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Arsenal may be faced with a tough decision this summer as they continue to work on a new contract for William Saliba, journalist Charles Watts has claimed.

What's going on with Saliba and Arsenal?

The France international has performed well for Arsenal this season, but has just one year left on his contract at the club.

This summer is a crucial one for Saliba. Arsenal are in talks to extend his deal, but if they cannot reach an agreement, they may have to think about a sale of one of their most important players.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts highlighted Arsenal's potential concern over Saliba this summer.

"The clock is ticking when it comes to William Saliba, because you can't really end this summer without Saliba having signed a new contract. You can't go into the new season surely, with Saliba less than 12 months away from the end of his current deal," he stated.

"It's almost a bit of an elephant in the room type situation with Saliba, no one really wants to talk about it, but if this contract doesn't get sorted in the next six weeks or two months, maybe before everyone comes back for pre-season, then Arsenal are going to have a big decision to make because there's going to be lots of clubs sniffing around and thinking he's got 12 months left on his deal with this blatantly generational-almost quality defender, which he's proven in the Premier League this season, can we get him on the cheap?

"Bids are going to start coming in for William Saliba this summer if he hasn't signed a new deal and that's going to leave Arsenal with a bit of a decision to make."

What should Arsenal do with Saliba?

The 22-year-old has been sensational for Arsenal this season, helping them sustain a title challenge before picking up a long-term injury, and the Gunners capitulated without his presence in the back line.

Mikel Arteta described him as "superb" early on in the campaign, which was his first at the club following at number of loan spells away since he signed in 2019.

Tying him down on a long-term contract should be the priority for Arsenal, and with Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale reportedly agreeing new deals, there may be hope that the Gunners can hold on to their best talents to remain at the top level for years to come.

If no resolution can be reached in the summer, Arsenal may have to consider sizeable bids for the currently injured centre-back, but they may elect to keep him and attempt to tie him down throughout his final season.

If Saliba is to depart, it would be a huge loss for Arteta, and a top-quality replacement would have to be found.

Hardus Viljoen has struggled for credibility in international cricket but he made an immediate impact in his debut for Kent in Bristol

Vithushan Ehantharajah at Bristol23-Aug-2016
ScorecardHardus Viljoen made an immediate impact for Kent [file picture]•Getty ImagesIt was the sort of impact county fans rarely expect of an overseas player, least of all one that drops in for the latter part of a season, with little international credibility behind them. But Hardus Viljoen, on Kent debut, became on their fourth bowler to take a five-wicket haul this season, as his 5 for 55 helped dismiss Gloucestershire for 221 in their first innings. It was the South African’s 20th fifth-wicket haul in first class cricket.It is a stint that will provide something beneficial for Viljoen as much as Kent, who are looking to keep the pressure up on Essex at the top of the table, ready to pounce from third if any stutter is forthcoming.The 27-year-old is looking to build on what is so far a one-Test career that started with the wicket of Alastair Cook, first ball. That was as good as it got for Viljoen in the third Test of England’s series away to South Africa earlier this year as his robust, aggressive style was successfully countered. The winter has been spent finding form in Zimbabwe and Australia as part of South Africa A, ventures that haven’t quite reaped the rewards he would have wished. A week at home followed before he flew over to Canterbury for the rest of the season.With Kent testing the limits of their seam bowling reserves, Viljoen’s acquisition has added further breadth to a broad-shouldered bowling line-up of Matt Coles, Mitchell Claydon and Darren Stevens. A foursome you would not wish to meet down a dark alley. Then again, no alley could house them unless they greeted you in single file. And they were in no mood for courtesy today.Kent opted against the toss and decided to give Gloucestershire first go on a pitch that looked used, with a brownish-green tint that looked more like an Olympic pool than a four-day pitch. With the odd ball zipping through, Viljoen hammered away at a length to take the key wickets. The usually unflappable Michael Klinger was rushed with a delivery that moved sharply into him, trapping the right-hander in front of middle and off. Hamish Marshall, who top scored with 58, was also given the hurry up by Viljoen, just as he looked set to take his side out of the red.It has been an interesting summer for Gloucestershire, one which many locals regard as their best since 2011, when they finished fourth in Division Two. Their white ball aptitude, culminating in last year’s Royal London Cup success, also carried over this season into a quarter-final spot in the NatWest T20 Blast. And, going into the game, Gloucestershire sat fifth, 12 points behind Kent, with a game in hand. If Kent’s promotion hopes were still alive, so logically were theirs.Members have been mightily impressed by the upturn in fortunes since Richard Dawson look over at the beginning of 2015. But their subsidence to 67 for 4, with Darren Stevens moving the ball both ways to account for Chris Dent (played on) and returning skipper Gareth Roderick (lbw), brought a sense of disappointment around the ground that there may be an early finish to their competitive season.Gloucestershire battened down the hatches in the afternoon, 60 runs were added in 33 overs. It was, however, a necessary trudge, with Gloucestershire’s season hanging in the balance. They need not have taken the closed curtains of the flats at the Ashley Down Road End personally.The evening session brought with it runs, wickets and dashings of brilliance, as those who sought the sun were baked into a slumber. Marshall used a reprieve on 37, when Stevens dropped a simple catch at first slip off Viljoen, to move to his half-century from 166 balls. A reprieve might have been enjoyed, too, by Phil Mustard, caught down the leg side, for Viljeon’s second wicket. The reaction told the story: rarely has a man pointed at his own thigh guard with more apoplexy.

Presenter and Leeds United supporter Oscar Marrio has been reacting to a managerial update from Elland Road regarding Brendan Rodgers.

What’s the latest Leeds manager news involving Rodgers?

The Whites look set to be on the search for another new manager this summer, with current head coach Sam Allardyce only in charge until the end of the season.

Allardyce, the fourth man to lead Leeds this season, has yet to win any of his three games as interim manager, with the club staring down the barrel of relegation from the Premier League. A final-day win over Tottenham may not be enough to save the Whites from the drop, with attention turning to a busy summer.

The 49ers Enterprises look likely to take over from Andrea Radrizzani, with discussions over taking majority control gathering pace in recent weeks, even in the event of relegation. A new manager will be on their to-do list, with Phil Hay stating that Rodgers is likely to become a target if the worst happens this weekend.

"Should they go down, recently-sacked Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers is likely to come into the equation, at least in terms of the sort of coach they would want. Whether Rodgers is open to working in the EFL again, having led Swansea City up from it in 2011, is another matter altogether."

Reacting to the update, All Leeds TV presenter Marrio took to Twitter, claiming Rodgers “would be absolutely perfect for the rebuild” at Elland Road.

“Rodgers with a sporting director would be absolutely perfect for the rebuild. Doubts about his longevity beyond 2-3 seasons are fair but I honestly couldn’t care less at this point about that. Look at his first 1-2 seasons success wise at every club he’s been at since 2010 ish.”

Is Brendan Rodgers still out of work?

Rodgers left Leicester City last month after more than four years in charge, and yes, he is still without a job. The Northern Irishman averaged an impressive 1.59 points per game during his time with the Foxes, however, that took a hit this season with his side involved in a relegation battle.

Leicester could end up falling with Leeds down to the Championship, a division Rodgers has previous success getting out of with Swansea City. Since then, the 50-year-old has won plenty of honours with Celtic and even lifted the FA Cup with Leicester in 2020/21, so if Leeds were to persuade someone like Rodgers to join them, it could be a smart move and one that Marrio would seemingly be on board with.

Aston Villa have presented an offer to Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio, according to Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the latest Aston Villa transfer news involving Asensio?

Villa are now preparing for Unai Emery’s first full season in charge after the manager sealed an incredible turnaround after arriving back in November.

A win over Brighton & Hove Albion on the final day of the Premier League season guaranteed there will be Europa Conference League football at Villa Park in 2023/24, and additions are now seemingly on the club’s agenda.

NSWE are prepared to back Emery with a “huge” spending spree, but one player who may not command a fee and has been linked with a move to the Midlands is Asensio.

Villa were preparing an offer for the attacker, who is on course to become a free agent this summer, and it looks as if that has now been tabled.

Romano took to Twitter on Tuesday to share a big update regarding Villa and Asensio.

The transfer expert said that those in the Midlands have “submitted an opening bid” for the Spaniard, who is also of interest to Paris Saint-Germain and sides in Italy. He added that Villa are currently pushing to get an answer as soon as possible from the player.

“Aston Villa have submitted an opening bid to Marco Asensio last week — as negotiations have been ongoing for days.

“No final decision yet, still waiting on the player as PSG have also approached Asensio, Italian clubs too. Villa, pushing to get an answer asap.”

Who is Marco Asensio?

Asensio is a left-footed winger who can play on either side or as an attacking midfielder. The Spain international has won 17 major honours with Madrid and was once valued at €90m by Transfermarkt.

The 27-year-old, described as "sensational" in the media, has made 285 appearances for Madrid, scoring 61 goals and registering 32 assists in total. Should e sin for Villa, it seems as if he would add plenty of experience to Emery’s side, while also offering the manager with a versatile option in the final third.

Asensio reportedly picks up £118,000-a-week at the Bernabeu, though, so you’d expect that Villa may have to match that, or even surpass that figure in order to secure his services. It would be interesting to know what Villa have offered the attacker, and by the looks of it, a move for Asensio will be one to follow closely over the coming weeks.

Senior batsman George Bailey has admitted Australia’s batsmen have let their inexperienced bowling counterparts down so far in South Africa, a sentiment echoed by the former vice-captain Brad Haddin

Daniel Brettig04-Oct-2016Senior batsman George Bailey has admitted Australia’s batsmen have let their inexperienced bowling counterparts down so far in South Africa, a sentiment echoed by the former vice-captain Brad Haddin.Much focus has centred on the expensive figures returned by a youthful bowling attack in the two matches that have Australia 0-2 down to South Africa in the five-match ODI series, but Bailey and Haddin have both reframed the debate by pointing the finger squarely at the top order.”We’ve certainly got a young bowling attack but I think the thing that’s been the most disappointing is our batting the last two games,” Bailey said ahead of the third match in Durban. “We were under par in game one and 360 is a big total, but you saw it on that ground it was great value for money, the ball flew everywhere and our run rate was going pretty well.”All the batters are hitting the ball pretty well, it’s just that nobody’s getting a hundred and the South Africans have had a guy score a hundred in each of those games. As much as the focus could be on our young bowling attack, I think it’s the batters who have got to step up.”Haddin, speaking on , said that the batsmen had none of the handicaps the pacemen Daniel Worrall, Scott Boland, Joe Mennie and Chris Tremain were saddled with, trying to get comfortable in a new team environment while learning how to cope with the pressures of international cricket.”At the end of game I heard Davey (Warner) and Steven Smith talking about how our bowlers need to step up a little bit. But we had a couple of guys on debut, we had all our senior batters there,” Haddin said. “I think the batters were a little bit disappointing to be honest.”It sort of happened a little bit in the Sri Lanka series with Nathan Lyon as well. I think the batters need to have a bit of a look at themselves. We’ve got all our senior bats there, we’re not missing anyone from that end. Fifties aren’t going to cut it. We need guys like Davey to get a start and go on and get some big scores. Yeah it was a tough day for the bowlers but those guys are on debut, they’ll be better for the run.”Bailey mused over the circumstances of the batsmen’s dismissals in the first two matches, and reasoned it was more a matter of focus on the task than anything else. “I don’t think there’s been any really audacious dismissals, we’ve just been getting out,” he said. “I know the first couple of training sessions we spoke about the fact we could hit the ball again. It was a bit of a shock to get into the rhythm of getting that value and being able to play with some freedom, but I don’t think that’s been an issue.”It’s just a matter of guys, once they get that start, turning it into a really big score. And maybe credit needs to go to South Africa, they might be bowling more consistently and putting us under more pressure. I think we’ve got a really strong batting line-up, it’s time for us to stand up.”

Arsenal have held "early verbal talks" over signing Man City defender Joao Cancelo, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

The north Londoners are targeting a variety of players for key positions after missing out on a Premier League title to City last season.

Mikel Arteta's side were beaten to the punch by their manager's mentor, Pep Guardiola, and if they're to mount another serious challenge next season, they'll need more quality.

Injuries to the likes of William Saliba arguably hampered their form late on but reports suggest that shoring up central midfield is of major priority.

West Ham star Declan Rice, Brighton's Moises Caicedo and City captain Ilkay Gundogan are being targeted, but strengthening their defence is also a real goal for sporting director Edu.

Arsenal want new full-back options, leading to interest in Galatasary's Sacha Boey, Real Valladolid starlet Ivan Fresneda and Cancelo.

Sharing news on the latter star, who could well leave Eastlands this summer, journalist Sheth has an update for supporters.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the reporter claims Arsenal have held "early verbal talks" over the £250,000-per-week star, but there is currently a gap in valuation.

"Another Manchester City player they're interested in, Joao Cancelo," Sheth explained."We know that he was on loan at Bayern Munich. Bayern didn't take up the option to buy him on a permanent basis, he's still got two years left on his contract, so he won't come cheap."The early suggestions are there is a gap in valuation, in early verbal talks, between the two clubs about what Manchester City would want and what Arsenal would be prepared to offer. Arsenal looking to be very ambitious this summer."

Who is Joao Cancelo?

The Portugal international, before his shock departure to Bayern mid-season, was once a key player for Guardiola.

Over the 2021/2022 season, only goalkeeper Ederson featured over more league minutes than Cancelo, who was indispensable for City and a star player in their line-up.

That campaign, he stood out as one of their best-performers per 90, with former Blues midfielder Nigel de Jong even putting Cancelo up there with the best full-backs in the world.

"We can have a healthy discussion and debate on who is the best right-back in the world and Cancelo is certainly up there for me," said De Jong in 2021 to Prime (via MEN)."It's not only his versatility but also the fact he is as strong defensively as any right-back or left-back in the world."

Depending on the asking price, he could be an exceptional aquisition for Arteta, though it remains to be seen what exactly City will demand.

Wes Durston has called time on his Derbyshire career by mutual consent

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Oct-2016Wes Durston has called time on his Derbyshire career by mutual consent.Durston, 36, leaves Derbyshire after making 218 appearances since his debut in 2010, scoring 7,628 runs across all formats. He also skippered Derbyshire in limited-overs cricket.Cricket advisory director, Kevin Dean said: “Wes has been a tremendous player for Derbyshire and we would like to thank him for his efforts over the last seven seasons. He made many notable contributions down the years, no more than in our 2012 promotion winning season, but both parties feel that the time is now right to move on. We wish Wes all the very best for the future.”Durston’s uncomplicated see-ball, hit-ball approach made him a favourite with Derbyshire supporters and probably testified to a late-developing career that had a reawakening in his thirties after he had been released early by Somerset. But he began to show his age in 2016 and with the new director of cricket, Kim Barnett, intent on a shake-up, his departure is no surprise.

Khephren Thuram's representatives are favouring a move to Liverpool over other interested clubs, transfer insider Jacque Talbot has revealed.

What's the latest on Thuram?

The OCG Nice midfielder has attracted interest from a number of top clubs, including Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain, following a strong campaign in which he contributed to ten goals and assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.

The central midfielder may have a number of options available to him this summer, and his representatives are now pushing for the 22-year-old to join Jurgen Klopp's side.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Talbot revealed that despite missing out on Champions League football, Anfield is the ideal destination for the midfielder.

"I certainly think with Thuram it's three clubs, PSG, Newcastle and Liverpool," he stated.

"We hear that his father and his representatives are pushing towards Liverpool. We hear that Newcastle do like him and have been some talks but of Newcastle they are looking towards the Premier League.

"PSG are another one who are linked to Thuram, but they want to get him in instalments."

What could Thuram bring to Liverpool?

Klopp is aiming to completely rebuild the Liverpool midfield after a disappointing season, and Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister looks set to become the first through the door this summer.

Thuram could join to play alongside him, either as the defensive midfielder or next to him as a box-to-box option, having played a significant number of games in both roles this season.

His teammate Aaron Ramsey recently praised him, describing the Frenchman as "very dangerous," and he is held in high regard in Ligue 1.

Thuram ranks highly for progressive carries as per FBref, indicating that he could be useful for his strength and skill on the ball as Liverpool aim to add more energy back to their side.

James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are all leaving the club, and younger alternatives to Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are being targeted.

Liverpool challenged for the quadruple last year, but have suffered a dramatic drop-off in performances and results, having been eliminated early on in all the cup competitions, and a late resurgence in form wasn't enough to secure Champions League qualification.

Klopp will hope to land his ideal transfer targets this summer, and should they secure the signing of Thuram, he could become a mainstay in their midifeld for years to come.

The BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke has requested the ECB to bear the expenses of its team during England’s upcoming tour of India

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Nov-2016The BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke has requested the ECB to bear the expenses of its team during England’s upcoming tour of India. Shirke said the BCCI was unable to sign the MoU with the ECB at this time because the board could not enter into contracts without directions from the Lodha Committee.”Dear Phil, I warmly welcome you for the upcoming cricket series. I am however at great pains to inform you that the BCCI is at present not in a position to execute the MoU between the Indian Cricket Board and the ECB,” Shirke wrote to the England team’s operations manager, Phil Neale, according to the . “This is due to restrictions on execution of contracts imposed on the BCCI by a Court order.”Certain courtesies such as hotel, travel and various other arrangements have been extended to you on arrival of the team in India. However, till the MoU is executed, the BCCI is not in a position to commit to paying for the same. Please make arrangements to remit such payments. The BCCI will inform you as and when further instructions are received by the BCCI from the Lodha Committee. I apologise on behalf of the BCCI for inconvenience that is being caused.”While the BCCI had contacted the Lodha Committee seeking approval for the MoU, the Lodha Committee in its response to the board said forming cricket policy was not part of its remit, but that directions regarding payments could only be given after the BCCI provided more information about the transactions involved.It is understood that Shirke then sent the committee the unsigned MoU via email late on November 3 evening, but despite being asked for details the email did not contain what the Lodha Committee wanted.However, there is a larger issue between the Lodha Committee and the BCCI. On October 21, the Supreme Court had directed the BCCI not to distribute funds to state associations until they agreed to comply with the Lodha Committee’s recommendations, which the court had approved in an order on July 18. The court also asked Shirke and Thakur to meet the Lodha Committee in two weeks’ time and placed several restrictions on the board’s ability to enter into contracts, which forced the IPL broadcast and digital rights tender process to be put off indefinitely and prevented the BCCI from signing the MoU with the ECB.The Lodha Committee then asked the BCCI for an undertaking from Thakur that the board would implement the Supreme Court order of October 21, a step that would indicate that the BCCI was willing to implement the recommendations of the Lodha Committee. As of November 3, Thakur had not given such an undertaking and he and Shirke had not met the committee either.The Lodha Committee – comprising former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha and retired Supreme Court judges Ashok Bhan and R Raveendran – was formed in January 2015 to determine appropriate punishments for some of the officials involved in the 2013 IPL corruption scandal, and also to propose changes to streamline the BCCI, reform its functioning, prevent sporting fraud and conflict of interest.

Aston Villa fans will be excited by their pursuit of Sporting Lisbon attacker Pedro Goncalves as it is an indication of their 'massive plans' for the club, according to Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Pedro Goncalves?

According to A Bola via Sport Witness, Aston Villa have ‘advanced with approaches’ to sign Sporting Lisbon man Goncalves this summer and are keen on bringing him to Villa Park.

The report states that the £25k-a-week ace has a €80 million (£68.6 million) release clause in his current contract at the Portuguese giants and he has been closely followed by the Villans this season.

As per Record, Tottenham Hotspur are said to have initiated contact to try and acquire the 24-year-old, potentially creating a transfer tug-of-war for his services.

Goncalves was in fantastic form for Sporting Lisbon in 2022/23 and managed to register 20 goals and 15 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Aston Villa look to be in the market for quality additions and have also been linked with the likes of Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Joao Palhinha.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that Aston Villa fans should be enthused by the prospect of bringing Goncalves to Villa Park this summer.

Jones said: "Villa fans should be really excited by the fact that this is the sort of player they are being linked with. It just goes to show that they're got massive plans at the club, if they're aiming to get in players like this."

Would Goncalves be a good signing for Aston Villa and who else has been linked?

Goncalves would be a terrific addition to Unai Emery's side and carries a potent goal threat, evidenced by the fact that he averaged around 3.2 shots in the Primeira Liga this campaign, as per WhoScored.

FBRef also show that Goncalves has been an extremely inventive presence this term, successfully carrying out 181 shot-creating actions in total.

In terms of other prospective arrivals, Aston Villa have been linked with a loan move for Manchester United striker Anthony Martial, who is set to be moved on at Old Trafford this summer, as per FootballTransfers.

talkSPORT also understand that Leeds United winger Jack Harrison has also cropped up on the radar at Aston Villa and could be another offensive option for Emery to work with heading into next campaign.

Aston Villa look set for an exciting few months and their fanbase will hope to see Goncalves arrive alongside a few others in the West Midlands as they prepare to juggle domestic and Europa Conference League football.