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The pay dispute between Cricket Australia and its players is set to continue after the Australian Cricketers’ Association rejected CA’s latest pay proposal

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Apr-2017The pay dispute between Cricket Australia and its players is set to continue after the Australian Cricketers’ Association rejected CA’s latest pay proposal. At the core of the ACA’s opposition is CA’s desire to scrap the revenue-sharing model that for nearly 20 years has linked player payments to the amount of income generated by the game.This, in the words of the ACA, would end a partnership “that allows players to share in the ups and downs of the games and its revenue, and allows for fluctuations in media rights cycles”. CA has argued that the revenue-sharing system has served its original purpose of making cricketers some of the highest-paid sportspeople in the country.Under CA’s proposal, only international players would have the chance to share in any surplus revenue: CA has proposed a $20 million pool to be split with $16m for international men and $4m for international women. Other players – domestic male and female players – would have to settle for fixed amounts that would not fluctuate according to the game’s income.However, the ACA on Friday argued that the proposal “disrespects the value of domestic cricketers and the role they play in Australian cricket”, and that it would create inequity within playing groups. The ACA also said that while CA’s response for gender equity had largely been positive, this plan “denies female cricketers the opportunity to share in the game’s revenue.””I’ve gone round every state player group, male and female, national and domestic, and they’re absolutely committed behind the revenue-sharing model because that’s something that they believe works, and it’s important that that continues on for the next MoU and the generations going forward,” Alistair Nicholson, the ACA chief executive, said.”In the proposal that we reviewed, and then in our discussions with key players on the board, we weren’t able to see where the model that has worked well, why it is being called out-of-date or unviable. They’re proposing a change in the model, we’re saying, the players are saying, we don’t want to change the model but we’re happy to talk about what sits underneath that, to get the best agreement for the game.”The ACA has offered its own proposal for what it calls a “modernised” revenue-sharing model, with a 55% share for CA, a 22.5% share for grassroots cricket, and a 22.5% share for male and female players. Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said he was disappointed with the ACA’s decision to reject the tabled offer, but he remained confident of achieving a resolution by the end of June deadline.”They appear to have spent nearly six weeks talking with everyone but the organisation that can provide them with the right information, and with whom they need to conclude an agreement on behalf of their members,” Sutherland said. “They will find, when they sit down with us and understand the detail, that this really is a ground-breaking offer and a fair deal for all players.”In particular, it offers higher guaranteed payments at a time of uncertainty, while continuing to provide a share of cricket’s financial surpluses to players at the pinnacle of the game. It also allows CA to address the disparity between pay for men and women and the urgent need to invest more in the grassroots of the game, particularly junior cricket. We make no apology for investing in priorities that will secure cricket’s sustainable future.”I must make it clear that the analysis presented by the ACA today contains many errors. We have offered to provide them with realistic financial scenarios, an opportunity they have not taken up. I also reject any suggestion that we would hide money from the players. They receive full audited accounts, and we have always been fair and honest with our players.”We understand their commitment to the existing model, but the fact is that the world has changed, and it needs to be updated to take that into account. It has to include women, it has to support our juniors and community cricket clubs, and it has to provide greater financial certainty for all players, at every level.”CA said its proposal would lead to increased pay for all players, with female players receiving an immediate average pay increase of more than 125%, and the average wage for international women’s players increasing from $79,000 to $179,000. According to CA’s figures, domestic male cricketers would earn an average of $235,000 by 2021-22, up from $199,000 last summer.”We have placed the emphasis on increasing the guaranteed amount that the men will receive, rather than rely on any projected increase in revenue,” Sutherland said. “We understand that the ACA prefers the status quo, but CA believes that the model devised in the 1990s, which is based on a fixed percentage of revenue, has served its intended purpose – to make Australia’s cricketers some of the best paid sportspeople in the country.”

Eddie Howe is expected to be backed significantly in the transfer window as he prepares Newcastle United for a busy upcoming season.

What positions are Newcastle looking to improve?

Aware of the extra workload his side will face next season following their qualification for the Champions League, Howe is desperate to bolster his squad. This is not just in terms of quality, but strength in depth too.

Journalist Dean Jones also expects Newcastle to spend big in the summer and acquire a number of new talents, pinpointing two positions in particular that the Magpies will look at reinforcing.

Speaking to The Football Terrace about Newcastle's move for Sandro Tonali and hunt for a central defender, Jones stated: "As well as that, you're going to get them looking at another central midfielder and a full-back as well."

"So, you have got four more signings to come at Newcastle this summer, and they're certainly trying to level up. But it's going to be tough because they punched above their weight last season, they made the Champions League and now those expectations are there, and you have got a lot of teams that are expecting to catch Newcastle."

The implication from Jones is that Newcastle will look for another midfielder regardless of whether they sign Tonali from AC Milan, although that deal looks inevitable now. Considering the Magpies already have Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff as first-choice central midfielders, another two (including Tonali) would take their total to six, allowing for better rotation.

Jones fails to mention whether the full-back Newcastle are interested in plays on the right or left-hand side, but Howe does lack quality depth on both flanks.

While Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn have enjoyed fantastic seasons at right-back and left-back respectively, beyond them there are few top class options. Emil Krafth, Javier Manquillo, Jamal Lewis and Matt Targett are all yet to show that they can fill in when called upon at the highest level.

Who will Newcastle sign?

Looking specifically at the two positions in question, there are already a host of names linked with Tyneside.

In central midfield, Tonali's international teammate Nicolo Barella of Inter has been linked, fresh from a disappointing Champions League final defeat to Manchester City. His energy and technical qualities would make him a perfect fit for Howe's Magpies, but his price tag would likely be significant.

James Maddison of Leicester City has been frequently mentioned, but Newcastle face a potential bidding war with Tottenham Hotspur for the Englishman's services. Nice's Khephren Thuram, who is currently at the U21 European Championships with France, is also on their radar, but this time it is Liverpool who will compete with the Toon for the player's signature.

Meanwhile, at full-back, Arsenal's Kieran Tierney is the most prominent name being linked, with the Scot perhaps looking for more playing time after spending the season as Oleksandr Zinchenko's understudy. The 26-year-old left-back did make 27 league appearances last season, but the majority of them came from the bench.

Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane is "determined to leave" Spurs this summer and his time at the club is "definitely over", according to reports.

Will Kane leave Spurs?

Rewind two years ago, the last time Kane was heavily linked with a move away, and it was Premier League champions Man City who were seriously chasing the Englishman's signature.

However, despite a rumoured "gentleman's agreement" with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, a move did not come to fruition and City instead ended up signing superstar Erling Haaland one year later.

At the time, Tottenham had a lot of leverage in regards to keeping Kane with many years left on his contract, but right now, the 29-year-old is fast entering the final 12 months of his deal.

The Three Lions star could depart north London as a free agent next year, putting a host of clubs on alert, including Bayern Munich, PSG, Man United and Chelsea.

There is a decision to be made by Spurs if Kane doesn't agree fresh terms, and that is whether to sell for a handsome profit this window or keep him for another season and let him depart for nothing in 2024.

However, as per reports out of Spain, there has been a worrying development on that front as it appears Kane is "determined to leave Tottenham this summer".

That information comes courtesy of Sport, who also believe "everything indicates" his time at the club is "definitely over".

Bayern and PSG are apparently the two sides in pole position to sign Kane, with the former especially pushing given Thomas Tuchel's desire to sign a star striker.

The Bavarians have already seen a verbal offer of around £60 million rejected, and despite Kane's contract situation, it appears Levy is set to dig his heels in.

What's been said about Kane?

The former Leyton Orient loanee is, without question, Spurs' superstar player and losing him would be an almighty blow – no matter the marquee transfer fee.

Kane scored a sensational 30 goals in 38 league appearances last season, and if it wasn't for the ridiculous form of Haaland, he would've clinched another Golden Boot.

Spurs legend Jurgen Klinsmann has also heaped praise on the player for his character and leadership.

"For Tottenham he is very important, he can energise the team, keep the spirit up in the changing rooms," said Klinsmann.

"Always. He has character and dedication to his club."

Leeds United should have plenty of money to spend this summer under the control of 49ers Enterprises, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

Is Leeds' takeover complete?

The Whites experienced a season to forget in the Premier League, suffering relegation back down to the Championship, following failed spells under Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce.

All of a sudden, however, Leeds have received some much-needed good news, with the club confirming on Friday that an agreement has been reached between Aser Ventures and 49ers Enterprises over the purchase of the Whites.

It is a big moment in the club's recent history, with this new takeover expected to be hugely beneficial financially, allowing Leeds to become more of a force on and off the pitch in the coming years.

While relegation is clearly a blow – especially as it could have meant fewer funds being available for reinforcements – a new update has allayed those fears.

How will Leeds' summer spending be affected?

According to The Athletic's Hay, Leeds' current situation is a positive one, with this new injection of money likely to aid them in the summer transfer window:

"Parachute payments in year one in the Championship are worth around £45million to Leeds.

"Those sources of income will still be used by 49ers Enterprises but this takeover is expected to lead to an injection of working capital by the U.S. fund, allowing Leeds to have a more active or aggressive window than they might otherwise have had.

"That is not to say that spending will be lavish or wildly excessive, and don’t be surprised if the club make use of the loan market, but they should be better placed to recruit and sell, and the takeover should give them more chance of retaining certain key players."

This is great news for Leeds, who could have been damaged so badly by the exit from the Premier League, and it highlights how important the takeover of the club is.

It puts the Whites in a strong position when it comes to making a rapid return to the top flight over the next 12 months, suggesting that their next manager will be backed in the transfer market and that they should start the 2023/24 season as one of the favourites to get out of the Championship.

There have clearly been good times with the outgoing owners – not least hiring Marcelo Bielsa and getting back into the Premier League. But it is perhaps time for a change, and it has come at a pivotal point in the club's recent history.

تلقى ميلان هزيمة برباعية مقابل هدفين أمام نظيره مونزا، في المباراة التي جمعت بين الفريقين على ملعب الأخير، استاد يو باور، ضمن الجولة 25 من الدوري الإيطالي للدرجة الأولى.

شوط المباراة الأول شهد صدمة للروسونيري، بتلقي شباك مايك ماينان ثنائية عن طريق داني موتا وماتيو بيسينا، في نهاية الشوط، وتحديدًا عند الدقيقة 45 والسادسة من وقت بدل الضائع.

طالع أيضًا.. فيديو | روما يكتسح فروزينوني بثلاثية نظيفة في الدوري الإيطالي

في الشوط الثاني، تلقى ميلان ضربة أخرى بطرد مهاجمه الصربي، لوكا يوفيتش، الذي غادر الملعب، وبعد ذلك اُستبدل الجزائري اسماعيل بن ناصر، ليدخل بدلًا منه أوليفيه جيرو في الدقيقة 52.

دخول جيرو كان مؤثرًا بتسجيله هدف تقليص الفارق في الدقيقة 64، بعد ترجمة عرضية بوليسيتش لهدف في مرمى أصحاب الأرض.

وفي الدقيقة 88، مر بوليسيتش بطريقة رائعة وأطلق صاروخية في مرمى جريجوريو ويعيد المباراة لنقطة البداية، حيث أصبحت النتيجة 2-2.

وظن الجميع أن المباراة انتهت، وربما من ضمنهم المدرب ستيفانو بيولي الذي لعب بـ 10 لاعبين وتمكن من العودة، لكن كان لأصحاب الأرض رأي آخر.

وارين بوندو أطلق تصويبة صاروخية في مرمى مواطنه مايك ماينان، ليسجل الفرنسي أول هدف له مع مونزا، ليشتعل الملعب فرحًا بالهدف في الدقيقة 93.

ولم يستوعب بيولي ما حدث، وعبر عن غضبه برمي الزجاجة على الأرض، ليستشيط غضبًا أكثر بالهدف الرابع عن طريق لورونزو كولومبو، المُعار من ميلان في الدقيقة 95، ورغم أنه رفض الاحتفال احترامًا لفريقه، لكن ذلك لم يمنع جماهير مونزا من الاحتفالات الجنونية.

ويُعد هذا الفوز هو الأول لـ مونزا في تاريخه ببطولة الدوري الإيطالي على حساب ميلان، والذي جاء بهذه الطريقة الجنونية والدرامية.

انتصار مونزا رفع رصيده إلى 33 نقطة في المركز الحادي عشر، بينما تجمد رصيد ميلان عند النقطة 52 في المركز الثالث، ليفشل في استغلال تعثر يوفنتوس وينقض على وصافة الدوري. أهداف مباراة ميلان ومونزا في الدوري الإيطالي

Plans to revive the oldest international cricket rivalry have been confirmed with the USA and Canada set to play three 50-over matches for the KA Auty Cup on October 13, 14 and 16 at Woodley Park in Los Angeles. The Auty Cup has not been played since 2013, in King City, where Canada retained the trophy after securing first-innings points in the drawn two-day match before sweeping a pair of Twenty20s – there was no result in the one scheduled 50-over game then.The matches will serve as key preparation for USA ahead of their participation in ICC World Cricket League Division Four, which begins October 29 at the same venue. The Auty Cup had originally been slated for the weekend of October 22-23, but according to sources the series was mutually decided to be brought up a week in part so that USA can have an extra week of preparation after the Auty Cup and ahead of Division Four.The tentative plan is for members of USA’s squad based outside of Los Angeles to fly in on October 12 and depart the night of the 16th before returning to Los Angeles the following weekend on October 22 for seven days of training and warm-up matches against local Los Angeles club sides leading into their first match of Division Four on October 29. The top two teams in the tournament, which also features Bermuda, Denmark, Italy, Jersey and Oman, will be promoted to WCL Division Three, scheduled for early 2017.”Canada certainly have some very talented players,” USA coach Pubudu Dassanayake, who coached Canada at the 2011 World Cup, said in a press release on Wednesday. “This Auty Cup will be a very good test for our USA team. We are looking forward to the challenge.”For Canada, these are the senior team’s first international matches since the 2015 World T20 Qualifier in Scotland and Ireland, where they went winless to finish last in Group B. It is also the first 50-over matches for Canada since January 2015, when they finished in last place at the six-team Division Two tournament to be relegated to Division Three. Canada is joined in Division Three by Uganda, Singapore and Malaysia.”Cricket Canada is excited about the opportunity to take on the USA again,” Cricket Canada general manager Ingleton Liburd stated in a press release. “We are hoping for some quality 50-over cricket, and hope we can retain the KA Auty Cup while we are on US soil.”The ICC press release announcing the matches also declared that the Auty Cup matches, along with USA and Bermuda’s games at Division Four, will be used to help pick a 15-man squad for an ICC Americas Combined team to participate in the 2017 WICB Nagico Super50 regional tournament. The ICC Americas office had conducted an open trial in Indianapolis last September to help pick a combined team, which featured six USA and nine Canada players, for this year’s tournament.Following the Nagico Super50, six ICC Americas players received Caribbean Premier League contracts, an opportunity which is expected to be offered again for 2017.

Arsenal are reportedly ready to look ahead to the summer transfer window, as the 2022/23 campaign comes to a close this weekend.

The Gunners have endured an unexpectedly strong season, establishing themselves as title challengers alongside Manchester City, in a prolonged run that came to a bitter end in the latter stages.

Despite falling with the final hurdle in sight, Mikel Arteta has given the club lots to celebrate this term, putting Arsenal back among Europe's elite in qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since 2016.

Squad depth proved to be a contributing factor to the Gunners’ failure to win the title, but with the summer transfer window fast approaching, Arteta will look to put things right ahead of next season.

Defensive instability saw Arsenal crumble when it mattered most, though recent news emerging has linked a famed defender in Europe to the Emirates.

What’s the latest on Jules Kounde to Arsenal?

According to reports in Spain earlier this week, three Premier League clubs are interested in signing Barcelona centre-back Jules Kounde this summer.

The report states that Arsenal, along with Manchester City and Manchester United, have shown “strong interest” in the 24-year-old, who is speculated to want to depart Catalonia due to arguments over his playing position.

Valued at a reported €75m (£65m), the centre-back could be a worthy addition to the clubs thought to be interested.

What could Jules Kounde offer Arsenal?

When William Saliba was injured in March against Sporting CP, the Frenchman’s absence became quickly noticeable, and the gaps in Arteta’s young squad became clearer.

It was an injury that, as described by journalist Charles Watts, “killed Arsenal’s season”, with the Gunners’ win percentage dropping from 78% to 44%, showing his undeniable influence on the Emirates defence.

Kounde could be the missing piece to Arteta’s title-winning masterplan, as the 24-year-old could not only supply the Spaniard with depth, but competition for his leading centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and Saliba, who have no close figures in terms of quality in the squad.

The versatile centre-back, hailed as having “enormous potential” by scout Jacek Kulig, has numbers to support claims that he is one of Europe’s best early into his budding career.

There is so much more to the Frenchman’s game than sitting back and defending pressure, as shown by his FBref statistics, which rank him in the top 2% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for elements in his progressive play.

As per FBref, the “awesome” talent averages 6.74 progressive passes and 1.99 progressive carries per 90 – incomparable to Arsenal’s current defensive rotation option of Rob Holding, who registers 4.35 progressive passes and 0.53 progressive carries per 90.

Lauded by Marca journalist Miguel Angel Garcia as being the “closest thing” to Sergio Ramos back in 2021, the Frenchman has received high praise for his exploits at Barcelona, arguably making him a worthy fit for any defence in Europe with a huge career ahead.

One thing is certain, and that is Arsenal’s desperation to recruit central defenders this summer, as the absence of Saliba paired with the mishaps of Holding dented the Gunners’ success this campaign – and is a stain that is easily rectifiable this summer.

As a fourth goal sailed past Aaron Ramsdale in the Arsenal goal, resigning them to a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City, it essentially marked the end of their push for the Premier League title in April.

Such is the relentless perfection of Pep Guardiola's winning machine, they are now just five games away from once again claiming the crown, with a Champions League semi-final and an FA Cup final to come. There have been few teams like them, and there are unlikely be many more to succeed them.

That makes the Gunners' feat to compete with them for as long as they did so admirable, but the manner of their collapse even more frustrating.

The title was not lost on that night at the Etihad, but in the three draws that preceded it. A lack of squad depth has hopelessly hampered Mikel Arteta's side, and thus attention has already seemingly moved on to the summer. There will be hope that the Spaniard can add the requisite quality to ensure they do not befall the same fate as they have this campaign.

Unsurprisingly headlining their list of potential acquisitions is Declan Rice, who continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates. However, amidst all the potential deals, the news that promising youngster Charlie Patino is seeking an exit has perhaps gone without proper attention.

The 19-year-old was one of many shining lights of Hale End, poised to one day star in the first team. Had he seen a pathway into regular senior football, which many might have assumed Bukayo Saka provided, perhaps that might still have been the case.

Who is Charlie Patino?

Having joined the club at the age of 11, the teenage sensation has long been earmarked for success. Outlined as a "silky smooth central midfielder" on Arsenal's official website, it was agreed that the opportunity to ply his trade on loan at Blackpool was the best course of action for a career that had seemingly outgrown youth football.

Starring as a mesmeric metronome-like presence in the engine room of both the U18s and later the U21s, it even earned him two senior call-ups that afforded him the chance to score as well.

The Seasiders would have been delighted to welcome such a talented prospect to the club for their campaign, and despite succumbing to relegation, he has remained a fine operator.

Featuring 33 times in the Championship, a 6.83 average rating has been upheld by a year of defensive excellence. Recording 1.5 interceptions and two tackles per game, the Englishman would also muster two goals and four assists to cap off a fine season, via Sofascore.

This has seen him thrive even when compared to other midfielders across Europe, as he manages to ranks in the top 6% for both interceptions and blocks.

Performances like these do not go unnoticed, with Fulham youngster George Okkas telling London World (via Arsenal Core):

"Charlie Patino whose quality is out of this world. Technically, wow."

It is baffling to see such a fine defensive midfielder within their ranks seemingly allowed to leave this summer, instead of simply offering him the assurances he desires. It could save them the potential British transfer record fee that David Moyes suggested they would need to smash.

Is Charlie Patino like Declan Rice?

Everyone knows the quality that Rice brings to the table, as a composed destroyer in the heart of midfield.

Bursting with personality and adored by many, Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith was particularly full of praise just last month after he had notched against AFC Bournemouth:

"Declan Rice, he's like two players for West Ham, he's unbelievable. For me, world-class."

This shows up in his numbers, which bare a marked resemblance to Patino's area of expertise.

As a shining light in West Ham United's otherwise dismal campaign, the 24-year-old's 7.20 rating is maintained by his 1.1 key passes, 1.8 interceptions and 2.3 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

However, when compared within the same European bracket as his potential teenage alternative, he ranks in the top 3% for interceptions but only in the top 49% for blocks. This is likely due to his role being more creative, but the on-loan youngster's star qualities cannot be ignored.

With mouth-watering and record fees touted for the England international, it is understandable why he is so sought-after. Every successful team needs a midfielder like Rice in their team.

However, for the money the Hammers will command, and the quality they already boast in Patino, it seems foolish to chase the biggest name on the market now when other areas perhaps require more attention.

Surely Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka could hold down the fort for a few more years until the Hale End graduate has been allowed to mature, investing elsewhere for now.

All it takes is that leap of faith to nurture truly great talent, which is exactly what gave Rice his break in east London. The rest is now history.

Sky Sports pundit Sue Smith has noted David Moyes was furious after Eberechi Eze won a controversial penalty for Crystal Palace.

What's the latest on Eberechi Eze and Palace?

The Eagles played host to West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday in what turned out to be a thriller at Selhurst Park.

Despite falling behind, Roy Hodgson and co raced to a 3-1 lead after 30 minutes thanks to goals from Jordan Ayew, Wilfried Zaha and Jeffrey Schlupp before Michail Antonio pulled one back for the Hammers before the break.

Palace, however, kept their nerve and scored once more in the second 45 to win 4-3 after Nayef Aguerd netted late on to make for a tense ending.

Perhaps the key moment of the game was when £30k-per-week star Eze won a penalty, which he converted himself in the 66th minute to give Hodgson's men a two-goal cushion once more.

Not everyone seems to think it should have been a spot-kick, though. Indeed, while reporting on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, Smith noted just how angry the West Ham manager was.

She said: "Moyes is absolutely furious, it is a slight touch from Aguerd on Eze, who goes down and Pawson pointed to the spot straight away. But it is a soft penalty."

Did Eze deserve the penalty?

It's safe to say there wasn't a huge amount of contact from Aguerd on Eze as he seemed to slightly tug at the Palace man who hurled himself to the ground without hesitation.

VAR did check the decision though, but decided not to overturn the initial call made by referee Craig Pawson.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Mark Schwarzer certainly seemed to think it was dubious at best, saying: "I don't think there's any challenge whatsoever. There's a grab of the arm, but I don't think it's a penalty."

With that being the case, you can understand why Moyes was so angry – but it didn't seem to bother Eze after full-time.

Indeed, when talking to BT Sport (via BBC Sport) after the Palace win, he seemed to have enjoyed the outing.

He said: "It was absolute madness, we worked hard and gave everything. They’re good at set pieces but we did all we could and happy to get the three points.

"We’re thriving under Roy, we're creative and positive when we have the ball.

"I think it’s a credit to all of us, we're all working so hard on the processes not just the results, trying to improve and get better. Just happy to get the three points."

Manchester United will meet with the representatives of Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch over a potential summer transfer.

What’s the latest transfer news on Man United and Gravenberch?

The Red Devils are looking to add to their midfield ranks this summer ahead of Erik ten Hag’s second season in charge.

There has been speculation over a move for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo, whereas a permanent move for loanee Marcel Sabitzer has also been mooted.

Gravenberch is another who appears to be an option for Old Trafford officials, although reports elsewhere have suggested that the Netherlands international is open to joining Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Journalist Santi Aouna shared an update regarding Gravenberch in the last 48 hours. He said on Twitter that the midfielder is looking for more game time and his representatives will meet with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

“Ryan Gravenberch and his entourage will be making a decision on their future soon. The midfielder wants to play more, whether at Bayern or elsewhere.

“Liverpool, Arsenal and Man U will meet the player's entourage. Erik ten Hag is a fan of Gravenberch.”

Who is Gravenberch?

Gravenberch, on £152,000-a-week, is 20 years of age and is primarily a central midfielder who can also turn out in a holding midfield role if required.

The Adidas-sponsored midfielder is valued at €30m by Transfermarkt and only made the move to Bayern Munich last summer from Ajax. Gravenberch has struggled to break into Munich’s first-choice XI, though, starting just one Bundesliga game this season.

He has played just 711 minutes in a total of 27 appearances in all competitions this season, so it is no surprise that he is on the search for more game time, something he could receive at Old Trafford.

One of Ten Hag’s transfer priorities this summer is in midfield, and with Scott McTominay wanting out over the coming months, there could be room for someone like Gravenberch to come in and feature heavily alongside the likes of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes.

Former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann had suggested that Gravenberch was "better than most other footballers" his age, so he could be a shrewd long-term signing in midfield, with both Casemiro and Eriksen over the age of 30.

United are also on course to be playing in four competitions once again next season, which could help Gravenberch's chances of receiving more game time, however, the Red Devils may need to pip two of their biggest rivals to his services.