It has been an extremely challenging and disheartening window for West Ham United.

The Irons remain the only Premier League club yet to make a signing, and with the new season set to start in less than a fortnight, they are now in a frantic spiral to get the squad ready.

It has been complicated by reports that a rift is beginning to form between David Moyes and recently appointed technical director Tim Steidten.

It is understood that the pair are unable to agree on targets, and a new era of collaboration has rapidly deteriorated.

What's the latest West Ham transfer news?

The positive transfer news of the summer for the Hammers is that Carlos Borges is close to joining the club.

The Manchester City wonderkid is in advanced talks for a move to east London for a fee in the region of £14m. That's according to reports from the Standard at the back end of July.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

The 19-year-old is expected to choose the Hammers over Brighton, Borussia Dortmund, and Eintracht Frankfurt, in what would be a monumental boost for everyone of a claret and blue persuasion.

For that money and limitless potential, Borges is surely expected to feature on a regular basis for a side lacking depth in forward areas.

Who is Carlos Borges?

The attacker was born in Portugal and joined the Manchester City academy in 2015. In the northwest, he has progressed through the youth ranks and become one of the globe’s most promising and effervescent youngsters.

Borges began his rise to prominence in the 2020/21 season when he recorded 32 goal contributions in 24 matches and was named as the U18 Player of the Season for Manchester City.

But, the 22/23 season is when he’s been at his most scintillating, notching a remarkable 47 goal involvements in 33 appearances across all competitions for the U21 side.

The Portuguese dynamo has emphatically demonstrated that he is superior to the youth level and is deserving of regular minutes for a senior outfit.

Journalist Tom Young has described the prodigy as the “real deal” and he could emulate Declan Rice’s pathway into becoming one of West Ham’s most influential performers.

Therefore, due to his output and directness, Borges could rival or even surpass Divin Mubama’s status as West Ham’s next-most exciting teen.

The 18-year-old has netted 54 goals in 84 appearances for the east Londoner’s academy teams and was part of the side that won the 2023 FA Youth Cup.

This prompted Moyes to begin including the striker in the senior squads, and he scored his first goal for the club in Europa Conference League knockout victory over AEK Larnaca.

Gianluca Scamacca and Michael Antonio are heavily linked with moves away from the London Stadium, creating space in the frontline for Mubama and Borges to pounce upon.

After the Englishman was named the Young Hammer of the Year for the 2022/23 season, Academy manager Kenny Brown, said: “Divin has been instrumental in the success of our U18s this season and has also found great goalscoring form in the U21s.

"He has led the line for both of our Academy teams throughout the season and has done so in an impressive manner, earning himself opportunities in the senior side.

“He now falls between three different teams, gets asked to train and play across all of those teams, and he takes it in his stride. That’s a true testament to him and his character, and he is getting the rewards and plaudits for that.”

Many are looking at West Ham’s lack of transfer activity in a negative light and are casting a doomed fate over the upcoming season, but the possible integration of Borges and Mubama into the first team on a regular basis could provide the spark that the fans are craving.

A maiden Somerset century from Steve Davies against his former club put the hosts in a good position at the end of a rain-affected second day against Surrey at Taunton

ECB Reporters Network08-Aug-20171:06

County Championship round-up: Warwickshire secure first win

A maiden Somerset century from Steven Davies against his former club put the hosts in a good position at the end of a rain-affected second day against Surrey at Taunton.On a day when 33.1 overs were lost because of the weather, overnight batsmen Davies and Tom Abell extended their scores to 142 and 96 respectively as the home side ran up 436 in their first innings. Dom Bess contributed a career-best 55. By the close, Surrey had replied with 69 for 1, with Mark Stoneman unbeaten on 34, and trailed by 367 in a match that could have a significant impact on the fight to retain Division One status.Somerset began the day on 234 for 4 and Abell, who began on 88, square drove Stuart Meaker to the boundary to move into the 90s. The home skipper looked to be heading towards his first century of the season, when he was caught down the leg side by wicketkeeper Ben Foakes off Rikki Clarke.Abell’s partnership with Davies added 155 for the fifth wicket to take Somerset onto 251. Davies, who set out on 68, was lucky to survive a chance down the leg side to Foakes when he also edged Clarke. Meaker then struck twice from the River End when he had Jim Allenby caught by Foakes for 9 and two balls later accounted for Craig Overton, leg-before to a delivery that straightened.Bess quickly got into his stride and his first two shots found the boundary. The 20-year-old was the perfect foil for Davies, who apart from his one lapse, batted fluently. The wicketkeeper went to his first century for Somerset when he drove Tom Curran to the midwicket boundary, his runs coming off 147 deliveries and containing 11 fours and one six.Steven Davies made his maiden Somerset hundred against his old county•Getty ImagesBy the time lunch was taken Somerset had moved on to 357 for 7, Davies unbeaten on 128 and Bess on 41. Immediately after the break Bess came out and hit three successive boundaries off Clarke’s first over to go his maiden fifty for Somerset, which came off 66 balls and contained 10 fours.Shortly afterwards Gareth Batty accounted for Bess, bowled by a quicker delivery after adding 110 with Davies, a new highest eighth-wicket partnership for Somerset against Surrey.Davies had taken his own total onto 142 when he drove Sam Curran straight to Jason Roy at short cover leaving Somerset needing 12 more runs to reach maximum batting points. Last man Tim Groenewald wasted no time in setting about the task and his first shot found the boundary at midwicket off Sam Curran. However, then the rain started to fall and the players left the field for an early tea, with Somerset on 394.When they returned an hour and 40 minutes later Leach took the crucial single off Sam Curran to see up the 400, but Somerset weren’t done yet as the last pair added 48 together before Groenewald was caught by Scott Borthwick off his own bowling for 31 off 23 balls.With a possible 32 overs remaining in the day, Surrey had moved onto 58 when a mid-pitch mix-up with Stoneman led to Rory Burns being run out by Tim Rouse for 30.

West Bromwich Albion are finally off the mark with their first signing of the summer transfer window as they ramp up their pre-season preparations ahead of the new Championship campaign.

Who have West Brom signed?

The Baggies confirmed the arrival of winger Jeremy Sarmiento on loan from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday, providing manager Carlos Corberan with some extra quality out wide.

Albion's only other business this window has seen Dara O'Shea join Burnley in a £7m deal and Karlan Grant join Cardiff City on loan, while Jake Livermore and Tom Rogic were both released at the end of last season.

Corberan recently stated that he intends to make full use of the loan market, as was the case with the signing of Sarmiento, and West Brom could repeat the trick by moving for Aston Villa's Kortney Hause.

According to journalist Darren Witcoop, Albion are among the Championship clubs interested in signing the central defender, who would effectively be brought in as a replacement for O'Shea.

Is Kortney Hause injured?

Hause was hoping to use a spell on loan in the Championship with Watford last season as a chance to kick-start his career, but instead, he made only three appearances due to a knee injury that saw him return to Villa midway through the campaign.

The knee issue now appears to have cleared up and the 28-year-old will hope to join a team where he can play regular football, which will not be the case at Villa Park under Unai Emery.

It would be unfair to use Hause's numbers from last season to gauge exactly what West Brom can expect from him should he arrive at The Hawthorns, given he was on the field for a total of just 191 minutes.

Indeed, you have to go back to the 2019-20 season for the last time Hause played more than seven times in a single campaign. The Englishman played 18 times in the Premier League that season and stood out in a number of areas.

How good is Kortney Hause?

There are plenty of similarities between Hause – who is on wages of £8k-a-week at Villa, according to Capology – that season and O'Shea last season for West Brom, particularly in the defensive metrics.

For example, they registered 2.38 and 2.89 tackles and interceptions combined per 90 minutes respectively, according to FBref, while they won 0.52 and 0.62 tackles per 90.

O'Shea boasts a better pass-completion percentage across those respective seasons (82.9 v 73.6), but Hause comes out on top for aerial duels won (73.9% v 61.3%) and recoveries (6.34 per 90 v 5.57).

Described by Paul Lambert as an "excellent" defender during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers, it remains to be seen whether Hause can put his injury issues fully behind him and return to those previous levels.

Signing a player with so little action under his belt over the past few seasons would of course be a risk, but considering West Brom's lack of funds, Hause may be as good an option as any to bolster their backline and replace the outgoing O'Shea.

Leeds United will be back in action next weekend in their opener against Cardiff City as they set out to dominate in the Championship and earn a spot back in the Premier League.

The Whites suffered relegation after three consecutive years in the top flight and now Daniel Farke – who twice masterminded promotion with Norwich City – has been tasked with the challenge of inspiring an automatic return by the end of the 46-game campaign.

Indeed, there is still plenty of work to be done from a recruitment perspective with a number of positions to fill and squad depth to be acquired due to several departures this summer already, with only Chelsea academy graduate Ethan Ampadu confirmed so far.

Finding quick solutions will be essential, but it will be important for Farke to match the quality of those who have left Elland Road instead of just filling the positions with whatever is available on the market.

Who are Leeds interested in signing?

It was reported this week by Football Insider that Leeds are keen to secure the services of Everton defender Mason Holgate.

It is claimed that the West Yorkshire outfit have made a loan enquiry for the centre-back, with Southampton and Sheffield United also making approaches in the past few days, with Sean Dyche giving the green light for Holgate to move on.

However, a contractual agreement that would see the Everton player's wages rise to £72k-per-week could pose a stumbling block for those interested.

Will Leeds Sign Mason Holgate?

Leeds have lost both Rasmus Kristensen and Robin Koch so far, but do have strong options in the defensive set-up should those still remaining commit to the project in the second tier.

Having said that, Maximilian Wober is mooted with a move away this summer which would present a gaping hole in experience and quality in the centre-back partnership should an exit be sanctioned, though it presents an opportunity for youth academy graduate Charlie Cresswell to take his chances at competing for a first-team role.

As a result, whilst the opportunity to sign a Premier League experienced defender in Holgate might seem like an ideal piece of business, the Everton outcast's record in recent seasons suggests it would be one to avoid for Farke; exploring defensive reinforcements elsewhere instead.

The £11m-rated liability only made eight appearances in the top-flight for the Toffees last season, and when it mattered most crumbled under pressure – picking up a red card suspension in a draw with Crystal Palace which contributed to their relegation troubles with the side falling back into the relegation zone following the fixture.

Once dubbed "calamitous" by journalist Ben Grounds (Sky Sports, 08/12/2022, 20:50) Holgate has often been criticised for his performances at Goodison Park, with talkSPORT pundit Andy Townsend slamming the player's lack of influence in his team:

"Mason Holgate I don’t think is good enough to be a regular in the heart of your defence, I think he makes too many mistakes and doesn’t read the game well enough."

With that being said, considering Everton only achieved survival based on two points earned and don't view Holgate as a reliable first-team starter, there is no reason why Leeds should be considering a move for the defender and should instead look for options that have been playing more consistently.

هزّت الوكالة الدولية لمكافحة المنشطات “الوادا” الرياضة التونسية بقرار صارم، بعد إعلانها عن عدم امتثال تونس لقواعد مكافحة المنشطات، وفرض عقوبات صارمة على البلاد.

وأوضحت “الوادا” عبر الموقع الرسمي، أن تونس لم تلتزم بالقواعد الدولية لمكافحة المنشطات، مما أدى إلى فرض هذه العقوبات.

وأشارت الوكالة الدولية إلى أن تونس قامت بالتقصير في تحديث نظامها القانوني ليصبح متوافقًا مع قواعد عام 2021.

واقترحت المنظمة الوطنية لمكافحة المنشطات بتونس جدولًا زمنيًا لتحديث إطارها القانوني ومعالجة إجراءات التصحيح الحرجة، بناءً على هذه الجهود، تم وضع المنظمة الوطنية لمكافحة المنشطات بتونس على قائمة المراقبة في ديسمبر 2023.

طالع أيضًا | خبير قانوني يوضح لـ”بطولات” مدة إيقاف رمضان صبحي حال ثبت تعاطيه المنشطات

وبحلول 6 أبريل 2024، فشلت المنظمة الوطنية لمكافحة المنشطات بتونس في معالجة عدم المطابقة البارزة، وأرسلت الوادا إخطارًا رسميًا بعدم الامتثال إلى المنظمة الوطنية لمكافحة المنشطات بتونس في 8 أبريل 2024.

وبحسب “صحيفة “تونس الرقمية”، فإن هناك عقوبات قاسية تُهدد الرياضة التونسية. عقوبات “الوادا” ضد تونس

– لن تتمكن تونس من استضافة أي بطولات رياضية إقليمية أو قارية أو عالمية خلال فترة العقوبة.

– لن يُسمح برفع العلم التونسي في أي حدث رياضي أولمبي أو بارالمبي خلال فترة العقوبة.

– لن يكون الممثلون التونسيون مؤهلين للعمل في لجان أو مجالس إدارة الوكالة الدولية لمكافحة المنشطات.

Chelsea are one of the clubs who have been linked in the Kylian Mbappe saga this summer, and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of the player.

What's the latest on Chelsea's interest in Kylian Mbappe?

According to Spanish news outlet SPORT, Blues owner Todd Boehly has been holding talks with Paris Saint-Germain chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi to reach an agreement on a deal to sign the French forward.

As per the report, Chelsea are expected to soon make an offer for Mbappe despite the superstar being reluctant to join the west London club and whilst they are working on a deal with the Ligue 1 champions, will need to do much more to convince the World Cup winner as he only wants a one-year spell somewhere before joining LaLiga giants Real Madrid, where he is thought to already have an agreement.

Read the latest Chelsea transfer news HERE…

Will Kylian Mbappe join Chelsea?

There is no doubt that Mbappe would improve any team and be the dream signing for every single football club on the planet, however, with one year left on his contract at PSG, the financial implications that come with acquiring services could only be met by the richest.

The 24-year-old sensation currently earns an eye-watering £1.2m-per-week at this boyhood club, whilst the permanent signing of Mbappe would cost any club interested around €250m (£215m) to complete – some way past FootballTransfers' current £110m valuation.

Mbappe is considered one of the best forwards in the world at present, with huge praise constantly being heaped on the 2022 World Cup finalist for his contributions to both his club and on an international level.

Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas waxed lyrical about the France captain when he came up against him during his stint at Monaco:

"He's a phenomenon. He's clearly going to be the best player in the world in the future.

"I always think like a midfielder, and if I had him in front of me I'd be giving him assists all the time because he's so fast, explosive, but he's also very clever in slipping his markers.

"The thing that stands out about Mbappe is that he's so hungry. He knows how to exploit his ability."

Despite spending over £500m on transfers in the last 12 months, it would seem that Chelsea are in a position to offer an initial one-year loan deal given the fact that Boehly is holding conversations about a potential offer.

As a result, if the Blues could secure the signing of Mbappe it would absolutely transform their attacking threat in the short-term, helping them to challenge for Champions League qualification and compete comfortably for domestic trophies next season, but would likely stump Mykhailo Mudryk's progress too.

The Ukrainian winger struggled to make an impact during his first six months at Stamford Bridge after joining in a deal worth up to £88.5m during the January transfer window – failing to score a single Premier League goal and delivering just two assists over 15 appearances.

Should Boehly be able to convince Mbappe to complete a move to the English top-flight this summer, the sensational forward would undoubtedly push Mudryk out of the team if deployed on the left, considering he has been the top goalscorer in Ligue 1 for the last five consecutive seasons and scored a whopping 41 goals in all competitions over the last campaign.

Having said that, the Frenchman could in fact be deployed in the centre-forward role instead – a position he predominantly played for PSG last season – which would ultimately push new signing Nicolas Jackson down the pecking order, despite joining this summer for £32m from Villarreal.

Either way, the singing of Mbappe would be both record-breaking and monumental for Chelsea and would certainly put the London club in contention to compete at the highest level once again.

Round-up of the first set of fixtures from the 2017-18 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Sep-2017The Duke’s debutThe PCB inducted English Duke balls on their premier first-class circuit in a bid to prepare for the two-match Test series in England next year. However, several players – bowlers and batsmen alike – complained about the quality of the ball. According to players, it is ‘extraordinarily hard’ on the bat and in the hands for the fielders, specifically in the slips. Bowlers also complained that the ball was difficult to shine, with the leather looking somewhat coarse.At the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, in the opening round of fixtures, Water And Power Development Authority dismissed Lahore Blues for 198. The balls had to be changed no less than three times after losing their shape, supporting players’ accounts that the quality was substandard. Those who have played league cricket in England claimed that the balls used in the QeA over this week were much harder than the ones used on the domestic circuit in the UK.Departments dominate regionsThe PCB recently introduced a draft system for selecting players in regional sides in a bid to make the tournament more competitive. But the opening round saw departmental teams, boasting sizeable international quality, continue to be in command, beating regional teams by significant margins. Sui Southern Gas Corporation beat Islamabad by 360 runs, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited thrashed Peshawar by 154 runs, WAPDA tamed Lahore Blues by 120 runs, Habib Bank Limited thumped FATA by 335 runs, United Bank Limited toppled Karachi Whites by an innings and 73 runs, and National Bank of Pakistan saw off Faisalabad by 6 wickets. The only victories for the regions came for Rawalpindi and Lahore Whites, who turned over Khan Research Laboratories and Pakistan TV respectively.Sohail successWeeks after Mickey Arthur leapt to Sohail Khan’s defence following a tense defeat against the World XI in Lahore, the bowler repaid his coach’s faith, kicking off his QeA season with an 11-wicket haul, helping his side, United Bank, to an innings victory against Karachi Whites. He followed up a six-wicket haul in the first innings – including five of the top six – with a five-for in the second innings. It was a thoroughly all-round performance, too: in the one innings in which he batted, he scored 63 at No. 9, bolstering his all-round credentials.The comeback kidRaza Hasan, who was banned for two years for testing positive for a prohibited substance in 2015, returned with cracking match figures of 4 for 112 and 8 for 76 to help National Bank of Pakistan rip through Faisalabad’s batting line-up. He was the young sensation of the 2012 World T20, but hadn’t played first-class cricket since 2014 before being banned from playing all forms of cricket. The 25-year-old played 10 T20 matches and a solitary ODI for Pakistan, and remained in isolation before Lahore Qalandars director Aaqib Javed helped him revive his career. His contract with NBP – revoked after his suspension – was reinstated earlier this year, and he will be hoping to make up for lost time.Fawad WatchContentious selections often make the news for all sorts of reasons; Vernon Philander’s inclusion in the 2015 World Cup semi-final to apparently meet a transformation quota, James Pattinson’s brother Darren’s shock call-up to the England XI for a Test against South Africa in 2009. But you would have to wade through the archives to come up with a non-selection as perplexing as Fawad Alam’s from the Pakistan team. He played the last of his three Tests in November 2009 – the same series in which Umar Akmal made his debut.Over the last three seasons, he hasn’t so much been knocking on the selectors’ doors as barging in, helping himself to a cup of tea and putting his feet up on the comfy chair by the fireside. He ticks so many boxes for an international call-up you’d get bored if they were all listed. He’s averaged nearly 60 over the past three domestic seasons, has the experience Pakistan so require in the wake of Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan’s retirements, and has come through the same domestic set-up the PCB uses for bowlers with alacrity.In the opening QeA game, as captain of Sui Southern Gas, he scored 23 and an unbeaten 43-ball 50 (his strike rate has been one of the reasons selectors have offered for overlooking him). He could be forgiven for feeling, however, that he should have been batting in the UAE capital against Sri Lanka, instead of Pakistan.

Everton will need to continue to strengthen this summer after narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League last term, and Leicester City's Kelechi Iheanacho has been earmarked to bolster the attacking ranks.

What's the latest on Everton's move for Kelechi Iheanacho?

That's according to former editor-turned-scout Ignazio Genuardi, the Toffees are "active" on the case of the Nigerian striker after missing out on Almeria's El Bilal Toure, who is closing on a move to Atalanta.

Sean Dyche has already wrapped up moves for Ashley Young on a free transfer and Arnaut Danjuma on loan, and Iheanacho, who boasts a wealth of Premier League experience, could be another shrewd investment given his availability for just £10-15m following the Foxes' relegation.

Leeds United dynamo Wilfried Gnonto is also attracting attention, but the Whites have seemingly "closed the door" on his departure as they look to keep their most coveted attacking prospect tethered to Elland Road after relegation to the Championship.

Could Everton sign Kelechi Iheanacho?

Immediately, Iheanacho would offer something different for the Merseyside outfit in attack after a season that yielded fewer goals in the top-flight than all but Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the 26-year-old having scored eight goals and supplied five assists from just 13 starting appearances across all competitions.

Primarily a centre-forward, Iheanacho also finds success on the right wing, utilising his natural inclination to strike with his left foot to swerve in-field and bypass the opposing net, while also maintaining a creative flair that will no doubt have left Dyche eager to further negotiations.

Indeed, as per FBref, the £90k-per-week ace ranks among the top 2% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive carries and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90, which illustrates his dynamism and aptitude as a driving force, which strengthens the argument that he could find success marauding up the Goodison Park right flank.

While some may view him as an alternative to talisman Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has been decimated by injury issues over the past two seasons and missed 30 matches, Iheancho's arrival could actually be the genesis of a slick new strike partnership.

Calvert-Lewin, also aged 26, is an imposing 6 foot 2 menace who ranks among the top 8% of positional peers for aerials won per 90, and his most fruitful fortunes are found through his expertise in serving as a focal point in the attacking box and a conduit through which his squad's flow can be channelled.

Deploying Iheanacho's versatility beside him could prove to be the formula for success under Dyche's leadership, creating a dynamic balance to avoid the team stagnating.

Once praised as a "special talent" by pundit David Cottee, the 45-cap Nigerian could pay dividends for the Blues with his electric pace, direct and variegated approach when it comes to his attacking intent, and Premier League experience with both Leicester and Manchester City, having chalked up 70 direct contributions from 196 total appearances in the English top-flight.

And with Calvert-Lewin hoping to get back to his best to spearhead a desired resurgence, Iheanacho would be the perfect choice to ensure that the misfortune that has stained Goodison Park across recent years is irrevocably expunged.

It's "very unlikely" that Sunderland target Amad Diallo will still be at Manchester United come the end of the transfer window as there are "a lot of clubs on standby" who want to sign him, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Is Amad Diallo joining Sunderland this summer?

It was a brilliant first season back in the Championship for Sunderland last year. Granted, they couldn't make it past Luton Town in the play-off semi-final, but considering most fans and pundits didn't even think they'd finish in the top six, it was a miraculous achievement even to get there.

Since getting agonisingly close to making it back to the Premier League, the club have been recruiting to help get them over the line if they get the chance again next year.

So far, they have welcomed four new faces to the club, with one of their signings getting a lot of media attention, Jobe Bellingham. The 17-year-old is the younger brother of new Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, but the Black Cats only had to pay an estimated £3m to secure his signature from Birmingham City.

However, the one player many fans would likely love to see back at the Stadium of Light is United youngster Diallo, who spent last season on loan with the club, playing a massive part in their charge up the table.

Unfortunately for the Roker Men, the Northern Echo reported last week that their chances of signing the 21-year-old are hanging in the balance as Leicester City have emerged as a potential rival for his signature following their sale of Harvey Barnes.

Worse still is that, alongside the Foxes, West Ham United, Sheffield United, and Everton are all interested in signing the Ivorian, and with their status as Premier League sides, they certainly have an advantage over Sunderland.

What has Dean Jones said about Sunderland and Amad Diallo?

Jones explained that the chance of Diallo remaining at United come the end of the summer is low, but Sunderland will have a lot of other clubs to compete against should they wish to take him back on loan in the Championship.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "Diallo would be amazing. I think we've all seen what he's capable of.

"Now, as it stands, it's very unlikely he'll be playing for Man United regularly. So, I wouldn't expect him to be there by the end of the transfer window.

"We'll have to see if this particular move is possible. There are a lot of clubs on standby waiting to put an offer in front of him."

How good was Amad Diallo last season?

With the Black Cats' desire to re-sign the Ivorian winger on loan again this year, it should be no surprise that he was excellent during his last campaign in the Northeast.

According to WhoScored, in his 29 games for Tony Mowbray's side, he scored 14 goals, provided three assists, won four Man-of-the-Match awards and maintained a season rating of 7.06 – the third-best in the squad.

In what shouldn't come as a shock to anyone, his underlying numbers are just as brilliant as his output, suggesting that his outstanding form wasn't fortunate at all, but just a true reflection of his ability.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across what they define as the next eight competitions, Diallo sits in the top 2% for pass completion, the top 6% for interceptions, the top 15% for non-penalty goals, the top 18% for attempted passes, the top 21% for touched in the oppositions penalty area, and the top 25% for progressive passes and successful take-ons, all per 90.

His efforts were certainly appreciated by manager Mowbray who, at the back end of 2022, said:

"He's an amazing footballer. Somebody said he cost £37m from Atalanta when he joined Manchester United, so I find it difficult to think how he is at Sunderland, but probably the pressure of playing in front of a big crowd, and he relishes it.

"He can run all day and he has the ball stuck to his foot, he runs past people and he can score goals like that. We're delighted he's here with us."

While it may be a step too far for the Black Cats this summer, if they can convince Diallo to join them for one more season, they could be a Premier League team once again come the start of the 2024/25 season.

Yorkshire 62 for 1 (Lyth 35*) trail Warwickshire 219 (Patel 100, Fisher 5-54) by 157 runs A freewheeling hundred by Jeetan Patel, which might have been designed to banish the frustrations of a relegation season in a single innings, has kept Warwickshire in a contest at Headingley that Yorkshire need to win to calm their own fears of a drop into Division Two.The decrepit old Rugby Stand might be about to be pulled down, but Yorkshire have no wish to go down with it. A hole at one end of the ground is one thing, a hole in the heart of every Yorkshire cricket supporter quite another. In fifth place at the start of this round, one point above Somerset and Middlesex, they wish to put an awkward transitional season to bed without further alarms.Patel ensured a few restless nights yet. Simplicity is the essence of his batting and the fact that Warwickshire’s relegation is assured uncluttered his mind even further. He clattered anything wide to the cover boundary with aplomb, turning 49 for 6 into 219 – unexpected riches. Patel and Ian Bell got a century and half-century apiece and the other nine batsmen managed 54 between them.Patel only has three first-class centuries and two have come against Yorkshire. He did not outstay his welcome once it was achieved, falling lbw to Matt Fisher’s next delivery as he tried to hit through the leg side. Fisher finished with 5 for 54 in his first Championship appearance of the season. From a single bowling analysis much good can come.”Get through the season” has been the gist of Yorkshire’s message to Fisher. If it had to be the 2nd XI then so be it. There is no point being the most highly-regarded young quick in the country if your hamstring is not up to the job. Three times it let him down last year, once while batting. He skippered England Under-19s in India, but regarded his own body suspiciously.For an enthusiast like Fisher, identified as a talent at an early age and eager to make his mark, to be regarded as a long-term project and asked to bowl within himself while his body strengthened, cannot have been easy. He looked a little down on pace, perhaps as a consequence, but the wickets came. He was on a few long lists for the 2019 World Cup and, if that is no longer the case, this was the first sign of better things ahead.Jeetan Patel batting for Warwickshire•Getty Images

Liam Banks, an England U19 on Championship debut, was Fisher’s first victim, edging a ball of challenging line which bounced and left him just enough. But Bell was his most prized wicket, a relief for Yorkshire after a stand of 96 for the seventh wicket.Bell, showing occasional silkiness while Warwickshire collapsed around him, reached 50 by edging Fisher wide of gully, but he fell in Fisher’s next over as he took the last four wickets at a time when Patel was causing growing disquiet. Chris Wright followed in Fisher’s next over, another lbw victim.Yorkshire conceded 142 between lunch and tea and it was a surprise that it only brought one plaintiff cry of “C’mon Yorkshire”. In the Rugby Stand, where the sun never intrudes, the diehards looked on with a critical air, as diehards have often done, offering corrugated opinions under the corrugated roof for the past 90 years.The morning had belonged to Yorkshire, prospering after Jonathan Trott took the chance to bowl first – unusual for a 10.30am start in September, especially when the home side needed a positive result. Yorkshire fielded five pace bowlers, as if uncertain which ones would rouse themselves to the task. Jack Brooks led the way with the first two wickets, Trott falling to an excellent diving catch by Adam Lyth at second slip, Ben Coad following up.Collectors of cricketing oddities would be disappointed that the chance of Ryan Sidebottom bowling to Ryan Sidebottom went begging because Yorkshire’s Ryan Sidebottom, whose name really should have been copyrighted years ago, had a hamstring strain. More pertinently, it has denied him a Headingley farewell and with the final Championship match of the season due at Chelmsford next week, it might deny him any sort of farewell at all.But he can be hurrahed here at any rate, 762 first-class wickets to his name, a model professional entering retirement at 39. A bowler who upped sticks and spent the middle period of his career at Nottinghamshire but who, even when he did, remained the very essence of a Yorkshire cricketer. It might have all ended with him looking exasperated and cursing a flat one at The Oval as Surrey made 592, resenting every run as always. Perhaps it was a suitable way to go.