All posts by h716a5.icu

West Ham have reportedly submitted an offer for in-form Basel striker Arthur Cabral as they look to seal a move in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Hammers tipped to sign Cabral

The Hammers have been heavily linked with a move for the 23-year-old in recent days, as they eye up possible attacking reinforcements during the mid-season window.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-developments-2/” title=”West Ham developments” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Cabral has enjoyed a sensational start to the season for Basel, scoring 14 goals in just 13 starts in the Swiss Super League.

It now appears as though a move to West Ham could be even further down the line, judging by a fresh transfer update which has emerged.

The Latest: Offer reportedly submitted

According to Swiss outlet 4-4-2 [via Sport Witness], the Irons have ‘submitted an offer’ for Cabral, as they make ‘concrete efforts’ to snap him up. Significantly, Basel have not received a ‘written offer’ from fellow suitors Barcelona, which hints that West Ham may have moved ahead of the La Liga club in the transfer race for the 23-year-old.

The Brazilian’s current deal at St Jakob Park expires in the summer of 2023, so the Swiss giants are running out of time before they risk losing him on a free transfer.

The Verdict: Would be a much-needed signing

David Moyes has built a formidable squad at the London Stadium but they currently look short in attack, with Michail Antonio currently topping the scoring charts with six goals in the Premier League. Only Pablo Fornals (four) and Said Benrahma (three) have scored more than twice for West Ham in the top flight so far in 2021/22.

If the Jamaican were to pick up an injury, as has often happened in the past, the Hammers’ hopes of a top-four finish would take a serious hit, unless they have someone reliable lined up to take his place immediately.

It is therefore imperative that someone of the £13.5m-rated Cabral’s ilk comes in – his record this season speaks for itself and, at just 23, he would be a long-term acquisition who may hit his peak years in a West Ham shirt, all going well.

In other news, a pundit has tipped West Ham to sign this Premier League player in January. Find out who it is here.

With another day’s play left the game was evenly poised with Mumbai requiring another 193 runs to take the vital first-innings lead

Nagraj Gollapudi in Mumbai10-Dec-2009
Scorecard
Cometh the hour, cometh the man: Wasim Jaffer’s record 38th Ranji century lifted Mumbai’s spirits on day three•K SivaramanFor the better half of this decade Wasim Jaffer has remained the bulwark of Mumbai’s batting. Today was no different for the Mumbai captain: he stood tall and calm to crack an effortless century that thwarted the challenge raised in the morning by Tamil Nadu’s bowling attack. With another day’s play left the game was evenly poised with Mumbai requiring another 193 runs to take the vital first-innings lead.At the end of the day if Mumbai could afford a nervous yet confident smile, it was because Jaffer, their most experienced batsman, was still agile and fresh despite a five-hour-long vigil. Jaffer arrived at the fall of Sahil Kukreja, the second wicket in the morning. At 72 for 2 Mumbai were staring at an uphill task but they had the best pair of batsmen at crease, two men who had on numerous occasions led rearguard actions in the past.Their first task was to thwart Tamil Nadu from making further dents after the visitors had got rid of the overnight opening combination of Praful Waghela and Kukreja, who played the wrong shots. Waghela failed to move his feet trying to drive L Balaji in front of square and offered a simple catch to Anirudh Srikkanth at point. Kukreja played away from his body against a straight delivery on the off stump from Yo Mahesh, and the faint edge went straight to the hands of the wicketkeeper K Sushil.This was the precursor to the most engaging battle of the day, between Ajinkya Rahane and the 16-year-old left-arm spinner Aushik Srinivas, who taunte and tormented the restless batsman with his loop and flight. Rahane is technically straight and likes to take charge immediately to gain the upper hand against the bowler. Having rolled his wrists to flick Balaji for his first four, Rahane steadily grew confident. Srinivas, who comes to the bowling crease with a lovely action full of rituals, understood his opponent’s attacking psyche, and so pulled his length a few inches back and gave the ball the right amount of loop to put a question in the batsman’s mind.Thus Rahane became indecisive. On 12 he stepped out and was beaten in the air, but Sushil fumbled collecting the ball and missed an easy stumping opportunity. Srinivas stood there without any emotions.In the second over after lunch Rahane tried to defend off the front foot but the ball bounced, surprised him, and took the leading edge. However, Murali Vijay at first slip failed to latch on. Rahane was on 22, and that was a turning point. “The left-armer was good and we had to be cautious,” he admitted after the day’s play.Jaffer had meanwhile taken charge at the other end. He had started with his trademark wristy flicks against Yo Mahesh, the second of which brought up Mumbai’s 100. Yo Mahesh committed the mistake of pitching on a driving length in his next over which Jaffer punched straight past mid-on’s left side for another four.He even neutered the danger of Srinivas. When the bowler challenged him with a flighted delivery, Jaffer just lunged forward to firmly push the ball past the huge divide between cover and mid-off for another four. By now Rahane had gained in confidence. As soon as Srinivas attacked with another flighted delivery he jumped out to hit it over the bowler’s head for his first six. Srinivas was tired and replaced by Vijay with Abhinav Mukund, but Jaffer hit consecutive fours off the first two ball. Rahane ended the over with a straight drive that brought him his half-century.When Srinivas was brought from the opposite end Jaffer vaulted out of his crease to hit consecutive straight sixes off the first two balls, the first of which got him past the fifty mark. Here onwards both batsmen adopted a less attacking mode. Between overs 50 and 75 Rahane did not hit one boundary. He then raced into the nineties with five fours spread over five overs a half hour into the final session.After his double century, against Hyderabad in the previous game, Rahane looked set for another century when he faced Srinivas on 98. Srinivas once again resorted to his trusted weapon – flight. Rahane plunged forward to defend but the ball spun and took a faint edge on its way to the wicketkeeper. For one man it was heart rendering, for the other it was sheer jubilation.But Jaffer remained unaffected and brought up a record 38th Ranji hundred with a single. Just like S Badrinath had made the difference for Tamil Nadu on the first two days, Mumbai’s hopes now rest on Jaffer. He has been their talisman for long and the task is not beyond his reach.

Danish Kaneria has said he is likely to play the second Test against Australia in Sydney after recovering from a finger injury

Cricinfo staff01-Jan-2010Pakistan legspinner Danish Kaneria has said he is likely to play the second Test against Australia in Sydney after recovering from the finger injury that ruled him out of the Boxing Day Test which Pakistan lost by 170 runs. Kaneria, who is Pakistan’s most experienced bowler, hoped his return would boost the team’s prospects of levelling the three-match series.”I will try my best to do something to help us win in Sydney and try to keep up the expectation from the captain and my team,” Kaneria said. “If I can contribute myself, it will be a very good sign for the team.”Kaneria missed the first Test after injuring his finger during a training session and Pakistan were forced to play the offspinner Saeed Ajmal instead. “The injury was the ring finger of the right hand I got injured 18 months ago in England,” he said. “I fractured it, and playing a domestic game in Pakistan once more I got hit on it. Then in the practice, I got badly hit taking a catch.”The venue for the second Test – the SCG – has traditionally favoured spin and there is a possibility, although a slim one, that Pakistan might play two spinners. Ajmal, however, struggled in Melbourne, taking only a wicket in each innings to finish with 2 for 223.”I haven’t bowled too much with Ajmal, but if I get a chance to bowl with him it will be great for us,” Kaneria said. “It’s all upon me – how do I bowl and how do I perform? It’s a big challenge for me to come back over here to Australia.”I can’t say that Australia don’t play spin that well. Ajmal got only two wickets in Melbourne – one in each innings. I don’t think they play spin badly. They have started to play spin better and more professionally.”Should Kaneria play the Test beginning on January 3, it will be his second appearance at the SCG. He took 8 for 204 in his only Test there in 2005.

A development has emerged on Newcastle United gem Ryan Fraser, regarding his current injury situation.

What’s the latest?

According to The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, the winger returned to training days after pulling out of the Scotland squad due to injury. Steve Clarke is set to seek answers from the forward over why he decided to withdraw from his national team despite being fit enough to train with the Magpies.

The report claims that there is a feeling on Tyneside that he made the decision in order to impress Eddie Howe after his arrival at St. James’ Park this week.

Buzzing

Newcastle fans will surely be buzzing with this news for multiple reasons. Firstly, it shows a terrific attitude from Fraser and a commitment to the cause. He could have easily avoided the first week of Howe’s tenure and gone away with Scotland, despite his knock, but has – instead – picked hard work over the easy road.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-newcastle-howe-ter-stegen” title= “Read the latest Newcastle news!”]

The forward is seemingly prepared to put the hard graft in on the training pitch to catch Howe’s eye and that could be a promising sign ahead of the upcoming Premier League fixtures. Fans will be delighted to read that he has gone out of his way to show that he is willing to put the hustle in and earn his place in the side.

Additionally, if the Scottish forward is able to return to the form he showed under the 43-year-old at Bournemouth then he could end up being a superb player for the club for the rest of the season.

In his last two Premier League seasons for the Cherries with Howe, Fraser produced eight goals and 18 assists in 46 starts. For context, Allan Saint-Maximin has started 53 league matches for Newcastle and has registered eight goals and 11 assists to date. This suggests that the Scot could be more effective than the Frenchman in the final third if Howe is able to get the best out of him in the coming months.

Therefore, the news that he will not be out of action for a significant period of time and could be fit to play the other side of the international break should leave fans elated. They can now get excited at the prospect of seeing a fully-motivated Fraser in action for the club under Howe.

AND in other news, “I’m told” – Craig Hope issues exciting NUFC claim that’ll surely leave fans buzzing…

Shane Harwood’s career could be over due to a serious shoulder injury but the Victoria fast bowler has not given up hope of returning to state cricket next summer

Cricinfo staff16-Nov-2009Shane Harwood’s career could be over due to a serious shoulder injury but the Victoria fast bowler has not given up hope of returning to state cricket next summer. Harwood, 35, needs a shoulder reconstruction, which means his 2009-10 season is over and it will be an uphill battle to regain his place in the Victoria team.It was only seven months ago that Harwood became Australia’s third oldest ODI debutant of all time when he collected 2 for 57 against South Africa in Port Elizabeth. He has always been a late starter, having made his first-class debut at 28, and he hopes his age won’t be held against him in Victoria’s future plans.However, the Bushrangers have significant depth in their fast-bowling stocks with younger men such as Clint McKay, Peter Siddle, John Hastings, Steve Gilmour and Darren Pattinson likely to lead the attack in the future. Even the other veterans Damien Wright and Dirk Nannes are younger than Harwood.”I’m still a bit optimistic I’ll get back, to be honest,” Harwood told the . “The thing that I’m positive about is I’m still bowling in the 140s. I still think that’s achievable.”I know a lot of people will put my age factor next to the reconstruction and have doubts. But if I can have a fair crack – I’ve got to do rehab until the end of the season anyway – I suppose we’ll assess it at the end of that.”Harwood has had the injury for years, but due to his age and the prospect of losing his place in a strong side, he has until now opted not to have a reconstruction. The decision has now been taken out of his hands after he aggravated the problem in a one-dayer against Tasmania earlier this month.”I had a clean-out before I went to the Champions League and battled through that while I was away,” he said. “Then the last game I felt a bit of a pain go down my back when I attempted a yorker. Then I tried a slower ball and it hurt more. I finished my spell, but the next day I felt horrible. I knew I was in trouble.”I damaged my shoulder about four years ago and I probably should have had a reconstruction then, but sort of subject to age and only having one-year contracts I avoided it. I didn’t want to take that risk. If I was 26 I would have just gone and got it fixed like Sids [Peter Siddle] and Macca [Andrew McDonald] and these guys have. So I’ve hung with it.”Harwood will face a six- to 12-month rehabilitation and he will be 36 by the time he is ready to play again. He has played 44 first-class games and has always been injury prone, which will only add to the hard decisions that he and Victoria will need to make over the next year.

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has confirmed that Morgan Sanson has been ruled out of Sunday afternoon’s clash against West Ham in the Premier League.

What’s the story?

The 27-year-old was caught losing his cool in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal nine days ago, seemingly annoyed by Smith’s preference to use Anwar El Ghazi as his final substitute, which prompted him to rip off his warm-up top and aim a kick at the nearby water bottles.

It appears that he won’t be in contention to face West Ham, although not for a disciplinary reason.

The Villa boss confirmed in his pre-match press conference ahead of the match against the Hammers today that the Frenchman would be missing from action due to illness.

Fans will be frustrated

After seeing Sanson’s mini-tantrum at the Emirates Stadium last week, the Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece delivered his verdict on the Frenchman in recent days.

He said: “A very interesting and worthy point to make this, Dean. The body language amongst the group on the pitch was telling against Arsenal. A lot of bickering and finger-pointing as opposed to, ‘Right lads, let’s stick together and get it right.’ It does point to a lot of frustration that’s been boiling over in the last three weeks. Are they happy with the system that’s being implemented?

“As for Sanson, he wants a crack. He’s returned earlier than scheduled from his hamstring strain so I didn’t expect to see him involved. He’s fit now and will want a chance to play – especially given the performances of those ahead of him of late.

“Ramsey and then El Ghazi got the nod over him and he lost it. I don’t mind it. He needs to get his head right, though, and it’s something I’ll ask the boss about on Friday.”

The fact that Sanson has only played ten times in all competitions since arriving from Marseille back in January must be a massive frustration for Villa fans.

The 27-year-old’s inability to stay fit for any period of time, and his current illness, niggling injuries and whatnot, is sure to have supporters fuming with one of their marquee signings from only a few short months ago.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has delivered his verdict on Aston Villa’s recent Premier League struggles…

An update has emerged on Croatian international Marcelo Brozovic, regarding Newcastle’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to the Irish Sun, the Magpies have identified the Inter midfielder as a target for next summer’s transfer window.

The report claims contact has already been made with his representatives, as the club will be able to sign him on a pre-contract deal in January unless he puts pen to paper on fresh terms with the Italian giants.

Fans would love it

PIF must ensure that they are able to get a deal over the line for the midfielder in the January window. The fans would love it if the club could strike a pre-contract agreement with Brozovic as it would leave them with the exciting prospect of watching one of the most technically gifted midfielders play for them next season.

He could be a terrific signing for the Magpies and provide a step-up in quality to the squad. In the Serie A this season, he has averaged an excellent WhoScored rating of 7.09 in 11 starts, completing an impressive 92.6% of his passes.

With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise to hear him described as “special” by teammate Matias Vecino.

At Newcastle, meanwhile, Sean Longstaff has been anything but special. Although, he has been the ‘best’ performing midfielder with an average WhoScored rating of 6.53, completing 82.2% of his passes. This suggests that Brozovic would be a sizeable upgrade on what the club currently has, assuming he can translate his form in Italy over to the Premier League.

Former Inter coach Luciano Spalletti previously hailed the midfielder’s versatility and quality. He said:

“Marcelo has great quality and the characteristics to play as a trequartista on the shoulders of a centre-forward.

“I am fortunate to have different players who can occupy that role and I’m rotating them. I don’t see a problem with that.

“It is certainly an option [to play a second striker]. We might be able to score some more goals but I always need to judge what the best balance for the team is.”

It is no surprise to see such high praise for the Croatian, as he has maintained an impressive level of performance throughout his career. He has an average career WhoScored rating of 7.01 across 284 matches for club and country, including games in the Serie A, World Cup, Europa League and Champions League.

This shows that the £36m-rated gem has been able to perform at the very highest level for club and country and remain consistent in doing so. Therefore, the fans would love to see him playing in black and white as he has proven himself to be a top midfielder for Inter and Croatia, suggesting that he could have a huge impact on the Newcastle squad if he joins on a free transfer next summer and that is why PIF must get this deal done.

AND in other news, “Emery will..” – Journalist delivers crushing Newcastle update that’ll worry fans…

Khaled Mahmud has been appointed assistant coach for the national side, while bowling coach Champaka Ramanayake’s contract was extended to March 2010

Cricinfo staff14-Sep-2009Khaled Mahmud, the former Bangladesh captain, has been appointed assistant coach of the national side, while bowling coach Champaka Ramanayake’s contract has been extended to March 2010.Mahmud, who took charge of a ten-day training camp for the national side ahead of their successful West Indies tour in the absence of national coach Jamie Siddons, had been operations manager of the National Cricket Academy.With the Asia Cup scheduled for next June, the Bangladesh board has agreed in principle to reschedule its tour of England also slotted for the same month. The two boards are yet to finalise the new dates.The board extended the contracts of age-group selectors Ehsanul Haque and Sajjad Ahmed till June 30 2010 but will review fielding coach Mohammad Salahuddin’s contract after the home series against Zimbabwe in November.The agreement between the board and the national team sponsors Grameenphone will be extended to November 15, 2009 since its original expiry date fell between the Zimbabwe series.

Murray Goodwin, the Sussex batsman, could still be a part of the Sussex camp for the Champions League as a member of the support staff

Cricinfo staff19-Aug-2009Murray Goodwin, the former Zimbabwe batsman, could still be a part of the Sussex camp for the Champions League as a member of the support staff though he has been banned from playing or coaching in the Twenty20 event due to his links with the unofficial ICL.”Murray is very keen to come and we would love to have him there,” Sussex chief executive Dave Brooks told the . Champions League officials have confirmed to Cricinfo that Goodwin can accompany the team as a member of the support staff as long as he doesn’t play or is not involved in coaching the squad in any manner.Goodwin ended his ties with the ICL in June, which paved the way for Sussex to play in the Champions League. The lucrative tournament, to be played in India in October, bars players who have played any unofficial cricket to be part of the playing or coaching staff.”He can’t go in any coaching capacity and we would have to make sure he wasn’t seen to be doing any coaching,” Brooks said. “We are also allowed to take three club officials so he could come as one of those.”Sussex qualified for the Champions League by making the finals of the domestic Twenty20 Cup; they are grouped with New South Wales and South African side, Eagles, in the preliminary phase of the tournament.

Sri Lanka’s first match of the tournament is the most crucial one for Australia, who must win to stay alive

Cricinfo staff07-Jun-2009Match factsMonday, June 8
Start time 17.30 local (16.30 GMT)So what shall we do now?: Ricky Ponting and Brett Lee need to come up with something new in Nottingham on Monday•Getty ImagesBig PictureSri Lanka’s first match of the tournament is the most crucial one for Australia, who must win to stay alive in an event which has barely started. Even then a victory might not be enough after their heavy seven-wicket loss to West Indies, which puts them well behind on net run-rate. On Saturday Ricky Ponting was trying not to think of the consequences, which include the possibility of two weeks of punishment in Leicester, and will rev up his men as they attempt to avoid a fifth Twenty20 international loss in a row.Chris Gayle stepped up and blew Australia over as they struggled at the start of both innings. A quick opening with bat and ball will be required if they are to tame Sri Lanka; nothing like the horror of giving up two wickets in the first over against West Indies and then spilling 71 runs in the first 30 balls of the chase. Australia were disrupted by the pre-tournament exit of Andrew Symonds, but they can’t blame that. Nothing could have stopped Gayle’s force.Sri Lanka enter the event already knowing a victory on Monday will push them through to the next phase. In their warm-up matches they lost to South Africa after beating Bangladesh, but they will need to be more convincing to topple Australia despite the recent struggles of their opponent.T20 international form guide (last game first)Australia LLLLW
Sri Lanka LWWLW
Watch out for…So much rests on the openers in Twenty20 that Sanath Jayasuriya, the grandpa of the tournament at 39, remains as essential to the team’s success as he was in the 1996 version of the one-day World Cup. There wasn’t much heat from him in the warm-ups, with 1 and 29, but if he fires Sri Lanka could burn bright throughout the tournament.Mitchell Johnson was Australia’s best bowler in the opening game with 2 for 36 and will carry heavy responsibility against Sri Lanka. His side needs instant impact with the ball and his control could be the difference between a realistic and impossible total. With his batting talents on the improve, he may also enter as a useful pinch hitter if the side needs a boost.Team newsThe offspinner Nathan Hauritz is unlikely to be left out again and Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle will come into contention as Australia gave up 172 runs in 15.5 overs. Brett Lee could be the one to make way after giving up 56 runs from four overs.Australia squad Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Nathan Bracken, Brad Haddin (wk), Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Peter Siddle, David Warner, Shane Watson, Cameron White.Sri Lanka have some worries after their mixed warm-up form, but if their core of Jayawardene, Sangakkara, Muralitharan and Mendis performs then the headaches will ease.Sri Lanka squad Kumar Sangakkara (capt, wk), Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene, Chamara Silva, Angelo Mathews, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thilan Thushara, Lasith Malinga, Isuru Udana, Farveez Maharoof, Jehan Mubarak, Indika de Saram.Pitch and conditionsTrent Bridge hosted India and Bangladesh on Saturday and there were 335 runs and 13 wickets, so the pitch has something for everyone. The weather is expected to improve with light showers on Monday, but the top temperature will be a chilly 14C.Stats and TriviaBrett Lee’s figures of 1 for 56 were the most expensive by an Australian in Twenty20, and the 27 runs Chris Gayle took off one of his overs was the fourth-most in the format’s historyAustralia are in their worst losing streak in Twenty20, with the four-game winless run beating their two consecutive defeats to India in 2007 In the teams’ only previous encounter, Australia won by 10 wickets after dismissing Sri Lanka for 101Quotes”We were just a bit sloppy. Coming into game we had spoken about making sure we get the first over of each innings right but, as it turned out, we lost two early wickets while batting and gave away a lot off our first over as well.”
Ricky Ponting after the defeat at The Oval”The newcomers to the team bring the X-factor but the senior players have to make all the difference because they have to be the match winners.”
Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka’s captain