Keenan Vaz’s 72 rescues Goa while Services shoot Chhattisgarh out for 130
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Nov-2017Punjab, led by the returning Harbhajan Singh, were shot out 147 as Bengal’s Pradipta Pramanik and B Amit shared six wickets between them on the opening day in Amritsar. Eighteen-year-old Shubman Gill, in his comeback match after an injury layoff, provided the lone resistance, top scoring with 63.Opting to bat, Punjab lost Jiwanjot Singh in the 10th over to Pramanik’s left-arm spin to trigger a collapse that resulted in them being shot out in just 46 overs. Gill apart, no other batsman topped 15. In reply, Bengal were off to a strong start, finishing on 70 for no loss at stumps, with Abhishek Raman (42*) and Abhimanyu Easwaran (33*) at the crease.Keenan Vaz led the middle-order resistance for Goa as they folded for 239 against Vidarbha in Porvorim. The hosts crashed to 92 for 6 having elected to bat first, as Vidarbha spinners Akshay Wakhare and Aditya Sarwate picked seven wickets between them. Vaz’s 72 took them to 216 for 8, before the last two batsmen folded.Diwesh Pathania (4 for 45) and Vikas Yadav (3 for 10) dismantled Chattisgarh as they were bowled out for 130 against Services on the opening day in Raipur. Wicketkeeper-batsman Manoj Singh’s 53 of 117, laced with seven boundaries, provided the sole resistance for the hosts, as four of their batsmen walked back for a duck. Services seamer Pathania scalped his fifth three-for this Ranji Trophy season. In reply, openers Navneet Singh (17*) and Ravi Chauhan (21*) took Services to 39 for no loss at stumps.
Liverpool are eyeing a move for an unlikely new midfielder in Leicester City's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, with Jurgen Klopp still hoping for several acquisitions before the transfer window closes.
The Reds started the transfer window strong with the astute £35m purchase of Brighton & Hove Albion's Alexis Mac Allister, before following up with the exciting £60m move for Dominik Szobsozlai, but the movement has since stagnated, with Southampton's defensive midfielder Romeo Lavia, aged 19, yet to join following several failed bids.
The need for fresh faces is exacerbated by the departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabian sides, and Klopp and co need to now move swiftly with the 2023/24 Premier League campaign less than a week away.
What's the latest on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Liverpool?
According to a report from Anfield Watch last week, Liverpool are 'looking at' making a move for Foxes ace Dewsbury-Hall, having been impressed by the 24-year-old's performances last season.
Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…
The £24m-rated Englishman has been relegated with Leicester, but Liverpool have a tried and tested method of signing from clubs who have suffered the drop, and Klopp could now continue this trend and bolster his centre.
What type of player is Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall?
Despite plummeting into the second tier this year, the Reds' interest in Dewsbury-Hall is a testament to his industrious ability and energy levels from the centre of the pitch.
As per FBref, the 24-year-old ranks among the top 13% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries, the top 10% for successful take-ons and the top 1% for blocks per 90, which highlights his aptitude as both a forward-surging force and a defensive unit to bolster the backline.
This didn't quite work to the desired effect with the Foxes last term, granted, but the £75k-per-week machine did record an average rating of 6.86 in the English top-flight – as per Sofascore – averaging 1.3 key passes and 1.7 tackles per game and succeeding with 61% of his attempted dribbles.
Given his energy and enthusiasm from the centre of the park, Dewsbury-Hall could be the perfect replacement for James Milner, who departed Anfield this summer upon the expiry of his contract.
Dewsbury-Hall can play across the midfield and would be a valuable asset for Klopp's side as they look to bolster the ranks ahead of the new campaign, and while Milner is now 37 years old, his leadership and dynamism will be missed.
Former boss Brendan Rodgers was once left waxing lyrical over the Leicester man's skills, stating that he "typifies everything" that the club strived to do well, also calling him "wonderful".
Likewise, Milner was dubbed a "role model" who "sets the standards" by Klopp, and given that the one-time Manchester City dynamo ranks among the top 12% of midfielders for progressive passes, the top 22% for progressive carries, the top 26% for successful take-ons and the top 10% for tackles per 90, he still boasts the all-encompassing skills to bely his age.
While Dewsbury-Hall might not be the marquee name Liverpool fans covet, he could prove to be a worthwhile addition and, if the finances are right, Liverpool should make their move and enrich the ranks.
Brad Schmulian brought up the highest score by a New Zealand batsman on first-class debut, breaking a record that had stood since the 1880-81 season
ESPNcricinfo staff26-Oct-2017The highlight of the drawn match between Central Districts and Northern Districts was Brad Schmulian’s record 203, the highest score by a New Zealand batsman on first-class debut.Schmulian’s double-hundred surpassed the previous record of 175 held by Canterbury’s George Watson in the 1880-81 season, and single-handedly anchored Central Districts to a first-innings total of 313 for 7 after they had been 85 for 5. His runs came at a brisk rate, too: the 203 took 207 deliveries and included 31 fours and three sixes. He had support from allrounder Doug Bracewell, who struck an unbeaten 63 and shared a 224-run partnership with Schmulian.Schmulian’s rescue act came after Northern Districts had posted 439 for 5 after being put in to bat. Each of Northern Districts’ top six scored fifties, only the tenth time in the last decade that each batsman in the top six scored a half-century in a first-class innings. Bharat Popli top-scored with 84, while left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel took three of the five wickets to fall.Patel followed his three wickets with a six-for in Northern Districts’ second innings, limiting the side to 181 for 9. Only four Northern Districts batsmen scored in double-figures with captain Daniel Flynn leading the innings with 64. However, Northern Districts’ first-innings lead of 126 meant that Central Districts were left with a target of 308 runs on the fourth day. They managed to get to 223 for 7.The match was a three-day affair, after the first day was lost due to rain.
Washington Sundar capped off a memorable match with career-best figures of 6 for 87 as India Red wrapped up a 163-run win over India Blue and lift the 2017-18 Duleep Trophy on the fourth day in Lucknow
The Report by Akshay Gopalakrishnan28-Sep-2017File photo – Washington Sundar ended the Duleep Trophy final with 130 runs and 11 wickets•BCCIWashington Sundar capped off a memorable match with career-best figures of 6 for 87 as India Red wrapped up a 163-run win over India Blue to lift the 2017-18 Duleep Trophy on the fourth day in Lucknow.It was Washington’s second five-wicket haul of the match, coming on the back of 5 for 94 in Blue’s first innings, and gave him a first-class-best match haul of 11 for 181. The wickets came in addition to a first-innings knock of 88, and 42 in the second that lifted Red from 58 for 4 and recover to 208, setting Blue an improbable 393 to win.On a deteriorating fourth-day track, characterised by length balls smashing into the batsman’s faces and the occasional grubber, Red did not bring on a pacer for one of the 48 overs that Blue’s final innings spanned.Blue’s pursuit of the target was launched by Ishan Kishan’s adventurous 18 that was highlighted by charges down the track and aggressive swipes. Washington snuffed it out in the fifth over, getting one to straighten off the rough and knock the top of off. Five overs later, Gohil slid one into the pads of Abhimanyu Easwaran and had the lbw shout go in his favour despite the ball seeming to be missing leg.In all, the opening partnership between Washington and Gohil lasted 22 overs. Washington eventually made way for the part-time offspin of Akhil Herwadkar in the 23rd over, but that was only to effect a change of ends for him.Red reaped the benefits of the move almost immediately as in 16 deliveries after the change, Washington struck thrice. He found the pad of Suresh Raina, who was caught rooted to the crease, and Manoj Tiwary, who played across the line. With that, Blue had lost their two most experienced batsmen, marking the beginning of the end. KS Bharat offered a bat-pad to short leg and Jaydev Unadkat barely played out the hat-trick ball, nearly sending a catch into the hands of backward short leg. The fifth arrived with Deepak Hooda closing the face early to pop a leading edge to first slip.With Red bulldozing towards a rapid finish, Bhargav Bhatt slogged his way to a maiden List A half-century. Though the start was chancy, with plenty of mistimed hits and close chances, Bhatt eventually found his timing and started clearing the boundaries emphatically. Bhatt was punishing on anything within his swinging arc, collecting all his boundaries – one four and five sixes – through the long-on and deep midwicket region.Ishant Sharma, too, showed uncharacteristic intent to go over the top, and together the two added 33 for the ninth wicket. Given how far away the target was, however, Red hardly broke a sweat. Bhatt’s 41-ball 51 ended in the most unfortunate fashion, a full-blooded cut deflecting off the arm of silly point and lobbing towards the bowler. He had helped add 51 for the last two wickets.Red began the day with an overall lead of 371, which, given the presence of loose soil and pronounced footmarks, already spelled ominous signs for Blue. The early explosions off the rough reconfirmed that batting on the track would be a mug’s game. And sure enough, it took all of 28 minutes and 35 deliveries to wrap up the Red innings. Washington fell off the second ball of the day for his overnight 42, giving Bhatt his fourth wicket. Akshay Wakhare also finished with the same tally, having Siddarth Kaul hole out to long-on and Basil Thampi stumped in the same over to finish the innings.
Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, with the defender impressing Old Trafford scouts last season.
What’s the latest Man United transfer news?
The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have been productive so far this summer despite the ongoing takeover saga involving the Glazers in the background.
Big-money moves for midfielder Mason Mount and goalkeeper Andre Onana have been finalised, whereas centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund looks set to be the next to arrive.
United submitted a player-plus-cash offer last month, however, Atalanta have been holding out for a cash-only deal, with a package worth around €70m now agreed between the two clubs.
Hojlund has already agreed on a five-year deal in Manchester and is travelling on Tuesday to undergo a medical and finalise a transfer.
Read The Latest Man United Transfer News HERE…
After the Denmark international, it appears as if another new midfielder could be on the cards for United and Ten Hag in Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat. The 26-year-old is into the final 12 months of his contract with the Serie A side, and reports have claimed that a £26m deal is close.
Should Hojlund and Amrabat complete deals for the fees mentioned, United’s summer spend would be pushing £200m, however, it may not be the end of the club’s business.
The Daily Mail shared a transfer round-up on Monday and looked at potential defensive additions at Old Trafford. They name-checked Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo as an option but said Branthwaite is a surprise name on the Old Trafford radar.
“Everton's left-sided centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who impressed scouts while on loan at PSV Eindhoven last season, is a surprise name that has been floated.”
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Who is Jarrad Branthwaite?
Branthwaite is 21 years of age and is a left-footed centre-back who appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €10m Transfermarkt valuation. He made the move to Everton back in 2020 from Carlisle United and has made 13 senior appearances for the Toffees, scoring once.
During his time on Merseyside, Branthwaite has been sent out on loan to Blackburn Rovers in the Championship and was with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven last season, turning out on 36 occasions.
The defender has been hailed as a ‘terrific footballer’ by his former Carlisle United manager Steven Pressley, who believes he will go on to play for England.
“I told people he was a future England international. Not once from when I gave him his debut did I ever consider leaving him out again, because I felt his performances had been so strong.
“The truth is, I think he has got everything. He can pass the ball almost equally as good with both feet. He’s a terrific footballer.
“And If he continues to develop, then, without doubt, he can be an England player.”
The Red Devils could well be in the market for a new centre-back before the window closes, should someone like Harry Maguire leave amid interest from West Ham.
Branthwaite may not be viewed as an immediate starter at Old Trafford, but over time, he may go from strength to strength and eventually replace one of United’s senior defenders, and by the looks of things, a transfer could be one to keep an eye on.
India captain says communication channels within team will ensure the player who is left out understands the situation
Sidharth Monga in Colombo02-Aug-2017M Vijay injured his hand in the first Test in the West Indies last year. He had been India’s premier opener since they started a long leg of overseas Tests in December 2013. The hand healed in time for the third Test, but in the meanwhile KL Rahul came in and scored 158. Fit for the third Test, Vijay was left out to give Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan another go. This didn’t get as much attention then because a more questionable selection was made in that Test: Cheteshwar Pujara was left out and Rohit Sharma was picked as one of the five specialist batsmen. Kohli batted at No. 3, India found themselves at 126 for 5, and perhaps a lesson or two was learnt.In came a policy that a regular player would reclaim his spot upon proving his match fitness. Parthiv Patel scored important runs against England, even opened the innings when other openers were not available, but had to relinquish his slot as soon as Wriddhiman Saha was fit. There were other such examples – Jayant Yadav making way for Amit Mishra for one – through the home season. Now, it is all set to continue with Rahul coming back into the XI for the second Test, even though both openers scored runs when he missed the first Test because of an illness.This involves resisting the temptation of giving the two other openers – Dhawan and Abhinav Mukund – another go in a relatively easier Test because the two best openers for bigger Tests are already identified: Vijay and Rahul. On the contrary, Kohli felt Rahul needed to be given assurance that his place was secure.”It is very important for us to make him feel that this is spot,” Kohli said. “And it won’t be changed because of unfortunate events that happen outside of the playing field or the injuries that you can’t control. That phase you have to come back, get stronger. He has really stuck it out in that phase. It’s been hard for him, we all know that, because he was batting so well and then he was out because of this.”It is very important to make him feel secure and he deserves it because he has given us those big performances when the team has required it the most. He is a guy who needs to be backed and we as a team, as management, and me as captain all back him 100%.”Kohli didn’t want any ambivalence around who the pre-eminent opener was. “Obviously KL has been our established opener,” he said. “I feel one of the openers will have to make way for KL because what he’s done in the past two years for us has been very solid, and he deserves to come back and start fresh in Test cricket again. We have a team meeting later on, after practice. We’ll be able to clarify that then, but yes, according to me, KL will definitely come back into the XI.”That obviously begs the tricky question: who out of Dhawan and Abhinav goes out? The man who was the No. 3 opener before the series started or the man who came in and scored a 190? Is long-term form more relevant or is it a shootout based on the last game? If it is the last game, is it the man who took a sensational catch and a run-out or the man who had the bigger impact with the bat?Kohli was as unsubtle as he could in saying that Dhawan will continue in the XI. “I feel in a situation like this, you need to sit down and think which player has had more impact on the game,” Kohli said. “Who has been able to sort of make that difference in the game straightaway. It all depends on who has had a better game, to be honest.”Kohli did go on to say that the communication channels within the team will make sure the player who is left out understands the situation. “It’s a pretty thin line, it is a very small margin, but unfortunately that is how the sport goes,” Kohli said. “The guy who sits out will understand the reasons behind it. Not to say that those people are not being backed.”But it’s whatever the best combination we as a team feel we should take on the field, we back that and we take that call, and it is up to the individuals who are involved in that decision to understand it is for the best interest of the team. The guys are professional enough to know that but I think in a scenario like this, you will always think of a guy who has had more impact on setting up the game or winning the game for the team.”
There has been an update regarding Manchester United's pursuit of Fiorentina playmaker, Sofyan Amrabat…
What's the latest on Amrabat to Man United?
Following reports that an "agreement" has been reached with the 26-year-old regarding personal terms, Sportitalia have claimed that the Red Devils have 'presented' an offer to the Serie A side, with a fee of around €35m (£30m) having been suggested.
The piece notes that the Moroccan international is now just 'one step away' from joining the Old Trafford outfit, with the player himself said to be 'ready to leave' Florence in order to make the move to the Premier League.
The former Club Brugge ace – who worked under Erik ten Hag previously at FC Utrecht – currently has just a year left to run on his existing contract, thus allowing United to wrap up a deal without breaking the bank.
What is Sofyan Amrabat's style of play?
While Ten Hag began his summer spend by acquiring Mason Mount from rivals Chelsea, it looks as if the former Ajax boss is seeking to bolster his midfield ranks even further, particularly with the likes of Fred and Donny van de Beek facing uncertain futures at the club.
With Mount set to bring extra "dynamism" to United's midfield in an attacking number eight berth – in the words of his manager – the addition of Amrabat is seemingly set to help solve a different need, with the Netherlands-born ace set to offer a composed, ball-playing presence in front of the back our.
Arsenal midfielder Jorginho
In many ways, the "underrated" talent – as described by writer Muhammad Butt – takes on a similar role to that of Jorginho at Arsenal, and before that at Chelsea, with the two men both said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities, according to FBref.
That likeness between Amrabat and the Italy international – who also made the move to England from Serie A – can be seen by how they typically operate in a deep-lying midfield role and are unlikely to bomb forward too regularly, with the Fiorentina star ranking in just the bottom 6% among his European peers for touches in the attacking penalty area, while the ex-Napoli man ranks in just the bottom 28% in that regard.
What that disciplined nature does is allow the pair to attempt to dictate the tempo of the game in the centre of the park as well as look to get the ball forward to the more attack-minded talents where possible, with Jorginho notably ranking in the 9% for attempted passes and the top 11% for progressive passes, while Amrabat ranks in the top 11% and the top 8% for those same two metrics, respectively.
The beauty of having such assets at the base of the midfield is that they also rarely play their team into trouble or squander possession, with Amrabat and Jorginho ranking in the top 5% and the top 15%, respectively, for pass completion as a sign of that innate composure.
That comparison to the latter man is of note as it was not too long ago that the Brazil-born maestro was dubbed the "best midfielder in Europe" by ex-United boss, Jose Mourinho, with the 31-year-old having also claimed the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award back in 2021.
The experienced asset did endure his early teething problems while at Stamford Bridge – having suffered early criticism from Blues supporters following his arrival from Naples in 2018 – although has since come out the other side to prove the doubters wrong.
For Ten Hag to find his own version of the Champions League winning playmaker in the form of Amrabat could then represent something of a coup, with the 6 foot 1 gem also offering the benefit of having an added edge to his game, having been branded "a raging bull" by Moroccan journalist, Amine El Amri.
With Jorginho having made a success of himself in the Premier League, perhaps the 49-cap ace can too.
Glenn Maxwell has said the visiting batsmen are training without their front pads on to make sure they play the ball and not fall victim to Bangladesh’s wicket-to-wicket lines
Mohammad Isam in Mirpur23-Aug-2017Australia’s batsmen are putting great emphasis on their defensive game in the lead-up to the two Tests against Bangladesh, so much that even a batsman as aggressive as Glenn Maxwell wants to first make sure his block is in perfect order.The decision was made in the expectation that Bangladesh’s bowlers will attack by bowling a stump-to-stump line and, to counter it, Australia have begun batting in the nets without their front pad on. It is a tactic they had experimented with during Justin Langer’s tenure as batting coach in 2012.”I think the main thing is to basically use your bat,” Maxwell explained. “If you don’t have the safety of your front pad, it makes you get your leg out of the way and actually use your bat. I think it is more about refining your defence and making sure you trust the fact that you can hit the ball and not hoping that your pads are there just to save you.”It is more about guys who are hitting the stumps regularly and Bangladesh do that really well. They bowl stump to stump and put pressure on your defence so I suppose that’s one thing we will work on. I did a lot of it back home. A lot of my practice revolves around defence and expanding from there. I haven’t done so much of it since I have been here but I am sure I will get a chance before the game starts.”Maxwell said Australia will be wary of Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib Al Hasan. He had a chance to analyse Mustafizur at the Indian Premier League in 2016 and believes that despite the drop in pace, the young bowler remains one to watch.”Mustafizur is obviously the exceptional bowler we faced during the IPL during his breakthrough season. I suppose his pace dropped off as he played a bit more Test cricket. He is still an outstanding bowler who has the ability to swing it and has an unbelievable change-up slower ball.”He is not your conventional left-arm seamer. He is obviously got a very flexible wrist with which he can flick it in the last moment. It looks exactly the same either it is his bumper or his slower ball. It is a hard thing to pick up.”The same thing with Shakib; he is a really experienced player. He has been the No 1 allrounder in the world for a while. He is an excellent cricketer. We have to play these guys really well to negate their influence in the Test series and make sure we are staying on top of the game.”Against Bangladesh, Maxwell will look to follow the plans that helped him score his maiden Test century, against India in Ranchi, earlier this year.”I don’t think I will change too much from what I did in India. I thought I had really good plans during the Test series against them. I will employ probably something similar, basically backing my defense and trying to revolve my game around that.””It is basically going to be batting long periods of time and making sure that when we do bat those long periods of time we are making big hundreds,” he said.The first of two Tests in the series begins on Sunday in Mirpur.
Chelsea have made just four signings so far this summer as Mauricio Pochettino was trusted with overseeing a major revamp of the squad, which has led him to move on 13 players already.
With the deadwood cleared, the onus is now to add a few more quality players to his squad and a move for Moises Caicedo is still ongoing.
Will Chelsea sign Moises Caicedo?
Fabrizio Romano has given a recent update on Chelsea’s pursuit of the in-demand Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder.
He tweeted: “Chelsea have not left the negotiations for Moisés Caicedo, despite reports on Thursday. Deal on, as of today.
“Brighton remain on their stance after £80m bid revealed and turned down yesterday. But it didn’t change Chelsea plans.
“Chelsea keep contacts/talks alive.”
It’s clear the south coast side want more than £80m for their star player and Pochettino will need to increase his bid soon for the £60k-per-week maestro if they wish to sign him before the Premier League campaign begins.
How good is Moises Caicedo?
The Stamford Bridge side have lost N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek during the transfer window as Pochettino cleared out the midfield.
This suggests there is plenty of space for Caicedo to arrive and command a first-team spot, and it could be bad news for Conor Gallagher, with the Ecuadorian clearly a big upgrade on the Chelsea gem.
The 21-year-old registered a higher pass completion percentage domestically last term (88.5% to 81.1%), won more tackles (58 to 38), succeeded with a higher percentage of take-ons (51.9% to 42.6%) and made more progressive passes (219 to 105).
Not only does this suggest Caicedo is much better at circulating the ball, but he is also a key attacking outlet when required, making forward passes and enjoying success when taking on opposition players.
Defensively, Caicedo is also a big upgrade, ranking in the top 13% compared to positional peers for tackles per 90 (2.87) and the top 11% for interceptions per 90 (1.61), showcasing his tenacious nature and ability to win the ball back often during matches.
In contrast, Gallagher ranks in the top 23% for tackles (2.58) and the top 28% for interceptions (1.31) per 90, indicating that he isn’t quite at the same level as the Brighton starlet.
Having enjoyed a wonderful season on loan at Crystal Palace during 2021/22, in which he netted eight league goals, the Epsom native arrived back at Stamford Bridge with a point to prove.
caicedo-premier-league-brighton-chelsea-transfer
Despite flashes of talent, Gallagher ranked a lowly 21st for overall Sofascore match rating and finished outwith the top ten for accurate passes per game (19.5) and key passes per game (0.6), clearly indicating that he hasn’t quite made the step-up many expected.
Hailed as a “crown jewel of a new generation” by historian Enrico Castro-Montes, the Caicedo, by contrast, ranked in the top six across the Brighton squad for overall match rating, accurate passes per game (53) and key passes per game (1.2), clearly surpassing the numbers Gallagher achieved for Chelsea.
Although he may break the bank, Caicedo could well be Pochettino’s most important signing this summer, especially given the glaring need for further midfield reinforcements in west London.
West Ham United attacker Nikola Vlasic is "keen" to complete a switch to Torino this summer with the Serie A side and Hammers "in talks", according to journalist Ryan Taylor.
Who will leave West Ham?
After the British record sale of star midfielder Declan Rice, who has now joined Arsenal to the tune of £105 million (including £5m in add-ons), further sales haven't been entirely ruled out.
David Moyes has a gaping hole to fill left by Rice's departure, and even though West Ham are set for a mega financial windfall from his exit, the Irons could still benefit from shifting some deadwood.
One player who could fit that category is Vlasic, as the former Everton forward has found life very difficult in east London since he joined from CSKA Moscow in 2021.
Despite starring in the Russian Premier League, Moyes didn't quite hand Vlasic that many opportunities to replicate that form in his debut season.
Thereafter, he joined Torino on a season-long loan deal last summer, where he managed to start 29 Serie A matches and made 34 league appearances for them overall.
The Italian side now want to take him permanently after a solid campaign, something which Vlasic himself is more than open too.
West Ham United manager David Moyes.
However, West Ham rejected Torino's "opening proposal" of £8 million plus add ons, with both sides apparently still in negotiations to complete the deal.
That's according to The Express' reporter Taylor, who shared this information on Twitter midweek.
"West Ham remain in talks with Torino over sale of Nikola Vlašić – signed from CSKA for £25.7m," wrote Taylor.
"While €13m buy-option has now expired, Italian side want deal done & Croatian winger keen to complete move. Understand latest Torino proposal worth £8m plus add-ons. Not enough."
How good is Nikola Vlasic?
On his day, Vlasic can prove a very capable asset in the final third, but it just hasn't happened for him at West Ham so far.
The 25-year-old bagged five goals and six assists over his Torino loan spell last season, averaging more key passes per 90 than any other player in their squad (WhoScored).
As well as this, only Antonio Sanabria and Nemanja Radonjic averaged a higher rate of attempts at goal per 90 – highlighting the true threat Vlasic can pose when at his best (WhoScored).
Moyes has even praised the player's "first class" attitude behind-the-scenes previously.
"We've been really impressed by Niko. His attitude as a professional is first-class," said Moyes in 2021.
"We like him. We watched him a lot at CSKA Moscow and in the Euros. We see a young player still developing, but one who already has a lot of experience and caps for Croatia.
"He can play several roles for us which is important, but we also want to give him the chance to adapt and adjust. He's only been really impressive since he's been at the club and we're really hopeful that he'll turn into a really good player for us."
While Moyes hopeful prediction from back then hasn't quite come to fruition, Vlasic could be a useful player for most sides.