All posts by h716a5.icu

One wicket was all that prevented Mashonaland A from winning their CastleLager Logan match against Matabeleland as the match ended in a draw atQueens Sports Club on the fourth day

Mehluli Sibanda22-Apr-2002One wicket was all that prevented Mashonaland A from winning their CastleLager Logan match against Matabeleland as the match ended in a draw atQueens Sports Club on the fourth day.Young Gregory Strydom top-scored for Matabeleland with an unbeaten 83 asthey made 269 for nine in 65 overs with the home side still needing 16 runsto win the match. This was after Mashonaland A had made 332 in their secondinnings, taking a 283-run lead.Matabeleland could have won the match had they taken the remaining threeMashonaland wickets quickly. The Mashonaland A tail-enders put up someresistance, with Prosper Utseya and Elton Chigumbura adding 43 for the 7thwicket. Utseya had his moment of reckoning when he smashed two successivefours off Heath Streak.Matabeleland had two seamers, Mpumelelo Mbangwa and Gregory Strydom, unableto bowl because of injuries. Mbangwa was not able to take the field because of a back strain and Strydom could not bowl because of fractured finger to his right arm, which he suffered when he took a catch to dismiss Mark Vermeulen on the third day.With the two pacers out, Matabeleland had to rely on the spinners and theydid not disappoint, taking the last three wickets. Left-arm spinner KeithDabengwa took two of them while Mecury Kenny took one wicket.Mashonaland A set Matabeleland a target of 284 to win at a rate of four runsan over after scoring 332. Matabeleland got off to a poor start with theiropeners Wisdom Siziba and Stuart Walker scoring only 29 runs together beforeSiziba was dismissed by David Mutendera, caught by Grant Flower for 18 runs.This was the same score he made in the first innings, when he went outto the same bowler.Opener Walker went on to grab a half-century but added only four runs to itbefore he was dismissed by Flower, Stuart Carlisle taking a catch in theslips. Victory was in the air for Matabeleland with few runs needed to winthe match. Strydom turned the match into a one-day affair, smashing threesixes off Flower, the first going over the tiled Queens bar roof and theother two clearing the stands. This led to Flower being removed from thebowling attack.Matabeleland needed 21 runs off the last over and the game grew tense withtheir batsmen playing dangerous shots. Two took wickets as Mutendera turned the game around and victory eluded Matabeleland. Mutendera had Gavin Ewing caught at long on by Vermeulen and then dismissed Keith Dabengwa for a duck.Matabeleland found themselves suddenly on the verge of losing the match withone wicket remaining and the last two balls to come. Last man Mbangwa facedthem and took two runs to condemn the match to a draw.Mutendera was the pick of the Mashonaland A side with five wickets to hisname, while Flower took two wickets. Hondo had an expensive spell, givingaway 69 runs in 14 overs with no maidens and no wickets to his name.This result meant that Matabeleland finished the competition without tastingvictory as they lost their two opening home matches against Mashonaland andMidlands, before drawing their remaining matches against the CFX Academy,Manicaland and now Mashonaland A.The match did not live up to to expectations, with the international starsfailing to perform. Mashonaland A had a very strong batting line-up and a lot was expected from them. But Flower and Carlisle failed to find their form, with Flower averaging 12 runs in the two innings and Carlisle with a disappointing average of 2 runs. Gavin Rennie atoned for his poor showing in the first innings with a half-century in the second. Tatenda Taibu, Elton Chigumbura and Vermeulen were all consistent with bat while Mutendera and Hondo also did well with the ball.For Matabeleland, their two experienced players did a sterling job with theball, with Streak most outstanding, taking five wickets, while Mbangwa wasalso economical though he did not get so many wickets. The 18-year oldStrydom was on top of the situation with the bat, making the two top scoresof the match. He fell eight runs short of a century in the first inningswith his 92 runs and then remained unbeaten on 83 runs at the end of thematch.

Aston Villa are lining up a £7m offer for Celtic midfielder David Turnbull, according to The Scottish Sun.

The Lowdown: Turnbull’s award-winning campaign

The Hoops may have not had the season they wanted, but Turnbull certainly made an impact in his first campaign as a Celtic player.

He netted nine times and provided eight assists in 35 appearances, booking his spot at this summer’s European Championships as a result.

Turnbull was also named the PFA Scotland’s Young Player of the Year recently, and it seems as his displays have caught the eye at Villa Park.

The Latest: Villa readying offer

The Scottish Sun claim that Villa manager Dean Smith is looking to add to his creative midfield ranks ahead of the 2021/22 season and has received glowing reports regarding Turnbull.

Villa representatives have watched Turnbull on numerous occasions and now thought to be readying a £7m bid.

Turnbull’s Transfermarkt valuation stands at just £1.62m, so the Hoops look set to be tested with a bid over four times that figure.

The Verdict: Hoops must keep Turnbull

Unless a club-record bid comes in (£24.3m), we think Celtic should reject all offers for the 21-year-old this summer.

There looks set to be a Parkhead rebuild both on and off the pitch this summer, and Turnbull has shown he can be an integral part of Celtic’s future with his displays in a struggling Hoops side this season.

He starred on his European debut, netting the winner against Lille and completed more key passes than any player in the Scottish Premiership (80), as per WhoScored.

On that basis, we think Celtic need to keep hold of the midfielder, who Frank McAvennie described as ‘incredible’, going forward and should snub a proposed £7m offer.

In other news: Celtic transfer U-turn comes to light; decision made at the end of the season, find out more here.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Premier League forward Dean Windass believes West Ham should consider moves for Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke this summer.

The Hammers sold striker Sebastien Haller to Ajax in the last transfer window and failed to bring in a replacement.

It means they could now move for a new No.9 or two as David Moyes looks to bolster his options in that area.

Toney, who has scored an incredible 32 goals for Brentford in the Championship this season, was actually of interest to West Ham last year – something confirmed by Peterborough director of football Barry Fry.

As for Benteke, the 30-year-old is set to become a free agent in a development that may interest teams looking for a Premier League proven striker.

Ultimately, for Windass, both players would be worth bringing into the London Stadium before the start of next season.

“You’d take that all day long,” the former Hull City man said as he discussed Toney, Benteke and the Hammers’ striker situation. “Benteke as a squad player, then bring a young striker in to learn off Benteke around the training ground.

“I think Ivan Toney, somewhere like that if Brentford don’t go up, that will be the sort of club he’ll go to, West Ham.”

Following Haller’s departure, West Ham really do look short up front. Michail Antonio is the only real sort of No.9 at the club at the minute, so it would be a surprise if Moyes did not move for a new frontman.

South Wilts skipper Russell Rowe smashed his third successive Southern Electric ECB Premier League century with a majestic 170 not out against Liphook & Ripsley at Ripsley Park

Mike Vimpany11-Jun-2001South Wilts skipper Russell Rowe smashed his third successive Southern Electric ECB Premier League century with a majestic 170 not out against Liphook & Ripsley at Ripsley Park.It was the highest individual Premier League score so far – and the first time any batsman had scored three hundreds in a row since Bournemouth’s Shanthi Waas in 1975.But the beefy Wiltshire opener almost finished on the losing side as gallant Liphook came within two runs of overhauling South Wilts’ rain-trimmed total.South Wilts hit a towering 282-6 but, chasing a weather-cut 244 off 57 overs, Liphook finished two runs adrift at 242-8 as the drawn match reached its climax..Rowe, who had twice scored back-to-back hundreds in the past three seasons without going on to complete a hat-trick, hit two sixes and 22 boundaries in his 3-half hour stay at the crease.It was just as well he did bat throughout the innings as South Wilts were not in a particularly strong position when Tim Lamb (32) departed at 114-4.New Zealander Ben Jansen (4-88) created inroads, but Rowe continued his massive innings and, with later support from John Williams (29), saw South Wilts on to 282-6.Chris Wright (34) and Steve Riley(32) got Liphook off to a positive start, but from 85-3, last year’s Premier Division 2 winners really prospered, with Michael Smyth (71) and Jeremy Bulled (37) to the fore.Liphook lost wickets as they edged agonisingly closer to the target and Nick Gay (21) was run out as the East Hants club closed at 242-8 … just two runs behind.Havant’s Andy Perry came close to eclipsing Rowe’s run feat, scoring an undefeated 160 in the drawn match against Calmore Sports at Havant Park.Perry, whose unbeaten innings contained 21 fours, dominated Havant’s 272-3 declared.Striking the ball crisply and cleanly through mid-on and mid-off, Perry came within four runs of emulating his personal best score of 164 playing in Western Australia several winters ago.He shared a second-wicket stand of 129 with Richard Hindley (53) before easing Havant into an unassailable position alongside Shawn Gillies (31).James Hibberd (3-76) shed a pound or two during a lengthy 23-over stint for Calmore, whose 195-7 reply was centred around Jez Goode (67) and Stuart Bailey (64 not out).Hindley (6-87) wheeled away with his off-spin to great effect, but fading light denied Paul Gover the opportunity to reintroduce his pace bowlers and press for an outright victory.Hampshire’s Jason Laney struck a match-winning 95 not out as bottom club Hungerford overhauled Burridge’s 218-6 at the War Memorial Ground.Laney led the way and was well supported by Robbie Maier (36) and Alex Barr (43) as Hungerford celebrated their second win of the season.Spearheaded by Neil Cunningham’s 78, Burridge were set nicely at 134-1, but a rain interruption threw their momentum of out gear .Left-arm spinner Andy Ford finished with 4-69 as Burridge slipped from 169-2 to 218-6 – a total which Hungerford passed with some comfort.Former Lymington left-arm paceman Dan Goldstraw wrecked Bournemouth with figures of 5-42 and, alongside Dave Banks, set up a six-wicket win for BAT Sports in the opening all-day Southern Electric ECB Premier League “time” match at Chapel Gate.Goldstraw tore the heart out of the Bournemouth middle and late order after Matt Swarbrick (35) and Chris Park had given the host club a bright half-century start.But a promising 51-0 quickly became 56-3, with BAT’s other Lymington-raised recruit, Damien Shirazi (2-8) claiming two of the scalps.Martin Miller (20) and Julian Cassell (15) took Bournemouth on to 84-3 before Goldstraw returned for a second spell and, in tandem with Richard Taylor (2-59), sent six wickets crashing for only 29 runs.Bournemouth’s two tail-end Wilsons, Kristen and Joe, added 29 for the last wicket – before Goldstraw finished off the innings in his 22nd over.Ironically, Bournemouth’s modest 142 all out looked some distance away when Australian medium-paceman Peter Waite (2-30) and Kristen Wilson (2-34) had BAT wobbling at 36-3.But David Banks, the BAT captain, produced by some distance the day’s best individual innings to secure victory for the visitors.Banks hit an undefeated 74, dominating a crucial fourth-wicket stand of 72 with Simon Preston (24), who played a fine supporting role.Bashley (Rydal) picked up five wickets in the pre-lunch session at London Road to establish supremacy over Andover, whom eventually reached 169 all out.But it was not enough to prevent Neil Thurgood (59) and Adam Loader (50) from steering Bashley towards a six-wicket win.Andover progressed to 34-0 only to slump to 90-5 (Iain Brunnsweiler 33), with Andy Neal (2-15) removing Ian Langdown and Jerry Hayward in quick successon.Roger Miller (52) kept Andover’s innings afloat, but Matt King (4-37) survived being hit for a massive six by the cultured Tim Keighley (28) to finish the North Hants club off at 169.Bashley, minus Andy Sexton (broken finger), quickly lost stand-in opener Shawn Lilley, but half-centurions Thurgood and Loader added 116 for the second wicket before Richard Knowles (34 not out) completed the formalities.

A number of Aston Villa supporters have been sharing their delight on social media at Jack Grealish’s expected return.

Dean Smith’s side take on Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton at Villa Park on Thursday, looking to complete the double on the Toffees following the 2-1 win at Goodison Park at the beginning of the month.

Grealish has missed the club’s last 12 games with a shin problem, but according to The Athletic’s Villa correspondent Gregg Evans, the 25-year-old is expected to return to the matchday squad.

The club captain, who has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City during his time on the side line, is in line for his first appearance in three months.

Villa fans react

Evans shared the news on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon, and it didn’t take long for plenty of Villa and Everton fans to react to the update.

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one describing it as ‘absolutely belting news’.

“My heart can’t handle this disappointment anymore I’ll believe it when I see the team sheet”Credit: @KCCOvilla88″Yesss”Credit: @jackavfc1″Mother of Pearl! This is absolutely belting news on a Tuesday.”Credit: @wesvillacfc”YESSSSSSSS”Credit: @AVFCFaithful_”fantastic news hopefully he’s like a lion getting ready to be unleashed”Credit: @HerlihyTimmy”Finally he is back”Credit: @avilla19820

In other news: Villa make contact for in-demand defender, find out more here. 

Newcastle have suffered a blow before their Premier League clash against Leicester City, with Steve Bruce revealing that 18-year-old Elliot Anderson is set to miss out.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against the Foxes, the Newcastle manager said: “He picked up a knock in the last game he played and it’s set him back a little bit. We’re not sure how bad it is but it’s a hip problem. He’s going to be struggling for the next couple of weeks.

“We’re delighted with his progress – he’s only 18 – and he’s got a big future, we hope, as long as he keeps his head down and keeps working well. But, as I said, he’ll be struggling a bit for the next couple of weeks I would have thought.”

The news came just after Bruce had admitted that Anderson had a good chance of featuring for the first team in the Premier League before the end of the season, saying: “There’s a chance. We understand that he’s making big strides. And he’s only 18, the boy, but he’s in and around us. Yeah, he might get a chance before the end of the season. I’ll look at it, and what we’ve got. We’ve got our big players fit at the top of the pitch, of course, in Allan, Callum and Joelinton. He’s got fierce competition.”

Anderson has played just three minutes of top-flight football all season, coming on in the closing stages of the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal back in mid-January. The lack of game-time for the talented teenager has led to plenty of Newcastle fans on different occasions calling for Bruce to bring him into the first team fold, but that has fallen on deaf ears.

Just recently, Magpies supporters voiced their anger at seeing him fail to even make the matchday squad against West Brom, while after he made his debut for England’s under-19s, they urged Bruce to unleash him in the Premier League.

Anderson has already earned rave reviews for his ability and potential, with his former youth coach John Forrest telling The Athletic: “He knew how to dominate a game, which is a natural skill that’s hard to coach. He really was an outstanding footballer. He stood out, even then.”

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In fact, several of his former Magpies academy team-mates said he was the “most talented player” in the team, and that he was also “supremely driven”.

News of him now missing out on a chance to make a rare appearance in the Premier League will no doubt leave many Newcastle fans gutted – and especially the player himself, having been deprived of what seemed a likely chance to feature in the top flight.

Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Steve Bruce must drop this “liability” tonight…

A number of Liverpool fans have been angered by the choice of referee for this week’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.

The Reds picked up a vital 2-0 win at home to Southampton last Saturday, keeping their top-four hopes alive this season.

On Thursday night, the champions make the trip to Old Trafford to face bitter rivals United, in what could be another pivotal evening in the battle for Champions League football.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

Jurgen Klopp is still yet to win there as Liverpool manager, and if that is still the case come Friday morning, his side’s top-four outlook could look extremely bleak.

Clashes between the Reds and United can often be feisty affairs, with referees crucial, in terms of keeping control of the contest.

It has been confirmed by a Premier League announcement that Anthony Taylor will take charge of Thursday’s match, which is a little baffling, considering he was born in Manchester. Paul Tierney, also of Greater Manchester, is on VAR duty.

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Liverpool fans unhappy with referee choice

These Liverpool supporters took to Twitter to provide their unhappy thoughts at Taylor’s appointment, saying it makes no sense.

“This surely has to be investigated @premierleague @LFC”

Credit: @LKingofeurope

“Should we even bother watching?”

Credit: @FullbackRole

“Couldn’t write it”

Credit: @DPrescott95

“I mean…..how?”

Credit: @GraemeKelly1

“They might as well just let Neville ref it.”

Credit: @tonymc589

“This better be fake, Bruno better get that peno spot polished”

Credit: @od_jay

“Might as well bring back Howard Webb out of retirement”

Credit: @hartsfortworth

In other news, some Liverpool fans are unhappy at the Reds being linked with one Premier League star. Find out who it is here.

Dion Sanderson’s Sunderland career can be evenly broken up into three segments full of frustration, elation and heartbreak.

It might not completely define a Shakespearian romantic tragedy but it comes close to replicating some of the themes laid out in theatres across the globe; pardon the pun.

Sanderson had to work hard to finally earn an opportunity to play. After signing on loan from Wolves, Phil Parkinson struggled to find his best position and also couldn’t fit him into the team’s plans.

The young defender featured only three times under the former Mackems manager, a decision that looks stranger and stranger as the weeks go by.

Once Lee Johnson took over, he took the 21-year-old under his wing and has transformed him into one of the most feared centre-backs in the third tier.

It was a steady progression at first for Sanderson but now he looks a player beyond his years, someone who shoulders the responsibility of the entire team.

“At his age level he is an absolute Rolls-Royce,” the manager admitted back in February.

Sanderson has profited from an injury to Bailey Wright. The Australian was missing for a period of two months towards the beginning of the year and it proved game-changing for the Sunderland loanee’s career.

He was now one of the first names on the team sheet and alongside Luke O’Nien, was swatting attackers to one side with phenomenal ease. During Sunderland’s 14-game unbeaten run, the club kept eight clean sheets.

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However, after discovering his role in the side and becoming a force to be reckoned with, he is now back on the sidelines again.

It’s a huge tragedy for Sanderson who has returned to Wolves temporarily while he recovers from a back problem. It was first thought that he’d be ruled out for the rest of the season but the manager remains optimistic he can still play a part.

The youngster has been so good that Wolves want to splash seven figures during the summer to land him permanently.

However, if a move doesn’t materialise, Johnson shouldn’t be fearful. After all, they already have the best defender in League One right in their midst; Arbenit Xhemajli.

The Kosovan was signed from Neuchatel Xamax last summer on a two-year deal but he’s not actually made a single appearance for the club.

That’s because he’s been missing for the entire campaign with a torturous cruciate ligament injury.

Johnson already loves him, however, and it’s clear to see why.

Speaking about Xhemajli’s recovery this week, he commented: “Arby is back out on the grass as well and it is really nice to see him out there.”

Johnson added: “He’s a lovely lad and when I came into the football club I’d done my research and it was interesting that statistically he came out as the best defender in the division, albeit that may have been a bit skewed in terms of the weighting given to the foreign division that he came from.”

With that in mind, it would be a big surprise if the 23-year-old didn’t have a role to play next season once he’s recovered.

Sunderland have struggled significantly since Sanderson’s injury with Wright and O’Nien proving problematic in recent weeks. If anything summed up the lack of confidence in the backline now, it would be the latter’s own goal against Accrington.

Xhemajli is highly rated and providing his rehab has gone well, he’ll be a huge asset to Sunderland next season.

AND in other news, Forget O’Nien: Johnson will be fuming with SAFC flop who made just 11 passes all game…

West Ham United could be made to rue releasing Evan Khouri from their academy after the midfielder made his league debut for Grimsby Town against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

Khouri departed the Irons’ at the age of 16 having failed to work his way through the grades and into the club’s U18 or U23 sides, and was picked up by Grimsby for their youth fold in the summer of 2019.

He spent the following year proving his potential behind the scenes at Blundell Park, before being given his first-team debut from the bench against Morecambe in an EFL Cup tie last September.

A run-out against Harrogate Town in the EFL Trophy would follow three days later, but Khouri has had to wait a further seven months before his next taste of senior action when handed a surprise start at home to promotion-chasing Bolton for his League Two bow.

The 18-year-old impressed on his first taste of fourth-tier action as basement boys Grimsby pulled off a shock result to beat automatic promotion hopefuls Bolton 2-1, for what was only the Mariners’ eighth win in 41 games this season.

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Grimsby boss Paul Hurst described Khouri’s display as being “excellent” as he did well to manage the occasion despite there being no supporters in the stands, but had already received glowing recommendations from his side’s youth coaches.

“He’s left-footed, he gives us a bit of balance. I’ve been quietly impressed with him, and I know Neil [Woods] and Callum [Lester] in the youth-team speak very highly of him,” Hurst said, via quotes by Grimsby Live.

Khouri earned Hurst’s praise having attempted three shots – only Lenell John-Lewis (6), Harry Clifton (6) and Jay Matete (6) took more for either side – won possession from three of four attempted tackles – the fourth-most won – and took 34 touches – just five fewer than 33-year-old striker James Harrison, per WhoScored.

The versatile central midfielder, who is capable of playing out wide or in an advanced role, is also lauded for having an outstanding attitude, both on and off the pitch, and is tactically astute.

His progress under Hurst has also seen Grimsby offer a professional contract, and continuing to progress at Blundell Park and making his way up the divisions in the years that follow could see Khouri make West Ham regret their decision to not offer him a scholarship deal.

AND in other news, a £4.5m-rated West Ham enforcer is being lined up for a summer move out of east London…

Everton could potentially save themselves around £13m in the summer transfer market by targeting Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot over Norwich City’s Max Aarons or Tariq Lamptey of Brighton & Hove Albion.

What’s the word?

According to Nicolo Shira, AC Milan are opposed to the permanent transfer of Dalot after Manchester United slapped a €20m (£17m) price tag onto the on-loan defender.

The 22-year-old moved to the San Siro in October after sealing a late season-long switch to the Serie A giants, but has struggled to establish himself under Stefano Pioli.

Dalot has opened just 18 of his 24 appearances across all competitions and has been fielded in less than half of the Rossoneri’s league games to date.

AC Milan are now expected to focus on alternative targets and Dalot will return to Old Trafford at the end of the season, in a potential boost for Everton.

The Toffees were linked with a potential move for Dalot last week, with Carlo Ancelotti said to view the Portuguese defender as an alternative to Aarons and Lamptey in his search for Seamus Coleman’s successor.

Ancelotti is eager to find a right-back capable of offering an aerial presence at both ends of the field, and had sought a deal for Dalot last year only for Manchester United to pull the plug in fear of strengthening a rival.

Director of Football Marcel Brands was in agreement with Ancelotti over a move for Dalot, whom the Italian likes for his versatility, and had made efforts to land his signature in 2019 during Marco Silva’s tenure at Goodison Park.

Who would be the best option?

Everton making moves to sign Dalot for a third successive summer has the potential to see the Merseyside outfit acquire Ancelotti’s long-term heir to Coleman, and at a bargain fee compared to deals for Aarons or Lamptey.

Reports by Sky Sports last month claimed Norwich value Aarons in the region of £30m-35m, while the Liverpool Echo understand Brighton would demand close to £30m to release Lamptey.

Aarons is the only one of the trio who has been given consistent minutes at right-back this season, with Daniel Farke awarding the 21-year-old all 38 of his Championship outings in his natural position.

Dalot, who Jose Mourinho claimed was “fantastic” and could be Manchester United’s full-back for the next ten years back in 2018, has only made four of his 12 Serie A outings for AC Milan at right-back this term.

Lamptey made nine of his 11 Premier League appearances in the role before sustaining a season-ending hamstring injury.

Over their performances when played at right-back this season, Aarons has registered the highest average WhoScored match rating at 6.9 out of 10, while Lamptey ranks second at 6.87 and Dalot is third with a 6.71.

But Dalot has provided the highest number of successful tackles per game with 3.8 from six attempts, to Lamptey (1.8/2.3) and Aarons (0.7/1). He also ranks first for interceptions with two ahead of the Seagulls star (1.6) and Canaries ace (0.9) and aerial duels won with 1.3 from 2.3 to 0.4 from 1.7 and 0.9 from 2.3 respectively.

Aarons also provides the least accurate crosses with 0.8 from 3.1 deliveries per game to Dalot (0.5/3) and Lamptey (0.9/3.1), yet tops the charts for key passes with 1.3 to the Portuguese’s 0.5 and the Englishman’s 0.9.

Obviously, Dalot’s sample size is smaller than Lamptey’s and especially Aarons’, but he has the potential to prove a bargain by saving Everton £13m in the transfer market if he emerges as Ancelotti and Brands’ priority target this summer.

AND in other news, Everton land a huge boost but face PL competition for a £26m star who’s “grown so much”…