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Mohamed Salah's show-stopping season with Liverpool is down to two main factors, according to legendary Premier League striker Les Ferdinand.

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Salah leading Liverpool's pursuit of double54 goal contributions across all competitionsBallon d'Or in his sightsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?

With over two months of the season remaining, Salah has already managed to equal the record for direct goal involvements in a single 38-game Premier League campaign, with his tally of 44 (27 goals plus 17 assists) matching Erling Haaland's in 2022-23 and Thierry Henry in 2002-03. As such, Salah has stirred debate over whether his individual season is the best in the history of the English top flight.

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Against the backdrop of Salah's marvellous season and Liverpool's march towards the Premier League title under new boss Arne Slot has been the uncertainty over the Egyptian's future. His contract is up in June and has previously claimed the club have not shown much urgency to tie him down to fresh terms. He is now eligible to speak to foreign clubs over a free transfer.

WHAT LES FERDINAND SAID

Iconic striker Ferdinand, who will be part of the Sky Sports team for the Carabao Cup Final live on Sunday from 3pm, believes that Salah has been fired up by the motivation to play for a new contract, while Slot's more accommodating tactics for him compared to those of predecessor Jurgen Klopp have also been crucial to his form this season.

Ferdinand told GOAL: "I mean, is it 32 goals and 22 assists so far? That's phenomenal in anyone's book. In a year where we’re talking about if he's going to get a new contract and leave at the end of the season. I always think when you're in the position he's in at the moment, you have to perform.

"And you have to put that down to the manager as well, allowing him to play a position where he says 'you don't have to run back here, we've got players for that, you stay up there, when you get opportunities you do what you need to do'. I think the way the manager's set the team up to allow him to do that, it's been phenomenal."

Hulton ArchiveDID YOU KNOW?

Echoing thoughts shared by fellow Newcastle legend Alan Shearer earlier this week, Ferdinand also believes Salah's ability to contribute to so many goals from wide areas has led to the 'demise' of the natural centre forward.

Ferdinand added: "You talk about forwards and centre forwards and what the demise of the No.9 has been, it's been people like Mo Salah! They've shown you can play as a winger or out wide and come in and still score 30 goals and have all these assists. Everyone wants to play in that role rather than be that fella through the middle. But what he's done is absolutely phenomenal in terms of the best numbers any forward has put up."

Manchester City have been warned that the club’s FFP case could lead to them mimicking rivals United when it comes to “real people and real jobs”.

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Verdict yet to be delivered in long-running sagaPunishments could have far-reaching consequencesRed Devils have already been cutting costsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Devils, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS co-ownership group overseeing football matters at Old Trafford, have faced plenty of criticism this season for implementing controversial cost-cutting measures. There is the threat of more to come as United struggle to generate positive results.

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City have no financial concerns at present, with billionaire owners overseeing an era of remarkable success, but an 115-charge Financial Fair Play saga is threatening to undermine efforts on the pitch. Guilty verdicts on the back of an independent hearing could lead to costly points deductions – which may leave the Blues sweating on their top-flight status.

WHAT MAN CITY'S FORMER FINANCIAL ADVISER SAID

There is no indication that a final ruling there is about to be delivered, meaning that gossip continues to rage. City’s former financial adviser, Stefan Borson, has told : “I do think the Premier League and City to an extent could have done a better job. I think this could have been agreed with all the parties. I have said it right from the start there should have been a published timetable, at least with estimates as to when we can expect the hearing itself, the decision to come out, the next phase, and the explanation of what the process is.

“At the moment, what you’ve got is a situation where it might happen at any point. Something that’s very significant not just to the future of football but to the future of Manchester City employees because you would think that, if a lot of this stuff goes against City, then there would have to be some adjustments to City’s cost base, which as we know from what’s happened at United can involve real people and real jobs.”

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Borson added: “I don’t think it’s been well handled in that respect and I don’t think that there was a particular problem in giving a bit more guidance as to when we could expect the decision to come out. We sit here today thinking this week would have been a possible time to release it. Next week could be a possible time to release it. But equally, it is perfectly plausible that this doesn’t come out until the summer or even later, so we really don’t know.

“I can tell you from lots of conversations I’ve had over the last week, nobody knows. This is a very well-kept secret, and nobody has got any indication of definitively when it’s coming. Nobody believes that it’s close because of things they’ve heard.

“That’s not to say it won’t come today. It may come today, but if it is coming today, it’s not because two or three people in the media or close to the club have heard it’s really close. It will just drop. It doesn’t feel like the best way of doing things from the Premier League and City’s perspective, but that’s the process we have. That’s what we thought we were going to get. That’s where we are.”

Pakistani quicks star on compelling day of action at the Ageas Bowl

ECB Reporters Network06-May-2022Mohammad Abbas celebrated his first LV= Insurance County Championship five-wicket haul of the season but Gloucestershire’s ripsnorting evening session snatched the momentum from Hampshire.Hampshire looked set for a first-innings lead in excess of 200 after Abbas ripped through the visitors with a textbook showcase of line and length bowling with 6 for 45. But Ajeet Singh Dale and Jared Warner added 55 for the last wicket to reduce the deficit to 163.And then Mohammad Amir continued the Pakistani bowling dominance with 3 for 22, with Ryan Higgins also pilfering a scalp, to leave Hampshire 28 for 4, with their lead 191.To start the day, Liam Dawson and Kyle Abbott had failed to reach the bonus point for 350 runs despite a spirited morning effort, with Graeme van Buuren pinning Abbott lbw and Dawson flailing to deep extra cover – Hampshire all out for 342.Abbas came into his own with an incredible seven-over spell of 4 for 16. Abbas’ second over was an Ageas Bowl classic. Marcus Harris left the first ball and pumped the second for three before the overseas signing found George Scott’s tentative outside-edge behind. James Bracey was shelled at third slip first ball, played and missed the second before he finally tickled behind – Abbas coming over, around and then over the wicket again, a plan hatched by Keith Barker during their meeting last year.Hampshire were now in the box seat and relentlessly hunted down further wickets. Miles Hammond was the next to feather Abbas to keeper Ben Brown before van Buuren was leg before on the cusp of lunch.Abbas’ spell initiated murmurs in the Hampshire dressing room that it had produced more heat than other efforts in recent weeks due to compatriots Amir and Naseem Shah watching on.Marcus Harris ended the procession to Abbas by loosely driving Abbott to second slip and Tom Lace had his off stump left lopsided by James Fuller.Ryan Higgins countered with an entertaining 46 in conjunction with Dom Goodman before taking on Felix Organ one too many times to top-edge to deep midwicket. Abbas then completed his five-wicket haul with a short ball into Goodman’s ribs, which was gloved through to Brown. Amir followed two balls later with a sharp edge to second slip – Abbas celebrating by running down to his friend and laying his hands on his shoulder in a consolidatory manner.The hosts debated whether to enforce the follow-on or not at the fall of that ninth wicket, only for Dale and Warner to put on 55 – the highest partnership of the innings. Dale, against his former county, laughed at his No.11 billing with a brisk 36. Organ eventually got Warner to push to short leg to bowl Gloucestershire out for 179.Gloucestershire’s glee was increased as, in 11 evening overs, Amir had Organ jabbing to the cordon second ball, before Ian Holland fell in the following over – caught behind attempting to leave Higgins.Abbott and Abbas were lbw in successive balls to Amir coming around the wicket, as Hampshire saw their openers and tail disappear in a little over 45 minutes of havoc.

Chelsea are now reportedly weighing up a move to sign a new midfielder as soon as January as they look to put the finishing touches to Enzo Maresca’s squad.

Chelsea facing midfield dilemma

Chelsea’s midfield has been one of the best in the Premier League this season, with Moises Caicedo beginning to justify his massive price tag 12 months on from his arrival, while Enzo Fernández has been rejuvenated in his more advanced role under Maresca.

Roméo Lavia has also emerged as a key figure, and Maresca rotates the trio based on his needs in each game, explaining last month: “Roméo Lavia and Caicedo give us physicality, strength in the middle. When we play with Enzo, it has to be Enzo and one between Moi and Roméo. When Enzo moves we struggle in the middle with physicality. In this moment, Moi and Roméo give us this”.

But beyond this trio, there are concerns brewing. Both Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei have been strongly linked with exits in January, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has also seen limited action since arriving over the summer, and has been tipped to seek out first team football elsewhere.

Appearances

Total minutes

Moises Caicedo

17

1507

Roméo Lavia

9

481

Enzo Fernández

16

1151

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

5

55

Cesare Casadei

0

0

Carney Chukwuemeka

0

0

This could leave the Blues light in the middle of the park with fixtures coming thick and fast, which could in turn force them back into the transfer market to find more cover for Caicedo and Lavia. Now, they have been tipped to attempt an audacious swoop next month.

Chelsea want to sign France international

That comes according to reports in Spain, which claim that the Blues are ready to offer almost £50m to sign AC Milan and France midfielder Youssouf Fofana in the January transfer window.

Fofana only arrived at San Siro over the summer, with the Rossoneri taking advantage of his contract situation at Monaco to snap him up cheaply. Since his arrival, he has been a key player for Paulo Fonseca, starting 14 of his side’s 16 Serie A games.

The Frenchman, dubbed a “technically brilliant” midfielder by Football Analyst Ben Mattinson on X, is still just 25 years old and now has been tipped to make a swift exit from Milan despite still having three and a half years left to run on his £88,000 a week deal.

As per the report, Chelsea “have set their sights on Fofana” and are “willing to shell out 60 million euros [£49.7m] to secure the Frenchman’s services”, a fee that would treble Milan’s initial investment.

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It is added that though Fofana has just arrived, “the 60 million on the table could be enough for Milan to agree to negotiate” for his services, with the club also believed to be fielding interest for fellow midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who is also enjoying a fine season in red and black.

With midfield minutes a serious problem at Stamford Bridge, adding another big signing to the mix seems highly unlikely in January, especially one that has spent just months at his current side, with Maresca’s side more likely to target defensive upgrades and perhaps a new striker before turning their attentions to midfield.

But with as many as three fringe midfielders perhaps pushing for an exit in search of first team football, they could face something of a shortage in the middle of the park.

Henry's last match was the 4-0 thrashing of Chivas in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Clásico Nacional, played on March 12

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Martín is suffering from tendonitis in his Achilles tendon.

He will miss the matches against Tigres, Cruz Azul, and Pachuca.

The forward is doubtful for the return leg against Cruz Azul in the Champions Cup.

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

América captain Henry Martín will be sidelined for at least four weeks due to a lingering Achilles injury. The forward has been dealing with the issue for months and hasn’t been at full strength since the start of the year. His absence means he will miss Liga MX matches against Tigres and Pachuca, as well as the first leg of the Champions Cup quarterfinals against Cruz Azul.

It is unlikely that Martín will recover in time for the second leg on April 8, and his availability for América’s Liga MX match against Cruz Azul on April 12 (Matchday 15) remains uncertain. Manager André Jardine will have to wait and see if his captain can return in time.

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A few weeks ago, the forward consulted a specialist in Guadalajara, who recommended that he stop and undergo a month of rehabilitation to return fully recovered.

Martín currently has his leg immobilized with an orthopedic boot, and although he is receiving daily rehabilitation at Coapa, for now, he cannot engage in any football-related activities.

Getty Images SportWHAT VÍCTOR DÁVILA SAID

"A shame, we hope to have all our teammates available for the end of the tournament, but we're calm because the coach has handled it well. We've had rotations, and we have a wide enough squad to cover every position," Davila said of Martin's injury. "Each player has contributed good things in the attack, and André Jardine has managed the pieces well and distributed each player accordingly. What we expect is that Henry can recover properly, and it will be up to us to do our part and cover for his absence."

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

Injuries have impacted Martin's performance this season. The forward has only been able to play nine matches this year between Liga MX and the Champions Cup, where he has scored just once and registered three assists. Martín has a total of 115 goals in matches with América and is currently in fourth place on the list of the club's all-time top scorers.

Cricket Discipline Commission panel expected to hear cases in September or October

David Hopps15-Jun-2022Yorkshire have received long-awaited notice that they will be charged, along with seven individuals, following an ECB investigation into racism and other allegations surrounding the club.The ECB has not named those under investigation at this stage. However, the evidence provided by Azeem Rafiq, the former Yorkshire player, to the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee last November, and the results of Yorkshire’s independent investigation, is already well known.Yorkshire will be accused of failing to address a culture within the club that was hostile to minority-ethnic cricketers and of failing to respond to complaints about racism or discrimination in a proper manner.Although none of the current management team or players are associated with the period under review, the club remains responsible for historic actions. But a new regime that is committed to change is hardly likely to try to defend the actions of its predecessors and could well plead guilty, point to its commitment to change and just take the hit.As the hearings are likely to be concluded after the end of the season, and there remains no clarity on potential points deductions, that possibility is likely to hang over Yorkshire for the entire summer.However, individual administrators will not be charged because the Cricket Discipline Commission, which is in charge of disciplinary hearings in the domestic game, has no power to sit in judgment on administrators, who appear to escape the sort of individual scrutiny given to players, coaches, match referees, agents, members, ECB committee members, and any others who have agreed in writing to be bound by the rules.The ECB has yet to remark whether it regards that as a glaring oversight that it intends to remedy.The charges arise from alleged breaches of ECB Directive 3.3 which states: “No Participant may conduct themself in a manner or do any act or omission at any time which is improper or which may be prejudicial to the interests of cricket or which may bring the ECB, the game of cricket or any cricketer or group of cricketers into disrepute.”Related

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The cases are expected to be heard by a CDC independent panel in September or October this year, although this has been one of the most complex and potentially problematic cases ever considered by the commission and legal representations on behalf of some of those accused could yet push back the hearing into next year. Hearings could last for more than a week and will involve cross-examination of those who have provided witness statements.An ECB statement said “The ECB’s investigation has been thorough and complex, with the allegations covering a significant period of time and a number of witnesses and other individuals coming forward to share their own experiences and allegations. The ECB is grateful to all those who have taken the time to speak with the investigating team.”In matters of this nature, our normal practice is not to identify individuals charged at this stage. This decision is taken on a case-by-case basis. It is however standard practice for the CDC disciplinary panel to publish its decisions and written reasons in full following the hearing.”Only one player who has faced racism allegations, Gary Ballance, remains on Yorkshire’s books, although he has not played all season and remains on open-ended leave because of mental health issues, his return seemingly more unlikely with every passing month.Ballance has apologised for using the term “P**i” in conversations with Azeem Rafiq, whose whistle-blowing last year laid bare the full extent of Yorkshire’s ills, but he has insisted the context was not racist and was intended as “banter”. Others have also vigorously denied culpability.Two former coaches, Andrew Gale and Richard Pyrah, are among those currently pursuing claims for wrongful dismissals following the mass removal of 16 members of the Yorkshire staff. Earlier this month, they were among six members of the coaching staff who won the right for their case to be heard at a full employment tribunal in Leeds in the autumn. Judicial mediation will now take place before an employment judge in an effort to broker an agreement ahead of any tribunal hearing.Former players who have faced allegations include three former England players, Michael Vaughan, Matthew Hoggard and Tim Bresnan. Vaughan and Bresnan have repeatedly denied making racist remarks to Rafiq, and Bresnan called time on his career at Warwickshire before the start of this season. Hoggard phoned Rafiq to apologise for how his remarks had been interpreted and Rafiq said that that his apology had been accepted.Yorkshire’s new regime have made it clear that their ability to respond could be limited by the refusal of those in charge at the time to provide information. As co-operation is unlikely – even somewhat unwelcome for a new Board that is committed to promoting diversity – they may have little option but to subtly distance themselves from the outcome.They responded: “For clarity, YCCC notes that the allegations relate to charges as far back as 2004 up until 2021 and the Club will need the cooperation of those in position during this time in order to fully consider and respond to the matters raised.”Unless and until that cooperation by those with first-hand knowledge and responsibility during the relevant period is forthcoming, the Club is not able to comment on the investigation, evidence, report or charges but will, of course, continue to fully cooperate with the CDC throughout this process.”Rafiq welcomed the ECB’s announcement, saying he hoped “we can move to the hearing quickly”. “This has been another gruelling but unfortunately necessary process,” Rafiq said. “It has been a long two years since I went public about my experiences, but I hope this all means that no young player ever goes through such pain and alienation again. My preference would be for this hearing to take place publicly, but I am hopeful that we are at least nearing a point where there will be some sense of closure for my family and me.”

One member of Daniel Farke’s Leeds United squad is set to depart Elland Road this January, it has emerged, as he seeks opportunities elsewhere.

Leeds slip up in Championship

Costly errors from goalkeeper Illan Meslier meant that Leeds were held to a 3-3 draw by Hull City in their most recent outing, allowing Burnley and Sheffield United to close the gap at the top of the Championship to just a single point.

Statistic

League Rank

Goals Scored

48

1st

Goals conceded

19

3rd

Wins

15

2nd

Losses

3

2nd

Goal difference

+29

1st

Like last season, it is proving to be a tight affair at the top of England’s second tier, with at least one of the three mentioned sides certain to miss out on automatic promotion come the end of the campaign, a fate that Leeds suffered last season.

However, Farke’s side look better equipped for promotion this season despite their firesale over the summer, with the Whites boasting the third-best defence in the division as well as the best attack.

Despite this, Farke was adamant that his side could not just “cruise” through the Championship for the remainder of the campaign.

“Overall you have to say it’s a sign of what we are – we are not the finished product which cruises through this league. We are one of the youngest sides in the league and we don’t play without making mistakes.

“A more experienced side at 3-1 up would have kept the ball and maybe scored a fourth goal but we allowed ourselves to not be switched on.”

With the January transfer window now here, Farke and the 49ers can add new blood to their ranks if they see fit, but a departure seems the most likely deal to be completed first.

Forward to leave Leeds this January

That comes as journalist Darren Witcoop claimed that forward Joe Gelhardt will be leaving Leeds this month, at least temporarily. The 22-year-old has featured just twice in the Championship so far this campaign, with Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford all preferred to the youngster by Farke.

He has not even been a part of a matchday squad since October, and his two substitute appearances have totalled just nine minutes of action, leaving a move away inevitable.

According to the report, he “will leave Leeds on loan this month”, with Gelhardt still having two and a half years left to run on his £15,000 a week deal at Elland Road.

He has been praised by Farke this season despite his lack of opportunities, with the Leeds boss explaining that he is “a really top-class human being and he’s a quality player”.

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Though set to leave, where he will head remains unclear, with Witcoop adding that “several Championship clubs have registered an interest”, while there have been “enquiries also from overseas” in his services.

For his part, Gelhardt is reportedly “weighing his future up” as he looks for regular first-team opportunities in a bid to ignite his career.

Last week Arsenal’s chances of winning the Carabao Cup were dented big time by Alexander Isak.

No one should really be surprised by that. The Swede is one of the most in-form players in Europe right having scored ten goals in his last nine matches across all competitions.

The Gunners have regularly been linked with his services and he showed Mikel Arteta and Co exactly what they were missing by scoring at the Emirates. Arteta even admitted after the game that it showed what can happen when you have “real quality” at the top end of the pitch.

So, the club’s head coach is all too aware that the forward line needs boasting but you do get a sense that they will hope to get by with what they already have.

The trouble is that their best player in Bukayo Saka is going to be out for some time with a hamstring injury and his deputy, Ethan Nwaneri, is now also injured. It’s all rather typical.

Arsenal's transfer shortlist in 2025

As you would expect at this time of the year, there have been plenty of rumours surrounding who could enter the Emirates Stadium this year.

The most prominent of names is Isak but with Newcastle reportedly demanding a fee of something close to £150m, that isn’t an easy deal.

Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao has been touted over the last two transfer windows.

Over the summer he was only moving if dream club Barcelona came calling and this January, the Gunners may have to make him one of their top earners to get him out of Spain. That said, Arteta ‘wants to sign’ the player this month.

This January is already about taking market opportunities and two of them are set to pass them by. Whether there was any interest, however, is unknown.

Indeed, red-hot Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush is close to a move to Manchester City while Napoli’s Georgian superstar winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia looks as though he’s on his way to PSG.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

So, where else could they turn to in 2025?

Arsenal's best Nico Williams alternative

Reports prior to Christmas suggested that Arsenal had approached the representatives of AC Milan sensation Rafael Leao regarding a possible move.

A formal offer was not made but it was made clear that Leao is far more likely to move in the summer.

Boasting an almighty release clause of £145m, a move could be made cheaper and more attainable by his rocky relationship with new head coach Paulo Fonseca.

Arsenal supporters might well be saddened to hear another move being played down as a potential summer opportunity but the fact of the matter is that signing new players in January is difficult.

The Gunners will lose out big time in the back end of this season but it’s clear they are set to attack the summer window hard.

By luring Leao away from the San Siro, he could well be a better addition than both Isak and Williams.

Supporters will, of course, look at Isak’s numbers and wonder why he isn’t the best signing. You can certainly make a case that he should be the number one priority. He’s Premier League-proven and can’t stop scoring.

That said, Arsenal have shown they can challenge and score plenty of goals with Kai Havertz in the team. In 2023/24, he scored eight goals and assisted seven in just 18 outings. Even this term he’s got eight in 21 which isn’t a bad tally at all.

Of course, the Gunners need more goals but they perhaps lack more quality in wide areas. Saka is the only consistent player in that regard with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard having contributed a combined ten goals and five assists. For context, that’s seven fewer than Saka’s overall tally.

On that evidence, Arsenal need an explosive winger and in Leao – a “world-beater” in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, they’d have the perfect profile.

Further described as a a player who’s like an “early Thierry Henry”, in the words of Milan coach Stefano Pioli, cutting inside from the left and beating defenders for fun, his output is certainly better than Williams. Here’s how the two compare based on their numbers across 2023/24 and 2024/25.

Matches

50

48

Goals

12

6

Assists

13

14

Shot-creating actions *

4.93

5.01

Take-on success *

50.7%

41.6%

Progressive carries

5.57

5.81

Carries into final 3rd

3.39

2.96

Key passes

2.20

1.98

Progressive passes

4.13

2.83

As we can see, the two are pretty similar players. They love to carry the ball and take players on and they both love to create.

That being said, it’s Leao who is the more regular scorer, it’s the Milan star who takes players on more efficiently and it’s the Portuguese sensation who makes more key passes and progressive passes. That all suggests he could be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to improving Arsenal’s attacking output on the left hand-side of the pitch.

Arsenal – 44%

Arsenal – 32%

Everton – 41%

Ipswich – 34%

Brentford – 39%

Everton – 35%

West Ham – 38%

Brentford – 35%

Southampton – 38%

Chelsea – 35%

In the Premier League this term, they are the team who attack down the left the fewest times but signing a player like Leao would balance the team out and provide more high-percentage opportunities for the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Havertz to score from.

Perhaps he is the answer instead of Isak and Williams in the summer.

Arsenal in the race to sign £42m sensation who's "very similar" to Gyokeres

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Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has expressed his doubts over Marcus Rashford sealing a permanent move to Aston Villa.

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Rashford on loan in the MidlandsHas impressed in early appearancesFoster unsure they will pay upFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Rashford joined Villa on loan from United in January and has impressed in his initial appearances for the club. The 27-year-old has scored three goals and registered four assists in 12 games, but ex-United goalkeeper Foster has cast doubt on whether he will remain in the Midlands beyond the end of the season.

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Foster believes Rashford does not have the physical capacity to hold the ball up, citing an example after he came on as a substitute against Nottingham Forest, and he has questioned whether Villa will be willing to trigger the £40 million ($51m) option baked into his loan deal.

WHAT FOSTER SAID

Foster told the Fozcast, via the Mirror:  "I don't know if Rashford is going to be the answer. When he came on in the Forest game the other day, they were 2-0 up at the time and I was thinking, 'What would Rashford's objectives be here?'

"I think when Emery brought him on, he would've said, 'right Marcus, we're 2-0 up and Forest had some good chances in that first half. I'm going to need you to get hold of the ball for me. I'm going to need you to try and get it down and get us up the pitch'.

"There were a couple of times where they went long to him, and he was not willing to stick his head up there. He's not willing to get hurt physically and the ball just came back."

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Rashford will hope to be involved when Villa face PSG in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday evening.

Bracey combines with Ryan Higgins to lead recovery at Cheltenham

ECB Reporters Network25-Jul-2022Northamptonshire 30 for 0 trail Gloucestershire 317 (Bracey 79, Dent 54, Higgins 50) by 287 runsJames Bracey gave a reminder of the ability that earned him an England Test cap as Gloucestershire posted 317 all out on the opening day of the LV= Insurance County Championship match with Northamptonshire at Cheltenham College.The 25-year-old left-hander top scored with 79 off 137 balls, receiving excellent support from Ryan Higgins in a sixth-wicket stand of 110, which rescued their side from 167 for 5 after winning the toss.Offspinner Rob Keogh was the most successful Northants bowler with 3 for 61. By the close of a day packed with attacking batting and wickets aplenty for a sizable festival crowd, the visitors had replied with 30 without loss from 12 overs.Play began under heavily overcast skies and a disappointing festival for Marcus Harris continued when Jack White clipped the top of the Australian’s stumps with the total on 11.Related

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Wayne Madsen turns the tables before Anuj Dal, Mattie McKiernan take command for Derbyshire

Ollie Pope sets Surrey's tone before tail-end stand secures precious lead

Ollie Price looked in good touch helping Chris Dent add 50 for the second wicket, but the 21-year-old departed in disappointing fashion having made 23, bowled off stump looking to hit a delivery from James Sales through midwicket.Dent was unbeaten on 49 when lunch was taken at 112 for 2. Rain delayed the resumption by 25 minutes before the experienced opener moved to fifty off 89 balls. Another poor shot cost Dent his wicket on 54, edging an attempted cut off Ben Sanderson to second slip where Will Young pouched a sharp catch.It was 122 for 3 and four runs later Miles Hammond fell for 25, nicking a defensive shot off Tom Taylor through to wicketkeeper Lewis McManus. Graeme van Buuren got off the mark with a sumptuous cover driven four off Taylor, but made only 14 before chasing a wide ball from Keogh and directing the ball straight to Simon Kerrigan at cover.Gloucestershire were in a hole when Higgins joined Bracey. The allrounder made a somewhat manic start to his innings, but gradually settled down to play some fine shots. Higgins lifted Kerrigan over long-on for six before the more studied Bracey reached only his second half-century in 16 Championship innings, having faced 82 deliveries.It was exactly the approach Gloucestershire required and allowed Higgins freedom to play his shots as they took the score to 250 for 5 at tea.Higgins went to fifty with a sweep off Keogh for his fifth four, but tried to repeat the shot next ball and was pinned lbw, having faced 79 balls. Bracey, who had produced a string of elegant cover drives, continued to accumulate without alarm and Zafar Gohar kept the tempo of Gloucestershire’s innings high with a pulled six off Sales.Gohar was given a life on nine when top-edging a similar shot and dropped by Taylor at square leg, a tricky chance running away from the pitch. Having played with such assurance, Bracey fell to another ill-judged shot, aiming a big hit to leg off Keogh and miscuing a catch to cover. Gohar quickly followed, well caught by the diving Kerrigan at fine leg off Sales for a frantic 19.Tom Price hit Kerrigan for a straight six before the second new ball was taken at 317 for eight. He fell lbw to White in the first over with it and when Zak Chappell was bowled having a swing at Sanderson, Gloucestershire had lost their last five wickets for 40 runs in somewhat kamikaze fashion.By contrast, Northants openers Will Young and Emilio Gay adopted a no-risks policy to see out a potentially tricky period before the close.