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According to a report by Foot Mercato, as translated and shared by Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur managing director Fabio Paratici may now back an exciting transfer swoop for the club.

The Lowdown: Paratici on the prowl…

Since the 48-year-old was appointed as the new managing director of Spurs, there have been no shortage of transfer rumours linking the Lilywhites with a host of exciting players.

Lorenzo Insigne, Manuel Locatelli and Domenico Berardi are just some of the names linked, with that trio shining for Italy at Euro 2020.

Marcus Thuram is another player mentioned with a possible move to Spurs, with RMC Sport reporter Mohamed Bouhafsi lifting the lid on advanced talks last month.

The Latest: Paratici could now back move…

As per Foot Mercato, Tottenham have now made Thuram a priority summer signing. Indeed, transfer guru Paratici ‘would support’ the swoop internally, and the Frenchman’s odds of moving to north London this summer are ‘good’.

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Thuram’s stance is that he very much wants to leave his current club Borussia Monchengladbach, with the report stating he desires a ‘change of scenery’. If Paratici wants to snap up the 23-year-old as a priority, Tottenham will have to pay ‘at least’ €30m (£25.6m).

The French forward started 20 Bundesliga matches last term, netting eight goals and setting up two others (WhoScored).

The Verdict: Get it done

At a minimum fee of £25.6m, Thuram could come as a possible bargain this summer going by his exploits in the German top flight and some of the plaudits which have come his way during the 2020/21 campaign.

The 1.92m (6 foot 4) beast averaged an impressive two shots per match last season for Monchengladbach, bettered only by attacking partner Alassane Plea (2.1). Thuram also completed more dribbles per game (1.6) than anyone in their squad, and at just 23, he could come as a very fruitful purchase by Tottenham.

Highly versatile, he is capable of playing on both flanks and in a central forward role. He has attracted praise from New York Times bestselling author Grant Wahl, who called him ‘phenomenal’ (Twitter).

If Paratici backs a swoop for Thuram, we believe he would certainly be making the right call.

In other news: ‘In recent days’…Spurs make enquiry to sign £34.4m-rated ‘genius’, find out more here.

According to The Daily Record, Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is an admirer of Kevin Nisbet, although the Gers would need to sell one of their strikers to make a move for the 24-year-old.

The Lowdown: Gers set for a busy summer

The Gers’ Premiership success last term means they will be both on the lookout for new players to boost their Champions League chances and will also be wary of losing star performers after their impressive displays during 2020/21.

With Alfredo Morelos heavily linked with a move away from Ibrox this summer (Antena 1), the Gers may be eyeing another centre-forward.

The Latest: Gerrard likes Nesbit

Hibernian striker Nisbet is attracting interest from Spartak Moscow and Krasnodar, as per The Daily Record.

The report added that Gerrard is an admirer of the 24-year-old Scotland international, but the Gers will not make a move unless they sell one of their current forwards.

The Verdict: Impressive forward

Although Nisbet does not play for one of Scotland’s two biggest clubs, he has impressed over the past three seasons, scoring 75 goals in all competitions during that time (Transfermarkt). His performances earned him a spot in the Scotland squad for Euro 2020, and he even got himself on the scoresheet in a 2-2 draw with Netherlands prior to the tournament.

As per The Daily Record, the Gers would need to sell first if they were to move for the £2.7m-valued Nisbet (Transfermarkt) as they already have Morelos, Fashion Sakala, Cedric Itten, Kemar Roofe and Jermain Defoe in their squad already. However, with the Colombian attracting interest from Porto, a berth may open, and Nisbet would be a good option to fill it.

In other news, Gerrard has provided an update on this Rangers man.

In an outstanding and thrilling 5th South American Championship final at the Longchamps ground of Club Atletico Lomas in Buenos Aires, Argentina A clawed their way to a tense and exciting two victory over Chile with only two balls to spare

Grant Dugmore11-Dec-2002In an outstanding and thrilling 5th South American Championship final at the Longchamps ground of Club Atletico Lomas in Buenos Aires, Argentina A clawed their way to a tense and exciting two victory over Chile with only two balls to spare.It was an all action final from beginning to end, the advantage swinging from one team to the other countless times, and in the murky late afternoon tension, Argentina A kept the trophy in Argentina for the fifth successive time.Chile were put in to bat and compiled a useful 195, all out on the final ball of the fortieth over. Sustained pressure from the Argentine bowlers and fielders made run-scoring difficult throughout, but Chile did well to fight back, after losing early wickets, from 61 for 4 and then 89 for 5, largely thanks to a fine aggressive innings of 70 (70 balls, with 1 six and 10 fours) from Cameron MacGovern. He shared in a crucial sixth wicket stand of 51 with Tim Messner, who made 28 (27 balls). For Argentina A Sunyog Chauhan bowled well for his 3 for 28 in his 8 overs, with good support coming from Sergio Ciaburri and Miguel Rowe, both returning figures of 2 for 34.Chile looked well on the way to a landmark victory in the Championship when they had the defending champions reeling at 42 for 4 after 12 overs. The Argentines, however, had other ideas, and led by player-coach Grant Dugmore, who came in with the total on 28 for 3, and batted with great timing and control to be 85 not out (89 balls, with 2 sixes, 8 fours, and another six thanks to overthrows) at the end, were obviously determined not to relinquish their hold on the South American title.Important partnerships of 42 for the fifth wicket with Malcolm Gibson (11) and 46 for the sixth wicket with skipper Billy MacDermott (18) kept the Argentines in the hunt, but with the score at 130 for 6, still needing 65 for victory in 9,4 overs remaining, the game was on a knifes edge. Then young Lucas Paterlini made a quick 27 (24 balls), and the balance swung again. Chile’s bowlers were superb overall, with Blair Douglas (3 for 25 in 8 overs) and Tim Messner (3 for 32 in 8 overs) outstanding, and showed tremendous character in fighting back with a vengeance to almost snatch the trophy at the end.Ultimately, Dugmore stood firm, and in a nail-biting climax to an enthralling and classic final, and successful tournament for all involved, young Alejo Perez swung the fourth ball of Argentina A’s fortieth and final over unceremoniously to the mid-wicket boundary to take his team to 196 for 8 and a sensational two wicket victory with two balls to spare.In the end, on the day, there was nothing to choose between the two sides, and young captain Billy MacDermott proudly accepted the South American Trophy to make it five out of five for Argentine teams at this tournament.Paul Hollis of Chile was adjudged Player of the Tournament, for his brilliant batting, accumulating 391 runs in 4 matches.Another memorable South American Cricket Championship ending with an exciting finale, and everything to look forward to with the 6th championship, to be held in Chile in 2004.Final placings: 1. Argentina A, 2. Chile, 3. Brazil, 4. Andean Masters

During the premier league match between Jinnah CC andHermes DVS on Sunday, 18th August 2002 serious riotsoccured, which where reported upon extensively in variousmedia

KNCB20-Aug-2002During the premier league match between Jinnah CC andHermes DVS on Sunday, 18th August 2002 serious riotsoccured, which where reported upon extensively in variousmedia.In response to these events, the KNCB board arrangedan urgent meeting, to form an opinion on theincident and backgrounds, and to take the requiredmeasures.After careful deliberation the board took the followingmeasures:1. Jinnah CC is expelled from KNCB membership forthwith.2. Jinnah CC is fined the maximum fine of EUR 150 forabandoning the match.3. The board will deduct two match points for Jinnah.4. The board declares the match Jinnah CC – Hermes DVSto be assumed to be won by Hermes DVS and lost byJinnah.5. As a result of the decision taken in 1. the finalpremier league match between Jinnah and VRA, originallyscheduled for Sunday, 25th August, will be cancelled.Also, all remaining matches of Jinnah 2nd XI will becancelled.6. As a result of the expulsion of Jinnah CC, and theconsequent removal of Jinnah CC from the premier league,no team will relegate to the first division this season.The first division champion will, as usual, play in thepremier league next season.7. The board will put charges against individual Jinnah CCmembers before the judicial committee.The KNCB board is fully aware that a heavy penalty isimposed on the club and is saddened that such a penaltywill also harm good willed members of Jinnah CC.But the seriousness of the incidents and the fact thatthe sport of cricket in the Netherlands has been discredited,made the board feel decisive actions were required, andeverything possible should be done to make clear that recurrenceof these excesses in Dutch cricket will not be tolerated.Amstelveen, 20 August 2002

Saffron Walden claimed their first national title by winning the Play-Cricket ECB National Club Championship in a thrilling encounter with Barnt Green at Edgbaston

ECB Media Release06-Sep-2002Saffron Walden claimed their first national title by winning the Play-Cricket ECB National Club Championship in a thrilling encounter with Barnt Green at Edgbaston.After being 0-1, with opener Hall run out without facing, Birmingham-based Barnt Green managed to post a highly respectable 234 for six from their allotted 45 overs. Saffron Walden’s bowlers were put to the sword in the middle of the innings before coming back strongly in the last five or six overs to restrict scoring.Gavin Haynes, formerly of Worcestershire, top-scored with 67, and there werealso good contributions from Froggatt and Dalland.Generally considered a winning score against most sides in this competition,with 234 on the board, the ‘home’ favourites were justifiably confident. Indeed when Walden’s skipper Steve Plumb was trapped in front of middle stump without scoring, the Barnt Green score looked like it would be too many. But Saffron Walden are no ordinary batting side.Enter Giles Ecclestone to join Jamie Sparrow. Both played some majestic shots, batting with real freedom as if nothing were at stake. They put on 180 before Sparrow was dismissed for 83. There was very little the Barnt Green attack could do, despite including former Test spinner Richard Illingworth, who seemed powerless to stop the onslaught.Man of the Match Ecclestone continued his charge until the job was done. Saffron Walden lost a couple more wickets but never looked like losing theinitiative they had claimed so belligerently.Ecclestone was left on 99 not out after Simon Williams, with six needed anda little over three overs remaining, somewhat uncharitably clubbed a maximumover square leg to secure the title for the Essex club.For full details see the official ECB National Knockout Cup site atecb.play-cricket.com

More news on the Bosanquet incident at Lancaster Park during the Canterbury-MCC game of 1903 has emerged

Lynn McConnell08-Aug-2002More news on the Bosanquet incident at Lancaster Park during the Canterbury-MCC game of 1903 has emerged.Arthur Sims, the Canterbury batsman at the non-striker’s end when Bernard Bosanquet appeared to bowl Walter Pearce around his legs, suggested that Pearce await a decision from the umpire.As it turned out neither umpire, the bowler’s end administrator being Charles Bannerman, the former Australian player, was able to give a decision. Bannerman being blocked by the batsman, and the square leg umpire Robert Spencer ducking for cover.Sims was then the target of abuse from both Bosanquet and wicket-keeper Arthur Whatman.Sims, who was later knighted for services to commerce, was the subject of an autobiography in 1961 which was written by the former New Zealand Press Association writer in London, Alan Mitchell. Mitchell covered the 1949 tour of England and wrote the book of the tour, Cricket Companions.Sims referred to the incident and its consequences in the book of his life 84 not out.”It had been a good match so far, too. The Englishmen batted first and their young captain ‘Plum’ Warner had shown some nice shots to help his side reach 352. When Canterbury went in everybody was curious to see the man who had invented the ‘googly’ or the ‘bosie’ – the ‘josser who bowls leg breaks from the off’ – B J T Bosanquet, formerly of Eton and Oxford. Certainly Arthur would have liked to see more of him. He survived only three of Bosanquet’s balls – the first two, leg breaks, he patted to third man; the next nipped the other way and took his leg stump. After that Bosanquet got no more wickets and was punched for 50 runs. Canterbury were all out for 224, Warner declared the Englishmen’s second innings closed at 159 for seven, and wickets were down and Canterbury wanted over 200 when Arthur was joined by W Pearce.”Pearce seemed quite at home to Bosanquet and keen to use his favourite shot – a sweep to leg, bending his knees and getting well down to it. Sure enough he shaped up to a lofted delivery, and Spencer, level with the crease at square leg, ducked instinctively to aid self-preservation.”Whoosh! Pearce put everything into his sweep – and missed. Arthur, backing up, lost sight of the ball and the stumps, and returned to his crease. He saw Pearce hesitate and then began to walk from the wicket. The bails were off.”‘Go back,’ Arthur called. ‘Wait for the umpire’s decision.'”‘How’s that’ yelled Bosanquet and the wicket-keeper A D Whatman.”Bannerman, who had made his name in Australia before coming to coach Christ’s College, stared stonily down the pitch.”‘Well, how was it?’ Bosanquet demanded.”Bannerman said: ‘I don’t know. I couldn’t see whether the ball hit the stumps because the batsman’s body was in the way.'”Bannerman then consulted with Spencer who said that he was busy ducking and didn’t see.The players gathered round the umpires and Whatman said there was no doubt about it, Pearce had been bowled around his legs.Bannerman returned to his position and gave a not out decision.Bosanquet said to Sims, who had remained at the non-striker’s end: “You’re a nice cheat. I bowled him round his legs. Anybody could see that.”Sims replied that there was reasonable doubt as he didn’t see the ball hit the wickets.”The over was bowled out, the fielders changed. Whatman, passing Arthur who had moved to his block, said contemptuously: ‘Bloody cheat’,” Mitchell wrote.”Arthur took his stance, the bowler made his run. Just as the ball was about to bounce and he was making his stroke he heard Whatman say: ‘Just a bloody cheat. Why don’t you get back where you belong.'”Whatman carried on with his comments, and Sim reflected that Warner, who was aware of what was happening, had done nothing to stop the comments.Sims got out bowled by Bosanquet soon after and the game ended with Lord Hawke’s team the winners by 133 runs.Controversy broke out afterwards with Sims having support and also criticism.Sims told Mitchell his main regret had been not stopping the game and asking Warner to speak to Bosanquet and Whatman.Sims was asked to play for New Zealand in two internationals that followed but declined, although newspaper coverage at the time suggested his employer at Canterbury Frozen Meat said he could not play unless he received an apology from Bosanquet and Whatman.Mitchell rounded out the story by recording: “Bosanquet apologized [sic] before the team left for Australia in March 1902, and Arthur told him to forget all about the incident.”

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Tottenham defender Graham Roberts does not believe Manchester United need to sign a player like Harry Winks this summer.

Winks is currently being linked with a move to Old Trafford, with Stretty News claiming earlier this month that the 25-year-old midfielder is a target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Winks really struggled for game time last season, though his fortunes did improve when Ryan Mason took over following Jose Mourinho’s sacking.

Should Winks be offered no guarantees over minutes by Mourinho’s successor, then he may very well need to consider his future in north London.

Roberts, however, is struggling to see how a move to Manchester United would make any sense. The Spurs legend exclusively told FFC:

“They have [Scott] McTominay, they have Fred. Similar? You know, do they need another one there?

“I would think Man United would be putting all their eggs in a striker or another centre-half, so I think that’s their main agenda.”

As well as McTominay and Fred, United also have Donny van de Beek who can play in that midfield position, and he was barely used by Solskjaer during the 2020/21 campaign.

Winks could easily find himself in a similar position as the United boss continues to opt for the likes of McTominay and Fred.

Does that make the England international a bad player? Of course not, he has his talents, with former manager Mauricio Pochettino once hailing him as “amazing”. But a move to United may not be the best fit for him.

Serie A expert Conor Clancy believes Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic would be a superb signing for Tottenham Hotspur, and has backed him to fill the gap left by Harry Kane if he does leave the club.

Sky Sports have reported that Kane has asked to leave the club this summer, prompting interest from Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea.

Vlahovic has been linked with a move to Spurs, with the club reported to have entered into talks with Fiorentina over a possible deal.

They are not alone in the race, though, with Arsenal and Liverpool also said to be in pursuit. Spurs are also in the market for a new manager and Clancy feels that either Mauricio Pochettino or Antonio Conte – both of whom have been linked – would help the forward improve immensely.

Vlahovic is just 21 and scored 21 goals in all competitions this season, while also laying on two assists.

In total, the young forward has 29 goals in 84 games for the club, and has also been capped seven times by Serbia, scoring twice.

He is valued at £36m by Transfermarkt and has a contract until 2023, and Clancy feels he would be a fine acquisition for Spurs.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “I don’t think anyone’s good enough to replace Harry Kane but in terms of what Vlahovic could go on to do, quite possibly.

“I think the ceiling for him is higher than it would be for a lot of strikers, and he’s still very, very young. You would hope that he’s only going to get better.

“If Spurs have a coach like Pochettino, I think Vlahovic could really, really step his game up, also with Conte. You saw what Conte did with [Romelu] Lukaku. It depends on the coach they get in but Vlahovic is someone that most clubs should be looking at.”

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a devastating blow in the search for their next manager…

What’s the word?

According to Express & Star journalist Joesph Masi, front-runner David Wagner will not take the vacancy at The Hawthorns, with the German set to take charge of Swiss outfit BSC Young Boys instead.

It has been a dramatic 48 hours or so in the Midlands after the Baggies hierarchy interviewed several candidates, including the former Huddersfield boss, who steered the Terriers to the Premier League in 2017.

He emerged as their first-choice candidate but his switch to England has collapsed as the 49-year-old wants to remain close to his family in Germany.

Back to square one, again

Only a few days ago, reports emerged suggesting that Albion owner Guochuan Lai vetoed a move for former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder despite the Yorkshireman being keen on the role. It’s thought that the rarely-seen chief was put off by his relationship with the board at Bramall Lane, where he publicly clashed with owner Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Now that Wagner is now also out of the running, it leaves West Brom back where they first started when Sam Allardyce announced that he would not continue in the dugout for next season. The German was by no means a popular candidate but this situation has left many supporters absolutely reeling.

In response to Masi’s initial tweet, there were plenty of the Baggies faithful expressing their discontent at how the club was being run. Even though this was a small sample size, it really does highlight the mood in the Midlands right now.

For example, one fan claimed it was a “new low” as “we can’t even get a manager that nobody wants”. Another added that it was “absolutely farcical”. with a further supporter describing the situation as a “mess”.

It’s the last thing Luke Dowling and co need heading into a new campaign, where they must see a reaction on the pitch to win back many of these supporters following relegation.

His plans in the transfer market will only be hampered further until the club sorts out who will take charge and, as those supporters claim, it’s an absolute mess right now.

Understandably, plenty of the Baggies faithful will be fuming.

AND in other news, Shock West Brom managerial rejection emerges, but it could be a blessing in disguise…

Interest is intensifying in Fulham central midfielder Tom Cairney ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by TEAMtalk, who claim that Sheffield United are considering a move for the 30-year-old Fulham captain this summer.

It is reported that the Blades’ new manager, Slavisa Jokanovic, is desperate to secure a reunion with this former player at Bramall Lane ahead of his side’s Championship campaign, with the Cottagers believed to be demanding a fee of around £10m to part with the Scotland international.

Parker must not sell

While Cairney did not feature all that much for Fulham this season, something that is largely down to the fact the midfielder spent a considerable amount of time on the sidelines due to a knee injury, the £8.1m-rated man nevertheless proved just how important he is within Scott Parker’s side over his limited time on the pitch.

Over his 10 Premier League appearances this term, the 30-year-old scored one goal, registered one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.7 key passes and taking 1.2 shots per game.

The £27k-per-week midfielder also highly impressed with his range of passing, completing an average of 54.8 passes per game – with a 92% accuracy rate – as well as making an average of four successful long balls and 2.9 successful chipped passes per appearance.

These metrics saw the player Parker has dubbed as “outstanding” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.28, ranking him as the club’s best performer in the Premier League by quite a considerable distance.

As such, considering just how crucial the midfielder appears to be within the side, if Fulham were to lose the services of Cairney ahead of their Championship campaign, it would undoubtedly put a huge dent in the club’s chances of securing an immediate return to the Premier League come the end of next season, especially if they lose him to a direct promotion rival like Sheff United.

And, with failure to achieve promotion next term being something of a disaster for Parker and his team, it would seem highly advisable for the 40-year-old to do all he can to keep hold of Cairney this summer.