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Sheffield United have confirmed that their manager Chris Wilder has been awarded the February edition of the Manager of the Month award by the EFL.

The Blades have certainly been in fine form recently. Throughout February, Wilder’s side played five matches, all in the Championship. They went unbeaten throughout this period, first beating strugglers Bolton Wanderers 2-0 at Bramall Lane, then came a dramatic 3-3 draw with Aston Villa, followed by a 1-0 triumphs over fellow promotion-chasers West Brom and Middlesbrough and a 4-0 thumping of Reading.

Did Chris Wilder get it wrong in the Steel City derby? Check out the thoughts of Ingood Nick below…

13 points from five games is exactly the kind of form the Blades will need to maintain for the rest of the campaign if they’re to beat the likes of Norwich City and Leeds United to the title. Certainly, that consistent run of good results was impressive enough to earn Wilder this accolade. 

After the announcement, plenty of United fans took to Twitter to congratulate the head coach on his award…

Cricket South Africa has postponed its annual general meeting for the second time this year in order to resolve a conflict with the country’s chief sports authority. The meeting, originally due to take place in September as normal, was rescheduled for this Saturday, October 27, but will now be held on November 30.By then, CSA will hope to have formed its new board to the satisfaction of both the Nicholson Committee and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). The two are currently in conflict with each other, which led to the delay.Judge Chris Nicholson recommended that CSA restructure its board completely, after an investigation convened by the country’s sports minister Fikile Mbalula. Nicholson was tasked with looking into the R4.7 million (then $671,428) in bonuses paid to former chief executive Gerald Majola and 39 other staff members. The money was reward for the successful hosting of the 2009 IPL but did not pass through the board.Nichsolson found Majola guilty of wrongdoing and advised that he be suspended and that disciplinary action be taken against him. Majola’s disciplinary hearing was completed last week and he was fired on Friday but he is appealing to the Labour Court.The other major recommendation of the ministerial committee related to corporate governance. Nicholson said CSA needed a smaller board and more independent directors on it. That prompted CSA to announce a new structure which would see it halve its 22-member board to 11. It also pledged to appoint five outsiders.Last week, the five directors were announced and CSA was due to complete the process on Saturday by electing the five provincial presidents to the new board. CSA has been prevented from doing this because SASCOC, it is believed, are unhappy with the independent component of the board, although the sport’s governing body of the country has been tight-lipped about their exact gripe.The South Africa Cricket Players’ Association (SACA) cricticised the delay in restructuring process*. In a realease, SACA said: “A the 11th hour it [the board restructure] has all been put on hold with the threat that the progress made will be derailed and another structure put in place. The players, en masse, are asking ‘how can this be happening?'”Our cricketers have been patient through all of the problems and have given CSA their support and a fair opportunity to fix things. Now, quite frankly, they are angry with this set-back for what appears to be ‘political’ reasons.”There are good people in cricket, including CSA’s current leadership and some of the existing directors, who have worked tirelessly to bring about these governance changes and the changes will make cricket one of the best administered sports in the country. We have a world class team. The players expect the administration of the game, and in particular the Board of CSA, to aspire to the same high standards in the governance of the game.”The selection of the independent directors has also come under scrutiny. CSA elected a nominations committee to put forward names for these positions. It has emerged that CSA had former president Norman Arendse listed as chairperson of the new board but CSA’s current board rejected him because according to them, he does not qualify as an independent. Arendse is an honorary member of Western Province Cricket Club. Instead, ABSA deputy group chief executive Louis von Zeuner, a banker, was named chairperson.The board maintains that it informed the nominations committee in detail about who would be considered ineligible. In response, two members of that committee have resigned – Sean Christiansen and former convenor of selectors Rushdie Magiet. Christian told local papers he felt he had been “hoodwinked” and “manipulated” by CSA. Arendse is seeking dispute resolution on the issue and believes he was excluded as part of an anti-transformation stance.With more sub-plots than most television soap operas, it is clear why CSA could not complete its restructuring as planned. The current board will continue in their roles until the end of next month. CSA is also due to advertise the post of chief executive following Majola’s dismissal.*04.30pm, October 25: This article has been updated after SACA issued their press release

Celtic consolidated their position at the summit of the SPFL on Wednesday evening amid growing rumours that Olivier Ntcham has emerged as a target for West Ham United, though Neil Lennon shut down those rumours in the aftermath of proceedings.

But could the Bhoys still bring another face into the club before the January deadline passes?

Celtic have already moved to sign Patryk Klimala and Ismaila Soro this month in a pair of deals that should give them a much needed boost during the final months of the season.

However, a recent verdict from Celtic’s correspondent for The Athletic, Kieran Devlin, suggests Lennon could strengthen the entirety of the club’s spine by adding a central defender to his squad before the window slams shut.

Indeed, when asked about the possibility of the Bhoys re-signing Filip Benkovic from Leicester, Devlin suggested the door is still open for a late twist.

“A possibility but unlikely, nothing concrete from either side.”

As they say, it’s the hope that kills you.

While there’s certainly no major indication from Devlin that the popular Croatian powerhouse is likely to return to Paradise, it seems there is still room to manoeuvre if the club decide to push for a late deal.

Given Benkovic is yet to play a single minute of Premier League football under Brendan Rodgers this season, a fact that underlines his peripheral status, there is certainly reason to suggest a temporary loan deal would at least be beneficial for the player.

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Tottenham are in the running to sign Donny van de Beek from Ajax, according to L’Equipe.

The midfielder is set to become one of a number of young stars to leave the Dutch giants in the coming months, including defender Matthijs De Ligt and Frenkie De Jong.

What’s the word?

Van de Beek is under contract with Ajax until 2022, and has a number of potential suitors.

PSG Sporting Director Antero Henrique has reportedly identified Van de Beek as a potential acquisition, while Manchester United and AS Roma are also interested.

Spurs are said to be monitoring Van de Beek’s situation, with the Dutch giants ready to discuss a deal at €20m (£18.04m).

CheekySport’s Joel claims Spurs badly need to invest in January after not having “the balls” to beat Arsenal. Check out his uncensored opinion in the video below…

The 21-year-old has been ever-present for Ajax thus far this season, making 31 appearances in all competitions and also contributing seven goals and six assists.

Van de Beek can play as a central midfielder and an attacking midfielder, and has regularly featured alongside De Jong and Lasse Schone in midfield this season.

With Van de Beek seemingly wanted by a clutch of European clubs, it remains to be seen whether De Ligt and De Jong will also be allowed to leave, amid reported interest from the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City.

Ajax’s talent factory

Ajax have unearthed yet another gem in the Van de Beek.

A metronomic midfielder with an eye for goal, the youngster has already made over 110 appearances for the Dutch giants, and has also won five caps for the Netherlands.

Along with De Ligt and De Jong, the midfielder is a part of yet another Ajax golden generation.

It is surprising that the Dutch giants would be prepared to discuss a deal at such a low price, and it is an opportunity that no club should pass up.

Spurs offer a fantastic opportunity for Van de Beek, where he could blossom under the tutelage of Mauricio Pochettino, while it is of little surprise that PSG would want to scoop up one of the finest young midfielders in European football.

Away from those two, United offer the prestige, while Roma have a talented crop of youngsters that Van de Beek could link up with.

His future is in his own hands, but Ajax are guaranteed to end next summer with a fair few million in the bank.

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Serie A champions Juventus are ready to make an offer to Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey in January, according to The Daily Mail.

What’s the word?

Arsenal’s decision to pull out of contract negotiations with Aaron Ramsey has left the Wales international extremely likely to leave the Emirates Stadium in 2019, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old has already emerged as a potential target for a number of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester United, but The Daily Mail states Serie A champions Juventus are looking to use an advantage that they have in the market.

Clubs outside of England will be able to discuss a pre-contractual agreement with Ramsey in January and the report states that Juventus are looking to do exactly that, as they plot a move to bring the player to Italian football.

The ideal solution?

While Arsenal seem to have decided that Ramsey is surplus to requirements, seeing another player move to a Premier League rival would be a real kick in the teeth for the Gunners and they would, therefore, love to see Ramsey move abroad.

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However, the player himself may be reluctant to move his young family to the continent and a stay in the Premier League looks to be the most likely outcome and, due to his contract situation, Arsenal have very little control over what happens.

All that Emery can do is hope that Juventus manage to persuade Ramsey to move to Turin at the end of the season as that would see the Gunners avoid having another fan favourite jump ship to join a rival.

West Ham fans are furious with the latest transfer news, as reports claim the Hammers are in talks to sell Pedro Obiang back to Sampdoria.

According to Sky Sports, West Ham are in advanced talks with Sampdoria for the 26 year-old midfielder.

The fee is believed to be in the region of £8.9m, which seems pretty bizarre considering the Hammers are lacking in that defensive midfield compartment.

Obiang swapped Sampdoria for East London in 2015, and has scored three Premier League goals in 67 appearances for the Hammers.

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Plenty of fans consider the Spaniard to be their best defensive midfielder, and they’d much rather it was Kouyate who gets sold.

The Hammers have done some excellent business this summer, but losing Obiang for a rather nominal fee would be a disaster, especially after allowing William Carvalho to once again slip through the fingers.

The report says Southampton’s Mario Lemina is a possible replacement for the Spaniard, but fans really don’t want the sale to go through, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea will step up their efforts to sign Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after completing a deal for Alvaro Morata.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Sky Sports say that after sealing a club-record move for Morata on Friday, Blues boss Antonio Conte is ready to switch his attentions to Oxlade-Chamberlain as he looks to strengthen in the wing-back positions.

Aside from perhaps Cesar Azpilicueta, Victor Moses has little competition for the right wing-back slot and with the club returning to the group stages of the Champions League next term, they certainly need more depth.

A move for the Gunners star would make sense as he has just a year left on his contract, and despite Arsene Wenger previously saying he is confident that the 23-year-old will stay at the Emirates, Sky Sports say that he has told the Frenchman that he has no interest in signing the extension he has been offered.

How did Oxlade-Chamberlain do last season?

The England international has struggled to find his best position in the team since moving to Arsenal from Southampton six years ago, and the 23-year-old will be frustrated at the lack of progression he has made in his career.

He did make 45 appearances in all competitions for Gunners last term though, scoring six goals and providing a further 11 assists.

Oxlade-Chamberlain also impressed in the right wing-back position and made the spot his own in the latter stages of the campaign when Wenger changed systems, and those performances will have caught the eye of Conte.

Would he be a good signing for Chelsea?

He certainly would be, and his arrival would also weaken a direct rival.

Oxlade-Chamberlain would provide great competition for Moses in the right-wing back spot but his versatility means that he would be able to cover a number of other positions too – a useful tool in what is sure to be a busy and tough season.

At 23 years of age and with a lot to prove in his career still, it would be a no-brainer for Chelsea to target the Three Lions star if he has no intention of signing a new deal with Arsenal, while he could also be available for a reduced price as he has just one year remaining on his current deal.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp may leave Adam Lallana out of his starting XI for this Saturday’s Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur, according to talkSPORT.

The midfielder has been a pivotal part of the Reds’ attack, but the whole team are struggling at the moment following a dismal start to 2017.

In 10 matches in all competitions, the Reds have claimed just one victory, and that was a 1-0 win over Plymouth in the FA Cup, which they were later knocked out of by Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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Klopp’s men are yet to win a league game since the turn of the year, and the pressure is on ahead of this weekend’s encounter at Anfield following last Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Hull City.

According to talkSPORT’s co-host Micky Quinn, Lallana may not start against Spurs after missing some training sessions this week.

The ex-Newcastle United player said on air:

“Since the defeat against Hull they have been on the training ground every day working to a pattern to beat Spurs. By all accounts that didn’t involve Adam Lallana, so whether he’s going to dropped, I’m not too sure.”

The news comes following a report in The Telegraph, which claims that Lallana is on the verge of signing a new four-year contract worth £150,000 per week.

The England international has scored seven goals and produced as many assists in the top flight this season.

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Fans across the Premier League have praised Southampton for landing sought after striker Charlie Austin for just £4m.

The 26-year old has been linked with a number of Premier League sides since QPR’s relegation last season after he notched an impressive 18 times for the West London club.

A £15m fee was reported over the summer, though Saints have managed to land the former Burnley striker for just £4m.

His contract at Loftus Road was due to expire in the summer, though such a (relatively of course) low fee has seen fans on Twitter react with delight.

Whether it’s commending South Coast chief Ronald Koeman for sealing the deal, or lamenting the fact their club did not make a move, fans seem to universally agree it is a good deal for all parties.

He is one of a number of top flight players to have a history playing non-league football, having played for the likes of Poole Town while working as a bricklayer.

Comparatively, Bournemouth spent £12m on Benik Afobe from Wolverhampton Wanderers, who is largely untested in the Premier League.

Inter Miami are MLS Cup “favourites because of Lionel Messi”, says David Beckham’s former LA Galaxy team-mate Robbie Keane.

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Article continues below

• Herons boast star-studded squad
• Argentine icon a talismanic presence
• Expected to compete on multiple fronts

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Herons collected a first major trophy in 2023 as eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi inspired them to Leagues Cup glory within weeks of his arrival in the United States. An untimely injury prevented him from steering the Florida-based outfit into the play-offs.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Messi is expected to push Inter Miami into contention for silverware on multiple fronts in 2024, with domestic and continental honours there to be chased down by the most-decorated player of all-time. He will not have things all his own way, with the Galaxy and a number of other ambitious outfits determined to block his path, but the Argentine icon will take some stopping.

• WHAT KEANE SAID ABOUT MLS

  Three-time MLS Cup winner Keane admits as much, with the Irishman telling : “I’ll be watching MLS this season, as I always do. It was a big part of my career, being there five-and-a-half years and winning three championships, so I always look out for LA Galaxy. They haven’t had the best time in the last couple of years and with the history of the club they should be always fighting for the play-offs and the chance to win the MLS Cup. We know how difficult that league can be, but I hope they can hit a bit of form and get to the play-offs this season. You’d have to say Inter Miami are the favourites because of Messi. He’s a top player, and you look at the players that they’ve brought in, with the Barcelona guys coming back and Luis Suarez now there as well, it will be interesting to see. They’ve definitely got every chance to win the MLS Cup, no question about it.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI & INTER MIAMI?

  Inter Miami are off to a winning start in 2024, having overcome Real Salt Lake in their season opener, and will be in California on Sunday – with the potential for more A-list guests in Hollywood – when they line up against the Galaxy.