All posts by h716a5.icu

As per Football Insider, a ‘major update’ has now emerged involving Burnley defender and transfer target James Tarkowski as West Ham eye a move.

The Lowdown: West Ham in Tarkowski hunt…

Since the Irons suffered a major blow with Angelo Ogbonna having to undergo surgery on an ACL injury, West Ham have been tipped to take to the market in search of defensive cover.

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Tarkowski is a man who has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Irons, as reliably backed by The Evening Standard who say he is a transfer target for David Moyes ahead of January.

There have been no shortage of other claims, with Football Insider recently stating that the player himself is ‘very keen’ on a move to East London while The Sun say Moyes is certain to lodge a winter bid.

The Latest: Major update…

As per FI, a ‘major update’ has now dropped on West Ham’s pursuit of the player – but it isn’t good news.

Indeed, according to their sources, Burnley are set to dig their heels in over a January move and the 29-year-old has accepted his fate – now willing to bide his time and wait to leave on a free at the end of 2021/2022.

The Lancashire side are apparently set to reject all offers for him even if both West Ham and Newcastle have been leading the chase for his signature.

The Verdict: Blow for West Ham…

As per WhoScored, Tarkowski has averaged 5.2 clearances per 90 for the Clarets in the Premier League alone this season – more than any West Ham defender in that time, including Ogbonna.

This could highlight he is the man Moyes needs as cover for the Italian as West Ham gear up for a long and tiring campaign still fighting on all fronts, with Sean Dyche also calling his man ‘top drawer’.

However, amid this FI claim, it appears they may now have to turn to other targets with the likes of Niklas Stark and Nathaniel Phillips also being eyed by the club.

The 6 foot 1 powerhouse could have come as an ideal January signing but perhaps signing him on a free next summer could also come as an astute option.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Siuuuu’, ‘Tears’…West Ham fans rave as ‘massive’ off-field news comes to light, find out more here.

West Ham United could revisit their interest in Abdallah Sima before the transfer deadline…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee, who made the claim in a fresh transfer update to fans on his Patreon site ‘The West Ham Way’ earlier this week, saying:

“We could explore a deal for him [David Zima] and his fellow teammate Abdallah Sima. Not only do the names sound similar but he is also 20.

“Whilst he is a seen, as a winger as well as a forward, it could mean that he is [a] perfect alternative to [Michail] Antonio.

“In January, I spoke to the club chairman via Twitter and he told me that Sima would not leave in January to West Ham but there is a chance he could in the summer… we are in the summer and his team are no longer in the Champions League. We have dealt with the club before so there is a strong chance we will go in for a move.”

Perfect alternative

With a little over two weeks still to go in the transfer market, the Irons are still yet to find that new striker to pair up with Michail Antonio, which is currently a recipe for disaster considering the 31-year-old’s injury problems.

He has started 24 or more league games in only one season since he joined the East London outfit from Nottingham Forest in 2015.

The Hammers could well play more than 50 matches across all competitions this season, having qualified for the Europa League group stage. If Antonio picks up an injury against Newcastle United on Sunday, David Moyes would be in a hopeless situation.

However, the 58-year-old’s recent transfer success in dipping into the Czech league should provide further encouragement as to why a move for Sima makes the world of sense.

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The Senegalese gem enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, providing 20 goals and eight assists in 39 appearances. He averaged a direct contribution once every 98 minutes, via Transfermarkt – near enough one every game.

Despite largely playing as a right winger, Sima’s future could lie in the middle, which is why he could indeed be the ideal foil to Antonio, who also started out wide before Moyes’ intervention.

If he’s out injured, then the 20-year-old could take his place up top. If he’s not, and the Hammers boss wants to play both attackers, then there’s still a likely role for him in the squad.

It’s also why he has earned lofty comparisons to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who also started his playing career as a winger before becoming one of the Premier League’s best-ever centre-forwards.

Sima has also been lauded as a “huge talent” after he impressed during Slavia Prague’s impressive Europa League showing against Leicester City, against whom he bagged a goal in the second leg of their round of 32 tie in February.

Time is running out, so West Ham really must accelerate their plans to secure a new frontman to bolster Moyes’ squad. Sima would be a fantastic and much-needed addition, whatever the cost.

Just as ExWHUemployee explains, he could be the perfect foil for Antonio at the London Stadium.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee drops frustrating Nikola Milenkovic update…

Former Tottenham Hotspur star Paul Stewart insists that Nuno Espirito Santo will have been monitoring Bryan Gil even when he was Wolves manager, after seeing the Spain international sign for the club.

Spurs have paid just over £20m to land Gil’s signature, while also sending Erik Lamela to Sevilla in part-exchange.

Gil, who Transfermarkt actually value at £27m, is currently away with Spain at the Olympics but he has impressed during his time in La Liga.

In total, the winger made 21 appearances for Sevilla, and is able to play on either the right or the left.

He has spent the past two seasons out on loan, with CD Leganes and Eibar, impressing in the latter spell, scoring four goals and laying on four assists in 29 games.

Stewart admits that he has not watched the 20-year-old play regularly but he believes that Santo will have kept a close eye on Gil when he was in charge at Molineux.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “I’ve not seen much of Gil, if I’m honest, so it will be interesting but like I say, Nuno will have been watching Gil when he was at Wolves and had an eye on him, possibly for bringing him in there.

“He brings good players in, he brings quality players in, Nuno. I think it was time for Erik to move on because the fans were a little impatient with him because of his lack of consistency and they’ve got a new player that I’m sure Nuno has been watching frequently, even when he was at Wolves.”

For the third day running heavy overnight rain ruled out any chance of play in the Kenya Tri-Series, in effect reducing the round-robin tournament to a near farce

Cricinfo staff23-Oct-2008
Another dank scene at the Gymkhana © Cricinfo Ltd
For the third day running heavy overnight rain ruled out any chance of play in the Kenya Tri-Series, in effect reducing the round-robin tournament to a near farce. Ireland found themselves eliminated from Saturday’s final on net Run Rate because their defeat, against Zimbabwe, had been heavier than Zimbabwe’s against Kenya.It was an unsatisfactory state of affairs, but staging the event at this time of year had always been a gamble. Cricket Kenya’s hands were tied, however, as it needed to get hold of Ireland while they were in Africa for Intercontinental Cup matches and it had to make the most of Zimbabwe’s availability as it needed matches against a Full Member country before the end of the year to fulfill a media deal with Nimbus.Privately, board officials are believed to be extremely unhappy with facilities at Nairobi Gymkhana, Nairobi’s major ground and the venue for the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy. While the square has coped well with the rain, the outfield is reported to be sodden, largely as a result of hopelessly inadequate drainage.The final will now be between Kenya and Zimbabwe. Kenya, despite poor form of late, were boosted by a convincing win over Zimbabwe on Sunday, their third win in their last five ODI meetings, and will aim for a repeat of that as they prepare to travel to South Africa for two ODIs at the end of the month. Zimbabwe desperately need a win to erase memories of that defeat as well as a humiliating loss to Uganda last week.The weather, perhaps fittingly, might have the last say with more overnight rain forecast. Locals suspect that the Gymkhana’s drainage might not be up to the task if too much falls in the next 48 hours.

Zimbabwe 4 1 1 0 29 +0.610 493/100.0 432/100.0 Kenya 4 1 1 0 2 9+0.093 484/97.0 475/97.0 Ireland 41 1 0 2 9 -0.722432/97.0 502/97.0

As birthday bashes go, this was pretty special, with Sanath Jayasuriya bludgeoning Bangladesh into submission as Sri Lanka sauntered into the Asia Cup final

The Bulletin by Dileep Premachandran30-Jun-2008
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out

Sanath Jayasuriya helped himself to a century on his 39th birthday © AFP
As birthday bashes go, this was pretty special, with Sanath Jayasuriya bludgeoning Bangladesh into submission as Sri Lanka sauntered into the Asia Cup final. Kumar Sangakkara’s elegant 121, just 24 hours after a century against Pakistan, was the supporting act, and with MuttiahMuralitharan at his supple-wristed best with the ball, Bangladesh werebrushed aside by a massive 158 runs. Nazimuddin and Raqibul Hasan showedsome defiance, but even against an attack missing Lasith Malinga andFarveez Maharoof, 333 was never on.Some of the Bangladesh players were still in diapers when Jayasuriya madehis debut, and they must have felt as helpless as babies when hecelebrated his 39th birthday with the fluent shot-making and power-hittingthat typified his halcyon years. He raced to a century off only 55 balls,and though it turned out to be a two-man show, Sri Lanka still had enough to pull off their fourth successive win of the tournament.Having added 201 with Sangakkara in only 27.5 overs, Jayasuriya finallyran out of puff in the Karachi heat. A poor delivery from Alok Kapali waslofted to deep cover where Tamim Iqbal took the catch. There was scarcelyany joy from the fielders, because by then Jayasuriya had pounded130 off only 88 balls, with a heady rhythm of cuts, pulls and drives.Sangakkara carried on though, having been reprieved by Kapali off his ownbowling on 51. He drove beautifully down the ground and made good use ofboth the orthodox sweep and the slogged version. Occasionally, he wouldalso come down the track and loft the ball over the infield, and Bangladeshappeared bereft of options.When Jayasuriya lashed Mashrafe Mortaza’s opening delivery past point forfour, it appeared to be a sign of things to come, but with ShahadatHossain bowling a maiden first-up, Bangladesh conceded only 20 in thefirst five overs. The trouble started after that, with Jayasuriya dustingoff his pull stroke and driving over the infield with immense power.Sangakkara wasn’t to be left behind, piercing the packed off-side fieldcleverly occasionally, but after a while he gave up trying to keep pace.Jayasuriya was unstoppable. When the bowlers dropped short, he would pullover midwicket. If they were too full, the disdainful flick was unveiled.Too much width and the hoardings behind the point boundary were batteredwith short-arm cuts. And if all that wasn’t punishment enough, he wouldalso jump down the pitch before lashing the ball over the covers.The half-century took only 31 balls, and when Abdur Razzak came on, he wastaken for 19 runs in his second over. Two crisp fours off Farhad Reza anda single to long leg later, he had a century, the 26th of an illustriouscareer. Sangakkara, who had caressed some lovely drives himself, was theperfect foil, and Bangladesh’s cause wasn’t helped when Mushfiqur Rahimfluffed a catch behind the stumps off Razzak right after Jayasuriya hadgot his hundred.Five statsSanath Jayasuriya’s 130 came on his 39th birthday. Only Geoff Boycott has scored a ODI hundred at a more advanced age: his last century came when he was 39 years and 51 days old.Jayasuriya added 201 runs with Kumar Sangakkara, the highest opening stand in the Asia Cup, and only the third partnership of over 200.Jayasuriya and Sangakkara became the 18th opening pair to score centuries in the same innings. Jayasuriya now has five hundreds in the Asia Cup; Sangakkara is joint-second with Shoaib Malik on three. All of Sangakkara’s three have come in this tournament, the best for a single edition.Jayasuriya, though, lost hold of a record. With his ninth five-wicket haul, Muttiah Muralitharan went past Jayasuriya to become the leading wicket-taker in the Asia Cup.Mashrafe Mortaza suffered the brunt of Sri Lanka’s onslaught. He conceded 78 off his ten overs, the most he’s given away in an ODI.His eventual departure, after slamming 16 fours and a mere six sixes, didstem the tide though, with the other batsmen unable to support Sangakkara.Mahela Jayawardene eased to 20 before pulling a long hop from Kapali tomidwicket and neither Chamara, Kapugedera or Silva, could get going.Tillakaratne Dilshan was run out by a direct hit from Raqibul, and whenRazzak finally sneaked one under Sangakkara’s defence, Bangladesh hadmanaged a comeback of sorts. But thanks to their openers becoming only the18th pair to score centuries in the same game, Sri Lanka were nearly outof sight by then.Bangladesh were notionally in the contest till the halfway stage of theirinnings, with Nazimuddin and Raqibul playing some fine strokes in the faceof an imposing asking-rate. Nazimuddin took his time to settle, but thenlaunched into some delightful cuts and drives. AjanthaMendis, who had bamboozled the Pakistanis, was thumped for a four and asix, and only a miscommunication with Raqibul saw him runout when in sight of a half-century.By then, he had already seen Tamim and Mohammad Ashraful, the side’sleading lights, depart. With Chaminda Vaas and Nuwan Kulasekara givingnothing away early on, Tamim quickly became restless, and a tame nibble ata Vaas delivery was easily taken by Dilshan, deputising for Sangakkara behind the stumps.Ashraful came in and took three fours off a Vaas over, but then had one ofthose brain-fades that he’s become prone to. He was in no sort of positionto try and pull Thilan Thushara, and the top-edge came down into Dilshan’shands.But with Raqibul starting in strokeful fashion and Nazimuddin determinedto tilt at windmills, the run-rate quickly soared, with Thushara coming infor harsh treatment. Nazimuddin’s dismissal, halted the charge though, andafter that it was all about Murali.Mushfiqur edged one to slip and Kapali was trapped in front by a doosra.Raqibul’s brave innings was curtailed by another that went the wrong way,and Razzaq cleaned up going for the sweep. When Mortaza top-edged a sweep,he had five wickets for the ninth time in ODIs. It may sometimes be ayoung man’s game, but it was the old hands that blew the candles out onBangladesh.

West Brom midfielder Matheus Pereira is ‘not committed’ to the club, according to newly-appointed Baggies boss Valerien Ismael.

What’s the story?

Pereira has caught the eye with a number of strong performances for West Brom, since signing for the club back in 2019 from the Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon.

The midfielder has been attracting interest from the likes of West Ham, Leeds United and Leicester City in recent months, as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season.

West Brom boss Valerien Ismael has recently revealed that Pereira is ‘not committed’ to the club, which will be frustrating to hear for their supporters, with the new league campaign set to get underway on Friday against AFC Bournemouth.

“I have spoken with Matheus for a few weeks. He was clear he wants to leave. He is not committed to the Championship and not committed to us.

“I accept this decision but I have to take my decision and now we need to solve the situation.”

‘World class’ potential

Pereira has certainly made a positive impact since signing for the Baggies, with the midfielder chipping in with eight goals and 20 assists in his first season with the club. That campaign was a memorable one, as the 25-year-old played a crucial role in their promotion-winning season.

But more importantly, Pereira has shown that he can perform to a more than good enough standard in the Premier League, as he scored 12 goals and was on hand to provide six assists in all competitions last term.

With an average Whoscored rating of 6.96 from the 2020/21 season with West Brom, it certainly makes for impressive reading for Pereira, whose future seems as though it’s away from The Hawthorns.

Former West Brom boss Sam Allardyce has previously singled out Pereira for praise, and felt as though he has the potential to go one and become a ‘world class player’ in future seasons.

“I have worked with some world class players in my time.

“I can’t say Matheus is world class but he certainly has the potential to be a top class Premier League player if he continues developing.”

West Brom need players that are going to be committed this term though, otherwise they may find it tough to win promotion back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.

They’ve already got some good enough options in similar positions ahead of the new season, and although they might not quite be up to Pereira’s standards, the likes of Callum Robinson and Grady Diangana have already shown that they’re good enough in the Championship.

West Brom will be eager to have Pereira’s future resolved at the earliest of opportunities, as they won’t want to be having any distractions in their bid to win promotion into the top-flight this term. It’s a bold call to make for Ismael, but the club should be looking at getting Pereira out the door as soon as possible, as it’ll give them time to find a suitable replacement for him this summer.

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has dropped an update on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez in this summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have claimed that Fernando Hidalgo, the agent of the River Plate starlet, is set to meet with Villa’s representatives over a move to Dean Smith’s side ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

In a Q&A for The Birmingham Mail, Preece replied on various queries about the 21-year-old: “I’ve been told he has a £21.5m release clause in his contract – but I want to stand that up before reporting.”

“As mentioned, Alvarez seems most-likely given the reports coming from South America from credible journalists. AC Milan very keen on him, though, I’m told. It’s a case of wait and see.”

“Villa have had initial talks but that’s as far as I’ve got. Struggling to a firm grasp of the situation at present, much to my annoyance.”

Villa fans will be excited

After news emerged from the Arsenal camp that rumoured Villa transfer target Emile Smith Rowe is set to stay at the Emirates Stadium and pen a new contract with the north Londoners, Preece’s update on Alvarez makes for exciting reading.

The River Plate youngster is someone who can play anywhere across the frontline, and after a highly impressive campaign in his native Argentina, he was named as part of his country’s Copa America squad this summer.

Like Smith Rowe, he is very much a creative attacker who can play behind the striker, bagging four goals and set up another seven in just 20 appearances last season – including a couple of games where he plundered a hat-trick of assists against Godoy Cruz and Central Cordoba respectively.

Marcelo Gallardo, his manager at club level, has previously hailed the young Argentine as someone who “every coach would love to have.”

With Preece now reporting that Villa have had “initials talks” over signing Alvarez, that could be music to the ears of supporters who have watched a rather bizarre pursuit of Smith Rowe this summer.

In other news, Lange must avoid Villa mistake over “unstoppable” £38k-p/w gem, Smith would hate it.

Leeds United are reportedly interested in a deal to sign Sassuolo winger Jeremie Boga, according to the Daily Mail. 

The lowdown: Boga’s future remains ‘up in the air’

Boga has been with Sassuolo since 2018, after signing for the Italian side from Chelsea, having found regular game time with the Blues’ senior side hard to come by.

He has gone on to make 90 appearances in total for Sassuolo, but his future remains unclear at this moment in time, as they prepare for the 2021/22 Serie A campaign.

Boga made 28 appearances in the 2020/21 season, and chipped in with four goals and two assists for them, as they finished eighth in the top-flight standings.

He has two years remaining on his contract with Sassuolo, and has a reported transfer value of £18million according to Transfermarkt.

The latest: European side make eight-figure offer for Leeds transfer target

Leeds United are said to be rivalling Crystal Palace, Everton and Italian side Atalanta to a potential deal for Boga this summer, according to the Daily Mail. 

That same report claims that Atalanta have seen a bid of £15.5million rejected by Sassuolo, and are said to be weighing up another bid in the near future.

It remains to be seen as to whether Leeds will submit a formal offer of their own for Boga, although they’re likely to have to make a decision on their rumoured pursuit of the winger soon, with Atalanta looking to press ahead with their interest in the former Chelsea youngster.

The verdict: Leeds face a real battle to land Boga’s signature

This could turn out to be a smart bit of business by the Yorkshire-based side this summer, especially if he can adjust well to his new surroundings.

Boga will feel as though he has a point to prove in the Premier League, having failed to break his way into the Chelsea first-team earlier in his career, while the Whites could need a replacement for Helder Costa, who has been tipped to depart this summer.

The pressure on Boga therefore wouldn’t be overwhelming, as he would likely arrive as a squad option behind the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison, allowing him time to settle into Marcelo Bielsa’s intense style.

But Leeds won’t have it all their way in the race to land his signature it seems, and with Atalanta already making a bid for Boga’s services, you would imagine that they’re ahead of Bielsa’s side in the race to sign the 24-year-old.

Nottingham Forest will be braced for further interest in Brennan Johnson’s services this month, with Brentford keen on signing the winger, according to The Sun.

What’s the story?

Johnson has been with Forest since 2009, but has found regular game time in their senior squad tough to find of late.

The winger spent last year’s campaign on loan with League One side Lincoln City, and impressed with the Imps, as they finished fifth in the League One table, although his efforts weren’t quite enough to see them win promotion into the Championship, after a defeat to Blackpool in the play-off final.

But it appears as though his strong showings whilst out on loan haven’t gone unnoticed, with Brentford and Leeds United being named among the clubs interested in landing’s Johnson’s signature this summer.

The Sun has recently revealed that Brentford are set to make a £6million offer for Johnson, although it remains to be seen as to what Forest’s valuation of the midfielder is at this stage.

‘Direct’, ‘A lot of talent’

Johnson hasn’t had much of a chance to impress in the Forest first-team, but he has been involved in their pre-season plans, which drops a hint that he could be sticking in Chris Hughton’s side heading towards their season opener against Coventry City this weekend.

But with Brentford seemingly not giving up in their efforts to sign the 20-year-old, Forest will know that they have a real battle on their hands to keep Johnson at the City Ground for the foreseeable future.

The Bees are a team that are heading in the right direction, with Thomas Frank’s side preparing for life in the Premier League, after winning promotion last term.

Therefore, a move to Brentford might be a tempting proposition for Johnson, but he’s probably better off staying with Nottingham Forest, as they’re much more likely to be able to offer him regular game time in senior football.

With Sammy Ameobi leaving the club at the end of the 2020/21 season, Forest aren’t exactly blessed with a considerable amount of options in midfield, and Johnson will surely fancy his chances of being involved on a regular basis moving forwards into the new season.

Former Sunderland and West Brom forward Kevin Phillips has previously labelled Johnson as ‘direct’ and a player with ‘a lot of talent’, in an interview with Football Insider after hearing of Leeds United’s interest. 

“He impressed me when he played in the playoff games against Sunderland.

“Especially in that first game. He looked very direct and got the goal so he’s not afraid to get forward. He travels well with the ball and he’s only young.”

“He’s definitely got a lot of talent.”

It’s been a frustrating few seasons for Nottingham Forest, as they’ve struggled in their efforts to win promotion back into the top-flight, and they need to show their resolve and fend off any interest in their key players, and Johnson is certainly one of them as they head towards the new league campaign.

An update has emerged on Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden, regarding Southampton’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, Southampton are lining up a swoop for Newcastle central midfielder Isaac Hayden as they look to bolster their midfield ranks.

The report claims that Newcastle would be willing to let him leave if an offer of around £10m comes in. Watford are also said to hold an interest in Hayden and could ask for him in return for Will Hughes – who Steve Bruce is a fan of.

Bruce doesn’t need him

Newcastle must ruthlessly axe Hayden from the club this summer and allow him to join Southampton or Watford if the opportunity arises.

If Southampton come in with a bid of £10m, or even a few million cheaper than that, then the club must sanction his departure and use the funds to bring in a player with more quality than the ex-Arsenal man.

In the 2020/21 campaign, Hayden averaged an unimpressive WhoScored rating of 6.67 in 22 Premier League starts for the Toon Army, whilst failing to register a goal or assist from midfield. This suggests that he did not have the influence on Bruce’s midfield that he would like to, with his overall standard of performance fairly average throughout the campaign.

The £36k-per-week midfielder has, therefore, not shown enough to prove that he can be one of Bruce’s key men in the engine room. This means that the manager has no need for him as a regular starter and the club could be better off bringing in a new addition to freshen up options in that area of the pitch.

Back in 2019, Hayden admitted that he wanted to leave Newcastle and said that he would like to be closer to his family, as he was dealing with a family emergency at the time. The midfielder was seemingly willing to take a pay-cut at the time, hinting that a move down south would suit him.

He told The Times:

“She was in Newcastle at that point, but her family is based in the South West, mine’s in Essex and she really had no support.

“I want to be in a place for my daughter to settle down and have a happy home environment and not be moving around too much.

“Money isn’t everything. It’s about the time you spend with children, the effort you put in. I want to know her. I don’t want to miss her walking for the first time, talking, all those things. I want to be a proper dad.”

It remains to be seen if he still feels the same way two years on, but if he does, then it could work out well for all parties involved.

Southampton and Watford are both closer to home, which could allow him to spend more time with his family and enjoy his life on and off the pitch.

Therefore, allowing Hayden to leave to join Southampton, or Watford, could be a shrewd piece of business for the club whilst also benefiting the player himself.

AND in other news, “Drumming up this confidence” – Journalist drops Newcastle United takeover verdict…