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Norwich City are among the teams eyeing a move for Ebrima Darboe this summer…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, there are several Premier League sides keeping tabs on the AS Roma wonderkid over a potential move in the upcoming transfer window.

The Canaries are amongst a host of top-flight clubs chasing the 19-year-old midfielder following a breakthrough campaign in the Italian capital but despite being promoted into the first-team set-up, he could find game time hard to come by under Jose Mourinho next season.

He clearly has no shortage of English suitors with West Ham, Brighton, Palace and Southampton all keen to secure his services, on top of the Premier League’s big dogs, Manchester City and United, and Liverpool.

Skipp successor

It’s no secret that Daniel Farke is in need of defensive midfield reinforcements as the Yellows’ chances of keeping hold of impressive loan star Oliver Skipp seem rather unlikely.

The 20-year-old gem is expected to fight for a place in Tottenham’s first team next season, regardless of who their next manager is. And that should come as no surprise given he has been dubbed their “future captain” by the previous coach, Jose Mourinho.

Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber can ease the pain by winning the race for the coveted teenage sensation as he could become a long-term piece in that Skipp role.

Darboe only made his debut and a total of five senior appearances last season but in those opportunities, he displayed he was ready for a shot in the professional game.

He particularly shone against arch-rivals Lazio, where he was graded with a 7.46 rating by WhoScored, a feat only bettered by two starting players – the vastly experienced duo of Edin Dzeko (7.84) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (8.01).

The 5 foot 9 Gambian proved to be an influential figure at the base of midfield, where he made three successful tackles (second-most in the game) and registered an impressive 95.6% passing accuracy.

Throughout his youth career, he has been compared to two La Liga greats in Xavi and Lionel Messi, he revealed to Ultimo Uomo.

“Some called me Xavi, others Messi,” the 19-year-old claimed. And this was down to his agility on the ball. Darboe added: “Yes because he always made that movement. And then I also played two or three touches. This is my style of play.”

His former boss Paulo Fonseca lauded his courage and bravery in the heart of midfield, having handed him his debut at the Stadio Olimpico, whilst teammate Gianluca Mancini believes he’s a “great guy” because “he takes all advice on board and does the right things.”

“He played with an impressive personality already against Manchester. Now he has to feel comfortable and work as he is doing now,” the 25-year-old, via 90min.

Given Skipp was an industrious and crucial presence in Farke’s midfield, where he averaged 2.2 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and an 88% passing accuracy per game, via WhoScored, signing someone of Darboe’s quality could well be needed.

Webber could clinch a dream replacement in the Roma prodigy this summer.

AND in other news, Webber must sanction Norwich swoop for “immense” £27k-p/w beast, Farke would love him…

Both Crystal Palace and Tottenham are thought to be interested in bringing Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic to England.

And, as to be expected, the latest managerial link has had a number of Eagles fans talking on social media.

According to BILD, both Palace and Spurs are keen on the 38-year-old, who has been in charge of Borussia Dortmund since December.

Terzic, who favours a 4-2-3-1 system, took over after Lucien Favre was sacked by the Bundesliga giants. He’s averaged 1.97 points per game in his 31 matches in charge, and it seems as if he has caught the eye at Selhurst Park.

Palace are on the search for a new manager after it was announced that Roy Hodgson will leave the club at the end of the season.

Terzic was the assistant to Slaven Bilic at West Ham between 2015 and 2017, and it seems as if a return to London could well be on the cards.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the news on Thursday afternoon. This is what these Palace fans had to say in reply…

“Oh my Please can we”Credit: @Kobycollingwood”If I were him. I’d come palace. Spurs in a shocking state”Credit: @Mark_CPFC”do it”Credit: @RRcpfc”This is gonna be a fun summer”Credit: @cpfcjj89″loool imagine”Credit: @localpla15tic”Were linked with everyone”Credit: @MarkDre44138040

In other news: Many Palace fans buzz as club close in on £9.9m-ratd ace, find out more here. 

Watford have been handed a huge boost to their hopes of bringing Rodrigo De Paul to Vicarage Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to The Mirror journalist David Anderson, who claimed in a post on Twitter that Leeds United are now no longer in the race for the Udinese Calcio midfielder, who is reported to be a target of the Hornets this summer.

However, a report by Tutto Atalanta would suggest that there still remains a great deal of interest in the £34.2m-rated man in the upcoming transfer window, with the outlet claiming that practically all of the big Italian sides have enquired about De Paul.

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive the 27-year-old De Paul was for Luca Gotti’s side this season, the news that Watford are now facing less competition in their bid to bring the Argentina international to the Premier League is likely to have fans buzzing.

Over his 36 Serie A appearances this term, the £31k-per-week man scored nine goals, provided nine assists and created 20 big chances, in addition to making an average of 2.3 key passes and completing 3.4 dribbles per game, seeing the midfielder earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.53 – ranking him as the club’s best performer in the Italian top flight.

Indeed, when comparing De Paul’s direct involvement in goals to those of the Watford players this season, only Ismaila Sarr’s return of 13 strikes betters the midfielder’s haul of nine, while no Hornets player bettered the Argentine’s nine.

As such, it would appear a highly advisable move for Cristiano Giaretta to do all he can to tempt the man – whom Udinese’s technical director Pierpaolo Marino dubbed a “tireless worker” – to Vicarage Road this summer, as the addition of De Paul would certainly boost Xisco Munoz’s side’s chances of retaining their status as Premier League side come the end of next season.

In other news: Watford handed boost over “outstanding” 21 G/A target that’ll leave Giaretta buzzing – opinion

A number of Everton fans were livid with the performance of Mason Holgate during their 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United in the Premier League on Sunday night.

The Toffees had been in with a chance of qualifying for European competition next term prior to this match and, although it is still mathematically possible for them to do so (Sky Sports), they are now rank outsiders. Daniel Jebbison scored his first-ever goal for the Blades (Transfermarkt), who are already relegated to the Championship, to give his side the three points.

The performance of Holgate will have been particularly disappointing for Carlo Ancelotti. He was partly at fault for the goal and, having won just two duels, he was taken off at half-time for Gylfi Sigurdsson as Everton tried to salvage something from the match. Performances such as this from some usually reliable players have cost the Goodison Park outfit throughout the season.

These fans were far from happy with what they saw from the £16.2m-valued Holgate (Transfermarkt), and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts on his “atrocious” performance.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Holgate below

“So drop the shockingly useless Holgate?”

Credit: @lesterverton80

“Holgate is atrocious mate”

Credit: @fergolos

“Holgate is a liability and wouldn’t be in our best side, and our midfield has been out for majority of the season, I get what you’re saying about best side, but it’s hardly fully fit and firing on all cylinders is it. It’s a lot easier for Sheff Utd playing with no pressure.”

Credit: @efctoffee77

“Get rid of Holgate”

Credit: @OfficialDaraKev

“It’s worrying that this new team under Carlo can’t even beat Sheffield and can’t even get Europe. Mason Holgate obviously doesn’t care after that mistake yesterday not even a sorry to the players just strolled back in the end. Not the attitude I want at my club”

Credit: @JayWilloEfc

“Holgate’s back pass last night……again…..never learns”

Credit: @Byrdsman75

In other news, Everton are monitoring this 12-goal Premier League striker.

Shane Warne has praised the new found resilience of the England team and admitted that Australia face a stern examination in the coming battle for the Ashes

CricInfo04-Jun-2001Shane Warne has praised the new found resilience of the England team and admitted that Australia face a stern examination in the coming battle for the Ashes.Despite their 108-run loss to Pakistan in the Second Test, Warne believes that England are a much tougher outfit than they have been on any of his previous Ashes tours.”The difference I’ve noticed watching England is a bit more fight," said Warne. “Normally when they’re 20 for two or 20 for three they’d be 50 for five. We saw the other day with Thorpe and Vaughan there’s a little bit more fight and they were then 280-odd for two.”He was quick to credit the captain and coach team of Hussain and Fletcher for the turn around in fortunes of the England Test team.”You’ve got to take you hat off to Nasser and Duncan Fletcher. England are a lot tougher than they used to be. They’re not going to throw the towel in. You know they won’t collapse if you get a couple of early wickets.”Warne had words of respect for England opening attack too, praising both their discipline and determination.”Caddick’s got a lot more ticker now. He keeps firing in when before he used to sulk around a little bit. Now him and Goughie are two of the best quicks in the world. You won’t get an easy ride from those guys. They’ll always be at you and giving you short-ones.”The big thing is their discipline with line and length, they hit the deck on off-stump with the odd bumper and it’s hard to score.”On a personal level Warne admitted that this could well be his last tour of England. “This might be my last tour to England and I want to make it something special,” he confessed.”The ’93 and ’97 Ashes tours were very successful with runs and wickets and I took a few catches. In the World Cup I was the bloke with the most wickets and Man of the Match in the semi-final and final. I’ve got some special memories from over here. More of the same in this tour would be nice.”In four years I’ll be going on 36. The Waugh brothers are just turned 36 and are playing the best cricket of their lives. Who knows? A lot happens in four years. You’re as old as you feel and I feel about 72 at the moment,” he joked.

The interim report of the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit has said only India made whole-hearted effortsto curb match-fixing while all other cricket-playing countriesdragged their feet despite evidence about the involvement of

05-May-2001The interim report of the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit has said only India made whole-hearted effortsto curb match-fixing while all other cricket-playing countriesdragged their feet despite evidence about the involvement of theirplayers, a Pakistani newspaper has reported.The interim report of the ACU, headed Paul Condon, which was handedover to Lord Griffiths, Chairman of ICC’s Code of Conduct Commissiontwo days ago, said only India has been seen making wholeheartedefforts to curb match-fixing, the ‘Dawn’ newspaper said.A number of countries including South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealandand the West Indies have been dragging their feet despite increasingevidence that some of their leading players were involved inmisconduct, it said.The ‘Dawn’ however, did not disclose how it got the report nor didit attribute the report to any source. The ACU report would be madepublic on May 23, to make ICC members to pay more attention (to theproblem), it said.The report is said to have revealed that match-fixing is still rifein international cricket despite a year of allegations, admissions,inquiries and punishments. It is being whispered that the Condon panelhas found that match-fixing occurred as recently as in the one-dayseries featuring Pakistan in New Zealand in March and April, it said.Sacked coach Javed Miandad had also alleged match-fixing in the serieswhich he later denied.Condon and his team of former police officers are said to haveconcluded that some players, umpires and officials are so deeplyinvolved with the criminal element they cannot stop co-operating forfear of their lives and property, the newspaper report said.The ACU has reportedly not mentioned any player by name although ituncovered a great deal of evidence, particularly concerning SouthAfrica and Pakistan, it said. Sir Paul may also ask for wider powersof investigation when the ICC Executive Board meets in London in Juneso that the ACU can take action against individual players, it said.

Sunday, 24th June sees the start of the CricInfo Test series between the women of England and Australia at Shenley

Ralph Dellor14-May-2001Sunday, 24th June sees the start of the CricInfo Test series between the women of England and Australia at Shenley. The players then move to Derby, Northampton and Lord’s for the CricInfo One-Day International series, before the Second Test gets under way at Headingley on 6th July.
Charlotte Edwards acknowledges the applause on reaching a century
Photo © CricInfo
During a similar period last summer, the English women would have been taking on the undisputed world champions. However, since an unexpected defeat at the hands of hosts, New Zealand, in the final of the CricInfo Women’s World Cup just before Christmas, the Australians can no longer regard themselves as being invincible.The summer still presents a tough challenge for England however; for in Christchurch it was the Kiwi girls who proved themselves to be up there on a par with the Australians, rather than the Aussies going backwards.Before the World Cup began, Australia and New Zealand were thought to be out on their own with two out of England, South Africa and India likely to occupy the other semi-final places. But England failed to beat either of their rivals and so were the team to miss out.Just as the men’s team looked overseas for a coach to resurrect the national fortunes by enlisting Duncan Fletcher from Zimbabwe, so too have the English women. John Harmer is the man asked to turn around the women’s game and restore it to its position of former glory. The delightful irony here is that John Harmer has been coach of the Australian women’s team and lifted it to a supreme status in the game.How does he feel about changing camps and finding himself pitted against his former charges immediately? “Not well” is the instant response. Then, more seriously, “I’m looking forward to it with a great deal of excitement because I think we can do a lot of work and we’ve got a lot of interested people here – young people who are keen to tackle the issues and get on with it. That will be excellent – working with the other staff.”Harmer believes that he saw enough potential in the England camp to lift them to challenge the likes of Australia and New Zealand. “I don’t think there’s any question that they can do it; just a question of how we go about it. There are some good players and the advances made in athleticism and skills in the last three years have been very significant, so we just need to build on what’s already there.”There is nobody better to judge what progress England will have hopefully made in the course of this summer, and Harmer’s appointment as full-time coach on along-term contract as part of a wider national strategy for cricket must bode well for the future. Not that miracles can be expected in such a short time, but if progress can be seen to be occurring, John Harmer will at least be on the way to achieving one of the ECB’s stated aims for women’s cricket – winning back the World Cup last held in 1993.Certainly England have the base from which to build a good side. Evergreen Clare Taylor was the second top wicket taker in the CricInfo Women’s World Cup, Claire Taylor is far too fine a player not to come back strongly, and skipper Clare Connor fronts a young side full of emerging talents – such as 17-year-old spinner Laura Harper.As for the Australians, they still represent a mighty test for any newly found inspiration among the English women. They might have got it wrong one day in Christchurch, but as a cricketing unit of the highest calibre, they will have been stung by that defeat and will be going flat out to restore lost pride. It should be some contest.

In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, Steve Howey, who made 157 appearances for Newcastle United, believes his former side will be hoping to sign Joe Willock permanently this summer, but it must be for the right price.

Willock was Steve Bruce’s only signing during the January transfer window when he arrived on deadline day and after joining with little expectations, the 21-year old has proved himself to be a massive talent.

The Arsenal loanee has scored four goals in just seven starts for the Magpies, which has included three important goals against Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Liverpool.

Speaking on why he hopes Newcastle can sign Willock for £20 million this summer but how Mikel Arteta may want him back at Arsenal, Howey told The Transfer Tavern:

“I still think it’s silly money what they want for him but in this day and age, it doesn’t surprise me. He’s been excellent since he’s come in and has got some valuable goals.

“Arteta might want to bring him back and have a look at him next season but he might also have plans himself to bring in other players, which could mean Willock is surplus to requirements. So here’s hoping that you can get him for £20 million.”

It has been reported that Arsenal will be willing to part ways with their academy graduate for £20 million this summer, with the Magpies expected to be at the front of the queue.

Willock’s latest goal for Newcastle was a 96th-minute equaliser against Liverpool but he will not be available for the Magpies’ next fixture against Arsenal.

A number of Liverpool fans have been calling for the Reds to sign Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic following more brilliance over the weekend.

Jurgen Klopp’s men had an excruciating day at the office on Saturday, drawing 1-1 at home to Newcastle United. Mohamed Salah’s superb early strike suggested that it could be a comfortable afternoon for the Premier League champions, but poor finishing again proved fatal.

[freshpress-quiz id=“350790”]

Joe Willock’s stoppage time effort saw Liverpool drop two more vital points in the top-four battle, with Champions League football now looking unlikely at Anfield next season.

The profligacy on show from the Reds suggested that a new striker needs to arrive this summer, with Vlahovic one of those who has been linked with a move.

The 21-year-old scored a Panenka-style penalty in his side’s 1-1 draw with Juventus on Sunday, taking his tally for the season to 17 Serie A goals in 29 starts.

Liverpool fans wants Reds to sign Vlahovic

These Liverpool supporters took to Twitter to call for Vlahovic to be a summer signing.

“Vlahovic up against Chiellini, De Ligt and Bonucci on his own for Fiorentina . Impressing me more and more every time I see him. Tentative links to LFC from some. Would be something completely different to any of our current attack. A powerful target man with a ferocious shot”

Credit: @GrizzKhan

“Seen him playing for the last 3 years. Delicious attacker. Would be a great addition for Liverpool”

Credit: @lies_the_rub

“We need that kind of a player and a natural goal scorer”

Credit: @61Zaqir

“He’s class and needs signing up”

Credit: @lfc_ik4

“Very well taken, would love to see him do this in red”

Credit: @empireofthekop

“Vlahovic or Kaladjzic should be our No.9 targets”

Credit: @MoThiagoA6_

In other news, some Liverpool have been left fuming after a key development at the club. Read more here.

Writing in a Q&A for the Athletic, when asked about realistic candidates to potentially replace current boss Jose Mourinho, Tottenham Hotspur journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke said Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has been mentioned among favourites, alongside Julian Nagelsmann and Brendan Rodgers.

Hasenhuttl, who the journalist explains has done very well with limited resources at the St Mary’s Stadium, is apparently one of the three favourites for the Spurs job if it becomes vacant alongside heavily linked managers Nagelsmann and Rodgers.

Hasenhuttl touted with possible Tottenham job

The 53-year-old, according to Pitt-Brooke, is among the most likely candidates to replace Mourinho if chairman Daniel Levy opts to sack the Lilywhites boss – and beyond those three names, Spurs would be looking at more fringe targets.

While Hasenhuttl is a candidate, as the journalist explains in the Athletic, he has heard various sources wonder whether his intense management style would translate well to the big name Lilywhites dressing room.

However, given his recent plaudits by fellow managers and the media alike, it’s little wonder why the Saints boss is apparently being considered.

Transfer Tavern take

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to the press earlier this season, lavished Hasenhuttl with praise – calling him an ‘exceptional manager’ who he knows from his time in Germany (Man City official).

Meanwhile, speaking on an episode of the Football Writers podcast back in late October, Jonathan Northcroft raved about Hasenhuttl and even claimed there is an ‘echo of Pochettino’ due to his ability to create a team ‘so much better than the sum of their parts’.

Whether or not he does replace Mourinho, or if the current Spurs boss even leaves, remains to be seen – but the Southampton manager is clearly in the running.

In other news: Tottenham will make a move to sign this ‘leader’, find out more here.