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Saif Zaib’s useful cameo takes game away from Somerset

ECB Reporters Network30-Aug-2020Adam Rossington defied a hand injury as he struck a quickfire half-century to lead Northants Steelbacks to a nine-run win over Somerset at Wantage Road.Rossington was left grimacing in pain for the majority of his 51 from 31 balls after he was pinned on the right hand by Somerset seamer Ollie Sale and required treatment on the field.But the wicketkeeper-batsman, profiting from targeting the leg side, played the match-defining innings and he shared an 81-run stand with captain Josh Cobb.Rossington was then unable to take his place in the field as the hosts held on to defend 171 for six, with 39-year-old allrounder Gareth Berg, making his Northants debut in the Vitality Blast, claiming 2 for 31.Somerset made a bright start to their chase, reaching the end of the six-over Powerplay at 54 for 1, but lost four wickets in the next five overs as Berg’s experience and changes of pace proved invaluable.Berg initially fooled debutant George Bartlett with a slower ball that found his off stump after a 50-run partnership with James Hildreth.
Hildreth played fluently for 34 but picked out Saif Zaib in the deep off Berg before Tom Abell and Eddie Byrom fell cheaply from successive deliveries. Ben Sanderson removed the big-hitting threat of the Overton twins, on his way to 3 for 36, but Roelof van der Merwe kept Somerset’s faint hopes alive with an unbeaten 41 from 25 balls.Van der Merwe shared an unbroken 46-run stand for the ninth wicket with Sale, but with 21 needed from Sanderson’s final over he was left with too much to do.Northants will now await injury news on Rossington, who missed last week’s Bob Willis Trophy match with a right finger injury, as the only misfortune of their otherwise fine start to the Vitality Blast.After an opening-night washout at Gloucestershire the Steelbacks thumped last season’s finalists Worcestershire Rapids by nine wickets on Saturday before casting aside a Somerset side in good spirits following their Bob Willis Trophy form.Paul Stirling, the hero of Northants’ opening win over the Rapids, had picked up where he left off by carving Craig Overton over point for six but was out next ball edging behind as he stepped away to try and replicate the shot. Richard Levi was then unluckily run out backing up when Craig Overton got a finger to a Cobb straight drive.Rossington suffered the blow to the hand early and while he was in visible pain, struck seven fours and a six, before an athletic diving catch from Sale at backward square leg off Max Waller.The impressive Sale was the pick of the Somerset attack and produced another smart piece of fielding off his own bowling when he held a reflex catch to dismiss Cobb, for 42 from 41 balls, just as the home captain looked set to accelerate.Zaib ensured the late hitting with an unbeaten on 28 from 13 balls – including 10 from the final two deliveries – which proved invaluable.

Leeds United and Daniel Farke are sweating on the fitness of one of their stars ahead of their upcoming clash with Coventry City, but are hopeful that he will be able to take part.

Leeds leave it late against Hull

Though the Championship has been the league of late goals this season, Leeds will be hoping that they don't leave it as late as they did against Hull City too often.

At home to the Tigers, Leeds hardly produced a vintage performance but scored in the 88th and 97th minute to walk away with a 3-1 win and ensure that they keep pace with Ipswich Town and Leicester City at the top of the Championship.

With six games left of the season, Leeds know that automatic promotion to the Premier League relies on one of their rivals slipping up though. Ipswich sit a point clear of the Yorkshire side, while the Foxes are a point behind but have a game in hand.

None of the top three face each other again before the end of the season, meaning that they are banking on them dropping points elsewhere, and one of the three will certainly miss out on automatic promotion despite a record points tally. At present, 90 points is the highest number any side has achieved and not secured automatic promotion, but with 3rd placed Leicester just five points off that tally with 21 points still to play for, it looks certain to be beaten.

Leeds could have dream Rodon replacement in this "leader" out on loan

Leeds United could welcome back this forgotten face with open arms if Joe Rodon doesn’t stay.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 2, 2024

Injury boost for Farke before Coventry

This comes with the news that the Yorkshire side are hopeful that Ilia Gruev will be able to face Coventry City after missing the clash with Hull with an ankle injury.

Despite being one of Leeds' lowest earners on just £15,000 per week, Gruev's addition to the team has coincided with a long unbeaten run. Drafted in at the turn of the year, he lost his first match but has since helped the Elland Road outfit put together a 15 game undefeated streak, which includes just two draws.

Leeds boss Farke spoke at length about the Bulgarian against Hull, where Glen Kamara and Archie Gray were called upon to play in midfield together in his absence.

"We're missing Ilia a lot. He was in red-hot form and this is why I'm even more delighted. We played today without Ilia, without a really top-class right back option," the Leeds boss explained. “Ilia dictates our rhythm and is so good on the ball, also under pressure. It's no coincidence we lacked a bit of quality in possession, especially in the first half."

However, there is hope that Gruev will be fit for the clash with Coventry on Saturday. "Ilia can hopefully return pretty soon. All our fingers are crossed,” Farke added.

Leeds fans will be hoping that they see him on the pitch at the Coventry Building Society Arena come Saturday, in what could be a massive boost to their chances of all three points.

25-year-old Taylor rejected an improved deal at Grace Road

George Dobell15-Sep-2020Tom Taylor is set to join Northamptonshire after rejecting a new contract at Leicestershire.Taylor, the 25-year-old allrounder, is out of contract at the end of the season. While Leicestershire are understood to have pushed their budget as far as they could in a bid to keep him, he has opted to move to the third Midlands county of his career. Taylor started out at Derbyshire and moved to Leicestershire ahead of the 2018 season.It is understood that several other counties – including Warwickshire – have expressed a passing interest in Taylor over recent months, but Northants have won the race for his signature.The move is a blow to Leicestershire. While they have become accustomed to losing players to more affluent rivals – notably Nottinghamshire – to lose out to another club with a limited budget is a setback.But Northamptonshire were promoted to Division One of the County Championship at the end of 2019 – Leicestershire were bottom of Division Two – and are currently second in the Central Group in the Vitality Blast. Leicestershire are third in the North Group.Leicestershire’s disappointment is increased as they feel they had nursed Taylor through a couple of serious back injuries and considered him a central figure in their team redevelopment. They have already announced they will not be selecting him in the remaining Vitality Blast matches as they look to provide opportunities to other players instead.

Juventus have agreed a €10 million loan with PSG for Kolo Muani, but must sell players first as Premier League clubs monitor the French striker’s future.

• €10m loan with €30-35m (£26m-£30m/$34m-$41m) option
• Frenchman prioritises Juventus return
• Player exits required to finalise move

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Juventus have reached an agreement in principle with Paris Saint-Germain for the return of Kolo Muani, who spent the second half of last season on loan in Turin according to a report from The proposed deal is a €10 million loan with an option to buy in 2026 for €30–35 million on easily achievable terms. However, the move is being held up by the need for Juve to complete at least one player sale to cover the loan fee. Targets for departure include Fabio Miretti, Nicolo Savona, Lloyd Kelly, and Douglas Luiz. Despite interest from Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Manchester United, the French forward’s priority is a permanent return to Juve.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The French star Kolo Muani made an immediate impact during his short stint at Juventus last season, registering 10 goal contributions in 19 appearances across all competitions. His pace, movement, and finishing gave the Bianconeri a reliable attacking outlet, prompting the club to pursue a longer-term deal. PSG are reportedly open to selling the striker but are seeking a guaranteed €45m (£39m/$52m) fee, while Juventus’ offer is structured to delay most of the payment. With several Premier League clubs circling, the Serie A side face a race against time to secure the Frenchman’s signature before the transfer window closes.

• TELL ME MORE

  Regardless of the speculation linking him to multiple Premier League clubs, Muani’s preference is clear – a return to Juve. The 25-year-old enjoyed his six-month spell in Turin and wants to reunite with his teammates while establishing himself as a key figure under the club’s new plans. His commitment to the move has been reinforced by his decision to only engage in direct talks with Juventus this week.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR JUVENTUS?

  The Turin club must accelerate outgoing transfers to finance the Kolo Muani deal and with negotiations with Napoli for Fabio Miretti could unlock the funds needed, while potential Premier League bids for Nicolo Savona may also help. Once the sales are complete, Juve aim to finalise the loan with an option to buy, but they will need to move fast before rival clubs make competing offers to PSG.

The 23-year-old was substituted onto the pitch in the second half and found the winner in stoppage time

• Washington Spirit defeat Portland Thorns 2-1
• USWNT's Rodman scores game-winner
• Forward made long-awaited return from injury in match

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. women's national team forward Trinity Rodman returned from injury and scored the game-winner for the Washington Spirit as they defeated the Portland Thorns 2-1 on Sunday. Rodman, 23, made her long-awaited return, making her first appearance for the club since April after taking time away to deal with a back injury. 

  On her strike, a 92nd-minute volley, she capitalized on a ball that was flicked on in the box by fellow U.S. international Croix Bethune, and she put it into the back of the net first time with her right boot. It capped off a two-goal comeback as the Spirit took three points in front of their home fans in Washington, D.C. 

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• WATCH RODMAN'S WINNER

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rodman's return was a welcome sight for both the Spirit and the USWNT. She'd been battling injury for months, dating back to the 2024 Paris Olympics, with a lingering back issue causing her to be "in pain all the time."

  Sunday marked Rodman's first goal of the 2025 NWSL season. In 2024, she made 26 appearances for the Spirit, scoring eight goals and recording six assists while leading them to the NWSL Championship game, where they fell short to the Orlando Pride.

  For the USWNT, Rodman has amassed 47 caps, scoring 11 goals and recording nine assists.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RODMAN?

  The Spirit are back in action next weekend when they take to the road to take on Gotham FC. The Spirit sit second in the NWSL standings, while the Bats sit in eighth – though just seven points separate them. 

Batsman might have been in line for Test debut in absence of Ben Stokes

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Aug-2020
Dan Lawrence has left the England bio-secure bubble due to a family bereavement, and will miss the chance to make his Test debut in Thursday’s second Test against Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl.Lawrence, 23, had been named as one of England’s reserve batsmen for the Test leg of England’s summer, and had been a possible inclusion for the second Test following Ben Stokes’ departure from the squad due to his own family reasons.Ollie Robinson, the fast bowler, was this week withdrawn from Sussex’s Bob Willis Trophy fixture against Kent to bolster England’s seam options ahead of the second Test. However, the management have chosen not to replace Lawrence in England’s 18-man party.That means that Zak Crawley is the likely beneficiary of Stokes’ absence, having been omitted to include an extra seamer in the last two Tests. The uncapped James Bracey and Ben Foakes, both wicketkeeper-batsmen, are the other two batting options at England’s disposal.One of the heroes of England’s victory on Saturday, Jos Buttler, produced his match-winning innings despite his father being taken into hospital during the match.Speaking about the team environment before Lawrence’s news was made public, James Anderson praised the efforts that the current management go to, in particular the captain Joe Root and head coach Chris Silverwood, to ensure the players’ mental wellbeing is taken into account.”I do think cricket is more empathetic now, yes,” Anderson said. “It has definitely changed for the better. We quite often take this game very seriously – I have done this week – and it is quite a big deal for some people.”But there is nothing more important than family. It is something that certainly Joe and Chris have brought in under their leadership: family comes first. And this group of players rally round each other and help if there is anything that needs help.”

Sitting just one place outside the Premier League's top four, Tottenham Hotspur's attention is firmly on the race for Champions League football. Despite this, it appears that one eye in N17 has turned to the summer, with Daniel Levy reportedly in the market for a new midfielder.

Spurs' need for midfield reinforcements

Whilst the Ange Postecoglou era in north London has been an undeniable success so far, it is clear that Spurs are yet to settle on a reliable midfield duo. Pape Matar Sarr has stood out as the most impressive performer this campaign, though the 21-year-old struggles to contribute on the attacking front.

Spurs struck gold selling "piano" who'd be worth more than Maddison in 2024

This star cut his teeth with Spurs way back when and would have been sold for a pretty penny today.

By
Angus Sinclair

Mar 23, 2024

Both Giovani Lo Celso and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg have struggled for consistent game time this season, perhaps signalling an end to their Spurs careers at the completion of the campaign. Rodrigo Bentancur's struggles with injury have also led to the Uruguayan failing to establish himself in Postecoglou's side.

With the future of Spurs' midfield uncertain and a number of established players set to depart this summer, it appears that a highly sought-after player has made it clear that his preferred option is a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Dewsbury-Hall pushing for Spurs move

As first reported by 90min, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is set for a move away from Leicester City this summer as the midfielder is eager to play European football. It is revealed that the 25-year-old's preferred option "would be to join ex-Leicester teammate James Maddison at Tottenham Hotspur".

The outlet goes on to state that Maddison has been trying to convince his ex-teammate to make the move, as the Spurs star has reportedly "raved to Dewsbury-Hall about life under Ange Postecoglou". Currently at a Leicester side staring down financial sanctions, it is more likely a matter of when and not if the midfielder leaves this summer.

Dewsbury-Hall's stats for this season have seen the Englishman contribute 10 goals and 12 assists, the fifth-highest combined tally in the division. The 25-year-old has been one of Enzo Marseca's most valuable players as Leicester look to return to the top flight at the first time of asking.

It is no surprise that Dewsbury-Hall has excelled this season, with the midfielder long tipped to go right to the very top. His breakthrough campaign at the King Power came during the 2021/22 season with then-manager Brendan Rodgers singing the praises of the player, telling the press:

"Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been sensational, really, since he has come into the team, and there’s so much more to go as well.

"It’s the type of player I love: a technical player, he’s got agility, he’s got a good tactical idea of the game, who doesn’t see it as a chore to run and work, he sees that as the obligation."

With Manchester United reportedly also eager to complete a deal for Dewsbury-Hall, it may take some more convincing from his former teammate if Levy and co are to get this deal over the line, with Leicester thought to be looking for a fee of at least £40m to do business.

Jemimah Rodrigues, meanwhile, wants teams outside Australia and England to play Test cricket regularly

Matt Roller10-Jun-2020Sophie Devine, the New Zealand captain, has advocated the use of a smaller, lighter ball in the women’s game to encourage attacking cricket.Under current regulations, the ball used in women’s cricket is fractionally smaller and lighter than that used in the men’s game. According to both the laws of the game and the ICC’s regulations, the ball should weigh 140-151g with a circumference of 21.0-22.5cm in women’s cricket, compared to 155.9-163g and 22.4-22.9cm respectively in men’s cricket.Speaking in the ICC’s ‘100% innovation’ webinar, Devine suggested that using a slightly smaller, lighter ball than now could help the women’s game flourish.”I’m a bigger fan of looking at a smaller ball but keeping the pitch the same size,” she said. “That way, I reckon bowlers are going to be able to bowl the ball quicker, spinners are going to be able to turn the ball more.”Hopefully, the ball should fly a bit further as well, whereas you’re still keeping the traditional length of the pitch. It’s a very interesting one.”If it’s going to help the game flourish, I think: why not? Why would we not have a crack at it and see what happens? I think you’ve always got to have a bit of trial and error and see what works.”Jemimah Rodrigues, the India batter, also spoke in the webinar, and suggested that using a pitch shorter than 22 yards could help to attract more fans to the women’s game.”You’ve got to accept the fact that there are slight differences between the [men’s and women’s] games,” she said. “But we can also be open to trying it out.”If that is going to help the game improve and take it to the next level, then why not? Why not think about it?”At the end [of the day], we want to promote the game. We want to get more people to watch the game and join the game. It’s a good idea, and you can be open to it.”Jemimah Rodrigues in action•ICC via Getty

Rodrigues also voiced frustrations about the lack of opportunities she has had to play Test cricket. Since making her debut in 2018, Rodrigues has represented her country 60 times in limited-overs internationals, but India have not played a Test match since 2014.Both Rodrigues and Devine used the example of the women’s Ashes – which is played across all three formats – as an “outstanding” way to structure a series, and suggested that the format should be copied by other boards.”I’d love to play [a multi-format series],” Rodrigues said. “Whenever we get the opportunity to watch the Ashes, where they get to play Tests, T20s and ODIs, sometimes I get a bit jealous that they get to play Test cricket.”It’s a long time since India has played a Test match. I’d definitely be very excited to look at a multi-format series, and hopefully we’ll have that soon.””The Ashes is outstanding,” Devine said. “I’d love to see that [format] brought in for any bilateral series: it doesn’t matter if it’s New Zealand vs India, New Zealand vs Australia, whoever it is. I just love the concept that every game matters and it all goes towards the final, overall winner.”Both players also came out in support of the possibility of staging a women’s Champions League T20. While there are no proposals for such a competition on the table as things stand, the webinar’s host Mel Jones suggested staging a tournament between the winners of each country’s franchise competition as a showpiece event.”It would definitely be interesting to see a Big Bash team, an IPL team, a Super Smash team combine and playing,” Rodrigues said. “It’s not just [about] internationals playing, it’s also the domestic players from that particular team.”It would be very interesting to see these teams clash, and you’d definitely have a lot of entertainment as well as a lot of good games and a lot more learning for the players.””I’d have to stay loyal to my Wellington Blaze,” said Devine when asked which of her many teams she would most like to represent if the event came to fruition. “A Champions League would be so exciting, bringing together different teams from different countries.”

Arsenal have completed their first piece of summer transfer business, as a long-standing full-back completes a €5m move to Serie A.

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• Arsenal announce first transfer of the summer
• Full-back leaves for Lazio
• Club secure €5m fee

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Nuno Tavares has been on the Gunners' books for four years, spending time on loan at Marseille and Nottingham Forest before joining Lazio on a temporary deal last summer. The Italian club had an option to sign the player permanently for a reported €5m and have now secured the deal.

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  WHAT ARSENAL SAID

  In a statement, Arsenal said: "Nuno Tavares has moved to Serie A side Lazio on a permanent transfer. Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Nuno for his contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Tavares was a standout performer for Lazio as they finished seventh in Serie A last season, registering nine assists in 30 appearances. However, Lazio could still take advantage of the low fee to make money this summer. Football Italia recently reported they could look to sell him for €65m after his impressive performances caught the eye of several European giants.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LAZIO?

  If Tavares does stay at Lazio, he will be playing under Maurizio Sarri next season. The former Chelsea boss has returned to the club and will take charge ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Manchester City could be set to trigger the release clause for a £150,000-per-week midfielder in the summer transfer window.

Manchester City looking to strengthen their midfield ranks

Manchester City have been one of the most dominant Premier League teams in history over the last decade, with the Cityzens winning five of the last nine top flight campaigns.

Granted, their winning streaks have been interrupted by the likes of Liverpool and Leicester, however, across all competitions, Pep Guardiola's men have been the most feared in recent years, due in no small part to their ability to quickly recognise declining points in the squad and then upgrade them. For example, last summer, City sold the likes of Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez, but still have Jack Grealish and Phil Foden within their ranks, also adding Jeremy Doku.

Despite their dominance, key players such as Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne are all starting to enter the 'twilight' stages of their careers. De Bruyne is 32-years-old and has spent a large chunk of this season on the sidelines due the injuries.

This has resulted in Guardiola relying heavily on the likes of Bernardo Silva – who himself is often linked with a move away – while Matheus Nunes was brought in over the summer to fill the gaps which the departures of Ilkay Gundogan and Cole Palmer left upon their departures. However, the addition of the Portugal international hasn't quite worked out as well as City would've hoped.

Although he has been involved in many games across the season, he has only started 13 games in all competitions. So, it comes as no surprise that Manchester City are reportedly looking at some midfield targets for the upcoming window.

City ready to bring midfield "magician" to the club

Described as a "magician" by journalist, Robbie Mustoe, Lucas Paqueta has been on Guardiola's radar for some time now. Before eventually going for Nunes in the summer, Paqueta found himself as the number one target for Guardiola, with the club even going as far as making an offer for the midfielder. Now, City are 'ready' to make another bid for the West Ham star.

That is according to The Mail, via TEAMtalk, who state that the Brazil international has a '£86m release clause in his contract' which will become 'active' in the summer. The 26-year-old would be able to instantly provide cover for players such as De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic and Nunes and would be desperate to gain a starting spot.

Indeed, the addition of Paqueta would be a stellar signing by Guardiola, and he would likely hope that he could become a sort of 'understudy' to star man De Bruyne in the coming years due to the versatility which he possesses.

Additionally, despite Silva playing an important role for the Cityzens this season by playing a total of 35 games and contributing to 13 goals, he has been linked with a move away from the club. So, if his departure does come to fruition, Paqueta could be an ideal replacement for Guardiola next season which makes the transfer seem even more sensible.