Former Barcelona defender Dani Alves has been released from prison after posting his €1m (£850,000) bail bond.

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Alves sentenced to four years in prisonFound guilty of rapeBail bond finally postedGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Alves was found guilty of rape and sentenced to four years and six months in prison last month but he has now been released from jail while he appeals his conviction after posting his €1m bail bond. Per the Daily Mail, he has also handed in his Spanish and Brazilian passports, so as not to be deemed a flight risk. Alves has walked free after 14 months in jail after being first imprisoned in January 2023.

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Alves was informed that he could leave prison last week but was unable to pay the bail bond; he has now done so, with his lawyer subsequently claiming that he had been left penniless. However, he is set to receive a payout from Spain's tax agency – Alves is owed €9.2m (£7.9m/$10m) – which may explain why the bail can now be paid. There had been reports that Neymar's family would be involved in helping Alves pay, but they have since released a statement claiming that is not the case.

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WHAT DINORAH SANTANA SAID

Alves' ex-wife Dinorah Santana has distanced herself almost completely from the former Brazil star, telling Spanish television: "For me, he doesn't exist. For me, he has died."

The International break came at the wrong time for Chelsea who had just recorded a 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur and played out a captivating 4-4 draw against the reigning champions, Manchester City.

Once they return to action against Newcastle United next weekend, the Blues will be hoping to carry on the recent momentum garnered, especially in the final third.

Prior to scoring eight goals in two matches, Mauricio Pochettino's side were scoring at a rate of 1.18 goals per game with that figure now bumped up to 1.61.

A large reason for that change in output has been down to Cole Palmer executing brilliance and Nicolas Jackson discovering his shooting boots – the pair scoring 11 goals between them this season in all competitions.

Despite this turnaround in fortunes, Pochettino is still on the lookout for more attacking talent in the transfer window, with 18-year-old Roony Bardghji popping onto their radar.

Chelsea transfer news – Roony Bardghji

As confirmed by Danish outlet Tipsbladet earlier this month, Chelsea 'have been crazy' about FC Copenhagen's sensational winger and are considering making an offer for the teenager to steal a march on other top European clubs.

Bardghji is one of Europe's most promising talents and set the world alight following his display against Manchester United in the Champions League.

Making just his second appearance in the competition when he came off the bench against the Red Devils, the 18-year-old made an instant impression and caused several big clubs to salivate over his talents.

With 87 minutes on the clock and the score tied at 3-3, Bardghji popped up at the back post to lash home a well-struck effort to beat Andre Onana.

It was enough to snatch all three points for the Danish outfit, keeping their hopes of qualifying alive while condemning Erik ten Hag's side to a gut-wrenching defeat.

If Chelsea were to capture the youngster, who is valued at £19.7m (€22.5m) as per Football Transfers, he would be the latest emerging star captured under Todd Boehly's reign and could rival Raheem Sterling for a first-team spot.

Raheem Sterling's 23/24 statistics

Chelsea's decision to capture the best-emerging talent from across the globe demonstrates their forward-thinking direction as a club.

At the age of 28, Sterling doesn't fit the profile of someone they see as being a part of their long-term project and although the experience he can pass onto the youngsters is crucial, the average age of players used by Pochettino this season is 23.7.

That being said, despite being one of few outliers in the Blues squad in that regard, the Englishman has still impressed by showing glimpses of his previous form, especially in the performance against Man City, where he recorded his name on the scoresheet.

Sterling has posted five goals and two assists in 14 matches in all competitions this term, placing him in second for goals scored in the Chelsea squad, behind only Jackson.

Whilst this underscores his importance to the side, the fact he ranks in the top 4% for touches in the attacking box against his Premier League positional peers, top 7% for progressive carries and top 13% for successful take-ons, as per FBref, suggests he's back to his explosive best.

Although Sterling is undeniably a crucial piece of Pochettino's attack, the capture of the "Swedish Messi", a comparison drawn to the Argentine great for his ability to drop the shoulder and outfox defenders with his fleet-footed dribbling, could become the latest revelation at Stamford Bridge.

With 11 goals in all competitions this season, Bardghji – who is having a "superb" campaign, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig, is ushering the goalscoring responsibility at a young age, as Messi did for Barcelona, while he's already posting better metrics in most departments than Sterling.

Statistic

Roony Bardghji (Danish Super Liga)

Raheem Sterling (Premier League)

Goals

7

4

Successful dribbles per game

50%

43%

Passing accuracy

19.1 (86%)

21.6 (78%)

Goal conversion

29%

17%

Key passes

1.1

1.3

Accurate crosses

0.6 (50%)

0.5 (18%)

Big chances missed

0

4

All stats via Sofascore

Although Bardghji is operating in a much weaker league in terms of quality, the wonderkid is still posting better quality in the attacking third than Sterling, who can only beat his rival winger for key passes completed.

It is therefore imperative that Pochettino does everything he can to lure the Swede to Stamford Bridge in January.

MatériaMais Notícias

A situação do Paraná Clube no Campeonato Brasileiro da Série B não é das melhores. A equipe, que vem de uma sequência de apenas uma vitória nos últimos 15 jogos, está a cinco pontos da zona de rebaixamento.

RelacionadasFigueirenseRodolfo Castro valoriza vitória sobre o Náutico e projeta final contra o ParanáFigueirense08/12/2020São Paulo‘Apadrinhado’ por Cafu, Nathan visita o pentacampeão: ‘Me inspiro nele’São Paulo08/12/2020Futebol LatinoTécnico da Juventus opina sobre momento vivido por MessiFutebol Latino08/12/2020

Entretanto, a situação do clube poderia ser melhor caso o atacante Bruno Gomes estivesse presente em todas as 26 partidas da equipe na competição.

Artilheiro do Paraná, com seis gols, Bruno atuou em 20 partidas nesta Série B, e o aproveitamento com ele em campo sobe para 47,8%, que garantiria ao Tricolor da Vila ao menos a décima colocação do campeonato.

Sem a presença de Bruno em campo, o aproveitamento cai para 5,55%, com apenas um ponto conquistado em seis partidas, o que levaria o Tricolor ao último lugar, com a pior campanha da história dos pontos corridos do Campeonato Brasileiro da Série B.

O atacante segue se recuperando de lesão e pode voltar a equipe nas próximas semanas.

2:19

Walsh: Poor shot selection in second innings inexcusable

The great West Indies procession ended with their heaviest Test defeat against India, by an innings and 272 runs. It took India under 100 overs to bowl them out twice in their third straight three-day defeat in India. Fourteen of the 20 wickets fell in two sessions and a bit on the third day. The pace at which the batsmen kept going back to the pavilion prompted India to enforce the follow-on. In the follow-on innings, Kuldeep Yadav benefited, becoming only the seventh player to register five-fors in all three formats of international cricket.Only Kieran Powell managed to resist, scoring an attacking 83 off 93, but even this innings was built more on luck than a method in the initial stages. To his credit, Powell hardly made a mistake once he was past the early high-risk shots that managed to evade fielders. The day began similarly, with West Indies resuming at 94 for 6. Despite streaky devil-may-care batting from Roston Chase and Keemo Paul, India took the four wickets well before lunch, making the follow-on decision easy after having bowled West Indies out in 48 overs.It was clear West Indies didn’t turn their defence. Chase and Paul chanced their arm early, and that was the template for the rest of the day. A mix of well-timed and edged boundaries against the bowling of Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav ensued. The partnership reached fifty, both the batsmen approached that landmark, but then Umesh Yadav finally bowled the first bouncer of the morning, drawing a top edge for midwicket to catch. Paul fell on 47.R Ashwin then produced a spell of lovely offspin bowling, teasing and tormenting the lower order with flight and drift. He had Chase dropped in one over, but in the next, he created a gap between his bat and pad with a lovely drift and the ball spun back to go through that gap and hit the stumps. Debutant Sherman Lewis then was flummoxed by a carrom ball. Shannon Gabriel, too, fell prey to the carrom ball. This time the ball missed the stumps, but an overbalanced Gabriel gave Rishabh Pant a stumping after he had 16 byes and two dropped catches against his name.Ten minutes later, Ashwin was at them again, this time with the new ball. He didn’t need the carrom ball now to threaten each edge of the bat as the new ball sometimes tended to go straight. Kraigg Brathwaite and Kieran Powell batted with aggression that emanated probably from their lack of trust in their defence. In the end it was a sharp spitting offbreak that brought Prithvi Shaw his first Test catch at short leg from the bat of Brathwaite.Possibly with the Australia tour in mind, India gave Kuldeep a long go in the second innings, and the wristspinner responded. Shai Hope played back to a fullish ball and was trapped lbw. Shimron Hetmeyer was a shot a minute, and sooner or later one was going to spoon off the outside edge. Sunil Ambris jumped out of the crease without picking a wrong’un, and Pant had a second stumping. Chase was done in by the drift on a full wide half-volley, but still he will be disappointed he didn’t adjust and drove it straight to cover.Powell had a little bit of luck early on when he cleared the infield off the inside half of the bat early on. Post that he connected cleanly and sweetly with every ball pitched too full. He hit four sixes and eight fours in his innings, but with the century approaching he closed the face on a Kuldeep delivery, offering Shaw his second silly-point catch of the day. At least that innings had helped West Indies get close to avoiding their heaviest defeat in all Test cricket, by an innings and 283 runs against England in 2007.The procession continued with trigger-happy batting, Paul finding long-off, Bisho gloving a sweep down the leg side and Lewis and Gabriel attempting big shots. Only six of the 20 wickets had fallen with batsmen playing a defensive shot.

تلقى منتخب المغرب الأولمبي، هدفًا مباغتًا في مرماه أمام أوكرانيا، خلال المباراة المقامة بينهما ضمن الجولة الثانية من المجموعة الثانية، بمنافسات دورة الألعاب الأولمبية باريس 2024.

الهدف جاء عن طريق ديمترو كريسكيف، في الدقيقة 22، بعد عرضية من باراهارو، من الجانب الأيمن، تجد الأوكراني الذي يضع الكرة في مرمى الحارس منير المحمدي.

طالع أيضًا.. فيديو | الأرجنتين تهزم العراق بثلاثية في أولمبياد باريس 2024

الهدف الذي سجله ديمترو هو الثاني لمنتخب أوكرانيا في منافسات كرة القدم بأولمبياد فرنسا 2024، في مرمى المغرب.

فوز المنتخب الأوكراني إن تحقق يعيد آماله في التأهل إلى دور ربع النهائي، بعد الخسارة خلال المواجهة الأولى ضد العراق بهدفين مقابل هدف. هدف أوكرانيا الأول أمام المغرب في أولمبياد باريس

Nottingham Forest are claimed to have reached an agreement to sign Fluminense star Nino, but the player himself has delivered an update on his future contrary to reports.

Who is Nino?

Nino is naturally a centre-back who has plied his trade at the Maracana Stadium permanently since 2020, having joined following a successful loan spell the season before, and he’s since gone on to make a total of 228 appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Nino statistics).

However, Brazil’s international will reach the expiration of his deal in December 2024 (Fluminense contracts), meaning that Fernando Diniz’s side don’t have long left to cash in should they not want to risk losing their prized asset for free.

Fluminense’s captain was recently reported to have agreed on a €7m (£6m) move to join Steve Cooper's side at the start of next year, and this was soon backed up by a reliable journalist. Bruno Andrade stated that the two parties have a verbal arrangement in place with the 26-year-old only needing to sign the contract to get the deal done, but it would appear that a switch is far from nearing completion following an update from the man himself.

Nino shares update on move to Nottingham Forest

Speaking to Globo Esporte (via Sport Witness), Nino confirmed that whilst Nottingham Forest do want to secure his services, nothing has yet been decided regarding him moving to the Premier League.

He said: “I also found out about the interest on the day before [the final]. My agent already knew that my focus was on recovery, on being able to play this game 100%.

“I did it, thank God. I met with them this morning, they gave me all the possible situations, nothing is certain yet, what is certain is what I’ve always said, that I have a great affection for Fluminense, I’m very happy here, and if one day I leave, I want to leave in a way that’s good for me and for Fluminense.”

Nino has been a rock at the heart of the backline this season, currently averaging 3.7 clearances and three aerial wins per game in the Brazilian Serie A (WhoScored – Nino statistics), and he’s also been excellent with the ball at his feet.

Standing at 6 foot 2, Diniz’s colossus is recording a 91% pass success rate as it stands which highlights his brilliant calmness and composure on the ball, and this is higher than any of the regular starters have managed so far this term at The City Ground (WhoScored – Nottingham Forest statistics).

Furthermore, Nino already knows what it takes to compete and be successful at a high level having won the 2022/23 Copa Libertadores trophy, alongside previously representing his nation at the Olympics, so he would be able to pass on a much-needed winning mentality to the squad who are already in the Midlands.

West Indies used seven bowlers, of whom four went wicketless as Ankit Bawne smashed his third hundred in four innings after Mayank Agarwal’s brisk 90

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Sep-2018Mayank Agarwal jumps in jubilation•PTI

West Indies found moderate success on their first outing in a six-week tour of India, taking six wickets on the opening day of their two-day warm-up match against Indian Board President’s XI in Vadodara. The hosts scored at 4 per over to post 360 for 6.Legspinner Devendra Bishoo found the most success for the visitors, taking three wickets – including those of half-centurions Mayank Agarwal (90) and Shreyas Iyer (61) – across a 21-over spell while Sherman Lewis, the right-arm seamer, was economical as he picked up a wicket and conceded only 13 runs in 10 overs. Lewis’ wicket was that of India’s latest Test player, Hanuma Vihari. Ankit Bawne, the right-handed middle-order batsman who had made two centuries in three List A innings before this match, scored an unbeaten 116 at No. 6. His innings took 191 balls and he hit 15 boundaries during its course.Agarwal’s 111-ball innings was peppered with 14 fours and two sixes, as he made another push to the national selectors for a back-door entry into the Indian squad that plays it’s first Test on October 4. Ignored for the Tests in England, Agarwal had struck two half-centuries against the visiting Australia-A team in the past month, before which he had scored 220 against South Africa A in early August. Agarwal did the bulk of the scoring in a 92-run third-wicket stand with captain Karun Nair, after the two had come together with IBXIP on 40 for 2. By the time Agarwal was out ten short of a ninth first-class hundred just after lunch, the Board President’s XI were at 132 for 3.Iyer then hit a brisk 64-ball 61 through the afternoon, combining with a more sedate Bawne for a 113-run fifth-wicket stand, after which the latter took control and piloted his way to an 18th first-class century.Having been asked to field, West Indies had begun with Shannon Gabriel having opener Prithvi Shaw caught-behind in the day’s third over, after which Lewis sent Vihari back in the 13th. It was then Bishoo’s legbreak that broke the Agarwal-Nair partnership, after which he went on to dismiss both Iyer and wicketkeeper Smit Patel after tea. Paul, Jomel Worrican, Roston Chase and Kraigg Brathwaite went wicketless.The second and final day of the only tour match will see the West Indies batting be tested by the likes of Avesh Khan, Basil Thampi, Jalaj S Saxena and Ishan Porel.

Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho hit Cristiano Ronaldo's trademark 'nap' celebration alongside TikTok star Iran 'Receba' Ferreira.

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Garnacho linked up with RecebaPerformed Ronaldo's 'nap' celebrationGave away United jersey to TikTok star WHAT HAPPENED?

The Argentine star caught up with social media sensation Receba as the duo performed the famous Cristiano Ronaldo 'nap celebration'. Garnacho also posed for a picture with the TikTok star as he presented his United jersey.

AdvertisementGettyTHE GOSSIP

Garnacho is known to idolise the Portugal legend despite hailing from Lionel Messi's country. He has performed several Ronaldo celebrations on the pitch in the past. Most recently he emulated Ronaldo after scoring against West Ham as he sat on the advertisement billboards similar to what the 39-year-old did after scoring against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in 2017.

DID YOU KNOW?

The 19-year-old first performed the 'nap celebration' during the 2022/23 season when he was playing alongside his boyhood hero at Old Trafford. After scoring for the Red Devils against Real Sociedad in the Europa League, he decided to hit the celebration after seeking permission from the Portuguese star.

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Getty WHAT NEXT FOR ALEJANDRO GARNACHO?

The attacker will be back in action for Erik ten Hag's side on Thursday as they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a crucial Premier League encounter.

Chelsea host Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup this evening and it is imperative that the hosts avoid any slip-ups.

The Blues have endured a season so far that has been littered with inconsistency, showing glimpses of a side that cost over £1bn to assemble, but also crumbling under the heavy weight of their lofty transfer fees.

With Mauricio Pochettino needing to shift the doom and gloom surrounding Stamford Bridge, anything other than a victory against the Championship side will undoubtedly lead to many questioning his future.

Chelsea team news vs Blackburn Rovers

In this results-driven business, Pochettino hasn't been helped by factors that are out of his hands and having to deal with several injuries to senior players is one of them.

Chelsea will be without eight players this evening, including Mykhailo Mudryk, who pulled out of the 2-0 defeat against Brentford due to a similar muscle issue.

Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell, Christopher Nkunku, Romeo Lavia, Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka and Wesley Fofana are also out, while Chilwell has travelled overseas to step up his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.

With a huge trip to table toppers Tottenham Hotspur to come on Monday night, the Argentine is likely to make a few changes to the side that lost to Brentford and utilise the full depth of his squad.

The main area that requires the most surgery is in attack. Chelsea have been toothless in the final third this term, scoring just 13 times in ten matches in the Premier League, but given they are light on options in forward areas, Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke are likely to flank Nicolas Jackson, or Pochettino could go rogue and unleash 18-year-old Deivid Washington from the off.

The Brazilian came off the bench to make his first appearance for the club on Saturday and against Championship opposition, now could be the perfect opportunity to award him with his first start.

A complete forward, who possesses the killer instinct, great off-the-ball movement, timing, intelligence, and flair in the final third, as per football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the youngster could use those attributes to devastating effect by terrorising Blackburn's defence.

Washington isn't the only teenager vying for a starting spot, however, with defensive midfielder Lesley Ugochukwku in line to partner Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez in midfield to offer Moises Caicedo the chance to rest.

Why Lesley Ugochukwu should start against Blackburn Rovers

A destructive and ball-winning midfielder, who arrived from Rennes for £23.2m in the summer, Ugochukwu has played in every minute of Chelsea's Carabao Cup victories over Wimbledon and Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 19-year-old, described by journalist Antonio Mango as "magnificent", offers an intimidating presence on the pitch due to his 6 foot 3 frame and has an aggressive approach to his game, flying into tackles and using his extreme physique to bully the opposition.

The Frenchman, who has made the seamless transition from centre back to defensive midfield, utilised the above attributes along with his exceptional work rate and stamina for Rennes last term, making 26 appearances in Ligue 1.

For a young player, transitioning into a new role, Ugochukwu impressed across an array of his defensive and passing metrics when compared against his position peers in the division last season, ranking in the top 16% for blocks, top 24% for aerials won, top 22% for interceptions and top 17% for pass completion per 90, as per FBref.

Clearly an imposing figure on the pitch, Ugochukwu has showcased that in abundance across his two performances in the Carabao Cup, making 2.5 tackles per game, 6.5 ball recoveries and 2.5 duels won, via SofaScore.

With that said, Pochettino should continue trusting the teenager to put in exceptional displays, especially in this competition, by starting him ahead of Caicedo this evening.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are currently enjoying a strong run of form as they completed a fourth match without defeat in succession on Saturday.

Gary O'Neil's side battled back to secure a spirited 2-2 draw at home to Champions League side Newcastle United at Molineux, with goals from Mario Lemina and Hee-chan Hwang earning a point for the team.

The Old Gold had beaten Manchester City and Bournemouth – both by a 2-1 scoreline – either side of a 1-1 draw with Midlands rivals Aston Villa prior to last weekend's clash.

However, they remain in the bottom half of the Premier League – in 12th – and have lost more matches (four) than they have won (three) as it stands, which suggests that there is still plenty of room to improve.

The January transfer window is around two months away from opening for business and O'Neil is reportedly already looking at potential signings to bolster his squad.

Sunderland star Jack Clarke is a reported target for the club ahead of the second half of the campaign and the manager could land his new Pedro Neto in a swoop to sign the former Tottenham Hotspur prodigy at the start of next year.

Wolves' interest in Jack Clarke

TEAMtalk recently claimed that Wolves are one of a number of Premier League interested in a deal to sign the talented maestro during the next window.

Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Burnley, Brentford, and Brighton are all also said to be keen on the English sensation, with Palace and Brighton said to be ready to push on with a move for the ace.

The report also stated that the Clarets made multiple attempts to sign Clarke during the summer transfer window as the Black Cats rejected their offers for his services, one of which came to £10m.

This indicates that O'Neil would face serious competition for the English wizard if they decide to press on and make a swoop for him, as a host of top-flight clubs appear to be lining up to welcome him to their stadium.

It remains to be seen exactly how much it would take for Wolves to secure his services on a permanent basis in January but his form at Championship level this season suggests that he has the potential to be a fantastic signing, if the price is relatively reasonable.

Jack Clarke's statistics this season

The right-footed dynamo has been a consistently brilliant performer for Tony Mowbray's side so far this season and is proving himself to be an outstanding performer in the second tier.

He has showcased his terrific ability to punish opposition teams with his goalscoring ability from a left wing position. No other Championship player has scored as many goals (nine) as Clarke has this term, which illustrates how impressive he has been in front of goal.

Statistic	Clarke vs Norwich (28/10/2023)
Sofascore rating	10
Goals	One
Assists	One
Penalties won	One
Key passes	Five
Dribbles completed	Eight
Clarke's most recent performance for Sunderland (via Sofascore)

To be the top goalscorer in the league in spite of playing out wide shows that the Sunderland star can provide a significant and consistent goal threat in support of a number nine, which could take the scoring burden off his starting centre-forward.

The flying winger has racked up his nine league strikes from 6.01 xG (Expected Goals) and this shows that the standard of his finishing has been impressively high, as he has overperformed based on the quality of chances that his teammates have provided him with.

Clarke has only registered one Championship assist in his 14 appearances during the 2023/24 campaign but that is not a fair reflection on the creative quality the gem has produced out wide.

The 22-year-old magician has created four 'big chances' and accumulated 3.01 xA (Expected Assists) to go along with 2.1 key passes per game across those 14 games.

This suggests that his Sunderland teammates have let him down in front of goal as they have not been able to make the most of the fantastic opportunities that the star forward has been able to create for them.

Clarke, who journalist Josh Bunting hailed as "unplayable" and able to play passes that are a "nightmare" to defend against, has also showcased his eye-catching dribbling ability.

The 5 foot 11 nightmare ranks within the top 1% of Championship wingers for progressive carries (8.04) and successful take-ons (3.39) per 90 this season, which shows that he is an outstanding dribbler who can constantly cause problems for opposition defenders.

His aforementioned statistics also show that he has the ability to punish teams with goals and assists at the end of his surging runs, rather than having the drive without the end product.

Therefore, Clarke could be O'Neil's next version of Portuguese forward Neto, who has enjoyed a fantastic start to the 2023/24 campaign with the Old Gold.

Pedro Neto's performances this season

The 23-year-old talent has been a menace to opposition defences at Premier League level this term with a whopping seven assists in ten appearances.

Interestingly, though, Neto has only created 2.63 xA to earn those seven assists, which is less than Clarke has racked up for Sunderland despite having one assist to his name.

This suggests that his Wolves teammates have been clinical in front of goal as they have been able to outperform the quality of chances that the Portuguese youngster has provided them with.

The former Lazio man has only scored one goal in those ten outings and could take the next step in his development by improving his output in that area of his game.

However, his return of eight goal contributions in ten matches is an impressive one, as he has averaged a goal or assist every 1.25 games on average. Meanwhile, Clarke has managed one every 1.4 outings with his nine goals and one assist in 14 Championship appearances for Sunderland.

Therefore, O'Neil could land another winger who has the ability to score or assist goals on a regular basis to bolster his attacking options for the second half of the season by securing a deal for Clarke.

Although it remains to be seen whether or not the English gem will be able to translate to Premier League level, his sensational form this term suggests that it is a gamble worth taking.