All posts by h716a5.icu

Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak, leaving Reds fans very excited on social media.

Enjoying an outstanding season, Sweden international Isak scored 17 goals in 34 La Liga fixtures,  leading his side to a commendable fifth place finish in 2020/21 [Transfermarkt].

The Reds are said to be ‘keeping a close eye’ on the 21-year-old, who is seen as a potential replacement for forward Roberto Firmino as they re-shape for the future [Noticias de Gipuzkoa via Sport Witness].

Intriguingly, Isak has also attracted interest from fellow Premier League side Arsenal in recent months [90MIN].

Currently embroiled in an intense EURO 2020 group battle with his native Sweden, the Stockholm-born forward produced an exemplary performance in how to lead the line in his nations 0-0 draw with Spain earlier this week [BBC].

As you can imagine, loads of Liverpool diehards took to Twitter to revel in these latest developments.

Liverpool fans react:

Replying to Liverpool fan outlet The Anfield Talk, here is what some supporters had to say upon hearing latest developments:

“Would much prefer him than Daka”

Credit: @CaptainHendinho”For once do your job and get him before his stock explodes @LFC”Credit: @AIcantara”Think I’d love this”Credit: @brianycomiskey”He’s class”Credit: @jacobda63653476″I beg this happens”Credit: @LovetLFC02″Would be unreal.”Credit: @TheVirgilEffectIn other news, Liverpool fans react to a Xherdan Shaqiri update.

According to a report by ESPN, Tottenham Hotspur will now reassess possible candidates for the job after talks with Gennaro Gattuso were stopped – with Ajax boss and previously linked name Erik ten Hag still fitting the bill.

The Lowdown: Spurs manager hunt…

The search for a new Spurs boss goes on two months after the club sacked former gaffer Jose Mourinho.

In what has been a chaotic quest to appoint a new manager, many names have entered and exited the fray, including the likes of Julian Nagelsmann and Brendan Rodgers.

More recently, talks with Mauricio Pochettino, Antonio Conte, Paulo Fonseca and Gattuso have all failed to materialise into an official appointment.

The Latest: Spurs back to square one…

As per ESPN, the Lilywhites are now back to square one in their hunt for a new boss and will reassess possible candidates in due course.

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The American outlet’s sources believe ten Hag remains among the potential appointments as Tottenham weigh going back in for the Dutchman.

Ten Hag was another name heavily linked to the vacant Spurs post before talks for Pochettino, Conte and Fonseca dominated the narrative.

The Verdict: Do it Levy…

The 51-year-old is, by some distance, Tottenham’s best remaining hope for a good appointment and heir to Mourinho.

Playing an open, possession-based and aggressive style of football whilst having an affinity for promoting youth (The Daily Mail), he fits into exactly what chairman Daniel Levy wanted as his ideal new Spurs boss.

Depending on new managing director Fabio Paratici’s requirements, it remains to be seen whether they seriously lodge a ten Hag pursuit or enter advanced discussions, but we believe he simply must be on the agenda.

Lauded as ‘one of the most exciting coaching talents in world football’ by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp (Planet Football), reliable Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold also explained how he is ‘seen as another Pochettino’ (via Periscope).

Get it done Levy.

In other news: ‘Now all parties confident’…Fabrizio Romano makes exciting Tottenham claim, find out more here.

Rawalpindi were off to a dream start in their National Junior (Under-19) Grade-I Cricket Championship match against Lahore Whites Monday but the hosts ended the day in virtual disaster

17-Sep-2002Rawalpindi were off to a dream start in their National Junior (Under-19) Grade-I Cricket Championship match against Lahore Whites Monday but the hosts ended the day in virtual disaster.After doing a splendid job of dismissing their rivals for just 88 in 45.2 overs at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi were tottering at 83 for seven off 35.3 overs at the close of first day’s play.But Rawalpindi were only themselves to blame as most of their batsmen fell to reckless shots as Lahore bounced back with Imran Siddiqui snapping up three for 31 and Asif Ijaz claiming two for 23. Waqas Zafar was unbeaten on 38 when play ended for the day.Earlier Najaf Shah and Saad Altaf demolished the Lahore batting after they had been put in to bat and both kept troubling the batsmen.Najaf took the lion’s share of wickets, snatching five for 38 while Saad had four for 31.Meanwhile at Shalimar Ground in Islamabad, the home side put on 209 for nine off their 80 overs against Fata who replied with 58 for one in 14.5 overs.Danish Hanif was the top run-getter for Islamabad, scoring a slow 56 that came off 124 balls while Shahryar Butt chipped in with 35 not out. Usman Nabi also contributed 35 runs.Fata captain Riaz Afridi bowled to an accurate line and length to finish with five for 68 with Yasir Shah taking two for which he gave away 48 runs.Islamabad skipper Mohammad Altaf took the only Fata wicket to fall, that of Sajid Afridi for 29, without conceding a run.Our Sports Correspondent adds from Lahore: Javed Hussain scored 93 to help Sheikhupura make 265 in their first innings againstKarachi Blues at Sheikhupura Stadium.Leg-spinner Mohammad Ali Zafar claimed five for 83.At stumps, Karachi Blues were 102 for two in 33 overs withKhurram Manzoor scoring 61.Off-spinner Aftab Ahmed captured seven for 61 as KarachiWhites bundled out Bahawalpur for 169 at Bahawalpur Stadium.By close of play, Karachi Whites were 57 for one.

The West Indies have recalled all-rounder Ricardo Powell, as one of three replacements named for the Caribbean side

Derrick Nicholas28-Oct-2002The West Indies have recalled all-rounder Ricardo Powell, as one of three replacements named for the Caribbean side. The West Indies are seeking to reinforce their squad for the seven-match limited-overs international series against India, starting at Jamshedpur on Wednesday, 6th November.Powell, 23, along with all-rounder Vasbert Drakes and his compatriot Corey Collymore will exchange places with Gareth Breese, Darren Powell and Jermaine Lawson, all members of the Test squad that trails India 0-2 in the on-going three-Test series.Powell, an explosive right-hand batsman who bowls off-spin, has scored 1,006 runs at an average of 22.86 and taken four wickets at 49.50 apiece in 51 limited-overs internationals. He last played in the final of the tri-nation LG Abans Series in Sri Lanka that West Indies lost to the hosts by 34 runs at Khettarama last December.Fast bowling all-rounder Drakes returned to West Indies duty for the first time in seven years when he played in the International Cricket Council Champions’ Trophy in Sri Lanka last month. He has been playing first-class cricket for Border in South Africa and should bolster both the batting and bowling.Fast bowler Collymore has been a permanent fixture in the limited-overs squad and is the other replacement.Squad: Carl Hooper (captain), Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Pedro Collins, Corey Collymore, Cameron Cuffy, Mervyn Dillon, Vasbert Drakes, Daren Ganga, Chris Gayle, Ryan Hinds, Wavell Hinds, Ridley Jacobs, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Ricardo Powell, Marlon Samuels and Ramnaresh Sarwan.

Everton are interested in a deal to bring Joao Palhinha to Goodison Park this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Portuguese publication Record (via Sport Witness), who claimed that Everton, along with Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, are keeping a close eye on the defensive midfielder’s performances for Portugal in Euro 2020 ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

It is reported that Spurs have made contact with Sporting Lisbon regarding the availability of the 25-year-old, with the Liga NOS champions thought to be demanding a fee of around €30m (£26m) in order to part with Palhinha this summer.

Forget Gbamin

Considering that Everton’s £22.5m signing of Mainz midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin back in 2019 has not exactly worked out for the club, with the 25-year-old having made just three appearances for the Toffees due to a series of injuries, defensive midfield certainly appears to be an area of the pitch in which Marcel Brands must look to strengthen this summer.

With Palhinha impressing in Portugal last season, the player whom Ruben Amorim dubbed a “special” talent would certainly appear to be a fantastic candidate for the Everton director of football to bring into the club this summer.

Indeed, over his 32 Liga NOS appearances for Sporting last season, the £9,100-per-week man averaged 1.5 interceptions, 3.3 tackles and 1.2 clearances and won a whopping 9.1 duels per game. The £16.2m-rated midfielder also chipped in for his team going forward, scoring one goal, creating two big chances and averaging 0.4 key passes per league fixture.

These returns saw the 25-year-old earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.12, ranking him as Ruben Amorim’s sixth-best performer in the Primeira Liga, helping Sporting win their first league title for 19 years.

Palhinha also wowed onlookers in his one appearance at Euro 2020 thus far, winning three tackles and seven duels during a 45-minute stint in Portugal’s 2-2 draw with France. He earned a SofaScore match rating of 7.3 for his efforts, the second-best score of any Portugal player in the match.

As such, we believe that Brands should indeed do all he can to get a deal over the line for the Sporting Lisbon star this summer, as Palhinha very much appears to possess the talent to form the base on which Everton’s new manager can mount a push for a top-four finish in the Premier League next season.

In other news: Forget Benitez: Moshiri could still land “excellent” 54y/o who Everton fans would love

Ange Postecoglou has made Aaron Mooy a top Celtic transfer target, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Rumours of a Mooy approach

Postecoglou has been heavily linked with two Australian internationals after he took over at Parkhead; Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan and Mooy.

The Hoops were set to promise Ryan the number one shirt, whereas talks of a possible approach for Mooy were touted last month.

The pair both worked with Postecoglou during his four-year stint as Australia manager, and it seems as if the 55-year-old has made Mooy a top target.

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The Latest: Recent report

According to 90min, Postecoglou has asked Celtic to prioritise a deal for Mooy this summer.

Sources informed the site that the Hoops hierarchy are still keen on a deal for James McCarthy, however, they are eager to back a specific recommendation from Postecoglou when it comes to Mooy.

The report adds that a deal could cost Celtic around £4m for the 30-year-old, who was described as a ‘game-changer’ by pundit Kevin Campbell last month.

The Verdict: Good signs

It’s good to see that the Hoops are eager to grant Postecoglou his wish when it comes to signing Mooy.

He’s a player the Hoops boss knows well, and it could’ve been easy for Celtic officials to brush off signing Mooy in favour of a free transfer for McCarthy.

That may well still happen, but as long as Celtic are doing everything they can to get Postecoglou the players he wants, there should be no complaints from his end ahead of the new season.

In other news: Celtic transfer twist emerges on ‘fantastic’ ace; Dominic McKay trying to play a blinder, find out more here. 

South Australia set Western Australia a challenging target of 414 runs witha day and much of a session to play on day three of the four-day Pura Cupmatch in Perth today

David Bebb11-Nov-2002South Australia set Western Australia a challenging target of 414 runs witha day and much of a session to play on day three of the four-day Pura Cupmatch in Perth today.A century to 24-year-old middle-order batsman Chris Davies and a half-century to Shane Deitz was the back bone of the innings with their 141-runseventh wicket partnership the big highlight of the day.At stumps, Western Australia had lost both openers Scott Meuleman andMichael Hussey cheaply. The third-wicket pairing of embattled championZimbabwean batsman Murray Goodwin and Warriors Young Gun Marcus North hadsurvived to the 24th over and had reduced the margin by 52 runs.The day started well for the Warriors after John Davison had been on arampage with six fours in his knock of 30 (41 balls) in the role of nightwatchman protecting his captain Greg Blewett. With the fourth ball of hisnew spell, Michael Clark deceived Davison with a slower ball that was drivento Goodwin in at cover. The Redbacks had lost their second wicket for 51.Opener David Fitzgerald was bowled by Williams after he had made his way toa conservative 22 from 77 balls. The third Redbacks wicket fell on 75.Greg Blewett 10 (26 balls) got a start but failed to go on with it. Hiswicket was the second of three to fall in a six-over period, when he wascramped up playing outside off and gave a catch to Hussey at first slip,when the score was 84 for the fourth wicket.At 100 for five, Mark Higgs four (six balls) became the third in the trilogy,caught at mid-wicket by Chris Rogers after pulling Jo Angel in his veryfirst over.Davies and Mick Miller 9 (31 balls) moved the score to 124 for the sixthwicket when Miller was bowled by Angel, bringing Shane Deitz to the crease.It took Deitz 38 minutes to get started with a four to the third man hisfirst scoring shot. Deitz posted his seventh first-class fifty of hiscareer after two and a quarter hours at the crease from 95 balls drivingAngel to the long-off boundary for his eighth boundary. Then two balls later on52 became Matthew Nicholson’s first wicket when he drove at cover edging toNorth at gully.Davies and Deitz posted 141 for the seventh-wicket with a particularly richpatch immediately before and after the drinks break in the middle sessionand another rich vein of runs in the four overs after tea.Davies posted only his second century in his 22-match first-class careerwith a fine leg glance for three runs. It took him 168 minutes from 134balls and included 13 boundaries. He was joined by Harris after the fall ofDeitz’s wicket but lasted only two further overs bringing his score to 125(170 balls), falling victim to Nicholson with a tired shot that he playedback onto his stumps.With the eighth wicket down, South Australia declared at 271 after 77 oversand with a lead of 413 runs.Brad Williams found better form with the ball bowling from the Members’ End.He picked up three wickets for 65 runs. With two wickets each Jo Angel(two for 50) and Matthew Nicholson (ytwo for 60) were next best. Clark added one wicket(for 55) to his five-wicket haul in the Redbacks’ first innings. Brad Hoggwent wicket-less.The Warriors were asked to see out 24 overs in the late afternoon with theWACA lights on to enhance visibility.The wickets of the openers Scott Meulemen and Michael Hussey were the onlywickets to fall in that time and did so in consecutive overs.Hussey played and missed a leg glance at a delivery from Ryan Harris whichstruck him on the pad and the umpire was unable to give him the benefit ofthe doubt. In just over three-quarters of an hour he had staved offinfrequent attacks at the stumps until he got three straight balls in arow. He scored just nine from 32 balls. His attitude had seemed to besurvival until stumps the following day.In the following over, Scott Meuleman played back to the bowlerPaul Rofe and a sharpish chance was held. He played a supporting rolescoring just four runs from 45 balls.Having scored a duck in the first Warriors innings, Goodwin arrivedat the crease after the wicket of Hussey fell. He defended two dot ballsand was at the other end when Marcus North joined him after the fall ofMeuleman’s wicket. North was quickly off the mark and on his third ballGoodwin too scored a single to evade the ignominy of a pair of ducks in agame.At stumps the third wicket pair had brought the score along to 52, withGoodwin on 21 (34 balls) and North 23 (33 balls).The question being asked of the Western Warriors tomorrow is whether they can either overhaul the target of 414 set by the Southern Redbacks orwhether they can survive till stumps and deny the Redbacks outright points.Chris Davies said aftewards: “We knew we had to bat for time really. Anything over 300 runs was going to be a bonus for us. So it was the batters’ responsibility to batuntil tea time and then after tea. We didn’t have any set target. We knewthat if we batted till after tea we would have a reasonable score to let WAchase.”Due to a stiff sou’westerly breeze blowing all day and high humidity, he>described the conditions as: “Pretty good for batting considering.””The wicket wasn’t too bad, there were a couple that kept low. Pretty niceconditions to bat in. It wasn’t too hot and it wasn’t too cold. It was agood day.”Thats my second first-class century and my highest score. My first wasagainst Queensland up at the ‘Gabba. at the end of last year. I am lookingforward to making one at home in front of my home fans.”I am very happy with today’s performance and now hopefully the team can goon and get six points tomorrow.”

I am a 22-year-old Canadian-Pakistani and I have been a huge fan of Zimbabwe Cricket

John Ward09-Nov-2002Write to: John Ward ([email protected])

FOR A DIEHARD CANADIAN FANI am a 22-year-old Canadian-Pakistani and I have been a huge fan of Zimbabwe Cricket. When Zimbabwe are playing Pakistan, it’s the only time when I don’t favor Pakistan and hope for close matches with Zimbabwe stealing victories. Although Pakistan are gonna be roaring in after their dismal recent performances, I still think that it’s going to be tough for ’em to grab easy wins. The Flower brothers, Campbell, Ebrahim and Carlisle are gonna be too hot for them to handle. Heath Streak, without a shadow of doubt, will be badly missed but I hope the young guns will fire up all their cylinders and produce some exciting cricket. One of the folks right here said it right that Andy Flower vs Saqlain Mushtaq is going to be a heckuva battle. In short, I wish Zimbabwe good luck now and in the World Cup. GO, Zimbabwe, GO!Beburg (Canada)

OUR CHICKEN FARMEREddo Brandes is amongst the best quickies ever produced by the country. He also knows a thing or two about cricket. He had a reputation for being a hot-headed tail-ended batsman. He’s a useful asset to the CFX cricket academy, but the academy would benefit from a cool head in terms of batting coaching. Mr Derrick Walter Townshend has an impressive CV. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t mean to undermine Mr Brandes’ credentials, but if my memory serves me right he tried too many a time to mash bowlers out of the park for telephone numbers 646446! and we all know what followed?Anele Bango (Zimbabwe)Reply: Eddo Brandes was a better batsman than that. He was a hard-hitter but not a slogger and he usually hit straight. He is not the only Academy coach; he specializes in bowling and specialist batting coaches are often used.

An update has emerged on Sunderland target Joe Pigott, regarding his status at AFC Wimbledon… 

What’s the talk?

According to The News, Sunderland target Joe Pigott has returned to training with AFC Wimbledon despite his contract with the club ending last week. The Black Cats, Portsmouth, Luton and Bristol City are all said to be interested in landing him on a free transfer.

However, Sunderland do not need to worry about him being in training with his former club. The report has handed a boost to the League One outfit’s chances of signing him, with it claiming that Pigott is not looking to re-sign with the Dons and is simply training with them to keep his fitness levels up ahead of next season.

Johnson needs him

This news will come as a boost to Sunderland as it seemingly rules out the chance of him signing fresh terms with Wimbledon. Not only is this good news for the club’s pursuit of the striker, but it is also a blow to one of their League One rivals, with the Dons losing their top-scorer from last season.

This could impact their chances of competing at the top end of the table as a major part of their attacking threat has now departed.

Sunderland will be able to sign him without paying a penny in transfer fees and that could be a gigantic boost for the club given that they lost last season’s top-scorer, Charlie Wyke, on a free transfer to Wigan.

Lee Johnson is in dire need of a new number nine to fill the void left by the 27-goal attacker and Pigott could be exactly what he needs. Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips reacted to the club’s interest in Pigott recently claimed that he could be the player to replace Wyke, as he “can score goals”. 

He told Football Insider:

“His stats speak for themselves. A record of nearly one in two is a great strike rate.

“My only worry is, coming from Wimbledon, can he handle the pressure of playing for Sunderland? No disrespect to Wimbledon but Sunderland is a big step up.

“I haven’t seen too much of Pigott but the lad can score goals, that is clear. He could be the man to replace Charlie Wyke next season because it looks as if he will be moving on.

“If Lee can get Pigott in and he scores a lot of goals for Sunderland, he will be a hero straight away.”

Therefore, the £2.1k-per-week beast could be a terrific signing for the Black Cats and Kristjaan Speakman must act now to snap him up before another team comes in to sign him.

Pigott scored 20 goals in League One last season and Johnson needs that level of finishing at the top end of the pitch due to Wyke’s exit this summer.

AND in other news, Speakman handed key boost over “influential” £30k-p/w maestro, SAFC fans will love it…

Rangers have now rejected a bid from Porto for the services of star striker Alfredo Morelos.

The Lowdown: Morelos’ future up in the air

The Colombian has been a superb player for the Gers, helping them win the Scottish Premiership title last season and scoring 94 goals in 182 appearances for the club.

Morelos’ current deal may not expire until the summer of 2023, but he has been constantly linked with a summer exit, and it does sort of feel like a matter of when and how much, rather than if.

The Latest: Porto bid rejected

Porto are seemingly one of the most interested parties, and according to journalist Ekrem Konur on Twitter, they have now seen a bid for the striker turned down.

It is stated that Rangers ‘will be in no hurry to sell’ Morelos, which is no great surprise, considering the influence he has enjoyed at Ibrox, with Steven Gerrard describing him as ‘top class’.

The Verdict: Tough to keep hold of him

In an ideal world, Morelos would stay put with the Gers for years to come, spearheading countless titles charges and improving even more as a player.

It will of course be hard to keep hold of the £10.8million-rated attacker, though, as he looks to potentially test himself in a harder league moving forward and prove himself as one of the very best at a higher level than the Premiership.

For now, it is encouraging to see the club being stubborn about letting him go, and if/when he does eventually move on, Gerrard will at least be given a hefty amount to spend on new signings as it seems the club will hold out for every last penny.

In other news, Rangers’ signing of John Lundstram has delighted one individual. Find out who it is here.