All posts by h716a5.icu

An update has emerged regarding Arsenal’s pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes…

What’s the word?

According to Brazilian outlet Lance, the Gunners are monitoring the Lyon midfielder ahead of a potential move before this month’s transfer deadline but they’ll have to wait until after the Olympics.

The 23-year-old is currently away with Brazil at Tokyo 2020, where they are currently in the semi-finals. He is seen as an alternative to Manuel Locatelli, who seems likely to choose Serie A giants Juventus over a switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Goal reported last week that Lyon would only let their star midfielder leave for around €35m (£30m).

Shades of Gilberto

A young, combative Brazilian beast who is capable of chipping in with the odd goal? That very much sounds like Invincibles midfielder Gilberto Silva.

Whenever Thierry Henry was absent, the powerhouse often stepped up as captain in the heart of the engine room and eventually won a Premier League and two FA Cups in North London.

There are plenty of similarities with Guimaraes, who could well emerge as the perfect partner for Thomas Partey under Mikel Arteta, especially if Granit Xhaka does depart before the deadline.

As per WhoScored, the £27m-rated midfielder averaged 2.3 tackles per game and an impressive 90.5% passing accuracy during the 2020/21 domestic campaign, whilst at the Olympics, he’s currently ranked amongst the six best performing players, having created three big chances and provided two assists.

Across his short career to date, the Lyon star has found the net ten times, which is pretty respectable for a defensively-minded option, but as football scout Jacek Kulig explains, he has tremendous box-to-box abilities.

He describes Guimaraes as “the perfect mix of a deep-lying playmaker and box-to-box midfielder” with “world-class potential,” also adding that he’s “a complete midfielder.”

Also dubbed an “elite talent”, the 6-foot monster is in similar stature to the former Arsenal legend, and on the above evidence, the Gunners could well find their next Gilberto.

Edu Gaspar must look to seal a move for him, whatever the costs. Just imagine him next to Partey next season. It’s a mouth-watering prospect.

AND in other news, David Ornstein drops exciting transfer claim that’ll leave Arsenal fans buzzing…

Australia are likely to arrive on September 23, earlier than expected, to acclimatise ahead of the Test series, starting on October 9 in Bangalore

Cricinfo staff09-Sep-2008
Australia are likely to arrive in India on September 23 © Getty Images
Australia are likely to arrive a week earlier than expected, to acclimatise ahead of the Test series. Though Cricket Australia and the Indian board are yet to confirm the dates, as per the team’s flight details, Australia will head to Jaipur and stay there till September 30.According to the original schedule, Australia were to land on September 29 and head to Hyderabad for the four-day fixture against a Board President’s XI from October 2 to 5. But before this match the visitors will play a Rajasthan side during their stay in Jaipur.A CA spokesman said they were due to spend six days in Jaipur and intended to play a practice game. “The details of who it will be against and the dates are still to be confirmed,” he said. “But we expect to play a two-day match.”The BCCI said though it was aware of the Australians’ early arrival, it was yet to receive any official confirmation from CA. “We are aware of them playing an additional practice game against an RCA team but it is not official yet”, a BCCI media spokesperson said.As reported earlier, a two-day practice game in Jaipur is slotted for September 27 and 28 against the Rajasthan Cricket Associations’s Centre of Excellence. Incidentally, Greg Chappell, who is the head at centre, and who was recently appointed the director of the Australian Academy’s Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, is expected to help the Australians in their preparations.

Samit Patel, the England and Nottinghamshire allrounder, has extended his contract with the club until the end of 2010

Cricinfo staff13-Oct-2008Samit Patel, the England and Nottinghamshire allrounder, has extended his contract with the club until the end of 2010.”I’m very happy at Notts and even though my previous deal didn’t expire until 2009, I was keen to agree to an extension,” Patel said. “It has been a good year for me and for the team and I’m confident that we will be able to challenge for honours next season.”Patel was called up to England’s one-day squad against South Africa in the summer, and impressed sufficiently to be named in the squads for the Stanford series as well as India.”Samit has taken huge strides recently and this contract rewards him for his standing in the team,” said Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire’s director of cricket. “He has matured as a person and a player and he has serious ambitions to play Test cricket for England.”

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle’s interest in Marseille defender Boubacar Kamara.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle have submitted a bid for the 21-year-old as Steve Bruce goes in search of reinforcements for his squad.

The report does not state how much they have offered for the Ligue 1 defender, but does add that Hamza Choudhury and Joe Willock are also players that the Tyneside club are actively pursuing.

Bruce needs him

Mike Ashley must ensure this deal gets done by splashing the cash in Marseille’s direction. There is no suggestion that the current bid is enough to get it over the line, which could indicate that Newcastle need to improve their offer before it progresses further.

Therefore, Ashley could need to dip into his pocket to ensure that Kamara is a part of Steve Bruce’s squad this season. The ex-Villa boss needs the defender for multiple reasons, starting with the fact that the 21-year-old is able to cover a variety of positions on the pitch.

He has played at centre-back, left-back, right-back, central midfield and holding midfield throughout his senior career to date. This includes 64 games at centre-back and another 64 games holding midfield, with a smattering of appearances in the other three positions. This shows that he can fill in wherever he is needed across the defence and midfield, making him a valuable asset to have when dealing with suspensions and injuries.

Kamara also has the quality to perform to a high standard in these roles. His former Marseille teammate Rolando lauded him as a phenomenon and claimed that he is going to become a great player, saying: “This kid is a phenomenon. When he started training with us, he was 15 years old. And from day one, I said, no, but this little one is going to be a great player.

“He’s the kind of central defender I like. He is full of qualities and, above all, he works, he listens. It is out of the ordinary”

The £49k-per-week Frenchman averaged a superb WhoScored rating of 6.94 in Ligue 1 last season, having managed a score of 6.99 the previous term – all whilst playing in a multitude of roles. This shows that he can be consistent with his displays on the pitch regardless of the job he is asked to do, which suggests that he could be a reliable option for Bruce at Newcastle.

Therefore, Ashley should be doing all he can to get Kamara to St James’ Park before the end of the transfer window. His versatility and quality in Ligue 1 suggest that he could have a good chance of becoming a success in the Premier League and, in turn, being a shrewd signing for the Magpies.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Hayden: NUFC must sanction swoop for “perfect” £24k-p/w powerhouse…

This column is dedicated, not to W G Grace, whose 150th anniversaryhas been celebrated elsewhere, but to his brothers, who have receivedless than their share of reflected glory

Donald Trelford29-Oct-2008This column is dedicated, not to W G Grace, whose 150th anniversaryhas been celebrated elsewhere, but to his brothers, who have receivedless than their share of reflected glory.There were five Grace boys: Henry, Alfred, Edward Mills (known as EM), and W G and G F (Fred). The three younger brothers all played inthe first Test on English soil, against Australia at the Oval in 1880.It was Henry’s enthusiasm for cricket at school that rekindled theinterest of their father, Dr Henry Mills Grace, to the extent that hemarked out a wicket in the orchard of their house at Downend, nearBristol.Not only that, but finding there was no village cricket club at whichhis boys could play, he invented one. Then, as the boys required awider stage, he created Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, of whichE M became secretary for 39 years.Henry, described by Wisden as “a vigorous bat, a medium pace round-armbowler and an excellent field”, once scored 63 at Lord’s.All five boys followed their father into medicine, but Henry and thesecond son, Alfred, took it more seriously than the others. AlthoughAlfred was the least talented at cricket, he scored several centuriesat club level and, like all the brothers, was a brilliant horseman.E M was the shortest of the Graces and, being eight years younger thanHenry, was obliged to use a bat too big for him. The result was thathe developed an infamous cross-batted swipe, picking up balls off aperfect length and whacking them over the boundary. He was describedby Wisden as “the most dangerous bat in England”.E M was also sublimely unorthodox human being, having four wives andsiring 18 children. He was said to be “overflowing with cricket atevery pore, full of lusty life, cheerily gay, with energyinexhaustible”.Once, when a man came out of the crowd to deliver a breach of promisesuit, E M casually passed the paper to the umpire and went on to scorea fifty. He also had a short temper and assaulted barrackers in thecrowd.If W G had not cast a permanent shadow, he would be better rememberedas an outstanding cricketer of the 19th century. Wisden wrote on hisdeath in 1911: “But for the accident that his own brother proved evengreater than himself, E M Grace would have lived in history as perhapsthe most remarkable figure the game has produced.”At Canterbury Week in 1862, when he was 21, he scored 192 with someferocious hitting, then took all 10 wickets in the second innings.That was for the MCC, of which he wasn’t even a member at the time.He was the local coroner and that became his nickname. He bowled fastround-arm until a hunting accident forced him to turn to lobs instead.He once famously landed a donkey drop on the bails of Henry Jupp, thelegendary stonewaller. He played first-class cricket until he was 55and took 119 wickets for his Thornbury club at the age of 67.But it was for his fielding, so close to the bat at point that he wasasked if he ever got splinters, that he became truly famous. He oncecaught the Surrey batsman, Bobby Abel, at such lightening speed thateveryone looked to the boundary while E M nonchalantly pocketed theball.When Test cricket began in England in 1880, W G was already 32 and E Mapproaching 40. E M played only the one Test, putting on 91 with hisbrother for the first wicket. W G went on to inspire an Englandvictory with 152.The youngest brother, Fred, the most handsome of the Graces, managed a’king pair’. But he redeemed himself with a memorable catch, holding asteepling hit under the gasometer from the Australian giant, GeorgeBonnor, that is said to have travelled 115 yards.It was also Fred’s only Test, for he died two weeks later at the ageof 29 from a cold that developed into congestion of the lungs -despite having a father and four brothers as doctors and being amedical student himself.By all means let us celebrate W G, arguably the greatest Britishsportsman of all time, but let us not forget the remarkable brotherswho lived and died in his shadow.

West Ham United could revisit their interest in Torino striker Andrea Belotti, according to ExWHUEmployee. 

The Irons have apparently held an interest in Belotti in the past, and a move could be explored once again.

Belotti has fired in 105 goals and provided 28 assists in 228 all-time appearances for Torino.

Last season, the 27-year-old scored 13 for a side that only avoided relegation to Serie B by four points.

His performances earned him a call-up to the Italy squad for the European Championships earlier in the summer.

Belotti only started one match for the eventual winners – the Group A finale against Wales. By that point, Italy had secured passage to the Round of 16.

Belotti one of many candidates for West Ham?

With only a year remaining on his contract, he’s valued at £31.5million by Transfermarkt, but Belotti is by no means the only striker with whom the Hammers have been linked.

They’re said to be keen on a move for Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham, bumped further down the pecking order by Romelu Lukaku’s impending arrival (via Daily Mail) and have apparently opened preliminary talks with Liverpool over Divock Origi (via Football Insider).

Fan feed West Ham Transfers relayed the link, and here’s how supporters reacted.

These West Ham fans call for Belotti signing

“This needs to be done! Would be a class signing”

Credit: @barnard_15

“Be chuffed with that”

Credit: @WilsonNotLuke

“Needs to happen”

Credit: @adamhammer7261

“I think that would be a great signing”

Credit: @Josephsimon007

“Get him now!!”

Credit: @bigtruth2

“Please”

Credit: @jonyb1981

In other news, Dean Windass has dropped this intriguing claim on Declan Rice’s future.

Surrey have distanced themselves from the ICL by releasing one of the county’s favourite sons, Saqlain Mushtaq

Cricinfo staff28-Oct-2008
Saqlain Mushtaq: a familiar sight at The Oval since 1997 © Getty Images
Surrey have distanced themselves from the ICL by releasing one of the county’s favourite sons, Saqlain Mushtaq.ICL players are fast becoming pariahs of international cricket, as national boards and counties are pressured not to acknowledge the so-called rebel tournament or anyone associated with it. The BCCI, for example, did not release Harbhajan Singh to Surrey so long as they had an ICL player, such as Saqlain, on their books.The IPL, however, is officially recognised by the ICC, and Surrey have made it absolutely clear The Oval would make a perfect venue to host IPL games.”We are not prepared to go into next season with an ICL player,” chief executive Paul Sheldon told the BBC. “Clubs are not being encouraged to be associated with ICL players and it’s our policy not to be. We are talking to Saqlain about how we can come to some arrangement because he can’t get out of his ICL contract.”Now that Surrey have severed their ICL links, Sheldon added Surrey could re-sign the Indian offspinner, Harbhajan, who now is likely to be granted a no-objection certificate from the Indian board.

Rangers begin their Scottish League Cup campaign with a game against Championship side Dunfermline Athletic at Ibrox tonight, with Steven Gerrard’s side looking to win the trophy for the first time since 2011.

The Gers come into the game on the back of three consecutive defeats, with the 2-1 defeat against ten-man Malmo earlier this week possibly leading fans to ask serious questions of their side after a hugely disappointing start to the 2021/22 campaign.

After an unbeaten league campaign last season which saw them earn their 55th Premiership title, Rangers fans will have been full of hope for the new term, but they have been brought back down to earth after defeats against Dundee United and two against Malmo.

However, Friday night represents an opportunity to get things back on track as they face Peter Grant’s side at Ibrox, and Gerrard has made it clear that he wants success in domestic cup competitions this season, which suggests that he will name a strong side despite the Championship opposition.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Gerrard to line up his team at Ibrox, with eight changes from the team which started against Malmo earlier this week:

It seems likely that Gerrard will continue to alternate goalkeepers, so Jon McLaughlin comes back in for Allan McGregor in between the sticks.

There are three changes in defence, with only Connor Goldson keeping his place from Tuesday’s defeat, as Filip Helander replaces Leon Balogun, whilst Calvin Bassey and Nathan Patterson come in for Borna Barisic and James Tavernier respectively in the full-back positions after the latter duo’s less than impressive performances in the final third against Malmo.

In midfield, Glen Kamara is restored to the starting lineup after being suspended against Malmo, and he is partnered by Joe Aribo and John Lundstram, with Steven Davis and Scott Arfield dropping to the bench.

Ianis Hagi, who was described as “outstanding” by Gerrard in 2020, comes in for Scott Wright on the right wing, with Ryan Kent keeping his place on the left.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776”]

They support Cedric Itten up front, with the Swiss striker earning a start with Alfredo Morelos rested. Fashion Sakala misses out through injury, with Kemar Roofe also rested after a difficult few days at home for the former Leeds United man.

In other news… Wilson can sign Rangers’ next Ryan Kent with swoop for “top player”

Some Liverpool supporters have been left frustrated after it emerged that rumoured Reds transfer target Harvey Barnes is set to sign a new deal at Leicester City.

Jurgen Klopp has had a quiet summer in the transfer market, with only two pieces of business standing out. Ibrahima Konate joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig early in the summer, while Gini Wijnaldum traded Anfield for Paris Saint-Germain.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

It doesn’t look as though much more business is going to be done between now and the end of the transfer window, although Saturday’s 3-0 win at Norwich City would suggest that is no great issue.

One player who has been linked with a move to Liverpool is Barnes, who has shone for Leicester, scoring 21 goals and registering 15 assists in 101 appearances and netting against the Reds in a 3-1 win for the Foxes back in February.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, however, the 23-year-old is expected to extend his stay at the King Power Stadium, so the Reds will most likely miss out on him this time around.

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

Liverpool fans fume at Barnes update

These Liverpool fans on Twitter reacted to the update from Ornstein and they swiftly took out their anger on club owners FSG, whose frugality has often irked the fan base in the past.

“Liverpool always have interest but never buying. Ugh”

Credit: @Shyntefen

“That’s a big blow given our long term interest in Barnes. Fee would be huge now if we were to try & get him”

Credit: @Jay82_LFC

“We are really going to be stuck with Bowen aren’t we?”

Credit: @I_Am_Artanis

“Yeah that’s us dead in the water in terms of signing him”

Credit: @dylan_the_kid_

“All we do is admire. Embarrassing football club”

Credit: @cfjayden

“FSG sleeping lol”

Credit: @AminurAbid1

In other news, some Liverpool fans are delighted with one major piece of news that has emerged. Read more here.

Wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin has been named as Chris Gayle’s deputy for the five ODIs and two Twenty20 internationals on the tour of New Zealand

Cricinfo staff04-Dec-2008
Denesh Ramdin and Fidel Edwards return to West Indies limited-overs squad for New Zealand © AFP
Wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin has been named as Chris Gayle’s deputy for the five ODIs and two Twenty20 internationals on the tour of New Zealand. Ramdin, who was not part of the team for the recent ODIs in Abu Dhabi, replaces Ramnaresh Sarwan as vice-captain. Sarwan has been named vice-captain for the upcoming two-Test series, a squad which includes Ramdin.Besides Ramdin, fast bowler Fidel Edwards and allrounder Kieron Pollard make a return to the ODI side, with batsman Leon Johnson, fast bowler Kemar Roach and chinaman bowler Dave Mohammed left out from the team that was in Abu Dhabi.Ramdin’s appointment comes as a surprise. He had been dropped from West Indies’ ODI squad for the tri-series in Canada in August and the postponed Champions Trophy. Since January 2007, Ramdin has averaged 14.11 with only one half-century from 33 ODIs.He was also not part of the victorious Stanford Superstars squad at the Stanford 20/20 for 20; instead he steered Trinidad & Tobago to the US$280,000 prize in their clash with fellow domestic champions Middlesex. Ramdin, with 91 runs from three games, finished as the second highest run-getter in the Super Series.”When I was asked to do the job I immediately said yes, I did not hesitate,” Ramdin said. “We have a crucial series coming up and I aim to play a major role. This is an opportunity to be in a leadership position and I am hoping to lead by example. This has given me added confidence and I will be looking to improve my batting and keeping.”As in the Test squad, West Indies have named two keepers, with Carlton Baugh competing with Ramdin. Another Trinidad & Tobago player, Pollard, makes it to the team. Pollard scored 120 runs in two innings in the WICB Cup – the premier domestic one-day tournament – which T&T won, as well as taking nine wickets at 14.22. He made his ODI debut for West Indies in a World Cup match against South Africa last year but has since played only three more times, the last against Australia in June.Left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn will stay on after the Tests for the two Twenty20 internationals on December 26 and 28. The five-ODI series begins on December 31.West Indies limited-overs squad: Xavier Marshall, Chris Gayle (capt), Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Kieron Pollard, Shawn Findlay, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Carlton Baugh (wk), Fidel Edwards, Brendan Nash, Nikita Miller, Daren Powell, Jerome Taylor, Lionel Baker, Sulieman Benn (only for the Twenty20 internationals).