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West Brom are interested in signing Scotland international Jack Hendry this summer, ahead of the Baggies’ return to the Championship.

The Lowdown: Baggies plan for Championship return

It proved to be a disappointing season at the Hawthorns, with West Brom of course suffering relegation from the Premier League.

The aim now is to appoint the perfect manager to replace Sam Allardyce – one who can mastermind the Baggies’ return to the top-flight and keep them there.

New signings will be required for that to happen though, and a new report has emerged regarding their pursuit of a defender.

The Latest: Hendry linked with move

According to 90min, West Brom are keen on signing Celtic centre-back Hendry, who spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Belgian side Oostende.

Sheffield United are also seen as a potential suitor for the 26-year-old, however, with Burnley, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Leeds United all mentioned, too.

Oostende are actually signing Hendry permanently for just under £2million this summer, but plan to immediately offload him to the highest bidders, after he was crowned the best player in the Belgian top flight by Voetbal magazine (via Glasgow Times).

The Verdict: Potential strong addition

Hendry is part of Scotland’s Euro 2020 squad, outlining his quality and showing why West Brom may be wise snap him up.

At 26, he is at a good age, in terms of his peak hopefully being in the next few years, and he averaged a colossal 4.4 clearances per game in the Belgian First Division A for Oostende last season, on route to winning that player of the season accolade.

At 6 foot 4, Hendry is a beastly presence who could be an influential addition, coming in as a long-term signing given his best years are ahead of him and he seems to have just started his peak in Belgium.

In other news, one West Brom player is reportedly keen on staying in the Premier League ahead of next season. Find out who it is here.

Celtic are reportedly interested in obtaining ex-Celt Shaun Maloney’s services ahead of their summer rebuild, according to the Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Pandemonium in Paradise

Astonishingly, Celtic still find themselves without certainty as to who will be on the coaching pay-roll next season. Still without a manager following Neil Lennon’s resignation in February, they face considerable uncertainty at the club with the new campaign drawing ever closer [BBC].

Mass reconstruction is set to dominate the Celtic landscape this summer. Rumoured to be switching to a sporting director model, angst has increased amongst Hoops supporters due to dithering and inaction within their senior boardroom ranks.

The Latest: Celts eye Maloney swoop

As reports suggest, Fergal Harkin’s prospective move to Glasgow as sporting director may have stalled [The Celtic Star]. Consequentially, Maloney has emerged as a target to fill the vacant position.

Currently on the books of Belgium as an assistant coach, the Celtic hierarchy may see Maloney as an ideal fit for the role, as they look to wrestle the Scottish Premiership title back from rivals Rangers.

His progressive way of thinking, passion for the modern game and Celtic connections have caught the eye of the boardroom. Intriguingly, the Daily Record suggest the Hoops may pull on the latter to finalise the deal, while they also claim talks between Maloney and outgoing chief executive Peter Lawwell have already started.

The Verdict: Major coup for Celtic if they can make Maloney reality

In a year of turmoil at Celtic Park, innovation is necessary in order to get the Celts back on track. Described by Roberto Martinez as having an ‘elite brain’, former Aston Villa man Maloney could be the perfect appointment for Celtic [The Scottish Sun].

Having worked with world class Belgian players on the international scene since 2018, he has a unique understanding of what it takes to succeed at the top level. If he could translate this to club football, he could be an excellent addition to the Celtic fold.

In other news, check out the latest on Odsonne Edouard’s Hoops future!

Sri Lanka cantered towards yet another daunting first-innings total as England were condemned to a second day chasing leather at Lord’s in the first Test

Stephen Lamb17-May-2002England lost the important wicket of Marcus Trescothick after Sri Lanka declared on 555 for eight at Lord’s in the first Test. Although their bowlers kept to a more consistent line than yesterday, England again found wickets hard to come by as Marvan Atapattu (185) Aravinda de Silva (88) and Russel Arnold (50) kept the crowd entertained while amassing their team’s highest-ever Test total on this ground. England closed on 27 for one in reply.After a starting with a flourish (and two off-side boundaries) off Nuwan Zoysa, Trescothick was undone by a ball that left him down the slope, edging a catch to Sanath Jayasuriya at first slip. Michael Vaughan and Mark Butcher then saw England through to the close.This morning Atapattu picked up from where he left off last night, flicking the first ball from Hoggard to the mid-wicket boundary. He completed his 150 with a rasping cut, and Hussain then missed de Silva on 37 at first slip. It was academic, as Flintoff had over-stepped. Sri Lanka’s doyen of batsmen celebrated with a dreamy drive to the cover boundary.Hoggard replaced Caddick but was punished again by Atapattu, with boundaries through square leg and extra cover. The Sri Lankan opener was missed (on 163) in the same over, Flintoff failing to hold on to a low chance to his left at second slip. He then missed de Silva off Caddick in the next over, an edge from a flashing cut finishing at the third man boundary. On reaching his 50 de Silva enjoyed further good fortune, edging a flashing drive off Cork wide of second slip to the rope at third man.It took a short, leg-side delivery from Cork to break through, as Atapattu failed to get on top of a hook and Marcus Trescothick had plenty of time to position himself for the catch at long leg. Atapattu and de Silva had added 146 for the fourth wicket, just three runs short of Sri Lanka’s best against England. Atapattu’s 185 included 24 fours and came off 351 balls.The left-handed Arnold then resumed normal service, finding the cover boundary twice off Flintoff, then cutting another as the same bowler dropped short in his next over. Caddick’s return lasted just four overs for 20, including a fierce hook from de Silva, which was deflected several yards off a boundary board. As the sun broke through the haze Arnold responded warmly, taking two to third man with a delightful cut.A push to mid-wicket off Vaughan took Arnold through to 50 (87 balls, seven fours), and in celebration de Silva swept Vaughan behind square to the rope beneath the Father Time clock tower. Arnold perished as he had lived – in pursuit of quick runs – as an upper cut off Hoggard unerringly pinpointed the ubiquitous Trescothick, who again made no mistake at third man. The return of Cork resulted in de Silva (88) following Arnold back to the pavilion eight balls later. It was a soft dismissal, a short, leg-side delivery brushing the batsman’s glove on its way through to Stewart.Vaas fell for six, driving loosely at Cork for – guess who – Trescothick to pick up the catch at gully. Zoysa then delighted the crowd – doubtless arousing rather different sentiments in Hoggard – with a brace of hooked sixes into the Tavern in one over.Zoysa (28) was out in similar fashion to de Silva earlier in the day, getting an inside edge as he tried to glance an innocuous-looking delivery from Flintoff to give Stewart a straightforward catch. Tillekeratne and Buddika then saw Sri Lanka to 555 for eight before Jayasuriya declared. The England bowling figures did not make pleasurable reading.

It is one of the continually baffling mysteries of New Zealand cricket performance down through the ages that the same mistakes seem to keep repeating themselves

Lynn McConnell11-Jun-2002It is one of the continually baffling mysteries of New Zealand cricket performance down through the ages that the same mistakes seem to keep repeating themselves.New Zealand has surely played enough One-Day Internationals, 410 of them at last count, to know what is required in most given circumstances.Yet, the same old problems keep on occurring.The only countries with win percentages below New Zealand’s are: Zimbabwe, Kenya, United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Scotland, the Netherlands, Canada and East Africa. A worthy bunch.But for a side with the playing skills on offer that New Zealand has, the infrastructure available and the scientific expertise developed through the High Performance Centre regarded as the best in the world, the results are well below par.The New Zealanders go into the fourth ODI of their series in the West Indies tomorrow needing a victory to keep the series alive.All this after one win in four games in Sharjah, and a clean sweep of losses in three matches at the hands of Pakistan. And this is a team regarded as a contender for next year’s World Cup in South Africa.It may well be, especially if Chris Cairns can regain his dominating influence.And yes, it was said before the team left for the West Indies that there would be some experimentation with players.However, it would be fair to expect that winning would be the first priority and then worry about the experimentation until later.New Zealand continue to demonstrate a remarkable consistency at failing to make a good start.They continue to push the strike rate when batting, despite the increase in the risk factor immediately after a wicket falls. This has to be the most vulnerable point for any team batting. Apart from the opposition naturally lifting themselves to deny a side rebuilding its position, there should be a natural desire to settle into a batting groove in order to prosper later.Of course, this all very simple thinking goes out the window in the last 10 overs when the pressure is really on to score runs as quickly as possible. But it would be nice occasionally for New Zealand to get to the last 10 overs with wickets to spare.It is ironic that at the time when the side is struggling to compete, captain Stephen Fleming has found a groove of consistency in his own scoring. Now he needs the experienced players around him to be producing as well.Without Cairns and Andre Adams in the attack especially, New Zealand was always going to struggle, and as Shane Bond recovers from his foot injury, he could hardly be expected to hit his straps overnight. Then there is the requirement to keep the pressure off the back of Daniel Vettori.But these are all considerations that most professional sporting teams cope with by the strength of their back-up resources.It may be that the pain being gone through at the moment will provide greater reward come World Cup time, but the odds against it happening are high.New Zealand’s players are committing the same mistakes that have bedevilled the side for 20 years.Inability to play consistently being at the top of the list, in all facets of the game. How often do New Zealand batsmen score as consistently as Andrew Jones used to manage in the late 80s and early 90s? It is an under-valued art, but it is the core around which a successful team is built.Jones’ strike-rate of 57.86 might not be considered excessively high, but his average of 35.69 is bettered by only: Bevan Congdon (56.33) in only 11 matches, Martin Crowe (38.55), Glenn Turner (47.00) and Roger Twose (38.81). But he was a rock around which others could play. Twose performed a similar role, even if over a shorter period of time.That has to be the requirement for one member of the side before the World Cup. It might also ensure New Zealand doesn’t continue to lose wickets, in the in-fashion word of last summer, ‘clumps’. You don’t have to be William Wordsworth to work out that ‘clumps’ are for chumps.New Zealand is a marginally better team at home with a win record of 53.69% as opposed to a 27.48% record overseas. The lesson could not be clearer.New Zealand must learn to win overseas, because that’s where most World Cups are held.Performing consistently with a much greater level of individual achievement would go a long way towards resolving New Zealand’s declining record in ODIs.

A number of Liverpool fans are happy with reports that Xherdan Shaqiri could leave the Reds and join Lazio in the summer transfer window.

The Swiss has had a frustrating Reds career, never quite managing to hit the heights many expected of him. He has been limited to just 63 appearances for Liverpool since arriving from Stoke City in 2018, with injuries and patchy form both holding him back.

It has become increasingly clear that the 29-year-old isn’t considered a key figure by Jurgen Klopp moving forward, having started only five league games last season, leading to suggestions that he could move on this summer.

According to Corriere dello Sport [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], Shaqiri will move on to pastures new in the coming weeks and months, with Maurizio Sarri keen on taking him to Lazio if the former Chelsea boss takes over at the Stadio Olimpico.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-4/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans pleased that Shaqiri could leave

These Liverpool supporters on Twitter gave their thoughts on the news, with many happy enough to see the back of him at Anfield having failed to make much of an impact.

“God please make it happen, I beg you”

Credit: @LordEva_

“Progress #LFC”

Credit: @HamzaMaalim1

“Edwards I’m sure can get decent money for him, which will be needed to buy the quality needed. Perhaps Elliott comes back and takes a squad place. Win win”

Credit: @Nuggs_

“Good, lets get rid of the unreliable players. Thanks for the memories though.”

Credit: @freespirit2276

“Need to sell him”

Credit: @TRIGGZYBOY

“Fair enough, always liked Shaqiri but he needs something new”

Credit: @LFCkRoy

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been left shocked by one aspect of the Reds’ Player of the Year rankings. Read more here.

Durham County Cricket Club have signed Bradley Hodge, from Australian team Victoria, as their new overseas player following the injury to Martin Love

Durham CCC Media Release23-Jul-2002Durham County Cricket Club have signed Bradley Hodge, from Australian team Victoria, as their new overseas player following the injury to Martin Love.The 28 year old right handed batsman passed the 1,000 run barrier in the 2000-01 first-class season when he was a key player in the Bushrangers’ march to a second successive Pura Cup Final. More of the same run scoring productivity was then revealed in 2001-02 when he shared the Pura Cup Player of the Season Award with Queensland’s Jimmy Maher.Love broke his little finger during the Frizzell County Championship match against Worcester in June.First Team Coach Martyn Moxon said: “Martin’s injury was a big blow for the team and with the games coming up we felt it would be better to bring in a replacement rather than rush his recovery. Bradley has a proven track record in Australia and I’m sure he will be a great addition to the team.”Chairman Bill Midgley said: ” The original prognosis was that Martin’s injury would take six weeks to heal and we wanted to give him every chance to recover. However, four weeks into his recovery period, it was clear that it would take another three weeks and with the games coming up we decided it was unfair to rush Martin’s recovery. I’m thrilled Bradley has agreed to join us at such short notice.”

It’s set to be an intriguing summer for everyone involved with Leicester City Football Club as they attempt to build a side capable of breaking into the Premier League’s top four.

The Foxes have narrowly missed out on a Champions League qualification spot in the last two consecutive campaigns, but it appears as though the board are backing Brendan Rodgers in their pursuit of a place at Europe’s top table.

With experienced defenders Wes Morgan and Christian Fuchs calling time on their illustrious spells at the King Power Stadium and Jamie Vardy visibly declining at the top end of the pitch, Leicester are entering the next phase of their recent development.

It may be a period fraught with danger as Rodgers attempts to replace his reliable stars with youthful potential, however, it’s also an exciting new chapter for the current FA Cup holders.

Several big names such as Odsonne Edouard and Boubakary Soumare have been heavily linked with the Midlands outfit, although one of their prized assets has also been attracting admiring glances.

Youri Tielemans shone throughout 2020/21 and has reportedly been the subject of attention from Manchester United and Liverpool, but with the feel-good factor surrounding Leicester, we can’t see the 24-year-old departing just yet.

With that in mind, how would Rodgers’ starting XI look next season once the summer transfer window has concluded? Here’s our prediction…

In truth, it’s hard to predict how Rodgers will set up on any given day due to the fluid nature of the former Celtic and Liverpool boss’s style.

He often switches between a back three and a back four, but we’re opting for a back four on this occasion as the Northern Irish manager will want to make a winning start of the front foot.

In goal, the virtually ever-present Kasper Schmeichel is bound to start, yet ahead of him, the Denmark international may be faced with several changes.

Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand has been linked with a move to Leicester on a free transfer this summer as Rodgers looks to replace Fuchs and provide cover for the 19-year-old Luke Thomas.

James Justin is expected to be sidelined for many months yet, so Bertrand may find himself in the starting XI come August.

The centre of defence may provide Rodgers with the biggest headache. Morgan’s exit means a new man will be needed and Burnley’s James Tarkowski (£30m) appears to be their number one priority. The highly-rated Wesley Fofana could edge ahead of the ageing Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu in the race to partner the England international.

On the right side, a fully-fit Ricardo Pereira will battle with Timothy Castagne for a starting berth, while the Leicester engine room should also have a more familiar feel.

The immoveable duo of Wilfried Ndidi and Youri Tielemans will take up their usual occupancy in the centre of the pitch, but they could be joined by the powerful and technical Soumare (£18m) to add some extra stability.

In attack, the return of Harvey Barnes will add pace, directness and goals to what became a slightly limp forward line in his absence and the clever interchanging of Edouard (£18m) and Kelechi Iheanacho should compensate for Vardy’s drop off.

And, in other news…Get it done: Rudkin must seal Leicester City swoop for “complete” 21-goal sensation 

Kurt Wilkinson was a rare hit the ball twice victim in Barbados’ Red Stripe Bowl match against the Leewards XI on Sunday

21-Aug-2002Kurt Wilkinson was a rare hit the ball twice victim in Barbados’ Red Stripe Bowl match against the Leewards XI on Sunday.But there was some debate over his controversial dismissal at the Melbourne club ground.After playing a defensive shot against spinner Alex Adams, the ball appeared to have bounced off the pitch and struck the toe of his bat.It was met with an appeal by the Leewards players and Wilkinson was promptly given out for 16.His actions, however, never appeared deliberate and rule books were immediately brought out to seek clarification.Law 34 1 (a) reads: "The striker is out Hit the ball twice if, while the ball is in play, it strikes any part of his person or is struck by his bat and before the ball has been touched by a fielder, he wilfully strikes it again with his bat or person, other than a hand not holding the bat, except for the sole purpose of guarding his wicket."The key word here appears to be "wilfully", which dictionaries describe as "deliberately", "intentionally" or "knowingly". Wilkinson seemed unlucky.

Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey after his rather underwhelming stint in Serie A.

What’s the story?

The Wales international is currently lining up for his national side at the European Championships, but a summer switch could be on the cards after the tournament’s conclusion.

According to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Talk), Ramsey wants to leave Juve over the coming months to make a return to the Premier League, with Arsenal and West Ham United set to rival Palace for his signature.

Parish must swoop

After making just 24 Serie A starts in a two-year stint with the Turin giants, Ramsey is reportedly ready to return to English football.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed a stellar career in terms of winning trophies at Arsenal and then Juventus, winning three FA Cups, a Scudetto and an Italian Cup.

When at the peak of his powers, Ramsey can be a top-class operator and he was once described as an “outstanding technician” by former Gunners defender Martin Keown.

However, after finding game time hard to come by in recent years, the experienced maestro could be ready to move to a side where he’d be guaranteed a place in the starting XI.

Palace are in desperate need of new recruits ahead of the upcoming transfer window. Roy Hodgson’s departure has left the south London outfit in a precarious position.

The former England boss may have brought stability to Selhurst Park during his four-year stint at the helm, but he’s left the playing squad in a far from healthy state.

Experienced duo James McCarthy and James McArthur are set to become free agents at the end of the month, leaving a sizeable gap in the capital club’s engine room.

Therefore, chairman Steve Parish must swoop for Ramsey as he plots a mass overhaul of the first-team squad.

Whether the Welshman would be prepared to join Palace and battle against relegation is up for debate, but an opportunity to bring in someone of his stature and quality is something the club’s hierarchy cannot afford to turn down.

And, in other news…Get it done: Parish must sanction CPFC swoop for 19 y/o prodigy, fans will be buzzing 

Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Josh Windass could exit the club and join Millwall this summer, according to a fresh report which emerged on Friday.

The Lowdown: Windass shines for Owls

Though unable to keep the Owls in the Championship last season, the 27 year-old proved to be an impressive figure for Darren Moore’s side and was hailed as a ‘constant threat’ by pundit Sue Smith.

Windass chipped in with nine goals and five assists in 41 league games in 2020/21, outscoring the rest of his Wednesday teammates.

With Moore’s team now in League One, however, he could look for a way out this summer, eyeing up a return to the second tier of English football.

The Latest: Midfielder could join Millwall

According to Sky Sports [10:02am, Friday 18th June], Millwall are keen on signing Windass this summer and are ‘preparing to make a bid’ for him.

Preston North End and Birmingham City are both believed to be interested, too, as the battle to acquire his signature hots up.

The Verdict: Blow for Wednesday

In an ideal world, Windass would stay put with the Owls, helping them push for promotion back into the Championship under Moore.

Given his production last term, one would have to assume he would be a constant threat for defences in the third tier.

The harsh reality is that he will believe he belongs in the Championship, though, making it likely that he will return there in the near future.

Windass’ contract expires next summer, so Wednesday are in a tricky spot if they try keep hold of him, risking losing the former Rangers youngster on a free transfer next year.

In other news, Sheff Wed have suffered a blow in their quest to sign one player this summer. Find out who it is here.