David Miller has certainly gone the extra mile to be available for Glamorgan’s T20 Blast quarter-final against Leicestershire
ESPNcricinfo staff23-Aug-2017David Miller has certainly gone the extra mile to be available for Glamorgan’s T20 Blast quarter-final against Leicestershire…actually he’s gone the extra thousands of miles.Miller, the powerful left-hander, has made an overnight journey from South Africa back to the UK so he can line up against Leicestershire on Wednesday evening.On Tuesday he was playing for South Africa A in their second four-day match against India A in Potchefstroom which is about 90 minutes from Johannesburg. Straight after the match, he went to the airport and caught a flight back to London before being driven to Wales for the crucial T20 match.Miller played in four of Glamorgan’s group matches, scoring 117 runs at a strike-rate of 150.
The Sri Lankan batsman will replace Australia’s Beth Mooney in Yorkshire’s top order
Shashank Kishore27-Jul-2017Chamari Atapattu has become the first Sri Lankan woman to sign a contract with a franchise-based T20 league. She will represent Yorkshire Diamonds in the second edition of the Kia Super League that kicks off from August 10. Atapattu has been picked as a replacement for Beth Mooney, the Australia opener, who pulled out citing injury concerns.”I was on holiday with my family in Anuradhapura when I got a call, asking if I’m available. I said yes immediately. it was a pleasant surprise,” Atapattu told ESPNcricinfo. “I didn’t expect to play in the T20 league because most of the teams had already announced their squads.”Playing in the Women’s Big Bash League was my original target, but this is a great opportunity. I wasn’t expecting it, but now I’m looking forward to learning a lot. This is a great step, not just for my career but also for women’s cricket in Sri Lanka.”Atapattu left her imprint in a disappointing World Cup campaign – Sri Lanka won just won one game in seven attempts – when she smashed an unbeaten 178, the third-highest score in women’s ODIs, against Australia in Bristol. That knock, she says, transformed her outlook towards batting.”I used to always fear playing big shots and getting out, but that knock changed my approach,” she said. “To do it against a champion team gave me and the team so much belief. We used to think we have to fight and compete, but after that performance, we slowly started talking about looking to win. When I went out to bat in the next game, I felt a different batsman.”In England, Atapattu hopes to put into practice words of advice from her idols Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara. “Just hearing them speak highly about your game is a big boost,” she said. “I felt great when I heard of their appreciation. I’ve learnt a lot from them. Sanath has taught me how to not lose my style of play, Kumar has often spoken about trying to build an innings. I want to have Kumar’s consistency.”Atapattu also hopes to learn from her ‘friend’ Stafanie Taylor, who will play for Western Storm in the Super League. “We both bat alike,” she laughed. “When I see her play, I think ‘I should also play those kinds of shots.’ I’ve asked her about it and she has been very kind. We also spoke during the World Cup. I’ve also spoken a bit to Mithali Raj. Hopefully whatever I have learnt I can put to practice in England.”After her knock against Australia, Meg Lanning, the Australia captain said that she had already earned a potential bid from Melbourne Stars, even if it was only in jest. “If she’s going to bat like that every time, I’d be happy to have her,” Lanning said. Her exploits in England could well be a pathway to Australia, but Atapattu doesn’t want to put herself under pressure.”It was nice of hear that comment,” she said. “I don’t want to think about that at the moment. I’m excited to leave on Saturday. Mingling with some of the best players will help me train and prepare better. If I do well in England, I will definitely get many more chances. My family is more excited than I am. I hope to make them even happier.”
Nottingham Forest pursuing both Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson and Wolverhampton Wanderers stopper Jose Sa 'might open up problems' as it will be hard to keep both players satisfied if one is not getting regular minutes, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Are Dean Henderson and Jose Sa heading to Nottingham Forest?
According to Telegraph Sport, Nottingham Forest are in talks with Henderson over trying to lure him to the club permanently following his loan spell at the City Ground in 2022/23.
Last term, the £100k-a-week earner made 20 appearances for Nottingham Forest in all competitions and managed to keep six clean sheets in total, as per Transfermarkt.
Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano recently spoke to GIVEMESPORT regarding Henderson's future, stating: "I think in the end Henderson will become a Nottingham Forest player and they [Manchester United] will bring in a new backup goalkeeper.”
The Telegraph report also states that Wolves goalkeeper Sa, who earns £25,000 per week on the books at Molineux, is another option that the Tricky Trees are evaluating, as Henderson may not be ready to feature from the start of the Premier League season.
In light of interest in Sa, Wolves have turned towards Liverpool substitute goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher as someone who could fill the prospective void between the sticks at the West Midlands-based outfit, according to The Daily Mail.
Kelleher is believed to want to play regularly, which has proved tough to achieve due to the presence of Alisson at Anfield; nevertheless, Liverpool would command a fee of £20 million for the Republic of Ireland international before sanctioning his departure.
Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer insider Jones thinks that bringing both Henderson and Sa to the City Ground this summer could prove problematic if their minutes aren't evenly distributed by Steve Cooper.
Jones told FFC: "In terms of chasing both of these, they really like Dean Henderson and they want him back at the club, but he's not apparently fully ready to start the new season yet and so that's why they're looking at Jose Sa as well right now. If they were to both come in, you're obviously getting to a point later on in the season, one of them is going to be frustrated and that might open up problems that you don't necessarily need for a club of Forest's level."
Who else could Nottingham Forest target this summer?
Nottingham Forest boss Cooper has several targets in his sights as he looks to consolidate his side in the Premier League for a second successive campaign.
Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen has emerged as a target to fill the left-back position at the City Ground; however, the Reds will face competition from top-flight newcomers Burnley, where he spent last season on loan, as per The Athletic.
Ian Maatsen Chelsea Burnley
Dutch outlet HLN via Nottingham Forest News claim that Nottingham Forest will battle with Bournemouth for the signature of Genk captain Bryan Heynen, who is weighing up an exit from his current employers.
The Tricky Trees have also looked at Chelsea forgotten man Callum Hudson-Odoi and Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga as momentum starts to take shape regarding potential incomings at the City Ground, according to a separate report from The Athletic.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed in principle to play T20 friendlies – as opposed to internationals – as part of their efforts to renew ties with each other
ESPNcricinfo staff27-May-2017Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed in principle to play T20 friendlies – as opposed to internationals – as part of their efforts to renew ties with each other. The matches are set to take place in Kabul and Lahore sometime in July and August.A delegation led by ACB chairman Atif Mashal met with his counterpart in the PCB Shaharyar Khan in Lahore on Saturday. After lengthy discussions, the Pakistan board expressed willingness to provide Afghanistan with venues for training and conditioning camps and laid the groundwork for both their youth and senior teams to play reciprocal tours.Major talking points
Organise two friendly T20 matches between the two countries in Kabul and Lahore tentatively in July-August.
A preparatory camp for the ACB Under-19 team in Karachi, followed by a bilateral series between the Under-19 teams of both countries
Future bilateral series between the two emerging and ‘A’ teams, Under-16 teams, and explore the possibility of matches between regional teams of both countries.
PCB providing technical support through the training of ACB curators, scorers, umpires, analysts and coaches.
PCB to work on providing a stadium in Pakistan which ACB would use as a home venue.
Making PCB’s biomechanical facility available for testing Afghanistan cricketers.
PCB will push for greater interaction of ACB in the Asian Cricket Council and in world cricket in general.
“The relationship between the two boards and the two nations is historic. It is not new,” Mashal said. “I am here to renew our commitment and sports should not be influenced by the politics of two governments.”I am happy to have great discussion with Pakistan Cricket Board and agreed on various plans. We are renewing this relation with a friendly match between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Kabul and then we will return to Pakistan to play one. We have also agreed to play a bilateral series for which dates will be decided later.”The ACB had arranged a similar deal in 2013 which the Afghanistan cricketers were given access to the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. But, after the first few visits, complications arose. Eventually, the ACB had to find an alternative venue – Greater Noida in India – to help their players prepare and host international teams.Afghanistan were the first international team to visit Pakistan since the 2009 attacks in Lahore and had been part of the domestic T20 competition in Karachi in 2013. They were in talks to play in Pakistan in April 2016 but the Pakistan government had reportedly advised against the series after an attack in a recreational park in Lahore.Mashal is aware of the challenges before both the ACB and the PCB but was eager to renew ties. “We know there is tension in the border but it’s my job as chairman of Afghanistan cricket board to keep this interaction between two cricketing nations going and to help governments start something positive.”We are trying our best to keep sports, especially cricket, away from politics as well as looking for our national interest. Still, sports is sports and we should use this as a tool to influence the politics arena positively and create a good atmosphere between two friendly and brotherly nations.”These talks, Mashal said, won’t have any bearing on Afghanistan’s existing ties with India. “Relation with Pakistan doesn’t mean we don’t have relation with India. They are also a strategic partner, a friend and they also support Afghanistan cricket. Pakistan did a great job in the development of Afghanistan cricket and we value both nations.”
Aston Villa have added Rennes forward Jeremy Doku to their shortlist of wide targets this summer, should they fail to sign Moussa Diaby, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
How much does Jeremy Doku earn?
The Belgian is currently plying his trade in Ligue 1, where he earns £13,000 per week, and he has been a key player for Rennes since arriving from Anderlecht back in 2020.
Doku enjoyed a productive 2022/23 season for this current side, scoring six goals in 13 league starts, although he did often have to make do with a squad role, coming on as a substitute on 16 occasions. He also featured four times in the Europa League, chipping in with two assists.
The 21-year-old could potentially leave Rennes this summer, however, deciding that now could be the right time to test himself elsewhere, following three years with the French side. His current deal expires in 2025, so his value could only start to diminish as time goes on, putting his club in a weaker bargaining position when it comes to demanding big money for him.
Villa are looking to bring in a top-quality wide attacking option in the summer transfer window, and Bayer Leverkusen wide man Diaby has emerged as a strong contender to come in.
Are Aston Villa signing Jeremy Doku?
Writing on Twitter, however, the renowned Romano claimed that Villa see Doku as a summer transfer target, considering him an alternative to Diaby:
"EXCL: Aston Villa have included Jeremy Doku in their shortlist for new winger as option in case Moussa Diaby deal won’t happen. Priority remains Diaby after €35m plus add ons bid rejected. Aston Villa will bid again for sure. Doku, another name being explored."
Doku has been a highly-rated player for some now, and at 21, he still remains such a young footballer whose best years are only ahead of him. For that reason, he represents an exciting option for Villa, having won 14 caps for a Belgium side packed full of world-class attacking talent, with Gary Lineker stunned by his displays at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament.
"Young Jeremy Doku is making me dizzy. There’ll be a queue of clubs wanting a Doku sign," the BBC presenter said on Twitter.
In the past, Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe has also spoken of his admiration for the youngster, discussing his speed and saying he has "never seen downforce that gives off so much power", while football talent scout Jacek Kulig recently claimed that he is "finally showing what he is capable of", in terms of reaching his potential as a footballer.
Diaby should still be seen as Villa's top target, assuming Unai Emery sees him that way, but Doku has to be viewed as a great alternative, admittedly being younger and a little less refined in front of goal than the Leverkusen man, but representing someone with a high ceiling who could develop into a really special wide player at Villa Park.
The fact that the Villans are even being linked with players of this ilk says so much about where the club is going with Emery at the helm, with such young starlets unattainable at one point, especially when the Villa were languishing in the Championship not too long ago.
Aston Villa have reportedly walked away from a move for Sporting CP winger Pedro Goncalves after making contact over a transfer.
What’s the latest Aston Villa transfer news?
The Villans have made a start on their summer business ahead of Unai Emery’s first full season in charge, with an announcement made to sign Youri Tielemans on a free transfer last month.
The Belgian midfielder is the only confirmed arrival ahead of the new campaign, however, there have been a number of players linked, including Villarreal defender Pau Torres.
The centre-back, who worked under Emery at Villarreal, has agreed terms over a move to the Midlands, and a £33m transfer is expected to go through at some point next week.
Reports have suggested that a new midfielder, wide forward and striker are still wanted after Tieleans and Torres, with new president of football operations Monchi working closely alongside Emery and will report to Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.
One attacking player who has been linked with a move to Villa Park is Goncalves, and it looks as if contact was made over a potential transfer.
Are Aston Villa signing Pedro Goncalves?
Sport Witness relayed an update in the last 48 hours regarding Villa and Goncalves. They claimed that Sporting will only sell their star attacker if his €80m release clause is matched.
Villa andChampions League finalists Inter Milan were keen on a move and even made enquiries, however, both clubs aren’t able to cover that fee and the Premier League side have now reportedly walked away from a deal.
Goncalves, lauded as “dangerous” by Portuguese football expert and journalist Tom Kundert and “fantastic” by Graeme Bailey, is primarily a left-winger who can also play on the right or in a central midfield role so would have offered plenty of versatility to Emery’s side in midfield and attack.
Previously on the books at Wolves as a youngster, the Portugal international has been at Sporting since 2020 and has made 129 appearances for the club, scoring 58 times and providing 34 assists. He could have been a shrewd addition for the right price, but it doesn’t look as if an €80m move is in Villa’s price range, even though NSWE have promised Emery a huge summer budget where the club’s record transfer could be broken.
A move to the Midlands doesn’t look like it will materialise over the coming months, so Monchi and Emery could move on to alternative attacking targets. Another winger who has been linked with a move to Villa Park is Harvey Barnes, but Villa look set to miss out on the Leicester City man to Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
Meanwhile, contact has reportedly been made for Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto, so he could be a potential option following the Whites’ relegation to the Championship.
Gary Neville hailed the Italy international for his display at Villa Park last season when coming up against Ashley Young, so if the price is right, Gnonto could be Villa’s new wide-forward addition and not Goncalves, leaving Emery searching for another midfielder and striker.
Rising Pune Supergiant are a win away from securing a playoff berth, but they’ll have to do it without Imran Tahir
The Preview by Shashank Kishore11-May-2017Match factsDelhi Daredevils v Rising Pune Supergiant New Delhi, May 12, 2017 Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)3:41
Hogg: Zampa can match Tahir on economy, not wickets
Head to headRising Pune Supergiant lead 2-1, with both their wins coming last season. In their first exchange this season, Delhi Daredevils were powered by a maiden T20 hundred from Sanju Samson and a blistering unbeaten 38, off just nine balls, from Chris Morris that helped them win by 97 runs after scoring 205.Form guide
Delhi Daredevils (sixth): beat Gujarat Lions by two wickets, lost to Mumbai Indians by 146 runs, beat Gujarat Lions by seven wickets Rising Pune Supergiant (third): beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 12 runs, beat Kolkata Knight Riders by four wickets, beat Gujarat Lions by five wickets
In the newsPune will be without Imran Tahir and Faf du Plessis. The pair left for a preparatory camp in South Africa ahead of a limited-overs series in England before the Champions Trophy. Adam Zampa, the Australia legspinner, is likely to slot in for Tahir.Daredevils have a quick turnaround of little under 48 hours since their game against Gujarat Lions. Already without Kagiso Rabada, Chris Morris and Angelo Mathews, who have left for national duty, they are unlikely to tweak their XI barring injuries.Qualification scenarioPune are on 16 points, but aren’t entirely safe because of an inferior net run rate. They need to win at least one of their two remaining games to guarantee qualification to the playoffs. Should they lose both, and Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers win their remaining matches, Pune will be knocked out. Unless Kolkata Knight Riders lose their final game, Pune will need to win both their remaining games to finish in a coveted top-two spot.The likely XIsDelhi Daredevils: 1 Sanju Samson, 2 Karun Nair, 3 Shreyas Iyer, 4 Rishabh Pant (wk), 5 Marlon Samuels, 6 Corey Anderson, 7 Carlos Brathwaite, 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Mohammed Shami/Shahbaz Nadeem, 10 Amit Mishra, 11 Zaheer Khan (capt)Rising Pune Supergiant: 1 Rahul Tripathi, 2 Ajinkya Rahane, 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 Manoj Tiwary, 5 MS Dhoni (wk), 6 Ben Stokes, 7 Dan Christian, 8 Washington Sundar, 9 Shardul Thakur, 10 Jaydev Unadkat, 11 Adam ZampaStrategy puntZampa has dismissed Samson twice in the two games he has played against Daredevils. Considering Samson’s strike rate drops to the 130s against spin as compared to 150 against pace, there’s perhaps a case of Pune opening with Zampa or even Washington Sundar, the offspinner.Stats that matter Rahul Tripathi is the second-highest scorer in the Powerplays this season, just 12 runs behind David Warner’s tally of 264 runs. Tripathi has been striking at 170.27 in the first six overs. Among the 26 seamers who have bowled 20 or more overs this season, only two – Andrew Tye and Bhuvneshwar Kumar – have better economy rates than Christian’s 7.25. Prior to the ongoing season, Amit Mishra has an economy of 7.23. This season he has conceded 8.57 runs an over, his second-worst since 2014 when he went at 8.92. Daredevils are among three teams who have taken 66 wickets, the fewest this season. Their economy of 8.77 is the second-worst among all teams in IPL 2017. Tahir is he second-highest wicket-taker this season with 18 wickets at 20.50. He has bowled 47 overs in 12 games. Only Rashid Khan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have bowled more overs. Zampa, who could replace Tahir, has played just two games this season.
Vinod Rai, the chairman of the Committee of Administrators responsible for implementing the Lodha reforms in the BCCI, has said he doesn’t want to take a confrontational approach
ESPNcricinfo staff23-Mar-20175:50
Ugra: Balance sheet shows no shortage of funds in states
The BCCI’s Committee of Administrators will strive to consult with and persuade – and not confront – state associations into compliance of the Lodha Committee recommendations.The Supreme Court had ordered several changes to the functioning of the Indian board in July last year but none of them have been made yet. Staunch opposition from the state associations has been one of the major reasons for the delay and though the CoA said it did not want to use force, it did make clear the only option available was to comply.Having been appointed on January 30, the CoA finished 50 days in office on Wednesday and had invited a select group of journalists for an hour-long interaction. “For every objective to be achieved you need to do it in stages,” Chairman Vinod Rai said. “The thing is that at each stage, whatever persuasive power that we need, and I am saying persuasive in inverted commas, we will apply.”The CoA was set up to both supervise the BCCI – who are without a president or secretary – and help ensure the implementation of the Lodha recommendations. But so far, both the Indian board and its state associations have ignored the deadlines that had been set for them. Even various warnings from the Supreme Court could not spur them to action. So the most asked question to the CoA was how they were going the succeed in the face of such intransigence.Rai said he could understand the state associations’ reluctance to change, considering most of them have been governed by the same set of administrators for a long time and they were being asked to leave. “We will try to persuade them to see the writing on the wall. We know what is to be done at what point of time. They have been sitting for 25 years, you are asking them to go. At some point, they will see that that is the end of the road for them. And if they don’t understand it, they will be made to understand in a language they will understand. You cannot have defiance of the highest court of the land. Greater bodies, more authoritative people have tried to defy the Supreme Court and they have not succeeded.”The only thing is that they have difficulty accepting the practical aspects of it. Hopefully within the course of time they will be able to understand. We will talk to them. They may have some reasonable differences, clarifications etc.. We will try and help them out with it. We will try to bring them around.”The state associations have filed a fresh set of petitions in the court, on the basis of the argument that Article 19 (1)(c) of the Indian constitution protects their right to form societies and function autonomously. The argument has already been struck down in previous hearings of the case.Some state associations have also sought clarity on the nine-year cap imposed on a BCCI office bearer, a recommendation that the court had already approved. “If they have genuine problems about understanding it, we will explain. It is our job,” Rai said. “If they still refuse to understand, then of course we will have to make out a road map of how we ask them to implement it.”Rai, however, insisted the CoA wouldn’t resort to using force to complete their objectives. “There is no question of aggression at all. They [state associations] may not be generous. It is not a question of generosity. They are representing a particular group of people. We don’t have to rely on their generosity. The attempt is to collaborate, cooperate. Cricket has to be delivered to cricket lovers in the form in which they want it. You and I sitting in governance cannot be made into stumbling blocks or road blocks to it because it is not suiting us. Because it is not suiting the way we were accustomed to administer it in the past.”The two other members of the CoA who were present at the interaction – Ramachandra Guha and former Indian women’s captain Diana Edulji – also gave their full backing to the collaborative approach. “We want to do it in a consultative way,” Guha said. “We don’t want to do it in a confrontational way. We want to take everyone (on board).”Upon taking over as chairman of the CoA two months ago, Rai said he saw himself and his colleagues as nightwatchmen. On Wednesday, he was “reasonably confident” of being done with the job by the end of the year.
Leeds United will be well aware of the looming Championship season that draws ever closer, making their reluctance to appoint a new manager somewhat concerning.
With Daniel Farke the frontrunner, it seems that the confirmation of the 49ers' takeover is stalling the official announcement that would allow the German to actually get to work not only with the current squad but in adding to it too.
Despite that, there have already been numerous transfer targets that have seemingly been drawn up by the club. One such example is Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres, who continues to be linked with an Elland Road switch despite Premier League and other top-flight clubs from across Europe having shown an interest.
The Swedish marksman has already shown his ability to dominate the English second tier, so it would take an almighty task for the Whites to convince him to stay for one more season.
However, should they earn a promotion at the first time of asking, this 25-year-old marksman could star up front for them for the next decade. This would make his reported £25m price tag more than justified.
Should Leeds United sell Brenden Aaronson?
Should this hulking, pacey front-man decide on a move to Yorkshire, he could not only revolutionise their attack in an instant but have a transformative effect on those around him too.
At last the wingers would have a true focal point with which to play off, and the midfielders can now seek to push on knowing the chaos this 6 foot 2 finisher will bring.
However, should such a move accelerate, it is perhaps Brenden Aaronson that would be most excited to welcome this classic number nine into the side.
The American only joined last summer for a mouth-watering £24.7m fee, but struggled under the weight of his price tag and the physicality of the Premier League.
What did not aid matters was that Patrick Bamford, Leeds' usually-reliable striker, endured one of his worst seasons in recent memory. Rodrigo had to pick up the pieces, and whilst his 13 league goals marked an outstanding year, he plays without those physical assets that make Gyokeres so frightening and tricky to defend.
Should he join up with the 22-year-old attacking midfielder, perhaps the two could strike up a fine partnership that revitalises the former RB Salzburg maestro at last.
After all, in his final year in Austria, he did record 16 goal contributions across all competitions.
brenden-aaronson-leeds-united
Not only would Aaronson be able to feed off the carnage his new teammate would provide, but the space he would be afforded would multiply massively as Gyokeres wrecks his way through defenders.
His tally of 21 goals and ten assists in the Championship last term somehow dwarfed the 17 he scored the year before even that, with it being no surprise to see former teammate Maxime Biamou brand him "unplayable".
It could be argued that this level is now beneath him, and therefore a move to Yorkshire makes little sense. However, should he look to the long-term, and was to be the man to spearhead their promotion the Sweden international would remain a hero at this famous club for many years to come.
Reigniting Aaronson though, who could only muster one league goal all last campaign, would still remain his most impressive feat though should he manage both.
Chelsea have a good relationship with Lyon amid their attempts to sign midfielder Rayan Cherki this window, according to journalist Dean Jones.
What's the latest transfer news involving Rayan Cherki and Christian Pulisic?
As per Football London, Cherki is a target for Chelsea this summer and the Blues sent scouts to watch the Frenchman on several occasions last season.
The report states that Chelsea are in the hunt to replace the departed Kai Havertz and Mason Mount and Cherki could represent a second arrival from Lyon in the past six months following the purchase of Malo Gusto.
One outlet in France claim that both Newcastle United and Paris Saint-German are also keen on Cherki, who Lyon will demand around £43 million for before sanctioning his departure.
David Ornstein of The Athletic has also revealed in recent times that Lyon have made advances to try and sign Chelsea winger Pulisic this window, stating on Twitter: "EXCL: Chelsea have received written offer from Lyon for Christian Pulisic. €25m (+ meaningful sell-on still being negotiated): a level CFC would find acceptable. Good relations with Textor & Olympique Lyonnais via Malo Gusto deal."
AC Milan are also keen to strike a deal for Pulisic and have submitted a bid for the USA international and hold internal belief that he would choose to move to the San Siro over a switch to Ligue 1 giants Lyon, according to 90min.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that Chelsea and Lyon hold an agreeable relationship as the Blues try to sign Cherki this summer.
Jones stated: "He’s right on the money when it comes to fitting Chelsea’s profiling and he is a great player, but what makes this one more interesting is that Lyon are open-minded about offers.
"And a plot twist to the Cherki interest now is that Lyon are currently making a play for Christian Pulisic, and their offer was pretty decent for him, so the conversations between the clubs are already open and the relations seem good so far."
Would Rayan Cherki fit the Chelsea project under Mauricio Pochettino?
Cherki is a creative rising star that would add some further polish to Chelsea's midfield and would fit into their philosophy of signing young stars with the potential to grow into elite stars.
Last term, the £59k-a-week ace made 39 appearances in all competitions for Lyon, registering five goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.
rayan-cherki-lyon
WhoScored take into account that Cherki completed an average of two key passes and 2.3 dribbles per match during the campaign, making him a dangerous presence for Ligue 1 backlines to tame.
Capable of scoring and fashioning chances for others, the Frenchman also successfully performed 128 shot-creating actions in the French top flight, as per FBRef.
Chelsea have lost a lot of experience in the middle of the part this window, letting go Ruben Loftus-Cheek, N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Mount and Havertz.
Acting to acquire Cherki would not only help them to gain another body in midfield, but it would also excite supporters of the Blues as he has the ability to evolve into a Premier League star in the coming seasons.