissed Mr Salgaoncar from the position of Curator with immediate effect,” the board said.”A strict action has been taken against the pitch curator and the employment relationship between Mr Pandurang Salgaonkar and MCA stands terminated,” the CEO Rahul Johri said. An inquiry will now take place into the events.As the incident concerns an international match the ICC will also be involved. “We are investigating the allegations from Pune this morning, as with all international cricket, the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit has an ICC ACU Manager on the ground in India and we are in close contact with him,” an ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo. “We are now looking to establish the facts and will make no further comment whilst this is ongoing.”MCA president Abhay Apte said: “The MCA will be making a detailed enquiry on what has happened or what has appeared on the television. But before we have our urgent meeting, in the capacity of the MCA president, I have taken Mr Salgaoncar under immediate suspension with immediate effect and all his work has been withdrawn.”Salgaoncar, a long-time curator and former fast bowler, was involved in another pitch controversy earlier this year, after the surface for the first Test between India and Australia in March was rated poor by the ICC match referee Chris Broad.

The left-arm spinner replaces Beth Langston in only change to the squad that clinched theWomen’s World Cup in July

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Sep-2017Eighteen-year-old left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who made her ODI debut last year, has been named in the England women squad as they attempt to regain the Ashes, which begins in Australia on October 22. Ecclestone replaced medium-pacer Beth Langston as the only change to the squad that clinched the Women’s World Cup in July this year.”Sophie Ecclestone has finished school now and has had a great summer domestically,” England coach Mark Robinson said. “Her selection will provide another option to our attack.”England leave for Brisbane on October 7 for the multi-format series that starts with three ODIs. That will be followed by a day-night Test in Sydney, before the tour concludes with three T20Is.”Ashes tours don’t come around all too often, so it’s always a special opportunity,” England captain Heather Knight said. “Australia are going to be very strong opponents on their home soil, so we’ll have to be at our best, across all three formats.”England women squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Jenny Gunn, Alex Hartley, Danielle Hazell, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole, Nat Sciver, Sarah Taylor (wk), Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danielle Wyatt

After 458 appearances, 14 years of senior service, 90 goals, and three consecutive Player of the Season awards, Wilfried Zaha’s Crystal Palace departure to Galatasaray has been confirmed.

Palace’s job is to find a Zaha replacement is just as difficult as West Ham’s mission to replace Declan Rice. Arguably, the Eagles find themselves even more under threat, as Michael Olise, another of the club’s most dazzling assets, is attracting serious attention from Chelsea and Manchester City.

It leaves the south Londoners in an extremely precarious position, but they have sounded out Demarai Gray as a possible addition.

Is Demarai Gray signing for Crystal Palace?

Speaking to Football FanCast, reporter Dean Jones has suggested that Gray could fill Zaha’s void, saying:

“A lot of Premier League clubs have had a sniff around him and he’s a player that makes things happen so it makes sense that he’s going to appeal to lots of teams of different types.

"Palace losing Zaha has obviously been a blow because there was always a small chance he might end up staying but now they need to get round to finding another player that can create moments like he did and Gray certainly does have a bit of magic about him."

Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has also spoken on this situation, adding in a conversation with GIVEMESPORT that other clubs are interested in the 27-year-old: “Demarai Gray is one that I expect to end up getting done. I know Fulham are also interested. There have been clubs from Saudi Arabia, including Al-Hilal, who are also interested.”

How good is Demarai Gray?

Throughout his career, the former Birmingham City prodigy has showcased flashes of glimmering potential, but has been unable to pinpoint the crucial component that separates the top players from the rest – consistency.

Last season, in 27 Premier League starts, the winger scored four times, including a scintillating long-range curler to secure a draw at Manchester City. As Jones mentions, the winger is capable of magic moments, just they come all too infrequently.

Meanwhile, in three of the last four top-flight campaigns, Zaha reached double figures and his sumptuous productivity has become synonymous with consistency.

However, over the years, the Eagles have been a far more stable outfit than the Toffees, and due to his unfathomable talent, the Ivorian was awarded far more freedom to express himself.

Nevertheless, excluding the goal and assist count, Gray ranks far closer to Zaha than you would think. The Palace legend narrowly outperforms the £25k-per-week dynamo for shots per 90 (2.52 vs 2.05), shot creating-actions per 90 (3.58 vs 3.37), progressive carries per 90 (3.38 vs 3.37), successful take-ons per 90 (2.16 vs 1.18), and touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (5.63 vs 3.73).

The last metric is probably most indicative of the defensive and restrictive play style that has consumed Gray at Everton.

If he can average higher involvement in more threatening zones, his full potential can be unlocked. Therefore, if Gray can improve his directness and positioning he will be in for a chance of reaching Zaha’s level.

Folarin Balogun to Chelsea wouldn't be a smart deal for the Blues according to transfer insider Dean Jones

The USA international enjoyed a strong loan spell in Ligue 1 last season and has reportedly attracted the interest of the London side this summer.

What is the market value of Folarin Balogun?

Balogun won't be cheap for Chelsea, especially when you consider the selling club are London rivals Arsenal.

The 22-year-old spent last season out on loan at Stade Reims, where he made 39 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 22 goals and recording three assists as the side finished 11th in the league.

The forward received plenty of praise from pundits and his manager alike, with manager Will Still saying: "He’s unbelievable, he has real talent, but he is also just a top person, He’s trying to learn the language – we have a bit of banter because his French is terrible (but) I think he realises: being good here will allow him to get the spotlight and attention he needs.”

The player's representatives reportedly held a meeting with manager Mikel Arteta, however with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah already at the club as well as the signing of Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, first-team opportunities for the forward may not be as forthcoming as he would hope for following his performances last season.

According to reports, a number of sides are interested in signing the forward, with RB Leipzig pushing to bring in the striker following their failed pursuit of RC Lens forward Lois Openda. Another report states that Chelsea have held talks with Balogun's representatives ahead of a potential move, with Arsenal valuing the forward at £50m.

Jones, however, doesn't think the move is a smart one for Chelsea.

What did Dean Jones say about this transfer?

Speaking to FootballFanCast, Jones revealed that due to the lack of guaranteed quality in the Chelsea squad ahead of next season and the price tag the Gunners have put on the forward, he doesn't believe the Blues should make the move.

The journalist stated: "Chelsea have already got enough players that they aren't sure are going to deliver immediately next season. And they shouldn't really be going near this one, I mean Balogun is a good player, just no detriment to the player itself. But he's not cheap and He's not guaranteed to score goals in the Premier League."

Should Balogun sign for Chelsea?

A move to Chelsea probably wouldn't be the right move for the forward.

The Blues have already made two moves in the market for players in the position that Balogun plays, with Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson arriving from Leipzig and Villarreal respectively. First-team football could once again be hard to come by at Stamford Bridge, especially if reports that Ivan Toney is wanted by the club once his ban has concluded are true, Balogun could fall further down the pecking order.

A move to Leipzig seems to be a better fit, with the opportunity to come straight into the first team and replace Nkunku. The German side also offer Champions League football next season, which Chelsea do not due to their incredibly disappointing season last time around.

Balogun has to decide his next move very carefully if he wants to build on the form and success he had in Ligue 1, and Chelsea just might not be the best club to do that at compared to RB Leipzig

Manchester City are close to reaching an agreement to sign teenage defender Harrison Parker from rivals Manchester United, according to Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the latest Man City transfer news?

Pep Guardiola has already added to his senior squad during the summer window following a fine treble-winning campaign, with midfielder Mateo Kovacic the first to arrive from Chelsea in a deal worth an initial £25m.

City lost captain Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona on a free transfer, with the midfielder deciding not to extend his Etihad contract, so Kovacic looks set to fill the void left by the German.

There could be more new signings to come ahead of the 2023/24 season, with another Croatia international, Josko Gvardiol, a firm target in Manchester. Talks have gone quiet recently, though, with RB Leipzig wanting around €100m plus bonuses for the centre-back, who is keen on a move to link up with Guardiola’s side.

Should Gvardiol join fellow countryman Kovacic at the Etihad, there could be room for one final big-money deal, and Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga could be that man. Manchester City have held agent talks over a move and City are one of a number of sides who think they can do a deal below the player’s €40m release clause, according to Romano.

The transfer expert has also taken to Twitter in the last 48 hours to share more news from the Etihad, with a new face on course to arrive at the academy.

Romano said that City are close to an agreement with rivals Manchester United for Parker, beating four “top clubs” to a transfer, even with United offering a record youth deal to keep the teenager at Carrington.

“Manchester City are close to reaching an agreement with Manchester United for top talented CB (16) Harrison Parker. City have beaten four top clubs to the signing — agreement is close despite Man Utd offering highest youth deal to keep Parker.”

Romano then added the teenager is set to sign a long-term deal at the Etihad.

“Harrison Parker, expected to sign long term deal at Manchester City — joining from Manchester United.”

Who is Harrison Parker?

Parker is just 16 years of age and made the move to Manchester United’s academy from Arsenal’s academy back in 2021. The right-footed defender was set to become an Old Trafford scholar this summer and has already turned out for the club’s U18 side last season on a number of occasions, showing how he could immediately turn out for City’s U18s in the 2023/24 season.

In time, we could see Parker progress into the first team plans at the Etihad, should he continue to develop, but it isn’t all good news for City and their academy plans.

That’s because Man United are set to sign Jack and Tyler Fletcher, twin sons of Darren, who are currently on the books with the Sky Blues and have shone in the club’s academy. Those at City feel that it is a “revenge” move by the Red Devils, but by the looks of things, City are set to secure Parker’s services over the coming weeks.

Australia batsman Nic Maddinson will miss a second straight Sheffield Shield match because of ‘personal reasons’

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Feb-2017

Australia batsman Nic Maddinson, who missed New South Wales’ clash against Victoria last week, will miss the game against Queensland too, starting February 10, because of “personal reasons”.”Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW advises that Australian and NSW batsman Nic Maddinson will not be available for selection due to personal reasons, until further notice,” CA and CNSW said in a joint statement.In the absence of Maddinson, 18-year-old offspinner Arjun Nair, who made his Shield debut against South Australia in Coffs Harbour last year, has been added to the squad for cover.Maddinson made his Test debut against South Africa in the day-night game in Adelaide, where he fell for a duck. He then made modest scores of 1,4,22, in his next three innings against Pakistan, before being dropped for the third Test against Pakistan at the SCG.”At the end of the day I’ve had my chance and I couldn’t grab it,” Maddinson said last week. “I actually haven’t even thought about playing Test cricket again since.”After being left out of the Test squad, Maddinson linked up with Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League. He scored 75 runs in seven innings.

Aston Villa are closing in on Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres, as Unai Emery eyes a reunion with his former star.

Monchi will be hoping to deliver a strong summer of signings in his opening spell as president of football operations, with the La Liga gem having the potential to be a marquee capture.

Villa’s quest for the Spaniard extends back to January, where 90min suspected that the defender could follow Emery to the Midlands.

News this week reported by Spanish outlet Sport claimed that the 26-year-old’s next destination is in the ‘final stretch’, with both Villa and Bayern Munich named as the clubs that have made ‘firm offers’.

It was reported by Football Insider that the Yellow Submarine require a figure succeeding the £40m mark to see Torres depart.

What could Pau Torres offer to Aston Villa?

Ranking as one of the best centre-backs in Europe for his progressive play, the Villarreal ace has excelled this season and could be a thrilling asset for Emery to integrate into his side.

Lauded as “extraordinary” by former coach Javi Calleja via The Athletic, Torres placed in the top 1% of central defenders on the continent with an average of 2.24 progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, showing his competency on the ball.

Winning 61% of his total duels in La Liga this campaign, the Spaniard is a colossus in defence with a presence that could take Emery’s side to the next level.

Introducing a talent of the calibre of Torres could inspire Villa to hit further heights than what was achieved this season, in a way similar to the influence fellow centre-back Virgil Van Dijk had when signing for Liverpool.

The Reds captured the Dutchman’s signature in the January window of the 2017/18 season, in a campaign that saw Jurgen Klopp's side finish fourth.

The following two campaigns highlighted the importance of the controlling defender in the side, taking them to their sixth Champions League trophy in his first full term and then on to winning their first Premier League title the following season in 2020.

Hailed as “the best defender in the world” in 2019 by pundit Paul Merson via Sky Sports, Van Dijk was integral to Liverpool’s rise to success, acting as a true leader at the back and excelling in his defensive duties.

As per Sofascore, the Dutchman won an astounding 75% of his total duels in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign, recording an average of 1.1 interceptions and 4.3 clearances per game, being dribbled past an average of just 0.2 times per game.

Similar numbers have been hit by Torres this season in La Liga, recording a per-game average of 4.1 clearances and being dribbled past only 0.4 times, via Sofascore, showing the levels the Spaniard is operating at.

Villa had a fantastic campaign in clinching European football under Emery, and could potentially replicate the rise of Liverpool’s form by introducing their own world-beating centre-back.

The Villa boss described the 26-year-old to football.london as being a player he’d “never seen” anyone like, posing as a dominant figure to have in central defence and an individual that could inspire the squad at Villa Park to reach further heights. Indeed, like Van Dijk, he is progressive, composed and a titan at the back.

Arsenal will go back in with a second bid for West Ham star Declan Rice “very very soon”, reports Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest transfer news on Declan Rice?

The Gunners have made a busy start to the transfer window, which opened officially on Wednesday. Indeed, Mikel Arteta’s side are strongly linked with a shock move for Chelsea’s Kai Havertz, and have also put a first bid in for Rice already.

According to various sources, West Ham have rejected a roughly £90m offer for their star midfielder as Arteta and Edu Gaspar look to build a team capable of competing both domestically and in the UEFA Champions League.

Speaking on Sky Sports News’ Transfer Show on Saturday, Sheth said: “Are we expecting Arsenal to go back in? I think 100 per cent we are, and we’re expecting them to go back in very, very soon.”

He continued: “It’s started now, officially, Arsenal have gone to West Ham, they’ve put the bid on the table, West Ham have said no… Let’s see what happens next.”

Is Rice better than Granit Xhaka?

Looking at the England international’s underlying statistics, it’s easy to see where he fits within Arteta’s side. Ranking in the 95th percentile for interceptions per 90 (1.73), Rice comfortably outperforms the man he would likely be replacing, Granit Xhaka, in nearly all of the major defensive metrics, including tackles and blocks.

While Xhaka has the upper hand when it comes to creating and scoring goals, Rice’s overall passing and dribbling numbers are better, suggesting if he can add a little bit more end product, the 24 year-old will be an upgrade in basically every department.

Labelled “outstanding” and one of England’s finest players by former international Joe Cole, signing the Hammers skipper would certainly represent a significant step to proving the Gunners are truly back amongst the big boys, especially considering Manchester City are also sniffing around a potential move.