Manchester United will try and reunite with Jack Butland this summer by swooping in from under the nose of Rangers, according to The Scottish Sun.

Will Man United sign Jack Butland?

The Red Devils snapped up the shot-stopper on a loan deal from Crystal Palace halfway through this season, with the club looking for cover in their goalkeeping department. They opted for the former Stoke City man and brought him to Old Trafford on a short-term basis.

During his stint with Erik ten Hag's side, he hasn't made a single appearance for the club in the Premier League. Now, with the campaign coming to a close, he will likely be available on a free transfer this summer, with his contract expiring at the end of June.

That has brought Butland to the attention of Rangers, who are keen to bring the former England international to Scotland. However, a deal to send the player to Glasgow might not be as straightforward anymore. A fresh report from The Scottish Sun suggests that Michael Beale's side will now face competition from United in a bid to sign him permanently this summer.

That's because Ten Hag has come to the conclusion that he would like to add Butland back into his squad as a permanent backup option to David de Gea and Dean Henderson, with the Red Devils ready to double the goalkeeper's salary.

Has Jack Butland played for Man United?

The former England international is an experienced goalkeeper at Premier League level, turning out 87 times in the top flight, although he's been out of the game and had a lack of minutes for quite some time now. His last game time came with Crystal Palace in the 2021/22 season and even then he could manage only 15 appearances in all competitions.

When you consider Butland's previous ability though, he could be a reliable backup option to have, with his former boss Gary Rowett – who was in charge of the player during his stint with Stoke – called the player "outstanding", whereas he has also been hailed as "brilliant" by members of the media.

Whilst he hasn't been able to prove that as of late, his previous stats showcase this. He has an average overall WhoScored rating of 6.66, which rose to a 6.90 during what was arguably his peak with Stoke. Whilst that rating tailed off at Palace – most recently he had an average score of 6.45 for them in the Premier League – winning one Player of the Match award during that time.

Whilst perhaps not a Premier League starter anymore, there is still the ability there from the player and if United did opt to bring him in as a backup, he could be a more than capable third-choice option for the club.

The ECB has dismissed as premature reports that players will be allowed to miss the tour of Bangladesh even if the board’s security consultants decide it is safe to go ahead

George Dobell12-Aug-2016The ECB has dismissed as premature reports that players will be allowed to miss the tour of Bangladesh even if the board’s security consultants decide it is safe to go ahead.While some news organisations have reported that the ECB is to give players the option not to tour the country due to fears over potential terrorist attacks, it insists that the relevant security visit has not yet started and that any decision will be delayed until that is complete. The players have not yet been approached on the issue.The ECB’s security advisor, Reg Dickason, is currently inspecting venues in India with PCA chief executive, David Leatherdale, and ECB director of cricket operations, John Carr. They are expected to arrive in Bangladesh in the next few days. Dhaka, the nation’s capital, suffered a terrorist attack in July that left many dead, while Australia cancelled their tour to the country at the end of last year due to security concerns.But Paul Farbrace, the England assistant coach, described reports that the ECB had offered players an opt-out as “news to me” and insisted that they would wait until the security visit was completed before making any decisions.”There has been no discussion on players being allowed to opt out,” Farbrace, who was in the Sri Lanka team coach that was attacked by terrorists in Lahore in 2009, said. “We had a chat with the Test and ODI squads about 10 to 12 days ago and we agreed we wouldn’t talk about Bangladesh until they [the security team] get back and make a report. Until they get back, there is nothing to talk about.”It would be a huge call to decide not to tour. Teams not going to Pakistan is a dreadful shame. I was on bus in Lahore and we were lucky to survive that. Player and staff safety is paramount but it’s a huge decision for a country to decide not to go. Bangladesh are looking forward to us going.”While giving players the opt-out option remains a possible, perhaps even likely, scenario, it does present potential problems with the dressing room dynamic. A team that has built an “all in it together” culture could stand the risk of being fragmented and, while promises not to take account of the decision in selection can be well-intentioned, allowing another player an opportunity is always a risk. If the replacement player performs, it could prove hard for the original player to regain their place.There is also precedent for such a decision. England players were given the option not to tour India in 2001, due to security concerns in the wake of the attack on the World Trade Center, with Andy Caddick and Robert Croft deciding to opt out of it. Croft never played for England again.”The safety and security of our players and management is always of paramount importance and this will continue to apply to all teams representing England on overseas tours and attending training camps,” an England spokesman said. “The ECB’s security advisor Reg Dickason and director of cricket operations John Carr are currently completing a pre-tour inspection in Bangladesh. As we have said before, once we have received and evaluated their report, we will discuss it fully with the England players. “

Manchester United will allegedly sign Napoli defender Kim Min-jae this summer by triggering his €60m (£52m) release clause.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news?

The Red Devils could be set for a busy summer in the transfer market ahead of Erik ten Hag’s second season in charge, despite the ongoing off-field saga when it comes to an Old Trafford takeover.

Reports have previously suggested that midfield and attacking reinforcements are high on the club’s wishlist, but it appears as if a new defender is also wanted.

There has been speculation this year that Ten Hag has given the green light to sales for Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, with rumours claiming that United have tabled a contract offer to Kim, having met with the player's representatives a few weeks ago – and a further transfer update has now emerged.

Sport Witness relayed a claim from Il Mattino regarding Kim and United, saying that Napoli want his €60m release clause paid in one single payment, something Red Devils officials are willing to do. It is a big fee for United to make in one hit, as Kim would go into the club's 10 most expensive signings of all time at that price.

The report states Kim ‘will go to Manchester United’, with no United players heading to Napoli as part of a player-plus-cash deal and even referencing previous speculation of the player lining up somewhere to live in Manchester.

Who is Kim Min-jae?

Kim, a South Korea international, is an out-and-out centre-back who appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €50m Transfermarkt valuation.

The 26-year-old only joined Napoli last summer from Fenerbahce but has made a big impact, turning out on 44 occasions in all competitions this season, contributing to four goals in the process.

Hailed as "extraordinary" by compatriot and Red Devils hero, Park Ji-sung, Kim has helped Napoli win the Serie A title and has been the club’s top-rated defender with an average match rating of 7.10/10, as per WhoScored – a higher score than any United defender. He has also averaged more clearances, interceptions and passes than any Napoli player, with his completion rate for passes sitting at an impressive 91%.

Therefore, with the Red Devils back in the Champions League next season, a move for a high-quality defender like Kim appears to be a shrewd decision by those at Old Trafford. You’d expect he could battle the likes of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez for a starting spot, with Ten Hag having at least three top options to choose from, and by the looks of it, a transfer appears to be a matter of time.

Journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur expects to still sign Dejan Kulusevski permanently amid conflicting reports.

What's the latest on Kulusevski and Spurs?

Defeat away at Aston Villa on the weekend in the Premier League means Spurs can only finish the season with a maximum of 63 points.

That means Tottenham will not be playing Champions League football next term and this will no doubt have an impact on their transfer business.

In fact, there were some rumours from Italian outlet Corsport (via Tuttojuve) that Spurs will consequently not exercise the purchase option for Kulusevski when his 18-month loan deal expires this summer.

There had been a clause in his initial loan move from Juventus that the club would have to pay €35m (£30m) if the club finished in the top four. But he is technically now able to return to Juventus.

However, while speaking about the possible transfer on his YouTube channel, Gold insisted that Tottenham still plan to keep the winger around.

He said (41:38): “There's been some reports I saw from Italy suggesting that his loan might end and he might go back to Juventus.

"From what I understand, Spurs expect to sign him.

"If you're not aware, part of his loan deal was that if Spurs finished top four, it would become an obligation to sign it. Otherwise, it would just become an option.

"But from what I understand Spurs are likely, or expecting to take that option. He's very much being seen as a Tottenham player for next season."

How much will Kulusevski cost Tottenham?

After arriving from Juventus in the 2022 January transfer market, the Sweden international made a great initial impact in England.

Indeed, he scored five goals and claimed eight assists in his first 18 Premier League outings. This term, however, things haven't been quite as impressive. For instance, from 28 league games this time around, he has just two goals and six assists.

With that being the case, you could see a possibility where the club decide amid that regression, Kulusevski might not be worth his £110k-p/w wages of that £30m transfer fee.

However, even without the obligation to pay that money, it seems as though there has been an in-house agreement at Tottenham to get this deal across the line.

With Harry Kane's future up in the air, perhaps fans will be glad to at least know one of their other key attackers looks all but certain to stick around in north London.

ScorecardCraig Overton completed his maiden first-class hundred•Getty Images

Hampshire held on for a draw in their Specsavers’ County Championship game against Somerset at Taunton thanks to a spot of good fortune and a stand of 159 between Sean Ervine and Jimmy Adams.Needing 249 in their second innings to avoid an innings defeat, the visitors finished the day on 254 for 5.However, they had to ride their luck on several occasions over the course of the final day, with Ervine, who helped himself to a century, dropped three times during an innings that, in the end, was the difference.The day began with Craig Overton surviving a near run out, when on 99, to celebrate his maiden first class hundred off 123 balls, with 10 fours.Overton, who with Roelof van der Merwe broke the county’s record eighth wicket partnership in the Championship, which had stood since 1983 when Ian Botham and Viv Richards put on 172 against Leicestershire at Grace Road, batted with typical aggression to reach 138.When the young Devonian finally departed, caught on the mid wicket boundary by Adams off the bowling of Mason Crane, Somerset captain Chris Rogers declared. Van der Merwe, who passed three figures off 137 balls, with seven fours and two sixes, was left unbeaten on 102.Overton’s early morning runs meant Hampshire required 249 in their second innings to make Somerset bat again. When opener Will Smith departed for 0, off 12 balls, lbw to Jack Leach, that initial target looked a long way off.Ervine and Adams joined forces and managed to steer Hampshire to lunch, albeit somewhat fortuitously. Ervine, who was quick to punish the short ball, was dropped by wicket keeper Ryan Davies, on 43, off the bowling of captain Jim Allenby, in the final over before the interval.The 32 year-old Zimbabwean made the most of that mistake and having been dropped again, on 78, by Overton, he went on to reach three figures off 148 balls. He was dropped again, on 100, before finally departing for 106 at 165 for 2.Adams, who was understandably watchful on a wicket that continued to turn, posted his half century off 169 balls with six fours.However, after tea and with the game seemingly drifting, Hampshire suffered a double blow when James Vince (13) and Adam Wheater (0) were dismissed by van der Merwe in the same over. Sensing their chance, Somerset pushed on in pursuit of the wicket of Adams which finally fell, at 251 for 5, caught by Marcus Trescothick off the bowling of Leach, who now has 45 first class wickets this season.Somerset made one final push, but Hampshire held their nerve and when the sides shook hands, Hampshire were 254 for 5.

أكد علاء نبيل المدير الفني لاتحاد الكرة، أنه سيجلس مع مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة لوضع خطة للفترة المقبلة، مشيراً إلى أزمة منتخب مصر في تعيين مدير فني بديلاً للبرتغالي روي فيتوريا.

وكان اتحاد الكرة قد أعلن في بيان رسمي عن تعيين علاء نبيل مديرًا فنيًا لاتحاد الكرة، وإقالة المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر الأول روي فيتوريا.

وقال علاء نبيل في تصريحات عبر قناة “الأهلي”: “سأجلس مع مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة غدًا أو بعد غد، سنضع خطه العمل التي سنعمل عليها، ونرى الاختصاصات والأهداف المطلوب العمل عليها”.

طالع أيضاً.. علاء نبيل يكشف عن مهامه بعد تعيينه مديرًا فنيًا لـ اتحاد الكرة

وأضاف: “اهتمامي الأكبر بقاعدة الناشيئن المتواجدة في مصر التي لم نستغلها الاستغلال الصحيح، لأننا لدينا مواهب على مستوى عالي جدًا، شاهدنا الكرة الإفريقية كلها سبقتنا بسبب أنهم اهتموا بهذا الأمر، أصبح لديهم لاعبين صغار السن يحترفون في الخارج ومنتخبات بلادهم تحقق نتائج جيدة، هذا في تفكيري”.

وتابع: “سنتحدث عن اختيار المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر الأول، بعد رحيل روي فيتوريا”.

وأتم: “المدربون يجب أن يكون لهم دور، مصر التي كانت لديها مدربين في الدول العربية كلها، حاليًا نبحث عن من الذي يدرب منتخب مصر، أصبح لدينا قصور في إعداد المدربين، لابد أن يجري المدرب معايشات مع مدارس مختلفة”.

James Anderson believes this England team is more talented than the side that reached No. 1 in the Test rankings in 2011 and has the potential to stay at the pinnacle for longer

Andrew McGlashan09-Aug-2016James Anderson believes this England team is more talented than the side that reached No. 1 in the Test rankings in 2011 and has the potential to stay at the pinnacle for longer.England can reclaim the top spot if they win the final Test against Pakistan at The Oval if India do not go on to overcome West Indies 3-0. Anderson admitted the rise up the rankings had come ahead of expectation for the team, and even if they do not secure No. 1 in the short term the age of many players in the side means the is scope for them to dominate for years ahead.”I think what that team in 2011 had was a number of players in the top ten in the rankings so if they were in form generally the team will do pretty well,” Anderson said. “We’ve got that at the moment. I think our team at the moment is better equipped to get to No.1 and stay there.”We are a more talented side, I think we are more mentally tough, I think we showed what character we’ve got this week coming from 100 runs behind at Edgbaston and managed to win. We’ve got plenty of characters in the team as well.”If we are brutally honest it would be a bit soon for the team, we are still developing, there is still inconsistency and we have plenty of improving to do. It would be nice if we do go to No. 1, but at the same time we know we have plenty of time on our hands to develop.”At 34, Anderson – who was a key part of the 2011 side – is now back as the No.1 bowler in the world and is the most senior figure in a team in which only Stuart Broad and Alastair Cook are also over 30.It is the clutch of 20-somethings, the players that Cook and Trevor Bayliss pinpointed as showing greater maturity during the Edgbaston fightback, plus Ben Stokes who remains sidelined, that gives Anderson the belief that reaching the summit will happen, and when it does the stay will not be fleeting.When England reached the top in 2011 with victory over India at Edgbaston – during a 4-0 whitewash – things quickly started to unravel, on and off the field. First came the 3-0 defeat against Pakistan in the UAE, spun out by Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman. Then, in a battle for the No. 1 ranking, South Africa secured a 2-0 victory in England during which the Kevin Pietersen texting controversy took hold and divisions emerged in the dressing room.”I think we have got more time on our side,” Anderson said. “The team then had a lot of players early to mid 30s. Now we have got the backbone of a side that could go on for another ten years and that is very exciting.”The lads we have got in the dressing room are very down to earth, honest with their own appraisal and the team’s own form. We have players who are not finished articles yet but are talented enough to be some of the best players in the world. If they can keep developing and improving then the sky is the limit.”When England previously climbed the rankings under the stewardship of Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower during the 2009-2011 period it was, in Flower’s style, meticulously planned out. Nathan Leamon, the team analyst, plotted their path through each of the series and the players were talked through how they would achieve their goal.When the ICC did their annual ranking update in May 2015, England were No. 5 and the top spot was a distant point. Partly because of that and, perhaps, because of the more laid-back style of management under Bayliss and Paul Farbrace, this team’s climb has been more organic.”It has been talked about as a place we want to go but it has not been mapped out for us as it was then,” Anderson said. “If we had done the maths it might have been three years before we got there but as results have fallen we can get there sooner than thought. It is a good motivator for us. We want to keep improving. Getting there would be a massive achievement for us all.”Investec is the title sponsor of Test match cricket in England. For more on Investec private banking, visit investec.co.uk/banking

Arsenal remain keen on bolstering their threadbare backline, and one move might allow Edu and Mikel Arteta to once again emulate the success of their Premier League rivals…

What's the latest on Edmond Tapsoba to Arsenal?

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners remain keen on a move for Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba, among others of England's elite.

He wrote on Twitter: "Premier League clubs are now tracking Edmond Tapsoba ahead of the summer transfer window — he’s one of the CBs to keep an eye on.

"Arsenal and Tottenham scouts have monitored Tapsoba in recent games but the race is absolutely open — Bayer will only sell for huge bid."

Given that the German outfit demanded a fee of around €70m (£61m) back in 2021, it can be expected that this remains in line with the "huge bid" they will demand in the upcoming window. Edu will be keen to do his due diligence before sanctioning such a large outlay.

How good is Edmond Tapsoba?

The 24-year-old has been around the German top flight for many years now, and as such, his experience is far beyond many others of his age. For a central defender, this instantly puts him at a higher level than most.

With 136 games already played for his current club, and the expectation that the 6 foot 4 titan will be a key defensive pillar they can build Xabi Alonso's new regime upon, it is no surprise to see they are so wary to lose him.

After all, the Burkina Faso international has once again proved himself a dependable defensive asset this campaign, having averaged 1.1 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and three clearances per game, via Sofascore.

However, the peak of his powers undoubtedly came during the 2020/21 term. Whilst these defensive figures remained the same, his pass accuracy rocketed to 90% and he was successful in 65% of his dribbles. Despite his youth, Tapsoba established himself as one of Europe's top ball-playing defenders on his way to a 7.17 average match rating, via Sofascore.

It was just before that year when journalist Dominic Fifield lauded him as an "outstanding young talent" before the defender went on to prove he was more than just a prospect. He was already a star.

Having launched his career from humble beginnings, he revealed in an interview with The Athletic exactly who he had modelled his game around: "John Stones, at Everton. I really enjoyed watching him, he made a huge impression on me.

"His manner on the ball, and the way he played with the ball. I loved that. I still go back to Stones when it comes to playing in a certain style."

When harking back to those aforementioned statistics, it is clear to see how the England international has influenced Tapsoba. His remarkable pass accuracy and ability to glide with the ball out of defence is akin to the 28-year-old, who has just helped Manchester City win yet another league title. FBref showcases this, as when compared to others in his role across Europe, the former Vitoria Guimaraes ace ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes and the top 7% for successful take-ons.

For comparison, this season has seen Stones maintain a 93% pass accuracy and an 86% dribble success rate. He is far beyond that of his alternative; however, putting this growing star into Arsenal's impressive team could fast-track his growth towards that level.

Given Arteta is in desperate need of additional centre-backs to compete with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, they could do much worse than a defender who has aspirations of emulating the five-time league winner.

Pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has been reacting to a Leeds United update involving Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou.

What’s the latest on Leeds and Postecoglou?

The Whites currently have Sam Allardyce in as interim manager until the end of the season, looking to remain in the Premier League. However, the club already appear to have eyes on a new long-term manager, with recent reports suggesting that Leeds are monitoring Postecoglou.

The 57-year-old was linked with a move to Yorkshire back in February and Leeds have continuously shown an interest in the Australian ahead of the summer.

Talking to Football Insider regarding the update, Agbonlahor, who contributes for Sky Sports, said that it would be “a very good appointment” and a “great addition” by Leeds, however, he feels as if the Hoops boss will stay put with the Scottish giants et for Champions League football next season.

“I think he’d be a very good appointment if they stay up. Leeds have to get the right man if they manage to stay in the Premier League. It’s been a clown show at Leeds.

“I don’t think he’ll leave yet – and not to Leeds, either. They’re not the most attractive job, and not one you would leave Celtic for.”

Unlikely for Leeds?

Leeds find themselves in the bottom three with two games remaining, and if they are relegated to the Championship, you’d expect that there is no chance of landing Postecoglou, who has also been linked with Chelsea and Tottenham this season.

Even if they remain in the top flight, luring the manager to Yorkshire could also prove tricky, especially as Celtic will be playing in the Champions League next season as Agbonlahor mentions.

You can see why the Whites would want to target someone like Postecoglou, though, with the Australian, lauded as "incredible" in the media, transforming things at Celtic Park by winning back-to-back league titles.

However, as Agbonlahor claims, it may not be an attractive proposition to leave Celtic for Leeds over the coming months.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa this summer, seeing him as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martinez.

Is Martinez leaving Villa this summer?

A number of Villa players have enjoyed excellent seasons, with their fortunes transformed under Unai Emery, but none have gone through a more exciting period than Martinez. The 30-year-old has not only performed impressively between the sticks at Villa Park, making 35 starts in the Premier League, but he has also tasted World Cup glory with Argentina.

Not only that, but he was one of his country's star men in Qatar, perhaps only behind Lionel Messi, proving to be the penalty hero so often in shootouts, and also making a huge save in the last minute of extra-time in the final victory over France.

Martinez's current standing in the game means that there is likely to be interest from top clubs at the end of the season, and the player also wants to quit the Midlands this summer, so Villa may find it difficult to keep hold of him. Admittedly, his current deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2027, though, so the club will be able to demand huge money for his services.

It looks as though the Villans may be resigned to losing the Argentine, with a new claim suggesting that they have already found a possible replacement.

Could Sa come in Martinez's replacement?

According to TuttoMercatoWeb [via Sport Witness], Sa could be an option for Villa during the summer window, having impressed for Wolves since arriving from Olympiakos in 2021. The report claims that Martinez "can say goodbye" to the club in the coming months and is valued at €40m, at which point their attention could switch to snapping up the Portuguese stopper, valued at €20m.

Sa could be an excellent signing by Villa, and while Martinez could arguably be better, he has shown that he can be a strong performer in the Premier League, making 75 appearances in the competition in two seasons. The £28,000-a-week Wolves ace has been hailed as "amazing" by teammate Daniel Podence, and at 30, he would be coming in at a great time in his career, with his best days still potentially ahead of him.

In an ideal world, Martinez would simply stay put and continue to be a key figure for years to come, but if Sa coming in to replace him is the next-best option, it may not be a bad outcome for Villa.