OPPO Mobiles India, the smartphone manufacturer, has won the Indian team sponsorship rights for a five-year period, starting April 1 2017. OPPO Mobiles will pay INR 1079 crore (approx USD 162 million) for the duration of their contract having beaten the only other bid of INR 768 crore (approx USD 115 million) from Vivo, another smartphone manufacturer. The minimum reserve price was set by the BCCI at INR 538 crore (approx USD 81 million).The bids were opened in the presence of both parties at noon on Tuesday. OPPO’s was worth INR 4.61 crore (approx USD 693,000) per match for bilateral series and INR 1.51 crore (approx USD 227,000) per match for ICC sponsored tournaments. The existing team sponsor, Star India, whose contract expires on March 31, had paid INR 1.92 crore (approx USD 289,000) and 61 lakh (approx USD 92,000) per match for bilateral and ICC tournaments respectively. The team sponsorship rights bring with them the opportunity to display a commercial logo on the men’s, women’s, Under-19 and A teams’ kits.The five years rights period starts on 1st April 2017 and continues until 31st March 2022, during which India play 14 home series and 20 overseas series, which also include the ICC Champions Trophy, ICC Cricket World Cup and the World T20 events.BCCI CEO Rahul Johri said the bid revealed the value of a partnership with the India team. “Star India gave us 203 crore (approx USD 30.5 million) in four years. OPPO has paid us 1079 crore over five years, which far exceeds the previous highest [contract],” he told ESPNcricinfo . “It really shows the true value of Indian cricket and the belief that companies have in Indian cricket. Because only once you have belief can you put in that kind of amount.”Johri said nine companies – “OPPO, Vivo, Star India, PayTM, Hero, Group M, DNA, DBS Bank and Encompass ” – had obtained the tender document following which two – OPPO and Vivo – submitted bids. Johri then went on the explain the process by which the winning bid was selected. “The tenders come into envelops, there is a technical evaluation and a financial bid. First, the technical bids are opened and examined for completion in terms of legal requirements by the BCCI lawyers and lawyers from Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. And, all financial aspects of the bid are evaluated by Deloitte. Once Deloitte tabulated the final numbers, we showed both parties each other’s numbers and the one with the higher number gets [the contract].”Diana Eduljee, member of the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators, said they were satisfied with the bidding process. “There was transparency and everything was in order,” she said in a press conference in Mumbai. “We are very happy with this bid because it has put cricket first and everything else in the background. This is a very positive sign and positive beginning for all of us. We hope to go forward from here.”Star India CEO Uday Shankar had said they decided not to bid again given the “volatility” surrounding the game and was particularly apprehensive about the lack of clarity over the Future Tours Programme.Johri, however, dismissed those concerns. “That [FTP] is already part of the tender document,” he said at the press conference. “Today’s result is testimony that there is no ambiguity. We play 259 games in total.” He also rejected the suggestion that big brands were no longer interested in investing in Indian cricket. “If you look at somebody putting 1079 crore for a five-year sponsorship, the company in its own right is a big company. That is testimony to the confidence in BCCI and Indian cricket,” he said.Sky Li, global vice-president and president of OPPO Mobiles India Pvt Ltd., said OPPO aimed to reach new heights alongside the India team. “Cricket in India isn’t just a sport, it is also a way of life, a culture, even a religion,” he said. “OPPO is the most adored youth-centralised brand. In India we also have been growing fast.”

South Africa’s AB de Villiers has displaced Australia’s David Warner at the top of the ICC rankings for ODI batsmen

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Mar-2017South Africa’s AB de Villiers has displaced Australia’s David Warner at the top of the ICC rankings for ODI batsmen. This the tenth time de Villiers has climbed to the top since 2010 – when he first went to No. 1 – and this latest stint comes after he top scored in the recently concluded series in New Zealand.De Villiers had scored 262 runs in the five-match series at 87.33, including two fifties. As per an ICC release, he has never been ranked outside the top-five ODI batsmen since September 2009.India’s Virat Kohli remains at No. 3 behind de Villiers and Warner, while England’s Joe Root has jumped four places to No. 4. following scores of 4, 90 not out and 101 in the Caribbean.De Villiers’ team-mate, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, broke into the top five of the ODI bowling rankings for the first time, slotting in behind Imran Tahir, Sunil Narine, Mitchell Starc and Trent Boult. Following his haul of 10 at 11.50 with an economy rate of 3.57 in the five-match series in Zimbabwe, Afghanistan offspinner Mohammad Nabi has climbed three spots to reach a career-best No. 7. England pacer Chris Woakes has jumped nine placed to No. 9 – the first time he is in the top 10 – courtesy his successes against West Indies.

Nottingham Forest are ready to make improvements as the transfer window officially opens, with a Premier League youngster linked with a move to the City Ground.

Steve Cooper isn’t expected to sign another 22 players as he did last summer, but reinforcements must be made if Forest are to continue their stay in the top-flight.

The Reds left it late to secure their Premier League survival this season, confirming their status next campaign in the penultimate fixture, however, the latest transfer link could bolster their chances of extending their stop-over.

What’s the latest on Carlos Borges to Nottingham Forest?

As reported by ESPN, Forest are interested in signing Manchester City academy star Carlos Borges.

The report claimed that sources close to the site have revealed talks between the player and club are at a ‘preliminary stage’, with it being possible that the player extends at City before going out on loan.

The treble winners value their teenage prospect at £11m, with it being ‘unclear’ whether the club would be willing to let the talent leave permanently.

What could Carlos Borges offer to Nottingham Forest?

Having been hailed as “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Portuguese gem has been an explosive figure in the club’s academy this season.

With Forest finding the net just 38 times in 38 games, there’s no surprise that Borges has caught the eye of Cooper, having enjoyed a lucrative goal-scoring campaign.

In 33 appearances in all competitions, the 19-year-old has scored 29 goals in the Premier League 2, the EFL Trophy and UEFA Youth League, as well as recording a monstrous 18 assists, via Transfermarkt.

The youngster is deployed primarily on the left wing for City’s academy and could be a vital asset to the City Ground if the two clubs can reach an agreement this summer.

Acting as a live wire on the flank, the former Sporting CP graduate could form a wicked partnership with Morgan Gibbs-White, who is the Reds' prime creator.

Named as Forest’s ‘creator-in-chief’ by The Telegraph’s John Percy, Gibbs-White has all the skills to unlock a forward and could take his game to another level if paired with an outlet as strong in the final third as Borges.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers star averaged 1.9 key passes per game this campaign, as well as recording eight assists and creating nine big chances, as per Sofascore.

Having a wide player ahead of him as confident and daring as the Sintra-born gem could ignite Forest with a new attacking outlet and explosive duo going into the new season.

Recording such numbers suggests that the 19-year-old prodigy is ready to assert himself on the Premier League, and with City not having the capacity to accommodate his development on a first-team basis, Forest could provide the perfect area for him to excel.

See who the fastest players are on EA Sports FC 24!

Everyone loves watching players get burnt for pace in football and with the launch of EA Sports FC 24, E-sports fans can enjoy doing that in the game. From known superstars to hidden gems, there are plenty of players packing some serious pace.

It is the first title since EA Sports' split with FIFA, but the game has retained all the players as well as the iconic Ultimate Team and classic Career Mode. The game releases in September giving fans plenty to play around under a new name and look to the game.

HereGOALbrings you a list of the quickest players in the game!

Getty ImagesKylian Mbappe | PSG | Pace 97

Attribute Rating

PAC97SHO90PAS80DRI92DEF36PHY78

French World Cup winning superstar, Kylian Mbappe, is the fastest player in the game. With a pace rating of 97, the 24-year-old forward can go past any player with ease and is difficult to deal with. He is also the best rated player in the game alongside Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.

AdvertisementGettyKarim Adeyemi | Dortmund | Pace 96

Attribute Rating

PAC96SHO77PAS71DRI81DEF34PHY68

Dortmund youngster, Karim Adeyemi, is given a pace rating of 96 in the game. The striker is a menacing presence for the backline with his speed and goalscoring instincts.

Getty ImagesAlphonso Davies | Bayern Munich | Pace 96

Attribute Rating

PAC96SHO66PAS78DRI84DEF74PHY77

The Canadian international and Bayern Munich left-back is joint second for the pace rating in the game. With 96 pace, the fullback can run tirelessly on the flanks and create chances for his teammates.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Vinicius Jr | Real Madrid | Pace 95

Attribute Rating

PAC95SHO82PAS78DRI90DEF29PHY68

Real Madrid and Brazilian winger, Vinicius Jr, is one of the most threatening players to come up against. With 95 pace rating and 90 dribbling, the 23-year-old is a specialist at beating players in 1v1 situations.

Dane Vilas, the former South Africa wicketkeeper, has signed a deal with the Durban-based Dolphins franchise for the 2017-18 season

Firdose Moonda04-Apr-2017

Dane Vilas has signed with the Dolphins after seven seasons with the Cobras•Getty Images

Dane Vilas, the former South Africa wicketkeeper, has signed a deal with the Durban-based Dolphins franchise for the 2017-18 season. Vilas, who played six Tests for South Africa and has also signed a Kolpak deal with Lancashire, was based at the Cobras for the last seven seasons.Vilas will add rare international experience to a Dolphins squad that lost several big names ahead of the 2016-17 season. David Miller and Kyle Abbott both left the franchise, leaving Imran Tahir as the only national player in the ranks at the start of last summer. Since then, Andile Phehlukwayo and Keshav Maharaj have both played for South Africa, adding some superstar quality to the outfit.Although Dolphins also have another wicketkeeper on their books in Morne van Wyk, the 38-year old is in the twilight of his career and recently handed the captaincy to Khaya Zondo. With Dolphins also losing Daryn Smit, who has relocated to the UK, Vilas will do the bulk of the keeping duties across all formats. He is not expecting to do the same at his county, where he has been signed primarily as a batsman, thus ensuring his workload does not become excessive across back-to-back seasons.”I will be available to keep for Lancashire if they need me to but they have a young keeper, Alex Davies, who is trying to break into the England ranks, so it will be good to offer assistance where I can,” Vilas said “Signing the Kolpak deal will mean that I will be able to focus on contributing to the Dolphins in all three formats.”Dolphins have also contracted Lwandiswa Zuma, a 20-year-old seamer who was schooled at Maritzburg College, the alma mater of Kevin Pietersen, and a South African under-19 player who was plying his trade at the Bloemfontein-based Knights.In the 2016-17 season, Dolphins, under new coach Grant Morgan, did not win any trophies. They finished fourth in the first-class and one-day cups and fifth in the T20 competition.

Jason Behrendorff finished with 9 for 37, the fifth-best Sheffield Shield figures, to help Western Australia gain control against Victoria

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Feb-2017
ScorecardFile photo – Jason Behrendorff returned the second-best figures by a Western Australia bowler in first-class cricket•Getty ImagesIn his first domestic match on return from injury, Jason Behrendorff produced the fifth-best figures in Sheffield Shield history, a sensational 9 for 37, to help Western Australia bowl out Victoria for 117. In reply, Western Australia closed the first day in control at 178 for 4.Behrendorff began Victoria’s slide from the third ball of the match, having Marcus Harris pinned in front for a first-ball duck. In his next over, he had Marcus Stoinis caught behind before Victoria put on a temporary fightback. In the 12th over, Aaron Finch was caught off David Moody for 34, the only batsman not dismissed by Behrendorff. Daniel Christian top-scored with a quick 39.Opener Jon Wells carried Western Australia through with an unbeaten 70 off 164 balls. Along with a 59-ball 43 from Michael Klinger, Western Australia went to stumps with a lead of 61.

Gio Reyna made the most of a chance to shine in the DFB-Pokal as the American put in a solid shift in a win over John Brooks and Hoffenheim.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Reyna and Brooks both start
• USMNT midfielder's second start in a row
• Dortmund faces gruelling schedule

Reyna made his second consecutive start and logged 70 good minutes in the win, creating several big chances for Dortmund. The hosts, ultimately, got their goal through Marco Reus just before halftime, as they sealed a 1-0 victory at Signal Iduna Park.

With the win, Dortmund have advanced to the competition's round of 16, with the draw set for November 5 with matches to be held on December 5-6.

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  It was a relatively dominant first half for Dortmund, who had Hoffenheim under siege but struggled to truly break through.

  That breakthrough did come, though, just minutes before halftime with Reus the goalscorer, as he has been so often over the years. The German star was on the end of a cutting pass from Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, allowing him to loop a shot into the right corner to give Dortmund the lead.

  It was a lead they would never relinquish as Hoffenheim struggled to create much of anything en route to their 1-0 defeat.

  In total, Dortmund outshot their opponents, 22-6, in a fairly dominant display headlined by a trio of young stars and the legendary Reus.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The start was Reyna's second consecutive appearance in the Dortmund XI, as he had previously started in the 3-3 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt over the weekend. He lasted just 45 minutes in that match, though, making this run out a little bit more substantial.

  Reyna played 70 minutes in this one as he continues to ramp up fitness after returning from an injury that delayed his start to the season. Those 70 minutes were largely good, as he combined well with fellow young stars Youssoufa Moukoko and Bynoe-Gittens, who also showed well in the win. Reus may have gotten the goal, but it was the performances of those three that will leave Dortmund fans most impressed.

  As for Brooks, he's been ever-present for Hoffenheim to start this season and he remains a key starter for the club as they sit sixth in the league even after this cup defeat.

• Getty
  

  USMNT IMPACT

  Reyna is very clearly still working his way back to full fitness, having only returned to the field just ahead of the international break in October. Getting this start is good news, although the USMNT will be waiting to see him get more regular minutes in the Bundesliga before getting too excited.

  As for Brooks, who knows what his USMNT status is. Gregg Berhalter namedropped him this fall as a player that is in the centerback pool, which was the first sign in a while that he may actually be in consideration. It'll likely take a series of strong performances but, with the Copa America just around the corner, Berhalter will need to consider all options.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  GOAL'S RATINGS

  Gio Reyna (7/10):

  Didn't get a goal contribution, but it felt like he could have had several. Was tricky and decisive in the attack, creating five chances during his 70-minute run. It was the type of performance that will lead to more opportunities, for sure.

  John Brooks (5/10):

  Helped hold down the fort against plenty of Dortmund attacks, but was at least partially at fault on the opening goal after losing Reus. Other than that, passing was good and Brooks was defensively solid, but it all comes down to those one moment, doesn't it?

Financial expert Kieran Maguire has been reacting to a Leeds United update involving the 49ers Enterprises and Elland Road.

What’s the latest Leeds news on the 49ers?

It was confirmed earlier this month that the 49ers Enterprises have completed a full takeover of Leeds from Andrea Radrizzani. The investment vehicle, which have links to NFL side the San Francisco 49ers, are now full owners of the Whites after previously having a 44% stake in the club.

A takeover was valued at £170m and includes the ownership of Elland Road, something which Maguire has been giving his thoughts on.

Talking to Football Insider regarding the news, Maguire, who contributes for Sky Sports, believes that “Leeds fans will love” the fact that the stadium and club are in the hands of the same party.

“I think there is an inevitability in regards to the 49ers’ investment in Leeds United that has been mooted for some time.

“It became quite clear that Andrea Radrizzani to a certain extent had lost interest in his ownership of Leeds United and was ready to move on. Therefore this is the logical and appropriate step to make.

“As far as the Elland Road acquisition, it makes sense, effectively the money from the 49ers will be knocked off the value of Elland Road and it will go into part of the overall pot.

“I think it is a very good idea to have continuity of ownership of both football club and stadium and I’m sure Leeds fans will love this.”

What did Andrea Radrizzani try and do with Elland Road?

Radrizzani has moved on from Leeds, heading back to his native Italy with a takeover of Sampdoria. However, the former Leeds owner and chairman recently explored the prospect of offering to use the club's Elland Road stadium as security against a £26m bank loan, doing so without informing the 49ers.

That was before a Leeds agreement was reached with the 49ers, so it is good to see that Elland Road has been included in the takeover and is not still on the books of a company run by Radrizzani.

The new owners are now looking to take the club back into the Premier League at the first time of asking and are on the search for a new manager, and who knows, should they succeed, they may look into plans to redevelop Elland Road over the coming years.

Manchester United are keen to bring Juventus defender Gleison Bremer to the Premier League, according to reports.

Is Gleison Bremer leaving Juventus?

The Brazilian international only arrived at the Allianz Stadium from Torino last summer and he impressed during his debut season, establishing himself as Massimiliano Allegri’s overall third best-performing player with a WhoScored match rating of 6.92.

However, even though the 26-year-old still has another four years remaining on his contract, the Serie A outfit are in need of funds and will therefore be looking to raise cash by selling some of their most prized assets during the upcoming window, the centre-back being one of them.

Back in 2021, Fantacalcio credited the Red Devils with an interest in the 6 foot 2 colossus when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge, and if the following update is to be believed, Erik Ten Hag is allegedly preparing to make a second attempt at securing his services.

Are Man United signing Bremer?

According to Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), Man United are “looking at” a potential summer swoop for Bremer. The Old Trafford side are “thinking about” the defender and are “particularly interested” in wrapping up a deal in the weeks and months ahead.

Juventus will demand an offer of at least €60m (£51m) in order to “carefully” consider a sale, and whilst a switch “doesn’t seem obvious at this stage”, Old Trafford chiefs did watch him live in action last season.

Where could Bremer fit in under Ten Hag?

Man United’s captain Harry Maguire has been heavily linked with a summer exit so Ten Hag will need a replacement in central defence should he depart, and having been dubbed an “animal” by Torino’s Mergim Vojvoda, Bremer could be the perfect candidate.

The World Cup participant was averaging 3.8 clearances and 2.6 aerial wins per Serie A game during the previous term, via WhoScored, so was a real solid option in the heart of the backline, but he also posed a threat in the final third with five goal contributions (four goals and one assist) to his name.

Bremer, who has the versatility to operate at right-back, also shares the same agent, CAA Base Ltd, as Raphael Varane, so his representative will already hold an existing connection to the club from when his other client joined, and this is a relationship that could give the Red Devils an advantage in trying to get a deal over the line this summer.

Manchester United are still positive over their pursuit for Mason Mount, despite their latest bid being rejected, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

What's the latest on Mason Mount?

The Chelsea star looks set to leave the club as he has no intention to renew his £80k-per-week contract, as he enters the final year of his deal.

The Blues are seemingly keen to offload players this summer with a number of their players headed for new experiences in Saudi Arabia.

Man United are heavily interested in the 24-year-old, and have seen two bids rejected, but remain confident that they will land the midfielder.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Mount has agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, and that United will not be swayed in their attempts to sign him despite Chelsea's strong stance over the transfer fee.

"There was also an official bid from Manchester United, the second to Chelsea for Mason Mount. Bid rejected, because the Manchester United proposal was still not what Chelsea wanted, it was around £45m fixed fee, so this was the idea of Manchester United for Mason Mount, but also with some add-ons," he stated.

"This is still not enough because Chelsea want more. Now the feeling is still positive around Mason Mount and Manchester United, because the player agreed 100% all the personal terms with Man United, so the contract is ready, it is done.

"Everything is okay between Mount and United, and Mount's camp confirmed again to Chelsea in recent hours that he's not signing a new deal, at least this is the situation as of now."

Will Mount be a good signing for Man United?

The midfielder would arrive on the back of one of the worst seasons in his career, as injuries limited him to just 24 league appearances, where he notched up just three goals and two assists as Chelsea finished in 12th place.

The Champions League winner has been a strong servant for Chelsea over the years, providing 70 goals and assists in 195 appearances, and he could slot straight into Man United's midfield alongside Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.

Erik ten Hag is seemingly aiming to bolster his midfield, and the arrival of Mount could see Fred depart, as the Brazilian has been linked with Fulham.

Despite his relatively young age, Mount will arrive with plenty of experience domestically and in Europe, and if United can get a deal over the line soon, he could be a top signing to kick off what will be an important summer transfer window for the club.