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Tottenham Hotspur have bolstered their attacking ranks significantly this summer, but could be set to make one final acquisition to cement Ange Postecoglou’s already impressive start to life in north London…

Who else will Tottenham Hotspur sign?

With James Maddison having endeared himself to his new fanbase with ease, and Manor Solomon a fine backup option having occupied the bench, it could be easy to assume that their attacking business for this window was coming to an end.

However, the rumour mill has continued to turn, with reports circulating suggesting various offensive stars who could still make the move to N17, especially given the departure of Harry Kane, and the goalscoring vacancy he has left.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

So, perhaps in an effort to create some additional chances to offset this absence, they could make their interest in Jeremy Doku tangible and fork up the £50m that Rennes are commanding.

How good is Jeremy Doku?

As a tricky wide man who has often deputised through the middle, it is clear that this Belgian magician has the skillset to both terrorise full-backs and bamboozle defensive midfielders wherever he is deployed.

In fact, such is his immense ability to forge chances for others, FBref even include Martin Odegaard on his list of ‘similar players’ despite their favoured positions being quite different.

This is likely due to the high volume of opportunities their excellence forges for teammates in the final third, with Doku using his speed and tricks whilst the Norway international prefers his technical prowess.

The latter allowed the Arsenal maestro to score 15 and assist eight in the Premier League last season, with his 7.35 average rating the highest of any Gunners player.

Such a figure was largely buoyed by his 2.1 key passes per game, which admittedly blows Doku’s figures out of the water.

He only managed one key pass per game last term in Ligue 1, yet his eight goal contributions allowed him to boast a 7.15 average rating in the French top flight, via Sofascore.

Then, as if to emphasise his starring qualities, when compared to other midfielders across Europe he sits in the top 1% for non-penalty goals, shot-creating actions, progressive carries and successful take-ons all per 90, via FBref.

His compatriot Kevin De Bruyne sought to laud his international teammate, noting:

“He is nimble, fast and he can dribble. Of course, he sometimes makes a mistake, but who doesn't? He is a diamond in the rough.”

Although Odegaard does not quite boast that same dynamism and ability to dance through numerous defenders, his sheer quality in possession is something which Doku will aspire to add to his game, although the foundation already seems very much in place.

Postecoglou would love to have another creator akin to Maddison within his side, in an effort to remove some of the focus away from the England international.

The former Leicester City maestro has enjoyed a fine start to the new campaign, recording two assists in their first two Premier League games; his presence seems to be underpinning the Australian’s revolution with a patented tireless work rate and elegance in possession.

Combining this with the explosive Doku, who mirrors the key man of their north London rivals, could help them bridge the gap that has opened up between them in recent years.

Chelsea are still extremely active in the transfer market despite kicking off their Premier League campaign this weekend, and now a fresh update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Chelsea's interest in Elye Wahi?

According to 90min, Chelsea are one of the clubs interested in signing Montpellier striker Elye Wahi this summer.

As per the report, the player is attracting lots of interest from Premier League clubs with Arsenal and West Ham United among those who are potential suitors alongside the Blues, whilst it is claimed that the west Londoners have already made a verbal offer.

Read the latest Chelsea transfer news HERE…

It is noted that the Ligue 1 club would expect a fee of around £35m to part ways with their youth prospect, a fee that should not trouble the financial power at Stamford Bridge.

Who is Elye Wahi?

The France U21 international was a standout performer in front of goal in France last season, which has ultimately led to huge interest from many clubs who are vying to secure his signature.

Over 33 Ligue 1 appearances, the 20-year-old scored 19 goals, registered five assists and created seven big chances, as well as averaging 1.2 shots on target and 1.9 shots in total per game, featuring seventh in the French top flight's top-scorers list – just ten goals shy of PSG star Kylian Mbappe.

Not only that, as per FBref, Wahi ranks in the top 15% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, goal contributions in total, shots on target and carries into the final third per 90, demonstrating strong attributes in front of goal.

Despite snapping up the services of Nicolas Jackson already this summer, bringing in depth and quality in the final third will be crucial for Chelsea this summer as they endeavour to improve upon their shocking campaign that saw them finish 12th in the top-flight last season, missing out on European football.

As a result, the signing of Wahi would be a great opportunity for Mauricio Pochettino to bring in a young and hungry talent who could be the perfect heir for Romelu Lukaku, a player whose future at Stamford Bridge is likely over after failing to make the impact needed to compete for the centre-forward role – having scored just eight league goals during the 2021/22 season.

The Chelsea flop has been given the green light to complete a permanent move away from west London following his season-long loan with Inter Milan, however, there is still no move set in stone for the Belgian to depart as of yet, although fresh interest from Tottenham Hotspur has been revealed.

The Montpellier goal machine could be the man to truly oust the Belgian as the Blues' new leading man in attack, with the youngster having rightfully been the recipient of high praise for his development so far, with reporter Andrés Onrubia Ramos full of compliments for Wahi last year:

"Montpellier: Elye Wahi (2003). If he manages to polish the definition, we are facing a striker who is going to exceed ten goals per season. A real beast in space that, in addition, associatively also leaves interesting things. It should definitely explode.”

With that being said, if Chelsea could secure Wahi's signature this summer it would provide Pochettino with a youth prospect that he can develop to become a key player in the forward line, ensuring that the club can swiftly move on from their Lukaku nightmare.

Liverpool have tabled yet another fresh bid for highly-rated young Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, having seen a £46m offer rejected, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

How much does Romeo Lavia cost?

The Reds' interest in the 19-year-old has been one of this summer's biggest transfer sagas, as they look to make further midfield signings ahead of the new Premier League season.

While Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have come in as exciting-looking additions, no other signings have been made, despite losing Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at the same time.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

It is Lavia who is seemingly considered Liverpool's No.1 option to come in and replace Fabinho in the defence midfield role, however, and on Monday they saw a third offer worth £46m turned down by Southampton, as the Championship side continue to hold firm.

Saints are demanding somewhere more in the region of £50m for the Belgian's services, and it looks as though the Reds may have finally bid that amount, following a new update.

What's the latest on Romeo Lavia to Liverpool?

Writing on Twitter on Monday night, Jacobs claimed that a fourth bid for Lavia has now been made by Liverpool almost immediately after the third, as they wait to hear Southampton's latest response:

"Understand Liverpool have already made another improved offer for Romeo Lavia after Southampton rejected their last £46m bid."

This whole situation has become rather painful at this point, with Liverpool making a mountain out of a molehill, in terms of continually bidding below the asking price when it is clear that Southampton aren't going to budge. The Reds must either stump up the £50m needed to get Lavia, or walk away from the deal and look at bringing in a different option in the No.6 role.

For Liverpool to be heading into their Premier League away to Chelsea on Sunday with no recognised defensive midfielder in their squad is a fairly ludicrous situation to be in, and even if Lavia does arrive before that game, it seems highly unlikely that he will feature, considering how late the Reds have left it.

Should this latest bid be accepted, though, the Merseysiders would be acquiring the services of a hugely exciting young footballer with a very high ceiling – one who Pep Guardiola has described as "incredible" in the past, with journalist Jacob Tanswell hailing him as "ridiculous".

At 19, it would be unfair to expect too much from Lavia straight away, as he gets used to playing for such a massive club – another No.6 with a little more experience is needed, too, but it remains to be seen if that will happen – but he showed last season that he can excel in the Premier League, arguably outperforming every other Southampton player and doing his best to keep them in the top flight, prior to their relegation.

An average of 2.1 tackles per game across 29 league appearances highlights his off-the-ball quality, but he is also a class act in possession, proving to be good in tight spaces and receiving the ball on the half-turn, completing 86.4% of his passes in a struggling Saints team last term.

The German defender bagged a late winner to give his side a three-point lead over surprise package Girona at the summit

Antonio Rudiger came up clutch to head a crucial late winner for Real Madrid as they secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mallorca on Wednesday night, with usual suspect Jude Bellingham going missing for long periods of the game.

This was a frustrating contest for the home side, who seemed unlikely to find the net for long stretches, before a set-piece sealed a vital win.

The returning Vinicius Jr enjoyed the first big chance of the game, latching onto a Luka Modric pass and seeing his shot diverted narrowly around the post. The Brazilian had another effort denied shortly after, encapsulating a largely frustrating opening period for Los Blancos.

Mallorca offered some thrust of their own, with Antonio Sanchez diverting the ball off the underside of the bar and somehow away from goal. Samu Costa also carved out a chance, cannoning a shot off the base of the post.

Still, this seemed to be Real's game to lose. Brahim Diaz hit the post from inches out halfway through the second half, and the introduction of Joselu saw the home side seize control. But it was from a corner that Carlo Ancelotti's side won it. Rudiger grabbed the goal, directing a majestic, arcing header into the far corner – leaving goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic rooted to the spot.

This wasn't pretty, but the importance simply cannot be understated, as Los Blancos now lead second-placed Girona by three points, albeit the Catalans have a game in hand.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from the Santiago Bernabeu…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andriy Lunin (7/10):

  Beaten twice, only to be protected by the woodwork on both occasions. But he was assured with his feet, and can't be faulted for his decision-making.

  Dani Carvajal (6/10):

  Scampered up and down the right with his usual gusto. His crossing wasn't perfect on the night, but it didn't need to be.

  Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

  A first of many enforced starts at centre-back. Reliable in one-on-one situations, but sometimes lacking positionally. He can be exploited in the months to come, despite his individual quality.

  Antonio Rudiger (9/10):

  Made some excellent recoveries when Mallorca aimed to go long in the first half. Good in his tackles, buried the winner. A memorable night.

  Fran Garcia (6/10):

  A bit slow to move the ball, and some of his deliveries weren't exactly on point.

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  Midfield

  Toni Kroos (7/10):

  Pinged the ball around, as usual, and made things happen in the attacking third. Curled a free-kick just outside the post.

  Federico Valverde (6/10):

  Covered loads of ground, but lacked quality in key areas. Skewed a couple of shots wide, and mishit the odd pass.

  Luka Modric (8/10):

  Constantly involved, both in chance creation and ball movement. Assisted the winner, too. A class act.

  Jude Bellingham (6/10):

  Marked out of the game for long stretches, and tried a bit too hard when he was involved.

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  Attack

  Rodrygo (6/10):

  Not quite at his best after an excellent finish to 2023. Fed off half chances and suggestions of space.

  Vinicius Jr (7/10):

  A welcome return to the side. Looked rusty early on, but created a few chances for himself. An agreeable hour.

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• Subs & Manager

  Brahim Diaz (6/10):

  Lively off the bench, but he really should have scored.

  Joselu (6/10):

  Changed things, giving Madrid a more direct point of attack.

  Lucas Vazquez (N/A):

  No time to make an impact.

  Dani Ceballos (N/A):

  On late on too.

  Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

  Had his hand forced with a number of selections, playing Tchouameni at centre-back and Garcia on the left. It looked to be a frustrating one for long stretches, but his side were bailed out by a late winner. Take the victory, onto the next one.

Manchester United target Andre Onana felt it was "impossible to reject the opportunity to play for Manchester United" and equally impossible to turn down "having a manager like Erik ten Hag" as the two have worked together at Ajax before, per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Andre Onana is joining Manchester United

It's been an interesting summer at Old Trafford so far this year.

The early stages of the transfer window looked fairly bleak for fans of the club as the news was dominated mainly by disappointing updates surrounding the prolonged takeover process with little in the way of transfer news.

However, the completion of the deal to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea last month changed that, as now the club look set to complete the signing of Inter Milan's £47m goalkeeper Onana, and there are reports of the club's interest in Atalanta's exciting youngster Rasmus Hojlund.

The signing of Onana is particularly intriguing, as only a few years ago, he was already playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and helping the Dutch giants reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.

This previous relationship and mutual respect made this move to United all the easier for the Cameroonian keeper.

The calls from ten Hag helped convince Onana that he couldn't reject the opportunity to come and play in the Premier League for a club like United, per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"Sources feel that for Andre Onana, it was really impossible to say no.

"Andre Onana was really happy at Inter; he had a fantastic season there, he was very happy with the teammates, the manager, the city.

"But then what happened is Erik ten Hag started to call weeks and weeks ago, for Andre Onana, it was impossible to reject the opportunity to play for Manchester United, the opportunity to play in the Premier League, having a manager like Erik ten Hag, who already knows Andre Onana's skills, so it was the perfect match for Andre Onana's dreams and this is why he decided to accept."

What did Andre Onana win under Erik ten Hag at Ajax?

Onana joined the Amsterdam side's youth setup from Barcelona in January 2015 before making his full Eredivisie debut for the senior side a year later against Willem II Tilburg.

It wouldn't be until December 2017 that ten Hag would join the club, bringing immense success and a return to national dominance that was so synonymous with the side.

Despite not winning the league for four years in a row, ten Hag led the club to domestic triumph in each of his three full seasons in Amsterdam, a success that he shared with his new keeper Onana.

It wasn't just league dominance, though, as with both of them at the club, Amsterdam's premier club also won two Dutch Cups and a Dutch Super Cup.

It's clear that ten Hag was grateful for the performances of his then-keeper as he branded him a "masterful goalkeeper" in an interview he gave when he was still Ajax's manager.

The arrival of Onana could be one of the defining transfers of the Erik ten Hag era at United, and if the pair of them can replicate even some of the success they experienced in the Netherlands, then fans of the Red Devils will be in for a brilliant few years.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag came to Anthony Martial's defence after his poor performance against Newcastle United at the weekend.

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• Ten Hag defends Martial amid criticism
• Slammed for his performance against Newcastle
• Will likely face Chelsea on Wednesday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The French forward had a forgettable outing in United's 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United as he failed to make a mark on the game and was subbed in the 62nd minute. Even manager Ten Hag was left fuming by his poor performance as he was seen shouting at Martial. But now, the Dutch manager has come out in defence of his player amid severe criticism from all quarters, while insisting that the entire team is trying their best to improve themselves after a dire start to the 2023-24 campaign.

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• WHAT ERIK TEN HAG SAID

  Speaking to reporters ahead of a midweek clash with Chelsea, the Red Devils boss said: "Anthony Martial played brilliantly against Everton. I don’t think it’s fair to point to one player. If you have one moment, you can’t make that as a pattern. The week before we played brilliant, lot of energy in the team, spirt, you see all the games before – I mentioned Fulham, Burnley, Brentford, Luton, so many games for evidence. If it was a pattern, these were different. But this is not a pattern, absolutely not. Everyone is giving their best, there is unity as a team."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 28-year-old has experienced an underwhelming campaign so far, managing to score just twice in 18 appearances for the club. With both Marcus Rashford and Martial out of form, Ten Hag's side have been wildly inconsistent. They are on the brink of Champions League elimination and find themselves seventh in the league, 12 points behind league leaders Arsenal.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  The Red Devils have a very busy schedule in December. After the game against Chelsea, Ten Hag's side will prepare for a home clash with Bournemouth before a must-win Champions League group stage clash with Bayern Munich. Huge domestic games against Liverpool and West Ham will follow before Christmas Day that could go a long way to deciding whether United make the Premier League's top-four.

Along with a heartbreaking tribute, the family of the late Maddy Cusack have confirmed that Sheffield United have launched an inquiry.

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Maddy Cusack was found dead in SeptemberFamily release mother's funeral speechAnnounce Sheffield United's investigationWHAT HAPPENED?

Cusack, the vice-captain of the Blades, was the first player to make 100 appearances for the women's squad and the longest-serving member of the team. On September 20, the 27-year-old passed away at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire. Derbyshire Police declared at the time that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. Nevertheless, a statement given by her mother Deborah at a funeral ceremony in October has finally been made public by her family and uploaded on the JustGiving page of the Maddy Cusack Foundation. The family released an additional statement in addition to the speech, stating that Sheffield United have agreed to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Maddy's passing.

AdvertisementWHAT DEBORAH CUSACK SAID

“My beautiful daughter, Madeleine. The saddest and most utterly heartbreaking reason why I am having to stand here and speak to you today is because of football," read the statement on X.

"From February this year, the indomitable, irrepressible spirit, the spirit called Maddy, the spirit that we had so fiercely protected was allowed to be broken.

"Those who knew Maddy well will be aware that she had no long standing mental health issues or troubles. Not that there would be anything to be ashamed of if there were, but there were not.  Those that didn’t know her need to know that."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

It has also been revealed that Sheffield United have opened an investigation into the death of their former vice-captain.

"Maddy was a happy-go-lucky, carefree girl with everything to live for and by last Christmas could be described as being at her happiest. This all changed gradually from February this year," read the statement.

"It is no secret, nor should it be, that Sheffield United Football Club have agreed at the request of Maddy’s family to carry out a thorough external investigation into the events that her family believe contributed significantly to her passing at the tender age of 27."

Last month, the Blades also launched a formal investigation into the club's, then-coach, Jonathan Morgan. However, the reason behind the investigation hadn't been revealed as the manager stepped away from his post following the inquiry.

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WHAT NEXT?

An inquest into Cusack's untimely passing was opened at Derby Coroner’s Court in October and adjourned, with the cause of death yet to be established. Her family will now wait for the results of the investigation from Sheffield United which will look into the events they believe "contributed significantly" to her tragic death.

Tottenham Hotspur talks to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba will take place in these next few days, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who will join Spurs this summer?

Spurs are set to bolster their squad this summer as chairman Daniel Levy, buoyed by the incoming new manager Ange Postecoglou, looks to this transfer window for upgrades.

A major overhaul is possible too with Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier and Ben Davies’ futures all hanging in the balance. Meanwwhile, Spurs could also attempt to sell Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon, Tanguy Ndombele and Harry Winks (The Telegraph).

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is another player who could make way and free up space for Postecoglou signings before the start of 2023/2024.

In terms of who they could be, Spurs are reliably believed to be closing in on Lloris’ successor, with Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario set to undergo a medical this weekend ahead of his proposed move.

Tottenham are also chasing a central defender, with Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo among the targets. However, Tapsoba appears to be taking centre stage, as some reports suggest he is likely to join if an official approach is made.

If that is indeed the case, reliable reporter Romano may have good news for Spurs supporters, as it is now expected that the north Londoners will imminently open formal talks.

The Burkina Faso international is apparently top of their transfer list, and in the next few days, negotiations over his signing will commence.

What’s been said about Edmond Tapsoba?

Commentator Mark Lovell is among Tapsoba’s biggest fans, calling him “top quality” all the way back in 2020, and it’s safe to say the defender has maintained that form as a consistent starter for Leverkusen right now.

Meanwhile, at international level, Tapsoba has been described as “fundamental” in past seasons by journalist Bruno Alemany.

South Africa have six pace-bowling options in the Test squad, while Theunis de Bruyn and Heinrich Klaasen have been picked as cover in the absence of AB de Villiers

Firdose Moonda24-Feb-20170:45

Quick Facts – Morne Morkel’s Test career so far

Morne Morkel has been included in South Africa’s Test squad to tour New Zealand in March after recovering from a career-threatening back injury, which kept him out of the national team since June. Morkel forms part of a six-member-strong pace pack, which also includes Vernon Philander, who has recovered from an ankle impingement sustained after the Sri Lanka Tests, Kagiso Rabada, Duanne Olivier, and allrounders Wayne Parnell and Chris Morris.In the absence of AB de Villiers, who opted out of Test cricket for most of 2017, South Africa are taking reserve batsman Theunis de Bruyn and uncapped Titans wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen, who finished seventh on the batting charts in the Sunfoil Series first-class competition.South Africa’s Test squad to NZ

Faf du Plessis (capt), Stephen Cook, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Duanne Olivier, Theunis de Bruyn, Heinrich Klaasen, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris
In Heinrich Klaasen, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris

Klaasen was preferred over Knights’ keeper Rudi Second, who was a spot a above him on the run-scorers’ list and was considered the favourite to deputise for Quinton de Kock now that Dane Vilas has signed a Kolpak deal. However, the selectors decided to give Klaasen a go, although they have assured Second he still remains in their plans. “Heinrich is a guy that struck us as someone who has the capability of coping at international level. He is a good striker of the ball and tight behind the stumps,” Linda Zondi, South Africa’s convener of selectors told ESPNcricinfo. “But it was touch and go between him and Rudi, and they are both on our radar.”South Africa’s batting line-up is unchanged from the seven specialists who did duty in Australia and against Sri Lanka with Dean Elgar and Stephen Cook at the top, followed by Hashim Amla, captain Faf du Plessis, Temba Bavuma and JP Duminy, but there will be a conundrum in the bowling department, where South Africa have given themselves plenty of choice. “We are still looking to see who will assist Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander,” Zondi said. “But our plan is to use our senior guys.”That suggests Morkel will edge ahead of the rest, despite a lengthy period of time out of the game and limited game-time in the lead-up to the series. Since being diagnosed with a bulging back disc after the CPL last year, Morkel has played one first-class game for the Titans, three warm-up matches during South Africa’s Test tour of Australia and one List A game for his franchise. At the time of writing, Morkel had been named in the Titans XI for a second one-day cup game before heading off at the weekend. Zondi admitted Morkel’s inaction is a concern but insisted his experience is a necessity. “Time away is always a concern but we need experience in the bowling so we’ll see how he goes,” Zondi said.Morkel is not the only one who has had a long lay-off recently. Morris spent three months recovering from a knee injury before making a comeback in the ODIs against Sri Lanka and he has since impressed enough to also earn a Test recall. Morris played two Tests in January 2016 against England, when South Africa had a glut of injuries, and was thought to have fallen down the pecking order but has now forced his way back in. “What has been so impressive is how he has understood his job. His primary role is to bowl and the batting is a bonus and that is exactly how he is tackling things,” Zondi said. “We have always wanted a seam-bowling allrounder and now we are finding we have a few.”Morris and Parnell are the two in the Test squad but both could end up confined to the bench with Duanne Olivier also competing for the third seamer’s spot. Olivier, who was the leading bowler in this season’s first-class competition and the only one to take more than 50 wickets, made his debut during the Wanderers Test against Sri Lanka and impressed with pace, bounce and aggression. He was selected alongside Parnell in all-pace attack in that match; although he took one wicket fewer than Parnell, Olivier was more economical. In the aftermath of Kyle Abbott’s exit, Olivier has emerged as a serious contender for the third seamer’s spot and, if given the opportunity, could stake a serious claim in New Zealand.The only bowling place not up for debate is that of the spinner because South Africa are traveling with only one. Keshav Maharaj has retained his place in an expanded 16-man squad. Given the distance and time difference to New Zealand, South Africa are opting for extra men to ensure they have all bases covered. The Test squad members who are not already in New Zealand will travel there this weekend.The three-Test series will begin from March 8 with the first match in Dunedin, followed by Tests in Wellington and Hamilton.

Misbah-ul-Haq has raised the possibility that he may leave international cricket, even as soon as before the third and final Test of Pakistan’s series against Australia

Osman Samiuddin at the MCG30-Dec-2016Misbah-ul-Haq has raised the possibility that he may leave international cricket, even as soon as before the third and final Test of Pakistan’s series against Australia.Pakistan’s most successful Test captain was speaking in the immediate aftermath of a dramatic and demoralising final-day collapse at the MCG – which ended in a defeat by an innings and 18 runs – and a day during which concerns over his own lack of runs came to the forefront once again.Already struggling for Test runs, Misbah lasted two balls, sweeping both, the second straight into the hands of Nic Maddison at short fine leg. That brought to a grand total of 20 runs in his last four innings, and would seem to have pushed him to the brink of calling it a day.”I think I need to think about it,” he said, when asked what the immediate future held for him. “I always believed that if I couldn’t contribute to the team then it’s no point staying there. This is a point where I need to think about that, even before the next game [in Sydney] and after the series. Next couple of days I will think about it and decide what to do. There is no point in hanging around and doing nothing. I haven’t decided [about Sydney] but let’s see.”The conversation around Misbah’s retirement has been a long-running one. It began in earnest after he led them to a series victory in the UAE against England in the winter of 2015. At the time, the prospect of a series against India kept him from retiring. But when that did not materialise, he decided to stay on to lead Pakistan in a clutch of difficult away series this year.He did well in leading them to a 2-2 draw in England, arguably the high point of his six-year tenure and, crucially, also a series in which he performed with the bat. Since then, however, Pakistan have lost a series in New Zealand and now in Australia – a run of five successive Test defeats that includes a dead-rubber loss to West Indies in the UAE.”I was thinking about my retirement long ago, even when I was playing against England in Dubai,” he said. “I was thinking then that we had possibly Tests against India, so I would play that and that’s it.”But then we had difficult tours like England, New Zealand and Australia, I thought that is not right time. I’ve been there for last six-seven years, developing this team. I have to face these difficult series. That is why I hung around. Even at that stage my plan was not to play for another two-three years. I have to think about that, haven’t finalised it.”What might play a key role in any decision he makes is the nature of some of his dismissals through the year. Though he has built up a reputation over the course of his career both for odd and untimely dismissals, a rush of poor decision-making in the last six months or so has left him questioning his batsmanship.Misbah-ul-Haq: ‘I always believed that if I couldn’t contribute to the team then it’s no point staying there’•AFP

At Lord’s in the summer, he slogged Moeen Ali second ball in the second innings to deep midwicket. That, ultimately, didn’t prevent Pakistan from winning the Test. But in the second innings in Sharjah, against West Indies, he pulled a long hop straight to deep backward square leg off his sixth ball, when Pakistan were in some trouble.In Christchurch in November, with Pakistan effectively 26 for 4 and Misbah relatively settled, he top edged an attempted hook off Tim Southee straight to long leg. Today came the second-ball sweep and he admitted that his thought process as a batsman is “not right”.”That is what has happened with me,” he said. “Quite a few innings now in which the shot that isn’t on, or the wrong shot for the wrong time… I don’t know, as a cricketer, as a batsman, it is hard.”Especially when you are not scoring regularly, when you go in [to bat], making the right decisions becomes a bit more difficult. Maybe that is happening now. What I feel I should be playing like, I am unable to play that way.”Misbah’s future is not the only one that will come under scrutiny. Younis Khan, his great partner in Pakistan’s triumphs, fell two balls before Misbah for 24. That left him averaging 15.75 from the two tours down under.”It hurts you because as a senior player you have more responsibilities,” Misbah said. “Whenever you don’t perform, you don’t come up to your own expectations and [those] of all the fans and team, that is disappointing. You don’t play a game for those sort of failures, you want to stand up and perform in these pressure situations. That is disappointing and it hurts a lot.”