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Four South African cricketers, including former Test wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile, have been handed bans by Cricket South Africa for breaching the board’s Anti-Corruption Code

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Aug-2016The charges and the sanctions

Thami Tsolekile: 12-year ban for “contriving to fix” in the 2015 Ram Slam, and failing to disclose the full details of an approach.

Jean Symes: Seven-year ban for failing to disclose a payment “which he knew or ought to have known” was given to him to breach the anti-corruption code.

Ethy Mbhalati and Pumelela Matshikwe: Each received a ten-year ban for receiving a payment/incentive to fix in the 2015 Ram Slam, making an illegal payment, and failing to disclose a payment and approach to the anti-corruption unit.

Four South African cricketers, including former Test wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile, have been handed bans by Cricket South Africa for breaching the board’s Anti-Corruption Code. While Tsolekile has been banned for 12 years, Jean Symes has been given a seven-year ban, and Ethy Mbhalati and Pumelela Matshikwe have each been given ten-year bans in relation to the 2015 Ram Slam T20 fixing case.All four players have accepted the bans given by CSA. The bans imposed on the players, effective from August 1, 2016, prevent them from participating or being involved in cricket in any capacity.Symes, Matshikwe and Tsolekile were all previously contracted with Lions, while Mbhalati was contracted to Titans.Tsolekile, who captained Lions previously and has played three Tests for South Africa, was sanctioned for “contriving to fix a match or matches in the 2015 Ram Slam; failing to disclose to the CSA Anti-Corruption Officer the full details of an approach to engage in corrupt conduct”. He was also banned for “failing to disclose full details of matters evidencing a breach of the Code by another participant; and obstructing or delaying the investigation by destroying evidence that was relevant to the investigation”.Symes, an allrounder, was banned for failing to disclose to the anti-corruption unit a payment “which he knew or ought to have known was given to him to procure a breach of the Code”, according to a CSA release. He has also been charged with “failing to disclose details of an approach to engage in corrupt conduct under the Code; failing to disclose full details of matters evidencing a breach of the Code by another participant; and failing to co-operate with the investigators by knowingly providing false information to them”.Mbhalati and Matshikwe have been banned for: “Receiving a payment or incentive to fix or contrive to influence improperly a match or matches in the 2015 RAM SLAM; making a payment which in the circumstances would bring the sport of cricket into disrepute; failing to disclose to the CSA Anti-Corruption officer a payment which they knew or ought to have known was given to them to procure a breach of the Code; failing to disclose details of an approach to engage in corrupt conduct and failing to disclose full details of matters evidencing a breach of the Code by another participant.”The CSA release stated that Matshikwe had three years of his ban suspended.CSA made its investigation into the allegations of fixing in the Ram Slam competition public last December. In January former cricketer Gulam Bodi was banned for 20 years after he admitted to contriving or attempting to fix matches during the 2015 Ram Slam T20 series.The board’s investigation was headed by independent attorney and former ICC Head of legal, David Becker, and former police Colonel and current head of CSA’s Anti-Corruption Unit, Louis Cole.CSA’s chief executive Haroon Lorgat said that while there was no evidence to suggest that an “actual fix in a match had been carried out”, the players had participated in “material discussions about match-fixing”.”Corruption is a very serious matter and for this reason we have devoted extensive time and resources to fully investigate every shred of evidence,” Lorgat said in the statement. “We are still finalising certain aspects of the investigation.”Whilst there has been no evidence to suggest that an actual fix in any match was carried out, these players all participated in material discussions about match-fixing. In fact, they all went further and accepted, or agreed to accept in the future, sums of money which they knew or ought to have known was given to them to procure a breach of the Code, or bring the game into disrepute.”ICC chief executive David Richardson said it was a plus if the actual fixing was thwarted, and the ICC supports the strong sanctions. “What is particularly satisfying to note is that it appears that any intended wrongdoing was disrupted before it happened, meaning the domestic games in question went ahead without any act of corruption being committed.”The sanctions are rightly strong and, I hope, will act as a deterrent to anyone thinking about getting involved in criminal activity of this nature whether at international or domestic level.”Symes, Matshikwe and Mbhalati expressed their regret over their actions and issued apologies in CSA’s press release. The release, however, did not include a statement from Tsolekile.”I would like to apologise to my family, friends, the public who are fans of the game of cricket, my team mates, Gauteng cricket, Lions cricket and especially to Cricket South Africa for my actions,” Matshikwe said in the press release. “I feel ashamed and I deeply regret being involved. I understand that I have to take responsibility and I accept the punishment that CSA has imposed on me. I am truly sorry.”Mbhalati admitted to a “bad mistake”: “I made a bad mistake which I will regret for a very long time. I would like to do all I can to prevent other players finding themselves in the difficult situation I now find myself in.””I deeply regret that at the end of my career, a career that I have devoted to the sport of cricket, my clubs, teams and fellow players, I have conducted myself in a manner that amounts to a contravention of the ethical code of conduct of Cricket South Africa,” Symes said. “In hindsight, I would have conducted myself differently. I regret any hurt or inconvenience that I have caused my team, my fellow players, my family and friends and specifically Cricket South Africa.”The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations chief Tony Irish said FICA might assist the players in their recovery process. “If it hadn’t been for education programme, I don’t think the players would have come forward and revealed what was going on,” Irish said. “This investigation would never have happened.”These are human beings, these are players who have gone astray. They are still individuals. They are guys who perhaps need support and assistance in other ways. We will probably look to assist them in that way. This is the best education a player can get – to see what happens when it does go wrong. These sorts of things become huge wake-up calls for players.”

ESPNcricinfo previews the second ODI between Ireland and Sri Lanka in Dublin

The Preview by Andrew Miller17-Jun-2016Match factsSaturday, June 18
Start time 10.45 local (0945 GMT)Big pictureTwo months ago in Dublin, Cricket Ireland unveiled an ambitious scheme in which it sought to rid the game of its elitist perception and become, by 2020, a mainstream sport to rank alongside the Emerald Isle’s big three: rugby, football and GAA.Nobody expects it to be an overnight process, least of all coming at a time – ten years on from their maiden ODI – when many of the players who have carried the side so far, so quickly, are coming to the end of their careers.But Thursday’s first match against Sri Lanka was a dispiriting setback nonetheless, as a calm century from Dinesh Chandimal and another remarkable international format debut from Dasun Shanaka proved sufficient to overwhelm a host nation whose hopes faded with the dismissal of their captain William Porterfield, for 73, and then collapsed in an undignified heap with their last six wickets tumbling for 18 runs.A further reminder of cricket’s second-tier status will be on parade during the second ODI – albeit one that would cause palpitations for any county ground hosting England for a major match. The Republic of Ireland’s campaign in Euro 2016 will reach a critical juncture during the early stages of the second innings, when they kick off against Belgium in Bordeaux.To their credit, the organisers at Malahide have taken that contest in their stride, with decent advance sales of 2000 tickets, allied to a relaxed gate policy that will make it easy for spectators to come and go when the conflicting priorities kick in.But for the sake of their ambitions at the start of the busiest home season in their history, Ireland need an improved performance against Sri Lanka, having now had a good sighter of both the conditions and a set of opponents whose early tour angst in the Test series against England is now a distant memory.Form guideIreland: LWLLL (last five matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka: WLWLLIn the spotlightDasun Shanaka was underestimated by England when he wobbled through their top order in the first Test at Headingley last month, and he produced a similar display of canny seam and swing to dismember Ireland’s lower-middle order in the opening fixture. Only 12 bowlers in ODI history have taken five wickets on debut, and few of them will have clobbered 42 runs from 19 balls as an . It’s been an impressive arrival.Barry McCarthy had a debut to remember as well. He needed just two deliveries to claim the first wicket of his international career, when Danushka Gunathilaka edged his burly seam to slip. As a 20-year-old net bowler in 2013, a sharp spell in the Malahide nets ahead of England’s fixture in September caught the eye of Ben Stokes, who then recommended McCarthy for a trial at Durham. He went on to become the first Irishman since the 19th Century to play county cricket before making an international appearance.Team newsWith McCarthy seemingly having earned a follow-up appearance, Max Sorensen could be the seamer to make way if Andy McBrine’s offspin is deemed worthy of an outing.Ireland (possible): 1 William Porterfield (capt), 2 Paul Stirling, 3 Ed Joyce, 4 John Anderson, 5 Kevin O’Brien, 6 Stuart Poynter, 7 Gary Wilson (wk), 8 Andy McBrine, 9 Barry McCarthy, 10 Tim Murtagh, 11 Boyd RankinSri Lanka’s batting line-up for the opening match featured the improbable sight of Upul Tharanga coming in at No. 8, an indication of how many options and alternatives their line-up possesses. Kusal Perera, restored to the top of the order after his successful return during the Test series, offers an explosive point of difference.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Kusal Perera, 2 Danushka Gunathilaka, 3 Lahiru Thirimanne/Kusal Mendis, 4 Dinesh Chandimal (wk), 5 Angelo Mathews (capt), 6 Dasun Shanaka, 7 Upul Tharanga/Farveez Maharoof, 8 Seekkuge Prasanna, 9 Suraj Randiv, 10 Shaminda Eranga, 11 Suranga LakmalPitch and conditionsDespite rain in the air, not to mention Northern Ireland’s stunning Euro 2016 victory over Ukraine which provided an alternative focus for the crowd, Thursday’s first ODI produced more than 500 runs across 90.4 overs, which would have been more but for Ireland’s alarming collapse. Sri Lanka proved there are runs on offer, but both sides’ seamers enjoyed the assistance on offer from the surface.Stats and trivia Ireland have yet to beat Sri Lanka in five ODI encounters, with three losses and two abandonments. Ireland have never yet won an ODI in Dublin against a Full Member nation. Their best result in nine previous matches was a tie with Pakistan at Clontarf in 2013.Quotes”We need to put a couple of things right that we didn’t do, a couple of more partnerships with the bat, and even myself or Kevin [O’Brien] or the lads that get in, kicking on a little bit more and getting that score that’s going to take us up to close to a winning score.”

Tottenham Hotspur talks with former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann have hit a 'stumbling block', according to journalist Mike McGrath.

What's the latest Spurs manager news?

Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy have reportedly drawn up a shortlist of managerial candidates to replace Antonio Conte with the north Londoners eyeing a few key targets.

Reports suggest the likes of Nagelsmann, Arne Slot of Feyenoord and Burnley's Vincent Kompany are all real contenders for the role with Levy facing a crucial, crucial decision.

Since parting ways with Conte over a month ago, the north Londoners have seen a two interim bosses take the reins on a temporary basis. Cristian Stellini was given his marching orders after Spurs' hopes of securing a top four Premier League finish fell by the wayside, with Ryan Mason placed in charge until the end of the season.

No league win in their last four means Tottenham are potentially fighting for a Europa League place at best as Man United sit nine points clear of Spurs with two games in hand.

Their permanent managerial appointment for next season will now be taking priority behind-the-scenes and Nagelsmann could be an exciting target.

Now, as per The Telegraph and reporter McGrath, there has been an update on Spurs' pursuit of the ex-RB Leipzig boss – and it's worrying news for Levy.

Indeed, sharing news on 'talks' with Nagelsmann, McGrath claims Tottenham have hit a 'stumbling block' in their potential move for the tactician. The uncertainty surrounding Spurs' sporting director has apparently thrown a spanner in the works with Nagelsmann's possible appointment.

It is believed that knowing who will be heading recruitment and the club's transfer policy is a key factor for the German and an important component of his decision to come to north London.

This comes after former managing director Fabio Paratici resigned from his post following a 30-month worldwide ban from football, with his appeal failing to go through.

What could Nagelsmann bring to Spurs?

If Spurs manage to find a way around this conundrum, Nagelsmann would be an undoubted perfect appointment to take the club forward.

Called a 'phenomenal' tactical innovator by BBC Sport writer Raj Chohan, Levy actually wanted to bring Nagelsmann to Spurs before he went to Bayern, so it's little surprise they are attempting a move again after his dismissal.

Man City boss Pep Guardiola tipped him to be a success all the way back in 2018 during his Hoffenheim days, and having already won a title at such a young age, Nagelsmann stands out as one of Europe's most exciting managers.

Given his status as a free agent, Spurs are unlikely to get another great opportunity like this to finally appoint him.

رفض صلاح محسن، مهاجم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، الدخول في أي صفقات تبادلية، خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية المُقبلة.

وكان مصدر داخل النادي الأهلي، قد أكد لـ “بطولات” في وقت سابق، أن نادي مودرن فيوتشر طلب ضم ثنائي الأهلي صلاح محسن وأحمد عبد القادر، بالإضافة إلى لاعب من فريق الشباب، مُقابل انتقال عمر كمال عبد الواحد للقلعة الحمراء.

وعلم “بطولات”، أن صلاح محسن رفض الدخول في صفقات تبادلية، مطالبًا بالاستغناء الخاص به حال رغبة الأهلي في رحيله في يناير المُقبل.

طالع أيضًا | وائل القباني: صلاح محسن يكذب بشأن تبرير إشارته لـ جمهور الأهلي

الجدير بالذكر، أن السويسري مارسيل كولر، المدير الفني لفريق النادي الأهلي، لا يعتمد على صلاح محسن في الفترة الماضية، وفتح الباب لرحيله، خاصة وأنه يدفع بـ محمود كهربا في مركز الهجوم، وأنتوني موديست، ويريد ضم مهاجم جديد.

Tottenham Hotspur have suffered a blow as Ben Davies is set to miss a month through injury.

What's the latest on Ben Davies?

The defender was withdrawn in the first half as Spurs drew in the Premier League last weekend, and their fears have come true as he is now set to miss an extended period with a hamstring injury.

The 29-year-old has made 34 appearances in all competitions this season, with most coming in the centre of defence, while he has also played in a more familiar role at left wing-back.

The Wales international will be a big loss to a side currently in chaos. Manager Antonio Conte could depart the club this week with no clear indication of who could replace him, whilst the Lilywhites aim to finish in the top four after failing to win silverware yet again.

Presenter Michael Bridge confirmed the latest on Davies while speaking on Sky Sports News this Thursday, lamenting what is bad news for the club as one of their more experienced players is set for a spell on the sidelines.

He said (via Southampton): "Some bad news for Tottenham Hotspur. Ben Davies picked up a hamstring injury against Southampton on Saturday.

"A real, real disappointment for him. He's been playing very well, but that could keep him out for up to a month, so that's some bad news for him."

Should Davies continue to be a starter for Spurs?

The £93k-per-week star has made 305 appearances for the club since he joined from Swansea City and is perhaps one of the better defenders in what has been a much-criticised backline.

Conte himself has described Davies as "reliable" in the past, and given the poor performances from the likes of Clement Lenglet and Eric Dier, it seems clear that the Welshman is far from the most expendable member of the Spurs defence.

With his vast experience, Davies could prove to be a useful asset both on and off the pitch, as Spurs may go through something of a rebuild in the near future, with a potential change in manager on the horizon and while speculation continues over Harry Kane's future.

Keeping a long-serving player like Davies in the squad could help the club through what may be a tough period, and with Lenglet's loan spell set to end, he will be necessary for depth at the very least.

It remains to be seen what formation Spurs will use next season, as Conte's possible departure could mean the side reverts to a back four instead of a three, and this could see Davies return to his original position at left-back.

Either way, Spurs' results over the next few weeks should show just how important Davies is to the team while he recovers from his latest knock.

Tottenham Hotspur may have got back to winning way against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, although that largely comfortable victory has likely done little to quash the uncertainty surrounding Antonio Conte’s position at the club.

As The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed on Monday, there is seemingly a ‘good chance’ that the 53-year-old will move on when his contract expires this summer, despite talks being set to take place next month regarding a possible extension.

Despite enjoying an initial strong impact following his appointment back in November 2021 – after guiding the Lilywhites to a top-four finish last season – the former Chelsea boss has been unable to kick on this term, with the club’s woes emphasised by crashing out of both the FA Cup and the Champions League in recent weeks.

The “pathetic” nature of the performance in the second-leg, goalless draw with AC Milan in the latter competition – as per journalist Josh Bunting – appeared to showcase that all is not well at the club, with it having hardly looked like a side or a manager that was up for the fight.

Unsurprisingly, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is seemingly already eyeing possible candidates to replace the Italian at the end of the season, with Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou among those who could be considered for the role, according to the Telegraph.

The report suggests that should Levy and co opt against re-hiring former manager Mauricio Pochettino, Postecoglou is among the possible ‘alternatives’ to fill the position, with the Greek-Aussie currently working wonders at Parkhead.

Would Postecoglou be a good fit at Spurs?

While Conte has come under fire at times for his pragmatic or even negative style of play, the same cannot be said of the Hoops boss, with the 57-year-old having implemented simply “beautiful, attacking football” in Glasgow, as per BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves.

Appointed by the Old Firm giants as something of an unknown quantity back in the summer of 2021, Postecoglou has since been a revelation in Scottish football, with the Bhoys looking all but certain to retain their league title after remaining nine points clear of rivals Rangers at the summit.

Not only has the experienced manager fashioned a truly rampant, winning machine, but it is the manner in which his team has performed that has truly caught the eye, with the Scottish champions having already scored 90 goals in just 28 league games this season.

That attacking, front-foot approach has seen the one-time Yokohama Marinos head coach already racking up 75 wins in just 101 games in charge of the club, with his 2.33 points per game record far superior to that of Conte – 1.79.

Not just a progressive coach, Postecoglou has also earmarked himself as a figure who truly commands respect from his squad, with pundit Frank McAvennie having stated that the “players will run through brick walls for him” at Paradise.

As Tottenham’s recent stalemate with Milan showcased – in which they “made it so easy” for the opposition, as per Bunting – the same can seemingly not be said for Conte and his players, with it difficult to see the same kind of harmony that Postecoglou has been able to fashion north of the border.

While it may be something of a left-field move to appoint a figure who has spent the majority of his managerial career outside of Europe, it does appear to be a risk worth taking as far as Levy is concerned.

Conor McGilligan doesn’t believe Nuno Espirito Santo would be interested in staying with Leeds United in the Championship.

The Lowdown: Leeds remain managerless

Despite seeing clubs around them all change managers in the last few months, Leeds and Victor Orta have seen it fit to sack Jesse Marsch without having a ready-made replacement waiting to jump into the hot seat.

After failing to land either Arne Slot or Andoni Iraola, Orta decided to place his trust in Michael Skubala for the two biggest games of the clubs season in the form of Everton- which they lost – and seemingly he will be in the dugout next weekend against Southampton.

However, given the manner of defeat yesterday against Everton it should come as no surprise if Leeds decided to move for a linked manager with more experience in the form of former Wolves boss Espirito Santo.

The Latest: Nuno Espirito Santo being linked

McGilligan was asked on his YouTube channel if Nuno would look to stay around at Leeds if he was appointed but then failed to keep them in the top flight and he was far from convinced that would be the case.

He said: (32:15) “I don’t know Nuno as a person, I think his stock is a little bit too high to go back to the Championship. He was obviously trying to build his stock when he was at Wolves, then got into the Premier League and [achieved] two consecutive seventh-place finishes and left when they were 13th or 14th.

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“I think his stock is too high at the minute to go down, I know he’s been in Saudi Arabia but he could just get another gig like that again, get paid a ridiculous amount of money, and ride off into the sunset but I don’t know his character.”

The Verdict: Orta must make an appointment

It would be a slight risk from Leeds to appoint Espirito Santo given that he’s been managing out in Saudi Arabia since July 2022, so may take a while to get him back up to speed with the tactical demand of the Premier League.

Also, the fact that his last job in England was far from a success as he was sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after just 10 league games in charge but he does indeed have Premier League experience which will appeal to Leeds.

No matter what though, Victor Orta should be looking to appoint someone very quickly with Premier League experience and perhaps even Championship experience so they have a contingency plan if the worst does indeed happen.

As a club with a rich history of promoting young talent – from the famed Lisbon Lions right up to current skipper, Callum McGregor – Celtic appear to constantly be churning out up-and-coming stars who can go on to thrive either at Parkhead, or beyond.

One such youngster who is currently creating a lot of buzz in Glasgow at present is promising teenager, Rocco Vata, with the highly-rated 17-year-old – who is the son of ex-Hoops defender Rudi Vata – having already forced his way into the first team.

The gifted playmaker – who has been attracting interest from clubs across Europe in recent times – was notably handed his senior debut by manager Ange Postecoglou back in December despite his youth, with that a marker of just how highly-regarded he is by the Old Firm outfit.

A player with an “exciting future ahead”, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig, the playmaking Irishman was also involved in the club’s Sydney Super Cup voyage during the World Cup break, after previously earning a place in the pre-season friendly trip to Austria.

Although there may be fears that the Glasgow-born gem could follow the likes of Ben Doak in securing a move to the Premier League, with both Manchester City and Arsenal reportedly keeping tabs on his progress, the hope will be that he can go on to make further strides under Postecoglou moving forward.

The 5 foot 9 dynamo has certainly showcased his attacking flair in the youth ranks of late, having already scored 11 goals in all competitions so far this season, including nine goals in just 15 Lowland League games for the club’s ‘B’ team.

Such quality has notably seen Vata earn comparisons to current Chelsea and England star, Raheem Sterling from talent scout Jake McGhee due to his ‘dribbling and flair’, with that an indication of the possible diamond that Postecoglou currently has on his hands.

The fact that the youngster has been described as a player who “has a fantastic ability to beat people and create chances”, according to youth coach Darren O’Dea, appears to showcase just why those Sterling comparisons ring true, with the experienced Englishman also possessing such dynamic traits.

That is evidenced by the fact that the 28-year-old – who, like Vata, can feature all across the forward line – ranks in the top 3% in Europe among his fellow forwards for progressive carries as well as in the top 7% for successful take-ons, thus illustrating his innate knack for breezing past opposition defenders.

The 82-cap speedster is no doubt an impressive figure to be likened to, having most notably racked up 131 goals and 95 assists in 339 games during a glittering spell at the Etihad, while also being described as “frightening” by talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino last year.

To be able to emulate what is arguably a “world-class player” – according to ex-Everton boss Frank Lampard – will take some doing as far as Vata is concerned, although it bodes well for the career that he could go on to enjoy to have been compared to such an elite attacking talent.

Nottingham Forest are showing a late ‘interest’ in forward Andre Ayew ahead of a potential return to the Premier League, according to journalist Toby Cudworth.

The Lowdown: Ayew profiled

The Ghana international made the move to Qatar to join Al Sadd from Swansea City back in 2021, but having not put pen to paper on an extension, has recently been released and is now a free agent roaming the market to find his next destination.

The 33-year-old veteran has bags of experience in the top flight having previously carried out spells at West Ham United and the Welsh outfit, and there’s a chance that he could be staging a comeback, with five clubs now firmly in the race for his signature.

The Latest: Nottingham Forest eyeing Ayew

Taking to Twitter, Cudworth confirmed that Forest, alongside several other of their competitors, are all considering making a late approach for Ayew before tonight’s deadline.

“West Ham, Bournemouth, Southampton, Everton and Nottingham Forest have shown an interest in free agent Andre Ayew.

“The 33-year-old has lots of PL experience & is a potential late window option after leaving Al Sadd.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Ayew has been described as a player who ‘glides past opponents’ by journalist Josh Bunting, and he would be an extremely useful acquisition for Forest.

The Seclin native scored a remarkable 22 goals and provided three assists in 39 appearances for Al Sadd and is an extremely versatile player, having operated in an incredible nine different positions throughout his career (Transfermarkt).

Ayew is also the captain of Ghana’s national team so he would add plenty of leadership qualities and pedigree to Steve Cooper’s squad, making him the perfect candidate to put pen to paper at The City Ground.

Kalvin Phillips finally made his first Manchester City start, more than six months after joining, in the defeat against Southampton recently but the game served as a cruel reminder of director of football Txiki Begiristain’s poor transfer business in the summer.

The England international would join Pep Guardiola’s side in a deal worth £45m in the summer but has been plagued with injury and fitness issues during his spell at the Etihad, managing just five minutes of action in the Premier League.

This suggests that, even when he has been fit, Guardiola doesn’t really trust him to start yet, with Rodri far and away the number one choice in the defensive midfield position.

The former Leeds United man’s one start against Southampton certainly didn’t go to plan either, as he earned a disappointing 6.59 rating from WhoScored for his performance in the 2-0 defeat, with Guardiola axing the Englishman after just 63 minutes at St Mary’s.

To make matters worse, the 27-year-old was outshone by former City academy graduate Romeo Lavia, who moved to Southampton in a deal worth just £14m in the summer.

The Belgian youngster, who was once likened to Fernandinho at the Etihad, has spent much of this season on the sidelines through injury but has certainly caught the eye with his “impressive” performances, with his goal and display against Chelsea earlier in the season leading the Blues to bid £5om for his services on deadline day, a deal which they could revisit in this month’s transfer window.

Lavia would earn a 6.81 match raging from WhoScored for his performance against City in the League Cup, providing the assist for Moussa Djenepo’s goal.

The 19-year-old dynamo looks destined for a big future and should he complete a move away from the south coast club in the near future, City may well miss out on the opportunity to utilise their £40m buy-back clause.

Considering Lavia featured twice under Guardiola during his time at City, it seems clear that the Spanish manager rated him highly and was perhaps hoping to see him continue his development at the Etihad.

If we compare Lavia’s stats from this season to Phillips from last season with Leeds, we also see that the Saints star has averaged more interceptions (1.3 vs 1.2) and more dribbles (0.7 vs 0.4) per game, while he has also been dribbled past on far fewer occasions (0.6 vs 1.7).

While the City flop might technically be the more established player right now, Lavia’s promising stats and potential suggest that City may have made a big mistake in letting him go so cheaply in the summer, only to replace him with an older, more injury-prone midfielder.