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Burnley outscored every other team en route to finishing as winners of the Championship this past season, but Vincent Kompany is ready to add to his attacking options ahead of embarking on his first season as a Premier League manager.

Queens Park Rangers striker Lyndon Dykes is being eyed up by the Clarets, according to the Daily Mail, and he could bring something a little different to Turf Moor should he arrive.

Who is Burnley target Lyndon Dykes?

Dykes spent the first seven years of his career in his native Australia and Scotland – whom he now represents at international level – before being given a break in English football with QPR in August 2020.

The 27-year-old finished his first season at the club as top scorer with 12 goals and a further five assists, and has scored eight goals in each of the past two Championship campaigns, the most recent of which was disrupted by a worrying health scare in January.

After returning from a two-month lay-off, Dykes made up for lost time with a strong end to the 2022/23 campaign, scoring twice in QPR's final six matches and being named Man of the Match by WhoScored in half of those games.

Dykes also has a respectable eight goals in 28 caps for Scotland, but there is more to his game than simply finding the net, as reflected in the 4.8 aerial duels won per game in the Championship last season – the most of any QPR player.

Do Burnley need a Chris Wood 2.0?

Alan Hutton previously described Dykes as a "focal point" that one of his previous clubs, Rangers, could have done with at a time they were being linked with the striker in 2020.

Given his size, with QPR's official website putting him down as 6 foot 2, there are obvious comparisons to be made with former Burnley player Wood, who himself measures in at 6 foot 3.

A career-wide comparison of the two players only highlights their similarities in terms of playing style. Sofascore gives Wood a rating of 62 for his attacking play compared to 61 for Dykes, while the pair are both rated at 44 for creativity, as per Sofascore.

However, it is the physical side of the game where they are really alike, with the New Zealand international ranking in the top 9% of strikers in Europe's top five leagues for aerials won per 90. Comparatively, Dykes ranks among the best 8% in the next eight best divisions for the same metric.

Wood reached double figures for goals in all four full Premier League seasons with Burnley, before earning a move to Newcastle United in January 2022, so he undoubtedly has more goalscoring quality than unproven Dykes.

Yet, for a player who is rated at a small fee of just £2m, according to Football Transfers, it is clear to see why Burnley are showing a reported interest in the Aussie-born forward.

For while Kompany has transformed Burnley's style of play in his first year in charge, bringing on Dykes from the bench could act as a perfect back-up plan next season.

Ahead of India’s home ODIs against New Zealand, captain MS Dhoni has said it is difficult to find players to slot into a finisher’s role

Arun Venugopal in Dharamsala15-Oct-20162:19

‘I can bat up the order in this team’ – Dhoni

Ahead of India’s home ODIs against New Zealand, captain MS Dhoni has said it is difficult to find players to slot into a finisher’s role. The nature of cricket in the subcontinent, he said, meant lower-order batsmen had few opportunities to get used to the pressure of finishing games.”You talked about [the examples of Jos] Buttler and [Glenn] Maxwell. You have to see consistent performances,” he said. “It [finishing] is one of the most difficult things to do in cricket. It’s not about six months or one year. You have to be used to that role and responsibility, and you have to have that self confidence to keep on doing what is required of you, usually over a period. Once you find a good finisher, they are the ones that will keep batting at that slot for 8-10 years.”I think one of the biggest challenge is that the cricket that we play in the subcontinent, more often than not, a finisher is someone who bats at 5, 6 7, to some extent, maybe No. 4. A lot of times in India, the lower order doesn’t get a chance to bat.Dhoni himself had made his reputation as a finisher but, with his striking power having dimmed over the last few years, he has indicated a preference for batting higher up the order; his reasoning is he can hold the innings together before hitting out in the end, while the batsman coming in at numbers 7 or 8 could go for the big hits from the start. He said the team management had identified a few players for the finisher’s spot, but refused to divulge their names so as to not put pressure on them.”It becomes more and more difficult for a youngster to come in and fill in that place. The reason being he may not get an opportunity, but you start counting opportunities – say if we are four or five down for 40 runs, it’ll be counted as a big opportunity by you. In 15-20 games, [the youngster] gets an opportunity like that and you expect the youngster to do well, score a 100-150; you say” ‘That was a perfect opportunity in front of you.'”Dhoni is averse to using the word “experimentation”, but with India having only eight ODIs to play before the 2017 Champions Trophy in England, he admitted to there being pressure to identify the best combination of players in a short span of time. When it was pointed out India had played 31 different players in ODIs since the World Cup 2015, Dhoni said that was a necessary exercise to look at new talent as well as rest key players.”Quite a few of them would have gone to Zimbabwe. All of a sudden, 14 or 15 were there and then a few injuries here and there… It’s not a realistic number but at the same time, there are a few individuals who we are very keen to see what they have on offer.”With the Indian team, it’s difficult to give chances, let’s be fair about it, because we have to win games while also looking at the process. So we try our best to do what is in favour of the result and the team at the same time. Now there’s slightly more pressure because we only have eight games. This is a season when we’ll play a lot of Test matches. It’s a different challenge, but we’re open [to experimenting] and we’ll use games in the best possible manner.”

حقق فريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي طرابزون سبور فوزًا هامًا على نظير بينديك سبور، بثنائية نظيفة في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن الجولة 26 من الدوري التركي.

شوط المباراة الأول انتهى بالتعادل السلبي، قبل أن تشهد الربع ساعة الأخيرة كل الإثارة في ملعب بينديك.

الدقيقة 75، جاء الهدف الأول عن طريق النجم المصري محمود حسن تريزيجيه، الذي تمكن من استغلال فشل دفاع بينديك في إبعاد الركنية ولمسها من داخل منطقة الجزاء في مرمى أصحاب الأرض.

طالع أيضًا.. تقييم تريزيجيه بعد تسجيله في مباراة طرابزون سبور وهاتاي بـ الدوري التركي

هدف تريزيجيه هو الثالث له على التوالي، بعدما سجل في المباراتين الماضيتين خلال بطولتي الكأس والدوري، منذ عودته من المشاركة مع مصر في أمم إفريقيا.

في الدقيقة 80 ضاعف ديستان النتيجة بالهدف الثاني، ليقتل المباراة، ويخطف طرابزون فوزًا هامًا للغاية على بينديك.

هذا الفوز رفع رصيد طرابزون إلى 43 نقطة في المركز الثالث بالدوري التركي، بينما بينديك ظل في المركز الثامن عشر بعدما تجمد رصيده عند 26 نقطة. أهداف مباراة طرابزون سبور وبينديك في الدوري التركي

R Sridhar is set to return as India’s fielding coach for the three-Test series against New Zealand

Arun Venugopal13-Sep-2016

R Sridhar is set to return as India’s fielding coach for the three-Test series against New Zealand. Sources confirmed Sridhar, who is currently in Australia with the India A team, will replace Abhay Sharma, and join the team in Kanpur for the first Test. The details of his contract, however, are understood to not have been finalised yet.It is learnt India coach Anil Kumble was keen on re-appointing Sridhar, whose contract came to an end in April after the World T20. “Kumble contacted Sridhar immediately after he took over as coach and advised him to wait till he came back from the West Indies and took a call [on Sridhar’s appointment],” a source familiar with the developments told ESPNcricinfo. “The BCCI sent an e-mail to the India A team manager late last evening asking Sridhar to report in Kanpur ahead of the first Test. Sridhar might have to leave midway through the second four-day Test between India A and Australia A from September 15 to 18.”While Abhay travelled with the team for the Zimbabwe and West Indies tours in a stop-gap capacity, BCCI president Anurag Thakur had said full-time appointments would be made before September 15. Sanjay Bangar, who went on both the tours, will continue as batting coach, while no bowling coach is expected to be appointed at least until the end of the New Zealand series.Sridhar and Bangar had begun their first stints as assistant coaches to Ravi Shastri, who was brought in as team director, during the limited-overs leg of the England tour in August 2014 after India had lost the Test series. Their contracts were first extended until the end of the World Cup in 2015, before they were renewed till the end of the World T20 the following year.

أوضح بيب جوارديولا، المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر سيتي، موقف النجم إيرلينج هالاند من خوض مباراة اليوم المرتقبة ضد تشيلسي في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي.

ويستضيف ملعب “الاتحاد” مباراة الفريقين في قمة منافسات الجولة الخامسة والعشرين من بطولة الدوري، مساء يوم السبت (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وظهرت تكهنات حول إمكانية غياب هالاند عن مباراة اليوم ضد تشيلسي بسبب وفاة جدته، قبل أيام، وحاجته إلى السفر إلى موطنه في النرويج من أجل حضور مراسم الدفن.

وقال جوارديولا في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “سيتي إكسترا” الإنجليزية: “إنه متواجد هنا حاليًا (ٍسيشارك أمام تشيلسي)، المباراة المقبلة؟ (ضد برينتفورد يوم الثلاثاء)، لا أعرف”.

وأضاف: “هو حزين بكل تأكيد، ولكنه لعب بشكل جيد ضد كوبنهاجن (في دوري أبطال أوروبا)”.

Manchester United have made contact with Borussia Monchengladbach over a move for midfielder Kouadio Kone.

The Lowdown: Kone profiled

Kone, described as an ‘interesting box-to-box’ midfielder, signed for Monchengladbach last year in a deal worth £8.1m. The 21-year-old is primarily a central midfielder who can also play in a defensive or attacking midfield role.

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He’s valued at a career-high £13.5m by Transfermarkt and was a regular in the Bundesliga last season, making 27 appearances.

The Latest: United links

Sports Witness relayed an update from L’Equipe on Friday regarding Kone. They claim that United are one of three top clubs who have made ‘initial contact’ over a move for Kone.

The report adds that Ralf Rangnick has been tracking Kone for several years.

The Verdict: De Jong alternative?

Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster his midfield ranks at Old Trafford, with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong seemingly a top target.

Recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils reached an agreement with Barcelona for De Jong, however, the midfielder is thought to be unconvinced over a move to United and has snubbed a reunion with Ten Hag.

Should that be the case, then Kone could well emerge as an alternative midfield target, and you’d like to think a move for the Frenchman would be a lot cheaper, which could help the club in their attempts to sign striker Darwin Nunez from Benfica.

In other news: Reliable journalist leaks Man Utd talks as Ten Hag now eyes ‘terrific’ Englishman. 

West Bromwich Albion were not the most dynamic attacking side in the Championship this season.

Throughout their recent campaign in the second tier, the Baggies could only find the net 52 times, which is fewer than the likes of Bristol City, Reading and Blackpool, all of whom finished 16th or lower.

Despite this rather underwhelming return, one man in the squad who chipped in with some goals and assists throughout the season was Callum Robinson.

In 43 league appearances, the attacker scored seven goals and delivered nine assists whilst playing in numerous positions at the top of the pitch, leaving only Karlan Grant with more goal contributions for Albion.

Now that the season has come to an end, the focus will switch to the next campaign and West Brom’s hopes for getting promoted.

In terms of what Steve Bruce’s squad could look like once the season kicks off, one rarely-seen figure who could end up being West Brom’s next version of Robinson is Callum Morton.

In January 2017, Morton joined West Brom’s under-18 side from Yeovil Town. Since then, he has gone on to make 54 appearances for the Midlands club across their under-18 and under-23 sides, scoring 14 goals and delivering six assists along the way, highlighting his attacking talent.

While still awaiting his senior Albion debut, the 22-year-old has also had numerous loan spells away from The Hawthorns with clubs such as Braintree Town, Northampton Town, Lincoln City, Fleetwood Town and most recently Peterborough United.

With 76 appearances under his belt for those clubs, Morton scored 23 goals in total, once again showing his attacking prowess and his ability to deliver with different teams.

Despite predominantly being a centre-forward, the 22-year-old has played on the left and right flanks on occasion, which suggests that his versatility could make him a useful squad option for Bruce and a potential next version of Robinson, who has also played across the front three.

Labelled a “confident” player by his former Northampton manager Keith Curle, Morton could now have a great chance to impress Bruce in pre-season and put himself in a good position to finally make his breakthrough in the first team at The Hawthorns.

Should the attacker get an opportunity to play regularly for the Baggies next season, he could be the spark that they need in their attack to mount a serious promotion charge.

In other news: Bruce can secure big Ajayi upgrade as WBA plot move for “special” £14k-p/w machine

Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett has now revealed some worrying Glasgow Rangers transfer news from Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Possible departures

Aside from the players that are going out of contract this summer, the Teddy Bears could also see departures for some of their key players as Premier League clubs circle the young stars at Ibrox.

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The likes of Calvin Bassey and Ryan Kent have been linked with moves to the English top flight for big money, and so it may be difficult to keep them if big offers start to roll in.

The Latest: Dorsett update

Taking to Twitter, Dorsett has revealed that Aston Villa are just one of a number of clubs in the English top flight that have now made ‘enquiries’ over signing Bassey, with the Light Blues valuing him at over £25m:

“#avfc aren’t done yet, after stunning start to window, despite already committing £43m to 3 new signings.   

“Understand Villa are among a number of PL clubs who’ve made enquiries about defender Calvin Bassey – who #rangersfc value at £25m+.”

The Verdict: Worrying

It is certainly worrying to hear the amount of Premier League teams circulating around Bassey, especially Villa.

As Dorsett mentions, they have already signed three players for a combined £43m so early on in the window, which suggests that they could hold no qualms splashing the cash to wrap up another quick deal for the 22-year-old.

Nonetheless, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side need to stay strong with their valuation, which would be a club-record sale, and not sell Bassey for a penny less.

Of course, the Dutchman will be hoping to keep hold of him anyway, ahead of what looks to be another busy season with added European football.

In other news, find out which ‘special’ talent Gers are now ‘interested’ in here!

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has demanded a new ‘absolute priority’ signing for the club this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Big summer on the cards?

The Premier League top-four chasers could be facing a big transfer window at the end of the 2021/2022 season as Conte eyes a major transfer overhaul.

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As many as six new additions are reportedly in their sights with a reserve goalkeeper, right-wing-back, central defender, two midfielders and a forward set to be targeted (The Telegraph).

The Athletic have also claimed that a centre-back is top of Conte’s wish-list as club chief Fabio Paratici and co draw up a list of candidates ahead of June 10.

The Latest: Conte demands new ‘absolute priority’ signing…

Now, according to reports out of Spain, the Lilywhites head coach has demanded Inter Milan defender and rumoured target Stefan de Vrij as his new ‘absolute priority’ signing.

Allegedly ‘by order’ of Conte, Spurs have officially joined the list of suitors for the Nerazzurri star as their manager green-lights a move for him – with the 52-year-old now prioritising his ‘arrival’ at N17.

The Verdict: Get it done?

De Vrij’s contract situation at the San Siro, with his current deal set to expire in 2023 as things stand, could mean the Serie A giants aren’t in the strongest of positions to demand a hefty fee for his services.

Reports have even suggested he could leave for as little as £15 million and we believe Spurs should take full advantage and back Conte with a summer bid.

The 30-year-old was a mainstay under Tottenham’s boss when he guided Inter to a 2020/2021 Scudetto title, playing the sixth-highest amount of minutes in the league and making more clearances per 90 than any of his teammates (WhoScored).

There’s no reason de Vrij couldn’t replicate this form in England with members of the media even branding the Netherlands international a would-be ‘unbelievable signing’ (Dean Jones).

Taking this into account, it’s hardly surprising Conte has put his former star top of the agenda.

In other news: ‘I’ve heard’…Sky Sports reporter hints £64m ‘nightmare’ could be open to joining Spurs! Find out more here.

West Ham United colossus Tomas Soucek has been praised by journalist Toby Cudworth during their clash with Premier League title contenders Manchester City this afternoon.

The Lowdown: West Ham hold City…

David Moyes’ side were seeking to disrupt the Sky Blues’ mission to retain their top-flight crown and took a sensational 2-0 lead before half-time courtesy of a brace from star winger Jarrod Bowen.

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Putting in a solid and tireless performance throughout, the Irons were undone over the second 45 minutes as City mounted a fightback. Jack Grealish halved the deficit and a Vladimir Coufal own goal gifted Pep Guardiola hope of an unbelievable comeback, and they could well have clinched one after being awarded a spot-kick late in the match.

However, Riyad Mahrez saw his resulting penalty saved by Lukasz Fabianski, denying the visitors all three points as both teams went on to share the spoils.

The Latest: Cudworth blown away…

Writing on Twitter, Cudworth has raved over Soucek’s role in this West Ham team despite him being ‘criticised’ at points over the season.

Drawing particular attention to the Czech midfielder’s involvement in Bowen’s second goal of the match, the journalist explained:

“Lovely to see Soucek play a big role in #WHUFC’s second goal – has been criticised of late but he adds huge value when he wins flick-ons and operates close to Antonio and Bowen. Way more important than many think.”

The Verdict: Underrated?

According to WhoScored, the Czech Republic international ranks in the top five West Ham players going by average match rating per 90 in the top flight this term.

Before today’s action, he had also won more aerial duels per 90 than any of his team-mates, with only mainstays Declan Rice and Lukasz Fabianski playing more league minutes this season (WhoScored).

He was quietly effective for the Irons today, winning five duels, making five clearances and getting in two blocks, as per Sofascore.

A colossal presence in the middle alongside Rice, Moyes’ faith in Soucek perhaps best sums up the 27-year-old’s quality, and it is little wonder that West Ham have been attempting talks over fresh contract terms.

In other news: ‘It is my understanding…’ – ExWHUemployee has exciting transfer news for West Ham supporters! Find out more here.