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Crystal Palace need the "best proposal in their history" to keep Wilfried Zaha at Selhurst Park next season, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Is Zaha leaving Palace?

As things stand, Zaha will be leaving Crystal Palace on June 30th following the expiration of his contract. The 30-year-old has amassed 458 appearances over several spells with the Eagles, but could be bringing his most recent stint with the club to an end.

The winger has attempted to leave Selhurst Park in the past, but has never managed to force a move away from the club, normally due to the large transfer fee that would have been required to prise him away from Palace.

While there is still a chance he opts to stay with Roy Hodgson's side, Fabrizio Romano believes that the Eagles would need to offer a colossal proposal to the former Manchester United man.

Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Romano said: "I can guarantee Lazio had a meeting and a contact with people close to Wilfried Zaha. So, there is a conversation, but, first of all it is not a done deal, and second I posted it is a complicated deal for Lazio because of the salary."

The Italian continued: "Zaha has some possibility in Saudi [Arabia], but at the moment he is not that keen on that kind of move. Zaha has some possibility in Europe in terms of other clubs, especially in France. So, he wants to take his time."

"For sure, Crystal Palace need the best proposal in their history to the player because the contract proposal is really huge, is really important, and they still hope he will say 'Okay, I'm staying here'"

According to the Guardian, Zaha was already offered a £200,000-a-week deal to stay at Palace in April, which would make him "by far" the highest paid player in the club's history and would offer him a £70,000-a-week pay rise.

Given that Zaha is yet to accept that lucrative deal, it suggests maybe he feels his future lies away from Selhurst Park.

Who will sign Zaha?

As Romano states, Lazio are very interested in Zaha. Maurizio Sarri is seemingly keen to add him to an attack that already contains former Premier League wingers Pedro and Felipe Anderson, although the former runs out of contract this summer.

However, as Romano adds, Lazio will struggle to compete with the financial proposals of the other clubs vying for Zaha's signature, despite not even needing to cough up a transfer fee for the 30-cap Ivory Coast international.

Zaha has reportedly rejected a £30m-a-year deal to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in favour of staying in Europe, perhaps reassuringly showing that money is not the biggest influence in his decision-making process.

Paris Saint-Germain, who are not shy of splashing the cash themselves, are also keeping an eye on the Palace attacker, as well as fellow Ligue 1 side Marseille.

There were wide eyes and a wide smile from Andile Phehlukwayo as he reflected on his second match-winning hand with the bat in a brief international career

Andrew McGlashan20-Feb-2017There were wide eyes and a wide smile from Andile Phehlukwayo as he reflected on his second match-winning hand with the bat in a brief international career.With AB de Villiers, one of the game’s great batsmen at the other end, it was Phehlukwayo who hit the crucial boundaries late in the Hamilton chase. South Africa needed 22 off 12 balls, which became 21 off 10 at which point Phehlukwayo lofted Trent Boult over long-off. Then came an even sweeter blow in the final over as he drilled Tim Southee back over his head to virtually kill the game.”I just tried to watch the ball, swing really hard and hit straight,” he said. “The first one, I was just trying to play straight but the second one I definitely knew when it came off the bat that it was going for six.”New Zealand were marginal favourites when he arrived with 52 needed off 44 balls, on a tricky pitch and three frontline bowlers remaining in South Africa’s tail, but in Phehlukwayo they had someone who had already shown a calmness under pressure early in his South Africa career.Against Australia in Durban he partnered David Miller in an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 107 as they hunted down 372. Miller took the headlines, but Phehlukwayo was anything but a silent partner as he hit 42 off 39 deliveries.This time he had de Villiers around, who was concentrating on rotating the strike because he was finding boundaries difficult to come by. “He was one of the very few guys tonight who could pick up the pace of the wicket,” de Villiers said of his junior partner.”From the side it looked like that, but I was just trying to watch the ball and pick what they were trying to do,” Phehlukwayo said. “A lot of information was given to me from AB, what the bowler was thinking and what he was trying to bowl so that helped a lot. It was really exciting, I’ve never batted with him before. Everyone knows his abilities but I’ve learnt a lot from him in terms of game plans and how I need to train.”He has also had his moments with the ball in his first 11 ODIs, including 4 for 44 in his second ODI against Australia, and on the domestic scene has a reputation for proficiency in the death overs. “On the bowling end I probably need to get my pace up and get more consistent with line and length,” he said. “On the batting side I enjoy pressure situations.”South Africa may yet consider the experience of Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander for the Champions Trophy, but Phehlukwayo’s finishing skills with the bat add to his value considerably when decisions have to be made over the final squad. Currently he is one of four pace-bowling allrounders in New Zealand – alongside Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell and Dwaine Pretorius – and there may not be room for all in the final 15.His performances could also help with CSA’s transformation targets because he would be a second black player in the squad – South Africa need to average two per XI throughout a season – with few arguments that he was not worth his place on cricket merit alone.

Dolphins beat Cape Cobras by four wickets in Paarl to lead the Momentum One Day Cup points table

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Mar-2017A 57-run seventh-wicket stand between Sibonelo Makhanya and Kyle Nipper off just 26 balls carried Dolphins to the top of the table after a spectacular comeback win by four wickets against the Cape Cobras in Paarl. Makhanya struck his fourth List A fifty, 55* off 38, while Nipper thrashed two fours and two sixes in his 18-ball 32.Chasing 272, Dolphins lost Morne van Wyk, returning from the Pakistan Super League final in Lahore, for a duck in the second over. Vaughn van Jaarsveld (59) and Sarel Erwee (47) brought Dolphins back to parity with a 107-run partnership before both batsmen fell in the space of four deliveries. Another strong partnership, 53 runs off 58 balls for the fifth wicket, between captain Khaya Zondo (44) and Makhanya put Dolphins on course, before Makhanya and Nipper finished things off with five balls to spare.Fifties from Richard Levi (54), Keegan Petersen (57) and Dane Vilas (51) pushed Cobras up to 271 after a slow start. The Dolphins bowlers kept chipping away at the Cobras batsmen; the biggest partnership was of 69 runs shared by Vilas and Petersen for the fourth wicket off 72 balls. Seamers Mthokozisi Shezi and Rabian Engelbrecht picked up two wickets apiece, conceding less than six runs per over.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies could be part of a Spurs swap deal to sign Roma star Roger Ibanez, according to Italian media reports.

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, despite not officially starting work till Saturday, is said to be making preparations for the 2022./2023 season behind-the-scenes.

There have apparently been transfer strategy meetings with chairman Daniel Levy, leading to interest in a wide variety of targets, while Tottenham have already sealed a deal for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli.

The Lilywhites are also said to be seriously chasing a move for Leicester City star James Maddison, with talks advancing over an agreement which would end their long search for an attacking midfielder.

However, one position Spurs arguably need reinforcements in is centre-back, especially given no other top flight side above 15th conceded more goals than them last season.

As a result, it is believed Tottenham have shortlisted many candidates for the role, with Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, Man United's Harry Maguire and Juventus star Gleison Bremer among them (The Telegraph).

Ibanez, who impressed for Roma in parts last season, has also been sporadically linked with a move to north London.

According to newspaper Leggo, relayed by Corriere Giallo Rosso.com, there is an interesting line on this with a swap deal potentially in the offing.

Indeed, it is claimed that Spurs defender Davies could be used as a makeweight in a "hypothetical exchange" for the Brazilian given Jose Mourinho is a fan of the former.

Not much else is said in regards to detail but a Tottenham swap for Ibanez could apparently be possible.

What's been said about Roger Ibanez?

Ibanez showcased some impressive stats for Roma last season, making more Serie A interceptions per 90 than anyone in their squad (WhoScored).

The 24-year-old was also among their best for successful tackles and clearances per 90, potentially leading to Tottenham's interest.

Former Roma fullback Vincent Candela has even claimed he could become one of the world's best in his position, but gives a note of caution, namely that his "concentration" could improve.

"Ibanez can become one of the world’s best defenders," said Candela.

"But he must work on his concentration. It’s a shame, because after that mistake of his in the derby something changed for the rest of the team.”

Mourinho also branded Ibanez an "untouchable" member of his squad early last campaign, so it will be intriguing to see if he does part ways.

In the past, due to Newcastle’s tenuous position battling relegation, their best players were often pinched by more attractive clubs.

Yohan Cabaye, Moussa Sissoko, Ayoze Perez, Demba Ba, and Georginio Wijnaldum have all previously departed the north-east in search of more stability and prosperous opportunities.

However, in recent times, the Magpies have enjoyed an extraordinary role reversal in which they now find themselves as an extremely sought-after and popular destination.

The club achieved an incredible top-four finish that has secured Champions League football and has expanded the Toon's options within the transfer market.

One player that could be poached from a former top-flight rival is James Maddison.

What’s the latest on James Maddison to Newcastle United?

According to GIVEMESPORT, the high-flyers are looking to follow the impending Sandro Tonali deal by also convincing Maddison to join.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano exclusively revealed: "It's true that they want Tonali and they are closing in on him. For sure he was on the list at Newcastle alongside of course Maddison, who remains a target for Newcastle and Tottenham."

After their relegation and the expiration of Maddison’s contract next summer, the playmaker could be available for around £40m, and Newcastle should accelerate their attempts to conclude the signing.

How could Newcastle line up next season?

During the last two Premier League campaigns, Maddison has been at the heart of all of Leicester City’s most penetrating creativity and cleanest potency. In his previous 65 Premier League games, the £110k-per-week “superstar” has registered 39 goal involvements.

This year, he recorded the highest average rating (7.24) within the squad, along with nine assists and an average of 1.5 dribbles and 2.3 key passes per game. Regarding the latter metric, Kieran Trippier is the only Newcastle player to better Maddison in that category (2.9).

He also ranks impressively across the continent, as across the top five leagues and European competitions, he sits within the top 15% for progressive passes, shot-creating actions and total shots per 90.

With the Englishman occupying the role just behind the striker or as an advanced No 8, his arrival on Tyneside could make for a magnificent duo with the incoming Sandro Tonali, who would sit slightly deeper.

In Serie A, the Italian averaged 1.9 tackles and 1.8 key passes per game as his energy, ball recovery, and composure would perfectly complement Maddison’s innovative play style, affording him more freedom.

The 23-year-old also has 18 appearances in the Champions League in his career, which could be invaluable in a squad with limited European experience.

It is remarkable that Newcastle find themselves in this position in such a short space of time, and it is impossible not to be excited, especially when considering the special midfield they could boast come August.

R Ashwin talks about how MS Dhoni’s experience will still be crucial after Virat Kohli takes over the ODI captaincy in the forthcoming series

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Jan-20172:00

Virat likes picking wickets at the cost of some runs – Ashwin

R Ashwin has said he will need to come to grips with new captain Virat Kohli’s aggressive brand of captaincy and different style of communication in the upcoming limited-overs series against England.Since his international debut in 2010, Ashwin has played most of his short-format cricket under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, but has over the last two years become Kohli’s go-to bowler in Test cricket.”It will be different in terms of interactions you’ll have,” Ashwin said in Pune, where India meet England in the first ODI on January 15. “Before, when I used to play alongside Mahi – which won’t happen this game onwards – it’s almost about communication through from top of the mark to the keeper.”Obviously, Virat will be around at short midwicket or short cover, but it is going to be different in that terms. We have to try and get used to those communications.”For the most part of his captaincy, Dhoni banked on his spinners to establish control in the middle overs by drying up the runs. Kohli, according to Ashwin, doesn’t mind going for wickets at the cost of runs. “I’ve never played under Virat even at RCB or something. I just played one whole ODI series with him against Sri Lanka,” Ashwin said.”Virat, on occasions, can be a little aggressive and that’s the one thing that I need to try and adjust to. He likes attacking, he likes picking wickets through the middle overs. Even at the cost of some runs. And obviously, giving those extra runs to try and get a wicket is not such a bad thing.”Ashwin, however, felt Dhoni would continue to play a crucial role from a communication and leadership perspective. “I feel Mahi is going to hold the key because he’s the keeper and he’s going to bring that invaluable experience with him,” he said. “It’s going to be very, very important that we try and take as much as valuable inputs from him and try and take the team forward.”When Ashwin takes the field in Pune, it would be exactly a year to the day he last played an ODI after he was rested for the Zimbabwe series in June and the home series against New Zealand. With the limited-overs series being sandwiched in the middle of a long Test season, he felt it was a question of making a mental adjustment.”We played T20s in America in between, that was a bit of a good switch. I thought I switched up pretty well,” he said. “I am sure it is going to be a challenge. We are going to get into the practice. Next three-four days is going to be very important. I tried to tick as many boxes as possible when I practised in Chennai. But nothing like game-time.”I think we’re playing a full-strength Indian team after a long time – I don’t know when we [last] played a full-strength side. We also have Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh) back in the side. So that’s also going to add to your experience. I think this England side has played some cracker of one-day tournaments in the last year or so. They’ve made some mammoth scores in England as well. So they are a side which will look to be positive.”

Suzie Bates was out hit wicket for 1, but contributed in the field and with the ball to send the Renegades crashing to their sixth loss

The Report by Will Macpherson at Docklands Stadium29-Dec-2016
ScorecardElyse Villani hit nine fours to lead Scorchers’ charge•Getty ImagesUnder the safety of then Docklands Stadium – with rain hammering down in Melbourne – Perth Scorchers simply proved too powerful for the Melbourne Renegades, who sit bottom of the table with just one win having played half their matches.The Scorchers’ triumph was built on a brilliant innings from Elyse Villani, with some fine late hitting from the lower-middle order setting up a steep target of 156 for the hosts.All five of the Scorchers’ bowlers then impressed, with Katherine Brunt and Suzie Bates tight, and Emma King and Heather Graham picking up two wickets each. Only Anya Shrubsole gave away more than 26 from her four overs, but she picked up the vital wicket of Danni Wyatt, just as she looked set to purr.Unusual opening
It’s not often Suzie Bates falls cheaply, and it’s even more seldom to see the New Zealander – the ICC ODI and T20I Player of the Year – out hit wicket. But that’s exactly what happened with the fifth ball of the match, as her New Zealand team-mate Lea Tahuhu dug in a swift bouncer, which Bates fended away behind square to the leg side, only to drag her bat around and fall hit wicket in the process.You cannot keep a player of Bates’ quality down, however. Typically, it was Bates who put the brakes on the Renegades’ fast start to the chase with a brilliant caught and bowled to dismiss another national team-mate, and the hosts’ key player, Rachel Priest. She proved very difficult to get away, with her four overs costing just 18 runs.This was not Bates’ last moment of brilliance, though; with Renegades needing 13 runs an over and five wickets down, Molly Strano attempted an ambitious ramp off Heather Graham. She caught hold of it nicely, but Bates was stationed at short fine leg, and stuck out her right hand and took a brilliant catch falling backwards.Villani the hero
After Bates’ early dismissal, her opening partner Villani was in plum form, making a magnificent 60 from 43 balls. Early on, she took Molly Strano for consecutive boundaries – over mid-on and straight over the bowler’s head, then peppered the fence at midwicket with five fours in a single Tahuhu over. By the time she fell – caught smartly at long-on in Danni Wyatt’s first over – she had 60 of the Renegades’ 81 runs, while Claire Piparo contributed just seven in the pair’s partnership of 50. Villani’s innings set the Scorchers well on their way to victory.In addition to claiming the wicket of Danielle Wyatt, Anya Shrubsole put in a valiant effort on the field•Getty ImagesRenegades fail to capitalise on starts
The Renegades’ chase just never quite got going, with key players getting in then getting out. Sophie Molineux ,who had earlier bowled beautifully to take 1 for 16 from her four overs, put on 32 with Priest to get them off to a good start, before Priest and Kris Britt fell in quick succession. Molineux and Danni Wyatt then looked good as they shared 29 to rebuild, with each striking fine sixes, but they too fell in consecutive overs, with half the target still required.The task proved too steep for the lower order and, despite the best efforts of Strano and Maitlan Brown, they fell short by 32 runs. The Renegades’ star recruit Grace Harris misfired in her first few matches but has missed the last two, apparently with injury; her return cannot come soon enough as the Renegades look to move up the table.Start of Scorchers’ hot streak?
The Renegades were the only team below the Scorchers when this game began, although the table was not telling the whole story, because Scorchers had played just four games (winning two and losing two), fewer than anyone else. Their list certainly looks the part, with the batting prowess of Villani and Bolton, the English opening bowling duo Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole, as well as the all-round brilliance of Bates. This was a performance befitting of that side, with plenty of individuals playing their part and only a dropped catch and missed run- out chance blotting the copybook. Is this the start of their rise up the table?

Leeds United manager candidate Daniel Farke is starting 'to have a bit more prominence' in the Whites' hunt for a new boss to replace Sam Allardyce, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United and Daniel Farke?

According to Phil Hay on Twitter, who is a journalist for The Athletic, Farke is in the running for the Leeds United managerial vacancy and 'impressed' during 'initial discussions' with the Whites' hierarchy.

Hay also detailed that former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers another contender and is a figure that they 'really want' at the helm at Elland Road heading into next term.

Nevertheless, Rodgers looks to be on his way to his former club Celtic, who are in 'advanced talks' with the Irishman over a potential return to the Scottish giants, as per Sky Sports.

Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg also detailed on Twitter that Farke was another name in the frame to take over at Celtic from Ange Postecoglou last week; nevertheless, it looks like Rodgers will head north of the border, potentially paving the way for Farke to assume control at Leeds United.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has signified that the notion of Farke ending up at Leeds United is gaining momentum, though he questions the differing profiles of managers that the Yorkshire outfit have been linked with.

Jones said: "It's a bit strange at the moment. The type of managers that they are going for seem to be a bit all over the place in terms of profile.

"So, it's not totally clear what we're getting. Farke, at the moment, has also been linked with Celtic, but the Leeds rumours do seem to have a bit more prominence to them right now."

Would Daniel Farke be a good appointment for Leeds United?

Farke definitely operates with a high-octane style that would suit Leeds United's style of play and has experience of success at Sky Bet Championship level.

In his previous spell as manager of Norwich City, the 46-year-old led the Canaries to the English second-tier title on two occasions, in 2018/19 and 2020/21, as per Transfermarkt.

Most recently, Farke was head coach at Borussia Monchengladbach and was dismissed at the end of the 2022/23 campaign following a tenth-placed finish in the Bundesliga.

He may feel that a return to England will give him the best chance of re-establishing success; however, he may have to compete with West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan to land the position, as per The Yorkshire Evening Post.

Moving forward, Leeds United will hope that they can appoint a new manager swiftly as they get their preparations underway for 2023/24.

David Warner’s sixth century in 2016 coupled with bruising half-centuries of varying degree from Steven Smith, Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh helped Australia seal the series

The Report by Daniel Brettig06-Dec-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsFourteen years and one month after Nasser Hussain infamously offered Australia first use of a Gabba pitch that proved brimful of Ashes runs, Kane Williamson gambled similarly and was left with an equally bitter taste of defeat, surrendering the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy in the process.Now, as then, there were mitigating circumstances: the pitch looked to have something in it after rain, and humid, overcast weather suggested apt conditions for swing. But after a couple of useful early deliveries things cleared for Australia’s batsmen; so much so that they accelerated to the team’s second highest total on home soil.David Warner and Steven Smith set a platform that a supercharged Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh took full advantage of, leaving Williamson’s visitors to chase in hope rather than expectation. Granted so many runs to defend, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc all put in strong stints, while Head’s part-time off spin was frugal.After the toss was delayed by more than half an hour due to light drizzle in Canberra, the hosts were given an ideal start by Warner and a noticeably tighter Aaron Finch, getting through an early period of new ball movement to ease the pathway for the rest.Warner’s hundred combined judicious shot selection with plenty of hustle between the wickets and power off the bat, his sixth in ODIs this year. Most notable were his muscular, punched drives down the ground that gave New Zealand’s seamers very little margin for error.Smith, following up from his ground record 164 at the SCG on Sunday, produced another innings of substance and style in Warner’s wake, as the pair combined for a stand worth 145 at better than a run a ball. Head was promoted above Marsh when Warner exited, and vindicated the decision by clattering 57 from 32 balls, before Marsh himself followed up with a bullying 76 from 39 – the swap appeared to suit both players.Needing to win to keep the series alive, New Zealand dropped Lockie Ferguson after his Sydney debut for the more experienced swing bowler Tim Southee. Australia dropped Adam Zampa from the side that won handsomely at the SCG, replacing him with the allround skills of James Faulkner.Having gambled on overcast skies and the potential for a slightly tacky pitch, Williamson needed early wickets but did himself no favours when placing only two slips for Warner. In his first over, Trent Boult found enough swing and bounce to draw an edge from Warner, but it flew past Jimmy Neesham’s outstretched left hand at slip rather than straight into the lap of where third slip might have been.Finch, meanwhile, showed he had worked on his first ball dismissal at the SCG, getting forward and across to cover the moving ball, and ensured that Williamson resorted to the spin of Mitchell Santner in only the 11th over of the innings. By the time Finch was bowled behind his pads trying to sweep Santner, there were 68 runs on the board and a platform had been laid.Smith wasted little time picking up the thread left by his Sydney innings, while Warner played shots all round the ground without ever losing control of his tempo. Through strong running and the occasional boundary, he pushed on to three figures, doing so with near enough to 20 overs of the innings still remaining.It took a fine low catch from Williamson at cover to account for Warner, before Smith skied an attempt to loft over cover and so missed out on consecutive hundreds. Head was rapidly into stride, pinging boundaries with relish, in contrast with a more halting effort from Marsh.These two had traded places in the batting order, and it was not hard to imagine Head keeping his new-found place at No. 5 in the future, even if Marsh gradually found his rhythm to strike the ball with the sort of power associated with his best batting days. He put an exclamation point on the innings with a trio of straight sixes in the final over from a humbled Matt Henry.Of the New Zealand bowlers, only Santner avoided considerable punishment; a trio of no-balls and the resultant free hits did not help either. They commenced their pursuit with a brazen Martin Guptill, following up from his SCG hundred. But Guptill was robbed of his opening partner Tom Latham via a return catch from Josh Hazlewood, before the ball of the night from Pat Cummins found his outside edge.From there the visitors were always facing a dreadfully difficult task. Williamson put together a typically organised innings, and had staunch support from Neesham – even after he was struck a stinging blow to the right arm by Mitchell Starc. But their efforts did little to prevent the asking rate blowing out, and the consequent pressure delivered a steady stream of skied catches to Smith’s infielders.After a horrid start to summer, the Australians have found a little of their former strut – Hazlewood and Starc can expect to be given a breather from the third match at the MCG on Friday. Williamson’s men, meanwhile, have some thinking to do, starting with the coin toss.

Burnley supporters have every right to be excited as they gear up for the return of Premier League football at Turf Moor in August following their rather serene promotion from the Championship.

The Clarets had the best defensive record in the second tier last season, conceding only 35 goals in 46 matches, yet they continue to be linked with a new goalkeeper.

What is the latest with Burnley target Bart Verbruggen?

Anderlecht 'keeper Verbruggen is no stranger to being linked with a Premier League move, having reportedly been on Manchester United's radar in the January window and once again this summer.

However, according to Flemish outlet Het Nieuwsblad, Burnley are the frontrunners to sign the 20-year-old and are locked in negotiations with Anderlecht.

It is reported that Burnley's initial bid of €15m (£13m) was knocked back, but Anderlecht have since informed them Verbruggen is theirs if they hand over €20m (£17m).

The former Netherlands U18 international has five years to run on his existing contract, meaning the Belgian club are under no real pressure to sell this summer.

Is Anderlecht's Bart Verbruggen an upgrade for Burnley?

Arijanet Muric was between the sticks for 41 of Burnley's 46 matches last season, with Bailey Peacock-Farrell providing back-up, and he impressed with 17 clean sheets – though that was bettered by Luton Town's Ethan Horvath (19) and Ben Wilson (20) of Coventry City.

However, nobody in the Championship could match Muric for goals conceded per 90 minutes last season (0.77), or indeed for percentage of shots saved (76.7%), as per FBref.

Verbruggen was equally as impressive last season in the Belgian First Division – a league that Global Football Rankings puts pretty much on a par with the Championship in terms of quality.

The Dutchman saved 75% of the shots he faced and kept a clean sheet in 47.1% of the games he played, compared to 41.5% for Muric in the Championship.

It was an impressive campaign for the youngster in his first season as a regular, and one in which finished with him being crowned Anderlecht's Player of the Season.

As team-mate Jan Vertonghen, a man with a vast wealth of Premier League experience, put it recently: "Verbruggen has the potential to become one of the best goalkeepers in Europe."

Bringing in a new goalkeeper may not seem like a priority for Burnley on the face of it, but Verbruggen not only matched Muric in a number of metrics last season – albeit across different leagues – he also outshone him in another important area.

Kompany has transformed Burnley's style of play since taking charge last season, and Verbruggen is a player clearly comfortable with the ball at his feet, highlighted by his average of 33.8 completed passes per 90 last season (compared to 32.4 for Muric) and his 0.17 key passes (compared to 0.05).

Described as "modest, but very driven and ambitious", Vertonghen believes it is a no-brainer for any Premier League club to move for a player on his way to the top. With talks seemingly at an advanced stage with Anderlecht, Burnley look set to do just that.