All posts by h716a5.icu

Newcastle United are reportedly now moving to sign Issa Diop before the January transfer window shuts.

The Lowdown: Centre-back still needed

Despite the good business that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium have done so far this window, a central defender has still not been signed.

They have been strongly linked with moves for Brighton and Hove Albion duo Adam Webster and Dan Burn, and with just a few more days left in the month, expect the new owners to be very busy on their phones as the clock ticks down.

And now, according to reports from the player’s homeland, it is another Premier League club that the Magpies are plotting to raid.

The Latest: Diop move

As per L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), the North East club are now ‘making moves’ to sign Diop, and there have been ‘discussions in recent hours’ with the player’s camp over a potential switch.

They ‘considered’ signing the West Ham United centre-back at the start of the window before moving on to other targets, but now it looks as if they have gone back in for him.

The Verdict: Get it done

With the clock ticking by, the Tyneside outfit just need to get this deal done as soon as possible.

Diop would be an upgrade on what Eddie Howe currently has at his disposal, as he is currently averaging more tackles and passes at a higher success than Ciaran Clark, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles in the Premier League so far this season (WhoScored), and is at a good age at 25.

With his six-foot-four frame, the Frenchman is a bit of a beast, and Jose Mourinho even went as far as to dub him a ‘monster‘ back in 2018, after dominating duels against his Manchester United team.

Nonetheless, with his added experience of playing in the top flight, Diop would be a very smart signing.

In other news, find out what exciting transfer update Keith Downie has dropped here!

Pakistan’s batting reverted to type as they subsided in a heap for 74 after tea on the third day at Lord’s

The Bulletin by Andrew McGlashan28-Aug-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsSalman Butt was bowled first ball after tea to begin another Pakistan collapse•AFPEngland had already shifted themselves into a winning position after a world-record eighth-wicket stand between Jonathan Trott and Stuart Broad, but even in a summer of batting collapses the way they blew Pakistan away for 74 on the third day at Lord’s took the breath away. For the third time in four Tests the visitors couldn’t emerge from double figures as they subsided either side of tea, with Graeme Swann and Steven Finn sharing the last seven wickets for 28 runs, before they slumped to 41 for 4 in the follow on.Having been through the debilitating experience of watching England haul themselves from hopelessness to supremacy in record style there was always the danger that Pakistan would succumb to the pressure. But having shown much more backbone with the bat at The Oval it was hoped they could replicate the same yet were skittled in 33 overs and the second innings promises little better. It was a depressing performance from Pakistan because some of the shots were plain awful, the worst being Imran Farhat’s weak pull at the start of the second innings. A clear sign the fight had gone.Credit, though, must go to the hostility of England’s quicks and the continued guile of Swann as the four-man attack never took the pressure off Pakistan. In the follow on, Yasir Hameed was plumb lbw to Anderson as he played across the line then just to compound Pakistan’s woes their last chance of making the fourth day a contest vanished as the light closed in. Salman Butt, who was getting annoyed by the chirp from England’s close fielders, was lbw to Swann – an excellent decision from Tony Hill as the review proved it was pad just before bat – then, to what became the last ball of the day, Mohammad Yousuf top-edged a pull to deep square-leg. Pakistan’s two best batsmen had gone twice in a session.Rarely can a Test have included periods of such dominance by the ball either side of an epic batting performance. Take out one stand and the batsmen have been walking wickets; but that partnership was the small matter of 332. As Trott and Broad extended their stay during most of the morning the ball barely did anything for the Pakistan bowlers, but when a new one was placed in the hands of Broad and Anderson it quickly became a major threat.Broad, fresh from his mighty 169, dispatched Hameed in familiar manner as the opener hung his bat outside off and sent a comfortable edge to second slip. Anderson then exploited Farhat’s weakness against the moving ball when he drove loosely at an outswinger having watched the previous three deliveries zip past his outside edge.The best set-up, though, was still to come as England executed their plan to Yousuf to perfection when Broad slotted a full delivery past his bat. It was almost identical to how he fell in the second innings at The Oval and England have always felt it was a way to trap Yousuf early since Anderson did the same at Cape Town in the 2003 World Cup.Briefly, Butt rallied as he tucked into a loose opening spell from Finn but Swann gave an immediate warning of the danger he would pose as he ripped two deliveries past Butt’s edge in his opening over. With his first ball after tea Swann produced another unplayable offering which gripped and hit off stump. The batsman initially stood his ground thinking the wicketkeeper may have knocked off the bails, but his dismissal was swiftly confirmed.That brought Umar Akmal to the crease and he was immediately greeted by some words from Trott at silly point following their conversations during England’s innings and Umar proceeding to launch his third ball over midwicket. But Swann was finding huge turn, much more than Saeed Ajmal extracted, and soon had Azhar Ali taken at short leg as the batsman lunged forward.Meanwhile, Umar started complaining about problems picking up Finn’s line from the Nursery End as the bowler’s hand came from above the sightscreen. It clearly affected Umar’s mindset when he was told just to get on with it by the umpires and it wasn’t long before Finn, who improved with the change of ends, speared a yorker through his defences.Two balls later Mohammad Amir lost sight of the ball which thudded into his pads and although Tony Hill said not out Strauss correctly opted for a review and leg stump would have been hit flush. To Amir’s credit he left without complaint, but his spirit was far removed from the joyous character of yesterday. Finn claimed his third when Kamran Akmal got a thin edge and Swann completed Pakistan’s woeful effort with two more in six balls.The morning session had been another full of records as Trott and Broad continued their monumental effort. The new world record eighth-wicket stand was brought up in Wahab Riaz’s first over the day when Broad slotted a cover drive to the boundary to surpass the 313-run stand by Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq against Zimbabwe in 1996. Thoughts were turning towards an extraordinary double century from Broad, who had passed his father’s Test best of 162, when Pakistan finally struck as Broad was given out lbw on a review.Broad had been given a life on 132 when Kamran couldn’t gather an edge off Ajmal and the scoring rate soon increased as both batsmen began to find the boundary with regularity. Broad lost nothing in comparison with Trott and the cover-driving was a highlight of the display as he, too, went past 150 but missed out by five runs on knocking Ian Smith from the top spot for a No. 9.Trott’s timing and placement remained of the highest quality, particularly a couple of off-side strokes against Ajmal, and he was within sight of being the first man to score two double hundreds at Lord’s until becoming last-man out. It will go down as one of the finest centuries made on this famous ground; Pakistan’s entire line-up couldn’t even get halfway towards matching it.

Swedish side IFK Goteborg have made an enquiry for Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas, Anthony Joseph reports.

The Lowdown: Breakdown with the Blades

Barkas appears to be surplus to requirements at Celtic Park and could become the second shot-stopper to leave the club this month after Conor Hazard.

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The Greece international has featured just twice under Ange Postecoglou and was recently linked with a move to Sheffield United.

However, talks broke down between the two clubs due to Celtic’s demands over a loan move, with the Blades going on to sign Adam Davies instead.

The Latest: Joseph’s post

Joseph took to Twitter on Friday afternoon to share a fresh update on Barkas and a possible late exit.

He revealed details of Goteborg’s enquiry and admitted that Celtic are open to offers for the 6 foot 4 colossus.

“IFK Goteborg have made a loan enquiry for Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas.

“It’s understood the Swedish club would need Celtic to pay for the bulk of his wages, if the move was to go ahead.

“The Hoops are open to offers for the Greece international.”

The Verdict: Time to go

Barkas, thought to be on £9,000-a-week, has featured in just two Scottish Premiership matchday squads all season. He clearly isn’t fancied by Postecoglou, so moving him out on loan for the remainder of the campaign could be a good idea.

Allowing him to play regular football could then help the club when it comes to selling him permanently, with Barkas still under contract in Glasgow until 2024.

Celtic may not recoup the £4.5m they spent on the 27-year-old, with his Transfermarkt valuation dropping to just £1.35m, but a solid second half of the season in Sweden may benefit all involved.

In other news: In the coming days – Celtic now eye ‘very clever’ teenager who could go out on loan – journalist.

Kevin Pietersen’s hopes of boosting his confidence with a big score for Surrey at Bristol were shattered in the first over of the third day’s play

15-Sep-2010
ScorecardKevin Pietersen’s hopes of boosting his confidence with a big score for Surrey at Bristol were shattered in the first over of the third day’s play. The England batsman fended a lifting delivery from Gloucestershire’s Gemaal Hussain to Chris Dent at second slip to depart without adding to his first-day score of 40 not out.Resuming on 112 for 3 after the second day was washed out, the visitors were bowled out for only 186, Rory Hamilton-Brown also making 40, as Jon Lewis and Anthony Ireland claimed three wickets each. In reply, Gloucestershire, weakened by a stomach bug at the club, had reached 106 for 5 when they declared to set up a decisive finish. By the close Surreyhad made 55 for 2 in their second innings to lead by 135.The home team took the field for the morning session without captain Alex Gidman and Hamish Marshall because of illness. Several other players were affected to a lesser extent. Hamilton-Brown took three runs off the opening delivery from Hussain, giving Pietersen the strike. The third ball of the over appeared to take off and Dent held a sharp one-handed catch above his head.Pietersen had faced 61 balls and hit five fours and a six. He had batted beautifully in difficult conditions on the opening day and must have expected a longer stay. Hamilton-Brown’s typically positive 51-ball innings ended when he was caught at mid-off by Lewis off Ireland to make the score 152 for 5.From there only Gary Wilson (34) held up the Gloucestershire bowlers on a lively pitch. There was a maiden first-class wicket for 18-year-old offspinner Jack Taylor, who yorked Chris Tremlett for five. Surrey were 186 for 8 at lunch and failed to add to that score as Irelandand Lewis polished off the tail.Former Surrey player Jonathan Batty’s miserable first season with Gloucestershire continued when he was dismissed for 10 with the reply on 26. He got a leading edge to Tremlett and was caught by Tim Linley running in from mid-off.Dent followed lbw in the same Tremlett over for a duck, but Chris Taylor helped Porterfield add 75 before falling to Stewart Meaker for 33 on the stroke of tea. Porterfield had reached his half-century off 87 balls with five fours and a six, but he fell early in the final session, caught behind when trying to force a delivery from Tremlett away off the back foot.When Jack Taylor became a fourth victim for Tremlett, Gidman, who was due in next, declared 80 runs behind. Surrey lost Jason Roy and Mark Ramprakash, the latter bowled driving at Irelandfor 33, in extending their advantage.

Leeds United appear to be confident in signing Brenden Aaronson this summer…

What’s the word?

The Yorkshire outfit saw two bids of £15m and £20m rejected by RB Salzburg for the American midfielder but according to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth, they are likely to try again at the end of the season.

“They’ve got to be at a valuation which isn’t extortionate, remains good value for the club, and isn’t eye-wateringly more than what they would pay in the summer – which, in the case of Aaronson, looks like possibly the way they’ve seen it,” he said to ‘The Blue, White and Yellow’ podcast.

“[Leeds] definitely could have offered more money for Aaronson this month, but they feel that with all those factors thrown into a big pot, they feel that it’s better to wait for him in the summer.

“I don’t think there’s going to be any issues with Aaronson himself as a player and personally wanting to come to Leeds. But in terms of negotiating with Salzburg, Leeds clearly believe that a summer move for him is going to make more sense for the club as a whole moving forward.”

Positive news

Whilst the Whites failed to sign anyone during the January transfer window, much to the disappointment of the fanbase and likely Marcelo Bielsa too, it is certainly encouraging to learn that the club are confident of landing one of their top targets at some point.

Aaronson is a huge talent and has impressed during his time in Austria.

As per Transfermarkt, the 21-year-old gem has delivered three goals and seven assists across all competitions this season, including vital goals in the Champions League and also taking his total to ten goals and 12 assists across 51 appearances.

His domestic form has seen him capped 15 times by the USMNT, also earning the nickname of ‘The Medford Messi’ and comparisons to fellow countryman Clint Dempsey.

Aaronson has been a star performer in UEFA’s top competition this term , too. He ranks amongst the top 1% of midfielders for pressures in the final third (27.84 per 90), which results in a forced turnover of possession 8.55 times per 90, as per FBRef.

It is no wonder Salzburg wanted to keep him ahead of their clash with Bayern Munich.

Valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, the maestro, who has been dubbed “silky” by ex-MLS star DeMarcus Beasley,  would be an exciting addition for the Elland Road faithful but they’ll have to wait until next season for that to come to fruition.

Smyth’s latest update after deadline day should provide plenty of encouragement.

AND in other news, Marcelo Bielsa dropped a huge transfer howler at Leeds this January…

A round-up of Monday’s matches in the WICB one-day tournament

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Oct-2010Jamaica posted their first win in the WICB competition, and sealed their place in the semi-finals, as they trounced Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) by a whopping 207 runs at Kensington Park.Jamaica were in danger of being knocked out of the tournament after their loss to Windward Islands and a no-result game against Trinidad and Tobago, but gained a bonus point against CCC to finish second in the Group A points table, a point ahead of T&T.Their total of 285 was powered by an opening stand of 138 with captain Chris Gayle and Xavier Marshall both hammering half-centuries. Gayle, who was axed as West Indies captain for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, was particularly belligerent as he raced to 72 off 73 balls with four fours and four sixes. Jamaica lost their way after the opening stand as they stumbled from 175 for 3 to 230 for 7, but a late-order flourish from Andre Russell, who blasted 46 from just 22 balls, pushed Jamaica to 285.Jamaica’s bowlers, led by David Bernard, who picked up 3 for 33, then ran through the CCC batting line-up. Miles Bascombe (37) and Gilford Moore (16) were the only batsmen to reach double figures, as CCC were bowled out for a paltry 78 in the 31st over to give Jamaica a win with a bonus point.Defending champions Trinidad and Tobago were not so lucky as they were knocked out of the WICB Cup after an eight-wicket loss to Windward Islands at Sabina Park. T&T were bundled out for 133 in 40.1 overs, which Windward chased down with ease in 33.2 overs.Electing to bat, T&T never got going as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. At 38 for 4 after 15 overs, it looked like they were in danger of being bundled out for less than 100. However, Dwayne Bravo’s 29 off 25 balls with three fours and two sixes, and an uncharacteristically sedate 39 of 69 balls from Kieron Pollard, pushed T&T up to 133. It was an allround effort from Windward’s bowlers as Mervin Matthew, Shane Shillingford and Nelon Pascal picked up two wickets each.Winward got off to a steady start as their openers Devon Smith and Johnson Charles added 38 for the first wicket. Offspinner Sherwin Ganga then picked up two quick wickets – that of Charles and Andre Fletcher – and at 48 for 2, T&T might have hoped for a collapse. But Smith, who was recalled to the national side for the Sri Lanka tour, anchored Winward’s chase with a steady 51. He and Keddy Lesporis, who made 45, ensured there was no collapse as Windward, captained by Darren Sammy, who was named the captain for the Sri Lanka tour, raced to their third straight win in the competition.

Newcastle United have been scouting Fenerbahce powerhouse Attila Szalai ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window…

What’s the story?

The Chronicle have revealed that the Magpies are keen on bolstering the centre of their defence this summer, and while the likes of Sven Botman and Diego Carlos remain on the table in terms of potential options, Szalai’s name also figures prominently.

The report said: “Attila Szalai of Fenerbahce is another centre-back Newcastle have been tracking and one that may be prepared to battle for his place with pressure eased in the heart of defence by the January arrival of Dan Burn.

“Toon scouts have been present to watch Szalai in recent games but have been joined by Aston Villa and notably Milan who also like the Hungary international. Newcastle already have a direct link to Szalai’s agency ROGON who look after Joelinton.”

Ideal Botman alternative for Newcastle

At a height of 6 foot 4, Szalai is a fearsome presence at the back, and if he were to arrive at St James’ Park this summer, the Magpies would boast a truly towering a centre-back partnership with him alongside 6 foot 8 Dan Burn.

Hailed by former Fenerbahce boss Emre Belozoglu as “exemplary” and with the “loudest voice in training”, Szalai possesses all the raw physical attributes to become a real force in the Premier League.

The centre-back has been a consistent performer for Fenerbahce this season, averaging 1.2 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game in the Turkish Super Lig. His numbers fare even better when considering his displays in the Europa League, in which he averaged 1.8 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per match.

To put that into context, both his tackling and interception numbers are significantly better than pretty much all of Newcastle’s centre-backs this season in the Premier League, with only Fabian Schar averaging slightly more interceptions at just 1.4 per game.

Given that AC Milan still appear to be in pole position in the race to sign Botman, Newcastle could certainly do a lot worse than going after Szalai this summer.

AND in other news – Newcastle “win battle to sign” 5 foot 11 “huge talent”, Howe will be buzzing

Kane Williamson, the youngest New Zealand batsman to score a century on Test debut, has said the Bangladesh tour was the turning point in his career thus far

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Nov-2010Kane Williamson, the youngest New Zealand batsman to score a century on Test debut, has said the Bangladesh tour was the turning point in his career thus far. Williamson made ducks in his first two ODIs in the tri-series in Sri Lanka and started the Bangladesh series – which New Zealand lost 0-4 – with a score of 13 before he made a century in the next game to start his revival.”In Bangladesh I was very nervous initially, and there were times when I completely froze,” Williamson said. “I said to myself, hang on, if I’m going to get out anyways, I might as well be confident while doing it.” When he arrived in India after that Bangladesh series, Williamson felt he had acquired “confidence and loads of patience”.Williamson said he was prepared for the Indian conditions. “We knew before coming here we have to face top-class spin bowling. Patience was the key. We had prepared very hard for it and it has paid off,” he added. “Personally for me, it was about getting my head around the whole experience and treating it like another game. I realised playing my own game was the key.”Williamson, who resumed his innings on 87, hit three fours on the fourth morning to reach the landmark but he said all he was trying to do was to remain patient. “I actually was trying to stay disciplined and patient; just trying to put the ball away if it was there to be put away. The runs came in easy, so I didn’t have to take any risks.”I am absolutely happy. The bowlers got a nice rest because we batsmen put up a nice score. It gave the bowlers good confidence and it was a great effort from Chris [Martin] because we really had only one seamer.” Hamish Bennett and Jesse Ryder were injured and couldn’t bowl today.New Zealand last won a Test in India in 1988 but Williamson said his team was confident of a possible result when they turned up to play today. “Our boys played aggressive cricket and with the wicket deteriorating and aiding some turn, we thought there might be a result. And that’s the way it has turned out now. I don’t know if we knew if the ball was going to do too much; we put it demanding areas and we got the result.”Martin rocked India with a five-wicket haul to leave them tottering at 82 for 6. Williamson felt India perhaps made the error of trying to score quickly. “The Indians may have wanted to increase the pace at which they scored. That’s probably the reason why they lost so many wickets.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers may allow prized possession Ruben Neves to leave by means of a swap deal this summer.

What’s the word?

That is according to the latest reports from BirminghamMail (via the Mirror), who state that a mega swap deal could be on the cards, after Manchester United’s bitterly disappointing loss at Anfield on Tuesday night.

Erik ten Hag’s now confirmed arrival could see a mass overhaul at the Old Trafford side, with a potential swap deal rumoured to be offered to Bruno Lage.

Potential players who could be involved in a part-exchange include the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Alex Telles, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

Lage should boldly axe Neves

From a Wolves perspective, whether any of the aforementioned players would be of use to Lage’s side is up for debate.

Though, the likes of Wan-Bissaka, Telles, Martial, Lingard and Rashford could improve the Old Gold side, with the latter options providing a potential upgrade in attack.

The deal would be of mutual benefit, with the listed players able to enjoy a fresh start in different surroundings, whilst the Old Gold could profit by getting them back to their best.

Neves is evidently a vital player to the club’s cause, featuring on 31 occasions this term and registering six goal involvements in the Premier League.

With that in mind, he’d be hard to replace but with a swap deal on the cards, it could give the Wolves boss a licence to boldly axe his prized possession from their ranks.

A swap-deal including a couple of these picks would certainly be much more lucrative for Lage, with their fees being considerably higher than the £36m-rated Ruben Neves, described as a “magician” by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers.

Axing the star in the summer could well work out for Lage, who has admitted the Portugal star could leave.

In other news: Lage can find Wolves’ very own Foden in 19 y/o who plays like he’s “in the playground”…

Italian journalist Stefano Benzi has now shared a big live TV update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij, claiming Spurs are ready to make a significant bid.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye move…

The Netherlands international will be no stranger to Spurs supporters given he has been linked for a pretty long time.

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Even before the new year, the Lilywhites held an intense interest in signing de Vrij for manager Antonio Conte – coming after the central defender’s pivotal role during Inter’s 2020/2021 title-winning campaign.

Football Insider, sharing news in late 2021, even revealed that the 30-year-old told friends he was interested in a January move to Spurs – unsurprising given Conte’s presence at N17.

De Vrij’s current deal at the San Siro expires in 2023, potentially giving transfer chief Fabio Paratici a boost for potential negotiations given Inter may need to contemplate selling while they still can.

The Latest: Benzi shares live TV update…

According to journalist Benzi, speaking live on Calciomercato.it TV, the Lilywhites are now ‘willing’ to table an ‘important figure’ of €40 million (£34m) for the Dutchman.

He explained: “There is a very serious interest on the part of both City and Tottenham for de Vrij and they are willing to spend an important figure: 40 million euros net.”

The Verdict: Right man?

There is little doubt Conte wants a new defender with reliable reports from The Telegraph and The Athletic both backing Tottenham’s intent to land a left-footed centre-back.

De Vrij for £34m arguably comes as a mixed bag, mainly due to his fairly seasoned age – a factor which could well mean he is hardly a long-term solution for Spurs at the back.

That being said, for around two to three seasons of Premier League action, Conte and Paratici could do far worse.

According to WhoScored, under Conte’s rule at Inter last year, he made more clearances per 90 than any member of the 52-year-old’s Scudetto-winners – all whilst proving to be a virtually untouchable member of the starting eleven.

He played the sixth-most Serie A minutes out of any Nerazzurri player over 2020/2021, leading to members of the press describing de Vrij as a ‘world-beater’ (ex-Leeds striker Noel Whelan, Football Insider).

Taking this into account, if Spurs can somehow whittle the £34m down a notch, he could be a shrewd summer capture.

In other news: Source: Tottenham edge closer to ‘top signing’, he really wants to join Conte! Find out more here.