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Glamorgan bowler Don Shepherd, who took 2218 wickets in a first-class career spanning 22 years, has died at the age of 90

David Hopps19-Aug-2017

Don Shepherd, a giant of Glamorgan cricket and widely regarded as one of the best county cricketers never to play for England, has died, aged 90.Shepherd was one of the great servants of county cricket, a source of huge pride for all cricket-lovers in Wales, as he totted up 668 first-class matches between 1950 and 1972. Born in Port Eynon on the Gower Peninsula, he began life as a fast-medium bowler but in his vintage years was highly respected for his slow-medium offcutters.He died only a week after celebrating his 90th birthday after complications set in following a heart operation.John Arlott, the great broadcaster and cricket writer, termed it “inexplicable” that Shepherd never played for England, and, especially on responsive pitches, he would doubtless have made the grade. But he was never seriously considered and was up against some fine practitioners – the Surrey pair of Jim Laker and Tony Lock in the fifties, and by the likes of Raymond Illingworth and Fred Titmus later in his career.At the end of it all, he had 2218 first-class wickets, all of them genially claimed, and the most ever taken by a player who failed to represent England. It left him 22nd on the all-time list. He was a shrewd analyst of a batsman, with deceptive changes of pace and flight and his contentment in his work made him a captain’s dream.The lack of England recognition did not overly bother him. In a BBC interview to mark his 90th birthday, Shepherd recalled: “It never worried me. There were so many terrific offspinners around towards the end – Fred Titmus, David Allen, John Mortimore, Ray Illingworth – and they could bat, while I was a bit of a slogger. I was happy enough doing what I did and what happened to me through my life.”Glamorgan endured many lean years during his career, but there was achievement, too, in the winning of the 1969 county championship, which they finished unbeaten. Shepherd took the final wicket, and, to add to the happy coincidence, had taken his 2,000th first-class wicket earlier in the game. He took five or more wickets in an innings on 123 occasions.Victory against the 1964 Australians at Swansea, when he took 9 for 93 in the match, was quite a turn-up for the tourists who had only lost to one county side, Surrey, since 1912. To swell the outpouring of Welsh pride, the national Eisteddfod – a traditional Welsh festival of music, literature and performance arts – was being held a mile down the road and both teams accepted an invitation to attend one evening. Shepherd and Jim Pressdee, who between them had bowled out the Australians in the first innings on a rain-freshened pitch, were given a huge ovation.Shepherd later recalled: “After going up on the stage, we were so full of that there was no way we were going to lose that match.”Glamorgan followed up with another defeat of the tourists in 1968, this time with Shepherd standing in as skipper for Tony Lewis. Some put the victory down to Shep’s “guile and cunning”, a tribute he would treat with characteristic modesty. No wonder Australia always regarded him highly.He had few pretensions as a batsman, and called himself “a walking wicket”, although his rustic hitting brought much pleasure, and said he was able to empty “bar and beer tent in five seconds flat”. There was nothing better than his 51 in 11 scoring shots against Australia at Swansea in 1961.Glamorgan had collapsed to 94 for 8, undone by the legspin of Richie Benaud and left-arm wristspinner Lindsay Kline, who both benefited from a dry and dusty surface, tailor-made for Shepherd. His 50 came in 15 minutes and off 21 balls, equalling the world record. Famously, Benaud termed it “the greatest bit of sustained hitting that I have ever seen in my life”.Shepherd would often reflect: “Most things used to happen at Swansea”, and, as his home town, that made things all the more pleasurable.As a fast-medium bowler, he took 155 wickets in 1952, winning his county cap, but he lost his form in the mid-1950s, and, after advice from senior players including wicketkeeper Haydn Davies, converted to bowling offcutters as a result. In the first season of this change – 1956 – he took 168 wickets, and he exceeded 100 wickets 12 times in all. Lean and crinkly-haired, canny and persevering, he became one of the county game’s most reliable figures.The nearest he got to an England call-up was a match for MCC against the West Indians at Lord’s in 1957 and a tour of Ceylon and Far East with MCC in 1969-70. He was named one of ‘s Cricketers of the Year in 1970, a tribute he marked by taking 106 first-class wickets that summer, more than any other player in first-class cricket.He was a hugely popular figure on Glamorgan grounds after his retirement, a shrewd and respected bowling coach who acted as a mentor for many years for Robert Croft, a Glamorgan offspinner who go on to play for England.He was also a genial commentator on BBC Radio Wales, where his melodious and affable judgments were much prized, and where his double act with fellow commentator Eddie Bevan was the very essence of cricket in Wales. After the broadcast was over, he would generally lean against the bar and chat about the game some more, in generous and forgiving tones which made him a wonderful representative of the game he cherished.

A move to Tottenham Hotspur is something Manchester United's Harry Maguire would "consider", even without the lure of Champions League football, claims journalist Paul Brown.

Is Harry Maguire joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer?

In a shock to absolutely nobody, Spurs' summer window has once again been dominated by another Harry Kane transfer saga, with links to German giants Bayern Munich refusing to disperse and, if anything, getting stronger as the Bavarians become more bullish in their attempts to sign the England captain.

With only a year left on his £200,000-a-week deal, this saga will continue dominating the narrative around the Lilywhites until a decision is made.

However, this isn't necessarily the worst thing, as it might mean that the club can go about making their own signings with less scrutiny, and so far, they have added real quality to both the first team and squad.

The marquee signing is undeniably James Maddison, but Guglimlo Vicario and Manor Solomon look like shrewd acquisitions in a market increasingly losing any touch it once had with reality.

However, for as good as the recruitment has been thus far, the one area of the team that needs the most attention is centre-back, as the club managed to ship a staggering 63 goals across their 38 Premier League games last season.

The two names linked to the club the most over the last few weeks have been Edmond Tapsoba from Bayer Leverkusen and Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg. However, another name has recently entered the rumour mill, former United captain Maguire.

According to reports from Spain (via Football 365), the England international is emerging as a critical target for the Lilywhites as his time at Old Trafford looks to have finally come to an end.

What has Paul Brown said about Harry Maguire and Tottenham Hotspur?

Brown explained that even without the lure of Champions League football, Spurs is a club that Maguire would consider, primarily due to its size and stature.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "I think Maguire at Spurs is quite an interesting one. It might be a club he'd consider. I know obviously, they finished well off the Champions League pace last season, so I don't have that to offer him but I think you know, the size of the club and the reputation of it.

"I think it's something, I think it's a move he would consider."

Should Tottenham sign Harry Maguire?

One thing the club should be prepared for if they do pull the trigger on this signing is the fan backlash. The image Maguire has cultivated over the last few years is one of a walking disaster, and fans might fear the worst should he join.

However, as with many opinions in football, it's not entirely true, and the former Foxes man could certainly be useful to Ange Postecoglou in his new-look Spurs side.

His underlying numbers, for example, are actually quite impressive and suggest that in the right system, he could well get back to his best form, the form that saw him earn that £80m move to the Red Devils in the first place.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, the "unbelievable" 6 foot 4 sits in the top 11% for blocks, the top 12% for aerial duals won, the top 13% for touches in the oppositions penalty area, the top17% for attempted passes, the top 19% progressive carries, and the top 26% for progressive passes received, all per 90.

It should also be noted that in the last World Cup, he was voted into Sky Sports' Team of the Tournament, and in Euro 2020 – when England almost won it all – he was named in the official Team of the Tournament.

Ultimately, if Spurs can get this deal done for a relatively low price and weather the stick and attention they'll surely get, this could end up being a great piece of business.

Newcastle United have already completed their first summer signing with Sandro Tonali joining the club ahead of next season and now a new update has emerged on the club's next potential transfer target.

Will Newcastle sign Goncalo Inacio?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle remain keen on signing Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio this summer.

As per the report, the Magpies are hoping they can seal the deal for a cut-price fee instead of paying the talented centre-back's €60m (£51m) release clause.

It is claimed that Eddie Howe is keen to bolster key areas of his squad this summer to ensure Newcastle can compete in Europe and it is believed that Inacio is seen as a long-term investment for the club.

How good is Goncalo Inacio?

There is no doubt that Howe will be wanting to strengthen his squad ahead of the club's long-awaited return to Champions League football, and the acquisition of Tonali is a testament to the coach's desire to add some much-needed European experience.

Indeed, the likes of Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes have all earned opportunities to play on the elite European stage before their time at St James' Park, however, it would be advantageous to add more experience in key roles.

As a result, the signing of Inacio could not only be a great chance to add another player with Champions League experience but also offers Howe a youthful prospect he can develop and polish to become his next defensive prodigy.

Fabian Schar is now 31 years old and potentially reaching the latter stages of his career, so identifying a worthy successor in his role and a player who can form a successful centre-back partnership with Botman will be a priority for Howe in the not-so-distant future.

As per FBref, Inacio – hailed a "sensation" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – ranks in the top 5% of his positional peers across the men's next eight leagues for shot-creating actions, successful take-ons, progressive carries, progressive passes, pass completion and assists, demonstrating that he is a confident ball-winner with no trouble providing attacking opportunities to his teammates.

Despite being only 21 years old, the Portuguese youngster has already tallied up 122 appearances for Sporting as a first-team regular and due to his impressive development has more recently earned a spot in his national team, with Roberto Martinez handing his debut to the defender in the UEFA Euro qualifying fixtures back in March 2023.

The left-footed Sporting star boasts several similarities to Botman in his style of play and when comparing their output last season the pair came close in a number of key attributes including aerial duels won (60.2% v 65.2%), tackles won (23 v 24), successful take-ons (85% v 100%) and pass completion (89.6% v 86.5%).

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Howe to bolster his defensive options this summer and bringing in a player like Inacio who has similar qualities to Botman could double up their threatening presence when playing out from the back and ultimately make the side unstoppable in their pursuit for success.

Leeds United are keen on bringing in West Bromwich Albion midfielder Jayson Molumby this summer as the Yorkshire club try to supplement potential midfield departures, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Jayson Molumby?

According to The Sun's Alan Nixon on Patreon, Molumby has been identified as a target for Leeds this summer as they prepare for life in the Championship.

Former England international Carlton Palmer has tipped the £17k-a-week earner to be a success at the Whites if he does swap the Hawthorns for Elland Road in the off-season, stating in an interview with Football League World:

“Jayson Molumby would be a fantastic signing for Leeds. He’s still only 23 years of age, already capped for the Republic of Ireland 20 times. He will provide energy and tenacity to the Leeds midfield. [He’s a] genuine box-to-box midfield player, who also will chip in with goals, eight goals from midfield last season. Would be a very, very good signing for Leeds United.”

Molumby was a crucial component of Carlos Corberan's West Brom outfit in 2022/23, registering four goals and four assists in 47 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

There is a possibility that Corberan and the £17k-per-week Molumby both pitch up at Leeds United, with the latter in contention for the managerial post at Elland Road, as per Football Insider.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that Molumby would be a solid addition for Leeds United as they look towards competing in the English second tier.

Jones told FFC: "I think he also has the nous to be good enough for what they need straight away from the off in the Championship. I think that'll be really interesting, especially at a time when they're looking to move on from McKennie and probably Aaronson and, unfortunately for Leeds, probably Tyler Adams as well."

What midfielders could Leeds United part ways with this summer?

In light of their relegation from the Premier League, several individuals in midfield could leave Leeds United this summer, which may have prompted their interest in Molumby.

According to The Daily Mail, Leeds United enforcer Tyler Adams could be set to depart Elland Road, with Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton and Nottingham Forest all keen to offer the American a return to the top-flight.

90min also understand that Brenden Aaronson has a release clause of £25 million in his contract at Leeds United and may be another casualty this window.

FootballTransfers report that Jack Harrison is attracting interest from Everton and could fall by the wayside due to having a relegation release clause worth around £16 million.

It is apparent there could be some major changes made in the Leeds midfield this summer which could certainly lead to a number of new faces being forced to come through the doors over the coming months.

Tottenham Hotspur target David Raya may hold out on the Lilywhites' interest to see if any offers from a club in the Champions League arise for him, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest transfer news involving David Raya?

According to Football Insider, Manchester United may rival Tottenham in their pursuit of Raya this summer as they look to find a replacement for veteran stopper David de Gea.

The report states that both clubs are courting the £25k-a-week ace and he is said to have impressed Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag due to his ability to play out with the ball at his feet.

90min have claimed that Spurs could walk away from the deal amid concerns over Brentford's asking price, which is believed to be around £40 million.

Raya is said to be keen on moving across London to join Tottenham; however, the north Londoners could be forced to turn their attention towards alternatives, with Giorgi Mamardashvili, Gregor Kobel, Robert Sanchez and Guglielmo Vicario all in their thoughts as Ange Postecoglou aims to get a long-term number one goalkeeper into the building.

Brentford have already added to their goalkeeping ranks by bringing in former Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken on a long-term contract at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown wouldn't be surprised if Raya was to hold off on joining Spurs to see if offers come in from clubs that will feature in the Champions League in 2023/24.

Brown told FFC: "I don't think personal terms will be an issue between Spurs and Raya, but I also don't think he's in a massive hurry to get this done. I think it suits him really to wait and see if a Champions League team comes in for him; there is a possibility that might happen."

How did David Raya fare for Brentford during the 2022/23 season?

Raya fared well for Brentford during the campaign just gone and it is unsurprising that he has attracted interest from high-level sides such as Tottenham and Manchester United due to his performances.

In 2022/23, the Spain international made 39 appearances in all competitions for the Bees and managed to keep 12 clean sheets in total, as per Transfermarkt.

As per FBRef, Raya also achieved a save percentage rate of 77.7% in the Premier League, demonstrating his presence as a reliable figure between the sticks.

WhoScored show that Raya was Brentford's fifth-most consistent performer over the course of the term behind Ben Mee, Bryan Mbuemo, Ethan Pinnock and Ivan Toney, gaining an average match rating of 6.92/10.

Spurs could do with someone of Raya's ilk as their last line of defence; however, it remains to be seen whether they can close a deal to sign the Brentford goalkeeper this window.

Leeds United have identified a few managerial targets to kickstart the 49ers' reign, with one man boasting particular experience in the Championship…

What's the latest on Daniel Farke to Leeds United?

That's according to The Athletic's Phil Hay, who penned an article regarding their pursuit of a new head coach following the exit of Sam Allardyce.

The experienced relegation specialist failed in his task of retaining the Whites' Premier League status, therefore leaving a huge decision to be made for the new-look hierarchy as they seek to bounce straight back to the top flight.

With top target Brendan Rodgers having seemingly been taken off the market by Celtic, it seems that attention has been diverted to the out-of-work Daniel Farke. It is expected that the German will be interviewed early next week.

Would Daniel Farke get Leeds United promoted?

Whilst it is easy to look at his two promotions with Norwich City as a big factor in this potential appointment, when delving deeper it is clear that it is far from just his pedigree that secured this feat with frequency.

His style is seemingly tailored towards the second division, and as such his 4-2-3-1 system relies on balance as well as a few other key factors.

Such a formation is conducive to a classic gegenpressing system, which is akin to what Marcelo Bielsa and later Jesse Marsch tried to uphold during their stints. Such aggressive play, which seeks to win back possession high up the field, would see a return to a style that saw them cruise to the Championship title in 2020.

Not only this, but Farke's record at this level is splendid too, having won 71 of the 138 league games he has overseen, losing only 29 times.

Clearly aligned with the classic German way of playing, with Jurgen Klopp's early Liverpool as a more appropriate comparison, he prides himself on aesthetics as much as he does on success.

Having been appointed by Borussia Mönchengladbach last year too, in what turned out to be a failed spell, he outlined exactly the kind of things fans can expect his teams to be: "brave, creative and easy on the eye."

With 294 goals in 208 games in charge of the Canaries, many of which were played in the Premier League, this is a notion supported by these figures.

As something of a promotion specialist, having achieved such success in the 2018/19 and the 2020/21 campaigns, perhaps he can make it a hat-trick by applying his philosophy at Elland Road, under the guidance of the 49ers.

After all, such an all-action philosophy was key to Bielsa's Championship success and that surely makes Farke the perfect man to steer Leeds back up from the second-tier this time around.

Stuart Broad is to have a scan on his right foot after feeling more pain during the second day’s play in Visakhapatnam

George Dobell in Visakhapatnam18-Nov-2016

England fast bowler Stuart Broad is to have a scan on his right foot after feeling more pain during the second day’s play in Visakhapatnam.Broad left the field on the first day complaining of discomfort in both his wrist and foot. While the wrist issue was simply a cut that is considered more an irritation than a injury, the foot problem is more of a concern.Broad managed only 36 overs during the Test tour of India in 2012 after sustaining a foot injury. The results of the scan are not likely to be known until Saturday.While he was able to bowl on the second morning, sending down four overs with the second new ball, England’s medical team have decided to investigate the problem further. Broad bowled impressively in Rajkot, his 100th Test, although he only took one wicket; he was rested for England’s previous match, against Bangladesh in Dhaka.The news will be a worry to an England attack that contains James Anderson, who requires careful handling as he makes his way back from injury, and Chris Woakes, who was rested from this Test with what the management described as a minor “niggle” in his knee.The other seamers in the squad are Steven Finn and Jake Ball, though ESPNcricinfo revealed a week ago that the team management had been considering adding Sam Curran to the tour party. Curran is aged only 18 but, as a left-arm swing bowler – and highly promising batsman – he would add some variety to the England attack.Even if the scan clears Broad of any serious injury, it seems most unlikely that he will be considered for the third Test, which starts in Mohali on November 26.

The BCB has appointed former England all-rounder David Capel as the head coach of the Bangladesh women’s team for four months. He will join the training camp ahead of the team’s Asia Cup campaign in Thailand next month.He is the fourth foreign coach after former India player Mamatha Maben, former Sri Lanka pace bowler Chanak Gamage, and former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Deitz.Capel, who had been the assistant coach of the England women’s team from 2013 to 2015, will also take the Bangladesh side to the February 2017 Women’s World Cup qualifier in Sri Lanka.Bangladesh and Ireland gained automatic berth to this ten-team tournament through their ODI status. The top four teams from this competition will qualify to the main event in England and Wales in June 2017.Capel, who played 15 Tests and 23 ODIs for England, was also head coach and first team manager of the Northamptonshire County Cricket Club from 2006 to 2012.

Chris Jordan scored a maiden first-class century to steer Sussex from choppy waters (a collapse of 6 for 49) to a handsome lead of 90

Will Macpherson at Colchester06-Aug-2016
ScorecardChris Jordan’s century kept Sussex in command•Getty Images

At some stage around 11.15 on the second morning, Chris Jordan ambled over – as Chris Jordan does – located the scruff of this game’s neck and promptly grabbed it. He has not let go since, picking up the final four first-innings wickets in double-quick time, then scoring a maiden first-class century to steer Sussex from choppy waters (a collapse of 6 for 49) to a handsome lead of 90.When Essex batted for a second time, Nick Browne turned Jordan’s fourth ball straight to square leg, and he summoned the last of his seemingly boundless energy to end a dangerously pesky third-wicket stand, with Dan Lawrence trapped in front. Even his withdrawal from the attack had a touch of class, as Tom Westley feathered his replacement David Wiese behind first ball. He will return on Sunday, rested and raring for Essex’s final six wickets.If he can find those wickets, Sussex – even as the old lags Ryan ten Doeschate and James Foster shared a streaky but vital 52 late on, extending Essex’s lead to 73 – have the chance to kickstart a curious season that sees them unbeaten after nine games having won just one. As long as Leicestershire fail to beat Derbyshire, Essex need a draw to go back past the new leaders Kent. The chase for the single promotion spot is set to be a barnburner, and this – a fine match on a fair, fast-scoring pitch – is crucial for both sides.Jordan’s was a magnificent, measured innings that eked every run out of Sussex’s tail. In Jofra Archer and Danny Briggs, Jordan found a pair of able deputies, sharing 140, then 92, and still he found 43 thereafter. When the more extravagant Archer fell early for a superb 73, caught behind off David Masters, Jordan simply regrouped, stuck his head down and strolled along, adding a patient 40 – the last four of which came from a delicate sweep off Ashar Zaidi – to his overnight 59 to sit tantalisingly short of his maiden century as he settled down for lunch.Was he nervous? Was he heck. Nerves, it’s fair to say, are not Jordan’s bag; angsty sorts do not death bowlers make. “I wasn’t too worried!” he laughed, “I just had to keep a level head and if it was meant to be it would be… I knew that if I kept doing what I’d been doing I’d get there in the end, although it ended up being a bit streaky!” Streaky it was, as he inside-edged the fourth delivery of the first over, his 164th, after the break to fine leg to move to 103. “Ah, it would have been nice to bring it up in style but that wasn’t meant to be. I’d worked hard to get to that stage, so maybe I deserved a bit of luck!”He had, as that was his first false stroke. Graham Napier, who took the wicket of Briggs for a composed and fun-filled 49 an over later (before mopping up the rest to finish with five wickets), noted that Jordan “played like a man who has scored 100 hundreds,” not just one.The innings’ tempo was the key, as Jordan allowed those he trusted – particularly Archer, but also Briggs (who drove beautifully having joined him still 45 behind) – to play their strokes, before accelerating himself. There were two extremely handsome sixes, straight and over extra cover – when joined by the injured Harry Finch and limited Steve Magoffin. His strokeplay in front and behind point stood out, but so did his ability to find a single; vitally, Jordan tired Essex out.When he finally fell, carting to cow corner, a clinic in revitalising a lame and tame tail came to an end. “I’m pretty happy with the tempo that I batted at,” Jordan reflected, “I came in when we were in a bit of trouble but I took one ball at a time, trying to build partnerships with anyone who was out there with me. Credit to Jofra and Briggs who put on key partnerships with me.”At one stage, when Wiese prized out Westley, who lost his trademark fluency after an attractive start, it appeared Jordan’s efforts would be rewarded with a day off on Sunday. But thanks to ten Doeschate and Foster, back Essex will charge. Ten Doeschate, particularly, played within himself, weathering a barrage of bouncers – and verbals, some of which were returned, with interest (and interest from the umpires) – from Archer, who had earlier dismissed Jaik Mickleburgh lbw.Jordan felt the pitch so free-scoring that Sussex would chance their arm to chase upwards of 200, but Napier knew Essex required – especially after their lanky-looking tail was so easily cleaned up on Friday morning – more of the same from ten Doeschate and Foster. “We’re going to have to bat out most of the day tomorrow,” he said bullishly, ahead of his final day on his home ground. “We cannot give them anything in the first session.”

Chelsea have made an offer for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic ahead of the summer transfer window, journalist Julien Laurens has revealed.

What's the latest on Vlahovic and Chelsea?

The forward has previously been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, and with Chelsea in need of a striker this summer, it seems that they have targeted the 23-year-old for a potential transfer.

The Serbian earns £216k per week at Juventus, and it may be an expensive deal for the striker, who has scored ten league goals this season.

A potential move could also confirm that Romelu Lukaku's future lies away from Stamford Bridge. The Belgian is on loan at Inter Milan, with it unclear whether he could be offered a fresh start in West London under incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Speaking on The Byline Podcast, Laurens revealed that an offer has already been made for Vlahovic, with Chelsea seemingly keen on getting their business done early.

"I was told today like by someone that Chelsea are in for Vlahovic, Chelsea have made an offer already for Vlahovic, and I think he's maybe better technically than Lukaku, but he is still really a goalscorer," he stated.

"There is not much of an all-round game about him like you can see with Harry Kane, that by the way, Pochettino made him what he is now, like a number nine and a number 10. That might have changed, and he might just want a proper number nine in Vlahovic, who I think will do that very well.

"The fact that Chelsea are in for Vlahovic shows that they're not counting on Lukaku, I think Lukaku will go back to Inter eventually on loan, and then Pochettino will be able to get a striker that he wants to work with more, if that's Vlahovic then fair enough."

Should Chelsea buy Vlahovic?

The 23-year-old presents a much younger option than if Lukaku was to return, but it is arguable that he does not represent an upgrade on the Belgian.

Lukaku has a higher scoring rate, significantly better passing and dribbling statistics, and is more dominant in the air than Vlahovic as per FBref. He has scored just two goals less than the Serbian in 400 less minutes in Serie A, and has also helped Inter reach the Champions League final whilst Juventus continue to struggle.

Given that Vlahovic joined Juventus for a hefty fee of around £66m, it may take a large fee to convince the Old Lady to part ways with their striker, and he may need some convincing to join, with Chelsea not competing in any European competition next season.

Unless a big offer arrives for Lukaku which could see them effectively swap the strikers for a similar fee, a move for Vlahovic may not be the solution to Chelsea's problems this summer.