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Manchester United are "exploring" other ways they could do a deal for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, with Amad Diallo potentially being sent out on loan to the Italian club, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest on Rasmus Hojlund to Man United?

Sheth has recently told GiveMeSport that it looks like Hojlund is now Man United's number one striker target, however there are "question marks" about whether he would be able to come straight in and be the first-choice striker at Old Trafford.

Fabrizio Romano reports that personal terms have never been an issue, as the Dane is "very keen" on a move to United, but there is yet to be an offer made, and Paris Saint-Germain have also made an enquiry about the forward.

The Red Devils believe they will be able to get a deal done for around £50m this summer, although the deal may have to wait until the Glazers sell the club, with Erik ten Hag working under a strict budget due to financial fair play considerations.

Speaking live on Sky Sports, Sheth has now confirmed that United are looking at other ways to sign the 20-year-old, which could potentially reduce the transfer fee.

The reporter said: "There seems to be a willingness and a cautious optimism that maybe a deal can be struck, because I think United are getting encouraging signs, rather like with Onana, that Hojlund would want to make that move to Old Trafford.

"Diallo actually joined United from Atalanta a couple of seasons ago, so definitely one to watch, but United, without being confident, I think the direction of travel suggests that talks are going positively over Hojlund."

How many goals does Hojlund have for Atalanta?

After joining the Serie A club last season, the starlet went on to enjoy a solid, if not spectacular, start to life in Italy, scoring ten goals in 34 appearances in all competitions, while also registering two assists.

Although those numbers do not suggest he would immediately be a huge success at Old Trafford, football scout Jacek Kulig believes the youngster has a great deal of potential, having described him as an "absolute monster in the making."

The Denmark international has slightly under-peformed his expected goals over the past year, and he has struggled to create many chances for his teammates, ranking in just the 41st percentile for assists per 90, when compared to his positional peers.

It could be a sensible decision to use Diallo in the negotiations, to give the youngster what would hopefully be another full season of first-team football, but they will have to be patient with Hojlund, as he too is still developing.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson, as Julen Lopetegui aims to strengthen his squad this summer.

The Spaniard agreed to the sale of Nathan Collins earlier this month, gaining £23m and a vacancy in the dressing room to equip a fresh face in central defence.

Could Wolves sign Victor Nelsson?

As reported by Norwegian outlet Ekstra Bladet, Wolves are named as one of the clubs ‘fighting’ for the centre-back, with Tottenham Hotspur also named.

The report claims that the Turkish champions will want €25m (£21m) for their defender, who is believed to favour a move to the Premier League.

How good is Victor Nelsson?

Hailed as “exemplary” and “superb” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 24-year-old has shone in his rise to being a first-choice defender in Turkey.

The centre-back made the switch from his home country to the Super Lig in the summer of 2021, signing for the Lions from FC Copenhagen after initially beginning his career at Nordsjælland.

Now, the Norwegian has captured the eye of the Premier League for his performances over the years, posing as a potential replenishment for Lopetegui to make to his squad in order to strengthen at the back.

In 33 Super Lig appearances last season, Nelsson contributed to 15 clean sheets as an influential presence in defence in Galatasaray’s title-winning campaign.

Winning 57% of his total duels with an average of 4.5 per game, the 6 foot “monster”, as lauded by Kulig, could be the perfect talent to partner Max Kilman at Molineux should he make the switch this summer.

The future of the Englishman in the Midlands was questioned this window, following interest from Spurs and a failed bid from Italian champions Napoli.

Praised as “commanding” by writer Joe Davis, the 26-year-old has been backed to be the spine of Lopetegui’s defence, with the Spaniard desperate to keep hold of the impressive central defender amidst that hefty interest.

Averaging 1.91 blocks per 90 in the league last season, the Londoner ranked in the top 10% of centre-backs in the Premier League in this area, via FBref, highlighting the importance of his presence at Molineux.

The 26-year-old also made an average of 0.98 tackles and 0.52 interceptions per 90 last season, recording numbers similar to that of Wolves’ reported target to partner him at the back.

As per Sofascore, Nelsson averaged 1.0 interceptions and 0.8 tackles per game in the Super Lig, being the saviour in Galatasaray’s defence with him only being dribbled past an average of 0.2 times per game.

Another area of expertise that the two centre-backs possess is their reliability on the ball and assured distribution, communicated by their high success rate of attempted passes.

As per FBref, the Englishman maintained a pass completion rate of 83.0% last season, similar to that of the Norwegian who averaged an impressive 86% in Turkey to highlight the rounded factors to his game.

In locking down the future of Kilman and signing Nelsson, Lopetegui could have a youthful defence operating in their prime years at Molineux, with the two men being assured figures on the ball.

A new possible transfer target has emerged for German head coach Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool during the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

According to Foot Mercato, the Reds are one of the teams named as a potential suitor for Zenit attacker Malcom ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the Premier League side 'appreciates his profile' and that the Brazilian forward is expected to move on from the Russian club over the coming months.

French giants Paris Saint-Germain were interested in signing the 26-year-old dynamo during the January transfer window and the player is said to be hoping that they come back in for his services this time around.

Liverpool have made two additions to their squad so far this summer as Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have arrived to bolster their options in midfield, with this latest rumour suggesting that the attack could also be strengthened.

What happened to Malcom at Barcelona?

The Zenit winger joined Barcelona for an initial fee of €41m (£35m) in 2018 and only made six LaLiga starts, in which he plundered one goal to go along with two assists, as the exciting attacker failed to nail down a regular starting berth.

His disappointing debut campaign with the Spanish giants led to him joining his current club in the summer of 2019, where the two-cap Brazil international has been able to thrive on the pitch.

Malcom's incredible form for Zenit last season suggests that the potential is there for him, as a left-footed right winger, to be a dream alternative to Mohamed Salah for Klopp at Anfield.

There is no doubt that the Egypt international is the manager's star attacker as the former Chelsea man registered 19 goals and 12 assists in 37 Premier League starts, with no other Liverpool player able to match his tally in either statistic.

The 31-year-old superstar also topped the charts for league goals (23) and assists (13) for the Reds during the 2021/22 campaign, which highlights his importance to the side as their main attacking threat.

Malcom, whose season was described as "sensational" by journalist Graeme Bailey, showcased his quality with a staggering 23 goals and seven assists in 27 Premier Liga appearances last term.

The 26-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.95, which would have placed him top of the Liverpool squad, and created 2.3 chances per match for his teammates – a tally on Trent Alexander-Arnold (2.8) bettered for Klopp's men, which indicates that the former Bordeaux gem could be a terrific rotational player for the English giants.

Therefore, the £108k-per-week phenomenon has been a prolific scorer and creator for the Russian outfit, whilst also being able to deliver consistently exceptional performances from the right wing.

Given his struggles with Barcelona, it is hard to judge whether or not Malcom is capable of replicating his exceptional displays in a major European league. Although, the goalscoring whiz is five years older than he was at the time of the move to Spain, which could mean that the maturity is there for him to handle another big transfer this time around.

His outstanding contributions for Zenit in recent seasons suggest that the potential is there for him to be a delightful alternative option to Salah, for Klopp to use in cup competitions or as a rotation option in the Premier League, as a left-footed right winger who can score and create chances on a regular basis.

This is why Liverpool must take a calculated gamble on the former Barcelona prospect this summer with the hope that his performances translate to success in England.

With West Brom currently the subject of a takeover bid, expert Dr Daniel Plumley has weighed in with his verdict on the current proceedings to West Brom News and reports that there are no legal issues for the club's supporters to be worried about.

What is the latest on a potential West Brom takeover?

The Baggies are currently led by Lai Guochuan, although his tenure in charge has become the subject of anger from large sections of the club's fanbase. After a recent incident that involved the Championship side not speaking out about the club's finances, it has led to further annoyance from the Hawthorns faithful. They are rightfully unhappy with the leadership of the club and that has led to Action 4 Albion – a fan group – holding meetings over the future of the side.

That future may lie away from Lai. A recent meeting between the group and Mark Miles, one of the board's executives, led to the revelation that they could be open to a potential sale of West Brom. It means that new owners could soon be found, and that could come in the form of Chris Farnell and Mohamed El-Kashashy. The two have joined forces to try and buy a stake in the Baggies, with talks underway, and that initial purchase could eventually see them completely take over the reins at the Hawthorns.

What has Daniel Plumley said about the West Brom takeover?

No official takeover has been completed yet though and the group are yet to buy the stake they want in the Championship side. However, it doesn't appear to be a fault of either Farnell or El-Kashashy, with Daniel Plumley revealing that there is nothing to be worried about in terms of the legal side of proceedings with the new bidders.

Speaking via West Brom News, he stated that whilst there is bound to be a worry over fresh parties coming into the club amongst the fans, there are no "legal issues" to worry about when it comes to the prospective buyers.

Speaking about the potential deal, he said: "It’s almost well is that better than what they have currently? Because what they have currently is an absolute nightmare of a situation with the outstanding loan and the owner, the toxic relationship it has been at times.

"When somebody else steps in, there are perhaps some questions around their history as well, and there will be things there, (but) there are no kind of legal issues behind that."

His comments imply that West Brom supporters have every right to be concerned over potential interest in the side considering the trials and tribulations they've been through. However, it appears that things are looking up when it comes to these new buyers – although for now, no deal has been completed.

Sunderland are eyeing up a move for soon-to-be free agent Morgan Fox, according to reports.

What’s the latest Sunderland transfer news?

The Black Cats and Tony Mowbray appear to be on the search for more summer signings following a successful first season back in the Championship which saw the reach the playoffs.

Jobe Bellingham, Luis Semedo and Nectarios Triantis have all already penned terms at The Stadium of Light, and it looks as if the club are interested in adding to their attacking ranks even further with a move for former loanee Elis Simms.

Reports have suggested that Sunderland and Ipswich Town have made bids for the Everton forward, with a decision to be made soon on his future. However, alongside Simms, another target has now emerged on the club’s radar in Fox.

According to Football League World, Sunderland are one of four second-tier sides who are interested in signing Fox over the coming months.

The defender is set to officially become a free agent when his Stoke City contract expires at the end of the month, with Sunderland, Birmingham City, Queens Park Rangers and Rotherham United all keen on a move.

Who is Morgan Fox?

Fox is primarily a left-back but can also turn out as a centre-back if required and is valued at €700,000 by Transfermarkt. The 29-year-old has represented a number of Football League sides throughout his career, making more than 100 appearances for both Charlton Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday.

The £10,000-a-week defender has spent the majority of his career in the Championship, turning out in the division on 239 occasions – 40 of which came during the 2022/23 campaign.

Fox has played against Sunderland on two occasions and has won both meetings, and due to his experience and versatility, could prove to be a smart signing. Mowbray has a shortage of left-backs as well, with just Dennis Cirkin his only senior option, which further highlights how a transfer could be a shrewd one, and by the looks of it, it could be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.

Liverpool have strongly been linked with a move for Micky van de Ven this summer and now a new update has emerged on the player's price tag.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Micky van de Ven?

According to German news outlet WAZ (via Sport Witness), Liverpool will need to meet a price tag of €30m (£26m) to secure the signing of the VfL Wolfsburg centre-back this summer.

As per the report, it is claimed that no offer has been tabled for the player at this point but the Reds have been keen on securing a deal for some time, with Van de Ven also interested in a move away from Germany.

Should Liverpool sign a defender this summer?

It is no secret that a much-needed midfield rebuild has become the highest priority for Jurgen Klopp and his new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke this summer, but there is also a good opportunity to strengthen the defensive set-up too.

Joel Matip will be in the last 12 months of his contract when Premier League football resumes in August, whilst Virgil van Dijk will turn 32 this summer, so although the immediate future may not be threatened in the back line it will be vital not to repeat mistakes made in the centre of the pitch where quality had dwindled over last season.

Indeed, Ibrahima Konate has been showing strong signs he is a worthy successor to replace Matip when he eventually departs and has earned growing trust from the German coach to start in important games, however, finding him a partner for the future of the centre-back partnership would be advantageous.

As a result, FSG must sanction the signing of Van de Ven this summer as he could not only bolster the quality options available to Klopp next season but also build a strong partnership with Konate too.

Over 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, the 22-year-old titan – who is "dominant" in the eyes of scout Jacek Kulig – tallied up an 88% pass completion rate, kept 11 clean sheets and successfully completed 70% of his dribbles, proving himself to be a front foot defender.

Not just competent in possession, he averaged 1.4 tackles, 3.1 clearances and won 3.8 duels per game, proving he is a huge presence on the pitch.

Not only that, Liverpool currently only have right-footed centre-back options in their squad, which means that Van de Ven could be a hugely valuable asset to Klopp next season as the Dutchman is left-footed and could provide a previously unseen balance in the back-line alongside Konate.

The Liverpool defender boasts strengths in tackling, successful take-ons and aerial duels won – ranking in the top 21% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues over the last 12 months – using his towering 6 foot 3 stature to dominate opponents.

Meanwhile, Van de Ven is much stronger winning ground duels (60%), whilst ranking in the top 15% for progressive carries, successful take-ons and progressive passes received, demonstrating that he is better on the ground and is much more progressive when in possession.

With that being said, the signing of Van de Ven would be a major piece of business for Liverpool as he offers something different to Konate and combining the defensive duo could form a deadly pairing that could dominate at Anfield for years to come.

Having been clouted to all parts of Centurion, the Wanderers and Durban, Australia’s punch-drunk bowlers will be seeking some respite in Port Elizabeth

The Preview by Daniel Brettig08-Oct-2016Match factsOctober 9, 2016
Start time 1000 local (0800 GMT)Big pictureHaving been clouted to all parts of Centurion, the Wanderers, and most brutally in Durban, Australia’s punch-drunk bowlers will be seeking some respite in Port Elizabeth. Equally, Steven Smith, the touring captain, will be eager to add some respectability to a series score line that is as stark as the contrast between crestfallen Australia and jubilant South Africa on Wednesday night at Kingsmead.Unfortunately for Smith, and coach Darren Lehmann, Australia’s options for an improved line-up are slim. Scott Boland arrived as one of the more experienced members of the attack, but was promptly dropped after game one, while Joe Mennie’s fast-medium pace also lasted only one match before he was shuffled back out. The spectre of defeat invariably leads to players starting to think of their own positions in the team, and it will be critical for Lehmann and Smith to ensure minds remain focused on the task.Lehmann has stated that he believes the biggest problem for Australia’s bowlers has been an inability to replicate training patterns under the spotlight of crowds, television cameras and confident opponents, something for assistant coach David Saker, and Ryan Harris, the bowling assistant, to ponder.”We’ve got to find a way to get some early wickets and put some pressure back on South Africa, and at the moment, we’re not doing that,” Lehmann said after Durban. “And we’re not doing the good things that we do in the nets and taking them out into the middle in front of a packed house. At the end of the day, the blokes have trained really well and prepared well, and bowled really well in the nets, but international cricket is quite pressurised. They’ve just got to get used to that.”For South Africa, Port Elizabeth will be about seeking to avoid a let-down following the heights of Kingsmead and the sealing of the series. Acting captain Faf du Plessis appeared somewhat shocked to have been on the winning end of that match, something for which he had David Miller to thank, with a century that was scored having picked up a groin injury that has proved bad enough to leave him sidelined. The hosts will also be mindful of trying to keep Australia’s batsmen under slightly more control than they managed in game three, even if a mighty total ultimately proved inadequate.Form guideSouth Africa: WWWWL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Australia: LLLWWIn the spotlightEarly in South Africa’s chase in Durban, Quinton de Kock was subjected to plenty of verballing by the Australians in reference to a slow start that was soaking up balls. That baiting seemed primarily to wake de Kock from his initial slumber, and he went on to hammer 70 from a mere 49 balls to get South Africa off to the start they needed to stand a chance. Off the back of his punishing 178 in the opening game, his wicket looms as vital to Australia’s chances.John Hastings’ reputation for miserly spells has taken something of a hit in recent days, as he has not been able to quell South Africa’s scoring in ways that he has previously managed against other teams. As the most experienced member of the bowling attack on tour, Hastings will be expected to step up in Port Elizabeth and lead a better collective display.Teams newsThe groin injury which Miller sustained during his monumental matchwinning hundred will keep him out of the rest of the series which is likely to mean a recall for Farhaan Behardien. The rest of the recast batting order, which made room for Hashim Amla by shuffling Rilee Rossouw down the order, can be expected to be retained. Dale Steyn, however, may be rested now that the series is decided as could Kagiso Rabada with the possibility of playing an extra spinner.South Africa (possible): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Hashim Amla, 3 Faf du Plessis (capt), 4 Rilee Rossouw, 5 JP Duminy, 6 Farhaan Behardien , 7 Dwaine Pretorius, 8 Andile Phehlukwayo, 9 Dale Steyn/Kyle Abbott, 10 Kagiso Rabada/Aaron Phangiso, 11 Imran TahirScott Boland may be in line for a recall by Australia’s tour selectors, after the bowling attack was hard-hit once again in Durban. Usman Khawaja is also waiting for his next chance.Australia: (possible): 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch, 3 Steve Smith (capt), 4 George Bailey, 5 Travis Head, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Mathew Wade (wk), 8 John Hastings, 9 Adam Zampa, 10 Chris Tremain, 11 Daniel Worrall/Scott BolandPitch and conditionsSpin, and pace off the ball will likely play a role on one of South Africa’s slower pitches. The weather forecast for Port Elizabeth is for fine conditions, with periods of cloud cover.Stats and trivia Australia have won four of the seven ODI encounters between the two teams at Port Elizabeth, though South Africa have won the two most recent contests, in 2009 and 2011 Australia haven’t lost four matches in an ODI series since England won 4-0 with one match rained out in 2012Quotes”I think we worked out we’re taking pretty much seven of our first-choice one-day team out of the bowling attack, and when you go through that it’s some high-quality bowling. But it’s an opportunity for the young guys to learn, to learn quickly and learn what they need to do to step up in international cricket. At the moment, we’re failing in that and they’ve got to get better.”

Middlesex 242 and 63 for 0 lead Warwickshire 172 (Westwood 81, Rayner 5-49) by 133 runs
ScorecardIan Westwood top-scored with 81 but his run out precipitated a collapse•Getty Images

At 122 for 2, with a second consecutive century seemingly well within the grasp of Ian Westwood and Ian Bell supporting him with dogged vigilance at the other end, Warwickshire might have quietly fancied themselves to defy Middlesex’s spinners and claim a first-innings lead.Then came a controversial run-out, which changed the course of the day, perhaps the match and may yet be seen as a critical moment in the destiny of this season’s Championship.Westwood was the victim, denied his just deserts in almost comical fashion. Bell drove towards mid-on, Ollie Rayner, the bowler, dived to his right in an attempt to cut it off and failed, but in doing so presented himself unwittingly as an obstacle to Westwood, who had answered Bell’s call for a single.Though stumbling, Westwood managed to stay on his feet, but by now Toby Roland-Jones had fielded at mid-on and was preparing to release the ball underarm towards the non-striker’s stumps. Bell changed his mind about the run and Westwood spun round but with Rayner still prostrate instinctively stopped in his tracks, by which time Roland-Jones had hit the target and the stranded batsman was cursing his luck.Back on his feet again, Rayner shrugged apologetically, while Bell spread his arms appealingly, looking in the direction of his opposite number, James Franklin, who quickly sought the counsel of the umpires. A discussion followed, prompting Westwood to delay his departure, but if consideration was given to withdrawing the appeal it was rejected and Westwood was sent on his way.The word from the officials later was that since there had been no wilful attempt to obstruct the batsman there was no reason to turn down the appeal. Inevitably, there were mutterings about the spirit of the game but in this instance there was no onus on Middlesex, for whom a win here could go a long way towards clinching a first title in 23 years, not to accept a slice of good fortune.Rayner admitted he was happy it was not his call to make as to whether Westwood should have been invited to remain.”I’m glad it wasn’t my decision but it is a bit of a funny one because if it had gone for one nothing would have been said,” he said. “As it is the ball was hit back at me and I tried to stop the one, and if you look at it on the camera it is after that has happened that they decide to take the run.”It is a shame when something like that makes such an impact on the game but a wicket is a prized thing in cricket, the umpires seemed okay with it and as far as we are concerned it is a legitimate run-out.”Westwood himself, though disappointed, regarded himself as a victim of misfortune – for the second day running, after being hit by the ball at short leg on day one – rather than anything more sinister. He had the consolation of another solid score and the prospect of a much better end to the season than its beginning, when a paltry 15 runs in his first five matches saw him dropped.”It was just one of those things,” he said. “Ollie was lying in front of me so it was impossible to get back, but I think the rule is that unless Ollie is deliberately impeding me, which he wasn’t, then the umpires have to give it out. Then it down to the opposition captain as to whether to uphold the appeal.”In any event, it could hardly be argued, as Warwickshire collapsed to 172 all out, that the next seven wickets were a matter of luck. Within four more overs, Ravi Patel, the left-arm spinner called in for his first match of the season, had dismissed Sam Hain and then Bell via catches by first slip and the wicketkeeper, and then Rayner, who is enjoying an excellent season, took five off the reel.He trapped Rikki Clarke in front, playing back, before Keith Barker gave him the charge and was stumped, then turned one sharply to bowl Jeetan Patel through the gate. Sam Robson took a fine catch at short leg to remove Chris Wright and Harry Podmore held on to a steepler on the run at mid-on as Josh Poysden completed the five.The haul takes him to 40 for the season, in sight of the 46 wickets he accumulated in 2013, his best year so far. “It has been a good year, the pitches have been a little bit better and I think I know my game a bit better but I’m not trying to get ahead of myself,” he said. “I’m just trying to get the ball in good areas. If you bowl a lot of overs there is a fair chance of getting a few wickets and that’s what has happened.”Rain is forecast for Saturday, but after Robson and Nick Gubbins added 63 to the lead for no loss, Middlesex have an advantage of 133 and a productive morning would see them well placed to advance the match before any bad weather arrives.

يحل فريق برشلونة، مساء يوم السبت، ضيفًا على خصمه ديبورتيفو ألافيس في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني.

ويستضيف ملعب “مينديزوروزا” مباراة الفريقين والتي تأتي في إطار لقاءات الجولة الثالثة والعشرين من الليجا، 2023/24.

ويحتل برشلونة حاليًا المركز الرابع برصيد 47 نقطة، في حين أن ألافيس لديه 26 نقطة في المركز الحادي عشر.

وفاز برشلونة في مباراة الدور الأول من الدوري الإسباني ضد ألافيس بهدفين مقابل هدف، على ملعب “مونتجويك”.

مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة برشلونة وديبورتيفو ألافيس في الدوري الإسباني موعد مباراة برشلونة وألافيس اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

من المقرر أن تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 7:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 8:30 بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة برشلونة وألافيس اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN Sports HD 1. معلق مباراة برشلونة وألافيس اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

سيعلق عامر الخوذيري على أحداث المباراة.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

Nottinghamshire admit they face a fight to keep Alex Hales after two other clubs made approaches for the player.While Hales may appear an unlikely target in some ways – as an England opener in all three formats, his availability for county cricket is limited – such is his ability in white ball cricket, in particular, that he could prove a huge asset in a relaunched T20 competition which might well, sooner or later, become the centrepiece of the domestic season.That has quickened the interest of Essex, for one, a county with sharpened ambition under the cricket chairmanship of Ronnie Irani.Hales is out of contract at Nottinghamshire at the end of the season and, as things stand, the club have not opened contract talks with the player.”We want Alex to stay,” Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire’s director of cricket, told ESPNcricinfo. “But we haven’t wanted to clog his mind with contract talk when he is trying to earn an England contract. We have had a couple of approaches for him from other clubs but, as an England player, people may wonder how much they are going to see of him.”His game has matured. He has come to terms with practice. His general approach has improved through being around guys like Alastair Cook and Joe Root and he has learned a lot about how to prepare.”It was a brave decision not to play at the start of the year. I admire that. He gave others the chance to perform and Sam Robson and Adam Lyth did that. But apart from England, he has played pretty much non-stop for three years with the Big Bash and Notts and he felt he needed a break. It was a ballsy decision.”With Hales largely unavailable to Nottinghamshire anyway, the club have made moves to find a replacement batsman. As well as confirming they had made an approach for Warwickshire’s Varun Chopra. Essex are interested here, too. Newell also hinted they had interest in the Durham pair of Scott Borthwick and Mark Stoneman.”We have put in a 28-day approach for Chopra,” Newell said. “And we have put in 28-day approaches for the top order batsmen who are available. We’ve made contact with those counties.”Meanwhile, Newell rated Warwickshire as “the best team” in Division One of the Championship and said they had “every chance” of lifting the trophy at the end of the season. Accepting that his side were “on the wrong end of the game” he admitted he had some relief when rain saw the final day abandoned at around lunch time.”Warwickshire have so much experience and they don’t have the same injuries as Yorkshire,” he said. “Rikki Clarke is an outstanding bowler these days and Boyd Rankin is bowling very quickly. And with Trott and Bell available all the time… I think Warwickshire might be the best team.”Newell also said he hoped that Stuart Broad, who is keen to return to the England white ball teams, would be released by England to play in Nottinghamshire’s T20 match against Durham on Friday – and suggested that Jake Ball should also feature.Hales is already confirmed to play in the Championship match that starts at Trent Bridge on Sunday and has expressed his desire to play in both. Imran Tahir, who lands on Friday morning – having flown from the Caribbean – is also expected to play on Friday night.Ball did not reappear on the third day of Nottinghamshire’s Championship game at Edgbaston having carried a heavy workload on the second day. Although he reported a sore elbow, Newell said he would have been fine to bowl had a couple of wickets been required for victory.”He’s been in the 12 for the last three Tests,” Newell, who is also an England selector, said. “There are question marks over Jimmy Anderson so Ball has to have a fine chance of being in the 12 and possibly making his debut.”He surpassed what we even expected from him here. He bowled with exceptional pace; as quick as I’ve seen from him. He’s up to mid to high 80s, I think.”I was a bit concerned before this game as he hadn’t bowled much over the previous few weeks, but he’s done very well. He has a lovely action, he has worked hard in the gym and he feels ever more confident in the England environment. I’m sure he’ll play Test cricket.”With a Test debut at Lord’s highly likely – England look resigned to being without Anderson or Ben Stokes – Ball may well be rested from Nottinghamshire’s next Championship game with an eye to keeping him fresh for his Test debut. They will have Broad, Tahir and Harry Gurney back for that game.”If Jake is going to get a Test call, we want him going into the best shape possible,” Newell said. “We will look at Jake’s workload with the prospect of giving him a rest. He has bowled an awful lot.”