Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres on loan this summer, before potentially snapping him up permanently next year.
Is Torres leaving Barcelona?
The 23-year-old moved to Barca from Manchester City during the 2021/22 season, having struggled to ever look like a genuinely key part of Pep Guardiola's plans.
While Torres will have hoped to kickstart his career against back in his homeland, he has also found it difficult to nail down a regular starting berth under Xavi. He only started 14 La Liga games last season, coming on as a substitute on 19 occasions, and it has become apparent that he is expendable.
It means Barca could even allow him to leave during the summer transfer window, along with fellow young talent Ansu Fati, which is where Villa could come into play.
The Villans could be set to embark upon a hugely exciting summer window, with Pau Torres already expected to come in as an eye-catching defence signing, and funds available to bring in more players.
Are Villa eyeing summer move for Torres?
According to Mundo Deportivo [via Caught Offside], Villa are keen on the idea of signing Torres on loan ahead of the new season, with a view to signing him permanently in 2024, should he impress. There is a €25m (£21.5m) purchase option that would come into play at that point.
Newcastle United have also been linked with a move for the Spaniard in the recent past, however, so there could be competition for his signature, should he and Barca both agree to a move away makes the most sense.
Torres could be another statement signing by Villa this summer if they could get a deal over the line, possessing genuine pedigree, having already won three league titles in his short career to date, not to mention scoring 15 goals in 35 caps for Spain.
The fact that Xavi has called him "world-class" in the past says a huge amount about what the youngster is capable of as a footballer, and while he clearly hasn't set the world alight at City and Barca, he could thrive by being one of the first names on the team sheet at Villa Park.
At 23, he still has so many years to hone his talent and he could fulfil his potential under Unai Emery, with his compatriot outlining why he is one of Europe's leading managers after a great start to life at Villa.
Soon after being picked up at the IPL auction, the Afghanistan duo of Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan were snapped up at the CPL draft too
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Mar-2017
Soon after being picked up at the IPL auction, Mohammad Nabi got a USD 90,000 payday in the CPL draft•Peter Della Penna
Mohammad Nabi made more history on Friday when he became the first Afghanistan player to be picked in the 2017 CPL draft. The former captain was picked up by St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for USD 90,000 in the fourth round of the draft and was closely followed by team-mate Rashid Khan, who was taken in the sixth round for USD 60,000 by Guyana Amazon Warriors.This follows an excellent couple of months for Afghanistan cricket in general. The same pair of Nabi and Rashid had been snapped up at the IPL auction in February by Sunrisers Hyderabad and beginning in December the team has been on a 10-match winning streak in T20Is – a world record. Mere hours before he was picked up, Rashid produced a spellbinding display against Ireland, picking up five wickets in nine balls to turn the game around in an eventual 17-run win.CPL squads
BARBADOS TRIDENTS: Kieron Pollard, Kane Williamson*, Shoaib Malik, Dwayne Smith, Nicholas Pooran, Wayne Parnell, Ravi Rampaul, Wahab Riaz, Raymon Reifer, Christopher Barnwell, Imran Khan, Damion Jacobs, Akeal Hosein, Ryan Wiggins, Tino Best, Shamar Springer, Akeem Dodson GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS: Sohail Tanvir, Martin Guptill*, Chadwick Walton, Chris Lynn, Rayad Emrit, Rashid Khan, Jason Mohammed, Steven Taylor, Veerasammy Permaul, Roshan Primus, Gajanand Singh, Assad Fudadin, Keon Joseph, Steven Jacobs, Steven Katwaroo, Shimron Hetmyer, Ali Khan JAMAICA TALLAWAHS: Lendl Simmons, Kumar Sangakkara*, Shakib Al Hasan, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Sami, Rovman Powell, Gidron Pope, Kesrick Williams, Garey Mathurin, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Krishmar Santokie, Jonathan Foo, Kennar Lewis, Andre McCarthy, Odean Smith, O’Shane Thomas, Timroy Allen ST. KITTS & NEVIS PATRIOTS: Chris Gayle, Chris Morris*, Ben Cutting, Mohammad Nabi, Evin Lewis, Samuel Badree, Jonathan Carter, Tabraiz Shamsi, Brandon King, Devon Thomas, Sheldon Cotterell, Kieran Powell, Fabian Allen, Shamarh Brooks, Jeremiah Louis, Alzarri Joseph, Nikhil Dutta, Carlos Brathwaite ST. LUCIA STARS: David Miller, Lasith Malinga*, Shane Watson, Darren Sammy, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Jerome Taylor, Marlon Samuels, Kamran Akmal, Rakheem Cornwall, Kyle Mayers, Shane Shillingford, Eddie Leie, Keddy Lesporis, Sunil Ambris, Obed McCoy, Timil Patel TRINBAGO KNIGHT RIDERS: Dwayne Bravo, Brendon McCullum*, Sunil Narine, Hashim Amla, Darren Bravo, Denesh Ramdin, Colin Munro, Shadab Khan, Khary Pierre, Ronsford Beaton, Javon Searles, Nikita Miller, William Perkins, Kevon Cooper, Brad Hogg, Anderson Phillip, Hamza Tariq * denotes marquee players
The top pick at the draft was Lendl Simmons, the second-highest run-getter in the tournament’s three-year history with a tally of 1238 from 39 matches. Also a two-time World T20 winner, he went to Jamaica Tallawahs for USD 160,000 having represented Patriots in 2016. Tallawahs, the defending champions, needed the muscle at the top of the order after they traded their captain Chris Gayle and top-scorer in all of CPL to the team that finished bottom last season, the Patriots. West Indies T20 captain Carlos Brathwaite might also turn out for the Patriots provided he does not have any WICB commitments at the time.Among the biggest gainers from the draft were West Indies wicketkeeper batsman Chadwick Walton. His USD 30,000 contract last year became a thing of the distant past after he was bought for over three times the price – USD 110,000 – by Amazon Warriors. Australia allrounder Ben Cutting also went for the same amount and is all set to play in his first CPL, for Patriots, who had also enlisted the services of South Africa’s Chris Morris for USD 130,000 the day before the draft.There were several notable players who went unsold as well. To name a few, Pakistan legspinner Yasir Shah, their Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who struck six successive sixes in the Hong Kong T20 Blitz on Thursday, England T20 specialist Tymal Mills, Corey Anderson, who at one time held the record for the fastest century in ODIs and Shaun Marsh, who plays for Perth Scorchers, three-time BBL champions.Tallawahs invested in, among others, Mohammad Sami, who defended four runs off the last over in the recently concluded PSL to put Islamabad United into the play-offs, and Krishmar Santokie, the former West Indies left-arm quick known for his slingy action and accurate yorkers. They were the most active team in the draft, alongside the newly renamed St Lucia Stars, picking up seven players each.Marlon Samuels may have dismantled Lasith Malinga in the 2012 World T20 final, but they will be playing together under the leadership of Darren Sammy for the Stars this CPL. They also purchased Pakistan wicketkeeper batsman Kamran Akmal, who was the only centurion in the 2017 PSL, and the big-hitting offspinning allrounder Rahkeem Cornwall, who had previously represented the defunct Antigua Hawksbills.The six franchises had chosen their marquee picks a day before the draft. Kane Williamson joined team-mates Martin Guptill (Amazon Warriors) and Brendon McCullum (Trinbago Knight Riders) as the only New Zealand players in the tournament. Williamson was recruited by Barbados Tridents, who also bulked up their fast bowling reserves by picking up Wahab Riaz, Wayne Parnell and Tino Best. Knight Riders, like their namesake in the IPL, showed a fondness for unusual spinners and bought the 46-year old Brad Hogg and the 18-year old Shadab Khan, whose googlies were rarely picked by the batsmen in the PSL.A total of nine Associate players have been placed with teams in the CPL along with Rashid and Nabi. From the USA team, allrounder Timroy Allen was retained by Tallawahs after appearing in six matches during their 2016 title campaign. Fast bowler Ali Khan was retained by Amazon Warriors while batsman Steven Taylor was snapped up for USD 30,000 by Amazon Warriors after spending the last two seasons with Barbados Tridents. Legspinner Timil Patel was picked for the first time, by Stars, and wicketkeeper Akeem Dodson was taken by Tridents. Canada’s Nikhil Dutta and Hamza Tariq were retained by Patriots and Knight Riders respectively.
قدّم البرازيلي فينيسيوس جونيور نصيحة لمواطنه إندريك، لاعب ريال مدريد المعار إلى بالميراس.
وشارك إندريك وفينيسيوس في مباراة البرازيل الودية أمام إنجلترا، التي أقيمت مساء السبت خلال فترة التوقف الدولي الحالية.
وقاد إندريك البرازيل للفوز بهدف دون مقابل، وأصبح أصغر لاعب يسجل هدفًا دوليًا في ويمبلي، بعمر 17 عامًا و246 يومًا.
وقال فينيسيوس في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “مترو” البريطانية: “أنا أستمع دائمًا للاعبين الأكبر سنًا، لقد تطورت كثيرًا عند الاستماع إليهم جميعًا”.
اقرأ أيضًا | فينيسيوس جونيور يوجه رسالة لـ ووكر بعد إصابته
وأضاف: “إندريك، لاعب عظيم وشخص عظيم، أتمنى أن يستمر في الاستماع إلينا جميعًا، ونستمع إليه أيضًا، فمن لديه الخبرة ليتحدث إلينا، آمل أن يتمكن من مواصلة التطور ليكون جاهزًا قدر الإمكان لمساعدتنا في ريال مدريد”.
وأردف فينسيوس: “أتمنى أن يستمر في اكتساب الثقة حتى يتمكن من مساعدتنا في المنتخب الوطني ومساعدة ناديه بالميراس ومواصلة التطور”.
وأتم مهاجم ريال مدريد: “إنه يبلغ من العمر 17 عامًا، وأمامه مسيرته بأكملها، أتمنى أن يتمكن الجميع من دعمه”.
Tottenham Hotspur are also targeting Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi this summer but face competition from a host of Premier League clubs.
Who are Spurs signing?
The north Londoners, boosted by new manager Ange Postecoglou's official arrival last weekend, have already made some serious summer moves.
Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro have put pen to paper on permanent deals from Juventus and Sporting Lisbon respectively, while the likes of Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison joined them from elsewhere this window.
Maddison, who signed for £40 million from Leicester City, has ended Tottenham's long-wait for a playmaker in the mould of Christian Eriksen – while Vicario's arrival could allow long-serving number one Hugp Lloris to depart.
Former Fulham loanee Manor Solomon is also said to be having a medical today ahead of a proposed free transfer to Spurs, coming after a FIFA ruling which allows the Israeli to depart Shakhtar Donetsk before the actual expiry of his contract.
It is widely believed that the signing of a star centre-back will follow these transfers, with the Lilywhites enduring a woeful 2022/2023 season in terms of goals conceced.
No other top flight side above 15th leaked more at the back than Spurs last season, a fact Postecoglou will be fully aware of as he seeks to bring back faith in the Tottenham cause.
Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven, Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo and Clement Lenglet from Barcelona are the centre-backs most heavily linked with a move to north London as of now.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
However, according to Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke, coming from a "well-placed source", Tottenham chiefs firmly have their eye on Guehi of Palace as well.
The England international, who impressed under both Patrick Vieira and Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park last campaign, is also attracting interest from Newcaste, Liverpool and north London rivals Arsenal.
Spurs are among the sides ready to battle for Guehi, as this report suggests, but a deal could be hard to do given the Eagles could demand in excess of £60 million.
What's been said about Marc Guehi?
As per WhoScored, the 22-year-old was a mainstay for Palace last season, having featured over more league minutes than any other Palace player.
Guehi averaged the highest passing accuracy (85.5%) of any Palace player too, indicating he could fit into Postecoglou's system as a brilliant ball-playing defender.
The defender averaged their joint-highest rate of blocks per 90 and second-highest number of clearances on average, just behind fellow centre-half Joachim Andersen (WhoScored).
Guehi's quality isn't lost on Club Brugge keeper Josef Bursik, who called him an "absolute tank" when asked to pick the strongest player in England's Under-21 squad a couple of seasons ago.
"Easy, Marc Guehi. He’s an absolute tank,” Bursik said.
“It’s like having a brick wall in front of you, he’s massive.”
Meanwhile, Hodgson has also praised Guehi for his ball-playing ability and composure on the ball.
“Marc Guehi and (Joachim) Andersen are very good players," Hodgson explained.
“They’re good defenders and good on the ball, which is very useful because it helps you start attacks, switch play and develop the composure you need to build attacks up.
“They’re both very useful to the club and would be to any club because they’re good players.”
أكد لاعب آرسنال أولكسندر زينشينكو إنه سيكون على استعداد لترك مسيرته الكروية والذهاب إلى الحرب من أجل بلاده أوكرانيا إذا تم استدعاؤه إلى الجيش الأوكراني.
وندد زينشينكو بالحرب المستمرة في أوكرانيا منذ الغزو الروسي في عام 2022، وتبرع بحوالي مليون جنيه إسترليني لمساعدة بلاده.
زينشينكو البالغ من العمر 27 عامًا على استعداد لحمل السلاح للدفاع عن أوكرانيا، وأوضح أن العديد من أصدقائه السابقين في المدرسة فعلوا ذلك بالفعل.
وقال زينشينكو في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “مترو” نقلاً عن “بي بي سي نيوز نايت”: “أعتقد أنها إجابة واضحة، سأذهب للقتال”.
وأضاف: “من الصعب أن نفهم أننا كنا زملاء في نفس المدرسة مؤخرًا، وكنا نلعب في الملعب أو في ملعب كرة القدم، والآن يتعين عليهم الدفاع عن بلدنا”.
وأفاد: “وبصراحة، من الصعب جدًا قبول هذا، ولكن هذا هو ما هو عليه الأمر، لا يمكننا أن نستسلم”.
اقرأ أيضًا | أرتيتا عن مشاهدة مباريات ليفربول ومانشستر سيتي: أطفالي وزوجتي يؤثرون على القرار
وتأتي تعليقات زينشينكو في الوقت الذي قال فيه الرئيس الأوكراني فولوديمير زيلينسكي إن أوكرانا ستحتاج إلى تعبئة نصف مليون جندي إضافي لمواصلة جهودها الحربية ضد روسيا.
زينشينكو أشار كذلك إلى زملائه السابقين في فريق أوفا الروسي الذي لعب له في عام 2015، وأستطرد: “منذ الغزو، أرسل لي عدد قليل جدًا من الرسائل النصية وأرسلت لي بعض الرسائل، ولا أستطيع أن ألومهم لأن هذا ليس خطأهم”.
وأوضح: “لا أستطيع أن أقول لهم يا شباب، قوموا بالاحتجاج في الخارج وكل هذه الأشياء، لأنني أعلم أنه يمكن وضعهم في السجن”.
وأتم: “لن ننسى أبدًا ما فعلوه بنا وبشعبنا، وهذا ما سأعلمه لأطفالي أيضًا، وسوف يعلم أطفالي أطفالهم، هذا غير مقبول”.
That Gujarat Lions have managed to take only one wicket in two games has prompted the management to rethink their strategy of playing four overseas batsmen
Arun Venugopal in Hyderabad09-Apr-2017Gujarat Lions might rethink their strategy of playing four overseas batsmen after a nine-wicket thrashing by Sunrisers Hyderabad condemned them to their second defeat in two matches. Coach Brad Hodge has hinted at a change in tactic, admitting that the team management had been tempted to beef up the bowling with either James Faulkner or Andrew Tye in place of one of the overseas batsmen ahead of the Sunrisers game.In the absence of the injured Dwayne Bravo, Lions’ overseas contingent has comprised Jason Roy, Brendon McCullum, Aaron Finch and Dwayne Smith. While the batting unit clicked in the first game to post 183 against Kolkata Knight Riders, it came unstuck against Sunrisers’ disciplined bowling and wilted to 135 for 7 in 20 overs. On both occasions, the team has been let down by the bowling department: Lions have taken only one wicket in two games.”I think we need to analyse a few areas of our game,” Hodge said after the match. “I think we need to improve and understand that, ‘look your last year was a great season and it is going to take some hard work and effort to repeat that.'”Yeah, we were tempted [to play either Faulkner or Tye], yes. I guess it is one of those 50-50 calls where either you can make that change, or back those guys again to be successful. Unfortunately it didn’t work. And we’ll look at that combination again. I guess the good thing is that we are still searching for answers and it is only early in the tournament. So it’s good we really have the opportunity to knuckle down, have a look at the particular areas and I am sure that selection criteria [of picking an overseas bowler] will come into play.”It was legspinner Rashid Khan who set the Lions back irreversibly. He struck in his first over to trap McCullum in front, and went on to have Finch and Raina lbw as well in each of his next two overs. Hodge said Rashid was identified as a threat before the game, but that the Lions batsmen had actually read him well.”We clearly didn’t post a big enough total,” he said. “We lost three quick wickets to Rashid. That pushed us on the back foot, and we were never going to be able to post a big enough total. I think they read him, they just said they didn’t play him that well. He’s a good bowler and we identified that before the game that he was going to be a threat. We just lost three consecutive wickets back to back and all pretty good players too.Brad Hodge on Tejas Baroka: “I think he’s got good skills, good control and I think when you see the game on the line, he’ll be a real tough proposition for few teams.”•BCCI
“Whenever that happens in T20… I thought we did a pretty good job to post a total which might’ve been challenging. I thought Dwayne Smith played well at the end. Dinesh Karthik put on a good performance. Reality is, with that batting line-up, 130 is probably not good enough.”In this tournament, we’ve plenty of time to regroup. You’re going to lose matches – that’s part of the IPL, that’s part of any cricket theme…Yeah, but it will be nice for us to start getting some wins on the board.”Hodge also rued the absence of injured left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja, who he reckoned was irreplaceable. Raina had earlier indicated that Jadeja was expected to return for Lions’ next game against Rising Pune Supergiant on April 14.”Without Jadeja, it’s probably hurt us a little bit there. He’s a player you can’t actually replace,” Hodge said. “He bats, bowls and fields and these guys are getting opportunity for that reason. Hopefully we get Jaddu back in, it might make a difference.”Lions had fielded two IPL debutants in legspinner Tejas Baroka and seamer Basil Thampi on Sunday. Hodge was particularly impressed with Baroka, 21, who played his first representative game. After being clubbed by David Warner for boundaries off his first two deliveries, Baroka came back well to finish his over with four consecutive dot balls. Hodge saw his bowling as a takeaway from the game.”This is his first game. What we saw was some real courage, coming on in the fourth [fifth] over and bowling to David Warner in the Powerplay as a young legspinner was pretty challenging, I’d have thought,” Hodge said. “I reckon he did a good job. There’s a couple of things we picked up… I think he’s got good skills, good control and I think when you see the game on the line, he’ll be a real tough proposition for few teams. He’s got a good wrong ‘un. I don’t think he really bowled a bad ball today. There’s a good upside to him I think.”
Nottingham Forest completing a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie would be 'pretty sensational', according to journalist Dean Jones.
Is Piero Hincapie on his way to Nottingham Forest?
According to Bola VIP, Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen man Hincapie, who would cost in the region of £34.2 million to entice him to the City Ground.
The report states that Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also keen on the Ecuador international; however, Xabi Alonso isn't keen to part ways with his prize asset and has communicated to the Bayer Leverkusen board that he does not want to lose Hincapie.
Bundesliga insider Christian Falk told GIVEMESPORT back in January that Spurs have been casting an eye on the 21-year-old since last summer, stating: "Tottenham still has it's eye on him, already in the summer, but also Arsenal again and Chelsea are visiting what is happening with him."
Tuttomercatoweb also follow up these claims and indicate that contact has been made between Tottenham and Bayer Leverkusen as they look to establish a potential deal.
Hincapie made 43 appearances in all competitions last term for Bayer Leverkusen, registering one goal and a solitary assist in the process, as per Transfermarkt.
His awareness to danger impressed onlookers during 2022/23 as Hincapie racked up 1.7 tackles and 2.5 clearances per match on average in the German top flight, according to WhoScored.
Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones has signalled that he thinks Hincapie joining Nottingham Forest would be a 'sensational' piece of business by Steve Cooper.
Jones told FFC: "I mean, this would be pretty sensational as the player has been linked with big clubs. Not so long ago, I would have thought he might actually be considered too good for Nottingham Forest. If they are willing to stump up the cash, it might be able to happen. It's a lot of money were talking about here, but he's very good."
Who else is on Steve Cooper's radar at Nottingham Forest?
Nottingham Forest fans will hope to see Cooper make some solid additions this term as they try to consolidate themselves in the Premier League.
Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has detailed that the Reds are keen on signing free agent Willian, stating on Twitter: "Understand Nottingham Forest and also Fulham have sent formal proposals to Willian as he’s currently free agent. Saudi clubs are also approaching the Brazilian winger, one more option. Decision expected in the next days."
Chelsea forgotten man Callum Hudson-Odoi has emerged as another target to bolster the left flank and he also has interest from Fulham and Saudi Arabia, according to The Guardian.
Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson is being primed for a return to the City Ground on a permanent basis as he looks to bring his long-term association with the Red Devils to a close, as cited by Telegraph Sport.
Wolverhampton Wanderers stopper Jose Sa is under consideration as an alternative target between the sticks to replace Keylor Navas at the club.
Plenty of arrivals will be expected this summer for the Tricky Trees and they look ready to splash the cash once again to get their favored targets in the door.
أعلن الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم طاقم تحكيم مباراة باريس سان جيرمان الفرنسي وبرشلونة الإسباني في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، غدًا الأربعاء.
باريس سان جيرمان يستضيف برشلونة غدًا على ملعب بارك دي برانس “حديقة الأمراء”، ضمن ذهاب دور ربع نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا، قبل أسبوع من تكرار المواجهة إيابًا على ملعب لويس كومبانيس “المونتجويك” في إسبانيا.
الاتحاد الأوروبي قرر تعيين طاقم تحكيم إنجليزي لإدارة المباراة التي ستجمع بين الفريقين للمرة الأولى منذ 3 سنوات، عندما خسر برشلونة في مباراتي دور الـ16 من موسم 2020\2021، 5-1 بنتيجة المباراتين.
طالع أيضًا.. ريال مدريد يتوجه بطلب إلى يويفا قبل مواجهة مانشستر سيتي
وسيدير المباراة، الدولي الإنجليزي أنتوني تايلور، ويعاونه في الملعب الثنائي جاري بيسويك وآدم نان، وروبرت جونز حكمًا رابعًا.
بينما يتواجد في غرفة الفار، كل من ستيوارت أتويل ودافيد كوت.
وقاد أنتوني تايلور هذا الموسم مباراة لـ برشلونة هذا الموسم في دوري أبطال أوروبا كانت في دور المجموعات وفاز بها البلوجرانا 1-0 على بورتو في البرتغال، وأشهر البطاقة الحمراء في وجه جافي، لكنه لم يدير أي مباراة لفريق باريس سان جيرمان.
تاريخيًا، أدار أنتوني تايلور 6 مباريات لـ باريس سان جيرمان في دوري أبطال أوروبا، ولم يخسر بطل فرنسا معه أبدًا، حيث فاز في 5 مباريات على يوفنتوس وريال مدريد ومباراتين ضد بوروسيا دورتموند وأخرى أمام شاختار، بينما تعادل مع برشلونة المرة الوحيدة.
فيما كان صاحب الـ44 عامًا مسؤولًا عن 4 مباريات لـ برشلونة، وكان الفوز الوحيد للفريق في هذا الموسم على بورتو، لكن النتائج الثلاث السابقة، تعادل مع أولمبياكوس وباريس، وخسر من بايرن ميونخ 3-0.
Alex Wakely led the way with 83 as Northamptonshire defied the elements and sealed a dramatic two-wicket win with one ball left in the Specsavers County Championship match at Chester-le-Street
ECB Reporters Network05-Jun-2017 ScorecardSkipper Alex Wakely led the way with 83 as Northamptonshire defied the elements and sealed a dramatic two-wicket win with one ball left in the Specsavers County Championship match at Chester-le-Street.With the floodlights on for the last ten overs and steady rain falling in the final ten minutes, the visitors finished the task of scoring 100 in 17 overs by scampering a bye to the wicketkeeper.Needing 161 with nine wickets standing, no play was possible until 3.05 and tea was taken after 35 minutes when 56 had been added in nine overs. That meant a further 105 were required from 33 overs, but only one over was bowled after the break before the rain returned.The 5pm resumption favoured the NatWest T20 Blast holders against Durham’s inexperienced attack, who were bravely led by Paul Coughlin, who finished with match figures of 10 for 133.Rob Newton cut and pulled Gavin Main for two fours in the second over of the final chase to reach 50 but then miscued Coughlin to deep mid-on to end a stand of 123.Wakeley, who had begun the day on 18 and raced to a 58-ball half-century before the break, continued to score at the required rate and had the target down to 47 when he was narrowly run out attempting a second run to deep point.Rob Keogh skied a return catch to Coughlin and Rory Kleinveldt holed out at long-off. But Barry McCarthy was denied a second wicket when, with 26 needed off four, Josh Cobb was dropped at long-on by Michael Richardson.The last ball of the over soared over the same fielder for six and Cobb, the match-winner against Durham in last year’s T20 final, had all but finished the job when he was caught at third man in the final over.Alex Wakely did the job for Northants•Getty Images
Wakely said: “We tried our best to lose it at the end, but we had the upper hand from the first day and it’s a good feeling to come away with a win we really needed.”The weather threatened to deny us, but we were always holding on to a hope that there would be an opening and we felt 20 overs at the end was all we needed.”With his side even further adrift than at the start of the season, Durham coach Jon Lewis said: “We were well aware of the size of the points deduction, so that’s not an excuse. The loss of personnel is a bigger factor. We are a bit light on battle-hardened campaigners and need to work on maintaining standards over four days.”
Liverpool could still potentially be in the mix to sign Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard this summer, according to an update from journalist Christian Falk.
Have Liverpool been linked with Benjamin Pavard?
The £116,000-a-week-earning Frenchman has enjoyed an impressive career to date, enjoying a huge amount of success at both club and international level. He won the 2018 World Cup with France, scoring a memorable goal against Argentina in the knockout stages, and he has also tasted Bundesliga title glory on four occasions, not to mention winning the Champions League once for good measure.
Despite this, it does look as though Pavard could have reached the end of his time at Bayern, considering his current deal expires next summer and he is yet to agree an extension. There seems to be no sign of him changing his mind on that, meaning the German giants could look to cash in on him now, rather than lose him on a free transfer in 2024.
Liverpool are one of the clubs who have been linked with a move for the 27-year-old in the recent past, as the Reds possibly looking to bring in defensive reinforcements this summer. They have now received a boost in their pursuits of him, following an important update from a reliable journalist.
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Falk admitted that Pavard wants to leave Bayern this summer and that all of the Premier League's top six clubs will be alerted to the situation, which includes Liverpool:
"Bayern Munich has no offer at the moment on the table, but he's told the club he won't sign a new contract. So, Munich now want to sell him.
"It's now up to the Premier League clubs to make an offer. He has an agent, but also, Pini Zahavi is working with the agents and he has good contacts with the Premier League clubs and, I think, every Premier League club in the top six.
"So, I'm sure that there will be an offer in the next weeks from a Premier League club."
Pavard could actually be a very astute signing by Liverpool if their interest is serious in him, considering the experience and winning mentality he has built up over the years for both club and country. At 27, he is very much in his peak years of his career, and the fact that he is adept at playing at both right-back and centre-back makes him a dream when it comes to versatility.
The 49-time capped France international could be viewed as strong backup option to Trent Alexander-Arnold, or even a key starter if the Englishman ends up playing in midfield at times moving forward – Thomas Tuchel has called him "underrated" and a "top team player" – although he may want to be starting matches every week, which could be a stumbling block.
Liverpool could get Pavard in a cut-price deal, however, considering his contract situation, and while far from the most spectacular full-back around, he could be a really strong squad option. A left-footed defender who can play centrally and on the left could take precedence, though, further putting doubt over the move happening.