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Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Last July, Virat Kohli had no double-centuries. He now has five. Only Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar are the Indians with more. Kohli waltzed to 213 off only 267 balls to set up a declaration and asked Sri Lanka to survive for nine overs before stumps on day three.But the fatigue of having spent 176.1 overs in the field showed in how Sadeera Samarawickrama flashed at a wide ball and left alone a straight one. At times, teams have to tackle those dreaded days of trying to delay the declaration, and how they go about it can tell a lot about where they are at as a unit. Sri Lanka, unfortunately, were all over the place: bowlers were not accurate, fielders not alert, and plans absent. There was a buffet out there, and all bar KL Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane tucked in.Kohli took the record for the most centuries for an Indian captain. Rohit Sharma ended his 13-month wait for first-class cricket and a four-year wait for a Test century in the course of a mere 160 balls. The declaration came as soon as Rohit reached the mark, making it only the third time India have had four centurions in one Test innings.The start of the day was indicative of how the rest of it would go. Cheteshwar Pujara, 121 at the time, played out a watchful maiden – he took 23 balls to add to his overnight score – and Kohli started off with a single to long-on off his first ball. By the fourth over, it was clear Sri Lanka – understandably – were not there a 100% and that Kohli was, in his hyper-active T20 mode no less.Kohli pushed one to long-on, Suranga Lakmal lobbed the throw to Rangana Herath, he was slow to come down, and Kohli stole a second with the ball wandering only as far as point. Fielders were under extreme pressure. Later, Herath had his pride hurt when Kohli pinched a single after hitting a firm drive straight to him at mid-off. Flustered, Herath threw anyway and conceded an overthrow. If Lakmal had reason to be upset, he didn’t help matters when he forgot to make an effort to collect a throw the last ball of that over. Towards the end of the session, Niroshan Dickwella was busy applauding the wide slip for getting a hand to a late cut when Kohli raced across for a single.Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have a chat between overs•BCCI

Pujara continued to play the old-fashioned way. Despite the slow start he didn’t look for a big shot to get going, clipping to leg for his first single of the morning. Kohli was more fluent as he kept driving either side of the wicket from wide outside off.The seamers tried going round the wicket and Herath tried going over the wicket, but there was hardly a moment of concern for India. While Pujara and Kohli batted together on day three, the bat was beaten only five times, one of them a Dasun Shanaka yorker about seven minutes before lunch and Pujara fell seven short of 150, the ball squeezing under the bat which had covered the line and but hadn’t come down in time. It was a reminder that even when things seem easy for long periods, there are still ways to get out.A minor disappointment for India was that Rahane fell for just 2, to a loose ball from Dilruwan Perera, which was small consolation for the offspinner who has had an ordinary Test. There was nowhere to hide for him as he had to keep coming back for spell after spell, going for 202 in 45 overs despite an improved showing on Sunday.Kohli and Rohit presented a milder version of their legendary one-day stands as they matched each other shot for shot in a 173-run stand for the fifth wicket. If Kohli welcomed Lakmal back by dancing down and hitting him over mid-off, Rohit dropped Dilruwan over mid-on. Kohli unleashed a six over long-on, bringing up his and Dilrwuan’s 150. So Rohit raised two lofted boundaries off Herath. Rohit’s 11-ball wait to go from 49 to 50 just before tea brought his strike-rate under 50, but Kohli, more used to these landmarks in Tests, saw no reason to slow down even as he approached his double-hundred in the final session.Kohli fell for 213, but he gave Rohit all the time he needed to get to a hundred that might be important for his confidence going into the South Africa tour, where he might be asked to bat more often than he has at home. It is up for debate whether it is disrespectful to the opposition to wait for one man’s personal milestone, but it wasn’t as if India were going to run out of time or good weather to run Sri Lanka out a second time. It was apparent in Samarawickrama’s two-ball innings and Sri Lanka’s uncertain bid for survival in the remaining overs.

Everton have been linked with a summer move for Udinese striker Beto numerous times in recent weeks, and a fresh update has now emerged regarding his possible switch to England.

What's happening with Beto?

It has become abundantly clear that the Blues are crying out for attacking additions in the current transfer window, having looked light in that area of the pitch for far too long, not helped by Dominic Calvert-Lewin's ongoing injuries problems.

That was perfectly highlighted on Saturday afteroon, as Sean Dyche's side suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Fulham in their opening Premier League game of the season. That's not to say that they didn't play well, however, and they were instead guilty of missing some huge chances, especially the struggling Neal Maupay.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

One player who has emerged as one of the favourites to join Everton before the end of the month is Beto, who has become a key man for Udinese, scoring 22 goals in 64 appearances for the Serie A side.

Now, another update has dropped regarding the Blues' potential move for the 25-year-old – one that suggests there is still plenty of life in the saga before the summer is out.

According to Il Messaggero Veneto [via Sport Witness], Everton are still "thinking" about making a move for Beto before deadline day arrives, seeing him as a strong option to bring in. Instead of signing him permanently though, the Merseysiders are thought to be considering a loan move for the Portuguese giant, with a viewing to signing him for good for £22m next summer.

In a separate update, Rai claim that there is "still time left" for the Blues to get a deal over the line for the Udinese marksman, although they they believe their valuation is less than what his club want for him, hinting that a permanent switch is the preferred outcome.

Is Beto good?

While Youssef Chermiti has already arrived at Goodison in recent times, bolstering Dyche's attacking options, more faces are needed to truly make a difference in the final third this season and beyond.

In Beto, Everton could have a tailor-made option to come in and be an immediate key player, possessing the physical attributes to be a real handful, having been compared to former Blues striker Romelu Lukaku in the past and standing at 6 foot 4. He has also been spoken of fondly to his face by legendary superstar striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

His aforementioned record for Udinese is an impressive one – a record of 21 goals in 61 Serie A games is strong, considering he is not playing for top club and is in one of Europe's toughest leagues – and a loan move could actually make the most sense, giving Everton a little more leeway if he ends up struggling in his first season at the club.

Either way, it is absolutely paramount that the Blues continue working hard on getting attacking business over the line as soon as possible, with Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto another potential addition, as well as Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike.

Crystal Palace are keen on Montpellier striker Elye Wahi and he could be a 'great' forward option at Selhurst Park, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Which clubs are keen on Elye Wahi?

According to L'Equipe via Sport Witness, Crystal Palace are believed to have made a 'verbal offer' to try and land Wahi this summer alongside Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea are also keen on the 20-year-old forward and it is said that he is hoping to link up with his new club and start training once he returns from his holiday.

Cited by The Evening Standard, Chelsea have already saw a £24 million bid for Wahi turned down this window and is reportedly keen on a move that would see him pitch up at Strasbourg upon arrival at Stamford Bridge to continue his development at the Blues' satellite club.

Wahi, who has been hailed as a "real beast", isn't yet regarded as ready to lead the line for Chelsea; however, he enjoyed a fantastic campaign last term, notching 19 goals and six assists in 33 appearances across all competitions for Montpellier, as per Transfermarkt.

West Ham United have emerged as another suitor in the race for Wahi and would be willing to launch an attempt to bring him to the London Stadium as a potential replacement for veteran striker Michail Antonio, according to 90min.

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer insider Jones thinks that although Crystal Palace may find it difficult to sign Wahi this summer, there is no doubt that he would be a 'great' attacking option to have at Selhurst Park.

Jones stated: "It would not be easy for a club like Palace to win the race for Wahi because he’s already got clubs like Chelsea bidding for him but if a situation was to arise where he was attainable then he would be great for them. He has such an eye for goal and also still has the hunger to make the most of every step up he makes in terms of level."

What now for Crystal Palace?

As per BBC Sport, Crystal Palace are set to sign Flamengo wonderkid Matheus Franca for a fee in the region of £26 million and he will help to fill the void left by club legend Wilfried Zaha, who is now plying his trade for Turkish giants Galatasaray.

Franca will join Jefferson Lerma at Selhurst Park as Roy Hodgson's second summer signing. At the same time, youngster Chris Francis has joined the Eagles on a free transfer from Bournemouth and will link up with their elite development squad.

Nevertheless, The Athletic report that Manchester City are keen on Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise and indicate that it may be difficult for Hodgson to keep the France youth international in south London.

Crystal Palace are likely to initiate further incomings over the final month of the window and Leeds United pair Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville are both on their radar to strengthen the flanks, according to Football Insider.

Marc Guehi is a player that Crystal Palace are 'desperate' to keep around for the new campaign, though Chelsea are keen to bring in the England international to provide cover for injured central defender Wesley Fofana at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham Hotspur could sign a "few" defenders this summer if they can shift more of their current players "out the door than they kind of expected" this summer, per journalist Alasdair Gold.

Who are Tottenham Hotspur signing in the transfer window?

It's hard to deny that, thus far, Tottenham have had an excellent transfer window.

The club have undoubtedly improved their starting eleven with the signings of James Maddison from Leicester City and Guglielmo Vicario from Serie A side Empoli.

Alongside those two, they have added strong squad depth with the recent signing of Israeli international Manor Solomon from the Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk.

Yet, there is one major hole in their business so far, a mark against it, the lack of defensive signings.

Outside of the ever-reliable Harry Kane, Spurs were utterly underwhelming in the Premier League last year as they limped over the line to finish eighth, missing out on European football for the first time since 2009/10.

While the team was generally dysfunctional, the biggest issue was, without a doubt, the defence, as the side conceded a staggering 63 goals across their 38 league games, making a new centre-back, or two, an essential part of the team's summer business.

So far, the two names most heavily linked with a move to N17 are Dutch international Micky van de Ven and Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba.

The former had a brilliant season with Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg last year and, according to Football Insider, has already agreed personal terms with the Lilywhites, but with the German side demanding £30m and Daniel Levy unwilling to offer more than £25m, an agreement is yet to be reached.

Tapsoba, on the other hand, would reportedly cost even more, at around €40m (£34m), per SportBILD (viaSport Witness).

With the way Spurs have operated over the past few transfer windows, it's hard to see them signing both players after they already splashed the cash earlier in the summer, but if they can shift a few more of their unwanted players, signing two defenders becomes a lot more plausible, per journalist Alasdair Gold.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"The idea was always to have one on the tour. Whether that means they would have linked up later or not, I don't know. They've got to make that decision now between Van De Ven. Tapsoba, Adarabioyo, and Lenglet.

"It may well be that if they can get more defenders out of the door than they kind of expected they'd be able to, maybe you see a few of those going."

Who is leaving Tottenham Hotspur this summer?

Perhaps the most prominent name that will leave N17 this summer, should Kane stay, is club captain and World Cup-winning goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

The Frenchman has been at the club for 11 years at this point and has undoubtedly earned his spot among the other modern Tottenham greats in the Premier League era, but after a poor year between the sticks, he looks to be on the way out.

According to Record Sport, he could return to France, as Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are said to be interested in him. However, the move could be scuppered as the publication report that Levy will ask for a fee, despite the keeper hoping he'd be allowed to leave on a free.

Whoever comes and goes this summer, it's starting to look like Ange Postecoglou will have a very different squad to work with come the start of the season next month.

Liverpool endured a difficult 2022/23 campaign as they failed to qualify for the Champions League after a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League.

The Reds will be competing in the Europa League next season but that has not stopped them from making a splash in the summer transfer window so far.

FSG signed Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion for a fee that could rise to £55m before they completed a deal to bring Dominik Szoboszlai in from RB Leipzig for a price tag of £60m.

They are both attack-minded midfielders who have the quality to score and create goals for the team next season, based on their performances for their respective clubs last term.

The Argentina international plundered ten Premier League goals during the 2022/23 campaign, while the Hungarian produced six goals along with eight assists in the Bundesliga.

FSG could now complete Jurgen Klopp's new-look midfield by securing the signing of Fiorentina enforcer Sofyan Amrabat, who could sit behind Mac Allister and Szoboszlai to allow them to thrive in possession.

What is Sofyan Amrabat's style of play?

The Morocco international, who has been described as "criminally underrated" by journalist Muhammad Butt, is a defensive midfielder by trade and excels at winning possession back for his side whilst also being exceptional at progressing play from a deep position.

Amrabat, who is a reported transfer target for the Reds, would be perfect to play in the number six role behind two creative midfielders, like the club's two summer signings so far, due to his ability to screen in front of the defence.

As you can see in the graphic below, as provided by Opta, the 26-year-old maestro is among the best in his position at regaining the ball, whilst he also ranks highly with regard to touches which suggests that the talented midfielder would thrive as part of a possession-based team.

The latter point is backed up by his rank among the top 8% of midfielders across the Men's Big Five Leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days for progressive passes made per 90 (7.93). Current Liverpool enforcer Fabinho, for context, sits in the 59th percentile with 5.34 per 90.

This suggests that Amrabat would offer more progression from a defensive midfield position in comparison to the Brazil international. He would, therefore, get the ball into the likes of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in advanced areas of the pitch more frequently, which could lead to more dangerous attacks for the Reds.

The Serie A star also showcased his strength in the middle of the park with 2.3 tackles per game at the World Cup for his country in 2022, a number only Thiago Alcantara (2.4) bettered for Liverpool during the Premier League season.

Fiorentina are reportedly demanding €30m (£26m) for the impressive battler, who was once dubbed a "monster" by journalist Carlo Garganese, and FSG must match that figure to complete Klopp's midfield.

The German head coach would have a tough-tackling number six who can receive the ball from the defence before progressing the play to Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in positions from which they can do their damage in the final third.

Durham fast bowler Mark Wood has been included in England’s squads for the Champions Trophy and the two ODIs against Ireland which precede the tournament

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Apr-2017Durham fast bowler Mark Wood has been included in England’s squads for the Champions Trophy, the three-match series against South Africa and the two ODIs against Ireland early next month.Wood has returned to action this season, first in the North v South one-day matches in the UAE then for Durham, following further surgery, after being diagnosed with a broken bone in his ankle at the end of the 2016 summer, which kept him out of the England side over the last six months.He is viewed as a crucial element of England’s white-ball plans to provide a cutting edge to the pace attack. Injury has restricted him to 11 ODIs since his debut in 2015 but he bowled with eye-catching pace against Pakistan last year before requiring another layoff.England one-day squads

England squad for Champions Trophy and South Africa series Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Squad for Ireland ODIs Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Ben Duckett, Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, David Willey, Mark Wood

Steven Finn misses out on the Champions Trophy with Nottinghamshire’s Jake Ball preferred, while left-armer David Willey returns having missed the West Indies tour in March due to injury.Ball has taken 12 wickets in five ODIs, which included 5 for 51 on debut against Bangladesh in Dhaka, and squeezes out Finn who took four wickets in the three matches against West Indies in what were his first ODIs in 18 months.Finn is, though, included in a 14-man squad for the two matches against Ireland as is Ben Duckett, who made his England debut in Bangladesh last year. Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler are unavailable for those games having been allowed to remain at the IPL. Eoin Morgan, Jason Roy and Sam Billings will return from India for the matches.”We have made encouraging progress over the past 18 months in white-ball cricket and the squads selected reflect consistency and give options across all disciplines,” James Whitaker, the national selector, said. “It is pleasing that Mark Wood and David Willey have returned to full fitness. They add variety and quality to our bowling strengths and David’s ability as an attacking batsman is also an important element for us.”The settled nature of England’s one-day side means there is no room for a number of promising players around the county scene. There had been much talk about Lancashire’s Liam Livingstone, who impressed for the Lions over the winter and made 168 in the recent round of County Championship matches, but he will have to wait his turn. The same applies to Tom Curran, who was added to England’s squad in the West Indies.The squad for the Champions Trophy will also play the one-day series against South Africa at the end of May.

Leicester City are hoping to prise Fulham captain Tom Cairney away from the club this summer, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Who could leave Fulham?

It's set to be a crucial summer transfer window at Craven Cottage with manager Marco Silva now hoping to build upon a successful first campaign back in the Premier League.

Fulham, quite comfortably, secured survival and another campaign in the big time – while also just missing out on qualification for European football.

Some of the Whites' star players, as a result, are said to be attracting interest from major clubs domestically. Perhaps most notably, midfielder Joao Palhinha is wanted at Man United, Liverpool and West Ham, but Fulham are set to fend off their advances by demanding upwards of £90 million (The Daily Mail).

The Portugal international may continue to be a talking point long into this summer, but according to other reports, he isn't the only Fulham star who could leave Craven Cottage.

Newcastle United and Marseille are currently pursuing a deal for left-back Antonee Robinson, with Fulham ready to let him leave given the defender is refusing to pen fresh terms (The Evening Standard).

Meanwhile, according to Football Insider and O'Rourke, another star who could depart west London is club captain Cairney.

Indeed, it is believed that the recently relegated Leicester are eyeing up a move for the Scotland international and wish to steal him away.

Cairney has just 12 months remaining on his current deal, with the Foxes hoping to lure him up north. He is a personal favourite of new Leicester manager Enzo Maresca, who wants him at the King Power Stadium.

The attacking midfielder struggled for consistent starts throughout 22/23, despite wearing the armband, but Silva has been full of praise for him regardless.

What's been said about Tom Cairney?

Speaking to the media last season, Silva expressed his admiration for Cairney, who he labelled a "top quality" player.

"Tom is always a player that can give us the calmness to start the game," said the Fulham boss (via The Independent).

"Even some moments under pressure he can give us what we need.

“Two great finishes, two great goals from him. Top quality player. We know his quality on the ball, everything that he can do."

The Perth Scorchers claimed top spot in the BBL table with a 27-run win against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba

The Report by Geoff Lemon11-Jan-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsBrisbane Heat’s asking rate had climbed very high by the time Andrew Tye’s hat-trick came•Getty Images

Brisbane Heat became the first victims of Cricket Australia’s selection policy, choking on a run chase of 157 against Perth Scorchers that their big-hitting opener Chris Lynn would normally have devoured for breakfast.Instead, having created the sensation of this tournament by forming the opening pair known as the Bash Brothers with former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, Lynn was a spectator after being picked for Australia’s ODI series against Pakistan.It was a stark reminder of how uncomfortably these two forms of limited-overs cricket currently coexist in the Australian summer schedule. The unstoppable side of recent weeks was bowled out for 129 in the last over, finished off by an Andrew Tye hat-trick as the pace-change specialist finished with 4 for 22.In Lynn’s absence, the Heat could not create a sense of threat at the top of the order. His opening replacement, wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson, lasted all of three deliveries before left-arm menace Mitchell Johnson slanted a ball across him that took the edge to a well-placed Ashton Turner at slip.Johnson’s next over had Sam Heazlett miscuing a straight hit to Ashton Agar at mid-off, and from this unaccustomed position of disadvantage, McCullum skied a straight hit to mid-on one ball after pulling Jhye Richardson into the square-leg stands.From there the mounting run rate kept the pressure high, and wickets fell regularly. Test opener Joe Burns and former Adelaide Striker Alex Ross put on 43, but when Burns tried to force the pace, Agar grabbed a brilliant catch running back towards long-on.Michael Klinger held another running catch to get rid of Nathan Reardon, giving the microphone-wearing Scorchers captain the chance to chat breathlessly to Australian coach and selector Darren Lehmann as the latter moonlighted in the television commentary box, curious given Klinger is vying for national T20 selection.While Ross attempted to bat through the innings with a 40-ball 39, he got very lucky in the 12th over when his reverse sweep against Agar rolled back solidly into the stumps. Like a home-series umpire, the heavy Zing bail was unmoved.Nonetheless, Agar’s four overs for 18 runs were instrumental in slowing Heat’s chase, which looked over long before Tye could snuff it out.Earlier, Klinger had played to perfection the role Ross was attempting, batting through most of the innings for 81 in a knock that combined consolidation and counterattack.Conditions were trying: opening partner Shaun Marsh slashed a catch to third man, then Sam Whiteman hooked another, two overs after being struck a vicious blow to the head by English speedster Tymal Mills. Under a rare use of the concussion substitute rule, Cameron Bancroft entered the fray to keep wicket when Heat batted.Young legspinner Mitchell Swepson bowled his four overs unchanged for 22 runs, picking up the normally silky Ian Bell at long-on and the destructive Ashton Turner off a top edge.Around that damage, Klinger muscled sixes and fours down the ground and over midwicket, including one that Burns caught but carried over the rope. Klinger was finally out with seven balls left in the innings, and recent Test selection Hilton Cartwright could not ice the innings with 13 from 17.The Scorchers total shouldn’t have been enough, but the Lynn-less Heat were not able to keep up, loosening their hold on top spot with Sydney Sixers level on eight points, and Melbourne Stars on six with a game in hand.Perhaps as significant as the loss, though, was news that McCullum now faces suspension for a slow over rate, a punishment that Heat has indicated an intention to protest. They had better. To lose one Bash Brother may be regarded as misfortune. To lose two begins to look like carelessness.

Celtic haven't just been eyeing a new manager but fresh backroom additions team too, with The Scottish Sun reporting that the club are eyeing a deal for Scott Brown as a new assistant manager should John Kennedy leave.

Who is the next Celtic manager?

The Scottish Premiership side are currently without a boss, having seen Ange Postecoglou exit the club and decide to try his luck in the Premier League with Tottenham. He spent two seasons with the side and won all that there is to win in Scotland and has now decided to head to England.

It leaves a role to be filled at Celtic now though, with the club already compiling a list of potential candidates. The main name on that list has been Brendan Rodgers, who is currently without a club after leaving Leicester.

Despite leading the Foxes to an FA Cup triumph, his struggles in the top flight this season led to him departing. Whilst his old side did eventually suffer relegation, he is still a successful manager in the game, especially when you look at his previous stint with Celtic. Last time around with the club, he won the league on two occasions, the Scottish Cup twice and the Scottish League Cup three times too.

It looks like Rodgers is now being lined up for a return to the side and has been offered a big deal to do so – but he isn't the only change that Celtic are targeting for their backroom team.

A report from The Scottish Sun states that Scott Brown is also in the frame for a return to Parkhead, despite currently managing at Fleetwood in League One. That's because they feel that current number two John Kennedy could leave, and Brown would be fitting as an assistant manager for them – the iconic figure still speaks to Rodgers, so should the manager be appointed, he could link-up well with the former Liverpool boss.

Is Brendan Rodgers joining Celtic?

Celtic have made contact already with Rodgers over a potential deal but nothing has been agreed as of yet and the managerial post does remain vacant.

However, if the former Leicester man is appointed as the next Celtic manager, then it could be a very good move by the club. He's been praised by several big names in the game already, with Michail Antonio for example hailing the former Leicester man as an "unbelievable" manager.

Rodgers has previously done an excellent job in Scotland with the exact same club, so knows how to instil a winning mentality and how to build a winning team. If Celtic want to stay on top in the SPL, then they could do a lot worse than giving Rodgers the reins again with Brown as his number two.

Manchester United's takeover situation is still ongoing, and it will not be resolved before they appear in the FA Cup final, journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed.

What's the latest on Man United's ownership situation?

There is still a lack of clarity over what Man United's current owners, the Glazers, will do moving forward, following multiple bids for ownership from Sir Jim Ratcliffe's consortium and a Qatar-backed group led by Sheikh Jassim Hamad Bin Al Thani.

Ratcliffe's bid will likely see the Glazers keep some of their shares in the club, whilst Jassim's latest bid, which falls short of the asking price, is for a full takeover.

The situation has dragged on for months, and manager Erik ten Hag will have been hoping for a resolution before the end of the season. However, speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs revealed that there is to be no answer ahead of United's final match, the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

“It's still fluid. There are still less formal talks taking place behind the scenes," he stated.

"Unfortunately for all parties, nothing has moved, and it may not move until after the FA Cup Final.”

What could happen next for Man United?

Man United's current focus will be on the cup final, which could play a crucial role in stopping their local rivals from completing a treble, a feat only achieved by United in English football.

The lack of progress on a deal may cause frustration, but with no resolution in sight, the Glazers may be waiting until the season ends before any announcement, given the potential for protests at the cup final if an unfavourable decision is reached.

There have been protests from sections of the United fanbase calling for a full sale of the club, rather than a takeover which will see the Glazers remain in any capacity.

The American family have been heavily criticised since taking over United in 2005, having seen a large buildup of debt and a steady decline in on-field performance since. The Red Devils have not won a league title in ten years, and have had to watch their biggest rivals in City and Liverpool consistently compete for major honours since.

A resolution will be necessary soon to allow Ten Hag to operate in the transfer market, following a promising first season of progress under the Dutchman. United secured a third-placed finish and won the Carabao Cup, their first piece of silverware in five years, and will be hoping to challenge for the title next season.