Charlotte FC midfielder Ashley Westwood has been surprised by the "intensity" of MLS since arriving from Burnley FC.
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Ajax, Feyenoord and Roma have refuted claims made by Barcelona president Joan Laporta that they are among those willing to join the new Super League.
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Ajax, Feyenoord, & Roma deny Super League involvementJoan Laporta claimed 15 clubs want to joinProject resurfaced after December 2023 court rulng(C)GettyImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
All three clubs have publicly distanced themselves from the resurfacing controversial Super League project. Blaugrana chief Laporta listed 15 teams from various countries across Europe that he claimed are ready to join the competition, that could start as soon as next season. They were Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter, AC Milan, Napoli, Roma, Marseille, Sporting CP, Benfica and Porto, Ajax, Feyenoord, PSV Eindhoven, Club Brugge and Anderlecht, plus "any team in La Liga except Atletico Madrid".
AdvertisementWHAT THE CLUBS SAID
The Ajax Supporters Association contacted the club and relayed the following message: "Inquiries at the club reveal that Ajax never discussed this with Laporta, let alone agreed. Ajax is completely surprised by this unjustified claim."
Feyenoord's short statement read: "Feyenoord is very surprised by reports in international media that the club has agreed to participate in the so-called Super League. This is total nonsense."
Roma issued a slightly longer statement, which read: "As stated publicly a few hours after the European Court of Justice's decision on the Super League case, AS Roma reiterates that it does not support any project related to the so-called Super League. The club also states that it has never changed its position on the matter, nor has it entered into any discussions about taking a different path other than clubs working together through the ECA in strong partnership and collaboration with UEFA and FIFA."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The Super League project was given new life in December 2023 when the European Court of Justice ruled that it was unlawfully blocked first time around by UEFA and FIFA. There are still many hurdles for the organising firm, A22, to clear and it is far from guaranteed to get off the ground. But UEFA is legally obligated to give full and fair consideration to pitches regarding this or any other proposed new competition operating within its realm. Premier League clubs, Atletico Madrid, Inter and Juventus all withdrew from the original 2021 launch, while Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have never been involved.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Even with last year's court ruling, Premier League clubs will be automatically barred from joining unlicensed competitions – like the first Super League – under conditions to be set by English football's new independent regulator. The Premier League's Owners' Charter from 2022 also stops clubs from being involved in the creation of "new competition formats outside of the Premier League's rules". Both measures were adopted as a result of the events and uproar of 2021.
Madhya Pradesh finished the third day at 47 for 2, still trailing Delhi by 20 runs after they were bowled out for 405
ESPNcricinfo staff09-Dec-2017
ScorecardPrakash ParsekarFifties from opener Kunal Chandela and Himmat Singh, along with handy middle-order contributions from Rishabh Pant and Nitish Rana carried Delhi to a vital first-innings lead against Madhya Pradesh in their quarter-final in Vijayawada. Delhi secured a 67-run lead after they were bowled out for 405 in the 120th over. Madhya Pradesh finished the third day at 47 for 2, trailing Delhi by 20 runs.Ishwar Pandey struck early on the third morning, removing Chandela for 81, after he had added eight runs to his overnight score. Pant (49) and Rana (43) stitched up a 64-run, fourth-wicket stand to stabilise Delhi. Himmat then put Delhi in control of the game with partnerships of 62 with Manan Sharma (28) and 47 with Vikas Tokas (13).Madhya Pradesh gave themselves a chance by toppling over Delhi’s last four wickets for 17 runs. Legspinner Mihir Hirwani led the bowling with figures of 5 for 89, his fifth five-wicket haul in 13 matches.In reply, Madhya Pradesh lost Rajat Patidar early to Tokas before Ankit Dane, the other opener, was run out in the penultimate over of the day for 16. Shubham Sharma and nightwatchman Puneet Datey were unbeaten at stumps.
Former Test batsman Thilan Samaraweera will be Sri Lanka’s batting coach leading up to the 2019 World Cup, SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala has confirmed.The move is expected to be rubber-stamped on Monday, when Samaraweera arrives on the island from Melbourne, where he lives. The following day he will travel with the team to India, where they are set to play three Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is. Samaraweera will have his work cut out on the tour, in shoring up a batting unit low on confidence.While the role of batting coach is officially a first for the 41-year-old former middle-order batsman, he has previously had stints as a batting consultant with other national outfits – with Bangladesh since September last year, and a brief stint with Australia prior to that. He replaces Hashan Tillakaratne, who had taken up the role on a temporary basis in July ahead of India’s visit to Sri Lanka. Tillakaratne will now go back to his role as batting coach of Sri Lanka’s developmental squads.A veteran of 81 Tests, in which he scored 5462 runs at 48.76, Samaraweera retired from international cricket in 2013.
Everton have been tracking Oumar Solet, and they could be set to make a move for the RB Salzburg defender this summer, according to a recent report from The Daily Mail.
What's the latest Everton transfer news?
Everton boss Sean Dyche has recently admitted he has found it difficult to bring in some of his key targets this summer:
"It's a tough market," he said. "There is only so much that we can do, so we are working very hard – I can assure everyone of that – to construct deals that can work.
"There is no exact moment until it's over the line. There have been situations where we have been into where we thought we were going to get it over the line and we don't – that's the way it goes.
A new defender remains of interest to Dyche, with it recently being reported that Mason Holgate is expected to move on this summer, however the manager is set to miss out on Facundo Gonzalez, who he became keen on during the U20 World Cup.
As such, the Toffees could now turn their attention to another young defender, with The Daily Mail reporting they have been tracking Solet, who they could make a move for at some point.
Newcastle United are also interested in signing the Frenchman, and the Premier League duo may hold an advantage over the likes of Torino and Inter Milan in the race for his signature, as he has admitted he is keen on a move to England, saying:
‘I have a lot of ambitions, to be honest. I’m just on my way – for sure the Premier League excites me a lot,’
‘I feel it’s a league that I can perform in really well and it can bring me to the top. It’s probably the best league in the would. I feel if I have the chance it’s going to help make me become the top player I want to be."
What position does Oumar Solet play?
The Red Bull Salzburg star has most commonly been utilised at centre-back throughout his career so far, however he has also slotted in at defensive midfield on occasion, indicating he could be a versatile option for Dyche.
Speaking about his key strengths, the 23-year-old has said: "I’m a quick player and feel like I’m strong. I think I’m a player who is ready for the 1v1 situations – I like to compete with strikers. This is my mindset.
"For any team I feel I can bring something with my quality and intelligence."
The £5.8k-per-week defender has also been hailed as "superb" by journalist Zach Lowy, for the way in which he tracks opposing forwards' movements, and drives forward with the ball.
Solet already has experience playing in the Champions League with RB Salzburg, and with Newcastle also in the race for his signature, it may be difficult for the Toffees to tempt him into a move.
However, if Dyche is able to bring the 6 foot 3 titan to Goodison Park, there is every indication he would be a solid addition to the squad.
Real Madrid and Barcelona's desire to 'damage' the Premier League lay behind their plans to create the Super League, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says.
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To ensure that Everton enjoys a more comfortable season, whereby they’re further distanced from relegation, Sean Dyche will need to add more attacking impetus to his side.
Last term, the Merseyside outfit netted just a miserable 35 goals in the Premier, which was the second-lowest in the division. They only scored two or more times in a single game on six occasions to underline their lack of forward threat.
Due to their current predicament, they don’t have time to allow players for periods of adaptation – they need proven top-flight players to hit the ground running.
One man who has recently suffered relegation from the Premier League but will be on the lookout for an instant return is Wilfried Gnonto, who has been linked with a move to Goodison Park.
What’s the latest on Wilfried Gnonto to Everton?
According to Sport Italia, Gnonto is 'very close' to completing a move to Everton, with the fee for the Italian understood to be around €22m (£19m).
The report also states that Aston Villa are interested in the 19-year-old, but are yet to Leeds’ valuation.
In a previous article, Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor said Everton had been showing “interest” and named Gnonto in a group alongside Jack Harrison and Crysencio Summerville who were being courted by the Toffees, saying:
“I think these are the players that probably need to be moved on. They're probably not going to be there next season and once they go, there'll be a clearer sort of transfer budget. So I think departures should be the priority at this moment in time [for Leeds]."
This signing would finally see Everton begin to reinvest the £45m they accrued from the controversial sale of Anthony Gordon with Gnonto being an extremely shrewd acquisition.
Would Wilfried Gnonto be a good signing for Everton?
The former Inter Milan academy graduate joined Leeds last summer and in what was an extremely difficult season for the Yorkshire Giant, he emerged with a commendable reputation.
In just 14 top-flight starts, the winger recorded six goal involvements. The reluctance of Javi Gracia to give the winger regular minutes, only awarding him with three starts in 11 games, was a particularly baffling situation.
Back in January, after Leeds suffered a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was full of praise for the £20k-per-week dynamo, saying:
“I've seen a special young talent. He was absolutely exceptional. Honestly, sometimes you see potential and talent and you are excited but I watched him so closely, and his understanding of where to be, his choice of pass, his choice of when to run with it, his awareness if his teammates, really, really good.”
A player of this direct and effervescent profile could be the man to reignite the stuttering career of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Last campaign, the Englishman was restricted to just 17 domestic appearances due to persistent injury problems but has previously indicated that he has the devastating potential the lead the Everton line.
During the 2020/21 campaign, the frontman bagged 16 goals and formed a solid attacking partnership with Richarlison, who found the net on ten occasions.
This type of prolific link-up is what the Toffees have desperately lacked and Gnonto would be an ideal candidate to get Calvert-Lewin firing again.
West Ham United have “enquired” about a deal to sign Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.
Is Callum Hudson-Odoi leaving Chelsea?
The Blues academy graduate was sent out on a season-long loan to Bayer Leverkusen last term in the hope of finding him some regular game time, but having only started seven games out of 34 in the Bundesliga, the left-sided winger had an underwhelming spell on the road.
With the Premier League starlet’s contract at his parent club expiring at the end of the next campaign, Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly set to hold crunch talks with the 22-year-old this week regarding his future in SW6, and should he depart, he seemingly won’t be short of potential suitors.
Back in August 2022, 90min credited the Irons with an interest in signing England’s former international before he made the temporary move to Germany, and despite a deal failing to materialise at the time, David Moyes is looking to take a second bite of the cherry.
Are West Ham signing Hudson-Odoi?
Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Jacobs name-checked West Ham as potential suitors for Hudson-Odoi but admitted that the Chelsea attacker is yet to make a full decision as to where his next destination will be. He said:
“As has been reported, a move to Saudi Arabia is certainly an option for Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer. But nothing has been decided just yet. Hudson-Odoi is assessing his future and may prefer to stay in Europe. Despite a relatively underwhelming loan at Bayer Leverkusen last season, there is no shortage of interest in the 22-year-old.
“Keep an eye on Brentford and Fulham. Crystal Palace and West Ham have also enquired. Newcastle are a historic suitor, but not currently considering a move. There is also some initial interest from Atalanta.”
Should Moyes take a chance on Hudson-Odoi?
West Ham will know that Hudson-Odoi wasn’t handed as many minutes as he would have hoped at Bayer Leverkusen hence why he only recorded one goal and assist during his time there, but he still has the potential to pose a threat in the final third.
Last season, the Adidas-sponsored gem, who pockets £120k-per-week, ranked in the 87th percentile for progressive carries so loves to take on his marker and push his team up the pitch, but he also recorded 3.86 shot-creating actions per league game which was the third-highest total throughout Xabi Alonso’s squad, via FBRef.
Chelsea’s “monster of a talent”, as dubbed by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, would further add excellent versatility to the manager’s ranks with his ability to operate all across the frontline and even three roles in the midfield, so with the game time that he’d receive in E20, it’s well worth bringing him to the London Stadium.
An update has emerged on Burnley and their efforts to improve their defensive options in the summer transfer window…
What's the latest on Cody Drameh to Burnley?
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri has claimed that the Clarets are in talks with Leeds United over a deal to sign right-back Cody Drameh ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Vincent Kompany is eyeing a swoop to bring the defender, who is interested in joining the newly-promoted side, to Turf Moor and is still trying to snap him up after having an offer turned down.
The reporter revealed:
"#BurnleyFC pushing for Cody #Drameh ! A first offer has been refused by #LeedsUnited who's waiting for an improved offer from the newly promoted. Discussions continue to find an agreement. Player keen on the move."
How would Cody Drameh fit in at Burnley?
He is a right-back by trade and his form on loan at playoff winners Luton Town in the Championship in the season just gone suggests that the talented enforcer could be an excellent partner for Manuel Benson down the right flank.
In 2022/23, Drameh averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.09 across 16 appearances for the Hatters in the second half of the campaign and made 4.2 tackles and interceptions per game for his side.
Over the last 365 days, the English dynamo ranks in the top 3% or higher of players in his position in the Men's 'Next Eight Competitions' for tackles and blocks made respectively per 90. This shows that the terrific youngster excels at making defensive interventions to cut out opposition attacks when they threaten his goal.
Benson, on the other hand, is a winger who does not make a huge defensive contribution to his team.
Amongst his positional peers in the Men's 'Next Eight Competitions' over the last 365 days, the Belgian forward is in the bottom 17% or lower for tackles, blocks, clearances, aerial battles won, and interceptions per 90.
He does, however, rank in the top 3% for progressive carries and non-penalty goals per 90 and ended the Championship season with 11 goals in 33 appearances for the Clarets, meaning he represents an ideal outlet for the aforementioned target.
Therefore, the £4.4k-per-week Leeds ace, who was once hailed as a "Duracell bunny" by former boss Steve Morison, could be the perfect right-back to play behind Benson as his outstanding defensive qualities could allow the winger to focus on what he does best in the final third.
The current Burnley magician would be able to focus on making a big impact at the top end of the pitch to win the team vital points in the Premier League and Drameh could cover for him on the defensive end with his ability to make consistent interventions.
Eden Hazard rejected offers to join clubs in MLS and Saudi Arabia before deciding to retire from football, it has been claimed.
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