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Wayne Rooney is considering a move to bring Celtic loanee Shane Duffy to Derby County this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that Rooney would be interested in signing the defender in the event that his side survive relegation from the Championship this season.

It is reported that the centre-back’s parent club, Brighton & Hove Albion, are not interested in reintegrating the 29-year-old back into their squad, with Graham Potter thought to be happy to loan the defender out once again this summer.

Rooney should avoid move

Despite the signing of Duffy appearing something of a coup for Celtic at the beginning of this season, a belief that was only compounded by the defender scoring two goals in his first two appearances for the club, in the time since, the Brighton man has proven to be a huge flop at Parkhead.

While the £40,000-per-week centre-back’s statistics have not by any means been shocking over his 18 appearances in the Scottish Premiership – making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 0.8 tackles and 4.3 clearances per game, culminating in an average SofaScore match rating of 7.23 – these metrics are likely to be inflated somewhat due to the level of opposition the defender has been up against.

Indeed, when comparing these metrics to those of Duffy’s when playing for the Bhoys in the Europa League – in which the £6.3 million-rated man averaged a SofaScore match rating of just 6.38 – it is clear that, when faced with more capable opposition, the Republic of Ireland international is just not up to the task.

Furthermore, Duffy has also come under fire on multiple occasions for his individual errors over the course of the season, with Tom English slamming the 29-year-old’s “catalogue of catastrophic mistakes,” while Kris Boyd dubbed his defending as “pathetic.”

As such, considering the fact that Derby have shipped a considerable amount of goals themselves this season, it would be highly advisable for the Rams to avoid a move for Duffy this summer, as, as recent evidence would suggest, he is certainly not the man to shore up a leaky backline, and his signing should leave fans of the club furious.

If he’s not been up to the task in Scotland, he is not the man to help Derby in the Championship next season, if they can survive the drop.

In other news: Rooney must avoid Derby swoop for 29 y/o flop who “plays like he’s on roller-skates” – opinion

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is committed to sending a team toPakistan next year

Haydn Gill29-Apr-2001The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is committed to sending a team toPakistan next year.But it is yet to receive a response from Pakistani authorities,according to the board’s chief executive officer Gregory Shillingford,who says it is an issue that ultimately has to be settled between thetwo boards.His comments come against the background of reports from Karachi thatthe Pakistan Cricket Board had asked the International Cricket Council(ICC) to intervene and convince West Indies to undertake a scheduledtour early next year.I have been in discussions with the Pakistan authorities and we haveoffered them to come to Pakistan in 2002, Shillingford said.They have not replied to that and at the end of the day, matters haveto be settled between the two boards. Going to the ICC will notresolve the matter.West Indies were originally scheduled to visit Pakistan in Februaryand March next year before engaging India and New Zealand in homeseries between April and June.Earlier this year, the WICB joined the other Test-playing nations inagreeing to the ICC’s Test championship programme.The board is committed to the programme, but Shillingford said at thelast ICC meeting, it tried to resolve matters that caused concern interms of the feasibility of some of these tours.It’s a commitment which can be reviewed. Nonetheless, we agreed inprinciple to the ten-year programme, the WICB chief executive said.We are committed to the four-year and five-year cycle of reciprocaltours and we will honour that commitment.The ICC programme was devised to allow all ten Test teams to play eachother on a home and away basis. Pakistan feel that if the West Indiesdo not make the tour, it could result in heavy financial losses, aswas the case last year when India opted not to make a scheduled tour.Pakistan were also planning to host the West Indies in 1999, but thattour did not materialise either.

The marketing committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India which met in New Delhi on Tuesday to decide the sponsors for the Indian team announced that TWI are the new sponsors

Staff and Agencies22-May-2001TWI to sponsor Indian teamThe marketing committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India which met in New Delhi on Tuesday to decide the sponsors for the Indian team announced that TWI are the new sponsors.Announcing the decision, BCCI president AC Muthiah said TWI, as Trans World International is better known and a subsidiary of the International Management Group (IMG), bid the highest, 49 per cent more than what the Board was receiving from ITC. He added that as per the new terms, the Board chief said TWI will pay the Board Rs one crore per year for three years for the Trophy title which is yet to be decided.Among those who attended the meeting were CK Khanna, KM Ramprasad, Narhari Amin (all BCCI Vice-Presidents), PM Rungta (former president), Kishore Rungta (Treasurer), Jyoti Bajpai (Joint-Secretary) and Jaywant Lele (Board Secretary and Convenor). Former ICC chief Jagmohan Dalmiya and Board’s FinanceCommittee Chairman SK Nair were not present.Graded payment system to be in vogue by year-end: MuthiahThe BCCI president AC Muthiah reiterarated his statement that a graded payment for players would come into operation by the year-end. Talking to reporters in New Delhi after the marketing committee meeting, Muthiah said “We are also considering the players’ demand for a contract to secure their future,” he said but expressed reservations about players entering into contracts with the Boardas well as corporate houses (for endorsements). “They can’t have it both ways,” he said adding that the problem could be resolved.Muthiah also said that he, along with BCCI secretary Jaywant Lele and treasurer Kishore Rungta, was leaving for Lahore on Tuesday night to attend the Asian Cricket Council meeting on May 24. He said the agenda for the meeting includes discussion on development of cricket in the region and venues for the Asian Test Championship to be held later this year.Replying to a question on whether there would be problems on India’s participation in the Asian Test Championship, the BCCI president said “the ban is only on bilateral series”. Regarding the ICC Knock-Out Tournament, which India intends to host next year, he said “we are waiting to hear from the ICC”. The issue will be discussed at the ICC meeting in London next month, he added.BCA president, secretary to strive for development Ajay Narayan Sharma who was elected as secretary of the Bihar Cricket Association on Monday said the election of former Bihar Chief Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav was a great achievement for Bihar cricket. Talking to PTI over phone from Patna, Sharma said “Bihar cricket under the able guidance of Laloo Prasad Yadav would achieve in three years what it could not in the last 60 years.”Sharma, a former Bihar Ranji Trophy cricketer and current State selector, said “Cricket academies to hone skills of budding players of the state would also be set up at various centres.” He added that the association would strive to set up turf wickets in at least 15 districts within three years.

Leicester City have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of one of this summer’s major transfer targets.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Foxes have agreed personal terms with Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare, whilst they are “close” to an agreement with the French club over the signing of the 22-year-old.

With “many clubs” having reportedly enquired with the Ligue 1 giants over a potential swoop for Soumare, the fact that Brendan Rodgers is seemingly edging close to the signing will be a huge boost for Leicester ahead of next season.

In his time with Lille, the midfielder has harnessed the reputation as one of the most promising youngsters in world football.

He has already made 110 appearances for the club in all competitions since a move from Paris Saint-Germain and has played a key role as Les Dogues attempt to beat his former employers to the Ligue 1 title in 2020/21.

Even before his move to Stade Pierre Mauroy, Soumare was certainly showing promising signs.

Former Lille Director General Marc Ingla described the midfielder as “powerful” even before he had made his debut for the club.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-leicester-city-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more-abraham-demrial-maddison-rodgers-mckennie” title=”Latest Leicester City news, transfer rumours and more…”]

A naturally defensive-minded midfielder, Soumare would find considerable competition in the form of Wilfred Ndidi of the current crop at Leicester.

However, partnering him with the Nigerian could hand the Foxes one of the most dominant midfield pairings in world football.

Ahead of what could be a potential UEFA Champions League campaign in 2021/22, that midfield strength could certainly be a huge plus point for the East-Midlanders.

So having seemingly sealed a deal to sign Soumare, Rodgers’ midfield options, and squad in general, already look very, very strong.

AND in more news, Leicester have been handed worrying injury news over a key player ahead of the end of the season…

Interest is growing in Watford transfer target Jacob Murphy ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claimed that a recruitment source has revealed that Leeds United and Burnley have now joined the race for the Newcastle United winger, who has been a target for Watford, Southampton and Rangers for a number of weeks.

It is also reported that Newcastle would be willing to part with the £25,000-per-week winger for a fee of around £3m this summer, on the basis that Steve Bruce does not activate a year-long extension to the player’s contract.

Giaretta will be livid

Considering just how long it has been reported that Watford have been interested in Murphy, with Football Insider suggesting in mid-April that the Hornets were keen on a move for the 26-year-old, the news of further interest in the former Norwich winger is likely to have left the club’s sporting director Cristiano Giaretta fuming.

With Watford planning for a season back in the top flight of English football this summer, one would assume that the transfer targets Giaretta was aiming to bring to Vicarage Road would have been set out well in advance, one of whom appeared to be Murphy if reports are to be believed.

However, the Newcastle winger’s improvement in form since taking up a wing-back role seems to have reduced the Hornets’ chances of landing the versatile £3.15m-rated man. That could be due to Steve Bruce wanting to keep Murphy on at Newcastle for a further year, or that bigger clubs are now taking an interest in the former England under-21 international.

As such, there is not much more for Watford fans, or indeed Giaretta, to do now other than to wait and see what Newcastle decide to do with Murphy at the end of the season. At the moment, things do not look overly positive regarding the chances of a switch to Vicarage Road.

In other news: Big Watford transfer news emerges on “outstanding” £3k-p/w gem, fans will be gutted – opinion

Graeme Hick’s 113th first-class century took Worcestershire to the brink of wiping out Warwickshire’s first innings total of 277 at New Road

Roy Bradley14-Jun-2001Graeme Hick’s 113th first-class century took Worcestershire to the brink of wiping out Warwickshire’s first innings total of 277 at New Road.The former England batsman completed his hundred from only 101 balls and reached an unbeaten 116 before bad light and rain halted the home side at 273 for three in a 52-over rampage.If Hick’s innings was the centrepiece with 17 fours and two sixes, the impetus was provided by Philip Weston in launching the reply at six runs an over.The left-handed opener is not renowned as a free-scoring batsman, but an eye-catching performance included a six off Dougie Brown and three fours in Vasbert Drakes’ first over after lunch.In all, Weston plundered 58 of his 74 in boundaries while sharing in partnerships of 66 in 12 overs with Anurag Singh and 115 in 20 with Hick.Warwickshire’s bowling left much to be desired and their wickets came at a fearful cost. Melvyn Betts went for 70 runs in exchange for Singh’s edge to second slip and Weston’s dismissal at slip was Drakes’ only compensation for conceding 76.And so it went on. Vikram Solanki hit England’s fitness-seeking spinner, Ashley Giles, for a huge six in making 29 out of 81 with Hick before top-edging Brown to mid-on.Hick was equally dismissive of Giles with 19 runs in the left-armer’s two overs before lunch but he survived a chance at 100 when Dominic Ostler got both hands to a nick off Brown.The rapid scoring by the hosts devalued Keith Piper’s earlier efforts in batting on to make an unbeaten 92 for Warwickshire before Betts was last out after a stand of 61.

Meeting in Mumbai, the national selectors announced on Thursday a 16-member Test squad for the tour of the West Indies in April-June.

Staff Reporter21-Mar-2002Meeting in Mumbai, the national selectors announced on Thursday a 16-member Test squad for the tour of the West Indies in April-June. The tour will consist of five Tests and five one-day internationals.Prominent among the new faces is Dinesh Mongia, who recently got the Man of the Series award in the five-match one-day series against Zimbabwe. Also joining Mongia from that one-day squad is Ajay Ratra, who has been selected as wicket-keeper.It is worthwhile to note that the selectors have gone in for two wicket-keepers; Deep Dasgupta, whose batting has not concealed the fact that his stump-work is somewhat awry, has also been picked for the tour.If his wicket-keeping deteriorates further during the tour, his opening slot may fall to Wasim Jaffer, who is in the midst of a fine run of form in the Duleep Trophy. Jaffer, who made his Test debut against South Africa in 1999-00, played only the two Tests of that series before being dropped.Only two spinners in Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble have been picked. The pace attack consists of Javagal Srinath, Tinu Yohannan, Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra, with all-rounder Sanjay Bangar chipping in with his medium-pace.Mongia’s elevation to the Test level will mean that he will be unavailable to captain the India ‘A’ side in South Africa. Yuvraj Singh will take his place in the side, while Jacob Martin, previously named vice-captain, will lead the squad in Mongia’s absence.Squad to the West Indies:Sourav Ganguly (captain), Rahul Dravid (vice-captain), Shiv Sunder Das, Deep Dasgupta (wicket-keeper), Wasim Jaffer, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Dinesh Mongia, Ajay Ratra (wicket-keeper), Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Javagal Srinath, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, Tinu Yohannan, Sanjay Bangar

Long-term Manchester United target Jules Kounde will cost around £50m this summer, according to reports.

What’s the story?

The price tag has been revealed by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who has also claimed Arsenal are interested in signing the Sevilla centre-back ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

However, the report disclosed how Kounde is targeting Champions League football next term, leaving the Gunners facing an uphill struggle to secure the Frenchman’s signature, meaning United could be in pole position.

Solskjaer must swoop

Several star names such as Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Jadon Sancho have been linked with moves to Old Trafford in recent weeks as United aim to strengthen their squad ahead of 2021/22, although a slightly less familiar face could be crucial to a future title charge.

Kounde has put in a string of impressive performances at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium over the last couple of campaigns, helping Sevilla claim the Europa League crown and a third-placed finish last term, before they reached the Champions League last-16 as well as finishing fourth in La Liga this time around.

His outstanding displays at the heart of defence have attracted the attention of some of the continent’s biggest clubs, with many surprised at the array of assets the 22-year-old possesses.

Despite being just 5 ft 10, Kounde is incredibly dominant in the air. Only nine players bettered his 118 aerial duels won in the Spanish top-flight this season, showcasing how the youngster would have the physical attributes to cope in the Premier League despite his unimpressive stature.

It’s not just in the air where the former Bordeaux man excels, though. He’s also extremely confident and composed with the ball at his feet.

As per WhoScored, Kounde averaged 69.3 passes per game in 2020/21, by far the most when in comparison with his teammates, and completed 90.1% of them, the fifth-highest percentage in the first-team squad.

These two key attributes, coupled with his electric pace, make Kounde the perfect partner for United captain Harry Maguire. While Victor Lindelof may also be competent at playing out from the back, Kounde still records better statistics than the Sweden international in that respect and considerably outperforms him in the air.

In a recent interview, his centre-back partner at Sevilla Diego Carlos gave a glowing reference of his teammate, claiming he’s ready to take the next step in his career.

“Yes, he has quality and he can play for great European clubs. He is a young player who can still improve over time, he has got great qualities, he is very strong, and I am sure he can play for a big club as a great defender,” revealed Carlos.

With plenty of pace to cover the sometimes sluggish Maguire, Kounde could form a formidable partnership with the 28-year-old and consign Lidelof to a place on the bench as United search for a first league title in eight years.

And, in other news…Man Utd signing 12-goal gem would spell trouble for “unbelievable” Solskjaer favourite 

Mark Alleyne’s rich vein of form continued with his second century in successive matches to put Gloucestershire into a strong position at the end of the first day at Derby

Nigel Gardner20-Jun-2001Mark Alleyne’s rich vein of form continued with his second century in successive matches to put Gloucestershire into a strong position at the end of the first day at Derby.The Gloucestershire captain added an unbeaten 114 to the 132 he made against Durham at Gloucester and with Kim Barnett, Chris Taylor and Jeremy Snape helping themselves to half-centuries, the visitors ended on 374-4.It added up to another dispiriting day for Derbyshire who took only one wicket between lunch and the close.Tim Munton bowled an impressive 10 over spell in the morning but Gloucestershire’s batsmen encountered few problems on a slow pitch which is expected to take turn later in the game.Barnett got Gloucestershire moving with some typically flashing strokes on his return to the county he left in 1998.His 73 included 10 fours, two of them all run and he looked set for a century until he played around a ball from Paul Aldred.Munton had snared Dominic Hewson and Matt Windows cheaply but Taylor and Alleyne added 147 in 48 overs before Taylor, who took a six and two fours from a Paul Aldred over, was lbw to the pace bowler for 83.Alleyne went to his century, his 21st in first-class cricket, from 202 balls and had shared an unbroken stand of 103 with Snape when the close signalled an end to Derbyshire’s torment.

West Brom will be in the hunt for a new striker this summer, says the club’s former midfielder Carlton Palmer.

West Brom are currently being linked with a move for Taiwo Awoniyi, with Goal claiming that the Midlands outfit and Fulham are both interested in the Liverpool man.

Awoniyi spent the season out on loan at Union Berlin, scoring five goals in 21 league appearances, but now looks set to remain in England after being granted a work permit.

Speaking exclusively to TT about where West Brom need to strengthen this summer amid the links to Awoniyi, Palmer said:

“The one thing they’ve struggled with is scoring goals. Goals are vital, goals win you the league, goals keep you up, goals get you promoted.

“You need goals. You need not just somebody, you need two or three guys who are going to score you goals and West Brom will be no different next season. So, for sure, I think they’ll be in the hunt for strikers.”

The Baggies’ forwards certainly struggled this season, with the likes of Callum Robinson and Hal Robson-Kanu, who has just been released by the club, finishing behind top scorer Matheus Pereira by some distance.

With that in mind, bringing in a new No.9 may be a priority for Sam Allardyce’s successor in the transfer market.