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Anderson becomes No. 1 Test bowler

James Anderson has leapfrogged his England new-ball partner Stuart Broad to become the No. 1 Test bowler in the ICC rankings

ESPNcricinfo staff31-May-2016James Anderson has leapfrogged his England new-ball partner Stuart Broad to become the No. 1 Test bowler in the ICC rankings. This is the first time Anderson has occupied the top of the table in his Test career, which began in 2003.Anderson has picked up 18 wickets in the first two Tests of the ongoing home series against Sri Lanka, collecting 79 points in that period and gaining four spots in the rankings. His figures of 3 for 36 and 5 for 58 in the second Test in Chester-le-Street gave him 30 points, and moved him above Broad and India offspinner R Ashwin.”I’m delighted to have contributed as I have throughout the series and hopefully I can take some more wickets in the next game,” Anderson said. “You’ve got to make the most of it when you are in rhythm, when you’re not it can be a struggle.”Anderson’s match haul of eight wickets helped him become the sixth bowler to pass 450 wickets in Tests. Broad, who took five wickets in the second Test, dropped three points and slipped behind Ashwin to third place.Moeen Ali, who scored a career-best unbeaten 155 in England’s first innings, achieved his highest batting ranking, jumping 12 places to No. 35. He has also moved to sixth on the allrounders’ list, and sits a point behind his team-mate Ben Stokes.

Rangers Suffer "Big Blow" As £55k-p/w Duo Could Miss Celtic Game

Rangers have suffered a "big blow" with the news that Connor Goldson and Ryan Kent may be ruled out against Celtic, according to former player Alan Hutton.

What's the latest Rangers injury news?

The Gers have a number of injury issues to deal with heading into this Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic, with Ryan Jack set to miss out for a few more weeks, while striker Antonio Colak is also considered a doubt.

Goldson has missed the last three games due to an injury problem, with Kent missing the last two, and Hutton has now claimed the duo are unlikely to feature against Celtic on Sunday.

In an interview with Football Insider, the former Rangers man insisted that he does not expect to see too many changes to the side that were defeated 2-0 against Aberdeen last time out, saying: “Goldson looks like he is going to be missed from what I hear.

Kent as well, they could be a big blow for Rangers moving forward. Unless they come back in and declare themselves fit, I do not see much change [to the team] from what we saw at the weekend.

It was not a great result but the performance was not as bad as people think. So I do not really see too many changes from that game the other day.

Will Goldson and Kent be fit to play on Sunday?

There are conflicting reports as to whether Goldson will be able to feature against Celtic this weekend, as Michael Beale has previously claimed he will be fit to play, so it remains to be seen whether the centre-back makes the starting XI.

If the £37k-per-week defender does get the nod at the back, it will be a welcome boost for the Light Blues, considering he is ranked by Sofascore as their fourth-best performing player in the Scottish Premiership this season, averaging a 7.27 match rating.

Connor Goldson for Rangers

Kent has yet again hit double figures for assists in the Scottish Premiership, most recently setting up Malik Tillman's second goal in the 2-0 victory against Dundee United, and journalist Joshua Barrie has claimed the £18k-per-week winger looks an improved player since Beale took over as manager.

Both players what it takes to beat Celtic at Hampden, having started in last year's 2-1 victory in the Scottish Cup semi-final, so it will be a real blow for Beale if neither are available to play on Sunday.

Newcastle Make Contact To Sign "Special" £200k-p/w Player

Newcastle United are interested in signing Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele this summer after talks were held with the player’s representatives.

What’s the latest news on Newcastle and Dembele?

Eddie Howe is looking to bring Champions League football back to St James’ Park, with the Magpies in a solid position in the Premier League to finish in the top four in the final.

The club are three points clear of fifth place Tottenham with a game in hand, and qualifying for Europe’s biggest club competition could help them in the transfer market when it comes to bolstering Howe’s squad with proven quality.

One player who has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle is Dembele, with interest dating back to last year when reports suggested that personal terms had been agreed with the winger.

As we know, a move failed to materialise last summer, but it looks as if the Magpies could go back in for the France international, who is currently on around £200,000-a-week at the Nou Camp.

90min reporter Graeme Bailey shared a story he's heard in the last 48 hours regarding Newcastle and Dembele. He stated that the club, and by extension owners PIF, once again hold an interest in the winger, adding that Magpies intermediaries met with the player’s camp during his recent trip to England.

It is believed that ‘brief contact’ was made between the player's representatives and Newcastle chiefs, with Dembele, who went to watch Sunderland, ‘attracted by the prospect of playing in the Premier League’.

eddie-howe-newcastle-united-predicted-xi-lineup-preview-aston-villa

Should Newcastle sign Dembele?

Dembele, hailed as a ‘special’ player by Xavi Hernandez, has been out of action with a hamstring injury since February. The 25-year-old in fact has an extremely long injury history during his career, missing more than 100 games for Barcelona with various problems.

Therefore, you could say that moving for the forward would be a gamble, but provided he can stay fully fit, may prove to be an excellent signing. He had contributed to 15 goals in 28 games for Barcelona this season, averaging a WhoScored match rating of 7.23/10, a higher score than any Newcastle midfielder or attacker.

Hailed as a two-footed player who can penetrate defences by Didier Deschamps, Dembele would provide an option on either wing for Howe, and with the player about to enter the final 12 months of his Barcelona contract, he could be available for a cut-price fee.

Chelsea Could Replace Mount With Incredible Teenager

Mason Mount is looking increasingly likely to depart Chelsea this summer amid an ongoing contract dispute at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues likely to cash in on the midfielder before his deal expires in 2024.

Could Chelsea sell Mount this summer?

The academy graduate has struggled to replicate his form from last season, when he notched an impressive 11 goals and ten assists in the Premier League, with just three goals and two assists to his name so far this campaign.

The influx of attacking signings under Todd Boehly clearly hasn't paid off for the Blues, as they boast just 30 goals in 31 top-flight fixtures, with Mount one of several forward players who could be accused of underperforming under both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.

As a result, it seems as if Chelsea are not willing to give the England international what he wants at Stamford Bridge, as concerns over the salary and contract length have meant that he has stalled on signing that new deal.

According to The Athletic, the Blues won't allow negotiations to run into next season and will look to sell the 24-year-old this summer if necessary, with a number of elite-level clubs including Manchester City, Liverpool and Bayern Munich among his suitors.

Although fans might be disappointed if Mount does depart, the club arguably has a ready-made replacement in 19-year-old starlet, Carney Chukwuemeka.

Could Chukwuemeka replace Mount at Chelsea?

Chelsea would sign the attacking midfielder for £20m from Aston Villa during the summer of 2022 but he has struggled for regular game time this season, managing just 12 appearances totalling 241 minutes so far this campaign.

However, in a recent interview with Football FanCast, journalist Pete O'Rourke has suggested that the teenager could be the man to step up should Mount leave.

He said: "I think ideally Chelsea want to keep Mason Mount but if they can't agree this new contract I think they will look to sell the England international this summer rather than letting his contract run down.

"There's obviously a number of players in that Chelsea squad who are ready to step up and become first-team regulars as well. It's a big, bloated squad right now. Carney Chukwuemeka was an interesting signing from Aston Villa, who really wanted to keep him.

"He's a young player with huge potential and that might open the door for him to become more of a regular in his Chelsea side, who look like they're going to have a new manager next season as well.

"It'll be a clean slate for everyone starting next season and I'm sure Chukwuemeka will be among a number of players hoping to impress and become regulars in that 11."

Chukwuemeka's reputation before joining was certainly a big one, given he had ten goals and eight assists in just 26 appearances for Villa's U18s, and perhaps he could be the ideal heir for Mount at Chelsea next season.

£65k-p/w Star Booed Brutally By Tottenham Fans

Journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed it was "uncomfortable to watch" as Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez was booed by his own supporters in the club's most recent game.

What's the latest on Davinson Sanchez and Spurs?

While it hasn't exactly been a smooth season for Spurs, a spot in the Champions League is certainly still on the cards.

Indeed, the north London club played host to Bournemouth in the Premier League with plenty to play for as the race for a place in the top four heats up.

And Tottenham got off to a good start as Son Heung-min scored the opener after good work from Ivan Perisic. Before halftime, however, the Cherries had levelled things up thanks to Matias Vina.

That goal came in the 38th minute only three minutes after Sanchez came on for the injured Clement Lenglet. To make things worse, the 65k-per-week star inadvertently prodded the ball through to Dominic Solanke as he raced through on goal to give Bournemouth a 2-1 lead.

In the aftermath of the goal, the Spurs fans booed Sanchez in brutal fashion, as noted by Gold on Twitter.

He wrote: "Boos from around the stadium for Davinson Sanchez when he next touches the ball after the kick-off, and again soon after. That was uncomfortable to watch."

Why was Sanchez booed by Spurs fans?

Journalist Charlie Eccleshare also noted this toxic atmosphere and actually condemned it, writing: "Sanchez getting booed. Really harsh."

Perhaps out of pity, or maybe frustration, interim manager Christian Stellini made things even more embarrassing for the centre-back as he subbed him off in the 58th minute, meaning he lasted just 23 minutes.

Sadly, as Sanchez walked off the field, his departure was met with huge jeers and cheers from the home crowd as he cut a sorry figure.

In his brief spell on the pitch, he picked up a lowly 6.2 rating (as per Sofascore) and was dribbled past one. Even so, with his 21 touches he didn't actually do that poorly. Indeed, the defender completed 16/18 passes, lost the ball twice, won two of three attempted ground duels.

However, it seems as though he just didn't pass the eye test for the fans in the fans making up the home crowd, with journalist Kevin Palmer calling him "one of their most expensive mistakes" and simply a "dreadful defender".

To be fair, you can see why some supports may have lost patience. After all, Spurs have conceded inside the first 15 minutes on the last three occasions Sanchez has been substituted on in the Premier League, according to OptaJoe (via LastWordOnSpurs),

Still, the crowd reaction certainly was brutal.

£3.6m-p/w Cristiano Ronaldo Throws Al-Nassr Tantrum

A number of fans online have slammed Cristiano Ronaldo after footage emerged of him throwing a bit of a tantrum following Al-Nassr’s recent draw.

What’s the latest Cristiano Ronaldo news at Al-Nassr?

The 38-year-old is now very much in the twilight of his career and subsequently left the Premier League and Manchester United in the winter for a new challenge outside of Europe for the first time in his career.

Indeed, he went off to play in the Saudi Pro League but things haven’t necessarily quite gone to plan for the Portuguese international.

Undoubtedly, his goalscoring quality still remains – having netted 11 times and picked up two assists in his first ten league outings – but that doesn’t mean Al-Nassr have flourished.

Indeed, while his new side moved top of the table as he made his debut they now sit second in the Saudi top flight, three points behind Al-Ittihad.

Their rivals managed to pick up a 2-1 win on the weekend, but the same could not be said of Ronaldo and co.

Indeed, much to the striker’s frustration, Al-Nassr were held to a 0-0 draw away from home against 11th-placed (of 16 teams) Al Feiha.

After the game, Ronaldo couldn’t hide his anger as footage shared by Sky Sports captured his anger as he stormed off the pitch.

The former Real Madrid star apparently earns an astonishing £3.6m-p/w at his current club but money can’t buy happiness as this recent clip proves.

Fans online saw the footage and they didn’t exactly hold back on their criticism. Here are some of the reactions…

Some seemed to think it was perhaps time to hang up his boots.

While others simply noted that it was perhaps best he is no longer at Manchester United.

Chelsea Could Ditch James For "Superb" Teen

Reece James is becoming a bit of a liability at Chelsea, with his injury issues no doubt a huge frustration for those at Stamford Bridge.

What is Reece James' injury history?

There is no doubt that when the England international is fully fit, he is one of the best in the world in his position, evidenced by his impressive return of five goals and nine assists in just 26 Premier League appearances last season.

Yet he is now more often injured than fit and has managed just 12 top-flight appearances so far this campaign, with the 23-year-old's potential arguably going to waste because of his woeful injury record, which has seen him spend a worrying amount of time on the sidelines during his Chelsea career.

Indeed, the full-back has suffered from four separate incidents of illness and injury this term, meaning that through his time in the capital, he's missed a whopping 370 days of action.

Graham Potter has utilised the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Cesar Azpilicueta at right-back this season in James' absence but neither can be seen as a serious threat to the 23-year-old as a long-term option in that position at Stamford Bridge.

However, next season, the former Brighton boss will be able to call upon January signing Malo Gusto, whose impressive displays in Ligue 1 with Lyon suggest that he could eventually replace James in Chelsea's starting side.

Who is Malo Gusto?

Chelsea confirmed the signing of Gusto from Lyon in January in a deal worth £35.1m before sending him back to the French side on loan for the rest of the campaign.

It is easy to see why the Blues were willing to spend such a significant fee on the 19-year-old, who looks set to be another top talent to emerge from the "superb" academy with Les Gones.

This campaign has seen the "very dangerous" teenage defender – as dubbed by journalist Bobby Vincent – make 17 appearances in the French top flight, contributing one assist and averaging an excellent 7.03 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

For context, only N'Golo Kante, Enzo Fernandez and James have averaged better in Potter's squad so far this term, which emphasises the quality that the French youngster could add at Stamford Bridge next season.

Gusto looks as if he could be an ideal heir to Chelsea's star academy graduate in west London when you consider his FBref scouting report, which ranks him in the top 10% of full-backs in Europe's top five divisions for expected assists, passes attempted, progressive carries and progressive passes received.

Unless James can overcome his injury issues at Chelsea, he will never be able to reach his immense potential, and if he continues to prove an unreliable option in Potter's side, the English manager could eventually prioritise the promising Gusto instead. He is yet to earn his maiden cap in west London, but next season has his name written all over it.

Newcastle Ace Reveals Secret Shearer Conversation

Newcastle United's Swedish striker Alexander Isak has revealed club legend Alan Shearer contacted him after joining the Toon to tell him what it meant to play for the Magpies.

What did Shearer say to Isak?

The Swede arrived in the summer from Real Sociedad on the back of a club-record transfer which is believed to be worth in the area of £63m.

So pressure will have been high on the young striker, who has since come of age in the Premier League having battled his injury issues.

But it seems as if he has had the league's all-time record goalscorer there to help him along the way since making the move to Tyneside last summer.

Indeed, speaking to the media, the 23-year-old has revealed the contact he has had with Shearer as a Newcastle player and the advice he has been provided:

“He is very, very involved. Shearer is really passionate about the club and you can see it. Before the cup final, Alan was down and talked to us. Gave tips and of course, it helps us. Especially for me as a striker," he said.

“Even when I signed for the club, he told me what Newcastle means and what it means to be a striker for that club.”

Should Isak start ahead of Wilson?

Over the last number of weeks, the Swede has begun to establish himself as the starting striker in Eddie Howe's XI ahead of Callum Wilson.

The Englishman has also had his struggles this season and injuries haven't really been a huge concern but his form certainly has been.

In the Premier League, Wilson has only been able to provide a return of seven goals with only one of them coming since October last year (via Transfermarkt).

Newcastle United's Alexander Isak celebrates against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

In comparison, injuries have been a major issue for Isak this season. His fitness problems have seen the 23-year-old miss a large chunk of the season.

However, in his limited game time, the striker has seriously impressed having bagged six league goals in just over 600 minutes of action (via Transfermarkt).

The goals have seen him establish himself in Howe's side and his goals-per-minute ratio has only been bettered by that of Manchester City's Erling Haaland this season.

Newcastle's £120k-per-week man was described as "frightening" by Kieran Trippier following his brace last week, but it is not just his goals which have impressed.

Isak also helped out defensively with four clearances which will certainly go down well with the Newcastle faithful and Shearer who hailed his display as "magnificent".

Liverpool eye summer move for Ward-Prowse

Liverpool are among several Premier League clubs eyeing up a move for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse this summer, according to a new update.

The Lowdown: Midfield additions essential

The Reds have a huge summer transfer window ahead of them, with major reinforcements required in order to overcome a huge slump this season.

Jurgen Klopp’s squad has started to grow old together, and with a lack of younger signings coming in, it seems to have taken its toll both physically and mentally.

Liverpool’s midfield has been particularly out-of-sorts, with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson looking past their best and the likes of Thiago, Naby Keita, James Milner, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all not offering enough, both in terms of consistency and availability.

Jude Bellingham continues to be linked with a big-money move to Anfield, with the Borussia Dortmund sensation one of numerous midfielders linked with a summer move, but more than one player needs to come in in that area of the pitch.

The Latest: Liverpool scouting Ward-Prowse

According to Football Insider, Ward-Prowse has emerged as a potential option for Liverpool, with the report stating that the Reds have ‘sent scouts’ to watch him in action.

Newcastle United and Manchester United are also mentioned as possible suitors, however, with the 28-year-old almost certain to leave Southampton if they are relegated from the Premier League.

Ward-Prowse’s current deal with Saints runs until the summer of 2026, so it seems unlikely that he would be able to arrive on the cheap.

The Verdict: Is he too old?

There is no denying Ward-Prowse’s ability as a top-flight player, having been such an influential star for Saints over an extended period of time, making 399 appearances for them in total.

In that time, he has scored 53 goals and registered 51 assists, catching the eye with his free-kick ability.

Ward-Prowse could easily be a good signing for Liverpool – Oriol Romeu called him an ‘unbelievable’ player last year – but the one issue is his age, with the Reds in need of younger midfielders who can be long-term signings.

The two-goal England international turns 29 in November and is only a year younger than Fabinho, for example, and there is a risk that he comes in and drifts past his peak too quickly.

It could be that Ward-Prowse comes in and plays at a top level for five years but it isn’t a risk worth taking, with the likes of Bellingham (19), Matheus Nunes (24) and Mason Mount (24) younger, more sensible options.

Manchester United transfer update on Randal Kolo Muani

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has confirmed that Manchester United are interested in a possible summer transfer swoop for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani.

The Lowdown: €120m bid?

Erik ten Hag is looking to bring in a new forward this summer and has made it one of the club’s top transfer priorities alongside a new midfielder.

Kolo Muani appears to be on the shortlist of potential options in the final third, with the 24-year-old contributing to 30 goals in 34 games during the current campaign.

Recent reports have even suggested that the Red Devils are the ‘first top club to prepare an official mega offer’ for the France international and want to make a proposal of €120m (£105m) for the player in what would be a record move at Old Trafford.

Frankfurt ‘would let the striker go’ for over €100m (£88m), with Paris Saint-Germain also thought to be interested in Kolo Muani and therefore, competition to United.

The Latest: Plettenberg’s post

Plettenberg took to Twitter in the last 48 hours following reports of a potential €120m offer. The Sky Sports reporter couldn’t confirm the news of a record proposal but did say that Kolo Muani is ‘definitely on the list’ of options, although United seemingly rate Victor Osimhen higher.

‘News Kolo Muani: Can’t confirm that MUFC is preparing an €120m offer for Muani. Been told that he’s definitely on the list as a possible transfer target for summer. But internally Osimhen is rated higher than Muani. Osimhen is one of the clubs main priority!’

The Verdict: Osimhen over Kolo Muani

Both forwards have enjoyed brilliant seasons in front of goal this season, with Osimhen scoring 23 times in 28 games for Serie A side Napoli, while also registering five assists.

The Nigeria international actually came out on top against Kolo Muani and Frankfurt in the Champions League, scoring three goals in a 5-0 aggregate last 16 win.

The pair are the same age, however, Osimhen has scored more goals than Kolo Muani and appears to be a more reliable forward, hitting double figures for goals in each of his previous five seasons compared to Kolo Muani’s two.

Either player may demand a high transfer fee, so it is key that United get this addition spot on, as it could prove to be the missing piece in Ten Hag’s Old Trafford jigsaw, with the United boss having just Anthony Martial and loanee Wout Weghorst on the books as centre-forward options at this moment in time.

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