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ScorecardOn the day that Aneurin Donald, the 21-year-old Glamorgan batsman, decided to leave the club and join Hampshire, two Durham batsmen making their debut for the club made sizeable contributions as the visitors took control on the second day of their Championship game at Sophia Gardens. At the close, Glamorgan were 79 for 7 in their second innings, still needing 62 more runs to avoid an innings defeat.Alex Lees, formerly of Yorkshire, opened the batting and made a fluent 69 from 98 balls with 12 fours, to lay the foundations of Durham’s first innings total of 296, then the Indian allrounder Axar Patel helped his team recover after a mid-innings collapse. Patel was unbeaten on 95 and looked crestfallen as No. 11 Chris Rushworth was bowled by Michael Hogan.Durham had resumed on 75 without loss, with Lees and Cameron Steel extending their partnership to 94 for the first wicket, before Steel shouldered arms to Ruaidhri Smith and was bowled off stump. Gareth Harte was then dismissed in identical fashion, and when Graham Clark and Michael Richardson both edged Smith to the keeper, Durham had subsided to 144 for 5.

Glamorgan disappointed as Donald switches to Hampshire

Despite being offered a three-year contract by Glamorgan, Aneurin Donald has accepted a two-year deal with Hampshire and will join them on loan immediately until the end of the season. After scoring a double century against Derbyshire two years ago, he has contributed little since, and this season has averaged under twenty in all competitions.
Hugh Morris, the Glamorgan chief executive, said: “Our strategy is increasingly focussed on providing opportunities for our young players, and we are disappointed that Aneurin – who we wish well in the future – has not accepted our offer.”

Patel, who has not played a Test, but who has appeared in 38 ODIs and 11 T20Is, has joined Durham for the final six Championship games, and after taking 2 for 10 in Glamorgan’s first innings, he played an attractive innings with most of his 12 boundaries struck in the region between cover point and mid-off.Stuart Poynter gave him valuable support as he contributed 29 in a seventh-wicket stand of 61, which enabled Durham to gain a lead of 141 on a pitch which continued to help the seamers.After they were dismissed in 49.1 overs in their first innings, Glamorgan were again in familiar territory, slumping to 40 for 4 in the 16th over. Nick Selman was the first to go when he was strangled down the leg side, then Kiran Carlson and Jack Murphy fell to Rushworth.David Lloyd became the fourth victim when he gave Poynter his third catch, and when Cooke nudged Patel to the keeper – although the batsman was reluctant to leave the crease – half the team had gone for 51. But before the next batsman had reached the middle, rain forced the players indoors.After a short wait, they reappeared, with Connor Brown, who was not off the mark until his 30th delivery, beginning to play with more freedom. However, when Steel was brought on with his occasional spin, he dismissed Brown with his first ball and later dismissed Andrew Salter.The game would surely have finished on the second evening had the rain not returned with 14 overs remaining and Glamorgan facing the prospect of being dismissed for under 100 for the third time in the last four innings.

Everton's attack has been rebuilt in recent months, but it could be given another dimension with the signing of a rapid new transfer target, following a fresh update.

Latest Everton transfer news

The Blues knew how important it was that they added attacking reinforcements to their squad before the 2023/24 season started, having once again struggled in front of goal last time around.

Thankfully, some productive work was done in the transfer market, with Beto arguably the most high-profile addition, coming in as a big-money signing from Udinese. There was also the addition of Chermiti from Sporting CP, while Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison came in on loan from Villarreal and Leeds United respectively.

That's not to say that further signings aren't required in approaching transfer windows – they have only scored six goals in seven Premier League matches so far this season – and it looks as though they are in the mix to sign one talented ace.

Everton want to sign new attacker

Speaking to Caught Offside, journalist Christian Falk said that Everton have genuine interest in Hoffenheim winger Maximilian Beier, who has emerged as an exciting fast player in Germany:

"It’s also really good for Germany; he’s the second-fastest German player behind Leroy Sane. His contract at Hoffenheim runs until 2025 and I heard he has a release clause; he’ll be a little bit more expensive for English clubs but for German clubs he’ll only cost €20m. So you see, Liverpool are looking around at the Bundesliga again.

"He’s a player you can educate, fast, can play as a striker as well as on the wings, which would be beneficial for Liverpool’s rotations in the forward line. I think he’s interesting.

"He could be the next German national player, perhaps not in the coming matches, but he’ll be in the national team. He’s not very expensive, which would fit into Liverpool’s business model. Keep in mind, though, that Brentford and Everton’s interest in the player is concrete."

It is paramount that Everton continue to build towards the future when it comes to signings, ahead of a move to a new stadium and what the club will hope are more successful times to come, and Beier could be seen as a brilliant choice to come in at Goodison Park.

Possesses great pace

Still lacks consistency

Strong dribbler

Crossing can improve

Likes to cut inside

Holds onto the ball for too long

The 20-year-old is already making waves at Hoffenheim, despite still being so young, scoring six goals and registering two assists in 18 appearances for the Bundesliga side, having once netted 18 times in just 26 outings for their Under-17s.

Given his age, there is so much more to come from Beier, and considering he is backed by Falk to be a future Germany international at senior level – he has one goal in two caps for the Under-21s to date – the idea of him being in an Everton shirt is something that is surely mouthwatering to supporters. Whether the Blues manage to snap him up remains to be seen, given the rumoured interest from Liverpool and Brentford, but he should be seen as a great option to make a move for.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a tough start to their 2023/24 campaign, as issues from last season and the summer break have tarnished Gary O’Neil’s plans with his squad.

The Englishman took charge of the Old Gold just four days before their Premier League opener, following Julen Lopetegui’s departure due to worries about the size of his squad due to the club’s financial restrictions.

After making sufficient sales without room for replacements, O’Neil admitted that his side is “£80m short” of players this term, which is unfortunately reflected in the level of performance so far.

Losing star names such as Ruben Neves, Raul Jimenez, Joao Moutinho and Matheus Nunes got Wolves off to a difficult start, resulting in the need for other players in the squad to step up and attempt to contend in the league.

What does Gary O’Neil have to improve at Wolves?

In their opening six Premier League fixtures, the Midlands side have recorded one win, one draw and four losses, where they have conceded 12 goals which stands at the third-highest number of goals conceded so far.

Only newly promoted Sheffield United and Burnley have let in more goals from the opposition than Wolves, hinting that O’Neil may have to go back to basics to ensure his side can improve.

Speaking of the basics, the Molineux outfit have scored the joint-fourth lowest number of goals so far, with six in six games, with the common narrative of their games being that they didn’t take their chances.

The 2022/23 campaign saw Wolves end the season as the Premier League’s lowest-scorers with just 31 in 38, and with no fresh firepower in their arsenal, history could repeat itself if changes aren’t made.

O’Neil may not need to look far to seek a goalscorer, with one academy player showing just how clinical he can be in the final third during his time at the club, as Nathan Fraser has shown signs that he could be nearing a breakthrough.

What could Nathan Fraser offer to Wolves?

A product of Wolves’ academy, Fraser worked his way through the ranks at his boyhood club over the years to make his senior debut earlier this campaign in the Carabao Cup.

It didn’t take long for the Wolverhampton-born starlet to showcase what he’s capable of, as he scored and assisted in the 28 minutes that he featured in the 5-0 win over Blackpool.

The 18-year-old was handed another senior appearance earlier this week during Wolves’ defeat to Ipswich Town in the cup, suggesting that O’Neil may be tempted to hand him a sporadic role in the first team as time passes.

Previously lauded as “dangerous” by analyst Mark Broomy, Fraser has what his club desires, which is the ability to score goals.

Last season, the youngster played in the Premier League 2 as an integral part of the U21 side, where he scored seven goals and recorded two assists in 23 appearances in the level above his age group.

This term has started swimmingly for the striker, who has already scored five from seven appearances in all competitions, including his senior goal that had people gushing over his talent.

If O’Neil can integrate the academy star into his plans going forward, the manager could significantly improve Wolves’ fortunes in the final third, in a player that is both well-equipped and hungry to succeed for the club.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola "may be tempted" to leave the club and manage England, journalist Ben Jacobs has now suggested.

When does Pep Guardiola's contract expire?

Guardiola signed a new contract with Man City in November 2022, which is not due to expire until 2025, but there are doubts over his future, with The Guardian reporting he is "firmly minded" to leave the club when his current deal comes to an end.

The Spaniard is said to have "all but decided" to leave the Sky Blues in the summer of 2025, after what will have been a nine-year stint in charge at the Etihad Stadium, and the report states that "one option may be to coach an international team."

That is where England come into the mix, with it being reported that Gareth Southgate is set to leave his role as manager after Euro 2024, and some of the FA's officials are dreaming of bringing the City boss in to replace him.

Speaking to CaughtOffside about Southgate's future as England boss, Jacobs has now said: “Gareth Southgate has come under some criticism of late, although I thought England were excellent in the 3-1 win over Scotland. The 1-1 draw against Ukraine was drab, though.

“Southgate won’t be sacked. That’s not an option being considered, and rightly so in my view. It’s just a case of whether he stands down after Euro 2024. His contract expires in 2024 as it stands.

“The FA are already considering options. This is normal, since international jobs (and the recruitment for them) work differently than in club football with a bit more forward planning. But obviously things can be entirely influenced by how England perform at Euro 2024, which is why it’s a bit early to be making predictions."

Before later adding: “Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is an interesting one to watch. The FA would love to have him. If Manchester City again dominate, could Pep be tempted by a fresh challenge?

“Sources do indicate he likes the idea of managing at a World Cup, but he could also miss the day to day of club football at this stage of his career. Pep, a bit like Jose Mourinho has said in the past, may wait until slightly later in his career for an opportunity in international football.”

Is Pep Guardiola leaving Man City?

Of course, it is natural for managers and players alike to relish a fresh challenge, with former City captain Ilkay Gundogan opting to join Barcelona for that reason, despite leading the club to a historic treble in the 2022-23 campaign.

However, at 52-years-old, Guardiola is still relatively young for a manager, and it seems quite early for him to venture into international football.

If the Sky Blues continue to dominate in the Premier League and Europe, the former Barcelona boss may be tempted to stay, as it would be a risk to move elsewhere and start a completely new project from scratch.

For now, Man City fans can rest easy knowing their manager remains contracted until 2025, and they will be hoping he can win his sixth league title this season, having made a perfect start to the campaign.

In less than three days, the physios were called upon seven times to treat batsmen hurt by deliveries that misbehaved on the Wanderers pitch

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jan-2018South Africa, 1st innings
3.3
Bumrah to Elgar, no run, wow, hit on the hand. Like Pujara, even Elgar is wearing a few. This one jags back in from outside off, beats Elgar on the inside edge and whacks him on the elbow. That’s a very painful blow. He needs some treatment, and more importantly, time.29.2
Sharma to Amla, no run, strikes him under the ribs and he needs medical attention. Vicious delivery, which probably moves off a crack in the good length area of the pitch. Ishant nails it, with a wobbly seam, and it snarls in at Amla, who is worse off because of that exaggerated shuffle across off stump. His bat has no chance of getting across in time and he takes a pretty painful blow where there is no protection51.5
Sharma to Amla, 1 run, walks right across and is surprised by the bounce – where he expects it to hit the middle at knee-height and find runs through midwicket, it rears up, taking the glove and going to the left of the wicketkeeper. Parthiv does his utmost but even after a dive he is nowhere near close to the ball. Amla needs a little treatment for a painful blow on the fingers.56.6
Kumar to Philander, no run, Philander cops a blow on the glove! A good length ball on off stump explodes off the pitch and hurts Philander. It was more or less similar to the ball that he punched to the cover boundary earlier this over. But this one kicks up and surprises him63.5
Bumrah to Morkel, no run, bouncer on leg stump, Morkel tries to hook it away, past leg gully, but there is just too much bounce to middle these shots. Morkel gets hit on the left index finger and needs treatment.India 2nd innings
30.2
Rabada to Kohli, no run, back of a length and lifting up outside. Looks to defend on the front foot and takes this on the thumb. Calls for the physio straight away.34.1
Rabada to Vijay, no run, rapped on the left glove. Signals for the physio again. Lifts from a length and raps him as he looks to avoid it.

The month-long tour will be the first time Sri Lanka will play a Test series in the Caribbean since March 2008

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Dec-2017

AFP

Sri Lanka will play a Test at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados for the first time during their three-match tour of West Indies in May-June 2018. Barbados will host the second Test of the series, from June 14-18, according to the fixtures announced by Cricket West Indies on Monday.Sri Lanka’s schedule in the West Indies

Tour match: May 30 – June 1, Brian Lara Cricket Ground, Trinidad
First Test: June 6-10, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad
Second Test: June 14-18, Kensington Oval, Barbados
Third Test: June 23-27, Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, St. Lucia

The Test series will begin with the first match at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad, from June 6, while the third Test is scheduled to be held at Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia from June 23. Sri Lanka are also scheduled to play a three-day tour match, between May 30 and June 1 at the Brian Lara Cricket Ground in Trinidad.The tour, which had been put down in the Future Tours Programme, will be Sri Lanka’s first Test tour of the West Indies in ten years. The last time both sides played a Test series in the Caribbean – in March 2008 – the series ended in a 1-1 deadlock, but was memorable for the visitors who won in the West Indies for the first time. Since then, Sri Lanka have travelled to the West Indies for limited-overs fixtures – the World T20 in 2010 and a tri-series featuring the two sides and India in 2013. Overall, this will be the fourth Test series between the two sides in the West Indies.The most recent Test series between the two sides took place in Sri Lanka, in October 2015, where the hosts thrashed West Indies 2-0 to claim the Sobers-Tissera Trophy.

After his fighting first-innings 80, Raza picked up his maiden Test five-for and said he was both proud and humbled by the achievement

Liam Brickhill in Bulawayo31-Oct-2017

AFP

Sikandar Raza was Zimbabwe’s unlikely bowling hero on the third day at Queens Sports Club. After his fighting first-innings 80, Raza picked up his maiden Test five-for and said he was both proud and humbled by the achievement.’We’ll put more miles on their legs’ – Powell

West Indies opener Kieran Powell believes it is “definitely advantage Windies” after they ended the third day with a lead of 48 runs in Bulawayo.
“If we could stretch this to a 100-150 run lead, that would be massive,” Powell said. “We’re only 48 runs ahead now, but we’ve put lots of miles on their legs. We’re going to come back tomorrow with two set guys as well, put some more miles on their legs and stretch out that lead as much as possible. Any lead is a good lead on this pitch. Tomorrow we don’t know if the pitch is going to start going up and down, so we’ve got to get as big a lead as possible that will help us push for a result.”
Powell played a significant role in pushing West Indies ahead. With Kraigg Brathwaite for company, he ground Zimbabwe down on Monday afternoon before upping the tempo on day three.
“It was just the flow of the day’s play,” Powell said. “Obviously, yesterday they bowled a bit tighter, and they bowled better lines. Today they gave us more scoring opportunities, and as the day progressed we had guys lower down the order to push the score along as well.”

“It’s quite a humbling and proud feeling, especially seeing your team do well as you take five,” Raza said. “It’s one of the roles you have as an allrounder. We always knew that missing [Kyle] Jarvis and Sean [Williams] would be tough. The way that [Graeme] Cremer bowled it could have been him as well.”I still like to think that I’m a batter who can bowl, but being an allrounder it becomes a responsibility that you need to step up whenever you are given an opportunity. We are spending a lot more time as a spinning unit working on our bowling compared to six months ago, so to see the rewards like this is certainly humbling.”Raza finished the day with 5 for 82 from 43 overs. He might easily have had a sixth wicket when he trapped Jason Holder in front of the stumps when he had scored just 11, but Umpire Kumar Dharmasena disagreed with the appeal and Zimbabwe had already used up all of their reviews. Indeed, it was Raza who had used their last review attempting to dislodge Kieran Powell.”It is what it is,” Raza said. “I said to the captain that I think I deserved it because we went for a review on Powell when we shouldn’t have. Kumar said he heard an inside edge. We didn’t. But a few go your way and a few don’t. The [Roston] Chase decision could have gone either way. You win some you lose some.”Holder went on to strike an unbeaten 71, putting on 144 for the eighth wicket with Shane Dowrich and extending West Indies lead to 48 at the close. “We wanted to be 48 ahead,” Raza said. “If the decision against Holder had gone our way then that could have happened. But we tried everything, we bowled well, we fielded well, our energies were up. Sometimes you’re going to have to raise your hand and say that we tried everything and it didn’t work because the opposition have batted well. Credit to them for batting that well.”A natural optimist, Raza reminded the press corp that Zimbabwe were just a few overs away from the new ball on Wednesday morning. Only half joking, he also said he would be willing to open the bowling in West Indies’ second innings.”The last hour was easier [for West Indies] because there wasn’t much turn and what turn there was, was slow,” Raza said. “But we’re 10 overs away from a third new ball, so that’s a positive. I think if Cremer refuses then I’ll pick up the ball and take the first over [in the second innings]. But the way the body is feeling right now, I might make sure he uses all the utilities before he comes to me.”With two more full days to go in the second Test, Raza suggested that Zimbabwe would be happy defending 270 to 300 runs on a pitch likely to break up in the next two days.”Hopefully, we come back fresh tomorrow with all three spinners and two seamers and have a plan how we’re going to go about our business,” he said. “First we have to look at how we get these three wickets and then how we bat second time around. Depending on the time, I think 270 to 300 would be a good total to defend.”

أعلنت رابطة الأندية المحترفة المصرية، عن أفضل لاعب في مباراة الأهلي والاتحاد السكندري، التي انتهت منذ قليل، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وحقق الأهلي فوزًا هاماً على الاتحاد السكندري بنتيجة 4-1، في اللقاء الذي جمع بينهما على أرضية استاد القاهرة الدولي.

ورفع الأهلي رصيده إلى 30 نقطة، محتلاً المركز السابع في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، بعد خوض 14 مباراة وله 7 مؤجلات.

واختارت رابطة الأندية، بعد انتهاء المباراة، لاعب النادي الأهلي عمر كمال عبد الواحد كأفضل لاعب في اللقاء.

ترتيب الدوري المصري بعد فوز الأهلي على الاتحاد السكندري

يذكر أن المباراة القادمة للنادي الأهلي ستكون أمام بلدية المحلة يوم السبت الموافق 11 مايو في إطار منافسات الدوري المصري الممتاز.

Chelsea are reportedly "well-informed" on Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga and are "considering" a move for the Spanish midfielder, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Is Veiga joining Chelsea?

Described as a "very electric player" and "one of the best talents in the world", Veiga's rise to fame has been meteoric.

After enjoying a stellar breakout season with Celta Vigo in La Liga, the wonderkid has attracted interest from the world's biggest clubs, including the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.

The 21-year-old has a release clause in his contract worth roughly £34m making him a highly desirable target with enormous potential. The Spaniard popped up with 11 goals and four assists from central midfield in La Liga last term and is set to leave Celta this summer, handing the Sky Blues a tidy profit.

With a host of top clubs knocking on his door, Veiga is spoiled for choice and now potentially has an offer from Chelsea to consider too.

According to transfer guru Romano, Veiga is being closely monitored by the Blues. While all focus is currently on a deal for Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion, Veiga could be Mauricio Pochettino's next midfield target.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: "Mentioning midfielders and talented midfielders, for Gabri Veiga, guys, on the media it has gone a bit quiet in recent weeks, but I can tell you that behind the scenes things are happening in terms of contacts.

"So, we know he has a release clause around €40m but some clubs believe that they can find an agreement for a value below this fee, so to go for something less than €40m. So, let's see how the conversation will continue but keep an eye on Gabri Veiga because in the next days and weeks clubs will move on the player."

He continued: "We know Chelsea have been following the situation. Chelsea are very well-informed on the situation of Gabri Veiga. Let's see if they will bid for Gabri but for sure he's a player they appreciate and one of the players they are considering at Chelsea. So, not only Chelsea but they are following this situation."

Romano also mentions Romeo Lavia as a midfielder that the Blues are interested in and said a deal for the Southampton man would not impact a potential deal for number one target Caicedo. Assuming this also applies to Veiga, it means that two new midfielders could arrive at Stamford Bridge this window.

Chelsea have not been afraid to spend big in recent years but are looking for a more fine-tuned and less erratic approach to their transfer business this summer. Veiga would certainly provide good value for money and the Blues' interest in signing talented youngsters makes a deal all the more likely.

How good is Veiga?

Veiga's statistical output last season was phenomenal for such a young player, especially given he featured in a struggling Celta team that finished 13th and only three points above the relegation spaces.

Compared to other La Liga midfielders per 90 last season, Veiga ranked in the top two percent for non-penalty goals, the top one percent for shots on target and the top six percent for shots on target percentage.

His ability to provide a goal threat from deep central positions is outstanding and would prove useful for any side looking for more attacking output from their midfield players.

Veiga is still very raw, however, and there are elements of his game which need improvement. Statistically, his passing averages and accuracy were very low compared to other La Liga midfielders, something which would need to improve should he make a move to the Premier League.

At 21-years-old he offers a buying club a project player with an incredibly high potential, albeit he is far from the finished article just yet.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has been left far from impressed after a German reporter brought a Bayern Munich number nine Harry Kane shirt to his press conference.

Is Harry Kane joining Bayern Munich?

According to the latest report in The Times, the Bundesliga giants are currently preparing a third bid for the Spurs striker.

Bayern have already had two bids rejected but say they are confident the England captain, who turns 30 next week, wants to join, and has only one year left on his contract.

New manager Postecoglou has already gone on the record about how this current situation of uncertainty over his star player has made him uneasy.

He recently told the press: “Fair to say I am not relaxed about it. It’s not something where you go: “Ah, well, you know if it does or doesn’t happen.” I mean he’s a very important part of this football club, not just the team, but the football club. He’s such a massive figure.

“And, whilst my focus isn’t on it on a daily basis because I’ve got other things I need to do, I know that every time I’m talking, or whenever Harry is going to talk, that’s the first question you are going to get. So, you’ve got to deal with it.”

He added: “For everyone concerned, we don’t want to be doing it for too long. I don’t think that’s good for anyone. I don’t think it’s good for Harry, I don’t think it’s good for the club, because as laser-focused as we want to be, you end up sort of repeating yourself along the way.”

Well, with that in mind, the Australian really would not have appreciated a recent gesture made by a reporter turning up at his press conference all the way from Germany.

Journalist Charlie Eccleshare was on site to report what happened, Tweeting: “A German reporter has brought a Bayern shirt with ‘Kane 9’ on the back and showed it to Postecoglou during the press conference.

“Fair to say he was not impressed. ‘You flew all the way for that… got yourself a laugh’.”

Journalist Chris Wheatley later shared an image of Bild reporter Max Schrader too.

What’s the latest Spurs transfer news?

Of course, with Kane’s future up in the air, it remains to be seen if the club will need to go into the market at some stage and spend big on a striker.

Regardless of that, while speaking in the same most recent press conference, Postecoglou did suggest that more business could be happening.

He told the press (via football.london): “We’re working with the players we’ve got at the moment and I’m really happy with the way they are all working hard. But we’ve obviously still got time in the transfer window and we’ll still looking to do some business.”

So far, the most notable arrivals have been James Maddison, Manor Solomon, and new goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. While Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski have turned initial loans into permanent transfers.

It will be interesting to see if the Premier League outfit spend any more in the near future, or if they will wait to see what happens with Kane before potentially dipping back into the market again.