Erik ten Hag loses the battle for Johan Bakayoko as Jurgen Klopp's RB Leipzig agree deal with Bayer Leverkusen, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth target

RB Leipzig have sprinted ahead in the race to sign PSV's Johan Bakayoko with the winger left out of his team's training camp as transfer nears.

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  • RB Leipzig reached verbal agreement with Bakayoko
  • Overtake Leverkusen as winger's preferred destination
  • English clubs also keeping tabs on PSV star
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    According to , Leipzig have reached a verbal agreement with the player's camp. This comes as a huge blow for their Bundesliga competitors, Leverkusen, who looked like they were about to sign the Belgian alongside PSV co-star Malik Tillman. With one year remaining on his PSV contract, the winger is projected to cost around €20 million (£17m/$23m). Leipzig are advancing quickly and want to secure the deal quickly.

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    Leipzig bring a lot more to the table for Bakayoko than their domestic rivals. The Red Bull-owned club are looking to outmanoeuvre Bayer and tempt the Belgian winger with the option of reuniting with his former PSV team-mate Xavi Simons. This could be a huge blow for Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, who have been keeping tabs on the 22-year-old.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Leverkusen were plotting to make a double swoop from PSV, having already signed Tillman until 2030. The winger, who is on the wishlist of many clubs, has had an underwhelming season in the Netherlands last season. This has prompted the winger to switch clubs, as he believes his growth and development has stalled in the Netherlands.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR LEIPZIG?

    Leipzig players are also attracting a lot of interest, with Al-Hilal interested in signing Benjamin Sesko while Bayern Munich could make a bid to sign Simons after their failed pursuit of Florian Wirtz and Nico Williams. Leipzig, who have Jurgen Klopp in position as head of global soccer at Red Bull, could part ways with the Slovenian striker and have put a price tag of €88m (£77m/$104m) on the forward.

Kannemann espera eleição presidencial do Grêmio para definir o seu futuro

MatériaMais Notícias

A reta final da temporada no Grêmio levanta diversas especulações internas sobre a montagem do elenco e comissão técnica para 2023.

Entre os jogadores, um dos casos que prometem diversos capítulos é do zagueiro Walter Kannemann, que tem acordo até dezembro.

Inicialmente, o staff do jogador promete escutar o Tricolor para renovar o seu contrato, mas espera o desfecho da eleição presidencial, marcada para o dia 12 de dezembro.

Caso não tenha êxito nas conversas, Kannemann e seu empresário irão escutar outras propostas para o zagueiro atuar em 2023.

Boca Juniors

O futebol argentino está interessado em Kannemann. O Boca Juniors, que busca um zagueiro, manifestou a vontade de contratar o jogador e espera um sinal para avançar.

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السيسي يوافق على طلب وزير الرياضة بشأن بطولة العالم لكرة اليد تحت 19 عامًا

أعلن أشرف صبحي، وزير الشباب والرياضة، عن موافقة فخامة الرئيس عبد الفتاح السيسي، رئيس الجمهورية، على رعاية بطولة العالم لكرة اليد تحت 19 عاماً.

وتستضيف مصر بطولة كأس العالم لكرة اليد تحت 19 عامًا، في الفترة من 6 إلى 17 أغسطس 2025، بمشاركة منتخبات شابة من مختلف أنحاء العالم.

ويتواجد منتخب مصر، في المجموعة السابعة، من بطولة كأس العالم لكرة اليد، بجانب كوريا الجنوبية والبحرين واليابان.

طالع | وزير الرياضة يوجه رسالة هامة قبل انطلاق الدوري المصري

وأعرب الوزير عن خالص تقديره للرئيس السيسي على هذه الرعاية الكريمة، مشيراً إلى أنها تجسد الدعم المتواصل من القيادة السياسية للرياضة المصرية، وحرص الدولة على تطوير المنظومة الرياضية، لا سيما دعم المنتخبات الوطنية الشابة باعتبارها نواة المستقبل.

وأكد صبحي أن مصر تسعى لتنظيم بطولة متميزة تليق باسمها ومكانتها الرياضية، مشدداً على أن الرعاية الرئاسية تمثل دفعة قوية لكافة العاملين في تنظيم الحدث، وللرياضيين المشاركين من أجل تحقيق أداء مشرف ونتائج متميزة.

وافتتح منتخب مصر، مشواره باكتساح كوريا الجنوبية أمس الأربعاء بنتيجة 46-27 في المباراة التي أقيمت على صالة استاد القاهرة الدولي في الجولة الأولى.

IPL 2024 auction: Titans' Hardik-sized hole, and other key positions the teams need to fill

Plus, how much does each franchise have left to spend on their auction shopping?

Nagraj Gollapudi15-Dec-2023

The IPL auction will be held outside India for the first time – set to be in Dubai on December 19•BCCI

Chennai Super KingsPurse available: INR 31.40 crore (USD 3.77 million approx.)
Slots left: 6 (3 overseas)
Key positions to be filled: A replacement for Ambati Rayudu. They need another Indian batter for the middle order as well, ideally a power-hitter. Also, an overseas fast bowler who maybe doubles up as an allrounder, and an Indian fast bowler.
Current squad: MS Dhoni, Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Nishant Sindhu, Ajay Mandal, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Mukesh Chowdhary, Prashant Solanki, Simarjeet Singh, Tushar Deshpande, Matheesha Pathirana
The now-retired Ambati Rayudu played some crucial knocks for Chennai Super Kings as impact sub last season•Getty Images

Mumbai IndiansPurse available: INR 17.75 crore (USD 2.13 million approx.)
Slots left: 8 (4 overseas)
Key positions to be filled: The dominant Mumbai Indians teams of the past have always comprised two overseas fast bowlers, one of them being an allrounder, so expect them to look out for those skillsets. One of those could also be a spin-bowling allrounder.
Current squad: Rohit Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Vishnu Vinod, Arjun Tendulkar, Shams Mulani, Nehal Wadhera, Jasprit Bumrah, Kumar Kartikeya, Piyush Chawla, Akash Madhwal, Jason Behrendorff, Hardik Pandya, Romario Shepherd
Gujarat TitansRelated

Franchises tend to overpay at T20 auctions for World Cup stars, and probably will this year too

IPL 2024 auction: Five uncapped Indians to watch out for

Hardik will be challenged on and off the field at Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians trade Hardik from Titans and trade Green to RCB

RCB release Hazlewood, Hasaranga; KKR let Shardul go

Purse available: INR 38.15 crore (USD 4.58 million approx.)
Slots left: 8 (2 overseas)
Key positions to be filled: While like-for-like might be tough, they need a replacement for Hardik Pandya – a batting or bowling allrounder, perhaps an overseas option. Also, an overseas fast bowler in place of Alzarri Josesph. And an Indian keeper-batter as a back-up for Wriddhiman Saha.
Current squad: David Miller, Shubman Gill, Matthew Wade, Wriddhiman Saha, Kane Williamson, Abhinav Manohar, Sai Sudharsan, Darshan Nalkande, Vijay Shankar, Jayant Yadav, Rahul Tewatia, Mohammed Shami, Noor Ahmad, Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan, Josh Little, Mohit Sharma
How do you fill a Hardik Pandya-sized hole in your squad?•BCCI

Kolkata Knight RidersPurse available: INR 32.70 crore (USD 3.92 million approx.)
Slots left: 12 (4 overseas)
Key positions to be filled: Two overseas quicks, including one with all-round skills. And an Indian keeper-batter.
Current squad: Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shreyas Iyer, Jason Roy, Anukul Roy, Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, Suyash Sharma, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy
Royal Challengers BangalorePurse available: INR 23.25 crore (USD 2.79 millon approx.)
Slots left: 6 (3 overseas)
Key positions to be filled: Replacements for Wanindu Hasaranga and Harshal Patel. An overseas fast bowler to replace Josh Hazlewood. Also, an Indian allrounder or finisher to replace Shahbaz Ahmed, who transferred to Sunrisers Hyderabad via a trade.
Current squad: Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Cameron Green, Mayank Dagar
Having released Harshal Patel, and several other big names from their bowling attack, RCB have some shopping to do•BCCI

Sunrisers HyderabadPurse available: INR 34 crore (USD 4.08 million approx.)
Slots left: 6 (3 overseas)
Key positions to be filled: Overseas allrounder (batting or bowling), and an Indian batter. Also, an overseas wristspinner.
Current squad: Abdul Samad, Aiden Markram, Rahul Tripathi, Glenn Phillips, Mayank Agarwal, Heinrich Klaasen, Anmolpreet Singh, Upendra Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhishek Sharma, Marco Jansen, Washington Sundar, Sanvir Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, T Natarajan, Umran Malik, Mayank Markande, Shahbaz Ahmed
Delhi CapitalsPurse available: INR 28.95 crore (USD 3.47 million approx.)
Slots left: 9 (4 overseas)
Key positions to be filled: An overseas fast-bowling allrounder, an Indian keeper-batter, and an Indian finisher.
Current squad: Rishabh Pant, David Warner, Prithvi Shaw, Yash Dhull, Abishek Porel, Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav, Mitchell Marsh, Pravin Dubey, Vicky Ostwal, Anrich Nortje, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, Khaleel Ahmed, Ishant Sharma, Mukesh Kumar
Released by Punjab Kings, Shahrukh Khan could be a big pull at the auction•AFP via Getty Images

Punjab KingsPurse available: INR 29.10 crore (USD 3.49 million approx.)
Slots left: 8 (2 overseas)
Key positions to be filled: An Indian batting allrounder to replace Shahrukh Khan, who was released. An overseas fast-bowling allrounder.
Current squad: Shikhar Dhawan, Jitesh Sharma, Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Rishi Dhawan, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Shivam Singh, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar, Vidwath Kaverappa, Harpreet Bhatia
Rajasthan RoyalsPurse available: INR 14.50 crore (USD 1.74 million approx.)
Slots left: 8 (3 overseas)
Key positions to be filled: An overseas batter or batting allrounder, and an overseas fast bowler as back-up for Trent Boult.
Current squad: Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Sen, Navdeep Saini, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan
Who can be Trent Boult’s back-up for Rajasthan Royals?•Associated Press

Lucknow Super GiantsPurse available: INR 13.15 crore (USD 1.58 million approx.)
Slots left: 6 (2 overseas)
Key position to be filled: A replacement for Avesh Khan, who was traded to Rajasthan Royals; this could be an Indian allrounder, too.
Current squad: KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Deepak Hooda, K Gowtham, Krunal Pandya, Kyle Mayers, Marcus Stoinis, Prerak Mankad, Yudhvir Singh, Mark Wood, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Thakur, Amit Mishra, Naveen-ul-Haq, Devdutt Padikkal

Lancashire chairman resists notion of county rebrand for Hundred teams

Lancashire have voiced their support for the ECB’s proposals to introduce private investment in the Hundred from 2025, but pushed back against the idea that teams in the competition might play under the banner of their host counties.The Hundred’s future has been under review over the last few months, with the ECB discussing a number of potential changes to its governance structure as part of a consultation with the 18 first-class counties and MCC. The most fundamental question is whether or not it should be opened up to private investors.The tournament will continue for at least five more seasons, since it forms part of the ECB’s broadcast deal with Sky Sports, and its structure will remain unchanged in 2024. But the ECB hope that the counties will reach a consensus in the early months of the English season and that changes can be implemented for 2025.Lancashire are unique in that they are the only county affiliated with Manchester Originals, who play their home games at Emirates Old Trafford. All Hundred teams are owned by the ECB, but each of the other seven has at least two affiliated counties who are represented on their boards.Andy Anson, Lancashire’s chair, believes that the county should play a greater role in how the Originals are run. “Since I started as chair of Lancashire three years ago, I’ve felt it is in Lancashire Cricket’s best interest to have greater control of the Manchester Originals team,” he told LancsTV, the club’s in-house channels. “Ideally, with a controlling equity interest.Related

  • ECB seek decision on private investment in Hundred by spring 2024

  • Lancashire chairman: The Hundred becoming a T20 tournament 'makes sense'

  • ECB defends 'Super September' as 2024 county fixtures put season climax in spotlight

  • Flintoff to coach Northern Superchargers in Men's Hundred

  • Surrey chairman outlines plans to bring Oval Invincibles under club banner

“This would mean that we can drive the team as a commercial entity and leverage the existing operations here at Emirates Old Trafford. I was also very concerned about the level of central costs at the ECB associated with the Hundred: they were too high, and we believe the operating model was suboptimal.”As reported, I can confirm that discussions have taken place between all of the first-class counties and the ECB regarding the transfer of a controlling interest in the Hundred teams to the host venues. As a board, we’re supportive of this… overall, we believe [the proposals] are positive for Lancashire and provide us with greater control and financial potential.”Surrey’s new chair Oli Slipper has floated the possibility of Oval Invincibles being renamed Surrey Invincibles and wearing the county’s three-feather crest, but Anson pushed back against the idea of an equivalent scenario at Lancashire. “We do see the Manchester Originals as a separate team from Lancashire, and in no way as a replacement for Lancashire in the different formats of cricket,” he said.One proposal that has been discussed would involve a two-division Hundred with all 18 counties represented independently, which Anson made clear his opposition to. “We would be very concerned that a two-tier Hundred would prevent Lancashire playing as the Red Rose in the month of August, and this is unacceptable to us,” he said.”We do support the transfer of a controlling equity stake in the Manchester Originals to Lancashire Cricket. We would not accept any expansion of the window in the schedule allocated to the Hundred, even if the numbers of teams expanded… also, the T20 Blast needs to be an absolute priority for everyone, and should be improved and not undermined in any way by these discussions and decisions.”Earlier this week, Durham chief executive Tim Bostock said that his county are “100% committed to bringing a franchise here to the north-east” and described the Hundred as a “silver bullet game-changer” for English cricket. “”We are very confident we could attract a lot of interest,” he told PA Media.He also hinted at the possibility of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) investing in a Hundred team in the north-east. “We’ve seen the Saudis have bought Newcastle United just down the road, and you don’t need to be a brain surgeon to see they are building a portfolio,” Bostock said.In Lancashire’s case, Anson said that the county’s would be “very happy” to consider investments into Manchester Originals from a third party, and said that any capital injection would be used to pay down the club’s debt or to invest in “the cricket infrastructure of Lancashire.”

Reports: Pedro Vite reaches verbal agreement with Pumas in Liga MX, set to leave Vancouver Whitecaps

The Ecuadorian midfielder logged 15 goals and nine assists across 139 matches with Vancouver

Joined MLS side Vancouver in 2021Valued at around $5M, per TransfermarktHas eight caps with Ecuador’s national teamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Pedro Vite is enjoying one of the best stretches of his young career, and after a strong run with the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Ecuadorian midfielder appears to be headed to Liga MX.

According to MLS insider Tom Bogert, Vite has reached a verbal agreement with Pumas UNAM, although the deal is not finalized. Sources indicate that the transfer could be completed soon, pending final negotiations and paperwork.

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Pumas targeted Vite earlier this year when they faced the Whitecaps in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, a tournament in which the Canadian side eventually fell to Cruz Azul in the final.

According to GOAL sources, Pumas plan to use the Ecuadorian primarily as a winger, though he can also slot into midfield. His versatility is seen as a major asset by head coach Efraín Juárez, who views him as a projected starter.

With Aaron Ramsey expected to anchor the midfield, Vite would provide depth and rotation options. If the Welshman – or any of the regular starters – struggles with form or fitness, Vite’s ability to play centrally could prove crucial and give Pumas more tactical flexibility.

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

Pedro Vite could become Pumas’ most expensive signing, with the club reportedly ready to pay around $5 million to secure the midfielder – a figure that would surpass the $4.2 million they spent on Nicolás Castillo.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR PUMAS?

Juárez’s side endured a humbling start to the Apertura 2025, losing 3-0 on the road against Santos Laguna. They’ll look to bounce back Sunday when they host Pachuca.

New South Wales hit back as Neil-Smith takes five

Moises Henriques and Ollie Davies hit half-centuries in tricky batting conditions

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff28-Nov-2023Some middle-order resistance helped New South Wales fight back on a rain-interrupted opening day of their Sheffield Shield clash with ladder-leaders Tasmania.Ollie Davies’ unbeaten 58 pushed the Blues to 178 for 7 at stumps at the SCG on Tuesday. While nowhere near a defendable total, NSW will be happy with the response after they were left reeling at 26 for 3 in tricky batting conditions under grey skies.Tasmania quick Lawrence Neil-Smith snared his second first-class five-wicket haul, vindicating the decision to bowl first after winning the toss.Following an innings loss to Tasmania in the last round, NSW decided to blood teenage talent Sam Konstas for his first-class debut.The 18-year-old was presented with his NSW cap by former Australia allrounder Shane Watson before coming in to bat at No. 3. Konstas made 10 in tough conditions before falling to Tasmanian allrounder Beau Webster.NSW captain Moises Henriques helped steer the Blues out of trouble, combining with Davies for a vital 81-run stand for the fifth wicket.Neil-Smith returned to break the stand when Henriques was caught behind and two balls later had Matthew Gilkes caught in the slips.Test spinner Nathan Lyon was back in the NSW team after being rested for the Blues’ thumping defeat in Hobart last week. Lyon is working his way back to full fitness after tearing his calf during the Ashes.NSW will be determined to put on a stack of runs when play resumes on Wednesday morning, with Tasmania’s batting line-up having been in scintillating touch to start the season.

Gonzalo Garcia must complete 'military service' before he can earn Spain call-up as coach Luis de la Fuente gives verdict on Real Madrid youngster's Club World Cup stardom

Spain national team boss Luis de la Fuente wants young Gonzalo Garcia to gain more experience before receiving a maiden international call-up.

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De la Fuente provides verdict on GarciaImpressed by youngster's performances at CWCWants Madrid starlet to gain more experienceFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Spain national team head coach De la Fuente used a "military service" metaphor while speaking about a potential La Roja call-up for the in-form Real Madrid youngster Gonzalo, who has stolen the limelight at the ongoing Club World Cup. The Madrid academy graduate has started all games for the La Liga giants under new manager Xabi Alonso so far, sparking discussions about a call-up to the Spanish national team in the near future.

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Alonso began his tenure as Madrid manager at the Club World Cup. The former Bayer Leverkusen boss handed 21-year-old Gonzalo a start in his managerial debut with Los Blancos, which was also the striker's first-ever start for the Whites. He hit the ground running immediately, scoring a goal against Al-Hilal. Since then, the Castilla record-breaker has notched three more goals and an assist, registering a direct goal contribution in each of Madrid's five games at the Club World Cup. He is currently the joint-top scorer at the tournament and is destined to seal a spot in the first team for the 2025-26 season. His performances have not gone unnoticed, though, with suggestions already being made that Gonzalo should receive a national call-up. With Spain captain Alvaro Morata's international future uncertain, Gonzalo provides a great option in attack for De la Fuente. However, the Euro 2024-winning coach wants the young marksman to gain more experience, despite showing considerable progress.

Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowWHAT LUIS DE LA FUENTE SAID

Speaking at an Spanish Football Federation event, De la Fuente said: "He's earning the right to be a national team player in the future, but the important thing is not to rush into things or get carried away. He's not looking for a short or immediate performance. He hasn't played a single second in the First Division. As they say in my town, you have to do a bit of military service to earn the opportunity and the right to occupy positions with top-level players.

"I hope there are many Gonzalos, [Dean] Huijsens, or Lamines [Yamal] who can guarantee our future and present."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR GONZALO GARCIA?

Gonzalo will be hoping to continue his imperious form by starting in Madrid's next game, a crunch Club World Cup semi-final against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain at the MetLife Stadium on Wednesday, July 9.

Gianluigi Donnarumma's a wanted man! PSG goalkeeper attracting transfer interest from Premier League giants Chelsea, Man City & Man Utd amid contract uncertainty

Gianluigi Donnarumma is attracting interest from a host of Premier League clubs, with his Paris Saint-Germain contract set to expire in 2026.

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  • Chelsea, City and United interested
  • Donnarumma expected to sign new deal
  • Italian keeper lines up against suitors in CWC final
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    According to a report , Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are all tracking the Italian shot-stopper. Questions over Donnarumma's future are inevtiable, given his contract situation. His current deal expires in June 2026.

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    However, another report by suggests Donnarumma wants to stay in Paris, and is expected to make a concrete decision over his future after the Club World Cup final. Les Parisiens will take on one of Donnarumma's suitors, Chelsea, in New Jersey on Sunday night.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    The 26-year-old has enjoyed immense success in the French capital since joining from AC Milan in 2021. Donnarumma has made 160 appearances for the club, winning the league title in each of his four seasons, and lifting the Champions League trophy earlier this year. Of course, that transfer from his boyhood club was not without controversy, as the Italy international ran down his deal in Milan before departing for Paris on a free transfer.

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  • AFP

    WHAT NEXT FOR DONNARUMMA?

    Donnarumma will be fully focussed on keeping another clean sheet in Sunday's final. The stopper has yet to concede a goal in the knockout stages of the newly-revamped tournament. Once that assignment is taken care of, it would seem Donnarumma's representatives will initiate talks with PSG's top brass. However, given his acrimonious divorce from the Rossoneri, a flirtation with a new challenge in England is not out of the realms of possibility.

Rohit: 'It was not so easy to just move on' from World Cup final defeat

“After the final, it was very hard to get back and start moving on, which is why I decided that I need to go somewhere and just get my mind out of this”

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Dec-2023Losing the ODI World Cup final to Australia hit India captain Rohit Sharma so hard that “it was very hard to get back and start moving on”. Speaking to fans helped him heal, he said in a social-media video on Wednesday.Twenty-four days after the final in Ahmedabad, which India lost after winning all ten of their games in the run-up to the title clash, Rohit put out the message on Instagram, saying, “I had no idea how to come back from this. The first few days I didn’t know what to do. You know, my family, my friends, kept me going, kept things pretty light around me, which was quite helpful.”It wasn’t easy to digest, but life moves on. You have to move on in life. But, honestly, it was tough. It was not so easy to just move on.Related

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Dravid: 'We haven't played any fearful cricket in this final'

“I have always grown up watching 50-over World Cup, and to me that was the ultimate prize. We have worked all these years for that World Cup… and it is disappointing, right? If you don’t get through it, and you don’t get what you want, what you’ve been looking for all this while, what you were dreaming of, you get disappointed, and you get frustrated as well at times.”Australia, now six-time ODI World Cup champions, had lost their first two games at the World Cup – one of them to India – before getting on a hot streak that culminated with them winning the trophy. In the final, on a pitch later rated “average” by the ICC where Australia brought their most ruthless game to the table, India put up a below-par 240, which was chased down with seven overs in hand for a six-wicket win.”I thought we did everything we could from our side. If someone will ask me, what went wrong… because we won ten games, and in that ten games, yes, we made mistakes, but that mistake happens in every game that you play. You cannot have a perfect game. You can have a near-perfect game. But you cannot have a perfect game,” Rohit said. “If I look on the other side of it, I’m really proud of the team as well. Because how we played was simply outstanding. You don’t get to perform like that every World Cup. And I am pretty sure I am, at least, how we played up until that final, it would have given people a lot of joy, a lot of pride watching the team play.”Rohit said that he had to get away from it all after the World Cup final to wrap his head around what had happened. And that his interactions with people he met helped him “heal”.

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“After the final, it was very hard to get back and start moving on, which is why I decided that I need to go somewhere and just get my mind out of this,” he said. “But then, wherever I was, I realised that people were coming up to me and they were appreciating everyone’s effort, how well we played. I feel for all of them. They all, along with us, they were dreaming of lifting that World Cup, along with us.”Everywhere we went during this entire World Cup campaign, there was so much support from everyone, who came to the stadium firstly, and people who were watching it from home as well. I want to appreciate what the people have done for us, in that one-and-a-half months. But again, if I think more and more about that I feel quite disappointed that we were not able to go through all the way.”For me to see, you know, people coming up to me, telling me that they were proud of the team, you know made me feel really good to a certain extent. And along with them, I was healing as well. I felt, okay these are the kind of things you want to hear. When you meet people, when they understand what the player must be going through and when they know these kind of things… and not to bring out that frustration, that anger, it means a lot for us, for me definitely it meant a lot because there was no anger, it was just pure love from people that I met and it was wonderful to see that. So it gives you motivation to get back and start working again and look for another ultimate prize.”

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