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Leeds United have seemingly identified the man who could be their first big acquisition under Daniel Farke's new leadership…

Is Glen Kamara leaving Rangers?

Despite reportedly closing in on a swoop for Scottish youngster Lewis Pirie, it is unlikely that the promising 16-year-old will have an immediate impact on the Whites' goal to earn an instant Championship promotion.

However, someone who certainly could is Glen Kamara, who has starred in recent years for Rangers, but could now be set for pastures new.

Transfer insider Dean Jones is the latest to tout his potential exit, as he told GIVEMESPORT:

"Glen Kamara has been a topic of talk for some time, but it does look like he will finally leave. Leeds and Southampton are looking at him, and for clubs like that, in the Championship, he would probably be a great signing. He has offers from abroad too though, so it’ll be interesting to see what he decides to do."

The Scottish outfit are thought to be demanding around £5m for his signature this summer, according to The Herald.

How many goals has Glen Kamara scored?

Having bounced around numerous clubs, his 193 appearances for the Gers suggest the Finland international has at last found some stability in a career that once promised much.

His former boss Steven Gerrard had still outlined a bright future for the 27-year-old during his stint at Ibrox, detailing:

“He’s a terrific footballer in possession, always playing with his head up and looking to connect defence and attack. But what pleased me most is what I spoke about when we signed him in terms of how he’ll be out of possession. Will he hunt the ball back, be aggressive, work hard for the team and be a monster in the middle of the park.

"He showed signs of that against Kilmarnock and potentially he can become a top midfielder."

With an all-action play style that blends a touch of quality with defensive steel, all the attributes are in place for this experienced stalwart to emulate the success Kalvin Phillips enjoyed during his time in Yorkshire.

Although his exit was somewhat unceremonious, fans still remember the powerful performances in the engine room under Marcelo Bielsa that finally propelled them back into the Premier League.

Averaging a 7.28 rating across that 2019/20 league campaign, he would maintain an 82% pass accuracy with 1.4 interceptions, 2.6 tackles and 1.8 key passes per game, via Sofascore.

Whilst it would be near-impossible to replicate these stellar numbers, Kamara did showcase signs during the 2021/22 Scottish Premiership season that suggests he could emulate the 27-year-old treble-winner.

After all, his 7.01 average rating gave way to six goal contributions, a 91% pass accuracy, 1.3 key passes and one tackle per game, via Sofascore.

He could prove to be a dictating presence in a key area for the Whites, seeking that metronome to conduct their return to the top flight.

Even lacking a goalscoring touch, with just nine goals and 11 assists during those games for Rangers, is not enough to downplay his influence.

Although Tyler Adams seemed set to replace that energy in midfield, having maintained 3.7 tackles per game last term in the Premier League, recent links touting his exit suggest they might need someone new to finally fulfil such a role.

In Kamara, who clearly has all the attributes necessary to thrive in the Championship and be a creative threat from deep, Farke could find just that as he looks to find someone to emulate the success of Phillips in the Elland Road engine room next season.

While England are on a seven-match winning streak, India have overcome a mini-slump to topple New Zealand and Australia on their way to the grand finale at Lord’s

The Preview by Shashank Kishore22-Jul-2017Match facts
July 23, 2017
Start time 1030 local (0930 GMT)Big picture
The heroes who were toppled in an ICC final a little over a month ago have turned cheerleaders now, as have possibly a billion others. Every Harmanpreet Kaur six or Mithali Raj record has been acknowledged by a Virat Kohli praise, a Yuvraj Singh retweet, a Virender Sehwag comparison, or a Sachin Tendulkar endorsement. It’s proof of the statement that India women have made in this World Cup.Every move of theirs – be it reading a book, grooving to the DJ beats in the dugout, their vivacious celebration, even Harmanpreet’s fury at her young colleague, has attracted unprecedented attention. The BCCI, which is yet to present central contracts six months after it expired, has announced a cash reward of INR 50 lakh for every member of the squad. Having exceeded expectations, India now have a shot at cricket’s biggest prize for the first time in 12 years, in front of what is expected to be a packed house at Lord’s.Players have been flooded with interview requests, their families are being hounded for air time, and management agencies are looking to lap them up – everyone is looking to extract gold from a market that has, for a long time, been untapped in India. Now, it’s as if they’re all rushing to buy gold during Diwali. The interest is real, something that Raj didn’t see coming. After a storied career that has spanned close to 18 years, she now has an opportunity to bow out with the ultimate crowning glory in possibly her final World Cup game.Just the prospect of India being in the final would’ve elicited a snigger, if not outright ridicule, a month ago. Too conservative, they said. They don’t quite have the power game, a few said, while others felt they needed to be better fielders. While none of that is entirely untrue, India have still managed to ride these odds. Harmanpreet’s fierce ball-striking in her unbeaten 171 in the semi-final, and Veda Krishnamurthy’s late onslaught that converted a middling total into a daunting one in their final league fixture against New Zealand, showed their ability to fight back when cornered.England’s journey to reach this final has been equally notable, given the upheaval they underwent a little over a year ago. Mark Robinson, six months after being named coach, made the huge call to end Charlotte Edwards’ magnificent international career. The captaincy was handed to Heather Knight at a time when the side needed to revive themselves, having struggled to initially adapt to the challenges and expectations of professionalism. Sarah Taylor’s return, after she took time away from the game to deal with anxiety, and her form in front and behind the stumps, has been one of the stories of the tournament.With England having conjured a seven-match winning streak after being toppled by India in the tournament opener, it will be as much a battle of nerves and temperament as skill. Natalie Sciver’s ‘Natmeg’ has become a rage. Taylor’s swagger, audacious scoops and paddles, Tammy Beaumont’s belligerence, and Knight’s consistency spell ominous signs for India. This is a side that has come free of the heavy baggage from the last two ICC events – they lost in the final of the World T20 in 2014 and the semifinal of the next edition, in 2016.What could prove decisive, though, is how quickly both sides adapt at a venue that hasn’t hosted a game yet. India won five games in Derby, which Raj equated to ‘home conditions’. The slope at Lord’s could present an altogether different challenge for their swing bowlers. Their spinners may not get the same purchase. England hold the edge in this aspect, especially given the core of their bowling group can bank on familiarity of conditions. But come the big day, these external factors could count for little. It’s the pressure of the occasion and how calm the players are that could dictate the fate of the contest.Natalie Sciver’s ‘Natmeg’ has become an instant hit•Getty Images

Form guideEngland WWWWW (completed matches, most recent first)
India WWLLWIn the spotlight
Smriti Mandhana started the tournament with scores of 90 and 106 not out. She’s endured six straight failures since. Her picking of lengths and shot selection have left her vulnerable, perhaps a sign of her confidence at the moment. India’s batting dynamics are such that she’s unlikely to be left out, which gives her another opportunity to make amends.England coach Mark Robinson believes Fran Wilson’s 75-ball 81, albeit in a defeat against India, triggered a surge. She played that game only because Lauren Winfield was injured. Winfield has since returned to the side, but Wilson has held her own through the sheer weight of her performances, none more significant than her 30 in a tense semi-final win over South Africa. Her career numbers so far don’t reflect her significance in the team, but the final is an opportunity to leave an imprint.Team news
England are likely to remain unchanged.England: 1 Lauren Winfield, 2 Tammy Beaumont, 3 Heather Knight (capt), 4 Sarah Taylor (capt), 5 Natalie Sciver, 6 Fran Wilson, 7 Katherine Brunt, 8 Jenny Gunn, 9 Laura Marsh, 10 Anya Shrubsole, 11 Alex HartleyHarmanpreet Kaur injured her shoulder while batting in the nets and was icing it. However, Raj quashed doubts over her participation and said it was merely a precaution to manage niggles. Poonam Yadav had an off day against Australia. Batsmen had enough time to line themselves up against her loopy legspin. India could consider bringing back Ekta Bisht, who didn’t enjoy a great outing in her previous game, against Australia in the league phase. But she has the experience Raj can bank on.India: 1 Punam Raut, 2 Smriti Mandhana, 3 Mithali Raj (capt), 4 Harmanpreet Kaur, 5 Deepti Sharma, 6 Veda Krishnamurthy, 7 Shikha Pandey, 8 Sushma Verma (wk), 9 Jhulan Goswami, 10 Rajeshwari Gayakwad, 11 Poonam Yadav/Ekta BishtPitch and conditions
It’s set to be the most-watched game in women’s cricket history, with 26,500 fans in attendance, and a few million more expected to tune into their TV sets. The strip is expected to be full of runs. Intermittent showers are on the radar. There’s a reserve day, but it’s unlikely to be needed.Stats and trivia
Mithali Raj is the first captain (men or women) to lead India to an ODI World Cup final twice – 2005 and 2017. Both sides have a 1-1 head-to-head at Lord’s. India beat England by five wickets in the last completed game between the sides in 2012. The ODI in 2014 was abandoned. Nineteen-year old Deepti Sharma is the youngest player to score 200 runs and pick up 10 wickets in a Women’s World Cup. Three England batsmen have scored 350-plus runs in the tournament – Tammy Beaumont (387), Heather Knight (363), and Sarah Taylor (351). India’s only representative in this club is Raj, who is the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 392.Quotes
“It seems like it’s going back to 2005, and I am just too happy that the girls have given us an opportunity to be a part of World Cup finals again.”
“The plan was to get to Lord’s and get a chance to sing our song there. Everything we have done since the last 18 months has been towards that and now we’re here.”

Nottingham Forest will be looking to bolster a number of key positions on the pitch over the summer transfer window after securing another season in the Premier League.

The Garibaldi Reds finished four points clear of the relegation zone following a strong climax to their rollercoaster campaign in the top flight and Steve Cooper will surely be wishing for a more comfortable and less stressful season when Premier League football resumes in August.

In terms of the squad members released, Nottingham Forest have parted company with André Ayew, Cafú, Jack Colback, Jesse Lingard, Jordan Smith and Lyle Taylor upon the expiration of their contracts, and have also let go of six youth players too.

One player who still has one year remaining at the City Ground, but an uncertain future is mainstay Steve Cook, who is one of the few players remaining at the club that was part of the Championship play-off winning first team who secured promotion.

The 32-year-old defender had his game-time limited over the second half of last season due to the arrival of Felipe on Deadline Day in January and now could find himself even further down the pecking order.

Forest were linked with a move for Stuttgart star Konstantinos Mavropanos last week and there is no doubt that the talented centre-back could comfortably compete for a spot in the back-line next season.

According to Greek news outlet Sportime, the Tricky Trees made a €10m (£7m) bid for the player, but Stuttgart are holding out for €15m (£13m) this summer.

Who is Konstantinos Mavropanos?

Mavropanos is no stranger to English football following a four-year stint at Arsenal, but was never given the opportunity to get a fair crack at Premier League football during his time in North London – tallying up just eight appearances in the senior team.

After spending two seasons on loan with Stuttgart, the Greek defender parted ways with Arsenal once and for all last summer when he signed a permanent deal with the Bundesliga club and has thrived ever since.

The right-footed sensation – once hailed "fearless" by Ian Wright – ranks in the top 5% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for shots on goal, shot-creating actions, successful take-ons, touches and interceptions, as well as ranking in the top 10% for progressive carries and aerial duels won over the last 12 months, as per FBref.

In fact, Mavropanos ranked first for interceptions won in the entire Bundesliga last season, second for clearances completed and third for dribblers tackled percentage over the 2022/23, demonstrating his dominance in the German top tier.

When comparing the 25-year-old's output to his positional peer at Nottingham Forest, he has comfortably outperformed Felipe in a number of key attributes including pass completion (83% v 76%), tackles and interceptions won (113 v 81), ball recoveries (183 v 124) and aerial duels won (70.4% v 61.7%).

With that being said, Mavropanos would not only be a worthy successor for Cook but could also be an upgrade on Felipe in the defensive set up next season for Nottingham Forest and for £13m it would be an absolute steal.

ScorecardFile photo – Callum Ferguson scored his 16th first-class hundred•Getty Images

Callum Ferguson led South Australia’s efforts to forge a fourth-innings lead over New South Wales on the penultimate day of the Sheffield Shield match at the SCG.Having been dominated by the Blues for two days, the Redbacks fought back gamely on the third from the moment Daniel Worrall pinned the NSW centurion Ed Cowan lbw without addition in the first over of the morning.From 3 for 332 the hosts subsided to 434 all out, with Worrall and the former NSW wristspinner Adam Zampa sharing eight wickets between them. SA made a disastrous start to their second innings when Pat Cummins had Sam Raphael caught behind and Jake Weatherald was then run out, both with only eight runs on the board.But Ferguson followed up his first innings 75 with another determined innings, and found useful support from the captain Travis Head (55) and then Jake Lehmann (46) to keep the Redbacks in the match, even if the English spinner Mason Crane deceived Ferguson to end his innings in the shadows of stumps.

Mauricio Pochettino says he asked Chelsea's directors to give him a bigger role in deciding the club's new signings in the next transfer window.

Article continues below

Article continues below

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• Chelsea off to rough start
• Spent big in summer window
• Pochettino to have bigger role

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Despite another summer of lavish spending under new co-owner Todd Boehly, the Blues have endured a difficult start to the season.

  Pochettino's side have won just one Premier League game this season and sit 14th in the table with five points – 13 less than leaders Manchester City.

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• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Their summer transfers were conducted by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart as Pochettino was appointed head coach in the summer.

  The Blues prioritised bringing in younger players before the start of the season, but they may look to bring in more experienced players in the January transfer window, with the Argentine coach set to take on more responsibility when it comes to identifying targets.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  "The good thing is the relationship and communication is very good with the sporting directors and owners," Pochettino said to reporters. "When the transfer window was closed I said I need to be more involved now in all the decisions. I have started to work to identify what we need for January."

  He added: "Football is very dynamic and it is about the present always. Things can change until January. We need to work to recover Nkunku and Armando Broja to try to provide the team with more goals and become solid. But, of course, we have already started to work [on transfers]."

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Chelsea have taken just one point from their last three Premier League matches, but they will hope for a more positive result when they visit Fulham on Monday.

Goal lists down the greatest players to have played in Liga MX over the years.

Liga MX, the exhilarating heartbeat of Mexican football, embodies a captivating fusion of passion, skill, and sheer spectacle. Its rich tapestry weaves together the vibrant colours of iconic clubs, each with a fiercely loyal following, transforming stadiums into fervent cauldrons of devotion.

From the dizzying speed of lightning-quick counterattacks to the rhythmic symphony of nimble footwork, every match unfolds like a symphony of soccer. Rivalries ignite the spirit of competition, generating seismic waves of excitement that reverberate throughout the nation.

The league has produced some of the greatest players to have graced not only the country of Mexico but the whole world, with some such as the great Hugo Sanchez, who went on to become a legend of European football with Real Madrid. However, some such as Cabinho made a name for themselves primarily in Liga MX, forging their name in the competition's legacy for eternity.

Here, GOAL takes you through the greatest players to have played in Liga MX.

• Fuente: Cabinho (Facebook)
  

  Cabinho

  The Brazilian footballer moved to the Liga MX side Pumas UNAM in 1974, and the rest as they say is history. Over the years he would go on to become perhaps the best player to have graced the league, establishing records that aren't close to being broken years after his retirement.

  He scored a remarkable 312 league goals playing for Pumas UNAM, Atlante, Leon, and Tigres, making him the league's all-time top goalscorer. Additionally, Cabinho has won the golden boot eight times, the only player to have done so in the competition's history.

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• Alfredo Tena

  One of the greatest defenders to have played in and for Mexico, Tena was a nightmare for attackers in Liga MX, a league where forwards usually dominated the field.

  Apart from his technical abilities as a player, his strength as a leader often came through for America, with whom he won six league titles. His tough attitude with both teammates and opponents earned him the name "Captain Fury."

• Getty Images
  

  Jared Borgetti

  Mexico's second-highest goalscorer, Borgetti troubled defenders all around the world including England and Saudi Arabia. However, where he etched his legacy was Liga MX.

  Scoring 252 league goals, he is particularly remembered for his time with Santos Laguna for whom he found the back of the net a staggering 189 times.

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• @SoyFutbol
  

  Jorge Campos

  Campos is one of the most mysterious footballers to have played the sport. While he mostly plied his trade as a goalkeeper, he often served as a substitute striker for Pumas UNAM during the early days of his career, even scoring 14 goals in his debut season.

  One amazingly bizarre instance for which Campos will forever be remembered for is when he scored a bicycle goal for Atlante. His heroics both as a forward and goalkeeper saw him win two Liga MX titles with Pumas UNAM and Cruz Azul.

YouTuber Mark Goldbridge has praised Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag for his recent comments on Marcus Rashford.

What did Ten Hag say about Rashford?

It's been a pretty impressive season for the Englishman and after he scored in the week against Chelsea, he became the first player in a decade – since Robin van Persie – to net 30 times in a single campaign for the Red Devils.

Unsurprisingly, Rahsford has earned plenty of plaudits over the past few months but it seems his manager, isn't satisfied just yet.

Indeed, Ten Hag recently told Viaplay (via Goal): "I am happy that finally a player of Manchester United is able to score 30 goals again. But next year the numbers have to be higher."

It might seem like a tough ask of Rashford but Goldbridge seemed to love the high standards being demanded at Old Trafford.

When speaking on The United Stand YouTube channel, he explained his thoughts, as he read out the quotes and then added: "I love that from Ten Hag! The obsession to make things better."

When does Rashford's contract expire?

As quoted in the ManchesterEveningNews, Ten Hag actually had even more to say on the topic. The Dutch coach explained: "There's a lot of room for improvement in his game. I'm convinced he can score even more.

"When you take, for instance, the last 10 games he didn't score many goals. I think only two or three, so yes he can improve. I am happy from what he did last season to now that he brings himself back.

"We supported him where we could, with the way we play but also in his mental mindset. We are happy with that, but we must push him more. I think he's capable of to score 40 goals in a season. So for him that's the next step."

Of course, the big concern for most Man United fans right now is whether or not Rashford will sign a new deal. Indeed, his current £200k-p/w contract end in 2024.

Thankfully, though, his manager also believes that will all be sorted soon, telling the press: "I expect Marcus Rashford to renew. He wants it. Manchester United wants it. He is a child of this club, so I assume this will happen."

All in all, it sounds as though supporters can hope to see even better and bigger things from their star player over the coming years under Ten Hag.

Sussex returned to winning ways in the NatWest T20 Blast after an impressive comeback by their bowlers set up a seven-wicket win over Middlesex at Hove

ECB Reporters Network01-Jul-2016
ScorecardPaul Stirling’s 52 wasn’t enough for Middlesex•Getty ImagesSussex returned to winning ways in the NatWest T20 Blast after an impressive comeback by their bowlers set up a seven-wicket win over Middlesex at Hove.Middlesex looked on course for a commanding score when they reached 71 for 1 in the sixth over with Paul Stirling in full flow.Stirling thrashed 52 off just 24 balls but after he departed in the seventh over Middlesex completely lost momentum.Seven of their batsmen scored between 2 and 6 as they were bowled out for 146 after losing nine wickets for 75 in 12 overs.There were still 14 balls of their innings unused and on a slow but true pitch Sussex had to take few risks as they sauntered to their target with ten balls to spare. Sussex’s fourth victory, which came after they hadn’t won in four, lifted them above Middlesex into third place in the South Group.The control Sussex had at the end was in sharp contrast to the opening overs as Stirling flayed their bowlers, hitting Tymal Mills for two sixes as well as eight fours. He reached his half-century in the fourth over, having put on 33 for the first wicket with skipper Dawid Malan.But Sussex began to drag it back in the sixth over when Nuwan Kulasekara yorked John Simpson (6) and then left-arm spinner Danny Briggs had Stirling caught behind trying to force off the back foot.It was a good night for Sussex’s slow bowlers, who sent down ten overs between them.Briggs and leg-spinner Will Beer had combined figures of 5 for 47 with Briggs also picking up Nick Gubbins (32), when he mis-timed a pull, and Ryan Higgins (4), to a sharp return catch, off successive deliveries.Beer claimed the important wicket of George Bailey, who was making his Middlesex debut, when he bowled the Australian through the gate before removing the dangerous James Franklin (5).Mills was expensive during Stirling’s onslaught ahead of what he hopes will be an England debut in next week’s T20 international against Sri Lanka, but he finished with 2 for 34.Middlesex’s hopes were briefly revived when Harry Podmore had Sussex skipper Luke Wright (23) caught behind off his first ball in the ninth over, Wright having earlier put on 46 with Phil Salt (27) for the second wicket.But Ross Taylor (33 not out) and Matt Machan (41 not out) didn’t need to take any risks and simply ticked over and put away the bad deliveries as they added an undefeated 74 in 62 balls.

Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, who is currently on loan at Manchester United, according to a recent report from the Daily Star.

Which midfielders could Tottenham sign this summer?

Tottenham are searching for a new midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window, and they are said to be leading the race for Leicester City's James Maddison, having leapfrogged Newcastle United into pole position. Much of Spurs' transfer business will be impacted by who the board appoint as manager, however Maddison will remain a key target regardless of who takes charge, as they do not want to risk losing their lead.

Other potential targets include Sporting CP's Manuel Ugarte, although the 21-year-old would not come cheap, as there is believed to be a €60m (£53m) release clause in his contract, as well as FC Lorient's Enzo Le Fee. According to a report from The Daily Star, Tottenham have also now joined the race for Sabitzer, having been impressed by his performances in the Premier League for Man United since arriving on loan from Bayern Munich in January.

Erik ten Hag is, as yet, undecided about whether to keep the midfielder at Old Trafford, but he will now have to pay £30m if he wishes to do so, with Bayern increasing their asking price in recent weeks.

There is no option to buy included in the Red Devils' loan agreement, meaning that there could be an open race for his signature this summer, with West Ham United and Aston Villa also interested.

Should Tottenham sign Marcel Sabitzer?

It would not be a surprise if Ten Hag is eager to keep the "sensational" 29-year-old, in light of his fantastic performances since coming in as a replacement for Christian Eriksen back in January.

Although he has mainly been utilisied in a central midfield role, the Austrian was given the freedom to play further forward against Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-final, and he scored two goals, highlighting his attacking prowess.

Not only that, but the maestro has been hailed as "diligent defensively", which was most notably on display in Man United's 2-0 victory against Leeds United earlier this season, making a higher amount of both tackles and interceptions than any other player.

As such, Sabitzer would be a versatile option for Tottenham in midfield, and they should continue to monitor his performances for the rest of the season.

Newcastle United are interested in a deal to bring Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy to St. James’ Park, according to reports.

What's the latest on Mendy's future?

Eddie Howe currently has Matt Targett, Jamal Lewis and Paul Dummett as his left-back options, but having played Dan Burn there for the majority of the season, is reportedly on the hunt for a new first-choice, with Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney one name to have been linked.

Mendy isn’t out of contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2025 but has fallen out of favour under Carlo Ancelotti having recorded just 14 La Liga starts since the beginning of the season. The Magpies target hasn’t been helped by his spell on the sidelines though having missed 14 matches with an unspecified muscle injury meaning that he hasn’t had the chance to make his mark due to his absence.

According to Spanish reports (via CaughtOffside), Premier League clubs Newcastle, Arsenal and Manchester City are all “keen on signing” Mendy ahead of the new term. Madrid could potentially look to sanction his sale for a fee of approximately €60m (£52m) in the summer, and whilst it’s unknown whether the northeast outfit could afford this price, it’s stated that he would be a “quality acquisition” for Howe.

Should Newcastle splash the cash on Mendy?

Mendy has been hailed an “incredible” left-back by Manchester United defender Raphael Varane and Newcastle should absolutely empty their pockets to sign him. In full, his former Real Madrid teammate said:

“It's incredible the physical strength he has. He is adapting very well and allows us to chain great efforts in the games. It’s strength in the defence but it helps us a lot in all facets of the game.”

The Los Blancos star has registered 23 assists and scored ten goals since the start of his career whilst ranking in the 99th percentile for pass completion, displaying his strong link-up play and desire to attack down the flank. The FS Management client would also provide Howe with plenty of versatility having operated at centre-back, right-back and on the left side of the midfield outside of his natural left-back position which is a useful attribute to have should any unexpected injuries occur.

Finally, Mendy would bring a winning mentality to Tyneside having secured eight trophies at both club and international level, including the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup, so matches the ambitious and positive-thinking mindset of the squad already at St. James’ Park.