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O semblante fechado dos jogadoresminutos antes do controverso jogo contra o Palmeiras, no último domingo, simbolizou um grupo que, além de incertezas em relação à realização da partida pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, viu 19 companheiros de plantel e uma dezena de funcionários infectados pela Covid-19. O ambiente estava pesado, mas a atuação briosa, com um time repleto de Garotos do Ninho, no empate em 1 a 1, revigorou o astral do clube.

RelacionadasFora de CampoVeja a repercussão do empate entre Palmeiras e Flamengo em jogo que quase não aconteceuFora de Campo27/09/2020FlamengoATUAÇÕES: Iluminado, Hugo Souza é o grande nome do empate do Flamengo no Allianz ParqueFlamengo27/09/2020FlamengoHugo Souza, após brilhar em estreia pelo Flamengo, se emociona: ‘Primeira vez sem meu pai’Flamengo27/09/2020

Através de postagens nas redes sociais, palavras de Jordi Guerrero, auxiliar de Domènec Torrent, e muita vibração no vestiário, notou-se uma sensação de triunfo e dever cumprido, nesta que foi a missão mais árdua dos profissionais em 2020. Nunca o Flamengo esteve tão remendado para um jogo de alto nível.

Só no time titular foram seis jovens da base. O mais experiente em campo era Arrascaeta, de 26 anos, o capitão e o tutor da molecada, que, para o orgulho da torcida, brilhou e ofuscou o protagonismo do uruguaio e de Pedro – autores de assistência e do gol do empate, respectivamente.

A atuação foi convincente ao ponto de jovens do Fla transmitirem segurança, inclusive, para a utilização na sequência da temporada. E o LANCE! aproveita o eco que as pratas da casa fizeram para trazer mais informações a respeito dos destaques – nem tão familiares para parte da torcida – da última tarde.

Confira (e debata nos comentários):

HUGO SOUZA

O nome da partida. No último sábado, foi externado que César, que nem sequer viajou a São Paulo, seria poupado. Assim, Hugo Souza fez a sua estreia entre osprofissionais e brilhou com defesas difíceis e saídas seguras. E ainda se emocionou ao dedicar o feito ao pai, que faleceu há seis meses (veja aqui).

Com o seu 1,96m de altura, Neneca é o quarto goleiro na hierarquia atual e, com 21 anos, já viu o Flamengo recusar propostas de empréstimo, como uma do Boavista, de Portugal. Ele participou da campanha do título da Copa São Paulo de Juniores. E a principal credencial até aqui: foi convocado por Tite para participar de treinamentos da Seleção Brasileira na Granja Comary. Tem talento de sobra e está sendo lapidado com cautela pelo departamento de futebol.

NATAN

Canhoto e natural de Itapecerica da Serra (SP), Natan atuou pela direita na defesa e, mesmo do lado oposto ao que está habituado, deu conta do recado e não deixou brechas para Luiz Adriano e companhia. Chamou a atenção pela consistência e bola longa (foram cinco bem-sucedidas de sete tentadas).

Com 1,88m e 19 anos, Natan deixou a lateral esquerda e foi moldado como zagueiro desde o início de sua trajetória no Flamengo – mais precisamente desde 2017. Foi capitão do time sub-17 e conquistou os seguintes títulos de peso: Copa do Brasil Sub-17 e Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-20.

OTÁVIO

Mais jovem que Natan, Otávio, de 18 anos, só iniciou como titular pelo fato de Gabriel Noga, que vinha sendo preparado entre os 11, foi testado positivo para Covid-19 na última sexta. E o garoto canhoto, concentrado e seguro pelo lado esquerdo da zaga, também recebeu diversos elogios – inclusive internamente, sobretudo por só ter feito um treino ao lado de Natan esta semana.

E Otávio chegou ao Fla antes de Natan: em 2016. Nascido em Itaim Paulista (SP), ganhou notoriedade ao longo da campanha do título brasileiro sub-17 (em que Lázaro, o mais badalado da base atualmente, foi o protagonista).

RAMON

Promovido aos profissionais este ano, Ramon é tido como um dos maiores talentos sub-20 do clube. Com 19 anos, o lateral-esquerdo demonstrou personalidade contra o Palmeiras, inclusive para dar instruções mais ríspidas ao sistema defensivo. No apoio, o seu forte, criou boas situações.

Ramon já soma duas assistências este ano, dadas quando atuou com a equipe comandada por Maurício Souza no Carioca enquanto o grupo principal estava de férias prolongadas. Ramon tem contrato até 2024 com o Flamengo e uma multa rescisória de 50 milhões de euros (cerca de R$ 323 milhões). Ele é cria do Nova Iguaçu e chegou ao Fla em 2017, então por empréstimo.

GUILHERME BALA

Guilherme Bala foi o primeiro jogador do Flamengo a ser substituído contra o Palmeiras. Mas o motivo foi justamente o empenho excessivo para anular o corredor esquerdo do Verdão, com Gabriel Veron e Matías Viña. E teve êxito na fase defensiva. Já no ataque, fez fumaça, já conhecida por quem o acompanha na base, e participou diretamente do gol de Pedro (veja acima).

Arisco, o atacante de 19 anos foi quem chegou por último à base do Fla (dos citados anteriormente). Bala se destacava no Madureira quando chamou a atenção do Flamengo em jogo contra o próprio Rubro-Negro pelo Carioca de 2019. Assim, foi recrutado para o time sub-20 e, em boa parte da temporada, tomou conta do flanco esquerdo do ataque de Mauricinho. Teve papel fundamental para o título brasileiro da categoria no passado. Este ano, chegou a atuar poralguns minutos na partida contra o Fluminense, na Taça Guanabara, na mesma situação de Ramon – ou seja, ainda sem as peças de Jorge Jesus.

The BCCI has been slapped with a fine of INR 52.24 crore by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), the country’s fair trade regulator, for “anticompetitive conduct”. The fine is specifically linked to the board’s broadcast deal for the Indian Premier League (IPL), centred around the BCCI’s assurance to broadcasters that, essentially, they will not allow or support any other domestic Indian T20 competition to emerge as a rival.According to the CCI, the BCCI has given an assurance to the broadcasters that it “shall not organize, sanction, recognize, or support another professional domestic Indian T20 competition that is competitive to IPL, for a sustained period of ten years.” The CCI deems this to be in contravention of the provisions of Section 4(1) read with Section 4(2)(c) of the Competition Act, 2002.According to , the CCI, in a 44-page order on Wednesday, directed the BCCI to “cease and desist” from indulging in a manner that contravened these provisions. It said the BCCI couldn’t place “blanket restrictions” on the organisation of professional domestic leagues or events by non-members.”The assessment of the Commission clearly brings out that the impugned clause in the IPL (Indian Premier League) Media Rights Agreement has been pursued by BCCI consciously to protect the commercial interest of the bidders of broadcasting rights as well as the economic interest of BCCI,” the order said.However, the CCI added that BCCI will not be stopped from stipulating conditions while laying down the rules for approval of a T20 league. The BCCI, the CCI said, would need to clarify the rules applicable for professional domestic leagues organised by members of the board or by third parties.”Besides, BCCI shall take all possible measure(s) to ensure that competition is not impeded while preserving the objective of development of cricket in the country,” the order said. The CCI has also asked the BCCI to file a report on its compliance within 60 days.The contention that the BCCI was a not-for-profit organisation was not a mitigating factor, according to the CCI. Noting that denial of market access is one of the most severe forms of abuse of a dominant position, the CCI didn’t find merit in the argument that there was no instance of refusal to any proposal for conduct of domestic leagues similar to the IPL.”After assuming monopoly of IPL for a sustained period of ten years by excluding all potential competition, there is no reason for BCCI or anyone to expect a proposal for organisation of a similar league,” the order said.In February 2013, the CCI penalised the BCCI for an identical sum of money, but that penalty was set aside by the Competition Appellate Tribunal in February 2015. Subsequently, the regulator had directed its investigation arm to probe further.Those investigations produced a report filed in March 2016 and it was only after taking stock of the report as well as submissions by the board that the CCI passed this latest order. The CCI said the penalty of INR 52.24 crore amounts to roughly 4.48 % of the average of the BCCI’s turnover in the last three financial years. The average turnover of INR 1,164.7 crore is for the financial years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have been handed a promising update on their pursuit of former defender Clement Lenglet by reports out of Spain.

Who will Spurs sign?

The north Londoners' transfer kitty has been bolstered by the sale of star striker Harry Kane, who has just completed his sensational switch to Bayern Munich for around €100 million (£86m) plus an extra €20 million (£17.2m) in possible add-ons.

Losing Kane to the Bundesliga come as a seismic blow for Spurs as they must now seek to replace a 25-plus goal-per-season forward, but there are a few options they've been linked with.

Tottenham could also look to shore up other areas of the squad following the 30-year-old's departure, as reliable media sources like The Times suggest they could make as many as three major signings before deadline day.

The Lilywhites have already completed deals for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, young centre-back Ashley Phillips, defender Micky van de Ven, playmaker James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon and striker Alejo Veliz, but there is now still plenty of work to do at Spurs.

Following the signing of van de Ven, manager Ange Postecoglou has previously hinted at the club making another centre-back move.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

“It's not done yet," said Postecoglou last weekend.

"We need bolstering in that central defensive area. We need defenders who can work in an aggressive formation, defend well & behind them. We'll be looking to bring in a couple in that area in the coming days."

Following on from that comment, the Spurs head coach later backtracked, saying a new central defensive addition will be dependent on outgoings.

"We've to see what happens with outgoings," explained Postecoglou.

"But, the potential is there to bring in one more centre back after van de Ven."

Now that Kane's marquee move to Bayern is sealed, it would appear that Spurs have the money to reinvest in a new defender, with reports out of Spain suggesting it could well be Lenglet.

The Frenchman has been repeatedly linked with a move to north London this summer, but Sport now say that Barcelona hope to "close the departure" of Lenglet to Spurs "very soon" after they sold Kane.

Lenglet, meanwhile, "hopes there will be an agreement between the clubs". It's added that Tottenham hope to sign a fair few players before deadline day and the 28-year-old could be one of them.

Talks were frozen due to a lack of agreement on finances, but it appears the move is now very much back on.

How good is Clement Lenglet?

Over his 26 appearances for Spurs on loan last term, Lenglet averaged a cool 87.5% passing accuracy out from the back (WhoScored), indicating he could fit in well to Postecoglou's fluid system.

Meanwhile, long-serving Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris believes he is a "high level" player.

"He's a modern defender," said Lloris.

"Comfortable to be able to play from the back. He has a great left foot and can be very strong in one v one and he's strong in the air.

"Even if it's never easy when you arrive in the Premier League and he will have to adapt to the intensity of the games but he is a high level player, with experience."

Arsenal are one of the sides keen on signing Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz before summer deadline day, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Who else will Arsenal sign?

The Gunners and manager Mikel Arteta are closing in on yet another signing with Arsenal sealing a deal for Brentford keeper David Raya, who has been given the "here we go" by renowned transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal look set to bolster their goalkeeping department with Raya's signing as sporting director Edu Gaspar provides stiff competition for current number one Aaron Ramsdale.

It's been a summer window to remember for Arsenal, who have spent well over £200 million, having also put pen to paper on deals for winger Kai Havertz, defender Jurrien Timber and club-record signing Declan Rice.

Buoyed by their victory over treble-winners Man City in the Community Shield as well, it could be a season to really look forward too for supporters.

More outfield signings are certainly not out of the question, either, as Arsenal are linked with moves for the likes of Barcelona forward Ansu Fati and Dinamo Zagreb's Josip Sutalo.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Luiz, who starred for Villa regularly last term, is another player who could make the move to north London this summer.

That is according to Football Insider and O'Rourke, who say Arsenal have held a long-standing interest in the former Man City star, namely since the summer of 2022.

Villa are actively pursuing USA international and Leeds midfielder Tyler Adams, and that could apparently open the door for Luiz to depart before deadline day.

Arsenal, it is believed, are keen on signing the 25-year-old alongside arch rivals Spurs. There is little detail given beyond that line, but it appears a move for Luiz is still firmly on the cards.

How good is Douglas Luiz?

The South American midfield ace racked up six goals and six assists in 37 league appearances last season for Villa, all while ranking among their best-performers by average match rating according to WhoScored.

Luiz also featured among Villa's best for tackles made and successful interceptions per 90, highlighting how he could be a very good job under Arteta if signed.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright, speaking on his podcast last year (via football.london), has praised Luiz and believeds he is actually an "underrated" top flight player.

“Someone like Douglas Luiz," said Wright.

"He is ready to be one of the best midfield players in the Premier League. He is so underrated. They [Villa] blasted us (on Sunday). We had no chance. It was men against boys."

Meanwhile, Luiz has also attracted praise from City boss Pep Guardiola, who has called the midfielder "strong".

"He’s a guy who plays all of the minute," said Guardiola after Villa played City in 2021.

"He’s an important player for Aston Villa. A guy who’s clever with the ball, so physically strong. He’s a lovely, lovely guy."

Arsenal's interest in Luiz is clearly not unjustified and it will be interesting to see whether they can pull off a move for the star so late this window.

Indeed, with just weeks till the deadline, it is set to be a very interesting time.

Manchester United have now thrown their hat into the ring in the race to sign Federico Chiesa this summer, as reported by Corriere dello Sport, via The People's Person.

How many goals has Federico Chiesa scored for Juventus?

The 25-year-old has been with Juventus for the last three seasons, but after dealing with several injuries has fallen down the pecking order at the Italian club. When he initially arrived in Turin, he managed 30 Serie A outings with eight goals and eight assists. It meant that he hit a double-digit amount of goal contributions in that initial season – his joint-best ever rate for a league campaign.

However, he has since seen his gametime drop, with eleven and then just six Serie A starts in 2022/23. He still managed two goals and five assists for Juve this season, but a serious knee injury last year has seriously damaged his progress there.

He's previously proven though that he could be one of the best talents in Italy. The winger's nine assists in 2020/21 put him in the top ten in the rankings in that area and his 147 and 145 successful take-ons in consecutive campaigns from 2017 to 2019 put him in the top ten twice in that area to boot. It shows that the forward is not only able to pick out teammates with an exceptional passing range and vision but is also not afraid to take on opposition players – and often tends to win the battles against them too.

Are Manchester United signing Federico Chiesa?

With Chiesa now potentially available on a transfer this summer, it has led to plenty of interest in his services from England now too. Both Newcastle and Liverpool have been linked with the Italy international so far this summer, with both weighing up transfer moves for the 25-year-old.

Most recently, the Toon have appeared to be the frontrunners for his signature, with the Premier League side offering a proposal to the winger – and the player not averse to a move to the club. Liverpool though have also been in contact, with the Reds seemingly having spoken to the attacker's agents this summer over a potential switch to Anfield.

Now, according to a report from Corriere dello Sport, via The People's Person, there is a fresh twist in the race to snap up the signature of Chiesa. That is because another English side has emerged in the race to sign the talent this summer – Manchester United. According to the report, the Red Devils are not desperate to add yet another winger to their ranks but they are indeed considering a bid and have now put him on their transfer radar as Juventus look to sell him on. The Turin side are desperate for funds and hope to get around £50m for the ace this window.

Whilst United are not in need of another winger – they do already have the likes of Jadon Sancho and Antony, with Marcus Rashford also able to play there – Chiesa provides another creative and exciting option for the team.

Dubbed "one of the most exciting players around" by members of the media, He's proven he can compete at a high level with Juventus when he is able to get on the field and he has done likewise for his country – so if a deal is possible it could be worthwhile for the Red Devils this summer.

Manchester United are reportedly in the mix to sign Netherlands international, Xavi Simons this summer, with it looking as if manager Erik ten Hag could be set to utilise his Dutch connections once again in order to bring the youngster to Old Trafford.

What is the latest on Simons to Man United?

According to L'Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi, the Red Devils are believed to be a "serious" option to land the 20-year-old ahead of next season, with the one-time Barcelona ace potentially set to be up for grabs on a loan deal this summer.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider revealed: "And be careful, if Leipzig is well ahead. Manchester United – who already wanted the player at PSV – are also among the serious suitors."

The promising playmaker is set to re-join former club Paris Saint-Germain following an impressive season in the Eredivisie at PSV Eindhoven, with the Ligue 1 outfit ready to trigger their reported £5m buy-back clause in order to snap up the in-demand ace.

As per Tanzi, however, it would appear that a temporary exit away from the Parc des Princes is set to be the next step for the 5 foot 10 gem, with United in the race alongside Bundesliga side, RB Leipzig, at present.

How good is Xavi Simons?

The Amsterdam native is likely to have piqued the interest of Ten Hag following what was a stunning 2022/23 campaign in Eindhoven, with the five-cap sensation having proven himself to be a truly "fantastic talent" amid what was a "fantastic season", according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Having been restricted to just 11 appearances at first-team level during his prior stint at PSG – where his chance of game time was hampered by the likes of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe – the £51m-rated ace more than took his chance last term, having contributed 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games in all competitions.

With Ten Hag believed to be keen to acquire a forward who can play all across the front line, alongside the signing of a new number nine, the capture of Simons – who has been dubbed a "top talent" by Kulig – could then represent a perfect option for the former Ajax boss, due to his impressive versatility.

That addition could also prove to be an upgrade on Jadon Sancho at the Theatre of Dreams, with the Englishman seemingly on "borrowed time" in Manchester, according to treble winner, Dwight Yorke.

The former Borussia Dortmund trickster has scored just 12 goals and contributed only six assists in 79 games in total for United over the past two seasons, with Ten Hag believed to be growing 'increasingly impatient' with the 23-year-old, as per Manchester Evening News.

The duo's contrasting form can be seen by the fact that while Sancho recorded just six goals and three assists in the Premier League last term, Simons' 2022/23 campaign proved far more fruitful as he registered 19 goals and eight assists in the Eredivisie.

The latter man's superior creative quality is also shown by the fact that he created 11 'big chances' in contrast to just six for Sancho last term, while his average match rating of 7.52, as per Sofascore, was also far more impressive than that of his United counterpart (6.85).

Not only that, but Simons also appears to be more adept at beating his man having averaged 2.2 successful dribbles per game, while the one-time Manchester City man averaged just 1.3 for that same metric last term, ensuring he could offer a far more dynamic and direct threat from the flanks.

As such, if Ten Hag is looking to improve on the struggling Sancho this summer, then the 53-year-old should certainly consider snapping up his dazzling fellow Dutchman.

Crystal Palace have made a verbal offer to sign Montpellier striker Elye Wahi and these next few days could be "decisive", according to reports.

Who will Crystal Palace sign?

It was a mixed 2022/2023 Premier League campaign for the Eagles, with relegation comfortably avoided but little progress made in terms of mixing it with England's elite.

Palace also sacked former manager Patrick Vieira with the Frenchman leading them into dangerous territory at the time, leaving them to turn to fan and club favourite Roy Hodgson.

After he guided them to safety, the Eagles saw fit to award Hodgson with the permanent job for next season, and a top half finish is now being targeted.

"I know what a fantastic squad we have here," Hodgson said a fortnight ago (via the BBC).

"It's a great blend of youth and potential, alongside experienced players with Premier League and international pedigree.

"As such, we have set ourselves the target of a top-half finish, which we believe is eminently achievable with such a fabulous group of players and the most magnificent supporters who get behind the team, week in, week out."

To strengthen further this summer will be imperative to that ambitious goal, with Jefferson Lerma already making the move to Selhurst Park on a free transfer.

Palace have been linked with a succession of more signings, including Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, AC Milan's Charles De Ketelaere, Netherlands international Donny va de Beek and Torino defender Perr Schurrs recently (footballtransfers).

However, after the departure of star forward Wilfried Zaha, it's perhaps most important they add quality to their attacking ranks.

As such, the south Londoners have been linked with red-hot Ligue 1 striker Wahi, with reliable French newspaper L'Equipe (via Sport Witness) revealing as much.

According to the paper, Palace have made a verbal offer for the 20-year-old, with Hodgson's side having "invited themselves to the talks".

As well as them, it is believed La Liga giants Atletico Madrid have done the same, and these next few days could be "decisive" in determining Wahi's future.

The forward remains on holiday at this moment in time, but according to L'Equipe, he hopes to return and start training with his "new club" – whoever that may be.

How good is Elye Wahi?

Montpellier's star player bagged a brilliant 19 goals and five assists in the league alone last season, ranking as one of their best-performers per 90 in the process according to WhoScored.

Wahi was a consistent threat in the final third and that is exactly what Palace need if they're to achieve their goal of a top half finish next season.

The young attacker has also been praised by members of the media for his displays across the channel.

"If he manages to polish the definition, we are facing a striker who is going to exceed ten goals per season," said journalist Andrés Onrubia Ramos on Twitter.

"A real beast in space that, in addition, associatively also leaves interesting things. It should definitely explode."

A fire accident at Jharkhand’s team hotel in New Delhi’s Dwarka area on Friday morning has resulted in postponement of the second semi-final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The match between Jharkhand and Bengal will now be played on Saturday at Feroz Shah Kotla.”We were to assemble in the lobby at 7.30am as we usually do before a game, but at 7, I was asked to stay back in the room by Pratyush Singh as there was lot of fire and smoke at the ground floor lobby,” Ishank Jaggi, the Jharkhand batsman, told ESPNcricinfo. “It spread quite quickly and when we finally got out of our seventh floor rooms, all we could see around us was smoke. It was so thick that we couldn’t even see the far end of the lobby.”What added to our concern was the fire alarm didn’t go off, so we assumed it to be a small fire accident. But when there was a strong burning smell, we were asked to vacate immediately. The seriousness of it struck us only when we got out. The smoke spread to our rooms as well. That is when we were asked to run down the stairs.”After getting out of the hotel, MS Dhoni, the captain, along with the rest of the players and support staff were driven to the Palam grounds, where they are currently housed.The final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the Feroz Shah Kotla was subsequently postponed to Monday.

Mason Mount's Chelsea future remains in the balance, but it appears the club have already got at least one alternative lined up should the midfielder join Manchester United.

Who could Chelsea sign to replace Mason Mount?

Man United have now agreed terms over a £60m move to sign Mount with Chelsea now potentially feeling the need to sign a replacement.

Should the Englishman indeed depart, the Evening Standard claims that the Blues expect to move for Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga, who has also been strongly linked with Premier League rivals Liverpool.

The Spain U21 international has a release clause of £34m, meaning he can be signed for around half the fee Mount goes for.

Is Gabri Veiga a good choice for Chelsea?

Veiga is coming off the back of a stellar campaign for Celta Vigo in which he scored 11 goals and assisted four more in 36 LaLiga appearances.

The 21-year-old's 0.43 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes over the past year sees him ranked in the top 1% of all midfielders across Europe's top five leagues, as per FBref, while he is in the top 2% for shots (2.43 per 90), which tells you all you need to know about his playing style.

Described as a "top talent" by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, and with a reasonable release clause, it is clear that Veiga is a man in demand.

With Chelsea also said to be closing in on a big-money deal for Brighton and Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo, the Blues could well create a dream central-midfield partnership that can help bring success back to Stamford Bridge.

Indeed, whereas Veiga thrives in the attacking metrics, Caicedo is very much a defensive-minded midfielder and is considered more of a replacement for N'Golo Kante.

Caicedo, who is reportedly valued in the region of £80m by Brighton, ranks in the top 11% among his positional peers across Europe's elite leagues for interceptions (1.61 per 90 minutes) and the top 13% for tackles (2.87).

Veiga, incidentally, is in the bottom 32% and 28% respectively in those metrics, whereas Caicedo is in the bottom 26% for non-penalty goals (0.03 per 90) and bottom 33% for shots (0.80).

It effectively means that the pair thrive in different areas, making them the ideal pivoting combo for Mauricio Pochettino.

They would undoubtedly be an upgrade on what the Blues already have available, too, with Veiga's 0.43 goals per 90 in LaLiga last season more than any other Chelsea player could manage, with Joao Felix ranking highest with 0.38.

In terms of the defensive metrics, Caicedo recorded 4.47 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes for Brighton in the Premier League last term. To put that number in some perspective, no Chelsea player could match that, with best-performing midfielder Conor Gallagher managing 3.83.

Chelsea's squad overhaul is already in full swing, but it could be about to get a whole lot more exciting if Veiga – and indeed Caicedo – are brought to Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks.

Manchester United are unlikely to sign Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane this summer and have given themselves plenty of time to identify alternatives in the transfer market, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Harry Kane?

According to The Guardian, Manchester United have pulled out of the race to sign Harry Kane this summer due to the 'unrealistic' amount of money that it would take to lure him to Old Trafford.

The report states that Red Devils boss Erik Ten Hag is 'disappointed' that he will not be able to add Kane to his squad; however, he understands that Manchester United need to be realistic when assessing potential transfer incomings.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has also gave an update regarding the future of Kane, stating on Twitter: "Manchester United are currently looking at other options for new striker as Harry Kane deal is not advancing at all. Man Utd feel Tottenham never wanted to sell Kane to them and have no plans to enter into two-months saga. Rasmus Højlund, one of the names in the list."

Capology understand that Kane earns around £200,000 per week at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a contract that runs until June 2024.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that Manchester United have done the right thing by scoping out their chances of getting Kane early in the window rather than entering into a protracted transfer saga.

Jacobs told FFC: "The point of Manchester United moving early to explore the Harry Kane situation was not to be messed around and that was smart because the last thing Manchester United want is a saga over Harry Kane. They had this with Frenkie De Jong last summer and when you are pushing for a player at the value that Kane will be worth, £100 million plus, you obviously have to allocate that budget if you think you've got a realistic chance and as a consequence, if it drags on, it can overshadow other summer activity."

What other strikers have Manchester United been linked with?

As Jones stated, Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund is a target at Old Trafford, though it is believed that the Serie A outfit want to recoup £86 million in order to let go of their rising star this summer, according to The Daily Mail.

Telegraph Sport cite that Brighton & Hove Albion man Evan Ferguson, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic have also been linked with Manchester United in the window.

The Sun also report that Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos has been offered to Manchester United as their striker search continues to intensify.

Manchester United are likely to be linked with several other targets over the next few months, though Kane is unlikely to be one of them following recent developments.