Transfer expert Dean Jones says that Newcastle United target Conor Gallagher would prefer to stay closer to London should he leave Chelsea this summer.
The Lowdown: Strong interest
Newcastle reportedly made an enquiry to take Gallagher on loan late on in the January transfer window, but Chelsea did not want to negotiate.
However, it is claimed that a potential deal could be revisited in the summer, should the St. James’ Park outfit come up with a suitable cash offer.
The Latest: Gallagher blow
Writing in his column for GiveMeSport, Jones says that Gallagher would prefer to stay as close to London as possible, should he leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
He describes the update as a potential ‘blow to Newcastle’, with reports that the central midfielder could even end up signing a contract extension.
It sounds like Gallagher would not be particularly keen on a move to the North East, and so the Tynesiders need to swiftly move on to other targets.
Hailed as a ‘monster’ by football content creator and Crystal Palace supporter Tom Dutton, the Englishman showed what he is capable of in a loan spell at Selhurst Park, where he managed Player of the Season award.
Still only 23, Gallagher has plenty of potential, and could play more regularly at the Magpies than the bit-part role he is now used to at Chelsea.
Nonetheless, it is imperative that the Toon bring a new midfielder in, with Jonjo Shelvey allowed to move on and both Matt Ritchie and Matty Longstaff out of contract this summer.
Leeds United have been handed a boost after learning that one of their players could feature for his country tonight despite an injury scare, according to a reliable journalist.
Leeds injury news
The Whites currently have Stuart Dallas on the sidelines with a longer-term injury as it stands, whereas Sam Byram who, despite being out with a hamstring problem, is expected to return to domestic action early next month so it won't be too long before he's back in contention.
On a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur, Djed Spence is another who has recently been in the treatment room and he remains a doubt ahead of Friday evening’s game vs Rotherham United in the Championship, but there has been some more positive news regarding another senior squad member.
During last Thursday’s 7-0 victory over San Marino, Wilfried Gnonto was forced off the pitch for Italy’s U21s whilst holding his thigh which will have caused initial concern among supporters because it looked like he had sustained a problem.
Daniel Farke’s left-winger first put pen to paper last summer from FC Zurich and he’s since gone on to make a total of 39 senior appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Gnonto stats), and if the following update is to be believed, the 20-year-old luckily shouldn't have to wait long to make his 40th outing despite his scare.
Wilfried Gnonto available for Italy
Taking to X on Monday, Leeds reporter for The Yorkshire Evening Post, Joe Donnohue, stated that Gnonto has seemingly avoided a serious injury and could feature for Italy’s U21s vs Ireland this evening.
He wrote: “Understand Gnonto has remained with the Italy squad and could feature tomorrow night. Appears the 20 y/o has escaped any sort of significant damage and should be available for #LUFC this weekend, all being well.”
Leeds United forwardWilfried Gnonto.
Leeds handed huge boost over Gnonto
Whilst Gnonto has only started six games this season in the Championship (WhoScored – Gnonto stats), Leeds will know that he’s still capable of performing at a high standard, therefore, it will come as a massive boost for Farke to know that he hasn't suffered a serious injury.
The Verbania native has posted 10 goal contributions (five goals and the same number of assists) in 39 first-team appearances following his arrival, posing a threat to the opposition’s defence regardless of whether the end product isn’t always there.
The Elland Road outfit’s £20k-per-week earner (Leeds salaries), currently ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive carries (FBRef – Gnonto stats), highlighting his desire to push his team as high up the pitch as possible by using his pace to dribble past his marker.
Gnonto’s versatility to operate everywhere across the frontline and also in three roles in the midfield is another attribute that makes him a “nightmare” for defenders to deal with, according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, so the fact that he isn’t set for a spell on the sidelines is a big plus for the club in West Yorkshire.
Ange Postecoglou has transformed Tottenham Hotspur into one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Premier League, with Spurs picking up 10 points from their opening four games.
That's not to say that the former Celtic boss has abandoned his backline, either, with Spurs also keeping two clean sheets in four games to sum up an excellent start.
All of this comes in the wake of Harry Kane's exit, making Postecoglou's work all the more impressive so far. Without the forward, some may have been worried about Spurs' ability to find the back of the net, but they've done anything but struggle.
Meanwhile, it's always nice to have an academy graduate on the pitch, and losing Kane denied the Lilywhites of that somewhat. But, now, according to Alasdair Gold of Football London, one standout centre-back could be on his way to getting his chance.
What did Alasdair Gold say?
In his latest Q&A about Spurs, Gold spoke about the club's current defensive options, with the likes of Japhet Tanganga out on loan at Augsburg, and Davinson Sanchez completing a move to Turkish Super Lig club Galatasaray.
Their departures have opened the door for a fresh face to impress from the academy, however, and Gold believes that 18-year-old Alfie Dorrington may well be handed the opportunity, saying:
“I think Alfie Dorrington stands a better chance now of making some headway with Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga heading off. The young centre-back is a real talent and he’s been training with the first team at times and will continue to do so this season and that can only help his development."
It would certainly hand Postecoglou a defensive boost if Dorrington became a viable option in the current campaign. Whilst Spurs are out of the Carabao Cup, and don't have European football to think about, when competitions such as the FA Cup come around, or when the Premier League fixtures start coming thick and fast, Dorrington may just be needed in the first team, should injuries or suspensions occur.
Who is Alfie Dorrington?
An 18-year-old centre-back, Dorrington received his first professional contract just one day after his 17th birthday, making it a moment to remember for the young defender. He comes into the first-team picture at a good time, too, given Spurs' defensive departures, and the clean slate welcomed with the arrival of Postecoglou.
If the teenager manages to impress in training, then he may just get himself a chance to make his first-team debut. When it gets to around December, as mentioned, fixtures will start to come thick and fast in the Premier League, possibly resulting in rotation and a chance for fringe players to step up.
As things stand, the Lilywhites have Micky van de Ven, Eric Dier, and Cristian Romero to call upon when it comes to senior centre-back options, alongside another teenage in Ashley Phillips. Of course, Ben Davies can slot in, but the Welshman is primarily a left-back more than anything.
The fact is, as positive as things have been for Spurs, they could be a couple of injuries away from a defensive crisis, and may be forced to turn towards Dorrington to solve that if needed.
Victoria were ahead by 160 runs and had nine second-innings wickets in hand at the WACA
ESPNcricinfo staff25-Feb-2018 Chris Tremain sends down a delivery•Cricket Australia/Getty ImagesFast bowler Chris Tremain’s first seven-wicket haul in first-class cricket gave Victoria the ascendency on day two against Western Australia at the WACA.Tremain had five of his seven victims caught behind the wicket in an outstanding display of fast bowling on a surface that offered bounce and seam movement.Josh Philippe made a brisk 62 at the top of the order before he edged Tremain to first slip, while Ashton Turner was the unluckiest victim, strangled down the leg side for 44. Wicketkeeper Sam Harper took four catches while Dan Christian took two of his three catches at first slip, as the Warriors conceded a 90-run first innings lead.The Bushrangers lost Travis Dean late in the day after a 61-run opening stand with Marcus Harris. Peter Siddle kept out eight balls as the nightwatchman to give the visitors a 160-run lead heading into day three.
In a direct reversal of the first ODI, Zimbabwe piled on 333 for 5 before wiping out Afghanistan for 179 to consign them to their second-biggest ODI defeat
ESPNcricinfo staff11-Feb-2018AFPBrendan Taylor’s first century since returning to Zimbabwe in September last year underpinned a crushing 154-run win over Afghanistan in the second ODI in Sharjah. Taylor’s 125 turbocharged Zimbabwe’s innings as they racked up 333 for 5, having elected to bat first. The chase was equally lopsided, with Afghanistan at one point in danger of losing by over 200 runs, before Dawlat Zadran cut the margin down with an unbeaten 47 at No. 10 – the highest score of the innings. It was still Afghanistan’s second-heaviest ODI defeat.The result, which brought the five-match series level one-all, was a direct reversal of the first ODI, which was decided by the same margin, with the same totals. On that occasion, Afghanistan had piled on 333 for 5 before Zimbabwe crashed to 179 all out.Taylor’s job began as a tedious one, as he arrived seeking to offset the early loss of Solomon Mire. He put on 85 with Hamilton Masakadza (48), before miscommunication ended Masakadza’s stay and gave Afghanistan some respite. Then came the defining partnership of the match – a 135-run association for the fourth wicket between Taylor and Sikandar Raza off just 110 balls.Taylor raised his hundred off his 110th ball – and the first of the 43rd over – with a drive to long-on, before Zimbabwe kicked into overdrive. The carnage began with Taylor mowing legspinner Rashid Khan over midwicket for six, two balls after getting to his hundred. He followed it up with a six and a four off Dawlat Zadran in the next over. Taylor’s last 25 runs took just 11 balls.At the other end, Raza moved at breathtaking speed as well, hurtling from a run-a-ball 55 to 92 off 74 balls. He was out with seven balls remaining in the innings, chipping a slower ball to cover. His 92 contained nine fours and four sixes.In all, Zimbabwe struck 14 sixes in their innings, and slapped 101 runs in the last eight overs. Afghanistan did not help themselves with their undisciplined bowling, conceding six no-balls and nine wides, but their bowling wasn’t without positives. Their spinners held their own amidst the carnage. Rashid and Mohammad Nabi were parsimonious, returning combined figures of 2 for 69 in 20 overs, while the offspinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who opened the bowling, took 1 for 47 in 10 overs.The chase was a disaster as Afghanistan lost their fifth wicket shortly after the Powerplay. Nabi then briefly tantalised with a boundary-ridden 31 before Graeme Cremer burst through his defences. Rahmat Shah, the No. 3, fought alone with 43, and was the ninth man dismissed, in the 26th over. Dawlat then delayed Zimbabwe’s victory push with a last-wicket partnership of 64 with Mujeeb. Dawlat scored at a strike rate of over 160, and pillaged six sixes. But it accounted for little.Zimbabwe’s bowlers hunted in a pack. The pacers Tendai Chatara and Blessing Muzarabani carved up the top and middle order with five wickets between them, while Cremer wiped out the lower order to finish with four wickets.
It’s not been the summer that Wolverhampton Wanderers would’ve planned, with woes regarding Financial Fair Play (FFP) consuming all areas of the club.
After joining the Old Gold back in November, Julen Lopetegui worked wonders in his first season, taking over from Bruno Lage when Wolves were bottom of the table, and firing them to a 13th-place finish.
Following the tests and turnaround of the 2022/23 campaign, the Spaniard has been rumoured to be moving towards the exit door, as the Midlands side’s financial problems become more and more of a hindrance on progression.
Who could replace Lopetegui at Wolves?
As reported by talkSPORT this week, Fosun could seek help in the form of former AFC Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil, should Lopetegui decide to part ways.
The report claims that the Old Gold owners ‘will consider’ approaching the former Premier League boss in the instance of the Spaniard’s exit.
It would be a fast return for the Englishman, who was let go by the Cherries after keeping them safely in the top-flight at the end of last season.
Should Wolves hire Gary O’Neil?
Praised by Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodsgon for his “fantastic” efforts in keeping Bournemouth up in what was an “enormous job”, O’Neil could be the perfect candidate to take the reins from Lopetegui.
Thrown into action just after the commencement of the 2022/23 season, the 40-year-old was relieved of his role as a coach within the first team and pulled into the spotlight following Scott Parker’s dismissal.
In November, the former midfielder was appointed as head coach following his temporary appointment as interim manager, in a move that ultimately kept the Cherries fighting in the top-flight.
Bournemouth were three points above the relegation zone at the point of his crowning as permanent head coach, and luckily for those at the Vitality Stadium, the Englishman managed to keep the momentum going.
julen-lopetegui-wolves
O’Neil received an abundance of praise for his transformation of things on the pitch for the south coast side, chopping and changing between his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation to find the best shape for the side he had.
Finishing the season in 15th and five points clear of the chop, was a monumental achievement considering the club’s run-in, however at the end of the campaign the 40-year-old was shockingly dismissed.
Speaking following his exit, former Arsenal legend and pundit Martin Keown branded the decision as “brutal”, however in hindsight, it could be good news for Wolves.
Ending last term as the Premier League’s lowest scorers, things had to change this window, however with the club caught up in the midst of FFP concerns, it doesn’t seem as though things will change.
Club chairman Jeff Shi penned an open letter to fans to explain the struggles and to suggest that the transfer situation is not expected to change dramatically before the close of the window.
Lopetegui has spoken openly about how he is “worried” about the new season, leaving many doubtful about his commitment to staying at Molineux.
O’Neil could be the perfect man, considering how he utilised his squad at the Vitality, taking them six league matches unbeaten at the beginning of his tenure and visibility improving the side’s playing style, whilst also helping them beat the drop – something that the Midlands outfit seem destined to face themselves this term.
The Englishman’s thorough tactical approach and ability to not only keep Bournemouth up last season but to implement an attractive style of play, makes him a strong acquisition for Wolves to consider should Lopetegui exit.
Given his experience at a similar level within the Premier League to the Old Gold’s situation last term, his ability to succeed against the odds could turn fortunes around at Molineux.
Fulham are "ready to swoop" for Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi and believe a deal can be struck for him, according to reports in the last 48 hours.
Who will Fulham sign this summer?
Marco Silva's side, at long last, recently confirmed new signings ahead of the 2023/2024 season with Mexico international striker Raul Jimenez and centre-back Calvin Bassey joining the west Londoners.
Jimenez will help to fill the void by Aleksandar Mitrovic's potential departure, with the Serbian mooted to be chasing an exit regardless of whether his Saudi move goes through or not.
Meanwhile, Bassey joins Fulham with plenty of potential, having previously starred for Rangers in the SPFL and on their Europa League run in 21/22 – not to mention a brilliant campaign at Ajax last season.
Silva, after sealing these major moves, is certainly not done there according to recent rumours – with the likes of Everton's Demarai Gray, Fluminese's Andre and Man United midfielder Fred all linked in the past week.
Fulham enjoyed a fine campaign over 2022/2023, briefly contending for a European spot and securing a solid mid-table finish – all the while finishing above big-spending London rivals Chelsea.
Another player to have been repeatedly linked with a move to Craven Cottage is Hudson-Odoi, with reports suggesting he is likely to leave Chelsea this summer.
A report by Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke shares an update on their pursuit of the 22-year-old, and it's stated they are "ready to swoop" for him.
There is currently a difference in valuations delaying a full agreement between the clubs, but there is a belief a deal can be wrapped up for the forward.
While Serie A side Lazio and league rivals Nottingham Forest are believed to be keen on signing Hudson-Odoi, Fulham have a slight edge in the race, with the player apparently keen to remain in London.
The £180,000-per-week star is also "ready" to quit Chelsea, meaning it could be just a matter of time before one of the aforementioned clubs seal a deal for him, depending on developments.
How good is Callum Hudson-Odoi?
On loan at Bayer Leverkusen last season, Hudson-Odoi struggled to make an impact, scoring just one goal and assisting one other in 21 total appearances.
However, the Englishman is still only young, and maybe a fresh opportunity away from Chelsea is exactly what is needed to reignite his career.
Chelsea legend and two-time manager Frank Lampard tipped him to be "huge" in 2019, going on to call him an "incredible player".
“I know what a player he is," said Lampard to the media.
"He can be an incredible player and he has improvement to make and I want to work with him to do it. But for that he needs to stay longer at the club and of course that then goes to a decision between him and the club itself. I can see him being a huge player for us.”
Meanwhile, members of the media like FourFourTwo writer Mark White have revered Hudson-Odoi for his "unbelievable vision" whilst calling Hudson-Odoi "special".
"Hudson-Odoi is special," said White in 2022.
"He can breeze past full-backs and has unbelievable vision. But what was mad about him from a young age was the sheer mentality. The confidence. The control. He exuded a vibe like nothing ever seen in English football."
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing up a wildcard option to potentially replace in-demand talisman, Harry Kane this summer, amid reports that the Lilywhites are showing an interest in Flamengo striker, Pedro.
What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?
With under a year left to run on his current contract in north London, Kane is still facing an uncertain future at the club with the new Premier League season just a few weeks away, with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich among those particularly keen to prise the 29-year-old from N17.
If the England skipper is to secure an exit in the near future, the Independent's Miguel Delaney has revealed that Ange Postecoglou's side are 'considering a move' for Pedro, with the 26-year-old among a 'range of options' on the club's radar.
The piece notes that the notion of Kane leaving is now seeing as 'more realistic', hence looking to figures like the Brazilian – who reportedly has an £87m release clause in his contract – in an attempt to try and build a new-look attack moving forward.
Who will replace Kane at Tottenham?
As Delaney suggested, Daniel Levy and co are believed view it as 'virtually impossible' to replace their record goalscorer such has been his impact over the last decade or so, hence trying to implement a more 'fluid' forward line in Postecoglou's image.
richarlison-tottenham-hotspur
There may be those already at the club who would be hoping to emerge as the new attacking figurehead if Kane was to depart, with last summer's £60m signing, Richarlison perhaps a prime candidate having regularly been utilised as a central striker for Brazil – for whom he has 20 goals in just 44 games.
That being said, however, the former Everton man endured a wretched debut season in the capital after netting just a solitary Premier League goal last term, having hardly proven that he can be a reliable goalscoring presence through the middle.
While pre-season is not often a fair gauge of a player's talents, the 26-year-old doesn't look to have turned a new leaf if the recent defeat to West Ham United is anything to go by, as he once again 'lacked composure in front of goal', according to 90min's Sean Walsh.
As such, the signing of his compatriot, Pedro, could then prove terrible news with regard to Richarlison's hopes of being the man to replace Kane, with the Flamengo marksman having proven far more prolific of late after netting 26 goals in just 35 outings in the current campaign.
Lauded as an "excellent finisher" by South American football expert, Tim Vickery, the 6 foot 1 hotshot boasts a standout tally of 93 goals in just 190 games in all competitions for his current side, having previously bagged 20 goals in just 58 games for Fluminense – for whom Richarlison scored 11 times in 46 games in the early stages of his career.
A truly clinical threat in the final third, Pedro notably ranks in the top 1% among his peers in the Men's next eight competitions for non-penalty goals – at an average of 0.88 per 90 – while the current Tottenham man has an average of just 0.20 per 90 for the same metric.
While it would represent something of a rogue choice if Postecoglou and Levy were to settle on Pedro as Kane's heir – with the six-cap hitman making just four appearances for Fiorentina in his only previous European adventure – it looks as if the Rio native has the finishing prowess needed to be able to thrive in north London, something Richarlison is yet to do.
Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale has been a busy man throughout the summer transfer window so far as he has made a number of signings to bolster the squad.
The Light Blues head coach has officially completed six new signings as a reaction to the club's failure to secure a single trophy by the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers, Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling, and Jack Butland have all joined on a permanent basis, whilst Abdallah Sima has also arrived on loan from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.
However, the 42-year-old boss still has well over a month to make further additions to his team and bringing in more creativity in the middle of the park should be one of his priorities.
No Rangers central midfielder produced more than four Scottish Premiership assists and Tom Lawrence, who only started four league matches, led the way with 1.8 key passes per game in that position.
Therefore, Beale must ignite the club's reported interest in FCSB creator Darius Olaru, who is available for a release clause of €4.9m (£4.2m), from earlier this summer.
How good is Darius Olaru?
The Romanian international is coming off the back of an exceptional campaign with the club and could be an excellent player for the Gers if he can translate that form over to Scotland.
Olaru has the potential to be Beale's own version of Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne, who FCSB general manager Mihai Stoica claimed is similar to the 25-year-old maestro as they both provide 'assists decisively' and play 'total football'.
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.
The left-footed wizard showcased his ability to carve open opposition defences with 2.2 key passes per game and 19 'big chances' created in total across 34 Superliga starts last season.
Meanwhile, De Bruyne racked up an outstanding 31 'big chances' created and averaged 3.1 key passes per outing in the Premier League for Pep Guardiola, which came after he produced 16 'big chances' for his fellow forwards throughout the previous top-flight campaign.
These statistics show that both players are capable of conjuring up excellent opportunities for their teammates in the final third on a regular basis from a central midfield position.
This is particularly useful in games against opposition who want to sit in a deep block, which requires creativity to open them up in order to win the match. De Bruyne and Olaru have both proven themselves to excel in these situations, based on their terrific form last term.
Last season, James Tavernier led the way for Rangers with 13 Premiership 'big chances' created.
This suggests that the Gers target would provide a significant creative boost to Beale's squad, particularly in the central midfield department.
The Romanian technician also registered 12 assists in 37 league games during the 2021/22 campaign, which is three more than any Light Blues star managed in their 2022/23 outings.
Olaru, who was once described as an "exciting" talent by scout Jacek Kulig, has the quality to be Beale's outstanding creative force on the pitch, and in midfield in particular, if he can adapt to Scottish football and replicate his FCSB form.
Therefore, the Gers manager must reignite the club's previous interest in ten-cap international to bolster his team's creativity ahead of next season, as the 25-year-old wizard could be his own version of De Bruyne by being a pass master in the middle of the park.
The cricket advisory committee, comprising Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, is likely to meet this week – most probably Tuesday or Wednesday – to finalise the process and interview schedule as India’s West Indies tour approaches
Nagraj Gollapudi06-Jun-2017Anil Kumble will be in the running once again to be coach of India after he officially re-applied for the post – this despite the BCCI having said there was no need for a formal application as he would be a “direct entry” into a final pool. Kumble is part of a six-man shortlist that includes Virender Sehwag, Tom Moody, Richard Pybus, Lalchand Rajput, and Dodda Ganesh, all candidates who will be interviewed by the three-member cricket advisory committee (CAC).Craig McDermott, the former Australian fast bowler had also sent an application but that arrived after the May 31 deadline. The CAC will assess the application and determine his eligibility for the interview.The CAC trio of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman is likely to meet this week – most probably Tuesday or Wednesday – to finalise the process and interview schedule. The BCCI wants to identify a candidate before the Champions Trophy ends on June 18, as India travel to the Caribbean immediately after for a limited-overs series.Kumble’s one-year contract was always due to end after the Champions Trophy, but instead of continuing a successful arrangement, the BCCI opted to advertise for fresh interviews. In large part, this is thought to be because the BCCI was concerned by player feedback on Kumble: some of the players, including the Indian captain Virat Kohli, have said they were uncomfortable with the “intimidating” style of Kumble’s man management.That has not deterred Kumble, whose application was one of the first to arrive when the application process opened on May 25. As well as his CV, Kumble has sent a detailed roadmap outlining his vision for the future of the Indian team.The BCCI and the Committee of Administrators (CoA) told Kumble in person that fresh applications will be considered once his contract ended when they met on the eve of the IPL final in Hyderabad. That meeting, incidentally, was for Kumble to make a detailed presentation on an upgrading of the contracts of Indian players and coaching staff; it is an issue on which Kumble and Kohli are very much on the same page.On the field, however, a widening of ways has developed in recent months, which makes the task of the CAC that much harder.It was, after all, Tendulkar, Ganguly and Laxman who brought Kumble into the fold despite the BCCI not including him in their original shortlist the last time around. Kumble was appointed despite having no formal qualifications. And the subsequent success India has had in the last year under Kumble will only make it harder still.But the weightiest question they will have to ponder is whether the the relationship between Kumble and Kohli is “so dysfunctional” that it cannot be salvaged and will instead be detrimental to the side. Tendulkar and Ganguly are believed to have spoken to Kohli to assess the situation, though they will not speak to Kumble until the interview. The preferred option, according to an official involved with the process, would be to not change something that isn’t broken, at least results-wise.”If the divide can be bridged, then that is the best solution because you want continuity if the team has done well for a year,” the official said. “You don’t need a new coach then. But it has to be something the two can work with. It cannot be a situation where the captain refuses to listen to the coach. The players will listen to the captain. What is the coach going to do then?”We have asked the CAC to talk among themselves before they pick the best person. There are issues. Are they surmountable with the CAC getting involved and sitting down with Kohli and Kumble and sorting it out? I hope it is possible.”The new coach, whoever it is, is likely to get a two-year contract with the 2019 World Cup as a main target.