Sri Lanka release five players from bio-bubble, including quicks Lahiru Kumara and Nuwan Pradeep
Andrew Fidel Fernando19-Jan-2021Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis will not play for Sri Lanka in the second Test against England, after both were released from the squad and its biosecure bubble, along with three other players.Karunaratne and Mendis have been let go for different reasons. Karunaratne, the regular Test captain, has not sufficiently recovered from a finger fracture suffered on the tour of South Africa, where he sustained a blow during his second-innings hundred at the Wanderers. Mendis, meanwhile, has been ommitted due to poor form – he has four consecutive ducks and a 15 in his five most-recent innings. Roshen Silva is among the batsmen vying to replace him.ALSO READ: Arthur laments Sri Lanka’s first-innings batting tempoAlso released from the squad were fast bowlers Lahiru Kumara and Nuwan Pradeep, as well as reserve wicketkeeper-batsman Minod Bhanuka. With Sri Lanka hoping that Suranga Lakmal will be fit for the second Test, no other frontline seamers may be required – the preferred strategy being to play three spinners and one quick. From the fast-bowling contingent, Asitha Fernando (who played the first Test), Vishwa Fernando, and Dushmantha Chameera remain with the squad.The second Test against England begins in Galle on Friday. Sri Lanka lost the first match by seven wickets.
With the Julen Lopetegui era at West Ham United beginning this summer, the Hammers' new boss is set to race a fellow Premier League side to sign a new defender.
Hammers make moves for new defensive players
One of Lopetegui's first pieces of business as West Ham boss saw him reunite with Max Kilman. The Spaniard had made Kilman captain during his time with Wolverhampton Wanderers and a £40million deal saw the central defender make the move to the London Stadium this summer.
Fabrizio Romano: West Ham submit proposal to sign "outstanding” new player
He scored 19 league goals last season.
ByTom Coates Jul 23, 2024
Clearly not content with the arrival of Kilman, the Hammers remain linked with a number of other defensive players. Recent rumours have linked the East London outfit with a move for former Chelsea centre-back Fikayo Tomori who now plays his football in Italy with AC Milan.
Another name doing the rounds in West Ham circles is that of Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The right-back is set to be shown the door at Manchester United this summer and the Hammers have been quick to enquire about a deal for the player. It is claimed that the Red Devils are willing to listen to offers for the 26-year-old meaning it could be a good opportunity for the Hammers to strike a deal.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka for Manchester United
With more defensive reinforcements high on the Hammers' list of priorities, it appears that the club are now interested in a highly-rated full-back from Europe.
West Ham explore deal for Bayern Munich defender
As first reported on the X account of Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, West Ham are interested in a deal for Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui. The report claims that the first "concrete talks" have taken place between the two parties with Manchester United also working on a deal for the Moroccan.
Plettenberg states that Mazraoui is at the top of the Hammers' list of targets for this summer and that a fee in the region of €15million to €20million (£12.5million to £16.8million) could be required to tempt the defender away from Bavaria.
With Mazraoui currently commanding a weekly wage of £130,000-a-week, it may be in Bayern's best interest to get the right back off their books so that they can fund new signings this summer.
Since arriving from Ajax in 2022, the 26-year-old has struggled for consistent minutes with Bayern, making just 19 Bundesliga appearances last season. Despite this, Mazraoui still stood out as a consistent defender with a useful attacking edge.
Assists
0.23
85th percentile
Pass completion %
88.3%
97th percentile
Progressive passes
7.74
98th percentile
Interceptions
1.50
91st percentile
Aerials won
1.43
83rd percentile
With Ben Johnson already departing the club at the expiration of his contract, the Hammers could be looking a little light on right backs going into next season. Additionally, current starter Vladimir Coufal is attracting interest from abroad meaning that Lopetegui could soon be left without a senior player in this position.
Regardless of their need to replace outgoing right-backs, Mazraoui could be an excellent addition to West Ham's side going into next season.
Aaronson's strong all-around performance inspired a Leeds win which puts them into an automatic promotion place
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Aaronson shines in Leeds winThe are now in a automatic promotion spotThe American continues strong redemption storyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Brenden Aaronson had a strong all-around performance to help Leeds United secure a 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship. The three points earned Sunday pushes Daniel Farke's side up to second on the table, one of the two automatic promotion spots to the Premier League.
Jayden Bogle and Joël Piroe were the goal scorers for Leeds and while Aaronson didn't have a goal or assists, he was impactful on both sides of the pitch for He had three key passes, one successful dribble, one successful cross and completed 80 percent of his passes.
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Leeds have been one of the biggest surprises in the Championship this season and it has been in part due to Brenden Aaronson's resurgence this season.
Aaronson was largely seen as a poor signing since his arrival in 2022. After a poor initial season while Leeds were in the Premier League, followed by a tough loan spell at Union Berlin the following campaign, not much was expected from Aaronson this season. He has changed that view this campaign.
The 24-year-old has four goals and an assist in 15 league games and has been credited by Farke for helping to inspire the team's turnaround this season.
"He's excellent so far this season," the manager said. "It's always good when a player has extra motivation or perhaps a bit of a bad conscience to improve. He was not happy with the last season he played in a Leeds shirt. It was difficult for him for several reasons, and he wanted to prove his worth."
DID YOU KNOW?
Aaronson's four goals this season exceeds his total output for the past two seasons and is tied for the second-most in his career – with plenty of games remaining.
His career high is five, notched in his first season with RB Salzburg.
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WHAT NEXT FOR AARONSON?
Aaronson will await to see if he has been called up to the U.S. national team ahead of its Nations League's fixtures over the next two weeks.
Leeds return to action when they travel to Swansea on Nov. 24.
Manchester United played the penultimate game of their US tour in the early hours of this morning when they took on La Liga side Real Betis in San Diego.
It was a night of mixed fortunes for Erik ten Hag as, while he saw Marcus Rashford and Antony come off injured, he also watched his side emerge with a 3-2 victory, thanks to goals from Rashford, Casemiro and Amad Diallo.
Manchester United forward Amad Diallo.
The young Ivorian was a constant threat throughout his time on the pitch and was easily one of the Red Devils' best performers, although one of his younger teammates was just as good.
Amad's game in numbers
Ten Hag opted to start Jadon Sancho down the middle and Amad out on the right this morning, and based on his performance, his decision was totally vindicated.
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo
The Abidjan-born dynamo was a constant threat for the three-time European champions, winning the penalty that brought the team level and then scoring their second goal a few minutes later to hand them the lead.
The explosive winger clearly impressed Manchester Evening News Chief United writer Samuel Luckhurst, who awarded him an 8/10 for his display, writing that he was 'the man of the hour again' and that when he scored, he did so 'superbly.'
While it's undoubtedly a positive appraisal, it's one justified by the former Atalanta gem's statistics from the game.
For example, in his 62 minutes of action, he took 44 touches, scored one goal, completed 100% of his long balls, was successful in two of his three dribbles, won a penalty, made two interceptions, won eight of 11 duels and made two tackles as well.
Minutes
62'
Touches
44
Long Balls (Completed)
1 (1)
Dribbles (Successful)
3 (2)
Penalties Won
1
Interceptions
2
Duels (Won)
11 (8)
Tackles
2
Overall, the young attacker's performance was incredibly impressive, although he wasn't the only standout from the match.
Harry Amass' game in numbers
Yes, the youngster in question is 17-year-old left-back Harry Amass, who started and played a considerable amount of the game against Betis while looking utterly unphased by it all.
The inexperienced teenager looked anything but during his 62 minutes of action, and while admirably fulfilling his defensive duties, he proved effective in attack and provided the assist for Amad's goal in the 24th minute.
Luckhurst was also impressed with the teenager as he gave him an 8/10 in his player ratings, writing that he 'followed up that invaluable half against Arsenal with a better performance against Betis' and highlighted his brilliant cross that led to the side's second goal.
Minutes
62'
Clearances
1
Interceptions
3
Tackles
3
Duels (Won)
4 (4)
Touches
50
Fouls
0
This is another undeniably positive appraisal backed up by the player's statistics from the game. In his 62 minutes on the pitch, he made one clearance, three interceptions, and three tackles, won 100% of his duels, took 50 touches, and didn't commit a single foul.
Ultimately, while the injuries to Rashford and Antony are far from ideal, United's victory against Betis highlighted that Ten Hag has some incredibly exciting youngsters at his disposal this season in Amad and Amass, and that the future is looking bright for United.
He wants Man Utd: INEOS leading race for dream Mainoo signing
Manchester United continue looking for perfect Mainoo partner
Lionel Messi is set to return Barcelona for their 125th anniversary celebration after president Joan Laporta sent a personal invite to the club icon.
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Barca to host 125th-anniversary eventLaporta sends personal invite to MessiArgentine legend left for PSG in 2021Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Messi joined Barcelona's youth setup in 2000 as a 13-year-old and quickly started rising through the La Masia hierarchy and made his senior debut in 2004 under Frank Rijkaard. The Argentine forward quickly established himself as the best player in the world, and potentially of all time, over the next few years and stayed at Camp Nou until the summer of 2021. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, however, had to leave the club that summer after the Catalan side's financial troubles meant that they were left unable to hand the Argentine a new contract despite president Laporta having made promises to him. This left a very bitter relationship between the two, which has not healed despite three years having passed since.
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As per Catalunya Radio's Tot Costa, Laporta is looking to put aside those differences and has sent a personal invite to Messi to attend Barcelona's 125th-anniversary celebrations at the prestigious Liceu Theatre on November 29, in an event that is set to play host to several Barcelona legends including Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, and Pep Guardiola among others. As per the report, the Argentine World Cup winner is very likely to attend the event and looks to be ready to make his return to the club for the first time since his departure, even having missed Iniesta's retirement celebrations last month due to his commitments with the national team.
AFPDID YOU KNOW?
Barcelona are also set to play host to former manager Louis van Gaal at the ceremony, potentially resulting in Messi meeting the former Netherlands coach for the first time since the famous clash between the two during Argentina and the Oranjes' 2022 World Cup quarter-final clash in Qatar.
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WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
The Argentine enigma will not be in action until Inter Miami begin the Major League Soccer preseason preparations after being knocked out by Atalanta United in the playoffs earlier this month, that will leave enough time for Messi to make his way to Barcelona for the 125th Celebration Gala on November 29 and potentially even make his way to the Estadi Olimpic on November 30 to watch Hansi Flick's side in action against Las Palmas.
Sune Luus hopes the cricket world pushes the powers that be to organise more Tests for women
Annesha Ghosh09-Mar-20214:11
Jhulan Goswami – ‘When you’re coming back from a long lay-off you need to settle down’
Jhulan Goswami has welcomed the announcement of a Test match for India Women, likely during their tour of England in June-July, and thanked the BCCI for realising “that this format is also important for us”. The fixture will be India’s first in the format since November 2014, a period in which England and Australia have been the only teams to have played Test cricket in the women’s circuit.”Everyone is very excited. We played a Test match last, against South Africa in Mysore in 2014, and after six [seven] years we are going to play a Test against England,” Goswami said at a press conference on Tuesday after picking up 4 for 42 to lead India to a win in the second ODI against South Africa Women in Lucknow. “We are all excited because Test cricket or days’ match is one thing you, as a cricketer, wanted to play, wanted to go out there and perform well. It involves a lot of challenge – from your mental strength to your physical strength. The game changes every session.”Related
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The only active Indian player apart from Mithali Raj to have played ten or more Tests, Goswami was part of the team that defeated England by six wickets in the last contest between the two sides in the longest format, in August 2014. “We are all looking forward [to it],” Goswami said. “Thanks to the BCCI they understood that this format is also important for us. I would like to thank them for taking it up, bringing Test cricket [back] for India.”Thirty-eight-year-old Goswami, one of the greats of the game, has 40 wickets from ten Test appearances to date, with three five-wicket innings hauls – including a best of 5 for 25 – and one ten-wicket match haul. She also has 283 runs in the format, scored at an average of 25.72.Sune Luus, South Africa’s captain in India in the injury-enforced absence of Dane van Niekerk, expressed her hope that the development would encourage other boards and the ICC to revive the format.”We would love to play Tests. Unfortunately, I wasn’t part of the Test series we played here [in 2014], but I know the team would love to have an opportunity to play more Tests,” Luus, whose career of over 150 international games has yet to feature a Test, said. “It’s obviously a real challenge, the kind of skills are being looked at.”The BCCI announcing that India will be playing a Test that will probably lead to more. If they will win it, it is successful. I think it’s a very good start. I hope the world sees it and the world pushes the ICC and those involved for the women’s game to have more Tests.”
Chelsea are speaking to a European club about signing a £70 million alternative to Napoli star Victor Osimhen, as co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley scour the market for strikers.
Chelsea in talks with Napoli over Lukaku and Osimhen part-exchange
Earlier this week, some very interesting news came to light that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis and their sporting director Giovanni Manna are becoming more open to the possibility of negotiating Osimhen as part of a deal to bring Romelu Lukaku back to Serie A permanently.
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He looks set to be their tenth addition of the window.
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Fabrizio Romano first shared that Napoli are open to discussing Osimhen as part of a move to sign Lukaku, with fellow reliable transfer journalist David Ornstein then following that up by breaking news that both clubs are now in talks over the Nigerian.
If this move comes to fruition, it would be one of the biggest transfers of this summer window, and a solid piece of business for Chelsea. Lukaku has been surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge for the last two years, having spent 22/23 back at Inter on loan and 23/24 on a temporary spell at Roma.
The Belgian earns a reported salary of around £325,000-per-week after completing a £98 million move back to Chelsea in 2021, so if the Blues can get his salary off the books while replacing him with a prolific striker like Osimhen, it would be welcome news for new manager Enzo Maresca.
Romelu Lukaku
As Chelsea talks continue over a potential Lukaku and Osimhen swap deal, there is the threat of Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain, who have already agreed terms with the 25-year-old but haven't yet found middle ground on a fee with Napoli (Ben Jacobs).
If for any reason Chelsea cannot strike a move for Osimhen, which is entirely possible, then Todd Boehly and his wider recruitment team will need to source an alternative.
Chelsea speaking to Atletico Madrid over Samu Omorodion
After Chelsea's agreement to sell Conor Gallagher to Atletico Madrid, it is believed the La Liga side and Maresca's men could do further business, even if it isn't quite imminent.
Chelsea are still speaking to Atletico about signing striker Samu Omorodion, according to GiveMeSport and journalist Ben Jacobs, coming after reports that they had a bid rejected for the Spaniard earlier this window.
Samu Omorodion for Alaves
Atletico currently value Omorodion at around £70 million, according to separate reports, but GMS claim Atletico want the 20-year-old Olympian to sign a new deal to include a £102 million release clause.
The Spain Under-21 international scored nine goals in all competitions on loan at Deportivo Alaves last season but is seen as a player with real potential.
"Omorodion is an imposing centre-forward blessed with great physicality, aerial prowess, speed and agility, a combination which has given many experienced defenders nightmares at the start of his career," wrote reporter Tom Olver in The Metro.
"The Spain U21 international has also been praised for his tenacious work ethic and has a reputation for tirelessly pressing his opponents."
England midfielder Curtis Jones says he was enjoying every second of the Three Lions' 3-0 win over Greece in the Nations League.
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Jones made full debut as England beat GreeceScored brilliant back-heel goalSays he was playing with smile on his faceFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Jones marked his full debut by scoring England's third in the 3-0 win over Greece in the Nations League. The Liverpool midfielder was on top form for the Three Lions, putting in a stellar performance and finishing the game with a flourish that sparked widespread praise on social media. The 23-year-old revealed after the game that he was simply playing with a smile on his face.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT JONES SAID
Speaking after the game, Jones said: "When I was out there I was playing free, I had a smile on my face. I was enjoying it and I'm happy it came with a goal as well. The lads around helped. We've got a team where I can go high, come low, I can get on the ball. There are lads there to help and there are also lads who said I could go and Jude stayed back. I had a chance to shoot at their goal and that's what I did. Lucky enough, I scored."
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England's 3-0 win was crucial in putting them in the driving seat to achieve promotion to League A of the Nations League. But for Jones, it was an opportunity to prove to both interim boss Lee Carsley and incoming head coach Thomas Tuchel that he is ready to become a regular starter for his country. And with the likes of Declan Rice left at home for the November internationals, he will likely have another chance to shine this weekend.
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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR JONES AND ENGLAND?
Jones will be hoping to earn his second start for England when they welcome the Republic of Ireland to Wembley on Sunday. A win will be enough for the Three Lions to return to the top division of the Nations League, regardless of the result between Greece and Finland.
The opener will be available for the County Championship and one-day tournament
ESPNcricinfo staff12-Mar-2021Leicestershire have signed Australia opener Marcus Harris for their County Championship and Royal London Cup campaigns.Harris returned to the Australia side in January when he partnered David Warner in the final match of the series against India in Brisbane, his first Test since being dropped during the 2019 Ashes.In the Sheffield Shield this season he has scored 516 runs at 64.50 including 239 when he formed a record partnership of 486 with Will Pucovski. Harris will join Leicestershire when Victoria’s season finishes.Related
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“I am delighted to have signed for Leicestershire and cannot wait to get up and running within English domestic cricket,” Harris said. “To play domestic cricket in England has always been an ambition of mine.”Leicestershire coach Paul Nixon said: “Marcus is a high-class opening batsman and will add both quality experience to the top of our batting order. He has an excellent first-class record in the Sheffield Shield.”He has represented Australia at the highest level in the test match arena and will also add a high-class option to our 50-over side, which also fits the bill with Colin Ackermann winning selection for Manchester Originals in the Hundred.”The club previously announced that South Africa allrounder Wiaan Mulder would not be taking up his contract due to uncertainty around the international schedule.Harris is the latest in a long list of Australian players securing county clubs, either new ones or deals delayed from last season due to the pandemic, including Billy Stanlake joining Derbyshire and Cameron Bancroft returning to Durham.
Leeds United are ready to submit a new bid as they look to add a little more magic to their frontline in the wake of Crysencio Summerville's exit this summer, it has been reported.
Farke facing tough choices
With the opening game of the Championship season looming, Leeds look far from the finished article but are without any immediate injury concerns. They face Portsmouth in their opening clash as they look to return to the Premier League at the second time of asking, and Daniel Farke revealed that he has a fully-fit squad to choose from.
"Everyone is available, it's good news," the Leeds boss explained. "I've rarely had this situation in my life as a manger where for the first game (of the season) everyone is fit and ready to go."
It means that Farke will be able to field a front three including Wilfried Gnonto and Georginio Rutter should he wish, a luxury that few would have expected at the beginning of the summer when both players were being strongly linked with a move away.
He can also call on impressive striker Mateo Joseph, who began to break into the first team last season but has truly excelled this pre-season. The 20-year-old finished pre-season as the club's top goalscorer, and could well pick up the mantle from the ageing Patrick Bamford this season in what could prove a breakthrough campaign should he be able to sustain it.
But there remains a major gap in the side on the left-hand side, with last season's Championship player of the year Summerville having left for West Ham United and yet to be replaced at Elland Road. Though unlikely to be replaced in time to welcome their south coast opponents on Saturday, Leeds are still looking for a solution.
Leeds ready to up offer for forward
Now, Sky Sports report that the Yorkshire outfit are ready to submit a new and improved offer for Norwich City forward Jonathan Rowe. The 21-year-old excelled in his first full season of professional football last time out, scoring twelve goals and grabbing two assists to help the Canaries into the playoffs.
Jonathan Rowe's 23/24 Championship season
Appearances
32
Goals
12
Assists
2
Minutes per goal/assist
147
He has long been tipped for success, with his academy coach Greg Crane revealing he always stood out at youth level: "Jonny always had a bit of a wow factor. What you're seeing in the first team, I still think there is more to come, and I'd expect a lot more from him."
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But the youngster is down to the final 12 months of his £4,600 a week contract at Carrow Road, and Leeds are looking to poach him from their Championship rivals ahead of the transfer window closing.
They have already had one offer knocked back as Norwich hold out for £15m, but Sky journalist Lyall Thomas claims that they are "still negotiating" for the youngster. Indeed, they add that Leeds are "willing to increase the amount they can pay and get closer to Norwich's valuation".
Rowe may still only have one full season of Championship action to his name, but he could well prove a bargain should he continue to improve, and Leeds will be hoping he does so at Elland Road.