Tag Futebol

Southampton have always had a fine academy and have produced some of the world’s best talents over the years.

The current Premier League all-time top scorer in Alan Shearer came through their ranks, as did two-time PFA Player of the Year Gareth Bale.

But in this new youngster, they might just have their next superstar if he can be nurtured to perfection.

Dominic Ballard is a 17-year-old marksman who has scored goals for fun in all stages of their youth setups and despite his age, he could come in and replicate the form of Danny Ings, who was a dependable goal scorer at St Mary’s over a four-year spell.

46 goals and ten assists in 100 games for the Saints is a fine return, especially for a side that flirted with relegation at times during his tenure.

If Ballard can take to senior Premier League football as he has done with the Premier League 2, then he is destined for greatness.

Having scored 15 goals and given four assists in 19 appearances in the under-18s division, he was quickly deemed in need of a tougher challenge.

 Now that supposed challenge is facing the teenager, he once again seems to be making light work of it.

Eight appearances in the Premier League 2 last season littered throughout the season brought a fine return of five goals and has earned him a starting place for this current season.

His form has not relented.

 Five goals in five games this season in that division earned him his senior debut, where he yet again scored. His goal on the 88th minute capped off what has been a remarkable rise to the top, and earned huge plaudits from Ralph Hasenhuttl:

“Absolutely, he likes to score goals” he claimed.

“He is there, he wants to enter the box and score goals and this is exactly what we like to see from him. He is absolutely a positive mentality player, he enjoys what he does, he invests a lot and this is good to see.”

With a goal-scoring record worthy of replacing Ings, perhaps Ballard could finally answer the striking prayers of Saints fans.

Last season, Armando Broja acted as a temporary fix up front but for a long-term solution, Ballard could well be their man.

Tottenham Hotspur are still interested in signing Wolves winger Adama Traore, according to reputable journalist Ryan Taylor.

The lowdown: Long-standing admirers

Spurs were heavily linked with a move for Traore during the January transfer window but were unable to prise the Spanish speedster away to north London.

Instead, the 26-year-old Spain international headed back to Barcelona – where he came through the La Masia ranks as a youngster – for a short-term loan spell.

Now, having returned to Wolves and upon entering the final 12 months of a deal in the Midlands, Spurs could well be set to rekindle their interest in Traore…

The latest: ‘100% a target as well’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Taylor – a journalist for the Daily Express – claimed that Tottenham are still keen on signing the eight-cap ace.

He said: “Adama Traore is 100% a target as well. And the fact he’s out of contract next summer means he could be available for literally, we’re talking £10 million, £15 million.”

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The verdict: Make it happen

Dubbed a ‘freak of nature’ by football journalist Tolga Akdeniz and a ‘game changer’ by pundit Noel Whelan, despite often struggling to covert frightening attributes into impactful performances, Traore certainly possesses everything required to be a major asset to Antonio Conte’s squad.

Already linked with potential wide options such as Hakim Ziyech and Ruslan Malinovskyi, it seems almost certain that Spurs will add another attacking option to the N17 ranks before the September 1 deadline.

Capable of operating on either wing, centrally and as a wing-back – a position of use in Conte’s favoured 3-5-2 formation – last season, the flying forward scored just once and provided four assists in 40 appearances across all competitions in Spain and England.

Despite that misfiring form, at the mooted low asking price, singing Traore – who shares similar stylistic traits to the likes of Jadon Sancho and Allan Saint-Maximin(FBref) – would be a no-brainer for Fabio Paratici and co.

Southampton are reportedly plotting a swoop for Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos and the Portuguese maestro could be the man to save Ralph Hasenhuttl’s job.

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic reporter Dan Sheldon, Southampton have held talks with Benfica over a potential move for the 21-year-old, who has caught the eye with his performances in recent seasons.

Any deal for the Portugal U21 international is likely to cost the Saints around £25m, which would surpass the £20m they paid to sign Danny Ings from Liverpool, making it a record-breaking transfer for the club.

He could save Hasenhuttl’s job

Despite the new Premier League season being just two games old, there have already been strong rumours about Hasenhuttl’s job security at the club.

Reports have suggested that some members of the squad were surprised to see the Austrian manager keep his job after a shocking end to last season, while the opening game defeat against Tottenham Hotspur where they conceded four times highlighted that the defensive issues are still present, despite an overhaul at the back.

However, they did well to fight back from 2-0 down against Leeds United last weekend and the former RB Leipzig boss could be saved if he can bring in a striker of Ramos’ quality, as his goals could be the difference for the Saints as they look to avoid a relegation scrap.

The young forward has enjoyed a superb start to the new season at Benfica, contributing five goals and three assists in just five appearances for the Portuguese side.

The Saints definitely need a clinical forward in their ranks, as none of their strikers hit double figures in the Premier League last season, while Hasenhuttl is also without last season’s options Armando Broja and Shane Long.

Southampton underperformed on their xG last season, so a striker of Ramos’ quality could benefit from the chances that they were clearly creating and not converting last season.

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Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has previously praised Ramos’ “outrageous” numbers for Benfica B where he netted 15 in 37. and now he is producing for the senior side, it seems only a matter of time before he earns a move away, and Southampton could be the beneficiaries.

If he does become Saint’s record signing there will be a lot of pressure on young shoulders, but if he can be a success and fire the Saints up the table, he might just keep Hasenhuttl in the job.

Journalist Alex Crook has claimed that Leeds United could make a move for Southampton’s Che Adams, as per GiveMeSport.

The Lowdown: Adams linked with Leeds

Andrea Radrizzani has fulfilled his promise when it comes to first-team signings this summer, with the Whites forking out just under £100m so far on a number of new players.

There could still be more to come, with Victor Orta and Leeds in the market for a new centre-forward over the coming weeks. The club have missed out on primary target Charles De Ketelaere, with rumours in recent days suggesting that a shock move for Adams is on the agenda.

The Latest: Crook’s comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Crook said he has been told that Leeds still want a new forward and that a move for Adams could be ‘one to keep an eye on’, with Southampton potentially open to offers.

He stated:

“I was told they want to bring in a centre forward and I’ve been told that Southampton could be willing to listen to offers for Che Adams, who’s been on their list before.

“Whether they would meet the asking price I don’t know, but maybe that’s one to keep an eye on.”

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The Verdict: Last resort?

Phil Hay believes that a move for Adams could materialise late in the transfer window if Leeds fail to land alternative options, name-checking Paris Saint-Germain’s Arnaud Kalimuendo and Rennes’ Martin Terrier.

He may well be lower on the list and not an eye-catching name to Leeds supporters, however, he could still be a shrewd signing to challenge the likes of Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt, as you could argue that he is in the prime of his career at the age of 26.

Adams, who has been dubbed ‘amazing’ by reporter Alan Biggs in the past, has scored three times against Leeds in previous meetings and has contributed to 31 Premier League goals in 96 appearances, so bringing him to Yorkshire may be a solid piece of prospective business from the Whites.

A transfer report involving Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara has been shut down by official club media partners Heart & Hand.

The lowdown

90Min reporter Graeme Bailey claimed on Monday afternoon that Galatasaray had launched a bid for Kamara.

The Finland star joined Rangers in January 2019 in a £50,000 move from Dundee FC and is now valued at £6.75million by Transfermarkt. He’s played 158 matches for the club in the last three and a half years.

Kamara, who signed a contract extension last September, is ostensibly committed to the Gers until June 2025.

The latest

Heart & Hand took to Twitter shortly after Bailey’s report to make clear that they had received different information.

“Galatasaray haven’t made a bid for Glen Kamara despite reports,” they wrote.

The verdict

It remains to be seen whether Galatasaray do submit an offer in the coming days, or whether one of Kamara’s other suitors steps forward.

Indeed, Bailey noted that ‘a host of clubs’ are ‘tracking’ the 26-year-old, including Brighton, Marseille and Europa League opponents RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Kamara is clearly a key player for Rangers, having started both legs of the Europa League final as well as the Seville showpiece. Overall, he played in a whopping 52 games last season.

His importance is reflected by his £21,000-per-week salary, which places him in the club’s top seven.

Rangers have already lost Joe Aribo in this transfer window and are about to bid farewell to Calvin Bassey too. Limiting the exodus and keeping hold of Kamara could be a blessed relief.

Fabrizio Romano has now shared a significant update on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League season.

The Lowdown: Eriksen linked with Spurs…

As per reports, Spurs head coach Antonio Conte has been linked with a move for Denmark star Christian Eriksen throughout this transfer window.

It has been claimed by some sources that north London is a likely destination for the 30-year-old as the Lilywhites and their sporting director Fabio Paratici reportedly eye a reunion with the former Spurs playmaker.

Sharing an update out of the club over the last 48 hours, Romano has now made a claim involving Eriksen and Spurs.

The Latest: Romano makes Eriksen claim…

Indeed, the reliable journalist may have shared some significant news for Tottenham supporters who wish to see their former star make a sensational return to N17.

Romano explained on Sunday morning (via Twitter): “Christian Eriksen’s decision on future club now finally getting closer. He’s gonna communicate with his agent in the next hours/days to make a final decision.

“Many proposals on the table, while Brentford have still hope – Spurs, now focused on different targets.”

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The Verdict: Right call?

Hailed as a ‘superstar’ by Brentford ace Pontus Jansson in March, Eriksen finished 2021/22 as their best-performing player by average match rating and made more key passes per 90 than anyone in Thomas Frank’s squad (WhoScored).

Spurs could’ve signed the 30-year-old for zero transfer cost, and we believe that Paratici should reconsider a move for the Danish maestro before it’s potentially too late.

Eriksen would add an injection of creativity in the final third for Conte – his 2.7 key passes per game last season was superior to everyone at Tottenham – and could come as a very useful squad player.

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s interest in Joaquin Correa in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to Calciomercato, the Magpies have now entered the race to land the forward as Dan Ashworth plots a swoop for the Inter gem.

The report claims that the Serie A giants, who signed him for €30m (£26m), are looking for a club to take the striker off their hands, and the Toon are now attempting to pounce on the opportunity to sign him.

It is stated that the Premier League club have been hit with a number of rejections in their pursuit of a new number nine in the transfer window so far.

Kai Havertz 2.0

By snapping up the Argentina international this summer, Newcastle could land their own version of Champions League final goalscorer Kai Havertz.

The German scored the winner in European club football’s premier competition in 2021 for Chelsea, and FBRef lists him as one of the most similar players to the 27-year-old predator in Europe’s top five leagues over the last 365 days.

In 12 Serie A starts for Inter, Correa scored six goals and provided one assist as he struggled to make the starting XI on a regular basis. This comes after 17 goals and five assists in his last 47 league outings for Lazio prior to his move to the San Siro.

Simeone Inzaghi, who has managed him at Lazio and Inter, previously lauded the attacker, saying: “Correa is a formidable player, he is very intelligent tactically, he sacrifices a lot for the team. I am happy with his double, when he has no problems and can train continuously he always proves to be able to play at the highest levels.”

Both Havertz and Correa can play as an attacking midfielder or in a false nine role as they drop deep to collect possession and progress the play. The latter ranks in the 92nd percentile or higher in progressive passes, progressive carries and touches in the penalty area per 90, whilst the Chelsea man ranks between the 80th and 95th in those statistics – comparing them to other players in their positions in Europe’s top five leagues.

This shows that both players excel at driving their team forward by either playing forward passes or dribbling with the ball to start attacks.

Therefore, Newcastle can find their own Havertz in a deal for Correa. Eddie Howe will surely love to have a false nine/attacking midfielder who can progress the play whilst also chipping in with goals, as it would allow him to play another striker, whether that is Callum Wilson or a certain Frenchman from Reims…

AND in other news,  NUFC in the mix to sign “frightening” £528k-p/w “freak of nature”, Howe would love him…

Tottenham Hotspur journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke of The Athletic has shared some hope over signing Inter Milan star defender Alessandro Bastoni after news ‘this week’.

The Lowdown: Agent sends message…

The Nerazzurri star seemingly declared his intention to remain in Italy after his representative Tullio Tinti told members of the media that Bastoni is certain to remain.

Following a meeting with the Inter hierarchy ‘this week’, Tinti emerged with his statement which appeared to dampen the prospect of Spurs boss Antonio Conte linking up with his former player in the Premier League.

However, Pitt-Brooke has now shared a glimmer of hope for Lilywhites supporters after this update.

The Latest: Pitt-Brooke shares Bastoni hope…

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Writing on Twitter, the Spurs journalist claims Tinti’s comments don’t necessarily kill Conte’s chances of signing Bastoni this summer.

He explained:

“Basically I don’t think the comments from Bastoni’s agent this week necessarily kill the chance of him leaving. Inter still need to make money this window and he’s their most sellable asset. Let’s see how this one develops.”

Explaining in his article, he also says the news surrounding Tinti ‘won’t derail Spurs’.

The Verdict: Keep pushing?

While arguably more unlikely now, the fact Spurs could still pull off a move depending on developments comes as hopeful and promising.

However, given Conte allegedly wants his business wrapped up before pre-season, we believe the north Londoners shouldn’t spend too much time watching Bastoni’s situation and must swiftly move on if they feel it can’t go anywhere.

Alternative targets like Villarreal’s Pau Torres could also provide Spurs with a needed upgrade to their back three.

In other news: ‘Being negotiated’ – Club now want their ‘sensational’ star to join Tottenham, find out more here.

Helder Costa is set to return to Leeds United this summer following a poor loan spell in Spain…

What’s the word?

That’s according to LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross, who delivered a fresh update to supporters in a recent Q&A. When asked about the club’s out-on-loan players, he said this of the Portuguese winger:

“Costa’s contract also expires in 2024, but similarly failed to impress in the PL.

“Coverage in Spain suggests Valencia are unlikely to exercise their option on his loan move, but Gestifute will not have too many issues finding their client another club, you would think. Another loan may suit all parties there.”

The 28-year-old cost Leeds around £15m from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020.

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Stolen a living

It’s hard to envisage Costa having any way back at Elland Road, even in the Championship, but as Cross explains, there is some hope in being able to offload him thanks to Jorge Mendes’ agency.

His maiden top-flight campaign in a Whites shirt saw him return only three goals and three assists across 22 appearances, taking his total for the club to 17 goal contributions in 71 matches, as per Transfermarkt.

Such form for the club drew plenty of criticism, with former striker Noel Whelan describing him as a “massive flop” and a “real disappointment” to Football Insider.

On a reported £70k-per-week at Leeds, it’s fair to suggest that Costa has absolutely stolen a living from chairman Andrea Radrizzani during his time in west Yorkshire.

It’s evident that he’s just not cut out for the big time as his poor form has continued over in Spain, where he has failed to score in 27 appearances for LaLiga outfit Valencia, also providing only two assists.

Raphinha may be on his way out this summer but Costa is certainly not the answer, Marsch and co must absolutely look to flog the Portuguese flop this off-season, regardless of the division in which they find themselves ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

AND in other news, Marsch handed huge boost ahead of Brentford clash…

Australia’s Big Bash League is into its ninth edition. Will it turn out to be among its most memorable?

Srinath Sripath16-Dec-2019Oh hello, it’s that time of the year again!Say what?
Australia’s Big Bash League, one of the world’s most prominent T20 competitions, starts this week. Into its ninth edition, #BBL09 will have 56 games featuring eight teams, followed by the finals.And how long does it go on for?
The main season goes on from December 17, 2019 till January 27, 2020. There will be five finals games after that, ending on February 8. finals games? How does that work?
One of the new aspects of this year’s Bash is five teams having a shot at the title after the league phase, as opposed to four previously.The top five teams in the BBL 2019-20 league phase will make it to the Finals•ESPNcricinfo LtdInteresting. Who are the favourites to make it?
Plenty of candidates as always, as you’d expect in a salary-capped league with lots of talent on offer. Last season’s champions Melbourne Renegades have a new coach and a star signing in Shaun Marsh. Their cross-town rivals and last year’s fellow finalists Melbourne Stars aren’t too bad either – they’ve brought in a bunch of proven names including Dale Steyn.Then there’s Brisbane Heat, who have signed up AB de Villiers (more on that soon) apart from a power-packed batting order and a quality spin attack.The likes of Perth Scorchers and Adelaide Strikers, dominant in the not-so-distant past, will be looking to make a comeback after forgettable seasons last time around.You seem to have named most of the teams alreadyHeh, that is true. And we haven’t even got to the two Sydney sides yet.Tell me this, why do Melbourne and Sydney have two sides each? Am I reading this right?Big cities, local rivalries. The lifeblood of any successful sporting league, isn’t it? The derbies are always worth a watch. Mark your calendar for the two Melbourne (Jan 4 and 10) and Sydney (Dec 28 and Jan 18) derbies.Twenty overseas players will take part in this season’s Big Bash•ESPNcricinfo LtdDid you mention AB de Villiers? Are we all supporting the Brisbane Heat, then?
ABD in any competitive cricket game is enough reason to root for them, but he’s only going to be available during the second half of the season. Here’s a bunch of marquee names to help you pick your team. There’s Steyn who will turn out for the Melbourne Stars, along with Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane. Joining them will be Glenn Maxwell
Sydney Thunder have England’s Alex Hales and South Africa allrounder Chris Morris
Rashid Khan will be back in the Adelaide Strikers’ blue once again
Josh Hazlewood will feature for the Sydney Sixers
and Steven Smith will join him towards the back end of the season Heat themselves have some exciting hitting talent: Chris Lynn of “Lynnsanity” fame, and Afghanistan mystery-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman among others
Here’s all you need to know on the eight squads in the tournament.Sounds good. Any new names I should learn?Quite a few. Two exciting English talents to start off with: Pat Brown (the Stars) and Tom Banton (the Heat), who are on the radar of T20 sides around the world for what they offer. The Hurricanes’ Riley Meredith, whose pace has been turning heads for over a year now. Tanveer Sangha is a teenage Australian wristspinner playing for the Thunder. There’s also the Renegades’ Jake Fraser-McGurk, who is an all-round talent still young enough to feature in next year’s Under-19 World Cup.Ooh, that’s plenty. Anything else before I go?Hold on…Just like a lot of American sports and the IPL, this year’s Big Bash will have strategic time-outs, which coaches can avail once during the innings, between overs 7 and 13. Whether it will have any “strategic” implications beyond a longer commercial break, we’ll have to wait and see
There will also be different-coloured hats for the tournament’s leading run-getter and wicket-taker, likely to be called the “golden bat” and the “golden arm”. Not too dissimilar, again, to the IPL’s Orange and Purple Caps

It’s HILLS. @SixersBBL will bat first #BBL08 pic.twitter.com/mkxYT9f90J

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 22, 2018

Oh and in case you missed it, the Big Bash experimented by doing away with the coin toss last year. There’s a “bat toss” for the second consecutive edition, with “hills” and “flats” being the two options. And in case you’re wondering what happens if a bat lands on its side, it has already happened