Category Uncategorized

George Dobell at Edgbaston01-Jul-2016
ScorecardRichard Gleeson claimed three cheap wickets for Northants•Getty Images

Such is Northants’ dominance in T20 cricket this year that it might take until the winter for them to face a real challenge.Certainly they encountered little resistance at Edgbaston. Although the teams went into the match equal on points at the top of the North Division, Birmingham were 25 for 5 after 37 deliveries and there is no way back from that. It’s a little premature to suggest Northants have one foot in the quarter-finals, but they are very handily placed.But, by the time winter comes, the discussion over the future shape of the domestic T20 tournament will be coming to fruition. As things stand right now – and these things change like manifesto promises – the most likely result of those discussions is a two-division competition involving all 18 first-class counties and a system of promotion and relegation. It could start as early as next year, though 2020 and the advent of a new TV deal remains a more likely timeframe. The broadcasters would focus on the top division.Which all sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it?Except such is the desire to ensure the product – yes, it’s a horrible word, but we have to be realistic – looks right, that the argument over how to populate the top division could become complex.While you might think that simply picking the quarter-finalists of the previous season was the most meritocratic solution, there are those who think the division should be decided by ground size. That way, they argue, the product will appear more glamorous on TV and the potential for extra revenue from ticket sales increases. It is, in essence, a way of introducing city cricket through the back door.But if the new-look competition does start next year Northants, in particular, cannot be denied. So consistently impressive has their T20 form been over the last few years – they won the competition in 2013 and reached the final in 2015 – that any formation that does not include them (and the other ‘small’ counties who are out-performing their city neighbours with big grounds and even bigger senses of entitlement) will lack integrity. Merit must remain the only method for qualification.A similar discussion occurred ahead of the first year of the Premier League. Cambridge United were, at the time, the club with the small stadium that threatened to win promotion. As it was, they fell away and most of their best players were cherry-picked by bigger clubs. Northants supporters will be familiar with the sensation.Northants do have an issue with ticket sales, though. While Surrey, who could find themselves in the lower division, have sold 122,247 NatWest Blast tickets this season, Northants have sold just 16,477. Not for the first time, the cricket side of the club is being let down by the business side.Ticket sales have fallen off drastically around the country in the last couple of weeks. From a high point, a month ago, where they were up 26 percent on 2015 levels (which was, in itself a record year), the relentlessly wet weather (and, perhaps, the rival attraction of the football) has reduced this figure to 8 percent. The plan to start the competition several weeks later in 2017 may help, but the last few weeks might prove a reminder that, if this competition is held in a window, it is a hostage to fortune. It could be ruined by a spell of wet weather the like of which we have just experienced.What Northants provide – in T20 cricket, at least – is a glorious reminder of the ability of sport to transcend financial muscle. So here, despite fielding a makeshift opening attack of part-time pros (Richard Gleeson combines his playing role with a community coaching role at the Lancashire Cricket Board, while Moin Ashraf has been signed on a short-term contract to cover for injuries to Rory Kleinveldt and Stone), they thrashed a side with a budget the like of which they can only dream.Birmingham, remember, have such a strong squad that they feel able to leave out players of the class of Varun Chopra (who scored an unbeaten 97 in his only T20 innings this season) and Jonathan Trott (who remains the highest T20 run-scorer in the club’s history, despite hardly having played for several years). Indeed, if you added up the salaries of those left out – and you could include Boyd Rankin, Tim Ambrose, Ian Westwood, Keith Barker and Chris Wright – it might not fall far short of the entire Northants’ salary bill.The better side won here. While Northants produced some moments of great skill – Richard Levi seemed to defy gravity as he leapt high into the air to take as sharp a slip catch as you could wish to see to dismiss Laurie Evans – Birmingham had what might politely be called a shocker: Jeetan Patel’s drop at cover to reprieve Josh Cobb on 1 was museum-quality awful.Perhaps they were a little unfortunate. Batting first on a pitch that had been under cover for much of the time since it was used for last week’s ODI, Gleeson gained just enough movement to trouble the batsmen. Luke Ronchi edged a beauty that left him, Ian Bell missed one that may have nipped in and Sam Hain, frustrated at his lack of progress, top-edged a desperate heave. Had the match not been reduced to 16 overs a side due to rain, Birmingham may well have struggled to see out their overs.Northants, recognising the tricky conditions, did not try to win with overs to spare. Instead Ben Duckett – a home-grown player who could well go on to represent his country – and Cobb, the third-highest scorer in the competition this season, played intelligent, mature innings. There were 21 balls to spare when Cobb clipped the boundary through mid-wicket that clinched the win. Cricket’s version of the Leicester City story continues.

Cricket Australia has announced a new $4 million investment into female cricket, particularly targeted at growing participation among teenagers

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jul-2016Cricket Australia has announced a new $4 million investment into female cricket, particularly targeted at growing participation among teenagers.The move comes on the back of a successful inaugural WBBL last summer, and will involve a $1 million investment per year over four years, half of which will go directly to cricket clubs, associations, and secondary schools through the new Growing Cricket for Girls Fund.The other half will be used to employ full-time female participation specialists across Australia to provide ongoing support to clubs, associations and secondary schools.”Girls and women are playing cricket in record numbers and participation growth last summer was fuelled by the incredibly successful launch of the Women’s Big Bash League,” James Sutherland, the Cricket Australia chief executive said.”Whilst cricket has had a national female competition for 70 years, we are committed to further investment to grow the female game with the Women’s Big Bash League at the forefront.”The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars are the world’s number one ranked women’s team – and our female cricketers are deservedly the best paid of all women’s team sports in our country.”Our female cricketers are wonderful role models and we are delighted to see their increasing exposure is inspiring more and more girls to play cricket.”Cricketer Alyssa Healy said: “It’s exciting to see this new investment in cricket. I know from my own experience of coming through community cricket that dedicated competitions for girls to play against other girls of the same age will have a huge impact on the development of them as cricketers and female cricket in general.”

Journalist Jacques Talbot has claimed that Liverpool will make at least five signings in the summer window in a major squad "overhaul".

What are the latest Liverpool transfer rumours?

While there is a chance that the Reds finish inside the Champions League at the end of the season, that's not guaranteed as they still sit fifth in the Premier League with just three games to go.

Even if they do squeeze into the top four, it's been a disappointing campaign by the club's recent lofty standards as it will end without any major silverware.

With that in mind, it's no shock that the Reds will be hoping to revitalise the team in the summer with a number of senior men potentially departing as their contracts expire, such as Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Roberto Firmino, James Milner and Arthur Melo (who is only on loan).

While talking about all this on his YouTube channel, Talbot claimed that as many as six players could come in, with a goalkeeper and a defender on that list.

Indeed, when asked how many signings he thinks Liverpool will make this summer, the journalist replied (26:00): "Five, I reckon five. Liverpool will do five signings, including a goalkeeper, a defender.

"Maybe even more, maybe even six. But that doesn't mean they're all going to be like £40m million pound signings or anything like that.

"But I reckon there will be a relatively sizable overhaul this summer."

Who is going to leave Liverpool?

It's interesting that Talbot specifically names a goalkeeper as one position to target, as Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has recently been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford and Brighton.

As for incomings, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister seems to be one name that keeps popping up in the media, while Football Insider claim that Liverpool are also considering making a possible move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.

Talbot also states a defender is on the club's list and Le Parisien report that Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio could be the next centre-back to arrive at Anfield.

It certainly seems as though the Reds are in for an extremely busy summer with a number of familiar faces set to leave and a collection of new stars to come in.

No doubt the club will have a better idea of just how much money they can spend when the season ends and it's known if they'll be playing in the Champions League next term.

Rangers have told centre-back Filip Helander that he is surplus to requirements and free to find a new club in the summer, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

Which players could leave Rangers this summer?

There are a number of first-team players out of contract in the summer, with the likes of Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Jack currently set to leave the Gers, should fresh terms not be offered in the coming weeks.

Helander's contract is also set to expire, with journalist Jonny McFarlane recently claiming it's an "extremely sad situation" that the centre-back is poised to leave the club, as despite being limited in possession of the ball, he is a "brilliant defender".

However, the Rangers hierarchy now appear to have made their minds up, with Football Insider reporting the 29-year-old has been told he is free to find a new club in the summer transfer window.

The report adds that his £15k-per-week deal will not be extended, having failed to cement a regular place in the starting XI due to injury issues, which have plagued him during his time at Ibrox.

Former manager Steven Gerrard is said to have rated the Sweden international highly, and he was even keen to take him to Aston Villa when he first took charge in November 2021, but his time in Glasgow now seems to be coming to an end.

Should Rangers let Helander leave?

It is a real shame the former Bologna man has been affected by injuries throughout his time at Ibrox, missing a total of 110 games due to foot and knee issues, as when he has been able to hold down a place in the team, he has often been very impressive.

Rangers fans will remember the Malmo-born defender fondly for his performances in the title-winning 2020-21 season, during which he made 21 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, averaging a 7.10 Sofascore match rating.

That said, the Light Blues are coping just fine without Helander, conceding just 32 league goals this season, and they are well-stocked at centre-back, with the likes of Connor Goldson and John Souttar tied down until the summer of 2026.

Overall, Michael Beale is making the right decision by allowing Helander to seek pastures new at the end of the season, as it is far too much of a risk to hand out a new contract to a player with such a poor injury record.

West Ham United are being linked with Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri as a potential replacement for David Moyes, but the Italian boss could prove to be Avram Grant 2.0 at the London Stadium.

Could West Ham appoint Maurizio Sarri?

According to Italian news outlet Il Messaggero, Sarri has asked for assurances about summer transfers from Lazio before committing his future to the club, something which the Serie A side are currently unwilling to provide.

As a result, it is suggested that an exit could be on the cards for the former Chelsea manager this month, with Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Everton all named as interested parties.

Moyes is a man under pressure at West Ham given the east London outfit currently sit in a relegation spot in the Premier League, although the board are yet to pull the trigger on the Scot due to his achievements in seasons gone by.

Would Sarri be a good appointment for West Ham?

If they were to replace the former Manchester United boss in the near future, the club should look to hire a progressive, young manager to aid the Hammers' long-term project, so should be avoiding a 64-year-old such as Sarri, who was criticised for his previous spell in the Premier League.

The Italian manager did secure a third-placed finish with Chelsea, as well as winning the Europa League in 2019, but fans were not disappointed to see him leave for Juventus the following summer, as his style of play was lamented throughout his sole season at Stamford Bridge.

Eden Hazard was often the saviour for the Italian that season, providing 16 goals and 15 assists in 37 Premier League appearances, and without him, there is no telling whether he would have survived.

Jermaine Jenas criticised the experienced manager's set-up on Match of the Day 2 when two late goals saw Chelsea escape the Cardiff City Stadium with three points in 2019.

He said (via Daily Star):

“I can understand the Chelsea fans' frustrations. I think until Eden Hazard comes onto the pitch it was boring.

“They were passing the ball for the sake of passing the ball, there were no crosses coming into the box, it was just very much sideways and backwards.

“That is not what Chelsea are about, so I understand their frustrations.”

Considering West Ham's woes in front of goal so far this campaign, which see them ranked as one of the lowest scorers in the division with just 24 goals, the last thing the fans would want to see is another manager playing negative football.

The Hammer have a history of hiring former Chelsea managers, as Avram Grant arrived at the club in 2010 but managed just 1.12 points per game in his time at Upton Park, with the Hammers finishing bottom of the Premier League in the 2010/11 campaign.

Like Sarri, Grant was an ageing manager who struggled to win over the Chelsea fans and left Stamford Bridge sooner than expected, so the Hammers could be heading for a worrying repeat disaster if they choose to hire Sarri as Moyes' successor.

Newcastle United U21 midfielder James Huntley has been spotted training with the senior squad ahead of their game against Wolves in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Huntley profiled

Huntley is an exciting and well-rounded midfielder who has played 50 times for Newcastle at U18 and U21 level, scoring four goals and making a further four assists (Transfermarkt).

The 19-year-old has never made a first-team appearance at St. James’ Park however, so is yet to really be seen in action by the masses on Tyneside.

That could be about to change over the weekend…

The Latest: Spotted

As per The Shields Gazette, Huntley was spotted training with the first team for the first time ahead of their match at home to Wolves over the weekend.

He follows the likes of youngsters Lewis Miley and Jamie Miley to have recently trained at Darsley Park, as Eddie Howe regularly looks into the U21s to make up the numbers when two full XIs play each other in training games.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-7/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Unlikely to make squad

While Huntley has trained with the seniors, it is unlikely that he will make the final cut for the 20-man squad against Wolves.

Howe already has the more experienced heads of Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock that he can call upon in the centre of midfield, although Joelinton is suspended.

This may open the door for Huntley, but we will have to wait to see whether he makes the squad on Sunday afternoon.

Newcastle United’s owners were spotted in the stands as their side lost in the Carabao Cup final which has encouraged journalist Craig Hope.

What went wrong for Newcastle at Wembley?

It will have been a bitterly disappointing evening for the Magpies who saw their opportunity to end their trophy drought slip through their fingers as Manchester United lifted the cup.

It was a fairly toothless display from Newcastle’s attackers with United showing their clinical side with a six-minute double to seal the win.

Throughout the game at Wembley, the Toon were only able to test David De Gea on two occasions despite claiming the majority of possession (via SofaScore).

And speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Hope has suggested the club still need to spend significantly which is why he was glad the PIF representatives were there at Wembley to witness their struggles:

(5:20) “But ultimately, it’s probably going to come back to the quality of your players. And I think we’ve just seen since the turn of the year, a lot of Newcastle’s men revert to type probably the level they’re at.”

“I think to that end, it was probably useful the Saudi owners were there today. You look at it and think for them to take the next level, the next step they’ve got the manager in place and they’ve got 2/3/4 [top] players perhaps, but it’s going to take some significant investment to take them to that that next step to get back here [Wembley] next year and the year after.”

Who do Newcastle need to sign in the summer?

There has been long-standing interest, suggested by reports, in the Leicester City midfielder James Maddison which is expected to be reignited in the summer.

And a player of Maddison’s calibre could certainly provide Eddie Howe with a potential goal threat from the midfield having already scored nine and provided five assists in the league this season.

However, there have also been reports suggesting the midfielder has his eyes on playing Champions League football which could prove an issue for the Magpies.

Their grip on the top four has slipped since the turn of the year with just one win in their last seven league games seeing Tottenham Hotspur leapfrog them over recent weeks.

The Magpies still hold two games in hand over Spurs so are in control over their season but it is apparent their form must improve.

And it is believed Spurs are another club showing an interest in Maddison which could certainly prove interesting with the two sides battling it out for Champions League football.

Whether or not Newcastle chase Maddison in the summer, it is apparent they need a more consistent output up top with their lack of goals seriously harming their record in recent weeks.

The Toon have the league’s best defence this season, but three goals in their last seven league games is simply not good enough for a side that want to play Champions League football next season.

Perhaps the fact the likes of Amanda Staveley were there to see their attacking struggles on Sunday may prove significant ahead of the summer as they look for areas to improve.

Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Pedro Neto was absent from the Premier League game vs Bournemouth due to his ‘fitness’, according to journalist Liam Keen.

The Lowdown: Neto’s absence

The Old Gold suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Cherries at Molineux on Saturday, as Julen Lopetegui was once again without the services of the 22-year-old Neto, who has suffered torrid luck with injuries over the last 24 months.

The Portugal international has been out of action since October 2022 with an ankle injury but was named as an unused substitute for the previous 2-1 victory over Southampton, so the fact that he was missing completely this weekend caused concern that he had suffered a setback.

The Latest: Lopetegui’s update

Taking to Twitter after Saturday’s loss, Keen relayed an update from Lopetegui on Neto’s whereabouts, stating that he’s simply working his way back up to normal speed.

“Lopetegui confirms Neto is still building up his fitness, hence why he wasn’t involved today. Says he is ‘improving’.”

The Verdict: Missing piece of the puzzle?

Neto is yet to make a single appearance under Lopetegui due his long-term issue but Wolves could do with him returning to first-team action as soon as possible.

The Midlands winger has clocked up 23 goal contributions during his time at the club and is a great option to have available with his ability to operate in six different attacking positions (Transfermarkt).

The Viana do Castelo native was also averaging 1.6 key passes and 1.4 shots per top-flight game prior to his absence, showing the positive impact he has on the side (WhoScored).

Wolves are in need of attacking assistance given their league position, and with Neto having been hailed for his ‘electric’ pace by talent scout Jacek Kulig, he could be exactly what they have been missing.

Manchester United could well be eyeing a summer move for RB Leipzig sensation Josko Gvardiol as Erik ten Hag seeks to strengthen his defence this summer.

What’s the word?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato.it, the Red Devils – along with Premier League rivals Liverpool – are believed to be in the mix for the Croatian’s signature, albeit with fellow top-flight club Chelsea having seemingly slipped out of the running.

The report does suggest that La Liga giants Real Madrid could be the 21-year-old’s preferred destination, albeit with the centre-back’s reported €100m (£89m) price tag potentially set to prove a sticking point for Los Blancos, duly heightening the chance of a move to England.

This follows previous reports in December which claimed that the Old Trafford outfit were one of the clubs to have submitted an offer for the 19-cap starlet, who still has more than four years left to run on his existing deal in Germany.

Big Lindelof upgrade

The addition of a new centre-back could well potentially hasten an exit for Sweden international Victor Lindelof, with the 28-year-old having seemingly been the subject of transfer interest from across Europe during January, with just 17 months left on his current contract at the Theatre of Dreams.

The former Benfica ace – who arrived in Manchester on a £30m deal back in 2017 – has been resigned to a bit-part role under Ten Hag so far this season, having made just four Premier League starts to date.

That lack of action could well ensure that the £120k-per-week Swede is easily usurped in the defensive pecking order if Gvardiol is to be snapped up come the end of the season, with the latter having been in truly imperious form for both club and country this season.

The highly-coveted “warrior” – as lauded by one journalist – was notably part of the Croatia side which surged to the semi-finals of the World Cup last year, having been described as a “standout” at the tournament by United legend Rio Ferdinand after starting all seven of his country’s games in Qatar

Such dominant showings have also been replicated for Leipzig so far this term, with the former Dinamo Zagreb hotshot averaging 1.1 interceptions and 0.5 tackles per game from his 17 Bundesliga appearances, while Lindelof has averaged just 0.7 for the same two metrics respectively.

It is Gvardiol’s quality in possession which has particularly caught the eye, though, as he ranks in the top 1% for successful take-ons and the top 5% for progressive carries among his European peers. Meanwhile, the current Red Devils defender ranks in the bottom 11% and the top 40% respectively in that regard.

Throw in the fact that the Zagreb native could well be a player for the long term due to his relative youth, and it is easy to see just why he could well be an astute upgrade on United’s peripheral Swede.

Manchester United are ‘watching’ Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Randal Kolo Muani ahead of a potential move, according to journalist Christian Falk.

The Lowdown: Kolo Muani impressing of late

The 24-year-old is enjoying an impressive season for Frankfurt, scoring five goals and registering 10 assists in the Bundesliga in just 15 appearances.

Kolo Muani came to prominence during the 2022 World Cup, playing three times and scoring once for France, as well as being denied by Emiliano Martinez in the dying seconds of the final against Argentina.

Now, it looks as though the Frenchman could possibly be heading to England, following a new claim.

The Latest: Man United ‘watching’ Kolo Muani

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Falk said that United are eyeing up a move for Kolo Muani, as Erik ten Hag looks to add further attacking options at Old Trafford.

The journalist claimed:

“They’re watching him, of course, but it’s not concrete now. They have a solution now with Weghorst, and then they have to see, but Frankfurt said they won’t sell him in this winter, €100 million won’t be enough. So, you can now see how much they could like in the summer for him.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-10/” title=”Latest Man Utd news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Good for squad depth

There is no doubt that United need to sign a centre-forward for the long-term, even though Wout Weghorst has come in on loan to add depth for the time being.

Kolo Muani could fit the bill excellently, with his all-round game highlighted by his assist tally, showing that he is someone who can link up well with those around him. He has 33 senior club assists in total, along with one in five caps for France.

He has been hailed as a ‘superb’ player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also described his move to Frankfurt as a ‘masterpiece transfer’, such is his ability.

At 24, Kolo Muani should just be coming into his prime years, so the £25k-per-week attacker could be the next piece of the jigsaw for Ten Hag, bringing pace, power and end product to the United forward line.