All posts by h716a5.icu

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Paul Brown of The Daily Star has made a claim involving superstar striker Harry Kane after his summer drama at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Kane attempts to jump ship…

As widely known, England international Kane informed Spurs of his desire to leave in the summer with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola even confirming his side’s interest in signing him.

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After a move failed to materialise, the 28-year-old released a statement and pledged to continue at Tottenham as well as giving his all for the Lilywhites shirt.

Since then, Kane’s form has taken a while to resurge with Brown now making a claim on how it could impact the Spurs dressing room.

The Latest: Brown makes Kane claim…

Speaking to GMS, reporter Brown believes that the forward still doesn’t actually want to be in north London despite his candid summer statement.

He also believes this could have an impact on the dressing room if manager Nuno Espirito Santo isn’t cautious.

“I think it’s a very unbalanced squad, and there are clearly problems in the dressing room because everyone knows the star player tried to quit in the summer,” the journalist explained.

“And while he’s playing and making all the right noises, putting a shift in, it can’t be easy in the dressing room to see the guy that you all look up to, ultimately, doesn’t really want to be there.

“I don’t think anyone can accuse Harry Kane of downing tools. I don’t think he ever will, and he was one of their better players at the weekend. But, it must put some doubt in the mind of your teammates when you’re thinking: ‘this guy tried his best to get out of the club, and how much is he really committed to us?’”

The Verdict: Nuno needs Kane revival…

Nuno’s tenuous position was perhaps on the line before Spurs narrowly edged past Aston Villa 2-1 last weekend and the Portuguese will need all the help he can get to keep his job.

Kane’s form over these next few months will be a major factor and the 47-year-old will want Tottenham’s 2020/2021 Golden Boot winner back and firing on all cylinders.

Lauded as a still very much ‘underrated’ player by reporter Matt Law, even despite his outstanding campaign last year, Spurs will benefit massively from his possible resurgence.

Alas, only time will tell if his failed summer move does indeed have an impact on the dressing room.

In other news: Levy told to hire ‘world class’ boss over Poch if Nuno is axed, Spurs players love him! Find out more here.

Celtic winger Mikey Johnston is a player with enormous potential at Parkhead. He is also an individual with vibrant qualities, someone who should have been front and centre of Ange Postecoglou’s rebuild in Glasgow.

However, every now and then you come across the sad tale of an injury-prone footballer being robbed of their professional career.

Their careers are short, and when they’re not playing, their life takes on a weird meaning. They aren’t kicking a ball around and have the limelight taken away from them. They also have the adrenaline of a matchday in front of a packed crowd sapped away.

For some players this could be a good thing, as it gives time to re-focus and re-energise. However, with someone like Johnston, it can only be a bad thing.

The forward is still only 22 years of age and is trying to make his way in the game. Sadly, you’d feel as though his time to make an impression at Parkhead is waning.

He only featured on ten occasions for the Bhoys last term because of a crushing MCL injury which had also impacted him in the back end of 2019/20.

Unfortunately, Johnston has also missed the early exchanges of Postecoglou’s reign after sustaining a problem in a pre-season clash with Charlton. He returned to the field in the defeat to Livingston last Sunday but unfortunately the youngster has since suffered another crushing blow.

After the forward was absent from Celtic’s squad to face Raith Rovers on Thursday, the manager revealed that he had picked up an injury in training.

This is devastating news for Johnston, who is in a position where he is probably running out of time in Glasgow.

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His contract doesn’t expire for another few years, but with Postecoglou making such sweeping changes to the playing staff and Karamoko Dembele coming through the ranks, opportunities will be few and far between.

It sounds harsh but it might just be time to cut ties altogether once January comes around.

It’s a shame because, with the likes of Mohamed Elyounoussi and Ryan Christie departing over the summer, there was a vacancy open in the wide attacking areas.

The latter is someone to whom the 5 foot 9 wizard has even been compared. Tweeting back in December 2018, Chris Sutton wrote: “Is Mikey Johnston the new Ryan Christie? Celtic’s fringe players at the start of the season coming to the fore when it counts.”

The club’s number 19 has very rarely been seen since and it’s unlikely that we’ll see too much more of him this season if Celtic have a fully fit squad.

AND in other news, Celtic have just been rocked by another big blow, Hoops fans are surely gutted…

According to L’Interista, Tottenham are interested in signing Lautaro Martinez if Harry Kane forces a move away from the club.

The Lowdown: Kane proving a problem

Kane has already indicated to Tottenham that he wishes to leave the club this summer (Sky Sports), but so far Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici have held firm.

The England international then failed to report for training on Monday (The Guardian), which appears to indicate he is looking to force a move away from north London by any means necessary.

Of course, any exit for the Lilywhites talisman would come with a significant boost to the transfer kitty, and a direct replacement would be a necessity.

The Latest: Spurs eye Martinez

If Kane is able to get a transfer elsewhere, Tottenham will make a move for Internazionale striker Martinez according to reports in Milan.

They claim Paratici and co have now lined up the Argentina international as the main alternative to their skipper.

The Verdict: Top target

Signing Martinez would more than soften the blow of Kane’s departure if he does leave this summer. With 49 goals in 132 games for Inter and 14 strikes in 28 Argentina caps (Transfermarkt), including three at the Copa America as his country lifted the trophy, the forward is already a star talent and is still just 23 years of age.

Lionel Messi has even previously called Martinez a “complete” player in the past (via 90min.com) – praise does not come any higher than that.

Valued at £72m (Transfermarkt), Martinez would set Spurs back a big fee, but any sale of Kane would surely cover that. If Tottenham’s star man does leave, Martinez would be a fantastic replacement.

In other news, Tottenham are interested in signing this Euro 2020 ace.

Former Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor believes that Helder Costa has already played his last game for Leeds United.

The Lowdown: Costa loaned out

The 27-year-old has never quite managed to fully convince in a Whites shirt, becoming an increasingly peripheral figure during the Marcelo Bielsa era, starting just 13 games last term compared to 33 in 2019/20.

The Leeds boss clearly didn’t see the winger as an important figure this season, loaning him out to Valencia during the summer transfer window.

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The Latest: Pundit tips winger to leave

Someone who doesn’t expect Costa to have any kind of future at Elland Road is talkSPORT pundit Agbonlahor, who told Football Insider that he doesn’t think the 27-year-old will play another game for the club. The ex-Aston Villa striker said:

“100 per cent. That will be his last game.

“Dan James has come in that adds to the wingers.

“Helder Costa had his chance and didn’t perform. If they could have sold him, they would have. Hopefully, they will want to get rid of him next summer when the loan is done.

“They’ve got Dan James in now so I’m sure they don’t think that Costa is coming back.”

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The Verdict: Time to move on

We’re with Agbonlahor on this one. It makes perfect sense for everyone concerned for Costa to find a new permanent club, considering the lack of football which would now come his way at Leeds.

Not only are Raphinha and Jack Harrison ahead of him in the pecking order out wide, but Daniel James’ arrival has made him even more surplus to requirements.

Costa is a talented player when he’s at this best – he was once hailed as ‘immense’ by his former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo – and while he isn’t wanted at Leeds, he can perhaps be an effective figure elsewhere.

In other news, a journalist has named three Leeds players who could leave in January. Read more here.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time as Manchester United manager has finally come to an end, an eventuality that will leave all four corners of Old Trafford beaming from ear to ear.

It has been a sorry tenure for the Norwegian tactician who leaves behind one of the most prestigious jobs in world football after a desperate 4-1 defeat to Watford on Saturday.

What’s the word?

A number of managers have been tipped with landing the job after Solskjaer’s sacking with Zinedine Zidane one of the most eye-catching names in the frame.

However, today, it has been claimed that Julian Lopetegui is on their radar, while they could also move for Laurent Blanc as an interim solution.

Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, has been admired by the club for a while and it’s now thought that the club’s biggest legend wants him at United.

That’s according to talkSPORT journalist Ian Abrahams who said on Twitter: “Information I’ve been told today – sources close to Sir Alex Ferguson say the former United manager wants Mauricio Pochettino as the club’s next manager. He thinks Zidane will go to PSG releasing Poch to move to Old Trafford.”

Fans buzzing

It’s fairly evident that Ferguson still has a huge role to play behind the scenes at Man United with the Scot proving key in Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to English football.

It will also come as no surprise to hear that Pochettino would be his first pick at United.

After all, the 79-year-old has hailed him previously as the finest tactician in the Premier League, while he’s also been described as the “best manager in the world” by Everton forward Andros Townsend.

He’s not far wrong either. Despite not winning anything with Tottenham, he guided them to a Champions League final despite spending minimal transfer fees, while he’s also impressed at PSG.

Based on that, his stock is incredibly high and judging by his CV and accomplishments to date, the United fanbase would surely be elated to see him walk through the door to replace Solskjaer.

The Argentine has experience of English football, something plenty of other suitors do not possess, and now he’s in Paris, he clearly knows how to live up to some of the biggest expectations in football.

Combine that with his knowledge of managing some of the largest personalities in the sport – Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe for example – he could be the man to finally make this United team gel.

At the moment it looks more like a team of individuals than a collective group all fighting for each other. Pochettino, however, could be game-changing in turning that around.

Supporters will be delighted to see him so intently linked with the vacant role.

AND in other news, Forget Zidane: Glazers can save Man Utd by hiring “very serious” gem with 62% win rate…

John Key, New Zealand’s prime minister, gave his clearest message yet that he was prepared to step in to prevent the tour of Zimbabwe in July go ahead

Cricinfo staff22-Feb-2009John Key, New Zealand’s prime minister, gave his clearest message yet that he was prepared to step in to prevent the tour of Zimbabwe in July go ahead.”I’m pretty reluctant for the Black Caps to travel,” Key said. “There are very real, genuine security risks for our players.” Asked if he was willing to go further than his predecessor and actually ban the players from going he said that he was. “There are some options that I am working through at the moment.”We don’t support that regime. We don’t support what is happening in that country, and we don’t want to give a signal that we do.”If Key does step in, then it will free New Zealand Cricket from having to make a difficult choice.”It’s a political question and requires a political solution; it’s not a decision NZC should have to make,” Justin Vaughan, the board’s CEO, said. “We are a group of cricket administrators. We might have strong feelings about the situation in Zimbabwe but judging international politics is not what we’re about.”

When Ciaran Dickson raced away after scoring for Celtic’s Old Firm rivals in 2019, he wouldn’t have expected to be scoring a goal whilst wearing Hoops’ shirt just three years later.

Dickson has always been a talented player but he was released this summer and looks to have joined the Bhoys following a few weeks without a club.

Though, a matter of years ago, he looked like one of the biggest talents to come through the Gers academy. He netted in a dramatic FA Youth Cup final at Hampden where Scotland’s two biggest teams met each other.

He had the world at his feet but his career hasn’t quite fully taken off. However, if things don’t work out at Rangers; just join their fierce rivals instead.

Dickson hasn’t been seen in the first team yet but earned his debut for the Celtic B team last weekend where he scored in the club’s SPFL Trust trophy defeat to Morton.

Playing in midfield, the 19-year-old was a threat going forward and adds to a wide array of promising young attacking players at the club.

Owen Moffat has already scored five goals in one game this season while Celtic are eagerly awaiting the return of Karamoko Dembele who should be a star in the Lowland League.

Ange Postecoglou has already spoken of the importance of bringing through homegrown players and after scoring last weekend, Dickson will now be on the Australian’s radar.

Continue how he’s going and he could be Celtic’s new David Turnbull. Comments made about the teenager back in 2019 show just how similar they are.

Graeme Murty said: “Ciaran is a really interesting guy because he possesses some wonderful technique, we are still building things onto him in terms of capacity and in terms of understanding but he deals with the ball very very well.”

Turnbull easily has one of the most aesthetically pleasing techniques in the squad and seems to be going from strength to strength.

Like Dickson, he’s capable of striding forward from midfield and scoring goals. The Scot already has five strikes to his name in 11 outings this term for instance.

Quotes from Steven Gerrard also tell a story of his excellent attributes: “I thought young Dickson was terrific. He played with energy, personality and character. He’s the type who will never let me down.”

On that evidence, it seems as if the Bhoys have got their hands on an incredibly promising player.

AND in other news, Forget Carter-Vickers: Celtic’s “walking joke” who won 100% duels starred last weekend…

Norwich City are reportedly interested in signing Brighton goalkeeper Christian Walton before the summer transfer window closes.

The Lowdown: Time running out

The Canaries have had a sobering return to the Premier League, suffering respective 3-0 and 5-0 defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City.

Daniel Farke may still be on the lookout for new signings ahead of next Tuesday’s transfer deadline in order to strengthen his squad, particularly at the back, where their latest target plies his trade.

The Latest: Walton linked with Norwich move

According to Football Insider’s Brighton source, Norwich are one of a number of clubs eyeing up a move for Walton, with Nottingham Forest and Derby County also mentioned.

The 25-year-old, who was once hailed as ‘different class’ by Luton Town teammate Scott Cuthbert, didn’t make a single Premier League appearance for Brighton last season.

The Seagulls are believed to have lowered their asking price for Walton, with his contract expiring at the AMEX Stadium next summer.

The Verdict: Good squad option

Walton could be a solid addition for Norwich, not coming in as first-choice between the sticks but providing competition for Tim Krul and Angus Gunn.

Granted, he could find it difficult to earn playing time, as has been the case at Brighton, but a fresh challenge may do him the world of good and it’s fair to say Krul hasn’t exactly been convincing so far.

Walton has made 83 Championship appearances, highlighting his experience, and at 25 he is still relatively young for a goalkeeper, so could develop into a first XI option.

In other news, one Norwich player has been tipped to join a fellow Premier League club. Find out who it is here.

The vast majority of the transfer window for Everton has revolved around James Rodriguez.

Will he or won’t he be a part of the Toffees’ plans for the season is a question on everyone’s lips, but we may have just received an answer.

What’s the word?

For so long it looked as though Rodriguez had played his final game for the Merseyside outfit. His agent Jorge Mendes was speaking to other clubs and he could have been on his way to Italy.

A move to Porto nearly materialised too with the attacking midfielder potentially heading back to his former club in exchange for winger Luis Diaz.

However, a major twist has occurred on deadline day, according to the Liverpool Echo.

They now report that, with James unable to agree on personal terms or find a suitable club in the final hours of the window, he is now willing to stay at Everton.

Rafa must be delighted

Rafa Benitez will know James well from his time at Real Madrid, and once he penned terms at Goodison Park, he will have been keen to utilise him.

However, the Colombian hasn’t been seen all season, so the Spaniard hasn’t actually been able to put him on the team sheet yet.

It’s difficult to work out whether he’d have wanted to initially, though. James infamously declared that he didn’t even know who Everton’s next opponents were during a Twitch stream a few weeks ago.

That being said, it’s difficult to ignore his qualities, and with Everton struggling to sign new players, he is still a key part of their squad.

You only need to assess his remarkable CV and his performances during a debut campaign in English football.

The Colombia international had a hand in ten Premier League goals, while he was their most creative player in the top-flight. Rodriguez provided 1.7 key passes per game, which was more than anybody else in the squad.

With that in mind, the manager will surely be delighted to see him wanting to stay at Goodison Park. He could be vital in their chase for European football.

AND in other news, “Talks progressing” – Insider delivers exciting Everton claim, Benitez surely elated…

Josh Brodie and James Franklin posted hundreds as Wellington won by an innings and 12 runs over Northern Districts

Cricinfo staff04-Dec-2008Josh Brodie and James Franklin posted hundreds as Wellington registered a formidable first-innings total of 520 that pushed them to an innings-and-12-run win over Northern Districts at the Basin Reserve. Brodie, a 21-year-old playing his fourth first-class game, passed fifty for the first time on the way to a breakthrough 110 while Franklin boosted his quest to be included in New Zealand’s squad as an allrounder with 160.Faced with making 210 to force a second Wellington innings, Northern Districts were dismissed for 198 after drinks in the third session of the final day. The captain James Marshall stood out with an unbeaten 105, but he did not receive much assistance as Mark Gillespie took his match haul to eight wickets. Graeme Aldridge’s 63 helped Northern Districts to 310 in their first innings after they won the toss. The home side’s bowling was led by Gillespie, who took 4 for 81, while Graham Napier picked up three wickets on the opening day.