All posts by h716a5.icu

The cash-strapped Sri Lanka Cricket has handed over three international stadiums to the military

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Nov-2011Three of Sri Lanka’s international venues, including the newly built stadiums in Pallekele and Hambantota, have been handed over to the military indefinitely. The move comes as Sri Lanka Cricket is battling costs on several fronts.The R Premadasa stadium in Colombo – redeveloped for the World Cup earlier this year – is being taken by the air force. The navy has taken over the Pallekele Stadium, near Kandy, while the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota has gone to the army.The grounds in Hambantota and Pallekele, built at a combined cost of nearly US$ 11.79m, were finished just before the World Cup, which Sri Lanka co-hosted with India and Bangladesh. The R Premadasa Stadium was renovated at a cost of nearly US$8m. The country hosted 12 matches in the tournament.The World Cup had left Sri Lanka Cricket in debt to the tune of $23 million thanks to cost overruns and heavy expenses incurred in building the stadiums, and the board had to ask for a grant from the Sri Lanka government. The board has not paid some of its players since the tournament.

Newcastle United have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Brighton central defender Dan Burn in the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Craig Hope has reported that the club have had an offer turned down by their Premier League rivals for the centre-back.

The Daily Mail journalist commented: “I’m told Brighton have rejected an offer of around £8m from NUFC for defender Dan Burn.”

This comes after transfer insider Pete O’Rourke had claimed the Magpies were holding discussions over a deal for the Seagulls enforcer.

He Tweeted: “Understand Newcastle United are now in advanced talks to sign Brighton defender Dan Burn for £10million.”

Fuming

Fans will surely be fuming with this news as they could be set to miss out on what could be an excellent signing for the club.

Newcastle’s defensive record is appalling and it is no surprise to see that the club are attempting to strengthen in that area of the pitch.

Only Norwich have conceded more goals than the Magpies in the division, having played a game more, and Howe’s team have only kept two clean sheets in 21 matches.

This emphasises the need for a player like Burn to come in to help them prevent the ball from flying past Martin Dubravka and into the back of the net. The Brighton man helped Graham Potter’s side to six clean sheets in 23 starts last term and three in just 12 starts so far this season, showing that he knows how to function as part of a relatively stable backline.

In the Premier League this season, the 6 foot 5 colossus has averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 6.96 across 13 games. He has made 3.5 tackles and interceptions and 3.6 clearances per game for his current club, highlighting his ability to win the ball back and defend his own box.

Meanwhile, Federico Fernandez’s score of 6.77 is the highest out of the current crop of central defenders at St. James’ Park. This suggests that Burn could come in and improve Howe’s options in that position as he has been able to consistently perform to a higher standard whilst playing in the same division.

Therefore, fans will be fuming that PIF have been unable to agree a deal with Brighton as of yet. On paper, he appears to be a player who could come in and make a big impact, which is why this is a major blow, and the supporters will be frustrated that the club have failed in their efforts to sign him.

AND in other news, “Sources now confirming”: Craig Hope drops big NUFC transfer claim, it’ll delight fans…

A 98-run stand between Claire and Sarah Taylor and three wickets for Katherine Brunt in front of her home crowd sealed England the series against New Zealand

Cricinfo staff17-Jul-2010
ScorecardA 98-run stand between Claire and Sarah Taylor and three wickets for Katherine Brunt in front of her home crowd sealed England the series against New Zealand as they eased to a nine-wicket win in the 4th ODI at Barnsley.England came out on top in a more free-scoring encounter in the their last match to go 2-1 up in the five-match series but runs were harder to come by on this occasion. On a difficult track the home side cautiously chipped away at the modest total set by New Zealand, taking 46.1 overs to chase down 136.The tone was set by Sarah Taylor and Heather Knight, as they saw off the new-ball shine in a patient 41-run stand before Knight was bowled by Sophie Devine’s medium pace in the 18th over. It proved New Zealand’s last success in a forgettable day.Claire Taylor began slowly before regaining her old confidence to hit six boundaries and a six on her way to an unbeaten half-century. It was her second fifty of the series and is a good sign for England after she struggled for form earlier in the season. At the other end Sarah Taylor was happy to accumulate at her own pace, hitting just four fours and taking 130 deliveries to reach an undefeated 49.It meant England coasted to their target with 23 balls to spare. The hard work was done, however, in the first half of the game by England. Brunt enjoyed the familiar surroundings and burst through New Zealand’s top order, removing Lucy Doolan and the dangerous Suzie Bates.Isa Guha provided excellent support, dismissing Sara McGlashan and bowling four maidens in a miserly spell of 1 for 11 from her 10 overs. Having watched the opening pair do the damage, Jenny Gunn chipped in with two wickets as New Zealand crumbled to 78 for 6.Once again it was captain Aimee Watkins who provided the bulk of the resistance. She made 42 from 82 deliveries to carry the total over 100 but it was never going to be enough.”I never thought we would play here, it has been a dream come true for me,” Brunt said. “The conditions haven’t suited me in recent matches, but today it was a nice little seaming wicket. It meant the world to me to pick up a few wickets in front of my family.”

New Wolves signing Chiquinho has been brought in as an immediate first-team option for Bruno Lage, according to reliable journalist Tim Spiers.

The Lowdown: Wolves sign Chiquinho

Wolves completed the signing of the 21-year-old on Monday, with the winger signing a deal at Molineux until 2026.

Big things are expected of the former Estoril player, having scored six goals and registered eight assists at senior level during his time in his native Portugal.

It is unsure how Chiquinho will be used by Lage between now and the end of the season, but Spiers has provided his thoughts on the matter.

The Latest: Spiers makes Chiquinho claim

Responding to a question on Twitter on Monday night, the journalist claimed that Chiquinho will be a first-team player from the off at Wolves, although the situation surrounding other attackers at Molineux could alter the 21-year-old’s place in the hierarchy.

Spiers stated: “Hi Kelvin. First team for now and they’ll assess depending on Traore situation, also Hwang/Neto fitness in next couple of weeks etc.”

The Verdict: Exciting to see him perform

Chiquinho may not be a world-renowned player yet but it is always exciting to see Wolves signing young talent, suggesting that Lage is building for both the present and the future.

Indeed, Molineux’ technical director Scott Sellars told the club’s official website: “Chiquinho is a young, exciting and talented player who has been performing very well in the Portuguese leagues during the past few seasons, and if he keeps progressing the way he has done, we believe he can develop into an excellent signing.”

At 21, the Portuguese winger remains raw, so some inconsistency should be expected, but he looks a tailor-made player to potentially replace Traore should the 25-year-old move on in the January transfer window amid strong speculation over a possible exit.

Chiquinho has averaged 1.3 dribbles and won 2.3 fouls per game in the Primeira Liga this season, showing that he is a tricky attacker who could provide Lage with a very capable option in the final third. Traore’s average fouls won per game is just 1.4, suggesting than Wolves’ new signing could be even more awkward to handle than the incredibly pacy Spain international.

Now how’s that for an exciting prospect!

In other news, Wolves are thought to be ‘very interested’ in signing one player. Find out who it is here.

Graeme Smith paid tribute to his team for a “dominant performance” after their innings-and-25-run win over India in the first Test in Centurion

Firdose Moonda at SuperSport Park20-Dec-2010Graeme Smith, South Africa’s captain, paid tribute to his team for a “dominant performance” after their innings-and-25-run win over India in the first Test in Centurion. “We controlled the game throughout the five days,” he said. “We were ahead of the game the whole time.”South Africa put in a superior performance and there was only one passage of play in the Test where they felt under threat – during Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni’s 172-run seventh-wicket stand on day four. “That was the one time that we really put in the yards. The wicket flattened out a lot, it was hot and windy and the guys showed a lot of character in that situation, especially Dale’s spell at the end,” Smith said. Steyn clocked close to 145kph to remove Dhoni late in the afternoon and swing the advantage firmly in South Africa’s direction, a position they held from the first session of the first day.MS Dhoni, India’s captain, placed a lot of importance on the toss and the way the pitch played during the first two sessions on day one but Smith thought it was a case of too much hype. “I don’t think the wicket actually did that much. For a wicket that was under covers for four days, I thought it would do a bit more.” He added that the expectation of a bouncy wicket, and not the wicket itself, may have been what undid India. “In my mind, I think India expected more from the wicket than what actually happened. They were tentative and were on the back foot a lot of the time.”Although the pitch was thought to have played a big role on first day, with India losing nine wickets in 38 overs, Smith said most of the credit belonged to his bowlers. “Our bowlers bowled well. When you bowl on a wicket that you think is going to do a bit, you’ve got to get the ball in the right place. We were very controlled.” Lonwabo Tsotsobe was the only bowler that India could pick on but Smith did not label the left-armer the weak link. “He’s inexperienced, he has to grow as a cricketer and we have to give him the tools to do that.”The main battle of this No. 1 versus No.2 ranked Test teams has centred on South Africa’s bowling against India’s batting and after the first match, it’s clear that South Africa won the tussle by some stretch. South Africa have not forgotten about the lesser clash, between their batsmen and India’s bowlers and Smith said it’s important that the line-up doesn’t take for granted that India did not manage to bowl them out once.”Who knows how the wicket will play in Durban? There’s been a lot of rain there around this period also. We’ve got to be realistic,” Smith said. Kallis talked up the Kingsmead pitch as the one that offers “the most bounce in South Africa” and it’s also become known for its swing. With Zaheer Khan likely to spearhead the line-up, South Africa will face a different threat to the one they had in this match. Smith thinks they have done a good job at adapting to bowlers on various pitches over the years. “We’d like to think we are a strong, powerful batting unit and we can cope with conditions wherever we go.”India will look to prove they too have a similar batting unit after a match in which everyone except Tendulkar and Dhoni underperformed. Dhoni said the focus will be on levelling the series in Durban, before entertaining any thoughts of how they are going to win it from this position. Smith had said India were under pressure from before the first Test, now he thinks they face even more strain. “When you go 1-0 down in a three match series, there’s always extra pressure. The build-up to the next Test becomes crucial – the decisions you make, how you train, the selection, how the squad moves to the next Test. I know the Indian team always plays under pressure, and there are high expectations on them.”

Manchester United have an exceptional talent on their hands in Alejandro Garnacho.

It’s been a tough decade for the Red Devils, but class is permanent and is clearly embedded into the roots of the club – as can be seen with their academy product portfolio.

Despite the emerging talents of youth players such as Hannibal Mejbri, Shola Shoretire, Anthony Elanga and Charlie McNeill – there is a bigger buzz around former Atletico Madrid prospect; Alejandro Garnacho.

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The Manchester United youngster has achieved a cool 18 goal returns (12 goals, six assists) in 30 appearances that span from the U18s to the U23s in Premier League 2.

Despite not making a first-team appearance for the Red Devils, the 17-year-old was called up to the Argentina national team last month in what looked to be a bid to get the starlet to secure allegiance – with Garnacho also able to play for Spain having been born in Madrid and growing up there.

Garnacho was described by the Spanish media (via Playmakerstats.com) as the “jewel in the crown” of Atletico Madrid’s academy, though, that was until Manchester United beat several top European outfits to his signature.

The youngster has also been described as “rampant” by Manchester United themselves, after a performance against Stoke City in which he bagged a hat-trick in the U18s’ 6-1 win.

With his record healthy, his reputation growing, and the fact that he is 17-years-old plying his trade with the U23’s – the main hype around the starlet is his adoration and subsequent comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Taking to Instagram, Garnacho has already stated: “Greatest of all times… @Cristiano” after the great Portuguese gave the youngster the match ball after hitting a hat-trick against Norwich City.

The United starlet has also been seen emulating Ronaldo’s “Siuu” celebration after netting in the academy whilst his deal with Nike is yet another resemblance of the famous attacker.

The fact that Garnacho has trained with both Lionel Messi and Ronaldo at the age of 17-years-old is incredible but he has earned the right to do so with his performances for the youth set-up.

His goal in the FA Youth Cup win over Wolverhampton Wanderers served as a fantastic example of his prowess as a player.

Ten Hag could instantly impress the fanbase by utilising the youngster in what looks to be a major rebuild for the club.

In other news: Ten Hag’s first blow: Romano relays big update that will leave MUFC supporters gutted…

Glasgow Rangers have been dealt a fresh setback in their bid to bring John Souttar to Ibrox in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Record, which relayed a claim made by Hearts manager Robbie Neilson stating that it would take a “crazy bid” for his club to part ways with the centre-back this month.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side recently won the race to sign the 25-year-old on a pre-contract deal, beating the likes of Sheffield United and Blackburn to the defender’s signature for a free transfer at the end of the season, although it is reported that Ross Wilson is now weighing up an offer to bring the Scotland international to Glasgow in the current window.

However, in a recent statement, Hearts backed up their manager’s claim that they are firmly against letting Souttar leave Tynecastle in January, with the club announcing: “The club reiterates that John is an important member of the squad and will remain so until the end of the season unless a significant and satisfactory offer is made during the January transfer window.”

Van Bronckhorst will be fuming

Considering just how impressive Souttar has been for Hearts so far this season, in addition to the fact that Van Bronckhorst is currently experiencing issues in the heart of his defence – with Leon Balogun and Filip Helander out injured and Connor Goldson being free to discuss a move away from the club – the news that the Jam Tarts look set to play hardball over sanctioning the 25-year-old’s departure this month with have left the Dutchman fuming.

Indeed, over his 18 Premiership appearances in the current campaign, the £900k-rated defender has been in remarkable form, helping his side to keep five clean sheets, scoring three goals and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 1.1 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.

The £3.1k-per-week centre-back has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making 1.5 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, 4.4 clearances and 44.9 passes and winning 71% of his duels per match.

These returns have seen the Scotland defender average an astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.43, not only ranking him as Neilson’s best performer in the league, but also as the fifth-best player in the entire division.

As such, it is clear to see that bringing Souttar to Ibrox this month would undoubtedly provide Rangers’ chances of going on to secure a second Premiership title in two years with a considerable boost.

However, following the latest update from Tynecastle, it would appear as if Wilson has a lot of work to do if he is to get a deal over the line for the 25-year-old in the current window, while missing out on the centre-back in January would certainly come as a blow to Van Bronckhorst and his side.

In other news – Negotiations ongoing: Report delivers huge update on Rangers dud which will delight fans

Steve O’Keefe, a New South Wales slow-bowling allrounder, had a match-winning impact for an Australian side over the past week

Peter English24-Jun-2010A New South Wales slow-bowling allrounder had a match-winning impact for an Australian side over the past week. But he wasn’t Steven Smith and the star knows he was fortunate to be playing. If Jon Holland and Jason Krejza had avoided off-season surgery and Smith hadn’t been with the limited-overs squad in England, Steve O’Keefe would have been on holiday.Instead O’Keefe, a left-arm spinner, was at Allan Border Field tormenting Sri Lanka A by following his 61 on a tacky pitch with 7 for 35 and another 47. It was the sort of comprehensive contribution allrounders dream of and his came for Australia A in only his seventh first-class game.O’Keefe, 25, played down his achievements, being satisfied to succeed in both disciplines at a more senior level, and is aiming to chip in again in the second four-day match of the series in Townsville from Friday. “With everyone fit, I probably wasn’t going to be the next spinner in this, but given the opportunity I’m stoked and hope to keep contributing,” he told Cricinfo.Despite his destructive performance with the ball, O’Keefe was slightly more satisfied with his vital half-century in the opening innings. A No. 8 with aspirations of shifting up the order, he put on 105 with Ben Hilfenhaus to lift the hosts to what turned into an impressive total of 208.”It’s always good to get five-for, but I did enjoy the 60,” he said. “The partnership with Ben was pretty important, we were 7 for 100 and could have easily folded, but we fought and dug in. I was probably more happy with the 60 that got the team into a reasonable position and gave us something to bowl at.”Australia, who won the opening game by 107 runs, remain cautious of Sri Lanka and will be particularly careful with the offspinner Sachithra Senanayake, who took 11 wickets in game one, and the fast bowler Dammika Prasad. “They are a very talented group,” O’Keefe said. “There’s enough there for us to watch out and be wary of.”A Twenty20 and three one-day games follow the final first-class fixture of the series and the inclusion of Josh Hazlewood and Usman Khawaja in Australia’s squads in England has forced some changes. Luke Feldman, the Queensland fast bowler, and Michael Klinger, the new South Australia captain, have been added to the limited-overs outfit.O’Keefe will not be part of those games – Xavier Doherty has been named as the specialist spinner – and life back in New South Wales will contain more jostling for selection. He played five Sheffield Shield games last season, taking 15 wickets at 30.93, but there are seven spinners in the Blues squad, ranging from Nathan Hauritz and Smith to the rookies Luke Doran and Adam Zampa.”From my point of view I can’t really rest, knowing those guys are around,” he said. “A couple have played Test cricket, one will, there are some young guys, who knows how good they could be?”With so much fresh talent in the New South Wales squad, 25 is the new 35. “I’m one of the older ones now, it’s a bit bizarre,” he said. “I’ve gone from feeling pretty young in the squad to one of the older ones. So I don’t take an opportunity for granted, I realise I have to make every post a winner.”

This has been quite the end to the January transfer window for Everton but they might not be done in the market just yet.

What’s the word?

Frank Lampard was announced as the Toffees’ new manager on deadline day with the former Chelsea boss getting to work straight away on incomings.

Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek are set to pen terms at Goodison Park but they might not be done yet.

That’s according to reliable reporter Alan Myers who said this evening after being questioned whether Everton were done yet: “Don’t think so.”

Exciting news

Wow; what an end to the window this has been for Everton.

The fans came into the last week full of rage and understandably so with the club stuck in choppy waters.

They have won just once in their last 14 Premier League matches and after a car crash interview from Vitor Pereira on Sky Sports, supporters started protesting outside Goodison Park.

Yet, the fanbase are now a lot more cheerful, landing Lampard as their new head coach and welcoming two wonderfully gifted players to the squad in Dele and van de Beek.

Thus, to hear that more incomings could arrive before the deadline closes at 11pm is not only teasing but incredibly exciting.

It remains to be seen who these mystery names might be but it’s clear that Farhad Moshiri and co are doing all they can to make the Toffees a better outfit.

Signings are clearly needed too. This is a sinking ship and it’s incredibly evident from their current form that the club needs more than just a new manager; they need fresh faces and quality ones at that.

AND in other news, “Sources telling us”: Sky drop exciting EFC update live on air, major coup now inbound

Manchester City have set their sights on another forward amid rumours they are closing in on a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Guardiola edges nearer…

Reports in recent weeks have backed City as the favourites to sign one of Europe’s most in-demand strikers.

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The Times and The Athletic both say that Haaland has given his green-light to join the Premier League champions this summer meanwhile Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio claims that a deal is imminent.

Going by this plethora of claims, it appears a move to Eastlands looks extremely likely where the Norway star is concerned – potentially making the 2022/2023 season an even more exciting one for supporters.

City take on Real Madrid in their crunch Champions League semi-final second leg tonight with business for this year certainly not finished.

However, that hasn’t stopped club chiefs working ahead of time in preparation for Pep Guardiola’s final full season in charge as things stand.

The Latest: City take first steps for Leao…

Now, according to Calciomercato, City have ‘taken’ their ‘first steps’ to sign AC Milan star forward Rafael Leao pre-summer.

Indeed, despite edging nearer to Haaland and being tipped to sign an heir to Fernandinho, Etihad Stadium officials are also working on a move for the 22-year-old.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Both Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez are out-of-contract in 2023 and are heading into their final years in Manchester, so it’s natural that the club are weighing potential replacements.

Depending on whether City agree extensions or let them depart, Leao would certainly be an exciting signing in place of either of Guardiola’s stars.

Lauded as ‘absolutely unplayable’ by Italian football reporter Maxi Angelo, Milan allegedly value the electric starlet at around €70-80 million (£59m-£67m).

Still very young and already proven in Serie A, averaging the highest individual match rating in Milan’s squad domestically, he’s also their top goal-scorer and completes an impressive three take-ons per 90 – more than any City player (WhoScored).

Going by his plaudits, quality and price tag – Leao could well be the man to succeed Mahrez or Sterling depending on developments – especially considering Guardiola is allegedly ‘in love’ with the player.

In other news: £101 million ‘big name’ sets his sights on joining City, turns to super agent for help…find out more here.