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Newcastle United have been urged to make a move for departing Liverpool star Roberto Firmino.

What’s the latest on Roberto Firmino's future?

After eight years, 361 appearances, and 189 goal involvements, the 31-year-old played his last game at Anfield and scored in a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa last weekend as he seeks a new challenge in his career.

Eddie Howe has done an incredible job at Newcastle and after a tense stalemate against Leicester City on Monday night, the club secured Champions League football for the first time in 20 years.

This monumental achievement, coupled with its insane financial muscle, means the club is able to attract the top players in the world.

As such, Firmino’s name has been chucked into the mix as a possible superstar, who could add some attacking flair to Newcastle next season.

When asked about the Brazilian’s next destination, reputable journalist Dean Jones suggested he should join the Magpies: “If he showed a desire to stay in the Premier League and was open to what Newcastle were going to do with him, then absolutely, I think that could be a path to explore.”

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given echoed this view and described the £180k-per-week man as a “top player”, who could do “really well” for a couple of seasons on Tyneside.

How would Roberto Firmino fit in at Newcastle?

The former Hoffenheim magician has been an indispensable component to Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp, playing a vital role in the club’s European Cup in 2019 and their first Premier League title the following year.

Often operating as a false nine, the forward would act as an intricate and skilful playmaker, playing provider to the ruthlessly efficient Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah.

This role was noted by Clarence Seedorf as similar to a current Real Madrid stalwart saying: “He is a bit like Benzema at Real Madrid, he knows how to play a little deeper and goes on the wings. He is a number nine who knows what is needed for the team.”

With this unselfish, inventive, and intelligent style of play, the 55-cap "machine" – as per one journalist – can provide a beacon of support for Alexander Isak, as they could form a devastating partnership.

The Swede has often appeared as an inverted left forward, similar to Mane’s role on Merseyside, and has decorated the Premier League with magical elegance and supreme technique, epitomised by a wondrous assist when he danced around the Everton defence at Goodison Park.

The prodigy has already netted ten goals in 21 appearances in his debut campaign in England and with the added support of Firmino next term, he could evolve into an even more productive asset.

Hailed as “brilliant” by Jamie Carragher, the joyous technician has been described by Klopp as someone with an “incredible football brain”, whose contribution “is not possible to replicate.”

It would be an extraordinary statement if the Magpies secured this coup and one that could just elevate Isak even more too.

Sanjay Bangar, India’s interim coach for the tour to Zimbabwe, has said he expects the unfamiliar conditions to prove a big challenge for his inexperienced team

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jun-2016Sanjay Bangar, India’s interim coach for the tour to Zimbabwe, has said he expects the unfamiliar conditions to prove a big challenge for his inexperienced team. Bangar highlighted the importance of the tour for these young players, given it comes at the start of the international season for them as they look to make an impression in international cricket.”Not many of them would have played in Zimbabwe and getting used to the conditions in such a short period would be a major challenge,” Bangar told . “We don’t really have a lot of time there and we play our [first] match straightaway. Passing on the information and experiences that we have had from the previous tour would be vital.”Only five members of this squad were selected for the last tour of Zimbabwe, in 2015, when India whitewashed the hosts in a three-match ODI series. This time India’s tour will consist of three ODIs and three T20Is, all of which are to be played at the Harare Sports Club. Elaborating on the challenges the team will confront, Bangar highlighted the use of the Kookaburra ball and the high altitude of the ground.”This year we are going to be playing with Kookaburra balls. We played with Duke balls last year. The Duke ball tends to do a bit more than the Kookaburra ball. We will have to go there and find out what is the behaviour of a Kookaburra ball vis-à-vis a Duke ball.”Zimbabwe is also at a higher altitude. So fielding-wise, the ball tends to travel slightly quicker. Those are the small adjustments you need to make to make sure that you are on top of the game.”India have rested their established players for the tour, instead picking a squad packed with youngsters. While the squad will be led by longtime captain MS Dhoni, who has played 275 ODIs and 68 T20Is, the remaining 15 squad members have a collective tally of 83 ODIs and 28 T20Is. Five members of the squad – Yuzvendra Chahal, Faiz Fazal, Mandeep Singh, Karun Nair and Jayant Yadav – have not played any international cricket.Given the fresh faces all around, Bangar said he would be expecting high energy levels on the field. “This team fields well, there is a lot of energy, buzz and intensity in whatever they do,” he said. “And that would be the underlying message in approaching all three departments of the game.”

Angelo Matthews remains under an injury cloud and must undergo a fitness test on Wednesday before he can be cleared to play in the second ODI against England at Edgbaston on Friday

Melinda Farrell22-Jun-2016Angelo Mathews remains under an injury cloud and must undergo a fitness test on Wednesday before he can be cleared to play in the second ODI against England at Edgbaston on Friday.The Sri Lanka captain hobbled from the field suffering stiffness in his left hamstring after bowling six overs during Sri Lanka’s tie with England in the first ODI of the five-game Royal London series at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.The hamstring failed to improve overnight and Mathews saw a doctor in Birmingham on Wednesday to undergo further assessment.His absence would be keenly felt by Sri Lanka on several levels; in the first ODI Mathews’ steadying innings of 73 was the highest of any batsman in his side and he then took 2 for 22 with the new ball before injury forced him from the field.Sri Lanka may also have benefited from Mathews’ experience as captain as England chased down 286 to draw level with Sri Lanka – particularly in the final two overs when Chris Woakes and Liam Plunkett plundered 30 runs, culminating in Plunkett’s six off Nuwan Pradeep’s final ball.Sri Lanka’s pace attack has been gradually depleted since the start of the tour, with the loss of Dushmantha Chameera, Dhammika Prasad and Shaminda Eranga and, in the remainder of the squad, there is no like-for-like replacement for the all-rounder Matthews.Sri Lanka’s team management has told ESPNcricinfo they were already preparing to draft a replacement for Eranga from the Sri Lanka A squad, which arrives in England on Wednesday night ahead of a series of matches against Pakistan A and England Lions. If Matthews fails to recover in time for Friday’s game, Sri Lanka may need to call in further reinforcements.

West Ham United face Gent in the Europa Conference League tonight, with David Moyes' side hoping to put one foot in the semi-finals with a positive result against the Belgian side.

The east London side are considered one of the favourites to bring home the trophy, having won every game in the competition so far this season, and they will want to continue that trend against a side that currently sits fourth in the Belgian Pro League.

The Hammers bounced back from a heavy defeat against Newcastle United with a vital 1-0 win over Fulham last weekend but with Arsenal to come on Sunday, Moyes will surely be tempted to rest some of his squad for the game at the Ghelamco Arena today.

How should West Ham line up against Gent?

Here is how Football FanCast expects Moyes to line his side up for the first leg, with seven changes from the side that started in the 1-0 triumph at Craven Cottage.

(4-2-3-1): Areola (GK); Coufal (RB), Zouma (CB), Aguerd (CB), Emerson (LB); Rice (CM), Downes (CM); Paqueta (CAM), Cornet (RW), Benrahma (LW); Ings (ST).

Lukasz Fabianski may have returned from his recent fractured eye socket injury but Alphonse Areola has been the starter for West Ham throughout the Europa Conference League campaign and the Frenchman should start in between the sticks tonight.

Although the Hammers kept an impressive clean sheet against Fulham, Moyes may choose to rest Angelo Ogbonna and restore Nayef Aguerd to the starting line up in the hope that he can regain some confidence after his nightmare against Newcastle where he was caught on the ball for Callum Wilson's second of the clash.

Similarly, Emerson comes back in for Aaron Cresswell at left-back, as it wouldn't be a surprise to see the experienced Englishman get the nod against Arsenal, while Vladimir Coufal and Kurt Zouma complete the back four.

Tomas Soucek will surely finally be dropped by Moyes having produced some woeful recent displays, earning Sofscore ratings of 5.9 and 6.3 against Southampton and Newcastle respectively.

As a result, summer signing Flynn Downes partners Declan Rice in the middle of the park, with Lucas Paqueta returning to the side in a more advanced midfield role.

It's all change on the wing as Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals are rested, with Maxwel Cornet handed a rare start on the right, while Said Benrahma, who has proven himself "unplayable" in Europe before in the opinion of Joe Cole, replaces Pablo Fornals on the left.

Michail Antonio is rested up top, with Danny Ings keeping his starting role as the lone striker, in the hope that he too can regain some confidence having scored in just one match since his January switch from Aston Villa.

Liverpool are interested in completing a deal to bring PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Sangare to the Premier League, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

What's the latest on Sangare's future?

The Reds have James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all out of contract at the end of the season, whilst Arthur Melo is set to return to Juventus after the board decided not to take up his buy option, so central reinforcements will be needed during the upcoming window.

Jurgen Klopp has been linked with several potential candidates, predominantly Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount, but 25-year-old midfielder Sangare is one of the most recent names to crop up.

The Ivory Coast international's contract at the Philips Stadion isn't set to run out until 2027, but as Ruud van Nistelrooy's best-performing defensive player, as per WhoScored, he's been attracting interest.

Speaking to Voetbal International, the manager himself challenged his standout star to "go to the top" in England and make a name for himself at the highest level – which sounds exactly like what he might be about to do.

The Merseyside outfit, along with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, are reportedly known admirers and have already been alerted by Sangare's representatives that he is likely to be available for a transfer at the end of the season, while it appears FSG have positively responded to that information and are now considering a swoop.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are "keen" on a move for Sangare, who has been identified as a player who's seriously "on the radar" of possible targets at Anfield. PSV's maestro was supposedly of interest last summer but a switch failed to materialise, though the club have now been given the perfect second chance, with the Eredivisie giants "open" to letting him go for a fee of around £45m.

Would Sangare fit the bill at Liverpool?

Sangare has been lauded as a "class act" and someone who can control a midfield by journalist Josh Bunting, and with him possessing strong qualities in the defensive and offensive aspects of his game, we think he would be the perfect candidate to put pen to paper for Klopp.

The 6 foot 3 colossus, who would add a different dimension to the centre with his height, naturally sits in front of the back four and loves to get stuck in and stop attacks, as shown by him ranking in the 93rd percentile for blocks and in the 90th for tackles among players in his position at similar-level competitions over the past year, as per FBref.

Whilst more used to operating in this position, he also has the versatility to play slightly higher up the field in central and attacking midfield, which gives him the freedom to contribute in the final third.

Sangare has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 38 appearances across all competitions this season, so is able to make a positive difference at both ends of the pitch, meaning that the Reds shouldn't even have to think twice about wrapping up a deal.

Tottenham Hotspur's search for a manager can now truly commence, as just yesterday the club confirmed that Antonio Conte would be relieved of his duties.

Following what had been a lack of development within the squad, and the obvious issues with his conduct in the media, it seems like Daniel Levy once again finds himself in a similar position: no manager at the helm and no idea which way to take the club.

Mauricio Pochettino helped drag the Lilywhites back amongst England's elite, but since his dismissal, they have seemed to lose their way. Managers like Jose Mourinho and the since-departed Italian offer a stark contrast from the progressive Argentine, and it seems like amidst all the ridicule they abandoned progress in the hope it would earn them a quick route to silverware.

As such, they have once again set the club back years.

In an effort to re-focus, recapturing what it was that made Spurs so special for many years, surely they must return to perhaps a big-name manager who is likely to stick around for the long run rather than endure a few short years where they might win a sole EFL Cup.

To truly taste success one must persevere with a competent manager, and Luis Enrique could certainly fit the bill.

Would Luis Enrique join Spurs?

Before Conte's sacking, the rumour mill had kicked into overdrive as they foresaw his eventual exit. Many names were in circulation, and it was quickly outlined who held an interest in the post and who did not.

Fortunately for the north London outfit, the Spaniard was reportedly keen on taking the position should it come available. Although Cristian Stellini will remain in charge until this season's end, the out-of-work 52-year-old could remain a viable option to return to club football this summer.

Having crashed out of the World Cup with his native Spain, despite branding himself "the best coach on the face of the earth" preceding the tournament, he remains a highly-rated manager who has impressed across numerous teams.

In fact, his Barcelona side was statistically better than Pep Guardiola's, with a higher win percentage as they scored more goals and conceded less. Although buoyed by the exploits of one of the most dangerous trios to play the game in Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, in Harry Kane and Heung-min Son he would retain comparatively impressive attackers.

Not only this, but his direct style of play often allowed the front three additional space with which to attack; a benefit the Lilywhites have suffered from given the turgid football under Conte.

With the South Korean misfiring this season, likely due to a lack of space as they would be forced to attack well-structured defences at minimum pace, the 30-year-old has just six goals in the Premier League thus far.

Given the potential philosophy shift and the appointment of someone who journalist Ben Hayward dubbed a "top-class coach", there is every cause to believe Enrique could be the man to reignite Son, a beleaguered phenom in a horrid run of form.

Doing so could well ensure that any possible tenure gets off to the best of starts.

Chelsea ‘have not given up hope’ of signing Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham this summer, according to journalist Jacob Steinberg.

The Lowdown: Bellingham a wanted man

The 19-year-old is one of world football’s most talked-about players currently, ahead of what is likely to be a ferocious auction for his signature this summer.

Bellingham is expected to leave Dortmund at the end of the season and Chelsea are one of several Premier League clubs who have been linked with signing him.

It is a saga that is continually being discussed and despite rumours of Liverpool edging closer it appears the Blues are far from out of the picture, following a new update.

The Latest: Chelsea still hopeful

According to The Guardian‘s Steinberg, Chelsea still believe they are in the mix to sign Bellingham during the summer window:

“Chelsea have not given up hope of landing the England international.”

The Verdict: Feels fairly unlikely

While this is encouraging in some ways, Chelsea do arguably feel like one of the outsiders to sign Bellingham, with Liverpool possibly the standout English club in the race.

Whoever acquires the 22-cap England international will certainly be getting a special talent, with even Roy Keane tipping him to be a ‘superstar’ in the game.

Granted, Bellingham didn’t affect the game too much on Tuesday, as Chelsea beat Dortmund 2-0 in the Champions League, but he could be sensational alongside Enzo Fernandez, in what would be an exciting new-look Blues midfield.

He has ten goals to his name this season, as well as one at the 2022 World Cup, while an average of 3.2 tackles per game in Qatar also outlines his defensive expertise.

Phi Hay has insisted that if results don’t go Leeds United’s way in the next two games a new manager could arrive.

The Lowdown: Leeds left themselves in a mess

Leeds tried and failed miserably to find a Jesse Marsch successor but were greeted by either clubs or managers rejecting any approaches and that has seen them turn to an in-house appointment in the form of Michael Skubala.

The former caretaker coach was in charge for the two games against Manchester United which saw Leeds concede four goals although they did pick up a valuable point at Old Trafford.

While it appears as though Skubala is to be the man asked with keeping Leeds in the Premier League if they don’t pick up positive results in their next two matches against Everton and Southampton that could quickly change.

That Latest: Skubala not guaranteed to last the season

Hay has claimed on The Phil Hay Show he wouldn’t be surprised to see Leeds’ managerial search kick into gear once again if the next two games don’t go as planned for the Whites.

He said: (17:50) “We almost don’t need to timestamp this as much as we know that Skubala, Gallardo and Chris Armas are going to be caretakers now, certainly I would expect for Everton and Southampton and I think if those games go to plan then beyond and most likely until the end of the season given how few games are left.

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“But I think if those games don’t go to plan and the league table worsens then I’m not sure we’re done with this yet.”

The Verdict: Huge task for Skubala

Given that Skubala has no first-team managerial experience it is a huge ask for him to now keep an out-of-form Leeds side in the Premier League given that this squad of players were seemingly brought in for Marsch specifically.

However, Leeds fans could perhaps be more confident under Skubala given that he picked up a point away to one of the most in-form sides in the entire Premier League just last midweek which should have instilled confidence into his players as well.

The fact that this could easily go one of two ways for Leeds and Skubala over the next few games, it would be smart for Victor Orta to keep sounding out potential new managers that may be able to come in at relatively short notice.