All posts by h716a5.icu

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has made a claim on Leeds United and possible move for Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest.

The Lowdown: Dest links

Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch met earlier this month to discuss the profile of player they want to target this summer ahead of the latter’s first full season in charge.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-04-02T155252Z_391313781_UP1EI421841M9_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-SOU-REPORT.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Dest was linked with a move to Yorkshire prior to those talks, with sources revealing that the USA international is on Orta’s radar alongside RB Salzburg’s Brenden Aaronson.

Dest is currently under contract at the Nou Camp until 2025 and has made 69 appearances for the Catalan giants, turning out at full-back and on the wing on both sides.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Talking to This is Futbol, O’Rourke said that Leeds will be on the hunt for a right-back and name-checked Dest, suggesting it could be a ‘big deal’.

“They’ll be looking at a right-back, I think, as well. Sergino Dest has been mentioned possibly as that one which will be a big deal for Leeds.”

The Verdict: Ayling replacement?

By the looks of it, the Whites will be ‘looking’ to bring in a right-back over the summer, which could result in Luke Ayling becoming second-choice at Elland Road.

Ayling has grown with the club since joining in 2016 and has made 217 appearances for the Whites. However, he will be entering the final 12 months of his contract in the summer, where he will turn 31.

He reportedly wants to stay at Leeds for the rest of his career, however, he may have to accept dropping down to the bench going forward, should the Whites land someone like Dest over the coming months.

In other news: Leeds and Orta want ‘extraordinary’ ace in Bosman move; same agent as Bamford. 

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Manchester United are ‘interested’ in a move for Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres.

The Lowdown: Torres profiled

Torres has progressed through Villarreal’s academy and has made 127 senior appearances for the Spanish side – 40 of which have come during the current campaign.

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

Labelled as ‘extraordinary’, the Spain international is currently in England ahead of Villarreal’s Champions League semi-final first leg with Liverpool this evening.

The 25-year-old is at the peak of his powers, currently holding a career-high £45m Transfermarkt valuation, but will be into the final two years of his contract in the summer, and it looks as if the Red Devils are keen on his services.

The Latest: Romano’s post

Romano took to Twitter on Tuesday afternoon to provide an update on Torres.

He revealed that the centre-back is attracting interest from both Manchester United and Manchester City, while Chelsea are also keeping tabs on his situation.

“Pau Torres is attracting interest from top clubs again as his release clause will be valid this summer: €55/60m, available until the end of the market.

“Manchester United and Manchester City are both interested – Chelsea have also sent their scouts to follow him.”

The Verdict: Needed?

It looks as if Torres will have a release clause in the region of €55m (£46.5m), something which could seriously appeal to United chiefs.

Erik ten Hag may see defence as a key area which needs addressing ahead of his first season in charge, especially with the Red Devils keeping just one clean sheet in their last 11 games.

Therefore, bringing in Torres, who is clearly a man in demand in the Premier League and is hitting his prime, could be a really good move by United as they look to solve their backline woes under the Dutchman.

In other news: Man Utd now leading race to sign ‘absolute beast’ in club-record deal following Ten Hag request. 

Nick Hammond is reportedly now ‘interested’ in signing Benoit Badiashile for Newcastle United in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Hammond busy

Having been hired as a transfer consultant on a short-term deal at St. James’ Park (Sky Sports), Hammond is likely to be a very busy man this month.

Kieran Trippier has already been brought in, and now it looks like a new central defender is next on the list.

Both Sven Botman and Diego Carlos have been heavily linked with a switch to the North East recently, as they look to bolster up their defence even more.

The Latest: Badiashile interest

As per Foot Mercato journalist and transfer expert Santi Aouna, the Tyneside outfit, as well as West Ham United, are now ‘interested’ in signing Badiashile, and there has already been ‘contact made’ with AS Monaco and the player’s representatives.

They will ‘take action’ in the event that deals for either Botman or Carlos fall through.

The Verdict: Great alternative

If deals cannot be done for Botman or Carlos, than Badiashile is a great alternative.

Standing at six foot four, the Frenchman is a beast, and not only is he a threat physically, but he is also ‘very good technically’ and ‘very fast’, according to Monaco Vice President Oleg Petrov (Get French Football News).

Badiashile has the whole package as a centre-back, and the scary thing is he is just 20 years of age, and so has a big future ahead of him.

Nonetheless, he would be a shrewd signing by the Magpies, especially if they can snap him up this month.

In other news, find out which ‘monster’ NUFC have now started talks with here!

Cricket could return to the Commonwealth Games as early as 2018 if the International Cricket Council (ICC) accepts an invitation from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

George Dobell27-Jun-2012Cricket could return to the Commonwealth Games as early as 2018 if the International Cricket Council (ICC) accepts an invitation from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).HRH Prince Imran of Malaysia, the Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation, made a presentation to the ICC board on Wednesday, inviting cricket into the 2018 Commonwealth Games, to be held on the Gold Coast in Australia, and the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games, which will be held in St Lucia.Cricket has been included in the Commonwealth Games just once – in Malaysia in 1998 – when South Africa won gold by defeating Australia (silver) in the final. New Zealand won bronze. The Games have a worldwide TV audience of over 400 million.”I gave the ICC board a brief introduction to the Commonwealth Games,” Prince Imran told ESPNcricinfo. “I told them that the feeling from our AGM in St Kitts in November was that we were keen to have cricket back in the Games and, with Australia hosting in 2018, that might present an ideal opportunity.”I hope this will be a win-win situation. Including cricket within the Commonwealth Games would present an opportunity to showcase the sport not just to a new audience, but to other sports administrators. Just as Rugby 7s got into the Olympics after making a good impression in the Commonwealth Games, so could cricket.”But the greatest benefit of inclusion is not commercial; it is about the globalisation of the game. I believe inclusion within the Commonwealth Games would be particularly beneficial for the development of the women’s game. It would provide a high-profile tournament for them to take part in.”While there is little opposition to cricket’s inclusion in the Commonwealth Games on principle, the practical obstacles remain substantial. Even if the Future Tours Programme left room for another event and even if the issues with long-term broadcast contracts could be resolved, the fact is that the 2018 Commonwealth Games are scheduled for the prime weeks of the IPL; between April 4 and 15.Such is the CGF’s desire to see cricket included within the Games, however, they stressed to the ICC that they would be happy to see the “best available” players selected.”We understand that the cricket schedule is very busy,” Prince Imran continued “and selection, of course, is the prerogative of the board. We would understand if the players selected were the best available.”I am sure that the players would like to participate. Shaun Pollock and Steve Waugh both appeared in the Games in 1998, while Sir Viv Richards was there as team manager of the Antigua side: I know they all enjoyed and valued the experience.”The ICC will now investigate the costs and benefits of inclusion in multi-sports games, with Prince Imran not anticipating a formal response until the next ICC board meeting in October.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be looking to add a new centre-back to the Old Trafford ranks this summer.

The lowdown: United’s defensive struggles

This season has been a wholly forgettable one for the Red Devils and much of the hardship has come from an inability to shore up a leaky defence.

So far this term, United have conceded 52 goals in the Premier League, more than every other club in the top nine and more than Liverpool and Manchester City combined.

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

Therefore, it’s unsurprising the central defensive department has already been earmarked as a position in need of strengthening over the summer…

The latest: Torres could be a target for Ten Hag

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke named one man who is already on the minds of the Old Trafford hierarchy in terms of centre-back reinforcements.

He stated: “I think ideally Ten Hag will be looking maybe at a centre-half; Pau Torres from Villareal has been mentioned. And a defensive central midfielder will be required with Matic leaving and Paul Pogba set to move on as well.”

Torres has previously been linked with a move to Manchester, but it appears that the Red Devils will face serious competition from Manchester City for the capture. As per Fabrizio Romano, the 25-year-old’s release clause of €55m-€60m (£46.3m-£50.5m) ‘will be valid this summer’.

The verdict: Reinforcements needed

Despite appearing relatively well-stocked at centre-back when Raphael Varane arrived from Real Madrid for £41m (Sky Sports), neither Ole Gunnar Solskjaer nor interim boss Ralf Rangnick have managed to get the best out of the decorated Frenchman in his injury-plagued first season at Old Trafford.

The 29-year-old has made 27 appearances across all competitions in the current campaign, whilst Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof have achieved a combined 74 outings, highlighting an inability to find a settled partnership at the back.

Meanwhile, Torres has amassed 42 appearances this term for Villarreal, helping to guide the Yellow Submarine to a Champions League semi-final in the process. The 25-year-old has been described as an ‘extraordinary talent’ by former La Liga midfielder Javi Calleja and has so far lived up to expectations.

Boasting a 7.07 Sofascore rating, the Spain international has won four duels, made 3.2 clearances and completed 54.6 accurate passes on average per game. With figures like that, he would make a superb addition to the United ranks in a position where more consistency is certainly needed.

In other news: Man Utd star could make sensational summer exit…find out more here

Leicestershire’s board of directors has agreed to step down en masse at the next annual general meeting, to be held in mid-Feb 2011

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Oct-2010Leicestershire’s board of directors has agreed to step down en masse at the next annual general meeting, to be held in mid-Feb 2011, as a compromise between the board and a group of members who had petitioned for special meeting in November. The board of directors would have faced a vote of no-confidence at that meeting which won’t be required now as a result of their decision.In a statement on the club’s website, the petitioners said that “in view of the Board’s willingness to compromise, the cancellation of the special general meeting is in the best interests of the club, and will allow the club to move forward.”Last month county members Anna Stead and Stewart Walker submitted a petition with 165 signatures, over 10% of the county’s membership of about 1,400, calling for a special general meeting (five per cent of the total membership is needed to call such a meeting) at which they proposed three actions, according to .The first was to hear evidence from former chief executive David Smith about his departure in June. The second was to have a vote of no-confidence in then chairman Neil Davidson and the board. The third, which would have been necessary if the no-confidence vote was upheld, was to elect an interim board to manage the club until the next annual meeting.The petitioners have urged all interested members to submit their nominations by November 30. They have also pledged to support whomsoever is elected at the annual general meeting next year but will continue to press for changes to the club’s constitution, which they say does not appear to protect the interests of its members. The directors can choose to stand for re-election at the annual meeting.The truce between the board and petitioners is the culmination of a tumultuous few months for Leicestershire. The club lose its chief executive (Smith), chairman of cricket (Neil Davidson) and senior coach (Tim Boon). Paul Haywood has been appointed the new chairman of cricket, while Mike Siddall, who has been acting chief executive since Smith’s departure, had his position made official.The trouble began when Smith and Davidson fell out over selection issues, and Smith resigned. Leicestershire captain, Matthew Hoggard, and Boon, then demanded the immediate removal Davidson in a letter, which had the support of all Leicestershire players, the ground staff and most of the club’s administrative staff.Hoggard and Boon alleged that Davidson had interfered in cricket matters at the club and intimidated staff and made the club unattractive to new players. Davidson stood firm at first, but was eventually forced to go when Hoggard refused to withdraw the letter against him.

Shane Watson has signed a three-year deal with the Brisbane Heat on the second-last day of the initial Big Bash League contract window

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Jul-2012Shane Watson has signed a three-year deal with the Brisbane Heat on the second-last day of the initial Big Bash League contract window. Watson, who is originally from Queensland, was on the Sydney Sixers’ roster last year and although his international commitments are expected to limit his BBL availability, he said he was keen to work with the Heat coach Darren Lehmann whenever possible.”Boof [Lehmann] is a great bloke and has made a really big impact as a coach since he went down that path,” Watson said. “I know the Queensland boys have really enjoyed their cricket under him and it seems a really great fit for me to join the Heat and get to work with him.”My priority will be to play as much cricket for Australia as I can this summer but the BBL is an exciting thing to be a part of. I love T20 cricket and I’m looking forward to being back home playing in front of friends and family.”There were several other moves on Thursday, with the Melbourne Renegades hitting back at the Adelaide Strikers after they poached Andrew McDonald and Shaun Tait from the Renegades over the past fortnight. The Renegades have picked up three men who performed solidly for the Strikers last season: Daniel Harris, who was the Strikers’ second-leading run scorer; Aaron O’Brien, who was their top wicket taker; and the batsman Tom Cooper.In other moves, the Sydney Thunder lost Doug Bollinger to the Hobart Hurricanes, while the Thunder picked up Ryan Carters from the Renegades and Cameron Borgas from the Strikers, and signed Jason Floros. The wicketkeeper-batsman Daniel Smith, who played for the Thunder last summer, has moved to the Sixers.The Sixers also re-signed Mitchell Starc and Nic Maddinson, while the Melbourne Stars were happy to lock in six key bowlers: James Pattinson, Clint McKay, Jackson Bird, James Faulkner, John Hastings and Clive Rose. The Hurricanes, as well as signing Bollinger, confirmed that Timm van der Gugten would be part of their squad this year.The Strikers picked up the allrounder Michael Neser from the Brisbane Heat and the batsman Nathan Reardon from the Renegades. The eight teams have until the end of Friday to confirm at least 14 players for the 2012-13 tournament.

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing over some manager news that has emerged involving Niko Kovac.

As per The Daily Mail, the Croatian is now a candidate for the vacant position left by Rafa Benitez earlier this week, following the 2-1 loss away at Norwich City in the Premier League.

He has a lot of pedigree, having won four major trophies during his time at both Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt, including the Bundesliga title with the former.

With Frankfurt, he managed to take them from relegation candidates into the top half of the table, and members of the Goodison Park faithful feel as if he could do a similar thing with them.

Nonetheless, with nearly 300 games managed at a high level, the 50-year-old would certainly be an exciting appointment.

Everton fans on Kovac manager news

These supporters of the Merseyside club buzzed as the manager news was shared on Twitter, with one Toffee even going as far as to claim that he would be ‘great’ for them:

“Would be great for us”

Credit: @pauladdo10

“Oh hello”

Credit: @D_Hart11

“Bring me Kovac”

Credit: @ibowens3

“Now we’re talking”

Credit: @DonLeify

“Get it done”

Credit: @EFC__Scott

“Please”

Credit: @Edward__Toth

In other news, find out what manager update has Blues buzzing here!

Gujarat Cricket Association XI eased to an innings victory over Kenya at the Gymkhana Club Ground in Nairobi

Cricinfo staff15-Aug-2010
Scorecard
Gujarat Cricket Association XI eased to an innings victory over Kenya at the Gymkhana Club Ground in Nairobi. Gujarat’s victory centered around a ten-wicket match haul from offspinner Mohnish Parmar and four centuries from their batsmen.After opting to field, Parmar helped Gujarat skittle out the hosts for 221. Collins Obuya top scored with 78 but in vain. Gujarat’s batsmen responded in ruthless fashion with opener Jay Desai making 129, Pratharesh Parmar scoring an unbeaten double-century, captain Niraj Patel starring with 171 and Bhargav Merai cashing in with an unbeaten 109. Gujarat amassed 704 before declaring and leaving Kenya with a mammoth task.Collins Obuya bettered his first-innings effort with a century and was supported this time by his brother David, who chipped in with 57. But Kenya ended up losing their last seven wickets for 55 runs, Mohnish Parmar grabbing 5 for 74, to complete a winless tour for the hosts.

Durham’s home Friends Provident t20 match against Derbyshire was washed out before the first innings was completed – just as in last month’s clash at Derby

14-Jul-2010
ScorecardDurham’s home Friends Provident t20 match against Derbyshire was washed out before the first innings was completed – just as in last month’s clash at Derby. Durham, bottom of the Northern Group, needed to win to retain any hope of scrambling into the quarter-finals, while the one point helped Derbyshire to consolidate the fourth qualifying place.Durham skipper Phil Mustard had reached 70, his best score in the competition, when the rain arrived with Durham on 110 for 2 after 13 overs. Mustard’s previous highest Twenty20 score was 67, also made at home to Derbyshire in 2006, and he had made only one half-century in 10 innings this season.After reaching 50 off 32 balls, with four fours and a six, he reverse-swept Robin Peterson through Steffan Jones’ legs at backward point for another boundary then swivelled to pull Tim Groenewald over fine leg for six. Mustard lofted the final ball just short of the rope over extra cover off Groenewald, who conceded 14 in the over after opening up with three overs for 18.Derbyshire chose to field in gloomy light and Mustard pulled Charl Langeveldt over long leg for the first of his two sixes in the second over. But off the last ball of the over Wes Durston dived to his right at cover to catch Mark Stoneman, who was again preferred to Ian Blackwell.With the skies growing darker and rain clearly not far away, Jones bowled Ben Stokes for 15 when the England Under-19 all-rounder hit across a slower ball. Dale Benkenstein then contributed 19 to an unbroken stand of 68 in seven overs and after a lean run the ex-skipper was showing signs of a return to form when the rain arrived.